By Andrew Wagner and Josh Buzi

The Cecil B. Moore Branch of the Free Library of Philadelphia’s recently stolen computers were replaced quickly due in large part to public outcry.  The library’s information technology department provided older, unused monitors and computers so that the community’s resource could be restored as soon as possible.
“The computers actually still have floppy drives on them,” said Aurora Deshauteurs, branch manager of the library, located at Cecil B. Moore Avenue and 23rd Street. “At least they still work.”

Due to the age of the computers, the library is still looking for replacements if these computers should fail.

Many local residents stepped up when they heard the news and offered their …

By Charlie Lange

Few  American cities display more tangible signs of poverty than Philadelphia. For most, though, the idea of going hungry is almost unthinkable.

Unfortunately, hunger does happen. A survey released last week by the Food Research and Action Committee named Pennsylvania’s First Congressional District, which includes parts of North and South Philadelphia, the second-hungriest region in the country, with over 36 percent of households not having money to buy enough food.

Upon hearing these results, Philabundance, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, has stepped up its efforts to eradicate hunger from the area. Collecting donated foods at its three warehouses around the city, Philabundance provides direct food relief to the hungry all over the city. To truly solve …

By Patrick McCloskey

The full crowd that rocked out to local bands with names such as Agent Moosehead, Psychedelphia and The Big Dirty didn’t reek of marijuana. But they were in full support of it.

PhillyNORML, the local chapter of the National Organization for the Reform of Marijuana Laws, held a fundraiser Friday night at The Rotunda on Walnut Street. The event helped raise money for medical marijuana reform in Pennsylvania.

The organization is actively working to get Pennsylvania to join the 14 states that have already legalized the medical use of marijuana. In January, New Jersey became the most recent state to legalize medical use.

Chris Goldstein, the master of ceremonies for the event, is PhillyNORML’s media coordinator and sees a bright future …

By Jimmy Viola

Dinner at the Vu residence in Point Breeze is served in traditional Vietnamese style. Plate after plate of rice, fried fish, chicken stew and tripe are placed on newspapers spread over the cherry-stained wood floor. Praying before each meal has gained a painfully new meaning for the Vu family. There has been one less member joining them for dinner since Christmas Eve.

Jason Vu,  14, has been missing since  the morning of Dec. 24. His family members describe Jason as a quiet, introverted boy who spent most of his time locked in his room on his computer. He made honor roll at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic School and stayed out …