What A Day

Mayor Karen Bass of Los Angeles dives into the heated discussions around immigration and the city's response to recent ICE raids. She highlights the fears gripping immigrant communities and the economic repercussions on local businesses. With the federal appeals court ruling looming on the National Guard's deployment, Bass emphasizes the importance of community unity amid political turmoil. She also touches on the larger implications of current immigration policies and international tensions, making a compelling case for Los Angeles' resilience.

Maurice Mitchell, the national director of the Working Families Party, joins the discussion on sustaining momentum in activism post the No Kings March. He highlights the energy and motivations driving protests against Trump-era policies. They dive into strategies for maintaining unity within movements, particularly focusing on low-income communities and immigrants. Mitchell emphasizes the necessity of organized advocacy for long-term change and adapts activism to varying challenges, including current international tensions and domestic political violence.

Join Adam Schiff, California Democratic Senator, as he unpacks the startling incident where Senator Alex Padilla was handcuffed just for asking a question to Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem. The discussion highlights the growing tensions between immigration reform advocates and federal policies. Schiff also delves into the implications for civil liberties and the chilling effects of aggressive government tactics on political dissent. Plus, get insights on the evolving strategies needed to engage younger voters in today's turbulent political landscape.

Stephen Gutowski, founder of The Reload, delves into recent Supreme Court gun rulings. He discusses the court's unanimous dismissal of Mexico's lawsuit against U.S. gun manufacturers, citing insufficient legal grounds. The conversation also highlights the court's refusal to hear challenges against Maryland's semiautomatic weapon ban and Rhode Island's high-capacity magazine restrictions. Gutowski shares insights on the implications these rulings have for gun policy and manufacturers amidst ongoing national debates about gun violence and accountability.

Anya Zoledziowski, Crooked Climate Correspondent and expert on the financial fallout of climate change, breaks down the troubling trend of rising home insurance costs. She discusses how natural disasters, especially in California, are straining insurers and affecting homeowners nationwide. Anya shares personal stories highlighting the emotional toll on communities of color and suggests potential solutions, such as innovative policies and climate superfund laws to hold fossil fuel companies accountable.

Brando Simeo Starkey, author of "Their Accomplices Wore Robes," dives into the Supreme Court's role in maintaining a racial caste system that keeps Black Americans disadvantaged. He challenges the traditional framework of discrimination, calling for a shift to an anti-caste perspective. The discussion also critiques recent political narratives around race, highlighting the media's diminishing focus on critical conversations since 2020. Starkey advocates for understanding the intricate dynamics of racial injustice to foster more effective change.

Ruben Vives, a general assignment reporter for the LA Times specializing in immigration issues, discusses the intense protests in Los Angeles against ICE operations and the Trump administration's immigration crackdown. He shares insights on rising tensions between protesters and federal agents, including the controversial deployment of the National Guard. Vives explores the impact of strategic ICE operations on local businesses and communities, highlighting the fears these actions instill among undocumented workers.

Alex Thompson, national political correspondent for Axios and co-author of 'Original Sin', dives deep into the complexities surrounding Joe Biden's presidency and the political landscape as 2024 approaches. He discusses Biden’s perceived decline in leadership, the cover-ups by those around him, and the internecine dynamics within the Democratic Party. The dialogue also touches on the heated exchange between Trump and Musk, revealing their fraught relationship and the implications of recent travel bans and immigration policies.

Democratic Senator Mark Kelly from Arizona, a veteran and former NASA astronaut, discusses the controversial "Big, Beautiful Bill" and its fallout among lawmakers. He shares insights on how the bill could affect healthcare access for vulnerable families, highlighted by a poignant story from an Arizona mother. Kelly emphasizes a human-centered approach to immigration policy, drawing from his own experiences. The conversation also touches on the trade tensions resulting from tariffs and their impact on American consumers.

Bill McKibben, a veteran climate reporter, dives into the Trump administration's aggressive rollback of climate policies. He highlights how these measures not only ignore climate change but actively worsen it. McKibben discusses the vital role states are taking in combating federal neglect, underscoring the importance of local action and community resilience. He urges listeners to engage in advocacy, stressing that fighting climate challenges is a collective responsibility. The conversation is both empowering and informative, igniting hope amidst political turmoil.