We discuss the federal “debt deal” that passed the House on Wednesday, setting up its passage by the Senate just ahead of the June 5th default deadline. Did President Biden effectively diffuse a figurative terrorist bomb, or did he get taking to the cleaners? Did Speaker McCarthy and the MAGA Republicans get their way, or lose their nerve, and release their figurative hostage (the American economy)? We dig into some of the most notable details, including SNAP work requirements and the resumption of student loan payments, and discuss the Republican Party’s full embrace of “minority rule” in America and its parallel in Wisconsin politics.

Robert tells us about an exciting new broad coalition calling for Gov. Evers to use his strong veto power to block GOP attacks on BadgerCare and Unemployment Insurance. Will this extend to using his Budget Veto as leverage to achieve finally achieve BadgerCare Expansion?

We celebrate the start of Pride Month in June and reflect on why the month and celebrations like Milwaukee PrideFest are so important at this moment right-wing billionaires and MAGA politicians are fueling a new wave of anti LGBTQIA+ hate. We discuss an outstanding article in In These Times that reminds us “you can’t organize alone.” We encourage you to get active in democracy and join a Citizen Action Organizing Co-op in June!