Around the Block

Radio Show
Posted inAround the Block, Episodes, Podcast

October 18, 2026 (Around the Block)

Winter SchneiderAnaiah DavisDounya Ramadan by Winter Schneider, Anaiah Davis and Dounya Ramadan

On this episode, we hear about a new book shop in South Philly, and we have a conversation about the impact of school closures with Fahmee Shabazz, a parent organizing against the closure of Overbrook Elementary School in West Philadelphia.

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.

Winter Schneider and Anaiah Davis hosted this episode, and Dounya Ramadan 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 Director.

Posted inAround the Block, Episodes, Podcast

September 20, 2026 (Around the Block)

Koren MartinCampbell Simmons by Koren Martin and Campbell Simmons

This episode features stories from reporters Milan Parker and Alisha Miranda about how communities are stepping up to fill a gap left by the small number of Philadelphia schools staffed by professional librarians, and a look a the history of Philadelphia’s iconic Bellevue hotel. We also speak with Alexa Palma about the Save the Academy Movement that has arisen since Drexel University announced it would close the Academy of Natural Sciences, effective September 27th. Alex Palma is an archivist, lecturer and grants consultant in the Philadelphia area. He is president of the Museum Council of Greater Philadelphia and an ally of the Save The Academy coalition.

Posted inAround the Block, Episodes, Podcast

August 16, 2026 (Around the Block)

Sophia MattiaJennifer Robnett by Sophia Mattia and Jennifer Robnett

This episode features a story about efforts preserve the character of Philadelphia’s historic buildings and neighborhoods from unchecked development, and an interview with Philadelphia City Council Education Chair Isaiah Thomas and Children First Policy Director Symbol Lai about pre-school pushout and the impact of only some Philadelphia schools offering Algebra I classes to eight grade students.