This Week on WURD: Ilhan Omar investigation, Philadelphia police shooting, Black maternal health crisis

Mustafa Rashed, president and CEO of Bellevue Strategies, joined Solomon Jones on Wake Up With WURD to discuss the federal search of Rep. Ilhan Omar’s home weeks before the midterms. Rashid questioned the timing and political motivations of the investigation, while predicting Democrats would retake the House and face a closer battle for Senate control.

Morgan Cephas, Pennsylvania state representative and chair of the Philadelphia House delegation, joined Solomon Jones on Wake Up With WURD to discuss the fatal shooting of a Philadelphia police officer. Cephas called for stronger mental health interventions and gun restrictions, noting that proposed legislation regulating ghost guns and allowing courts to temporarily remove firearms from individuals deemed dangerous each failed by one vote.

Tanya T. Morris, founder of Mom Your Business, and Jason Coles, founder and CEO of Katika, joined Tiffany Bacon on The Midday Break Room to preview the Philly Chef Showdown on October 24. The North Philadelphia competition features a dozen chefs and restaurants competing for $5,000, with public tastings, celebrity judges and special fish hoagie and vegan showdowns.

La’Tasha Mayes, Pennsylvania state representative and co-chair of the Pennsylvania Black Maternal Health Caucus, joined Dr. James Peterson on Evening WURDs to discuss efforts to reduce Black maternal mortality. Mayes highlighted $38 million in state investments and warned that most maternal deaths occur after childbirth, when access to mental health treatment and other postpartum support remains inadequate.

Troy Carter, Louisiana congressman and member of the House Energy and Commerce Committee, joined Dr. James Peterson on Evening WURDs to discuss rising living costs, Medicaid and SNAP cuts, and threats to Black voting power. Carter warned that Louisiana’s redistricting battles could weaken Black representation nationwide and predicted Democrats would regain control of the House in November.