At the beginning of each month, Philly’s art scene gets some extra love with a citywide celebration called First Friday. Art lovers and deal seekers alike can enjoy extended hours and/or pay-what-you-wish admission at some art museums, and free wine and snacks at local galleries. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Chelsey Luster, a Philadelphia-based curator, educator, and visual artist, about how to make the most of First Fridays.

Follow Chelsey’s work here.

For more information on First Friday celebrations, check out @phillyfirstfriday on Instagram.

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A disclaimer: this episode contains descriptions of violence and mentions sexual assault.

In gas stations, bars and shops in the city, it’s not uncommon to see private security guards, some openly carrying large firearms. But a recent investigation by The Philadelphia Inquirer found that Pennsylvania has some of the most archaic laws in the country governing the private security industry. Guards may receive little training or oversight, leading to injuries, lawsuits, and even deaths. Executive producer Laura Benshoff speaks with Samantha Melamed, investigative reporter with the Inquirer, about this wild west scenario and what needs to change to make the public—and guards—safer.

Read Samantha’s full story here.

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Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170.

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We’re back with another midweek news roundup. Today’s topics include a new lawsuit attempting to stop the $250+ million renovations at FDR Park and SEPTA’s latest campaign to get people to stop smoking on the train. Plus, we’ve got a news quiz for you, featuring even more recent headlines! Executive producer Laura Benshoff is filling in for host Trenae Nuri and recaps these news stories and more with producer Abby Fritz and Hey Philly newsletter editor Asha Prihar.

Our news roundups are powered by great local journalism: 

For more information on the stories in our news quiz (and some spoilers), check out these links: Question 1, Question 2, Question 3 and Question 4.

Check out our episodes from 2022 about the FDR Park Plan here and here. 

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We’re also Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly.

Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. 

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We’ve got your guide for the best things to do in Philly this month, no foolin’. Tune in to learn about upcoming street festivals, new restaurants to try, and free events from salsa classes to board game rentals. Host Trenae Nuri, executive producer Laura Benshoff, producer Abby Fritz, and Hey Philly newsletter editor Asha Prihar each share their recommendations for things to do, and then vote for their favorites.

Our recommendations for April:

For even more things to do this month, check out our website.

Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly.

We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly.

Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170.

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It’s the Friday News Roundup! Topics this week include a NE Philly state house primary that pits two politically-connected families against each other and a new program to help public school students manage trauma. Executive Producer Laura Benshoff is joined by Gillian McGoldrick, Harrisburg reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Dale Mezzacappa, senior reporter at Chalkbeat Philadelphia. 

Our Friday News Roundups are powered by great local journalism:  

For more information on the PHS Pop Up Gardens, check out their website.

Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly.

We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly.

Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170.

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There’s nothing like a fresh bagel with cream cheese, or a bagel sandwich, to kick off your morning. Luckily, Philly has an abundance of homegrown bagel places to satisfy all of your carb-y cravings. A few months ago, City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri, and food contributor Dave Wez (@feedingtimetv), debated the pros and cons of the different styles, toppings, and shmears you can find at Philly’s best bagel shops.

The spots mentioned in this episode are:

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We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly.

Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170.

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Germantown is going through a transformation. Since 2019, at least 400 new housing units have come online, with another 400 expected in 2025, according to WHYY. This investment is coming to a Philly neighborhood with a deep sense of pride and a history of being overlooked by developers. Some residents hope these new projects will attract more businesses, while others fear changes to the neighborhood could price out longtime residents. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Aaron Moselle, reporter with WHYY’s PlanPhilly, about the likelihood of rapid gentrification here.

Read Aaron’s full story here.

Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly.

We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly.

Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170.

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On today's news roundup, we run down some recent headlines out of Philadelphia City Council, from a new ban on casino-style gaming terminals to a hearing on an anti-blight law that some residents say is misapplied to force them to sell their family homes. Plus, what we know about why the SE Asian Market pushed back its opening date. Executive producer Laura Benshoff is filling in for host Trenae Nuri and recaps these news stories and more with producer Abby Fritz and Hey Philly newsletter editor Asha Prihar.

Our news roundups are powered by great local journalism: 

Listen to previous City Cast Philly episodes on banning skill games and Act 135.

For more background on today’s trivia question, click here.

Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly.

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New city policies are rolling out in Kensington, a neighborhood that’s long been the center of the opioid epidemic and a hotspot for homelessness. Councilmember Quetcy Lozada, recently re-elected to her first full term, is one driving force behind these changes, which include a new business curfew and calls for a “triage center.” Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Lozada about the challenges facing the area, what she hears from residents, and where she spends time in the 7th Council District.

Read news coverage of some of the topics mentioned in this episode here, here, and here.

Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly.

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Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail or send us a text at 215-259-8170.

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It’s the Friday News Roundup! Today's topics include plans to move the intercity bus terminal again and why some local businesses have adopted a four-day work week. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Meir Rinde, investigative reporter at Billy Penn, and Lizzy McLellan Ravitch, workplace reporter at The Philadelphia Inquirer.

Our Friday News Roundups are powered by great local journalism: 

Read more about the poll worker shortage and how to become one.

Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly 

We’re also on Twitter and Instagram! Follow us @citycastphilly. 

Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. 

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