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On top of Philly news

Violent crime is exceedingly rare on South Street, despite longstanding misconceptions fueled by the recent shooting

The 400 block of South Street in June 2022

Violent crime is exceedingly rare on South Street, despite longstanding misconceptions fueled by the recent shooting

Some have called for more policing, but the business and entertainment corridor is among Philly’s safest, city data shows.
By Emily White and Beatrice Forman
Billy Penn deputy editor Beatrice Forman takes on Center City SIPS with the help of BP intern Emily White and TikToker Bran Edelman

Journey to the center of SIPS: An influencer-backed guide to the summerlong happy hour

The Wednesday drink specials now come with afterparties — and a healthy dose of personal regret.
beatriceforman2
By Beatrice Forman

Election 2023

Mayor Jim Kenney speaks to the media shortly after midnight on the Fourth of July

What happens if Mayor Kenney resigns? The council president could step in — or not

With a year and a half left in his term, Philadelphia’s 99th mayor once again faces mounting calls for his resignation.
lizzymclellanravitch-headshot
By Lizzy McLellan Ravitch
A spectator videos the Welcome America concert before the shooting broke it up

What we know about the July Fourth shooting that disrupted Philly’s fireworks

Two police officers were wounded. It's unclear if they were shot intentionally.
By Billy Penn Staff
 ·  Jul. 05
Kids enjoyed a zip line set up on the Ben Franklin Parkway as part of the Welcome America Fourth of July festival

Photos: Philly celebrates Independence Day with music, dancing, food, and fun

The free Fourth of July festival on the Ben Franklin Parkway gave Philadelphians a chance to smile.
mikeyreeves
By Michael Reeves
 ·  Jul. 04
Independence Hall

How to Philly

A starter guide to Philadelphia’s must-see American Revolution history

From the basic to the lesser-known, a primer for tourists or residents.
ashaprihar-headshot
By Asha Prihar
 ·  Jul. 03

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Crowds at a rally outside the National Constitution Center on June 25

Abortion in Pa.

Protests for women’s liberty and reproductive freedom will fill Philadelphia on the Fourth of July

After the Supreme Court overturned Roe. v. Wade, many plan to demonstrate on the nation’s birthday.
By Billy Penn Staff
 ·  Jul. 03
Vanderwende's opened June 29 at 243 Market St.

Philly food and drink scene

Old City gets a new scoop shop with Vanderwende’s, offering ice cream made on the family farm

The youngest of three siblings is bringing the Delaware venture into Philly.
emilywhite
By Emily White
 ·  Jul. 02
Horace Mann Bond with United Negro College Fund Presidents, Philadelphia, 1952

Headlines of Yore

The civil rights legacy of Horace Mann Bond, Lincoln University’s first Black president

Bond's research helped make school segregation illegal, and his son would go on to co-found the Southern Poverty Law Center.
aviwolfmanarent
By Avi Wolfman-Arent
 ·  Jul. 02
Philadelphia School Superintendent Tony Watlington outside the first day of summer enrichment classes in West Philly. Watlington officially assumed his duties June 16.

Opinion

With $450k consulting contract, Philadelphia’s new school superintendent crushes hopes for change | Opinion

Tony Watlington is bringing in a Tennessee-based firm, and the Board of Ed. isn’t taking questions.
lisahaver
By Lisa Haver
 ·  Jul. 01
The Chester County snack food company is running a contest to see which Philadelphia-inspired flavor is most popular

Philly food and drink scene

Taste test: Which ‘Flavored by Philly’ potato chip is the best?

The Billy Penn newsroom landed on a pretty clear winner.
ashaprihar-headshot
By Asha Prihar
 ·  Jul. 01
School District of Philadelphia headquarters at 440 N. Broad St.

How Philly schools are funded — property taxes play a huge role — and why state budget negotiations are key

Philadelphia’s school district will spend more than $4 billion this year to educate city kids.
jordanlevy-headshot
By Jordan Levy
 ·  Jun. 30
Scene from the the 1972 Philadelphia Gay Pride March

Opinion

Whose history is it, anyway? Examining how we commemorate the city’s first Gay Pride March | Opinion

In 1972, Cei Bell was a 17-year-old volunteer.
ceibell
By Cei Bell
 ·  Jun. 30
This may be the first of its kind

Philly food and drink scene

Say hello to corn dog donuts, the newest creation from South Philly’s Okie Dokie

The brilliant mashup obviously needed to exist.
danyaheadshot-2021nov
By Danya Henninger
 ·  Jun. 30
Temple University Station, a SEPTA Regional Rail stop in Philadelphia

SEPTA Key

SEPTA has been double-charging Regional Rail riders’ Key cards, with 1,600 hit by ‘bug’ before a fix

The transit authority has already issued refunds to half of the affected customers, officials said, with more on the way.
lizzymclellanravitch-headshot
By Lizzy McLellan Ravitch
 ·  Jun. 29
The renovated house is in striking contrast to its abandoned state before

West Philly house that can mine crypto sells for $237k, sparking debate over gentrification and what ‘affordable’ means

The Mantua property was renovated after sitting abandoned for a decade.
beatriceforman2
By Beatrice Forman
 ·  Jun. 28
Kemar Jewel and co. perform

Voguing, dance, and fashion take over the Franklin Institute at the 2022 Summer Ball

The Pride month event was created as a “choose your own adventure” to appeal to all types.
luisa
By Luisa Suarez
 ·  Jun. 28
In January, firefighters responded quickly, but there were no working smoke alarms in this Fairmount rowhome where 12 people died

Deadly Fairmount Fire

Bill inspired by deadly Fairmount fire would mandate better smoke alarms in public housing nationwide

The legislation provides funding for education, but not directly to help landlords install new detectors — and PHA says cost is a big issue.
jordanlevy-headshot
By Jordan Levy
 ·  Jun. 27
pollingplace-voting-may2022-2

Election 2022

Map: High turnout in Philly’s May primary, but it varies widely by neighborhood

Overall 24% of registered Philadelphia voters went to the polls, vs. 17% in the previous midterm.
ashaprihar-headshot
By Asha Prihar
 ·  Jun. 27
The new Giant is at the corner of Broad and Spring Garden, in view of the former Inquirer building and City Hall

New Giant supermarket opens on North Broad, bringing local goods and groceries to a fast-developing stretch

The store is at the center of an area about to be flooded with new apartments.
danyaheadshot-2021nov
By Danya Henninger
 ·  Jun. 26
chamberofcommerce-skillsforwardconnections

Sponsored

More than 2,500 people have taken advantage of a new Philadelphia skills and mentorship program

The initiative supports professional development and job connections through coursework and matchmaking.
Steltz-Sarah
By Sarah Steltz, Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia
 ·  Jun. 26
Germantown Avenue in Chestnut Hill at golden hour on the summer solstice

BP Quizzo

June Philly trivia quiz: How much do you know about this city?

24 questions about everything Philadelphia.
By Billy Penn Staff
 ·  Jun. 26
Some of the northern parts of the path — paved the whole way — have gravel-lined spurs that run right along the river

6 don’t-miss stops along the Delaware River Trail, one of Philly’s best new outdoor spaces

The unbroken path now stretches from Fishtown to South Philadelphia, and there’s no shortage of things to check out.
ashaprihar-headshot
By Asha Prihar
 ·  Jun. 25
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