PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — 2024 was a whirlwind. Mayor Cherelle Parker made a big push to clean up Kensington, Saquon Barkley exploded on the field with the Eagles, WrestleMania took over the city, the Kelce family popped up all over entertainment outlets, and a new 76ers arena got approved in Chinatown.
This week and next, KYW is looking back on the biggest news and trends that had the Philadelphia region buzzing all year long. You can hear about them on “The Week in Philly” with Matt Leon and KYW Newsradio’s team of reporters 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.
After two years of behind-the-scenes maneuvering and plenty of public debate, the battle over the 76ers’ Market East arena plan culminated with an approval vote just hours before Philadelphia City Council recessed for 2024. KYW Newsradio City Hall Bureau Chief Pat Loeb covered the saga from its controversial inception to its dramatic finish and recapped one of the biggest Philly stories of the year.
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Fun in Philly
Philadelphia manages to get some time in the pop culture spotlight every year. KYW Newsradio’s Andre Bennett takes us through some of this year’s biggest moments, including WrestleMania, Rockyfest, the national love of the Kelce family, and Quakertown native Sabrina Carpenter’s musical success.
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Parker's promises
When Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker took office in January, she promised a “cleaner, greener, safer city with economic opportunity for all." So, how has she done? From her efforts to clean up Kensington to the new 76ers arena deal, KYW’s City Hall Bureau Chief Pat Loeb reviews the highlights of Parker’s first year in office and what she’ll aim to accomplish in 2025.
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A decrease in homicides
2021 was the deadliest year on record for homicides in Philadelphia, but the rate has continuously gone down since then. KYW Newsradio’s Conner Barkon gives us the 2024 numbers and shares some of Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel’s thoughts on the work that still needs to continue.
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Report cards are in
How did Philadelphia schools fare in 2024 in terms of both performance and services provided to students? KYW Newsradio education reporter Mike DeNardo, who has covered the district for years, gives his end-of-year assessment while forecasting key storylines for what is shaping up to be a murky 2025 due to potential school building closings and policy implications from the incoming Trump administration.
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Sports disappointments
The football team started the year in disgrace, only to finish it with Super Bowl dreams. The hoops squad continues to run in its own way. And the baseball club proved to be a big tease, while the hockey team still isn’t doing much to move the needle. KYW Newsradio sports reporter Dave Uram highlights the top Philly sports headlines from the year.