City Cast Philly
⚾ Can the Phillies win it all this season?
March 31, 2025 · — Siani Colón
Hey there, Philly! Last Friday we shared the news about PPA’s new initiative to start charging for parking in loading zones in Center City – and to begin ticketing those who don’t pay after three minutes. The program is primarily aimed at delivery drivers who clog loading zones, but anyone can register for a CurbPass to pay for limited stays. While some may roll their eyes at another way to get busted by the PPA, several of you reached out to say this is actually a great program that will improve public safety, prevent double parking, and keep traffic flowing.
Here’s a piece of what Hey Philly reader A.L. from South Philly had to say: “Personally, I welcome the innovation and initiative to finally make people pay for the congestion they cause. I can’t wait for them to expand it across the city.”
What are your thoughts about the new Smart Loading Zones initiative and other parking enforcement throughout the city? What’s working well or needs improvement? Email us and keep the conversation going.
What's CITY Talking About?
⚾ It’s the Phillies’ Turn To Bring a Trophy Home
Opening Day at Citizens Bank Park is finally here! The Phillies kicked off the season by dropping a new hype video, declaring their drive to win a championship after the Eagles brought glory home. Following three consecutive playoff appearances, is this the last chance for this core team to get it right? On today’s episode, Trenae chats with contributors O.J. Spivey and Johnny Goodtimes to get a glimpse of what’s in store for this season and what’s new for the fans at the ballpark. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
🌎 Philly Community Initiatives Stalled Due to Revoked EPA Grants
Southwest Philly’s Bartram’s Garden shared that EPA funds for youth internships and tree plantings have been terminated by the Trump administration, disrupting plans for the season. Although the organization is trying to move forward with the support of volunteers, it’s not alone. Several community organizations have lost federal funding that would have gone toward projects such as a workforce development center, an air monitoring network, and extreme heat education. [Bartram’s Garden, WHYY]
❤️ West Philly Pantry Providing Free Menstrual Products
A mother-daughter duo is working together to educate the community about menstrual health and expand access to resources with a new period pantry. The free pantry is located at the Health Partners Plans Community Wellness Center on Market Street. [NBC10]
🍷 Wine Prices May Hike Up at Your Local Fine Wine & Good Spirits
We know PA loves La Marca Prosecco, but shoppers could soon see higher prices or fewer options at the store if President Trump’s 200% tariff threat on wines from the European Union goes through. Even smaller tariffs may have an effect. [City Cast Philly, Axios]
What To Do
Monday, March 31
- 🧵 StitchCraft | 5 p.m. | Free | South Philly
- 💬 Cultural Dynamics: Community Conversations | 5-8 p.m. | Free | Penn’s Landing
- 📽️ AMH Movie Night: Paris Is Burning | 6-7:30 p.m. | $10 | Queen Village
- 🗣️ Power Politics: An Oral History Series | 6:30 p.m. | Free | Parkway Central
Tuesday, April 1
- 🗳️ Ultimate Job Interview with DA Candidate Patrick Dugan | 5 p.m. | Free | Fitler Square
- 📽️ “Chinatown Cha-Cha” Film Screening | 5:30-7:30 p.m. | Free | Penn
- 📘 Riverwards Chapbook Series with H&H Books | 6 p.m. | Free | Fairhill
- 📖Uncle Bobbie's X Kiese Laymon - City Summer, Country Summer Book Tour | 7 p.m. | $8.99+ | Germantown
- 🎞️ “Thank You Very Much” Film Screening | 7 p.m. | $12 | Callowhill
- 🌌 Park After Dark: Moonwalk + Stargazing Party | 7:45-9:45 p.m. | $15 | Fairmount Park
🧹 The city’s mechanical street sweeping program is back. The initiative is focused on 14 neighborhoods and will run from April 1 through October 31. Make sure those streets are clear so crews can spruce them up.
Free · Daily