City Cast Philly

Do you know what kind of surveillance technology is being used in Philly? In Nashville, the city government has blocked numerous measures to install and use it. From license plate readers to drone cameras, the technology is routinely rejected by the Metro Council and mayor, and locals are somewhat split on if that’s for the better. City Cast Nashville host Rachel Iacovone joins “Your City Could Be Better” to walk through all the measures that the Nashville government has reviewed and rejected, why people have reason to fear the tech, and what the city may lose by saying no to...

An apartment complex in Germantown illegally operated for two years without a license, leading to pushback from tenants when they found out. Host Trenae Nuri and senior creative producer Abby Fritz talk about how this happened, as well as the record-setting number of flood warnings the Philly area has been getting this year. Plus, in our final segment just for City Cast Philly Neighbors, we dive into the Labor Day events you should have on your radar if you'll be staying in the city for the long weekend.

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We’re talking about why the Academy of Natural Science Museum is planning to close its doors, and why PA lawmakers want to ban automated license plate readers. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by creative producer Abby Fritz and local community organizer Cassidy Leyendecker to talk about these stories and their favorite Philly food experiences: Which ones are really worth the price?

Abby wrote about the 24-hour cheese vending machine in 2024.

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In this episode, we’re talking about why the district attorney’s office is being scrutinized, and how the new Supreme Court ruling removing federal spending limits for political parties could affect elections in Philly. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by creative producer Siani Colón and political contributor Lauren Vidas to talk about these stories, and what festive rideshares in Philly are like. 

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From food festivals and competitions to art exhibits and live poetry performances, Philly’s September calendar is packed! In this episode, the team curates deep-cut recommendations, free events, and pro-tips for how to spend your free time this month. Plus, we have events and programs that can help all Philadelphians learn more about their city. Need more ideas for cheap dates? Check out this episode packed with options for $25 or less! 

For even more tips on how to make the most of September in Philly, check out our newsletter.

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Soak up the last days of warm weather with a drink in hand and a dinner to remember. We're revisiting a conversation between host Trenae Nuri and City Cast Philly food contributor Alisha Miranda to celebrate National Eat Outside Day today with recommendations for the most memorable outdoor dining experiences. They dive into the reservations you should make now at restaurants, bars, and distilleries with patios, rooftop decks, and sidewalk seating. 

This episode originally aired on Sept. 2, 2025. 

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The Philly airport definitely has a lot going for it, but what it doesn’t have is its own electrical grid, like Pittsburgh’s does. For the past few years, Pittsburgh International Airport has been generating on-site electricity, more than it needs even at peak operation, to fortify itself against the kind of power outages that hit airports (unsettlingly often) across the world. City Cast Pittsburgh host Megan Harris brings David into the little-known world of airport energy independence, showing how a one-time investment can bring the kind of peace of mind that both travelers and operators hope for ever...

We’re talking about how a judge is finally taking on dysfunction in the Sheriff’s Office, students and teachers across the commonwealth are waiting for test scores, and why an Old City movie theater is closed. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz talk about these stories and the thousands of athletes and spectators watching the Philadelphia Cycling Classic this weekend. Plus, for our final segment just for City Cast Philly Neighbors, we’re chatting with the newest member of our team who’s gonna share some deep Philly cuts. 

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We’re talking about the latest on the investigation of the 2025 jet rescue crash in Northeast Philadelphia and a proposed law allowing bicyclists to yield at stop signs and red lights instead of actually stopping. Host Trenae Nuri, senior creative producer Abby Fritz, and independent journalist Claudia Vargas talk about these stories and the creative ways that Philly grocery stores are engaging with customers and neighbors. For Claudia’s reporting on the Northeast Philadelphia medical jet crash investigation, visit her Substack.

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Whether you're aiming to keep the romance alive or thin out your roster before cuffing season, dating can be expensive! But workout classes, bike rides, and opera tickets don't have to break the bank. That's why we're revisiting a conversation between host Trenae Nuri and senior creative producer Abby Fritz sharing the best date ideas for $25 or less.  

This episode originally aired on July,17 2025. 

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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.

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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. 

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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 ci...

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?

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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...

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 shel...

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. 

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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. 

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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 Mad...

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.   

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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

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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.

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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. 

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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. 

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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.

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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. 

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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.  

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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.  

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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.

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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 pote...

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. 

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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.   

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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.  

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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. 

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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 fo...

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.

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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!

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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. 

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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. 

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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. 

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