Podcast appearances and mentions of Washington Monument

David Waldman, the guy who brought us "pervert glasses" (Well, not the glasses per se, but the concept of, you know…) brings us the Tuesday KITM: RIP to who again? Congresspeople are dropping like very old flies. Mitch is that one on the windowsill who started buzzing again. Lindsey had done that a few times himself before disappearing into the carpet somewhere. Donald K. Trump noted how much they all were attracted to him, but what's another fly gone, more or less? Graham had no wife and kids, but did have a sister, which is close enough for government work. RIP to the State Department, laying off 1,300 employees in order to create the deep state of their dreams. When all is handled from the top down, there need not be a bottom. The National Guard will remain activated in DC as long as Trump is there, give or take. Who else is there to guard the Lincoln Reflecting Pool/Tractor Pull Arena, the gash of which might soon extend beyond the Washington Monument? Boosie Badazz is still working on his art of the deal after paying Jacob Wohl and Jack Burkman for a pardon. E Jean Carroll finally received the $5.6m Trump owed her, sadly not as a giant novelty check in front of Trump Tower. She can do that for her upcoming big check. Corey Lewandowski, who has never once been suspected of propriety, is once again being suspected of impropriety. A federal judge finally said what federal judges should have been saying, probably since there's been Trumps in the US. Do you think that could be a bump in Todd Blanche'spath to confirmation tomorrow? Nah.

WILDsound interviewed Keenan about his 11-minute documentary "History of the Grand Strand" focusing on Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, which won a Best Historical Documentary award. Keenan, who is from Myrtle Beach, created the film as his first directing project following advice from John Carpenter to just "do it" and take charge of filmmaking. The documentary features over 200 historical photographs from Jack Thompson, a 90-year-old local photographer who moved to Myrtle Beach in the 1950s and won a state civilian award during filming. The film highlights how Myrtle Beach has changed over the years, including the demolition of iconic landmarks like the Ocean Forest Hotel designed by the Washington Monument architect, and covers the city's founding story including its naming contest in 1912. Keenan plans to expand the project into a six-part 30-minute series covering more historical interviews, hurricanes like Hazel and Hugo, and additional archive footage, with future episodes featuring family members of prominent local families and continuing Thompson's story. —— Subscribe to the podcast: https://twitter.com/wildsoundpod https://www.instagram.com/wildsoundpod https://www.facebook.com/wildsoundpod —— Love for you to try the Indy Film Festival AP. • Daily new film festival of the best new films from around the world. New archived festival to watch anytime. • Library of over 500+ award-winning films to watch anytime. Go to https://www.wildsound.ca and sign up for the free 3-day trial. Check out the daily film festival (and previous ones from last month) at https://www.wildsound.ca/browse Always an amazing lineup of films. Inspiring for storytellers.

This Day in Legal History: The Fourteenth Amendment Is RatifiedOn July 9, 1868, South Carolina and Louisiana became the final two states needed to push the Fourteenth Amendment over the three-quarters threshold, and with their votes the amendment was ratified into the Constitution. It is, by almost any measure, the most consequential of the Reconstruction amendments and arguably the most important addition to the Constitution since the Bill of Rights.The amendment was written to answer the central question left open by the Civil War and the abolition of slavery: what did freedom actually mean, and who was entitled to it? Its first section does an enormous amount of work in a single sentence. It establishes birthright citizenship—declaring that all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to its jurisdiction, are citizens of both the nation and their state. It then forbids any state from abridging the privileges or immunities of citizens, from depriving any person of life, liberty, or property without due process of law, and from denying any person the equal protection of the laws. Those three clauses—privileges or immunities, due process, and equal protection—became the constitutional text on which vast stretches of modern American law are built.The historical purpose was direct. The framers of the amendment, led in the House by John Bingham, wanted to overrule Dred Scott, which had held that Black Americans could not be citizens, and to constitutionalize the civil rights protections Congress had already tried to enact by statute—putting them beyond the reach of any future hostile Congress or Southern legislature. They understood that emancipation without citizenship and equal protection would be a hollow victory, and they wrote a guarantee that applied against the states, not just the federal government.The significance of July 9, 1868 is hard to overstate, because so much of what we argue about today runs directly through this text. The Equal Protection Clause is the basis of Brown v. Board of Education and school desegregation, of Loving v. Virginia striking down bans on interracial marriage, and of Obergefell recognizing marriage equality. The Due Process Clause became the vehicle for incorporating most of the Bill of Rights against the states, so that free speech, free exercise, and protections for the criminally accused bind state governments too. And the Citizenship Clause is the reason that birthright citizenship is a constitutional guarantee rather than a policy preference—as the Supreme Court reaffirmed just this past term. When you hear debates about who counts as a citizen, what process the government owes a person before it takes something from them, or whether a law treats people equally, you are hearing an argument about the amendment ratified on this date.A federal judge in Florida has ordered the Department of Homeland Security to keep giving four Republican-led states—Florida, Iowa, Indiana, and Ohio—access to a federal database those states use to check whether registered voters are citizens. The order, from U.S. District Judge T. Kent Wetherell II in Pensacola, lets the states continue using the system while the underlying legal fight plays out.The database is called SAVE—Systematic Alien Verification for Entitlements—a federal system historically used to verify immigration status for benefits. After a revamp last year, it became far more powerful for election purposes: users could search many records at once, and it exposed individuals' Social Security numbers. Several Republican-led states began comparing their voter rolls against SAVE and canceling the registrations of people the database flagged as noncitizens. The problem is what happens when the database is wrong or out of date—people who are in fact citizens can get flagged and purged.That risk is exactly why this ruling sits in tension with another one. Just weeks earlier, on June 22, a different federal judge in Washington, D.C., restricted broader use of the database, warning that relying on it could result in eligible voters being wrongly stripped from the rolls. So you now have two federal courts pointing in different directions—one worried about wrongful purges and limiting the database's use, and one ordering DHS to keep the spigot open for these four states. When trial courts split like this, the disagreement typically has to be resolved higher up, and it means the rules can differ depending on which state and which courtroom you're standing in.The significance is that this is a live fight over the machinery of voter-roll maintenance heading into a midterm election year. There's a genuine and legitimate interest in keeping noncitizens off the voter rolls—but there's an equally real risk that a blunt, error-prone matching process disenfranchises actual citizens who then have to fight to get back on. This ruling tilts toward giving states the verification tool; the D.C. ruling tilts toward protecting against wrongful removals. Watch the appellate courts, because the boundary between list maintenance and unlawful voter purging is about to get drawn more sharply.US judge orders four states be given access to citizenship data for voter checks | ReutersIn a closely related development, the Justice Department has sent letters to all fifty states warning that state and local election officials could face criminal prosecution if they allow noncitizens to remain on their voter rolls. The letters, from Harmeet Dhillon, who leads the Department's Civil Rights Division, give officials just five days to respond with a plan to comply. The federal government does have statutes on the books aimed at protecting the integrity of elections and barring noncitizens from voting, and the letters invoke several of them. But the ordinary way these laws work is that you prosecute a person who actually votes illegally, or who knowingly facilitates fraud. What's unusual here is the target: the letters put state and local election administrators—the people who maintain the rolls—on notice that they personally could be charged. That reframes routine election administration as potential criminal exposure for the officials doing it.Think about the position this puts an election official in. Maintaining accurate voter rolls is genuinely hard—people move, die, naturalize, and occasionally register in error—and every state already has processes for it. Now imagine being told by the U.S. Department of Justice that if the federal government later decides your rolls were inadequate, you could be a criminal defendant, and you have five days to send in a compliance plan. Even if few or no prosecutions ever materialize, the threat itself is designed to change behavior—to push officials toward more aggressive purging out of fear of personal liability. Critics call that coercion; the Department frames it as enforcement.The significance is about federal pressure on the decentralized American election system. Elections in this country are run by states and localities, deliberately, so that no single national authority controls the vote. Democratic officials in states like Michigan pushed back hard, noting they've already taken extensive steps to ensure only eligible voters can vote. The letters, arriving alongside the SAVE database fight, are part of a coordinated push ahead of the midterms, and they raise a serious question about the line between legitimate federal enforcement of election laws and using the threat of prosecution to lean on the officials who administer them.US Justice Department tells state officials they could be prosecuted over noncitizen voting | ReutersAnd in a very different kind of case, a former Olympic canoe racer, David Hearn, pleaded not guilty in D.C. Superior Court to a felony charge of deliberately damaging the recently renovated Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. Hearn, who is 67 and competed in three Summer Olympics, entered his plea through an attorney at his first court appearance, and his lawyers have described the prosecution as an abuse of power built on what they call a “concocted narrative.”The Reflecting Pool sits on the National Mall between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument and had just undergone a roughly $16 million renovation. Hearn has said he was stopped by National Guard troops and U.S. Park Police and detained for about five hours after pausing at the pool during a 64-mile bike ride in June. He was later indicted on a single felony count of property destruction. The top federal prosecutor for D.C., U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro, said six other people were arrested on misdemeanor charges connected to damage at the same site.The legal question worth watching is the gap between the charge and the conduct. Property-destruction law generally requires proof that the defendant intentionally caused the damage, and a felony charge usually turns on the dollar value of that damage. Hearn's defense is essentially that the government has manufactured intent and seriousness out of an innocent encounter—that a man pausing on a bike ride has been turned into a felony defendant. The judge apparently agreed there was little flight or danger risk: Hearn was released without court supervision pending an August 5 status hearing, which tells you something about how the court currently views the threat he poses.The significance here is less about one damaged pool and more about the exercise of prosecutorial discretion. Deciding whom to charge, and whether to charge a felony versus a misdemeanor versus nothing at all, is one of the most powerful and least reviewable choices in the legal system. When critics call a prosecution politically motivated or an abuse of power, they're pointing at that discretion. Whether this case is a legitimate property-crime prosecution (it isn't) or an overreach (it is) is exactly what the coming proceedings will test—and it's a useful reminder that the same charging power that holds genuine wrongdoers accountable can also be aimed in ways that raise real fairness concerns.Former US Olympian pleads not guilty in Reflecting Pool vandalism case | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Susan Page, USA Today Washington bureau chief and the author of The Queen and Her Presidents: The Hidden Hand That Shaped History (HarperCollins, 2026) talks about the latest national political news, including how the America 250 celebrations went down in Washington, DC, as listeners share how they are feeling about the country today. Photo: WASHINGTON, DC - JULY 1: People ride the Freedom 250 Ferris at The Great American State Fair on the National Mall with the Washington Monument in background as the sun sets during a record-setting heat wave in the region on July 1, 2026 in Washington, DC. Temperatures are expected to touch 100 degrees Fahrenheit over the next few days as celebrations for America's 250th birthday continue. (Photo by Kevin Carter/Getty Images)   Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

What happens when a massive Fourth of July storm delays President Donald Trump's America 250 speech until midnight?

America's 250th birthday is here — and President Trump is marking the moment with a massive “Salute to America” celebration on the National Mall in Washington, DC. With thousands of fireworks, military flyovers, patriotic music, massive crowds, and a major Trump speech, this July 4th event is shaping up to be one of the most unforgettable Independence Day celebrations in modern American history.In this video, we break down the spectacle, the symbolism, the politics, the crowd reaction, and why Trump's America 250 moment is already becoming one of the most talked-about events of the year. From the Washington Monument to the fireworks over the National Mall, this is not just another July 4th celebration — this is a full-scale national moment.Was this a patriotic celebration, a political rally, or both? And what does Trump's message say about the future of America as the country turns 250 years old?Watch until the end, because this night in Washington DC may be remembered for a long time.For free and unbiased Medicare help, dial (656) 218-0931 to speak with my trusted partner, Chapter, or go to https://askchapter.org/nez✅ Reach out to me: https://bio.site/professornez✅ ORIGINAL MADE IN U.S.A 250TH AMERICA DESIGNS: https://professornez.myspreadshop.com/✅ Check out our Official Clips Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@professornezclips▶ Support the Channel and Buy us a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/professornezEducational Commentary & Original AnalysisThis channel presents educational, lecture-style analysis created by a university professor and educator. Content focuses on contextual examination, historical background, legal frameworks, and evidence-based analysis of widely reported events, public records, and institutional processes.The approach emphasizes academic methodology, media literacy, and source-driven interpretation rather than advocacy, persuasion, or real-time news reporting. Viewers are encouraged to consult primary sources and form independent conclusions.All content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, medical, or professional advice. Views expressed are solely those of the creator.This channel may include references or links to third-party websites or products for informational purposes. Some links may be affiliate links, which may generate a commission at no additional cost to the viewer.In this video expert Professor Nez analyzes and educates on what happened and why with fact based, data based, verified and researched expertise reporting.All original content is protected by copyright. Fair use applies where permitted by law.Category: News Analysis & Educational CommentaryMethodology: This report utilizes primary source verification and comparative analysis of public records.Subject Matter Expertise: Political Strategy, Regulatory Policy, and Media Literacy.

U.S. economy adds 57,000 jobs in June, according to the Labor Department, about half what many economists expected. Unemployment rate falls from 4.3% to 4.2%, mainly due to people leaving the labor market; U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer explains why the Trump Administration has decided not to extend the U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement. We hear from him and talk with Washington Post trade reporter David Lynch (10); Former Olympian David Hearn has been indicted on a felony charge of property destruction for what President Donald Trump has called vandalism of the Reflecting Pool between the Washington Monument & Lincoln Memorial; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth thanks National Guard members at a park in Washington, DC for their part in the work of the Administration's D.C. Safe and Beautiful Task Force. He is met by protesters; More celebrations of America's 250th anniversary ahead of the Fourth of July holiday. We hear from House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA), House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker (D) and historian Doris Kearns Goodwin on the legacy of former President Theodore Roosevelt, as a new library dedicated to the 26th president is opening in North Dakota. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Opening music courtesy of Stevens Valley -- closing piano music courtesy of Harpeth Presbyterian ChurcIn the dim, dark days of the past, we practiced preventive maintenance of our mechanical devices.Since the early nineties, we have relegated that kind of thing to the onboard computer; that's a problem.The computer in your automobile tells you that something has failed; it can't predict a part failing next week when you're in East Overshoe, AlabamaTake a first step to prevent system failure: let Import Auto Maintenance give your favorite ride a “Safety Inspection” of those belts, hoses, filters, and fluids, including those all-important brakes. Call Joe at Import Auto Maintenance, ask for the Travel Season Springtime Maintenance Inspection Call six one five — three two seven — nine six — zero zero  — That's six one five — three two seven — nine six — zero zero It's okay to talk to Art too! Visit their website, importautomaintenance.com, and look for the $20 first-visit coupon.

Federal officials warn a disturbing new wave of vandalism is hitting the National Mall, with incidents ranging from blood-written messages on the Washington Monument to damage of the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool. June 25th 2026 --- Please Like, Comment and Follow 'The Ray Appleton Show' on all platforms: --- 'The Ray Appleton Show’ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. --- 'The Ray Appleton Show’ Weekdays 11 AM -2 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 KMJ | Website | Facebook | Podcast | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.politix.fmDonald Trump, in his haste and corruption, has wrecked the historic reflecting pool that spans the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.In this episode, Matt and Brian discuss:* How this lazy and corrupt endeavor went to shit so quickly;* Why it serves as a useful metaphor for Trump's Iran war, and just about every initiative he's undertaken autocratically;* Whether this should also be a cautionary tale for Abundists, who often see the appeal of sweeping aside red tape and process to Get Things Done Fast.Then, Brian briefly ventures into amateur architecture and engineering with some proposals for fixing the reflecting pool for all time. (Surely no one's thought of THIS before!) But we mostly assess the damage done by Jewish-American Iran hawks, via their effort to make Israel an appendage of the GOP (currently controlled by a corrupt con artist) and steer the U.S. into a losing war. Will they ever reflect on the harm they've caused? Is schadenfreude the order of the day? Or is that just whistling past the graveyard? And are there lessons here for leftists who are now tempted to make common cause with Trump against Israel?Answers are available in full to paid subscribers—just upgrade your subscription and pipe full episodes directly to your favorite podcast app via your own private feed.Further reading:* Brian on the self-righteous, right-wing American Jews who were being cavalier with Jewish lives all along. * Matt on how Trump's (autocratic) war on state capacity is coming home to roost.* Brian again, on how Trump switching sides in the war he lost doesn't make him a Palestinian liberationist. * Matt, again, on how Trump's “reflecting pool” foreign policy is “violent and cynical and bad.”

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit www.politix.fmDonald Trump, in his haste and corruption, has wrecked the historic reflecting pool that spans the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial.In this episode, Matt and Brian discuss:* How this lazy and corrupt endeavor went to shit so quickly;* Why it serves as a useful metaphor for Trump's Iran war, and just about every initiative he's undertaken autocratically;* Whether this should also be a cautionary tale for Abundists, who often see the appeal of sweeping aside red tape and process to Get Things Done Fast.Then, Brian briefly ventures into amateur architecture and engineering with some proposals for fixing the reflecting pool for all time. (Surely no one's thought of THIS before!) But we mostly assess the damage done by Jewish-American Iran hawks, via their effort to make Israel an appendage of the GOP (currently controlled by a corrupt con artist) and steer the U.S. into a losing war. Will they ever reflect on the harm they've caused? Is schadenfreude the order of the day? Or is that just whistling past the graveyard? And are there lessons here for leftists who are now tempted to make common cause with Trump against Israel?Answers are available in full to paid subscribers—just upgrade your subscription and pipe full episodes directly to your favorite podcast app via your own private feed.Further reading:* Brian on the self-righteous, right-wing American Jews who were being cavalier with Jewish lives all along. * Matt on how Trump's (autocratic) war on state capacity is coming home to roost.* Brian again, on how Trump switching sides in the war he lost doesn't make him a Palestinian liberationist. * Matt, again, on how Trump's “reflecting pool” foreign policy is “violent and cynical and bad.”

Welcome to the TalkDesign Podcast, the space where creativity meets conversation. In this episode, award-winning designer Adrian Ramsay welcomes custom residential expert Kelly Grace for a deeply human look at what happens when a lifetime of design exposure shapes a mission for structural wellness. From her childhood spent running around job sites as her father's painting sidekick to teaching global design-build courses that honored ancient cultures, Kelly has always viewed the home through a narrative lens. She reflects openly on her professional training during the 2008 recession, working demanding daylight hours on structural renovations before practicing architecture late into the evening for three straight years.The heart of Kelly's perspective on non-toxic architecture crystallized through an unexpected family chapter, living with her husband and young children inside a simplistic live-aboard yacht with the Washington Monument straight off the bow. Witnessing her children encounter severe, ongoing respiratory issues opened her eyes to the hidden dangers of standard marine carpets and sealed environments, prompting her to completely question conventional construction practices. This personal turning point redirected her entire career, driving her to become a passionate advocate for building biology and clean materials as the Managing Principal of Travis Price Architecture.Adrian and Kelly share a wonderful connection as fellow creatives who believe that great design relies on real empathy and listening to a client's authentic story. They discuss the intimate dynamics of their design discovery meetings, where popping a bottle of wine allows them to dive past rudimentary logistics into the deeper habits of daily life. From crafting homes that float suspended over steep cliffs in Rock Creek Park to understanding a couple's blended Estonian and Argentinian heritage through saunas and outdoor kitchens, this conversation proves that exceptional residential outcomes are born when you stop looking for generic projects and start building for great people who welcome the adventure. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

America was supposed to turn 250 this year. One man turned it into his own 80th birthday party instead: a cage fight on the people's lawn, a beer sponsor, party lights bright enough to blind a pilot on approach, and a twelve-thousand-dollar coin with his face on one side and We the People on the other. Lyrics:South Lawn's got a ninety-foot clawEighty-seven-foot cage where the rose garden wasBud Light logos on every wallMonster Energy sign bigger than GodSeventy-nine going on eightyTurns the whole country into his birthday partyPay-per-view, eight-ninety-nine a monthWhile pilots scream "I can't see the runway, cunt!"They said it was America's two-fiftyBut it's just one old man and his UFC griftCommodores bailed, Young MC dippedVanilla Ice is the only one left on the shipOCTOGENARIAN OCTAGON!His face on the coin, We the People on the back!OCTOGENARIAN OCTAGON!Autopen signed it, he was too busy to sign!You turned the Mall into a parking lot brawlAnd called it freedom, you senile asshole!OCTOGENARIAN OCTAGON!Happy birthday to you, America's gone!Ring girls in flag bikinis on Flag DayViolating federal code in the most American way"Respect the flag!" they screamed for ten years straightNow it's ass cheeks and stars on the Octagon Girls stageCrypto dot com and Bud Light holding handsTKO stock in the president's pantsSixty million dollars, seven agencies deepWhile North Carolina can't afford to show up and weepThey starved the real commission, funneled the cashTo a cage fight and a coin with his face on the stashEleven-thousand-nine-hundred-and-ninety-nineFor a chunk of gold that's worth half that timeOCTOGENARIAN OCTAGON!His face on the coin, We the People on the back!OCTOGENARIAN OCTAGON!Autopen signed it, he was too busy to sign!You blinded the pilots over Reagan at nightSixty-seven died there, but the lights were too bright!OCTOGENARIAN OCTAGON!Happy birthday to you, America's gone!Jane Fonda's eighty-eight throwing a real showPatti Smith, Bette Midler, five thousand rooms saying NOWhile you're in a chair watching men grapple for cashOn ground soaked in marches and blood from the pastThey tore up the reflecting pool like it was nothingMade the Washington Monument your corporate backdropYou wanted your name on the Kennedy Center tooJudge said "scrape it off" and thirty-five thousand cheered while it flewOCTOGENARIAN OCTAGON!We the People are watching you lose!OCTOGENARIAN OCTAGON!Your grift's showing, motherfucker, choose!Bud Light cage, Monster sign, coin made of shameStates walked out, musicians bailed, only the grifters remained!OCTOGENARIAN OCTAGON!This ain't a birthday, this is a con!OCTOGENARIAN OCTAGON!We're burning it down before the next one!Happy two hundred and fifty, you geriatric clownThe cage comes down MondayBut the receipts? They're staying around.OCTOGENARIAN OCTAGON!Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/we-saw-the-devil-unfiltered-political-analysis--4433638/support.Website: http://www.wesawthedevil.comPatreon: http://www.patreon.com/wesawthedevilDiscord: https://discord.gg/X2qYXdB4Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/WeSawtheDevilInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/wesawthedevilpodcast.

What does it take to plan a once-in-a-generation celebration for an entire nation? Karin Lips sits down with Danielle Alvarez, spokeswoman for Freedom 250, to dive into one of the most ambitious celebrations in American history. Danielle takes listeners inside America's 250th birthday, from the powerful lighting of the Washington Monument to the Great American […]

The Hidden Lightness with Jimmy Hinton – The Reflecting Pool, one of the most recognized locations in the country, has also become part of the conversation. Stretching between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, the site has long stood as one of the defining images of America itself. Now renewed attention to the area has sparked both praise and criticism...

America's 250th birthday party has gotten political. So did its last big one. This episode was produced by Kelli Wessinger and Hady Mawajdeh, edited by Jolie Myers, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. The Capitol and Lincoln Memorial near a video display showing "250" projected on the Washington Monument during an America250 kickoff celebration. Photo by Aaron Schwartz/Bloomberg via Getty Images. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's Monday, June 8th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Russian pastor labeled “terrorist” for speaking against Ukraine war On May 28th, Russian authorities labeled 74-year-old Baptist pastor Yuri Sipko to be a terrorist, reports International Christian Concern. As the former head of the Union of Evangelical Baptist Christians in Russia, he has spoken out against the war in Ukraine on social media. As a result, Russia launched a criminal case against him in August 2023, claiming he was spreading false information about military actions. At the time, Sipko said,  “They are looking for me to put me in prison because I've spoken the truth that Russia waged war on Ukraine,  People are dying, and everything is being destroyed. It's criminal, and they should not be doing this.” During the investigation, Sipko's home was raided, but he managed to escape. In Matthew 5:10, Jesus said, “Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness' sake, for theirs is the kingdom of Heaven.” Iran's missiles failed to hit Saudi Arabia or Bahrain On June 2nd, U.S. forces successfully defeated multiple Iranian ballistic missiles and drones, and conducted self-defense strikes on Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz in response to attempted attacks by Iran across the Middle East, reported the United States Central Command on X. Iran launched several ballistic missiles toward regional neighbors. However, all failed to hit their intended targets. Two Iranian missiles fired at Kuwait fell short or broke apart enroute, and three missiles launched at Bahrain were immediately intercepted by U.S. and Bahrain air defense forces. House resolution constrains Trump from military action against Iran In a vote of 215-208 on June 3rd, the U.S. House of Representatives passed a measure seeking to stop President Trump from taking further military action in Iran amid growing opposition to the war, reports the Associated Press. President Trump called the 215 representatives who passed the resolution "unpatriotic.” In a post on Truth Social, the president wrote: "In a meaningless vote, the House voted, 4 bad Republicans and all of the Dumocrats, to limit my War Powers, right in the middle of my final negotiations to end the War with the Islamic Republic of Iran. Who would do such an unpatriotic thing?" It is unclear how much legal force the House's measure will have. The White House described the move as an unconstitutional attempt to restrict presidential power. Four GOP Senators opposed Safeguard Voter Eligibility Act On June 4th, the U.S. Senate failed to pass the Safeguard Voter Eligibility Act which would require people to show documented proof of citizenship, reports Fox News. Republican Senators Susan Collins of Maine, Lisa Murkowski of Alaska, Thom Tillis of North Carolina and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky voted against the motion, signaling that the SAVE America Act does not have the votes to pass. Appearing on Fox News, Republican Senator Mike Lee of Utah said this. LEE: “Americans overwhelmingly support the need for voter I.D. They overwhelmingly support the need to verify citizenship from those registered to vote in this country. That's why the overwhelming majority, a super majority, of Republican voters, of Democrat voters nationwide want the S.A.V.E America Act passed. And even want it passed before the midterm elections. “That cuts across the board in people of both political parties. The only place where this is even remotely controversial is in the halls of Congress with Democrats. We've got to get this done to make our elections safe and secure again.” Indeed, according to Pew Research Center, 83% of Americans favor requiring all voters to show government-issued photo ID to vote, including 95% of Republicans and 71% of Democrats. Trump beautifies Washington, D.C. Ahead of America's 250th birthday, President Donald Trump made a promise. TRUMP: “We're going to get all the graffiti off the marble. We're going to fix the roads and the medians, which are falling down all over the street. Washington, D.C. will become a symbol of beauty, security, freedom, and strength.” Specifically speaking, for nearly two decades, the Columbus Fountain in front of Washington's Union Station was nonfunctional. Now, water is flowing again after 19 years. Plus, all of the obscene graffiti that President Joe Biden had tolerated was power washed away. The work was completed thanks to President Donald Trump's executive order on "Making the District of Columbia Safe and Beautiful." Appearing on CNN's State of the Union, Interior Secretary Doug Bergum said this. BERGUM: “The real scandal is not that we're fixing up monuments or making this capital beautiful again. The scandal should be, how in the world did we let our capital fall into such a disrepair? How did we fall into such a spot where celebrating American patriotism became partisan?” At a cabinet meeting, President Trump weighed in. TRUMP: “D.C. is looking beautiful, and the fountains are almost all open.” Most notably, the reflecting pool between the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial was in terrible disrepair.  After draining the pool and removing 12 truckloads of trash, they repaired the leaks in the pool's concrete slab and joints by applying a waterproof coating, and painted it “American flag” blue to improve the reflection.  After starting the filling process on June 4th, it was completely filled yesterday, June 7th. YouTuber announced abortion of Down syndrome baby And finally, YouTube influencer Jesse Ridgway, who has 4 million followers, is facing a massive backlash after he announced on X that he and his wife decided to abort their baby after the child was diagnosed with Down syndrome, reports LifeSiteNews.com. Horrifically, Ridgway stated that he and his wife researched Down syndrome and decided that it would be best for both the child and for his family if the baby was killed in the womb—and noted that over 90 percent of children diagnosed with Down syndrome are aborted. He said, “50% of babies with Down syndrome have heart defects. 75% will have hearing challenges. Over 50% will have vision problems. … Sadly, the list is long. … As for us, we made a difficult decision that we believe, in the long-run, will be beneficial for our family. Thankfully, we had a choice.” Incidentally, despite frequent health difficulties, nearly 99 percent of people with Down syndrome report being happy with their lives; 96 percent like how they look; and 97 percent like who they are.  Dr. Calum Miller, a United Kingdom doctor and ethicist, said, “I'm sorry you murdered your child because he/she didn't pass quality control.” He pointed out that Ridgway had previously celebrated the fact that his dog had managed to survive a complicated surgery and was now living without kidneys. Columnist Mollie Hemingway wrote, “Killing your baby because he wasn't perfect in your eyes is so sad and dark and, yes, evil. Even if we didn't know how wonderful people with Down syndrome are. I pray you find Jesus. Life is beautiful.” And podcaster Brittany Hughes bluntly put it: “There is no way of framing this that will gain my sympathy. No poetic waxing, no begging for understanding, no tearful excuses. My heart breaks for this precious baby who was killed for the crime of having an extra chromosome by the two people who should have protected him or her with their own lives.” Proverbs 31:8 says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, June 8th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

U.S. Freedom and Liberty Lost (1) (audio) David Eells, 5/31/26  I'm going to share some warning revelations about America losing its freedom to the beast. I believe some of these things are coming to pass now and some are happening very soon.   The Light Is True Liberty Cheri Watson - 06/24/2005 (David's notes in red) In a dream, I saw the Statue of Liberty with a great light behind it. Then I saw the right arm, holding the light, broken and brought down; then the statue crumbled and fell. Then I saw a figure that had been behind the statue. The figure was shaded because the light all around it was so bright that you couldn't make out any details... and the figure said, “I wore the crown of thorns and I AM the light. I tell you, America will be brought low, and I shall be raised up!“ (Considering all of the antichrist leaders of the U.S. who came after, Christians should rethink whether they should pledge allegiance to this Babylonish nation. Our allegiance is to Jesus who tells us to obey its laws.) Shortly after receiving this vision, I saw on the news where Condoleezza Rice (Secretary of State under George W. Bush) had invited Egypt and Saudi Arabia to be equal partners in Israel's peace agreement with the Palestinians, along with the EU, UN, and Russia, and I knew that the Lord must be really upset with America for taking such a strong stance against Israel...God, have mercy! (U.S., UN, and E.U. were increasingly ruled by the D.S. satanists. This is just one step on a long road of turning from the Lord against our own Liberty and Light.) (The Statue of Liberty holds the light, and it has what appears to be a crown of thorns on its head. But in truth it is not so. Many natural and manmade catastrophes will dissolve much false thinking about whose side America is on and Who is true Liberty. Death, burial, and resurrection will reveal the true Jesus hidden behind America. I believe it will start while America, as a harlot, is attempting to gratify herself at great cost to others. She is attempting to divide Israel for her own advantage. In the natural, God said, “I will curse those who curse thee“. In the spiritual, this is true for God's true New Testament, born-again people who are being increasingly crucified in America.) Statue of Liberty Falls to Its Knees Anonymous - 03/17/2012 (David's notes in red) I was awakened at 4:13 am and started praying in the Spirit earnestly and then the Spirit spoke to me, “It has begun“. Then I had a vision of a giant Statue of Liberty tripping over Washington, D.C. (Father will begin to judge the nation. Our freedom will be taken away by the nation stumbling over its foolish leadership.) Its knees hit the ground around the Mississippi River and the ground shook mightily. (The shaking of the New Madrid? Recently the Mississippi dried up and shipping and drinking water to a great extent ceased.) Then it proceeded to place its hands on the ground and bow down, facing west toward China. It looked defeated and tired. (China and its goods and political power have increased greatly in the U.S..) Here is another dream that fits with the U.S. bowing to China: Shelly Lynch (David's notes in red) I dreamed on 9/07/10, I heard an announcement which said, “America has been sold to the People's Republic of China“. “When?“ I asked. “25“, came the answer. I do not know what the dream means, except that there is a coming economic collapse of America, which is even now being sold to China. (As of 2010 USDA data, Chinese entities own approximately 384,000 acres, representing less than 1%of all foreign-held agricultural land in the United States. But now in 2026, if we Google, How much land and agriculture does China own in the US? We get: “This image cannot be generated.“ What are they hiding? Could it be a sign of fear that some states forbid China to own land in their state?) The other dream I had about 25 was on December 31, 2011, at 8:00 a.m. It was similar to the apples being picked in the spring dream. Then, right after that, there was the dream about the large gathering which was to be held on the 25th, where we were feeding pasta to unbelievers who were hungry. This is the verse given: {Isa.45:20} Assemble yourselves and come; draw near together, ye that are escaped of the nations. {49:10} They shall not hunger nor thirst; neither shall the heat nor sun smite them: for he that hath mercy on them will lead them, even by springs of water will he guide them. {11} And I will make all my mountains a way, and my highways shall be exalted. {12} Lo, these shall come from far; and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim [China]. (How close these verses are to the Statue of Liberty dream verses below. Could this be the wilderness gathering after the quakes and Man-child anointing?) I asked the Father for a scripture to send along with this vision, and my finger was on: {Psa.132:15} I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. This is encouraging to me that even though bad things are coming upon this country, the Father will still provide for us and protect us, even in the midst of it all. Here it is in text: {13} For Jehovah hath chosen Zion; He hath desired it for his habitation. {14} This is my resting-place for ever: Here will I dwell; for I have desired it. {15} I will abundantly bless her provision: I will satisfy her poor with bread. {16} Her priests also will I clothe with salvation; And her saints shall shout aloud for joy. {17} There will I make the horn of David to bud: I have ordained a lamp for mine anointed. {18} His enemies will I clothe with shame; But upon himself shall his crown flourish. (The Man-child ministry will soon be anointed to lead the true Zion Bride and Church.) The Spirit told me to look up the word knees in the Strong's in relation to the Statue of Liberty, and the ones that stood out to me are shown in the following text: {Deu.28:33} The fruit of thy ground, and all thy labors, shall a nation which thou knowest not eat up; and thou shalt be only oppressed and crushed alway; {34} so that thou shalt be mad for the sight of thine eyes which thou shalt see. {35} Jehovah will smite thee in the knees, and in the legs, with a sore boil, whereof thou canst not be healed, from the sole of thy foot unto the crown of thy head. {36} Jehovah will bring thee, and thy king whom thou shalt set over thee, unto a nation that thou hast not known, thou nor thy fathers; and there shalt thou serve other gods, wood and stone. (Could this nation which we have not really known turn against us and plunder us? Jesus said, “Ye shall be hated of all nations for my name sake.“) {Eze.7:15} The sword is without, and the pestilence and the famine within: he that is in the field shall die with the sword: and he that is in the city, famine and pestilence shall devour him. {16} But those of them that escape shall escape, and shall be on the mountains like doves of the valleys (The doves or truly Spirit filled shall escape the valley low places to the mountains of high places of God.), all of them moaning, every one in his iniquity. {17} All hands shall be feeble, and all knees shall be weak as water. {18} They shall also gird themselves with sackcloth, and horror shall cover them; and shame shall be upon all faces, and baldness upon all their heads. {19} They shall cast their silver in the streets, and their gold shall be as an unclean thing; their silver and their gold shall not be able to deliver them in the day of the wrath of Jehovah: they shall not satisfy their souls, neither fill their bowels; because it hath been the stumblingblock of their iniquity. (Truly, money has been God.) {Eze.21:4} Seeing then that I will cut off from thee the righteous and the wicked, therefore shall my sword go forth out of its sheath against all flesh from the south to the north (Great earthquakes breaks loose?): {5} and all flesh shall know that I, Jehovah, have drawn forth my sword out of its sheath; it shall not return any more. {6} Sigh therefore, thou son of man; with the breaking of thy loins and with bitterness shalt thou sigh before their eyes. {7} And it shall be, when they say unto thee, Wherefore sighest thou? that thou shalt say, Because of the tidings, for it cometh; and every heart shall melt, and all hands shall be feeble, and every spirit shall faint, and all knees shall be weak as water: behold, it cometh, and it shall be done, saith the Lord Jehovah. Statue of Liberty's Nakedness Exposed B.A. - 10/24/2012 (David's notes in red) I saw myself standing on Liberty Island, NY, where the Statue of Liberty is located. I watched as the arm of the Lord Jesus came down out of Heaven and took the crown from off her head and cast it into the sea. (Job.19:9) He hath stripped me of my glory, And taken the crown from my head. He then stripped her of her garment, exposing her nakedness (her unrighteous acts). Then I saw the arm of the Lord force the Statue's arm holding the torch down into the water and holding it there until the light went out. I watched as the Statue became bright red. (The leftists have become full blown communists and are trying everything, including by force of arms and plagues, to turn us into a red communist nation. Lev.14:37) and he shall look on the plague; and, behold, if the plague be in the walls of the house with hollow streaks, greenish (A nickname for the Statue of Liberty is “The Green Lady“) or reddish (Esau was red, or the color of the earth; beasts of the field with the colors or attributes of Satan), and the appearance thereof be lower than the wall; (38) then the priest shall go out of the house to the door of the house, and shut up the house seven days. (Tribulation?) She fell to her knees as her shame was exposed for the whole world to see. (Ecc.12:14) For God will bring every work into judgment, with every hidden thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Left Wing Brings Death of Liberty Cheri Watson's Vision - 02/07/2006 (David's notes in red) I saw the Statue of Liberty as a huge knife whacked it in half. When the knife sliced through it from right to left, it looked like it just kind of jumped up for a second and then fell back onto the bottom half, slightly off-center. Then, in slow motion, the statue began to slide towards its left and it just plopped into the water. (Leftists are doing all they can to overthrow Christianity for Communism.) In Michael Boldea's dream of The Eagle and the Serpents, the second strike on the Eagle by a red and black diagonal-striped serpent heavily damaged its right wing. Since the first 9/11 brought about the destruction of the left wing, as in his dream, this could symbolize the destruction of the right wing of government through the next 9/11. If so, this would make the government fall hard to the left. This symbolizes the death of liberty, or freedom, in the waters of tribulation. Liberty and Leadership Lost, Take Refuge Gordon Borneman - 02/25/2009 (David's notes in red) Everyone must seek the Lord as they have not done so before, to understand their part in the plan and hold up their families for protection and mercy from the Lord. I listened to the broadcast from Trunews for February 23rd, which I've summarized below. The conjunction of the three guests' visions forms a composite picture of what I was seeing below. To recap: Dr. Igor Shafhid - first speaker - His vision is of the Statue of Liberty lying on the ground. Jesus is holding the wrist of one arm, feeling the pulse, while Satan is holding the other wrist, feeling the pulse. The entire Statue is in a dark shadow, except for the shoulder and arm that Jesus is holding. Then Jesus lets go of the arm, and the arm turns dark as well, signifying Jesus giving the country over to darkness. Nathan Leal had a vision on February 2, 2009, of the Statue of Liberty Decapitated! Last night, as I was seeking God, for a moment in the spirit, He allowed me to taste what is coming to our land. The only thing that I can describe is severe anguish and heartache. As I continued in prayer and waiting on Him for answers, He revealed to me that sorrow and distress are about to arrive here in America. When I asked Him for details, all that He would tell me was that His remnant needs to prepare to minister to one another and to comfort one another. The distress that is coming is going to test all of us in ways that we never imagined. As I went to sleep, I had a night vision. I found myself standing in a large field, and suddenly the Statue of Liberty appeared in front of me. She was on a small hill, maybe 50 to 75 feet high. She was not on Ellis Island. (He later said he thought this was on Capitol Hill.) She was about 500 feet away from me. I was just starting to look at her when suddenly her head fell off. It fell to the ground in front of her and started bouncing down the hill toward me. It stopped at my feet. The dream was over. I woke up and pondered it. I asked myself what this could mean. I wondered, does this mean America will be decapitated? I fell back asleep, and several hours later, I had the same dream again. Everything was repeating itself, but this time I saw a giant hand coming out of the clouds with a large sword. The sword was almost as tall as the statue. It was the hand of God, and this time, the hand with the sword chopped off the head of Lady Liberty! Again, the head bounced down the hill and stopped at my feet. Then I heard the words, “Liberty will be decapitated!“ The second dream was over. Augusto Perez comes on and explains three things the Lord showed him. Word: “They have planned a super-devaluation of the dollar“. (done) Vision: One of multiple Muslim terrorist training camps. They are training for a highly coordinated operation. The leaders are handing the teams two tubes or vials. One has a blue liquid, the other a gray liquid. They explain that they mix the two tubes together for the desired result. The date for the event was given as March 7th, but no year was given. The attacks will occur simultaneously in several American cities. (This bio attack has been prophesied or dreamed several times.) He also saw tens of thousands of white swans taking flight from all over the U.S. to go to the Caribbean Islands. When they did, rats flooded into the areas they left searching for them. (I believe the Caribbean Islands, which are popular paradise vacation spots, represent refuges in the midst of the sea of lost humanity for those in white. In Armenia, the Christians were warned just before the Muslims came over the mountains to slay, to flee to the U.S.. Will the Christians here be warned before it happens here as it has been dreamed?) The Buzzards and the Wrecking Ball Dream Deborah Rennier - 02/28/2009 (David's notes in red) I found myself standing on the sidewalk in front of the White House. Somehow, from this vantage, I could also see that the White House was flanked on either side by the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument. I saw the Stars and Stripes flying high up on all the buildings. As I watched, I saw a vast flock of very large birds approaching. At first, I thought they were eagles. However, I soon realized that they were buzzards. As I observed they began to attack and shred the flags. When they were done, the flags atop all three buildings were in unrecognizable tatters. (Freedom gone through those who prey on the dead.) Suddenly, out of nowhere, there appeared a huge wrecking ball. It began to strike and destroy the Washington Monument. Down came the Monument in a heap with bricks and dust flying everywhere. (An obelisk is an insult against God like many religious spires atop churches.) The ball then went to the Capitol building. As it commenced its destruction, I watched people screaming and running around. Then a loud voice spoke, “I do not hear your cries. You do not listen to MY voice“. Then the Capitol Building fell into ruins. Many were crushed as it fell. (This also has been prophesied with the decapitation of the government.) Then the wrecking machine turned to the White House. I again heard people screaming, “Let us escape first!“ It was like whoever was running the machine was not listening as it started its demolition of the White House. Soon, the White House was also a pile of rubble. Then it was over, and I awoke. Michael Boldea, Jr.: I was in a prayer meeting this past Wednesday here in Wisconsin, and as I was praying, I saw the words “a nation in mourning“ written in fire. Last night I saw the same words in the same manner in a dream. As yet, I do not know what or when, but I felt I needed to share it. We are living in truly perilous times, and as such must be more certain of our foundation now than ever before. The huge earthquakes coming.) America's Christians Lose Their Freedom Amos Scaggs - 11/16/2010 (David's notes in red) In a vision, I saw the British soldiers wearing tricorne hats and drab, abstract, black uniforms in an endless line coming against a militia of ordinary citizens, as we had during the Revolutionary War. (London is a seat of the Deep State and they are making revolutionary war on us.) The militia was in whitish trousers and tan shirts of that period. The table was light-colored with dark legs. They had several hard-fought battles. But in the face of an incoming force they could not defeat because of the sheer numbers, they pulled the plans off the table and rolled them up like a scroll to retreat with only the few in number they had left. Those last few escaped without harm as the bullets were flying all around them. (Some in the government are speaking of a golden age because of NESARA but after Revelation 12 and the Man-child anointing comes the mark of the beast in Rev. 13.) I thought, in the first Revolutionary War, we won our freedom from tyrants, but in this last struggle, we lose it to them. (Because of rebellion against God.) It appears from this that the battle for America's independence (freedom) will be lost. There will be some hard battles and hard fighting, but in the end, the militias will have to retreat. They will be simply outgunned and outnumbered. (Because of repentance. This is just as George Washingtons vision of the third great peril.) We know that Many Christians will fight to gain their freedom from an America taken over by banksters and corporate fascism but they will fail because they are disobedient to the commands of God in this regard. In the time of the tribulations in history, when God sent the Man-child to lead the people to freedom, they had become subjugate to the beast kingdoms that swallowed them up for their sins. America is being possessed by the beast nature from the pit for this purpose. In the time of Moses and that tribulation, the people of God had become slaves in Egypt. Only in Goshen was there light in the houses and deliverance from the plagues. In the time of Joseph and that tribulation, the people were at the mercy of the state, begging for food, losing their property. In the time of Daniel, the people were conquered in tribulation and under the authority of ruthless dictators who took their lives at will. In the time of Mordecai, the people in tribulation were under the sentence of death by the beast and fighting for their lives. In the time of Jesus, the people were under the iron fist of the Roman beast tribulation, with no representation or rights of their own. Jesus told them to flee to the mountains -- above the world and its influence. History always repeats (Ecclesiastes 1:9; 3:15). In this time of the end-time Man-child, in whom Jesus lives, a combination of all of the above will happen in tribulation. Christians have been just as rebellious as their predecessors and are in just as much need of crucifixion of self -- in just as much need of new leadership and old truths. Instead, they have insulated themselves only in their minds with lies of dominion, prosperity, once saved always saved, all fly away rapture, etc. America Is Being Conquered By Communism G. C. - 06/14/2009 (David's notes in red) In a dream, I recall being somewhere in the western region of the U.S. I was in the home of a man who was loading up guns and stocking up on ammo. He was worried about protecting his home and property. Something was about to happen, though I am not sure what, but even the most undiscerning person could feel it in the air; we were on the verge of great lawlessness. The man, I thought, was taking the wrong approach in his preparation, and he ridiculed me for not taking up arms. (Militant patriots are preparing to “take the country back“ from the liberal communists who are destroying the Constitution and laws from within.) After this scene, I was in the eastern part of the nation. I quickly realized that I was in Washington, D.C. I was standing and looking at the White House. I saw that it was set in a peculiar position, which was with the back of the building facing a body of water. (The head of Babylon that is sitting on many waters?) I saw the Americans doing something in the water and, as I continued watching, many submerged vessels appeared on the surface of the water. These vessels were not American; they were Russian and they quickly moved ashore. This is where I saw many soldiers run up the shore and proceed to enter the back of the White House. There were hundreds, if not thousands, of these men overtaking the building. (Yes, the waters behind the White House represent the peoples ruled by it. Out of these waters have arisen the leftists who have taken the White House before many times and are very angry they have lost it now. This revelation was when Obama took office. These are ruled by the same principalities that ruled the Russian revolution of communists. It is a spiritual war. The right wing went down in flames -- losing the propaganda war before the coming physical war. A few years ago, we received a dream that the Statue of Liberty was shot at with missiles from a Russian sub and was cut in half, as the country is now. (The Bolshevik revolution was accomplished by very few people.) The top half, containing the head or government, then fell to the LEFT and into the water. At that time, I said this represented the coming of a left-wing government. This has only begun. Even though public sentiment is swinging back toward the right, there will come a stunning reversal of this trend, as God permits, that will bring great persecution to Christians and the mark. The something that was about to happen in the first paragraph above could be the scenario below.) The White House was quickly overrun and taken over by this force. The next thing I recall is that I was underground, beneath the White House itself. What I found was breathtaking; there was an extensive tunnel system underneath the structure. (We have learned that these tunnels were used by the DS to move trafficked children and other satanic evils.) I saw a few Americans resisting but, ultimately, being overcome by multitudes of Russians. (representing like the Bolshevik revolution) The invading force used the weapons systems that were stored down there against the Americans and quickly overcame them. (The underground, liberal, communist left is now taking over America by using its own political weapons against it. One of the weapons the right used to partially turn the country right was a false flag attack [9/11]; now it appears from this and other revelations, like below, that the left will use this method to turn the government left. See The Eagle and the Serpents and Civil War Is Coming.) This whole scene reminded me of a colony of enemy ants invading another colony and overtaking it. After seeing all that I had seen, my heart sank. I said within myself, “The whole country must be under attack! America has fallen!“ (Could this be Babylon spiritually falling near the beginning of the tribulation?) (Yes) But then a word from the Lord was given to me: “The goal of this operation is to weaken the country first; then, once weakened, America will be susceptible to a wave of Muslim terrorist attacks that will come later“. (Speaking of Babylon physically falling in the years to follow.) Just as quick as before, I was ushered off into the heavens. As I looked down, I saw what seemed to be military installations. I saw missile silos somewhere in the country; then I found myself looking down at the Pentagon. I realized that everything I was looking at was still in the hands of the Americans. I had thought the whole country was taken over, but the military infrastructure was uncompromised. (This made me think, even more, that the White House invasion is spiritual.) (Yes, this is an ideological attack by the Reds, a symbol of communists but also one of sinners, as in Isa.1:18.) My body was quickly translated from the heavens to the Pentagon below. I found myself in the presence of a very high-ranking general. I quickly alerted him that there was a Russian siege on the White House: everything was lost, and it was a total takeover. I was taken aback by his response. Although he did confirm to me that he and the other generals were well aware of the invasion, they were confident that the invasion would be contained to only the White House. It seemed to me they had taken steps to ensure that the invasion would not spread, but I was not as confident as him. (I saw the Pentagon and missile silos, and they were not breached, and the general took confidence in that, but look at it like this, friends: The Pentagon represents the muscles of the nation, the arm of flesh. No matter how strong a man is, if he loses his head, then his muscles are good for nothing; they cannot save him.) (Although it is true the U.S. Military is still full of right-wing people and not nearly as leftist/communist as the government, this may also be speaking of something spiritual. The other militant group that, from within, invaded the White House stand opposed to the right-wing militants who now have no access to the White House but falsely think they can still keep the country from being completely ideologically taken over.) If the communist-Russian invasion in the White House was not altogether physical, rather spiritual, then those without spiritual eyes cannot see the truth, or they underestimate the growing danger, due to their blindness. (Pro.22:3) A prudent man seeth the evil, and hideth himself; But the simple pass on, and suffer for it. It could be that the invading Russians represent communist ideology. The generals may realize that the White House has become socialist, but they remain confident that the military might of the nation will be able to detour any takeover. I was in deep thought about the dream for hours after I had it, and then I asked the Lord what it meant. But all I was getting was the word “infiltration“. This word came to me many times over the course of the day. This is the excerpt from a JFK speech about the NWO, which he warned was a growing threat 60 years ago:   For we are opposed around the world by a monolithic and ruthless conspiracy that relies primarily on covert means for expanding its sphere of influence -- on infiltration instead of invasion, on subversion instead of elections, on intimidation instead of free choice, on guerrillas by night instead of armies by day. It is a system which has conscripted vast human and material resources into the building of a tightly knit, highly efficient machine that combines military, diplomatic, intelligence, economic, scientific and political operations.   (Before the physical invasion comes the spiritual one will come, according to Revelation 18. Before the physical fall of any nation comes the spiritual fall.) An angel to Dumitru Duduman said, “The Russian spies have discovered where the most powerful nuclear missiles are in America. It will start with the world calling for 'peace, peace'. Then there will be an internal revolution in America, started by the Communists. (The liberal one-worlders.) Some of the people will start fighting against the government. The government will be busy with internal problems. Then, from the oceans, Russia, Cuba, Nicaragua, Central America, Mexico, and two other countries (which I cannot remember) will attack! The Russians will bombard the nuclear missile silos in America. America will burn“. The Bears Attack Lisette Renaud - 08/16/2009 (David's notes in red) I dreamed I was outside by myself, resting somewhere in a park setting. (I can't say where I was exactly, but I was close enough to my house that I could run to it. I live in Alberta, Canada.) (Those who are resting in the safety of the Lord.) It was a beautiful, cool and fresh day, like a fall day, when I heard people screaming that bears were coming. Something terrible had just happened suddenly (another 9/11 from the left). (Bears could represent Russia as communism, socialism, or an attack on our freedoms as we know them. It could represent a greater economic collapse -- bear representing the bear market. It could also represent a sudden physical attack, like a nuclear bomb or something. Whatever it was, I sensed that it was something very big that had JUST HAPPENED and was affecting everyone.) (I believe the bear attacks represent all of the above calamities, another 9/11 coming upon the U.S. and Canada, because they are turning to the beast principality that ruled Russia/USSR under Communism, instead of God. Most Russians agree that this brought failure to their country's economy, totalitarianism, loss of freedom and many lives. This appears to be a confirmation of G. C.'s dream above.) People were panicking and were so afraid that they were running everywhere, not knowing where to turn. (The terrible calamities Jesus said would come are now here and will continue to increase. Those who called us crazy and said we were all a bunch of “conspiracy nuts and bible-thumping fanatics“ will be running like scared cats with no place of refuge, no hope. The world will be in shock at what is happening.) I did not run. I was confronted with a bear, but believed he could not hurt me because I was under God's protection. All the time he was in front of me, trying to attack me, I kept thanking God for His protection. (The true remnant of Christ will be at peace when this big calamity strikes, knowing that He has everything under control. The remnant will be resting in God, trusting Him, trusting in His Word. Those who are expecting the Man-child, who know they will be here for the tribulation period, yet protected under His wings, those who believe His Word and stand on His Word will be at peace, even though the world around them is turned upside down. They will not fear. They will experience Psalm 91.) When I took a good look at him, he looked like a big teddy bear. Then he finally left. (We have the authority of Christ. He has been preparing His remnant to be overcomers, to stand on His Word, and soon we will be put to the test.) Once he was gone, I ran home to check up on my husband. When I got into the house, I saw my husband sitting down on a chair, talking on the phone. His face was bleeding. He was covered in blood. He looked so distraught. (Concerned for their loved ones, the remnant will go to them and will see that because of these terrible calamities, many believers who had become cold toward God will now be calling on Him for help. The people we have been praying for (family, friends, neighbors) will finally get a sudden realization that they must get in touch with God quickly and get right with Him, if they want His protection.) Somehow, I knew he had not been attacked by a bear, but by thugs. (I realized that two things were going on: regular attacks by “thugs“ [People attacking our freedoms?] which seemed to have been going on for some time, by the comment that I heard later on in the dream, and now this new terrible thing that had just happened.) I then went downstairs, where some members of my husband's family were. I believe I saw his father, who had been deceased for some time. He was also covered in blood. Then I heard someone say, “How much more of this can we take?“ (Those who have some knowledge of God but do not have a relationship with Christ, those who are spiritually dead, will become discouraged, for there will be no hope, no escape, no refuge, only turmoil for them, unless they turn to God.) Then I woke up. Russians Behind Civil War in U.S.  Cheri Watson - 02/03/2008 (David's notes in red) I had a dream this morning at about 6:00 am. I saw the Statue of Liberty; one side of the statue was black and the other side was white. (In the dream, I said that the left side was black and the right side was white.) I knew what the Lord was showing me was division and the civil war coming to America. Anyway, in front of the Statue, there was a tank in the shadows with the cannon facing the Statue. I knew the tank in the shadows to be Russia running the show behind the scenes and provoking the Middle East to do its bidding. (Again this might be spiritual as the rest.) I also believe it has to do with the Christians -- so far as the coming revival and falling away. I also felt that all of these things would do MUCH destruction to our country and that Russia is waiting in the wings/shadows till it's time to make their move. I have no doubt the Russians are fueling fires even now. The Statue of Liberty represents America and its liberties. This division of black and white is somewhat racial, like in the Civil War. Also, it is that the left are the Communists and Democrats, and the right are Republicans and Christians. Cheri started thinking the Left were the guys in black (bad guys), but ended up seeing that the Right was also guilty. This is covertly started by the Bolshevik left in our country to weaken America, so they could militarily conquer her. Cultivating division in order to conquer is something both sides have been good at. I love it when The Lord does this... later in the morning, and every Sunday morning, several of us gather to listen to one of your teachings. This morning's teaching just happened to be Hidden Manna's - “U.S. Covenant, Civil War“!!! God is good! Anyway, David, I felt that this was confirmation for you for some reason and felt I was to share it with you today. Conspiracy Against Christianity  Brent Gearhart -10/23/2009 (David's notes in red) I dreamed on day four of a fast that I saw a man running naked with just a robe on barely covering him. (The false Christian leadership has not “put on the Lord Jesus“. They name “Christ“ as Savior, but they are not living in salvation. Their works do not cover them. They will be cast into great tribulation, as Jezebel --Revelation 2:20-23.) Then I saw a woman running behind him wearing a black, scanty outfit, as they were running to make an appointment somewhere. (The typical church pastor followed by the people. The woman is the harlot church in darkness, following its apostate leadership. Babylon's nakedness will be made known to all the world, as the Word says.) Then, I saw the same man and woman dressed up in formal attire, but now they wore disguises to appear older and distinguished. (Outwardly, they seem respectable in formal, black and white attire, but they profess the “light“ while walking in spiritual darkness. They are white-washed sepulchers full of dead men's bones.) They were trying to enter a formal party of some sort, but for some reason, the invitation they had was fake. (The formal “party“ is the Marriage Feast, where they have disguised themselves as “Christians“. Those who do not have the real wedding garment.) {Mat.22:8} Then saith he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.) When they approached the person who collected the invitations, the man started saying something to distract the ticket collector so they wouldn't pay attention to their fake invitation. It worked; they were granted admittance to the party. (Christian pretenders talk the talk so they can gain respect and acceptance. They have experienced only the fake calling, meaning invitation -- accept Jesus as your personal savior-type “invitations“, instead of the command to repent and believe. But this lukewarm Christianity is not dressing up for the seven-day Tribulation Wedding Feast. {Mat.22:11} But when the king came in to behold the guests, he saw there a man who had not on a wedding-garment: {12} and he saith unto him, Friend, how camest thou in hither not having a wedding-garment? And he was speechless. {13} Then the king said to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and cast him out into the outer darkness; there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.) (Note: It seems this is turning into the right-wing digging for dirt on the left-wing White House. This lukewarm spirit in Christianity above has bred many who seek change by political warfare instead of spiritual warfare.) When inside, I remember watching them split up right away, and it seemed like the man was looking for some information -- some files, perhaps, or some film from a camera. (They have no interest in the Feast but are conspiracy-chasers of the left-wing, like many apostates.) I remember seeing a little key like for a padlock or handcuffs. (Instead of seeking the key to freedom, they find only captivity.) I then saw them in the basement and I saw the man get caught and was about to be killed, perhaps by the owner of the house. (Possibly a plot that will bring this captivity is being hatched by the elites through the DS to bring disrepute to Christianity. Many spies have crept into the Trump administration and are being caught.) As they were down in the basement, the owner of the house took back what the first man had stolen and then planted a bomb in the utility room. (The Obama/Biden has lost much to the politically-minded, conservative Christians, but the blame put on them for the judgment of America will take back the ground lost. An apparent attack on the left-wing may actually be an attack on the right-wing.) Then he tried to blame it on the first man who got caught. (Called a “false flag“ operation. The owner sets off the thing and blames the Christians.) Right after the bomb went off, security came in. (Martial law) I saw my friend, Terry, from the UPC (he knows martial arts) and he was taking the man down who was being blamed for this false terrorist attack. (Possibly, Terry represents Christians under martial law, betraying other Christians, bringing great persecution to the church.) I remember seeing Terry take this man down with an armlock of some sort, actually; he had one arm spread out and he had the other arm locked in with his legs and it appeared the man who got caught looked like he was in a crucifixion position. (The apostates have always been used by Satan and the beast system to crucify true Christianity.) The man who got caught was looking at me to help him. I said, “Hey, I am staying out of it,“ and I remember picking up some of the pieces of the room that were torn apart. (The true Christians will have nothing to do with patriotic, political, militant Christianity, but will do what they can to repair the damage to the reputation of true Christianity. An attack will come and the blame will be put on “Christians“ who will be “crucified“ by the Law and false-professing Christians.) End of dream. Then a vision and prophecy began Then I lay back down, and I saw myself in a field, harvesting the crop. I felt impressed to go get my notebook and pen and write down what I saw or heard, as I am reaping the crop. I see a man come and talk me into stopping the harvesting and taking a break. I see myself taking a break and eating, drinking, and dancing with others. I then saw the laborers taken up by the Son of man as He came on the clouds for them. I saw the others get put into a winepress and squeezed. I heard, “This is the Day of the Lord, the Great and Terrible Day of the Lord“. (This is a day which is a year – Isa 34:8. This year comes after the 7 year tribulation of the saints to judge the wicked who persecuted and killed the saints. See Hidden Manna for the End Times. https://www.ubm1.org/?page=Hidden_Manna_for_the_End_Times-2 I was asked which group I wanted to be in, and I said, “The laborers“. He said, “Then you must die to self without complaining like you were today. There will be many days you will work more than 12 hours and have little time for your family. These days are coming soon“. Thus saith the Lord, You are being called into the harvest field. Your Nintendo Wii is not important; you must bear fruit 30-,60-,100-fold. No murmurers or complainers will make it through the wilderness. Stay out of those negative conversations; spirits are transferred there. Be wise, vigilant; the devil wants to sift you as he did Peter. (During this time, I heard the song, "How He Loves Us" by David Crowder, and then the song switched to "Lose This Life" by Tait.) You must lose your life to self, stick with the unleavened bread; don't let the devil separate you from them. Be patient and kind with your wife; she has gifts that the body will need and use. Be wise in all things. I love you. Try hard to join the marriage feast; join, Brent. Join". Then it ended. Vision to Evangelist A.A. Allen in the 1950s (See The Real Truth About Evangelist A.A. Allen below) As I stood atop the Empire State Building, I could see the Statue of Liberty, illuminating the gateway to the new world. Here, spread before me like an animated map, is an area 60 or 80 miles in diameter. I was amazed that the Spirit of the Lord should so move me, there atop the Empire State building. Why should I feel such a surge of His Spirit and power there? Suddenly I heard the voice of the Lord. It was as clear and as distinct as a voice could be. It seemed to come from the very midst of the giant telescope; but when I looked at the telescope, I knew it hadn't come from there, but directly from Heaven. The voice said, 2 CHRONICLES 16:9, "For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him. Herein thou has done foolishly; therefore, from henceforth thou shalt have wars". Immediately when I heard the voice of God, I knew this was a quotation of scripture, but never before had a thing come to me so forcibly by the power of the Spirit. The ticking of the telescope stopped. The man before me had used up his dime's worth. As he stepped away, I knew that I was next. As I stepped to the telescope and dropped in my dime, immediately the ticking started again. This ticking was an automatic clock which would allow me to use the telescope for a limited time only. As I swung the telescope to the north, suddenly the Spirit of God came upon me in a way that I had never thought of before. Seemingly, in the Spirit I was entirely caught away. I knew that the telescope itself had nothing to do with the distance which I was suddenly enabled to see, for I seemed to see things far beyond the range of the telescope, even on a bright, clear day. It was simply that God had chosen this time to reveal these things to me, for as I looked through the telescope, it was not Manhattan Island that I saw, but a far larger view. That morning, much of the view was impaired by fog; but suddenly as the Spirit of the Lord came upon me, the fog seemed to clear until it seemed that I could see for thousands of miles, but that which I was looking upon was not Manhattan Island. It was all of the North American continent spread out before me as a map is spread upon a table. It was not the East River and the Hudson River that I saw on either side, but the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans; and instead of the Statue of Liberty standing there in the bay on her small island, I saw her standing far out in the Gulf of Mexico. She was between me and the United States. I suddenly realized that the telescope had nothing to do with what I was seeing but that it was a vision coming directly from God; and to prove this to myself, I took my eyes away from the telescope so that I was no longer looking through the lens, but the same scene remained before me. There, clear and distinct, lay all the North American continent with all its great cities. To the north lay the Great Lakes. Far to the northeast was New York City. I could see Seattle and Portland far to the northwest. Down the west coast there were San Francisco and Los Angeles. Closer in the foreground lay New Orleans at the center of the Gulf Coast area. I could see the great towering ranges of the Rocky Mountains and trace with my eye the Continental Divide. All this and more I could see spread out before me as a great map upon a table. As I looked, suddenly from the sky I saw a giant hand reach down. That gigantic hand was reaching out toward the Statue of Liberty. In a moment her gleaming torch was torn from her hand, and in it instead was placed a cup; and I saw protruding from that great cup a giant sword, shining as if a great light had been turned upon its glistening edge. Never before had I seen such a sharp, glistening, dangerous sword. It seemed to threaten all the world. As the great cup was placed in the hand of the Statue of Liberty, I heard these words, "Thus saith the Lord of hosts, drink ye and be drunken and spue and fall and rise no more because of the sword which I will send". As I heard these words, I recognized them as a quotation from Jeremiah 25:27. I was amazed to hear the Statue of Liberty speak out in reply, "I WILL NOT DRINK!" Then as the voice of the thunder, I heard again the voice of the Lord saying, "Ye shall certainly drink". (Jeremiah 25:28) Then suddenly the giant hand forced the cup to the lips of the Statue of Liberty, and she became powerless to defend herself. The mighty hand of God forced her to drink every drop from the cup. As she drank the bitter dregs, these were the words that I heard: "Should ye be utterly unpunished? Ye shall not be unpunished, for I will call for a sword upon all the inhabitants of the earth, saith the Lord of hosts". (Jeremiah 27:29) When the cup was withdrawn from the lips of the Statute of Liberty, I noticed the sword was missing from the cup, which could mean but one thing. THE CONTENTS OF THE CUP HAD BEEN COMPLETELY CONSUMED! I knew that the sword merely typified war, death, and destruction, which is no doubt on the way. Then as one drunken on too much wine, I saw the Statue of Liberty become unsteady on her feet and begin to stagger and to lose her balance. I saw her splashing in the gulf, trying to regain her balance. I saw her stagger again and again and fall to her knees. As I saw her desperate attempts to regain her balance and rise to her feet again, my heart was moved as never before with compassion for her struggles; but as she staggered there in the gulf, once again I heard these words: "Drink ye and be drunken and spue and fall and rise no more because of the sword which I will send among you". (Jeremiah 25:37) (The fall of Liberty) As I watched, I wondered if the Statue of Liberty would ever be able to regain her feet, if she would ever stand again; and as I watched, it seemed that with all her power she struggled to rise and finally staggered to her feet again and stood there swaying drunkenly. I felt sure that at any moment she would fall again, possibly never to rise. I seemed overwhelmed with a desire to reach out my hand to keep her head above water, for I knew that if she ever fell again, she would drown there in the gulf. "Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night, nor for the arrow that flyeth by day, nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness, nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday". (Psalms 91:5-6) Then as I watched, another amazing thing was taking place. Far to the northwest, just out over Alaska, a huge, black cloud was arising. As it rose, it was as black as night. It seemed to be in the shape of a man's head. As it continued to arise, I observed two light spots in the black cloud. It rose further, and a gaping hole appeared. I could see that the black cloud was taking the shape of a skull, for now the huge, white, gaping mouth was plainly visible. Finally, the head was complete. Then the shoulders began to appear; and on either side, long, black arms. It seemed that what I saw was the entire North American continent, spread out like a map upon a table with this terrible skeleton-formed cloud arising from behind the table. It rose steadily until the form was visible down to the waist. At the waist the skeleton seemed to bend toward the United States, stretching forth a hand toward the east and one toward the west--one toward New York and one toward Seattle. As the awful form stretched forward, I could see that its entire attention seemed to be focused upon the United States, overlooking Canada at least for the time being. As I saw the horrible black cloud in the form of a skeleton bending toward America, bending from the waist over, reaching down toward Chicago and out toward both coasts, I knew its one interest was to destroy the multitudes. As I watched in horror, the great black cloud stopped just above the Great Lakes region and turned its face toward New York City. Then out of the horrible, great gaping mouth began to appear wisps of white vapor which looked like smoke, as a cigarette smoker would blow puffs of smoke from his mouth. These whitish vapors were being blown toward New York City. The smoke began to spread until it had covered all the eastern part of the United States. (Biological Chemtrails) Then the skeleton turned to the west and out of the horrible mouth and nostrils came another great puff of white smoke. This time it was blown in the direction of the West Coast. In a few moments' time the entire West Coast and Los Angeles area were covered with its vapors. Then toward the center came a third great puff. As I watched, St. Louis and Kansas City were enveloped in its white vapors. Then on they came toward New Orleans. Then on they swept until they reached the Statue of Liberty, where she stood staggering drunkenly in the blue waters of the gulf. As the white vapors began to spread around the head of the statue, she took in but one gasping breath and then began to cough as though to rid her lungs of the horrible vapors she had inhaled. One could readily discern by the coughing that those white vapors had seared her lungs. (Biological chemtrails to take our Liberty.) What were these white vapors? Could they signify bacteriological warfare or nerve gas that could destroy multitudes of people in a few moments' time? Then I heard the voice of God as He spoke again: "Behold, the LORD maketh the earth empty and maketh it waste and turneth it upside-down and scattereth abroad the inhabitants thereof. And it shall be, as with the people, so with the priest; as with the servant, so with his master; as with the maid, so with her mistress; as with the buyer, so with the seller; as with the lender, so with the borrower; as with the taker of usury, so with the giver of usury to him. The land shall be utterly emptied and utterly spoiled, for the LORD hath spoken this word. The earth mourneth and fadeth away. The world languisheth and fadeth away. The haughty people of the earth do languish. The earth also is defiled under the inhabitants thereof because they have transgressed the laws, changed the ordinance, broken the everlasting covenant; therefore, hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate; therefore, the inhabitants of the earth are burned and few men left". (Isaiah 24:1-6) As I watched, the coughing grew worse. It sounded like a person about to cough out his lungs. The Statue of Liberty was moaning and groaning. She was in mortal agony. The pain must have been terrific, as again and again she tried to clear her lungs of those horrible white vapors. I watched her there in the gulf as she staggered, clutching her lungs and her breast with her hands. Then she fell to her knees. In a moment, she gave one final cough, made a last desperate effort to rise from her knees, and then fell face forward into the waters of the gulf and lay still as death. Tears ran down my face as I realized that she was dead! Only the lapping of the waves, splashing over her body, which was partly under the water and partly out of the water, broke the stillness. (The death of our Liberty) "A fire devoureth before them, and behind them a flame burneth; the land is as the Garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness, yea, and nothing shall escape them". (Joel 2:3) Suddenly the silence was shattered by the screaming of sirens. The sirens seemed to scream, "RUN FOR YOUR LIVES!" Never before had I heard such shrill, screaming sirens. They seemed to be everywhere--to the north, the south, the east, and the west. There seemed to be multitudes of sirens, and as I looked, I saw people everywhere running, but it seemed none of them ran more than a few paces, and then they fell. And even as I had seen the Statue of Liberty struggling to regain her poise and balance and finally falling for the last time to die on her face, I now saw millions of people falling in the streets, on the sidewalks, struggling. I heard their screams for mercy and help. I heard their horrible coughing as though their lungs had been seared with fire. I heard the moanings and groanings of the doomed and the dying. As I watched, a few finally reached shelters, but only a few ever got to the shelters. Above the moaning and the groaning of the dying multitudes, I heard these words: "A noise shall come even to the ends of the earth, for the Lord hath a controversy with the nations. He will plead with all flesh; he will give them that are wicked to the sword, saith the Lord. Thus saith the Lord of hosts, Behold, evil shall go forth from nation to nation, and a great whirlwind shall be raised up from the coasts of the earth, and the slain of the Lord shall be at that day from one end of the earth even unto the other end of the earth. They shall not be lamented, neither gathered, nor buried; they shall be dung upon the ground". (Jeremiah 25:31-33) Then suddenly I saw from the Atlantic and from the Pacific and out of the Gulf rocket-like objects that seemed to come up like fish leaping out of the water. High into the air they leaped, each headed in a different direction, but everyone toward the United States. On the ground, the sirens screamed louder, and up from the ground I saw similar rockets beginning to ascend. To me, these appeared to be interceptor rockets, although they arose from different points all over the United States; however, none of them seemed to be successful in intercepting the rockets that had risen from the ocean on every side. These rockets finally reached their maximum height, slowly turned over, and fell back toward the earth in defeat. Then suddenly the rockets which had leaped out of the oceans like fish all exploded at once. The explosion was ear-splitting. The next thing which I saw was a huge ball of fire. The only thing I have ever seen which resembled the thing I saw in my vision was the picture of the explosion of the H-bomb somewhere in the South Pacific. In my vision, it was so real that I seemed to feel a searing heat from it. As the vision spread before my eyes and I viewed the widespread desolation brought about by the terrific explosions, I could not help thinking, while the defenders of our nation have quibbled over what means of defense to use and neglected the only true means of defense--faith and dependence upon the true and living God--the thing which she greatly feared has come unto her! How true it has proven in Psalms 127:1: Except the Lord build the house, they labour in vain that build it; except the Lord keep the city, the watchman waketh but in vain. Then as the noise of battle subsided, to my ears came this quotation: "Blow ye the trumpet in Zion and sound an alarm in my holy mountain; let all the inhabitants of the land tremble, for the day of the Lord cometh, for it is nigh at hand. 2. A day of darkness and of gloominess, a day of clouds and of thick darkness, as the morning spread upon the mountains, a great people and a strong, there hath not been ever the like, neither shall be any more after it, even to the years of many generations. 3. A fire devoureth before them, and behind them a flame burneth; the land is as the Garden of Eden before them, and behind them a desolate wilderness, yea, and nothing shall escape them. 4. The appearance of them is as the appearance of horses; and as horsemen, so shall they run. 5. Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array. 6. Before their face the people shall be much pained; all faces shall gather blackness. 7. They shall run like mighty men; they shall climb the wall like men of war, and they shall march every one on his ways, and they shall not break their ranks. 8. Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path; and when they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded. 9. They shall run to and fro in the city; they shall run upon the wall; they shall climb up upon the houses; they shall enter in at the windows like a thief. 10. The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble; the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining. (Joel 2:1-10) Then the voice was still. The earth, too was silent with the silence of death. Then to my ears came another sound--a sound of distant singing. It was the sweetest music I had ever heard. There was joyful shouting and sounds of happy laughter. Immediately I knew it was the rejoicing of the saints of God. I looked, and there, high in the heavens, above the smoke and poisonous gases, above the noise of the battle, I saw a huge mountain. It seemed to be of solid rock, and I knew at once that this was the Mountain of the Lord. The sounds of music and rejoicing were coming from a cleft high up in the side of the rock mountain. It was the saints of God who were doing the rejoicing. It was God's own people who were singing and dancing and shouting with joy, safe from all the harm which had come upon the earth, for they were hidden away in the cleft of the rock. There in the cleft they were shut in, protected by a great, giant hand which reached out of the heavens and which was none other than the hand of God, shutting them in until the storm be overpassed.     Printer-friendly version  

The two-hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence arrives during intense disputes about American history, as the Trump Administration demands a more glorifying view of the nation's past at federally run historical sites and in federally funded projects. The staff writer Jill Lepore (who won the Pulitzer Prize in History this month for her book “We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution”) guest-hosts a special episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour about this fraught moment, reflecting on the responsibility of academic historians to shape the public debate. She compares our moment with the bicentennial—which fell in the wake of the Vietnam War and the scandals of Richard Nixon's Presidency—in a conversation with the Yale historian Beverly Gage. Lepore looks at the nature of the country's war over history with Jelani Cobb, the dean of Columbia Journalism School and a staff writer at The New Yorker. They discuss the Donald Trump-approved “Freedom 250” projection on the Washington Monument, and talk about how Americans can meaningfully participate in the semiquincentennial. If “we're sitting around waiting for the occupant of the White House to tell us what American history means,” Lepore says, “you just kind of want to walk into traffic.” Further reading:  America at 250, a special issue of The New Yorker “Was the Declaration of Independence Better Before the Edits?,” by Jill Lepore “Scandal, Protest, Goofiness, and Grandeur at the U.S. Bicentennial,” by Jill Lepore “Two Hundred and Fifty Years of Complicated Commemorations,” by Jelani Cobb “This Land Is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History,” by Beverly Gage See the Washington Roundtable live at 92NY on June 4th.The Political Scene draws on the reporting and analysis found in The New Yorker for lively conversations about the big questions in American politics. Join the magazine's writers and editors as they put into context the latest news—about elections, the economy, the White House, the Supreme Court, and much more. New episodes are available three times a week.  Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The two-hundred-and-fiftieth anniversary of the Declaration of Independence arrives during intense disputes about American history, as the Trump Administration demands a more glorifying view of the nation's past at federally run historical sites and in federally funded projects. The staff writer Jill Lepore (who won the Pulitzer Prize in History this month for her book “We the People: A History of the U.S. Constitution”) guest-hosts a special episode of The New Yorker Radio Hour about this fraught moment, reflecting on the responsibility of academic historians to shape the public debate. She compares our moment with the bicentennial—which fell in the wake of the Vietnam War and the scandals of Richard Nixon's Presidency—in a conversation with the Yale historian Beverly Gage. Lepore looks at the nature of the country's war over history with Jelani Cobb, the dean of Columbia Journalism School and a staff writer at The New Yorker. They discuss the Donald Trump-approved “Freedom 250” projection on the Washington Monument, and talk about how Americans can meaningfully participate in the semiquincentennial. If “we're sitting around waiting for the occupant of the White House to tell us what American history means,” Lepore says, “you just kind of want to walk into traffic.”  Further reading:  America at 250, a special issue of The New Yorker “Was the Declaration of Independence Better Before the Edits?,” by Jill Lepore “Scandal, Protest, Goofiness, and Grandeur at the U.S. Bicentennial,” by Jill Lepore “Two Hundred and Fifty Years of Complicated Commemorations,” by Jelani Cobb “This Land Is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History,” by Beverly Gage   New episodes of The New Yorker Radio Hour drop every Tuesday and Friday. Join host David Remnick as he discusses the latest in politics, news, and current events in conversation with political leaders, newsmakers, innovators, New Yorker staff writers, authors, actors, and musicians. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Donald Trump er i fuld gang med at forvandle Washington DC, som han har store arkitektoniske visioner for. Han vil etablere en gigantisk, guldornamenteret triumfbue, give Det Hvide Hus en enorm balsal og så skal det legendariske spejlbassin, der forbinder Lincoln Memorial med The Washington Monument, males blåt (og ikke i hvilken som helst farve blå). Vi har tilkaldt en arkitekt for at få en vurdering af byggerierne. Vi vender også Trumps statsbesøg i Kina i denne uge, og historien om en amerikansk borgmester i Californien, der er blevet afsløret som udenlandsk agent. Deltagere: Udlandskorrespondent Stéphanie Surrugue, retskorrespondent Trine Maria Ilsøe, kinakorrespondent Philip Roin og tv-vært og arkitekt Ane Cortzen. Tilrettelæggelse: Lasse Berg Sørensen.

Donald Trump er i fuld gang med at forvandle Washington DC, som han har store arkitektoniske visioner for. Han vil etablere en gigantisk, guldornamenteret triumfbue, give Det Hvide Hus en enorm balsal og så skal det legendariske spejlbassin, der forbinder Lincoln Memorial med The Washington Monument, males blåt (og ikke i hvilken som helst farve blå). Vi har tilkaldt en arkitekt for at få en vurdering af byggerierne. Vi vender også Trumps statsbesøg i Kina i denne uge, og historien om en amerikansk borgmester i Californien, der er blevet afsløret som udenlandsk agent. Deltagere: Udlandskorrespondent Stéphanie Surrugue, retskorrespondent Trine Maria Ilsøe, kinakorrespondent Philip Roin og tv-vært og arkitekt Ane Cortzen. Tilrettelæggelse: Lasse Berg Sørensen.

www.patreon.com/theconspiracypodcastThe FULL Pyramids Compilation (5 EPs in one)The show's 100th episode. What started as a milestone special turned into five full episodes, hours of debate, and one of the most spirited arguments in podcast history. Now it's all in one place.Eric, Sean, and Jorge dive headfirst into the greatest mystery in human history: Who built the Great Pyramids of Giza — and how the hell did they do it?Part 1 — The History: Before the conspiracies, lay the foundation. The Nile River, the Old Kingdom, the pharaohs, and a timeline that puts the Great Pyramid in perspective. It was built before coins, before paper, before the domestication of horses in Africa — and Cleopatra was closer in time to us than to the pyramids.Parts 2 & 3 — Sean's Episodes: Sean comes in swinging with 20 pages of things that don't add up. The Great Pyramid's near-perfect alignment with True North (off by 0.05 degrees — more precise than the Washington Monument). Pi and the Golden Ratio embedded in its dimensions. The Earth's own proportions mirrored in its geometry. Impossible 80-ton granite slabs. Sealed doors discovered by robots. Salt deposits in the Queen's Chamber. And the burning question: if it was just a tomb, where's the body?Part 4 — Eric's Episode: Eric fights back. He makes the case that mankind — skilled, organized, and wildly underestimated — built the pyramids with no alien assistance. He brings evidence: the workers' village, Machu Picchu, the Great Wall of China, the Hoover Dam. His thesis? Human ingenuity has always defied what seems impossible.The Update: Two weeks after Episode 100 aired, news broke of a massive underground complex discovered beneath Giza using satellite radar — interconnected chambers, spiraling shafts, and cylindrical voids stretching nearly two kilometers underground. We had to come back. Everything's on the table again.History, mystery, bad diagrams, and a few things we still can't explain. Buckle up.00:00:00 - Welcome & why we saved the pyramids for Episode 10000:07:00 - "Who built the pyramids and how did they do it?"00:11:00 - The Nile River: ancient Egypt's lifeline00:19:00 - The Step Pyramid & Pharaoh Djoser00:26:00 - Pharaoh Khufu and the Great Pyramid of Giza00:35:00 - Why did they stop building pyramids?00:38:00 - Cleopatra was closer to us than to the pyramids00:46:00 - Were the pyramid workers slaves?01:13:00 - The pyramid's alignment with True North01:25:00 - Over 1,000 pyramids exist around the world01:32:00 - 0.05 degrees off True North — more precise than the Washington Monument01:39:00 - Alignment with Orion and Sirius01:48:00 - Pi appears in the pyramid's dimensions01:55:00 - The Golden Ratio in the pyramid's proportions02:02:00 - The pyramid encodes Earth's exact proportions02:03:00 - The pyramid's coordinates match the speed of light02:11:00 - The King's Chamber: 80-ton granite ceiling slabs02:17:00 - The empty sarcophagus — no body, no explanation02:23:00 - Electromagnetic anomalies inside the King's Chamber03:09:00 - The Queen's Chamber: sealed doors discovered by robot03:25:00 - Tomb or energy generator?03:33:00 - Quartz in the granite walls generating electricity03:41:00 - Could sound and vibration have moved the stone blocks?04:07:00 - The Sphinx: water erosion theory and its true age04:14:00 - Hidden chamber beneath the Sphinx04:35:00 - Were the pyramids built by humans alone?04:55:00 - The Great Wall of China vs. the pyramids05:15:00 - The Coral Castle: one man, no machinery, 1,000 tons of coral05:35:00 - Lost technology: the real reason we can't explain the pyramids?05:56:00 - BREAKING: Underground structure discovered beneath Giza06:00:00 - Satellite radar reveals hidden chambers and spiraling voids06:08:00 - Ancient energy grid theory06:14:00 - "The most significant discovery at Giza in over 50 years"06:24:00 - Final verdicts from all three hosts

Stay connected with us at americangroundradio.com, on Facebook, and Instagram. You're listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for May 6, 2026. We open with a story that perfectly illustrates the logical endpoint of socialist thinking in American cities — a Chicago alderman is calling for criminal charges against Walgreens for closing a store in a high-crime neighborhood. The charge? First degree corporate abandonment. We walk through why this is economically illiterate, morally backwards, and philosophically revealing — because when you criminalize a business for leaving a neighborhood your own policies made unlivable, you have officially crossed from governance into something else entirely. We trace the same pattern from San Francisco to Seattle to Portland, explain why crime causes poverty and not the other way around, and ask the most basic question in economics — if you want businesses to stay, why are you making it impossible for them to survive? In our Top 3 Things You Need to Know, Vivek Ramaswamy won the Ohio Republican gubernatorial primary with 83% of the vote, carrying every single county in the state — after the mainstream media spent months calling him a clown who couldn't win. Then the FBI raided the offices, marijuana dispensaries, and home of Virginia state Senate President Pro Tem Louise Lucas — one of the key architects of Virginia's redistricting effort — with a SWAT team, arresting multiple people. No specific charges were announced, but between the marijuana businesses, the redistricting allegations, and what appears to be a home health company, there may be a lot of smoke and a lot of fire. And in Indiana, five of the seven state senators who defied President Trump on redistricting and voted with Democrats to block new maps were voted out of office in Republican primaries — bringing Trump's primary endorsement record to approximately 95%. Our American Mamas Teri Netterville and Kimberly Burleson tackle the question of how much you actually share with your closest friends — and whether oversharing is a nervous habit, a trust issue, or just the way some people are wired. We get into the viral Barstool video of two former best friends publicly airing each other's secrets in real time, why the person who spills becomes the pariah even when she was wronged, why Teri's advice to her children is to keep secrets between themselves and God, and why the vault of true friendship should never have a combination that changes with the weather. We get Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on the phone for an extended conversation covering some of the most significant legislative accomplishments of the current Congress. Johnson explains why getting all 12 appropriations bills passed in regular order — something that hadn't been done in years — is a bigger deal than most Americans realize, why the Christmas omnibus had become a bipartisan racket that nobody read and everybody funded, and how they're already starting the process again for next fiscal year. He also covers the Farm Bill, the border security and ICE funding reconciliation package that will fund those agencies for the next three years without a single Democratic vote, and the proposed rebranding of ICE to National Immigration Customs Enforcement — so the other side would have to say they want to defund NICE. We also dig into Ilhan Omar's connection to the $250 million Minnesota COVID-era childcare and meal fraud scheme — specifically that a Minnesota House committee gave her office until May 5th to turn over documents and communications related to the nonprofits whose emails her office appears in repeatedly. May 5th passed. She turned over nothing. We also get into the data center construction boom happening across America — and why AOC, Bernie Sanders, and the left are suddenly opposed to building the infrastructure America needs to beat China in the artificial intelligence race. We explain why losing the AI race to China isn't just an economic setback — it's a civilizational one. For our Bright Spot, Max Davis lost his brother Beck to suicide on May 10th, 2023. He started a nonprofit called the Beck Davis Survivors of Loss Foundation and is now running a full marathon — 327 laps around the Washington Monument — to raise money for families dealing with grief. He's calling it the Washington Monument-a-thon, and people who've never met are showing up to run with him. His message to people who are struggling: think about all the people who are really out there and really do care about you. And we close with the life of Ted Turner — who inherited his father's billboard company at 24, parlayed it into radio stations, traded those for a small Atlanta TV station, turned that into the first cable superstation, and then built CNN, the first 24-hour cable news network. Ted Turner passed away today at the age of 87. May your pursuit of happiness bring you joy. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A guy on TikTok has started a petition to buy Spirit Airlines and it's growing popularity. CALLS about how kids feel about Mom. May is the most popular month for breakups. We explain why and discuss. FEEL GOOD FRIDAY...A DC man will run a full marathon around the Washington Monument this Sunday in a powerful tribute to his late brother. CALL...Why Mother's Day can be bittersweet for some people.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on America in the MorningEpstein Suicide Note Released As Lutnick Faces House Hearing A federal judge has released the purported suicide note left behind by Jeffery Epstein.  Jim Roope reports the release comes the same day Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnik is questioned by the House Oversight Committee looking into the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, a closed-door hearing that may have raised more questions than answers.     Trump Talks Iran Deal President Trump said that his administration held what he called “very good talks” with Tehran in the past 24 hours, but both sides are offering contradictory and changing assessments of the state of war and talks of peace.  Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports the U.S. military says it struck an Iranian oil tanker as the US naval blockade of Iranian ports remains in place and issued new threats to Iran, while Iran says the Strait of Hormuz is open, a move which led the price of oil to fall.   DOJ Can Keep Georgia Ballots On Wednesday evening, a court ruled that the Justice Department can keep the 2020 election ballots they seized from Fulton County, Georgia.  Correspondent Jennifer King reports.   Tennessee Manhunt Ends Authorities in Tennessee say a multi-day manhunt is over after they found the body of a highly trained Special Forces veteran who is accused of shooting his wife.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports.   Virginia State Senator Targeted By FBI Federal agents on Wednesday raided the Virginia office of State Senator Louise Lucas, one of Virginia's most powerful Democrat lawmakers.  Lisa Dwyer reports on what the FBI was searching for.   Remembering Ted Turner The media world is remembering the life of the person who created CNN, and once owned baseball's Atlanta Braves.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports on the passing of Ted Turner.   Rubio-Pope Meeting Secretary of State Marco Rubio will be in Italy today where will head to the Vatican and meet with Pope Leo.  Correspondent Tricia Thomas has a preview of a meeting which comes on the heels of an unusual back-and-forth between the Pontiff and President Trump.   Hantavirus Victims Airlifted Hantavirus patients were airlifted from a cruise ship in the Atlantic Ocean and were taken to Amsterdam where they will be quarantined and receive treatment.  Correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports three people so far have died, and Jake Rosmarin, a travel influencer from Boston and passenger on the infected ship, posted a tearful message on social media saying all he wants to do is go home.   Oklahoma Shooting Arrest A teenager is now under arrest in Oklahoma following a mass shooting at a party that left 22 people hurt and one teen dead.  The latest from correspondent Sue Aller. Latest On DC Shooter There are new details in the arrest of a suspect involved in a shooting near the Washington Monument and the White House this week.  Correspondent Lisa Dwyer reports.   Finally   The end is near for one of late night TV's best-known talk show hosts.  Entertainment reporter Kevin Carr has details on the last shows for Stephen Colbert. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Federal Judge Ana Reyes called an emergency hearing in response to news reports that Trump is at a it again, trying to demolish sacred public structures in DC, and on their rubble build idols and monuments to him. Popok reports on how Trump is trying to destroy the historic black golf course in DC which—r the Langston Golf Course— built by Congress in the shadow of the Washington Monument, and replace it with a mega- Trump championship golf course. And you won't believe the “dirty” link between the Ball room destruction and the Golf Course take over either! Qualia Life: Go to QualiaLife.com/legalaf for up to 50% OFF! Visit https://meidasplus.com for more! Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show The Ken Harbaugh Show: https://meidasnews.com/tag/the-ken-harbaugh-show Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: The ceasefire is officially dead — Iran fired on multiple ships in the Strait of Hormuz after Trump said escorting vessels through the strait would be totally chill and Iran said that would be a ceasefire violation, and then Iran fired anyway. The UAE is also reporting missile attacks on a fuel facility and ships off its coast. Trump responded by holding remarks at the White House where he bragged about the economy, called it a "mini war," and mentioned he scored well on a cognitive test — so there's that. In slightly better but don't-get-excited news, the Supreme Court issued a one-week temporary order restoring mail access to mifepristone while they figure out what they actually want to do, which is great for approximately the next seven days. On the redistricting front, House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries is dispatching a congressman to Albany to work on a new New York map, though realistically nothing gets implemented before 2027. There was also a shooting near the Washington Monument shortly after JD Vance's motorcade passed through — Secret Service exchanged gunfire with an armed man, a nearby child was hit and is reportedly okay, and the White House went into lockdown briefly while everyone figured out what was happening. Meanwhile, Trump is apparently offering Senator John Fetterman a financial windfall plus a full endorsement if he switches parties, which Fetterman publicly says is a hard no — though privately, per Politico, he's being a little less emphatic about it. In trial news: Blake Lively and Justin Baldoni settled their lawsuit hours before she walked the Met Gala red carpet, terms undisclosed; UK police are working to bring a suspect in the 2007 Madeleine McCann disappearance to trial, complicated by Germany's extradition laws; and a judge denied Sam Bankman-Fried's request for a new trial, calling his claims baseless, so he's staying in prison for 25 years unless he somehow charms his way into a Trump arrangement. And finally, three people on a cruise ship have died from what WHO believes is a hantavirus infection — the same illness that killed Gene Hackman — with at least three more confirmed cases and five suspected, because apparently we needed one more thing to worry about. Resources/Articles mentioned: NBC News: Trump says U.S. will begin guiding ships through Strait of Hormuz Axios: US, Iran exchange fire in strait as Trump attempts to open shipping lane Axios: Iran ceasefire in peril as UAE says it's under attack WaPo: Supreme Court restores access to abortion pill by mail for now The Hill: Jeffries leads redistricting effort in New York WaPo: Gunfire between Secret Service and armed person briefly locks down White House Politico: Inside the Quiet Republican Effort to Flip Fetterman THR: It Finally Ends: Blake Lively, Justin Baldoni Settle Lawsuit Ahead of Trial Telegraph: Met seeks UK trial for Madeleine McCann suspect ABC News: Judge denies Sam Bankman-Fried new trial after financial fraud conviction WSJ: Health Officials Work to Contain Hantavirus Outbreak on Cruise Ship 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

Congress Adds $1B for Trump's Ballroom! What About the Deficit!?! Secret Service Shoots Gunman Near Wash Monument. Steve Kerr for Governor of California? RIP John Sterling—The Golden Pipes.  Trump told Congress the war in Iran was terminated. Days later, U.S. forces are still being attacked, gas is averaging $4.48 a gallon, the trade deficit just hit $60.3 billion, and Senate Republicans quietly slipped $1 billion for a White House ballroom into an immigration bill. In episode 513 of Independent Americans, Paul Rieckhoff delivers a quick-blast solo briefing on the gap between what Trump says and what's actually happening on the ground — from the so-called Iran ceasefire, to a forever war now spanning eight countries, to a Secret Service shootout at the Washington Monument that barely registered as news. From there, it's a quick turn to the politics and the people who could actually break the rigged two-party stranglehold. He breaks down California's crowded, deeply unpopular gubernatorial field and floats a serious idea: Steve Kerr — Hall of Fame coach, voice of reason on guns, Iran, and ICE — running as an independent. And we pour one out for legendary Yankees announcer John Sterling. May his memory be a blessing and a reminder that hope is still the oxygen of our democracy.  -WATCH full video of this episode here. -Join IVA and stand up to Trump's Forever Wars. -Learn more about Paul's work to elect a new generation of independent leaders with Independent Veterans of America. -Learn more about American Veterans for Ukraine here. -Remember Independent is an Attitude. -Learn more about The Headstrong Project for Veterans, Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors (TAPS), and Department of Veterans Affairs resources in your area. Seeking support is not a sign of weakness. It's a show of strength. If you or a loved one are in immediate crisis, dial 988 and press 1, or text 838255. Connect with Independent Americans: Subscribe on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all podcast platforms Read more at Substack Support ad-free episodes at Patreon  Connect: Instagram  • X/Twitter • BlueSky • Facebook  Follow on social: @PaulRieckhoff on X, Instagram, Threads, and Bluesky -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch now in time for the new year.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media.  And now part of the BLEAV network!  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

(May 05, 2026) Amy King and Neil Saavedra join Bill for Handel on the News. US attempt to open Strait of Hormuz tests ceasefire with Iran. CNN’s California governor debate tonight. Justices Jackson and Alito spar over Supreme Court decision to expedite Louisiana redistricting ruling. Secret Service shoots and wounds armed man near Washington Monument.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

David Waldman, on his way out of Santa Fe, knew that he shouldn't have taken that left turn at Albuquerque and has ended up driving along the Champs-Élysées chased by a local chef. While he waits for his GPS to recalculate, David thought he would record a few stories that we might enjoy. The gunshot victim found in the trunk of a carduring a traffic stop in San Marino isn't quite dead yet. Neither is Rudy Guiliani. The guy shot by the Washington Monument is doing comparatively well, as is the child bystander. The US economy, however, is at death's door, pulling Jerome Powell out of retirementbefore he could even get into it. Donald K. Trump proclaims that war is over! Pete Hegseth announces that the ceasefire is holding! The bombs that drop and the boats that sink from this moment on are a brand-new war that we are now fighting againstthose despicable Hormuzians who should not be confused with any other local deplorables. The newspaper in David's hotel lobby confirms what we've all suspected: Trump is crazy. He will always be crazy. He is getting crazier. We are all going crazy with him. Meanwhile, we have Rosalyn MacGregorbreaking the news to us that some Dems don't mind going low against one another in a primary. Candidate Joanna Whaleyunfortunately, has heard it all before.

HAPPY CINCO DEPORTO! Let's not forget about mass deportations! An illegal alien was arrested for stabbing 2 women on Long Island, NY. An illegal alien was arrested after 14 years for fleeing a crash that killed a teen. The US sank 7 Iranian ships that were harassing tankers in the Strait of Hormuz. A Democrat Alderman in Chicago wants to charge Walgreens with a crime for closing a location over theft. The WH was briefly placed on lockdown following a shooting near the Washington Monument. A Judge apologized to the WHCD attacker over his "treatment" in jail.    Join UNGOVERNED on LFA TV every MONDAY - FRIDAY from 10am to 11am EASTERN!    www.FarashMedia.com www.LFATV.us www.OFPFarms.com www.SLNT.com/SHAWN www.CovePure.com/SHAWN  

Plus: Hantavirus "cluster" on cruise ship, Iran war update, gunfire near the Washington Monument, the 2026 Census begins, and it's time for Canada's architecture to better reflect our values. We love feedback at The Big Story, as well as suggestions for future episodes. You can find us: Through email at hello@thebigstorypodcast.ca  Or @thebigstory.bsky.social on Bluesky

AP correspondent Ben Thomas reports law enforcement officers shot an armed man near the Washington Monument Monday.

Today on America in the MorningMultiple States Plan Redistricting Last week's landmark decision from the Supreme Court prompted several - mostly southern, states to get to work on redrawing their congressional maps.  This comes as the Supreme Court cleared the way for Louisiana to redraw their districts on Monday.  Joan Jones reports that the Tennessee state legislature has been called back to a special session, and the governors of New York and Illinois are weighing their redistricting options   Shooting Near The White House The White House was briefly placed on lockdown on Monday afternoon after a law enforcement officer shot a person with a gun on the National Mall near the Washington Monument.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports.   SCOTUS Temporarily OK's Abortion Pills By Mail The US Supreme Court has for now cleared the way for women to get access to an abortion pill by mail, putting the brakes on a lower court ruling.  Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports.   Jail Conditions Questioned Questions are being raised after a judge was troubled by the treatment in jail of the accused White House Correspondents Dinner gunman.  Correspondent Ed Donahue reports.  WKRP Returns For Real A fictitious Ohio radio station that was a hit TV show in the 1970's has now come to life.  Correspondent Julie Walker reports a real WKRP radio station is now living on the air in Cincinnati, decades after the sitcom that made those call letters famous.   Latest In The Middle East The already fragile ceasefire between the United States and Iran is being threatened after a missile and drone barrage by Iran against the United Arab Emirates was thwarted, and the US sank a number of small Iranian speedboats that were attacking ships in the Strait of Hormuz.  Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports that Iran claimed to target US ships, a claim refuted by the American military and by President Trump who threatened a strong response if attacks continued.   Oklahoma Mass Shooting Police are searching for suspects in a weekend shooting that left more than a dozen people injured at an Oklahoma campground.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports that two men wearing ski masks opened fire on a crowd at a party.    Cruise Ship Deaths As many as 150 people are trapped on a small cruise ship that traveled to Antarctica after three people died and others have fallen ill from a suspected outbreak of hantavirus.  Correspondent Karen Chammas reports the ship was scheduled to go to Cape Verde, but due to the danger of the virus they were refused to dock, with passengers from 23 countries including 17 Americans.   Alleged Cornell Car Ramming The president of an Ivy League school has been accused of hitting two students with his car.  However, as Sue Aller reports, the Cornell University president says his car was blocked by two anti-Israel protesters and says he's the victim of harassment. Newark Plane Accident The National Transportation Safety Board and the FAA are looking into how the landing gear tires of a jumbo jet arriving at Newark International Airport in New Jersey somehow clipped a highway light pole and a delivery truck before touching down.  Correspondent Mike Hempen reports. Ceasefire of Sorts Russia's Defense Ministry declared a unilateral ceasefire in Ukraine for Friday and Saturday to mark the 81st anniversary of the defeat of Nazi Germany in World War II, but it threatened to strike back at Kyiv if it tries to disrupt the Victory Day festivities.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sometimes leadership is modeled in small ways — like leaving work at 4 p.m. and meaning it. Not because the job's done — but because you're showing your team that life outside of work matters too. SUMMARY In this Long Blue Leadership podcast, Mark Michalek '99, human capital director for the FBI, shares leadership tips for more resilient teams.   SHARE THIS EPISODE LINKEDIN  |  FACEBOOK   MARK'S TOP LEADERSHIP TAKEAWAYS 1. Transforming trauma into purpose Turning childhood loss and adversity into a lifelong calling in public safety, service and leadership 2. Post-traumatic growth vs. post-traumatic stress Reframing exposure to trauma as a potential catalyst for growth, resilience and deeper empathy in leaders 3. Whole-person leadership Leading people as complete humans — on duty, off duty, past and present — rather than just as job roles 4. Mental fitness as performance, not weakness Positioning counseling, wellness and psychological support as tools to optimize performance, not signs of failure 5. Modeling the behavior you want to see Leaders leaving at 4 p.m. for family, openly seeing counselors and visibly prioritizing health to give others “permission” to do the same 6. Leading in high-consequence environments Staying the “steady hand to land the plane” during crises like mass casualty events, while empowering experts on the ground 7. From doing the work to leading the work Shifting from frontline case work (violent crime agent) to enterprise-level leadership that shapes culture and systems 8. The power of networks and extended family in uniform Leveraging the Long Blue Line and law enforcement community as a lifelong support, mentorship and resilience network 9. Discipline, recovery and sustainable performance Rest, running and intentional unplugging as essential leadership disciplines — not optional extras 10. Long-view leadership and legacy Seeing careers (military, FBI) as chapters, focusing on integrity, service and excellence, and building organizations your kids would proudly join   CHAPTERS 00:00:00 – Welcome & Introduction 00:00:30 – Early Life and Father's Suicide 00:02:00 – Finding an Extended Family in Law Enforcement 00:03:00 – Civil Air Patrol, Flying and the Path to USAFA 00:04:15 – Cadet Years, Setbacks and First Responder Leadership 00:07:25 – Choosing Security Forces and First Leadership in Nuclear Convoys 00:09:45 – From Military to FBI: Mental Fitness and Post-Traumatic Growth 00:15:15 – Balancing Family, Leadership Loneliness and Modeling Self-Care 00:19:15 – Leading Through Crisis: Inside the Boulder Attack Response 00:27:30 – Lessons, Legacy and Advice for Future Leaders   ABOUT MARK BIO Mark Michalek is a senior leader in the Federal Bureau of Investigation, currently serving as human capital director, a role to which he was appointed by Pam Bondi, former U.S. attorney general. In this capacity, Michalek leads enterprise policy and strategy for human resources, security, internal affairs, compliance and training across the Bureau's 38,000-person global workforce. A 1999 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Michalek previously served as special agent in charge of the FBI's Denver field office, where he oversaw operations throughout Colorado and Wyoming. He is the highest-ranking FBI special agent who is also a military veteran.   CONNECT WITH MARK LINKEDIN   CONNECT WITH THE LONG BLUE LINE PODCAST NETWORK TEAM Ted Robertson | Producer and Editor:  Ted.Robertson@USAFA.org Send your feedback or nominate a guest: socialmedia@usafa.org   Ryan Hall | Director:  Ryan.Hall@USAFA.org  Bryan Grossman | Copy Editor:  Bryan.Grossman@USAFA.org Wyatt Hornsby | Executive Producer:  Wyatt.Hornsby@USAFA.org     ALL PAST LBL EPISODES  |  ALL LBLPN PRODUCTIONS AVAILABLE AT USAFA.ORG/LONGBLUELEADERSHIP AND ON ALL MAJOR PODCAST PLATFORMS FULL TRANSCRIPT SPEAKERS Guest, Mark Machalek '99  |  Host, Lt. Col. (ret.) Naviere Walkewicz '99   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  00:11 Well, Mark, welcome to Long Blue Leadership. This is truly an honor, as your classmate, Class of '99. We go back, gosh, 30 years.   Mark Michalek  0:18 It is so exciting to see you again and to be here at USAFA; to have this conversation is just priceless. So thank you.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  00:27 Who knew we'd be doing this this many years?   Mark Michalek  00:28 That's right.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  00:31 Many may not know you've been in security forces as an active-duty officer, you went into the FBI, and you've really been in this public safety kind of realm. But we're going to dive in with, I think, a moment in time that really shaped you, and just in something I learned about you just recently. So you're 5 years old, and you shared with me that your dad actually, he took his life — death by suicide, right? And it shaped you in a way, when you're thinking about your role in public safety. Do you mind kind of sharing that with us?   Mark Michalek  01:00 When I was 5 years old, my dad died by suicide, and I was an only child, and he was my absolute hero. He was a local police officer, so my earliest memories of childhood were wearing his uniform and seeing the squad car and being around officers. And I think that really solidified my future in public safety.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  01:26 Your hero, something that you were exposed to. Tell me, as a 5-year-old, what did that start to look like? Where did you see that show up in, you know, in school, in your sports, like, just in the way you lived? How did, how did you navigate that?   Mark Michalek  01:40 So quickly I had an extended family. As I went to the playground and were around town, squad cars would show up,and police officers would come by and, you know, give me a pop or come in and check with me and see how I was doing and see how my mom was doing. And that really laid a foundation for me of a sense of an extended family of the police department being more than just a job in the balance of that. That sense of camaraderie and togetherness with the mission, I think, really shaped my childhood. I became very, very active. And I don't know if that was by design or divine intervention, or what, but it was kind of, you know, the object in motion stays in motion. I was on the run, literally on the run. Loved to run long distance. I quickly got into Civil Air Patrol as soon as I was old enough to do so, and got exposed to the Air Force that way. I got my private pilot's license at 17, I soloed before I got my driver's license and was destined to come to the Academy.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  02:48 Wow. I mean, you were accomplishing so much so quickly. Were you always like that was, did you see others in your life like that? Was your dad that way?   Mark Michalek  02:59 It's interesting in retrospect, to see if that was inherited or that was kind of a response to the trauma. I kind of think it was a response. I'm the only person in my family to have moved outside of Flint, Michigan. So folks were very stable and stayed where they were, but I was just constantly moving. You know. As we're talking, I remember I was the youngest Red Cross CPR instructor for the county at 15. I formed a K-9 search-and-rescue unit for police departments to train dogs to help find missing people. And I guess that was just a response to what had happened, and it really planted a seed in me that life is short, and I've had this drive to just leave it all on the field, to keep moving forward, to do more and more, to be able to, you know, focus on public safety and to protect people.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  03:54 So you showed up at USAFA. You knew — you went to Civil Air Patrol and USAFA was in your sights. I remember you as a cadet, and you're always a go-getter as well. Let's talk about a little bit your cadet years, and maybe some of where you saw that evolution of yourself as a leader, but also maybe how it showed up through, you know, go-getting and continually pushing that.   Mark Michalek  04:16 My first setback was I wasn't initially accepted. I got a Falcon Foundation scholarship. And it was really a fork-in-the-road decision — “Do you kind of take a year off and go this route and reapply, or do you go another route?” I ended up going, obviously the Falcon Foundation route. Went to Marion Military Institute, and I'm so glad I did, because it set me up to be a cadet and to be in the same class as you. You know, that cadet experience is just such a sensory overload. I wasn't an athlete. I joke that my athletics were just kind of graduating, like I just needed to focus on academics and surviving the day. But then I started to see some kind of opportunities to give back. And I kind of see these themes throughout my life. Myself and two of our classmates formed the cadet first responder team back in '97, I think. And that was really just, again, interest in public safety and a recognition that we needed some more kind of support for cadet-related activities. You know, 24/7 we've got the fire department and EMS here, but to understand the cadet experience and to be able to help out. So my sponsor was a paramedic in Colorado Springs, and a lot of ride time with him.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  05:37 That kind of worked out really well.   Mark Michalek  05:39 Again, divine intervention. And so we formed this team. We got our EMT certification on nights, and we're able to help out, and, you know, provide practical experience. If you remember that Class of 2001 was absolutely decimated during Recognition. Remember, we had to have a timeout. There was — we had to have a time to say, “Look, like, we got to, you know, we got to rein this in,” and so we were able to provide a lot of support there. But as I progressed in the Academy, you know, public safety, protecting people, continued to resonate with me, and was one of the reasons I chose behavioral science as a as a track, partly…   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  06:19 Not because you didn't love math?   Mark Michalek  06:21 Partly because I probably wouldn't have graduated.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  06:24 I was right here — social sciences too.   Mark Michalek  06:28 Yeah, you know, you got to go where you're strong, right? But I knew that regardless, we'd be working with people. And then to tie it back to my dad to understand why somebody with a family would take their own life was still something that I was struggling with, and so that really led me to a psychology track. But this drumbeat of public safety really continued to resonate with me, and it's really the main reason that I chose security forces as a career field. I mean, I was medically qualified to fly. Already had a private pilot's license.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  06:59 Right. That was actually what I was gonna ask you, because you had that.   Mark Michalek  07:03 Partly because although I have my license, I get horrifically air sick, which is a weird dynamic.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  07:11 And yet you kept pushing yourself. Amazing.   Mark Michalek  07:12 Yeah. So if I'm flying, I don't get sick, but if I'm a passenger, then I get sick. So I didn't want that as a career choice for me, but I wanted to lead people where they were. I wanted to lead on the ground in the public safety space, and so that's why I chose security forces.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  07:28 So let's talk about that a little bit. You know, as a security forces officer, you saw many things. I'm certain of it. But was there a moment when you actually had a leadership kind of moment for yourself that you grew — different from when you're a cadet — but in the moment leading some security forces, men and women, was there a moment that you grew that way?   Mark Michalek  07:49 Yeah, I think right out of the gate, because as soon as you're a second lieutenant in security forces, you are leading airmen. So my first assignment was at F.E. Warren as a nuclear weapon convoy commander — a team of 40 airmen. So there's no diffusion responsibility, there's nowhere to hide. Like, you are it. And that was the first practical application of leadership for me. Theoretically, and you know, within the Cadet Wing, you're kind of in this microcosm to test some things out and develop who you're going to be as a leader. But once you hit the ground, like, that is it. And to be able to motivate, inspire a team of people in a mission to protect nuclear weapons when there hasn't been a direct attack in our history is difficult, but now I look back as a 23-year-old lieutenant running a nuclear weapon convoy with the world's most important weapon on the open highways is an incredible responsibility. But that's really, I think, where the rubber meets the road, where you start to see what leadership looks like for you. It's not the same for everybody, right? You take bits and pieces of people and in theories and apply really what the moment requires. And in security forces, you really start to see the value of the senior noncommissioned officers, and although you have the authority, they have the reputation and the ability to deliver and so it's more art than science. And so I learned that very quick, right out of the gate.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  09:12 That makes a lot of sense. And something that you said, I think, is really important. You know that that human piece of it, when I think about the pace in which security forces and a lot of our law enforcement roles live in. My question for you might be, how did you help those handle kind of challenging moments or stress, right? You kind of go towards, “Give me more,” take on more, stay busy. Not everyone is wired the same. So did you have airmen that struggled in how they dealt with, you know, things, trauma, etc., and how did you coach or lead them through that?   Mark Michalek  09:45 Back then, there really wasn't a lot of support. There really wasn't a recognition. There was still a stigma, both in the military and law enforcement, of “I can't disclose that I'm having a problem. You're going to take my secure clearance, you know, you're going to take my weapon, I'm going to lose my job, I'm going to be embarrassed.” And so at that time, there really wasn't a safety net or an openness to discuss it, so you kind of just dealt with it. So it was more of telegraphing as a leader of what your values were, in hopes that people would kind of, you know, reach out if they needed help. In my time in the FBI, I was able to influence decisions and policies, to be able to be more accommodating, to kind of focus on the whole person and look at our individual followers as a function of performance, as opposed to, you know, you're my responsibility when you're in uniform from 9 to 5 and then you're off duty. You know, life is not my concern as a leader.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  10:47 You know there are times when you're leading folks and you might have the authority to do some things. Did you start to implement some of those programs or support resources, etc., as an agent, or when you were at a higher-level authority?   Mark Michalek  11:00 In FBI, it was at a higher level. So, you know, one of the reasons I left the Air Force after six years, it was a tough decision. And it wasn't running away from something, it was running towards something. And I recognized, you know, when we were company-grade officers, the trajectory is kind of baked in. You will continue to promote, but you will lead people. I wanted to do the work. I didn't want to just lead the people doing the work. I wanted to do the work for myself, and that was one of the reasons I joined the FBI. But going through as a case agent for 13 years on a violent crime squad and being exposed to some of the different things that my dad was exposed to, that others were exposed to, it really laid a foundation as I pursued leadership to be able to have greater influence as I moved up the organization, to set that culture towards mental fitness and resilience and really as a function of optimizing performance.   Naviere Walkewicz  11:55 Can you talk about that a little bit more? Tell me what you mean by mental fitness and resilience.   Mark Michalek  12:00 So, you know, law enforcement and military both, over the past 20 years, have made significant progress in kind of chipping away at that stigma. We're not where we need to be yet, but we're making really, really good progress. I equate our work to that of an Olympic athlete. It's not just running the race. Olympic athletes are obsessed with their craft, whether it is nutrition, sleep, mental imagery, you know, different types of runs to test different types of muscles and stamina and endurance, but they look at the whole person. So too should we in law enforcement and in the military. So as I got into leadership positions, you kind of block and tackle for your people and let them run, and you set the trajectory of your unit, your squad, your team, your division, your organization, on how they move forward. And so I really push that whole-person concept, that you are a whole person, not just your 9-to-5, but your off duty, your on duty, your past, your present, and all of that needs to be optimized for you to perform the mission. I was very fortunate at our entry level senior executive service position to be at our headquarters and be responsible for — it's called our employee health and performance section, but the clinical staff at the FBI, the psychologists, psychiatrists, doctors, nurses, social workers, to be able to drive that culture and to move from post-traumatic stress to post-traumatic growth. And I needed to experience that as an agent. I needed to be on mass casualty scenes. I needed to be engaged with victims of crime to understand what that looked like, what that felt like, to project what my dad had experienced, but to recognize as humans, we are not wired to see what we are requiring our people to see and do time and time again, and we just require them to go out, to go out, to go out — instead, to provide mental health counseling, which in the FBI, we do, not only for the employee, but for their spouse, which I think is very important, and kids, for that matter, to be able to recognize that, yeah, like, you're not super human. It's OK to not be OK. You're not going to lose your clearance and your gun. People that lose their clearance do so because they compensate in maladaptive ways, whether that's drugs or alcohol or anything like that. And so that's been rewarding to drive that culture, to push the creation of employee assistance, counselors, these are mental health practitioners, chaplains, peers, just to be able to let that culture permeate, and to be able to demonstrate from the top, I'm very open about my dad and how that has shaped my life, to be able to telegraph that, you know, post-traumatic growth is possible, and there are a variety of resources out there now. And there's science and research, and there's just a recognition that the way that we are wired, you can't just keep going 100 miles an hour. You've got to go back to being that Olympic athlete and have a rest in a work and schedule and to be able to push yourself and to relax and just think holistically.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  15:16 The term itself post-traumatic growth is one that I'm not familiar with. But when you explain it that way, it's very clear. And my question to you might be, how have you for yourself, personally — you know, you're a husband, you're a father, you know, you have seen things, and then you go home and while you do have counseling for family members and for yourselves as well, what does that look like, this post-traumatic growth, when you go home personally.   Mark Michalek  15:45 You know, it's really tough to practice what you preach. We're really good about setting a vision for an organization as leaders and taking care of other people, but not taking care of ourselves. And what really flipped the switch for me was reframing the perspective on telegraphing for others to create the permission structure that it's OK, and when they see you do that, then they know it's OK. So for example, in FBI culture, same for the military, like if the boss is in the office, you've got to stay there, or you've got to be there till 5 o'clock. That's fine if you have work to do, but what sense does it make to sit there just because you know your boss is there? So one of the things that I did as I approached senior leadership was I left every day at 4 o'clock, and I made sure they saw me leave. And it's not — I'm going out to go play golf or whatever, but I am going back to be with my family. And in all the assignments I've had — I've moved several times in the FBI — I've made it a point to be home for dinner, and that is the stability for the family, for my girls, for me, and we'll have our dinner and put the kids to bed, and I'll get back and do more work, but being able to telegraph that, you know — I was the special agent in charge of our Denver field office — and as you move into the senior ranks, it's an incredibly lonely job. When you are at the top, there's no way you can talk to you can't gripe to people below you, you know, you've got to have a strong peer network, and you've got to put on the oxygen mask first to be able to help others, and that takes consistent kind of messaging. It takes some consistent actions to be able to show we're putting our money where our mouth is, and then engaging with employee assistance counselors. I talked regularly with ours, and I wanted people to see that, yeah, it's confidential, and there's no shame in that. You would have no problem putting on your squad calendar that you're going to a dentist appointment at 10 o'clock tomorrow. We want to get to a point where that's all “I'm going to go talk to the counselor.”   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  17:49 Have you seen the benefits of that, since the agency has made some of these changes?   Mark Michalek  17:55 I have, you know, over the past 20 years, the scale, speed and scope of critical incidents is just unimaginable. It's now commonplace for mass shootings. You know, when we were here at the Air Force Academy — Columbine —   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  17:49 I was just thinking that when you brought that up.   Mark Michalek  17:55   And now it's almost every single week. The FBI is very similar to the military in that we are mission focused. You know, our job is to protect the American people and uphold the Constitution and the threat spectrum has exponentially changed. We have to deliver again. There is nowhere to hide. There's no diffusion of responsibility. When I was the special agent in charge for the Denver field office, we were the FBI for Colorado and Wyoming, and whatever happened, we had to deliver. And so we're not afforded the luxury to not respond. And it takes principled decision making in the development of culture to practice and plan and prepare and create that permission structure, because you know what's going to happen, and when it happens, it hits hard, and we've got to deliver. We have to be mission focused and get the job done, but we have to take care of ourselves on the back end, and that takes purposeful decision making by leaders to carve out that time and say, “Nope, we're going to take a timeout.”   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  19:19 Well, let's talk a little bit about that actual example, but let's talk about the Boulder attack. And you know, what was your role and approach as the leader, you know, in that lonely role as a leader, but to really kind of navigate that. Can you talk about that with us?   Mark Michalek  19:37 Unfortunately, the Denver Field Office has had their fair share of critical instances to respond to. So we've got our reps in over the course of time, but that performance just doesn't happen overnight. It takes a lot of work in policy development, in exercises, in pressure testing assumptions to be able to deliver when the moment requires it. The Boulder attack happened on June 1, on a Sunday. And so many things happen at one time. You know, our society has changed where, you know, it's a 24/7, news cycle, and things are happening in real time. You no longer have the built-in delays, because you've got to get to a phone to make a call, and so this is happening, unfolding in front of you in real time, and there's so many things you're responsible for as the leader. I think when it comes to times of crisis, people want stability. They want reassurances. They want a steady hand to land the plane. And that's what my focus was on, that although I have the same emotions, anxiety, stress that is happening, we need to be the steady hand to land the plane. We focused the culture in Denver on direct community impact and supporting partners. I think there's a misperception with the FBI that we have to be the lead. And you know, when the feds come in, they take it over, and, you know, here we go. But that's not the case. We can prop up local law enforcement and to provide the forensic, technical, analytic, tactical, behavioral expertise that they may not have or may be overwhelmed due to the size of the incident. And thankfully, we have a strong relationship with the Boulder Police Department. And so the chief called me personally as he was, I could hear the siren in the background as he was rolling to the scene. So we have plans in place, just like the military when there's a crisis and you send that flare up, and you execute the crisis-management plan, and you work in real time. Everything's moving at 100 miles an hour. Being the leader in that situation, you are getting torn in multiple directions. So you have your employees responding to the scene. You have local law enforcement. You have elected leaders here in Colorado, they want to know what's happening. You have elected leaders in D.C. that want to know what's happening to the point where my phone broke. So many phone calls at once, like, it was fried. And so again, like focusing on — I've got to be the steady drumbeat. I've got to be measured here, to telegraph that we've got this, but also a trust and confidence that your people do have it and to get out of the way. They're the experts. I'll block and tackle for them and let them run, and I telegraphed that in our culture, and let them run, and they did phenomenal. And I focused on what my responsibility was on, was not on being at the scene and seeing what's going on in that, it was engaging with executive leaders to be able to understand what we have, what resources we need, and to be able to deliver now at that time. Given the context of what was happening overseas, we knew this would be an international — of international interest immediately, so it could either go very well and controlled, or it could be absolutely horrible. And so that's another layer of pressure. And when you go back to the fundamentals at the Air Force Academy, of when it matters most, that you buckle your chinstrap on the helmet, and you just get to it, and you immediately go into that mode and distance your emotions and thoughts and anxieties, and put those to the side and focus on the mission at hand. And we knew when we were giving statements in the press that it would be carried internationally, so a different layer of stress as a leader. You know, we had simultaneous operations. We had the scene — the subject had a makeshift flamethrower and threw Molotov cocktails. There was about 15 victims at the time that were transported. Luckily, he was arrested by a Boulder police officer on the scene. But we also had activity in Colorado Springs, where his house was. So generate search warrants and everything for that, and then a mobile command post to assist Boulder PD. But nowadays, you know, we're running leads all over the world, because what we don't know at the macro level is, is this a distraction? Is there another attack happening? Is this part of a pattern that we've got to figure out in very short order?   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  24:20 I'm curious, because I remember the reason why you left active duty, or you transitioned from active duty to the FBI, because you wanted to be in the things doing, the things you find yourself now in, positions where you're leading. How have you grown as a leader yourself? What have you learned about yourself in this? Not being able to be the one doing, but like you said, blocking and tackling? Like, how have you grown yourself?   Mark Michalek  24:42 So I was a violent crime agent when I first graduated from Quantico, and I did that for about 12 years, and it was all about impact for me. So I worked bank robbery and armored car robbery scenes. And I remember this. I remember these scenes as we're talking, but I — you go to a chaotic scene like that, with yellow tape and local law enforcement there, and people crying and physical evidence and blood on the ground, and people are looking for somebody to take control. And I remember walking out of my car with that gun and badge on my hip, and you could feel it. “Here comes the FBI.” OK, they've got this and to be able to turn order into chaos, or chaos into order, and create, you know, develop evidence, make a case, prosecute it, provide that sense of closure for victims. That was the juice for me, in that direct community impact. But then I started to feel the calling of leadership from the military, and I started to see that as you move up the ranks, you're able to make more and more impact with a greater group of people. And that became the juice for me. And so in the FBI, it's not as linear as the military, where you, you know, you just move up here, you can kind of go up and down or sideways. But that really motivated me to be able to give back that public safety kind of motivation in larger and larger groups of people. And often when it comes to leadership, whether you're in the military or the FBI, there's kind of this imposter syndrome of like, “Do I really have this?” But you look back and say, “Look at all the things I've been doing, look at all the experiences I've had, all the different places I've led all over the world, and it's turned out just fine. I've got this.” And to move up and up the ranks and to make decisions and lead larger and larger groups of people and learn from those decisions — that was my spark. And then at that point, I just continued down the pipeline. I'm at a point now where I'm operating and leading at the enterprise level, which is impactful, stressful, humbling and rewarding, but that special agent in charge position, that was the ideal position, because you're directly connected with the people. We've got about 500 employees between the two states, and are ingrained in the community to be able just to help more and more people.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  27:09 So you're driven a bit by adrenaline. We've talked about this. I'm curious what's next? I mean, you're at the enterprise level. Do you stay here? How do you continue to fill your sense of impact that your leading or making a difference for when you've kind of continued to really, you know, rise in that way?   Mark Michalek  27:29 At the enterprise level, it's a different perspective of leadership — you're obviously leading through several layers of leaders. So you know what you know with the company grade or the supervisory special agent level, you kind of keep the train on the tracks and keep the trains running on time. The enterprise perspective, then you're laying down enough track for that train to keep moving forward. And so it takes a little bit of a shift. I'm enjoying my time right now. It's really impactful to see the subtle things. Change culture, people reaching out when they need help, direct community impact. Where you weren't directly involved in that, but you laid a foundation for that to grow. You know, that said, like, there's only one FBI director, so there's really no other opportunities. It's just continuing to give back at this level, but whether it's military or FBI, it's, you know, the similarities are leading in high-consequence environments where the stakes are high and the margin for error is small, and I think there's opportunities for that to continue to lead in those environments outside of government as well.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  28:50 So I think about some of the things you shared about, you know, why you've made certain decisions and leading through different levels. I'm curious about how leadership has shown up in your house as a dad and as a husband, thinking about what you experience with your dad, how do you navigate that in your home life?   Mark Michalek  29:09 You know, it's interesting as you grow older and you gain experience and maturity and in a world view, and you really start to see the forest through the trees, and leadership manifests in different ways, but as you get married and have kids, then you start to appreciate what your employees are experiencing, stresses and joys as well. It forces you to be disciplined and to focus on what your priorities are. And it's tough when you're in a high-consequence environment to say, “Yep, families first — can't do that.” Well, there's a mass shooting, like, you're going to have to go. So there has to be a little bit of flexibility. But all things equal, focusing on the family is really the sunlight, you know that helps us grow, and it shifts your mind towards giving back. Like, in preparing the future generations, which just happened in the blink of an eye for us— as I'm driving in, we go past the buff where we were commissioned. I'm like, my god, 27 years have passed. So now the focus shifts on providing for the family and thinking, “What kind of world do I want my girls to live in?” And it equates to the FBI, because I want the FBI to be an organization that agents and analysts and professional support staff folks not only serve for 20 years, but that my daughters want to join, and they want to do 20 years. So a pendulum shift more towards not just delivering results for today, but continuing to grow on what the future looks like.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  30:43 Pulling that a little bit further, what do you hope that your girls see in you as a leader? You know, the way that your dad was your hero and you looked up to him? What do you what are you hoping your girls see in you the traits?   Mark Michalek  30:56 You know, it's funny. They're 9 now, so I think they could care less.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  31:01 Maybe what they don't want to see you doing.   Mark Michalek  31:02 I'm just kidding. But, you know, in the future, I want them to be able to see the value of integrity, of service and of excellence, in this recognition that life is so precious and short, and I want them to leave it all on the field. And you know when their day comes to be able to say, “You know what I did, I lived a full life. I was supported, loved…” You know, whatever it is they want to get into, it doesn't have to be law enforcement or anything like — I just want them to excel and enjoy themselves, but just recognize how phenomenal life is and how short it is, and you just got to find your spark and just go for it.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  31:50 That's amazing. And I think about your comment earlier about we're really good at helping others know what they should be doing, but maybe not the best at taking our own advice. How are you doing that and taking care of yourself today?   Mark Michalek  32:01 So for me, it's running. Everybody's got something that they need to unplug, decompress from my time, from high school through the Academy, military and now it's running. It gets a little slower as we get older.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  32:17 Note to self, do not plan to go running with Mark. Got it.   Mark Michalek  32:21 But it just — everybody needs time to unplug and take off all the masks. FBI agent, Air Force member, husband, parent, friend. You just need to take the mask off and you just need to breathe. And that's what does it for me, being outside and breathing. And one of my assignments was in our San Diego field office, which was spectacular. But being in water was another area that I really found energized me and, you know, and made me whole. But, yeah, running is what does it now. And I make it a point that no matter how busy I am, I've got to run at least once a week.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  33:05 OK, what's your distance that you're running to give yourself this time to unplug in?   Mark Michalek  33:09 Now, not fast. Now, this isn't a sprint; it's more of a marathon, but I haven't done any marathons. That's a little too much for me. I'm in the in the 5- to 8-mile range. That seems to be the sweet spot. And then here in Colorado, it's being out in nature, but in D.C., to be able to run the monuments every single time — and I've done it hundreds of times — but every time you go past those monuments, and you put your hand on the Washington Monument, or you go up to the Lincoln Memorial, and you stand where Dr. Martin Luther King stood and you see that perspective, I just get this sense of history and appreciate the decisions that were made and the consequential events that happened over time in the stability of institutions, in that you know leaders way above us stood the test of time, were resilient and were able to navigate unthinkable challenges, then so too should we, and I find a sense of, I guess, comfort or shared experience, although that's a whole different level for those level of leaders, but that really helps fuel me.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  34:17 I can actually see that. Just picture you doing that. You know, I want to ask you, what is something you're doing every day to be better at “fill in the blank,” your leadership, your craft? What's something you're doing every day?   Mark Michalek  34:32 I think it's being disciplined and focused, definitely running and being physical, but balancing the time with family and friends in work, it sometimes — it comes across as selfish. I think particularly people who are service oriented consider that selfish. But again, like they say, when you're on the plane, you've got to put on your oxygen mask first before you can help others. So that's not selfish. You're telegraphing to others to take care of themselves. When I run, I listen to presidential biographies.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  35:05 Really, I was going to ask you, what's in your ear? Now — I'm just kidding.   Mark Michalek  35:09 I don't know if it's the cadence of the — but again, to understand decisions from the past, and when you know our country was at pivotal points, how we responded, that helps fulfill me. I think, you know, becoming a student of leadership, from being a cadet to now, and finding different ways and understanding whether it's private sector, other public sector entities, how they navigate things, because it's very, very similar when it comes to, you know, motivating people, managing programs, delivering results, you know, grappling with emerging tech, new different types of threats. So I do a lot of reading in that space, to be able to be a more kind of holistic leader and not have on horse blinders, just specific to government.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  36:00 Has there been one lately that's really stuck with you, or that you've listened to while you're running, or that you read that has continued to evolve the way you're thinking — you approach leadership?   Mark Michalek  36:11 I think it's — John Dickerson has a book called The Hardest Job in the World, and it's about the presidency, and it's not one individual president, it across party lines and in decades. But it's more of those themes that when you think back, they didn't have the technology we did. But like these fundamental themes are the same of, how do you motivate people? How do you respond to the operating environment? How do you handle complex challenges? Again, like I just felt a sense of reassurance or support and understanding on things, you know, through the course of time that we may not have all the answers, but collectively, people are the potential energy of the organizations, and they're going to deliver. They're going to hit it out of the park. You just have to support them.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  36:58 Well, we have viewers and listeners that kind of span from, you know, young cadet hopefuls, cadets, you know, graduates and family members. What's something that, if you could tell yourself years ago, maybe as a cadet, that you should say you should be thinking about this now, because in 27 years from now, it's gonna matter? What would you share?   Mark Michalek  37:18 You know, I think, first of all, I wish I would have had more fun.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  37:25 I think I've seen you smile more now.   Mark Michalek  37:28 I mean, it's just such a pressure cooker, and you don't want to let anybody down, and you don't know what the future holds. And, you know, “I've got to do this, I gotta do that. I gotta…” It's just breathe a little bit and enjoy it. Like, you don't recognize you're really in a pivotal point in your life. So that, I think that's one thing. I think the other for cadets and prospective cadets to recognize is, like, the FBI, like, the military is temporary. You're going to retire, probably young. You know, you do 20 years in the way our systems are set up, in the way the world is now. Rarely are you just going to go fishing at age 40 or 50. You know, you may have a second act, you may have a third act, and so you've got to really have the long view in mind, and it's OK not to have all the answers. You know, life will throw you some curve balls here and there. You've got to do what fulfills you at the time and doors will open. But you just got to have that faith that things are going to work out.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  38:35 Did you have that, you think, back then, or you, just looking back on it now, recognize that?   Mark Michalek  38:41 I don't know. I think partially I had it then. Those Academy years are really, really tough. And like, we were chatting before, like, well, you know, once you leave, that was it. I had no intention of coming back. And it's kind of like a boomerang. Distance and time makes the heart grow fonder, and then you recognize, you know, what you've learned here and how special this place was. And I think back, I think staying busy and active is what got me through. There's nothing worse than that first holiday break in December, right when you go back to your friends and they're at local schools, and you see all the stuff they're doing, and then you've got to come back. I mean, that is such a — the comeback piece. Do you have the, you know, intestinal fortitude to come back? You know, that was really, really tough, but now I see that the Academy, you know, left an indelible mark on me and changed the trajectory of my life. And I think back, you know, like I said, I'm the only person in my family to have ever left Michigan, and what life would have been, you know… You think the Earth is flat until get out and see there's a whole big world out there and a ton of opportunities. And as I've gotten in this role, particularly as a special agent in charge in Denver, I interact more with military leaders here in Colorado and Wyoming, and start to reconnect with people and see that this Long Blue Line, it spans everything. We are everywhere across the world. But you have no idea what good stuff lies ahead if you just stay the course, and your life will be changed in fundamentally spectacular ways.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  40:29 You couldn't end it better than that. I guess I want to just ask you this final question. Is there anything we didn't talk about today that you would like to make sure you make mention of?   Mark Michalek  40:34 No, but let me give one piece of advice for future cadets and cadets. And this — I think I read this in a book before I came but this is what helped me survive. Go to bed every night at 10 o'clock. You know, there's folks that try to do the all-nighters. I didn't. Every night, I went to bed at 10 o'clock and dealt with the consequences on the back end. And I think that ability to recharge and rest served me well.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  41:00 Do you still go to bed at 10 o'clock now?   Mark Michalek  41:02 I try. Now it's more like 9 or 8:30 as I've gotten older, but I think you've got to recharge and sleep. And that's one of the things the Academy teaches you, is you are not going to get everything done. You're not going to muscle your way through this. You can try. You're going to end up tired. But this is a team sport. Life is a team sport. You've got to do the best you can and get up and do it again the next day. But you are not you're just not going to get it all done. So you got to take care of yourself.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  41:30 Well, that really does kind of bring it home. Does that this time that you've been kind of experiencing in your life through the active-duty service, through the FBI, you know, you said it yourself, you kind of look back at, you know, maybe why your dad made some decisions. Do you feel like you've gotten to a point where you've had closure now?   Mark Michalek  41:49 Yes and no. I think I've gotten to a point where I've got all the answers I can but I'm at peace with what had happened. And I just, I try to, you know, leverage the time I have with my wife and girls to be present and to be a good role model and just to be able to support them and help them thrive.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  42:12 Well, I think you've been an incredible role model. You've been an incredible friend through all these years. This conversation has been one that's been really rooted and just understanding who you are, where you're at, and then how to navigate from that place. And I think that's why you've been one of the reasons why you've been just so successful, and why you're able to lead so many people through so many different crises. So I thank you for being on Long Blue Leadership. This has been a true treat for me, but again, I know that all of our listeners and our viewers have enjoyed this as well.   Mark Michalek  42:39 Oh, thank you, Naviere, I really appreciate the opportunity.   Col. Naviere Walkewicz  42:43 As I think back on our conversation today, you know, there are several things that stand out. I think one thread that we really need to think about is taking care of ourselves and others, knowing where we're at, thinking about mental resilience and really post traumatic growth, being able to move forward and seek help when you need it. I think part of our conversation today as leaders is not everything is easy, and certainly you have a network that supports you, and so one of the ways that my classmate Mark has really highlighted to me is lean into your network, you know, utilize the resources that are there for you, and then you can not only help yourself, but you can help others as well. So it's been an incredible conversation, one that I look forward to listening to again and sharing with others as well.   KEYWORDS Public safety leadership, law enforcement leadership, military leadership, FBI leadership, crisis leadership, trauma-informed leadership, mental resilience, post-traumatic growth, whole-person leadership, high-consequence environments, leading under pressure, servant leadership, organizational culture change, resilience culture, mental fitness for first responders, leader self-care, work-life balance for leaders, empowering frontline teams, interagency collaboration, leadership in crisis response.     The Long Blue Line Podcast Network is presented by the U.S. Air Force Academy Association & Foundation    

In the 7 AM Hour: Larry O’Connor and Cassie Smedile discussed: INTERVIEW: George Taplin: Chair of the Loudoun County Republican Committee on the Voting No gerrymandering effort in Loudoun County and the big rally this afternoon. Great American State Fair: Freedom 250 announced on Wednesday that the Great American State Fair will run from June 25 through July 10, spanning from the U.S. Capitol to the Washington Monument. Iran Blockade: CENTCOM releases what the US Navy is telling EVERY TANKER even THINKING about breaching President Trump's Iran blockade. Plus, Secretary of the Treasury Scott Bessant talks about the “Strait of Vermouth.” Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Thursday, April 16, 2026 / 7 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What does it take to turn personal pain into policy change? In this episode, Dr. Vera Tarman sits down with Chérie St. Arnauld, Executive Director of Metabolic Revolution and a passionate advocate for metabolic health, to explore the power of grassroots mobilization in the fight against ultra-processed foods. Chérie grew up in a household shaped by economic constraints and ultra-processed food. It was her sister's cancer diagnosis, and the radical dietary intervention that gave her 10 more years of life, that forever changed how Chérie understood the relationship between food and healing. Today, she's channeling that lived experience into one of the most dynamic grassroots organizations in the metabolic health space. In this conversation, Vera and Chérie explore what the food addiction and metabolic health communities can learn from each other, and what it actually looks like to build a movement from the ground up.

#153 Planning a trip to Washington, D.C.? Start with this itinerary! In this episode of Everyday Bucket List, we're heading to Washington, D.C., with a walkthrough of my time exploring the National Mall. Here's what we get into: Hands-on museums: Immersive vs. classic exhibits D.C. must-sees: Capitol, Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial Travel tips: Planning, getting around, tickets Washington, D.C. offers something for every kind of traveler. From free attractions to world-class museums, the National Mall is packed with memorable stops. It's an easy place to turn a long-standing bucket list idea into a reality. In this episode, we dive into standout museums and practical tips to help you make the most of your visit. Key landmarks include the Capitol, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial. Plan to spend a few days exploring—and be ready to walk. Be sure to check ticket details ahead of time so nothing catches you off guard. If you haven't tuned in yet, give the episode a listen to uncover can't-miss spots around the National Mall. Plus, some money-saving tips. Yay!   CLICK THE LINKS BELOW OR CUT AND PASTE THEM INTO YOUR BROWSER:    Binge-listen to my USA Travel Podcast Episodes https://bit.ly/4fyfh53 Binge-listen to my Seasonal Bucket List playlist https://bit.ly/3SPiiVN  Binge-listen to my Hobby episodes playlist https://spoti.fi/46Q9p4o     Listen to these episodes next: Bucket List Of Baseball Stadiums: Nationals Park in Washington D.C. (Ep 56) Easy Bucket List Ideas to Fit into Everyday Life  (Ep 42) 5 Bucket List Ideas to Boost Your Brain Health  (Ep 94) 7+ Reasons to Travel to a Yayoi Kusama Exhibit  (Ep 145)   RESOURCES: Grab a copy of  The Everyday Bucket List Book https://amzn.to/3vwxz2K If you'd like to support my work, check out https://buymeacoffee.com/edbl Find all of the Smithsonian Museums, Galleries, etc. mentioned on the show   Connect with me: Website: KarenCordaway.com Twitter (X): @KarenCordaway https://x.com/karencordaway Pinterest: @Everyday_Bucket_List https://www.pinterest.com/EverydayBucketList/ Tiktok: @Everyday_Bucket_List https://www.tiktok.com/@everyday_bucket_list   If you're enjoying this podcast, please rate and review it here. Let me know what you like about it so I know exactly what content to keep creating for you. Disclaimer: Some of the outbound links financially benefit the podcast. Using our links is a small way to support the show at zero cost to you. I only endorse products, programs, and services I use and would recommend to close friends and family. I appreciate your support. https://karencordaway.com/disclaimer/      

Thom Francis welcomes Mary Panza and Charlie Rossiter to Poets Speak Loud stage at McGeary's for the annual Tom Nattell Memorial Reading and Beret Toss on January 28, 2019. +++++ On Monday, January 28, 2019, poets and writers from all over the region gathered at McGeary's in downtown Albany for the annual Tom Nattell Memorial Reading and Beret Toss, paying tribute to one of the founding fathers of the local poetry and spoken word community. This week we are going to hear from two of the poets who took the stage that night - Mary Panza and Charlie Rossiter. Mary Panza was the host for the long-running Poets Speak Loud series, shared a newer piece “No One Escapes the Pain of Being a Person” then on to a couple of older pieces, the memoir of herself over time “Those Black & White Photos,” and then her response to an interviewers question “Why Poetry?” Mary has been a permanent fixture in the Capital Regions poetry/spoken word community since 1988. Her first time reading on the stage of the legendary QE2 cemented her love for performing. She had hosted a number of open mics including a five year run at Borders in the 1990's and a 15 year run with Poets Speak Loud at the Lark Tavern and then McGeary's Irish Pub from 2005-2020. She had her heyday with publishing her work in the 90's when small zines were king. She has published three chapbooks with poet Gina Grega and five small chapbooks with the late Paul Weinman. In 2005, she was elected Vice President of Albany Poets. She has hosted an endless amount of events from poetry, music, spoken word to the extraordinary recycled fashion shows that were Discard Avant Garb. She has a blog entitled Housewife Tuesday since 2012 that can be found on the Albany Poets website. She is currently working on staying as sane as she can in an insane world. Charlie Rossiter, who runs a monthly open mic in Bennington, read a poem “On Reading My Brother's Facebook Post” pondering his childhood and the mentality of Trump supporters. Charlie has a long history of writing and promoting poetry. In Albany, NY in the 1990s, he was host/producer of Poetry Motel a local television program that featured poets being interviewed and reading from their work, which ran for over 100 episodes. In 2000 he co-founded and hosted www.poetrypoetry.com a website that features poetry reviews, commentary, and live recordings of poems by the poets who wrote them. He spearheaded an all-day poetry reading on the grounds of the Washington Monument in Washington, DC, and has organized events for 100,000 Poets For Change. Charlie has been awarded an NEA fellowship for poetry, and his books are available at www.foothillspublishing.com where descriptions and sample poems may be perused. Charlie Rossiter also hosted the Poetry Spoken Here podcast.

Why was the Washington Monument built? What is the Washington Monument supposed to be? Did they make a mistake that's still visible today? Have you started your FREE TRIAL of Who Smarted?+ for AD FREE listening, an EXTRA episode every week & bonus content? Sign up right in the Apple app, or directly at WhoSmarted.com and find out why more than 1,000 families are LOVING their subscription! Get official Who Smarted? Merch: tee-shirts, mugs, hoodies and more, at Who Smarted?

America’s growth from a rugged frontier nation to the globe’s industrial superpower in the space of 100 years can be explained by one word: coal. Before coal dominance, American buildings were defined by height limits imposed by stonework. The tallest building in the 1830s was Baltimore’s 235-foot tall Phoenix Shot Tower. Transportation also worked poorly without coal. The early wood-fired 4-4-0 locomotives struggled with top freight speeds around 15 mph and pulling trains of approximately 450 tons. The transition to coal and cheap steel enabled the steel-supported 555-foot Washington Monument and allowed massive coal-fired trains to achieve express passenger speeds up to 100+ mph and haul loads over 4,000 tons. For a century the entire world was dependent on coal. It powered railroads, built urban skylines, and provided warmth, light, and power for families rich and poor. Although the American economy soared, society unknowingly suffered from coal’s debilitating health and environmental impacts. Skies were so dirty that on some days, visibility was limited to a few feet. Coal miners frequently died from cave-ins, explosions, or contracting black lung. Towns like Centralia in Illinois were fundamentally destroyed by an underground fire started in 1962 that continues to burn. Today’s guest is Bob Wyss, author of “Black Gold: The Rise, Reign, and Fall of American Coal.” We look at a range of figures that were part of coal’s story, from a largely unknown and unrecognized Pennsylvanian inventor who helped spark the Industrial Revolution to a prominent society clubwoman who clashed with the powerful coal forces in Utah that were fouling the air and sickening residents. It also includes clashes between powerful tycoons, coal miners, and the American public.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In Episode 533 of District of Conservation, Gabriella discusses some breaking energy and conservation news: the untimely death of Congressional Western Caucus Chair and Congressman Doug LaMalfa, the future of energy production and conservation efforts in Venezuela, and America250 celebrations on public lands -- including the recent Illumination of America display on the Washington Monument. Tune in to learn more!SHOW NOTESSpeaker Johnson Statement on Life and Legacy of Rep. Doug LaMalfaLummis' Statement on the Sudden Death of Congressional Western Caucus Chair Doug LaMalfaRep. LaMalfa Supports Measure to Protect Hunting and Fishing on Public LandsVenezuela's fall echoes Berlin Wall collapse, says expert whose parents fled Soviet UnionWhy Maduro's ouster will have 'limited' impact on gas prices as they sink to near 5-year lowTrump administration launches new bid to pressure US oil companies on VenezuelaUS sets new LNG export records in banner year marked by new capacityVenezuela's hungry hunt wildlife, zoo animals, as economic crisis growsVenezuela crisis: Zoo animals stolen and eaten amid food shortagesVenezuela BiodiversityAs Venezuela's crisis rolls on, its wildlife is increasingly at riskFreedom250 & National EventsAmerica250Thousands show up for light show to commemorate America's 250th birthday at Washington Monument

-Rob kicks off the year by celebrating Maduro's capture like it's the Super Bowl… except the halftime show is a special forces raid and the confetti is Democrats yelling “THIS IS BAD ACTUALLY.” -Newsmax contributor Katie Zacharia jumps in to celebrate Freedom 250, gush over the Washington Monument light show, and tag-team with Rob in predicting that 2026 is the greatest year for America since 1776. -Brigadier General (Ret.) Blaine Holt joins the show and happily announces he's “Maduro-free and loving it,” geeks out over the perfection of the special ops mission, and casually mentions that hostile regimes everywhere are now checking Zillow in Moscow. Today's podcast is sponsored by : RELIEF FACTOR - You don't need to live with aches & pains! Reduce muscle & joint inflammation and live a pain-free life by visiting http://ReliefFactor.com now!  BEAM DREAM POWDER - Refreshing sleep now 40% off with promo code NEWSMAX at http://shopbeam.com/newsmax BIRCH GOLD - Protect and grow your retirement savings with gold. Text ROB to 98 98 98 for your FREE information kit! To call in and speak with Rob Carson live on the show, dial 1-800-922-6680 between the hours of 12 Noon and 3:00 pm Eastern Time Monday through Friday…E-mail Rob Carson at : RobCarsonShow@gmail.com Musical parodies provided by Jim Gossett (http://patreon.com/JimGossettComedy) Listen to Newsmax LIVE and see our entire podcast lineup at http://Newsmax.com/Listen Make the switch to NEWSMAX today! Get your 15 day free trial of NEWSMAX+ at http://NewsmaxPlus.com Looking for NEWSMAX caps, tees, mugs & more? Check out the Newsmax merchandise shop at : http://nws.mx/shop Follow NEWSMAX on Social Media:  -Facebook: http://nws.mx/FB  -X/Twitter: http://nws.mx/twitter -Instagram: http://nws.mx/IG -YouTube: https://youtube.com/NewsmaxTV -Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/NewsmaxTV -TRUTH Social: https://truthsocial.com/@NEWSMAX -GETTR: https://gettr.com/user/newsmax -Threads: http://threads.net/@NEWSMAX  -Telegram: http://t.me/newsmax  -BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/newsmax.com -Parler: http://app.parler.com/newsmax Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the 5 AM hour, Larry O’Connor and Hans Von Spakovsky discussed: HAPPY NEW YEAR! THE LATEST WITH HANS WASHINGTON MONUMENT SHOW NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS? Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Thursday, January 01, 2026 / 5 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump's Christmas Message, SoCal flooding, Washington Monument lit up, and don't watch the abridged version. Plus, the Message of the Day, George Washington crossing the Delaware and the battle of Trenton. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patriot games are coming. Larry Ellison in the spotlight. Hi Ho Silver and away! PLUS we are now on Spotify and Amazon Music/Podcasts! Click HERE for Show Notes and Links DHUnplugged is now streaming live - with listener chat. Click on link on the right sidebar. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter Warm-Up - CTP Cup - All systems go! 9 participants! - ELON gets his $$$ - Kids account challenge - Patriot games are coming... Markets - Not much headwinds - EOY approaching - Analysts predicting SP500 for 2026 - 7,500 (12% upside) - More Oracle back and forth - Gold and Silver Elon - Elon Musk's net worth surged to $749 billion late Friday after the Delaware Supreme Court reinstated Tesla stock options worth $139 billion that were voided last year - He also recently received a $1T pay plan approval - Jeff Bezos, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jensen Huang combined - His fortune exceeds the GDP of nations like the Netherlands, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland. - He is richer than every country in Africa by GDP - He is projected by some reports to become the world's first trillionaire by 2027 When did Larry Ellison and Oracle become newsworthy? - Every day in the news.... - Larry Ellison NOW Personally Guarantees Paramount Bid for Warner Bros. - The announcement of Mr. Ellison's personal guarantee is meant to address concerns that the Warner Bros. Discovery's board had expressed about Paramount's original offer. - Helping out sonny-boy? More Oracle - Oracle stock slid after a report that Blue Owl Capital won't back a $10 billion data center for OpenAI. (Michigan) - Oracle has $248 billion in lease commitments for data centers and cloud capacity commitments over the next 15 to 19 years. - Oracle later responded to the FT report, saying the project was moving forward and that Blue Owl was not part of equity talks. EVEN MORE! - Multiple media outlets, including the Associated Press, reported that ByteDance has reached an agreement with Oracle ORCL, Silver Lake, and Abu-Dhabi-based MGX to set up a joint venture for TikTok's US operations. Oracle will hold a 15.0% stake in the new entity, while ByteDance will retain a 19.9% stake. - The important thing her is that TikTok stays as a major tenant of OCI as ORCL needs this cash flow... - Of all of the items, this may be why ORCL stock has bounced te last few days. Congressional Ban - A vote on legislation banning members from owning or trading stocks could get a vote in the new year, according to House leadership and Republican members. - President Donald Trump has said he supports a congressional ban but has pushed back on versions that include the executive branch. - Basically this bill would prohibit the ownership of individual stocks by congress Over to Japan - Bank of Japan raises benchmark rates to highest in 30 years, lifting 10-year JGB yield past 2% - Yen still VERY weak - trading at 157/USD - (problematic) - The BOJ said that real interest rates are expected to remain “significantly negative,” adding that accommodative financial conditions will continue to firmly support economic activity. - The yen weakened 0.25% against the USD after the decision - therefore still dovish and stimulative Economic Numbers - Estimates, partial numbers and best guesses. OH, 2-month averaging as well - The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the annual headline inflation rate and core CPI rate for last month were 2.7% and 2.6%, respectively, well below expectations. - Due to government shutdown, BLS to make certain methodological assumptions about the prior month's inflation levels. - Those assumptions in the methodology were not clear to economists and were not fully explained in the release. - Here is a big issue: The price changes in October for the OER (owners equivalent rent) appear to have been “set to zero.”  Sports Prediction Markets - Sports is fueling the growth and is forecasted to make up 44% of volume as prediction markets mature. - According to one expert: the fundamental elements of consumer demand and an array of diverse brands looking to meet that demand are clearly in place - Sportsbooks are getting a bit nervous.... First Dell, then... - Billionaire hedge fund manager Ray Dalio of Bridgewater Associates and his wife, Barbara, committed to seed Trump accounts for approximately 300,000 children in Connecticut. - Following the Dells' pledge, the funds will be aimed at kids who live in a Connecticut ZIP code where the median income is less than $150,000. - The Dalio grant will fund $250 per child for approximately 300,000 children in Connecticut. This applies to children who live in a ZIP code where the median income is less than $150,000. About 87% of Connecticut ZIP codes meet that criteria, according to a CNBC analysis of Census Bureau data. - “Ray has joined what we are calling the 50-state challenge,” Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said in a press conference on Wednesday. - A growing number of companies have announced they would match contributions to Trump accounts for their employees, including BNY and BlackRock. Patriot Games (Hunger Games?) - Trump announced: The Washington Monument will be illuminated with festive lights, a triumphal arc will be constructed and the “Patriot Games” will commence. The games are an “unprecedented four-day athletic event featuring the greatest high school athletes: one young man and one young woman from each state and territory. - Uhhhhhh "And so it was decreed that, each year, the various districts of Panem would offer up, in tribute, one young man and woman to fight to the death in a pageant of honor, courage and sacrifice. (Hunger Games 2012) - What next - PURGE NIGHT? Fed Pick - Now it seems as if it is a 4 person race... - President Trump says "Nowadays, when there is good news, the market goes down because everybody thinks that interest rates will be immediately lifted"; says "I want my new Fed Chairman to lower interest rates if the market is doing well"; says "Anybody that disagrees with me will never be the Fed Chairman!" San Fran Blackout - Alphabet-owned Waymo resumed its robotaxi service in the San Francisco Bay Area Sunday evening after pausing it amid widespread blackouts that had affected their vehicles' behavior. - Waymo said it worked with city officials throughout the blackout and had “proactively” initiated a temporary suspension of its service. - Interesting point there - what happens when grid disruptions for internet with self-driving Angry Shareholders (For a minute) - Tricolor CEO Daniel Chu directed a deputy to send him $6.25 million in bonuses in August, weeks before the company filed for bankruptcy, U.S. prosecutors alleged. - Subprime autofirm that had alleged fraud - This happens all the time - Big issue to keep alert to is the news about "Subprime" WEED - Trump's executive order shifts cannabis from Schedule I to Schedule III, easing research, banking and tax restrictions and marking the biggest federal cannabis policy change in decades. - Shares of cannabis conglomerates were down following the announcement, likely from worries of new competition from international companies. - NOT legalization - NOT for recreational use... - Banking, Institutional capital ..... OpenAi - Beggars cup continues - OpenAI is in initial discussions to raise at least $10 billion from Amazon.com Inc. and use its chips, a potential win for the online retailer's effort to broaden its AI industry presence and compete with Nvidia Corp. - The deal under discussion could value OpenAI north of $500 billion and see it adopt Amazon's Trainium chip, a person with knowledge of the matter said, asking to remain anonymous to describe private negotiations. - Talks, however, are at a preliminary stage and terms could change, the person added. High Ho Silver and Away! - Silver up 135% YTD - Gold up 70% - Best year since strongest annual performance since 1979 for Gold - 1970's was inflation, USD weakening, Energy crisis. - What is similar/different now? (Big difference is buying up (China, Poland, Turkey, India) Light menu - Darden Restaurants will roll out a new lighter portion entrées menu at all Olive Garden locations in January, the company announced during its quarterly earnings call last Thursday. - Citing affordability: "Olive Garden has seen a double-digit increase in affordability perceptions from guests who order from the lighter portions menu and an increase in frequency among these guests, which should help build traffic over time," Cardenas said. - Sooooo 0 due to high costs, Americans are cutting back on food? - If it were for weight loss, no need for Oliver garden to cut back on portions as most inedible anyway... Copper - Copper prices topped $12,000 a ton for the first time, extending the metal's recent bull run as mine outages add to concerns about supply. - The threat of US import tariffs on the metal has also been an important factor pushing up prices this year, with copper piling up in American warehouses. - Industry analysts have said that much of the richest and most easily accessible mining resources are now exhausted, and experts are warning that the market is on the cusp of a major deficit. Jim Beam - Bourbon maker Jim Beam is halting production at one of its distilleries in Kentucky for at least a year as the whiskey industry navigates tariffs from the Trump administration and slumping demand for a product that needs years of aging before it is ready. - Jim Beam said the decision to pause bourbon making at its Clermont location in 2026 will give the company time to invest in improvements at the distillery. The bottling and warehouse at the site will remain open, along with the James B. Beam Distilling Co. visitors center and restaurant. - The percentage of U.S. adults who say they consume alcohol has fallen to 54%, the lowest by one percentage point in Gallup's nearly 90-year trend. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? THE CLOSEST TO THE PIN 2025 Winners will be getting great stuff like the new "OFFICIAL" DHUnplugged Shirt! CTP CUP 2025 Participants: Jim Beaver Mike Kazmierczak Joe Metzger Ken Degel David Martin Dean Wormell Neil Larion Mary Lou Schwarzer Eric Harvey (2024 Winner) FED AND CRYPTO LIMERICKS See this week's stock picks HERE Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter

It's the end of the year, the Spotify “Wrapped” flexing is in full swing, and Richard LeDuc is fresh off hosting a Hanukkah party that looked suspiciously like a full-blown ward social. Gerrit trys to solve the greatest unsolved case of 2025: why Richard's “most played song” is Massachusetts by the Bee Gees… a song he swears he has never listened to. After a quick stop at the Phoebe Draper Palmer Brown Mailbag, they jump back into who is Dead and in Hell. Gerrit continues the story of Judge Perry Brocchus's infamous Bowery speech in 1851, where what was supposed to be a simple patriotic appeal for a Washington Monument donation turns into a full-blown scolding of the Saints for criticizing the U.S. government. The discussion covers why Brocchus's argument lands so badly with a people who had lived through Missouri and Nauvoo, how Brigham Young responds with one of his sharpest lines (“profoundly ignorant or willfully wicked”), and how the fallout gets weaponized in hostile newspaper coverage accusing the Saints of sedition and rebellion. Standard of Truth Tour dates for the summer of 2027: ⁠ https://standardoftruth.com/tours Our 2026 tours are sold out, but if you would like to join us in the future here is a link to our 2027 tours: ⁠ Sign up for our free monthly email: ⁠ ⁠https://standardoftruthpodcast.substack.com⁠   If you have any questions or possible topics of discussion for upcoming podcasts, please email us at: ⁠⁠questions@standardoftruthpodcast.com  

After years of discussions, Taos, N.M. decided to remove Kit Carson's name from a widely used park in the center of town. Carson's renown as a Western frontiersman grew from greatly exaggerated tales in pulp novels and newspaper articles. Only later did his violent exploits against Navajos and other tribes emerge. He was among the main figures in the Long Walk, the forced march of 10,000 captive Navajos. More than a third of them died. In Michigan, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers removed a Washington Monument-style obelisk commemorating the construction of shipping locks on Lake Michigan. The obelisk sat atop the remainder of a burial ground. Lock construction destroyed the main part of the sacred area but the Bay Mills Indian Community and Sault Ste. Marie Tribe of Chippewa Indians continue to hold ceremonies there. We'll talk with tribal advocates about their years-long work to change how their histories are viewed by the public. GUESTS Jeremy Lujan (Taos Pueblo), Taos Pueblo tribal secretary Jesse Winters (Taos Pueblo), Taos Pueblo second sheriff Dr. Gregorio Gonzales (Comanche and Genizaro), tribal historic preservation officer for the Pueblo of Cochiti Paula Carrick (Bay Mills Indian Community), tribal historic preservation officer for Bay Mills Indian Community Break 1 Music: Take Your Troubles to the River (song) Vincent Craig (artist) Self-titled Release (album) Break 2 Music: She Raised Us (song) Joanne Shenandoah (artist) LifeGivers (album)