In part three of our South Street Series, covering the past, present, and Future of one of Philly's most iconic streets, we take a look at the mix of businesses that have made the corridor distinct. Host Trenae Nuri talked with Drexel University Professor Richardson Dilworth, Condom Kingdom owner Stu Schlaffman, Streets Dept. founder Conrad Benner, Councilmember Mark Squilla, and Jim’s South Street president Ken Silver. 

This episode originally aired on Sept. 10th, 2025. You can find the whole series in the podcast feed. 

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Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel is running Philly’s police department as ICE descends on cities across the country, leading to conflict between federal law enforcement officers, immigrant communities, and protesters. We get Bethel’s perspective on the role of the Philadelphia police department when it comes to ICE. Host Trenae Nuri also asks about the city’s 2025 murder rate, which was the lowest since 1966. And in the second part of the show we bring in David Zega, the executive director for strategy for the department, to talk about the new and unprecedented five-year strategic plan for the Philadelphia Police Department. The public comment period for the strategic plan, which you can read here, ends Feb. 11. 

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Restaurant accolades like Michelin stars and James Beard awards are nice, but no one knows Philly like Philly. On Feb. 1, a restaurant will be crowned with the "Icon Award" at The Tasties, the homegrown culinary award ceremony that celebrates the best of our city’s food and drink industry. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Eli Kulp, host of The CHEF Radio and Delicious City Philly podcasts, partner at High Street Hospitality Group, and one of the creators of The Tasties. They dish about what it takes to be an iconic restaurant in Philadelphia, the surprising names that didn't make the cut, and the immersive experiences that will raise the bar for the second Tasties awards ceremony and afterparty next month. 

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It’s the Friday News Roundup, where host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz catch you up on the news of the week, including: How threats by Philly law enforcement officials to arrest ICE officers led a state senator to call the whole city a “shithole,” why Philly’s new bus terminal is really just a temporary one, and what has prompted a series of shootings involving tow truck drivers. 

Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: 

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Whether you're an out-of-towner or lifelong Philadelphian, you have probably visited South Street to see your favorite band at the TLA, grab a citywide, or eat a cheesesteak at Jim’s. We're revisiting the second part of our series on this iconic street diving into what has drawn people to it for centuries: Entertainment. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with legendary Philly DJ Cosmo Baker, Philly Jazz Legacy Project consulting archivist Jack McCarthy, Bob & Barbara’s owner Jack Prince, author David Bradley (whose book South Street is republishing next year), and Odunde CEO Bumi Fernandez-West. 

This episode originally aired on Sept. 9th, 2025. You can find the whole series in the podcast feed. 

What’s your favorite South Street memory? Call or text us: 215-259-8170

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On last week’s Wednesday politics episode, we heard criticism about a decades-long tradition in city government called “councilmanic prerogative.” This power enables our ten district City Council members to greenlight or stop projects on city-owned land in their districts – and get the final say on zoning changes. Councilmember Jeffery Young, Jr. has become a focus of criticism because he refused to allow the reconstruction of the dilapidated Cecil B. Moore Library to move forward. He’s here to defend the practice – and his vision for the library.

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Philly has no shortage of after-hours events, but it can be tricky to find alcohol-free spaces—especially affordable ones. So whether you're giving dry January a try, or you've been sober for years, there's plenty of fun events - minus the booze - here in the city. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by senior producer Abby Fritz and newsletter editor Siani Colón to give recommendations for the best cheap, late-night, and spirit-free activities. 

Here's the episode with Bar Palmina, the only non-alcoholic bar in Philly, and the First Friday guide. 

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It’s trash day, and it’s windy. The result? Recycling strewn all over your block, milk cartons and Amazon boxes and cans of soup tumbling around on the curb and sidewalk. What’s up with how we pick up trash, or don’t, in our city? Why do windy recycling days make our streets look so gross? And isn’t there a better way? Our guest Nic Esposito, who once served as the city’s zero waste and litter director, tells host Trenae Nuri how we can be doing all of this better.

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It’s the Friday News Roundup. We’re talking about Gov. Josh Shapiro announcing his run for reelection against presumptive Republican nominee Stacy Garrity. Also, a man died in police custody in Mayfair and the city is cracking down on scalpers selling restaurant reservations. Plus: Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz dish on Marc Vetri’s latest cookbook and the Eagles’ playoff run. 

Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: 

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We love South Street here at City Cast Philly. Today we’re revisiting part one of our series looking at the history and influence of South Street, from the Schuylkill to the Delaware Rivers. These blocks are resilient — surviving riots, fights for human dignity, and near demolition by city planners. And these blocks are lively — art and music has kept this corridor brimming with creativity going back to the very beginning. Last September host Trenae Nuri interviewed political scientist Richardson Dilworth, journalist Dan Biddle, and Selena Austin of the Historical Society of Pennsylvania to explain the street's storied past. We also use archival tape from the Philadelphia Department of Records.

This episode originally aired on Sept. 8th, 2025. You can find all three-parts of the series in the podcast feed. 

What’s your South Street memory? Call or text us: 215-259-8170

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