Community news: Local stories from Philly, Delaware & NJ

Don Skidmore stands in front of a sign for United Auto Workers Local 735, the union chapter he represented as president when he was a General Motors employee. (Ari Shapiro/NPR)

NPR

Life after GM: A family upended by auto plant closure took divergent paths

Three members of a Michigan family had all worked at a General Motors plant near Detroit before it closed in 2010, as the economy and the auto industry collapsed around them.

8 years ago

This July 16, 2013 file photo shows a sign at Facebook headquarters in Menlo Park, Calif. (Ben Margot/AP Photo, File)

International

Politics

Technology

Social media’s misinformation battle: No winners, so far

Caught embarrassingly off-guard, technology giants have thrown millions of dollars, tens of thousands of people into fighting fake news, propaganda and hate.

8 years ago

The Rev. William Barber marches outside the U.S. Capitol during a Poor People's Campaign rally in June. On the left is co-leader of the Poor People's Campaign, the Rev. Liz Theoharis. (Jose Luis Magana/AP)

NPR

Elections

Religion

Social Justice

Preaching Gospel of love and justice, William Barber mobilizes progressive Christians

From his rallies on the national stage to his local ministry, Barber moves smoothly between political and spiritual messages.

8 years ago

$Landlord George Fantini has agreed to pay New Castle County $438,000 to settle his debt for code violations, back taxes and other infractions at properties such as this one in Claymont. (Zoe Read/WHYY)$

Delaware

Delaware landlord pays $438,000 to settle litany of code violations

The cost covers debt from back taxes, sewer service charges, code enforcement fees, and legal costs.

8 years ago

Mourners visit the memorial outside the Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh after eleven people were killed in a mass shooting last weekend. Security remains tightened as congregations prepare to celebrate Shabbat. (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)

NPR

Public Safety

Religion

Jewish leaders encourage Americans of all faiths to #ShowUpForShabbat

As people take part in services, the horror of last weekend will be inescapable, especially for those in the Steel City.

8 years ago

Georgia voters and supporters dance and sing during a

NPR

Elections

National

In final stretch, groups work to get young people, minorities to the polls

As of Thursday, at least 20 states have already surpassed their vote totals for the entire early voting period in 2014.

8 years ago

The Philadelphia Experiment

Elections

History

Race & Ethnicity

Yes, America, is mine

As thousands of migrants walk to America to escape the violence in Central America, I’m disappointed that a president who is the son of ...

8 years ago

Security guard Donald Mee stands near the entrance of Congregation Adath Jeshurun, in Elkins Park, on Wednesday, Oct. 31, 2018. (Bastiaan Slabbers for WHYY)

Home & Family

Public Safety

Religion

Parents balance fear, faith as Jewish preschools amplify security measures

Saturday's shooting at Tree of Life synagogue in Pittsburgh has increased anxiety within the Jewish community, including the 40-some preschools in the Philadelphia area.

8 years ago

Listen 4:49

Addiction

Philadelphia

Public Health

Dozens hit Philly’s Kensington Avenue for first ‘large-scale’ cleanup

Miguel Sanders stopped in his tracks. Towards the tail end of the morning rush on Thursday, dozens of volunteers swarmed the busy ...

8 years ago

People protesting against President Trump gather near the Tree of Life Congregation on Wednesday in Pittsburgh, Pa. (Brendan Smialowski/AFP/Getty Images)

NPR

National

Politics

Public Safety

Poll: Nearly 4-in-5 voters concerned incivility will lead to violence

42 percent say the president is the most to blame, while about a quarter to a third say the media is the most to blame.

8 years ago

Delaware

Environment

Agreement reached over Delaware poultry company wastewater violations

State environmental officials have reached an agreement with a southern Delaware poultry processing company over wastewater violations. ...

8 years ago

Down the Shore

New Jersey

Elderly man fractures skull in Halloween parade motorized cart mishap

An 80-year-old Pennsylvania man was hospitalized Wednesday night after a serious accident during a popular Jersey Shore Halloween parade.

8 years ago

Protesters angered by President Donald Trump’s executive order that prevented refugees from entering the U.S. rally at Philadelphia International Airport in January 2017. (Branden Eastwood for WHYY, file)

Immigration

Public Safety

Race & Ethnicity

Philly branch of group vilified by synagogue shooter pivots as U.S. cuts refugee program

Under President Trump, refugee resettlement in the U.S. has dwindled significantly. HIAS and other groups have taken the hit to their mission and their long-term stability.

8 years ago

Chris Robinson with Chris Robinson Brotherhood performs at Center Stage on Wednesday, Oct. 29, 2014, in Atlanta. (Photo by Katie Darby/Invision/AP)

Things To Do

Community Events

November 1 - 7, 2018

Salute Philly sports stars, get crafty, or have a few laughs

Myriad offerings await this weekend, including a ceremony honoring some of Philly’s most popular sports figures; a theatrical performance festival; the superstars of of ink.

8 years ago

Listen 3:51