⚖️ Parker & Krasner fire back on federal overreach

Mayor Condemns Removal of Slavery Plaques

Mayor Parker announced the city will hold a public hearing Friday to address the city’s lawsuit over the removal of the interpretive panels on the history of slavery at the President’s House. “This history is a critical part of our nation’s origins and it deserves to be seen,” Parker said in a passionate social media video. Gov. Shapiro also took legal action to support the city’s lawsuit. [City of Philadelphia, NBC 10]

• Related: The dismantling of the exhibit at the site where George Washington enslaved nine people comes after an executive order by President Trump ordered removal of materials deemed to “inappropriately disparage Americans.” [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Krasner Warns Federal Agents: FAFO

The district attorney and a coalition of urban prosecutors have created the Project for the Fight Against Federal Overreach, a legal fund to pay for outside litigators who would help file charges against federal agents who commit crimes such as murder, tampering with evidence, and assault. [🔒 The Inquirer]

• Related: The move comes after city councilmembers announced a new legislative package to restrict cooperation with ICE. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Sexual Abuse Survivors ‘Not Overly Optimistic’ About Shapiro Keeping His Word

There's a proposed state constitutional amendment to allow sexual abuse survivors to sue their abusers even after the statute of limitations has expired. But it's not moving through the state senate. Though some survivors place blame on Republican leadership for holding up the legislation, Gov. Shapiro is also being blamed for not doing more. [Spotlight PA]

Philly’s Oldest Resident Dies at 112

Bernice Sebastian died earlier this month at Einstein Hospital. Born in 1913, Sebastian held the record as the city’s oldest living resident, a milestone that even caught the attention of Gov. Shapiro. The oldest of 12 siblings, she was the last to pass, and she leaves behind a legacy as an impactful educator. [Germantown Info Hub]

January is National Radon Action Month, when the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency encourages residents to test their homes for the gas. In Pennsylvania nearly 40% of homes have radon levels above the EPA’s guidelines. But what exactly is radon and why does it matter?

What is radon?

Radon is an odorless, tasteless, radioactive gas. According to the World Health Organization, radon is produced by the decay of uranium, which is found in rocks and soils. When radon escapes into the air more radon particles are produced as it decays further, contaminating airways. It can enter inside buildings through cracks in the foundation. While radon concerns are primarily airborne, it has been found in drinking water as well. Pennsylvania’s geology, climate, and natural gas wells contribute to radon’s presence in the state. Research has also linked fracking to the increase of the gas in homes.

Why can radon be dangerous?

Because of the gas’ odorless, tasteless nature, it may be difficult to identify whether your home or building is contaminated with radon. Radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer behind smoking, according to the American Lung Association. If you smoke and are also regularly exposed to radon, that puts you at even greater risk of lung cancer. About 21,000 people who were exposed to radon die from lung cancer each year, including 2,900 who were nonsmokers. Radon levels measured above 4 picocuries per liter (pCi/L) are considered cause for concern.

How much radon is in Philadelphia?

This map of radon zones identifies which Pennsylvania counties have the highest potential for radon risk. Philadelphia is designated as Zone 3, the lowest risk level, while surrounding Bucks, Montgomery, Chester, and Delaware counties are Zone 2. The EPA still emphasizes individual testing of buildings for radon risk, no matter the zone designation.

📣 If you’re looking to enhance your arts skills, Juliet C. recommends visiting The Arts League. The West Philly arts education center teaches workshops in areas like ceramics, fiber arts, and illustration. Juliet especially loves its VHS club, “where they show Sunday movies projected from VHS tapes. Protect physical media!”

Thanks, Juliet! If you’re looking for other opportunities to get into the arts or film, we have suggestions for craft clubs and film clubs to join.