City Cast Philly

In this week’s politics episode, we take a look at the Stop Trashing Our Air Act – a bill introduced by City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier that could ban Philadelphia from burning trash in Chester, PA, a city just south of Philly. Each year, the city collects 610,000 tons of waste, and one-third of it ends up getting incinerated in Chester where residents have complained that it causes health and environmental problems. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Gauthier about the bill, available alternatives, and why other members of City Council and the mayor aren’t on board.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Delaware River Waterfront Corp

Wawas have been closing all around Philly for the past couple of years. Now Sheetz wants a piece of their pie. Why are Wawas shutting down stores in Philly proper? Has the quality of their hoagie gone downhill, or are we just getting older? Why are some Wawa stores bonkers, and others a place where everyone knows your name? And why, in the event of an apocalypse, would the first thing we say be: “Damn, I can’t go to Wawa”? Host Trenae Nuri reviews that and other existential Wawa questions with Philly Voice senior writer Michael Tanenbaum.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Delaware River Waterfront Corp

All eyes have been on the Twin Cities lately, including Philadelphians’. Operation Metro Surge is reportedly ending in Minnesota, with the withdrawal of immigration agents expected over the next week. Over the last two months, though, residents of the Twin Cities have organized a range of local collective action efforts including protests, mutual aid, and monitoring ICE — and they’ve done it quickly. In this inaugural episode of “Your City Could Be Better,” City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Twin Cities podcast host Sean McPherson about how his community self-organized, why these networks have been so successful, and what other cities can take away from Minnesotans’ response to Operation Metro Surge. Plus, we have a D.C. vs. Twin Cities face-off on local cultural norms. We also mentioned this episode of City Cast Twin Cities. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

It’s the Friday News Roundup. We’re talking about anger over the school district’s plan to close 20 schools and how these cold winter days are straining our streets, subways, and libraries. Plus, host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz discuss the latest on the decision to relocate the “Smokin’” Joe Frazier statue to the bottom of the steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. Also, with snow melting just a little, why is there so much dog crap showing up?  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  ‘I pray it doesn’t happen’: Philadelphia reacts to plan to close 20 schools Library warming centers strained workers and left people without help for complex issues, staff say A burst pipe at the Tasker-Morris SEPTA station left a geyser of ice hanging from ceiling and covering floor ‘Smokin’’ Joe Frazier statue gets approval to move on up from South Philly to the Art Museum This beloved Kensington middle school just celebrated its 100th year. It may not be open much longer. Check out our new City Cast podcast "Your City Could Be Better" on YouTube and wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted by CEO David Plotz, this week's inaugural episode features the host of City Cast Twin Cities talking about how Minneapolis and St. Paul mobilized so quickly and broadly against the months-long ICE operation there. Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: South by Southwest - Unlock a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge when you use code citycast10 Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

McGillin’s Olde Ale House isn’t just the oldest bar in the city; it may also be Cupid’s most frequented watering hole. With Valentine’s Day this weekend, we’re listening back to a conversation between host Trenae Nuri and Chris Mullins, the bar’s owner, about hundreds of couples who found love at the ale house. They also talk about the “Love Letters Book,” which lists the signatures of couples who met at the bar. Plus, we included some meet-cute stories from three of those happy couples to get you in the mood for love’s biggest weekend. This episode originally aired on February 11th, 2025. Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: South by Southwest - Unlock a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge when you use code citycast10

With the retirement of Congressman Dwight Evans, Philly has an election this year for an open congressional seat, which doesn’t come along very often. That’s why there are at least 10 Democrats vying for the seat in the May primary. The third congressional district covers most of the city and is very blue, making the primary in three months the race to watch. But how are voters supposed to make sense of race with this many candidates? Our political contributor Lauren Vidas joins host Trenae Nuri to sort it all out.  Our newsletter has Philly news, politics & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: South by Southwest - Unlock a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge when you use code citycast10

Philly restaurants are top-tier. Old and new food establishments are serving some of the most craveable food and drinks around. Host Trenae Nuri talked with food contributor Alisha Miranda about the iconic dishes you need to try at Philly’s best restaurants. Whether it's a sesame-crust hot-honey pizza or a duck fat cubano, you can’t get these signature meals anywhere else.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: South by Southwest - Unlock a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge when you use code citycast10

When it comes to renting in this city, some of us experience good landlords – great ones, even. While other property owners do the bare minimum, or nothing at all. If you’ve faced an eviction threat or an unresponsive landlord, or if you’re in the apartment-hunting process right now, be sure to listen to today’s episode. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Catherine Anderson, an attorney who represents tenants at Philadelphia Legal Assistance. We’re learning about what your rights are as a Philly renter.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: South by Southwest - Unlock a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge when you use code citycast10 Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

It’s the Friday News Roundup. How did the city do with the snow clean-up? And why were people visiting “Frozen Car” in Fishtown? We also recap The Tasties award ceremony and explain why the name of our Art Museum is once again changing (back) its name. Also, there’s a chicken at the Philadelphia Zoo who knows who will win the Super Bowl on Sunday.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Philadelphians are frustrated with the city’s snow storm cleanup. What does that mean for Mayor Cherelle Parker? A frozen car in Fishtown became a tourist attraction on Google Maps ‘It’s the straw that broke my friggin’ back’: Dirty Franks goes 25-and-older after someone tried to get in with a fake Ben Franklin ID Meet Chick Pea, a Brahma chicken at the Philadelphia Zoo who’s poised to predict this weekend’s Super Bowl winner Museum reverses course, and it’s the ‘Philadelphia Museum of Art’ once again The Tasties winners Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly You can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Hey, love birds! If you’re planning ways to impress your sweetheart, but you’re low on cash, we got you. We’re listening back to our round-up of fun, creative, and cheap date ideas curated by host Trenae Nuri and senior producer Abby Fritz. These budget-friendly ideas to keep the romance alive (or land a second date) are under $25.  Find more ways to save with a SEPTA Key or an EBT Card. This episode originally aired on April 28, 2025. Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly You can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

City Council acted last week on a package of bills to protect Philadelphia residents from Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents and their operations in the city. The bills ban agents’ use of masks and unmarked vehicles, restrict their ability to operate out of city-owned spaces, and prevent Philadelphia police and other city agencies from assisting with immigration enforcement. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with the bills’ sponsors, Councilmember Rue Landau and Council Minority Leader Kendra Brooks, about the proposals and the fear currently sweeping through the city’s immigrant communities. Thoughts on ICE in Philly? Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly You can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Are you looking to zhuzh up your night out? Tired of just doing dinner and drinks? Need a special date idea for Valentine’s Day? Host Trenae Nuri is talking with executive producer Matt Katz and food contributor Alisha Miranda about the best Philly dining experiences that are more than just great food – we’re talking about the most interesting tasting menus and dining experiences that are coupled with jazz, opera, or interactive games.  Follow Alisha's food adventures here. Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly Call or text us: 215-259-8170 We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly You can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

With love on your mind this February, Philly has a long lineup of activities, new restaurants, and civic engagement opportunities you’ll adore. In this episode, you’ll hear ways to mark Valentine’s Day — or a scorned love — plus two competing beer festivals and a new tea room opening in West Philly. And if you love our picks for free things to do in this episode, don’t miss our recent episode about alcohol-free (and cheap) nighttime activities.  For even more tips on how to make the most of February in Philly, check out our newsletter's take on what to do this month.  If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Philly community. And we’re also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Philly. Get more Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly Call or text us: 215-259-8170 We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

It’s the Friday News Roundup. We’re talking about how Philly’s District Attorney is teaming up with a national coalition of prosecutors to push back against ICE. Plus, Mayor Cherelle Parker speaks out about the slavery exhibit removed from the President's House. Host Trenae Nuri and senior producer Abby Fritz also discuss how the city is still digging out from Sunday’s snowstorm.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  DA Larry Krasner forms coalition of progressive prosecutors committed to charging federal agents who commit crimes Sen. McCormick talks immigration enforcement, shooting death, ICE funding during telephone town hall Nationwide boycott targeting ICE planned for Friday Mayor Parker Addressing Exhibit Removal at Independence Mall Governor Shapiro Takes Legal Action to Challenge Trump Administration’s Removal of Slavery Exhibit at Independence National Historical Park in Philadelphia PETA wants to replace Punxsutawney Phil with 3D hologram Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly Call or text us: 215-259-8170 We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly And don’t forget—you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

There are tons of affordable ways to hone in on self-care during the cold months. Host Trenae Nuri talks with senior producer Abby Fritz to put you on to the best ways to beat cabin fever this winter, with everything from red light therapy to steamy fitness classes to sledding spots.  Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly Call or text us: 215-259-8170 We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly You can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm.  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

It’s Wednesday, so we’re talking politics. Host Trenae Nuri, executive producer Matt Katz, and political contributor Lauren Vidas discuss how the city handled the snowstorm and the clean-up. Plus, they talk about the school district’s plan to close 20 schools, Mayor Cherelle Parker finally getting City Council approval for her housing plan, and a proposal to limit the powers of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (and their face coverings).  Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly Call or text us: 215-259-8170 We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly You can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm.  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

This year marks the 250th anniversary of the nation, birthed right here in Philly. There are tons of festivals and block parties planned, along with sporting events like the FIFA World Cup, the NCAA tournament, and the Major League Baseball All-Star Game. But why should Philadelphians get excited about the 2026 hoopla, especially at a time that many of us see as a dark moment in our nation’s history? Host Trenae Nuri sat down with Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia, to talk about the challenges, joys, and expectations when it comes to celebrating America, and us, in 2026. Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly Call or text us: 215-259-8170 We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly You can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

National Park Service workers used crowbars and wrenches last week to dismantle exhibits that mentioned slavery at the President's House at Independence National Historical Park. It took 90 minutes to remove the signs honoring nine people enslaved at this home by President George Washington. The city immediately filed a lawsuit demanding the exhibits be reinstalled. We knew this was coming; we just didn’t know when. Under an executive order issued by President Donald Trump last year, material at national monuments, museums, and parks that “inappropriately disparage Americans” were slated for removal. At the time, host Trenae Nuri spoke with the Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, historiographer of the global African Methodist Church. Until last year, he was the pastor at Mother Bethel AME Church just a few blocks away. In light of last week’s events, today we’re listening back on that conversation.  Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly Call or text us: 215-259-8170 We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly You can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

This week Mayor Cherelle Parker unveiled two innovative proposals for creating housing in the city. In our Friday News Roundup, host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz talk about those plans and the court fight over the Trump administration's subpoena for a list of Jewish students and employees at the University of Pennsylvania. There’s also a major snowstorm coming our way this weekend, so we give some ideas for where to go sledding. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Mayor Cherelle Parker unveils plans for modular housing factory in North Philadelphia  Two years in, here’s how Philly’s political insiders think Cherelle Parker is doing as mayor Philadelphia building trades unions will loan $50M to help redevelop the dilapidated Brith Sholom House Who’s a Jew? Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly Call or text us: 215-259-8170 We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly And don’t forget—you can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm.  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

In part three of our South Street Series, covering the past, present, and Future of one of Philly's most iconic streets, we take a look at the mix of businesses that have made the corridor distinct. Host Trenae Nuri talked with Drexel University Professor Richardson Dilworth, Condom Kingdom owner Stu Schlaffman, Streets Dept. founder Conrad Benner, Councilmember Mark Squilla, and Jim’s South Street president Ken Silver.  This episode originally aired on Sept. 10th, 2025. You can find the whole series in the podcast feed.  What’s your favorite South Street memory? Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly You can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise