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
Parker promises change on litter and dumping in Philly. What will that take?
Advocates are encouraged by the new mayor’s early plans to clean up the city. But some are skeptical about her pick to lead the efforts.
12 months ago
Listen 1:08
Plowing for pedalers: Philly cyclists unhappy with lack of bike lane snow removal
It was difficult for cyclists to commute without risking fall as many bike lanes remained snow covered days after the storms were over.
12 months ago
Starbucks finally moving forward with ‘community store’ in North Philly
The long-delayed plans for a different kind of cafe seem to be back on track after fizzling out during the pandemic.
1 year ago
New funding to preserve Mother Bethel African Methodist Episcopal Church
The 134-year-old structure in Society Hill will get $90,000 to rehab its intricately designed stained-glass windows.
1 year ago
Philly DA Krasner sues over legislation that strips some of his authority
Gov. Josh Shapiro signed legislation last month to give a special prosecutor the option to take over the investigation of any crimes committed within SEPTA in the city.
1 year ago
Philly’s water infrastructure needs lots of help. Here’s what’s planned in the coming years.
The multimillion dollar plans will reduce sewer runoff into rivers and help the system better handle heavy rains and flooding.
1 year ago
New Philly bus stop bathrooms ‘amazing’, but a little tough to find
Travelers can now go while they wait, if they locate the new mobile bathroom facilities.
1 year ago
Kenyatta Johnson takes top Philly Council spot after surviving court battles
It’s been a bumpy road for the new City Council president who was acquitted of of accepting bribes in exchange for political favors in 2022.
1 year ago
Future murky for Philly paper bag charge
Mayor Kenney has just a few days left to sign or kill a bill requiring stores to charge 15 cents for paper bags.
1 year ago
The ‘Chinatown Stitch’ looks to rejoin a neighborhood divided by the Vine Street Expressway
Philadelphia plans to reunite a divided Chinatown by capping a section of the Vine Street Expressway.
1 year ago
Krasner attacks new law that allows AG to take over SEPTA cases
The new law allows the state AG to take over investigation and prosecution of crimes committed within SEPTA.
1 year ago
Here’s why SEPTA police are on strike and what it might take to end it
About 170 workers walked off the job Wednesday, the officer union’s first strike since 2019.
1 year ago