Just One Thing: DC Nonsense
Yesterday the House passed the Senate bill to open the government, President Trump signed it, and the government is officially reopened. There will be some ongoing impact on air travel for a while. Many Democrats are furious with the handful of Dem senators who voted to open the government but that's their hatred of Trump triumphing over the reality of the situation.
House votes to end record-long government shutdown
There was a bit of controversy because the Senate snuck in a provision that would let senators whose phone records were collected by the FBI or DOJ (without the senators' consent) sue the government. Almost all House member, including Republicans, including the Speaker, were very annoyed by this. Because of the time pressure to open the government, they couldn't remove it from the bill and then send it back to the Senate. Instead, a bunch of Republicans made Speaker Johnson promise a vote (soon) to repeal that provision. One wonders if it will be given a vote in the Senate...where it would pass. It's a very bad look, the idea that these senators could enrich themselves at taxpayer expense even if what the Biden DOJ did was wrong...and I understand why people believe that but it's not a rock-solid case.
Meanwhile, a new Democratic member of the House was sworn in and she immediately signed the discharge petition requiring the House to vote on releasing all of the so-called "Epstein Files." The White House had tried to peel Lauren Boebert off the petition but it didn't work. While Speaker of the House Mike Johnson could have put the vote off, perhaps until after Thanksgiving, instead he's expediting it and it should happen next week.
Adelita Grijalva sworn in, teeing up vote to release Epstein files
Epstein files become a fiasco of Trump's own making
Trump Ramps Up Pressure on G.O.P. to Thwart Epstein Vote - The New York Times (free link)
Epstein files vote happening next week, Johnson says - Live Updates - POLITICO
Interesting: MAGA quiet on Epstein files after emails naming Trump released by Democrats
.
Today's Guest
State Senator Barb Kirkmeyer (R-Weld County) is a candidate for governor of Colorado. I was interested to see her quoted in this article about Gov Polis' proposed budget because she's aggressively criticizing Polis' proposed Medicaid cuts. I'm used to seeing Republicans want to cut the costs of government programs, and especially incredibly expensive healthcare programs. So I've asked Barb to join us to explain her position...and what solution she'd offer since the cost of Medicaid MUST be reduced.
Colorado lawmakers react to Gov. Jared Polis' budget plan on Medicaid (free link)
Polis' budget proposal faces backlash over Medicaid and Pinnacol deal - Denver Gazette
.
Other Stuff
Flights will remain impacted for a while: DOT opts not to escalate, or immediately end, flight cuts as shutdown nears conclusion - POLITICO
.
It's about time: US Mint presses final pennies as production ends | AP News
.
Ideas for where to get a meal or a tasty adult beverage: Colorado Restaurant Association Announces 2025 HOSPY Awards Winners
Colorado Restaurants Honored at the 2025 HOSPY Awards
.
Democrats lost the shutdown battle but may have positioned themselves fairly well to win the bigger war (i.e. control of the House in 2026 elections) by making the election about health insurance prices. Republicans MUST come up with a credible plan AND a way to explain it.
Democrats hammer Republicans on more than just ACA premium hikes after election
House GOP committee leaders to hold health care brainstorming sessions - Live Updates - POLITICO
.
You could see stores charging you an additional fee if you use a credit card that earns rewards like cash back or airline miles, or especially one of the very high-end "elite" sorts of cards: Using Your Credit Card at the Checkout Is Set to Get a Lot More Complicated - WSJ
.
I used to occasionally afford "luxury hotels". Now, I don't even consider them because the prices have gotten so nuts. This explains why: Wealthy Travelers Are Splurging on Luxury Hotels Like Never Before - WSJ
.
This story isn’t important but it’s so nuts that I have to share it with you: Stabbing involving 'Bachelor' contestant lands Netflix star in CO prison (free link)
.
Trying to get to affordability by forcing costs for businesses up doesn't work: California’s minimum wage hike for fast-food workers is killing jobs
.
Seriously?
It's the Magnificent Mile, not the Miracle Mile. It's not a shopping center but rather an area of the city. Vacancy rate is just below 23%, not 28%, though that's still very high. Crime rate is down, though it also is still high. And Trump's own Chicago Trump Tower has had 70,000 square feet of retail space be unrented since the building opened in 2009. Yep, no tenants for 16 years. Maybe he should tend to his own real estate issues.
.
Today's Australian Videos
Sometimes, Australians change the lyrics to "It's a long way to the shop if you want a sausage roll."
I love stories like this...isn't it amazing when an entirely new species is discovered?