The 2025 calendar year marked Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. 's third helming the School District of Philadelphia. In a reflective conversation with KYW Newsradio Education Reporter Mike DeNardo, the superintendent discusses his major highlights from the past 12 months, hands out grades for different areas of the district’s progress, and shares his resolutions and goals for 2026. 00:00 Dr. Watlington reflects on 2025 highlights 01:43 Giving out grades for the past year 03:57 Looking ahead to a year of labor peace 05:12 Resolutions for 2026 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. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From a tragic plane crash in the Northeast to a grueling budget impasse in Harrisburg that fueled a series of SEPTA sagas, 2025 was a year of heartbreak, seismic shifts, and profound change in the Philadelphia region. Dive into the biggest stories that defined the year, including a harrowing murder, aspirational housing initiative, and local pride for the selection of an American pope. Matt Leon revisits and unpacks the headlines with KYW Newsradio’s team of reporters.  00:00 Intro 02:05 Tragic plane crash rocks the Northeast 07:15 A year of sagas for SEPTA 14:00 Kada Scott’s murder sparks outrage, cries for change 21:16 Cleaning up Pennsylvania’s budget impasse mess 26:42 Mayor Parker pushes ambitious affordable housing initiative 30:02 Shocker! New pope boasts local ties 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The School District of Philadelphia has revealed the four primary themes that emerged from its recently-conducted facilities planning process survey. Superintendent Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. identifies what they are, and how they’ll better inform the district’s decision-making about the future of its buildings. Plus, Watlington talks about the tangible and intangible benefits of opening two brand new facilities - AMY at James Martin Middle School and Thomas Holme Elementary.  00:00 Facilities planning process survey yields four key themes: what they are, and what they mean 03:38 Are there links between better facilities and better academic performance by students? 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. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we cover the emotional conclusion to the trial of Atlantic City Mayor Marty Small, who was found not guilty on all charges. We also remember former Philadelphia highway patrol officer Andy Chan, who was laid to rest six years after suffering a severe injury in the line of duty. Finally, we discuss the new bill introduced by Congressman Brendan Boyle to restore federal funding for the major infrastructure project designed to reconnect the Chinatown neighborhood. The SEPTA trolley tunnel remains closed but we get an important update and lastly we go around to Philadelphia's public schools to find out the different ways children today celebrate the holidays To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Public feedback has been a cornerstone of the School District of Philadelphia’s facilities planning process. Now that the open-ended survey period has closed, and with thousands of responses being reviewed by analysts, Dr. Tony Watlington Sr. says the findings could be shared as early as next week.  00:00 Reaction to the Board of Education adopting a resolution to explore turning vacant school buildings over to city 02:45 How a “record-setting” number of responses to facilities planning process public survey will shape district suggestions 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. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 08:15 Shapiro steps in with SEPTA Regional Rail funding 14:02 Whole Foods union seeks recognition from Amazon  19:33 It’s GameChangers season! 25:09 Newstudies reporters get valuable reps 30:28 Wanamaker light show returns for another year 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 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dr. Tony Watlington Sr.’s mailbag is always open on “After School!” This week’s edition begins with a question from a School District of Philadelphia teacher, who wanted to know how much, on a circumstantial basis, she and her colleagues are allowed to deviate from certain curriculum material. Dr. Watlington addresses this topic, as well as the recently-completed round of contract negotiations with the district’s principals union.  00:00 A teacher asks: can I deviate from the English curriculum script? 06:11 Going behind-the-scenes of contract negotiations with district’s principals union  07:57 Reasons to give thanks 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. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SEPTA's regional rail inspections are ongoing. The city's new executive order reserves a percentage of city contracts for small local businesses. A study revealed 153,000 Pennsylvania children lack health insurance. A 2017 double murder in Maple Shade, NJ, involving Nazir Hamid, was revisited. Philadelphia restaurants received Michelin star recognition, and the Upper Darby School District's marching band won both state and national championships. 2:08-SEPTA 6:58-City Council 12:57- Child Healthcare 18:47- Maple Shade murders 24:31- Michelin stars 30:37- Upper Darby School marching band To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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? 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. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 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. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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” To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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 To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices