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- [00:00]
A
This is an iHeart podcast. You want smart political talk without the meltdowns, we got you. I'm Carol Markowitz. And I'm Mary Kathryn Hamm. We've been around the block in media and we're doing things differently. Normally is about real conversations, thoughtful, try to be funny, grounded, and no panic. We'll keep you informed and entertained without ruining your day. Join us every Tuesday and Thursday Normally on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts.
- [00:35]
B
This is America's Voice Live. And welcome to America's Voice Live. I'm Steve Gur. The pulse of the people. We need somebody that's going to hear the people's voice, the truth the mainstream won't touch. This guy is by definition a globalist. And the stories that matter, rav's own Ben Berkwam.
- [00:53]
C
Right up over this hill, the UN Cartel. I see him. I see him. I see.
- [00:59]
B
Live breaking news right now here on Real America's Voice. Filtered. These people are domestic terrorists and unapologetic. We're here to take a stand for God and country. Does feel good. America's Voice Live starts now. And welcome to America's Voice Live. I'm Steve Guerrero. It is the 9th of September. The year of our Lord is 2025. Let's get to today's top stories. As always, thank you for joining us here in Real America's Voice. We appreciate it. A Michigan judge has just a short while ago dismissed the charges held against 15 Republicans accused of falsely certifying President Trump as the winner of the 2020 election. The judge has stated that the accused were simply acting within their rights, or at least they thought they were. I'll bring on one of the winning lawyers in the case as well as one of those 15 accused individuals in just a few minutes. More on that coming up. And coming your way. Also, Operation Midway Blitz has begun with the deployment of ICE officials in the streets of Chicago. A decision that was up in the air as contention between the Trump administration and leaders in Chicago marked some uncertainty. More details on that coming up as well. All that coming your way today. But let's start with crime. Crime in America. So what's it going to be that drives the midterm elections? Is it going to be the economy? Is it going to be the border? Or has crime now moved solidly into the number one position for voters across this country? I think crime might just make its way to the top. Just look at what has happened to Irina Zarutska, a beautiful young woman from Ukraine who was viciously stabbed to death by Decarlos Brown Jr. A thug with at least 14 prior arrests in North Carolina, including assaults and weapons charges, violent crimes. President Trump released a message earlier today. This is what he had to say.
- [02:46]
D
For far too long, Americans have been forced to put up with Democrat run cities that set loose, savage, bloodthirsty criminals to prey on innocent people. Really very, very innocent people in every place. They control radical left judges, politicians and activists. And they've adopted a policy of catch and release for thugs and killers. In Charlotte, North Carolina, we saw the results of these policies when a 23 year old woman who came here from Ukraine met her bloody end on a public train. And here is a picture of it. This is the picture of it. And this is a picture of the woman. A beautiful young girl that never had problems in life, with a magnificent future in this country. And now she's dead. She was slaughtered by a deranged monster who was roaming free after 14 prior arrests. We cannot allow a depraved criminal element of violent repeat offenders to continue spreading destruction and death throughout our country. We have to respond with force and strength. We have to be vicious, just like they are. It's the only thing they understand. 24 of the top 25 most dangerous cities in America are run by Democrat mayors. 50 people were murdered in Chicago in recent weeks with hundreds being shot. And it's time to stop this madness. The people of our country need to insist on protection, safety, law and order.
- [04:28]
B
I think he's right. In just moments ago, within the last 20 minutes, federal charges have been filed against that criminal. Federal charges for that murder on that train in North Carolina. Mark my words, crime will be at the top of most people's list of issues from the midterm elections. In other news today, after years of headlines and heartburn for 15 Michigan Republicans, Democratic Attorney General Dana Nestle's fake elector crusade in Michigan slammed into a brick wall on September 9. Lansing 54. A district court judge, Kristen D. Simmons, a a Governor Whitmer appointee in Michigan ruled the electors will not stand trial. Back in December 2020, the Republican electors signed paperwork as alternate electors, preserving Donald Trump's legal options while challenges to the election were still being fought. Democrats branded them criminals, of course, while the electors insisted they're acting within their rights. And following advice given at the time, the judge agreed. Here with me to discuss all of this further is the host of Stinchfield Tonight, right here on Real America's Voice, Grant Stitchfield. Grant, nice to see you today. It's an honor to have you on the program.
- [05:36]
D
Well, Steve, the honor is mine. It's great to be here with you, my friend.
- [05:40]
B
Well, let's start with Dana Nestle. She has been a lightning rod, one of those attorney generals who's willing to wade into a courtroom whether the laws on her side or not doesn't matter. Lawfare is one of the things that Democrats use time and again. This time, though, it slammed into a wall. And, and let me just read this to you, Grant. I believe that they were executing their constitutional right to seek redress. This is not an election interference case. Sending an alternate document. She just nailed him to the wall. Did this judge, this is an appointee of Governor Gretchen Whitmer saying, no, there's no case here. You're way out of bounds. It's nice to see it come down this way, isn't it, Steve?
- [06:18]
D
Quite frankly, it's amazing. I'm not often surprised anymore by news coming out. You see a Democrat judge, I expect them to act in the wor way possible towards great make America great again. Conservatives like these 15 that were charged in this case and in many respects this decision on her behalf to let these people go in some respects restores my faith in humanity that they're, they actually can have common sense. The other side, when we have seen every day in and out that Democrats are literally leaving common sense behind, turning their backs on American citizens. And here you have a judge. I'm sure this was not politically popular from Democrats inside Michigan who were so upset with this, this plan. And I think it was at least a legitimate plan. It may have been a Hail Mary, yes, but it certainly wasn't criminal in any way. And you know, we're, we're what, four plus years after all of this, five years after this now and this case only just now gets dismissed, thankfully to this judge. I'm happy to see it. I really am. It makes me smile.
- [07:24]
B
We're going to hear from one of these, we're going to hear from one of the defendants in this case. The former state Republican co chair Michelle Maddock will join us here in a few minutes on the program. You want to see that? Plus one of the winning attorneys as well, David Coleman. Look, these were farmers and teachers and retirees. These were just ordinary folks thinking, well, I don't know if Trump won or lost the election. In fact, I think it might have been stolen. So therefore I'm going to sign this piece of paper and have an alternate sl of electors. It's not criminal. It's politics. And in the Democrats, Grant, they just go after people in the courtroom whenever they can because they got away with it for so long. But we've seen a series of victories for, for Donald Trump, for these electors. It feels like the tide might be turning a little bit inside the courtrooms. What do you think?
- [08:11]
D
Yeah, I don't know if the tide is turning lower courtrooms, other than this one victory we got with a Democrat judge. Certainly the tide turns once it gets to the Supreme Court. I think we're like undefeated at the Supreme Court when it comes to these decisions for President Trump. And you talked about the people they were going after. These are the J. Sixers, the same types of people, grandmothers and grandfathers and plumbers and electricians, some of the members, military on January 6th. And they went after them with a vengeance instead. Now we're getting back to a federal government, the Department of Justice, that's literally going to focus on real criminals that make the lives of American citizens very difficult. You mentioned they're going to charge this, this evil, violent animal in Charlotte and they're going to charge them with federal crimes. We never would have seen that under Joe Biden ever. And that alone says a lot.
- [09:03]
B
Yeah, yeah, you pointed out. And I just feel like right now, Grant, There is this 81% support in all the polling that I've seen for Law and order supporting police. Look, New York City is down about 3000 officers. Chicago is short about 1400. D.C. is down 500. Let me give you this statistic, folks. In 29 days, there have been five murders in Washington, D.C. five. If you take that out over the entire year, that comes down to 63. There hasn't been a year with less than 200 murders in D.C. in a long time. It averages about 200. This would be less than 2/3. I mean, it's down to a third of the murders. It's working. Who would reject that? It's working.
- [09:46]
D
Well, the Democrats reject it because they let their hatred of Donald Trump get in the way of everything, even the safety and security of American citizens. And their own fellow Democrats. Who does everyone out there think was being persecuted by the crazy, violent criminals in Washington, D.C. and Chicago? It's mostly Democrat folks that live in those cities, minorities that had typically been Democrat for a long time. And I think we're now seeing that change, most certainly. But the Democrat leadership in America today, their heads are spinning. They are spiraling down a drain as they watch the country start to be restored. And they can't believe that all it took was a Little common sense and enforcing the laws on the books. We didn't need to spend all kinds of money. We didn't need to elect all kinds of people. We need one guy, the President, United States, Donald Trump. And we need to go back to the basics of enforcing laws on the books. It really, honestly, Steve, it literally was that simple.
- [10:42]
B
It's pretty basic, Grant, there's no question. So people that watch this program know that I have an affinity for. Hey, jackass dot com. It keeps the numbers and the rolling numbers in Chicago. Let's see, let's keep score here. Total shot in Chicago So far this year1405.256 killed by being shot in Chicago. And the people there, the people, the mayor, specifically J.B. pritzker, specifically the governor, well, we don't want any help here. Everything's fine. Yeah, Obviously you've had 1400 plus people shot in the streets of Chicago. They're like, it's good here. It's not good for the grandmothers that live there. It's not good for the people that are stuck in those bad neighborhoods. I'm sure the people on the North Shore that live in their fancy gated communities like Lincoln park, they're just fine with it because they don't see it. But the neighborhoods that are suffering, by God, they need protection, they need intervention. And they're going to get it, I believe, Grant, because enough is enough. Let's clean up America's cities.
- [11:35]
D
You know, overwhelmingly what I'm seeing are people that are grateful for President Trump coming in and trying to take care of business, specifically in Washington D.C. i was blessed to grow up in the suburbs of New York City. And you know, we didn't have to really deal with all that much crime, unless you're talking about income tax evasion. But other than that, there wasn't much crime in the town where I grew up in. But can you imagine having a three or four year old that has to be put down to sleep at 8 o' clock at night, going to bed, hearing gunshots, not knowing if their 15 or 16 year old brother or sister is going to come home at night because of the violence on the streets? And I can't imagine raising children like that in an area like that. And I think finally people are fed up and they're realizing that the people that put them in that position certainly are the gang bangers, but they're also the leadership in these cities that allowed the gang bangers to flourish. Releasing them from jail, not holding them, all of that. And People are fed up.
- [12:35]
B
You know, I grew up in Michigan, and we used to take road trips around Lake Michigan, through Indiana to Chicago to go to Wrigley Field to watch baseball is what we did. We're 18, 19 years old. We love doing it. I wouldn't do that today on a bet. That's how much has changed. I mean, Chicago was dicey, you know, back then, but it's a different world now. It's dangerous. Everybody knows it. It's a shooting gallery. And yet the mayor and the governor, they're like, we're just fine with it. Grant, I don't know if crime's gonna be the number one issue or a long way from the election, but it's certainly gonna be one of the considerations for most Americans when they get to the polls in the midterms. I'll give you the last word.
- [13:11]
D
I'm gonna say this in the kindest of ways. Americans are selfish when it comes to politics in the fact that they just want themselves, their family, and their friends to flourish. You can't flourish if you gotta be worried about being stabbed to death from behind on a transit train. You can't flourish if you gotta worry about a drive by shooting in your neighborhood. And you certainly can't flourish if you got inflation at 10% and all your money's going down the tubes on gas prices. President Trump is getting back to the basics of. Of allowing American families to flourish. This is all playing into each other. It's the inflation, it's the economy, and, of course, crime. Steve, you're spot on.
- [13:51]
B
Yeah, absolutely. The number one thing. Government is the number one job. Local, state, federal, doesn't matter. The number one job, keep the citizens safe. It's a pretty simple formula. Grant Cinchfield, you can catch him every night right here on Real America's Voice Prime Time. Grant, always appreciate it, buddy.
- [14:08]
D
Thank you.
- [14:10]
B
Thank you. All right, after the break. Like we said, a Michigan judge has dismissed a case against 15 Republicans accused of attempting to falsely certify President Trump. They claimed as the winner of the 2020 election. A big win for the Republicans and a big loss for Dana Nestle, the Attorney General in Michigan, and Democrats. More after the.
- [14:35]
A
Hey there. I'm Mary Kathryn Hamm. And I'm Carol Markowitz. We've been in political media for a long time. Long enough to know that it's gotten, well, a little insane. That's why we started, normally a podcast for people who are over the hysteria and just want clarity. We talk about the issues that actually matter to the country. Without panic, without yelling, and with a healthy dose of humor. We don't take ourselves too seriously, but we do take the truth seriously. So if you're into common sense, sanity, and some occasional sass, you're our kind of people. Catch new episodes of Normally every Tuesday and Thursday on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.
- [15:19]
B
Well, earlier today, a Michigan judge dismissed criminal charges against 15 Michigan Republicans who were accused of attempting to falsely certify President Trump as the winner of the 2020 election. This is huge news, as you know. District Court Judge Kristen Simmons, a Whitmer appointee, ruled the electors will not stand trial and ruled that all 15 were indeed acting within their rights. Take a look at what she herself had to say. The courts weren't giving them what they wanted. So in this courtroom, we don't really care your race, color, creed, national origins, religious belief, or your political beliefs. But we do care about the law and that we believe that it should be applied to protect every individual equally. And I believe that they were executing their constitutional right to seek redress. And that's based on the statements of all of the people's witnesses. And so for those reasons, these cases will not be bound over to the circuit court. Each case will be dismissed. As you know, back In December of 2020, the Republican electors signed paperwork as alternate electors. They're trying to preserve Donald Trump's legal options while challenges to the election were still active and underway. Democrats then branded them as criminals, as you know, all while the electors were acting within their legal rights and following the advice given at the time. The judge clearly agreed. This is huge because it's a major blow to prosecutors as similar cases in four other states have been riddled with setbacks. We're hoping to hear from a couple of the key players in this case, but of course, a lot of moving parts today as people are scrambling around and celebrating the big win. We'll have them when we can. The Israel Defense Forces with Shin Bet support, struck a Hamas leadership compound in Doha, Qatar, earlier this morning. Strike targeted senior figures, including Khalil al Hayah, linked to the October 7, 2023 massacre that left 1200 Israelis dead and 250 taken hostage. Many of those died in captivity. None of the officials engaged in ceasefire talks were reportedly injured. Israeli sources said the United States was notified in advance and approved the operation, described as ending decades of perceived immunity for Hamas leaders in Qatar. Qatar condemned the strike as a cowardly attack on residential buildings, warning it undermines regional stability. Israel maintained the airstrike was based on precise intelligence and carried out to avoid civilian casualties. We'll keep an eye on that one. Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy telling Fox News Channel's Hannity Monday he is considering revoking funding to Charlotte, North Carolina after the August 22nd murder of 23 year old Ukrainian immigrant Irina Zyrutska. On the city's metro surveillance video, you know, captured the attack. And here's Duffy's response. You know, the president said these are evil people and he's right. But it's also evil politicians like the mayor of the city council, the da, the governor in North Carolina, evil people with evil policies that are actually destroying communities. So the problem, Sean, is a lot of people like the rich liberal, they can't ride Uber, they don't have a driver, they don't have a vehicle. They actually have to ride public transportation. Decarlos Brown Jr. 34 years old. You'll hear his name a lot. Charged with fatally stabbing Zaruska. Had at least 14 prior arrests, many of them violent. Duffy called transit violence an epidemic of violence and homelessness. And Warren Charlotte will not get any of your federal tax dollars if criminals are allowed back on the streets. He said the Department of Transportation has limited authority, but he controls the money and may take appropriate action. GoFundMe confirmed it removed multiple campaigns raising money for Brown's defense hours after they were flagged, saying it bans fundraisers for violent crime defendants. Well, there you have it. Those on the left tried to link President Trump to financier and convicted sex offender and pedophile Jeffrey Epstein through a birthday note they claim he wrote. But the signature does not appear to match. According to those looking at it, the badly drawn image and incorrect signature were posted Monday with the sole intent to defame the president. That's what his critics say. White House press secretary Caroline Levitt called out Democrats for the hoax, confirming Trump did not sign the note and announcing the White House would pursue litigation against the Wall Street Journal and News Corp. Vice President J.D. vance responded, calling it BS and saying Democrats don't care about Epstein or his victims, saying, quote, they only care about concocting fake scandals like Russiagate to smear President Trump. The White House said it is willing to have forensic testing on the signature. Coincidentally, the birthday note came the Same day the U.S. court of Appeals upheld E. Jean Carroll's $83.3 million defamation lawsuit against the president. If you're stressed about back taxes, maybe you missed the April deadline or your books are a mess. Don't wait. The IRS cracking down penalties add up fast, 5% per month, up to 25% just for not filing. But there is help if you want it. Tax Network USA can take the burden off your shoulders and stop the spiral before it gets worse. They've helped thousands of Americans. Whether you're an employee, a small business owner, or haven't filed in years, it's all fine, no problem. They've seen it all and know exactly how to clean it up. With direct access to powerful IRS programs and expert negotiators on your side, Tax Network USA knows how to win. You'll get a free consultation, and if you qualify, they may be able to reduce or eliminate what you owe. More importantly, they'll help protect you from wage garnishments or bank levies. So don't wait for the next irs letter. Call 800-905-8000 or visit tnusa.com rav to talk to a real expert. Tax USA take the pressure off. Let Tax Network USA handle your tax issues. Coming up after the break, I'll check in with Real America's Voice correspondent Ben Berkwam, who has been following ICE operations in the state of Illinois. We've been talking about it. Details coming up.
- [21:34]
A
Hey there. I'm Mary Kathryn Ham. And I'm Carol Markowitz. We've been in political media for a long time, long enough to know that it's gotten, well, a little insane. That's why we started Normally a podcast for people who are over the hysteria and just want clarity. We talk about the issues that actually matter to the country without panic, without yelling, and with a healthy dose of humor. We don't take ourselves too seriously, but we do take the truth seriously. So if you're into common sense, sanity and some occasional sass, you're our kind of people. Catch new episodes of Normally every Tuesday and Thursday on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.
- [22:16]
B
All right, so the White House has announced Operation Midway Blitz for Chicago and and our own RAV correspondent, host of Law and Border Ben Berkwam, has been in Chicago this week filming Democrat protests at the deportation of illegals. He's been embedded with ICE agents to give a full report later. The Sun Times reporting last week the Department of Defense has secured Naval Station Great Lakes for Operation Midway Blitz, with base leaders saying they would be providing support as a command center for an operation until September 30th. Chicago officials claim Trump sending guards to the National Guard to Chicago violates the Posse Comitatus act, which limits the federal government's ability to use the military for domestic law enforcement. Ben, always the tip of the spear out there. He's joining me now. Ben, what is the temperament of the folks out there in Chicago? Because here's the thing, in D.C. they've had five murders in 29 days. It's the lowest stretch of murders in my lifetime. And yours, because you're a bit younger, it's the lowest number of murders, period. Why would Chicago not want this? What's the feeling there? What's the temperature?
- [23:26]
C
Yeah, yeah, It's a great question. That's the question I asked yesterday when a group of leftist activists showed up and actually burned our location. We were out on an ICE operation, embedded with them and going after a hardened criminal, multiple convictions. That was in their neighborhood. And instead of letting ICE do their job, these guys docked the vehicle. They sent a message out to all of their leftist activist groups. They ended up coming around and surrounding our vehicle, called the police. The same people that want to defund the police called the police and the Chicago police showed up. The same police that can't work with ICE ended up arresting the only guy who came by and said he was a Trump supporter and said that we support you, that he stands with us, and that's what he voted for. They ended up arresting him because he was blocking traffic to tell us, thank you. They ignored the guys that came by and made death threats to us. And so we ended up getting out of the vehicle and I got into it with some of these protesters. But it is. It's a mixed bag. You know, I was talking, I did an interview right after that, and a local black guy from the community's been here. He's 49 years old, lived here his whole life, said he wants Trump to bring him in. He wants security in his country, or, excuse me, security in his city. He's lived here his whole life, and it's out of control. And the worst part about it is he says they've given all this stuff to illegals. They're not doing anything for the actual citizens, in particular, the low income, low affluent neighborhoods. And we're actually out on an op right now, so I got to keep the camera down, but that's exactly where we're at. Without giving you an idea of our actual location, where the Democrats send all these illegals is to these downtrodden neighborhoods as it is. And then they give the illegals money, not the neighborhoods.
- [25:17]
B
So let me ask you this, because one of the big things that Donald Trump did in the first couple of days, in his second Term here was to declare these drug cartels as terrorist organizations. He has tools, he's given tools to the people you're in the car with. He's given tools, others. And we know that these cartels reach into Chicago, they reach into St. Louis and Detroit and Cleveland. What kind of options do they have at their disposal? Regardless of what the mayor of Chicago does, regardless of what the governor does, what kind of tools they have, they would not ordinarily have because of that designation.
- [25:52]
C
Well, you know, that changes the rules of engagement. So when it comes to terrorist organizations, we saw that when they basically took that boat out at sea. You wouldn't see that with just a regular smuggling boat, you're able to engage an enemy, a terrorist enemy in ways that you can't engage a non terrorist enemy. And so, and that, that includes whether that terrorist is on your soil or on someone else's soil. So it, it allows our military to engage in foreign countries against those terrorist organizations, but it also allows them to engage here. And so if you're a known member of Trend or any of these designated terror organizations, law enforcement also the military can go in and do, you know, covert strikes against you and that sort of thing. My sense is it's basically what they're doing with it is just giving law enforcement the ability to go in after these guys, basically untying their hands. But we're still seeing that. The best analogy I give Steve is and we're looking out because we're right in the neighborhood. So if I'm looking around a little bit, forgive me, the best analogy is basically Biden took a bucket of water of illegals and poured it into our country. And now ICE is having to go back and take these illegals out one drop at a time with chopsticks. That's the difference, you know, using these admin warrants, having to go one at a time. It's not what the mainstream media saying, they're not going and sweeping across communities and saying show me your papers. But the only way we're going to fix this problem is if we do increase the amount of checks that we're doing. And I think that's why this, this midway blitz is so important where you have this all of government approach. You've got all of these agencies coming together and then you have the National Guard to come in to backfill in case it gets violent, which we know it will because our enemy, the leftist enemies within, are violent.
- [27:48]
B
One, one last question here, because we saw this play out across 23 different states, 617 people arrested. I believe the tonnage, the gross tonnage of fentanyl, methamphetamines, cocaine. I know you covered this story. The DEA had some great success. One of the biggest nationwide operations I've seen in a very long time. Only got about 30 seconds here, but it was impressive and you covered it. Your thoughts?
- [28:20]
C
Yeah. Well, this is, this is having an impact not just north of the border, but south of the border. And it's forcing Mexico to actually do some things that aren't that they're not used to be doing. But it also is allowing our agencies again because the rules of engagements have changed to do things that we weren't able to do before. So you're seeing that with the huge bus at sea, but you're also seeing that with the huge bus in Mexico. It bottom line, Steve, is President Trump and his entire team came at this and said, what are the problems? What are the potential solutions? And now they're coming up with the solutions to fix the problems. Democrats said, what are the problems? How do we make them worse?
- [29:02]
B
Yeah. And look, we can't make America great again if we leave our cities behind. That's a fact. Ben Bergquam, Law and Border. You can catch it here on Real America's Voice. Ben, thank you, as always. Be safe out there. Keep your head down.
- [29:14]
C
Thank you, Steve. Will do.
- [29:16]
D
Right up.
- [29:17]
B
After the break, I'll bring on One of the 15 Republicans whose fake electorate case dismissed by the Michigan judge today, years later. Stay tuned for the latest.
- [29:34]
A
Hey there. I'm Mary Kathryn Hamm. And I'm Carol Markowitz. We've been in political media for a long time, long enough to know that it's gotten, well, a little insane. That's why we started Normalely a podcast for people who are over the hysteria and just want clarity. We talk about the issues that actually matter to the country without panic, without yelling, and with a healthy dose of humor. We don't take ourselves too seriously, but we do take the truth seriously. So if you're into common sense, sanity, and some occasional sass, you're our kind of people. Catch new episodes of normally every Tuesday and Thursday on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts or wherever you listen.
- [30:14]
B
11Th 2001, a day that changed America forever. Nearly a quarter century later, the memories remain vivid and the loss still felt deeply real. America's Voice presents a powerful special. Nine, 11, 24 years later, America still mourns. Join David Zier, host of Breaking Point, for two exclusive conversations. First with Richard Rotans, who led New York's emergency response during those dark hours. And then a candid interview with former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani, reflecting on leadership, courage, and the enduring impact of that tragic day. Two voices, one nation still healing. And a reminder we must Never forget. Don't miss 9, 11, 24 years later, America still mourns only on Real America's Voice. All right, don't forget to tune into Real America's Voice Thursday, September 11th, from 3 to 4, right here for a special honoring 9, 11, 24 years later. You don't want to miss this powerful special. As I said earlier in the show, a Michigan judge earlier today dismissed criminal charges against 15 Michigan Republicans who were accused of attempting to falsely certify President Trump as the winner of the 2020 election. I talked with the winning lawyer of the case today. But now I want to welcome One of the 15 individuals who was accused, Michonne Matic, the former co chair of the Republican Party in Michigan. Michonne, pretty good day for you.
- [31:46]
E
It's amazing. It feels wonderful.
- [31:49]
B
Yeah. So four, five years later, Dana Nestle, the attorney general of Michigan, targeted you, smeared you, ran you through Lawfare. Reflect on it today. I mean, there's got to be a lot of emotion. Tell us where you are. Tell us about how this case played out.
- [32:07]
E
It's an incredibly emotional experience. To be honest, my husband and I didn't really prepare ourselves for what this would feel like, really having no idea what we were walking into 784 days later. To say that this has been easy would be a lie. And I know that that is the entire point of Lawfare is to punish and try to destroy financially and spiritually and emotionally loyalist to President Trump. That was Dana Nestle's intent. And, you know, I have a really good attitude. My dad likes to call me sunshine. And I think that I've had a pretty good attitude through this whole experience. I have deep faith. We've had a ton of people praying for us. But the truth is I feel a lot more anger than I thought I would. I haven't really felt anger up until this point. But what Daniel Dana Nestle did to us was barbaric. She's a thug using the arm of the government in Michigan, the lead prosecutor in Michigan. I mean, somebody that we should be able to trust, that citizens should be able to rely on. And she spent. We have no idea how much money persecuting and victimizing myself and 14 other electors. And it was barbaric. And I, I want retribution.
- [33:32]
B
I'm pretty impressed with the judge in this case, an appointee of Governor Gretchen Weber, by the way, here's part of what she said. I believe that they were executing their constitutional right to seek redress. This is not an election interference case. Sending an alternate document was their intention. I mean, the judge destroyed the entire case of Danny Nestle. But why did it take so long?
- [33:55]
E
I can't imagine the pressure that that judge was under and is under. I commend her. She did an incredible job. I sort of had a girl crush on her the entire proceedings. She is brilliant. That that became really apparent to me watching her able to listen to testimony, listen to witnesses and deliver back everything word for word that they had said without looking at any notes. She's really a remarkable judge and she nailed it. You know, she pretty much told Dana Nestle that she horrible attorney and a horrible prosecutor. And you know, what happened today is sort of unheard of. This doesn't happen where you spend two and a half years, millions of dollars trying to build a case against 15 people and then have the entire thing dismissed.
- [34:45]
B
Michonne, it's a remarkable day, a day that you won. I am so glad to see that it has been put behind you. We'll see what happens next. I appreciate you being here and we will talk again soon.
- [34:57]
E
Thank you so much, Steve.
- [35:01]
B
Really appreciate it. All right. The Department of Justice now holding a press gathering. Wes Ferguson is the U.S. attorney for the Western District of North Carolina where that stabbing occurred in Arena. Zarutska was murdered on that light rail train. Let's join that in progress.
- [35:15]
F
Investigated this case. They've ensured we had a basis for federal charges. I want to thank the Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department that started this investigation apprehended the defendant immediately after the incident happened at the light rail station. And I want to thank the district Attorney's office and Spencer Meriwether who brought first degree murder charges right away when this happened. I think everyone knows the facts of this case. But I will briefly recitate what is in our criminal complaint and that is that at 9:55 on August 22, Charlotte Mecklenburg Police Department responded to a call that there had been a stabbing on a light rail train. They located the victim who had been suffered stab wounds in her neck on her hand. They found a pocket knife on the scene and they apprehended the defendant at the rail stop. Now, much more recently, the surveillance video was obtained from the train and that's really what gave us the basis for federal charges here. And the surveillance video shows Aryna Zyrutska Getting on the train by herself in her work uniform, sitting down by herself in a row that just happened to be in front of Decarlos Brown Jr. Approximately four minutes later, Mr. Brown pulled out a pocket knife. You see him on video open that pocket knife, and he stabbed her three times in the neck. He then walked off the train with blood dripping from the knife. This is obviously a horrible, horrible situation. But this is why federal statutes exist. They exist to take care of situations like this. Because no one should sit in fear when they sit on the light rail. If you sit in fear on the light rail, you sit in fear. When you walk around the streets of our center city like I do every day. You sit in fear when you go to our parks, like I do with my daughter every weekend. You sit in fear at our sporting events, our entertainment venues, at concerts, at restaurants, at our museums. These are all the things that we have worked as a city so hard to build. We built this city. Companies have come here in droves. More than 150 people move here every day. We built a city that people want to live in. But we can lose that all if we allow violent crime like this to go on in our streets. And I'm here to tell you the federal government is going to save our city from that, to earn us family. We will pursue justice. We will use the full weight of the law. I appreciate you all being here. I appreciate your attention to this case. I know this has gotten national attention. I know that there is a lot of thoughts about this case. There's policy decisions being made because of this case. But as someone who just talked to the family of the victim, I hope you'll remember her because this is hard for them. It's their case and we will bring justice here. I'll now turn it over to Special Agent Charge barn.
- [38:05]
G
Thank you, Mr. Ferguson. Thank you for everyone that's here today. I'm saddened to be up here today talking about a violent, heinous act that occurred on our metro system. This could have happened to any young person that was riding the train that night, but it didn't. It happened to Irina. And her death is an absolute tragedy. There is no one who will debate that point. Even more tragic, she chose to come to Charlotte to escape the violence of her war torn home in Ukraine. Irina had settled into our community. She made friends. She immediately got a job the first day she was allowed to work and she got a work permit here. She got a job that very first day. She worked at a senior citizens center. She worked at an At a pizza place. She took care of animals in the neighborhood. She was building her young life. She had recently moved in with her partner. Her family let us know. She graduated from college in Kyiv with a degree in art and restoration. We don't know the extent of what obstacles she faced in the Ukraine other than we did learn just a few moments ago that she was living in in a bomb shelter. Sadly, everyone saw in surveillance video how tragic her life ended. We're shocked. We're saddened. It's very, very difficult. This young lady rode that train many times. She was probably tired after a long day at work and just trying to get home to her loved ones. But she never made it. In an instant, her life was over. And her mother, her father, her siblings, her brother and sister, and her other family and friends, their lives will never be the same. As you heard from U.S. attorney Ferguson, we spoke with Ernest, mother Ana and her uncle just a few minutes ago. And we told them of the federal charges brought against Carlos Brown Jr. We hope this additional charge will help bring them a measure of justice and accountability for this horrific act. I want to thank our partners, Chief Jennings and the cmpd. We work every day with this police department. We co locate agents and officers and detectives from the police department on our violent crimes and Safe streets task forces. This is not a policing problem. CMPD is out there every day protecting our streets. You may not know how close we are to the police departments, but throughout.
- [40:49]
B
This state, it's a violence problem. I can guarantee you that violence problem. There's an update from the the folks involved with the prosecution of the monster who killed Arena Zarutska in North Carolina here back in late August. All right, we'll keep an eye on that as it continues to give us the latest. The other thing you may have been watching here over the last couple of days, the volatility of metals, gold in particular. Gold setting all time record highs above 3600 now, silver above $40, above 41amoment ago. So all time highs as gold and silver surgeon and volatile markets seem to be at the forefront with the ever looming undervaluation of the American dollar. Additionally, the Federal Reserve's reluctance to lower interest rates stretches everyday Americans thin. One thing that seems to stand tall even amidst economic uncertainty is that gold. The team at Birch Gold set on letting customers know how to diversify their portfolio. Joining me now to discuss is the precious metal specialist for Burch Gold, Philip Patrick Phillips. Nice to have you back on the program over the last, I don't know, 7, 10 days gold has erupted, it's at all time new highs. Silver's almost back to its record highs. That's not a good indication for the dollar, is it?
- [42:11]
H
It's not. As you rightly point out, this is being driven predominantly by central banks and predominantly by a push to de dollarize globally. And we're seeing it. US dollar holdings by central banks are at 30 year lows and they're replacing US dollars with gold. Gold buying set a new record for the first half of this year by central banks and it's supporting gold's move to all time highs.
- [42:38]
B
So as gold gets higher and I don't know where this stops, I've had different people speculate differently. But if it breaks 4,000, if it breaks 4,000, which is well within reach at this point, all bets are off as to what your dollar is going to be worth a few days after that, right? I mean at some point your dollar is just not worth much at all. That's just the way it is, right?
- [43:03]
H
That is correct. Look, it's what's driving gold's all time highs. We've seen many of them this year alone. Like I said, it's being driven by the strongest fundamental of all which is all time high demand. And the demand is being driven for the same reasons, right? It's central banks around the world holding US dollars, seeing the buying power dissipate, seeing the writing on the wall, $37 trillion of debt, $2 trillion annual deficits and they're diversifying. Gold is now becoming the reserve asset of choice for central banks. It's increasing day on day on day. Goldman Sachs now say gold will hit $5,000 an ounce next year. On the back of this increasing demand, 75% of central banks say they will be massively increasing gold holdings over the next half a decade. Gold in the 80s was 75% of global reserve. Today even with the increase, it's about 20%. I think it's got a long way to go.
- [44:04]
B
So Secretary Bessant calls for reform at the Fed. You know that. But look, is the damage already done? Is it enough to fix the damage? You lower rates by a quarter point, a half point, whatever it might be, can we turn this around? I mean if it goes to 5,000 people's savings, their 401ks bad shape, can he turn it around or is it too late?
- [44:26]
H
Listen, it's a tough one. Reform at the Fed is long overdue. But the hard truth is I don't think any reform can undo decades of distortion. You can't Unpop a housing bubble. You can't redistribute 50 trillion from the bottom 50% or from the top 10% down back again. So I think a lot of the damage has been done. Even if the Fed reverts now to a narrow role, the middle class is still stuck paying inflated prices with deflated wages. So we're going to have to work our way through this. There's going to be pain in the process, and gold prices will rise in the process as well.
- [45:04]
B
You know, one thing, if you look at gold over time, there have been periods where it stays relatively flat, but it never really goes down, Philip. It always increases over time. It's easily predictable. Always appreciate you being here. Thank you very much.
- [45:18]
H
Thank you.
- [45:20]
B
Now, if you want to know more about gold from Burt's Gold, text the word America to 98 98, 98 today. Claim your FREE information kit on gold. Do that right now. Look, gold now. 3600 plus here 10 days ago is 3300. It's gone up $300 an ounce in about 10 days. Silver over $41. Again, text America. 98, 98, 98. Claim your free information kit on gold. Do that right now. When we come back, we'll tell you how America is still a wonderful place. Plus your answers to the America's Voice question of the day. What is your top issue for the 2026 midterm elections?
- [46:06]
A
Hey there. I'm Mary Kathryn Ham. And I'm Carol Markowitz. We've been in political media for a long time. Long enough to know that it's gotten, well, a little insane. That's why we started Normalely a podcast for people who are over the hysteria and just want clarity. We talk about the issues that actually matter to the country without panic, without yelling, and with a healthy dose of humor. We don't take ourselves too seriously, but we do take the truth seriously. So if you're into common sense, sanity, and some occasional sass, you're our kind of people. Catch new episodes of normally every Tuesday and Thursday on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you listen.
- [46:51]
B
All right, here's the question. What makes America wonderful? We do this every day. You need some joy in your life, right? I mean, there's a lot going on. You wonder what's happening on the trains in North Carolina or at the border in Chicago. But look, you live in a great country. What makes America wonderful? We do it every day because we want to leave you with a smile on your face and some hope in your heart. Today's story comes to us from Birmingham, Alabama, where a high school football referee saved the life of another the school back in session. Sports such as football in full swing. As you know, it's fall football time. This time was no different. Two referees by the names of Joy Shell Nutt and Lou Murphy were ready to oversee the match between Sky Silacaga. Got that from my friends in Alabama High School in Coosa Central. Who names these schools. Well, the first quarter went off without a hitch for Shellnut. Something was off during the second quarter, a realization that would unfortunately see him collapse midfield. And without hesitation, fellow referee Lou Murphy jumped into action performing cpr, an effort that thankfully resuscitates Shell now right there in the field. Can you imagine that? The hospital Shell Nut was informed with three blockages in his heart. Three, the culprit behind his collapse as he suffered a heart attack. But thanks to the immediate response from Lou Murphy, Joe Shellnut is in good condition today, gearing up for a triple bypass surgery that will certainly extend his life. Now, look, we can all breathe a sigh of relief as he's in better condition, but undoubtedly Lou Murphy's administration of CPR that saved Joy's life reminds us of what makes America wonderful. Great people that are willing to step up in a time of need and make a difference. All right, here's your America's Voice Question of the day. What is your top issue for the 2026 midterm elections and why TJ for Kansas? That's what I'm going with. My top priority going to the midterms is to primary the rhinos. No hard set, singular issue. I just want the weak people out and the strong people in so we can continue the direction we're headed. America first. Well, remember, sometimes when you throw out a rhino, you get a Democrat in return. Don Bacon will be one example of that. You watch August Sunrise says this voting for US Citizens with id. I love that idea. I love that idea a lot. Oakes Jolie. Loyalty to the Constitution and the Bill of Rights. That's your top. That's what you're voting on. Well, I like that. I like that a lot. Because if we get another couple of picks to the United States Supreme Court, well, golly, Polish Princess Z, it's always the economy. It's not gaining speed yet. Second, crime and all those getting away with it. Boy, isn't that true? That's what we talked about for the last couple of days. Crime in America. Is it going to be a top issue? Clemmie Klein writes this My top issue is election integrity because secure voting systems are fundamental to democracy. All right, Scott A. Sawyer. The DOJ's lack of action to hold corrupt politicians and the deep state accountable will result in the GOP losing both the House and the Senate. That's not true. We're not going to lose the Senate. I can tell you there, more Trump impeachments will ensue, then it's game over. Well, I appreciate your concern. I appreciate your service concern, Mr. Sawyer, but you're not going to lose the Senate. I can assure you that. 22 kills writes the wall and make America strong again. All right, be sure to follow me on all the social media platforms. Truth Getter x Facebook. That's where you find the question of the day, and that's how you can become part of all the action. All right, we got a lot of big stories to cover today, but first, how about we take a little bit of a road trip into. Hey, let's have some fun. Bowling's here. He likes football as much as I do. My team got creamed on Saturday, by the way. Michigan did not look good against Oklahoma. I don't know if you bet on that one bowling or not.
- [51:00]
D
Every week I bet on Michigan every week. I was sure they were gonna. Are you kidding me? I was so confident with Michigan.
- [51:08]
B
What a disaster.
- [51:09]
D
Yeah, it was a rough game, but last year they were amazing. They covered so many times last year, Steve. They were great.
- [51:17]
B
They covered Ohio State like a blanket, that's for sure. Okay, so a former Michigan quarterback, J.J. mcCarthy, last night you said you went to bed, thought the game was well on hand. He did something that's never been done. We don't talk sports much here, so once in a while I'll take a little deviation. Three touchdowns in the fourth quarter. It's never been done by a rookie quarterback. I just read first player in NFL history to have three touchdowns in the fourth quarter. Two by the air, one on the ground. JJ The Minnesota Vikings, like, hey, we got something going on.
- [51:46]
D
I liked the Vikings, but I really like the under before the game is 44. That's a lot of points for an NFC north. The inter division rivalry. First game on a Monday night, you think they'd be tight. And I went to bed and it was. I think it was 10, 6, if I'm not mistaken. Or it was 16 points or so. And I had 38, whatever, 28 points for the second half. I was golden. And then your buddy JJ lit up the second of the fourth quarter.
- [52:13]
B
Really?
- [52:14]
D
I guess. And I woke up to a loss. Hey, that's the way the football bounces, right? It's not around.
- [52:19]
B
Baseball bounces.
- [52:23]
D
I will tell you. You want to make some money this year, Steve? You want to make some money this year?
- [52:26]
B
All right.
- [52:26]
D
You bet on any team that plays the jets or the Giants. We've doing this. We did the whole whole season last year. We were like, I don't know, we were like 16 and 4 or something like that. We didn't bet every single game, but every week, if you just consistently take the, take the line of the other team, take the points, take the line of the other team and you will win money.
- [52:45]
B
There you go.
- [52:46]
D
Almost guarantee.
- [52:48]
B
Hey, one last thing from Michigan today. Back to the serious news of the day. I don't know if the over under would have played out this way, but Dana Nestle, the attorney general of Michigan, got cream today in Court. All 15 of those electors that she tried to prosecute for exercising the constitutional rights. All thrown out by a judge appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. Bit surprising to me, but you want.
- [53:14]
A
Smart political talk without the meltdowns, we got you. I'm Carol Markowitz. And I'm Mary Kathryn Hamm. We've been around the block in media and we're doing things differently. Normally is about real conversations, thoughtful, try to be funny, grounded, and no panic. We'll keep you informed and entertained without ruining your day. Join us every Tuesday and Thursday Normally on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. This is an iHeart podcast.