Podcasts about Polk County

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.

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?! 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.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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.

Today, we're diving into one of the most challenging scenarios any EMS provider faces: paediatric cardiac arrest. The figures are challenging, with only a 4.9% survival rate for infants and neurologically intact survival rates as low as 1-4% nationally. These calls have long been considered to have poor outcomes.But what if I told you that one fire department completely rewrote the playbook and achieved neurologically intact survival rates of 46%? What if they did it by breaking conventional rules and staying on scene longer, not shorter?Today, we're joined by Medical Director Paul Banerjee from Polk County Fire Rescue in Florida, where they've transformed paediatric cardiac arrest outcomes through changing the protocols that challenge everything we thought we knew about pre-hospital resuscitation. From their "NO/NO/GO" dispatch system to permissive hypercarbia post-intubation, from mechanical CPR to aggressive on-scene airway management, Polk County has proven that with the right approach, we can dramatically improve outcomes in this patient cohort. *** Please note, this podcast is for information purposes only. You must stay within your scope and remit of practice and service SOPs at all times ***This podcast is sponsored by BlueRoomXRWhen lives are on the line, training needs to feel real. That's where BlueRoom comes in, the world's most advanced mixed-reality training simulator. No bulky controllers or gimmicks, just your hands, your kit, and a level of immersion that places you straight into the mission. From the cockpit of a Blackhawk to the chaos of a combat zone, BlueRoom delivers pressure-filled environments without real-world risk.With Mission Control, instructors can shift conditions, change patient vitals, and dial up intensity instantly. And thanks to Garmin biometrics, the system even responds to your physiology in real time, adapting as your stress and heart rate rise.Born in Australia and now trusted across five continents, BlueRoom is redefining readiness for military, medical, and frontline professionals. This isn't the future of training; it's training transformed.

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.

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.

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

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  

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

TOP STORIES - Marking one year since Hurricane Milton, questions are swirling about the Rays' future in St. Petersburg after 2028. Hillsborough County pushes back on Florida's DOGE spending allegations, and a Florida couple faces charges after allegedly abandoning a juvenile on I-75 with guns and cash. Plus, deputies in Polk County make a bizarre discovery, and President Trump is set to headline the America Business Forum in Miami next month.

TOP STORIES - Marking one year since Hurricane Milton, questions are swirling about the Rays' future in St. Petersburg after 2028. Hillsborough County pushes back on Florida's DOGE spending allegations, and a Florida couple faces charges after allegedly abandoning a juvenile on I-75 with guns and cash. Plus, deputies in Polk County make a bizarre discovery, and President Trump is set to headline the America Business Forum in Miami next month.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

This year's crop hasn't even been harvested but Wisconsin farmers are already looking ahead to 2026. One big bill they're trying to find a way to pay is for fertilizer their crop will need. Shane Goplin is a farmer with HV Acres and a Wisconsin Corn Grower member. He's watching developments in Washington that could help farms better understand what's happening with fertilizer supplies, and in turn plan for that bill. Goplin says a bill was introduced in congress that aims to create more transparency and lower costs for fertilizers. He explains the strategy to Ben Jarboe. Goplin says farms are accustomed to fertilizer prices going up when commodity prices go up - but that's definitely not the case today.Warm and dry! A perfect weather combination for Wisconsin this weekend. Stu Muck says that above normal temperatures should persist into next week.Keeping a farm, or any business, in the family for more than 100 years takes creativity and dedication. That's the combination that's been working for Armstrong Farms in Polk County for over 150 years. Stephanie Hoff finds out about the origins of this traditional dairy that transitioned to another crop to keep things growing. Elderberries! Jill Armstrong of Armstrong Farms in Cushing says that move should help secure the farm’s future for the next generation.Wisconsin's detected its first case of high path avian influenza in a commercial poultry flock in Jefferson County. As thousands of dairy animals march into Madison for World Dairy Expo next week, each one is bringing health papers that verify they aren't bringing anything contagious along with them. Chelsea Holschbach is a veterinarian at the UW-School of Veterinary Medicine. She was one of the staff on hand at the Alliant Energy Center verifying paperwork on dairy entrants getting ready for the big show.If you're planning on taking a drive to start enjoying the fall colors of Wisconsin, you might not be disappointed. Kiley Allan speaks with Brad Hutnik, DNR Forest Ecologist and Silviculturist, who predicts that because of the cooler weather and ample moisture - beautiful fall colors will be coming quickly over the next week or two!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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.

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 and we take a look at the big calendar!

TOP STORIES - A South Florida professor is the latest in hot water over comments about Charlie Kirk. Plus, a 14-year-old is arrested in Broward for swatting calls, Governor DeSantis unveils a Benjamin Franklin statue, and a Polk County triple murderer is executed after three decades on death row. We also cover Escambia County rejecting a road renaming for Charlie Kirk and a bizarre Disney Springs theft involving a scuba-clad thief.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

From vibrating fitness boards and poop-in-the-pants confessions to Florida tornado nightmares and a Florida Man lawnmower DUI, this week's episode is absolute chaos. The guys debate which everyday disasters ruin your day the fastest (spoiler: wet socks are pure evil), relive the scariest weather they've survived, and roast Kevin's “caffeine journey” before diving into a wild Florida Man headline out of Polk County. Add in random Twitter finds, national park dreams, and a dad tip about documenting everything — and you've got an episode that's equal parts unhinged, hilarious, and weirdly wholesome.

The Republican supermajority in the Iowa Senate has been broken. Gov. Kim Reynolds spoke about teacher and medical professional shortages with other governors. And all of Polk County's ARPA funding has been allocated.

In this episode of Crime Wire Weekly, hosts Jim Chapman and Kelly Jennings discuss a series of trending crime stories, including the indictment of New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell, The lawsuit filed by the state of Louisiana against gaming giant Roblox, An OnlyFans prank goes wrong for a Tennessee Police Officer, A Kentucky woman's mugshot goes viral after paying back an ex-boyfriend, and so much more on tap today!(See topics below) *This is a preview, links to listen to the full podcast by following "Crime Wire Weekly" are below.Timestamps 03:00 New Orleans Mayor Latoya Cantrell Indicted.11:30 Body found in Rocky Mountains after Ride-share ride.13:50 Louisiana files suit against Roblox for lacking child safety standards.21:10 Ohio Doctor Arrested with over 150 thousand C.P Images.25:55 Georgia woman gets life in prison after argument over open marriage results in murder.32:55 Florida teen fight leads to new rules for Polk County per Grady Judd38:05 The Meat Bandit of Livingston Parish Louisiana44:15 OnlyFans prank leads to guilty plea for Ex-Cop53:40 Kentucky woman's mugshot goes viral after payback on ex-boyfriend leads to a felony.Links to Follow Crime Wire Weekly  https://linktr.ee/crimewireweeklyKelly Jennings is host of “Unspeakable: A True Crime Podcast by Kelly Jennings”  https://open.spotify.com/show/3n7BUzKRtMhAEuIuu7f031?si=c98fcf5b7e6848c8Jim Chapman is host of “Exposed: Scandalous Files of the Elite” https://open.spotify.com/show/3ePQYSPp5oSPDeue8otH1n?si=39142df6e0ed4f77

In this episode of the LiberatED Podcast, Kerry McDonald talks with Jennifer Palmer, former special education teacher and now founder of Mobile Classroom Solutions in Polk County, Florida. Jennifer shares her journey from the conventional public school classroom to building a thriving microschool and learning pod that serve diverse learners, including many with special needs. We discuss how COVID sparked her entrepreneurial leap, why families are embracing flexible and personalized education, and how Florida's school choice programs are empowering parents to find the right fit for their children. Jennifer also highlights her role as co-founder and president of the Polk Microschool Collective, a growing network that connects and supports education entrepreneurs. Her story is an inspiring look at the creativity, courage, and community-building that are fueling the microschool movement in Florida and beyond. ***   Sign up for Kerry's free, weekly email newsletter on education trends at edentrepreneur.org.

Juanmiguel Diaz is a predator caught in a Polk County, Florida investigation of Takedown with Chris Hansen. He is notable for his claim that he was investigating the decoy to gather evidence to report to police.  Juanmiguel Diaz communicated with a decoy who he believed to be a fourteen-year-old girl. The decoy was un by the Polk County Sheriff's Office as a part of its Operation Cyber Guardian II. Initially, he was in contact with the decoy's mother via Adult FriendFinder. He asked the mother how old the daughter was and, after being told fourteen, he asked if he would be having sex with both the mother and the daughter. He asked for a picture of the daughter as well as her phone number to begin talking to her directly. He told the daughter that he was not interested in her due to her age. However, after the decoy asked if Diaz wanted to have sex with her, he told the decoy, "if you're[sic] mother is ok then I guess it's ok."  Juanmiguel Diaz was arrested after he arrived to the hotel where the sting was planned, taken to the police station, and placed in a room to be interviewed by Chris. Diaz claimed that he initially declined the offer to rape a child but "couldn't get it out of his mind" while he was working. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices