Kensington’s Nanny Goat Fest celebrates Philly’s Irish heritage and neighborhood’s resilience
The street festival with live music, vendors and food trucks begins after the commemoration of a new historical marker for the Kensington Riots of 1844.
Latest news
Your guide to Philly’s comedy scene
Philly is funny – literally. Whether you’re looking for an improv show, comedy classes or the bigger headliners, here’s your guide to Philly’s comedy scene.
The shiny veneer of American Girl dolls wears thin in latest production at Philly’s FringeArts
Pax Ressler and Jackie Soro play both themselves and their American Girl counterparts in “Girl Dolls: The American Musical.”
Philly weekly events calendar: May 4 to May 10
Cinco de Mayo festivities, a non-alcoholic pop-up, book tours, alternative prom, Bok Open Studios and more this week in Philly.
Philly travelers cheer reopening of intercity bus station, mostly
Passengers enjoy new chairs, clean bathrooms, “calming” atmosphere.
West Philly musical teaches Econ 101 via lap-dancing, strip-tease show
Emily Bate’s “Homo Economicus” aims to entertain and educate audiences at God’s Automatic Body & Spa.
Philly’s musical legacy launched with some of the first American-made instruments
The city of harmony is home to the first American-made piano and sousaphone – a nod to what is now a city rich in musical history
MORNING ROUNDUP: BILLY PENN’S DAILY NEWSLETTER
More Philly news
‘May the 4th’ in the Philly area: These are the Star Wars events you’re looking for
Why just watch ‘A New Hope’ when you can experience New Hope, Pa. on Star Wars Day?
Easing the struggle to charge an EV in Philadelphia
Hundreds of curbside and parking lot chargers could be installed over the next few years.
Here’s the Philly-based golfer you can watch at the PGA Championship in Delco
Aston-native Braden Shattuck, a club professional at Rolling Green Golf Club, made the group of 20 PGA of America club golf professionals who qualified from a tournament in Oregon this week.
Philly restaurants are prepping to add a mandatory 20% service charge during the World Cup
The Pennsylvania Restaurant & Lodging Association said businesses should consider a 20% hospitality fee as international tourism ramps up this summer.
Your guide to the 2026 Broad Street Run
Philly is home to the nation’s largest 10-mile race, and it’s bound to be a party this year. Here’s how (and where) you can watch this Sunday’s race
Dozens of Philly mail ballots have flaws. Here’s how to find out if yours has problems.
Mail voters can check the list of “undeliverable” ballots. Also, the deadline to register to vote is Monday.
Five queer Philadelphians are getting their due with a lush, floral mural in the heart of the Gayborhood
Artist Santiago Galeas talks honoring LGBTQ+ trailblazers through community outreach.
Philadelphia pushes ahead on loading zones while lawsuit stalls bike lane upgrade
More truck loading zones, “smart” zones, and rideshare-only spots could be on the way.
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
What’s the best free restaurant bread in Philly? We asked and you answered
After The Atlantic’s Caity Weaver dubbed Parc’s cranberry walnut loaf the best complimentary bread in America, we surveyed Philadelphians to see if she got it right.
Neighborhoods
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.
Power & Politics
Fostering conflict: Navigating the often frustrating proceedings in Philadelphia’s Family Court
For decades, child welfare reformers have sought ways to create a less adversarial system. But parents with dependency cases still need one thing above all else: a good lawyer.
Parker renews plea for rideshare tax to skeptical council
Mayor argues Uber and Lyft can afford the $1-per-ride tax and schools urgently need the money.
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.
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.
Gun violence prevention
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.
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.
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 27 to May 3
May Day activities, budget town halls, night markets, outdoor festivals, wedding strolls and more are on tap this week in Philly!
Last year’s Broad Street Run winners have some tips for this year’s runners (and goals for themselves)
Amber Zimmerman and Josh Izewski won their gender division of the Broad Street Run last year. Now, Amber is hoping for a “three-peat,” while Josh wants a second championship win.
52 Weeks of Firsts: Ben Franklin’s resume is long. His role as first American postmaster gets highlighted this weekend
Benjamin Franklin wore many hats – one of his earliest ones was serving as America’s first postal leader.
Philly weekly events calendar: April 20 to 26
Explore Philly this week for Earth Day, bake-offs, budget panels, art festivals and more.
Sports Culture
Who is Makai Lemon? Meet the Eagles new draft pick
The Eagles traded with a rival to get the USC wide receiver ahead of the Steelers, raising more questions about A.J. Brown’s future with the Birds.
More than just home runs. Here’s all that’s planned for Philly’s All-Star week
There’s plenty more going than the 96th Midsummer Classic and the Home Run Derby, as baseball joins the semiquincentennial party.
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.
‘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.
