Bridging Philly

We celebrate the power of Philadelphia sports fans united by their shared love for their teams despite varying views of politics, religion and race. KYW Newsradio sports reporter Dave Uram dispels the negative reputation of Eagles fans, and shares superfan anecdotes and common Game Day superstitions. Then, "The Power of Fun" with the original Phillie Phanatic Dave Raymond, who shares the mascot's origin story, and how he fights hopelessness by focusing on the positive things in his life.

Host Racquel Williams and four breast cancer survivors share their unique journeys from the terrifying first time they were told of their diagnosis, through the exhausting treatments, to mentoring new patients. A doctor, also a survivor, explains different types of cancers, dispels treatment myths, and urges securing the right medical team. The group describes their struggles juggling family and work commitments, fears of recurrence, and triumphs by helping others.

Our first Bridging Philly Reporters’ Roundtable features the KYWNewsradio coverage of the charges dropped against Philadelphia Police Detective Mark Dial, who fatally shot Eddie Irizarry. Reporters Kristen Johansen, Tim Jimenez and Gina Pompilio describe what they saw and heard in the courtroom and the reaction from Irizarry’s family.

Then, behind the Pollinator Power installation with artist Mindy Flexer and children ages 6-20 at the Woodmere Art Museum. 

Dogs have been part of law enforcement teams for decades, as we most recently saw with the capture of prison escapee Danelo Cavalcante. Man’s best friends are also becoming more commonly used with crisis counselors for comforting students in schools and victims of violence in the community. Members of the Penn Vet Working Dogs Center, Tri-State Canine Response Team, and Delmarva Search and Rescue Group describe how their dogs are translators between humans and the natural world.

Then, the Philadelphia Ballet is celebrating 60 years with a world premiere of Carmen featuring choreography by Artistic Director Angel Corella.

Binge Eating Disorder is a condition often overlooked as self-medicating by over-eating. But it becomes a problem when the consumption becomes out of control as a way to cope with stress. We learn about behavior and medical solutions with Kelly Allison, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Weight and Eating Disorders at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, and one of her patients.

Then, The Women’s Film Festival begins this week, and Programming Director Suzi Nash shares a preview of the events and over 100 screenings she has lined up.

Philadelphia’s first African-American female Police Commissioner, Danielle Outlaw, has announced she will be resigning later this month. Former Philadelphia Police Commissioner Charles Ramsey weighs in about how the city’s next top cop can reduce crime while building public trust. Anthony Erace, Interim Executive Director of the Citizen Police Oversight Commission, describes what the new city organization is doing to guide the “just, transparent, and efficient administration of criminal justice in Philadelphia through fair and timely investigation into the oversight of conduct, policies, and practices of the Philadelphia Police Department and its officers.”

Then, Tyrell Brown, Executive Director of Galaei, shares a preview of this fall’s America’s first National Coming Out Day Parade as part of the OURfest, formerly known as Outfest.

How can we future-proof our economy? Our guests believe that free or inexpensive community college can help strengthen and stabilize our workforce, but the idea of community college is often misunderstood. Dr. Donald Guy Generals, President of the Community College of Philadelphia, Dr. Lovel Pugh-Bassett, President of Camden County College, and Sara Goldrick-Rab, author of the book, “Paying the Price: College Costs, Financial Aid, and the Betrayal of the American Dream,” discuss the varied programs, certificates and scholarships that can help pave a pathway to success. 

Then, recovering the forgotten 19th-century neighborhood and the stories of between 5,000 – 10,000 mostly Black residents who were displaced during the mid-20th century, urban renewal that created University City. We dig into West Philly’s past through The West Philly Community Archeology Project, a partnership between the Penn Museum and several community organizations, including HopePHL, the Black Bottom Tribe Association, and the Community Education Center (CEC).

“Things might not always be right, but you can make it right.” A recent work readiness assistance course teaches students how to create right angles and the value of nutrition and wellness. Myra Brown, CEO of NWON Opportunities, LLC, is designing programs that service the community and diminish the adverse childhood effects of unemployment, food deserts, and substance abuse. Two recent graduates describe their life-changing experiences with Brown and their union carpenter instructor.

Then, Jeremy Noel grew up running around his Bucks County house pretending to be "The Lion King"'s Simba. Now he is understudying the famous character as part of Disney’s North American musical version of the animated movie at the Kimmel Center.

We celebrate fifty years of Hip Hop that began as an underground party art form and grew into the global backbeat behind today’s music, fashion, language, dance and scholarship. Children of the musicians behind Philly soul music reconstructed rhyme, rhythms, and funk music into their own sound. Hip Hop artist-turned-civil rights attorney and professor Timothy Welbeck describes what makes artists the greatest of all time. Then, DJs Cash Money and Duiji Mshinda reflect on the evolution of Philly Hip Hop. 

Fourth-generation Ocean City, New Jersey resident Loretta Thompson Harris was inspired to write a book about the history of her African American community, as she has seen the numbers of Black homeowners slowly decline. The new book, “The West Side: Ocean City in True Color” is the product of years researching her growing family tree. Ms. Harris and members of her family share stories about growing up in their neighborhood that dates back to the 1880s.

Then, Nina Ahmad will be the first South Asian woman elected to Philadelphia City Council if she wins in November. The Bangladesh-born candidate is one of the Democratic nominees for a prominent legislative seat, which would follow her leadership in the Obama, Nutter, and Kenney administrations, as well as President of the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Organization for Women.