City Cast Philly
🌿 What are Philly smoke shops really selling you?
July 30, 2025 · — Siani Colón
Hey there, Philly! I’m currently into crocheting, one of several hobbies I’m juggling to see what sticks. But it’s easy to run low on supplies. Did you know there’s a free community art closet at the Magic Gardens?
I love sharing tips with you that help me navigate my own day-to-day life. If you also find these tips helpful, you (yes, you!) should become a City Cast Philly Neighbor. When you join City Cast Philly Neighbors, you get great perks like:
- Ad-free podcast listening
- A weekly email rounding up the best local events around town
- Exclusive invites to members-only gatherings
- The chance to shout-out a favorite local business or nonprofit in the newsletter and podcast
But, more importantly you’re letting us know that you value what we do here and you don’t want it to go away.
For just $10 a month (less than the price of a cheesesteak these days, sheesh) you’ll provide critical support to keep this daily newsletter going and join a growing community of Neighbors who care about Philly and want to see it thrive.
What's CITY Talking About?
💰 An Inside Look at the State Budget Negotiations
We’re surpassing a month without a state budget, delaying $2.5 billion in payments to schools, homeless shelters, and ambulance services. What gives? Pennsylvania State Rep. Morgan Cephas, a Democrat representing the western part of the city, says Republicans “need to come back to work” and finally vote on a budget to save SEPTA from spiraling into a crisis. [Spotlight PA, 🎧 City Cast Philly]
🌿 Smoke and Mirrors: Philly’s Unregulated Hemp Products
Fake certificates of authenticity are plaguing Philly’s smoke shops, where products have tested positive for contaminants. The bogus weed puts consumers at risk of health problems and criminal charges, but the industry in Pennsylvania remains largely unregulated. [🔒 The Inquirer]
❤️🩹 Getting a Gun Is an Easy Task for Many Philly Youth
As gun violence continues to plague Philly this summer, a new study from Penn Medicine reports that almost 3,000 teens in Philly can easily get a gun through borrowing, straw purchases, or theft. [Philadelphia Tribune]
- Related: Loopholes in our state laws make it easier to obtain a gun, prompting a push for more statewide gun safety measures. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
🏛️ Future of the Avenue of the Arts
Philly’s overdue plan to revitalize South Broad Street is finally coming to fruition, as the first phase is expected to begin in September. It will make the 10 city blocks more pedestrian-friendly and include updated lighting, greenery, and seating on both the sidewalks and median. [Axios]
⚽ Calling All Philly Soccer Fans!
Philly needs your help to make the upcoming FIFA Club World Cup the best event it can be. The Fashion District will serve as a volunteer center, with 3,000 people anticipated to filter through as they help out during next summer’s tournament. If you can’t wait for next year’s games, the U.S. Women’s National soccer team is paying a visit to Chester this October to play against Portugal. [Philadelphia Soccer 2026, Billy Penn]
What To Do
Wednesday, July 30
- 🤘 Pennypack Music Festival: Tribute to The Doors at Cannstatter’s (Torresdale)
- 💘 Pitch-a-Friend at Stateside Vodka Bar (Olde Kensington)
- 🧘 Wellness Wednesday in West Park (Fairmount Park)
- 🎶 Garden Jams at Penn Museum (University City)
- 🖼️ Visiting Artist Program at PAFA (Center City)
- 😄 Comedy Show at The Pen & Pencil Club (Center City)
- 🎨 Art Club at Cobbs Creek Environmental Center (Cobbs Creek)
- 🎤 Circle Jawn Singers Meetup at Mishana Yoga & Wellness (East Falls)
- 🧑🍳 Cooking Workshop at Galaei (Norris Square)
- 🛍️ Artisan Market at the Rotunda (University City)
- 🍲 Queer Community Potluck at the Underbite Bites (Queen Village)
- 🌿 Herbal Hour at Hall Pass (Callowhill)
- 📝 Junk Journaling at Maisy’s Meeting House (Old City)
- 📖 Speculative Futures Reading Group at Iffy Books (Southwest Center City)
Thursday, July 31
- 🎉 Anniversary Party at Blondie (Manayunk)
- 🍰 Faux Cake Mirror Making at People’s Gallery Project (Center City)
- 🎨 Clay Play - Framed Tile at Artifact Studio (Germantown)
- 🎞️ Black Star Film Festival at multiple venues (Center City)
- 🎶 Rich Ruth at Solar Myth (South Philly)
- ⛑️ Preparedness 101 at Making Worlds Books (Walnut Hill)
- 👟 After Hours Stroll (Manayunk)
- 🍿 Screening: “LEGO Batman Movie” at Schuylkill Banks (Grays Ferry)
- 💬 Artist Talk: “Honoring Pearl Bailey” at AAMP (Center City)
- 🎛️ DJ Papaya at Percy (Fishtown)
- 🍨 Cocco’s Gelato Pop-Up at Fringe Bar (Old City)
- 🎨 Printmaking at Philadelphia Sketch Club (Midtown Village)
- 🪩 Social Dance at Philadelphia Boys Choir & Chorale (Callowhill)
- 👟 Eastwick Walking Group at Bartram’s Garden (Kingsessing)
I’m excited to welcome our new City Cast Philly Neighbors: Erin W., May S., and Roberta K.! Want to see your name in this newsletter? Become a City Cast Philly Neighbor today. (Plus, we’ll send you that extra special tote bag!)
Your support ensures I can keep bringing you the local news and tips that make life in Philly easier to navigate. And if you have a handy life-hack to share with our City Cast community, you get to do so as a Neighbor.
See ya! 👋
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