Access To Democracy

Frequent guest on our show and Hamline University and University of Minnesota Law School Professor David Schultz joins host Steve Francisco to discuss “Unprecedented Times in Law & Politics.”

This interview explores the ouster of House Speaker Kevin McCarthy and how the Speaker initiated his own demise back in January 2023 by making concessions to MAGA extremists in his own party.

Professor Schultz also offers his insights on why the U.S. Supreme Court is suffering from a crisis of public confidence following revelations of Justice Clarence Thomas receiving numerous unreported gifts from persons with cases before the Court. David underscores why protecting voting rights is the key to preserving our democracy.

Tax Updates for Individuals
from the IRS

IRS Senior Stakeholder Liaison, Krista Sullivan joins host Bill Raker to explain some of the many ways the IRS offers free services to individual tax payers. Examples include Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) and Tax Counselling for the Elderly (TCE).

Learn about the IRS “Tax Payer Bill of Rights” and the personal IRS Online Account that helps prevent ID theft and keep tax filers’ data safe and up to date.

Krista tells viewers how to determine whether a “notice from the IRS” by phone call, email, text, or paper letter is real or a scam. Hear Krista update consumers on the Home Energy Tax Credit. Phone numbers and Web addresses for contacting the IRS are also provided.

Highlighting: National Veterans’ Golden Age Games
 
Toni Mula, a retired Air Force Major, tells host Bill Raker about her career serving as a pharmacist with the U.S. Air Force. She shares some of her more memorable experiences, including the aftermath of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center and “Operation Enduring Freedom”.

One of Toni’s passions is participating in the National Veterans’ Golden Age Games. Held annually at various locations around the United States, the Games attract upwards of 500 disabled Veterans from all around the country who come together to participate and compete in a variety of athletic events designed specifically for their interests and abilities.

Eligibility requirements include disabled Veterans who are affiliated with a local Veterans’ facility. Learn more about the Games and how to register for them for the 2024 event from the interview. Watch for contact information in the scrolls across the bottom of the screen.

The renowned journalist/author, and guest on our show, Dane Smith sits down with host Steve Francisco to discuss his new series for MN Post, titled, “Reappraising Minnesota.”

Fifty years ago this summer, Time magazine featured Governor Wendell Anderson with a picture holding a fish with a beautiful lake in the background, declaring “The Good Life in Minnesota.”

Dane shares his thoughts on Minnesota’s civic and political culture, where we’ve succeeded, and where we are failing. Growing racial disparities in educational, housing, jobs, and health care are cause for concern. Dane also discusses the need for immigrants to keep Minnesota’s economy thriving in the future.

How Scammers Use AI  –  

Seth Boffeli, Senior Fraud Prevention Advisor with AARP, discusses with host Bill Raker, how Artificial Intelligence (AI) has become the newest tool scammers use. Seth explains how AI is “turbocharging fraud” giving scammers and fraudsters powerful new ways to refine the methods they use to trick and trap their victims.

He cites examples like the “grandparent” scam, “romance” scams, and fake notices from Amazon and the Geek Squad “phishing” for your personal information. Using the information and hints Seth shares will help consumers recognize and avoid scamming attempts.

The interview highlights resources available to learn more about various types and methods of scamming, and on where and how to report scams and to get help if you, or someone you know, has been victimized by a scammer. Feel free to share what you learn from this informative interview.