Return-To-Office Policy Battle, PA’s License Plate Redesign, & Wawa’s Superfan
It’s the Friday News Roundup! We’re talking about Mayor Cherelle Parker defending her return-to-office policy, and a lawsuit trying to block it. Plus, Pennsylvania’s license plate redesign, how to stay cool in Philly’s extreme heat, and some of the most Philly things we saw on social media this week. Host Trenae Nuri is joined by Mike D’Onofrio, reporter at Axios Philadelphia, and Alex Hillman, co-founder of Indy Hall Clubhouse.
Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism:
- The Best Ways To Stay Cool in Philly
- How To Keep Your Dog Safe in the Philly Heat
- Mayor Cherelle Parker defends her strict return-to-office policy for city workers a day before the dispute heads to court
- Wawa fan collects every order slip from 000-999 then asks ‘What do I do with my life now?’
- Wawa to close Port Richmond store after 45 years
- Check out the Bungee Brand’s Poncho: https://www.instagram.com/p/C8u77vSur_s/
- The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation is debuting a new license plate in 2025! Sign up to be first to get one of the new license plates.
- Indy Hall Reading Club
Listen to Mayor Cherelle Parker’s press conference on her return-to-office policy on the city’s Facebook page.
You can find out more about SEPTA’s trolley maintenance blitz here.
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 12th episode:
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...

