This week on WURD: Trump’s “mega bill,” Medicare cuts, U.S.-Iran tensions

PA State Rep. Malcolm Kenyatta, who represents the 181st District, joined Wake Up With WURD with Solomon Jones to discuss the Trump “mega bill.” Kenyatta highlighted that the bill includes tax increases on economically disadvantaged Americans, investing billions of dollars towards U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) and the military and significant cuts to programs like Medicare—impacting seniors and people with disabilities.

Megan Piphus, a four-time Emmy-winning producer and artist, gained national recognition as a ventriloquist and has played Gabrielle on “Sesame Street” since 2020. Piphus joined The Midday Break Room with Tiffany Bacon to share how she began her ventriloquism journey, her experience as the first full-time Black female puppeteer on “Sesame Street” and the creation of her new album, “Cinderella Sweep.”

Dr. Michael Eric Dyson, author, professor and Baptist minister, spoke with Dr. James Peterson on Evening WURDs about the critical role of independent Black media. Dyson emphasized that Black media serves as a truth-teller, amplifying Black voices and providing a space for real dialogue. He noted that WURD Radio is essential for engaging the community and the broader public.

Dr. Annelle Sheline, research fellow at the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, joined Solutions with Amadee Braxton to unpack the recent U.S. attacks on Iran. Sheline discussed the need for renewed international law standards, greater diplomatic accountability, and what a more responsible U.S. foreign policy might look like.

Dr. Edda Fields-Black, professor and director at Carnegie Mellon University’s Dietrich College of Humanities and Social Sciences, appeared on Evening WURDs to discuss her work on the transnational history of West African rice farmers. Fields-Black also spoke about her 2024 book, “COMBEE: Harriet Tubman, the Combahee River Raid, and Black Freedom during the Civil War.”