The Week in Philly from KYW Newsradio

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...

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 af...

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 surround...

“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 classro...

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...

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 y...

A pro-Palestinian activist and teacher at the Workshop School in West Philadelphia, Hannah Gann, admitted on social media that she lied about having Palestinian and African ancestry. Technical issues stopped flights at multiple airports, including PHL. And new parking rules were announced at the Linc, which will impact how people tailgate ahead of Eagles games. Matt Leon and the KYW News team recap some of the biggest things that happened in the Philly area this week. 00:00 Rundown 02:00 Philly teacher apologizes for lying about Palestinian ancestry 07:00 Former Cheltenham football coaches will stand trial after locker room beating 13:02 Air traffic equipment issues...

Jalen Hurts is making his mark on more than just the football field. The Eagles’ star quarterback recently announced the Jalen Hurts Foundation will be making a $600,000 gift to the School District of Philadelphia, specifically to install a new HVAC cooling system at Northeast High School. KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo talks with superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. about the impact of Hurts’ contribution, and why the district needs to rely on outside help to address this type of investment. 00:00 Jalen Hurts’ big gift, and why the district can’t afford to upgrade HVAC systems itself 04:01 Updating the status of asbes...

In an ongoing investigation of more than a million disturbing images and videos found in a home on Chew Avenue in Olney, police announced that three more women were seen unconscious in the videos and are presumed to be dead. KYW’s Crime and Justice Reporter Kristen Johanson gives us the latest on that case, plus more bad news for District Attorney Larry Krasner, who has been referred to federal authorities for criminal investigation. We also check in on City Council, mail-in voting, and why people always complain about Philadelphia International Airport, on our weekly news recap with KYW’s re...

New York City has banned AI in public schools. Los Angeles, too. Dr. Tony Watlington Sr., however, has no plans to go that far. KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo sits down with Watlington to discuss why the School District of Philadelphia's superintendent believes students should be exposed to both AI’s potential benefits and pitfalls. 00:00 Philosophies on the role of AI in classrooms 04:55 Rolling out the school district’s new parent influencers program 09:18 Updates on facilities transition process committees Have a question for Dr. Watlington? Email us at afterschool@kywnewsradio.com and listen for a response on future episodes of "...

Police have responded to multiple nights of disorderly conduct from large groups of teens outside City Hall. Temple University gave up a $55 million gift. And, on the 25th anniversary of the 9-11 attacks, a Bucks County therapist who lost her husband published a memoir on grief. Matt Leon breaks down those and more of the week’s biggest headlines with KYW Newsradio’s team of reporters. 00:00 Rundown 02:00 Teens arrested for disorderly conduct outside City Hall 07:10 Temple gives back its largest financial gift ever as donor’s company is under investigation 12:01 Protesters rally to save the Academy of Natural Sciences Museum 16:31 Proces...

School is back in session, and Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. already has some key items on his to-do list. One of the most important? Adapting the School District of Philadelphia’s application process for criteria-based schools to account for delays in PSSA results. KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo talks to the superintendent about the importance of PSSA data, concerns about the district’s English Language Arts curriculum, and the latest on the year-round schooling pilot programs. 00:00 Addressing delays in PSSA results, and how they’ll affect application submissions to criteria-based schools 01:47 Teacher feedback on English Language Arts curriculum 04:16 What’s the la...

The news broke late in the week, and it was big: President Trump, after earlier in the year denying convicted union leader John Dougherty an early release from federal prison, reversed course. City Hall Bureau Chief Pat Loeb, who has covered the case against Dougherty from the start, explains what happens from the prison where Dougherty was released on Friday. We also take a look at how community members can get involved in the transition process for 17 Philadelphia public school buildings set to close later this year. Plus, we hear how a local Nepali restauranteur is raising relief funds for...

Changes to Medicaid that take effect in phases starting October 1 could cause more than 100,000 Philadelphians to lose health care coverage. KYW’s City Hall Bureau Chief Pat Loeb explains what the city is doing to help. Two people have died of measles in Lancaster County - the first measles-related deaths in Pennsylvania in 35 years, and the first in the country this year. Matt Coughlin tells us what officials are saying about the deaths, vaccines, and the spread of a once eliminated disease. Plus, PA, NJ, and DE are among several states taking on big social media companies to fight for ch...

One of the few rallying cries that people from all walks of life can seemingly get behind these days? Opposition to data center development, especially in the suburbs. Concerned communities throughout the Delaware Valley have come out in full (throated) force to battle these projects, prompting Governor Shapiro, in a significant flip, to lend his support via a new executive order. Plus, we get the lowdown on the person named to fill a key position in Mayor Parker’s administration. And find out more about Philadelphia public school teacher preparations for the 2026-27 academic year, and details on two exciting sp...

Two missing women at the center of a “death investigation” were identified this week. The ongoing investigation was sparked by videos and images of “dark and disturbing” scenes found at a home owned by Eugene Horsch in Olney. KYW’s Crime and Justice Reporter Kristen Johanson fills us in. Plus, Cheltenham parents tear into the school board over locker room hazing, and City Hall Bureau Chief Pat Loeb tags along with a team cleaning up homeless encampments in Center City and helping people find shelter. 00:00 Rundown 02:00 Police identify missing women linked to “death investigation” in Olney 09:02 Cheltenham parents demand action after locker r...

Rafael Jones, who was convicted in 2014 of shooting and killing Philadelphia Police Officer Moses Walker, had that conviction overturned this week because of disgraced former detective Philip Nordo’s involvement in the case. KYW’s Crime and Justice Reporter Kristen Johanson explains what happened and why District Attorney Larry Krasner is fighting for an appeal. Plus, a hearing about police activity during Pride weekend gets heated, and a group of neighbors bands together to fight porch pirates. Catch up on those and more of the week’s biggest headlines with Matt Leon and the KYW news team. 00:00 Rundown 02:00 Murder conviction overtu...

The city’s managing director, Adam Thiel, is stepping down. Is this connected to controversy over his military leave? And what exactly does the managing director do? KYW Newsradio’s Mike DeNardo answers those questions and tells us who will be taking Thiel’s place. LeBron James’s decision to join the 76ers has electrified the city; we take a look at the potential economic impact to the region. Plus, we hear about an alleged hazing incident in Cheltenham, the current state of measles as vaccination rates decrease, and more of the week’s biggest headlines from the KYW news team. 00:0...

LeBron James is officially coming to Philly! We ask the biggest 76ers fan we know, KYW’s Tim Jimenez, just how big this news is for the team. Plus, Larry Krasner has long been a lightning rod for controversy, never shy to wield his power with philosophical conviction. But lately, fights are being brought to his turf, forcing Philadelphia’s district attorney to go on the defensive against accusations of legal misconduct. KYW Newsradio Crime and Justice Reporter Kristen Johanson explains just how he got into such hot water and what it could mean for his career. Listen to these stor...

The battle over replacing displays at the President's House exhibit on Independence Mall has bounced through the courts for a while, but, at least for now, the saga seems to be over. We explain why, and how, the Trump administration got its way, and finally had displays about George Washington’s slave ownership replaced. Plus, we take a look at how Pennsylvania's new budget could impact Philadelphians, and why a proposed liquified natural gas facility has Delco residents up in arms. Listen to these stories and more, as told by experts from the KYW newsroom. 00:00 Rundown 02:00 Trump administration prevails, President's Ho...

For as much havoc and damage as the July 4th weekend storms did around the Delaware Valley, the timing couldn’t have worked out more advantageously for PECO’s union. Days after launching a historic strike, IBEW Local 614 gained decisive leverage in contract negotiations due to weather-related service interruptions. Find out how a happy union could make for happier customers. And even though summer is in full swing, Philadelphia is bucking traditional gun violence trends in encouraging fashion. Plus, for the first time since 1996, Major League Baseball descends on the city for its annual All-Star showcase. Listen to these stories and...

Not only was Philadelphia the birthplace of America, its influence has remained prominent in shaping the nation the United States has become over the last 250 years. Ahead of the July 4th, 2026 semiquincentennial milestone, KYW Newsradio compiled a feature series profiling trailblazing people - some you’ve probably heard of, others you likely haven’t - whose contributions, courage, and innovation changed lives in Philadelphia, the country, and the rest of the world. Listen as Matt Leon and members of the KYW newsroom highlight “250 Years of Philly Voices.” 00:00 Rundown 02:05 William Still: Father of the Underground Railroad 07:05 Sadie T.M. Alexander: Breaking glass ce...

Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington announced who will be in charge of the transition to close 17 schools and modernize 169 others. Get to know Assistant Superintendent Dr. Shakeera Warthen-Canty. Meanwhile, the city continues riding the high of the FIFA World Cup. A woman associated with an anti-AI cultlike group is charged with killing her parents in Delaware County. And the 76ers picked Labaron Philon Jr., a guard from the University of Alabama, in the NBA draft - could he bring the spark the Sixers need? 00:00 Rundown 02:00 Philly School District appoints head of transition office for school closures and modernizations 07:00 Member of the...

The courts have not been kind lately to Philadelphia’s top prosecutor, as a series of rulings and revelations this week punished the conduct of District Attorney Larry Krasner and his office. First came a state Supreme Court decision resulting in unprecedented oversight of any and all cases Krasner seeks to overturn moving forward. Then, later in the week, documents were unsealed detailing the suspension of members of Krasner’s team. But as KYW Newsradio Crime and Justice Reporter Kristen Johanson explains, Krasner has no intention of wavering in his progressive approach. 00:00 Rundown 02:05 Pennsylvania Supreme Court takes DA Larry Krasner to t...

Summer is here and school is out! Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. grades himself for his job performance as superintendent during a tumultuous academic year, while sharing the School District of Philadelphia’s plans to establish a transitional office for students and families impacted by impending building closures. KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo also asks Watlington for an early peek at enrollment numbers for next school year. 00:00 What grade would Dr. Watlington give himself? 02:32 Setting up transitional programs for students and families affected by forthcoming 2027 school closures 03:59 Looking ahead to next year’s enrollment numbers Have a question for Dr. Watl...

Philadelphia District Attorney Larry Krasner stopped by Mayor Cherelle Parker’s office this week to drop off a letter requesting more funding. Parker laughed off the move as a stunt, saying Krasner was putting on a “one-man show” she wanted no part of. Was Krasner’s gesture genuine, or was Parker onto something? Could Krasner have ulterior motives, and would they have anything to do with the title Parker holds? 00:00 Rundown 02:00 Arrests during Pride celebrations prompt protests 06:35 Do Mayor Parker and District Attorney Krasner have beef? 11:57 Final budget spares School District job cuts 17:47 Five years later, heartbreaking murder case closes with gui...

When is $48 million still not enough? That’s the big question Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. is facing after deciding to move forward with hundreds of job cuts in the School District of Philadelphia, despite City Council’s recent funding boost. The superintendent explains his reasoning to KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo, while also addressing the controversy surrounding Pride festivities at a South Philadelphia elementary school. 00:00 Why City Council’s $48 million cash infusion isn’t enough to thwart impending job cuts 03:27 Concerns about relationship with City Council moving forward? 05:41 Addressing conservative social media criticism of Meredith Elementary’s Pride celebration 06:42 Enrollment...

Mayor Parker had big plans, but City Council gave her tax proposal a big “no.” Find out why the two sides couldn’t find common ground on a key issue during recent budget negotiations. Speaking of common ground, Democrats and Republicans in the Pennsylvania Assembly appear poised to send a bill to the Governor’s desk requiring a statewide bell-to-bell cell phone ban in schools. While a Camden scrapyard deals with recurring fires, resolving safety problems at the facility could carry labor consequences. And, A.J. Brown can finally pack up his Patriots rug and go to New England. We look at...

The School District of Philadelphia may not want to budge on its facilities plan, but that doesn’t mean Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. isn’t willing to keep lines of communication open. From having frank conversations with students at schools set for closure to hearing concerns from City Council members, the superintendent understands there are pockets of people still upset with his vision. He addresses this topic with KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo, as well as the district topping the charts of a recently-released study assessing post-pandemic academic performance in big American cities. They also discuss a bell-to-bell cell phon...

Mayor Parker has shifted her budget plan, lowering the proposed tax on hotels and instead adding a tax increase on short-term rentals like Airbnbs. The Philadelphia School Board approved a budget that includes $225 million in classroom cuts. Tuesday is New Jersey’s primary election - will progressive, grassroots Democrats beat out establishment candidates? Matt Leon recaps the week’s biggest headlines with KYW Newsradio’s reporters. 00:00 Intro 02:00 Changes to Mayor Parker’s hotel tax; city acknowledges a long overlooked war memorial 07:01 Key primary races in New Jersey 13:02 Philly School Board makes classroom budget cuts; SEPTA Board approves bus route overhaul 19:04 Murder c...

Have you seen the recent viral “Can you read?” TikTok that exploded for over 15 million views? The montage doesn’t reflect well on the reading aptitude of Philadelphia high school students, who are shown in the video struggling to read simple sentences and words on index cards. Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. told KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo he hasn’t seen the clip, but the superintendent also didn’t back down from sharing impassioned thoughts about the message the video implies, and how the district intends to address its reading performance scores. The superintendent also discusses the impending vote on the dis...

In Tuesday’s primary election, all eyes were on District 3’s congressional race, where progressive candidate Chris Rabb won over candidates backed by major Philadelphia Democrats. We hear about that and the broader election results in the Commonwealth, plus a battle in Lower Merion over laptop use in classrooms, and a fire that burned down a Delaware church with ties to the Underground Railroad and the Civil Rights Movement. 00:00 Intro 02:00 Chris Rabb’s win demonstrates that Philly voters want change 07:30 Shapiro-backed Democrats win primaries in PA swing districts 14:56 Mother African Union Church destroyed by fire 19:55 Lower Merion parents protest “excessive” screen use...

It’s been more than a year since the School District of Philadelphia, under the direction of the Board of Education, launched Project RiSE, an initiative aimed at tracking the future of charter school performance and accountability in the city. In addition to giving an update on the program’s timeline, Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington talks to KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo about the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers’ recent release of its own facilities master plan, and whether he deems the union’s proposal worthy of moving the needle. 00:00 Update on Project RiSE's timeline 01:54 Response to teachers union-commissioned facilities report ...

Residents in Limerick, Montgomery County are not happy about the proposal to build an AI data center in their community. Primary election day is Tuesday, and there’s really only one race that everyone’s watching in Philadelphia: the race to fill Dwight Evans’ congressional seat in District 3. We also hear about driverless cars in Philly, the PGA Championship, and the 76ers firing their president, as Matt Leon catches up with KYW’s reporters about the biggest stories in the region this week. 00:00 Intro 02:01 Montco residents push back against proposed AI data center 07:02 Stanford, Rabb, or Street? Who will win the heat...

The School District of Philadelphia won’t be closing any facilities until after the 2026-27 academic year, but with his plan now approved by the Board of Education, Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. realizes staff and students at lame-duck buildings could be in store for anxious, bittersweet emotions. The superintendent tells KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo how his administration intends to support communities ahead of impending facility transitions, and expresses hope that a new attendance initiative between the district and faith-based programs can make an impact. 00:00 When can communities impacted by impending school closures expect transitional support? 01:23 Navigating potential academic an...

Colman Domingo’s star has seen a meteoric rise the past decade. But the West Philadelphia native and Academy Award-nominated actor hasn’t forgotten the importance of his formative years, including the time he spent at Temple University. Earlier this week, while in town to give the school’s commencement speech, Domingo caught up with some old friends from his college days. One of them was KYW Newsradio’s own John McDevitt, who shares memories about what the younger Domingo was like. Learn about this story and more, as Matt Leon checks in with KYW’s team of reporters to explain ma...

Protesters caused a ruckus at this week’s Philadelphia School Board meeting, where the Board ultimately voted to pass the superintendent’s facilities plan that includes closing 17 schools. After a rough start to the season, the Phillies fired their manager, Rob Thomson. And Monday is the last day to register to vote for this year’s primary election - we hear about the biggest race on the ballot in Philly. 00:00 Intro 02:08 School facilities plan passes, despite protests 06:58 “Philly Rob” is out as Phillies manager 12:55 Investigation into Quakertown police use of force against student leaves residents dissatisfied 18:55 Philadelphia’s primary election centers on f...

The Philadelphia School Board was scheduled to vote on a plan to close 17 schools in the district this Thursday, but after pressure from City Council, they delayed the vote by a week. We hear the latest on what’s in that plan, including one more school that was removed from the list. Plus, a Montgomery County man found himself the target of an ICE investigation after sending a 4-sentence email advocating for an Afghan immigrant, and the State Senate made a new push to keep trans girls out of female sports.

00:00 Intro

02:00 School closing vote de...

As the Board of Education appears poised to take a long-awaited position on the School District of Philadelphia’s facilities master plan, tensions have escalated between district officials and local lawmakers. Some Council members have gone as far as to threaten withholding funds from the district if it follows through on closing over a dozen buildings. Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. finds himself smack dab in the middle of the controversy. The superintendent tells KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo why reconciling his proposal isn’t as easy as pointing to the district’s considerable $4.6 billion budget. 

00:00 “Final ‘final’ reco...

Cue the boxing bell! It’s round 1 between Mayor Parker and Uber, as the two sides duke it out over the administration’s proposed rideshare tax to help fund Philadelphia public schools. Also at City Hall this week, lawmakers moved forward with legislation aimed at limiting ICE’s power in Philly. And the Flyers are Stanley Cup playoffs-bound for the first time in six years (while the Sixers’ postseason prospects look somewhat…dim). Learn about these stories and more, as Matt Leon checks in with KYW Newsradio’s team of reporters to explain major developments from the past week that shaped...