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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 weekender: Summer strolls, math festivals and block parties

Fill up your weekend social calendar with these popular events.

Things to Do

🇮🇹 Passyunk goes Italian with its <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Passeggiata" data-vars-click-url="https://www.visiteastpassyunk.com/event/summer-on-the-ave-2026" data-vars-content-id="6ebacb1e-8116-40f4-8429-5e6da5e6d94d" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Summer strolls, math festivals and block parties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.visiteastpassyunk.com/event/summer-on-the-ave-2026" target="_blank">Passeggiata</a> — or evening stroll — tonight starting at 5pm with happy hour specials at bars and restaurants, extended retail business hours and a live jazz popup.🍽️ Last call to score discounts at restaurants in West Philly during the area&#x27;s annual <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Dining Days" data-vars-click-url="https://www.universitycity.org/diningdays/" data-vars-content-id="6ebacb1e-8116-40f4-8429-5e6da5e6d94d" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Summer strolls, math festivals and block parties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.universitycity.org/diningdays/" target="_blank">Dining Days</a>. <ul><li>More than a dozen restaurants are offering $20-$40 lunch and dinner deals through Sunday. </li></ul>🚶 Head to Manayunk tonight for the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Stroll After Hours" data-vars-click-url="https://manayunk.com/mnyk-events/stroll-after-hours/" data-vars-content-id="6ebacb1e-8116-40f4-8429-5e6da5e6d94d" data-vars-headline="Philly weekender: Summer strolls, math festivals and block parties" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://manayunk.com/mnyk-events/stroll-after-hours/" target="_blank">Stroll After Hours</a> event that brings food trucks, family activities, an outdoor movie and vendors from 6-10pm. <ul><li>Many of the activities will take place on the 100 blocks of Cotton and Grape Streets, which will be closed to traffic. </li></ul>

Sneak peek: All-Star Week arrives at Citizen Bank  Park

Ahead of Friday's kickoff, Axios Philadelphia got a sneak peek yesterday of what's new at Citizens Bank Park, the food, merch and vibes.

Sports

Philadelphia is the center of the baseball world as <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="MLB&#x27;s All-Star Week" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/07/philly-2026-events-mlb-all-star-cycling-classic-ufc-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="8dd645c1-6e88-49ab-a65f-e6332a15f23a" data-vars-headline="Sneak peek: All-Star Week arrives at Citizen Bank Park" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/07/philly-2026-events-mlb-all-star-cycling-classic-ufc-world-cup" target="_self">MLB&#x27;s All-Star Week</a> arrives.Why it matters: Days after South Philly hosted its final <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA World Cup" 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="8dd645c1-6e88-49ab-a65f-e6332a15f23a" data-vars-headline="Sneak peek: All-Star Week arrives at Citizen Bank Park" 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">FIFA World Cup</a> match, the city is diving into another mega sporting event as its jam-packed summer rolls on.

Triple Bottom Brewing now serving up South Philly Barbaco's tacos

Award-winning chef Christina Martinez is expanding her culinary empire.

Food and Drink

South Philly Barbacoa has set up an outpost at Triple Bottom Brewing.Why it matters: <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Award-winning" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/06/14/cristina-martinez-south-philly-barbacoa-james-beard" data-vars-content-id="ffc134f9-1920-4e2c-aaf5-20cb3817da8c" data-vars-headline="Triple Bottom Brewing now serving up South Philly Barbaco&#x27;s tacos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/06/14/cristina-martinez-south-philly-barbacoa-james-beard" target="_self">Award-winning</a> chef <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Christina Martinez" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/02/01/south-philly-barbacoa-cristina-martinez-chefs-table" data-vars-content-id="ffc134f9-1920-4e2c-aaf5-20cb3817da8c" data-vars-headline="Triple Bottom Brewing now serving up South Philly Barbaco&#x27;s tacos" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2022/02/01/south-philly-barbacoa-cristina-martinez-chefs-table" target="_self">Christina Martinez</a> is expanding her culinary empire.

World Cup beers cost more in Philly than at most U.S. host venues

Philadelphia ranks among the priciest host cities for drinks, even before food enters the equation.

World Cup fans have to shell out more for water and beer at Philadelphia Stadium than many U.S. host venues. Why it matters: Fans coming for soccer could get their biggest surprise at the concession stand.

Hershey launches Christian Pulisic bars with giveaways and a Philly pop-up

The hometown hero hopes to lead Team USA to glory in the World Cup.

Hershey is celebrating its shared hometown roots with soccer star Christian Pulisic ahead of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/05/phillys-world-cup-host-anxiety" data-vars-content-id="3a1f9411-7cb0-4fa6-aa74-ad7e4c4857e0" data-vars-headline="Hershey launches Christian Pulisic bars with giveaways and a Philly pop-up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/05/phillys-world-cup-host-anxiety" target="_self">World Cup</a>.Why it matters: A new commercial pairs one of Pennsylvania&#x27;s most recognizable brands with one of American soccer&#x27;s biggest stars, who Time magazine dubbed <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Captain America" data-vars-click-url="https://time.com/article/2026/05/07/christian-pulisic-world-cup-2026-interview/" data-vars-content-id="3a1f9411-7cb0-4fa6-aa74-ad7e4c4857e0" data-vars-headline="Hershey launches Christian Pulisic bars with giveaways and a Philly pop-up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://time.com/article/2026/05/07/christian-pulisic-world-cup-2026-interview/" target="_blank">&quot;Captain America</a><a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/14/philly-activists-prepare-for-possible-ice-activity-during-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="3a1f9411-7cb0-4fa6-aa74-ad7e4c4857e0" data-vars-headline="Hershey launches Christian Pulisic bars with giveaways and a Philly pop-up" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/14/philly-activists-prepare-for-possible-ice-activity-during-world-cup" target="_self">.</a>&quot;

How the PGA Championship feeds 200,000 fans

The golf tourney is the rare major sporting event where general admission gets fans unlimited free food and drinks (sans alcohol).

The logistics of feeding roughly 200,000 spectators at the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="PGA Championship" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/11/pga-championship-golf-philadelphia-aronimink-guide" data-vars-content-id="de663e19-92f0-4f4c-a0bd-4a08905fbd1a" data-vars-headline="How the PGA Championship feeds 200,000 fans" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/11/pga-championship-golf-philadelphia-aronimink-guide" target="_self">PGA Championship</a> at Aronimink Golf Club this week is no easy feat.Why it matters: The golf tourney is the rare major sporting event where general admission includes unlimited food and drinks (sans alcohol).

Walking tacos are not tacos. Wawa proves it

Even Philly's favorite convenience store did its research and realized every taco needs a shell.

Culture

Tacos are tacos — except when they&#x27;re not.Why it matters: Born in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Mexico&#x27;s silver mines" data-vars-click-url="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/where-did-the-taco-come-from-81228162/" data-vars-content-id="fe4b8492-4dbc-4527-93db-fdb65f6c94f0" data-vars-headline="Walking tacos are not tacos. Wawa proves it" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/where-did-the-taco-come-from-81228162/" target="_blank">Mexico&#x27;s silver mines</a> in the 18th century, tacos evolved from working-class staple to cultural icon, inspiring everything from Taco Tuesday to late-night drive-thru runs.

Philly restaurants may add 20% service charges during World Cup

"Tipping customs vary widely around the world," an industry group spokesperson tells Axios.

A new service charge could land on your check at some restaurants and bars across the city during the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/fifa-world-cup-philadelphia-schedule-lincoln-financial-field" data-vars-content-id="e99c83f3-81ba-4e80-92c0-257770d2aad6" data-vars-headline="Philly restaurants may add 20% service charges during World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/12/08/fifa-world-cup-philadelphia-schedule-lincoln-financial-field" target="_self">World Cup</a>.Why it matters: Businesses are considering auto-charges when <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="international visitors" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/08/tourism-travel-outlook-canada-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="e99c83f3-81ba-4e80-92c0-257770d2aad6" data-vars-headline="Philly restaurants may add 20% service charges during 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/2026/04/08/tourism-travel-outlook-canada-world-cup" target="_self">international visitors</a> descend on Philly for the tourney this summer, many from countries with far different <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tipping customs" data-vars-click-url="https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230606-how-to-tip-around-the-world" data-vars-content-id="e99c83f3-81ba-4e80-92c0-257770d2aad6" data-vars-headline="Philly restaurants may add 20% service charges during World Cup" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.bbc.com/travel/article/20230606-how-to-tip-around-the-world" target="_blank">tipping customs</a>.

Craft brewers are producing less beer in Pennsylvania

The industry took a hit last year, forcing brewers to get creative.

Pennsylvania&#x27;s craft beer industry took a hit last year as production plunged.Why it matters: It&#x27;s forcing brewers to get creative and expand into nonalcoholic beverages to boost revenues from this multibillion-dollar industry.

Pop-ups will fill vacant storefronts in Market East this summer

New pop-up businesses are slated to open in <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Market East" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/13/philly-hopes-18m-makeover-jumpstarts-market-east-revival" data-vars-content-id="3cbc81bd-069a-486c-a26c-efd8d2958ad0" data-vars-headline="Pop-ups will fill vacant storefronts in Market East this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/13/philly-hopes-18m-makeover-jumpstarts-market-east-revival" target="_self">Market East</a> this summer.Why it matters: Local retailers will fill vacant storefronts along the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="struggling corridor" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/01/market-east-redevelopment-philadelphia-comcast-sixers" data-vars-content-id="3cbc81bd-069a-486c-a26c-efd8d2958ad0" data-vars-headline="Pop-ups will fill vacant storefronts in Market East this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/12/01/market-east-redevelopment-philadelphia-comcast-sixers" target="_self">struggling corridor</a> during a big <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="tourism season" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/08/tourism-travel-outlook-canada-world-cup" data-vars-content-id="3cbc81bd-069a-486c-a26c-efd8d2958ad0" data-vars-headline="Pop-ups will fill vacant storefronts in Market East this summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/04/08/tourism-travel-outlook-canada-world-cup" target="_self">tourism season</a> — selling everything from vintage clothes and records to water ice.

A bar chart that compares American beer prices at U.S. World Cup stadiums for the smallest draft size, 16 to 20 ounces. Prices range from $5 in Atlanta to $24.50 in San Francisco. Most cities cluster between $14.05 in Houston and $18.58 in Philadelphia, with West Coast venues higher.

Food and Drink 🍽

Philly weekender: Summer strolls, math festivals and block parties

Sneak peek: All-Star Week arrives at Citizen Bank Park

Triple Bottom Brewing now serving up South Philly Barbaco's tacos

World Cup beers cost more in Philly than at most U.S. host venues

Philadelphia lands two big 2026 James Beard wins