Billionaires Dunk on Mayor & Council in Sixers Arena Deal
In our weekly politics episode, host Trenae Nuri talks with Ernest Owens, political writer for Philadelphia Magazine, who was the first reporter to break the news that the Sixers shockingly scrapped a plan to build an arena downtown next to Chinatown. They discuss what this says about who’s in control of the city – billionaires, not elected officials – and the political implications of it all.
Want some more Philly news? Sign up for our daily newsletter, Hey Philly.
We’re also on Instagram: @citycastphilly.
Have a question or comment about the arena switcheroo? Call or text us at 215-259-8170.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Parker’s City Hall Shake-Up & Shapiro’s Data Center Pivot. Plus: Who Cleans the Indigo Bikes After the Naked Bike Ride?
The Parker administration has seen more than half of its highest-level appointees leave their posts, according to a Philadelphia Inquirer...

Hidden Cash in Philly, AI Answering 911 Calls & Preserving Murals
When’s the last time a Philadelphian showed you a random act of kindness? We’re asking because the Philly Money Hunt Instagram account de...

What's Actually in Smoke Shop Psychedelics?
Earlier this month Pennsylvania Attorney General Dave Sunday said he wants Congress to put into effect a ban on hemp-derived products. Th...

Blocking Broad Street With Trees. Plus: Questionable QR Codes & Real Estate Roulette
The view down South Broad Street from Washington Avenue to City Hall is iconic. But an op-ed in The Philadelphia Inquirer criticizing the...

Who Gets to Call Themselves a Philadelphian?
Today’s episode asks an age-old question here in the city that continues to get debated on social media. Given the discourse about what r...

July 4th Concert Scrutiny, Olney Home Mystery & Speeding E-Bikes Ruin Dog Walks
It’s the Friday News Roundup, and we’re talking about questions over the city’s hiring of ESM Productions to put on the July 4th concert...

Abandoned Cars, Rogue E-Bikes & LeBron vs. New York
Why does Philly still have an abandoned car problem? Host Trenae Nuri poses this question to executive producer Matt Katz and Nic Esposit...

Data Centers Bigger Than PHL Airport? What This Means for Philly
Data centers are making the news across the country, facing protests, complaints about energy usage, and worries about the effect on loca...

A New Walk in Old City, 'Smart' Loading Zones in Center City & Must-See Fall Shows
Independence Day is officially behind us, but Philly is continuing to explore 250 years of American democracy with a new walking tour. Me...

No PPA, Luxury Living & Jobs: Philly's New Perfect Neighborhood?
Philly’s newest booming neighborhood has tons of jobs, amenity-filled luxury apartment buildings, plenty of green space – and no PPA rest...

