Message in a Bottle Mystery, ‘Worst Roommate Ever’ Movie, Philly Fountain Turns 100
It’s another midweek news roundup. We’re talking about the story behind a mysterious message in a bottle that washed up in Ocean City, New Jersey, and a local ‘Worse Roommate Ever’ story is getting turned into a movie. Plus, we have a Philly news quiz that you can play along with. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Abby Fritz, City Cast Philly producer, and Asha Prihar, Hey Philly newsletter editor.
Our news roundups are powered by great local journalism:
- Story of Philly squatter from Netflix's 'Worst Roommate Ever' to be made into movie
- Worst Roommate Ever
- ‘Bridesmaids’ Director Paul Feig to Helm Bad Roommate Thriller for Blumhouse
- Did the world’s oldest message in a bottle just wash up on a beach in Ocean City?
Read more about our news quiz (spoilers ahead):
- Gov. Josh Shapiro speaking at rally for Kamala Harris with Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer
- SEPTA to test solar-powered screens at bus stops that would give riders real-time info
- Swann Memorial Fountain turns 100
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.
Learn more about the sponsor of this July 30th episode:
- Incogni - Use code CityCast for 55% off the annual plan.
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
Will You Pay $1 per Uber To Save Teachers? Plus: ICE Is Out & Rats Are In
It’s the Friday news roundup! We’re talking about the big fight over funding the School District of Philadelphia, given the $300 million...

The World Is Obsessed With the Rocky Statue. Here’s Why.
Rocky Balboa never actually lived in Philly (since he is the fictional character portrayed by actor Sylvester Stallone). But if you take...

Garrity's Trump Ties & Shapiro Ambitions Heat Up Governor's Race
In just about six months, voters go to the polls in our politically divided state to vote for either incumbent Democratic Governor Josh S...

Caretakers of Philly's Vacant Lots Unionize to Fight Development
Philadelphians are spending their own time and resources to maintain vacant and neglected land in their neighborhoods. These vacant lots...

What's Actually Free at the Free Library of Philadelphia? {Sponsored}
As Philadelphians feel the squeeze of rising costs, the Free Library of Philadelphia is offering something that's always been free, and...

Inside Pennsylvania's Prison Where Women Age Decades Faster
Inside Pennsylvania’s largest women's state prison, those serving life or long-term sentences battle chronic illnesses like diabetes, art...

Your City Could Be Better': Why Seattle Gives Every Voter $100 — Presented By City Cast Philly
Could public financing get Philly more involved in local elections? For the last decade, the City of Seattle has issued $100 in vouchers...

Philly Police’s $1B Pitch, Tenants’ Rights Showdown & Wild World Cup Prices
It’s the Friday news roundup! Today, we bring you the latest in the battle between landlords and renters’ rights advocates over a package...

Who Owns Philadelphians’ Family History?
Mayor Cherelle Parker recently inked a deal with the genealogy research company Ancestry.com, allowing the website to add Philadelphia’s...

ICE Bill Advances Despite Potentially "Legally Problematic" Language
We’ve been following the progress of a bill that aims to limit how Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers can operate in Philadelph...

