Democracy Now! Audio

Historian Jeanne Theoharis, known for her work on the civil rights movement, dives deep into the Montgomery bus boycott on its 70th anniversary. She reframes Rosa Parks' arrest, dispelling myths and highlighting essential figures like Joanne Robinson. Theoharis discusses the innovative carpool system that kept the boycott alive for 382 days, the economic pressures faced by activists, and the harsh backlash from authorities. She connects the past with contemporary issues, urging a renewed commitment to racial justice.

Alejandro Velasco, a historian of modern Latin America, delves into U.S.-Venezuela tensions and critiques the U.S. seizure of a Venezuelan oil tanker. He highlights the implications of U.S. military build-up and the shifting political landscape in Miami. Mahmoud Mamdani, an expert on postcolonial studies, discusses the concept of ‘slow poison’ in Ugandan history, exploring colonial legacies and identity politics. Lastly, Maureen Kaki shares on-the-ground accounts from Gaza during a winter storm, shedding light on urgent humanitarian needs.

Todd Pomerleau, an immigration attorney known for his legal insights, discusses high-profile ICE detention cases, shedding light on the wrongful arrest of Bruna Ferreira and the deportation of Ani Lucia López Belóza. Khaloud Khair, a Sudanese political analyst, analyzes the ongoing conflict in Sudan, including regional proxy dynamics and UAE involvement. Nathaniel Raymond, from Yale, reveals satellite evidence of mass graves in al-Fasher, painting a grim picture of the humanitarian crisis. Together, they highlight critical issues of justice and human rights.

Craig Aaron, co-CEO of Free Press, dives into the risks of media consolidation and discussions surrounding Paramount's bid for Warner Brothers Discovery. Carolyn Finney, a cultural geographer, speaks on the importance of recognizing Black history in national parks, emphasizing that removing fee-free days won't erase this legacy. Audrey Peterman shares her commitment to enhancing access for communities of color within the park system. Larry Hamm updates listeners on the 100-mile march for Mumia Abu-Jamal, demanding urgent medical care and highlighting issues in prison healthcare.

Judith Enck, former EPA regional administrator and author of The Problem with Plastic, shares her journey of reducing plastic use in her kitchen. She discusses the dangers of microwaving food in plastic and the environmental impact of plastic waste exports. Enck highlights surprising health findings linking microplastics to serious health risks and emphasizes the need for alternatives like glass and stainless steel. She also addresses the powerful lobbying of plastic manufacturers and legislation aimed at reducing plastic packaging.

Reid Brody, an international human rights lawyer, discusses the legality of U.S. strikes in the Caribbean, labeling them as murder disguised in a war-on-drugs narrative. U.S. Representative Adelita Grijalva shares her harrowing experience during an ICE raid, advocating for accountability amidst rising healthcare costs in her district. Investigative journalist Ken Klippenstein exposes a DOJ memo targeting domestic 'extremists', raising alarms about overreach. Judith Enk highlights the health impacts of plastic pollution and proposes policy solutions for a sustainable future.

Ari Berman, a voting rights correspondent, discusses how the Supreme Court's ruling on Texas congressional maps could dilute the voting power of Black and Latino communities. Omero Lopez, legal director at ISLA, highlights the impacts of federal immigration operations in New Orleans, prompting local advocacy for immigrant protections. Jelani Hussain, from CAIR Minnesota, addresses the risks faced by the Somali-American community amid political targeting. Dan Kovalik shares details on a legal petition regarding U.S. military actions affecting a Colombian family.

Matt Duss, former foreign policy advisor, analyzes the complexities of U.S. negotiations regarding the Ukraine war and critiques questionable military operations in Latin America. He discusses the implications of a leaked peace plan and ongoing corruption within Ukraine's governance. Meanwhile, Murad Owalda, President of the New York Immigration Coalition, addresses the troubling pause on asylum processing for 19 countries, the racial motivations behind it, and community efforts to resist ICE raids in New York, highlighting the impact on families in limbo.

Sari Bashi, an Israeli-American human rights lawyer and co-founder of Gisha, discusses the concerning implications of Israel's one-way Rafah exit plan, linking it to fears of ethnic cleansing in Gaza. She also highlights rising violence in the West Bank due to settlers' attacks and military complicity. Ralph Nader, a longtime consumer advocate, emphasizes the need for grassroots mobilization against corporate influence in Congress and reflects on the legacy of his book, 'Unsafe at Any Speed,' which sparked pivotal auto safety reforms.

David Cole, a Georgetown law professor and former ACLU legal director, discusses potential war crimes linked to U.S. military actions in the Caribbean, warning against the militarization of policy. Zohran Mamdani, the progressive mayor-elect of NYC, joins striking Starbucks workers, spotlighting corporate greed and labor violations while promising to advocate for workers' rights. Journalist Stephen Thrasher reports on the devastating global impacts of U.S. funding cuts to AIDS and LGBTQ+ health programs, highlighting challenges in Uganda and beyond.