The Week in Philly from KYW Newsradio

Latest Episodes:

After School with Dr. Tony Watlington Sr.: A new facilities survey, and lottery thoughts Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

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 how the long-overdue passing of the Pennsylvania state budget will impact the district’s finances, and whether he foresees any changes to the criteria-based schools lottery process.

00:00 Why the new facilities planning survey matters

03:15 The PA legislature finally passed a budget - what does that mean for the district’s finances?

05:16 The merits of the criteria-based schools lottery system

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.

SEPTA struggles continues, Thanksgiving costs are rising, and PA’s 135-day budget impasse finally passes Nov 15, 2025

Show notes

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 raising mismanagement and discrimination concerns. Meanwhile, Netflix will open one of its first U.S."Netflix House" entertainment venues at the King of Prussia Mall this week.

Listen to The Week in Philly on KYW Newsradio every Saturday at 5am and 3pm, and Sunday at 3pm.

00:00- Intro

02:08- SEPTA struggles

07:22- State budget passes

13:34- Mendez trail

18:48- Philadelphia Art Museum drama unfolds

24:51- The cost of Thanksgiving rises

30:44 Netflix House

After School with Dr. Tony Watlington Sr.: Why the facilities report is delayed, and whether bathroom break policies could change Nov 12, 2025

Show notes

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 district families expect the findings to be released?

03:20 Listener question: What can families do if an IEP driver makes personal or unscheduled stops?

05:33 Would the district consider adopting a bathroom break policy?

Democrats notch wins in NJ and PA, SEPTA inspections, federal shutdown hits airports and SNAP Nov 08, 2025

Show notes

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. Federal officials tell SEPTA it needs to add trolleys to their inspection list and an update on which Philly schools are closings. The Eagles add key players out of the bye week as they seek to continue a strong season.

Listen to The Week in Philly on KYW Newsradio every Saturday at 5am and 3pm, and Sunday at 3pm.

0:00- Intro

2:06- NJ elections

7:08- PA elections

13:08- Food banks

19:03- Airline delays

24:34- SEPTA inspections and school closing

30:34- Eagles half season check in

NJ gov race, SNAP ruling, SEPTA delays, & radio legends Nov 01, 2025

Show notes

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 Philly, SEPTA's emergency inspections are causing commuter chaos—when will it end? We also explore a new report calling for major reforms to juvenile justice in Pennsylvania, discuss the growing concerns over chat AI's impact on kids, and take a moment to honor the legacies of a beloved Philadelphia radio legend.

00:00- Intro

02:11 New Jersey race

07:10- SNAP benefits gone for many families

12:43- SEPTA delays

18:24- Juvenile offenders report

24:08- AI cybersecurity

30:09- Tribute to a legend

After School with Dr. Tony Watlington Sr.: "We are not going to fumble on the two-yard line" Oct 29, 2025

Show notes

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 planning report, due out this winter.

00:00 What happens if there’s still no state budget when the district’s $1.5 billion loan runs out?

01:27 What can public / families expect when facilities planning update is released?

02:40 Preparing for another potential SEPTA union strike

A vigil for Kada Scott, the state budget impasse, City Council's bag fee Oct 25, 2025

Show notes

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 reproductive rights advanced. Philadelphia's 250th anniversary in 2026 will feature "52 Weeks of Firsts," celebrating local historical milestones. KYW writer Elizabeth Crawley made her TV acting debut on "Abbott Elementary," and shared a scene with star Quinta Brunso.

00:00- Intro

02:07- Kada Scott update

08:44- Kada Scott vigil

13:19 - Philadelphia bag fee

18:45-State budget impasse and constitutional reproductive rights

24:15- 52 weeks of firsts

28:40- KYW in “Abbott Elementary”

An arrest in the Kada Scott murder, a controversial suicide ruling, and the return of 76ers legend Oct 18, 2025

Show notes

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 is set to review the controversial case. In the courts, the man who firebombed the governor's mansion learns his fate, while on the streets, the city celebrated the 250th anniversary of the Navy and Marine Corps. Finally, a 76ers legend returns to discuss his "misunderstood" career and new memoir.

00:00- Intro

02:07 - Kada Scott arrest

07:54 - Firebombing sentencing

11:58 - Ellen Greenburg

18:10- Allen Iverson memoir

24:40- Union are gearing up to win it all

30:35- Navy and Marine Corp 250th parade

After School with Dr. Tony Watlington Sr.: Interpreting reading, math scores Oct 15, 2025

Show notes

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 also sharing how the public can expect to get the facilities planning update due out later this fall.

00:00 Why Watlington says state test scores reflect "acceleration"

02:51 But what about the underperforming reading scores?

03:40 How the district plans to roll out forthcoming facilities planning report

07:35 More clarification about criteria-based students transferring back to their preferred school

SEPTA chaos, 100 days of a budget impasse, and a heartbreaking loss Oct 11, 2025

Show notes

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 furloughed or working without pay. On a more positive note, the city received encouraging news of a significant drop in homicides and shootings, potentially reaching a historic low. The Phillies' heartbreaking playoff elimination, and the passing of South Philly bakery legend Vincent Termini Sr.

00:00 Intro

02:08 SEPTA delays

08:40 Federal workers impacted

14:41 Fewer homicides

20:35 State budget impasse

26:25 Phillies exit

30:37 South Philly legend passes