People, Places, News & Views
People, Places, News & Views
After a quarter century at Haverford High, 2026’s National Teacher of the Year Leon Smith shares what he’s learned about connection, critical thinking, and helping young people see what they’re capable of.
What the Uvalde, Buffalo and Even Philly Shootings Have in Common
A recent pattern in these tragedies is that they involve marginalized people being killed in institutionally neglected spaces. We need to look hard at why that’s so.
10 Powerful War Memorials in Philly
Soldiers, moms, buffalo, biceps and angels. A roundup of our 10 favorite memorials in the city.
Demystifying the Serious Science of Smells
University City’s Monell Chemical Senses Center knows (nose?) why people react to smells differently.
Philly’s Democratic Establishment Has Officially Lost Its Mojo
After a series of embarrassing endorsement flops in the PA Primary, Philadelphia’s Democratic City Committee needs new leadership, now.
Brittany Lynn on Her Biggest Fear, Her Secret Power and Growing Up Gay in the Northeast
The don of the Philly Drag Mafia talks penis-tucking, life in South Philly, and where to get a Big Mac pizza.
From Starbucks to Cease-and-Desist: The Implosion of a Philly Racial Justice Org
Four years ago, after calling out the controversial arrests of two Black men at a Rittenhouse Starbucks, Melissa DePino and Michelle Saahene co-founded From Privilege to Progress to “desegregate the public conversation about race and racism.” Today, they’re no longer on speaking terms as they negotiate dissolving their nonprofit.
Brainiac scientists. The city’s most fanatical fans. A Mister Softee aficionado who stole our hearts — and more of our favorite neighbors this year
This city has had a love affair with the pitchers, running backs, goalies, and point guards who have called it home. Here, we present our definitive ranking. Let the debates begin.
Q&A: Bucks Co. Native Robert Costa of CBS News Talks Getting Stiffed by Kathy Barnette
The Pennsbury High grad, in town for the suddenly crazy PA primary, tried to get into the surging GOP Senate candidate’s Bucks rally on Saturday. It didn’t go so well.
Michael Forman — the Philly Power Player You’ve Never Heard of — Is About to Make Some Noise
The CEO of FS Investments has quietly amassed powerful friends and lots of money. Now he’s ready to fix Philadelphia’s problems.
Reflections on the Reopening of the Weitzman Museum
What the new exhibits at Philadelphia’s museum of Jewish American history — now with a new name — say about the moment we’re living in.
Backyard Chickens Could Finally Be Legalized In Philadelphia
“I’m ecstatic,” says longtime Philadelphia backyard chickens activist Maureen Breen. “Dreams do come true.”
Q&A: Philly Playwright James Ijames on Winning the Pulitzer
“We had some champagne last night,” the South Philly resident told us less than 24 hours after getting the news. “But now I gotta go to work.”
Sure, Philly gave America democracy. But, from bubble gum to the world’s first computer to life-saving medical breakthroughs, Philadelphia’s greatest export is actually our influence.
We launched a petition to urge the Mayor and City Council to make May 21st a day to honor the brave former slave who escaped from George Washington — because no one tells Philadelphia to keep the truth to ourselves.
Finally, Somebody Wrote the “F&*k the PPA” Song We’ve Always Dreamed Of
Snacktime is a true civic treasure.
Wilmington: the It City Next Door
Thanks to a resurgent downtown and a red-hot dining scene, Wilmington is building a buzz.
12 Cool Philly Public Art Works
The city is forever bursting with great new eye candy. Here’s what to see and where.
Turtle Foreplay Video from Heinz Wildlife Refuge Goes Viral
“I put so much time and effort into my stand-up videos,” says Philly comedian Jamie Pappas. “But of course it’s the turtles I post that get all the attention.”
