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. 

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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. 

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It’s Wednesday, so we’re talking politics and the peculiar Philly political practice known as  “councilmanic prerogative.” It’s an unwritten rule here in Philly that basically gives district councilmembers a lot of power. They can greenlight new developments or bring projects to a complete stop. Over in North Philly, there’s tension between Councilmember Jeffrey “Jay” Young, Jr. and some community members over his use of councilmanic prerogative to block the long-planned reconstruction of the Cecil B. Moore Library. Daniel Pearson, columnist at The Philadelphia Inquirer, joins us to discuss both the library issue and this nuance in city politics. 

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What can we expect for Philly in 2026? Will council members end their honeymoon with the mayor? Where will an AI data center open? And how many cheesesteak shops will open? Host Trenae Nuri is joined by the City Cast Philly team, executive producer Matt Katz, senior producer Abby Fritz, and newsletter editor Siani Colón to drop our predictions for politics, food, and city life.  

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Nobody understands a city’s pulse quite like a City Cast host — and that makes them the best predictors for 2026’s biggest local stories. City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri joins CEO David Plotz and the other 12 hosts from across the network to talk about the big changes coming to our cities, from political shifts to data centers.

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Happy New Year! We’re excited to welcome 2026 as the city begins to light up with so many big events. In this episode, you’ll hear our best tips for enjoying January, plus where to swing in a heated golf bay, eat a cheap "girl dinner," and learn about Philly's long list of firsts. And if you love Siani’s idea for swapping out your clothes, don’t miss our recent episode about the best thrift stores in Philly.

For even more tips on how to make the most of January in Philly, check out our newsletter's take on what to do this month.

If you're new here, welcome! We’ve put together a starter pack for you, with episodes and articles to welcome you to the City Cast Philly community.

City Cast Philly is made possible by our awesome sponsors, like Simply Eloped. And we’re also powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show. Find out more about how to become a member of City Cast Philly.

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In the mood for dessert? We’ve got the best spots for cinnamon rolls, cannolis, cookies, cakes, and more. Join host Trenae Nuri in conversation with food journalists for The Infatuation Philadelphia, Candis McLean and Alison Kessler. 

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