City Cast Philly

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.

Banner of a city skyline with the text "Your City Could Be Better with David Plotz"

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]

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]

Podcast Player: "Anger Builds over School Closure Plan, Smokin’ Joe Frazier Joins Rocky & Snow Melt Reveals Poop"

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?

Heart-shaped box of chocolate
A Philly chocolatemaker popularized the heart-shaped box in 1912. (Sabrina Rizzo / Unsplash)

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.

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What To Do

Friday, Feb. 13

Saturday, Feb. 14

Sunday, Feb. 15

💌 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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