City Cast Philly

Baltimore Avenue has beloved coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and bookstores, like Little Bean, a new addition to the corridor. But things are changing; some shops lie vacant, and adored, long-time businesses are closing. So we're listening back to a conversation with host Trenae Nuri and freelance writer (and events newsletter writer) Jen Kinney, who points out that storefronts are staying empty longer and vape shops are replacing neighborhood favorites. They discuss the different feeling along the corridor and where else this is happening in Philly.  This episode originally aired on Nov. 17, 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: Fitler

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed a slew of bills that would reshape some aspects of life in the state. Lawmakers voted to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage – currently stagnating at $7.25 an hour – to $15 an hour over the next few years. They advanced a bill that would require controversial data centers to submit to additional oversight from the state. They approved legislation that would codify marriage equality at a time when federal protections feel shaky. If passed, these laws could have big impacts for Pennsylvanians. But do they stand a chance in the Republican-controlled State Senate? Today, we’re joining forces with City Cast Pittsburgh to bring you the latest from the Capitol. Host Trenae Nuri and Pittsburgh host Megan Harris talk with Ian Karbal, government reporter for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, about the changes that could be in store for our state. 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: ⁠Fitler

Philadelphia boasts dozens of clubs, civic organizations, and communities that can help denizens get connected and stay engaged. But finding those groups, especially as a busy adult, can be a real challenge. That’s why Brian Adoff started Join Philly, an organization that helps people join groups that matter to them – everything from volunteering at the Free Library to connecting with fellow succulent lovers at Cactus Club. Host Trenae Nuri sat down with Brian to talk about the second annual activities fair, a free event where Philadelphians can meet representatives from more than 40 clubs and sign up for something new. Think of it like club day at school – but for grown-ups! City Cast Philly is proud to be the official host and media partner of the Philadelphia Activities Fair. Join us this Sunday, April 12, from 11:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m. at the Philadelphia Ethical Society. 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: Fitler

As the weather warms up, it’s time to ditch winter clothes for shorts and skirts. But how can you build the perfect summer wardrobe without breaking the bank, and find places to donate things you no longer need? Host Trenae Nuri, senior producer Abby Fritz, and newsletter editor Siani Colón have you covered. We’ll let you in on all our favorite thrift stores in Philly, from warehouse-sized outlets to hidden gems; pay-by-the-pound bargains to discerning vintage finds. 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: Fitler

While Philly will be getting a WNBA team in 2030 and Denver will not, Denver is the second city in the U.S. to build a stadium specifically for women’s soccer. Will betting on women’s sports drive Denver’s economy or will Denverites be left paying the price for another stadium? City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast host Bree Davies about why Denver has invested so much into having sports downtown, how Denver has capitalized on repurposing old industrial spaces, and how bad traffic gets when all your sports are downtown. Plus, is it better to have a Mayor with or without aims for a greater political office? Mentioned on the show: The $tadium Game: Inside the lucrative world of Colorado’s pro sports stadiums [⁠The Denver Pos⁠t] 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! PECO says it wants to raise prices again – here’s how it could affect your bill, and where the money would go. Northeast Philly just saw its second small plane crash in as many years – here’s what happened. What’s behind the semiquincentennial-branded benches and planters popping up around the city. And, pour one out for Philly’s lacrosse team, the Wings, who announced that this season will be their last. See host Trenae Nuri speak at 11 a.m. on Saturday, April 4 during the 2026 WHYY News Civic News Summit.   Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  ‘It's an atrocity': PECO workers file unfair labor practice claims, may strike PECO proposes rate hike of 12.5% to take effect next year Bill No. 26016100 New Art at PHL Philadelphia Wings announce they're ceasing operations  Shibe Vintage Sports About the Philadelphia Wings These Are the 2026 James Beard Finalists for Philadelphia One Book One Philadelphia Kickoff Event: A Conversation between Celeste Ng and Trenae Nuri 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

This fall, Philadelphia voters will send a new lawmaker to D.C. to represent Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District. For the first time in decades, there’s a tight primary. Three major candidates are dominating this phase of the race: public health expert Dr. Ala Stanford, three-term State Senator Sharif Street, and progressive State Rep. Chris Rabb. Host Trenae Nuri talks with our political correspondent Lauren Vidas about how these candidates pulled ahead of the crowded field, and how voters can learn more about them. 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

Spring is now in full bloom, and so is the city. There are so many events, places to eat, and free things to do in Philly this April. Make sure to join us at the Philadelphia Activities Fair with Join Philly on Sunday, April 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Philadelphia Ethical Society. And if you liked Trenae and Siani’s picks for coffee shops in this episode, here are some other coffee shops in the city. If you’re looking to sip on something after work, but want alcohol-free spaces, we have an episode for that.  For even more tips on how to make the most of April in Philly, check out our newsletter. We’re powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show and other perks. Find out more at membership.citycast.fm.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

While students and families wait for the School Board to vote on the Facilities Master Plan, a plan that could close 18 public schools and merge others, they have voiced concerns about what this means for students' safety during the transition.  While the timeline for the decision is uncertain, city officials and the school district are thinking about how to mitigate any tension that could come from these big changes. Senior producer Abby Fritz talks with Sammy Caiola, a gun violence solutions reporter for Chalkbeat Philadelphia, about what our city officials and the school district are doing, and could be doing better, to prepare for school closures. Read more of Sammy's reporting on safety during this transition here and here.  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

For residents of Port Richmond in the Northeast, the Franklin Slag Pile is a familiar sight. It's a huge black mound at the corner of Castor and Delaware Avenues, covered in a tarp, fenced off behind chain link. The pile may not look like much, but the Environmental Protection Agency has deemed it one of the most hazardous sites in Philadelphia. Now, more than 20 years after declaring the Franklin Slag Pile a Superfund site, the EPA says it's going to start cleanup in the coming months. Reporter Jordan Gass-Poore joins senior producer Abby Fritz to talk about why this effort has taken so long and how climate change is making toxic sites in Philadelphia even more dangerous. Read Jordan’s full report about the Franklin Slag Pile here.  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

More affordable housing is needed in places like Philadelphia. Some cities, however, are doing better than others at meeting this need. Austin, Texas, for example, is building more affordable housing than any other American city right now — 50% more, by some measures, than the second most successful city. However, this fast-growing city is also seeing a shortage in housing that middle- and lower-income residents can afford. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Austin podcast host Nikki DaVaughn about this paradox, the city’s affordable housing successes, and where Austin’s still falling short. Plus, how far is too far to walk to a neighbor’s house? 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! This week, we’re talking about why Mayor Cherelle Parker just increased her proposed tax on Uber and Lyft rides from twenty cents to a whole dollar – and who’s going to get stuck with the bill. We talk about why the Sheriff’s office is facing multiple lawsuits over one of its most basic jobs. And, we asked you what you think about ICE agents at PHL airport – and you had a LOT to say. Senior producer Abby Fritz and newsletter editor Siani Colón get into all of this – and more. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Mayor Parker wants to add a $1-per-ride tax to all rideshares in Philly to help fund the city’s financially struggling school district https://www.inquirer.com/politics/philadelphia/city-council-critical-mayor-cherelle-parker-rideshare-tax-20260324.html https://www.nbcphiladelphia.com/news/local/rocky-statue-temporarily-moving-inside-philadelphia-museum-of-art/4373762/ https://www.inquirer.com/news/sheriff-rochelle-bilal-deed-delays-lawsuits-20260322.html#loaded https://6abc.com/post/ice-agents-arrive-site-philadelphia-international-airport/18761216/ https://whyy.org/articles/philadelphia-airport-phl-ice-agents-government-shutdown/ https://www.phl.org/newsroom/Longestlinecheesesteaks 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: Political Gabfest

Are you making a dinner reservation for your vegan bestie's birthday? Maybe your aunt has a seafood allergy but wants to explore Philly restaurants when she visits. Navigating the culinary scene can be daunting when you have special diets to consider. Senior producer Abby Fritz taps City Cast Philly food contributor Alisha Miranda to talk through the best restaurants and practices for dining out with specific dietary requirements.  Find a list of Kosher-certified restaurants here.  Listen to another episode with Alisha about affordable tasting menus and dining experiences here.  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: Political Gabfest

The debate over two bills that seek to expand renters' rights has reached a breaking point. Two landlords sued City Council over its handling of the bills, halting the legislative process just as the bills were expected to pass. Senior producer Abby Fritz talks with Aaron Moselle, a housing and community development reporter at WHYY, about this unusual move by opponents of the bills and what it means for the ongoing showdown between landlords and renters’ rights advocates. Read Aaron's full story on this lawsuit here.  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: Political Gabfest

Philly's skyline has everything from the oldest residential homes in the country on Elfreth's Alley to the skyscrapers in Center City to the twin houses of West Philly. As redevelopment of old buildings reshapes the city, we’re revisiting a conversation about what makes Philly architecture unique – and how to notice it. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Chris Hytha, a Philly artist who has been studying and documenting Philly's built world, about the city's most iconic architecture and how to appreciate it. Also, he's rehabbing a rowhome from the 1800s and learning why you never waive inspections. Follow Chris' rowhome rehabilitation journey here.  This episode originally aired on Nov. 4, 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: Political Gabfest

Germantown Town Hall, the three-story century-old building with a clock tower at 5928 Germantown Avenue, sits vacant. Over the years, there have been rumblings about a renovation, and recently, there’s been some action on that front: developers have a proposal to breathe life back into the building. But a debate between developers and community members over how to use the space could leave plans up in the air. Host Trenae Nuri and Kyle Bagenstose discuss this project and what it means for both preservation and progress in Philly neighborhoods.   Read Kyle's full story here.  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 sponsor of this episode: Political Gabfest

The unionization efforts of sex workers in Nevada might have implications for gig workers in Philly. At Sheri's Ranch, a legal brothel 45 minutes outside Las Vegas, some of the workers are seeking both recognition as employees and union representation. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with former City Cast Las Vegas podcast host, current contributor, and longtime Nevada attorney Dayvid Figler about why sex workers are considered independent contractors, what sparked this legal battle, and what happens if they win. Plus, what's different about neighborhoods in Las Vegas? Mentioned on the show: Could a Pahrump Brothel Union Set a New National Standard for Labor Laws? (City Cast Las Vegas) 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! In the wake of nationwide protests over the police killing of George Floyd, the Philadelphia Citizens Police Oversight Commission promised to investigate alleged wrongdoing by Philly police. But reporting from the Philadelphia Inquirer reveals that its power to do that has been limited. Plus, if it feels like lately water mains are bursting all over the city – that’s because they are. We’ll get into what’s causing it. And, SEPTA’s long-promised bus system overhaul is finally set to begin. Here’s what to expect, and how to find out if your route is changing or being cut. Host Trenae Nuri and senior producer Abby Fritz get into all of this and more. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Citizens Police Oversight Commission sees progress with ‘live audits,’ but independent authority remains elusive SEPTA Announces Proposed Implementation Schedule for New Bus Network Water main break shuts down intersection in North Philadelphia Philadelphia Water Department truck falls through part of road after water main break in Kensington It's 'unusually early' for a tornado watch in the Philly area, but the National Weather Service just issued one 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

Lots of big music news out of Philly – Queen Latifah, Philly’s own Eve, and Idina Menzel are set to headline concerts, before July 4th, during Wawa Welcome America week this summer. Jay-Z will headline Roots Picnic, while Jill Scott continues to sell out dates on her world tour. Meanwhile, “World Stage” — the West Philly venue formerly known as World Cafe Live — is still booking shows amid ongoing turmoil. Dan DeLuca, pop music critic at The Philadelphia Inquirer, joins us to break it all down. Read more of Dan's reporting here.  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

The Trump administration is pushing for the creation of more immigrant detention centers and is eying Pennsylvania for this expansion. The Department of Homeland Security purchased two warehouses for these efforts. But communities and politicians across the Keystone State are pushing back on these plans. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Spotlight PA reporters Gabriela Martínez and Kate Huangpu about why these plans have been so unclear and if local municipalities and the state have a say in how these facilities operate.  Read more of Gabriela's reporting on the quality of life across the commonwealth here.  Read more of Kate's reporting on Pennsylvania government here. 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