Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · 2h

Sticker shock is coming for hundreds of thousands of insurance customers in Pennsylvania.

Pa. has approved higher ACA health insurance premiums for 2026, with some price hikes as high as 38%.

Pa. approves higher ACA health insurance premiums for 2026, with some ‘shocking’ price hikes

Insurance regulators say Pennie customers will see premiums rise by 21% on average, which factors in the potential loss of federal premium tax credits, or health subsidies.

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WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · 2d

Philly’s for-profit eviction system shut down a year ago after a string of shootings.

Here's how things have gone since then ↓

How Philly’s eviction system has performed since the sheriff’s office took full control

After a string of shootings, the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office is now the only entity performing evictions in the city.

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WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · 6d

In the final New Jersey governor's debate, Ciattarelli and Sherrill clashed over military records, immigration and Trump.

Here's what to know ↓

via @pkbnews.bsky.social

Ciattarelli and Sherrill spar over military records, immigration and Trump

The final debate’s format allowed the candidates to trade personal jabs.

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WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · 6d

A Rutgers professor wrote a book about antifa in 2017.

Some conservative students want him fired.

Conservative students want Rutgers professor fired for 2017 book about antifa

Mark Bray has fled for Europe after he said he received death threats. The former head of Turning Point USA’s Rutgers chapter says Bray advocates for violence against conservatives.

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WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · 8d

A Philly pilot program gave $1,000 a month to pregnant mothers with low incomes to improve maternal and infant outcomes.

Here's how it's gone so far ↓

Philadelphia marks first full year of Philly Joy Bank guaranteed income program

The program provides $1,000 a month for 18 months to families with low incomes who live in Cobbs Creek, Strawberry Mansion and Nicetown-Tioga.

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WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · 13d

One of Center City’s most recognizable buildings may soon be added to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places:

The city's Hospitality Center — or LOVE Park's "saucer."

Philly’s historical commission poised to designate ‘iconic’ LOVE Park property

The circular structure has sat vacant for about a decade. The city hopes to fill it in time for a jam-packed year of national events.

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WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · 13d

Tens of thousands of people work under H-1B visas in Pennsylvania, New Jersey and Delaware.

Here's how the region could be impacted by President Trump's $100K price tag ↓

How Trump’s $100K price tag for H-1B work visas could impact Pa., N.J. and Del.

Tens of thousands of people work under H-1B visas in the region. Many fear the move will mean less investment in U.S. companies and more talent for overseas competitors.

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WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · 14d

More than half of Philly’s libraries closed due to A/C issues this summer.

Thirty-one closed due to cooling issues for a collective 3,900 hours — more than for staff shortages, the city workers strike or other building issues.

"We were roasting," said one worker.

via @sophia-schmidt.bsky.social

Cooling issues shuttered more than half of Philly's libraries this summer

The city's libraries closed due to cooling issues for a collective 3,900 hours — more than for staff shortages, July’s city workers strike or other building issues.

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WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · 23d

Philadelphia Gas Works spends millions to promote natural gas.

Advocates accuse the utility of "greenwashing."

Why does PGW spend ratepayer money to promote natural gas as 'clean' energy?

Utility records show Philadelphia Gas Works spent $4.2 million on promotions over a 14-month period ending in November 2024.

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WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · 26d

Tons of Philadelphia’s trash are burned in Chester. A bill in City Council could stop that.

Being cleaner and greener "cannot come at the expense of a city more vulnerable than we are," said Councilmember Jamie Gauthier.

via @sophia-schmidt.bsky.social

Philadelphia could stop burning its trash if this bill passes City Council

The proposal would require the city to rethink its waste disposal contracts after they expire next summer.

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WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · 27d

A new Philly pilot program aims to reduce energy burden and curb the cost of electric bills with "cool roof" coatings.

Here's what to know ↓

via @sophia-schmidt.bsky.social

Free cool roof coatings available to Strawberry Mansion residents

Philadelphia residents in parts of Brewerytown, Strawberry Mansion and Allegheny West can apply for a pilot program that aims to reduce energy burden and curb the cost of electric bills.

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WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · 28d

Some Philly neighborhoods, like Hunting Park, can reach 20+ degrees hotter than in greener areas.

A new "cool pavement" pilot program aims to combat summer heat.

via @sophia-schmidt.bsky.social

Philadelphia tests out ‘cool pavement’ in Hunting Park to combat summer heat

The city finished installing a second “cool pavement” test patch this summer. So far, results are mixed.

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WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · Sep 15

A new WHYY podcast — hosted by former NPR “Morning Edition” co-host David Greene — tackles sports with a public media approach.

New ‘Sports in America’ podcast in-depth look at our national pastimes

WHYY will roll out “Sports in America,” hosted by former NPR “Morning Edition” co-host David Greene, on Sept. 30.

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WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · Sep 10

Wilmington’s NAACP branch is getting a major reset. The national board has tapped Connecticut leader Scot Esdaile to step in and rebuild the struggling chapter.

National NAACP board takes action to revamp struggling Wilmington branch

Connecticut’s NAACP leader aims to stabilize operations, finances and community impact for the 110-year-old Wilmington branch.

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WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · Sep 10

Worried about home safety? Burlington County Sheriff’s office has a free program for older adults and residents with disabilities, including inspections and upgrades.

A South Jersey sheriff’s office program helps keep older adults safe

As part of the Burlington County Sheriff's Office program, inspectors check door and window locks, smoke and carbon monoxide detectors and exterior home security issues.

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WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · Sep 8

A 51-unit affordable housing development will soon rise on a long-vacant industrial lot in North Philly's Harrowgate neighborhood.

Harrowgate affordable housing project will breathe new life into industrial lot

The development from Odin Properties in North Philadelphia is the company’s first government-backed project.

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WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · Sep 4

A Philly cash assistance program is proving successful at keeping low-income renters housed.

Here's what to know ↓

Philadelphia rental assistance program helps low-income tenants stay housed

A new study shows the PHLHousing+ program is reducing evictions and homelessness among participating families. It’s unclear if the pilot will become permanent.

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WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · Aug 22

🚨 Delaware school drinking water under scrutiny

Advocates say Delaware isn’t doing enough to tackle lead in school drinking water. Dozens of fixtures tested above safe limits and parents want answers.

Advocates say Delaware needs to do more to prevent childhood lead poisoning

Advocates say the state lacks transparency on school drinking water quality and attempts to remove lead contamination.

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WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · Aug 12

🥵 A Code Red is in effect in Philly, with the NWS forecasting three consecutive days with a heat index of 95 or above.

Here's what that means, and how you can help ↓

via @mariapulcinella.bsky.social

What a ‘Code Red’ and a ‘Heat Health Emergency’ mean for Philly residents

During extremely hot weather, Philadelphia officials will declare a Code Red and/or a Heat Health Emergency. Here’s what they mean, and how you can help.

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WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · Aug 7

TierView Development wants to bring 81 units of workforce housing and 2,700 square feet of commercial space to a leafy section of Germantown Avenue in East Mount Airy.

New workforce housing proposed for leafy parcel in East Mt. Airy

The project from TierView Development needs zoning approval before construction can start.

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WHYY News @whyynews.bsky.social · Aug 6

Pa. in-home health care agencies say the industry faces a looming crisis as the state grapples with a rapidly aging population.

Here's what to know ↓