Progressive Voices

'BradCast' 10/30/2025: The Weak 'Strongman'; Under-the-radar contests in Tuesday elections by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 10/30/2025 by Progressive Voices

This time on Code WACK! Millions of Americans are expected to forgo buying health insurance starting in 2026 as the cost of their coverage soars. Others who currently qualify for Medicaid may find the rules have changed and they are no longer eligible. What can people do when they need care but can't afford it? And why are young people especially at risk? To find out, we spoke with Rachel Madley, director of policy and advocacy at the Center for Health and Democracy. She previously served as health policy advisor to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and worked in the Office of Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Having struggled personally with a chronic medical condition, Rachel shares her firsthand experience staying alive despite America's cruel healthcare system. This is the second episode of a two-part series. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.

'BradCast' 10/29/2025: 'The first politically viable wealth tax' by Progressive Voices

Leslie is joined by Jody Calemine, Director of Advocacy for the 63 unions and 15 million members of the AFL-CIO, where he serves as chief lobbyist and director of government affairs. They discuss the severe toll of the ongoing government shutdown on workers and families—from unpaid federal employees turning to food banks to the ripple effects hitting local economies. Calemine warns that Congress's failure to extend enhanced Affordable Care Act premium tax credits could sharply raise health costs for small-business owners and workers. He urges lawmakers to pass relief measures like the True Shutdown Fairness Act and Military and Federal Employee Protection Act, and to end political brinkmanship that's using American workers as pawns. The website for the AFL-CIO is AFLCIO.org and their handle on Blue Sky is @AFLCIO.org. Their handle on Facebook, Instagram and X is @AFLCIO. Jody's handle on Blue Sky is @guerino.bsky.social.

Leslie is joined by Dr. Robert Shapiro, Chairman of Sonecon, an economic advisory firm, and a Senior Fellow of the McDonough School of Business at Georgetown University. The two discuss his latest blog, "The Government Shutdown Is the First Skirmish in the Battle Over Trump's 2026 Budget." (Link: https://www.sonecon.com/the-government-shutdown-is-the-first-skirmish-in-the-battle-over-trumps-2026-budget/) In it, Dr. Shapiro argues that the current federal government shutdown marks the opening move in a much larger struggle over the fiscal direction of the federal government under Donald Trump's 2026 budget proposal. It contends that what appears to be a short-term fight over spending bills is in fact a strategic effort to reshape federal priorities—cutting large swaths of domestic programs while boosting defense, border security and deregulation. The shutdown is portrayed as both a bargaining tactic to force concessions from Congress and a signalling device to markets and stakeholders about how aggressively the administration intends to pursue its agenda. The blog warns that the deeper economic and institutional damage will come once the shutdown ends and the budget battle truly begins, with Congress and the administration locked in a clash over the size, scope and role of the federal government. Dr. Shapiro's website is Sonecon.com and his handle on X is @RobShapiro.

'BradCast' 10/28/2025: Monster Storm, Endless Wars, Gamed Elections -- It's all going great! by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 10/28/2025 by Progressive Voices

'BradCast' 10/27/2025 (Let's Play 'Who Wants to Be a U.S. Citizen?'!) by Progressive Voices

America's Breaking Point: Why Grief Is the New Normal Grief isn't just personal anymore — it's national. From the East Wing's destruction to soaring prices, collapsing communities, and the loss of what America once felt like, millions are mourning the country they thought they knew. If you're not MAGA, you're grieving. In this powerful episode, Karel opens up about personal loss and how it mirrors a nation in pain. What do we do when grief becomes the defining American emotion? How do we move forward when the dream feels gone? Plus: Karel dives into Ozark Law, exploring the mindset of small-town America — the very people Democrats must reach — and exposes the real force tearing communities apart (hint: it's not drugs). Join the conversation, feel the truth, and find a little hope amid the heartbreak.

'BradCast' 10/23/2025: Critical NOAA Climate Database resurrected by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 10/23/2025 by Progressive Voices

'BradCast' 10/22/2025: Republican Partisan Buys Dominion Voting Systems by Progressive Voices

With millions of Americans poised to lose their health coverage due to government cuts to Medicaid and other health programs, what can you do to protect your health and access to care? If you find yourself uninsured, are there ways to get free or low-cost prescription meds and health care? To find out, we spoke with Rachel Madley, director of policy and advocacy at the Center for Health and Democracy. She previously served as health policy advisor to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal and worked in the Office of Legislative Affairs at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. Having struggled personally with a chronic medical condition, Rachel shares her firsthand experience staying alive despite America's cruel healthcare system. This is the first episode of a two-part series. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation at heal-ca.org/donate.

Your Labubu Isn't Real?! Holiday Scandals, Shutdowns & Gacy Shocks | Karel Cast 25-135 The holidays are coming fast — lights, music, chaos… and scams.

Green News Report 10/21/2025 by Progressive Voices

'BradCast' 10/21/2025: Law[lessness] and [Dis]Order: Trump's crime spree continues and expands by Progressive Voices

The AWS Meltdown: $50 Billion Lost and Nobody's Talking About It | Karel Cast 25-134 When Amazon Web Services (AWS) went down, the internet itself nearly broke — apps crashed, transactions froze, and the global economy took a $50 BILLION hit in just hours. But the real story isn't just about one outage… it's about how dangerously dependent we've become on a single company's servers. Karel breaks down the truth behind the AWS crash, why it's scarier than you think, and what it says about the fragile state of our tech-driven world. Also on today's show:

'BradCast' 10/20/2025 - Celebrating 'No Kings' with callers and about 7 million other Americans by Progressive Voices

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by Paul Lisnek, Political and Legal Analyst for WGN-TV in Chicago. The pair examines the ICE invasion of the 'Windy City' by the Trump administration, as well as Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker's response. Then, Brad is joined by Tara Devlin, host of the 'TARABUSTER' podcast. The analyze the impact of the 'No Kings' protest against Trump's imperial presidency, including the staggering turnout of roughly seven million attendees at 2,600 events in all 50 states. The two also discuss President Trump's pardon of former Congressman George Santos, who was sentenced to 87 months in prison after pleading guilty to misusing campaign funds and stealing identities. Paul Lisnek anchors “Political Report” every Sunday morning at 9am central which looks at national and local issues for Chicago. It can be live streamed on www.wgntv.com/live and watched on the new WGN+ app which can be downloaded thru Apple TV, Roku or Firestick. Paul has worked as a jury consultant in such cases as OJ Simpson and Whitewater, teaches Constitutional Law and Ethics for the bar review course. He is the author of 15 books including the award winning fiction book: "Assume Treason." Tara Devlin is a New York City based comedian, writer, and host of the unapologetically-liberal podcast "TARABUSTER.” Tarabuster is 5-star viewer-reviewed and 100% viewer-supported. Help keep the REAL liberal media going – and growing – by becoming a Patron of Tarabuster at Patreon.com/TaraDevlin. You can follow Tara on BlueSky at @tarabuster.bsky.social and on Instagram at @Taradacktyl. Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

Trump Dumps on “No Kings” — And America Deserves Better | Karel Cast 25-133 Record-breaking No Kings rallies erupted across the country this weekend — but how did President Trump respond? With an AI video of himself as a king, literally dropping crap on peaceful protestors from Mar-a-Lago. While millions marched for democracy, Speaker Mike Johnson called those Americans “people who hate America.” So the question becomes: if Congress won't act, how do we remove leaders who openly mock our Constitution? Karel takes apart the absurdity, the rage, and the dark comedy of it all — from Trump's “royal” delusions to the global headlines that make you question our collective sanity. Also — wild stories you won't believe:

'BradCast' 10/16/2025: Rightwing SCOTUS Majority Poised to Gut Last of Voting Rights Act by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 10/16/2025 by Progressive Voices

No Kings: Record Turnout — But Will It Matter? | Karel Cast 25-132 Thousands are hitting the streets again for the second “No Kings” Rally, and this time, the turnout could break records — over 2,500 events across America. But here's the real question: will it actually change anything? Karel dives into the heart of the movement — the hope, the energy, and the hard truth about what can and can't be done to stop authoritarian overreach. As Trump flexes more power and the U.S. military obeys increasingly questionable orders, it's time to ask: Where is the line — and who's brave enough to draw it? Plus: A deep look at America's growing global tension, including dangerous operations in Venezuelan waters, and what it means for democracy here at home. And before the weekend hits — a lighter side: what's new in entertainment and pop culture.

'BradCast' 10/15/2025: The 'Epstein Shutdown' and Other Autocratic Nightmares by Progressive Voices

This time on Code WACK! What will happen when Medicaid is slashed for millions of people as a result of Trump's H.R. 1, the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill?” How will the largest rollback of the social safety net in over 50 years harm children, families, and rural communities – and what could it mean for states that recently expanded Medicaid, like North Carolina? To find out, we spoke to Jennifer Wells, director of Economic Justice at Community Change Action, where she leads the organization's work to advance policies and practices that improve the material conditions of low-income communities. This is the second episode in a two-part series. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.

The #1 Thing We're Ignoring — And It's Killing Us | Karel Cast 25-131 We talk about money, politics, and power — but the one thing that truly matters to every human being is being ignored: our health.

'BradCast' 10-14-2025: Missouri Organizers Vow to Block Trump's Gerrymander from Taking Effect by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 10/14/2025 by Progressive Voices

The guest host for today's show is Brad Bannon. Brad runs Bannon Communications Research, a polling, message development and media firm which helps labor unions, progressive issue groups and Democratic candidates win public affairs and political campaigns. His show, 'Deadline D.C. with Brad Bannon,' airs every Monday from 3-4pm ET. Brad is first joined by Charlie Cook, Founder of the 'Cook Political Report' and Columnist for 'The National Journal,' to discuss the 'playing field' for the 2026 midterm elections in the Senate and House of Representatives. Then, Senior White House Reporter for 'Bloomberg Government,' Mica Soellner, joins Brad to talk about the new peace agreement between Israel and Hamas, the government shutdown, and Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene's recent attacks on President Trump. Brad writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' He's on the National Journal's panel of political insiders and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. You can read Brad's columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.  

We Say We Care About Kids — But Do We Really? | Karel Cast 25-130 Politicians scream about “protecting kids” — from drag queens, books, or healthcare — but ignore the one thing that truly shapes their future: what's in their hands every day. From social media to screen addiction, billionaires are profiting while an entire generation pays the price. Karel exposes the hypocrisy of a society that pretends to care while letting our children's mental health, attention spans, and futures crumble — all in the name of profit. Plus: why peace in the Middle East remains out of reach, the talk of National Guard deployment in San Francisco, and the question no one can answer — what really counts as “American food”?

Green News Report 10/9/2025 by Progressive Voices

'BradCast' 10/9/2025: Trump Labor Dept. Warns Trump Immigration Policy Sparking Food Shortage by Progressive Voices

'BradCast' 10/8/2025: Donald Trump's Losing Battles, Republicans in Disarray Over Shutdown by Progressive Voices

This time on Code WACK! While not perfect, Medicaid has served as a lifeline for millions of impoverished Americans, including Jennifer Wells and her mother, who suffered a brain aneurysm years ago. But that lifeline will soon be taken away. Jennifer joins us to talk about the expected ramifications of Trump's H.R. 1, the so-called One Big Beautiful Bill. She's the director of economic justice at Community Change Action , where she leads the organization's work to advance policies and practices that improve the material conditions of low-income communities. Over recent years, she has earned recognition as the 2020 Marshall University Commencement Speaker, 2020 TEDx Speaker, and 2018 National Association of Social Workers West Virginia Chapter's Social Worker of the Year. This is the first of two episodes with Jennifer Wells. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.

'BradCast' 10/7/2025: 'Supreme Arrogance': John Roberts and His Stacked, Packed and Captured Supreme Court by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 10/7/2025 by Progressive Voices

⚠️ America's Real Threat: The Enemy Within the Ranks | Karel Cast 25-126 Trump is reportedly pushing to use U.S. troops against U.S. citizens, even hinting at invoking the Insurrection Act of 1807. Courts and governors are resisting — but what's the endgame? Is this a political stunt, or the most dangerous power grab in modern American history? Karel breaks it all down, exposing what may be the greatest internal threat to democracy we've ever faced. Plus — America's true obsession: serial killers. With new shows on Ed Gein and John Wayne Gacy, why can't we look away from the monsters? And finally — why are 12% of Americans on antidepressants? Karel explores what that says about our nation's mental health, culture, and stress.

'BradCast' 10/6/2025: Trump Attempting His 'Invasion from Within' by Progressive Voices

'BradCast' 10/2/2025: Mass Firings During Shutdown 'Extremely Illegal' by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 10/2/2025 by Progressive Voices

Is Pet Ownership Only for the Rich? Rising Vet Costs, Shutdown & Global Conflicts | Karel Cast 25-124 Pets bring joy, comfort, and real health benefits to our lives—but are they becoming luxuries only the wealthy can afford? In this episode of The Karel Cast, we dive into the skyrocketing costs of pet ownership: from veterinary bills to pet insurance that now runs $100–$250 per month. With MARS Inc. (yes, the candy company) owning nearly half of U.S. veterinary clinics, is the system stacked against everyday pet owners? Why isn't there public support for families struggling to keep their beloved companions healthy? We also cover day two of the U.S. government shutdown, Trump's collapsing approval ratings, and the frustrating lack of strong leadership from Democrats. Plus, a terror attack at a synagogue in England raises global questions about hate, compassion, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Gaza. How do we balance outrage at hate crimes with accountability for state violence and innocent lives lost? Join Karel for a bold, unfiltered conversation on pets, politics, and the price of compassion.

'BradCast' 10/1/2025: Voting rights journalist Ari Berman on Trump DOJ's 'voter suppression agenda' by Progressive Voices

As a consequence of Trump's drastic cuts to Medicaid and other health programs, experts estimate that between nearly 8 million and 10 million more Americans will be uninsured by 2034. These include the most vulnerable among us, people who depend on Medicaid because they are poor, ill and/or live with disabilities. And here's the kicker: experiencing disability isn't as rare or improbable as we'd like to think. That's why this fight for health care is about all of us—our families, our neighbors, and our future. From hospital care to home-based services to keeping rural clinics alive, Medicaid is a pillar of our healthcare system—and when it's weakened, entire communities feel the impact. So what happens when that pillar is damaged? We recently spoke to Andy Imparato, executive director of Disability Rights California, and policy analyst Sabrina Epstein. This is the second episode in a two-part series with Disability Rights California. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more!