Lightnews — Scholar-powered news

Julia Binswanger

@juliabinswanger.bsky.social

Some investigative journalism coming your way: billypenn.com/2025/06/03/h...

The Hershey Kiss might become Pennsylvania's state candy. Should it?

While the Kiss is certainly a strong contender, we’re looking at all of the options.

billypenn.com

June 3, 2025 at 5:33 PM

Julia Binswanger

@juliabinswanger.bsky.social

Today in Philly fake news…
billypenn.com/2025/05/20/i...

May 21, 2025 at 4:02 PM

Julia Binswanger

@juliabinswanger.bsky.social

I chatted with Mawn's Phila and Rachel Lorn ahead of this year's James Beard Awards. Even the best chefs need a strong front-of-house team.
billypenn.com/2025/05/14/j...

Mawn’s Phila Lorn is a James Beard finalist. He says the spotlight also belongs to his wife Rachel

The Lorns opened Mawn together as a shared vision to celebrate their history. Now, they’re gearing up for Chicago.

billypenn.com

May 15, 2025 at 6:36 PM

Julia Binswanger

@juliabinswanger.bsky.social

I wrote about darts.
billypenn.com/2025/05/09/f...

Flight Club’s high-tech darts bar hits the mark in Philly opening

The new, 7,000-square-foot space rebrands the classic bar game with craft cocktails and lobster mac-and-cheese balls.

billypenn.com

May 9, 2025 at 6:30 PM

Julia Binswanger

@juliabinswanger.bsky.social

I had the best time talking with Kosuke and Tomomi Chujo from Nihonbashi Philly ahead of their cheesesteak pop-ups. Their love of Philly makes me feel even luckier to live here.
billypenn.com/2025/04/29/n...

Nihonbashi Philly’s Tomomi and Kosuke Chujo talk cheesesteaks ahead of their new pop-up

Billy Penn chatted with the couple about their classic sandwich, two new Japanese-inspired cheesesteaks and their love for this city.

billypenn.com

April 29, 2025 at 7:26 PM

Julia Binswanger

@juliabinswanger.bsky.social

No need to use potatoes as an Easter egg substitute this year!
billypenn.com/2025/04/17/e...

Hop to it! Egg prices have dropped just in time for Easter

Easter Sunday may commemorate a sacred rise, but the cost of eggs is staying blessedly low this year.

billypenn.com

April 17, 2025 at 8:23 PM

Julia Binswanger

@juliabinswanger.bsky.social

Welp...
www.cbsnews.com/news/trump-t...

Whisky and wine insiders say Trump's tariffs will be "a lot worse than people think" for Americans

Trump hit Europe with 20% tariffs, but a Virginia wholesaler says Americans could see 30% price hikes on some wines, and even U.S. producers face higher costs.

www.cbsnews.com

April 8, 2025 at 8:28 PM

Julia Binswanger

@juliabinswanger.bsky.social

I wrote about murals.
billypenn.com/2025/03/28/p...

Public artworks to check out in Philly this spring

We’ve curated a list of beloved public murals, sculptures, graffiti and more to explore just in time for warm weather

billypenn.com

April 2, 2025 at 7:42 PM

Julia Binswanger

@juliabinswanger.bsky.social

I wrote about eggs.
billypenn.com/2025/03/22/p...

Philly restaurants hike prices to keep eggs on the menu

Beloved Philly breakfast spots have raised prices and aren’t expecting relief, even with reports of egg costs coming down.

billypenn.com

April 2, 2025 at 7:42 PM

Julia Binswanger

@juliabinswanger.bsky.social

It finally happened
billypenn.com/2025/03/26/p...

Philly breaking the Portal is the least surprising story of 2025

The large interactive public art installation arrived in LOVE Park in October 2024 Maybe we should be impressed it lasted five months before needing repairs.

billypenn.com

March 26, 2025 at 3:52 PM

Julia Binswanger

@juliabinswanger.bsky.social

Should I be on Signal now too?
www.theatlantic.com/politics/arc...

The Trump Administration Accidentally Texted Me Its War Plans

U.S. national-security leaders included me in a group chat about upcoming military strikes in Yemen. I didn’t think it could be real. Then the bombs started falling.

www.theatlantic.com

March 25, 2025 at 4:00 PM

Julia Binswanger

@juliabinswanger.bsky.social

Love this Philly/Chicago crossover moment at the PMA!
billypenn.com/2025/03/18/p...

The Philadelphia Museum of Art celebrates Christina Ramberg

Ramberg explored female body image through faceless, fetishized closeups in the ‘60s and ‘70s that could fit in at any contemporary gallery.

billypenn.com

March 18, 2025 at 8:48 PM

Julia Binswanger

@juliabinswanger.bsky.social

The team behind the Bok building has acquired UArts' iconic Hamilton Hall. They aim to honor the building's creative legacy and continue expanding spaces for artists in the city
billypenn.com/2025/03/11/s...

Scout aims to transform two UArts buildings as artists’ havens

The female-led design firm aims to honor University of the Arts’ legacy by creating new spaces for artists. The first hurdle: funding.

billypenn.com

March 12, 2025 at 4:18 PM

Julia Binswanger

@juliabinswanger.bsky.social

Are milk-carton shaped glasses the future of cocktails? Probably not, but this cereal-inspired one is still fun.
billypenn.com/2025/03/07/p...

Philly’s cereal cocktail bar offers up nostalgic, kitschy charm

The latest drink “experience” from Bucket Listers offers up silly, breakfast-themed cocktails, but they're not cheap.

billypenn.com

March 11, 2025 at 5:25 PM

Julia Binswanger

@juliabinswanger.bsky.social

New World Cup poster alert!
billypenn.com/2025/03/05/p...

Philly unveils 2026 FIFA World Cup poster at the annual PHS Flower Show

Artist Nicholas McClintock showed off his winning design at the PHS Philadelphia Flower Show today through a giant re-creation made from hydrangeas, carnations, roses and more.

billypenn.com

March 5, 2025 at 9:46 PM

Julia Binswanger

@juliabinswanger.bsky.social

It's still soup season...
billypenn.com/2025/02/27/1...

15 Philly soups to get you through the end of winter

These hearty favorites from Billy Penn and WHYY staff will help keep your belly full till spring.

billypenn.com

February 28, 2025 at 3:27 PM

Julia Binswanger

@juliabinswanger.bsky.social

Any Philly girls interested in jazz should check out this jam with @keyofshejazz.bsky.social on Sunday!

Free jazz jam for girls in Philly this weekend

Key of She is leading jazz workshops at the Settlement Music School this Sunday for female and nonbinary students of all levels.

billypenn.com

February 27, 2025 at 9:23 PM

Reposted by Julia Binswanger

Billy Penn at WHYY

@billy-penn.bsky.social

It’s been eight months since UArts told its employees they had a week to pack up their belongings and vacate forever. Billy Penn checked in with former staff to see how they’ve processed and mourned the closure of the iconic Philly art school.

billypenn.com/2025/02/24/u...