The Week in Philly: Parker supports 76 Place, Giant Heart gets resuscitated and Instagram makes some changes

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — What’s in the works at the Franklin Institute? What did Philadelphia International Airport rank in customer satisfaction? And why did Mayor Cherelle Parker back plans for 76 Place?

Look back, look ahead, and get a better understanding of the stories shaping the Philadelphia region on “The Week in Philly” with Matt Leon and KYW Newsradio’s team of reporters. Listen on KYW Newsradio 103.9 FM Saturdays at 5 a.m. and 3 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Episodes are also available as a podcast or, you can check out individual segments below.

The Franklin Institute has plenty to offer, but when it comes to the museum’s signature exhibits, the Giant Heart and Baldwin 60000 steam locomotive are tough to top. For months, these generations-old attractions have been closed to the public while undergoing makeovers and upgrades. With their respective re-openings just weeks away, KYW Newsradio’s John McDevitt got a sneak peek.

Pennsylvania’s significance in the 2024 presidential election is no secret, but with so much attention being paid to the race for the White House, it’s easy to overlook the state’s pivotal race for U.S. Senate. As the respective campaigns for incumbent Bob Casey (D) and challenger David McCormick (R) begin to ramp up advertising, KYW Newsradio’s Jim Melwert offers analysis of the two candidates, and insight on how to interpret polling data.

Instagram recently made a change on the platform designed to keep teens away from sensitive content. So are these changes that will truly help shield kids from things they shouldn’t see or is it just a move that can easily be worked around by tech savvy teens? KYW Newsradio’s Conner Barkon spoke with an expert.

During National Suicide Prevention Month, KYW Newsradio and Audacy turn our focus to mental health with a 2-hour special broadcast, “I’m Listening.” KYW’s Community Impact Reporter Racquel Williams gives us a preview of what we’ll hear on this year’s special, touching on topics like the loneliness epidemic and the mental health impacts of social media.

Philadelphia International Airport is dead last, again, at least according to a J.D. Power customer satisfaction survey for large airports in the United States. Making the distinction all the more dubious was the timing of the poll's release — the same day city officials held their first-ever “State of the Airport” conference. But, as KYW Newsradio’s Mike DeNardo explains, embarrassment shouldn’t be mistaken for ineffectiveness. Hear how PHL is a revenue-generator for the city, and what short-and long-term upgrades the airport has in store.

Mayor Cherelle Parker may have made her support clear, but that doesn’t mean the Sixers’ proposed arena adjacent to Chinatown is a done deal. Legislation still has to be approved by Philadelphia City Council, and that’s where KYW Newsradio City Hall Bureau Chief Pat Loeb says protesters intend to take their fight next. She details why the mayor ultimately backed the plans for 76 Place, and how opponents will try to persuade council to block the project.