City Cast Philly

It’s another midweek roundup! Today’s topics include the latest from the pro-Palestinian encampment at the University of Pennsylvania and updates on the lawsuit filed by Philly residents over the city’s makeover of FDR Park. Plus, we test your knowledge with a Philly news quiz. City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri is joined by the Daily Pennsylvanian’s Editor-in-Chief Jared Mitovich, executive producer Laura Benshoff, and Hey Philly newsletter editor Asha Prihar. Our news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Here's where things stand one week since Penn ordered the Gaza Solidarity Encampment to disband Following week-long silence from Penn, faculty and admin. work to advance encampment negotiations Lawsuit fails to stop FDR Park renovations Orphans’ Court won’t hear FDR Park lawsuit in win for city, renovation supporters Despite pitched opposition, city begins cutting down heritage trees at FDR Park Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Introducing The Writer's Cabin [Progressive Muscle Relaxation] from Soothing Sleep.Follow the show: Soothing SleepEmbark on a tranquil drive through the redwood forest that leads to a cozy lakeshore cabin. Enjoy a picturesque view from the back deck, before enjoying a hot dinner and soothing bath. Then, we'll settle in as you put the finishing touches on your latest novel and curl up in front of a crackling fire. The episode features a Progressive Muscle Relaxation exercise designed to help you savor each moment and prepare for a blissful night's sleep. For more from OpenMind, follow us on Instagram @openmindstudiosDISCLAIMER: Please note, this is an independent podcast episode not affiliated with, endorsed by, or produced in conjunction with the host podcast feed or any of its media entities. The views and opinions expressed in this episode are solely those of the creators and guests. For any concerns, please reach out to team@podroll.fm.

Philly has long been known as a “city of homeowners,” because more than half of houses here are owner-occupied. But if you’ve never purchased a home before, the process can seem intimidating — and expensive. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Abraham Reyes Pardo, Vice President of the Office of Housing and Diversion Services at the Urban League of Philadelphia, and Mary Harper, Director of Housing at the Urban League of Philadelphia, an organization that does housing counseling and education for first-time buyers. They break down all the steps in the process, share tips for budgeting, and explain resources to get money to help you buy that first house. Resources mentioned in this episode: Urban League of Philadelphia First Time Homebuyer Webinars Philly First Home Program Keystone Forgivable in Ten Years Loan Program (K-FIT) Revitalizing Neighborhoods and Increasing Homeownership program (RNIH) Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Today’s topics include why one Philly School Board nomination is still in limbo and the newest plan to move the Greyhound bus station (again). Plus, Wawa is creeping in on Sheetz territory. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Carly Sitrin, Philadelphia bureau chief for Chalkbeat, and Meir Rinde, investigative reporter at Billy Penn.  Our Friday News Roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Wawa entering Central Pennsylvania market in challenge to Sheetz Philadelphia mayor plans to go over City Council’s head, put contested nominee on school board As the bus turns: New proposal for intercity bus stop is Old City parking garage Lifeguards in demand in Philadelphia Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mayor Cherelle Parker made it clear: “not one city dollar” under her administration will fund syringe exchange programs — a big pivot from previous mayors. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Courtenay Harris Bond, a health reporter for PhillyVoice, about the history of these programs in Philly and why some public health experts warn that losing them could cause a surge in new HIV cases. Read Courtenay’s full story here. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Philly community. We’re SO over last month's rainy weather. It’s time for some sun and outdoor fun in Philly! In today's episode, you’ll hear our best tips for enjoying May in the city, from the hottest food festivals to four free events you won’t find elsewhere. And, if you loved producer Abby Fritz’s food pick in this episode, don’t miss her recent list of Philly Dessert Pop-Ups You Have to Try. For even more tips on how to make the most of May in Philly, check out a written list of what to do this month written by our Hey Philly newsletter Editor.  Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back with a fresh midweek news roundup. We’re catching you up on the pro-Palestinian campus protests cropping up in our area and Philly’s latest efforts to reduce carbon emissions from SEPTA buses and government buildings. Plus, we’ve got a news quiz to test your Philly knowledge. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by City Cast executive producer Laura Benshoff and Hey Philly newsletter editor Asha Prihar.  Our news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Student protests over the Israel-Hamas war roil US campuses ahead of graduations Penn protest: Philly councilmember says school's president won't take her calls; protesters warned they're trespassing Pro-Palestinian protesters say Penn's Gaza Solidarity encampment will remain until demands are met Bryn Mawr College Students Set Up Palestine Liberation Encampment Live Updates: Students Occupy Parrish Lawn in Support of Palestine Philadelphia begins powering City Hall and the airport by a solar array 100 miles away SEPTA retires its last all-diesel bus, debuts new hydrogen-powered electric buses Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Mother’s Day is coming up, and whether it's the mothers in your life who need to be pampered or just you, Philly has a ton of wellness experiences to choose from. To help you pick the best one for your budget, we’re revisiting a conversation between host Trenae Nuri and Imani Harris, a lifestyle content creator on TikTok and Instagram, about the best affordable spas, 6D massage chairs, and hot yoga in the city.  Here’s a list of the wellness destinations mentioned in this episode:  Joseph Anthony Spa and Salon (multiple locations) AWAY Spa at the W Hotel (Center City) The Spa at the Four Seasons Hotel (Center City) Heyday (Rittenhouse) DTXFY (Manayunk) Nirvana Wellness Medspa (Northern Liberties) Soul Haum Yoga (Brewerytown) Muse Yoga & Fitness (Fairmount) Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Today’s topics include how the Philadelphia Sheriff’s Office used an off-budget checking account to buy ammunition, stun guns, and a $9,000 mascot costume, and how Sixers fans are feeling about officiating errors during playoff games against the Knicks. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by William Bender, investigative reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and O.J. Spivey, sports writer for The Philadelphia Tribune.  Our Friday News Roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Are we all saying “Passyunk” wrong? Ammo, DJs, a $9,000 mascot: Inside the Philly sheriff’s ‘slush fund’ spending NBA admits several officiating errors in the final two minutes of the Sixers’ Game 2 loss to the Knicks Check if there are errors on your mail-in ballot here and correct them here.  Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Hot chicken might be synonymous with Nashville, but it’s taking over Philly. This style of fried chicken has a signature “dry” spice paste on the outside that packs a punch. In this poultry showdown, host Trenae Nuri and City Cast Philly food contributor Dave Wez chow down on food from one local hot chicken spot, and discuss their other favorite places to get this Nashville-style specialty. Hot chicken restaurants mentioned in the episode:  Hangry Joe’s Hot Chicken Asad’s Hot Chicken Dave’s Hot Chicken Bud & Marilyn’s OK Hot Chicken Love & Honey Fried Chicken Hot Clucks Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Psst... check out major results from yesterday's primary election in today's edition of the Hey Philly newsletter. Want to dine outdoors in the nice spring weather? You might’ve noticed that many of the city’s pandemic-era outdoor dining structures, or “streeteries,” have disappeared. City Cast Philly podcast host Trenae Nuri speaks with Ali Mohsen, food and drink reporter at Billy Penn, about why this is — and which city officials are now taking steps to cut red tape and bring more streeteries back. Read more of Ali’s reporting here.  Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re back with a midweek news roundup. Today’s topics include University City District’s proposal to put a bi-level water park along the Schuylkill River, and why a city council committee grilled Mayor Cherelle Parker’s school board nominees last week. Plus, we’ve got a three-questions news quiz to test your knowledge of more local headlines. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Abby Fritz, City Cast Philly’s producer, and Asha Prihar, our Hey Philly newsletter editor.  Our news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Water park with pool and beach are envisioned for Schuylkill riverfront near 30th Street Station Charter school debate dominates Philadelphia school board nominees’ hearing Philly school board showdown: 8 nominees move forward, but the fate of 1 is unclear Check out our primary voter guide (you can read or listen!) Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s Earth Day – a holiday to celebrate the natural world and bring attention to environmental issues. One way to observe is by greening your space, so the City Cast Philly team has pulled together tons of resources to get you started. We run down the best local plant sales, where to get deals on indoor and outdoor plants, and resources for getting started if you’re a new gardener. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by executive producer Laura Benshoff and producer Abby Fritz. Here’s a list of the plant sales, shops, and resources mentioned in the episode:  The 4th annual Big Ass Plant Sale and Market Bartram’s Garden Shop and classes Haverford College Arboretum Spring Plant Sale The Penn State Master Gardeners of Philadelphia County Plant Sale  Philadelphia Orchard Project Spring Open House & Plant Sale Produce Junction Home Depot  Lowe’s R&R Produce Urban Jungle and their nursery Good Host Plants Chloris and Prase Vault & Vine Foliage Plant Boutique West Philly Tool Library Haverford College Arbor Day Tree Planting Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Today’s topics include: why there's an arrest warrant out for state Rep. Kevin Boyle, whether Philly will get its own WNBA team in the near future, and a new crackdown on ‘crazy driving’ on North Broad. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Gillian McGoldrick, reporter covering Pennsylvania state government for The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Isaac Avilucea, reporter at Axios Philadelphia. Our Friday News Roundups are powered by great local journalism:  A warrant has been issued for State Rep. Kevin Boyle’s arrest House Democrats take step toward expelling State. Rep. Kevin Boyle Philadelphia considered for WNBA expansion Philly police launch crackdown on ‘crazy driving’ and illegal parkers along North Broad Street Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The days are getting longer and the flowers are blooming, so let’s go outside! There are tons of ways to enjoy the spring season in Philly’s massive Fairmount parks system, from free movie nights and yoga, to concerts and guided hikes. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Amanda Daws Cohen, program manager at the Fairmount Park Conservancy, about these and other ways to enjoy our local parks. Check out this blog post from the Fairmount Park Conservancy for the spring events mentioned in this episode, and keep an eye on the group’s calendar to learn about more events coming in the summer. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's primary election season, which means partisan information is everywhere. So, how do you know if the news you're consuming is accurate and objective? Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Andrea Wenzel, author and associate professor at Temple University’s Klein College of Media and Communication, about the ways you can spot the difference between real news and a kind of AI-generated content known as “pink slime." Wenzel is also author of the book, Antiracist Journalism: The Challenge of Creating Equitable Local News.  Resources and articles mentioned in this episode: ‘Pink Slime’: Partisan journalism and the future of local news and the update on this report ‘Pink slime’ sites masquerade as real news. There are 65 in Pennsylvania alone. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Late last week, Mayor Cherelle Parker celebrated her first 100 days in office. She also released a sweeping public safety plan, the 100 Day Report, which calls for hiring more officers, reducing both shootings and nuisance crimes, and revitalizing Kensington by “[removing] the presence of drug users,” among other initiatives. In a special midweek roundup, host Trenae Nuri unpacks the mayor's new policing agenda with Anna Orso, City Hall reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, Jillian Bauer-Reese, newsroom director at Kensington Voice, and Carly Sitrin, Philadelphia Bureau Chief at Chalkbeat Philadelphia. Our news roundups are powered by great local journalism: On her 100th day, Mayor Parker unveils aggressive public safety goals and Kensington strategy Mayor Parker’s plan to ‘remove the presence of drug users’ from Kensington raises new questions Philadelphia Mayor Parker’s ‘enhanced’ safety plan for schools relies heavily on police Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Pennsylvania primary is next week. While the presidential nominees are basically locked in already, there are some critical statewide and local races on the ballot. We’ve got a quick and comprehensive guide to help you sort through the crowded field of Attorney General candidates and understand the stakes for key statehouse primaries. Host Trenae Nuri breaks this all down with Katie Meyer, government editor and reporter for Spotlight PA, and Asha Prihar, Hey Philly newsletter editor. Check out the City Cast Philly voter guide, and Spotlight PA’s ‘Your Next AG’ candidate quiz tool. Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It’s the Friday News Roundup! Today’s topics include a recent strike by concession workers at the Wells Fargo Center and a new synthetic opioid—stronger than fentanyl—that's showing up in Philly’s drug supply. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Lizzy McLellan Ravitch, workplace reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Aubrey Whelan, health reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer. Our Friday News Roundups are powered by great local journalism:  44 aftershocks have followed Friday’s earthquake, but they haven’t been damaging Wells Fargo Center concession workers are on strike. What to know if you’re going to tonight’s Sixers game. Powerful synthetic opioids stronger than fentanyl were found in several overdose deaths in Philly Click here to learn more about the city’s youth summer programming, “It's A Summer Thing.”  Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.  Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In and around Philly, Pennsylvania has some spectacular nature walks and hikes. Whether you’re a birder, a waterfall lover, or just want to get some steps in outside, there’s a trail or a park for you. Producer Abby Fritz speaks with Jim Cheney, the writer and photographer behind the travel website UncoveringPA.com, about the best day hikes in our area, just in time to make your spring trail wishlist.  The hikes, parks, and nature walks mentioned in this episode, in order: Wissahickon Gorge John Heinz National Wildlife Refuge Valley Forge National Historical Park and the Mount Misery hike Ridley Creek State Park Marsh Creek State Park  Nottingham Park Serpentine Barrens Ringing Rocks Park Lehigh Gorge State Park and the Tank Hollow Trail Ricketts Glen State Park and the Falls Trail System Cliff Park Trail System/Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area Bushkill Falls Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly. We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170. Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices