City Cast Philly

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. Learn more about Chat-GPT at this free event. 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.

The process of getting into a selective high school has recently changed. The school district launched a lottery admissions system. It’s goal was to boost enrollment for Black and Latino students. But, it’s left many open seats at schools, some parents confused, and even faculty and students have protested. Host Trenae Nuri and senior reporter Dale Mezzacappa talks about what went wrong with the new school lottery system. 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.

Millions of dollars are flowing to Philly’s Democratic mayoral candidates ahead of the May primary election. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Meir Rinde, investigative reporter for Billy Penn, about where that money is coming from, what those sources say about the candidates, and why it matters to voters. Find a Financial Empowerment Center near you. 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 is joined by Oliver Sabo, staff writer at Temple News, and independent journalist, Kyle Bagenstose. We discuss what’s happening at the former oil refinery site in South Philly, city council talks about teen programs for the summer, and Temple University named its new acting president. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Temple welcomes JoAnne Epps at introductory press conference Philadelphia’s Next Mayor – Democratic Primary Debate on FOX 29 Will the new owners of the shuttered PES refinery bring blue skies or dreams denied to South Philadelphia? Ongoing Threat from Plant behind March Chemical Spill Philly sheriff denies misuse of funds when requesting pay raises for herself and top staff City Council members discuss teen programs, police recruitment ahead of summertime Paul Robeson High senior accepted to Harvard, first in school’s history ‘A dream come true’: YouthBuild Philly celebrates permanent home for public charter school 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.

City Cast Philly producer Abby Fritz is joined by Dawn Woods, administrator for the Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee, to talk about the role of block captains and their history in Philly. How to Become a Block Captain. 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.

The city has recently sued an employer for not paying its workers. This is the first time Philly has enforced it’s wage theft laws through a legal action. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Juliana Reyes, investigative reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer, about what this wage theft lawsuit means for worker protections in Philly. Read Reyes’ full story here. Here’s the city’s list of so-called bad actors. You can report a wage theft violation 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.

What does financial freedom mean to you? There’s lot of definitions, but for some Philadelphians it’s hard to meet this goal. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Christopher Wink, publisher and CEO of Technical.ly, about a year-long reporting project called “Thriving” and what it takes for 10 Philadelphians to thrive in Philly. The Pew Charitable Trusts ‘State of the City’ 2023 Live Webcast : Issues Facing Philadelphia and Visions for the Future 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.

Any self respecting Eagles fan knows that you shouldn’t be repping the Cowboys in Philly, but maybe we should make an exception — not for the football team but for the hats. It turns out those wide-brimmed hats you see all over westerns were invented by a hat maker in Philadelphia. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with WHYY’s midday host, Avi Wolfman-Arent, about the historical significance of this invention and it’s once great impact on the city. Check out Avi’s original Twitter thread on the invention of the cowboy hat here. You can check out our episode on Philly’s public bathroom problem here. There are additional routes to the riverfront trail from center city for pedestrians here and bikers 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 round up! Producer Abby Fritz speaks with Denise Clay-Murray, political contributor and co-host of the Philadelphia Hall Monitor. Mayoral candidates were all the talk this week from Jeff Brown’s alleged code-switching, to fundraising numbers going public — plus some surprising mayoral endorsements. Our Friday news round ups are powered by great local journalism: Philadelphia Mayoral Candidate Forum - Addressing Gun Violence The Problem With Jeff Brown’s Racial Code-Switching What recent fundraising tells us about the state of the Philly mayor’s race, in five charts Dress in your Sunday best and win prizes during Philly's Easter Promenade The Undecided: If a new poll is any indication, a significant portion of Philadelphia’s electorate doesn’t know who it’s voting for in the May 16 primary 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.

It's unsurprisingly hard to find humor in terminal illnesses, that is unless you’re Philly comedian and actor Kirsten Michelle Cills. Producer Abby Fritz speaks with the “terminally chill” comedian about why she makes jokes about her terminal illness and how she’s giving audiences permission to laugh along with her. Also, she shares her favorite Philly comedy clubs you need to check out. To see Kirsten perform live, check out her website. For a list of all the city holidays that will affect your trash pick-up schedule, 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.

Whether you’re driving from the Ben Franklin Bridge to 76 and Broad Street to Fairmount Park, traffic in Philly can be a nightmare. This week traffic could be even worse than usual. With PennDOT filling some of those pesky potholes, keep an eye out for lane closures on 95, 76, 676, and even routes 422 and 202. 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. 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. 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.

April is National Poetry Month. What better way to celebrate than with a Philly-born, award-winning poet who’s hosting an award-winning podcast dedicated to poetry? Host Trenae Nuri chats with Major Jackson, host of The Slowdown podcast, about the reasons we all need poetry. Read Major’s Duck Girl poem 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.

Black infants in Philadelphia are more likely to die within the first year of their lives than babies of other races or ethnicities. So the city wants to roll out a new program to help reduce the city’s high infant mortality rates. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Dr. Stacey Kallem, pediatrician and director of the Division of Maternal, Child and Family Health at the Philadelphia Department of Public Health, and Lydia Seymour, Community Action Network coordinator for the Philadelphia Department of Public Health’s division of Maternal, Child and Family Health, about how the Philly Joy Bank pilot program will support expecting Philadelphians. You can stay updated about the Philly Joy Bank by following Philly Loves Families on Facebook and going to Philly CAN. 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 round up! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Danya Henniger, director/editor of Billy Penn, and Ben Seal, freelance reporter. We talk about the communication from officials about the safety of Philly’s tap water, Jason Wingard, Temple University’s first Black president, resigning, and the new ballpark snack options at Citizens Bank Park. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: A short history of (the many) recent environmental mishaps along the Delaware River Philly’s drinking water will not be impacted by chemical spill, Kenney says; officials say they chose to communicate as much as possible Philadelphia restaurant owners wished for clearer messaging on water contamination The Green Living Plan Mayoral Candidate Forum (video recap) The Green Living Plan For Philadelphia Philly Tree Plan The City’s long-awaited, ambitious tree plan has been released. Here’s what it says, and doesn’t say. Temple University President Jason Wingard resigns ahead of no-confidence vote 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

From Peanut Chews and Tastykake to pretzels and water ice, Philly has some great treats. Host Trenae Nuri and City Cast Philly producer Abby Fritz taste and grade their favorite snacks. City Cast Philly’s Grading System A - Free Wawa coffee B - Finding a parking spot on Broad Street on a Saturday C - A bike ride on MLK Drive, but it’s a cloudy day D - Your kid is on the waitlist for a school F - You’re stuck in traffic on I-95, I-76, Walt or Benny Bridges If you’re looking for a great outdoor spring activity, check out Wissahickon Park. Read the Hey Philly newsletter’s Urban Almanac to learn more about the beautiful trails. Read more about the history of Peanut Chews here. Discover more on Philly's version of soft pretzels with these articles from Billy Penn, Serious Eats, and Philadelphia Magazine. To learn more about Tastykake, check out Philadelphia Magazine, Thrillist, and Penn State University. For more on the origins of water ice, Rita's and Pop's Italian Ice have descriptions on their websites. If you need to know more about Peeps, check out their website and this Vox article. 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 past few days have been pretty chaotic and unsettling over the chemical spill in Bucks County that raised concerns about Philly’s tap water. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Frank Kummer, environmental reporter at the Philadelphia Inquirer, about how this all happened and how the region’s infrastructure keeps the city’s drinking water safe. Check here for live updates on Philly’s water. 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.

Not all roads in Pennsylvania lead to getting a vanity plate green lit. Host Trenae Nuri joins City Cast Pittsburgh’s Megan Harris and Elizabeth Kauma to break down what phrases, acronyms, or combination of up to seven letters and numbers get rejected by the state when it comes to personalized license plates. Did the episode inspire you to get a vanity plate? You can apply for a personal licensed plate using this Penndot form, and you can find more information on the process here. Make sure to check the state’s Do Not Issue list before you apply, so you don’t waste time and money on a plate that will get rejected. Philly’s Water Resources Update on Philly's water as of 7:30am Tuesday, Mar. 28th: Officials say tap water is safe to fill bottles and pitchers with until at least 11:59 pm Wednesday, March 29. No contaminants from the spill have been found in the city’s drinking water, according to officials. Residents can find out if they live or have a business in a potentially impacted area by looking at this Delaware River Latex Spill Impact Map. Sign up for free alerts from the City by texting READYPHILA to 888-777 or by visiting the ReadyPhiladelphia signup page. Follow @PhillyH2O, @PhiladelphiaGov, and @PhilaOEM on Twitter. 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.

Imagine this. You’re sitting outside in what you think is your backyard. Until the city says that your whole backyard isn’t technically yours; it’s apart of a public golf course. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Bernard Brown, writer for Grid Philly, about how property lines got crossed in Overbrook Park. Read Bernard’s full story here. To reduce your chance of getting HIV from sex or injection drug use, the city offers PrEP for free. You don’t need insurance. Schedule a televisit with a doctor. You can text 215-709-7826 or check out https://phillykeeponloving.com/teleprep 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 Thomas Fitzgerald, transportation reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer, and Aaron Moselle, housing and community development reporter for WHYY’s PlanPhilly. We talk about how SEPTA’s updating its bus plan, an investigation over asbestos in Philly schools, and when street sweeping is coming back. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: SEPTA’s revised bus network redesign keeps some routes that had been slated to disappear ‘It shouldn’t be this hard’: Council committee explores pervasive form of housing discrimination in Philadelphia Investigation underway over asbestos issues as Philly schools superintendent warns more discoveries are likely Philly to resume street sweeping this spring in neighborhoods most impacted by litter Mechanical Cleaning Virtual Community Meetings to Discuss Phase III of the Mechanical Cleaning Program You’re invited to attend the Street Department Zoom meetings. Use Meeting ID: 873 1719 3203 and passcode: 996285 or connect via phone at 267-831-0333. You can attend Monday, March 27 at 5p.m., Tuesday, March 28 at 9a.m., and Wednesday, March 29 at 12p.m. 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.

Spring Fling Week is on a roll. The weather has been pretty nice this week — especially for roller skating. Host Trenae Nuri chats with Stevi Lukacz and Dirt Hutchinson of Philly Quad Fund, a community of skaters making skating more financially accessible. Plus, they talk about the best places and surfaces to find your skating flow in the city. Philly-based skate groups and spots mentioned in this episode: Great on Skates Rollin’ With the Homos Skate the Foundry Skateadelphia Philly Roller Derby Penn Jersey Roller Derby Zembo Temple of Skate & Design FDR Skate Park Rolling Thunder Skating Rizzo Rink Front Street Park Fishtown Recreation Center Cione Recreation Center Millennium Skate World Remember, driving or parking is not allowed on the grass along Kelly Drive. If you do get caught, there’s a $101 fine. Find public parking options along the Schylkill River using this map. 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.

We’re continuing our Spring Fling Week. From the meadows of FDR Park to the Belmont Plateau, Philly has some amazing green space. There’s more than 10,000 acres of park land and lots to do there. Host Trenae Nuri talks with John Sigmund, public programs manager at the Fairmount Park Conservancy about the variety of programming happening at city parks. When the Boathouse Row lights resume later this year, non-profit organizations, corporations, and institutions can request a special lighting for their cause 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.

We live in a city full of interesting people, historic landmarks, and a wide variety of birds. Host Trenae Nuri and Elise Greenberg, founder of Philly Queer Birders, chat about some of the best places in the city to see our feathered neighbors. Elise’s favorite places to spot birds in Philly: John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge at Tinicum FDR Park Penny Pack Park Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s spring! And it’s time to do some cleaning. But before you throw out your old junk and take it to the curb, there are businesses in our city that are recycling and repurposing used goods in a more meaningful and sustainable way. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Nic Esposito, director of policy and engagement at Circular Philadelphia, about how his organization is advocating for policy changes to build a circular economy in the city. Check out the Zero Waste At Home Resource Directory and participate in the Circular Scavenger Hunt. Find a sanitation center near you. Here are the other companies, organizations, programs, and resources mentioned in this episode: Rego (furniture) Habitat for Humanity ReStore Retrievr (clothes/electronics) Pennsylvania Horticulture Society (gardening/composting resources) PennState Extension (composting resources) Community Compost sites Bennett Compost Circle Compost Community Cans program Philadelphia More Beautiful Committee Community Life Improvement Program (CLIP) Glitter (block litter-cleaning service) Neighborhood Gardens Trust Apply now for SEPTA’s Key Advantage program. 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 is joined by Isaac Avilucea, reporter at Axios Philadelphia, and Cherri Gregg, afternoon drive anchor for WHYY-90.9 FM and co-host of Studio 2. We talk about the old coffee can that’s used to select the mayoral ballot, top issues on voters' minds, crime reporting, potholes, and an AI poetry slam. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Coffee can helps relatively unknown candidate nab top ballot spot in Philly mayoral race New public opinion poll sheds light on the issues and solutions that matter most to Philadelphians 65% of Philadelphians think the city is ‘on the wrong track,’ Lenfest survey finds These Philadelphia Researchers Want Journalists to Tell Better Stories About Gun Violence Lights. Camera. Crime Citing worsening teenage mental health, Bucks County officials file lawsuit against major social media companies Philadelphia's pothole problems An AI poetry slam with Philly's street poet Tiger Woods to open education center at renovated Cobbs Creek Golf Course ‘Game-changing’ loan fund in Philly celebrates first affordable housing project 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.

Philadelphia is full of family-owned businesses that get passed down from generation to generation. For the Anastasio family, their seafood and produce business of the early 20th century blossomed into something completely different. Now, the family runs Anthony’s Italian Coffee & Chocolate House at the historic Italian Market in South Philly. So, how have they kept evolving for four generations? City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri and producer Abby Fritz took a trip down to Anthony’s and chatted with current owner Anthony Anastasio about his family’s legacy. This interview originally aired on November 30, 2022. Know a legacy business in Philadelphia we should explore next? Send us an email at [email protected]. Or leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. 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. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

Governor Josh Shapiro is a huge sports fan. He recently sat courtside at a Sixers game, and was cheering for the Eagles at the Super Bowl. But who paid for those tickets? City Cast Pittsburgh Lead Producer Megan Harris chats with Stephen Caruso, capitol reporter for Spotlight PA, about the rules around gifts and campaign contributions to elected officials. Check out Stephen's article on this story for Spotlight PA. 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.

Things are getting tight. Because of a federal reduction in SNAP benefits, 1.9 million Pennsylvanians lost additional money to buy groceries. These changes mean some families are losing an average of $181 per month food. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Chelsea Short, communications and marketing director at Philabundance, about how their group is filling the gap and keeping up with demand of food resources for families. 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.

Be honest, what colors are on Philly’s municipal flag? Could you identify any symbols on it? Host Trenae Nuri talks with Alison McCook, assistant editor of the opinion page at The Philadelphia Inquirer, about what makes a flag “good” and memorable. You can design your own Philly flag and read Alison’s full story. 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 Vanessa Maria Graber, News Voices Director at Free Press and President of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists Philadelphia Chapter, and Lawrence McGlynn, co-host and producer of The Philadelphia Hall Monitor. We talk about ballot deadlines, toxic materials in Philadelphia school buildings, and the food and drink specials from 7am to 9am at for Philly medical workers at CO-OP Restaurant & Bar. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Why Philly Residents Want to Rename Taney Street More than 90 candidates filed to be on Philly’s May 16 primary ballot for mayor, City Council, and row offices Kenney Presents Proposed Budget to Council Philly schools knew of damaged asbestos at Building 21 for at least two years before closure Asbestos closes Simon Gratz Mastery Charter, the second district building this month Amy’s Pizzeria in Hatboro overwhelmed with local, global support after viral video of racist attack University City bar offering 'Sips and Scrubs' happy hour for medical workers If you want to learn more about how elections work in Pennsylvania, read Title 25: Election Code. 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.

Culturefest! happens this weekend at The Penn Museum. This month celebrates diverse women artists and creatives in our region. Host Trenae Nuri and City Cast Philly Arts and Culture Contributor Charles Tyson, Jr. talk about the work of Madhusmita Bora from Sattriya Dance Company, who’s carrying a 600-year-old traditional Indian prayer dance forward and performing at Culturefest! 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 city landed a huge honor. We’re officially “certified welcoming” — a title given by Welcoming America — a national nonprofit that promotes economic opportunities for immigrants. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Amy Eusebio, executive director of the city’s Office of Immigrant Affairs, about what this certification means for Philadelphia and our immigrant communities. 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.

Have you ever gone down a Philly sidewalk and suddenly there was a giant construction barrier — and you had to risk your life moving around it? Host Trenae Nuri talks with Inga Saffron, Pulitzer Prize-winning architecture critic at the Philadelphia Inquirer, about why our sidewalks are such a mess. 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.

Last week, Mayor Jim Kenney gave his final budget address. The budget proposal doesn’t raise taxes, gives city employees and low-income Philadelphians free SEPTA rides, and includes more funding for the Police Department. Host Trenae Nuri and Mike D’Onofrio, reporter for Axios Philadelphia, discuss other big ticket items in Kenney’s $6.1 billion proposal. Did you hear our Tip of the Day and want to find out if you’re owed any unclaimed money? Check out the Pennsylvania Treasury’s Unclaimed Property website. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

It’s the Friday news roundup! In today’s episode, host Trenae Nuri is joined by city editor at the Philadelphia Tribune, Sharyn Flanagan, and senior reporter for Philadelphia Magazine, Victor Fiorillo, to discuss Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton’s historic rise, former Councilmember Bobby Henon’s sentencing, sit-ins happening at Drexel University, and Peeps-flavored Pepsi. Plus, the group has some recommendations from performances at City Winery to the 2023 PHS Philadelphia Flower Show and Michael B. Jordan’s directorial debut of Creed III. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: McClinton voted Pa. speaker; first Black woman to win post 5 things to know about Joanna McClinton, Pa.’s first Black woman House speaker Ex-Philly Councilmember Bobby Henon sentenced to 3½ years in union bribery case Philadelphia's cherry blossoms are threatened by climate change Drexel Community for Justice holds indefinite sit-in Philly’s Exciting I-95 Capping Project Is Finally Underway Philly native named 2023 regional youth poet laureate Does the World Really Need Peeps Pepsi? 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. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.

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.