Rising Up with Sonali

Feat. Gabe Gonzales, Mike Meno, Stephen Bezruchka — This week, as ICE agents change tactics, lowering their profile while upping their arrests and killings, immigrant rights activists like my guest Gabe Gonzalez of Project Rogers Park in Chicago are pivoting. Then, in a case that is the first of its kind, a Washington woman is suing big oil companies like Exxon Mobil over the 2021 death of her mother whose cause of death was hyperthermia linked to a record-breaking heat dome in the Pacific Northwest. Mike Meno of the Center for Climate Integrity will share more about the case, and whether suing Big Oil can help end fossil fuel domination. Finally, former physician Stephen Bezruchka, joins me to discuss his new book, Born Sick in the USA: Improving the Health of a Nation. Stephen will address why the USs health outcomes are worse than most wealthy nations despite our healthcare system being the most expensive in the world. Hint: the answer is capitalism.: Rising Up With Sonali is hosted and executive produced by award winning journalist and writer Sonali Kolhatkar, covering solutions journalism for social justice. It is independently produced and supported by subscribers.

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Sonali Kohatkar discusses the recent ICE killings of two men in Texas and Maine, highlighting the ongoing violence and abuse within ICE detention centers. Lauren Bonds, Executive Director of the National Police Accountability Project, argues that ICE has not changed its tactics and continues to target immigrants without due process. Hameed Khan from the Stop LAPB Spying Coalition reflects on the LAPD's decision to end its contract with Flock, a surveillance technology company, emphasizing the community's role in this victory. Canbice Fortin from 350.org discusses the impact of climate change and the need for a transition to renewable energy solutions.

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Jules Boykoff discusses the concept of sports washing, explaining how political leaders use sports to divert attention from domestic issues. He argues that this tactic is evident in the actions of Donald Trump during the 2026 World Cup. Carlos Fernandez outlines the new Illinois tax law targeting digital advertising revenues of major tech companies, emphasizing its potential to generate significant revenue and its grassroots origins. Portia Allen Kyle connects the U.S. tax code to the racial wealth gap, arguing for a fairer system that redistributes wealth and addresses systemic inequities.

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Rachel Marindette discusses the conditions at Delaney Hall, an immigrant detention center in Newark, New Jersey, highlighting issues such as inadequate medical care and food quality. Marindette explains that detainees have initiated hunger strikes to protest their treatment and raise awareness. Enrique Cardenas Cifre addresses the Nuestra Copa campaign, which aims to ensure ICE-free World Cup events and celebrate immigrant communities. Angela Gonzalez-Torres shares her experiences related to a massive warehouse fire in Boyle Heights, emphasizing the impact on local residents and the need for better emergency preparedness and accountability from elected officials.

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Amanda Campos discusses the walkout at Stanford University's commencement in protest of Google CEO Sundar Pichai, linking Google's actions to human rights violations in Israel and the U.S. through ICE. Campos emphasizes the importance of community activism and the need for transparency in Google's contracts with ICE. Miriam Argandewal reflects on the one-year anniversary of ICE's actions in Los Angeles, highlighting community responses and the formation of coalitions like the Boycott Home Depot Coalition. Dr. Diljit K. Singh advocates for Medicare for All, arguing that the current system leads to medical debt and inequity, and emphasizes the need for political action to achieve universal healthcare.

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Sonali Kohatkar discusses New York City's proposed pied-à-terre tax with guest Emily Eisner, who explains that the tax aims to raise $500 million from wealthy non-resident homeowners. Eisner argues that the tax does not go far enough to address the city's budget shortfall and suggests a need for broader taxation targeting high earners. Kohatkar also speaks with Steve Phillips about his book addressing racial equity, where he contends that white men are overrepresented in positions of power and calls for a shift in the narrative to focus on this overrepresentation. Finally, Derek Palmer discusses the Amazon Labor Union's formation and the importance of grassroots organizing in improving labor conditions.

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