Opinion
140 results
Page 1
America at 250, in the eyes of a prisoner and an immigrant
“There is no country in the world like America.”
Kile Smith grew up loving his family’s all-American road trips, and on his own forays as an adult, he encountered two especially memorable immigrants who came to the US in very different ways.
Essays
8 minute read
As the Trump-era media dances to a new dictionary of falsehood, will we ever “hold these truths” again?
A lie by any other name
We grew up learning that Washington couldn’t tell a lie, but this tall tale pales in comparison to the firehose of falsehood from today’s White House. Anndee Hochman asks if there’ll ever be truths we can hold together again.
Essays
5 minute read
At Mister John’s Music in the Italian Market, I have just as much fun as my toddler
Purpose, presence, and bubbles
When Neil Bardhan started taking his toddler to music classes in the Italian Market, he didn’t realize he and the other parents would enjoy it as much as the kids do.
Essays
5 minute read
A remembrance of Martha Graham Cracker, in honor of Dito van Reigersberg
Philly grieves one our favorite artists
We on the BSR team were devastated to hear about the passing this week of Dito van Reigersberg, an innovative, big-hearted, one-of-a-kind Philly artist. Editor Alaina Johns shares a memory and revisits him in the pages of BSR.
Essays
4 minute read
Sign up for our newsletter
All of the week's new articles, all in one place. Sign up for the free weekly BSR newsletters, and don't miss a conversation.
Join arts advocates demanding $6 million for the Philadelphia Cultural Fund
Another year, another arts budget fight. We’re ready.
Each budget season, arts advocates rally to remind City Hall that Philly doesn’t run without funding for the creative sector. As the deadline for FY27 looms, we need to speak up for the Philadelphia Cultural Fund. Alaina Johns explains.
Editorials
6 minute read
APS Museum presents These Truths: The Declarations of Independence
The Declaration may not be the document you think it is.
The American Philosophical Society celebrates America’s 250th with the largest display of early copies of the Declarations ever assembled, but some of the show’s lesser-known artifacts are just as exciting. Alaina Johns visits.
Editorials
7 minute read
A fake photo of Philly’s No Kings 3 march went viral. Stay sharp as protests grow.
Hear from BSR writers who joined the latest No Kings march.
On March 28, 2026, an estimated 40,000 people took to the Parkway for the third nationwide No Kings march. A fake image of the protest quickly went viral. Here’s a real view, from Alaina Johns and BSR writers who were there.
Editorials
6 minute read
Join the fight for full restoration of the President’s House Slavery Memorial
The Trump administration is frightened by Ona Judge
Exhibits about slavery at George Washington’s Philly house are still in limbo as advocates fight the Trump/Vance administration for full restoration. Constance Garcia-Barrio looks closer.
Features
6 minute read
Isaiah Zagar taught me to hold grief, love, and life through the art of mosaic
Honoring the man who believed that art can heal
When Anndee Hochman met Isaiah Zagar, he told her how art can heal. A few years later, grieving her father, she took Zagar’s lessons into her own hands.
Essays
5 minute read
Remembering Dan McQuade, a Philly journalist like no other
Texts with Dan
Philly journalist Dan McQuade died this week from neuroendocrine cancer. He has been honored by publications and sports teams alike. Jill Ivey shares reflections on their friendship and Dan’s legacy.
Essays
4 minute read