WHYY

12/11/2025

Philadelphia launched a sweep of homeless encampments in Kensington this week, sending outreach workers to offer shelter and other services to people living on the street, and sanitation crews to clean up vacated sites.

The “service days” follow enforcement of restrictions on mobile providers.

12/10/2025

Thomas Jefferson University unveiled a $1.8 million finance lab on Wednesday.

The lab is designed to prepare students for jobs in artificial intelligence–driven industries by expanding access to live market data, financial news and research tools.

The lab is funded by alum John Thackrah and allows students access to live data for market research.

12/10/2025

Slugger and clubhouse leader Kyle Schwarber chose Philly over several other offers, keeping “Schwarbombs” in South Philly for as long as he can “keep evolving.”

The slugger and clubhouse leader chose Philly over several other offers, keeping "Schwarbombs" in South Philly for as long as he can "keep evolving."

12/10/2025

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker joins us to discuss her $2 billion housing plan known as H.O.M.E (Housing Opportunities Made Easy).

Parker wants to build or preserve 30,000 housing units. The plan includes constructing new homes on publicly owned lots for first-time homebuyers and providing free home repairs for low-income residents.

City Council is expected to vote on the first annual budget for the plan on Thursday at its last meeting of the year. But there’s a debate over eligibility and which residents the plan should prioritize. Mayor Parker has pushed for broader income eligibility, while some progressive councilmembers want to prioritize lowest-income renters and homeowners.

This episode, Mayor Parker will make her case for her housing strategy and her push for wider eligibility. And as she approaches the end of her second year in office, we’ll also examine her record on other major issues including crime, immigration, sanitation, and the city’s preparations for both the 250th anniversary of the United States and the upcoming FIFA World Cup matches.

Guest:

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker

12/10/2025

We’re giving away tickets to an advance screening of Song Sung Blue starring Hugh Jackman and Kate Hudson at the AMC Fashion District on Wednesday, December 17. First-come, first-served!

https://forms.gle/Y2DmXbTGifHMhYvZ8

12/10/2025

More than 1 New Jersey residents are food insecure, a 65% increase from five years ago.

Amid the holiday season, food banks are seeing an increased demand for help.

Recent data finds more than 1 million Garden State residents are food insecure, including 270,000 children.

12/10/2025

After 1776, movements for independence spread far beyond the United States, to Latin America, Europe, and beyond. As empires weakened, leaders looked to the language of the Declaration of Independence to challenge old systems of power.

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Declaration’s Journey is a 10-part digital series that traces the story of the Declaration of Independence from Jefferson’s pen to movements for freedom around the world. In partnership with the Museum of the American Revolution, the series explores how its words inspired revolutions, challenged injustice, and continue to shape our shared pursuit of equality.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zkaDKIwqLU&list=PLjdphKjPqgdaYQsypKuMLATP4Q7LFXBd5&index=1&t=7s

12/10/2025

Bearded Ladies Cabaret returns to Philly’s Wanamaker Building to close out its fall series this week.

The “Pipe Up!” series of performance events ends this weekend with a series of drag cabaret performances.

12/10/2025

South Philly’s Bellwether District has its first tenant.

The former PES refinery site will be home to the canned drink manufacturer DrinkPAK.

Here's what the $195 million deal could mean for jobs and traffic ↓

The canned drink manufacturer plans to create more than 170 long-term jobs at the former PES refinery site.

12/10/2025

Seeking that perfect gift for someone who absolutely loves Philadelphia?

Billy Penn has a list of Philly-inspired presents and experiences.

Still shopping for that perfect gift? Check out our list of local presents from SEPTA ornaments to Pennsylvania Dutch-inspired card games.

12/09/2025

Pennsylvania made over a billion dollars from digital casinos last year, more than five times what it takes in from sports betting.

With slot machines in our pockets, no one has to leave the privacy of our homes (or...ahem...bathrooms...) to lose thousands of dollars.

Story via NYTimes.

12/09/2025

Kyle Schwarber is going back to Philadelphia.

Multiple outlets reported on Tuesday that Schwarber had agreed to a $150 million, five-year contract with the Phillies.

Kyle Schwarber's new contract with Philly could lead to more activity at baseball's winter meetings as his other suitors execute their alternative plans.