City Cast Philly

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

Money is tight these days, but your love life shouldn't suffer! We're listening back to a list of creative, fun and cheap date ideas all under $25 that host Trenae Nuri and Abby Fritz, City Cast Philly producer, came up with to impress that special someone.  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

City Councilmember Mark Squilla's district stretches from Chinatown to South Philly and up to the River Wards. He's joining host Trenae Nuri on our weekly politics episode to talk about  the latest on the projects and controversies in his district, from Market East to SEPTA funding, from the Chinatown Stitch to a new bus station. There's more good news here than you might expect.  More Philly news & events in your inbox comes in our daily newsletter, Hey Philly Call or text us: 215-259-8170 We're also on Instagram: @citycastphilly Learn more about the sponsors of this July 16th 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

We know some of you listen to City Cast Philly (and other podcasts) while you run. Maybe you're running right now!  Or maybe you want to start running and even try a race? If so, now's the time to start training for the Philadelphia Marathon (or Half Marathon) later this year. Executive producer Matt Katz sits down with Michelle Quirk – a run coach, podcaster, and primary care doctor at CHOP – to get tips and tricks for moving your running game in Philly to the next level.  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 July 15th 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

Host Trenae Nuri talks with Marquise Davon Richards – assistant director of Upward Bound Math & Sciences at Temple University and the host of the "Keepin' It a Bean"podcast, and Josh Okyne, a Philadelphia high school student, about why higher education matters and what it takes to support Black boys in college and beyond. 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

It's the Friday News Roundup! We're talking about how the city is starting to clean-up from the “Parker Piles” of trash that accumulated during the eight-day District Council 33 strike. Our attention now turns to the fate of SEPTA, which is in Harrisburg's hands. We also take a sobering look at the recent mass shootings in the city. And as always, we dish on what we're up to this coming weekend. Executive producer Matt Katz is joined by producer Abby Fritz and Hey Philly newsletter editor Siani Colón.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Why the Strike Ended & When Your Trash Is Getting Picked Up How much trash piled up in Philly during the DC 33 strike? Penn workers authorize strike, demanding higher salaries After months of declining gun violence, shootings surge in Philly South Philly lounge ordered to shutter after 8 hurt in mass shooting I met Azir Harris after he was paralyzed in a shooting in 2018. Gunfire early Monday claimed his life. What you need to know about the city work stoppage Waymo to test, but not offer, self-driving cars in Philly this summer  It's Officially Live Aid Week in Philadelphia Check out more cooking classes in Philly here. To throw out your trash before garbage pick-up begins Monday, find your six Sanitation Convenience Centers 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 Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The strike is over, Philly, and now the clean-up begins. The District Council 33 strike –  the Great Garbage Strike of 2025 – lasted eight days and led to a work stoppage that resulted in closed libraries, a shortage of 911 operators, and, most noticeably, no residential trash pick-up. Those piles of trash – dubbed “Parker Piles” for Mayor Cherelle Parker – will now get picked up, eventually. Executive producer Matt Katz and producer Abby Fritz tell you everything you need to know about how the agreement was struck between the union and the city, and what it all means for your garbage.  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

As the strike by District Council 33 stretches into a second week, the garbage situation in the city is only getting worse. Since residential garbage pick-up is suspended while sanitation and other city workers hit the picket lines, the city has set up dozens of dumpsters around the city. But does taking your own trash to a city dumpster make you a scab? That's an argument union supporters are making. Matt Katz, executive producer of City Cast Philly, sits down with Danny Bauder, president of Philadelphia Council AFL-CIO, which counts DC 33 as a member, to ask about scabs, contract negotiations, and when (and how) this strike will finally end.  Get more Philly news & event listings in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly Call or text us here: 215-259-8170 We're on Instagram: @citycastphilly Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Summer in Philly means your neighbors or co-workers are down the Shore. Whether it's for the beaches, boardwalks, or one of those parties that Jason Kelce has been drinking at, Philadelphians young and old look forward to any excuse to get down to Shore. So it's the perfect time to listen back to a conversation between host Trenae Nuri and Jen Miller, a Jersey Shore expert, about where and how to vacation by the salty ocean waters.  What's your Jersey Shore town? 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: Jeff D'Ambrosio Auto Group  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're taking a hike! The team is trying out a Philadelphia Inquirer tool that helps you figure out which Philly-area hikes fit your needs. Host Trenae Nuri, executive producer Matt Katz, and Hey Philly newsletter editor Siani Colón get recommendations from two Inquirer reporters who have hiked all over our region – Frank Kummer and Jason Nark. Listen for recommendations for your next hiking adventures.  Check out the Inquirer's Take A Hike tool 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:  Eastern State Penitentiary Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trenae Nuri and all 12 other City Cast podcast hosts (from Austin, Boise, Chicago, DC, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Portland, and Salt Lake City) compete head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown to answer the question that's been burning up our company-wide Slack for weeks: which city is the best for a summer weekend trip? From naked bike rides to ‘the country's best farmers market,' pickle festivals to Elvis impersonators driving pink convertibles, our hosts are bringing the best of the best of what their city has to offer. Did your city win? Take our interactive quiz to see which city best fits YOUR vibe! Learn more about the sponsors of this July 3rd episode: Eastern State Penitentiary Rothman Orthopaedic Institute Jeff D'Ambrosio Auto Group Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

More than 9,000 city workers from the District Council 33 union went on strike Tuesday — and that means there's no residential trash pick-up until the union comes to terms on a contract with Mayor Cherelle Parker. Striking city workers keep the city running in a variety of ways, so in addition to sanitation the work stoppage means longer wait times for 9-1-1, earlier closing times for rec centers, and so much more. Host Trenae Nuri talks the latest on the strikers' demands with executive producer Matt Katz and producer Abby Fritz. Plus, news on Congressman Dwight Evans' retirement and the ongoing budget crisis that could slash SEPTA service. Plus some good news: The WNBA is coming to Philly in 2030, and we've curated a list of potential team names.    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: ⁠Eastern State Penitentiary⁠ ⁠Rothman Orthopaedic Institute⁠ ⁠Jeff D'Ambrosio Auto Group⁠  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: ⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Philly's bringing the heat, so we've curated a list of ways to have fun and beat these sizzling summer temperatures. In this episode you'll hear about a new casual outdoor eating experience in Fishtown, the fairy festival in Roxborough, dancing on the Delaware River, and a burlesque cabaret show in Callowhill. 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 Eastern State Penitentiary, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, and Jeff D'Ambrosio Auto Group.  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