Local News - News of Philadelphia

Veteran Dominick Critelli holding a saxophone with stage lights and fans waving the American flag.

104-Year-Old Veteran Plays Sax at NHL Game to Honor Fallen Comrades

James O Connor Fields December 31, 2025No Comments

At a Glance 104-year-old Army veteran Dominick Critelli played the sax at UBS Arena, honoring fallen comrades with the national anthem before 18,000...

U-Haul truck speeding down a winding Bucks County road with police cars chasing and dust clouds swirling.

Crime News Local News

U-Haul Theft Turns Into Highway Chase: Man Arrested

Robert K. Lawson December 31, 2025No Comments

At a Glance 38-year-old Ryan Laskowski stole a U-Haul truck and crashed it into multiple vehicles. He was chased by Bensalem, Bristol Township, and...

Allentown police patrol around a darkened federal courthouse with shattered windows glowing in sunset light.

Crime News Local News

Allentown Arrests Man Who Vandalized Federal Courthouse

Daniel J. Whitman December 31, 2025No Comments

At a Glance Allentown police arrest Deon Gardner, 33, for smashing windows at the federal courthouse. The Edward N. Cahn Courthouse on Hamilton...

Tourists pointing at a bright Ecce Homo fresco under a blue sky with a vendor selling colorful souvenirs in the foreground.

Culture Local News

Beast Jesus Artist Cecilia Giménez Zueco Dies at 94

James O Connor Fields December 30, 2025No Comments

At a Glance Cecilia Giménez Zueco, the Beast Jesus creator, has died at 94. Her 2012 restoration of the Ecce Homo fresco in Borja sparked viral...

Sedan driving down center lane with sunset orange glow and stern toll booth attendant standing near toll plaza.

Local News Transportation News

Pennsylvania Turnpike Raises Tolls 4% for 18th Straight Year

Sarah L. Montgomery December 30, 2025No Comments

> At a Glance > - 4% toll hike on Jan. 4, 2026 > - Lowest increase since 2014 > - Rates rise to $0.73 per mile > - Why it matters: Drivers will pay...

Giant MoonPie hanging from a crane with cheering crowd and confetti during Mobile New Year

Feature Story Local News

U.S. Cities Drop Fruits, Fish, and More for New Year’s Eve

Robert K. Lawson December 30, 2025No Comments

At a Glance U.S. cities drop unusual items for New Year's Eve-from cheese wedges to giant peaches. More than 30 quirky celebrations have popped up...

Charred house burning with smoke and firefighters with shattered garage doors opening to a flaming car.

Breaking News Local News Sports News

NASCAR Star Denny Hamlin’s Father Dies in North Carolina Home Fire

Robert K. Lawson December 30, 2025No Comments

At a Glance The father of Denny Hamlin died and his mother was critically injured after a weekend fire destroyed their North Carolina home. The...

Pennsylvania woman holding $805 check with crown act symbol and New Jersey commuter looking at toll booth

Local News Policy News

New 2026 Laws in PA, NJ, DE: CROWN Act, Toll Hikes, Health Coverage

Jordan M. Lewis December 30, 2025No Comments

At a Glance PA: CROWN Act effective Jan. 27, 2026; new tax credit up to $805. NJ: Minimum wage rises to $15.92; tolls up to $5 on non-E-Pass...

Faded toll booth sign fading dollar signs with Pennsylvania Turnpike road stretching to horizon and cars driving by

Local News Transportation News

Pennsylvania Turnpike Tolls Rise 4% on Jan. 4, 2026

Emily Carter Reynolds December 30, 2025No Comments

At a Glance Pennsylvania Turnpike will raise tolls by 4% on Jan. 4, 2026. New mileage rate becomes $0.73 per mile; segment fee rises to...

Cars inching along congested highway with commuters watching and Philadelphia airport lights glowing orange.

Local News Travel News

Philly Prepares for Record Holiday Travel Rush

Michael A. Turner December 30, 2025No Comments

At a Glance Nearly 1.4 million Philly commuters expected to travel on Tuesday, the busiest holiday travel day. AAA Mid-Atlantic projects 1.2 million...