Category: Green Energy

Show 16-02 Podcast: 2026 — The Year Democrats Destroy Themselves

Show 16-02 Podcast: 2026 — The Year Democrats Destroy Themselves

Show 16-02 Summary: In our first live show for 2026, we welcome back fan-favorite and long-time guest, Chuck Wiese. Chuck is a meteorologist, pilot, and fierce Global Warming debunker. And he’s a growing political activist. We take a brief look back at the biggest stories of 2025 but focus on what will be the biggest stories of 2026. And the biggest and best will be the Democrats destroying themselves in 2026. Repeatedly. Find out why “the pundits” and Far-Left strategists have it all wrong. Have plenty of popcorn on hand—2026 is going to be lit!

Keywords/categories: 2026 elections, 2026 year of popcorn, Chuck Wiese, fraud, global warming, Minnesota fraud, Oregon fraud, Somali fraud, conservative talk radio, democrats, democrats in 2026, 2026 mid-term elections,

2026: The Year of Popcorn | How Dems Will Destroy Themselves

2026: The Year of Popcorn | How Dems Will Destroy Themselves

Show 16-02 Summary: In our first live show for 2026, we welcome back fan-favorite and long-time guest, Chuck Wiese. Chuck is a meteorologist, pilot, and fierce Global Warming debunker. And he’s a growing political activist. We take a brief look back at the biggest stories of 2026 but focus on what will be the biggest stories of 2026. And the biggest and best will be the Democrats destroying themselves. Repeatedly. Find out why “the pundits” and .Far Left strategists have it all wrong. Have plenty of popcorn on hand.

Map showing the radio stations broadcast areas and air time for the I Spy Radio Show.
I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations and anywhere via live streams. Check out when, where, and how to listen. Missed it? Podcast available Mondays.

Air Dates: January 10th & 11th, 2026 | Guest: Chuck Wiese

This Week – Look Back, Look Forward, and Look Out

There has been nothing boring about 2026’s opening days. From watching the Somali fraud that exploded in late 21025 just get bigger and bigger in 2026 to the awe-inspiring capture and arrest of Venezuela’s Nicholas Maduro, Americans are witnessing historical events unfold.

In our first live show for 2026, we welcome back fan-favorite and long-time guest, Chuck Wiese. We love talking to Chuck because of his analytical, scientifically trained  mind. But as someone who has recently taken a more active role in politics, his eyes have been opened. And it’s good to get that every-man perspective. Because “the pundits” are too often wrong because they rely solely on other “pundits.”

Going out of 2025, those media pundits were predicting no end of doom for Republicans in 2026’s midterms. But they are missing the key elements behind the stories, which explains why they are so likely to be wrong about what’s coming.

Tune in to find out what.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—catch the podcast version. Mondays, after our network of radio stations have aired the show, I Spy Radio is now available on your favorite podcasting platform, or you can grab it right here. See the full list of podcast options.

15-51 Podcast: If the Fraud Happened There, It is Happening Here

15-51 Podcast: If the Fraud Happened There, It is Happening Here

Show 15-51 Summary: USAID? The Social Security gateway fraud? All that fraud, waste, and abuse DOGE uncovered? That was bad. But more extensive fraud will be uncovered at the state levels. This week we bring back Rep. Ed Diehl to discuss this success of the No Gas Tax referendum movement. And what that success means for ODOT, an agency that oozes overspending and waste. And what it means for the Democrats who pushed this bill on Oregonians. ODOT is a prime example of a government agency abusing the taxpayer. We are seeing fraud, waste, and abuse exposed at every level of government. We drill down into the Somali fraud in Minnesota because there are patterns now emerging in other states where additional fraud is being uncovered. And those are very similar patterns to fraud that Ed is exposing at Oregon’s Health Authority.

 

 

15-51 If the Fraud Happened There, It is Happening Here

15-51 If the Fraud Happened There, It is Happening Here

Show 15-51 Summary:  This week we bring back Rep. Ed Diehl to discuss the success of the No Gas Tax referendum movement. And what that success means for ODOT, an agency that oozes overspending and waste. And for the Democrats who pushed this bill on Oregonians. ODOT is a prime example of a government agency abusing the taxpayer. We are seeing fraud, waste, and abuse exposed at every level of government. But it turns out there’s a lot more fraud out there happening the more we look. We drill down into the Somali fraud in Minnesota because there are patterns now emerging in other states where additional fraud is being uncovered. And those are very similar patterns to fraud that Ed is looking into from Oregon’s Health Authority.

Map showing the radio stations broadcast areas and air time for the I Spy Radio Show.
I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: December 20th & 21st, 2025 | Guest: Rep. Ed Diehl

This Week – Fraud, Waste, and Abuse

Did it occur to anyone the reason why Oregon democrats shoved through the Gas Tax Bill is because throwing more money at ODOT makes it easier to cover up fraud, waste, and abuse? With big spending has come expansive, and expensive fraud. And we’ve only just started to see this exposed.

We welcome back Rep Ed Diehl to talk about the phenomenal success of the No Gas Tax signature gathering to put the referendum on the November election. They needed over 78,000 qualified signatures but have already turned in 193,000. Talk about room for margin of error.

Why not congratulate Oregon Freedom Coalition for their outstanding work? Head to OregonFreedom.com to drop them a Christmas gift to help them build on that success in 2026. Plus, as a registered 501(c)4 and PAC, Oregon residents get a $50 tax credit ($100 per couple) for political donations.

Somali Fraud Framework Here in Oregon?

We’ve said Oregon is the Wuhan Lab of Leftist policies. And that’s true.  They try out policies here, do some gain of function (trial and error, improve processes, persuasion points, marketing, funding, etc.,), and then export it to other states. Fraud happens that same way.

Someone schemes up something, they figure a way to make it work, then others in other states replicate it. And that’s what has happened with the Somali fraud. Which is being uncovered in other states.

It requires an expansive and overly generous social benefit program. Like welfare, Medicaid, food stamps, rental assistance, etc. And, in places like Oregon, they throw a whole bunch more of it under the umbrella of “health care.”

By having such massive amounts of money fly out the door, fraud becomes harder to find, despite there being more of it. It’s one thing to to find a single needle in a haystack. But a haystack the size of a barn can hide a lot more needles. Even worse: use illegal immigrants so anyone who looks can be labelled a “racist” to stop potential investigations in their tracks.

Don’t think that works? It did. In Minnesota, merely suggesting racism was enough to stall investigations. And now at least $1 billion was stolen from Minnesota. And some are saying it’s as high at $9 billion .

We talk with Ed about a fraud scandal through Oregon’s Health Authority. Which is so eager to create a football-field sized haystack they include things like Climate Change as “healthcare.” Literally anything can now be called healthcare.

But what to do about? Those are our questions too.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Due to changes in Apple podcast, we now need to post the podcast separately. Listen to 15-51’s podcast here.

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

  • Ed Diehl’s organization is Oregon Freedom Coalition. Head to OregonFreedom.com to learn more. And please donate to reward them for their success—and to grow it in 2026!

Somali Fraud

  • Not familiar with the Somali Fraud? Here’s a Minnesota Somali Fraud Summary via Perplexity AI (Perplexity, Retrieved December 17, 2025)
  • Could Minnesota officials have stopped Feeding our Future fraud sooner? (Star Tribune, October 28, 2022)
  • Many millions lost. Is the Walz administration taking fraud and waste seriously enough? (Star Tribune, July 12, 2024)
  • The Somali Fraud Story Busts Liberal Myths (City Journal, December 2, 2025)
  • Federal investigators warn Minnesota welfare fraud may have helped fund Al-Shabaab (Fox Baltimore, November 21, 2025)
  • How Fraud Swamped Minnesota’s Social Services System on Tim Walz’s Watch (NY Times, Nov. 29, 2025)
  • Government watchdog says evidence in Minnesota fraud cases ‘overwhelming’ (Fox Baltimore, December 4, 2025)
  • ‘It makes me want to knee someone in the groin,’ Senator says of $1B Somali fraud scheme (KOMO News, December 6, 2025)
  • Fear of being called ‘racist’ was key factor in Minnesota’s fraud scandal, expert reveals (Fox News, December 9, 2025)
  • Luxury cars and private villas: See how Minnesota fraudsters spent millions intended for hungry kids (CBS News, December 11, 2025)
  • Expert reveals key factor that led to massive Minnesota fraud scheme (Fox News, Dec 9, 2025)
  • ‘Schemes stacked upon schemes’: $1B public benefits fraud fuels scrutiny of Minnesota’s Somali community (Fox News, Dec 7, 2025)
    • In 2021, when the Minnesota Department of Education grew suspicious and tried to stop the flow of funds, Feeding Our Future sued, alleging racial discrimination. A judge ordered the state to restart reimbursements — a ruling prosecutors said enabled the scheme to escalate.
    • That case has now grown to 78 defendants

Oregon Fraud

  • Health Authority withheld plea for “scrutiny” of Uplifting Journey (Jeff Eager, Substack, Dec 14, 2025)
    • An Oregon Health Authority contracts manager emailed senior leaders in May about a “circuitous” bunch of businesses tied to $60M Arizona Medicaid fraud case
    • OHA paid Uplifting Journey $2.3 million in drug and alcohol treatment Medicaid reimbursements
    • State Rep. Ed Diehl triggered the investigation when he asked OHA whether Uplifting Journeys had ever received state or federal funding.
    • Diehl wanted to know after The Post Millennial reported police responded to 17 calls at the Lake Oswego house operated by Uplifting Journey and alleged gang ties

Related

  • Fraud at the highest levels — inside the White House: “Trump Administration Moves To Expose Autopen Presidency Records Biden Tried To Hide” (Trending Politics, Dec 17, 2025)

 

15-47 Dispatches from the Jungle | Shocking Election Fraud Revelations

15-47 Dispatches from the Jungle | Shocking Election Fraud Revelations

Show 15-47 Summary:  Brace yourself. The Left will cling to its cults and election frauds the way conservatives cling to their guns and Bibles. We talk with Craig Rucker who journeyed into the jungle (literally) to expose the latest COP30—the annual Climate Change synod. Is the Green Religion on the way out? And shocking details from Peter Ticktin about the Tina Peters case and a lawyer Michigan is trying to jail who had permission from a judge to look at the Dominion voting machines. Why? Because what she found exposed the fraud. The Far Left’s religion and election fraud. A dangerous combination.

Map showing the radio stations broadcast areas and air time for the I Spy Radio Show.
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: November 22nd & 23rd, 2025 | Guests: Craig Rucker & Peter Ticktin

This Week – The Far Left’s Religion and Election Fraud

The Far Left’s Religion and Election Fraud are more dangerous and more intertwined than you might think. We know the Far Left wants socialism. We also know socialism doesn’t work. There’s that whole ignores-reality-and-human-nature thing, of course. But look no further than anytime the Left runs anything. Portland. Chicago. Venezuela. You know. Where socialism works so badly, they’re eating zoo animals.

We talk with Craig Rucker, co-founder and president of CFACT, who braved the 30th annual Climate Change enclave known as COP30 (Conference of the Parties). Think of it as the HOA for Global Warming. Where a bunch of Karens get together (on taxpayer-funded vacations) to complain about everyone else and whatever isn’t being done about Climate Change. Like that it’s not happening.

And if you think socialism doesn’t work, take a listen to how shoddy the whole COP30 confab was run. And some prime examples of “do as we say, not as we do” hypocrisy. Signs of what’s to come, if the Far Left wins more elections.

Shocking Election Fraud – The Case of Stefanie Lambert

You likely know about Tina Peters. The Gold Star Mom who exposed election fraud in Colorado. And because she exposed it, a far-left judge locked her up. But it’s worse. She filed a grievance with the warden — not about the warden. About the a “teacher” in the prison. This is an official reporting mechanism designed to protect prisoners from abuse.

So what did the warden do? He put Tina Peters in solitary confinement. Because that’s what authoritarians do.

But thanks to9 Peter Ticktin, her days in prison may be numbered. Tune in to hear how he thinks a presidential pardon may break her out. “But it’s a state crime not a federal crime” you say? Well, Ticktin may have the way around it.

And definitely do not miss the last segment and a half talking about Stefanie Lambert. She is an attorney who found phone chips on Dominion voting machines in Michigan. But you won’t believe how far Michigan is going to stop the Far Left’s election fraud from being exposed.

Republicans, you had better stop fighting each other. And find a way to unite. Because the Far Left has declared you, and America, the enemy. Which must be destroyed at all costs.

Listen in, listen up!

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—catch the podcast version. Mondays, after our network of radio stations have aired the show, I Spy Radio is now available on your favorite podcasting platform, or you can grab it right here. See the full list of podcast options.

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Craig Rucker’ Segments

Peter Ticktin Segments

 

 

15-44 How to Win (and NOT to Win) Oregon

15-44 How to Win (and NOT to Win) Oregon

Show 15-44 Summary: .When it comes to Republicans’ chances in Oregon for statewide races, they don’t need Democrats to defeat them. Because Republicans can, and all too often are, their own worst enemies. After Christine Drazan’s announcement this week that she is officially running once again for governor, there is already a slew of social media posts by Republicans saying they will never vote for her. Which is a great way not to win. So how do Republicans win? We talk with a long-time Republican consultant and a a recent “outsider” Oregon political activist to get their thoughts.

Map showing the radio stations broadcast areas and air time for the I Spy Radio Show.
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: November 1st & 2nd, 2025 | Guests: Greg Leo & Chuck Wiese

This Week – Can Oregon Republicans Not Kill Their Chances?

Republicans can save Oregon but they have to save each other first. And that means stop savaging each other in the primaries.

Primaries are different than general elections. In general elections, you are voting for who wins. In primaries, you are voting for who competes. You are selecting your team while the other parties select their team.

But all too often, Republicans—more so than the sheep-like Democrats who will vote for anyone (or anything) with a “D” in front of their name—savage and tear down the other Republican candidates in favor of their choice. They announce they will never vote for “the other guy” that their Republican teammates chose.  And proceed to savage the other candidates, tearing them down. And inadvertently planting seeds why no one should vote for them in the general.

Is it more important to win the election? Or that your candidate wins?

Don’t discourage. Encourage.

Republican “Insider” and “Outsider” Views

Christine Drazan officially entered the race for Oregon’s governor this week. (Which as no surprise. No serious person thought she wouldn’t.) Up until then, Danielle Bethell, a Marion County Commissioner, was the only legitimate candidate. But what immediately obvious was the hateful comments — not by Democrats. But by Republicans.

Danielle  Bethell’s campaign website – daniellebethellforgovernor.com
Christine Drazan’s campaign website – christinefororegon.com

We talk first to Greg Leo, a long-time political communications expert who got his start in the Reagan White House. He also spent a lot of time working within and for in the Oregon Republican Party as their communications director. Now, he’s a political consultant. We get his take on Christine Drazan entering the race, how to stop Republicans from spoiling their fellow Republicans’ chances, and what Republicans can do to actual win. That means wooing Democrats and non-affiliated voters. Could an actual conservative Republican do that?

Then we talk with Chuck Wiese, a conservative Republican. But someone who is not involved in Republican party politics. But Chuck is becoming more and more of a political activists, having supported and been part of multiple lawsuits against Oregon, focusing especially on election integrity.

We know Chuck is no fan of Drazan, base don how she ran last time. To get his vote, what does she have to do different this time? How can she prove herself to him—one of her biggest doubters? And can Republicans put aside their differences and preferences to focus on winning the general election?

Because Oregon really and literally cannot afford another Democrat governor.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—catch the podcast version. Mondays, after our network of radio stations have aired the show, I Spy Radio is now available on your favorite podcasting platform, or you can grab it right here. See the full list of podcast options.

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

  • Greg will be speaking at the Capital City Republican Women’s luncheon on Nov. 13th. Meeting runs from 11:30 am – 1:00 pm. Lunch is optional but is $14.00 if you’d like to eat. To attend, please RSVP by sending an email to ccrwsalem@reagon.com.
  • Learn more about America’s 250th! Head to America250.org for events, state pages, and how you can get involved!
  • Danielle  Bethell’s campaign website – daniellebethellforgovernor.com
  • Christine Drazan’s campaign website – christinefororegon.com

 

15-40 What Now, Cash Cow? | Democrat Spending and Grift Hits a Pothole

15-40 What Now, Cash Cow? | Democrat Spending and Grift Hits a Pothole

Show 15-40 Summary: This week we look at Democrat spending  and grift. Some of Democrats’ taxpayer-funded spending spree is being cut off. Trump made it clear at his U.N. speech, the climate change hysteria money spigot from the U.S. is being turned off. So what will Democrats do now? And Oregon Democrats who are determined to spend at all costs, voters be damned, shoved through the ODOT spending spree. So what can voters do now?

Map showing the radio stations broadcast areas and air time for the I Spy Radio Show.
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: October 4th & 5th, 2025 | Guests: Craig Rucker & Rep. Ed Diehl

This Week – Democrat Spending and Grift

Since our very first year on air, 2011, we have said if you want to stop the far-left, then take away the money they get from taxpayers.

Yes, it is that simple.

Thankfully, someone got the idea of that to President Trump. Because he is pulling the plug on green energy and Climate Change* funding. This is billions upon billions flowing from taxpayers to democrat-affiliated “environmental” organizations, studies at far-left universities to publish papers “proving” climate change and to find better ways to spread Global Warming* propaganda fear to keep the funding going. And that money comes back to democrats who vote for more Climate Change money. That does nothing for the environment. But does keep far-left activism funded.

* We capitalize Climate Change and Global Warming because they are a religion, not science

We welcome back Craig Rucker, the president of CFACT, to talk about Trump’s UN speech, and what the far-left and democrats will do now that taxpayer money is being cut off. And there is nothing a far-leftist hates more than to be forced to spend their own money. Or do something to earn it.

Plus, there’s a new danger from “green” energy that many people may not have heard yet: PFAS. These are the “forever chemicals” we’re discovering in so many of the things we buy. And it’s leeching into our food and water supplies.

PFAS may be linked to harmful health effects in humans and animals, including cancer, developmental issues, liver disease, low fertility, and hormone problems among others.

It turns out, not too surprisingly, that PFAS are in some solar panels and may be leeching into the ground when it rains. And where is the new craze to slap up solar panels? On farm land.

ODOT Spending Spree Becomes Law – Now What?

Despite overwhelming public outcry against the ODOT tax increase, Oregon Democrats spending continues unabated. And unnecessarily so. The Republicans’ plan would have not raised any taxes and instead forced ODOT to live within its means and reprioritize its existing spending.

But why do that when Democrats are hungry for money. Unions need money. And Democrats need unions. That’s why. And while they say they are all for “democracy,” even that’s a lie. Republicans put forward an amendment to simply ask the voters to decide whether to pass the ODOT tax. But Democrats rejected it.

We talk with Rep. Ed Diehl (R-17) about the Democrats’ unquenchable thirst for more money and the timeline of the ODOT bill roll out. There is already a referendum being put together but there are a lot of games Democrats can play to derail it. Tune in to find out what — and what you can do to help. (Hint: visit NoTaxOR.com to find out more.)

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—catch the podcast version. Mondays, after our network of radio stations have aired the show, I Spy Radio is now available on your favorite podcasting platform, or you can grab it right here. See the full list of podcast options.

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

  • Craig Rucker’s organization is CFACT
  • Visit NoTaxOR.com, to help stop the ODOT $4.5 billion spending spree bill from going into effect. We need to hit the ground running!
  • Regulators weigh billion-dollar utility takeovers as bills rise for consumers (Fox17, Sep 27, 2025)
    • “Private equity giants like BlackRock and Blackstone are buying local utilities to power AI-driven data centers, sparking ratepayer and regulator concerns”
  • Ford CEO expects EV sales to be cut in half after end of tax credits (CNBC, Sep 30, 2025)
    • “…the industry learned that ‘partial electrification,’ such as hybrids, are easier for customers to accept for the time being.”
  • Trump administration to expand coal leasing, fund coal plant upgrades (CNBC, Sep 29, 2025)
  • Trump’s fiery UN speech targets immigration, climate change and global conflicts (National Security News, Sept 25, 2025)

 

15-33 Election Integrity Win in Oregon | Next Steps and New Schemes

15-33 Election Integrity Win in Oregon | Next Steps and New Schemes

Show 15-13 Summary: After years and multiple lawsuits, in a surprising turn the fight for election integrity in Oregon finally gets a win. We talk next steps and why it matters with Eric Lee, senior attorney for Judicial Watch’s election integrity team, about the key next step: discovery. What will they look for? And Chuck Wiese on what good elections can mean for Oregon — and what is Oregon already scheming up to get around good election results?.

Map showing the radio stations broadcast areas and air time for the I Spy Radio Show.
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: August 16 & 17, 2025 | Guests: Eric Lee & Chuck Wiese

This Week – Election Integrity Win — in Oregon?!

there have been multiple lawsuits to bring back some election integrity in Oregon. But, for some reason, rather than welcoming scrutiny, Oregon has fought every lawsuit and effort. “You can’t look” is not a way to build trust. But common sense Oregonians finally got a win.

We welcome back Eric Lee, the senior attorney for Judicial Watch’s Election Integrity Team, to discuss their big win in federal court to get standing, which means the case can now proceed against Oregon to force them to clean up their voter rolls. Oregon’s vo9ter rolls are the dirtiest in the nation. And they are so proud of it, they are willing to go to court to not clean them up.

But Judicial Watch just got standing for the Constitution Party in their lawsuit to force Oregon to clean up those dirty voter rolls. That means the lawsuit can proceed. We talk the next steps and a big one: discovery. What will JW be looking to discover and what can they look for?

Good Elections Matter

We see it on a national level. Good elections, where fraud is prevented, tend to have good results. And Trump is having great results. So we also talk with Chuck Wiese, an I Spy Radio Show fan-favorite, to share his experiences.

Chuck is best known as a meteorologist and fearsome global-warming debunker. But he has also become a political activist in an effort to save his beloved state. Chuck has been involved in multiple election integrity lawsuits but all of which have been rejected for lack of “standing.”

But now that Judicial Watch has standing, what will that mean? The good election results in 2024 where fraud was prevented, are having huge impacts on the Climate Change scam. Which means Democrats are losing money by the 10s and 100s of billions.

Democrat Governor Kotek refuses to give up racist DEI hiring policies (not even to fix roads), transgender, and a host of other woke ideologies. As a result, Oregon stands to lose $15 billion in federal funding.

Chuck talks about what are Oregon Democrats already scheming up to get around good elections.

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—catch the podcast version. Mondays, after our network of radio stations have aired the show, I Spy Radio is now available on your favorite podcasting platform, or you can grab it right here. See the full list of podcast options.

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

15-28 The Big Beautiful Bill is the Beginning Not the End

15-28 The Big Beautiful Bill is the Beginning Not the End

Show 15-28 Summary: Not to sound too much like Nancy Pelosi but now that the One Big Beautiful Bill passed, we know what’s in it. It was making a lot of people lose their minds perhaps because they didn’t understand the bill and what could or could not be in it. It’s clear they didn’t read it and listened to the wrong analysts. Which is why it will make people like Elon Musk and his very public temper tantrum look very foolish.

Map showing the radio stations broadcast areas and air time for the I Spy Radio Show.
Current I Spy Radio broadcast areas. Click for full-size map.

The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: July 12th & 13th, 2025 | Guest: Jonathan Williams

This Week – The Big Beautiful Bill Passed — Now What?

Nancy Pelosi famously said about Obamacare that “We have to pass it to find out what’s in it.” And now that we have the final version of the Big Beautiful Bill, we do know what’s in it.

But leading up to its final passage, it made a lot of people lose their minds. Legislators should know better but a lot of grassroots did not understand what a reconciliation bill was and how limited they are — just to budget items that affect federal spending or revenue. Which is why it could never be “the one bill” to accomplish everything America First that everyone wanted. So why didn’t the people who ought to have known better say that? Rather than try to sabotage it?

Perhaps they had their own agenda. And, as typical, they wanted something other than what they were saying.

Elon Musk — The Spoiled Kid in the Grocery Store

Spoiled brat Elon Musk throws temper tantrum over the One Big Beautiful Bill
click for full size

By definition, a reconciliation is limited. Not only in terms of what can or can’t be in it but also what budgetary items it can cut. It doesn’t take much to understand that. So someone as smart as Elon had to know that. Which implies then that he wanted something else. And his public shrieking tantrum was calculated. He had to know they couldn’t make the massive cuts he said he wanted. So it’s clear he either didn’t read the bill or listened to the wrong analysts. Or made the calculated move to get attention, blame people, and offer the solution. A third party with the goal to selectively to pick off vulnerable Republicans to be the key swing votes in Congress.

But Elon Musk’s temper tantrum gambit will look pretty foolish when the Big  Beautiful Bill succeeds. He’ll not only look like the spoiler but what he is. Spoiled.

How do we know? Hint: everyone was predicting the end of the economic world after Trump’s reciprocal tariffs. Now they’re admitting they were wrong.

The Big Beautiful Bill Reality

Now that the bill was passed and signed, the fury has died down—mostly—we welcome back Jonathan Williams, the president and chief economist at the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) to get some truth and reality about what was in it. No. It wasn’t perfect. Yes we would have liked more spending cuts.

But while the shrieking and tantruming was happening the detractors missed a key part of the bill. It codified 28 of Trump’s exectutive orders. They’re no longer executive orders, easily undone by the next president with a pen. Now they are law. And, even better, for those demanding more cuts, once the bill was passed and signed, President Trump used his executive power to rescind (cut) spending on key points. Like stopping the green energy credits and Global Warming spending. 

But. And here’s the biggest and most overlooked aspect of the Big Beautiful Bill. It doesn’t end here. It’s the beginning.

Did you feel the political ground under you shift? Because unlike so many other big gigantic bills, this was about cutting spending, cutting taxes, and cutting the size and scope of government. And some actual entitlement reforms. When is the last time that happened? Maybe in the 1990s with Newt Gingrich?

And this isn’t some deep red state doing it. This is Washington DC. And it’s just the beginning. There are already plans in the works for two more bills like it to make further cuts and to push more of the America First agenda.

And that’s why, with the Trump Train rolling, people like Elon Musk standing on the platform shrieking about what is not on the train  will look pretty foolish as the train pulls away without them.

Rich States, Poor States. Poor Oregon.

We  also talk with Jonathan about Oregon’s latest ranking in the 18th edition of Rich States, Poor States. Jonathan is one of its co-authors. For anyone who lives in Oregon, it will come as no surprise that we dropped one point from last year.

But Oregon made some recent economic bungles that have come to light? How bad would it have been for Oregon’s ranking if these had come to light before the latest edition had been released?

Related:
Show 15-23 with Jennifer Hamaker
  – Oregon’s Climate Protection Plan’s planned devastation to Oregon’s economy — conveniently phased in after the 2026 election
Show 15-25 with Ed Diehl  Oregon’s HB2025, the ODOT tax bill, which would have been the biggest tax increase in Oregon’s history

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

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Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

  • Jonathan is the president and chief economist organization at American Legislative Exchange Council. Find out more at ALEC.org.
    • Encourage your representatives to join ALEC! There are state and city memberships. Help elected officials understand economic problems and the real solutions available to get out of them. Send them this link: https://alec.org/membership/.
    • And you too can join as a private-sector member!
    • Follow Jonathan on Twitter at @TaxEconomist.
  • Head to Rich States, Poor States to see how your state is doing.
  • See the list: Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill codifies 28 executive orders and actions
  • Steve Moore: Trump just scored the biggest conservative victory in three decades (Fox News, July 10, 2025)
    • “What isn’t well known is that this new law doesn’t just change tax policy. It includes dozens of other long-sought policy goals – what I call ‘hidden gems’.”
  • Conservatives say Trump won their megabill votes by promising crackdown on renewable energy credits (Politico, July 3, 2025)
    • “Hard-line House conservatives said President Donald Trump assured them his administration would take action to constrict wind or solar projects that qualify for Inflation Reduction Act tax credits — a pledge that ultimately persuaded them to back the party’s megabill.” → A promise kept with Trump’s rescission package.
  • Johnson says megabill will be ‘jet fuel’ for economy; teases 2 future bills within next year (Fox News, July 6, 2025)
    • Johnson said the BBB is just the first step in a three-tier strategy. Johnson expects a second reconciliation bill by fall and a third by spring before the end of the current Congress. “You’ll see more of us advancing these common-sense principles to deliver that American First agenda”
  • Trump says U.S. struck trade deal with Vietnam that imposes 20% tariff on its imports (CNBC, July 2, 2025)
  • U.S. Supreme Court Greenlights Trump’s Federal Government Purge (GWP, July 8, 2025)
  • Supreme Court allows Trump to implement plans (Scotusblog, June 8, 2025)
    • In an 8 to 1 ruling the U.S. Supreme Court has overturned Clinton-appointed judge’s ruling that temporarily stopped Trump to do mass layoffs. Now his administration can immediately move forward

Sorry Democrats. The BBB Does NOT End Social Security

  • Social Security letter on taxes sends confusing message, some experts say (Washington Post, July 4, 2025)
  • Megabill does not eliminate taxes on Social Security — But it does increase the standard deduction for seniors.
    • Tax exemption for Social Security goes from 64 percent to 88 percent.
  • Does the “big, beautiful bill” eliminate taxes on Social Security? (CBS News, July 8, 2025)

The One Big Beautiful Bill is the Start, Not the End

Green Energy isn’t So Green Anymore

Funny how Global Warming believers suddenly change their beliefs when they aren’t paid to believe them any more.

Oregon’s Economic Outlook Not Looking Good

15-24 Scams and Fraud: Superpowers of the Left

15-24 Scams and Fraud: Superpowers of the Left

Show 15-24 Summary: The Left lives off scams and fraud. You don’t have 1,500 staged Defy Democracy protests “spring up” organically. It costs money. Lots of it. Craig Rucker from CFACT discusses the continuing, multi-billion-dollar scams of climate change and green energy that fund the Far Left. So why do people inside the Trump administration want to keep the green spigot open? What you haven’t heard about windmills. And what Biden tried to keep hidden. And then Eric Lee, a senior attorney with Judicial Watch, discusses their upcoming hearing as the state of Oregon seeks to dismiss. Judicial Watch’s case would pry open Oregon’s voter rolls and force them to clean them up. As required by law. Because fraud is how Democrats get elected.

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The I Spy Radio Show airs weekends, seven times over the weekend, on seven different stations. Listen anywhere through the stations’ live streams! Check out when, where, and how to listen to the I Spy Radio Show. Podcast available Mondays after the show airs on our network of stations.

Air Dates: June 14th & 15th, 2025 | Guests: Craig Rucker & Eric Lee

This Week – Scams and Fraud

Scams and fraud are how the Left funds itself—and get elected. They are the Left’s true superpowers. Staging 1,000+ protests to Defy Democracy don’t happen in less than a week. With no planning. And no money. Quite the opposite. Do you ever see these massive, widespread protests from the Rigth? No. Because the Right doesn’t get 100s of billions of taxpayer dollars to fund their ideology. But the Left sure does.

It’s time for that to end. And the the Trump administration is working hard to correct these scams and fraud. But is he once again being undermined by people in his own administration?

Craig Rucker: Climate Change and “Green” Energy Scams

First up, we talk with Craig Rucker, President of Committee for a Constructive Tomorrow or CFACT, about some recent revelations that the Biden administration quietly gave waivers to wind farms special waivers, passing along disposal costs to taxpayers. They also removed comments they didn’t like to force an expensive and useless rule change onto natural gas and coal power plants.

And there are more instances of changing data, including outright fraud. Which probably explains why the defendant in a current RICO case in California fled the state. Wait until you hear what else he did besides jimmy the numbers. Craig also discusses the Department of Interior and how Trump’s team may not be in alignment with Trump when it comes to global warming.

Did you catch last week’s show with Jen Hamaker exposing Oregon’s Climate Protection Plan and the latest, it’s carbon cap and trade scheme? It’s Oregon’s democrat-assisted suicide. And with three republicans’ help.

Eric Lee: Dirty Voter Rolls — the Pathway to Election Fraud

Next up is first-time guest, Eric Lee, a senior attorney on Judicial Watch’s election integrity team and a specialist on the National Voting Registration Act. In a much-anticipated lawsuit against Oregon and Oregon’s Secretary of State, oral arguments start Wednesday, June 18th in Eugene’s federal district court as Oregon hopes to get the case dismissed on procedural grounds.

But has Oregon accidentally undermined the credibility of their own case with some public statements? Including admitting just how messy Oregon’s voter database truly is? You’ll hear what Judicial Watch alleges that Oregon’s done and not done, in direct violation of the National Voting Registration Act.  And Judicial Watch’s surprise that Oregon hasn’t entered any filings against the merit of the case.  You’ll hear why they’re here in Oregon fighting the good fight for election integrity — and the reasons why Oregon must clean up its voter rolls.

Sorry Oregon, “trust us” and not letting anyone look isn’t going to fly any longer.

If you want to better understand the Far Left’s operational methods, don’t miss this show!

The I Spy Radio Show Podcast Version

Trapped under a heavy object? Missed the show? Don’t worry—catch the podcast version. Mondays, after our network of radio stations have aired the show, I Spy Radio is now available on your favorite podcasting platform, or you can grab it right here. See the full list of podcast options.

Show Notes: Research, Links Mentioned & Additional Info

Craig Rucker: Climate Change & Green Energy Scams

  • Craig’s organization is the Committee For A Constructive Tomorrow. Visit them at CFACT.org
  • Check out some of these terrific articles from CFACT
  • A simple exercise in the social cost of climate extremism (CFACT May 30, 2025)
  • Department of Interior emails reveal Biden’s offshore wind waivers (Just the News, May 28, 2025)
  • Offshore wind opponents file lawsuit to stop Empire Wind, arguing feds’ greenlighting violated law (Just the News, June 11, 2025)
  • Biden’s EPA hid comments from Dept. of Energy (Just the News, June 8, 2025)
    • “Energy Secretary Chris Wright confirmed in March, that when a study on liquefied natural gas was completed, the Biden administration didn’t like what the study said, so they set out to produce one that would support the climate policies they wanted.”
    • “Politico reports that Trump plans to sign a trio of resolutions Thursday, June 12th to revoke California’s nation-leading vehicle emissions standards and also impacts a dozen other blue states, including Oregon, who’ve adopted the rules.”
  • RICO defendant flees the state. Press release from Suisun News (via Facebook, June 9, 2025)
  • Fury as Republicans go ‘nuclear’ in fight over California car emissions (Guardian,. May 22, 2025)
  • Senate nullifies California’s electric vehicle mandate, using fast-track authority to bypass filibuster (CNN, May 22, 2025)
  • Trump is about to kill California’s EV rules (Politico, June 10, 2025)

Eric Lee: Judicial Watch Lawsuit against Oregon

  • The Beginning of the End for KNOWiNK? Oregon Dumps KNOWiNK TotalVote System Four Years Into Contract (Gateway Pundit, June 3, 2025)
  • Can Any States Using KNOWink Software Applications Be Confident in Safe and Secure Elections?  (Gateway Pundit, Jan 17, 2024)
  • Justice Department Backs Judicial Watch (Gateway Pundit, June 7, 2025)
  • Justice Department Files Statement of Interest in Oregon Elections Case Concerning States’ Obligations Under the National Voter Registration Act (DOJ, June 6, 2025)
  • Wow! In Washington DC? Democrats voted against illegals voting in U.S. elections? “House Passes Bill to Repeal D.C. Law Allowing Non-Citizens to Vote” (Gateway Pundit, June 11, 2025)
    • “Washington DC Local Resident Voting Rights of 2022” allowed non‑U.S. citizens, including potentially illegal immigrants and foreign agents, to cast ballots in local elections.