
City Cast Philly
❌ ICE scraps plans for new PA detention centers
July 24, 2026 · — Siani Colón
Philly’s not done celebrating major birthdays! No, not mine, but you’re welcome to send me a cake. Franklin Square is turning 20 tomorrow and is celebrating with family-friendly fun like free cupcakes, crafts, games, and music. I hear Benjamin Franklin himself will also be there. 🎂
Need a recap of the biggest news this week as well as more suggestions for weekend plans? Be sure to tune into today’s Friday News Roundup.

What's CITY Talking About
Philly’s Homeless Population Drops After Two Years
Homelessness in Philly decreased by 7%, according to this year’s count by the city. The number of people living on the streets fell by 39%, with 711 people living outdoors and others living in temporary housing. The city credits its expansion of shelter and outreach services for the change. [Metro Philadelphia]
No New Detention Centers in PA
ICE has officially withdrawn its plans to convert two warehouses into new detention centers in Berks and Schuylkill counties. The detention centers were being referred to as the “New ICE Philadelphia Processing Center” and “New ICE Philadelphia Mega Center,” respectively, despite being nearly 90 miles from the city. [🔒The Inquirer, 🎧 City Cast Philly]

AAMP Unveils Summer Lineup With New Exhibitions
The African American Museum in Philadelphia's first new installation is an exploration of the life of Ona Judge, who escaped slavery by fleeing the home of the nation's first presidential family, George and Martha Washington. The second experience is the traveling exhibit “A League Apart,” celebrating Philadelphia’s Negro Leagues. [Philly Voice]
- Related: Learn about the Ona Judge’s story, which inspired a new holiday in Philadelphia. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
Local Sanitation Workers Among Lowest-Paid in U.S.
As last year’s trash strike showed us, Philly can’t function without our sanitation workers. Despite that, sanitation workers are among the lowest-paid employees in our city government, earning just above a clerk typist. Plus, their pay ranks fourth lowest among the country’s largest metro areas, ahead of only three Texas cities. [🎧City Cast Philly, Philly Plain Dealer]
PA’s Largest Cyber Charter Expands in South Philly
The Commonwealth Charter Academy is coming to the Navy Yard, opening offices for its staff and a student service center. The new building will cost $6 million, adding to the $50 million the school has spent in the past four years on real estate, drawing criticism for excessive spending. [Chalkbeat]

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, July 24
- 🧵“Tramando: Collective Making, Continued Traditions” Opening Reception at Taller Puertorriqueño (Fairhill)
- 🛍️ Sidewalk Sale on Germantown Avenue (Chestnut Hill)
- 🧮 Math Festival through July 28 at Pennsylvania Convention Center (Center City)
- 🚶Neighborhood Jawnts Tour Series: Chestnut Hill / Mt. Airy departing from Independence Visitor Center (Old City)
- 😂 Playtime Comedy Fridays at Philly Typewriter (East Passyunk)
- 🍺 Tavern Tours at National Liberty Museum (Old City)
- 🎬 ”Star Wars: The Empire Strikes Back” In Concert at Highmark Mann (West Fairmount Park)
Saturday, July 25
- 🧵 Stitch-In: A Day of Craftivism at People's Plaza at Liberty Bell Block (Old City)
- 💃 Fiesta de los Jardines at Las Parcelas (Norris Square)
- ⚾ Adult Field Day at Eastern State Penitentiary (Fairmount)
- 🐾 Protect Our Paws Cleanup at Fairmount Avenue & N Hancock Street (Northern Liberties)
- 🎶 Outdoor Concert: "La GuaGua 47" at Esperanza Arts Center (Hunting Park)
Sunday, July 26
- 🍷 Wine Class: Prüm Estate Rieslings at Panorama Restaurant & Wine Bar (Old City)
- 🥾 Schuylkill Trail Takeover meeting at the Phillies Mural (University City)
- 🎧 The Science of Club Music at 1 uCity Square (University City)
- 😂 Open Mic Comedy Show at Dahlak Restaurant (Cedar Park)
- 🎧 Sunset Sessions at El Techo (Center City)
- 🎉 Festival of Love at One Art Community Center (Carroll Park)
- 🍲 African Restaurant Week (Last Day) at Love Park (Center City)
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✋One last thing before you head out for the weekend! Did you fill out our audience survey yet? If not, please take a few minutes to share your thoughts with us. If you’re thinking, “I already filled this out last year,” we still want to hear from you! Think about what’s changed (or hasn’t), what you like, and what you’d love to see more of from City Cast Philly. You have a chance to win a $250 gift card and merch if you do!
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