
City Cast Philly
📷 Proposed Flock camera ban ramps up
September 3, 2026 · — Siani Colón
Good morning, friends! This summer I wanted to visit some museums and landmarks, but didn’t get to see as much as I would have liked. That’s why I’m challenging myself by participating in Historic Germantown’s Stamp Rally this month. Grab a passport and explore the neighborhood’s historic mansions, parks, and gardens with me! 🗺️


What's CITY Talking About
Calls To Ban Flock Rise in Pennsylvania
Gov. Shapiro said he would support legislation to ban the automated license plate readers, as the device draws criticism over mass surveillance and data privacy. Several state lawmakers have indicated they will introduce bills to regulate the technology, from outright bans to parameters on who can use the ALPR data and for how long. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
- Related: Use this open-source map to search for Flock cameras in our area. [DeFlock]
Philly Area Sets Records for Flood Warnings This Summer
Despite still recovering from drought conditions, the Philly region is among the top 25 areas in the country most prone to flash flood warnings. Its location along the I-95 corridor puts it in prime position for “ring of fire” thunderstorms, triggering severe storms and flooding around a high-pressure ridge in the atmosphere. [🔒 The Inquirer]
SEPTA To Get New Regional Rail Cars
SEPTA is being awarded a $13.3 million federal grant to replace its Silverliner IV railcars, which are over 50 years old. The move comes after several of its Regional Rail train cars caught fire in recent years, prompting a federal investigation, inspections, and service disruptions. [CBS Philly, 🎧 City Cast Philly]
Police Union Backs Shapiro for Second Time
The November election is quickly approaching, and Gov. Shapiro has gained an additional ally: Philadelphia’s Fraternal Order of Police. The union supported Shapiro in his first term against then-opponent Doug Mastriano. The endorsement follows other pledged support from labor organizations such as the AFL-CIO. [South Philly Review]
- Related: Here’s how Shapiro and Stacy Garrity stand apart in the governor’s race. [🎧 City Cast Philly]
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Make the Most of the Last Summer Days in Philly

The first day of fall may be Sept. 22, but Labor Day is considered the unofficial end of summer. If you’re not ready just yet to say goodbye to the season, here’s how to enjoy what’s left of it in the Philly region.
Visit an Amusement Park
Chase the thrill of summer on a roller coaster. If you’re willing to take a trip outside the city, you can visit the region’s amusement parks at a discounted price. Several are offering discounts up to 50% off on tickets, as some parks remain open until Labor Day and others until Halloween. You can also grab season passes for next year at a lower rate. The sales are running through Labor Day, so secure them now. Here are some parks to add to your itinerary:
- Sesame Place in Langhorne, PA
- Dutch Wonderland in Lancaster, PA
- Dorney Park in Allentown, PA
- Hersheypark in Hershey, PA
- Six Flags Great Adventure in Jackson Township, NJ
Hear Live Music
At Spruce Street Harbor Park, the Friday Night Jazz Series runs through Sept. 25, while Summer Sounds ends Sept. 26. Want to listen to other genres? FDR Park’s “Not Just Jazz” concert series is putting on shows through Sept. 22. And finally, Highmark Mann’s 2026 season doesn't wrap up until October, with several shows in the coming weeks featuring performances from Boyz II Men, Willie Nelson, and MUNA.
Go for a Splash
Most Philly pools have closed for the season, but it’s still hot! You could rent a pool for the day before hosts drain them. You could also go to an indoor water park like Sahara Sam’s in West Berlin, NJ. After Labor Day, most beaches at the Jersey Shore will no longer require beach tags until the following season. Lifeguards are usually no longer on duty after that weekend, however, so swim with caution. You can also still go fishing and boating in Philly if you’d like to be along and on the water, but not in it.

What To Do
Thursday, Sep. 3
- 🌳 Nature at Noon at Academy of Natural Sciences (Logan Square)
- 🛍️ The Baltimore Avenue Dollar Stroll on Baltimore Ave, 40th–51st St. (University City)
- 👑 The Beyoncé Eras Experience at Pentridge Station Pop-up (Kingsessing)
- 🥬 Vegan Night Market at Roxborough Pocket Park (Roxborough)
- 🏺 Pinch Pot Happy Hour at The Bok Building (East Passyunk)
- 🏃 Trolley Trail Run + Walk at Trolley Trail Entrance (West Fairmount Park)
- 🎨 Watercolor Workshop at CraftNation (Port Richmond)
- 📖 How to Publish Artist Books & Zines at Da Vinci Art Alliance (Bella Vista)
- 🎭 Improv Roulette: Thursday Night Improv Jam at Sawubona Creativity Project (East Passyunk)
- 🎧 Electric Hotpot with Guest DJ Johnny Petunia at Trestle Inn (Callowhill)
Friday, Sep. 4
- 🥂 Liberty Hour Friday at National Liberty Museum (Old City)
- ⛓️ Intro to Chain Mail at CraftNation (Port Richmond)
- 🌸 First Friday Flower Bar at Elfreth's Alley Museum (Old City)
- 🎥 "Storyville: Land of Dreams" at Scribe Video Center (Mantua)
- 🕯️ Yellow Fever Tour at Christ Church Burial Ground (Old City)
- 🖼️ "FILTHY FEM" Art Show Opening at 2nd Rodeo Studio (Newbold)
- 🎨 First Friday at Arch Enemy Arts (Old City)
- 🕺 Broadway Rave at Underground Arts (Callowhill)
- 🧵 "Tending to Clouds" Opening Reception at Paradigm Gallery + Studio (Old City)
- 🎤 Improv Comedy: The N Crowd at Sawubona Creativity Project (East Passyunk)
🩰 Put on those dancing shoes! BalletX is offering free ballet, voguing, and Lindy Hop classes (and more!) for eight upcoming Fridays.
Free · Daily