City Cast Philly

 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

President Trump's recently approved bill known as the Big Beautiful Bill eliminated a program called SNAP-Education, which funds nutrition education programs across the country. One local nonprofit hit by the funding cuts is Vetri Community Partnership, which teaches Philadelphians how to cook healthy meals. It faces a $700,000 loss in funding for nutritional programs for schools, though its ⁠free weekly community classes⁠ will continue. On today's show we're re-airing host Trenae Nuri's visit to one of these Tuesday community cooking nights, where she interviews CEO Maddy Booth. 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

Will Philly public school teachers strike after the first week of school? That's what their union, the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers, is threatening. Trenae Nuri visits the union offices in Center City to talk to PFT President Arthur Steinberg and LeShawna Coleman, PFT's chief of staff, to find out what the teachers want in their new contract.  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 Philly swag. Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly You can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 We're also on Instagram: @citycastphilly 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

It's the Friday News Roundup! SEPTA still doesn't have funding and service cuts could start next week if the budget isn't passed. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz also discuss a suspect that's been arrested for multiple sexual assaults and a court opinion that canceled Indigenous Peoples Day. Plus, Eagles preseason is here! Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Suspect arrested for multiple sexual assaults in Center City and South Philadelphia  Kenney's 2021 order replacing Columbus Day with Indigenous Peoples Day is invalid, appeals court says SEPTA service cuts will happen if state money isn't secured next week The City's Hiring Bus  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  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

As we wait to find out if state legislators will bail out SEPTA and prevent drastic transit service cuts and cancellations, we're sharing conversations that we had with Philadelphians earlier this summer about how they get around town. There are many variables that determine how we get where we're going, beyond the availability of SEPTA. This was recorded at the Franklin Institute's Second Thursdays event.  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 Committee of Seventy was founded more than 120 years ago to make Philly politics less corrupt. So is Philly less corrupt than it was then? Would abolishing the Sheriff's Office, ending judicial elections, and imposing term limits fix our politics? Host Trenae Nuri visits Lauren Cristella, president and CEO of the Committee of Seventy, for our weekly Wednesday politics episode to find out how to improve civic engagement and our political system. Go here to listen to our May interview with Sheriff Rochelle Bilal. 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As we say goodbye to some coffee shop favorites like The Monkey and The Elephant and Tela's Market & Kitchen, some new shops have entered the scene. Out West off of 52nd Street and Haraz Coffee House in University City have become new coffee staples. We're revisiting a conversation from last year with host Trenae Nuri, executive producer Matt Katz, and producer Abby Fritz at Mr. Rabbit Coffee in Fitler Square to guide you through the variety of independent coffee shops across the city.  This episode originally aired December 5th, 2024.  Coffee shops mentioned in the episode:  Mr. Rabbit Last Drop Satellite Coffee Càphê Roasters Jezabel's Cafe Arterial Coffee iMUNCH Cafe Tela's Market and Kitchen Rival Bros Coffee Red Hook Coffee and Tea Alif Brew and Mini Mart Elixir Coffee THANK YOU THANK YOU Persimmon Coffee OX Coffee Enswell Two Persons Coffee High Point Cafe Encanto Kicks & Coffee Uncle Bobbie's Coffee and Books The Monkey & The Elephant Herman's Coffee vernick coffee bar Gleaner's Cafe Caffé Ida If you want more coffee recs and a map of shops to visit in Philly, check this out.  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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philly's newest and first women's sports bar is just the beginning of the women's sports boom in the area. Trenae Nuri speaks with Chivonn Anderson, owner of Marsha's, the new queer bar that centers women's sports opening on South Street, about how Philly is experiencing a women's sports renaissance. Remember: We're getting a WNBA team in 2030!  Follow Marsha's South Street on social media for updates on the opening and other events.  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 Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A daytime shooting at a rec center reminded us this week that even though our homicide numbers are at historic lows, gun violence still plagues our city and claims the youngest of victims. In our Friday News Roundup, host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz also look at why flooding in FDR park is going to continue, how President Trump is seeking to erase history at Independence Mall, and when we're finally going to get a state budget approved so SEPTA service doesn't get cut by 45 percent.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  A boy and girl, ages 10 and 11, and 3 others wounded by gunfire outside rec center in West Philly No end in sight for constant flooding of FDR Park road Trump Told Park Workers to Report Displays That ‘Disparage' Americans. Here's What They Flagged. More than a dozen slavery displays in Philly, including at Washington's former home, have been flagged for a Trump admin review Republicans across the country are pushing bills to stop government 'weather modification' Critical state payments to schools, county child welfare agencies will be delayed as budget impasse continues As SEPTA cuts loom, patience is wearing thin for Democrats in Harrisburg Final design for Philly's Sadie T. M. Alexander statue unveiled 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Framebridge Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philly's still packed with summer fun this month, so we've curated a list of ways to enjoy water activities, eat fancy hoagies and catch film festivals. In this episode you'll also hear about the Philly Book Store Crawl, how to get cheap tickets to see our Super Bowl champion Eagles, the restaurant serving fluffy ricotta filled pancakes and a cloud watching class. For even more tips on how to make the most of July 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 Framebridge. 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. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We're also on X and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Where's that state budget? And more importantly, where's that SEPTA money? Host Trenae Nuri went to Overbrook Park to sit down with Pennsylvania State Rep. Morgan Cephas to ask about the long-delayed state budget that could result in SEPTA operations cut nearly in half. Cephas gives us the latest on the SEPTA funding crisis … and tells us if she's running for Congress. 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Framebridge Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The el train rolling by, neighbors yelling at each from across the street, music blaring from slingshots on South Street – ahhh, the real sounds of Philadelphia. Some of these sounds are annoying, even controversial in certain neighborhoods. But is there beauty to the sounds of Philly? Host Trenae Nuri talks with executive producer Matt Katz and Hey Philly newsletter editor Siani Colón about which noises piss them off, which they love, and which ones we just have to live with.  We want to listen to you – 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Framebridge Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philly neighborhood names are complicated. There are so many neighborhoods in Philly that people who live on a single block might call where they live by different names. Some Philadelphians don't use their neighborhood names at all, using South Philly or West Philly as a catch-all for smaller neighborhood names. The City Cast Philly team came together to discuss some of the interesting names, histories, and stories when it comes to 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Framebridge Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the Friday News Roundup. We're talking about the continued bike lane controversy in Center City, hotel workers represented by UNITE HERE Local 274 picketing this week because their contracts have expired, state budget delays putting SEPTA's future at risk, and Nas performing with The Philadelphia Orchestra at the Mann. Plus, host Trenae Nuri complains about potholes and executive producer Matt Katz dreams about a mysterious South Philly pool.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Man who struck and killed CHOP doctor riding bicycle while driving drunk sentenced to 6 to 20 years in prison How To Fix an Intersection Where potholes rule: Ranking Philly's most plagued neighborhoods Video shows vandal destroying North Philadelphia bar: 'It's wrecked' As Philly residents and schools brace for SEPTA cuts and late state funds, there's no rush for a budget in Harrisburg The property housing a former South Philly pool club is for sale and going viral 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Babbel Framebridge Scribe Video Center  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Pennsylvania has been operating without a budget for nearly a month, meaning the commonwealth's nonprofits, school districts and local governments are in a funding limbo. This also affects SEPTA, which will begin to make serious cuts to service unless the finalized state budget comes with more than $200 million for the system. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Stephen Caruso, who covers politics at the state capitol for SpotlightPA, and Megan Harris, host of our sister podcast City Cast Pittsburgh, to break down how this delay could affect us all.   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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Babbel Framebridge Scribe Video Center  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As a result of President Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill” approved by the Republican-controlled Congress, about 42,000 people in Philadelphia – that includes kids and older people – are slated to be kicked off of SNAP (food stamps). What do these cuts mean for our neighbors, and for kids? George Matysik, executive director of Philly's Share Food Program, sits down with City Cast Philly's executive producer Matt Katz to explain how food insecurity affects our city. Get more 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: Babbel Framebridge Scribe Video Center  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Need to cool down this summer? How about swimming with horses or running through a Wissahickon-themed sprayground? The Philly region has all kinds of ways to lower your temperature by playing in water. Producers Abby Fritz and Selena Seay-Reynolds take a dip into the best spots to swim, kayak, tube, and get your feet wet. Plus, some water safety tips and findings from the quest for the Famous River Hotdog Man. Also, don't swim in Devil's Pool, here's why. But you can find other recommendations for your next Jersey Shore trip 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Babbel Framebridge Scribe Video Center  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The looming threat of a teachers' strike and upcoming school closures are just two challenges facing the School District of Philadelphia. Host Trenae Nuri sits down with Carly Sitrin, bureau chief of Chalkbeat Philadelphia, to find out which neighborhood schools might close and which might get year-round classes.  To attend a district meeting on the closures and get more information, go here: https://www.philasd.org/operations/  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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Babbel Framebridge Scribe Video Center  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's been continued ICE arrests in Philly and around the region. The Northern Liberties Night Market scheduled for July 23rd is canceled. And provisional ballots get a redesign. Host Trenae Nuri, producer Abby Fritz, and Hey Philly newsletter editor Siani Colon discuss these stories and our readers' comments on Philly pretzels, run clubs, and queer-friendly sports organizations in the city.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  South Philly block rattled after ICE sought one migrant with criminal charges and arrested four others 14 undocumented immigrants arrested in ICE raid at Norristown, Pennsylvania, supermarket Germantown mom wants out of Philly after ICE deported her husband to Belize The Northern Liberties Night Market is canceled after the costs of required police patrols and sanitation services have more than doubled Department of State Introduces Redesigned, User-Friendly Provisional Ballot Envelopes SEPTA to cut bus routes day before school begins, unless new funding is found What To Know About ICE 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Scribe Video Center  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices