Over the years, lawsuits seeking compensation from gunmakers for the harms caused by their products have rarely succeeded. That’s because of special protections Congress has extended to the gun industry.
But a handful of states and cities think they have found a work-around. They’re seeking to exploit a wrinkle in a federal law that was passed more than 20 years ago, and Philadelphia is at the forefront of this legal battle.
Therapy can be expensive. And federal funding cuts and work requirements for Medicaid recipients could make it even harder for thousands of Philadelphians to pay for mental health care.
But patients aren’t the only ones struggling with the costs of care. Mental Health workers are also feeling the weight of this work.
Philadelphia’s queer nightlife is about more than a night out. For many performers and audience members, these spaces are places to create, earn money, build community, and fully be themselves. Ashley Whiteside, takes us inside Whispers Cabaret, a recurring burlesque. And poll show to find out what makes events like these so special.
The Academy of Natural Sciences museum is set to close its doors to the public in a week. But as soon as Drexel University announced plans earlier this month to close the museum and move its archives to the university, a coalition of scientists, museum professionals, and supporters formed the Save the Academy Coalition in an effort to push for more information, and find solutions to keep the museum open. Museum Council of Greater Philadelphia president Alex Palma joins us to discuss the situation.
There’s a historic building on Broad Street, just a few blocks south of City Hall, that many Philadelphians may only know as an exclusive hotel.
But Around the Block reporter Alisha Miranda recently took a tour of this spot, and found out how it plays a unique role in Philadelphia’s story as a city known for its dining and hospitality. Alisha brings us this story.
It’s the back to school season, and many students at Philadelphia public schools are back in the classroom interacting with their new teachers and classmates.
But if they head down the hall to check out a book from the school library, they might not be able to – because years of budget cuts and staffing changes have left most Philly public schools without a certified librarian.
Around the Block reporter Milan Parker reports that some community groups are stepping in to fill the gap.
Philadelphia is a historic city filled with historic buildings, but Philadelphia City Council is considering legislation that could alter Philadelphia’s ability to protect these buildings by changing the way historic preservation works in the city, a group of community members and organizations have been pushing back, and have formed a stop demolishing Philly coalition. Around the block reporter Winter Schneider brings us this story about what’s at stake.
Philadelphia City Council is considering ways to make schools equitable for all Philadelphians. This month’s council education meeting held hearings on two issues. One looked at students of color and students with disabilities being excluded and expelled from preschools. The other explored the fact that not every eighth grader in the city has access to an Algebra One course. Councilman Isaiah Thomas is chair of City Council’s Education Committee, and he is joining us live in the studio, along with Symbol Lai, policy director for Children First.
Starr Garden Rec Center & Playground in Philadelphia’s Society Hill neighborhood has a reputation as a welcoming space for LGTBQIA+ Philadelphians thanks to events programming, and well-trained staff. Starr Garden Recreation Leader Chloe Harris talks about what it takes to make community spaces feel inclusive.
Philadelphia has been in the spotlight as the nation commemorates the two hundred and fiftieth anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, with many events scheduled throughout the city. But social justice groups have also been holding events at those sites to call attention to the ugly truths behind some of the nation’s foundational stories.
Many Philadelphians don’t realize that one of the city’s largest and most dynamic public spaces is tucked along the waterfront at the bottom of South Philly.
Navy Yard Executive Vice President Kate McNamara joins us to talk about the Navy Yard’s urban development progress, how to get more Philadelphians to use the Navy Yard in everyday life, and what the next chapter looks like in transforming historic sites into modern hubs.
Philadelphia is welcoming people from across the globe for the World Cup, but many communities across our city have been building a soccer culture long before the global spotlight arrived. Around the Block reporter P.O.C. stopped by a youth soccer practice session in Finnigan Playground in Southwest Philly to find out more.
After years of fighting to shut down an oil refinery in Southwest Philly that residents said was a threat to public health, a group of organizers want to make sure the next business to move into the neighborhood doesn’t pose similar problems around the block. Reporter Nikki Schaffer brings us this story.
