Podcast appearances and mentions of scot bertram

Jenny Mulvey, fourth grade teacher at Golden View Classical Academy in Golden, Colorado, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss maintaining a rich and well-ordered classroom, engaging students in their work, and setting up your classroom to prevent needless distraction. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on Tuesday's 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they cover the political comeback of former Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, furious left-wing reactions to President Trump federalizing the D.C. police, a new poll exposing a sharp partisan divide over pride in America, and troubling consequences from legalizing marijuana.First, after a quick discussion about Sherrod Brown running for U.S. Senate again, they highlight former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi blaming Pres. Trump for not activating the National Guard before the January 6th riots, the former U.S. Capitol Police Chief slams Pelosi for denying his request for National Guard forces leading up to that day. They also rip Peter Baker of the New York Times for claiming DC has a "non-existent crime crisis."Next, they examine a Cygnal poll revealing that 63 percent of Americans believe the nation is worth celebrating as it nears its 250th birthday. But the numbers split sharply along party lines. 89 percent of Republicans agree, compared to just 37 percent of Democrats. Scot and Greg try to explain why the difference is so stark.Finally, they groan over the menace that legalized marijuana is to our society. A New York Times report reveals that weed gummies are sending thousands of small kids going to the hospital. In fact, kids were 75 percent of the 22,000 people taken to the hospital for marijuana-related health problems in 2024 . Scot and Greg rip the greedy politicians who made pot legal and point out the threat marijuana presents to public safety and overall quality of life in a community.Please visit our great sponsors:Sleep on an award-winning mattress from Brooklyn Bedding. Get 30% off sitewide at https://BrooklynBedding.com with promo code 3ML, and don't forget to mention our show after checkout!No missed calls, no missed customers with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at https://Openphone.com/3mlIf your business can't adapt in real-time, you're in a world of hurt.  Get the free e-book “Navigating Global Trade: 3 Insights for Leaders” from NetSuite by Oracle.  Download today at https://NetSuite.com/MARTINI

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on Tuesday's 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they cover the political comeback of former Ohio Sen. Sherrod Brown, furious left-wing reactions to President Trump federalizing the D.C. police, a new poll exposing a sharp partisan […]

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on Thursday's 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they thoroughly enjoy the left's hypocrisy and letting the truth slip over the redistricting fight. They also react to President Trump placing the DC police under federal control and the left trying to regain control over news narratives through the attention extraction tax.First, they dismantle the blatant hypocrisy of New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker as they refuse to acknowledge their own aggressive gerrymandering. Scot and Greg also highlight former Rep. Beto O'Rourke openly admitting the fight is about raw political power, and former Attorney General Eric Holder urging Democrats to weaponize redistricting in blue states, seizing power under the guise of “saving democracy” before supposedly ending the practice altogether.Next, they react to President Trump placing the Washington, D.C, police under federal control, citing a state of emergency over crime. Greg is torn over this because he does not like the idea of the federal government taking more control over things but he also admits the DC government has been both unable and unwilling to get serious about fighting crime.  Scot says people have said for decades that something needs to be done about crime in D.C. and Trump is finally doing something about it.Finally, they laugh at a Boston Globe column bemoaning the end of taxpayer funding for PBS and NPR and calling for a new online entity that people can go to for factual information about prominent political and policy issues. In short, it's just another avenue for the left to regain the power to shape news narratives. And this would all be paid for by the Orwellian "Attention Extraction Tax."Please visit our great sponsors:Sleep on an award-winning mattress from Brooklyn Bedding. Get 30% off sitewide at https://BrooklynBedding.com with promo code 3ML, and don't forget to mention our show after checkout!No missed calls, no missed customers with OpenPhone. Get 20% off your first 6 months at https://Openphone.com/3mlIf your business can't adapt in real-time, you're in a world of hurt.  Get the free e-book “Navigating Global Trade: 3 Insights for Leaders” from NetSuite by Oracle.  Download today at https://NetSuite.com/MARTINI

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on Thursday's 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they thoroughly enjoy the left's hypocrisy and letting the truth slip over the redistricting fight. They also react to President Trump placing the DC police under federal control and […]

Ian Nugent, assistant principal and philosophy teacher at Atlanta Classical Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, and Aaron Schepps, upper school principal and literature teacher at Atlanta Classical Academy in Atlanta, Georgia, join host Scot Bertram to discuss how to build mission-driven extracurricular for students, how to gauge the success of extracurricular activities, and some activities that schools can implement. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on Thursday's edition of the 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they dissect the left's increasingly outlandish arguments over Texas congressional redistricting, highlight new research showing students benefit from phone-free classrooms, and react to reports that Howard Stern may soon retire.First, they sit in disbelief as a Texas Democrat, who is currently on the lam in Illinois, compares the congressional redistricting fight to the Holocaust. They also chide CNN's Jake Tapper for saying Republicans abuse redistricting far more than Democrats and explain why Republicans feel confident creating new districts heavily populated with Hispanic voters who voted for Democrats until fairly recently.Next, they dig into a new study showing that students do better in school when they don't have their phones in class with them. The research also finds that students support the phone restrictions once they experience them and enjoy more real-life interaction with their peers.Finally, they discuss reports that Howard Stern may soon end his lucrative partnership with Sirius/XM. They review Stern's evolution from supposedly fearless shock jock to a pathetic, pandering leftist. Scot also explains why he believes Stern is overrated in the area where most people give him the highest compliments.Please visit our great sponsors:Talk it out, with Betterhelp. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at https://BetterHelp.com/3MLUpgrade your skincare routine with Caldera Lab and see the difference.  Visit https://CalderaLab.com/3ML and use code 3ML at checkout for 20% off your first order.Support your health with Dose Daily.  Save 25% on your first month when you subscribe at https://DoseDaily.co/3ML or enter code 3ML at checkout. 

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on Thursday's edition of the 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they dissect the left's increasingly outlandish arguments over Texas congressional redistricting, highlight new research showing students benefit from phone-free classrooms, and react to reports that […]

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on Thursday's 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they discuss California Democrats having to accept the truth on energy, Sen. Elizabeth Warren enthusiastically endorsing the socialist agenda of Zohran Mamdani, and Jim Acosta "interviewing" the bot of a student killed in a school shooting.First, they dig into California Gov. Gavin Newsom's retreat from his aggressive green agenda. After years of vilifying oil companies and pushing to end fossil fuel use, Newsom is now trying to keep refineries open and even expand drilling. Scot and Greg explain the truth about the scope of our energy needs and the only realistic ways they will be met anytime soon.Next, they react to Sen. Elizabeth Warren backing far-left New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani. She not only praises his socialist platform on housing, child care, and food prices but also claims his message is what Democrats should embrace nationwide. Scot and Greg unpack what “affordable” really means under progressive policies and how big government failures continue to pile up in America's largest cities.Finally, they recoil at former CNN anchor Jim Acosta's podcast “interview” with an AI version of Joaquin Oliver, a student killed in the 2018 Parkland school shooting. Acosta used the bot to advocate for greater gun control. Scot and Greg discuss the many ethical problems with this disturbing spectacle.Please visit our great sponsors:Talk it out, with Betterhelp. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at https://BetterHelp.com/3MLUpgrade your skincare routine with Caldera Lab and see the difference.  Visit https://CalderaLab.com/3ML and use code 3ML at checkout for 20% off your first order.Support your health with Dose Daily.  Save 25% on your first month when you subscribe at https://DoseDaily.co/3ML or enter code 3ML at checkout. 

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on Thursday's 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they discuss California Democrats having to accept the truth on energy, Sen. Elizabeth Warren enthusiastically endorsing the socialist agenda of Zohran Mamdani, and Jim Acosta “interviewing” the bot of […]

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on Thursday's 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they dive into Texas Democrats fleeing the state over congressional redistricting, the Republican U.S. Senate primary heating up in Georgia, and The New York Times whining about the return of the Presidential Physical Fitness Test.First, they blast Texas Democrats for their blatant hypocrisy as members of the state legislature flee to Illinois in an effort to block a new congressional map that favors Republicans. Scot and Greg dig into the absurd comments made by Texas Democrats, and they thoroughly relish that Dems went to Illinois, home of the worst gerrymandering in the nation - by Democrats.Next, they analyze the GOP U.S. Senate primary in Georgia, as Gov. Brian Kemp successfully recruits former college football coach Derek Dooley into the race. Two Republican congressmen are also vying for the nomination and actively courting President Trump's endorsement. Scot hopes Kemp and Trump will unite behind a single candidate to boost Republican chances. Greg wishes that were the case, but he expects Trump to back one of the lawmakers, setting up a very intense primary.Finally, they sigh as a New York Times news article suggests President Trump bringing back the Presidential Physical Fitness test "revives painful memories" for people who struggled to do pull-ups in front of their classmates. Scot and Greg contend the test is a good step in trying to get kids to be more physically active and that not doing well in certain areas should be motivation to get better.Please visit our great sponsors:Talk it out, with Betterhelp. Our listeners get 10% off their first month at https://BetterHelp.com/3MLUpgrade your skincare routine with Caldera Lab and see the difference.  Visit https://CalderaLab.com/3ML and use code 3ML at checkout for 20% off your first order.Support your health with Dose Daily.  Save 25% on your first month when you subscribe at https://DoseDaily.co/3ML or enter code 3ML at checkout. 

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on Thursday's 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they dive into Texas Democrats fleeing the state over congressional redistricting, the Republican U.S. Senate primary heating up in Georgia, and The New York Times whining about the return […]

Kimberly Miller, librarian at Hillsdale Academy in Hillsdale, Michigan, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the importance of outdoor activities to pedagogy, how outdoor spaces help spark the imagination and creativity of children, and book recommendations for outdoor story time. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Guests: Victor Davis Hanson & Oren Cass First, we hear excerpts from Victor Davis Hanson’s address on the subject of living an honorable and virtuous life, given at Hillsdale College's 2025 commencement ceremonies. Hanson is the Wayne and Marcia Buske Distinguished Fellow in History at Hillsdale College and senior fellow at the Hoover Institution. And host Scot Bertram talks with Oren Cass, chief economist at American Compass, about the reappraisal of free market ideas on the American right and the new American Compass essay collection The New Conservatives: Restoring America's Commitment to Family, Community, and Industry.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

John Peterson, Assistant Director of Curriculum at Hillsdale College's K-12 Education Office, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss the history of American education, the ideological basis for progressive education, and the roots of classical education. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of Future of Freedom, host Scot Bertram is joined by two guests with different viewpoints about the Trump administrations' handling of immigration enforcement. First on the show is J.D. Tuccille, a former managing editor of Reason.com and current contributing editor. Later, we hear from Mark Krikorian, Executive Director of the Center for Immigration Studies. You can find J.D. on X at @JD_Tuccille and Mark at @MarkSKrikorian.

Stephen Shipp, headmaster at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss Seven Oaks winning The Henry Salvatori Prize for Excellence in Teaching, encouraging firm and kind leadership, and developing an excellent school culture. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Abigail Teska, art teacher at Seven Oaks Classical School in Ellettsville, Indiana, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss summertime art instruction, simple and meaningful art activities, and how families can engage with great works of art over the summer. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scot Bertram talks with Dan McLaughlin, senior writer at National Review Online and fellow at the National Review Institute, to break down a recent district court ruling that says Congress lacks the power to restrict funding for Planned Parenthood. McLaughlin unpacks the legal reasoning behind the decision, its implications for congressional authority, and what it could mean for future battles over federal spending.

Scot Bertram welcomes Christine Menedis, author of Why the World Doesn't Make Sense: Reclaiming the Liberty You Didn't Know You Lost, to explore the growing collapse of meaning in modern society. Menedis discusses how cultural confusion, loss of truth, and eroded freedoms have led to widespread disillusionment—and what individuals can do to reclaim a sense of purpose and liberty in today's world.

Here are 3 big things you need to know—   One — The U.S. Supreme Court is letting the Trump administration continue plans to carry out mass job cuts across the federal government.  Justices lifted a district judge's order blocking the large-scale federal layoffs that could potentially impact hundreds of thousands of jobs.  The Supreme Court said it was not assessing the legality of any specific plans for layoffs at federal agencies.   Two --- .  he U.S. wants to ban the sale of farmland to buyers linked to China.  That's according to Secretary of Agriculture Brooke Rollins, who told reporters the Trump administration will move to ban sales to investors tied to foreign adversaries.  Rollins said an executive order is likely coming soon, citing national and food security threats.    And number three ---   McDonald's is making some menu changes this week. The fast-food chain started selling the Spicy McMuffin today. The breakfast sandwich features a spicy pepper sauce. Meanwhile, the Snack Wrap is expected on the menu on Thursday.  It will come in two flavors, Spicy and Ranch.  

Scot Bertram discusses news and headlines

Scot Bertram dives into a wide-ranging and provocative conversation with Dr. Ben Tapper, Director of Epigenetics at The Wellness Company (twc.health/GRUBER, promo code: GRUBER). From the CDC's surprising hesitation over removing mercury-containing vaccines to the growing influence of RFK Jr. within federal health agencies, Dr. Tapper offers his unfiltered take on where American public health policy is headed. They tackle the sudden silence around bird flu and egg prices, the controversial mass culling of livestock, and why promising treatments like anti-parasitic medicine remain ignored by the medical establishment. Plus, Dr. Tapper weighs in on a new study revealing up to 90% of game fish in Southern California carry parasites—and shares practical advice on how to stay safe.   twc.health/GRUBER, promo code: GRUBER

Scot Bertram talks with Tim Graham, Executive Editor of NewsBusters and Director of Media Analysis at the Media Research Center, about the media's coverage of the Texas flooding and the attempt by some outlets—most notably George Stephanopoulos and Dana Bash—to link the disaster to former President Trump. Graham highlights the blatant bias at play and explains how narrative-driven reporting is shaping public perception of natural disasters.

Scot Bertram is joined by Ron Rademacher—travel writer, author, speaker, storyteller, and self-proclaimed expert in getting lost on Michigan's back roads—for a lively conversation about hidden gems, off-the-beaten-path adventures, and the unique charm of small-town Michigan. Rademacher shares stories from his travels and offers tips for discovering the state in a whole new way. MichiganBackRoads.com

Sot Bertram discusses news and headlines 

Here are 3 big things you need to know—    One — The State Department says someone used an AI-generated voice of Secretary of State Marco Rubio to contact U.S. and foreign officials.  The person contacted three foreign ministers and two U.S. officials in mid-June via the Signal messaging app and left voicemails for at least two of them.    Two ---  Michigan Senate Minority Leader Aric Nesbitt is calling for the federal government to investigate a growing scandal involving the Michigan Economic Development Corporation.  The MEDC gave a 20-million-dollar grant to Fay Beydoun, an associate of Governor Whitmer, and she is accused of misusing the money.  Nesbitt says official email records show she communicated directly with Whitmer's office to obtain the grant, and top MEDC officials not only knew about the arrangement, but also attempted to hide and withhold evidence from investigators.    And number three ---   The largest earthquake swarm in 16 years has rumbled under Mt. Rainier in Washington State.  Hundreds of small earthquakes were felt across a wide area of the mountain.  The U.S. Geological Survey says the earthquakes alone aren't cause for concern.  There's no other unusual activity on the mountain. 

Scot Bertram discusses news and headlines 

Here are 3 big things you need to know—  One — Former CIA Director John Brennan and former FBI Director James Comey are under criminal investigation for potential wrongdoing related to the Trump–Russia probe. That's according to Fox News Digital. CIA Director John Ratcliffe referred evidence of wrongdoing by Brennan to FBI Director Kash Patel for potential prosecution. As for Comey, sources told Fox News that an investigation into the former director is underway, but could not share details of what specifically is being probed. Two ---  President Trump's nominee for U.S. ambassador to the United Nations is expected to appear before senators next week for his confirmation hearing. That's according to CBS News. Mike Waltz left Congress to become Trump's national security adviser, a post he vacated in May.   And number three ---   A former labor union boss who drew attention in his race last year as an independent candidate challenging Nebraska Republican U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer is again throwing his hat into the political ring. This time Dan Osborn says he'll challenge Nebraska's junior senator, Republican Pete Ricketts, in 2026. He fell short by 7 points in 2024.

Scot Bertram discusses news and headlines 

Scot Bertram is joined by Brent Sadler, Senior Research Fellow for Naval Warfare and Advanced Technology at The Heritage Foundation's Allison Center for National Security, to discuss a critical step the United States must take to restore and strengthen its Navy. With growing global threats and an aging fleet, Sadler outlines the strategic, technological, and policy shifts needed to ensure America's naval dominance in the years ahead.

Here are 3 big things you need to know—   One — More than 100 people are now confirmed dead from catastrophic flooding in central Texas.  In Kerr County alone, officials are reporting 56 adults and 28 children are dead, with ten children and one adult still missing from a girls' camp.  President Trump has signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County and will likely visit the state on Friday.   Two --- .  The White House is calling on Democrats to tone down their rhetoric against ICE and border patrol agents.  Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt challenged Democrats to meet with border agents.  Leavitt called the agents honorable men and women who are simply enforcing U.S. law.  The comments came the same day a man opened fire at a Border Patrol facility in South Texas.   And number three --- Emergency room visits for tick bites are nearing record levels this summer across U.S.  The CDC says July has already seen the highest number of tick-related ER visits in eight years.  People under ten and over 70-years-old have the highest rates of ER visits.

Scot Bertram discusses news and headlines 

Scot Bertram is joined by Moira Gleason, Editorial Intern at National Review and Managing Editor of The Hillsdale Collegian, for a discussion on the "One Big Beautiful Bill." The conversation explores the bill's potential impact on Planned Parenthood, the broader implications for the pro-life movement, and how the media is covering the ongoing cultural and legislative battles surrounding abortion in America.

Scot Bertram is joined by Dr. Josh McConkey, Air Force Colonel, author of Be The Weight Behind The Spear, and candidate for Lieutenant Governor of North Carolina, for a conversation on President Trump's Big Beautiful Bill and its potential impact on healthcare policy. Drawing on his experience in both military medicine and public service, Dr. McConkey offers insight into what this legislation could mean for patients, providers, and the broader future of healthcare in America.

Here are 3 big things you need to know—   One — A federal judge has temporarily barred the federal government from carrying out a provision of a law duly passed by Congress and approved by the President. The judge has moved to prevent the Trump administration from revoking funding for Planned Parenthood just days after President Trump signed it into law. The U.S. Supreme Court should get involved quickly, since the ruling is the equivalent of dissolving Congress and ignoring 50 years of Supreme Court precedent. Two --- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is nominating President Trump for the Nobel Peace Prize.  He announced the nomination at a dinner at the White House, saying Trump is pursuing peace and security in many lands, especially in the Middle East.    And number three --- Amazon Prime Day starts today.  The annual event brings in billions of dollars in global sales and retailers see an immediate boost in e-commerce activity.  Consumer experts warn of "price anchoring"  --  where some sellers jack up prices before Prime Day, then offer what appears to be a discount that is actually the product's normal price or even higher.

Scot Bertram is joined by Matt Lamb, Associate Editor at The College Fix, to discuss a controversial statement from a dean at Grand Valley State University, who claimed the school “accepts virtually all students of color.” Civil rights experts are now calling for further investigation into whether the university's admissions practices could constitute racial discrimination. Lamb provides context, reactions, and what this could mean for the future of race-conscious policies in higher education.

Scot Bertram is joined by Elizabeth Troutman Mitchell, reporter for The Daily Signal and co-host of The Daily Signal Podcast, to discuss the National Weather Service's response to recent claims of understaffing during the devastating floods in Texas. Mitchell breaks down the facts behind the controversy, the agency's defense, and what it reveals about the state of America's emergency response systems.

Here are 3 big things you need to know—   One — The U.S. will be shipping more weapons to Ukraine.  President Trump made the remarks at a White House dinner with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.  This comes after the administration had paused some weapons shipments to Ukraine over concerns the U.S. military stockpile was being depleted.    Two ---  A federal judge has prevented the Trump administration from enforcing part of the Big Beautiful Bill that would block funding for Planned Parenthood health centers. The temporary restraining order was issued by a Judge in Massachusetts. At issue is the provision in the new tax and spending bill signed into law by President Donald Trump on July 4 that eliminates one year of Medicaid payments from Planned Parenthood health centers because the organization also provides abortions. The real issue, of course, is a district judge trying to strip Congress of the power of the purse.   And number three --- Travelers at several major U.S. airports no longer need to remove their shoes at security checkpoints, as the TSA begins testing a relaxed screening policy.  An internal memo reveals the soft launch is now underway at airports including L-A-X, LaGuardia, B-W-I, Philadelphia, and Fort Lauderdale International.

Scot Bertram is joined by Steve Goreham, Executive Director of the Climate Science Coalition of America and author of Green Breakdown: The Coming Renewable Energy Failure, to discuss the recent U.S. heatwave and claims that it was driven by human activity. Goreham also breaks down how Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill” could affect renewable energy policy and highlights key indicators pointing to what he sees as an impending failure of the green energy agenda.

Scot Bertram is joined by Kaitlyn Buss, columnist for The Detroit News, to discuss her recent piece arguing that Michigan needs a "Rick Snyder 2.0." Buss outlines why the state could benefit from a pragmatic, business-minded leader once again, and how Snyder's data-driven approach to governance might serve as a model for Michigan's future

Scot Bertram discusses news and headlines

Przemyslaw Grzesiak, physical education teacher at Hillsdale Academy in Hillsdale, Michigan, joins host Scot Bertram to discuss summertime physical education instruction, how to encourage the spirit of competition, and how to get a workout on a rainy day. Learn more: https://k12.hillsdale.edu/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Scot Bertram discusses news and headlines

Scot Bertram discusses news and headlines

Here are 3 big things you need to know—   One — President Trump says he will probably visit Texas Friday to see areas of the state hardest hit by the catastrophic flash flooding. Search and recovery efforts are underway for a fourth day after catastrophic flooding killed at least 70 people in central Texas.  Deaths have been reported in six counties in the state.    Two --- Crews are slowly making progress in battling California's largest wildfire of the year.  The Madre Fire started Wednesday afternoon and has burned nearly 80-thousand acres. It's about 30 percent contained.  The fire has prompted highway closures in San Luis Obispo County along with evacuation orders and warnings.    And number three — What's left of Tropical Storm Chantal is dumping heavy rain in the Carolinas as it moves north after making landfall.  The National Hurricane Center says Chantal weakened to a tropical depression with top winds of about 35 miles an hour as it moves further inland.  The storm could lead to flash floods.

Here are 3 big things you need to know—   One — President Trump announced he signed a major disaster declaration for Kerr County.  In a post on Truth Social, Trump said the declaration will allow first responders to have access to resources they need as recovery efforts continue.  Trump called it an unimaginable tragedy that has left at least 70 people dead.   Two --- -  A team of Israeli negotiators is in Qatar for talks with Hamas about a Gaza ceasefire.  Israeli officials say  they're prepared to negotiate a truce proposal with Hamas, though they found changes in the proposal requested by Hamas were unacceptable.  The announcement came after Hamas said it had a positive response to a U.S.-backed proposal that would involve a 60-day truce in Gaza.   And number three — The remains of seven bodies have been recovered from the debris of a fireworks warehouse that exploded in Northern California.  The blast happened on Tuesday about 40 miles west of Sacramento, sending clouds of smoke billowing thousands of feet into the air.  Yolo County officials say the warehouse was not permitted to house fireworks. 

Here are 3 big things you need to know—   One — Search and rescue operations continue after flash flooding killed at least 80 people in central Texas.  The toll includes at least 28 children in Kerr County, where ten girls and one counselor from Camp Mystic are still unaccounted for.  Texas Governor Greg Abbott said Sunday that search and recovery efforts will continue around the clock, adding that flash flooding is still a danger with more rain in the forecast.   Two ---  Filling up the gas tank in Michigan is eleven-cents a gallon cheaper this week.  Triple-A Michigan says the average price is now three-dollars-15-cents, down five-cents from last month and 43-cents less than last year.  The most expensive gas is in metro Detroit at three-dollars-20-cents, and Marquette has the lowest price in the state at three-dollars a gallon.    And number three --- President Trump signed the big, beautiful bill Friday, drawing praise from GOP leaders.  House Speaker Mike Johnson tells Fox News the bill boosts the average American's take-home pay by 13-thousand dollars and delivers on the administration's "America First" agenda.

Scot Bertram discusses news and headlines

Hillsdale College Radio General Manager and Radio Free Hillsdale Hour host Scot Bertram fills in for Jim on Thursday's 3 Martini Lunch. Join Scot and Greg as they assess the Supreme Court's ruling on Planned Parenthood and your tax dollars, a radical government overhaul proposal from a Democratic congressman, and whether the Democrats will mimic Mamdani in the 2026 midterms and beyond.First, they discuss the U.S. Supreme Court's 6-3 decision allowing South Carolina to exclude Planned Parenthood from where it spends Medicaid dollars. Scot and Greg react to the decision, explain why it makes sense, and note the incredibly biased way these politically-charged rulings are covered in the media. Next, they shake their heads as Illinois Rep. Sean Casten proposes adding 12 at-large U.S. Senate seat decided in a national popular vote, which would also add 12 votes to the Electoral College. He also wants to increase the U.S. House of Representatives by 250 seats, and "rebalance" the Supreme Court by creating a "13-judge multi-circuit panel" that would decide any cases where the U.S. government or a federal agency is a party.Finally, they spotlight the Democrats who avoided Zohran Mamdani's extremism before the election but now rush to align with him. Scot and Greg explore whether Mamdani's far-left agenda will become a blueprint for Democrats heading into the 2026 midterms and beyond.Please visit our great sponsors:It's free, online, and easy to start—no strings attached. Enroll in American Foreign Policy  with Hillsdale College. Visit https://Hillsdale.edu/MartiniFatty15 is on a mission to help you live healthier, longer.  Get an additional 15% off their 90-day subscription Starter Kit by going to https://Fatty15.com/3ML and use code 3ML at checkout.