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
Should Bikers Have to Stop at Red Lights? Plus: Jet Crash Mystery & Partying at ACME
We’re talking about the latest on the investigation of the 2025 jet rescue crash in Northeast Philadelphia and a proposed law allowing bi...

Cheap Philly Dates Under $25
Whether you're aiming to keep the romance alive or thin out your roster before cuffing season, dating can be expensive! But workout class...

New School Year with Old School Problems. Guess That Rent! Should The Portal Move to Kensington?
School is officially back in session. Philly students may be returning to the classroom, but the same can’t be said for all teachers. Hos...

To Drink or Not Drink Philly's Water (*Wooder)
Grandma says tap water is good for you, but a filter does make sink water taste better. When you turn on the shower or order tap at a res...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: How Portland Made Its River Cool — Presented By City Cast Philly
How often are you out in nature in Philly? It’s not always easy to know which natural resources are clean and safe to use in an urban set...

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...

