Overdose Deaths Rise, Penn’s COVID Cash Cow, & Phillies Playoffs Update
It’s the Friday news roundup! Dive into the Nobel Prize-winning research that made the University of Pennsylvania over a billion dollars, what's driving an increase in fatal drug overdose in Philly, and what’s next in the Phillies' postseason run.
Lead producer Laura Benshoff speaks with Marco Cerino, staff writer at the Philadelphia Tribune, Abraham Gutman, health reporter at the Philadelphia Inquirer, and O.J. Spivey, sports and culture writer for The Philadelphia Tribune.
Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:
- Philadelphia sees surge in Black overdose deaths
- Scientists’ Nobel-winning vaccine research brought Penn prestige — and a whole lotta money
To learn how you can prevent a fatal overdose, sign up for a free virtual overdose prevention and reversal training here.
Want some more Philly news? 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 or send us a text at 215-259-8170.
Interested in advertising with City Cast? Find more info here.
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Philly and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
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...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Naked Neighbors, Unwelcome Pets, and Other City Life Dilemmas — Presented By City Cast Philly
As much as you love Philly, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly have compla...

ICE at PHL, Package Thieves on Your Stoop & a Major Film Fest This Weekend
Immigration advocates say Immigration and Customs Enforcement activity has increased at the Philadelphia International Airport. Meanwhile...

