Your Philly New Year’s Eve guide: 38 ways to ring in 2026
Say goodbye to 2025 and hello to the milestone year any way you want — ice skating, dancing, dining, a concert, fireworks …
Latest news
Get out the vote: Why the Lower Schuylkill River should win Pa. River of the Year
From its name to its biodiversity, the river offers a range of fun and unique qualities to consider before you vote by Jan. 16.
Historic preservation bill is getting a rewrite after outcry
Preservationists contend the legislation would lead to more demolitions of historic homes.
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.
Philly preps for first-time New Year’s Eve concert, extra fireworks, and Mummers parade
Mayor describes expanded festivities — including a performance by LL Cool J — as the kickoff of 2026 celebrations.
A car parade of light: Philly’s Hanukkah tradition shines bright after recent tragedy
At Independence Mall, where the first large public menorah lighting took place in 1974, Philly’s Jewish community gathered again to celebrate “light over darkness.”
‘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.
MORNING ROUNDUP: BILLY PENN’S DAILY NEWSLETTER
More Philly news
“You’re joining a family”: SquashSmarts invests in Philly students long term
The program provides athletic and academic support – and has delivered results for underserved youth in Philadelphia.
Explosion at Vicinity Energy plant knocks out hot water to UPenn
Employee union alleges maintenance neglect, lack of training by plant owner.
In West Mt. Airy, wrestling over whether to pursue historic designation
Preservationists want to protect the Pelham neighborhood’s historic homes, but some residents don’t trust the process.
What can older adults do to overcome isolation during winter?
From shorter days to colder weather, winter is tough on everyone, but especially seniors. Here’s what to do, and why it’s so important.
Federal bill would restore billions for Chinatown Stitch and other transportation projects
Congressman Brendan Boyle has co-sponsored a measure to reverse federal cuts.
What’s up with moving the Rocky statue? Here’s what we know
The city plans to return one of the statues outside the museum to Sylvester Stallone next year. A late twist changed which one it will be.
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.
Demolition of the historic Painted Bride building kicks off
Eight years after its former owners announced a change, the building that hosts Isaiah Zagar’s famous mural is coming down.
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
10 delicious, distinctly Philly sandwiches that aren’t the classic cheesesteak
We’ve compiled a list of tasty and unique sandwiches around the city to check out.
Neighborhoods
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.
Power & Politics
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.
“Not a ‘scale back,’ this is a dismantling of our program”: HIV funding cuts impact vulnerable communities
A flurry of funding cuts are threatening resources for those struggling with HIV.
SEPTA completes inspections of Regional Rail cars — though disruptions will continue
Many cars are still being repaired, so delays and crowded commutes aren’t over yet.
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.
Billies Awards return Dec. 10 as Billy Penn celebrates its 11th anniversary
Join us for a night celebrating some of the biggest stories — and most fascinating Philadelphians — of the past year.
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.
