City Cast Philly

School is officially back in session. Philly students may be returning to the classroom, but the same can't be said for all teachers. Host Trenae Nuri, creative producer Siani Colόn, and Eric Marsh Sr., director of the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting, dig into the state of Philly schools and what's driving teachers out of the district. They also play a round of Real Estate Roulette to guess how much landlords are charging for rent. And they make their pitch on where the Philly Portal should move. Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly If you enjoyed today's interview with Elizabeth Class-Maldonado, associate vice president and Pennsylvania state director for Trust for Public. Land learn more here. Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Grandma says tap water is good for you, but a filter does make sink water taste better. When you turn on the shower or order tap at a restaurant, Philly's drinking water shapes your everyday life and health. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Christine Kirchhoff – associate professor of civil and environmental engineering, and law, policy, and engineering – at Penn State, about whether you should drink water straight out of the tap.  Read Christine's story in The Conversation here.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise 

How often are you out in nature in Philly? It's not always easy to know which natural resources are clean and safe to use in an urban setting, and city rivers get a particularly bad rap. It's true that cities have had eras of sewage mishandling and high boat traffic — but many have also cleaned up their act, through the tireless work of local advocates and politicians. Portland, OR, is one of those cities, and City Cast Portland host Claudia Meza joins this episode of Your City Could Be Better to debunk the assumptions and fears about her city's river, the Willamette. Learn all about how a journalist-turned-governor led the charge to clean up Portland's waterfront, and how a quirky organizer — and lots of enthusiastic swimmers — have carried the torch. Mentioned on the show: Portland's riverfront park, named after former Governor Tom McCall Swiss residents using river to swim home from work RFK Jr. swimming (in jeans) in Rock Creek in Washington, D.C. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

The Parker administration has seen more than half of its highest-level appointees leave their posts, according to a Philadelphia Inquirer analysis. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz discuss why there is a revolving door of people leaving City Hall, Gov, Josh Shapiro's pivot on data center development in Pennsylvania, and how much Philly parents are spending on back-to-school supplies. Also, what happens to the Indigo bike seats after this weekend's Philly Naked Bike Ride? Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Mayor Parker has seen higher turnover among her top appointees than her recent predecessors Philly kids have plenty of sway over back-to-school spending  In a major shift, Gov. Josh Shapiro restricts data center development in Pennsylvania  Gov. Josh Shapiro signs executive order placing guardrails on Pa. data centers Pennsylvania's new data-center rules aren't all bad for power companies Data center developers are pushing Pa. government officials to sign secrecy agreements. At least some are saying yes.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here.  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Fitler Club

When's the last time a Philadelphian showed you a random act of kindness? We're asking because the Philly Money Hunt Instagram account depicts someone hiding what appears to be  wads of cash in random places around the city and films those who find the money and those who are too late. Host Trenae Nuri, creative producer Abby Fritz and host of the Streets Dept. Podcast, Conrad Benner, talk about other ways strangers have been kind in the city. Plus, they chat about how the police department is planning to use artificial intelligence for 911 calls and whether our city murals should be preserved as historic landmarks.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Fitler Club

Earlier this month Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said he wants Congress to put into effect a ban on hemp-derived products. Those products — like CBD gummies and THC drinks — are at your local corner stores and smoke shops. And that got us thinking about another intoxicating product that's available over the counter: magic mushrooms. Earlier this year, The Inquirer did an investigation looking into what's actually in those products. On today's show we're listening back to a conversation we had with investigative reporters for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Max Marin and Ryan Briggs, about why these products are on the shelves.  Read Max and Ryan's full report for the Inquirer here. Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Fitler Club

The view down South Broad Street from Washington Avenue to City Hall is iconic. But an op-ed in The Philadelphia Inquirer criticizing the new planters smack in the middle of the street raises a host of questions about our beautiful thoroughfare. Host Trenae Nuri, executive producer Matt Katz, and Fae Ehsan, a nonprofit professional and board member at 5th Square Advocacy, discuss the view down Broad. They also talk about how QR codes are everywhere these days after being discovered by city agencies – and they guess the prices of Philly home listings.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Fitler Club

Today's episode asks an age-old question here in the city that continues to get debated on social media. Given the discourse about what really makes you from Philly, host Trenae Nuri, executive producer Matt Katz, creative producer Siani Colón, and audience development manager Spencer Morris talk through the criteria of who can say they're ”from Philly” – you don't just qualify by wearing an Eagles jersey.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Fitler Club

What will Philly do when it runs out of space for trash? Madison, WI, has a plan, and it's one that other cities could follow. What could've just been another county landfill, slated to open in 2027, will instead be a “sustainability campus”, where local businesses will unite to more intentionally sort incoming waste, increase recycling intake, and generally aim to slow the flow of trash. And Dane County has historically handled waste disposal in a savvy way, making big bucks off of trash collection that they then use to fund future projects like this forthcoming campus. City Cast Madison host Bianca Martin breaks this all down for David, and together they uncover the quirks — and opportunities — that come with talking trash.  Mentioned on the show: Conversion of Dane County landfills into pollinator fields Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

It's the Friday News Roundup, and we're talking about questions over the city's hiring of ESM Productions to put on the July 4th concert this summer. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz discuss this story and the mysterious and grisly case unfolding at an Olney home. We also read more of your comments about e-bikes, e-scooters and e-motorcycles on our streets and sidewalks. Plus, only for our City Cast Philly Neighbors, free things to do in the city this weekend – including a way to win prizes.    Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here.  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Why does Philly still have an abandoned car problem? Host Trenae Nuri poses this question to executive producer Matt Katz and Nic Esposito, who once served as the city's zero waste and litter director. They also talk about how e-bikes and e-scooters have taken over city streets and proposed legislation to tackle these vehicles in Philadelphia and in Pennsylvania. Plus, there are more Lebron James sightings, well sort of, around town.  Do you have some feelings about e-bikes and e-scooters? Text us or leave a voicemail: 215-259-8170 Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise 

Data centers are making the news across the country, facing protests, complaints about energy usage, and worries about the effect on local water sources. Philadelphia is no exception. Large data centers – some as large as the King-Of-Prussia mall are being proposed along the Schuylkill River.  On today's show, Host Trenae Nuri spoke with environmental reporter Abby Weiss, from Chestnut Hill Local, to talk about what data centers are, how to cover them, and what they might mean for Philadelphians. Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Independence Day is officially behind us, but Philly is continuing to explore 250 years of American democracy with a new walking tour. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Parking Authority is pulling in a ton of revenue – and moving traffic along – with new “smart” loading zones in Center City. Host Trenae Nuri, creative producer Siani Colón, and Streets Dept podcast creator Conrad Benner tell you how they really feel about that – plus, they talk about what performances to look forward to at Philly's theaters this fall.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Visit Delco PA

Philly's newest booming neighborhood has tons of jobs, amenity-filled luxury apartment buildings, plenty of green space – and no PPA restricting your parking. Is that what people want? Host Trenae Nuri finds out what's happening down in deep South Philly at the Navy Yard with David Murrell, writer-at-large at Philadelphia Magazine, who has an inside look at the new community in the August 2026 issue.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

As much as you love Philly, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y'all certainly have complaints, questions, and quandaries. On today's very first call-in episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz is joined by Bridget Todd, host of City Cast DC, and Jane C. Hu, host of City Cast Seattle, to respond to your dilemmas, from when it's acceptable to intervene on a bike path to what to do about that neighbor who really lets it all hang out. Have more city dilemmas? Send them in for our next call-in show. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Immigration advocates say Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity has increased at the Philadelphia International Airport. Meanwhile, package theft continues to hit the city – specifically these neighborhoods. Host Trenae Nuri, creative producer Siani Colón, and  DJ/artist/filmmaker Kamal Marell talk about these stories and which films and workshops they're planning to see at the 15th annual BlackStar Film Festival.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

SEPTA gets us around the city, to the airport, to the stadiums, and to the surrounding suburbs. And later this month, the transit agency is overhauling its network of buses. Host Trenae Nuri and creative producer Siani Colón chat about all the changes you need to know, perks you can get with your SEPTA Key Card, and tips to make you a pro at riding public transit.   Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Visit Delco PA

The nationwide cyclospora outbreak has found its way to Philly. We've got what you need to know to stay safe. Meanwhile a public hearing is scheduled for Wednesday over allegations of aggressive policing in the Gayborhood during this year's Pride celebrations. Host Trenae Nuri, creative producer Siani Colón, and Jacen Bowman, president of Philly's Black Pride, also talk about the new speed cameras in the city and if speed bumps are slowing drivers down.   Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Visit Delco PA

What do you do when you want your voice heard on great ideas you have to support your neighborhood? Let's say you want to organize a block party, or have a seat at the table for zoning decisions about that vacant lot in your neighborhood. In this episode, we're listening back to host Trenae Nuri talk with Violet Comber-Wilen, a reporter at Billy Penn, about getting involved in your neighborhood and learning about the inner workings of very local civic engagement. Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Visit Delco PA

Do you know how zoning laws affect Philly's housing costs? New Haven, CT, has been governed for years by restrictive zoning that made it physically impossible to build tall buildings downtown, even for housing — that is, until the local government finally aligned to overturn it. City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with Eli Sabin, a New Haven native and one of the alders (aka city council members) responsible for passing this change in recent months. Eli spent years working toward this goal, and he talks with David about what now needs to happen to fully realize its potential and increase affordability for locals. Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

For the fourth year in a row, Philadelphia has been crowned the nation's most walkable city. Yet for most locals, walking to work or even the grocery store isn't realistic. So why does Philly keep earning the top spot? Host Trenae Nuri joins senior producer Abby Fritz and newsletter editor Siani Colón to break down what "walkability" really means, where Philly gets it right, and what still needs to change.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Visit Delco PA

While some Philadelphians are still down the shore this summer, there's plenty of fun events happening in the city in August. We recommend attending the 15th annual Black Star Film Fest, Ennoble Care Philly Open, and The Philadelphia Cycling Classic. In this episode, you'll also hear about a pierogi fest in Port Richmond, bug walk along the Parkway, and an “ecstatic dance party” in Germantown. And if you need more recommendations, check out our picks for the city's best vinyl listening rooms, local hardware stores for your summer DIY projects, and rooftop bars.    For even more tips on how to make the most of August in Philly, check out our newsletter, which has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. City Cast Philly made possible by our awesome sponsors, like VisitDelco.com.   We're powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show and other perks. Find out more here.  Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Missed trash pick-up, abandoned car, fallen tree, and a pothole — what do these all have in common? You call 311 if you want the city to help you with these concerns. But depending on which neighborhoods you live in, you could be waiting longer than other neighborhoods to get a pothole filled or an abandoned car towed. Why is that? Host Trenae Nuri talks with Nick Jain, a Fairmount resident who analyzed over a million 311 data points, to try and answer this question.   Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. If you enjoyed this interview with Bob Jaeger, President of Partners for Sacred Spaces learn more here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Ever since LeBron James announced he's going to wear the red, white, and blue Philadelphia 76ers uniform, the Philly and regional impact has been huge. And if the buzz wasn't enough, some pages on social media are creating AI generated content about James and his new teammates on the Sixers. So, how can you spot a fake? Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Siani Colón, our newsletter editor, Santiago Ortiz, founder of No Shorts Media, to talk about all things LeBron – and also an idea to help taxi cabs survive in Philly.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Summer 2026 has been a historic summer for the city. Reports show 1.4 million people poured into Philly this summer to attend FIFA World Cup matches, the free Lemon Hill Fan Fest, America's 250th anniversary on July 4 weekend, and the MLB All-Star Weekend. Visitors also traveled on SEPTA, drank at bars, and ran up the art museum steps. So how did Philadelphia do with these major events? And were the city's investments worth it? Host Trenae Nuri sat down with Mayor Cherelle Parker in City Hall to debrief the busy summer season, some criticisms, and the other policy issues she's focused on this year.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

It's not a given that every Philadelphian will chip in to help their community. In this episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with writer Taylor Lahey about how functional incentives could be the missing link in traditional systems of donations and volunteering. Inspired by a waste exchange program in Curitiba, Brazil, Lahey is working to create circular systems that effectively incentivize donations and just as effectively get them into the hands of those who need them. When investment and morale are low, sometimes an unconventional approach is the right way to go. Want to hear your question on an upcoming episode of Your City Could Be Better? Submit your city dilemmas for our upcoming call-in show by using our Google Form: https://forms.gle/45X33jhGHf8BYDM5A  Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Philly needs help voting and dating! So host Trenae Nuri and senior producer Abby Fritz are discussing the city's summer voter outreach series and how our voting numbers stack up against local elections across the country. Plus, they dive into the creative ways people are trying to meet eligible singles in the area. They also talk through the latest on the ongoing investigation into potential crimes at a home in Olney. City Cast Philly Neighbors will also get to enjoy recommendations for the best tequila cocktails in celebration of National Tequila Day today! 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.   Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Philadelphia launches summer voter outreach series to boost registration and election awareness Between the Ballots Summer Voter Engagement Series Philly's Big Push To Increase Voter Participation Increasing Voter Turnout in Local Elections   Voter turnout, 2018-2022 Philly police excavating pipe at Olney home linked to missing woman What we know about the Olney investigation into missing women At this Philly speed-dating event, laughter comes first Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here.  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Fitler Club

May through September is peak moving season in Philly. So, before you lug boxes and furniture into a moving truck, look over contracts and compare your options. Make sure you know how to spot red flags in potential landlords and rental units, because you don't want to get stuck in a bad lease. That's why we're listening back to a conversation our host, Trenae Nuri, had with Catherine Anderson, an attorney who represents tenants at Philadelphia Legal Assistance. We're going to learn all about your rights as a Philly renter.  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. Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Fitler Club

Summer recess and a wrapped-up state budget don't mean Pennsylvania legislators get to relax. This is when these lawmakers can focus on issues in their district. Host Trenae Nuri talks with State Representative Andre Carroll, who represents District 201 covering parts of Germantown, Logan, and West Oak Lane neighborhoods, about new bills he's gotten to the governor's desk, midterm elections, and his focus on prison reform.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Philadelphia Union Fitler Club 

The numbers are starting to roll in, and whether or not Philly cashed in on the summer festivities is a mixed bag. But Host Trenae Nuri, senior producer Abby Fritz, and Eric Marsh, director of The Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting, agree that the energy was electric. They also discuss the ongoing litigation that could shape how drivers, bicyclists, and pedestrians share the road. Also, if you have some ideas for Market East, city planners are all ears at a new storefront pop-up.  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. Our Tuesday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Philadelphia's FIFA Fan Festival tops 500,000 visitors, generates estimated $770M impact The Eagles and Phillies boost business more than the World Cup did, Philly bar owners say Win, lose or draw: A breakdown of Philly's experience as a World Cup host CHOP doctor honored at Rittenhouse memorial 2 years after she was fatally struck by a drunk driver  Philly court declines to let city resume work on Pine and Spruce Bike Lanes New Market East engagement center is one more step toward corridor redevelopment Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Philadelphia Union Fitler Club 

We've got an exclusive! Coming soon to Philadelphia is a new museum all about the people living in this great city. The Museum of the Philadelphian is opening in Fishtown this fall. Host Trenae Nuri sits down with Brain Adoff, the curator behind this project (who also created Join Philly), to talk about why Philly needs this space. Plus, they talk about the sorts of artifacts that are going to be displayed and what's not included. Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Philadelphia Union Fitler Club

Sometimes it can feel like the Philly government is two (or more) steps behind the needs of its neighborhoods. Enter the residents of Chattanooga, Tennessee. What Chattanoogans don't have, they make up for in advocacy, whether by showing up to city council and organizing for change or just doing things themselves. City Cast CEO David Plotz sits down with creator and city lover Hope Henchey about how she and her neighbors are sneakily and secretly fixing up their city. You've heard of the Nashville bench builders — now get ready for the Chattanooga pothole fillers, sidewalk layers, and (literal) trail blazers. Mentioned on the show: Atlas Obscura feature on the community-built benches in Chattanooga Efforts by Strong Chattanooga to make a path through the woods in a sidewalk-less neighborhood Review of Hoboken's streak of zero traffic fatalities  Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

It's hot, hazy, and hard to breathe outside, so check Breathe Philly for the latest air quality conditions in your neighborhood. Also, the Trump administration altered the exhibits at the President's House in the dead of night, and there's a guy in South Philly who's organizing a parallel parking competition. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz talk about these stories, and for our City Cast Philly Neighbors, we've got ways you can save on your utility bills.   Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Code Red Air Quality Action Day issued in Philadelphia region due to wildfire smoke | What to know Breathe Philly Dashboard Philadelphia plans to renew controversial contract with Reworld trash incinerators The Battle Over Burning Our Trash in Chester Panels replaced at slavery exhibit at President's House in Philly Slavery exhibits at the President's House have been swapped for the Trump administration's version Trump administration replaces Philly President's House slavery exhibit ‘under the cover of darkness' after monthslong legal battle Are You Philly's Best Parallel Parker? Now's Your Chance to Prove It Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here.  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Brooklyn Bowl Philly Philadelphia Union

A Mexican food renaissance is happening in Philly. Chefs at restaurants like Amá, Condesa, and Sor Ynez are telling stories of culture through food by reimagining traditional dishes and curating unique restaurant experiences. Host Trenae Nuri sits down with food contributor Alisha Miranda to discuss why Philly has such a vibrant Mexican food scene. Then, they go on a tour around town to Miranda's favorite spots for Mexican food.  Read Alisha's full story for Condé Nast Traveler here.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Brooklyn Bowl Philly Philadelphia Union

After nearly two weeks of negotiations, Pennsylvania lawmakers passed a state budget. A $50.8 billion deal – sending more money to school districts and rape crisis centers. And while this spending plan came in 12 days after the constitutional deadline, the process wasn't as chaotic and dramatic as last year's record 135-day impasse. Host Trenae Nuri and Stephen Caruso, capitol reporter for Spotlight PA, also chat about other major (and majorly controversial) policy issues that lawmakers are still sparring over in Pennsylvania. By the way: 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. Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Brooklyn Bowl Philly Philadelphia Union 

The National Weather Service confirmed four microbursts hit the area on Saturday, causing downed trees, building damage, and flooding. So, what's a microburst? Plus, new numbers show us whether we had a surge in visitors over July 4th. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Jay Vereen, content creator, and executive producer Matt Katz to talk about those stories and why tonight's MLB All-Star Game is a big deal.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Brooklyn Bowl Philly Philadelphia Union

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. Senior Producer Abby Fritz sits down with former City Cast Philly roving producer Selena Seay-Reynolds to talk about 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.   Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Brooklyn Bowl Philly Philadelphia Union

There's lots to love about Philly, but being able to get in and out of it easily and cheaply can be an underrated metric of its livability. Accommodating, accessible, and affordable local airports are a specific resource that many cities need. To find out which cities are leading the charge and the kinds of amenities that elevate an airport to gold status, City Cast CEO David Plotz chats with Scott Keyes, founder and Chief Flight Expert of Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) about everything he's seen in his work and travels. How does your airport stack up? Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We're also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

Philly takes center stage as Freedom Fuel, the cheap gas stations promoted by President Trump, opened in the city this week. Executive producer Matt Katz and senior producer Abby Fritz also cover how convicted child trafficker Jeffrey Epstein tried to recruit women from the University of Pennsylvania. And they give context on the arson attack on a mosque in the Northeast. City Cast Philly Neighbors get a members-only segment on the hidden gardens of Philly and an upcoming Neighbors event at the historic Wyck Historic House and Garden. Want to join the City Cast Philly team at Wyck? Become a Neighbor and keep an eye out in your inbox for an invitation to sign up for the event.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Northeast Philly mosque damaged in arson attack, authorities say Delco man arrested after alleged antisemitic threats on Gov. Josh Shapiro Inside Jeffrey Epstein's attempts to recruit women from Penn Documents show how Jeffrey Epstein tried to court renowned Penn Psychology professor Martin Seligman Who was Jeffrey Epstein? The disgraced financier with powerful associates Trump-promoted Freedom Fuel gas stations are opening around Philly. Here's what we know. ‘Freedom Fuel': White House promotes network selling cheaper gas in Pa.  Delaware County man arrested for allegedly threatening Governor Josh Shapiro The White House's X Feed Freedom Fuel Announcement How young players are getting an All-Star spotlight in Philly The Southeast Asian Market at FDR Park: Philly's Best-Kept Family Food Secret Wyck Historic House and Rose Garden Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here.  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

It's no secret that SEPTA is in need of stable, long-term funding. But the divided state legislature hasn't been too keen on allocating money to the public transit agency, and fares alone just aren't cutting it. So the agency's new creative way to boost its funds is to add mixed-use development to some of its vacant land holdings near transit stops. Senior producer Abby Fritz talks with Molly McVety, staff writer at PhillyVoice, about the money SEPTA stands to make off this venture.  Read Molly's full story for PhillyVoice here. Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Lauren Rinaldi's ascension to the No. 3 position in the city Democratic committee was seen as something of an olive branch to progressives after State Rep. Chris Rabb, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, beat establishment-backed candidates to win the party nomination for Congress. Rinaldi is a professional artist, progressive Democratic ward leader in Fishtown, and member of DSA. Can the Democratic party in Philly unify under both Democratic Committee Chairman Bob Brady and Rinaldi, the party's new second vice-chair?  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  If you enjoyed this interview with Giavana Pruiti, Director of Promotions and Activations for Center City District and Skylar Carey, Marketing Specialist with Arah Agency, learn more here.

Did the Fourth of July semiquincentennial celebrations fall flat, given the too-hot and then too-wet weather, a cancelled parade, and pricey middle-of-the-night fireworks? At least many Ben Franklins provided a much-needed silver lining. Executive producer Matt Katz, senior producer Abby Fritz, and food contributor Alisha Miranda recap the wild July Fourth weekend, give updates on the PECO union worker strike, and drop some pro tips for dining out in Philly this summer.  This episode was recorded on Monday, July 6, before PECO and IBEW Local 614 reached a tentative deal to end the strike. Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise