Keya Vakil
A Strange Version of ‘Sharing’ (Hour 1)
Wisconsin was once a leader in a system that saw state government share its income tax revenue with local governments as a way to provide property tax relief and ensure a basic level of services statewide. Republicans have spent years slashing shared revenue to local governments and removing local control. On Thursday, GOP lawmakers released a new proposal that moves Wisconsin ever further away from the original concept of sharing revenue.
Pudding Fingers and Twiddling Thumbs (Hour 1)
Looking at this week’s events we ask if the Grand Old Party can replace its elephant logo with a pair of twiddling thumbs, given what little is getting done in Madison and Washington. Also, Courier Newsroom national correspondent Keya Vakil joins us to review the Dominion defamation settlement with the Fox political propaganda channel. And we’ll also discuss the effectiveness of the Trump ad spoofing pudding lover Ron DeSantis.
Happy ‘414 Day’ – Now Do the 715 (Hour 1)
April 14, aka “414 Day,” is a chance for the Milwaukee area to toot its own horn. We’ll review some of today’s events and deals. But we also want your ideas on how July 15 could be a great day up in the 715—what kind of products or places are mandatory on a list that showcases life “up north” in our area code?
Also, Courier Newsroom national correspondent Keya Vakil helps us review this week’s headlines around the country.
WMC Traumatizes a Rape Victim (Hour 1)
Proving there is no bottom, the political machine Wisconsin Manufacturers and Commerce (ostensibly a “business” group) twisted the words of a rape victim and a judge in order to produce a grotesque campaign ad meant to benefit conservative Supreme Court candidate Dan Kelly. It’s not the only group engaged in disgusting techniques designed to scare voters who might otherwise support Judge Janet Protasiewicz in next week’s election.
A Changing Climate for Clean Energy (Hour 1)
We talk to Justin Worland, a Washington-based senior correspondent for TIME who covers climate change politics and policy, about his recent Wisconsin visit to discuss the opportunities available to residents and businesses as a result of the landmark investments available in the new Inflation Reduction Act. Also, Courier Newsroom national correspondent Keya Vakil reviews this week’s political headlines.
Trump’s ‘Judge Whisperer’ Is Coming (Hour 1)
Leonard Leo is the most powerful man you’ve never heard of. He’s a key player in getting justices on the US Supreme Court who would eventually kill Roe v. Wade. Courier Newsroom national correspondent Keya Vakil tells us how Leo is getting active on behalf of right wing former justice Dan Kelly in the Wisconsin Supreme Court election.
Fox News Is the Original Fake News (Hour 1)
Courier Newsroom national correspondent Keya Vakil reviews this week’s top national news stories, including the evidence uncovered about Fox ‘News’ as part of a lawsuit revealing how much wrong information about the 2020 election their anchors and management knowingly passed off as news.
The Nation Is Watching Our Supreme Court Race (Hour 1)
With apologies to Kristin Brey: As goes Wisconsin, so goes America’s 2024 presidential election. In 2020, three current conservative justices on the Wisconsin Supreme Court were willing to consider throwing out 221,000 legally-cast ballots, as requested by Donald Trump. If former justice Dan Kelly gets back on the court, as someone who was paid to advise Republicans on the fake electors scheme, could valid ballots be thrown out next time?
Social Security: Maybe We Just Fix It? (Hour 1)
There’s been a lot of talk about Republicans and their stated desire to kill Social Security, but how about if we just fix the shortfall in Social Security once and for all? Two Wisconsin members of Congress are cosponsoring a bill to do that, and Courier Newsroom national correspondent Keya Vakil tells us what that’s all about.
Pocan, the President, and Promises Kept (Hour 1)
Congressman Mark Pocan talks about accompanying President Biden on Air Force One during Wednesday’s trip to Wisconsin—and about the diminished expectations he has for the new GOP-controlled House. Courier Newsroom national correspondent Keya Vakil helps us review some ideas in Biden’s State of the Union address that didn’t receive as much coverage but still have a big impact on the lives of Americans.
