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Our greatest actors transport us through the magic of fiction, one short story at a time. Sometimes funny. Always moving. Selected Shorts connects you to the world with a rich diversity of voices from literature, film, theater, and comedy. Hosted by Meg Wolitzer.

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Every week listeners hear stories about race and identity that expand their minds, and learn practical ways to make their lives better. It's lifelong learning that ranges from the big picture to tiny details and everything in between.
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Codeswitch / Life Kit

Every week listeners hear stories about race and identity that expand their minds, and learn practical ways to make their lives better. It's lifelong learning that ranges from the big picture to tiny details and everything in between.

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Philadelphia

The exterior of the visitor center building
Politics & Policy
Billy Penn

U.S. government shutdown hits Philly: Here’s what we know

Independence National Historical Park closed Wednesday on the first day of the shutdown.

3 weeks ago

A man holding a small child on his shoulders who is wearing a Phanatic costume
Studio 2
Lifestyle

The power of sports in America

We talk about America’s obsession with sports, how it unites us, and how it can shape who we are. Plus, we get a preview for the Phillies' playoff game.

Air Date: October 1, 2025 12:00 pm

Listen 51:11
A man raising his fist and holding up his bike in front of the Art Museum steps
Community
Billy Penn

The Philly Bike Ride returns for a fourth year of leisurely cruising along Philly’s streets

Over 6,000 cyclists of all ages and levels are expected to join this year. Just remember: it’s a ride, not a race.

3 weeks ago

McPherson Square Library under construction
PlanPhilly
Community

‘We were roasting’: More than half of Philly’s libraries closed due to air conditioning issues this summer

The 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.

3 weeks ago

Listen 1:24
A close-up photo of the Liberty Bell
Politics & Policy

What happens to Independence Park during the government shutdown? No one seems to know

Union leaders in Philly say the Trump administration has not provided guidance for a shutdown, as employees worry that their jobs could be permanently cut.

3 weeks ago

School District of Philadelphia headquarters
Education
Billy Penn

School District of Philadelphia is relaunching its Parent and Family University

The School District of Philadelphia’s Parent and Family University will provide civic engagement, financial literacy, and other resources for participating schools’ caregivers

3 weeks ago

A pedestrian threads his way through snarled traffic
PlanPhilly
Urban Planning

Philadelphia transit advocates want you to spend your week without driving

As a long-term funding solution for SEPTA remains up in the air, the weeklong event encourages Philadelphians to think critically about accessible transit.

3 weeks ago

the Academy of Natural Sciences exterior
Science

Philadelphia’s Academy of Natural Sciences cuts museum hours over funding concerns

Starting Oct. 1, the Academy of Natural Sciences will only be open Friday, Saturday and Sunday. A restructuring of staff is expected to follow.

3 weeks ago

17th Brauhaus Schmitz Oktoberfest
Community
Billy Penn

Photos: The 17th Brauhaus Schmitz Oktoberfest brings beers and bratwurst to South Philly

Philadelphians donned lederhosen on South Street to celebrate Bavarian culture this past weekend.

3 weeks ago

Aerial view of 30th Street station in Center City Philadelphia.
Studio 2
Urban Planning

The future of downtown Philly

Center City has seen robust population growth but office vacancies remain stubbornly high and the east side of Market Street is struggling to attract tenants.

Air Date: September 29, 2025 12:00 pm

Listen 51:14
Solar installers set up an array on the roof of One Hope Community Church in Hunting Park.
Science

‘Innovative’ solar project on Hunting Park church will help nearby households pay their electricity bills

The arrangement is a way to sidestep Pennsylvania regulations that do not allow community solar in the state.

3 weeks ago

April Lee and Yalonda Houston are co-founders of Philly Voice for Change
Community
Billy Penn

Ahead of City Council hearing, councilmember hears concerns about foster care system

Participants shared issues they felt needed to be addressed, even as DHS has made some progress.

3 weeks ago

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts
Community

Fake tush push and special teams TD help Eagles beat Bucs 31-25 to stay undefeated

Special teams got the Eagles (4-0) started with another scoring play, a week after Jordan Davis blocked a field goal for a scoop and score to seal a win against the Rams.

3 weeks ago

(AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar, File)
Community

6 Starbucks locations closing in Philadelphia this weekend

Starbucks says it will be closing about 1% of its stores across North America, a move that also includes laying off approximately 900 employees.

3 weeks ago

two reporters and an attendee at the WHYY open house event
Community

WHYY opens its doors to the community and supporters for Open House and Sustainer Summit

WHYY staff welcomed new and sustaining supporters to WHYY Studios for behind-the-scenes learning about WHYY media and educational programs.

3 weeks ago

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