City Cast Philly
🚍 Does SEPTA need a special prosecutor?
March 14, 2024
Good morning! Yesterday I experienced the sorrow of spotting a Philly Mag writeup on the dream home I’d been eyeing on Zillow for several days, only to find out that it’s now under contract. Am I actually in the market for a house? Well … no. But did that stop me from picturing myself living there? Also no. Anyway …
What's CITY Talking About?
🏠 Housing Prices Rise Sharply
Last month, home prices reached the highest level in our region since May 2022. The city saw a 6.4% increase in median price, driven by a lack of inventory. Maybe now wasn’t the ideal time to buy my climate-friendly Washington Square West dream home, anyway. *sigh* [Business Journal 🔒]
- What does it take to afford a starter home in Philly? We looked into the topic last summer. [City Cast Philly 🎧]
🎤 Local Colleges Announce Commencement Speakers
A few higher ed institutions are starting to reveal their planned graduation speakers. Cabrini University in Delaware County — which will close permanently in June — has chosen alumna Kylie Kelce as one of theirs. [Inquirer 🔒]
- At the Moore College of Art and Design in Center City, Mayor Cherelle Parker will address the 2024 graduates. [Moore College of Art & Design]
🍎 School Board Candidates Named
The city’s Education Nominating Panel approved a shortlist of 27 finalists for the Board of Education earlier this week, including seven current school board members. Mayor Parker will ultimately choose nine members to begin their terms in May, subject to City Council approval. [Chalkbeat Philadelphia]
🚒 Ever Notice These Cool Fire Station Murals?
TIL: Around 40 of Philly’s fire stations have unique, community-sourced artwork to promote fire prevention. Find out the story behind them and look at some photos here. [Streets Dept.]
What To Do
Thursday, March 14
- 🍷 Sensible Sips: Alcohol Free Wine & Cocktail Class | 5:30–7:30 p.m. | $50 | Old City
- 🚌 Bus Revolution Community Meeting | 5:30–7:30 p.m. | Free | Fairhill
- 💐 “Mama Dukes” Opening Reception | 6–9 p.m. | Free | Olde Kensington
- 🏴 Macbeth | 7:30 p.m. | Pay What You Can | Mt. Airy
- 🧶 Greater Philly Yarn Crawl (First Day) | Hours Vary | $5+ | Multiple Locations
Friday, March 15
- 🪨 Geology of the Wissahickon Park | 1 p.m. | Free | East Falls
- 🥃 Tipsy Women’s History | 6:30–9 p.m. | $30 | Drexel University
- 🎵 Drexel Music: Gospel Choir | 7 p.m. | Free | University City
- 🎤 Sing OUT Louise! | 8 p.m. | $50+ | Center City
Saturday, March 16
- 🍸 Espresso Martini Crawl | 11 a.m.–4 p.m. | Pay As You Go | Northern Liberties
- 🐦 Hot Cocoa & DIY Bird Feeders | 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m. | Free | Northwest Philly
- 🍻 Erin Express Bar Crawl | 12–8 p.m. | $17–20 | Multiple Locations
- 🦑 Squid Dissection with The Center for Aquatic Sciences | 2 p.m. | Free | University City
- 🥇 Now + Then Marketplace Pure Gold | 2 p.m. | Pay As You Go | Whitman
- ☀️ Embracing the Light | 2 & 6 p.m. | Free | Old City
- 🎤 Sing OUT Louise! | 2 p.m. & 8 p.m. | $35–$65 | Center City
- 🎹 Philadelphia Organ Festival: The Passion of Joan of Arc | 3–5 p.m. | $30 | Germantown
- ☘️ St. Patrick’s Day Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner | 3–5 p.m. | Free (Donations Appreciated) | Torresdale
- 🇮🇪 All Irish Comedy Tour | 4 p.m. | $22–$30 | Center City
- 👻 A St. Paddy’s Nightmare | 7–9:30 p.m. | $32 | Manayunk
Today on City Cast
The Legal Battle Over SEPTA’s Special Prosecutor
Last year, state lawmakers created a new position: a special prosecutor for crimes on public transportation in the city. But the role has been controversial and remains unfilled. City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri speaks with Thomas Fitzgerald, transportation reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, about the politics of this position and what’s actually at stake for SEPTA.
Have a great Thursday!
— Asha Prihar
Thanks to Laura Benshoff for editing!
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