
Meir Rinde is an investigative reporter at Billy Penn covering topics ranging from politics and government to history and pop culture. He’s previously written for PlanPhilly, Shelterforce, NJ Spotlight, and other publications, and was a staff writer at the Trenton Times and Lawrence Eagle-Tribune. He lives in Passyunk Square with his family.
More from the Contributor
‘We are resilient’ Black community leaders work to rebuild battered Southwest Philly mall
Ron Nowell returned to work at Four Seasons meat market Tuesday after guarding the store from looters on Sunday. He and others are now focused on recovery.
5 years ago
How Philly Council is showing up right now
As violence encroached, City Council pivoted to de-escalation, firefighting, and cleanups in neighborhoods scarred by recent events and deeper wounds.
5 years ago
Landlords resist new laws to freeze rents and ban evictions for COVID-impacted renters
Landlord groups oppose City Council’s proposals to protect renters affected by COVID-19 emergency from eviction, freeze their rents, and require mediation.
5 years ago
Einstein patients crowdfund to save hospital as COVID-19 takes ‘devastating’ toll
Einstein is struggling to survive a pandemic that has ripped through the North Philadelphia community it serves. Its patients are stepping up to save it.
5 years ago
Philly should close streets to cars, open space for social distancing, advocates say
Philadelphia pedestrian advocates pressure city to close more streets to cars so residents can practice safe social distancing outdoors during COVID-19 pandemic.
5 years ago
Pandemic could lead to foreclosure surge but in Philly, help is just a call away
As job losses soar, Philadelphia homeowners risk foreclosure, but the city’s free housing assistance hotline can help them get mortgage relief.
5 years ago
Inequality made the perfect storm for a pandemic. North Philly is fighting back.
First, preschool director Michele Ayala and her teachers delivered tablet computers with six months of free internet access to the homes ...
5 years ago
How Philly’s neighborhoods can help us understand pandemics
Good urban design helped Philadelphia stop 19th-century disease outbreaks. It can also lessen the impact of COVID-19 and future epidemics.
5 years ago
Why 18 strangers spent 6 months raising $150,000 for Philly public spaces
The Giving Project brings together people to collectively raise money and then give it away. This week, the group decided how to disseminate $150,000.
5 years ago
How a ‘relentless’ City Hall insider wants to fix Philly’s rec centers
A lot is riding on the job Kira Strong describes as “a total privilege,” including the mayor’s legacy. Construction begins on 11 projects this spring.
5 years ago
‘Rotting from the inside:’ Fast-growing Philly developer accused of defective building
Streamline homebuyers allege “fraudulent, cost-cutting measures” that compromise the livability of new construction. City, state officials are investigating complaints.
5 years ago
South Philadelphia developer resists calls for more parking, promises grocery store
Alterra Property Group wants more housing, less parking in South Philadelphia Passyunk Square development, plans grocery store to rival Acme.
5 years ago