The Week in Philly from KYW Newsradio

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The blue tsunami raises tides for PA Democrats | The Week in Philly Nov 07, 2026

Show notes

Democrats made sweeping wins across the country in this week’s midterm elections. Not only have they gained control of the U.S. House and Senate, but for the first time since the ‘90s, Democrats have control of all three branches of the Pennsylvania Legislature, with the governor race being called for Shapiro within minutes of polls closing. KYW’s Suburban Bureau Chief Jim Melwert breaks down just how the blue wave rolled through the Commonwealth and what actions state Democrats are likely to take with full control. We also talk with City Hall Bureau Chief Pat Loeb about how the results could impact Philadelphia, and we hear about a documentary honoring local veterans and an exhibit highlighting Black super heroes. 00:00 Rundown 02:00 A blue trifecta in Harrisburg 08:01 What PA Democratic control could mean for Philly 12:31 Vision Zero makes progress as traffic fatalities drop 19:02 “9,000 Miles to Delco” documentary features Delaware County Vietnam vets 23:57 Black comic book super heroes through a Philadelphian lens 29:32 The sounds of election night in the KYW Newsroom Listen to The Week in Philly, hosted by KYW Newsradio’s Matt Leon, every Saturday at 5am, 3pm, and 9pm, and Sunday at 3pm and 9pm.

Election monitors in Philly, and bribery charges against the Police Oversight Commission chair | The Week in Philly Oct 31, 2026

Show notes

Philadelphia’s Citizens Police Oversight Commission has faced many challenges since it was created. The latest: the chair of the commission was arrested on bribery charges. Plus, midterm elections are coming up on Tuesday. We talk about the Trump administration’s decision to send election monitors to Philadelphia and key races in New Jersey, where Democrats could flip a strong Republican House seat. Plus the latest on the fate of the Academy of Natural Sciences and a new law in response to hazing at Cheltenham High School. 00:00 Rundown 02:00 Chair of the Citizens Police Oversight Commission arrested for bribery 06:40 DOJ sending election monitors to Philadelphia and PA 11:40 City Council questions closure of Academy of Natural Sciences 16:45 Anti-hazing law passed after Cheltenham locker room incident 23:49 Democrats turn out strong in New Jersey’s early voting 30:00 Museum of the Philadelphian listed for sale on Facebook Listen to The Week in Philly, hosted by KYW Newsradio’s Matt Leon, every Saturday at 5am, 3pm, and 9pm, and Sunday at 3pm and 9pm.

Jalen Hurts’s blood clots, remembering officer Shane Seiber, and Philly’s first women’s sports bar closes | The Week in Philly Oct 24, 2026

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The Eagles announced this week that Jalen Hurts will likely miss the rest of the season due to blood clots in his lungs, which has sparked debate over how the NFL considers their players’ health. We talk with Dr. Brian McDonough about Hurts’s medical diagnosis and The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Eagles beat reporter and host of unCovering the Birds, Jeff McLane, about how the Eagles have handled this reveal. We also hear about charges filed against the man accused of killing Philadelphia police officer Shane Seiber, a cell phone ban in PA public schools, and a chance to hang out with West Philly’s cats. 00:00 Rundown 02:00 Jalen Hurts out for the season - did the Eagles mishandle his injury? 08:31 Police, officials, and loved ones mourn the loss of Officer Shane Seiber 13:26 Eric Lewis charged in connection with Officer Seiber’s death 18:06 PA legislature passes bell-to-bell cell phone ban in public schools 25:16 Marsha’s, Philly’s first women’s sports bar, closes after just over a year 30:01 Meet West Philly’s housecats on the neighborhood’s “Cat Walk” Listen to The Week in Philly, hosted by KYW Newsradio’s Matt Leon, every Saturday at 5am, 3pm, and 9pm, and Sunday at 3pm and 9pm.

Lead testing and measles protocols | After School with Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. Oct 21, 2026

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Based on the School District of Philadelphia’s own testing, one in 10 school buildings reported high levels of lead in kitchens and food prep areas. On the October 21st edition of “After School,” superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. shares with KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo how the district acts on lead testing results, and also discusses the district's measles protocols, in light of cases rising in the Philadelphia region. 00:00 How the district conducts and shares information regarding lead testing 03:47 Vaccination requirements for and district protocols addressing the measles Have a question for Dr. Watlington? Email us at afterschool@kywnewsradio.com and listen for a response on future episodes of "After School!”

Questions around police officer’s death, plus excitement builds for the 76ers season kickoff | The Week in Philly Oct 17, 2026

Show notes

A man accused of killing a Philadelphia police officer has been charged with murder before, but was acquitted. Why was he allowed to go free? KYW’s Crime and Justice Reporter Kristen Johanson explains that case and how the investigation at the “house of horrors” in Olney is developing as detectives wrap up their search of the home. Plus, with the Eagles tanking so far, Philly sports fans are turning their hopes to LeBron James and the 76ers. KYW reporter and Sixers fan Tim Jimenez tells us what we can anticipate ahead of the official season opener. 00:00 Rundown 02:00 Suspect in police officer’s killing was acquitted for muder in the past 08:01 Search of Olney house wrapping up - what comes next? 13:51 City Council tries to control smoke shops 19:21 Let the LeBron era begin! Sixers prepare to kick off the season. 24:52 Upper Darby considers a 4-day school week 30:13 Collingswood ballot measure could allow alcohol sales for the first time Listen to The Week in Philly, hosted by KYW Newsradio’s Matt Leon, every Saturday at 5am, 3pm, and 9pm, and Sunday at 3pm and 9pm.

Could the district’s facilities plan change? | After School with Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. Oct 15, 2026

Show notes

The hotly-contested School District of Philadelphia facilities plan has been set in place for more than half a year, but that doesn’t mean it’s written in permanent ink. On the October 14th edition of “After School,” superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. talks to KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo about why he’s never one to say “never.” 00:00 Feedback from recent meetings with administrators, faculty, and students impacted by facilities plan 03:30 Takeaways from visit to Overbrook Elementary School, one of 17 buildings earmarked for closure 06:43 Any chance for changes to the facilities plan? Have a question for Dr. Watlington? Email us at afterschool@kywnewsradio.com and listen for a response on future episodes of "After School!”

Olney house of horrors investigation enters next phase, plus a toast to Lane Johnson | The Week in Philly Oct 10, 2026

Show notes

It’s been nearly a month since police gave an update on the Olney House case, but this week, the exhaustive search of R.C. and Eugene Horsch’s home on Chew Avenue continued into its next phase. KYW’s Crime and Justice Reporter Kristen Johanson was on the scene, and checks in with new details. Plus, we toast the legacy - both on and off the field - that former Eagles right tackle Lane Johnson leaves behind after retiring. We’ll also recap the first and only debate of the 2026 Pennsylvania gubernatorial race and dig into the controversy surrounding this year’s Philadelphia public school enrollment numbers.

00:00 Rundown

02:00 Shapiro vs. Garrity: recapping the lone gubernatorial debate

07:15 Olney House investigation continues, with focus on potential DNA evidence in Horsch home

13:55 Philly public school enrollment controversy: what’s all the fuss about?

19:25 Farewell to Lane Johnson, the most consequential Eagle in modern history?

25:23 PA House takes key step towards regulating kratom

30:37 Say cluck? Collingswood okays backyard chicken coops

Listen to The Week in Philly, hosted by KYW Newsradio’s Matt Leon, every Saturday at 5am, 3pm, and 9pm, and Sunday at 3pm and 9pm.

Explaining the enrollment numbers | After School with Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. Oct 07, 2026

Show notes

“A life or death issue,” is how Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. describes the seriousness of students dropping out of secondary school, especially for Black and brown kids. That’s why he’s so determined to get to the bottom of why over 700 students were “inappropriately” removed from the School District of Philadelphia’s enrollment rolls for the 2026-27 academic year. Watlington talks to KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo about the importance of accurate enrollment rolls, and what’s at stake if the numbers are off. 00:00 What’s going on with enrollment discrepancies? 03:37 Enrollment this year vs. previous years 06:56 Update on crowded classrooms at Girls High, and new hires made at the school Have a question for Dr. Watlington? Email us at afterschool@kywnewsradio.com or comment on our social media channels, and listen for a response on future episodes of "After School!”

Neighbor reactions to Olney house of horrors, and Phils disappoint again | The Week in Philly Oct 03, 2026

Show notes

Investigations continue at a house on Chew Avenue in Olney where five women are believed to have died. KYW’s Crime and Justice Reporter Kristen Johanson talked with neighbors who are dealing with constant disruptions from investigators, media, and onlookers. Plus, New Jersey recovers from a massive nor’easter, the PA legislature takes on AI license plate readers, and Phillies fans have their hopes for a playoff run crushed. 00:00 Rundown 02:00 Search of Horsch house in Olney deepens, disturbing neighbors 8:06 Nor’easter hits hard down the Jersey Shore 13:06 Philly schools expand program to help kids who witness trauma 18:18 Flock AI license plate readers - law enforcement tool or dystopian surveillance? 24:58 Phillies season ends with Wild Card loss 30:10 New throwback video rental store Listen to The Week in Philly, hosted by KYW Newsradio’s Matt Leon, every Saturday at 5am, 3pm, and 9pm, and Sunday at 3pm and 9pm.

"White glove" treatment for students impacted by facilities plan | After School with Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. Sep 30, 2026

Show notes

The culmination of the School District of Philadelphia’s highly-publicized facilities plan is still a year away, but the administration is laying the groundwork now to help prepare students at closing facilities for moves to new buildings. In the words of Dr. Tony Watlington Sr., the district will do “whatever it takes” to ensure kids and their families get situated in time. KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo asks the superintendent for the latest details on the transition, and also for an update on early enrollment figures in the 2026-27 academic year. 00:00 Updates on transition plans for students impacted by next year’s facilities plan closures 04:33 Reviewing enrollment figures one month into the new academic year Have a question for Dr. Watlington? Email us at afterschool@kywnewsradio.com and listen for a response on future episodes of "After School!” Catch the show on the air every Wednesday at 3:45 PM ET on KYW Newsradio 103.9 FM.

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