Light Thief Productions

Mural Arts Philadelphia prepares neighborhood bells for 250th celebrations Mural Arts Philadelphia has brought spectacular visions to life on buildings across the city. For the 250th birthday of America, it’s taking on a new object as their canvasses: fiberglass

"Twenty neighborhoods across the city will receive unique, replica Liberty Bells with community-inspired designs as part of celebrations for the Semiquincentennial."

www.phillytrib.com/news/local_n...

Abandoned Philly schools could be handed over to the city The potential deal could be beneficial to both parties, giving a boost to the mayor’s ambitious housing plan and saving the district from excess expenses.

"A decision by the Philadelphia Board of Education to begin exploring and negotiating an agreement to convey vacant properties to the city was met with community concern."

whyy.org/articles/phi...

A sweep of Kensington homeless encampments is underway The “service days” follow enforcement of restrictions on mobile providers.

"The “service day” actions were scheduled for Tuesday and Friday on 11 blocks, including sections of Somerset Street and Allegheny and Kensington avenues, according to an announcement from the Office of Homeless Services."

billypenn.com/2025/12/10/k...

Philly is looking for a semiquincentennial poster. Here's how to submit a design The winning submission will be published in commemorative books and displayed in public buildings. The artist will get $5,000.

"The winning submission will be published in commemorative books and displayed in public buildings. The artist will get $5,000."

www.phillyvoice.com/america-250-...

Dance, murals and music aren’t extras. They’re helping kids heal, learn and grow At Washington Avenue Elementary and schools across the region, arts programs are transforming classrooms and young minds through dance, music and visual arts.

"A 2022 report by the Arts Education Data Project found that more than 2 million students lack access to any arts education, with the majority being from low-income families who live in very rural or major urban areas."

whyy.org/articles/was...

These Philly groups are accepting food, clothes and gift donations during the holidays Here's what they're seeking and how to get the items to them.

"Here are several organizations in need of food, clothing or gift contributions and how to donate to them:"

www.phillyvoice.com/holiday-dona...

Miracle or coincidence? In Theatre in the X’s holiday production, it’s all in how you look at it Playwright Richard LaMonte Pierce says he created “Ordinary People, Extraordinary People” 25 years ago to share “how Black people saw Christmas.”

"Playwright says he created “Ordinary People, Extraordinary People” 25 years ago to share “how Black people saw Christmas.” Plus nine other holiday productions."

billypenn.com/2025/12/05/o...

Delaware, New Jersey child placement agencies urge more people to foster kids The number of licensed foster homes across the U.S. is on the decline.

"Child placing agencies in New Jersey and Delaware, where the number of licensed foster homes are on the decline, are urging residents to help a child or teen in need of a home."

whyy.org/articles/wil...

Pa. households can apply for heating bill assistance after monthlong delay The state delayed its LIHEAP program as it waited for federal funds held up by the government shutdown. The program opens Wednesday, Dec. 3.

Program opens today:

whyy.org/articles/lih...

Affordable housing project to be built on vacant North Philly lots The Nayda Cintron Apartments in Fairhill are being developed by the Women's Community Revitalization Project with the help of state grant.

"The Nayda Cintron Apartments in Fairhill are being developed by the Women's Community Revitalization Project with the help of state grant."

www.phillyvoice.com/north-philly...

At rallies and protests, older adults keep pushing for social change “We want to make the world OK for our grandchildren.”

"Dozens of people crowded the sidewalk and partly blocked 8th Street in front of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement office in Center City, holding up signs and listening to speeches protesting the Trump administration’s sweeping campaign of detention..."

billypenn.com/2025/12/02/a...

Philadelphia wants residents’ input to shape the city’s future A new campaign is asking Philadelphia residents to share their “hopes and dreams” for the city.

"The survey will inform how the commission proceeds with updating the comprehensive plan, a requirement under the city’s home rule charter. It centers on nine open-ended questions rooted in the future of Philadelphia."

www.phillytrib.com/news/local_n...

Community trash disposal sites are coming to Southwest Philadelphia The trash disposal sites will be open 24/7 and accept residential waste.

"The trash disposal sites will be open 24/7 and accept residential waste."

whyy.org/articles/sou...

Philly to launch art festival to coincide with America250 celebration in 2026 ArtPhilly will showcase Philly culture, past and present.

"A five-week, citywide festival of the arts is planned in Philadelphia next summer to coincide with the nation’s 250th birthday. ArtPhilly, starting May 27, will feature over 30 performances and installations by artists from around the region."

whyy.org/articles/art...

Philly schools leader joins talk on Black teacher pipeline at gathering of national educators Superintendent Tony Watlington Sr. recalled the positive impact that Black teachers had on his life during a Friday morning panel at the Black Men in Education Convening at the Loews

"The panel agreed that Black students are sometimes valued by other teachers but “only in the margins.” For example, a Black student who is a quarterback might be valued for his athleticism, but not for activism."

www.phillytrib.com/news/local_n...

Judge dismisses cases against James Comey and Letitia James after finding prosecutor was unlawfully appointed Lindsey Halligan was appointed after President Donald Trump urged Attorney General Pam Bondi to prosecute the former FBI director and New York attorney general.

"Because Halligan, who was appointed interim U.S. attorney for the Eastern District of Virginia at President Donald Trump's direction, was the only prosecutor to present the cases and sign the indictments, the indictments should be voided, the judge found."

www.nbcnews.com/politics/jus...

Trump administration wants everyone to reapply for food stamps. What does that mean? Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins cited fraud, but experts say the rate is about 1.6%. Critics say the move would create backlogs that hurt eligible recipients.

"Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins cited fraud, but experts say the rate is about 1.6%. Critics say the move would create backlogs that hurt eligible recipients."

www.phillyvoice.com/trump-admini...

Employee of a Federal Official Charged with Conspiracy to Falsely Report Violent Attack and Giving False Statements to Law Enforcement A New Jersey woman was charged with conspiring and falsely reporting to law enforcement that she had been violently assaulted with a firearm due to her employment with a federal official.

SCOOP — A former staffer for Rep. Jeff Van Drew (R-NJ), Natalie Green, 26, was charged today for falsely reporting she was attacked by 3 men who wrote "TRUMP WHORE" on her stomach bc of her job. It was staged by her + a friend.

Van Drew isn't named in the complaint but I've confirmed w/ his office.

Philly youth voting and activism are increasing Philly youth voter participation is increasing. Activism is following

"The youngest voters are voting more – and engaging beyond elections. Non-profits that work with them say at least some of their motivation is frustration."

billypenn.com/2025/11/21/p...

An investigation is underway into Chester County’s Election Day poll book error A West Chester–based law firm will investigate how 70,000 third-party voters in Chester County were omitted from poll books on Election Day.

"A West Chester–based law firm will investigate how 70,000 third-party voters in Chester County were omitted from poll books on Election Day."

whyy.org/articles/che...

Here’s where Philadelphians can find free Thanksgiving meals Even with SNAP benefits restored, some Philly families will struggle to afford a Thanksgiving dinner.

"To help bridge this gap, local organizations and grassroots groups are stepping up. Here’s a list of the organizations providing assistance, and how you can receive or offer help."

whyy.org/articles/tha...

Funding cuts threaten people in Philly living with HIV Organizations that provide services like HIV education and living recommendations are being forced to cut programming after funding cuts

"Project TEACH has helped thousands of Philadelphians over the last 20-plus years, but recent funding cuts are threatening it and other similar programs. In addition, state and federal cuts could make the costs of prescription drugs and HIV support services higher."

billypenn.com/2025/11/18/h...

YouTube video by Light Thief Productions Is there a real shift happening for the Democrats? #mamdani #election2025 #progressivepolitics

A piece of our election breakdown on last week's Coffee Break Chat. How are you feeling as we look toward the midterms?

youtube.com/shorts/yPmGv...

South Jersey business coalition stands firm on DEI, despite Trump’s pushback The business coalition continues to provide DEI programming for its members and said they have no intention of wavering from it.

"The business coalition continues to provide DEI programming for its members and said they have no intention of wavering from it."

whyy.org/articles/sou...

Recycled sounds: How one Philly-based musician turns trash into music The average American throws out almost 5 pounds of solid waste each day. One local musician aims to reduce waste by giving trash a second life.

"The average American throws out almost 5 pounds of solid waste each day. One local musician aims to reduce waste by giving trash a second life."

whyy.org/articles/rec...

Some SNAP benefits paid, more in limbo in Philly as legal challenges mount Pennsylvanians who have received SNAP benefits for November can use them, according to Gov. Josh Shapiro and the Department of Human Services on Monday.

"Pennsylvanians who have received SNAP benefits for November can use them, according to Gov. Josh Shapiro and the Department of Human Services on Monday."

www.phillytrib.com/news/state_a...

A quarter century of art in motion: the 2025 Peoplehood Parade and Pageant (Photos) The 25th annual Peoplehood Parade and Pageant swelled through the streets of West Philadelphia on Saturday, with a tapestry of collective voices and vision.

"The 25th annual Peoplehood Parade and Pageant swelled through the streets of West Philadelphia on Saturday, with a tapestry of collective voices and vision."

billypenn.com/2025/11/09/p...

Advocates aren’t sure about impact of Philly’s $2B housing plan Critics argue that Mayor Parker’s H.O.M.E. initiative doesn’t focus enough on the city’s lowest-income renters and homeowners, including older adults.

"Critics argue that Mayor Parker’s H.O.M.E. initiative doesn’t focus enough on the city’s lowest-income renters and homeowners, including older adults."

whyy.org/articles/phi...

Supreme Court rejects call to overturn its decision legalizing same-sex marriage nationwide The Supreme Court has rejected a call to overturn its landmark decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.

"The justices, without comment, turned away an appeal from Kim Davis, the former Kentucky court clerk who refused to issue marriage licenses to same-sex couples after the high court’s 2015 ruling in Obergefell v. Hodges."

apnews.com/article/supr...

LIHEAP is delayed in Pa. due to the government shutdown. Here are other resources for energy bills With the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program delayed, over 300,000 Pa. households will wait longer for help heating their homes.

"With the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program delayed, over 300,000 Pa. households will wait longer for help heating their homes."

whyy.org/articles/pen...