Billy Penn at WHYY
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Double-parking by delivery trucks is down, traffic speeds are up, and the PPA has collected $5 million in fines. billypenn.com/2026/08/05/s...
Philly’s smart loading zones are a boon or a plague, depending on who you ask
Double-parking by delivery trucks is down, traffic speeds are up, and the PPA has collected $5 million in fines.
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South Philly is about to get a brand new "connector street" to the Delaware River via Washington Avenue — perfect for an afternoon stroll. billypenn.com/2026/08/03/w...
A look at Washington Avenue’s revamped route to the Delaware River in South Philly
The new “connector street” project is the largest of several aiming to encourage use of the Delaware River Trail and the waterfront.
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Bustleton and Somerton in Northeast Philadelphia have been called “Little Odessa” for their large communities of immigrants from Russia, Ukraine, and other parts of Eastern Europe and the former Soviet Union.
In Northeast Philadelphia, a haven for immigrants from Russia, Ukraine and beyond
Bustleton and Somerton are home to a vibrant population of diverse immigrants, and a host of enticing restaurants and markets.
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For two newbie artists staging their debuts at September’s Fringe Festival, a better title might be the ‘Philadelphia Fulfilling Your Dream Festival.’ This year’s fest will feature 1,170 performances of 357 shows.
Philly Fringe's rookie theater makers include one-time state treasurer
Former Pennsylvania Treasurer Joe Torsella and other newcomers join a massive field of producing nearly 100 shows for Fringe.
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It’s pay-as-you-wish day at the Academy of Natural Sciences on Saturday as the historic museum celebrates its vast collections of dinosaurs, algae, birds, minerals and much more. h
Philly’s Academy of Natural Sciences has 200 years of ‘firsts’ in America’s science community
The Academy was home to the first mounted dinosaur on display, and was one of the first spots for Philadelphians to celebrate natural science.
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Bernyce DeVaughn and Joe Matthew, Philly civil rights activists who attended MLK’s 1965 rally at 40th and Lancaster, will be among the speakers at Sunday’s celebration.
A West Philly Festival is honoring MLK Jr.’s Freedom Now Rally this Sunday
Freedom Now Festival is looking back on an important moment in Philly history with live music, art, local bites and activities for the whole family.
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The city is touting over 50 new businesses in Center City this year alone. The public can give their own input through August 28 at an engagement hub at 932 Market Street. billypenn.com/2026/07/20/m...
Market East Revival Engagement Center is next step in Center City development
Community engagement will be a large part of the planned Market East revival. Officials say this is just a part of new business development in Center City
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Germantown’s OnePass gives you access to nine historical sites for one price. The organization hopes this will encourage visitors to remain curious. billypenn.com/2026/07/28/h...
Germantown OnePass lets you explore the historic neighborhood
Historic Germantown hopes this accessible pass will drive visitors to explore the neighborhood’s rich history and exhibits.
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What makes a cheesesteak great? BP headed to a panel with Philly cheesesteak legends to find out. billypenn.com/2026/07/27/c...
Top Philly cheesesteak-makers balance tradition and reinvention
“You learn that you’re more than just a cheesesteak shop. You’re part of people’s history and part of people’s expectations,” Ken Silver said.
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Street artists in Bella Vista are in a bitter and somewhat silly war with a man named Joel, who's been covering up their work with green paint. billypenn.com/2026/07/27/s...
Bella Vista's street artists are trolling a guy named Joel. Here’s why
Street artist Praise Dobler and 80-year-old resident Joel Palmer are in a bitter and somewhat silly war over the neighborhood.
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LeBron James Day is officially declared in Pennsylvania as the @sixersnba.bsky.social is set to sign the four-time NBA champ to a two-year, $8 million contract. The basketball great is hoping to experience a final NBA championship in his long career. billypenn.com/2026/07/24/l...
Lebron James Day officially declared in Pennsylvania
The 41-year-old James is set to sign a modest $8-million, two-year contract with the Sixers, according to ESPN.
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Before the Met and MoMA, the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts began inspiring American creatives in 1805. billypenn.com/2026/07/22/p...
Philly is touting over 50 new businesses in Center City this year alone. Here’s how Market East’s development will contribute.
Market East Revival Engagement Center is next step in Center City development
Community engagement will be a large part of the planned Market East revival. Officials say this is just a part of new business development in Center City
billypenn.com
Shakespeare in Clark Park’s “everybody is Hamlet” takes an approach to Bard’s classic drama that should resonate with anyone who's felt betrayed, estranged or vengeful.
Everybody is Hamlet in Philly’s “Shakespeare in Clark Park”
Multiple actors take turns portraying the main character in a twisty take on the Shakespeare classic debuting this summer.
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One Philly group spent almost six years getting Taney Street renamed to LeCount Street. It has now become one of the most prolific street name changes in the city, influencing current and future efforts to change others.
What can we take away from Philly’s LeCount Street?
The street in Grays Ferry was renamed after civil rights activist Caroline LeCount. But, the process to get the name changed was a long one.
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This Philly band is commentating on rec league kickball from their apartment. They want to use their popular social videos to vibe with their community and promote their debut album. billypenn.com/2026/07/21/m...
Philly band commentates on rec league kickball from their apartment
Mid Sentence are using the popular social videos to vibe with their community, and promote their debut album.
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This Philly artist just completed a World Cup trophy made of fingernails and toenails. The scale replica critiques colonial labor exploitation and the wealth divide. billypenn.com/2026/07/22/f...
Want to get out of the city this summer, but don't want to spend money on a hotel? We have your back with this list of daytime trips. billypenn.com/2026/07/21/p...
Day tripping: Where Philly can go for summertime fun
If you’re looking to get out of the city, but can’t commit to an entire weekend, here's some of your best options.
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Were two write-in votes enough for these Republican candidates to win their ward committee race? billypenn.com/2026/07/20/w...
Judge grants partial victory in Philadelphia write-in votes lawsuit
Four Republican write-in candidates must be seated, but the fate of many others remains unclear.
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Plenty of local businesses and organizations will be showing Sunday’s final World Cup game between Argentina and Spain. Check out our list of options, as well as some soccer-related activities to do around kickoff.
World Cup in Philly: Where to watch the Spain-Argentina final
The final between Spain and Argentina is this Sunday. Here are the best events happening over the weekend.
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In 1874, Philadelphia soda fountain operator Robert Green saw customers at a confectionery shop drinking soda and eating ice cream — and he had an epiphany. billypenn.com/2026/07/17/f...
Free root beer floats at the Franklin Fountain this weekend
The Old City shop is throwing a party in honor of an essential Philly invention: the first ever ice cream soda.
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No gluten? No problem! This Saturday, over 100 vendors, restaurants and bakeries head to the Greater Philadelphia Expo Center with celiac-safe bites for the whole family.
A gluten-free expo is headed to the Philly suburbs this weekend
Pasta, soft pretzels, pierogi and more will all be for sale at the Wicked Gluten-Free Expo and Food Festival.
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Hundreds of jobs could be created in Philadelphia’s Navy Yard thanks to JPMorgan’s investments and billions for new defense-related contracts for Hanhwa and Rhoads, officials said.
$24 million investment in Philly shipbuilding as Trump presses for defense buildup
JPMorgan Chase will loan $13 million to Navy Yard’s Rhoads Industries and give grants for worker-training programs.
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The 17 panels, each adorned with icons and imagery of a World Cup competitor nation, were “designed to transform the Chinatown 10th Street business corridor into a walkable cultural experience.”
Chinatown artist designs ‘Circle of Unity’ murals to celebrate World Cup and Philly
Love Philly? So do we. Let’s be friends. Sign up for the Billy Penn newsletter today. Walk north on 10th Street towards the Chinatown Friendship Gate and you might notice a […]
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Wildfire smoke is back... So here's a refresher on how to track the Philly region's air quality index.
Best tools to track AQI in Philadelphia
How unhealthy is going outside? The smoke density is constantly changing. Here are five ways to track the conditions in your area.
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Wawa’s Hoagiefest's insanely catchy jingles like “Hoagiefest Is Back” and “Here Comes the Hoagie Man” were all written by one musician. Emmy-winning songwriter, internet pioneer and Nerf Herder frontman Parry Grip gave us his recipe for a perfect earworm.
Inside Wawa’s legendary Hoagiefest jingles with Parry Gripp
The Emmy-winning songwriter, viral musician and Nerf Herder frontman reflects on those years writing Hoagiefest songs.
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A section of westbound I-76 (Schuylkill Expressway) in West Philly will be shut down at night from Monday to Thursday next week for bridge construction. In August, the entire Market Street bridge will close for 14 months. billypenn.com/2026/07/15/i...
Westbound I-76 in West Philly to close at night for bridge construction
Nighttime highway shutdown will run Monday through Thursday, and a 14-month closure of the Market Street bridge begins next month.
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The Rosenbach brothers' rare books and manuscripts collection are accessible as a library & museum in the Rittenhouse neighborhood. Tours, book clubs, reading courses and more welcome you to get up close and personal with 400,000+ works. Discover more Philly neighborhoods at Billy Penn's City Guide.
Looking for ice cream without the dairy? Check out our list of vegan ice cream options. billypenn.com/2026/07/13/v...
Vegan ice cream in Philadelphia worth a visit
There's no sorbet on this list—just rich, plant-based scoops so creamy you'll wonder how dairy stayed out of the mix.
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French influences across Philly abound nowadays, but in 1999, the city officially designated 17th to 19th streets between Sansom and Walnut to be Philly’s own French Quarter. billypenn.com/2023/05/24/p...
Philadelphia has a ‘French Quarter’? Yep, it’s on the map
Just north of Rittenhouse Square where the Sofitel now stands, the area was officially designated in 1999 — but few people use the name.
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