Civics & Society
In Philadelphia, the Fine for a Ski Mask Matches the Fine for Breaking Ethics Laws
We took a deep dive in city ethics violations. The penalties have become comparable to filing fees.
Opinion: Philadelphia Runs on SEPTA. Harrisburg Still Treats It Like It’s Optional
Lawmakers from rural and exurban districts can portray transit funding as a regional concern rather than a statewide priority. That framing ignores economic reality.
What ICE's $87.4 Million Warehouse Purchase in Berks County Means for Pennsylvania
Philadelphia often describes itself as a city that limits entanglement with federal immigration enforcement. That identity matters, but the Berks County facility exposes its limits.
Here’s What Mayor Parker Needs to Do to Defend Philadelphia’s History
Mayor Parker has more tools at her disposal than a lawsuit.
SEPTA's High-Tech Answer to Fare Evasion Could Slow Stop-and-Frisk on Transit
The only mystery is why it took so long.
Democrats Say They Want Fighters. Philly Is About to Test That.
Voters are not choosing a short term protest voice.
Election Night in Philadelphia: Voters Decide on Judges, DA
Photojournalist Kriston Jae Bethel documents the 2025 general election that would determine who sits on Pennsylvania's highest court and the city's top prosecutor—through the quiet determination at polls, the methodical work of counters, the anticipatory wait for results.
Another four years: Krasner wins re-election
Turnout increased during Tuesday's election, bucking recent trends.
Pennsylvania voters retain three state Supreme Court judges
Justices Donohue, Dougherty, and Wecht will all continue to serve on the state's highest court.
.:::Charged Up:::.
A poem on America and elections.
How Philadelphia Became One of the Most Carceral Cities in the World
Before the War on Drugs, there was the War on Crime, and before the War on Crime, there was the War on the Poor. Black Philadelphia families have been tasked with surviving each siege.
The Philly Download's first-ever print publication is here
Pick up a copy of our election zine at select locations across Philadelphia.
Philadelphia's District Attorney Race: Everything You Need to Know Before Tuesday's Election
A look at the candidates and how this race pits two competing philosophies against each other.