City Cast Philly

City Cast Philly

⛲ Franklin Square’s multi-million dollar upgrade

February 28, 2025 · — Siani Colón

It’s officially the end of February, neighbor! If you’re spending the night in, be sure to check out Spirit. The new doc, available now on Xfinity, spotlights how the co-ed cheer team at George Washington High School became the first team from the School District of Philadelphia to make it to nationals.

If anything else slipped your radar this week, we have you covered with our Friday News Roundup. On today’s episode, Trenae, Matt, and Abby break down the Parker administration’s efforts to bring down crime rates in Kensington and they sift through your many opinions on the bike lane debate following our two-part series this week.

Podcast Player: “Kensington’s Progress Report, Lawmakers Criticize Penn’s DEI Backtrack & Bike Law Reactions”

What's CITY Talking About?

🚽 New Loos To Use at Franklin Square

Franklin Square is getting upgrades, including long awaited public restrooms. The $7.8 million project includes new lighting, bicycle and pedestrian improvements, and a playground. The reopening of the adjacent PATCO station is expected this spring. [WHYY]

🦅 Shayshawn Barkley Joke Heads To Trademark Office

If you haven’t heard of Saquon Barkley’s nickname, you haven’t spent too much time online. After a Commanders fan went viral for incorrectly calling the Philadelphia Eagles running back the wrong name, the joke took off. Now Barkley’s one of several Eagles who are trademarking phrases that were popular this season. [🔒Philadelphia Business Journal]

🐶 Germantown Pantry Helping Pet Owners in Need

Pet owners in need of food, medication, and other items for their furry friends can access resources for free at a new pantry. Josie Crist, inspired by social media requests from owners in need, is partnering with Familiar Hearts Animal Society to host pop-up distributions and collaborate with local businesses to set up donation boxes. [🔒Chestnut Hill Local]

🚧 Gas Leak Near Central High Prompts Evacuation

A private contractor hit a gas line on the 1700 block of W. Olney Ave. on Thursday morning, causing a loud boom and yellow gas to permeate the air. Students and residents in nearby buildings evacuated while crews responded to the scene. [6ABC]

Prove Your Weekly Philly News Knowledge

Author talk at the Free Library
The Free Library's "One Book, One Philadelphia" program selects a book each year to be the focus of a citywide reading effort. (Gilbert Carrasquillo / Getty Images)

February may be the shortest month of the year, but there were plenty of stories to cover. Let’s see if you remember what you read in the news with this question about reading:

Do you know which book is on Philly’s reading list? Let’s see if you’re right.

What To Do

Friday, Feb. 28

Saturday, March 1

Sunday, March 2

🏀 Nice save! Just in the nick of time, Temple’s Zion Stanford recovered a blocked shot and nailed a buzzer-beater to secure a 73-71 win against South Florida.

Free · Daily

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