EV Subsidies Collapse as Free Speech Battles Rage on College Campuses

On September 22, 2025, Kim Monson examines government spending failures and the state of free speech following the assassination of Charlie Kirk with automotive expert Lauren Fix, Federalist contributor Helen Raleigh, board game entrepreneur Mark Monson, and Westminster mayoral candidate Dave DeMott.

Electric Vehicle Subsidies Fail Taxpayers

Start listening at 31:34 – Hour 1

Lauren Fix breaks down the collapse of Biden-era electric vehicle programs, highlighting the bankruptcy of Lion Electric, a Canadian company that received $159 million in federal funding to produce electric school buses costing over $650,000 each compared to $100,000 for traditional diesel buses. School districts from Homer Community to New York State now face stranded assets with no parts or service available.

Fix warns that Kathy Hochul’s mandate for zero-emission school buses in New York would cost an additional $15 billion while ignoring basic infrastructure and climate challenges that make electric buses impractical in cold weather. The automotive expert notes that multiple automakers including Porsche, Ford, and General Motors are abandoning EV commitments, while the $7,500 EV tax credit ends September 30, 2025.

“But what happens, every company that they put money into, pretty much all of them, includes for the postal service and everything, has led to bankruptcy. And that’s a problem because that’s your money.”

Lauren Fix, Car Coach Reports

University Response to Kirk Assassination Reveals Campus Intolerance

Start listening at 73:26 – Hour 2

Helen Raleigh examines how American universities responded to the assassination of Turning Point USA founder Charlie Kirk, finding that only the University of Austin issued a statement opposing violence and affirming free speech. Her research contacted ten universities, with the majority refusing to acknowledge the murder or reaffirm their commitment to open inquiry.

Raleigh distinguishes between private employers making business decisions and government intervention in speech, cautioning the Trump administration against using federal agencies like the FCC to pressure media outlets. She notes that ABC’s decision to end Jimmy Kimmel’s show reflected years of declining ratings rather than government pressure, but that FCC Chairman Brenda Carr’s threat to act “the easy way or the hard way” handed critics a weapon to cry censorship.

“I think the fact, as I mentioned earlier, we already know college campuses nowadays are the most intolerant and illiberal place in the United States.”

Helen Raleigh, The Federalist

Board Games Make a Comeback

Start listening at 17:49 – Hour 1

Mark Monson discusses creating Legend of the Eight Isles, a board game designed to bring families back together away from screens. The game features asymmetric gameplay where one player faces off against a team of opponents, with levels that can be completed in 15-20 minutes or extended for longer sessions.

Monson spent two to three years playtesting and navigated the challenges of independent game development, including dealing with tariff pricing when shipping from overseas manufacturers. The game is available at legendofthe8isles.com for $30 and suitable for ages 8 and up despite the 14+ rating required for market compliance.

“Again, I created it kind of because I wanted to get people back playing together directly with each other.”

Mark Monson, Game Designer

Local Government and Water Rights in Westminster

Start listening at 102:03 – Hour 2

Dave DeMott explains his candidacy for Westminster mayor after eight years on city council, emphasizing the importance of local control over land use and water resources. With less than 4% of developable land remaining and limited water rights, Westminster has pushed back against state density mandates that would double the city’s population beyond sustainable levels.

DeMott highlights his record fighting against single-hauler trash initiatives and defending residential water rates, while cautioning voters to be wary of politicians who focus on national issues rather than local governance. He notes the council successfully rejected a comprehensive plan that failed to balance development with water supply, demonstrating Colorado’s constitutional protection of local control.

“Be wary of the politician running for local level that talks about the sexy national or state things because at the end of the day, that’s not what we do. However, what we do changes your life tomorrow.”

Dave DeMott, Westminster City Council