Full EP | US Homicide Rate Drops Lowest in Seven Decades; Does Stephen A. Smith Deserve NABJ Thumbs Down Award; Chosen for Change Organization Founder Michael Brown Sr. Joins DLHS Crew; ‘Nashville’ Star Hayden Panettiere Passes Away at 36; and More episode artwork

EPISODE · Aug 18, 2026 · 41 MIN

Full EP | US Homicide Rate Drops Lowest in Seven Decades; Does Stephen A. Smith Deserve NABJ Thumbs Down Award; Chosen for Change Organization Founder Michael Brown Sr. Joins DLHS Crew; ‘Nashville’ Star Hayden Panettiere Passes Away at 36; and More

from The D.L. Hughley Show · host Urban One Podcast Network

The D.L. Hughley Show delivers another episode packed with headline-grabbing conversations, hard truths, and powerful personal stories that cut through the noise. From historic crime statistics to media accountability, community healing, and the shocking loss of a beloved actress, the crew tackled some of the biggest topics driving conversations across the country. Based on newly released FBI data, the show discussed the dramatic decline in violent crime, with the U.S. homicide rate falling 18.1% in 2025 to its lowest level since 1956, while overall violent crime dropped 9.3%, prompting debate about what policies and community-based approaches may be helping drive the trend. During the Question of the Day, the DLHS crew also weighed in on the National Association of Black Journalists awarding Stephen A. Smith its controversial "Thumbs Down" honor for what the organization described as a recurring pattern of disparaging commentary toward prominent Black women in politics, sports, and media, sparking spirited listener reactions and a broader conversation about accountability in journalism.   The show's most heartfelt moment came when Michael Brown Sr., founder of the Chosen for Change Organization, joined the program to discuss turning the pain of losing his son into a mission of helping grieving families. His nonprofit now provides holistic grief support, counseling, and programs specifically designed for fathers and families coping with the loss of a child, transforming tragedy into community healing and hope. The episode also reflected on the sudden death of Nashville and Heroes star Hayden Panettiere at age 36. Authorities confirmed she was found unresponsive in South Carolina and, while no signs of foul play have been reported, the cause of death remains under investigation. D.L. and the team remembered her career, discussed the public's concern over such a sudden loss at a young age, and explored the questions surrounding her passing as fans and loved ones await answers.  Website: https://www.urban1podcasts.com/the-dl-hughley-show  Music Credits:  Bon Voyage/Ryan James Carr/Courtesy of www.epidemicsound.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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Full EP | US Homicide Rate Drops Lowest in Seven Decades; Does Stephen A. Smith Deserve NABJ Thumbs Down Award; Chosen for Change Organization Founder Michael Brown Sr. Joins DLHS Crew; ‘Nashville’ Star Hayden Panettiere Passes Away at 36; and More

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