City Cast Philly
⚡ PECO preps for surging demand from data centers
April 15, 2026 · — Siani Colón
Big news — our spring membership campaign starts today!
Around here, "neighbor" is a verb. It’s not just something you are, it’s something you do. Every story, conversation, and city guide we bring you is our attempt to give you the information and context you need to show up for this city.
When you become a City Cast Philly Neighbor, you help us keep doing that — and you get great perks like:
- Shout out your favorite local gems on the podcast and in this newsletter
- A weekly members-only events preview
- Regular members-only events
- Brand new: members-only podcast content with extra insight, hot takes, and a little city gossip 👀
Plus, join during this campaign and we'll send you a custom Oxford Pennant — a beautiful American-made wool felt pennant designed just for Philly. Scroll down to take a peek and claim yours!
What's CITY Talking About
Roads Reopen Near Parking Garage Collapse
Sections of Grays Ferry Avenue have reopened to traffic following last Wednesday’s tragic collapse. Stores in the Grays Ferry Shopping Center, including Fresh Grocer, have also begun to reopen. Ongoing updates are on the city’s official website. [NBC10, City of Philadelphia]
PECO Braces for Data Center Energy Demand
PECO’s CEO warns that Pennsylvania needs to increase its energy supply or it won't meet the demand of data centers. At least two centers are planned in the utility company’s coverage area, which could eat up much of the supply. Proposed rate hikes don’t account for data centers, which have sparked concern over rising energy costs. [🔒 Philadelphia Business Journal, 🎧 City Cast Philly]
Historic Landmarks To Get Upgrades
Fort Mifflin, a Revolutionary War battle site and Civil War prison camp, is getting a tide gate to mitigate flooding at its location along the Delaware River. However, the historic site is in desperate need of more funds for other maintenance. Meanwhile, West Fairmount Park’s Welsh Fountain will be restored, along with safety upgrades and family-friendly spaces in the surrounding area. [🔒 The Inquirer, West Philly Local]
ICE Challenges PA Over Utilities at Proposed Detention Centers
The Department of Homeland Security filed an appeal after the state blocked ICE from accessing water and sewer at its warehouses, claiming the state was motivated by “antipathy against ICE.” The warehouse conversions are part of a push to open a “New ICE Philadelphia Mega Center.” [Spotlight PA, 🎧 City Cast Philly]
- Related: In Philadelphia, City Council is set to make a final vote on legislation restricting the city’s collaboration with ICE. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
Expect Record High Temps This Week
Meteorologists predict that temperatures will reach 90 degrees (yes, you read that correctly). The unusually hot April is another example of how climate change is making a warmer spring season the new status quo. [WHYY]
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What To Do
Wednesday, April 15
- 🛠️ Skill Swap Club at Design Gym (Olde Kensington)
- 🤠 Honky Tonk Hustle: Line Dancing at Second Hand Ranch (Fishtown)
- 🧑🍳 Healthy Cooking Class at the Overbrook Environmental Education Center (Overbrook)
- 💃 Cumbia Class at Capitolo Playground (Passyunk Square)
Thursday, April 16
- 🎸 Green Day Acoustic Sing-a-Long at Quig’s Pub (Rittenhouse Square)
- 🍋 Lemon Tart Baking Workshop at L’atelier (Manayunk)
- 🎨 Still Life Drawing at Social Beings (Point Breeze)
- 🎞️ Movie Screening: The Third World Newsreel at Vox Populi (Callowhill)
- 🌸 Jane Austen Garden Party at Parkway Central Library (Logan Square)
- 🎉 Point Breeze Market Festival on the 1300 block of Point Breeze Avenue (Point Breeze)
🏆 Congrats to Cat from Brewerytown, who correctly guessed the location of last Wednesday’s “Where Is It?” challenge. “Still Life” is located at North Dover and Thompson Streets.
Before you go, don’t forget to claim your pennant by becoming a Neighbor! That pop of orange and black is perfect to wave around as you cheer on the Flyers during the playoffs. 😉
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