City Cast Philly
⚽ SEPTA gets funding boost ahead of World Cup
March 6, 2026 · — Siani Colón
Good morning, Philly! Yesterday, we discussed how you can make a difference and improve your own neighborhood, but what about the rest of the city?
City Cast’s brand new podcast — “Your City Could Be Better” — is answering that question. Every week, our CEO David Plotz chats with my colleagues across the 13 City Cast teams to talk about the unusual things our cities are trying, where they’re growing, and how they’re succeeding.
This week’s episode takes us to Salt Lake, where a national think tank wants to institutionalize unhoused people, regardless of what locals think. “Your City Could Be Better” has also featured conversations about how the anti-ICE movement in the Twin Cities mobilized so quickly and the backlash against data centers in Madison.
Check the episodes out now on YouTube or wherever you get your podcasts.
What's CITY Talking About
Marsha’s Speaks Out After Police Target Bar
Chivonn Anderson, owner of the city’s first women’s sports bar, issued a statement after an anonymous complaint prompted an inspection by police and other agencies on a crowded night at the end of February. The complaint alleged that the queer-owned South Street bar was serving alcohol to underage patrons and operating without proper licenses. No violations were found, but Anderson called the experience “traumatizing.” [🎧 City Cast Philly]
- Related: Marsha’s opened amid a growing women’s sports renaissance in Philly. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
U.S. Department of Transportation Awards SEPTA $5.5 Million
Congressman Brendan Boyle said the funding will support the city’s transit system amid the surge of visitors during the World Cup, but he also emphasized: “These improvements will benefit Philadelphians long after the tournament ends.” The transit improvements are among several reasons why hosting the international championship will be a game-changer for Philly. [🔒 The Inquirer, 🎧 City Cast Philly]
Fetterman Splits With Dems Over Iran War
Sen. John Fetterman sided with Republicans, including fellow Pennsylvania Sen. Dave McCormick, in a vote against a resolution that would have restricted President Trump’s power to continue the war in Iran. Fetterman said he was “baffled” why none of his Democratic peers joined him in support of Operation Epic Fury. [🔒 Penn Live, @SenFettermanPA via X]
‘Good Cause’ Protections Advance After Uproar in City Hall
Councilmember Nicolas O’Rourke’s legislation would expand “good cause” protections to all Philly renters, rather than just month-to-month renters and tenants with a lease of under a year. It also proposes a program to inspect rentals on a regular cycle and bars termination or modification of a lease if a tenant cooperates with a city investigation or speaks out about living conditions. [WHYY]
- Related: Know your rights as a tenant in Philly. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
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Philly Mini Crossword
We’re back with another crossword, which relies on your knowledge of Philly trivia and the latest news. Can you get all the answers right?
What To Do
Friday, March 6
- 🤩 Creative Alliance Art Show at Cherry Street Pier (Old City)
- ☕ Philly Startup Expo at Pennovation Center (Grays Ferry)
- 🚶 Women's Walking & Wellness Club Meet-up at Philadelphia Museum of Art (Fairmount)
- 🌐 “Philadelphia: Workshop of the World” Exhibition at Science History Institute (Old City)
Saturday, March 7
- 🎭 Participatory Theatre Workshop at Pig Iron Theatre Company (Olde Kensington)
- 💪 Boxing at Sixth Man Center (Nicetown)
- 🎤 It's Always Punny in Philadelphia at Helium Comedy Club (Rittenhouse)
- 📵 No Scroll Social at Triple Bottom Brewing (Callowhill)
- 😆 Comics for Juntos Fundraiser at Dubois-Robeson People’s Center (West Philly)
- 🎵 Flora and Fauna: Songs of Springtime at The Church of the Holy Trinity (Rittenhouse)
- 🐶 Protect Our Paws Cleanup at 901 New Market Street (Northern Liberties)
- 🫂 The Friendship Workshop (register for address)
- 🐛 The Natural History Road Show at Wagner Free Institute of Science (Cecil B. Moore)
- 🧑🎨 Shtetl Philly Workshop & Cabaret in Spruce Hill (register for address)
- 🏁 F1 Melbourne Watch Party at F1 Arcade (Center City)
Sunday, March 8
- ♥️ Sisterly Love Collective Sunday Supper at Four Seasons Hotel (Center City)
- 🎨 Clay Club at Babyface Studio (Manayunk)
- ✨ Philly 30s/40s Mixer at the Institute of Contemporary Art (University City)
- ☕ Walk to Coffee at Out West Cafe at 4301 Kingsessing Ave. (Clark Park)
- 🎵 For The Ladies International Women's Day Celebration at Percy (Fishtown)
- 🗑️ “In Excess”: Documentary About Philly’s Trash at Bok (South Philly)
🍝 The City Cast Philly team had a great time last night meeting with our Neighbors and guests at our pasta-making demo and tasting with Chef Marc Vetri. If you missed out, don’t worry! We have an audio taste for you next week.
You can forget the FOMO by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor, like Jacob M. (thanks for joining!). We’re already planning our next members-only event, so join today for exclusive invites.
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