The Week in Philly: Aramark workers on strike, new Phillies postgame mix, and exhumed bodies

PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — How will PennDOT make Chinatown’s Vine Street more pedestrian- and bike-friendly? What did Mayor Cherelle Parker say about plans for 76 Place? And what’s going on at that property in Hollywood Hills that belongs to the son of Phillies owner John Middleton?

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.

Digging up DNA

Investigators took a new step this week in an ongoing effort to identify homicide victims in several cold cases. The remains of eight unidentified victims in a potter’s field, some buried decades ago, were exhumed to get DNA in hopes of using genealogy to track down their families, bring them closure, and maybe get closer to solving the crimes. KYW’s Crime and Justice Reporter Kristen Johanson explains the steps of this investigation.

Stadium Strike

Aramark workers at all three Philadelphia stadiums are officially on strike , and they’ve been picketing outside of games and concerts at the Wells Fargo Center, Citizens Bank Park, and Lincoln Financial Field. KYW Newsradio’s Nina Baratti explains what the union is asking for and how this could affect Phillies playoffs and Eagles games.

Parker and the 76 Place plan

Mayor Cherelle Parker laid out a detailed plan for a 76ers arena in Center City, including a Community Benefits Agreement and proposals to address several concerns that opponents have voiced, like traffic and housing. KYW’s City Hall Bureau Chief Pat Loeb breaks down the plan and the next steps for the city to make this arena a reality.

Postgame parties

Beer and champagne showers, goggles, fog machines. Yes, when the Phillies win, and they’ve been doing a lot of that in recent years, they certainly know how to throw a party. But the music — that’s what’s become the hallmark of the club’s celebrations. This past week, when the Phillies clinched their first division title in 13 years, was no different. KYW Newsradio’s John McDevitt explores the origins of the team’s “Winners Win” playlist, curated by catcher Garrett Stubbs and a trio of DJing brothers who are diehard Philly sports fans.

Hollywood Hills

John Middleton’s mission as the Phillies’ controlling owner has been to restore World Series glory to the franchise. His son? He's been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons on account of being a negligent property owner . In a tale tailored for Tinseltown, KYW Newsradio alum and KNX Los Angeles anchor/reporter Karen Adams explains how John Powers Middleton has allegedly allowed not one, but two multi-million dollar Hollywood mansions to slip into disrepair and become targets for squatters and graffiti taggers.

PennDOT's plans

One of the busier, congested traffic stretches in Center City is set to become more pedestrian and bike-friendly. KYW Newsradio Transportation Reporter Mike DeNardo was on hand for PennDOT's announcement and explains what’s in store for portions of Vine Street between 8th and 12th streets. Plus, he shares details on a neighborhood-changing project in North Philadelphia.