Podcasts about senate republicans

Join Jim and Greg for the Friday 3 Martini Lunch as they highlight Senate Republicans exposing Democrats' hypocrisy on voter ID, rising energy pressures tied to the Iran conflict, and the death of legendary actor and martial artist Chuck Norris.First, they credit Ohio Sen. Jon Husted for proving Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer and other Democrats don't mean it when they claim to support requiring photo ID in order to vote. They also point out the Democrats have a long history of opposing Voter ID under any circumstances and use absurd & inflammatory rhetoric to oppose GOP efforts to secure our elections.Next, Jim breaks down how Iran's recent missile strike on a liquefied natural gas facility in Qatar, along with tensions surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, will strain global energy markets and drive up prices. He also explains why the war needs to continue and whether our energy independence will help to insulate the U.S.Finally, they remember martial arts icon, actor, and conservative activist Chuck Norris, who passed away at age 86. Jim and Greg discuss how Norris became a popular voice in GOP politics and how he became a larger than life figure who was beloved by people of all political stripes. Jim and Greg also have fun reciting their favorite "Chuck Norris Facts."Please visit our great sponsors:Your emotional well-being matters. Find support and feel lighter in therapy with BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/3MLFind a mattress for every need with Brooklyn Bedding at https://BrooklynBedding.com and use promo code 3ML at checkout to get 30% off sitewide—this offer isn't available anywhere else.Get a free pocket pivot and 10-pattern sprayer with any Copper Head hose purchase from Pocket Hose—just text MARTINI to 64000. Message and data rates may apply; see terms for details.New episodes every weekday. 

March 18, 2026Beginning in 2010, DEA was running an investigation into drug trafficking, prostitution, and money laundering by Jeffrey Epstein and 14 others, The “Chain Reaction" investigation disappeared before indictments were made, Senator Ron Wyden asked DEA administrator Terrance Cole to produce documents about the investigation by March 13th, Documents are marked unclassified, DOJ stepped in to prevent DEA from complying, In a March 18th post, Wyden suggests a coverup to protect key names in the Trump administration, Wyden's post recalls 2019 letter from Adam Schiff about the illegal withholding of a whistleblower complaint, Schiff's letter led to the first impeachment of Trump, In February 2020, Senate Republicans voted to acquit Trump of abuse of power and obstruction of Congress. Watch today's recording here: https://www.youtube.com/live/g9TUa1Rwd6U?si=T8_KKcHQZElhpnZ-Get full, free access to Letters from an American here: https://heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/subscribeYou can also find me:Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/hcrichardson.bsky.socialInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/heathercoxrichardson/?hl=enFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/heathercoxrichardson/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@heathercoxrichardson Get full access to Letters from an American at heathercoxrichardson.substack.com/subscribe

We have been hearing about the SAVE America Act for quite some time now. Will it finally pass? Jesse Kelly asks Senator Eric Schmitt on this edition of I'm Right. But not before Jesse has a long conversation about the state of the Democratic Party. You'll also hear from John Solomon regarding a variety of deep state scandals that have taken place in America. Plus, Frances Martel joins the show with an update on President Trump's foreign policy efforts in Cuba and other places.I'm Right with Jesse Kelly on The First TVBeam: Visit https://shopbeam.com/JESSEKELLY and use code JESSEKELLY to get our exclusive discount of up to 40% off.Choq: Visit https://choq.com/jessetv for a 17.76% discount on your CHOQ subscription for lifePureTalk: Save on wireless with PureTalk visit https://PureTalk.com/JESSETVFollow The Jesse Kelly Show on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheJesseKellyShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Truth Be Told with Booker Scott – John Dennis explains that the Liberty score for some key Republican Senators like Mike Lee and Ted Cruz were lower last year because they did support the Trump agenda. On average, 2025 saw the Republican Senate scores increase a few points. The winner again last year was Kentucky Senator Rand Paul. Mike Lee (R-UT) and Ted Cruz (R-TX)...

On this episode of the podcast, Amanda Head talks with Florida Congressman Randy Fine and Texas Congressman Keith Self to break down the explosive debate surrounding the SAVE AMERICA Act — a voter security bill backed by 71% of Americans, yet fiercely opposed by Democrats and some Republicans in Washington.They dig into why Democrats are labeling the legislation “Jim Crow 2.0,” what's really at stake for election integrity, and whether Senate Republicans have the backbone to get it across the finish line. The conversation expands into broader concerns shaping the national debate: the rise of the Sharia Free America Caucus, ongoing battles over immigration policy and assimilation, and growing frustration over stalled reforms — from DHS funding to federal programs accused of partisan bias.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It seems like sometimes accountability can take forever. And then, it comes all at once. Remember all those Trump lawyers who got disbarred as a result of what they did during Trump's first presidential rodeo: Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Kenneth Chesebro, and others?Well, some other lawyers didn't really pay attention to that cautionary tale. One of them is Ed Martin. Donald Trump tried to make Martin the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia – the city's top prosecutor – but Senate Republicans said, 'not so fast, that's a bridge too far even for us', and refused to confirm Martin.And now, accountability is coming for Ed Martin, The New York Times just reported: "DC Bar begins disciplinary proceedings against Ed Martin. A new legal filing accused Mr. Martin, a senior Justice Department official, of an unethical pressure campaign against Georgetown University."Glenn discusses this development with his fellow former career federal prosecutor, Kevin Flynn, in a segment called "The Prosecutor's Verdict".Find Kevin at: https://www.kevinflynnauthor.com/Find Glenn on Substack: glennkirschner.substack.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

It seems like sometimes accountability can take forever. And then, it comes all at once. Remember all those Trump lawyers who got disbarred as a result of what they did during Trump's first presidential rodeo: Rudy Giuliani, John Eastman, Kenneth Chesebro, and others?Well, some other lawyers didn't really pay attention to that cautionary tale. One of them is Ed Martin. Donald Trump tried to make Martin the United States Attorney for the District of Columbia – the city's top prosecutor – but Senate Republicans said, 'not so fast, that's a bridge too far even for us', and refused to confirm Martin.And now, accountability is coming for Ed Martin, The New York Times just reported: "DC Bar begins disciplinary proceedings against Ed Martin. A new legal filing accused Mr. Martin, a senior Justice Department official, of an unethical pressure campaign against Georgetown University."Glenn discusses this development with his fellow former career federal prosecutor, Kevin Flynn, in a segment called "The Prosecutor's Verdict".Find Kevin at: https://www.kevinflynnauthor.com/Find Glenn on Substack: glennkirschner.substack.comSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Passing the SAVE America Act remains the President's top legislative priority. But with Democrats largely opposed to the voter requirements bill, pressure is mounting on Senate Republicans to alter filibuster rules to secure its passage. Senate leadership, however, has warned that such a high-risk gamble may backfire on the party in the future. FOX News Chief Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram joins the Rundown to unpack the opposition to the SAVE Act and the debate over reforming the filibuster. He also breaks down the recent developments in the Epstein investigation and the ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. Later, former Vice President and founder of Advancing American Freedom, Mike Pence, joins to discuss his support for Operation Epic Fury and to address concerns raised by both Democrats and some members of the MAGA movement regarding the conflict. PHOTO CREDIT: ASSOCIATED PRESS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Rod and Greg Show Daily Rundown – Friday, March 13, 20264:38 pm: Senator John Curtis joins Rod and Greg for a conversation about his opposition to the talking filibuster, which Senate Republicans could theoretically use to pass the SAVE Act.6:05 pm: Amanda Head, White House Correspondent for Just the News, joins the show for a conversation about the results of a recent poll that shows most voters are unaware of what the SAVE Act would accomplish.6:38 pm: Mateo Forero, Director of Investigations for the Federation for American Immigration Reform, joins Rod and Greg to discuss his report on how states with anti-border agendas are harming election integrity.

Passing the SAVE America Act remains the President's top legislative priority. But with Democrats largely opposed to the voter requirements bill, pressure is mounting on Senate Republicans to alter filibuster rules to secure its passage. Senate leadership, however, has warned that such a high-risk gamble may backfire on the party in the future. FOX News Chief Congressional Correspondent Chad Pergram joins the Rundown to unpack the opposition to the SAVE Act and the debate over reforming the filibuster. He also breaks down the recent developments in the Epstein investigation and the ongoing partial shutdown of the Department of Homeland Security. Later, former Vice President and founder of Advancing American Freedom, Mike Pence, joins to discuss his support for Operation Epic Fury and to address concerns raised by both Democrats and some members of the MAGA movement regarding the conflict. PHOTO CREDIT: ASSOCIATED PRESS Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

America saw this epidemic of lethargy and abject laziness during Covid when millions of men and women checked out of the workforce. Businesses closed all across the country because owners simply couldn't find people willing to work. This is the problem in Congress, and it's an epidemic that is not new. How else does a country become $40 trillion in debt? Today we call out the offenders. How is it possible that the great state of Florida can pass the same SAVE America Act voter provisions state-wide that Senate Republicans won't work to get across the finish line?  

Senate Republicans are about to blow it again.

Stigall went to a black man and former Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson for a response to the Mamdani administration's claim in New York City. In his own soft-spoken way - he makes it clear where he stands on that claim. What's motivating the Senate Republican's inaction on the SAVE Act? Perhaps a whole lot of money you might not know about and it's impacting the proceedings on Capitol Hill. The real time insights of online sentiments regarding Iran, the economy and much more from Chris Wilson at Eyes Over. While Iran is the focus, to Israel's north is a very nasty fight with Iran's proxy Hezbollah - we get the latest insights from Yael Eckstein, the president and CEO of IFCJ. And as President Trump stumps in Kentucky - Dr. Oz becomes an accidental hero at the event! -For more info visit the official website: https://chrisstigall.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisstigallshow/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisStigallFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.stigall/Listen on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/StigallPodListen on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/StigallShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aaron McIntire breaks down President Trump's bold declaration of victory over Iran following intense U.S. and Israeli strikes, including massive target counts and oil reserve coordination to stabilize energy markets. We examine the ongoing risks in the Strait of Hormuz, Hezbollah's rocket barrages on northern Israel turning it into a two-front conflict, and fresh Israeli Air Force operations hitting IRGC sites deep inside Iran. Domestically, Trump doubles down on pushing the Save America Act through despite Senate Republican resistance and filibuster drama, while the latest CPI data shows inflation holding steady—but still well above the Fed's target. Plus listener reactions to our poll on Iran's future trajectory, rare pilot radio exchanges, and what it all means for the week ahead.    The AM Update, Aaron McIntire, Trump Iran victory, Iran conflict 2026, US Israel strikes, Hezbollah attacks, Save America Act, voter ID citizenship, filibuster Senate Republicans, CPI inflation February 2026, Strait of Hormuz, IRGC targets, Middle East tensions, Trump domestic agenda

In this March 12 episode of Badlands Daily, CannCon and Alpha Warrior begin the show with some lighthearted banter before turning to political developments in Washington. The conversation centers on tensions between House and Senate Republicans over a housing bill that Speaker Mike Johnson told House Republicans may need to go to conference negotiations because of major policy differences between the chambers. The hosts examine why congressional leadership appears focused on pushing a housing package while other issues dominate national attention. They also react to reporting that provisions tied to a central bank digital currency are included in the legislation, raising questions about how digital currency policy became attached to a housing bill. CannCon and Alpha discuss the broader implications of the proposal, including concerns about temporary bans on a central bank digital currency and what could happen once those restrictions expire. The conversation expands into criticism of congressional priorities and frustration with lawmakers who are negotiating policy while attending retreats and internal meetings.

Shannon Bream joins Marc Cox to analyze the hurdles facing the SAVE Act, highlighting Senate Republicans' struggles to unify around voter ID legislation without disenfranchising constituents, and the challenges of a talking filibuster. The discussion moves to the upcoming DHS confirmation hearing for Mark Wayne Mullen, assessing bipartisan support and potential scrutiny over ICE policies. Bream also breaks down the economic implications of tanker attacks near the Strait of Hormuz, including potential oil prices up to $200 per barrel, and provides insight on ongoing Supreme Court tariff litigation. She closes with a preview of her Fox News Sunday guests covering Iran, oil, and the partial government shutdown. Hashtags: #ShannonBream #SAVEAct #DHSConfirmation #MarkWayneMullen #OilPrices #StraitOfHormuz #SupremeCourt #GovernmentShutdown #FoxNewsSunday

Battle for the SAVE America Act continues, White House locked down as driver smashes into gate, Senator Tommy Tuberville and Sean Davis  joins the show. Patriot Mobile: Go to https://www.PatriotMobile.com/Benny and get A FREE MONTH Pre Born: Go to https://www.preborn.com/benny to help save a baby VANMAN http://vanman.shop/benny and use code BENNY for 15% off your first order. Advantage Gold: TEXT BENNY to 85545 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Left is currently working overtime to convince you that Non-Citizen voting is just a 'MYTH.' They claim the SAVE Act—a simple bill requiring proof of citizenship to register to vote, is actually about 'disenfranchisement' and Voter Suppression. But if non-citizens voting is truly a myth, why are Democrats fighting so desperately to keep the loopholes open?SPONSOR: Brave BooksBrave Books creates pro-God, pro-America stories teaching the lessons our culture is trying to erase, like truth, courage, sacrifice, faith, and love of country through stories kids actually want to read. Get a new book every month and FREE access to their parent-vetted streaming platform BRAVE+ when you join the BRAVE Book Club.Use code NICK for 20% off your first order at: https://www.BraveBooks.com/NICK-----SPONSOR: Lear CapitalThe best way to invest in gold and silver is with Lear Capital. Get your FREE Gold and Silver investor guides from Lear Capital. And, receive FREE bonus metals with a qualified purchase.Call them today at 800-707-4575 or go to: https://www.Nick4Lear.com-----GET YOUR MERCH HERE: https://shop.nickjfreitas.com/BECOME A MEMBER OF THE IC: https://NickJFreitas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickjfreitas/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NickFreitasVATwitter: https://twitter.com/NickJFreitasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NickjfreitasTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nickfreitas3.000:00:01 – Frustration with Republican leadership over the SAVE Act00:01:29 – What is actually inside the SAVE Act legislation.00:02:29 – Why Republican senators must face primary challenges now.00:03:57 – Defining proof of citizenship for all federal elections.00:05:48 – How to handle name discrepancies for married women.00:06:51 – Exposing Democrat efforts to encourage illegal alien voting.00:11:11 – Why security must always be prioritized over convenience.00:13:00 – The Taiwan model for election security 00:15:00 – Debunking claims of disenfranchisement and unnecessary barriers.00:19:46 – Balancing election integrity through security and voter convenience.00:23:58 – Highlighting states with dangerous and permissive voting laws.00:26:07 – The problem with Minnesota's insane voter vouching system.00:27:06 – Why law enforcement refuses to prosecute voter fraud.00:30:20 – Personal stories of election day shady thumb drives.00:33:07 – Why the Left imports voters to build power.00:39:08 – Identifying the Senate Republicans blocking the SAVE Act.00:41:26 – Why Lisa Murkowski must face a primary challenger.00:46:08 – John Thune dismisses MAGA pressure as paid influencers.00:47:06 – Why Mike Lee wants the speaking filibuster back.00:50:17 – Why conservatives should never vote for Democratic candidates.00:51:53 – Using electoral fear to motivate mediocre Republican politicians.00:54:39 – Why John Thune plays hardball only against conservatives.00:57:44 – Why Mitch McConnell's constitutional arguments are total garbage.01:00:00 – Final thoughts: Reclaiming the country through local action

With progress moving the SAVE America Act to a Trump-demanded floor vote, Senate Republicans drag their feet and make a million excuses for not getting it done, led by the slowest snail, John Thune. Is it literally possible that the Republicans aren't pushing the measure forward because they're too lazy and don't want to work through weekends and holidays? TO SAVE AMERICA? 

With Yamaha moving out of California and Exxon-Mobile bailing from New Jersey, the economics of punishing blue state taxes isn't worth it anymore. What are red states doing so differently than blue states? (DUH.) Is the SAVE Act the deep state's last stand? Why there may be more to play with the Senate Republicans' slow walk of President Trump's most important legislation.

In recent days, President Trump has angrily demanded that Republicans pass the SAVE Act, a massive voter suppression measure that already passed the House but almost certainly can't pass the Senate. In one tirade on Truth Social, he threatened not to sign anything else until Senate Republicans get it done. That echoed a second rant demanding the same. After we recorded this episode, Trump gave a speech doubling down on this demand. But a funny thing is happening: This is trampling all over the midterm messaging of Republicans, who badly want to appear focused on the economy. We talked to veteran Congressional scholar Norman Ornstein. He explains why the SAVE ACT is such a heinous piece of voter suppression, why it's probably doomed in the Senate despite Trump's pressure, and how his demand has trapped Republicans, given their cultlike thrall to him. Ornstein also walks us through the nightmare scenarios in which Trump and/or Republicans could conceivably steal the midterms.  Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In recent days, President Trump has angrily demanded that Republicans pass the SAVE Act, a massive voter suppression measure that already passed the House but almost certainly can't pass the Senate. In one tirade on Truth Social, he threatened not to sign anything else until Senate Republicans get it done. That echoed a second rant demanding the same. After we recorded this episode, Trump gave a speech doubling down on this demand. But a funny thing is happening: This is trampling all over the midterm messaging of Republicans, who badly want to appear focused on the economy. We talked to veteran Congressional scholar Norman Ornstein. He explains why the SAVE ACT is such a heinous piece of voter suppression, why it's probably doomed in the Senate despite Trump's pressure, and how his demand has trapped Republicans, given their cultlike thrall to him. Ornstein also walks us through the nightmare scenarios in which Trump and/or Republicans could conceivably steal the midterms.  Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In recent days, President Trump has angrily demanded that Republicans pass the SAVE Act, a massive voter suppression measure that already passed the House but almost certainly can't pass the Senate. In one tirade on Truth Social, he threatened not to sign anything else until Senate Republicans get it done. That echoed a second rant demanding the same. After we recorded this episode, Trump gave a speech doubling down on this demand. But a funny thing is happening: This is trampling all over the midterm messaging of Republicans, who badly want to appear focused on the economy. We talked to veteran Congressional scholar Norman Ornstein. He explains why the SAVE ACT is such a heinous piece of voter suppression, why it's probably doomed in the Senate despite Trump's pressure, and how his demand has trapped Republicans, given their cultlike thrall to him. Ornstein also walks us through the nightmare scenarios in which Trump and/or Republicans could conceivably steal the midterms.  Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Iran has a new Supreme Leader: Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the late Ayatollah, who is reportedly a bigger hardliner than his father — whose death he can thank the U.S. and/or Israel for, along with his wife's. Trump immediately called him "unacceptable," which might've been useful information before the bombing campaign began. The U.S. death toll from Iranian retaliatory strikes is now at 8, oil just crossed $100 a barrel for the first time in four years, and the White House press secretary went on Fox News and refused to rule out a draft. Meanwhile, the CIA is reportedly arming Kurdish forces to stir up an internal uprising in Iran, while U.S. and Israeli officials are discussing sending special forces in to secure Iran's nuclear stockpile. Meanwhile, the White House blocked intelligence agencies from issuing a terrorism threat warning to local law enforcement about rising domestic risks tied to the war. When Trump was asked about Americans dying on home soil, he said "some people will die. When you go to war, some people will die."  Elsewhere in the hemisphere, Trump held a "Shield of the Americas" summit at his Doral golf club — because of course he did — gathering 17 Latin American leaders to announce a military coalition against cartels, with fired DHS Secretary Kristi Noem elevated to special envoy of the whole thing. Trump also started floating regime change in Cuba, because the Iran war apparently wasn't enough. In other chaos: Hungary detained seven Ukrainian bank employees carrying $82 million in cash and two armored vehicles, which Ukraine called "state terrorism." Two teenagers from Pennsylvania were arrested for attempting to set off explosive devices outside New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's home during dueling protests. Senate Republicans blocked a bill that would have forced disclosure of Epstein's financial records, and no one is asking any follow-up questions about that. And Texas Rep. Tony Gonzales — currently under House Ethics investigation — is dropping his reelection bid but refusing to resign his seat. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: WSJ: Live Updates: Iran Picks Mojtaba Khamenei as Supreme Leader NYT: Pentagon Announces Seventh U.S. Death in War With Iran Axios: U.S. weighs sending special forces to seize Iran's nuclear stockpile CNN: CIA working to arm Kurdish forces to spark uprising in Iran, sources say The Daily Beast: Leavitt Refuses to Rule Out Drastic Troops Option for Iran War Yahoo: Trump White House Reportedly Blocking Intelligence Report Warning of Homeland Security Threats in Midst of Iran War Time: Trump's War With Iran The Hill: Trump revamps war on drugs with ‘Shield of the Americas' endeavor NPR: Trump vows to 'take care of Cuba,' praises Venezuela cooperation at summit NYT: Oil Prices Surge Above $100 a Barrel for the First Time in Almost Four Years WSJ: U.S. Has a Big Ask for China: Buy Less Oil from Russia, More From America Bloomberg: US Considers Easing Russia Oil Sanctions NBC News: Hungary detains Ukrainians carrying $82 million in cash and gold; Kyiv calls it a hostage-taking NBC New York: Mayor Mamdani was home when protesters lit device outside Gracie Mansion AP News: Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney calls for Mountbatten-Windsor's removal from line of succession KOBI 5: Sen. Ron Wyden pushes for senate passage of Epstein bank records bill Politico: Tony Gonzales drops reelection bid among pressure from GOP Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: ⁠⁠⁠betchesnews.substack.com Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A political battle is brewing in Washington as President Donald Trump signals he won't endorse John Cornyn unless Republicans move forward on election security legislation. The move follows pressure from Ken Paxton, who is challenging Cornyn and pushing for passage of the SAVE Act. The clash exposes deeper tensions within the GOP between establishment leadership and Trump-aligned conservatives—and could reshape the party's future. Summary: President Donald Trump may be battling adversaries abroad, but a new political fight is unfolding at home—inside the Republican Party. The dispute centers on the Senate race between incumbent John Cornyn and challenger Ken Paxton. Paxton has urged Trump not to endorse Cornyn unless Senate Republicans pass the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections and tighten election security rules. Trump signaled over the weekend that he agrees with the demand, saying the legislation must move forward before he makes an endorsement decision. The standoff is being viewed by supporters as a significant moment in Trump's relationship with the GOP establishment. The conflict also highlights the influence of Senate leadership, including John Thune, who critics say has slowed confirmation of presidential nominees. Supporters of Trump argue these delays have made it harder for the administration to fill key legal and regulatory positions. Beyond the Senate drama, the broader political environment remains intense. Trump has also been outspoken on foreign policy—from the ongoing confrontation with Iran to discussions about Cuba's future—while trying to push his domestic agenda through a divided Washington. For many observers, the Texas Senate fight could become a defining test of loyalty and power inside the Republican Party heading into the next election cycle. Key Takeaways Donald Trump is holding back an endorsement in the Texas Senate race. Ken Paxton is pushing for passage of the SAVE Act before any endorsement. Incumbent John Cornyn faces a growing challenge within his own party. Senate leadership under John Thune is under scrutiny over delays in confirming nominees. The showdown could reshape internal GOP politics ahead of future elections. Topic Tags: Trump Politics, GOP Infighting, SAVE Act, Election Security, Texas Senate Race

A political battle is brewing in Washington as President Donald Trump signals he won't endorse John Cornyn unless Republicans move forward on election security legislation. The move follows pressure from Ken Paxton, who is challenging Cornyn and pushing for passage of the SAVE Act. The clash exposes deeper tensions within the GOP between establishment leadership and Trump-aligned conservatives—and could reshape the party's future. Summary: President Donald Trump may be battling adversaries abroad, but a new political fight is unfolding at home—inside the Republican Party. The dispute centers on the Senate race between incumbent John Cornyn and challenger Ken Paxton. Paxton has urged Trump not to endorse Cornyn unless Senate Republicans pass the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections and tighten election security rules. Trump signaled over the weekend that he agrees with the demand, saying the legislation must move forward before he makes an endorsement decision. The standoff is being viewed by supporters as a significant moment in Trump's relationship with the GOP establishment. The conflict also highlights the influence of Senate leadership, including John Thune, who critics say has slowed confirmation of presidential nominees. Supporters of Trump argue these delays have made it harder for the administration to fill key legal and regulatory positions. Beyond the Senate drama, the broader political environment remains intense. Trump has also been outspoken on foreign policy—from the ongoing confrontation with Iran to discussions about Cuba's future—while trying to push his domestic agenda through a divided Washington. For many observers, the Texas Senate fight could become a defining test of loyalty and power inside the Republican Party heading into the next election cycle. Key Takeaways Donald Trump is holding back an endorsement in the Texas Senate race. Ken Paxton is pushing for passage of the SAVE Act before any endorsement. Incumbent John Cornyn faces a growing challenge within his own party. Senate leadership under John Thune is under scrutiny over delays in confirming nominees. The showdown could reshape internal GOP politics ahead of future elections. Topic Tags: Trump Politics, GOP Infighting, SAVE Act, Election Security, Texas Senate Race

President Donald Trump is confronting adversaries abroad while battling political resistance at home. As U.S. forces escalate operations against Iran and negotiations swirl around Cuba, Trump is also pressuring Senate Republicans to pass the SAVE Act before endorsing John Cornyn in a heated primary challenge from Ken Paxton. The result: a high-stakes clash shaping both global strategy and domestic politics. Episode Summary The Trump administration is simultaneously navigating major geopolitical tensions and an escalating fight inside Washington. Abroad, U.S. and allied forces have intensified operations against Iran, reportedly striking thousands of targets and crippling major military infrastructure. Former commander David Petraeus says the U.S. has effectively achieved air supremacy, enabling expanded use of heavy bombers and carrier strike groups now moving into the region. The deployment includes the USS Gerald R. Ford and the USS George H. W. Bush. Strategically, analysts argue control of key global shipping routes—from the Strait of Hormuz to the Suez Canal—could reshape global power dynamics, particularly in relation to China's energy imports. Meanwhile, Trump also hinted at major changes in Cuba, joking that Secretary of State Marco Rubio could resolve the situation quickly as negotiations reportedly involve members of the Castro family. Back home, the biggest political fight may be inside Trump's own party. The president is withholding support from Senator John Cornyn unless Republicans move forward on the SAVE Act, which would require proof of citizenship to vote in federal elections. The move follows pressure from Ken Paxton, who is challenging Cornyn in the primary and urging Trump to leverage his endorsement to force action on election security. At the same time, a federal case involving Asif Merchant has raised new questions about alleged Iranian assassination plots targeting Trump and other U.S. officials—adding another layer to the escalating conflict between Washington and Tehran. With military operations expanding overseas and political battles intensifying at home, the coming weeks could prove pivotal for both U.S. foreign policy and the future of the Republican Party. Key Takeaways U.S. forces are escalating military operations against Iran with carrier groups and heavy bombers. Global shipping chokepoints like the Strait of Hormuz could become strategic leverage points. Negotiations regarding Cuba reportedly involve figures connected to the Castro family. Donald Trump is pressuring Senate Republicans to pass the SAVE Act. The Texas Senate primary between Ken Paxton and John Cornyn is becoming a key political battleground. A federal trial involving Asif Merchant raises new concerns about Iranian threats. Topic Tags: Trump Administration, Iran War, Cuba Politics, SAVE Act, GOP Infighting, Global Strategy

Tonight on NJ Spotlight News, as the war in Iran continues, unrest is hitting home. Two suspects are under arrest after an IED was thrown near New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's home on Saturday.   Also, we get reaction from a University president whose family lives in Iran.    Plus, what will Governor Sherrill cut? We'll look at her options as she prepares her first Budget Address.   And, we talk with state Senate Republican leader Anthony Bucco about his party's proposals to balance the budget.   

It's 1,050 days until the legally defined end of the 47th Presidency, but the merit of upcoming elections remains suspect. In the meantime, Kristi Noem sucks too much even for Trump, so he hired a washed up pugilist with anger management issues. Also, we're in an illegal war in the Middle East, again! Other Titles Considered Opreth Me Daddy America Plus John Wayne Mullet Special Show Links: Trump Reveals Why There's No Evacuation Plan for Trapped Americans https://newrepublic.com/post/207286/trump-no-evacuation-plan-americans-middle-east-iran-war Senate Republicans defeat measure to halt Iran strikes despite growing anxieties https://thehill.com/homenews/senate/5767815-senate-war-powers-iran/ Military Secretly Admits U.S. Role in Girls School Bomb Horror https://www.thedailybeast.com/us-forces-likely-behind-deadly-iran-girls-school-strike/ What we know about Noem's new ‘Shield of the Americas' role https://thehill.com/policy/international/5769654-trump-appoints-noem-shield-americas/

Let's talk about Senate Republicans owning the Iran war....

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:At the behest of Donald Trump, Ken Paxton is mulling dropping out of the race for the U.S. Senate - on condition that Senate Republicans kill the filibuster and pass the SAVE America Act, which would help Trump suppress voters ahead of the midterm election: https://www.khou.com/article/news/politics/elections/ken-paxton-texas-senate-race-drop-out-trump-endorsement/285-de54f29c-0c5b-41f9-a687-617aa373c535West Texas Republican Congressman Tony Gonzales has finally admitted having an affair with a staffer who later committed suicide, and has stepped aside in his run for re-election, making the GOP nominee Brandon "The AK Guy" Herrera, a gun enthusiast YouTuber known for Nazi and Confederate leanings: https://www.texastribune.org/2026/03/05/tony-gonzales-drops-out-republican-primary-texas-23rd-district-congress/A connection between Elon Musk and the mass shooter in Austin last weekend emerges - the shooter was a former Tesla employee who assaulted another employee in 2024; that victim is now suing the company: https://www.statesman.com/business/article/austin-shooting-suspect-tesla-lawsuit-texas-21957429.phpWe expect a release of investigative data from state officials soon on the killing of Ruben Ray Martinez last year at the hands of a federal immigration agent: https://www.washingtonpost.com/immigration/2026/03/05/texas-dhs-shooting-citizen-killed/?Progress Texas is expanding into both broadcast radio - including a new partnership with ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠KPFT-FM in Houston⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ - and into Spanish language media! Make a tax-deductible contribution to our radio initiative ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠, and to our Spanish expansion ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://progresstexas.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

In a 53-47 vote, Senate Republicans voted down an attempt to require Donald Trump to get permission from Congress's before continuing the war with Iran. It's full steam ahead. Kristi Noem is out as Secretary of Homeland Security Secretary. Will her replacement, Markwayne Mullin, be any better? We welcome Tony Box to the show. He's a former FBI Special agent, a former Assistant US Attorney at DOJ, and a former US Army JAG officer. Former Federal Prosecutor David Katz will stop by to talk about the biggest pending legal cases.

AP correspondent Jennifer King reports on Congressional action on war powers.

Wednesday, March 4, 2026 In this episode: The Republican-led House Oversight Committee voted to subpoena Attorney General Pam Bondi for a closed-door deposition about the Justice Department's handling of records tied to Jeffrey Epstein; Senate Republicans rejected a war powers resolution to block Trump from ordering more strikes on Iran; Trump is “actively considering and discussing” America's role in Iran after the war with his advisers and national security team; Texas state Rep. James Talarico won the Democratic primary for U.S. Senate in Texas; Republicans Sen. John Cornyn and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton advanced to a May 26 Republican runoff; the Office of Congressional Conduct said it had “substantial reason to believe” Rep. Tony Gonzales, a Texas Republican, had a sexual relationship with a subordinate who later died by suicide; and 54% of voters disapproved of Trump's handling of Iran, and 52% said the U.S. shouldn't have taken military action. Read more: Day 1870: "Why are we doing this?" Newsletter: Get the daily edition of WTFJHT in your inbox Feedback? Let me know what you think AI Policy: My AI policy

Senate Republicans spent $77 million to buy themselves a runoff in Texas. Anna and Jake recap the Lone Star State's big primary night. Plus, what's next for Congress and Iran? And DHS Secretary Kristi Noem is in the hot seat ... again.  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

Washington Post personal finance columnist, Michelle Singletary, tells the moving story of how a visit to her grade school by the Reverend Jesse Jackson inspired her life and career as described in her column, “How the Rev. Jesse Jackson Taught Me to Keep Hope Alive." Then Ralph welcomes Professor Eric S. Fish from U.C Davis School of Law to explain how grand juries are no longer rubber-stamping frivolous cases brought to them by the Trump Administration. Plus, Ralph gives us his take on Trump's marathon State of the Union speech and the Democratic response.Michelle Singletary writes the nationally-syndicated personal finance column “The Color of Money,” which appears in the Washington Post on Wednesdays and Sundays. In 2021, she won the Gerald Loeb award for commentary. She has written four personal finance books, including, What to Do With Your Money When Crisis Hits: A Survival Guide and The 21-Day Financial Fast: Your Path to Financial Peace and Freedom.The Trump administration's destruction of diversity, equity, and inclusion—they misunderstand what that means. It doesn't mean that you're giving jobs to people who are unqualified. It means that you recognize that the playing field wasn't even, and let's even this playing field. I liken it to a football team. You can't have a football team of all quarterbacks and win. You have to have a quarterback, a running back, a linebacker, you have to have a good kicker. It's the same thing—your team has to encompass people that represent all kinds of abilities to have a winning team. So DEI isn't a giveaway. It isn't charity. It recognizes that when you have people from different backgrounds and different perspectives and different skill levels, you have a winning team.Michelle SingletaryEric S Fish is professor of law at the UC Davis School of Law. Professor Fish's primary research is in criminal law, with particular focus on the ethical duties of participants in the criminal process, the structure of immigration crimes, and the system's emphasis on administrative efficiency. He has also served as a public defender, first with the San Francisco Public Defender's Office, and later as a Federal Defender in San Diego.This has been a really remarkable series of rejections of the Trump administration's prosecutions by ordinary people serving on grand juries, and one that is largely unprecedented in modern American history. I can't think of another example of grand juries rejecting such high-profile cases (and so many of them). Nothing really comes to mind. So in a certain sense, one might say this is the grand jury's original purpose…Initially they were a democratic institution of governance. They were a local check on the colonial oppression of the British (at least in the early colonial period). They refused to indict prosecutions under the Stamp Act, under the revenue laws. They were a tool of anti-colonial resistance to British oppression, and this seems at least broadly analogous to that—local grand juries in places like Minnesota, Chicago, Washington, D.C. are rejecting the Trump administration's attempts to prosecute its political enemies and bring trumped-up charges against protesters.Eric S. FishAll in all, [the State of the Union address] was fodder for political scientists for years to come. A dictatorial serial law violator, self-enriching chronic liar, cruel, vicious to vulnerable people and people without power (which is a majority of the people) elected dictator. This speech—which went for one hour and 48 minutes, the longest State of the Union speech ever—will be analyzed for a long time with the question at the center of the analysis being: How could so many tens of millions of voters be taken in by Trump's mouth, his lies, his false statements, his fantasies, his fake promises, his lack of any kind of record, whether as a businessman where he used bankruptcies as a strategy…and his record as a politician in his first term? That's the question we have to ask ourselves. And it's too easy to say that the Trump voters couldn't stand the Democrats who abandoned them. That's not enough. They could have not voted for Trump. They could have written in a vote. They could have voted for the Green, Libertarian, or other minor parties. They can't use the Democrats as a 100% excuse for voting for Trump. And a lot of them didn't. They just liked Trump. They liked his prejudices. They liked his lies. They liked his fantasies. They liked his fake promises.Ralph NaderNews 2/27/26* Our top stories this week come to us from our southern neighbor, Mexico. First, on February 22nd, Mexican authorities announced they had successfully conducted an operation resulting in the death of Nemesio Rubén Oseguera Cervantes, aka “El Mencho,” who headed the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG). In retaliation, the cartels launched a wave of violence throughout the country. Bafflingly, given the obvious enmity between the cartels and the government of Claudia Sheinbaum, Elon Musk implied that Sheinbaum is in the pocket of the very drug cartels with whom she is practically at war. Reuters reports Musk “responded to a 2025 video of Sheinbaum discussing cartel violence and alleged that she was ‘saying what her cartel bosses tell her to say.” Reuters notes that Musk did not provide further evidence. In fact, much of the strength of the Mexican cartels would actually be more accurately attributed to the United States. As USA Today writes, Mexican officials recovered a rocket-propelled grenade launcher, 10 long arm [rifles], handguns, and grenades, from El Mencho's weapons stockpile. Mexican Defense Minister, Ricardo Trevilla Trejo estimated that about 80% of the recovered weapons were purchased in the United States and smuggled into Mexico. This represents just the tip of the iceberg of the so-called “iron river” of firearms flooding Mexico's black market from the U.S. As opposed to the lax gun laws in the states, gun ownership in Mexico is “tightly restricted…[and] There is only one military-run gun store in the country.”* Meanwhile, President Sheinbaum is bucking American pressure by continuing to send humanitarian aid to the tiny, embattled island nation of Cuba. AP reports that last week, “Two Mexican Navy ships laden with humanitarian aid docked in Cuba…two weeks after…President Donald Trump threatened to impose tariffs on countries that sell oil to the island.” These ships carried 800 tons worth of bundles of “Made in Mexico” goods, including rice, beans, amaranth and crackers — complemented by a bottle of oil, large cans of sardines and canned peaches. Another 1,500 tons of powdered milk and beans are expected to be sent to Cuba in the coming days. The U.S. has taken a more bellicose line with Cuba than it has in quite some time, even taking naval action in the waters surrounding the island, making Mexico's support that much more critical.* In another Cuba story, a diplomatic incident is unfolding this week regarding a Florida-registered speedboat. According to the island's government, the boat, carrying 10 passengers, entered Cuban territorial waters and opened fire on Cuban soldiers. The Cubans responded in kind, killing four people aboard the craft and wounding six others. According to the Cuban authorities, most of the passengers “have a known history of criminal and violent activity.” These include Amijail Sánchez González and Leordan Enrique Cruz Gómez, both wanted by Cuban authorities based on their involvement in “the promotion, planning, organization, financing, support or commission of…acts of terrorism.” The Cubans also claim to have arrested one Duniel Hernández Santos, who was supposedly “sent from the United States to guarantee the reception of the armed infiltration.” They claim Hernández Santos has confessed. American authorities have so far evinced confusion more than anything else, with Secretary of State Marco Rubio saying “We're going to figure out exactly what happened.” This from AP.* Whatever cloak and dagger games the administration may be playing in the Caribbean, they have been pointedly unsubtle about their saber rattling regarding Iran – and the reaction from Congress has been meager. While anti-war members in the House and Senate are pushing war powers resolutions, namely Representatives Ro Khanna and Thomas Massie along with Senator Tim Kaine, not even the nominal opposition party is supporting these efforts. According to Capital & Empire, Democrats are seeking to “dampen momentum” and even “prevent the Iran war powers vote from advancing.” Democrats Josh Gottheimer and Jared Moskowitz, both arch Iran hawks, have publicly stated they will not back the war powers resolution, and many others have sought to split the difference, saying Trump should only move on Iran after consulting with Congress. As the Hill notes, the Senate did pass a war powers resolution restricting the president's use of military force against Iran without congressional approval during Trump's first term, with eight Senate Republicans backing the Democrats in support of the bill. It is hard to imagine such a bipartisan show of force this time around.* In more disappointing congressional news, on Tuesday the House voted down the bipartisan ROTOR Act, which would have beefed up aviation safety standards, NPR reports. This bill was drafted in the wake of the deadly midair collision over Washington D.C. last year. This bill, principally authored by Senator Ted Cruz, who chairs the Senate Commerce Committee which oversees transportation, would have required wider use of Automatic Dependent Surveillance–Broadcast – safety technology designed to transmit an aircraft's location to other aircraft. The Senate unanimously passed the bill in December, with the support of the Defense Department – now styling itself the Department of War – but the Pentagon yanked its support just before the House vote, citing “unresolved budgetary burdens and operational security risks.” The final House vote was 264 in favor and 133 opposed, 132 Republicans and Democrat Lizzie Fletcher of Texas. Despite the lopsided majority in favor, the bill needed a two-thirds vote to pass and was therefore defeated by the minority.* In another aviation related story, FBI Director Kash Patel is embroiled in a new scandal based on his alleged misuse of the FBI's Gulfstream jets for personal travel. CNN reports Patel's frequent jetsetting has even caused delays or issues in high-profile investigations, such as the assassination of rightwing commentator Charlie Kirk and the Brown University shooting last December. According to a letter authored by Senator Dick Durbin, Patel's incessant misuse of the official FBI planes for personal travel “has even frustrated White House and DOJ senior staff.” This story hits particularly hard at the present moment, with images of Patel chugging beer in the locker room celebration of the Olympic men's hockey team going viral. The FBI then had to spend days running cover for Patel, claiming the director was in Italy for “long-planned official business,” which just happened to coincide with the occasion.* Our next two stories concern AI. First, a new Public Citizen report documents how the AI industry is deploying a veritable army of lobbyists on Capitol Hill, absolutely dwarfing not only their opposition, but practically every other industry as well. According to this report, more than one quarter of all federal lobbyists are now lobbying on AI issues, representing a rise in lobbyist activity on AI issues of more than 265 percent over the past three years. This report finds the Chamber of Commerce hired the most AI lobbyists in 2025 at 91, followed by Microsoft at 63, Meta at 55, Intuit at 51, and Amazon at 48. This meteoric rise in AI lobbying activity is sure to give the industry massive firepower in the halls of Congress, ensuring a favorable regulatory environment for years to come. This will be particularly critical for data centers, which have faced a rash of local opposition. Per this report, that particular subset of the AI lobbying industry has expanded by a staggering 500 percent since 2023.* For all its newfound political clout however, the AI business seems to have found itself a formidable new opponent – Pope Leo XIV. This week, Pope Leo addressed priests from the Diocese of Rome and implored them to resist “the temptation to prepare homilies with Artificial Intelligence.” The pontiff argued “Like all the muscles in the body, if we do not use them, if we do not move them, they die. The brain needs to be used, so our intelligence must also be exercised a little so as not to lose this capacity.” He added that “to give a true homily is to share faith,” and that AI “will never be able to share faith.” This from Vatican News.* Turning to media news, this week, Paramount submitted a new offer to purchase Warner Bros. Discovery. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Paramount's new bid amounted to $31 per share and, following a period of consultation with the Warner board of directors, this offer was deemed “superior” to the proposed deal with rival bidder Netflix. This triggered a clause in the Netflix merger agreement giving the streamer four days to submit a new, superior offer. However, that same day Netflix issued a statement officially declining to submit a new, higher offer, with representatives writing “the price required to match Paramount Skydance's latest offer,” means “the deal is no longer financially attractive.” With Netflix out of the way, Paramount, led by Trump-aligned billionaire scion David Ellison, will now proceed with their acquisition of Warner Bros., including their prodigious intellectual property back catalogue and the cable news titan, CNN. A friendly relationship with the Trump administration means regulators are unlikely to hold up this deal. The Ellisons have already acquired CBS News, installing Bari Weiss as “editor-in-chief.” It seems likely they will follow a similar playbook regarding CNN.* Our final stories this week concern the continuing fallout of the Epstein scandal. This week saw the arrest of former British-U.S. ambassador Peter Mandelson, joining Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor (formerly Prince Andrew) in the collection of high profile British individuals arrested in connection with the Epstein scandal. Meanwhile, at Harvard, former University President Larry Summers will resign from his academic and faculty appointments, including his University Professorship, at the Ivy League school following the conclusion of this academic year. Until then, he will remain on leave, per the Crimson. Summers regularly exchanged messages with Jeffrey Epstein about topics ranging from women, to politics, to Harvard-related matters as late as July 2019, the day before Epstein's final arrest. But the most noteworthy Epstein-related news this week came from Chappaqua, New York. On Thursday and Friday, Bill and Hillary Clinton testified about their relationships with the late financier and sexual predator. After much wrangling, these potential blockbuster hearings were held behind closed doors on the Clintons' home turf. What exactly was said remains shrouded in mystery. According to the BBC, House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer said he hopes to make videos of both Hillary and Bill Clinton's depositions publicly available soon. Robert Garcia, the Democratic Ranking Member on the committee, said a “new precedent” had been set by calling a former president to testify and demanded that Trump be called to testify before the committee next. We shall watch this space.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

Steve, Todd, and Aaron are joined by FBI whistleblower Steve Friend for the Deace Group roundtable to discuss whether John Thune (R-S.D.) and Senate Republicans are engaging in failure theater ... again. The panel also discusses the most recent failed assassination attempt against President Trump. Hour Two is Feedback Friday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This Friday final hour, we break down the week that was: from record snow in New York defying climate headlines, to Clinton-era immigration enforcement, to shocking TSA revelations about illegal immigrant sex offenders. Plus, why Senate Republicans keep stumbling on voter fraud legislation and the filibuster debate. Short Summary: From snowy contradictions to ICE history, Biden's secret flights, and a dog parade in the Senate, we unpack the political chaos and question the media narrative. Bullet Highlights: Record snow hits NYC after NYT claimed “no snow” was the new normal. Clinton-era ICE enforcement highlights hypocrisy in Democrat outrage over Trump. TSA lawsuit reveals Biden allowed convicted sex offenders entry as illegal immigrants. Senate Republicans' inaction on voter fraud and SAFE Act: a dog parade distraction. Filibuster debate: can it be locked in to stop future Democratic overreach? Call-ins and listener texts weigh in on the biggest stories of the week. Key Clips / Timestamps: 00:00 – Opening & call-in info 03:15 – Weather headlines: “Where did the snow go?” vs record snowfall 10:45 – Clinton 1996 SOTU: immigration enforcement applause 18:30 – Biden & TSA: sex offender flights from abroad 28:50 – Senate Republicans, voter fraud, & the dog parade 38:10 – Filibuster discussion & listener call-ins 45:00 – Week wrap-up & insights for Battleground America Social Media Snippet: “Record snow? Illegal immigrant sex offenders flying in? Senate dog parades? This week had it all. Catch our Friday wrap-up of the chaos ⛄✈️

From climate headlines flipping overnight, to Clinton-era ICE enforcement, Biden secretly flying convicted sex offenders into the U.S., and Senate Republicans distracted by dog parades, today's coverage exposes hypocrisy, broken systems, and the political games the media ignores. Short Summary: Record snow, voter fraud chaos, sex offender flights, and Senate missteps dominate today's political landscape. We break down what the media won't tell you and how these stories affect Americans now. Bullet Highlights: NYT contradicts itself: January “no snow” vs record snowfall in New York & New England. Clinton-era ICE deportations show hypocrisy in modern Democrat outrage over Trump. TSA lawsuit: Biden allowed convicted sex offenders to enter as illegal immigrants, secret flights from 43 countries. Senate Republicans delay SAFE Act and voter fraud solutions while hosting a dog parade. Filibuster debate: Can Republicans lock it in to prevent future Democratic overreach? Listener calls and texts highlight confusion, outrage, and solutions from the public. Extreme weather, climate cycles, and media spin: how “climate change fear” is selectively reported. Key Clips / Timestamps: 00:00 – Opening & call-in info 03:15 – Weather: “Where did the snow go?” vs record snowfall 10:45 – Clinton 1996 SOTU: Democrat applause for deportations 18:30 – Biden & TSA secret flights of convicted sex offenders 28:50 – Senate Republicans' dog parade & voter fraud inaction 38:10 – Filibuster discussion & listener call-ins 45:00 – Climate cycles & media narrative spin 50:00 – Week wrap-up & takeaways for Battleground America Social Media Snippet: “Snow lies, sex offenders flying in, and Senate dog parades? Today's political chaos exposed. Full breakdown in our Friday wrap-up! ❄️✈️

Chase and Sarah Gibson of Grooveberries frozen yogurt shop in Idaho join the show to talk about how they have used their business to celebrate and honor Charlie in the wake of his death, despite a wave of threats and harassment for doing so. They share why they stood firm and talk about using their business to support their local Club America chapters. Then Sean Davis breaks down the path to winning the midterms and why he's so annoyed with Senate Republican leadership over the SAVE Act. Watch every episode ad-free on members.charliekirk.com! Get new merch at charliekirkstore.com!Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Vice President JD Vance says the Administration is pausing some Medicaid funds to Minnesota over fraud concerns, a day after President Donald Trump said in his State of the Union Address the Vice President will lead a 'war on fraud'; Senate Republican leader John Thune and Democratic leader Chuck Schumer react to that and other issues in the president's nearly two-hour address, especially economic affordability, and what that means for the Senate agenda; two other Senators, Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Jeanne Shaheen (D-NH) discuss Russia's war with Ukraine, a topic that got barely a mention in this year's State of the Union Address; nominee for Surgeon General Dr. Casey Means tells the Senate Health Committee that she will not unequivocally say that parents should vaccinate their children against diseases like measles, the flu or whooping cough; Supreme Court hears a case about a house in Michigan worth nearly $200,000, foreclosed on by the county for an unpaid $2,000 tax bill and sold at auction for $76,000. Plaintiffs say that is an unconstitutional taking without just compensation. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chase and Sarah Gibson of Grooveberries frozen yogurt shop in Idaho join the show to talk about how they have used their business to celebrate and honor Charlie in the wake of his death, despite a wave of threats and harassment for doing so. They share why they stood firm and talk about using their business to support their local Club America chapters. Then Sean Davis breaks down the path to winning the midterms and why he's so annoyed with Senate Republican leadership over the SAVE Act. Watch every episode ad-free on members.charliekirk.com! Get new merch at charliekirkstore.com!Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Senate Republicans release a plan to increase spending for education in Oklahoma.Federal cuts are having an impact on farmers and ranchers.Nutrition experts are weighing in on the current protein craze.You can find the KOSU Daily wherever you get your podcasts, you can also subscribe, rate us and leave a comment.You can keep up to date on all the latest news throughout the day at KOSU.org and make sure to follow us on Facebook, Tik Tok and Instagram at KOSU Radio.This is The KOSU Daily, Oklahoma news, every weekday.

Joe talks with Caller Bill about what the Senate Republicans need to do and why they are really scared to actually take actionSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A growing number of Senate Republicans are supporting President Trump's SAVE America Act that could overhaul voting in America. During a deposition with lawmakers, billionaire businessman Les Wexner says he was “conned” by Jeffrey Epstein. Rep. Suzan DelBene (D-Wash.), chair of the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee, joins Meet the Press NOW to discuss their 2026 midterm strategy. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Tuesday, February 17, 2026 In this episode: Congressional Democrats sent the White House a new counterproposal to reopen the Department of Homeland Security after the agency's funding lapsed Saturday; an 18-year-old man was arrested near the U.S. Capitol after exiting a white Mercedes SUV and running toward the building carrying a loaded shotgun; Senate Republicans have lined up at least 50 votes for the Trump-backed SAVE America Act, which would require proof of U.S. citizenship to register to vote and mandate photo ID nationwide; the U.S. military destroyed three small boats in the Eastern Pacific and Caribbean, killing all 11 people aboard; Stephen Colbert said CBS lawyers stopped him from airing an interview with Texas state Rep. James Talarico, a Democrat running for U.S. Senate; a federal judge ordered the Trump administration to restore slavery-related exhibits that the National Park Service removed from the site in Philadelphia where George Washington lived as president; Rev. Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader who helped define Black political power after Martin Luther King Jr.'s assassination and twice ran for president, died; 39% of Americans approve of Trump's job performance with 56% disapproving; and 38% of Americans approve Trump's immigration policies – the lowest level since his return to the White House and down from 50% from a year ago. Read more: Day 1855: "Dissemble and disassemble historical truths." Newsletter: Get the daily edition of WTFJHT in your inbox Feedback? Let me know what you think AI Policy: My AI policy

50 Senate Republicans have agreed to get behind the SAVE Act requiring voter id for all elections, forcing the Democrats to hold a formal filibuster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

One of the most important goals of the show is to defend Charlie's legacy, and one of the most important pieces of that legacy are the Trump Administration nominees he fought hardest for. The show opens by fighting for Jeremy Carl, one of Charlie's favorite nominees who is facing smears from Democrats and cowardly opposition from a Senate Republican. Then, Saagar Enjeti of Breaking Points shares more of the science about why legalizing marijuana has been a disaster, and explains why he believes the Epstein files have vindicated beliefs Epstein was linked to intelligence agencies. Watch every episode ad-free on members.charliekirk.com! Get new merch at charliekirkstore.com!Support the show: http://www.charliekirk.com/supportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's high time for Senate Republicans, under South Dakota Republican John Thune's leadership, to force Democrats to actually filibuster the SAVE Act — exposing their resistance to safeguarding elections from illegal voting. John Thune must man up, prioritize America First, and utilize every constitutional tool available to break through Democrat obstruction without excuses. The future of our Republic hinges on bold, principled action: compel a real filibuster, pass the SAVE Act, and ensure that only lawful American citizens decide our nation's fate. We also cover: Nancy Guthrie update. ICE agents removed from Minneapolis.  GOP senators grill Keith Ellison.  New election laws in Somalia. Pam Bondi had search histories? Nearly half of young Democrats are democratic socialists.  Olympics medal count. Rest in peace, James Van Der Beek.  EU wants to close the border. RFK Jr. on health care fraud and cocaine usage. 00:00 Pat Gray UNLEASHED! 01:35 Nancy Guthrie Kidnapping Update 07:42 DHS Shuts Down Today! 10:59 Michael Cloud & Tim Burchett on Voter ID 12:59 John Thune is the WORST! 18:42 Tom Homan Removes ICE Agents from Minneapolis 20:06 Tom Homan on Illegal Criminals 22:33 Bernie Moreno VS. Keith Ellison 24:55 Ron Johnson VS. Keith Ellison 27:29 Todd Lyons Explains Why ICE Agents Wear Masks 31:59 Woman in Kansas Burns Down Warehouse 34:04 Josh Hawley VS. Keith Ellison 38:13 New Voter ID Laws in Somalia 39:13 FLASHBACK: Joe Scarborough on Illegals and ID Back in 2003 42:54 FLASHBACK: Mitch McConnell on Election Fraud Back in 1987 49:40 Pam Bondi Had a Search History of Congress 52:34 The Democrat Party is TOO Liberal! 56:27 Cory Booker Asks Jeremy Carl about 'White Replacement Theory' 1:12:12 FLASHBACK: Harry Reid 'Pulling' for Trump Back in 2016 1:15:39 Fat Five 1:26:45 Caller Bill 1:29:45 Marco Rubio Talks in Munich 1:31:41 RFK Jr. on Health Care Fraud 1:34:29 RFK Jr. on Snorting Cocaine Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Over the past couple of weeks, Senate Republicans have come up with this plan to bring back the talking filibuster, all in an effort to pass the SAVE America Act. On paper, it is clever. Force Democrats to physically hold the floor to block voter ID legislation that polls as an 80-20 issue. Make them read the phone book. Make them look unserious. Put Jon Ossoff and other swing-state Democrats on the record defending a position that is wildly unpopular nationally.I actually think it would be smart politics. It's also never going to happen.The reason is simple: Senate institutionalists. John Thune does not want to be the Republican leader who weakened the filibuster, even in a limited way. The Senate sees itself as the “august deliberative body,” not the truck stop chaos of the House. No one wants on their résumé that they chipped away at the 60-vote threshold. The irony is that nothing in the rules prevents a talking filibuster. It simply fell out of use. But reviving it would still be seen as escalation.Politics Politics Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.And escalation is not what senators do to each other lightly. They are there for six years. They share committee rooms and green rooms. They nurse grudges quietly. They do not enjoy public humiliation.So while conservatives may draw up elaborate procedural roadmaps, this one caps out at tradition. And tradition, in the Senate, wins more often than base energy.The Shutdown Nobody WinsMeanwhile, we are entering an actual shutdown this weekend because Senate Democrats blocked a Department of Homeland Security funding bill after the House had already left town. Democrats escalated their demands from a handful of changes to what is effectively a multi-point overhaul. The problem is not moral clarity. The problem is math.When you shut down the government, history suggests you rarely get what you want. Often, you get nothing. The Trump White House already has a blueprint from the last shutdown: keep the pain manageable, move money around where possible, and wait for pressure to build. If that pressure intensifies, especially around TSA delays, FEMA responses, or spring break travel, Democrats will face the same brutal reality every minority party faces during a shutdown.Just like in the fall, they will have to cut a deal.And when they do, their base will not celebrate incremental concessions. They will accuse leadership of caving. The drawdown of ICE activity in Minneapolis, which could have been framed as a win condition, has already been overtaken by new demands.That is the trap. You negotiate past your leverage point because your base expects maximalism. Then you are left explaining why the maximalist outcome was never achievable in the first place.A State of the Union CircusAll of this sets up a February 24th State of the Union that looks increasingly like a circus. Some House Democrats are openly discussing protests, despite Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries urging restraint.We have seen these moves before. Last year's disruptions did not damage Trump. If anything, they made him look calmer by comparison. When the visuals are heckling and signage next to moments crafted for television, the protest becomes the spectacle, not the message.The deeper issue is control. Neither Mike Johnson nor Hakeem Jeffries appears to have ironclad command over their conferences. The margins are thin. The base pressure is intense. And Trump remains such a polarizing figure that restraint feels like betrayal to some members.So expect noise. Expect moments engineered for viral clips. And expect very little institutional discipline.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:04:03 - Talking Filibuster DOA00:18:06 - Update00:18:33 - Shutdown00:22:36 - ICE in Minnesota00:25:50 - Democrats SOTU Plans00:28:55 - Interview with Stella Tsantekidou on UK Politics and Epstein01:13:06 - Wrap-up This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe