City Cast Philly
📣 Who else might be striking this summer
July 11, 2025 · — Siani Colón
Happy 7/11 Day! We know it’s typically the day you can score a free Slurpee from the convenience store, but one person is going the extra mile. Local runner Matthew Cooper is on a mission to run to every 7/11 in Philly to fundraise for Students Run Philly Style. So if you love running, Slurpees, or both, you can join the cause today 🥤
What's CITY Talking About?
🚙 Self-Driving Our Way to Philly’s Dumps
What other labor disputes are on the horizon? On today’s Friday News Roundup, we discuss the aftermath of District 33’s eight-day strike and a potential teacher’s strike in August. Plus, more on Philly’s recent surge in gun violence and whether we’ll be sold on Waymo. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
👮 Where Are the FOP’s Arbitration Records?
Speaking of unions, what’s going on over at the Fraternal Order of Police? We can’t tell you. The city quietly removed certain FOP arbitration cases from its site to review a redaction policy last year. But those cases, plus any new FOP or labor union-related cases, haven’t been republished. [🔒 The Inquirer]
🏗️ Could New Developments in Philly Be Stalled?
Developers obtained permits to redevelop the former Wanamaker Building, providing a sneak peek into its future. Plans include 600 residential units, a pool, and retail space. [Philly Voice]
- Related: Future residential developments could have an uphill battle as proposed tariffs are projected to slash Philly housing units by 1,600 annually. [ 🔒 Philadelphia Business Journal]
🥞 Another Longtime Philly Diner Is Up for Sale
It’s the end of an era in Northeast Philly as the Mayfair Diner, a landmark since 1932, seeks new ownership. This follows the ongoing trend of diners cutting back on 24-hour service or closing their doors altogether. The diner will remain open, but it’s uncertain if it’ll remain a diner in the future. [CBS Philly]
- Related: So where can you still get a classic breakfast sampler? Here are other diners to still check out in Philly. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
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How Well Do You Know Philly?
This week, we’re looking back at Live Aid. An ambitious charity concert, the performances took place at Wembley Stadium in London, England and JFK Stadium here in Philly on July 13, 1985. The concert was broadcast all over the world and raised millions of dollars to support Ethiopian famine victims.
Answer this plus a few more Philly history facts!
What To Do
Friday, July 11
- 🎷 Jazz Night at 49th Street & Baltimore Avenue (Cedar Park)
- 🎶 Sound Type: Mars Kumari x Alex Smith at Asian Arts Initiative (Callowhill)
- 🎭 Improv Comedy: The N Crowd at Sawubona Creativity Project (East Passyunk)
- 🍿 Cinema in the Cemetery: “Death Becomes Her” at Laurel Hill East (East Falls)
- 🖼️ Summer 2025 Opening Celebration at Institute of Contemporary Art (University City)
- 🎨 Autistic Art Coalition of Philadelphia’s art exhibition at Tacony LAB (Tacony)
- 🍝 Midnight Pasta Party at BLDG39 at the Arsenal (Bridesburg)
- 📜 Perimeter Printmaking at Cherry Street Pier (Old City)
- 🎨 Clay Workshop: Sunset Sculpting at Pentridge Station (West Philly)
- 🛍️ Philly Punk Rock Flea Market at Sheet Metal Workers Union (Pennsport)
- 🖼️ ”Down the Shore” Opening Reception at Arch Enemy Arts (Old City)
- 🎉 Scribes on South Annual Gala at Tattooed Mom (Queen Village)
- 🪴 Healthy House Plants: Repot and Plant Care Class at Plant and People (West Powelton)
Saturday, July 12
- 🎤 Off the Vine Community Showcase at Two Locals Brewing Co. (University City)
- 🍦 Ice Cream Festival on Filbert at Reading Terminal Market (Center City)
- 🥾 Second Saturday Guided Hikes at Belmont Plateau (Fairmount Park)
- 🍰 Cake Party: A 4th Birthday Cake Tasting Celebration at New June Bakery (Brewerytown)
- 🌊 Borski Splash! A Community Celebration at Borski Park (Bridgesburg)
- ✍️ Drawing Workshop at Al-Bustan Seeds of Culture (Olde Kensington)
- 🔎 The Deadly Nudes Scavenger Hunt at The Philadelphia Museum of Art (Fairmount)
- 🧵 Bring Your Own Craft at Washington Square Park (Society Hill)
- 🧘 Tending Our Gardens: A Portal into Family Care & Wellness at Reinhard Street Farm & Kitchen (Southwest Philly)
- 🚲 Free Bike Rentals at Bartram's Garden (Kingsessing)
- 🥐 Brunch in the Garden at The Navy Yard (South Philly)
- 👶 Mama Moves – Baby Wearing Fitness Event at The Liberty Lands (Northern Liberties)
- 🎉 Katika Festival at The Lawn (University City)
- 🧑🌾 Northern Liberties Farmers Market: Summer Block Party at Piazza Alta (Northern Liberties)
- 🫂 Collab Philly at Triple Bottom Brewing (Poplar)
- 🪩 Watermelon Glow: A Summertime Pop Up at Pentridge Station (Cedar Park)
- 🖼️ Chinatown History Exhibit Open House at Crane Community Center (Chinatown)
- 📖 Athenaeum Young Friends: Bring Your Own Book Review at The Athenæum of Philadelphia (Society Hill)
- 🪴 Afternoon Lunch & Wine Bottle Succulent Workshop at Penn's View Hotel (Old City)
- 🎾 Wimbledon Women’s Final Watch Party at Lions Sports Bar (Chinatown)
- ✂️ Transforming Our Realities | A Collage Workshop at NextFab (Norris Square)
- 🌿 Wild Foraging with Lady Danni at FDR Park (South Philly)
Sunday, July 13
- 🎉 Barnes on the Block at The Barnes Foundation (Logan Square)
- 👨 Dads for All presents Dadness & Mayhem (RSVP for location)
- 🎶 Martha Graham Cracker & Friends: The Live Aid Tribute Concert at Union Transfer (Callowhill)
- 🎊 Culture Fest at Liberty Point (Society Hill)
- ✍️ Sketch Club with Black Hippie Art at The Arts League (Spruce Hill)
- 🐐 Summer Grief Walk with the Goats at The Farm at Awbury (East Germantown)
- 🇫🇷 Bastille Day Block Party at The Good King Tavern (Bella Vista)
- 👟 CAICU Walking Tour beginning at Las Parcelas (Norris Square)
- 🎨 PECO Family Jams: Paper Quilting with Katie Kaplan at Magic Gardens (South Philly)
- 🐟 Red Fish Blue Fish: A Fishadelphia Celebration at Pentridge Station (West Philly)
- 🩺 Penn Medicine Community Health Fair at Community of Compassion CDC (Cobbs Creek)
- 🧘 Yoga with FLOW at The Daily (West Poplar)
- 🪴 Plant Swap at Plant and People (West Powelton)
- 🧵 Fiber Arts Meetup at Indy Hall (Northern Liberties)
- 🎶 Radio Fresca at El Techo (Rittenhouse)
- 🍸 Drinks We Love: Nico Diaz Pop-Up at Caletta (Fishtown)
⚾ Turns out that celebrity look-alike contests haven’t died out yet. After Philly found its best versions of Jalen Hurts and Miles Teller, Fringe Bar is hosting a Nick Castellanos look-alike contest on July 18. The Phillies do have a game that day, so we’ll see if the real Nick can squeeze in a quick visit.
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