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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;

Uncertainty swirls around Philly's special-admission school process

It's making an already stressful process even worse.

Education

<a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Philadelphia district" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/08/18/teacher-resignations-retirements-attrition-on-the-rise" data-vars-content-id="e8203e52-ca63-4a0b-a188-f2afc569fe65" data-vars-headline="Uncertainty swirls around Philly&#x27;s special-admission school process" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/08/18/teacher-resignations-retirements-attrition-on-the-rise" target="_self">Philadelphia district</a> students enter the school year with confusion over applying to the city&#x27;s top-tier special-admission schools.Why it matters: The uncertainty around the application process to the city&#x27;s roughly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="three dozen selective magnet schools" data-vars-click-url="https://www.philasd.org/studentplacement/school-selection/#schools" data-vars-content-id="e8203e52-ca63-4a0b-a188-f2afc569fe65" data-vars-headline="Uncertainty swirls around Philly&#x27;s special-admission school process" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.philasd.org/studentplacement/school-selection/#schools" target="_blank">three dozen selective magnet schools</a> is making an already stressful process even worse.

She lost $1 million gambling. More Pennsylvania women are seeking help

Experts fear online gambling could be the country's next great addiction epidemic.

Health

Carla Brandoff has spent much of her career making deals. At the height of her gambling addiction, she was especially good at making them with herself.<ul><li>She could explain away almost every warning sign on the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Gamblers Anonymous checklist" data-vars-click-url="https://gamblersanonymous.org/20-questions/" data-vars-content-id="e4f012ec-a3b4-4103-8b65-038a21446f14" data-vars-headline="She lost $1 million gambling. More Pennsylvania women are seeking help" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://gamblersanonymous.org/20-questions/" target="_blank">Gamblers Anonymous checklist</a> — until she reached question No. 13.</li></ul>&quot;Did gambling make you careless of the welfare of yourself or your family?&quot;Why it matters: As online gambling has exploded in popularity, some experts fear the U.S. is flirting with another addiction epidemic rivaling those fueled by tobacco and opioids.

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.

SEPTA's bus redesign finally arrives

The majority of the changes roll out on Sunday and will shake up more than two dozen routes across the city.

Transit

SEPTA&#x27;s bus overhaul gets going this weekend after years of fits and starts.Why it matters: The agency is selling the system&#x27;s first redesign in roughly 60 years as a way to improve service, enhance reliability and attract new riders.

SEPTA's AI-powered cameras generated $14.5M in fines in the first year

Travel times along those bus routes have also improved, the agency says.

SEPTA&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="AI-equipped buses and trolleys" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/04/22/ai-cameras-septa-ppa-philly-school-district" data-vars-content-id="31b7ce1d-2706-487c-af13-d0227c4046af" data-vars-headline="SEPTA&#x27;s AI-powered cameras generated $14.5M in fines in the first year" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/04/22/ai-cameras-septa-ppa-philly-school-district" target="_self">AI-equipped buses and trolleys</a> have issued more than 211,000 parking and stopping violations since enforcement began last year. Why it matters: The program isn&#x27;t just generating tickets. SEPTA says keeping bus lanes clear is cutting travel times by 3%–6% on equipped routes.

Fourth of July travel: Best and worst times to travel in Philly region

Experts say you should set out sooner than later.

Nearly <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="700,000" data-vars-click-url="https://6abc.com/post/fourth-of-july-weekend-travel-holiday-aaa-forecast-4th/13427944/" data-vars-content-id="f589a821-97c4-4c2e-8461-05497d4dfe70" data-vars-headline="Fourth of July travel: Best and worst times to travel in Philly region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://6abc.com/post/fourth-of-july-weekend-travel-holiday-aaa-forecast-4th/13427944/" target="_blank">700,000</a> travelers in the Philadelphia region are expected to hit the road for the during the upcoming Fourth of July weekend, per AAA.Why it matters: That&#x27;s a lot of extra congestion on our highways, as some residents look to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="escape" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/05/phillys-world-cup-host-anxiety" data-vars-content-id="f589a821-97c4-4c2e-8461-05497d4dfe70" data-vars-headline="Fourth of July travel: Best and worst times to travel in Philly region" 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">escape</a> Philly&#x27;s huge same-day stress test: a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="World Cup match" data-vars-click-url="https://phillyfwc26.com/matches" data-vars-content-id="f589a821-97c4-4c2e-8461-05497d4dfe70" data-vars-headline="Fourth of July travel: Best and worst times to travel in Philly region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://phillyfwc26.com/matches" target="_blank">World Cup match</a> coupled with a big <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="concert and fireworks show" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/27/july-4-concert-one-philly-mayor-parker-slogan" data-vars-content-id="f589a821-97c4-4c2e-8461-05497d4dfe70" data-vars-headline="Fourth of July travel: Best and worst times to travel in Philly region" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/27/july-4-concert-one-philly-mayor-parker-slogan" target="_self">concert and fireworks show</a>.

How to get to Philly's FIFA Fan Festival: Bus vs. bike

We put the city's transit to the test by trekking to Lemon Hill via two separate routes.

Sports

Driving to Philly&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="FIFA Fan Festival" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/19/world-cup-fan-festival-details" data-vars-content-id="adb16489-6a28-4e67-acda-8f2c475afc9f" data-vars-headline="How to get to Philly&#x27;s FIFA Fan Festival: Bus vs. bike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/03/19/world-cup-fan-festival-details" target="_self">FIFA Fan Festival</a> is a <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="big no-no" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/13/world-cup-parking-restrictions-lemon-hill-fan-festival" data-vars-content-id="adb16489-6a28-4e67-acda-8f2c475afc9f" data-vars-headline="How to get to Philly&#x27;s FIFA Fan Festival: Bus vs. bike" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/05/13/world-cup-parking-restrictions-lemon-hill-fan-festival" target="_self">big no-no</a> as city officials stress that partygoers should take public transportation.<ul><li>So we put the city&#x27;s transit to the test by trekking to Lemon Hill via two separate routes.</li></ul>

Philadelphia Pride Festival weekend: How to avoid road closures

The city has a full calendar of Pride events this weekend

Things to Do

Pride takes over Philadelphia this weekend with festivals, marches, block parties and celebrations.Why it matters: The big <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Pride Festival and March" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/04/pride-festival-new-location-gayborhood-businesses-concerns" data-vars-content-id="ebf7a5d2-1b29-4a3e-aa9b-7d5bb55e2a06" data-vars-headline="Philadelphia Pride Festival weekend: How to avoid road closures" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/06/04/pride-festival-new-location-gayborhood-businesses-concerns" target="_self">Pride Festival and March</a> on Sunday will bring road closures and parking restrictions from Center City to the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.

The $30 million fix for South Philly's game-day gridlock

The investment comes ahead of a new Sixers arena and incoming WNBA team.

Pennsylvania is investing $30 million into a plan to ease traffic congestion around the South Philly Sports Complex.Why it matters: For decades, Philly fans have faced a familiar dilemma: Leave games early to beat traffic, or stay and risk sitting in gridlock for hours.

Graffiti removal ramps up on Philly highways ahead of World Cup summer

The cleanup is timed to reduce the chances those corridors are retagged before the international spotlight turns to Philly.

PennDOT is getting started this week on removing graffiti from Philadelphia&#x27;s gateways ahead of this summer&#x27;s <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="packed lineup" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/07/evemts-2026-america-250-museums-world-cup-sports" data-vars-content-id="8662ee26-121c-45a7-9cd9-1db2e580b2e5" data-vars-headline="Graffiti removal ramps up on Philly highways ahead of World Cup summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2026/01/07/evemts-2026-america-250-museums-world-cup-sports" target="_self">packed lineup</a> of events. Why it matters: State and city officials are completing an <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="$11.5 million project" data-vars-click-url="https://www.phila.gov/2026-01-09-mayor-cherelle-parker-city-and-state-officials-announce-the-gateways-to-philadelphia-anti-graffiti-highway-beautification-project-on-interstate-76/" data-vars-content-id="8662ee26-121c-45a7-9cd9-1db2e580b2e5" data-vars-headline="Graffiti removal ramps up on Philly highways ahead of World Cup summer" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.phila.gov/2026-01-09-mayor-cherelle-parker-city-and-state-officials-announce-the-gateways-to-philadelphia-anti-graffiti-highway-beautification-project-on-interstate-76/" target="_blank">$11.5 million project</a> to beautify Philly — and shake its &quot;Filthadelphia&quot; reputation — before thousands of visitors arrive.

The worst times to travel from Philly for Memorial Day weekend

When to hit the roads and other pro tips.

Travel

Today kicks off the <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Memorial Day" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/23/memorial-day-weekend-2025-federal-holiday-meaning" data-vars-content-id="b1acfd43-85c7-45b3-830c-bc2739d73e1f" data-vars-headline="The worst times to travel from Philly for Memorial Day weekend" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/2025/05/23/memorial-day-weekend-2025-federal-holiday-meaning" target="_self">Memorial Day</a> weekend travel rush.Why it matters: Your future self will thank you if you plan to avoid the traffic.

Amtrak unveils new America 250-inspired train

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy traveled on the train's first trip from Washington, D.C., to 30th Street Station in Philly on Thursday.

Amtrak&#x27;s new Freedom 250 <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="Acela" data-vars-click-url="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/07/amtrak-acela-new-trains-updates-nextgen" data-vars-content-id="722cbee7-0957-47a3-9617-434662132437" data-vars-headline="Amtrak unveils new America 250-inspired train" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://www.axios.com/local/philadelphia/2025/08/07/amtrak-acela-new-trains-updates-nextgen" target="_self">Acela</a> train — decked out in red, white and blue — pulled into Philadelphia yesterday. Why it matters: It was all part of America&#x27;s nationwide birthday celebration.

A startup wants to pay Philadelphians to power their EV chargers

New York City-based It's Electric hopes to install hundreds of EV chargers throughout the city.

A New York City-based startup wants to install hundreds of EV chargers throughout Philly — and pay some property owners to power them.The big picture: Philly and the state are pushing for more widespread adoption of zero-emission vehicles. But they need to <a class="gtmContentClick" data-vars-link-text="significantly boost the infrastructure" data-vars-click-url="https://greenport.pa.gov/elibrary/GetDocument?docId=10430349&amp;DocName=2025%20PENNSYLVANIA%20ROADMAP%20TO%20ZERO-EMISSION%20VEHICLES.PDF%20%20%3Cspan%20style%3D%22color%3Agreen%3B%22%3E%3C%2Fspan%3E%20%3Cspan%20style%3D%22color%3Ablue%3B%22%3E(NEW)%3C%2Fspan%3E" data-vars-content-id="75751554-a561-4a74-9072-23ee54df7124" data-vars-headline="A startup wants to pay Philadelphians to power their EV chargers" data-vars-event-category="story" data-vars-sub-category="story" data-vars-item="in_content_link" href="https://greenport.pa.gov/elibrary/GetDocument?docId=10430349&amp;DocName=2025%20PENNSYLVANIA%20ROADMAP%20TO%20ZERO-EMISSION%20VEHICLES.PDF%20%20%3Cspan%20style%3D%22color%3Agreen%3B%22%3E%3C%2Fspan%3E%20%3Cspan%20style%3D%22color%3Ablue%3B%22%3E(NEW)%3C%2Fspan%3E" target="_blank">significantly boost the infrastructure</a>, like EV charging stations, first.

A table lists best and worst driving times for the nine-day July 4 holiday period, from June 27 to July 5. Worst traffic usually falls from noon to evening, longest on July 1 at noon-9 p.m. Best travel is generally before late morning or noon, except July 4 after 3 p.m.

Transit 🚗

SEPTA's bus redesign finally arrives

SEPTA's AI-powered cameras generated $14.5M in fines in the first year

Fourth of July travel: Best and worst times to travel in Philly region

How to get to Philly's FIFA Fan Festival: Bus vs. bike

Philadelphia Pride Festival weekend: How to avoid road closures