WURD Radio

Philadelphia's 7th District City Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada joined Ernest Owens to discuss President Trump's immigration controversy and the local implications.

Stephanie Thomas is the Secretary of the State of Connecticut. With a distinguished 30-year career advising and problem-solving for nonprofit organizations, running her own business, and serving as a State Representative of the 143rd District (Norwalk, Wilton, Westport), Secretary Thomas brings a unique blend of business expertise and a passion for civics to public service.

Sec. Thomas joins the show to discuss the fight to protect Black voting and civil rights against a hostile administration, the role Black women play in protecting elections, and how Democratic Secretaries of State will serve as the last line of defense for democracy.

Renter United OnePA, Tyreece Rogers and Theresa Howell, and Shawmar Pitts, co-director of Philly Thrive, about how Philadelphia is making a $20 million investment to support climate-resilient home repairs for both homeowners and renters. The Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) will receive $10 million for its Built to Last program, which helps homeowners make critical repairs to improve energy efficiency, safety, and climate resilience. Another $10 million will fund a proactive inspection program through the Department of Licenses & Inspections (L&I) to ensure rental properties meet safety and climate-readiness standards. This investment aims to provide long-term solutions for housing stability, protect vulnerable residents, and strengthen Philadelphia’s response to climate challenges.

Aaron Kupchik is the Professor of Sociology and Criminal Justice at the University of Delaware. He is the author of many books, including Homeroom Security: School Discipline in an Age of Fear and The Real School Safety Problem: The Long-Term Consequences of Harsh School Punishment.

Aaron joins the show to further talk about his book "Suspended Education". This book examines how suspensions, often used as a tool to maintain order, can disproportionately affect marginalized students, leading to negative academic and social outcomes. Aaron also gives his take on all the dynamics he believes come into play when a child is suspended from school.

Delena Smith of OIC Philadelphia about their latest expansion of the Green Jobs Program, made possible by a $250,000 investment from the Philadelphia Energy Authority (PEA) through the America Rescue Plan’s Good Jobs Challenge. This funding will help train and place more individuals in high-paying green energy careers, strengthening Philadelphia’s clean energy workforce and creating new opportunities for sustainable employment.

George Wallace is an American comedian and actor. Wallace was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2013 Soul Train/Centric Comedy All-Star Awards; and won Best Stand-Up Comedian at the prestigious American Comedy Awards after four consecutive nominations.

George joins the show to talk about a new comedy TV series he is apart of on Amazon Prime Video called, “Clean Slate”. This series follows Desiree (played by Laverne Cox), a trans woman who returns to her small Alabama hometown after her art gallery in New York City closes. She moves in with her father, Harry Slate (George Wallace), a traditional car wash owner who is surprised by his child's transition but strives to mend their strained relationship.

Randall Goosby is a rising American violinist known for his technical prowess and passion for music. Goosby made his professional debut at the age of 13 with the New York Philharmonic, and his career has flourished ever since. He has been an advocate for performing music by composers of color throughout his career on the stage.

Randall joins the show to talk about his upcoming performance of Mendelssohn's violin concerto with the Philadelphia Orchestra, how he got started playing the violin, and more.

Kathia Woods is a regular entertainment correspondent on Reality Check. She is a Philadelphia Tribune contributor, and an entertainment reporter with her own show, "Cup of Soul Show" on YouTube.

Kathia joins the show to further discuss the Oscar's Awards as it pertains to its overall influence, and what people should take from it.

Isaac Avilucea is a reporter for Axios Philadelphia and a frequent contributor to the show, where he gives WURD listeners pertinent updates on trending news stories.

Isaac joins the show to talk about Philly's Independence Park being hit by national park layoffs, how a new real estate deal will preserve some of Philly's murals, and more.

Roxanne Jones is a former VP at ESPN. She is a CNN opinion writer, Emmy-nominated producer, co-author of "Say It Loud: An Illustrated History of the Black Athlete" and CEO of the Push Marketing Group, a media strategy firm. Roxanne talks to us about how Black women are regrouping, and realigning their purpose in 2025