Guests - Chorus Nylander, Ryan McDermott, Jack Dona
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.
Guests - Eric Eggers, Bill Netherton, Abe Hamadeh
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."
Guests - Betsy Smith, Anthony Sanborn
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.
Guests - Alex Kolodin, JL Wittenbraker, Joel Strabala
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.
Guests - Ian Trottier, Kelly Walker, Joel Strabala
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.
Guests - Stephen Mundt, Betsy Smith
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.
Guests - Ava Chen, Nate Foster
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.
Guests - Josh Jacobsen, Keith Gross
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.
Guests - JL Wittenbraker, Dave Smith
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.
Guests – Michael & Bonnie Quinn, Betsy Smith
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.
Guests - Rick Shaftan, Joel Strabala
The New York City mayoral race has entered its critical final phase, with a debate last night showcasing the three main candidates. Political consultant Rick Shaftan offered his analysis on the current dynamics between Andrew Cuomo, Jumaane Williams (Mandami), and Curtis Sliwa.
The conversation returned with a focus on Tucson's local political situation. Joel Strabala, a Republican city council candidate, joined the discussion to talk about the city's housing policies.
Guests - Ava Chen, Alex Kolodin, Dominic Escamilla
Americans are finally waking up to the reality that the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) is their top adversary. Despite other challenges facing the nation, there's growing recognition that confronting the CCP must begin here in the United States.
The Make-A-Wish Foundation continues its vital mission of granting life-changing wishes to children facing critical illnesses. These wishes serve as powerful medicine, giving children and families hope and strength during their most challenging times.
Guests - Betsy Smith, Kym Adair, Wayne Morrow, Dr. Mateja De Leonni
The latest controversy surrounding White House renovations has revealed a striking double standard in American politics. While Democrats express outrage over President Trump's East Wing and ballroom renovations, their indignation rings hollow when viewed against recent history. As Betsy Brantner Smith, spokesperson for the National Police Association, points out, "Aren't they the side that pulled down statues, burned down buildings, destroyed many monuments around the country?"
The Arizona Bowl has made significant contributions to the Tucson community. This past summer, the organization received applications from over 140 local charities and distributed more than $200,000 to 15-20 organizations, including the Humane Society, Girls Club, and smaller charities like a food bank in Oracle that assisted people affected by fire damage.
Wayne Morrow, CEO of the John Birch Society, made a compelling case for the United States to withdraw from the United Nations. The John Birch Society, a non-partisan civics and education organization that has been active for over 60 years, has long warned about the UN's true agenda.
Guests - Stephen Mundt, Dr. Steve Bonta
The conditions in the Middle East have completely changed. From Turkey to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, and the UAE, regional powers are acknowledging there's no future without peace. The expansion of the Abraham Accords represents a significant shift in regional dynamics.
President Trump has taken decisive action against drug cartels, recently criticizing the Colombian president and cutting U.S. funding to the country. This represents a broader strategy to combat the flow of narcotics into the United States.
China's involvement in this crisis cannot be overlooked. They have established influence over numerous aspects of American society, and their support for destabilizing forces like drug cartels serves their strategic interests. The threat extends beyond drug trafficking to potential future scenarios where Chinese interests could impact critical American infrastructure, banking systems, and water supplies.
Guests - Michael Pack, Dave Smith
Michael Pack, director and producer of "The Last 600 Meters," joined Kathleen Winn on Winn Tucson to discuss his documentary about two of the biggest battles America has fought since Vietnam - Fallujah and Najaf in Iraq. The film will air on PBS on November 10th, the day before Veterans Day.
Dave Smith joined Kathleen Winn to discuss political philosophy and current events, focusing on what he sees as the philosophical underpinnings of left-wing politics and their implications.
Guests – Betsy Smith, Elaine Beck
Tucson reports alarming crime statistics that should concern residents and city leadership alike. The overall crime rate stands at 4,151 offenses per 100,000 residents – 67% higher than the Arizona state average. The violent crime rate is 585 incidents per 100,000 residents, translating to a 1 in 171 chance of becoming a victim, which is 63% higher than the national average.
Betsy Smith, spokesperson for the National Police Association, joined the program to discuss concerning judicial decisions affecting law enforcement.
Elaine Beck, owner and CEO of Proverse Media, joined the program to discuss her faith-based initiatives and the concept of "Wisdom Warriors" – experienced individuals over 50 who remember living in what she described as a truly free country.
Guests - Ava Chen, Greg Blackie, Jay Tolkoff
The recent peace deal in the Middle East represents a significant setback to Xi Jinping's global strategy, according to Eva Chen of the New Federal State of China. Speaking on China Watch Wednesday, Chen explained how the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) has been orchestrating a three-pronged war strategy to distract the United States.
Greg Blackie, Deputy Director of Policy at the Arizona Free Enterprise Club, is bringing an important message to Tucson regarding what the organization calls "the Green New Scam." The club will host an event on October 23rd at Faith Community Church to discuss how green energy policies are affecting Arizona residents.
Jay Tolkoff, candidate for Tucson's Ward 6 City Council seat, is seeing unprecedented support from traditionally Democratic constituencies. "I think that there's a lot of people that would typically be considered Democrats that are looking at what's going on and saying what the Democrat-controlled mayor and council have been doing isn't working,"
Guests - Dave Smith, Lisa Von Geldern
Yesterday marked a historic turning point as hostages were returned under a new peace agreement. The powerful images of families reuniting after two years of separation showcased what many are calling a diplomatic triumph. President Trump's role in facilitating this peace deal demonstrates what can be accomplished when business acumen is applied to complex geopolitical situations.
Today would have been Charlie Kirk's 32nd birthday, a somber reminder of his untimely death. President Trump will be awarding him the Presidential Medal of Freedom, America's highest civilian honor, in recognition of his contributions as a political activist and organizer.
Tucson residents currently face a critical juncture with the ongoing City Council election. With voter turnout currently below 1%, citizens who want change must engage with this election. The consequences of maintaining current leadership include infrastructure problems like potholes, insufficient police presence, and policies that have proven ineffective at addressing homelessness.
Guests – Stephanie Ford & Lisa Thurman, Jennifer Clark
On World Peace Day, financial advisors Stephanie Ford, Senior Vice President, and Lisa Thurman joined Winn Tucson to discuss recent market developments.
The markets experienced volatility last week after President Trump announced potential 100% tariffs on China. "Friday the market was down a little bit because of Trump's tariff talk about China. And then now it's rallying back up," explained Ford. "Yesterday Trump did kind of say everything with China tariffs will be okay and maybe not be as aggressive. Now the S&P 500's up over 600 points this morning."
Education advocate Jenny Clark, founder and CEO of Love Your School, joined to discuss Arizona's education landscape. Clark, a former Arizona State Board of Education member appointed by Governor Doug Ducey, shared her personal motivation for founding the organization.
Guests - Stephen Mundt
The first phase of President Trump's peace deal between Israel and Hamas is now underway, with significant developments occurring on the ground. Retired General Stephen Mundt joins to provide military and geopolitical perspective on this historic agreement. The situation has dramatically changed in recent months, with surrounding nations around Israel creating conditions for potential success.
"Hamas says they're not going to give up their arms and want to be in the next government. I can't find anybody in that region except Iran who supports that concept," explains Mundt. "You cannot be armed and you may not participate in the future governance of Gaza or the West Bank. And they signed on to that. That's what they agreed to."