
City Cast Philly
💰 What to know about 'no tax on tips'
July 16, 2025 · — Siani Colón
Good morning, Philly! It looks like a strike from another city union may be averted. AFSCME District Council 47, which represents workers at City Hall, the Philadelphia Parking Authority, and the Philadelphia Housing Authority, reached a tentative agreement with the city.
Now let’s hear from another voice inside City Hall. ⤵️

What's CITY Talking About?

🏙️ Mark Squilla’s Predictions for the Future of Center City
Councilmember Squilla’s District 1 stretches from the Riverwards to Center City to South Philly, all areas that have been booming with development in the past few years. But that hasn’t been without its controversies. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri speaks with Squilla to clear the air on some of the hottest topics in the city and learn the latest on projects coming down the pipe. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

🚔 Philly Police Release Names of Officers Who Shot and Killed Man in May
The department said Bruce Harry Garcia had a ghost gun that he fired through a bag during a scuffle with Officers Edward Lane and Matthew Galdo. The two then fired their weapons, shooting Garcia in the chest. Police have not said why Garcia was stopped, but indicated it had something to do with the black bag that officers saw him carrying. [🔒 The Inquirer]
🌊 No Commitment From City To Fix Poor Drainage Blocking Trail Access
Just a few weeks ago, the city celebrated the expansion of the Schuylkill River Trail, but some residents can’t access it due to flooding at the Schuylkill River Park. While neighbors wait for help from the city, some have taken it upon themselves to “shovel sludge.” [🎧 City Cast Philly, Fitler Focus]
🗳️ What’s at Stake in PA’s Upcoming Judicial Election
While May’s primary had a low voter turnout, Pennsylvania voters should consider going to the polls in the fall. Judicial races don’t make as much noise as federal elections, but three of the state’s top judges could be kicked off the court by voters, potentially swaying how laws are enforced in the commonwealth. [The Conversation]
💸 What Philly Workers Need To Know About New Tax Law
A new federal rule passed in President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” will change the tax code for workers in hospitality and other industries. One thing to note is that while workers who qualify must still pay taxes on overtime pay and tips, they can apply for relief through a tax deduction. [WHYY]
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Where Is It?

Thanks for participating in our previous hunt! If you missed the answer, be sure to look at the bottom of last Wednesday’s email. For this week’s challenge, do you know where to find this sculpture?
Hint: This park faces a body of water.
While you’re out, be sure to:
- 📍 Use our neighborhood guides to navigate the city.
- 🏃 Go for a run or a hike.
- 🍷 Sip on some wine.
- ☀️ See for yourself why Philly is the best summer city.
- 🎉 Try more things to do this July.
Do you know the answer? Take a guess!

What To Do
Wednesday, July 16
- 🤘 Pennypack Music Festival: Kick It Out, Tribute to Heart at Cannstatter’s (Torresdale)
- 🌼 Wildflower Walkabout & Workshop at Laurel Hill West (Bala Cynwyd)
- 🎸 Pop Punk’s Not Dead at Morgan’s Pier (Old City)
- 📚 Free Library of Philadelphia Town Hall at Parkway Central Library (Logan Square)
- ✂️ Creative Collage with GrioXArts at Independence Blue Cross RiverRink (Old City)
- 🎶 Garden Jams: Vertical Currents at the Penn Museum (University City)
- 🧑💻 Creative Coworking with the Blue Stoop (Virtual)
- 🎶 Circle Jawns Singers Meetup at Mishana Yoga & Wellness (East Falls)
- 🎣 Free Fishing at Bartram’s Garden (Kingsessing)
- 🎨 Art Club at Cobbs Creek Community Environmental Center (Cobbs Creek)
- 💬 Autistic Adult Mixer at Flashpoint (East Passyunk)
- 🧘 Workout with FLOW at Clark Park (Spruce Hill)
- 🍽️ Community Potluck at Open Kitchen Sculpture Garden (Norris Square)
Thursday, July 17
- 🛍️ Mayfair Night Market at Frankford & Cottman Avenues (Mayfair)
- 🤖 “Wall-E” Screening at Schuylkill Banks (Grays Ferry)
- 🎻 West Philadelphia Orchestra at Black Squirrel Club (Fishtown)
- 🍸 Aperol Hour at Café Click (Center City)
- 👟 After-Hours Stroll (Manayunk)
- 🍝 Midnight Pasta Party at BLDG39 at the Arsenal (Bridesburg)
- 😆 Zero-Proof Comedy at Nutmeg (East Passyunk)
- 🎸 Indie Sleaze Dance Party at Hall Pass (Callowhill)
- 🤠 Country Line Dancing at Bok Bar (South Philly)
- 🎤 Third Thursday Jam Session + Open Mic at d’griot (Germantown)
- 🐈 Hand Sewing Workshop at STITCH and DESTROY (Queen Village)
- 🍸 Aperitivo Night at The PAX Center (Melrose)
- 🍿 “Mechanical Violator Hakaider” Screening at Doom (Callowhill)
🏛️ I know it’s only July, but Philly has some fun stuff in store for September. Fringe Fest announced its monthlong lineup with 331 productions to choose from. And if you like to spend your day at the museum, the Franklin Institute announced its new special exhibit for 2026 focused on theme parks.
Free · Daily
