Your Daily Guide

Pennsylvania Can’t Deny Abortion Coverage for Women on Medicaid

The Commonwealth Court declared that restricting Medicaid funding for abortion was sex-based discrimination and that “reproductive autonomy” is a constitutional right protected from government coercion. [🔒 The Inquirer]

How Philly Neighbors Are Taking Ownership of Vacant Lots

Philadelphia has over 40,000 vacant lots, many neglected by their original owners. To prevent these parcels from becoming hotbeds for illegal dumping or other harmful activity, Philadelphians have been reclaiming them. Now, the Philadelphia Lands Stewards Union has formed to help residents gain ownership of the land they’ve been caretaking for years. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Philly Soccer Fans To Ride SEPTA for Free During World Cup

While NJ Transit is charging World Cup fans $150 (!) for a one-way train ticket to games in North Jersey, fans seeing the action in South Philly will pay the normal $2.90 SEPTA fare and — thanks to a sponsorship deal with Airbnb — $0 to return. [Billy Penn]

Warning Period Ends for School Zone Speeding Fines

Violators will now be ticketed $100 or more if caught speeding in these school zones, with the final cost depending on how much over the limit the driver goes. The cameras will only be active during school hours. [CBS Philly]

Dine Like Philly’s Top Chefs

Philly’s food scene is having a moment in the national spotlight, so it’s no surprise we have eight finalists vying for a James Beard Award. While we wait to see who gets awarded the culinary equivalent of an Oscar, these are the restaurants in Philly where the nominees hang out. [🎧 City Cast Philly, 🔒 Philly Mag]

Allergy season can make us feel like we have no control. Out of the blue, you’re suddenly sneezing, and wheezing, and your eyes are so itchy that you feel helpless to Mother Nature’s whims. While you can’t control the seasons, you can control and reduce allergens in your home.

What Are Allergens?

Allergens are the antigens that trigger your body’s immune responses to fight off the perceived threats. Allergens often come in the form of pollen, dust mites, and mold spores. These can enter your home through open windows and on the clothes you wore outside.

But never fear, City Cast Philly is here with a room-by-room guide to setting up your allergen-free home:

🛌 Bedroom

• Wash sheets, pillowcases, and blankets at least once a week, especially if your doggie who loves to play outside cuddles with you nightly (guilty!).
• Consider purchasing pillow and mattress covers that are hypoallergenic or dust mite-proof.
• Vacuum rugs regularly, particularly with a machine that uses HEPA filters.

🚽 Bathroom

• Ventilation is key for your self-care space. An exhaust fan will help reduce moisture buildup.
• Wash shower curtains and bathroom mats often. Spray and scrub surfaces weekly.

🍽️ Kitchen

• When was the last time you cleaned your fridge? Yeah, same. Scrub out the mold hiding in cracks and crevices, and replace moldy rubber seals around doors.
• If possible, install an exhaust fan over your stove to remove cooking fumes.

🛋️ Living Room

• Refresh your AC and heater filters.
• Consider placing air purifiers throughout the house. You can find affordable purifiers at your local store — or make your own air purifier.
• Avoid using wood-burning fireplaces as the smoke and gas can worsen respiratory allergies.

🏡 Everywhere Else

• Opt for synthetic fabrics for rugs, curtains, and blinds.
• Opening the windows is OK — but consider the time of day and wind speeds. Nighttime is typically the worst time to open windows. Check the pollen count during peak allergy season.
• Wipe down dog and cat fur with a towel or disposable wipes.
• Wash clothes soon after returning from outdoors.
• Check the soil of your indoor plants for mold growth.
• If you live in a humid region, consider a dehumidifier.

📣 What tips do you have for allergy season? Email us!