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.
Latest news
Meija Moreno moved to Philly to be an artist. Now, she’s caught up in the biggest television scandal of the year
Moreno talks about meeting West Wilson, her viral “hair ties” and navigating Summer House drama on Bravo.
Philly is home to the nation’s only accredited circus school – but it’s shutting down
The Circadium School of Contemporary Circus has faced funding cuts and administrative challenges since it started. Its director said this school was one of a kind.
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.
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.
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.
‘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.
MORNING ROUNDUP: BILLY PENN’S DAILY NEWSLETTER
More Philly news
‘Pop-up concrete’ event shows what bike lane protection on Spruce and Pine could be
Philly Bike Action’s event aims to clear up misconceptions about the size of the potential concrete barriers along the popular Center City bikeways.
It’s about to be PrideAF. More on Philly’s new queer art festival
Philly’s LGBTQ+ opera singers, drag artists and performers are coming together for a celebratory lineup of June shows.
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.
Parker administration calls anti-ICE bills ‘legally problematic’ but suggests mayor won’t block them
Under the proposed bill, DA Larry Krasner could prosecute federal agents for wearing masks and residents could sue them.
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.
Healing Verse Germantown uses poetry and public art to strengthen community bonds
Exhibit organizers hope it serves as a model in Philly and the U.S. for addressing mental health wounds of gun violence through the transformative power of poetry and public art.
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.
The latest progress on the I-95 CAP project: All lanes of 95 South to close overnight next week
When it’s done, residents will enjoy new park space and easier access to the Delaware River from Old City over top of I-95.
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
Billy Penn’s ultimate guide to spring in Philly
Things are heating up this spring in Philly – literally. With America 250 coming up, there are more events than ever to enjoy the city
Neighborhoods
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.
Power & Politics
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.
Want to be more involved in your neighborhood but don’t know the difference between a civic association and an RCO? Let us help
Registered community organizations and civic associations help residents get more involved with their neighborhood. Here’s how you can join
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
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secrets & Fun
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.
Long before the Linc and the Bank, Philly paved the way for the nation’s sports fans with America’s first stadium
The iconic Franklin Field, where the Penn Relays, Penn football games and other sporting events are held, was the first stadium in the nation.
Curating connections: How Join Philly offers a ‘participation on-ramp’ to fun activities
Join Philly is a directory of Philly clubs and organizations. And next month, they’re hosting an activity fair so you can get more involved.
Sports Culture
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.
Phanatic, Gritty, Ben Franklin and Betsy Ross join ‘hype squad’ for America250
The “people-powered” Visit PA Playmakers will help welcome visitors from around the world to Pennsylvania.
Philly-based artist wants your toenails to make a replica FIFA World Cup trophy
Clancy Philbrick is asking the world to mail him their (clean) fingernail and toenail clippings for his critique on labor and the wealth divide. He already has years’ worth of his own.
Rocky statue heading into the Philadelphia Museum of Art for the first time
The sculpture will be part of the museum’s monuments exhibition, before it returns outside to a permanent spot at the top of the steps.
