Trenae Nuri and all 12 other City Cast podcast hosts (from Austin, Boise, Chicago, DC, Denver, Houston, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Portland, and Salt Lake City) compete head-to-head in a high-stakes showdown to answer the question that’s been burning up our company-wide Slack for weeks: which city is the best for a summer weekend trip? From naked bike rides to ‘the country’s best farmers market,’ pickle festivals to Elvis impersonators driving pink convertibles, our hosts are bringing the best of the best of what their city has to offer. Did your city win?

Take our interactive quiz to see which city best fits YOUR vibe!

Learn more about the sponsors of this July 3rd episode:

Eastern State Penitentiary

Rothman Orthopaedic Institute

Jeff D'Ambrosio Auto Group

More than 9,000 city workers from the District Council 33 union went on strike Tuesday — and that means there’s no residential trash pick-up until the union comes to terms on a contract with Mayor Cherelle Parker. Striking city workers keep the city running in a variety of ways, so in addition to sanitation the work stoppage means longer wait times for 9-1-1, earlier closing times for rec centers, and so much more. Host Trenae Nuri talks the latest on the strikers’ demands with executive producer Matt Katz and producer Abby Fritz. Plus, news on Congressman Dwight Evans’ retirement and the ongoing budget crisis that could slash SEPTA service. Plus some good news: The WNBA is coming to Philly in 2030, and we’ve curated a list of potential team names.   

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Philly’s bringing the heat, so we’ve curated a list of ways to have fun and beat these sizzling summer temperatures. In this episode you’ll hear about a new casual outdoor eating experience in Fishtown, the fairy festival in Roxborough, dancing on the Delaware River, and a burlesque cabaret show in Callowhill. For even more tips on how to make the most of July in Philly, check out Hey Philly’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 Eastern State Penitentiary, Rothman Orthopaedic Institute, and Jeff D'Ambrosio Auto Group. 

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Call or text us: 215-259-8170

We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly

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We all have been feeling the sweltering heat and humidity. The average summer temperatures in Philly have creeped up over the last few years, and that affects our health in surprising ways. 

Host Trenae Nuri talks with Tony Wood, the Philadelphia Inquirer’s weather reporter, about his new book, “Something in the Air: A Four-Season Guide to Weather and Health,” about Philly’s role in the history of climate science research. 

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Call or text us: 215-259-8170

We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly

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It’s the Friday News Roundup. This week, we’re talking about the city agreeing to pay $3 million to the family of Thomas “TJ” Siderio, the 12-year-old boy fatally shot in the back by a Philly cop, why artists canceled their performances at World Cafe Live and several Center City bars pull out of SIPS. Plus, after two years, there still isn’t a Greyhound bus station. Host Trenae Nuri, producer Abby Fritz and Hey Philly newsletter editor Siani Colon dish about these topics, the happiest places in the city and ways to stay cool during a heatwave. 

Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: 

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We head over to Sharswood—just off Ridge Avenue and Master Street—to explore a new affordable housing development prioritizing its youngest neighbors. Play is no longer limited to parks and playgrounds. That’s because of a collaboration between community members and the Playful Learning Landscapes Action Network to design interactive spaces that are opportunities for learning. Host Trenae Nuri joined the celebration on the International Day of Play to meet the people behind this innovative project. 

Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly

Call or text us: 215-259-8170

We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly

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In our weekly politics episode, we discuss how with major funding sources like the National Endowment for the Arts and Humanities facing cuts, many cultural organizations around the region are feeling the strain. City Council recently approved $5 million for the Philadelphia Cultural Fund in the 2026 fiscal year budget – a big win for the arts and cultural sector. In Harrisburg, Pennsylvania state lawmakers are going through budget negotiations; will they support our region’s creative community? Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Patricia Wilson Aden, president and CEO of the Greater Philadelphia Cultural Alliance, about this funding.

Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly

Call or text us: 215-259-8170

We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly

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

Summer in Philly brings some of the best weekly deals on your favorite cocktails. SIPS in Center City is a popular Wednesday happy hour. There's also Passyunk Passegiata on Thursdays in East Passyunk, and Fishtown Taps offers drink discounts on Tuesdays. But you don’t have to drink alcohol to have fun. We’re bringing back this conversation with Nikki Graziano, Bar Palmina's owner and bartender, about the drinks she’s shaking up and why she opened a nonalcoholic bar in Philly.

This episode mentions sexual assault and suicide, so please take care when listening. If you or anyone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide, you can always call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. There's help available 24 hours a day.

This episode originally aired on March 17th, 2025.

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Call or text us: 215-259-8170

We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly

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

Philly loves its dogs, but there’s a plan to make some parks, playgrounds and rec centers  “animal-free zones.” City Council passed a bill that would fine owners $2,000 if their dog is in a public park – whether on a leash or not. Host Trenae Nuri, who isn’t a dog owner, speaks with Johnny Goodtimes, a Philly dog owner and City Cast Philly contributor, about city canines, dog parks, and whether politicians are barking up the wrong tree. 

Check out these eight dog parks. 

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Call or text us: 215-259-8170

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

City Cast hosts are on the pulse of what’s happening in our communities. So Trenae Nuri and all 12 other hosts sat down with City Cast CEO David Plotz to talk about creative local problem solving that might work in your hometown too and to commiserate about stressors affecting most of our cities, from unaffordable housing to bike lanes.

Learn more about the sponsors of this June 20th episode:

Babbel - Get up to 60% off at Babbel.com/CITYCAST

Jeff D'Ambrosio Auto Group