Synopsis: With National Guard troops deployed in cities nationwide without local consent, two prominent voices warn that America teeters on the brink of authoritarianism unless citizens take action against militarization at home. Description: The U.S. military is sworn to serve the Constitution, but that’s getting complicated under Donald Trump. Now the President is threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act. What difference would that make? Laura’s guests are U.S. House Representative Pramila Jayapal and Marine veteran Janessa Goldbeck, who say it’s time to reject authoritarianism and uphold the Constitution. Guests: • Captain Janessa Goldbeck: Marine Corps Veteran; CEO, Vet Voice Foundation • Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal: D-WA, 7th Congressional District 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 member today, go to https://Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends. Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel November 2nd, and on over 300 public stations across the country. Listen: Episode airing on community radio November 5th & available as a podcast.

Synopsis- National Attention Turns to NYC Mayoral Race: With President Trump threatening to withhold federal funding if Mamdani wins, journalists from Chicago to Dearborn, Michigan are watching closely; join us as we explore what a Mamdani victory would signal for the nation. Laura’s guests are journalists working around the country for this month's Meet the BIPOC Press. “I hate giving labels. I don't look at Mandani as a progressive. I look at him as representing the anger and anguish of people who have been left behind with the political apparatus.” - Osama Siblani Description: Wherever you are in the county, you’ve probably heard the name “Zohran Mamdani”. New York City’s mayoral race is a national story, and it’s hard to overstate the significance of the leading candidate in this moment. From Chicago to Dearborn, Michigan, journalists are watching. In this installment of “Meet the BIPOC Press”, Laura Flanders speaks with three BIPOC reporters following this story. “. . . There's this sense that [Left-leaning candidates] have to essentially be apologizing for their policy prescriptions and their stances. Mamdani has not done that . . . For the most part, he very much embraces who he is and what his policy prescriptions are.” - Felipe De La Hoz “More so than I am concerned with Black people being pulled to the Right or being pulled in by Trump . . . I think what we see are people who are disengaged and feel like our political system isn't going to deliver for them at all. Who feel let down by the establishment Democratic party that has sold all of us out for decades, and Black people have borne an enormous amount of the brunt of that impact.” - Asha Ransby-Sporn Guests: • Felipe De La Hoz: Immigration & Policy Reporter, Epicenter NYC • Asha Ransby-Sporn: Writer & Political Strategist; Columnist, In These Times • Osama Siblani: Publisher, The Arab American News Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel, and on over 300 public stations across the country. Listen: Episode airing on community radio & available as a podcast. The full uncut conversation is also available to podcast subscribers.

Synopsis: What a Mamdani Win Would Mean for Local Communities: As the mayoral race heats up, we examine how a Mamdani administration would impact working-class families in New York City, with a focus on affordable housing, policy prescriptions, and the potential shift in national politics Description: Wherever you are in the county, you’ve probably heard the name “Zohran Mamdani”. New York City’s mayoral race is a national story, and it’s hard to overstate the significance of the leading candidate in this moment. From Chicago to Dearborn, Michigan, journalists are watching. In this installment of “Meet the BIPOC Press”, Laura Flanders speaks with three BIPOC reporters following this story. “. . . There's this sense that [Left-leaning candidates] have to essentially be apologizing for their policy prescriptions and their stances. Mamdani has not done that . . . For the most part, he very much embraces who he is and what his policy prescriptions are.” - Felipe De La Hoz “I hate giving labels. I don't look at Mandani as a progressive. I look at him as representing the anger and anguish of people who have been left behind with the political apparatus.” - Osama Siblani Guests: • Felipe De La Hoz: Immigration & Policy Reporter, Epicenter NYC • Asha Ransby-Sporn: Writer & Political Strategist; Columnist, In These Times • Osama Siblani: Publisher, The Arab American News 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 member today, go to https://Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel October 26th, and on over 300 public stations across the country. Listen: Episode airing on community radio October 29th & available as a podcast.

Synopsis: This week we’re exploring the creative part of creative resistance and considering a new short video being distributed by People for the American Way and the Dolores Huerta Foundation. Description: Need courage? Watch "The People, United" — a gripping short film about everyday Americans standing up to ICE and winning through nonviolent resistance. Created by Ellen Gavin and presented in collaboration with the Dolores Huerta Foundation and People for the American Way, the video is a powerful example of storytelling as an organizing tool. Hear how narratives shatter fear and build movements. Guests: • Ellen Gavin: Writer, Director, Producer: The People, United; Founder, Gavin Creative Collab • Dolores Huerta: Co-founder of the United Farm Workers; Founder & President, The Dolores Huerta Foundation 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 member today, go to https://Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends Watch the episode on YouTube; PBS World Channel, and on over 300 public stations across the country. Listen: Episode airing on community radio stations across the country & available as a podcast. Support Laura Flanders and Friends by becoming a member at https://www.patreon.com/c/lauraflandersandfriends

Get inspired by courageous activism! Learn from lifelong activists like 95-year-old Dolores Huerta on using narrative to break through fear and build movements. Description: Need courage? Watch "The People, United" — a gripping short film about everyday Americans standing up to ICE and winning through nonviolent resistance. Created by Ellen Gavin and presented in collaboration with the Dolores Huerta Foundation and People for the American Way, the video is a powerful example of storytelling as an organizing tool. Hear how narratives shatter fear and build movements. “. . . In the farm, we didn't respond with violence . . . César [Chávez] fasted for 25 days and then 36 days . . .  The other side, they want us to respond with violence, and we can respond with non-violence because they would like to have martial law for the whole country. So we've really got to have a lot of discipline now.” - Dolores Huerta Guests: • Ellen Gavin: Writer, Director, Producer: The People, United; Founder, Gavin Creative Collab • Dolores Huerta: Co-founder of the United Farm Workers; Founder & President, The Dolores Huerta Foundation 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 member today, go to https://Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel October 19th, and on over 300 public stations across the country. Listen: Episode airing on community radio October 22nd & available as a podcast.

REWIND FROM THE ARCHIVES: Lynne Martine Patton, a Trump aid and federal housing official responsible for the New York City region, said she'd move out of Trump Plaza and into public housing to bring attention to "inhuman conditions." In this 2018 commentary from Laura Flanders, she proposes an alternative to Patton's stunt and Trump's pro-privatization agenda. Fast forward to today, check out this week's podcast on the Trump Administration and HUD: Search: "Cuts, Shutdowns & Civil Rights Attacks: Federal Workers Fight Back" - HUD in crisis- The Department of Housing and Urban Development has seen its staff slashed by 70% since Donald Trump took office, with civil rights cases being abandoned and political appointees allegedly overriding legal findings to allow discrimination. “No one is asking for a leg up or an extra hand or whatever the case might be. We're just asking to get rid of discrimination. And so I hope the future will tell the story of people doing just that, coming together, going to Congress and saying, ‘These are our rights. You passed them into law decades ago. Fight for the rights that we have now.’” - Palmer Heenan Guests: • Palmer Heenan: Attorney, HUD Whistleblower; Member, AFGE 476 • Paul Osadebe: Attorney, HUD Whistleblower; Steward, AFGE 476 Watch this episode on Laura Flanders and Friends' YouTube channel; PBS National World Channel Sundays 11:30am ET, and on over 300 public stations across the country. Listen: Episode airing on community radio stations across the nation & available as a podcast. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate

Synopsis: As the government shutdown drags on, an alarming complaint letter exposes deep-seated issues within HUD, where drastic staff cuts have allegedly enabled widespread housing discrimination to flourish unchecked. Description: About 750,000 people are on unpaid leave as the U.S. government shutdown continues —  but some of the most caring parts of the government's work have been shut down for months. Civil rights attorneys Palmer Heenan and Paul Osadebe recently signed a shocking complaint letter describing chaos within the Department of Housing and Urban Development, which is responsible for protecting fair housing. Guests: • Palmer Heenan: Attorney, HUD Whistleblower; Member, AFGE 476 • Paul Osadebe: Attorney, HUD Whistleblower; Steward, AFGE 476 Watch this episode on Laura Flanders and Friends' YouTube channel; PBS World Channel Sundays 11:30am ET, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio October 15th (check here to see if your station is airing the show and what time and day) & available as a podcast. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate

Breaking: Whistleblowers expose alarming civil rights rollbacks in HUD: What you need to know" These audio extras are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a member today, go to https://Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends Description: Housing discrimination is illegal in the U.S., but every year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) receives thousands of complaints from individuals who believe they are not being treated fairly because of their race, religion, disability and other protected classes. HUD is one of the only free resources available to Americans facing housing discrimination, but a shocking new whistleblower complaint letter released on Monday, September 29, 2025 says the agency is in crisis. Staff was slashed by 70% since Donald Trump took office, some civil rights cases have been abandoned, and political appointees are allegedly overriding legal findings to allow discrimination. These are just some of the claims in the formal complaint letter, which has now been filed through U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren’s office and taken to the press. In this conversation, Laura Flanders speaks to two of the four whistleblowers, HUD civil rights fair housing attorneys, to find out what this story means for civil rights and why they’re speaking out now. As fair housing hangs in the balance, Palmer Heenan and Paul Osadebe are organizing union members to uphold their oath to defend the constitution and protect Americans. Guests: • Palmer Heenan: Attorney, HUD Whistleblower; Member, AFGE 476 • Paul Osadebe: Attorney, HUD Whistleblower; Steward, AFGE 476 Subscribe to Laura Flanders & Friends on YouTube and podcast platforms to receive bonus interviews like these and our full, uncut conversations. And stay tuned for a new LF&F report featuring segments from this interview, coming soon to public television and radio.

Synopsis, Laura's Commentary: As billionaires buy up our newsrooms and Congress defunds public media, the stakes for democracy couldn’t be higher. If we don’t reinvent and reinvest in independent media now, it may soon be too late. Related Episode Information: Documented NY's Labor Reporter Amir Khafagy and Capital B's Rural Issues Reporter Aallyah Wright- • Audio Podcast Episode: https://lauraflanders.simplecast.com/episodes/mamdani-black-farmers-usda-ice-the-stories-bipoc-journalists-uncover-episode • Audio Podcast Uncut: https://lauraflanders.simplecast.com/episodes/mamdani-black-farmers-usda-ice-the-stories-bipoc-journalists-uncover-uncut-conversation • Watch: https://youtube.com/watch?v=QJL4m9917uw&feature=youtu.be For more articles by Laura subscribe to Substack: substack.com/home/post/p-165868460 This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to LauraFlanders.org/donate

“People mistakenly think that what's happening is far from their doors. They think that this would never happen to them, because of their social status, because of their ethnicity or any of that. But what's happening around us should alarm us . . . It's not about that the U.S. is becoming authoritarian. It is authoritarianism now.” - Mahmoud Khalil Description: Mahmoud Khalil discusses his terrifying detainment, the “Palestinian Exception” and the case brought against him by the Trump administration. Despite risks of deportation, Khalil continues to courageously speak out, and he and his legal team have filed a civil rights lawsuit with the U.S. District Court of New Jersey against the Trump administration to challenge his arrest and detention by ICE. UPDATE - since this interview was recorded- “The recent decision by a federal court in Massachusetts in the AAUP v. Rubio case confirms what Mahmoud has maintained all along: that Trump administration officials have acted in concert to suppress and silence anti-genocide, pro-Palestinian speech, in violation of the First Amendment. We look forward to the remedies that court will order and to pursuing Mahmoud’s own separate and ongoing federal court challenge to this unconstitutional policy.” -Ramzi Kassem, co-director of CLEAR, and one of the lawyers representing Mahmoud Khalil. This episode is available to watch on YouTube; PBS World Channel October 5th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio October 8th (check here to see if your station is airing the show and day/time) & available as a podcast.

Synopsis: Mahmoud Khalil examines why the question of Palestine is a test for U.S. democracy.  “People mistakenly think that what's happening is far from their doors. They think that this would never happen to them, because of their social status, because of their ethnicity or any of that. But what's happening around us should alarm us . . . It's not about that the U.S. is becoming authoritarian. It is authoritarianism now.” - Mahmoud Khalil Description: Mahmoud Khalil discusses his terrifying detainment, the “Palestinian Exception” and the case brought against him by the Trump administration. Despite risks of deportation, Khalil continues to courageously speak out, and he and his legal team have filed a civil rights lawsuit with the U.S. District Court of New Jersey against the Trump administration to challenge his arrest and detention by ICE. UPDATE - since this interview was recorded-  “The recent decision by a federal court in Massachusetts in the AAUP v. Rubio case confirms what Mahmoud has maintained all along: that Trump administration officials have acted in concert to suppress and silence anti-genocide, pro-Palestinian speech, in violation of the First Amendment. We look forward to the remedies that court will order and to pursuing Mahmoud’s own separate and ongoing federal court challenge to this unconstitutional policy.” -Ramzi Kassem, co-director of CLEAR, and one of the lawyers representing Mahmoud Khalil. 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 member today, go to https://Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel October 5th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio October 8th (check here to see if your station is airing the show and day/time) & available as a podcast.

Synopsis: Laura speaks to organizers in western North Carolina one year after Hurricane Helene. Description: When Hurricane Helene hit western North Carolina in September 2024, it came as a shock. But it’s the mutual aid networks that responded with creative, effective strategies to distribute water, medicine and help communities rebuild. Laura Flanders heads to some of the hardest-hit areas in western North Carolina and speaks with community activists to hear the lessons to be learned for the future. Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio October 1st (check here to see if your station is airing the show and what time and day) & available as a podcast. Guests: • Brooklyn Brown (Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians): Reporter, Cherokee One Feather JMPRO Community Media • RT Pansy • Ayotunde Dixson: Racial Justice Coalition (RJC) • Janet Kent: Rural Organizing and Resilience (ROAR) • Tai Little:: SEAC Village • Alan Luis Ramirez: Collaborativa La Milpa • Mab Segrest: Anti Racist Research Program, Blueprint NC This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate

Synopsis: As Western North Carolina marks a somber anniversary, a new report pairs with a candid discussion about recovery challenges — from gentrification pressures to lessons learned about class and racial disparities — that still resonate today. Description: Recorded live at radio station WPVM in Asheville, this bonus episode of Laura Flanders & Friends looks back on Hurricane Helene with community organizers who led relief efforts across Western North Carolina. One year on, they share lessons in resilience, justice, and mutual aid, and what pressure people are facing now to combat gentrification in the wake of displacement. Guests: • Ayotunde Dixson, Racial Justice Coalition (RJC) • Tai Little, SEAC Village Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel September 28th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio October 1st (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast. These audio extras are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a member today, go to https://Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends

Breaking: Whistleblowers expose alarming civil rights rollbacks in HUD: What you need to know" These audio extras are made possible thanks to our member supporters. Become a member today, go to https://Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends Description: Housing discrimination is illegal in the U.S., but every year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) receives thousands of complaints from individuals who believe they are not being treated fairly because of their race, religion, disability and other protected classes. HUD is one of the only free resources available to Americans facing housing discrimination, but a shocking new whistleblower complaint letter released on Monday, September 29, 2025 says the agency is in crisis. Staff was slashed by 70% since Donald Trump took office, some civil rights cases have been abandoned, and political appointees are allegedly overriding legal findings to allow discrimination. These are just some of the claims in the formal complaint letter, which has now been filed through U.S. Senator Elizabeth Warren’s office and taken to the press. In this conversation, Laura Flanders speaks to two of the four whistleblowers, HUD civil rights fair housing attorneys, to find out what this story means for civil rights and why they’re speaking out now. As fair housing hangs in the balance, Palmer Heenan and Paul Osadebe are organizing union members to uphold their oath to defend the constitution and protect Americans. Guests: • Palmer Heenan: Attorney, HUD Whistleblower; Member, AFGE 476 • Paul Osadebe: Attorney, HUD Whistleblower; Steward, AFGE 476 Subscribe to Laura Flanders & Friends on YouTube and podcast platforms to receive bonus interviews like these and our full, uncut conversations. And stay tuned for a new LF&F report featuring segments from this interview, coming soon to public television and radio.

Synopsis: With attacks on Critical Race Theory gaining momentum, Columbia Law Professor Kimberlé Crenshaw joins Laura Flanders to dissect the fight for antiracism in America today. Description: The problems with our legal system are more conspicuous than ever, but thought leaders like Kimberlé Crenshaw have been sounding the alarm for decades. Executive Director of the African American Policy Forum, Crenshaw is celebrating the organization's 30th anniversary and joining Laura Flanders in this episode to discuss the challenges ahead. Guests: Kimberlé Crenshaw, Professor of Law, Columbia & UCLA Law Schools; Executive Director, African American Policy Forum Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel September 21st, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio September 24th (check here to see if your station is airing the show and what time and day) & available as a podcast. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate

Snyopsis: Kimberlé Crenshaw and Laura Flanders examine the recent efforts by the Trump administration to remove so-called "improper ideology" from institutions like the Smithsonian, and how this move is part of a larger attempt to erase the history of enslavement and genocide in America. Description: The problems with our legal system are more conspicuous than ever, but thought leaders like Kimberlé Crenshaw have been sounding the alarm for decades. Executive Director of the African American Policy Forum, Crenshaw is celebrating the organization's 30th anniversary and joining Laura Flanders in this episode to discuss the challenges ahead. Guest: Kimberlé Crenshaw: Professor of Law, Columbia & UCLA Law Schools; Executive Director, African American Policy Forum 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 member today, go to https://Patreon.com/LauraFlandersandFriends Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel September 21st, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio September 24th (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.

Join Laura in this insightful conversation with former Goldman Sachs manager Nomi Prins and researcher Thomas Hanna as they challenge conventional banking norms and explore alternative models for economic growth. Description [rewind episode originally aired January 2019] In the wake of the Feds meeting this week to decide whether to lower interest rates or not, we rewind to our episode “Storming the Federal Reserve” on the way central banks steer world development and for whom. Laura is joined by former Goldman Sachs manager Naomi Prins, and public ownership researcher Thomas Hanna. They believe that banking and development could look very different. This episode was originally released January 2019. Guests: • Nomi Prins - Former Director, Goldman Sachs and Author, Collusion: How Central Bankers Ruled the World • Thomas Hanna Research Director, The Democracy Collaborative and Author, Our Common Wealth: The Return of Public Ownership in the United States

Synopsis: Robert Reich draws parallels between the current era and the first Gilded Age, suggesting that a new Progressive Era could be on the horizon as a response to the second Gilded Age, bringing about potential reforms to economic and political systems. Description: Former Labor Secretary and longtime professor Robert Reich joins Laura Flanders to discuss two bullies against U.S. democracy: concentrated wealth and corporate power. As Reich shares, growing income inequality yields corruption in our politics and economy. No one election will change everything, but that’s not a reason not to act to defeat the Trump administration — in Congress, and at the polls. Guest: Robert Reich: Former Secretary of Labor; Professor Emeritus, University of California Berkeley; Author, Coming Up Short: My Memoir of America Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel September 14th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio September 17th (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast. This show is made possible by you! To become a sustaining member go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate

Synopsis: With decades of experience as a professor and advocate for progressive change, Robert Reich discusses the possibility of a new Progressive Era in response to the current Gilded Age, echoing the reforms of over a century ago. Description: Former Labor Secretary and longtime professor Robert Reich joins Laura Flanders to discuss two bullies against U.S. democracy: concentrated wealth and corporate power. As Reich shares, growing income inequality yields corruption in our politics and economy. No one election will change everything, but that’s not a reason not to act to defeat the Trump administration — in Congress, and at the polls. Guest: Robert Reich: Former Secretary of Labor; Professor Emeritus, University of California Berkeley; Author, Coming Up Short: My Memoir of America 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. go to https://LauraFlanders.org/donate Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel September 14th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio September 17th (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.

Synopsis: Step into the studio of ceramicist Akinsanya Kambon, where ancient traditions meet revolutionary fervor: here, stunning works born from earthy materials recount tales of resistance, redemption, and hope across generations and geography. Description: With each glimmering piece he creates, artist Akinsanya Kambon brings suppressed histories of both colonization and liberation to life. His ceramic works depict struggle and survival across the African diaspora, and stepping into his studio is a spiritual experience, as Laura Flanders recently discovered. Join Flanders and Kambon as they discuss how art keeps spirits alive. Guest: Akinsanya Kambon, Artist, Former Marine, Black Panther & Art Professor Watch the special report on YouTube; PBS World Channel September 5th, and on over 300 public stations across the country (check your listings, or search here via zipcode). Listen: Episode airing on community radio September 10th (check here to see if your station is airing the show) & available as a podcast.