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.
New COVID Restrictions Prove That Unvaccinated Lives Matter
Those complaining about personal freedom being suppressed by new COVID rules are ignoring one thing: The very restrictions they loathe are here to keep them alive.
Everything You Need to Know About Philly’s Plastic Bag Ban
Get ready for your soon-to-be-plastic-bagless future.
Going to a Philly Concert? You May Have to Bring Your Proof of Vaccination
New requirements are popping up at area music venues.
How Philadelphia Became Pretzel Town, USA
Philly and pretzels? It’s a combo as natural as, um … okay, it’s a little weird. But here’s more than you ever wanted to know about how it came to be!
“Boston Marathon Dad” Mike Rossi Attacks Cops, Gets Probation
Yet another installment in the saga of the man accused of cheating to get into the Boston Marathon.
Philly’s David Sylvester Has Hugged More Than Half a Million People, and He’s Not Quitting Anytime Soon
He started his idiosyncratic quest 20 years ago in the aftermath of 9/11. This year, thanks to him, September 12th will be celebrated as National Hug and High-Five Day.
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.
Science Fiction Writer Alex Smith on Falling in Love With Comics, Creating Queer Characters, and Black Vans
The 2020 Pew Fellow explains the creative process behind his upcoming comic book and what it’s like being a Black writer in the competitive publishing world.
A Bunch of Philly Teens Are Touring the Country With Jon Anderson, Founder of the Rock Band Yes
Here’s how 25 young musicians connected with a 76-year-old singer whose biggest works date back to before some of their parents were born.
If You Won’t Get Vaccinated, You Shouldn’t Be Allowed to Have Fun
The rise in cases caused by the Delta variant could be halted if we stopped coddling the source of the problem. More institutions should follow the lead of the Philly restaurants refusing service to those who won’t get vaxxed.
Philly Restaurant Martha Sparks Outrage Over Proof-of-Vaccination Policy
And Martha’s sister restaurant Sally is following suit.
Harriett’s Jeannine A. Cook on Her New Collingswood Store and Being a Black Woman in Fishtown
The celebrated bookseller on opening up her new shop, Ida’s, and advocating for her first shop’s namesake, Harriet Tubman, to get a federal holiday.
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.
More than three decades after he sat ringside to watch Mike Tyson KO Michael Spinks in Atlantic City, the mega-developer brings the sport back to the Shore town.
Here’s What Happened When I Turned the Tables on a Street Harasser
An uncomfortable encounter in Center City has reminded me that going outside again means a return to some BS as well. But inaction is no longer an option.
Snacktime Brass Band’s Sam Gellerstein on Creating the “Party You Wish You Were At”
The musical ensemble has been spreading cheer throughout the pandemic. Now, they’re branching out to the event-planning biz.
The Worst of Philly 2021: From Fraudulent Hoagies to Headhouse Square to Ben Simmons
The 20 people, places and, yes, sandwiches that made us utterly cringe.
