Things to Do This Week For America’s 250th

Your curated list of the best semiquincentennial events, exhibits, and activities happening in and around Philly

By Christina Griffith

Beyond the Grave — Gardening for Good

At The Woodlands, a volunteer-staffed program restores flowers to cradle graves and builds community in the process

By Ellen Miller
Guest Commentary

How Philly Can Add $2 Billion to Its Economy Without Spending a Dime

A former City Councilmember revives a proposal from his time in office that he guarantees will keep more Philadelphians here and boost local businesses

By Bill Green
The New Urban Order

Housing Lessons from … California?

A new report makes the case that the right tax incentive structure — even in regulation-heavy CA — changes everything when it comes to building affordable housing.

By Diana Lind
CITIZEN OF THE YEAR

Corporate Citizens Leigh and John Middleton

You know them as the couple who owns the Phillies. You likely know less about their extensive philanthropy, including being the force behind a major new art exhibition — and that’s just fine with them

By Lauren McCutcheon

40 Urban Gardening Ideas for Your Philly Back Yard

You don’t need a farm to grow food. We’ve got 40 ways to cultivate a bountiful urban garden on your block, in your back yard, or even on a petite front stoop.

By Kae Lani Palmisano and Sandy Hingston

Can We Get a PA Miracle for Literacy?

More than half of adult Philadelphians struggle to read. A year-old literacy coalition is calling for a statewide commitment to a teaching method that has worked in Mississippi and elsewhere

By Dr. James Peterson

We Must Ensure Students Can Vote

President Trump is trying to make it harder for college students to cast a ballot. A longtime university president encourages us all to push back for the sake of our democracy

By Elaine Maimon
RECAP

What We Learned about The Path to a Clean Energy Future

At an event hosted by Natural Allies for a Cleaner Energy Future this week, local thought leaders discussed a “big tent” approach to energy policy which could grow jobs and lower costs for consumers

By Malcolm Burnley

A Sensory-Friendly Guide to Philadelphia

Museums, performances, and experiences across the city offering quieter hours, relaxed shows, and thoughtful accommodations.

By Laura Swartz