The Why Archive

Why has the Neshaminy School District in Bucks County refused to give up a decades-old nickname for its sports teams that many consider to be a racial slur?

Why a South Jersey couple taking sanctuary in a Philly church still has hope of staying in the U.S. legally.

Why are more people flouting immigration laws by taking sanctuary in Philly? What is it like to live in a church under self-imposed house arrest?

How has protesting in America — and Philadelphia — changed since Martin Luther King, Jr. fought for civil rights and how effective is it?

Why have many black girls and women felt the social media movement that has exposed the misdeeds of powerful men has left them behind, until now?

Why is the Philadelphia Parking Authority ticketing cars for blocking street sweepers — on streets the city doesn’t actually sweep 75 percent of the time?

Philadelphia's Defender Association says cops pull over more African-American drivers in the 14th Police District than white ones. Is racial profiling to blame?

New Wawa stores are popping up all over Philly, including its biggest ever in Old City. Why the renewed focus on the city? And how is the hoagie-eating public responding?

For survivors of gun violence, long-term help in overcoming new physical and financial challenges is not always easy to find after leaving the hospital.

With the unflappable Nick Foles under center, it feels like Eagles have been touched by angels this season. But can divine intervention get the Birds past Saints Sunday?

Should schools be rated and reviewed like restaurants, movies, and Uber rides? Or are the stakes higher? Why Pennsylvania is trying a new tool.

Why Cory Booker's rhetoric has changed as he tries to court the most progressive wing of the Democratic Party and position himself for a 2020 presidential bid.

A white referee recently forced a black South Jersey high school wrestler to choose between cutting his dreadlocks or forfeiting a match. Why did this unfold this way?

Why the Painted Bride, a staple in Philadelphia's art community for nearly 50 years, is selling its iconic building in Old City to pursue a more nomadic vision.

Amid all of the distressing and difficult headlines we encounter every day, let's meet some of the regular people working to make a positive change in their communities.