Tommy Rowan writes short narratives and human interest stories for The UpSide section.

Latest Stories
Philadelphia takes steps to ensure this Medal of Honor winner is never forgotten

Philadelphia hosts event series to ensure this Medal of Honor winner is never forgotten

February 11
Sgt. John J. McVeigh, a Kensington native, is believed to be the only Philadelphian to be awarded the military’s highest honor during World War II.
The moments that made Kobe Bryant Philly-famous

When Kobe was 14, The Philadelphia Inquirer predicted: ‘Remember this name’

January 27
Kobe Bryant's first mention in The Inquirer came at age 14, and it came with a prescient declaration: "Remember this name: Kobe Bryant."
Meet the Philly area’s first babies born in 2020

Meet the Philly area’s first babies born in 2020

January 1
Dozens of babies were born in Philly-area hospitals between midnight and 5 a.m. on New Year’s Day. But one baby beat them all.
Philly logs first shooting deaths of 2020

Philly logs first homicide of 2020

January 1
The deadly violence that Philadelphia saw in 2019 spilled over into 2020 Wednesday after three men were shot and killed.
Six men arrested in connection with shooting at Camden-Pleasantville football playoff game

Six men arrested in connection with shooting at high school football playoff game, one of them also a victim

November 16
"The vicarious trauma that will be placed upon the students that were at that game will be untold. That should be criminal enough," said Atlantic County Prosecutor Damon G. Tyner.
Lisa Fischer practices in Rittenhouse Square
The Upside

Lisa Fischer practices in Rittenhouse Square

October 26
This week's UpShot.
The RoundUp: SEPTA Police K-9 unit embraces pink leashes, ‘Escape the Workshop School’ returns for third year
The Upside

The RoundUp: SEPTA Police K-9 unit embraces pink leashes, ‘Escape the Workshop School’ returns for third year

October 26
Locals who make us proud.
Greenberg Elementary awarded U.S. Blue Ribbon for Excellence
The Upside

Greenberg Elementary awarded U.S. Blue Ribbon for Excellence

October 19
This week's UpShot.
The RoundUP: NASCAR driver Joey Gase stops by Gift of Life Family House.
The Upside

The RoundUP: NASCAR driver Joey Gase stops by Gift of Life Family House.

October 19
Locals who make us proud.
Gory, classy, confusing: A tour of Philly’s Halloween pop-up bars

Gory, classy, and confusing: A tour of Philly’s Halloween bars

October 16
Clown masks, slime-green cocktails, and scary movies await.