This week on WURD: Sixer’s arena stays in South Philly, Philly leaders react to swift change, Los Angeles wildfires

Ryan Boyer is the business manager for the Philadelphia Building and Construction Trades Council, a consortium of more than 50 labor unions. He joined Wake Up With WURD with Solomon Jones to comment on the Sixers decision to remain in South Philly and what it means for the labor unions he represents. 

Wei Chen is the civic engagement director of Asian Americans United. He joined Tonya Pendleton on Reality Check to discuss how Chinatown will move forward with the Sixers arena now remaining in South Philly and how they can make a model action plan to help other marginalized Philadelphia groups.

Council President Kenyatta Johnson represents Philadelphia’s second district. Johnson revealed his disappointment from the Sixers arena deal, which was passed in council after two-year negotiations late last year. He told Dr. James Peterson on Evening WURDs how he is reorienting himself as a leader to make sure the deal is beneficial to Black and brown constituents.

George Dines is host of the podcast “The Common Sense Millionaire,” which provides finance tips. Dines joined Reality Check to talk about the factors that caused the California wildfires, the destruction of Black homes in Altadena and how insurance policies could neglect Black policyholders amid the destruction.

Casey Peeks is the senior director for early childhood policy at the Center for American Progress. She joined Dr. Peterson on Evening WURDs to discuss the effective, long-standing power of Head Start and how it has supported low-income families. Peeks also talked about how CAP is striving to support a cohesive education system for all Americans.