City Cast Philly
What's going on with Philly's air quality?
June 9, 2023
Happy Friday, neighbor. Philly’s air quality is still considered hazardous, but the smoke outlook is expected to improve by tomorrow. For the latest, we have updates from two local environmental reporters in today’s episode of the City Cast Philly podcast.
What's CITY Talking About?
🧠 PA House Approves Major Mental Health Bill
Pennsylvania set aside $100 million in pandemic-era federal aid last year to enhance its mental health treatment resources, and the state House just approved legislation to spend it. If approved by the state Senate, it would train and retrain behavioral health workers, support services such as walk-in crisis centers and mobile crisis response teams, and provide criminal justice agencies with mental health resources. [Penn Capital Star]
⚖️ Women Sue Temple University, Former Coach, and Dog-Sitting App
A group of young women filed civil complaints against a popular dog-sitting app Rover, Temple University, and one of its former assistant football coaches for sexual misconduct. The women claim that 47-year-old Antoine Smith sexually harassed them and used hidden cameras to film them showering and sleeping while they watched his dog overnight. They also allege that university employees were aware of the behavior and failed to intervene. [Inquirer 🔒]
♿ City Hall is Now More Accessible
To commemorate Disability Pride Week, Philly leaders revealed accessibility upgrades to City Hall. The changes include more than 600 pieces of signage with braille, grab bars in restrooms, and lower mirrors, soap and towel dispensers. In Philadelphia, 17 percent of residents identify as living with a disability, which is one of the highest rates among large U.S cities. [CBS Philadelphia]
- Related: SEPTA recently invested $500 million to increase accessibility. What does that look like? [City Cast Philly]
🎵 Summer Concert Guide
Summer is on its way, and plenty of big names are heading to the city for some amazing concerts. Evon Burton, creative director of The Anderson Street, shares all the concerts and festivals you’ll want to attend this season. [City Cast Philly 🎧]
What To Do
🥂 Speakeasy | Friday | 6 p.m.
Climb aboard the Cruiser Olympia and step inside a 1920s speakeasy-themed popup. [$30, Penn’s Landing]
🧘🏽♀️ Yoga | Saturday | 10 a.m.
Enjoy an all-levels yoga class on the Schuylkill Banks. BYO mat, water, and towels. [$5-$20, Locust Street]
🌊 Taste of Water | Saturday | 11 a.m.
Head to the Science History Institute for a day of learning all about water. This event features family activities, hands-on crafts, engaging discussions, live music, and food trucks. [free with admission, Old City]
🍬 Sugar Cane Fest | Saturday | 12 p.m.
Join Asociación Puertorriqueños En Marcha for live music, a children’s play area, cash prizes, and of course, plenty of sugar cane. [free, Germantown]
🍦 Clay Fest | Saturday | 12 p.m.
Embrace your inner child with a day of clay-based activities, featuring art projects, a group sculpture extravaganza, and an ice cream social. [free, South Kensington]
🖼️ Art Sale | Saturday | 12 p.m.
Head to North American Street for the 23rd installment of Philly’s affordable art fair. All artwork benefits local artists and craftspeople and is sold for $250 or less. [pay-as-you-go, Kensington]
🕹️ Blerd Bash | Saturday | 2 p.m.
Join Localhost for a day of video gaming, cosplay, fun activities, themed cocktails, and photoshoots. [$25-$75, Callowhill]
🖌️ Art Tour | Saturday | 3:30 p.m.
Explore four art galleries in Queen Village while enjoying wine, beer and seltzers from local eateries. [$40, Queen Village]
🤣 Comedy | Saturday | 7 p.m.
Join Plays & Players Theatre for a night of stand-up comedy. [$15-$50, Center City]
💃🏽 Buzz Gworls | Sunday | 12 p.m.
Join City Winery for an immersive Drag Brunch performance. [$20, Center City]
Where Is It?
Last week, I posted this photo of an art installation and asked you to locate it. Many of you were correct, but Hey Philly reader Anne R. was the first. The Freedom Sculpture is on 16th and Vine Streets.
Anne let me do the honors this week. I recently found this indoor Philly-themed mural. Tell me the location and you can choose next week’s photo!
Today on City Cast
Smoke Expected to Linger, Mayoral Debates, and the City Blocks Block Parties?
It’s the Friday news roundup! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by local reporters Isaac Avilucea, Frank Kummer, and Anthony Wood. They discuss the city’s air quality from Canadian wildfires, mayoral candidates want to do debates before the general election in November and why the city is denying block party permits.
Have a great weekend, friend!
- Brittany Valentine
Free · Daily