City Cast Philly
🌿 Philly among top cities for weed consumption
August 4, 2023
We made it to Friday, friend. Looking to have a dreamy weekend with a friend or significant other? Secret Philadelphia rounded up the city’s most romantic restaurants. Did they miss any? 🍝
What's CITY Talking About?
🚌 SEPTA Investigating Series of Crashes
SEPTA has increased employee training and is considering updating its safety curriculum. Last month, there were five SEPTA crashes in one week, killing one person and injuring dozens more. The transit authority reported 884 vehicular accidents involving buses and trolleys in the first half of the year, according to the Inquirer. SEPTA, along with the National Transportation Safety Board, are investigating the cause of the recent collisions. [Metro Philadelphia]
💰 PA State Budget Impasse Is Over
On Thursday, Aug. 3, the Senate returned and Gov. Josh Shapiro approved the $45.5 billion state budget, ending a month-long deadlock. Both legislative chambers approved the spending plan in early July. However, after Shapiro rescinded his support of a $100 million private school voucher program, Republican Senate President Kim Ward refused to sign it, leaving the budget in limbo. If the budget impasse had continued, public services and school budgets would have suffered. [Inquirer 🔒]
🌿 Philly Among Top 15 Cities for Cannabis Consumption
It’s said that Philadelphians consume more pretzels than the average American, but according to a new study, residents consume a lot of cannabis as well. Philly ranked among the top 15 cities in the world, and residents consume about 10.6 metric tons [23,369 pounds] of weed every year. [NBC10]
- Related: Currently, only medical cannabis use is legal in Pennsylvania, but full legalization could be on the way. Ed Mahon, investigator reporter for Spotlight PA, breaks down what’s to come for cannabis laws. [City Cast Philly 🎧]
🚰 Why Your Water Bill Is So High
Some Philly residents are frustrated with high water bills. Billy Penn investigative reporter Meir Rinde explains why some customers are hit with surprise bills and what relief is available. [City Cast Philly 🎧]
What To Do
☀️ Science History Institute | Friday | 5 p.m.
Explore the science behind going down the shore, such as the effects of UV light and the chemistry of sunscreen. [free, Old City]
🎨 Barnes Foundation | Friday | 6 p.m.
Enjoy a night of art, cocktails, and entertainment by Philly-based vocalist Black Buttafly. [$28, Logan Square]
🛍️ Cherry Street Pier | Friday | 4 p.m.
Enjoy live music, shop for local goods in the artist and artisans market, and grab some snacks from Cherry Street Pier’s Garden Restaurant. [pay-as-you-go, Penn’s Landing]
📍 Women’s History Tour | Saturday | 11 a.m.
Join a walking tour from Independence Visitor Center and learn the untold stories of women who shaped Philadelphia. [$59, Old City]
🐾 FloofaPawlooza | Saturday | 2 p.m.
Bring your furry pals to Morris Animal Refuge for pet-friendly activities, vendors and to-go treats. [$10, NoLibs]
💦 Sweat Philly | Saturday | 3 p.m.
Head to Cavanaugh’s River Deck for an LGBTQ celebration featuring live music, performances, food, drinks, and more. The festival is a welcoming space for people of all genders and sexual orientations. [$20-$25, Penn’s Landing]
🎉 2nd Street Fest | Sunday | 12 p.m.
Head to Girard Avenue and Spring Garden Street for a day of food, concerts, and celebration. [pay-as-you-go, NoLibs]
🎉 African Festival | Sunday | 2 p.m.
Celebrate African culture at the Great Plaza with live music, dance performances, and family-friendly activities. [pay-as-you-go, Penn’s Landing]
🎬 Film Fest | Through Sunday | Various times
Catch screenings, panels, and parties at the 12th annual BlackStar Film Festival featuring films from 31 countries across the African diaspora. [$20-$350, multiple venues/online]
🛼 Summerfest | Through Sept. 24 | Various times
Enjoy roller skating, carnival games, mini golf, snacks, and relaxing hammocks at Spruce Street Harbor Park. [pay-as-you-go, Penn’s Landing]
Today on City Cast
Eagles Kelly Green-Gate, Temple Owl Rebrand, New Baseball Exhibit in Philly
It’s a ~sporty~ Friday News Roundup! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by John Barchard, co-host of Bell and the Birdmen podcast, Jaison Nieves, sports social media manager at The Temple News, Brian Micheal, owner of Shibe Vintage Sports, and Isaac Avilucea, reporter at Axios Philadelphia.
They discuss how the Philadelphia Eagles throwback Kelly green uniforms rollout was leaked, Temple University’s updated sports logo, and a new exhibit displaying Philly’s connections to baseball's groundbreaking Negro leagues ⚾
Have an amazing weekend, neighbor! Talk to you on Monday. ✌️
- Brittany Valentine
This newsletter was edited by Laura Benshoff.
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