Why Mark Squilla’s optimistic about Center City ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Wednesday, July 16 

Your Daily Guide

Good morning, Philly! It looks like a strike from another city union may be averted. AFSCME District Council 47, which represents workers at City Hall, the Philadelphia Parking Authority, and the Philadelphia Housing Authority, reached a tentative agreement with the city.

Now let’s hear from another voice inside City Hall. ⤵️

What Philly's Talking About

Protesters hold up signs about Councilmember Park Squilla

Anti-arena protesters greet Councilmember Mark Squilla outside of City Hall on September 14, 2023. (Siani Colón / City Cast Philly)

🏙️ Mark Squilla’s Predictions for the Future of Center City

Councilmember Squilla’s District 1 stretches from the Riverwards to Center City to South Philly, all areas that have been booming with development in the past few years. But that hasn’t been without its controversies. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri speaks with Squilla to clear the air on some of the hottest topics in the city and learn the latest on projects coming down the pipe. [🎧 City Cast Philly]

Podcast Player: “Optimism for SEPTA, Market East & Center City SIPS”

🚔 Philly Police Release Names of Officers Who Shot and Killed Man in May

The department said Bruce Harry Garcia had a ghost gun that he fired through a bag during a scuffle with Officers Edward Lane and Matthew Galdo. The two then fired their weapons, shooting Garcia in the chest. Police have not said why Garcia was stopped, but indicated it had something to do with the black bag that officers saw him carrying. [🔒 The Inquirer]

🌊 No Commitment From City To Fix Poor Drainage Blocking Trail Access

Just a few weeks ago, the city celebrated the expansion of the Schuylkill River Trail, but some residents can’t access it due to flooding at the Schuylkill River Park. While neighbors wait for help from the city, some have taken it upon themselves to “shovel sludge.” [🎧 City Cast Philly, Fitler Focus]

🗳️ What’s at Stake in PA’s Upcoming Judicial Election

While May’s primary had a low voter turnout, Pennsylvania voters should consider going to the polls in the fall. Judicial races don’t make as much noise as federal elections, but three of the state’s top judges could be kicked off the court by voters, potentially swaying how laws are enforced in the commonwealth. [The Conversation]

💸 What Philly Workers Need To Know About New Tax Law

A new federal rule passed in President Donald Trump’s “Big Beautiful Bill” will change the tax code for workers in hospitality and other industries. One thing to note is that while workers who qualify must still pay taxes on overtime pay and tips, they can apply for relief through a tax deduction. [WHYY]

City Cast newsletter ad image

A New Vision for America’s First Penitentiary

Two pathways of learning. One unified purpose. From events and exhibits on the grounds of Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site to innovative educational programs through its Center for Justice Education — Eastern State deepens understanding about the criminal justice system and inspires action for a more just future. Learn more at EasternState.org.

Where Is It?

A white abstract sculpture

This sculpture was created by an artist named William E. Lowenberg. (Siani Colón / City Cast Philly)

Thanks for participating in our previous hunt! If you missed the answer, be sure to look at the bottom of last Wednesday’s email. For this week’s challenge, do you know where to find this sculpture?

Hint: This park faces a body of water.

While you’re out, be sure to:

Do you know the answer? Take a guess!

This is at...

What To Do

Wednesday, July 16

Thursday, July 17

More Philly Events

🏛️ I know it’s only July, but Philly has some fun stuff in store for September. Fringe Fest announced its monthlong lineup with 331 productions to choose from. And if you like to spend your day at the museum, the Franklin Institute announced its new special exhibit for 2026 focused on theme parks.

— Siani Colón

Correction: Yesterday’s article, “Join a Local Running Group,” incorrectly stated when Run & Chug meets. The run club meets on Wednesdays.

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