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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.

Sixers star Jaylen Brown knows his Philly slang 

The brainy Brown has kept a busy postseason itinerary despite ceding the spotlight to the King.

Sports

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LeBron James" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/24/lebron-james-sixers-philadelphia" data-vars-content-id="5886ec52-eda4-4ab7-b74c-75c092732ef0" data-vars-headline="Sixers star Jaylen Brown knows his Philly slang " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/24/lebron-james-sixers-philadelphia" target="_self">LeBron James</a> got Philly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="so gassed up" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/08/13/sixers-schedule-lebron-james-nba" data-vars-content-id="5886ec52-eda4-4ab7-b74c-75c092732ef0" data-vars-headline="Sixers star Jaylen Brown knows his Philly slang " data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/08/13/sixers-schedule-lebron-james-nba" target="_self">so gassed up</a> about his arrival that a lot of people forgot about this guy, Jaylen Brown.Why it matters: Turns out, this brainy, All-Star jawn can hoop pretty well, too — and he&#x27;s already a baller at breaking down Philly lingo.

The must-watch games to start Philly's LeJawn Era

LeBron's "Last Decision" is must-watch TV. Just ask Chicago how it felt about MJ's "Last Dance."

LeBron James&#x27; farewell tour makes for good television, and the NBA is capitalizing on the story by loading the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Sixers&#x27; schedule" data-vars-click-url="https://www.nba.com/schedule/sixers?cal=all&amp;pd=false&amp;region=1&amp;season=Regular%20Season" data-vars-content-id="b2caefde-f529-4d68-a881-b965e9af8902" data-vars-headline="The must-watch games to start Philly&#x27;s LeJawn Era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.nba.com/schedule/sixers?cal=all&amp;pd=false&amp;region=1&amp;season=Regular%20Season" target="_blank">Sixers&#x27; schedule</a> with primetime games — including marquee matchups with James&#x27; former teams.Why it matters: How Chicago felt watching Michael Jordan&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Last Dance&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.netflix.com/title/80203144" data-vars-content-id="b2caefde-f529-4d68-a881-b965e9af8902" data-vars-headline="The must-watch games to start Philly&#x27;s LeJawn Era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.netflix.com/title/80203144" target="_blank">&quot;Last Dance&quot;</a> is how Philly feels right now watching King James&#x27; <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="&quot;Last Decision.&quot;" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/24/lebron-james-sixers-philadelphia" data-vars-content-id="b2caefde-f529-4d68-a881-b965e9af8902" data-vars-headline="The must-watch games to start Philly&#x27;s LeJawn Era" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/24/lebron-james-sixers-philadelphia" target="_self">&quot;Last Decision.&quot;</a>

NBA sends a message with Sixers-Knicks opening night matchup

Old rivals. Madison Square Garden. Day 1 of the LeJawn Era.

Hey, NBA, tell us something without telling us something: The LeBron James-led Sixers will open the season on the road against the reigning champion New York Knicks.Why it matters: Old rivals. Madison Square Garden. Day 1 of the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LeJawn Era." data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/27/lejawn-takes-over-philly" data-vars-content-id="b681ed96-d231-4f07-a272-e85e8fb86e00" data-vars-headline="NBA sends a message with Sixers-Knicks opening night matchup" 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">LeJawn Era.</a> Enough said.

Eagles team up with Derek Jeter's digital card company

The partnership marks Arena Club's first collaboration with an NFL franchise.

Eagles fans know all about the Tush Push. Now the team is making another push — into the booming world of digital sports cards.Why it matters: The partnership marks Arena Club&#x27;s first collaboration with an NFL franchise, giving the Derek Jeter-backed company another marquee team as it expands across the sports world.

Future Broad Street Bullies? The Flyers say hockey is booming among Philly kids.

The spike in youth participation in the Flyers' programs coincides with growing buzz about the team's future.

The Flyers&#x27; next generation of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Broad Street Bullies" data-vars-click-url="https://975thefanatic.com/2025/10/07/broad-street-bullies-flyers-nickname-history/" data-vars-content-id="2a93591e-14db-4cd0-a2bc-c28b9e9979f4" data-vars-headline="Future Broad Street Bullies? The Flyers say hockey is booming among Philly kids." data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://975thefanatic.com/2025/10/07/broad-street-bullies-flyers-nickname-history/" target="_blank">Broad Street Bullies</a> may be learning to skate right now in rinks across the Philadelphia region.Why it matters: Hockey is booming among local kids, with record participation among the Flyers&#x27; youth programs this season.

Welcome to Wrexham, the Philly of Wales

The team is playing in Chester this weekend.

Simon Johnson was talking about Wrexham, Wales, but it sounded like he was describing Philadelphia.<ul><li>&quot;We&#x27;re kind of small, fiercely independent and proud of our town and heritage,&quot; says the 51-year-old superfan and former part-owner of Welsh soccer club Wrexham AFC.</li></ul>Why it matters: Since actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="bought Wrexham AFC in 2021" data-vars-click-url="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44940499/how-ryan-reynolds-co-bought-wrexhams-path-promotion" data-vars-content-id="f185a24b-1c93-4353-8762-a3ccfcce4a08" data-vars-headline="Welcome to Wrexham, the Philly of Wales" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44940499/how-ryan-reynolds-co-bought-wrexhams-path-promotion" target="_blank">bought Wrexham AFC in 2021</a>, the Welsh city has seen a surge in American tourism and investment — and it&#x27;s also forged a kinship with Philadelphia.

LeBron James has made Eagles training camp an afterthought in Philly

King him: LeBronmania has turned one of the city's biggest annual sports rituals into a supporting act.

LeBron James&#x27; crown casts a long shadow — long enough to eclipse something sacrosanct in Philadelphia: the start of <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Eagles training camp" data-vars-click-url="https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/ranking-11-top-training-camp-storylines-sean-mannion-jalen-hurts-20260728.html" data-vars-content-id="64c7adbf-2f22-4999-87bb-ccd8399fc4d9" data-vars-headline="LeBron James has made Eagles training camp an afterthought in Philly" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.inquirer.com/eagles/ranking-11-top-training-camp-storylines-sean-mannion-jalen-hurts-20260728.html" target="_blank">Eagles training camp</a>.Why it matters: This week is usually when the Birds reclaim Philly&#x27;s full attention. Instead, LeBronmania has turned one of the city&#x27;s biggest annual sports rituals into a supporting act.

LeBron James turns Sixers preseason into hottest ticket

The LeJawn era is supercharging ticket prices, likely pricing out some Philadelphians.

Sixers fans will have to pay a King&#x27;s ransom to watch LeBron James play in Philly this season.Why it matters: The <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="LeJawn era" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/07/27/lejawn-takes-over-philly" data-vars-content-id="2da7686a-0514-481f-9eef-fc5119117405" data-vars-headline="LeBron James turns Sixers preseason into 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">LeJawn era</a> is supercharging ticket prices, likely pricing out some Philadelphians eager to watch the King hold court at <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Xfinity Mobile Arena" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/09/03/xfinity-mobile-arena-debut-philadelphia-sports-complex" data-vars-content-id="2da7686a-0514-481f-9eef-fc5119117405" data-vars-headline="LeBron James turns Sixers preseason into 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/2025/09/03/xfinity-mobile-arena-debut-philadelphia-sports-complex" target="_self">Xfinity Mobile Arena</a>.

Sports 🏅

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

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

Sixers star Jaylen Brown knows his Philly slang

The must-watch games to start Philly's LeJawn Era

NBA sends a message with Sixers-Knicks opening night matchup