City Cast Philly

Mayor Cherelle Parker made it clear: “not one city dollar” under her administration will fund syringe exchange programs — a big pivot from previous mayors. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Courtenay Harris Bond, a health reporter for PhillyVoice, about the history of these programs in Philly and why some public health experts warn that losing them could cause a surge in new HIV cases. Read Courtenay’s...

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Philly community. We’re SO over last month's rainy weather. It’s time for some sun and outdoor fun in Philly! In today's episode, you’ll hear our best tips for enjoying May in the city, from the hottest food festivals to four free events you won’t find elsewhere. And, if you lo...

We’re back with a fresh midweek news roundup. We’re catching you up on the pro-Palestinian campus protests cropping up in our area and Philly’s latest efforts to reduce carbon emissions from SEPTA buses and government buildings. Plus, we’ve got a news quiz to test your Philly knowledge. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by City Cast executive producer Laura Benshoff and Hey Philly newsletter editor Asha...

Mother’s Day is coming up, and whether it's the mothers in your life who need to be pampered or just you, Philly has a ton of wellness experiences to choose from. To help you pick the best one for your budget, we’re revisiting a conversation between host Trenae Nuri and Imani Harris, a lifestyle content creator on TikTok and Instagram, about the best affordable spas, 6D massage chairs, and hot yog...

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Today’s topics include how the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office used an off-budget checking account to buy ammunition, stun guns, and a $9,000 mascot costume, and how Sixers fans are feeling about officiating errors during playoff games against the Knicks. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by William Bender, investigative reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and O.J. Spivey,...

Hot chicken might be synonymous with Nashville, but it’s taking over Philly. This style of fried chicken has a signature “dry” spice paste on the outside that packs a punch. In this poultry showdown, host Trenae Nuri and City Cast Philly food contributor Dave Wez chow down on food from one local hot chicken spot, and discuss their other favorite places to get this Nashville-style specialty. Hot ch...

Psst... check out major results from yesterday's primary election in today's edition of the Hey Philly newsletter. Want to dine outdoors in the nice spring weather? You might’ve noticed that many of the city’s pandemic-era outdoor dining structures, or “streeteries,” have disappeared. City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri speaks with Ali Mohsen, food and drink reporter at Billy Penn, about why...

We’re back with a midweek news roundup. Today’s topics include University City District’s proposal to put a bi-level water park along the Schuylkill River, and why a city council committee grilled Mayor Cherelle Parker’s school board nominees last week. Plus, we’ve got a three-questions news quiz to test your knowledge of more local headlines. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Abby Fritz, City Cast Ph...

It’s Earth Day – a holiday to celebrate the natural world and bring attention to environmental issues. One way to observe is by greening your space, so the City Cast Philly team has pulled together tons of resources to get you started. We run down the best local plant sales, where to get deals on indoor and outdoor plants, and resources for getting started if you’re a new gardener. Host Trenae Nur...

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Today’s topics include: why there's an arrest warrant out for state Rep. Kevin Boyle, whether Philly will get its own WNBA team in the near future, and a new crackdown on ‘crazy driving’ on North Broad. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Gillian McGoldrick, reporter covering Pennsylvania state government for The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Isaac Avilucea, reporter at Axios...

The days are getting longer and the flowers are blooming, so let’s go outside! There are tons of ways to enjoy the spring season in Philly’s massive Fairmount parks system, from free movie nights and yoga, to concerts and guided hikes. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Amanda Daws Cohen, program manager at the Fairmount Park Conservancy, about these and other ways to enjoy our local parks. Check out th...

It's primary election season, which means partisan information is everywhere. So, how do you know if the news you're consuming is accurate and objective? Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Andrea Wenzel, author and associate professor at Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication, about the ways you can spot the difference between real news and a kind of AI-generated content known as “...

Late last week, Mayor Cherelle Parker celebrated her first 100 days in office. She also released a sweeping public safety plan, the 100 Day Report, which calls for hiring more officers, reducing both shootings and nuisance crimes, and revitalizing Kensington by “[removing] the presence of drug users,” among other initiatives. In a special midweek roundup, host Trenae Nuri unpacks the mayor's new p...

The Pennsylvania primary is next week. While the presidential nominees are basically locked in already, there are some critical statewide and local races on the ballot. We’ve got a quick and comprehensive guide to help you sort through the crowded field of Attorney General candidates and understand the stakes for key statehouse primaries. Host Trenae Nuri breaks this all down with Katie Meyer, gov...

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Today’s topics include a recent strike by concession workers at the Wells Fargo Center and a new synthetic opioid—stronger than fentanyl—that's showing up in Philly’s drug supply. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Lizzy McLellan Ravitch, workplace reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Aubrey Whelan, health reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer. Our Friday News Roundu...

In and around Philly, Pennsylvania has some spectacular nature walks and hikes. Whether you’re a birder, a waterfall lover, or just want to get some steps in outside, there’s a trail or a park for you. Producer Abby Fritz speaks with Jim Cheney, the writer and photographer behind the travel website UncoveringPA.com, about the best day hikes in our area, just in time to make your spring trail wishl...

Philly public schools are down to just four certified, full-time working librarians, serving a student body of more than 116,000 kids. The problem is so well-known that even Abbott Elementary, the TV sitcom about a fictional Philly public school, did an episode about the librarian shortage. City Cast executive producer Laura Benshoff talks with Mike D’Onofrio, reporter at Axios Philadelphia, about...

We’re back with another midweek news roundup! Tune in to hear the team discuss the science behind last week’s earthquake, the cancellation of the Made In America Festival, and some Philly music festivals happening this year that you can still attend. Plus, play along with our three-question news quiz! Host Trenae Nuri is joined by executive producer Laura Benshoff and Hey Philly newsletter editor...

Whether it’s your favorite weekend recovery meal or your Mother’s Day go-to, brunch has mass appeal. In Philly, restaurants with this breakfast-and-lunch combo feature everything from build-your-own-donut stations to mimosa towers. We’re revisiting a conversation from January when host Trenae Nuri broke down the hottest brunch spots with City Cast Philly food contributor Dave Wez, to help you deci...

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Today's topics include the nine nominees for the Philadelphia Board of Education, and which neighborhood is getting a new public restroom pod, known as a Philly Phlush. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Dale Mezzacappa, senior reporter at Chalkbeat Philadelphia, and Mike D’Onofrio, reporter for Axios Philadelphia. They also discuss plans to see Monday’s solar eclipse.  Ou...

At the beginning of each month, Philly’s art scene gets some extra love with a citywide celebration called First Friday. Art lovers and deal seekers alike can enjoy extended hours and/or pay-what-you-wish admission at some art museums, and free wine and snacks at local galleries. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Chelsey Luster, a Philadelphia-based curator, educator, and visual artist, about how to ma...

A disclaimer: this episode contains descriptions of violence and mentions sexual assault. In gas stations, bars and shops in the city, it’s not uncommon to see private security guards, some openly carrying large firearms. But a recent investigation by The Philadelphia Inquirer found that Pennsylvania has some of the most archaic laws in the country governing the private security industry. Guards m...

We’re back with another midweek news roundup. Today’s topics include a new lawsuit attempting to stop the $250+ million renovations at FDR Park and SEPTA’s latest campaign to get people to stop smoking on the train. Plus, we’ve got a news quiz for you, featuring even more recent headlines! Executive producer Laura Benshoff is filling in for host Trenae Nuri and recaps these news stories and more w...

We’ve got your guide for the best things to do in Philly this month, no foolin’. Tune in to learn about upcoming street festivals, new restaurants to try, and free events from salsa classes to board game rentals. Host Trenae Nuri, executive producer Laura Benshoff, producer Abby Fritz, and Hey Philly newsletter editor Asha Prihar each share their recommendations for things to do, and then vote for...

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Topics this week include a NE Philly state house primary that pits two politically-connected families against each other and a new program to help public school students manage trauma. Executive Producer Laura Benshoff is joined by Gillian McGoldrick, Harrisburg reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Dale Mezzacappa, senior reporter at Chalkbeat Philadelphia.  Our...