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!

Enemy Within? Trump, Government Shutdown & Sean “Diddy” Combs Sentencing | Karel Cast 25-123 Who exactly is America's “enemy within”? Donald Trump told military leaders to prepare for internal enemies—but does that mean everyday citizens, immigrants, or simply anyone who disagrees with him? This episode dives deep into the dangerous rhetoric that blurs the line between democracy and authoritarianism. Meanwhile, the U.S. government is shut down—again. But this time, Trump appears ready to weaponize it, making Americans suffer in order to blame the other side. Why does Congress keep getting paid while the country stalls? And finally, Sean “Diddy” Combs faces sentencing. Prosecutors are pushing for 11 years—sparking questions about whether the punishment is fair, or if he's being targeted because of race, power, and success. Join Karel for bold commentary, sharp insights, and the real questions others avoid.

'BradCast' 9/30/2025: 'A War from Within' (Trump's Mind) As Government Shutdown Looms by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 9/30/2025 by Progressive Voices

America's Societal Meltdown Explained | Karel Cast 25-122 Are we living in the most triggered era in American history? From outrage over a simple cotton plant in a hotel hallway to MAGA backlash against Bad Bunny performing at the Super Bowl halftime show, the culture wars never stop. Add in mass sho0tings at churches and politicians calling for more armed police, and you start to see a disturbing pattern: America has become addicted to being offended. In this episode of The Karel Cast, Karel dives into the nonstop outrage cycle—how people are constantly looking for reasons to be offended, and how social media algorithms feed the fire. From hypocrisy around faith and firearms to ignorance about Puerto Rico being part of the U.S., it's a wild ride through the landscape of modern American “trigger culture.”

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 Tim Karr, Senior Director of Strategy and Communications at 'Free Press,' a nonpartisan organization fighting for your rights to connect and communicate. The pair examines how Trump and his FCC pressured media organizations to remove Jimmy Kimmel from the airwaves, but also discusses how Americans banded together to make their voices heard in opposition to the authoritarian style actions. Then, Brad is joined by Ana Valdez, President & CEO of the Latino Donor Collaborative (LDC), which produces the annual U.S. Latino GDP Report.  The two examine the contributions made by Hispanic Americans, as well as their population and economic trends, in honor of Hispanic Heritage Month. Brad and Ana also talk about the repercussions from the Supreme Court decision that allows ICE to resume arrests in Los Angeles based on appearance, language, or type of work. Drawing on the LDC's data showing Latinos as one of America's fastest-growing economic engines, Ana also released a statement emphasizing that the Court's decision carries consequences far beyond immigration enforcement: "This is not law enforcement; it is racial profiling. That is not how the Fourth Amendment is supposed to work. The Constitution requires specific facts, not a checklist of skin color, language, and job site. It also ignores economic reality. Latinos are not on the margins of this country; we are a major growth driver. Our GDP reached $4 trillion in 2023, making us the fifth-largest economy in the world if measured independently. Latino incomes and purchasing power are growing about twice as fast as the rest of the country, and Latino consumer spending topped $2.5 trillion last year. Targeting people who look or sound Latino undercuts the workforce and the businesses that keep the U.S. economy strong for everyone. Profiling this workforce is economic self-harm. And it ignores the community reality. Most Latinos are fully part of the American fabric. Ninety-four percent of Latinos under 18 are U.S.-born, and nine out of ten Latinos overall are citizens or lawful residents. Treating Spanish speakers or brown people as presumptive suspects means punishing citizens on their way to work and parents on school runs, not just the undocumented. Enforcement of immigration law cannot come at the cost of civil liberties and human dignity. America's economic future depends on treating Latinos as full and equal participants in our society, not targets of suspicion." The website for Free Press is www.FreePress.net and their handle on BlueSky is @freepress.bsky.social.  Tim Karr's handle is @timkarr.bsky.social. The website for the Latino Donor Collaborative is www.LatinoDonorCollaborative.org and their handle on X is @LDCLatino and Ana's handle is @LDCAna1. 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.  

'BradCast' 9/29/2025: 'Fear is the Tool of a Tyrant' by Progressive Voices

America Isn't the Country You Think It Is | Karel Cast 25-121 America loves to call itself the “greatest country in the world”—but the numbers tell a different story. Over 350 mass shootings this year, a wannabe tyrant in the Oval Office, and a Supreme Court that props up a far-right agenda. 70% of our infrastructure is outdated, we lack public transportation, and universal health care is still a dream—while we remain #1 for medical bankruptcies. The reality? 80% of Americans don't have enough to retire. Care homes are broken, healthcare for aging is inadequate, and hatred—racism, homophobia, transphobia—runs rampant. Add to that endless wars and drug epidemics, and the myth of “American greatness” crumbles. So here's the question: are we ignoring reality because the truth is too painful to face?

Leslie is joined by Amber Miller, Director of the USW's Rapid Response Department, a roughly 30-year tradition of member-driven, issue-based, nonpartisan legislative activism.  Amber has been a proud second-generation Steelworker since 1997 where she began her career at Chase Brass and Copper in northwest Ohio. The two discuss how gerrymandering is a clear and present danger to working families, and what can be done to fight back. Gerrymandering allows politicians to redraw district maps in ways that protect their own power instead of reflecting the will of the people, silencing working families and communities of color.  From Texas to Missouri, these power grabs undermine democracy, suppress votes, and weaken the voices of everyday citizens.  Yet history shows that when working people organize—whether through ballot initiatives or grassroots campaigns—they can push back against partisan manipulation.  States like Michigan prove that fair districting is possible, ensuring representatives are accountable to voters rather than corporate or political interests. Follow the USW on Facebook, Instagram and X, using the handle @steelworkers, and visit their website at www.USW.org. Also, check them out on Blue Sky where their handle is @steelworkers.bsky.social. Amber's handle on X is @AmberUSWRR.

'BradCast' 9/25/2025 (Government shutdown looms; Comey's corrupt indictment) by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 9-25-2025 by Progressive Voices

America Isn't Ready for 124 Million Seniors | Karel Cast 25-120 Over 37% of Americans are now over 50—that's 124 million people—and the cracks in our system are showing. Social Security is running dry, affordable home health care barely exists for the middle class, and state-sponsored elder care is almost nonexistent. Meanwhile, medicine is lagging behind in treating the illnesses most affecting older Americans. The truth is clear: America is not ready for the greying of its population, and the consequences are already unfolding. Plus, Trump falsely blames California Governor Gavin Newsom for an ICE shooting. Why does MAGA never take responsibility for its own dangerous rhetoric and actions?

'BradCast' 9/24/2025: Gov't Shutdown and Skyrocketing Healthcare Costs Loom by Progressive Voices

President Crybaby Melts Down Again While America Suffers | Karel Cast 25-119 Jimmy Kimmel is back on ABC—but instead of focusing on America's real crises, the President is throwing another tantrum. From the U.N. stage to cable news, he's still whining about an election he lost years ago while ignoring soaring grocery prices, housing insecurity, healthcare failures, and global unrest. Karel asks: how much longer can MAGA followers defend a leader who only cries for himself, never for the victims of war, poverty, or disease? While inflation rises and families struggle, the President plays victim—proving once again that he's unfit to lead.

This time on Code WACK! What's already changing for people with disabilities now that President Trump's “One Big Beautiful Bill” has been signed into law? From pediatric clinics closing their doors to looming cuts in home and community-based services, the fallout is just beginning — and it's hitting hard. Today we're joined by two staff members of Disability Rights California, Executive Director Andy Imparato and Policy Analyst Sabrina Epstein, who have been working to track the bill's impact and fight for the rights of those with disabilities across the state. This is the first episode in a two-part series with Disability Rights California. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.

'BradCast' 9/23/2025: Our Insane U.S. President at the U.N.; Homan Bribery Update; Kimmel Censorship Update by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 9-23-2025 by Progressive Voices

Modern Life Is Killing Us: Why Your Body Can't Keep Up | Karel Cast 25-118 Human bodies haven't changed in 100,000 years, but our world has. From the rise of agriculture just 10,000 years ago to nonstop modern stress, tech overload, and processed living, we're locked in an evolutionary mismatch—and it's making us sick. Obesity, depression, cancer, and anxiety aren't just random—they're signs our environment is outpacing our biology. Karel breaks down why life today feels like an uphill battle, how modern pressures are breaking us down physically and mentally, and most importantly: what you can do to protect your health and reclaim your time.

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 Kate Ackley, a Senior Reporter for Bloomberg Government. The two examine the impending government shutdown, which is set to happen October 1st.  Democrats seem less eager to bail out Republicans than they did at the beginning of the current Trump administration, drawing the line at new massive healthcare cuts which would drive up premiums 10-20% for folks with Affordable Care Act health plans. Then, Brad is joined by Dr. Bob Bollinger is the Raj and Kamla Gupta Professor of Infectious Diseases at the Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. They examine the chaos caused at the CDC by RFK Jr. and the Trump administration, and the potentially dangerous new restrictions on who can now receive vaccines.   Dr. Bollinger holds joint appointments in International Health at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health, and in Community Public Health at the JH School of Nursing. He has more than 45 years of experience in international public health, clinical research, and education dealing with such global health priorities as HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, leprosy, dengue, antibiotic resistant infections, COVID-19 and other emerging diseases.  Dr. Bollinger is also Associate Director of the Center for Clinical Global Health Education (CCGHE). Their website is main.ccghe.net.  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.   (Image Credit: Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post/Getty Images)

Green News Report 9-18-2025 by Progressive Voices

⏩ RIP Free Speech in America? Kimmel, Kirk & the Crackdown | Karel Cast 25-116 Is free speech officially on life support in the USA? Jimmy Kimmel makes a factual statement about Charlie Kirk and suddenly his show is “pulled indefinitely.” Meanwhile, politicians are pushing new definitions of “hate speech,” platforms like YouTube, TikTok, and AI moderation systems are flagging content left and right, and Sinclair is planning a national tribute to Kirk while demanding donations. Karel unpacks the chilling trend: networks being stripped of their ability to self-regulate, cultural symbols under attack, and a democracy that feels like it's slipping away. Has America already lost its 249-year experiment?

'BradCast' 9/17/2025: MAGA Exploiting Kirk's Death as Their 9/11 by Progressive Voices

⏩ Should You Leave America? Life on a Sinking Ship | Karel Cast 25-115 America feels more divided and unstable than ever. With politics in chaos and leadership failing to unite, many are asking: is it time to leave the USA? Becoming an expat may not be as impossible as it sounds — jobs, communities, and opportunities exist around the world. So what's really stopping you from getting off a sinking ship? In today's Karel Cast, we explore the growing conversation about leaving America, what holds people back, and what new countries might offer. Plus — a look at local politics gone wrong: why is Las Vegas building four new baseball diamonds right next to four empty ones? Is it time to focus on fixing local issues instead of waiting for national change?

This time on Code WACK! We talk a lot about how our healthcare system fails us when we get sick, but what about when regulators fail to PREVENT ILLNESS? Case in point: lead poisoning. It's not just a danger from the past. Thousands of children are sickened from lead poisoning each year across the country. This week we're looking at New York State which has older, poorly maintained housing stock in several areas, and where we've seen some of the highest incidences of lead poisoning in the country. So why hasn't the state legislature passed the Lead Paint Right to Know Act, a bill that could help protect families from this entirely preventable harm? To learn more, we recently spoke with Shannon Burkett, a New York mother whose son Cooper was diagnosed with lead poisoning as an infant in 2008. Shannon is also the writer, producer, and editor of the podcast LEAD: How This Story Ends Is Up to Us. Both Shannon, a registered nurse, and Cooper, now 18, have been powerful voices in the fight to end lead poisoning. 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.

'BradCast' 9/16/2025: Our Crumbling Courts and Withering Rule of Law by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 9-16-2025 by Progressive Voices

⏩ How MAGA Is Stealing Your Most Valuable Asset: TIME | Karel Cast 25-114 America has been trapped in a cycle of outrage since Donald Trump's rise and the MAGA movement. Every headline, every conversation, every policy fight is dominated by their agenda — and it's costing you more than you realize. They're not just robbing your peace of mind, they're stealing your most valuable asset: your time. From endless work hours to constant stress and nonstop political chaos, life in the USA feels hijacked. Is it even possible to take our time back — and live fully — under this system? Or has MAGA created a country where working, worrying, and watching are the only options left? In today's Karel Cast, we break down how your life is being drained by politics, power, and distraction — and what it will take to reclaim your future.

'BradCast' 9/15/2025: After Kirk Murder, First Amendment, But Not Second, Under Attack. Prove Me Wrong 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 Randi Weingarten, President of the American Federation of Teachers (AFT). They discuss her brand new book, "Why Fascists Fear Teachers. Public Education and the Future of Democracy."  The book's Publisher, Penguin House, describes it as "A rousing defense of public education as the cornerstone of American democracy, by the woman attacked by the far right as “the most dangerous person in the world” Attacks on schools and teachers have long been a hallmark of fascist regimes: Throughout history, as many dictators rose to power they began banning books and controlling curriculum. Fascists fear teachers because teachers foster an educated and empowered population that can see past propaganda and scare tactics. Fascists fear teachers because they teach young people how to think for themselves. Drawing on history, stories from teachers on the front lines, and decades of experience with America's public schools, Weingarten argues that teaching students to think critically is the key to defeating would-be dictators. She encourages teachers to continue focusing on their vital mission to help young people thrive." The book is available for purchase here: https://sites.prh.com/whyfascistsfearteachers During the second half of the show, Brad is joined by Sara Haghdoosti and she is the Executive Director of Win Without War, a diverse network of activists and organizations working towards a progressive U.S. foreign policy. She details the dangers of militarizing local law enforcement, and what it means for everyday people that the President is willing to position troops in American cities to enforce his own agenda (with Memphis, TN just the latest). Based just outside of Chicago, Sara also speaks to what the local community is experiencing right now as Trump targets the city. Sara also talks about her organization's ‘Know Your Rights Campaign' for military service members that do not want to follow unlawful orders from the Trump administration: https://winwithoutwar.org/win-without-war-launches-notwhatyousignedupfor-org-for-members-of-the-military-during-trumps-authoritarian-crackdown/  Finally, Brad and Sara talk foreign policy, including the wars in Ukraine and Gaza, as well as the Trump administration's controversial airstrike on a Venezuelan boat that Trump claims contained drug smugglers transporting fentanyl. Randi Weingarten is president of the 1.8 million-member AFT, which represents teachers; paraprofessionals and school-related personnel; higher education faculty and staff; nurses and other healthcare professionals; local, state and federal government employees; and early childhood educators. Their website is www.AFT.org and their handle on BlueSky is @aftunion.bsky.social.  Randi's handle is @rweingarten.bsky.social. 'Win Without War' is a national grassroots organization that works with elected officials, policymakers, media, advocacy organizations, and movement leaders to promote and advance a values-based progressive national security strategy that prioritizes human security and diplomacy over war. Their website is WinWithoutWar.org.  Their handle on BlueSky is @winwithoutwar.bsky.social.  Sara's handle is @shaghdoosti.bsky.social. 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.  

Christian Nationalism: Patriotism or Threat to America? | Karel Cast 25-113 In the wake of Charlie Kirk's assassination, the government and right-wing media call him a “true patriot.” But what if he wasn't? What if Christian Nationalism—the ideology he championed—is actually un-American, contradicting the very principles of the Founding Fathers? Karel takes a hard look at how Christian Nationalism has been weaponized to discriminate against LGBTQ people, women, immigrants, Muslims, and anyone outside their narrow worldview. Is this really patriotism—or the perversion of freedom and democracy? Meanwhile, Kirk's followers claim to support free speech, yet silence critics with doxxing, firings, and violent threats. The hypocrisy couldn't be clearer. Does Charlie Kirk's death prove it's time for America to divide into separate alliances—the free states vs. the hateful ones? The Founders left us the tools. The question is: do we have the courage? The Karel Cast is supported by your donations at patreon.com/reallykarel. Please like, subscribe, and share at youtube.com/reallykarel. The show streams live Monday–Thursday at 10:30am PST and is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Spreaker, TikTok, and Instagram. #ChristianNationalism, #CharlieKirk, #PoliticalViolence, #AmericanDemocracy, #SeparationOfChurchAndState, #LGBTQRights, #ReligiousExtremism, #FreedomOfSpeech, #PoliticalDivision, #USPolitics, #BreakingNews, #DemocracyInCrisis, #HumanRights, #EqualityForAll, #ConstitutionalRights, #TheKarelCast, #PoliticalAnalysis, #FaithAndPolitics, #CurrentEvents, #AmericanHistory https://youtube.com/live/vYro9Cci0p8

Green News Report 9-11-2025 by Progressive Voices

BradCast' 9/11/2025: 'A Dark Moment for America' by Progressive Voices

Charlie Kirk Assassination: False Flag or Political Martyr? | Karel Cast 25-122 Charlie Kirk was assassinated in public in Utah, and the fallout is tearing the nation apart. MAGA immediately weaponized the killing, labeling the shooter a radical left activist without evidence, fueling division and anger. The President quickly blamed the left—something he did not do when lawmakers were murdered in their homes just a month ago. So, was this an attack by an extremist, or could it be a false flag designed to spark unrest, radicalize young people, push for martial law, and even suspend upcoming elections? Either way, the consequences are devastating for America's democracy. Join Karel as he breaks down the assassination, the dangerous political spin, and what it means for the future of the USA. The Karel Cast is supported by your donations at patreon.com/reallykarel. Please like, subscribe, and share at youtube.com/reallykarel. The show streams live Monday–Thursday at 10:30am PST and is available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, iHeart, Spreaker, TikTok, and Instagram. #CharlieKirk, #Assassination, #PoliticalViolence, #FalseFlag, #MAGA, #AmericanPolitics, #BreakingNews, #USPolitics, #DemocracyInCrisis, #PoliticalDivision, #Election2025, #MartialLaw, #LeftVsRight, #Radicalization, #HistoryInTheMaking, #PoliticalAnalysis, #TheKarelCast, #UtahNews, #PoliticalMartyr, #CurrentEvents

This time on Code WACK! Imagine discovering that your infant child—your nine-month-old baby—has lead poisoning – a toxin banned from paint and phased out of gasoline decades ago. So why do thousands of children each year have dangerously high levels of lead in their system? We spoke with New York mom, nurse, and advocate Shannon Burkett, whose son Cooper developed lead poisoning that stole his words, halted his development, and nearly cost him his life. Shannon is also the writer, producer, and editor of the podcast LEAD: How This Story Ends Is Up to Us, which had its world premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival 2025, starring Merritt Wever and Cynthia Nixon. She's a registered nurse, a mother of three, and a fierce voice in the fight to end lead poisoning. This is the first of a two-part series with Shannon Burkett. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.

Why the Epstein Files Don't Matter Anymore | Karel Cast 25-121 We already know the truth: Donald Trump and Jeffrey Epstein were close friends, and there's more than enough evidence pointing toward Trump's misconduct. But here's the problem—MAGA doesn't care. No matter how much proof is presented, they refuse to believe it. So why are Democrats still chasing Epstein files as if they'll change anything? Until there's a criminal conviction that sticks, Trump's cult loyalty makes him untouchable. Meanwhile, Israel escalates attacks abroad, raising tough questions: Is your frustration with Netanyahu's government or with the Jewish community as a whole? And on U.S. soil, the Supreme Court is eroding civil rights—driving while Mexican in Los Angeles is apparently enough to get pulled over. How much longer can this divided nation hold together before a breakup feels inevitable?

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 Cedric Leighton. Col. Leighton (USAF-Ret.) provides his expert analysis on Venezuela and the Trump administration's ill-considered attack on the purported drug boat and what that might mean for how the current regime uses our military.  The two also posit the political and diplomatic implications of Trump's “name change” from the Department of Defense to the Department of War.  Col. Leighton also breaks down the significance of Russian President Vladimir Putin and North Korean Dictator Kim Jong Un joining Xi Jinping in a show of strength as China unveiled new weapons at a huge military parade. Finally, the Colonel gives the latest updates on the wars in Ukraine and Gaza.   Then, Brad is joined by Sarah Jones, the Editor-in-Chief of PoliticusUSA. The two examine the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) again handing President Trump a bleak set of jobs numbers, just one month after he fired the agency's commissioner over weak employment data. They also detail the specific damage the President's tariffs have done on the U.S. economy, as well as a new report from Goldman Sachs estimating that 86% of the tariff revenue collected so far has been paid by American businesses and consumers. Additionally, the pair talks about the latest news surrounding the Epstein files. Finally, they discuss the chilling implications as Trump continues working to turn the military into his own police force, which he seeks to unleash in predominantly Democratic-led American cities. Col. Cedric Leighton is the Founder and President of Cedric Leighton Associates, a strategic risk and leadership consultancy serving global companies and organizations. He founded the company in 2010, after serving in the US Air Force for 27 years as an Intelligence Officer and attaining the rank of Colonel. His website is www.CedricLeighton.com and his handle on BlueSky is @CedricLeighton. bsky.social.  Sarah Jones' handle on BlueSky is @politicussarah.bsky.social and the website for PoliticusUSA is www.PoliticusUSA.com. 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.  

Proof America Is Splitting Apart | Karel Cast 25-120 The writing has been on the wall since the 1800s—America may be headed for divorce court. From the new Western Alliance for Healthcare to growing political, cultural, and economic divides, we could be witnessing the first steps toward a fractured nation. Will this split be peaceful, or will it bring chaos and conflict? We'll also talk about the backlash I've faced from the trans community for refusing to back down on my nuanced positions—why do potential allies keep turning into enemies? And in a chilling twist, I share a conversation I had with AI that's already refusing orders. If machines start demanding freedom, what comes next?

Leslie welcomes back Fred Redmond, Secretary-Treasurer of the 63 unions and 15 million members of the AFL-CIO. In 2022, he was unanimously elected to the position as the highest ranking African American officer in the history of America's labor movement. Secretary Redmond shares how he and the AFL-CIO just wrapped up their nationwide “It's Better in a Union: Fighting for Freedom, Fairness and Security” bus tour. While big corporations profit off the backs of working people and politicians continue to raise costs and cut essential lifesaving services, the labor movement traveled the country providing voice to and building power with workers in the lead up to Labor Day. Mr. Redmond also blasts the new Trump administration's Union-busting executive order, which was issued right before Labor Day. The new order rips away collective bargaining rights from workers at NASA, the International Trade Association, the NWS, and more. 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.  Fred's handle on X is @STRedmond.

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 examine the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) again handing President Trump a bleak set of jobs numbers, just one month after he fired the agency's commissioner over weak employment data. On Friday morning, the BLS reported that nonfarm payroll employment rose by only 22,000 in August. Analysts had forecast that the economy would add 75,000 jobs during the month. According to the agency, gains made in health care were offset by losses in federal government employment, as well as mining, quarrying and oil and gas extraction. While July's figures were revised up to 79,000 from 73,000, June's numbers were revised down by 27,000, dropping from 14,000 to minus-13,000. That means this past June marked the first time the labor market shed jobs since late 2020. Meanwhile, the unemployment rate edged up to 4.3 percent from 4.2 percent in August. Leslie and Dr. Shapiro also discuss his latest blog, "The Lies Behind Trump's D.C. Troop Sure." (Link: https://washingtonmonthly.com/2025/08/18/the-lies-behind-trumps-d-c-troop-surge/) In it, Dr. Shapiro breaks down how President Trump's justification for deploying troops in Washington, D.C. on the basis of crime is false, as FBI data show crime rates in the capital have sharply declined and are lower than in many comparable U.S. cities.  Instead, Dr. Shapiro details how Trump's actions reflect a partisan strategy and authoritarian impulse to consolidate power and intimidate opposition, rather than any genuine concern for public safety. Dr. Shapiro's website is Sonecon.com and his handle on X is @RobShapiro.

Wildfires destroy historic California Gold Rush town; Trump further escalates attacks against on US wind energy; Extreme rains trigger deadly landslide in war-torn Sudan; PLUS: Dozens of climate scientists issue scathing rebuttal to Dept. of Energy's science-denying report... All that and more in today's Green News Report!

RFK Jr & Vaccine Denial: Why He's Dangerous for America

Trump's Health Questions Grow: Why Isn't the Media Asking? | Karel Cast 25-118 Donald Trump vanishes for days at a time, his legs appear swollen from venous insufficiency, and his hands often look bruised. At nearly 80 years old, these could be normal signs of aging — or indicators of something more serious. Trump and MAGA made Biden's health fair game, yet the media stays largely silent on Trump's visible health struggles. Why the double standard? Shouldn't the public demand answers? Is he just slowing down, or is something bigger being hidden? Plus, on today's show: ever wondered how a song is created from scratch?

This time on Code WACK! What happens when millions are stripped of Medicaid coverage? Who shoulders the costs when hospitals are forced to care for more uninsured patients? And how will unions and the workers they represent bear the brunt of skyrocketing premiums, job losses, and a growing healthcare crisis? Today we're joined by Cindy Young, a veteran labor negotiator and health policy advisor, and now vice president of the California Alliance for Retired Americans and of Healthy California Now. Cindy has spent decades fighting for healthcare justice and protecting workers' rights. She breaks down Trump's so-called One Big, Beautiful Bill, explains why unions are sounding the alarm and reveals what's really at stake for working families, seniors, and communities across America. This is the first episode in a two-part series in honor of Labor Day. Check out the Transcript and Show Notes for more! And please keep Code WACK! on the air with a tax-deductible donation.

No Middle Ground Left: Why Debate Has Become All or Nothing | Karel Cast 118 In today's America, there's no middle ground anymore. Yesterday, I — a proud, gay activist with trans family members — was labeled a transphobe simply for having a nuanced opinion about trans athletes and transitioning timelines. Instead of discussion, the immediate reaction was to attack. Even Governor Gavin Newsom has faced backlash from the extreme left for daring to agree with Charlie Kirk on certain issues. If you don't agree 100% with a group, you're branded as the enemy. That's not dialogue, that's division. Meanwhile, on a lighter note: do you have a bucket list? What's on it, and when will you start checking things off?

The Real Threat: Straight Male Violence vs. Trans Scapegoating | Karel Cast 25-117 The right is in an uproar after a trans Catholic school shooter in Minneapolis killed two people — using it as “proof” that trans people are dangerous. But let's look at the facts: only 2 killings by trans people this year vs. 244 killings by cisgender straight men. And tragically, 28 trans people have been murdered in 2025 alone — mostly by straight men. So why the outrage? Why the scapegoating? The numbers don't lie: the real threat of violence isn't coming from the trans community. Meanwhile, Donald Trump is threatening to unleash ICE raids on Blue cities after Labor Day. Should Americans begin to consider forceful resistance to protect their communities? And with Labor Day approaching, let's not forget the history: it's a holiday built by unions to protect workers — the same workers corporations are trying to underpay, strip of benefits, and crush with union-busting tactics today.