Podcast appearances and mentions of Michael Bennet

Pratap Chatterjee, executive director of CorpWatch, joins us to discuss their latest report, MAGA Inc., which identifies the Crypto Czars, the Tech Titans and the Prison Profiteers who have bankrolled and benefited the most from Donald Trump's corrupt regime. Then, Ralph welcomes Elliot Negin, executive editor of Money Trail to talk about how Donald Trump is trying to turn Washington DC into a monument to himself.Pratap Chatterjee is an investigative journalist, producer and executive director of CorpWatch, an organization that works to promote environmental, social and human rights by holding multinational corporations accountable for their actions. He is the author of several books, including Verax: The True History of Whistleblowers, Drone Warfare, and Mass Surveillance, Halliburton's Army, and Iraq Inc.: A Profitable Occupation.Palantir is really critical to understanding how the surveillance state works, especially in identifying people to deport and locations and people to kill in Trump's new wars overseas, such as in Iran…Palantir's data analytical capabilities are actually extremely simplistic and terrible. But when it comes to looking for an easy solution, that's what Palantir offers. And they've been able to offer this to the Trump administration—to have them speed up their political plans such as deportation, such as waging war against Iran by giving them easy answers.Pratap ChatterjeeThe biggest company behind the cryptocurrency used by criminals and drug dealers and gun traffickers has come out of the shadows, into the light, thanks specifically to the credibility offered by the Trump administration. And so this is really a sea change.Pratap ChatterjeeElliott Negin, executive editor of the Substack newsletter Money Trail, is an award-winning writer, illustrator and publication designer. Prior to co-founding Money Trail in February 2025, he was the managing editor of American Journalism Review, editor and art director of Public Citizen and Nuclear Times magazines, a news editor at NPR, and a regular contributor to HuffPost and the Union of Concerned Scientists' Equation. His freelance articles have appeared in The Atlantic, Common Dreams, The Hill, L.A. Progressive, The Nation, Scientific American, the Washington Post and other publications.It turns out that there is a government-owned ballroom less than a mile from the White House that would serve the purposes of a state dinner, which is one of the only events that you would need a ballroom for. If Trump builds a ballroom, it will not be used probably 360 days out of the year… To have a building that big that's going to be sitting empty for all that time makes no sense whatsoever.Elliott NeginRight now, the cost of this ballroom has been escalating… And half of it's supposed to be covered by taxpayers. Give credit to Public Citizen. It did a report that found out that more than half the donors that were identified as donating to the project when it was pegged at $400 million (including Amazon, Lockheed Martin, Palantir) have gained contracts with the federal government worth more than $50 billion in the last six months. That's a hell of a return on investment.Elliott NeginNews 7/3/26* Our top stories this week are the Colorado primaries. First, DSA-backed insurgent Melat Kiros successfully ousted 29-year incumbent Democratic Congresswoman Diana DeGette in the state's first congressional district, winning in a surprise blowout of over 13 points. Kiros, a 29-year old Tigrayan-American lawyer and PhD student, was fired from Sidley Austin – a “biglaw” firm in 2023, after she “posted an open letter defending students protesting Israel's war in Gaza from charges of antisemitism,” per Colorado Newsline. Axios reports many House Democrats, speaking anonymously, have bemoaned DeGette's loss, with one accusing Kiros of trafficking in “performative politics,” but Usamah Andrabi, spokesperson for Justice Democrats, one of the main groups that backed Kiros, put it simply when he said “If DeGette didn't deserve a primary, Denverites wouldn't have elected Melat” by double digits.* Also in Colorado, state Attorney General Phil Weiser easily defeated Senator Michael Bennet in the primary to succeed Jared Polis as Governor. While Weiser did run to Bennet's left, the real victory for progressives is that Bennet finishing out his own term means the Colorado Democratic establishment won't be able to appoint someone – likely a centrist member of the House – to replace him, per Axios. Meanwhile, John Hickenlooper, a Colorado Democratic institution won his primary as well, fending off a challenge from his left by state Senator Julie Gonzales. However, Gonzales came within 6 points of Hickenlooper, according to Colorado Public Radio, a tantalizingly close margin. Moreover, not only has Hickenlooper vowed that this would be his final Senate term, many are speculating that Bennet himself won't run when his term ends in 2028. That is all to say, it is possible we have not seen the last of Ms. Gonzales.* Speaking of Gonzales, much has been made of the fact that she “softly” distanced herself from DSA as she launched her primary campaign, per Colorado Pols. Perhaps maintaining that organizational relationship would not have resulted in her victory, but the stunning successes of DSA-backed candidates – including Melat Kiros in Colorado – speaks to the group's impressive organizational muscle. In fact, the group can boast of winning yet another seat in the New York State Assembly, with Maurice “Mo” Brown declaring victory against longtime incumbent Assemblyman Bill Magnarelli in the 129th Assembly District. Magnarelli held the seat for 30 years. Brown won by just over 100 votes after all the absentee and affidavit votes were tallied, according to Syracuse.com. With Brown's victory, DSA will send 16 members to Albany next session, nearly doubling its presence across both chambers of the state legislature.* More impressive than the electoral victories however is the fact that DSA members in office are delivering on their campaign promises. Most notably, in New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani has successfully forced a vote through the Rent Guidelines Board to enact a rent freeze for the Big Apple's 1 million rent-stabilized apartments, Time reports. These units make up a whopping 27% of the city's housing stock and house around 2 million people. Mamdani's predecessor, the corporate-friendly Democrat Eric Adams, pushed through rent hikes via the guidelines board, raising the rent by 12.6% over the course of his term in office. Mamdani called this the “relief that working people across our city deserve.” This move has, predictably, drawn the ire of landlords and their industry representatives, but there is no denying that the people of New York City voted for Mamdani in large part for this exact policy and he delivered.* In Congress, another socialist – Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – is fighting for key amendments to the must-pass National Defense Authorization Act. These run the gamut from prohibiting the transfer of weapons to countries hampering the delivery of humanitarian aid, such as Israel, to demanding that the Secretary of Defense conduct declassification reviews or release unclassified reports on American assistance to the dictatorship in Brazil and the coup in Chile, barring Pentagon funds from being used to enforce sanctions on Cuba, and many more. As the scope of national legislation has narrowed in recent decades, amendments to massive flagship funding bills like the NDAA have become a primary means of getting legislation through the gridlock. It is very encouraging to see AOC take advantage of this mechanism to force votes on these issues.* Of course, the centrists will not simply cede power to the left without a fight. Yahoo reports 13 Democratic House members and candidates have signed onto what they are calling the “Promise to America,” consisting mainly of vague commitments to principles like “Growth, Competition, and Broad Prosperity,” or “Safety, Security, and Human Dignity.” They have also stepped up their rhetoric, saying “there's going to be a war” between themselves and the new crop of progressive and DSA lawmakers, per Fox News. Of course, this all makes one wonder whether the Democrats would be in this position at all if they were this confrontational with the Republicans instead of their own voter base.* Another emerging theater of combat between the center and the left is the Congressional Hispanic Caucus. The CHC is led by the lame duck New York Congressman Adriano Espaillat, who was defeated in his primary by Darializa Avila Chevalier. Both Espaillat and Avila Chevalier – or DAC as she has come to be known – are Dominican, despite Espaillat's last-minute smear campaign calling her Haitian, and she plans to join the CHC once she takes her seat in the House. Yet, POLITICO reports the CHC is divided about admitting DAC. While no member is going so far as to say outright that she should not be admitted, many, such as CHC Whip Sylvia Garcia of Texas, are saying things like if DAC is “aligned with all our priorities and all our legislative programs, we would welcome her.” Of course this raises the question of if she is not, would they still welcome her. The all-Democratic CHC has previously barred the entry of Republican Hispanic Congressman Carlos Curbelo of Florida and the Congressional Black Caucus barred Espaillat himself from joining after a feud between him and former Congressman Charles Rangel. In addition to DAC's accession, the CHC will also have to decide on a new leader with Espaillat gone. The Vice-Chair, Darren Soto of Florida, may lose reelection due to redistricting in Florida, leaving the seat up for grabs.* In more Florida-related news, on June 25th Florida Governor Ron DeSantis formally announced the closure of “Alligator Alcatraz” the immigrant detention facility much hyped in the early days of the second Trump administration. While DeSantis claims that the facility had simply “fulfilled the role it was designed to serve,” there is an alternate story being told in the native community. Native News Online has published a statement by Judith LeBlanc (Caddo), executive director of Native Organizers Alliance, which highlights that the facility was constructed and operated “in violation of the sovereign rights of the Miccosukee Tribe, who took the government to court for illegally constructing the center without their consultation or consent,” and hailed the closure as “a victory for human rights and Tribal Sovereignty.” The statement further decried “The administration's violent crackdown on migrant communities” as “an affront to all we stand for as Native peoples.”* Turning further south, the Guardian is out with a chilling story concerning the death of Monika Silva Koniuszek, a Polish anti-corruption activist, who was supposedly investigating self-dealing within the ruling Noboa family of Ecuador. According to her colleagues, Silva Koniuszek was investigating “Noboa Trading, the fruit conglomerate belonging to the family of the rightwing president, Daniel Noboa.” Specifically, they said she had been pursuing allegations that “several tonnes of cocaine had been seized in Noboa Trading banana containers,” and that “high-ranking Ecuadorian judicial officials were stalling the investigations.” Additionally, “Shortly before she was killed, she told friends that she had delivered a dossier of allegations to the US embassy in Quito.” Koniuszek was found dead with a noose around her neck, and Ecuador's interior minister announced that she had died by suicide even before the autopsy results were released. Once those results came out, they contradicted this claim, finding that her cause of death was “a blow to the head and strangulation.”* Finally, in neighboring Colombia, leftist candidate Ivan Cepeda, who lost the recent presidential election, has called on the people of that country to engage in mass civil disobedience, according to Jorge Bastidas, a Colombian Congressman and member of Cepeda's party. Specifically, Cepeda is demanding that the Colombian people not recognize the presidency of Abelardo de la Espriella unless and until he meets certain demands, including renouncing his U.S. nationality, disproving claims that he is a CIA collaborator, and vowing not to persecute and extradite his political opponents including outgoing President Gustavo Petro. Cepeda has stressed that this mass action, if pursued, will be peaceful.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

Progressives sailed through Colorado's primary elections in late June, including a once-in-a-generation upset for a Democratic Socialist who ousted a longtime incumbent in Denver in a race that grabbed national headlines. There was an upset of a different kind in the Democratic race for governor with a U.S. Senator losing to the state's Attorney General, while the GOP race was too close to call on primary night. In a big election year, with all of the top statewide elected offices up for grabs, and control of Congress on the line, there is a lot to dissect about what this primary means for the November midterms and the future of Colorado politics.CPR's Bente Birkeland, The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul and CPR's Caitlyn Kim discuss what the shakeups illustrate about the state of politics in Colorado.Catch up on our latest primary election coverage: CPR News: Is the GOP governor's primary headed to a recount? CPR News: What is the DSA and who is Melat Kiros? CPR News: What just happened to Diana DeGette? The Colorado Sun: Why Melat Kiros was able to tap into the anti-establishment wave and Julie Gonzales was not The Colorado Sun: Phil Weiser overcomes big spending, name ID to beat Michael Bennet in Colorado's Democratic primary for governor Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Startup funding for the Alliance was provided, in part, by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf. Sound design and engineering by Shane Rumsey. Story editing from Nicole Vap. The theme music is by Brad Turner. Other music in this episode is courtesy of Blue Dot Sessions. Additional reporting for this episode from Sandy Battulga, Ishan Thakore, John Daley, Allison Sherry, Kiara DeMare, Ben Markus, Molly Cruse and many others in the CPR newsroom. Megan Verlee is CPR News' executive producer of podcasts.

The Democrats face a full-blown insurgency. Sen. Michael Bennet, once considered a sure shot for the 2026 gubernatorial nomination, lost to Attorney General Phil Weiser. The biggest shock was the defeat of Rep. Diana DeGette, who has served in Congress for nearly 30 years, and was ousted by challenger Melat Kiros. Supreme Court — Birthright Citizenship Order Blocked. Supreme Court Upholds transgender sports ban. Jessica Gorman testified before a House Judiciary subcommittee about the death of her 18-year-old daughter, Sheridan Gorman, who was killed in Chicago earlier this year. Maryland gas and California gas goes up today. #trump #colorado #socialism #cnn #ilhanomar

Thursday, July 2, 2026   Today, former CIA Chief John Brennan has sued the government asking the court to order administration officials to preserve records; a federal court tells the Hegseth he has to stop requiring escorts for journalists at the Pentagon; Donald made over $2bn in crypto and other investments in 2025 alone; ICE arrested a nun on her way to church and it's creating pretty intense backlash in South Texas; the Cook Political Report has moved the Alaska state Senate race from “Lean Republican” to “Tossup”; progressives notch another big win in the Colorado primary elections; plus Allison and Dana deliver your Good News. Thank You, Mint Mobile Make the switch! MINTMOBILE.com/DAILYBEANS Join The Daily Beans and give a gift today to ensure The Trevor Project can continue its crucial work in the face of continued challenges. Donate to The Trevor Project - Daily Beans Podcast   Guest: Dan Friedmanmotherjones.com As America Turns 250, a Trump Adviser's Firm Rakes in Federal Cash | Mother Jones @dfriedman.bsky.social@dfriedman33 - Twitter The Latest Breakdown:The Breakdown | Trump DOJ in Crisis after Major Epstein Ruling StoriesEx-C.I.A. Chief Asks for Order Forcing Trump Administration to Preserve Records | The New York Times Trump's income topped $2 billion in 2025, boosted by crypto, coin ventures | The Washington Post ICE's arrest of nun heading to church fuels bipartisan backlash in South Texas | The Washington Post Judge orders Pentagon to lift policy that journalists be accompanied by an escort | AP NewsGood TroubleAmerica250.org →We The People March - July 3 →goodtroubleliveson.org/ July 17-19 →How to help those impacted by the Venezuela earthquakes|AP →Oppose House Amendment to Defund the Peace Corps! →Regulation for Federal Financial Assistance -  Open For Comments →Stand With Minnesota →ICE List  →iceout.org Good Newsdana-goldbergs-southwest-funnyfest- Email Dana@DanaGoldberg.com for sponsorship information Freedom From Religion Foundation Tour - DANA GOLDBERGTickets for Dana Goldberg: Outrageous - Sep 23 - Den Theater - Chicago  →Share your Good News & Good Trouble - The Daily Beans →Beans Talk audio -beans-talk.simplecast.com →Email Dana LGBTQ Owned eating establishments in your area - hello@mswmedia.com Subject: “Dana's Project” Subscribe to the MSW YouTube Channel - MSW Media - YouTube Our Donation Links The Trevor Project - trevorproject.org/beans Blue Wave California - bluewavecalifornia.org/concert Donate to Public Citizen - https://citizen.org/beans/ The Daily Beans is donating $10,000 and invites you to give what you can to support their life-affirming work - Donate to It Gets Better / The Daily Beans Fundraiser   Pathways to Citizenship link to MATCH Allison's Donationhttps://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_86ff5236-dd26-11ec-b5ee-066e3d38bc77&WidgetId=6388736 Join Dana and The Daily Beans in support of Human Rights Campaign http://onecau.se/_ekes71 More Donation LinksNational Security Counselors - Donate, ActBlue.com/donate/msw-bwc, WhistleblowerAid.org/beans Dr. Allison Gill - The Breakdown | Allison Gill, Mueller, She Wrote @muellershewrote.com - Bluesky, MSW & The Daily Beans Podcast @muellershewrote - Instagram, MSW Media - YouTube →Federal workers - email AG at fedoath@pm.me and let me know what you're going to do, or just vent. I'm always here to listen.  Dana Goldberg - Dana is on Patreon! At Dana's Dugout, @dgcomedy - Bluesky, @dgcomedy - IG, Dana Goldberg - Facebook,  DanaGoldberg.com More from MSW Media - Shows - MSW Media, Cleanup On Aisle 45 pod, The Breakdown | Allison Gill Reminder - you can see the pod pics if you become a Patron. The good news pics are at the bottom of the show notes of each Patreon episode! That's just one of the perks of subscribing! patreon.com/muellershewrote Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:https://apple.co/3XNx7ckWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?https://patreon.com/thedailybeanshttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/https://apple.co/3UKzKt0 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's Headlines: Mitch McConnell has apparently been on death's door for three weeks and nobody thought to mention it — Punchbowl News reported yesterday that he was found unconscious after likely suffering a heart attack, with EMS dispatch audio referencing CPR in progress for a cardiac arrest, while his office has been telling us he's "working closely with staff," which is one way to describe being in a hospital after cardiac arrest. Harvey Weinstein is also in Bellevue Hospital with heart failure as a complication of pneumonia after being rushed from Rikers, awaiting his September sentencing for sexual assault. America's 250th birthday celebration is upon us, with Trump promising the world's longest fireworks show starting at 10:30pm, plus a speech he's calling a rally that he promised to deliver even if it's 107 degrees, so happy birthday to us. Trump also took his Qatari hand-me-down plane on its inaugural flight to North Dakota for the Theodore Roosevelt Presidential Library opening, where he compared himself to Teddy Roosevelt without quoting him once, interacted with an AI version of Roosevelt, floated giving himself the Medal of Honor for "taking on Russia Russia Russia," and bragged about winning the Iran war. Meanwhile, Former CIA Director John Brennan is suing the DOJ to prevent them from destroying evidence related to Trump's revenge investigations into him, which is the correct move and the only language Trump can read. Democratic panic is setting in after DSA candidate Melat Kiros, 29, beat 29-year incumbent Diana DeGette in Colorado's congressional primary — with Colorado's attorney general Phil Weiser also beating establishment favorite Michael Bennet in the governor's primary. And the Trump administration lifted its restrictions on Claude Fable 5 and Mythos, which it banned weeks ago for cybersecurity concerns, while simultaneously asking OpenAI to restrict its new GPT-5.6 Sol model for national security vetting, because the administration's relationship with AI safety is whatever is most convenient at any given moment. Resources/Articles mentioned:  NY Post: Mitch McConnell was found 'unconscious' in DC home last month, may have suffered heart attack TMZ: Harvey Weinstein Suffers Heart Failure at Rikers Island, Sources Say WaPo: Trump's July 4 fireworks to start much later and last much longer AP News: Retrofitted Qatari jet takes flight as Air Force One for Trump's trip to North Dakota NYT: Ex-C.I.A. Chief Asks for Order Forcing Trump Administration to Preserve Records NBC News: Colorado Senate Primary Election 2026 Live Results: Hickenlooper, Gonzales and More CNBC: Anthropic says Trump admin has lifted export controls on Claude Fable 5 and Mythos 5 Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

David Waldman won't be attending the Freedom 850,000 Fireworks this Saturday. He can sweat in the dark in his own living room, thank you very much. To help celebrate our nation's 250th birthday, Donald K. Trump will add one more layer of realism to his World War III cosplay in DC, with Saturday's 15 hours of shock and awe, emphasis on the shocking and awfulness. You can't bring food or water but do pack a gas mask and plenty of spare oxygen. Trump might do a flyover in the new Air Force One, which came in on time and only double the budget, by saving on those gaudy missile detection, countermeasure, security, and communication systems. It would seem that Donald does not put a lot of thought into the safety and wellbeing of others, but how would you explain Trump's executive order on pesticides… other than he just does what the last guy told him? It would seem that Trump is constantly losing, but he'd be gone in a second if that really was the case. No matter how much everyone else loses, Trump and his family are having the best time every minute of every day. You know when Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman of Saudi Arabia feels swindled, it's bad. You can't prosecute Trump's Board of Peace because they have decided that you can't. Greg Dworkin has the latest on the midterms, which Senate Gops still don't have to worry about, because of "math". Then again, that math could change. For instance, a close Senate contest is brewing in Iowa, and Jon Ossoff holds a double-digit lead in Georgia. Phil Weiser defeated Michael Bennet in the Colorado governor primary and who doesn't hope that he goes against Victor Marx? Victor will not say how many people he's killed, nor predict how many he will in the future, and yet he still comes off better than Jared Polis. The Vatican excommunicated bishops of a breakaway traditionalist sect. Now do JD Vance!

Sean goes solo for a special Independence Day episode marking the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. He begins with a reflection on the radical ideas at the heart of the American experiment: that our rights come from God, government derives its power from the consent of the governed, and every generation has a responsibility to continue the unfinished work of forming “a more perfect union.”  America has never perfectly lived up to its founding promises. But its constitutional foundations have survived civil war, depression, political violence, corruption and generations of bitter division. The political crisis of the moment will pass. The question is whether we remain confident enough in the country—and responsible enough as citizens—to preserve what we inherited and pass it on stronger.  Sean then turns to the Supreme Court's consequential end-of-term decisions and what they reveal about presidential power, constitutional limits, election law and the proper role of the judiciary.  Finally, he breaks down the political earthquakes coming out of Colorado's Democratic primaries. Attorney General Phil Weiser defeated U.S. Senator Michael Bennet in the race for governor, while 29-year-old democratic socialist Melat Kiros stunned 15-term incumbent Diana DeGette in Colorado's 1st Congressional District.  The socialist movement that first captured national attention in New York is no longer confined to New York. Is Colorado the next front in the Democratic Party's ideological transformation—and what do these results tell us about where the party is heading before the midterms?  A solo episode about America's enduring foundations, the power of the Supreme Court and the rapidly changing Democratic Party.  #LightBeerDarkMoney #America250 #Declaration250 #MorePerfectUnion #SCOTUS #ColoradoPolitics #Election2026 #DemocraticSocialists #PrattPodcasting   Subscribe for weekly conversations on Faith, Freedom & Free Enterprise with Sean Noble and Chris Clements. Light Beer Dark Money Website: lightbeerdarkmoney.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LightBeerDarkMoney/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lightbeerdarkmoney/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/lbdmpodcast?lang=en LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/light-beer-dark-money/ Blog: https://lightbeerdarkmoney.com/hypocrisy-and-the-aoc-oh-sandy/

The Supreme Court closed out its term with a major loss for President Trump, upholding birthright citizenship, though the justices handed him plenty of power elsewhere over the course of the year. Democratic socialist Melat Kiros pulled off a stunning upset in Colorado's primary, unseating a 15-term congresswoman in the third such win for the left in a week, while an anti-Washington mood also cost longtime Senator Michael Bennet his bid for governor. And the World Cup enters its knockout rounds as a brutal heat wave grips the East, putting more than 100 million people under extreme heat warnings and setting up some of the biggest games to be played in dangerous conditions.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Anna Yukhananov, Padma Rama, Barrie Hardimon, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Nia Dumas.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. Our technical director is Zac Coleman.And our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.(0:00) Introduction(02:07) SCOTUS Upholds Birthright Citizenship(05:54) Colorado Primary Results(09:35) World Cup Heats UpSee pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

Colorado Democrats brought an anti-incumbency streak to their primaries this week. In Colorado's 1st congressional district, 29-year-old Melat Kiros, a democratic socialist, unseated 30-year incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette. In another upset, Sen. Michael Bennet lost his bid to win the nomination for governor. We discuss the anti-incumbent mood shaping this election season and take a look at one of the few toss-up House races in the country.This episode: voting correspondent Miles Parks, senior political correspondent Tamara Keith, and Colorado Public Radio public affairs reporter Bente Birkeland.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

The eyes of the nation were on Colorado yesterday as “anti-establishment” candidates took on some of Colorado's longest tenured elected officials in the crucial Democratic primaries for governor, U.S. Senate, and Colorado's 1st Congressional District. Producers Paul Karolyi and Olivia Jewell Love were at the victory parties, up late for the latest results, and they are breaking down what we know so far. Like, how 29-year-old Democratic Socialist Melat Kiros defeated incumbent Rep. Diana DeGette and how Attorney General Phil Weiser was able to edge out Sen. Michael Bennet in the governor's race. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about the Kiros and Weiser victories? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this July 1st episode: Vail Wine Classic Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It's another Primary Day morrow, and Greg Dworkin brings the takeaways, today from Colorado. Phil Weiser beats stalwart Michael Bennet in the gubernatorial. 29-year-old Democratic socialist Melat Kiros has the Mamdanimentum over old-timer Diana DeGette. Young Democratic Socialist Maurice Brown also has the "Mo". Grumpy old Dems become grumpier. There's more to come. Control of the Senate is up for grabs, but the RNC has control of the $100 million. Sherrod Brown is no young socialist, but he knows Ohio. The Donald K. Trump Supreme Court almost killed birthright citizenship. Gops who hope to murder the Constitution for good, ironically hope that a Constitutional amendment will do it, but first plan to torture it a while. A few Trump losses did slip through, for the moment. E. Jean Carroll isn't waiting around. DOGE installed visitor-tracking software on vital federal websites. Meanwhile, Trump wants a master list of spies, but spies don't want to give Trump the list. If Donald wants it, he can come and get it.

Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) US negotiators Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff had positive discussions with regional leaders in Qatar and technical talks with Iran are moving ahead. The US and Iran are seeking to ease tensions and forge a longer-term peace deal after recent attacks imperiled an already fragile ceasefire. Progress is being made in separate technical talks, but major issues such as the release of Iranian assets and the future management of the Strait of Hormuz remain unresolved. 2) Progressive insurgents took down establishment incumbents in Colorado midterm primary elections last night. In the 1st District, 29-year-old democratic-socialist Melat Kiros unseated nearly 30-year Congresswoman Diana DeGette. In the closely-watched 8th District, the more progressive Democrat in that race, Manny Rutinel, beat Shannon Bird in a landslide. In the state's Democratic governor's race, state Attorney General Phil Weiser defeated Senator Michael Bennet. However, in Colorado's Senate primary, incumbent John Hickenlooper held off a challenge from self-described insurgent progressive Julie Gonzales. 3) The US government removed foreign access restrictions on Anthropic PBC's Fable 5 artificial intelligence model, clearing it for wider distribution. Anthropic had disabled its models and been in discussions with officials to satisfy safety concerns after the Commerce Department imposed an export control rule. The company will enable Fable 5 access to users globally and allow usage on cloud services run by Amazon, Google, and Microsoft, and will work with Washington to expand access to Mythos 5.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Chuck And Julie Show with Chuck Bonniwell and Julie Hayden Election Eve, Court Battles, and Colorado's One-Party Reckoning Election eve …. We break down the CO GOP gubernatorial race and also the divide within the Democrats. Grassroots Politics on Election Eve In this episode of The Chuck and Julie Show, hosts Julie Hayden and Chuck Bonniwell discuss Colorado politics on the eve of the primary election, beginning with the Republican gubernatorial race. Julie opens while Chuck is still arriving from a newspaper-related meeting, then reviews the Republican field and argues that the race has received little serious donor investment because many believe a Republican has only a slim chance of winning the governorship in Colorado. The hosts discuss Scott Bottoms, Barb Kirkmeyer, and Victor Marx, including questions about campaign fundraising, polling, mailers, establishment support, and whether the apparent momentum around Marx is real or overstated. The Democratic Races Draw More Attention Julie and Chuck then turn to the Democratic side, which they consider the more consequential and interesting contest. They discuss the possibility that Colorado Democrats could experience an insurgent progressive shift similar to what they describe in New York politics. The hosts focus on races involving Diana DeGette, Michael Bennet, Phil Weiser, and more progressive challengers, suggesting that the Democratic Party is being pushed farther left and that even candidates once considered more moderate may be unable or unwilling to resist the demands of the party's activist base. Denver, Crime, and the Progressive Policy Debate The discussion widens into Denver politics, especially crime, public safety, and progressive approaches to criminal justice. Julie criticizes efforts she says would effectively reduce consequences for municipal offenses, arguing that businesses are already leaving downtown Denver because people feel unsafe. Chuck and Julie frame these policies as part of a larger shift toward progressive governance in Colorado, which they believe will increase poverty, push away businesses, and make the state resemble other heavily progressive states and cities. Their commentary presents this as evidence of Colorado becoming an increasingly one-party Democratic state. ActBlue, Outside Money, and the Socialist Left The hosts also discuss national Democratic fundraising networks, especially ActBlue, along with claims involving Chinese-linked influence, NGOs, activist funding, climate journalism, and progressive protest networks. They connect these themes to broader concerns about the Democratic Party's leftward movement, the influence of billionaire funders, and the role of outside organizations in shaping activism and election outcomes. Chuck argues that if federal investigators pursue ActBlue-related money trails, Democratic politicians who used the platform could face serious legal and political consequences. Party Fractures and the Battle Inside the Left Julie and Chuck point to public backlash against figures such as Chuck Schumer and Joe Biden as signs of fracture within the Democratic coalition. They play or reference clips of Schumer being booed at a Pride parade and Biden being heckled, interpreting those moments as evidence that establishment Democrats are increasingly vulnerable to anger from the activist left. Chuck explains that once a state becomes a one-party state, the dominant party often begins to divide internally, with factions fighting each other for control after winning power. Court Decisions and Election Integrity The episode also covers several court decisions, including U.S. Supreme Court rulings and a Colorado Supreme Court ruling. Julie and Chuck strongly criticize the Supreme Court's decision allowing mail-in ballots to be counted after Election Day if postmarked by Election Day, arguing that this undermines trust and invites fraud. They also discuss a ruling allowing the president to remove certain agency heads, the Supreme Court declining to take up Donald Trump's appeal in the E. Jean Carroll defamation case, and a Colorado Supreme Court decision blocking ballot initiatives that attempted to combine too many issues into one measure related to redistricting and election rules. Colorado's Future and Republican Party Turmoil The closing portion returns to Colorado's political direction and the state Republican Party's internal problems. Chuck and Julie discuss Colorado's shift toward deeper Democratic control, the possibility of jungle primary reforms, redistricting fights, and the struggle between establishment Republicans and grassroots conservatives. They also mention ongoing Republican Party procedural disputes, a frozen party bank account, leadership concerns, and the lack of urgency they perceive from new party leadership. The episode ends with the hosts looking ahead to election results and promising to break down the outcomes on the next show.

Why did Democratic gubernatorial candidate Michael Bennet just lend his campaign nearly $1 million? And is “former barista” Melat Kiros's campaign surging enough to unseat Denver's longtime congresswoman Diana DeGette? With less than a week until the primary elections, The Lever editor-in-chief David Sirota joins host Bree Davies to talk through all the biggest headlines and insider gossip from the most important races on Denverites' ballots.  Sirota discussed Michael Bennet's campaign donation. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Who are you voting for and why? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 If you enjoyed this interview with Danny Feely, the Director of FP&A at TaskRabbit, learn more here. Learn more about the sponsors of this June 25th episode: Energy Outreach Colorado Vail Wine Classic Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

**Get Ready for a Wild Ride in Colorado Politics** This episode of the podcast is a must-listen for anyone interested in Colorado politics. Ross dives into the latest news and updates on the upcoming governor's election, including a discussion with Senator Michael Bennett, who's running for the Democratic nomination. But that's not all - the conversation also touches on the state's cost of living crisis, the impact of government programs, and the rise of socialism in the Democratic Party. The episode starts with a lively discussion about the upcoming Supreme Court opinions, including a case about birthright citizenship and a case about transgender sports. The speaker also shares some interesting stories, including one about a man who chopped down four power poles to get rescued after being stranded in the bush. But the conversation quickly turns to politics, with a discussion about the state of the Democratic Party and the rise of socialism. Ross also talks to Brad Meltzer, a thriller novelist who's written a series of books for kids about American heroes, including a new book about Teddy Roosevelt. But the main event of the episode is the conversation with Senator Michael Bennett, who shares his vision for the state and discusses his plans to address the cost of living crisis. He talks about the need to cut red tape, make housing more affordable, and make childcare more accessible. If you're interested in Colorado politics and want to stay up-to-date on the latest news and updates, this episode is a must-listen. Tune in to hear the full conversation with Senator Michael Bennett and get a deeper understanding of the issues that matter most to Coloradans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Colorado's gubernatorial election is heating up, and this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the future of the state. Senator Michael Bennett, a Democratic candidate for governor, joins the show to discuss his vision for Colorado's economy, education, and healthcare. With a unique blend of private and public sector experience, Senator Bennett shares his insights on how to tackle the state's pressing issues, from the cost of living crisis to the need for affordable housing.In this episode, Senator Bennett opens up about his background, from his time as superintendent of Denver Public Schools to his current role in the Senate. He discusses the importance of making government work for the people, rather than the other way around, and how he plans to address the state's challenges. He also shares his thoughts on the current governor's policies, including the public option, and how he would approach the issue of cost of living in Colorado.One of the most pressing issues facing Colorado is the cost of living, which is driving businesses out of the state and making it difficult for people to afford basic necessities like housing and healthcare. Senator Bennett proposes solutions such as cutting red tape, making it easier for businesses to operate, and addressing the high cost of housing. He also emphasizes the need for affordable housing, including starter homes and condominiums that are within reach for working-class families.If you're interested in learning more about Senator Bennett's vision for Colorado's future, tune in to this episode to hear his thoughts on the issues that matter most to the state's residents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We enter the 1970s: the era of Sondheim and Prince, of a modern Broadway for modern audiences, and of something new and vital that comes to take the place of a Broadway musical formula that had ceased to please. Everything kicks off with Sondheim's 1970 masterpiece Company: directed by Prince, with a book by George Furth and choreogeraphy by Michael Bennet, the show would usher in a new type of Broadway musical, whether audiences and critics were ready or not. Here, we talk about "Barcelona" as capturing much of what defines this new era on Broadway.  All clips are from the 1970 cast album of Company featuring Susan Browning and Dean Jones and are protected by the Fair Use guidelines of Section 107 of the Copyright Act for criticism and commentary. All rights reserved to the copyright owners. Listen to the SMSTS playlist on Spotify! Follow SMSTS on Instagram: @somuchstufftosing Email the show: somuchstufftosing@gmail.com Recommended Reading/Viewing: Ethan Mordden, Anything Goes: A History of American Musical Theater (Mordden's other volumes are also excellent resources for more in-depth discussion) Broadway: The American Musical

Michael Bennet has represented Colorado in congress since 2009. Now, the U.S. senator is running for governor – and is in the midst of a heated democratic primary against fellow candidate, Attorney General Phil Weiser. Last fall, Bennet sat down with host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about everything from housing affordability and rent algorithms to pushing back against Trump. Just a note: we reached out to Bennet's campaign, but were not able to get an interview ahead of this month's primaries. For more on Bennet, listen to our past episode with local historian Phil Goodstein, who shared more of the the senator's backstory. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What are you thinking about this year's governor's race? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Bike Fest Energy Outreach Colorado Vail Wine Classic Regional Air Quality Council Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Governor Jared Polis is serving his final term and the Democratic primary race to replace him is heated. Attorney General Phil Weiser joins host Bree Davies to discuss his run for the highest office in the state and dig into everything from his position on highway expansions and zoning reform to where he stands on felonies for drug possession and data center moratoriums. Plus, they talk about Weiser's opponent Senator Michael Bennet and his claims that the AG has accepted corporate money.  Be sure to tune in to the podcast tomorrow to hear our interview with Sen. Bennet. For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Ballots are in the mail! Which primary race are you watching? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Denver Bike Fest Energy Outreach Colorado Vail Wine Classic Regional Air Quality Council Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The Dan Caplis Show is back with a thought-provoking episode that tackles some of the most pressing issues of our time. From the recent debate between Michael Bennet and Phil Weiser to the controversy surrounding abortion and its disproportionate impact on the black community, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in staying informed about the latest developments in politics and social justice. In this episode, Dan dives into the details of the Bennet-Weiser debate, highlighting the glaring omissions in the questions asked by the moderators. The discussion also touches on the role of the Southern Poverty Law Center and its stance on abortion, which has been widely criticized for its racist undertones. Dan also shares a powerful testimony from a congressman who grilled the SPLC's representative on the organization's stance on abortion and its impact on the black community. The episode also explores the topic of Iran and the US response to the downing of an Apache helicopter. The speaker discusses the implications of this incident and the potential consequences for the region. Additionally, the conversation delves into the world of politics, discussing the upcoming primary elections and the chances of a particular candidate making a surprise run. If you're interested in staying up-to-date on the latest news and analysis, tune in to this episode of The Dan Caplis Show. With its thought-provoking discussions and insightful commentary, this episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to stay informed about the issues that matter most.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The debate that was supposed to be a chance for Colorado voters to get answers on the big issues has turned out to be a total sham. Dan is calling out the moderators for their lack of tough questions, which left the audience with more questions than answers. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who wants to understand what really went down in that debate and why it's a disservice to the people of Colorado. Dan is not mincing words, calling the debate "the single most rigged debate we've ever seen in Colorado." They're pointing out the obvious lack of questions on issues that Democrats are most vulnerable on, like boys playing girls' sports, crime, and late-term abortion. Meanwhile, the moderators had time to ask about obscure vetos from the governor, but not about the pressing concerns of the people. It's a clear case of protecting the candidates and the party at the expense of the truth. Dan is not just criticizing the moderators, but also the Democratic Party as a whole. They're pointing out the party's obsession with abortion and how it's a bad issue for them. They're also highlighting the lack of questions on issues like homelessness, healthcare for illegal immigrants, and the state of Colorado's roads. It's a scathing critique of the party's priorities and their approach to the debate. If you want to understand what really went down in that debate and why it's a disservice to the people of Colorado, you need to listen to this episode. The speaker is calling out the powers that be and holding them accountable for their actions. Don't miss this episode if you want to stay informed and engaged in the issues that matter.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode of The Dan Caplis Show is a must-listen for anyone interested in the latest on the Colorado Democratic debate, where Dan calls out the moderators for their biased questioning. The debate was widely criticized for its lack of tough questions on key issues, Dan arguing that the moderators were protecting the candidates from themselves. The episode delves into the details of the debate, where the speaker points out the glaring omissions of certain topics, such as abortion, homelessness, and healthcare for illegal immigrants. Dan also discusses the implications of the Democratic Party's stance on these issues and how it affects the state of Colorado. Additionally, the episode touches on the topic of the Republican Party's approach to debates, with Dan weighing in on the idea of refusing to participate in debates moderated by certain individuals. Dan also shares his thoughts on the upcoming anniversary of D-Day and how it relates to the current state of the world. They also discuss the importance of standing up for what's right, even if it's unpopular, and the need to have tough conversations about difficult topics. The episode also features a discussion on the topic of Israel and the Middle East, with Dan addressing some common misconceptions and myths. If you're interested in staying informed on the latest news and opinions from Colorado, this episode is a great place to start. Dan's unique perspective and insights make for a thought-provoking listen, and the episode is full of engaging discussions and debates. Tune in to hear more on the topics that matter most to Coloradans.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I WATCHED THE DEMOCRATIC GOVERNOR’S DEBATE So you didn’t have too. Oof. It was super boring. My claim that it would be a milquetoast bloodbath was spot on. Kyle and Marshall asked softball after softball, never asking about Phil Weiser being Attorney General while crime and drug overdoses skyrocketed while he sued Trump. Never asked Michael Bennet who voted for bloated budget after budget in DC what his budget would look like in Colorado. What a waste of time, but if you think Polis and the Democratic Legislature were bad, wait until one of these guys gets into office. Bennet said he wants a budget destroying public option. They both said they would sign the labor bills Polis vetoes. They kept talking about affordability and then talking about more regulation in the next breath as if they aren’t inextricably linked. We are so screwed. As much as I hate to do this, you need to watch this debate. If for no other reason than see how bad things are going to get. Longtime journalist Chris Rourke is joining me at 1 to talk about it.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Join Jim and Greg for an all-crazy Thursday 3 Martini Lunch as they discuss Paul Krugman's call for the de-MAGAification of America after President Trump leaves office, Democrats' refusal to condemn the growing scandals surrounding Graham Platner, California government unions fighting return-to-office orders, and Virginia Sen. Mark Warner's complaints about the Supreme Court.First, Jim and Greg blast far-left Nobel Prize-winning economist Paul Krugman's argument that the United States should undergo a "thorough purging" of the MAGA movement, comparing it to Germany's de-Nazification process after World War II. Next, they hammer Democrats such as Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet and Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer for continuing to dodge questions about Platner's mounting controversies. Jim asks whether Democrats are willing to enforce even the most basic standards of character and accountability for their own candidates.Then, Jim and Greg are baffled by California unions representing government employees continuing to push for delays in returning to in-person work. They also laugh at the arguments for them not coming back to work.Finally, they react to Sen. Mark Warner's accusation that the Supreme Court is showing partisan bias in its congressional redistricting rulings. Jim and Greg explain why the decisions are not a double standard and how the court is really approaching these issues.Please visit our great sponsors:QuoMoney is on the line. Always say hello with QUO. Try QUO for FREE PLUS get 20% off your first 6 months when you go to https://Quo.com/3ML ZocDocStop putting off those doctors' appointments and visit https://Zocdoc.com/3ML to find and instantly book a top rated doctor today.Pocket HoseFor a limited time, get two free gifts—a 360° rotating pocket pivot and a thumb drive nozzle—when you buy the Pocket Hose Ballistic; just text MARTINI to 64000, message and data rates may apply.New episodes every weekday. 

Every single Democrat asked about Graham Platner yesterday gave the exact same rehearsed dodge — "let the voters decide" — from Adam Schiff to Michael Bennet to Andy Kim, word for word. Then Alexander Vindman, a Jewish American who impeached Trump over "morals and values," got hostile with a reporter for daring to ask if a guy with a Nazi tattoo should drop out of the race. Meanwhile, Janet Mills just reactivated her campaign account, and the polls show Susan Collins has been down 12 points at this stage before — and won by ten. Pledge to protect Social Security at https://aarp.org/WeEarnedIt SHOP OUR MERCH: https://store.townhallmedia.com/ BUY A LARRY MUG: https://store.townhallmedia.com/products/larry-mug Watch LARRY with Larry O'Connor LIVE — Monday-Thursday at 12PM Eastern on YouTube, Facebook, & Rumble! Find LARRY with Larry O'Connor wherever you get your podcasts! SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7i8F7K4fqIDmqZSIHJNhMh?si=814ce2f8478944c0&nd=1&dlsi=e799ca22e81b456f APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/larry/id1730596733 Become a Townhall VIP Member today and use promo code LARRY for 50% off: https://townhall.com/subscribe?tpcc=poddescription https://townhall.com/ https://rumble.com/c/c-5769468 https://www.facebook.com/townhallcom/ https://www.instagram.com/townhallmedia/ https://twitter.com/townhallcomBecome a Townhall VIP member with promo code "LARRY": https://townhall.com/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mancos Board of Trustees approved a letter supporting Senator Michael Bennet's immigration enforcement bills after a divided discussion over the town's role in federal policy debates.

People are losing faith in government, and there's anxiety everywhere about the state of society. How can we govern well in an era of institutional collapse? Michael Bennet joins the podcast to talk about polarization, the state of the economy, the cost of living crisis, what voters really care about beyond partisan bickering, and how state-level governance can be the first step towards finding our way back from the brink. Support the podcast and get involved with your local chapter by becoming a member of the Center for New Liberalism. Join at https://cnliberalism.org/become-a-member Got questions? Send us a note at mailbag@cnliberalism.org. Follow us at: https://twitter.com/CNLiberalism https://cnliberalism.org/ https://www.instagram.com/cnliberalism/

The Peter Boyles Show May 16, 2026 HOUR 4: Colorado politics just took another dramatic turn. Peter Boyles opens the phones and dives deep into the fallout after Governor Jared Polis commuted the sentence of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters. What happens next? Who benefits politically? And perhaps the biggest question of all — who will Tina Peters endorse in Colorado’s already chaotic governor’s race? Peter is joined by Matt Crane, Executive Director of the Colorado County Clerks Association, for a heated conversation surrounding election integrity, the Tina Peters controversy, Mike Lindell connections, political pressure from President Trump, and the growing divide inside the Republican Party. Callers weigh in with theories, frustrations, and predictions as the discussion turns toward Victor Marx, Scott Bottoms, Michael Bennet, Phil Weiser, and the future of Colorado politics. From election denial debates to gubernatorial maneuvering, this episode captures the unpredictable energy shaping Colorado in 2026. --- The opinions expressed by the hosts and guests on this program are their own and do not necessarily reflect the views of Salem Media Group, its management, employees, affiliates, or advertisers. This content is intended for commentary and discussion purposes only, and the perspectives shared during the broadcast belong solely to the individuals expressing them. ©Salem Media Group. All rights reserved. This program and its audio content may not be reproduced, redistributed, or re-uploaded in any form without express written consent from Salem Media Group.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democrat Michael Bennet hopes to leave the US Senate and become Colorado's next governor. Ahead of the June 30th primary, Bennet is our guest today. Yesterday, we heard from his opponent in the Democratic race, Attorney General Phil Weiser. We asked both what their boldest idea is for Colorado, how they'll achieve it, plus healthcare, water, AI regulation, and the state's now perennial budget gaps. 

The state's top attorney wants to be its next chief executive. Democrat Phil Weiser is running for governor. Ahead of the June 30th primary, Weiser is our guest today. Tomorrow: his opponent in the Democratic race, Senator Michael Bennet. We'll ask both what their boldest idea is for Colorado, how they'll achieve it, plus healthcare, water, AI regulation, and the state's now perennial budget gaps. 

In this episode, Michael shares his thoughts on a recent news story about a Frontier Airlines incident, where passengers were advised to leave their personal belongings behind during an emergency evacuation. Michael wonders if he'd take his backpack with him, sparking a discussion about human nature and safety protocols. He also critiques a potential gubernatorial candidate's stance on taxation and the state's budgetary constraints, specifically the TABOR amendment. Michael shares his frustration with the candidate's lack of understanding of the issue and the real-world consequences of the amendment.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a message! Really!This week on the Get More Smarter Podcast, by the time you hear this the state legislature will be just hours away from adjourning sine die. But because we record on Fridays, you're going to have to wait a week to get the download of what passed, what failed, and what might get vetoed. Then, we dig into some 2026 updates as candidates for state level office report what they raised and spent in the last critical quarter before the primary election on June 30th. Next, even though Republicans have a snowball's chance in hell of winning the governor's race, that doesn't mean their primary is any less entertaining. We report from the cheap seats as the gloves come off for who has the privilege of losing to Phil Weiser or Michael Bennet this November, and we've got a few other down ballot updates for you as well.But first, she made the topline on the ballot through the Democratic caucus and assembly process and wants to be the one to run Colorado's gold-standard elections for the next four years after spending the last four years making Jeffco, home of the podcast, the best place to cast a ballot. Jefferson County Clerk and Recorder Amanda Gonzalez joins the pod to tell us why she wants to be promoted to the state's chief elections officer.That's it for this episode! If you loved watching and/or listening to it as much as we loved recording it, you can thank us by subscribing to the pod wherever you listen, following us over on New Old Twitter AKA Bluesky, subscribing to our shiny new channel on YouTube, smashing that subscribe button on our Substack, and sharing this episode with your friends, your enemies, and your 8th favorite Member of Congress from Colorado! THANK YOU so much for listening, and we'll see you next time!

New fundraising totals for the governor's race show Attorney General Phil Weiser's campaign in the lead over Senator Michael Bennet's, but Bennet's got more money behind him overall, thanks to a big billionaire boost.. Meanwhile, Victor Marx is pulling in considerable money in the GOP primary – but how much does it matter when Colorado's highest offices have been dominated by Dems? Veteran podcaster Michelle Jackson joins producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies to follow the gubernatorial primary money, discuss the new ride-hailing sexual assault bill, and share their wins and fails of the week. Plus, in a special Neighbors-only bonus segment, Bree offers some wild Mother's Day alternatives to the usual brunch and bouquets. If you want to hear her recs, join our membership program today at membership.citycast.fm Paul discussed residents suing a gym in their building over loud grunting and the new law making it illegal to block bike lanes. Bree talked about her brother-in-law Erik Ziemba's styling for LA Times and Jessi Whitten returning to Indie 102.3 as program director. Michelle mentioned the Avs' win and her love for Mo' Betta Green MarketPlace and the Harvey Park Farmers Market.  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about all the money in the governor's race? Are you seeing more ads for Bennet or Weiser? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this May 8th episode: Denver Art Museum TaskRabbit Multipass Choir league Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Primary elections are coming up for the federal, state, and local level. This week on "Off the Record" we're broadcasting an election special to hear from Democratic candidates running for Colorado Governor and Senate. We hear from gubernatorial candidates: Phil Weiser, Michael Bennet, and Erik Underwood, as well as candidates for Senate: John Hickenlooper, Karen Breslin, and Julie Gonzales. The candidate forum was hosted Colorado Democratic Party in March 2026.

Earlier this week, Governor Jared Polis made a post on X comparing the sentences of former Senator Sonya Jaquez Lewis and former county clerk Tina Peters, both of whom have been convicted of attempting to influence a public official, among other charges. Host Bree Davies and producer Olivia Jewell Love are joined by comedian Kate McLachlan to dig into what Polis is – or isn't saying – about President Trump's calls to pardon Peters. Plus, they discuss the city's plans to host a restaurant inside the McNichols Civic Center Building and pitch their dream eateries for this parkside spot.  After our recording, Sen. Michael Bennet made a post on X about his position on clemency for Tina Peters.  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think Gov. Polis is saying with his X post? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 If you enjoyed today's sponsored interview with Andy Cambron, the CEO of Multipass, learn more here. Check out upcoming Multipass events below: Debbie Check Max Davidson Presents: Strangers and Friends The Afterlove Tour Learn more about the sponsors of this March 5th episode: Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

With the primaries just around the corner in June, Senator Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser are hitting the gubernatorial campaign trail hard. This past weekend, the two leading Democratic candidates joined a forum — put on by Greater Denver Transit, the Denver Bicycle Lobby, and YIMBY Denver — to spar over their positions on everything from Peña Boulevard and rental assistance to allowing apartment buildings to ban dogs. Producer Paul Karolyi was there, and he sits down with host Bree Davies to discuss what he observed from Weiser and Bennet and how the housing and transit crowd reacted.  Paul mentioned this new Denver Post report that DIA officials have “broadened their approach” to their work addressing traffic congestion on Peña Boulevard and will now consider increasing public transit service. Check out our past interviews with AG Weiser and Senator Bennet.  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about Weiser and Bennet? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this February 24th episode: Cozy Earth - Use code COZYDENVER for up to 20% off Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

The VA is proposing a massive rules change for disabled veterans, banning child marriages, and Michael Bennet hates wolves and wants them dead*

 Colorado U.S. Sen. Michael Bennet made a stop in Durango this week to discuss his campaign for governor, touching on some of the most pressing issues facing the state. Bennet, who has represented Colorado in the U.S. Senate since 2009, shared his vision for Colorado's future and what he says sets him apart as a candidate. Watch the full interview to hear where he stands.By Paige Sparks.Watch this story at durangolocal.newsThis story is sponsored by Sky Ute Casino and Hospice of Montezuma.Support the show

Join the Conversation at 303-477-5600 or text to 307-200-8222 Monday - Friday from 3 pm - 6 pm MT. HOUR 1 Hour 1 of Rush To Reason pulls back the curtain on the economic forces quietly reshaping everyday life—from interest rates and housing to global power and artificial intelligence. John Rush and Andy Peth are joined by Jordan Goodman, America's Money Answer Man, for a fast-moving conversation that connects the dots between the Federal Reserve, national debt, and political pressure. What happens when foreign nations lose confidence in U.S. Treasuries—and what does that mean for interest rates, inflation, and housing affordability? The discussion expands into global strategy, examining China's grip on gold, silver, and rare-earth minerals, and whether the U.S. can realistically regain control through projects such as domestic mining and refining. Then the lens shifts to the future: prediction markets outperforming polls, crypto's brutal volatility, and AI's rapid takeover of entire industries. From journalism layoffs to software companies losing relevance, the hour raises an uncomfortable question: Are jobs, institutions, and even governments adapting fast enough? This is a wide-angle look at power, money, and technology colliding… and the consequences most people aren't ready for. HOUR 2 Hour 2 of Rush To Reason dives headfirst into one of the most explosive questions in American politics: is the two-party system broken—or is breaking it exactly what empowers the wrong people? John Rush and Andy Pate are joined by Tom Joseph, founder of America's Main Street Party (https://www.mainstreetparty.org/), who lays out a bold plan to overhaul how candidates are nominated using technology, voter engagement, and a money-free process. Could an “Olympic-style” system finally break the grip of incumbents and party insiders? After Joseph exits, the gloves come off. John and Andy examine why third-party movements may weaken individual liberty by splintering conservatives while collectivists stay unified. From voter psychology to consumer power, free will, faith, and political realism, the conversation challenges assumptions many voters take for granted. The hour closes with a blunt assessment of Colorado politics, the Victor Marks debate, and the uncomfortable truth that few people are actually deciding elections right now. Is principle enough to win—or does strategy decide the future? If you think you understand how power really works, this hour will force you to rethink it. ⏱️ Guest Timestamps * Tom Joseph – America's Main Street Party - 1:10 HOUR 3 Hour 3 of Rush To Reason pulls no punches as John and Andy confront the brutal realities of winning statewide in Colorado. With the gubernatorial field crowded and fractured, they argue that electability—not ideology—will determine the outcome, and they openly assess which Republican candidates have a path forward and which ones quietly help Democrats by splitting the vote. The conversation widens into a blistering critique of Colorado's political landscape, from activist statewide officials to a base that rewards passion over strategy. John and Andy press listeners with a simple but uncomfortable question: how does your candidate actually beat Michael Bennet in the general election? Then the hour takes a sharp turn into healthcare, as they react to calls from National Nurses United to abolish ICE and revisit COVID-era treatment of patients. Can medical professionals remain trusted when activism enters the exam room? A caller underscores the concern, recalling pharmacies that refused to fill doctor-prescribed medications—and the lack of accountability that followed. The hour closes with a hard reset on messaging about property taxes, crime, roads, and homelessness. If candidates can't focus on what hurts voters right now, does anything else matter?

Join the Conversation at 303-477-5600 or text to 307-200-8222 Monday - Friday from 3 pm - 6 pm MT. HOUR 1 Hour 1 of Rush To Reason pulls back the curtain on the economic forces quietly reshaping everyday life—from interest rates and housing to global power and artificial intelligence. John Rush and Andy Peth are joined by Jordan Goodman, America's Money Answer Man, for a fast-moving conversation that connects the dots between the Federal Reserve, national debt, and political pressure. What happens when foreign nations lose confidence in U.S. Treasuries—and what does that mean for interest rates, inflation, and housing affordability? The discussion expands into global strategy, examining China's grip on gold, silver, and rare-earth minerals, and whether the U.S. can realistically regain control through projects such as domestic mining and refining. Then the lens shifts to the future: prediction markets outperforming polls, crypto's brutal volatility, and AI's rapid takeover of entire industries. From journalism layoffs to software companies losing relevance, the hour raises an uncomfortable question: Are jobs, institutions, and even governments adapting fast enough? This is a wide-angle look at power, money, and technology colliding… and the consequences most people aren't ready for. HOUR 2 Hour 2 of Rush To Reason dives headfirst into one of the most explosive questions in American politics: is the two-party system broken—or is breaking it exactly what empowers the wrong people? John Rush and Andy Pate are joined by Tom Joseph, founder of America's Main Street Party (https://www.mainstreetparty.org/), who lays out a bold plan to overhaul how candidates are nominated using technology, voter engagement, and a money-free process. Could an “Olympic-style” system finally break the grip of incumbents and party insiders? After Joseph exits, the gloves come off. John and Andy examine why third-party movements may weaken individual liberty by splintering conservatives while collectivists stay unified. From voter psychology to consumer power, free will, faith, and political realism, the conversation challenges assumptions many voters take for granted. The hour closes with a blunt assessment of Colorado politics, the Victor Marks debate, and the uncomfortable truth that few people are actually deciding elections right now. Is principle enough to win—or does strategy decide the future? If you think you understand how power really works, this hour will force you to rethink it. ⏱️ Guest Timestamps * Tom Joseph – America's Main Street Party - 1:10 HOUR 3 Hour 3 of Rush To Reason pulls no punches as John and Andy confront the brutal realities of winning statewide in Colorado. With the gubernatorial field crowded and fractured, they argue that electability—not ideology—will determine the outcome, and they openly assess which Republican candidates have a path forward and which ones quietly help Democrats by splitting the vote. The conversation widens into a blistering critique of Colorado's political landscape, from activist statewide officials to a base that rewards passion over strategy. John and Andy press listeners with a simple but uncomfortable question: how does your candidate actually beat Michael Bennet in the general election? Then the hour takes a sharp turn into healthcare, as they react to calls from National Nurses United to abolish ICE and revisit COVID-era treatment of patients. Can medical professionals remain trusted when activism enters the exam room? A caller underscores the concern, recalling pharmacies that refused to fill doctor-prescribed medications—and the lack of accountability that followed. The hour closes with a hard reset on messaging about property taxes, crime, roads, and homelessness. If candidates can't focus on what hurts voters right now, does anything else matter?

Join the Conversation at 303-477-5600 or text to 307-200-8222 Monday - Friday from 3 pm - 6 pm MT. HOUR 1 Hour 1 of Rush To Reason pulls back the curtain on the economic forces quietly reshaping everyday life—from interest rates and housing to global power and artificial intelligence. John Rush and Andy Peth are joined by Jordan Goodman, America's Money Answer Man, for a fast-moving conversation that connects the dots between the Federal Reserve, national debt, and political pressure. What happens when foreign nations lose confidence in U.S. Treasuries—and what does that mean for interest rates, inflation, and housing affordability? The discussion expands into global strategy, examining China's grip on gold, silver, and rare-earth minerals, and whether the U.S. can realistically regain control through projects such as domestic mining and refining. Then the lens shifts to the future: prediction markets outperforming polls, crypto's brutal volatility, and AI's rapid takeover of entire industries. From journalism layoffs to software companies losing relevance, the hour raises an uncomfortable question: Are jobs, institutions, and even governments adapting fast enough? This is a wide-angle look at power, money, and technology colliding… and the consequences most people aren't ready for. HOUR 2 Hour 2 of Rush To Reason dives headfirst into one of the most explosive questions in American politics: is the two-party system broken—or is breaking it exactly what empowers the wrong people? John Rush and Andy Pate are joined by Tom Joseph, founder of America's Main Street Party (https://www.mainstreetparty.org/), who lays out a bold plan to overhaul how candidates are nominated using technology, voter engagement, and a money-free process. Could an “Olympic-style” system finally break the grip of incumbents and party insiders? After Joseph exits, the gloves come off. John and Andy examine why third-party movements may weaken individual liberty by splintering conservatives while collectivists stay unified. From voter psychology to consumer power, free will, faith, and political realism, the conversation challenges assumptions many voters take for granted. The hour closes with a blunt assessment of Colorado politics, the Victor Marks debate, and the uncomfortable truth that few people are actually deciding elections right now. Is principle enough to win—or does strategy decide the future? If you think you understand how power really works, this hour will force you to rethink it. ⏱️ Guest Timestamps * Tom Joseph – America's Main Street Party - 1:10 HOUR 3 Hour 3 of Rush To Reason pulls no punches as John and Andy confront the brutal realities of winning statewide in Colorado. With the gubernatorial field crowded and fractured, they argue that electability—not ideology—will determine the outcome, and they openly assess which Republican candidates have a path forward and which ones quietly help Democrats by splitting the vote. The conversation widens into a blistering critique of Colorado's political landscape, from activist statewide officials to a base that rewards passion over strategy. John and Andy press listeners with a simple but uncomfortable question: how does your candidate actually beat Michael Bennet in the general election? Then the hour takes a sharp turn into healthcare, as they react to calls from National Nurses United to abolish ICE and revisit COVID-era treatment of patients. Can medical professionals remain trusted when activism enters the exam room? A caller underscores the concern, recalling pharmacies that refused to fill doctor-prescribed medications—and the lack of accountability that followed. The hour closes with a hard reset on messaging about property taxes, crime, roads, and homelessness. If candidates can't focus on what hurts voters right now, does anything else matter?

Denverites want more affordable housing, but can they agree on how to make it happen? A couple members of YIMBY Denver have a proposal to “upzone” broad swaths of the city to allow more duplexes and triplexes, and their proposal could hit our ballots in November. So, what will Denver decide? RTD Board Director Chris Nicholson joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about the future of housing density, the big fight over possible RTD reform at the state legislature (Chris already picked his side), and all our wins and fails of the week. Paul talked about new signage at Rocky Flats, Davon Williams, and Denver Community Planning and Development's “Unlocking Housing Choices” project. Bree discussed the transportation policies of gubernatorial candidates Phil Weiser and Michael Bennet, as well as Leo Tanguma's new exhibit, the latest twist with Your Mom's House, and our episode earlier this week with two of the people proposing a radical RTD reform. If you're as curious as we are to hear more from Bennet and Weiser on transportation, YIMBY Denver is hosting a forum with both candidates on Feb. 21.   What do you think about housing density? Should Denver upzone single-family home lots? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Watch clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or Instagram @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Learn more about the sponsors of this February 6th episode: Arvada Center South by Southwest - use code "citycast10" for a 10% discount on your Innovation Badge Multipass Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

New campaign finance reports just released show a combined $9 million coming in for both Senator Michael Bennet and Attorney General Phil Weiser's gubernatorial campaigns. But where all that money is flowing from is a little murky. David Sirota, editor in chief of The Lever, joins host Bree Davies to dig into the dark money dirt, as well as President Trump's recent meddling in Colorado's attempt to cap credit card interest rates and the financial fallout from the recent Telluride ski patrol strike.  Bree mentioned a post from the ski blog Peak Rankings and The Lever's excellent podcast and newly released book, Master Plan. Sirota talked about the Clean Campaign Act of 2019.  What do you think about Sirota's dark money loophole proposal? Should legislators close it? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser filed his 50th lawsuit against the President Trump last week, this time pushing back on the administration's freezing of millions in childcare funding and support for low-income families. It's just the latest in the AG's maneuvers to resist what he calls a “revenge campaign” by Trump against our Democrat-dominated state. Today we're revisiting a conversation host Bree Davies had nearly a year ago with Weiser after he announced his run for governor, discussing everything from rental market price fixing and deportation laws to cell phone bans and youth mental health issues. For more on the governor's race, we also recently spoke with Weiser's main opponent in the Democratic Party's primary, Michael Bennet. That primary election is coming up this June.  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about Phil Weiser's run for governor? Would you vote for him? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this January 12th episode: American Red Cross Denver Health Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Dive into the fire on this explosive episode of "Joe Oltmann Untamed," where we expose the rotting core of American justice and political hypocrisy. Joe rips into the FBI as a complete joke while shining a relentless spotlight on the heartbreaking persecution of Tina Peters—a 70-year-old Gold Star Mom and first-time non-violent offender locked in a harsh Level 3 Colorado prison for daring to defend election integrity. With the DOJ offering to transfer her to a low-security federal Level 1 facility only for Colorado to cruelly refuse, we ask: is this deliberate cruel and unusual punishment? Powerful clips from Rocky Mountain Voice and Kyle Clark lay bare the injustice, while Governor Polis gets called out for his role in this outrage. This isn't just Tina's fight—it's a gut-wrenching warning of what happens when whistleblowers are silenced.Shifting to hope and defiance, automotive genius and truth-teller Casey Putsch joins Joe live after announcing his bold run for Ohio Governor. From turbine Batmobiles to mentoring the next generation through Genius Garage, Casey brings his unfiltered “Casey the Car Guy” fury to politics—ready to take on Vivek Ramaswamy, restore manufacturing, end indoctrination in schools, and smash the corrupt establishment. This is the outsider Ohio needs: a wrench-wielding warrior who won't sell out. Joe delivers raw truth, righteous anger, and real solutions—tune in and join the fight before it's too late!The message rings louder than ever: America is at a crossroads where patriots like Tina Peters pay with their freedom for exposing corruption, while hypocrites like Michael Bennet lecture us on an economy their own party wrecked. But hope roars in from Ohio with Casey Putsch—a real builder, mentor, and fighter stepping up to reclaim his state from the elites. This isn't just another show; it's a battle cry. The injustice against Tina is our injustice, the fight for honest elections is our fight, and leaders like Casey prove we still have warriors ready to take the wheel. Tune in, wake up, share the truth, and refuse to stay silent—because if we don't stand now, the America we love will be gone forever. Stay Untamed!

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger Picture Trump is now helping the farmers out in California, he is now opening the waters in the north to help the farmers in the south. China is now purchasing soybeans from the US. The US is going to be a manufacturing powerhouse, the US is now building Tiny Cars. Trump is ready to release the liquid gold under our feet. Elon wants the EU abolished which will lead to the destruction of the ECB. The [DS] is trying to stop Trump from moving forward with his plan to take back the country and allow the people to control it. Trump and team released the NSS letting the old guard know that their days are numbered and put the countries on notice that the US is going down a different path and some of the allies we have now might not be our allies. Everything is about to change WW. Economy (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); Trump Administration to Direct More Water to California Farms  The Trump administration is making good on a promise to send more water to California farmers in the state’s crop-rich Central Valley. The U.S. Bureau of Reclamation on Thursday announced a new plan for operating the Central Valley Project, a vast system of pumps, dams, and canals that direct water southward from the state’s wetter north. It follows an executive order President Donald Trump signed in January calling for more water to flow to farmers, arguing the state was wasting the precious resource in the name of protecting endangered fish species. Secretary of the Interior Doug Burgum said the plan will help the federal government “strengthen California’s water resilience.” It takes effect Friday. But California officials and environmental groups blasted the move, saying sending significantly more water to farmlands could threaten water delivery to the rest of the state and would harm salmon and other fish. Most of the state’s water is in the north, but most of its people are in the south. Source: newsmax.com https://twitter.com/SecRollins/status/1997033961210433741?s=20  Trump Set to Sign Off on New Arctic Drilling Surge  Alaska’s Congressional delegation, along with the support of House and Senate Republicans, has scored a major win on the energy front. Representative Nick Begich (AK-At Large) introduced House Joint Resolution 131, stripping Biden-era restrictions on oil and gas exploration in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge (ANWR). Rep. Begich’s resolution has passed the House of Representatives and the Senate and is headed to President Trump’s desk for signature. Alaska's congressional delegation on Thursday succeeded in stripping Biden-era protections from the coastal plain of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, moving to expand opportunities for drilling there. The U.S. Senate voted to eliminate the 2024 leasing program for the refuge that put much of the refuge's 1.6-million-acre coastal plain off-limits to potential drilling.  The vote does a lot more than just open the door for potential oil and gas activity.  This is another step in unlocking America’s treasure chest. The areas in question in ANWR are estimated to hold 7.7 billion barrels of oil recoverable with current technology, and the U.S. Geological Survey has estimated that there may be hundreds of millions of barrels in other areas to the west of the ANWR sites. Source: redstate.com https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1997327003062538459?s=20 Political/Rights https://twitter.com/nicksortor/status/1997007545097961499?s=20 JUST IN: Trump-Appointed Judge Unseals Epstein Grand Jury Records in South Florida  US District Judge Rodney Smith, a Trump appointee, said the law passed by Congress and signed by President Trump overrides grand jury secrecy. The Act applies to unclassified records, documents, communications, and investigative materials that relate to Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Consequently, the later-enacted and specific language of the Act trumps Rule 6's prohibition on disclosure. Accordingly, it is ORDERED that United States' Expedited Motion to Unseal Grand Jury Transcripts and Modify Protective Order [DE 6] is GRANTED,” the judge wrote. Last month President Trump signed the Epstein Files Transparency act into law to release all files related to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Source: thegatewaypundit.com DOGE https://twitter.com/Patri0tContr0l/status/1997015233399795932?s=20 https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/1996997974455357552?s=20 European Union Fines X (Twitter) $140 Million for Violations of Europe's Digital Services Act  The European DSA is ultimately designed to control information, that reality should not be debated. All efforts to control traditional and social media are efforts to control information. The specifics of the reasoning for the fine are typically European.  (1) Twitter allows ordinary people to deliver information at the same level as people who should be defined as more important.  (2)  Advertisers of those who pay for promotion of information on X are not easily identifiable – people need to figure it out on their own.  (3)  It is too difficult to figure out who is providing the information. Basically, all of the EU concerns center around information control.  It's really an ideology issue.  In the outlook of the EU, bureaucrats and elites feel they are superior and must rule/protect the people under them.  Ordinary people having access to information that may or may not be approved by the EU is the underlying issue. Source: theconservativetreehouse.com [SOURCE] What Christopher Landau notes as the contrast and conflict in ideological priority from the EU can just as easily be applied to the USA dynamic with Canada.  As noted by Twitter user John Frank, “The same observations can easily apply to the relations with Canada, given the divergence between the US role in the military alliance with Canada, while Canada is involved in activities which work against US interests.” https://twitter.com/robbystarbuck/status/1996925010569511321?s=20 https://twitter.com/BrendanCarrFCC/status/1996945925822939407?s=20 https://twitter.com/kadmitriev/status/1997233337354895559?s=20 https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/1997358453698728063?s=20 Geopolitical War/Peace EU making unacceptable demands on Ukraine peace – Kremlin Western European leaders are constantly making proposals that are unacceptable for Russia, presidential aide Yury Ushakov has said EU leaders are complicating Russia-US efforts to reach a settlement on the Ukraine conflict by making unacceptable demands, Russian presidential aide Yury Ushakov has said. European states, however, have reportedly been urging Kiev to reject any deal with Moscow without receiving security guarantees from the US, according to the Wall Street Journal. The EU and UK have also insisted on playing a larger role in the peace process. Source: rt.com Ukraine State Structure in Crisis: Neo-Nazi Junta Starts Unraveling. Clash within its Military-Intelligence (SBU-GUR) Apparatus   Ukrainian state stopped existing in early 2014 at the latest, when it was replaced by a US/NATO-installed regime composed of Nazis, criminals, murderers and their enforcers (it could easily be argued that these are all synonyms and listing them separately might be redundant). This was unequivocally confirmed by the infamous Victoria Nuland, one of the architects of the NATO-orchestrated    Source: theglobalist.com Trump made it a point to when meeting with Zelensky that they don’t have elections in Ukraine because of the war.  How do you get Ukraine to accept a peace deal while the EU, NATO DS is putting on pressure on Zelensky to start WWIII 1. As more corruption is brought out into the open this will put pressure on Zelensky 2. Zelensky will either going along with Trump peace deal or be exposed 3. If Zelensky does not go along, most likely he will be removed because of the corruption 4. This will pave the way for a new candidate, someone who is not controlled by the EU,NATO DS.    NATO EU DS might push a false flag to push the war 5. Trump will be able to work with the president of Ukraine because Putin is ready to go Medical/False Flags https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/1997083856315224405?s=20 https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/1997073307397423152?s=20   efficacy of this “schedule,” as have I! That is why I have just signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the Department of Health and Human Services to “FAST TRACK” a comprehensive evaluation of Vaccine Schedules from other Countries around the World, and better align the U.S. Vaccine Schedule, so it is finally rooted in the Gold Standard of Science and COMMON SENSE! I am fully confident Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., and the CDC, will get this done, quickly and correctly, for our Nation's Children. Thank you for your attention to this matter. MAHA! https://twitter.com/profstonge/status/1996994177175855445?s=20 [DS] Agenda Grand Jury Says It Won't Indict Letitia James A federal grand jury refused Thursday to reindict New York Attorney General Letitia James. The grand jury rejected Department of Justice's (DOJ) second attempt to bring mortgage-fraud charges just 10 days after a federal judge tossed the original case, according to CNN. Another source told CNN that the decision should not be interpreted as a clean win for James, saying the department could ask a third grand jury to consider the allegations. Source: thegatewaypundit.com FBI Raids Home of High-Ranking DEA Official Under Obama, Charges Him For Conspiring to Launder Millions of Dollars For Mexican Drug Cartel  The FBI on Friday morning raided the home of a high-ranking DEA official under Barack Obama and charged him for conspiring to launder millions of dollars for a Mexican drug cartel. The Feds charged former DEA Deputy Chief of the Office of Financial Operations Paul Campo and friend Robert Sensi for conspiring to provide material support to a foreign terrorist organization. Paul Campo and Robert Sensi were charged with narcoterrorism, terrorism, narcotics distribution, and money laundering charges. Campo and Sensi were arrested on Thursday afternoon in New York, according to the DOJ. Campo and Sensi agreed to launder $12 million and participate in narcotics trafficking for the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, a/k/a Cartel de Jalisco Nueva Generacion or CJNG. Per the Department of Justice: As part of the scheme, CAMPO and SENSI agreed to launder approximately $12,000,000 of CJNG narcotics proceeds; laundered approximately $750,000 by converting cash into cryptocurrency; and provided a payment for approximately 220 kilograms of cocaine on the understanding that the payment would trigger the distribution and sale of the narcotics worth approximately $5,000,000, for which CAMPO and SENSI would (i) receive directly a portion of the narcotics proceeds as profit; and (ii) receive a further commission upon the laundering of the balance of the narcotics proceeds. Source: thegatewaypundit.com  President Trump's Plan Kash Patel Shuts Down Candace Owens’ Accusations About Charlie Kirk's Murder FBI Director Kash Patel shut down numerous accusations that have been made by podcast host Candace Owens involving the murder of the late co-founder of Turning Point USA, Charlie Kirk. During his appearance on Friday on the Sirius XM The Megyn Kelly Show podcast, Kelly started out by asking Patel if they believe they have the “proper suspect in custody” — if Tyler Robinson is “in fact, the man who killed Kirk.” Patel didn’t hesitate in the slightest and answered, “Yes.” The host then brought up one of the wild accusations that have been made by Owens, which includes claiming that Kirk’s own friends and his organization allegedly knew and approved of his murder. Insane. “Do you have any credible reason to believe that anyone connected with the Turning Point organization had anything to do with Charlie’s death?” Kelly asked. Patel’s response: “Zero.” He was then pressed about other claims that Owens has made about the alleged involvement of foreign governments in Kirk’s assassination, like French paratroopers, Egyptian Air Force planes flying out of Provo, Utah, and “potential underground assassins traveling through unseen tunnels,” as the producer of The Charlie Kirk Show, Blake Neff, previously explained. “At this time, the FBI doesn’t have credible information to connect any foreign governments to it,” Patel said. The FBI director made it clear that the investigation is continuing and they are looking into everything, no matter how small. “We are not done just because we arrest someone, just like in the pipe bomber case,” Patel said. “We don’t just say, Okay, we’re done, on to the next. The investigative team continues to work with the Utah authorities, and they’re deriving their own leads and coming back to us saying, ‘Hey, can you look at this piece of information? Can we get a search warrant on this account? What about this individual who is located in X, Y, or Z?'” Source: redstate.com https://twitter.com/amuse/status/1996873942406164855?s=20 https://twitter.com/JesseBWatters/status/1997120806212546797?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1997120806212546797%7Ctwgr%5Ed963eef05511b000b3f2631742a9c8e0f0d3c2a2%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fredstate.com%2Fbobhoge%2F2025%2F12%2F05%2Fdc-pipe-bomb-suspect-i-did-it-n2196869  AUTISTIC-LIKE”   SO Why didn't BIDEN'S FBI REALLY catch THIS GUY MS NOW reported that Brian Cole is a Trump supporter. https://twitter.com/DC_Draino/status/1996990984584933729?s=20 January 6 Pipe Bomb Suspect Brian Cole is NOT a Trump Supporter – Family Says He is an “Autistic Recluse” Who Lived in a Basement  January 6 pipe bomb suspect Brian Cole is not a Trump supporter like the legacy media has claimed. Brian Cole's grandmother told The Daily Mail that her grandson has no party affiliation and that he is not a Trump supporter. Cole's family said he is an “autistic recluse” and “computer nerd” who lived in the basement of his parents' Woodbridge, Virginia, home. Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/talk2trav/status/1996716378066505847?s=20   until proven guilt in a court of law THREAD https://twitter.com/amuse/status/1996984026129732020?s=20  written to pardon “all targeted” and “everyone involved in the events surrounding that day”, functions as a class based pardon broad enough to include DOJ linked pre riot conduct like the pipe bomb incident. Because federal authorities folded that episode into the J6 security narrative, the defense says it sits squarely within the pardon's scope. https://twitter.com/Patri0tContr0l/status/1996975974106144923?s=20 is made up. So Kash gets a big win and the NEXT DAY the Fake News comes out with a hit piece based on anonymous sources. I can't believe there are still people out there who can't see through this bullshit. https://twitter.com/TheStormRedux/status/1996722966806028760?s=20   about this FBI is that we are running investigations while providing what we can… This pipe bomb investigation should show the American public that we, while providing information on the pipe bomb over the last 8 months and protecting the integrity of our investigation, gets us to the end point we want. Accountability & transparency… This investigation should show the world how we are going to operate in every single investigation. Arctic Frost specifically, we have HUGE investigation going… and it's gonna take a little more time to peel it back. But no, I'm not gonna let people get off the hook or get a hall pass. I don't care what position you held in the FBI, you're gonna be held accountable. And this DOJ is assuredly backing us.” Love it. We keep getting bits & pieces of the grand conspiracy investigation before ultimately the hammer drops. I'm not sure why this is hard to understand for some… Pam Bondi Gives FBI Marching Orders For Tackling Antifa Terrorists Attorney General Pam Bondi instructed federal law enforcement agents on Thursday to form a list of Antifa groups for potential prosecution, according to multiple reports. Bondi's order is part of a broader counterterrorism plan after President Donald Trump's directives targeting the Antifa movement and organized political violence, Reuters and Bloomberg Law reported, citing a Thursday memo from Bondi. The FBI must provide within 30 days a list of groups “engaged in acts that may constitute domestic terrorism” along with strategies to disrupt them, with an emphasis on left-wing extremists, the memo reportedly says.  Bondi's memo directs law enforcement agencies to unearth whatever intelligence files they have on Antifa groups for investigators and to investigate unsolved domestic terrorism incidents over the past five years, Reuters and Bloomberg Law reported. The incidents may include the “doxxing” of law enforcement officers' personal information and threats against Supreme Court justices. The FBI must also streamline its tip line to allow members of the public to “send media” on suspected domestic terrorism, the memo says, according to Reuters. Source: dailycaller.com  https://twitter.com/Geiger_Capital/status/1996984378983915761?s=20 With the New U.S. National Security Strategy, Trump Revives Monroe Doctrine     Trump administration released the 2025 National Security Strategy (NSS). The intent seems to be a return to the Monroe Doctrine by increasing the United States military presence in the Western Hemisphere, taking on the drug cartels, enhancing border security, making trade deals that are better for the United States, and enhancing American energy production. That’s not the worst high-level take on the NSS, but a look at the actual document is illustrative. The NSS states as its purpose: To ensure that America remains the world's strongest, richest, most powerful, and most successful country for decades to come, our country needs a coherent, focused strategy for how we interact with the world. And to get that right, all Americans need to know what, exactly, it is we are trying to do and why. A “strategy” is a concrete, realistic plan that explains the essential connection between ends and means: it begins from an accurate assessment of what is desired and what tools are available, or can realistically be created, to achieve the desired outcomes. A strategy must evaluate, sort, and prioritize. Not every country, region, issue, or cause—however worthy—can be the focus of American strategy. The purpose of  foreign policy is the protection of core national interests; that is the sole focus of this strategy. One of the more interesting (but not surprising) pieces of this NSS is the overt and robust return to the Monroe Doctrine, an early 19th-century policy intended to restrict further European colonization of the Western Hemisphere and to ensure American dominance in that region. The modern take on this doctrine by the Trump administration uses American power by employing both internal and external security measures. The NSS states: American policy should focus on enlisting regional champions that can help create tolerable stability in the region, even beyond those partners' borders. These nations would help us stop illegal and destabilizing migration, neutralize cartels, nearshore manufacturing, and develop local private economies, among other things. We will reward and encourage the region's governments, political parties, and movements broadly aligned with our principles and strategy. But we must not overlook governments with different outlooks with whom we nonetheless share interests and who want to work with us. Source: redstate.com The Monroe Doctrine is a foundational principle of United States foreign policy, first articulated by President James Monroe in his annual message to Congress on December 2, 1823.   It declared that the Western Hemisphere was no longer open to European colonization or interference, while affirming that the U.S. would not meddle in existing European colonies or internal affairs.   Essentially, it warned European powers—particularly those in the Holy Alliance (Russia, Austria, and Prussia)—against attempting to extend their influence or establish new colonies in the Americas, positioning the U.S. as a protector of independent nations in the region The doctrine emerged amid concerns over European monarchies potentially aiding Spain in reconquering its former Latin American colonies, which had recently gained independence. It was largely drafted by Secretary of State John Quincy Adams and reflected growing American confidence following the War of 1812.  At the time, the U.S. lacked the military power to enforce it fully, so it relied on British naval support, as Britain also opposed European rivals in the Americas for trade reasons.Key excerpts from Monroe’s address include: The American continents “are henceforth not to be considered as subjects for future colonization by any European powers.” Any attempt by Europe to extend its political system to the Western Hemisphere would be viewed as “dangerous to our peace and safety.”   Significance and EvolutionInitially more symbolic than enforceable, the Monroe Doctrine evolved into a justification for U.S. intervention in Latin America during the 19th and 20th centuries. For instance: In the mid-1800s, it intertwined with Manifest Destiny to support U.S. territorial expansion, such as during the Mexican-American War.  President Theodore Roosevelt’s 1904 “Corollary” expanded it to allow U.S. intervention in Latin American countries to prevent European involvement, leading to actions like the occupation of Cuba and the Dominican Republic. It influenced Cold War policies, framing U.S. opposition to communism in the hemisphere as a defense against external threats. Critics, especially in Latin America, have viewed it as a tool for U.S. imperialism, enabling dominance over sovereign nations. Though less invoked today, it remains a symbol of U.S. hemispheric influence and anti-colonial rhetoric. facebook.com https://twitter.com/onechancefreedm/status/1996970776373735933?s=20 https://twitter.com/JoeLang51440671/status/1996992569746567173?s=20   other hand, I can see how we help real allies with aid when needed, as long as we get something of economic value in return. Regardless, NGO's are the root of a lot of EVIL and this will DESTROY a lot them. This is a good thing. https://twitter.com/PM_ViktorOrban/status/1996951610769961070?s=20 Senate To Confirm 97 More Trump Nominees After Democrat Blockade Fails Republicans will confirm a bloc of eight dozen Trump nominees as soon as next week following an attempted blockade by Senate Democrats. Republican leadership planned Thursday to kick-off the procedural process to confirm 88 of President Donald Trump's nominees in a bloc vote, but were initially thwarted by Democratic Colorado Sen. Michael Bennet, who challenged the package for violating Senate rules. When Republicans refiled the package later on Thursday, the conference included an additional nine nominees, bringing the total to nearly 100.  The Senate has confirmed 314 civilian nominees as of Thursday evening, according to a tally by the Senate Republican Communications Center. The 97-member bloc would bring the Senate to more than 410 civilian confirmations in the first year of Trump's second term. “That far outstrips total confirmations by this point in President Biden's term, and in President Trump's first term as well,” Thune said Thursday. Thune also said that Senate Republicans have virtually cleared the nominations backlog. Before Republicans changed Senate precedent to allow for certain nominees to be confirmed in groups, more than 150 of the president's picks were awaiting floor consideration. The Senate approved a 48-member nominations package in September and an additional 108 of the president's picks in a single group vote in October. Source: dailycaller.com  (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");

Are Denverites going to be talking politics at their Thanksgiving tables or chatting about more palatable topics like the gritty details of Blucifer's backside? Host Bree Davies is joined by producer Paul Karolyi and green chile correspondent Justine Sandoval to talk about Colorado Polling Institute's new poll on Coloradans' outlook on the economy, elected officials, and rise in political violence. Plus, we hear from listeners about the Winchell's Donuts in Longmont and wack people at the airport.  Paul mentioned our interview with senator and gubernatorial candidate Michael Bennet and Bennet's housing platform. Bree mentioned our new video out with Dave Chung in the tunnels at DIA.  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think about the direction Colorado is going? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this November 25th episode: Blue Sky CBD - Use promo code CITY CAST DENVER to receive 30% off.. AEG Presents Ballpark Denver Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

It's election day! Last-minute voters are mulling over the mayor's Vibrant Denver bond proposal, the flavored tobacco ban, and more — but where are they getting their information on these important issues? Westword editor Patty Calhoun joins host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi to talk about politics influencers and the changing norms on social media, including an interesting post about our interview with gubernatorial hopeful Senator Michael Bennet. Plus, we discuss the potential $50 million remodel of Civic Center Park and Patty answers our new favorite question: If Denver was a house…  We talked about this post from Sen. Michael Bennet on X.com featuring a clip from our interview with him last week, and Bennet's recently announced opposition to the Nexstar/TEGNA merger. We also discussed Denverite's coverage of the influencers being paid to promote the Vibrant Denver bond. Patty plugged her event at the Denver Press Club this Thursday: “Consider the Alternative: Open Mic. What do you think about construction? Is it a sign of progress or a nuisance we should postpone? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm Learn more about the sponsors of this November 4th episode: Blue Sky CBD - Use promo code CITY CAST DENVER to receive 30% off. Denver Film Multipass Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

News broke last week that NBA Hall of Famer and “King of Park Hill” Chauncey Billups was allegedly involved in a multi-million dollar mafia-run poker scheme and potentially sharing insider information on NBA games that he was coaching.  Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi dig into the downfall of this hometown hero and if it could change the way Denverites feel about sports betting. Then, they discuss Wynkoop's car-free trial period and hear from listeners about the STAR program, gubernatorial frontrunner and Senator Michael Bennet, and shooting police drones out of the sky.  Bree mentioned a piece from The Athletic about Chauncey Billups and our past interview with Carleigh Sailon, a clinician who helped launch Denver's STAR Program. We also talked about our Monday interview with Senator Michael Bennet. If Denver was a house, Union Station would be the living room. But what would be the mudroom? Or the bathroom? Or the backyard? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm If you enjoyed the interview with Dr. Eric Dorninger from Blue Sky CBD, learn more here. Use promo code CITY CAST DENVER to receive 30% off. Learn more about the sponsors of this October 28th episode: Arvada Center Denver Art Museum Denver Film Cozy Earth - use code COZYDENVER for 40% off best-selling temperature-regulating sheets, apparel, and more Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

Sen. Michael Bennet got fired up when he questioned HHS Secretary Robert F. Kennedy about vaccines recently. Turns out, he also gets fired up talking about the cost of living with us. Colorado's senior senator returns to the podcast today as the leading candidate to replace Jared Polis as governor. Host Bree Davies and producer Paul Karolyi talk to Bennet about how his approach to housing density would differ from Polis', whether or not he supports retaliatory congressional redistricting to send more Democrats to DC, and if he would have signed three big bills Polis vetoed — rideshare sexual assault, the Workers Protection Act, and banning rent algorithms.  Paul recently spoke with Governor Jared Polis about housing affordability. We also referenced attorney general and gubernatorial candidate Phil Weiser's latest interview with Kyle Clark on 9News, in which he discussed retaliatory redistricting.  For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter Hey Denver at denver.citycast.fm. Follow us on Instagram: @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm What do you think? Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Learn more about the sponsors of this October 27th episode: Arvada Center Denver Art Museum Denver Film Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise