Flashpoint

This week Flashpoint brings back Northwest Victim Services Executive Director Melany Nelson and court and community advocate Wendell Louissaint to update us on their victim services and resources since the uptick of gun violence in the city. The Newsmaker this week highlights a Delco native and Temple graduate, Lydia Peterson, who is set to debut her first film “Walking On.” Her film is already being compared to movies like Love and Basketball. She says she wants to “tell stories we want to see.” The Philly Rising Changemaker is Reuben Jones, founder of Frontline Dads Community Food Bank. Jones shares their efforts in being a mutual aid in making deliveries to seniors, veterans, pregnant mothers, and people living with disabilities amid the pandemic and just in time for the holidays. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

So far we've talked to mothers who lost their children to gun violence, community leaders working to prevent violence, and medical experts about the state of Philadelphia's gun violence crisis. This week's Flashpoint focuses on the solutions to gun violence and hearing from youth and their perspective on how youth can make an impact in finding solutions to prevent gun violence. This week's newsmaker highlights Swarthmore College's collaboration with local groups and activists in the launch of Delco's first homicide database with CeaseFire Pa's Executive Director, Adam Garber. The Philly Rising Changemaker honors the Shelton T. Hayes Foundation created by Rhonda Gore, after the death of her son in 2018, in an effort to help other families survive the grief of losing a loved one to gun violence. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Flashpoint discusses the domestic violence issue amid the pandemic and highlights the recent uptick in domestic homicide. Marcella Nyachogo, Assistant Director of the Bilingual Domestic Violence Program at Lutheran Settlement House shares the impact of safe housing, but there are many barriers that prevent survivors from obtaining, maintaining safe and affordable housing. Jess Ivey is a domestic violence survivor and consultant advocating awareness of domestic abuse that leads to domestic homicide. The newsmaker of the week is Angela Anderson, a Master’s level Therapist with a background in Child psychology who now works in Philadelphia public schools helping students cope with the pressures of school, home, and peers. The Philly Rising Changemaker highlights Bucks County's only domestic violence shelter, A Woman's Place, and the increase in demand for their help during the pandemic. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Le

This week's Flashpoint is focused on education and critical race theory. KYW's Jay Scott Smith sits with Kristin Leubbert, a local Philadelphia school teacher who has taught mostly Black and Brown students, explains why she is not afraid of critical race theory. The newsmaker of the week is Yolanda Wisher, the third Poet Laureate of Philadelphia as well as an educator who uses spoken word poetry focusing on her experiences as a Black woman as well as the collective Black experiences in Philadelphia. The Philly Rising Changemaker highlights Ron Curtis of Final Touch Academy. Curtis shares his story of once being incarcerated and opening his dream academy for those chasing their dreams. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The recent tragedy of the rape of a woman on public transportation last week has sparked national outrage and resentment. Many reports claimed that witnesses watched the incident transpire and took videos of it for their own gratifications. NBC10 reported District Attorney Jack Stollsteimer "That is simply not true. It did not happen. We have security video from SEPTA that shows that is not the true narrative.” This week Flashpoint will focus on the importance of bystander intervention. KYW's Antionette Lee speaks with WOAR's Teresa White-Walston, Director of Education Services, and Rachel Copen, Director of Counseling Services on their bystander intervention program in their efforts to fight against sexual violence. Our Newsmaker of the week is Sappho Fulton CEO of Sappho and LaRoyce Foundation an organization specifically for the QTBIPOC community. Sappho has been a long-time community activist with a focus on domestic abuse and violence within the communities. The Philly Rising Changemaker is Dr. Helena Fo

This week Flashpoint is highlighting National Pregnancy and Infant Loss Awareness Month, which occurs every October. Marisa Brahney, a TV host from New Jersey, shares her experience in losing her first daughter and her effort to continue to raise awareness and understanding for families in need. Dr. Rayna Markin is a local therapist who focuses on maternal mental health, pregnancy loss, and infertility with women and couples who have experienced pregnancy loss/infertility advises parents who need support. Our Newsmaker of the week is Asasiya Muhammad, founder of Inner Circle Midwifery in Germantown. Muhammad is one of few midwives of color in Philadelphia and has been a tested community source of support for women of color during pregnancy. The Philly Rising Changemaker is a local non-profit catering to parents and families who are grieving the loss of a child. Three Little Birds LLC was founded by Kristen Samuelson who is working to bring awareness of infant loss. To learn more about listener data and our

This week Flashpoint highlights Hispanic Heritage Month and the growth and impact the Hispanic community had in Philadelphia. CEO of PHL Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Jennifer Rodriguez and Hispanic Community Counseling Services CEO Hector Ayala describe the meaning of Hispanic Heritage Month, the issues the Hispanic community face in Philadelphia that go unnoticed, and share their stories of being Puerto Rico natives moving to Philadelphia and creating change. Our Newsmaker of the week is Mr. Yoshiaki Yamasaki, a licensed psychologist and Executive Director at The Philadelphia AIDS Consortium and World Healthcare Infrastructures, working to provide assistance to those among the Hispanic community. Our Philly Rising Changemaker is a Philly native, Jahlik Mathis, who is now a detective for the Baltimore Police Department. Not only is he known as the 'giving back detective,' but is making a difference one sneaker at a time to his hometown of North Philadelphia. To learn more about listener data and our priva

This week Flashpoint dives into a deep discussion on the community relationship with and trust in media. Many news outlets' have been criticized for how reporters report on crime, and specifically on gun violence. With local news outlets reporting the 400th homicide this year, we wanted to discuss ways media can improve their reporting on crime while maintaining their mission to serve the public with facts. We hear from a community leader and founder of the Young Chances Foundation, KYW Newsradio's Brand Manager and Program Director, and lastly, Jessica Beard, a trauma surgeon at Temple University Hospital and Director of the Philadelphia Center for Gun Violence Reporting. Our Flashpoint Newsmaker of the week is Earnest Owens, an award-winning journalist. He was nationally recognized and known for his work in print news and his advocacy work in bringing change in his community and the news industry. The Philly Rising Changemaker is Steven CW Taylor, the owner and curator of the recently opened Ubuntu Fine Art

I'm Listening is a Flashpoint special about suicide prevention and the importance of talking about mental health. In this special edition of the show, we explore the impact of mental health in Philadelphia youth amid COVID-19, the uptick of suicide rates in the LGBTQ community, and how communities of color break barriers within Black men seeking therapy. Mary Murtha Ann, Area Director of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, speaks on how survivor stories can significantly affect helping others. David Huber, a survivor, and partner of the American Foundation for Suicide, shares his story and his efforts in helping others. Lastly, Mary May of Butterfly LLC is a therapist who talks about approaching a loved one struggling with mental health issues and suicidal thoughts. KYW’s Justin Udo speaks with Dr. Jayme Banks, Director of Trauma-Informed School Practices, on how The Philadelphia School District handles suicide prevention with their students amid the pandemic. KYW’s Shara Dae Howard highlights the

This week Flashpoint is highlighting Black doctors and their efforts to continue to fight against COVID by spreading awareness of the vaccine. KYW’s Jay Scott Smith is rejoined by Dr. Jennifer Caudle on her efforts in dispelling false and misleading information through her web series based on COVID-19.  The newsmaker of the week is Dr. Monique Gray is a cancer surgeon, who has been on the frontline of community outreach since the pandemic has progressed through communities of color.  The Philly Rising Changemaker highlights trailblazing Philadanco founder Joan Myers Brown as she is setting the stage for her retirement. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's Flashpoint explores how crime rates, including gun violence, can impact housing insecurity in Philadelphia. We'll be hearing from Rutgers University Professor Daniel Semenza, who researched and found higher eviction rates correspond to higher homicide, robbery, and burglary rates across communities. Community Legal Service Attorney Jenna Collins, an expert in eviction prevention, gives her perspective of someone who works with tenants to keep them in their homes. This week's Newsmaker highlights immigration and refugees' impact on the local economy and culture. CEO of the World Affairs Council Laura Swartz joins KYW's Shara Dae Howard on America's promise to immigrants and making a home in Philadelphia and benefit the city. The Patriot Homecare ChangeMaker is a group on a mission giving relief to Afghan evacuees at Philadelphia International Airport to make them feel more welcomed and at home. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-po

This week's Flashpoint is focusing on heading back to school. We'll be hearing from a high school senior at Lankenau Environmental Science Magnet High School, Kara Butler, Carrie Kries, the head of school at Gladwyne Montessori, and Temple professor Dr. Devon Powers about their concerns returning to school amid the pandemic and changing guidelines. The Newsmaker of the week is Dr. Mora Sammon, head of the medical response of Afghan refugees coming into Philly International. The Patriot Homecare Changemaker is a pair of Philadelphia police officers who spent the summer hosting basketball clinics for kids in West Philly. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Flashpoint discusses the recent catastrophic earthquake that struck south Haiti at the beginning of August. KYW's Jay Scott Smith sits with Haitian American Chamber of Commerce President Evelt Vertil and Philadelphia For Haiti Founder Carline Dorlus on their relief efforts for Haiti. The Flashpoint Newsmaker highlights Miquette McMahon, who was born and raised in Haiti. After the devastating earthquake that struck Haiti in January of 2010, she founded the school TeacHaiti grades. After the last quake, she has used her partnerships with organizations here in Philly, such as Philadelphia for Haiti, to continue her work to bring security, education, and strength back to her country. The Patriot Homecare Changemaker is eight-year-old Lily Cuttichia and her efforts giving back to those struggling with addiction. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Many people are coming out of the pandemic experiencing feelings they didn't expect, such as anxiety about returning to social situations. This week Flashpoint discusses how to manage social anxiety post-pandemic. Licensed Therapist Shari Botwin discusses the increase in social anxiety as the world opens back up, joined by Carly Goldberg, a mother with an underlying health condition who can talk first hand about the social anxiety she faces, and Tyrell Brown, a teacher with a different perspective on how he is transforming his social anxiety into self-care. This week's Newsmaker focuses on Children's Hospital of Philadelphia collaborating with Philadelphia's Uplift Center of Grieving Children in a new grieving and trauma program for the youth in Philadelphia. KYW's Shara Dae Howard speaks with Katherine Streit and Tiffany Chalmus of Uplift Center on just how needed their work is right now. The Patriot Homecare Changemaker is Jiana Murdic of Get Fresh Daily, who started a summer camp with a mission of making h

What would a state of emergency mean for Philadelphia, and could it make a difference in the gun violence crisis? KYW's Antionette Lee speaks with Councilmember Jamie Gauthier and CeaseFire Pennsylvania's Executive Director, Adam Garber, on what is being done since Mayor Kenney's decision not to declare a state of emergency over the city's gun violence crisis.  The Newsmaker of the week is the 11-year-old CEO of Micah's Mixx. Micah Harrigan started his lemonade business at the age of 7 and is now on his way to being a national success. The Patriot Homecare Changemaker highlights Ron Curtis of Final Touch Academy. Curtis shares his story of once being incarcerated and opening his dream academy for those chasing their dreams. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Thousands of Cubans walked the streets in widespread protests against Cuba's communist regime. This week Flashpoint breaks down the protests and what they mean for Cuba and the Cuban people. Morning news anchor for NBC10 Lucy Bustamante, Afro-Cuban American scholar Amalia Dache, and Cuban artist Denis Solis share their experiences growing up and living in Cuba. This week's Newsmaker is Telemundo 62 reporter Yaima Crespo who shares her story of being born in Cuba and the culture shock she experienced moving to the U.S. Our Patriot Home Care Changemaker is a pillar of Philadelphia art history. Cornell Wood is the first black head usher at the Academy of Music, welcoming generations of Philadelphia for decades, and now he's folding his gloves and retiring at the age of 66. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week Flashpoint discusses the issues and challenges our country is facing with systemic racism, racial injustice and race relations. Pennsylvania Human Relations Commission's Executive Director, Chad Dion Lassiter, gives his expertise on ways we can combat these issues, and we hear from Frank Meeink, a former neo-Nazi white supremacist turned anti-racist activist on the racial progress he sees today, a year later, after the death of George Floyd. Our Newsmaker of the week is executive director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania, Reggie Shuford, who hits on the racial progression in Philadelphia and what his organization is doing to keep up the fight for civil rights. Lastly, the Philly Rising Changemaker of the week presented by Patriot Home Care highlights Cherise McGill, an African American woman blazing a trail of firsts in the food and beverage industry. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit

This week's episode of Flashpoint is dedicated to families who lost loved ones to gun violence. We're joined by two mothers who both experienced the loss of their sons. Dr. Dorothy Johnson-Speight, mother of Khalif Jabaar Johnson and co-founder of Mother’s In Charge, and Nydisha Williams, mother of Antonio Walker Jr. share their stories and how they’re recovering and creating change in their community. Nydisha Williams is also highlighted as our Philly Rising Changemaker of the week presented by Patriot Homecare, sharing her new nonprofit in honor of her son, The Antonio Walker Jr Foundation. This week's newsmaker has lost many loved ones to gun violence, however, continues to set his eyes on a bright future. Isaiah Harris is a 17 year old student. His mother says he narrowly escaped the pervasive street violence of North Philly, but found his way out on his own terms. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad cho

This week, Flashpoint tackles a topic that is sadly and often overlooked: teenage homelessness. We break down the number of homeless students in this city who are often undercounted both locally and nationally and what needs to be done to accurately count these teens. Porsha Burton, the community navigator of Youth Service Inc, shares her experience being a homeless teen while keeping her education a priority to working with youth today who are going through the same struggle. Anna Shaw-Amoah, Policy Associate of Research for Action gives us the statistics and solutions to help our youth experiencing homelessness. This week's newsmaker is Shawnese Givens, Interim Executive Director of Attic Youth, serving homeless youth from the LGBTQ community giving them a safe space promoting youth development, acceptance, and support. The Philly Rising Changemaker of the week presented by Patriot Homecare is Patrice Rogers, a Philly local taking vacant spots in Kensington, cleaning up needles, and turning these lots int

This week Flashpoint tackles the impact of our changing climate. With hotter summers, rising sea levels, and poor air quality, climate change is affecting our day to day lives, public health and economy. NBC10 Meteorologist Steve Sosna and PennEnvrionment Field Director Flora Cardoni share their expertise on combating the threat of climate change. The Flashpoint Newsmaker segment features U.S. Labor Secretary Marty Walsh and local renewable energy advocate Phyllis Blumberg, who speak on the infrastructure bill and the investment in renewable energy and jobs and how Philadelphians can benefit from this industry. The Philly Rising Changemaker of the week presented by Patriot Homecare honors Sankofa Community Farm in Bartram’s Garden, a local community garden cultivating African farming traditions and passing them on to Black generations of the future. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://