Latest news with #WHYY
Axios
02-05-2025
- Business
- Axios
Trump order could ax funding for Philly's NPR and PBS affiliate WHYY
The Philadelphia region's NPR and PBS affiliate WHYY is facing the potential loss of federal funding after President Trump 's executive order axing financial support for public media across the nation. Why it matters: Thursday's mandate raises questions about the future of the region's largest public media company and could hamper growth at the longtime broadcaster. The big picture: Trump's order that calls the two biggest public broadcasters in the U.S. "biased" and directs the Corporation for Public Broadcasting (CPB) to "cease direct funding" for them comes amid a broader push to target traditional media companies that Republicans see as biased against them. The CPB allocates about $535 million in federal money annually to NPR and PBS. Zoom in: Trump's order claims "neither entity presents a fair, accurate, or unbiased portrayal of current events" to taxpayers. "The CPB Board shall cancel existing direct funding to the maximum extent allowed by law and shall decline to provide future funding," the order states. Between the lines: The situation is already tense with the CPB, which filed a lawsuit against Trump and several administration officials last week for attempting to fire three members of its board. Zoom in: Philadelphia is among PBS and NPR's largest markets, serving nearly 3 million households with a coverage area spanning Philly and its Pennsylvania 'burbs, Delaware and most of New Jersey. By the numbers: Federal funding accounted for a sizable chunk of WHYY's $54 million revenues in 2024 — 7% or nearly $3.8 million. Member contributions are the outlet's largest share of revenue (44%). What they're saying: Bill Marrazzo, WHYY's president and CEO, tells Axios that WHYY is on "solid financial footing" but "the road ahead becomes more challenging" without federal funding.
Axios
16-04-2025
- Politics
- Axios
Larry Krasner unlikely to do a televised debate ahead of May primary
Philadelphia's Democratic primary for district attorney is in the home stretch, but voters are unlikely to see the two candidates go head-to-head in a live televised debate. Why it matters: A TV debate would put the biggest spotlight on the most significant local race this election year. Driving the news: District Attorney Larry Krasner and challenger Pat Dugan have yet to agree to a televised debate ahead of the May 20 primary. So far, Krasner and Dugan have only done candidate forums together. Meanwhile, Dugan began airing television ads yesterday, which are appearing on CNN and MSNBC in the city. The big picture: The May Democratic primary will likely determine who will become the city's next top prosecutor. No Republican candidates are running in the primary. And even if a third-party candidate enters the race later this summer, the Democrat would be heavily favored to win in deep-blue Philly. State of play: Krasner is planning to attend an in-person candidate forum on Tuesday, hosted by WHYY, Committee of Seventy and the Philadelphia Bar Association. The forum will be livestreamed on WHYY's YouTube and Facebook pages, but won't be aired live on the NPR affiliate's television channel, WHYY spokesperson Tory Harris tells Axios. And Krasner won't take part in a live debate on CBS3 that was proposed for next week, campaign spokesperson Anthony Campisi tells Axios. The other side: Dugan's campaign won't commit to the WHYY forum unless Krasner also takes part in the CBS3 debate, campaign manager Daniel Kalai told Axios. A CBS3 spokesperson declined to comment. But the spokesperson forwarded Axios a statement from the Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists, which was partnering with the station on the event, that said the debate was canceled. The intrigue: Krasner is planning on showing up to next week's candidate forum even if Dugan doesn't, Campisi says. Spokespeople for WHYY and the Bar Association tell Axios the forum remains on schedule. Campisi says the Krasner campaign was never going to take part in three debates and preferred the WHYY forum for several reasons, including its moderators, timing and format. What we're watching: FOX29 also proposed to host a pre-taped debate between Krasner and Dugan, Campisi says. Context: Debates are a hallmark of the election process but not a guarantee in Philly. Krasner, who is seeking a third consecutive term, refused to debate his GOP challenger in the 2021 general election. Mayor Cherelle Parker took part in only one televised debate in the general election against her Republican opponent. By the numbers: With five weeks to go until the primary, Krasner was trailing Dugan in campaign cash, per the city's campaign finance reports.
Yahoo
12-04-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
State health officials sound the alarm after troubling contamination patterns identified across 22 public water systems: 'It is a huge deal'
Almost two dozen water providers in Pennsylvania, including six in the Philadelphia area, were told to inform their customers after the affected systems were found to be out of compliance with state mandates regarding toxic per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances — or PFAS. The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection has reported that 22 providers failed to reduce PFAS in drinking water in line with the agency's requirements, according to a March report from public media outlet WHYY. Six of those water providers are in the Philadelphia area, including two schools and a mobile home community. Perhaps even more alarming, WHYY has reported that over 180 providers statewide are still seeing PFAS measuring at levels that exceed the stringent federal limits set to be implemented in four years. PFAS regulation advocate Hope Gross of the Buxmont Coalition for Safer Water told WHYY, "I do think this is a state of emergency, and I think our world is really coming to terms with some of this and I hope that everyone tests their water because it is a huge deal." PFAS have been linked to serious issues like cancer, thyroid disease, developmental delays in children, and more. And they're everywhere, commonly found in everything from food packaging and nonstick kitchenware to water-resistant clothing and furniture, toiletries, and electronics. The chemicals can also be found in our household dust, soil, and drinking water. Research from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences suggests that PFAS could lead to an increased risk of childhood obesity, increased risk of cancers, and a less effective immune system. Other studies have found that reproductive health issues such as endometriosis and preeclampsia may be linked to exposure to PFAS, which are often referred to as "forever chemicals" due to their persistence in bodies and in the environment. As previously noted, new federal regulations on PFAS will come into effect by 2029. These limits will require the 19% of Pennsylvania water providers that WHYY documented in a 2024 investigation as having levels above these limits to reduce PFAS in their water systems. The new standards will be stricter than Pennsylvania regulations and will hopefully create safer drinking water across the United States. How often do you worry about the quality of your drinking water? Never Sometimes Often Always Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. While it would be virtually impossible to completely eliminate PFAS from our everyday lives due to their prevalence in water, food, and consumer items, some steps can be taken to avoid the chemicals. For example, PFAS are commonly found in food stored in takeout containers. Research suggests that those who eat fresh meals at home more often than they eat takeout are less exposed to these chemicals. Several major brands, like McDonald's and Amazon, have also pledged to take steps toward reducing PFAS in their packaging and products. Join our free newsletter for easy tips to save more and waste less, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
CBS News
11-03-2025
- Sport
- CBS News
Philadelphia high school basketball star Shayla Smith hopes to become first WNBA player to wear hijab
In the world of high school girls' basketball, 17-year-old Shayla Smith is making a name for herself. The leading point guard for Universal Audenried Charter School recently made history by setting a new city record of scoring more than 2,500 career points. The Lonnie Young Recreation Center is where Shayla first ever picked up a basketball. "I was 7 when I moved out here, just playing for fun, not taking it seriously," Shayla said. "I was at the park playing basketball with my brother." Shayla shared she's always played with boys, and before she started dribbling, she was throwing a football. Her father, John Smith, laughs now, but when his little girl was suited up at the age of 9 it wasn't so funny then. "She was ready to quit, I was smiling in the inside and then she came home one day and said, 'Dad, I'm going to be the starting quarterback,' the smile just turned to a frown," John Smith said. Shayla shared pictures of her young success. "I was one of the best players on the team. I got MVP two years in a row," Shayla said. From football to basketball, in her senior year at Universal Audenried Charter School Shayla is unstoppable. Averaging more than 20 points a game and becoming the city's public league all-time leading scorer. This season she shattered a new record, scoring more than 2,500 career points. Her moves were inspired by the legendary Kobe Bryant. With career highlights posted on social media, it was her WHYY interview that made her more than just a basketball star. "I want to be the first woman in the WNBA to wear a hijab," Shayla said on WHYY. "I feel like whatever I do I always want to be myself and stand doing what I believe in," Shayla said following her interview. Standing beside her is her father and her family as she has committed to Penn State in the fall, but right now her mind is on winning the playoffs. Last week, the Audenried Rockets came out on top with a final score of 72-36 against the Boiling Spring Bubblers. The Rockets are back on the court Wednesday evening in Easton.
Technical.ly
11-03-2025
- Business
- Technical.ly
Speak with Confidence: Engaging Your Audience & Owning Your Message
Event Description Whether giving an update to your board, leading a team, or sharing the impact of your innovation, your voice is one of your most powerful tools. In this interactive session, Maiken Scott —host and executive producer of WHYY's weekly health and science show The Pulse —will share expert strategies for speaking with confidence while staying true to your authentic self. Drawing from her extensive experience in radio and storytelling, Maiken will also dive into vocal techniques that enhance delivery, helping you refine your message, connect with your audience, and communicate in a way that inspires action. Being a founder goes beyond creating groundbreaking innovation. Each session, we'll host a vetted expert for a deep dive into strategies and insights that will enable your startup to scale sustainably and elevate your leadership. This series will transform your approach and prepare you for the challenges of the C-Suite. Learn more
