City Cast Philly

If you’re sniffling and sneezing a lot right now, you’re not alone. Tree and grass pollen numbers are high in the city, and expected to last for a few more weeks. So, we’re revisiting a conversation between executive producer Laura Benshoff and Dr. Marc Goldstein, allergist and immunologist at The Asthma Center, about why allergy season in Philly is starting earlier and earlier each year, how long it will last, and what you can do to find some relief. Check out The Asthma Center’s daily pollen count and sign up for their pollen tracking newsletter here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

You may have heard Mister Softee’s signature jingle coming from a truck in your neighborhood … because it’s ice cream season! So we’re breaking down where to get your next frozen treat fix. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Dave Wez, City Cast Philly’s food contributor and creator of Feeding Time TV, about their favorite spots for ice cream, water ice, and gelato. Here’s a list of the spots recommended in this episode: 1-900-ICE-CREAM Milk Jawn Rita’s Italian Ice Van Leeuwen Ice Cream Fairmount Flavors Kook Burger & Bar John's Water Ice Pop's Water Ice King’s Water Ice and Ice Cream George’s Water Ice Chuck’s Philly Vita Philly Fiore Fine Foods Gran Caffè L'aquila The Franklin Fountain Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

It’s another midweek roundup! Today’s topics include the latest from the pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Pennsylvania and updates on the lawsuit filed by Philly residents over the city’s makeover of FDR Park. Plus, we test your knowledge with a Philly news quiz. City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri is joined by the Daily Pennsylvanian’s Editor-in-Chief Jared Mitovich, executive producer Laura Benshoff, and Hey Philly newsletter editor Asha Prihar. Our news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Here's where things stand one week since Penn ordered the Gaza Solidarity Encampment to disband Following week-long silence from Penn, faculty and admin. work to advance encampment negotiations Lawsuit fails to stop FDR Park renovations Orphans’ Court won’t hear FDR Park lawsuit in win for city, renovation supporters Despite pitched opposition, city begins cutting down heritage trees at FDR Park Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

Philly has long been known as a “city of homeowners,” because more than half of houses here are owner-occupied. But if you’ve never purchased a home before, the process can seem intimidating — and expensive. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Abraham Reyes Pardo, Vice President of the Office of Housing and Diversion Services at the Urban League of Philadelphia, and Mary Harper, Director of Housing at the Urban League of Philadelphia, an organization that does housing counseling and education for first-time buyers. They break down all the steps in the process, share tips for budgeting, and explain resources to get money to help you buy that first house. Resources mentioned in this episode: Urban League of Philadelphia First Time Homebuyer Webinars Philly First Home Program Keystone Forgivable in Ten Years Loan Program (K-FIT) Revitalizing Neighborhoods and Increasing Homeownership program (RNIH) Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Today’s topics include why one Philly School Board nomination is still in limbo and the newest plan to move the Greyhound bus station (again). Plus, Wawa is creeping in on Sheetz territory. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Carly Sitrin, Philadelphia bureau chief for Chalkbeat, and Meir Rinde, investigative reporter at Billy Penn. Our Friday News Roundups are powered by great local journalism: Wawa entering Central Pennsylvania market in challenge to Sheetz Philadelphia mayor plans to go over City Council’s head, put contested nominee on school board As the bus turns: New proposal for intercity bus stop is Old City parking garage Lifeguards in demand in Philadelphia Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

Mayor Cherelle Parker made it clear: “not one city dollar” under her administration will fund syringe exchange programs — a big pivot from previous mayors. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Courtenay Harris Bond, a health reporter for PhillyVoice, about the history of these programs in Philly and why some public health experts warn that losing them could cause a surge in new HIV cases. Read Courtenay’s full story here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Philly community. We’re SO over last month's rainy weather. It’s time for some sun and outdoor fun in Philly! In today's episode, you’ll hear our best tips for enjoying May in the city, from the hottest food festivals to four free events you won’t find elsewhere. And, if you loved producer Abby Fritz’s food pick in this episode, don’t miss her recent list of Philly Dessert Pop-Ups You Have to Try. For even more tips on how to make the most of May in Philly, check out a written list of what to do this month written by our Hey Philly newsletter Editor. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

We’re back with a fresh midweek news roundup. We’re catching you up on the pro-Palestinian campus protests cropping up in our area and Philly’s latest efforts to reduce carbon emissions from SEPTA buses and government buildings. Plus, we’ve got a news quiz to test your Philly knowledge. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by City Cast executive producer Laura Benshoff and Hey Philly newsletter editor Asha Prihar. Our news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Student protests over the Israel-Hamas war roil US campuses ahead of graduations Penn protest: Philly councilmember says school's president won't take her calls; protesters warned they're trespassing Pro-Palestinian protesters say Penn's Gaza Solidarity encampment will remain until demands are met Bryn Mawr College Students Set Up Palestine Liberation Encampment Live Updates: Students Occupy Parrish Lawn in Support of Palestine Philadelphia begins powering City Hall and the airport by a solar array 100 miles away SEPTA retires its last all-diesel bus, debuts new hydrogen-powered electric buses Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

Mother’s Day is coming up, and whether it's the mothers in your life who need to be pampered or just you, Philly has a ton of wellness experiences to choose from. To help you pick the best one for your budget, we’re revisiting a conversation between host Trenae Nuri and Imani Harris, a lifestyle content creator on TikTok and Instagram, about the best affordable spas, 6D massage chairs, and hot yoga in the city. Here’s a list of the wellness destinations mentioned in this episode: Joseph Anthony Spa and Salon (multiple locations) AWAY Spa at the W Hotel (Center City) The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel (Center City) Heyday (Rittenhouse) DTXFY (Manayunk) Nirvana Wellness Medspa (Northern Liberties) Soul Haum Yoga (Brewerytown) Muse Yoga & Fitness (Fairmount) Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Today’s topics include how the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office used an off-budget checking account to buy ammunition, stun guns, and a $9,000 mascot costume, and how Sixers fans are feeling about officiating errors during playoff games against the Knicks. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by William Bender, investigative reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and O.J. Spivey, sports writer for The Philadelphia Tribune. Our Friday News Roundups are powered by great local journalism: Are we all saying “Passyunk” wrong? Ammo, DJs, a $9,000 mascot: Inside the Philly sheriff’s ‘slush fund’ spending NBA admits several officiating errors in the final two minutes of the Sixers’ Game 2 loss to the Knicks Check if there are errors on your mail-in ballot here and correct them here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

Hot chicken might be synonymous with Nashville, but it’s taking over Philly. This style of fried chicken has a signature “dry” spice paste on the outside that packs a punch. In this poultry showdown, host Trenae Nuri and City Cast Philly food contributor Dave Wez chow down on food from one local hot chicken spot, and discuss their other favorite places to get this Nashville-style specialty. Hot chicken restaurants mentioned in the episode: Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken Asad’s Hot Chicken Dave’s Hot Chicken Bud & Marilyn’s OK Hot Chicken Love & Honey Fried Chicken Hot Clucks Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

Psst... check out major results from yesterday's primary election in today's edition of the Hey Philly newsletter. Want to dine outdoors in the nice spring weather? You might’ve noticed that many of the city’s pandemic-era outdoor dining structures, or “streeteries,” have disappeared. City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri speaks with Ali Mohsen, food and drink reporter at Billy Penn, about why this is — and which city officials are now taking steps to cut red tape and bring more streeteries back. Read more of Ali’s reporting here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

We’re back with a midweek news roundup. Today’s topics include University City District’s proposal to put a bi-level water park along the Schuylkill River, and why a city council committee grilled Mayor Cherelle Parker’s school board nominees last week. Plus, we’ve got a three-questions news quiz to test your knowledge of more local headlines. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Abby Fritz, City Cast Philly’s producer, and Asha Prihar, our Hey Philly newsletter editor. Our news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Water park with pool and beach are envisioned for Schuylkill riverfront near 30th Street Station Charter school debate dominates Philadelphia school board nominees’ hearing Philly school board showdown: 8 nominees move forward, but the fate of 1 is unclear Check out our primary voter guide (you can read or listen!) Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

It’s Earth Day – a holiday to celebrate the natural world and bring attention to environmental issues. One way to observe is by greening your space, so the City Cast Philly team has pulled together tons of resources to get you started. We run down the best local plant sales, where to get deals on indoor and outdoor plants, and resources for getting started if you’re a new gardener. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by executive producer Laura Benshoff and producer Abby Fritz. Here’s a list of the plant sales, shops, and resources mentioned in the episode: The 4th annual Big Ass Plant Sale and Market Bartram’s Garden Shop and classes Haverford College Arboretum Spring Plant Sale The Penn State Master Gardeners of Philadelphia County Plant Sale Philadelphia Orchard Project Spring Open House & Plant Sale Produce Junction Home Depot Lowe’s R&R Produce Urban Jungle and their nursery Good Host Plants Chloris and Prase Vault & Vine Foliage Plant Boutique West Philly Tool Library Haverford College Arbor Day Tree Planting Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Today’s topics include: why there's an arrest warrant out for state Rep. Kevin Boyle, whether Philly will get its own WNBA team in the near future, and a new crackdown on ‘crazy driving’ on North Broad. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Gillian McGoldrick, reporter covering Pennsylvania state government for The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Isaac Avilucea, reporter at Axios Philadelphia. Our Friday News Roundups are powered by great local journalism: A warrant has been issued for State Rep. Kevin Boyle’s arrest House Democrats take step toward expelling State. Rep. Kevin Boyle Philadelphia considered for WNBA expansion Philly police launch crackdown on ‘crazy driving’ and illegal parkers along North Broad Street Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

The days are getting longer and the flowers are blooming, so let’s go outside! There are tons of ways to enjoy the spring season in Philly’s massive Fairmount parks system, from free movie nights and yoga, to concerts and guided hikes. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Amanda Daws Cohen, program manager at the Fairmount Park Conservancy, about these and other ways to enjoy our local parks. Check out this blog post from the Fairmount Park Conservancy for the spring events mentioned in this episode, and keep an eye on the group’s calendar to learn about more events coming in the summer. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

It's primary election season, which means partisan information is everywhere. So, how do you know if the news you're consuming is accurate and objective? Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Andrea Wenzel, author and associate professor at Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication, about the ways you can spot the difference between real news and a kind of AI-generated content known as “pink slime." Wenzel is also author of the book, Antiracist Journalism: The Challenge of Creating Equitable Local News. Resources and articles mentioned in this episode: ‘Pink Slime’: Partisan journalism and the future of local news and the update on this report ‘Pink slime’ sites masquerade as real news. There are 65 in Pennsylvania alone. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

Late last week, Mayor Cherelle Parker celebrated her first 100 days in office. She also released a sweeping public safety plan, the 100 Day Report, which calls for hiring more officers, reducing both shootings and nuisance crimes, and revitalizing Kensington by “[removing] the presence of drug users,” among other initiatives. In a special midweek roundup, host Trenae Nuri unpacks the mayor's new policing agenda with Anna Orso, City Hall reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Jillian Bauer-Reese, newsroom director at Kensington Voice, and Carly Sitrin, Philadelphia Bureau Chief at Chalkbeat Philadelphia. Our news roundups are powered by great local journalism: On her 100th day, Mayor Parker unveils aggressive public safety goals and Kensington strategy Mayor Parker’s plan to ‘remove the presence of drug users’ from Kensington raises new questions Philadelphia Mayor Parker’s ‘enhanced’ safety plan for schools relies heavily on police Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

The Pennsylvania primary is next week. While the presidential nominees are basically locked in already, there are some critical statewide and local races on the ballot. We’ve got a quick and comprehensive guide to help you sort through the crowded field of Attorney General candidates and understand the stakes for key statehouse primaries. Host Trenae Nuri breaks this all down with Katie Meyer, government editor and reporter for Spotlight PA, and Asha Prihar, Hey Philly newsletter editor. Check out the City Cast Philly voter guide, and Spotlight PA’s ‘Your Next AG’ candidate quiz tool. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Today’s topics include a recent strike by concession workers at the Wells Fargo Center and a new synthetic opioid—stronger than fentanyl—that's showing up in Philly’s drug supply. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Lizzy McLellan Ravitch, workplace reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Aubrey Whelan, health reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer. Our Friday News Roundups are powered by great local journalism: 44 aftershocks have followed Friday’s earthquake, but they haven’t been damaging Wells Fargo Center concession workers are on strike. What to know if you’re going to tonight’s Sixers game. Powerful synthetic opioids stronger than fentanyl were found in several overdose deaths in Philly Click here to learn more about the city’s youth summer programming, “It's A Summer Thing.” Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

In and around Philly, Pennsylvania has some spectacular nature walks and hikes. Whether you’re a birder, a waterfall lover, or just want to get some steps in outside, there’s a trail or a park for you. Producer Abby Fritz speaks with Jim Cheney, the writer and photographer behind the travel website UncoveringPA.com, about the best day hikes in our area, just in time to make your spring trail wishlist. The hikes, parks, and nature walks mentioned in this episode, in order: Wissahickon Gorge John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Valley Forge National Historical Park and the Mount Misery hike Ridley Creek State Park Marsh Creek State Park Nottingham Park Serpentine Barrens Ringing Rocks Park Lehigh Gorge State Park and the Tank Hollow Trail Ricketts Glen State Park and the Falls Trail System Cliff Park Trail System/Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Bushkill Falls Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

Philly public schools are down to just four certified, full-time working librarians, serving a student body of more than 116,000 kids. The problem is so well-known that even Abbott Elementary, the TV sitcom about a fictional Philly public school, did an episode about the librarian shortage. City Cast executive producer Laura Benshoff talks with Mike D’Onofrio, reporter at Axios Philadelphia, about how this staffing crisis got so bad and what it says about the School District of Philadelphia’s larger budget issues. Read Mike’s full story here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

We’re back with another midweek news roundup! Tune in to hear the team discuss the science behind last week’s earthquake, the cancellation of the Made In America Festival, and some Philly music festivals happening this year that you can still attend. Plus, play along with our three-question news quiz! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by executive producer Laura Benshoff and Hey Philly newsletter editor Asha Prihar. Our news roundups are powered by great journalism: Why the New Jersey earthquake was felt several hundred miles away What causes earthquakes? The science behind why seismic events like today's New Jersey shakeup happen Made In America Festival canceled for the second year in a row Local music festivals in the coming months: Decibel Magazine Metal and Beer Fest Sing Us Home Festival Roots Picnic XPoNential Music Festival Kidchella Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

Whether it’s your favorite weekend recovery meal or your Mother’s Day go-to, brunch has mass appeal. In Philly, restaurants with this breakfast-and-lunch combo feature everything from build-your-own-donut stations to mimosa towers. We’re revisiting a conversation from January when host Trenae Nuri broke down the hottest brunch spots with City Cast Philly food contributor Dave Wez, to help you decide where to make those reservations for upcoming spring celebrations. Here are the brunch spots mentioned in this episode: Suraya White dog cafe China Gourmet TheWiz Amari's Somo Middle Child Clubhouse Lacroix Harp and Crown Sabrina's Cafe Honey’s Sit and Eat Cafe La Maude Brunch N Reading Terminal Market Listen here for the best diners still around in the city. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Today's topics include the nine nominees for the Philadelphia Board of Education, and which neighborhood is getting a new public restroom pod, known as a Philly Phlush. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Dale Mezzacappa, senior reporter at Chalkbeat Philadelphia, and Mike D’Onofrio, reporter for Axios Philadelphia. They also discuss plans to see Monday’s solar eclipse. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Some area schools are dismissing early, or keeping kids longer, for the upcoming solar eclipse Philadelphia's next public bathroom will soon open in City Park Parker’s picks for Philly school board back her vision for year-round school, longer days Learn more about the 2024 Philly Spring Cleanup here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

At the beginning of each month, Philly’s art scene gets some extra love with a citywide celebration called First Friday. Art lovers and deal seekers alike can enjoy extended hours and/or pay-what-you-wish admission at some art museums, and free wine and snacks at local galleries. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Chelsey Luster, a Philadelphia-based curator, educator, and visual artist, about how to make the most of First Fridays. Follow Chelsey’s work here. For more information on First Friday celebrations, check out @phillyfirstfriday on Instagram. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

A disclaimer: this episode contains descriptions of violence and mentions sexual assault. In gas stations, bars and shops in the city, it’s not uncommon to see private security guards, some openly carrying large firearms. But a recent investigation by The Philadelphia Inquirer found that Pennsylvania has some of the most archaic laws in the country governing the private security industry. Guards may receive little training or oversight, leading to injuries, lawsuits, and even deaths. Executive producer Laura Benshoff speaks with Samantha Melamed, investigative reporter with the Inquirer, about this wild west scenario and what needs to change to make the public—and guards—safer. Read Samantha’s full story here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

We’re back with another midweek news roundup. Today’s topics include a new lawsuit attempting to stop the $250+ million renovations at FDR Park and SEPTA’s latest campaign to get people to stop smoking on the train. Plus, we’ve got a news quiz for you, featuring even more recent headlines! Executive producer Laura Benshoff is filling in for host Trenae Nuri and recaps these news stories and more with producer Abby Fritz and Hey Philly newsletter editor Asha Prihar. Our news roundups are powered by great local journalism: “This isn’t route 420”: Smoke-Free SEPTA works to curb smoking on public transit ‘Smoke-free SEPTA’ marks the latest effort to discourage Philly riders from lighting up on the subway Tree clearing in FDR Park gets approval from Philly zoning board South Philly residents sue city, demand injunction on FDR Park makeover For more information on the stories in our news quiz (and some spoilers), check out these links: Question 1, Question 2, Question 3 and Question 4. Check out our episodes from 2022 about the FDR Park Plan here and here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

We’ve got your guide for the best things to do in Philly this month, no foolin’. Tune in to learn about upcoming street festivals, new restaurants to try, and free events from salsa classes to board game rentals. Host Trenae Nuri, executive producer Laura Benshoff, producer Abby Fritz, and Hey Philly newsletter editor Asha Prihar each share their recommendations for things to do, and then vote for their favorites. Our recommendations for April: Snatcherella 3000 Battle of the Seasons: Dueling Diva Smackdown Kampar 2024 Philly Theatre Week Flavors on the Avenue National Board Game Day at Thirsty Dice WWE WrestleMania 40 The Chef Conference 2024 Philadelphia Recreation Centers Solar Eclipse Viewing Party at the Franklin Institute Manayunk StrEAt Food Festival ¡Bailar en FDR! Salsa Class and Social Dance For even more things to do this month, check out our website. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Topics this week include a NE Philly state house primary that pits two politically-connected families against each other and a new program to help public school students manage trauma. Executive Producer Laura Benshoff is joined by Gillian McGoldrick, Harrisburg reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Dale Mezzacappa, senior reporter at Chalkbeat Philadelphia. Our Friday News Roundups are powered by great local journalism: This Northeast Philly race pits the Doughertys against the Boyles — and the GOP thinks it can flip the seat Philly police will notify schools about students found at traumatic events under pilot program Chaddsford Winery and event space up for sale after 42 years PHS Pop Up Gardens open for the season on Friday For more information on the PHS Pop Up Gardens, check out their website. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

There’s nothing like a fresh bagel with cream cheese, or a bagel sandwich, to kick off your morning. Luckily, Philly has an abundance of homegrown bagel places to satisfy all of your carb-y cravings. A few months ago, City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri, and food contributor Dave Wez (@feedingtimetv), debated the pros and cons of the different styles, toppings, and shmears you can find at Philly’s best bagel shops. The spots mentioned in this episode are: Bart's Bagels Essen Bakery The Kettle Black K'Far Cafe Kismet Bagels Knead Bagels New York Bagel Bakery Philly Style Bagels Schmear It Spread Bagelry Vanilya Bakery Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Germantown is going through a transformation. Since 2019, at least 400 new housing units have come online, with another 400 expected in 2025, according to WHYY. This investment is coming to a Philly neighborhood with a deep sense of pride and a history of being overlooked by developers. Some residents hope these new projects will attract more businesses, while others fear changes to the neighborhood could price out longtime residents. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Aaron Moselle, reporter with WHYY’s PlanPhilly, about the likelihood of rapid gentrification here. Read Aaron’s full story here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's news roundup, we run down some recent headlines out of Philadelphia City Council, from a new ban on casino-style gaming terminals to a hearing on an anti-blight law that some residents say is misapplied to force them to sell their family homes. Plus, what we know about why the SE Asian Market pushed back its opening date. Executive producer Laura Benshoff is filling in for host Trenae Nuri and recaps these news stories and more with producer Abby Fritz and Hey Philly newsletter editor Asha Prihar. Our news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Philly City Council passes bill mandating curfew for some Kensington businesses Philadelphia City Council bans skill game machines within city businesses, giving exceptions to bars and restaurants Philadelphia’s blight-busting business is under scrutiny at City Council The Southeast Asian Market in FDR Park is postponed. Find a list of individual vendors to follow here Listen to previous City Cast Philly episodes on banning skill games and Act 135. For more background on today’s trivia question, click here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New city policies are rolling out in Kensington, a neighborhood that’s long been the center of the opioid epidemic and a hotspot for homelessness. Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, recently re-elected to her first full term, is one driving force behind these changes, which include a new business curfew and calls for a “triage center.” Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Lozada about the challenges facing the area, what she hears from residents, and where she spends time in the 7th Council District. Read news coverage of some of the topics mentioned in this episode here, here, and here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Today's topics include plans to move the intercity bus terminal again and why some local businesses have adopted a four-day work week. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Meir Rinde, investigative reporter at Billy Penn, and Lizzy McLellan Ravitch, workplace reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer. Our Friday News Roundups are powered by great local journalism: Pennsylvania Lottery resumes ticket sales after being shutdown by computer upgrade Mega Millions winners in Pennsylvania, jackpot nears impressive $1B Philly floats plans for another intercity bus terminal Thank God It’s ... Thursday? These Philly companies have embraced the four-day work week Read more about the poll worker shortage and how to become one. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

In honor of National Cheesesteak Day this coming weekend, today’s guests weigh in on an evergreen Philly debate: What makes a cheesesteak authentic? And, what’s the right way to order one? City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri talks with Dave Wez, City Cast Philly’s food contributor and creator of Feeding Time TV, and Carolyn Wyman, author of “The Great Philly Cheesesteak Book.” They discuss their top spots, which ingredients make a cheesesteak great, and red flags to avoid when picking a cheesesteak joint. Want some more Philly news? Sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

Mayor Cherelle Parker’s first budget proposal follows up on her campaign promise to make Philly “the safest, cleanest, and greenest big city in the nation,” by requesting funds for expenses like police technology and street cleaning. City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri speaks with Sean Collins Walsh, City Hall reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, about what this budget says about Parker’s ambitions and whether or not City Council is likely to approve it. Read more of Sean's reporting on the municipal budget here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

It’s the Tuesday News Roundup! The team talks about a large federal grant for the Chinatown Stitch project and the closure of another Center City Wawa. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by City Cast Philly producer Abby Fritz and Hey Philly newsletter editor Asha Prihar. Plus, play along as the team tries to guess what city landmark inspired a DC Comics heroine. Our Tuesday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: A big step forward for the Chinatown Stitch as $158 million is awarded to cap the Vine Expressway Wawa in Philadelphia's Spring Garden neighborhood to close after losing its lease [Trivia spoilers!] Read more about the Philly-inspired comic book hero here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

Video gambling machines have cropped up in gas stations and corner stores around Philly. City council now wants to ban these “skill games,” while Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro wants to tax them. City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri speaks with Harrison Cann, reporter for City & State PA, about why these casino-style games are targets for regulation and who’s defending them. Read Harrison’s full story here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday News Roundup! We dig into how Philadelphians feel about the proposed stadium district redesign versus 76Place, the latest on last week’s bus stop shooting, and the most Philly things you notice when it gets warm outside. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Ellie Rushing, criminal justice and law enforcement reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Mike D’Onofrio, reporter at Axios Philadelphia. Our Friday News Roundups are powered by great local journalism: Third person arrested in shooting of students at Northeast bus stop How police closed in on two of the Five Points shooting suspects Readers back Comcast Spectacor over Sixers' arena in survey And, sign up to become a Philly lifeguard this spring and you could get a $1,000 bonus! Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

SEPTA is experiencing a spike in high-profile violent incidents, including the shooting of eight teenagers waiting for a bus last week. Last December, state lawmakers created a new position just to address this issue — a special prosecutor for crimes on public transportation in the city. But, the position has been controversial from the start and Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner has sued to stop it. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Tom Fitzgerald, transportation reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, about who’s lining up to take sides in this legal battle and what’s really at stake for SEPTA. Read Tom’s most recent coverage of this topic here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

Whether you like them with coffee or fried chicken, Philly has donuts you can enjoy year-round! Back in November, host Trenae Nuri and City Cast Philly’s food contributor Dave Wez broke down the best places to enjoy these deep fried treats. And, they even covered some donut destinations outside the city. Donut spots mentioned in the episode: Manna Bakery Federal Donuts Mochi Ring Donut Buddakan Dottie’s Donuts Beiler’s Doughnuts Frangelli’s Bakery Koukelt Brazilian Bakehouse Linvilla Orchards McMillan’s Bakery Nauti Donuts Curiosity Doughnuts Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

The City Cast Philly team shares updates on last week’s shooting at a SEPTA bus stop that left eight teens injured, and we discuss how you can help determine where Philly will add new speed cameras. Plus, we've got more Philly-related Women’s History Month trivia for you. Our news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Law Enforcement Officials Provide Update on March 6th Octuple Shooting & Other Related Shootings Two teens charged with Burholme shooting that injured 8 students at a bus stop 2 arrested in connection to SEPTA bus stop shooting that injured 8 teens: sources Philadelphia officials ask for public input of where to place new speed cams Fill out the Safe Streets Philly survey here. To learn more about Violet Oakley, check out this link. For more news about the city, check out our morning newsletter, Hey Philly. If you sign up, you'll get more stories about groundbreaking female Philadelphians in history in your inbox all month long. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

Can you identify some of Philly’s biggest landmarks, based on their haters? A few months ago, City Cast Philly executive producer Laura Benshoff compiled one-star reviews of iconic spots in the city and put host Trenae Nuri and producer Abby Fritz to the test. Listen and play along with us! Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices by visiting megaphone.fm/adchoices.

Welcome back to the Friday News Roundup. We discuss the four recent shootings on or near SEPTA property, including one on Wednesday where eight teens were struck; an unexpected shakeup on Philly’s Board of Education; and which restaurants in the city are keeping the $1 hot dog tradition alive after the Phillies ended their “Dollar Dog Nights.” Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Tom Fitzgerald, transportation reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Dale Mezzacappa, senior reporter at Chalkbeat Philadelphia. Our Friday News Roundups are powered by great local journalism: 8 high school students were shot at a busy intersection in Northeast Philly, the 4th shooting this week involving a SEPTA bus Car matching description from Philadelphia shooting that injured 8 students impounded in Olney Philadelphia school board vice president resigns We’re Bringing Dollar Dogs Back To Philly The Flyers hosted a Dollar Dog Night days after the Phillies canceled theirs. Here’s how it went. The Phillies ended Dollar Dog Nights, so a South Philly restaurant is stepping to the plate Find more information about watching the 2024 Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and which roads will be closed, here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices by visiting megaphone.fm/adchoices.

There’s no debating that Philadelphians have an accent. Even within the city, the words and phrases you hear can vary from neighborhood to neighborhood. Host Trenae Nuri talks with comedian and writer Alan Massenburg, who grew up in West Philly and Delaware County, about these regional differences and how to talk like you're truly from Philly. Check out Alan's show tonight at 10 p.m. at Helium Comedy Club. Alan’s new comedy album, We Got Action, will be available March 22. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

More than a dozen ballfields in Philadelphia use artificial turf, and the city has big plans to add more. But that material contains toxic chemicals – among them PFAS – which are linked to certain types of cancer. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with David Gambacorta and Barbara Laker, investigative reporters with The Philadelphia Inquirer, about the risks of fake turf and why Philly is still using it. Read David and Barbara’s most recent stories on the toxins in artificial turf here and here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back with another midweek news roundup! We discuss Mayor Cherelle Parker’s back-to-office push and what our Hey Philly newsletter readers think about it. And, we share reactions to the end of 'Dollar Dog Nights' at Citizens Bank Park. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by City Cast Philly executive producer, Laura Benshoff, and Hey Philly newsletter editor, Asha Prihar. Plus, we've got some Women’s History Month trivia for you! Read the full stories discussed this week: Mayor Parker calls for return to in-person work at Philadelphia offices: ‘Unlock economic opportunity’ Philadelphia mayor orders city's senior officials to return to offices full time End of an era: Phillies replacing ‘Dollar Dog Nights' after 27 years Eagles' Jason Kelce announces retirement after 13 seasons And, check out our previous episode running down 13 of Jason Kelce’s Career Highlights Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

In Philly, 17,000 kids live in homes where their grandparents are primary caregivers, according to the nonprofit Generations United. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with WHYY multiplatform producer Vicky Diaz-Camacho about the unique challenges faced by these “grandfamilies” and why their experience is becoming more common in the city. Resources for grandparent led families mentioned in the episode: Grandfamily Resource Center Family Friends (at Temple University’s Intergenerational Center) Together as Adoptive Parents (TAP) Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.

It’s the Friday News Roundup! We discuss an initiative to get 2,024 young Black men in Philly registered to vote by November and the debut of the city's first autonomous bus down at the Navy Yard. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Pat Loeb, City Hall Bureau Chief for KYW Newsradio, and Meir Rinde, investigative reporter for Billy Penn. Our Friday News Roundups are powered by great local journalism: Team of Philadelphia elected officials launch campaign to increase number of Black men voting in November As autonomous bus launches at Navy Yard, drivers’ union pushes back ‘True Biz,’ an adventure yarn with deaf teenagers, is the Free Library’s ‘One Book’ selection Learn more about the effort to register 2,024 Black men to vote here. And, find more information about summer camp options with Philadelphia Parks & Recreation here. Want some more Philly news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices.