Best Valley Labor Report Podcasts (2025)

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North Carolina's Unions Have a New, Young Leader: Braxton Winston - TVLR 10/18/25 1:29:23

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5h ago1:29:23

1:29:23

We talk about the shutdown and its impacts throughout the program today. We also have Lew Drass, a letter carrier from Huntsville on to talk about their union. We also have Braxton Winston, the North Carolina AFL-CIO president on to talk about his presidency and worker power in North Carolina. ✦ ABOUT ✦ The Valley Labor Report is the only union tal…

1
The Challenges Facing The Uninsured Looking To Rebuild In Altadena 10:40

8h ago10:40

10:40

Rebuilding after January’s fires in Los Angeles County is underway for some people. But an Altadena family is facing what may be insurmountable financial obstacles. Reporter: Erin Stone/LAist Congressional Democrats plan to investigate reports that federal agents unlawfully detained U.S. citizens during the Trump administration's ongoing immigratio…

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Both Sides In Prop 50 Argument Rely On Familiar Messaging In Lead-Up To Election 10:43

1d ago10:43

10:43

As Democrats in California attempt to convince voters to approve new maps next month to give them more seats in Congress, and Republicans fight back against the redistricting measure, both sides are relying on familiar political playbooks. Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQED Hundreds of thousands of people took part in No Kings rallies across California o…

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After a Tough Season, Wine Country Famers Are Working to Harvest Grapes 10:44

4d ago10:44

10:44

Federal immigration officials could be setting their sights on Sonoma county. A local supervisor says Department of Homeland Security officials asked in a meeting if the sheriff's office would notify DHS when undocumented immigrants are arrested. Shandra Back, KRCB Farmers in wine country have been working at all hours to get their grapes off the v…

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In-Home Daycare Providers Still Face Discrimination From Landlords 10:44

4d ago10:44

10:44

Thousands of California families rely on in-home daycares for their kids. But after the housing market collapse in 2008, the state lost 30% of these types of child care settings, leading to a crisis. As part of its effort to rebuild, California passed a law in 2019 forbidding landlords and homeowners’ associations from refusing to rent to in-home c…

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OVERTIME: Trump FIRED More Federal Workers, We Talk to Their Local Union President 50:18

6d ago50:18

50:18

We dive into the shutdown and how federal workers are reacting. We'd love to hear your thoughts! 844-899-TVLR ✦ ABOUT ✦ The Valley Labor Report is the only union talk radio show in Alabama, elevating struggles for justice and fairness on the job, educating folks about how they can do the same, and bringing relevant news to workers in Alabama and be…

1
Waymo Continues To Increase Its Footprint In Los Angeles 10:47

6d ago10:47

10:47

In San Francisco, more people are now ordering Waymo robotaxis than Lyfts with human drivers. People are getting more comfortable using driverless cars. This got us thinking - is the same thing about to happen in LA? And how do human Uber and Lyft drivers feel about it? Reporter: Megan Jamerson, KCRW A new state audit released this week finds that …

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Delta Community's Finances Up In Air Amid Talks Of Disincorporation 10:35

7d ago10:35

10:35

A tiny California town in Sacramento’s Delta has struggled for decades, and within a matter of months, could face some big decisions on its status as a city. Financial choices over the years have put Isleton in a sink or swim situation– with talks of disincorporation or bankruptcy and what that could mean for the city’s 800 residents. Reporter: Ril…

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Local TV News Workers Explain How Nexstar is Exploiting Workers and Raking in Billions - TVLR 10/11/25 1:29:02

8d ago1:29:02

1:29:02

We talk more about the library situation in Huntsville. We're also talking to folks about Nexstar and their exploitation of local TV station workers. ✦ ABOUT ✦ The Valley Labor Report is the only union talk radio show in Alabama, elevating struggles for justice and fairness on the job, educating folks about how they can do the same, and bringing re…

1
Proposed Change to Endangered Species Act Threatens California's Sea Otter Haven 10:37

8d ago10:37

10:37

The Trump Administration is considering a change to the federal Endangered Species Act that could create new risks for an area in California that has more sea otters than any other in the state. Last October, the state finished removing four dams from Klamath River up in far Northern California. In the year since the removal, there has been drastic…

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How Fresno Schools Are Helping Students Get Back On Their Feet 10:38

11d ago10:38

10:38

For many families experiencing homelessness, school can be a difficult hurdle to clear. Chronic absenteeism is higher, and graduation rates are lower among homeless students. But the Fresno Unified School District has been working to combat this problem. And the efforts appear to be working. Reporter: Rachel Livinal/KVPR Doctors at Adventist Health…

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Preserving The Stories Of Altadena's Trees After The Eaton Fire 10:25

12d ago10:25

10:25

When you talk about Altadena, you can’t not talk about its trees. It’s why one young Altadenan is documenting the stories of the community’s trees in the wake of the Eaton Fire. Reporter: Erin Stone, LAist A 29-year-old man has been arrested for starting a fire that eventually became the deadly Palisades Fire. Learn more about your ad choices. Visi…

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OVERTIME: Should We Give Up on Building a Militant Labor Movement? TVLR 10/4/25 1:26:58

13d ago1:26:58

1:26:58

We talk about the retaliation against last week's guest, who was fired for whistle blowing. We also react to an article written by a former Teamster who thinks that union reform efforts should be abandoned. And we'll take your calls at 844-899-TVLR ✦ ABOUT ✦ The Valley Labor Report is the only union talk radio show in Alabama, elevating struggles f…

1
Masking Law Just Part Of Bigger Fight Over Immigration Enforcement 10:32

13d ago10:32

10:32

California made national headlines last month when Governor Newsom signed a bill barring law enforcement officers from wearing masks -- a law aimed at immigration agents. Federal officials say they won’t comply. But the skirmish is about more than just masks. Reporter: Marisa Lagos, KQED New data suggests Fresno is a more prosperous city than it wa…

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Investigation Sheds New Light On What May Have Sparked Eaton Fire 10:27

14d ago10:27

10:27

By KQED

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The Shutdown is Normal Folks Versus Billionaires - TVLR 10/4/25 1:29:26

14d ago1:29:26

1:29:26

By Jacob Morrison and Adam Keller

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Following Medicaid Cuts, Californians With Intellectual, Developmental Disabilities Face Uncertain Future 10:39

15d ago10:39

10:39

When President Donald Trump signed his sweeping policy bill this summer, it included $1 trillion in cuts to Medicaid, known here as Medi-Cal. The program is recognized for helping low-income people access health care, but it also funds services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Now, many Californians with disabilities fac…

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New Movie Tells The Story Of Bus Driver Who Helped Students, Teachers Escape Camp Fire 10:28

18d ago10:28

10:28

The 2018 Camp Fire in Paradise remains California’s deadliest and most destructive wildfire in history. The Northern California fire claimed the lives of 85 people. Now, a new movie depicts the real-life heroic escape of one local bus driver. Reporter: Claudia Brancart, North State Public Radio Yosemite National Park remains open during the governm…

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Joshua Tree National Park Nonprofit Concerned About Latest Government Shutdown 10:40

19d ago10:40

10:40

During the last federal government shutdown in late 2018 and early 2019, national parks here in California were greatly impacted. Some shut down completely, meaning a significant loss in potential revenue. Others remained open, but were not fully staffed. That includes Joshua Tree National Park in Southern California. Vehicles drove off-road, causi…

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OVERTIME: How to Respond to Charlie Kirk's Assassination Like a Unionist - TVLR 9/27/25 1:54:29

20d ago1:54:29

1:54:29

We talk to Meagan Day about the aftermath of Charlie Kirk's assassination and how to respond like a unionist. We also take a look at attacks on social security, and talk to a whistleblower in the Department of Housing and Urban Development. ✦ ABOUT ✦ The Valley Labor Report is the only union talk radio show in Alabama, elevating struggles for justi…

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Dust Storms An Increasing Problem Around The Salton Sea 10:35

20d ago10:35

10:35

Around the Salton Sea, dust storms have become an increasing problem, sparking dozens of public health studies. But many Imperial Valley residents have grown weary of repeated studies that all basically say the same thing: that the air quality is bad and getting worse. Reporter: Kori Suzuki, KPBS National Parks are once again caught up in the middl…

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State Looks To Hire Thousands Of Year-Round Firefighters 10:39

21d ago10:39

10:39

What once was a fire season in California is now a fire year. As a result, the state is looking to combat increasing wildfires with funding for more year-round firefighters. Reporter: Rachel Livinal, KVPR California voters approved a $10 billion climate bond measure, last November. We're now getting a sense of where the first round of Prop 4 money …

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UAW Responds to Volkswagen's "Final" Offer - TVLR 9/27/25 1:29:36

22d ago1:29:36

1:29:36

We talk about the potential government shutdown, and how Huntsville is funding cops over libraries. We talk to Geoff Meldahl, a member of the Ironworkers Local 704 in Chattanooga and president of the labor council over there. AND we break down the state of negotiations between Volkswagen workers and the UAW ✦ ABOUT ✦ The Valley Labor Report is the …

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San Rafael RV Park Residents Fight To Keep Rent Affordable 10:30

22d ago10:30

10:30

In Marin County, rents are among the highest in the nation. There, a group of mobile home park residents are in a years-long fight to keep hold of one of the county’s few affordable options. They’re residents of the RV Park of San Rafael, where a property management company has been raising the rent, setting new rules and threatening residents with…

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NASA Mission, With Help From UC Berkeley, To Explore Earth's Exosphere 10:40

25d ago10:40

10:40

This week a SpaceX Falcon9 rocket launched from Florida – the mission? To study the outermost parts of the earth’s atmosphere. The mission is being steered by remote control from UC Berkeley's Space Sciences Laboratory. Reporter: Danielle Venton, KQED A report out this week details major failures in LA County’s response to the January firestorms. R…

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Healthcare Workers Look For Better Guidelines On How To Handle Immigration Encounters 10:49

26d ago10:49

10:49

Healthcare workers across Southern California are struggling to provide medical care to undocumented patients, without clear guidance on how to handle encounters with immigration agents. Medical workers want hospitals to improve guidelines and provide better training so they can protect patients and themselves.Reporter: Anthony Victoria, KVCR A fed…

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OVERTIME: What Teachers Are Facing Under Trump - TVLR 9/20/25 1:37:20

27d ago1:37:20

1:37:20

In OVERTIME, we'll be breaking down some of the big labor news of the week, like the latest on Starbucks bargaining, nurses winning union elections, and more. ✦ ABOUT ✦ The Valley Labor Report is the only union talk radio show in Alabama, elevating struggles for justice and fairness on the job, educating folks about how they can do the same, and br…

1
Experts Concerned About Imagery, Language In ICE Recruitment Materials 10:45

27d ago10:45

10:45

As concerns continue to grow over ICE detention and enforcement in California, the agency is also ramping up its hiring efforts, as it aims to bring on 10,000 new agents by the end of the year. But some experts say the agency’s recruitment strategy is filled with white nationalist messages and imagery.Reporter: Gustavo Solis, KPBS After months of d…

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Car Owners Have Additional Tool To Find Out If They Can Recoup Money From Auctioned Vehicle 10:36

28d ago10:36

10:36

Did you know, if your car gets towed in California and sold because you didn’t claim it, you’re entitled to the profit? And if you don’t claim your money, the DMV gets to keep it. Reporter: Byrhonda Lyons, CalMatters A federal judge in San Francisco has ordered the Trump administration to restore 500 National Institutes of Health grants that it sus…

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Union Members React to Cancel Culture - TVLR 9/20/25 1:29:12

29d ago1:29:12

1:29:12

Jacob is out, Whitney Washington is hanging out with us today! In the first half of the program we'll be talking to Matt Fullone about an exciting new campaign to secure a community benefits agreement at Neptune. ✦ ABOUT ✦ The Valley Labor Report is the only union talk radio show in Alabama, elevating struggles for justice and fairness on the job, …

1
Newsom Signs Bill Decreasing Cannabis Tax, Which Could Boost Struggling Industry 10:36

29d ago10:36

10:36

Governor Gavin Newsom has signed a new law lowering state cannabis taxes from 19% to 15%. Pot companies say it will bring much needed relief to an overtaxed, overregulated industry. But youth groups who are funded by this tax say kids are being betrayed. Reporter: April Dembosky, KQED Governor Gavin Newsom signed a series of bills into law on Satur…

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Lawsuit Could Shake Up Tequila Industry 10:30

1M ago10:30

10:30

Tequila is produced exclusively in Mexico and has become a star in California's cocktail culture. More than 50 million cases of tequila were sold in the U.S. in 2023, with most of that consumed in the Golden State. And demand for tequila is growing faster than vodka, whiskey, and all other spirits combined. But this summer, several legal battles ha…

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Santa Cruz Couple Are Considered Celebrities At Local Karaoke Bar 10:36

1M ago10:36

10:36

Almost every night for nearly three decades in Santa Cruz, Bob and Patti Vasconcellos have gotten a little gussied up. They throw their walkers in the trunk and head to their local karaoke bar. Their performances have made them local celebrities. Reporter: Elena Neale-Sacks, KAZU California’s oil industry regulator is expecting gasoline prices to r…

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OVERTIME: Reacting to the Really Bad Hearing on "Anti-Semitism" in Unions - TVLR 9/13/25 1:56:37

1M ago1:56:37

1:56:37

We talk to Colin Smalley of IFPTE about federal sector labor law enforcement, react to the recent congressional hearing on anti-Semitism, and take a look at Shawn Fain's recent town hall. ✦ ABOUT ✦ The Valley Labor Report is the only union talk radio show in Alabama, elevating struggles for justice and fairness on the job, educating folks about how…

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Valley Fever Cases Skyrocket in Salinas Valley 10:47

1M ago10:47

10:47

Santa Barbara Senator Monique Limón is set to become the leader of the California Senate this November, and a recent housing bill she authored is raising some eyebrows because it would keep CEQA requirements in place on one tiny plot of land in her district. Reporter: Ben Christopher, CalMatters As California experiences a record number of cases of…

1
Santa Ana Police Called Out For Tactics Used During Protests 10:43

1M ago10:43

10:43

In the wake of George Floyd’s death and the protests that followed, California passed a law limiting the use of force against people exercising their First Amendment rights. An LAist investigation found that even when police departments appear to be breaking that law, the state doesn’t have a mechanism to actually enforce it. Reporter: Yusra Farzan…

1
The Devastating Conditions of Alabama's Prisons - TVLR 9/13/25 1:23:26

1M ago1:23:26

1:23:26

We talk to Matt Whalan and Eddie Burkhalter about Alabama's prisons. We also have AFM Local 80 president on to talk about the musicians union. ✦ ABOUT ✦ The Valley Labor Report is the only union talk radio show in Alabama, elevating struggles for justice and fairness on the job, educating folks about how they can do the same, and bringing relevant …

1
Central Valley Publisher Preserves Music Of Latin Jazz Artists 10:16

1M ago10:16

10:16

The world lost an icon when Latin jazz pioneer Eddie Palmieri died last month. His music lives on through recordings, but also through sheet music, thanks in part to a publisher in rural California. This pioneer has helped make the work of Palmieri and other Latin jazz artists available to the world, from his home office in Madera.Reporter: Kerry K…

1
Carwash Workers Are Organizing Patrols To Watch for Immigration Sweeps 10:23

1M ago10:23

10:23

Shasta County's voter-approved plan to become a charter county has been delayed by over a year because local officials failed to file necessary paperwork with the state. Local officials say the paperwork was finally filed last month. Justin Higginbottom, Jefferson Public Radio A push to build an immigration detention facility at Travis Air Force Ba…

1
Latino Communities Contend with the Mental Health Toll of Increased Immigration Enforcement 10:47

1M ago10:47

10:47

Across Latino communities, the fear of arrest has become a part of daily life under stepped up immigration enforcement. Advocates say that constant stress is wearing on people's mental health.. And many are carrying the burden quietly. Reporter: Anthony Victoria, KVCR Gov. Gavin Newsom’s attempt to fast-track his administration’s proposal for a 45-…

1
OVERTIME: Unions RESPOND to MASSIVE ICE Raid in Georgia 1:28:53

1M ago1:28:53

1:28:53

Luis Robledo, Senior Organizer for Jobs to Move America's Southern Team calls in to talk to us about the ICE raid in Georgia and them community's response. Additionally, Brian Garcia, a hotel worker on strike in Houston, talks to us about how UNITE HERE Local 23 is fighting for a $23/hr wage. We also give you an update on the GE strike. And we take…

1
Trump Administration's Shift On Homelessness Leaves California In Limbo 10:43

1M ago10:43

10:43

For two decades, the nation’s solution to homelessness has been pretty straightforward: get people into housing. This approach is known as Housing First, and in California it’s even written into state law. But this summer, President Trump signed an executive order reversing this policy, turning a California mandate into a liability. Reporter: Vanes…

1
Immigrant Advocates Vow To Continue Fight Despite Supreme Court Ruling 10:24

1M ago10:24

10:24

Immigrant communities across Southern California are once again on edge after the US Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration’s roving immigration sweeps can continue. There could be broad implications from Monday's ruling. Reporter: Wendy Fry, CalMatters Business owners in the Bay Area, and across the state, have been following the dramat…

1
Chat, Are We Cooked? TVLR 9/6/25 1:29:13

1M ago1:29:13

1:29:13

We talk to Lori Wallach, Director of Rethink Trade about Trump's tariffs, what is wrong with them, and if we can recover. We also talk to folks at the Orion about some of the shows that are coming up here in Huntsville. ✦ ABOUT ✦ The Valley Labor Report is the only union talk radio show in Alabama, elevating struggles for justice and fairness on th…

1
California's Aging Farm Labor Work Force Leaves Questions About The Future Of Agriculture 10:10

1M ago10:10

10:10

California’s farm labor force is aging and younger generations aren’t stepping in to fill those jobs. At the same time, agriculture itself is changing with new technology and immigration enforcement, leaving big questions about the future of the industry. Reporter: Madi Bolanos, The California Report John Burton, a towering figure in California pol…

1
Central Valley Coffee Shop Training The Next Baristas 10:36

2M ago10:36

10:36

Climate change and tariffs may be shaking up the coffee industry. But young people are still abuzz these days about specialty drinks like lattes and macchiatos. And a Merced coffee shop is even giving this industry a boost, by training more people to serve up the delicious drinks. Reporter: Rachel Livinal, KVPR Federal prosecutors in Los Angeles ha…

1
Debate Over Key Climate Change Program Continues In Sacramento 10:47

2M ago10:47

10:47

At the state capitol, negotiations are heating up over California's signature program to fight climate change. It's called cap and trade, and the state uses it to cap greenhouse gas emissions. But the program expires in 2030, and lawmakers are debating how to extend the program amid rising energy costs and concerns about the closure of oil refineri…

1
OVERTIME: How Amazon Workers Are Building a Fighting Union with the Teamsters - TVLR 8/30/25 1:56:31

2M ago1:56:31

1:56:31

We talk to Randy Korgan, Secretary-Treasurer of the Teamsters Local 1932 and National Director of the Teamsters Amazon Division about building a union at Amazon. We also take a look at recent UAW updates in Kentucky at GE and Blue Oval. ✦ ABOUT ✦ The Valley Labor Report is the only union talk radio show in Alabama, elevating struggles for justice a…

1
Sonoma Wineries Prepare For Possible Impacts from Immigration Enforcement 10:23

2M ago10:23

10:23

The federal budget allocated a record-setting $170 billion for immigration enforcement. The money is set to go toward expanding detention facilities and hiring new agents for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. After pledging in June to protect the agriculture industry from crackdowns, President Trump reversed course a few days later. Now, as Cali…

1
Volunteers Help Monitor For ICE Activity Near Where Day Laborers Gather 10:31

2M ago10:31

10:31

Hundreds of volunteers in California are getting up early in the morning to stand at corners where day laborers wait for jobs. The goal? To watch out for ICE. Reporter: Farida Jhabvala Romero, KQED Governor Gavin Newsom has launched a new taskforce to clear homeless encampments in California. Reporter: Marisa Kendall, CalMatters Learn more about yo…