City Cast Philly

It’s the Friday News Roundup. We’re talking about the real-world impacts of the Pennsylvania budget impasse, the very expensive state Supreme Court justice election, the City Hall bike lane project suddenly in limbo, and the new name and logo for the Philadelphia Art Museum. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz also dish about a new steakhouse that opened this week, and weekend plans in the city.   Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Philadelphia’s only rape crisis center is pausing services indefinitely amid state budget impasse. It’s a ‘colossal loss.’ City Hall bike lane faces unclear future after Philadelphia City Councilmember Jeffery Young pumps the brakes on support The Philadelphia Museum of Art has a new name and other plans to revive attendance Thousands of Pa. college students wait for key financial aid due to state budget impasse A court race in Pennsylvania quietly has major implications for 2028 Lots of harsh rhetoric, little progress at Pa. Capitol on months-overdue budget F&M Poll: Pennsylvanians Say Government, Politicians Biggest Problem Facing State 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

We’re taking a ride over to Dream Park Equestrian Center in New Jersey, the temporary home for Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy, to talk about Philly’s deep-rooted Black cowboy culture with Ivan McClellan, founder and CEO of the 8 Seconds Rodeo; Erin “Concrete Cowgirl” Brown, director of Philadelphia Urban Riding Academy; and Darrell Gardner, horse trainer and rodeo rider. Come see the culture and community of the 8 Seconds Rodeo on Saturday, Oct. 11, at The Liacouras Center. 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

We learned this week that there’s some good news when it comes to the city’s opioid crisis: Overdose deaths were down the last two years – and the rate this year is decreasing, too. This comes as the city changes course in how it handles the drug crisis. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Emily Rizzo, Kensington Voice accountability reporter, about this new approach and if it's working. She breaks down a new drug recovery housing facility that was opened by Mayor Cherelle Parker in the Northeast, which the majority of funds from a legal settlement with pharmaceutical companies that sold opioids are going to support. Emily also breaks down why certain service providers are being kicked off the streets of Kensington, which has been the epicenter of the crisis. And how a new expedited court aims to get people into treatment immediately.  Read more of Emily's work at Kensington Voice 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

People often ask us: “What should I do when visiting Philly?” Now, we have the answers. Send them the link to this episode, in which the City Cast Philly team (host Trenae Nuri, producer Abby Fritz, newsletter editor Siani Colón, and executive producer Matt Katz) are giving out-of-town guests and acquaintances some recommendations of our favorite must-do experiences, restaurants, and hidden gems in the city. What do you recommend visitors see and eat in Philly? Call or text us: 215-259-8170 To listen to our series on South Street that Trenae mentioned, our four episodes are here, here, here, and here. And here is our show on Carpenter’s Hall.  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

Center City's office buildings have struggled to bounce back from the pandemic. One reason is because the way we work has changed – some of us are home all the time, some are hybrid, and some are in the office daily. Jake Blumgart, real estate reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, talks about the current state of downtown office buildings, why their value and occupancy is so much lower than before the pandemic, and what this all could mean for Philly. Read Jake's article 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

It's the Friday News Roundup! Executive producer Matt Katz and producer Abby Fritz are talking about how the government shutdown will affect Philadelphians, why taxpayers are on the hook for thousands of dollars in legal settlements over firings on a “hit list,” who the power broker is who get in trouble for a speech about Gaza, and why a federal agency is calling on SEPTA to pull half of its regional rail fleet. Also: The Phillies are in the playoffs and the city is losing six Starbucks locations.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Federal Agency Faults Philadelphia Transit Agency Over Train Fires Lawsuit: Register of Wills John Sabatina Sr. used a ‘hit list’ of targeted employees to make room for patronage hires Independence Hall closes as shutdown hits Philly: Here’s what we know 6 Starbucks locations closing in Philadelphia this weekend Building Industry Association president Mo Rushdy resigns amid furor over Gaza speech A Guide To Philly Coffee Shops 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

A quintessential October pastime is watching scary films. So we sat down with Christina Acevedo, Philly filmmaker and founder of the film club Girls Like Horror, about where to catch some of the most terrifying film events happening this month. Plus, we dig into her next movie project.  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

Whether your Halloween costume includes a mask or a cowboy hat, the City Cast Philly team have the perfect events where you can rock any get-ups this month. From a masquerade at a historical property on the Delaware River to a rodeo in the heart of the city, October is packed. And if all that isn't scary enough for you, here's some of the most haunted places you can visit around town. For even more tips on how to make the most of October in Philly, check out Hey Philly’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.  We’re also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a City Cast Philly member. 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

You’ve heard of farm-to-table, so what’s the deal with farm-to-glass? The latest from our bar scene shows Philly bartenders are turning produce into cocktails. From herby syrups and edible flowers to local wines and behind-the-bar fermentation, City Cast Philly food contributor Alisha Miranda tells host Trenae Nuri about the best places to drink up this new boozy trend and why it's the next big thing in the beverage industry.  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

The air we breathe in Philly is getting significantly worse. The American Lung Association reported that this year the Philly area is the 26th worst out of 200 areas in the  country. This is having dramatic effects on our health. Philly-based freelance writer Jordan Teicher breaks down why the air quality has taken a nosedive and what can be done about it. Read Jordan’s story in Grid Magazine 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

It’s the Friday News Roundup! We’re talking about why our schools are losing millions due to a lack of a state budget – and why Stacy Garrity, Pennsylvania treasurer (and gubernatorial candidate), is offering low-interest loans due to the budget impasse. Plus, we chat about the end of AIDS Walk Philly, new historical markers, and a bike lane coming smack in the center of town. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz break down these stories and more.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Josh Shapiro’s GOP opponent Stacy Garrity steps in to offer counties $500 million in loans as Pa. budget remains at an impasse Pennsylvania Historical & Museum Commission Approves 45 New Historical Markers to Celebrate State History Action Wellness Announces End Of AIDS Walk Philly, Plans Legacy Tribute Event To Honor Walk’s 38 Years Of Service Temple marching band celebrates 100 years of legacy, life lessons and fun Philly schools will borrow up to $1.5 billion to pay for a new teacher contract and other costs Pennsylvania’s state budget is nearly 3 months late. Leaders still can’t agree on the basics. Construction begins on new bike lane around City Hall Philly to get 14 new state historical markers, including for Bellevue hotel, Kensington riots 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

The team is here to save you some cash on groceries. Some of us bargain hunters and others just love niche markets and farm-to-table products. But we all have opinions where to find the best eggs, fresh produce, and cheap snacks. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by executive producer Matt Katz, producer Abby Fritz, and Hey Philly newsletter editor Siani Colon to let you in on the best grocery shopping hacks in Philly. Plus: Grocery store karaoke?!?   Where do you shop? 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 Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Mayor Cherelle Parker just signed a new law targeted at reducing shootings in the city and it’s believed to be the first in the nation. This new law requires gun shops to post a bright orange sign in their stores as a deterrent of anyone buying a gun for someone who can’t legally own one – a practice known as straw purchasing. ⁠Mensah Dean⁠, staff writer at The Trace, talks with host Trenae Nuri to break down why this practice is rampant in Philly and the legal vulnerabilities at play.  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. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: ⁠Babbel⁠ - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: ⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠

Under an executive order issued by President Trump mandating removal of material at national monuments, museums, and parks that “inappropriately disparage Americans,” the National Park Service is planning to remove mentions of slavery from the President’s House exhibit at Independence National Historical Park on 6th and Market Streets. Host Trenae Nuri talks with the Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler, historiographer and executive director of research and scholarship at African Methodist Episcopal Church, about what this says about the nation and its reckoning with slavery – especially in the city that birthed this nation.   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. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Gambling is everywhere in Philly – from sports betting apps to the lottery, skill games to casinos. Since gambling can be incredibly addictive, there’s a state service designed to allow people to ban themselves from casinos and gambling apps. But it’s not really working, and people are paying the price. Isaac Avilusea, reporter for Axios Philadelphia, joins host Trenae Nuri today to talk about his article explaining what has gone wrong.  For help with compulsive or problem gambling, call 1-800-GAMBLER. 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

This is our Friday News Roundup, with host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz. We talk about how the Trump administration is removing exhibits about slavery from Independence National Historic Park, where ICE raided on Monday morning, why District Attorney Larry Krasner is holding town hall meetings warning of a U.S. military invasion on the city, what the reaction to Governor Josh Shapiro’s big speech on political violence says about this moment in history, and why we’re just as happy about the reopening of MLK Drive’s bridge as we are about the opening of Calder Gardens. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Josh Shapiro’s GOP challenger says he made his anti-violence speech about himself instead of Charlie Kirk ‘Despicable’: Sen. McCormick condemns senior Penn administrator's posts about Charlie Kirk shooting They talked about Charlie Kirk’s death on social media. Now, they’re getting death threats. ICE arrested several people in a South Philly park raid, immigration group says Inside Pa.’s largest immigrant detention center: Violence, desperation, little oversight MLK Drive Bridge set to reopen after $20 million rehabilitation 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Kidney Cancer Association Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Philadelphia Rugby Football Club has been hitting the pitch since the 1970s, making it one of the oldest teams in the country. As the Supreme Court considers banning trans people from participating in scholastic sports, this club team is championing the push to make rugby a welcoming space for all. And when our producer Abby Fritz isn’t helping make City Cast Philly, she plays for PRFC. She brought her microphone to practice and sat down with teammates May Shuter, Rachel Miller, and Linnae Allen to talk about their trans-inclusive team. Check out PRFC's website to learn more about the team and attend upcoming games. Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey PhillyCall 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 18th episode: Kidney Cancer Association  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Democrats in Philly keep searching for ways to push back against President Trump and the policies that they say harm our city. So some are turning to Conor Lamb, a former Democratic congressman from Western Pennsylvania who lost to Sen. John Fetterman in the 2022 primary. On today’s show host Trenae Nuri teams up with City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris to talk to Lamb about how he thinks local Democrats should be responding to federal policies right now, and what he’s hearing from Pennsylvanians as he goes around the state hosting town hall meetings. And: Will he run again? 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 17th episode: Kidney Cancer Association

Did you know your car can be towed in Philly, even if it’s parked legally? “Courtesy towing” is a longtime – and uniquely Philly – practice where a car is moved without notice to an unknown location in order to accommodate construction or events. And it has left some Philadelphians wondering where the heck their car went. In today’s show we’re repairing a chat that host Trenae Nuri had with Bill Bender, investigative reporter for The Inquirer, to talk courtesy towing, which he’s been digging into for years.  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. Learn more about the sponsors of this September 16th episode: Kidney Cancer Association   Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

The Mütter Museum, one of Philly’s prominent institutions, has rethought the ethical considerations around its collection and display of bodies and body parts. This institution gives us a sometimes graphic window into medical mysteries through its displays of human specimens, and it has now completed what it calls a Postmortem Project to modernize its approach to the displays of the deceased. Host Trenae Nuri visits the Mütter Museum in Center City to sit down with Erin McLeary, senior director of collections and research, and Sara Ray, senior director of interpretation and engagement, about how the museum is modernizing how it educates us about the human body.  Register here for the Postmortem Project Story Slam on Sept. 24th.  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 You can 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: Kidney Cancer Association   Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise