Podcasts about Polk County

Polk County's only Live, Local, Call-In Marketplace, it's the WBF Shopper. A whole lot of fun, plus its free and it gets results, give us a try. Jeff takes your phone calls on a busy beautiful Saturday Shopper, as we celebrate National Fruitcake Day.

0000019b-36fc-d171-a1df-7ffc72510000https://www.wvik.org/podcast/good-morning-from-wvik-news/2025-12-19/polk-county-health-officials-confirm-iowas-9th-measles-case-this-yearJoseph LeahyPolk County health officials confirm Iowa's 9th measles case this year

Did you know writer and anthropologist Zora Neale Hurston wrote a musical? Now you do! Multidisciplinary Black feminist scholar-artist Jordan Ealey discusses Hurston's 1944 musical Polk County and what this anthropological musical was like, as well as its past and future in the musical theater canon. We also discuss “Sweet Chitty Chatty” from Kirsten Childs's 2000 musical The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin. Join us for the annual Scene to Song Live Show on December 22nd at 8PM EST- streaming on Scene to Song's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@SceneToSong  Music played in this episode: "Halihmuhfack" “Wake Up, Jacob” “Sweet Chitty Chatty” from The Bubbly Black Girl Sheds Her Chameleon Skin

Polk County's only Live, Local, Call-In Marketplace, it's the WBF Shopper. A whole lot of fun, plus its free and it gets results, give us a try. Tom takes your phone calls on a busy beautiful Saturday Shopper, we also highlight community events and check local sports.

You're listening to American Ground Radio with Stephen Parr and Louis R. Avallone. This is the full show for December 10, 2025. 0:30 We break down a constitutional clash unfolding in California that’s turning into a full-on spectacle. After a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to stop deploying the National Guard in Los Angeles — effectively handing control back to Governor Gavin Newsom —we dig into why something that should be straightforward has spiraled into a legal and political firestorm. From the judge positioning himself as the ultimate authority, to the governor sidestepping federal power, to the administration pointing directly to the Constitution’s text, it’s clear no one agrees on who’s actually in charge. The Constitution says the president commands the Guard when it’s federalized, states insist on their autonomy, and now the judiciary is trying to referee a fight it was never meant to enter. 9:30 Plus, we cover the Top 3 Things You Need to Know. Voters in Miami elected Democrat Eileen Higgins to be the next mayor of that city. Democrats in the House of Representatives have filed articles of impeachment against HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. and Sec. of War Pete Hegseth. The Federal Reserve voted to lower interest rates again today. 12:30 Get Performlyte from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20. 13:00 We dig into a revealing moment in Texas politics — Democrat Rep. Jasmine Crockett launching a Senate run while dramatically misreading the state she wants to win. After citing questionable demographic statistics and insisting Texas is “61% people of color,” the conversation unpacks how the left selectively redefines racial categories to fit political narratives, and why the entire “person of color” framing has become more performative than meaningful. 16:00 American Mamas Teri Netterville and Kimberly Burleson tackle a deceptively simple listener question with surprisingly deep cultural roots: what’s your opinion on stay-at-home dads? What starts as a lighthearted conversation quickly opens up into a bigger debate about masculinity, work ethic, and the expectations men and women now bring into modern family life. After reacting to a viral video featuring a husband who refuses to work while his wife juggles multiple jobs, the Mamas unpack why this hit such a nerve. Is it the fallout of the “toxic masculinity” narrative? The rise of soft men who avoid responsibility? Or a cultural moment that tells women they don’t need men while simultaneously expecting men to still be protectors, providers, and anchors in the home? The conversation touches on everything from the decline of physical labor, to generational softness shaped by gaming culture, to the instinctive drive many men feel to defend their families the moment they become fathers. If you'd like to ask our American Mamas a question, go to our website, AmericanGroundRadio.com/mamas and click on the Ask the Mamas button. 23:00 We dig into a growing crisis unfolding in Minnesota — one that isn’t just about numbers, but about what happens when immigration policy collides with economic reality. After new reports show that eight in ten Somali refugee households in Minneapolis rely on welfare, we unpack what this means for taxpayers, for the state’s political landscape, and for the country as a whole. 26:00 We dive into a jaw-dropping youth football scandal that quickly turns into a much bigger conversation about culture, accountability, and what happens when adults stop teaching kids right from wrong. After eight players from a Philadelphia U14 team were arrested in Florida for trying to steal nearly $2,300 worth of merchandise from a Dick’s Sporting Goods, the story took an even stranger turn — their own coach begged deputies to let them go. We unpack the surveillance footage, the attempted shoplifting spree, and the boys’ apparent expectation that nothing would happen to them — an expectation shaped by what’s become normal in cities with lax enforcement. We compare Sheriff Grady Judd’s firm response in Polk County to the hands-off approach often seen in places like Philadelphia, exploring how wildly different attitudes toward crime create wildly different outcomes. 32:00 Get Prodovite Plus from Victory Nutrition International for 20% off. Go to vni.life/agr and use the promo code AGR20. 32:30 We break down a high-stakes international showdown involving an oil tanker, U.S. national security, and Donald Trump’s latest move against the cartels. After the United States seized its largest Venezuelan tanker ever, we unpack why this wasn’t just a maritime paperwork dispute — it was part of a sprawling illicit network that, according to Attorney General Pam Bondi, was helping fund foreign terrorist organizations. 35:30 We cover a Bright Spot out of Texas Tech University, where the battle over woke ideology is finally hitting a real turning point. After years of DEI dogma creeping into classrooms—even out in West Texas—the state cracked down, banning DEI, white-privilege instruction, and ideology-based prejudice by law. And now Texas Tech has a chancellor who actually intends to enforce it: Brandon Creighton, the very lawmaker who wrote the anti-DEI legislation in the first place. 39:30 We tackle one of the wildest twists in Trump-era immigration policy yet: the rollout of the Trump Gold Card—a fast-track residency program with a price tag big enough to make a tech billionaire blink. After joking about never getting credit card offers anymore, they dive into Trump’s new three-tiered system that essentially says: if you want into America quickly, you can pay for the privilege. 41:00 And we finish off with a Christmas delivery that will make you say, "Whoa!" See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In June of 2021, a little girl went missing from her family's rural property in Tennessee. The case got the national attention most missing persons advocates would love to have, but then it went too far and impeded the investigation. While we debate the balance between reporting information and hurting a case, Summer Moo n-Utah Wells remains missing to this day. This case is *unsolved*If you know anything about the disappearance of Rose Bly, you can call the Polk County police at 715-485-8300. If you know anything about the disappearance of Summer Wells, you can call the TBI at 1-800-TBI-FIND or NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST.Support the show!Get the exclusive show Beyond the Files plus Crimelines episodes ad free onSupercast: https://crimelines.supercast.com/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/crimelinesApple Subscriptions: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/crimelines-true-crime/id1112004494 For one time support:https://www.basementfortproductions.com/supportLinks to all my socials and more:https://linktr.ee/crimelinesSources:2025 Crimelines Podcast Source List Transcript: https://app.podscribe.ai/series/3790If an exact transcript is needed, please request at crimelinespodcast@gmail.com Licensing and credits:Theme music by Scott Buckley https://www.scottbuckley.com.au/Cover Art by Lars Hacking from Rusty HingesCrimelines is a registered trademark of Crimelines LLC.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Andy Dick manages to escape death again...after surviving an apparent overdose on a street in Hollywood, Spanish woman was fired for showing up for for work too early, Polk County police bust 3 accused of giving kids counterfeit money to make small purchaes in order to receive real money in change...

Brad Olson, president of the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Federation and a farmer in northern Polk County, is raising the alarm over a growing trend of local ordinances that stand to hurt the state's agriculture industry. These regulations, often appearing in a patchwork across communities in the western and northwestern portions of the state, are framed as environmental protection but end up blocking farmers from expanding their businesses. "If the cost of expansion is so great that you can't afford to do it or justifiably do it, you're being kept from expanding," Olson explains.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

2025 was a pretty good year for most county fairs in Wisconsin. Jayme Buttke, executive secretary of the WI Association of Fairs, joins Pam Jahnke for a brief wrap-up. One major project that the state undertook this year was an economic impact study. What does a county fair mean financially to the county and the state? Buttke says they'll be sharing that information with members during their annual meeting in WI Dells come January. The snow has largely moved through the state, and now here comes the cold. Stu Muck says if you need to do outdoor chores or patch up any holes - do it today. The weekend will be sub zero. Just like solar arrays, wind turbines and data centers, the cry of "not in my backyard" can be heard when it comes to farms expanding. Stephanie Hoff talks with a farmer caught in some of those conversations. Brad Olson is not only the president of the WI Farm Bureau Federation, he's also a farmer in Polk County where groups are crafting unique ordinances to put heavy constraints on how agriculture grows - IF it can grow at all. Olson says most of these town and county boards are not prepared for the "loud voices" that want to essentially stifle any agriculture growth in their geography. More milk, more milk, more milk. It's the mantra draining the energy from the dairy complex. Zach Bowers with EverAg joins Pam Jahnke to discuss how the industry's approaching the new calendar year with incredible supplies to work through. He says there are some dairy processors that are pivoting to capitalize on the growing protein demand in the U.S.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 4: 6:05pm- In a recent interview, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles revealed that President Donald Trump plans to “campaign like it's 2024 again” during the 2026 midterm races. 6:10pm- While speaking with Politico's Dasha Burns, President of the American Federation of Teachers Randi Weingarten attempted to rewrite history—blaming President Trump for not reopening schools during the Covid-19 pandemic. 6:15pm- Eight Philadelphia teens have been arrested for stealing over $2,000 worth of items from a sporting goods store in Polk County, Florida. On X, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) wrote: “They picked the wrong state—and the wrong county.” 6:30pm- Is Artificial Intelligence set to replace Hollywood actors? Plus, Sylvester Stallone wants the Rocky statue back!

The Rich Zeoli Show- Full Show (12/09/2025): 3:05pm- In a recent interview, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles revealed that President Donald Trump plans to “campaign like it's 2024 again” during the 2026 midterm races. 3:30pm- Tonight, President Donald Trump will hold a rally in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania where he will address American affordability challenges and the economy. 3:40pm- While speaking with Symone Sanders and Michael Steele on MS Now, PA Gov. Josh Shapiro said his priority is fighting Donald Trump and the federal government. 3:50pm- Monday Night Football recap: The Philadelphia Eagles lost (again). Is the season officially over? 4:05pm- While speaking with Charlamagne Tha God, tin foil hat conspiracy theorist Joy Reid suggested that the Supreme Court will simply allow Donald Trump to remain president beyond the end of his term in 2028! 4:30pm- Politico's Dasha Burns asked President Trump if he would like to see Supreme Court Justices Clarence Thomas and Samuel Alito, both in their mid-70s, retire before he leaves office in 2028—so that Republicans can guarantee originalist/textualist judges replace them. Trump explained: “I hope they stay because I think they're fantastic.” 4:50pm- Tonight, President Donald Trump will hold a rally in Mount Pocono, Pennsylvania where he will address American affordability challenges. Does anyone else miss those old “beautiful Mount Airy lodge” commercials from the 1990s? 5:05pm- Bill D'Agostino— Senior Research Analyst at Media Research Center—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to break down some of the worst moments from corporate media and Democrats. Time Magazine stinks, MS Now celebrates a grandmother who follows around ICE agents and reports their locations, and CNN tells Border Czar Tom Homan he shouldn't deport Somali migrants residing in the U.S. illegally. 5:40pm- While speaking with Politico's Dasha Burns, President Trump said of immigration: “I want to see people that contribute.” Trump also used the interview as an opportunity to critique Rep. Ilhan Omar—noting that she “does nothing but complain.” 5:50pm- Steve Pakradooni, who works in the auto industry, calls in to briefly discuss the Trump administration's decision to repeal disastrous Biden-era fuel regulations. 6:05pm- In a recent interview, White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles revealed that President Donald Trump plans to “campaign like it's 2024 again” during the 2026 midterm races. 6:10pm- While speaking with Politico's Dasha Burns, President of the American Federation of Teachers Randi Weingarten attempted to rewrite history—blaming President Trump for not reopening schools during the Covid-19 pandemic. 6:15pm- Eight Philadelphia teens have been arrested for stealing over $2,000 worth of items from a sporting goods store in Polk County, Florida. On X, Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) wrote: “They picked the wrong state—and the wrong county.” 6:30pm- Is Artificial Intelligence set to replace Hollywood actors? Plus, Sylvester Stallone wants the Rocky statue back!

On March 13, 2020, a long-simmering domestic conflict in Des Moines, Iowa, erupted into fatal violence. Paula Marie Thompson, a 50-year-old claims processor, was beaten to death with a crowbar by her adult son Christopher inside the home they shared on Pleasantview Drive. Her body would not be discovered until five days later.VICTIM PROFILE:Paula Thompson was 50 years old at the time of her death. She worked as a claims processor and was known among friends and coworkers as hardworking and responsible. Behind closed doors, however, Paula struggled with a volatile home situation. Her 32-year-old son Christopher still lived with her, financially dependent on her despite years of unemployment and sporadic work through temporary agencies. Paula had confided to friends that she was afraid of Christopher, tired of the drinking, and tired of supporting an adult who showed no progress toward independence.CASE SIGNIFICANCE:This case represents a devastating example of domestic violence that did not arrive suddenly. Paula Thompson spent months warning the people around her. She told friends she was afraid. She contacted her son's probation officer multiple times between December 2019 and March 2020, expressing growing fear. She even appeared in a Facebook video whispering to a friend that Christopher was "going to kill" her. Despite these warnings, Paula could not escape the danger living inside her own home.CONTENT WARNINGS:This episode contains descriptions of domestic violence, blunt force trauma, and animal cruelty. Listener discretion is advised.KEY CASE DETAILS:• Paula and Christopher argued on March 13, 2020, both having been drinking. Christopher retrieved a crowbar and struck his mother multiple times in the head. He remained in the home with her body for five days before confessing to a friend over the phone.• Christopher also killed Paula's cat with the same crowbar, later disposing of the animal's body in a trash can. He pleaded guilty to animal abuse in addition to the murder charge.• On March 18, 2020, Christopher walked into the Polk County Jail and confessed. He was subsequently found guilty of first-degree murder and sentenced to life in prison without the possibility of parole.RESOURCES:This episode draws from court documents filed in Polk County, Iowa, including criminal complaints and the Iowa Supreme Court opinion in State v. Thompson. Additional sources include reporting from KCCI Des Moines, KCRG, and the Des Moines Register. For anyone experiencing domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233.SUPPORT OBSCURA:For extended episodes, bonus content, and ad-free listening, join us on Patreon at patreon.com/obscuracrimepodcast. Visit mythsandmalice.com/show/obscura for episode resources, sources, and additional case information.Our Sponsors:* Check out Chime: https://chime.com/OBSCURA* Check out Kensington Publishing: https://www.kensingtonbooks.com* Check out Mind of a Monster: The Killer Nurse: https://podcasts.apple.com* Check out Mood and use my code OBSCURA for a great deal: https://mood.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/obscura-a-true-crime-podcast/exclusive-contentAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

1 - Contributor for the Washington Examiner and Newsmax.com, and Editor-in-Chief at Illinois Review, Mark Vargas joins the program today. Are people sick of the absolute warzone Chicago has become? What about the public school system? Is JB Pritzker worse than Brandon Johnson? What should Trump hit on today as he barnstorms Pennsylvania? Why is Trump not hitting Mexico to curtail drug trafficking? 120 - Polk County apprehended 8 Philadelphia teens who were caught shoplifting in Florida. Who's at fault for this? Your calls. 135 - Polk County, Florida Sheriff Grady Judd joins the program today. How much of a showman is he after his big press conference exposing 8 Philadelphia teens who were caught shoplifting at a sporting goods store? How did these kids get an Uber? How much did they steal? Did they think they were going to get away with that as they do in Philadelphia? What did the coach say to the police? Why is Sheriff Judd questioning the adult leadership around the team? Is stealing an attitude issue? What are the Sheriff's office social media numbers looking like? What was the most shocking part of this whole story to Judd? What will become of these kids? Why show mugshots of minors? What is the Sheriff's message to Philadelphia and Larry Krasner? 150 - More on the football arrests in Florida.

12 - We kick off this very special Tuesday with our very special guest: CNN's Scott Jennings! Why does he drink Pellegrino with an orange? Have Michael Douglas and Catherine Zeta-Jones contacted him recently? What makes Scott a great debater? What would Scott advise Trump to say about prices? What about healthcare and its costs? Should he attack insurance companies? Does Trump get what he has to do for Republicans to maintain office? 1220 - Why did 8 Philadelphia kids decide to steal from a Dick's Sporting Goods in Florida? Why isn't this being covered better? Side - an addition that makes something better 1235 - Do we have a name for our thieves in Florida? 1240 - Your calls. 1250 - What are you going to do for the Army-Navy game? 1 - Contributor for the Washington Examiner and Newsmax.com, and Editor-in-Chief at Illinois Review, Mark Vargas joins the program today. Are people sick of the absolute warzone Chicago has become? What about the public school system? Is JB Pritzker worse than Brandon Johnson? What should Trump hit on today as he barnstorms Pennsylvania? Why is Trump not hitting Mexico to curtail drug trafficking? 120 - Polk County apprehended 8 Philadelphia teens who were caught shoplifting in Florida. Who's at fault for this? Your calls. 135 - Polk County, Florida Sheriff Grady Judd joins the program today. How much of a showman is he after his big press conference exposing 8 Philadelphia teens who were caught shoplifting at a sporting goods store? How did these kids get an Uber? How much did they steal? Did they think they were going to get away with that as they do in Philadelphia? What did the coach say to the police? Why is Sheriff Judd questioning the adult leadership around the team? Is stealing an attitude issue? What are the Sheriff's office social media numbers looking like? What was the most shocking part of this whole story to Judd? What will become of these kids? Why show mugshots of minors? What is the Sheriff's message to Philadelphia and Larry Krasner? 150 - More on the football arrests in Florida. 2 - Does this year's College Football Playoff reek of “DEI”? Dom and Henry disagree. Your calls. 220 - Audio and video clips du jour. 235 - Your calls to round things out. 250 - The Lightning Round!

Polk County's only Live, Local, Call-In Marketplace, it's the WBF Shopper. A whole lot of fun, plus its free and it gets results, give us a try. Jeff takes your phone calls to Buy, Sell, or Trade on a Tuesday. Plus we talk Christmas Parades, check local sports and community events.

TOP STORIES - How to avoid charity scams on Giving Tuesday, Florida officers crack down on fake handicap placards, Polk County family returns home after being stranded at sea for 20 hours, police officer shot while responding to disturbance in Port St. Lucie, Miami-Dad College limits access to second library vote, another child drowns amid record drowning deaths in Florida, and Megan Thee Stallion wins partial victory in lawsuit against Milagro Cooper.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Happy Thanksgiving!! Enjoy this Florida Man Friday bonus podcast sample from patreon.com/hardfactor - go there to join our community, get access to way more bonus podcasts, discord chat access, Trivia with the hosts on 12/12/25 at 9 PM, merch discounts, and more! Timestamps: (00:00:00) - Holiday Rush is here and the Robots aren't helping (00:06:07) - Insane Florida Woman of the Week killed her BF by crashing into a tree and is now on trial for Vehicular Homicide after he came out of a coma to tell the doctor (00:13:10) - Florida Man addicted to Grand Theft Auto survives 36 hour manhunt in swamp with cops, eventually caught by Fish & Wildlife (00:21:40) - Diving deeper into Grady's new Coffee schtick, and a man with possible shrinkage caught streaking in 36 degree weather in Polk County (00:29:18) - Florida Man admits to murdering UK girl who traveled to Florida for that specific purpose Thank you for listening, we love you all, and Most importantly HAGFD!! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Delivering all of the top stories in and around Tampa Bay... and we are getting flying cars in Polk County?!

Delivering all of the top stories in and around Tampa Bay... and we are getting flying cars in Polk County?! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

"I told them pacifically... that thank God... that y'all was the cops. Because I woulda been callin' the cops." ―One of John Hunter's nonsense statements. John Wesley Hunter is a predator caught in a Polk County, Florida investigation of Takedown with Chris Hansen. He is notable for his various excuses that make no sense.  At the time of the sting, Hunter lived in Davenport, Florida and worked for Budget Auto Parts as a mechanic and a contractor for the Polk County Sheriff's Office to fix it's cars. He was also a self-proclaimed "traveling cowboy."  Hunter answered an ad for "family fun" and talked with a decoy posing as a mom to a fourteen-year-old girl. The decoy was run by the Polk County Sheriff's Office as a part of its Operation Cyber Guardian II. Hunter asked the decoy how old her daughter was, to which the decoy said that her daughter was fourteen and "loves family time" (a euphemism for incestual sex). Hunter replied, "That's awesome." Hunter expressed that he might want to have sex with the both of them but asked the mother if she would be willing to be naked while she watched him rape her daughter. Hunter arrived at the hotel used for the sting. Police entered the hallway and pointed a gun at him for several seconds.  He was taken to the police station and attempted to hide his face from the cameras. That is until Chris walked in the interview room with an entire camera crew. Hunter protested, saying that he "ain't doin no cameras." Sponsored by: TruthFinder.com. To get the answers you're looking for about the new people in your life, and to discover information on potential predators, go to www.TruthFinder.com/predators  OneSkin daily face moisturizer: Get 15% off OneSkin with the code HANSEN at https://www.oneskin.co/HANSEN #oneskinpod  Home Title Lock: Go to https://hometitlelock.com/chrishansen and use promo code HANSEN to get a FREE title history report and a FREE TRIAL of their Triple Lock Protection! For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warranty  Get your official Chris Hansen merchandise at https://haveaseat.dashery.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A big building nobody wants, Polk County trying to get an indigenous person deported, the sale of our hometown newspaper, and more. How could one not flirt with violence under these conditions? Call us at (319) 849-8733! Go here for full episode notes: https://www.patreon.com/posts/144236731 https://rockhardcauc.us

St. Charles County judge agrees to resign in 2 years after wearing Elvis wig, politicking in court - https://www.ksdk.com/article/news/local/missouri-st-charles-county-judge-elvis-wig/63-282cc174-9f36-4663-b519-8b9e7bbcb07aPolice searching for Manchester Peeping Tom - https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/police-searching-for-manchester-peeping-tom/Osage Nation advancing plans to build casino at Lake of the Ozarks - https://fox2now.com/news/missouri/osage-nation-advancing-plans-to-build-casino-at-lake-of-the-ozarks/Don't Buy Christmas Gifts for Adults To Save Money, Fox News Guest Advises - https://www.newsweek.com/dont-buy-christmas-gifts-for-adults-to-save-money-fox-news-guest-advises-11063642JCPenney, Belk top list of best Black Friday discounts for 2025 - https://www.fingerlakes1.com/2025/11/19/best-black-friday-discounts-ranked/#google_vignetteDeer kills woman trapped in pen at Ohio home - https://www.wtrf.com/top-stories/deer-kills-woman-trapped-in-pen-at-ohio-home/Hunter exits deer stand and gets bitten by an alligator - https://www.louisianasportsman.com/hunting/deer-hunting/hunter-exits-deer-stand-and-gets-bitten-by-an-alligator/'Craziest thing I've ever seen': Caller after eagle drops cat through windshield - https://myfox28columbus.com/news/nation-world/911-call-released-bald-eagle-drops-cat-dead-through-windshield-shatters-glass-swain-county-us74-operator-driver-emergency-north-carolina-highway-patrolGameStop's 'Trade Anything Day' has some employees bracing for the worst: 'We're probably going to have to reject some of the things because they're a biological hazard' - https://www.pcgamer.com/games/gamestops-trade-anything-day-has-some-employees-bracing-for-the-worst-were-probably-going-to-have-to-reject-some-of-the-things-because-theyre-a-biological-hazard/Rockford man arrested after waving rifle from car, believed women ‘liked these things' - https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/rockford-man-arrested-waving-rifle-212355513.htmlIn 2010 a cleaning woman in museum Ostwall in Dortmund ruined an valuable artwork by German artist Martin Kippenberger by… cleaning it. - https://artwasted.com/2017/05/14/cleaning-kippenberger/Man, 22, fights for life after swallowing a whole burger without chewing it 'for a joke' - https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-15290725/Man-22-fights-life-swallowing-burger-without-chewing-joke.html‘Buck naked' man caught walking down Polk County road in 36-degree weather: Judd - https://www.wfla.com/news/polk-county/buck-naked-man-caught-walking-down-polk-county-road-in-36-degree-weather-judd/amp/Robbery suspect stabbed with samurai sword during Norristown home invasion - https://6abc.com/post/person-airlifted-hospital-being-stabbed-norristown-montgomery-county/17827593/Pantless Florida car thief storms out of porta-potty ‘wielding two wooden stakes' - https://nypost.com/2025/11/11/us-news/pantless-florida-car-thief-storms-out-of-porta-potty-wielding-two-wooden-stakes-cops/10-year-old drives himself home from elementary school after fight with mom - https://wgme.com/news/nation-world/wa-wright-elementary-10-year-old-drives-himself-home-from-elementary-school-mom-makes-stolen-car-report-cincinnati-parenting-drivers-seat-incidents-mt-juliet-police-department-youth-montrose-drive-confusion-reckless-driving-disagreement‘You're impaired:' Florida man caught driving into oncoming highway traffic, video shows - https://www.clickorlando.com/news/local/2025/11/17/we-do-believe-youre-impaired-florida-man-drives-into-oncoming-highway-traffic-police-say/Florida Woman Arrested After Attacking Boyfriend When Planned Threesome Cancelled - https://www.thesmokinggun.com/documents/florida/threesome-fizzled-302169Follow The Rizzuto Show @rizzshow on social media for more from your favorite daily comedy show. Connect with The Rizzuto Show online at 1057thepoint.com/RizzShow. Heard daily on the radio at 105.7 The Point in St. Louis, MO.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

BEST OF - A Republican effort is underway to expel Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick from Congress as legal and ethical questions about misuse of FEMA funds mount. The Trump administration proposes moving offshore oil drilling operations closer to Florida's coastline, sparking new environmental and political debate. Plus, a Florida homeowner wins a $70,000 settlement after being sued by the CDD over a 12-inch cross displayed on their property. National Correspondent Rory O'Neill also recaps Dick Cheney's funeral and shares the latest on Trump's airline civility campaign, along with a bizarre Polk County story involving a naked TikTok challenge.

BEST OF - A Republican effort is underway to expel Rep. Sheila Cherfilus-McCormick from Congress as legal and ethical questions about misuse of FEMA funds mount. The Trump administration proposes moving offshore oil drilling operations closer to Florida's coastline, sparking new environmental and political debate. Plus, a Florida homeowner wins a $70,000 settlement after being sued by the CDD over a 12-inch cross displayed on their property. National Correspondent Rory O'Neill also recaps Dick Cheney's funeral and shares the latest on Trump's airline civility campaign, along with a bizarre Polk County story involving a naked TikTok challenge.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Florida's citrus industry has been decimated by the citrus greening disease. A farm family in Polk County sees an agritourism opportunity in reviving U-pick citrus ... with protection to keep out the bugs that spread the disease. We speak with Katie and Shane Bevilacqua of Golden Ridge Groves and Market in Alturas, which holds its grand opening Thursday (20th). See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nelson Louis — The Hotel Key Sting Chris breaks down the case of Nelson Louis, a Tampa man who showed up at a Polk County hotel after negotiating with someone he believed was a foster mother selling her fifteen-year-old daughter. Despite knowing the girl's age and fearing a setup, Louis handed the decoy $100 in the lobby and accepted the key to the room—where deputies immediately arrested him.  In the interview, Louis backpedals with confusion and shifting stories, but Chris cuts through every excuse, exposing a man who walked straight into the sting he claimed to fear. Sponsored by: TruthFinder.com. To get the answers you're looking for about the new people in your life, and to discover information on potential predators, go to www.TruthFinder.com/predators Get your official Chris Hansen merchandise at https://haveaseat.dashery.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Polk County's only Live, Local, Call-In Marketplace, it's the WBF Shopper. A whole lot of fun, plus its free and it gets results, give us a try. Jeff takes your phone calls to buy sell and trade, talk a little sports, check the community calendar, and the big holiday calendar.

A public school teacher in Polk County, Florida keeps her job after birthday song complaint; as school officials say she's not allowed to sing the song or film students moving forward.

“That's not my condom…they planted it on me!”  Willie Merrill, a registered sex offender, was caught in a Polk County, Florida sting on Takedown with Chris Hansen. After chatting with a decoy posing as a mother offering her fifteen-year-old foster daughter for sex, Merrill suspected it might be a setup—but came anyway. Arrested in his car outside the hotel, he argued with officers, demanded a lawyer, and claimed he was being harassed. During his tense interview with Chris, Merrill's defiance boiled over, forcing deputies to push him back into his chair. Sponsored by TruthFinder.com. To get the answers you're looking for about the new people in your life, and to discover information on potential predators, go to www.TruthFinder.com/predators Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Polk County is inviting Linn County and Johnson County to help fund a University of Iowa water quality program that's running out of state money.

What if the most annoying part of a long hike—a pebble in your shoe—was actually your greatest asset as a trainer?On this episode of Lessons from Learning Leaders, we welcome Jeff Weaver—director of training at J.J. Taylor Companies for 15 years and now founder of A Pebble in Your Shoe Consulting. Jeff is sharing his philosophy (and presentation title) that challenges how we think about behavior change and learning.Jeff's journey started at Polk County schools and took him through Disney and Target, experiences that shaped his unique approach to L&D. He argues that to get people to change their behavior, you need a catalyst for change—something that can't be ignored. That, he explains, is the gift of the pebble.Tune in to discover:* The Power of Pleasant Uncomfortableness: How to intentionally design moments that force learners to stop and fix a problem.* The Disney First Impression: Jeff shares a brilliant training technique he learned at Disney that uses a seemingly unprepared start to create a lasting, emotional lesson on preparation.* Marketing Your Learning: Why L&D professionals should think of training like product marketers, using branding and jingles to create cultural touchstones that stick.* The CEO Question: Are you worried about being “too silly” in front of executives? Jeff has a perfect answer for why you should facilitate for fun and effectiveness, no matter who's in the room.Don't miss Jeff's session, “The gift of the pebble in your shoe,” at the 2026 Training Conference and Expo, where he'll also be running the Podcasting Lab.Key Takeaways* Pebble = Catalyst: A “pebble in your shoe” is a metaphor for a necessary, uncomfortable catalyst that forces behavior change.* Emotion Drives Memory: Memorable training is often emotional and action-oriented, hitting a place beyond just logic.* Branding Works: Use advertising and marketing techniques—like jingles and catchphrases—to make core concepts un-ignorable cultural touchstones that stick long after training ends.* Challenge Traditional L&D: Broaden your view of training beyond traditional adult learning theories to incorporate the powerful tools of entertainment and marketing.Jeff Weaver's Consulting:* A Pebble in Your Shoe Consulting Get full access to Lessons from Learning Leaders at lessonsfromlearningleaders.substack.com/subscribe

Gov. Kim Reynolds says IPERS is not going anywhere. Polk County and crowdfunding sources are trying to fund water sensors throughout the state. And what do we know about high E. coli levels in Iowa's waterways?

TOP STORIES - Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart says health care subsidies could be preserved if Democrats allow the government to reopen. Florida student test scores are up following the classroom cellphone ban, and Governor Ron DeSantis says python removals have tripled since partnering with a leather company. Plus, lawmakers focus on affordability ahead of the 2026 session, a Polk County teacher remains on staff after a birthday song investigation, and a man steals a fire truck from a Tampa hospital before crashing it in a hit-and-run.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TOP STORIES - Rep. Mario Díaz-Balart says health care subsidies could be preserved if Democrats allow the government to reopen. Florida student test scores are up following the classroom cellphone ban, and Governor Ron DeSantis says python removals have tripled since partnering with a leather company. Plus, lawmakers focus on affordability ahead of the 2026 session, a Polk County teacher remains on staff after a birthday song investigation, and a man steals a fire truck from a Tampa hospital before crashing it in a hit-and-run.

Polk County's only Live, Local, Call-In Marketplace, it's the WBF Shopper. A whole lot of fun, plus its free and it gets results, give us a try. Jeff and Denise take your phone calls, highlights upcoming community events, and talks frogs and iguanas.

“I can't keep doing this... or this will be my, this is just my life."  Samuel Dennis “Sam” Zoellner, a repeat offender with a history of targeting underage girls, was caught in a Polk County, Florida sting featured on Takedown with Chris Hansen. Using the screen name “Jack_Loud,” the 26-year-old initiated contact with a decoy posing as a fifteen-year-old girl and drove to meet her. As he arrived, speaking with the decoy on the phone and circling the sting location, detectives moved in—surrounding his vehicle and taking him into custody. Known for his striking appearance and disarmingly blunt honesty, Zoellner initially refused to speak, but Chris's persistence led to a revealing and chilling interview inside the police trailer.  Sponsored by TruthFinder.com. To get the answers you're looking for about the new people in your life, and to discover information on potential predators, go to www.TruthFinder.com/predators Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

TOP STORIES - As hostages and prisoners are freed, difficult questions remain about the future of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. The Trump administration is now targeting the ‘Latinos In Action' program in Polk County schools, and investigators wrap up the case involving a teacher's monkey birthday song.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

TOP STORIES - As hostages and prisoners are freed, difficult questions remain about the future of the Israel-Hamas ceasefire. The Trump administration is now targeting the ‘Latinos In Action' program in Polk County schools, and investigators wrap up the case involving a teacher's monkey birthday song.

I Was Thinking:  John is Highly Medicated // This Day In History: 1940 - John Lennon is Born // 'He put it up the exit ramp': Polk County sheriff goes live to describe how a thermos was found inserted inside suspect's body  

Hostage Deal Negotiators Work to Close Gaps as Israel Prepares to Vote // Trump receiving universal praise over Gaza deal // Mayor Bruce Harrell and Katie Wilson debate city’s most pressing issues // THIS DAY IN HISTORY: 1940 - John Lennon is Born // 'He put it up the exit ramp': Polk County sheriff goes live to describe how a thermos was found inserted inside suspect's body

Grady Judd has gone viral... again! He has a TikTok that has blown up because of a Polk County man using his prison wallet to smuggle something into the jail...

Grady Judd has gone viral... again! He has a TikTok that has blown up because of a Polk County man using his prison wallet to smuggle something into the jail... See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On today's MJ Morning Show:Spookiest RoadMorons in the newsMall dreams"Creepy or not creepy"Sheriff Judd: A thermos up the exit rampNo "Thank you" for holding a door leads to shootingThe 'Tea' appCreepy ad for Verizon WirelessMan sick from too many Haribo bottlesVery large (obese) man removed from his home by fire rescueCouple rescued by Hernando County deputies after drifting into gulf on kiddie poolGene Simmons hospitalized after crashComplaint from listener about coverage of man removed from his home by fire rescueDolly Parton says she's still here!Woman dies after riding Anaheim's Disneyland Haunted MansionBMW crashes under Amazon truck on I-75Lawsuit over a Kentucky Halloween displayHaunted house sued in NebraskaAir traffic controllers still not being paidLast New Orleans inmate from jailbreak caught in AtlantaSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Disneyland guest suffers medical emergency at Haunted Mansion and later dies, Headline of the Week #4: 'Put it in the exit ramp:' Florida Man had thermos hidden inside him during arrest in Polk County, Couple waits 5 years until wedding to...share first kiss

Polk County's only Live, Local, Call-In Marketplace, it's the WBF Shopper. A whole lot of fun, plus its free and it gets results, give us a try. Jeff takes your phone calls to buy sell and trade, talk a little sports, check the community calendar, and the big holiday calendar.

Send us a textFirst, a look at a new training initiative in Colorado by State A.G. Weiser that implements a training course for teachers(!) to allow them to file red flag petitions against students,...which actually disarms their parents. Looks like they're following Sheriff Grady Judd's lead in Polk County, Florida.Then, a woman in Washington State filed an ERPO against her ex-husband (they'd been divorced for years) who lives in Montana. Yes, MONTANA. And, even though a judge in Washington State dismissed it after the woman admitted she'd lied, the police in the man's town in Montana ACTUALLY ENFORCED IT!!! Tune in to hear what happened!Sicarios Gun ShopFirearms, Accessories, Ammo, Safes, and more!The Gun Site9-Lane 25 yard indoor Shooting Range, Gun Store, Training classesFreedom GunsFirearms, Ammunition, Accessories, Training classes Glover Orndorf and Flanagan Wealth Mgmt.Wealth management servicesSHOOTINGCLASSES.COMOnline business operations platform for firearms instructors, trainees, and Shooting RangesControl Jiu-Jitsu/MMAJiu-Jitsu/MMA Training in Melbourne, FLThe American Police Hall of FameMuseum and Shooting Center (open to public), Law Enforcement and Civilian TrainingWJS GunsGun and Outdoor Shop, ammo, accessories, fishing tackle, moreCounter Strike TacticalBest Little Gun Store in Melbourne, Florida! Veteran Owned and Operated 321-499-4949Go2 WeaponsManufacturers of AR platform rifles for military and civilian. Veteran Owned and OperatedEar Care of MelbourneNeed hearing aids? Go to the audiologists that gave Royce his hearing back!Quantified PerformanceQuantified Performance, LLC is focused on building safe, high performing keepers and bearers.Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.Support the showGiveSendGo | Unconstitutional 2A Prosecution of Tate Adamiak Askari Media GroupBuy Paul Eberle's book "Look at the Dirt"Paul Eberle (lookatthedirt.com)The Deadly Path: How Operation Fast & Furious and Bad Lawyers Armed Mexican Cartels: Forcelli, Peter J., MacGregor, Keelin, Murphy, Stephen: 9798888456491: Amazon.com: BooksVoice of the Blue (buzzsprout.com)

Joshua Ralph "Josh" Cummins was caught in a Polk County, Florida sting on Takedown with Chris Hansen. Known for his unsettling phone call and desire to play “the nervous game,” the 28-year-old began chatting online with a decoy posing as a 14-year-old girl. He soon escalated, obtaining her number and talking for nearly an hour.  The following night, Josh texted that he was in her area, telling the decoy how to dress and showing up unannounced. She called his behavior “creepy.” Josh later admitted he was high and not thinking clearly, struggling even to find the trailer despite the decoy signaling him.  Boasting of a supposed “romance,” he was instead pulled over and aggressively ordered from his vehicle by police. When Chris confronted him, Josh—head hung low—called his actions “stupid” and denied ever chatting with a minor before. Sponsored by: Home Title Lock: Go to https://hometitlelock.com/chrishansen and use promo code HANSEN to get a FREE title history report and a FREE TRIAL of their Triple Lock Protection! For details visit https://hometitlelock.com/warranty    And by TruthFinder.com. To get the answers you're looking for about the new people in your life, and to discover information on potential predators, go to www.TruthFinder.com/predators . Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nearly 250 people are behind bars in Polk County, Florida, after a sweeping undercover sting exposed human trafficking, child exploitation, and prostitution. A 21-year-old Florida man is accused of killing 13 alligators during late-night river hunts and now faces felony charges that could bring decades in prison. Drew Nelson reports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Cono DeSarli Jr. is a predator caught in a Polk County, Florida investigation. He is notable for being obviously high during his interview, and for claiming that he only showed up to prove to the police that he knew it was a sting because of his dark web and tech knowledge.  DeSarli Jr. began communicating with a decoy posing as a fourteen-year-old girl. The decoy was run by the Polk County Sheriff's Office as part of its Operation Cyber Guardian II.  John DeSarli Jr. arrived at the hotel used for the sting in his company van and with a shirt draped over his head just minutes after John Hunter was arrested, Hunter needing to be ducked into a nearby room. DeSarli initially did not comply with officer's orders to get on the ground until his leg was kicked and he was forced to. A deputy accidentally kicked him in the head. Chris Hansen described DeSarli as "combative and smug from the start."  He was brought to the Polk County Jail and later interviewed by Chris, who described the interview as "one of the most shocking, surprising, and frustrating conversations I've ever had." Sponsored by: TruthFinder.  Curious about where our most notorious predators are now? We were too, so we partnered with TruthFinder.com to track down predators we've busted over the years to give you the facts on their past and the scoop on what happened to them after our show.  To get the answers you're looking for and to discover information on potential predators, go to TruthFinder.com and also follow our weekly TruthFinder Predator Update to see what we can uncover next. Home Title Lock.  When's the last time you checked your home title?  It's the legal proof you own your home—and scammers are stealing it to grab your equity.  Use promo code HANSEN at HomeTitleLock.com for a FREE Title History Report and a FREE TRIAL of Million Dollar TripleLock Protection: 24/7 monitoring, instant alerts, and up to $1 million to help fix fraud if it happens. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Larry William Hayes is an alleged predator caught in a Polk County, Florida investigation of Takedown with Chris Hansen. At the time of the sting, Hayes had been living in Plant City, Florida. Hayes had been in the Army for 20 years, but was a disabled veteran at the time of the sting. He had three children, a twenty-year-old, a seven-year-old, and a twelve-year-old. Hayes had been communicating with a decoy posing as the father to a fifteen-year-old female foster child, selling the girl for sex. In a somewhat different scenario than the typical investigations, Hayes met the decoy father in a hotel lobby. The decoy and Hayes discussed the deal and Hayes paid the father the agreed upon amount, plus $10. The decoy gave Hayes a key for a hotel room, under the guise that the girl would be waiting there for him. The decoy father described Hayes as "very nervous," and "cold." When the father asked that Hayes not hurt his daughter, Hayes responded, "I'll take care of her." A search of Hayes vehicle uncovered a passenger seat filled with dozens of empty cans of Monster energy drinks, sandwich bags, and pizza boxes. Deputies detained Hayes as he entered the hotel room and took him to a mobile processing unit where Chris was able to interview him.   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices