This week on WURD: Remembering Assata Shakur, Ali Velshi on shutdown and democracy, gridlock in Harrisburg

Ali Velshi, award-winning MSNBC journalist and host of Velshi, joined Wake Up With WURD with Solomon Jones to discuss the looming government shutdown, Donald Trump’s alarming comments about using the military in U.S. cities, and the broader threat of rewriting American history. Velshi also previewed MSNBC’s Live 25 event in New York City.

Pam Africa, MOVE member and longtime activist, joined Wake Up With WURD to reflect on the life and legacy of Assata Shakur — from meeting her in Cuba and organizing around Mumia Abu-Jamal to recounting Shakur’s liberation and role in the Black Liberation Army. Africa connected those lessons to today, urging truth-based organizing amid rising authoritarian threats.

Adam Geer, Philadelphia’s Chief Public Safety Director, joined Evening WURDs with Dr. James Peterson to discuss how his office coordinates prevention, intervention, and recovery beyond traditional law enforcement. He highlighted violence-interruption programs, reentry and victim services, and Kensington partnerships. He also pointed to nuisance gambling machines as a safety concern and described early preparations for 2026, including anti-trafficking efforts.

Dr. Shawanna Vaughn, founder of Silent Cry, Inc., joined Tiffany Bacon on The Midday Break Room. Silent Cry is a New York-based non-profit organization that takes a holistic approach to aftercare from mass incarceration, gun violence, and trauma. Dr. Vaughn discussed her push to have “post-traumatic prison disorder” recognized as a diagnosis distinct from PTSD.

PA State Rep. Regina Young joined Evening WURDs to talk about gridlock in Harrisburg, warning that Republicans remain emboldened by national politics and unwilling to compromise on the state budget. She underscored the importance of upcoming judicial elections, noting that outside money is fueling campaigns to unseat Democratic state Supreme Court justices and shift the court in a more conservative direction.