These were Philly’s, and Billy Penn’s, biggest stories of 2024
Philadelphia had an eventful year, yet again. A new mayor took office for the first time in eight years, the plan to build a downtown basketball arena ignited fierce opposition, and the city played its familiar starring role in a highly consequential presidential election.
Philadelphians also had fun entertaining themselves, as we always do. Here’s a recap of a few of the big stories Billy Penn brought you in 2024. Continue reading …
Zsa’s, beloved homemade ice cream shop in Mount Airy, to close at end of next year
Danielle Jowdy started making ice cream as a hobby after being laid off in 2009, and kept going for more than 14 years.
She kept making ice cream — selling at farmer’s markets, local grocery stores and an ice cream truck — until opening a shop in Mount Airy in 2018. Recently, she announced that the shop will close in December 2025, shocking her many fans. It’s the result of business realities that demanded she either go big, or go home. Continue reading …
RECAP: What else happened?
$ = paywalled
• Pa. announced a new program to license remote-only drug and alcohol treatment providers. Applications are currently being accepted. [Capital-Star]
• After a federal investigation reported a poor response to antisemitic incidents, the Philadelphia School District agrees to changes. [Chalkbeat]
• How many millions will America’s 250th birthday party cost? Philly city officials discuss early budget projections. [WHYY]
• Former UArts students, faculty and alumni exhibit on the walls of Philly City Hall in what might be their last collective exhibition. [WHYY]
• Philly coworking guide: From single desk rentals to office space that’ll fit small companies, Philadelphia offers a variety of options. [Technical.ly]
• 2024 in photos: A battleground year for the Philly region. Here’s a view from WHYY News photographers of how the last 12 months unfolded in real time. [WHYY]
Weekly brief on gun violence prevention (with PCGVR)
We publish this report each week in partnership with the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting.
- A West Philly pastor empowers youth through cutting-edge technology. [WHYY]
- Writing Heals is a new program that pays family members to tell their loved ones’ stories. [Philadelphia Obituary Project]
- Philly officials unveiled a new resource, Change in Homicides, that shows year-over-year data. [Philly Stat 360]
By the numbers in Philadelphia
- 25: Shooting victims recorded last week, including 3 fatalities, vs. 18, with 5 fatalities, the prior week. [Philly Police]
- 1,057: Shooting victims as of Dec. 20 were down 36% vs. the previous year. [PCGVR]
- 259: Year-to-date homicides, down 36% vs. last year’s pace; down 26% vs. five years ago [Philly Police]
MAYOR WATCH
The mayor has no public events scheduled for today.
ON THE CALENDAR
🧁 Saturday, Dec. 28: Kwanzaa Celebration at the Please Touch Museum
Dig into the vibrant traditions and principles of Kwanzaa with storytimes about the principle of ujima, or collective work and responsibility, plus a Kwanzaa table-painting workshop and a cupcake-decorating session. Free with museum admission that starts at $22. (9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.)
🪘 Sunday, Dec. 29: Kwanzaa Celebration at the Penn Museum
Celebrate the magic of Kwanzaa with a drumming procession, lively dance, and cultural storytelling from local art groups. Learn about Kwanzaa principles like unity, self-determination and creativity; Join in an interactive candle-lighting ceremony. Plus, handmade Zawadi gifts for all! $13-18 tickets; Free for members and children under 5. Pick a time slot. (11 a.m. to 4 p.m.)
✨ Sunday, Dec. 29: Celebrating Ujaama: Kwanzaa Quizzo and Evening Bazaar
Inspired by the fourth principle of Kwanzaa, AAMP curated a family-friendly market experience featuring Black-owned vendors from across the region with gifts (or Zawadi, in Swahili). At Franklin Square Park! (5 to 8 p.m.)
🕎 Menorah Lightings
- Sunday, Dec. 29: Rittenhouse Square Menorah Lighting, from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Dec. 29: Chanukah on East Passyunk Avenue, at the Singing Fountain, from 5:30 to 7 p.m.
- Monday, Dec. 30: Betsy Ross House holds its 7th annual lighting at 4 p.m. with live music and holiday treats.
- Monday, Dec. 30: Holidays on South, under the Shambles from 5 to 6 p.m.
💡Through Monday, Dec. 30: Boathouse Row Lights
There will be an hourly rotation between Kwanzaa (red, dark purple [for black], and green) at 4 p.m., 6 p.m., 8 p.m., 10 p.m., 12 a.m., 2 a.m., 4 a.m., and 6 a.m. and Hanukkah (blue & white) at 5 p.m., 7 p.m., 9 p.m., 11 p.m., 1 a.m., 3 a.m., 5 a.m., and 7 a.m.
🛍️ Through December: Holiday Markets
Still looking for a last-minute gift for that difficult-to-buy-for person on your holiday gift list? Check out this listing of holiday markets, many of which are still up and running.
Catch up on the previous week
Receive Billy Penn’s free daily roundup in your inbox every morning. Sign up here!
