
City Cast Philly
🚲 When can Philly use its bike lanes again?
February 13, 2026 · — Siani Colón
It’s Friday the 13th! No need to be spooked about negative energy over here. We have some good news to share with you to kick off the day. ✨
City Cast just dropped a brand new podcast. It’s called Your City Could Be Better — because it could be! Every week our CEO, David Plotz, is bringing on different hosts and producers from the 13 City Cast teams to talk about what our cities are doing right and wrong — plus the weird things they’re trying, and the surprising successes.

We’re talking everything from dog poop crises to housing solutions; it’s going to be a blast. The first episode is out now on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.

What's CITY Talking About
Phillies Dump Nick Castellanos As Spring Training Begins
The outfielder was told not to show up to spring training this week, despite having a year left — and $20 million — on his contract. Tensions in the clubhouse rose toward the end of last season when Castellanos was reportedly benched after making “an inappropriate comment.” But we’ll prefer to remember him for this game-winning and son-loving moment. [ESPN]
- Related: Opening Day at Citizens Bank Park is March 26. Here’s how to experience the perfect game. [📝 City Cast Philly]
Bike Lanes Remain Blocked Long After Snowstorm
The city is installing street signs to inform drivers not to stop in bike lanes, thanks to new PennDOT funding. A separate grant will fund concrete curb separation in some bike lanes. But bicyclists need support now, as lanes and trails are still covered in snow nearly three weeks after the big snowfall. [Philly Voice, 🔒 Philly Mag]
- Related: Icy bike lanes aren’t the only problem Philadelphians are running into post-snowfall. As the snow melts, the sidewalks reveal hazards from broken glass to dog poop. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

New Speed Cameras Coming To Select School Zones
Cameras will be installed in five school zones along major roadways to enforce the 15 mph speed limit. Violators will be warned until April 20; after that, $100 fines. Meanwhile an investigation revealed several speed cushions in school zones weren’t up to standards. [🔒The Inquirer, 6ABC]
Protests Against ICE Ramp Up As State Collaboration Is Questioned
Protesters in Philadelphia participated in a nationwide effort to pressure Target to block enforcement officers from entering its stores without a judicial warrant. And corporations aren’t the only ones feeling the pressure. Gov. Shapiro, despite publicly criticizing ICE, has been under scrutiny for how state agencies collaborate with federal immigration agents. [Associated Press, Spotlight PA]
PA’s Most Powerful Dems Give Each Other the Silent Treatment
Shapiro may be speaking to the public during his book tour on a myriad of issues. But one person he isn’t talking to? His fellow Pennsylvanian, Sen. John Fetterman. While recent disagreements over Fetterman’s political 180 have soured the relationship, the beef has been several years in the making. [🔒The New York Times]
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How Well Do You Know Philly?

It’s quiz time! To get in the spirit of the holidays this weekend, take our themed quiz to learn some history.
Click here to keep playing and for more quizzes. Missed our puzzle? Play last week’s before a new game appears next Friday.

What To Do
Friday, Feb. 13
- 🕯️ Crafted Scents & Brews at Meyers Brewing Company (Fishtown)
- ✂️ 2nd Hand Circus Scrap Night at Thunderbird Hall (Kensington)
- 🎲 Domino Tournament at Taller Puertorriqueño (Norris Square)
- 🐦 Great Backyard Bird Count at Glen Foerd (Torresdale)
- 🍺 “Beer My Valen-Stein?” Ceramic Workshop at Cartesian Brewing (Passyunk Square)
- 💔 Anti-Valentine’s Day Grief Crafting Circle at Wooden Shoe Books (Queen Village)
- 🍷 Wine Tasting Series at Solar Myth (South Philly)
Saturday, Feb. 14
- 🎞️ Mausoleum Makeout: Valentine's Day Film Festival at PhilaMOCA (Poplar)
- 🏉 Philly Rugby 2026 Collegiate Clinic at Starfinder Foundation (Manayunk)
- ⛴️ Philadelphia Valentine’s Signature Dinner Cruise on the Delaware River (Penn's Landing)
- 🏒 Heated Rivalry in the Library: The Show, The Books, and the Fandom at Parkway Central Library (Logan Square)
- 🛍️ Valentine's Day Market at LOVE Park (Logan Square)
- 🍞 Live Mystery Theater Experience at The American Historical Swedish Museum (South Philly)
- ♥️ Lovers and Friends Sip & Sculpt: Pottery Workshop at One Art Community Center (West Philly)
- 🌹 Adult Prom at Philadelphia School of Circus Arts (Mount Airy)
- 🎵 Bach Cello Suites at Gloria Dei (Old Swedes’) Church (Queen Village)
- 🇰🇷 Jishinbalpgi Ritual (Multiple Locations)
Sunday, Feb. 15
- 🤝 Navigating Conflict in Artistic Collaboration at The Wilma Theater (Washington Square West)
- ♥️ Valentine's Day Pottery Workshop at The Brass Tap (Manayunk)
- 🧵 Fabric and Notions Swap at The Wheelhouse (West Kensington)
- 🫔 La Tamalada at Lighthouse Sports Complex (North Philly)
- 🪡 Open Studio at Stitch + Destroy (Queen Village)
- 🎶 Vinyl Exchange at the Painted Bride (East Parkside)
💌 We’ll be back in your inbox with both the regular and members-only newsletters on Tuesday, as we’ll be off on Monday for Presidents Day. The Museum of the American Revolution and the National Constitution Center will have special programming throughout the holiday weekend. The Avenging the Ancestors Coalition will also hold a rally at the President’s House, continuing a tradition begun in 2002.
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