🚇 The air you breathe underground | Morning Newsletter

Morning, Philly.

Just how bad is the air you’re breathing while waiting underground for SEPTA’s subways? Some contain up to eight times the pollution compared to above ground, as our illustrated explainer details.

And University of Pennsylvania is one of the elite universities accused of forming a “price-fixing cartel” to avoid paying financial aid. The school’s former dean of admissions also testified that the children of big donors were “untouchable” and got admitted “almost 100% of the time.”

Plus, Hanukkah decor is everywhere this season, from Dinokkah inflatables to menorah tea towels.

— Julie Zeglen (morningnewsletter@inquirer.com)

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How bad is the air quality in underground SEPTA stations?

🫁 Philly’s pollution levels vary by station, found Villanova University researchers who have been measuring for years. But overall, they are significantly higher underground compared to the same locations outside.

🫁 One of the worst offenders: 15th Street Station on the Market-Frankford Line.

🫁 Still, if you’re a commuter, you can breathe easy: Risk of problems associated with short periods of exposure — say, the eight minutes spent waiting for the next El train — is low. Most at risk? Potentially SEPTA workers who spend much of their days in the subways.

Health reporter Alison McCook and interactives designer Charmaine Runes teamed up for this illustrated explainer, complete with pollution level readings for different stations.

Penn is among the 17 private universities being sued for allegedly colluding to reduce the amount of financial aid provided to students.

According to new court filings, a former admission official testified last year that applicants with connection to major donors or board members were almost guaranteed to be admitted to the Ivy League school — “even if the student was incredibly weak.”

Penn denied the allegation that it gives preference to students who come from wealthy families, and said the lawsuit has no merit.

Reporter Abraham Gutman has the latest details on the case.

Until recent years, few major retailers carried Hanukkah decor — “you just had to get something blue and make your own,” according to one celebrant.

But Jewish retailers and Judaica experts say demand for Hanukkah products is higher than ever.

One tall example: Dinokkah, the six-foot, inflatable Hanukkah dinosaur that has become a best-seller for one online Jewish gift store. National chains such as Target, Kohl’s, HomeGoods, and even Petco (”Happy Pawnukkah”) are offering a growing selection of products, too.

Consumer reporter Erin McCarthy spoke to observants, including an “informal Hanukkah influencer,” about the trend.

Which reality dating show filmed its latest season in Philadelphia, to premiere in February?

A) Love is Blind

B) Love Island USA

C) Ready to Love

D) 90 Day Fiancé

Think you know? Check your answer.

♻️ Recycling: Paper gift wrap — unless it’s glittery or embellished.

🍜 Begging: To get a reservation at Cambodian noodle shop Mawn.

🛒 Grabbing: Essentials before these stores are closed on Christmas. (Trash pickup will be delayed, too.)

🍳 Ordering: Queen Village-based Majdal Bakery’s Turkish egg safeha.

Hint: Nonprofit with a mission to support low-income Philadelphians and first-time homebuyers through affordable housing

UTAH FAITH ABNORMITY

Email us if you know the answer. We’ll select a reader at random to shout out here. Cheers to Angela K., who solved Wednesday’s anagram: Franklin. The Sixers’ blue-dog mascot is one of the stars of the latest “Philly Mascots Yule Log” video.

👻 One last rhythmic thing: Meet DJ Ghost, a.k.a. Josh Barrett, who helps the Sixers find their groove. The sounds he plays at practice tie into how coach Nick Nurse teaches his players. For example, for a good defensive play, there’s an eagle screech, which represents how Nurse wants his players to defend — with their hands out like an eagle.

Thanks for starting your day with The Inquirer. I’ll see you back here tomorrow.

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