City Cast Philly
⚾ Make the Phanatic the new manager, cowards
April 29, 2026 · — Siani Colón
Good morning, Philly! Have you filled out your ballot? Ballot boxes are officially open so return your mail-in ballots before May 19! Here are the upcoming deadlines before the primary election.
What's CITY Talking About
Beyond Closures, These School Programs Are at Risk in Budget
After-school programs, Advanced Placement classes, and arts are likely to be scrapped at some schools as a cost-saving measure, pushing staffers out of their positions and leaving students with fewer opportunities. [Chalkbeat]
- Related: As the School District of Philadelphia is facing a $300 million deficit, city leaders are split on how to fix it. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
Phillies Ditch Manager After Losing Streak
The Phillies fired Rob Thomson after the team’s worst 28-game start since 2002. Despite leading the Phillies to the playoffs four consecutive years, losing six series by the end of April isn’t something that can be glossed over. The team’s poor performance is just one of several subplots looming over this Phillies season. [🔒 The Inquirer]
- Related: If you’re looking for Phillies merch to rock when the season (hopefully) gets better, a former NBC Sports broadcaster is giving away her gear to those who donate to the PSPCA. [Philly Voice]
City Council Pushes for More Loading Zones
A council committee advanced bills that would create more loading zones for vehicles in Center City, expand camera-monitored “smart” loading zones that charge participating drivers to park for short periods, and add dedicated pickup areas for rideshares. [Billy Penn]
Know a Teen? Philly Wants To Hire Them
The city’s preparing for summer break by offering as many as 10,000 jobs for Philly teens hoping to earn an income and gain work experience. Also returning are Play Streets, a summer meals program, and enrichment activities to keep youth occupied. [WHYY]
- Related: Register your kid at one of these local summer camps. [📝 City Cast Philly]
Where Is It?
We’re back with another “Where Is It?” challenge, our game where you guess the location of street art and landmarks around the city.
If you recognize this sign, then you know you could find something sweet in this spot.
While you’re out exploring, you can:
- Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art’s new exhibition on Rocky and monuments.
- Stop at the Free Library for more than just books.
- Learn about your family history.
- Join a walking group and decide for yourself if Philly is really “walkable.”
- Spot other local art.
- Go rogue and build a bench.
- Munch on a pretzel.
- Go on a brewery tour.
- Make your home greener.
What To Do
Wednesday, April 29
- 🎭 Table Sessions: Expanding Sanctuary at Bartram's Garden (Kingsessing)
- 🧠 Budget 101 at Crossroads Women’s Center (Germantown)
- 🔭 Profs & Pints: Neanderthals Among Us at Black Squirrel Club (Fishtown)
- 💞 Pitch-A-Friend Philly at The Post (University City)
- 🧑🍳 Healthy Cooking Class at Overbrook Environmental Education Center (Overbrook)
- 🗣️ Public Speaking Workshop at Walnut West Library (University City)
- 📖 Sapphic Crafting: Bookbinding Workshop at Faceclock Gallery (Norris Square)
Thursday, April 30
- 🎭 “A Midsummer Night's Dream” at the Kimmel Center (Avenue of the Arts)
- 💃 Philadelphia Ballet: “Romeo and Juliet” through May 9 at Academy of Music (Avenue of the Arts)
- 🥐 Tarte Tropézienne Baking Class at L'Atelier (Manayunk)
- 🧠 Budget 101 at Honickman Learning Center (North Philly)
- 📖 “Kiss Me Goodnight” Poetry Reading at Indy Hall (Northern Liberties)
- 🎶 Philly Music Factory: Free Range at First Unitarian Church (Center City)
- 💬 Spanish Language Exchange at Ellie & Bird (Port Richmond)
🥫 Keep Philly fed! The People’s Fridge on 52nd needs volunteers to assist with food distribution on the second and fourth Saturdays of the month.
Free · Daily