Did you miss these popular BSR pieces? Catch up quickly.

Our editorial team is on our summer break this week, but before I turned my computer off, I compiled this roundup of BSR stories readers shouldn't miss. We know how it is -- by all the laws of space and time, it would be impossible to read each newsletter you subscribe to each week. So for everyone tuning in today who may have missed some previous weeks, we highly recommend the stories below.

Thanks for your support as we take a much-needed rest. We're looking forward to firing up some new stories for you, starting the week of August 18.

Alaina Johns
BSR editor-in-chief

As we hit summer's doldrums and Congress goes home to do whatever they do when they're not making laws (probably begging for money), we should still be alert for every chance to make our voices heard on the subjects that matter to us, like our Constitutional rights. Protest takes many forms, and marching is an important one. We love this piece by Anndee Hochman, written in response to someone who told her it's useless to keep protesting in the Trump era.

Under Anthony Roth Costanzo, I think Opera Philadelphia (and several other regional companies that have been shifting to a pay-what-you-can or pick-your-price model) are the future of arts and culture. The arts strengthen and grow and attract new audiences and even new funding when you make them MORE accessible, not less. I enjoyed this conversation with Costanzo about bringing this philosophy to the opera, and how his ongoing career as a working artist influences his newer role as an administrative leader.

This piece was originally timed for Valentine's Day, but its message and resources are applicable anytime. Grief is non-linear, and it doesn't have a season. Whether your loss is fresh or an older wound you're still processing, this piece is full of kind and useful tips.

I love this piece by Kyle, written a few days before the Eagles' 2025 Super Bowl triumph, when the city was yearning to continue the celebration of the championship and remembering how good it feels to come together about something. He reflects on his lived experience as a lifelong Philadelphian and what moments like this could teach us about making our city a better place. It's a good read anytime, not just during football season.

I love this piece by our spring intern Chhaya Nayyar, which originally ran during this year's Book Week in early June, but it's worth reading anytime. The viral romantasy genre (a mashup of romance and fantasy that has especially captivated young women readers) has major problems. Chhaya has now finished her graduate degree in journalism from Temple University, and we wish her the best in her career!