• St. Joseph’s University, University of the Sciences Considering Merger

    St. Joseph’s University, University of the Sciences Considering Merger

    St. Joseph’s University and the University of the Sciences are considering a merger to ensure that both institutions can continue to grow and thrive in a challenging higher education market, writes Susan Snyder for The Philadelphia Inquirer. Under the terms of the proposal, the 200-year-old USciences would become a part of the larger St. Joseph’s.…

  • Invention by Fox Chase Cancer Center Doctor Helps Cover Unpleasant Mask Odors

    Invention by Fox Chase Cancer Center Doctor Helps Cover Unpleasant Mask Odors

    Even before the pandemic made masks a necessary accessory, Dr. Mark Pizzini, a Fox Chase Cancer Center anesthesiologist and University of Pennsylvania professor, was working on a way to remove some of the unpleasant odors that can arise from using face covering, writes Lynne Adkins for KYW Newsradio. “There can be lots of challenging scents…

  • Philadelphia Recognized as One of Nation’s Top Markets for Life Sciences

    Philadelphia Recognized as One of Nation’s Top Markets for Life Sciences

    Commercial real estate advisory firm Newmark has recognized Philadelphia as one of the top life sciences real estate markets in its 2020 year-end report, writes Laura Brzyski for Philadelphia Magazine. The city of brotherly love and sisterly affection landed in sixth place on the list of 14 centers for innovation and growth. Philadelphia is preceded…

  • As Pandemic Eases, Suburbanites Working from Home Might Force Philadelphia Tax Structure Overhaul

    As Pandemic Eases, Suburbanites Working from Home Might Force Philadelphia Tax Structure Overhaul

    With work from home keeping the majority of suburbanites out of the city, Philadelphia may have to retool its tax policies that include the highest-in-the-nation wage tax, write Christian Hetrick and Laura McCrystal for The Philadelphia Inquirer. The pandemic has already taken a significant bite out of the city’s tax base. The future economic impact…

  • Pandemic Modeling Expert Sees Reasons for Cautious Optimism after Month of Stagnation in Philadelphia Area

    Pandemic Modeling Expert Sees Reasons for Cautious Optimism after Month of Stagnation in Philadelphia Area

    David Rubin, a pandemic modeling expert with the CHOP Policy Lab, is seeing reasons to be cautiously optimistic about the future of the Philadelphia area, writes David Murrell for Philadelphia Magazine. With a team of researchers, Rubin has been modeling the course of the pandemic nationwide for months by using a variety of data. These…

  • Former St. Joseph’s Basketball Star Pays Tribute to Local Hoops at His New Sandwich Shop

    Former St. Joseph’s Basketball Star Pays Tribute to Local Hoops at His New Sandwich Shop

    Marvin O’Connor, a former St. Joseph University basketball star, has opened a sandwich shop in Philadelphia where he pays tribute to local hoops, writes Mike Jensen for The Philadelphia Inquirer. Point Breeze, the cheesesteak and hoagie stand, features a mural by the pickup window that depicts some of the greats from the region. The mural…

  • Dave Portnoy at Barstool Sports Throws a Lifeline to Local Bars and Restaurants

    Dave Portnoy at Barstool Sports Throws a Lifeline to Local Bars and Restaurants

    The local owner of a Philadelphia pub and a Media bar are getting a new financial lease on life as they navigate through the pandemic, thanks to a crowdfunding project of David Portnoy, creator of the popular sports blog, barstoolsports.com. Portnoy set up The Barstool Fund to provide money to small business, mostly restaurants and…

  • Merck CEO’s Foundation Donates $1M to Support Healthcare Programs That Address Social Factors

    Merck CEO’s Foundation Donates $1M to Support Healthcare Programs That Address Social Factors

    The Andréa W. and Kenneth C. Frazier Family Foundation has donated $1 million to help address social factors that impact the health care of North Philadelphia residents, writes John George for the Philadelphia Business Journal. Kenneth C. Frazier is chairman and CEO of Merck, the pharmaceutical giant with substantial operations in Montgomery County. Meanwhile, Andréa…

  • KOP-Based CollegeThoughts Helps Students Navigate Application Process, Offers Place for Self-Discovery

    KOP-Based CollegeThoughts Helps Students Navigate Application Process, Offers Place for Self-Discovery

    CollegeThoughts is a one-stop shop helping students find their way through the college application process. Students get help prepping for SATs, writing essays, preparing for interviews and getting the applications filled out. That’s the least they’ll do for you. CollegeThoughts, headquartered in King of Prussia, is also a place for self-discovery. “We want kids to…

  • Let Goats Feast on Your Christmas Tree by Donating it to Awbury Arboretum

    Let Goats Feast on Your Christmas Tree by Donating it to Awbury Arboretum

    If you do not like the idea of throwing away your Christmas tree once the holiday season is over, there is a much better way to dispose of it, writes Gina Tomaine for Philadelphia Magazine. The Philly Goat Project is hosting tree-cycling at Awbury Arboretum on select dates. To participate, you need to contribute your…

  • Experts Anticipate Return of Tourists to the Philadelphia Region

    Experts Anticipate Return of Tourists to the Philadelphia Region

    With the COVID-19 vaccine rollout underway and the placement of Philadelphia on the Conde Nast gold list of eight “Best Destinations in the World,” experts are expecting to see a return of tourists to the region next year, according to a staff report from 6abc. It is also believed that Pennsylvania Convention Center will once…

  • What’s the Future of Commuting Now That We’re Used to Working From Home?

    What’s the Future of Commuting Now That We’re Used to Working From Home?

    Some miss the perks of traveling to work writes Patricia Madej for The Philadelphia Inquirer. Others enjoy the extra time and saved money that comes with a computer-less day, even if movement is limited and work hours are longer.  Walkers and bikers are the most eager to return to their status quo commute. That makes…

  • Commercial Takeover of Christmas Rescued it From Mummers Anarchy & Made it Safe to Celebrate

    Commercial Takeover of Christmas Rescued it From Mummers Anarchy & Made it Safe to Celebrate

    The commercial takeover of Christmas helped rescue the holiday from the grip of violent gangs of Mummers that used to roam the streets of cities such as Philadelphia and made it safe to celebrate, writes Jason Zweig for The Wall Street Journal. Mummers were gangs of drunk young men who would dress in outrageous disguises…

  • PPP Loans Provided Crucial Relief, Help Small Local Colleges Avoid Layoffs, Furloughs

    PPP Loans Provided Crucial Relief, Help Small Local Colleges Avoid Layoffs, Furloughs

    Payroll Protection Program loans have provided crucial relief for small local colleges, enabling them to weather the pandemic without having to resort to layoffs or furloughs, writes Michelle Caffrey for the Philadelphia Business Journal. “The PPP loan was critical for us,” said Jayson Boyers, president of Rosemont College. “What it allowed us to do was…

  • Two Local Men Honor Healthcare Workers with Message in Sky

    Two Local Men Honor Healthcare Workers with Message in Sky

    Allen M. Hornblum of Huntingdon Valley and Erich Prince of Lower Merion will honor healthcare workers with a plane-delivered message that reads “Philly Loves Its Doctors & Nurses,” writes Frank Kummer for The Philadelphia Inquirer. Hornblum, an author, got the idea several months back to have a plane fly over Philadelphia to thank healthcare workers…

  • Peco Plans to Offer Cheaper Electricity Rates for Non Peak Hours

    Peco Plans to Offer Cheaper Electricity Rates for Non Peak Hours

    Starting next year, Peco will begin selling electricity to residents at lower rates at night to encourage them to shift their usage to nonpeak hours, writes Andrew Maykuth for The Philadelphia Inquirer. Cheaper rates at off-peak hours will also be available for operators of shops and other commercial businesses. The change from the current system…

  • Montco is Home to Some of Best Hot Sauces in Philadelphia Area

    Montco is Home to Some of Best Hot Sauces in Philadelphia Area

    If you like spicy food and are always on the lookout for new hot sauces, you will be happy to learn that some of the best in the Philadelphia region can be found right here in Montgomery County, writes Nick Vadala for The Philadelphia Inquirer. Burning Bush Foods in Elkins Park offers vegan and Kosher…

  • Philadelphia Makes Conde Nast Traveler’s 2021 Gold List of Best Destinations in World

    Philadelphia Makes Conde Nast Traveler’s 2021 Gold List of Best Destinations in World

    Conde Nast Traveler featured Philadelphia on its 2021 Gold List as one of the best destinations in the world along with places like Rome and Kauai, Hawaii, writes Sarah Zlotnick for the Philadelphia Magazine. When describing Philadelphia, Conde Nest Traveler associate editor Betsy Blumenthal recalls it as a special place where people do not care…