Plus, SEPTA reopens South Broad Concourse ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌ ‌
Wednesday, June 3 

Your Daily Guide

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 Philly's 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]

PODCASTWednesday, June 3

Does Anyone Police the Police in 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]

Audience seated in a dimly lit theater facing a stage with a TED logo and "Welcome" on a screen, creating an anticipatory atmosphere.

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?

Limestone sculpture of a Quaker man in a park setting

Other artwork by this artist can be found in the same area. (Abby Fritz / City Cast Philly)

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?

While you’re out searching, you can also:

I know the answer!
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What To Do

Wednesday, June 3

Thursday, June 4

More Philly Events
Display ad: ArtPhilly What Now 2026

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.

— Siani Colón

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