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.
Latest news
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.
The little island in front of Boathouse Row has a name: the ‘Isle of Jean’
You can look it up on Google Maps — thanks to a litter-fighting resident and her crew of volunteers.
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.
New heat map explores potential benefits of Philly Tree Plan with block-by-block detail
Philadelphia was one of 14 cities chosen for the NOAA mapping project.
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.
MORNING ROUNDUP: BILLY PENN’S DAILY NEWSLETTER
More Philly news
Temple’s newest class is the most diverse ever, but ‘Philly’s public university’ knows there’s more work to be done
The percentage of Black students has grown significantly since a two-decade low in 2016.
Reports of the Philly GOP’s death have been greatly exaggerated, political observers say
After the Working Families shutout , city Republicans are turning to grassroots organizing and looking to the state party for help.
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.
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.
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.
Iconic Meglio Furs sign disappears from South Broad
The neon signage had become something of a landmark. Developers haven’t yet said what they plan to do with the 1950s relic.
Almyra brings modern Greek cuisine and island vibes to the corner formerly home to Little Pete’s
The 7,000 sq-ft. space is bright and airy, with a menu that ranges from traditional to Asian-inspired.
Philly’s famed urban riding club expands with stables at the Cliffs in Fairmount Park
It’s a major boost for the organization, which starred in “Concrete Cowboys” but was pressed for space.
Headlines of Yore
Inventor Henry Heyl and Philly’s role in early moving picture technology
When the phasmatrope was first demonstrated at the Academy of Music, local papers hailed it as the first of its kind.
Food & Drink Scene
The Boozy Mutt dog bar is close to opening in Brewerytown
At the former North Star Bar corner, find beer, food, and cocktails — including a citywide that comes with a dog biscuit.
Neighborhoods
7th Ward artists weave together surprise connections at ‘Black Futures’ salon
The “Legacy Reclaimed” event highlighted the discovery of shared history.
Power & Politics
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.
Read Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker’s victory speech, promising the city a ‘get-it-done Philadelphian’
Philly’s soon-to-be first woman mayor described her vision for a society that’s “safer, cleaner, greener, with economic opportunity for all.”
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
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.
Philly students are being taught to ‘counter’ shooters in new school shooting drills
Called ALICE, the controversial training is being implemented because the old procedure didn’t include the option to evacuate, the district says.
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
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.
