Progressive Voices

This time on Code WACK! As of spring 2026, enhanced Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies have not been extended. Without congressional action, millions of Americans could face significantly higher premiums—or lose coverage altogether. Around 22 million people receive ACA premium subsidies, many of whom benefited from pandemic-era enhancements. If those aren’t restored, affordability for individuals buying their own coverage will take a major hit. Meanwhile, health care costs are rising across the board. Employer-sponsored insurance premiums have seen some of the largest increases in over a decade, shifting more costs to workers through higher premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket expenses. Medicare premiums are also climbing, adding pressure on older adults. As coverage becomes less affordable, many people delay care, skip medications, or make tough financial tradeoffs just to get by. So what options do people have? Today, we revisit a timely 2025 conversation with Rachel Madley, executive director at the Center for Health and Democracy and former advisor to Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal. 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' 5/12/2026: California Offshore Oil Rig Fire Previews Trump's Next Huge Failure by Progressive Voices

In this episode, Leslie speaks with AFL-CIO Secretary-Treasurer Fred Redmond about a Supreme Court ruling the labor movement is calling a dangerous setback for voting rights and working people. Fred explains why the AFL-CIO sees the decision as part of a broader effort to weaken the political power of working Americans—especially Black, Latino, and Native communities—and how attacks on voting rights are deeply connected to issues like wages, workplace protections, union strength, and economic fairness. The conversation also explores the historic connection between the labor movement and the civil rights movement, why many Americans feel democracy is becoming less responsive to ordinary people, and what organized labor plans to do next in response. It’s a powerful discussion about democracy, representation, and why the fight for voting rights remains central to the fight for workers’ rights. The website for the AFL-CIO is AFLCIO.org and their handle on Blue Sky is @AFLCIO. Their handle on Facebook, Instagram and X is @AFLCIO. Fred's handle on X is @STRedmond.

Green News Report 5/12/2026 by Progressive Voices

Trump’s Food Stamp Cuts Are Leaving Americans STARVING | Arizona Crisis Spreads Nationwide From https://www.nbcnews.com/news/us-news/trump-food-stamp-cuts-children-arizona-hungry-big-beautiful-bill-rcna343922 Children and families in Arizona are going hungry — and many say Donald Trump’s policies are to blame. Food stamp cuts, rising costs, and corporate greed are pushing working Americans to the edge while billionaires continue collecting tax breaks and corporate welfare. If this can happen in Arizona, your state could be next. In this episode of The Karel Show, heartbreaking stories reveal the real human cost of SNAP and food assistance cuts, and why millions of Americans are one emergency away from disaster. Why are we allowing this in the richest country on Earth? Plus, real estate expert David Etheridge from Keller Williams Orlando joins the show to discuss whether NOW is the right time to buy a house, how Iran tensions could impact the economy and housing market, mortgage fears, interest rates, and what buyers and sellers should expect next. Also, new developments in Savannah Guthrie’s mother’s case may finally bring answers. What did investigators discover, and why does it feel like we already know how this story ends? 🔥 Watch until the end and join the conversation in the comments. 💙 Support independent media and The Karel Show at Patreon: patreon.com/reallykarel 📺 Subscribe on YouTube: youtube.com/reallykarel 🎙️ Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker and all major streaming platforms. 📍Broadcasting from Las Vegas with Ember, America’s favorite little service girl. #DonaldTrump,#FoodStamps,#SNAPBenefits,#Arizona,#Poverty,#BreakingNews,#Politics,#TheKarelShow,#TrumpCuts,#HungerCrisis,#CorporateGreed,#EconomicCollapse,#MiddleClass,#FoodInsecurity,#America,#Republicans,#Democrats,#CurrentEvents,#News,#PoliticalCommentary,#HousingMarket,#RealEstate,#MortgageRates,#Inflation,#SavannahGuthrie,#IndependentMedia,#LasVegas,#Podcast,#YouTubeNews,#EmberDoes_Vegas, #LGBTQ, #vegan https://youtube.com/live/awjqD7FGcHI

'BradCast' 5/11/2026: VA Supremes Nix Special Election Results, New U.S. House Map in Huge Gift to Voting Rigging GOP by Progressive Voices

One Casualty of the Trump Era: America Is Losing Its Inspiration Has America lost its ability to dream, create, and feel inspired? This week on The Karel Show, Karel shares a deeply personal realization after spending hours in a camera store for the first time in nearly 50 years. What started as a search for a new camera became something much bigger: a conversation about creativity, burnout, fear, politics, and why so many Americans are desperate to reconnect with inspiration again. A 70-year-old woman searching for a camera to reignite her love of night photography. Musicians upgrading studios to create again. Artists trying to unplug from endless chaos, war, inflation, and division. The message was everywhere: People are exhausted by survival mode and want their lives back. In this episode: * Why inspiration is becoming one of the biggest casualties of modern America * The emotional toll of nonstop politics, war, and economic anxiety * How rising prices and uncertainty are crushing creativity * Why people are searching for hobbies, art, music, photography, and meaning again * UK voters send a warning shot to leadership as global frustration grows * Iran, Ukraine, Putin, Trump, and the nonstop pressure of the modern news cycle Plus: Why creating art may now be an act of resistance. 👇 Comment below: What inspires YOU right now — and what’s stealing your joy? ⸻ 🎙️ The Karel Show streams Monday–Thursday LIVE at 10:30 AM PST ▶ https://youtube.com/reallykarel ❤️ Support the show: https://patreon.com/reallykarel Available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker, TikTok & Instagram. Karel is a history-making broadcaster, entertainer, and cultural commentator broadcasting from Las Vegas. #TheKarelShow, #Inspiration, #Creativity, #Photography, #FujiFilm, #SonyRX100, #MentalHealth, #Politics, #Trump, #Inflation, #GasPrices, #EconomicAnxiety, #UkraineWar, #IranWar, #Artists, #CreativeLife, #Podcast, #CurrentEvents, #NewsCommentary, #Burnout, #Hope, #PhotographyLife, #CreateAgain, #LifeIn2026, #AmericanCulture, #IndependentMedia, #PoliticalCommentary, #CreativeInspiration, #PhotographyCommunity, #CultureWars, #LGBTQ, #LasVegas, #KarelShow https://youtube.com/live/DBDsTNKpHBk

Is Europe becoming more accepting while America becomes more divided? 26-74 This week on The Karel Show, Karel is joined live from Ukraine by journalist Scott Jacobson to break down the biggest LGBTQ stories happening around the world—and the contrast between progress abroad and culture wars in the United States is impossible to ignore. In this episode: * 🇭🇺 Hungary voters overwhelmingly support LGBTQ protections — will the government listen? * 🇮🇪 Northern Ireland confronts the truth about how anti-LGBTQ “moral panic” reshaped society in the 1950s and 60s * 🇺🇸 The DOJ reportedly seeks lawyers aligned with anti-trans policies as the culture war escalates in America * What does this growing political rhetoric mean for LGBTQ people moving forward? Plus: * Why history matters more than ever * How fear and division are being weaponized politically * And why the global LGBTQ conversation is changing rapidly 👇 Sound off below: Do you think America is moving forward—or backward—on LGBTQ rights? ⸻ 🎙 Watch & Support The Karel Show ▶ https://youtube.com/reallykarel ❤️ https://patreon.com/reallykarel 📡 Streaming everywhere: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker 📅 LIVE Monday–Thursday at 10:30 AM PST Karel is a history-making broadcaster delivering bold, unfiltered commentary on politics, LGBTQ issues, culture, and current events—broadcasting from Las Vegas with his companion Ember. #LGBTQ, #GayRights, #TransRights, #ThisGayWeek, #Hungary, #NorthernIreland, #Ukraine, #ScottJacobson, #LGBTQNews, #Equality, #HumanRights, #Politics, #CurrentEvents, #Trump, #DOJ, #CultureWars, #Pride, #LGBTQCommunity, #Gay, #Lesbian, #Trans, #QueerVoices, #Progress, #CivilRights, #NewsCommentary, #TheKarelShow, #PoliticalCommentary, #GlobalNews, #HistoryMatters, #TruthMatters https://youtu.be/xs6d1UzBhfA

'BradCast' 5/7/2026: GOP Seeks Immunity for Big Oil; White South Rising Again After SCOTUS Ruling by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 5/7/2026 by Progressive Voices

Will Iran, Inflation & Extreme Heat Destroy Summer 2026? | America’s New Travel Crisis Summer 2026 is almost here… but instead of vacations, road trips, and backyard BBQs, Americans are facing soaring gas prices, expensive hotels, dangerous heat, and growing anxiety about travel. Is the Iran conflict about to ruin summer for millions of people? In this episode of The Karel Show, Karel breaks down: * How rising oil prices tied to Iran are impacting summer travel * Why many Americans may skip vacations altogether * The growing divide between wealthy travelers and everyone else * Extreme heat, climate fears, and health concerns across the West * Why the “K-shaped economy” is becoming impossible to ignore Plus: * Billie Eilish sparks outrage after saying you can’t truly love animals while eating them * Why some beliefs become the “hill you’re willing to die on” * And what values people refuse to compromise anymore 👇 Are you cutting back on travel this summer—or going anyway no matter what? ⸻ 🎙 Watch & Support The Karel Show ▶ https://youtube.com/reallykarel ❤️ https://patreon.com/reallykarel 📡 Streaming everywhere: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker 📅 LIVE Monday–Thursday at 10:30 AM PST Karel is a history-making broadcaster delivering bold, unfiltered commentary on politics, culture, health, economics, and modern life—broadcasting from Las Vegas with his companion Ember. #Summer2026, #IranWar, #GasPrices, #TravelCrisis, #Inflation, #CostOfLiving, #EconomicAnxiety, #RoadTrip, #VacationSeason, #ClimateChange, #ExtremeHeat, #ElNino, #TravelCosts, #AmericanEconomy, #MiddleClass, #WorkingClass, #KShapedEconomy, #CurrentEvents, #BillieEilish, #Vegan, #AnimalRights, #PoliticsToday, #RealTalk, #TravelNews, #HeatWave, #FinancialStress, #TheKarelShow, #NewsCommentary, #SummerTravel, #TruthMatters https://youtube.com/live/1rtPSUOH2mc

'BradCast' 5/6/2026: Reforming Our Illegitimate SCOTUS by Progressive Voices

Why We’re Getting Sicker (And Ignoring It) | The Real Health Crisis No One Fixes by Progressive Voices

This time on CodeWACK! What if the rising cost of health care — the surprise bills, the shrinking choices, the long waits — weren’t random at all, but largely the result of quiet, strategic consolidation happening behind the scenes? The Center for Health & Democracy has been working to reveal just this. Founded by former insurance executive-turned-whistleblower Wendell Potter, the organization shines a light on how corporate power shapes the American health care system — and what it means for patients and families. Joining us today is Rachel Madley, the Center’s Executive Director. A scientist by training and a federal health policy expert, Rachel also brings lived experience navigating the health system with Type 1 diabetes — giving her unique insight into how policy decisions ripple into real lives. Today, we’re talking about the Center’s recent Sunlight Report, a first of its kind investigation into the corporate structure and expansion of UnitedHealth Group, the largest healthcare company in the world. The report pulls back the curtain on health care consolidation and reveals how deeply corporate expansion is reshaping who delivers care, how much it costs, and who ultimately benefits. 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' 5/5/2026: The Corrupt Hypocrisy of the SCOTUS Majority; 'Project Deadlock' in Persian Gulf by Progressive Voices

Are We Living in a Real-Life Hunger Games? Wealth, Power & The American Divide Are we watching a dystopia unfold in real time? As celebrities walk the Met Gala runway in gowns worth more than most Americans make in a year, millions are cutting back on groceries, gas, and basic necessities. Nearly 90%+ of Americans aren’t millionaires—and they’re feeling it every single day. In this episode of The Karel Show, Karel breaks down: * The growing wealth gap in America * Why the Met Gala feels like a scene from The Hunger Games * The real impact of rising prices on everyday people * How media and culture normalize extreme inequality Plus: * The controversy surrounding this year’s event and its high-profile backers * What’s happening geopolitically—and why it matters at home * The bigger question: Is anyone in power actually addressing what people are going through? 👇 Sound off: Does today’s world feel fair—or completely out of balance? 🎙 Watch & Support The Karel Show ▶ https://youtube.com/reallykarel ❤️ https://patreon.com/reallykarel 📡 Streaming everywhere: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker 📅 LIVE Monday–Thursday at 10:30 AM PST Karel is a history-making broadcaster delivering bold, unfiltered takes on culture, politics, and real life—broadcasting from Las Vegas with his companion Ember. #HungerGames, #WealthGap, #EconomicInequality, #CostOfLiving, #Inflation, #MiddleClass, #WorkingClass, #MetGala, #CelebrityCulture, #RichVsPoor, #AmericanEconomy, #FinancialStress, #PaycheckToPaycheck, #RealTalk, #CurrentEvents, #PoliticsToday, #SocialCommentary, #IncomeInequality, #LuxuryLifestyle, #StrugglingAmericans, #EverydayPeople, #WeThePeople, #EconomicReality, #MediaCriticism, #CultureWars, #TrendingNow, #TheKarelShow, #RealityCheck, #Dystopian, #America2026 https://youtube.com/live/831K-njYgRo

Green News Report 5/5/2026 by Progressive Voices

'BradCast' 5/4/2026: Billionaires Spending Millions to Lie to Voters About CA's Proposed, One-Time Billionaires Tax by Progressive Voices

The Retirement Crisis No One in Media Lives | Why America Needs “Poor Folks News” NOW Why does the media act surprised that Americans are struggling… when millions are living it every day? A new headline claims Americans feel “bleak” about their finances—but for most people making under $100K, that’s not news. That’s reality. In this episode of The Karel Show, Karel breaks down: * The real retirement crisis facing Americans over 50 * Why most people are not financially prepared—and know it * How mainstream media coverage misses the reality of everyday life * And why it’s time for a new kind of journalism: 👉 The Poor Folks News Network (PFNN) News of, for, and by people actually living paycheck to paycheck—not corporate voices detached from reality. Plus: * What’s really happening geopolitically right now * The latest political narratives dominating the weekend—and what they mean 👇 Sound off: Do you feel represented by today’s media—or completely ignored? ⸻ 🎙 Watch & Support The Karel Show ▶ https://youtube.com/reallykarel ❤️ https://patreon.com/reallykarel 📡 Streaming everywhere: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker 📅 LIVE Monday–Thursday at 10:30 AM PST Karel is a history-making broadcaster delivering bold, unfiltered takes on the economy, media, and real life—broadcasting from Las Vegas with his companion Ember. #RetirementCrisis, #CostOfLiving, #EconomicReality, #WorkingClass, #MiddleClass, #PaycheckToPaycheck, #FinancialStress, #Inflation, #RealNews, #MediaBias, #EconomicInequality, #Under100k, #AmericanEconomy, #SocialSecurity, #SavingsCrisis, #MoneyProblems, #EverydayAmericans, #WeThePeople, #RealTalk, #NewsForThePeople, #EconomicAnxiety, #Debt, #LivingCosts, #HousingCosts, #StrugglingAmericans, #CurrentEvents, #PoliticsToday, #TheKarelShow, #TruthMatters, #PFNN https://youtube.com/live/s45t70xawik

In this episode, Leslie speaks with Carlos Calzadilla-Palacio, founder of the Disrupt political PAC, about a potential shift in the youth vote and what it could mean for upcoming elections. Carlos argues that many young voters who supported Donald Trump in 2024 are beginning to rethink that decision, pointing to broken promises on issues like student debt, the economy, and foreign policy. He explains how those policy changes are affecting young Americans in real, everyday ways—and why frustration may be turning into political movement. But as Carlos emphasizes, changing opinions isn’t enough. The real challenge is turning that energy into action at the ballot box. He outlines how Disrupt is organizing on college campuses across the country, working to register and mobilize young voters during a key midterm cycle that will take place while many students are on campus. The conversation highlights both the risks and the opportunity ahead—and why the youth vote could play a decisive role in shaping what comes next. Disrupt is a youth-led political movement dedicated to freedom, affordability, and ending corporate control. Their website is www.DisruptPAC.org. Carlos' handle on X is @Carlos_Calz07.