Light Thief Productions
@lightthiefllc.bsky.social
Independent Philadelphia based Production company providing digital event, news, and live event services
"Bilal said her office does not cooperate with immigration enforcement officers, and said she has no authority over what happens outside of the Criminal Justice Center."
whyy.org/articles/ice...
whyy.org/articles/ice...
Immigrant advocates call on Philadelphia sheriff to prevent ICE arrests at courthouse
Bilal said her office does not cooperate with immigration enforcement officers, and said she has no authority over what happens outside of the Criminal Justice Center.
whyy.org
February 4, 2026 at 4:51 PM
"Bilal said her office does not cooperate with immigration enforcement officers, and said she has no authority over what happens outside of the Criminal Justice Center."
whyy.org/articles/ice...
whyy.org/articles/ice...
"The organization hopes to expand its programing and services while its longtime home on Spruce Street undergoes a renovation."
www.phillyvoice.com/william-way-...
www.phillyvoice.com/william-way-...
After tumultuous year for William Way, the LGBTQ+ center's new director looks to focus on community outreach
The organization hopes to expand its programing and services while its longtime home on Spruce Street undergoes a renovation.
www.phillyvoice.com
February 3, 2026 at 8:03 PM
"The organization hopes to expand its programing and services while its longtime home on Spruce Street undergoes a renovation."
www.phillyvoice.com/william-way-...
www.phillyvoice.com/william-way-...
"The 518,000-square-foot facility, located at 3501 Mountain Road in Upper Bern Township, sits more than 90 minutes from Center City, Philadelphia."
whyy.org/articles/ber...
whyy.org/articles/ber...
ICE purchases Berks County warehouse for $87M
The Trump administration has previously eyed the facility in Upper Bern Township as a site for an immigration detention center.
whyy.org
February 3, 2026 at 3:46 PM
"The 518,000-square-foot facility, located at 3501 Mountain Road in Upper Bern Township, sits more than 90 minutes from Center City, Philadelphia."
whyy.org/articles/ber...
whyy.org/articles/ber...
"The Free Library of Philadelphia will host a monthlong slate of Black History Month events in February, featuring workshops, author appearances and hands-on STEM programs at branches across the city."
www.phillyvoice.com/free-library...
www.phillyvoice.com/free-library...
Free Library’s Black History Month events spotlight culture, creativity and community across Philly
Highlighted programs at Cecil B. Moore Library include waist bead workshops, author-led storytime, collage art sessions and hands-on STEM activities.
www.phillyvoice.com
February 2, 2026 at 2:45 PM
"The Free Library of Philadelphia will host a monthlong slate of Black History Month events in February, featuring workshops, author appearances and hands-on STEM programs at branches across the city."
www.phillyvoice.com/free-library...
www.phillyvoice.com/free-library...
"In an effort to address a projected shortage of 2,000 teachers, the Philadelphia Citywide Talent Coalition has launched a $200,000 TeachPHL recruitment campaign to bolster hiring in public and charter schools for the 2026-27 school year."
www.phillytrib.com/news/local_n...
www.phillytrib.com/news/local_n...
New campaign aims to fill vacancies caused by teacher shortage
In an effort to address a projected shortage of 2,000 teachers, the Philadelphia Citywide Talent Coalition has launched a $200,000 TeachPHL recruitment campaign to bolster hiring in public and charter
www.phillytrib.com
February 2, 2026 at 2:43 PM
"In an effort to address a projected shortage of 2,000 teachers, the Philadelphia Citywide Talent Coalition has launched a $200,000 TeachPHL recruitment campaign to bolster hiring in public and charter schools for the 2026-27 school year."
www.phillytrib.com/news/local_n...
www.phillytrib.com/news/local_n...
"Lemon, 59, and three other journalists —Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy — were arrested “in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota," Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a post on X on Friday."
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
Don Lemon arrested by federal authorities after protest at Minnesota church service
Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a Friday post on X that Lemon was arrested in addition to three other journalists "in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota....
www.nbcnews.com
January 30, 2026 at 5:47 PM
"Lemon, 59, and three other journalists —Trahern Jeen Crews, Georgia Fort, and Jamael Lydell Lundy — were arrested “in connection with the coordinated attack on Cities Church in St. Paul, Minnesota," Attorney General Pam Bondi said in a post on X on Friday."
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news...
"In a police brutality case that drew national attention, Sean Grayson fatally shot the Black Springfield area woman in her home in 2024 after she had called 911 to investigate a possible prowler. His second-degree murder conviction carried a maximum sentence..."
www.wbez.org/criminal-jus...
www.wbez.org/criminal-jus...
White former downstate cop gets 20-year sentence for murdering Sonya Massey
In a police brutality case that drew national attention, Sean Grayson fatally shot the Black Springfield area woman in her home in 2024 after she had called 911 to investigate a possible prowler. His ...
www.wbez.org
January 29, 2026 at 11:30 PM
"In a police brutality case that drew national attention, Sean Grayson fatally shot the Black Springfield area woman in her home in 2024 after she had called 911 to investigate a possible prowler. His second-degree murder conviction carried a maximum sentence..."
www.wbez.org/criminal-jus...
www.wbez.org/criminal-jus...
"Here’s what to know about ICE agreements and operations in the Philadelphia region, and legislation, policies and proposals that limit cooperation with ICE."
whyy.org/articles/phi...
whyy.org/articles/phi...
ICE latest: What agreements are in place in Philly, its suburbs, New Jersey and Delaware?
Some local law enforcement has signed 287(g) agreements with ICE. Others are doubling down on limiting cooperation with federal agents amid a nationwide crackdown.
whyy.org
January 29, 2026 at 3:22 PM
"Here’s what to know about ICE agreements and operations in the Philadelphia region, and legislation, policies and proposals that limit cooperation with ICE."
whyy.org/articles/phi...
whyy.org/articles/phi...
"Avenging the Ancestors Coalition held a gathering on Wednesday, and are supporting the city’s lawsuit to get signage explaining the site’s ties to slavery reinstalled."
billypenn.com/2026/01/28/p...
billypenn.com/2026/01/28/p...
President’s House slavery exhibit: Lawsuit supporters protest ahead of Friday hearing
Avenging the Ancestors Coalition held a gathering on Monday, and are supporting the city’s lawsuit to get signage explaining the site’s ties to slavery reinstalled.
billypenn.com
January 29, 2026 at 3:21 PM
"Avenging the Ancestors Coalition held a gathering on Wednesday, and are supporting the city’s lawsuit to get signage explaining the site’s ties to slavery reinstalled."
billypenn.com/2026/01/28/p...
billypenn.com/2026/01/28/p...
Philly ICE update:
Philly lawmakers want to restrict cooperation with ICE and ban agents from wearing masks
Two Philadelphia City Council members are expected to introduce the legislation this week as U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement faces mounting national scrutiny over its tactics in Minneapolis.
www.inquirer.com
January 27, 2026 at 3:23 PM
Philly ICE update:
"Final leg of the international survey on the artist, who died aged 32 in 2015, opens at Philadelphia Art Museum."
www.theartnewspaper.com/2026/01/22/a...
www.theartnewspaper.com/2026/01/22/a...
A gifted colourist and civic-minded storyteller: touring show celebrates US artist Noah Davis
Final leg of the international survey on the artist, who died aged 32 in 2015, opens at Philadelphia Art Museum
www.theartnewspaper.com
January 26, 2026 at 6:41 PM
"Final leg of the international survey on the artist, who died aged 32 in 2015, opens at Philadelphia Art Museum."
www.theartnewspaper.com/2026/01/22/a...
www.theartnewspaper.com/2026/01/22/a...
"The Philly protesters specifically called on Shapiro to stop giving "ICE full access to state databases with facial recognition data without judicial warrants," as well cooperation among the department of corrections and ICE, among several other demands."
www.phillytrib.com/news/local_n...
www.phillytrib.com/news/local_n...
Shapiro responds to anti-ICE protesters outside Philly library event
Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro responded to anti-ICE protesters who rallied outside a book event outside the Free Library of Philadelphia's main branch on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2026.
www.phillytrib.com
January 26, 2026 at 6:38 PM
"The Philly protesters specifically called on Shapiro to stop giving "ICE full access to state databases with facial recognition data without judicial warrants," as well cooperation among the department of corrections and ICE, among several other demands."
www.phillytrib.com/news/local_n...
www.phillytrib.com/news/local_n...
Lawsuit already filed:
Philadelphia sues Trump administration over removal of long-standing slavery exhibit from historic park | CNN Politics
The City of Philadelphia is suing the Trump administration after the National Park Service removed a long-standing exhibit on slavery in the city’s Independence National Historical Park.
www.cnn.com
January 23, 2026 at 6:29 PM
Lawsuit already filed:
"Paul Birdsong, chairman of the local chapter, announced in an Instagram video that the group plans to meet with the public on Saturday, Jan. 31, at noon at 2123 North Gratz Street in Philadelphia."
thegrio.com/2026/01/22/p...
thegrio.com/2026/01/22/p...
Philadelphia chapter of Black Panther Party invites public to event after their legitimacy is questioned
Paul Birdsong, the chairman of the Philadelphia Black Panther Party for Self Defense, is inviting the community to learn more amid scrutiny.
thegrio.com
January 23, 2026 at 3:44 PM
"Paul Birdsong, chairman of the local chapter, announced in an Instagram video that the group plans to meet with the public on Saturday, Jan. 31, at noon at 2123 North Gratz Street in Philadelphia."
thegrio.com/2026/01/22/p...
thegrio.com/2026/01/22/p...
"The Customer Relief Fund provides one-time grants of $750. Once the expansion goes into effect on March 2, households can apply if they have an overdue bill and their income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level."
billypenn.com/2026/01/21/p...
billypenn.com/2026/01/21/p...
As electricity rates soar, PECO adds $2.5 million in aid for low-income customers
Utility aims to keep the heat on during cold weather while calling for long-term solutions.
billypenn.com
January 22, 2026 at 4:54 PM
"The Customer Relief Fund provides one-time grants of $750. Once the expansion goes into effect on March 2, households can apply if they have an overdue bill and their income is at or below 300% of the federal poverty level."
billypenn.com/2026/01/21/p...
billypenn.com/2026/01/21/p...
"There was much fanfare in 2013 when FringeArts opened in an early 20th-century pumping station — a massive $7 million renovation that included a sizable bar and restaurant and a 300-seat state-of-the-art theater."
www.phillymag.com/news/2026/01...
www.phillymag.com/news/2026/01...
FringeArts Finally Lives Up to Its Destiny
It's taken more than a decade.
www.phillymag.com
January 21, 2026 at 4:45 PM
"There was much fanfare in 2013 when FringeArts opened in an early 20th-century pumping station — a massive $7 million renovation that included a sizable bar and restaurant and a 300-seat state-of-the-art theater."
www.phillymag.com/news/2026/01...
www.phillymag.com/news/2026/01...
"The candlelight gathering coincided with a municipal council meeting. Organizers used the public comment section to demand transparency from the Norristown Police Department regarding its relationship with ICE."
whyy.org/articles/nor...
whyy.org/articles/nor...
Amid ICE activity, Norristown residents are demanding answers: ‘This community is under siege’
Advocates estimate ICE has detained at least 140 people in Montco since the immigration crackdown began. “What people are seeing in Minnesota,” said one resident, “is happening here.”
whyy.org
January 21, 2026 at 4:15 PM
"The candlelight gathering coincided with a municipal council meeting. Organizers used the public comment section to demand transparency from the Norristown Police Department regarding its relationship with ICE."
whyy.org/articles/nor...
whyy.org/articles/nor...
"A New Jersey town whose former mayor was once heard denigrating Black people on secret recordings made by a whistleblower is now facing a state lawsuit that claims he and local police officials directed officers to keep minorities out of the community."
www.phillytrib.com/news/state_a...
www.phillytrib.com/news/state_a...
State lawsuit claims New Jersey town's former mayor directed police to keep minorities out
CLARK, N.J. — A New Jersey town whose former mayor was once heard denigrating Black people on secret recordings made by a whistleblower is now facing a state lawsuit that
www.phillytrib.com
January 20, 2026 at 4:50 PM
"A New Jersey town whose former mayor was once heard denigrating Black people on secret recordings made by a whistleblower is now facing a state lawsuit that claims he and local police officials directed officers to keep minorities out of the community."
www.phillytrib.com/news/state_a...
www.phillytrib.com/news/state_a...
"Martin Luther King, Jr., is often sanitized as a prophet of harmony, but his true legacy is more complex."
davisvanguard.org/2026/01/mlk-...
davisvanguard.org/2026/01/mlk-...
MLK Day Commentary: MLK and the Moral Failure of Silence - Davis Vanguard
Martin Luther King Jr. and Ibram X. Kendi both argue that racism is not just a matter of individual prejudice, but a systemic issue that requires active anti-racism and structural change, rather than ...
davisvanguard.org
January 19, 2026 at 6:18 PM
"Martin Luther King, Jr., is often sanitized as a prophet of harmony, but his true legacy is more complex."
davisvanguard.org/2026/01/mlk-...
davisvanguard.org/2026/01/mlk-...
"A co-founder of the William Way Center, Olshan coordinated its first art exhibition 50 years ago. She now portrays people she has lost."
whyy.org/articles/wil...
whyy.org/articles/wil...
William Way Center displays LGBTQ memorial portraits by Arleen Olshan
A co-founder of the William Way Center, Olshan coordinated its first art exhibition 50 years ago. She now portrays people she has lost.
whyy.org
January 19, 2026 at 6:10 PM
"A co-founder of the William Way Center, Olshan coordinated its first art exhibition 50 years ago. She now portrays people she has lost."
whyy.org/articles/wil...
whyy.org/articles/wil...
"Krasner also defended Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, who got national attention last week when she said she would "bring the smoke" against ICE."
www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/w...
www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/w...
Philly officials decry ICE activities, vow to hold agents accountable for abuses
On Wednesday, Philadelphia officials gathered to discuss public safety strategies concerning ICE activities in the city and beyond.
www.nbcphiladelphia.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:45 PM
"Krasner also defended Sheriff Rochelle Bilal, who got national attention last week when she said she would "bring the smoke" against ICE."
www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/w...
www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/w...
"Philadelphia ended the Business Income and Receipts Tax, or BIRT, exemption for businesses’ first $100,000 in receipts last year, following a legal challenge that claimed the exemption violated Pennsylvania’s uniformity clause."
www.phillytrib.com/news/local_n...
www.phillytrib.com/news/local_n...
Philly to offer free tax services for small businesses
Surrounded by tax professionals, Mayor Cherelle Parker announced Thursday the city will offer free business tax preparation services for businesses that made less than $250,000 in revenue for 2025.
www.phillytrib.com
January 16, 2026 at 6:43 PM
"Philadelphia ended the Business Income and Receipts Tax, or BIRT, exemption for businesses’ first $100,000 in receipts last year, following a legal challenge that claimed the exemption violated Pennsylvania’s uniformity clause."
www.phillytrib.com/news/local_n...
www.phillytrib.com/news/local_n...
