Southpaws

This is the last weekly episode of Southpaws. This show may return as a monthly, quarterly, or as special programming. Thank you to all of the Pacifica Radio affiliates who have carried our show over the years. It really meant a lot to me.Darren discussed these topics:Social Security recipients can no longer verify their identity over the phone beginning March 31. This means that millions of recipients would have to make an in person visit to a Social Security office or use the computer to verify their identity. The Trump administration is doing this to remove people from the rolls.The Trump administration is calling property damage attacks on Tesla vehicles and dealerships "domestic terrorism." Darren once again explained to listeners that property damage is not violence or domestic terrorism.Democrats have an identity crisis that could ruin their chances of winning races in 2026."60 Minutes" on CBS is going after the Trump administration in spite of a $20 Billion lawsuit Trump filed against the network.The U.S. Supreme Court seems to be in no hurry to rule on birthright citizenship.And Judge James "Jeb" Boasberg is demanding answers from the Justice Department over deportation flights to El Salvador after he approved an injunction against the deportations.Hammer Time: The ten Senators who voted for the Continuing Resolution to fund the government for the next six months get the Hammer Time award this week.

Darren discussed these topics:Donald Trump repeatedly lied and made exaggerated claims during his address to a joint session of Congress.His address sounded more like a political speech than it did a State of the Union address.Rep. Al Green (D-TX) was ejected during the speech when he interrupted Trump. On Thursday, he was censured by Congress.A second federal judge extended a block to keep the Trump administration from freezing funding.Trump wants to dismantle the Department of Education. Darren explained some of the things the department does.And Darren has no sympathy for government workers who voted for Trump and are now fired by him.Hammer Time: Ten Democrats voted in favor of censuring Rep. Al Green.

Darren discussed these topics:Tulsi Gabbard has been confirmed as the Director of National Intelligence on a 52-48 vote. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) was the only Republican to vote against her.Donald Trump is refusing to enforce the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act. Darren explains what the law does and what could happen going forward.The Department of Justice has ordered prosecutors to drop charges against New York Mayor Eric Adams.Inspector generals who were fired by Trump have filed a lawsuit to get their jobs back.Elon Musk brought his human shield, I mean young son, to the Oval Office to defend what the Department of Government Efficiency is doing.The White House barred two Associated Press reporters from covering events because the AP Stylebook won't refer to the Gulf of Mexico as the Gulf of America.Inflation grew last month, with the consumer price index increasing 3 percent.And a judge has ordered Louisiana State University to reinstate a professor who was removed from the classroom because of comments he made against the Governor of Louisiana and Donald Trump.

Darren discussed these topics:Thousands of protesters came out across the country Wednesday to speak out against the Trump Administration and Project 2025.Now Trump wants to take over the Gaza Strip and redevelop it, forcing Palestinians from their homeland (ethnic cleansing).Palestinians say they won't leave the Gaza Strip.Secretary of State Marco Rubio is in favor of Trump's Gaza Strip proposal and is also in favor of dismantling USAID.A Justice Department official said that FBI agents who simply followed orders won't be fired for probing Trump's involvement in the January 6 traitorous riot or the classified documents case. Darren doesn't believe the official.Meanwhile, FBI agents have sued the Trump administration to keep their names from being published. They're fearful of retaliation from the January 6 criminals who have been pardoned.Trump announced that the United States will withdraw from the United Nations Human Rights Council and will stop funding UNRWA, which is assisting Palestinian refugees.Elon Musk said he deleted a government program that oversaw the IRS Direct File program, but Direct File is still working for American taxpayers.And a judge has blocked Trump's plan to offer buyouts for federal employees.

Darren discussed these topics:A Blackhawk helicopter crashed mid-air into an American Eagle jet at Reagan National Airport in Washington DC late Wednesday evening. 67 people died with no survivors.Trump rescinded a memo freezing federal funding grants after a judge blocked the freeze from taking place.The proposed freeze is just one of many things Trump has proposed to expand his power.Trump signed the Laken Riley Act into law. Darren talked about what that means to undocumented and documented migrants.Caroline Kennedy warned senators that her cousin Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. was a predator before his confirmation hearing to become the Secretary of Health and Human Services.More people disagree with RFK, Jr.'s views on raw milk, vaccines, and health policy overall than agree.And U.S. children fall further behind in reading scores, but gain a slight improvement in math scores.Hammer Time: Former Michigan Republican Party co-chair Meshawn Maddock, who is currently under criminal indictment for her role in the fake electors scandal, called Michigan's Governor, Attorney General, and Secretary of State "witches" during a speech while stumping to become party chair. 

Darren discussed these topics:Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced that he's stepping down.McDonald's announced that they're rolling back their diversity policies while Costco remains steadfast in their diversity program.The Biden Administration issued a rule that removes medical debt from credit reports.Incoming FCC Chairman Brendan Carr threatened Disney over ABC's retransmission rights with their affiliates.The Ottawa County, Michigan Board of Commissioners gave a $454,000 grant to a pro-life group, possibly threatening the county's Title X position.The Justice Department intends to release only part of Special Counsel Jack Smith's report on Donald Trump.The Supreme Court decided 5-4 to allow Trump's New York sentencing in his hush money case to happen.And the Justice Department accused six major landlords of price fixing and collusion to keep rents high.

Darren discussed these topics:15 people are dead and 35 injured after a terrorist drove through the crowd on busy Bourbon Street in New Orleans, Louisiana on New Years Day.And we spend the rest of the hour looking back at the life and career of President Jimmy Carter, who passed away on Sunday at the age of 100.

Darren discussed these topics:Alleged CEO shooter Luigi Mangione now faces federal charges that could get him the death penalty. Darren explained why these charges are bogus and talked about the idea of jury nullification.A jacket supposedly worn by Mangione is flying off store shelves.AT&T plans to end landline phone service in over 20 states, including Michigan, by the end of 2029.The House Ethics Committee has secretly voted to release the Matt Gaetz report.Wisconsin police are silent about the details of the latest school shooting. They refuse to release the names of the school shooting victims. Darren stated that the public has a right to know.The federal government could partially shut down if a spending bill isn't passed by Friday, December 20.Russia claimed that they have detained a suspect in the bombing that killed a top Russian General.And a new poll shows what Americans think of Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. and his health stances.Hammer Time: Talk show host Stephanie Miller says that we shouldn't celebrate Luigi Mangione.Hammer Time: The now former McDonald's employee who ratted out Mangione won't get any of the reward money because she called 911 instead of the tip hotline. Darren said that the caller is a class traitor.

Darren discussed these topics:New York City Police continue searching for the suspect in the shooting death of United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson.Pete Hegseth's nomination to be the next Secretary of Defense may be in trouble after allegations of sexual misconduct and excessive drinking have been exposed.Trump is trying to take credit for the Biden brokered cease fire between Israel and Hezbollah.Outgoing North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper (D) vetoed legislation that would put more power in the hands of Republicans.Ohio Governor Mike DeWine (R) signed bills restricting bathroom access for transgender students all the way through college age.And conservative radio host Mark Levin is launching a new podcast with the president of Hillsdale College. Darren believes it's time for a commercial progressive broadcast network.

Darren discussed these topics:Republican Senator John Thune (R-SD) has been elected the new incoming Senate Majority Leader.Donald Trump has nominated Matt Gaetz to head up the Department of Justice. Gaetz had resigned from Congress on Wednesday just before the release of an ethics report about him.The Republicans win control of the House, having gained 218 seats this election.Liberals are putting the pressure on Senate Democrats to confirm more of President Joe Biden's judicial picks while they can.Satire website The Onion has purchased the assets of Alex Jones' Infowars in a bankruptcy auction.House Republican leaders are begging Donald Trump to quit picking Congressmen for Cabinet positions.A FEMA worker has been fired for instructing other workers to avoid houses with Donald Trump signs in their yard.Darren questioned how Ottawa County and Allegan County, Michigan have gained nearly 70,000 voters on their rolls in the last eight years.Darren believes that the election was stolen from the Democrats through voter roll purges and ballot challenges.And Southpaws is now on Bluesky.

Darren shared some of his views of the Presidential election. Other stories include:The blame game starts as some people within the Harris campaign blame President Biden for not stepping aside earlier.Republicans take control of the White House and the Senate but the House of Representatives is still up for grabs.California Governor Gavin Newsom (D) has called for a special session of the legislature to protect liberal policies from the Trump administration.And abortion rights proposals pass in Missouri but fail in Florida.

Darren briefly talked about covering the Kamala Harris campaign with special correspondent Katy J. He played clips from Michigan Governor Gretchen Whitmer (D) and First Lady Michelle Obama. Other topics:Voting rights groups worry AI models are generating inaccurate and misleading responses for Spanish speaking voters.Nicky Jam withdrew his endorsement of Donald Trump over comedians garbage comment about Puerto Rico.A Pennsylvania judge put a challenge of Elon Musks $1 Million-a-day voter sweepstakes on hold. Musk's legal team wants the case moved to Federal Court; Pennsylvania's Attorney General wants it kept in State Court.Both parties are spending huge amounts of money for Senate races this election cycle.A new poll finds Americans are anxious about the election.Donald Trump called former Rep. Liz Cheney (R) a war hawk and that she should stand there "with nine guns shooting at her".And the Washington Post has lost 250,000 subscribers after owner Jeff Bezos pulled the editorial board's endorsement of Kamala Harris at the last minute.

Darren spent most of the show covering an article in The Atlantic by Jeffrey Goldberg about Donald Trump wishing his generals were more like Adolf Hitler's. Other topics:MAGA Inc., a Trump super-PAC, sent out fake Medicare cancellation notices to people in Arizona.A Georgia judge blocks a controversial ballot counting rule and says county officials must certify election results.A suspect has been arrested in the shootings of a Democratic National Committee office in Arizona.And Macomb County, Michigan prosecutor Peter Lucido (R) may be in hot water.

Darren has a special message for those undecided and third party voters. Other topics include:Donald Trump allies threaten Deloitte contracts after employee leaks JD Vance comments.Officials debunk Trump's truly dangerous Hurricane Helene lies.North Carolinas second-largest newspaper condemns Trump for ridiculous Helene response falsehoods.Horrified parents speak out after a Pennsylvania school installs viewing windows in trans-inclusive restrooms.Former Colorado county clerk Tina Peters sentenced to 9 years for voting data scheme.Wisconsin Supreme Court grapples with governors 400-year veto.Trump says migrants who have committed murder have introduced "a lot of bad genes in our country."And Rudy Giulianis son says his dad gifted him 4 World Series rings sought by Georgia election workers.

Darren discussed these topics:Vice Presidential candidates Tim Walz (D) and JD Vance (R) had a debate on Tuesday. We cover some of the big takeaways from it.Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have a few curveballs thrown at them in the form of a hurricane, a port strike, and Iran lobbing missiles at Israel.Coverage of Hurricane Helene and the damage it left behind.The Ottawa County, Michigan Board of Commissioners agreed to the budget for the health department, but they removed a $900,000 state grant because of the word "Covid".Trump said that he won't participate in a "60 Minutes" election special.The Luzerne County, Pennsylvania manager is being sued after she said she won't put out drop boxes for absentee ballots this election.And NBC News commentator Nicolle Wallace said that JD Vance "mansplained" when he talked over the female moderators of the debate while his microphone was muted.

Darren discussed these topics:Vice President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump are criss crossing the country to get their message out to swing state voters.New polling shows that Democratic Vice Presidential candidate Tim Walz is more popular than Republican JD Vance. This new polling was released just before their upcoming debate.Vice President Kamala Harris is more popular among Asian American and Pacific Islander populations than Donald Trump.Harris is skipping the Al Smith charity dinner this year to campaign in battleground states. Trump said he's going.Machinists striking against Boeing said the company's latest offer to workers isn't good enough.Top staffers for Republican North Carolina gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson have quit the campaign after CNN reported that Robinson allegedly made racist and sexist comments on a porn website's message board.A West Virginia state senator was arrested and charged with driving under the influence.A union representative said that West Virginia Governor Jim Justice is late on paying worker health insurance costs. This involves the Greenbrier, a hotel that the Justice family owns.And the Ottawa County, Michigan Board of Commissioners has agreed to pay $225,000 to settle an age discrimination lawsuit.

Darren discussed these topics:House Republicans have voted against a measure that would have funded the government for the next six months.Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear (D) signed an executive order banning the use of "conversion therapy". That's good news for LGBTQ+ minors in the state.Mexican pop-rock band Maná removed a song they did with Nicky Jam because of his support of Donald Trump.Harris condemned Trump for his hateful rhetoric.Sen. John Thune (R-SD) wants to be the next Republican leader in the senate.We played audio of a new Harris/Walz television ad featuring Hadley Duvall, a Kentucky woman who was raped and impregnated by her step-father. Duvall, who is pro-choice, blamed Donald Trump for getting Roe v. Wade overturned.The FBI is investigating suspicious packages that were sent to election officials in at least 15 states.And Trump survived a second assassination attempt in the last two months.Hammer Time: A county sheriff in Ohio suggested that people in his county record the addresses of people with Harris signs in their yards.Hammer Time: Sen. John Kennedy (R-LA) badgered a witness at a hate crimes hearing.

Darren spent the entire hour discussing the Presidential Debate between Vice-President Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.Pundits believe Harris won the debate after Trump went off on several tirades through the 90 minutes.Trump repeated false claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio were "eating cats" and "eating dogs".We look at the fact checking the Associated Press did during and after the debate.And Harris knocked it out of the park when the topic of abortion rights was discussed. 

Darren discussed these topics:Barry County, Michigan Sheriff Dar Leaf is under fire for releasing damning allegations against a primary opponent just days before the August election.It's looking more and more like the assassination attempt against Donald Trump was a crime of opportunity rather than a political agenda.Trump took photos and video of graves inside Arlington National Cemetery, even though his campaign knew the rules against it.Trump has received a superseding indictment in the federal election interference case.Trump is courting QAnon again and calling for legislators to be arrested.Vice President Kamala Harris agreed to a sit down interview with CNN.If Harris wins the election, she would join George HW Bush as the only sitting vice president to win a presidential election since 1836.Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a stern warning about what a Trump presidency would look like.And a former Democratic politician was sentenced to life in prison without parole after he was found guilty of murdering an investigative journalist.

Darren starts this week's show with an impassioned discussion about a hidden aspect of Project 2025 that's not being talked about: the banning of porn and the trampling of the First Amendment. Yes, it's part of Project 2025. You don't want to miss Darren's rant of the week.Other topics discussed:A Detroit judge is being sued after he put a 15-year-old girl visiting the court in a jail uniform and handcuffs after she fell asleep in the courtroom.There are reports that Robert Kennedy, Jr. may be ending his presidential race and endorsing Donald Trump. If it happens, it's another "I told you so" moment for Darren.Florida's tourism marketing agency has quietly removed the LGBTQ+ Travel section from their website.Disney is dropping its attempt to dismiss a wrongful death lawsuit on the claim that the plaintiff agreed to binding arbitration when he signed up for a Disney+ streaming service trial.Nearly 60 people were arrested in clashes with Chicago police during protests at the Israeli Embassy there.We play the entire speech Senator Bernie Sanders (I-VT) gave at the Democratic National Convention.And we take a look at the life and career of Phil Donahue, who passed away at the age of 88. 

Darren discussed these topics:The latest news concerning the presidential race.Primary results in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Connecticut.The Arizona Supreme Court ruled that a fetus can be referred to as an "unborn human being" in an informational pamphlet.The first Black mayor of Newbern, Alabama, who has been locked out of town hall, will finally be allowed to govern after a lawsuit was settled out of court.A pro-Trump PAC started by Elon Musk is being investigated by the Michigan Secretary of State for falsely claiming to register voters.People who hated both Donald Trump and President Joe Biden seem to like Vice President Kamala Harris, according to new polling.And testimony is given in a case where a newly elected Ottawa County, Michigan commissioner was fired from his job at Michigan State University Extension. MSU's representatives confirmed that Ottawa Impact aligned commissioners put pressure on the school to fire him.

Darren discussed these topics:Vice President Kamala Harris has picked Minnesota Governor Tim Walz to be her running mate.We have election results from several states including Michigan, Missouri, and Washington State.The far right group Ottawa Impact will no longer have a majority on the Ottawa County, Michigan Board of Commissioners after several members were primaried out of office during Tuesday's election.Oklahoma teachers and school districts are revolting over State Superintendent Ryan Walters' edict that the Bible will be taught in grades 5 through 12.And abortions are on the rise after the repeal of Roe v. Wade.Hammer Time: The American Israel Public Affairs' Committee (AIPAC) primaried U.S. Rep. Cori Bush (D-MO) for speaking out against the genocide of Palestinians in Gaza.

Darren discussed these topics:Four American prisoners held in Russia have been freed as part of the largest prisoner swap since the Cold War.The Michigan Supreme Court ruled that Republican legislators could not "adopt and amend" ballot initiatives. Because of this ruling, the state minimum wage will increase to $12 an hour starting in Feb.2025, with scheduled increases to hit $15 an hour and to do away with the lower tipped wage.Hamas' top political leader was killed by a missile in Iran.Donald Trump caused an uproar at the National Association of Black Journalists after he questioned whether Vice-President Kamala Harris was "Black".The Federal Reserve is teasing a possible interest rate cut in September.The Broward County, Florida school board voted 5-4 to suspend a teacher for 10 days after she allowed her transgender daughter to play on the girls volleyball team, which is a violation of Florida law.Rudy Giuliani has agreed to end his bankruptcy case.Donald Trump told a group of Christian nationalists that they won't have to vote anymore if he's re-elected. Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC), among others, tried to cover for Trump.The United Auto Workers union has endorsed Vice-President Kamala Harris.And an investigation has discovered that at least nearly 1,000 children died in Native American boarding schools. Darren believes that number is much higher.

Darren discussed these topics:President Joe Biden has officially dropped out of the presidential race. He has endorsed his Vice-President Kamala Harris to be the top of the ticket for the Democrats.Harris has already set a fundraising record out of the gate and has narrowed the gap between her and Donald Trump.A 2021 video clip of Republican Vice-Presidental candidate J.D. Vance has resurfaced where he criticized Harris for being childless.The gunman in the assassination attempt against Trump searched online for information about how close Lee Harvey Oswald was to President John F. Kennedy when that assassination took place.The director of the Secret Service has resigned after the assassination attempt against Trump.Who will Harris pick as her running mate? The Associated Press took a look at four potential candidates.A Missouri prison has ignored a judge's order for the immediate release of a wrongly incarcerated man.A recently published study said a twice-a-year shot has shown 100% protection against HIV in women.And the Earth has experienced the hottest day on record in 120,000 years.

Darren discussed these topics:Donald Trump survived an assassination attempt in Pennsylvania.The alleged shooter was a 20-year-old from Pennsylvania who supported right wing politics. Secret Service hasn't described a motive for the shooting, but there's one possibility nobody is talking about that appears on the shooter's social media.Since the shooting, there have been calls to "lower the temperature" on both sides. Nobody has said who raised the temperature in the first place (the right).No matter what anyone says, the extreme left and the extreme right are NOT the same.Teamsters President Sean O'Brien gave a speech at the Republican National Convention. It's received pushback from rank and file Teamsters and members of the executive board.Rick Smith, the host of The Rick Smith Show and Labor History in 2:00, announced that because of his criticism of O'Brien that his show has lost the Teamsters as a sponsor of 19 years.A new poll shows that nearly 2/3rds of Democrats want President Joe Biden to withdraw from the Presidential race.Senator Bob Menendez (D-NJ) told colleagues that he would resign from the Senate after being found guilty of several charges including bribery.A judge has thrown out Rudy Giuliani's bankruptcy case.And Special Counsel Jack Smith has appealed Judge Aileen Cannon's ruling that the Trump classified documents case be thrown out.Hammer Time: Jack Black basically threw his Tenacious D partner Kyle Gass under the bus after Gass made a joke about the assassination attempt on Trump.

Darren discussed these topics:Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez (D-NY) has submitted Articles of Impeachment against Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito.A company is installing vending machines that dispense ammunition in grocery stores in Texas, Alabama, and Oklahoma. The machines use facial recognition and ID scanners to verify the purchaser.Actor George Clooney becomes the latest voice asking for President Joe Biden to step down as the Presidential candidate on the ballot in 2024 after his debate performance against Donald Trump.Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor's security detail shot a would-be carjacker trying to steal an undercover U.S. Marshal Deputy's car.France's New Popular Front leftist coalition said they would like to form a new government even though they didn't win a majority of seats.Georgia election workers who won a $148 million judgement against Rudy Giuliani want his bankruptcy case thrown out.Giuliani has been disbarred in New York State.And Federal Reserve chair Jerome Powell said that the job market is cooling. He signaled that rate cuts may be coming soon.Hammer Time: Tractor Supply Company has done away with DEI programs and support for LGBTQ+ groups after bowing to pressure from conservatives on social media. Now the head of the National Black Farmers Association wants the CEO of TSC to resign.

Darren is joined this week by Jack Prince. They discussed these topics:The U.S. Supreme Court ruled 6-3 that Donald Trump has presidential immunity for official acts while he was in office. What that exactly means will be determined first by lower courts.This is another step in Trump shoring up absolute power if he gets re-elected.One of the architects of Project 2025 said the U.S. is in the middle of the Second American Revolution, adding that it will be bloodless if the left allows it to be. Darren said that it shouldn't be. Jack wonders where all the protests are.Jack is disturbed by Oklahoma's Superintendent of Public Schools mandating that the Bible be taught in every class in public schools.We lost Jack's phone connection, so Darren continued the show by himself.President Joe Biden says he's staying in the race, even as Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) said there's a method to replace him before the convention.And as several of the country's top newspapers called for President Biden to drop out of the race, The Philadelphia Inquirer has called for Donald Trump to drop out of the race.

Darren discussed these topics:Donald Trump's gag order in his hush money case has been modified in his favor.Wikileaks founder Julian Assange is a free man after he took a plea deal in a felony case in the U.S.The United Nations told Israel that they will suspend all aid operations until safety concerns are addressed.Kenyans stormed their parliament after they protested a new finance bill.The Oklahoma Supreme Court ruled that public funds cannot be used for secular charter schools, calling the move unconstitutional.U.S. Rep Lauren Boebert (R-CO) has won a primary for the new district she will be representing.The Surgeon General has declared gun violence a public health emergency.And CNN host Kasie Hunt cut off Trump spokeswoman Karoline Leavitt after she continued to attack CNN moderators Jake Tapper and Dana Bash.Off The Cuff: A Vermont man was awarded $100,000 in a settlement after he was arrested on a charge of disorderly conduct in 2018 for flipping off a Vermont State Trooper.

Darren discussed his latest adventures on Facebook, where he schooled conservatives on who is responsible for higher gas and grocery prices. (Hint: it's not President Biden.)Other topics included:Rep. Bob Good (R-VA) has squared off in a primary against State Sen. John McGuire, who is endorsed by Donald Trump. The contest is too close to call.The ethics probe into Rep. Matt Gaetz (R-FL) is now focusing on allegations of sexual misconduct and illicit drug use.The Wisconsin Supreme Court will hear a challenge to Gov. Tony Evers (D) veto calling for schools to receive additional funding until the year 2425.The New York Court of Appeals has kept in place Donald Trump's gag order regarding his hush money case.Senate Republicans have blocked a bill that would ban bump stocks after the US Supreme Court ruled that the Trump era ban was unconstitutional.An Alabama man has pled guilty to phoning threats to Fulton County, Georgia prosecutor Fani Willis and the Fulton County Sheriff over Donald Trump's Georgia election fraud case.Newly elected Ottawa County, Michigan commissioner Chris Kleinjans was fired from his full-time job with the Michigan State University Extension. He's now suing to get his job back.And Darren takes a look at the candidates running for Michigan Supreme Court.

Darren is still basking in the afterglow of Donald Trump being found guilty on 34 felony counts from his hush money trial.Other topics include:Republicans are looking to indict the left as revenge for Donald Trump's trials and convictions.The United Nations Secretary-General has floated the idea of a windfall tax on profits for fossil fuel companies.Mexico has elected their first female president.The Columbia Law Review website was shut down by their board after students published an article critical of Israel and the Gaza war. (The website is now back up.)Presidential primaries are starting to wrap up in the United States.Rural pharmacies are having a hard time staying open.Being a patient in the US health care system is becoming harder.And CEO's of S&P 500 companies are making on average 200 times more than their workers.

As we were finishing up the recording of this episode, we received word that the jury in Donald Trump's hush money trial had reached a verdict. Trump was found guilty on all counts. We'll have more of the fallout on next week's show.Other topics include:A New York City nurse was fired just days after receiving an award because she called the Gaza war a genocide during her speech.Police break up the pro-Palestine encampment at Wayne State University.Spain, Norway, and Ireland now officially recognize a Palestinian state and Israel is upset over it.The US is fighting Russian misinformation and disinformation.A Texas Democrat who supported a ban on gender affirming care for children was primaried out of office earlier this week.And two Democrats now serve on the Ottawa County, Michigan Board of Commissioners. It's the first time that's ever happened.Hammer Time: Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) attacked Rep. Jasmine Crockett (D-TX) over her appearance. Crockett clapped back hard!

Darren discussed these topics:President Joe Biden and Donald Trump have agreed to debates.Slovakia's prime minister was shot in an assassination attempt.Trump said that South Dakota Governor Kristi Noem (R) was "having a bad week" in regards to her admitting to intentionally killing a dog in her book.Will Michigan voters be energized to vote in the August primary and the November general elections? Recall elections in two Michigan counties may tell the tale.Michael Cohen takes the stand in the Donald Trump hush money trial.And the stock markets continue to climb. So much for Republicans claiming Bidenomics is killing the country.Hammer Time: Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker made anti-LGBTQ and anti-woman remarks during a commencement speech at Benedictine College.Hammer Time: Gannett Newspapers fired Holland Sentinel reporter Sarah Leach under dubious circumstances.

Darren discussed these topics:The United States has stopped the shipment of 2,000 pound bombs to Israel ahead of a possible attack on the city of Rafah.Stormy Daniels testified in Donald Trump's hush money trial.Trump was fined an additional $1,000 for violating his gag order. The judge has threatened to throw Trump in jail if he violates it again.At a fundraiser held at Mar-A-Lago, Trump claimed that President Joe Biden runs "a Gestapo Administration".Even though Nikki Haley dropped out of the presidential race in March, she got over 20% of the vote this past week in the Indiana primary.Ottawa County, Michigan commissioner Lucy Ebel was defeated in a recall election. Democrat Chris Kleinjans defeated her by 20 points.A recall election involving two members of the Grant, Michigan Public School board failed.Meanwhile, a Grant resident is facing federal felony charges after he built bombs that he was going to use against the Satanic Temple in Salem, MA.And details of a 2017 memo have leaked showing that Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg wanted to purchase the Associated Press wire service.

Darren discussed these topics:The 54th anniversary of the Kent State shooting coincides with college protests across the country condemning the Israel-Hamas War. Have we learned lessons from Kent State or are we doomed to repeat history?Colleges are having police crack down on protesters.Democrats in Arizona's Senate are trying to repeal the 1864 law that bans nearly all abortions.Trump was on the campaign trail in Michigan the day after the judge in his hush money trial warned him not to violate the gag order any further or possibly face jail time.In a recent interview, Trump said he would use the National Guard and perhaps the military to secure the southern border.The Drug Enforcement Agency is looking to reclassify marijuana from a class I schedule drug to class III.And the United Methodist Church has repealed a ban against LGBTQ clergy.Hammer Time: South Dakota Governor Kristi Norm (R) is receiving widespread criticism for killing a dog on her farm several years ago. The story was published in her new book.

Darren discussed these topics:The latest on the Donald Trump hush money trial.Trump's attorneys go in front of the U.S. Supreme Court to argue that the president has absolute immunity while in office.Pro Palestinian protests are breaking out at colleges and universities around the country.A top leader of Hamas said that they'll stop the war if an independent Palestinian state is granted based on borders prior to the 1967 Mideast War.Arizona indicted 18 Republicans on charges of election interference.The Federal Trade Commission on a 3-2 vote has banned non-compete agreements in the workplace. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said they will sue to block the new rule.The Federal Communications Commission on a 3-2 vote will once again enforce Net Neutrality.The TikTok ban was signed by President Biden. So what's next?And the Satanic Temple gave the invocation prior to a recent meeting of the Ottawa County, Michigan Board of Commissioners and right wing Christians lost their minds over it.

Darren discussed these topics:Jurors have been chosen in Donald Trump's hush money trial. Opening arguments could begin next week.Trump Media stock continues to drop in price.Climate change could cost the world economy $38 trillion by the year 2049 and may more than double by the year 2100, according to a new study.Laws regarding transgender rights have hit several courts this week, including bans on gender affirming care for minors.Sweden becomes the latest country making it easier for young people to change their gender.Florida tweaks a law making it easier for people to challenge books in schools after Florida Governor Ron DeSantis (R) blames liberal activists for creating havoc. Democrats are blaming the havoc on the new law.Impeachment charges against Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas are tossed in the U.S. Senate on a party line vote.Former Michigan House leader Lee Chatfield (R) is charged with embezzlement and conducting a criminal enterprise.And a Hudsonville, Michigan family is suing Meritage Hospitality Group, a large Wendy's franchisee. The family's 11-year-old daughter was allegedly sickened after eating at a Jenison restaurant that had just reopened after a health department inspection found disgusting conditions inside. Now she has long term health issues, including learning problems.

Darren is joined by Jack Prince this week to discuss these topics:Jack explains an effort to inform the Michigan Education Association about the detriments of Medicare Advantage.New tactics are being employed to sign up seniors to Medicare Advantage, including in person seminars. Jack attended one such seminar and gave his account of what happened.Arizona's Supreme Court ruled that a draconian 1864 anti-abortion law can take effect, which bans the procedure except to save the life of the mother.The Biden Administration has set new limits on the amount of "forever chemicals" like PFAS and PFOA can be in drinking water. This is the first time the government has set limits on these cancer causing chemicals.Internet providers now have to be more transparent about what you get for money, thanks to new Federal Communications Commission rules.President Biden is trying to cancel more student debt. Again, the Republicans are suing him to stop the effort.The parents of the Oxford High School, Michigan shooter are sentenced to 10-15 years in prison each for their roles.And former Ottawa County, Michigan Administrator John Gibbs has sued the county board of commissioners and board chair Joe Moss for wrongful termination, among other claims.

Darren discussed these topics:Donald Trump continues to escalate his rhetoric against migrants entering the country illegally. He held a speech in Grand Rapids, Michigan earlier this week where he called migrants "animals".The family of a murder victim said Trump never talked to them after he said in a speech that he talked to them.During Trump's visit to Grand Rapids, pro-immigration demonstrators took to the streets to protest his speech.Trump may have won his recent primary elections, but many Republicans continue to vote for Nikki Haley or uncommitted.Could the latest actions of Judge Aileen Cannon get her kicked off the Trump classified documents case?The strongest earthquake in 25 years hit Taiwan earlier this week, causing deaths, injuries, and damage.President Joe Biden teamed up with Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-VT) to promote lower health care costs, including a cap on the price of inhalers.Israeli troops killed 7 aid workers in an airstrike that they claim was a mistake. Darren thinks the Israeli military purposely attacked that convoy to stop food aid to Palestinians.Israel is ready to expel Al Jazeera from the country, calling it a pro-Hamas group.And Darren finished the show by calling Israel a fascist country.

Darren discussed these topics:The Francis Scott Key bridge in Baltimore, MD fell into the harbor after a freighter ship collided with one of the supports. Six people were killed and two others injured.Donald Trump is now selling Bibles in his latest fleecing of his flock.Trump's hush money case is set to go to trial on April 15th.The New York Court of Appeals lowered Trump's bond in his civil fraud case to $175 million.Trump chewed out NBC News reporter Garrett Haake over questions about whether the orange wonder would spend his own money on his campaign.A settlement was reached between Disney and the state of Florida over how Disney World would be developed in the future.Democrat Marilyn Lands wins a special election to the Alabama legislature.Ottawa County, Michigan executive administrative aide Jordan Epperson is running for statewide office out of St. Clair County. Why is he allowed to carpetbag like this?And the U.S. Supreme Court is likely to throw out the mifepristone case over legal standing issues regarding the plaintiffs.

Darren discussed these topics:The father of the Oxford, Michigan high school shooter was found guilty of involuntary manslaughter for his part in allowing his son access to the gun used in the shooting.Donald Trump is having a hard time posting a $454 million bond so he can appeal his New York civil fraud case.It's a back and forth of legal rulings regarding Texas SB 4, which would allow local law enforcement to arrest migrants entering the country illegally.A Georgia superior court judge said that Trump can appeal the ruling allowing Fani Willis to remain as prosecutor of his upcoming criminal case.The US Supreme Court ruled that state and local officials can be removed from office using Section 3 of the 14th Amendment to the Constitution.Jared Kushner made comments about the very valuable potential for Gaza's waterfront property.And Trump said that Jewish people who vote Democratic "hate Israel."Hammer Time: pro-Trump attorney Stefanie Lambert was arrested by the US Marshal's Office for a failure to appear warrant out of Michigan.Hammer Time: Lambert shared Dominion emails with Barry County, Michigan Sheriff Dar Leaf, who has been leaking them through his personal social media accounts.

Darren discussed these topics:A Georgia judge has dismissed some of the RICO charges against Donald Trump, but left others in place.The U.S. House passed a ban on Tik Tok. The bill now goes to the Senate.Mississippi, which has one of the largest infant mortality rates, will now allow earlier Medicaid coverage for pregnant women.Russian president Vladimir Putin said Russia could use nuclear weapons if their sovereignty is threatened.Hunter Biden tells Congressional Republicans that he won't appear at a "public hearing" next week.Ottawa County, Michigan has appointed a new county administrator. The person is a candidate for sheriff this fall.Ottawa County's new legal firm has charged the county nearly $750,000 in billable hours.A New York judge has approved Donald Trump's bond in the defamation case filed by E. Jean Carroll.And Michigan may allow voters to choose candidates for Secretary of State and Attorney General under a proposed Constitutional amendment.Hammer Time: Arkansas Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders issued orders no longer allowing the option of X when it comes to gender on state IDs and drivers licenses, saying that the state "won't endorse nonsense."

Darren discussed these topics:Donald Trump won big during Super Tuesday.Nikki Haley has suspended her presidential campaign.Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY) endorsed Donald Trump for president, after saying Trump was responsible for January 6.Lawmakers pass measures to secure in-vitro fertilization in Alabama after the state Supreme Court ruled that embryos are the equivalent of children.New York Governor Kathy Hochul (D) is sending 750 members of the National Guard to help cops search the bags of subway riders after a spike in crime.Wendy's decided to not institute surge pricing after a huge public backlash.The Ottawa County Board of Commissioners fired County Administrator John Gibbs, who said he intends to sue for wrongful termination.And France became the first country to enshrine abortion rights into their Constitution.Hammer Time: The Teamsters Union PAC donated $45,000 to the Republican National Committee.Hammer Time: Darren loses a friend after she responded to one of his political posts, then decided that she didn't want to debate politics.

Darren discussed these topics:Donald Trump has to pay $355 million in his New York civil trial.Trump compared his legal problems to the assassination of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny.Could Wikileaks founder Julian Assange be extradited to the U.S. on charges? A British court will decide that.The Alabama Supreme Court said that frozen embryos are babies.A new "pacemaker for the brain" used for treatment resistant depression may be coming soon.A Flint, Michigan man becomes the first person charged under the state's new gun storage law.And two men are charged with the Kansas City Super Bowl Parade shooting. The reason for the shooting is mind numbingly stupid.

Darren discussed these topics:Could Fani Willis be removed as prosecutor in the Donald Trump election fraud case in Georgia? A judge will determine that soon.Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was impeached by the House by only one vote.Democrat Tom Suozzi won George DeSantis' old seat in New York.Democrats retain control of the Pennsylvania State House.The far right has some very bizarre conspiracies involving singer Taylor Swift, rapper Ice Spice, and others.The Ottawa County, Michigan Board of Commissioners will move forward with hiring a lawyer over Administrator John Gibbs' threats.And an Ottawa County pastor who sued the board to be put on the rotating list of clergymen to give the invocation before board meetings finally got his chance to do so.

Darren discussed these topics:In a first of its kind decision, a Michigan jury found Jennifer Crumbley, the mother of the Oxford High School shooter Ethan Crumbley, guilty on four counts of involuntary manslaughter for her role in the shooting.The Federal Appeals Court for Washington, DC found that Donald Trump is not immune from prosecution in his election interference case. The ruling will probably be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.SCOTUS heard arguments this week regarding the 14th Amendment's insurrection clause.Did Allan Dershowitz commit perjury during his testimony in the Trump Organization trial? The judge would like to know.What Trump has planned if he returns to the White House is downright terrifying.Republicans and Trump plan to automatically enroll new retirees into Medicare Advantage instead of traditional Medicare if they win the White House. This could be the setup to eliminating traditional Medicare.And Congress failed to impeach Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas.

Darren returned this week to discuss these topics:Kentucky legislators consider House Bill 5, which among many other things would allow property owners to kill homeless people camping on their property. The legislation easily passed the Republican dominated House and goes to the equally Republican dominated Senate.A judge ruled that Elon Musk can't collect on a $55 Billion package from Tesla.Donald Trump has to cough up another $83 Million to author E. Jean Carroll.Trump had a meeting with the Teamsters as he seeks their support for his presidential race.And a judge ruled that the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners did indeed agree to a $4 Million settlement with Health Officer Adeline Hambley, but also ruled that the settlement can't be enforced.

Darren is back this week to discuss these topics:Rolling Stone magazine published an expose on Christian right wing radio station owner Educational Media Foundation and how they're flying under the FCC radar while buying up multiple frequencies in major cities.Creeping Christianity continues while religious "nones" are now the largest religious demographic in the country, according to a new Pew survey.Donald Trump won the New Hampshire primary but Nikki Haley did better than expected. Is this a one off close race or a sign of things to come?A Colorado publisher had several hundred newspapers stolen after they published a story about an alleged rape that happened at the police chief's house.And Ring has ended a feature where police can access doorbell camera footage. Now police will have to subpoena the footage. This is great news for privacy advocates.

Darren is back to discuss these topics:Donald Trump won the Iowa GOP Caucus.64% of Iowa Caucus voters said that Trump is fit to be president even if he's convicted.Could the honeymoon be over between Ottawa Impact and Ottawa County, Michigan supervisor John Gibbs? A newly released email may provide some details.And the Washington Post has a great in-depth article chronicling the fight between the Ottawa County Board of Commissioners and Health Officer Adeline Hambley.Hammer Time: New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers essentially accused late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel of being on the list of Jeffrey Epstein's associates.

It's the first Southpaws for 2024 and Darren discussed these topics:Donald Trump has been removed from the primary ballot in Maine.A Michigan couple is suing a school district after they found out that their child was being addressed by preferred pronouns by school staff. Their conservative lawyers are claiming the school infringed on their 1st and 14th Amendment rights. Where are the rights for the child?Darren looks at an NBC News article that exposes PragerU as propagandizing school students after several states approve PragerU curricula. In exchange, several state education officials shot videos praising the curricula, which raised alarms for education experts.And Michigan rings in the new year with new laws on guns, the abolition of right-to-work, and the loosening on abortion regulations.Hammer Time: Presidential candidate Nikki Haley (R) wins two awards: one for not mentioning slavery as the cause of the civil war and one for saying she would pardon Donald Trump if she was president.Hammer Time: Sen. John Fetterman (D-PA) told NBC News that he's not a progressive after spending the last several years positioning himself as a Bernie Sanders like progressive.

Darren discussed these topics:The Colorado Supreme Court voted 4-3 to remove Donald Trump from the primary ballot for violating the 14th Amendment, Section 3 regarding insurrections. Trump vows to take it to the Supreme Court.A 10 inch thick binder of raw intelligence and other documents involving Russia's attempts at helping Donald Trump win the 2016 election has been missing since Jan. 19, 2021. Who has it? Trump? Mark Meadows? Who?Trump doubled down on comments he made about migrants "poisoning the blood" of Americans. Other Republicans have defended Trump's use of that phrase, while critics have compared the language to Adolf Hitler.And the Ottawa County Community Mental Health Board of Directors approved a six month funding extension after an Ottawa Impact aligned commissioner left the meeting.