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 me 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

It's the Friday News Roundup. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz talk about this week's headlines, including: SEPTA cuts getting reversed (thank goodness – but what are the consequences of how it all went down?), speed cameras on Broad Street (is 25 mph too slow?), and the judicial retention election this fall (we explain what that means). Plus, our spit-take on Philly sports. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Philly board of health approves city-wide permitting rules for mobile services PA Supreme Court justices talk retention elections, court operations at Philadelphia forum National money starts flowing into critical Pa. Supreme Court retention races SEPTA service restoration is a short-term win | Editorial 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: The Pottery Spottery Kidney Cancer Association  Center City District  Huel - Get 15% off with code PHILLY  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

All week, we've been hanging out on South Street and learning about its past, present and future. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Siani Colón, Hey Philly newsletter editor, about the  businesses, bars and even bookshops in Queen Village, a neighborhood along the East side of South Street.  Check out Siani's Graduate Hospital neighborhood 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 September 11th episode: The Pottery Spottery Kidney Cancer Association  Center City District  Huel - Get 15% off with code PHILLY Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

This is part 3 of our South Street Series covering what we consider Philly's most iconic street. We take a look at the mix of businesses that have made South Street distinct, with interviews from Drexel University Professor Richardson Dilworth, Condom Kingdom owner Stu Schlaffman, Streets Dept. founder Conrad Benner, Councilmember Mark Squilla, and Jim's South Street president Ken Silver. And ICYMI, listen to Part 1 and Part 2 of our series on the history of South Street! What's your favorite South Street memory? Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly We're also on Instagram: @citycastphilly You can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: The Pottery Spottery Kidney Cancer Association  Center City District  Huel- Get 15% off with code PHILLY  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

South Street is where you go when you're visiting from out of town, where you go when you're a suburban kid looking for some counter-cultural grittiness, and where you go see your favorite band at the TLA and eat your favorite cheesesteak at Jim's afterward. In the second part of our series on South Street's most iconic street, we're looking at what has drawn people to South Street for centuries: Entertainment. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with legendary Philly DJ Cosmo Baker, Philly Jazz Legacy Project consulting archivist Jack McCarthy, Bob & Barbara's owner Jack Prince, author David Bradley (whose book South Street is republishing next year), and Odunde CEO Bumi Fernandez-West. Also be sure to check back and listen to yesterday's show to hear about the fascinating tumultuous history of South Street going back to colonial days.  What's your favorite South Street memory? Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly We're also on Instagram: @citycastphilly You can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: The Pottery Spottery Kidney Cancer Association  Center City District  Huel - Get 15% off with code PHILLY Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Today is the launch of our three-part series on the history and future of Philly's most iconic street: South Street. You've probably danced and shopped on it. You've definitely gotten a beer and eaten a cheesesteak on it. But this one-lane, one way strip from the Schuylkill to the Delaware has seen Philly history happen. In this episode we're going back to colonial times to understand how South Street has always been a hot spot – for shopping, for civil rights struggles, and for entertainment. Host Trenae Nuri interviews political scientist Richardson Dilworth, journalist Dan Biddle, and Selena Austin of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. We also use archival tape from the Philadelphia Department of Records. What's your South Street memory? Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly We're also on Instagram: @citycastphilly You can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: The Pottery Spottery Kidney Cancer Association  Center City District  Huel Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

It's the Friday News Roundup! We're talking about full SEPTA service for Eagles ticket-holders – but not for the rest of us. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz also report on the crowded Democratic race for the 3rd congressional seat, a cyclist killed in Fairmount Park, the possible deployment of federal troops to the city, and our neighborhoods getting upgrades for America's 250th birthday celebration. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  SEPTA cuts made Philly schools' attendance tumble significantly Pa. is braced for Trump to send National Guard to Philadelphia, Gov. Shapiro says State Rep. Morgan Cephas is running for Dwight Evans' seat in Congress Bicyclist killed by speeding car ID'd as 67-year-old cyclist advocate A Women's Sports Renaissance in Philly Powerball jackpot soars to $1.7 billion after no winner Wednesday In the ongoing SEPTA crisis, getting fans to games outranks getting kids to class | Editorial Philly's Long History With Block Captains A Women's Sports Renaissance in 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 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

Super Bowl MVP quarterback Jalen Hurts – plus Saquon Bakley and AJ Brown and Lane Johnson – start tonight on the path to another championship. Can the Eagles do it again? Let's at least beat the Dallas Cowboys tonight in the season opener! Host Trenae Nuri is here with City Cast Philly sports contributor O.J. Spivey, who covers the team for The Philadelphia Tribune, with season predictions, stadium vs. tailgating food, and “tush push” talk. GO BIRDS!  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

A transit crisis with SEPTA that has led to crowded buses and canceled routes. A labor strike with city workers that left trash piled up on our streets. What does all this say about Philly and Pennsylvania politics? And what should we be expecting this fall? City Cast Philly's politics contributor, Lauren Vidas, joins us for a rundown in our Wednesday politics episode.  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

As summer winds down, there's still time to enjoy a nice meal or a drink under the sunshine. Philly's got plenty to offer when it comes to outdoor dining options whether that's a rooftop deck, shaded outdoor patio, garden, or sidewalk seating. To help you make some reservations, host Trenae Nuri and our City Cast Philly food contributor Alisha Miranda talk through some of the best restaurants, bars and distilleries that offer great drinks, great food and great outdoor seating.  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 our Friday News Round up. We're talking about why everyone arrived late to work and school this week, more SEPTA cuts happening September 1, Philly public school teachers have a tentative deal (but school SAFETY officers are threatening to strike), and where you can get the new $100 cheesesteak. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz chat about these stories and more.     Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  As SEPTA cuts go into effect across the Philly region, a top Senate GOP leader is hosting a fundraiser How close are Pennsylvania lawmakers to securing funding for SEPTA? On Philly's first day of school, students and educators feel the strain of SEPTA cuts PFT's new contract includes 3% raises, parental leave, and an easier path up the pay scale Are Pennsylvania lawmakers close to securing funding for SEPTA to stop service cuts? The Bellevue's New $100 Cheesesteak Comes With a Butler and a Silver Platter Philly school police officers say they need better pay and training — and new uniforms — to keep kids safe 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

Philly welcomes fall in September, so we've curated a list of ways to enjoy early autumn in the city. In this episode you'll hear about a new museum, a cheesy cheesesteak deep dish pizza, and car-free zones. For even more tips on how to make the most of September 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

In our weekly Wednesday politics episode we're taking a look at a business curfew bill aimed at curbing violence around businesses in Kensington, Germantown, Mt. Airy and parts of North Philly. If the bill sponsored by Council Member Quetcy Lozada is signed into law, businesses in these areas will be forced to close between 11pm and 6am. It's a crackdown on what the city calls “nuisance” businesses. But a group of business leaders don't want this curfew. They say it's going to hurt the way they make money. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Isaac Avilucea, reporter at Axios Philadelphia, about the possible expanded curfew. Read Isaac'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. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Whether it's a birthday cake or a pick-me-up brownie, Philly knows how to do sweet treats. Host Trenae Nuri navigates the classic Italian bakeries and contemporary dessert landscape with food journalists for The Infatuation Philadelphia, Candis McLean and Alison Kessler. Plus, sliced cakes are back.  Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly Call or text us what you're eating: 215-259-8170 We're 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

Philly's mass transit system has been upended. The first wave of SEPTA service cuts went into effect yesterday, but there will be more soon and fares will increase on September 1. While Harrisburg continues to be at odds over how to fund mass transit in the Commonwealth, the way hundreds of thousands of people travel in our city and region has been decimated. So how did things get so bad? Host Trenae Nuri talks with Alan Fisher, transit, urban planning, and railroad advocate and host of “The Armchair Urbanist,” about the relationship between SEPTA and the state.  We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card—and City Cast City swag. 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 the first wave of SEPTA service cuts, how Philly is planning to move about in the city and throughout the region with these cuts, Frankford High School reopens after closures due to asbestos, and Xfinity Live! Gets a name change. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by producer Abby Fritz to talk this all out, plus what they found about the mixed messaging around McGlinchey's future.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  SEPTA ambassadors help riders plan for potential cuts Some SEPTA paratransit riders will lose service due to cuts Stacy Garrity is officially running for governor of Pennsylvania Amtrak: SEPTA cuts could affect service all across Pennsylvania Lincoln High can put 900 students in trailers to relieve overcrowding, the city zoning board ruled Philadelphia's Frankford High School reopens after $30 million asbestos remediation project McGlinchey's Employees Say the Bar Is Closing Forever (Updated) McGlinchey's owner says he plans to sell the bar, not close Bartram's Mile Trail Reopened for Public Use. Xfinity Live! gets new name in partnership with Philadelphia-based Stateside Brands 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: Independence Seaport Museum  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

This week, news broke that McGlinchey's would close permanently after tomorrow. But the owner, Sheldon Sokol, told Philadelphia Business Journal, he wants to stay open but close for a vacation at the end of the week, then sell the bar and retire. So what's all the fuss about this place? McGlinchey's is a long-standing dive bar on South 15th Street downtown. It's also one of the few bars that still allows customers to smoke, despite a 2008 ban on smoking in most indoor spaces. We're listening back to a 2023 conversation with host Trenae Nuri, Ali Mohsen, former food and beverage reporter for Billy Penn, and Sokol about the bar's history, culture, and more broadly the policies of smoking bars in Philly.  Read Ali's full story here.  This episode originally ran on July 6th, 2023. We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. 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:  Independence Seaport Museum Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Councilmember Isaiah Thomas is brimming with ideas, mostly centered on the youth of the city, and he has 19 interns in his office this summer who are actually working on turning those ideas into policy. In this wide-ranging interview with host Trenae Nuri at City Hall, Thomas talks about continuing to coach basketball and raising kids in the city, and the various issues that animate him – including, intriguingly, allowing city councilmembers to run for other offices without giving up their seats.  We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. 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: Independence Seaport Museum  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

In Philly, there's a saying: “No one likes us and we don't care!” It's generally used by Philadelphians when an out-of-towner is throwing shade. So, while we're still enjoying warm weather, host Trenae Nuri, executive producer Matt Katz, producer Abby Fritz, and Hey Philly newsletter editor Siani Colón read one-star reviews of our public parks. And, of course, push back on the hate.  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  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:  Independence Seaport Museum Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Philly is home to one of the largest urban parks in the country, Fairmount Park. And some neighborhoods have created even more green space by making community gardens – like Heroic Gardens out in the Northeast. Host Trenae Nuri went out to this sunflower garden and spoke with Collie Turner, founder and executive director, and Salome Hall, a Navy veteran and founder of Sisters Affirming Sisterhood Project, about how being in Philly nature helped them grow as people and give back to their communities. For a map of community gardens to get involved with, visit the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. 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: Independence Seaport Museum Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

It's the Friday News roundup! Life-changing SEPTA cuts are happening – host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz explain why. We also talk about how Pat Dugan, who challenged District Attorney Larry Krasner for the Democratic primary, is switching teams. Plus: The fate of the Frank Rizzo statue, a new doggy social club, and our favorites from the Best of Philly Soiree at the Philadelphia Art Museum.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  PA Senate advances $47.7B budget, transit spending plan Former Democratic challenger Pat Dugan is now Republican challenger in race for Philadelphia district attorney Frank Rizzo statue to return to committee of supporters, but an agreement with city says it can only be displayed on private property Another dog-friendly bar is coming to Manayunk in the former Bark Social spot Best of Philly 2025 Listen to our interviews with District Attorney Larry Krasner and challenger Pat Dugan during their campaigns for the Democratic primary district attorney seat a few months back.  We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. 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:  Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Philly loves to socialize and drink, whether we're getting a good happy hour deal, sipping our favorite crafted cocktails or mocktails on a rooftop, or chugging a cold one while watching the Eagles. Here's another spot to consider: Hotel bars. Host Trenae Nuri sits down with our City Cast Philly food contributor Alisha Miranda to talk about why Philadelphians should be drinking at hotel bars even if those bars are also catering to out-of-towners. These are the hotel bars mentioned in this episode:  Caletta inside Hotel Anna & Bel W Philadelphia a.kitchen+bar SkyHigh   Vernick Fish  Condesa El Techo We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. 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: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Tomorrow is the deadline SEPTA set for Harrisburg to fund public transportation and prevent major service cuts to our transit system. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz have the latest developments and analysis on what needs to happen to avoid a transportation crisis in Philly.  We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. We'd be grateful if you took the survey at citycast.fm/survey—it's only 7 minutes long. You'll be doing us a big favor. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card–and City Cast City swag. 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: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise