City Cast Philly

What happened to burgers in this town? You used to be able to get a great burger for $10,  maybe $15. Now we've got $25-plus burgers everywhere. So host Trenae Nuri talks with food contributor Alisha Miranda about 11 spots in Philly where we can still find great burgers (and fries, of course) for $20 or less.   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: Simply Eloped  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Philly has a big 2026 with major events such as the FIFA World Cup, MLB All-Star Game, and celebrations for America's semiquincentennial. And big events mean more tourists coming through Philly, especially through our airport. But Philadelphia International Airport (PHL) was just ranked dead last for the fifth year in a row in customer satisfaction. Host Trenae Nuri chats with Siani Colon, our newsletter editor, about whether that ranking rings true to Philadelphians and what PHL is doing to fix itself up before a big year of tourism.  Your thoughts on PHL? 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Simply Eloped   Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

It's the Friday News Roundup! We're talking about wrapping up 2025 with the fewest homicides in decades. There's a new drug on our streets that's overwhelming our hospitals. And we're going to laugh off some of the biggest stories of the year. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz also dish about their favorite City Cast episodes of 2025.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  A Powerful New Drug Is Creating a ‘Withdrawal Crisis' in Philadelphia Celebrating Progress and Shaping Philadelphia's Future 10-year-old boy burned in Philadelphia plane crash returns home: "It's a miracle" A hidden alley could become a key walking path in Old City for 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 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: Fitler Club Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Hotels aren't just a place for your friends and family to stay during the holidays. In Philly they're also places to start toasting the new year, right now. Back in September host Trenae Nuri sat down with City Cast Philly food contributor Alisha Miranda to talk about the best hotel bars in our city.  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: Fitler Club Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Last week we saw a political fight erupt over Mayor Cherelle Parker's signature proposal — the H.O.M.E. initiative, a $2 billion plan to create and preserve 30,000 units of housing. In a 16-1 vote, City Council amended the first phase of the mayor's plan in order to lower the income thresholds for Philly renters and homeowners who would benefit from this, making more lower-income Philadelphians eligible for government aid to fix up their homes and make houses handicap accessible. But the mayor was not happy with Council changing her plan. She wants to prioritize Philadelphians with somewhat higher incomes in the first year of her housing initiative. On today's show host Trenae Nuri talks with Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, who helped to lead the charge to change the mayor's plan, about why she thinks City Council's amendment was a victory for Philly. And then we get some analysis about what's really going on in City Hall from our politics contributor, Lauren Vidas.   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. If you enjoyed this interview with Janessa White, the Director & General Manager of Simply Eloped, learn more here.  Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Fitler Club Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Philadelphia makes beautiful music. From intimate shows at Time and MilkBoy to large crowds at The Fillmore and the Met, Philly's live music scene is unmatched. This past year, soul music in Philly really stood out. Host Trenae Nuri sits down with Toya Haynes, editor of Philly Soul Now, who has curated the ultimate playlist of the best Philly soul music of 2025. They talk about the artists defining the sound right now, the venues shaping the culture, and why everyone's band has someone from Philly. 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: Fitler Club Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

As the year draws to a close, our food contributor Alisha Miranda joins us to break down the year that was in restaurants and bars with host Trenae Nuri. What were the trends we observed? What were the highlights from 2025? What are we happy to leave behind (looking at you, QR-coded menus)?  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: Fitler Club Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

On today's Friday News Roundup, host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz talk about how the mayor and council are throwing punches over the city's big plan to create and fix 30,000 units of housing, why youth football players from Philly got arrested down in Florida, and where the Rocky statue is moving.   Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  8 members of Philly youth football team face felony charges in Florida Philly coach speaks out after teen players arrested in Florida for stealing Philly Council votes against Mayor Parker's vision for her signature housing plan, signaling a win for progressives Does the Rocky statue really get twice as many visitors as the Liberty Bell? Yes, but ...  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: Simply Eloped Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Happy holidays! Hanukkah starts Sunday night and Christmas is just around the bend, so we've got the Phillyiest gift guide for you. But the stakes are high because the City Cast Philly team is doing our own version of a white elephant gift exchange. Listen to get gift ideas and to find out what host Trenae Nuri, executive producer Matt Katz, producer Abby Fritz, and newsletter editor Siani Colón win (or don't win). 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: Simply Eloped Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

State Senator Vincent Hughes, representing Philadelphia in the legislature since the mid-1980s, joins host Trenae Nuri for our weekly Wednesday politics show to talk about his bill to ban students from using phones in schools (⁠which advanced yesterday to a vote in the senate⁠), a new law to prevent discrimination based on hair (which was signed into law last month), and the reasons why SEPTA still needs more money (despite the recent bailouts) .  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: ⁠Simply Eloped⁠ ⁠Babbel⁠ - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST ⁠Aura Frames⁠ - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: ⁠citycast.fm/advertise

In six months the world's eyes will be on us. Philly is hosting six matches of the FIFA World Cup soccer tournament, the most-watched sporting event in the world. And we just found out which countries will be playing here at Lincoln Financial Field come June. Host Trenae Nuri sits down with Meg Kane, host city executive and CEO for Philadelphia Soccer 2026, to talk about the rise of soccer in Philly and why hosting the World Cup is a game-changer for Philly.  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: ⁠Simply Eloped⁠ ⁠Babbel⁠ - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST ⁠Aura Frames⁠ - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: ⁠citycast.fm/advertise

Bike lanes continue to be a point of controversy on our city streets. More bike lanes are popping up in our neighborhoods, but activists want a bigger citywide network for cyclists – and they want the bike lanes protected to help prevent more injuries and deaths. In the latest installment of our occasional series, “Whose Streets,” host Trenae Nuri gets the latest on biking in the city — from City Hall to Fairmount Park to the Pine/Spruce Street corridor — with Dave Talone, organizer with Philly Bike Action. Have any experiences biking in the city or sharing the road with cyclists? 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Aura Frames - Get $35 off the Carver Mat frame with Promo Code CITYCAST  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

It's the Friday News Roundup! Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz discuss the news of the week, from the split between Mayor Parker and City Council over her big housing initiative to the pending arrival of driverless cars on the streets of Philly to the deplorable egging of an Eagles coach's home.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  City Council took a rare stand against Mayor Parker by allotting more housing funds to the poorest Philadelphians Restaurateurs call for expanded sidewalk dining ahead of 2026 tourism surge A man died driving on Northwest Philly's winding, wet roads. The neighborhood has tried addressing the danger for decades. A Philadelphia police officer critically injured in a motorcycle crash six years ago has died Waymo eyes Philadelphia expansion Self-driving car company Waymo officially expands to Philadelphia, has started letting cars drive themselves Police confirm Kevin Patullo's home was egged over weekend 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: Penn Live Arts Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

It's the end of the year and our wallets are getting thin. To save on those last-minute gifts, thrifting could be your answer. Host Trenae Nuri chats with producer Abby Fritz and newsletter editor Siani Colón about the secondhand options Philly has to offer. Plus, where to find local high-end consignment and vintage furniture.  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: Penn Live Arts Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Pennsylvania politics were pretty messy this year. Pennsylvanians waited 135 days for Harrisburg to pass a budget. Philly nonprofits had to cut back on services, and school districts took out loans just to pay the bills. Moving forward, how do we make government work? In our weekly politics episode, host Trenae Nuri talks with State Senator Anthony H. Williams, who represents parts of Philadelphia and Delaware Counties, to talk about ways to get more money flowing into the Commonwealth and his goal to withhold paychecks from legislators during budget stalemates.   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: Penn Live Arts Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Dining out involves more than the food on your plate. It's also about the experience of being in a different – and hopefully beautiful and comfortable – space. Host Trenae Nuri gives us a tour of the best designed restaurants and bars in Philly, and why our food contributor Alisha Miranda loves them.  Where do you love to eat? 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Penn Live Arts Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest Fairmount Park Conservancy Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

It's getting cold outside, but the City Cast Philly team is highlighting plenty of events to warm your hearts this month. We discuss classic Philly winter activities like the Wanamaker Light Show and the Morris Arboretum's Holiday Garden Railway. Plus, a "Diva Worship" New Year's Eve party and how to give back to your community. And if you still need to pick up some holiday gifts, there are plenty of local markets to help you check off your lists.  For even more tips on how to make the most of December 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. City Cast Philly is made possible by our awesome sponsors, like Penn Live Arts and  Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest. 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

Join City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri alongside fellow hosts from Austin, Chicago, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake, Seattle, and the Twin Cities for a special episode that'll help you knock out your holiday shopping early and support small businesses around the country. From a handlebar mount (and app!) that'll turn your phone into a bike cam, to a mustard-of-the-month subscription box, our hosts are here to tell the stories of local businesses in their cities making cool stuff that you can order online right now.  Visit our website to find the full list of recommendations with links for holiday shopping! 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

If you see a restaurant you want to try and your friends are dragging their feet to make a reservation, just dine solo. If you're looking to get into a book and not a conversation, just dine solo. If you're new to the city, just dine solo! But, where do you sit, should you get a table or bar stool, and what are the best days of the week to dine by yourself? Host Trenae Nuri and City Cast Philly food contributor Alisha Miranda break down the etiquette and dish on the best bars and restaurants to eat solo.  What are your favorite solo-dining spots? 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

Your holiday gifts are on the stoop…and now they're gone. Stolen, just like your Halloween costumes, groceries, and laundry detergent. Package theft is rampant in Philly, so host Trenae Nuri is joined by executive producer Matt Katz and producer Abby Fritz to discuss both the horror stories and the ways to keep your boxes away from porch pirates. Do you have stories about package theft? 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

We're back with our Friday News Roundup, as host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz dissect the week that was: Mayor Parker's signature housing initiative is on ice, Sen. John Fetterman is home from the hospital and back to selling (or not selling) his book, the restaurant Laurel won a Michelin nod but then closed, and restaurateur Stephen Starr got snubbed by the Michelin Guide and then critiqued by Inquirer restaurant critic, Craig Laban, for his new Rittenhouse Square spot, Borromoni.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  One of Philadelphia's Michelin-recommended restaurants will be closing for good on Friday Stephen Starr's Borromini should be a showstopper. Instead, it's a shrug. John Fetterman's Memoir Is As Low-Effort As His Senate Tenure Legislation would let City Council members stay in office while running for Congress   Funding for Mayor Cherelle Parker's H.O.M.E. initiative will be delayed until next year Philly Housing Authority plans to lay off almost 300 workers 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 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: Art Star Simply Eloped  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Three stars for Philly! The international Michelin Guide for the first time has rated restaurants in our city, and in a gala at the Kimmel Center this week, the winners were announced. Three Philadelphia restaurants won a single Michelin star each, ten more moderately priced spots were awarded a Bib Gourmand, and 21 additional places were recognized as recommended destinations. Who won? Who got snubbed? Who won but shouldn't have? And what does this all mean for Philly's restaurant scene? Host Trenae Nuri, producer Abby Fritz, and executive producer Matt Katz dig in.  Read the full Michelin Guide 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: University of Pennsylvania Art Star Simply Eloped  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

It's the Wednesday politics show. Last week the Parker administration announced that the city is scrapping a longstanding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiative that mandates a certain percentage of government contracts go to minority, women, or disabled-owned businesses. That prompted criticism. But yesterday, Mayor Parker held a press conference detailing a new plan for contracting with businesses that she describes as a "DEI model of the future." Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Anna Orso, City Hall reporter for The Inquirer, to explain this developing story on the future of DEI in city government. Read Anna's reporting 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Art Star Simply Eloped  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertisew and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Art Star Simply Eloped  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Do you have friends or family coming in for the holidays? Do they need a place to stay … that isn't the couch in your living room? Fortunately, we're seeing a boom in boutique hotels around the city. Today we're revisiting host Trenae Nuri's conversation with co-owners Scott Yesner and Wendell Holland of The Gas Lamp Hotel in Old City. Other newish boutique hotels in the city include Yowie and Society Hill Hotel in Queen Village, The Dwight D Hotel and The Franklin in Rittenhouse, Hotel Anna & Bel in Fishtown, Riversuites on the Delaware River, Guild House Hotel in the Gayborhood, Morris House Hotel by Washington Square Park, and Akwaaba Bed & Breakfast Inns in University City. This episode originally aired on May 6th, 2025. 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: University of Pennsylvania Art Star Simply Eloped Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

There's something special about West Philly, especially along Baltimore Avenue. It runs through neighborhoods like Spruce Hill and Cedar Park, with beloved coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and bookstores. But some things are changing. Freelance writer (and events newsletter writer) Jen Kinney points out that storefronts are staying empty longer and vape shops are replacing neighborhood favorites. What does that tell us about changing Philadelphia? Read Jen's article in Philadelphia 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Art Star Simply Eloped  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

It's the Friday News Roundup. We're talking about what's inside the new state budget, Pennsylvania politics down at the U.S. Capitol, Mayor Cherelle Parker getting rid of diversity requirements for city contracts, the former Philadelphia Art Museum CEO is suing over her termination, the death of the penny, and where a new red light camera is located. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz also talk about ideas for the future of Market East.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Pennsylvania's top leaders have reached a $50.1 billion state budget deal, signaling a breakthrough in impasse Fetterman calls Shapiro too driven by "political ambition" in new book ‘We have set money on fire': Pennsylvania budget impasse costs Philadelphia school district millions Philly-area U.S. House members express displeasure over Senate deal to reopen federal government Philadelphia is halting the use of some diversity targets in city contracts as national DEI backlash grows Recently Ousted Director of Philadelphia Art Museum Sues Over Her Dismissal Philly and the penny have a history; here are 8 things you should know I have an idea for Market East! 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: University of Pennsylvania Fitler Club Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Times are tough, Philly. But you can still get out and have an excellent meal for cheap. Host Trenae Nuri and our City Cast Philly food contributor, Alisha Miranda, show you how to eat in Philly for $25 or less. Listen with the Notes app on your phone open, because there are a ton of recommendations in this show.  Where are you eating for cheap? Call or text us: 215-259-8170 For more food news and recs, subscribe to 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Fitler Club Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Hundreds of commuters rely on SEPTA, but it's been battling challenges at every turn. The transit agency faces a federal deadline to inspect its fleet of Regional Rail cars, which have repeatedly caught fire. The labor contract with its largest employees union has expired. And long-term funding needs are still unfilled by the state legislature. But Scott Sauer, general manager of SEPTA, tells host Trenae Nuri that the transit agency is “going to be okay.” Sauer explains the latest with the inspections, shares his plans for 2026 tourism, and offers a vision for the agency going forward. How's your commute? 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: University of Pennsylvania Fitler Club Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

For the last decade, researcher Chris Gibbons has worked to identify each and every person from the storied Roman Catholic High School who died in World War I. Why? For Veterans Day, Trenae Nuri revisits her conversation with Gibbons about the men who fought and died in a now largely forgotten war, and why it's so important to commemorate their sacrifices.  This episode originally aired on April 10, 2025.  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: Fitler Club Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

How is artificial intelligence used by the Philadelphia Police, the Philadelphia Parking Authority, and City Hall? AI has been integrated into many aspects of city government, from issuing parking tickets to operating drones. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Meir Rinde, investigative reporter for Billy Penn, about how our local government is using AI to address problems and why there are concerns about our AI future. Read Meir's full story 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: University of Pennsylvania Fitler Club Babbel - Get up to 55% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

It's the Friday News Roundup. We're talking about the relatively high voter turnout in this week's election and what that says about Philly (and Trump). Plus: SEPTA has new challenges, hotel workers have a new contract, 76ers Joel Embiid isn't playing much (but just sold his penthouse), and did the termination of the CEO of the Philadelphia Art Museum have something to do with DEI? Host Trenae Nuri and Matt Katz, executive producer of City Cast Philly, also tell you what's going on this weekend, from a free breakfast to the Rocky Run.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Sasha Suda Out as CEO of the Philadelphia Art Museum The Philadelphia Art Museum rebrand surprised locals and board members. Is it as bad as some say? The Museum Will Welcome You Now After a brutal year, SEPTA and its largest union are negotiating a new contract — again 76ers star Joel Embiid fined $50,000 for lewd gesture Joel Embiid's Center City penthouse with rooftop pool sells at discount for $3.6M Dugan concedes while lashing out at Krasner: ‘We cannot allow this disaster to continue unchecked' After landslide win, Philly DA Larry Krasner sidestepped policy details, swiped at Trump, and ignored his opponent And here is some information and resources from the city on the food security emergency:  Philadelphia Food & Meal Finder City of Philadelphia Launches It's “One Philly (SNAP) Support Plan” Response to Impacts on SNAP Benefits 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: Fitler Club  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Our Philly accent is having a moment. A Northeast Philly native who does Philly ASMR videos on TikTok is going viral. And the Philly/Delco accent is almost like a character in itself on the hit HBO show “Task.” So we're revisiting host Trenae Nuri's hilarious conversation from earlier this year with comedian Lauren S. Daniels, a Philly native who does online skits about Philly and impersonations of Philadelphians.  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:  Fitler Club Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

District Attorney cruised to a third term on Tuesday against an opponent, Pat Dugan, whom he had already vanquished in the Democratic primary. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz give you the latest on that race – and in the hugely consequential state supreme court retention election – in this Election Day round-up. Plus, a look at the two major local elections 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Fitler Club  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

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. Philly's architecture tells stories about its history — if you know where to look. 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 here to learn more about his work. 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: Fitler Club Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Daylight saving time ended at the start of the month, so the days are shorter with less sunlight. Not to worry, the City Cast Philly has curated a list of events, places to eat, free stuff to do, and ways to get involved in Philly this November. Don't miss the parades, a community cumbia lesson, and an exhibit about death at the library. Plus, make sure to go out and vote tomorrow! Here's a last-minute guide.   For even more tips on how to make the most of November in Philly, check out our newsletter for 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.  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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Fitler Club  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

It's the Friday News Round up. We offer our guide to Philly's election next week and explain why these races matter to the city and state. We tell you where to get free food in the city as SNAP benefits run out. Plus, the Philadelphia Parking Authority may renovate the intercity bus terminal and move it back to Filbert Street!?! Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz talk about these stories, where to trick-or-treat, and the viral phrase “6-7.” Our Friday News Roundups are powered by great local journalism:  City Cast Philly Election Guide In case after case, a Philly judge's behavior and decisions came under fire Your guide to Philadelphia's $91 million streetlight replacement project More than $7 million has poured into the Pa. Supreme Court judicial retention election so far Where To Find Food Pantries in Philly An ‘exuberantly eclectic' new building is set to open at Chestnut Hill's Woodmere Museum Why abortion is front and center in Democrats' messaging on Pa. judicial retention Dictionary.com's 2025 Word of the Year Is… Greyhound bus terminal will return to Filbert Street after two years of tumult 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 October 31st episode: Penn Live Arts Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

A new mural was unveiled this month on the Sansom Street side of the Philadelphia Film Society Center called “Films Shaped by a City,” featuring many Philly films like The Sixth Sense, 12 Monkeys, and Trading Places. So we're listening back to our conversation with local film critics Len Webb and Vincent Williams from The MICHEAUX MISSION podcast, about our favorite Philly films.  What's your favorite Philly movie? 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Penn Live Arts Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

State Rep. Joanna McClinton runs Pennsylvania's House. She's a Philly Democrat and Speaker of the House of Representatives for the commonwealth, the top legislative Democrat in the state. And that means she's one of the very few people involved in negotiations over our state budget. That budget was due back on July 1st. But the legislature still hasn't passed it, and the consequences are dire. What's going on? McClinton tells host Trenae Nuri what's happening in Harrisburg.  Have you been affected by the state budget stalemate? 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Penn Live Arts  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Mayor Cherelle Parker has been quiet about President Trump's policies targeting cities. Some Philadelphians may want her to be more vocal, but does speaking out pose risks? Denise Clay-Murray, co-host of Philadelphia Hall Monitor, and City Cast Philly political contributor Lauren Vidas talk with host Trenae Nuri about how and why the mayor is pulling her punches when it comes to the president.  Your thoughts on the mayor? 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. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Penn Live Arts University of Pennsylvania  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Cities across the country have been reeling because of heightened immigration enforcement. So, how are Philly's immigrant communities being impacted? Peter Pedemonti, co-director of New Sanctuary Movement –  a faith-based organization – works to educate, advocate, and protect families.  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 sponsor of this episode: Penn Live Arts  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Thousands of households across Philly could soon have their SNAP benefits pulled due to the federal government shutdown. We're talking about that and the ongoing case of Kada Scott, how City Council is cracking down on smoke shops, and the Eagles welcoming back Brandon Graham. Host Trenae Nuri and producer Abby Fritz discuss these stories and weekend events on this week's Friday news roundup.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Discovery of Kada Scott's body at Germantown middle school has reignited debate over the vacant building Due to Federal Shutdown, November SNAP Payments Will Not be Made to Nearly Two Million Pennsylvanians Pa. officials delay LIHEAP because of lack of funding from government shutdown Will SNAP benefits be paid in November? Could unretired Brandon Graham play as soon as Sunday against the Giants? 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 sponsor of this episode: University of Pennsylvania Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

On October 27, 1682, Philadelphia was founded by William Penn. At the time it wasn't much more than a rectangle between two rivers – now known as Center City. Over the last 343 years, Philly has expanded to include more neighborhoods in the city limits. But there's just so many neighborhood names now and they're constantly changing. We're revisiting an enduring topic of discussion in Philly: What's my neighborhood called? The City Cast Philly team came together to discuss some of the interesting names, histories, and stories about how we label neighborhoods in Philly. Plus, City Cast Philly contributor Johnny Goodtimes is quizzing us on how well we all know Philly.  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