The week on WURD: Black teachers in Philly, Overbrook High shooting, Kensington mobile services face regulation after City Council vote

Sharif El-Mekki is the founder and CEO of the Center for Black Educator Development. El-Mekki joined Reality Check with Tonya Pendleton to talk about how his organization in Philadelphia is trying to get more Black teachers in classrooms and how they’re working through Donald Trump’s anti-DEI initiatives.

Dominique London is the executive director of the nonprofit UC Green and a tree tender volunteer. She joined Dr. James Peterson on Evening WURDs to discuss Philadelphia’s lack of trees and how DOGE has eliminated a recent tree planting grant for the city.

Philadelphia Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel spoke with Solomon Jones on Wake Up With WURD. Commissioner Bethel talked to listeners about Wednesday’s non-fatal police shooting at Overbrook High School and the plan to help limit gun violence during the upcoming summer months.

Councilwoman Quetcy Lozada spoke on Wake Up With WURD to expand on her impassioned speech advocating for a bill affecting her Kensington district. On Thursday, City Council passed 13-3 legislation that Lozada said will bring structure to rehabilitated/addicted individuals in hubs and away from residential neighborhoods, children and senior residents.

Eric Blanc is an assistant professor of labor studies at Rutgers University and author of “We Are the Union.” Blanc joined Reality Check to explain how grassroots organizing has led to success for labor unions and how federal workers can work against mass layoffs under DOGE.