Podcasts about senate appropriations committee

Give to help Chris make Truce Our season has spent a lot of time looking at how some evangelicals tied themselves to the GOP as the party became more conservative. But not every evangelical Republican was taken in by the conservative swing. In this episode, we're taking a look at Senator Mark Hatfield, an evangelical Republican who didn't follow the pack. Senator Mark Hatfield had a long and influential career in public service spanning nearly five decades. After serving in the U.S. Navy during World War II and earning degrees from Willamette University and Stanford University, Hatfield began his political journey in the Oregon Legislature, winning election to the Oregon House of Representatives in 1950 and then to the Oregon State Senate in 1954. He went on to become Oregon's youngest Secretary of State at age 34 and was elected Governor of Oregon in 1958, where he served two terms and oversaw the expansion of the state's infrastructure and environmental programs. In 1966, Hatfield was elected to the U.S. Senate, beginning a 30-year tenure that made him the longest-serving senator in Oregon's history at the time. In the Senate, Hatfield was known as a moderate Republican who often put conscience ahead of party, particularly on issues of war and defense spending. Deeply shaped by his wartime experiences and Christian faith, he consistently opposed military authorization bills, including votes against the Vietnam War and the Persian Gulf War, and co-sponsored efforts like a nuclear freeze resolution. Hatfield twice chaired the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, using that position to direct federal funds to Oregon for health, transportation, and research projects, and to support biomedical research at institutions like the National Institutes of Health. His independent approach earned him respect across party lines, and although the GOP shifted rightward over time, he remained a distinctive figure in national politics until his retirement in 1997. Sources: IMDB and Amazon reviews of the movie Bringing up Bobby Stand Alone or Go Home by Lon Fendall Transcript of the Keynote Address by Gov. Hatfield at G.O.P. Convention, NY Times, July 14, 1964 “CONVENTION ENDS; Extremism in Defense of Liberty ‘No Vice,' Arizonan Asserts” New York Times, July 17, 1964 Before the Storm by Rick Perlstein With God on Our Side by William C Martin FBI files on Mark Hatfield from archive.org Conflict and Conscience by Mark O. Hatfield. Between A Rock and A Hard Place by Mark O Hatfield Nixonland by Rick Perlstein “When a Candidate Conspired With a Foreign Power to Win An Election” by John A Farrell. Politico website, August 6, 2017. H. R. 17123 “The Amendment to End the War” Bill Bright and Campus Crusade for Christ by John G Turner One Nation Under God by Rus Walton “Born Again Politics” New York Times by Gary Wills. August 1, 1976. Congressional record, February 28, 1978. Discussion Questions: How would you describe Hatfield's faith? How did Hatfield defy conservative Republican evangelicals? Why did Hatfield oppose the Vietnam War? Would you have the courage to do what Hatfield did? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On our political radar this week… Canadian officials cut the ribbon today to herald Monday's scheduled opening of the Gordie Howe Bridge. Ontario Prime Minister Doug Ford spoke directly of the latest Trump assault on America's number one trading partner, saying “ Ontario will be ready to respond in any new American tariffs, will not back down, and will negotiate from a position of strength as a top trading partner, more than half of the United States.” Because of Trump's latest tariff tantrum no Americans were invited to the event. At recording time the Bridge is set to open for vehicular traffic on Monday. Instead of presiding at a joint ribbon cutting which had been planned for next Monday midway between Detroit and Windsor, Trump will be a few miles north for a campaign rally. His campaign visit: an admission that Michigan Democrats could flip 3 Republican-held seats in Congress. For Republican Senate candidate Mike Rogers, it could be a political nightmare. He'll have no choice but to join hands with a President whose approval rating is a pathetic 33 percent…and falling. On the Democratic side of the Senate race, Governor Whitmer has endorsed Haley Stevens. Polls show Stevens with a slight lead over Abdul El-Sayed … and El-Sayed drawing large crowds this last week at rallies featuring Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. But the endorsement comes with nearly 700-thousand absentee ballots already been received by local clerks, and another 1.2-million absentee ballots have been issued but not yet returned. Early in-person voting begins on tomorrow. Defense Secretary (and former Fox & Friends B-Team talker) Pete Hegseth took a trip to Capitol Hill. The hostile reception he got from the Senate Appropriations Committee was enough to drive a man to drink. Hegseth wants another $90-billion to continue Trump's War of Choice in Iran … and Senators made it clear they weren't buying what he was selling. The normally soft-spoken Senator Gary Peters pulled no punches in lambasting the former Fox News weekend couch talker. Hegseth claims the Iran War has cost around $37-billion so far. Of course, with Trump's massive budget deficit estimated at 2-trillion dollars, the entire cost of the war goes on the federal credit card to be paid by future generations. And Senator Elissa Slotkin says the real cost is more … 200-billion dollars or more.  The State Board of Canvassers voted to put the Money out of Politics proposal on the November ballot. If approved by voters and if it gets past a court challenge, the proposal would ban political spending by regulated utilities and companies with state contracts. Organizers got some major messaging help in the latest campaign finance reports which showed that CMS Energy has spent more than a quarter-million-dollars in a Republican primary targeting the chair of a House subcommittee who opposes construction of new data centers in Michigan. The number is huge. In 2024, there were a total of 13,491 votes cast in the district’s Republican primary (it's a very red district so the primary is the real election). With a similar turnout this year, the spending equals $20 per vote. VIDEO: Confessions of the Dear Leader – The Lincoln Project ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Subscribe to our YouTube channel ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ A Republic, If You Can Keep It is supported by

On this week's Defense & Aerospace Report Washington Roundtable, Dr. Patrick Cronin of the Hudson Institute think tank, Michael Herson of American Defense International, former DoD Europe chief Jim Townsend of the Center for a New American Security, and former Pentagon Comptroller Dr. Dov Zakheim of the Center for Strategic and International Studies join Defense & Aerospace Report Editor Vago Muradian to discuss intensifying US and Iran military operations; Washington and Riyadh strike a nuclear pact; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee; update on the NDAA; Russia pounds Ukraine clouding the critically important Ukrainian port in Odessa; a week firing former Defense Minister Mykhailo Federov, Volodymyr Zelenskyy has fired his chief of defense staff, Gen. Oleksandr Syrskyi; Russia conducts live fire exercises 46miles, off Britain's key Portsmouth naval base as Andy Burnham becomes the UK's new prime minister with John Healy at the Treasury; the People's Liberation Army Daily blasts Tokyo and it's drone capabilities as China and Russia step up military exercises off the Japanese coast that included a Chinese live fire drill; Secretary of State Marco Rubio prepares for Trump's summit with Xi Jinping as he meets his Quad counterparts in Manila at the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' meeting; Beijing and Manila spar over Second Thomas Shoal Incident and racist video posted by China Daily; the region braces for new US tariffs as the continuing Iran war drives energy prices up again; and the White House accused China of stealing American technology to improve its AI program.

Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, USDA Secretary Brooke Rollins, and Joint Chiefs Chairman General Dan Kaine face intense Senate grilling over the $87.6 billion emergency supplemental request! Plus, key updates on Biden's ghostwriter tapes and the escalating Iran war costs on today's No News is News live stream.

July 21, 2026, 4pm; As the War in Iran appears to be spiraling out of the administration's control; its popularity plummeting; and money and munitions run low, Pete Hegseth's testimony -- the first time he has answered Senators' questions about the conflict in months -- comes amid a dire budget crunch. For more from Nicolle, follow and download her podcast, “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” wherever you get your podcasts.To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 21, 2026, 5pm; As the War in Iran appears to be spiraling out of the administration's control; its popularity plummeting; and money and munitions run low, Pete Hegseth's testimony -- the first time he has answered Senators' questions about the conflict in months -- comes amid a dire budget crunch. For more from Nicolle, follow and download her podcast, “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” wherever you get your podcasts.To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

John's monologue talks about Pete Hegseth testifyng before the Senate Appropriations Committee to defend the Trump administration's $87.6 billion emergency supplemental budget request because Trump's war is running out of money. He questions the accountability of military leadership and the impact on American servicemen and women. And, John welcomes back award-winning investigative journalist Brian Karem, who shares his insights on the ongoing chaos surrounding Mitch McConnell's health and the implications for the GOP. Karem's expertise shines as he discusses the mysterious Havana Syndrome and its potential links to national security. Then, John speaks with MSNOW host Stephanie Ruhle. They discuss the alarming consolidation of wealth and its implications for democracy, as well as the challenges facing both political parties in addressing these disparities. They also tackle the volatility of markets influenced by presidential actions and the broader consequences for long-term businesses. Plus, they highlight the importance of accountability and affordability in upcoming elections. Next, he interviews the founder and CEO of the National Democratic Training Committee Kelly Dietrich. They discuss his mission to empower candidates across the political spectrum, emphasizing the need for sustained effort and engagement beyond just one election cycle. They touch on the current political landscape, including the impact of rising gas prices and the ongoing war in Iran, and how these issues intersect with domestic concerns. And then, John talks with "The God Squad" - theologian Dillon Naber Cruz and former pastor Desimber Rose. They discuss the outrageous comments made by Texas Lieutenant Governor Dan Patrick, who condemned a fellow politician to hell for advocating policies based on Jesus' teachings. They dissect the hypocrisy of those who claim to follow Christ while promoting divisive and harmful policies, and challenge the misconceptions surrounding hell as presented in scripture. They also address the alarming trend of workplace religious gatherings in federal agencies, questioning the implications of mixing government and faith.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today on America in the MorningHegseth Faces The Senate Secretary of War Pete Hegseth faced sharp questioning from both sides of the aisle during a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing as Democrats pressed him on the Trump administration's handling of the war with Iran, the rising cost of the conflict and the Pentagon's request for billions more in emergency funding.  Correspondent Joan Jones has details.   Trump Meets With Lebanon's President President Trump met in the White House with the president of Lebanon, a meeting that included discussions of Lebanon taking back areas from Hezbollah, Israel leaving Lebanese territory, and the resumption of US flights to Beirut which ended in the 1980's.  Lisa Dwyer reports.   Medicaid Money Pulled From California & Minnesota The Trump administration is pausing $1 billion dollars in ​Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota over what it calls "suspected fraud and noncompliance."  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports.   NJ Election Glitch Governor Mikie Sherrill said that a glitch in the state's motor vehicle commission computer allowed roughly 66 hundred non-citizens to register to vote in New Jersey from 2023 to 2024.  Roughly 400 of them actually cast votes.   Biggs Wins AZ GOP Primary In Arizona, President Trump-backed candidate Andy Biggs won the GOP primary for governor by a landslide, and will face incumbent Democrat Katie Hobbs for governor.    Americans Stabbed In Greece A shocking scene at one of the world's biggest tourist attractions.  Correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports a man has stabbed and wounded two American tourists near the ancient Acropolis in Athens, Greece.   Hegseth Takes Heat Defense Secretary Pete Hegesth faced sharp questions about the Trump administration's handling of the war with Iran, with no signs from either side of stopping attacks, and concerns that the Iranian-backed Houthis are planning to keep ships at bay in the Red Sea while Iran targets the Strait of Hormuz.  Ed Donahue reports a Senate Appropriations Committee hearing included angst from Democrats, blame from Hegseth for the Biden administration, and a loud protest.   Bertha On The Move It was a wicked weather Tuesday across the nation with severe storms and some tornado activity from New York City to Washington, DC that canceled or delayed thousands of flights, and in the Deep South, tropical storm watches and warnings are in place along the Louisiana coast, and further east, as Tropical Storm Bertha continues moving toward the northern Gulf Coast.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports.   The Chicago Slap It's the slap that everyone's talking about.  A young man who did not stand for the national anthem at a Chicago Cubs game was smacked in the back of the head by a Viet Nam War veteran.  Sue Aller reports on what happened, and also what took place between the two men following the head slap.   House Clears Budget Bill The House passed a stopgap bill to fund the government into December in an effort to avoid another government shutdown weeks before the midterms, but the effort faces an uphill climb in the Senate.    Biden Loses Appeal Request denied.  Correspondent Haya Panjwani reports on former President Joe Biden's appeal in a highly publicized DOJ investigation.   ESPN Layoffs The sports world is talking about the mass layoffs at ESPN, where it's not just behind-the-scenes personnel that are receiving pink slips.  Lisa Dwyer reports some of their big-name broadcasters are also being shown the door, including one who was on the air when he found out he was being let go. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

American motorists are growing weary of paying higher gas prices again after renewed military tensions between the US and Iran stoked fears of a disruption in the Strait of Hormuz and gas prices rose to over $4 per gallon this week.随着美伊军事紧张局势再度升级，引发市场对霍尔木兹海峡航运中断的担忧，本周美国汽油价格涨至每加仑4美元以上，美国驾车族对油价再次上涨感到疲惫。The national average for regular gasoline was $4 a gallon on July 20, according to the American Automobile Association, rising 13 cents per gallon, or 3 percent, over the past week amid the tensions in the Middle East. It is the first time the national average hit $4 since June 17, and it comes despite the June US-Iran memorandum of understanding to stop the military conflict and a 60-day negotiation period.据美国汽车协会数据，7月20日全美普通汽油均价为每加仑4美元，较上周上涨13美分，涨幅约3%。这是自6月17日以来全美均价首次触及4美元关口，尽管美伊双方在6月曾签署谅解备忘录以停止军事冲突并设定了60天谈判期。Sanjay Patel, 70, from Manhattan, was filling up his white Mercedes Benz SUV at a BP gas station in Brooklyn, New York when he expressed how annoyed he was at the rising price of gas. He pointed out that he was paying over $4 at the location, as it was $4.15 for regular, $4.55 for silver and $4.95 for diesel.70岁的曼哈顿居民桑贾伊·帕特尔在纽约布鲁克林的一家BP加油站为自己的白色奔驰SUV加油时，表达了对油价上涨的烦恼。他指出该站油价已超过4美元，普通汽油每加仑4.15美元，中档汽油4.55美元，柴油4.95美元。"I want it to go back below $4," Patel told China Daily, who blamed the rise in gas prices on the ongoing war with Iran. "Well, it's because of the war, they block the Strait of Hormuz, with all of that there's no supply. I think all of the world is suffering because everywhere it is high. But America has enough oil, but they are not really distributing it to the public.“我希望油价回到4美元以下，”帕特尔对《中国日报》表示。他将油价上涨归咎于与伊朗的持续战争。“这都是因为战争，他们封锁了霍尔木兹海峡，导致供应短缺。我认为全世界都在承受高价之苦。美国有足够的石油，但没有真正分配给国内公众。"The government should end the war. That is the most important. Secondly, they have to make sure all these big oil companies, BP, Shell and ExxonMobil should not be focusing on selling the oil outside of the country. America is in a war. I have to pay more to the fill up the tank. A full tank is $60."“政府应该结束战争，这是最重要的。其次，他们必须确保BP、壳牌和埃克森美孚等大石油公司不要把石油卖到国外。美国正在打仗，我不得不花更多钱加油。加满一箱油要60美元。”US crude oil traded between $81 and $85 per barrel on Tuesday, according to Reuters. Brent crude futures added 2 percent to end the day at $91.01, according to The Wall Street Journal. It was the first close above $90 since June 11.据路透社报道，周二美国原油价格在每桶81至85美元之间交易。据《华尔街日报》报道，布伦特原油期货上涨2%，收于每桶91.01美元，为6月11日以来首次收于90美元上方。Brian James, 55, from Brooklyn, New York, drives a black Jeep Wrangler.55岁的布赖恩·詹姆斯来自纽约布鲁克林，开一辆黑色吉普牧马人。He told China Daily: "Gas prices are ridiculous right now. Seriously. It costs $90 for me to fill up this car. In the past, it was $70. Instead of being able to buy certain things or save money, then you have to outlay in transportation. It's taking a hit on everyone.他对《中国日报》表示：“现在的油价太离谱了。真的。我加满这辆车要90美元。过去只要70美元。本可以用来买东西或存钱的钱，现在不得不用在交通上。每个人都受到了冲击。"I blame the government. They're making it hard for everyone right now, we're spending money where we shouldn't have to. The oil companies are passing on the costs to the customer. I remember when the gas price was in the three-dollar range, like $3.60 or whatever."“我怪罪政府。他们现在让每个人都很难，我们在不该花钱的地方花钱。石油公司把成本转嫁给了消费者。我记得油价还在3美元区间的时候，大概3.60美元左右。”On Tuesday, a tanker in the Strait of Hormuz came under attack near Oman, according to the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations.据英国海上贸易运营机构称，周二一艘油轮在霍尔木兹海峡阿曼附近海域遭到袭击。Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps told state-linked Tasnim News Agency: "As long as American hostilities in the region continue, the Strait of Hormuz will remain closed."伊朗伊斯兰革命卫队对国家通讯社塔斯尼姆表示：“只要美国在该地区的敌对行动持续，霍尔木兹海峡将继续关闭。”The Houthis in Yemen said on Monday that they had implemented a blockade on Saudi Arabia's shipments through the Red Sea's Bab al-Mandeb Strait. This could cause even more blocks for shipping routes, warn experts.也门胡塞武装周一表示，已对沙特经红海曼德海峡的航运实施封锁。专家警告，这可能导致更多航线受阻。In March, shortly after the US-Israel attacks began on Iran, gas prices in the US hit an average of $4 a gallon.今年3月，美以对伊朗发动攻击后不久，美国汽油均价就达到了每加仑4美元。In May, they were $4.50 a gallon, then they dropped back down to $4 after the US and Iran agreed to the MOU in mid-June.5月油价曾达到每加仑4.50美元，6月中旬美伊签署谅解备忘录后回落至4美元。American drivers got some relief by early June, when prices at the pump were $3.79, the American Automobile Association found. But they have gradually crept back up this month.美国汽车协会数据显示，6月初美国司机曾获得一些喘息，油价降至每加仑3.79美元，但本月已逐渐回升。On July 7, the US government revoked a sanctions waiver on Iranian oil. President Donald Trump said a day later that the ceasefire agreement with Iran was "over" and he would reinstate the Iranian blockade.7月7日，美国政府撤销了对伊朗石油的制裁豁免。次日，总统特朗普表示与伊朗的停火协议“已结束”，并将恢复对伊朗的封锁。Three US service members were killed from July 17 to 19. Trump vowed to make Iran pay "many times over" for the deaths.7月17日至19日，三名美军士兵阵亡。特朗普誓言要让伊朗“加倍付出代价”。Nearly 100 US troops have been injured in the past two weeks amid renewed fighting with Iran, The Pentagon said.五角大楼表示，过去两周在与伊朗的持续冲突中，近100名美军士兵受伤。The Strait of Hormuz transported 20 percent of the world's oil supplies before the war began.战前，霍尔木兹海峡承载全球20%的石油供应。Over 130 ships per day used to cross the waterway, but from July 17 to 19 that plummeted to only 30 ships, MarineTraffic and Kpler said.据MarineTraffic和Kpler数据，该水道过去日均通行130多艘船舶，但7月17日至19日锐减至仅30艘。US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth told the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday that the war had cost $37.5 billion so far.美国国防部长皮特·赫格塞斯周二向参议院拨款委员会表示，战争迄今已耗费375亿美元。For most motorists, especially those who rely on their vehicles for work, lower gas prices cannot come back soon enough.对大多数驾车族而言，尤其是那些依赖车辆工作的人，油价回落越快越好。Sulaiman, 31, an Uber Eats delivery driver, was filling up his small motorbike at a gas station in New York and checking his phone on his way to deliver food to a customer.31岁的苏莱曼是一名Uber Eats送餐司机，他正在纽约一家加油站为小型摩托车加油，同时查看手机准备前往送餐。"I'm so busy, I have to deliver this food," he told China Daily. "Higher gas prices make it harder for people like me who need to earn money as more of my money goes towards transportation costs. I just wish they'd make things better for all of us out here working hard."“我很忙，我得去送餐，”他对《中国日报》表示。“油价上涨让我们这些需要挣钱的人更难，因为更多的钱花在了交通上。我只希望他们能为所有辛勤工作的人改善现状。”weary /ˈwɪəri/疲倦的，厌倦的stoked fears /stəʊkt fɪəz/引发担忧disruption /dɪsˈrʌpʃən/中断，扰乱national average /ˈnæʃənəl ˈævərɪdʒ/全国平均水平regular gasoline /ˈreɡjʊlər ˈɡæsəliːn/普通汽油memorandum of understanding (MOU) /ˌmemərændəm əv ʌndəˈstændɪŋ/谅解备忘录silver gasoline /ˈsɪlvə ˈɡæsəliːn/中档汽油diesel /ˈdiːzəl/柴油crude oil /kruːd ɔɪl/原油

The U.S. military has carried out its 11th consecutive night of airstrikes against Iran, with U.S. Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth officially confirming that the ongoing war, which has lasted five months, has cost American taxpayers $37.5 billion to date.U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) has focused on Iranian military operations centers, aircraft hangars, drone storage facilities, and logistics infrastructure.Recent strikes targeted Larak Island, areas near Qeshm Island, and activated air defenses around Tehran, the capital city. Additionally, an electrical installation close to the Bushehr nuclear power plant was struck.President Donald Trump has cautioned that the U.S. military may soon intensify its focus on Pickaxe Mountain, a fortified underground site believed to contain significant Iranian nuclear enrichment facilities.Secretary of State Marco Rubio has defended the ongoing military actions, asserting that they are essential to prevent Iran from establishing lasting hostility and control over the strategically important Strait of Hormuz shipping corridor.The official cost of $37.5 billion marks an increase of nearly $8 billion since May. Independent financial analysts suggest that the overall societal and economic repercussions—including fluctuating energy prices—could already surpass $100 billion.However, Defense Secretary Hegseth and Joint Chiefs Chairman Gen. Dan Caine have testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee to obtain an urgent $67 billion supplemental funding increase to replenish ammunition stockpiles and support operations in the Middle East.Reports indicate that U.S. casualties have risen to 18 service members killed and over 450 wounded since major combat operations commenced on February 28, 2026. President Trump is scheduled to participate in a dignified transfer ceremony at Dover Air Force Base for personnel recently killed by drone and missile strikes in Jordan and Iraq. In reaction to actions taken by the United States, Iran has initiated drone and missile attacks aimed at U.S. assets and hosting facilities in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. The military of Jordan has reported the interception of several Iranian missiles that were traversing its airspace.In the midst of the ongoing conflict and a simultaneous threat of a blockade in the Red Sea by Houthi rebels, global energy markets experienced a surge, with Brent crude reaching $92.09 per barrel and oil benchmarks trading at their highest levels in several weeks.Despite the intense nightly bombardments, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Esmaeil Baqaei, along with U.S. officials, has confirmed that indirect diplomatic communications through regional mediators are still in progress, aiming to establish a pathway toward a ceasefire.

There's so much going on that we need to cover three topics at the top of this morning's edition — the looming budget resolution vote in the House, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth's appearance before the Senate Appropriations Committee, and a deal on crypto legislation. Anna and Jake break it all down. Plus, could Michigan save the Senate GOP majority? And the latest in the wide-open South Carolina Senate GOP special.  Watch this episode on YouTube here! Punchbowl News is on YouTube⁠. ⁠⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to our channel today to see all the new ways⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠we're investing in video.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress?⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Subscribe⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at ⁠⁠punchbowl.news.⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Donald Trump says Iran desperately wants to meet to end the current war escalation with the U.S., but the U.S. has no interest in doing so until 'they're ready to meet in a meaningful way', and the President says the U.S. will be able to deal with the Houthi terror group if they move to aid Iran and block oil shipments between the Red Sea and Indian Ocean; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testifies before the Senate Appropriations Committee on the Trump Administration's supplemental spending request, most of which is for the military and costs of the war with Iran; House debates a bill to extend federal government funding from the current deadline October 1 through December 4, after the midterm elections, as concerns grow that disagreements between Republicans and Democrats could lead to another government shutdown; Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney responds to President Trump's threat of 50% tariffs on most Canadian goods; Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announces $1 billion in Medicaid payments to California and Minnesota are being withheld because of suspected fraud; Director of the Smithsonian's National Museum of American History Anthea Hartig testifies before Congress after a White House report accused the museum of anti-American bias, telling the lawmakers, 'The museum does not take sides in America's political debates. We preserve and document the evidence of American life in all of its breadth, so that the public can encounter the past and draw their own conclusions.' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Julie Su, deputy mayor for economic justice, talks about the administration's priorities when it comes to economic development, jobs and economic justice. Photo: Then-Acting Labor Secretary Julie Su testifies before the Senate Appropriations Committee in the Dirksen Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill on May 09, 2024 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

President Donald Trump will make an announcement in the Oval Office with EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin on Thursday at 11 a.m. ET.U.S. National Institutes of Health Director Jay Bhattacharya is testifying before the U.S. Senate Appropriations Committee's Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, Education, and Related Agencies in a hearing on the agency's Fiscal Year 2027 budget request.

Jen Psaki reports on a wild day in Republican politics as Rep. Thomas Massie was defeated in an insanely expensive Kentucky primary by a Trump-backed challenger. Massie's advocacy for the release of the Epstein files put him at odds with Trump. Senator John Cornyn committed no act of defiance against Trump, and, in fact, debased himself in a desperate appeal for Trump's favor, only to be stabbed in the back when Trump endorsed his exceptionally compromised opponent. Tim Miller, host of The Bulwark podcast, and Jim Messina, campaign manager for Barack Obama's 2012 campaign, talk with Jen Psaki about the wildly expensive Republican primary in Kentucky in which Trump insisted on supporting a challenger candidate, and the millions the Republican Party sank into the Texas Republican Senate primary before Trump finally endorsed a deeply flawed candidate. Acting Attorney General and former Donald Trump criminal defense attorney Todd Blanche tried to convince the Senate Appropriations Committee that giving Donald Trump $1.8 billion to distribute to his legally aggrieved political allies is a reasonable thing to do. Senator Chris Van Hollen talks with Jen Psaki about why he wasn't fooled. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Some Republicans as well as Democrats are expressing deep concern about the unprecedented $1.7+- billion pot of money the president plans to dole out to people he calls "victimized" by the federal government. Democrats tried to get more information from the man in charge of it, Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who will appoint the commissioners who will decide who gets paid. He just wrapped up about three hours of testimony to the Senate Appropriations Committee. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode: “MAHA moms” keep winning fights in the Florida Legislature over everything from Big Sugar to private schools to vaccine rules. Meanwhile, a bunch of dangerous bills are suddenly on the brink of passing — bills that would unleash massive real estate developments in rural areas, allow the governor to designate domestic terrorists, and weaken union rights for public school teachers — after squeaking through committee hearings by a single vote. An update from Day 50 of Florida's 2026 legislative session. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show: Senate Bill 290 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesPassed the House of Representatives by a 94-10 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1756 — Medical FreedomPassed the Senate Rules Committee by a 14-8 vote (vote sheet)SB 1756 amendmentRejected by the Senate Rules Committee on a voice voteSenate Bill 354 — Blue Ribbon ProjectsPassed the Senate Rules Committee by a 12-10 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 540 (2023) — Local Government Comprehensive PlansHouse Bill 1471 — Systems of Law and Terrorist OrganizationsPassed the House of Representatives by an 81-26 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1632 — Ideologies Inconsistent with American PrinciplesPassed the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations Committee by a 5-3 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 905 — Foreign InfluencePassed the House of Representatives by an 86-20 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1178 — Foreign InfluencePassed the Senate Appropriations Committee by an 11-5 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1451 — Utility ServicesPassed the House of Representatives by an 81-26 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 399 — Land Use and Development RegulationsPassed the House of Representatives by a 71-38 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 693 — Health and Human ServicesPassed the House of Representatives by a 79-30 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1279 — EducationPassed the House of Representatives by an 84-25 vote (vote sheet)The stories discussed in today's show:A New York investment firm with vast land holdings across north Florida wants state lawmakers to greenlight giant developmentsA ‘smart growth' group calls for DeSantis to veto a ‘death knell' to growth management billOrders from on highQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: The Florida Senate, a chamber that once championed Medicaid expansion, now wants to take health insurance away from single moms and near-retirees. Plus: A bitter fight over an effort to bust public teacher unions but a bipartisan alliance on rejecting corporate tax breaks. An update from Day 49 of Florida's 2026 legislative session. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show: Senate Bill 1758 — Public AssistancePassed the Senate Appropriations Committee by 14-4 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1296 — Public Employees Relations CommissionPassed the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee by a 10-8 vote (vote sheet)Senate BIll 1298 — Public Records/Public Employees Relations CommissionFailed to pass the Senate Fiscal Policy Committee by an 8-10 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 7046 — TaxationPassed the Senate Appropriations Committee by a 12-5 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 7048 — Internal Revenue CodePassed the Senate Appropriations Committee by a 17-0 vote (vote sheet)The stories discussed in today's show: Florida bill would force some on Medicaid to work but at what cost?Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis backs a new bill targeting unions; those who support him won't be affectedLawmakers weigh a new charter school subsidy that would start small but could grow quicklyQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: Republican leaders in the House and Senate signal that they will not go along with enormous tax breaks that President Donald Trump and the GOP-controlled Congress passed last year. It's a move that would save the state of Florida billions of dollars that would have otherwise have been given away to some of the biggest corporations the in world. Plus: Lawmakers make improvements to dangerous bills dealing with property insurance, healthcare and agriculture policy. But the annual late-session shenanigans begin. An update from Day 43 of Florida's 2026 session.Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show: Senate Proposed Bill 7048 — Internal Revenue CodePCB WMC 26-01 — TaxationHouse Bill 943 — Citizens Property Insurance CorporationPassed the House Commerce Committee by a 21-3 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 693 — Health and Human ServicesPassed the House Health & Human Services Committee by 17-7 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 433 — Department of Agriculture and Consumer ServicesPassed the House State Affairs Committee by a 22-3 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 399 — Land Use and Development RegulationsHB 399 amendment (adopted)Passed the House State Affairs Committee by a 16-10 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 208 — Land Use and Development RegulationsSB 208 amendment (withdrawn)Passed the Senate Rules Committee by a 22-1 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1389 — Affordable HousingHB 1389 amendmentPassed the House Commerce Committee by an 18-5 vote (vote sheet) Senate Bill 1220 — TransportationSB 1220 amendment (adopted)Passed the Senate Appropriations Committee by a 17-0 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1233 — TransportationHB 1233 amendment (adopted)Passed the House Commerce Committee by a 23-1 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 945 — Statewide Counterintelligence and Counterterrorism UnitPassed the House Budget Committee by a 20-8 vote (vote sheet)House Bill 1007 — Data CentersPassed the House State Affairs Committee by a 22-1 vote (vote sheet)House bill 989 — Motor Vehicle Manufacturers, Importers, and Distributors and Franchised Motor Vehicle DealersPassed the House Commerce Committee by a 22-1 vote (vote sheet) House Bill 1217 — Prohibited Governmental Policies Regulating Greenhouse Gas EmissionsPassed the House Commerce Committee by a 19-4 vote (vote sheet)Senate Proposed Bill 7046 — TaxationSenate Bill 1756 — Medical FreedomPassed the Senate Appropriations Committee by a 10-7 vote (vote sheet)The stories discussed in today's podcast:Corporations could get a $3.5 billion tax break in Florida unless state lawmakers step in to stop itBuried in the budget: Mike Huckabee, Donald Trump and NewsmaxRepublican megadonor is behind bill that could affect Florida condo ownersThe billionaire and the no-bid contractDoral rep says he worked with Fontainebleau lobbyist on bill to allow water park‘Farm bill' would let the governor auction off conservation land to agribusinessesAttorney general questions legality of rural boundaries in Orange, SeminoleControversial surveillance bill moves ahead in Florida HouseQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

In this episode: A bill pushed by a New York investment firm that would make it much easier to develop vast tracts of rural land is inching closer to passing in Tallahassee. But opposition is growing among Republican lawmakers who represent parts of the state that would be most impacted by the bill. Plus: Money for the nonprofit that was part of a scheme to build a golf course in a beloved state park. And an elections bill that combines voter suppression with rent-seeking. An update from Day 37 of Florida's 2026 legislative session. Show notesThe bills discussed in today's show:House Bill 299 — Blue Ribbon ProjectsPassed the House Commerce Committee by an 18-3 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 2500 — AppropriationsPassed the Senate Appropriations Committee by an 18-0 vote (vote sheet not yet available)Senate Bill 1334 — ElectionsPassed the Senate Transportation, Tourism & Economic Development Appropriations Committee by a 9-5 vote (vote sheet)Senate Bill 1632 — Ideologies Inconsistent with American PrinciplesTemporarily postponed by the Senate Criminal and Civil Justice Appropriations CommitteeThe stories mentioned in today's show: A New York investment firm with vast land holdings across north Florida wants state lawmakers to greenlight giant developmentsAmid debate in Congress, Florida's Republican Legislature pushes election law changesQuestions or comments? Send ‘em to Garcia.JasonR@gmail.comListen to the show: Apple | SpotifyWatch the show: YouTube Get full access to Seeking Rents at jasongarcia.substack.com/subscribe

Missouri's governor is proposing a $54-billion state budget that cuts more than $600-million from the core. Governor Mike Kehoe (R) discussed his proposed budget during his State of the State Address last week. He tells lawmakers that smaller government equals better government that focuses on core functions and how to best serve Missourians, without overpromising or overspending. State Sen. Travis Fitzwater (R-Holts Summit), who serves on the Senate Appropriations Committee, joined Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri":

It's official — with the swipe of President Donald Trump's pen, North Carolina’s Lumbee Tribe is now the 575th federally recognized tribe. Correspondent Matt Laslo has the story from Washington. Dozens of members of the Lumbee Tribe traveled from North Carolina to Washington to be a part of history this week. Tears were heard in the gallery after the U.S. Senate approved the measure granting the Lumbee federal recognition Wednesday. And after President Trump signed it into law Thursday, Lumbee Chairman John Lowery could barely contain his joy. “Weeping may endure for a night, but joy cometh in the morning, and our joy is here. It's here. We finally achieved what our ancestors fought so long and so hard to achieve.” There are roughly 60,000 members of the Lumbee, making it the largest Native American tribe east of the Mississippi River. North Carolina officials recognized the tribe after the Civil War in 1885, but not federal officials. U.S. Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) has helped lead the fight in the Senate in recent years. “Yeah, we’re a little bit excited after 137 years, on their part, about 40 years on Senate members part, it’s good to see it get done.” Tillis is retiring at the end of his term next year, but he says the decade-long battle for federal recognition for the Lumbee shows Washington isn't totally broken — even if the tribe and North Carolina lawmakers fought an uphill battle for years now. “A lot of educating and just, you know, prioritize the way. This is the way this works, right? You come in, you use leverage, you have discussions, you build a case. I think that’s what happened. I really appreciate the delegation. This was a well-coordinated effort.” Back in 1956, Congress partially recognized the Lumbee, but that left the tribe locked out of federal health services. And it meant the tribe couldn't operate casinos or marijuana dispensaries like other tribes. Chairman Lowery says it's a new day for the Lumbee. “The 1956 act, which left us in legal limbo, is now erased. It is no more and we are now fully, fairly recognized.” The Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians fought the federal recognition of the Lumbee, which passed as a part of an annual $900 billion defense authorization bill. The Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation in Kansas issued a statement this week to its tribal members about a U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) contract after the deal was met with public scrutiny. In a video statement, Chairman Joseph Rupnick said the Nation and its subsidiaries have fully divested from the ICE contract. “As a result, Prairie Band, LLC is no longer a direct or indirect owner or participant in, or otherwise affiliated with, any ICE-related projects, contracts, or operations. In our next General Council meeting in January, Tribal Council plans to further address the steps we will take to ensure that our Nation's economic interests do not come into conflict with our values in the future.” Tribal citizens from across the U.S. have raised concerns about ICE and the Trump administration's immigration policies. Native people have also reported being confronted by ICE, including actress Elaine Miles, who has been sharing her story with media outlets about her run-in with ICE agents in November. (Courtesy Elaine Miles) U.S. Sen. Brian Schatz (D-HI), Vice Chairman of the Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, U.S Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Vice Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, and 10 of their Senate colleagues recently sent a letter to Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem about reports of ICE encounters with tribal citizens. They are urging her to develop policy and trainings to recognize tribal IDs and requested a response by January 11. Get National Native News delivered to your inbox daily. Sign up for our daily newsletter today. Download our NV1 Android or iOs App for breaking news alerts. Check out the latest episode of Native America Calling https://www.nativeamericacalling.com/friday-december-19-2025-native-music-in-2025/

On the latest episode of Politically Speaking, state Sen. Lincoln Hough candidly discusses his 'topsy turvy' experience over the last 12 months. The Springfield Republican was ousted as Senate Appropriations Committee chairman ... and also voted against cutting off Democratic filibusters throughout the year.

*Senate Committee on Appropriations News Release: November 9, 2025* Washington, D.C. – Senator Susan Collins, Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, delivered remarks from the Senator floor ahead of the Senate's 60 to 40 procedural vote to advance legislation she unveiled today containing a clean continuing resolution to reopen government & three full-year Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 appropriations bills. The continuing resolution will reopen government immediately, extend funding through January 30th, & provide back pay to all federal workers. It does not include any poison pills. The measure includes the final FY 2026 Military Construction, Veterans Affairs, & Related Agencies; Agriculture, Rural Development, Food & Drug Administration, & Related Agencies; & Legislative Branch appropriations bills. This three-bill package, which originally passed the Senate on August 1st with overwhelming bipartisan support, would make full-year appropriations available for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children (WIC), & the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. “Mr. President, today the Senate Appropriations Committee advanced legislation to reopen government immediately, funding vital programs, & resuming pay for federal workers, who for the last 40 days have had to live with the stress of missed paychecks & not knowing when they would be paid. “Under our legislation, all federal employees, including members of our military & Coast Guard, Capitol Police officers, Border Patrol agents, TSA screeners, air traffic controllers – all will receive their back wages. “It is significant that this measure also includes three full-year Fiscal Year 2026 appropriations bills, including the annual Agriculture, FDA bill, the Military Construction & Veterans Affairs legislation – very timely given that Veterans Day will soon be upon us – & the Legislative Branch funding bill. “This three-bill package, which originally passed the Senate on August 1st with overwhelming bipartisan support – 87 votes in two cases & 81 in another – will support our veterans, troops, farmers, & rural communities. Of note, this package will provide full-year funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, known as SNAP, & the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, & Children, known as WIC. One of the most unfortunate & shameful consequences of this shutdown has been that these vital nutrition programs were in jeopardy for our most vulnerable families, including 170,000 Mainers who rely on the SNAP program. “Other programs will be funded through January 30th while the Senate & House continue work on the remainder of the year-long appropriations bills. For example, funding for important programs like Head Start & low-income heating assistance will now be restored. “I look forward to voting for this legislation & ending the unnecessary harm to the security of our families & our nation. “We must begin to act tonight. We must not delay any longer. “Finally, Mr. President, I want to thank the many members on both sides of the aisle of the Appropriations Committee & the Senate Leadership who have worked especially hard to bring this package together. & I would be remiss if I did not also thank our staff. My staff missed an entire night's sleep to get this package together & get the job done. “Thank you, Mr. President. Again, I want to particularly thank the members of the Appropriations Committee, including those who serve as the Subcommittee Chairs: Senator Boozman, Senator Hoeven, & Senator Mullin. I want to thank Senator Britt who did an extraordinary amount of work. Lisa Murkowski, Mike Rounds, Jerry Moran, Shelley Moore Capito, Cindy Hyde-Smith, Deb Fischer – there's so many who worked so hard on this package. I want to thank each & every one of them. “Let's get the job done & let's do it fast.”

In this week's episode, host Ryan Coonerty speaks with Michigan State Senator Sarah Anthony. They talk about her achievements and her many ''firsts' in politics - including her path to becoming the first African American woman elected to the Michigan Senate and the first to Chair the Senate Appropriations Committee  -- and the obstacles she has overcome along the way. Anthony explains how she is trying to improve equity and opportunity for all Michiganders and the challenges of leading the effort to shape what she calls the "people's budget." In addition, she offers insights into how the Trump Administration's efforts are impacting Michigan, especially in regards to tariffs, and talks about what her prior work as a County Commissioner taught her. Tune in to learn about her guiding principles and what gives her hope.  IN THIS EPISODE: • [01:04] Introducing today's guest, Senator Sarah Anthony. • [02:23] Her journey into public office and what it's like to be 'the first' in so many areas. • [04:52] The internal struggles she's faced in her position and how she overcomes them. • [06:52] How Anthony has tried to make systems work for people better than they do. • [08:51] Managing chairing appropriations and making the budget a 'people's budget'. • [14:47] Anthony shares what things are like in Michigan politically at the moment. • [18:06] How the tariffs are playing out in Michigan and how they're affecting people. • [21:09] What motivated Sarah to run for the County Commission, and what it taught her. • [24:42] Why she hasn't struggled to maintain her guiding principles during her time in office. • [26:26] Prioritizing outcomes over going viral and what gives her hope for the future.

Marc Cox and Dan Buck talk with former Missouri Senator John Lamping about the state's political landscape. The conversation covers Governor Kehoe's comments on the Missouri First map, initiative petition reform, and redistricting with the new seven-to-one map. They also discuss Lincoln Hough losing his Senate Appropriations Committee chairmanship, the challenges of passing legislation, political maneuvering in Jefferson City, and the potential for legal battles and referendum efforts against the new reforms.

The Trump administration proposed a 2026 budget that would gut the nation's top workplace safety research agency, leaving critical programs unfunded and hundreds of experts sidelined. The Senate Appropriations Committee reversed most of those cuts, but that's nowhere near final, leaving the future of federal safety oversight uncertain... and the stakes are high. Here to break down the funding fight and what it means for America's workers is Lorraine Martin, CEO of the National Safety Council.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Senate Appropriations Committee advanced over $1 trillion in funding this week, approving Defense and Labor-HHS bills that sharply diverge from President Trump's budget. The Defense bill boosts military pay and weapons procurement, including funding for Ukraine and Israel that Trump had cut. Meanwhile, the Labor-HHS bill invests heavily in biomedical research, child care, and opioid treatment rejecting the deep domestic cuts pushed by Trump and his allies. Here to break down the details is Senior Reporter with Blomberg Government, Jack Fitzpatrick.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hours before new tariffs are set to kick in, President Trump today postpones higher tariffs on Mexico for another 90 days "to build a long-term agreement through dialogue," as foreign leaders continue reaching out with offers. Meanwhile, the Justice Department today defends President Trump's sweeping tariffs in court, as a panel of federal judges questions his authority to impose them.U.S. Special Envoy Steve Witkoff is in Israel where he met with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today. The White House said the U.S. will be hearing firsthand about the humanitarian situation in the Gaza Strip, as Israel continues to receive international criticism over aid access.The Senate Appropriations Committee today reached a bipartisan consensus to advance its version of the defense budget for fiscal year 2026. The Senate's defense appropriations bill seeks to rapidly modernize the U.S. military to address the growing threat from the Chinese Communist Party.

For review:1. Iran and E3 Nuclear Talks in Istanbul on Friday. Iran, Britain, France and Germany will hold nuclear talks in Istanbul on Friday- following warnings by the three European countries that failure to resume negotiations would lead to international sanctions being reimposed on Iran.2. Iran could withhold security commitments if European states invoke a UN mechanism to reimpose international sanctions on the Islamic Republic, a member of Iran's parliamentary national security commission said on Monday. In the past, Iran has used the threat of disrupting maritime transit in the Strait of Hormuz as a means to push back against Western pressures on its nuclear program.3. IDF Drone Strike on Houthi Port. Israeli Air Force drones struck Yemen's Houthi-controlled Hodeida port in response to the Iran-backed group's continued attacks on Israel, the IDF said Monday.4. Russia and Ukraine Peace Talks in Turkey on Wednesday.5. Australia Delivers First Tranche of M1 Tanks to Ukraine. Australia pledged to give Kyiv 49 Abrams tanks that it recently retired.6. Belgium to increase defense spending to 2% GDP in 2025- will order more F-35s and procure air defense systems.7. The US House passed its $832 billion defense appropriations bill for FY26 in a 221-209 vote on 18 Jul. This version of the FY26 defense budget is not the final word on the topic, as the House bill will have to be reconciled with the Senate's spending bill further down the line. The Senate Appropriations Committee has yet to release its defense spending proposal.

Today on Mea Culpa, I'm joined by former Montana Senator Jon Tester, a third-generation farmer, former school teacher, and current co-host of Grounded, as well as a political analyst for MSNBC. From his seat on the Senate Appropriations Committee and as Chair of the Veterans' Affairs Committee, Tester built a reputation for cutting through the noise and fighting for working people. We unpack how Trump's authoritarian rhetoric is deepening political divisions, the economic fallout from his tariffs, and why rising inflation continues to hammer working families. Tester weighs in on military weapons deals, the fragility of American institutions, and why Democrats must stop playing defense. We also discuss the renewed focus on Jeffrey Epstein, what it reveals about elite power structures, and why truth still matters in an age of disinformation. Thanks to our sponsors: Superpower: Go to https://superpower.com and use code COHEN to get $50 Off your annual Superpower subscription. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpod Subscribe to Michael's NEW YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@TheMichaelCohenShow Join us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/PoliticalBeatdown Add the Mea Culpa podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen Add the Political Beatdown podcast feed: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Federal judge blocks President Trump's executive order ending birthright citizenship nationwide by certifying a class action lawsuit; Senate takes up the first judicial nomination of the second Trump Administration, passing a procedural vote for Whitney Hermandorfer to be a federal appeals court judge for the 6th Circuit; Supreme Court Justice Ketanji Brown Jackson tells a meeting of the Indianapolis Bar Assn the state of U.S. democracy is what keeps her up at night; Senate Appropriations Committee gets started on the first three FY2026 federal spending bills, even though there is no agreement between Republicans and Democrats on how much total spending there should be. One of those bills is put in limbo after a Democratic amendment passes to block President Donald Trump's decision to move the FBI HQ to the Reagan Int'l Trade Building in DC instead of a site in Greenbelt, Maryland that had been chosen after a long competition, and then Republicans withdraw support from the underlying spending bill; Secretary of State Marco Rubio says he had a 'frank conversation' with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov and expressed the U.S.'s frustration over not making progress to end the war in Ukraine; Secretary Rubio also asked about reports that someone has been impersonating him in texts and calls using artificial intelligence, contacting foreign ministers. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Democratic lawmakers are criticizing the Trump administration's recent push to pay political appointees more money. In a letter to the Office of Personnel Management, Democrats on the Senate Appropriations Committee called OPM's recent encouragement on the issue an “egregious abuse” of taxpayer dollars. OPM recently recommended that agencies pay their political appointees the maximum salary possible, nearly $200,000. Based on current federal salary caps, Schedule C political appointees can be paid nearly $200,000 per year. They don't always receive the top amount, but OPM recently recommended that agencies pay their political appointees the maximum salary possible. The Democrats are now pressing OPM for more information on the responsibilities and costs of current Schedule C appointees.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The attorneys representing Kilmer Abrego Garcia in his unconstitutional deportation case have asked the presiding Judge, Paula Xinis, to order two more Trump administration officials to sit for depositions to be forced to explain what, if anything, they are doing to "facilitate" Garcia's release and return to the US.In a breathtaking "F U" to the Supreme Court, Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee that "Garcia . . . will not be coming back to this country."In a related story, Senator Chris Van Hollen is calling out this conduct for what it is, as reported by CBS News: "Sen. Van Hollen accuses El Salvador government of being complicit in violating U.S. Constitutional rights in Kilmar Abrego Garcia case."If you're interested in supporting our all-volunteer efforts, you can become a Team Justice patron at: / glennkirschner If you'd like to support Glenn and buy Team Justice and Justice Matters merchandise visit:https://shop.spreadshirt.com/glennkir...Check out Glenn's website at https://glennkirschner.com/Follow Glenn on:Threads: https://www.threads.net/glennkirschner2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glennkirschner2Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glennkirsch...Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/glennkirschn...TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/glennkirschner2See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The attorneys representing Kilmer Abrego Garcia in his unconstitutional deportation case have asked the presiding Judge, Paula Xinis, to order two more Trump administration officials to sit for depositions to be forced to explain what, if anything, they are doing to "facilitate" Garcia's release and return to the US.In a breathtaking "F U" to the Supreme Court, Homeland Security Director Kristi Noem testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee that "Garcia . . . will not be coming back to this country."In a related story, Senator Chris Van Hollen is calling out this conduct for what it is, as reported by CBS News: "Sen. Van Hollen accuses El Salvador government of being complicit in violating U.S. Constitutional rights in Kilmar Abrego Garcia case."If you're interested in supporting our all-volunteer efforts, you can become a Team Justice patron at: / glennkirschner If you'd like to support Glenn and buy Team Justice and Justice Matters merchandise visit:https://shop.spreadshirt.com/glennkir...Check out Glenn's website at https://glennkirschner.com/Follow Glenn on:Threads: https://www.threads.net/glennkirschner2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glennkirschner2Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glennkirsch...Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/glennkirschn...TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/glennkirschner2See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

9:05 – 9:22 (15mins) Dr. Susan Pendergrass, Director of Research at Show-Me Institute, to discuss a potential showdown between the Missouri Senate and Governor Kehoe over some education items? “In a preliminary review of the spending plan for the fiscal year beginning July 1, the Senate Appropriations Committee stripped out $50 million that the Republican governor is seeking for the MOScholars program. The move sets up a showdown in the final month of the legislative session with the Republican-controlled House, which previously sided with Kehoe on the issue.”She can also discuss other education bills she is watching (like HB 711 – open enrollment) as the we enter the final week of the session. 9:25 – 9:37 (12mins) Larry Conners Weekly: "Mr. Conner's Neighborhood @LarryConnersUSAHere Is A Very Reliable Idea To Stop Mass Shootings In Schools 9:41 – 9:56 (15mins) Weekly: Jay Ashcroft, former: Missouri Secretary of StateSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's an annual tradition to have Gov. Kelly Armstrong on Plain Talk for a baseball-only episode contemporaneous to MLB's opening day. Unfortunately, we didn't keep our promise this time, since we're in the closing weeks of the legislative session in Bismarck, and there's a lot going on. When you have the governor on in that context, you have to ask some political questions. We asked Armstrong about amendments made to the property tax plan he's backing by the Senate Appropriations Committee at the behest of Senate Majority Leader David Houge. "I spent six years in D.C. where a lot of times Republicans would walk in and step on a rake before we go vote," the former congressman said. "I think this is an unforced error," he added, "and I think this is what happens when you have a small group of people decide they're going to put amendments onto a bill without vetting it publicly." Armstrong says he objects to lowering the tax credit homeowners would receive from $1,450 to $1,250, as well as the 75% cap on how much of a property tax bill that credit could offset. He also pushed back on intent language which aims to use Legacy Fund dollars to pay for non-primary residence properties which in many cases are owned by people who live out of state. Armstrong also commented on amendments he's backing to ban cell phones in schools, saying it's not making him that popular with his own children. "I have two teenagers at home," he said. "You can about imagine how it's going." Also on this episode, Rep. Dawson Holle, a Republican, and Rep. Jayme Davis, a Democrat, talk about their new Future Caucus, which seeks to bring together a bipartisan group of younger lawmakers so that they can find ways to work together. Holle said it's helpful to coordinate these efforts, especially since older lawmakers don't necessarily understand modern issues. He described one older lawmaker who was confused about artificial intelligence issues. "AI, is that artificial insemination for cows?" Holle says he was asked. "Oh my goodness, no, that is artificial intelligence," he replied. This episode is presented by Lignite Energy Council, an organization dedicated to protecting and enhancing the development of North Dakota's abundant lignite resources. Their goal is to maintain a viable lignite coal industry and support the generation of electricity, synthetic natural gas, and valuable byproducts. Visit www.Lignite.com/Podcast to connect and learn more. If you want to participate in Plain Talk, just give us a call or text at 701-587-3141. It's super easy — leave your message, tell us your name and where you're from, and we might feature it on an upcoming episode. To subscribe to Plain Talk, search for the show wherever you get your podcasts or use one of the links below. Apple Podcasts | Spotify | YouTube | Pocket Casts | Episode Archive

With Congress approving a plan to slash $880 billion from the federal budget, all eyes are turning to Medicaid as the most likely source of cuts. I asked Former North Carolina Health Secretary Kody Kinsley, KFF's Larry Levitt and California Health Care Foundation's Katie Heidorn to join me to discuss the likely shape and impact of proposed cuts, and take questions from UC Berkeley students. Kody called it a “self-licking ice cream cone”—cuts that destabilize the government, leading to further cuts. Larry warned of formula battles that will soon erupt. Katie laid out the devastating effects on state budgets.We've also released this episode as a full video episode on YouTube. Subscribe to The Other 80 YouTube channel for video extras, video episodes and viral healthcare policy content. Click here to watch this episode in full. Watch the full VIDEO version of this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X110GShMTtE&t=52sRelevant LinksKFF: The Public's View on Potential Changes to MedicaidKFF: Impact of Medicaid Per Capita Cap Kody Kinsley testimony to Congress on MedicaidPre-election episode with Larry LevittKFF: Can Republicans cut $880 Billion without Slashing Medicaid?CBPP: Impact of Medicaid CutsCHCF: Defending Medi-Cal in 2025About Our GuestsKatie Heidorn is the director of state health policy at CHCF, where she leverages the foundation's data, expertise, and partnerships to help California's state government make informed decisions about health care. Katie is based in CHCF's Sacramento office.Katie has nearly two decades of experience working in health policy, government, and nonprofits and is a skilled leader, facilitator, and communicator. She comes to CHCF after more than two years as executive director for the Insure the Uninsured Project (ITUP). Before that, Katie was the government affairs advocate for Health Net and the development director and policy lead at the nonprofit California Coverage and Health Initiatives. Katie spent a decade in California state government, including as a deputy secretary for the California Health and Human Services Agency and principal consultant in the Senate Appropriations Committee. She is also an alumna of the California Senate Fellows Program.Katie received her master's degree in Public Administration from the University of Southern California and bachelor's degree in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology and Comparative Literature from the University of California, Davis.Source: https://www.chcf.org/person/katie-heidorn/Kody...

With support from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, AMSEcast is celebrating 250 years of American innovation with expert interviews. CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science and executive publisher of Science, Dr. Sudip Parikh joins Alan on this episode to explore the forces shaping scientific progress. He highlights interdisciplinary collaboration, the impact of immigration on innovation, and the need for clear communication in securing research funding. Dr. Parikh also discusses the evolution of U.S. science policy, the role of private investment, and the importance of modernizing dissemination methods. He stresses inspiring future scientists and reducing financial barriers in STEM to sustain American leadership in research and discovery.     Guest Bio Dr. Sudip Parikh is the 19th CEO of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS) and executive publisher of the Science family of journals, a role he assumed in January 2020. With a background in journalism and materials science from the University of North Carolina and a PhD in macromolecular structure and chemistry from the Scripps Research Institute, Dr. Parikh has built a distinguished career at the intersection of science and policy. He has served as a science advisor to the Senate Appropriations Committee, vice president at Battelle, and senior VP at DIA Global, shaping science policy and innovation.     Show Highlights (2:01) What Dr. Parikh thinks are the primary instigators of innovation and the primary obstacles (6:20) The role of immigration in bringing new ideas to the United States (8:20) Sudip's experience gathering support for scientific innovation when working in Washington, D.C. (12:55) Specific policies from Washington that helped spur innovation (16:06) How to strike a balance between disruptive innovations while maintaining our infrastructure and systems (17:43) Dr. Parikh's role as the publisher of the Science family of journals in bringing new ideas to the table versus making small changes (20:18) What processes will have to change for Science and other journals moving forward (22:15) The best ways to inspire that next generation of scientists, engineers, and innovators

There is a lot going on in D.C. right now, and elected officials are working overtime to negotiate ahead of a looming government shutdown deadline. As the top Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee and the senior senator from Washington state, Senator Patty Murray is leading the charge on funding negotiations. At the same time, budget talks are happening about how much the federal government will spend and on what priorities. Looming over all of this is the question of whether the government will meet its obligations because federal funding expires on March 14th. Guests: Senator Patty Murray Related Links: Senate Democrat: Musk, Trump ‘proving every single day they do not know what they are doing’ — The Hil Sen. Patty Murray on the state of the Senate —1A Thank you to the supporters of KUOW. You help make this show possible! If you want to help out, go to kuow.org/donate/soundsidenotes. Soundside is a production of KUOW in Seattle, a proud member of the NPR Network. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

GDP Script/ Top Stories for January 3rdPublish Date: January 3rdFrom the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast.Today is Friday, January 3rd and Happy Birthday to John Paul JohnsI’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by Gwinnett KIA Mall of Georgia. 1. Police looking for suspects in thefts at multiple gas stations 2. Georgia Falls to Notre Dame in College Football Playoff 3. Two XPress Park And Ride Lots In Gwinnett Could Close In June. Here's What We Know. All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe!Break 1: 07.14.22 KIA MOGSTORY 1: Police looking for suspects in thefts at multiple gas stationsGwinnett County police are searching for two men accused of stealing cigarettes from gas stations in four communities, including two in Gwinnett County. The suspects allegedly cut the lock to a cigarette cage at a RaceTrac near Coolray Field on Dec. 8 and stole multiple cartons. Similar thefts occurred in Snellville, Athens, and Ellenwood. The suspects fled in a black Dodge Durango. Police urge anyone with information to contact detectives or Crime Stoppers, where tips can remain anonymous.STORY 2: Georgia Falls to Notre Dame in College Football PlayoffGeorgia's football season ended with a 23-10 loss to Notre Dame in the College Football Playoff quarterfinals at the Sugar Bowl. The game, delayed due to a terrorist attack, saw Georgia take an early lead but falter after Notre Dame's strong plays at the end of the first half and start of the second. Georgia's Gunner Stockton, in his first start, threw for 234 yards but was sacked four times. Notre Dame's Jayden Harrison returned a kickoff 98 yards for a touchdown, solidifying their lead. Despite a late touchdown, Georgia couldn't rally, ending their season with an 11-3 record.STORY 3: Two XPress Park And Ride Lots In Gwinnett Could Close In June. Here's What We Know.The Atlanta Transit Link Authority (The ATL) plans to implement the "Redefining the Ride – Xpress 2.0" initiative in June, potentially ending XPress bus services for Dacula and Snellville commuters to Atlanta due to decreased ridership post-pandemic. The plan includes closing 10 XPress Park and Ride lots, with Dacula and Snellville commuters redirected to nearby locations. The initiative aims to optimize funding use while maintaining essential services. Public feedback will be solicited from Jan. 13 to Feb. 12. New services include a "Reverse Commute" line and a new route connecting Marietta to Sugarloaf Mills. 2 / 3We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.We’ll be right backBreak 2: 08.05.24 OBITS_FINALSTORY 4: Deadline extended for Helene victims to apply for federal benefitsThe deadline for federal Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) for Hurricane Helene victims in Georgia has been extended to February 7. DUA aids those whose income was disrupted by the disaster, including self-employed individuals and those not eligible for state unemployment benefits. Hurricane Helene caused significant damage in late September, affecting numerous counties and resulting in 34 deaths. Governor Brian Kemp plans to propose a state disaster relief package. Eligible individuals can apply for DUA benefits, potentially receiving up to $365 weekly, by applying through the Georgia Department of Labor's website or in person.STORY 5: Peachtree Ridge Grad Cameron Heyward Named to 7th Pro BowlCameron Heyward, a Peachtree Ridge graduate, was named a Pro Bowl starter for the AFC defensive line, marking his seventh career selection. At 35, Heyward continues to excel, with 70 tackles, eight sacks, and eight passes defensed this season for the playoff-bound Pittsburgh Steelers. A team captain for a decade, Heyward has been with the Steelers since being drafted in 2011. Known for his community service, he is a six-time Steelers’ Walter Payton Man of the Year awardee. The 2025 Pro Bowl Games will feature a flag football game on February 2 in Orlando. Break 3:STORY 6: Ossoff, Warnock pick up new committee assignmentsGeorgia's U.S. Senators, Jon Ossoff and Raphael Warnock, have secured key committee roles as the 119th Congress begins. Ossoff joins the Senate Appropriations Committee, overseeing the federal budget, while Warnock is appointed to the Senate Finance Committee, focusing on tax and trade policies. Warnock aims to protect safety net programs and oppose tax cuts for the wealthy. Ossoff will also remain on the Senate Intelligence and Rules committees, and Warnock on the Agriculture and Banking committees. President-elect Donald Trump plans to extend 2017 tax cuts and impose tariffs on imports from China, Mexico, and Canada.STORY 7: GET OUT THERE: 5 things to do this weekend in Gwinnett County — Jan. 3-5Looking for weekend activities? Check out these local events:1. **Repticon**: Visit the Gwinnett County Fairgrounds for a reptile event with vendors, live seminars, and raffles. It's family-friendly and runs Saturday and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. 3 / 32. **Frosty Fun in Duluth**: Enjoy a day of inflatable slides, crafts, and activities at Duluth Town Green on Saturday from noon to 6 p.m.3. **Winter Lantern Festival**: Explore a lantern wonderland at Gwinnett County Fairgrounds, open daily through January 5 from 5 p.m. to 9:30 p.m.4. **Slow Pour Sunday Market**: Discover local crafts and vendors at Slow Pour Brewing Company in Lawrenceville on Sunday from 2 to 5 p.m.5. **The Ice Rink at Sugar Hill**: Skate at Sugar Hill's ice rink with sessions available Friday through Sunday. Enjoy 90-minute sessions with rentals available.Break 4: Ingles Markets 1Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.comDid you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: · www.ingles-markets.com · www.wagesfuneralhome.com · www.kiamallofga.com #NewsPodcast #CurrentEvents #TopHeadlines #BreakingNews #PodcastDiscussion #PodcastNews #InDepthAnalysis #NewsAnalysis #PodcastTrending #WorldNews #LocalNews #GlobalNews #PodcastInsights #NewsBrief #PodcastUpdate #NewsRoundup #WeeklyNews #DailyNews #PodcastInterviews #HotTopics #PodcastOpinions #InvestigativeJournalism #BehindTheHeadlines #PodcastMedia #NewsStories #PodcastReports #JournalismMatters #PodcastPerspectives #NewsCommentary #PodcastListeners #NewsPodcastCommunity #NewsSource #PodcastCuration #WorldAffairs #PodcastUpdates #AudioNews #PodcastJournalism #EmergingStories #NewsFlash #PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

House Ethics Committee does not agree to release its report on expected Attorney General nominee Matt Gaetz, Biden Admin. approves giving Ukraine anti-personnel landmines, Senate Appropriations Committee holds a hearing on the President's emergency disaster aid request, House Democrats press President Biden for wide use of clemency power in final weeks in office. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

11/01/24: Joel Heitkamp is broadcasting from Regent, ND, and is joined by two rural Democrats to talk about national politics. Joel, Chris Gibbs, and Aaron Krauter cover everything from RFK Jr. potentially serving as the Secretary of Ag to former President Trump threatening Liz Cheney.  Chris Gibbs is an Ohio Farmer, and former Chair of the Republican Party in Selby County Ohio, serving for seven years until 2015. Last year, he was elected as the Chair of the Democratic Party in Selby County in Ohio. He's also the Chair of Rural Voices USA and the Chair of Gateway Arts.  Aaron Krauter served as the North Dakota Farm Service Agency (FSA) StateExecutive Director for the USDA under the Obama administration. Aaron also served in the North Dakota State Senate for twenty years, where he was electedto five 4-year terms. He sat on the Senate Appropriations Committee, and from2000-2003 served as Senate Minority Leader.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

So far this year, the city of Boston has recorded a grand total of 8 homicides while the similarly populated city of Washington D.C has had 110. Professor Thomas Abt, founding director of the Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction explains what Boston is doing right. Plus, noted nutrition expert, Michael Jacobson reveals his latest project, The National Food Museum, to promote critical thinking about food's impact on health, the environment, farm animal welfare, social equity, global and domestic hunger, and how the food industry and politics affect what we eat.Thomas Abt is the founding director of the Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction (VRC) and an associate research professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Professor Abt is the author of "Bleeding Out: The Devastating Consequences of Urban Violence—and a Bold New Plan for Peace in the Streets" His work is cited in academic journals and featured in major media outlets, both print and video. His TED talk on community violence has been viewed more than 200,000 times.Here's the important thing to remember. It's not just about police, and it can't just be about police… It's also important to have balance… So, while you're engaging these high-risk individuals, these people who are most likely to shoot or be shot, you need to back up those warnings of enforcement with offers of support and services. And that's something that's happening in Boston.Thomas AbtWhen you look at correlations between the restrictiveness of state laws and about how many guns there are, it's about the access to guns. And when access to guns is particularly easy, that's when you have higher rates of violence. Now, in D.C. they have restrictive gun laws, but they're closer to states that have much more permissive laws, particularly in the South. And no city is an island.Thomas AbtWhile you're hearing a lot of fear mongering out there about violent crime. The truth is that we have erased that massive surge that happened during the pandemic. And that's very good news.Thomas AbtMichael Jacobson holds a PhD. in microbiology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and he co-founded and then led the Center for Science in the Public Interest for four decades. Dr. Jacobson is the author of “Salt Wars: The Battle Over the Biggest Killer in the American Diet.” And he is the founder of the National Food Museum.Some of the exhibits will focus on how healthier diets could improve our health, how better farming techniques could improve the climate. And there's that intersection between climate and health. I thought of making a cow a symbol for the museum. Or maybe an anti-symbol, because meat-eating is a major contributor to disease; and it's a major contributor to climate change and other environmental issues and animal welfare issues, of course. The museum will get into those.Michael JacobsonThere are so many fascinating issues related to food. You know, I think about the history of the human diet, going back to the Stone Age, say 10 or 12 ,000 years ago, and the future of the human diet. It would be wonderful to have an exhibit, showing how diet has changed and may well change in the next 75 years, when many kids just growing up will still be alive.Michael JacobsonAnd in addition to all the wonderful improvements that you're going to exhibit and inform people about once this museum gets underway, you want people to enjoy it and have fun. That's what you've always been about, Mike.Ralph NaderIn Case You Haven't Heard with Franceso DeSantisNews 8/7/241. Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Walz who presided over the passage of an impressive list of progressive priorities in Minnesota, arrayed a broad coalition of Democratic leaders behind his bid for the VP slot, including organized labor, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. His key rival, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, faced increasing scrutiny over his support for anti-public school vouchers, his history of anti-Palestinian racism, and involvement with the shady cover-up in the death of Ellen Greenberg. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler praised the selection of Walz, writing in a statement “By selecting Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, Kamala Harris chose a principled fighter and labor champion who will stand up for working people and strengthen this historic ticket.”2. In the UK, the new Labour government continues sending mixed signals on their Middle East policy. Last Friday, the Daily Mail reported the government had implemented a “secret arms boycott,” of Israel, supposedly “freez[ing] applications for new weapons export licences.” Yet on Monday, the Middle East Eye reported that the government has denied this report and maintains that “there has been ‘no change' in its approach to export licences.” The Guardian adds “Although [British] military exports to Israel were only estimated at £18.2m last year, an arms embargo is widely perceived as an appropriate and powerful means to register disapproval of Israel's actions towards the Palestinians.”3. The Canary, a left-wing British new outlet, reports “During the early hours of the morning of Tuesday 6 August, six Palestine Action activists were arrested after they broke inside and damaged weaponry inside the highly secured Bristol manufacturing hub of Israel's largest weapons company, Elbit Systems.” According to this report, the group “used a prison van to smash through the outer perimeter and the roller shutters into the building,” and “Once…inside, they began damaging…machinery and Israeli quadcopter drones.” As the Canary notes, “Elbit System…supplies up to 85% of Israel's military drones and land-based equipment.” Palestine Action issued a statement on this protest, writing “As a party to the Genocide Convention, Britain has a responsibility to prevent the occurrence of genocide. When our government fails to abide by their legal and moral obligations, it's the responsibility of ordinary people to take direct action.”4. Semafor reports “In January, The Wall Street Journal made an explosive claim: Quoting ‘intelligence reports,' the paper reported that not only had 12 members of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, or UNRWA, taken part in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, but 10% of the relief agency's 12,000 workers in Gaza had ties to militant groups.” Yet, “months later, the paper's top editor overseeing standards privately made an admission: The paper didn't know — and still doesn't know —whether the allegation, based on Israeli intelligence reports, was true.” As Semafor notes, the fact that this story was “based on information [the paper] could not verify is a startling acknowledgment, and calls into question the validity of the claims.” This unconfirmed story resulted in more than a dozen nations – among them the US, the UK, and Germany – freezing their funding for UNRWA, totaling $450 million.5. Federal News Network reports “The Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday approved… funding the Defense Department at $852.2 billion, a 3.3% increase over fiscal [year] 2024.” In other words, another year, another $10 billion for the Pentagon. In 2023, the Department of Defense failed its sixth audit in a row, per Reuters.In more positive news, this has been a banner week for consumer protection action at the federal level.6. On August 2nd, the FTC reported “On behalf of the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice sued video-sharing platform TikTok, its parent company ByteDance, as well as its affiliated companies, with flagrantly violating a children's privacy law—the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act—and also alleged they infringed an existing FTC 2019 consent order against TikTok for violating COPPA.” Specifically, “The complaint alleges defendants failed to comply with the COPPA requirement to notify and obtain parental consent before collecting and using personal information from children under the age of 13.” FTC Chair Lina Khan is quoted saying “TikTok knowingly and repeatedly violated kids' privacy, threatening the safety of millions of children across the country…The FTC will continue to use the full scope of its authorities to protect children online—especially as firms deploy increasingly sophisticated digital tools to surveil kids and profit from their data.”7. On August 1st, the Consumer Product Safety Commission ruled that online retail titan Amazon qualifies as a “distributor” and “therefore bears a legal responsibility for recalling dangerous products and informing customers and the public,” per NPR. This report continues to say this decision “stems from a lawsuit filed by the CPSC against Amazon in 2021 over a slew of [unsafe] products offered on the retailer's platform… [including] children's sleepwear that didn't meet federal flammability standards, carbon monoxide detectors that failed to detect carbon monoxide and sound their alarms, and hair dryers that didn't protect against electrocution when immersed in water. Amazon sold more than 418,000 units between 2018 and 2021.” Teresa Murray, consumer watchdog director at U.S. PIRG is quoted saying “This order is about making sure Amazon is just as accountable as every other company that sells products to consumers who often think that if something is for sale, it must be safe.”8. AP reports “Coca-Cola…said Friday it will pay $6 billion in back taxes and interest to the Internal Revenue Service while it appeals a final federal tax court decision in a case dating back 17 years.” This lawsuit began in 2015 and centered around how the beverage giant “calculate[s] U.S. income based on profits amounting to more than $9 billion from foreign licensees and affiliates.” The company has been enjoying increased profitability this quarter, reportedly “boosted by product price increases.”9. “The D.C. attorney general is suing online ticket provider StubHub for allegedly adding surprise fees onto a needlessly long checkout process in violation of local consumer protection laws,” the Washington Post reports. Specifically, this suit alleges “StubHub deceives customers by offering them an incomplete price at first, then making them go through a purchase process that can involve more than 12 pages — with a timer to impart a sense of urgency — and adding extra fees.” The office of Brian Schwalb, the D.C. AG, alleges StubHub has “[extracted] an estimated $118 million in hidden fees,” from District consumers, using “drip pricing” – described by the FTC as “a pricing technique in which firms advertise only part of a product's price and reveal other charges later as the customer goes through the buying process.” This model is illegal under the District's Consumer Protection Procedures Act.10. Finally, “The Justice Department and several dozen state attorneys general won a sweeping victory against Google Monday as a federal judge ruled that the search giant illegally monopolized the online search and advertising markets over the past decade,” per POLITICO. In a lengthy ruling U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google “locked up some 90 percent of the internet search market through a partnership with Apple to be the default search provider in its Safari web browser, alongside similar agreements with handset makers and mobile carriers such Samsung and Verizon. Mehta also found that Google disadvantaged Microsoft in the market for ads displayed next to search results, allowing it to illegally dominate that market as well.” Judge Mehta further stated that “Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly.” Attorney General Merrick Garland commented “This victory against Google is a historic win for the American people…No company — no matter how large or influential — is above the law. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce our antitrust laws.”This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

Crosstalk listeners get caught up on news stories from around the world each Friday. Here's a selection of stories that Jim presented this week:--Tuesday evening it was revealed by the Wall Street Journal that President Biden is delaying the sale of F-15 fighter jets to Israel.--The leader of Hezbollah has vowed a fight with no rules and with no red lines if full-out war erupts between the Lebanese militant group and Israel.--U.S. military officials on June 19th confirmed that an air strike in Syria did kill a top terrorist leader in ISIS over the past weekend.--The high price of tobacco in Gaza has given rise to a cigarette smuggling industry and now threatens U.N. aid convoys.--The Biden administration's decision to spend 230 million dollars worth of hard-working American tax dollars on the humanitarian pier off the cost of Gaza seemed ill advised from the start.--Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address Congress on July 24th. --Over 50 synagogues in Florida were forced to evacuate on Tuesday after receiving bomb threats via email sparking a massive response from law enforcement and concerns about rising antisemitism.--Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the chairwoman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, requested 2.5 million dollars for the Muslim Association of Puget Sound last month for the construction for a clinic.--The international shipping industry demanding action after Islamic terrorists, backed by Iran, sunk a major vessel in the Red Sea in the last several days.--The police in London do nothing as a Muslim activist led a hunt for Jews.

Crosstalk listeners get caught up on news stories from around the world each Friday. Here's a selection of stories that Jim presented this week-----Tuesday evening it was revealed by the Wall Street Journal that President Biden is delaying the sale of F-15 fighter jets to Israel.----The leader of Hezbollah has vowed a fight with no rules and with no red lines if full-out war erupts between the Lebanese militant group and Israel.----U.S. military officials on June 19th confirmed that an air strike in Syria did kill a top terrorist leader in ISIS over the past weekend.----The high price of tobacco in Gaza has given rise to a cigarette smuggling industry and now threatens U.N. aid convoys.----The Biden administration's decision to spend 230 million dollars worth of hard-working American tax dollars on the humanitarian pier off the cost of Gaza seemed ill advised from the start.----Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address Congress on July 24th. ----Over 50 synagogues in Florida were forced to evacuate on Tuesday after receiving bomb threats via email sparking a massive response from law enforcement and concerns about rising antisemitism.----Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the chairwoman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, requested 2.5 million dollars for the Muslim Association of Puget Sound last month for the construction for a clinic.----The international shipping industry demanding action after Islamic terrorists, backed by Iran, sunk a major vessel in the Red Sea in the last several days.----The police in London do nothing as a Muslim activist led a hunt for Jews.

Crosstalk listeners get caught up on news stories from around the world each Friday. Here's a selection of stories that Jim presented this week-----Tuesday evening it was revealed by the Wall Street Journal that President Biden is delaying the sale of F-15 fighter jets to Israel.----The leader of Hezbollah has vowed a fight with no rules and with no red lines if full-out war erupts between the Lebanese militant group and Israel.----U.S. military officials on June 19th confirmed that an air strike in Syria did kill a top terrorist leader in ISIS over the past weekend.----The high price of tobacco in Gaza has given rise to a cigarette smuggling industry and now threatens U.N. aid convoys.----The Biden administration's decision to spend 230 million dollars worth of hard-working American tax dollars on the humanitarian pier off the cost of Gaza seemed ill advised from the start.----Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will address Congress on July 24th. ----Over 50 synagogues in Florida were forced to evacuate on Tuesday after receiving bomb threats via email sparking a massive response from law enforcement and concerns about rising antisemitism.----Senator Patty Murray of Washington, the chairwoman of the powerful Senate Appropriations Committee, requested 2.5 million dollars for the Muslim Association of Puget Sound last month for the construction for a clinic.----The international shipping industry demanding action after Islamic terrorists, backed by Iran, sunk a major vessel in the Red Sea in the last several days.----The police in London do nothing as a Muslim activist led a hunt for Jews.

President Joe Biden signed an executive order Tuesday to temporarily pause asylum requests at the southern border once daily encounters exceed 2,500. The shutdown begins immediately as the threshold has already been reached. Prosecutors and defense lawyers delivered their opening statements in Hunter Biden's federal gun trial. The prosecution's first witness, an FBI agent, testified about Mr. Biden's drug use. Attorney General Merrick Garland testified before the House Judiciary Committee on the work of the Justice Department. He refused to turn over audio tapes of President Biden's interview with special counsel Robert Hur. Mr. Garland also slammed allegations that the Justice Department is being weaponized against former President Donald Trump. FBI director Christopher Wray testified before the Senate Appropriations Committee on his agency's 2025 budget request. The hearing focused on current threats to U.S. national security, including terrorism, cyberattacks, and the Chinese Communist Party. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi won a third five-year term in the general election, but his party failed to win a majority in parliament on its own, and it will likely have to work with other parties in the coalition. ⭕️Watch in-depth videos based on Truth & Tradition at Epoch TV

The Rich Zeoli Show- Full Episode: 3:05pm- Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump dominated on Super Tuesday. Entering the contest, Trump had earned 273 delegates—he now has 1,004 delegates and is expected to reach the 1,215 delegates needed to officially win the party's nomination as soon as March 12th. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Trump's primary rival Nikki Haley announced she was suspending her campaign after winning only one primary (Vermont) on Tuesday. 3:15pm- Shane Goldmacher and Adam Nagourney of The New York Times write of President Joe Biden's Super Tuesday performance, which saw him reach 1,506 delegates of the 1,968 needed to win the Democrat party's nomination: “But yet again there were flashing lights for a president who is struggling to rally the whole of his party behind him. Nearly 20 percent of Democrats in Minnesota voted for ‘Uncommitted,' in an apparent protest vote against Mr. Biden's support of the Israel military response to the Hamas terrorist attack of Oct 7. Mr. Biden won less than two-thirds of the vote in Hennepin County, home to Minneapolis. The protest was an extension of a campaign that started in Michigan last week, when 13 percent of Democrats voted uncommitted. The larger share in a state with fewer Arab American voters—but a large and active progressive wing—suggested that the movement of voters pressing Mr. Biden for a policy change was gaining traction. There were other signs, too. In Colorado, the noncommitted vote was 8 percent. The ‘no preference' vote in North Carolina hit nearly 13 percent; that is worth noting as Mr. Biden considers contesting a state that Mr. Trump won by a whisker in 2020. It is far from clear what those voters will do this November. But should they back Mr. Trump, support a third-party candidate or just stay home, they could cost Mr. Biden a close election. Minnesota wasn't the only state that cast a bit of a cloud over Mr. Biden's night. In a small indignity for the sitting president, Mr. Biden tied in the delegate race in American Samoa to Jason Palmer, an entrepreneur. (It's really OK if you had not heard of him before.) There are no Electoral College votes in American Samoa.” You can read the full article here: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/06/us/politics/super-tuesday-trump-biden-takeaways.html 3:25pm- While appearing on CNN with Wolf Blitzer, political analyst and former Obama Administration Advisor Van Jones predicted that if Donald Trump wins the presidency in 2024, Russia would invade European countries—resulting in American soldiers dying overseas. 3:40pm- During a House of Representatives hearing on monetary policy, Rep. Gregory Meeks (D-NY) suggested that sending an additional $60 billion in aid to Ukraine would, somehow, help ease domestic inflation. 4:05pm- Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump dominated on Super Tuesday. Entering the contest, Trump had earned 273 delegates—he now has 1,004 delegates and is expected to reach the 1,215 delegates needed to officially win the party's nomination as soon as March 12th. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Trump's primary rival Nikki Haley announced she was suspending her campaign after winning only one primary (Vermont) on Tuesday. During his victory speech from Palm Beach, Florida, Trump said of the general election: “November 5th is going to go down as the single most important day in the history of our country.” 4:10pm- Wall Street Journal opinion columnist Jason L. Riley writes: “In November, the New York Times and Siena College released polling results in six swing states that are expected to determine the election: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin. The survey indicated that 22% of blacks would vote for Mr. Trump, along with 42% of Hispanics. In 2020 Mr. Biden won the black vote, 92% to 8% and the Hispanic vote 59% to 38%, according to the Pew Research Center. Black and Hispanic voters have been an important part of the Democratic base for decades, but these coalitions aren't everlasting. In 2016 Mr. Trump won by energizing people who hadn't been politically active. Now he's stealing voters from the other team. A follow-up Times/Siena poll of voters nationwide was released this week and showed black support for the former president ticking up to 23% and Mr. Trump leading Mr. Biden outright among Hispanics, 46% to 40%. The liberal press can't comprehend why nonwhites would back someone who has spread conspiracy theories about Barack Obama's birth certificate, smeared Mexican nationals and taunted his own former transportation secretary, Elaine Chao, for being Asian. But it's not that complicated. According to the survey, more than half of all black and Hispanic respondents rank current economic conditions as ‘poor,' while 26% of blacks and 37% of Hispanics say they will vote for Mr. Trump because his policies benefited them personally.” You can read Riley's full editorial here: https://www.wsj.com/articles/bidens-worst-nightmare-blacks-and-hispanics-for-trump-economy-2024-presidential-election-fbbe674c?mod=opinion_lead_pos6 4:15pm- During MSNBC's Super Tuesday panel discussion, Joy Reid baselessly claimed that Republican voters are only “voting on race.” However, as numerous polls are indicating, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump may very well win the Hispanic vote outright while concurrently earning the support of a large percentage of Black voters. 4:30pm- The Biden Administration has finally started to police the U.S. Southern border…sort of. Ok, not really. The Department of Justice has charged a California man with smuggling greenhouse gases into the United States. Meanwhile, an undocumented migrant—who is wanted for rape in Oregon—was arrested in Florida, but Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) refused to take him citing a lack of detention room. During a press conference, Governor Ron DeSantis (R-FL) explained that his administration pressured ICE until it did its job. 4:50pm- BREAKING NEWS: 6ABC Digital Staff writes: “At least eight people were shot at a SEPTA bus stop in Philadelphia's Burholme neighborhood, Action News has learned. The gunfire rang out around 3 p.m. Wednesday at Rising Sun and Cottman avenues. Sources tell Action News that at least four of the eight victims are juveniles. Three of the juveniles suffered a gunshot wound to the leg and the fourth was shot in the chest.” You can find more details about this developing story here: https://6abc.com/philadelphia-shooting-today-septa-bus-stop-rising-sun-cottman-burholme-st-vincent-street/14496671/ 5:05pm- On Wednesday, MSNBC host Joe Scarborough claimed that “this version” of President Joe Biden is the “best Biden ever”—suggesting that the president, at age 81, is as mentally sharp and observant as ever before. Similarly, a recently published New York Times article suggests that Biden's inner circle just needs to “let Joe be Joe” via TikTok posts, late-night talk show appearances, and chatting with reporters. How many 80-year-olds are posting on TikTok? Is this strategy really letting Joe be Joe? 5:15pm- Why did Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis meet with Vice President Kamala Harris before indicting former President Donald Trump? A Georgia court is hearing testimony to determine if Willis should be disqualified from the Georgia election interference case she brought against Trump. According to allegations, Willis engaged in an improper, romantic relationship with the lead prosecutor of the case, Wade—paying him an estimated $650,000 in taxpayer money. Willis is also alleged to have directly derived financial benefit from the relationship with Wade in the form of several extravagant vacations. Last month, Robin Yeartie—a longtime friend of Willis—testified that Willis and Wade had a romantic relationship dating back to 2019. 5:30pm- Grace Ashford of The New York Times writes: “Former Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo of New York has been subpoenaed to appear before a House subcommittee to answer for his administration's handling of nursing homes during the coronavirus pandemic, reigniting a flashpoint that could further damage his chances at a political comeback… The Assembly investigation did not directly evaluate whether Mr. Cuomo's order had led to the deadly outbreaks in nursing homes. But it did find that the administration had selectively reported statistics from those facilities to avoid criticism. At issue was New York State's method of categorizing nursing home deaths. The state did not include in its tally nursing home residents who died in hospitals or other facilities from Covid, effectively reducing the reported mortality rates for nursing home residents.” You can read the full article here: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/05/nyregion/cuomo-covid-nursing-homes-subpoena.html 5:45pm- Leif Le Mahieu of The Daily Wire writes: “House Judiciary Chair Jim Jordan (R-OH) is looking into whether GoFundMe and Eventbrite cooperated with federal law enforcement during their investigation into the financial transactions of supporters of former President Donald Trump. Jordan wrote to executives at both companies on Monday, asking them to provide any communications with the FBI and the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network, a bureau of the Treasury Department. He noted that FinCEN emailed banks about flagging ‘MAGA' and ‘TRUMP' transactions.” You can read the full report here: https://www.dailywire.com/news/jim-jordan-investigating-whether-gofundme-and-eventbrite-helped-feds-snoop-on-trump-supporters 6:05pm- Daniel Chaitin of The Daily Wire writes: “Pennsylvania's senators, both Democrats, have withdrawn a request for $1 million in taxpayer money to support a renovation and expansion project for an LGBT center in Philadelphia after federal funds for the organization were blocked in the House last year. Sens. John Fetterman (D-PA) and Bob Casey (D-PA) wrote to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday to declare they no longer want an earmark for the William Way LGBT Community Center in spending legislation for the current fiscal year…Word of the $1 million earmark request getting pulled spread on social media on Tuesday evening. The popular Libs of TikTok account on X, run by Chaya Raichik, posted a screenshot of the letter signed by Fetterman. She noted that it followed the account's ‘Exposé' featuring screenshots of advertisements for adults-only events at the center that featured sexually explicit content.” You can read the full report here: https://www.dailywire.com/news/pa-senators-fetterman-and-casey-withdraw-request-for-1m-to-fund-lgbt-center 6:20pm- Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump dominated on Super Tuesday. Entering the contest, Trump had earned 273 delegates—he now has 1,004 delegates and is expected to reach the 1,215 delegates needed to officially win the party's nomination as soon as March 12th. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Trump's primary rival Nikki Haley announced she was suspending her campaign after winning only one primary (Vermont) on Tuesday. Though she congratulated Trump on his win, she stopped short of endorsing him for president. 6:45pm- Shane Goldmacher and Adam Nagourney of The New York Times write of President Joe Biden's Super Tuesday performance, which saw him reach 1,506 delegates of the 1,968 needed to win the Democrat party's nomination: “But yet again there were flashing lights for a president who is struggling to rally the whole of his party behind him. Nearly 20 percent of Democrats in Minnesota voted for ‘Uncommitted,' in an apparent protest vote against Mr. Biden's support of the Israel military response to the Hamas terrorist attack of Oct 7. Mr. Biden won less than two-thirds of the vote in Hennepin County, home to Minneapolis. The protest was an extension of a campaign that started in Michigan last week, when 13 percent of Democrats voted uncommitted. The larger share in a state with fewer Arab American voters—but a large and active progressive wing—suggested that the movement of voters pressing Mr. Biden for a policy change was gaining traction. There were other signs, too. In Colorado, the noncommitted vote was 8 percent. The ‘no preference' vote in North Carolina hit nearly 13 percent; that is worth noting as Mr. Biden considers contesting a state that Mr. Trump won by a whisker in 2020. It is far from clear what those voters will do this November. But should they back Mr. Trump, support a third-party candidate or just stay home, they could cost Mr. Biden a close election. Minnesota wasn't the only state that cast a bit of a cloud over Mr. Biden's night. In a small indignity for the sitting president, Mr. Biden tied in the delegate race in American Samoa to Jason Palmer, an entrepreneur. (It's really OK if you had not heard of him before.) There are no Electoral College votes in American Samoa.” You can read the full article here: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/06/us/politics/super-tuesday-trump-biden-takeaways.html

The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 4: Daniel Chaitin of The Daily Wire writes: “Pennsylvania's senators, both Democrats, have withdrawn a request for $1 million in taxpayer money to support a renovation and expansion project for an LGBT center in Philadelphia after federal funds for the organization were blocked in the House last year. Sens. John Fetterman (D-PA) and Bob Casey (D-PA) wrote to the Senate Appropriations Committee on Tuesday to declare they no longer want an earmark for the William Way LGBT Community Center in spending legislation for the current fiscal year…Word of the $1 million earmark request getting pulled spread on social media on Tuesday evening. The popular Libs of TikTok account on X, run by Chaya Raichik, posted a screenshot of the letter signed by Fetterman. She noted that it followed the account's ‘Exposé' featuring screenshots of advertisements for adults-only events at the center that featured sexually explicit content.” You can read the full report here: https://www.dailywire.com/news/pa-senators-fetterman-and-casey-withdraw-request-for-1m-to-fund-lgbt-center Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump dominated on Super Tuesday. Entering the contest, Trump had earned 273 delegates—he now has 1,004 delegates and is expected to reach the 1,215 delegates needed to officially win the party's nomination as soon as March 12th. Meanwhile, on Wednesday, Trump's primary rival Nikki Haley announced she was suspending her campaign after winning only one primary (Vermont) on Tuesday. Though she congratulated Trump on his win, she stopped short of endorsing him for president. Shane Goldmacher and Adam Nagourney of The New York Times write of President Joe Biden's Super Tuesday performance, which saw him reach 1,506 delegates of the 1,968 needed to win the Democrat party's nomination: “But yet again there were flashing lights for a president who is struggling to rally the whole of his party behind him. Nearly 20 percent of Democrats in Minnesota voted for ‘Uncommitted,' in an apparent protest vote against Mr. Biden's support of the Israel military response to the Hamas terrorist attack of Oct 7. Mr. Biden won less than two-thirds of the vote in Hennepin County, home to Minneapolis. The protest was an extension of a campaign that started in Michigan last week, when 13 percent of Democrats voted uncommitted. The larger share in a state with fewer Arab American voters—but a large and active progressive wing—suggested that the movement of voters pressing Mr. Biden for a policy change was gaining traction. There were other signs, too. In Colorado, the noncommitted vote was 8 percent. The ‘no preference' vote in North Carolina hit nearly 13 percent; that is worth noting as Mr. Biden considers contesting a state that Mr. Trump won by a whisker in 2020. It is far from clear what those voters will do this November. But should they back Mr. Trump, support a third-party candidate or just stay home, they could cost Mr. Biden a close election. Minnesota wasn't the only state that cast a bit of a cloud over Mr. Biden's night. In a small indignity for the sitting president, Mr. Biden tied in the delegate race in American Samoa to Jason Palmer, an entrepreneur. (It's really OK if you had not heard of him before.) There are no Electoral College votes in American Samoa.” You can read the full article here: https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/06/us/politics/super-tuesday-trump-biden-takeaways.html