Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about Women Who Work before a live studio audience at the KYW Newsradio Broadcast Center. During our first discussion, we look at women in politics. Honorable Christina Tartaglione, the Democratic State Senator representing Pennsylvania's Second Senatorial District, Jasmine Sessoms, founder of She Can Win, Dr. Dana Brown, executive director of the Pennsylvania Center for Women and Politics and Christine Flowers, an attorney and conservative columnist and radio host at 1210 WPHT. Our second panel discussion includes commentary from Rue Landau, Executive Director of the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations, Amal Bass, a staff attorney at the Women's Law Project, Farah Jimenez a Republican who is President and CEO of the Education Fund and Councilwoman Blondell Reynolds Brown, an at-large member of Philadelphia City Council. 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 Pennsylvania Department of Corrections recent policy changes that ban shipment of books to inmates and new processes for mail. Su Ming Yeh, managing attorney at the Pennsylvania Institutional Law Project, Dr. Brian O'Neill, criminal justice radio host and West Chester University associate professor, and Michael Wilson a former juvenile lifer who spent nearly 47 years behind bars discuss various aspects of the new policies. The Newsmaker of the week is Mihir Shah, CEO of UE Life Sciences, the licensee of the technology behind iBreastExam. Finally, the Changemaker of the week is Rush Arts Philadelphia, a non-profit founded by Danny Simmons. 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 community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about cannabis. Decriminalization and growing acceptance of marijuana is giving Philadelphia area residents the false impression that the drug is legal everywhere. So it's no surprise, arrests are up in the Philadelphia suburbs and in New Jersey. Marijuana activist and writer Chris Goldstein, criminal defense attorney Gary Lamanno, Co-owner of medical marijuana dispensary Steve O and DACO director Cherron Perry-Thomas dig into the issue of how to avoid arrest and cash in on cannabis. The Newsmaker of the week is City Solicitor, Marcel Pratt. Finally, the Changemaker of the week is Lupus Foundation of America Philadelphia Tri-State Chapter. More on the 27th Annual Lupus Loop is HERE:  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 Newsradi community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the what happens when development clashes with public art. Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts of Philadelphia, Andrew Goodman, Director of Community Engagement at the New Kensington Community Development Corporation and Claudia Smith Sherrod, a community activist and former leader of South Philadelphia H.O.M.E.S. weigh in on this important discussion during Mural Arts Month. The Newsmaker of the week is Mayor Jim Kenney who discusses his strategy for protecting Philadelphia's diverse immigrant population and his reasons for it all. All of this, as the Philadelphia International Unity Cup gears up for its Championship Game on Saturday October 13th. The Changemaker of the week is AIDS Fund Philly. Robb Reichard, executive director, discusses the non-profits revised mission. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

The ballot box opens this November 6th. KYW Newsradio's Community Affairs reporter Cherri Gregg sat down with writer and lecturer Lorene Carey about the student driven #VoteThatJawn initiative. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Host and KYW community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the impact of the confirmation hearings for Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. What will be the impact of the hearings on the mid-term elections? What about politics? Will it leave a stain on the nation's highest court? Linda Dale Hoffa, a former federal prosecutor who spent two years serving as counsel for the Senate Judiciary committee joins Larry Ceisler, politcal strategist and principal of Ceisler Media and Issue Advocacy and Christa Hayburn, a sex assault survivor and spokesperson for Women Organized Against Rape for this riveting discussion. The Newsmakers of the week are Philadelphia School Board's youngest new members- Julia Frank and Alfredo Practico. Finally, the Changemaker of the week is Mongomery County Commission on Women and Families. Vice Chair and spokesperson Teresa Harris discusses the organization's effort to empower and support organizations that advocate for women. 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.

Bill Cosby began his three to ten year prison sentence last night when he was checked into a state correctional facility in Montgomery County. KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg spoke to two men (Haywood "Red Dog" Fennell and J. Jondhi Harrell) who spent a collective 75 years behind the wall to find out what Cosby's new life will be like.  See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Flashpoint host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about a knowledge discrimination. If you've never heard of it, it's the phenomenon that occurs when employers ignore experience, intellect, non-traditional education and hidden credentials. Tens of millions of adult Americans are under-employed and underpaid because they do not possess a four-year college degree. In addition, individuals who do not attend more prestigious colleges are many times unable to fully capitalize on their education. The impact is extensive, especially on people of color and at risk communities and impact economic mobility. Is it time for educators and employers level the playing field? How can American open the door to a forgotten segment of the workforce?. Panelists this week include Dr. Peter Smith, a professor at University of Maryland University College and author of Free-range Learning in the Digital Age, Manuel Gonzalez Canche, associate professor in the Graduate School of Education at University of Pennsylvania, Camella Smith, a quasi volunteer at Career Link Maturity Works who has two associate degrees and Vincent Thompson,a veteran journalist and communications professional who went to college but never got a degree. The Newsmaker of the week is Abraham El aka Brother I.B., a community photographer who was brutally beaten and robbed earlier this month. In this "GoFundMe done right" story, the community rallied around El and raised thousands in days allowing him to get back to doing the thing he loves most. For more on Brother IB CLICK HERE:  Finally, the Changemaker of the week is Independence Blue Cross Foundation. Dr. Lorina Marshall Blake discusses the non-profit's new multimedia campaign to help promote recovery from opioid addiction. #SomeoneYouKnow tells the story of scores of individuals who have struggled with opioid abuse. The goal is to decrease the stigma and give hope. The Someone You Know Conference will take place on October 16th at the Kimmel Center. To register: http://www.ibxfoundation.org/htdocs/custom/conference/index.html. To watch the videos for #SomeoneYouKnow CLICK HERE:  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.

City Council approved a resolution in June that would name a section of North 59th Street after Philadelphia's first black mayor, Wilson Goode, Sr. KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter and Flashpoint host Cherri Gregg lays out the story, including an interview with Goode. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about a viral GoFundMe campaign gone wrong. It all began last year when Johnny Bobbit, a homeless veteran gave $20 to a stranded Katie McClure. To return the favor, McClure and boyfriend Mark D'Marco set up a GoFundMe account to help Bobbitt. The effort got widespread support, raising $400,000. Fast forward and Bobbitt claims the New Jersey couple didn't give him the money that was raised. He lawyered up and filed a lawsuit and now the couple could be indicted on fraud charges. What are the rules of crowdfunding online and beyond? How can donors protect themselves from fraudsters? Who must pay if a "fundraiser" turns out to be fraud. Panelists this week include Mark Roderick, an attorney with Flaster Greenberg who specializes in crowdfunding, Mu'min Islam, an attorney who represented a homeless couple that sued a non-profit that raised money on their behalf and Tom Nickels, a freelance journalist who knows Bobbit and penned a column titled, "City Safari: Faux Friends Defund Johnny. The Newsmaker of the week is Shaun Dougherty, 48. He recently went public with his experiences as victim of priest sex abuse. Dougherty says he was molested by a priest from the Altoona-Johnstown Archdioces beginning at age 10. His allegations were part of the 2016 investigation from that archdiocese. Dougherty came forward and told his story publicly this summer when the Pennsylvania Attorney General released a nearly 900 page Grand Jury report implicating roughly 300 people withing multiple Dioceses across the Commonwealth. Dougherty is now an advocate for survivors of child sex abuse within the church and is advocating for legislation that would eliminate the statute of limitations. There is a rally in Harrisburg to help pass news legislation. Details HERE. Finally, the Changemaker of the week is Be A Great You, Inc., a non-profit run by Malika Rahman. The organizations show youth of color the "story behind the glory" by providing them access to professionals, as well as experiences that help them grow. Rahman works in law enforcement and was inspired to start the organization after experiencing her own difficulties living on her own as teen. More at beagreatyou.org. 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 ACLU is considering whether to take legal action against the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections after the agency banned shipment of all books to inmates inside of state prisons. KYW community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg speaks to ACLU Pa Legal Director Vic Walczak and then has an extended interview with Keir Neuringer of "Books Through Bars" about efforts to block the new policy. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

A new Philadelphia art exhibit highlights the diversity of Muslim Women. KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter and Flashpoint host Cherri Gregg interviews Yuself Abdule Jaleel the artist behind Art Sanctuary's showcase, "Covered." See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about healing communities following trauma. Homicides are up about six-percent in Philadelphia and there have been more than 800 shootings city wide this year. But many for those who survive the violence, there can be scars that are both visible and invisible. Trauma from violence can change a victim's brain causing post traumatic stress disorder. Many times the victims and perpertrators of violence are from the same community and, in some cases, the same family. Panelists this week include Dr. Ted Corbin, co-creator of Healing Hurt People at Drexel University, Kempis Songster, co-founder of the Redemption Project and Chantay Love, founder of Every Murder is Real Healing Center. This weekend Songster is hosting a community healing titled, "Ubuntu Philadelphia," brining together those who have committed acts of violence with families of victims. The Newsmaker of the week is the Dixie Humming Birds. Band manager and bass singer Ira Tucker, Jr. discusses the history and the future of the groundbreaking group. Founded before World War II, the group endured Jim Crow, de-segregation, do-wop, disco and more to become a major influence on R&B and beyond. The Grammy winners have been named a "National Treasure" and are featured in the Smithsonian Museum of African American History, Art and Culture. Tucker discusses the group's 90 years on stage and the next generation of gospel rock stars keeping the torch aflame. They are part of a year long celebration that kicked off last month. Finally, the Changemaker of the week is the Danny DeGennaro Foundation. Founded to honor the legacy of the late Danny DeGennaro, a songwriter and musician from Bucks County, the non-profit mentors young artists, poets and musicians. This month they will hold a fundraising concert. Scholarship recipient, mentee and concert performer Katelyn Cryan speaks about their upcoming event. For tickets CLICK HERE. 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 Trenton man who once spent time behind bars for dealing drugs is now in the running to become a medical marijuana dealer in the Garden State. Trenton City Council is expected to introduce an ordinance this week to designate a section of the city a medical marijuana area. KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg sat down with business owner Tracey Syphax about his new company, his 2017 pardon by former Governor Chris Christie and his plan to use medical marijuana to help transform Trenton. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the upcoming confirmation hearings for President Donald Trump's Supreme Court nominee Brett Kavanaugh. The Yale and Yale Law educated jurist has strong ties to the Bush family and is seen as a staunch conservative. Democrats have threatened to stall his confirmation in light of recent indictments following the investigation into Russian interference into the 2016 Presidential Election. A power panel of experts digs into the politics behind the Kavanaugh nomination, lays out what will happen during the confirmation hearings and predicts what the outcome of the next court session will be with Kavanaugh on the bench. Panelists include Larry Ceisler of Ceisler Media & Issue Advocacy, Lisa Tucker, associate professor of law at Drexel University and Linda Dale Hoff, partner at Dilworth Paxson who served as counsel to the Senate Judiciary Committee for two years. The Newsmaker of the week is Kenneth Thomas, founder of Level Dance Complex in Merchantville, New Jersey. When he received positive news about his son Kristian's cancer diagnosis he danced. The moment was caught on video and it went viral, sparking the interest of big names like Ciarra, Halle Berry and many more. Thomas and his family have raised thousands to help them get through the toughest battle of their lives. He discusses his philosophy on healing his son, who also has Down Syndrome and all the good will that has come because of it. To purchase #FightKristian apparel CLICK HERE Finally, the Changemaker of the week is Mighty Writers, a non-profit that promotes literacy skills by teaching kids in underserved communities how to write with clarity. Founder and executive director Tim Whitaker talks about the organization and its inaugural Mighty Fest, which kicks off September 26th in Philadelphia. The four-day festival is designed to inspire kids by giving them the super power of writing. For more on the organization CLICK HERE 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."   SCOTUS confirmation hearings, dancing dad's viral video, Mighty Writing festival   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

The legendary R&B band Earth, Wind and Fire will give a group of youth the opportunity of a lifetime on Sunday. KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter and Flashpoint host Cherri Gregg speaks with band member Philip Bailey Bailey about the philanthropic effort to provide support for kids who age out of foster care. Music Is Unity is the foundation he started in 2007.   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Host and KYW community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about intimate partners abuse following the recent murder suicide of beloved City Hall staffer Linda Rios Neuby. In America, half of all homicides of women were committed by an intimate partner. However, most of those relationships started out loving. So when does love become abuse? Jeannine Lisistski, executive director of Women Against Abuse joins Tony Lapp, Co-Director of Menergy and Bill Muth, a member of the Board of The Men's Resource Center who has participated in intervention programs. The panel takes a deep dive into the minds and understanding of those most likely to abuse and examine the culture that supports it. If you believe you are in danger while in an intimate relationship contact the Philadelphia Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-866-723-3014. The Newsmaker of the week is Averill J. Davenport AKA General Rezzy. He was slated to perform in the "Stop the Violence Tour" but was shot during a drive by on August 8th. The 32 year old rapper, as well as 34-yera-old Neisha Cooper died in the incident, four others were injured. More than 800 have been injured and more than 140 have been killed in shootings in Philadelphia this year. Quality Promotions' Chris Jones and rapper Ronny Alright discuss the tour, which begins in Philadelphia the weekend of August 25 and is going regional at area colleges. Finally, the Changemaker of the week is rising U-Penn freshman Morgan Bacon. The Masterman grad saw a problem in Philadelphia Schools-- the lack of fresh water- and went to city council and presented a solution. The future nurse was honored alongside 13 other youth with the Young Heroes Award at the Liberty Museum this 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.

Flashpoint Host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the recent efforts to remove monuments, memorials and signage dedicated to individuals who were once revered but today are seen as "racist." The Newsmaker of the week is Shaurn Thomas, 44. Thomas walked out of prison on May 22, 2017 after 24 years behind bars for a murder he did not commit. He sits down in the Flashpoint exclusive to discuss both the joys and challenges of life after wrongful conviction. The Changemaker of the week is Evoluer House, a non-profit that empowers girls and young women of color. Celebrating its 15th anniversary, the organization is led by Cheryl Ann Wadlington, a fashion journalist and consultant who was named a White House Champion of Change by the Obama White House. Wadlington discusses the ways she and her team "groom girls" from the inside out. 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.

Dozens of pedestrians have been hit over the past several years at the intersection of Roosevelt Blvd and Somerdale Avenue. On August 18th, the family of Markaylah Jackson, a 17-year-old girl killed at that busy intersection by a hit and run driver in 2016 is hoping to raise awareness about the danger. KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter and Flashpoint host Cherri Gregg spoke to Ophena Walker and Martia Walker founders of LIVE for Kay about the Rossevelt Blvd. Memorial Walk. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

A recent dust up over the destruction of a beloved mural in South Philadelphia put the spot light on a growing issue-- how do you preserve public art that stands in the way of development? KYW community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg spoke with Jane Golden, executive director of Mural Arts of Philadelphia See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Host and KYW community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the recent renewed effort to fix Philadelphia's toxic schools. The Newsmaker of the week is Philadelphia Controller Rebecca Rhynhart.  Rhynhart discusses her recent reports, those to come and how's she's handling the political fallout. The Changemaker of the week is Youth HEALers Stand Up. YHSU is an initiative with People's Emergency Center that works to empower youth age 13-14 who experience homelessness or who are in foster care. 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 platforms you use to get your podcasts by searching "Flashpoint KYW."   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Diner en Blanc Philadelphia will take over a secret location in city this week for a dinner party attended by thousands. As KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg explains- some of the monies made will go to a good cause. She speaks with DEBPHL Co-Host Natanya DiBona for this Flashpoint Extra.   See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.

Host and KYW community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the impact of gentrification on Philadelphia neighborhoods. Newsmakers of the week are Pratyusha Yalamanchi and Elston He, founders of the Shift Fund. They recently made headlines in Philadelphia when they used their wedding registry to raise money to help underserved pay small fees that make a big impact. The Changemaker of the week is Diverse Force LLC. Founded by serial entreprenuer Suliaman Rahman. His group recruits diverse leaders to attend non-profit board training at the University of Pennsylvania and then matches them with organizations. 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.

Flashpoint Host and KYW community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg asks the burning questions about the impact of Trump Administration policies on the Philadelphia region. The Newsmaker of the week is Philadelphia district attorney Larry Krasner. Cherri Gregg talks to Krasner about his successes, challenges, challengers and progress made. Last Gregg talks about the North Broad Renaissance and Philly Free Streets. 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 newly released book chronicling the story of one of the last remaining survivors of the Atlantic Slave trade will be the topice of a discussion in Philadelphia next week. Flashpoint host and KYW Newsradio community affairs reporter Cherri Gregg interviews Deborah Plant, editor of the never before published manuscript by Zora Neale Hurston. See omnystudio.com/policies/listener for privacy information.