City Cast Philly

Baltimore Avenue has beloved coffee shops, bars, restaurants, and bookstores, like Little Bean, a new addition to the corridor. But things are changing; some shops lie vacant, and adored, long-time businesses are closing. So we're listening back to a conversation with host Trenae Nuri and freelance writer (and events newsletter writer) Jen Kinney, who points out that storefronts are staying empty...

The Pennsylvania House of Representatives has passed a slew of bills that would reshape some aspects of life in the state. Lawmakers voted to raise Pennsylvania’s minimum wage – currently stagnating at $7.25 an hour – to $15 an hour over the next few years. They advanced a bill that would require controversial data centers to submit to additional oversight from the state. They approved legislation...

Philadelphia boasts dozens of clubs, civic organizations, and communities that can help denizens get connected and stay engaged. But finding those groups, especially as a busy adult, can be a real challenge. That’s why Brian Adoff started Join Philly, an organization that helps people join groups that matter to them – everything from volunteering at the Free Library to connecting with fellow succu...

As the weather warms up, it’s time to ditch winter clothes for shorts and skirts. But how can you build the perfect summer wardrobe without breaking the bank, and find places to donate things you no longer need? Host Trenae Nuri, senior producer Abby Fritz, and newsletter editor Siani Colón have you covered. We’ll let you in on all our favorite thrift stores in Philly, from warehouse-sized outlets...

While Philly will be getting a WNBA team in 2030 and Denver will not, Denver is the second city in the U.S. to build a stadium specifically for women’s soccer. Will betting on women’s sports drive Denver’s economy or will Denverites be left paying the price for another stadium? City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Denver podcast host Bree Davies about why Denver has invested so much into...

It’s the Friday news roundup! PECO says it wants to raise prices again – here’s how it could affect your bill, and where the money would go. Northeast Philly just saw its second small plane crash in as many years – here’s what happened. What’s behind the semiquincentennial-branded benches and planters popping up around the city. And, pour one out for Philly’s lacrosse team, the Wings, who announce...

This fall, Philadelphia voters will send a new lawmaker to D.C. to represent Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District. For the first time in decades, there’s a tight primary. Three major candidates are dominating this phase of the race: public health expert Dr. Ala Stanford, three-term State Senator Sharif Street, and progressive State Rep. Chris Rabb. Host Trenae Nuri talks with our political co...

Spring is now in full bloom, and so is the city. There are so many events, places to eat, and free things to do in Philly this April. Make sure to join us at the Philadelphia Activities Fair with Join Philly on Sunday, April 12, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Philadelphia Ethical Society. And if you liked Trenae and Siani’s picks for coffee shops in this episode, here are some other coffee shops in the...

While students and families wait for the School Board to vote on the Facilities Master Plan, a plan that could close 18 public schools and merge others, they have voiced concerns about what this means for students' safety during the transition.  While the timeline for the decision is uncertain, city officials and the school district are thinking about how to mitigate any tension that could come fr...

For residents of Port Richmond in the Northeast, the Franklin Slag Pile is a familiar sight. It's a huge black mound at the corner of Castor and Delaware Avenues, covered in a tarp, fenced off behind chain link. The pile may not look like much, but the Environmental Protection Agency has deemed it one of the most hazardous sites in Philadelphia. Now, more than 20 years after declaring the Franklin...

More affordable housing is needed in places like Philadelphia. Some cities, however, are doing better than others at meeting this need. Austin, Texas, for example, is building more affordable housing than any other American city right now — 50% more, by some measures, than the second most successful city. However, this fast-growing city is also seeing a shortage in housing that middle- and lower-i...

It’s the Friday News Roundup! This week, we’re talking about why Mayor Cherelle Parker just increased her proposed tax on Uber and Lyft rides from twenty cents to a whole dollar – and who’s going to get stuck with the bill. We talk about why the Sheriff’s office is facing multiple lawsuits over one of its most basic jobs. And, we asked you what you think about ICE agents at PHL airport – and you h...

Are you making a dinner reservation for your vegan bestie's birthday? Maybe your aunt has a seafood allergy but wants to explore Philly restaurants when she visits. Navigating the culinary scene can be daunting when you have special diets to consider. Senior producer Abby Fritz taps City Cast Philly food contributor Alisha Miranda to talk through the best restaurants and practices for dining out w...

The debate over two bills that seek to expand renters' rights has reached a breaking point. Two landlords sued City Council over its handling of the bills, halting the legislative process just as the bills were expected to pass. Senior producer Abby Fritz talks with Aaron Moselle, a housing and community development reporter at WHYY, about this unusual move by opponents of the bills and what it me...

Philly's skyline has everything from the oldest residential homes in the country on Elfreth's Alley to the skyscrapers in Center City to the twin houses of West Philly. As redevelopment of old buildings reshapes the city, we’re revisiting a conversation about what makes Philly architecture unique – and how to notice it. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Chris Hytha, a Philly artist who has been studying...

Germantown Town Hall, the three-story century-old building with a clock tower at 5928 Germantown Avenue, sits vacant. Over the years, there have been rumblings about a renovation, and recently, there’s been some action on that front: developers have a proposal to breathe life back into the building. But a debate between developers and community members over how to use the space could leave plans u...

The unionization efforts of sex workers in Nevada might have implications for gig workers in Philly. At Sheri's Ranch, a legal brothel 45 minutes outside Las Vegas, some of the workers are seeking both recognition as employees and union representation. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with former City Cast Las Vegas podcast host, current contributor, and longtime Nevada attorney Dayvid Figler about...

It’s the Friday News Roundup! In the wake of nationwide protests over the police killing of George Floyd, the Philadelphia Citizens Police Oversight Commission promised to investigate alleged wrongdoing by Philly police. But reporting from the Philadelphia Inquirer reveals that its power to do that has been limited. Plus, if it feels like lately water mains are bursting all over the city – that’s...

Lots of big music news out of Philly – Queen Latifah, Philly’s own Eve, and Idina Menzel are set to headline concerts, before July 4th, during Wawa Welcome America week this summer. Jay-Z will headline Roots Picnic, while Jill Scott continues to sell out dates on her world tour. Meanwhile, “World Stage” — the West Philly venue formerly known as World Cafe Live — is still booking shows amid ongoing...

The Trump administration is pushing for the creation of more immigrant detention centers and is eying Pennsylvania for this expansion. The Department of Homeland Security purchased two warehouses for these efforts. But communities and politicians across the Keystone State are pushing back on these plans. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Spotlight PA reporters Gabriela Martínez and Kate Huangpu about wh...

Security checkpoints at the Philadelphia International Airport continue to be plagued with long lines due to the partial government shutdown. It’s definitely not the best way to start off your spring break if you’re flying out of Philly. And to make matters worse, PHL airport was ranked dead last in a customer satisfaction survey for similar-sized airports last year. So, we’re relistening to a con...

The team is covering a grab bag of Philly news today. Host Trenae Nuri and senior producer Abby Fritz are diving deeper into the mayor’s budget proposal and how federal funding is impacting it. After the politics, they talk about running into food delivery robots and how a new lesbian bar is finally opening in Philly.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Ca...

Philadelphians are concerned about police accountability, especially with the increased presence of federal troops in many cities. DC Council in Washington recently passed emergency legislation requiring local police to release body-worn camera footage of incidents involving federal forces they patrol with, and to collect the names of federal officers who make arrests. It’s a big shift in local po...

It’s the Friday News Roundup. Host Trenae Nuri and senior producer Abby Fritz talk about Mayor Cherelle Parker's nearly $7B budget, including her ambitious plan to address homelessness. Plus, SEPTA’s planning to roll out a new bus network, and we take a look at District Attorney Larry Krasner's latest social video warning the city to stay safe when the weather gets warmer. Once you're done listeni...

What started as a job working for a small, city-run youth arts program has led Jane Golden into a career advocating for creatives in the city. She has spent years adding murals to our homes, businesses, and even bridges to reflect the beauty within. As the founding director of Mural Arts Philadelphia, Golden transformed Philly into the “Mural Capital of the World." Now, Golden has announced that s...