Philly
Today
Friday, April 17th, 2026
Good morning, Philadelphia. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 17th of April.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Today, the city unveils a new skate plaza in center city built using granite saved from Love Park and Dilworth Plaza near the Municipal Services Building. The $18 million project received a $300,000 boost from Vans and will add a statue honoring local history next year. The Philadelphia Inquirer
- ➤ Mayor Cherelle L. Parker announced 20 corridors and parks will get funding for America’s 250th-themed festivals, art installations, beautifications and programming as part of the Ring It On! initiative, set to include farmers markets, cultural events & community block parties throughout 2026. The Philadelphia Inquirer
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ Mayor Parker convened a roundtable on Wednesday to detail plans to create up to 58,000 jobs in Lower South Philly—she also launched the PHL PRIME program and announced $10 million in infrastructure upgrades along the Delaware River. KYW Newsradio
- ➤ QVC filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy after deep losses and warned it could close if it cannot restructure its $5.8 billion debt (following a $2.4 billion loss last year). The West Chester home shopping channel faces a tough future. KYW Newsradio
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Shucked, a Tony Award-winning musical featuring Temple alum Mike Nappi, will play at Forrest Theatre (1114 Walnut St) from April 21 to May 3, offering Philly audiences broad laughs and community spirit. The production uses local humor and heartfelt moments to bring friends together. Metro Philadelphia
- ➤ Philadelphia will host a summer with the PGA Championship held May 11-17 at Aronimink Golf Club, six FIFA World Cup matches on June 14 to July 4 at the Linc, July 4 celebrations with parades + concerts, and UFC 330 on Aug. 15 at Xfinity Mobile Arena. KYW Newsradio
- ➤ Stateside Live! will reopen its outdoor venue with a weekend of free concerts from May 29 — 31 featuring Taking Back Sunday, Mayday Parade, and Bayside. Attendees can enjoy sponsored attractions with ticket registration starting today at 10 a.m. WHYY
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ At SEPTA's headquarters on Wednesday, riders previewed the new bus network scheduled for fall, which cuts routes from 124 to 106 and adds new stops along Cheltenham Avenue and Columbus Boulevard (riders shared feedback). KYW Newsradio
- ➤ PECO has withdrawn its rate hike proposal filed with the Public Utility Commission after pressure from Gov. Shapiro and local lawmakers+ ensuring utility bills will not face increases for 1.7 million customers in Philadelphia suburbs as the company said it will revisit long term infrastructure investments when affordability concerns ease. WHYY
LIFESTYLE NEWS
- ➤ Philadelphia’s outdoor dining scene is back with rooftops, beer gardens and waterfront spots offering menus and events. Assembly Rooftop Lounge hosts a Skyline Soirée on Fri, May 1 from 6 to 9 p.m.—while IBG launches its 2026 season with IBG Fest on Fri, April 24 featuring vendors and live entertainment. Metro Philadelphia
REAL ESTATE NEWS
- ➤ A new survey by the Center City District found that retail occupancy reached 84.2% in March—its highest level in two years—with a net gain of 32 storefronts compared to September 2025 along key corridors including Walnut, Sansom, and Market Streets. Metro Philadelphia
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Philadelphia Union hosts DC United today at Subaru Park at 7:30 p.m. — Tai Baribo, who scored in DC's previous win, returns to add fresh challenge for Union defenders. Metro Philadelphia
- ➤ VJ Edgecombe scored 19 points & grabbed 11 rebounds as the Sixers beat the Magic on Wednesday to clinch the 7 seed in the playoffs, setting up a matchup with the Celtics. Metro Philadelphia
- ➤ Jesus Luzardo pitched for the Phillies against the Cubs on Wednesday night and started strong but then struggled from the stretch, giving up extra runs. Coaches are working on his mechanics + Luzardo said he plans to fix the issue soon. Metro Philadelphia
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Energy and persistence conquer all things.
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