City Cast Philly
⚖️ Philly Proud Boy released from prison
January 23, 2025 · — Siani Colón
Hey there, Philly! If you’re still trying to get tickets for the Eagles-Commanders game on Sunday, good luck. Standing room resale tix are going for $565, and it’ll cost more than $1,000 for a seat. If you know of any watch parties instead, let us know.
Did you know kindergarten isn’t mandated in Pennsylvania? School Superintendent Tony B. Watlington is trying to encourage enrollment with his new “Thrive at Five” campaign. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri speaks with Watlington about his goals, his pilot program for year-round classes, and his plan for closing some schools.
What's CITY Talking About?
⚖️ Trump Lets Philly Proud Boy Out of Prison
President Trump signed an executive order that either pardoned or commuted the sentences of nearly 1,600 people charged with federal crimes during the storming of the Capitol on Jan. 6, 2021. Among those with the most serious charges who suddenly got out of prison early – almost 15 years early – was former Philadelphia Proud Boy leader and Port Richmond resident Zach Rehl, who was found to have hit police officers with pepper spray and helped coordinate the attack. [6ABC]
📜 Kensington's New Treatment-or-Incarceration Court Launches
Neighborhood wellness courts are officially being piloted in Kensington after Mayor Parker signed an executive order. Individuals arrested on any of four recriminalized summary offenses will get medical attention, if needed, and will be background-checked for warrants. Anyone facing low-level charges will be given two options: Go to treatment or face legal consequences, like jail time. [🎧City Cast Philly, Kensington Voice]
🏠 Student Housing Flips Into Philly Public Housing
The Philadelphia Housing Authority acquired several properties in University City that will be filled with tenants with Section 8 vouchers. With interest rates high and competition increasing, some landlords and developers are trying to sell their properties to PHA as they are having trouble finding tenants to pay the rent. [🔒 Inquirer]
What To Do
Thursday, Jan. 23
- 🧘 Qigong | 11 a.m. | Free | East Falls
- 🍽️ Cooking for Teens: Crepes | 3:30 p.m. | Free | Franklintown
- 🏳️🌈 Sip City Squad Goals: A Queer Friend-Making Mixer | 6-10 p.m. | $10 | Bella Vista
- 🎻 Michael Braunfeld | 7:30 p.m. | $20+ | Lansdowne
- 🎼 Tchaikovsky’s “Pathétique” Symphony | 7:30 p.m. | $25+ | Center City
- 🎤 Sophia Traux “The Strung Along Tour” | 8 p.m. | $20+ | University City
- 🎙️ Singer Fulton Lee | 8 p.m. | $44.50 | Fishtown
Friday, Jan. 24
- 💃 Agora de la Dance | Various Times | $42 | University City
- 🍿 Winter Movie Night | 5-8 p.m. | Free | Fishtown
- 🍯 Make Your Own Medicines: Herbal Honeys + Syrups | 6-8:30 p.m. | $20 | Germantown
- 💿 Mersiv & Inzo DJ | 7 p.m. | $27.50+ | North Philly
- 🤣 Comedian Andrew Santino | 7:30 p.m. | $41.25 | North Philly
- 🎸 Taimane & Her Trio | 8:30 p.m. | $30+ | University City
- ✨ The Art of Enchantment (First Day) | | Center City
- 🎵 AfroRican State of Soul | 7-9 p.m. | $20 | Feltonville
- 🧑🎨 Tattoo Arts Festival (First Day) | 2-11 p.m. | $25 | Center City
🎵 Check out this Philly artist! Germantown native (and CAPA alum) Bilal appeared on NPR’s Tiny Desk this week. Let his smooth vocals soothe you through the day.
Free · Daily