
City Cast Philly
😍 Get to know Philly’s Germantown
October 13, 2023
Happy Friday the 13th! Are you superstitious on this day? Or, do you think it’s a bunch of humbug tomfoolery?! Check out the origins of this myth and why today is considered so unlucky 🙈

What's CITY Talking About?
Why Are Schools ‘Leveling,’ City Council Asks
A month into the school year, Councilmember Katherine Gilmore Richardson has introduced legislation calling for hearings on leveling, the practice of shuffling teachers between schools after classes start, based on enrollment. Gilmore Richardson has called it a “troubling” practice because it “disrupts classroom instruction.” [Inquirer]
Support for a Roosevelt Boulevard Subway
The proposed subway system would take approximately 100,000 riders throughout Northeast Philly daily, and was well received at a virtual public hearing. Limited public transportation options have made Northeast residents feel separated from the rest of the city, many said in the hearing. However, SEPTA says the expansion will cost them over $100 million — money the city does not have, according to officials. [NBC10]
New Charges for Sen. Bob Menendez
New charges have been filed against the New Jersey senator, accusing him of acting as an unregistered agent for Egypt and alleging he provided sensitive government information and “took other steps that secretly aided the government of Egypt.” Menendez, his wife, and three New Jersey businessmen were charged in a sweeping bribery indictment last month. [Inquirer]

What To Do
🎙️ Tichina Arnold and Tribe | Friday | 7:30 p.m.
Catch a performance of the acclaimed singer at City Winery Philadelphia. [$50+, Center City]
🎶 Philly Music Fest | Friday - Saturday | Times Vary
Featuring performances from Kurt Vile, Schoolly D, Tigers Jaw, and more, this nonprofit music festival brings music lovers and musicians together for a week of live shows at venues across the city. [Locations vary, $29+]
🖍️ DesignPhiladelphia Festival | Friday - Sunday | Times Vary
Check out this showcase of Philadelphia’s design talent, and take part in workshops at the studios at Cherry Street Pier [Free, various locations]
📚 Latin American Book Fair | Saturday | 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.
Head to Taller Puertorriqueño to celebrate and explore Latin American literature, authors, language, and culture. [Free, North Philly]
🍩 Hard Cider and Doughnut Fest | Saturday | 2 - 8 p.m.
Nab your free doughnut and sip on drink specials at JJ Bootleggers. All guests must arrive from 2 to 4 p.m. for registration. [$19.99+, Old City]
🥟 Southeast Asian Market | Saturday - Sunday | 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.
Enjoy various cuisines, and shop for plants, clothing, jewelry, and more. [Pay as you go, FDR Park]
🎃 Boo at the Zoo | Saturday - Sunday | Times Vary
Bring the kiddos to this full-filled event of costumes, fall treats, children’s activities, and of course, zoo animals. [$20+, Philadelphia Zoo]
🩰 ‘Carmen’ | Saturday - Sunday | Times Vary
Experience this show combining traditional classical ballet and Spanish dance at the Philadelphia Ballet. [$22+, Spring Garden]
🎸 ‘Coco’ Live-to-Film Concert | Sunday | 4 p.m.
View a screening of the beloved film accompanied by the 20-member Orquesta Folclórica Nacional de México at the Kimmel Center. [$30.50+, Center City]
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Today on City Cast
Philly’s Downtown Resurgence, Temple's Brewing Labor Battle, and $10 Pet Adoptions
It’s the best day of the week: The Friday News Roundup!
Join City Cast Philly’s Laura Benshoff and guests as they discuss the state of Philly’s downtown post-pandemic, another labor battle brewing at Temple University, and why ACCT Philly needs your help clearing out their animal shelters.
Wishing you a safe and scary freaky Friday! And if you’re looking to adopt, fill out an application with ACCT Philly, here 💖
– Natalia Aldana
Thanks to Laura Benshoff for editing this newsletter!
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