In this powerful episode, we welcome back Simon Moya Smith, an Oglala Lakota and Chicano journalist, and Julie Francella, a mental health professional with extensive experience in Indigenous communities. Together, they delve into the recent Senate vote that threatens the Boundary Waters Wilderness and the sacred lands of Indigenous peoples. With urgent discussions around sovereignty, environmental protection, and the ongoing fight against colonialism, this episode highlights the importance of community action and the need to protect our natural resources.

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John's opening monologue first discusses the House somehow passing a bill extending Temporary Protected Status for Haitian refugees in the immigration program. Then, he talks about JD Vance addressing a Turning Point USA event in Georgia, where he defended Trump’s aggressive policies in Iran and addressed supporters amid low, sparse turnout and interruptions. The speech was marked by clashes with hecklers, including a tense exchange over Middle East policy, while focusing on conservative themes for a mostly empty arena. Next, John speaks with Tyneadrian Fleming. She's an inventor and entrepreneur, and the founder of Blackbird Smart Innovations. With a background in corrections and home care, she was inspired to create life-saving wearable technology designed to protect seniors, children, and vulnerable communities. Her patented Blackbird smart devices focus on accessibility, safety, and real-world impact. Then lastly, he interviews Dr. Mansi Kotwal who's a pediatrician and board member of Healthcare for Action. Having a background in public health, she's committed to serving and advocating for her patients not only through individual care but also through community outreach programs, research, and lobbying for Congress.

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John's monologue dives into a mixed bag of stories. After dozens of states sued Ticketmaster and Live Nation - a jury has found that they had an anticompetitive monopoly over big concert venues. Also, Republicans in the Senate have again blocked an effort to advance a bill reigning in Donald Trump’s power to make war in Iran. AND - Trump posted another AI image, this time WITH Jesus canoodling in reverent prayer. Plus, JD Vance went on to mansplain the "Just War" theory to the Pope. Then, John speaks with Democracy Forward President and CEO Skye Perryman. Democracy Forward filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to compel the release of records related to the agency’s communications and activities concerning election administration, including potential efforts to restrict voting access and reported coordination with individuals and groups associated with election denial. This lawsuit comes as the Trump-Vance administration has continued efforts to threaten states, intimidate election officials, and call into question the integrity of voting systems ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. Next, The God Squad returns. Desimber Rose and Dillon Naber Cruz talk about religious wars and why isn't not cool to fight with the Pope. And lastly, legal analyst Dr. Tracy Pearson joins the crew to debate the legalities of the war in Iran and other current events.

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