Laura Flanders and Friends: Solutions-Focused Progressive Perspectives on Politics, News, and Culture

Discover how Claude Cockburn's guerrilla journalism foresaw the rise of fascism in the 1930s and challenged mainstream media narratives.This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!Description: Mainstream media has a lot to account for in 2024, but go back 90 years, and prestigious publications have often failed to see when things were so clearly wrong. In 1930s Germany, many journalists downplayed Adolf Hitler’s ascension to power, with the New York Times writing “There is no warrant for immediate alarm…The more violent parts of his alleged program he has himself in recent months been softening down or abandoning.” But one young British journalist who, seeing what was happening, quit his job with The London Times and founded The Week, a newsletter that became famous for its opposition to fascism and the Western powers that were enabling it. His name was Claud Cockburn, and he’s the subject of a newly-released biography by his son, Patrick Cockburn, “Believe Nothing Until It Is Officially Denied: Claud Cockburn and the Invention of Guerrilla Journalism,” out now via Verso Books. Patrick is an award-winning journalist himself, with a long expertise in the Middle East. And Patrick is Laura Flanders’ uncle; Claud is her grandfather. How did mainstream media miss what Claud knew about the rise of Nazis, and how did his guerilla journalism make an impact? And why is Claud’s story so relevant now? All that, plus a commentary from Laura. (anchor episode originally released November 15th, 2024)Guest: Patrick Cockburn, Journalist, and author including “Believe Nothing Until It Is Officially Denied:  Claud Cockburn and the Invention of Guerrilla Journalism”, Verso Books. Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•  Stephanie Flanders on A Trump Economy & What to Watch in The Ultimate Election Year, Watch / Podcast: Abridged, Uncut Conversation•  Arundhati Roy: Freedom, Fascism, Fiction and the Pandemic Portal, Watch/ Podcast:  Abridged, Uncut Conversation• Laura’s Commentary, F-Word:  Bodies, Borders, Resistance, Rebirth:  Arundhati Roy, Podcast•  Patrick Cockburn on Syria, Watch Related Articles and Resources:• Opinion:  Is Trump a fascist?  Probably - but not like those of the 30s, by Patrick Cockburn, November 9 2024, iNews• Opinion:  Netanyahu knows the US can’t restrain him now, by Patrick Cockburn, October 2, 2024, iNews•  Most political disasters are overstated - not this one, by Patrick Cockburn, November 6, 2024, iNews Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Description: Mainstream media has a lot to account for in 2024, but go back 90 years, and prestigious publications have often failed to see when things were so clearly wrong. In 1930s Germany, many journalists downplayed Adolf Hitler’s ascension to power, with the New York Times writing “There is no warrant for immediate alarm…The more violent parts of his alleged program he has himself in recent months been softening down or abandoning.” But one young British journalist who, seeing what was happening, quit his job with The London Times and founded The Week, a newsletter that became famous for its opposition to fascism and the Western powers that were enabling it. His name was Claud Cockburn, and he’s the subject of a newly-released biography by his son, Patrick Cockburn, “Believe Nothing Until It Is Officially Denied: Claud Cockburn and the Invention of Guerrilla Journalism,” out now via Verso Books. Patrick is an award-winning journalist himself, with a long expertise in the Middle East. And Patrick is Laura Flanders’ uncle; Claud is her grandfather. How did mainstream media miss what Claud knew about the rise of Nazis, and how did his guerilla journalism make an impact? And why is Claud’s story so relevant now? All that, plus a commentary from Laura. (anchor episode originally released November 15th, 2024)Guest: Patrick Cockburn, Journalist, and author including “Believe Nothing Until It Is Officially Denied:  Claud Cockburn and the Invention of Guerrilla Journalism”, Verso Books. Watch the broadcast episode cut for time at our YouTube channel and airing on PBS stations across the country Note- Full Conversation Release:  While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.  The following is from our episode "Patrick & Claud Cockburn: A Legacy of Guerilla Journalism Against Media Complacency."    These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a supporting member at https://LauraFlanders.org/Donate Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•  Stephanie Flanders on A Trump Economy & What to Watch in The Ultimate Election Year, Watch / Podcast: Abridged, Uncut Conversation•  Arundhati Roy: Freedom, Fascism, Fiction and the Pandemic Portal, Watch/ Podcast:  Abridged, Uncut Conversation• Laura’s Commentary, F-Word:  Bodies, Borders, Resistance, Rebirth:  Arundhati Roy, Podcast•  Patrick Cockburn on Syria, Watch Related Articles and Resources:• Opinion:  Is Trump a fascist?  Probably - but not like those of the 30s, by Patrick Cockburn, November 9 2024, iNews• Opinion:  Netanyahu knows the US can’t restrain him now, by Patrick Cockburn, October 2, 2024, iNews•  Most political disasters are overstated - not this one, by Patrick Cockburn, November 6, 2024, iNews Full Episode Notes are located HERE. They include related episodes, articles, and more.  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Maryland Congressman Jamie Raskin outlines his strategy to hold the executive branch accountable and shares his concerns about Trump and Musk's actions in a candid conversation.This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!Description: Amidst a hail of executive orders, lay-offs, and threats, Americans are witnessing both early compliance by some of the most powerful institutions in the country, and early resistance, in the courts, in workplaces and in the streets. So where is Congress? In this extended one-on-one interview with Maryland Congressman, Jamie Raskin, the ranking member of the House judiciary committee, lays out his plans for exerting oversight of the executive branch, and describes the Constitutional limits Trump and Musk are running up against. Raskin served on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol back in 2021 and managed the second impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump. Drawing on history, and even the work of his father, political activist Marcus Raskin, Jamie Raskin says he’s “. . . ready to lead Democrats in our front-line defense of democracy and freedom." Plus, a commentary from Laura on art and courage.Guest:  Jamie Raskin, Congressman Maryland’s 8th Congressional District; Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, Oversight of the Executive BranchWatch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channelSubscribe to episode notes via PatreonMusic In the Middle:  “Oh Lord” produced by Groove Junkies and Apex Prey, featuring Indeya & Reverend Murrell Garr courtesy of More House Records.  And additional music included- "Steppin" by Podington Bear. Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•. Corporate Prison Reform Will Not Keep Us Safe: A Report from Los Angeles: Watch / Listen- Podcast Episode•. Black Journalists on Police Violence: Reporting from the Ground Up: Watch / Listen: Podcast Episode and Full Uncut Conversation  •. Emergent Strategies for Abolition: Andrea J. Ritchie’s Toolkit for Activists: Watch / Listen- Podcast EpisodeRelated Articles and Resources:•. A Top Democrat Speaks Out on How the Party Will Fight Trump, by Eugene Daniels, February 15, 2025, Politico• Ranking Member of the House Committee on the Judiciary, Jamie Raskin's Opening Statement at Subcommittee Hearing on Trump's Lawless, Pro-Corruption Agenda for the Justice Department. February 25, 2025, Democrat House Committee on the Judiciary•  Raskin:  ‘I’m with Steve Bannon and Laura Loomer’ and others saying ‘Watch Elon Musk’ by Ashleigh Fields, February 4, 2025, The Hill•. Techno-Fascism Comes to America:  The historic parallels that help explain Elon Musk’s rampage on the federal government, by Kyle Chayka, Infinite Scroll Columnist, February 26, 2025, The New Yorker•  Congressional Democrats denied entry to USAID building, by Andrew Solender, February 3, 2025, Axios  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

As Trump and Musk push the limits of power, Rep. Jamie Raskin explains how Congress plans to exert oversight and defend democracy in an exclusive interview.Full Conversation Release: While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation. These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a supporting member at https://LauraFlanders.org/DonateThis show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!Episode Description:  Amidst a hail of executive orders, lay-offs, and threats, Americans are witnessing both early compliance by some of the most powerful institutions in the country, and early resistance, in the courts, in workplaces and in the streets. So where is Congress? In this extended one-on-one interview with Maryland Congressman, Jamie Raskin, the ranking member of the House judiciary committee, lays out his plans for exerting oversight of the executive branch, and describes the Constitutional limits Trump and Musk are running up against. Raskin served on the Select Committee to Investigate the January 6th Attack on the U.S. Capitol back in 2021 and managed the second impeachment inquiry into Donald Trump. Drawing on history, and even the work of his father, political activist Marcus Raskin, Jamie Raskin says he’s “. . . ready to lead Democrats in our front-line defense of democracy and freedom." Guest:  Jamie Raskin, Congressman Maryland’s 8th Congressional District; Ranking Member of the House Judiciary Committee, Oversight of the Executive BranchWatch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channelSubscribe to episode notes via Patreon Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•. Corporate Prison Reform Will Not Keep Us Safe: A Report from Los Angeles: Watch / Listen- Podcast Episode•. Black Journalists on Police Violence: Reporting from the Ground Up: Watch / Listen: Podcast Episode and Full Uncut Conversation  •. Emergent Strategies for Abolition: Andrea J. Ritchie’s Toolkit for Activists: Watch / Listen- Podcast EpisodeRelated Articles and Resources:•. A Top Democrat Speaks Out on How the Party Will Fight Trump, by Eugene Daniels, February 15, 2025, Politico•  Raskin:  ‘I’m with Steve Bannon and Laura Loomer’ and others saying ‘Watch Elon Musk’ by Ashleigh Fields, February 4, 2025, The Hill•. Techno-Fascism Comes to America:  The historic parallels that help explain Elon Musk’s rampage on the federal government, by Kyle Chayka, Infinite Scroll Columnist, February 26, 2025, The New Yorker•  Congressional Democrats denied entry to USAID building, by Andrew Solender, February 3, 2025, Axios   Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

La Raza Database Research Project is bringing awareness to police violence against Latinos.This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!Description: You wouldn’t know it from the data, but Latinos are the second most likely demographic to be killed by law enforcement in the U.S, relative to their population. We only have these statistics now thanks to the work of La Raza Database Research Project, a group of volunteers in Southern California who are bringing awareness to systematic police violence against the Latino population. They estimate that almost 6,500 Latinos have been killed by police between 2000 and 2022 – but the data has been missing until this moment. In this unusual installment of our monthly “Meet the BIPOC Press” series, Laura and Senior Producer Jeremiah Cothren sit down with LF&F Social Justice Reporting Fellow, Roberto Camacho, who interviewed members of the Research Project to figure out why Latinos are so frequently misrepresented. Camacho also spoke with the mother and sister of César Antonio Rodriguez, a young man tragically killed by the Long Beach Police Dept in 2017 and misidentified in police records. Camacho is a Chicano multimedia journalist focusing on criminal justice reform, immigration and Chicano/Latino issues. He originally reported on this story for Palabra.Guests:• Ivette Xochiyotl Boyzo: Research Project Manager, La Raza Database• Roberto Camacho: Journalist; Social Justice Reporting Fellow, Laura Flanders & Friends• Jeremiah Cothren (Co-host): Senior Producer, Laura Flanders & Friends• Jesus M. Garcia: Research Project Statistician & Demographer, La Raza Database• Rosa Moreno: Mother of César Rodriguez• Priscilla Rodriguez: Sister of César Rodriguez Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channelSubscribe to episode notes via PatreonMusic In the Middle:  “Rhythm of Your Dream” by Nation Beat from their album Archaic Humans released on Rope a Dope Records, Listen & Learn more.  And additional music included- "Steppin"  and "All The Ways" by Podington Bear. Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•  Corporate Prison Reform Will Not Keep Us Safe: A Report from Los Angeles, Watch / Listen•  Black Journalists on Police Violence: Reporting from the Ground Up: Watch / Listen  •. Emergent Strategies for Abolition: Andrea J. Ritchie’s Toolkit for Activists: Watch / ListenRelated Articles and Resources:• Project Looks to Unfold True Count of Nations Killed by Police, by Keith Mizuguchi, July 2, 2024, KQED•  La Raza Database Project Seeks a True Count of Latinos Killed by Police but Determingin identity Complicates Accurate Reporting, by Roberto Camacho, May 1, 2024, Palabra•  San Diego community demands more from law enforcement than non-binding policies to increase police accountability, by Roberto Camacho, June 9, 2022, Prism Reports   Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

The forest industry is booming in the American South, but communities like those in the Carolinas are raising concerns about the environmental and social costs. Discover their innovative solutions and what it means for sustainability.This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!Full Episode Description:  The forest industry in the American South is booming, but at what cost? According to some government leaders, logging is bringing big economic gains to rural America. But in places like the Carolinas, frontline communities – and especially the low-income people of color and Indigenous people who live in the midst of all this — are telling a different story, and have solutions. With Trump’s increased tariffs on Canadian timber and wood products, deforestation is only going to speed up in America’s “wood basket.” Two Carolina-based organizations are converting a 300-acre former South Carolina plantation into the South’s first environmental justice training center: the Brittons Neck Community Forest. In this episode, Laura is joined by three guests spearheading the project. Lucia Ibarra and Danna Smith are from the Dogwood Alliance, an organization based in Asheville, North Carolina that mobilizes diverse voices to protect Southern forests and communities from destructive industrial logging. Reverend Leo Woodberry is a South Carolina-based faith leader & environmental activist. Together they’re showing the true value of forests in the US South, and what it means to remain climate resilient in the face of heavy industry. Plus, a commentary from Laura on what trees can teach us about gender identity.“. . . We will start beginning to develop case studies and highlight it to policy makers . . . We are going to expand upon these other communities and create other pathways to justice in using this model. And this will help to build a foundation, to create equitable policy that elevates people, ecosystem, the value of them over the industries that are greenwashing . . . - Lucia Ibarra“. . . This project is something that we like to refer to as restorative justice. We know that people labored on this land in slavery without compensation, and so for them to have the land now and be able to use it for recreational activities, et cetera, can help them to create an engine of economic development . . . We see that as restorative justice . . .” - Reverend Leo Woodberry“. . . Too often there's this narrative about logging for economic development . . . We needed to show the alternative, and how you can keep forest standing in a community in a way that actually benefits the community. That it’s good for climate, it's good for biodiversity, it's good for climate resiliency, and it's good for the local economy.” - Danna SmithGuests:• Lucia Ibarra: Director of Conservation, Dogwood Alliance• Danna Smith: Executive Director, Dogwood Alliance• Reverend Leo Woodberry: Pastor, Kingdom Living Temple & Executive Director, New Alpha Community Development CorporationWatch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channelSubscribe to episode notes via PatreonMusic In the Middle:  “Meditation align with Nature’s Intelligence” by Divine Earth featuring Sirius B from her album Align with Nature’s Intelligence released on Brownswood Recordings.  And additional music included- "Steppin"  and "All The Ways" by Podington Bear.Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Jubilee Justice Regenerative Farming: Tackling Racism with Rice: Watch / Podcast:  Episode & Related Commentary by Laura• Colette Pichon Battle on Climate Justice Reparations: Watch / Podcasts: Episode & Full Conversation• Climate Change Journalism: Moving Frontline Communities from the Sideline to the Center: Watch / Podcast:  EpisodeRelated Articles and Resources:•  Duties on Canadian lumber have helped U.S. production grow while B.C. towns suffer.  Now, Trump’s tariffs loom, by Andrew Kurjata, November 7, 2024, CBC News• Deforestation in the US South Is Four Times Greater Than Logging in South American Rainforests, by Danna Smith & Leo Woodberry, Truth Out• Impacts of Wood Pellets in the US, by Dogwood Alliance•  Logging is destroying southern forests - and dividing US environmentalists, by Christopher Ketcham, June 29, 2022, Grist  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Synopsis:  A new environmental justice training center is transforming a former South Carolina plantation into a hub of climate resilience and equity. Learn how local leaders are pioneering change in the US South's logging narrative.This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!Full Conversation:  The forest industry in the American South is booming, but at what cost? According to some government leaders, logging is bringing big economic gains to rural America. But in places like the Carolinas, frontline communities – and especially the low-income people of color and Indigenous people who live in the midst of all this — are telling a different story, and have solutions. With Trump’s increased tariffs on Canadian timber and wood products, deforestation is only going to speed up in America’s “wood basket.” Two Carolina-based organizations are converting a 300-acre former South Carolina plantation into the South’s first environmental justice training center: the Brittons Neck Community Forest. In this episode, Laura is joined by three guests spearheading the project. Lucia Ibarra and Danna Smith are from the Dogwood Alliance, an organization based in Asheville, North Carolina that mobilizes diverse voices to protect Southern forests and communities from destructive industrial logging. Reverend Leo Woodberry is a South Carolina-based faith leader & environmental activist. Together they’re showing the true value of forests in the US South, and what it means to remain climate resilient in the face of heavy industry. Plus, a commentary from Laura on what trees can teach us about gender identity.“. . . We will start beginning to develop case studies and highlight it to policy makers . . . We are going to expand upon these other communities and create other pathways to justice in using this model. And this will help to build a foundation, to create equitable policy that elevates people, ecosystem, the value of them over the industries that are greenwashing . . . - Lucia Ibarra“. . . This project is something that we like to refer to as restorative justice. We know that people labored on this land in slavery without compensation, and so for them to have the land now and be able to use it for recreational activities, et cetera, can help them to create an engine of economic development . . . We see that as restorative justice . . .” - Reverend Leo Woodberry“. . . Too often there's this narrative about logging for economic development . . . We needed to show the alternative, and how you can keep forest standing in a community in a way that actually benefits the community. That it’s good for climate, it's good for biodiversity, it's good for climate resiliency, and it's good for the local economy.” - Danna SmithGuests:• Lucia Ibarra: Director of Conservation, Dogwood Alliance• Danna Smith: Executive Director, Dogwood Alliance• Reverend Leo Woodberry: Pastor, Kingdom Living Temple & Executive Director, New Alpha Community Development Corporation Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channelSubscribe to episode notes via Patreon Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• Jubilee Justice Regenerative Farming: Tackling Racism with Rice: Watch / Podcast:  Episode & Related Commentary by Laura• Colette Pichon Battle on Climate Justice Reparations: Watch / Podcasts: Episode & Full Conversation• Climate Change Journalism: Moving Frontline Communities from the Sideline to the Center: Watch / Podcast:  Episode Related Articles and Resources:•  Duties on Canadian lumber have helped U.S. production grow while B.C. towns suffer.  Now, Trump’s tariffs loom, by Andrew Kurjata, November 7, 2024, CBC News• Deforestation in the US South Is Four Times Greater Than Logging in South American Rainforests, by Danna Smith & Leo Woodberry, Truth Out• Impacts of Wood Pellets in the US, by Dogwood Alliance•  Logging is destroying southern forests - and dividing US environmentalists, by Christopher Ketcham, June 29, 2022, Grist  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Episode Synopsis:  What is the fate of Craigsville, Virginia after a prison closed in the small, rural town?  We’re envisioning the future of Craigsville and investigating how decarcerating the economy can become a win for all.This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!Description: What happens to a small town when a prison shuts down? The Augusta Correctional Center employed many residents and brought business to Craigsville, Virginia, a two square-mile, 900-person town located in the Shenandoah Valley. But when the prison closed in the summer of 2024 with minimal warning and no time for planning, Craigsville residents and the town’s economy were hit hard. In this special report, Laura Flanders & Friends correspondents Chelsea Higgs Wise and Lewis Raven Wallace head to Craigsville to learn about how the town is struggling, possible solutions from locals, and the larger questions around our country’s prison industrial complex. How can small, rural communities be supported in a sustainable transition away from a carceral economy? Join us as we envision the future of Craigsville and investigate how decarcerating the economy can become a win for all. Chelsea Higgs Wise is a community organizer based in Richmond, Virginia whose work focuses on empowering Black communities economically and educationally. She is co-founder and director of Marijuana Justice, a Black-led organization established to repair the harms of the drug war. Durham, North Carolina-based Lewis Raven Wallace is an independent journalist, author, and the Abolition Journalism Fellow at Interrupting Criminalization. Plus, a commentary from Laura on what could happen to the Augusta Correctional Center under the Trump administration.“At one point there were 43 institutions in the Virginia Departments of Corrections . . . That number has dramatically decreased as a result of measures put in place, such as incentive credits, the juvenile parole bill, and other pieces of legislation that helped sentencing.” - Sincere Allah“What I would say is that building these prisons has not changed communities. It hasn't helped people inside. It hasn't helped create all these amazing jobs . . . Instead of investing $1.5 billion in our prisons, parole, probation, what if that was invested in communities?” - Margaret Breslau“Augusta Correctional opened in 1985. Probably at least half of the population here was working over there at that time. And it boosted the community greatly . . , boosted the town operational costs also. Kind of devastating for them to leave.” - Richard L. Fox“There's a gorgeous gym in [the prison] that is just full of equipment that these young people could very much get something out of. There's a beautiful library in there. There's two ball fields there. There's plenty of office space. It could be turned into a lot of things.” - Tracy MartinCorrespondents:•  Lewis Raven Wallace: Journalist & Activist, Durham, North Carolina•  Chelsea Higgs Wise: Journalist & Policy Advocate, Richmond, VirginiaGuests:•  Sincere Allah: State Organizer, REFORM Alliance•  Margaret Breslau: Co-Founder, Virginia Prison Justice Network•  Pam L. Carter: Augusta County Board of Supervisors, Craigsville, Virginia•  Richard L. Fox: Mayor, Craigville, Virginia•  Tracy Martin: Fire Chief, Volunteer Fire Department, Craigsville Virginia•  Sandy Oscar Sprouse: Owner, Grandma’s Busy Bee•  Fred Sprouse:  Superintendent of Maintenance, Craigsville, Virginia•  David Swink: Cattle & Hay Farmer, Craigsville, Virginia•  Catherine Moyers-Youell: Retired Teacher, Craigsville, Virginia•  Bill Youell: Retired Chemical Engineer, Craigsville, Virginia•  Claudette Wilcher: Pastor Bells Valley Worship Center, Craigsville, Virginia Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channelSubscribe to episode notes via PatreonMusic In the Middle:  "Steppin" , "Mont Blanc" "Hearts a Flutter" & "Tender & Curious" by Podington Bear.Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:•  Big Pharma vs The People: The Fight To Save America’s Largest Generic Drug Manufacturer, Watch / Podcast Episode•  The Defund Movement in 2024: Frontline Reporters Separate Myth from Reality, Watch / Podcast Episode•  Ask Angola Prison: What Difference Can a Play Make?, Watch / Podcast: Episode, Full Conversation•  Mariame Kaba: Rooting Out Our Culture of Harm, Watch / Podcast Related Articles and Resources:• Criminal Legal Reform:  Rehabilitation Over Incarceration, ACLU Virginia• Prison closes but hometown is open for business, by Sandy Hausman, June 13, 2024, Radio IQ, WVTF, Virginia’s Public Radio•. Where people in prison come from:  The geography of mass incarceration in Virginia, by Emily Widra & Kenneth Gilliam, July 2022, Prison Policy Initiative• Mass Incarceration Trends, May 21, 2024, Sentencing Project•. Virginia Senate Passes REFORM Bill SB 936 in unanimous vote 40-0, February 4, 2025, Reform Alliance• Marijuana Justice Organization   Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Beyond the flames, L.A. communities face long-term challenges from gentrification and loss. Join our "Meet the BIPOC Press" panel as local journalists explore the environmental and social impacts of recent fires.This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!Full Episode Description:  In times of crisis, people need their questions answered, fast. As residents impacted by the recent Los Angeles fires return to their homes, are they receiving enough information about insurance and recovery dollars, or how to protect their health and wellbeing? At the time of this recording, the Pacific Palisades and the Eaton fires are still burning, with toxic air and water putting thousands at risk. On top of the immediate dangers, the loss of community and the threat of developers and gentrification will impact residents for years to come. How are the media reporting on communities dealing with this immeasurable loss and what is the path to recovery for the city? Kadia Tubman, Scripps News Disinformation Correspondent, returns to host our monthly “Meet the BIPOC Press” panel. Joining us from Los Angeles are two journalists to talk about the stories they’re covering on the ground. Cerise Castle reports on civil rights, criminal justice and climate. She wrote a groundbreaking exposé of deputy gangs inside the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department which we featured last year.  She is exploring the environmental impact the fires have had in communities such as Altadena. Jacqueline García is a Senior Reporter at CALÓ News, focused on immigration, politics and issues affecting the Latino population. She is covering inspiring organizing among day laborers and immigrants. We’ll also see an excerpt from Castle’s most recent report for Capital & Main. Join us to hear what local BIPOC reporters want outside media to hear, as they respond to the Los Angeles fires.“. . . I am glad to see that there has been a course correction by both local and national media to bring these stories to the forefront, not just talking about high-income earners in the Palisades that have lost million-dollar homes, but talking about the babysitters, the grocery shopkeepers, the renters that were living in apartments that lost everything in the Eaton fire.” - Cerise Castle“. . . [Immigrants are] using this phrase of “el pueblo salva al pueblo,” which is people helping people . . . They said that this is what they're showing, that immigrants are also coming to work and they're showing their efforts and their passion for the community, and they want it to go back to as normal as possible.” - Jacqueline GarcíaGuests:•  Cerise Castle: Journalist, Capital & Main•  Jacqueline García: Senior Reporter, CALÓ News•  Kadia Tubman: Disinformation Correspondent, Scripps News Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channelSubscribe to episode notes via PatreonMusic In the Middle:  “Babylon Flamenco” by Gaudi from his album Bass, Dub, Sweat & Tears courtesy of Six Degrees Records.  And additional music included- "Steppin"  and "All The Ways" by Podington Bear. Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• The Defund Movement in 2024: Frontline Reporters Separate Myth from Reality: Watch / Audio Podcast•  Colette Pichon Battle on Climate Justice Reparations: Watch / Audio Podcast: Episode &/or Full Conversation•  BIPOC Media Answers the Call: Community Action After Hurricane Helene: Watch / Audio Podcast: Episode &/or Full Conversation   Related Articles and Resources:•  Day Laborers and Volunteers Clean After the Eaton Fire, by Jacqueline Garcia, January 10, 2025, CALÓ News•. Black Altadena Rebuilds after the Eaton Fire with Guidance from Octavia Butler, by Cerise Castle, January 24, 2025, Capital & Main•  Governor Newsom announces commitments from major lenders to provide firestorm survivors with mortgage relief, January 18, 2025 Gov.CA.Gov•  ‘It all ended in a second’:  Thousands of low-income and immigrant workers lost jobs in LA fires, by Alejandra Reyes-Velarde and Jeannie Kuang, January 17, 2025, CAL MATTERS•  Wildfire Mutual Aid Spreadsheet  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel

Residents returning to Los Angeles face critical questions on health, safety, and recovery following devastating fires – hear from frontline BIPOC journalists on the ground.This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Thank you for your continued support!Full Conversation:  While our weekly shows are edited to time for broadcast on Public TV and community radio, we offer to our supporting members and podcast subscribers the full uncut conversation.  Laura passes the mic to Kadia Tubman of Scripps News to host this month’s meet the BIPOC press. In this episode we hear what BIPOC Media are telling about the Los Angeles Wildfires that the other media are not.  These audio exclusives are made possible thanks to our member supporters.Episode Description: In times of crisis, people need their questions answered, fast. As residents impacted by the recent Los Angeles fires return to their homes, are they receiving enough information about insurance and recovery dollars, or how to protect their health and wellbeing? At the time of this recording, the Pacific Palisades and the Eaton fires are still burning, with toxic air and water putting thousands at risk. On top of the immediate dangers, the loss of community and the threat of developers and gentrification will impact residents for years to come. How are the media reporting on communities dealing with this immeasurable loss and what is the path to recovery for the city? Kadia Tubman, Scripps News Disinformation Correspondent, returns to host our monthly “Meet the BIPOC Press” panel. Joining us from Los Angeles are two journalists to talk about the stories they’re covering on the ground. Cerise Castle reports on civil rights, criminal justice and climate. She wrote a groundbreaking exposé of deputy gangs inside the L.A. County Sheriff’s Department which we featured last year.  She is exploring the environmental impact the fires have had in communities such as Altadena. Jacqueline García is a Senior Reporter at CALÓ News, focused on immigration, politics and issues affecting the Latino population. She is covering inspiring organizing among day laborers and immigrants. We’ll also see an excerpt from Castle’s most recent report for Capital & Main. Join us to hear what local BIPOC reporters want outside media to hear, as they respond to the Los Angeles fires.“. . . I am glad to see that there has been a course correction by both local and national media to bring these stories to the forefront, not just talking about high-income earners in the Palisades that have lost million-dollar homes, but talking about the babysitters, the grocery shopkeepers, the renters that were living in apartments that lost everything in the Eaton fire.” - Cerise Castle“. . . [Immigrants are] using this phrase of “el pueblo salva al pueblo,” which is people helping people . . . They said that this is what they're showing, that immigrants are also coming to work and they're showing their efforts and their passion for the community, and they want it to go back to as normal as possible.” - Jacqueline GarcíaGuests:•  Cerise Castle: Journalist, Capital & Main•  Jacqueline García: Senior Reporter, CALÓ News•  Kadia Tubman: Disinformation Correspondent, Scripps News Watch the episode cut airing on PBS stations across the country at our YouTube channelSubscribe to episode notes via Patreon Related Laura Flanders Show Episodes:• The Defund Movement in 2024: Frontline Reporters Separate Myth from Reality: Watch / Audio Podcast•  Colette Pichon Battle on Climate Justice Reparations: Watch / Audio Podcast: Episode &/or Full Conversation•  BIPOC Media Answers the Call: Community Action After Hurricane Helene: Watch / Audio Podcast: Episode &/or Full Conversation   Related Articles and Resources:•  Day Laborers and Volunteers Clean After the Eaton Fire, by Jacqueline Garcia, January 10, 2025, CALÓ News•. Black Altadena Rebuilds after the Eaton Fire with Guidance from Octavia Butler, by Cerise Castle, January 24, 2025, Capital & Main•  Governor Newsom announces commitments from major lenders to provide firestorm survivors with mortgage relief, January 18, 2025 Gov.CA.Gov•  ‘It all ended in a second’:  Thousands of low-income and immigrant workers lost jobs in LA fires, by Alejandra Reyes-Velarde and Jeannie Kuang, January 17, 2025, CAL MATTERS•  Wildfire Mutual Aid Spreadsheet  Laura Flanders and Friends Crew:  Laura Flanders-Executive Producer, Writer;  Sabrina Artel-Supervising Producer; Jeremiah Cothren-Senior Producer; Veronica Delgado-Video Editor, Janet Hernandez-Communications Director; Jeannie Hopper-Audio Director, Podcast & Radio Producer, Audio Editor, Sound Design, Narrator; Sarah Miller-Development Director, Nat Needham-Editor, Graphic Design emeritus; David Neuman-Senior Video Editor, and Rory O’Conner-Senior Consulting Producer. FOLLOW Laura Flanders and FriendsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/lauraflandersandfriends/Blueky:  https://bsky.app/profile/lfandfriends.bsky.socialFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/LauraFlandersAndFriends/Tiktok: https://www.tiktok.com/@lauraflandersandfriendsYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCFLRxVeYcB1H7DbuYZQG-lgLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/lauraflandersandfriendsPatreon:   https://www.patreon.com/lauraflandersandfriendsACCESSIBILITY - The broadcast edition of this episode is available with closed captioned by clicking here for our YouTube Channel