The Week in Philly: SCOTUS trust erosion, illegal dumping incentives, and a glimpse at the Olympic experience

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — More than a week after a suspected drunk driver killed CHOP Doctor Barbara Friedes while she was biking in Philadelphia, local officials, community activists, and Friedes’ family continue to sort through the aftermath of the accident. Will the tragic incident lead to change?

How much trust does the public have in the Supreme Court? We take a look at a study released by the Annenberg Center for Public Policy at University of Pennsylvania, and the landmark decision that caused a tipping point.

And if you’re wondering just how uncomfortable those infamous cardboard beds at the Olympic Village in Paris really are, a local member of the Team USA delegation gives us a first-hand account.

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.

One bicyclist and two pedestrians were hit by cars in separate incidents on July 17 in Philadelphia. Two of them died, including Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia doctor, Barbara Friedes, who was biking near Rittenhouse Square when she was struck by a drunk driver. These tragedies sparked a renewed push to improve street safety, particularly around bike lanes. KYW Newsradio’s Nigel Thompson covered a bike rally through Center City and spoke to advocates about what they want to see from the city.

The judiciary remains the most trusted branch in American government, according to a study from the University of Pennsylvania’s Annenberg Public Policy Center. The research also showed, however, that public faith in the Supreme Court has declined sharply over the past two decades. On the heels of President Joe Biden calling for SCOTUS reform, KYW Newsradio City Hall Bureau Chief Pat Loeb examines the report’s findings. She also gives an update on Gov. Josh Shapiro’s chances of becoming Vice President Kamala Harris’ running mate.

Camden officials say dumping is a big problem for the city. They even see people from out of town bringing trucks full of junk and dumping it in off-the-beaten-path areas. But they’re trying to stop that with new cameras and a cash incentive for people to report illegal dumping. KYW Newsradio’s Nina Baratti explains the city’s plan.

Since 2023, the Colored Girls Museum has been fighting with the city’s zoning board because the museum is inside the founder’s home — a twin house in Germantown. Earlier this year, they received a variance that allows the museum to operate in the twin house, but doesn’t allow the owner to continue living there. KYW Newsradio’s Shara Dae Howard tells us about their fight for a second variance and what the museum means to the founder and the community.

She could make or break political careers, and became a steady, trusted presence on the air. For aspiring Black broadcasters, particularly women, she was considered a pioneer. Recently, the Philadelphia radio community lost one of its legends, Mary Mason. She was 94 years old. KYW Newsradio’s Andre Bennett puts her significance in perspective.

Media’s Cindy Gilbert-Bevilacqua was one of the most accomplished archers of her era, earning spots on the U.S. National Team in 1983 and 1984. After retiring from competition, the Penncrest High School product became a coach and has continued to leave her mark on the sport. Bevilacqua was selected to serve as Team Leader for the U.S. Archery Team at the Summer Olympics. She checks in from Paris to tell KYW Newsradio’s Matt Leon all about her experience, from cardboard beds to run-ins with celebrities.