City Cast Philly

May kicks off festival season in the city. From music to food, we couldn’t be more excited to check out the festivals Philly is offering this month. We also recommend exploring the exhibit about monuments and Philly’s boxing legacy at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, a restaurant serving falafel hoagies, and an ACME where you can win prizes for singing. For the Broad Street Run on May 3, our team and our City Cast Philly Neighbors will be stationed at a water station at Broad and Spruce Streets, near the Kimmel Center, cheering on runners and keeping them hydrated. The team will also have a table at the Art Star Craft Bazaar on Mother's Day weekend, May 9 and May 10, at Cherry Street Pier. And read up on local civics with Siani’s election guides for the May 19 primary. For even more tips on how to make the most of May in Philly, check out our newsletter. We’re powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show and other perks. Find out more at membership.citycast.fm. 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 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Heiler Painting Free Library of Philadelphia

Nightlife seems to be getting earlier in Philly, and that’s given rise to a new trend – aperitivo hour. Think small plates, small bites, and low-ABV cocktails. Host Trenae Nuri talks with City Cast Philly food contributor Alisha Miranda about how Philadelphians are maximizing aperitivo hour this spring – and where you should be going to have the ultimate aperitivo experience. 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: Heiler Painting Free Library of Philadelphia

Are DIY urban projects the key to improving the infrastructure in cities like Philly? The grassroots group To Nashville, With Love has built and installed 60 benches at bus stops around Nashville, all without government approval. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Nashville podcast host Marie Cecile Anderson about what this guerrilla campaign is doing, why it’s gotten pushback from the city, and where Nashville’s Tactical Urbanism program fits into all this. Plus, the unique challenges of Nashville tourism. Mentioned on the show: "Who Put Benches at Nashville Bus Stops — and Why Did the City Remove Them?" (City Cast Nashville) "Guerrilla Public Service Redux" (99% Invisible) 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.

Rocky Balboa never actually lived in Philly (since he is the fictional character portrayed by actor Sylvester Stallone). But if you take a look around the city, he definitely has a home here. Rocky is on posters, shirts, and mugs. He’s even quoted in a mayonnaise billboard along the highway. The pinnacle of the character’s influence can be seen in the long lines at the Philadelphia Museum of Art leading up to a statue of his likeness. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Paul Farber, co-founder of Monument Lab and the curator of Rising Up: Rocky and the Making of Monuments – a new exhibit exploring why people are so fixated on Rocky and what this lore says about the impact of monuments on culture. 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: City Fitness Women Against Abuse Free Library of Philadelphia

As Philadelphians feel the squeeze of rising costs, the Free Library of Philadelphia is offering something that's always been free, and it's a lot more than books. In this sponsored bonus episode, Trenae talks with Kelly Richards, President and Director of the Free Library of Philadelphia, about how the library serves as the city's "people's university." From computers and job certification prep to professional headshots, language learning, and even borrowing musical instruments, Kelly walks through the resources available at no cost to every Philadelphian. They also get into rare historical collections, a live beehive, expanded branch hours, and what's coming up this summer, including Philly 250, Summer Quest, and a Franklin Institute partnership on the science of soccer. Thank you for listening to this special bonus Sponsored Episode by The Free Library of Philadelphia. To learn about this episode sponsor visit freelibrary.org

Inside Pennsylvania’s largest women's state prison, those serving life or long-term sentences battle chronic illnesses like diabetes, arthritis, and cancer, from as young as 35 years old. By 50, their health has declined even further. "Dying On the Inside" is a new five-part podcast series that digs deep into what medical care, justice, and health disparities really look like for women behind bars. Host Trenae Nuri talks with executive producers on the project, Cherri Gregg and Yvonne Latty, about this often forgotten population here in Pennsylvania: women serving life or long-term sentences. Cherri and Yvonne are hosting a live launch event at WHYY on April 22, from 6–8 pm, featuring a listening experience and panel discussion with justice-impacted voices, advocates, and policymakers. 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: City Fitness Women Against Abuse Free Library of Philadelphia

It’s the Friday news roundup! Today, we bring you the latest in the battle between landlords and renters’ rights advocates over a package of bills that aim to protect tenants. We’ll break down the budget Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel has requested. And: could a beloved Philly sports tradition be under threat this summer? Plus, members get an extra segment with our hot takes on upcoming changes to Philly Pride. All of this and more with host Trenae Nuri and senior producer Abby Fritz. An earlier version of this episode said the Philadelphia Police Department asked for an increase of $1 billion in its budget for the 2027 fiscal year. That was inaccurate. Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel is requesting a total of about $1 billion for the department in the 2027 fiscal year. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Philly police tout homicide decline, request nearly $1B for next year's budget Philly police to produce annual report for city officials on drone use Philadelphia police expand drone use, but with little oversight from above Some cities are raising transportation fares for FIFA, will SEPTA? Tailgating will be allowed at Lincoln Financial Field during 2026 FIFA World Cup matches, source says Pride festivities relocate to Benjamin Franklin Parkway this June 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: Women Against Abuse Heiler Painting

We’ve been following the progress of a bill that aims to limit how Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers can operate in Philadelphia. If passed, the bill would prohibit ICE from wearing masks and using unmarked vehicles, forbid them from using public spaces to stage operations, and limit how Philadelphia police can aid ICE. The bill has passed out of a committee meeting and will face a final vote in City Council as soon as tomorrow. And Mayor Cherelle Parker has put an end to months of speculation over her support for the bill, saying she will allow it to pass if it comes across her desk – despite lingering concerns from her administration that some language in the bill could pose legal issues. Council members Kendra Brooks and Rue Landau, who introduced the legislation, told us that they aim to make Philadelphia as safe and welcoming as possible. As council members get ready to vote on the bill, we’re revisiting host Trenae Nuri’s conversation with Landau and Brooks. This episode originally aired on Feb. 4, 2026. 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: Women Against Abuse Heiler Painting

Can you walk to the grocery store or commute to work on foot? For many Philadelphians, this isn't possible. But the city keeps receiving high ranks from publications for being pedestrian-friendly, and is often referred to as a walkable city. So host Trenae Nuri, senior producer Abby Fritz, and newsletter editor Siani Colón discuss what makes a city walkable – and better yet, what could make our city more accessible by foot. For a list of walking groups in Philly, check out today's newsletter. 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: Women Against Abuse Heiler Painting

It’s the Friday news roundup! First, we have the latest on a deadly parking garage collapse in Grays Ferry. We’ll talk about the most recent developments in the fight over recognizing the history of enslaved people at the President’s House. And, how to prepare for new guest parking rules in Philadelphia. Plus, neighbors get a special bonus segment this week! Listen to our episode with Rev. Mark Kelly Tyler here. This episode was updated on April 10 after initial publication with more information regarding the Grays Ferry garage collapse and the two missing workers, who are now presumed dead. Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: Search for missing workers on hold after deadly collapse at Grays Ferry parking garage The Trump administration wants to sanitize George Washington’s role in slavery at President’s House Trump Targets Philly Slavery Memorial for Removal The PPA’s temporary parking pass system has gone digital. Here’s what to know. 'For what? For greed?': Philly bar owners debate wisdom of staying open until 4 a.m. this summer Philly's 'Night Mayor' On Partying — And Sleeping — Better 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: Fitler

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 that would codify marriage equality at a time when federal protections feel shaky. If passed, these laws could have big impacts for Pennsylvanians. But do they stand a chance in the Republican-controlled State Senate? Today, we’re joining forces with City Cast Pittsburgh to bring you the latest from the Capitol. Host Trenae Nuri and Pittsburgh host Megan Harris talk with Ian Karbal, government reporter for the Pennsylvania Capital-Star, about the changes that could be in store for our state. 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: ⁠Fitler