City Cast Philly
🪧 Strike hits city services from trash to 9-1-1
July 2, 2025 · — Siani Colón
Good morning, Philly! If your block is still filled with smelly, wet, hot garbage, it’s because District Council 33’s strike is ongoing. Today on City Cast Philly, we break down the union’s demands for higher wages, the city’s contingency plans, and how this affects city services. And we talk about the other big news so far this week, like how SEPTA’s funding (and future) is still in limbo as state lawmakers blow past the budget deadline. Plus, the team tosses out names for Congressman Dwight Evans’ potential replacement and Philly’s future WNBA team.
What's CITY Talking About?
🚆 Jumping the Turnstile? It Could Cost You $300
Speaking of SEPTA, the transit agency has been trying to gain back some funds (about $50 million) by cracking down on fare evasion. With evasion now categorized as a criminal offense, SEPTA Police have charged over 3,200 people so far this year with fines of up to $300. [🎧 City Cast Philly, 🔒 The Inquirer]
🏙️ Former Rite Aid Bought by Sixers in First Sign of Center City Revitalization
While all eyes are on Philly’s future WNBA team, the Sixers are quietly making some moves off the court. Despite the Center City arena no longer in the cards, the Sixers and Comcast are moving forward with their promise to revitalize Market East by purchasing some property for redevelopment. [🎧 City Cast Philly, 🔒 Philadelphia Business Journal]
🌳 Waterfront Parks Could Transform Philly Neighborhoods
Manayunk is one of Philly’s most flood-prone neighborhoods, with devastation from Hurricane Ida spotlighting the risks. But while a park could mitigate flooding from Philly’s waterways, residential developments are nonetheless planned along the floodplain. Meanwhile in Bridesburg, a new waterfront park is ready to open at a former industrial site. [Grid Magazine, Philly Voice]
🥕 Philly Youth Use Gardening As Therapy at This Urban Farm
Further down the Schuylkill River, teenagers at Bartram’s Garden’s Sankofa Community Farm are finding community outside the home and school as they connect to the land through an agricultural program. [Love Now Media]
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Where Is It?
We’re back with another Wednesday “Where Is It?” challenge! Instead of your traditional mural, check out this collage of butterflies and other critters on a Philly side street.
Here’s a hint: There’s an even larger butterfly-themed mural on the wall next to this one (and it includes a map of its exact location). Do you know where this outdoor gallery of butterflies is located?
While you’re out on the hunt for some butterflies, here are some other things to do around the city:
- 🍽️ Eat at these newly opened restaurants.
- 🎲 Have a game night with friends.
- 🎉 Throw a block party.
- 🗺️ Use our neighborhood guides to get around.
- 🛝 Visit this new playful learning space in Sharswood.
- 🍸 Sip on some zero-proof cocktails.
- 🎭 Support Philly’s arts scene.
- 📍 Check out other events happening in the city this July.
What To Do
Wednesday, July 2
- ⚾ Sports Field Day at Easter State Penitentiary (Fairmount)
- 🤘 Pennypack Music Festival: Idol Kings, Tribute to Journey and REO Speedwagon at Cannstatter’s (Torresdale)
- 📚 Free Library of Philadelphia Town Hall at Kingsessing Library (Kingsessing)
- 🧵 Embroidery Stitch Sample with Bonnie MacAllister at Cherry Street Pier (Old City)
- ❓ Trivia Some-Wednesdays at Lost Time Brew Co. (Norris Square)
- 💻 Creative Coworking with Blue Stoop (Virtual)
- 🚑 CPR Training Class at Widener Library (Strawberry Mansion)
- 🇧🇷 Festa Junina at Hawthorne Cultural Center (Bella Vista)
- 🧑🍳 Vetri Community Partnership Cooking Classes at Rowhouse Grocery (South Philly)
- 🎷 Summer Jazz Series at Tustin Playground (Overbrook)
- 🍲 Community Potluck at the Open Kitchen Kitchen Sculpture Garden (Norris Square)
- 🎨 Art Club at the Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center (Cobbs Creek)
Thursday, July 3
- 😢 Crybaby’s Night Out Night Market at Pentridge Station Pop-Up (West Philly)
- 🎈 Summer aBroad Block Party on 1600 N. Broad St. (North Philly)
- 🎤 KIRaoke with Kirsten Cills at Next In Line Comedy Club (Callowhill)
- 🎶 DEPARTED and Copal present: Electric Sol at Liberty Point (Old City)
- 📝 Thursdays on the Stoop: Miracle Workers & Porch Prophets — Myth in Poetry with Blue Stoop (Virtual)
- 🛍️ Welcome to South Street Night Market on South Street between 3rd and 8th Streets (Queen Village)
- 🖼️ Free Museum Day at Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts (Center City)
- 🎵 The Philly Pops at Independence National Historic Park (Old City)
- 🎨 Community Canvas at 3rd Street Gallery (Headhouse Square)
🛜 For the latest information about the District Council 33 strike, check the city website or text “ReadyPhila” to 888-777.
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