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.
Latest news
The rise and fall of World Cafe Live
Just when you thought it couldn’t get worse: the arrest of four World Stage employees and a venue-shutdown for selling liquor without a license is the latest in a string of bad press for the venue.
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.
Why do people kick Uber Eats robots? What’s motivating Philadelphians to attack autonomous tech
Despite the parallels to hitchBOT, robot abuse is not just a Philly thing, though giving the robot eyes doesn’t help things.
Philly could keep burning trash in Chester for just one more year
City is evaluating waste disposal options, while also studying bacterial “digesters” and tip-toeing into composting.
The fight to maintain family ties is central to the world premiere of James Ijames’ latest play
“Wilderness Generation” offers a solution to today’s widespread feelings of isolation, providing a heartfelt and comic how-to at Philadelphia Theatre Co.
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
MORNING ROUNDUP: BILLY PENN’S DAILY NEWSLETTER
More Philly news
Philly wants your vote on final touches for Harriet Tubman statue
The statue of the civil rights icon will debut at City Hall later this year – and Philadelphians can help choose a quote that will be inscribed on its base.
‘Just too onerous’: Getting bicycle racks in Philly should be simpler, advocates say
The costs, specifications and waits for a bicycle rack or corral permit might be discouraging businesses from even applying. The Streets Department says it’s reviewing its processes.
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.
Carousel House rec center design completed, construction to begin this summer
Philly’s only rec center designed for people with disabilities has been closed for six years.
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.
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.
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
James Beard Foundation moves seven Philly contenders to final round
Out of 12 Philly chefs, bars or restaurants in the semifinals, seven are now one step closer to one of the top prizes in all of the food world.
Neighborhoods
West Philly affordable housing: How a program pairs Drexel students with older adults
One West Philly program reimagines housing strategies, matching students with seniors.
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
Philly weekly events calendar: April 1 through April 5
From exhibits and concerts to film festivals and egg hunts, Billy Penn highlights some of the best local activities to enjoy this week in Philly.
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.
How Philly Trinket Trove is inspiring joy, one small item at a time
The small box on South Street offers passersby the chance to swap small toys, stickers, knick-knacks and whatever items of whimsy can fit on its shelves and in its pouches.
The Ministry of Awe turns a historic bank into a trippy playground of art and oddity
Philly’s newest art space opens tomorrow, packed with moving murals, AI technology, modern art and surreal design.
Sports Culture
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.
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.
What to know about the 2026 PGA Championship in Delco
This May, the world’s best golfers will be competing in one of golf’s major tournaments, for a trophy with a very familiar name to Philadelphians.
‘Soccer Coachella’ coming to Philly’s Lemon Hill to celebrate FIFA World Cup
Up to 20,000 expected for the free fan fest that will feature live World Cup games, food vendors, music and much more.
