City Cast Philly

Cannabis law in the Keystone state is different depending on where you live. And while it's hard to say whether Pennsylvania will fully legalize cannabis this year, lawmakers could make other important changes to our cannabis laws. Host Trenae Nuri, City Cast Pittsburgh Lead Producer Megan Harris and Ed Mahon, investigative reporter for Spotlight PA, discuss proposals for decriminalization, DUI protections, and more. You can read Ed's reporting on the state's cannabis laws 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’ve been talking on the show about the crowded mayor’s race. After all, voters will determine the city’s 100th mayor. In recent weeks, some candidates have picked up support from influential political groups. Host Trenae Nuri and City Cast Philly political contributor Denise Clay-Murray discuss if endorsements matter in this political race. Watch Denise tonight on The Philadelphia Hall Monitor at 6:00pm on WPPM 106.5FM and PhillyCAM TV. 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.

In Pennsylvania, public school teachers can’t legally wear religious garb while working. PA's the only state that still has such a ban. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Aubri Juhasz, WHYY’s education reporter, about a push to get rid of the ban this legislative session. 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.

Each week this month, we’ve been highlighting stories of Black Philadelphians doing incredible work in our city. And in the final week, host Trenae Nuri talks with Ajoa Abrokwa, founder of She is Focused, about how her healing journey lead her to having a renewed spirit in the great outdoors. Plus, she’s building a community of other women and girls to share a passion for cycling. 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! In today’s episode, host Trenae Nuri is joined by Mensah Dean, staff writer for The Trace, and Ellie Rushing, criminal justice and law enforcement reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer, to discuss the recent killing of Temple University officer Christopher Fitzgerald, how residents are responding to increased police presence in the city’s 39th, 25th, 24th and 22nd districts, and what mayoral candidates have to say about reducing gun violence. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Slain Temple officer Christopher Fitzgerald’s death an ‘extraordinary loss,’ officials say Hope and Disenchantment as Police Flood Philly’s Most Violent Areas ‘Culmination of chaos’: Temple students react to death of slain police officer Philly mayoral candidates say they’ll declare a crime emergency. What would that really do? 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 at 215-259-8170.

A new drug called Xylazine has saturated Philly’s drug supply. It’s also known as Tranq, short for animal tranquilizer. The drug is leaving users with gaping wounds. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Kathleen Lalli, CEO of Kensington Hospital, about their wound van that has been treating the effects of this drug and why they are expanding their services now. The wound van is parked on 2755 Kensington Ave. 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.

Philly has some amazing restaurants. From great crispy tacos, to cheesy pizza, and even that Szechuan restaurant where a robot serves you. Another thing Philly’s got is a lot of BYOBs. Host Trenae Nuri chats with Arindam Basu, molecular scientist and educator at Wine & Spirit Education Trust, about the city’s best places to eat, drink, and bring-your-own-beverage. 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.

For a decade, Theatre in the X has provided opportunities to theater professionals of color. Their mission is to make high-quality theatrical arts accessible to Philadelphians. Now, they’re teaming up with Painted Bride, a long-running performance space, for their 10-year anniversary. Host Trenae Nuri chats with our City Cast Philly arts and culture contributor, Charles Tyson, Jr., about the creativity and importance of this West Philly theater company. Grab tickets to Theater In The X’s 10th year anniversary fundraiser 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! In today’s episode, host Trenae Nuri is joined by Jay Arzu, Ph.D. student studying City and Regional Planning at the University of Pennsylvania, and Philadelphia Inquirer reporter, Jake Blumgart, to discuss public transportation and safety. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: SEPTA to deploy more police officers on trains in response to safety concerns Meet the Man Who Brought the Boulevard Subway Back From the Dead Progressive Cities Have a Public Order Problem on Mass Transit Speeding tickets and crashes fell after enforcement cameras came to Roosevelt Blvd. 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 at 215-259-8170.

Democrats won three special elections this month, ending a two-month debate over which party would control the Pennsylvania House. Host Trenae Nuri talks with City Cast Philly political contributor Denise Clay-Murray about what Democrats could accomplish this session and what this could mean for Philly. 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.

If you’re down at Cherry Street Pier, you’ll see work by local painters, illustrators, and other artists. You’ll also see one-of-a-kind Black figurines made by a local sculptor. Host Trenae Nuri chats with published multimedia artist Acori Honzo about how his figurines spark cross-generational conversations and focus on representation. To follow Honzo’s work, you can check out his Instagram. 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.

Philly is known as “The City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.” So it seems only right that we hold the actually LOVE statue. It’s iconic. Host Trenae Nuri and Marguerite Anglin, public art director for the City of Philadelphia’s Office of Arts, Culture, and the Creative Economy, talk about how Philly got the LOVE statue and why it became so recognizable. 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.

A Commonwealth Court judge recently ruled that the way Pennsylvania funds school districts is unconstitutional. The School District of Philadelphia was not a plaintiff in this case, but a few of their officials testified. City Cast Philly’s Trenae Nuri and City Cast Pittsburgh’s Mallory Falk are joined by senior reporter for Chalkbeat Philadelphia, Dale Mezzacappa, to talk about how Philly schools could be affected by the ruling and what happens next. You can read Dale’s reporting on the landmark court decision here, and all of her school funding trial coverage 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! In today’s episode, host Trenae Nuri is joined by our sports contributor John Barchard and Philadelphia Tribune sports writer O.J. Spivey to discuss the Philadelphia Eagles 2022-2023 season, the historical significance of Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes becoming the first Black starting quarterbacks at the Super Bowl and the differences and similarities to the 2017-2018 season which was the last time the Eagles were at the big game. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: All District schools and offices will be open with a two-hour delay on Monday, February 13, 2023 – the day after the Super Bowl. Go Birds! Patrick Mahomes and Jalen Hurts will make history on Sunday, becoming the first Black QBs to start against each other in the Super Bowl. Autumn Lockwood to be first Black woman to coach in Super Bowl. Andy Reid’s Eagles tenure was a success even if he never delivered a Super Bowl win. 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 at 215-259-8170.

It’s getting closer to game day! But where are you going to be watching the game? Host Trenae Nuri chats with Cass Foley about the best sports bars in town to cheer on the birds and where to get great wings. 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.

Philly’s sports fans weren’t the first to climb greased poles in our city. They’ve just gotten the most hate for it. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Isa Segalovich, educator, art historian, and TikToker about the historical roots of climbing poles in Philly. Check out Segalovich’s original social media post about this tradition. You can also follow her for more art history content on TikTok. To read more about Albero della Cuccagna check out this Philadelphia Inquirer article. 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.

When you gotta go, you gotta go! But in Philly, sometimes finding a public bathroom isn’t easy. So where do you go when nature calls? The question has led city officials to the Portland Loo — a single stall, outdoor toilet that’s a little fancier than your typical porta-pottie. But is the Portland Loo really the answer to Philly’s public bathroom woes? City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with Ari Miller, landscape architect and co-founder of Hinge Collective, about some of the city's public and private places to use the bathroom. This conversation originally aired November 3, 2022. The 11th annual East Passyunk Avenue Restaurant Week is February 27-March 10. Find out more 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.

What do the Grays Ferry, Fairmount, and Tioga neighborhoods have in common? Taney Street. But that name triggers a racist history. Neighbors have voted to rename the street after Caroline LeCount, who’s considered “Philly’s Rosa Parks” and fought to integrate the city’s streetcars in the 1860s. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Samaya Brown, a member of the Rename Taney Coalition, about how community members have been organizing for nearly three years to get the street renamed, and what the holdup is. 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! In today’s episode, host Trenae Nuri is joined by Eliot Olaya, fellow at Al Día News, and freelance journalist Ben Seal to discuss the partnership between the Philadelphia International Airport and WhereWeFly, how students are learning about climate change in and out of the classroom, and events celebrating Black History Month in Philly. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: PHL partners with WhereWeFly to improve how passengers choose their flights Philly establishes optional climate change curriculum, but lags behind neighboring New Jersey NALCAB announces list of 2023 Pete Garcia Fellowship members A Different Kind of Learning Loss Here are links to some Black History Month events happening in Philly: Feb 3-5: Philadelphia opera performances of Credo Saturdays Through Feb. 25: Betsy Ross House abolitionist tours Saturdays and Sundays through Feb. 27: A Black History Discovery Hunt For more Black History Month event recommendations and Philly news, sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Philly. What was your top story of the week? Let us know on social media — we’re on Twitter and Instagram. You can also call or text us at 215-259-8170. We always love hearing your voicemails!

Pennsylvania has two beloved groundhogs. But one draws spectators from around the world for, let’s face it, his bizarre lore. It’s February 2, which means a groundhog will predict if spring will come early based on if he sees his own shadow or not. In honor of Groundhog Day, host Trenae Nuri is chatting with City Cast Pittsburgh host, Morgan Moody, about the man of the hour, Punxsutawney Phil, and how the science stacks up against tradition. They’re joined by two people who spend a lot of time around groundhogs: AJ Dereume, who is Phil’s handler, and Dr. Stam Zervanos, who has studied groundhogs for two decades. What are your thoughts on Punxsutawney Phil and Groundhog Day? Let us know! Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Want more Philly goodness? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly.

It seems like everyone wants to be Philly’s mayor! Except Mayor Kenney, of course. Today, producer Abby Fritz talks with political contributor Denise Clay-Murray about the crowded field of candidates, when the race will narrow down, and why anyone would want to be the mayor of Philly. For more of Denise’s work, follow her on Twitter @denisethewriter. 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.

Whether you’re driving from the Ben Franklin Bridge to 76 or Broad Street to Fairmount Park, traffic in Philly can be a nightmare. According to the InRix Global Traffic Scorecard of 2022, which tracks mobility data of the world’s most-congested areas, Philly ranked number 10 when it comes to highest traffic delay times by city. Host Trenae Nuri, producer Abby Fritz, and Hey Philly newsletter editor Brittany Valentine chat about how they get around the city, which streets to avoid, and tips on navigating the city by bus, car, or ride-share. Learn more about SEPTA Forward's Bus Revolution here. Let us know what YOUR traffic nightmares in Philly are! Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. 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

Violent crime is all over TV news. There’s a popular saying in journalism, “if it bleeds, it leads.” But it wasn’t always this way; in fact, the origins of this TV news format trace back to Philly. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Layla Jones, the economic equity reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer, about the history of this format, how it stereotyped BIPOC communities, and its lasting impact today. Read Jones' original piece for 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! In today’s episode, host Trenae Nuri is joined by Frank Kummer, who covers regional environmental issues for the Philadelphia Inquirer, to discuss why the Boys Scouts are under pressure to sell land in Pennsylvania, the debate surrounding the historic Cobbs Creek Golf Course, and why dead whales have been washing up on New Jersey shores. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Boy Scouts selling off storied camps under pressure from sex-abuse claims, bankruptcy — and locals are worried Debate over Cobbs Creek Golf Course reaches City Council Whales navigate a perilous route off the Jersey Shore 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 at 215-259-8170.

Let’s hit the slopes. There are great mountains and indoor spots to ski and snowboard near the Philly area. Host Trenae Nuri and Alisha Wiles, trip lead for the Philly Freeriders, break down some of the best places to go no matter your skill level. The Philly Free Riders’ next trip is to Jay Peak. You can stay connected with the Philly Freeriders Meetup Group and on Facebook. Ski spots mentioned in this episode: Bear Creek Mountain Shawnee Mountain Big Snow Blue Mountain (and don’t miss the Slopeside Pub & Grill!) Jack Frost Big Boulder Camelback Hunter Mountain (New York) Jay Peak (Vermont) Stowe (Vermont) Sugarbush (Vermont) Killington (Vermont) 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 What’s your favorite ski spot? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text and let us know! The number is 215-259-8170.

On Monday, the Philadelphia Housing Authority made 10,000 spots available on its Housing Choice Voucher waitlist. Formerly know as Section 8, this waitlist has been closed for the past 12 years, and a lottery will determine which Philadelphians can potentially receive affordable housing assistance. Trenae Nuri spoke with Rasheed Ajamu, lifelong Philadelphian and the curator of Phreedom Jawn, about what it was like for his grandmother to live on the waitlist and never get off it. The application for the HCV waitlist will be open until February 5 at 5:59 p.m. Read Rasheed’s original tweet here. To follow more of Rasheed’s work at Phreedom Jawn, check out @phreedomjawn on Instagram and Twitter. 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.

Ever wondered what questions non-locals have about Philly? Which stereotypes are true and which ones need debunking? In today’s episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz asks host Trenae Nuri about jawn, “Abbott Elementary,” Philly cheesesteaks, who gets to say they’re from Philly, and much more. Want to dive deeper into the word “jawn”? Check out our episode with linguist Dr. Taylor Jones. We also did a whole episode about “Abbott Elementary”! You can listen right here. The PennDOT open house will be Wednesday, February 1, at 6 p.m. Find out more here. Have a different take on any of these “essential Philly” questions? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. 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

Faith leaders in the city are getting training on how to have conversations about race and reparations. Host Trenae Nuri and Rev. Naomi Washington-Leapheart, director for Faith-Based and Interfaith Affairs for the City of Philadelphia and adjunct professor at Villanova University and Arcadia University, discuss how congregations talk about the intersections of faith and racial justice. If you're a faith leader or member of a faith group who wants to get involved in this work, you can reach Rev. Naomi at [email protected] Rev. Washington-Leapheart is speaking at The Hallmark Program of Penn’s annual Martin Luther King Jr. Symposium tonight from 5-7 p.m. at Hillel Steinhardt Hall. 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! In today’s episode, host Trenae Nuri is joined by senior reporter for Philadelphia Magazine Victor Fiorillo and city editor at the Philadelphia Tribune Sharyn Flanagan, to discuss a call for an independent investigation into the taser incident involving a Lower Merion police officer and a Black woman, sightings of disembodied pigeons around the city, and how a Philly restaurant saved a traveler’s lost luggage. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: OK, What’s Up With All the Disembodied Pigeons on Philly Streets? The Craziest Lost Luggage Story You Will Read This Week Lower Merion Residents Call For Independent Investigation After Police Use Taser During Traffic Stop 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 at 215-259-8170.

Does sprucing up abandoned homes really help reduce gun violence? The answer is yes, according to a 3-year study done by University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University researchers. Dividing the 258 randomly-selected houses into three groups and providing varying levels of interventions to them, they found that the houses that received both maintenance and yardwork saw a 13% drop in gun assaults. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Sammy Caiola, gun violence prevention reporter at WHYY, about these results and their implications, what it would take to widely implement this solution, and other work communities around the city are doing to clean up vacant lots. Check out Sammy’s reporting on this, and dive deeper into the study itself. Learn more about the Young Chances Foundation, the Community Life Improvement Program (CLIP), and #JustServicesPHL. We mentioned the dumping that happens around the city. Listen to yesterday’s episode to learn more about "Why Illegal Dumping is Still a Messy Issue.” Want a cheatsheet to what’s happening in the city? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Philly! We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly Have some thoughts on a recent episode? Let us know your hot takes by leaving us a voicemail or sending us a text at 215-259-8170.

Car tires, dirty mattresses and scattered contractor bags get tossed throughout Philly neighborhoods. The trash is piling up. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Bernard Brown, writer for GridPhilly and author of Exploring Philly Nature: A Guide For All Four Seasons, about why illegal dumping is still a major problem despite efforts to clean things up. You can read Brown's original story for GridPhilly about illegal dumping here. If your block has immediate trash removal needs, call 311. 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.

Visitors from around the world love to visit the Rocky Balboa statue. But the bronze monument memorializes one of the most famous Philadelphians who never actually lived. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with Paul Farber, director of Monument Lab, and host of The Statue podcast produced by WHYY Digital Studios, about why people love this fictional boxer so much and keeping Rocky’s legacy alive. 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.

It’s the Friday news roundup! In today’s episode, host Trenae Nuri is joined by freelance journalist Ben Seal and Philadelphia Inquirer real estate reporter Jake Blumgart, to discuss a new study from Temple University Hospital that found breaking news coverage on gun violence can be harmful for victims, how the city’s real estate development may slow down this year and how workers made Eeva the first independent unionized restaurant in the city. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: ‘Like I’m a nobody’: Breaking news coverage of shootings is dehumanizing and delays progress, per new Temple study Real estate development in Philly likely to slow this year given interest rate uncertainty Workers at Eeva in Kensington have unionized Philly’s stray cat population, estimated at 400,000 pre-pandemic, has stayed relatively stable thanks to a grassroots network 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 at 215-259-8170.

Center City District Restaurant Week is returning this year from Jan. 15-28, and it’s got a line-up of more than 60 eateries. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri chats with Cass Foley, a local food and culture influencer, about navigating two weeks’ worth of delicious meals and plenty of deals. For more food and event recommendations, follow Cass on Instagram @cass_andthecity. 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.

It’s a new year and a new state legislature agenda. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri and political contributor Denise Clay-Murray chat about new leadership in Harrisburg and what issues lawmakers might focus on this session. 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.

The Kensington Corridor Trust (KCT) is trying to help the community own more land in the neighborhood. This type of trust is the only one of its kind in Philly. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri speaks with Crystal Ortiz, a business owner who’s been able to open a store in Kensington thanks to this nonprofit, and Adriana Abizadeh, executive director of KCT, about the organization’s hopes for the neighborhood. 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 at 215-259-8170.

When you think of the old west, you’re probably thinking about cowboys, horses, and those wide-brimmed hats. But it turns out that a hat maker here in Philadelphia invented that iconic style of cowboy hats. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with WHYY’s midday host, Avi Wolfman-Arent, about the historical significance of this invention and its once great impact on the city. Check out Avi’s original Twitter thread on the invention of the cowboy hat 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 at 215-259-8170.

It’s the Friday news roundup! In today’s episode, host Trenae Nuri is joined by Philadelphia Inquirer editorial writer Daniel Pearson and our Eagles contributor and co-host of Bell and the Birdmen podcast John Barchard, to discuss this week’s status on the team’s starting quartback Jalen Hurts, updates on Buffalo Bills’ Damar Hamlin, and if former two-term Mayor Michael Nutter is considering entering into the crowded 2023 mayoral race. 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.

When it gets cold outside, sometimes you just want to get cozy and watch a movie. But what are some of the best films that feature our great city? City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks movies you should know with Andrew Greenblatt, the CEO and executive director of the Philadelphia Film Society, that are about or filmed in Philadelphia. 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 at 215-259-8170.

A tiny home village is expected to come to the city this year. Construction is slated for spring 2023 with hopes to have residents by the summer. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with Cathy Farrell, board director of Sanctuary Village, a nonprofit focused on building a tiny home community in Philadelphia for people transitioning out of homelessness. Nuri and Farrell discuss how this housing model could be a solution to housing insecurity. 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 at 215-259-8170.

Happy new year! We're kicking off 2023 with some resolutions for the city of Philadelphia. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri, producer Abby Fritz, 'Hey, Philly' newsletter editor Brittany Valentine and some friends of the podcast share their hopes and plans for the new year. 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 at 215-259-8170.

We’re taking some time off as the year wraps up but we didn’t want to leave you hanging! We’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes of the year and handing out some well-deserved superlatives. We’ll be back in the new year with fresh episodes. Listen for our pick for “Most Thought Provoking Story.” Don't spoil the reveal! But click here to find the original episode's show notes and links. 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 at 215-259-8170.

We’re taking some time off as the year wraps up but we didn’t want to leave you hanging! We’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes of the year and handing out some well-deserved superlatives. We’ll be back in the new year with fresh episodes. Listen for our pick for “Biggest Phillies Fan.” Don't spoil the reveal! But click here to find the original episode's show notes and links. 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 at 215-259-8170.

We’re taking some time off as the year wraps up but we didn’t want to leave you hanging! We’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes of the year and handing out some well-deserved superlatives. We’ll be back in the new year with fresh episodes. Listen for our pick for “Most Out of This World Story.” Don't spoil the reveal! But click here to find the original episode's show notes and links. 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 at 215-259-8170.

We’re taking some time off as the year wraps up but we didn’t want to leave you hanging! We’re revisiting some of our favorite episodes of the year and handing out some well-deserved superlatives. We’ll be back in the new year with fresh episodes. Listen for our pick for “Most Likely to Outlive Us All.” Don't spoil the reveal! But click here to find the original episode's show notes and links. 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 at 215-259-8170.

Philadelphians love to see holiday lights. But there’s one block in South Philly that shines bright. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri chats with 12-year-old James Spacco and his mom Natalie about what it means to decorate and live on the block known as “The Miracle on South 13th Street.” 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 at 215-259-8170.

Joseph Augustus Zarelli, formerly known as the boy in the box, made headline news in the city. But there is another cold case involving a child known as “the girl in the box.” A young Black girl was found discarded in a box in the 60's. She has not received the same treatment as Zarelli. We have new forensic advancements, but how far will they take us? City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri speaks with Lynette Hazelton, Communities and Engagement Desk Reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer, about why the story about this little girl has been overlooked for decades. ***Please be advised that this episode includes descriptions of a very graphic crime that involves a child. 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 at 215-259-8170.

Here in the state, liquor and wine sales are controlled by the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. The laws are among the most frustrating and restrictive in the nation. But a new pop-up shop in Philadelphia, BOTLD, has found a way to bypass the state’s liquor store system. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with Michael Klein, who covers the food and the restaurant scene for the Inquirer, about about how a new pop-up shop in the city found a way to bypass the state’s liquor store system. You can read Mike’s full story for the 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 at 215-259-8170.

After two and a half years of sitting in a red, white and green plywood box, the Christopher Columbus statue in South Philly is visible again. It’s been at the center of multiple lawsuits over whether or not it should be taken down. But that years-long court battle finally came to an end recently. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with Emily Neil, freelance reporter for Billy Penn, about the saga and what’s going to happen to the statue. Read Emily’s full story for Billy Penn 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 at 215-259-8170.

It’s the Friday news roundup! In today’s episode, host Trenae Nuri is joined by Billy Penn director and editor Danya Henninger to discuss this week’s contentious town hall for the planned Sixers arena, year-end gun violence statistics, and how Philly’s “Chicken Man” continues to give back to the community. As the holidays get closer, you’re definitely going to want to check out Billy Penn’s hilarious rendition of the “Elf on the Shelf” memes: ‘Elf on the Shelf,’ but make it Philadelphia. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.