His Story:
Doug Oliver was raised by a single mother in Philadelphia and has strong ties to his church. After completing an undergraduate degree from Lock Haven University, he earned a Masters in Communication from La Salle University and an Executive MBA from St. Joseph’s University. He started his career at Beech Advertising, and after a
by Heather Shayne Blakeslee
His Story:
Diaz grew up in a public housing project in New York City, and made his way through St. Joseph’s University and then Temple Law. He was the first Puerto Rican to earn a law degree from the University and to pass the Pennsylvania Bar Exam, after which he became a Public
3 mins read
by Heather Shayne Blakeslee
His Story:
Kenney was born in South Philadelphia and raised by a firefighter and homemaker. He got his first union card at 17, and went on to get a degree from La Salle University, becoming the first person in his family to go to college. He’s served in City Council since 1991, and
2 mins read
by Heather Shayne Blakeslee
Her Story:
Abraham’s bio has a lot of firsts. She’s the daughter of first-generation Americans who lived “on the edges of poverty,” and was the first in her family to go to college; she got a degree from Temple University and went on to Temple Law School. She is the first woman to
2 mins read
Political progress has been made, but much work remains
Eight years ago, the new crop of mayoral candidates were like sustainability seedlings, just beginning to poke their soft green heads above the soil and move toward the light.
There were some unintended moments of comedy along the way. During a candidate forum, one of the candidates purported
6 mins read
Greensgrow may just have a place for you. | Photo by Bryn Ashburn Looking to do some good to help your community? By Jacqueline Klecak and Michael Iannucci Philadelphia is a city that offers many places to volunteer, all very different. You’re sure to find some that fit your schedule and align with your personal
More9 mins read
The Sly Fox Brewing Company creates a special beer to benefit the Schuylkill River Trail
Southeastern Pennsylvanians who love nothing more than enjoying a cold, local beer in the great outdoors needn’t look further than Sly Fox Brewing Company of Pottstown to satisfy their thirst. In April, the brewery will release a new craft beer inspired
1 min read
Emerald ash borer beetles target ash trees, like this one at Fairmount Park’s Smith Playground. | Photo by Christian Hunold
Tiny green beetles are coming to kill our ash trees
You might expect something as scary as the emerald ash borer to be much larger than it is. The shiny green beetles from East Asia top out
2 mins read
Illustration by NARRATOR
Wissahickon's litter problem prompts man to collect it for a year, turning it into a powerful art project
Since moving to Philadelphia from my small Central Pennsylvania hometown in 2000, the single biggest gripe I’ve had with the city is its litter problem. Many anti-litter programs have come and gone—and even exist today—and still,
2 mins read
Slow-cooked carnitas, scented with smoky cumin, cinnamon and orange, make an easy meal to share with friends. | Photo by Emily Teel
It's still winter, but let carnitas warm you up
Ah, spring. The promise of sunshine, blooming trees, crunchy new vegetables and the meals that taste the way spring can make us feel: bright, fresh and
3 mins read