City Cast Philly City Cast

The Citizens Police Oversight Commission was created in 2021 to be an independent oversight organization, investigating allegations of police misconduct and trying to build trust between police officers and city residents. Now, an Axios Philadelphia investigation has found that two CPOC commissioners invoiced the group for thousands in expenses that might not be allowed under Philadelphia law. Lead producer Laura Benshoff speaks with Axios Philadelphia reporter Isaac Avilucea about this story, other recent allegations of misconduct lodged against the Commissioners, and how these scandals impact the group’s mission.

Read Isaac’s story in Axios Philadelphia here.

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It’s the Friday news roundup! We’re talking about a municipal judge’s decision to dismiss murder charges against former Philadelphia Police Officer Mark Dial, less than two months after he shot and killed 27-year-old Eddie Irizarry. We’ll also get into how social media fueled looting at local liquor stores and retail shops this week, as well as why Philly cares so much about whether Taylor Swift is dating Kansas City Chiefs' player Travis Kelce. Lead producer Laura Benshoff is filling in for host Trenae Nuri, and talks with Rodrigo Torrejón, criminal justice reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, and Asha Prihar, general assignment reporter for Billy Penn.

Our Friday news roundups are powered by great local journalism: 

Judge dismisses all charges against former Police Officer Mark Dial in shooting death of Eddie Irizarry

Family, supporters of Eddie Irizarry march after judge dismisses charges against Philly officer who killed him

Dozens arrested as groups break into stores, vandalize businesses across Philadelphia, police say

All Philly liquor stores are closed today after at least 18 were broken into overnight

What Philly is saying about the Taylor Swift-Travis Kelce situationship, and what it could mean for the Eagles


Find out more about SEPTA’s new contactless payment rollout here.

And, enter for a chance to buy tickets to watch the Phillies in the playoffs here.

Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter Hey Philly.

Have a question or just want to share some thoughts with the team? Leave us a voicemail at 215-259-8170. 

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For the first time in 60 years, SEPTA is overhauling its bus routes. The final plan, which took six years to make, is known as the "Bus Revolution." Some routes are getting faster, some shorter, and others are getting axed altogether. Host Trenae Nuri chats with Thomas Fitzgerald, transportation reporter for The Philadelphia Inquirer, about how the transit agency made these calls, and what they mean for your commute.

And, check out this tool from The Inquirer that shows you how the Bus Revolution will change your transit options.

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 or send us a text at 215-259-8170.

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For years, active shooter drills in Philly schools taught students and teachers to barricade themselves in classrooms. Now, the School District of Philadelphia is implementing a new training known as ALICE - Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, and Evacuate. The idea is to give students and their teachers more ways to respond under pressure. But one of those options, countering, involves trying to distract the shooter. Host Trenae Nuri talks with Eden MacDougall, freelance reporter for Billy Penn and Temple University’s Logan Center for Urban Investigative Reporting, about what’s driving this change and why the training is controversial.

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 or send us a text at 215-259-8170.

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If you’ve walked around Philadelphia, you may have seen colorful posters that say “Get Squid Facts,” with a phone number on them. This street art project is the brainchild of Sarah McAnulty, a squid biologist and the creator of the science education non-profit, Skype A Scientist. So far, more than 135,000 people have signed up to receive her squid facts. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with McAnulty about what squid have to do with Philly, and why she uses street art to get people stoked about science.

Read more about the Squid Facts project here. Or, text "SQUID" to 1-833-SCI-TEXT to get squid info sent straight to your phone!

Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Philly.

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.

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When you see a home renovation or major construction project happening in your neighborhood, you assume that work is done safely. But that’s not always the case in Philly. An ongoing investigation by The Philadelphia Inquirer has found that unsafe construction work can go unchecked, causing damage to homes and neighboring properties, and in the worst cases, building collapses. Host Trenae Nuri speaks with Samantha Melamed, investigative reporter with The Philadelphia Inquirer, about why Philly rowhomes are uniquely vulnerable during certain renovations, and how to protect yourself from shoddy work.

Start at the beginning of the “Crumbling City” series here.

How to report unsafe construction work: 

For work without a permit, or beyond the scope of the permit, call 311 or visit phila.gov/departments/philly311/


For work before 7 a.m. or after 8 p.m., call 215-685-7580 or email dphams_service_requests@phila.gov


For dust and noise complaints, call 215-685-7580 or emails dphams_service_requests@phila.gov


For work on a weekend, email weekendworkLI@phila.gov, or call 911.

To report property damage by city demolition contractors and others, contact L&I’s Emergency Response Unit at 215-686-2583 or 215-685-3055.


Additional resources:


Information for Homeowners When Construction Starts Next Door from Community Legal Services


Construction Activity Next Door FAQ from the Department of Licenses and Inspections


Want some more Philly news? Then make sure to sign up for our morning newsletter, Hey Philly.

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.

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