Block by Block

This episode features stories from our community news reporters about teachers' reaction to a new law requiring Pennsylvania schools to teach students to read and write in cursive, protestors working to get weapons manufacturers out of Philadelphia, a group of young journalists working on a film 3rd spaces, and what’s going to replace the Rocky Statue at the base of the Art Museum Steps Block by Block is PhillyCAM’s LIVE community news radio program, featuring stories from Philadelphia’s neighborhoods as reported by PhillyCAM’s Radio News Fellows, a multigenerational cohort of burgeoning local journalists. Tune in for new episodes every other week, Wednesdays 5:30-6:00 PM on WPPM 106.5 FM and online at http://wppm.phillycam.org/. Block by Block season 8 is produced by Amadee Braxton, Abby Cruz, Anaiah Davis, Ahmed Hassouna, Cheryl Jones, Charlie Kline, Koren Martin, Sophia Mattie, Milan Parker, Dounya Ramadan, and Tafari Robertson. Cheryl Jones and Koren Martin hosted this episode, and Anaiah Davis was board operator for the show. Brad Linder is Radio News Managing Editor for WPPM. Peta Liu is Radio Operations Manager. And Allison Durham is WPPM’s Radio Program Manager.

Around the Block is a community news program from the Block by Block team at WPPM-LP 106.5 FM. On this program we explore issues in the Philadelphia region with voices from the community – with reports from our team of community journalists and live in-studio interviews.  This episode features an interview with Kabila Events founder and CEO Sonia "Sunny" Blount about creating events that celebrate Black culture, and a story from reporter Alisha Miranda about an unusual culinary experience in Philly - a restaurant where Emilia D'Albero, the World's Best cheesemonger, pushes a cart to offer visitors a curated cheese plate experience. Shanayah Wyche and K. Michelle Watson hosted this episode, and Amanda Johnson was our board operator. Brad Linder is Radio News Managing Editor for WPPM. Peta Liu is Radio Operations Manager. And Allison Durham is WPPM’s Radio Program Manager.

Around the Block is a community news program from the Block by Block team at WPPM-LP 106.5 FM. On this program we explore issues in the Philadelphia region with voices from the community – with reports from our team of community journalists and live in-studio interviews.  This episode features a story from reporter Nikki Schaffer with an update on the status of the Slavery Memorial at the President's House in Philadelphia, and an interview with Community Legal Services Staff Attorney Lauren Davis and with Pennsylvania Health Access Network Statewide Organizer Robin Stelly about the impact of federal funding cuts on programs that help people pay for food and health care services and what resources may be available to those impacted. Sheila Lorrett Emerson and Yonique Myrie hosted this episode, and Crystal Herrera was our board operator. Brad Linder is Radio News Managing Editor for WPPM. Peta Liu is Radio Operations Manager. And Allison Durham is WPPM’s Radio Program Manager. ***Note: During the section beginning at 17:38 in the episode, our panelists discuss work requirements for SNAP beneficiaries. One point that we wanted to clarify is that these work requirements are only in place for adults age 18-64, and we are starting to see terminations due to work requirements for the first time beginning this March.

Around the Block is a community news program from the Block by Block team at WPPM-LP 106.5 FM. On this program we explore issues in the Philadelphia region with voices from the community – with reports from our team of community journalists and live in-studio interviews.  This episode features stories about grad student workers who could go on strike this week in an effort to secure a first contract with the University of Pennsylvania and a look back at a bicentennial protest when tens of thousands of people took to Philadelphia’s streets 50 years ago, as well as a conversation with Efi, an organizer with Socialist Alternative about how that group and many others in the region are fighting to keep ICE out of Philadelphia. Campbell Simmons and Amanda Johnson hosted this episode, and Winter Schneider was our board operator. Brad Linder is Radio News Managing Editor for WPPM. Peta Liu is Radio Operations Manager. And Allison Durham is WPPM’s Radio Program Manager.

Around the Block is a community news program from the Block by Block team at WPPM-LP 106.5 FM. On this program we explore issues in the Philadelphia region with voices from the community – with reports from our team of community journalists and live in-studio interviews.  This episode features stories about a bill that would stop Philadelphia from sending trash to be burned at incinerators, a visit to a Michelin-recognized restaurant that uses its drinks menu to honor Black history and culture and a conversation about the impact of Trump administration policies on the LGBTQIA+ community in the region with ACLU of PA senior organizer Naiymah Sanchez and Dena Stanley, executive director of Trans YOUniting and co-founder of the Pittsburgh Pride Group Sheila Lorrett Emerson and Crystal Herrera hosted this episode, and Campbell Simmons was our board operator. Brad Linder is Radio News Managing Editor for WPPM. Peta Liu is Radio Operations Manager. And Allison Durham is WPPM’s Radio Program Manager.

This episode features stories from our community news reporters about a coalition of religious leaders working to support immigrants, an group that brings women together to improve financial literacy and help put their money where their beliefs are… the status of a project that would cap part of the Vine Street Expressway and stitch together two parts of Chinatown that have been divided for decades… and a local cemetery that offers environmentally-friendly burial options. Block by Block is PhillyCAM’s LIVE community news radio program, featuring stories from Philadelphia’s neighborhoods as reported by PhillyCAM’s Radio News Fellows, a multigenerational cohort of burgeoning local journalists. Tune in for new episodes every other week, Wednesdays 5:30-6:00 PM on WPPM 106.5 FM and online at http://wppm.phillycam.org/. Block by Block season 7 is produced by Angie Bacha, Ivan Felder III, Khalisah Hameed, Helen Horstmann-Allen, Amanda Johnson, Vanessa Lowe, Samantha Roehl, Winter Schneider, Kennedie Scurry, and Campbell Simmons. Vanessa Lowe and Samantha Roehl hosted this episode, and Kennedie Scurry was board operator for the show. Brad Linder is Radio News Managing Editor for WPPM. Peta Liu is Radio Operations Manager. And Allison Durham is WPPM’s Radio Program Manager.

Around the Block is a community news program from the Block by Block team at WPPM-LP 106.5 FM. On this program we explore issues in the Philadelphia region with voices from the community – with reports from our team of community journalists and live in-studio interviews.  This episode includes a roundup of some recent news headlines, a report on whether there's a better way to select judges in Pennsylvania, and an interview with Pennsylvania State Representative Chriss Rabb, who is running for Congress in 2026. Sultan Smalley and Crystal Herrera hosted this episode, and Allison Durham Emerson was our board operator. Brad Linder is Radio News Managing Editor for WPPM. Peta Liu is Radio Operations Manager. And Allison Durham is WPPM’s Radio Program Manager.

This episode features stories from our community news reporters about a new women's basketball league bringing its first travel games to Philly in January, why it's important to take mental health as seriously as physical health, a long-running poetry series that’s gone through some big changes over the past few years, and an environmental educator in West Philadelphia helping connect city dwellers with nature. Block by Block is PhillyCAM’s LIVE community news radio program, featuring stories from Philadelphia’s neighborhoods as reported by PhillyCAM’s Radio News Fellows, a multigenerational cohort of burgeoning local journalists. Tune in for new episodes every other week, Wednesdays 5:30-6:00 PM on WPPM 106.5 FM and online at http://wppm.phillycam.org/. Block by Block season 7 is produced by Angie Bacha, Ivan Felder III, Khalisah Hameed, Helen Horstmann-Allen, Amanda Johnson, Vanessa Lowe, Samantha Roehl, Winter Schneider, Kennedie Scurry, and Campbell Simmons. Kennedie Scurry and Vanessa Lowe hosted this episode, and Helen Horstmann-Allen was board operator for the show. Brad Linder is Radio News Managing Editor for WPPM. Peta Liu is Radio Operations Manager. And Allison Durham is WPPM’s Radio Program Manager.

This episode features stories from our community news reporters about a network of community fridges and other initiatives offering free groceries and meals to neighbor in need, programs to help lower your utility bills, a local band that mixes traditional Japanese drumming with some modern touches, and a retrospective for AIDS Walk Philly, which came to an end this year after nearly four decades. Block by Block is PhillyCAM’s LIVE community news radio program, featuring stories from Philadelphia’s neighborhoods as reported by PhillyCAM’s Radio News Fellows, a multigenerational cohort of burgeoning local journalists. Tune in for new episodes every other week, Wednesdays 5:30-6:00 PM on WPPM 106.5 FM and online at http://wppm.phillycam.org/. Block by Block season 7 is produced by Angie Bacha, Ivan Felder III, Khalisah Hameed, Helen Horstmann-Allen, Amanda Johnson, Vanessa Lowe, Samantha Roehl, Winter Schneider, Kennedie Scurry, and Campbell Simmons. Angie Bacha and Winter Schneider hosted this episode, and Campbell Simmons was board operator for the show. Brad Linder is Radio News Managing Editor for WPPM. Peta Liu is Radio Operations Manager. And Allison Durham is WPPM’s Radio Program Manager.

Around the Block is a community news program from the Block by Block team at WPPM-LP 106.5 FM. On this program we explore issues in the Philadelphia region with voices from the community – with reports from our team of community journalists and live in-studio interviews.  In this episode, we have stories about the Philadelphia Wholesale Produce Market, an organization that provides support for people diagnosed with hoarding disorder, and the current state of organized labor in the Philly region. K. Michelle Watson and Jennifer Robnett hosted this episode, and Sheila Lorrett Emerson was our board operator. Brad Linder is Radio News Managing Editor for WPPM. Peta Liu is Radio Operations Manager. And Allison Durham is WPPM’s Radio Program Manager.

This episode features stories from our community news reporters about about SEPTA's budget crisis, a recent Youth Mental Health Summit, two new book shops in the area that are dedicated to romance books, a science educator who takes Philadelphians on “moth walks” to get up close and personal with the city’s bugs, and a DJ bringing line dancing to the heart of Philly’s Gayborhood. Block by Block is PhillyCAM’s LIVE community news radio program, featuring stories from Philadelphia’s neighborhoods as reported by PhillyCAM’s Radio News Fellows, a multigenerational cohort of burgeoning local journalists. Tune in for new episodes every other week, Wednesdays 5:30-6:00 PM on WPPM 106.5 FM and online at http://wppm.phillycam.org/. Block by Block season 7 is produced by Angie Bacha, Ivan Felder III, Khalisah Hameed, Helen Horstmann-Allen, Amanda Johnson, Vanessa Lowe, Samantha Roehl, Winter Schneider, Kennedie Scurry, and Campbell Simmons. Helen Horstmann-Allen and Samantha Roehl hosted this episode, and Campbell Simmons was board operator for the show. Brad Linder is Radio News Managing Editor for WPPM. Peta Liu is Radio Operations Manager. And Allison Durham is WPPM’s Radio Program Manager.

This episode features stories from our community news reporters about efforts to help the West Philly Tool Library move to a new home, activists fighting proposed construction of AI Data Centers in Lancaster City, how e-Bikes fit into the region’s cycling landscape, an organization that helps seniors stay active… by dancing, and a new website that designed to help bring people together… in person Block by Block is PhillyCAM’s LIVE community news radio program, featuring stories from Philadelphia’s neighborhoods as reported by PhillyCAM’s Radio News Fellows, a multigenerational cohort of burgeoning local journalists. Tune in for new episodes every other week, Wednesdays 5:30-6:00 PM on WPPM 106.5 FM and online at http://wppm.phillycam.org/. Block by Block season 7 is produced by Angie Bacha, Ivan Felder III, Khalisah Hameed, Helen Horstmann-Allen, Amanda Johnson, Vanessa Lowe, Samantha Roehl, Winter Schneider, Kennedie Scurry, and Campbell Simmons. Amanda Johnson and Campbell Simmons hosted this episode, and Winter Schneider was board operator for the show. Brad Linder is Radio News Managing Editor for WPPM. Peta Liu is Radio Operations Manager. And Allison Durham is WPPM’s Radio Program Manager.

Around the Block is a community news program from the Block by Block team at WPPM-LP 106.5 FM. On this program we explore issues in the Philadelphia region with voices from the community – with reports from our team of community journalists and live in-studio interviews. In this episode, we have three segments highlighting topics affecting Hispanic and Latino immigrants in our region... including a look at the impact of the federal government's policies on non-profits that work with immigrant communities, a story about how the crackdown on immigration is affecting the health of Latinos in the region, and a live conversation with Welcoming Center CEO Anuj Gupta and business immigration attorney Jonathon Grode about what local hospitality businesses can do to protect people under threat from targeted ICE raids. Alisha Miranda and Meesh Cosares hosted this episode, and Jennifer Robnett was our board operator. Brad Linder is Radio News Managing Editor for WPPM. Peta Liu is Radio Operations Manager. And Allison Durham is WPPM’s Radio Program Manager.

This episode features stories from our community news reporters about a program that helps community members get involved in real estate in their neighborhoods, a long-running poetry reading series featuring queer and trans poets, an artist whose work focuses on the stories of immigrants, and the pressure that urban development puts on local wildlife habitats in West Philly. Block by Block is PhillyCAM’s LIVE community news radio program, featuring stories from Philadelphia’s neighborhoods as reported by PhillyCAM’s Radio News Fellows, a multigenerational cohort of burgeoning local journalists. Tune in for new episodes every other week, Wednesdays 5:30-6:00 PM on WPPM 106.5 FM and online at http://wppm.phillycam.org/. Block by Block season 7 is produced by Angie Bacha, Ivan Felder III, Khalisah Hameed, Helen Horstmann-Allen, Amanda Johnson, Vanessa Lowe, Samantha Roehl, Winter Schneider, Kennedie Scurry, and Campbell Simmons. Angie Bacha and Amanda Johnson hosted this episode, and Khalisah Hameed was board operator for the show. Brad Linder is Radio News Managing Editor for WPPM. Peta Liu is Radio Operations Manager. And Allison Durham is WPPM’s Radio Program Manager.

Around the Block is a community news program from the Block by Block team at WPPM-LP 106.5 FM. On this program we explore issues in the Philadelphia region with voices from the community – with reports from our team of community journalists and live in-studio interviews.  On this episode, we’ll hear about the ongoing fight to secure funding for SEPTA and other public transit agencies in Pennsylvania, a local artist whose work is inspired by experiences of immigrants, and the 3rd annual Philly Halal Food Festival. K. Michelle Watson and Autumn McCann hosted this episode, and Sheila Lorrett Emerson was our board operator. Brad Linder is Radio News Managing Editor for WPPM. Peta Liu is Radio Operations Manager. And Allison Durham is WPPM’s Radio Program Manager.

Around the Block is a community news program from the Block by Block team at WPPM-LP 106.5 FM. On this program we explore issues in the Philadelphia region with voices from the community – with reports from our team of community journalists and live in-studio interviews.  In this episode we’ll hear about efforts to preserve the Slavery Memorial at the Presidents House in Philadelphia from erasure by the Trump administration, the latest news about SEPTA's financial crisis, and a group that’s pushing Philadelphia officials to increase affordable housing opportunities, while also addressing the city’s many vacant lots and properties. Nikki Schaffer and Jeniffer Robnett hosted this episode, and Sheila Lorrett Emerson was our board operator. Brad Linder is Radio News Managing Editor for WPPM. Peta Liu is Radio Operations Manager. And Allison Durham is WPPM’s Radio Program Manager.