In the next month, the city is expected to pass a budget, host major sporting events, kick off semiquincentennial commemorations, and eventually clean up from all the parties. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by senior producer Abby Fritz and Circa Systems co-founder and CEO Nic Esposito to talk through the proposed taxes and fiscal decisions driving discourse around how Philly will make and spend money. This past weekend, The Roots Picnic and Porch Fest kicked off festival season, and we created your next outdoor festival checklist. Plus, the city has a unique chance to rethink how our trash is disposed of.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Taskrabbit Fitler Club Brooklyn Bowl Philly ArtPhilly

Philadelphia is the best city to be in this summer. From FIFA Fan Fest to the Block Party Bonanza and select bars staying open until 4 a.m, there’s so much to do. We also recommend annual celebrations like the Pride Festival, the Odunde Festival, and the Chinese Lantern Festival. In this episode, you’ll hear our best tips for enjoying Philly, plus lots of activity recommendations you won’t find elsewhere. And if you’re hungry for more food content, don’t miss Siani’s list of the city’s newest restaurants. For even more tips on how to make the most of June in Philly, check out our newsletter. City Cast Philly made possible by our awesome sponsors, like Taskrabbit, Fitler Club, and Brooklyn Bowl Philly. We’re powered by our members, who enjoy an ad-free version of the show and other perks. Find out more at membership.citycast.fm.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Where would Philadelphia be without its libraries? Chicago is opening its 82nd public library branch in June, and loaning out books is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to what these institutions offer residents. City Cast CEO David Plotz talks with City Cast Chicago podcast host Jacoby Cochran about how Chicago’s libraries have evolved to meet community needs, from opening a food pantry inside a branch to turning student IDs into automatic library cards — and how they could be even better. Plus, are the Chicago Bears still the Chicago Bears if they move to Indiana? Is there something your city is doing that we should be talking about? Email David now!  We’re also on Instagram: @yourcitycouldbebetter Looking to advertise on Your City Could Be Better? Check out our options.

It’s the Friday New Roundup! Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz are discussing how Mayor Cherelle Parker has rebranded the Wawa Welcome to America Concert. Also, hotel and Airbnb prices could be going up due to proposed tax bikes. The city and state are teaming up to combat traffic near the stadiums in South Philly. And a special segment for City Cast Philly Neighbors about the rooftop bars with the best views and booze.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Mayor Parker stamps "One Philly" slogan onto Fourth of July concert  Philly will use a record budget surplus to face funding uncertainties, Mayor Parker says Exclusive: Uber turns up pressure campaign against Parker's rideshare tax Mayor Parker says she’ll reduce her hotel tax plan and propose a 6% hike on Airbnb instead Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: ArtPhilly Free Library of Philadelphia

As the United States turns 250, Philadelphia, the city where modern democracy was born, is becoming the center of a global conversation about where it goes next. In this sponsored bonus episode, Trenae talks with Laura Smythe, a Philadelphia-based journalist and TED Democracy speaker, and Gabbi Townsend, a content creator partnering with Visit Philadelphia, about “TED Democracy Philadelphia: Founding Futures.” Happening at the Kimmel Center on June 13th, the event brings together thinkers from around the world for 13 full-length TED Talks and six Philadelphia Flash Talks on the future of democracy. Laura and Gabbi walk through how the event came to be, what attendees can expect throughout the day, and why both of them wanted to be part of it. They also explain how a free nationwide library livestream is bringing the event to communities across the country, and what they hope people think about long after they leave the Kimmel Center. Thank you for listening to this special bonus Sponsored Episode by Visit Philadelphia. Use promo code CITYCASTPHILLY for 15% off tickets at visitphilly.com/ted2026. Can't make it in person? Find a free library livestream near you at visitphilly.com/TEDlive.

America is turning 250, and Philadelphia is going to be a playground for visitors to learn about the history of the country and the city that started it all. But what about us, the locals who will be here whether or not we care about the semiquincentennial? Host Trenae Nuri speaks with the City of Philadelphia 2026 Director Michael Newmuis to put you onto all of the money, programs, initiatives, and events meant to benefit Philadelphians during the summer's celebrations.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Free Library of Philadelphia

The FIFA World Cup and Fan Festival are just weeks away. Murals are going up, bars are racing to get extended hours permits, and graffiti is being covered 一 but is it enough? Some argue Philly is the most prepared host city and is set to make some money off of these events. Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz talk through all the prep that could lead to a success story for the city as we host soccer's biggest competition.   Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Free Library of Philadelphia Taskrabbit

The days are getting longer, and summer hangouts are on the horizon. But it can be hard to come up with meetup spots that aren't the same few bars – and if you are avoiding alcohol, it's even harder. Whether you’re sober, taking an alcohol break, or just want to try something new, we’re revisiting our guide to cool spots, activities, hobbies, and events that don’t involve drinking. The conversation features host Trenae Nuri, senior producer Abby Fritz, and newsletter editor Siani Colón. This episode originally aired on Jan. 13, 2026.  Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: ArtPhilly Free Library of Philadelphia

It's the Friday News Roundup! Executive producer Matt Katz and senior producer Abby Fritz dish on all the drama with local Democratic politicians in Philly – including an argument over mac-and-cheese and an effort to dethrone Bob Brady, chairman of the city Democratic party. In other news, a dentist's license was suspended for unsafe practices and flooding led a South Philly hospital to be evacuated. And for the City Cast Philly Neighbors segment, what the stats say about why you should 一 or shouldn't 一 go down the Shore for Memorial Day weekend.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Philly progressives taking a victory lap after Rabb win; supporters credit old-school grassroots organizing Sharif Street and Chris Rabb are asking Philly voters to send them to Washington. As state lawmakers, they’ve had very different styles. Chairman Bob Brady, it is time to step aside Philly DA Larry Krasner got kicked out of election day lunch after clashing with union leader Ryan Boyer Smiles at Rittenhouse Square dental patients should get tested for HIV, hepatitis, health department says Power restored after issues force evacuation at Jefferson Methodist Hospital in South Philadelphia Flash flood waters were pouring into the SEPTA station in Jenkintown on Wednesday night The worst times to travel from Philly for Memorial Day weekend Our newsletter has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: 215-259-8170 Instagram: @citycastphilly Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: membership.citycast.fm Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Visit Philadelphia

City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri, compete head-to-head and debate which city is the best for a weekend trip this summer. From hot tub boats (exactly what they sound like) to epic outdoor summer festivals, our hosts are bringing the best of what their city has to offer this season. Can Trenae beat out her competitors from Chicago, DC, Denver, Las Vegas, Madison, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Portland, Salt Lake, Seattle, and the Twin Cities? ⁠Our newsletter⁠ has Philly news & events in your inbox every weekday morning. Call or text us: ⁠215-259-8170⁠ Instagram: ⁠@citycastphilly⁠ Support our show and get great perks as a City Cast Philly Neighbor: ⁠membership.citycast.fm⁠ Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: ⁠citycast.fm/advertise⁠ Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: ⁠Visit Philadelphia