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Stephen A. Smith is a straight shooter. NABJ says he's gone astray

The former Inquirer columnist is feuding with a group that helped mold him into the journalist he is.

News

Stephen A. Smith is committed to having the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="first take" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/watch/catalog/59fe7218-3b48-4543-8f24-7bafd3956f03/first-take" data-vars-content-id="fe5ab7e1-5b20-4fdb-a450-3a3fc3cd8154" data-vars-headline="Stephen A. Smith is a straight shooter. NABJ says he&#x27;s gone astray" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/watch/catalog/59fe7218-3b48-4543-8f24-7bafd3956f03/first-take" target="_blank">first take</a> and the last take.Why it matters: Smith is feuding with the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="National Association of Black Journalists" data-vars-click-url="https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/6035210-stephen-a-smith-nabj-award/" data-vars-content-id="fe5ab7e1-5b20-4fdb-a450-3a3fc3cd8154" data-vars-headline="Stephen A. Smith is a straight shooter. NABJ says he&#x27;s gone astray" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://thehill.com/blogs/in-the-know/6035210-stephen-a-smith-nabj-award/" target="_blank">National Association of Black Journalists</a> — a group he credits with <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="helping shape him into the journalist he&#x27;s become" data-vars-click-url="https://youtu.be/BITy6WSbniQ?si=Gk_SRVIjU8JXFIa9&amp;t=249" data-vars-content-id="fe5ab7e1-5b20-4fdb-a450-3a3fc3cd8154" data-vars-headline="Stephen A. Smith is a straight shooter. NABJ says he&#x27;s gone astray" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://youtu.be/BITy6WSbniQ?si=Gk_SRVIjU8JXFIa9&amp;t=249" target="_blank">helping shape him into the journalist he&#x27;s become</a> — over its claim that he has a &quot;recurring public pattern&quot; of disrespecting &quot;prominent Black women across politics, sports and media.&quot;

500+ teachers left Philly district schools last year

Teacher turnover has a ripple effect, negatively affecting school climate, teacher quality and student outcomes.

Education

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Teacher turnover" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/09/11/public-schools-teacher-resignations-retirements-data" data-vars-content-id="aef3c9c4-bdef-41c6-8bda-497f4872b2dd" data-vars-headline="500+ teachers left Philly district schools last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/09/11/public-schools-teacher-resignations-retirements-data" target="_self">Teacher turnover</a> in Philadelphia district schools rose last year for the first time since 2022.Why it matters: Losing teachers can hurt <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="school climate" data-vars-click-url="https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1213629.pdf" data-vars-content-id="aef3c9c4-bdef-41c6-8bda-497f4872b2dd" data-vars-headline="500+ teachers left Philly district schools last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1213629.pdf" target="_blank">school climate</a>, <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="teacher quality" data-vars-click-url="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2332858420905812" data-vars-content-id="aef3c9c4-bdef-41c6-8bda-497f4872b2dd" data-vars-headline="500+ teachers left Philly district schools last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/2332858420905812" target="_blank">teacher quality</a> and <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="student outcomes" data-vars-click-url="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3102/0002831212463813" data-vars-content-id="aef3c9c4-bdef-41c6-8bda-497f4872b2dd" data-vars-headline="500+ teachers left Philly district schools last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/abs/10.3102/0002831212463813" target="_blank">student outcomes</a> while driving up <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="staffing costs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.jstor.org/stable/40704404" data-vars-content-id="aef3c9c4-bdef-41c6-8bda-497f4872b2dd" data-vars-headline="500+ teachers left Philly district schools last year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.jstor.org/stable/40704404" target="_blank">staffing costs</a> for districts.

King us. The Sixers are suddenly the NBA's hottest ticket

The LeBron effect is real. The Sixers are the most in-demand team on StubHub.

The Sixers can already claim one preseason accolade: They&#x27;re the NBA&#x27;s hottest ticket on StubHub.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LeBron James" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/27/lejawn-takes-over-philly" data-vars-content-id="0ab94c70-1ae4-4861-925b-4287f6f32f8e" data-vars-headline="King us. The Sixers are suddenly the NBA&#x27;s hottest ticket" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/27/lejawn-takes-over-philly" target="_self">LeBron James</a> doesn&#x27;t just move the needle — he&#x27;s the straw that stirs the NBA&#x27;s drink.

Philly among final 3 cities in contention for the DNC in 2028 

The selection is a nod to the cities' political power and a signal they're vital to Democrats' road back to the White House.

Politics

Philadelphia, Boston and Denver are the finalists to host the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="2028 Democratic National Convention" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/06/dnc-convention-and-a-possible-shapiro-moment" data-vars-content-id="680488b7-20f5-42d4-b85f-92657dd8b443" data-vars-headline="Philly among final 3 cities in contention for the DNC in 2028 " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/06/dnc-convention-and-a-possible-shapiro-moment" target="_self">2028 Democratic National Convention</a>, the party revealed Thursday.Why it matters: The party&#x27;s selection is a nod to the cities&#x27; political power and a signal they&#x27;re vital to Democrats&#x27; road back to the White House.

Philly nonprofit breaks Guinness World Record

The milestone is another flex for the group's founder, Drexel alum Evan Ehlers.

Business

Philly nonprofit <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sharing Excess" data-vars-click-url="https://www.sharingexcess.com/about#our-story" data-vars-content-id="1f9b8c57-4c61-478a-8e06-17b948d39c1f" data-vars-headline="Philly nonprofit breaks Guinness World Record" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.sharingexcess.com/about#our-story" target="_blank">Sharing Excess</a> helped set a new Guinness World Record for donating more than 543,000 pounds of fresh produce during a Canadian food rescue event last weekend.Why it matters: It&#x27;s another flex for the group&#x27;s founder, Drexel alum Evan Ehlers, who started the nonprofit in 2018 to help solve food security in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="one of the nation&#x27;s poorest cities" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/09/11/philly-poorest-city-poverty-rate-decline" data-vars-content-id="1f9b8c57-4c61-478a-8e06-17b948d39c1f" data-vars-headline="Philly nonprofit breaks Guinness World Record" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/09/11/philly-poorest-city-poverty-rate-decline" target="_self">one of the nation&#x27;s poorest cities</a>.

Philly's World Cup report card: Record crowds, packed hotels and a few headaches

Take a bow, Philly. The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup is over" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/06/fifa-world-cup-philly-matches-fans-travelers-stats" data-vars-content-id="92b44a4a-0ed2-4ec5-83a7-988449b6ea9f" data-vars-headline="Philly&#x27;s World Cup report card: Record crowds, packed hotels and a few headaches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/06/fifa-world-cup-philly-matches-fans-travelers-stats" target="_self">World Cup is over</a>. Now comes the hard part: grading ourselves.Why it matters: Philadelphia spent <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="millions" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/26/philly-is-betting-620m-on-250th-celebration" data-vars-content-id="92b44a4a-0ed2-4ec5-83a7-988449b6ea9f" data-vars-headline="Philly&#x27;s World Cup report card: Record crowds, packed hotels and a few headaches" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/02/26/philly-is-betting-620m-on-250th-celebration" target="_self">millions</a> preparing for its biggest international sporting event in decades. The question is whether the investment paid off.

A pen maker wants to make a timeless piece out of this Philly landmark

Ryan Jones has made pens out of America's most iconic wood, but he still has his eyes on Independence Hall.

From Mount Vernon to Wrigley Field, Ryan Jones has crafted pieces of American history into fountain pens.<ul><li>His collection includes a Civil War-era oak that once stood outside George Washington&#x27;s estate, a beam from San Diego&#x27;s historic Hotel del Coronado, wood from Churchill Downs, and Wrigley Field seats.</li></ul>Why it matters: There&#x27;s one iconic landmark still on the Kentucky master pen maker&#x27;s bucket list: Independence Hall.

What we know — and don't — about Philly-based Comcast's split

Any changes to Comcast are a big deal in Philadelphia, where the company ranks among the city's largest for-profit employers.

Philadelphia-based <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Comcast" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/29/comcast-nbcuniversal-nbc-split" data-vars-content-id="800c5f06-5802-4fda-8274-e2f5d126d2b9" data-vars-headline="What we know — and don&#x27;t — about Philly-based Comcast&#x27;s split" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/29/comcast-nbcuniversal-nbc-split" target="_self">Comcast</a> is splitting into two publicly traded companies — separating its media assets from wireless and broadband services. Why it matters: Any changes to the telecommunications giant could have an outsized effect on the city, where it ranks among Philly&#x27;s largest companies and employers.

More than a 3rd of Philly Airbnb listings lack valid licenses

The findings could force the city to rethink how it enforces its short-term rental regulations.

Despite Philadelphia&#x27;s efforts to crack down on <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="unlicensed short-term rentals" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/07/27/philadelphia-airbnb-vrbo-short-term-rental-license" data-vars-content-id="84e9eae8-7aeb-4c85-99d3-47f03878b618" data-vars-headline="More than a 3rd of Philly Airbnb listings lack valid licenses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2023/07/27/philadelphia-airbnb-vrbo-short-term-rental-license" target="_self">unlicensed short-term rentals</a>, more than a third of the city&#x27;s Airbnb listings still aren&#x27;t properly licensed, per a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="new report" data-vars-click-url="https://controller.phila.gov/philadelphia-reports/short-term-rentals-in-philadelphia-compliance-licensing-and-enforcement/" data-vars-content-id="84e9eae8-7aeb-4c85-99d3-47f03878b618" data-vars-headline="More than a 3rd of Philly Airbnb listings lack valid licenses" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://controller.phila.gov/philadelphia-reports/short-term-rentals-in-philadelphia-compliance-licensing-and-enforcement/" target="_blank">new report</a>. Why it matters: The city controller&#x27;s findings could force Philly to rethink how it enforces its short-term rental regulations.

Why Pennsylvania is worried about the screwworm threat

Officials are trying to shield cattle herds after the parasite reached the U.S.

The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="screwworm" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/12/new-world-screwworm-ebola-infectious-disease-trump" data-vars-content-id="1e02df77-0785-4e55-a175-f8e7c3d195d0" data-vars-headline="Why Pennsylvania is worried about the screwworm threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/06/12/new-world-screwworm-ebola-infectious-disease-trump" target="_self">screwworm</a> has arrived in the U.S., and Pennsylvania is taking steps to guard against a creeping invasion. Why it matters: The parasite is threatening the nation&#x27;s cattle, a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$700 million industry" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pa.gov/agencies/farmshow/pa-farm-show/agexplorer/beef" data-vars-content-id="1e02df77-0785-4e55-a175-f8e7c3d195d0" data-vars-headline="Why Pennsylvania is worried about the screwworm threat" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pa.gov/agencies/farmshow/pa-farm-show/agexplorer/beef" target="_blank">$700 million industry</a> in Pennsylvania.

Pennsylvania sees the World Cup as a global audition

Inside the $50 million effort to show the state off.

Pennsylvania&#x27;s message to the world this year: There&#x27;s a little jawn in us all. The big picture: The state has poured more than <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$50 million" data-vars-click-url="https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/gov--shapiro-and-america250pa-announce-the--commonwealth-concert" data-vars-content-id="3d18b412-eda2-47ac-9da7-4af08599e64f" data-vars-headline="Pennsylvania sees the World Cup as a global audition" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/gov--shapiro-and-america250pa-announce-the--commonwealth-concert" target="_blank">$50 million</a> into selling Pennsylvania to travelers ahead of the summer&#x27;s big events.

These Philly bars and clubs can stay open till 4am during the World Cup

They're allowed to sell alcohol for two extra hours through July 20.

Things to Do

Three dozen Philadelphia bars got the green light for <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="extended operating hours" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/26/nightlife-world-cup-4am-permits" data-vars-content-id="e3b7ef16-a5e2-4014-9d6b-b7bd3703cb28" data-vars-headline="These Philly bars and clubs can stay open till 4am during the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/26/nightlife-world-cup-4am-permits" target="_self">extended operating hours</a> during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/11/world-cup-fifa-fan-festival-philly-what-to-know" data-vars-content-id="e3b7ef16-a5e2-4014-9d6b-b7bd3703cb28" data-vars-headline="These Philly bars and clubs can stay open till 4am during the World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/11/world-cup-fifa-fan-festival-philly-what-to-know" target="_self">World Cup</a>.Why it matters: These spots could push back last call to 4am throughout the tourney.

Walmart delivery drones are coming to Philly

It's part of a larger plan to expand service to seven new metro areas.

<figure><img alt="Image shows a drone dropping a Walmart package at a house." height="405" id="7a1a539b-8595-4cf1-8a0e-d313df5b80f4" src="https://images.axios.com/urnJq_k8DSWglIhR05SQcRahRKU=/2026/06/09/1781028324370.gif" width="720"/><figcaption>Wing uses a tethered drop to put Walmart deliveries in customers&#x27; driveways. Courtesy of Wing and Walmart</figcaption></figure>Drones could start dropping off Walmart packages in Philly by next year.The big picture: The retail giant and drone delivery company Wing are <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="expanding service" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/11/walmart-drone-delivery-wing-los-angeles-miami" data-vars-content-id="e92f52c5-84a4-4756-92c5-00e2a085d801" data-vars-headline="Walmart delivery drones are coming to Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2026/01/11/walmart-drone-delivery-wing-los-angeles-miami" target="_self">expanding service</a> to seven new metro areas as part of a plan to reach more than 40 million customers by 2027.

Gayborhood bars brace for fallout from Philly Pride move

Some owners say they were blindsided by the decision to move the festival outside the neighborhood.

Culture

Philly Pride Festival&#x27;s move to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway on Sunday is roiling some Gayborhood business owners, who fear the neighborhood will miss out on a major economic boost. Why it matters: For the first time in years, the Gayborhood won&#x27;t be the epicenter for the massive festival and march, which draws tens of thousands of revelers.

Business 🏦

Philly nonprofit breaks Guinness World Record

Philly's World Cup report card: Record crowds, packed hotels and a few headaches

A pen maker wants to make a timeless piece out of this Philly landmark

What we know — and don't — about Philly-based Comcast's split

More than a 3rd of Philly Airbnb listings lack valid licenses