More than 1,000 gather at City Hall to protest fatal ICE shooting in Minnesota
The protest called for accountability in the killing of a Minneapolis woman at the hands of a federal agent.
Latest news
Krasner, councilmembers, slam ICE and Trump over Minneapolis shooting
District Attorney vows to prosecute any federal agents who commit crimes in Philadelphia.
SEPTA expects Regional Rail crowding and delays to subside this month
Railcars are getting safety retrofits and repairs, and being returned to the tracks.
Superintendent shares accomplishments in State of Schools address
Tony B. Watlington said attendence, test scores had improved — and the district had a plan to close its structural deficit. Challenges remain.
The Mummers get another week in the spotlight in ‘52 Weeks of Firsts’
The Philadelphia Historic District’s celebration of America’s 250th birthday next highlights the nation’s first folk parade.
Don Mattingly joins Phillies as bench coach on day of coaching comings and goings
The move checked a box to add experience to the Phils’ dugout. In the NFL, two head coaches with Philly ties were fired Monday.
Innovative pass offers one Pulitizer Prize-winning playwright, 3 productions across town
A citywide subscription gets purchaser three James Ijames plays, at three different theaters.
MORNING ROUNDUP: BILLY PENN’S DAILY NEWSLETTER
More Philly news
South Philadelphia’s El Carnaval de Puebla cancelled for second straight year
Organizers of the Cinco de Mayo celebration cite the risk of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, as well as potential low turnout not making financial sense for sponsors.
The tick-borne red meat allergy that can really put a damper on dining out
News of a New Jersey man’s death from alpha-gal syndrome made national headlines last month. Should Philly be worried?
Philly’s first ‘firstival’ this weekend commemorates inaugural balloon flight
The Saturday event starts a yearlong series of “first” celebrations.
Photos from a chilly, windy and milestone 2026 Mummers Parade
The event was marred by the postponement of the string band competition, but thousands of spectators took in the spectacle.
SEPTA’s year in review — from its doomsday budget and train fires to equipment failures and World Cup prep
“Years of underinvestment revealed themselves” in 2025, SEPTA wrote in a social media post. Here’s a look back at the year that was.
Billy Penn Wrapped: A 2025 Year in Review
A look back at Billy Penn’s most read, most impactful, and most engaged with stories.
What to know ahead of the Mummers parade on New Year’s Day
The folk parade is celebrating its 125th year. Here are the details about the road closures, when and where things happen — and how best to appreciate it.
‘Keep marching’: ‘Suffs’ lead finds hope, and hard truths, in Alice Paul’s story
Maya Keleher’s performance traces Paul’s Jersey roots and brutal protests while urging theatergoers to imagine — and fight for — a more equal future.
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
Year in Review: Philly’s biggest food stories of 2025
It was a year with a lot of highlights for the city’s dining scene. Here are 10 of them.
Neighborhoods
‘Meet me at the Troc’: New mural pays tribute to historic Chinatown theater
The Trocadero Theatre facade gets an artistic facelift from a 40-foot public art installation that celebrates its 150-year history while looking to the future.
Power & Politics
Council passes bills on sidewalk cafes, Greyhound bus station and mobile care providers
Votes to end trash incineration and modify the resign-to-run rule were postponed.
At rallies and protests, elders keep pushing for social change
“We want to make the world OK for our grandchildren,” said one protester who is in his 80s.
‘They had no say’: Why Philly youth voters are showing up in historic numbers
The youngest voters are voting more – and engaging beyond elections. Non-profits that work with them say at least some of their motivation is frustration.
School District of Philadelphia asks residents for feedback on potential school closures
The School District of Philadelphia recently delayed the release of its recommendations on what schools should close. Now, it’s asking the community for help.
Gun violence prevention
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.
Toll the Bell calls for action, awareness of gun violence
The two day event started with a citywide ringing of bells and set of speeches and performances to call for community action
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
Winter-themed fun returns to Center City this weekend with Open Streets: West Walnut
Center City District is closing Walnut Street from Broad to 19th streets to draw holiday shoppers offline and into community.
‘Tis the season! 61 ways to celebrate the winter holidays around Philly
Philly has so many festivities, the options can get overwhelming! Billy Penn breaks it down for you.
Wondering where to get that perfect holiday gift? Museum Store Sunday — a Black Friday alternative — may be your answer
The day is a way to avoid the crowds and discover one-of-a-kind treasures while supporting local institutions.
Chestnut Hill lost a bunch of restaurant staples. Will they be replaced anytime soon?
The neighborhood lost fixtures like Iron Hill and Campbell’s Place. Why? And what’s coming next?
Sports Culture
Schwarber to stay with the Phillies on record-breaking new deal
The slugger and clubhouse leader chose Philly over several other offers, keeping “Schwarbombs” in South Philly for as long as he can “keep evolving.”
Matchups set for Philly’s five group stage World Cup contests
Brazil, France among the teams that will be at the Linc — excuse us, “Philadelphia Stadium” – next June.
Philly closer to knowing which World Cup teams are coming after draw
With teams like Brazil, France, England, Morocco and Haiti potentially coming, one guarantee is soccer’s going to take over the city next summer.
‘His personal hype team’: First-timer crushed his marathon goal — with help from Philly Achilles
Sebastian Gomez, who is autistic, topped his goal in completing the Philadelphia Marathon, with support from two members of a group that helps people with disabilities compete and connect.
