City Cast Philly
👮 Is Philly paying for the FOP’s booze?
June 12, 2026 · — Siani Colón
Good morning, Philly! We had an excellent time last night celebrating Women Against Abuse’s 50th anniversary at their Dish It Up party. The funky 70s-themed event shone a spotlight on the top female chefs in the city, all in support of the organization’s life-saving work. If you missed the big bash, you can still support WAA’s mission by volunteering or donating.
We’ve got a busy weekend ahead. The FIFA Fan Festival is officially open at Lemon Hill. You can enter your pup to be the Philadelphia Water Department’s next “spokesdog.” Stock up on artwork at InLiquid’s Art for the Cash Poor festival. Philly VegFest is taking over Girard College. Or celebrate Flag Day at the Betsy Ross House.
What's CITY Talking About
School District Saved From Staffing Cuts in Budget Deal
City Council approved Mayor Parker’s $7.1 billion budget for the next fiscal year. While some agencies face significant cuts, the School District of Philadelphia is getting an additional boost after all. The city miraculously found $48 million between the couch cushions and pledged an annual commitment to help close the district’s deficit. So the proposed ride-share tax that the mayor wanted wasn’t needed after all, but could it be revived down the line? [🎧 City Cast Philly]
Harrisburg Targets Big Tech To Solve Budget Woes
Speaking of budgets, state lawmakers are still figuring out new revenue sources. With proposed taxes on cannabis and skill games still failing to find enough support, legislators are looking at taxes on digital ads and data centers to plug budget gaps. [Spotlight PA]
- Related: Gov. Shapiro is proposing tax breaks and expedited permitting for data center developers — with strings attached — but not all lawmakers are backing his plan. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
Heat Emergency Continues Into Second Day
The city’s cooling centers are once again open today as Philadelphia experiences triple-digit heat indexes. The emergency is scheduled to end at 8 p.m. tonight, but could continue if temperatures remain dangerous. Public pools will also reopen on a rolling basis starting today. [CBS Philly]
- Related: Don’t know how to swim? Take lessons at these local swim schools. [📝 City Cast Philly]
Philly Foots Bill on Fishy FOP Funeral Expenses
After the Fraternal Order of Police requested help to fund fallen officers’ funeral expenses, the city in 2014 raised its contribution for each funeral to $75,000. But an Inquirer investigation found the police union has been billing the city for questionable expenses, from car repairs and carpet cleaning to alcohol and food at the union’s own bar. [🔒 The Inquirer]
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Philly Mini Crossword
Every other Friday we play a crossword puzzle that tests your knowledge of Philly trivia and news. Can you get all the answers right?
If you want to keep playing, click the link below for past games.
What To Do
Friday, June 12
- 🎬 Film Screening: “The Namesake” at Da Vinci Art Alliance (Bella Vista)
- 🎪Philadelphia Juggling Festival at Circus Campus (Mt. Airy)
- 🎵 Dusk Till Dawn Quilt-A-Thon at the Rotunda (University City)
- 🎭 "The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time" Opening Night at The Stagecrafters (Chestnut Hill)
- 😂 Improv Comedy at Sawubona Creativity Project (East Passyunk)
- 🎬 cinéSPEAK Outdoor Movie Series at Clark Park (Spruce Hill)
- 🛼 Roller Skating Meetup at Parkside Evans Rec Center (Parkside)
- 💎 Charm Bar at All Aboard Candy (Center City)
Saturday, June 13
- 🏃 Queer Run Philly 5K at FDR Park (South Philly)
- 🛍️ Uhuru Marketplace at Clark Park (Spruce Hill)
- 🏛️ Northern Liberties Tour beginning at Palm Tree Market (Northern Liberties)
- 🎂 Cake & Sip: The Summer Edit at Elite Bakes Studio (Francisville)
- 🖼️ Color as Collage at Da Vinci Art Alliance (Bella Vista)
- 📚 BYO Book Review at The Athenæum of Philadelphia (Washington Square)
- ✍️ The Last Word Spring Community Showcase at Fleisher Art Memorial (Bella Vista)
Sunday, June 14
- 🏎️ Barcelona Watch Party at F1 Arcade (Center City)
- 🌿 June Deed of the Month at Philadelphia Ethical Society (Rittenhouse)
- 🏛️ Philly's Historic Social Clubs Unveiled Self-Guided Tour beginning at Union League or Mask & Wig Club (Center City)
- 💃 Lady Hoofers 15th Anniversary Tap Jam at FringeArts (Old City)
- 💑 Queer Speed Dating & Friending at Good Good Chocolates (Queen Village)
- 🎵 Sundae Dance Party at Gathers Food Hall (University City)
- 🎶 Sunset Sessions at El Techo (Rittenhouse)
- 🎭 Pride is a Riot: A Burlesque and Drag Celebration at Prism Arts Philadelphia (Callowhill)
🚴 Philly’s big events can’t happen without the power of volunteers. If you’re looking to get involved in Philly’s sportiest summer, the Philadelphia Cycling Classic needs volunteers to help at the race on Aug. 30.
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