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A Way with Words is an upbeat and lively show about language examined through culture, history, and family. Language debates, variations, and evolution, as well as new words, old sayings, slang, family expressions, word histories, etymology, linguistics, regional dialects, word games, grammar, books, literature, writing, and more.

A Way with Words

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A one-hour edition of the popular afternoon radio newsmagazine delivering breaking news mixed with compelling analysis, insightful commentaries, interviews and special features, and transforming the way listeners understand current events and view the world.
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Weekend All Things Considered

A one-hour edition of the popular afternoon radio newsmagazine delivering breaking news mixed with compelling analysis, insightful commentaries, interviews and special features, and transforming the way listeners understand current events and view the world.

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History

Boston Celtics' John Havlicek is defended by Philadelphia 76ers' Chet Walker
Community

Chet Walker, who helped the 76ers win the 1967 NBA title, has died

The seven-time All-Star forward was 84. Walker was inducted into the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame in 2012.

2 years ago

There Was Nothing You Could Do: Bruce Springsteen’s “Born In The U.S.A.” and the End of the Heartland by Steven Hyden
Studio 2
Arts & Entertainment

Bruce Springsteen’s “Born in the U.S.A.” anniversary, UArts in Philadelphia closing

The legendary album of the Boss turns 40 and we reflect on the impact of Bruce Springsteen's music and what it says about our region, country, politics and more.

Air Date: June 4, 2024 12:00 pm

Listen 50:03
a scene from the play
Arts & Entertainment

Mt. Airy’s Quintessence Theatre sets the table for Juneteenth with a modern classic about the Civil War

Suzan-Lori Parks’ “Father Comes Home From the Wars,” set during the Civil War, has its Philadelphia premiere during Juneteenth.

2 years ago

Listen 1:40
Battleship New Jersey
Courts & Law

After more than a month in drydock, the Battleship NJ sets date for Camden return

With new reinforcement plates and a fresh coat of paint, the Big NJ will soon return to its Camden home.

2 years ago

Jamie Gauthier posing with other members of the task force
Politics & Policy
Billy Penn

New Philadelphia task force studies reparations for Black residents

Recommendations could include payments, social services, and political reforms.

2 years ago

Orlando Lonnie George, Jr.
Community

Orlando ‘Lonnie’ George, former Delaware speaker and Del. Tech president, dies at 78

George was president of Delaware Technical Community College for 19 years before retiring in 2014.

2 years ago

Statue of Josh Gibson
Community

Josh Gibson becomes MLB career and season batting leader as Negro Leagues statistics incorporated

After a three-year research project, Negro Leagues statistics for more than 2,300 players were incorporated into Major League Baseball's official records.

2 years ago

A rear view of Hockessin Colored School #107C (Courtesy of Hagley Library and Museum)
Courts & Law

Delaware marks 70th anniversary of its role in landmark Brown v. Board decision

The First State still struggles with creating a quality education for all students despite its consequential role in the Brown v. Board decision.

2 years ago

Listen 4:42
artifacts from the exhibit
Science

After months of public feedback and controversy, Philly’s Mütter Museum opens new exhibition

The new exhibit is “intentionally rough around the edges” and asks for more feedback.

2 years ago

Inside the Franklin Institute near the Ben Franklin memorial
Community

TED Talks coming to Philly as part of 250th celebration of America’s independence

The speakers series now joins other 2026 events in Philly, including the World Cup, the MLB All-Star contest and March Madness.

2 years ago

Listen 1:11
Sam Lemon, right, speaks during a news conference with Susie Williams Carter, center, and lawyer Michael Pomerantz, Monday, May 20, 2024, in Philadelphia. Carter is the sister of the youngest person ever executed in the state of Pennsylvania, Alexander McClay Williams, 16, and Lemon is the great-grandson of the attorney who represented him. Carter is suing the county where the Black teenager was convicted in 1931. The suit comes two years after Williams' conviction by an all-white jury was vacated. (AP Photo/Matt Slocum)
Courts & Law

Family of Black Pa. teen wrongly executed in 1931 seeks damages after 2022 exoneration

Sixteen-year-old Alexander McClay Williams remains the youngest person the state has put to death. He was exonerated by Gov. Tom Wolf after researchers dug up new evidence.

2 years ago

a written document
Arts & Entertainment

Thwarting the revolution: Mercer Museum explains historic outlawry of the Doan Gang

Was Bucks County’s Doan Gang a band of libertarian heroes or revolutionary traitors? Discuss at the Mercer Museum.

2 years ago

Listen 1:39
Crews remove one of the country's largest remaining monuments to the Confederacy, a towering statue of Confederate General Robert E. Lee on Monument Avenue in Richmond, Va., Wednesday, Sept. 8, 2021. (AP Photo/Steve Helber, File)
The Connection with Marty Moss-Coane
Politics & Policy

How to confront our nation’s troubled history

If we want to make progress, we need to talk honestly about the most painful parts of America's history. So how do we help people reckon with, and not resist, the past?

Air Date: May 17, 2024 12:00 pm

Listen 50:16
Krystal Strong and Mike Africa Jr.
Community

MOVE exhibit aims to showcase who the members of the Black liberation group ‘were as people’

“MOVE: The Old Days” tells the history of the organization through an exhibit on display this weekend at the Paul Robeson House and Museum.

2 years ago

Listen 1:07
Mike Africa Jr.
Community

39 years after MOVE bombing, activists remember victims of the West Philly tragedy

“It’s really important for us to document this history, talk about things — and to never forget,” Mike Africa Jr. said.

2 years ago

Listen 1:20
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