Best Wus News Podcasts (2024)

1
Budget Battle FY25: The Wu-terns Part 2 57:40

12d ago57:40

57:40

Listen to part 1 for this to make sense.

1
Budget Battle FY25: The Wu-terns 1:14:42

14d ago1:14:42

1:14:42

I set the stage for the Boston City Council's fight to overturn Mayor Wu's vetos. Do they succeed? Do they fail? And how does the new class of councilors, many of whom owe their seats to Wu act? Witness the rise of the Wu-terns.

1
Transfer Fee Tax or The Deception of "studies" 50:47

21d ago50:47

50:47

I look at the Greater Boston Real Estate Board's claims that "studies" show the transfer fee tax is bad for Boston's local economy

1
District 6 Councilor Benjamin J Weber 42:42

28d ago42:42

42:42

I look at the history and rise of Ben Weber

1
City Council: Taxes and Budget Vote 1:06:09

1M ago1:06:09

1:06:09

I look at the Boston City Council's recent votes on Wu's tax proposal and amendments to the budget.

1
Boston's Doom Loop 56:38

1M ago56:38

56:38

I look at Mayor Wu's proposed change in our property tax law and ask, is it enough to escape the doom loop?!

1
The Blue Can Not Be Broken 1:18:10

2M ago1:18:10

1:18:10

I outline a mega hearing the Boston City Council held with the Boston Police Department.

1
District 5 Councilor Enrique J. Pepén 44:27

2M ago44:27

44:27

I look at the history of Enrique J. Pepén and try to figure out what makes the 26-year-old think.

1
And The Most Police Friendly Boston Mayor Is..... 46:08

2M ago46:08

46:08

I break down the last 40 years of Boston police budgets to try to answer the question of, "Who is the most ploce friendly Boston mayor?" And after inflation, arbitration, economic growth, the answer is more complicated than I thought.

1
Raid on Northeastern Solidarity Encampment: Interview with Zeltzin Mozo and Patricio Pino 46:06

2M ago46:06

46:06

I interview two Northeastern University students, Zeltzin Mozo and Patricio Pino, to learn about their experience at the solidarity encampment and the police raid.

1
Emerson College Encampment Raid: My First Hand Account 1:01:43

3M ago1:01:43

1:01:43

I give my perspective on what I witnessed during the Boston Police's raid against the Emerson College Encampment and then share my thoughts on why Wu did this.

1
Wu's Budget: Woke or Walsh 33:47

3M ago33:47

33:47

I look at Mayor Michelle Wu's proposed FY25 budget and ask the question: Is this in line with her public image or is it just more of the same from the Walsh Administration?

1
The Waltham Murders: Interview with Susan Zalkind 1:14:09

3M ago1:14:09

1:14:09

I interview investigative reporter Susan Zalkind on her new book The Waltham Murders: One Woman's Pursuit to Expose the Truth Behind a Murder and a National Tragedy.

1
District 3 Councilor John FitzGerald 42:05

3M ago42:05

42:05

I look at the biography and history of newly elected District 3 Boston City Councilor John FitzGerald

1
City Council Debates Future of BPDA 56:29

3M ago56:29

56:29

I look at the recent Boston City Council meeting to absorb BPDA properties, positions, and planning department into the City's grasp. In a 8-3-2 vote, I break down the politics and behind-the-scenes dynamics that make the City Council such a fascinating political body.

1
The Case for White Stadium 49:43

4M ago49:43

49:43

I go through the history of White Stadium and why I support the proposed partnership with the NWSL.

1
Immigration in Massachusetts - Interview with Stephanie Rosario Rodriguez from MIRA 45:21

4M ago45:21

45:21

I interview Stephanie Rosario Rodriguez, Senior Director of Programs for Massachusetts Immigrant and Refugee Advocacy Coalition about the state of immigration here in Massachusetts

1
Clerk Erin Murphy or Bullsh*t Jobs of Massachusetts 34:14

4M ago34:14

34:14

I look at the surprising announcement by Councilor Murphy that she is running for Clerk of the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court and first have to figure out what this is and does it even matter?

1
Honey Fitz and the Joys of Graft: Boston Liquor License History (Part 2) 48:47

4M ago48:47

48:47

I look at the rise of John Francis "Honey Fitz" Fitzgerald, the Progressive Movement that went after the spoils system here in Boston, and why the State House controls our liquor. This is Part 2, go back to the previous episode for this to make sense!

1
Booze and Brahmins: History of Boston's Liquor License Woes 44:14

5M ago44:14

44:14

To answer the question of why Boston needs to go begging to the statehouse to increase our liquor licenses you need to know A LOT of history, which I provide for you! Irish immigration, the Know Nothings, Eugentics, Disease, Alcohol, the Kennedys, this one has it all! Definitely a part 1 of who knows how many.…

1
Polling, Immigration, and Massachusetts Exceptionalism 50:41

5M ago50:41

50:41

I look through a recent Suffolk poll to get into the mind of the Massachusetts voter.... and it's horrifying.

1
Parents of the O'Bryant: Interview with Liza Cagua-McAllister, Tammy Hammack, and Stacey Kramer 1:10:56

5M ago1:10:56

1:10:56

I am joined by 3 parents from the John D. O’Bryant School of Mathematics and Science to discuss Wu's plans to relocate the school to West Roxbury. How to get involved: Don't Move O'B Coalitiondontmoveobcoalition@gmail.comBlack Community Information Center, Inc. (617) 427-2522 Boston Educational Justice Allianceinfo@bostonedjustice.orgFor Parents at…

1
Ed Flynn Goes to Israel or How to Sell a Genocide 49:07

5M ago49:07

49:07

I look back on the events leading up to Ed Flynn's trip to Israel and what "lessons" he took away from it.

1
The Fall of the Anti-Vax Candidates and the Rise of Erin Murphy 36:49

6M ago36:49

36:49

I look through the ward/precinct data in the past election to answer the question, "Did the Anti-Vax candidates have any political relevancy?" and spoiler alert but no, they did not. (still listen to the episode though!) However, I did pick up on an alarming trend about Erin Murphy that I am not too thrilled with...…

1
Future of BPS under Wu, Interview with Ext. Director Ruby Reyes 1:01:16

6M ago1:01:16

1:01:16

I interview Executive Director Ruby Reyes from the Boston Education Justice Alliance on Mayor Wu's plans for BPS. Is it that different from Mayor Walsh? What does the McKinsey consulting firm have to do with it?

1
Wu's State of the City 53:15

6M ago53:15

53:15

I give a brief breakdown of Wu's state of the city address and then have a live recording of me listening and reacting.

1
Goodbye, Hello, and Rituals 49:37

6M ago49:37

49:37

I look at the last city council meeting of the previous session, the swearing-in ceremony, and the first meeting on January 1st. We hear the goodbye statements from outgoing councilors, Ruthzee's first speech as President, and I discuss the controversies of the presidential vote and of course "oathgate." I also reflect on the roles of rituals in th…

1
2023 Reflections 27:45

7M ago27:45

27:45

I look back at the handful of big stories from 2023 to see if I have any lasting thoughts, unanswered questions, and ultimately try to figure out what direction we are all heading.

1
Electeds of Color Holiday Party or Fox News Freakout 46:27

7M ago46:27

46:27

I go through the Fox News hysteria over the Elected's of Color Holiday Party and what it teaches us about conservative media and messaging.

1
Interview with Tori Bedford - Mass and Cass Update 53:26

7M ago53:26

53:26

I am once again joined by GBH reporter Tori Bedford to discuss the recent housing sweep on Mass and Cass. How did it differ from Wu's previous sweep? What is the role of the police? And will we be back again 2 years later to do it all again?

1
Police Union Contract or No Need For Asterisks 49:34

7M ago49:34

49:34

How did Michelle Wu go from calling for a 10% decrease to the Police Budget in 2020 to agreeing to a 21% increase in 2023? What did the George Floyd protests mean for Boston? We finally have our answers.

1
President Louijeune 42:12

7M ago42:12

42:12

How did it take Ruthzee Louijeune only 45 hours to wrap up being the next Boston City Council President? Redistricting, a liberal media, and a more conservative city council.

1
Mayor Michelle Wu - Year 2 Review 57:02

8M ago57:02

57:02

I look through the highs and many many lows of Wu's second year. After receiving the grade of a C in her first year, her sophomore year was even more disastrous. Also, there is a major show announcement at the end! Support Independent Media: https://www.patreon.com/BostopiaNews Follow: Twitter/Tiktok/Instagram: Bostopia News…

1
General Election Recap 46:47

8M ago46:47

46:47

I give an overview of the 2023 general election and how it ultimately didn't change anything. We are still in the WUniverse and now things will just be a little quieter.

1
Henry Santana vs Bridget Nee-Walsh 48:48

9M ago48:48

48:48

I look at the only interesting element of the At-Large city council race.

1
The BRIC Backtrack 59:06

9M ago59:06

59:06

I look at two recent city council meetings and the allocation of $3.4 million in additional funding to the BRIC system. Most importantly, why Wu went back on a campaign promise and her coordination with Councilors Gigi and Sharon.

1
That time is not now. 59:29

9M ago59:29

59:29

I document and analyze recent statements made by Massachusetts politicians and the local media concerning Palestine and Israel

1
Long Shot At-Large Candidates or The Rise of the Anti-Vax Councilors! 1:28:26

10M ago1:28:26

1:28:26

I look at the Tier-3 level At-Large candidates for the Boston City Council: Clifton Braithwaite, Catherine Vitale, and Shawn Nelson. However, I spend most of the time on Catherine and Shawn, looking at their political development and how they became symbols of the Anti-Vax Right in Boston. Can they win?! No. But what they represent is with us to st…

1
The Case Against a Rent Control Ballot Question 41:26

10M ago41:26

41:26

Deep Dive: I explore the open question of whether or not housing advocates should support a rent control ballot question in 2024. Looking at polling similarities with the Fair Share Amendment and national success in passing rent control, I am against the idea.

1
The Council - Prelim Recap 35:58

10M ago35:58

35:58

I do a quick recap and review of the Preliminary election. As well as thoughts on the role of the media, why liberals vote, and predictions for the general election.

1
The Council - Enrique or Ricardo for District 5? 51:33

11M ago51:33

51:33

I break down the 4 candidates for District 5 and go through my back and forth on who I think people should support, Enrique or Ricardo.

1
The Council - Rachael Rollins and Ricardo's Chances 51:50

11M ago51:50

51:50

I go through the investigation and resignation of Rachael Rollins and what insight it gives us into Ricardo Arroyo and the baggage he enters the preliminary race with. Part 2 will come sooner than usual I promise!

1
The Council - Budget Battle (Part 2) 40:55

12M ago40:55

40:55

I finally get to the closeout of the Boston Budget for FY24. I apologize for the delay, vacations and family matters come first! In this episode, I pick up where we left off and discuss the Wu vetos, the debate over the budget itself, the council's historic override, and Wu's dismissal of it. AND many of my theories of Wu's meddling in the council …

1
The Council - Budget Battle (Part 1) 1:08:57

1y ago1:08:57

1:08:57

I go through the first half of the on going back and forth between the mayor and the Boston City Council. Looking through Wu's proposed budget, the political drama behind Worrell and Gigi changing their votes, and the operating budget that was sent to Wu on 6/14.

1
The Council - Map Wars (Part 2) 37:12

1y ago37:12

37:12

I break down how the City Council went from a 9-4 vote on a Progressive Map to a 10-2 vote on a Conservative Map and mostly rely on the people's champion At-Large Councilor Julia Mejia to guide us through it.

1
The Council - Map Wars (Part 1) 46:02

1y ago46:02

46:02

I look at the judge's decision that threw out the recently passed Boston City Council district map and Wu's attempt to take the matter into her own hands.

1
The Council - Kenzie Bok 35:28

1+ y ago35:28

35:28

We say goodbye to the Joe Manchin of the Boston City Council. I take a look back on Kenzie's life, her political development, and her new job.

1
Deep Dive - Boston School Committee Saga 57:03

1+ y ago57:03

57:03

I jump back and forth in time between the Boston School Committee restructuring of 1984-1992 and the most recent Boston City Council debate and Wu veto. I go into the material and ideological conditions that produced the current Boston School Committee and how the debate back then (in some ways) mirrors our own today.…

1
Deep Dive - New Map, Same Council 40:57

1+ y ago40:57

40:57

I finally have the data to look at the new Boston City Council map. I go through the demographic changes and try to see if some new opportunities have emerged.