Podcasts about Special session

Gov Walz and his control special session is discussed. Talkbacks are played and Liz Collin from Alphanews joins the show. 

9-9-2025: Wake Up Missouri with Randy Tobler, Stephanie Bell, John Marsh, and Producer Drake

There is a lot to discuss on this week's conversation and both Wally and Paul are perplexed by the approach Gov. Lujan Grisham (and others) are taking to myriad policy issues in New Mexico NM politicians plead poverty on roads. Why can't Albuquerque be nice, clean, and safe all year round? What's new with Maxeon solar? Not a whole lot. MLG awards her friends in government (again). MLG calls a special session of the Legislature for October 1. She has added and removed several items from the agenda. Here's what we know.  MLG announced a new "free" childcare program (funded by taxpayers). Here's what we know so far. MLG fires her CYFD secretary.

Paul Gessing of the Rio Grande Foundation joins us to discuss the upcoming Special Session called by Governor Lujan Grisham. We explore the session's focus, its potential impact on New Mexico taxpayers, and how it connects to the controversial “Big Beautiful Bill.” Gessing breaks down... The post Paul Gessing appeared first on ABQ Connect.

Commercial diesel truck emissions testing bill filed for special session -- AI and "digital dopamine" 

The second special session of the Texas Legislature ended last Thursday with a new congressional map, flood relief and safety measures but a stalemate on whether to ban or regulate THC. The Dallas Morning News reported that lawmakers approved most of the legislative priorities Gov. Greg Abbott listed for the special session. In addition to those mentioned above, lawmakers made ivermectin an over-the-counter medication available in pharmacies, agreed to replace the annual STARR education test, authorized the Texas attorney general to prosecute election fraud, and further tightened the availability of mail-order abortion pills. The original reason the first special session...Article Link

Lawmakers return to Jefferson City this week to consider Republican proposals to change the state's congressional map and limit voters' ability to pass laws. Democrats are calling those efforts illegal and racist. We'll get a preview from STLPR's Jason Rosenbaum. Plus, actress Tina Lifford credits her longevity towards prioritizing her mental wellness. STLPR's Marissanne Lewis-Thompson spoke with the Illinois native ahead of her appearance this week at the Own Your Now Wellness Experience in St. Louis about her career, mental health, and how she became an actress.

Missouri lawmakers are considering a new map of congressional districts and initiative petition reform during a special legislative session. A reporter from St. Louis Public Radio provides an inside look at last week's committee meetings, debate and testimonies.

State representative Walter Hudson joins Al Travis to talk about the political fallout from the Annunciation Catholic School shooting and the bizarre political tactics being employed by Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.Support the show

Colombo & Company 09.08.25 H2: The "Phillies Karen," the MO special session, and Dave Sylvester's birthday!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Friday's show: The second special session of the Texas Legislature wrapped up this week, with bills headed to Gov. Greg Abbott's desk related to flood prevention and summer camp safety. We recap what did and did not get done.Also this hour: We talk about the life and legacy of late Supreme Court Justice Thurgood Marshall, who's the subject of a new PBS documentary called Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect, which airs Tuesday, Sept. 9, at 9 p.m. on Houston Public Media, TV 8.Then, this week's non-experts weigh in on The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly of the week.And we learn how a pair of Houston organizations aim to reduce clothing waste.

9-5-2025: Wake Up Missouri with Randy Tobler, Stephanie Bell, John Marsh, and Producer Drake

What is the purpose of the special session that was called by the Governor? What will they really be discussing? Will they moves the State Fair? Chicken Picks, who is on fire? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is talk over a special session in the Minnesota Legislature to pass gun laws in the wake of the shooting at Annunciation Church. Esme Murphy from WCCO TV talks about what could be passed at the capitol and if they could be effective in preventing another tragedy. We are also still waiting for Governor Walz to make an announcement over his decision to run for a third term.

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:As was rumored, the second special session was brought to a close early last night as a huge wave of GOP priorities made the desk of Governor Greg Abbott, but other items fell short: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/09/04/texas-legislature-adjourns-special-session-sine-die/On flood relief, bills on infrastructure and camp safety passed, but SB2, which was aimed at improving emergency response in flood-prone areas did not make the finish line: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/09/04/texas-legislature-disaster-emergency-response-bill/Dan's Ban - a near-complete ban on THC products made legal by GOP hemp legislation in 2023 that Lt. Gov Dan Patrick had been furiously advocating for all year, finally failed last night: https://www.kvue.com/article/news/politics/special-session/texas-legislature-thc-deal-ban-hemp/269-0028d2c8-8899-4d06-b0a4-e71292539195A new ban on abortion medication that allows Texans to sue entities handling those pills even outside of Texas, passed and is likely to be signed: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/09/04/us/politics/texas-senate-abortion-pills-bill.htmlThe long-sought and long-feared bathroom bill is also likely to be signed into law, despite doubts about its enforceability: https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/local/texas/bathroom-bill-aimed-trans-people-awaits-governors-signature-texas-legislature/287-41339ea0-caa2-41ad-b4f1-374c4f8d0d97A bill that would have allowed Texas law enforcement agencies to conceal records related to complaints against officers failed after the two chambers came to an impasse: https://www.expressnews.com/politics/article/police-records-confidentiality-uvalde-21026729.phpA bill that would have paused a massive and controversial groundwater grab in East Texas has failed to pass: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/politics/texas/article/east-texas-water-pumping-21029821.phpMassive new penalties on future quorum breakers passed, rendering one of the last tools of minority resistance in the Texas Legislature much more painful to employ: https://www.dallasnews.com/news/politics/2025/09/04/measures-seeking-to-prevent-future-quorum-breaks-by-texas-lawmakers-approved-wednesday/Austin friends: tickets are on sale now for our live podcast taping with legendary Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver on September 15 at Hopsquad Brewing in Austin! Tickets are limited and are available here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://act.progresstexas.org/a/allstaractivism_2025⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Help Progress Texas avoid going on a permanent vacation this summer by becoming a sustaining member: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://progresstexas.org/join-pt-summer-vacation-membership-drive⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thanks for listening! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://progresstexas.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

Missouri's governor is optimistic the GOP-controlled Legislature will approve his two priorities during the special session: congressional redistricting and changes to Missouri's initiative petition process. Governor Mike Kehoe (R) says initiative petition reform is needed to ensure that our state Constitution puts Missouri values first. The Missouri NAACP chapter is suing Governor Kehoe in an attempt to stop the special session on congressional redistricting. The NAACP says the special session is unconstitutional. State Rep. John Martin (R-Columbia) disagrees with the NAACP. Representative Martin joined hosts Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" and cites Article 3 Section 45 of the state Constitution. Rep. Martin says Missouri lawmakers drew new congressional districts in the mid-1960s. He also tells listeners that Missouri's GOP-controlled Legislature has an opportunity to flip a seat and says the values Republicans have is what's best for the state of Missouri:

9-4-2025: Wake Up Missouri with Randy Tobler, Stephanie Bell, John Marsh, and Producer Drake

The pessimistic Cowboys fans weigh in on the season they believe won't go so well, and was anything achieved in the second special session

Gromer Jeffers, Jr., Brad Johnson, Mark Jones, and Harvey Kronberg joined James Henson for a roundtable hosted by the Professional Advocacy Association of Texas on the second special session of the Texas Legislature – plus a sneak peak at new Texas Politics Project polling data on the same subject.

Missouri Senator for District 23 Adam Schnelting joins to talk about the special session and IP reform expected to pass.

Today on the Marc Cox Morning Show; Fox News Radio's Ryan Schmelz joins the show to talk about congress back after summer recess and if we could be headed toward a government shutdown. Genevieve Wood, Senior Advisor at The Heritage Foundation joins to talk about education and more. Jimmy Failla, Host of Fox Across America joins to talk about coming to The Factory in January. Missouri Senator for District 23 Adam Schnelting joins to talk about the special session and IP reform expected to pass. Fox Business Kelly Saberi joins to talk about the crime in Chicago and the business reaction to the crackdown.

Some Missouri lawmakers return to Jefferson City today for a special session on congressional redistricting and on amending the state's initiative petition process. Governor Mike Kehoe (R) announced the call Friday afternoon, and Democrats are furious. State Rep. LaKeySha Bosley (D-St. Louis) says the integrity of our democratic system is at stake. Governor Kehoe and other Republicans want to see a 7-1 GOP congressional map in Missouri, rather than the current 6-2 map. The governor joined hosts Randy Tobler and Jennifer Bukowsky live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri" and says he's optimistic that both measures, the congressional redistricting maps and IP changes, will pass. Governor Kehoe also tells listeners that Missourians have elected GOP supermajorities to both chambers and have elected Republicans to every statewide office:

9-3-2025: Wake Up Missouri with Randy Tobler, Jen Bukowsky, John Marsh, and Producer Drake

In this segment, Mark is joined by Scott Faughn, the Host of This Week in Missouri Politics. He discusses Governor Kehoe's second Special Session beginning today in order to deal with Congressional Redistricting as well as addressing the Initiative Petition Reform.

In hour 1 of The Mark Reardon Show, Mark and the crew react to lies from legacy media members like Jen Psaki regarding President Trump not making any public appearances over the weekend. Mark is then joined by Scott Faughn, the Host of This Week in Missouri Politics. He discusses Governor Kehoe's second Special Session beginning today in order to deal with Congressional Redistricting as well as addressing the Initiative Petition Reform. He's later joined by Scott Faughn, the Host of This Week in Missouri Politics. He discusses Governor Kehoe's second Special Session beginning today in order to deal with Congressional Redistricting as well as addressing the Initiative Petition Reform.

In hour 1 of The Mark Reardon Show, Mark and the crew react to lies from legacy media members like Jen Psaki regarding President Trump not making any public appearances over the weekend. Mark is then joined by Scott Faughn, the Host of This Week in Missouri Politics. He discusses Governor Kehoe's second Special Session beginning today in order to deal with Congressional Redistricting as well as addressing the Initiative Petition Reform. He's later joined by Scott Faughn, the Host of This Week in Missouri Politics. He discusses Governor Kehoe's second Special Session beginning today in order to deal with Congressional Redistricting as well as addressing the Initiative Petition Reform. In hour 2, Mark shares a wild story about a yelling match he got in with a parent on a plane once upon a time. Sue then hosts, "Sue's News" where she discusses the latest trending entertainment news, this day in history, the random fact of the day, and much more. Mark is then joined by Leor Sapir, a Fellow at the Manhattan Institute. He discusses his latest piece which is headlined, "The Broken Chain of Trust in Pediatric Gender Medicine." He later discusses Tim Walz' comments on hoping for President Trump's death. In hour 3, Mark is joined by Chris Clem, a Former Yuma Sector Border Patrol Chief. He reacts to the continued ICE protests, the new detention centers springing up across the country, and more. He's then joined by J. Peder Zane, an Editor at Real Clear Investigations and a Columnist for Real Clear Politics. He discussed his latest article which is titled, "Pray That We All Don't Become Monsters." They wrap up the show with the Audio Cut of the Day.

The Speaker of The House, Lisa DeMuth took time to join Vineeta on The WCCO Morning News to discuss the possibility of a special session in St. Paul, and all the things that could be discussed during that session.

- Republicans are highlighting the release of over 34-thousand Epstein case documents. That's good, right?- The Special Session is officially underway in Jeff City as of Noon today.- Tommy Aiello/National Taxpayers Union explains congress and government spending. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

THE TIM JONES AND CHRIS ARPS SHOW 0:00 SEG 1 Tim is in Dallas for the State Freedom Caucus meetup | Trump met with the Polish president today | Missouri Special Session started today | Land doesn’t vote, but people do 16:45 SEG 2 ZACK SMITH, Sr. Legal Fellow at The Heritage Foundation | TOPIC: Top legal headlines of the day https://x.com/tzsmithhttps://www.heritage.org/staff/zack-smith 35:00 SEG 3 Chris’ Corner is about Trump sending troops to Chicago and New Orleans https://newstalkstl.com/ FOLLOW TIM - https://twitter.com/SpeakerTimJones FOLLOW CHRIS - https://twitter.com/chris_arps 24/7 LIVESTREAM - http://bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMS RUMBLE - https://rumble.com/NewsTalkSTL See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump is alive and well. despite Democrats wishes. Appeals court says Trump's tariffs are unconstitutional. Private sector wages are up .7%, 5% annualized. IU wins. So does Purdue. Joy Reid embraces DEI. Who knew Gwyneth Paltrow was right for leaving Chris Martin. Why hasn't Mike Braun scheduled the Special Session yet? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump is alive and well. despite Democrats wishes. Appeals court says Trump's tariffs are unconstitutional. Private sector wages are up .7%, 5% annualized. IU wins. So does Purdue. Joy Reid embraces DEI. Who knew Gwyneth Paltrow was right for leaving Chris Martin. Why hasn't Mike Braun scheduled the Special Session yet? Anti-Nazi rally armed with their kids on Monument Circle. Hey NY Times we don't trust you anymore. Rashida Tlaib wants to destroy people. Two Cemetery Lots for sale in Anderson. Democrats take the side of violent criminals. Who knew that Gwyneth Paltrow was the sane one? Biden-appointed judge halts repatriation of migrant minors to their parents in Guatemala. Jim Irsay's battle against addiction. Court says that President couldn't declare an emergency to implement tariffs. Will the congress act? The left and Rashida Tlaib want to destroy America.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us a message! Really!This week on the Get More Smarter Podcast, the Colorado State Budget got a billion dollar cut, again, thanks to Gabe Evans, Jeff Hurd, and the rest of the Republicans Colorado sends to Washington. We break down the outcome of the recently concluded Special Session. Then, friend of the pod Governor Jared Polis has some...words for HHS Secretary RFK Junior, and, frankly, they're words neither we nor any other major Democrat in Colorado would ever use. And finally, can a Democrat win Colorado's 2nd most Republican congressional district? Well, if one can, it might just be our guest today: Jessica Killin joins us from Colorado Springs to talk about how she plans to win the 5th district in 2026.That's it for this episode! If you loved watching and/or listening to it as much as we loved recording it, you can thank us by subscribing to the pod wherever you listen, following us over on New Old Twitter AKA Bluesky, subscribing to our shiny new channel on YouTube, smashing that subscribe button on our Substack, and sharing this episode with your friends, your enemies, and your 8th favorite Member of Congress from Colorado! THANK YOU so much for listening, and we'll see you next time!

Today on the Marc Cox Morning Show; Former Missouri Senator John Lamping joins to talk about the Special Session called by Gov. Kehoe that will include redistricting and IP reform. Todd Piro, Host of Fox and Friends joins to talk about the press conference that President Trump has called and what it could be about. Mark Walters, Host of Armed American Radio joins to talk about the Minnesota shooting and violent weekend in Chicago. Missouri Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger joins to talk about the special session that Gov. Kehoe has called and more. Marc is joined by Host of Show Me St. Louis Mary Caltrider and Producer Mary Thaier to preview the 30th anniversary of Show Me St. Louis. Ryan Wiggins, Host of Wiggins America talks Marty Makary statement on new Covid booster plus Jack Buck story.

Missouri Lieutenant Governor David Wasinger joins to talk about the special session that Gov. Kehoe has called and more.

Former Missouri Senator John Lamping joins to talk about the Special Session called by Gov. Kehoe that will include redistricting and IP reform.

Torey Van Oot from Axios joins Adam and Jordana.

Missouri lawmakers return to Jefferson City Wednesday for a special session on congressional redistricting and on amending the state's initiative petition process. Governor Mike Kehoe (R) announced the call Friday afternoon, and Democrats are furious. Missouri House Majority Floor Leader Alex Riley (R-Springfield) agrees with the governor's call. But Democrats like State Rep. LaKeySha Bosley (D-St. Louis), one of the Missouri House's senior members, say the integrity of our democratic system is at stake. Representative Bosley says the proposed redistricting efforts also risk Governor Kehoe's own promise to lead with fairness and integrity. "Missouri Times" publisher Scott Faughn joined hosts Randy Tobler and Stephanie Bell live on 939 the Eagle's "Wake Up Missouri." Mr. Faughn tells listeners that the Missouri Legislature will approve a 7-1 GOP congressional map and predicts the courts will uphold it. He also says we'll see some protests in Jefferson City:

9-2-2025: Wake Up Missouri with Randy Tobler, Stephanie Bell, John Marsh, and Producer Drake

In this segment, Mark is joined by Nick Schroer, a Missouri State Senator. He discusses Governor Kehoe recalling a second Special Session in order to deal with Congressional Redistricting and addressing the Initiative Petition Reform.

In hour 1 of The Mark Reardon Show, Mark and the crew recap their Labor Day weekends. Mark is then joined by Carl Cannon, the Washington Bureau Chief for Real Clear Politics. Cannon discusses the latest trending political news including the rumors about Trump dying over the weekend due to not making any public appearances. He's later joined by Nick Schroer, a Missouri State Senator. He discusses Governor Kehoe recalling a second Special Session in order to deal with Congressional Redistricting and addressing the Initiative Petition Reform.

In hour 1 of The Mark Reardon Show, Mark and the crew recap their Labor Day weekends. Mark is then joined by Carl Cannon, the Washington Bureau Chief for Real Clear Politics. Cannon discusses the latest trending political news including the rumors about Trump dying over the weekend due to not making any public appearances. He's later joined by Nick Schroer, a Missouri State Senator. He discusses Governor Kehoe recalling a second Special Session in order to deal with Congressional Redistricting and addressing the Initiative Petition Reform. In hour 2, Sue hosts, "Sue's News" where she discusses the latest trending entertainment news, this day in history, the random fact of the day, and much more. Mark is then joined by Frannie Block, a Reporter for The Free Press. She discusses her latest story on an ex-FBI agent's warning to parents about nihilists like the Minneapolis shooter. Mark is later joined by Frannie Block, a Reporter for The Free Press. She discusses her latest story on an ex-FBI agent's warning to parents about nihilists like the Minneapolis shooter. Later, Mark and Ethan are joined by KSDK Sports Director Frank Cusumano who recaps Week 1 of College Football including Arch Manning's disappointing first start, Alabama's big loss, Mizzou's upcoming game against Kansas, and more. In hour 3, Mark is joined by Duane Patterson, with Hot Air and the Host of the Duane's World Podcast. He discusses all things political including President Trump's ability to never stop. He's later joined by Brook Brandtjen, a Writer and Journalist from Wisconsin. She discusses her latest piece in The Federalist headlined, "Anyone Who Has Watched Transgenderism Ruin Friends' Lives Knows How Evil It Is." Mark wraps up the show with the Audio Cut of the Day.

Republicans will offer an amendment to the governor's budget proposal in tomorrow's special session in Oregon. 87% of Oregonians polled do not support the governor's plan. Democrats and Republicans have a lot to lose if this passes. We talk about that in this podcast.

Plus a fatal freeway crash closed a major Irving freeway this morning, time is running out on the Special Session in Austin and flood safety bills still aren't finalized, many people are off this Labor Day holiday but it's certainly not everyone, and more!

The giant tax-cuts-and-spending package passed by Congressional Republicans will have major ramifications for every state in the country, but Colorado is one of the first place it's really being felt. Thanks to the state's unusual way of handling its finances, the federal tax cuts immediately threw Colorado's finances way out of whack.That was the main reason lawmakers recently came back to the Capitol in August for a high temperature, high stakes special session. But grueling fights over AI regulations and a painful public confrontation between House leaders at times made the budget debates feel like a secondary concern.CPR's Bente Birkeland, The Colorado Sun's Jesse Paul and KUNC's Lucas Brady Woods discuss the bills that did, and did not, make it past the finish line over the six-day special legislative session. They also dig into the growing chasm between the two caucuses in the House, and what it could mean for  the regular session in the new year. Read CCNA special session coverage: From CPR News: Colorado House condemns former GOP lawmaker for unprofessional behavior From The Colorado Sun: What the Colorado legislature did during its special session to tackle a $750M budget hole From KUNC News: Colorado Democrats move to protect SNAP benefits and Planned Parenthood care From The Colorado Sun: Colorado lawmakers abandon special session effort to tweak AI law, will push back start date to June 2026 From CPR News: Are legislative special sessions even special any more? Purplish is produced by CPR News and the Capitol News Alliance, a collaboration between KUNC News, Colorado Public Radio, Rocky Mountain PBS, and The Colorado Sun, and shared with Rocky Mountain Community Radio and other news organizations across the state. Funding for the Alliance is provided in part by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.Purplish's producer is Stephanie Wolf and its editor is Megan Verlee, sound designed and engineered by Shane Rumsey. The theme music is by Brad Turner.

Lawmakers will be back in Salem this week to consider a proposal that would help stave off layoffs for hundreds of transportation workers. But it would also raise taxes at a time when a lot of Oregonians are already hurting financially. Does this sound familiar? Yes, we’ve been here before but this time Gov. Tina Kotek said she’s confident lawmakers will approve a transportation package that will raise billions for the state’s road and bridge upkeep. We’ll discuss the politics at play on both sides of the aisle. Find the show anywhere you get your podcasts.

WEATHER WEDNESDAY TODAY And we'll find out when this glorious cooldown will be over for that last blast of summer (or maybe not) with Fox 31's meteorologist Dave Fraser at 12:30THE NOT SO SPECIAL SESSION IS OVER And Democrats, instead of looking at cutting anything, just raised taxes on businesses instead. And I say that because not a single Republican voted to raise taxes on small business, and every bill brought forth by Republicans was killed on the very first day of the session. So what happened? The Denver Gazette has this wrap up:Five tax bills passed along party-lines in both chambers, offered by the majority Democrats in the House. The measures are designed to raise general fund revenue to cover a portion of the shortfall. The fiscal notes said they could raise as much as $253.2 million. But the rest is now up to Gov. Jared Polis, who will present a spending reduction plan to the Joint Budget Committee on Thursday afternoon that could cover another third of the shortfall. The state's general fund reserve, set at 15% of general fund spending, or $2.33 billion, will cover the last third.Those dollars, however, will have to be recovered in the 2026-27 budget — and, already, the June 2025 revenue forecast showed that budget would start with about $700 million in the red.Hmmm, why, if they "fixed" the issues that were "created" by HR 1 would be we starting the next budget year in the red? Could it be that it ISN'T HR1, it is the massive overspending we've seen since 2019 when Democrats took everything over? Member of the Joint Budget Committee Barb Kirkmeyer joins me at 2:30 to talk about it all. Here is a list of the eleven bills, only one of which got any Republican votes, that were passed by Democrats this year.DEMOCRATS CONDEMNED A PRIVATE CITIZEN And in the process impugned the character of House Minority Leader Rose Pugliese. This all goes back to a childish photo taken of a Democrat lawmaker who chose her outfit poorly for the House. The photo was then shared on a Signal chat among GOP lawmakers who made nasty comments about her appearance in the chat. Someone then leaked the photo to someone on X and it became public and typical internet nastiness ensued. The Representative who started the whole kerfuffle had already announced he was leaving the House in September, so when Ryan Armagost heard he was going to be censured for it, he dipped early. But the Democrats can't miss a chance to be drama queens and act like this is beyond the pale in politics so they decided to have a "resolution" saying what a bad, bad man Armagost is and the Republicans were like what? Then Dem leadership said Rose Pugliese was part of the problem even after she showed evidence that she wasn't. If this reads like a middle school soap opera good, that's what it is. I know Rose as a person, and I'm here to tell you she is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. The Dems did her dirty and they know it.

THE NOT SO SPECIAL SESSION IS OVER And Democrats, instead of looking at cutting anything, just raised taxes on businesses instead. And I say that because not a single Republican voted to raise taxes on small business, and every bill brought forth by Republicans was killed on the very first day of the session. So what happened? The Denver Gazette has this wrap up:Five tax bills passed along party-lines in both chambers, offered by the majority Democrats in the House. The measures are designed to raise general fund revenue to cover a portion of the shortfall. The fiscal notes said they could raise as much as $253.2 million. But the rest is now up to Gov. Jared Polis, who will present a spending reduction plan to the Joint Budget Committee on Thursday afternoon that could cover another third of the shortfall. The state's general fund reserve, set at 15% of general fund spending, or $2.33 billion, will cover the last third.Those dollars, however, will have to be recovered in the 2026-27 budget — and, already, the June 2025 revenue forecast showed that budget would start with about $700 million in the red.Hmmm, why, if they "fixed" the issues that were "created" by HR 1 would be we starting the next budget year in the red? Could it be that it ISN'T HR1, it is the massive overspending we've seen since 2019 when Democrats took everything over? Member of the Joint Budget Committee Barb Kirkmeyer joins me at 2:30 to talk about it all. Here is a list of the eleven bills, only one of which got any Republican votes, that were passed by Democrats this year.

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:Houston Rep. and Texas House Minority Leader Gene Wu addressed the opening day of the Democratic National Committee's summer meeting yesterday: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0oo1tgO5JhkThe Texas House Republican Caucus voted yesterday to crank up the penalties against future quorum breakers: https://www.statesman.com/news/politics/state/article/house-quorum-bust-sanctions-21014411.php...Strangely, a move to formally censure the quorum breaking Democrats fell short - the MAGA mob is not happy: https://thehill.com/homenews/5469277-texas-house-republicans-vote-against-retroactive-punishments-for-quorum-breakers/The Texas House State Affairs Committee advanced the latest version of the bathroom bill yesterday - it is now headed to the full House: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/08/22/exas-house-transgender-bathroom-senate-bill-8/...They also advanced the latest attack on reproductive freedom, a bill forbidding abortion medication to be imported into Texas: https://www.expressnews.com/politics/article/texas-abortion-pill-ban-bill-20827609.php...Trump-era Republican strategies include vigilante lawsuits, insulation from court review, and lately, the "sue and settle" maneuver that lets Trump bypass Congress and state legislatures: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/08/25/texas-redistricting-trump-lawsuits-courts/?_bhlid=4e3cbbe9c0975580d05d460fb89ad84e4add5cc7Ken Paxton is insisting, despite the Ten Commandments school posting law being temporarily blocked by a federal judge, that Texas schools put them up anyway: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/religion/article/paxton-ten-commandments-texas-21014419.php...His insistence that the Ten Commandments are the basis of American law is disputed by many legal and historical experts: https://www.houstonchronicle.com/news/houston-texas/religion/article/ten-commandments-history-20824467.phpAustin friends: tickets are on sale now for our live podcast taping with legendary Austin FC goalkeeper Brad Stuver on September 15 at Hopsquad Brewing in Austin! Tickets are limited and are available here: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://act.progresstexas.org/a/allstaractivism_2025⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Progress Texas' financial reserves have dropped to about 3 months worth of funding. Help us avoid going on a permanent vacation this summer by becoming a sustaining member: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://progresstexas.org/join-pt-summer-vacation-membership-drive⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thanks for listening! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://progresstexas.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Lawmakers remain in special session at the State Capitol after working over the weekend. The first order of business: close a billion dollar budget gap. But they're also trying to legislate artificial intelligence. Then, Systemic asks what can be done to keep young people from getting guns. And later, the Local 303 showcases "hot" artists for the month of August.