PHILADELPHIA OLD CITY

May 13 2026EDUCATION

How Philadelphia can make fairer school decisions

Philadelphia is dealing with big choices about schools—some might close while others may need renewal. These aren’t just numbers on a page; buildings left empty and fewer students mean tough times for neighborhoods. But when schools shut down or charters lose approval, whole families feel it. Parent

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May 06 2026HEALTH

Breathing in Secondhand Smoke Outside: How Easy Is It to Avoid?

City sidewalks and parks often have special spots where people can light up. These areas are meant to keep smokers away from indoor spaces, but they might not protect everyone nearby. Studies show that secondhand smoke can travel through the air, even outside. Yet most research focuses on how much s

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May 05 2026HEALTH

Older Adults in Ghana Face Rising Fall Risks

Older people in Ghana often experience falls, which can lead to injuries and long‑term disability. Researchers collected data from a large group of seniors in Ghana, the first study of its kind in sub‑Saharan Africa. The goal was to find out how many people had fallen, how many fell more than

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May 04 2026TECHNOLOGY

Smart speakers don’t need to be new to be useful

Old Bluetooth speakers or smart devices often get tossed aside when upgrades arrive. But many people overlook the hidden value in these gadgets. Instead of buying new, you can repurpose what you already own with just a few simple steps. Even basic speakers can do more than just play music—if you kno

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Apr 27 2026HEALTH

Health Self‑Check Predicts Future Depression in Older Adults

Older people often judge how well they feel and this simple assessment can hint at future mental health issues. In a study across several European countries, researchers followed community‑dwelling seniors for up to five years. Participants first rated their own health on a short questionnaire, and

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Apr 17 2026HEALTH

Older Hearts Meet Digital Care: Who Gets In, How They Use It, and Fairness

Older people with heart failure are increasingly turning to digital tools like apps, wearables, and online programs for help. A recent review looked at how well these tools are tested in real life, especially focusing on who actually participates in the studies and whether everyone gets a fair chanc

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Apr 15 2026POLITICS

Small‑Biz Tax Storm: Philly’s New Burden

Philadelphia has pushed a new Business Income and Receipts Tax (BIRT) onto small owners, even those with sales under $100, 000. The city will charge $1. 41 per thousand dollars in sales and $57. 10 per thousand in profits, a change that was previously exempt for many sole proprietors. About 75, 000

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Apr 04 2026HEALTH

Home Fun: How Tailored Activities Keep Seniors Happy

Older adults often feel left out when they stay at home or in care centers. Giving them activities that fit their own tastes can change that picture. A plan that uses the home setting and looks at what each person likes makes daily life more engaging. When activities match a senior’s interests, the

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Apr 02 2026HEALTH

Fitness and Blood Flow in Older Fishermen

Older fishermen who dive for their work show a mix of health traits that scientists want to understand. Researchers first looked at how the blood vessels, body shape, and everyday habits of these men differ from younger people. They also measured how strong the fishermen’s arms and legs were d

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Mar 31 2026HEALTH

Older People Fear Crime More Than Their Health

Older adults live in a world that is safer than it used to be, yet many of them feel uneasy about being victimised. This unease is called fear of crime (FOC). Studies show that FOC can hurt people’s well‑being. Those who worry about crime often report less happiness, struggle more with everyday

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