There’s lots to love about Philly, but being able to get in and out of it easily and cheaply can be an underrated metric of its livability. Accommodating, accessible, and affordable local airports are a specific resource that many cities need. To find out which cities are leading the charge and the kinds of amenities that elevate an airport to gold status, City Cast CEO David Plotz chats with Scott Keyes, founder and Chief Flight Expert of Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) about everything he’s seen in his work and travels. How does your airport stack up? 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.

Philly takes center stage as Freedom Fuel, the cheap gas stations promoted by President Trump, opened in the city this week. Executive producer Matt Katz and senior producer Abby Fritz also cover how convicted child trafficker Jeffrey Epstein tried to recruit women from the University of Pennsylvania. And they give context on the arson attack on a mosque in the Northeast. City Cast Philly Neighbors get a members-only segment on the hidden gardens of Philly and an upcoming Neighbors event at the historic Wyck Historic House and Garden. Want to join the City Cast Philly team at Wyck? Become a Neighbor and keep an eye out in your inbox for an invitation to sign up for the event.  Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Northeast Philly mosque damaged in arson attack, authorities say Delco man arrested after alleged antisemitic threats on Gov. Josh Shapiro Inside Jeffrey Epstein’s attempts to recruit women from Penn Documents show how Jeffrey Epstein tried to court renowned Penn Psychology professor Martin Seligman Who was Jeffrey Epstein? The disgraced financier with powerful associates Trump-promoted Freedom Fuel gas stations are opening around Philly. Here’s what we know. ‘Freedom Fuel’: White House promotes network selling cheaper gas in Pa.  Delaware County man arrested for allegedly threatening Governor Josh Shapiro The White House's X Feed Freedom Fuel Announcement How young players are getting an All-Star spotlight in Philly The Southeast Asian Market at FDR Park: Philly's Best-Kept Family Food Secret Wyck Historic House and Rose Garden 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. Sign up here.  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

It's no secret that SEPTA is in need of stable, long-term funding. But the divided state legislature hasn't been too keen on allocating money to the public transit agency, and fares alone just aren't cutting it. So the agency’s new creative way to boost its funds is to add mixed-use development to some of its vacant land holdings near transit stops. Senior producer Abby Fritz talks with Molly McVety, staff writer at PhillyVoice, about the money SEPTA stands to make off this venture.  Read Molly's full story for PhillyVoice here. 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. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Lauren Rinaldi’s ascension to the No. 3 position in the city Democratic committee was seen as something of an olive branch to progressives after State Rep. Chris Rabb, a member of the Democratic Socialists of America, beat establishment-backed candidates to win the party nomination for Congress. Rinaldi is a professional artist, progressive Democratic ward leader in Fishtown, and member of DSA. Can the Democratic party in Philly unify under both Democratic Committee Chairman Bob Brady and Rinaldi, the party’s new second vice-chair?  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:  If you enjoyed this interview with Giavana Pruiti, Director of Promotions and Activations for Center City District and Skylar Carey, Marketing Specialist with Arah Agency, learn more here.

Did the Fourth of July semiquincentennial celebrations fall flat, given the too-hot and then too-wet weather, a cancelled parade, and pricey middle-of-the-night fireworks? At least many Ben Franklins provided a much-needed silver lining. Executive producer Matt Katz, senior producer Abby Fritz, and food contributor Alisha Miranda recap the wild July Fourth weekend, give updates on the PECO union worker strike, and drop some pro tips for dining out in Philly this summer.  This episode was recorded on Monday, July 6, before PECO and IBEW Local 614 reached a tentative deal to end the strike. 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. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

While all fireworks shows have ended, Philly is still a noisy place. Just listen to the El train rolling by, neighbors yelling at each other from across the street, and Mr. Softee’s jingle playing on a loop. But are there noises that make the city’s soundscape special? Host Trenae Nuri talks with executive producer Matt Katz and newsletter editor Siani Colón about which noises piss them off, which they love, and which ones they just have to live with.  This episode originally aired on July 29, 2025. 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. Sign up here. Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Four Seasons Philadelphia Brooklyn Bowl Philly Philadelphia Union Arbor

See if your Philly knowledge serves you well! In the first-ever Your City Could Be Better trivia episode, City Cast CEO David Plotz goes head to head with journalist and historian Alexandra Petri to see who knows more about U.S. history, geography, and celebrities ahead of the country’s semiquincentennial. Sean McPherson, trivia wiz and City Cast Twin Cities host, leads four riveting rounds of questions covering everything from The Declaration of Independence to the hottest college rivalries, and all 13 City Cast cities make an appearance. See how you stack up! Mentioned on the show: Trivia Mafia website and locations Alexandra Petri's US History: Important American Documents (I Made Up) Milwaukee's block of Frank Lloyd Wright - Atlas Obscura 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.

Every celebration needs a beverage to pair with it. This weekend, as the city marks the semiquincentennial with fireworks, block parties, and parades, honor Philly’s part in the nation's history with a cocktail created here. Host Trenae Nuri runs through these beverages, the history behind them, and where to get them with food contributor Alisha Miranda.  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: Four Seasons Philadelphia Brooklyn Bowl Philly Philadelphia Union Arbor

As America rings in its 250th anniversary on July 4, Philadelphia celebrates with free museum admission, concerts, and special events for the semiquincentennial. We also recommend celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Ben Franklin Bridge, the Major League Baseball All-Star Game, and a spaghetti-eating contest. 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 lists of the best barbecue spots, farmers markets, and restaurants for outdoor dining.     For even more tips on how to make the most of July in Philly, check out our newsletter. City Cast Philly is made possible by our awesome sponsors, like Four Seasons Philadelphia, Brooklyn Bowl Philly, Philadelphia Union, and Arbor. 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

Are you sticking around for the semiquincentennial celebrations this weekend? Host Trenae Nuri, senior producer Abby Fritz, and Fae Ehsan, a board member of the urbanist group 5th Square Advocacy, make a list of pros and cons to help you decide. Plus, they discuss the couple in City Hall taking advantage of a retirement incentive — without retiring — and the neighborhoods that could get more housing near public transit.  Our Tuesday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:  Fourth of July travel: Best and worst times to travel in Philly region This Philly City Hall power couple stands to reap up to $750K by briefly retiring — then continuing to work for the city Philly has a new law to boost development around transit. Which neighborhoods will benefit? The Other Way Mayor Parker is Stepping Up for Transit 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: Four Seasons Philadelphia Brooklyn Bowl Philly Philadelphia Union Arbor