Scroll Down Kyw: A Podcast About Philadelphia

Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. believes the School District of Philadelphia’s $2.8 billion facilities master plan presents a “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to eliminate buildings with poor and unsatisfactory ratings, while expanding higher-quality pre-K and extracurricular offerings. Any next steps, however, are currently on hold, as the Board of Education continues to review the proposal. KYW Newsradio’s Mike DeNardo asks Watlington when he expects to hear back from the Board. The two also discuss a complaint filed involving Thomas B. Moffitt and Horatio Hackett elementary schools.  00:00 Thoughts on the Mayor’s dramatic revision to her proposed rideshare tax that would fund public schools 03:43 Reaction to a human relations commission complaint involving Moffitt and Hackett elementary schools 05:50 Any sense when the Board of Education might weigh in on the facilities plan? 06:48 Expectations for the 2026 “Philly School Experience” student survey  Have a question for Dr. Watlington? Email us at afterschool@

The U.S. Supreme Court held a hearing this week on birthright citizenship for the children of undocumented immigrants. We break down the case, plus get the latest on the city's budget talks, the federal case over the EEOC's request for lists of Jewish students and faculty from the University of Pennsylvania, SEPTA's efforts to boost its Regional Rail fleet, and local chefs and restaurants in the final running for the James Beard Awards. 00:00 Intro 02:08 Federal judge says Penn must provide lists of Jewish students and faculty 6:39 Explaining the SCOTUS birthright citizenship case 12:40 SEPTA’s new trains 18:27 Bensalem nurse accused of child abuse 24:18 Positive polls for NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill 30:21 Iron Hill Brewery to reopen; which local restaurants are up for James Beard Awards Listen to The Week in Philly with Matt Leon and our team of reporters 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:

The School District of Philadelphia’s facilities master plan has been in the hands of the Board of Education for over a month. As Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. and district community members continue to wait for next steps, the superintendent addresses why certain buildings were removed from the initial closure list and others weren’t. Watlington also shares with KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo his stance on whether the district would ultimately accept philanthropic support to save certain schools, as Councilmember Jamie Gauthier suggested. 00:00 Listener question: why wasn’t Parkway Northwest High School spared? 02:34 Would the district accept philanthropic support to save buildings? 04:33 Timeline for Board of Education vote 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

For most of the week, lines snaked stubbornly around Philadelphia International Airport, a frustrating reminder of the government’s inability to secure funding for the Department of Homeland Security. But days after ICE agents arrived with orders to ease the load on TSA workers, the Senate sent a bill to the House to get DHS back up and running. Find out how this development impacted the scene at PHL, while catching up on the past week’s other big headlines from the Delaware Valley, including Phillies’ Opening Day and state lawmakers’ efforts to give Pennsylvania’s minimum wage a boost.  00:00 Intro 02:07 How long until PHL gets back to normal? 06:52 City Council scrutinizes Mayor Parker’s $7B budget 12:54 Could raising Pennsylvania’s minimum wage really happen? 18:30 Breaking down Big, Beautiful Bill’s local impact on Philly 24:26 With new season underway, Phillies again face World Series-or-bust expectations 30:37 Stolen pitbull found after 10 years Listen to The Week in Philly with Matt Leon and ou

Facing a sizable structural deficit, superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. recently announced a job-cutting plan that would save the School District of Philadelphia $225 million. Mayor Cherelle Parker, in the midst of pitching a budget of her own to City Council, believes hitting rideshare operators like Lyft and Uber with a $1 tax could boost funding for schools and keep staff employed. KYW Newsradio Mike DeNardo asks Watlington for his thoughts on Parker’s pitch, and the implications it could carry for full- and part-time district personnel.  00:00 How Mayor Parker’s ride share tax could impact the school district 02:57 What about the fate of building substitute teachers? 04:16 The latest on potential central office cuts 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

Endless lines at Philadelphia International Airport security checkpoints due to the Homeland Security shutdown, downed wires and trees throughout the area left in the aftermath of Monday’s storm, and unpredictable delays on SEPTA’s Regional Rail lines all made for a chaotic week in Philadelphia. But, on the bright side, there were two major concert announcements for the months ahead, a local college hoops team made a spirited run to the NCAA Tournament, and a cutting-edge medical company planted its flag in South Philly. KYW Newsradio’s team of reporters explain the biggest stories that shaped the region this past week 00:00 Intro 02:03 A federal problem becomes a local nightmare at PHL 13:02 Region rocked by early-week storm; a KYW reporter covered and lived the destruction 18:12 SEPTA Regional Rail riders feel the pain…again 24:03 Bill Gates-backed company plants flag in Bellwether District 24:38 An appreciation: Penn’s surprising March Madness appearance  28:34 Roots Picnic and Welcome America: sum

Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. summed it up plain and simple: “We are not a cash-rich school district.” Accordingly, the superintendent has some big budget cuts in mind - to the tune of what he projects could be nine-figure savings over the next four years. On top of that, Watlington believes his plan would not only eliminate the School District of Philadelphia’s deficit, but do so without personnel lay-offs. He shares his vision with KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo, and says there could always be wiggle room for him to tweak the plan. 00:00 How the school district could make up to $225 million in cuts 03:58 The need to eliminate contracts with vendors providing low return-on-investment 05:56 What message could budget cuts send to district financial stakeholders  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 mor

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker announced her city budget proposal this week. We hear how she’s planning to fund “Pothole Squads” and ending street homelessness. Two teens from Bucks County were arrested for allegedly throwing explosives into a crowd of clashing protesters outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani’s home. We also have the latest backlash to the Philadelphia School District’s plan to close 18 schools, a lesson on how elections work, and a recap of who the Eagles have lost and gained so far during free agency. 00:00 Intro 02:00 Mayor Parker’s $7 billion budget proposal; Penn goes to court over lists of Jewish employees 07:00 Bucks County teens allegedly inspired by ISIS in NYC bombing attempt 13:06 School closure plan, school budget, and SEPTA bus changes 18:37 NJ Gov. Mikie Sherrill’s plan to reduce $3 billion deficit 24:38 Pulling back the curtain on the election process 30:09 Eagles say goodbye to several players during free agency Listen to The Week in Philly with Matt Leon and

Nearly two months since its release, the School District of Philadelphia’s facilities master plan continues to dominate headlines. With another public hearing on the horizon, Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. speculates whether his proposal will ultimately pass the Board of Education as is, or if further revisions will be necessary. The superintendent also talks to KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo about the recent support he received from Mayor of Philadelphia Cherelle Parker.  00:00 Does Watlington anticipate further revisions to facilities master plan?  01:14 Reaction to Mayor Parker backing Watlington, Board of Education 02:20 How the district will help students transition to new schools should current ones close 03:40 Addressing recent plumbing problems at Southwark School 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.

The U.S. and Iran are at war, and we’re feeling the effects in the Philadelphia region. We hear from folks from our area who are living in the Middle East, just waiting for the next bomb alert, and we discuss how the war is affecting the price we’re paying at the pump. We also catch up on the latest from City Hall and the Philadelphia School District, hear how the city is helping the families of homicide victims, and build up the hype for the World Cup, which is less than 100 days away. 00:00 Intro 02:08 Philly area natives in the Middle East describe life in a war zone 08:37 The biggest gas price jump in 20 years 14:07 Digitizing the city’s historical records; Philly on the shortlist for the 2028 DNC 19:49 New wellness policy stops Philadelphia teachers from withholding bathroom breaks and recess 25:45 A program to help pay for funerals for homicide victims 30:36 Learn about the World Cup teams as Philly counts down to the tournament Listen to The Week in Philly with Matt Leon and our team of reporte

During a marathon public meeting with the Board of Education that lasted longer than a school day, Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. announced that two schools initially designated for closure as part of the School District of Philadelphia’s facilities master plan will now stay open. Why did Watlington change his mind about Conwell Middle School and Motivation High School? What prompted him to stick with his decision to close Lankenau High School, despite community outcry? Watlington explains the rationale, and also praises major changes to the district’s student wellness policy. 00:00 Why were Conwell Middle School and Motivation High School spared? 02:09 The controversial Lankenau High School decision 03:53 Reaction to public blowback to facilities master plan 06:43 Incorporating mandatory bathroom breaks for students and other changes into wellness policy 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

Superintendent Tony Watlington presented his facilities plan to the school board, which includes closing 18 schools - down by two from the original 20 he proposed - at a marathon meeting with passionate speeches from students, teachers, and public officials. In Quakertown, an anti-ICE protest led to student arrests and calls for the police chief to resign. We also hear stories about AI in medicine, a new LGBTQ+ visitor center, and a Philadelphia doctor who influenced a beloved neurodivergent character on ‘The Pitt’. 00:00 Intro 02:00 Public response to the updated Philadelphia school closure plan 07:01 Quakertown student anti-ICE protest ends in violence and arrests 12:37 Impacts of the region’s latest winter storm 18:08 Philly Pride Visitor Center welcomes LGBTQ+ tourists 23:40 PA House committees debate AI in healthcare 29:41 The real Philly doctor who helped create Dr. Mel King for ‘The Pitt’ Listen to The Week in Philly with Matt Leon and our team of reporters on KYW Newsradio every Saturday at 5

First came the School District of Philadelphia’s recommendations, then waves of feedback from community stakeholders and public figures. Now, the time has come for Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. to formally submit his facilities master plan to the Board of Education. On the eve of the high-stakes Feb. 26th meeting, Watlington Sr. shares his final thoughts on the proposal to KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo. 00:00 Would Watlington, with the benefit of hindsight, have done anything differently in preparing his facilities plan? 00:56 Are the Philadelphia Federation of Teachers' building safety concerns valid? 02:43 Reaction to Gov. Josh Shapiro signing legislation mandating cursive instruction in Pennsylvania public and private 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 listen

A war with the Trump Administration isn’t over yet, but supporters of the President’s House slavery exhibit on Independence Mall won a major battle resulting in the restoration of some signs and placards that had previously been taken down. (Shortly after this recording, an appeals judge said they did not have to restore the rest of the panels for now.) With days to go before the School District of Philadelphia’s facilities master plan is formally submitted for approval, key stakeholders, including superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. and Board of Education President Reginald Streater, appeared before City Council to address the fairness and effectiveness of the proposal. Plus, state prosecutors decided to drop racketeering charges against South Jersey power broker George Norcross, and healthcare giant Johnson & Johnson unveiled a billion-dollar investment in Montgomery County.  00:00 Intro 02:07 National Park Service complies, restores parts of President’s House slavery exhibit 08:36 School district fac

Members of Philadelphia City Council have been among the most prominent voices to weigh in on the school district’s proposed facilities master plan, and earlier this week, they had a chance to share their criticism and questions with superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. during a high-stakes hearing at City Hall. While Council controls several funding mechanisms for the district, Watlington Sr. sounded confident in telling  KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo that the merits of the district’s proposal outweigh perceived drawbacks.  00:00 Any definitive updates to schools on the proposed closure list? 00:53 Facing City Council 03:26 Getting feedback from school district parent and PA Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton 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

As the date draws nearer for the School District of Philadelphia to formally submit its facilities master plan to the Board of Education, public opposition has started to ramp up - now in the form of student protests. The ripple effects from the recent expiration of federal tax credits have emerged in the Pennsylvania healthcare marketplace, and the early data, while not surprising, is alarming. After AI-generated sexualized images of students surfaced in the Radnor school district, families and community members seek answers.  00:00 Intro 02:00 Philly students stage protest against proposed facilities master plan 06:45 With federal tax credits expired, Pennie enrollment takes major hit 11:57 Sexualized AI-generated images of students rock Radnor 17:47 Potential new evidence uncovered in bizarre lawsuit vs. Lehigh Valley doctor 23:18 A fan’s guide to Phillies spring training in Clearwater 29:48 Following a series of fire-related deaths, Philadelphia Fire Department spreads word about safety Listen to

In the month since its release, the School District of Philadelphia’s proposed Facilities Master Plan has generated mixed reaction, from empathic support to impassioned objection. Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. has been keeping tabs on community input and listening to feedback. Ahead of a February 26th meeting where he will formally submit his administration’s recommendations to the Board of Education, Watlington talks to KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo about whether his mind is fully made up when it comes to the fate of the 20 buildings earmarked for closure or repurposing.  0:00 Could some schools come off the proposed closure list? 4:47 Watlington explains why he hasn't attended community meetings 09:07 How the district is keeping staff from potentially impacted schools in the loop 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 K

Debate over the Trump administration’s decision to remove displays referencing George Washington’s slave ownership at the President’s House exhibit on Independence Mall has reached the courts, and the judge presiding over the case set a direct tone. We also get the latest from Harrisburg, where earlier this week Pennsylvania governor Josh Shapiro unveiled his 2026 budget proposal. And you've got to hear the remarkable story of a Fishtown bernedoodle that defied the odds by reuniting with its owners after 48 hours in the snow.  00:00 Intro 02:01 Keon King, accused of killing Kada Scott, gets preliminary hearing 07:01 Gov. Shapiro pitches $50 billion-plus budget 13:22 Community hearings for public school facilities plan begin; superintendent proposes eliminating half-days 18:54 Group gives tips for documenting ICE in public spaces 24:44 The debate over the President’s House heads to court 29:56 Benji the bernedoodle’s wild, viral snow adventure Listen to The Week in Philly with Matt Leon and our team of

Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. can still picture his high school’s two-story library. He knows how influential these spaces can be, as well as the librarians who staff them. The School District of Philadelphia, however, continues to contend with a decades-long dearth of library facilities. Watlington and KYW Newsradio education reporter Mike DeNardo discuss how the district is dealing with this issue, and where literacy falls on Watlington’s list of priorities.  00:00 Listener question: how is the district addressing the need for school libraries? 03:24 The importance of teaching students where and how to find trustworthy sources of information 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Vis

The region has been battling snow, ice, and frigid cold all week. We take a look at the impact, from streets to schools. Plus, Philadelphia has been pushing back against the Trump administration with bills that would limit ICE and a lawsuit over the removal of slavery exhibits at the President's House. We also hear about a potential new life for Crozer hospitals and an extension for Center City Restaurant Week. 00:00 Intro 02:00 The biggest snowstorm in a decade 06:51 Schools and SEPTA recovering from the storm 12:51 City Council introduces ICE OUT bills 18:16 The fight over slavery exhibits on Independence Mall 24:02 Plans to reopen shuttered medical buildings in Delaware County 29:03 Center City Restaurant Week extended after being interrupted by storm Listen to The Week in Philly with Matt Leon and our team of reporters 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