Ava Chen, co-host from the New Federal State of China, joins to discuss China's subdued response during the 12-13 day Iran war.

Dan Sexton and Susan Ellsworth from the John Birch Society discuss their organization's focus on constitutional adherence. Sexton explains: "We expose the votes of congressmen on constitutional issues as to whether they voted to abide by the Constitution or not and the publication the Freedom Index is for all 435 House members and the 100 Senate members and we'll have ten bills listed in the publication in each chamber we'll explain the bill and why a vote for or against the bill would be a constitutional vote or not."

John Gordon, attorney, legal and political analyst, entrepreneur, and host of the nationally syndicated radio show The Truth with John Gordon, delves into Kristi Noem's brief stint as head of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and her recent reassignment.

Betsy Brantner Smith, spokesperson for the National Police Association and member at large for Pima County GOP, exposes Sheriff Nanos' resume issues: "Stephanie Murray, she's a reporter for USA Today, but she also writes for AZ Central, who is really no friend of the Republican Party. But she has put out a scoop yesterday. And she actually went on to Pima. It's on the Pima County Sheriff's Department website, Chris Nanos' work history. His resume is up there. And she did some research, and his resume is wrong.

Joining the show is retired Navy Captain Bill Sullivan, who brings over 25 years of experience as a surface warfare officer. Having served in the Arabian and Persian Gulf, including combat operations against Iraq and enforcing international sanctions, Sullivan offers expert perspectives on the escalating situation in Iran and the Middle East.

Pima County Republican Party's LD 17 Chairman Joel Strabala joins to discuss local elections. He reports 221,399 returned ballots, with 32,600 undeliverable—about 18%—due to invalid addresses or other issues. These are stored and potentially destroyed after six months. Strabala is pursuing a FOIA request for the list and notes 4,734 replacement ballots issued.

The integrity of local elections remains a paramount concern for Arizona voters, shifting focus from national rhetoric to concrete local legislative action. Patricia Pardi, a leading advocate for electoral transparency, emphasized that true security is built at the county level through rigorous oversight and adherence to statutory requirements. The proliferation of early voting and the associated logistical challenges have created vulnerabilities that current legislative efforts aim to address.

The balance of power between state governments and federal agencies is undergoing significant strain, often playing out in complex legal battles. Joel Colley, a constitutional attorney focusing on regulatory compliance, addressed the increasing encroachment of federal mandates on Arizona's autonomy. Specifically, recent EPA regulations regarding water usage and air quality are viewed by state leaders as overreaching, failing to account for Arizona’s unique environmental and economic realities.

The debate over the future of education in Arizona is intensifying, centered on the expansion of Empowerment Scholarship Accounts (ESAs) and the principle of universal school choice. Tara Oster, an advocate for parental rights in education, argues that the current public school monopoly is failing students and hindering economic mobility. The push for universal ESA accessibility is viewed as a critical step toward creating a truly competitive educational marketplace.

The political landscape in Arizona has shifted decisively, marked by a massive surge in Republican primary turnout and a unified front behind Donald Trump. The expected close contest between Donald Trump and Nikki Haley did not materialize, with Trump securing a commanding 78% of the vote. This overwhelming victory signals a clear direction for the state's GOP. State Representative Alex Kolodin emphasized the significance of this mandate.

North Carolina continues to establish itself as a critical swing state with a complex political architecture. While Donald Trump maintained an eight-point lead over Joe Biden in the 2020 election, the state remains politically competitive. Election analyst Seth Keshel provided a detailed breakdown of the North Carolina primary and what it portends for the general election.

As the primary season heats up, the energy on the ground reveals a deeply concerned and activated electorate. Laurie Moore, traveling across the country for grassroots efforts, shared perspective gathered from conversations with everyday Americans.

The intersection of public policy, funding, and the separation of powers is fueling a significant legal debate in Arizona. Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne addressed the controversy surrounding Proposition 208, a wealth tax for education funding that was declared unconstitutional, and the subsequent efforts by the legislature and Attorney General to control the legal representation.

Ava Chen, representing the New Federal State of China, assesses that the ongoing kinetic military action in Iran is systematically dismantling the CCP's proxy network. This strategy of targeting junior partners began with the removal of Maduro in Venezuela and will likely extend to Cuba. By severing these proxy relationships, the United States is neutralizing the foreign bases China uses to project power and plan military action against the free world.

Domestically, the political landscape is being violently reshaped by primary elections. Political consultant Rick Shafton notes that the impending 10-week Texas runoff for the U.S. Senate seat between Ken Paxton and incumbent John Cornyn is shaping up to be the bloodiest campaign in American history.

At the municipal level, leftist activists continue to hijack local government meetings to wage war on law enforcement. Retired law enforcement officer Dave Smith detailed the chaotic scenes at the Pima County Board of Supervisors and Marana Town Council.

Recent military strikes in Iran have sparked intense political debate, specifically regarding the President's legal authority to act without prior congressional approval. Retired Brigadier General Steven Mundt clarifies that the President's only legal obligation is to notify Congress, not to seek its permission for a strike.

As technology evolves, the risks to vulnerable populations are accelerating. Jeff Dornik, CEO of Pickax, warns that Artificial Intelligence is being weaponized to manipulate reality. Deep fake technology is actively used in financial scams, such as voice-cloning software that perfectly mimics a loved one in distress to extort money from older generations.

The normalization of political grift has reached a tipping point, and holding officials accountable must start by examining historical precedent. Former Assistant U.S. Attorney and author John O'Connor points to the history of the Clintons as the prime example of profound corruption.

The current political landscape demands leaders who prioritize the safety and economic security of Americans over partisan agendas. Jay Feely, a former NFL kicker and CBS broadcaster, is running for Congress in Arizona's 1st Congressional District to effectuate change on a national scale.

The global geopolitical board is shifting rapidly following targeted kinetic strikes on Iranian leadership. Retired Master Sergeant and intelligence officer Jack Dona assesses the situation as a marvel of military intelligence that has effectively decapitated Iran's command and control.

Host Kathleen Winn opened the discussion with Betsy Brantner Smith, spokesperson for the National Police Association, reflecting on the ongoing case of Nancy Guthrie's disappearance in Tucson.

State Representative Rachel Keschel (LD 17) described "hell week" at the legislature: "We submitted a record number of bills—1,136... We're supposed to be small-government Republicans, but here we are." A 19-hour day ended at 5:15 a.m.

PC Laurie Moore criticized the Board of Supervisors' anti-ICE stance: "I had them raise a hand if they were going to work with ICE, and only Steve Christy raised his hand." She tied this to Democrats sitting during the State of the Union.

Congressman Andy Biggs, fresh from Washington, described the State of the Union atmosphere as electric. At least 50 Democrats refused to stand for key points, including prioritizing U.S. citizens over illegal aliens. President Trump shook hands with Biggs and likely Congressman Crane upon entering.

John Winchester, running for the LD17 House seat in a crowded field currently held by Rachel Jones, discussed the late legislative session. Bills advanced through committees, heading to the Senate amid budget flows. Winchester, with a master's in public administration and political philosophy, has been involved in southern Arizona politics since high school.

Dave Smith highlighted the recorder's office failing to remove bad addresses from voter rolls despite notifications. Mail-in ballots lack legitimacy checks; observers report rushed signature verifications, eroding faith. Many Republicans abstain due to perceived fraud, benefiting opponents.

Joining Kathleen on Winn Tucson is Ava Chen from the New Federal State of China, offering insights into global threats tying back to the speech's themes. Chen connected the Democrats' behavior to predictions made by Miles Guo seven years ago. Guo outlined a CCP strategy called "3F": create weakness, foment chaos, and drive destruction, while using Americans against Americans.

Laurie Moore, a dedicated patriot and advocate from LD 17 in Pima County, joined to unpack the State of the Union speech's local implications. Recognized as Advocate of the Year, Moore shared her enthusiasm.

In a poignant discussion, Kathleen Winn speaks with Mary Ann Mendoza, an angel mom from Mesa, Arizona, whose son, Brandon Mendoza, was tragically killed by an illegal immigrant in 2014. Mendoza shares the story of her son, a dedicated Mesa police officer who embodied service and community spirit.

Kathleen Winn engages with John Gordon, a legal analyst, entrepreneur, and former candidate for Georgia Attorney General, on election irregularities and the upcoming midterms. Gordon emphasizes the need for election reform in swing states like Georgia and Arizona.

Kathleen Winn discusses the State of the Union and international affairs with retired Brigadier General Steven Mundt. Mundt notes Trump's approval ratings align with historical mid-second-term figures, attributing dips to immigration perceptions. He criticizes Democrats like Chuck Schumer and Ruben Gallego for boycotting, contrasting with Mark Kelly's attendance, possibly tied to election cycles.

In a candid discussion, Kathleen Winn delves into the ongoing Nancy Guthrie disappearance case, now approaching a month without resolution. The case, marked by tragedy and investigative missteps, has drawn national attention and calls for federal intervention. Randy Sutton, a retired Las Vegas police lieutenant with 34 years of experience and founder of The Wounded Blue, offers a pointed critique. As a law enforcement commentator who's followed the case from the start, Sutton emphasizes the importance of resources in complex investigations.

Alex Kolodin, candidate for Secretary of State, addresses Pima County's voter rolls. "The voter roles were in Pima County or the dirtiest in the state," he states.

Betsy Smith, spokesperson for the National Police Association, reflects on the Lincoln Day Luncheon: "The energy in the room... I'm still getting compliments."

"Pima County is a really fun place," she quotes an attendee.

Guest Jay Tolkoff, a Tucson businessman and former Ward 6 city council candidate, joined the program to discuss the City of Tucson's recently acknowledged budget deficit. Tolkoff, who attended a recent mayor and council study session, described watching the budget update unfold.

Later in the program, State Representative Joseph Chaplik (R-Scottsdale, LD3), a founding member of the Arizona Freedom Caucus, called in to announce his imminent resignation from the Arizona House to focus full-time on his campaign for U.S. Congress in Arizona's Congressional District 1 — the seat being vacated by Rep. David Schweikert.

The program closed with Tara Oster, Third Vice Chair of the Pima County Republican Party and a key grassroots organizer, discussing voter turnout efforts for the March 10, 2026, special election.

On today’s edition of Winn Tucson, host Kathleen Winn welcomed Neal Cornett, Director of State Litigation for the Oversight Project, to discuss pressing issues surrounding Arizona's newly adopted 2025 Elections Procedures Manual (EPM). The conversation centered on a letter sent by the Oversight Project and the Pima County Republican Party to Arizona Secretary of State Adrian Fontes and Attorney General Kris Mayes, demanding they disavow or clarify certain provisions that the groups argue infringe on First Amendment rights and invite potential abuse.

Winn and guest Dave Smith critiqued recent comments by Rep. Adelita Grijalva following her visit to an ICE detention facility in Eloy. Grijalva described meeting elderly detainees, including a 79-year-old Cuban asylum seeker with advancing dementia and a Phoenix resident with leukemia.

Host Kathleen Winn opened the broadcast by shifting the usual China Watch Wednesday schedule to accommodate guests and pressing local issues dominating Pima County.

Dave Smith joined Winn to recap two dramatic public meetings held the previous day: one at the Pima County Board of Supervisors and another at the Marana Town Council.

Congressman Juan Ciscomani (CD6) joined the program fresh off receiving an endorsement from Turning Point USA. He described his district as one-third Republican, one-third Democrat, one-third independent—making it the nation's most competitive congressional seat after recent redistricting.

Ava Chen, representing the New Federal State of China, analyzed Xi Jinping's recent purge of top PLA leadership—including childhood friend General Zhang Youxia (former procurement chief) and the joint staff/intelligence director.

On a rainy Tuesday in mid-February 2026, Winn Tucson dove deep into the hot-button issues shaping southern Arizona: the future of regional transportation funding, ongoing battles over election observation and security, and the frustrations many residents feel toward local governance.

Host Kathleen Winn led spirited, no-holds-barred conversations with three key guests: Ted Maxwell, RTA Board member and Chair of the Arizona State Transportation Board; Alex Kolodin, Arizona State Representative (LD 3) and candidate for Secretary of State; and Betsy Brantner Smith, retired police sergeant and vocal Pima County Republican activist.

Two weeks into the disappearance of 84-year-old Nancy Guthrie from her Catalina Foothills home, frustration is mounting—not just over the lack of progress, but over an apparent breakdown in coordination between the Pima County Sheriff's Office and the FBI. Betsy Brantner Smith, spokesperson for the National Police Association and a retired sergeant with deep ties to the community, joined Kathleen Winn to discuss the latest developments.

Relationship expert and behaviorist Dr. Gilda Carle joined Winn to discuss the new documentary about Melania Trump—and why it has struck such a nerve.

Longtime activists Dave Smith and Laurie Moore joined Winn to preview next Tuesday's Pima County Board of Supervisors meeting and broader local concerns.

In Pima County, Arizona, the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie has dominated headlines for nearly two weeks, exposing deep frustrations with Sheriff Chris Nanos’s leadership and sparking intense public debate. As of February 12, 2026—11 days into the investigation—the case remains unsolved, with FBI agents working alongside sheriff’s investigators to chase thousands of tips and pieces of evidence.

Retired Brigadier General Steven Munt, joining from Virginia, offered a blunt assessment of how Pima County appears on national television.

Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne discussed efforts to refocus education on academics and eliminate divisive initiatives.

In a detailed discussion on the pervasive reach of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), Ava Chen from the New Federal State of China highlighted the strategic acquisition of Syngenta, a major agro-technology company.

Shifting to local elections, Joel Strabala from the Pima County GOP joined to discuss observer roles in the mail-in ballot process. "We're going to have observers in the recorder's office," Strabala said. He suggested recognizing an "observer of the week" to encourage participation.