Journalist Richard Kreitner joined Evening WURDs to discuss his new book "Fear No Pharaoh: American Jews, the Civil War, and the Fight to End Slavery." The book explores the complex roles American Jews played in the Civil War, from Jewish abolitionists to Confederate supporters, and how this legacy shapes Black-Jewish relations today.

Michael Steele, former chair of the Republican National Committee and co-host of the new MSNBC show "The Weeknight" with Symone Sanders-Townsend and Alicia Menendez, joined Wake Up With WURD with Solomon Jones to talk about challenging Trumpism, the fight for democracy and how the Republican Party has lost its way.

Allison Russell, singer-songwriter, musician and activist, joined Tonya Pendleton on Reality Check to discuss reclaiming folk and Americana music’s Black roots, the impact of cultural erasure, and the healing power of musical storytelling. She reflects on her Grammy-winning song “Eve Was Black” and her collaborations with legends like Wendy & Lisa and Annie Lennox.

Sean Vereen is the president and CEO of Heights Philadelphia, an organization dedicated to giving low-income communities resources they need for economic mobility. Vereen spoke with Tonya Pendleton on Reality Check and gave his expertise on why Philadelphia’s economy is stagnant and how the organization leads young people to create opportunities for themselves.

National security expert Malcolm Nance joined Solomon Jones on Wake Up With WURD to discuss the Trump administration's potential withdrawal from negotiations to end the war in Ukraine. Nance analyzed the implications of this move for the United States, emphasizing the importance of continued diplomatic engagement in international conflicts.Casey Peeks is the senior director for early childhood policy at the Center for American Progress. Peeks spoke with Dr. James Peterson on Evening WURDs to discuss her recent report which breaks down how every citizen, including Pennsylvanians, will be impacted if Head Start were eliminated completely.

Dr. Meredith D. Clark is an associate professor at Northeastern University and the founder of the Center for Communication, Media Innovation and Social Change. Dr. Clark spoke with Tonya Pendleton on Reality Check on the importance of intimate Black social spaces through Twitter and what changed after Elon Musk’s leadership.

Dr. Marlene Daut is a Yale University professor and recent author of "The First and Last King of Haiti." She joined Dr. James Peterson on Evening WURDs and talked about how American media has revised current events in Haitian livelihood and politics and how her new book dives into Haiti's first and last king.

Senator Sharif Street joined Wake Up With WURD with Solomon Jones to discuss the recent arson at Governor Josh Shapiro’s residence that took place while the Governor’s family was inside. Senator Street addressed the rising concerns around political security, public safety and the broader implications.

Kevin Shird is a  three-time published author, activist and lecturer. He joined Evening WURDs with Dr. James Peterson to discuss his latest book, "A Life for a Life: Poor Choices and Unresolved Trauma Is Killing America."

Mazzie Casher  is the co-founder and executive director of the Philly Truce Foundation. He spoke with Reality Check host Tonya Pendleton about the initiative for Philly Truce, the motive for creating it and the services it offers the community.

Mayor Cherelle Parker joined Wake Up With WURD with Solomon Jones to talk about the current state of the city. Parker addressed youth gun violence, affordable housing resources and the proposed and potentially harmful cuts to SEPTA.

Aimee Inama is PennDOT’s press officer for driver and vehicle services. Inama joined Tonya Pendleton on Reality Check to remind listeners of the upcoming travel deadline to file for Real ID and the quick process to obtain yours before May 7, 2025.

Walter M. Kimbrough is the president of Talladega College and author of a recent op-ed article on the hazing death of Omega Psi Phi pledge Caleb Wilson. He joined Evening WURDs with Dr. James Peterson to contextualize hazing traditions at historically Black colleges and universities and the mixed reactions to Wilson’s death.

Gabriel Escobar is the editor and senior vice president of the Philadelphia Inquirer. Escobar spoke to Solomon Jones on Wake Up With WURD about the newspaper's dissolution of the communities and engagement desk, which resulted in the layoffs of several Black and Latino journalists.

The Week on WURD: Mary Gay Scanlon; Maurice Mitchell; Jared Bass showcases U.S. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon, National Director for the Working Families Party (WFP), Maurice Mitchell and Jared C. Bass who is the senior vice president for education policy at Center for American Progress.

Details:

U.S. Congresswoman Mary Gay Scanlon spoke with Solomon Jones on Wake Up With WURD about The Atlantic editor-in-chief viewing classified war plans that were sent to him hours before they were enacted. Scanlon also talked about the Trump administration's insurrection pardons, attacks on free speech and social security cuts.

Maurice Mitchell is the national director for the Working Families Party (WFP). Mitchell discussed on Reality Check with Tonya Pendleton how WFP is holding the Trump administration accountable, how they educate voters and how the public can support their efforts.

Jared C. Bass is the senior vice president for education policy at Center for American Progress. He joined Dr. James Peterson on Evening WURDs to discuss Donald Trump’s plans to eliminate the Department of Education and issues within private education institutions.