Two Rittenhouse Hotel favorites to close amid major makeover
The Library Bar and Mary Cassatt Tea Room are closing as the luxury hotel prepares for a new steakhouse, cocktail bar and redesigned spaces.
Latest news
Philly’s military origin story has sea legs
The U.S. Navy and Marine Corps go hand in hand, and their founding is no different. Both were formed in the fall of 1775 as the nation began to come together in Philly.
Stick around for Tattooed Mom’s international wheatpaste show this weekend
Tattooed Mom’s “Now I Wanna Sniff Some Glue 2” features art from more than 200 artists, amateurs and a wall for visitors to get creative.
Philly has a lot of rats. PETA says put them on birth control
After City Council declared a rat emergency in Northeast Philly, the animal rights group proposed contraception as an alternative to traps and poison.
Herr’s is hungry for your ideas. Which Philly dish deserves a chip?
Herr’s ‘Flavored by Philly’ contest wants your favorite local dish turned into a chip. Submit by Nov. 2, and revisit the flavors that won past contests.
Philly’s vegan scene still has plenty on its plate
While data shows fewer plant-based eateries around the U.S. in recent years, Philly’s vegan restaurants are still vibrant.
This female-led story deserves a spot in city’s 52 Weeks of Firsts
The first animal shelter in the United States was founded in Philadelphia by a group of women. Why aren’t we celebrating it?
MORNING ROUNDUP: BILLY PENN’S DAILY NEWSLETTER
More Philly news
Going nowhere fast: Philly ranks worst city for driving again
WalletHub study cites safety issues, traffic and poor infrastructure in ranking Philly last again among nation’s 100 largest cities.
Philly pups, rise up: How your corgi can race during the Eagles halftime show
Think your pup can make Saquon Barkley’s rushing look sluggish? A group working with the Birds wants to hear from you.
Philly holds many firsts for the nation’s library system
As the birthplace of the American Library Association, the first research library and the iconic Free Library of Philadelphia, Philly is an important space for library history.
At Penn Treaty Park, Indigenous Peoples’ Day is a homecoming
At Penn Treaty Park, members of the Delaware Tribe returned to their ancestral homeland to celebrate their culture and fight for greater recognition.
SS United States gets date for its final voyage to the bottom of Florida’s coast
Okaloosa County has set the time range the historic ocean liner will be turned into the world’s largest artificial reef, after securing final federal approvals.
Bread, belief and the churches of Frankford in Northeast Philadelphia
Along a mile-and-a-half stretch of Frankford Avenue, dozens of churches preserve centuries of history while providing food, clothing, youth programs and other neighborhood support.
Philadelphia candy sellers are up to no good this Halloween
From chocolate SEPTA rats to lollipops with actual worms inside, here are some sweets that will truly spook you.
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
Philly spent $120K for two model streeteries. Now it wants your review
The city spent $120,000 designing two LOVE Park prototypes meant to make outdoor dining cheaper, safer and easier for restaurants.
Neighborhoods
‘One way, one Philly:’ Street renaming honors AME Bishop Richard Allen
The corner of 6th and Lombard streets will recognize the founder of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. Community members say they are “elated”
Power & Politics
What’s the latest with SNAP for Philadelphians?
New SNAP changes went into effect earlier this week, and states and recipients will be feeling the effects. Here’s what you need to know
America’s first penitentiary is right here in Philly
This week’s Philly “Firstival” highlights Eastern State Penitentiary – America’s first penitentiary that now serves as a space for prison reform and education
They’re too young to vote. These are the issues on their minds
Philly teens at WHYY’s Youth Town Hall talked about war, gun violence, AI, the environment and what they want elected leaders to address.
Pro-Palestine groups announce protests outside of Ed Sheeran concert in Philly
Sheeran hoped to keep politics out of his shows. Politics are coming to him instead.
Gun violence prevention
Philadelphia wants to curb violence. Can boxing help?
The city’s new Beyond the Bell initiative will put $300,000 into seven recreation center boxing gyms, with funding for equipment and coaches trained to support young people affected by trauma.
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.
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.
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.
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
Billies Awards return to celebrate Philly’s grit, creativity and joy
Billy Penn’s annual awards honor history advocates, artists, neighborhood connectors and unforgettable Philadelphia personalities.
‘One-shot Mar’ crowned Philadelphia’s best parallel parker
The Philadelphia Parallel Parking Association’s inaugural competition drew a large crowd to South Street, raising funds for safer streets.
Elfreth’s Alley Museum is remembering hitchBOT again. Could it grow into a festival?
Last year’s First Friday celebration of the 10th anniversary of the hitchhiking robot’s visit to Philly drew around 550 visitors.
Sports Culture
Heart, joy and a nail-clipping trophy: The Billies celebrate Philly’s changemakers
A packed house at WHYY celebrates artists, advocates and neighbors whose big ideas and everyday kindness make Philadelphia better.
Eagles tackle Lane Johnson to retire after 14 seasons, 2 Super Bowls and 3 Christmas albums
Veteran player says he must ‘focus on my mental health’ in surprise announcement.
Here’s everything that’s happening for ‘Rocky Season’ in Philly
The Philadelphia Visitor Center is celebrating 50 years of Rocky Balboa from Sept. 29 to Dec. 3.
