Government Shutdown Messaging and the Case for Smaller Government

Marc Cox previews the 97.1 FM Talk 25th anniversary party in Chesterfield and reminds listeners to vote in the Best of the West contest. Jimmy Failla weighs in on the 22-day shutdown, mocks protest culture, and breaks down New York politics with his trademark humor. Mary Vought discusses the Alzheimer’s Walk, Antifa’s terror designation, and dismantling DEI. Jane Puszkar talks about explicit books in Francis Howell libraries and the push for parental oversight. Charles Payne explains the drop in gold, why the shutdown barely moves markets, and how AI, robotics, and fintech are reshaping jobs and investment. The show also notes John Perchborn’s retirement after 44 years and updates on legal trouble for Kim Gardner over alleged misuse of public funds.

Marc promotes the 97.1 FM Talk 25th anniversary party in Chesterfield and reminds listeners today is the last day to vote for Best of the West. Jimmy Failla joins with commentary on the shutdown and New York politics. Charles Payne explains the Fourth Industrial Revolution, AI replacing jobs, autonomous vehicles, and crypto in the new economy. The hour also notes John Perchborn retiring from Fox 2 after 44 years and Kim Gardner facing potential discipline over misuse of public funds.

Charles Payne explains the recent drop in gold and says the shutdown has little market impact. He outlines how the fourth industrial revolution: AI, robotics, crypto, and fintech is reshaping money and jobs, with firms like Amazon moving to robots and platforms like Coinbase and Robinhood leading gains. Payne urges people to understand the shift and invest accordingly.

Marc Cox talks with Jimmy Failla about the government shutdown and why he calls modern political rallies “political renaissance fairs.” Failla mixes humor and politics as he breaks down protest demographics, mocks partisan messaging, and draws sports-style comparisons to election combat. From his New York cab driver past, he explains the fall of taxi medallion values, slams figures like Cuomo, and gives an insider take on Curtis Sliwa’s campaign and New York voter behavior. The segment is equal parts political insight and sharp comedic commentary.

Hour 3 includes a preview of the free 25th anniversary celebration for the conservative station with live music and community turnout expected. Marc speaks with Mary Vought about dismantling DEI programs and the federal designation of Antifa as domestic terrorists along with new attacks on conservatives like JD Vance. Jane Puszkar joins to discuss the Francis Howell book fight over sexually explicit material in school libraries and the push for more parental control in board decisions. The hour also includes debate over a Colorado clinic advertising late-term abortions and continuing commentary on the government shutdown and media rhetoric from the left.

Marc Cox talks with Jane Puszkar about sexually explicit and age-inappropriate books in school libraries and the legal risk of providing graphic content to minors. They discuss parents challenging library selections and pushing for more oversight in curriculum decisions as some board members resist removing controversial titles. The segment also covers low voter turnout in school board elections, proposals to change election timing, and community backlash over gender and transgender-themed material in schools.

Marc Cox speaks with Mary Vought about the upcoming Alzheimer’s Walk at the Chesterfield amphitheater which raised over 1.3 million dollars last year for research and care. The conversation shifts to Antifa being designated a domestic terror group under the Trump administration and whether RICO charges could extend to funding sources. They then discuss the push to dismantle DEI programs in favor of merit-based decisions. The segment closes with condemnation of a Colorado clinic performing and advertising abortions up to 34 weeks for any reason.

Hour 2 covers the 22-day government shutdown with Republicans blaming Democrats including Schumer and Jeffries. Marc critiques Jen Psaki, comments on Trump’s ballroom plan and an abortion clinic controversy in Colorado. Nichole Murray delivers business headlines on the stock market, Toys R Us, OpenAI’s browser, and American Airlines coffee. Social topics include school library book fights, social media and parenting, and the Alzheimer’s walk. The hour closes with In Other News.

Marc Cox opens with the upcoming Guns and Hoses event in Chesterfield, encourages listeners to RSVP, and talks through vendors and celebration plans tied to a birthday gathering at the event. The discussion shifts to national politics including the government shutdown, Middle East peace efforts, and how media and press secretaries shape narratives. Locally, the segment covers the audit of the St. Louis City Sheriff’s office and broader frustration with government spending and budget discipline. Education issues come into focus with the Rockwood school bond issue, fights over books in school libraries, and the broader struggle inside school boards.

In this segment Marc Cox weighs how Republicans and Democrats are messaging the government shutdown and who the public is likely to blame. The discussion pivots to Obamacare subsidies and what the fight over healthcare reveals about the size, cost, and role of federal government.