🚮 Philly expands twice-a-week trash pickup

How Surge in Online Gambling is Gutting Philly Families

From skill games to casinos, gambling is inescapable in Philly. Now it's revealed that our city is the top market in the country for betting apps. But while the industry wins big, residents are drowning in debt and increasingly seeking help for gambling addiction. [🎧City Cast Philly, 🔒 The Inquirer]

FIFA Fever Overwhelms Philly’s Airbnbs

Airbnb is already reporting 17,000 guests staying in its short-term rentals during Philly’s World Cup matches, an early indicator of the economic impact the increased tourism will have on the city. [🔒 Philadelphia Business Journal]

• Related: Know someone visiting in 2026? Recommend they stay at one of Philly’s boutique hotels and give them this itinerary on must-do activities while in the city. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

North Philly To Get Twice-a-Week Trash Pickup Next Year

After launching twice-a-week trash pickup in South Philly and Center City last year, the city is expanding the program to North Philly beginning Jan. 5. The next public meeting informing residents of the change is at Shissler Recreation Center tonight at 6:30 p.m. [CBS Philly, Shissler Recreation Center]

Large Crowds Creating Nightmare on South 13th Street

The Miracle on South 13th Street is one of Philly’s classic, hyperlocal attractions for the holiday season. But now that folks outside of South Philly (and outside the city itself) have caught wind, residents are concerned about traffic and safety. [6ABC]

• Related: Avoid the crowds on 13th Street by visiting other displays, performances, and festivities in December. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

The holidays are quickly approaching. If you didn’t take advantage of Black Friday, Small Business Saturday, or Cyber Monday, you may be freaking out and scrambling to grab the perfect gift. Listen to our last-minute Philly-centered gift ideas as you finish (or start) your holiday shopping, and check out our additional list below.

For the Bookworm

Add these Philly books to the coffee table collection. “Greater Philadelphia: A New History for the Twenty-First Century” expands your knowledge of the city with an up-to-date, diverse, three-volume history that looks at our city’s past vis-à-vis the region, the nation, and the world.

For more book recommendations, check out these books released by Philly authors this fall.

For the Cultured

Is your gift recipient a lover of the arts? Maybe they’ll enjoy $11 tickets for a performance of Opera Philadelphia this season.

For the Foodie

You’ll be cheesin’ at this gift! The Philly Cheese School and the Third Wheel Cheese Co.’s Cheese of the Month Club ships a rotating, themed selection of artisan cheeses and accompaniments.

A good dish can be elevated by the perfect sauce. Poi Dog Sauces, by Philly chef Kiki Aranita, brings a taste of Hawai’i to your table with its Huli Huli Sauce, Chili Peppah Water, and Guava Katsu Sauce.

Make dining out an adventure by purchasing a gift card for Tiny Table Tours.

Every Thursday we highlight shoutouts from our City Cast Philly Neighbors. Become a member to tell us what you love about Philly.

Thanks, Thomas, for the recommendation! If you’re looking for more places to dine, we know the best spots with good food and a good atmosphere. 🧡