The Week in Philly from KYW Newsradio

City Council challenges Parker, Krasner during busy final week

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 team earns a bowl bid in its inaugural FBS season, and the Phillies make major offseason waves, re-signing slugger Kyle Schwarber and extending manager Rob Thomson. And finally, we break down the disbarment of a top Philly prosecutor for knowingly lying in court.  Listen to The Week in Philly on KYW Newsradio every Saturday at 5am and 3pm, and Sunday at 3pm. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy [https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

After School with Dr. Tony Watlington Sr.: What to do with vacant district buildings

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 line in positive ways as well.  00:00 The reasons for a substantial year-to-year enrollment drop 02:31 How transferring vacant buildings to the city could be wins for the school district budget, and Mayor Parker’s housing plan 06:14 New facilities planning process update and feedback data 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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy [https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Schuylkill closures, housing plan clash, NJ hearing chaos & A new cruise terminal

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 troubling survey showing how immigration crackdowns are causing families to avoid medical care out of fear. Finally, pack your bags: Philadelphia is officially getting its own cruise terminal, with Norwegian Cruise Lines setting sail in 2026. 0:00- Intro 2:10 - Major road closure 6:37- Philly's Affordable Housing Plan 12:34- ICE's medical impact 18:47-NJ's comp controller 24:09- Willian Penn's art fund 30:25- Norwegian cruises coming to Philly To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy [https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

After School with Dr. Tony Watlington Sr.: Quinta Brunson's big field trip gift

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 Follow up on Lift Every Voice Philly’s concerns over bathroom break protocols 02:38 How Quinta Brunson’s new field trip fund [https://www.thefundsdp.org/news/2025/12/announcing-quinta-brunson-field-trip-fund/] will benefit district students 04:25 Explaining the bump in applications for criteria-based and CTE schools 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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy [https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]

Suspects in 2023 cop killing found guilty, SEPTA gets latest lifeline, Wanamaker holiday light show returns

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 Rail woes. And even though the building that hosts the Wanamaker holiday light show has undergone changes in the past year, one of Philly’s signature holiday traditions lives on for another year. Matt Leon covers these headlines and others with KYW’s news team. 00:00 Intro 02:00 Trial of men convicted of killing Philadelphia police officer ends with dramatic deliberations [https://www.audacy.com/kywnewsradio/news/local/trial-men-guilty-murder-shooting-police-officer-richard-mendez] 08:15 Shapiro steps in with SEPTA Regional Rail funding [https://www.audacy.com/kywnewsradio/news/local/gov-josh-shapiro-announces-220-million-septa-capital-funding] 14:02 Whole Foods union [https://docs.google.com/document/u/0/d/1NJSEZHAslMHYEi_pEiPglXHiXdkKxXLc_Qt6PBcxlfE/edit] seeks recognition from Amazon  19:33 It’s GameChangers [https://www.audacy.com/kywnewsradio/gamechangers] season! 25:09 Newstudies [https://www.audacy.com/stations/kywnewsradio/shows/newstudies-student-reports-c7b20] reporters get valuable reps 30:28 Wanamaker light show [http://go.audacy.com/i2qZUovQFYb] returns for another year Listen to The Week in Philly [https://www.audacy.com/podcast/the-week-in-philly-from-kyw-newsradio-0da71] on KYW Newsradio [https://www.audacy.com/kywnewsradio] every Saturday at 5am and 3pm, and Sunday at 3pm. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy [https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy] Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices [https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices]