City Cast Philly

It's the Friday News Roundup! Executive producer Matt Katz and senior producer Abby Fritz dish on all the drama with local Democratic politicians in Philly – including an argument over mac-and-cheese and an effort to dethrone Bob Brady, chairman of the city Democratic party. In other news, a dentist's license was suspended for unsafe practices and flooding led a South Philly hospital to be evacuated. And for the City Cast Philly Neighbors segment, what the stats say about why you should 一 or shouldn't 一 go down the Shore for Memorial Day weekend.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Philly progressives taking a victory lap after Rabb win; supporters credit old-school grassroots organizing Sharif Street and Chris Rabb are asking Philly voters to send them to Washington. As state lawmakers, they’ve had very different styles. Chairman Bob Brady, it is time to step aside Philly DA Larry Krasner got kicked out of election day lunch after clashing with union leader Ryan Boyer Smiles at Rittenhouse Square dental patients should get tested for HIV, hepatitis, health department says Power restored after issues force evacuation at Jefferson Methodist Hospital in South Philadelphia Flash flood waters were pouring into the SEPTA station in Jenkintown on Wednesday night The worst times to travel from Philly for Memorial Day weekend 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: Visit Philadelphia

City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri, compete head-to-head and debate which city is the best for a weekend trip this summer. From hot tub boats (exactly what they sound like) to epic outdoor summer festivals, our hosts are bringing the best of what their city has to offer this season. Can Trenae beat out her competitors from Chicago, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake, Seattle, and the Twin Cities? ⁠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: ⁠Visit Philadelphia

Results are in! The City Cast Philly team stayed up late to get the results of last night’s Democratic primary election for the Third Congressional District. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz discuss how the most progressive candidate, State Rep. Chris Rabb, won the Democratic nomination and what this surprising victory says about Philly Democrats (and democratic socialists). Plus, they break down the next big campaign between Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro and his challenger, Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity. 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: Visit Philadelphia

Ona Judge was one of nine enslaved Black people forced to work and live at President George Washington’s Philadelphia home before her escape to freedom in 1796. The current president has tried to suppress her story and the story of other enslaved people who were held in Philadelphia. Now, there’s an extraordinary and permanent response: This Thursday is the first-ever annual Ona Judge Day in the city. Host Trenae Nuri talks through this history with  Ronnie Polaneczky, senior editor at Philadelphia Magazine, and Carl Singley, retired lawyer and co-founder of the Ona Judge Coalition.  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: Visit Philadelphia

Philly's food and beverage landscape is constantly expanding. New businesses are popping up all the time, and many originate from other places across the country – particularly New York City. In the past few years, restaurants have expanded out of Texas, New York, California, and many other states. Host Trenae Nuri is talking with senior producer Abby Fritz and newsletter editor Siani Colón about what these restaurants bring to Philly, and how some just don't get Philadelphians.  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: Visit Philadelphia Philly Foodworks - use the code CITYCAST to receive 20% off your first three orders, plus enjoy a free pound of strawberries

Would Philadelphia be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from more than 500 automated traffic enforcement cameras — including a single camera that issued $9 million in tickets. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast DC podcast co-host Bridget Todd about how these cameras work, the congressional scrutiny they've been getting, and whether they make DC safer. Plus, is DC becoming the new rave capital?  Mentioned on the show: "The deadliest road in America" (Vox) 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! Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz talk through whether City Council has the power to regulate driverless vehicles. Also, there are new $10 bus rides going to over 50 northeastern cities and a new hotel cocktail program is inspired by the country's 250th anniversary. Plus, City Cast Philly Neighbors can play along in the members-only segment as Trenae's knowledge on the upcoming primary election is tested.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Concerns over driverless cars in Philadelphia Philadelphia officials question city’s lack of power over driverless cars City Council committee hearing on Waymo OurBus to offer $10 bus fares out of Philadelphia for nearly three weeks Philly unveils parking crackdown near World Cup Fan Festival  Lemon Hill Temporary Residential Parking Permits John Fetterman casts deciding vote against limiting Trump's war in Iran Spirit of 76 Cocktails  The boozy business of the American Revolution went down in Philly bars So Much Madeira What To Know Before You Head to the Polls on May 19 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: Free Library of Philadelphia

It’s that time of year when Philadelphians are making their summer plans. And that means it's time to book those weeks and weekends down the shore. But with several dozen towns along the New Jersey coastline, where are we supposed to go? Which boardwalk is the best? Where do we take the kids? Where do we party? That’s why we’re listening back to our conversation with journalist and Jersey Shore expert Jen Miller about some of her hacks for navigating the beaches, boardwalks, and partying along the coastline.  This episode originally aired April 29, 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: Free Library of Philadelphia Philly Foodworks - use the code CITYCAST to receive 20% off your first three orders, plus enjoy a free pound of strawberries

The 2026 Pennsylvania primary is next week, on May 19. Do you know what’s on your ballot? Host Trenae Nuri runs through what you’re voting on with City Cast Philly politics contributor Lauren Vidas. They explain everything from the hot congressional race to the obscure race with dozens of candidates that you probably didn’t know anything about. Plus, there are two intriguing ballot questions.  For more information on the 3rd Congressional District contest, listen back to this deep dive. If you want a written voter guide to take with you to the voting booth, check out today’s newsletter.  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: Free Library of Philadelphia Philly Foodworks - use the code CITYCAST to receive 20% off your first three orders, plus enjoy a free pound of strawberries

Chocolate bars like Polka Dot Mushroom Magic Blend and tablets like Ms. Molli Cule’s have a few things in common: You can get these over the counter in local smoke shops, and both are psychedelics – unregulated drugs sold over-the-counter in our neighborhoods. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with two investigative reporters for the Philadelphia Inquirer, Max Marin and Ryan Briggs, about why psychedelics can stay on shop shelves and what's actually in them. Read Max and Ryan’s full report for the Inquirer 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: Free Library of Philadelphia Philly Foodworks - use the code CITYCAST to receive 20% off your first three orders, plus enjoy a free pound of strawberries

After over 60 years, the PGA Championship ー basically the Super Bowl of golf ー is back in the Philly area. The professional men's championship starts today and runs through May 17 at Aronimink Golf Club in Newtown Square. Philly's history with the sport runs deep, and the region continues to expand with opportunities to play. Host Trenae Nuri sits down with Maya Satya Reddy, a former professional golfer and founder of both the Queer Asian Social Club and Open Fairways, about exploring golf in the region and how it can become more inclusive.  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: Free Library of Philadelphia Philly Foodworks - use the code CITYCAST to receive 20% off your first three orders, plus enjoy a free pound of strawberries

It's a big year for Philly! This summer, the city is anticipating a record-breaking number of tourists coming to town for World Cup games and semiquincentennial events, so Philadelphia is allowing its bars to stay open until 4 a.m. during most of June and July. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri about the city’s nightlife, and the pros and cons of this extended hours experiment. Plus, how to celebrate the nation’s 250th anniversary without feeling like you’re serving a Trump narrative. 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. Catch up on the controversial 'no' vote that State Representative Chris Rabb, a 3rd Congressional District hopeful, got heat for this week. Also, Mayor Cherelle Parker signed six of seven bills that that will restrict immigration enforcement in Philly starting in July. Host Trenae Nuri and senior producer Abby Fritz talk through all of this, plus how Knicks fans are getting petty over the Eastern Conference Semi-finals. At the end of the episode, City Cast Philly Neighbors get exclusive low-cost and free last-minute Mother's Day recommendations.  Come say hi to the team this weekend at the Art Star Craft Bazaar on Saturday, May 10 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Mayor Parker signs sweeping restrictions on immigration enforcement, cementing Philly’s sanctuary policies into law Pa. House committee passes suite of six bills to combat child sex trafficking Chris Rabb takes controversial vote against sex trafficking legislation two weeks before congressional election House Judiciary committee criticizes Philly law enforcement over sanctuary policies, demands immigration records and correspondence Mayor Parker signs sweeping restrictions on immigration enforcement, cementing Philly’s sanctuary policies into law Nick Nurse rejoins Sixers after brother's funeral, says Steve Nurse would want him to coach Defiant NYers to take Philly by storm despite Sixers’ attempt to keep Knicks fans out NY eateries, bars ban ‘Philly’ cheesesteaks from menu as Knicks-Sixers fight gets greasy 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: Taskrabbit Art Star

Philly is giving its neighborhood parks some TLC this weekend with the start of Love Your Park Week. Running from May 9 through 17, this annual celebration brings volunteers together to clean up some of the 10,000 acres of parkland across the city. However, some people aren't giving our parks the flowers they deserve. So we're revisiting a conversation with the team, host Trenae Nuri, executive producer Matt Katz, senior producer Abby Fritz, and newsletter editor Siani Colón, where we read one-star reviews of the city's green spaces. This episode originally aired on Aug. 19, 2025. Parks we mentioned in the episode:  Washington Square Park  Matthias Baldwin Park Pastorius Park John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge FDR Park  The Woodlands Fairmount Park  Smith Memorial Playground and Playhouse  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: Taskrabbit Art Star

A heated Philadelphia School Board meeting ended in a 6-3 vote, which approved a $3 billion facilities plan that would close 17 schools and renovate 169 more. Not before city council members disrupted the meeting with chants and shouting, to protest the plan. Although this didn’t stop its initial passing, city leaders are pushing back. Councilmember Isaiah Thomas was present at the board meeting and has been outspoken about some of the schools on the closure list. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with the councilmember, who’s also the chair of the Education Committee, about his opposition and what would need to change in the facilities master plan to get his support.  Listen back to Monday's episode with School Board President Reginald Streater to hear why he voted 'yes' on this plan. 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: Taskrabbit Art Star

It seems like a crack in the sidewalk or broken curb should be an easy fix. However, in Philly these issues get complicated because it isn't the city that’s responsible, it's property owners. That’s why our sidewalks look the way they do. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Malcom Burnley, a staff writer at the Philadelphia Citizen, who's looked to cities across the country for answers on how to fix our sidewalks ASAP. Read Malcolm’s 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 sponsors of this episode: Taskrabbit Art Star

Despite an extraordinary and emotional confrontation with City Council last week, the Philadelphia School Board voted 6-3 to approve a $3 billion facilities plan that would close 17 schools and renovate 169 more. Parents, teachers, and students still have many questions. So joining host Trenae Nuri to talk about the controversial facilities plan, and the justification behind it, is School Board President Reginald Streater.  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: Taskrabbit Art Star

It’s the Friday news roundup. We’re talking about this week’s congressional debate – and which candidate was a no-show. Plus, the strange origin of some tables at Philly restaurants, and could Passyunk Avenue ever be totally car-free? Host Trenae and executive producer Matt Katz also dish for a bonus segment only for our City Cast Philly Neighbors about where to get tacos and free margaritas.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Sen. Street and Rep. Rabb spar over experience and policy in WHYY 3rd Congressional District debate after Dr. Stanford drops out of event 3rd Congressional District Democratic primary debate Congressional hopeful Ala Stanford’s Black Doctors Consortium was fueled by $13 million in public funding Philadelphia’s Please Touch Museum has a new $4.2M marble floor. The old marble is making a comeback in Center City restaurants Please Touch Museum to build new permanent exhibit Passyunk should be car free—prove me wrong 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: Heiler Painting Free Library of Philadelphia Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

May kicks off festival season in the city. From music to food, we couldn’t be more excited to check out the festivals Philly is offering this month. We also recommend exploring the exhibit about monuments and Philly’s boxing legacy at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a restaurant serving falafel hoagies, and an ACME where you can win prizes for singing. For the Broad Street Run on May 3, our team and our City Cast Philly Neighbors will be stationed at a water station at Broad and Spruce Streets, near the Kimmel Center, cheering on runners and keeping them hydrated. The team will also have a table at the Art Star Craft Bazaar on Mother's Day weekend, May 9 and May 10, at Cherry Street Pier. And read up on local civics with Siani’s election guides for the May 19 primary.  For even more tips on how to make the most of May 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Heiler Painting Free Library of Philadelphia

The school district is broke, and the mayor has a controversial plan to solve the problem. Meanwhile the Center City bike lane saga continues. And what’s going to happen with the anti-ICE bills on the mayor’s desk? Our political contributor Lauren Vidas is here with Trenae Nuri to give us a round-up of what’s going on in City Hall.  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: Heiler Painting Free Library of Philadelphia