What we love (and hate) about Philly

🦺 School Safety Drones?

City officials announced this week that all School District of Philadelphia middle schools will implement new safety measures this year. This includes digital cameras, drones to monitor events, AI-powered gun detection, and increased police presence during arrivals and dismissals. The district is also expanding its “Safe Paths” program, which pays community members to patrol areas around schools as students walk to and from classes. [Inquirer🔒]

🏨 Parkway Development Plans

Two developers announced plans this week to renovate the city’s former Family Court on Vine Street. The plan calls for the historic court to become a boutique hotel with a bar, restaurant and event space, and a new Children and Family Center at the Free Library's Parkway Central location. The proposal also calls for moving the African American Museum in Philadelphia to a new space behind the library. The plan still needs various approvals and permits before construction can begin. [PhillyVoice]

🕊️ Homicide Victim Identified

Philadelphia Police have identified a body found in a dumpster last week as a 12-year-old boy named Hezekiah Bernard. Police recovered Bernard’s body in a trash can at a housing complex in West Philly on Wednesday Aug. 23, but they were unable to determine his age or identity for nearly a week. His death has been ruled a homicide. Bernard, known as “Hezzy” to loved ones, was involved with an organization called Level Up Philly, which offers services, mentorship, and safe spaces for youth. [Inquirer🔒]

❤️ Harm Reduction March

Community members and harm reduction advocates marched in Kensington this week to commemorate the lives of Philadelphians who lost their lives to substance use disorder. The crowd walked in efforts to raise awareness of the epidemic and provide resources to those struggling. Last year,1,413 Philadelphians died from drug overdoses, according to the Philadelphia Health Department. [WHYY]

🎾 Your Pickleball Guide

Have you caught the pickleball wave that’s sweeping the country — and our city? Andrew Freedman, a local instructor and ambassador for USA Pickleball, explains why this sport is so popular and shares how you can start playing. [City Cast Philly 🎧]

🛍️ Waterfront Vibes | Friday | 4 p.m.

Shop for local goods in the artisans market and enjoy live music and snacks from the Garden Restaurant at Cherry Street Pier. [pay-as-you-go, Penn’s Landing]

🎨 The Artist’s Palette | Friday | 5 p.m.

Explore the science and history behind color at the Science History Institute. [free, Old City]

🎺 Jazz | Friday | 6:30 p.m.

Enjoy cocktails, light refreshments, and performances by jazz vocalist and composer Ruth Naomi Floyd at the Barnes Foundation. [free, Logan Square]

🇲🇽 ¡Viva Mexico! | Saturday | 1 p.m.

Celebrate Mexican culture at the Penn Museum with folklore performances, cultural activities for all ages, a gallery treasure hunt, and more. [$0-$18, University City]

🐦 Bird Walk | Sunday | 8 a.m.

Join a guided birdwatching adventure at FDR Park. No supplies? Grab a free birding backpack at one of these local library branches. Water-proof shoes recommended. [free, South Philly]

🪷 Yoga | Sunday | 10:30 a.m.

Nourish your soul with a rooftop flow at Cira Green. BYO mat and water bottle. [$0-$19.97, West Philly]

🇧🇷 Brazilian Day | Sunday | 1 p.m.

Celebrate Brazilian culture at the Great Plaza at Penn’s Landing with live reggae music, samba and capoeira performances, authentic food and drinks such as guaraná soda, caipirinhas, and açaí fruit bowls, and more. [free, Penn’s Landing]

🎵 Hip-Hop Party | Sunday | 7 p.m.

Head to the Dell Music Center for an evening of throwback hip-hop music featuring MC Lyte, C.L Smooth, and more. [$40, Fairmount Park]

🧇 Night Brunch | Sunday | 8 p.m.

Indulge in breakfast for dinner and interactive drag performances at Franky Bradley’s. [$17.80, Gayborhood]

🥳 The Oval | Through Sept. 4 | Varies

Ben Franklin Parkway’s eight-acre summer oasis will stay open through Labor Day! Enjoy a free movie night, live music programming, family fun, and a wellness day. [free, Logan Square]

🛍️ Marketplace | Through Oct. 1 | 12 p.m.

Shop from more than 20 local vendors every weekend at Dilworth Park until October 1. [pay-as-you-go, Center City]

What We Love - And Hate - About Philly

On August 30, 2022, City Cast Philly dropped its first episode, where our host Trenae Nuri spoke with a linguistics expert on the history and usage of the word "jawn."

We also sent out the first official Hey Philly newsletter, which featured a list of interactive museums in the city, and an emotional support alligator named Wally. (Just an average day in our city!)

Over the past year, we’ve produced content on all things Philly, from arts and culture, to sports, to politics, activism, and education.

To celebrate our anniversary, we recorded a live podcast with three special guests at Indy Hall on Wednesday, Aug. 30. Couldn’t make it to the party? No worries: We captured all the laughter and applause, so it will feel like you’re there while listening!

Trenae chatted with The Trace community engagement reporter Afea Tucker, Streets Dept founder Conrad Benner, and City Cast Philly Arts & Culture contributor Charles Tyson, Jr.

They talked big picture: about the changes they’re most excited to see in our city; the most pressing issues facing residents; and how we can all stay better connected.