CC
News
City Cast Philly
City Cast
City Cast Philly is the daily news podcast about the city you love (and maybe sometimes hate?) and the Philadelphians who are working hard every day to make this place better. Each weekday morning, host Trenae Nuri will chat with people all across Philly’s diverse neighborhoods about issues that matter to you. Whether that’s how do I get the bus to actually stop or how is this city going to keep our kids safe and educated? City Cast Philly is here for it all. It’s that energetic, informative conversation you might overhear at your neighborhood coffee shop. But with City Cast Philly, you’re always welcome to join in. Learn more and subscribe to our daily newsletter at philly.citycast.fm.
- 21 episodes
- Updated Friday
Episodes21
- CCThursday · 30 min
ICE at PHL, Package Thieves on Your Stoop & a Major Film Fest This Weekend
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
- CCWednesday · 31 min
New SEPTA Bus Routes, Key Card Perks, and Pro Tips
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
- CCTuesday · 36 min
Cyclospora in Philly, Policing in The Gayborhood & More Speed Cameras
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
- CCMonday · 24 min
Stop Complaining About Your Neighborhood: Make Change at These Organizations
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
- CCAugust 2 · 27 min
‘Your City Could Be Better’: How One City Beat Restrictive Zoning — Presented By City Cast Philly
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.
- CCJuly 31 · 32 min
Is Philly Really the Most Walkable City?
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
- CCJuly 30 · 31 min
Your Guide to August 2026 in Philly
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
- CCJuly 29 · 33 min
How Your ZIP Code Determines 311 Response Times
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
- CCJuly 28 · 34 min
LeBron James Hype, Social Media Credibility & Keeping Cabs in Philly
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
- CCJuly 27 · 50 min
Mayor Parker Talks 250th Outcomes, New City Program & Legacy Work
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
- CCJuly 26 · 26 min
‘Your City Could Be Better’: The Trick to Getting People To Volunteer — Presented By City Cast Philly
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.
- CCJuly 24 · 37 min
FBI Excavates Olney Home, Voter Registration Help & Dating Tips
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
- CCJuly 23 · 39 min
Is Philly A Good City For Renters?
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
- CCJuly 22 · 38 min
Rideshare Regulation, Companionship A.I. & Prison Reform: A Lawmaker’s Summer Recess
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
- CCJuly 21 · 42 min
Was the World Cup Worth It? Plus, Reimagining Market East & Traffic Safety
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
- CCJuly 20 · 26 min
Coming Soon: The Museum of the Philadelphian
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
- CCJuly 19 · 27 min
‘Your City Could Be Better’: Why Are Chattanoogans ‘Doing It Their Damn Selves’? — Presented By City Cast Philly
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.
- CCJuly 17 · 37 min
Why You’re Breathing Hard, Slavery Exhibit Secretly Swapped & Parallel Parking Contest
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
- CCJuly 16 · 28 min
Philly’s Mexican Food Renaissance
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