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.
Latest news
Signing Bruce Harper to an extension is a good, bad idea
Sometimes a terrible baseball decision just makes sense.
Tree World, Passyunk’s 24-hour Christmas tree stand, remains a community fixture
Italian Market native Freddy Florio has operated the South Philly business for 29 years.
Second conviction for Johnny Doc, but plenty of appeals likely ahead
Official reaction mostly muted as the former union leader was found guilty again.
How a slot machine and childhood memories inspired gaming-based art at Rex at the Royal
Li Sumpter’s “Time Bandit of the 7th Ward” is an immersive experience now on display.
Nasheli Ortiz-González and the power of creating community: ‘People have saved me’
The fashion designer and executive director of Taller Puertorriqueño opens up about success and the importance of her support network.
‘A Christmas Carol’ dominates Philly stages this month. Why does it still resonate?
Variations of the Dickens’ classic show theater-goers still aren’t tired of it after nearly 200 years
MORNING ROUNDUP: BILLY PENN’S DAILY NEWSLETTER
More Philly news
What to know about the state tax break that keeps causing controversy on the Philly School Board
Keystone Opportunity Zones power many of the city’s best-known development projects. Are they worth it?
What to know about the Eagles security chief ejected from Sunday’s game
Dom DiSandro gave Birds fans something to cheer about following an altercation with a 49ers player.
Parkside never got its promised Starbucks ‘community store’ and no one’s saying why
The planned cafe was touted as a way to train young workers and help earn them college scholarships.
People who want to work at Philly public schools aren’t hearing back. The district is restructuring its talent office.
After Billy Penn published one applicant’s story, several others reached out.
Three dozen of Philly’s bygone queer bars are memorialized in new Art Museum installation
Korean artist Inhwan Oh created the piece in incense, then burned it in traditional fashion.
Curby Bucket to Phred the Panda: A look at Philly’s most amusing government mascots
Deputy Sheriff Justice is just the latest in a surprisingly sizable lineup of characters.
What to expect at Paffuto’s South Philly spot, the permanent home for the popular panzerotti pop-up
The Bella Vista restaurant will start with Italian-inspired breakfast and lunch, with limited dinner service to follow.
For over two weeks, a sit-in at Penn called ‘Freedom School’ has offered a safe space for pro-Palestinian views
Organized by a group of grad students, the space features vigils, lectures, and reading groups.
Headlines of Yore
James Bond’s real-life namesake was a Philadelphia bird expert
Author Ian Fleming was looking for a name for his spy character. He found it on one of his favorite books — a birding guide.
Food & Drink Scene
South Street hot dog vendor Gus has retired after 45 years. There’s a petition to rename the corner in his honor.
“I think it just speaks to how one person, one small business, can impact so many people,” said the proprietor of a neighboring business.
Neighborhoods
Germantown, a centuries-old woolen yarn variety, is a best-seller for Mt. Airy business
Kelbourne Woolens recently opened a retail shop in the midst of the Northwest Philly textile artist community.
Power & Politics
Why Penn is in turmoil over the Israel-Hamas war, and what’s happening on campus right now
An explainer on the antisemitic incidents, demonstrations, and calls for the president to resign.
5 things to know about Kevin Bethel, Philly’s next police commissioner
Big on juvenile justice and school safety, he served three decades with the PPD.
Will the rift between Philly Democrats blow over as 2024 approaches?
The municipal election surfaced tension between the party’s establishment and progressive wings.
36 hours without a mayor: Because of a calendar quirk, there’s a gap before Parker’s formal swearing-in
She’ll officially hold the title. But the city charter requires another step.
Gun violence prevention
Amid gun violence crisis, Philadelphia may be safer than people think
Comparing a recent Gallup poll to crime statistics shows perception is not reality.
What we know about the pre-Fourth of July mass shooting in Philadelphia
Five people were killed and several others injured by someone shooting an AR-style rifle “aimlessly,” police said.
How Philly’s gun violence crisis fluctuated across 30 years of police commissioners
A look at how the city has fared under its most recent top cops.
A trauma surgeon, community leader, and gun violence prevention reporter ask Philly mayoral candidates tough questions
Reversing the shooting epidemic is a foremost task facing anyone who wants to lead the city.
Education
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.
Philly’s premier high school requires 8th grade algebra for admission, but many kids can’t take it
The lower a neighborhood’s median income, the less likely the course is available to district eighth graders.
AP courses are a ‘cheat code’ for college, but nearly 30% of Philly public high schools don’t offer them
It’s a matter of allocating resources, the school district says.
How charter schools work in Philadelphia, and why they’re controversial
10 questions about charters, answered.
BP Quizzo
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secrets & Fun
South Philly songwriter goes semi-viral for performance on piano left in the trash
“We need more pianos around,” said Suzanne Sheer, explaining that she discovered the instrument walking home on South Broad.
Kid Hazo looks back on 10 years of faking out Philly with street sign art
From “No half-steppin” on South Street to the giant PPA ticket, his work has infiltrated Philadelphia’s outdoor environment.
Your guide to the many, many holiday markets in Philly this year
Whether you’re an early-bird buyer or present procrastinator, there’s lots of opportunity to pick up local gifts.
Meet Philly’s ultimate comic collaborator, curating ‘joy balls’ around the city
Comedians Betty J. Smithsonian and Sohrab Haghverdi challenge audience members to think while they laugh.
Sports Culture
Don’t expect a big splash by the Phillies at the winter meetings this week
What will Dombrowski be looking to do and spend this week?
Do the Phillies have another big move coming?
A signing like Japanese phenom Yoshinobu Yamamoto would provide a welcome shot of adrenaline.
One hundred and thirty-five Thanksgivings ago, the Phillies were not for sale
In the late 1800s, A.G. Christy offered $50k for the franchise. Happily, ownership shook him off.
With Nola news, the Phillies attempt once again to elbow the Eagles out of the spotlight
Late November is not a very expressive time for the Phils. That doesn’t stop them from trying.
