A new analysis by the online real estate brokerage company Redfin found buying a home is slightly cheaper than renting in four U.S. metro areas: Philadelphia, Detroit, Cleveland and Houston. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Michaelle Bond, residential real estate reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer, about the pros and cons of buying or renting a home in Philly.  Read Michaelle’s full story here.  First time home buyers can check out the the Philly First Home 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday news roundup! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by City Cast Philly arts & culture contributor, Charles Tyson, Jr., and PhillyVoice staff writer Maggie Mancini. They discuss Philly Pride festivities, Temple University’s new public safety plan, and a free sunscreen program now at Pennsylvania's state parks. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Temple University should include North Philly community in its new safety plan, proposed City Council resolution says Philly Pride, a contentious event in recent years, is scheduled for June 4, 2023 Philly Pride March and Festival: Here's the parade route, road closures and other event details Odunde Festival  Philly Pride 365 Galaei. The Philadelphia Juneteenth Parade and Festival To prevent skin cancer, free sunscreen is available at 46 Pennsylvania state parks this summer When all the campaign signs in Philly will come down Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. One more thing... We’re doing a survey to learn more about our listeners, so we can make City Cast Philly an even better show. We’d be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey. You’ll be doing us a big favor, so anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card. Thanks so much! We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Six school buildings have closed due to asbestos this year, and the School District of Philadelphia is scrambling to inspect more before the next school year. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Dale Mezzacappa, senior reporter at Chalkbeat Philadelphia, about what the risk is for students and staff, and why this keeps happening in Philly. Read more of Dale’s reporting here.  And, please take our audience survey! It's at citycast.fm/survey, and only takes about five minutes to complete. You’ll be doing us a big favor, so everyone who finishes it will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card! Thank you for helping us grow. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SEPTA is updating the Key system. Those are the electronic “smart cards” that replaced tokens and paper passes. But, that initial rollout took years and ran into tons of problems along the way. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Jordan Levy, general assignment reporter for Billy Penn, about what we can learn from past transit mistakes and what riders want. Read Jordan’s full story here.  And, please take our audience survey! It's at citycast.fm/survey, and takes about five minutes to complete. You’ll be doing us a big favor, so everyone who finishes it will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card! Thank you for helping us grow. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you grew up in Philly, you probably took a field trip to the Liberty Bell, City Hall or even the Betsy Ross house. This is American history that gets talked about a lot. But there are other important local figures you may have never heard about. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Samip Mallick, executive director of South Asian American Digital Archive, about how he documents and shares the stories of South Asian Americans who lived in Philly and changed the world.  To learn more about the "Revolution Remix" walking tours, visit: https://www.saada.org/walkingtour 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday news roundup! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Ali Mohsen, food and drink reporter at Billy Penn, and Sophia Schmidt, environment reporter at WHYY. They discuss how the city is trying to clean up dirty air from factories, how to cool off at Philly’s 90 sprinkler parks, and where to eat this Memorial Day weekend. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Philadelphia changed how it regulates toxic air pollution. Here are 3 things to know 90 spraygrounds open this weekend to keep Philadelphians cool Top picks for Memorial Day weekend food and fun if you’re staying in Philly Want some more Philly news? Make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! You can find us at @citycastphilly  Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What do the Grays Ferry, Fairmount, and Tioga neighborhoods have in common? Taney Street, named for the author of one of the most racist U.S. Supreme Court decisions in history. Neighbors have voted to rename the street after Caroline LeCount, known as “Philly’s Rosa Parks,” for her work to integrate streetcars here in the 1860s. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Samaya Brown, a member of the Rename Taney Coalition, about the years-long fight to get the street renamed, and what's holding up the change. This episode originally aired February 6th.  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philly has more than 4,000 murals, and claims the title “Mural Capital of the World.” But these public art pieces are being destroyed without warning, whether it’s South Philly’s famous Isaiah Zagar mosaics or murals representing the communities they’re located in. Lead producer Laura Benshoff talks with muralist, Shira Walinsky, and Streets Dept lead contributor, Eric Dale, about why this is happening more frequently and ways Philly could change the conversation around mural ownership. To support the work Streets Dept does, donate to patreon.com/streetsdept. To find some of Shira Walinsky’s more recent work, there’s an event on June 10 to launch a new partnership between Mural Arts, SEPTA, and local parks. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s prime time to eat outdoors! During the pandemic, more than 800 Philly restaurants set up spaces to serve guests outside. Now, it’s a little harder to find a place to enjoy a meal in the sunshine. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Ben Fileccia from the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association about how city regulations closed down many of these dining patios. Plus, he shares tons of recommendations for where you can still eat and drink outside this summer. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The remains of 50 unhoused Philadelphians will be laid to rest at Mount Peace Cemetery in North Philadelphia on Tuesday, May 23rd. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Michele Wexler, program manager of homeless services at the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services, and Quibila Divine, Chief Program Officer at SELF, Inc, about providing dignity for the remains of citizens who may been neglected during their lifetimes. Donate to the Lester Ross Memorial Fund 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Chris Palmer, criminal justice and law enforcement reporter at the Philadelphia Inquirer, and Lauren Cristella, Interim President and Chief Operating Officer (COO) at The Committee of 70. We discuss how two men broke out of the Philadelphia Industrial Correctional Center, this week's historic primary election, and the Fairmount Park Conservancy’s Love Your Park Week. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  The second man who escaped from a Philadelphia jail last week was captured Wednesday morning, police say How did two prisoners escape from a Philly jail? As the search continues, an investigation is looking for answers. How Cherelle Parker won the primary: Black voters, a boost from labor, and a personal story of Philly grit After a Race Centered on Gun Violence, Cherelle Parker Wins Philadelphia Democratic Mayoral Primary Everything you need to know about Love Your Park Week 2023 Here’s your guide to all the fun activities you can get into this season at Fairmount Park.  Pizza Places mentioned in this episode:  Down Norf Joe’s Pizza Philly Pizza Shackamaxon Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Is it a sweet riesling type of night? Or a boxed wine brunch Sunday? With Philly’s 300+ BYOB restaurants, you can pick the best alcoholic beverage to pair with some great food. To help break down the options, host Trenae Nuri chatted with Arindam Basu, molecular scientist and educator at Wine & Spirit Education Trust, about the city’s best restaurants to bring-your-own-beverage to and what drink he would pair with their menu. This episode originally aired in February. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

City Cast Philly is in your feed a little later this morning to bring you the most up-to-date results of the 2023 primary election. Host Trenae Nuri, lead producer Laura Benshoff, and producer Abby Fritz break down the winners, turnout and what we can expect for the general election in November. Want to check out the returns yourself? You can look at Philadelphia races at vote.phila.gov, and statewide contests at electionreturns.pa.gov. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philly may lose more than 10,000 federally-backed affordable housing units in the next decade. To try to slow that trend, Philadelphia City Council has passed a package of bills aimed at making it harder to convert them into more profitable, market-rate homes. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Aaron Moselle, housing and community development reporter for WHYY’s PlanPhilly, about the battle between affordable housing and rising rents. Find your polling place on Atlas.  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tuesday is the big primary election in Philadelphia we’ve all been gearing up for. If you haven’t been paying much attention until now, we got you. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Asha Prihar, general assignment reporter at Billy Penn, and Katie Meyer, government editor and reporter at Spotlight PA, to break down your ballot.  Want more information to make your picks? Here are some resources that Asha and Katie mention in the episode: Procrastinator’s Guide to the 2023 primary election in Philly MEET YOUR MAYOR: A political matchmaking quiz for Philly voters Pa. primary election 2023: How to vote, where to vote, and everything you need to know for May 16 League of Women Voters guide Pennsylvania Bar Association Judicial Evaluation 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday news round up! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Alan Yu, science reporter at WHYY’s The Pulse, and Jeff Gammage, immigration reporter for the Philadelphia Inquirer. We discuss why more immigrants arrived by bus from Texas to Philly, why the Mütter Museum takes down all its online exhibits, and how to get $25 concert tickets. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Philly receives first bus of immigrants from Texas in four months, readies for more arrivals Why did the Mütter Museum take down all their YouTube videos and online exhibits? Penn Medicine residents voted to unionize, creating the biggest new union in Philadelphia in more than 50 years Where Philly's mayoral candidates stand on "Savesies": Pro/con Live Nation Concert Week: How to Get $25 Tickets to Philly-Area Concerts Apply for a PlayStreet here.  Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mother’s Day is a national celebration, but it was founded by Anna Jarvis in Philadelphia. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Patricia Madej, senior digital editor at The Philadelphia Inquirer, about the history of this special day and why Anna might have hated your brunch plans.  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A new report by the Education Law Center of Pennsylvania says Black girls in local public schools experience an oppressive school culture that holds them back and hurts their mental health. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Paige Joki, staff attorney at the Education Law Center and author of “We Need Supportive Spaces That Celebrate Us,” and Amaiyah, a 12th grade student from Philadelphia, about what needs to change. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philly is known for its amazing sandwiches, like the cheesesteak and of course and the hoagie. Host Trenae Nuri and Dave Wesolowski, creator of Feeding Time TV, break down the essential ingredients that go into a hoagie and his recommendations for the best places to get one.  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philadelphia’s City Council races are taking up a lot of space in the upcoming primary election - literally. There are dozens of candidates on the ballot vying for seven at-large seats. Due to resignations and retirements, nearly half of the next seating of City Council will be brand new. Host Trenae Nuri and Max Marin, reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, break down why this much turnover is rare for City Hall, and how to pick the best candidates for 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday news round up! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Eliot Olaya, fellow at AL DÍA News and Julie Zeglen, managing editor at Technical.ly. We discuss Philly’s first Youth Ombudsperson, the Philadelphia Parking Authority’s bike lane enforcement unit and the 13th annual Philly Tech Week.    Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Philadelphia’s bike lane enforcement unit begins patrol PPA Issues Over 3,000 Tickets for Street Sweeping Violations Philadelphia gains its first Youth Ombudsperson This May, Technical.ly is assessing the state of local tech economies and communities State of Local Tech Month 2023 13th annual Philly Tech Week presented by Comcast Get a Free Birding Backpack Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

States across the country have introduced bills restricting or criminalizing drag shows. While that’s not happening in Philly, local performers say they do feel the effects of a national backlash against LGBTQ+ rights. Host Trenae Nuri checks in with Ian Morrison, aka Brittany Lynn, creator of Philly Drag Mafia and Drag Queen Story Time, about how drag story time helps kids accept themselves, and how he deals with anti-drag protesters. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re sniffling and sneezing a lot right now, you’re not alone. Pollen counts in the Philadelphia region are showing “extreme” levels of allergens in the air. Lead producer Laura Benshoff talks to Dr. Marc Goldstein, allergist and immunologist at The Asthma Center about why allergy season started early this year, how long it will last, and what you can do to find some relief. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than 500 Philadelphians were murdered in 2021 and 2022. But fewer than half of these homicides have resulted in an arrest. To tackle the backlog of cases, the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office, Philadelphia Police Department, and Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office have started a new partnership, asking for the public’s help locating known suspects. However, many victims’ loved ones are skeptical this program will make a difference.  Host Trenae Nuri and Mensah Dean, Philadelphia staff writer for The Trace, discuss the relationship between victims’ families and law enforcement, and why it’s so hard to solve homicide cases in Philadelphia. Read Mensah’s full story here.  Philadelphia Police Department’s crime tip line is 215-686-TIPS (8477) or email Tips@PhillyPolice.com. Callers can remain anonymous.  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Committee of Seventy, a non-partisan and nonprofit group, has released the first independent poll in Philly’s 2023 mayor’s race.  In partnership with FairVote, the Urban Affairs Coalition, The Philadelphia Citizen, and the Chamber of Commerce for Greater Philadelphia, pollsters surveyed 1,500 likely voters.  Host Trenae Nuri and Lauren Cristella, interim president and chief operating officer of the Committee of Seventy, talk about who’s in the lead to be the city’s next mayor.  Check out Committee of Seventy’s Philadelphia primary voters guide. Information on how to register and how to vote by mail is available from the City Commissioners Office. The primary election is Tuesday, May 16th.  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday news round up! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Kristin Hunt, senior staff writer at PhillyVoice, and Lizzy McLellan Ravitch, workplace reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer. We discuss the final mayoral candidate debate before the May 16th primary, recent union activity in our region, and why a book about trans youth by a local author has become one of the most banned works in the country. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism. Here are some stories discussed in this episode:  Candidates in Philly mayor's race point fingers, make accusations during final debate before Democratic primary Mayoral candidates squabble over campaign ethics, donations Meet Your Mayor Quiz  'Beyond Magenta,' Susan Kuklin's profile of 6 trans teens, has become one of the most banned books in America As Philadelphia Labor Department faces proposed budget cuts, advocates seek more funding for worker’s-rights enforcement Want some more Philly news? Sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This February, the 100th school in Pennsylvania started a girls wrestling team. That’s the threshold to get sanctioned and fully sponsored as a sport by the Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association. If approved, girls teams would be able to hold tournaments and championships— without having to compete with boys. Host Trenae Nuri talks with three state qualifying wrestlers and their coach at Penn Wood High School in Delaware County about what this sport means to them.  For more information about how girls wrestling is growing across the Commonwealth go to SanctionPA.  Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Philly! We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The 24th annual Philly Black Pride celebration kicks off this week. The four-day festival includes dance parties, karaoke, and even a skate night! Host Trenae Nuri talks with City Cast Philly arts and culture contributor Charles Tyson Jr. about why Philly’s Black LGBTQ+ community is focusing on joy and healing this year, and his can’t miss events this weekend.  Here’s a list of some resources for Philly’s LGBTQ+ community Colours Organization Bebashi  Philadelphia FIGHT galaei Mazzoni Center  The Family Practice & Counseling Network  Looking for Philly Black Pride events? Here’s the festival calendar: http://phillyblackpride.org/events/ April 26th is National Pretzel Day. Get a free pretzel at Philadelphia Pretzel Factory.  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philadelphia has 10,000s of 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, talk through the steps for turning a neglected space into a community oasis. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

School districts in Bucks and Philadelphia counties are using AI software to track students' online activities on school-issued devices. The idea is to prevent bullying, suicide, or even a school shooting. However, critics say there are a host of downsides. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Emily Rizzo, reporter for WHYY News, about her recent reporting on this type of software, where it's used locally, and the questions this technology raises for parents and school districts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday news round up! Host Trenae Nuri is join by Emily Neil, digital content producer for WHYY News, Julia Terruso, political reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, and O.J. Spivey, sports contributor for The Philadelphia Tribune. We talk about U.S. Senator John Fetterman’s first week back to work, the City’s plan to roll out multilingual emergency alerts, and Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts’ multi-million dollar extension. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  ‘So grateful’: Inside John Fetterman’s hopeful first week back in the Senate after his treatment for depression ‘It’s great to be back’: John Fetterman returns to the Senate Philadelphia plans to roll out multilingual emergency alerts this year Sign up for the city’s alerts here: ReadyPhiladelphia Committee of Seventy and Partners to Issue First Public, Nonpartisan Poll in 2023 Mayor’s Race Sixers prepare for deep playoff run WHYY News launches Climate Desk to tackle our changing environment Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info HERE  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Phillie Phanatic turns 45 next week. So, how did a giant, flightless bird from the Galápagos wind up as our baseball mascot anyway? Host Trenae Nuri talks with AJ Mass, editor and writer at ESPN and author of “Yes, It’s Hot in Here,” about his experience as a mascot for the New York Mets and how the Phanatic became the model for future mascots to follow. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 philly@citycast.fm. 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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 faithphl@phila.gov 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philadelphia is one of the poorest big cities in the country. The Promise is working to getting 100,000 Philadelphians out of poverty by 2025. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with Michael Banks, executive director of The Promise, about its first year and what still needs to be done.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re fast approaching the winter solstice on Dec. 21. The city is just so fun this season, from the lights, to the pop-up holiday markets, to the festive drinks and pastries. On today’s episode, our host Trenae Nuri is chatting with Lauren Rei, program director of Wooder Ice, about how to have the most perfect winter day in 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 at 215-259-8170.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Across the Commonwealth, a rivalry has raged on. No, it is not the Eagles vs. the Steelers or the Flyers vs. the Penguins... it’s much deeper than sports: It is our gas stations. It's time for the preeminent Sheetz vs. Wawa debate with City Cast Philly’s Trenae Nuri on Wawa’s side, City Cast Pittsburgh's Morgan Moody on the side of Sheetz, City Cast’s Wil Fulton as judge, plus you, the listener weighs in! You can read Wil’s article about the rivalry in Thrillist 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In recent months, several independent coffee shops have unionized, and some of them received guidance from members of the Starbucks Workers United union.  On today’s episode, host Trenae Nuri speaks with Kay Perry, a barista from Ultimo Coffee, which won its union election last month, and Alex Riccio, a labor organizer who’s been helping these coffee shops start their movements.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday News Roundup! This week, host Trenae Nuri is joined by PhillyVoice senior staff writer Kristin Hunt and Philadelphia Magazine editor-at-large Ernest Owens. The group discusses the potential harm caused by a Philly social media influencer’s latest viral stunt and the upcoming closure of the migrant detention center in Berks County. Plus, they share what stories they felt were overlooked this week and a little bit of good news.  Correction: The city that recently enacted a ban on cat declawing is Allentown, not Harrisburg as stated in the episode.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you’re still looking for something to do this weekend, City Cast Philly arts contributor Charles Tyson, Jr. recommends a can’t-miss hip hop dance show “Rome & Jewels.” It’s a remake of Shakespeare’s classic “Romeo and Juliet” and is being presented by Penn Live Arts at the Zellerbach Theater on Dec. 9 and 10. The show was created by Rennie Harris, a local artist and street dance legend. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with Charles about what it was like to experience the show 22 years ago and how Harris has influenced the local, national, and international dance scene.  Find tickets for “Rome & Jewels” here: https://pennlivearts.org/event/rennie-harris-puremovement-1102 Disclaimer: This episode includes brief mentions of molestation and rape.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

City Council voted to permanently enact a 10:00 p.m. curfew for teens. If the mayor signs off on this, it would also require children 13 and under to be home by 9:30 p.m. Officials are citing public safety as the reason for the change. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with Dr. Caterina Roman, a criminal justice professor at Temple University, about the effectiveness of curfews.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Words mean everything. They say so much, right? So do the colors chosen for political campaigns. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri chats with Conrad Benner of Streets Dept. blog and podcast about his interpretation of some of the city’s potential mayoral candidates and what we can learn about them through their campaign logos and websites. *Please note that after we recorded this conversation Rev. Warren Bloom Sr. said he wanted to run for Philadelphia mayor.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Violence at gas stations in the city has risen sharply in recent years. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with Mensah Dean, Philadelphia reporter at The Trace, about how gas stations fit into this larger gun violence crisis in the city.  Read Mensah’s full story for The Trace here.  If you’re looking for gun violence resources, check out Up The Block, powered by The Trace.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday news roundup! This week, host Trenae Nuri is joined by Denise Clay-Murray, a freelance journalist and City Cast Philly’s political contributor, and Vanessa Maria Graber, the director of News Voices at Free Press and the Philly president of the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. The trio discuss the latest developments in the mayor’s race, a potential rail workers strike, and the city’s new agricultural plan.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The new five-part podcast series, “Stop and Frisk: Revisit or Resist” from WHYY and the Logan Center for Urban Investigative Reporting explores the history of the complicated policing practice that’s been deemed unconstitutional by federal courts, and why some city officials in Philadelphia want to bring it back. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri chats with podcast creators Sammy Caiola, WHYY’s gun violence prevention reporter, and Yvonne Latty, director of the Logan Center for Urban Investigative Reporting at Temple University, about the use of stop and frisk in Philly and what could be done instead to help curb the rise of gun violence in the city.  Correction: An earlier version of this episode left out that the podcast is a collaboration between WHYY and Temple University's Logan Center for Urban Investigative Reporting. 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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.  Know a legacy business in Philadelphia we should explore next? Send us an email at philly@citycast.fm. Or leave us a voicemail 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back in the 1960s and 70s, there once was a movement to bring UFO-like buildings to the city. They were large, pre-made pods known as Futuro. They were going to modernize American living, but these spaceship looking homes flopped. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with Kevin Riordan of The Philadelphia Inquirer about the Futuro homes that survived in our region and why there’s a movement to bring them back.  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The holiday shopping season is officially in full swing. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with Yvonne Blake, owner of Hakim’s Bookstore, Philly’s oldest Black-owned bookstore about how her family kept the business going over the years and what books she’d recommend as gifts.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

While some people may be rushing to the store looking for cranberry sauce or prepping those casseroles, others are ditching the cooking responsibilities all together this Thanksgiving. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with our food contributor Jackie Freiberg about recommendations for restaurants where you can grab a Thanksgiving meal without having to cook. Plus, we’ll hear some cooking tips from Philly chef Elijah Milligan if you do plan on making a delicious meal tomorrow.  Find more restaurants recommendations on Jackie’s Instagram @bon_nappetit  And get more cooking tips from Chef Elijah Milligan on Instagram @_chefelijahdm 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A bus carrying 48 migrants from Texas arrived outside of the 30th Street station on Monday. It’s the second bus in just six days that’s been sent to Philadelphia by Texas Gov. Greg Abbott.  City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri speaks with Benjamin Gamarra, a resource organizer for Juntos, a community-led, Latinx immigrant organization in South Philadelphia about what it was like welcoming people and connecting them with resources and support.  If you’d like to make a donation to help the newly-arrived migrants, click 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Libraries aren’t just about books. They’re a community gathering place. But these institutions are severely understaffed and underfunded in our city. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with Adam Feldman, a library coordinator at Parkway Central Library and a chief steward and executive board liaison for District Council 47's Local 2187, about where all the librarians went and what needs to happen to bring them back.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s been a jam-packed news week: Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner was officially impeached, the city will start hiring civilian public safety officers to handle things like traffic control, and Thanksgiving is right around the corner. The City Cast Philly team is back behind the mics to break down those stories and give you some rec’s on where to volunteer next week for the holiday!  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: The Inquirer’s reporting on Krasner’s impeachment: https://www.inquirer.com/news/larry-krasner-impeachment-vote-pennsylvania-house-20221116.html CBS News Philadelphia's reporting on Krasner's impeachment: https://www.cbsnews.com/philadelphia/news/larry-krasner-philadelphia-district-attorney-impeachment/ WHYY’s reporting on the city hiring public safety officers: https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-city-council-new-public-safety-officers-ruling/ 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Philadelphia School District is getting $5 million to clean up the drinking water at its 200+ schools. But it’s been a journey to get here. And advocates say there’s still a lot more to be done. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with City Council member Helen Gym about what it took to upgrade the water filtering systems in the city’s public schools.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The use of the word “jawn” is getting out of hand. It’s on billboards, T-shirts, coffee mugs, even food! But the origins of the word are kind of murky. What is for sure though is that Philadelphians feel strongly about how “jawn” is used and who gets to say it. Recently, City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri sat down with Dr. Taylor Jones, a linguist who focuses on regional accents in African American English, to learn more about its history and the debate about ownership and identity of language.   Want some more Philly news plus amazing event recommendations? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Philly. It hits your inboxes every weekday at 6 a.m. Have strong feelings about jawn and you just want someone to listen? We’re always listening on Twitter! Follow us @citycastphilly.  Or leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

According to a recent report from the Philadelphia Education Research Consortium, just 35% of Philadelphia’s public school students in 2018 and 2019 would have been able to graduate based on their test scores alone. But in 2018, the state enacted new graduation standards for the Class of 2023. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with Aubri Juhasz, WHYY education reporter, about why more students need alternative pathways to graduate and what those pathways entail.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Back in 2019, The Trocadero Theater closed its doors. This historic theater and former concert venue has a really interesting past. Over the years, audiences could see Blackface minstrel shows, burlesque, Kung Fu movies and rock concerts. Now that there’s money to reopen it, City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with Peter Schmitz, adjunct theater history Professor at Temple University and host of the Adventures in Theater History: Philadelphia podcast, about what we can learn from The Troc’s past and predictions for its future.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday news roundup! A blue wave swept through Pennsylvania on Election Day. Democrats won both the races for governor and U.S. Senate and they even seem poised to take back control of the State House. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri and City Cast Pittsburgh host Morgan Moody speak with Spotlight PA’s Capitol Reporter Stephen Caruso about what the blue wave means for the future of politics in Pennsylvania.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In honor of the “Philadelphia chicken man” who ate 40 rotisserie chickens in 40 days, the team discusses the most overrated and underrated chicken spots in the city. Host Trenae Nuri, lead producer Xandra McMahon, producer Abby Fritz, and newsletter editor Brittany Valentine share their hottest and spiciest takes. 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The midterm election is over and the City Cast Philly team stayed up late watching results trickle in. Hear host Trenae Nuri, lead producer Xandra McMahon, and producer Abby Fritz chat about the races on election night.  Our election coverage was powered by great journalism from the Inquirer, Billy Penn, Politico, and WHYY. We’ll have more updates on the election results throughout the week. Sign up for our newsletter, Hey Philly, to follow along.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Does the midterm election have you feeling nervous or stressed? Well, not to worry. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri gets tips on coping with election anxiety from Dr. Thea Gallagher, a clinical psychologist who specializes in exposure therapy and evidence based practices. Check out Thea’s podcast Mind in View where ever you get City Cast Philly! Be sure to sign up for our newsletter for the latest election results tomorrow morning. Subscribe to Hey Philly right here.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The city is in a crisis. According to city data, as of Nov. 2, more than 2,000 Philadelphians have been, both nonfatal and fatal, victims of gun violence. So, what happens after a shooting? City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri speaks with Afea Tucker, Philadelphia engagement reporter for The Trace, about connecting Philadelphians to Up The Block, a gun violence resource hub.  Take Afea's survey about gun violence here. Disclaimer: Some of the personal stories shared in this episode may be triggering for some who have experienced gun violence.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday news roundup! Election Day is around the corner, so City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri is breaking down some of the biggest statewide races with the help of City Cast Pittsburgh host Morgan Moody. Looking to move past the ridiculous campaign ads, cut through the misinformation, and get down to where the candidates actual stand on important issues? We’ve got you covered. As always, our Friday shows are powered by great journalism.  Steven Lee Meyers in the New York Times on disinformation in PA elections: https://www.nytimes.com/2022/10/31/technology/midterm-disinformation-pennsylvania.html  Katie Meyer in WHYY on Shapiro and Mastriano’s stances on crime: https://whyy.org/articles/pa-governor-midterm-election-shapiro-mastriano-on-gun-trafficking-crime-public-safety/ Charles Thompson in PennLive on Mastriano’s approach to the opioid epidemic: https://www.pennlive.com/news/2022/06/doug-mastriano-touts-three-part-plan-to-fight-opioid-abuse-in-capitol-appearance.html  Caroline Vakil for The Hill on Oz closing gap with Fetterman in new Pennsylvania poll https://thehill.com/homenews/campaign/3694903-oz-closes-gap-with-fetterman-in-new-pennsylvania-poll/ Bo Koltnow with WFMZ on Dr. Oz ads criticizing opponent John Fetterman's stance on criminal reform https://www.wfmz.com/news/area/pennsylvania/behind-the-ballot-dr-oz-ads-criticize-opponent-john-fettermans-stance-on-criminal-reform/article_8b80ed34-2e2d-11ed-9996-d34781b33cab.html Matt Enright in the York Dispatch on more women registering to vote in Pa. since Roe reversal https://www.yorkdispatch.com/story/news/local/2022/09/12/more-women-registering-vote-pa-since-roe-reversal-changing-political-dynamic/8021956001/ 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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-potty. 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 public and private places to use the bathroom.  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. Let us know where you want to see more public bathrooms in Philly. Leave us a voicemail at (215) 259-8170 and you might hear yourself on a future episode! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re in the final days before the 2022 midterm election. But before you go to the polls or mail in your vote, City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri and political contributor Denise Clay-Murray discuss some of the less publicized races and questions on your ballot this 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After 35 years, WHYY’s “Radio Times” is coming to an end. But before longtime radio host Marty Moss-Coane broadcasts the last show on Nov. 18, she sits down with one of her former producers, Trenae Nuri (yes that same Trenae Nuri!) to reflect on the show’s legacy. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Philly!  Head to our Twitter and Instagram to see some fun behind the scenes photos of our trip to WHYY. Follow us @citycastphilly Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philadelphia is considered to be one of the most haunted cities in America. It makes sense, right? This city is old! And there’s a new book that chronicles some of Philly’s haunted past. It’s called “Haunted History of Philadelphia” by Josh Hitchens, an author and longtime tour guide with Ghost Tours of Philadelphia. For Halloween, Hitchens shares some ghost stories with City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri, including the legend of City Tavern, one of Philadelphia’s oldest haunted restaurants.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The first game of the World Series is TODAY. The Phillies will face off against the Astros in enemy territory, so City Cast Houston host Lisa Gray is crashing our Friday news roundup for a “friendly” conversation about baseball. Plus, the City Cast Philly team unpacks the latest in the Philadelphia mayoral race, and offers up some Philly-themed Halloween costume ideas.  Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter.  Share your best ideas for Philly-centric Halloween costumes with us on Twitter and Instagram! @citycastphilly  Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s really no competition: The biggest story in the city this week was the Phillies making it to the World Series. This hasn’t happened in 13 years, and the excitement on the streets has been palpable for days. But we wanted to know what it’s been like for the people working at the sports bars where fans have gathered, watching every pitch with bated breath, and where there will no doubt be pandemonium starting Friday when the World Series kicks off. So City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri took a trip to Paulie Gee’s in Center City and met bar manager Brenton Wallace, a die-hard Phillies fan who’s been preparing for this weekend’s festivities.  Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. Want to see photos of our visit to Paulie Gee’s? Head over to our Instagram and Twitter @citycastphilly.  Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pennsylvania is expected to receive more than $1 billion from a major opioid settlement. More than 5,000 Pennsylvanians died from drug overdoses last year, with Philly accounting for 24 percent of those deaths. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri spoke with two people on the frontlines of opioid overdose crisis in the city—Nicole Bixler, from Operation In My Backyard, and Sarah Laurel, from Savage Sisters—who explained what harm reduction is, what they’d do with money from the opioid settlement, and their hopes for the future of harm reduction. 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’ve been getting a lot of perspectives on the FDR Park Plan — a $250 million redesign project of the former golf course that would add a welcome center, new soccer fields, playgrounds, and more wetlands. Some people would like to see it remain an open green space, while others see a need for more athletic fields and recreation spots for the city’s youth. Today, City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with Anthony Meadows, president of the youth sports organization, South Philly Sigma Sharks, about how this master plan could benefit the kids he serves.  If you’d like to hear why some folks in South Philly oppose the FDR Park Plan, be sure to check out yesterday’s episode: https://pod.link/city-cast-philly/episode/e190c95d60981436da8c4e13ce1eb4c0 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For folks in South Philly, the FDR Park Meadows is a respite from city life. People run along its pathways, walk their dogs, or enjoy the green space and wildlife. But in late August, construction began on a massive $250 million redesign project of this former golf course that would add a welcome center, new soccer fields, playgrounds, and more wetlands. But some residents have taken issue with the plan. In September, City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri took a trip to FDR Park and chatted with members of the Coalition for a People’s Plan for FDR Park and the Save the Meadows campaign. Tune in tomorrow for a different perspective on this issue. The full statement from a spokesperson at the Parks and Recreation department: “When you say “residents calling for a pause,” we hope your reporting can reflect that a tremendous number of other residents are not calling for a pause. In fact, over 3,000 residents, speaking seven languages, helped create a vision for the future of FDR Park through a robust public engagement process. The resulting community-driven plan found a balance between the water, nature, and recreation that define FDR park.  There are many communities that call this park home, and the FDR Park Plan seeks to balance all users’ needs while making sure the park doesn’t become unusable due to regular and worsening flooding. In addition, for the past 12 months, Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation have conducted over 50 hours of open, transparent public engagement through briefings, open houses, park walk and talks, and community association presentations throughout South Philadelphia. These engagements will continue throughout the implementation of the Park Plan. Change is difficult for all of us. While we understand there are individuals who feel very passionate about the former golf course remaining in its current state, we know that is not sustainable. We also know there are other community needs and desires for park usage that have been expressed throughout the engagement process and it is our job to strike an equitable balance that serves the needs of all residents.  This plan is vital, it is viable, and it reflects the priorities and concerns of thousands of Philadelphians whose voices have been heard through our public engagement process, even as a small number of opponents seek to drown those voices out.” 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philly sports fans are having a good week, with the Eagles celebrating a major win and the Phillies inching closer to the World Series. In other news, there’s a librarian shortage in city schools. Plus, free avocados! City Cast host Trenae Nuri chats with producers Xandra McMahon and Abby Fritz about the week’s biggest news.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s good to be a Philadelphia sports fan right now. The Eagles are undefeated, the Phillies are inching closer to the World Series, and the Flyers and the Union are racking up some wins, too. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri is joined by sports contributor and co-host of the Bell and the Birdmen podcast John Barchard to discuss the recent wins among the city’s sports teams and what it means to be a fan during this moment.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every October, the Philadelphia Film Society hosts the Philadelphia Film Festival. Now in its 31st year, the film festival brings together more than 25,000 people over their love of film. This year’s festival will showcase locally-produced and international movies, as well as cult classics like John Waters’ “Pink Flamingos.” City Cast host Trenae Nuri spoke with arts contributor Charles Tyson, Jr. about what to check out and more.  If you like this podcast, then you’re definitely going to like our daily newsletter, Hey Philly. Subscribe here. Tag us on Twitter and Instagram with the flicks you’re most excited to see at the Philadelphia Film Festival: @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Many former prisons tap into spooky season by holding haunted houses and other types of Halloween fun. But is that ethical given that real horrors took place at these sites? City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri spoke with journalist Hope Corrigan about the ethics of prison tourism and how these institutions could be doing better. Read Hope’s reporting on this for the Marshall Project.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For years the University of Pennsylvania touted itself as being on the right side of history. That’s what Penn student, VanJessica Gladney, thought, too. But when Gladney walked past the bronze statue of George Whitefield, she soon learned that the university’s founding story had deep connections to slavery. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri unpacks this story with Zoe Greenberg, journalist for the Philadelphia Inquirer’s A More Perfect Union series. This series that explores the roots of systemic racism in America through institutions that have been founded in the city.  Read Greenberg’s latest story for the series here: https://www.inquirer.com/news/inq2/more-perfect-union-university-pennsylvania-history-slavery-research-20221011.html And register for the Inquirer’s live event about “Indebted” on Nov. 3 here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/inquirer-live-a-more-perfect-unions-indebted-tickets-435693359567?aff=editorial 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! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There’s a reason Philadelphia is called the mural capital of the world — we have a lot of murals. And every October, the city celebrates its public art through events hosted by Mural Arts Philadelphia. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri and producer Abby Fritz attended a recent Mural Arts Month event in Kensington where a mural was unveiled on a van that will connect residents with art opportunities and mental health resources. Trenae spoke with Porch Light director Nadia Malik and artist Jose “Busta” Bustamante about how public art is making an impact in Kensington.  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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Historically, voter turnout in Philadelphia is low when it comes to local elections. But this one coming up in November is a big one. Philadelphians will be picking a new governor, a new U.S. senator, and more. So how do you convince folks to show up to the polls? Host Trenae Nuri talks with City Cast Philly political contributor Denise Clay-Murray about some ways to motivate Philly voters.  You’re going to want to mark your calendars with these important election deadlines! The last day to register to vote in the 2022 election is Oct. 24.  The last day to apply for a mail-in or absentee ballot is Nov. 1.  This year’s general election is Nov. 8. Polls are open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SEPTA is investing more than $500 million to make all stations on the Broad Street and Market-Frankford lines accessible within the next decade. But what does complete accessibility really look like? And what changes are coming to make trains more ADA-compliant? Host Trenae Nuri chats with Cassandra West of SEPTA and Charles Horton, the chair of the board of directors for Disability Pride PA.  If you’re riding SEPTA and something is inaccessible, dirty, or broken call: 215-580-7810. To learn more about SEPTA’s accessibility plans head to planning.septa.org.  You can find a full transcript for this episode here: https://philly.citycast.fm/how-septas-investing-in-accessibility/ 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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Everyone has a favorite spot to eat in the city and yeah sometimes the food looks so pretty you just have to snap a pic for the ‘gram before digging in. We all do it! But some people take those food pics to the next level. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri asks Philly food influencer Jackie Freiberg, creator of the Instagram account @bon_nappetit, where the most photogenic food is in Philly and how to get a great photo of your plate.  Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter! Follow us at @citycastphilly Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Five teenaged football players were leaving a scrimmage Tuesday afternoon when at least two gunmen ambushed them outside of Roxborough High School. Fourteen-year-old Nicholas Elizalde of Havertown was killed. The other four teens suffered injuries and are expected to recover. But after-school activities are meant to keep kids safe. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with Kendra Van de Water, co-founder and executive director of Youth Empowerment for Advancement Hangout (YEAH Philly) and Monet Seidle, a student at Roxborough High School. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philly is often referred to as “the city of neighborhoods.” And it’s true — there are a lot of distinct neighborhoods with rich histories and tight-knit communities. These neighborhoods are also filled with stories, which is why City Cast Philly is going to take time to get to know some of them through the pod. First up is Chinatown, because that neighborhood has had to deal with a lot of change over the decades and the community has routinely pushed back against development projects that threaten to shrink the cultural district. Even this summer when plans for a new Sixers arena were proposed, Chinatown residents again voiced their concerns about the impact such a project would have on the neighborhood. Wei Chen of Asian Americans United, an advocacy organization that works to preserve Philly’s Asian American culture and legacy, chats with host Trenae Nuri about the changes the neighborhood has faced and the importance of keeping Chinatown intact.  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.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

“Abbott Elementary” has kept us laughing for 13 episodes over a fictitious Philadelphia public school. Now, with season two premiering this week, fans can’t wait to see what Janine and her teacher friends will get up to this school year. But the season premiere had the City Cast Philly team wondering: How does “Abbott’s” depiction of life in Philly’s public schools hold up to reality? Host Trenae Nuri talks with Chalkbeat Philadelphia senior reporter Dale Mezzacappa about the accuracy of the show and how it tackling the city’s educational issues in a comedic way.  Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter  What are your favorite “Abbott Elementary” quotes? Share with us on Twitter! @citycastphilly  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever since Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner took office in 2018, his work has been under fire. That’s because his progressive policies were a game changer for criminal justice reform in the city. Over the summer, state Republicans have been making moves to impeach Krasner. And last week, the Pennsylvania House of Representatives voted to hold Krasner in contempt. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talks with political journalist Denise Clay-Murray about why this call for impeachment is happening now and what could happen next. Check out Denise’s podcast all about city politics called the Philadelphia Hall Monitor.  Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us at @citycastphilly.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Eagles season again! With the home opener on Monday, we thought it would be a good time to talk football and food. Because you gotta have a solid game-day menu lined up, right? City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri chats with John Barchard, host of the Eagles podcast, Bell & The Birdmen about how the team looks this year, what’s decent to order inside the Linc, and why the real food competition is actually in the parking lot.  This episode included music by Philly band, SNACKTIME. Find more about them here.  The weekend is fast approaching and our morning newsletter, Hey Philly, has you covered for things to do around the city. Don’t miss another one! Sign up here. Share your game day pics and what you’ll be eating with us on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Earlier this month, Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf and Lt. Gov. John Fetterman announced a plan to pardon thousands of people with non-violent, cannabis convictions calling it the “Marijuana Pardon Project.” But those charges generally come compounded with a slew of other ones. So realistically, how many people are actually going to benefit from this program? In this episode, City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri and City Cast Pittsburgh host Morgan Moody chat with criminal defense attorney Patrick Nightingale, who has some statewide perspective on the pardoning project. You can learn more and apply for a pardon 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 at @citycastphilly.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Indie films, guided meditations in nature, and a cooking show opera set during the pandemic are some of the offerings at the 2022 Philadelphia Fringe Festival. This nearly-month long festival celebrates independent artists’ innovative and daring performances, and has been doing so for more than 25 years. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri sits down with artist and podcaster Charles Tyson, Jr. about some of the must see shows to see at this year’s festival.  Want some more Philly Fringe Fest recommendations? City Cast Philly newsletter editor Brittany Valentine has been rounding up the shows and events in our morning newsletter, Hey Philly. If you go to Fringe, we would love to see your photos! Tag us on Twitter or Instagram @citycastphilly.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Terrill Haigler, also known as Ya Fav Trashman, makes street cleaning look fun to his more than 31,000 Instagram followers. As a former sanitation worker, he’s worked to get those in the industry the proper protective equipment needed during the pandemic, and frequently organizes community cleanups around the city. But on Saturday, he announced his next big chapter: a run for City Council. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri sat down with Haigler to talk about his work cleaning up the city and how that experience could help him on City Council. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Philly.  Are you on Twitter or Instagram? So are we! Let’s connect @citycastphilly.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For folks in South Philly, the FDR Park Meadows is a respite from city life. People run along its pathways, walk their dogs, or enjoy the green space and wildlife. But in late August, construction began on a massive $250 million redesign project of this former golf course that would add a welcome center, new soccer fields, playgrounds, and more wetlands. But some residents have taken issue with the plan. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri took a trip to FDR Park and chatted with members of the Coalition for a People’s Plan for FDR Park and the Save the Meadows campaign.  The full statement from a spokesperson at the Parks and Recreation department: “When you say “residents calling for a pause,” we hope your reporting can reflect that a tremendous number of other residents are not calling for a pause. In fact, over 3,000 residents, speaking seven languages, helped create a vision for the future of FDR Park through a robust public engagement process. The resulting community-driven plan found a balance between the water, nature, and recreation that define FDR park.  There are many communities that call this park home, and the FDR Park Plan seeks to balance all users’ needs while making sure the park doesn’t become unusable due to regular and worsening flooding. In addition, for the past 12 months, Fairmount Park Conservancy and Philadelphia Parks & Recreation have conducted over 50 hours of open, transparent public engagement through briefings, open houses, park walk and talks, and community association presentations throughout South Philadelphia. These engagements will continue throughout the implementation of the Park Plan. Change is difficult for all of us. While we understand there are individuals who feel very passionate about the former golf course remaining in its current state, we know that is not sustainable. We also know there are other community needs and desires for park usage that have been expressed throughout the engagement process and it is our job to strike an equitable balance that serves the needs of all residents.  This plan is vital, it is viable, and it reflects the priorities and concerns of thousands of Philadelphians whose voices have been heard through our public engagement process, even as a small number of opponents seek to drown those voices out.” If you’re driving anywhere near the art museum this weekend then you are definitely going to want to check out which streets are closed for Made in America. You’re welcome.  Not going to Made in America but still want rec’s for fun things to do this holiday weekend? Our newsletter, Hey Philly has you covered. Subscribe here.  Let’s be friends on social media! Follow us on Twitter and Instagram @citycastphilly.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The use of the word “jawn” is getting out of hand. It’s on billboards, T-shirts, coffee mugs, even food! But the origins of the word are kind of murky. What is for sure though is that Philadelphians feel strongly about how “jawn” is used and who gets to say it. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri sits down with Dr. Taylor Jones, a linguist who focuses on regional accents in African American English, to share her feelings about the word, and learn more about its history and the debate about ownership and identity of language.   Want some more Philly news plus amazing event recommendations? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Philly. It hits your inboxes every weekday at 6 a.m. Have strong feelings about jawn and you just want someone to listen? We’re always listening on Twitter! Follow us @citycastphilly.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing City Cast Philly — the daily news podcast about the city you love (and maybe sometimes hate?) and the Philadelphians who are working hard every day to make this place better.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices