Climate change has rapidly become part of our national discourse. As early as four or five years ago, the issue was treated by many as a paranoid conspiracy. Now, political figures from governors to presidential candidates to George W. Bush himself seem unable to avoid the fact that not only is our planet becoming warmer, but it is also losing the ability to produce key resources such as oil and clean water. Here’s a look......

PA State Rep. Mark Cohen of Philadelphia has apparently been engaged in one of those most hated activities: billing taxpayers for frivolous expenses. He's been spent state money on an enormous numbers of books, and three society weekends in New York. The state Agriculture Department's restaurant inspection website, which used to just tell you whether each restaurant had passed inspection or not, now also provides complete inspection reports on all eateries. Check it out......

- It might be bad news for Barbaro (via). - 3 birds in a local live bird market tested positive for avian flu. Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff assures folks that, "Mild strains of avian influenza are very common in poultry, and we have no reason to think this strain is any different." Still, you might want to steer clear of kissing birds for a while, just in case.- (via) -Two young men were shot and......

Phillyist is certain you're sickened to know that you missed your chance to meet Pennsylvania Agriculture Secretary Dennis Wolff - he was in town yesterday to help celebrate Buy Local Week, July 10-17. But don't despair! Despite not being able to worship Dennis Wolff in person, you can still celebrate Buy Local Week - Friday night at 7pm - Local Grooves, Local Brews, Local Food Dinner at World Cafe Live.Saturday, 10am-4pm - Buy-Local-Palooza at the......

Come Fourth of July weekend, we can count on Philly residents with more enthusiasm than brains to take to the streets, illegal fireworks in hand. And we mean that literally. It is not unusual to hear the loud boom of fireworks, followed by gut-wrenching screams, the smell of burning flesh, and then ambulance sirens. Ah, the sweet sound of Philadelphia summers! Some people never learn to leave it the experts. Or, at the very least,......