Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the longest federal government shutdown in US history. We walk through the flames of this discussion with Cary Conglianese, a law and political science professor at University of Pennsylvania, Larry Ceisler, a political strategist and Gary Morton President of AFGE Council 239, representing 8,000 employees of the Environmental Protection Agency. The Flashpoint newsmaker of the week is Congressman Dwight Evans, 3d Dist., who was reelected to serve in the US House and is part of the Democratic majority. Evans discusses his new committee appointments, as well as the Democrats' strategy to turn up the heat on Republicans so that the shut down can get shut down. Our changemaker of the week is the African American Museum of Philadelphia. President and CEO Patricia Wilson Aden provides details a longtime partnership with Citizens Bank to make the museum more accessible during Martin Luther King Jr. weekend. 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.

The North Philadelphia mother who went viral on social media for her lavish prom send off pleaded guilty this week to federal charges related to illegal acceptance of SSI disability benefits. KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter and Flashpoint host Cherri Gregg spoke with the defense attorney in the case regarding the plea. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions in the aftermath of false Blackface allegations against the Mummers. We walk through the flames of this discussion with Charles Gallagher, a LaSalle sociology professor who is a nationally recognized expert on race and ethnicity, Mikhel Harrison, State Director of Indivisible who organized a protest against the Mummer's New Year's Day performance and Michael Inemer, longtime Mummer and Captain of the Finnegan NYB. The Flashpoint newsmaker of the week is Jeff Brown, President and CEO of Brown Superstores. He made headlines when he announced he has no choice but to close his Shoprite in Overbrook because of the soda tax. Our changemaker of the week is Footprints to Recovery. Bridgette Vail, executive director of the Wayne Facility provided details about their "Socks of Love," initiative. 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.

"Never Caught" young readers edition was published this week. The book tells the story of freedom for a woman enslaved by George and Marsha Washington. The book is the subject of a talk at the Museum of the American Revolution Sunday. KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter and Flashpoint host Cherri Gregg spoke with author Erica Armstrong Dunbar. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about lessons learned in the aftermath of Philadelphia losing the Amazon HQ bid. Columnist Glenn Blumenfeld, Matt Cabrey, Executive Director of Select Greater Philadelphia and Sylie Hallier Howard, first deputy commerce director for the City of Philadelphia add wisdom to this discussion. The Flashpoint newsmaker of the week is Bernard Hopkins aka "The Alien." At 54, Hopkins retired after a successful boxing career. A partner with Golden Boy Promotions, his latest title- is mentor to those returning to society after years in prison. Our changemaker of the week is Dennis Farm Charitable Land Trust. CEO Dennis Dennis discusses the historc farm in Susquehanna County, Pennsylvania, which has remained in the family's ownership for 225 years. The organization will host the Lonae A. Moore Memorial Foru, "It Begins With Each of Us: Foster Racial Understanding," on February 7th at the National Constitution Center. 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.

Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg takes a look back at some of the most talked about segments of Flashpoint. For our debate segment, we discuss the controversy over a perceived double standard when it comes to policing fans versus protestors. Philadelphia Policy Deputy Commmissioner Joe Sullivan joined Shani Akila and Abdul Aliy Muhammad, co-founders of the Black and Brown Workers Collective and civil rights attorney James Funt in this eye opening conversation. The Best of Flashpoint newsmakers of the week were from the Valentine's Day "Love Show." Kevin Patterson, author of Love is Not Colorblind and Rebecca Hiles, "It's called Polyamory." The duo is in a relationship. Patterson is married. They dig into open marriages and why it's becoming more popular. Our changemaker of the week was honored by KYW Newsradio during Black History Month. Helen Brown, was a longtime organizer with Project Home. She passed away in September, but her life is a demonstration of what one person can do to positively impact a community beginning at their own front door. Rest in Peace Miss Helen! 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.

Host and KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about your social media posts. The end of the year is the perfect time to do an audit of your old Tweets, Facebook and Instagram posts. Tech-life expert Stephanie Humphrey, founder of 'Til Death Do You Tweet joined LiRon Anderson-Bell a professor at Temple University who is an expert in crisis communications and Paige Wolfe, a communications pro and blogger who has both caused online backlash and faced itl provide a checklist and 'how to's' when it comes to cleaning up your social media past. The Flashpoint newsmaker of the week is Philadelphia native Donte Palmer who founded #SquatforChange, a viral campaign to get changing tables in men's rooms. More: https://squatforchange.com/ Our changemaker of the week is Feeding Everyone At Special Times or Feast or FEAST. Co-Founder John Clauss discusses the organization's effort to provide holiday meals to those in need in Bucks and Montgomery Counties. Flashpoint airs every Saturday at 9:30pm and Sunday at 8:30am onKYW 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.

A Wilmington man is free after spending nearly 40 years behind bars for a crime he did not commit. He'll speak out for the first time this week. KYW Newsradio Community Affairs reporter and Flashpoint host Cherri Gregg sat down with his attorney Emeke Igwe and private investigator Terrance Jones who helped convince a court to set the Elmer Daniels free. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about what it takes to get through the holidays when you have loved ones in recovery for opioid addiction. David T. Jones, Commissioner of Philadelphia's Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual Disability Services joined Maggie Hunt Director of Alumni Relations at Retreat in Lancaster County who has been in recovery for almost 10 years and Trish Kinkle, a safe-injection site advocate who helped her husband into recovery during this helpful discussion. 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.

Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg chats with two women candidates for Philadelphia Sheriff. Rochelle Bilal, President of the Guardian Civic League and Malika Rahman, former Deputy Sheriff Detective. Both have vowed to take on embattled incumbent Sheriff Jewell Williams. 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.

The changemaker of the week is Project 440, a Philadelphia based non-profit that engages and inspires young musicians. Flashpoint host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg interviews Philadelphia Orchestra bassist and Executive Director Joseph Conyers, and supporter Ken Hutchins. 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.

A Philadelphia-based therapist will hold a townhall session to treat trauma in the same neighborhood where an 8-year-old boy was struck in the face by a stray bullet in November. He'll use hip hop to connect with the attendees. Flashpoint host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg sat down with Ronald Crawford of Honesty Hurts. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

The Philadelphia man who sued writer producer Lee Daniels over the hit Fox TV series "Empire" is taking his claim to the US Supreme Court. KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter and Flashpoint host Cherri Gregg sat down with Clayton Prince Taskley about his copyright appeal. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Host and KYW community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg presents the changemaker of the week. It is The Philadelphia Obituary Project, a non-profit that tells the stories of the lives behind the homicide statistics. Founder and executive director Cletus Lyman is a 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.

Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg talks to newsmaker of the week. Sonia Lewis aka "The Student Loan Doctor" has experienced success and made national headlines helping thousands deal with their student loan debt. 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.

Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions in the debate segment about the Me Too Movement. Has it lost its way? Dr. Monique Howard, Executive Director of Women Organized Against Rape joins Temple Professor Gregg Feistman who is an expert in public relations and reputation management and Christine Flowers, an attorney and conservative radio talk show host and columnist. 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.

A Philadelphia non-profit that works with ex-offenders has teamed up with photographers to provide free holiday portraits for families with loved ones who are incarcerated. KYW community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg spoke with Center for Returning Citizens Founder, J. Jondhi Harel and photographers Kyle Cassidy and Hadiyah Gaiters. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the First Step Act, a criminal justice reform bill supported by President Donald Trump. Jordan Harris, Pa. State Rep- 186th Dist., Jules Epstein, law professor at Temple University and Sameerah Shabazz, policy director at Ardella's House walk us through the issues from a local perspective. Our newsmaker of the week is Stephanie Sena, a professor at Villanova University and founder of the Student Run Emergency Housing Unit of Philadelphia. She is currently working on a project to build tiny homes for the homeless. Our changemaker of the week is Fred's Footsteps, a non-profit that provides grants to families with ill or injured children. Executive Director Christine DiBona Lobley appears on the show. 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.

December 1st is World AIDS Day, a time when the world unites in the fight against AIDS and supports those living with HIV. KYW Newsradio's Community Affairs reporter and Flashpoint Host Cherri Gregg sits down with Philadelphia FIGHT CEO Jane Shull regarding a recent Health Department advisory reporting an uptick in new HIV infections amoing IV drug users. NOTE: The Philadelphia Department of Health has said it is too early to conclude that their area is experiencing a new trend in HIV infection. 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.

Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the economy of giving. November kicks of what is known as the "Season of Giving." Dr. Keith Leaphart, Founder of Philanthropos...The Giving Company, Jeff Hornstein, Executive Director of the Economy League of Greater Philadelphia and Sharmain Matlock Turner, CEO of the Urban Affairs Coalition provide insights on this very timely topic. Then, our newsmaker of the week is Sam Katz, a businessman, former candidate for Philadelphia Mayor and now filmmaker who founded History Making Productions. Finally, our changemaker of the week is MenzFit, an organization that helps men in need get back to work. Founder and executive director Rhonda Willingham was 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.

Host and KYW Newsradio cmmunity affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about white supremacy. Chad Dion Lassiter, race relations expert and executive director of the Pennsylvania Commission on Human Relations, joins UPenn Political Science Professor Rogers Smith and Frank Meeink, speaker and authoer of "Autobiography of a Recovery Skinhead" in a very insightful discussion on this topic. During our newsmaker segment, we chat with Marian Schneider, president of Verified Voting, how votes are counted after Election Day. Finally, our changemaker of the week is The Charles Foundation, a non-profit working to end gun violence by giving hope to individuals on both sides of the gun. Founder Movita Johnson-Harrell discuss their latest Thanksgiving season effort. Flashpoint airs on KYW Newsradio 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.

Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the emotional toll divisive political messaging has had on voters. Psychologist Frank Farley, Political Communication expert David Pallent and POWER voter engagement coordinator Kendra Cochran were guests. Newsmaker is Bishop Patricia Davenport, the first African American woman elected Bishop of the Evangelical Lutheran Church of America., which is 96 percent white. Finally, changemaker of the week is Bebashi Transition to Hope, a non-profit founded in 1985 to help people of color dealing with HIV and AIDS. 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.

Controversy over an innovative billboard project that would have provided funding for non-profits in the City of Camden will continue. Earlier this week the city's mayor vetoed the project despite zoning board approval. More from Flashpoint host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

A North Philadelphia woman who once marched on the front lines for voting rights in Alabama will be casting her ballot tomorrow. As KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg explains, Mrs. Bernice Jordan has an election day reminder. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about how to deal with hate in the aftermath of the massacre at Tree of Life Synagogue in Pittsburgh. Robin Burstein, Senior Associate Regional Director of the Anti-Defamation League, Naomi Adler, President and CEO of the Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphia and Derek Grant, Co-Director of Security for Sharon Baptist Church weigh in. During our newsmaker segment, Franklin and Marshall Pollster Terry Madonna discusses the recent polls surrounding the Mid-term election. Our changemaker of the week, Desiree Peterkin-Bell, local chair of United State of Women, discusses Galvanized Pennsylvania. 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.