Bridging Philly

From KYW Newsradio 103.9 FM in Philadelphia, Bridging Philly connects our communities to the issues that matter to you. Host Racquel Williams examines the most critical issues facing underserved communities in the Philadelphia region, with insight from experts and regular people making a difference. And KYW reporter Shara Dae Howard explores Philadelphia's hidden gems on Shara in the City. Produced by Sabrina Boyd-Surka. Presented by Gift of Life Donor Program.

Listen live on KYW Newsradio Saturdays and Sundays at 1:30pm & 7:30pm and Sundays at 5:30am.

News Commentary
351
Flashpoint: Impact of Philly's one party politi...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about Philadelphia's one party political system. Alison Perelman of Philadelphia 3.0 joins Mustafa Rashed, CEO of Bellevue Strategies and Terry Madonna, political pollster from Franklin and Marshall College for this hot discussion. The newsmaker of the week is Adrianna Branin, a recent recipient of the Joe Biden Courage Award, which recognizes student heroes tackling sexual assault. The changemaker of the week is the Philadelphia Ramadan and Eid Fund, which will host its inaugural Eid in the Park. Founder Salima Suswell discusses event. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
47 min
352
Flashpoint: Preventing teen suicide, trading re...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions around the rising rate of suicide among youth. Sarah-Ashley Andrews, founder of Dare 2 Hope joins Dr. Dan Romer, a University of Pennsylvania professor who focuses on the connection between mental health and media and Science Leadership Academy freshmen Sasha Mannino and Iris Peron-Ames who tragically lost their friend to suicide in 2017 but are working to keep her legacy alive. The newsmaker of the week is Luis Berrios, who was shot in the back during a robbery outside of his North Philadelphia home last November. He recently set out on a crusade for forgiveness The changemaker of the week is the Animal Alliance, a New Jersey based non-profit that provides support to animals that have suffered abuse and neglect. Founder, Annie Trinkle, is the guest. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW." See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
39 min
353
Flashpoint Extra: Dr. Zenida health talks youth...
There has been a sharp spike in suicide rate among youth. KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter and Flashpoint host Cherri Gregg speaks to Dr. Zenida Heath, a mental health expert who digs into some of the reasons why and how parents can become more aware. If you know a young person who may be contemplating suicide, please call the Teen Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
21 min
354
Flashpoint: Game fans vs fiends, Philly's explo...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the booming video gaming industry. Recently, the World Heath Organization classified "gaming disorder" as a bonafide mental health condition. Locally, stories of gamers who dropped out of school or allowed their lives to become consumed with video play have made headlines. But esports is a business that makes billions and sees double digit growth every year. Gaming is becoming a legitimate athletic sport, with devout players employing training regimens and earning big bucks every year with hundreds of thousands of followers. So where is the line between gaming fan and gaming fiends. John Fazio, CEO of N3rd Street Gamers joins Jordan Shaprio, a Temple University professor and author research into video affects on child and parents... doesn't say the "a" word, prefers unhealthy behaviors . Cam Adair -- founder of Game Quitters, has very emotional video game addiction story. Our newsmaker of the week is Dr. Derrick Pitts, Chief Astronomer at Franklin Institute. Born and raised in the Nicetown section of North Philadelphia, Pitts grew up studying the stars and planets from his inner city bedroom. He since followed his hear becoming a nationally known astronomer. He recently made headlines when he was named Explorer of the Year. Follow Pitts on Twitter @CoolAstronomer. The Temple Community Garden is our changemaker of the week. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW." See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
45 min
355
Flashpoint: Philadelphia Democratic Mayoral Can...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg joins a panel of KYW Newsradio reporters to pose the burning questions to the Democratic Candidates for Philadelphia Mayor. KYW Newsradio city hall bureau Chief Pat Loeb, reporter Kristen Johanson and KYW Newsradio tech editor Ian Bush provide challenge Pennsylvania Senator Anthony Hardy Williams and former Philadelphia Controller Alan Butkovitz with questions on some of the most pressing issues plaguing Philadelphia. Incumbent Mayor Jim Kenney declined KYW Newsradio's request to attend the debate. The challengers provide detailed proposals on policies related to stop and frisk, gentrification, public safety, and much more. The one-hour debate was recorded in front of a live studio audience. Audience members also posed questions to the candidates. The Pennsylvania Primary is May 21st. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on 1060AM. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW." See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
47 min
356
Flashpoint: City Council at-large race, Mompren...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about Philadelphia's At-Large City Council Race. Al Schmit, City Commissioner, Mustafa Rashed, CEO of Bellvue Strategies, Jasmine Sessoms, founder of She Can Win and Bill Greenlee, At-Large City Councilman provide analysis. Our newsmaker of the week is Charisse McGill, owner of Lokal Artisan Foods. The momprenuer created "French Toast Bites," a festival food that has risen in popularity. The changemaker of the week is the #WalkAgainstHate organized by the Anti-Defamation League of Philadelphia. Regional board chairman Alan Gubernick and Blane Stoddart, co-founder of Black-Jewish Alliance of ADL talk about effort. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
49 min
357
Flashpoint: Flyers mute Kate Smith, Haircut4 ho...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the Kate Smith controversy. Last week, the Philadelphia Flyers announced it would no longer play the late singer's rendition of "God Bless America" after learning that she recorded several songs with blatantly racist lyrics. Our newsmaker of the week is Jawuan Jones also known as @Haircut4homless on social media. The Philadelphia Barber made national news recently when a video of police questioning him about his free hair cuts for homeless individuals went viral.  Laura Taylor, Founder of Mingle Mocktails is the changemaker of the week.  Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio.  See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
39 min
358
Flashpoint: Guns: rights vs control, New Pa. Se...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about guns as the country marks the 20th anniversary of the Columbine massacre and the 12th anniversary of the Virginia Tech mass shooting. The Flashpoint newsmaker of the week is Brandon Flood, the newly appointed Secretary for the Board of Pardons in Pennsylvania. The Changemaker of the week is the 88th annual Easter Promenade. Master of Ceremony Henri David discusses event's history. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
47 min
359
Flashpoint: Student loan debt, new anti-violenc...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the 1.5 trillion dollars in student loan debt plaguing America. The Flashpoint newsmaker of the week is Vanessa Garrett Harley, Philadelphia's new Deputy Director for Criminal Justice and Public Safety. The Changemaker of the week is the Paul Robeson. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW." See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
51 min
360
Flashpoint Extra: iTalk platform bridges leader...
iTalk is pioneering platform that merges leadership content with pop culture and stage drama. KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter and Flashpoint host Cherri Gregg sat down with founders Jennifer Montague, International DJ Casper and Marketing Director Samantha Wood regarding this innovative new effort that kicks off in Philadelphia April 12th. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
13 min
361
Flashpoint: Age discrimination, Ed Rendell and ...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about ageism in the workplace. The Flashpoint newsmaker of the week is former Pa. Governor Ed Rendell who is on the board of SafeHouse a non-profit looking to open a safe injection site. The Changemaker of the week is the #PromGearExchange. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW." See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
44 min
362
Flashpoint Extra: Panels at Cecil B. Moore stat...
KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg reports th eCecil B. Moore station on SEPTA's Broad Street Line has a couple of new additions, historical panels detailing the life and legacy of its namesake. Cecil Moore was an icon- and a fighter for the underprivileged and Black folks at a tumultuous time in Philadelphia history. But those who knew him say- he was a rogue fighter. Included in this Flashpoint Extra are stories from Dr. Walter Palmer and Karen Asper Jordan, two who knew Moore well. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
21 min
363
Flashpoint: Economy of cannabis, remembering Ba...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the economy of cannabis. Patrick Duff, co-owner of Philadelphia Temple of Hemp and Cannabis, Desiree Ivey of Women Grow, Jordan Harris, Pennsylvania State Rep and Tauhid Chappell, a medical marijuana patient and secretary of Philadelphia Association of Black Journalists walk through the flames of this issue. Also, Abu Edwards, national spokeperson for Smart Approcahes to Marijuana makes an cameo. The Flashpoint newsmaker of the week is the Barbara "Babs" Siperstein, a transgender activist who helped pass the Siperstein law in New Jersey. Commedienne and transgender activist Julie Scotti speaks about her friend and provides insight on Siperstein's life and legacy. Our changemaker of the week is No More Secrets, Mind Body Spirit, a non-profit working to reduce the stigma around "Period Poverty." Founder Lynette Medley is the guest. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
42 min
364
Flashpoint: Privilege vs Preference in college ...
This week on Flashpoint: Host and KYW Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the aftermath of the college admissions scandal. Farah Jimenez, CEO of Philadelphia Education Fund joins Rodney Muhammad, President of the Philadelphia NAACP, Kimberly Lewis Outreach and Engagement Director at Philadelphia Futures and Ester Flavia, a first generation college student who is a junior at Lafayette College. The Flashpoint newsmaker of the week is the Blanche Carney, the first woman ever to serve as commissioner of Philadelphia Prisons Department. Our changemaker of the week is Vision 2020, a national coalition wants to ensure that equality for women exists across America. Executive Director Alison Nolan and Communications Director Kathleen McFadden are guests on show. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW." See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
49 min
365
Flashpoint: Predators of young victims and age ...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the age of consent. University of Pennsylvania professor and CEO of "Child USA" Marci Hamilton joins attorney Ryan Hyde who has represented individuals accused of sex crimes, as well as LaQuisha Anthony, a sexual violence survivor who is founder of "A Survivor's Voice". The Flashpoint newsmaker of the week is the Honorable Blondell Reynolds Brown. Brown discusses her legacy, why she will not seek a 6th term and tells the world who she is hoping will be her successor. Our changemaker of the week is "Trades for a Difference". Executive Director Jordan Ferrarini speaks about his vision for the non-profit. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW." See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
55 min
366
Flashpoint Extra: Movita Johnson- Harrell
The 190th legislative district in West Philadelphia now has a new leader- and she'll be breaking barriers. Movita Johnson-Harrell will be sworn into the Pennsylvania House last this month and is believed to be the Commonwealth's first Muslim women to serve. KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter and Flashpoint host Cherri Gregg sat down with Johnson-Harrell to discuss her agenda. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
16 min
367
Flashpoint: Combatting anti-vaxx sentiment, bal...
Host and KYW Newsrdio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the anti-vaxx movement fueled hoax and conspiracy theories rampant on the Internet helped to spread misinformation about vaccines. Dr. Paul Offit, Director of the Vaccine Education Center at CHOP joins Dr. Tracy Cassels, Director Evolutionary Parenting and Dittymae Jankaukas, the Gloucester County Public Health Nursing Director is a lively discussion of this important hot topic. The Flashpoint newsmaker of the week is the Cheyney University, the nation's oldest historically Black institution of higher learning. President Aaron Walton announced that the school will finally have a balanced budget by June 30th. He lays out the final leg of the plan. Our changemaker of the week is Please Touch Museum. CEO Trish Wellenbach provides discusses exhibition titled, "America to Zanzibar: Muslim Cultures Near and Far." Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW."   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
47 min
368
Flashpoint: Debate over #abortion & #reproducti...
Host and KYW Newsradio community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the abortion rights. Neal Devins, a professor at William and Mary Law School, Yashira "Yaya" Marie Rivera, a reproductive justice and healthcare advocate and Christine Flowers, an attorney and conservative columnist and talk show host walk through the flames on this hot topic. The Flashpoint newsmaker of the week is the Philadelphia Reign, the city's first professional women's basketball team in 20 years Tamika A. Milburn, Owner and CEO of Playmakers Basketball Royalties and Jimmelle Melvin, Chief Marketing Officer discuss their community-based strategy and upcoming try-outs. Our changemaker of the week is Women Against Abuse. Katie Young-Wildes, Senior Communications Specialist with Women's Against Abuse, provides details on new measures to help male victims. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW." See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
48 min
369
Flashpoint: Jussie Smollett hoax backlash, armi...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the alleged Jussie Smollett hoax. We walk through the flames with Temple University Psychologist Frank Farley, retired Philadlephia Deputy Police Commissioner Kevin Bethel, Women Organized Against Rape spokesperson and former cop Christa Hayburn and Philadelphia Magazine Writer At Large Ernest Owens. The Flashpoint newsmaker of the week is Shire Goodman, Executive Director of Ceasefire Pennsylvania who discusses the lawsuits against the Tamaqua School District over a policy that would arm school teachers. Our changemaker of the week is the United Negro College Fund. Greg Lyles Area Development Director joins Lincoln and Cheyney scholars- Alexys Smith and Davins Bataille. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradoio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW."   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
48 min
370
Flashpoint Extra: 74 Seconds to Judgement
74 Seconds to Judgement is a powerful play by Kash Goins. It tells the story of a deadlocked six member jury charged with coming to a verdict in a racially charged shooting. Flashpoint Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter and  Cherri Gregg sits down with Goins and director Amina Robinson. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
24 min
371
Flashpoint: Cancelling those who offend, exposi...
Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about "Cancel Culture." We walk through the flames with Liz Preate-Havey, Chairwoman of the Montgomery County GOP Committee and an attorney at Dilworth Paxson, Michael Coard an attorney and activist based in Philadelphia and Rick Barton, a professor at Printon University who wrote an op-ed titled, "As America battles over race, sex, and politics, how can citizens find forgiveness?" The Flashpoint newsmaker of the week is James River who buried his 25 year old sister, Anaya and declosed her opioid addiction at the funeral. Our changemaker of the week is the Youth Art & Self Empowerment Project, a youth led, youth run organization working to effect change within the juvenile justice system. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW."   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
40 min
372
Flashpoint: Money the seed for love and divorce...
Host and KYW community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about money. It's the seed for both love and divorce. Dr. George James, a licensed marriage and family therapist, Linda A. Kern, a family law attorney who blogs about love and divorce and Robert and Tunisia Bettis, a husband and wife team that hosts a Couples and Cash bootcamp are guests. The Flashpoint newsmakers of the week are Lynette and Daniel Trawick, a married couple raising 11 kids. Lynette is HIV positive. Daniel is not. They speak about Christianity and unconditional love. Our changemaker of the week is the Adoptions From The Heart. Domestic Program manager and supervisor of the Wynnewood office, Ashley Kodet is the guest. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW."   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
43 min
373
Flashpoint: Solutions at the US border, Philly'...
Flashpoint: Solutions at the US border, Philly's chief defender and black Rosie the Riveter Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about solutions needed at the US Southern Border. Guests include Steven Larin, Senior Director of Legal Services & Immigration Policy for the Nationality Services Center, Ricky Palladino, an attorney who is a member of the Immigration Lawyers Association Philadelphia Chapter who is the liaison to ICE and Raynard Jackson, a columnist who is a staunch Republican and Trump supporter. The Flashpoint newsmaker of the week is Keir Bradford-Grey, Chief Defender of the Philadelphia Defender Association. Our changemaker of the week is the Gregory Cooke, president of the Basil and Becky Education Foundation, which will celebrate African American "Rosie the Riveters" this Black History month. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am on KYW Newsradio. Subscribe to the Flashpoint Podcast on the Apple Podcast, Radio.com or others apps where you get your podcast by searching "Flashpoint KYW."   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
53 min
374
Flashpoint Extra: Jussie Smollett attack sparks...
The possible hate crime against actor Jussie Smollett earlier this week in Chicago, in which attackers allegedly beat the "Empire" and tied a noose tied around his neck, evoked a strong reaction everywhere. KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter and "Flashpoint" host Cherri Gregg called the city of Philadelphia to discuss local stats on acts of hate and more. Interviews: Rue Landau, Naiymah A. Sanchez and Ed Iannucci. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
11 min
375
Flashpoint Extra:  African American Children's ...
The African American Children's Book Fair will celebrate it's 27th year. It's the largest single day events for African American Children's Books in the Country. KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter and Flashpoint Host Cherri Gregg sat down with founder Vanesse Lloyd-Sgambati regarding this year's Feburary 2nd event. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.
13 min