
City Cast Philly
🥊 Philly’s biggest political feud for 2026
December 17, 2025 · — Siani Colón
Hiya, Philly! It’s the season of giving, so if you’re feeling generous:
- Today’s the last day to drop off pre-loved stuffed toys at these locations to be repurposed for dogs and cats in need.
- Towey Playground is collecting toys until Dec. 22.
- Drop off winter gear at Society Hill Dance Academy by Saturday, or wait for the donation drive to resume in January.

What's CITY Talking About
Why Philly Housing Policy Will Be Huge Issue in 2026
Homelessness is on the rise and everyone agrees we have a housing crisis, but Mayor Parker and City Council are at odds over who should get housing assistance. Councilmember Jamie Gauthier tells us why City Council lowered the income thresholds for Philadelphians eligible to benefit from the H.O.M.E. initiative, despite the mayor’s objections. And you'll want to hear how Gauthier pushed back on Parker's criticism. [Axios, 🎧 City Cast Philly]

Stitching Back Funding for Philly’s Transportation Projects
After President Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” cut funding for the Chinatown Stitch — a plan to create a park over the Vine Street Expressway — it seemed like the project was in peril. Now Democratic Philly Congressman Brendan Boyle has introduced bipartisan legislation that would restore billions of dollars to this and other projects. [Billy Penn]
- Related: Trump’s bill was not only detrimental to infrastructure funding but also to SNAP funding. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
42 Surgeries Later, Child Burned in NE Philly Jet Crash Heads Home
We’re nearing the first anniversary of the tragic medical jet crash in Northeast Philadelphia that killed eight people. Community members are still recovering, including 10-year-old Ramesses Vasquez-Vianna, who has finally returned home after being treated for severe burns on 90% of his body. [CBS Philly]
How a Record-Breaking Ball Ruined a Fan’s Love for the Eagles
Eagles fans are arguably the most die-hard on the planet, so what would make someone give up that fandom? In this case, getting handed a game ball by quarterback Jalen Hurts, only for stadium officials and New Jersey state police to allegedly say you’re breaking the law if you keep it. [🔒The Athletic]

Where Is It?

We’re back with another “Where Is It?” challenge, our game where you guess the location of street art and landmarks around the city.
If you recognize the building this artwork is on, then its association with music should not be surprising.
Let’s see if you’re right next week.

What To Do
Wednesday, Dec. 17
- 🌱 Holiday Succulent Centerpiece Workshop at LOVE Park (Center City)
- 🪴 Native Plant Prep Party at Indy Hall (Northern Liberties)
- 💬 Philly Vegan Gal Pals Meetup at Juana Tamale (East Passyunk)
- 🍰 Cheese Tasting & Cake Decorating Workshop at Philly Cheese School (Bella Vista)
- 🏠 Gingerbread House Decorating at Bloomsday (Headhouse Square)
- 😄 The Laugh Lounge at Percy (Fishtown)
- ✂️ Collage Night at At My House (Queen Village)
- 🐍 Scrap Fabric Snake Workshop at the Fabric Workshop & Museum (Center City)
- 🎨 Open Hours for Designing at Design Gym (Olde Kensington)
- 🎞️ Millennial Nostalgia Movie Night at Maisy’s Meeting House (Old City)
Thursday, Dec. 18
- 🎤 Podcast Mixer & Pitch Party with City Cast Philly’s Trenae Nuri at the Pen and Pencil Club (Rittenhouse)
- 🍝 Hand-Cut Pasta Making at CM Neff (East Passyunk)
- 😆 Lady Laughs Philly Comedy Show at The Trestle Inn (Center City)
- 🎄 Holiday Party at the Painted Bride (East Parkside)
- 🛍️ Evening Winter Market at Emerita Cafe (Roxborough)
- 🎅 Profs & Pints: “What Awaits the Naughty” Winter Folktales at Black Squirrel Club (Fishtown)
- 🎲 Backgammon Social at Lotus Wellness Living (Old City)
🗓️ As the year winds down, we have to find a way to spend our downtime, don’t we? If you know of any events you think the city should know about, put them on our radar by submitting suggestions here. We’ll consider your recommendations to be featured in a future newsletter.
🫶 Thank you to Katherine G., Suf L., and Charita P. for becoming City Cast Philly Neighbors! Sign up to be the first to hear about our upcoming members-only event (details coming soon).
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