Big Tech Victorious Over Mayor Parker, Bike Lanes Back in Court & Pride Controversies
Matt Katz and Abby Fritz are looking back at the week that was on today’s Friday News Roundup. Mayor Parker’s plan to raise taxes on Amazon, Airbnb, and Uber appears to have failed. Why? The plan to protect bike lanes on Spruce and Pine Streets in Center City is back in court. The Pride march and festival this weekend won’t be centered in the gayborhood, and people aren’t happy about that. Plus in our members-only City Cast Philly Neighbors segment, we give you the scoop on jury duty in the city.
Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:
- Philly City Council rejected Mayor Parker’s proposed taxes on Uber and Airbnb while advancing a $7.1 billion city budget
- Mayor Parker’s proposals to tax tech companies falter as city budget deadline looms
- With Philly budget vote looming, Airbnb launches ad campaign against proposed tax hike on short-term rentals
- City asks court to let it strengthen bike lanes on Pine and Spruce Streets
- Meredith Elementary in South Philadelphia amends Pride celebration after conservative backlash
- Philly Pride365 March and Festival
- Gayborhood bars brace for fallout from Philly Pride move
Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning.
Call or text us: 215-259-8170
Instagram: @citycastphilly
Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm
Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise
Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Why You’re Breathing Hard, Slavery Exhibit Secretly Swapped & Parallel Parking Contest
It’s hot, hazy, and hard to breathe outside, so check Breathe Philly for the latest air quality conditions in your neighborhood. Also, th...

Philly’s Mexican Food Renaissance
A Mexican food renaissance is happening in Philly. Chefs at restaurants like Amá, Condesa, and Sor Ynez are telling stories of culture th...

The Deals, Delays & Drama in Harrisburg
After nearly two weeks of negotiations, Pennsylvania lawmakers passed a state budget. A $50.8 billion deal – sending more money to s...

Where Were You for the Microbursts? Plus: July 4th Hotel Boom & MLB All-Star Game Preview
The National Weather Service confirmed four microbursts hit the area on Saturday causing downed trees, building damage, and flooding. So,...

Where to Swim in Philly This Summer
Need to cool down this summer? How about swimming with horses or running through a Wissahickon-themed sprayground? The Philly region has...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Does Philly Have a ‘Perfect’ Airport? — Presented By City Cast Philly
There’s lots to love about Philly, but being able to get in and out of it easily and cheaply can be an underrated metric of its livabilit...

Epstein's Penn Connection, Mosque Damaged in Attack & Freedom Fuel Opens
Philly takes center stage as Freedom Fuel, the cheap gas stations promoted by President Trump, opened in the city this week. Executive pr...

Could SEPTA Be Your Next Landlord?
It's no secret that SEPTA is in need of stable, long-term funding. But the divided state legislature hasn't been too keen on allocating m...

Can the DSA & Democratic Establishment Co-Exist in Philly?
Lauren Rinaldi’s ascension to the No. 3 position in the city Democratic committee was seen as something of an olive branch to progressive...

July Fourth Flop? PECO Strike! And LOVE Park Saucer Gets Revamp
Did the Fourth of July semiquincentennial celebrations fall flat, given the too-hot and then too-wet weather, a cancelled parade, and pri...

