Progressive Voices

40,000 Evacuated After Toxic Tank Threat—Could This Happen In YOUR Neighborhood? A terrifying chemical tank failure in Garden Grove, California forced the evacuation of more than 40,000 people over Memorial Day weekend—including my friend Brandon and his family. Why? Because a massive industrial tank containing highly toxic chemicals was at risk of catastrophic failure. Had it exploded, thousands could have been injured—or worse. So why are dangerous industrial chemicals stored in densely populated neighborhoods? Why are homes, schools, and businesses built around facilities capable of mass disaster? And how many Americans are living next to hidden industrial threats without even knowing it? Today we examine the Garden Grove evacuation, the dangers lurking in cities across America, and why regulators continue allowing hazardous facilities near residential communities. Also: Trump pushes the Abraham Accords as global pressure mounts over Israel and the Middle East. Is diplomacy—or coercion—the real strategy? And I’ve seen what may be the best movie of the year—and no, it’s not another franchise blockbuster. I’ll tell you what surprised me and why you should watch it. The Karel Cast is supported by your donations at patreon.com/reallykarel Watch, like, and subscribe at youtube.com/reallykarel The Karel Cast streams Monday through Thursday at 10:30 AM PST and is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, Spreaker, TikTok and Instagram. #GardenGrove, #CaliforniaNews, #BreakingNews, #ChemicalSpill, #ToxicLeak, #MassEvacuation, #EmergencyAlert, #EnvironmentalDisaster, #PublicSafety, #IndustrialAccident, #ToxicChemicals, #NeighborhoodDanger, #TrumpNews, #AbrahamAccords, #MiddleEastNews, #Politics, #CurrentEvents, #NewsCommentary, #KarelShow, #TheKarelCast, #YouTubeNews, #ViralNews, #EmergencyResponse, #DisasterZone, #ChemicalPlant, #CaliforniaEmergency, #InvestigativeNews, #HiddenDanger, #MovieReview, #StreamingNow https://youtube.com/live/4lx3aCO3co8

Israel’s Massive Pride Celebration vs Nigeria’s LGBTQ Crackdown | This Gay Week This week on This Gay Week, Karel and journalist Scott Jacobsen report from Kyiv to break down the biggest LGBTQ stories happening around the world — from celebration and visibility to fear and persecution. In Nigeria and Cameroon, LGBTQ prisoners are still being jailed simply for existing. The organization Project Not Alone is working to literally buy freedom for some detainees, but how does that system work, and why are people being abandoned by the world community? Meanwhile, Israel is hosting a massive four-day Pride celebration in Tel Aviv near the Dead Sea, drawing LGBTQ tourists from around the globe. But with tensions exploding across the Middle East, is now the right time for a major international Pride event? Plus: • Marcia Gay Harden delivers an important message for mothers everywhere • LGBTQ youth are damaging their health in record numbers using a legal substance — what is happening? • Global LGBTQ headlines, politics, culture, and human rights stories you need to know Karel and Scott bring perspective, passion, and global insight to the stories shaping LGBTQ life around the world. Support The Karel Cast at Patreon.com/ReallyKarel Subscribe at YouTube.com/ReallyKarel #LGBTQ, #Pride, #GayNews, #ThisGayWeek, #Israel, #TelAvivPride, #Nigeria, #HumanRights, #LGBTQRights, #MiddleEast, #Cameroon, #Equality, #GayCulture, #LGBTQNews, #KarelCast, #ScottJacobsen, #BreakingNews, #GlobalNews, #Pride2026, #TransRights, #Lesbian, #Gay, #Bisexual, #Queer, #Politics, #WorldNews, #LGBTQYouth, #MarciaGayHarden, #Humanity, #Podcast https://youtu.be/StFTPzX3Hig

'BradCast' 5/21/2026: Republicans Are Revolting, with guests Heather Digby Parton and 'Driftglass' by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 5/21/2026 by Progressive Voices

Medical Mistakes Are America’s 3rd Biggest Killer | My Partner Died 25 Years Ago Today 26-83 A quarter century ago, a preventable medical mistake took the life of my partner, Andrew Lee Howard. Today, medical errors are considered the third leading cause of death in America — behind only heart disease and cancer. How did we get here? Why are so many families still suffering because of mistakes that should never happen? In this deeply personal episode of The Karel Show, I open up about grief, survival, loss, forgiveness, and what it really takes to move forward after tragedy. Twenty-five years later, I’m still learning the lessons Andrew taught me: life is too short for meaningless meetings, everyone should grow something, cooking should come from passion, and even in the face of illness, you still have to get up and live. We also talk about HIV/AIDS, caregiving, resilience, and why love sometimes means accepting people exactly as they are. If you’ve ever lost someone, struggled with grief, or questioned the healthcare system, this episode will hit home. The Karel Show is one of the top independent podcasts covering current events, culture, politics, entertainment, and real life — streaming everywhere from Spotify and Apple Podcasts to iHeartRadio and Spreaker. 🎙️ LIVE Monday–Thursday at 10:30 AM PST ❤️ Support the show at Patreon.com/ReallyKarel 📺 Subscribe at YouTube.com/ReallyKarel #MedicalMistakes, #HealthcareCrisis, #GriefJourney, #LossAndHealing, #PreventableDeaths, #MedicalError, #HealthcareSystem, #TheKarelShow, #Podcast, #CurrentEvents, #HIVAwareness, #AIDSCrisis, #LoveAndLoss, #MentalHealth, #HealingAfterLoss, #Caregiving, #LGBTQVoices, #PersonalStory, #MedicalNegligence, #HealthCareInAmerica, #IndependentPodcast, #LasVegas, #LifeLessons, #EmotionalHealing, #SurvivingGrief, #HealthcareReform, #PatientSafety, #RealTalk, #HumanStories, #AndrewLeeHoward https://youtube.com/live/pGubauOwfM8

'BradCast' 5/20/2026: Primary Results from Six States; Lawsuit Challenges Trump's $1.8 Billion Taxpayer-Funded Grift Machine by Progressive Voices

Trump’s DOJ Is Paying Jan. 6 Defendants?! America’s Justice System Is Breaking Down The headlines sound unbelievable, but they’re real. Reports now claim DOJ officials told GOP allies that major payouts were coming for January 6 defendants. At the same time, Trump’s Justice Department settlements are reportedly protecting him — and even members of his family — from IRS actions tied to old tax issues and audits. So what message does this send to America? Break the law, become powerful enough, and the system protects you instead of prosecuting you? Karel breaks down why this moment feels less like democracy and more like authoritarianism rewarded. Congress seems frozen. The courts move slowly. And Trump continues turning grievance, chaos, and sedition into profit and power. Plus: • Ebola and Hantavirus fears are rising again — can Americans still trust public health institutions after COVID? • Is the CDC prepared for another real pandemic? • The Mandalorian & Grogu are dominating the box office, but has Star Wars evolved…or completely lost its magic? Politics, culture, media, and reality collide on today’s Karel Cast. Support the show at Patreon.com/ReallyKarel Subscribe at YouTube.com/ReallyKarel #Trump, #January6, #DOJ, #Politics, #BreakingNews, #TrumpNews, #Jan6, #Fascism, #Democracy, #Corruption, #IRS, #Congress, #SupremeCourt, #CDC, #Pandemic, #Ebola, #Hantavirus, #StarWars, #Mandalorian, #Grogu, #PoliticalCommentary, #CurrentEvents, #NewsAnalysis, #TheKarelCast, #AmericanPolitics, #Media, #Authoritarianism, #JusticeSystem, #DemocracyCrisis, #YouTubePolitics https://youtube.com/live/N1CR0zlLBHE

This time on Code WACK! Today we’re taking an inside look at Canada’s public health insurance system known as Medicare. What are the biggest misconceptions Americans have about it? What works, what doesn’t, and why? And what happens when a public system starts drifting toward privatization? This is part one of our conversation with Dr. Bernard Ho, an emergency physician in Toronto and Vice-Chair of Canadian Doctors for Medicare, a national evidence-based organization working to strengthen Canada’s publicly funded healthcare system. He is a lecturer at the University of Toronto, where he also earned his M.D. Bernard is currently completing his Masters of Public Administration at the Harvard Kennedy School. 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.

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). The two discuss black Americans being stripped of their political power following the recent Louisiana v. Callais Supreme Court ruling. President Weingarten also previews a ten-point speech she'll be giving on how to properly educate our children in the age of AI. She describes how teachers are seeing the 'muscle of learning' atrophying, and how we need to respond by changing education so that we're building active learning. She also shares how instead of leading this charge, Trump's Department of Education is instead busy undermining civil rights. Finally, she and Brad discuss a huge issue on the minds of the American people as they head to November's midterm elections, affordability. She shares what could be done to change the U.S. tax code to help with this issue. Then, Brad is joined by CNN Military Analyst Col. Cedric Leighton (USAF-Ret.). The pair talks about President Trump's recent trip to China, and his refusal to commit to defending Taiwan if China attacked them. Next, they shift the conversation to the Iran war. Col. Leighton highlights how President Trump failed to articulate why he was sending our nation to war with Iran. The President also never sought the authorization to use military force from Congress, or even notified the 'gang of eight' before launching military strikes with Israel against Iran. Finally, Col. Leighton updates the audience on Ukraine's recent success in penetrating Russia's missile defense system in a way that hadn't yet been done in the war. 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. The AFT is dedicated to the belief that every person in America deserves the freedom to thrive, fueled by opportunity, justice and a voice in our democracy. Their website is www.AFT.org and their handle on BlueSky is @aftunion.bsky.social. Randi's handle is @rweingarten.bsky.social. 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. Brad is on the National Journal's panel of political insiders, is an American political analyst for The Times of India TV, and is a national political analyst for WGN TV and Radio in Chicago and KNX Radio in Los Angeles. Brad also writes a political column every Sunday for 'The Hill.' You can read his columns at www.MuckRack.com/Brad-Bannon. His handle on BlueSky is @bradbannon.bsky.social.

'BradCast' 5/19/2026: NAACP Launches Voting Rights Boycott of College Sports at Southern Schools; Trump's corrupt $1.8B deal by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 5/19/2026 by Progressive Voices

Children Are Listening: Hate Speech, Trump & America’s Growing Violence Problem Two teenagers carried out a horrifying hate crime at a mosque in San Diego, killing three people. But the bigger question is: where does this kind of hatred come from? Children are not born hating Muslims, LGBTQ people, immigrants, or people of color. They learn it — from adults, media, politicians, social media, and the culture around them. Today, hate speech is treated like entertainment. Islamophobia, homophobia, transphobia, racism — people dismiss it as “just opinions,” until violence happens. Then everyone acts shocked. But words matter, especially when young people are listening. And no public figure in America has normalized division and cruelty more than Donald Trump. Whether it’s immigrants, LGBTQ people, Muslims, or political enemies, the message spreads far beyond rallies and cable news. The children are listening. And sometimes, they act. Plus: The Heart Attack Grill in Las Vegas is shutting down, and the reason says a lot about America’s economy. Businesses are increasingly abandoning average Americans and focusing only on wealthier consumers. What does that say about where the country is headed? The Karel Cast dives into politics, culture, media, and the stories shaping our lives — with honesty, humor, and humanity. Support the show at Patreon.com/ReallyKarel Watch and subscribe at YouTube.com/ReallyKarel #Trump, #HateCrime, #Islamophobia, #MosqueAttack, #SanDiego, #Politics, #BreakingNews, #LGBTQ, #TransRights, #Homophobia, #Racism, #SocialMedia, #DonaldTrump, #Violence, #NewsCommentary, #CurrentEvents, #TheKarelCast, #ProgressiveTalk, #MediaCriticism, #AmericanPolitics, #CultureWars, #Equality, #HumanRights, #LasVegas, #HeartAttackGrill, #Economy, #MiddleClass, #PoliticalCommentary, #Podcast, #YouTubePolitics, #LGBTQ, #Vegan, #LasVegas, #EmberDoes_Vegas

'BradCast' 5/18/2026: Trump's $1.8 Billion DOJ-Facilitated Taxpayer Heist by Progressive Voices

PRIDE IS COLLAPSING… And Maybe That’s A GOOD Thing by Progressive Voices

In this episode, Leslie speaks with Jeff Padellaro, Director of the Teamsters Brewery, Bakery, and Soft Drink Conference, about ongoing strikes involving Teamsters workers at Breakthru Beverage in Illinois and Missouri. Jeff has been a Teamster for nearly 40 years. He explains why drivers and warehouse workers walked off the job, accusing the company of unfair labor practices and attempting to weaken critical union protections — including workers’ rights to honor Teamsters picket lines. He discusses why those protections matter not just in these disputes, but for the broader strength and solidarity of organized labor. The conversation also examines the challenges facing newly organized workers in St. Louis who are fighting for a fair first contract, as well as what the union describes as bad-faith bargaining tactics by management. Throughout the interview, Jeff reflects on nearly four decades as a Teamster and discusses the growing willingness of workers across the country to stand together and push back against corporate pressure. It’s a candid conversation about labor rights, solidarity, and why these strikes matter far beyond one company. Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.3 million hardworking people in the U.S., Canada, and Puerto Rico. Visit Teamster.org for more information. Follow them on X @Teamsters and on Facebook at Facebook.com/Teamsters.

'BradCast' 5/14/2026: More GOP Vote Rigging Underway. Hey, Maryland Dems! Time to Get Crackin' by Progressive Voices

Green News Report 5/14/2026 by Progressive Voices

THE TRUTH IS NOW CONTROVERSIAL — And That Should Terrify You 26-78 We live in a time where outrage is entertainment, misinformation spreads faster than facts, and absurdity is rewarded with clicks, followers and fame. But tell the truth? That’s where the real danger begins. In this episode of The Karel Show, Karel explores why honesty has become the most controversial thing in modern life. Why are people punished for uncomfortable truths while lies thrive online? Why has truth become something people fear instead of value? From social media algorithms to modern politics, outrage culture to entertainment, we’ve built a world where being loud matters more than being right. And when someone dares to say what’s real, they risk censorship, backlash and isolation. Plus, Karel reacts to the controversy surrounding The Boys and the reaction after commenting on the fate of the show’s bi character — and why representation in film and television still comes with consequences. Watch, like and subscribe to The Karel Show on YouTube and support independent media at Patreon. #Truth, #Censorship, #TheKarelShow, #FreeSpeech, #MediaBias, #Politics, #SocialMedia, #CultureWar, #CancelCulture, #TheTruth, #Commentary, #NewsAnalysis, #EntertainmentNews, #TheBoys, #LGBTQ, #RepresentationMatters, #Hollywood, #StreamingTV, #CurrentEvents, #Podcast, #IndependentMedia, #TruthMatters, #ViralCulture, #ModernSociety, #PoliticalCommentary, #YouTubePolitics, #CulturalCommentary, #TrendingNews, #NewsPodcast, #Karel https://youtube.com/live/50LSk76qakk

'BradCast' 5/13/2026: Do Dems Have the Courage Required to Restore and Reform American Democracy? by Progressive Voices

In this episode, Leslie speaks with parent coach, writer, and speaker Margot Magowan about how Nonviolent Communication (NVC) transformed her relationship with her children—and especially helped her family through a painful mental health crisis involving her oldest daughter. After years of therapies, hospitalizations, medications, and conflict, Margot says the breakthrough came when she and her husband learned how to truly listen with presence, curiosity, and compassion. She explains how NVC helped her shift away from trying to control or “fix” behavior and instead understand the feelings and needs beneath it. The conversation explores practical parenting challenges that many families face—from school struggles and emotional outbursts to rules, conflict, and communication—and how changing the way we respond to children can create more trust, safety, and emotional connection. Margot also discusses the difference between “power-over” and “power-with” parenting, why so many parents feel overwhelmed today, and how emotional regulation begins with the adults in the room. It’s an honest and compassionate conversation about parenting, connection, and learning how to listen in a whole new way. Margot's website is Listen2ConnectCoach.com and her handles on Instagram are @Listen2ConnectCoach and @reelgirlreviews.