Left of Dial Benjamin Theobald
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- Notícias
Left of Dial is a podcast about progressives and what is happening in the political sphere of Illinois as well as America. Ben Theobald, will be on the ground getting the perspectives of organizers and candidates as well as anyone who wants to speak their mind about what's happening at the local, state, and national level. Podcast hosts are Ben and Pete (depending on schedule) who give their take on the political scene and leftist/progressive ideas.
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Episode 14: Continuing the fight for utility protection with No Ameren Shutoffs and Whole Washington feat. Georgia Davenport
Left of Dial is back after a long hiatus because of organizing and mobilizing. We do apologize for the wait. Georgia Davenport joins this episode for an interview to discuss Whole Washington a grassroots organization trying to get a single-payer (Medicare For) All on the ballot in the state of Washington. Allan has an update on the recent news with No Ameren Shutoffs and how the fight for utility protections is going in Illinois. Allan talks about the COVID situation in Illinois with the recent variant Omicron and gives context to how it compares to last year. Eddie Pratt Jr joins us to discuss the Urbana City Council voting down ALPRs and the discussion on that and why it's been controversial to some officials. Marc Girdler talks about recent events (shenanigans) happening in Decatur, IL with Howard Buffet, son of billionaire Warren Buffet.
Support Eddie Pratt Jr on the cash app at: $EPJ31
If you'd like (and have the means financially) to donate to Left Of Dial we'd appreciate it: https://www.patreon.com/LeftOfDial
Rent or Houssing asssitance resources:
https://www.benefits.gov/
https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/emergency-rental-assistance-program/program-index
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/21/how-to-apply-for-rental-assistance-before-the-eviction-ban-expires.html
Child Tax Credit Information: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/938 -
Episode 13: Hey Waukesha, leave those kids lunches alone
It's been another long difficult week with the Supreme Court doing away with the eviction moratorium meaning millions will be facing evictions and also a hurricane hit New Orleans. Also did you know there's still the COVID pandemic and now schools are starting. Not great, Bob!
In the local sphere, the Champaign (Illinois) City Council will be having a study session on Garden Hills on August 31st (Tuesday) at 7 p.m. We're hoping to get as many people to the meeting that we can. If you need a lift post #GardenHillsRide on Facebook.
Information that was discussed is below:
Script for calling your Congress person and how on the Maintaining Equitable Acess Act is here: tiny.cc/MAES_Act_List
Information about the bill here: www.detroitnews.com/story/news/poli…ebt/5485596001/
Wisconsin School Board in Waukesha thinks children will become addicted to free lunch: www.usatoday.com/story/news/educa…unch/5622614001/
Lack of rental assitance relief being spent: www.cnbc.com/2021/08/03/why-ten…rental-relief.html
Emergency Rental Assistance: home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/co…sistance-program
If you would like to support Left of Dial go to the Patreon link here: www.patreon.com/LeftOfDial -
Episode 12: It's A Party In The DSA and Fork You Cuomo
The eviction moratorium has been extended, but for only two months. We talk about the assistance that Americans need with rent and housing. Information and resources/assistance are posted below for those who are in need. Information/websites vary on your location.
COVID cases are increasing because of the Delta variant especially among children in states such as Tennessee, Louisiana and Florida, but the White House says they have no plans to lock down or "stop the economy" which is a cause for concern for parents.
Ben just paid his dues for DSA and is ready to officially join and Allan talks about the DSA Conference 2021 that just happened and a hysterical moment that happened.
And finally Left of Dial gives a "fork you" to New York Governor Andrew Cuomo with an updated edit of him stepping down.
Rent or Houssing asssitance resources:
https://www.benefits.gov/
https://home.treasury.gov/policy-issues/coronavirus/assistance-for-state-local-and-tribal-governments/emergency-rental-assistance-program/program-index
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/07/21/how-to-apply-for-rental-assistance-before-the-eviction-ban-expires.html
Child Tax Credit Information: https://www.benefits.gov/benefit/938
Sources cited:
https://www.cnbc.com/2021/08/06/us-renters-are-behind-on-3700-in-rent-on-average-and-often-more-.html
https://www.wdsu.com/article/more-than-3000-louisiana-children-test-positive-for-covid-19-in-just-four-days/37246194
Other useful information: https://www.detroitnews.com/story/news/politics/2021/08/04/tlaib-introduce-40-b-bill-cancel-household-utility-debt/5485596001/
Support Eddie Pratt Jr on the cash app at: $EPJ31
If you'd likee to support Left of Dial: https://www.patreon.com/LeftOfDial
Follow Eddie on Twitter: https://twitter.com/temple_tony
Follow Ben on Twitter: Just search @theobald_ben -
Episode 11: Policing Minors and Paying Workers a Livable Wage
Left of Dial is back after a long hiatus, Ben is once again joined by Eddie Pratt Jr. to talk about the SWIFT Program in Champaign and Urbana (Illinois). Ben and Eddie were also joined by Marc Girdler of Decatur to talk about Governor JB Pritzker signing a law that bans police in Illinois from lying or misleading minors starting in 2022. Then a discussion about paying service workers a livable wage, meaning raising the minimum wage.
Support Eddie Pratt Jr on the cash app at: $EPJ31
Follow Eddie on Twitter: https://twitter.com/temple_tony
Follow Ben on Twitter: Just search @theobald_ben
Sources used or read for the show:
https://www.npr.org/2021/07/16/1016710927/illinois-is-the-first-state-to-tell-police-they-cant-lie-to-minors-in-interrogat
https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/23/business/restaurant-workers-experience/index.html?fbclid=IwAR34YrZsjvvfjQZTBkL3sK-VFu2EK_n8ubZMFgG9YY_18dA0ugVCah2Yi9w -
Left of Dial Episode 10: Derek Chauvin Trial, Adam Toledo, Activism and Finding Solidarity
Episode 10 leaves right off of the previous one with Ben Theobald and Eddie Pratt Jr. talking about the Derek Chauvin trial. The events at Brooklyn Center in Minnesota. Adam Toledo, a 13-year-old Latino kid who was killed by a police officer in Chicago. Ben and Eddie talk about coping during these difficult times and how emotionally draining it can be. Both give their thoughts on how important activism and forming a coalition can be.
Since this was posted after Chauvin was founded guilty since then Eddie did a video of his reaction of the guilty verdict here: https://www.facebook.com/100009935024501/videos/1413564868984667
Support Eddie Pratt Jr on the cash app at: $EPJ31
Follow Eddie on Twitter: https://twitter.com/temple_tony
Follow Ben on Twitter: Just search @theobald_ben
Call the Illinois Commerce Commission and tell them to put back the moratorium for utility protections in Illinois. The number is 1-800-524-0795.
Articles/Sources cited:
https://www.apmresearchlab.org/covid/deaths-by-race -
Episode 9: Continuing the fight for utility protections in Illinois
Ben is joined by Eddie Prat Jr. to discuss an update in the fight for utility protections in the state of Illinois which has now reached the Bloomington (IL) city council. Ben and Eddie discuss the short and long-term effects of those who have their utilities shut off. The moratorium on utilities ended at the end of March. Call the ICC (1-800-524-0795) and request that the moratorium be extended because we are still in a pandemic and not enough vaccinations have been given.
Articles/Sources cited:
https://www.icc.illinois.gov/meetings/meeting/commission-meeting/21377
https://multimedia.illinois.gov/icc/icc-041521-ROM.mp4
https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/pressroom/2021_03/20210325.html
https://www.latimes.com/world-nation/story/2021-03-23/damage-from-virus-utility-bills-overwhelm-some-households
http://new.weft.org/audio/2021/whereweareat/WhereWeAreAt_2021-01-04.mp3
https://www.washingtonpost.com/nation/interactive/2021/covid-economy-illinois/
For more on #NoAmerenShutoffs movement:
https://hoiabc.com/2021/04/01/utility-companies-sending-shutoff-notices-as-moratorium-ends/?fbclid=IwAR2vjXYbHgIxZ7WhqNak-IBvt20-b_U5qcGM85kw2T44JSXU13kejiPKEvc
https://soundcloud.com/user-849823736/trailerfornoamerenshutoffswithallanmaxaxelrod
Social media
Follow Allan Max Axelrod: https://twitter.com/213axelrod
Follow Eddie on Twitter: https://twitter.com/temple_tony and if you can support him on the cash app here: $EPJ31
Follow Ben on Twitter: https://twitter.com/theobald_ben
Support
Support Left of Dial if you'd like on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/LeftOfDial