‘Never in a million years.’ The Rocky statue’s long, unlikely road to acceptance inside the Art Museum
Rocky is headlining the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s new exhibition on monuments, after two decades of drawing millions of tourists to the outside of the building.
Latest news
52 Weeks of Firsts: Ben Franklin’s resume is long. His role as first American postmaster gets highlighted this weekend
Benjamin Franklin wore many hats – one of his earliest ones was serving as America’s first postal leader.
Parker renews plea for rideshare tax to skeptical council
Mayor argues Uber and Lyft can afford the $1-per-ride tax and schools urgently need the money.
‘A full sensory experience’: Reading Terminal crowned America’s Best Public Market, per USA Today
Philly’s historic market celebrated the victory with a visit from the mayor, a flash mob and free cookies.
Philly ‘Peacekeepers’ to get unique professional development in new program
The 8-week program will help invest in programs that help prevent community violence throughout the city.
City Council clashes with superintendent over school closure plan, Uber tax
Lawmakers face pressure from school families over floated school closures and opposition to the proposed $1-per-trip rideshare tax.
More than just home runs. Here’s all that’s planned for Philly’s All-Star week
There’s plenty more going than the 96th Midsummer Classic and the Home Run Derby, as baseball joins the semiquincentennial party.
MORNING ROUNDUP: BILLY PENN’S DAILY NEWSLETTER
More Philly news
Temple plans to upgrade honors program into a full college to attract more prospective students
Temple plans to open the Sullivan Honors College by 2027, with a more “holistic” approach that looks beyond grades to students’ overall experiences.
Philly should fund year-round SEPTA passes for all students, Landau says
Fare cards would work over weekends and summers, even for students who live near their schools.
Philly World Cup fans get free rides home from games this summer thanks to Airbnb
Soccer fans in other cities like Boston and New York face soaring transportation costs amid fights with FIFA, but Philly fans will get a reprieve.
Philly weekly events calendar: April 20 to 26
Explore Philly this week for Earth Day, bake-offs, budget panels, art festivals and more.
ICE treatment of international travelers cited in boycott of Philly conference
More than 2,000 have signed a petition critical of July mathematics meet-up.
The Atlantic thinks Parc has the best free restaurant bread in America. Is it even the best in Philly?
We’re asking readers about their favorite complimentary bread in the city and why.
Southeast Asian community takes center stage in InterAct’s latest Philly Cycle series
“Seng’s Salon” is inspired by a real South Philly spot, telling the story of three generations of Laotians in InterAct’s Drake theater.
America’s first botanical garden is right here in Philly
Bartram’s Garden existed long before our nation was founded. The park was a foundation for natural history in the U.S.
Headlines of Yore
A 19th century Philly civic leader’s legacy includes this pop culture icon
C.C.A. Baldi was a major figure in Philadelphia’s Italian American community. His family would go on to lead in both politics and pop culture.
Food & Drink Scene
Running a kitchen at 21: Ocho Supper Club’s RJ Smith talks his Rittenhouse Hotel residency
Philly’s culinary wunderkind reflects on the rise of Ocho Supper Club, gaining local fame and what the future holds.
Neighborhoods
Billy Penn’s guide to Philly record stores
Record stores have seen a resurgence over the past decade – and these spots in Philly are no exceptions. Here’s where you can go to get your groove on.
Power & Politics
Register to vote and apply for a mail ballot ahead of the May primary election
Registration closes May 4, mail ballot applications are due May 12, and the election is May 19.
Market East will get retail pop-ups and murals as long-term revival strategizing continues
Business group aims to spruce up the struggling corridor ahead of FIFA and Philly250 events.
It’s Women’s History Month: Here’s how you can celebrate in Philly
Philly has lots of iconic history – and the role women have played in building up the city is a big part. Here are ways you can celebrate women this month.
Slavery exhibit restored at the President’s House site amid court battle
The panels depict the lives of nine people enslaved by George Washington while he was president.
Gun violence prevention
From trauma to teaching: Philly gun violence survivors are rewriting how gun violence gets covered
The launch of the Survivor Connection online website and the Association of Gun Violence Reporters both seek to provide training and support.
How Philly became ground zero for rethinking gun violence reporting
An effort led by local researchers and survivors is reshaping how journalists tell stories of trauma, healing, and prevention.
Krasner supports lawsuit against Trump’s $500 million cut to public safety programs
DA accuses president of wanting more urban violence and crime.
Toll the Bell calls for action, awareness of gun violence
The two day event started with a citywide ringing of bells and set of speeches and performances to call for community action
Education
New report shows struggles, successes of Philly area students
The Children First’s report highlights how mental health, violence, poverty and underfunding affects Philly schools and students.
Inside the unraveling of one of Philadelphia’s most successful charter schools
In 25 years, there’s been mostly public praise for MCS — but its methodology is unusual, and some question the founder’s motives in shutting it down.
How teaching in Philly district schools differs from charters: Three teachers share their stories
They each have their pros and cons, on issues ranging from resources to oversight.
Why a Southwest Philly charter is refusing to close after the school board voted to shut it down
Parents had good things to say about the K-8 academy, which was founded in 2007 and, like its neighborhood, is majority Black.
BP Quizzo
💌Love Philly? Sign up for the free Billy Penn newsletter and get a daily roundup of Philly news delivered to your inbox
secrets & Fun
Philly weekly events calendar: April 13 to 19
From film screenings and singalongs to night markets and designer pop-ups, Billy Penn highlights some of the best local activities to join in on this week in Philly.
Long before Ringling Bros., America’s first circus performers got their start in Philadelphia
Philly was home to the first circus performance in the country in 1793. It’s still home to circus arts, performances and schools.
Philly weekly events calendar: April 6 through 12
From outdoor markets to a public art project around grief, Billy Penn highlights some of the best local activities to join in on this week in Philly.
What is that smell around the city? It may be the local pear trees
You’re not crazy if you think some of Philly’s beautiful, blooming trees smell a bit “off.” One expert tells us Bradford Pear trees have a distinct – and unpleasant – scent.
Sports Culture
Mural Arts unveils new Philadelphia Stars Negro League mural plans in West Philly
The group celebrated Jackie Robinson Day by unveiling the expanded design for the new wall that’s being built near the corner of Parkside and Belmont avenues.
‘A great fight town.’ UFC returns to Philly as latest major sports event planned for 2026
UFC 330 will be the MMA promotion’s first event in the city since 2019, and the first “numbered” event here since 2011.
The Phanatic reigns supreme: The Phillies legend beat Gritty to be crowned Pa.’s top mascot
The tournament run by the Pennsylvania Governor’s Office had 16 mascots from major and minor teams and colleges face off to find out which is the state’s favorite.
Philly’s soccer summer ramping up: two new soccer fields to offer local fans their own place to play
A temporary field at City Hall and a permanent installation at Tip Top Playground in Northern Liberties are designed to build excitement for the World Cup.
