City Cast Philly

It’s fall in Philly, but just this week, cities across the country experienced record-high heat. In Somerville, MA, the city government is realizing that rising temperatures deserve their attention and intervention year round — and they’re running a fun, generous program to help. David is joined by Elyse Belarge from the Somerville Mayor's Office of Sustainability and Environment to talk about the city’s pilot to de-pave and re-vegetate residential lots. Elyse shares the jaw-dropping impact of asphalt-free zones, as well as the joy of taking sledgehammers to driveways in your neighborhood.

Mentioned on the show:

Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now! 

We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter

We review Pennsylvania Democrats’ long wish list for policy changes now that the party controls the legislature and governor’s office. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz also talk about the 1,000th wedding at LOVE Park, a protest targeting Jewish businesses in Rittenhouse Square, and the new season of BalletX. 

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:

Election Day is over, but the work you do in your community doesn’t stop. There are so many ways you can get involved, speak up on issues, and have a seat at the table on everything from cleaning up the streets to decisions on zoning In this episode, host Trenae Nuri talks with Violet Comber-Wilen, a reporter at Billy Penn, about what local civic engagement really looks 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

If you enjoyed today's interview with Josué Figueroa, Vice President and Senior Business Consultant for Coaching for Impact at Chase Business Banking, learn more here.

Learn more about the sponsors of this Thursday, November 5th episode:

Four Seasons Philadelphia

Visit Williamsburg

Laurel Hill

Democratic Gov. Josh Shapiro won a landslide victory against Republican State Treasurer Stacy Garrity. We talk about how that happened, what it means for raising the minimum wage and funding SEPTA, and whether Shapiro will run for president next. We also talk about Philly’s congressional winners, including democratic socialist Chris Rabb, and how the city ballot initiatives fared. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Matt Katz, our executive producer, and Lauren Vidas, our political contributor. 

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:

It’s Election Day. So what’s at stake? While Pennsylvania has a Democratic governor and control of the state House, Republicans maintain control of the state Senate. Could that change today? Dems are hoping to get a “trifecta.” Contributors Cassidy Leyendecker, a Democratic committee person, and Santiago Ortiz, founder of NoShorts Media, join host Trenae Nuri to talk about how voters are feeling and what you need to know on Election. Plus, there’s a new City Council proposal to tax robots and autonomous vehicles. And we dish on our favorite holiday traditions — is it too early to set up holiday decorations? 

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:

We’re sitting down with State Sen. Joe Picozzi, who represents the Northeast. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz talk to Picozzi, the only Republican state senator from Philly, about his positions on increasing the minimum wage, establishing a state revenue source for SEPTA, and legalizing cannabis. He also dishes on his relationships with Democrats. Then, we give you a quick rundown on what you should know before heading to the polls for the general election on Tuesday – you can find a guide to help you prepare for election at philly.citycast.fm under “Local Civics.”

To hear the rest of the conversation with Picozzi that we didn’t have time to include in this episode, join our membership program and tune in to Friday’s show. By becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor, you get members-only segments on Fridays (plus a load of other perks). Sign up 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

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

When you think of Waymo, you might not yet think of Philly. But you should definitely be thinking of Austin, Texas. State law governing autonomous vehicles (AVs) supersedes city authority and prevents local governments from regulating AVs, creating areas that have become increasingly attractive to AV companies. City Cast Austin host Miles Bloxson joins Your City Could Better to talk about if this loose regulation is good for Texas, particularly its dense capital city, whether local benefit is a priority for manufacturers at all, and how cities can learn from Austin if a similar influx hits their streets. 

Mentioned on the show:

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.

This is the time of the year when we crave cozy dinners, cherish time with family and friends, and choose to spend extra time volunteering in the community. In this episode you’ll hear our best tips for enjoying November, including lots of recommendations you won’t find elsewhere. 

And if you love Siani’s knit-a-thon pick in this episode, don’t miss our list of other hobbies you can pick up in Philly. 

For even more tips on how to make the most of November 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 here. 

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode:

Penn Live Arts

BalletX

Penn Museum

GPHCC

AirMaster

Four Seasons Philadelphia

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

We’re talking about why the Philadelphia Citizens Police Oversight Commission chair was arrested on bribery charges this week and toxic restaurant work culture in Philly’s food industry. Contributors Claudia Vargas and Alisha Miranda join host Trenae Nuri to discuss those stories. Plus, we play This or That (Philly Halloween edition), and we take turns guessing menu items from popular restaurants. 

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:

Happy Birthday, Philadelphia! As the city celebrates its 344th anniversary, what gift would you give the city? Contributors Conrad Benner and Lauden Vidas join host Trenae Nuri to discuss some gift ideas. Plus, they talk about what was said and what was not said in City Council’s hearing on the closure of the Academy of Natural Sciences. And they break down a question on next week’s Election Day ballot about rolling back the city’s focus on diversity in awarding city contracts. For more on what’s coming to your ballot, check our guide to election guides, 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. Sign up here.

Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: