
City Cast Philly
🐶 Philly’s top three dog names (supposedly)
June 11, 2024 · — Asha Prihar
Quick! Can you guess what U.S. News & World Report says Philly’s three most popular dog names are?
Answers: Peanut took the top spot, and Jack came in second. The sleeper pick: I wouldn’t have thought that Adonis (#3) would make the list. Honestly, I’m kind of skeptical of this ranking. That said, if you do have a pup with any of those names, I’d love to see a pic of your canine cutie 🐶

What's CITY Talking About?
🍽️ James Beard Honorees
Philly’s only James Beard Award restaurant finalist — Jesse Ito of Royal Sushi and Izakaya — didn’t take home a win at last night’s ceremony, but other Philadelphians were honored in advance of the big night. [Eater]
- Inquirer critic Craig LaBan and photographer Jessica Griffin were recognized for their travel writing, Vietnam Restaurant in Chinatown was named one of “America’s Classics,” and more. [Inquirer 🔒]
🎵 Music Hall Renamed for a Philly Legend
ICYMI: The home of the Philadelphia Orchestra has been renamed to honor the Philly-born opera singer and civil rights activist Marian Anderson. Hundreds gathered to celebrate the rededication of the former Verizon Music Hall on Saturday. [6ABC]
- 🎧 We talk a bit about Anderson on today’s episode of the City Cast Philly podcast.
⛔ Block Party Application Rejections
Philly police have denied 56 out of a total of 677 block party applications this year because of possible “criminal activity” in the area. And this isn’t new — 230 of around 2,500 block party applications last year were rejected for the same reason. [Axios Philadelphia]
🧊 Some PA Residents Can Get Free A/C Units
If you’re a Pennsylvanian who received heating assistance through the Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program between November 2023 and April 2024, you may be eligible for free air conditioning units or repairs. Pennsylvanians who are receiving federally funded weatherization help may also be eligible. The state has $5.3 million set aside for the program, which officials estimate can serve around 2,400 households. [WHYY]
🍟 Poutine Chain Coming to Philly?
The Canadian chain New York Fries (confusing, I know) is searching for franchisees in the Philly market. The restaurant, which currently has over 100 locations in Canada but just four in the United States, is known for its loaded fries and hot dogs. [Business Journal 🔒]

What To Do
Tuesday, June 11
- 🥒 Summer Snacks: Tastes of Latin America | 4–5:30 p.m. | Free | University City
- ⚰️ Green Burial Panel Discussion | 5–7:30 p.m. | $15 | Laurel Hill West
- 🍪 Celebrate Pride Cookie Decorating Class | 6:30–7:30 p.m. | $40 | Pennsport
Wednesday, June 12
- 😷 Free COVID-19 Tests & Health Information Table | 1–3 p.m. | Free | Parkway Central Library
- 📚 Community Meeting on Nicetown-Tioga Library Emergency Closure | 6 p.m. | Free | Nicetown-Tioga
- 🎹 Jazz Jam with Orrin Evans | 8:30 p.m. | Free | World Cafe Live
Thursday, June 13
- 🐶 Yappy Hour | 5–7 p.m. | $25 | Old City
- 👕 Slow Fashion Made in Philly | 5:30–7:30 p.m. | $15 | Queen Village
- 🪩 Blood Baby: Carpet Womb (First Performance) | 9–10:30 p.m. | $20 Suggested Donation

Today on City Cast

City Council Approves Budget, Gritty's New Song, Verizon Hall Renamed
On today’s midweek news roundup, find out what’s in the new city budget, hear part of a new choral piece honoring a Philly sports mascot, and play along with a local news quiz. City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri is joined by Anna Orso, City Hall reporter at the Philadelphia Inquirer … and yours truly!

Last thing: I really enjoyed this article in The New York Times’ “Vows” column about two Philly women who decided to get legally married after 32 years of friendship. They exchanged vows of platonic devotion in a ceremony at Citizens Bank Park earlier this month, complete with a Phillie Phanatic appearance 🎉
Enjoy your Tuesday!
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