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Snail mail started in America well over 250 years ago. Philadelphia is the proud birthplace of it all, and Benjamin Franklin is to thank for it. CBS News Philadelphia's Nikki DeMentri reports.
Philadelphia is the proud birthplace of the United States Postal Service, and Benjamin Franklin is to thank for it all.
In 1737, Benjamin Franklin became the postmaster of Philadelphia under British rule. Nearly 40 years later, in 1775, he became the first postmaster general appointed by the Continental Congress, helping keep the Continental Army connected and informed. Nikki DeMentri explores Philly's connection to one of our nation's oldest institutions.
Centuries later, one of America's Founding Fathers' innovations is helping scientists today understand climate change. CBS News Philadelphia's Brandon Goldner has the story.
One of Benjamin Franklin's innovations is helping scientists today understand climate change.
Despite living and walking the streets of Philadelphia 250 years ago, research conducted by America's Founding Fathers continues to play a pivotal role in helping scientists understand how the Earth's climate is changing.
Longwood Gardens is one of America's premier horticultural destinations, drawing visitors year-round with colorful displays, dazzling fountain shows, concerts and workshops. CBS News Philadelphia's Madeleine Wright has the history behind one of the area's most popular attractions.
Spanning more than 1,100 acres, Longwood Gardens features indoor gardens, outdoor gardens and striking architecture.
Longwood Gardens' story begins in 1906 after businessman Pierre S. duPont to preserve historic trees. Today the grounds are home to ornate fountains and thousands of flowers in Chester County. Madeleine Wright reports.
What follows is not a best-of list, but an examination of why the cheesesteak has become an important part of the city and what differentiates the best-known from one another. CBS News Philadelphia's Siafa Lewis reports.
Why has the cheesesteak become so uniquely Philadelphia? An examination of the iconic sandwich.
If you've ever asked for "wooder" or "wooder ice," chances are you have a Philadelphia accent, one of the most studied dialects in the United States. Reporter Josh Sanders talked to a professor and some locals about what makes it special.
Throughout 2026, the United States Mint in Philadelphia has celebrated by making new coins.
Graeme Park in Horsham is a popular wedding venue, but it wasn't always so peaceful.
Graeme Park, a historic site that's popular for weddings, is peaceful now. But the house on the Horsham, Pennsylvania, property was the site of some marital and political strife during the American Revolution. Reporter Kim Hudson has the story.
Philadelphia is the proud birthplace of the United States Postal Service, and Benjamin Franklin is to thank for it all.
The rapper and Philadelphia native will join Christina Aguilera, Jill Scott and The Roots at the "One Philly Unity Concert" on July 4.
Why has the cheesesteak become so uniquely Philadelphia? An examination of the iconic sandwich.
Borrowing inspiration from the Rose Parade, the floats feature everything from silk flowers to coffee beans, crushed pine cones and cranberry seeds.
With floats borrowing inspiration from the Rose Parade, Philadelphia will be ringing in America's 250th with an extra-special celebration on July 2, the day John Adams wanted to be Independence Day. Nikki DeMentri goes behind the scenes as work continues ahead of the Red, White and Blue To-Do.
Philly Fair 250 will bring fun for the whole family to the Centennial District as part of Wawa Welcome America.
Wawa Welcome America kicks off Friday with new events for 2026, including Philly Fair 250 in Philadelphia's Centennial District near the Please Touch Museum.
Old Village Paints in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania, is practically a one-woman show with about 100 different colors to choose from. CBS News Philadelphia's Nikki DeMentri reports.
Old Village Paints in Montgomery County, Pa., is practically a one-woman show with about 100 different colors to choose from.
One of Benjamin Franklin's innovations is helping scientists today understand climate change.
From "wooder" to "jawn," the Philly accent is more than just a few famous words. It's what makes Philadelphians uniquely Philly.
A descendant of Betsy Ross recently donated the seamstress's original sewing table to the museum in her former home in the Old City section of Philadelphia.
No "apparent bodies" were found at an Olney home during an investigation involving the ID of missing person, police say.
Two juveniles are faceing multiple charges in connection with a massive fire that destroyed several properties in Allentown Wednesday night, officials say.
The Second Round Foundation, founded by Sandra and Jalen Brunson, aims to help provide young people with what they need to thrive in the future.
Violators caught going 11 mph or more over the 25 mph speed limit will be ticketed.
The heat and humidity will increase a little for Friday as temperatures climb to near 90 degrees, feeling more like the low 90s thanks to the humidity.
Two juveniles are faceing multiple charges in connection with a massive fire that destroyed several properties in Allentown Wednesday night, officials say.
Violators caught going 11 mph or more over the 25 mph speed limit will be ticketed.
As a massive rescue effort gets underway, Venezuelans in Philadelphia fear for loved ones who have been displaced by two powerful earthquakes in the country.
No "apparent bodies" were found at an Olney home during an investigation involving the ID of missing person, police say.
Ivory Coast advances to the World Cup knockout round for the first time in its history with a 2-0 victory over Curaçao.
A major procedural hurdle has been cleared for the future of the shuttered Wonderland Pier amusement park in Ocean City, New Jersey.
An ex-South Jersey middle school teacher is facing new charges in connection with sexually assaulting a student, the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office announced.
Pride flags are once again blowing in the breeze on Kings Highway in Haddonfield, less than 48 hours after police say a man ripped most of them down.
Ocean City resident Frank LaFerrara rescued a teenage girl from a rip current thanks to lifeguard training he received 50 years ago.
The memory of Michael Stewart, a 6-year-old boy who drowned on his first day of summer camp, is kept alive by his mother and his community.
Police say a 19-year-old pointed a gun at a crowd and then fled from police, and an officer shot him during a foot pursuit.
Prosecutors allege John Wallace-Bey got into an argument with two co-workers, left work and later came back and shot them.
A man from New Jersey was charged after he allegedly hit and killed two teen pedestrians in Townsend, Delaware, over the weekend.
A 66-year-old woman who was riding an e-bike in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, died in a crash Saturday morning, state police said.
Every year, the August Quarterly Festival Choir lifts so many spirits at the oldest Black religious gathering in the country.
At Jefferson Moss-Magee Rehabilitation Center, dogs are being used to help aphasia patients.
Janaylon Wright's cancer symptoms were overlooked for months. Her story, featured in a new report, reflects broader disparities in cancer care.
Vets emphasize that marijuana edibles often contain other highly poisonous ingredients like chocolate or artificial sweeteners, which can worsen the toxicity for dogs.
New research from Rutgers University says there could be a new connection between popular diet drugs and violent behavior.
Josie Selke was diagnosed with a rare pediatric leukemia at just 5 months old. But thanks to a grant from the Alex's Lemonade Stand Foundation, today she's in remission.
Target is voluntarily recalling two types of baby wipes due to concerns that the products may be contaminated with bacteria that may cause "serious and life-threatening infections," the U.S. Food and Drug Administration said on Friday.
The Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board says it will begin approving the extended-hours permits for Philadelphia businesses within the next week.
Two top-rated and critically acclaimed restaurants in the Philadelphia area are receiving a new honor.
Sportswear brand Mitchell & Ness is opening a new three-story flagship store in Center City Philadelphia.
Caesars Entertainment is being acquired for almost $6 billion by Fertitta, the company that owns Las Vegas' Golden Nugget and chains like Rainforest Cafe and Morton's.
Three men died in a plane crash in Maryland Saturday night, police said.
Organizers say they want the FIFA Fan Festival in Philadelphia to be "soccer Coachella" for fans from around the world.
SEPTA and its police union have tentatively agreed to a new contract, averting a strike during a busy summer in Philadelphia.
Traffic is backed up on I-95 North in Philadelphia because of a crash near East Allegheny Avenue.
SEPTA says it's making improvements to the train station in the South Philadelphia Sports Complex.
The Second Round Foundation, founded by Sandra and Jalen Brunson, aims to help provide young people with what they need to thrive in the future.
The U.S. men's team had already clinched its spot in the Round of 32, the knockout round, with its 2-0 win over Australia on Friday.
Bryce Harper hit a go-ahead two-run homer in the ninth inning, Derek Hill followed with a three-run shot as the Phillies rallied from an early five-run deficit and beat the Nationals 10-5 on Thursday night.
Ivory Coast advances to the World Cup knockout round for the first time in its history with a 2-0 victory over Curaçao.
The 2026 Men's World Cup became the most-attended FIFA World Cup in history Thursday, surpassing the previous record of 3,587,538 fans set in 1994.
There appear to be new clues about the location of Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce's wedding.
Clive Davis helped shape the careers of music stars including Janis Joplin, Bruce Springsteen and Whitney Houston.
Over 80 costumes by award-winning costume designer Ruth E. Carter are on display at the African American Museum in Philadelphia.
Brazilian fans visiting Philadelphia for the World Cup are avoiding dressing the Rocky statue in their team colors.
"The Sound of America," an original production set to world-premiere July 1 at FringeArts, reimagines Benjamin Franklin's life as a rock-and-roll spectacle.
Ukee Washington reports.
Natasha Brown reports.
Natasha Brown reports.
Natasha Brown reports.
Ukee Washington reports.
Middle school students in Philadelphia got the opportunity to do hands-on learning during the school district's five-day career and technical camp.
With her Girl Talk mentoring program, one Philadelphia teen turned her camp days into a safe space to discuss social issues young girls face every day.
Recent high school graduate Sylvain Farrell says his temporary position at a local clinic is the pathway to a full-time career.
A Philadelphia student won an award from NFL Films for his documentary on bringing back sports teams at his Kensington school.
A group of East Norriton eighth graders took what started as an Earth Day project and made a whole initiative.
Our NEXT Weather team is tracking the arrival of periods of rain Friday into Saturday as well as a long heat wave next week. Meteorologist Tammie Souza has the forecast.
The mural stretches over two exterior walls at 12th and St. James streets.
The DEA responded to the home on the 400 block of West Chew Avenue Thursday for an investigation of a person who was allegedly forging government documents.
While they come from different countries and speak different languages, fans and players have one thing in common -- a love of futbol. Our Wakisha Bailey reports.
"Rookie" began his duties with the team in 2015 and will stay on as a goodwill ambassador.