Crime
[Editor’s note: This column is remarkably brave, because it is contrary to Inquirer columnist Helen Ubinas’ usual narrative -- that “we” are all to blame for every one of society’s ills. I also salute one mother’s courage in accepting her own responsibility as a bad role model,
Political Correctness
As a reporter, you learn that there are two sides to a story. At a minimum. Usually more. Visitors at the Mutter Museum (Photo: Visit Philly) Few stories or events are open and shut, but this one is tantalizing to me because of its many tendrils. It defies -- for
Homelessness
Update: A few days after this appeared, Thomas Lepera denied he had any intention of busing homeless people to Villanova. To me, it sounds like he caved to pressure. This is what used to be called a hot ghetto mess before some people decided “ghetto” was racist. It is not,
Crime
Being as I did not grow up in Philadelphia, I don’t have any warm, childhood memories of the Shore, such as those memorialized by my friend Bobby Rydell in his hit “Wildwood Days.” For me, “the Shore” was the beach, first Orchard Beach on Long Island when I lived
Race Relations
By Prof. John Banzhaf WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Several members of Congress have introduced a "Reparations NOW" resolution calling for $14 trillion in reparations for Black Americans, claiming that "The United States has a moral and legal obligation to provide reparations for the enslavement of Africans and
Journalism
They say inquiring minds want to know, and there are few minds as inquiring as Ralph Cipriano's. Ralph Cipriano is Larry Krasner’s worst nightmare (Photo: Stu Bykofsky) His long journalistic career as a muckraking reporter was capped by two things — pulling back the curtain on corruption in
Culture
When a “first” is achieved, it is a genuine Big Deal. First man Person on the Moon. (Neil Armstrong.) First Woman to Receive a Nobel Prize. (Marie Skłodowska Curie.) What do Cherelle Parker and David Oh have in common? First Black Player in Major League Baseball. (Jackie Robinson.) First Person
Animals
Did you know there are three dozen vegan -- not vegetarian, but vegan -- restaurants in Philadelphia? I didn’t, nor did I know that Philadelphia was an early center of American vegetarianism, and remains a center of veganism today. Tour guide and American Vegan Center director Vance Lehmkuhl (Photo:
Politics
Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis has a death wish and/or a supersized ego that will lead him into harm. Ron DeSantis (left) is preparing to take on former President Donald J. Trump He reached the peak of his power after winning reelection by crushing former governor Charlie Crist, passing an
Politics
Whatever else is said about the mayoral primary, it was a setback for Philadelphia progressives, which had recent wins with the election of D.A. Larry Krasner, state rep Elizabeth Fiedler, state senator Nikil Saval, Council member Kendra Brooks, and others. The progs were on a roll. Hoping to capture
Culture
Dear Lurch Sen. Fetterman: As someone who supported your campaign for the U.S. Senate, even with your brain sprain, I think I have the right to ask you to grow the hell up and dress appropriately for the occasion. Who is wrong in this picture? I don’t think
Politics
The progressive wave that had been sweeping big cities across America hit a sea wall in dear old Philadelphia. Democrat Cherelle Parker is likely to be Philadellphia’s 100th mayor It is with relief and gratitude that I can say Cherelle Parker will be the 100th mayor of Philadelphia, and