City Cast Philly

After a year of big wins for Philly’s food and drink scene — think four James Beard Awards — 2024 promises more than 75 new restaurant openings. Favorites like Jim’s South Street will be returning, and rising stars such as Baby’s Kusina + Market will make their debut. Today host Trenae Nuri talks with Maddy Sweitzer-Lammé, creator of Tiny Table Tours, about what’s on the menu in Philly this year. ...

After what some consider a successful pilot program on Roosevelt Boulevard, city government wants to bring more speed cameras to Philly. A new law looks to address concerns about dangerous driving on roads like Lincoln and Kelly Drive. Today, host Trenae Nuri talks with Aaron Moselle, reporter at WHYY’s PlanPhilly, about how Philadelphians feel about speed cameras and if this law could help make d...

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Today, we cover how Pennsylvania’s minimum wage compares to surrounding states, why both an increase in COVID and measles has brought back mask mandates, and the aftermath of the recent storm. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Lizzy McLellan Ravitch, workforce reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Aubrey Whelan, health reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer.  Our Friday...

Brunch has it all! It’s breakfast and lunch combined — and there’s usually a mimosa or bloody mary involved. To help pick from the many brunch spots in the city, host Trenae Nuri chats with City Cast Philly food contributor, Dave Wez, about restaurants that offer anything from mimosa towers to build-your-own-donut stations. Here are the brunch spots mentioned in this episode:  Suraya White dog caf...

Hundreds of apartments are being built on Front Street in the Fishtown and Kensington neighborhoods. This housing boom is all happening near the noisy Market-Frankford train line, which has experienced a sharp decline in riders since the pandemic. Host Trenae Nuri chats with Jake Blumgart, real estate reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, about what’s attracting developers to these neighborhoods...

Need to clean out your house to make room for some holiday presents? Or just want to get a fresh start — with less stuff — this new year? We've got your guide to responsibly getting rid of unwanted items from furniture to electronics to clothes. Last spring, host Trenae Nuri spoke with the director of policy & engagement at Circular Philadelphia, Nic Esposito, about where to take your stuff so tha...

Welcome to the Philly side of TikTok. This social media platform may be internationally popular, but Philly content creators are some of its best. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Beatrice Forman, general assignment reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, to highlight the funniest local food reviewers, realest Jersey mom-fluencers, and thickest Delco accents you can find on the app. Read Beatrice’s fu...

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Today’s topics include: Mayor Cherelle Parker’s 100-day Action Plan and first executive orders, how T.M. Peirce Elementary School got a multimillion dollar makeover, and the scuffle over a Trump flag at the annual Mummers Parade. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Anna Orso, City Hall reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Dale Mezzacappa, senior writer for Chalkbeat P...

In the winter, living outside can be deadly. But there are many ways to help unhoused neighbors this season. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Sophia Schmidt, an environmental justice reporter for WHYY, about what donations local organizations need most right now, how to volunteer your time, and other ways you can make a difference. Read Sophia’s full story here.  Organizations and resources mentioned...

During the pandemic, a lot of people in Philly took steps to start carrying a gun. In 2021, the city issued more than 52,000 license-to-carry permits. That was seven times the number issued in 2020, according to an analysis by The Philadelphia Inquirer. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Inquirer reporters Massarah Mikati and Nate File about what some of these new — and often reluctant — gun owners say m...

We’re kicking off 2024 with a guide to some of the coolest places to go and things to do in Philly this January. From chowing down at Center City District’s Restaurant Week, to visiting local greenhouses, to scoping out cool rides at the Philadelphia Auto Show, the City Cast Philly team shares our recommendations for making the most of this month. Events and attractions mentioned in this episode:...

When it gets cold outside, sometimes you just want to get cozy and watch a movie. So we put together a list of films that feature our fair city. Earlier this year, City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri talked about movies set in or about Philadelphia with Andrew Greenblatt, the CEO and executive director of the Philadelphia Film Society. Check out what's screening at the Philadelphia Film Society at f...

Everyone wants to stretch their dollars during the holidays. Luckily, we’ve got your insider’s guide on where to stock up and how to save money in Philly. From why you should avoid grocery shopping on Sunday, to items that are weirdly cheaper at Whole Foods, host Trenae Nuri, executive producer Laura Benshoff, and producer Abby Fritz break down your options in the city, as well as their best groce...

The holidays are a time to reflect. What better way to celebrate than with a Philly-born, award-winning poet who hosts a podcast dedicated to poetry? Back in April, host Trenae Nuri chatted with Major Jackson, host of The Slowdown podcast, about the reasons we all need poetry.   Find the poem Major read, titled “Duck Girl,” here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our mornin...

Some of the top craft brewers in the country are right here in Pennsylvania. If you’re looking for a local brew to sip on New Years or bring to a holiday potluck, we’ve got some options for you. Earlier this year, host Trenae Nuri and City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris talked about their city's local beer scene and rated some brews made in the commonwealth.  Want some more Philly news? Then ma...

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Topics include Mayor-elect Cherelle Parker’s picks to lead her administration, what new laws City Council passed before the winter break, and changes to Pennsylvania’s legal code you should know about for 2024. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Stephen Caruso, Pennsylvania Capitol reporter at Spotlight PA, and Sean Collins Walsh, City Hall reporter at The Philadelphia Inq...

Have some free time this holiday season? Why not take a day trip to our nation’s capital! Earlier this year, host Trenae Nuri talked with City Cast DC host Bridget Todd about the most iconic spots to grab a bite, which tourist traps to avoid, and how folks from Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. relate to each other. Want more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Ph...

It’s been just over a month since Philly moved the outdoor bus station for companies like Greyhound and FlixBus from Market Street to Northern Liberties. While some argue it's a more logical location, area businesses and passengers are not loving it. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Meir Rinde, investigative reporter at Billy Penn, about what travelers and nearby businesses are saying and whether the...

This is the “Great Philly Bagel Debate.” Explore the world of Philly bagels with host Trenae Nuri and City Cast Philly food contributor, Dave Wez, as they compare the different styles of dough, schmears, and toppings you can try at the best local bagel shops. The spots mentioned in this episode are: Bart's Bagels Essen Bakery The Kettle Black K'Far Cafe Kismet Bagels Knead Bagels  New York Bagel B...

It’s been quite a year, hasn’t it? City Cast Philly takes a look back at the most chaotic news events, influential Philadelphians, and biggest city improvements of 2023. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Afea Tucker, Philadelphia community engagement reporter for The Trace, a nonprofit focusing on gun violence reporting, and Conrad Benner, founder of Streets Dept – a local art blog, and host of WHYY’s...

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Today’s episode covers why SEPTA transit officers went on strike, turnover at the highest levels of the University of Pennsylvania, and why PREIT, owner of several area malls, filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Ryan Mulligan, higher education reporter at the Philadelphia Business Journal, Paul Schwedelson, real estate reporter at the Philad...

Stumped on what to get for those last few people on your list? We got you. This episode is your last-minute guide to some of the best Philly-based experiential gifts. From cheese-tastings to circus classes, these presents let you share a new experience, support a new hobby, or make memories with your loved ones. Host Trenae Nuri chats with City Cast Philly producer Abby Fritz and Maddy Sweitzer-La...

Probably no one has ever confused Philly with Paris. But this year, Philadelphia was deemed the "Frenchest" city in America, according to Michelin's Green Guide. Back in June, host Trenae Nuri broke down why Philly received this honor with Stephanie Farr, columnist at The Philadelphia Inquirer, who explored what makes our city, in her words, "French-y," and why some don't agree with that label.  R...

Can you identify some of Philly’s biggest landmarks, based on their haters? City Cast Philly executive producer Laura Benshoff compiled one-star reviews of iconic spots in the city and put host Trenae Nuri and producer Abby Fritz to the test. Listen and play along with us! Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagr...

$9.1 million dollars. That’s how much money the City of Philadelphia recently agreed to pay Walter Ogrod after he wrongfully spent 28 years behind bars. And he's not alone. More than 40 convictions built on bad evidence have been overturned in recent years, according to the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office. And that could mean a lot more payouts. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Joseph M. Marro...