The Week in Philly from KYW Newsradio

The 2025 calendar year marked Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. 's third helming the School District of Philadelphia. In a reflective conversation with KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo, the superintendent discusses his major highlights from the past 12 months, hands out grades for different areas of the district’s progress, and shares his resolutions and goals for 2026. 00:00 Dr. Watlington ref...

From a tragic plane crash in the Northeast to a grueling budget impasse in Harrisburg that fueled a series of SEPTA sagas, 2025 was a year of heartbreak, seismic shifts, and profound change in the Philadelphia region. Dive into the biggest stories that defined the year, including a harrowing murder, aspirational housing initiative, and local pride for the selection of an American pope. Matt Leon r...

The School District of Philadelphia has revealed the four primary themes that emerged from its recently-conducted facilities planning process survey. Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. identifies what they are, and how they’ll better inform the district’s decision-making about the future of its buildings. Plus, Watlington talks about the tangible and intangible benefits of opening two brand ne...

This week, we cover the emotional conclusion to the trial of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, who was found not guilty on all charges. We also remember former Philadelphia highway patrol officer Andy Chan, who was laid to rest six years after suffering a severe injury in the line of duty. Finally, we discuss the new bill introduced by Congressman Brendan Boyle to restore federal funding for the ma...

Public feedback has been a cornerstone of the School District of Philadelphia’s facilities planning process. Now that the open-ended survey period has closed, and with thousands of responses being reviewed by analysts, Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. says the findings could be shared as early as next week.  00:00 Reaction to the Board of Education adopting a resolution to explore turning vacant school bui...

A last-minute agreement between SEPTA and transportation workers avoids a strike. Hear the details as City Council takes on Mayor Parker, pushing for changes to her affordable housing plan. Plus, Council holds a crucial hearing questioning District Attorney Larry Krasner on the handling of domestic violence charges in a high-profile murder case. In sports news, the University of Delaware football...

The October murder of Kada Scott on vacant Philadelphia public school district property ushered to the forefront the question of what the district should do with the nearly two dozen buildings it no longer uses. Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. has an idea that he believes will not only address the safety concerns posed by these defunct facilities, but impact the school district’s bottom lin...

Philadelphia drivers brace for months of overnight closures on the westbound Schuylkill Expressway as bridge repairs begin. In City Hall, Council advances Mayor Parker’s affordable housing initiative but sparking political tension. Across the river, a contentious hearing in Trenton regarding oversight legislation turns raucous, drawing high-profile opposition from top Democrats. We also explore a...

It’s always a momentous week when a big tie alum steps up to give back. On Giving Tuesday, “Abbott Elementary” star and Charter High graduate Quinta Brunson announced a fundraising push to make field trips more accessible for Philadelphia public school students. Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington reacts to the initiative, and shares updates on policy considerations for bathroom breaks.  00:00 Foll...

There were some unexpected twists and turns during jury deliberations, but in the end, the suspects in the 2023 killing of Philadelphia police officer Richard Mendez were found guilty. KYW Newsradio’s Kristen Johanson was in the courtroom for the emotional trial, and provides a recap. We also learn more about the latest emergency lifeline extended to SEPTA; this time to address its recent Regional...

Dr. Tony Watlington Sr.’s mailbag is always open on “After School!” This week’s edition begins with a question from a School District of Philadelphia teacher, who wanted to know how much, on a circumstantial basis, she and her colleagues are allowed to deviate from certain curriculum material. Dr. Watlington addresses this topic, as well as the recently-completed round of contract negotiations wit...

SEPTA's regional rail inspections are ongoing. The city's new executive order reserves a percentage of city contracts for small local businesses. A study revealed 153,000 Pennsylvania children lack health insurance. A 2017 double murder in Maple Shade, NJ, involving Nazir Hamid, was revisited. Philadelphia restaurants received Michelin star recognition, and the Upper Darby School District's marchi...

The School District of Philadelphia’s facilities planning project is nearing the finish line, as the district this past week sent out a survey for families and communities to provide input on buildings in their neighborhoods. Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. explains what type of insights he hopes to gain ahead of releasing the facilities planning project’s findings. The superintendent also weighs in on ho...

Philadelphia faces yet more commuter strains as SEPTA cancels a dozen Regional Rail trains this week. Holiday costs are also rising; the average Thanksgiving dinner for 10 now totals $83.65, a 19% increase .State lawmakers plan to vote on a state budget ending the 135-day standoff. The former CEO of the Philadelphia Museum of Art is suing the institution, alleging wrongful termination after raisin...

The School District of Philadelphia had long targeted a November release of its facilities planning process findings, but now it's looking like there will be a delay. Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. shares an updated timeline, and also addresses whether the district would ever consider codifying a bathroom break policy. 00:00 Why is the facilities planning report delayed? 02:50 When can dis...

In a year with few major elections, New Jersey’s gubernatorial election represents a big win for Democrats reeling from last year’s Presidential election. In Pennsylvania, all three Supreme Court judges up for retention won and Bucks County got in on the blue wave . The continuing federal shutdown means a tug-of-war for those who rely on SNAP benefits, as well as serious issues at the airport . Fe...

Listen to The Week in Philly on KYW Newsradio every Saturday at 5am and 3pm, and Sunday at 3pm. plus Philly final is getting new-ish bus depo and an update on the Philly DA’s race  This week, we're tracking the high-stakes New Jersey gubernatorial race as the polls get tighter. Plus, with the federal shutdown dragging on, we look at the legal fight to protect SNAP benefits for families. Back in Ph...

With Pennsylvania’s budget stalemate approaching its fourth month, the School District of Philadelphia continues to fund its operating budget via a $1.5 billion loan. What happens if or when the money runs out? Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. sheds light on his plans. Plus, learn more about the district’s strategy to engage with families upon the release of its anticipated facilities planni...

Plus, Philly's "First Selfie" plan, and a KYW staffer's "Abbott Elementary" debut A candlelight vigil honored Kada Scott, a 23 year-old killed last month, remembered by family and friends as bright and kind. Philadelphia City Council is considering a bag fee and a report revealed the true cost of elections. In Harrisburg, the state budget impasse continues, and a constitutional amendment for repro...

A major murder arrest, a controversial ruling, a political sentencing, a city parade, the Union win big, and the return of a Philly legend. This week, we cover a major break in the case of a missing Philadelphia teen, as police make an arrest in the disappearance of 16-year-old Kada Scott . We'll also look at a new development in the long-disputed 2011 death of teacher Ellen Greenberg, as a judge...

State testing scores are in, and, for third through eighth graders in the School District of Philadelphia, the results are mixed. In the eyes of Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington Sr., there’s reason for optimism, as well as signs of progress. The big picture data set, however, paints a different picture.  Watlington gives his perspective on the district’s performance in reading and math, while al...

the chaos of SEPTA's emergency rail inspections, the local impact of the federal government shutdown, and the passing of South Philly bakery legend SEPTA riders faced chaos as emergency fire inspections sidelined two-thirds of the regional rail fleet, leading to severe, weeks-long disruptions. The ongoing federal government shutdown continued to impact local federal workers, who are either furloug...

The opening month of the 2025-26 academic year has been marked by hiccups, from SEPTA service interruptions to the threat of ICE raids. How much does Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. attribute these factors to a year-to-year enrollment dip in the School District of Philadelphia? KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo covers this topic, plus agenda items for the district's next "Goals and Guardrails"...

 Dr. Ala Stanford, founder of the Black Doctors Consortium, has entered the race for Dwight Evans's congressional seat and in city government, Philadelphia City Council is advancing measures to add more speed cameras and improve bike lane safety. $22 million project to rebuild a bridge on City Avenue near the Bala train station will take 20 months to finish. Meanwhile, the Philadelphia School Dist...

After missing a target deadline for raises for the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers union, how does the School District of Philadelphia plan to make up for the delay? Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. explains why the payments are late, and the course of action he intends to take moving forward.  Watlington also discusses his three-year contract extension, and the district’s pressing need...