The Week in Philly: Presidential campaign tours, a double-duty dog, and a local dodgeball champ heads to Austria

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Vice president and presidential nominees rally in Philadelphia, FEMA prepares for a rough hurricane season, and this furry friend is doing double duty at the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office.

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.

Vice President Kamala Harris announced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, making their debut appearance together in Philadelphia. KYW’s City Hall Bureau Chief Pat Loeb was at the rally and tells us more about the new veep candidate. And Senator JD Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, made sure to state his case in our swing state, as well. John McDevitt tells us how his Philadelphia rally went.

Dr. Ala Stanford played a huge role in guiding Philadelphia through the pandemic. She founded the Black Doctor’s Consortium and was appointed regional director of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services by President Joe Biden, among many other accomplishments. KYW’s Community Impact Reporter Racquel Williams spoke with Dr. Stanford about her new book out this week, “Take Care of Them Like My Own.”

A new K-9 just started on the job at the Gloucester County Prosecutor’s Office in New Jersey. Walt, the German short-haired pointer, is working double duty, searching out electronics and serving as a therapy dog for kids who come in to make statements. KYW Newsradio’s Mike Dougherty tells us all about the loveable, hard-working pup.

On one hand, rising property values signal a sound investment. On the other, it leads to higher taxes. Such is the dynamic at play in Philadelphia following a recent city-wide reassessment. KYW Newsradio’s Mike DeNardo highlights the resources residents can take advantage of to help offset costs. He also explains why, after decades, the PPA decided to more than double the price of its coveted residential parking permits.

For many, dodgeball was an activity of youth, played in elementary school or on rainy days at camp. But for a group of Philadelphians, the sport is serious business. KYW Newsradio’s Brian Seltzer discussed the appeal with the owner and operator of a local league who’s gotten so good at the game, she’s headed to the World Dodgeball Championships in Austria next week.

August is hurricane season, and the ripple effects of major storms reach far beyond the Atlantic coastline. KYW Newsradio’s John McDevitt takes a tour of FEMA’s regional, Center City-based outpost, and talks to officials about why Philadelphians should pay attention to major weather events.