Kamala and the Return of Decency

Beyond the horserace and political implications of this week’s presidential debate, Harris’ unmasking of Trump’s craven indecency may just be the thing that history remembers

By Larry Platt
The Fix

How to Really End the Reign of Johnny Doc

Labor leader and convicted felon John Dougherty has been sentenced to prison, but the corrupt culture he dominated still lives, abetted by a judge’s soft sentences, an ethically blind Councilmember, and a shrugging citizenry.

By Larry Platt
LISTEN

Note to Self — There Are Still Hostages

Activist Liz Hirsh Naftali was in Philly this week to speak at a screening of Sheryl Sandberg’s October 7 documentary Screams Before Silence. Her gripping family story and her fight to keep the hostages front of mind reminds us that human rights transcend politics

By Larry Platt

“Baruch Shapiro” Was Funny … ’Til It Wasn’t

Progressives targeted Josh Shapiro in the VP sweepstakes. What does that mean for PA … and the country?

By Larry Platt

Is Josh Shapiro Brat Enough for Kamala Harris?

Trump’s true legacy has been to retire conventional wisdom and turn politics into pop culture spectacle. Does our Governor help Harris answer in kind?

By Larry Platt

What’s the Plan, Cherelle?

Bringing city workers back sends an important "open for business" message. But a new report shows Philly lagging behind in adjusting to work from home. Is now the time for a broad economic revival plan?

By Larry Platt

John Fry and the City

The appointment of Philadelphia’s preeminent change maker to lead Temple University has the potential to disrupt Philadelphia’s status quo — an outcome rooted in the eloquent example of his unlikely hero

By Larry Platt

Are We in a Nonprofit Bubble?

UArts. Benefits Data Trust. The Free Library Author Series. Resources for Human Development … Is the nonprofit sector imploding? What the hell’s going on?

By Larry Platt

The Reparations Trap

City Council’s task force faces a daunting task: How do you close our opportunity and wealth gaps without alienating key parts of a fragile coalition? Devin Cotten's Cleveland pilot might have an answer

By Larry Platt

The Great School Vouchers Debate

Progressive Councilmembers Thomas, Gauthier, O'Rourke and Brooks protested them. Jay-Z begged to differ. And Mayor Parker tried to bring folks together. Who’s got students’ backs? A week on the frontlines of the school choice wars

By Larry Platt