Montana Towers from the Maine Policy Institute joins Matt Gagnon for his regular segment on State and National Policy.

A shooting at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, left one ROTC instructor dead and two other US Army personnel injured. The gunman, Mohammed Baylor Jalla, a former Army National Guard member with a history of terrorism-related charges, was also killed. Jalla had previously attempted to provide material support to ISIS and was released from prison in 2024. The conversation shifts to a discussion about a veteran receiving full disability for PTSD and his potential candidacy for the Senate, raising questions about his ability to handle the demanding role if elected.

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Military Analyst Jeff McCausland provided an update on the escalating military situation in Iran, highlighting the use of advanced weaponry like B-52 bombers and the expansion of the conflict geographically, including the U.S. sinking a submarine in Sri Lanka. The closure of the Strait of Hormuz has driven oil prices over $100 per barrel, prompting the U.S. to tap its strategic oil reserve and coordinate with the International Energy Agency for additional oil releases. Iran's countermeasures include drone attacks and potential mine deployment. Callers discussed the complexities of U.S. involvement, the historical context, and the potential of using free internet to support anti-regime protests in Iran.

Matt speaks with Security Analyst Josh Filler. Josh Filler is an attorney and former New York City, White House, and Department of Homeland Security official.

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Maine’s housing shortage continues to shape our economy, workforce, and communities. At our next Eggs & Issues, we’ll explore what’s driving the shortage, why it persists, and which solutions are proving effective here and across the country. Join Alex Horowitz of The Pew Charitable Trusts and Greg Payne from the Governor’s Office of Policy Innovation and the Future for a forward-looking conversation on housing production and policy reform. Drawing on national data and real-world examples, Alex will highlight how states and cities are removing barriers to development and expanding attainable housing options, while Greg will share insights on Maine’s recent policy progress and the path ahead.   

The discussion centered on Donald Trump's policy inconsistencies and the media's portrayal of his unpredictability. Steve from Westbrook argued that Trump's flip-flops on major policies like tariffs and wars are predictable, designed to distract from negative news cycles. Matt countered that Trump's stance on trade has been consistent since the 80s. They also debated the legal threats Trump faces, with Steve citing multiple lawsuits and the Epstein file, while Matt dismissed the Epstein issue as overhyped. 

The conversation covers the escalating tensions in the Persian Gulf, with multiple foreign ships attacked, including a container ship hit by an unknown projectile near Dubai and two oil tankers set ablaze in Iraqi waters. Iran's threat of oil prices reaching $200 per barrel is dismissed as propaganda. The discussion then shifts to the Save Act, which faces a vote next week. Despite 80% public support for voter ID, the bill is expected to fail due to procedural challenges and lack of votes.

This week, Steve and Jeff welcome Angus King III, who is running as a Democrat to become Maine's next governor.

The discussion focused on the US Senate's efforts to pass the SAVE Act, hindered by the filibuster. Thune plans to run the bill next week, expecting failure due to the 60-vote threshold. Options include abolishing the filibuster or implementing a talking filibuster, as advocated by Elon Musk and some Republicans. The filibuster's modern form allows for minimal effort, leading to its overuse and legislative paralysis. The conversation also touched on the broader implications of the filibuster, including its impact on budget deficits and the ability to pass significant reforms.