LISTEN LIVE: WEEKDAYS 5am - 9am on St. Louis' FM NewsTalk 97.1 Marc Cox has been the host of “The Marc Cox Show” on FM NewsTalk 97.1 since 2010. He is an Emmy award-winning veteran of Television News, with a career that covered 5 states, 4 TV stations, 3 radio stations, and 25 years. He spent 19 of those years at KMOV-TV, as an anchor, reporter, and producer, and covered some of the nation’s biggest stories.

The show opens with Hour 1 focused on culture war and political flashpoints, including debate over women's sports, conservative activism, and a heated discussion about Illinois politics and the Chicago Bears potentially leaving the state over taxes and economic decline, alongside consumer issues like AI-driven social media manipulation and rising skepticism toward government policy ideas like tax restructuring. Hour 2 shifts into consumer and local policy concerns, including Missouri Lottery privacy debates, frustration over retail rounding practices, Waymo's regulatory hurdles, rising St. Louis water rates tied to infrastructure funding and Rams settlement money, and a major healthcare cost discussion with Ross Marchand centered on insurance premiums and liability-driven price inflation, before closing with viral national stories and pop culture commentary. Hour 3 broadens into global and economic pressure points, featuring analysis of Iran strategy and geopolitical risk from Jim Talent, followed by a deep dive into healthcare pricing distortions from Mark Densler regarding the 340B drug program and its impact on employers and taxpayers, and ending with consumer behavior debates over cash usage, penny rounding changes, tipping, and financial control concerns. Hour 4 returns to major political and cultural issues, opening with a St. Louis funding fight over water rates and Rams money, then moving to Shannon Bream previewing major Supreme Court cases and legal controversies, Griff Jenkins reporting from the Indy 500 with a Memorial Day tribute to fallen service members, and Byron Donalds closing with a sharp critique of Democratic foreign policy toward Cuba and broader accusations of political hypocrisy. Hashtags: #StLouis #SupremeCourt #Iran #HealthcareCosts #Cuba #Indy500 #MemorialDay #ChicagoBears #IllinoisPolitics #WaterRates #RamsMoney #USPolitics #CultureWar #Economy #TaxPolicy

Hour 4 opens with a heated St. Louis policy debate over proposed water rate increases tied to aging infrastructure funding and the controversial use of Rams settlement money, framed as a broader conflict over fiscal priorities, downtown decline, and whether investment or public safety should drive urban recovery. The hour then shifts to national legal and political pressure points as Shannon Bream previews a major Supreme Court docket covering executive power disputes, election law challenges, and the contested birthright citizenship case, alongside controversy surrounding a proposed anti-weaponization fund and its political implications. Griff Jenkins follows with a live Indy 500 update from Turn 1, blending race coverage with a Memorial Day tribute emphasizing military sacrifice, remembrance, and continued service through figures like Joey Jones. The hour closes with Rep. Byron Donalds delivering a sharp critique of Senate Democrats over Cuba policy and war powers, accusing them of hypocrisy in their public defense of democracy while resisting pressure campaigns against authoritarian regimes. Hashtags: #StLouis #SupremeCourt #ShannonBream #GriffJenkins #ByronDonalds #Cuba #Indy500 #MemorialDay #RamsMoney #USPolitics #WarPowers #Republicans #Democrats

Griff Jenkins joins ahead of the Indy 500 broadcast from Turn 1, previewing race-day coverage, driver storylines, and the intensity of racing at Indianapolis Motor Speedway, including past interviews with racing legends and the challenges facing top contenders. The conversation shifts into a broader Memorial Day reflection, with Jenkins emphasizing the importance of remembering fallen service members while still enjoying the holiday weekend, and sharing a personal story from his time covering the Iraq War involving a helicopter mission tied to early casualties. He and the hosts discuss honoring military service, highlighting Fox colleague Joey Jones' reenlistment in the Marine Corps Reserve as an example of continued commitment to service. Jenkins closes with a challenge for listeners to learn the story of a fallen hero and take time during Memorial Day weekend to actively remember the sacrifice behind the holiday. Hashtags: #Indy500 #GriffJenkins #MemorialDay #MilitaryService #FoxNews #USMarines #Veterans #HonorTheFallen #FoxAndFriends

Shannon Bream outlines a packed Supreme Court docket involving executive power cases, election law disputes, and the high-profile birthright citizenship challenge, noting skepticism from the bench and suggesting the administration may face an uphill ruling based on oral arguments. The conversation also touches on broader geopolitical issues, including potential legal action tied to Cuba's leadership and whether high-profile foreign indictments could realistically lead to trials in the U.S. The discussion shifts to Trump's proposed “anti-weaponization fund,” including controversy over whether January 6-related defendants could be eligible, with Bream noting political tension on both sides and concerns about optics given broader economic pressures. The segment closes with a preview of upcoming Fox News Sunday guests, including lawmakers and policy voices expected to weigh in on Iran, Cuba, and federal budget battles. Hashtags: #SupremeCourt #ShannonBream #BirthrightCitizenship #ExecutivePower #Cuba #Trump #J6 #LegalNews #FoxNewsSunday

Hour 3 opens with Missouri political and cultural discussion, including the growing “tarps off” fan trend at Busch Stadium and how it has spread into a designated stadium section phenomenon. The conversation then shifts to the rollout challenges facing autonomous vehicles from Waymo, including regulatory uncertainty and public skepticism about driverless transportation. Local economic pressure becomes a major focus with warnings about a proposed long-term surge in St. Louis water rates tied to infrastructure funding debates and the ongoing battle over use of Rams settlement funds. The hour closes with broader economic anxiety themes, including rising costs in housing, insurance, and utilities, and concerns about how quickly affordability pressures are stacking up for households across the region. Hashtags: #StLouis #BuschStadium #Waymo #AutonomousVehicles #WaterRates #Infrastructure #CostOfLiving #MissouriNews #LocalPolitics #Affordability

Mark Denzler breaks down growing concerns over the federal 340B drug pricing program, arguing that a policy originally designed to help low-income and rural patients has expanded far beyond its intent and is now driving up employer and taxpayer health care costs. He explains that hospitals purchase outpatient drugs at steep discounts but often bill insurers at full price, with the spread increasingly concentrated in large, wealthy hospital systems rather than safety-net providers. The discussion highlights claims that employers are absorbing hundreds of millions in added costs annually through higher premiums and deductibles, with similar effects reported across multiple states, including Missouri. The segment closes with broader frustration over health care billing practices, including how insurance-driven pricing, overtesting, and system incentives may be contributing to rising premiums for consumers across the board. Hashtags: #HealthcareCosts #Insurance #340BProgram #Hospitals #DrugPricing #EmployerCosts #IllinoisPolitics #MissouriNews #HealthPolicy #PremiumIncreases

Former U.S. Senator Jim Talent breaks down escalating U.S. pressure on Iran, arguing that recent military strikes combined with economic throttling are aimed at forcing control over strategic maritime routes rather than full-scale escalation. He suggests the next phase could involve further targeted strikes designed to secure passage through key waterways, while coalition concerns among Gulf allies are shaping the pace of action due to fears of retaliatory missile attacks on regional infrastructure. The discussion also touches on the broader geopolitical posture under President Trump, including economic pressure campaigns in Cuba and the risk of overextension across multiple theaters. Talent emphasizes that while military objectives against Iran's capabilities have been largely achieved in his view, the remaining challenge is managing regional stability and energy market impacts tied to shipping disruptions and oil flow.

Hour 2 opens with Dan Buck, Kim St. Onge, and Ethan Bright discussing a Missouri Lottery winner and the broader question of whether large jackpot recipients should be publicly identified, sparking debate over privacy, transparency laws, and the potential use of trusts to shield identities. The conversation then shifts into consumer frustration around retail “round-up” donation prompts and skepticism about how nonprofit fundraising systems operate in practice. In the “St. Louis Morning Brief,” the show highlights Busch Stadium's viral “tarps off” seating section trend while also covering regulatory setbacks facing Waymo testing in Missouri, alongside concerns about autonomous vehicle deployment and neighborhood disruptions. The discussion escalates into local policy debates over rising water rates in St. Louis and criticism of public spending priorities, even as regional development expands with a planned Google data center nearby. The hour's most substantive policy segment features guest Ross Marchand of the Taxpayer Protection Alliance, who breaks down rising auto insurance premiums driven by litigation and what he calls a “tort tax,” arguing for extending liability protections similar to those already granted to rental car companies to ride-share platforms like Uber and Lyft. The hour closes with “In Other News,” featuring viral stories including a Tesla Cybertruck driver misusing “Wade Mode” and driving into a lake, a DUI suspect arrested while attempting to pick up another DUI suspect from jail, amusement park riders stranded on a 245-foot roller coaster in Texas, and media chatter surrounding the end of Stephen Colbert's show and speculation about his political future. Hashtags: #StLouis #Waymo #Insurance #RideShare #TortReform #Cybertruck #DUI #Lottery #Google #PopCulture

Dan Buck, Kim St. Onge, and Ethan Bright are joined by Ross Marchand, executive director of the Taxpayer Protection Alliance, for a deep dive into rising auto insurance premiums and the role of litigation tied to ride-sharing services. The discussion centers on what Marchand describes as a “tort tax,” where attorneys pursue lawsuits against companies like Uber and Lyft even when individual drivers are at fault, driving up settlement costs that are ultimately passed on to consumers through higher insurance and ride-share prices. Marchand explains that lawmakers are now considering extending liability protections—similar to those granted to rental car companies under the Graves Amendment—to ride-share platforms, with the goal of reducing litigation-driven costs. The conversation highlights how legal strategies target corporations with deeper pockets, leading to higher premiums for everyday drivers and families, with Missouri cited as a state seeing thousands of dollars in added annual insurance costs per household. The segment also touches on driverless vehicle policy challenges, including how autonomous fleets like Waymo complicate traditional liability frameworks, and briefly addresses uninsured motorists as another factor contributing to rising insurance expenses. Hashtags: #AutoInsurance #Uber #Lyft #Waymo #TortReform #TransportationPolicy #Missouri #RideShare #Economy #ConservativeTalk

The “St. Louis Morning Brief” opens with the viral “tarps off” trend at Busch Stadium, where fans in a designated upper-deck section are encouraged to go shirtless after the stunt originated with a visiting Texas team and quickly became a stadium-wide marketing moment embraced by the Cardinals organization. The discussion then shifts to the rollout of autonomous vehicles, focusing on Waymo testing in St. Louis since December, which is now facing uncertainty after Missouri legislation aimed at standardizing regulations and liability rules failed to pass, creating new barriers to full deployment. A parallel anecdote from another city highlights how self-driving vehicles have created unexpected gridlock issues in residential neighborhoods, fueling skepticism about driverless safety and usability. The segment then turns sharply to city finances, as St. Louis officials weigh how to allocate remaining Los Angeles Rams settlement funds while preparing residents for a proposed 18% water rate increase, with further hikes projected in coming years. The discussion criticizes city priorities, arguing that settlement money intended for economic redevelopment has instead been directed toward infrastructure gaps, even as major investments like a planned Google data center in nearby New Florence signal broader regional tech growth. Hashtags: #StLouis #BuschStadium #Waymo #SelfDrivingCars #RamsSettlement #WaterRates #Google #MissouriPolitics #UrbanPolicy #TechInvestment

Hour 1 opens with Dan Buck, Kim St. Onge, and Ethan Bright filling in for Marc Cox and immediately diving into culture war flashpoints surrounding women's sports, abortion politics, and conservative activism following a Missouri Right to Life event featuring Riley Gaines. The conversation highlights Gaines' warning against conservative complacency while also celebrating Jordy Bahl as an example of traditional female athletic leadership in modern sports culture. The hour then pivots into an extended breakdown of the Chicago Bears potentially abandoning Illinois, with sharp criticism aimed at J. B. Pritzker and Chicago leadership over soaring taxes, stalled stadium negotiations, sanctuary city spending, and economic decline pushing major organizations toward states like Indiana. In “Kim on a Whim,” Kim exposes the growing industry behind fake viral content, AI-driven engagement, bot amplification, and manipulated social media popularity tied to influencers, politics, and entertainment, including references to Justin Bieber and online political campaigns. The hour closes with a heated debate over comments from Jeff Bezos suggesting lower-income Americans should pay no federal taxes, leading into broader arguments about government dependency, taxpayer burdens, progressive economics, and fears of expanding state control over daily life. Guests: None Hashtags: #RileyGaines #ChicagoBears #IllinoisPolitics #JeffBezos #JordyBahl #AI #SocialMedia #Taxes #WomenSports #ConservativeTalk

In “Kim on a Whim,” Kim St. Onge and Dan Buck dive into the growing world of manufactured internet popularity, breaking down how viral trends, influencer fame, political engagement, and even music success are increasingly driven by coordinated advertising disguised as organic content. The segment centers around a company called Floodify, allegedly built to flood social media platforms with paid engagement through networks of fake or semi-active accounts designed to artificially boost artists, influencers, and political campaigns. Kim explains how users are manipulated into believing certain songs, personalities, or political figures are organically exploding online when much of the activity may actually be purchased amplification. The conversation expands into skepticism surrounding social media algorithms, bot-style engagement, AI-generated interaction, influencer marketing, and viral political content, with references to Justin Bieber, Eric Adams, conservative influencers, and internet-driven political campaigns. The segment closes with frustration over how difficult it has become to distinguish authentic public interest from coordinated digital manipulation, especially as AI, algorithmic feeds, and monetized engagement increasingly dominate online culture. Hashtags: #KimOnAWhim #SocialMedia #AI #Floodify #JustinBieber #EricAdams #Algorithms #InternetCulture #PoliticalMedia #FakeViral

Hour 4 opens with a broad discussion of declining customer service and changing expectations in everyday consumer interactions, using retail and food service experiences to explore how workplace culture has shifted toward more transactional exchanges. The hour quickly pivots into national political territory, focusing on election integrity concerns, voter registration systems, and disputes over mail-in voting, ballot harvesting, and voter roll maintenance. Author Seth Keshel joins to argue that structural differences in state election laws—not isolated incidents—drive widespread distrust in U.S. election outcomes, emphasizing vulnerabilities created by expanded mail voting systems and inconsistent voter databases, while calling for foundational reform before trust can be restored. The hour then shifts to President Trump's White House expansion project, including the privately funded “MAGA ballroom,” sparking debate over taxpayer involvement, political symbolism, and long-term legacy framing of presidential infrastructure projects. Later, economist Taylor Riggs breaks down inflation pressures, energy market instability, and the challenges facing the Federal Reserve's 2% target, citing oil supply constraints, geopolitical tensions, and refining bottlenecks as key drivers of ongoing volatility. The discussion also touches on union power dynamics in New York transit negotiations, contrasting leadership incentives with worker frustrations and highlighting broader inefficiencies in government-linked systems. The hour closes with a wide-angle view of how politics, energy markets, and institutional trust are converging into a single pressure point across the U.S. system. Guests: Seth Keshel, Taylor Riggs Hashtags: #ElectionIntegrity #Inflation #Trump #Economy #OilMarkets #VotingReform #FederalReserve #MAGA #EnergyCrisis #PublicPolicy #UnionPolitics #MorningShow

Hour 4 continues with economist Taylor Riggs breaking down the tension between government intervention and free-market outcomes, responding to critiques of big-government policy by highlighting inefficiencies in public systems like transit, postal services, and permitting processes. The discussion shifts into New York's transit labor disputes, where union leadership pay structures and political pressure are contrasted with rank-and-file worker frustrations, alongside criticism of political blame games over stalled negotiations. Riggs then turns to macroeconomic conditions, arguing that a return to the Federal Reserve's 2% inflation target remains unlikely in the near term due to persistent energy pressures and elevated oil prices, with global supply chains, geopolitical instability, and refinery constraints all contributing to volatility. The segment closes with a broader energy market outlook, emphasizing the complexity of global oil flows, refinery limitations in places like California, and the continued influence of international trade dynamics on domestic fuel prices. Guests: Taylor Riggs Hashtags: #Economy #Inflation #OilMarkets #FederalReserve #EnergyCrisis #UnionPolitics #NewYork #FreeMarkets #MacroEconomics #MorningShow

Hour 4 continues with author and former Army captain Seth Keshel discussing his new book The American War on Election Corruption, which argues that widespread distrust in U.S. elections is driven by structural vulnerabilities rather than isolated incidents. Keshel lays out his case that expanded mail-in voting, automatic voter registration, and ballot harvesting systems create fundamentally different election outcomes across states, pointing to statistical disparities between states with stricter versus looser rules. He highlights concerns about voter roll maintenance, claiming that incomplete or outdated rolls combined with mail voting increase the risk of unreliable outcomes, and argues that transparency in voter databases is essential to restoring trust. The conversation broadens to international comparisons, noting that many European countries restrict or ban mail-in voting entirely, which he uses to question why U.S. states continue expanding it. The segment closes with his assertion that election reform must begin with agreeing on core structural problems before any fixes can be effective. Guests: Seth Keshel Hashtags: #ElectionIntegrity #VotingReform #MailInVoting #VoterID #ElectionSecurity #USPolitics #ElectionLaw #SethKeshel #BallotSecurity #MorningShow

Hour 3 opens with Missouri's escalating redistricting and ballot deadline fight as Secretary of State Denny Hoskins defends the current congressional map, rejects claims of “limbo,” and lays out the August 4 certification timeline for referendum petitions while warning about constitutional questions and ballot overload concerns heading toward November. The hour then pivots nationally with Derek Morgan of the Heritage Foundation breaking down Republican primary shakeups, Trump's continuing dominance in endorsements, and internal Democratic strategy debates around expanding the Supreme Court and reshaping federal election structures. Broader political tension follows, including GOP infighting, media polarization, and White House messaging dynamics. The hour closes on a sharp cultural turn, covering late-night television changes and a cluster of science and technology stories—from TSA marijuana policy shifts to biotech experiments involving artificial eggs and de-extinction efforts—raising deeper questions about how far human innovation should go in altering nature. Hashtags: #DennyHoskins #DerekMorgan #MissouriPolitics #Redistricting #Trump #GOP #Election2026 #BallotIssues #Media #Science #Biotech #DeExtinction #SupremeCourt #PoliticalNews

Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins pushes back on claims that election officials are “in limbo” over the state's congressional map, insisting that court rulings and state leadership have made it clear the new map is currently in effect despite ongoing legal challenges. He outlines the August 4 deadline for certifying referendum petition signatures, explaining that his office is still verifying validity and duplicates while local election authorities continue their review process. Hoskins also raises constitutional questions about whether a referendum can properly apply to congressional maps under the current timing structure, noting that legal challenges are already stacking up. The conversation expands to the governor's pending decision on whether initiative petitions will appear on the August or November ballot, with concerns that a crowded ballot could impact voter turnout and clarity. He closes by defending Missouri's voter roll maintenance efforts, highlighting the removal of more than 200,000 ineligible voters, including deceased individuals, as part of ongoing election integrity work. Hashtags: #DennyHoskins #MissouriPolitics #ElectionIntegrity #Redistricting #BallotInitiatives #VoterRolls #AugustBallot #NovemberElection #ElectionLaw #StLouis #SecretaryOfState

Derek Morgan from the Heritage Foundation breaks down a growing bipartisan push to give car owners full access to their vehicle repair data, challenging automakers who currently funnel diagnostics and repairs back to dealerships and limit competition for independent mechanics. The discussion frames it as a broader consumer rights issue, similar to past fights over printer ink pricing and state vehicle inspection rules that can drive up costs and restrict choice. The conversation then pivots to national politics, where Morgan warns that proposals floated by Democrats—expanding the Supreme Court, eliminating the Electoral College, and adding new states like D.C. and Puerto Rico—would permanently tilt federal power dynamics and reshape elections for decades. The segment also touches on Kamala Harris's rising political visibility and internal Democratic strategy debates, before closing on Republican primary shakeups, including recent high-profile losses and the continuing influence of Donald Trump's endorsements in reshaping GOP alignment heading into future elections. Hashtags: #DerekMorgan #RightToRepair #AutoIndustry #SupremeCourt #ElectoralCollege #DCStatehood #PuertoRico #KamalaHarris #Trump #GOP #ElectionPolitics #HeritageFoundation #ConsumerRights

Hour 2 opens with the disturbing New York City incident in which a grandmother died after falling into an uncovered manhole, sparking questions about city safety failures and how such a hazard could go unmarked in a busy downtown area. The conversation shifts into aviation policy changes as Nicole Murray breaks down reports that TSA rules are quietly evolving around medically prescribed marijuana travel, alongside the rollout of a new TSA “Gold” expedited screening program designed to maintain airport flow even during federal shutdown disruptions. The hour continues with national headlines including a shocking traffic stop where a toddler reportedly pulled a loaded firearm from a diaper bag during a police encounter, raising renewed concerns about firearm storage and child safety. Business news follows with updates on declining legacy beer brand Schlitz ending production, major retail earnings from Target and Lowe's, and global trade developments involving Boeing's major aircraft deal with China. The hour closes on culture commentary about Gen Z's reported nostalgia for the past, fueling broader reflections on changing American lifestyle preferences. Hashtags: #NYC #TSA #GunSafety #Schlitz #Boeing #Target #Lowes #GenZ #BreakingNews #InOtherNews

The “St. Louis Morning Brief” covers a series of major local controversies beginning with St. Charles voting 7-1 to permanently block large-scale data centers after intense public backlash over development concerns. The crew also reacts to the conviction of a former Manchester-area Boy Scout leader accused of using troop funds for personal expenses before pivoting into a bizarre revelation that The Walt Disney Company consultants advised downtown St. Louis officials to visually disguise vacant buildings with neutral paint colors to improve visitors' perception of safety during major events. Marc and Kim mock the city's “paint over the problem” strategy while discussing Disney's declining movie reputation and the upcoming Mandalorian film featuring Grogu, better known as Baby Yoda. The segment closes with analysis of the escalating legal battle between the St. Louis Police Board and city officials over a disputed $67 million budget shortfall tied to state policing mandates and Rams settlement money. Hashtags: #StCharles #DataCenters #StLouis #Disney #BoyScouts #PoliceFunding #Mandalorian #Grogu #MissouriPolitics #LocalNews

Hour 1 opens with Marc previewing a major Missouri Right to Life event featuring Riley Gaines before diving into Donald Trump's dominant primary-night victories, including the defeat of Thomas Massie and growing pressure on Republican holdouts across Georgia, Texas, and North Carolina. The hour heavily focuses on Trump's White House ballroom project and a fiery defense of his leadership style, followed by an explosive conversation about a massive IRS settlement tied to leaked Trump tax returns and whether January 6 defendants unfairly targeted by the federal government deserve compensation. Kim's “On a Whim” segment then shifts the show into sci-fi territory with a debate over Colossal Biosciences hatching chicks in artificial eggs and the frightening possibility of resurrecting extinct species straight out of Jurassic Park. The hour closes with reaction to the San Diego mosque shooting as Marc and Kim challenge early media narratives about the attackers while arguing the real lesson is the life-saving importance of armed security officers protecting schools and religious institutions. Hashtags: #DonaldTrump #ThomasMassie #RileyGaines #January6 #IRSLeak #JurassicPark #ColossalBiosciences #SchoolSecurity #SanDiego #RepublicanPolitics

Kim's “On a Whim” segment dives into the bizarre and unsettling world of de-extinction science after Texas-based Colossal Biosciences successfully hatches live chicks using artificial eggs lined with bioengineered membranes. The crew debates whether technology designed to revive extinct species like the dodo bird, giant moa, woolly mammoth, and potentially even dinosaurs is scientific progress or reckless “playing God,” repeatedly comparing the concept to the disaster scenarios of Jurassic Park. Kim questions the ethics and practical value of resurrecting extinct creatures simply because science now makes it possible, while Marc argues there may be a stronger case for restoring species humans hunted to extinction. The conversation spirals into jokes about pet velociraptors, T-Rexes roaming neighborhoods, exotic animal ownership gone wrong, and the terrifying possibility that humanity is walking directly into its own sci-fi warning label. Hashtags: #JurassicPark #ColossalBiosciences #DeExtinction #WoollyMammoth #DodoBird #Science #Biotechnology #Dinosaurs #ArtificialEggs #KimOnAWhim

The show opens with breaking coverage of a California church and daycare attack involving two teenage suspects, stolen firearms, and extremist markings, with early reports suggesting an armed civilian or security response may have prevented further casualties. That leads into a broader discussion of rising concerns about youth radicalization, violent crime trends, and how major incidents are framed and reported in real time. Attention then shifts to Missouri politics, where election officials face scrutiny over potential resistance to implementing a newly approved 7–1 congressional map, raising questions about compliance with state law and possible legal consequences for defiance of Supreme Court-backed redistricting. Public safety becomes a recurring theme as the show examines a late-night shooting near Keener Plaza in downtown St. Louis involving teenagers, highlighting concerns about curfew enforcement, staffing shortages in city policing, and whether outside assistance may increasingly be required to stabilize urban crime conditions. FBI Deputy Director Andrew Bailey joins the program to outline the administration's crime strategy, emphasizing reductions in violent crime, expanded gang and fentanyl enforcement, and internal FBI restructuring that shifts personnel toward field operations. He also discusses coordination with local and federal partners, preparations for major security events like World Cup matches in U.S. host cities including Kansas City, and broader efforts to modernize federal law enforcement response capabilities. The conversation then turns to national political scrutiny surrounding ActBlue, with reports of upcoming congressional testimony from its leadership amid allegations of foreign donation vetting failures and prior Fifth Amendment invocations by staff, intensifying concerns about transparency in campaign finance and potential foreign influence in U.S. elections. The show also briefly touches on federal appointments and confirmations tied to Missouri, including law enforcement and diplomatic roles, before closing with ongoing concerns about crime, political accountability, and institutional trust across multiple levels of government. Hashtags: #SanDiego #Crime #FBI #AndrewBailey #StLouis #KeenerPlaza #ActBlue #MissouriPolitics #ElectionIntegrity #PublicSafety #LawEnforcement #CampaignFinance #WorldCupSecurity

Hour 4 opens with a discussion of violent crime trends in Washington, D.C., framed as improving overall due to stronger federal enforcement and National Guard support, despite isolated recent shootings. That leads into concern over public safety in St. Louis following a late-night shooting at Keener Plaza involving teenagers, raising questions about curfew enforcement, downtown security, and ongoing police staffing shortages. The conversation then shifts to political accountability and campaign finance scrutiny, highlighting upcoming congressional testimony from ActBlue's CEO amid allegations of foreign donation vetting failures and prior Fifth Amendment invocations by staff, intensifying concerns over transparency in political fundraising and potential foreign influence. The hour also briefly touches on developing details from the San Diego Islamic Center attack, including multiple fatalities, teen suspects with extremist markings on weapons, and emerging but unconfirmed reports that an armed civilian may have helped stop further violence. The segment wraps with a lighter closing shift into local political updates, including confirmations for Missouri-linked federal appointments. Hashtags: #Crime #StLouis #WashingtonDC #ActBlue #Congress #CampaignFinance #SanDiego #PublicSafety #BreakingNews #LawEnforcement

The segment opens with new reporting that one of the San Diego shooting suspects, identified as Kane Clark, had previously been removed from school for alleged hate speech and was completing classes online, raising new questions about warning signs and institutional awareness prior to the attack. The conversation then shifts into an in-depth interview with Ryan Wiggins, who joins while dealing with serious health challenges related to cystic fibrosis and indicates he may be heading to the hospital for a planned “tune-up” treatment involving intensive IV care. The discussion expands into broader reflections on medical outcomes tied to the opioid epidemic, including observations about changes in lung transplant wait times and shifting overdose death trends in recent years. The tone then turns toward political accountability as Wiggins and the host discuss ActBlue, focusing on upcoming congressional testimony from its CEO, allegations of misleading statements regarding foreign donation vetting, and prior Fifth Amendment invocations by staff, with concerns raised about foreign influence in U.S. elections and potential legal consequences as investigations continue. Hashtags: #RyanWiggins #CysticFibrosis #HealthUpdate #ActBlue #Congress #CampaignFinance #SanDiegoShooting #CrimeNews #OpioidCrisis #ElectionIntegrity

Hour 4 opens with national security and law enforcement priorities as FBI Deputy Director Andrew Bailey outlines the bureau's renewed focus under the Trump administration, emphasizing violent crime reduction, major fentanyl seizures, expanded child predator prosecutions, and a structural shift moving more personnel into field operations. He details coordination with federal and local partners on mail theft investigations, discusses ongoing tensions with immigration enforcement in major blue cities, and highlights the FBI's role in securing major upcoming global events, including World Cup matches hosted in the U.S. The conversation then turns to Missouri politics, where Bailey addresses escalating friction over a Supreme Court-approved 7–1 congressional map as some election officials signal potential noncompliance, setting up a high-stakes legal and political confrontation over election authority and enforcement. Hashtags: #FBI #AndrewBailey #DeputyDirectorFBI #LawAndOrder #CrimePolicy #BorderSecurity #WorldCupSecurity #MissouriPolitics #Redistricting #ElectionIntegrity

Hour 3 features Todd Pirro joining the show for a wide-ranging, off-the-cuff conversation that moves from media production chaos in the new studio setup and sensitive microphone issues to personal life moments, humor around family dynamics, and behind-the-scenes broadcasting stories, including anecdotes about sponsors, camping, and on-air spontaneity. The discussion then shifts to Mark Walters, host of Armed American Radio, who breaks down the San Diego mosque shooting involving two teenage suspects and an armed response he argues may have prevented further casualties, while criticizing California's gun laws and broader political responses to gun violence. Walters also expands into ongoing Second Amendment legal battles, including high-profile federal cases and state-level restrictions, framing them as part of a larger national conflict over gun rights. The hour wraps with “Kim on a Whim,” revisiting the Luigi Mangione court developments, including suppressed evidence from a backpack search and controversy over self-described independent journalists at the courthouse whose comments about the case sparked backlash, fueling debate over press credentialing standards and media credibility. Hashtags: #ToddPirro #MarkWalters #SecondAmendment #GunRights #SanDiegoShooting #KimOnAWhim #LuigiMangione #PressCredentials #MediaChaos #RadioShow

In the 2A Tuesday segment, Mark Walters breaks down the San Diego mosque shooting involving two teenage suspects allegedly armed with stolen firearms taken from one of their mothers after a reported suicidal episode. He says police were already searching for the suspects when the attack occurred and notes they had a suicide note and anti-Islamic writings on their weapons, framing the incident as premeditated. Walters highlights an unconfirmed account from an officer at the scene suggesting that an armed civilian may have used a recovered security guard's weapon to intervene and potentially stop further casualties, arguing that such details are often minimized or ignored in broader media coverage. He uses the discussion to criticize California's gun laws and political leadership, claiming they fail to prevent violent acts while restricting lawful gun ownership. Walters then pivots to broader Second Amendment issues, including federal prosecution cases and ongoing legal challenges, emphasizing what he sees as a growing national legal fight over gun rights and enforcement. Hashtags: #MarkWalters #SecondAmendment #SanDiegoShooting #GunRights #ArmedDefense #2ATuesday #SelfDefense #GunPolicy

Guest Todd Piro joins for a fast-moving, humor-heavy conversation that blends sports media chatter, parenting realities, and behind-the-scenes broadcasting banter. The discussion kicks off with light ribbing over forgotten schedules and movie promotions tied to Nate Bargatze's new film The Breadwinner, before quickly pivoting into a candid debate on camping culture, where Piro rejects tent camping entirely and recounts an RV sponsorship segment that went sideways behind the scenes. The tone shifts again into workplace humor and family life, including a story about asking for an RV giveaway, jokes about sponsorship boundaries, and reflections on marriage dynamics. The conversation closes with personal updates on a pregnant colleague, leading into a broader, unscripted exchange about the challenges of live radio, reading headlines under pressure, and the physical strain of on-air performance, all wrapped in the usual rapid-fire humor and improvisation that defines the segment. Hashtags: #ToddPirro #FoxNews #RadioBanter #CampingTalk #Fatherhood #LiveRadio #NateBargatze #TheBreadwinner #BehindTheScenes #BroadcastLife

Hour 2 opens with a heated, humorous debate over camping culture, splitting opinions between tent purists and RV “glampers,” sparked by listener backlash and rapid-fire banter that escalates into stories about extreme outdoor survival shows and the absurd limits of discomfort people will endure. The show then shifts into the St. Louis Morning Brief, where packed public hearings on proposed data centers in Franklin County stretch for hours as residents clash with officials over zoning, infrastructure strain, tax revenue, and long-term environmental and economic impact, alongside broader concerns about rising sewer costs, AI-driven job disruption, and continued population decline in St. Louis City. Additional local headlines include questions over USPS mail theft and check fraud tied to regional processing centers and a sudden charter school shutdown leaving families scrambling. The hour wraps with “In Other News,” covering viral chaos including a TikTok foul ball incident, a bridesmaid wedding dress disaster overseas, growing complaints about empty autonomous Waymo vehicles circling neighborhoods in Atlanta, and renewed concern over Britney Spears' erratic public behavior, tying together a fast-moving mix of culture, tech, and controversy. Hashtags: #Hour2 #StLouis #DataCenters #UrbanPolitics #CampingDebate #ViralNews #Waymo #TikTok #BritneySpears #LocalNews #PopCulture #AI #MissouriPolitics

Former Missouri Senator John Lamping joins the discussion with a blunt, no-nonsense breakdown of rising distrust in government, arguing that public skepticism is justified as decisions around development, taxation, and regulation increasingly feel disconnected from local control. He weighs in on the explosive data center debates in Franklin County and St. Louis, predicting that despite packed public hearings and opposition, major projects are likely to move forward due to government and economic pressure. Lamping also reacts to the continued population decline in St. Louis City, calling it a symptom of long-term policy failure rather than short-term fluctuation, pointing to crime, taxation, and governance as driving forces behind the exodus. He closes with sharp criticism of ongoing economic development strategies downtown, arguing that incentives and tax credits won't fix deeper structural problems like safety and livability. Hashtags: #JohnLamping #MissouriPolitics #DataCenters #StLouis #GovernmentTrust #PopulationDecline #UrbanFlight #TaxPolicy #EconomicDevelopment #LocalPolitics

Hour 2's “St. Louis Morning Brief” centers on a massive public backlash against proposed data center developments in Franklin County and the St. Louis region, where marathon public hearings stretched more than seven hours as hundreds of residents packed venues to oppose the projects. Marc and Kim break down the tension between local governments tempted by major tax revenue and residents concerned about strain on water systems, the power grid, and environmental impacts, with critics warning the projects could reshape communities without adequate safeguards. The conversation widens into broader economic and policy concerns, including warnings that AI and data centers could eliminate up to 50% of white-collar jobs and intensify long-term workforce disruption. The segment also highlights new Census data showing St. Louis has lost roughly 23,000 residents since 2020, raising alarm about declining population, shrinking tax bases, and whether the city could challenge federal counts to secure more funding. Additional stories include Rep. Ann Wagner calling for an FBI investigation into alleged USPS mail theft and check fraud tied to the St. Louis processing center, with reports of constituent complaints and missing or altered checks fueling concern about systemic failures. The brief closes with the sudden shutdown of the St. Louis Voices Academy of Media Arts charter school, leaving about 100 students displaced amid staffing and safety concerns, further underscoring instability across civic institutions in the region. Hashtags: #StLouis #DataCenters #FranklinCounty #AI #Jobs #PopulationLoss #Census #MailTheft #USPS #FBI #AnnWagner #Crime #Education #CharterSchool #PublicSafety #Infrastructure #EnergyGrid #UrbanPolicy

Hour 1 opens with Marc and the crew returning to the newly renovated studio before reflecting on a stormy graduation weekend and previewing major upcoming interviews with FBI Deputy Director Andrew Bailey and Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hannaway. The conversation quickly shifts into outrage over reports that some Missouri county election officials may refuse to honor the state's newly approved 7-1 congressional map ahead of the August primaries, with Marc warning of legal consequences if local officials attempt to ignore Supreme Court-approved district lines. The hour also covers the developing California church and school shooting involving two teenagers accused of stealing firearms, possible extremist motivations, and reports that an armed citizen may have helped stop the attack before even more people were killed. The Shortlist segment tackles Trump-backed efforts to unseat Congressman Thomas Massie, overnight violence near Keener Plaza in downtown St. Louis, Stacey Abrams warning Democrats about major election losses, and CNN drawing criticism for airing footage from Tehran showing Iranian civilians and children being trained with rifles amid anti-American propaganda messaging. Marc then unloads on Missouri's skyrocketing property tax assessments, accusing local governments and state officials of manipulating valuations to squeeze homeowners while lawmakers failed to pass meaningful relief measures. During “Kim on a Whim,” Kim and Marc hammer COVID-era prison release policies after reports showed inmates released during the pandemic were later charged with violent crimes including murder, while also criticizing media fear campaigns surrounding Ebola and hantavirus coverage and arguing that progressive criminal justice policies continue to weaken public safety. The hour closes with a discussion about the collapse of neighborhood interaction in America, as new survey data shows fewer Americans regularly speak with their neighbors due to social media, changing lifestyles, and growing social isolation. Hashtags: #CaliforniaShooting #ChurchShooting #PropertyTaxes #MissouriPolitics #COVID #PrisonReleases #AndrewBailey #CatherineHannaway #ThomasMassie #Trump #StLouisCrime #CNN #Iran #Hantavirus #Ebola #Crime #Recidivism #Neighborhoods #CommunityCollapse #ElectionMaps

Kim on a Whim zeroes in on the fallout from COVID-era prison release policies after new reporting revealed that hundreds of inmates released early during the pandemic were later charged with violent crimes, including murder. Kim and Marc slam the decision by progressive leaders to prioritize fears over prison outbreaks above public safety, arguing that states like Illinois and North Carolina unleashed dangerous repeat offenders back into communities under the banner of “following the science.” The conversation expands into criticism of media fear campaigns surrounding Ebola and hantavirus headlines, with both warning that public health scares are often used to justify expanded government power and soft-on-crime policies that already align with progressive political goals. Marc also blasts modern prison systems for becoming too comfortable and ineffective at deterring repeat offenders, pointing to reports that California inmates, including death row prisoners, had access to mobile devices and online content while incarcerated. The segment closes with frustration over rising crime, failed criminal justice reforms, and concerns that fear-driven narratives could once again be used to push radical policy decisions. Hashtags: #KimOnAWhim #COVID #PrisonReleases #Crime #CriminalJustice #Hantavirus #Ebola #MediaBias #Illinois #NorthCarolina #PublicSafety #Recidivism #SoftOnCrime #ProgressivePolicies #CaliforniaPrisons

Hour 1 opens with studio technical chaos and light banter as Marc and Kim navigate microphone issues while preparing to return to their main studio, before shifting into Marc's late-night trip to see Triumph's reunion show at Hollywood Casino Amphitheater. The conversation quickly turns political, with discussion of Donald Trump's continued influence inside the GOP, including pressure on Thomas Massie and Senator Bill Cassidy's primary defeat tied to his impeachment vote, alongside broader concerns about Iran escalation, gas prices, and ongoing election integrity investigations tied to 2020. Kim on a Whim explores deeper cultural concerns about declining birth rates, dating app culture, AI relationships, and weakening social structures. The hour closes with a rundown of Missouri's legislative victories, including tax reform efforts, school choice expansion, criminal justice changes, and conservative policy wins framed as a major statewide shift. Hour 2 focuses on severe weather impacting Missouri as storms move toward the St. Louis region, including tornado warnings in Pike County and developing storm lines stretching across the state. The discussion expands into U.S. foreign policy debates over Iran, with arguments over escalation risks versus strategic deterrence, and then shifts to Missouri recovery challenges following tornado damage, including rebuilding delays, insurance friction, and concerns over redevelopment efforts in downtown St. Louis amid crime-related hesitations. The hour also covers cultural debate surrounding a National Mall prayer rally and media criticism over church-state separation arguments, with Marc pushing back on coverage he sees as dismissive of public faith expression. Hour 3 continues live weather coverage as storms intensify across central Missouri while political focus returns to the state legislature's final session outcomes, including ballot measures tied to income tax reform and school board election timing changes designed to increase turnout and reshape local political dynamics. National political developments include GOP infighting and electoral pressure on figures like Thomas Massie, alongside Dan Buck's interview on alleged systemic government fraud, with Minnesota's “Feeding Our Future” scandal cited as an example of large-scale program abuse and institutional failure. The hour concludes with discussion of juvenile crime and a new enforcement push in Washington, D.C., where prosecutors are targeting parents under curfew and delinquency laws following violent teen incidents, sparking broader debate about accountability and urban crime. Hour 4 opens with continued storm tracking across Missouri before moving into a strong reaction segment with former Francis Howell School Board member Jane Puszkar, who praises the shift of St. Charles County school board elections to November as a major turnout game-changer. Missouri Lt. Gov. David Wasinger follows, outlining a packed ballot season featuring income tax proposals, abortion-related Amendment 3 timing decisions, initiative petition reform, and redistricting disputes, while also addressing storm impacts and controversy surrounding H1B hiring practices at state institutions like Mizzou. The hour then pivots to sports with Tom Ackerman, who breaks down the viral “tarps off” movement at Busch Stadium, where Cardinals fans created a coordinated, high-energy section that energized both players and stadium atmosphere, alongside PGA Championship highlights and upcoming regional sports developments. The show closes with continued storm updates and commentary on a controversial New York church posting anti-ICE messaging, framed as part of broader national tensions over immigration enforcement and public discourse. Hashtags: #Storms #MissouriPolitics #DonaldTrump #GOP #ThomasMassie #BillCassidy #Iran #ElectionIntegrity #MissouriLegislature #SchoolBoardElections #StCharlesCounty #KimOnAWhim #BirthRate #CultureWar #DanBuck #Fraud #Minnesota #Feed ...

Hour 4 opens with momentum around Missouri's legislative aftermath, led by reaction from former Francis Howell School Board member Jane Puszkar, who celebrates the shift of St. Charles County school board elections from April to November, arguing it will dramatically increase turnout and weaken low-participation, union-influenced outcomes while forcing both sides to actually compete. Missouri Lt. Gov. David Wasinger follows with a broader look at a politically packed ballot season—income tax reform, abortion-related Amendment 3 timing, initiative petition reform, and redistricting fights—while also touching on storm systems moving across the state and renewed debate over H1B hiring practices at institutions like Mizzou. The tone shifts to sports with Tom Ackerman detailing the viral “tarps off” movement at Busch Stadium, where Cardinals fans turned right field into a coordinated, high-energy section that players embraced, reinforcing a growing connection between a young roster and an engaged crowd, alongside PGA Championship reaction and upcoming regional sports events. The hour closes with a sharp cultural and public safety pivot as fast-moving storms hit the St. Louis area and commentary turns to a controversial New York church posting anti-ICE enforcement signage, framed as part of a broader tension over immigration enforcement and public messaging. Hashtags: #MissouriPolitics #SchoolBoardElections #StCharlesCounty #BallotBattles #Cardinals #TarpsOff #MLB #PGAChampionship #StormWatch #ImmigrationDebate #H1B #PublicSafety #StLouisNews #KimOnAWhim #LocalPolitics

Tom Ackerman breaks down a viral weekend at Busch Stadium where a group of college club players sparked a “tarps off” fan movement in right field that quickly spread through Cardinals crowds and social media, creating an energetic, youth-driven atmosphere that even players and manager Oli Marmol embraced by engaging with fans and inviting them into the clubhouse. He notes the Cardinals' strong recent play, rising attendance, and upcoming key divisional matchups that could define their season, while arguing the team's chemistry and connection with younger fans is fueling a broader cultural shift at the ballpark. The conversation shifts to the PGA Championship, highlighting Aaron Rai's breakthrough win and personal backstory, including his disciplined upbringing and emotional connection to his family and preparation habits. Ackerman closes with college sports news, including a potential multi-year SLU–Mizzou basketball series at Enterprise Center, framing it as a major St. Louis sports development that could reshape local rivalry exposure. Hashtags: #Cardinals #MLB #TarpsOff #BuschStadium #StLouisSports #PGAChampionship #AaronRai #Golf #Mizzou #SLUBillikens

Missouri Lt. Gov. David Wasinger discusses severe weather moving across the St. Louis region and its potential impact on travel plans, including his scheduled meeting with JD Vance in Kansas City. The conversation shifts into a recap of the legislative session, with Wasinger highlighting major policy fights headed to the ballot, including income tax reform, Amendment 3, and initiative petition changes, while noting voters will face significant decision-making in a high-stakes election cycle. He also addresses ongoing disputes over Missouri's new 7–1 congressional map and related legal challenges, suggesting redistricting battles and court rulings will continue shaping political dynamics over the next several years. The discussion expands into broader national policy concerns, including H1B visa usage and university hiring practices, with Wasinger criticizing what he views as abuse of visa programs that displace American workers and calling for prioritizing in-state and U.S. citizens in public university hiring. Hashtags: #MissouriPolitics #DavidWasinger #StLouisWeather #Redistricting #BallotMeasures #IncomeTax #H1BVisas #ImmigrationPolicy #JDVance #LocalNews

Jane Puszkar reacts to Missouri's move shifting St. Charles County school board elections from April to November, calling it a major structural change that could reshape local education politics by dramatically increasing voter turnout beyond historically low single-digit participation. She argues prior April elections allowed outcomes to be decided by a small fraction of the electorate, often amplifying organized union-backed influence, while November elections will force broader engagement and make results more representative of the county's conservative voter base. The discussion highlights past campaign dynamics, including heavy spending, ground-game organizing, and contested claims about “nonpartisan” school board races, alongside criticism of school board decisions and enforcement of electioneering rules. Puszkar also notes the financial burden of separate April elections for districts like Francis Howell and suggests the change could eventually expand statewide if St. Charles proves successful. Hashtags: #StCharlesCounty #SchoolBoardElections #MissouriPolitics #ElectionTurnout #EducationPolicy #NEA #LocalElections #SchoolBoards #VoterParticipation #ConservativePolitics

Hour 3 opens with active severe weather coverage as a tornado warning is issued for Pike County, with storm cells tracking across central and eastern Missouri near Troy, Warrenton, and Hermann and expected to bring widespread rain and thunderstorms through the region. The hour moves into Missouri legislative session analysis, emphasizing major outcomes including a proposed income tax ballot measure, the shift of school board elections from April to November to increase turnout and reshape local political dynamics, juvenile justice and sentencing reforms, weaponized drone bans, major budget cuts, and economic development incentives aimed at revitalizing downtown St. Louis through redevelopment of vacant properties. Political discussion continues with commentary on national GOP dynamics, including Bill Cassidy's defeat and mounting pressure on Thomas Massie in his Kentucky primary as part of a broader realignment within the party. The hour also features an interview with Dan Buck, who discusses alleged large-scale fraud in government programs—particularly Minnesota's “Feeding Our Future” scandal—arguing that systemic fraud requires institutional complicity and highlighting whistleblower claims and investigative reporting suggesting political connections. The final segment, Kim on a Whim, covers a new push by U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro in Washington, D.C. to prosecute parents under curfew and delinquency statutes following a violent teen fight at a Chipotle, expanding into a broader debate over juvenile crime, parental responsibility, and enforcement gaps in major cities. Hashtags: #Weather #PikeCounty #MissouriPolitics #LegislativeSession #SchoolBoardElections #DanBuck #FraudScandal #Minnesota #FeedingOurFuture #GOP #ThomasMassie #DCCrime #JeaninePirro #JuvenileJustice #StLouis #StormUpdate

This segment of The Buck Stops Here features Dan Buck reacting to the lack of mainstream media coverage of a large pro-Israel rally in Washington, D.C., followed by a shift into political commentary on media bias and selective reporting. The conversation moves into entertainment-style political satire, highlighting an AI-generated parody song tied to the Los Angeles mayoral race featuring figures like Karen Bass, Gavin Newsom, Kamala Harris, and Nancy Pelosi. The discussion then pivots sharply to alleged large-scale fraud in government programs, with Buck focusing on Minnesota's “Feeding Our Future” scandal, a reported $250 million scheme involving fraudulent meal claims through sham nonprofits. He argues that systemic fraud of this scale requires institutional complicity and criticizes oversight failures at both state and federal levels, citing whistleblowers and investigative reporting that suggest political connections and possible involvement by elected officials. The segment closes with broader claims that fraud networks may span multiple states and parties, while emphasizing the need for criminal accountability at higher levels of government rather than only targeting lower-level offenders. Hashtags: #DanBuck #TheBuckStopsHere #FraudScandal #Minnesota #FeedingOurFuture #GovernmentWaste #WashingtonDC #MediaBias #LosAngelesMayorRace #AIPArody #Accountability

This segment introduces legal expert Hans van Spakovsky as the upcoming guest while the show continues its coverage of active severe weather impacting the St. Louis region, including a tornado warning for Pike County and a line of thunderstorms tracking through Troy, Warrenton, and Hermann. The discussion then shifts into political territory, previewing a broader conversation about election integrity, congressional primary battles, and ongoing legal disputes tied to voting systems and state-level election rules. The segment sets up Hans van Spakovsky's appearance as a key voice on constitutional and election law issues amid heightened political tension and multiple high-profile Republican primary fights. Hashtags: #HansVanSpakovsky #ElectionIntegrity #StLouisWeather #TornadoWarning #MissouriStorms #GOPPrimaries #VotingLaw #PoliticalNews