The Week in Philly: A ceasefire agreement, apocalyptic wildfires and an arena curveball

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Why did the 76ers abandon their plans to build a new arena in Center City, and what does this mean for Chinatown and Market East?

Also, how did the Eagles fight song grow to be so popular?

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.

Philly native Amir Simon moved to Los Angeles last year. He’s now mostly trapped inside his downtown home, watching the smoke and “snowing ash” from nearby wildfires as he tries to help people find resources to survive. KYW Newsradio’s John McDevitt spoke with him about what it’s like living in a city on fire.

On Wednesday, Israel and Hamas reached an agreement for a ceasefire. On Thursday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu postponed a Cabinet meeting to approve the deal. By Friday, it looked like everything was back on track. We’ve seen short-term ceasefires that ended in the past, so will this one stick? What happens after the initial six-week term? KYW Newsradio’s Conner Barkon spoke to an expert on the Middle East from the University of Pennsylvania about the timing of this and what could lie ahead for Israel and Gaza.

If the 76ers have taught us anything in the past decade, it’s been to expect the unexpected amidst an abundance of drama. There were plenty of unpredictable twists and turns to the NBA franchise’s push for a new arena, but the latest chapter — the Sixers abandoning plans to build on East Market after finally getting the approval of Philadelphia City Council — took the cake. KYW Newsradio City Hall Bureau Chief Pat Loeb, who covered every step of the saga, helps us make sense of this latest development.

Philadelphia’s Chinatown isn’t opposed to development and change. Its stakeholders just felt an arena wasn't the answer. Now that the 76ers have shifted their focus back to South Philadelphia, community residents and business leaders are relieved and hoping to capitalize on the momentum for fresh investment in their beloved neighborhood. KYW Newsradio’s Vik Raghupathi recaps a recent visit to Chinatown following the Sixers’ big pivot.

Heading into the last year of his second and final term as New Jersey governor, Phil Murphy (D) is eager to punctuate his stint in Trenton with more change. During a recent State of the State address, Murphy touted his track record from raising the minimum wage to implementing new cell phone policies in schools and laid out an urgent vision for 2025. KYW Newsradio South Jersey reporter Mike Dougherty takes a look at whether Murphy’s ambitions are feasible.

It only takes three words to get the Eagles fight song stuck in your head, and you’ve probably heard it a lot lately as the birds fly to the playoffs. But it wasn’t always the song you know and either love or hate today. KYW Newsradio’s Mike DeNardo talked with the Eagles Pep Band, who turned the old Eagles victory song into today’s catchiest team anthem.