The Week in Philly from KYW Newsradio

In the aftermath of the Trump administration promoting an unfounded connection between Tylenol use by pregnant women and subsequent autism diagnoses in their children, Dr. Kristen Lyall, a researcher at the AJ Drexel Autism Center, shares her expertise on the subject. We also take a closer look at a historic public safety milestone 50 years in the making in Camden, once considered one of the most...

Enrollment in the School District of Philadelphia is down year-over-year after one month, but Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. believes recent trends offer encouraging signs. On the latest edition of the “After School” podcast, the superintendent interprets the data.  Plus, Watlington provides new details about the return of the district’s free “Parents & Family University” program, and takes listeners...

The Trump administration has ordered federally funded museums to remove exhibits depicting slavery by September 17, and that includes information on the slaves who worked in George Washington’s home displayed at the President’s House on Independence Mall. KYW Newsradio’s Shara Dae Howard spoke with Visit Philadelphia about how they’re going about preserving Black history while following federal ma...

Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington isn’t interested in getting credit. He’s just looking forward to bringing back a program that was widely successful and heralded nationally under one of his predecessors.  On the latest edition of the "After School" podcast, Watlington details the reboot of “Parent and Family University,” a program geared towards helping the School District of Philadelphia better...

A new report from the Philadelphia School District reveals data on the condition of its buildings - data that will be used to determine which schools to close. KYW Newsradio’s Mike DeNardo shares the details on that plus SEPTA’s move to reverse service cuts starting September 14. Pat Loeb shares what she saw walking the streets with Kensington police officers. Kristen Johanson explains why some Ph...

Modernize, consolidate, or close? These are the options the School District of Philadelphia is considering for the future of select buildings based on a new facilities report released this week. On the latest episode of the "After School" podcast, Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington explains how families should interpret the data, and explains why he believes tough decisions ahead  will ultimately...

SEPTA has pulled a full 360 - after they made cuts to service due to a budget deficit, a judge ruled that they have to reverse those cuts. KYW Newsradio’s Mike DeNardo catches us up on the saga and where SEPTA is getting the money to bring service back. This comes after State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta walked from Philadelphia to Harrisburg to advocate for public transit funding. Shara Dae Howard caugh...

If you were late for work or your kid missed school because of SEPTA’s service cuts this week, you’re far from alone. KYW Newsradio’s Mike DeNardo checks in on how folks are faring and what’s ahead from SEPTA, plus how the first week of school went. We get the latest city government news from City Hall Bureau Chief Pat Loeb, including State Senator Sharif Street stepping down as PA’s Democratic Pa...

Those dreaded SEPTA cuts begin on Sunday, with still no state budget agreement in sight. We’ll tell you what to prepare for. And school starts in Philadelphia on Monday. KYW Newsradio’s Mike DeNardo tells us how the district is getting ready amidst the SEPTA cuts and a potential teacher strike, plus he previews his new weekly conversation with Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington. We also hear about...

Another key SEPTA deadline passed, and now, according to the region's mass transit operator, due to a budget stalemate in the state legislature, there’s no turning back from dramatic funding cuts. Will reduced service and increased fares go through as planned? We also learn more about the state of contract negotiations between the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers and School District of Philadel...

SEPTA’s budget crisis has reached a tipping point. The transit agency says if the state Legislature does not agree on a budget that provides more funding by August 14, they will have to make significant cuts on August 24. KYW Newsradio’s Mike DeNardo tells us what’s on the chopping block. The U.S. Department of Justice released a list of “Sanctuary” jurisdictions that it intends to sue if they don...

What do you do when you find two infant skulls in a box? Such was the situation confronting the Mütter Museum, best known for its collection of human remains. Hear how the museum's next steps led to a months-long journey that linked a true crime story to serious morality questions. We also check in on the Phillies’ activity at the trade deadline, and discuss whether the additions of closer Jhoan D...

The city, state, and country are busy planning for America’s 250th anniversary in 2026, but is Philadelphia really prepared for the crowds it will bring? KYW’s City Hall Bureau Chief Pat Loeb tells us what plans were unveiled this week. We have updates on several trials that captured the region’s attention. The Eagles get serious at training camp, meanwhile the Savannah Bananas bring the fun and s...

Republican Senator Dave McCormick announced $90 billion in investments to put Pennsylvania at the forefront of AI at his Energy and Innovation Summit at Carnegie Mellon University. Meanwhile in Philadelphia, city workers in the DC 33 union went back to work after eight days on strike, and both they and the DC 47 union are voting on tentative agreements. Plus, one of Philly’s own is the biggest sta...

After eight days of trash piling up, the DC33 strike ended on Wednesday. KYW’s City Hall Bureau Chief Pat Loeb tells us what’s in the final agreement between the city and its blue collar workers and how this reflects on Mayor Parker. We also hear about multiple mass shootings this past weekend, despite an overall decrease in gun violence; a gruesome trial in Bucks County; a ride-hailing company us...

Forty years later, Live Aid remains arguably the most iconic concert event of all time. Two cities, more than 70 acts, all joining forces to make 24 straight hours of live music that helped raise millions of dollars for a charitable cause. Live Aid, staged July 13th, 1985 in London and Philadelphia, certainly left a mark. How did rundown JFK Stadium in South Philly wind up hosting such a high-prof...

Philadelphia’s blue collar workers went on strike this week, affecting services like trash pickup. KYW’s City Hall Bureau Chief Pat Loeb breaks down what’s at stake. Philly is finally getting a WNBA team. We talk with a women’s sports expert about what that means for the city and for the sport. Plus, after Miles Pfeffer was found guilty of murdering Temple police Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald, KYW’s...

The execution-style murder of Temple University Sgt. Christopher Fitzgerald in February 2023 stunned Philadelphia. Not only was his killer brought to justice, it was served swiftly. Hear what Fitzgerald’s family had to say about the Miles Pfeffer verdict moments after it came down.  Plus, triple-digit temperatures weren’t the only inconvenience posed by this past week’s blistering heatwave. Thousa...

2025 is KYW Newsradio’s 60th anniversary! That’s a lot of news, but we asked our reporters to pick some of the best stories to revisit - impactful events, citywide celebrations, and some moments of simple, great entertainment. Join our reporting team and host Matt Leon for a look back through time. 00:00 Intro 02:08 The plane crash that killed PA Senator John Heinz (1991) 08:24 A duck boat tragedy...

The ripple effects of the United States’ Immigration and Customs Enforcement policy under the Trump administration are being increasingly felt across the country, including Philadelphia. We examine how people are responding and local immigrant communities are feeling. We also recap a high-profile round of primary election results in New Jersey, tell you why Amazon decided to plant a multi-billion...

New Jersey’s primary election is on Tuesday, and the Democratic side of the governor race is packed. KYW’s South Jersey Reporter Mike Dougherty looks at the candidates on both sides. Philadelphia City Council and Mayor Cherelle Parker agreed on a $6.8 billion budget. City Hall Bureau Chief Pat Loeb tells us what was approved. Plus, we have updates on a SEPTA line closing, Penn Medicine ending gend...

The week started out with a grim Memorial Day when shooters opened fire in the Lemon Hill section of Fairmount Park, killing two people and injuring nine more. KYW’s Tim Jimenez explains what we’ve learned about the victims and how the city is responding. Reporter Mike DeNardo - the biggest Phillies fan we know - gives his take on the season so far. And “Abbott Elementary” creator Quinta Brunson p...

District Attorney Larry Krasner has his fair share of vocal detractors, but his performance at the polls speaks for itself. After a convincing win over challenger Pat Dugan in the Democratic primary, Krasner is all but assured a third term. KYW Newsradio’s Pat Loeb explains his appeal to voters and keys to victory. Plus, get analysis of the Mark Dial verdict in the trial of Eddie Irizarry’s killin...

Pennsylvania’s primary election is this coming Tuesday, and while it’s an off year, this primary will likely determine Philadelphia’s next District Attorney. We talk about the Democratic candidates, incumbent Larry Krasner and Judge Pat Dugan. Plus, a debate over whether or not to narrow Castor Avenue in Oxford Circle, a new study shows the impacts of gentrification, PA lawmakers discuss legalizin...

Before he was elected Pope Leo XIV, he was…treating fellow members of the Villanova community to pizza and beer?!?! Yes, after graduating from the Main Line university in 1977, Bob Prevost maintained connections to campus. Hear how the school reacted to the stunning news of “Father Bob’s” new gig. Also, with the anniversaries of two Philadelphia tragedies just days away, the KYW Newsradio newsroom...