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How a federal funding freeze would impact Philly region

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How a federal funding freeze would impact Philly region


The lack of clarity is remarkable as targets of the freeze face enormous consequences. States, local governments, institutions and many nonprofits rely on federal funds to deliver services and carry out vital programs. The OMB memo called for an exception to Social Security, Medicare and direct payments to Americans.

U.S. District Judge Loren L. AliKhan’s decision to grant a temporary stay was made in order to hear arguments from the White House and the various entities who challenged the pause. That hearing is scheduled to take place Feb. 3.

Local elected officials are already experiencing fallout from the freeze.

A spokesperson for Chester County told WHYY News its Department of Community Development is currently unable to access more than $13.3 million in federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

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The money is meant to support affordable housing, homelessness and nonprofit services. Without this subsidy, 70 households with disabilities would likely be experiencing homelessness, according to county officials.

“Federal funds are also crucial for maintaining and repairing our transportation infrastructure – our roads, bridges and public transit systems that keep our county moving,” the county said in a statement. “Our residents depend on them to get to work, school, medical appointments, and for goods and services to flow smoothly. Delays in these repairs aren’t just a matter of convenience, they could be dangerous.”

Chester County government receives approximately $68 million in federal funding.

In Bucks County, spokesperson Jim O’Malley said according to the county’s current estimates, a federal funding freeze would halt roughly $300 million in “pass-through” funds and just under $80 million in direct federal grants to the county.

Montgomery County’s Democratic Commissioners Neil Makhija and Jamila Winder estimated residents benefit from more than $140 million in federal grant programs each year. The pair issued a statement Tuesday evening, arguing the pause would “hurt hundreds of thousands of people in Montgomery County.”

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“That memo was reckless and should never have been issued,” Makhija said in a statement Wednesday. “While it’s fair to communicate a desire to evaluate government spending and programming, there are more effective — and legal — ways to do this in partnership with all levels of government. We’re doing everything we can to protect our residents and ensure that we’re able to continue to meet their needs, in everything from housing to public safety.”



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Pennsylvania

More than 500 protest Trump administration at Pennsylvania Capitol building

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More than 500 protest Trump administration at Pennsylvania Capitol building


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About 500 people braved a stiff wind chill in the low 20s on the steps of the Pennsylvania Capitol Feb. 17. 2025 in Harrisburg to protest the Trump administration’s actions since inauguration less than one month ago.

The organization 50501 Movement responsible for the event is striving to organize regional protests across the 50 states all on the same day.

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The 50501 Harrisburg chapter describes its most recent protest on Feb 7. as a “decentralized rapid response to the anti-democratic and illegal actions of the Trump administration and its plutocratic elites.”

Hank Smeltzer, of Lower Windsor Township, holding a sign “Focus on the problems” said that the recent administration executive orders are a distraction to what he believes is actually going on. 

I “couldn’t just sit home and do nothing,” Smeltzer said. “This is probably the single most important cause in our lifetimes. Everybody who cares about democracy and patriotism, as it truly is, is on their back heels right now, so we have to recover from this and we gotta to fight. When the courts are the first line of defense, if they’re overwhelmed, (then) it’s the people. After that, it’s the military and we all know what happens when it comes to that.”

A large group of protesters marched from City Island to the Capitol complex chanting along the way, meeting with another group on the steps. There were no counter-protesters at the demonstration.

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Pennsylvania AG discusses Shapiro/Trump lawsuit on This Week in Pennsylvania

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Pennsylvania AG discusses Shapiro/Trump lawsuit on This Week in Pennsylvania


(WHTM) — Last week, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro (D) sued the Trump administration after about $2 billion in federal funds was frozen. Many asked why Shapiro, a former Attorney General, was leading the charge and not the newly elected Attorney General Dave Sunday (R). Sunday joined This Week in Pennsylvania to discuss the issue and […]



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Delaware River Named Pennsylvania's 2025 “River Of The Year”

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Delaware River Named Pennsylvania's 2025 “River Of The Year”


BUCKS COUNTY, PA — The Delaware River, which forms the eastern boundary between Pennsylvania and New Jersey, has been named Pennsylvania’s 2025 River of the Year after securing the most votes in a public competition, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) and the Pennsylvania Organization for Waterways and Rivers (POWR) has announced.

“The Delaware River is a conservation success story, and this designation is a testament to its historical, cultural, and recreational significance,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “From providing drinking water to millions to fueling economic growth and offering outdoor recreation, the Delaware River is a shining example of how communities can work together to protect and restore vital natural resources.”

The Delaware River has played a pivotal role in American history, marking the site of Washington’s famous crossing — the turning point of the Revolutionary War. It was crucial in driving the Industrial Revolution, and today, the Delaware River Port is the largest freshwater port in the world.

Tubing and kayaking are popular water sports on the Delaware River. (DCNR)

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More than 14 million people rely on the river for drinking water. Once heavily polluted, to the point where ship hulls darkened from the contamination, the river has since undergone a dramatic recovery and now boasts more National Wild and Scenic designations than any other river.

This marks the third time the Delaware River has earned the title of “River of the Year,” having previously won in 2002 and 2011. The public cast a total of 8,037 votes, with the Delaware River receiving 2,962, followed by the Youghiogheny River (2,784) and Perkiomen Creek (2,291). POWR, an affiliate of the Pennsylvania Environmental Council, administers the annual vote in partnership with DCNR.

“The River of the Year program is an opportunity to highlight the beauty, history, and ongoing conservation efforts surrounding Pennsylvania’s waterways,” said Janet Sweeney of POWR. “The Delaware River stands out not only for its role in American history but also for its transformation into a model of ecological restoration and stewardship.”

The Bristol Borough waterfront on the Delaware River. (Jeff Werner/Patch)

The river is home to the Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, one of the top 20 most-visited national park areas in the country. Additionally, many of its tributaries are currently under study for national protection under the Wild & Scenic Rivers program.

To celebrate this recognition, a River of the Year Paddle will take place in June as part of a year-long series of events. The Upper Delaware Preservation Coalition, which nominated the Delaware River, will receive a $15,000 Leadership Grant from DCNR and POWR to support these activities. A commemorative poster will also be created to mark the occasion.

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“The Delaware River’s designation as Pennsylvania’s 2025 River of the Year underscores the power of partnerships in conserving and celebrating this incredible waterway,” said Mark Zakutansky of the Appalachian Mountain Club and Chair of the Delaware River Sojourn Steering Committee. “As we mark the 30th anniversary of the Delaware River Sojourn in 2025, we invite everyone to experience its waters, learn about its history, and join the community dedicated to its
preservation.”

Administered by DCNR, Pennsylvania’s Rivers Conservation Program supports river restoration and protection efforts, scenic river designations, water trails, and community engagement initiatives like River of the Year.

For more details on Pennsylvania’s River of the Year program and upcoming events, visit DCNR’s website and check the DCNR Calendar of Events.

The New Hope-Lambertville Bridge reflects in the Delaware River. The span is one of many crossing the Delaware River. (Jeff Werner/Patch)



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