City Cast Philly
🚔 Watchdog eyes program addressing police misconduct
March 17, 2026 · — Siani Colón
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! It's the holiday that usually comes to mind in March. But there’s an upstart celebration looking to get your attention. Have you heard of St. Ryan’s Day?
Folks named Ryan are visiting Philly from across the nation, hoping to break the world record for the most people with the same name to climb the Rocky steps simultaneously.
Maybe I should host a meetup of Sianis. I think that’s easily possible in Philly.
What's CITY Talking About
Could This Program Change Local Police Officers’ Behavior?
A training-focused diversion program aims to reduce the department’s heap of disciplinary cases. The program was launched in the fall, and so far participants have found it helpful. But the Citizens Police Oversight Commission said it will keep an eye out for repeat offenders who may try to use the program to circumvent harsher punishment. [Axios]
Philly Announces Lineup for Independence Day
Philly is going all out for this year’s Wawa Welcome America Fest. While headliners for the July 4 concert are yet to be announced, musical acts including Queen Latifah, Eve, and DJ Jazzy Jeff are expected to perform in the days leading up to the event. [NBC10]
- Related: Here’s what else to look forward to as the semiquincentennial approaches. [🎧City Cast Philly]
New Budget Could Bring Relief to City Libraries
Mayor Parker announced her nearly $7 billion budget proposal last week. Among her priorities are upgrades to the Free Library’s HVAC systems. Over the years, branches have repeatedly had to close due to cooling or heating issues, disrupting programming and access to resources. [🎧 City Cast Philly, WHYY]
Get Your March Madness Brackets Ready
NCAA Men’s Basketball is taking over the Xfinity Mobile Arena this weekend. Here’s what you need to know about who’s playing and how to watch the games. [🔒 The Inquirer]
- Related: Although no Philly-area teams are competing in the tournament here, I wonder how many of the players can match Philly’s energy. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
Northeast Philadelphia Airport to Get Major Improvements
Congressman Brendan Boyle announced this week that $1.4 million in federal funding will be used to upgrade the airfield and improve safety at the regional airport. [6ABC]
- Related: PHL has implemented several changes ahead of this summer’s festivities. Hopefully, the international airport can withstand increased travel amid a month-long partial federal government shutdown that’s impacting security. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
Sponsored Content
Small Wedding. Big Feelings.
Skip the stress and keep the magic. Simply Eloped offers curated elopement and vow renewal packages in stunning destinations nationwide, so you can celebrate your love story, your way.
What To Do
Tuesday, March 17
- ♻️ Philly Recycling in 2026 at Indy Hall (Northern Liberties)
- 🎶 The Hangout: Live Music at Velvet Whip Arts & Social Club (Callowhill)
- 📝 Creative Writing Group for Adults at Queen Memorial Library (Point Breeze)
- ☘️ St. Patrick’s Day Party at McGillin’s Olde Ale House (Center City)
Wednesday, March 18
- 🍽️ Taste America: Philadelphia at the Bellevue Hotel (Center City)
- 🎭 Philly Grit: Theatrical Series (through March 29) at Theatre Exile (Passyunk Square)
- 🗣️ Women’s History Month Mixer at Braid Mill (Germantown)
- 🎤 Spoken Word Open Mic at Eastwick Regional Park (Eastwick)
- 🧮 Tax Prep in a Changing Philly Landscape with CultureWorks Greater Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Cultural Fund (Virtual)
- 🎱 Billiards Tournament at Cellar Dog (Center City)
- ☕ Coffee Class at Ox Coffee (Queen Village)
👠 Work it on the runway. Crossroads Women’s Center is looking for designers and models to be part of its Project Rummage Runway Fashion Show. This year’s theme is "Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose, and Repair." Applications close this Friday.
Free · Daily