This Week on WURD: Chris Rabb on democratic socialism, measles on the rise, and Philly’s data center fight

Dr. Jason Johnson, professor of politics and journalism at Morgan State University and political analyst for MS NOW, joined Dr. James Peterson on Evening WURDs to discuss the National Association of Black Journalists conference and its “Thumbs Down” awards. Johnson backed NABJ’s criticism of The Washington Post, CBS News and Stephen A. Smith, arguing that accountability for poor journalism and treatment of Black journalists is not punishment.

Dr. Tim Golden, lawyer, doctor of philosophy and former criminal defense attorney, joined Solomon Jones on Wake Up With WURD to discuss concerns about Justice Department independence and President Trump’s push to restrict mail-in voting. Golden said a federal judge was right to block key provisions of Trump’s executive order, arguing that the Constitution gives states — not the president — authority over election administration.

Dr. Ashley Jordan, president and CEO of the African American Museum in Philadelphia, joined Tiffany Bacon on The Midday Break Room to discuss AAMP’s 50th anniversary and its hosting of the sold-out Association of African American Museums conference. Jordan highlighted a week of Philadelphia events, including a Michael Eric Dyson-Vincent Hughes conversation and a closing celebration featuring Floetry’s Marsha Ambrosius.

State Rep. Chris Rabb, Democratic nominee for Pennsylvania’s 3rd Congressional District, joined Dr. James Peterson on Evening WURDs to discuss his recent Face the Nation defense of democratic socialism after Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear called socialism a “failed experiment.” Rabb argued that popular programs like Social Security and Medicare undermine that framing and accused Democratic elites of using socialism as a political boogeyman instead of addressing working-class concerns.

Dr. Brandi Freeman, pediatrician and president of the National Medical Association, joined Tiffany Bacon on The Midday Break Room to discuss declining childhood vaccination rates as measles resurges in Pennsylvania and across the country. Freeman warned that falling vaccination rates threaten herd immunity, stressing that vaccination protects both individual children and vulnerable community members, and recommended CHOP’s vaccine information resources for parents.

Dr. Nola Haynes, former Biden-Harris administration State Department official and former adjunct senior fellow at the Center for a New American Security, joined Solomon Jones on Wake Up With WURD to discuss President Trump’s threats toward longtime U.S. ally Oman amid the Iran war. Haynes warned that pressure on Oman, a critical diplomatic player near the Strait of Hormuz, could further destabilize U.S. alliances and an already volatile Middle East.

Shawmar Pitts, organizer with Philly Thrive, and Devren Washington, organizer with the People’s Tech Project, joined Amadee Braxton on Solutions to discuss opposition to a potential data center at the former South Philadelphia refinery site. They argued that Gov. Josh Shapiro’s recent executive order does not prevent a data center from being built at the Bellwether District and called for a moratorium and stronger protections against higher utility costs, pollution and expanded AI surveillance.