City Cast Philly
⚖️ Philly neighbors reeling after ICE arrests
July 18, 2025 · — Siani Colón
Hiya, Philly! We know a lot of you are die-hard transit fans (or at least like riding the train when it’s on time). But do you love SEPTA as much as this family?
We’re still waiting on SEPTA funding in the state budget, but things seem to be moving in a hopeful direction. Fingers crossed that some routes and stations don’t become things of the past, like the token.
What's CITY Talking About?
👮 Ex-Cop Released on Parole After Sentencing for Deadly Shooting
Former Philadelphia Police officer Mark Dial was convicted of manslaughter back in May for the 2023 killing of Eddie Irizarry. He was sentenced this week to 9 1/2 months to 2 years in prison, but was granted immediate parole for already serving 10 months. [🎧 City Cast Philly, 6ABC]
⚖️ ICE Arrests Persist
Residents are grappling with recent arrests made by Immigration Customs and Enforcement. Five undocumented men from Guatemala were picked up earlier this month at their South Philly home, and a violent arrest was made Thursday outside the Juanita Kidd Stout Center for Criminal Justice. [ 🎧 City Cast Philly]
🚙 Public Outcry After Drivers Strike Multiple People on Busy Intersection
The Department of Streets is temporarily changing the direction of the 600 block of South LeCount Street after neighbors and activists raised alarm over several people struck by drivers coming off the South Street Bridge. A permanent change will require legislation. [CBS Philly]
🛣️ Your Next Commute Could Be Much Smoother
Several other changes are coming to Philly-area roads. Three key PennDOT projects are nearing completion: Improvements to Lincoln Highway and Rockhill Drive, enhancements to the Sumneytown Pike Connector, and resurfacing to I-76 and its ramps. [Billy Penn]
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Prove Your Weekly Philly News Knowledge
The city is already bringing the hype for next year’s MLB All-Star game in Philly, but I’m still celebrating Kyle Schwaber’s MVP moment!
Give your best guess and test the rest of your Philly trivia knowledge in our quiz.
What To Do
Friday, July 18
- 🎷 Jazz Night at 49th Street & Baltimore Avenue (Cedar Park)
- 🎭 Improv Comedy at Sawubona Creativity Project (East Passyunk)
- 🎶 Concert; Alvilda at Foto Club (Harrowgate)
- 💃 Salsa Class & Social Dance at FDR Park (South Philly)
- 🎵 Music in the Park at Konrad Square (Fishtown)
- ✍️ Drink (Or Not) & Draw at Indy Hall (Northern Liberties)
- 🎸 Experimental Jazz Guitar at Solar Myth (South Philly)
- 🖼️ Artist Tom Judd’s Exhibition at the Athenaeum of Philadelphia (Center City)
- 🎤 Comedy Show at Studio 34 (West Philly)
- 🖼️ “Modern Ambiguity” Art Show at 915 Spring Garden (Poplar)
- 🥂 Speakeasy on a Boat (Old City)
- 📽️ Exhibit of Video Stills at PhotoLounge (Center City)
- 🪴 Plant Bingo Night at Plant and People (West Powelton)
Saturday, July 19
- 🛍️ El Mercado Cultural at Cherry Street Pier (Old City)
- 🧘 Yoga & Park Cleanup at Malcolm X Park (West Philly)
- 🏆 Quirky Scavenger Hunt at Quig's Pub (Center City)
- 🪘 Music, Dancing, & Latin Food at Esperanza (Hunting Park)
- 🍷 Wine Class at Mural City Cellars (Fishtown)
- 🐦 Photo Exhibition at Moore College of Art (Logan Square)
- 🍺 Summer Ale Festival at the Philadelphia Zoo (West Fairmount Park)
- 🎷 Lancaster Avenue Jazz & Arts Festival at Saunders Park Greene (West Powelton)
- 🛍️ Night Market at Maplewood Mall (Germantown)
- 🏠 Tenant Training: Eviction Defense at Wooden Shoe Books (South Philly)
- 📖 “Out Doing Science” Book Launch at Making Worlds Bookstore (Walnut Hill)
- 🚼 Community Baby Shower at Temple University (North Philly)
- 🥁 Indian Rhythms and Drum Circle at Studio 34 (West Philly)
- 🍨 Gelato Pop-Up at Green Street Coffee Co. (South Philly)
- 🛥️ Eagles Boat Parade & Pier Party at Cherry Street Pier (Old City)
- 🛍️ Pop-Up Market & Music Showcase at The Braid Mill (Germantown)
Sunday, July 20
- 🐈 Kitten Adoption at Future Days Brewery (Northern Liberties)
- 🪩 Kids Dance Party at Brooklyn Bowl (Fishtown)
- 📽️ “Taking Root” Documentary Screening at Studio 34 (West Philly)
- 🎞️ “40 Years a Prisoner” Screening and Q&A at Making Worlds Bookstore (Walnut Hill)
- ✍️ Sketch Club at the Arts League (Spruce Hill)
- 🍝 Drag Brunch at BLDG39 at the Arsenal (Bridgesburg)
- 🎨 Family Art Day at Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts (Center City)
- 🫖 Mother-Daughter Tea Party at The Navy Yard (South Philly)
- 🎶 DJ Sets at Morgan’s Pier (Old City)
- 🎤 Cyndi Lauper at the Mann Center (Fairmount Park)
I know I’m glad to see trash being picked up again on my block, but one Philadelphian went the extra mile. Check out this act of appreciation for our sanitation workers, complete with balloons and refreshments to welcome them back. 🧡
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