City Cast Philly
🧑‍⚖️ PA court rules abortion is a fundamental right
April 21, 2026 · — Siani Colón
Hey neighbor, we believe that for Philly to thrive, we need to connect across our differences — and we know you count on us to help make that possible. Now, we’re counting on you.
I’m going to keep it real: We need your help to hit our goal of 65 more members by April 24. With your generosity, we can share stories that help you better understand your neighbors, celebrate what we all have in common, and wrestle honestly when we disagree.
When you become a City Cast Philly Neighbor, you’re helping sustain this essential local conversation. Plus, you’re getting access to members-only events where you can connect with your actual neighbors and keep the conversation going IRL. And we just announced our next event exclusively to our Neighbors yesterday. You'd better hurry because registration closes soon!
What's CITY Talking About
Pennsylvania Can’t Deny Abortion Coverage for Women on Medicaid
The Commonwealth Court declared that restricting Medicaid funding for abortion was sex-based discrimination and that “reproductive autonomy” is a constitutional right protected from government coercion. [🔒 The Inquirer]
How Philly Neighbors Are Taking Ownership of Vacant Lots
Philadelphia has over 40,000 vacant lots, many neglected by their original owners. To prevent these parcels from becoming hotbeds for illegal dumping or other harmful activity, Philadelphians have been reclaiming them. Now, the Philadelphia Lands Stewards Union has formed to help residents gain ownership of the land they’ve been caretaking for years. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
Philly Soccer Fans To Ride SEPTA for Free During World Cup
While NJ Transit is charging World Cup fans $150 (!) for a one-way train ticket to games in North Jersey, fans seeing the action in South Philly will pay the normal $2.90 SEPTA fare and — thanks to a sponsorship deal with Airbnb — $0 to return. [Billy Penn]
Warning Period Ends for School Zone Speeding Fines
Violators will now be ticketed $100 or more if caught speeding in these school zones, with the final cost depending on how much over the limit the driver goes. The cameras will only be active during school hours. [CBS Philly]
Dine Like Philly’s Top Chefs
Philly’s food scene is having a moment in the national spotlight, so it’s no surprise we have eight finalists vying for a James Beard Award. While we wait to see who gets awarded the culinary equivalent of an Oscar, these are the restaurants in Philly where the nominees hang out. [🎧 City Cast Philly, 🔒 Philly Mag]
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What To Do
Tuesday, April 21
- đź•ş Mummers Dance Workshop at the Mummers Museum (Pennsport)
- 🎠Theater Performance: “Wilderness Generation” at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre (Center City)
- 🧠Sex Ed Trivia at Tattooed Mom (Queen Village)
- đź’° Neighborhood Budget Town Hall at Julia de Burgos School (Fairhill)
- 🎨 Design a Doodad at Design Gym (Olde Kensington)
Wednesday, April 22
- 🎠Opera Philadelphia: “Sleepers Awake” through April 26 at the Academy of Music (Center City)
- 💰 Budget 101 at DuBois-Robeson People’s Center (West Philly)
- 🍴 Healthy Cooking Class at the Overbrook Environmental Education Center (Overbrook)
- ✂️ Community Craft Night at Wooden Shoe Books (Queen Village)
- ♻️ Agricultural Resource Center Grand Opening at Fairmount Park Horticulture Center (West Fairmount Park)
🧡 Thank you to Roland D., Kerry A., and Aaron C. for becoming City Cast Philly Neighbors! Your support not only keeps this newsletter and podcast going, but also helps other Philadelphians stay better connected to the city we love.
Here’s why Kerry joined: “I get a lot of valuable information from this podcast, both personally for my social/eating life, but even more so as a professor at CCP. The amazing interviews that Trenae does, I have shared with my students.”
Do you get value from the reporting we do? Become a Neighbor today!
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