Best Reporters Notebook Podcasts (2025)

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CRIME CAPSULE: Spells, drugs and murder 18:22

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9d ago18:22

18:22

Mary and John McCullough did everything in their power to help their adopted son, Christopher, as he struggled with mental illness and addiction. And when he lost physical custody of his son, their grandchild, they continued to support Christopher and their precious grandson. But on a hot August day in 2023, Christopher showed up to his parents' ho…

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Lumberton mayor indicted on child endangerment charges 0:21

5h ago0:21

0:21

Earlier this year, Gina LaPlaca, 46, was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after picking up her 2-year-old from day care on St. Patrick’s Day. Another driver contacted police to report that LaPlaca’s vehicle was swerving across the centerline, nearly striking oncoming vehicles. (photo credit: Burlington County Prosecutor's offic…

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Uri Monson steps down as Pennsylvania’s budget secretary 0:42

6h ago0:42

0:42

Pennsylvania’s budget secretary is stepping down to take over PSERS, Pennsylvania’s public school employees' retirement fund.Uri Monson was appointed Budget Secretary in January 2023.Gov. Josh Shapiro credits Monson with saving taxpayers “hundreds of millions of dollars” while helping Pennsylvania get its highest bond rating in more than a decade.T…

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Bucks County mom pleads guilty to child endangerment of her premature twins 0:56

8h ago0:56

0:56

The twins were born at 32 weeks on Oct. 7, 2024. Once they were released from the Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, doctors required regular weight check-ins. Prosecutors said the parents — Courtney Soyka, 33, and Marcus Maddela, 45 — missed four appointments, and when the babies were brought in for a check-up in December, they had each only gained a l…

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No ICE Philly protesters say more needs to be done to stop courthouse arrests 1:17

8h ago1:17

1:17

For weeks, protesters from No ICE Philly have been calling on Sheriff Rochelle Bilal to do more to stop ICE activities in and around the courthouse, but during another rally outside the Criminal Justice Center on Thursday, the sheriff’s supporters pointed their fingers at the judges. KYW’s Matt Coughlin reports.(photo credit: Matt Coughlin/KYW News…

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Mayor Parker's affordable housing project will be delayed by several months 1:16

10h ago1:16

1:16

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s signature affordable housing initiative will be delayed by several months because of changes City Council made to the program’s budget. The changes require a new bond authorization ordinance, which was introduced to council on Thursday. KYW’s City Hall bureau chief Pat Loeb has more.(photo credit: Holli Stephens…

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Philly officials urge furloughed federal workers to apply ASAP for relief program 1:09

13h ago1:09

1:09

Philly renters who were furloughed during the recent government shutdown are being urged to act fast in applying for a new relief program. KYW Newsradio's Community Impact Reporter Racquel Williams has more.(photo credit: Holli Stephens/KYW)

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CBP agents seize nearly 7 pounds of methamphetamine from Delco shipping facility 0:30

13h ago0:30

0:30

Federal agents say they've seized a large amount of methamphetamine at a shipping facility in Delaware County.(photo credit: U.S. Customs and Border Patrol)

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How to get free flu and COVID-19 shots in Philly 1:13

13h ago1:13

1:13

The Philadelphia Department of Public Health has launched a campaign offering free flu shots and COVID-19 vaccinations at health centers across the city.KYW Newsradio's Conner Barkon tells us, you don’t need an appointment, and walk-ins are welcome.(photo credit: Getty Images)

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Bill that would eliminate a required high school graduation exam advances in Trenton 1:09

13h ago1:09

1:09

New Jersey is one of six states that still require an exit exam as a graduation requirement. Students are tested annually in third through eighth grade and then must pass an exit exam, given in their junior year, to graduate. KYW Newsradio's South Jersey reporter Mike Dougherty has more on this.(photo credit: Getty Images)…

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Self driving car company Waymo begins autonomous testing in Philly 1:19

16h ago1:19

1:19

The autonomous ride share company Waymo is ramping up its efforts to establish itself in Philadelphia.Photo Credit: Getty Images

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Breaking down the Eagles coordinators Week 14 pressers 3:11

16h ago3:11

3:11

In the latest edition of KYW Newsradio's Minute with Merrill, Dave Uram and the Pro Football Hall of Fame Voice of the Eagles, Merrill Reese, discuss Wednesday's coordinator press conferences ahead of Monday night's game at the Los Angeles Chargers. Dave also asks Merrill for his thoughts on the first episode of HBO's Hard Knocks: In Season with th…

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Philadelphia Cultural Fund expands access to arts funding with historic $13 million investment 1:17

20h ago1:17

1:17

Thanks to the largest investment in its 30-year history, The Philadelphia Cultural Fund will be expanding grant awards to arts and cultural organizations next year.Photo Credit: Philadelphia Cultural Fund

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Local artists prepare to roll out city-wide public art project celebrating 'Philly Firsts' 1:11

20h ago1:11

1:11

To celebrate America's 250th birthday next year, Philadelphia will host 52 weeks of Firsts. To mark the spot, #1 sculptures will be placed in various locations. Photo Credit: John McDevitt / KYW Newsradio

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Hundreds of Cardinal O'Hara high schoolers donate gifts to children in need 1:05

20h ago1:05

1:05

Hundreds of students at a Springfield, Delaware County, high school are using their time and resources to make sure children who do not have it as good as they can still have a good Christmas.Photo Credit: Getty Images

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National anti-robocall task force targets 4 major providers in 2nd phase of ‘Operation Robocall Roundup’ 1:21

1d ago1:21

1:21

Pennsylvania is one of the states announcing the implementation of Phase Two of a national crackdown against robocalls. KYW Newsradio's Vik Raghupathi tells us a multi-state task force is targeting four major providers.

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Montgomery County authorities seek public’s help finding suspects in shooting death of 19-year-old 0:49

1d ago0:49

0:49

The Montgomery County DA’s office is announcing a $5,000 reward as they investigate Sunday evening’s deadly shooting in Norristown. KYW Suburban Bureau Chief Jim Melwert reports.(Photo: Montgomery County District Attorney's Office)

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Local nonprofits unite to collect thousands of winter coats for Philly kids in need 1:16

1d ago1:16

1:16

Every year, hundreds thousands of Philadelphia children are in need of winter clothing as the temperatures dip to freezing. In an effort to meet that need, Krausey’s Koats and the Kevin From Heaven Foundation are teaming up with Cradles to Crayons. KYW Newsradio’s Matt Coughlin says they are looking for another 25,000 children’s coats.…

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William Way LGBT Center board reverses decision, won't permanently close Gayborhood building 1:19

1d ago1:19

1:19

People in the city's Gayborhood are breathing a sigh of relief after leadership at The William Way LGBT Community Center announced they will not be closing the doors permanently. KYW Newsradio's Shara Dae Howard has the update.

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Ocean City business leaders appeal to Council for approval to redevelop former Wonderland Pier 1:23

1d ago1:23

1:23

There’s a vote Wednesday at City Council in Ocean City regarding the zoning status of the former Wonderland Pier site. A group of business leaders were united at a press conference today in asking the council to approve redevelopment. KYW Newsradio's South Jersey reporter Mike Dougherty has more on this.(Photo: Chris Lachall/USA Today Network/Imagn…

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South Jersey man arrested in Philly, charged in Atlantic City shooting that killed 1 teen and wounded another 0:31

1d ago0:31

0:31

A South Jersey man has been arrested in Philadelphia, accused of killing a 15-year-old and attempting to kill a 17-year-old in Atlantic City.The Atlantic City prosecutor's office says 23-year-old Louis Jackson from Galloway Township, Atlantic County, shot the teens on Nov. 7.The 15-year-old was hit multiple times and died at the hospital. The 17-ye…

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Amazon debuts 30-minute delivery service in Philly 0:41

1d ago0:41

0:41

Do you live in the city and need that Amazon package right away? How about a half-hour?Amazon is promising deliveries in 30 minutes or less for customers in Philadelphia.It's a service called Amazon Now, and it's debuting in Philly and Seattle. When customers place an order for groceries, household items, or electronics, they can check the navigati…

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Get ready for overnight detours on the Westbound Schuylkill Expressway 1:13

1d ago1:13

1:13

Get ready for overnight detours. PennDOT will be completely closing the westbound Schuylkill Expressway between 30th Street and the Vine Expressway from 10 p.m. until 5 a.m. starting Sunday, Dec. 7. KYW's Mike DeNardo tells us, this will last the next six months.(photo credit: Mike DeNardo/KYW Newsradio)…

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Trump threatens to escalate administration's fight against alleged drug traffickers in Latin America 3:08

1d ago3:08

3:08

The president, in a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, said, “We’re going to start doing those strikes on land, too, you know, the land is much easier, and we know the routes they take,” of drug traffickers. Joining us live on our Line from Washington, ABC News National Correspondent Steven Portnoy.(photo credit: Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)…

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Philly man sentenced to nearly 3 years in prison for making racist threats, cyberstalking city worker 0:39

1d ago0:39

0:39

A Philadelphia man who admitted to making racist threats and cyberstalking a city worker last year will spend three years in prison.Mark Tucci, 44, called a city agency multiple times in June 2024 to ask about a request he had made for records. On two of these calls, Tucci screamed at one worker. Then Tucci called back and spoke with other workers,…

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Merrill Reese thinks the Eagles have to play every remaining game 'like it's the end of the world' 1:52

2d ago1:52

1:52

The Eagles are five days from their Week 14 matchup at the Los Angeles Chargers on Monday Night Football. KYW's Dave Uram asks the Pro Football Hall of Fame Voice of the Eagles, Merrill Reese, for his thoughts on the importance of this upcoming game.

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Quinta Brunson launches fund to help more Philly students go on field trips 1:21

2d ago1:21

1:21

"Abbot Elementary" star and creator Quinta Brunson wants more Philly students to be able to go on field trips.So, the West Philly native is starting a fund to help make that happen.KYW Newsradio Community Impact Reporter Racquel Williams has more.(photo credit: Earl Gibson III/Deadline via Getty Images)…

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Talks set to resume Wednesday between SEPTA, its largest union 0:26

2d ago0:26

0:26

Talks are set to resume on Wednesday between SEPTA and its biggest union.Negotiations hit a snag last week when union leaders walked out.The sticking point is pensions. The union wants an increase in pension contributions.SEPTA says that would be "difficult financially."SEPTA is asking workers to pay more in co-pays for health insurance. The union …

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Man robs Center City bank, uses SEPTA train as his getaway 0:23

2d ago0:23

0:23

A robbery suspect used a SEPTA train as his getaway vehicle.The robbery happened around noon on Tuesday at the Citizens Bank at Seventh and Market Streets.The thief ran down the block to the Market-Frankford Line at Eighth Street and hopped on a train.SEPTA police say they were able to track him down using their surveillance cameras.He was arrested…

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Ever wonder why airplanes always board from the left side? 0:47

2d ago0:47

0:47

CBS Travel Editor Peter Greenberg tells us that when aviation started, the designers borrowed extensively from protocols used 200 years ago in shipping, when boats docked on the port or left side against the pier. Why? because the steering oar was on the starboard side and would be damaged if the ship docked any other way. Airports were then design…

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Trump administration threatens to withhold SNAP funds from Democratic-led states unless they reverse course 1:25

2d ago1:25

1:25

The federal government shares the cost of running the SNAP program with each state. So, the money that the Trump administration says it would withhold is its share of the management costs, not the actual benefits that go out.Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins, during Tuesday's cabinet meeting, said 21 states and the District of Columbia are still…

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Medical Report: How to reduce holiday stress 0:52

2d ago0:52

0:52

The holiday season is upon us, and so is the stress. KYW Newsradio Medical Editor Dr. Brian McDonough takes a look at some ways to reduce the pressure.

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Young Delco cancer survivor's 'Wish' comes true 1:04

2d ago1:04

1:04

A young Delaware County boy’s inspirational fight against cancer gets a storybook ending when he’s gifted his dream trip. KYW’s Justin Udo reports.

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New Philly program offers rent assistance to furloughed federal workers 0:38

2d ago0:38

0:38

Many federal employees had to borrow money, use credit cards and take out loans to make ends meet during the recent government shut down. Now, with the holiday season upon us, the city of Philadelphia is offering some relief to government employees who faced economic hardship and were not able to pay rent during the shutdown. The city today announc…

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City Council passes affordable housing budget with major changes to Mayor’s plan 1:18

2d ago1:18

1:18

Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker’s affordable housing plan cleared a major hurdle Tuesday when City Council gave preliminary approval to a budget for phase one of the program. KYW’s City Hall bureau chief Pat Loeb reports Council made substantial changes to the mayor’s plan before voting. (Photo credit: Getty Images)…

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N.J. Gov. Phil Murphy asks India to extradite suspect in 2017 Burlington County murder 1:14

2d ago1:14

1:14

New Jersey Governor Phil Murphy is asking authorities in India to assist with the extradition of a man wanted for allegedly killing a mother and her son in Maple Shade in 2017.Prosecutors in Burlington County have filed charges against Nazeer Hameed in the killing of Sasikala Narra and her son Anish.Hameed moved to India six months after their kill…

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SEPTA will miss deadline to install heat sensors on remaining Regional Rail trains 1:13

2d ago1:13

1:13

SEPTA now says it's not going to make Friday's deadline to install thermal units on all of its Silverliner IV rail cars. More from KYW Newsradio's Mike DeNardo. (Photo credit: Conner Barkon/KYW Newsradio)

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Man sentenced to decades behind bars for shooting Pottstown officer during struggle 1:14

2d ago1:14

1:14

A 43-year-old man will spend more than two-decades in prison for shooting a Pottstown police corporal in the leg during a struggle for the officer’s gun. KYW Newsradio's Suburban Bureau Chief Jim Melwert reports. (Photo credit: Jim Melwert/KYW Newsradio)

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Construction begins on new cruise ship terminal to bring 41 annual sailings to Philly 0:58

2d ago0:58

0:58

Construction is underway on a new cruise terminal near Philadelphia International Airport that is expected to bring thousands of jobs and deliver a major tourism boost to the city ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary next year. KYW Newsradio's Conner Barkon has details. (Photo credit Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)…

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Authorities arrest University of Delaware student armed with guns and notebook detailing plan to attack campus police 1:13

3d ago1:13

1:13

Authorities say they arrested a University of Delaware student who was armed with weapons, a lot of ammo and a notebook with plans to attack campus police. KYW Newsradio's Tim Jimenez has the story. (Photo credit: New Castle County Police Department)

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Philadelphia police officer dies 6 years after sustaining critical injury in motorcycle crash 1:32

3d ago1:32

1:32

Philadelphia Police Officer Andy Chan has died six years after he was struck by a van while riding his police motorcycle. KYW Newsradio's Matt Coughlin reports. (Photo credit: Philadelphia Police Department)

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Revisiting: We Need More Words to Describe Audio Stories 23:33

3d ago23:33

23:33

When you limit language, you limit thinking. When you limit thinking, you limit creativity. When you limit creativity, audio storytellers wind up making the same thing over and over and over again and that's not good. In this archive episode from 2022, producer Jazmine Green says we need new language to describe our work. And we can start by borrow…

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Nick Sirianni sticking with Kevin Patullo as the offensive play-caller 4:50

3d ago4:50

4:50

Three days after the Eagles lost to the Bears, Nick Sirianni held his weekly video conference, which is typically one day after a game. KYW's Dave Uram chats with the Voice of the Eagles Merrill Reese about some of the highlights from that presser.

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Philly animal welfare organizations seek support on Giving Tuesday 1:11

3d ago1:11

1:11

You hit the malls on Black Friday. You gave your credit card a workout on Cyber Monday. Now, it's time to give back. It's Giving Tuesday. KYW Newsradio's John McDevitt reports animal welfare organizations are among those asking for support today.

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Car being chased by NJ police flips in Bucks County 0:25

3d ago0:25

0:25

A police chase that started in New Jersey ended in Bucks County, where the car that police were following flipped over.It happened around 9 p.m. Monday. The chase started in Trenton and ended in Falls Township, near Woolston Drive and Stony Hill Road.The car ended up on its side in the woods. Falls Township police say one person is in custody, but …

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Offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo's house egged after Eagles loss 0:47

3d ago0:47

0:47

A group of people threw eggs at the home of Eagles offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo. It happened early Saturday morning after the Eagles' loss to the Bears on Friday. A video circulating online shows people throwing objects at Patullo's home. Some online thought that the objects were rocks, but Moorestown police confirmed they were eggs. Police …

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Crews prep roads and highways as storm brings wintry mix to Philly region 1:17

3d ago1:17

1:17

The first winter storm of the season is coming our way today. KYW Newsradio's Tim Jimenez is live on road patrol with the story.

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Medical Report: High blood pressure in teens 0:44

3d ago0:44

0:44

A new study suggests that high blood pressure in teens could lead to problems years down the road. KYW medical editor Dr. Brian McDonough has more.

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Logan Square Park is about to get some upgrades 0:20

3d ago0:20

0:20

Monday began the six-month construction project to improve sidewalks, ADA ramps and storm drains at Logan Square. The Logan Circle sidewalk and access to Swann Memorial Fountain will be closed to the public, as will some traffic lanes. (photo credit: Jennifer Powell/Getty Images)

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Camden and Montgomery counties declare Code Blue ahead of dangerously frigid temperatures 1:06

3d ago1:06

1:06

Code Blues have been issued in Camden and Montgomery counties, ahead of low temperatures and precipitation that put people experiencing homelessness at risk. KYW's Vik Raghupathi has more. (photo credit: KYW Staff)