City Cast Philly

Air travel during the holiday season is already stressful. On top of that, Philadelphia International Airport has a reputation for poor customer satisfaction. Earlier this year, it came in last place among similarly-sized airports in customer surveys conducted by the data analytics company J.D. Power. But is PHL really that bad? In this episode from October, the City Cast Philly team discusses the pros and cons of this and other local airports. We also share our hacks for your next trip through the terminals. 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.

From a special Cirque du Soleil performance to the annual light show at Macy's, Philly has no shortage of events to get you in a festive mood this season. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with City Cast Philly arts and culture contributor, Charles Tyson Jr., about the perfect holiday entertainment itinerary. 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.

This holiday season, don’t throw out your leftovers! Instead, reduce how much food you toss by making a pumpkin pie milkshake or a Thanksgiving pizza. Host Trenae Nuri talks about reimagining food waste with Rachel Sherman, pastry chef and project manager of the Drexel Food Lab, and DeAndra Forde, Drexel University doctoral student and registered dietitian. Check out their recipe for strawberry-top jam in Grid Philly. 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.

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Julia Terruso, political reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Isaac Avilucea, reporter at Axios Philadelphia. They discuss local and statewide voter turnout this general election and how understaffing at 911 call centers in Philly impacts emergency response times. Plus, how Philly is gearing up for holiday shopping this year. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Philadelphians plan to spend $1,842 on gifts, decor, and more this holiday season Philly voter turnout increased, but dropped in many Black and Hispanic precincts — and that could be a problem for Democrats in 2024 Philly dispatch problems deeper than Kingsessing error And, your Tip of the Week: How to navigate Philly as we head into Philadelphia Marathon Race Weekend. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! 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

In Germantown, a three-story rowhome serves as both a private residence and the home of The Colored Girls Museum, an institution dedicated to celebrating art about ordinary Black womanhood. Since its founding in 2015, the museum has been written up in national magazines and received high-profile grants. But following an anonymous complaint to 311, its future is uncertain. It turns out the museum violates local zoning laws and can't keep operating in that location without special permission. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Aaron Moselle, housing and community development reporter for WHYY’s PlanPhilly, about the museum's history and what’s next for this space. Read Aaron’s full store here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. 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.

Since Philadelphia’s bus depot closed this summer, travelers riding with Greyhound, Peter Pan, and other major carriers have had to wait outside for buses near 6th and Market Streets, alongside curbside companies like Megabus. This area has no dedicated bathrooms, seating, or shelter for passengers. This week, the city is moving the bus stop again, to yet another temporary curbside location in a different neighborhood. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Inga Saffron, architecture columnist at The Philadelphia Inquirer, who explains how the city lost its intercity bus station and argues that a form of transit so many people use deserves more respect. Read Inga's past coverage of shelterless intercity buses 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.

It seems like every few weeks there’s a new donut spot popping up in Philly. This month, Dottie’s Donuts is opening a fourth location for its vegan treats in Fishtown. So we wanted to break down the best places to try these deep-fried delights. Host Trenae Nuri chats with City Cast Philly food contributor Dave Wez, who shares a dozen recommendations for must-try crullers, fritters, and creme-filled pastries in our region. Check out all of Dave's recommendations on his food IG: https://www.instagram.com/feedingtimetv/ 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.

More businesses, event spaces, and religious institutions in Philly are hiring armed guards to stand watch. Patrons say the practice makes them feel safer, but critics say that the training required to become a private security guard is nowhere close to what a sworn law enforcement officer receives. Plus, it can be jarring to see someone openly carrying an assault rifle at your local gas station or cheesesteak restaurant. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Mensah Dean, staff writer at The Trace, a non-profit newsroom covering gun violence, about what's driving the rise of these hired guns in Philly. Read Mensah's full story: As Philadelphia Struggles to Hire Cops, More Businesses Are Turning to Private Armed Guards 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.

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Chris Brennan, political reporter and writer of the Philadelphia Inquirer's Clout column, Marco Cerino, reporter at the Philadelphia Tribune, and Meir Rinde, investigative reporter at Billy Penn. They react to the news that the city is once again moving the bus drop-off/pick-up location for several major carriers. Then, they discuss what’s next for Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker. Plus, the police union is getting a new president and what we know about the embezzlement trial of former union leader John Dougherty, aka "Johnny Doc." Our Friday News Roundups are powered by great local journalism: Philly changes bus stop location for Megabus, Greyhound, other carriers Democrat Cherelle Parker will become Philadelphia’s first female mayor Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker begins the transition process by vowing to fix Philly’s ‘hope deficit’ Philly's FOP elects its first Black president Ex-union head John Dougherty’s embezzlement trial starts this week. He could get jail time. Want some more Philly news? Sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly ! 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

The Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA), best known for doling out parking tickets and periodic corruption scandals, is hoping to cultivate a new image by focusing on quality-of-life issues. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Rich Lazer, executive director of the PPA, about his first year in that role and his vision for the agency. And, Lazer answers questions from our Hey Philly newsletter readers about their parking woes. Reach out to the PPA directly about a parking concern in your neighborhood by emailing [email protected]. Listen back to our previous episode, “The Unwritten Rules of Philly Parking,” 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.

Cherelle Parker will be the 100th mayor of Philadelphia. City Cast Philly is in your feed a little later this morning to bring you this and other up-to-date results of the 2023 general election. Host Trenae Nuri, lead producer Laura Benshoff and producer Abby Fritz break down the winners, upsets, and context for the most important local and statewide races this year. Check out the Philadelphia City Commissioners’ website here for rolling election results. 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.

This Election Day, we're taking a look back at some of the weirdest local and state laws previous generations of elected officials have put on the books. Did you know it's illegal to make a profit from fortune-telling, or to fish with your bare hands in Pennsylvania? Back in July, host Trenae Nuri spoke with City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris and Harrison Cann, reporter at City & State PA, about where these laws come from and what impact they have today. Read Harrison's original 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.

Tomorrow is Election Day! If you need to catch up fast, we’ve got your guide to the most important and competitive races on the ballot, from Philadelphia City Council to the Pennsylvania Supreme Court. Lead producer Laura Benshoff speaks with Sean Collins Walsh, City Hall reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Katie Meyer, government editor and reporter at Spotlight PA. Get more detailed information on who’s running: Spotlight PA’s Voting Guide 2023 Your guide to the Philly mayor's race and the Nov. 7 election And, check out how to make your selection and vote in-person in this morning’s Hey Philly newsletter. 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.

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Host Trenae Nuri talks with Ellie Rushing, criminal justice reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Conrad Benner, founder of the local arts blog Streets Dept. They discuss problems at Philadelphia’s juvenile jail, the artist selected to design Philly’s Harriet Tubman statue, and the closing of local frozen treat businesses Weckerly's Ice Cream and Lil Pop Shop. Our Friday shows are powered by great local journalism: Disturbing new photos inside Philly’s juvenile jail show kids sleeping on floors in crowded, filthy cells City Announces Winning Artist Selected to Create Permanent Harriet Tubman Statue Design for Philly’s new Harriet Tubman statue unveiled Weckerly's Ice Cream, Lil Pop Shop to close in December And, get involved: Love Your Park Fall Weekend 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

In our second interview with Philly’s mayoral candidates, host Trenae Nuri speaks with Democrat Cherelle Parker. Hear about Parker's plans if elected, what Philadelphia experiences molded her, and what some of her favorite places in the city are. Read more about Cherelle Parker’s campaign here. And, check out news coverage about the candidate: Who Is Cherelle Parker? Cherelle Parker is proud of her West Oak Lane roots. As mayor, could she save Philly’s ‘middle neighborhoods’? Cherelle Parker on the Sixers arena, the next police commissioner, and the situation in Kensington ICYMI, listen to our earlier interview with GOP candidate David Oh. 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.

On November 7, Philadelphians will select the city’s 100th mayor. This week, we're hearing from both candidates to get to know them better and help you make your choice. On today's episode, host Trenae Nuri chats with Republican candidate David Oh about his record, plans, and his favorite spots in Philly. Visit David Oh’s campaign website here. Read more news coverage about the candidate: David Oh isn’t a typical Republican. He likes it that way. Who Is David Oh? 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.

If you've watched a Philadelphia Eagles game this season, you may have seen quarterback Jalen Hurts surging through a pile of players to advance the ball a yard or two, or even score a touchdown. That critical game play has been dubbed the ‘Brotherly Shove’ or ‘Tush Push.’ This month, the Eagles filed a trademark application to have the exclusive rights to sell shirts and other apparel with the phrase 'Brotherly Shove' on them. Host Trenae Nuri talks with John George, senior reporter at the Philadelphia Business Journal, about the origins of the phrase and why local sports teams and players are trying to monetize their catchphrases. Read more about this story: Philadelphia Eagles file for 'Brotherly Shove' trademark to secure rights for merchandise The Eagles’ unstoppable ‘Brotherly Shove’ is the talk of the NFL. Where’d the name come from? 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.

When leaders at the University of Pennsylvania and Rutgers University released statements about violent attacks in Israel and Gaza, they got mixed reviews. While some students, faculty, and alumni welcomed their words, others protested or threatened to cancel their donations. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Karin Fischer, senior writer at The Chronicle of Higher Education, about the backlash to these statements and how higher education leaders grapple with communication around divisive issues. Read Karin's full story on how higher education institutions are addressing the conflict 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.

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Host Trenae Nuri talks with Chris Brennan, political reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer and O.J. Spivey, sports correspondent at The Philadelphia Tribune. They discuss what happened at the only debate between Philadelphia mayoral candidates Cherelle Parker and David Oh, how to cope with the Phillies' loss by getting excited about Eagles season, and Wawa pizza. Our Friday shows are powered by great local journalism: Philly mayoral debate recap: Cherelle Parker and David Oh talk crime, year-round schooling, new 76ers arena Eagles win in Kelly Green Check out our episode on Philly's pizza scene 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.

Did you know candy corn was most likely invented in Philly? And that bubble gum, specifically Dubble Bubble, definitely was? In honor of Halloween, host Trenae Nuri and City Cast Philly’s food contributor Dave Wez (@feedtingtimetv) unwrap the stories of iconic candies that have roots in our region, and then grade them. If you liked this episode, check out our earlier guide ranking other Philly-made treats, such as Tastykakes, Peanut Chews, and water ice. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. 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.

On some Philly blocks, there's a tree in front of every home. On others, there are no trees, only concrete. Philly recently won $12 million from the U.S. Department of Agriculture to expand tree cover in the city. This money will go toward the city's new tree plan, a 10-year roadmap for making Philly greener, cooler, and healthier. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Kristine Gonnella, managing director of strategy development at the Public Health Management Corporation, about why Philly made this plan and how more trees are associated with a range of benefits, from lowering rates of asthma to reducing gun violence. Learn more about Philly’s Tree Plan here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. 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.

If you don’t have a Halloween costume picked out yet, don’t worry. Host Trenae Nuri, lead producer Laura Benshoff, and producer Abby Fritz are here to help you find the perfect last-minute getup, Philly-style. From Wally, the emotional support alligator, to U.S. Senator John Fetterman, we've got DIY-able ideas you can pull off at your next party! 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.

School closure turmoil is not new in Philly, but what happened recently at the Math, Civics and Sciences Charter School in Callowhill is unusual. Students and parents got a shock when the school’s founder, Veronica Joyner, announced she was retiring and shutting down the school at the end of the academic year. Students walked out in protest, and parents are scrambling to find new placements for their children. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Maddie Hanna, education reporter at the Philadelphia Inquirer, about what went down and whether one administrator has the ability to shut down a school. Read more about this 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.

It's the Friday News Roundup! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Rodrigo Torrejón, criminal justice and law enforcement reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Alan Yu, science reporter at WHYY. They discuss how law enforcement finally cracked a multimillion dollar catalytic converter theft ring, and share updates from the Mütter Museum’s first community feedback meeting. Plus, why one Philly doctor isn’t just saying to eat your veggies, but your animal organ meats, too. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: How investigators cracked a multimillion-dollar catalytic converter theft ring After recent backlash, community members weigh in on Mütter Museum’s future This Philadelphia doctor wants you to consider eating animal organs Nominate an Outstanding Educator to be Pennsylvania Teacher of the Year 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.

Visitors to Philly often go see the Rocky statue, the Liberty Bell and, of course, go eat a cheesesteak. But these destinations can feel a little bit cliched when there is so much more to explore in our city. Back in July, host Trenae Nuri talked with Dylan Thuras, co-founder of Atlas Obscura, a website devoted to finding the most remarkable places around the world, about what he recommends you should check out in Philly. 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.

Back in 2019, massive explosions shut down Philadelphia Energy Solutions, what had been the largest and oldest oil refinery on the East Coast. Now, there’s plans to build a business hub for e-commerce and life sciences on this spot, creating as many as 19,000 jobs. But accessing this 1,300 acre plant can be difficult. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Inga Saffron, architecture columnist at The Philadelphia Inquirer, who says the developer and city officials need to connect it to the city if they want the hub to reach its full transformational potential. Read Inga’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.

From wonton to French onion, ramen to matzoh ball, it’s soup season! Host Trenae Nuri chats with City Cast Philly food contributor Dave Wesolowski (@feedingtimetv) about his top favorite soups you’ve got to order and eat this fall. Plus, we'll be putting the list and a couple of bonus recommendations in our morning newsletter, Hey Philly. Be sure to check it out! 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.

Seven years ago, Philadelphia signed onto a plan called Vision Zero, a commitment to eliminate traffic deaths in the city. But 124 people died on our roads last year, dozens more than the average death toll when we started this plan. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with freelance reporter Ben Seal about which parts of Vision Zero are working, and why the city is still falling far short of its goal. Read Ben’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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! We hear about how Philly’s downtown is coming back post-pandemic, another labor battle brewing at Temple University, and why ACCT Philly wants your help clearing out their animal shelters. Lead producer Laura Benshoff is joined by Sidney Rochnik, assistant news editor at Temple News, Kristen Mosbrucker-Garza, business reporter at WHYY, and Sarah Barnett, executive director of ACCT Philly. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Philadelphia ranks No. 5 in the nation for downtown foot traffic recovery since 2019 TAUP rallies for new contract at Temple ACCT Philly ‘forced to euthanize' dogs due to lack of space, asks for public's help You can visit ACCT Philly’s website for pet adoption information here. These are the dogs and cats need to be adopted out quickly or they will be euthanized. For more information about scheduling a free mammogram, 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 or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

If you follow the news, our city can seem like a bad place to grow up. There are tons of headlines about the toll of gun violence, or how young people have fewer safe places they can go to just be kids. But there are local groups working every day to change that narrative. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Shawna Smith, founder and owner of A Chance At Life Inc., and Prentice Boone, founder of the Junior Barber Academy, about what it takes to run an organization aimed at helping youth in Philadelphia. They also discuss how they create space and mentorship opportunities for young people, from bowling nights to barbering classes. 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.

The Mütter is Philly’s iconic medical history museum. More than 100,000 visitors come every year to see displays like Albert Einstein's brain or an enormous human colon. But these exhibits involve real remains, many obtained years ago through grave robbing or other shady practices. Now, the museum is taking a new look at whether their display is ethical. Reexamining the collection, however, has sparked a backlash from the museum's fans. City Cast Philly’s Laura Benshoff talks with Malcolm Burnley, freelance reporter for Philadelphia Magazine, about the controversy and why many museums are changing their approach to exhibiting human remains right now. Correction: In this episode, our guest says the museum is still reevaluating its online content involving human remains, and putting some of it back online. Executive Director Kate Quinn recently told WHYY that they have finished this process and re-uploaded all of the displays that they plan to. Check out Malcolm's Philadelphia Magazine story on the Mütter Museum here. RSVP to the Mütter Museum's Town Hall on October 17 here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Philly. 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.

Philadelphia International Airport was recently named the worst large airport in North America, based on customer surveys by the data analytics firm J.D. Power. But is it really that bad? In this episode, the City Cast Philly team discusses the pros and cons of flying from PHL, your other local airport options, and our hacks for your next trip out of 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 or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s the Friday news roundup! Dive into the Nobel Prize-winning research that made the University of Pennsylvania over a billion dollars, what's driving an increase in fatal drug overdose in Philly, and what’s next in the Phillies' postseason run. Lead producer Laura Benshoff speaks with Marco Cerino, staff writer at the Philadelphia Tribune, Abraham Gutman, health reporter at the Philadelphia Inquirer, and O.J. Spivey, sports and culture writer for The Philadelphia Tribune. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Philadelphia sees surge in Black overdose deaths Scientists’ Nobel-winning vaccine research brought Penn prestige — and a whole lotta money To learn how you can prevent a fatal overdose, sign up for a free virtual overdose prevention and reversal training 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 or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

When COVID shook up how we all live and work, Philly’s big office towers emptied out. Some workers have returned, but Center City is still hurting for people. Now, an office building at 17th and Market is slated to be turned into nearly 300 new apartments, the biggest office-to-housing conversion since the pandemic. Lead producer Laura Benshoff talks with Jake Blumgart, commercial real estate reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, about what these conversions look like, and whether they're the answer to Philly’s empty-office problem. Read Jakes' reporting 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.

The Phillies have once again made it to the playoffs, facing the Miami Marlins in a three-game Wild Card series this week. If you're lucky enough to get tickets to one of these home games, we have your guide to making the most of them. Back in June, host Trenae Nuri spoke with O.J. Spivey, Philadelphia Tribune sports contributor, about how to have a home run experience at Citizens Bank Park. SchwarBurger, anyone? 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.

South Philly’s iconic Melrose Diner was demolished last month to make way for an apartment building. The plan is to reopen a smaller version of Melrose in the same spot. But, other local landmarks haven't been so lucky, and have gone out of business or reduced their hours as dining habits and the city change. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Philadelphia Inquirer reporter Beatrice Forman about what made Melrose special. And, they share a list of some of the city’s best remaining diners, from early morning breakfast spots to 24-hour dinner counters. Reporting featured in this episode: Here are your favorite memories of the Melrose Diner Melrose Diner to be demolished — but revived in new 94-unit apartment building As 24-hour diners dwindle in Philly, a few fight to remain 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.

The Citizens Police Oversight Commission was created in 2021 to be an independent oversight organization, investigating allegations of police misconduct and trying to build trust between police officers and city residents. Now, an Axios Philadelphia investigation has found that two CPOC commissioners invoiced the group for thousands in expenses that might not be allowed under Philadelphia law. Lead producer Laura Benshoff speaks with Axios Philadelphia reporter Isaac Avilucea about this story, other recent allegations of misconduct lodged against the Commissioners, and how these scandals impact the group’s mission. Read Isaac’s story in Axios Philadelphia 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! We’re talking about a municipal judge’s decision to dismiss murder charges against former Philadelphia Police Officer Mark Dial, less than two months after he shot and killed 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry. We’ll also get into how social media fueled looting at local liquor stores and retail shops this week, as well as why Philly cares so much about whether Taylor Swift is dating Kansas City Chiefs' player Travis Kelce. Lead producer Laura Benshoff is filling in for host Trenae Nuri, and talks with Rodrigo Torrejón, criminal justice reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Asha Prihar, general assignment reporter for Billy Penn. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Judge dismisses all charges against former Police Officer Mark Dial in shooting death of Eddie Irizarry Family, supporters of Eddie Irizarry march after judge dismisses charges against Philly officer who killed him Dozens arrested as groups break into stores, vandalize businesses across Philadelphia, police say All Philly liquor stores are closed today after at least 18 were broken into overnight What Philly is saying about the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce situationship, and what it could mean for the Eagles Find out more about SEPTA’s new contactless payment rollout here. And, enter for a chance to buy tickets to watch the Phillies in the playoffs here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. 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

For the first time in 60 years, SEPTA is overhauling its bus routes. The final plan, which took six years to make, is known as the "Bus Revolution." Some routes are getting faster, some shorter, and others are getting axed altogether. Host Trenae Nuri chats with Thomas Fitzgerald, transportation reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, about how the transit agency made these calls, and what they mean for your commute. And, check out this tool from The Inquirer that shows you how the Bus Revolution will change your transit options. 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.

For years, active shooter drills in Philly schools taught students and teachers to barricade themselves in classrooms. Now, the School District of Philadelphia is implementing a new training known as ALICE - Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate. The idea is to give students and their teachers more ways to respond under pressure. But one of those options, countering, involves trying to distract the shooter. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Eden MacDougall, freelance reporter for Billy Penn and Temple University’s Logan Center for Urban Investigative Reporting, about what’s driving this change and why the training is controversial. 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.

If you’ve walked around Philadelphia, you may have seen colorful posters that say “Get Squid Facts,” with a phone number on them. This street art project is the brainchild of Sarah McAnulty, a squid biologist and the creator of the science education non-profit, Skype A Scientist. So far, more than 135,000 people have signed up to receive her squid facts. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with McAnulty about what squid have to do with Philly, and why she uses street art to get people stoked about science. Read more about the Squid Facts project here. Or, text "SQUID" to 1-833-SCI-TEXT to get squid info sent straight to your phone! Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Philly. 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.

When you see a home renovation or major construction project happening in your neighborhood, you assume that work is done safely. But that’s not always the case in Philly. An ongoing investigation by The Philadelphia Inquirer has found that unsafe construction work can go unchecked, causing damage to homes and neighboring properties, and in the worst cases, building collapses. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Samantha Melamed, investigative reporter with The Philadelphia Inquirer, about why Philly rowhomes are uniquely vulnerable during certain renovations, and how to protect yourself from shoddy work. Start at the beginning of the “Crumbling City” series here. How to report unsafe construction work: For work without a permit, or beyond the scope of the permit, call 311 or visit phila.gov/departments/philly311/ For work before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m., call 215-685-7580 or email [email protected] For dust and noise complaints, call 215-685-7580 or emails [email protected] For work on a weekend, email [email protected], or call 911. To report property damage by city demolition contractors and others, contact L&I’s Emergency Response Unit at 215-686-2583 or 215-685-3055. Additional resources: Information for Homeowners When Construction Starts Next Door from Community Legal Services Construction Activity Next Door FAQ from the Department of Licenses and Inspections Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Philly. 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Oliver Sabo, reporter at The Temple News, Philadelphia Inquirer political reporter Chris Brennan, and City Cast Philly lead producer Laura Benshoff. They discuss the sudden passing of Temple’s acting president, JoAnne A. Epps, and her legacy at the university. And, they cover what to expect from the newly announced mayoral debate, as well as why a buzzy South Philly bagel shop is closing its doors. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: A message to the Temple Community from Mitchell L. Morgan, chair of the Board of Trustees. Remembering JoAnne Epps Temple plans to name interim president in the coming days Mayoral candidates Cherelle Parker and David Oh will debate on KYW Newsradio The race for mayor in Philadelphia inevitably has become a debate about debates Cherelle Parker calls upcoming ‘Latino Town Hall’ a fake as David Oh plans to participate South Philly’s hugely popular Korshak Bagels is closing its doors for good Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly 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.

We’re bringing you the third and final installment of our Fall Getaways series! Host Trenae Nuri talks with Philly wine expert, Arindam Basu, educator at the Wine & Spirit Education Trust, about the best day and weekend trips you can take to visit regional wineries this fall. (Check out our earlier fall getaway guides too! There's one on haunted attractions, and one on fall strolls and snacks.) Wineries recommended in today’s episode: Penns Woods Winery Chaddsford Winery Va La Vineyards Karamoor Estate Vineyard and Winery Vox Vineti Wayvine Winery & Vineyard William Heritage Winery Auburn Road Vineyards Stokelan Estate Winery White Horse Winery Amalthea Cellars Valenzano Winery Arindam runs A&R Wine Services. They host wine dinners, private tastings, wine classes and cellar curation. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. 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.

We’re bringing you the second installment of our fall getaways series, where we share our best tips for making the most of this short, sweet season. Looking for a scare and a little roadtrip? Host Trenae Nuri chats with Henry Savage, civics reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, to get the lowdown about the best haunted houses and creepy attractions you can visit outside of Philly. From ghost pirates to haunted hayrides, we've got you covered! 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.

Get in listeners, we’re going leaf-peeping! Today's episode is the first in a three-part series on the best fall getaways in our region. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Maddy Sweitzer-Lammé, a local freelance food writer and tour guide, about places outside of Philly where you can enjoy the fall foliage. Sweitzer-Lammé also shares her recommendations for where you can savor the flavors of the season, from apple cider donuts to stuffed squash, all less than two hours outside of Philly. Read Maddy’s Philadelphia Magazine article here. And, learn more about her business, Tiny Table Tours. Want more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. 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.

A recent statewide study found that severe pregnancy complications spiked in Pennsylvania between 2016 and 2022, part of a worsening trend in maternal health outcomes. Now, Philadelphia is trying something new to address health problems during pregnancy. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Dr. Aasta Mehta, OB/GYN and Medical Officer of Women’s Health for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, about the city's first-in-the-nation program to track and analyze complications. And, they share some resources for anyone who needs more support during a pregnancy. Learn more about the programs around maternal health here in Philly: Birth Justice Philly summit happening October 26th Philly Families CAN provides resources for new parents 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! Today's topics include: the capture of Chester County Prison escapee Danelo Cavalcante, the move to ban supervised injection sites in most of Philly, and the search for Temple University’s new president. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Kenny Cooper, suburban reporter for WHYY News, Aubrey Whelan, health reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Oliver Sabo, reporter at The Temple News. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Danelo Cavalcante, who escaped Chester County Prison, is in custody. Police found him hiding under logs Philadelphia lawmakers vote to prohibit supervised injection sites in most of the city Philly received more than 100,000 ‘invalid’ COVID-19 rapid tests. Here’s what to do if you got one Board of Trustees announces search for Temple’s next president 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.

Back in February, the Commonwealth Court of Pennsylvania ruled that the way the state funds public education is unconstitutional. But what does that actually mean? A recent report from the Philadelphia Inquirer found that a whopping 85% of Pennsylvania school districts don't get enough funding to adequately educate students. This week, lawmakers and experts in education are holding hearings to figure out what needs to change. Host Trenae Nuri unpacks all of this with Inquirer reporters Maddie Hanna and Kasturi Pananjady. Read Hanna and Pananjady's report (and use their interactive funding tool) here. Submit a comment to the PA Basic Education Funding Commission 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.

UPDATE: Pennsylvania State Police told The Philadelphia Inquirer that Danelo Cavalcante was taken into custody after 8 a.m. on Wednesday morning. We'll have a brief update about his arrest later this week. Today, you'll hear how he was able to evade law enforcement for nearly two weeks, hide out in a local botanical garden, and even steal a gun. Host Trenae Nuri and WHYY reporter Kenny Cooper break down some of the strangest twists and turns of this prison break. 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.