WE DECIDE: AMERICA AT THE CROSSROADS 2025
with Jenna Flanagan 7-21-25
The Israeli military launched an all-out assault on central Gaza that the IDF had previously refrained from directly attacking during its 21-month campaign initiated after the Oct. 7th Hamas terror attack that killed 1,200 people and led to the abduction of 251 hostages.
In preparation for the latest ground operation, the area was subject to a punishing air assault in an effort to drive the beleaguered civilian population to the Mediterranean Coast.
The Gaza health ministry reports that over 55,000 civilians, including thousands of children, have been killed in the ongoing Israeli military operation.
In February, President Trump proposed that the US should take over Gaza and turn it into a resort.
HERE AT HOME
Last week, Congress voted to end funding for the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, long a target of America’s radical right wing. Created in 1967, CPB was founded as a publicly funded nonprofit to guarantee universal access to arts, educational, and public affairs programming for over 1,400 local public radio and TV stations.
Thanks to news media consolidation, much of America is already a news desert. CPB-funded local public broadcasters — including Pacifica affiliates — have long helped fill that void. What are the implications for democracy?
Jenna speaks with DC-based investigative journalist Dave Levinthal, whose work appears in Rolling Stone and NOTUS. Also joining was Laura Jedeed, a freelance journalist based in NYC whose work appears in Politico, Rolling Stone, and The New Republic.
This week's reporters' roundtable included Matt Murphy, General Manager of WERU Blue Hill, Maine — a Pacifica affiliate that stands to lose 25% of its funding due to Congress’s decision.
While sensational speculation continues about President Trump’s relationship with Jeffrey Epstein, the administration is doubling down on its mass deportation strategy. Last week, reports emerged that federal immigration officials will gain access to Medicaid records for over 70 million Americans.
The USDA has now set a July 30th deadline for states to turn over food stamp participant files, including personally identifiable information. The move — like many of the administration’s actions — is being challenged in federal court.
In our B Block, we heard from Matt Biggs, International President of the Professional & Technical Engineers (IFPTE), representing 90,000 workers — including 30,000 federal scientists, engineers, and immigration judges. Biggs described the impact of mass layoffs and how the stripping of collective bargaining rights threatens judicial independence and the rule of law. Learn more at IFPTE.org.
BIG WIN AS TRUMP FOLDS ON 80K VA FIRINGS
In the early days of Trump’s second term, the administration’s sweeping assault on federal workers and their unions made headlines as it executed the Heritage Foundation's Project 2025 to radically shrink the federal government.
Where do things stand now?
While unions like the American Federation of Government Employees (AFGE) have scored some key court victories, the U.S. Supreme Court’s conservative majority has enabled the administration to downsize the Department of Education by firing 1,400 employees — over a quarter of its staff.
Meanwhile, AFGE and other federal unions have helped mobilize mass protests — like June 14th’s "No Kings Day" — spotlighting essential federal work.
Jenna speaks with AFGE Legislative Director Daniel Horowitz about their resistance to what he calls the largest union-busting campaign in U.S. history. Also joining were Adam Cartagena, a VA psychiatric nurse and president of AFGE Local 1012, along with fellow officers Emma Rouse and Kasheemah Moore, representing the VA’s Lyons, NJ facility.
AFGE Local 1012 organized a rally of 500 community members, including veterans, outside the Lyons VA. Rep. Mikie Sherrill (D-NJ), who is running for governor, was in attendance. AFTNJ and its president Jennifer Higgins also provided key support.
Following national protests in April and June, the Trump administration backed off its plan to fire 80,000 VA workers — 15% of the agency. Instead, it now aims to cut 30,000 positions through attrition and retirement.
“This is a clear case where collective action made a difference,” said AFGE President Dr. Everett Kelly. “Because we raised our voices — workers, veterans, lawmakers, and community leaders — the agency pulled back.”
PACIFICA AFFILIATE REPORTER'S NOTEBOOK
This week’s D Block features two reports from our Pacifica affiliate partners.
Lynnea Kaylor of KYRS Radio in Spokane, WA reports on the Trump administration’s dismantling of the National Environmental Policy Act. Johannes Verner of WSLR in Sarasota, FL tells the story of a young ice cream shop owner killed by Israeli settlers in the West Bank.
This program is made possible thanks to contributions from unions representing 3 million households. Please visit PacificaNetwork.org to find an affiliate near you.
The Pacifica Radio Network includes: WBAI (New York), WPFW (Washington, DC), KPFT (Houston), KPFK (Los Angeles), KPFA (San Francisco), and 210 other community radio affiliates across more than 40 states.
