Are AI bots running these Philadelphia and New Jersey news sites?
Billy Penn spent months keeping tabs on several local news websites that may be using AI and impersonating authors. What we found had us questioning reality.
Latest news
Philly Marathon Weekend cheer guide
Whether you’re a runner or spectator, the energy of the Philly Half and Full Marathon will be palpable next weekend. Here are the best spots to cheer at (or expect cheering from)
Philly pickle vendors gear up for the world’s largest pickle party this Saturday
The Big Dill celebration returns to Stateside Live! on National Pickle Day with a mechanical pickle ride, a brine fountain and a plan to get 1,2000 people dressed as pickles for a world record attempt.
SS United States’ final journey to become an artificial reef, in photos
It was a long farewell for the SS United States as the historic ocean liner took several hours to sink beneath the sea off the coast of Florida on its way to becoming the world’s largest artificial reef.
How to get involved in Philly’s Love Your Park Fall Weekend
The city’s community-led park friends groups are looking for volunteers to help prepare over 100 public parks for the winter.
UPenn is the oldest university in the country, thanks to this technicality
The school is hosting a Firstival party this Saturday to celebrate its No. 1 status.
Exit Philly, stage laugh: 6 theater picks worth the trip
From a libido-boosting farce in Camden to holiday hijinks in the suburbs, these shows offer an escape with a punchline.
MORNING ROUNDUP: BILLY PENN’S DAILY NEWSLETTER
More Philly news
After the ‘Blue Wave’ in the midterms, what’s next for Philly’s brash super PAC?
Jack Inacker and his group spent the election cycle calling out the Trump administration and GOP Congress members. They’re elated with the results, but not done yet.
New exhibit puts Philadelphians in the shoes of 18th-century veterans
The virtual exhibit features present-day veterans reading the oral histories of Revolutionary War vets and reflecting on what has changed in the last three centuries
Have a story idea? Meet Billy Penn, WHYY reporters at Parkway Central Library
The Nov. 18 pop-up newsroom and resource fair will also connect Philadelphians with information about foster care and adoption.
Cardboard, community and a cause: West Philly’s Peoplehood Parade in photos
Giant puppets, a homemade trolley and joyful calls for change filled the streets as Spiral Q’s 26th annual parade brought neighbors together.
How to celebrate and commemorate Veterans Day 2026 in Philly
From the Parkway parade to museum programs and community ceremonies, here’s where to mark Veterans Day in Philadelphia.
Dragons, fairies and a play in a day: What kids learn at Philly’s Arden Theatre
With just eight hours to write and perform a play, students practice teamwork, creativity and compromise.
How the spring freeze is driving up your fall restaurant bill
Crop losses are pushing restaurants to source ingredients from farther away, adding costs and squeezing already thin profit margins.
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
Zitner’s Butter Krak is coming back!
The Philly chocolate company announced that it has resumed production and is scheduling candy shipments this winter.
Neighborhoods
Old City boutique shop Philadelphia Independents is closing its huge door for good
The boutique store showcasing local artists for over 12 years will remain open until Dec. 24.
Power & Politics
Philly’s rats aren’t going anywhere, but a new strategy could keep them in check
From colonial ships to Clark Park, rats have long made themselves at home in Philly. Now the city has a new plan to fight back.
Chris Rabb could bring a new approach to Congress. What does Philly expect?
Community leaders want Rabb to deliver resources, build relationships and stay connected to the neighborhoods he’ll represent.
Philly appoints a ‘rat abatement manager’ to address infestation issues
Adrian Jordan has been tapped to oversee the city department’s rat reduction efforts amid what some in City Hall have called a rat emergency.
Procrastinator’s Guide to the November 2026 election in Philadelphia
Scroll through this article, then bookmark it for easy access when you complete your mail ballot or head to the polls on Nov. 3.
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
💌Love Philly? Sign up for the free Billy Penn newsletter and get a daily roundup of Philly news delivered to your inbox
secrets & Fun
Review: ‘I Play Rocky’ is no knockout, but Anthony Ippolito packs a punch
Anthony Ippolito delivers a standout performance as Sylvester Stallone in Peter Farrelly’s “I Play Rocky,” a nostalgic but uneven tribute to the Philly classic.
Wedding Wednesdays hits 1,000 ceremonies at Philly’s LOVE Park
Eight couples tied the knot Wednesday beneath the iconic LOVE sculpture, marking a milestone for the city’s affordable wedding program.
You can find art vending machines all over Philly – and track it with a passport
Philly artist Fabiola Lara has expanded her art vending machines throughout the city. Now, you can keep track of all the mini prints from the machines with a “passport”
Sports Culture
President Trump criticizes LeBron James for warmups during the national anthem before the Knicks game
Trump posted that James was a “total disgrace” and should apologize. It’s not the first time he’s called out the Sixers star.
Jalen Hurts’ long-term injury, explained
The Eagles’ quarterback is out indefinitely after doctors diagnosed him with deep vein thrombosis and bilateral pulmonary emboli. Here’s what those mean.
Marsha’s opened to put women’s sports first. A year later, it’s closing
Philly’s first women’s sports bar will serve its final customers Sunday, ending a brief run as a gathering place on South Street.
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.
