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
Democratic Civil War, Dirty Dentist & Alternatives to the Shore This Weekend
It's the Friday News Roundup! Executive producer Matt Katz and senior producer Abby Fritz dish on all the drama with local Democratic pol...

Who Wins Summer in the USA? Philly Makes Its Case
City Cast Twin Cities host Sean McPherson hosts this showdown where 12 City Cast reps, including City Cast Philly host Trenae Nuri, compe...

Chris Rabb, Progressive State Rep., Defeats Democratic Establishment
Results are in! The City Cast Philly team stayed up late to get the results of last night’s Democratic primary election for the Third Con...

New Holiday in Philly Is a Response to Trump Hiding History
Ona Judge was one of nine enslaved Black people forced to work and live at President George Washington’s Philadelphia home before her esc...

Are Out-Of-Town Businesses Taking Over Philly’s Food Scene?
Philly's food and beverage landscape is constantly expanding. New businesses are popping up all the time, and many originate from other p...

'Your City Could Be Better': Do DC’s Hated Traffic Cameras Really Make the City Safer? — Presented By City Cast Philly
Would Philadelphia be safer if there were more automated traffic cameras? In 2025, Washington, DC, brought in nearly $270 million from mo...

Waymo Comes to Town, Fetterman Votes for War & Philly Drinks for America’s 250th
It's the Friday News Roundup! Host Trenae Nuri and executive producer Matt Katz talk through whether City Council has the power to regula...

Goin’ Down the Shore: A Beginner's Guide to the Jersey Shore
It’s that time of year when Philadelphians are making their summer plans. And that means it's time to book those weeks and weekends down...

Tuesday’s Election: A Noisy Congressional Race & a Quiet Mystery Contest
The 2026 Pennsylvania primary is next week, on May 19. Do you know what’s on your ballot? Host Trenae Nuri runs through what you’re votin...

What's in Philly's Smoke Shop Drugs?
Chocolate bars like Polka Dot Mushroom Magic Blend and tablets like Ms. Molli Cule’s have a few things in common: You can get these over...

