The school district is proposing major changes to its schools. And it could dramatically impact neighborhoods in the process. Philadelphians have not been quiet about their feelings. District officials say this is all in an effort to address lower enrollment, dilapidated buildings, and overcrowded classrooms. But are parents, students, and teachers' concerns being heard? Carly Sitrin, bureau chief at Chalkbeat Philadelphia, is here to explain all the shifting parts of the school district's master plan.

Read more of Carly's reporting about the school district's Master Plan here. 

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We've got a grab bag of news about the way Philly sports affect our culture. Listen for predictions about A.J. Brown's future with the Eagles and his heartfelt message to other NFL players. We also discuss which boxer statue should be at the top of the Philadelphia Museum of Art steps, and why. Host Trenae Nuri, executive producer Matt Katz, and City Cast Philly sports contributor O.J. Spivey bring you all this, plus their list of the most Philly athletes, past and present. 

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We’re starting to thaw out from the winter and we’re ready to get outside. In today’s show, you’ll hear where to go for free mojitos and how artists transformed an old bank in Old City into an immersive experience. We’re also talking about a unique coffee shop that just opened in University City, and if you need more coffee shop ideas, don’t miss our rundown of the best places in Philly to get caffeinated. We also have plenty more tips on how to make the most of March in our newsletter. 

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A lot of cities, including Philly, are trying to figure out how best to revitalize downtown. It's an issue that's especially top of mind for Pittsburgh, who is hosting the NFL Draft in April. To solve the problem of vacant properties and empty storefronts, the city is trying out a new rent abatement program. So, City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Pittsburgh podcast host Megan Harris about why their downtown emptied out, whether this program will bring new businesses downtown for the long-term, and other revitalization plans that are in the works.

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On today’s Friday News Roundup, host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz look at PECO’s profits as our energy bills go up and up. Plus, what are our city’s elected officials really up to on social media? And the Franklin Mall is closing, at least temporarily, so we look back to its heyday (when it was called the Franklin Mills Mall).

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This year’s “One Book, One Philadelphia” launches today, and on today’s show we reveal which book has been selected. The annual program run by the Free Library of Philadelphia aims to have Philly reading the same book all year long. Host Trenae Nuri will be reading the book, but first she’s sitting down with Amir Richardson, the library system’s director of community programs and event production. 

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As state legislators begin to talk about next year's budget, data centers have taken center stage, sparking negotiations over proposed regulations. The companies behind data centers promise new jobs, but there’s growing concern among lawmakers over the loss of billions of dollars due to their eligibility for a tax exemption and their impact on the environment and utility costs. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Kate Huangpu, a government reporter for Spotlight PA. 

Read Kate's reporting here. 

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As we’re thawing out from this week’s blizzard – and shoveling out our cars and sidewalks – take a break and watch a Philly movie. Today is a great day to curl up and listen back to host Trenae Nuri chat with Len Webb and Vincent Williams, film critics from ⁠The Micheaux Mission podcast⁠, about the most essential Philly movies to watch. 

This episode originally aired on December 9, 2024. 

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Today, host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz give an update on the ongoing intercity bus terminal saga. Plus, they discuss how the city installed 76 monitors to track neighborhood air quality, and there's a brewing controversy over $1 million in security upgrades at Gov. Josh Shapiro’s private home. 

A meeting to get public input on the bus station proposals will be held Feb. 25 at the Independence Visitor Center, 599 Market St., from 6-8 p.m. There’s also an online survey, or you can email your feedback to [email protected].
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Everyone’s talking about AI these days, including Philadelphians. And now, more data centers are popping up across the country, thanks in part to the AI revolution. But some cities are stemming the tide, including Madison, Wisconsin, who recently passed a one-year moratorium on new data center construction. City Cast CEO David Plotz feels strongly that this was the wrong choice! He’s sitting down with City Cast Madison podcast host Bianca Martin to weigh the pros and cons of data centers, and debate the economic, ethical, and ecological considerations at the heart of this debate. Plus, David and Bianca share must-know tips for making it in Madison and DC. 

We also mentioned this City Cast Madison episode.

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