City Cast Philly
👮The state of police oversight in Philly
June 3, 2026 · — Siani Colón
What do you love about Philly? A new exhibit at the Fashion District is inviting residents to celebrate the city by sharing their personal stories. Messages have included memories of favorite neighborhoods and cultural institutions.
Need some inspiration? Listen back to our episode talking to Philadelphians about what they love (and wish was better) about the city. Have suggestions you want to share with the rest of us right now? As part of their membership perks, City Cast Philly Neighbors can shout out their favorite businesses, organizations, and events in our Thursday newsletters!
What's CITY Talking About
What Does This Police Watchdog Group Actually Do?
It’s been five years since the city established the Citizens Police Oversight Commission. While the agency is meant to keep the Philadelphia Police in check, it has faced resistance from the police union. So what has CPOC accomplished since its inception, and how much power does it truly have? [🎧 City Cast Philly]
SEPTA Concourse Reopens Ahead of Summer Tourism Boom
Commuters can once again move between City Hall and Walnut-Locust station without having to go aboveground. The concourse, which has been closed since the COVID-19 pandemic, was deep-cleaned and equipped with new cameras. It will remain open after this summer’s festivities. [SEPTA]
Philly Schools See Reversal in Dropouts
Only 1,275 students dropped out of the school district as of April, half the dropout rate from a decade ago. The district attributes the improvement to dedicated staff working with at-risk students, a prevention program supporting ninth graders, and online schooling. [Chalkbeat]
Rising Police Fees Force Festivals To Downsize
A new report from the city controller found that security costs absorb 44% of budgets for special events, with police overtime driving up costs. A complicated, multi-step permitting process has also posed a challenge to event organizers. [NBC10]
- Related: Support the festivals still happening this summer by attending these events. [📝 City Cast Philly]
Sponsored Content
Coming June 13: TED Democracy Philadelphia
Ahead of America’s 250th birthday celebrations, this massive, day-long event features 15+ brand-new TED Talks examining the past, present and future of modern democracy in the city where it started. Use code CITYCASTPHILLY for 15% off tickets.
Where Is It?
We’re back with another “Where Is It?” challenge, our game where you name the location of street art and landmarks around the city.
Do you know where you can find The Quaker?
What To Do
Wednesday, June 3
- 🎨 Clay Play: Open Studio Making at Starr Garden Recreation Center (Queen Village)
- 🎣 Free Fishing at Bartram's Garden (Kingsessing)
- 🎬 "In Pursuit: Philadelphia and the Making of America" Screening at Penn Museum (University City)
- 👟 Wildlife Walks at Pennypack Environmental Center (Fox Chase)
- 🎤 Spoken Word Dance Party at J. Lounge (Pennsport)
- 🎉 Blankenburg Parade at Blankenburg Elementary (Mill Creek)
Thursday, June 4
- 🛍️ Dollar Stroll on Baltimore Avenue between 40th and 51st Street (West Philly)
- 🖼️ The Tiny Chair Show III Preview Night at Stickball (Old City)
- 🎬 Sketch Comedy Film Festival at PhilaMOCA (Callowhill)
- 🌿 Community Networking Event at PHS Pop Up Garden (Bella Vista)
- 💘 Speed Dating for Music Lovers at The Lodge by Two Robbers (Bella Vista)
- 🎵 Live Southern Rock at Secondhand Ranch (Fishtown)
- 🍸 Field Study: Cocktail Science Fair at Philadelphia Distilling (Fishtown)
- 🩰 BalletX: "The Four Seasons Reimagined " through June 5 at Highmark Mann (West Fairmount Park)
Sponsored Content
What Now: 2026 is in full swing!
ArtPhilly’s five-week city-wide festival is staging works and performances at a variety of venues and spaces, underscoring the creative possibility and communal spirit that exists throughout Philadelphia. Emerging and established artists alike are part of an expansive curatorial program featuring performances, installations, podcasts and more. Emphasizing the city’s status as a vibrant home for artists of all backgrounds and disciplines, What Now: 2026 will spark important conversations about the future of the nation.
🦆 What does Philly’s wildlife look like through your eyes? Friends of Heinz Refuge is accepting submissions for its Nature in Focus photo competition and exhibition. Whether you’re an amateur or professional photographer, you can enter your wildlife and nature photos for a chance to win a cash prize. Submissions close Aug. 1.
Free · Daily