On the Friday before Thanksgiving, Kathleen Winn opened her Winn Tucson show with a stark warning: a major Cloudflare outage earlier that week knocked out roughly 20% of the world's websites, including many of the large language models millions now rely on daily. Winn brought back Chris Hoar, disaster response and telecom national security spokesperson for SAT123, to explain why these recurring incidents are more than inconveniences — they are flashing red warnings about single points of failure in America's critical infrastructure.

Winn shifted to local election integrity with guests Dave Smith and later Joel Strabala, both furious about Pima County Recorder Gabriela Cáceres-Kelly's handling of the November city election.

Winn welcomed Mark Burrell, freshly elected to the Mason, Ohio city council after a 41-year career at Procter & Gamble. An engineer by training and author of two books on America's founding, Burrell squeaked into fourth place in a non-partisan race for four seats.

**Kathleen Winn** – November 20, 2025

Tucson awoke to rare, steady rain, and the mood on *Winn Tucson* matched the weather: urgent, unfiltered, and unapologetic. Host Kathleen Winn, alongside two powerhouse guests — National Police Association spokesperson **Betsy Brantner Smith** and retired U.S. Army Brigadier General **Stephen Mundt** — delivered a two-hour masterclass on the issues dominating southern Arizona and the nation: violent crime spilling into homes, open-border fallout, holiday safety, and the dangerous rhetoric now aimed at America’s military.

**A Special Two-Hour Broadcast on Winn Tucson with Kathleen Winn, Ava Chen, and Canadian Whistleblower Hugh “June Flower”**

The centerpiece of the first hour was a November 10, 2025 Daily Caller article that branded Hugh a “China intel-linked fraudster” because he owns a modest mobile-home park near a U.S. Air Force base that houses B-2 bombers.

Ava Chen called the piece “a textbook CCP political-warfare operation disguised as American investigative journalism.”

In the second hour, Ava Chen walked listeners through the CCP’s doctrine of “Three Warfares”

In a wide-ranging discussion on local infrastructure, retired Army Brigadier General Ted Maxwell joined host Kathleen Winn to break down what Pima County voters will face on March 10, 2026, when Propositions 418 and 419 appear on a special election ballot.

Wade Miller, vice president at the Center for Renewing America and a Marine Corps veteran, lays out evidence that the 2020 census was systematically skewed to benefit Democratic representation.

State Representative Rachel Keshel (LD-17) joined Winn to discuss ongoing problems with the Pima County Recorder’s office, including the refusal to allow legally credentialed observers during the November 2025 Tucson city election.

This week on Winn Tucson, we're tackling both local and national issues, with a strong focus on elections. Even though the next major statewide primary isn't until August 2026, we can't afford to ignore ongoing problems in the system. As we've seen in Tucson, unaddressed issues tend to persist.

Mohit Asnani, who's deeply involved in the licensed cannabis industry, says there's been significant movement in Arizona's marijuana and hemp sectors, with calls for clarity on the 2018 Farm Bill.

Alex Kolodin, representing Legislative District 3 in Scottsdale and running for Secretary of State—an office needing fresh leadership. We discussed Pima County's election issues and the letter to Hobbs and Mayes.

The first guest is retired Colonel Tom "Buzz" Rempfer, who's fought for those refusing the COVID and anthrax vaccines.

Betsy Brantner Smith joins to discuss Political Turbulence and Government Priorities.

Jennifer Clark helps parents navigate education.

Brett Mecum, Arizona Space Commission chairman to discuss Yesterday's Mars launch exciting. Blue Origin (Phoenix engineering office) launched, recovered booster—second after SpaceX. Escapade mission: $80 million—cheap for NASA. Commercial partners reduce costs for science.

Dave Smith and Betsy Smith stepped in to host Winn Tucson while Kathleen Winn attended an invitation-only aviation event in the Phoenix area with her husband, Al Winn. Al, a self-effacing engineer, served as the chief engineer behind the Apache helicopter. Joining the hosts was Remy, the Republican dog, whose pictures can be found on Betsy's Facebook and X account, @sgtbetsysmith. The discussion covered a wide range of topics, from the recent government reopening to local Tucson issues, crime, and retirement advice.

Ava Chen from the New Federal State of China highlighted the chaotic global landscape, noting an intensifying sense of impending major events. Domestically, the U.S. faces internal fights and differing opinions, while internationally, regional conflicts are escalating. President Trump recently brokered peace deals to end eight wars, but recent developments show fragility in these agreements.

Grant Krueger, a Tucson business owner and radio host, raised concerns over city proposals post the failure of Proposition 414's sales tax increase. The city seeks revenue for transit, eyeing increases in parking, bed tax, and advertising fees.

Currently at 0%, the advertising privilege tax could rise to 2.6%, affecting billboard, radio, and TV ads. "That would tax... if I'm going to buy an ad from, let's say a billboard or from a radio station or a television station," Krueger explained. This burdens small businesses reliant on local advertising, unlike chains.

Pima County's recent election has sparked significant concerns, prompting the Board of Supervisors to schedule a meeting with the county recorder and elections director. Supervisor Steve Christy, representing District 4 as the sole Republican on the board, highlighted issues raised by constituents, particularly regarding the outer envelope used for ballots.

Major Shannon Blake, U.S. Army retired and founder of Warrior SOAR (Support Outreach Assistance Recovery), shared how the organization combats veteran suicide through activity-based programs. After 20 years of service and medical retirement, Blake felt lost until other groups aided his recovery. Fundraising for them evolved into Warrior SOAR in 2017, driven by combat buddies' suicides.

Tony Cahn of Waveland Events partners with Warrior SOAR for baseball camps. Meeting Blake at a Boston Red Sox camp led to collaborations, including Northside Baseball Fantasy Camp for Cubs fans. "We live as ball players for a week," Cahn said, with Hall of Famers coaching.

Chris Salcedo, Newsmax host and author of The Rise of the Liberty Loving Latino: A New American Revolution, analyzed recent elections. Democrats won in blue states, but without a "blue wave." Victors included those funded by China ties, wishing harm on opponents, and a Marxist now overseeing New York commerce. Republicans faltered without Trump and America First.

Joel Strabala, retired Air Force veteran, detailed his career: 1980 Air Force Academy graduate, active duty until 1992. Pilot training at Williams AFB, F-4 and F-4G Wild Weasel at George AFB, then Germany. Served as air liaison officer, flew F-15E in Desert Storm.

Arizona faces a persistent teacher shortage, with over a thousand educators quitting since July and 4,000 vacancies filled only temporarily. Tom Horne, the state's Superintendent of Public Instruction, emphasized the urgency during his appearance on Winn Tucson. "I've been sounding the alarm on the teacher shortage for some time now because we've been losing more teachers than have been coming into the profession," Horne stated. He warned that without intervention, the state could face a complete collapse in its teaching workforce.

Laurie Moore joined Winn to discuss national and local politics. Moore noted delays in Adelita Grijalva's swearing-in and hoped for her focus on southern Arizona issues. They criticized Democratic leadership, including calls to replace Chuck Schumer.

Eric Weir, author of Who's Eating Your Pie?, addressed the aviation fallout from the government shutdown. "I think it's safe to fly... But the question is, are you going to fly at all?" Weir said, recounting family travel disruptions.

Ahead of Veterans Day, Master Sergeant Jack Dona discussed the Stolen Valor Act, named after his father. "With the stolen valor bill, I lost my dad last year... It was a great honor," Dona said, explaining its role in his grieving.

The bill targets false military claims for profit, sparked by a forged DD-214 form. "It's to protect their service and their honor and not let it be cheapened by people who would use unscrupulous means,"

Kathleen Winn welcomed Chorus 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.