City Cast Philly

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.

From why you should avoid grocery shopping on Sunday, to items that are weirdly cheaper at Whole Foods, we’ve got your insider’s guide to stocking up in Philly. Host Trenae Nuri, lead producer Laura Benshoff, and producer Abby Fritz break down your grocery shopping options in the city, as well as their best store hacks and tips for getting a good deal. Want to know what else Philly's talking about? 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.

In 2017, spotted lanternflies showed up in Philly. This invasive species is a threat to local agriculture, so Philadelphians got really into smashing the bugs. Spotted lanternfly numbers have since declined in the city, but you still see these red and grey insects around. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Henry Savage, civics reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, about what happened to the hoards of spotted lanternflies we used to see, and whether we should still bother to squish them. Read Henry’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! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Sean Collins Walsh, City Hall reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and John Barchard, City Cast Philly sports contributor and co-host of the Bell and the Birdmen podcast. They discuss major City Council races and controversial legislation coming this fall, the Eagles' season opener against the New England Patriots on Sunday, and the best places to grab a bite on game day. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Gov. Josh Shapiro is backing third-party progressive Kendra Brooks for Philly City Council Where to find free or low-cost COVID tests in Philadelphia Eagles want "everyone's best punch," and it begins Sunday vs. Patriots at New England 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.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Danielle Outlaw, the first Black woman to serve in this high-profile position, is leaving her post at the end of the month. Outlaw led the department through the pandemic, massive protests about policing, and a spike in gun violence. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Chris Palmer, criminal justice and law enforcement reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, about Outlaw’s legacy and what’s next for the city. Read Chris’ full story 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.

Philly has a lot of litter, enough that it’s earned the nickname “Filthadelphia.” One way our city deals with trash is with the BigBelly Program, hundreds of solar-powered trash compactors located in major commercial districts. These trashcans cost around $6,000 a piece and send an alert to the Streets Department when they get full. But some residents and business organizations say the bins overflow, break down, and simply attract more litter. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Meir Rinde, investigative reporter at Billy Penn, about these complaints and ways the city could clean up their performance.

Parts of Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and New York, all drink from the same water supply: the Delaware River. And there's a rocky history of sharing this precious resource. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Kyle Bagenstose, an independent environmental journalist, about why climate change could force a showdown between Philadelphia and New York City over control of the drinking water supply, and how our city is planning for that threat. Read Kyle’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! But, a little different this time. We're talking big picture... about the changes we’re most excited to see in our city, the most pressing issues facing residents, and how we can all stay better connected. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Afea Tucker, Philadelphia community engagement reporter for The Trace, Conrad Benner, founder of Streets Dept, a local art blog, and City Cast Philly Arts & Culture contributor Charles Tyson, Jr. This live show was taped at the Indy Hall Clubhouse in Northern Liberties on August 30, 2023. Find out more about our guests’ work here: Afea Tucker: Email [email protected] or visit Up The Block and TheTrace.org Charles Tyson, Jr.: Follow @neverskurred on Instagram and X. Or, listen to the Full Circle Pod Conrad Benner: Follow @streetsdept on Instagram, X, and TikTok. Check out StreetsDept.com Our live event was also powered by a great Philly business: the Indy Hall Clubhouse & Community. Indy Hall is Philly's original community of freelancers, remote workers, and more. It's for those who love their freedom and flexibility, but don't like always feeling alone. Their clubhouse in Northern Liberties, near 2nd and Spring Garden, is Indy Hall's latest home, providing a comfortable and flexible place to work, play, and get to know people doing all kinds of cool things in Philadelphia. They'd love to meet you, so check out their website, and their upcoming event schedule, at indyhall.org. 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.

Philadelphia has 40,000 vacant lots, according to city data. Keeping them clean and green can help reduce crime and littering, and even raise property values. So, what can your community do to start repurposing a vacant lot? Host Trenae Nuri and Nate Hommel, director of planning and design for University City District, talked through the steps for turning a neglected space into a community oasis back in April. 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.

Pickleball fever has swept Philly — and the nation. A mix of badminton, tennis, and ping-pong, the game is now the fastest growing sport in America, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. Philly alone is home to more than a dozen public and private pickleball courts. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Andrew Freedman, an instructor and ambassador for USA Pickleball, about why this sport is so popular and how you can start playing. For more information about Andrew's pickleball meetups in Seger Park, 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.

In Philly, there are official parking regulations... and then there are those unwritten rules, legal or otherwise. Host Trenae Nuri, lead producer Laura Benshoff, and producer Abby Fritz break down Philly's lawless parking culture and share their hacks to finding the perfect spot in the city. RSVP for our upcoming live event on 8/30 here! Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning 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.

Philly's new school year starts next week, but districts across Pennsylvania have struggled to hire and retain enough teachers to fully staff their classrooms. By county, Philadelphia had the highest teacher attrition rate statewide at 16.4%, according to Penn State’s Center for Education Evaluation and Policy Analysis. Host Trenae Nuri chats with City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris to unpack one of Pennsylvania’s most complicated education issues, and find out how students and teachers are coping with this shortage. RSVP for our upcoming live event on 8/30 here! Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. 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 round up! Host Trenae Nuri talks with Paul Schwedelson, commercial real estate reporter at The Philadelphia Business Journal, and Sean Collins Walsh, City Hall reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer. They discuss the plan to redevelop a five-acre area by the North Philadelphia train station, what the city’s mayoral candidates have been up to this summer, and the design group opposing the 76ers' stadium proposal. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Corropolese Tomato Pie chip comes out on top in Herr’s ‘Flavored by Philly’ contest Developers buy long-vacant site next to North Philadelphia train station, plan massive mixed-use project A large Philly-based group of architects and designers just came out against the 76ers’ arena plan Hundreds of Philly politicos partied in North Wildwood to toast the Democratic machine’s resurgence RSVP for our upcoming live event on 8/30 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

Summer is fading fast, but there's still time to grab a bite to eat or a drink at one of Philly's many patios or sidewalk cafes. Back in May, host Trenae Nuri talked with Ben Fileccia, lobbyist with the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, about how city regulations closed down many outdoor dining options that opened during the pandemic, and where you can still eat outside. RSVP for our upcoming live event on 8/30 here! Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning 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.

A Philadelphia police officer shot and killed 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry in North Philly last week. A police department spokesperson initially said Irizarry got out of his car and lunged at officers with a knife in his hand. But almost immediately, officials walked back that account, leaving many unanswered questions about the shooting. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Ellie Rushing and Rodrigo Torrejón, criminal justice reporters at The Philadelphia Inquirer, about what we know so far and how Irizarry's family and community are responding to his death. RSVP for our upcoming live event on 8/30 here! Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning 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.

We’re taking a trip down I-95 South to Washington, D.C.! Host Trenae Nuri chats with City Cast DC host Bridget Todd about the most iconic D.C. spots to grab a bite, which tourist traps to avoid, and how folks from the City of Brotherly Love and the nation's capital relate to each other. RSVP for our upcoming live event on 8/30 here! Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning 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.

Atlanta, Chicago, and New York have all transformed unused railroad lines into beautiful public parks. Philly has been trying to do a similar makeover with the Reading Viaduct for around 20 years. But so far, only a tiny stretch has been completed. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Inga Saffron, architecture columnist at The Philadelphia Inquirer, about what’s derailing this project's progress. Read Inga’s full story here. RSVP for our upcoming live event on 8/30 here! Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning 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 round up! Host Trenae Nuri talks with Tom Fitzgerald, transportation reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer and Meir Rinde, investigative reporter for Billy Penn. They discuss what's causing SEPTA’s recent string of crashes, why the transit agency's drivers are facing more abuse from passengers, and local political figures connected to the most recent Trump indictment. Plus, the Boss postponed his long-awaited Philly shows! Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: SEPTA drivers are increasingly victim to abuse and assaults. Some say the agency isn’t doing enough to protect them. SEPTA and Amtrak plan to reconnect their train stations at 30th Street Pennsylvania’s ‘fake electors’ are unlikely to face consequences. Here’s what they’re up to. Who is Mike Roman, the Philly campaign operative charged in Georgia with helping Trump efforts to overturn the 2020 election? RSVP for our upcoming live event on 8/30 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.

Philly and South Jersey residents have long complained about loud music blasting from cars during late night ‘boom parties' held along the Delaware River. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with PhillyVoice reporter Maggie Mancini about how New Jersey and Philly are pulling the plug on these meetups, and nuisance cars in general, with new laws and fines. Read Maggie’s full story here. RSVP for our upcoming live event on 8/30 here! Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning 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.

Crimes against the elderly are on the rise, according to the Pennsylvania state courts. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Alex Blumenthal, supervisor of the Elder Justice Unit in the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office, and Sarina Issenberg, coordinator of the Philadelphia Elder Abuse Multidisciplinary Team, about local initiatives to combat these crimes and support victims. Here is a list of elder justice resources from the Philadelphia’s District Attorney’s Office: Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office Elder Justice Unit Hotline: (215) 686-5710 CARIE Line and Long-Term Care Ombudsman: (215) 545-5728/ 1-800-356-3606 PCA Helpline: 215-765-9040 PA Attorney General Senior Protection: (866) 623-2137 First Judicial District Elder Justice & Civil Resource Center: (215) 686-7027 SeniorLAW Center HelpLine: 1-877-727-7529 (1-877-PA SR LAW) In an emergency or to report a crime in progress, please call 911. RSVP for our upcoming live event on 8/30 here! Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning 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.

Let’s face it, even if you love your sweetheart, sometimes you can fall into a rut with date ideas. Enter "alphabet dating." This new TikTok trend encourages couples to plan date nights with themes for every letter, running from A to Z. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Manisha and Gabe Maday, the Philly couple behind the Instagram account @phillydateideas, about their Philly-centric alphabet dating guide. Check out their Instagram account here. RSVP for our upcoming live event on 8/30 here! Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning 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.

There’s new research from the real estate brokerage company Redfin that says first-time homebuyers in the Philly region need to make more money than they did a year ago if they want to buy a house. That means dreams of homeownership remain out of reach for many in our city. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Aaron Moselle, housing and community development reporter for WHYY’s PlanPhilly about what's driving this trend, and whether homes prices are likely to come down any time soon. Read Aaron's story here: https://whyy.org/articles/philly-area-housing-market-starter-home/ RSVP for our upcoming live event on 8/30 here! Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning 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 Zoe Greenberg, features reporter at the Philadelphia Inquirer, Stephen Caruso, capitol reporter with Spotlight PA, and Ben Seal, freelance reporter. They discuss the drama over who gets to profit from Tiffany windows discovered in a church in West Philly, why a sexual abuse amendment missed its deadline to get on the November ballot, and why advocates want to see Pennsylvania reform the use of psychedelics. RSVP for our upcoming live event on 8/30 here! Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Dorney Park to get the region’s first dive rollercoaster in 2024 A West Philly church’s Tiffany windows sold for $200,000. A bank says the money is theirs. Proposed relief for child sex abuse survivors won’t reach Pa. ballot in 2023 Pennsylvania is getting closer to psychedelic reform, and advocates in Philly are pushing for decriminalization Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning 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.

This week, hip-hop turns 50. Even though the Bronx birthed this music genre, Philly’s produced some legendary rappers. But that’s not all we’ve done. Our city has deep connections to R&B hitmakers as well as a thriving punk scene. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Evon Burton, creative director of The Anderson Street Project, and Dave Kiss, talent buyer with Dave Kiss Presents, about which genre or genres best represent Philly’s sound. Plus, we hear from some of our Hey Philly Newsletter readers on the topic! RSVP for our upcoming live event on 8/30 here! You can follow Dave Kiss’ work here. You can follow Evon Burton’s work here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning 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.

There’s been a debate brewing in the Garden State for years. Is Central Jersey a real place? Well, a bill that recently passed the NJ State Legislature would officially settle it and carve up the state into North, Central, and South Jersey. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with bill sponsor and state Senator Andrew Zwicker about what defines Central Jersey and why it deserves to be on the map. RSVP for our upcoming live event on 8/30 here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning 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.

There’s nothing quite as satisfying as a slice of pizza. Luckily, there are plenty of great Philly pizza parlors to choose from, slinging everything from Detroit-style pies to Indian fusion pizza. In this episode, host Trenae Nuri and Dave Wez, the food blogger behind Feeding Time TV, dish about their favorite pizzas in the city. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning 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.

Just over a year ago, the Philadelphia 76ers announced a new plan to build a stadium in Center City. Since then, it’s pretty much been non-stop controversy. The Sixers say they want a modern, new stadium where they get to control their schedule. But some community groups, many in Chinatown, say they don’t want a stadium in their backyard. Host Trenae Nuri digs in with Jordan Levy, general assignment reporter at Billy Penn. They cover all the highlights of this debate and what decision-makers could do in the coming months. Read more of Jordan’s reporting here Read more about the stadium plan here. These are the five possible designs for Philly’s permanent Harriet Tubman statue Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. We’re also on 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 a ~sporty~ Friday News Roundup! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by John Barchard, co-host of Bell and the Birdmen podcast, Jaison Nieves, sports social media manager at The Temple News, Brian Micheal, owner of Shibe Vintage Sports, and Isaac Avilucea, reporter at Axios Philadelphia. They discuss how the Philadelphia Eagles throwback Kelly green uniforms rollout was leaked, Temple University’s updated sports logo, and a new exhibit displaying Philly’s connections to baseball's groundbreaking Negro leagues. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Mega Millions jackpot climbs to $1.25 billion after no one hits the top prize The Eagles fan behind throwback jersey leak Eagles Fans Furious Over Canceled Kelly Green Jersey Orders Temple introduces new logo for athletics Temple has a new logo, so here’s a look back at 25 owls that came before Negro Leagues exhibit at Cherry Street Pier tells stories of Philadelphia’s baseball past City Cast Philly 1 Year Anniversary Live Taping Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly We’re also on 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

Philly is a great place to raise kids, but it could be even better. Host Trenae Nuri goes from A-to-Z on what could improve with Christine Speer Lejeune, a fellow Philly parent and contributing editor at Philadelphia Magazine. Christine breaks down 17 big kid-centric innovations the city could try, from appointing a child mayor to encouraging more multigenerational housing. You can read the story Christine co-wrote here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning 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.

Thousands of Philly city government jobs are vacant, according to The Philadelphia Inquirer. This labor shortage affects everything from how quickly someone picks up your 911 call, to how late your local library is open. And this is all putting pressure on the city budget, in the form of rampant overtime. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Ryan Briggs, a researcher on the investigations team at The Philadelphia Inquirer, about why there are so many job openings and how we’re all paying for them. Read reporting by Anna Orso and Ryan Briggs from The Philadelphia Inquirer here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning 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.

Lemon Hill is usually a place where people host cookouts, but it’s also a great spot to forage for local, edible plants. Host Trenae Nuri and producer Abby Fritz explore this corner of Fairmount Park with Lynn Landes, the creator of Wild Foodies of Philly. She shares her knowledge about the vast variety of useful plants found in our city, as well as some general tips on urban foraging. You can learn more about Wild Foodies of Philly, and the group’s meetups, at http://www.wildfoodies.org/ Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning 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.

Potholes are just part of life in Philly, and now it feels like sinkholes are too. In the last few weeks, sinkholes have closed city streets, shut down a highway in Montgomery County, and maybe even derailed a freight train. Host Trenae Nuri dives into the bedrock issues causing these cave-ins with Laura Toran, a hydrogeologist at Temple University. Here’s a geological map of Pennsylvania sinkholes. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning 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 round up! Host Trenae Nuri talks with Asha Prihar, reporter at Billy Penn, and Kenny Cooper, reporter with WHYY News. They discuss why the city is going after unlicensed short-term rentals, how Delaware County and Pennsylvania State Police cracked a 48-year-old cold case, and why the former Glen Mills campus plans to admit students this fall. Note: This episode briefly mentions child sexual abuse, so please take care while listening. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Former Glen Mills campus plans to admit students in September Delaware County law enforcement, Pa. state police crack 48-year-old Marple Township cold case Philly is cracking down on unlicensed Airbnb hosts, with 1,500 listings at risk of removal Philly Council passes tougher Airbnb regulations 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.

Philly’s bar scene is changing. There’s more trendy, beer gardens popping up, and you can drink in grocery stores. But where are those neighborhood corner bars where you can get a cheap drink, you know the bartender by their first name, and there’s no a crowd to push through? Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Paul L. Herron, Esquire, of Kelly & Herron, P.C., who has spent decades working with bar owners to keep their taps flowing. They discuss why the drinking scene in Philly is changing. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning 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.

Artificial intelligence is everywhere right now. It’s writing travel guides, doing customer service, and even making art. ChatGPT is one such AI tool, that responds to questions or requests in text form. In this episode, host Trenae Nuri, lead producer Laura Benshoff and producer Abby Fritz put questions about Philly to ChatGPT, and get back some surprising answers. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning 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.