Podcasts about mayor karen bass

Is the Democratic Party changing course or doubling down? We take a look at Texas Senate candidate James Talarico, what his campaign says about the direction of Democrats in 2026, and why the race against Ken Paxton is drawing national attention. We also examine the political battle in Los Angeles, the challenges facing Mayor Karen Bass, and what voter frustration in California could mean for the future of both parties. Never miss a moment from Buck by subscribing to the Buck Sexton Show Podcast on IHeart Radio, Apple Podcasts or wherever you get your podcasts! Connect with Buck Sexton:Facebook – / bucksexton X – @bucksexton Instagram – @bucksexton TikTok - @BuckSexton YouTube - @BuckSexton Website – https://www.bucksexton.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this crucial California Primary election day, the race for Los Angeles Mayor is hitting a boiling point. Kennedy, host of the "Kennedy Saves the World" podcast, joins the Rundown to break down the surprising political rise of outsider candidate Spencer Pratt. Once written off by critics, Pratt has surged into a statistical tie with incumbent Mayor Karen Bass following his on-the-ground advocacy for victims of the devastating Palisades fire.Former First Lady Jill Biden's new memoir, "View from the East Wing," has reopened deep Democratic wounds by recounting her perspective on the 2024 debate night and the subsequent fallout regarding the former president's cognitive decline. Partner at Ballard Partners and former press secretary to Jill Biden and special assistant to the president Michael LaRosa, joins the podcast to discuss how the book's revelations damage her credibility and expose a long-standing pattern of stage-management and evasion by the Biden family. PLUS, commentary by David Marcus, columnist for FOX News Digital.  PHOTO CREDIT: ASSOCIATED PRESS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kennedy reacts to the high-stakes California primary election and makes a fierce case for ending the "mono-party rule" destroying Los Angeles. She blasts Jane Fonda's controversial endorsement of Mayor Karen Bass, diving deep into Fonda's historical ties to communist propaganda, and encouraging local voters to look toward fresh leadership like Mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt and Gubernatorial candidate Steve Hilton to bring accountability and real change back to California. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On today's episode of the Happy Hour, Michael, Anna and Anthony discuss how to talk about the Los Angeles Mayor's race. It's shaping up to be a three-way knife fight between incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, Councilwoman Nithya Raman, and former reality TV star Spencer Pratt. Angelenos head to the polls today, and we make it a point of breaking down where these candidates stand on the most important issues like homelessness, crime and housing, and most importantly what their plans are to address each of these. And remember, get out there and VOTE! Make sure you're subscribed here and check out some other ways to engage with us: Grab your 'Elect Young People' shirt. Head to our website to dive deeper on members of Congress under 45-years-old. Watch the full episode here on YouTube. Connect with us on Instagram/Threads and TikTok. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this crucial California Primary election day, the race for Los Angeles Mayor is hitting a boiling point. Kennedy, host of the "Kennedy Saves the World" podcast, joins the Rundown to break down the surprising political rise of outsider candidate Spencer Pratt. Once written off by critics, Pratt has surged into a statistical tie with incumbent Mayor Karen Bass following his on-the-ground advocacy for victims of the devastating Palisades fire.Former First Lady Jill Biden's new memoir, "View from the East Wing," has reopened deep Democratic wounds by recounting her perspective on the 2024 debate night and the subsequent fallout regarding the former president's cognitive decline. Partner at Ballard Partners and former press secretary to Jill Biden and special assistant to the president Michael LaRosa, joins the podcast to discuss how the book's revelations damage her credibility and expose a long-standing pattern of stage-management and evasion by the Biden family. PLUS, commentary by David Marcus, columnist for FOX News Digital.  PHOTO CREDIT: ASSOCIATED PRESS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The far left has enjoyed one-party rule in the City of Angels for decades, but now there's a slight wrinkle in their plans as Los Angeles might finally get its first non-left mayor in years this Tuesday. Spencer Pratt, the nominally conservative former reality TV star turned political activist, is currently trailing by less than five points behind incumbent Mayor Karen Bass and is even closer to current City Councilwoman Nithya Raman, according to recent polling by UC Berkeley/The Los Angeles Times. Why? Twofold: Two far-left candidates may split the vote, and Pratt, for all the grief the Left bestows upon him, is not really identifiable as a MAGA Republican—the thing Los Angeles voters hate most—argues Victor Davis Hanson on today's edition of Victor Davis Hanson: In a Few Words.

In one of the most talked-about episodes in Échale Podcast history, host Jose Quintero sits down face to face with the Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass — the first woman and second Black person ever to hold this office. No scripts. No softballs. Just real questions that LA deserves answers to.   We go there. All of it. From the Palisades Fire and the Ghana trip, to the $17.8 million cut to the LA Fire Department budget, to the lawsuit from her own Fire Chief — Mayor Bass addresses the controversies head on. We also talk about what's actually working — homelessness numbers down for the first time in 20 years, standing up to ICE raids, protecting immigrant families, and getting LA ready for the World Cup and the 2028 Olympics.   This is the conversation LA has been waiting for. 

Mayor Karen Bass says she’s holding down two jobs right now: by day she’s focused on her current job as mayor of Los Angeles, but after hours, she’s working non-stop on her re-election campaign. It’s the final stretch before the primaries on June 2nd., and according to the most recent poll numbers, Bass is leading the pack. However, former reality star Spencer Pratt is making headway, right behind the mayor at 22 percent. Bass says she takes nothing for granted, and with President Trump’s recent endorsement of Pratt seemingly welcome news for a very liberal leaning city, the mayor says she is working hard to secure another 4 years on the job.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Karen Bass says she’s holding down two jobs right now: by day she’s focused on her current job as mayor of Los Angeles, but after hours, she’s working non-stop on her re-election campaign. It’s the final stretch before the primaries on June 2nd., and according to the most recent poll numbers, Bass is leading the pack. However, former reality star Spencer Pratt is making headway, right behind the mayor at 22 percent. Bass says she takes nothing for granted, and with President Trump’s recent endorsement of Pratt seemingly welcome news for a very liberal leaning city, the mayor says she is working hard to secure another 4 years on the job.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Karen Bass says she’s holding down two jobs right now: by day she’s focused on her current job as mayor of Los Angeles, but after hours, she’s working non-stop on her re-election campaign. It’s the final stretch before the primaries on June 2nd., and according to the most recent poll numbers, Bass is leading the pack. However, former reality star Spencer Pratt is making headway, right behind the mayor at 22 percent. Bass says she takes nothing for granted, and with President Trump’s recent endorsement of Pratt seemingly welcome news for a very liberal leaning city, the mayor says she is working hard to secure another 4 years on the job.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mayor Karen Bass says she’s holding down two jobs right now: by day she’s focused on her current job as mayor of Los Angeles, but after hours, she’s working non-stop on her re-election campaign. It’s the final stretch before the primaries on June 2nd., and according to the most recent poll numbers, Bass is leading the pack. However, former reality star Spencer Pratt is making headway, right behind the mayor at 22 percent. Bass says she takes nothing for granted, and with President Trump’s recent endorsement of Pratt seemingly welcome news for a very liberal leaning city, the mayor says she is working hard to secure another 4 years on the job.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joyce talks about:Democrats publish their After Action Report on why they believe they lost the 2024 Presidential election. Minnesota fraud: Feeding our Future scam mastermind, Aimee Bock, sentenced to 45-years behind bars and ordered to pay back millions.Mayor Karen Bass on CNN - ducking the blame, failing to end homeless problem.Ambassador Rooney calls in to talk about tyrannical governments Cuba and Iran, America's relationship with NATO. tariffs, political division. and the next President Trump show of force. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

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Tonight's rundown: Hey BillOReilly.com Premium and Concierge Members, welcome to the No Spin News for Monday, May 18, 2026. Stand Up for Your Country.  Talking Points Memo: Chinese President Xi Jinping and President Trump make trade deals, as China agrees to help with Iran.  Will they keep their word? Bill predicts more military action in Iran soon given the terrible polling numbers for Donald Trump. California gets caught in a Medicaid fraud scandal. Dr. Brian Blase, former special assistant to the President for economic policy, weighs in on Medicaid issues in California. How should the recent Ebola outbreak be handled in a post-Covid world? Final Thought: President Trump's Iran attack plans postponed and Bill's upcoming trip to Ireland. Read Bill's latest column, Precarious Times at the White House. "Confronting Evil" is on sale! Order it now from BillOReilly.com. Make a bold statement at your doorstep with Bill O'Reilly's “Not Woke” Doormat, proudly made in the USA. Shop here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Spencer Pratt and Heidi Montag were spotted eating breakfast in Carpinteria without security despite Spencer claiming death threats forced him into the Hotel Bel-Air for safety during his mayoral campaign. Spencer Pratt spoofed “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air” in a new mayoral ad mocking his Hotel Bel-Air controversy while attacking Mayor Karen Bass over wildfire fallout. Google Maps blamed a technical glitch after pre-fire Pacific Palisades satellite imagery briefly reappeared online following complaints amplified by Spencer Pratt. Looksmaxxer Clavicular got upstaged in court when the internet became obsessed with Judge Marcus' appearance and declared the judge “mogged” him. Spotify says its widely criticized disco-ball anniversary app icon will be removed next week after users relentlessly mocked the temporary redesign. Hosts: Branson Quirke, Antonio Smith Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

SHOW SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-15-26.1900 MT LOWE IN LA COUNTY.FActor Spencer Pratt uses "guerrilla marketing" and viral Lego ads to challenge Mayor Karen Bass over homelessness and slow fire recovery, while Portland faces similar urban decay from expanding tent encampments and addiction. (1/16)High-profile candidates like Xavier Becerra and Tom Steyer navigate a crowded field to replace Gavin Newsom, while outsider Steve Hilton gains traction as voters express frustration with rising costs and failing infrastructure. (2/16)Political rhetoric increasingly targets the Supreme Court's legitimacy, moving away from historic "comity" toward venomous attacks on nominees, as seen in the treatment of Justice Brett Kavanaugh and recent term-limit legislative proposals. (3/16)President Trump's visit to Beijing reveals a global landscape in "shambles," with China facing internal military and economic troubles while the U.S. struggles to project a consistent and strong foreign policy. (4/16)Lancaster County exhibits a "K-shaped" economy where wealthy boomers continue spending despite high gasoline prices, while lower-income families struggle with inflation and a general slowdown in retail foot traffic and department stores. (5/16)Rome celebrates its 2,779th birthday as the Ministry of Culture plans museum expansions to handle over-tourism, while the Italian Navy deploys a new, multi-purpose combat ship to the Indo-Pacific region. (6/16)The upcoming Starship launch tests revolutionary Raptor 3 engines and heat shield tiles, as SpaceX explores new launch sites in Louisiana and negotiates with Google to place data centers in orbit. (7/16)Probes Europa Clipper and Juice provide a 360-degree view of an interstellar comet, while the Curiosity rover accidentally uncovers unique "brain terrain" and fluted rock formations after a drilling mishap on Mars. (8/16)Facing a total oil collapse, Cuba considers a U.S. aid offer for internet access while the state maintains Chinese listening stations and a tenuous military relationship with a distracted and entangled Russia. (9/16)The Rodriguez regime leverages lifted sanctions to stabilize power while slow-walking democratic transitions, frustrating an opposition that remains sidelined as new oil money potentially strengthens the existing repressive and criminal state apparatus. (10/16)Bolivian miners clash with police demanding President Paz's resignation, while Peru faces a high-stakes runoff between Keiko Fujimori and a leftist candidate, and Colombia grapples with worsening security under President Petro. (11/16)Prime Minister Philip Davis secures a landslide victory in the Bahamas, while Argentina sees a significant drop in monthly inflation under Javier Milei, leading major investment houses to lower the country's risk. (12/16)Prime Minister Mark Carney shifts toward increasing defense spending to 5%, acquiring sophisticated submarines to protect Arctic interests, and navigating "overwhelming contiguity" with the U.S. while maintaining a firm stance on Ukraine. (13/16)Successful private sector figures joining the Trump administration struggle with the rigid rules of government, finding it far more difficult to cut spending or fire employees than in the private sector. (14/16)Despite Javier Milei's free-market reforms, his decision not to dollarize leaves the peso unstable, creating investor skepticism about whether his policies will survive past the next election cycle against the Peronists. (15/16)The proposed Golden Dome missile shield could cost $1.2 trillion, sparking debate over whether the U.S. should prioritize space-based interceptors or address the immediate, low-cost threat of locally launched drones. (16/16)Note: corrected "gorilla marketing" → "guerrilla marketing" in 1/16.

Actor Spencer Pratt uses "guerrilla marketing" and viral Lego ads to challenge Mayor Karen Bass over homelessness and slow fire recovery, while Portland faces similar urban decay from expanding tent encampments and addiction. (1/16)1895 SF

May 16, 2026, 9 AM ;The Supreme Court's ruling gutting the Voting Rights Act has cleared the way for a new congressional map in Alabama that would eliminate one of the state's two majority-Black districts before this year's midterms. Alabama is just one of several Republican-led Southern states that are seeking to redraw their maps in a way that would dilute Black voting power. House Minority Whip Katherine Clark and Black Voters Matter Founder LaTosha Brown joins The Weekend to discuss the latest on Voting Rights Act. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Tim Conway Jr. Show Hour 1 (5.13) There was a crash today in Santa Clarita when a bus collided with a big ol’ truck on Golden Valley Road leaving a dozen people injured. It’s very hilly out there with windy streets, folks. Thankfully, no-one was injured. Home Depot and Lowe’s are installing license plate readers in their parking lots to combat theft rings. Some people are worried the cameras could be used to track undocumented workers. Despite what Mayor Karen Bass asserts, it would appear crime in the San Fernando Valley is up. Last night there was a home invasion on Bluebell Ave. The thieves got by the home’s high-tech security system. What’s Timmy C’s advice? Best to not indicate that you’re wealthy — cover up those gargoyles and water features. Did you know? Ninety-nine percent of us don’t break into homes or stab people in the neck, et al. But the 1% that does it holds everyone else to ransom. Karen Bass calls policing crime in LA like playing “Whac-A-Mole,” although she can’t pronounce whatever that was. Let's talk about Timmy C’s new Monday-night theme song. And that discrimination PSA we used to play on KFI. Timmy C is still down in the dumps about the demise of Primm, formerly known as State Line, the town you stop at on the way to Las Vegas located on the border of California and Nevada. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“All the warnings were there. It was almost a carbon copy — the same warnings that were ignored before Paradise, ignored again before the Palisades. And nobody was held accountable.” — Jonathan Vigliotti On January 7, 2025, the Palisades Fire ignited in Los Angeles. Over the first few hours of the fire, the second-largest city in America had no firefighters on the front lines and no coordinated evacuation. Residents fought the flames with garden hoses. “Where are the firefighters?” somebody, running from the fire, screamed into a live television shot. Where, indeed, were Los Angeles firefighters? Jonathan Vigliotti — CBS national correspondent, Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award winner — was there from the beginning. His new book, Torched: How a City Was Left to Burn and the Olympic Rush to Rebuild Los Angeles, is the searing firsthand account of the tragic failure of the Los Angeles authorities to respond to the fire. The story Vigliotti tells is not new. In some ways, it is a carbon copy of the 2018 Camp Fire that destroyed Paradise in Northern California. First as tragedy then as farce: inadequate evacuation routes, uncleared fuel loads, officials who failed to act were repeated almost exactly in Pacific Palisades and Altadena. More than eighty people died in Paradise and more than thirty in the LA fires. The economic damage in LA will likely make it the costliest natural disaster in US history. And when the LA mayor and the Californian governor appeared in the first press conference after the fires broke out, Vigliotti reports, all Karen Bass and Gavin Newsom were talking about was the 2028 Olympics. The political reckoning has not happened, Vigliotti warns. Bass is still mayor and Newsom is a Presidential frontrunner for 2028. California's current governor's race is dominated by homelessness and crime. Wildfire — the existential threat to the state, the one where more than $2 billion in taxpayer money was pumped into agencies over several years with more than half a billion unaccounted for — is barely mentioned. The fires will be back, Vigliotti warns. Maybe this year for the World Cup, maybe in 2028 for the Olympics. So where are the firefighters? Five Takeaways •       Where Are the Firefighters? The Central Question: Vigliotti was on scene from the first moments of the Palisades Fire. What struck him was not the scale of the flames — he'd seen wildfires before — but the absence of any official response. No firefighters at ground zero. No coordinated evacuation. The traffic gridlock that formed within an hour of ignition blocked fire trucks from getting through. Residents fought embers with garden hoses. A man running from the hillside screamed into Vigliotti's live shot: “Where are the firefighters?” That question became the question of the disaster — and the book. •       A Carbon Copy of Paradise: The 2018 Camp Fire destroyed the Northern California town of Paradise. More than eighty people died. Before it happened: weeks and months of warnings about inadequate evacuation routes, uncleared fuel loads, and officials who failed to act. The same warnings, in almost identical form, were issued for Pacific Palisades and Altadena before January 7, 2025. They were ignored in the same way. The LA fires killed more than thirty people and will likely be the costliest natural disaster in US history. Nobody has been held accountable. Nobody has been fired. •       The Olympics Come First: Vigliotti's most damning reporting: in the first press conference after the Palisades Fire broke out, Mayor Karen Bass and Governor Gavin Newsom were already talking about the 2028 Olympic Games and Los Angeles's ability to rebuild in time. The fires were still burning. The framing was already: how do we make this a story of resilience and recovery? Vigliotti's counter: the story is not resilience. It is accountability. The question is not whether Los Angeles can rebuild. It is whether it can avoid the same disaster happening again. •       $2 Billion, Half a Billion Unaccounted For: California's taxes are already among the highest in the country. More than $2 billion in taxpayer money was pumped into homeless-related agencies over several years. More than half a billion was unaccounted for. And the agencies responsible for wildfire prevention and emergency management are chronically underfunded. Vigliotti's argument: it is not that Californians need to pay more taxes. It is that the taxes they pay need to go to the right agencies. The budget for fighting climate change and protecting communities from fire is dwarfed by the budget for crime. Fire kills more people. •       The Political Reckoning That Hasn't Happened: California's governor's race, in the wake of the deadliest and costliest fire season in recent memory, is dominated by homelessness and crime. Wildfire — the existential threat to the state — is barely mentioned. Nobody in the political class, Vigliotti reports, has come to him asking for advice or analysis. He is not holding his breath. His warning: this summer, and every summer, the fire will come back. The conditions that created the Palisades disaster have not been remedied. Los Angeles is not ready. About the Guest Jonathan Vigliotti is a CBS News national correspondent and Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award winner. He is the author of Torched: How a City Was Left to Burn and the Olympic Rush to Rebuild Los Angeles (Atria/One Signal, May 12, 2026) and Before It's Gone: Stories from the Front Lines of Climate Change in Small-Town America. He is based in Los Angeles. References: •       Torched: How a City Was Left to Burn and the Olympic Rush to Rebuild Los Angeles by Jonathan Vigliotti (Atria/One Signal, May 12, 2026). •       Lizzie Johnson, Paradise: One Town's Struggle to Survive an American Wildfire — the companion book on the 2018 Camp Fire, referenced in the interview. •       Watch Duty — the wildfire monitoring app Vigliotti mentions as standard equipment for California residents. About Keen On America Nobody asks more awkward questions than the Anglo-American writer and filmmaker Andrew Keen. In Keen On America, Andrew brings his pointed Transatlantic wit to making sense of the United States — hosting daily interviews about the history and future of this now venerable Republic. With nearly 2,900 episodes since the show launched on TechCrunch in 2010, Keen On America is the most prolific intellectual interview show in the history of podcasting. WebsiteSubstack

Iran's Bloodred Lines Clay Travis and Buck Sexton focus on inflation, energy prices, and cost-of-living concerns, which they identify as the dominant political issue heading into the midterm elections. Rising gas prices are tied directly to broader economic anxiety among voters, with the hosts arguing that energy costs are driving inflation trends even as other economic indicators—such as wage growth, unemployment levels, and stock market performance—remain relatively strong. They emphasize that controlling fuel prices will be critical to shaping voter sentiment, making inflation, gas prices, and economic affordability central SEO themes for this hour. Foreign policy also plays a major role, particularly the escalating Iran crisis and stalled nuclear negotiations. Buck highlights skepticism about any imminent deal, noting Iran’s reportedly aggressive demands, including sanctions relief and geopolitical concessions. The discussion explores the possibility of military escalation, oil supply disruptions, and the impact on global energy markets, connecting international tensions directly to domestic economic consequences. The hosts argue that the trajectory of the Iran conflict could significantly influence both gas prices and political outcomes in the United States. Dangerous Empathy Clay and Buck analyze the race as a broader referendum on urban governance, crime policy, homelessness, and quality-of-life issues. They highlight criticism of current leadership, including Mayor Karen Bass, and discuss challenger Spencer Pratt as a candidate positioning himself around themes of public safety, urban decline, and anti-establishment messaging. The hosts argue that rising crime—illustrated by incidents such as stabbings in high-profile areas—reflects the consequences of policies they describe as “soft on crime” and driven by progressive ideology. They frame the LA mayoral contest as a bellwether for broader national debates about crime, policing, and urban policy reform. A major segment of Hour 2 focuses on criminal justice policy and public safety, with the hosts criticizing decisions not to prosecute repeat offenders and arguing that such policies lead to continued violence. They cite examples of repeat offenders committing serious crimes after prior leniency, framing this as evidence that declining enforcement and prosecutorial discretion contribute to rising crime risks. The discussion centers on the contrast between what they describe as “empathy for criminals” versus “protection of victims,” positioning this as a core dividing line between political parties on criminal justice reform. Racist Redistricting Clay and Buck discuss the Supreme Court’s recent decision effectively limiting racial gerrymandering, sparking a heated debate about voting rights, redistricting law, and election integrity. Clay critiques media reactions, particularly from CNN commentators, who argue that these changes harm minority representation. The hosts counter that political representation should not be determined by race, citing examples of elected officials winning across racial lines as evidence of evolving voter dynamics. This segment emphasizes major SEO themes such as Supreme Court redistricting ruling, racial gerrymandering debate, voting rights policy, and election law reform, positioning the issue as a pivotal legal and political battleground ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The hour also explores political rhetoric and media narratives, with Clay and Buck analyzing statements comparing modern America to the Jim Crow era. They argue that such claims reflect broader tensions in identity politics, partisan messaging, and media framing of race issues, while highlighting examples of political success by candidates across demographic lines as counterpoints to those claims. This discussion ties into a broader critique of media bias and political discourse, underscoring how narratives are shaped and contested in today’s environment. Soft Republicans An in-depth interview with Missouri Senator Eric Schmidt, who provides insight into Republican strategy for maintaining control of the Senate and competing in House races. Schmidt emphasizes contrasts between the Trump administration and the Biden era, particularly on border security, economic growth, and wage trends, while acknowledging that economic recovery is still ongoing. He also discusses key legislative priorities such as the SAVE Act (election integrity), immigration enforcement funding, and redistricting battles, highlighting how legal and political fights over congressional maps could shape upcoming elections. Redistricting and election law emerge as another major theme, particularly following recent court rulings limiting racial gerrymandering. Schmidt argues that these decisions could reshape political competition in states like California and Illinois, leading to a broader conversation about judicial influence, voting rights policy, and partisan power dynamics. The hosts and Schmidt also warn that Democrats could pursue structural changes such as eliminating the Senate filibuster, expanding the Supreme Court, or adding new states, framing these possibilities as high-stakes consequences of future electoral outcomes. They also talk about college sports policy and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) reform, as Schmidt outlines ongoing efforts to create federal standards for college athletics. He emphasizes the need for antitrust protections and revenue-sharing frameworks to stabilize the system and preserve non-revenue sports, connecting this issue to broader debates about governance, economics, and institutional reform. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay & Buck, visit our website https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton! If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too. Here’s a sample episode recapping four takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Iran's Bloodred Lines Clay Travis and Buck Sexton focus on inflation, energy prices, and cost-of-living concerns, which they identify as the dominant political issue heading into the midterm elections. Rising gas prices are tied directly to broader economic anxiety among voters, with the hosts arguing that energy costs are driving inflation trends even as other economic indicators—such as wage growth, unemployment levels, and stock market performance—remain relatively strong. They emphasize that controlling fuel prices will be critical to shaping voter sentiment, making inflation, gas prices, and economic affordability central SEO themes for this hour. Foreign policy also plays a major role, particularly the escalating Iran crisis and stalled nuclear negotiations. Buck highlights skepticism about any imminent deal, noting Iran’s reportedly aggressive demands, including sanctions relief and geopolitical concessions. The discussion explores the possibility of military escalation, oil supply disruptions, and the impact on global energy markets, connecting international tensions directly to domestic economic consequences. The hosts argue that the trajectory of the Iran conflict could significantly influence both gas prices and political outcomes in the United States. Dangerous Empathy Clay and Buck analyze the race as a broader referendum on urban governance, crime policy, homelessness, and quality-of-life issues. They highlight criticism of current leadership, including Mayor Karen Bass, and discuss challenger Spencer Pratt as a candidate positioning himself around themes of public safety, urban decline, and anti-establishment messaging. The hosts argue that rising crime—illustrated by incidents such as stabbings in high-profile areas—reflects the consequences of policies they describe as “soft on crime” and driven by progressive ideology. They frame the LA mayoral contest as a bellwether for broader national debates about crime, policing, and urban policy reform. A major segment of Hour 2 focuses on criminal justice policy and public safety, with the hosts criticizing decisions not to prosecute repeat offenders and arguing that such policies lead to continued violence. They cite examples of repeat offenders committing serious crimes after prior leniency, framing this as evidence that declining enforcement and prosecutorial discretion contribute to rising crime risks. The discussion centers on the contrast between what they describe as “empathy for criminals” versus “protection of victims,” positioning this as a core dividing line between political parties on criminal justice reform. Racist Redistricting Clay and Buck discuss the Supreme Court’s recent decision effectively limiting racial gerrymandering, sparking a heated debate about voting rights, redistricting law, and election integrity. Clay critiques media reactions, particularly from CNN commentators, who argue that these changes harm minority representation. The hosts counter that political representation should not be determined by race, citing examples of elected officials winning across racial lines as evidence of evolving voter dynamics. This segment emphasizes major SEO themes such as Supreme Court redistricting ruling, racial gerrymandering debate, voting rights policy, and election law reform, positioning the issue as a pivotal legal and political battleground ahead of the 2026 midterm elections. The hour also explores political rhetoric and media narratives, with Clay and Buck analyzing statements comparing modern America to the Jim Crow era. They argue that such claims reflect broader tensions in identity politics, partisan messaging, and media framing of race issues, while highlighting examples of political success by candidates across demographic lines as counterpoints to those claims. This discussion ties into a broader critique of media bias and political discourse, underscoring how narratives are shaped and contested in today’s environment. Soft Republicans An in-depth interview with Missouri Senator Eric Schmidt, who provides insight into Republican strategy for maintaining control of the Senate and competing in House races. Schmidt emphasizes contrasts between the Trump administration and the Biden era, particularly on border security, economic growth, and wage trends, while acknowledging that economic recovery is still ongoing. He also discusses key legislative priorities such as the SAVE Act (election integrity), immigration enforcement funding, and redistricting battles, highlighting how legal and political fights over congressional maps could shape upcoming elections. Redistricting and election law emerge as another major theme, particularly following recent court rulings limiting racial gerrymandering. Schmidt argues that these decisions could reshape political competition in states like California and Illinois, leading to a broader conversation about judicial influence, voting rights policy, and partisan power dynamics. The hosts and Schmidt also warn that Democrats could pursue structural changes such as eliminating the Senate filibuster, expanding the Supreme Court, or adding new states, framing these possibilities as high-stakes consequences of future electoral outcomes. They also talk about college sports policy and NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) reform, as Schmidt outlines ongoing efforts to create federal standards for college athletics. He emphasizes the need for antitrust protections and revenue-sharing frameworks to stabilize the system and preserve non-revenue sports, connecting this issue to broader debates about governance, economics, and institutional reform. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay and Buck: https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton on Social Media: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuck YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

“Now you know why they call me Dirty Harry, every dirty job that comes along.”Just as audiences didn't know how much they needed Dirty Harry until he showed up on a movie screen in 1971, residents of Los Angeles had no idea how much they needed Spencer Pratt until they saw him face off against two of the leading candidates for Mayor of Los Angeles, Karen Bass and Nithya Raman.Bass and Raman couldn't even answer simple questions, like whether illegal immigrants should be able to vote or whether there should be homeless encampments outside elementary schools. And every time the camera cut to Pratt, his reaction was always the same: “ You have got to be kidding me.”He spoke truths no one in the Democratic Party ever could or would because they don't have to. They are never asked hard questions they don't already have answers to, and they are never challenged as directly as they were by Spencer Pratt.They're also protected by the legacy media, by Hollywood, by late-night comedy. As long as they properly virtue signal and obey the rules of Woketopia, no one ever holds them accountable for the problems in a city overrun by crime, drugs, and homelessness. Until now.Pratt wiped up the floor with Bass and Raman, so much so that they have now dropped out of a debate by the League of Women Voters that would have been held on May 13th. Now, it's been canceled because someone, somewhere, told them they'd do better if they employed the Biden basement strategy: stay out of sight and let the system win the election. The Democrats and Hollywood have the same problem. They can't tell the truth. Just as in 1971, when Dirty Harry sliced through the pretense like a hot knife through ice cream, so too has Spencer Pratt gotten our attention with his innovative campaign and simple, common-sense messaging, in an entertaining, imaginative way. True, AI might be the beginning of the end, but the way Pratt uses it has expanded the possibilities. With the help of Charles Curran, whose studio is responsible for many of these, we can now see how useful AI can be for creating an effective, viral campaign ad without the heavy lift of an entire production company and millions of dollars in campaign funds. This is AI at a grassroots level, but in its own way, it's also artful commentary, the kind we never see aimed at the Left.AI, now in Pratt's hands, poses an unpredictable threat to the opposition, who will figure it out soon enough. It is also a threat to Hollywood for the same reasons. It doesn't have to be politically correct or rely on partisan celebrities to approve of the messaging. AI also cuts through the noise, like Dirty Harry, like Spencer Pratt, because it represents freedom at a time of extremely oppressive micro-managing over all culture, and film especially.Dirty Harry was politically incorrect, but it told the truth at a time when most people were too afraid to talk about the soft-on-crime policies in the wake of the counterculture revolution. Too many rapes and serial killers on the rise, too many hippies, the Zodiac killer, the Manson murders - crime was everywhere, yet the culture of the time wasn't exactly tuned in. If critics in the 1970s thought Dirty Harry was fascist, as Pauline Kael did, ordinary Americans - Nixon's Silent Majority - felt seen.And now, residents of Los Angeles, many of them too poor to afford homes in the gated communities of the rich and famous who fund Mayor Karen Bass, might feel seen in the passionate messaging of Spencer Pratt. His voice is urgent in a time of complacency. He sees the problems the Left ignores. He speaks the truth when everyone else parrots the comforting lies. Los Angeles has been neglected for far too long, with the wildfires that burned down Pratt's home becoming the tipping point. It was time for someone to rise up and say enough is enough. They don't know how to deal with a shooting star like Pratt. When the Democrats try to dismiss him as a fame-hungry reality star, he hits them with something moving and undeniable. It's true that Pratt was the enfant terrible of a mid-aughts reality show called The Hills. Not exactly the kind of leader people who shop at Erewon after doing hot yoga on La Brea have in mind for a leader. But his sincerity shines through. This is personal, and we can feel it. He says Bass has the unions and the money, but he has the moms. He has Democrats and Conservatives backing him. They call him MAGA, but he really isn't. He is the first politician who is genuinely attempting to run a non-partisan campaign and actually reach across the aisle, which is exactly the hero America needs right now, not just in LA, but everywhere. It's hard not to be won over by Spencer Pratt because he is so sincere. All of that manic bluster from the old days of The Hills has clearly been transformed by the trauma of his house burning down in a fire that the city should have been more prepared for, to put it mildly. He is campaigning like he means it, projecting the kind of urgency many Los Angeles residents feel every day as they watch their government do nothing to change things. Why has no one ever even bothered asking these questions? Because they are too afraid. The problems in LA have been ignored for far too long. The street takeovers that terrorize the working-class parts of the city.Random attacks of violence:Crime and drugs in parks that should be safe for families. And of course, the 70,000+ homeless population, only a small percentage of which choose to be sheltered. Whether you pay money or give food or try to help the people on the street, it almost always comes back to the same hard truth: they are mostly wild things of the street who do not want to follow the rules of shelters, either because they don't allow pets or they don't allow drugs and alcohol, or they can't be inside anywhere without burning the place down. And there are so many rich people in LA willing to give them money. Why would they give it up? And this you are not even allowed to think or say, lest you be condemned as heartless.There are decent people in LA, people I know, who have spent their lives devoted to trying to help. They want the story to be that many of them can't afford to live in a country run by billionaires. But the truth is harder to face. The truth is that many of them should not be on the streets because they're a harm to themselves or to others. The truth is that many of them are extremely mentally ill or lifelong drug addicts.It's so bad now that reports have emerged that addicts are testing dogs to see if the drugs are safe. The dogs are chained. The dogs are fighting. The dogs are starving. For every dog that's well taken care of, there are far more that are being horrifically abused, and Spencer Pratt cares enough to talk about it. A Tale of Two CitiesLos Angeles is two cities. In one, the wealthy make movies and drive through their protected, gated parking lots, then retreat to their homes in gated communities in the hills. Sunset Boulevard is a showcase for that mask of extreme wealth, like Malibu, Beverly Hills, and the Platinum Triangle.Spencer Pratt's home was in the wealthy enclave of the Pacific Palisades, which burned to rubble during the wildfires. By all rights, he should be protecting the wealthy, who were his neighbors. He's a guy who went to Crossroads, after all, the school where celebrities send their kids. That isn't what he's doing. He's speaking now for the everyday resident of the city, whether rich or poor. He wants to clean up the streets. He wants to fix what's broken. He wants the streets, parks, and schools to be safe for kids and families, and he wants to save the dogs. Do we hear any of the Democrats talking about this?In 2009, a 17-year-old named Lily Burk drove to downtown LA to run an errand for her mother and to practice her driving. She attended one of those expensive private schools in North Hollywood and had a promising future. She was abducted by a registered sex offender with a rap sheet who'd left a treatment facility that day. He demanded that she get him money from the ATM, but she only had a credit card. He smashed her face against the dashboard and slit her throat. Half an hour later, he was drinking beer and smoking crack on Skid Row before the police even found Burk's body.I remember that story. I remember how awkward it was to talk about because the perp was black and Burk was white. But for me, it was a wakeup call, and I instilled in my daughter the message: do not be a guilty liberal. Protect yourself. Be afraid, no matter what. But it was a secret that passed between us, one we could never say out loud. That is what it is like to live as a progressive in LA. The problem of crime and homelessness in LA is like the problem of illegal immigration. No one talks about those who are murdered, but that is the baseline of what American citizens deserve. These are crimes that could have been prevented if only we could tell the truth and our politicians had listened. Dirty Harry was a hit. Audiences were hungry for his brand of justice, where the bad guys get what's coming to them because Harry Callahan cuts through the bureaucracy and enacts his own brand of justice. America, then as now, was shifting away from the wild days of the hippie revolution and toward a more secure, safer America by 1980, with Ronald Reagan. Dirty Harry was only the beginning. Spencer Pratt might not win. LA is as blue as it gets. I don't live there anymore. I wish I did, just so I could vote for him. But in a way, it doesn't really change what his presence in politics has meant to so many of us - especially those of us in California who know the game and have gotten so sick of playing it. We need more heroes who can speak the truth. Spencer Pratt has arrived just in time. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.sashastone.com/subscribe

As democrats are forced to admit California is an unaffordable dumpster fire, a calm voice who speaks for the people comes from the ashes. Reality TV star Spencer Pratt says what Los Angelenos feel about Mayor Karen Bass and the failure of the city's leadership, particularly regarding the Palisades fires. His calm but knowledgeable takedown of both his LA mayoral opponents should scare the liver out of the left.   

Kennedy, host of Kennedy Saves The World Podcast, joined us on the Guy Benson Show today to discuss the state of Los Angeles, California. Kennedy and Benson discussed last night's Los Angeles Mayoral Debate between Mayor Karen Bass, Councilwoman Nitya Raman, and Spencer Pratt, and the pair reacted to Bass and Raman's radical non-answers for their failures in the city. Listen to the full interview below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Tim Conway Jr. Show Hour 2 (5.6) There was a huge drug bust last night and this morning in LA’s MacArthur Park. The LAPD and DEA swooped in and arrested 18 drug traffickers who were stationed at shops around the park. There were also federal operations taking place across LA, with many arrested and 19 kilos of fentanyl seized. That’s enough to wipe out California! What does Mayor Karen Bass think of all this? Remember there was that big fire in DTLA underneath the 10 Freeway when Karen Bass became mayor, and we thought it was going to collapse? Timmy is a big supporter of first responders, however, he does find the closure of freeways to be extremely annoying. A long-abandoned house that burned down in Valley Glen in 2024 is now a hotbed of homeless squatters and rodents. That would NEVER happen in Burbank, and locals are up in arms. Could this be a wrap for LeBron James with the LA Lakers? Last night, the Lakers lost to Oklahoma City Thunder by 18 points. Tomato fraud? Apparently, the San Marzano variant is under protected status, and the cans are being mislabeled to swindle the public. There's a food drive in Oxnard, Ventura County because people are doing it tough and many don’t have enough money to feed their families. This is one of the wealthiest countries in the world, in the most affluent area, yet people are starving. Make it make sense. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Tim Conway Jr Show Hour 4 (5.6) Today we say goodbye to media titan Ted Turner, who died at 87. From a tough Savannah upbringing and Brown sailing captain to taking over the family business at 24 after his dad’s suicide, he won the 1977 America’s Cup before launching CNN, creating 24-hour news, owning the Braves, and marrying Jane Fonda. What a ride. In local news, a San Bernardino man was busted in Chino for driving a rigged vehicle stuffed with extra gas and over 80 skimming devices. Could this be the end for LeBron in LA? The Lakers got crushed 108-90 by OKC last night. And yes, tomato fraud is real — two Californians are suing Cento over fake “San Marzano” cans. Plus, big MacArthur Park drug sweep: LAPD and DEA arrested 18 dealers and seized 19 kilos of fentanyl. What does Mayor Karen Bass think of all this? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Spencer Pratt walked into the 2026 Los Angeles mayoral debate as the outsider candidate many people dismissed — but after a fiery debate with Mayor Karen Bass and Council member Nithya Raman, the conversation around this race may have changed.For free and unbiased Medicare help, dial (656) 218-0931 to speak with my trusted partner, Chapter, or go to https://askchapter.org/nez▶Sign up to our Free Newsletter, so you never miss out: https://bio.site/professornez▶ ORIGINAL MADE IN U.S.A 250TH AMERICA DESIGNS: https://professornez.myspreadshop.com/

Comedian and Stand Up For Pits founder Rebecca Corry talks with Tomi Lahren about serious dog abuse happening in Los Angeles' Skid Row. She criticizes Mayor Karen Bass for not being honest, calls out city leaders like Nithya Raman for staying quiet, and questions the truth behind the “No Kill LA” message. The conversation ramps up as they dive into last night's mayoral debate and the unexpected reality of Spencer Pratt dominating it. Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code TOMI at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/tomi Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In the simmering race for governor, Democratic Party insiders are coalescing around Xavier Becerra, a lifetime placeholder who is neither left nor right but who can be counted on to do absolutely nothing. Also: Ritchie Valens, Elon Musk, Kamala Harris, heroic El Cajon Mayor Bill Wells, and the guy who burned down Pacific Palisades. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: “La Bamba” (Original)  “Come on, Let's Go!” (Ramones)  California braces for uncertainty as last shipment of Persian Gulf oil arrives in Long Beach The Torching of Los Angeles Was Anti-Capitalist Vigilantism California Regulators Apologize to Elon Willie Brown endorses Tom Steyer for California governor Democratic and Republican candidates for Calif. governor lead latest poll How Xavier Becerra became the Joe Biden of California's governor race Kamala Harris endorses L.A. Mayor Karen Bass for reelection Kamala Harris bought a Malibu home. Her neighbors think that means something. LAO: California spent more than it could afford El Cajon sues California, alleges state ‘sanctuary' laws illegally entice undocumented immigrants Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Learn more about the Torrance gun shop where the alleged White House Correspondent’s Dinner shooter bought his gun. Kamala Harris endorsed L.A. Mayor Karen Bass's reelection today. The city of L.A. is hosting free, BYOB watch parties for the World Cup. Plus, more from Evening Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comSupport the show: https://laist.com

Tim and Matt analyze the latest developments in the race for California Governor in a big week in the campaign, with two big debates on the docket and ballots dropping in mailboxes across the state.  They also talk about the LA Mayor's race and whether reality TV villain Spencer Pratt really poses a threat to Mayor Karen Bass' re-election.  They also analyze one of the most important races you're probably not paying attention to - the race for state Insurance Commissioner.

Andrew Walworth, Carl Cannon and RCP contributor Richard Porter discuss Reality TV star Spencer Pratt who is running for Mayor of Los Angeles as an outsider critical of the city's established leadership and his effective campaign on social media which mocks incumbent Mayor Karen Bass, challenger Nithya Raman, Governor Gavin Newsom, and the state's other Democratic establishment figures. The a conversation about Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche and the indictment of former FBI Director James Comey for threatening the life of President Donald Trump.  Also, a look ahead at tonight's Met Gala and the controversy over Jeff Bezos and his wife, Lauren Sanchez Bezos, who are lead sponsors of tonight's affair. Then, James Robbins, Dean of Academics at the Institute of World Politics in Washington DC, joins the team to talk about “Project Freedom,” President Trump's initiative to restart commercial traffic through the Straits of Hormuz .    Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Van and Rachel react to the news of Druski hosting the BET Awards before discussing the Supreme Court's latest blow against the Voting Rights Act. Then L.A. Mayor Karen Bass joins to answer questions about her plan for the city in a second term. (0:00) Intro (0:14) Druski hosting BET Awards (9:26) A Megan and Klay Thompson talk pt. 2 (21:31) The Supreme Court and voting rights (53:40) Mayor Karen Bass joins the show Hosts: Van Lathan and Rachel Lindsay Guest: Mayor Karen Bass Producers: Donnie Beacham Jr. and Jade Whaley Social Producer: Bernard Moore Video Supervision: Chris Thomas and Jacob Cornett Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this eye-opening episode of The Arrington Gavin Show, we break down the surprising political shake-up coming out of Los Angeles. Reality TV star Spencer Pratt is making headlines—not for entertainment, but for politics—as he launches a bold run for Mayor of LA, aiming to unseat current Mayor Karen Bass.Even more shocking? Early reports show Pratt is outraising Bass, raising serious questions about voter sentiment, campaign strategy, and the growing influence of outsider candidates in major city races.

Tim Conway Jr. Hour 2 (4.22)

On this episode of America's Work Force Union Podcast, we examine the "grind" of organizing—and the massive results it's starting to yield across the country. Segment 1: Ohio Library & Education Wins Melissa Cropper, President of the Ohio Federation of Teachers, joins us to celebrate a historic run of library victories. The Pay Gap: How newly unionized libraries like Worthington have already surpassed regional pay standards, with some workers seeing 9 percent raises. The CML Fight: An update on the Columbus Metropolitan Library union election and why management-led delays are a hurdle for workers. Education Reform: A look at the new national higher education blueprint and first-ever contracts at Menlo Park Academy and CCAD. Segment 2: Keeping Hollywood at Home In our second segment, we pivot to the entertainment industry with Kerri Wood Einertson, Executive Director of Government Affairs and Public Policy for SAG-AFTRA. Tax Credit Victory: How California doubled its film and TV tax credit to $750 million, and why expanding to animation and competition shows is a game-changer. The LA Rollback: A look at Mayor Karen Bass's executive order to reduce filming fees at iconic locations like the Griffith Observatory. The Federal Push: Why SAG-AFTRA is moving toward a stackable federal incentive to ensure American productions can compete with international subsidies and keep 50,000+ background performers working. Subscribe to AWF: Never miss an episode where we go behind the scenes of the labor movement. Visit us online: awf.labortools.com

Today on AirTalk: What is in Mayor Karen Bass’s budget proposal? (0:30) Should LAUSD ban screen time in lower grades? (18:15) Do you have more civics knowledge than your parents? (33:50) Interview with LA Mayor candidate Nithya Raman (53:03) Interview with LA Mayor candidate Rae Huang (1:19:38) Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, FEATURING JEFF BLISS AND GERMANICUS (MICHAEL VLAHOS). 4-17-202681 BCE SULLAJeff Bliss and John Batchelor discuss the vibrant developments in Las Vegas, where the President of the United Statesrecently arrived on Air Force One to promote a "no tax on tips" policy. The city is diversifying, becoming a sports mecca with Formula 1, World Wrestling at Allegiant Stadium, and a potential NBA franchise. Bliss recalls the legacy of the Rat Pack, Elvis, and Sinatra, while noting new landmarks like the Museum of Ice Cream in Area 15. Additionally, a massive In-N-Out burger restaurant is being built on the Strip, and the Hard Rock Hotel and Casino is adding rare balcony suites. Batchelor even jokes about a future Museum of Potato Chips featuring Lays.In California politics, the race to succeed Governor Gavin Newsom is intensifying under the Jungle Primary system. Newsom reportedly spent 1.5 million dollars to purchase 67,000 copies of his own book. Current candidates include Steve Hilton, a former Fox contributor; Tommy Steyer, a multi-billionaire; and UC Irvine professor Katie Porter. In Los Angeles, Mayor Karen Bass faces a tight race against Spencer Pratt. Batchelor mentions an interview between Bass and Jim Acosta on CNN, where she appeared defensive regarding homeless encampments in Venice and Hollywood.Other local issues involve the California Coastal Commission canceling Long Beach fireworks. On Catalina Island, once a secret CIA training ground, Batchelor recalls the Four Freshmen singing about the sea while discussing a police canine apprehending a suspect in Avalon. Bliss recounts his own experience being bitten by a German Shepherd when analyzing the intensity of such arrests. Additionally, a massive Animal Crossing bridge is under construction across a Southern California freeway to protect wildlife like buffalo.Globally, Germanicus warns of the "consolidation" of wars. Russia is reportedly upset by Ukrainian drone attacks launched from the Baltic states and Finland. Germanicus explains that 96% of Russian casualties are now caused by drones produced in Europe, Israel, and Turkey. Germanicus also highlights that leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Keir Starmer are meeting to address the crisis at the Strait of Hormuz. Despite a fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, there remains a risk of "spasmodic responses" involving Russia's hypersonic Oreshnik missiles. John Batchelor concludes the session by noting that there is no certainty anywhere in the world except for their conversation. This dialogue captures the intersection of local entertainment, state politics, and global military strategy during a volatile and high-stakes historical period in history.

As his career prospects evaporate, disgraced former Representative Eric Swalwell now begs exemption from the “believe women” standard he applied to his conservative political opponents. An Easter Egg hunt in Long Beach leads to a human skull, Mayor Karen Bass celebrates the return of Baywatch but says nothing about the return of typhus to L.A., Kamala Korner is back, and the Wiener Watch never left! David offers an explainer on a clash of the tech titans in Musk vs. Altman. Bonus: Kenneth Schrupp discusses Manhattan Institute's investigation into allegations of fraud in the state's $30 billion annual In-Home Supportive Services Program. Music by Metalachi. Email Us:dbahnsen@thebahnsengroup.comwill@calpolicycenter.org Follow Us:@DavidBahnsen@WillSwaim@TheRadioFreeCA Show Notes: Eric Swalwell Reaps What He Sows An Easter Egg Hunt in a California Park Leads to a Human Skull Mayor Bass welcomes Baywatch and major productions back to Los Angeles Typhus from fleas hits record level in L.A.:  Where the hot spots are and how to protect yourself World Cup: 2 Months Out, FIFA and Host Cities Sideline Rights ‘Thinking About It': Kamala Harris Teases 2028 Presidential Run Newsom administration won't say how much Kamala Harris' CHP security detail is costing California taxpayers Senator Wiener Announces Bill To Protect Survivors Of Conversion Therapy Lawmaker backing transgender treatments for kids squirms as man says puberty blockers destroyed him Meta builds AI version of Mark Zuckerberg to interact with staff Elon Musk Lawsuit Claims OpenAI Used a Fake Charity to Build an $800 Billion Empire California tries to criminalize journalism — to protect fraud California unveils hospice fraud arrests, pushing back on ‘kingdom of fraud' claim by Trump official Kenneth Shrupp, Manhattan Institute Gavin Newsom's $30 Billion Fraud Magnet Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Tim Conway Jr. Show Hour 1 (4.14) Are we done talking about former California Rep. Eric Swalwell yet? He’s now resigned Congress amid multiple rape and sexual harassment allegations, which he’s denied. What’s Swalwell gonna do now? He’s unhirable. Also, what are the warning signs of a stroke? Let’s find out! Grammy-winning, multimillion-selling Scottish pop singer Sheena Easton is on the line talking to Timmy! She talks about making video clips in the MTV era and working with country crooner Kenny Rogers. Sheena Easton will be playing at La Mirada Theatre on May 15 at 8pm. Teachers and school workers will no longer be striking this week and 400,000 kids will be in school, following the overnight negotiations between LAUSD and the school unions. SEIU Local 99 will be getting a much-deserved 24% pay increase for support workers — atta boys and girls! Mayor Karen Bass had nothing to do with this. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On episode 255, we welcome Jonathan Vigliotti to discuss the 2025 Palisades Fire, the systemic failures that caused and maintained it, the ethics of hiring private fire brigades, how climate change influenced the fire, the political neglect and flawed reasoning around effective management, fire safety standards as the bare minimum, bureaucratic collapse, Mayor Karen Bass's mistakes, incentivizing politicians to take natural disasters more seriously, the role of the 2028 Olympics in diverting attention, and problem of problem solving without accountability. Jonathan Vigliotti is an Emmy and Edward R. Murrow Award–winning CBS News national correspondent whose work has appeared on numerous platforms including CBS Sunday Morning, Face the Nation, 48 Hours,and more. His reporting has taken him to more than forty countries and territories across six continents. His new book, available 5/12/2026, is called Torched: How a City Was Left to Burn, and the Olympic Rush to Rebuild L.A. | Jonathan Vigliotti | ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/jonathanvigliotti ► Twitter | https://x.com/JonVigliotti ► Torched Book | https://amzn.to/3OwBGIm Where you can find us: | Seize The Moment Podcast | ► Facebook | https://www.facebook.com/SeizeTheMoment ► Twitter | https://twitter.com/seize_podcast ► Instagram | https://www.instagram.com/seizethemoment ► TikTok | https://www.tiktok.com/@seizethemomentpodcast

Ralph welcomes international security expert Paul Rogers to discuss the US-Israeli war on Iran. Then, Ralph speaks to constitutional law experts Bruce Fein and John Bonifaz about their upcoming impeachment symposium.Paul Rogers is Emeritus Professor of Peace Studies in the Department of Peace Studies and International Relations at Bradford University, and an Honorary Fellow at the Joint Service Command and Staff College. He is open Democracy's international security correspondent.I think if you look at the war overall, then essentially of the three (I use the term as a crude term) participants, the one that is basically doing most badly is the United States, followed by Israel, followed least by Iran. Relatively speaking, the Iranians (particularly the Revolutionary Guard Corps) are closer to where they wanted to be, which is not true of the United States and certainly isn't true to a very large extent of the Israelis as well. In other words, the war is going badly. for the people who are determined to try and defeat Iran.Paul RogersPeople tend to think Iran is on its own against these huge odds. Well, it isn't. In many ways, certainly Russia and certainly China have a real interest in what is happening. But as far as China is concerned, they will not help directly. They will not, in other words, as far as we know, arm Iran without payment. They will see them as a reasonable customer. I think (more widely than we realize) as far as you get away from D.C., then I think you see the world in a rather different way, particularly across the global south it is certainly seen in a different way…And I would come back to a point which I think is a fair point made earlier—essentially, the Iranian Republican Revolutionary Guard Corps has been working towards this time for decades. And they will not be easily dislodged. It could happen eventually, but I think it's highly unlikely.Paul RogersJohn Bonifaz is a constitutional attorney and the co-founder and president of Free Speech For People. Mr. Bonifaz previously served as the executive director and general counsel of the National Voting Rights Institute, and as the legal director of Voter Action. He is the author of Warrior-King: The Case For Impeaching George W. Bush and the co-author (with Ron Fein and Ben Clements) of The Constitution Demands It: The Case For The Impeachment of Donald Trump.Threatening to execute members of Congress is unique to Trump. Kidnapping people off the streets and sending them to foreign torture prisons is unique to Trump. Freezing public funds that have been duly appropriated by the United States Congress and not distributing those funds is unique to Trump. Attacking the United States judiciary, refusing to comply with multiple court orders issued by federal courts across the country is unique to Trump. Engaging in these murders on the high seas…these paramilitary attacks on people in the Pacific and in the Caribbean is unique to Trump. Now, it's true that there have been other violations of the War Powers Clause…But the scale of the War Powers violations today is unique to Trump. And this current new, illegal, and unconstitutional war against Iran is threatening the entire world. And so I think that whether they be Democrats or Republicans or Independents, they have to wake up and recognize they have a duty here.John BonifazBruce Fein is a Constitutional scholar and an expert on international law. Mr. Fein was Associate Deputy Attorney General under Ronald Reagan and he is the author of Constitutional Peril: The Life and Death Struggle for Our Constitution and Democracy, and American Empire: Before the Fall.Ralph, me and John have been trying to impeach Presidents—Democrat, Republican—for decades for these illegalities. The idea that we picked out Trump is absurd. Look at my history. Half of my life has been devoted to getting Presidents impeached and removed from office…So the idea that this is partisan, at least among us, is factually absurd.Bruce FeinI think we need to be even more candid about the nature of the crimes. This is not just illegal wars under the Constitution. He is committing the crime of aggression, the same crime that we sentence Nazis to death at Nuremberg for committing aggression against Poland, against Denmark, against Norway, Belgium, the Netherlands, France, etc.Bruce FeinThis is what is defined as a dictator by any ordinary use of the English language. We need to get away from “authoritarian,” “Oh, he's pushing the envelope.” This is what dictators do. He stated, “I can do anything I want.” And he does it. He kills people. He deports them without due process. He spies on them. He suppresses free speech by using the government to penalize anyone who says anything that's critical, detracts from Mr. Trump. I mean, it is impossible to conceive of the framers thinking anyone like Donald Trump, given his words and his actions, would remain in office more than a fortnight if Congress was doing its duty.Bruce FeinNews 4/3/26* This week, the Trump administration backed down and allowed the Russian oil tanker Anatoly Kolodkin to pass through the American blockade and deliver a shipment of 730,000 barrels of oil to Cuba. The AP writes, the shipment could produce about 180,000 barrels of diesel, enough to feed Cuba's daily energy demand for nine or 10 days. Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernández de Cossío commented on the situation, “The arrival of an oil tanker to a country has likely never generated so much news as the Russian one to Cuba…It's a sign of the brutal siege Cubans endure with heroism and stoicism. It's a demonstration of the criminal cruelty of imperialism against a nation that refuses to be dominated.” Trump's public statements on the matter however loom ominously over the island nation. On Sunday night, Trump told reporters “Cuba's finished…whether or not they get a boat of oil, it's not going to matter.”* In more news of Trump backing down, or “chickening out” as the saying goes, the Wall Street Journal reports that Trump is telling his inner circle that he is willing to end the military operation in Iran without reopening the Strait of Hormuz. Instead, he wants the U.S. to stick to its original 4-6 week timeline and focus on “hobbling Iran's navy and its missile stocks…while pressuring Tehran diplomatically.” This report adds that if this fails, Trump plans to “press allies in Europe and the Gulf to take the lead on reopening the strait.” This aligns with Trump's recent statements on Truth Social, telling allies like the UK to “Go get your own oil!” With all of this said, Trump has sent the USS Tripoli and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to the region, is weighing the deployment of another 10,000 ground troops, and is considering a “complex and risky mission to seize the regime's uranium,” all while calling the war an “excursion” and “a lovely stay.”* Meanwhile, 25 Senate Democrats have signed a letter by Senator Raphael Warnock of Georgia requesting that Senator Roger Wicker, the Republican Chairman of the Armed Services Committee launch a bipartisan probe – complete with hearings and a report – into the strike on Shajareh Tayyebeh Elementary School for girls in Minab, Iran at the beginning of the war. This letter notes that the majority of those killed were girls between ages seven and 12. Moreover, this letter implies that the Pentagon chose this target based on wildly outdated intelligence, raising grave questions about the competence of the military apparatus. While several high-ranking Democrats signed this letter, including Dick Durbin and Cory Booker, along with progressives like Bernie Sanders and Elizabeth Warren, Minority Leader Chuck Schumer's name is nowhere to be found.* Elsewhere in the region, the Israeli Knesset has passed a new law effectively proscribing the death penalty exclusively to Palestinians. Human Rights Watch states “the bill imposes the death penalty for the deliberate killing of a person with the intention of negating the existence of the State of Israel.'” HRW adds that the new law “mandates execution by hanging, restricts access to legal counsel and visits from family members, limits external oversight, and grants immunity to those involved in carrying out executions.” In a piece calling for the immediate repeal of this law, Erika Guevara-Rosas of Amnesty International writes “By authorizing military courts, which have a conviction rate of over 99% for Palestinian defendants and which are notorious for disregarding due process and fair trial safeguards, to impose effectively mandatory death sentences and ordering the execution within just 90 days of the final ruling, Israel is brazenly granting itself carte blanche to execute Palestinians while stripping away the most basic fair-trial safeguards.” In an interview with CNN, Mustafa Barghouti said this law “confirms very serious fascist tendencies in Israel” and “consolidates further the system of apartheid.”* Anti-Palestinian extremism continues to grow within the United States as well. Al Jazeera reports that last week, domestic law enforcement “foiled a plot against prominent Palestinian activist Nerdeen Kiswani in New York City.” Kiswani is the founder of Within Our Lifetime, a pro-Palestine and anti-Zionist group active in the City. The suspect, apprehended by the FBI in an undercover operation, has been identified as a New Jersey man named Andrew Heifler, a young man affiliated with an offshoot of the far-right Jewish Defense League (JDL), described as an extremist group with a history of violent attacks targeting Arab American activists during the 1970s and 1980s. Heifler was reportedly planning to target Kiswani's home with Molotov cocktails. Mayor Zohran Mamdani condemned the plot, saying “We will not tolerate violent extremism in our city. No one should face violence for their political beliefs or their advocacy…Our city must meet hate with solidarity, and meet fear with an unshakable commitment to justice and to one another.” Kiswani vowed that she “will not stop speaking up for the people of Palestine.”* Also in New York, Congresswoman and possible 2028 presidential candidate Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez held a private meeting with the powerful local branch of the Democratic Socialists of America. During this meeting AOC was asked whether she would support the imposition of an arms embargo on Israel. According to City and State NY, AOC affirmed that she would and stated that “The Israeli government should be able to finance their own weapons if they seek to arm themselves.” Pressed on whether she would vote against so-called defensive capabilities – namely the Iron Dome – Rep. Ocasio-Cortez definitively answered “yes.” This marks an evolution of her position; AOC previously voted “present” on a bill to provide $1 billion in funding for the Iron Dome in 2021. Many read this as an acknowledgment from AOC that the politics of this issue have shifted, particularly on the Left, and in order to shore up her progressive support she needs to stake out a bold position now.* Turning to the international progressive movement, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez, who has led Spain in a Leftward direction since 2018 despite the rise of the European Right is convening a summit of progressive forces in Barcelona slated for April 17th and 18th. Sánchez, who has chaired the Socialist International since 2022, emphasized that the Right has “for years woven a network of alliances to propagate their national populist discourses adapted to each country,” and stressed that the Left must do the same to remain politically viable, per El País. Notable attendees include Brazilian President Lula, outgoing Colombian President Gustavo Petro and South African President Cyril Ramaphosa. There have been many attempts to unite the international Left, with mixed results, but it is never too late to try.* In our final story on the international Left, the New Democratic Party of Canada – the country's third largest and most progressive major party – has selected former journalist and activist Avi Lewis as their new leader, the BBC reports. This story notes that Lewis' elevation comes in the context of the NDP suffering a steep decline in recent years, going from the main opposition party in 2011, to holding just six seats in Canada's House of Commons today. Lewis – grandson of one of the party's founding members and son of Stephen Lewis, who led the Ontario NDP and served as the Canadian Ambassador to the United Nations – ran on a platform designed to revive the struggling party by “prioritising worker rights in the age of artificial intelligence, ending new oil and gas pipelines and projects, and exploring state-owned, non-profit grocery stores.” Despite his illustrious lineage, Lewis holds no seat in parliament and therefore cannot participate in official debates. The NDP faces an uphill climb not only back to power but even to relevance. According to this story, “a quarter of past voters…see the party as ‘irrelevant'...and 40% say its best days are behind it.”* In Los Angeles, a shocking new poll shows City Councilmember Nithya Raman, who entered the race at the last possible moment, in a commanding lead. In this poll, Raman drew 33% support, with incumbent Mayor Karen Bass trailing at 17%, statistically tied with another insurgent progressive candidate, Rae Huang. Other candidates – tech executive Adam Miller and former reality television personality and registered Republican Spencer Pratt – round out the field with 13% and 12% respectively. This poll appears to be an outlier. Other recent polls have shown Bass at 20% to Raman's 9%, and Bass at 25% with Raman at 17%. But, if this poll is accurate, it would be a stunning testament to the success of Raman's campaign thus far and a massive warning signal to Bass. If the Mayor slips any further, she could find herself locked out of the general election by Los Angeles' top-two “jungle primary” structure. This from the LA Times.* Finally, we turn to the world of professional sports. This week, Senator Bernie Sanders and Representative Greg Casar introduced the Home Team Act, which, if passed, would require the owners of major league sports teams to allow local communities the option to buy a team before unilaterally relocating across state lines or to a different metro area. This announcement sent ripples through the sports world, with many fans excited by the prospect of keeping their home teams at home. ABC7 Chicago notes that “Sanders specifically mentioned the Bears' threat to leave Chicago,” while the San Diego Union-Tribune believes this bill could keep the Padres in San Diego despite multiple offers to sell. San Diego has been particularly sensitive to this threat since the Chargers left for LA in 2017. In the press conference announcing this bill, Bernie unsubtly displayed the jerseys of the Brooklyn Dodgers, his hometown team, which famously relocated to Los Angeles ahead of the 1958 baseball season.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

In the 6 AM Hour: Larry O’Connor and Patrice Onwuka discussed: Iran Update: President Trump shared jaw-dropping video footage Monday of a massive explosion in Iran reportedly caused by a US airstrike on a large ammunition depot in Isfahan. Sec. Marco Rubio also clapped back at George Stephanopoulos on ABC’s “This Week” about the administration’s objectives in Iran. L.A. Decline: Los Angeles County sees largest population decline in the U.S., census data shows. L.A. Mayoral candidate Spencer Pratt also releases “Latinos Por Pratt” campaign video slamming Mayor Karen Bass. Sitting Study: Hate exercise? You can actually fight dementia from your couch according to a Swedish study. No Kings Money: As Fox News Digital reported, about 500 organizations with an estimated combined annual revenue of about $3 billion sponsored and organized the “No Kings” demonstrations. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Tuesday, March 31, 2026 / 6 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A person detained at the Adelanto ICE facility has died, the fifth since September. A new poll simulates the L.A. mayor race - what the results mean for Mayor Karen Bass' challengers. With shark sightings on the rise, we have tips to stay safe in the water. Plus, more from Evening Edition. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.comSupport the show: https://laist.com

14. Political Turmoil and the Homeless Crisis in Los AngelesGuest: Jeff Bliss Summary: Bliss reports on the visual horrors of homeless encampments and the political pressure on Mayor Karen Bass. He also examines the "jungle primary" system and stalled recovery in Pacific Palisades. (14)1910 LOS ANGELES

SHOW SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 3-27-2026.1925 STALIN AND TROTSKY, MOSCOW1. Iran's Nuclear Status and the NPT Framework Guest: Henry Sokolski Summary: Sokolski analyzes Iranian hardliners' threats to withdraw from the Non-Proliferation Treaty. He explores the military risks of targeting nuclear sites like Dimona and the strategic complexities of attacking national electric grids. (1)2. Taiwanese Nuclear Policy and Barksdale Drone Incursions Guest: Henry Sokolski Summary: Taiwan considers restarting nuclear plants to mitigate energy desperation. Meanwhile, jam-resistant drone swarms at Barksdale Air Force Base suggest potential Chinese interference intended to delay American responses to nuclear-related operations. (2)3. The SAVE Act and the Debate Over Voter Eligibility Guest: Richard Epstein Summary: Epstein discusses the SAVE Act, which requires documentary proof of citizenship for voting. He weighs the balance between preventing election fraud and the potential burdens placed on legitimate voters by strict identification. (3)4. The Removal Dispute of Judge Pauline Newman Guest: Richard Epstein Summary: Epstein critiques the suspension of 98-year-old Judge Pauline Newman, arguing her colleagues lack cause for removal. He characterizes the move as "manipulative shenanigans" driven by internal politics rather than intellectual incompetence. (4)5. Gas Prices and the Start of Pennsylvania Trout Season Guest: Jim McTague Summary: McTague highlights rising fuel costs and a slowing retail economy in Lancaster County. He contrasts the "amateur hour" of opening day trout fishing with the tranquil, native-stocked streams of Central Pennsylvania. (5)6. Italian Soccer Pressure and Meloni's Cabinet Reshuffle Guest: Lorenzo Fiori Summary: Fiori previews the Azzurri's high-stakes match against Wales and explains Prime Minister Meloni's firing of controversial officials. He also stresses the importance of authentic Parmesan and the beauty of Sardinian heritage. (6)7. NASA Restructuring and the Pivot to a Moon Base Guest: Bob Zimmerman Summary: NASA's new administrator pauses the Lunar Gateway to focus on building a permanent lunar base by 2033. Zimmerman contrasts these government plans with the rapid commercial success and valuation of SpaceX. (7)8. Observing Comet Nuclei and the Outer Planets Guest: Bob Zimmerman Summary: Astronomers witness a rare reversal in a comet's rotation as its nucleus sublimates. Zimmerman reviews new imagery of Saturn and Neptune, arguing for more orbiters to explore the solar system's significant "gaps". (8)9. The Revolutionary Background of the Mercader Family Guest: Josh Ireland Summary: Ireland details the radicalization of the Mercader family, led by the charismatic Caridad. He explains how her son Ramon was recruited by the NKVD during the Spanish Civil War for future espionage. (9)10. Infiltrating Trotsky's Compound Through Seduction Guest: Josh Ireland Summary: Ramon Mercader seduces Sylvia Ageloff to penetrate Trotsky's fortress in Mexico City. Despite the heavy guard and fortifications, Ramon gains the trust of the household by posing as a politically disinterested playboy. (10)11. Planning the Assassination with a Mountaineer's Ice Pick Guest: Josh Ireland Summary: Following a failed armed raid, the NKVD tasks Ramon with murdering Trotsky. They select an ice pick for the attack to ensure a silent kill that carries a brutal, symbolic impact. (11)12. The Aftermath of Trotsky's Death and the Assassin's Legacy Guest: Josh Ireland Summary: Trotsky dies a day after the attack, while Ramon serves twenty years in a Mexican prison. Caridad lives her final years in bitter exile, and Stalin barely registers the mission's success. (12)13. Vegas Transformation: Sports, Tech, and Nuclear History Guest: Jeff Bliss Summary: Bliss explores the Las Vegas strip's evolution into a sports capital and the introduction of Zooks robo-taxis. He notes the area's grim history with atmospheric nuclear testing and resulting radiation claims. (13)14. Political Turmoil and the Homeless Crisis in Los Angeles Guest: Jeff Bliss Summary: Bliss reports on the visual horrors of homeless encampments and the political pressure on Mayor Karen Bass. He also examines the "jungle primary" system and stalled recovery in Pacific Palisades. (14)15. The Enlightenment Foundations of American Civic Education Guest: Jacob Howland Summary: Howland discusses Thomas Jefferson's focus on applied science and the role of liberal education in a republic. He emphasizes Eva Brann's belief that classroom seminars cultivate the habits necessary for civil debate. (15)16. The Crisis of Activism in Modern Higher Education Guest: Jacob Howland Summary: Howland critiques universities for prioritizing the training of social activists over traditional knowledge transmission. He argues that regarding the professorship as a political podium cheats students of a real, broad education. (16)

Tim Conway Jr Show Hour 3 (3.25) Tim Conway Jr. covers L.A. Mayor Karen Bass’s plan to replace city streetlights with solar-powered lights, while also digging into the growing battle over California’s proposed billionaire tax as some of the state’s wealthiest residents push an alternative ballot measure. Then, Tim looks at the surprising return of rain to Southern California, rising egg prices, and soaring Easter chocolate costs, along with the debate over Ruth’s Chris Steak House and whether its dress code still makes sense. Later, Tim talks about why “Opening Day” is a phrase almost entirely owned by Major League Baseball, the Mega Millions ticket worth $3 million sold in Torrance, concern from Monrovia business owners after the sudden closure of LOOK Dine-In Cinemas, the death of “Wild Thing” songwriter Chip Taylor at 86, and how zip codes can have a major impact on life expectancy. #TimConwayJr #KarenBass #LosAngeles #SolarLights #CaliforniaPolitics #BillionaireTax #SoCalRain #EggPrices #EasterChocolate #RuthsChris #OpeningDay #MLB #MegaMillions #Torrance #Monrovia #ChipTaylor #WildThing #LifeExpectancy #KFIAM640 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Gary & Shannon Show Hour 1 (03.19) – Shannon’s bracket distraction leads into a heavy hour covering the growing Cesar Chavez scandal, escalating tensions with Iran, and how we consume the news.• Shannon opens the show locked into her March Madness bracket, before Gary & Shannon pivot to the growing fallout from the Cesar Chavez scandal and whether there’s anything left to debate.• The latest on Iran tensions, including updates from Defense Secretary Hegseth and reports of a U.S. F-35 being hit, with the pilot in stable condition.• Gary & Shannon break down the expanding Chavez fallout — from rape allegations and Huerta speaking out to statues being covered, streets renamed, and schools scrubbing his name statewide.• Mayor Karen Bass renames Cesar Chavez Day to Farm Workers Day, as the conversation shifts to how such a large movement kept allegations quiet for so long.• The hour wraps with a discussion on how you get your news, including media bias, Apple News trends, and tools like AllSides to evaluate coverage.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ralph spends the whole hour with progressive activist, Corbin Trent, former communications director for Alexandria Ocasio Cortez to discuss the lack of vision and the spineless leadership in the corporate Democratic Party.Corbin Trent is a co-founder of Brand New Congress and former co-director of Justice Democrats, two grassroots organizations working to elect progressive Democrats to Congress. He was the National Campaign Coordinator for the Bernie Sanders Presidential campaign, and recently served as the Communications Director for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. He writes about rebuilding America at AmericasUndoing.com.This is a [Democratic] Party that is led by sinecurists and apparatchiks who never look at themselves in the mirror after they lose to the most vicious, cruel, ignorant, anti-worker, anti-women, anti-environment, anti-small taxpayer, pro-war Republican Party. They never look into it. It's always: they blame the Greens or they blame some third party or Independent candidate. And they never ask themselves why as a national party did they abandon half the country, which are now called red states?Ralph NaderThe Democratic Party I think, ultimately, is leaderless because it's visionless. It doesn't really see. I don't think the Democratic Party as an entity or as an ideology has a real vision for how to go forward differently. And, therefore, it's hard to be led. It's hard to lead if you don't have a direction.Corbin TrentThe Democratic Party—like your Chuck Schumers, like your Hakeem Jeffries, and like most of the people that are elected there and in leadership positions at all, look at this system, the system of neoliberalism, and they think that somehow it's going to magically start working again. And the fact is that it's not. They have been unable so far to internalize the depth of the brokenness of this system. And then really unable to, I think, really internalize why Trump was powerful, why his messages were powerful. They want to look at it through this extremely narrow and negative lens of racism, bigotry and fear. As opposed to a complete and utter disdain for the system which is sucking from their lives and extracting from their communities. And I think that spells trouble.Corbin TrentIt's not my job as a voter to inspire myself to vote for you. It's your job as a candidate or as a party or as somebody to build a vision that inspires me to vote.Corbin TrentNews 3/13/26* This week, the New York City Council held a hearing on proposed legislation to carry out Mayor Zohran Mamdani's pledge to repossess property from “landlords who have racked up housing code violations and debt from unpaid taxes and fines.” This bill would empower the city's Department of Housing Preservation and Development to turn these buildings over to owners they deem “more responsible.” This would be an update of a program the city has tried to implement before, called “third-party transfer.” However, the council is hesitant to take this step, worrying that it could disproportionately affect small landlords that simply lack the resources to fix code violations or pay fees, as opposed to venture capital backed corporate landlords. Rosa Kelly, chief of staff to the housing commissioner, said the department “views the program as a key part of [their] broader enforcement and preservation toolkit to ensure that housing remains safe and livable for New Yorkers.” This from Gothamist.* In more local news, this week Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser released a long-awaited report on congestion traffic pricing in the District of Columbia. According to the Washington Examiner, the study was conducted in 2021 and the Mayor has delayed the release until now. Along with the release of the study, Mayor Bowser sent a letter to D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, wherein the Mayor described the “congestion pricing tax scheme,” which includes a proposed $10 charge for people entering the city, as a “bad idea,” and argued that D.C. could not be compared to Midtown Manhattan, which recently implemented a successful congestion pricing system. Democratic Socialist Councilwoman and leading Mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis-George refused to dismiss the study out of hand, writing “Now that the report is public, the Council has an opportunity to dig into the findings & explore what they could mean for the District—including opportunities to reduce congestion, improve air quality & public health, & strengthen public transit for residents across the city.”* Meanwhile, on the West Coast, a new poll shows incumbent Mayor Karen Bass drawing under 20% of the vote in the upcoming primary for her reelection campaign. While this still puts Bass in the lead, it is clearly a weak showing and would be far below the 50% threshold she would need to win to avoid a November runoff. This poll also finds former reality television star Spencer Pratt in second place with around 10% support, and councilmember Nithya Raman – who has been both endorsed and censured by DSA LA in the past – in third with just over 9%, per KTLA. The LA Mayoral race mirrors the California gubernatorial race, which features ten candidates, none of whom draws over 20% in the polls. At some point, the party will have to step in to pressure underperforming candidates to drop out and endorse more viable alternatives, but June is quickly approaching with little sign of party unity.* Speaking of the Democrats, POLITICO is out with a new story on how red state Democratic parties are undermining their best chances of toppling incumbent Republican Senators – independent populist left candidates. In Montana, former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar has launched an independent bid for Senate, with the backing of former longtime Montana Democratic Senator Jon Tester. Bodnar filed on the final day candidates could get on the ballot in the state, and on that same day, three-term incumbent Republican Senator Steve Daines announced he would not run for reelection. POLITICO describes this as “an explicit effort to keep Democrats from fielding a strong candidate of their own.” The state party however shows no interest in stepping aside to clear a path for Bodnar. A similar dynamic is unfolding in South Dakota, with the state party feuding with independent candidate Brian Bengs – who has “raised more than five times his Democratic opponent and more than any non-Republican candidate in the state in 16 years” – while in Idaho, former Democratic state lawmaker Todd Achilles is running as an independent and the state party has played their strategy close to the vest. Only in Nebraska has the state party fully thrown their weight behind the popular independent candidate Dan Osborn, who came within approximately 60,000 votes of longtime incumbent Deb Fischer in 2024 and is polling within a single point of Senator Pete Ricketts this cycle.* In Congress, Republicans have independent problems of their own. Last week, Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley announced he would register as “no party preference,” instead of as a Republican, as he seeks reelection to Congress in his newly redrawn California congressional district. Axios quotes a Kiley spokesperson who said it is “not official yet” whether he will leave the party or the conference, adding: “For now, he's just filing as an independent for his reelection campaign.” If Kiley did leave the Republican conference, it would further imperil the Republicans' razor-thin House majority, which has been continuously whittled down over the course of the 119th Congress.* Turning to foreign affairs, Reuters reports that on Sunday, Colombia held congressional elections which saw the leftist Historic Pact win the most seats in the Senate, but with only 25 out of 102 seats, the Pact will have to compete against the right-wing Democratic Center in order to form a coalition government. Democratic Center, led by ⁠former President Alvaro Uribe, won 17 seats. Ivan Cepeda, the presidential candidate of Historic Pact, called the election results a “categorical ​victory.” In the House, Democratic Center won 32 out of 182 seats, followed by the ‌Liberal ⁠Party with 31, and the Historic Pact with 29. Colombia will choose a new president in May, but according to Ariel Avila, a re-elected senator from the Green Alliance, whether that president is left or right they will likely face a “vetocracy” where “lawmakers block parties ​simply because they come from the opposing side.”* In more news from Latin America, the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) reports the right-wing government of Daniel Noboa in Ecuador has suspended the largest opposition party – the leftist Citizens' Revolution or RC – for nine months. If carried out, RC, led by former leftist president Rafael Correa, will effectively be barred from registering candidates for the 2027 local elections. CEPR Co-Director Mark Weisbrot is quoted saying “The government of President Daniel Noboa, who is strongly backed by President Trump, is trying to accelerate the destruction of what is left of democracy in Ecuador.” CEPR Director of International Policy Alex Main added “Democracy has been under attack since the presidency of Lenín Moreno (2017–2021), with not only the exclusion of political parties, but with persecution by lawfare, the imprisonment or forced exile of political opponents, and Noboa's repeated assumption of ‘emergency' powers and other abuses that have gutted civil liberties.” Recently, President Noboa has been closely collaborating with Trump and the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) to carry out joint “lethal kinetic operations” in Ecuador.* Turning to the Middle East, NBC reports Iran is launching its ‘most intense' strikes of the war, firing some of its most advanced ballistic missiles toward Tel Aviv and Haifa and attacking multiple ships attempting passage through the blockaded Straits of Hormuz. Additionally, reports are trickling out through the Israeli press, which operates under military censorship, about high-profile targets being hit inside the country. The Jewish Chronicle confirms Binyah Hevron, son of Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich was wounded by a Hezbollah rocket, with shrapnel penetrating his back and abdomen, while Yahoo News has debunked rumors that an Iranian missile strike killed Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Officially, over 1,200 have been killed by Israeli and American strikes in Iran, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, while 570 have been killed in Lebanon. Retlatiatory strikes by Iran have killed 13 in Israel.* Meanwhile, a new wrinkle has emerged in the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery deal. Last week, Variety reported that Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal have been raising the alarm about financing for this deal coming from Gulf states, including the Qatar Investment Authority, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. This duo have called for the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States – an interagency body that reviews foreign investments in American businesses for potential national security risks – to review the deal. Warren told the industry trade publication, “Given the cloud of corruption surrounding the Trump administration's review of this deal from Day One, it's no surprise that Trump's Treasury Department is sticking its head in the sand instead of investigating the national security risks of $24 billion from Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds apparently flooding this deal. It's American consumers who will pay the price. Thanks to Donald Trump, a Paramount-Warner Bros. merger could mean higher prices and fewer choices, and might allow foreign actors to control what's on our screens or access our private viewing information.” Ironically, the Trump administration's warlike actions in Iran may have inadvertently solved this problem. Gizmodo reports that the Gulf states are now “reviewing current and future investment commitments in order to alleviate some of the anticipated economic strain from the current war.” It is unclear what would happen if the Gulf states rescinded their financing of this deal, seeing as Paramount is the buyer preferred by the Trump administration and has already paid the $2.8 billion “break-up” fee to Netflix stipulated by their previous agreement with WBD.* Finally, a new Pew poll reveals a troubling reality of contemporary American life. According to the poll, which asked people around the world to rate the morality and ethics of others in their country, 53% of U.S. adults say their fellow Americans have bad morals and ethics. While that may not sound so stark, Pew notes that the United States is the only country they surveyed where more adults described the morality and ethics of others living in the country as bad rather than good, with only 47% saying the latter. Turkey came up second, with 51% saying good and 49% saying bad. Pew is careful to state that they have never conducted a poll on this question before, meaning they cannot say whether this is a reflection of long-held beliefs among Americans or a new phenomenon, but it could be the result of long-term trends related to political polarization and the decline in interpersonal trust over the past several decades. Whatever the reasons behind this fact, it presents a formidable problem for political leaders. How can one unify a country wherein the people do not trust one another or even believe that their neighbors are morally and ethically upstanding individuals? Surely there must be a way forward, but what that is I cannot say.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe