City Cast Philly
Catch fireworks on the Delaware Waterfront 🎆
May 26, 2023
Good morning, neighbor. If you were to give a new resident a few essential rules for “surviving Philly," what would they be? Shoot me an email with your pro-tips and they might end up in a future segment!
What's CITY Talking About?
🏫 Philly School’s 5-Year Strategy
School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony B. Watlington has released his five-year plan to boost school outcomes. The $70 million blueprint calls for new curricula, swimming instruction, intensive tutoring, staff recruitment and retention, and a pilot of year-round education in 10 schools. The school board will vote on the plan on June 1. [Inquirer 🔒]
🪦 Philly Buries Unhoused Individuals
Earlier this week, local non-profit agencies and city departments came together to provide proper burials for 50 unhoused Philadelphians whose remains were left unclaimed. Philadelphia police cadets assisted with the burial, which took place at Mount Peace Cemetery. [KYW News]
- Quibila Divine of SELF, Inc. shares how this tradition began 🎧
🚓 Racial Disparities in Traffic Stop Searches
Black and Hispanic drivers in Pennsylvania were more likely to face discretionary searches during traffic stops than white motorists, according to a research by the National Policing Institute. The report found that Black and Hispanic drivers were 1.9 and 1.3 times more likely to be subjected to a search, but there were no racial disparities for warnings, citations, or arrests. This is the first traffic stop data analysis the state has released since 2012. [Spotlight PA]
⚖️ Man Arrested for Gun Trafficking
Montgomery County prosecutors have charged 23-year-old Tamir Hartsock with trafficking more than a dozen guns, some of which have been linked to fatal shootings in Philadelphia. One of the guns was found at the scene of a shooting where three teenagers died last month in North Philly. Harstock is facing a long list of charges including gun trafficking and conspiracy, and his bail is set at $500,000. [Metro Philadelphia]
What To Do
🎨 Art After Dark | Friday | 7 p.m.
Bring a blanket and refreshments to picnic at Magic Gardens. Enjoy live psychedelic music from I Think Like Midnight, and make crafts with artist Dyymond Whipper-Young. [$16-$25, South Philly]
🇧🇷 Dendê & Band | Friday | 7 p.m.
Join MAAS Garden and enjoy the Afro-Brazilian musical stylings of Dendê & Band. [$15, Kensington]
🍷 Rosé Tasting | Saturday | 3 p.m.
Stop and smell the rosé at Cira Green rooftop. Taste 15 different wines and enjoy light snacks and live entertainment by DJ Nash. [$51, West Philly]
🎆 Fireworks | Saturday | 9:30 p.m.
Head to Cherry Street Pier, Spruce Street Harbor Park, or Race Street Pier for a vibrant fireworks display. [free, Delaware River Waterfront]
🐰 Wonderland Brunch | Sunday | 11:30 a.m.
Fall down the rabbit hole at Positano Coast with an Alice in Wonderland themed brunch featuring photo backdrops, themed cocktails, and more. [pay-as-you-go, Old City]
🤣Comedy Show | Sunday | 7:30 p.m.
Laugh along with stand-up comedian Benny Feldman at Punchline Philly. [free, Northern Liberties]
🏰 Renaissance Fair | Through May 29 | 11 a.m.
Head to Fort Mifflin and try your hand at archery and knife throwing, shop from local vendors, and enjoy interactive shows like magic and fire eating. [$17.75, Fort Mifflin & Hog Island road]
🐝 Musical | Through June 18 | Various times
Head to Arden Theatre Company and view the heartfelt and quirky Tony-Award winning musical, “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee.” [$26-$51, Old City]
📽️ Latino Film Fest | Through July 9 | Various times
Catch feature films, shorts, animations, web series, and documentaries from emerging Latino filmmakers, and participate in workshops and discussions. Stay tuned to the website for scheduling details. [$10, various locations]
🍸 Garden Bar | Through Aug 25 | Various times
The Rodin Museum’s Garden Bar is now open for the summer. Enjoy a change of scenery along with cocktails, and small plates like plantain chips, and tofu banh mi. The garden is dog and family friendly. [free, Logan Square]
Where Is It?
Last week, I posted this glamorous street art piece and asked you to locate it. Hey Philly reader Jade C. was correct, it’s at the Fillmore, and it’s a portrait of Philly singer Santigold.
Jade sent me this photo of a mural featuring a quote from Barbara Chamberlain Lewis. Can you tell me where it is? If you’re right, you can submit a photo for next week!
Today on City Cast
Cleaner Air in Philly, Memorial Day Food Guide, & Spraygrounds for Summer
It’s the Friday news roundup! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Ali Mohsen, food and drink reporter at Billy Penn, and Sophia Schmidt, environment reporter at WHYY.
They discuss how the city is trying to clean up dirty air from factories, how to cool off at Philly’s 90 sprinkler parks, and where to eat this Memorial Day weekend.
Happy Memorial Day Weekend! I will talk to you again on Tuesday.
- Brittany Valentine
Free · Daily