Progressive Voices

'BradCast' 8/12/2026: What the Heck Just Happened in Wisconsin? by Progressive Voices

94 Major Wildfires Are Burning Across the West—Is This the New Normal? The Western United States is facing a dangerous wildfire crisis. Crews are fighting to protect Big Sur, three fires are burning near Reno with single-digit containment, and 94 large wildfires remain uncontained across the West as of August 11, 2026. From the Northwest and Northern Rockies to California, Nevada and the Southwest, extreme heat, dry conditions and expanding fire activity threaten communities, public health and the environment. Wildfire smoke can travel hundreds of miles, while the economic and human costs continue to mount. What can America do to prevent these disasters? Can better land management, climate action and community preparation make a meaningful difference—or must we adapt to wildfires as the West's new normal? Then, after 24 years on the air, a Bay Area radio host has been laid off. His scathing Facebook post captures the troubling state of today's broadcasting industry. Who killed local radio—and why are experienced local voices disappearing? Support The Karel Cast at patreon.com/reallykarel. Please watch, like and subscribe at youtube.com/reallykarel. The Karel Cast streams Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Pacific and is available on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Spreaker, TikTok and Instagram. Karel is a history-making broadcaster and entertainer based in Las Vegas with his service dog, Ember. #WesternWildfires, #Wildfires, #CaliforniaWildfires, #BigSurFire, #RenoFires, #NevadaWildfires, #WildfireSeason, #WildfireSmoke, #ClimateChange, #ExtremeHeat, #BreakingNews, #USNews, #CaliforniaNews, #NevadaNews, #PacificNorthwest, #NorthernCalifornia, #SouthernCalifornia, #AirQuality, #ClimateCrisis, #NaturalDisasters, #EmergencyPreparedness, #Firefighters, #NewNormal, #LocalRadio, #BayAreaRadio, #RadioIndustry, #MediaNews, #TheKarelCast, #ReallyKarel, #KarelCast https://youtube.com/live/WhcAzTPgXf0

'BradCast' 8/11/2026: War, Climate Chaos Now Threatening U.S. Crude, Diesel, Water, Power Supplies by Progressive Voices

Can America Survive This Divided? The United States Isn't United Anymore by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 8/11/2026 by Progressive Voices

This time on Code WACK! We're talking about one of the most frustrating experiences in American healthcare - when your insurance company says ‘no.' According to Miranda Yaver, an assistant professor of health policy and management at the University of Pittsburgh, insurance denials aren't rare. They're a routine part of navigating our healthcare system. In her new book, Coverage Denied: How Health Insurers Drive Inequality in the United States, Miranda Yaver explores what happens when patients undergoing treatment find themselves trapped between their doctors and their insurance companies. This is the first of two episodes with Miranda Yaver. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.

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 CNN Military Analyst Col. Cedric Leighton (USAF-Ret.). The two discuss whether President Trump has already lost the Iran War. They also break down why the U.S. is running out of ammunition, and how the Iran and Ukraine-Russia wars are connected. Finally, they analyze Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's poor record during his time in charge of the U.S. military. Then, long time guest Edwith Theogene rejoins Brad on the show for the first time in a while. She is now Director of Policy and Advocacy at TSNE (Third Sector New England, Inc.), a capacity building organization that partners with nonprofit organizations to provide the services, programs, and resources they need to support their communities and ultimately, create a more equitable society. She and Brad discuss TSNE's work, as well as the Trump administration's attacks on progressive non-profits. Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' You can read his new Substack called, 'The Bannon Ballot Blast,' at www.bradbannon.substack.com. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

'BradCast' 8/10/2026: Alarming voting system vulnerabilities persist by Progressive Voices

Is Civility Dead in America? The Truth About Online Hate & Who's Really Behind It Is America really becoming more hateful—or is social media giving us a dangerously distorted picture of who we actually are? Oprah Winfrey has limited online comments after dealing with relentless negativity. Perez Hilton has faced vicious attacks online even while sharing images of himself injured and hospitalized. Scroll through social media or watch the news long enough and it can feel like basic human decency has disappeared. But is civility actually dead in America—or are a relatively small number of people making the country appear far more hateful than it really is? On today's The Karel Cast, Karel looks beyond the outrage and examines what research tells us about who is actually creating all that toxicity. Studies of misinformation and social media behavior have found astonishing concentrations of activity among small groups of users. Research has found that a tiny fraction of accounts can be responsible for an enormous percentage of misinformation being shared online. Other studies have found that a relatively small percentage of active users generate a disproportionate share of toxic comments. Political conversation may be even more distorted. Research suggests that a small minority of users creates the overwhelming majority of political posts—potentially turning social media into a funhouse mirror of American society, where the loudest, angriest voices appear much more representative than they actually are. So maybe America isn't as hateful as your feed makes it look. Maybe most people aren't screaming at strangers, obsessing over politics or attacking celebrities online. Maybe we're allowing a comparatively small group of extremely active people—and algorithms designed to amplify engagement—to shape our perception of millions of ordinary Americans. Then, Karel turns to food. British comedian Mo Gilligan investigates the enormous industrial poultry and fast-food system in Netflix's new documentary Big Chicken: A Fast Food Conspiracy. From ultra-processed food and human health to factory farming, animal welfare, pollution, workers and the enormous hidden costs behind cheap fried chicken, the documentary asks an uncomfortable question: What are we really paying for inexpensive industrial food? For Karel, who is vegan, it's another powerful reminder of why walking away from the industrial animal-food system can benefit animals, people and the planet. Today on The Karel Cast: • Is civility actually disappearing in America? • Why does social media seem so much angrier than everyday life? • How many people are really responsible for online misinformation and toxicity? • Are algorithms giving us a false picture of American society? • Why do celebrities like Oprah step away from online comments? • What does the hatred directed at Perez Hilton tell us about internet culture? • What does Big Chicken reveal about America's industrial food system? • And could knowing who's really creating all this noise help the rest of us stop being manipulated by it? The internet may be furious. America may not be. Tell me in the comments: Do you think Americans have actually become less civil—or has social media simply made the worst among us impossible to ignore? Support The Karel Cast on Patreon: patreon.com/reallykarel Watch, like, comment and subscribe: youtube.com/reallykarel The Karel Cast streams LIVE Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Pacific and is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeart, Spreaker and other major podcast platforms. You can also follow Karel on TikTok and Instagram. Karel is a history-making broadcaster, entertainer, recording artist and writer based in Las Vegas, joined by his little service girl, Ember.

Leslie welcomes Jimmy O'Donnell, Deputy Legislative Director for the United Steelworkers (USW), to discuss why workers need the bipartisan Faster Labor Contracts Act—and why winning a union election is often only the beginning of the fight. Jimmy explains how outdated U.S. labor laws allow employers to delay negotiations for a first union contract, sometimes for years. He shares striking examples involving USW members, including workers who waited six years for a first contract—and one group that waited an astonishing 15 years. Leslie and Jimmy also discuss why the USW continues to push for comprehensive labor law reform through the PRO Act while supporting the Faster Labor Contracts Act as an important step workers need now. The legislation would establish firm timelines for first-contract negotiations and ultimately provide binding arbitration when employers and newly organized workers cannot reach an agreement. It's a conversation about giving workers who vote for a union what they voted for: a meaningful voice on the job and a fair opportunity to secure a first contract. Follow the USW on Facebook, Instagram and X, using the handle @steelworkers, and visit their website at USW.org. Also, check them out on Blue Sky where their handle is @steelworkers.bsky.social. Jimmy's handle on X is @JFODonnell13.

'BradCast' 8/5/2026: Lawless FCC Votes to Ignore Legal Cap on TV Station Ownership by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 8/6/2026 by Progressive Voices

Content note: This episode discusses self-harm, online harassment and mental-health struggles. If you or someone you know needs help please reach out to the services globally setup to assist. This Gay Week: Apple Censors Gay Apps, Pride Flag Creator Flees | This Gay Week Apple has removed gay dating apps in China—but what does that say about the company's claim to be an LGBTQ+ ally? This week, Karel examines the growing pressure facing LGBTQ+ people and their allies online. Perez Hilton's disturbing livestream raises urgent questions about cyberbullying, hateful comments and mental health. Ariana Grande is also stepping back from public life amid online negativity, while Karel turns more than 100 hateful comments into a music video for “You Have to Be Proud.” Is the LGBTQ+ community being disproportionately targeted, or has online abuse become universal? Also in this episode: LGBTQ+ refugees describe feeling like “prisoners in paradise” in Cape Verde as anti-LGBTQ+ laws spread across West Africa. Gay farmers speak candidly about homophobia in rural communities. Brighton Pride brings together JOY, Diana Ross and RAYE—but why does this celebration thrive while other Pride events struggle? Apple faces criticism over the removal of gay dating apps in China. A Pride flag creator is forced to flee. Support The Karel Cast at patreon.com/reallykarel. Watch, like and subscribe at youtube.com/reallykarel. The Karel Cast streams live Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Pacific and is available on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Spreaker and other major platforms. Karel is a history-making broadcaster and entertainer based in Las Vegas with his service dog, Ember. #ThisGayWeek, #LGBTQ, #LGBTQNews, #GayNews, #QueerNews, #Apple, #China, #GayDatingApps, #DigitalCensorship, #PerezHilton, #MentalHealth, #OnlineHate, #Cyberbullying, #ArianaGrande, #CapeVerde, #WestAfrica, #LGBTQRights, #HumanRights, #GayFarmers, #RuralLGBTQ, #BrightonPride, #DianaRoss, #RAYE, #Pride, #PrideNews, #TheKarelCast, #Karel, #QueerCulture, #SocialMedia, #LGBTQCommunity https://youtube.com/live/37Y9QFuWw4o

'BradCast' 8/5/2026: El-Sayed's Primary Win in MI Will Test Popularity of Progressivism; Guest: John Nichols of 'The Nation' by Progressive Voices

Is Modern Life Actually Better? Online Shopping, Refund Scams & Toxic Social Media 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 world renowned Economist Dr. Rob Shapiro with a status update on the sad state of Trump's economy. This includes a breakdown of the latest inflation and GDP numbers, plus, an analysis on tariffs. Then, Brad is joined by Hadar Susskind, CEO of the New Jewish Narrative, to review Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu's controversial trip to the U.S. The pair also discusses the Gaza strip and the Iran war. Finally, Hadar shares how AIPAC has been flooding U.S. midterm election campaigns with dark money in ways that may surprise you. Dr. Shapiro's website is Sonecon.com and his handle on X is @RobShapiro. The website for the New Jewish Narrative is NewJewishNarrative.org and their handle on BlueSky is @newjewishnarrative.bsky.social. Hadar's handle there is @hadarsusskind.bsky.social. Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' You can read his new Substack called, 'The Bannon Ballot Blast,' at www.bradbannon.substack.com. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

'BradCast' 8/4/2026: Cornyn, Tillis Approve Blanche for A.G. and Trump's Historic Taxpayer-Funded Heist) by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 8/4/2026 by Progressive Voices

America Is Exhausted: Is Tuning Out Self-Care—or Surrender? Political chaos, economic anxiety, extreme heat, social media outrage—America is running on empty. In this episode of The Karel Cast, Karel examines the growing sense of national fatigue under Donald Trump. As controversies pile up and tempers rise, more Americans are tuning out to protect their peace. But does stepping away help us recover—or allow the chaos to continue unchecked? Karel also discusses Ariana Grande's reported retreat from the spotlight amid relentless criticism of her appearance and the negativity surrounding social media. Her decision raises a question many exhausted Americans are asking: When the noise becomes unbearable, is pulling back the healthiest response? What are you tuning in to when you tune out—television, music, silence, or something else? Share your thoughts in the comments. Support The Karel Cast: https://patreon.com/reallykarel Watch, like, and subscribe: https://youtube.com/reallykarel The Karel Cast streams Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Pacific and is available on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Spreaker, TikTok, Instagram, and other major platforms. Karel is a history-making broadcaster and entertainer based in Las Vegas with his service dog, Ember. #AmericaIsExhausted, #PoliticalFatigue, #DonaldTrump, #TrumpNews, #AmericanPolitics, #PoliticsToday, #PoliticalCommentary, #NewsCommentary, #CurrentEvents, #NationalFatigue, #NewsFatigue, #TuningOut, #MentalHealth, #SocialMediaFatigue, #DigitalDetox, #ArianaGrande, #CelebrityNews, #SelfCare, #Burnout, #AmericanCulture, #USPolitics, #BreakingPoint, #MediaOverload, #PoliticalPodcast, #ProgressivePolitics, #TheKarelCast, #ReallyKarel, #KarelCast, #Podcast, #LasVegas https://youtube.com/live/Wspe8B6FooA

This time on Code WACK! California has debated a single-payer healthcare system for decades, but a new UCLA report commissioned by the California Health and Human Services Agency under Senate Bill 770 could reshape the conversation. In this episode, Michael Lighty, president of Healthy California Now, explains how the report moves the debate from cost to equity. This is the second of two episodes with Michael Lighty. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.

'BradCast' 8/3/2026: Georgia Voting System Flaw Allows Discovery of How Voters Voted by Progressive Voices

Trump's Reflecting Pool Claims, Gun Violence & Boy George's Israel Controversy Another deadly weekend in America—and another mass shooting followed by familiar arguments but few meaningful solutions. Three people are dead, five are injured, and an armed civilian reportedly helped bring the standoff to an end. What does this incident reveal about gun access, public safety and America's seemingly endless cycle of violence? Karel also examines Donald Trump's claims about alleged vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Were people maliciously prosecuted based on a false political narrative? What roles did the White House, Trump's press secretary and Republican senators play—and will anyone be held accountable? Then, Boy George is facing backlash over a pro-Israel song that critics say dismisses allegations of genocide and suggests victims deserved their fate. Is this artistic freedom, inflammatory political messaging—or a moment when the artist should have read the room? Join Karel for candid commentary on Trump, political misinformation, gun violence, accountability, Israel and the controversies shaping today's headlines. Support The Karel Cast: https://patreon.com/reallykarel Watch, like and subscribe: https://youtube.com/reallykarel The Karel Cast streams live Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Pacific and is available on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Spreaker, TikTok and Instagram. Karel is a history-making broadcaster and entertainer based in Las Vegas with his service dog, Ember.

'BradCast' 7/30/2026: This is What Kleptocracy Looks Like by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 07/30/2026 by Progressive Voices

UK Arms Police to Protect Pride as Anti-LGBTQ+ Violence Surges Worldwide As the UK considers arming police officers assigned to protect LGBTQ+ communities and Pride events, Karel asks a difficult question: Have we become dangerously numb to violence, war, and injustice? Gay Week contributor Scott Jacobsen is currently experiencing an active bombing situation in Ukraine—a stark reminder that millions of people have lived under the threat of ballistic missiles for years while much of the world looks away. Karel also addresses the devastation in Gaza, the killing of a person by a van in Berlin, Romania's restrictions on Pride festivals, and the relentless stream of anti-LGBTQ+ violence worldwide. These stories make headlines, provoke momentary outrage, and are quickly replaced by the next crisis. But when cruelty becomes routine and complacency takes hold, what will it take to make us act? Today's Karel Cast is an honest—and emotionally exhausted—conversation about Ukraine, Gaza, LGBTQ+ rights, global apathy, and the human cost of accepting injustice as normal. Support The Karel Cast at patreon.com/reallykarel. Watch, like, comment, and subscribe at youtube.com/reallykarel. The Karel Cast streams live Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Pacific and is available on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Spreaker, TikTok, Instagram, and other major platforms. Karel is a history-making broadcaster and entertainer based in Las Vegas with his service dog, Ember. #LGBTQ, #LGBTQRights, #Pride, #PrideSafety, #UKPolice, #ArmedPolice, #AntiLGBTQViolence, #HateCrime, #HumanRights, #GayRights, #QueerRights, #Ukraine, #UkraineWar, #Gaza, #Palestine, #IsraelGazaWar, #WorldNews, #BreakingNews, #CurrentEvents, #PoliticalCommentary, #NewsCommentary, #GlobalConflict, #SocialJustice, #StopHate, #Equality, #CivilRights, #MediaApathy, #TheKarelCast, #ReallyKarel, #KarelCast https://youtube.com/live/VeQPK05db7s

'BradCast' 7/29/2026 (The 2026 Election, GOP division, Dems' odds, Trump's War, with guests: Heather Digby Parton and 'Driftglass') by Progressive Voices

America's Food Safety Crisis: Cyclospora, Salmonella and Trump-Era Cuts More than 11,000 Cyclospora cases nationwide, a multistate salmonella outbreak linked to eggs—and critical questions about the safety of America's food supply. Why are foodborne illnesses spreading, why has identifying their sources proved so difficult, and what role could federal cuts to food-safety surveillance play? Karel examines the outbreaks, America's regulatory system and why the United States appears unable to keep its food supply safe. Also in this episode: Could AI apps that simulate dead loved ones or pets help people cope—or prevent them from grieving and moving forward? And does watching too much television actually harm your brain? New research offers a troubling answer. Support The Karel Cast: https://patreon.com/reallykarel Watch, like and subscribe: https://youtube.com/reallykarel The Karel Cast streams live Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Pacific and is available on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Spreaker, TikTok and Instagram. Karel is a history-making broadcaster and entertainer based in Las Vegas with his service dog, Ember. #FoodSafety, #Cyclospora, #CyclosporaOutbreak, #Salmonella, #SalmonellaOutbreak, #EggRecall, #FoodborneIllness, #PublicHealth, #USFoodSupply, #FoodSafetyCrisis, #FDA, #CDC, #TrumpAdministration, #GovernmentCuts, #FoodInspection, #ConsumerSafety, #BreakingNews, #HealthNews, #PoliticalCommentary, #CurrentEvents, #ArtificialIntelligence, #AIGrief, #GriefTechnology, #DigitalAfterlife, #MentalHealth, #BrainHealth, #Television, #DementiaResearch, #TheKarelCast, #ReallyKarel https://youtube.com/live/LUf6iI9YWw4

This time on Code WACK! The upcoming governor's race could shape the future of health care for nearly 40 million Californians. With former U.S. Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra facing Republican Steve Hilton, the election is raising critical questions about whether California will move closer to a single-payer healthcare system—or further away. Michael Lighty, president of Healthy California Now, joins us to break down what the primary results mean, where the candidates stand on healthcare reform, and what's at stake for the future of universal healthcare in California. This is the first of two episodes with Michael Lighty. 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' 7/28/2026 (Firestorms in Europe, US; DOGE slashed fire management; Good news for voters in MO and KS) by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 7/28/2026 by Progressive Voices

Democrats, Read the Room: Why AOC, Mamdani and Young Voters Could Decide the Future Republicans are already branding Democrats as “socialists” and “communists” to frighten voters—but should Democrats really let those attacks dictate their agenda? Candidates such as Zohran Mamdani are winning because younger voters want affordable housing, healthcare, economic fairness and meaningful change. They're listening to democratic socialists, liking what they hear and turning out to vote. So why are establishment Democrats fighting the candidates energizing their own base instead of working with leaders such as Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez? Karel asks whether Democrats truly want transformative change—or simply want to preserve the political status quo. Also: Working from home remains enormously popular, but a San Francisco landlord reportedly wants to charge residents an additional $200 if they work from their apartments. Is that a reasonable fee, an invasion of privacy or another example of renters being squeezed? Join the conversation: Should Democrats embrace their progressive wing? And does a landlord have any right to charge tenants for working from home? Support The Karel Cast at Patreon. Watch, like, comment and subscribe at YouTube. The Karel Cast streams live Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Pacific and is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker, TikTok and Instagram. Karel is a history-making broadcaster and entertainer based in Las Vegas with his service dog, Ember. #Democrats, #DemocraticParty, #Progressives, #AOC, #ZohranMamdani, #DemocraticSocialism, #YoungVoters, #GenZ, #MillennialVoters, #PoliticalNews, #USPolitics, #ProgressivePolitics, #ElectionNews, #WorkingClass, #EconomicJustice, #AffordableHousing, #HealthcareReform, #PoliticalCommentary, #PoliticalPodcast, #TheKarelCast, #ReallyKarel, #Republicans, #Socialism, #WorkFromHome, #RemoteWork, #RentersRights, #SanFrancisco, #Landlords, #HousingCrisis, #LasVegas https://youtube.com/live/NFy5RfPDBRs

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 National Security Expert Joel Rubin, who worked as a senior State Department official in the Obama administration. They discuss his new book, "Saving Democratic Foreign Policy: How Democrats Can Earn the American People's Trust to Lead the World Once Again." The pair also discusses President Trump's war of choice in Iran. Then, Kate Lincoln-Goldfinch, an Immigration Attorney and Advocate, joins Brad to examine the recent rash of ICE's cold-blooded immigrant murders. Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' You can read his new Substack called, 'The Bannon Ballot Blast,' at www.bradbannon.substack.com. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

Middle East on the Brink, Berlin Pride Terror, and America's Housing Crisis | The Karel Cast The world feels like it's balancing on the edge of a knife. Iran says it will stop bombing if the attacks against it stop, while the Houthis open another dangerous front by targeting Saudi Arabia. Is the Middle East moving toward de-escalation—or toward an even wider regional conflict? And what role is U.S. leadership playing as tensions continue to rise? Then, tragedy strikes at one of the world's oldest Pride celebrations. A deadly attack at Berlin Pride leaves people dead and injured, raising difficult questions about extremism, intolerance, and whether religious ideologies that promote hatred can coexist with an open, democratic society. How much responsibility do political leaders and inflammatory rhetoric bear when violence follows? Plus, I made what I thought was a simple comment about a two-bedroom apartment in Los Angeles renting for $2,500. The response? Thousands of people debating why housing has become unaffordable for so many Americans—and who is really to blame. Join me as we cut through the headlines, challenge assumptions, and talk about the stories shaping our world today. If you enjoy independent journalism, honest conversation, and perspectives you won't hear anywhere else:

'BradCast' 7/23/2026 (Trump's War on Course to Decimate Republicans in Midterm Elections) by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 7/23/2026 by Progressive Voices

LGBTQ Rights Under Fire Worldwide: Pride Bans, Political Vetoes and Violence | This Gay Week LGBTQ rights are advancing in some parts of the world—but this week's headlines reveal a dangerous global backlash. On this episode of This Gay Week, Karel examines new reporting about the LGBTQ community in wartime Ukraine, a Romanian city's refusal to authorize a Pride march, and condemnation of Indonesia's decision to classify the “spread of LGBTQ culture” as a national security threat. In Poland, the president has vetoed legislation intended to recognize same-sex couples. In Senegal, the daughter of a prominent anti-LGBTQ advocate has reportedly been arrested on drug and “lesbianism” charges amid an intensifying crackdown. Cape Verde, meanwhile, offers a more hopeful story as one of Africa's most LGBTQ-friendly countries—even as activists warn that legal protections have not eliminated discrimination and violence. Back in the United States, a Florida man received seven years after shooting and partially paralyzing his LGBTQ neighbor. In another frightening incident, police killed an armed man accused of opening fire outside a gay dive bar. These stories span continents, but they raise the same urgent questions: Are governments protecting LGBTQ people—or turning their identities into political targets? Why is Pride still treated as a threat? And what does genuine equality require beyond laws and public promises? Stories discussed: LGBTQ life in Ukraine during the first half of 2026 Man sentenced for shooting and paralyzing LGBTQ neighbor Romanian city resists authorizing LGBTQ Pride march ASEAN organization condemns Indonesia's LGBTQ “security threat” label Daughter of Senegalese anti-LGBTQ advocate arrested Cape Verde's LGBTQ progress amid challenges across Africa Polish president vetoes bills recognizing same-sex couples Police kill man accused of firing on gay dive bar Support The Karel Cast at Patreon.com/reallykarel. Watch, like, comment and subscribe at YouTube.com/reallykarel. Your engagement helps independent LGBTQ news and commentary reach a wider audience. The Karel Cast is available across major streaming services, including Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify and Spreaker. Watch live Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Pacific, with additional content on TikTok and Instagram. Karel is a history-making broadcaster and entertainer based in Las Vegas, accompanied by his little service girl, Ember. #ThisGayWeek, #TheKarelCast, #LGBTQNews, #LGBTQRights, #QueerNews, #GayNews, #Pride, #HumanRights, #Ukraine, #Romania, #Poland, #Indonesia, #Senegal, #CapeVerde, #ASEAN, #MarriageEquality, #SameSexCouples, #AntiLGBTQViolence, #HateCrime, #GayBar, #QueerCommunity, #GlobalNews, #WorldNews, #LGBTQPolitics, #Equality, #CivilRights, #Karel, #ReallyKarel, #LasVegas, #Podcast https://youtu.be/pcHuPOoyNg8

As America celebrates its 250th anniversary, Leslie Marshall welcomes Scott Paul, President of the Alliance for American Manufacturing, for a fascinating look at the people, places, and industries that helped build the nation. Drawing from his "American Manufacturing 250" tour, Scott takes listeners from the birthplace of America's Industrial Revolution at Slater Mill in Rhode Island to Pittsburgh's legendary Carrie Blast Furnaces and finally to Detroit's "Arsenal of Democracy," where American factories helped secure victory in World War II. Along the way, Leslie and Scott explore how manufacturing has shaped America's economy, workforce, and national identity—and why a strong manufacturing base remains critical to the country's future. Scott also highlights the Alliance for American Manufacturing's state-by-state Made in America Showcase, celebrating innovative products and companies that continue America's manufacturing legacy today. It's an engaging conversation about America's past, present, and future—and the enduring role manufacturing plays in all three. To learn more, visit AmericanManufacturing.org, subscribe to the Alliance for American Manufacturing's YouTube channel at youtube.com/@AmericanMfg to watch episodes of 'The Manufacturing Report,' and follow the Alliance on X @KeepItMadeInUSA and Scott Paul @ScottPaulAAM for the latest news and insights on American manufacturing.

'BradCast' 7/22/2026 (Corporate Political Spending in 2026 Shatters All-Time Record) by Progressive Voices

Trump's $87.6 Billion Iran War Request vs. SNAP: War or Food? The Trump administration wants another $87.6 billion, mostly for military spending connected to the Iran war. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says the war has already cost $37.5 billion, while more than 500 American troops have reportedly been wounded and 17 killed. What has this enormous sacrifice accomplished—and where is the plan? Consider the numbers: Annual federal cost of SNAP in FY2024: $99.8 billion Reported Iran-war cost to date: $37.5 billion Administration's supplemental request: $87.6 billion Combined amounts under discussion: $125.1 billion That last comparison is not a precise accounting total—the supplemental package includes some non-war spending and may overlap with costs already incurred—but its scale is staggering. The request alone nearly equals what the federal government spends on SNAP for an entire year. At a time when millions of Americans are struggling to afford food, housing and healthcare, why can Washington find nearly $90 billion for another war—but not comparable resources to fight hunger and poverty at home? Also in this episode: RFK Jr. claims the cyclospora outbreak is under control despite rising cases, hospitalizations and unanswered questions about its source. The Trump administration's assault on HIV/AIDS prevention continues, with approximately 1,700 sites reportedly closed—raising grave concerns about Project 2025, public health and the disproportionate harm inflicted on LGBTQ+ communities. The Karel Cast is supported by viewers like you. Join us at patreon.com/reallykarel, and please watch, like, comment and subscribe at youtube.com/reallykarel. The Karel Cast airs live Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Pacific and is available on Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Spreaker, TikTok and Instagram. Karel is a history-making broadcaster and entertainer based in Las Vegas with his service dog, Ember. #Trump, #IranWar, #WarOrFood, #SNAP, #FoodStamps, #PeteHegseth, #Pentagon, #MilitarySpending, #WarSpending, #TrumpNews, #PoliticalNews, #USPolitics, #BreakingNews, #GovernmentSpending, #FederalBudget, #FoodInsecurity, #PovertyInAmerica, #RFKJr, #Cyclospora, #PublicHealth, #HIVPrevention, #AIDSPrevention, #Project2025, #LGBTQ, #Congress, #Iran, #Veterans, #TheKarelCast, #ReallyKarel, #PoliticalCommentary https://youtube.com/live/ONUuSPWMeWg

This time on Code WACK! For many Americans getting the right medical care isn't just about what their doctors recommend, it's also about what their insurance company is willing to cover. So what happens when those two don't agree? And why can it be so difficult for patients to fight back? Attorney Lisa Kantor of Kantor & Kantor, LLP has spent more than two decades helping patients challenge health insurance denials. Her cases have ranged from eating disorders to life-threatening cancers, giving her a firsthand look at how insurers make coverage decisions and the consequences when they favor profits over patients. This is the second episode in a two-part series.

'BradCast' 7/21/2026 ('SAVE America' Act Won't Save Trump. Neither Will False Claims of Non-Citizens Voting) by Progressive Voices

Why Gen Z Is Bringing Back Old Tech | Vinyl, CDs, Flip Phones & Film Are Surging Yesterday Why Gen Z Is Bringing Back Old Tech | Vinyl, CDs, Flip Phones & Film Are Surging Why are young people embracing yesterday's technology? Vinyl records are booming, CD sales are climbing, film cameras are back, and even flip phones are making a surprising comeback. After decades of racing toward an all-digital world, are we finally experiencing digital fatigue? On today's episode, Karel explores why consumers are rediscovering physical media and analog technology. As streaming services remove content, gaming companies push toward digital-only ownership, and algorithms dominate our daily lives, more people are asking a simple question: Do we actually own anything anymore? We'll look at the data behind the resurgence of vinyl records, compact discs, film photography, and "dumb phones," why Gen Z is leading much of this movement despite never growing up with these technologies, and whether this is nostalgia—or the beginning of a cultural shift back toward tangible experiences. Are we moving backward... or simply reclaiming something we've lost? The Karel Cast is powered by viewers like you. Support independent broadcasting at Patreon.com/ReallyKarel. Please Like, Subscribe, and Share on YouTube at YouTube.com/ReallyKarel. Listen wherever you get your podcasts, including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and Spreaker. Live Monday through Thursday at 10:30 AM Pacific, with additional content on TikTok and Instagram. Karel is a history-making broadcaster, entertainer, and commentator broadcasting from Las Vegas with his faithful service dog, Ember. #RetroTech, #VinylRecords, #CDs, #FilmPhotography, #FlipPhone, #DigitalDetox, #GenZ, #Technology, #TechNews, #Analog, #PhysicalMedia, #MusicCollectors, #Photography, #Kodak, #Sony, #Gaming, #DigitalOwnership, #Streaming, #Nostalgia, #TechTrends, #FutureOfTech, #Minimalism, #Smartphones, #DumbPhone, #Media, #Innovation, #Culture, #TheKarelCast, #ReallyKarel, #YouTube https://youtube.com/live/hp4i74zPNYw

Green News Report 7/21/2026 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 the NRDC's Bob Deans to discuss the wildfire smoke and extreme heat sweeping across the U.S., and how it's been made worse due to human-caused climate change. They also talk the environmental impacts of data centers, the Trump administration trying to strip away protections for endangered species, and how the NRDC is fighting that move in court. Then, Brad interviews Jack Hanna, Advisor for the Coalition for the National Infrastructure Bank. Jack details where the idea for a national infrastructure bank came from, the two other times it's been used in American history, why it's so badly needed, and how it could create 25 million U.S. jobs over ten years. The website for the NRDC is www.NRDC.org and the website for the Coalition for the National Infrastructure Bank is www.nibcoalition.com. Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' You can read his new Substack called, 'The Bannon Ballot Blast,' at www.bradbannon.substack.com. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

Trump Rehashes 2020 Election as U.S. Soldiers Die | The Karel Cast Donald Trump used a Thursday night Oval Office address to revisit the 2020 election—again—even as American soldiers die overseas and families at home struggle with soaring grocery bills, gas prices, extreme heat and dangerous air quality. While the nation faces urgent crises, Trump is heading to a FIFA match. Karel examines the priorities, politics and human cost behind this troubling moment. Also in today's episode: California steps in to help rescue Lake Mead. The Odyssey is driving the right-wing outrage machine wild—but Karel hasn't seen it yet, for a reason that may surprise you. The Tate brothers are headed to jail, raising an unexpectedly urgent cultural question: Are capri pants manly? Watch for sharp political analysis, LGBTQ+ perspectives, cultural commentary and Karel's signature unfiltered humor. Support The Karel Cast: https://reallykarel.com Watch, like and subscribe: youtube.com/reallykarel The Karel Cast streams live Monday through Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Pacific and is available through Apple Podcasts, iHeartRadio, Spotify, Spreaker, TikTok and Instagram. Karel is a history-making broadcaster and entertainer based in Las Vegas with his beloved service dog, Ember. #Trump, #DonaldTrump, #TrumpNews, #BreakingNews, #PoliticalNews, #USPolitics, #AmericanPolitics, #2020Election, #ElectionDenial, #OvalOffice, #USMilitary, #AmericanSoldiers, #WarNews, #FIFA, #CostOfLiving, #GroceryPrices, #GasPrices, #ExtremeHeat, #AirQuality, #ClimateCrisis, #LakeMead, #CaliforniaNews, #TheOdyssey, #TateBrothers, #LGBTQVoices, #PoliticalCommentary, #ProgressiveNews, #TheKarelCast, #ReallyKarel, #Karel https://youtube.com/live/aJrKrenmBBM

'BradCast' 7/16/2026 (Energy and Interior Chiefs Beclown Selves for Trump, Fossil Fuel Industry as American Chokes, Drowns, Burns) by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 7/16/2026 by Progressive Voices

'BradCast' 7/15/2026 (Is Voice of America Being Unlawfully Used for Propaganda? Guest: Former VOA White House Chief Steve Herman) by Progressive Voices

LGBTQ Rights Under Attack? Senegal, Trinidad, Trump & Hollywood | This Gay Week From Washington, D.C. to Senegal and Trinidad & Tobago, LGBTQ rights are facing renewed challenges around the world. Join Karel and Scott Jacobsen of The Good Men Project, reporting from Ukraine, for another lively edition of This Gay Week—where serious news meets sharp conversation and a little Hollywood fun. This week we cover:

Is AI Already Biased? Who's Really Programming Your Future? | The Karel Cast Yesterday Is AI Already Biased? Who's Really Programming Your Future? | The Karel Cast Can artificial intelligence ever be truly neutral, or is it already reflecting the beliefs, priorities, and agendas of the people and governments building it? AI is growing at an astonishing pace, but someone is teaching it how to think. Tech companies, programmers, regulators, and now governments are all helping shape the future of artificial intelligence. As AI becomes more deeply connected to politics, business, and society, one question becomes impossible to ignore: Can we trust AI to be objective? Today, Karel explores how AI is trained, why bias may be unavoidable, and whether artificial intelligence is becoming the world's most powerful influence—or simply another reflection of human flaws. Also on today's show:

This time on Code WACK! In the United States, as many as 30 million people are affected by eating disorders, including many children and adolescents, according to Johns Hopkins Medicine. Eating disorders are serious mental health conditions that affect both mental and physical health. How well does our corporate healthcare system respond to illnesses as complex as eating disorders? What happens when an insurance company decides treatment is costing too much, and pressures a patient to go home? Can your insurer really cut off coverage? And what if that decision turns out to be not just wrong, but catastrophic? This is part one of a two-part episode. 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.