The Best of Us: Being Human in Sarasota features surprising stories and in-depth conversations of strength and resilience in Sarasota and beyond. In each episode, host Bethany Ritz talks with someone leaning into this emerging culture in our region—sometimes on a personal level, other times community-wide—followed by a topical guest offering a wider view of what’s possible. These approaches and systems, some embedded and some emerging, are revolutionizing how we do business and live our best ...
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We are a semi-weekly radio show focused on discussing issues that affect our communities including politics, culture, the economy, our health, and all the issues that affects the daily lives of working people. We hope that through these difficult conversations, we can identify the root causes of these issues and increase our understanding as a community.
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The Peace & Justice Report covers local, state, national and international social justice issues. We bring a wide variety of guests whose views are underrepresented in the mainstream media, activists who are devoting their lives to creating a world free from injustice of all kinds. Hosted by Bob Connors and Tom Walker.
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Episode 4: The Best of Us: May 4 2025 with Jon Thaxton
57:48
57:48
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57:48This episode’s topic is on The Love of the Land and is explored in two parts. For part one, which aired May 4 2025, Jon Thaxton discusses land preservation and stewardship as a practical, spiritual and vitalizing life-long practice. For part two, released live on WSLR on May 18 2025, Chelsea Steinauer-Scudder will discuss her new book, Mother, Crea…
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May Day and Heydi Sanchez Tejeda - Wed 04-30, 2025
30:46
30:46
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30:46Ruth and Anoosh join us this week to discuss the meaning behind May Day as an important date for workers rights and the inhumane deportation case of Heydi Sanchez Tejeda.
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Episode 3: The Best of Us: April 6 2025 with Tonya Disapio and James Encinas
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55:31
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55:31The third episode of The Best of Us: Being Human in Sarasota aired April 6 2025. This episode explores both sides of domestic violence—victim and perpetrator—and the power of listening. While Tonya Disapio will discuss her experience working as a victim advocate in Sarasota, Reverend James Encinas will share about his experience with profound liste…
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Episode 2: The Best of Us: March 2 2025 with Wendy Ingram and Gregg F. Martin
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59:08
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59:08The second episode of The Best of Us: Being Human in Sarasota aired March 2 2025. The hour-long show explores the mental health risks that can arise in the pursuit of excellence. While Ingram will discuss how the well-being of academics, professionals, and visionaries permeate every aspect of our world, two-star Major General Martin will share how …
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Episode 1: The Best of Us: February 2 2025 with Emily Brown and George Prochik
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59:59
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59:59The first episode of The Best of Us: Being Human in Sarasota aired February 2 2025. The hour-long show explores how the practice of repairing, making, or even viewing artworks is elemental to our human capacity for resilience, proving that the arts run deeper than superficial luxury. While Emily Brown will offer a personal perspective, George Proch…
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Trump's War on DEI | Speeches from Black Revolutionaries - March 12, 2025
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31:00
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31:00Ira and Alan join us this week to discuss the ban on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) by the Trump Administration. We talk about DEI's history, how it relates to Affirmative Action, and the effects of its complete eradication. Finally, we close with a few speeches and interviews from Black revolutionaries to celebrate the past Black History M…
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This week, we decided to air an episode of The Socialist Program. Ruth introduces us to a conversation between Brian Becker and professor Richard Wolff where they discuss the decline in the economy, the increase in the cost of basic goods, the major downward shift in the European economies, and the impact of Trump's tarriffs on U.S. workers.…
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Ira introduces us to the full audio from Say Their Names event on Feb 22 in Sarasota. We hear speeches from local activists and mothers of victims of police brutality. The speakers include Ruth Beltran, Ira, Tracey Washington, Franki, Lisa Keys, Natasha Clemons, Deanna Joseph, Mona Hardin, Karen Wells, Selwyn Jones, and more.…
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Ali introduces a few speeches from local organizers during a February 9 demonstration against Trump's anti-immigrant agenda in Sarasota, FL.
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Interview with Junior Salazar - Feb 5, 2025
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53:38
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53:38Ruth, Ira, and Firas sit down with Junior Salazar, a local activist, to discuss the recent threats on our immigrant communities and what we can do to fight back. Upcoming Events: Immigration Rights March @ Five Points Park Sunday February 9 from 12pm - 4pm
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Interview with Deanna Joseph - Jan 29, 2025
1:05:24
1:05:24
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1:05:24Ruth sits down with Deanna Joseph of the Andrew Joseph Foundation to discuss the story of her son, Andrew Joseph. You can find more information about the Andrew Joseph Foundation at https://andrewjosephfoundation.com Upcoming Events: Tuesday 2/4: Organizing for Justice: Learn From Families and Survivors of Police Crimes C Blythe Andrews Library 260…
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Ruth introduces a few speeches from local organizers during our January 19 demonstration against Trump's right wing agenda in St. Petersburg, FL.
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California Wildfires & ICC sanctions - Jan 15, 2025
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30:05
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30:05Ira joins Ruth again this week to cover the devastationin California due to the wildfires, as well as a bill recently passed by the House of Representatives that would impose sanctions on the International Criminal Court. Join us this Sunday, January 19 at 2pm in Williams Park in St Pete for a demonstration against Trump's right wing agenda!…
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Military Service & Mass Casualty Events - Jan 8, 2025
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29:42
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29:42Ira joins Ruth this week to discuss the attacks in New Orleans and Las Vegas. We start the episode hearing from Mike Prysner, and then our hosts dive into what makes military service the number one predictor of becoming a mass casualty offender.
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Ruth DJs this week and shares a few revolutionary songs to welcome in 2025!
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Ira & Adam join Ruth to discuss some updates for the Uhuru trial, then we review some of Trump's appointees and how they will affect working Americans here in Florida and across the country. We are hosting a volunteer meeting this Saturday, December 21st! ️Register here: bit.ly/Jan20vol Join us Saturday, December 21st for these organizing meetings …
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Sierra & Adam share some clips from a live stream from The People's Forum NYC discussing what is to be done now that Donald Trump has been re-elected.
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Adam & Sierra join Ruth to discuss House Bill 9495 "The Nonprofit Killer Bill" making it's way through congress. We provide some background information about the history of this piece of legislation and how it threatens the existence of many nonprofits in our country. UPDATE: The House passed bill 9495 on Thursday November 21, 2024 with a vote 219-…
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NOVEMBER 13TH 2024: AUTHOR RAFAEL MARTINEZ
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56:34
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56:34Today we talk to Rafael Martinez, author of Illegalized – Undocumented Youth Movements in the United States. Martinez takes readers on a journey through the history of the rise of undocumented youth social movements in the United States in the twenty-first century. The book follows the documentation trail of undocumented youth activists spanning ov…
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Ruth is joined by Ali, Adam, & Sierra to discuss updates from the Middle East and share information about a Palestinian study group for the book Trinity of Fundamentals. There is still time to join! Next study session is Sunday November 17. Click the link to join: https://tinyurl.com/yf95vbh3
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NOVEMBER 6TH 2024: ANDREA BUSCEMI OF ORDINARY ZEN SANGHA/FUNCTIONAL AND INTEGRATIVE SPECIALIST DR. CARLOS SANTO
56:39
56:39
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56:39Today we speak with Andrea Buscemi from Ordinary Zen Sangha, she'll be talking about the upcoming event with Zen Monk Chong An Sunim. During the second half of the show we'll be talking with Dr Carlos Santo about the Chronic Disease Epidemic.
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Ruth & Adam get together one week before Election Day to discuss their thoughts. We listen to an interview from Prisca Dorcas Mojica Rodríguez posted to the Latina Rebels page about voting third party.
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OCTOBER 30TH 2024: HYDROLOGIST STEPHEN SUAU/SUSTAINABILITY OUTREACH PROGRAMMER FOR SARASOTA COUNTY ALIYAH GARRETT
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56:58
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56:58Today we’ll talk to hydrologist Stephen Suau about the recent flooding from Helene and Milton, and about local red tide as affected by Lake Okeechobee. Later we talk with Sustainability Outreach Programmer For Sarasota County Aliyah Garrett about their 19th Annual Sustainable Communities Workshop
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Peyton from Breakthrough News joins Ruth to discuss the ILA Dockworkers Strike. We share an exclusive interview from the picket line with Nick DiFresco, President of ILA Local 1691.
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Hurricane Disaster Response - Oct 23, 2024
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39:51Sierra & Adam join Ruth to discuss the Hurricane Disaster Response in central Florida.
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OCTOBER 23RD 2024: LORNA HAWKINS FOUNDER OF DRIVE BY AGONY/BOARD OF DIRECTOR MEMBER CHEYENNE WILLIAMS OF THE AMERICAN FOUNDATION FOR SUICIDE PREVENTION
56:35
56:35
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56:35Today we’ll discuss creating and implementing platforms for victims of crime to express their feelings about the deaths of their children due to gun and street violence with Lorna Hawkins founder & executive director of the non-profit group Drive By Agony. Then we'll speak with Board Of Director member Cheyenne Williams of The American Foundation F…
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Spotlight: American Indian Movement - Oct 2, 2024
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30:09
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30:09Join us this week as Ruth and Adam chat with Sheridan, a local Indigenous rights activist with the American Indian Movement.
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Today we’ll spend the hour with Robert Creamer, a political organizer for over four decades. He’ll talk about his new book Nuts and Bolts: The Formula for Progressive Electoral Success. It’s a “pragmatic handbook for organizers, communicators and campaigners – inspiring our continued fight for our democracy.”…
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PEACE & JUSTICE OCTOBER 2ND 2024: AMERICAN INDIE SINGER/SONGWRITER DAVID ROVICS/TERESA TAFT OF BIG BROTHERS BIG SISTERS OF THE SUN COAST
55:40
55:40
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55:40For the second half of the show Bob talks with Regional Volunteer Recruiter For Sarasota And Charlotte County at Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Sun Coast, Teresa Taft on how to become a volunteer for this organization and their work.
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Peyton from BreakThrough News joins Jack to discuss the recent election in Venezuela.
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SEPTEMBER 25TH 2024: DR. LYLA JUNE JOHNSTON/SANDRA TAPFUMANEYI/PHILIP OF TAARPR
56:34
56:34
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56:34Dr. Lyla June Johnston is a scientist, public speaker, poet, hip-hop artist, and acoustic singer-songwriter of Diné (Navajo), Tsétsêhéstâhese (Cheyenne), and European lineages. Dr. Johnston talks environmental concerns and an approach designed through Native American customs to care for nature. Sandra Tapfumaneyi Sarasota County Emergency Managemen…
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Join us this week as Ruth and Ali discuss Israel's recent pager attacks in Lebanon on September 17 & 18, 2024.
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Join Ruth and special guest Sierra to discuss the Uhuru movement and trial in St. Petersburg, FL.
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SEPTEMBER 18TH 2024: A CONVERSATION ON HOMELESSNESS WITH HOSTS LINDA HARRADINE & LARRY EGAR AND GUESTS KATIE ROSS, JOE POLZAK & TERRY LYNN DRAKE
57:10
57:10
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57:10Today we’ll discuss Homelessness in Sarasota County. Hosted by Linda Harradine, Executive Director of Legal Aid Of Manasota & Larry Egar public defender, 12th Judicial Circuit Of Florida Guest speaking are: Katie Ross: CEO Suncoast Partnership To End Homelessnes Joe Polzak: Asst. City Attorney Of Sarasota Terry Lynn Drake: Asst. Public Defender, 12…
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SEPTEMBER 11TH 2024: A CONVERSATION BETWEEN DR. TARA BRACH & DR. GABOR MATE/DR. EMILY ROTH
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55:14
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55:14Today we’ll first hear a conversation between Dr. Tara Bach & Gabor Mate. Tara Brach earned a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology, is a Buddhist Meditation Instructor with over 20 years of experience. Gabor Mate is a Canadian physician. He has authored five books exploring topics including ADHD, stress, developmental psychology, and addiction. Then we'll …
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SEPTEMBER 4TH 2024: KIETH MCHENRY, CO-COUNDER OF FOOD NOT BOMBS
56:16
56:16
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56:16Today we’ll talk to Keith McHenry,co-founder of Food Not Bombs. Food Not Bombs recovers and shares free vegan and vegetarian meals with the hungry in over 1,000 cities in 65 countries. It is a nonviolent direct action against war, poverty, and environmental destruction.
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AUGUST 28TH 2024: WATER QUALITY WITH DR. ABBEY TYRNA/LIBRARIES WITH RENEE DI PILATO
56:53
56:53
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56:53Today we’ll talk to Dr. Abbey Tyrna, Executive Director of Suncoast Waterkeeper. We’ll talk about water quality, flooding and Hurricane Debby. After that we’ll talk to Renee Di Pilato, Director of Sarasota Libraries, about the little-known services available at the library. ***Dr. Abbey Tyrna was unable to make the show. Instead Tom played an inter…
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AUGUST 14TH 2024: AUTHOR OF THE BOOK - THE VIOLENT TAKE IT BY FORCE: THE CHRISTIAN MOVEMENT THAT IS THREATENING OUR DEMOCRACY, MATTHEW D.TAYLOR
55:01
55:01
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55:01Today Tom will talk to Matthew D. Taylor, author of The Violent Take It by Force: The Christian Movement That Is Threatening Our Democracy. Which will be out October 1st 2024. Matthew D. Taylor is a religious studies scholar and expert in independent charismatic Christianity and Christian nationalism. Taylor holds a PhD in religious studies and Mus…
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AUGUST 8TH 2024: SARASOTA COUNTY HOSPITAL BOARD ELECTION COMMENTARY BY JOHN KOPEL/MASSACHUSETTS PEACE ACTION BOARD DIRECTOR PAUL SHANNON
56:49
56:49
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56:49Today we’ll talk to John Kopel on the upcoming August 20th Sarasota County Hospital Board elections. Then we will be speaking with Massachusetts Peace Action board member Paul Shannon on his work with Quakers and his role with MAPA.
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JULY 31ST 2024: AUTHOR RACHELLE WINKLER-WAGNER
56:56
56:56
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56:56Today we’ll talk to Rachelle Winkle-Wagner, author of The Chosen We – Black Women’s Empowerment in Higher Education. The book draws on oral histories with Black women college graduates to demonstrate the role of community in fostering their success in and beyond education.
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JULY 10TH 2024: DIRECTOR OF THE PROGRAM OF INEQUALITY CHUCK COLLINS
59:43
59:43
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59:43On today's show we’ll talk to Chuck Collins of Inequality.org. Among other things, we’ll talk about the ways billionaires are disrupting our housing markets, democracy, and health, all the while shifting taxes onto you!
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Join us as Ruth discusses how the movement for Palestine is undermining US-Israeli relations! Also discussed is the brutal Israeli torture of Palestinian poltical prisoners.
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In this episode, we focus on the hunger strike led by USF students, and are joined by organizers Will and Alina of the USF Divest Coalition.
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The Feminist Mythmaking of the Gaza Genocide
29:33
29:33
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29:33By deceptively portraying its female soldiers as liberators confronting a misogynistic enemy, Israel seeks to reframe its militaristic oppression as a righteous feminist cause.
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In honor of Women's History Month, Ruth examines the bold visions and concrete programs of revolutionary women leaders - past and present - to uplift gender equality and dismantle patriarchal oppression. She contrasts their work to collectively value women's labor with how capitalist nations like the US funnel resources into militarism rather than …
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In honor of Women's History Month, this episode of takes a look at the burden and exploitation faced by women under capitalist society. Ruth dives deep into the political economy and root causes of why "mommy is so tired" all the time. She also uplifts the historical examples of brave women fighters, resistors and educators who refused to accept th…
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The People Fight Back! The Local Struggle for Palestine
28:24
28:24
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28:24Tune in to listen to Ruth's compelling interview with Lama from Dream Defenders, who speaks on the needed disruption of a Kathy Castor event. Kathy Castor, a member and Co-Chair of the Children Healthcare Caucus, has continued to maintain silence on the genocide of children in Gaza, and has upheld US support for the Israeli state. Later on the epis…
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The Whole System is Guilty! Breonte’s Death and Corrupt Policing
29:20
29:20
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29:20Host Ruth is joined by guest Bobby to expose the injustice behind the police killing of Breonte’ L. Johnson-Davis and the web of lies and corruption used to shield the killer cops. They analyze disturbing discrepancies in the Palmetto PD's press conference and bodycam footage meant to justify this senseless murder. From officers caught laughing to …
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No Justice, No Peace: Holding Florida Law Enforcement Accountable
27:46
27:46
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27:46Ruth investigates alarming reports coming out of Florida jails and prisons. According to a report by the NAACP, in one Florida jail alone, 21 inmates have died under suspicious circumstances with little accountability. From prisoners succumbing to treatable medical issues to beatings at the hands of guards, a disturbing pattern emerges - incarcerat…
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Join us for a special episode this week, as hosts Caleb and Audrey delve into the Paris Peace treaty and the ongoing genocide in Gaza, using clips from Breakthrough News. The Paris proposal faces challenges and apprehensions from both sides. We explore the domestic and international pressures influencing Israel's war cabinet's deliberations. Additi…
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