Tucson’s Conservative Talk

Kathleen Winn welcomed Corris Nylander, the chief investigative journalist at News 4 Tucson, for a heartfelt interview as he prepares to leave KVOA after five years. Nylander, who joined the station in November 2020, is transitioning to a new role in Florida but emphasized his continued commitment to journalism.

In a discussion timed ahead of Veterans Day, Kathleen Winn spoke with Ryan McDermott, an Iraq War veteran, former Pentagon official, Bronze Star recipient, and author of the acclaimed book Downriver: Memoir of a Warrior Poet. McDermott emphasized that Veterans Day is about more than remembrance—it's about recognition, renewal, and continued service in civilian life.

Kathleen Winn delved into Operation Arctic Frost and broader election concerns with Jack Dona, a U.S. Army retired Master Sergeant with four decades in intelligence, including work at the National Security Agency and deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq.

Eric Eggers, Vice President of Research at the Government Accountability Institute and author of Fraud: How the Left Plans to Steal the Next Election, joined Winn Tucson to analyze the New York City mayoral race. Eggers clarified that the election reflects demographic and ideological shifts in blue areas like New York, which has more citizens on housing assistance than any other state.

Bill Netherton, founder of Professional Bartenders Unlimited since 1984, shared his journey starting the company from the back of his 1977 Chevy van. Now operating from a 3,000-square-foot building in the Kaler Business Park, the company has weathered storms like 9/11 and COVID.

Congressman Abe Hamadeh discussed the government shutdown, expressing optimism for a continuing resolution post-election. He said, "There is a growing consensus that they believe it's going to open up that now that the elections are over, that some of these Democrats, you know, have feel the pressure."

Kathleen Winn opened her shortened China Watch Wednesday segment with a nod to co-host Ava Chen's illness, blaming New York election fallout for the malaise. Filling the gap solo, Winn detailed outcomes from President Trump's meeting with Xi Jinping—results she called "understated" amid national news overload.

China agreed to suspend 24% additional tariffs on U.S. goods for one year while retaining a 10% levy. As the world's top agricultural buyer, Beijing will lift tariffs up to 15% on U.S. farm products starting November 10, paving the way for massive soybean purchases. "That'll help our farmers," Winn said, highlighting Trump's negotiation of a one-year open trade in rare earth minerals worth billions in soybean sales alone.

Desert Dog Canine Trials: Honoring Furry Four-Legged Officers

Anthony "Tony" Sanborn, Scottsdale PD officer and Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association (ALECA) member, joined to promote the memorial repair and weekend event.

Pima County made national headlines on November 5, 2025, not for record turnout but for barring election observers from polling sites—a move branded as "third world, banana Republic style" by state Representative Alex Kolodin. Host Kathleen Winn opened Winn Tucson with breaking news: Republicans and Democrats alike were turned away starting at 6 a.m., despite prior sign-ups and Arizona law mandating observer access wherever voting occurs.

Ward 3 candidate JL Wittenbraker, who knocked on thousands of doors, told Winn the city council's lockstep voting has created a silo of failed policies. She spoke with Republicans, Democrats, and independents alike—all demanding change.

Pima County GOP election board member Joel Strabala revealed the bait-and-switch: everyone assumed the elections department would run vote centers. Instead, the recorder took control, citing an October 2 policy letter applying early voting rules—no observers—to Election Day.

Ian Trottier, author of High Stakes Treason: How John Brennan Compromised American Security for a Million, returned to Winn Tucson to reveal explosive developments in his investigation into the former CIA director. The book, forwarded by Roger Stone and built on research from former FBI agent John Donovan, accuses Brennan of orchestrating a complex scheme that predates the Russia collusion hoax, profiting nearly $5 million while jeopardizing national security.

Kelly Walker, former Tucsonan and Parents Demanding Justice Alliance founder, addressed the viral scandal at Cienega High School in Vail School District. Math teachers wore "Problem Solved" T-shirts splattered with blood-like stains for Halloween, seven weeks after Charlie Kirk's assassination and post-Trump attempt.

Joel Strabala, Pima County GOP chair, detailed tomorrow's city election logistics. Polls open 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. at eight sites; drop ballots at three unattended boxes or sites like Broadway/Kolb, 240 N. Stone (walk-up/drive-up), or emergencies at recorder offices/City Elections building.

Traveling without delays from Washington through Dallas-Fort Worth, retired Brigadier General Stephen Mundt highlights air travel vulnerabilities. Unpaid controllers and TSA agents deserve thanks for continued service amid personal financial stress.

Fresh from grandson Riley's birth October 29—7 pounds, 3 ounces, 19.5 inches, full head of hair—Betsy Smith joins from Iowa. Appeared on Fox News during labor supporting ICE agents.

Two U.S. military aircraft went down in the South China Sea this week—one fighter jet, one helicopter—both operating off the USS Nimitz during routine missions. Pilots ejected safely from the jet; the helicopter crashed but all crew survived. Everyone is recovering. The Navy says the cause is under investigation.

But according to Ava Chen, co-host of *China Watch Wednesday* and a representative of the New Federal State of China (NFSC), the crashes were no accident. “It is the CCP behind it,” she declared. “It’s CCP’s post-interference technology that has caused these two incidents. The timing is perfect.”

Tucson Police Detective Nate Foster doesn’t mince words.

“We’re 400 officers short,” he told host Kathleen Winn. “We had 1,200 when I started. Now we’re at 800. And they just cut our overtime.”

That means no proactive policing. Officers race from priority call to priority call. No follow-up. No deterrence.

Guest: Josh Jacobsen, Tucson Crime Free Coalition

Tucson Crime Free, a non-partisan coalition, urges voters to back J.L. Wittenbraker and Jay Tolkoff for city council while rejecting Proposition 417. The group highlights the need for diverse voices to challenge unanimous 7-0 council votes and address rising crime, economic stagnation, and policy failures.

Guest: Keith Gross, Legal Analyst, Former Assistant State Attorney, Author of Dirt Roads to Runways

Chip Roy and Republicans push bills blocking/deporting Sharia-adherent aliens—an existential threat. Sharia extends Islam into political/legal system, incompatible with Western constitutional republic freedoms.

Adherents reject worship choice, diminish women/children/different faiths' rights, seek ultimate control.

The future of Tucson hangs in the balance with just one week remaining before the city council elections. For residents concerned about rising crime rates, homelessness, and deteriorating infrastructure, this election represents a crucial opportunity to reshape local governance.

If elected to the city council, JL Wittenbraker promises to bring accountability to local government. "I will not sit on the dais and go along to get along. I will fight for our constituents. I will fight for adequate public safety funding."

The discussion extends to national politics with guest Dave Smith, who shares perspectives on the challenges facing conservatives in today's political climate.

Born out of both loss and gratitude, Rockin' for Heroes stands as a powerful testament to the impact first responders have on our lives. Michael and Bonnie Quinn founded this annual event after experiencing firsthand the compassion and dedication of emergency personnel during their son PJ's battle with bone cancer.

The issue of illegal immigration and its impact on public safety continues to be a pressing concern across the United States. Recent incidents involving commercial truck drivers who are in the country illegally have highlighted serious gaps in our licensing and enforcement systems.