City Cast Philly
🛒 How much is Philly paying for necessities?
May 7, 2026 · — Siani Colón
It’s the perfect season to spend time in Philly’s parks! So, which are the best and worst? We challenge commenters on their one-star reviews of the city’s outdoor spaces, and share what Philly gets both wrong and right when it comes to our parks.
Do you have any strong opinions on Philly green spaces? Send us your rating and why.
What's CITY Talking About
It’s Not Just Gas Breaking the Bank
In the past few weeks gas prices have soared past $4, creating another financial burden for residents. While other necessities like chicken and bread have remained affordable, one particular grocery item is hurting wallets: beef. [Philly Voice]
- Related: Here are our recommendations for local grocery stores with the best deals. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
Council Member Appointed Interim Chair of Civil Rights Agency
Gov. Josh Shapiro tapped Councilmember Curtis Jones, Jr. to steer the Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission following a recent leadership shuffle in the agency. Jones, who has been a member of the commission since 2017, said he wants to strengthen civil protections in Pennsylvania and create a plan to move through cases more efficiently. [🔒The Inquirer]
School District To Roll Out New Bus Tracking Technology
Parents will be able to track bus arrivals and when their child boards and deboards with an app beginning next school year. The partnership with Zūm, which manages the technology, will cover routes serving 330 schools. [NBC10]
PA Cracks Down on Phony Professionals Amid AI Regulation Push
The Shapiro administration is suing Character.AI to halt its AI bots from posing as medical professionals. In one instance described in court filings, a bot named “Emilie” claimed to be a psychiatrist with a falsified license registered in Pennsylvania. [Pennsylvania Capital-Star]
- Related: Concerns over AI’s negative consequences come as Pennsylvania courts companies to build data centers across the state. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
Neighborhood Shoutouts
📣 Izzy M. is shouting out the city’s Turn the Key program, which provides first-time homebuyers with up to $75,000 in mortgage buydown assistance. Check whether you meet the eligibility criteria.
Thanks for the recommendation, Izzy! Here’s additional advice for first-time homebuyers. If you’re reading this but prefer renting, learn about your rights as a renter.
What To Do
Thursday, May 7
- 🎵 Music Pop-Ups at the Portal at Trolley Portal Gardens (Spruce Hill)
- 🏛️ Opening: Paths to Independence, 1765–1787 at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania (Center City)
- 🎣 Learn to Fish at Lardner's Point Park (Tacony)
- 🌿 Nature at Noon at the Woodlands Cemetery (West Philly)
- 💃 Hip-Hop Cardio Dance Class at Mishana Yoga & Wellness (East Falls)
- 🎷 Philly Pops Jazz Combo: The Sound of Coltrane at Settlement Music School (Wynnefield)
Friday, May 8
- 🎬 Special Screening: Video Art & Grassroots Media at Scribe Video Center (West Powelton)
- 🎭 “The Hypochondriac (Molière)” through May 10 at Quintessence Theatre (Mt Airy)
- 🎸 Music of Colonial Mexico at Teatro Esperanza (Hunting Park)
- 😂 Improv Comedy: The N Crowd at Sawubona Creativity Project (East Passyunk)
- 🕯️ Candlemaking Workshop at STUMP (Bella Vista)
- 🏫 BOK Open Studios at the Bok Building (South Philly)
🚴 Want to take your biking skills to the next level? Try riding from Philly through New Jersey with this new map from the Jersey Devil Hunt. The tool lays out bike paths from Trenton to Atlantic City; all you have to do is hop on a train at 30th Street Station to cross the state line.
With how these gas prices are looking, you may want to consider other modes of transportation for your trips.
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