In The Spotlight
More News
-
While subverting beloved movies can become a bit tiresome, it can be brilliant when it’s done well, and J. Matthew Turner has knocked it out of the park with his reading of The Karate Kid. In the video, Turner asserts that Daniel (Ralph Macchio), not Johnny (William Zabka) is the bully, and that Johnny is the hero. Turner makes an incredibly compelling and convincing case, and I doubt you’ll see The Karate Kid the same way again. If you love The Karate Kid, my apologies in advance, but it turns out you were rooting for a sociopath.
While subverting beloved movies can become a bit tiresome, it can be brilliant when it’s done well, and J. Matthew Turner has knocked it out of the park with his reading of The Karate Kid. In the video, Turner asserts that Daniel (Ralph Macchio), not Johnny (William Zabka) is the bully, and that Johnny is the hero. Turner makes an incredibly compelling and convincing case, and I doubt you’ll see The Karate Kid the same way again. If you love The Karate Kid, my apologies in advance, but it turns out you were rooting for a sociopath.
-
“The Phanatic Song,” a funky and goofy ode to the Phanatic — lyrics include “It’s the Phanatic / and it’s magic”
Even though the Phillies may face a challenging season, one team member's always on fire: the Phanatic. And now, thanks to a collaboration between sports, philanthropy, and music, the beloved (and slightly terrifying) mascot has a new theme song guaranteed to get you moving.
-
Villanova University's 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship on Thursday, April 5th, with a celebration on Market Street beginning at 11AM and a celebration on Dilworth Plaza.
Villanova University's 2018 NCAA Men's Basketball Championship on Thursday, April 5th, with a celebration on Market Street beginning at 11AM and a celebration on Dilworth Plaza.
-
Marc Huppman is a Philadelphia area comic whose offbeat and quirky observations will have you in stitches. He has performed with the Comedy Explosion tour and was a semi-finalist in the 2014 Catch A New Rising Star comedy competition at Catch a Rising Star in Princeton, NJ.
Philadelphia, PA - Graduation is a momentous occasion, deserving of a celebration just as special. Philadelphia's vibrant culinary scene offers diverse restaurants perfect for honoring your graduate's achievements. Whether you're seeking a sophisticated dining experience, lively ambiance, or something unique, these top picks will create lasting memories:
NORTH CAROLINA - Exploring a local farmers' market is one of the best ways to experience a community's heartbeat. In North Carolina, these markets highlight the State incredible agricultural diversity—from the Appalachian Mountains to the Atlantic coast—offering a front-row seat to Southern culinary traditions, artisanal crafts, and vibrant local culture.
SOUTH CAROLINA - Exploring a local farmers' market is one of the best ways to experience a community's heartbeat. In South Carolina, these vibrant markets are a celebration of Southern hospitality, rich agricultural heritage, and legendary Lowcountry culinary traditions.
VIRGINIA - Virginia's dining scene is a masterclass in versatility. You can go from an 18th-century colonial feast in the Blue Ridge Mountains to a high-end seafood extravaganza on the coast in a single afternoon. The "Old Dominion" doesn't just do buffets; it creates dining traditions that have, in some cases, lasted centuries.
OHIO - Ohio is the heart of the "comfort food belt," and it takes its all-you-can-eat culture seriously. Forget the generic chains; Ohio's best buffets are about deep-rooted tradition, massive casino spreads, and some of the best German and Amish-style cooking in the country.
GLOUCESTER CITY, NJ — The grills have sizzled, the cheese has melted, and the verdict is finally in: Lillo's Tomato Pies has been crowned the Best of the New Jersey/Delaware Region in the 2026 March Cheesesteak Madness!
FLOURTOWN, PA — The aromatic legacy of Yemeni coffee is officially taking root in the Philadelphia suburbs. Haraz Coffee House has announced the formal Grand Opening Celebration for its Flourtown location on Saturday, April 25, 2026.
PHILADELPHIA, PA – In a move that bridges the birthplace of America with the shores of San Francisco, Philadelphia's own Evil Genius Beer Company has officially acquired the legendary 21st Amendment Brewery. The deal ensures that one of the country's most pioneering craft brands returns to coolers and taps across 29 states just in time for the 2026 summer season.
DELAWARE - Delaware's craft beer enthusiasts have reason to raise a glass as Iron Hill Brewery prepares to reopen its Wilmington location. The announcement comes less than a year after the company declared bankruptcy, resulting in the sudden closure of all its restaurants nationwide.
PENNSYLVANIA - Less than a year after sending shockwaves through the local craft beer scene by declaring bankruptcy and abruptly shuttering all of its operations, Iron Hill Brewery is plotting a major return to Pennsylvania. The beloved brewpub chain is officially reopening four of its Keystone State outposts under the guidance of a new investor group.
MAINE STATE – As Maine’s "Winter Weekdays" campaign enters its final stretch to bolster midweek traffic, the state’s hospitality industry is facing a bittersweet March 2026. While the "First State" of craft beer sees a triumphant return of some local favorites, the beginning of the year has already claimed several multi-decade landmarks. Between the pressure of the new $15.10 minimum wage and the "winter pause" that turned permanent for some, here is the state of the Maine tavern scene this month.
MICHIGAN STATE – Michigan’s hospitality sector is navigating a "Triennial Transition" this March. As the state enters a massive three-year liquor license renewal cycle, several high-profile urban anchors and niche favorites are choosing this moment to exit the stage. While the "Great Lakes" state is celebrating a fresh crop of James Beard semifinalists, the pressure of rising labor costs and a strategic shift toward retail-focused hospitality is reshaping the landscape from Corktown to the West Side.
VIRGINIA STATE - Virginia, synonymous with American history, holds a pivotal landmark within its borders: Jamestown. While debates about earlier settlements exist, Jamestown's significance as North America's first permanent English settlement is undeniable. Founded in 1607, thirteen years before the Pilgrims landed at Plymouth Rock, Jamestown served as the capital of the Virginia colony for nearly a century, witnessing the struggles, triumphs, and complexities of early colonial life.
CONNECTICUT STATE - Connecticut, one of the original thirteen colonies, boasts a rich history that stretches back to the earliest days of European settlement in North America. But when it comes to pinpointing the State oldest town, the answer isn't as straightforward as one might expect. The title is a matter of friendly, yet persistent, debate between two historic towns: Windsor and Wethersfield.
DELAWARE - As April 2026 brings blooming dogwoods and warming coastal breezes to the First State, Delaware's Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control (DNREC) and Department of Agriculture have issued several briefings. While Delaware recently celebrated the successful eradication of the invasive Nutria, new threats like the Box Tree Moth and a "higher risk" tick season are taking center stage this spring.
VERMONT - As April 2026 brings the final snowmelt to the Green Mountains, Vermont's landscape is waking up with a unique set of challenges. The Vermont Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Agency of Agriculture have issued specific warnings this month, ranging from a "moose health" crisis to the first major push for biological warfare against invasive beetles.
WISCONSIN STATE - Wisconsin, the "Badger State," is renowned for its scenic beauty and diverse landscapes, crisscrossed by a vast network of roads. But which of these roadways claims the title of the longest? That distinction belongs to State Trunk Highway 35 (WIS 35), a north-south route stretching 412.15 miles (663.29 km) across the state.
WEST VIRGINIA - The Mountain State, is renowned for its dramatic gorges and stunning natural beauty. Spanning one of its most breathtaking landscapes, the New River Gorge, is an engineering marvel and an undeniable state icon: the New River Gorge Bridge.
Current Events
WEST VIRGINIA - If you drive in West Virginia, you know that "flat and straight" roads don't exist here. Driving in the Mountain State requires a different skill set—one that involves navigating sharp curves, steep grades, and heavy coal trucks. But there is one specific stretch of road that demands more respect than any other: The West Virginia Turnpike (I-77/I-64).
OHIO STATE - If you’ve stepped outside anywhere from Cleveland down to Cincinnati recently and immediately felt your eyes water, you aren't imagining things. Spring 2026 is officially here, but it brought an uninvited guest about a week early: a massive, relentless wave of pollen.
NEW YORK - Long Island has steadily built a reputation that goes far beyond its daytime appeal. Visitors and locals are finding new reasons to stay out later, explore more venues, and enjoy a wider mix of entertainment options. Areas once known for quieter evenings now offer a blend of dining, music, and social spaces that cater to different preferences.
VIRGINIA - These notable hot-dog destinations are just a glimpse of Virginia's vibrant and diverse food scene. Embarking on a journey through these culinary wonders allows food enthusiasts to savor the true joy of devouring a delectable hot dog in the heart of Virginia. Whether indulging in a classic dog at Famous Uncle Al's or exploring unique flavor combinations at City Dogs, there's no doubt that Virginia's hot dog scene is a haven for those seeking culinary satisfaction.
