Philadelphia’s murder rate is now worse than it was in 1990. Here is one Philly writer’s account of what the state of crime looked like three decades ago.
By Thom Nickels
Chris Gibbons: A prayer for the Unknown Soldier
Nov. 11, 2021, marks the 100-year anniversary of the first interment ceremonies at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, and for Philadelphia’s Roman Catholic High School this centennial commemoration holds special significance.
By Chris Gibbons
Thom Nickels: What Gary Heidnik, the last man executed in Pa., foretold
N. Philadelphia serial killer and rapist Gary Michael Heidnik, who inspired the character Buffalo Bill in “Silence of the Lambs,” manipulated the psychiatric and justice systems until the end. But at that end, he had one last, truthful thing to say.
By Thom Nickels
Chris Gibbons: A high school essay contest reminds us what patriotism looks like
As we celebrate our Independence Day, perhaps the inspired words of a few local high school writers will help to dampen the divisions between us and re-inspire a sense of shared patriotism.
By Chris Gibbons
Logan Chipkin: Remembering James Logan, Philadelphia’s first scientist
James Logan — scientist, entrepreneur, Renaissance Man and mentor to Benjamin Franklin — helped establish Philadelphia and make it a hub of Enlightenment thought. His life has been largely forgotten, but he impacted the course of our region.
By Logan Chipkin