Julia Binswanger

Reporter

Julia Binswanger is the Philly Culture Reporter for Billy Penn. The Philly native and reporter/audio producer joins the WHYY newsroom from freelancing based in Chicago. Her work has been published by WBEZ, Chicago Magazine, Smithsonian Magazine and LWC Studios. She has also worked with Talkhouse Media and the Sonos Radio Hour. Julia is a former Fulbright Fellow. She earned her MSJ from Northwestern University Medill School of Journalism and her BA from Bowdoin with a dual-degree in English and German.

More from the Contributor

Community

Billy Penn

What’s the best free restaurant bread in Philly? We asked and you answered

After The Atlantic’s Caity Weaver dubbed Parc’s cranberry walnut loaf the best complimentary bread in America, we surveyed Philadelphians to see if she got it right.

2 days ago

Reading Terminal Market was named Best Public Market in America

Community

Billy Penn

‘A full sensory experience’: Reading Terminal crowned America’s Best Public Market, per USA Today

Philly’s historic market celebrated the victory with a visit from the mayor, a flash mob and free cookies.

4 days ago

Arts & Entertainment

Billy Penn

The Atlantic thinks Parc has the best free restaurant bread in America. Is it even the best in Philly?

We’re asking readers about their favorite complimentary bread in the city and why.

1 week ago

Philly-based artist Meija Moreno (left) and cast members

Arts & Entertainment

Billy Penn

Meija Moreno moved to Philly to be an artist. Now, she’s caught up in the biggest television scandal of the year

Moreno talks about meeting West Wilson, her viral “hair ties” and navigating Summer House drama on Bravo.

1 week ago

Community

Billy Penn

It’s about to be PrideAF. More on Philly’s new queer art festival

Philly’s LGBTQ+ opera singers, drag artists and performers are coming together for a celebratory lineup of June shows.

2 weeks ago

Community

Billy Penn

Running a kitchen at 21: Ocho Supper Club’s RJ Smith talks his Rittenhouse Hotel residency

Philly’s culinary wunderkind reflects on the rise of Ocho Supper Club, gaining local fame and what the future holds.

2 weeks ago

A sign reads WXPN and another sign reads World Café Live.

Arts & Entertainment

Billy Penn

The rise and fall of World Cafe Live

The arrest of four World Stage employees and a venue-shutdown for selling liquor without a license is the latest in a string of bad press for the venue.

2 weeks ago

Arts & Entertainment

Billy Penn

The man behind El Toro: honoring Philly’s original sticker artist

In the wake of his death, Justin Nagtalon, the beloved artist behind the horned character, leaves behind a lasting legacy and mark on his community.

1 month ago

Julia Harris (left) and Clover Gilfor (right), partners and co-owners of Val’s lesbian bar

Community

Billy Penn

‘Have fun and feel free’: Val’s brings Philly’s lesbian bar drought to an end

Philly’s queer community showed up big on Wednesday night to celebrate Philly’s first lesbian bar since the Toasted Walnut closed in 2021.

1 month ago

Community

Billy Penn

Gluten-free night at Little Walter’s: one neighbor’s quest for a flourless pierogi

Chef Michael Brenfleck made his kitchen gluten-free for one special evening to support a friend with celiac disease. The night was such a hit, it’s now a monthly series.

1 month ago