This week on WURD: Philly’s mental health crisis, attack on civil rights, new student loan law

Congresswoman Summer Lee represents Pennsylvania’s 12th district. Congresswoman Lee is the first Black woman from Pennsylvania to be elected to the U.S. Congress and has worked to get money out of politics, advance environmental justice, and advocate for criminal legal reform. She joined Wake Up With WURD with guest hosts Dr. James Peterson and Keir Bradford-Grey to discuss the new student loan law, the lack of federal aid and how that may affect students.

Dr. Phillip Roundtree is the founder of Quadefy, LLC, which promotes wellness through public speaking and therapy, and YouGoodMan Inc., a nonprofit that offers free community groups for men within the City of Philadelphia. Dr. Roundtree joined Evening WURDs with guest host P.O.C. to cover the tough topic of men’s mental health and Philadelphia’s mental health, as the city struggles to come to terms with another major shooting.

Jasmine Westbrooks-Figaro, co-founder of EatWell Exchange, stopped by The Midday Break Room with Tiffany Bacon to share tips on healthy eating during summer events. In honor of National Grilling Month and National Blueberry Month, she offered strategies to reduce health disparities in low-income communities while still enjoying cookouts, concerts, and more.

Pennsylvania State Representative Andre D. Carroll joined Evening WURDs to discuss House Bill 1506, which focuses on improving communication between incarcerated individuals and their families. The bill aims to make inmate phone services more accessible, helping maintain relationships that are crucial to successful reentry.

Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison joined Wake Up With WURD to discuss his legal efforts opposing the unconstitutional executive actions taken by President Trump and his administration. Attorney General Ellison spoke in detail about several lawsuits currently underway and offered a concise and historical overview of civil rights in America—tracing the arc from the 19th century through the 20th century—to underscore the urgency of the civil rights challenges we face today.