City Cast Philly

City Hall was evacuated Thursday morning during City Council’s first meeting of the season after a suspicious package was found. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by executive producer Matt Katz to discuss new details in the investigation at a home in Olney that’s linked to the disappearance of at least seven women. They also discuss why a federal judge wants District Attorney Larry Krasner investigated. Plus, for our City Cast Philly Neighbors, a ton of free classes that you can take in the city this fall. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  5 missing women now linked to massive investigation at Philadelphia home Police find more photos of women who appear dead in pornographer R.C. Horsch’s home, bringing the number of missing to 7  Federal judge refers Philadelphia DA Larry Krasner to U.S. Attorney’s Office over possible crimes  Who is the federal judge overseeing the case roiling Philly DA Larry Krasner’s office? And what will he do next? A former prosecutor said DA Larry Krasner’s Office colluded with defense attorneys to try to overturn a murder conviction 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: Penn Live Arts CraftNation Campus Philly - CollegeFest Fitler Club

A couple of Philadelphia restaurants are bringing back the pay-what-you-can model of customers ordering what they want and then just paying what they think their meal and experience were worth. Host Trenae Nuri, contributor Alisha Miranda, and creative producer Abby Fritz dig into this model. They also discuss the one-year contract between the Philadelphia Parking Authority and the Department of Homeland Security, and the creative ways that job seekers are getting hired beyond LinkedIn.  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 Thursday, September 17th episode: Penn Live Arts CraftNation Campus Philly - CollegeFest Fitler Club

Data centers are everywhere, but it’s a booming industry that’s created contentious conversations in communities – Philly included. This week activists held a rally outside of City Hall urging councilmembers to pass a moratorium on data centers. Mayor Cherelle Parker promised to create a task force to establish unspecified “guardrails” on data centers. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by contributors Jay Vereen, content creator, and Nic Esposito, tech founder and urban farmer, to talk about what a task force could do when AI technology continues to change at such a fast pace. They also discuss the public meeting to hear comments on whether the Keith Haring mural “We The Youth” should be added to the Philadelphia Register of Historic Places. Plus, they explain which non traditional sports are growing in popularity 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Penn Live Arts CraftNation Campus Philly - CollegeFest Fitler Club

Our city's professional sports teams are on a roll — the Eagles won their home opener, the Phillies look like they’re headed to the playoffs, the Union is on a 10-match undefeated streak, and the Sixers pre-season game with LeBron James is in just a few weeks. But not every sports-going experience is the same in this town. Host Trenae Nuri talks with creative producer Siani Colón and Fae Ehsan, nonprofit professional and board member at 5th Square Advocacy, about the best and worst Philly sports fans, stadiums, and performances. They also discuss this Grid Magazine article about civic spaces in the city and a Reddit post about best places to let out a scream.      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 If you enjoyed this interview with Elizabeth Class-Maldonado, associate vice president and Pennsylvania state director for Trust for Public Land, learn more here. And here’s more about the sponsors of today’s episode: Penn Live Arts CraftNation Campus Philly - CollegeFest Fitler Club

U.S. Senator John Fetterman is inching closer to President Trump and the Republican Party. Is he simply working across the aisle, or dramatically breaking promises with voters? Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz talk about Fetterman’s appearance in a video at the Republican midterm convention. Then, City Cast Pittsburgh’s Megan Harris and Mallory Folk do a deep dive into his appearances on Fox News, criticism from Democratic colleagues, and shocking allegations that former staffers have made about his work ethic.  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: Penn Live Arts CraftNation Campus Philly - CollegeFest Fitler Club Fringe Festival

It may not feel like it right now, but extreme heat is coming for Philly, and Las Vegas might have the answers you need. An already sizzling city, Vegas has continued to experience record-breaking heat in recent years, essentially forcing it to lead the charge in protecting residents from increasingly rising temperatures. City Cast Las Vegas host Jesse Merrick talks with David about the bold moves of Nevada’s lawmakers, like mandating heat mitigation and giving away trees, and how some time-tested strategies still need to be tweaked as rising global temperatures present new problems every day. Mentioned on the show: Europe’s 10,000 recorded deaths during June 2026 heatwave 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.

In an unexpected move, President Trump commuted former local labor leader John Dougherty’s six-year sentence for bribery and embezzlement. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz give the details on what Johnny Doc is up to given his newfound freedom – and the $1.6 million in restitution he no longer has to pay. On the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, Philadelphians grapple with the loss and honor the memory of victims. Plus, our City Cast Philly Neighbors are getting a curated selection of all the must-have Eagles merch to don this season.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Johnny Doc is a free man after President Donald Trump cut his six-year prison term short John Dougherty and Bobby Henon found guilty at federal bribery trial, upending city politics and organized labor John Dougherty found guilty in union embezzlement trial, his second felony conviction in as many years Former Philly union boss John Dougherty released from federal prison   This Philadelphia man lost a friend in the 9/11 attacks. He now offers hugs to the world in his friend’s memory 25 years later: Philly events to commemorate 9/11 Memorial to honor Philadelphia's 9/11 victims  Where To Find Eagles Merch 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:  Fringe Festival

We’re reacting to the renderings of the new Sixers, Flyers, and WNBA arena in South Philly. City Council will need to review and approve the designs and permits, but will they demand a community benefits agreement? Host Trenae Nuri is joined by senior creative producer Abby Fritz and content creator Jay Vereen. They also discuss the announcement that Shania Bennett, former director of the Office of Youth Engagement, is running for mayor. Plus, if we had to leave Philly, this is what we’d eat before we leave.  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:  Fringe Festival

Philly is home to 38 public gardens and historic landscapes, more than anywhere else in the country. Today we're revisiting a conversation between host Trenae Nuri and author Nicole Juday about the historic Woodlands public garden and cemetery, the 200-year evolution of Philly's gardens, and how to best enjoy one of the most elaborate gardens in the US (hot tip: on a bench with lunch).  You can find Nicole’s book here.  This episode originally aired on Sept. 19, 2025. 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:  Fringe Festival

We’re talking about friends and friendship in Philly. If you’re a lifelong Philadelphian, you have friends from your childhood, but where in Philly can you go if you just moved here? What do you do if you’ve drifted away from old friends? Host Trenae Nuri chats with creative producers Abby Fritz and Siani Colón, and audience development manager Spencer Morris, about how they keep their friends close, and places where you can meet new people.  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 sponsor of this Tuesday, September 8th episode: Fringe Festival

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 surveillance. 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.

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. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Confrontation ensues as Germantown HS apartments found to be operating without license Philly tenant unions have quadrupled since the pandemic — and their political power is growing Philadelphia proactive rental-inspection plan takes shape ahead of Council vote West Oak Lane renters could receive cash refunds under new class-action settlement Common Landlord-Tenant Issues The Philly region has been a national hot spot this year — for flood warnings Renters' Rights 101 This Broad Street baked potato costs $88 Philadelphia region's Labor Day travel predictions  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 sponsor of this Friday, September 4th episode: CraftNation

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. 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 sponsor of this Thursday, September 3rd episode: CraftNation

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.  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 sponsor of this Wednesday, September 2nd episode: CraftNation

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. City Cast Philly is made possible by our awesome sponsors, like CraftNation.  We’re powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show and other perks. Find out more here.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

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.  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

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 every day. 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.

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.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  After six years of chaos in Philly Sheriff's Office, Rochelle Bilal must answer to judges The Phils Honored Rochelle Bilal?  Philadelphia’s state test scores are delayed this year  Paying parents to become influencers and other priorities for Philly schools superintendent in 2026-27 Ritz Five movie theater shut down indefinitely due to fire code violation 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 Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

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. 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

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.  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