This week on WURD: In-depth look at Head Start, Black maternal care, Philadelphia’s economic stagnation

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.

Keir Bradford-Grey is the head of Marrone Law Firm’s civil rights litigation department. Bradford-Grey joined Dr. James Peterson to provide legal expertise on several topics including what to expect in the case of Wyleek Tinsley, who was fatally shot by the Abington Police Department and how federal policies are impacting the criminal justice reform movement.

Nia Nchami and Jamiylah Miller, both doulas with the Maternity Care Coalition, joined Karen Taylor-Bass on Soulful Sunrise to discuss the vital role doulas play in improving Black maternal health. Nchami and Miller shared how doulas support families through childbirth, help navigate pregnancy challenges and advocate for better outcomes.

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.

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.