Keya Vakil
An Orwellian Plan for Abortion Misinformation (Hour 1)
Republicans have introduced a bill that, if passed, would create a federal anti-abortion website that provides misleading information about abortion, directs women to health “centers” that pressure them not to have abortions, and could even collect their personal information to share with anti-abortion groups. We’ll talk to Courier Newsroom national correspondent Keya Vakil.
Who’s Asking for a 30% Sales Tax? (Hour 1)
The debt ceiling debate is a farce, an imaginary concept, and yet congressional Republicans are threatening to tank the US economy over it. What’s their great idea to fund essential services? A 30% national sales tax. Courier Newsroom national correspondent Keya Vakil helps sum up the week’s national political headlines.
This Ain’t a Game, Congress (Hour 1)
A small minority of congressional Republicans—who represent a minority of American voters—wants to play a game of chicken with the national economy. After climbing out of a COVID recession and bringing unemployment to a 50-year low, this bloc of right-wing politicians is preparing to steer the country into default—something that will affect every American through higher interest rates and prices. Courier Newsroom national correspondent Keya Vakil talks about the folly of refusing to pay for debts Congress has already incurred.
Never Forget (Hour 1)
We remember the tragedy of the January 6 insurrection and the continuing quest for justice and consequences for those who plotted and took part in the deadly attack on the United States government.
We visit with Courier Newsroom national correspondent Keya Vakil and political director Carolyn Fiddler.
Crazy Ain’t Dead—Just Taking a Nap (Hour 2)
The midterm elections are finally over. Former President Trump is disgraced. Republicans say they’ll learn some lessons from the carnage. Or will they? We’ll ask Courier Newsroom national correspondent Keya Vakil and Mark Jacob, a former editor with the Chicago Tribune and Sun-Times. Also, guest sportscaster Dan Schumacher on the Badgers and Marquette each playing in the NCAA volleyball tournament.
Wha’ Happened? – Part 1
We ask three friends of the show about the “red wave” that never quite materialized and what lessons we can learn from the wins and losses in Wisconsin and around the country. Contributing analyst Joe Zepecki in Milwaukee, Courier Newsroom national correspondent Keya Vakil in Los Angeles, and Brett Pransky from our Pennsylvania outlet The Keystone help us make sense of Tuesday’s results.
On Friday:
- Sen. Tammy Baldwin talks to us about asking the US Dept. of Education to go after predatory private schools that forced students into unnecessarily expensive loans while offering nearly-worthless diplomas. Also, Courier Newsroom political director Carolyn Fiddler, former Chicago Tribune editor Mark Jacob, and UW-Eau Claire athletic director Dan Schumacher.
Close Races? No Way! – Part 1
No surprises in the topline numbers of the new Marquette Poll—the big races are too close to call. So what can we learn from a deeper dive into the responses? Political analyst Joe Zepecki has answers. Also: Nicole Slavin from “Moms for Mandela,” Courier Newsroom national correspondent Keya Vakil, and reaction to President Biden’s speech about the path to chaos posed by those who lie about elections and threaten violence.
On Friday:
- Mark Jacob on how the press is covering the final week of the 2022 campaigns, and Courier Newsroom political director Carolyn Fiddler.
Attacking America Through Flat Taxes and Debt Limits. (Oct 27 – Hour 3)
Gubernatorial candidate Tim Michels’ flat tax plan is panned by economists for what it is—a massive tax break for millionaires, leaving everyone else to pay more or face severe cuts to basic services. On the national level, Republicans are all but promising economic chaos by holding the US debt limit hostage to demands to slash vital programs for older Americans.
On Friday:
- Mark Jacob
- Carolyn Fiddler
Going to Extremes
Courier Newsroom’s deputy political editorial director provides an update on races across the country, where the most extreme Republican nominees are having a tough time in most of their campaigns—unless you’re a college football star who gets a pass for opposing abortion exceptions for everyone, except the girlfriend you got pregnant.
On Friday:
- Phil Swanhorst, Marc Jacob, Carolyn Fiddler
Dems in Disarray. Republicans Wish They Only Had Disarray (Oct 6 – Hour 3)
Courier Newsroom national correspondent Keya Vakil reviews national headlines. Pat has strong words for those who have time to criticize fellow progressives to the national press. And anti-Trump Republicans place a $1 million ad buy in Wisconsin against Tim Michels.
On Friday:
- Mark Jacob
- Carolyn Fiddler
- Cam Stevenson of the Arizona Copper Courier
