Podcasts about American Civil Liberties Union

In Washington's think tank row, a single document has become a kind of political Rorschach test. Project 2025, a more than 900 page “Mandate for Leadership” assembled by the conservative Heritage Foundation and allied groups, is billed by its authors as a roadmap “to advance positive change for America.” According to Heritage's own description, it is a presidential transition project designed so a conservative administration can “take the reins of government” quickly and decisively. Critics see something very different. The American Civil Liberties Union describes Project 2025 as “a blueprint for a radical restructuring of the executive branch,” warning that it would replace long standing legal safeguards with “right wing ideals” across immigration, civil rights, and reproductive freedom. Democracy Forward, a nonpartisan watchdog, calls it “a systemic, ruthless plan” that could undermine the quality of life for millions, from workers and veterans to parents and students. At the heart of the plan is a sweeping reimagining of federal agencies. The Brookings Institution notes that on education alone, Project 2025 recommends dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, eliminating the Head Start program for low income children, and phasing out Title I funds that support schools in poor communities. It also calls for rescinding federal civil rights protections for LGBTQ+ students and weakening enforcement of disability rights. Brookings warns that these moves would “dramatically reshape the federal government's role” in schooling. The same impulse to centralize power runs through the broader agenda. The Heritage playbook urges a president to assert direct control over the civil service, in part by reviving “Schedule F,” a Trump era job classification that would make it easier to fire career officials and replace them with political loyalists. Democracy Forward reports that Project 2025's authors claim many of these changes could be carried out “through executive branch action alone — without new legislation.” Other proposals reach deeply into daily life. The American Civil Liberties Union highlights language urging mass deportations, new limits on asylum, and even ending birthright citizenship for some children of noncitizens, a direct challenge to the Fourteenth Amendment. The Center for American Progress points to recommendations to raise the Social Security full retirement age from 67 to 69, weaken unions by banning public sector bargaining, and reduce veterans' disability eligibility by narrowing covered conditions and automating denials. Supporters argue that these ideas would cut red tape, restore traditional values, and rein in what they describe as an unaccountable “administrative state.” Opponents counter that, taken together, the proposals would concentrate power in the presidency, erode checks and balances, and roll back protections that many listeners may take for granted. As the next campaign season accelerates, key questions loom: which parts of this blueprint will a future administration embrace, what can be done by executive order, and how will courts and Congress respond. Those decision points will determine whether Project 2025 remains a manifesto on a shelf or becomes a governing reality. Thanks for tuning in, and come back next week for more. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3Qs For more check out http://www.quietplease.ai

Project 2025 began not as a campaign slogan, but as a 900‑plus page manual quietly assembled by the conservative Heritage Foundation and allied groups, titled Mandate for Leadership: The Conservative Promise. According to the Heritage Foundation's own description, it is meant to offer the next conservative president a ready‑to‑use blueprint for governing from day one. Former Trump officials helped draft it, and Heritage president Kevin Roberts has called it “a governing agenda and the personnel to carry it out.” At its core, Project 2025 is about reshaping the federal government itself. The plan urges a future administration to revive and expand “Schedule F,” a Trump‑era job classification that would let the president reclassify thousands of career civil servants as political appointees. Brookings Institution analysts note that this would make it far easier to fire existing staff and replace them with ideological loyalists, dramatically increasing White House control over agencies that have traditionally been more independent. The scope is sweeping. On education, Brookings reports that Project 2025 proposes dismantling the U.S. Department of Education, phasing out Title I funding for low‑income schools, and eliminating the Head Start program that serves children in poverty. It calls for rolling back federal civil‑rights protections for LGBTQ+ students and weakening enforcement of Title IX. Supporters frame this as restoring “parental rights” and shrinking “woke bureaucracy.” Critics warn it would leave vulnerable students with fewer protections and widen inequality. Other chapters reach deeply into social policy. The American Civil Liberties Union explains that Project 2025 recommends ending birthright citizenship, expanding mass deportations, and sharply limiting asylum, effectively remaking the immigration system in a more punitive direction. The Center for American Progress points to proposals to raise the Social Security retirement age to 69 and curb union power, including weakening the National Labor Relations Board and banning public‑sector unions, moves that labor advocates say would undercut working‑class economic security. Reproductive rights are another central front. Reproductive Freedom for All summarizes Project 2025 provisions that would restrict access to contraception and emergency contraception, block abortion medication nationwide, and even describe in‑vitro fertilization as something that should become “ethically unthinkable.” The ACLU argues these ideas would amount to a nationwide rollback of reproductive freedom driven by a specific religious vision of family life. Supporters of Project 2025 argue that all of this is needed to “rescue the country from the grip of the administrative state,” in the words of Heritage's introduction. Opponents, including the Stop Project 2025 Task Force in Congress, counter that it is “a manual on how to turn American democracy into a conservative, authoritarian nation” by concentrating power in the presidency and weakening checks and balances. In the months ahead, listeners can expect more concrete tests: confirmation battles over key appointees, court fights over Schedule F and agency authority, and election campaigns where candidates are pressed to say how closely they endorse the blueprint. Thanks for tuning in, and come back next week for more. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3Qs For more check out http://www.quietplease.ai

Project 2025 began as a 900 page manual, but over the past year it has started to feel less like a blueprint and more like a live script for American government. According to the Heritage Foundation, which leads the effort, the “Mandate for Leadership” is meant to prepare the next conservative administration to, in its words, “dismantle the administrative state” and restore what it calls constitutional government. In practice, that means a sweeping reimagining of how federal agencies work, who controls them, and what rights they protect. At the center is a quiet but profound bureaucratic revolution. The plan urges a president to reclassify tens of thousands of federal employees into an expanded version of “Schedule F,” making it far easier to fire civil servants in policy roles and replace them with political loyalists. The Wall Street Journal has reported that Project 2025 also recommends ending the independent status of watchdog agencies like the Federal Trade Commission and the Securities and Exchange Commission, bringing them under direct presidential control. Supporters describe this as accountability; critics call it a path to one person rule inside the executive branch. The stakes become clearer when listeners zoom in on specific policy goals. The American Civil Liberties Union explains that Project 2025 calls for reviving the 19th century Comstock Act to block abortion medication and equipment from being sent through the mail, effectively creating a nationwide ban regardless of state law. The ACLU notes proposals to roll back nondiscrimination protections and to, as it puts it, “mandate discrimination against LGBTQ people by the federal government,” including excluding transgender Americans from military service. Economic and safety net programs are also in the crosshairs. Democracy Forward's “People's Guide to Project 2025” highlights proposals to cut overtime protections for an estimated 4.3 million workers, limit food assistance that more than 40 million people rely on each month, and even eliminate Head Start, the early education program that serves over a million children each year. The guide warns that authors of the plan claim much of this could be done without new laws from Congress, relying instead on aggressive executive action. Environmental policy is another major front. A report from the University of California, Berkeley's Center for Law, Energy and the Environment describes Project 2025 as a “radical overhaul” of climate and energy governance, calling for dismantling key climate initiatives, weakening the Environmental Protection Agency's authority, and prioritizing fossil fuel development over renewable energy. Supporters see all this as a long overdue correction. Heritage frames Project 2025 as a way to “advance positive change for America,” arguing that unelected bureaucrats have usurped power from elected leaders. Civil rights groups, environmental lawyers, and democracy advocates respond that the project amounts to what the ACLU calls “a roadmap for how to replace the rule of law with right wing ideals,” with profound implications for reproductive freedom, civil rights, and the balance of power in Washington. In the coming months, the key questions will be how far a president is willing to go in adopting this playbook, how courts respond, and whether Congress chooses to reinforce or resist these changes. For now, Project 2025 stands as a test of how much a modern White House can remake the machinery of government in just a few years. Thanks for tuning in, and be sure to come back next week for more. Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3Qs For more check out http://www.quietplease.ai

On today’s “Closer Look with Rose Scott,” Emory University political science Professor Andra Gillespie and Georgia State University constitutional law Professor Tanya Washington discuss the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision that diminished the Voting Rights Act. They explain what this will mean for the future of voting and representation, especially for marginalized communities. Also, after nearly a decade of service with the American Civil Liberties Union of Georgia, Executive Director Andrea Young is preparing to retire. She discusses the wins of her tenure and the challenges the nonprofit still faces in the fight to defend the civil rights of Georgians.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Few organizations serve as fiercer defenders of constitutional rights and the rule of law than the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU). At a time when free speech, free assembly, immigration, and voting rights are being tested across multiple fronts, Americans have come to count on the ACLU for its unyielding dedication to principle - even if they don't agree on every issue.rnrnDeborah N. Archer is President of the national ACLU, where she serves as Chair of the Board of Directors and Executive Committee. She brings frontline insight into today's web of legal battles, and calls attention to how traditional tools for protecting civil rights are currently being weakened and tested. Deborah is a tenured professor and associate dean at New York University School of Law, and the faculty director of the Community Equity Lab at NYU Law.rnrnTo mark Law Day 2026, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association's Chris Schmitt will sit in conversation with Deborah N. Archer, President of the ACLU, on the urgency of protecting the rule of law and defending the rights of all people nationwide.

Sophia Lin Lakin, JD '11 (MS '04, BA '02), director of the ACLU's Voting Rights Project, challenges the stated premises behind many current voting restrictions, including claims about widespread non-citizen voting. “If we're worried about the integrity of our elections,” she tells Stanford Law professor and host Pam Karlan, “we should be worried about making sure that more people are participating in our elections and not chasing a fantasy.” That concern—how long-standing efforts to restrict voting access can make it harder for eligible voters to participate—runs through the episode, which was recorded shortly before the Supreme Court handed down its decision in Louisiana v. Callais. In a 6–3 ruling, the Court struck down Louisiana's congressional map, which had created a second majority-Black district, holding that the map was an unconstitutional racial gerrymander. The decision could make it harder to use Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act to challenge maps that dilute minority voting strength. Lakin and Karlan discuss what is at stake when access to the ballot becomes harder and the rules for translating votes into political power begin to shift. Their conversation focuses on proof-of-citizenship requirements, mail ballots, voter roll purges, and redistricting battles, offering a timely look at the legal fights shaping who can vote, whose ballots count, and whether communities can elect representatives of their choice.   Links: Sophia Lin Lakin >>> ACLU page Connect: Episode Transcripts >>> Stanford Legal Podcast Website Stanford Legal Podcast >>> LinkedIn Page Rich Ford >>>  Twitter/X Pam Karlan >>> Stanford Law School Page Stanford Law School >>> Twitter/X Stanford Lawyer Magazine >>> Twitter/X (00:00:00) The Three Buckets of Voting Rights  (00:02:35) Voter Roll Surveillance  (00:06:17) The Non-Citizen Voting Myth and the Dangers of Faulty Databases  (00:10:23) Citizenship Documentation Requirements  (00:16:19) Mail Voting Rules and the Materiality Provision  (00:21:00) Section Two of the Voting Rights Act and Redistricting Battles  (00:28:51) Race, Politics, and the Future of Fair Maps  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Have you ever wondered what really goes on in our country's criminal courts? Many want to believe in the hallowed halls of justice, with ethical and equitable legal processes that pursue truth and enforce the law fairly. But one author argues that this perception hides the reality that the system is broken. Emily Galvin Almanza, also a former public defender, presents her latest work The Price of Mercy: Unfair Trials, a Violent System, and a Public Defender's Search for Justice in America. The text takes us behind closed doors of America's criminal courts, arguing that the institutions that claim to protect us are doing the exact opposite. Examples include data showing that jails actually increase future crime, police corruption in overtime pay, an example of a man incarcerated for decades because scientists mistook dog hair for his own, incentives that push prosecutors to seek convictions, and even how judges may decide cases differently after lunch. Almanza presents examples and offers a blueprint for fixing these issues at their core, and by engaging the general public in helping to shape our collective future. Emily Galvin Almanza is the co-founder and executive director of Partners for Justice, a nonprofit creating a new collaborative model of public defense designed to empower defenders nationwide. Prior to founding PFJ, Emily fought for clients inside the L.A. County Public Defender's Office, the Santa Clara County Public Defender's Office, and the Bronx Defenders, and with the Stanford Three Strikes Project. Her writing has appeared in The Atlantic, The Washington Post, Newsweek, Teen Vogue, and Time, among other publications. Michele E. Storms is the Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Washington (ACLU of Washington), former Deputy Director of the ACLU of Washington, and previous Assistant Dean for Public Service and executive director of the William H. Gates Public Service Law program at the University of Washington School of Law.  Preceding those roles, she served as a statewide advocacy coordinator first at Columbia Legal Services and later at the Northwest Justice Project. She was also previously on faculty at the University of Washington School of Law where she founded what is now the Child and Youth Advocacy Clinic and taught several other courses.

For years, the New Mexico affiliate of the American Civil Liberties Union has kept a close eye on the Albuquerque Police Department. Now 11 months out from federal oversight of the department ending, policy advocate Daniel Williams sat down with Executive Producer Jeff Proctor to discuss how new leadership could help uphold recent reforms. Podcast Host: Lou DiVizioExecutive Producer Jeff ProctorGuest: Daniel Williams, ACLU of NM Policy Advocate

Summit County Judge Susan Baker Ross declared a mistrial in the state bribery case against two former FirstEnergy executives after a jury failed to reach a verdict. The trial began in January with jury selection and included weeks of testimony and exhibits. The jury deliberated over the course of nine days before telling the judge they were hopelessly deadlocked. The judge declared a mistrial the next day. The state has already said it plans to retry the case. The story begins our discussion of the week's news on the “Sound of Ideas Reporters Roundtable.” The families of two innocent bystander women killed in separate high-speed pursuits by the former Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Downtown Safety Patrol have sued the county. According to a report from the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, by the end of last year, 14 of the state's 88 counties had agreements to cooperate with Immigration and Customs Enforcement efforts or the U.S. Marshalls Service. The crew of Artemis II is on its third full day of its 10-day mission, lifting off from Kennedy Space Center on Wednesday. The mission is another step toward an anticipated lunar landing in 2028 with a goal of establishing a permanent lunar base. Get ready, drivers. The official state flower of Ohio, the Orange Barrel Blossom, are blooming on roads everywhere. The Ohio Department of Transportation announced a slate of highway projects, including $3.4 billion in new ones and the continuation of several multi-year projects. Pothole season is well underway and it's busy. On April 2, a giant hole on Interstate 90 kept poaching tires. Off the highways, Cleveland's roads are more of a minefield than ever. Ideastream Public Media Reporter Abbey Marshall crunched numbers and found more than 1,500 pothole repair requests this year, up 50% from last year. A grassroots effort to ban data centers in Ohio cleared another procedural hurdle yesterday when the Ohio Ballot Board approved proposed amendment language. The group now needs to gather more than 400,000 valid signatures, drawn from at least half of Ohio's counties to make the November ballot. Guests: - Glenn Forbes, Deputy Editor of News, Ideastream Public Media - Gabriel Kramer, Reporter, Ideastream Public Media - Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV

Welcome to your weekly UAS News Update, we have three stories for you: the ACLU releases a major report on drone surveillance and airspace restrictions, the House unanimously passes the ACERO Act for wildfire drone operations, and a questionable South Carolina bill . Let's get to it.First up this week, the American Civil Liberties Union has published a major report arguing that U.S. drone policy is locking ordinary people out of the skies. The report is titled "Drones For Them But Not For Us?" and it claims the current rules give government agencies and corporations unchecked access to the skies while restricting citizens and journalists. The paper cites several concerning examples, including reports of the NYPD flying Skydio X10 drones directly over protest crowds without parachute recovery systems, massive airspace lockdowns, like a 935-square-mile temporary flight restriction over Chicago during federal operations, and invisible 3,000-foot no-fly zones that follow Department of Homeland Security vehicles. The report calls out trends where hobbyists and commercial pilots face more restrictions, while government agencies get a free pass. It also touches on the foreign drone ban, warning that it could price consumer drones out of reach. Much of this is not new to this audience, as we've been reporting on it for the last several years. It's interesting now that those outside of the UAS industry are beginning to take notice. We'll keep an eye on this and see if it goes anywhere. Next up, the U.S. House of Representatives unanimously passed the ACERO Act, sending the bipartisan wildfire drone bill to the Senate. This legislation directs NASA to expand its Advanced Capabilities for Emergency Response Operations project. The goal is to tackle airspace coordination during active wildfires. Right now, when a fire is burning, helicopters, fixed-wing tankers, and drones all share the same airspace. The bill requires NASA to build a shared framework using their Portable Airspace Management System, which shares aircraft locations across a fire zone in real time. Think of this system as basically portable unmanned and manned traffic management, which can be deployed in remote locations. Using drones to keep firefighters safe and track wildfires is exactly the kind of innovation our industry needs, and we're glad to see Congress supporting it.Finally, South Carolina lawmakers are considering a new bill that would impose restrictions on drone pilots. The bill, H4679, proposes to ban UAS operations within 1,000 feet of any “Critical Infrastructure”, over or within 1500 feet of any state or county correctional facility without authorization from the facility or SC Department of Corrections, over or within 1500 feet of any military installation, and over private property “in a matter that invades privacy, harasses occupants, creates a nuisance, or presents an obvious safety hazard”. In addition, the bill would make it unlawful to operate within 5 miles of an airport without FAA authorization. As many of us know, authorization is based on airspace, not distance to an airport. If you're in South Carolina, it's time to start reaching out to your representatives. This bill is sponsored by C. Mitchell, B.L. Cox, M.M. Smith, Wooten, Chapman, W. Newton, Herbkersman, Wickensimer, Guest and McCravy. That's it for this week, We'll see you in the community for Post Flight, where we share our opinions, and next Monday for the live! https://dronexl.co/2026/03/27/aclu-drone-policy-government-surveillance/https://dronexl.co/2026/03/27/house-acero-act-drone-wildfire-bill/https://www.wrdw.com/2026/03/30/sc-drone-bill-would-create-state-penalties-illegal-flights/

This Day in Maine Wednesday, April 1st, 2026

Thousands of Vermonters from nearly every county took to the streets to voice their outrage at the Trump administration on Saturday, March 28, in the third No Kings protest. About 50 rallies were held around the state. Nationally, 8 million to 9 million people turned out to over 3,000 demonstrations in what organizers say was the largest day of protest in American history.The Vermont Conversation spoke with a number of people at the Statehouse in Montpelier, where thousands of protesters came to rally and listen to speakers. Many expressed their opposition with clever signs, like one with tennis balls attached to it that said, “Free Balls 4 Congress.” Another read, “Sorry for Being Weird. This is My First Dictatorship.”Barre resident Guy Rock was attending his first protest. He was wearing the military fatigues of his brother, a 16-year service veteran. Asked why he came to the rally, Rock replied, “Donald Trump's a criminal. He's guilty of treason. … He's the greatest threat I've ever seen to our way of life. ICE is an extension of him.”Sen. Peter Welch, D-Vt., fired up the crowd from the steps of the Statehouse, but he was a little bleary-eyed when I caught up with him. He had debated funding for the Department of Homeland Security into the wee hours of the previous night.The Senate ultimately voted to fund the department except for ICE. The House later voted down the Senate's funding bill, leaving DHS partly shut down. I asked Welch what the midnight debate was about.“It's all about the outrage of what happened in Minneapolis, where we saw an incredible rampage of violence by ICE. They literally murdered two people,” he told me after addressing the crowd. “They should be required to abide by the same rules, the same training as any other law enforcement agency in our country, like in Burlington or in Montpelier.”The war in Iran “is a disaster,” Welch said. “This could be another forever war. It's $2 billion a day. He's going to be asking for $200 billion. That's $1,400 a household. We should be funding an extension of the health care tax credits. We should be providing workforce training for kids.”Welch added that he feels the No Kings protests are important. “The rallies allow all of us to come together and share our hope that if we stick together, we keep marching forward, despite a lot of setbacks and despite the odds being against us in many cases, that we can prevail.”Rep. Anne Donahue, I-Washington-1, was outside on the Statehouse lawn. She has represented Northfield and Berlin for 24 years. Once a Republican, she is the lone member of the Statehouse who left the Vermont GOP because of Donald Trump. She said there wasn't just one issue that pushed her to leave the Republican Party and become an independent, but “you wake up every day and there's something worse happening.”“I really fear for our democracy,” said Donahue. “It's at tremendous risk right now, and a big part of that is people not speaking up and not putting that stake in the ground.”James Lyall, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Vermont, said: "There are more of us than there are of them, and as long as people continue to show up for one another, creatively, nonviolently and consistently, there's absolutely no question in my mind that we will overcome what we are facing."Two young men wearing red “Make America Great Again” caps stood out in the crowd. Seth Fewer, 15, is a freshman at Spaulding High School in Barre. He has tried to launch a chapter of Turning Point USA, the conservative student organization founded by the late Charlie Kirk, but he was unable to find faculty sponsors in his school.I asked him how he felt about the war in Iran. “I don't support war, but considering this is a country that's been preaching ‘death to America' since like the '80s, people have to realize that this is a country that we really have to deal with strongly,” he said.Fewer, who was sporting a Charlie Kirk T-shirt, conceded that starting a war “is not what (Trump) promised us … but most of (his) policies are good, and that's what we need for America.”Dr. Dan Goodyear, a family practice physician in Richmond, was in the crowd, holding an American flag. “This country's democracy is at risk right now, and I think that has a direct effect on people's overall health in the long run, the stress that it causes, the risk with people getting improper health care or subpar health care. We need to stand up and rebuild the democracy back to what it was.”“It enriches my soul to see people who care, who are believers in truth and democracy and solidarity to come together and have a shared experience like this. It's nothing but empowering,” Goodyear said.

Bill speaks with CNN Legal Commentator and New York Times Opinion Writer, Jeffrey Toobin about major legal issues surrounding Donald Trump, including an executive order creating an anti-fraud task force targeting alleged Medicare and Medicaid fraud in Minnesota and California, which Toobin describes as an effort to embarrass Gov. Tim Walz while Trump simultaneously issues numerous pardons to wealthy fraud convicts. Toobin says pardons can erase restitution, citing an estimate that $1.5 billion in potential restitution has been wiped out, and argues Trump's presidential immunity and the Constitution's pardon power make such actions effectively unprosecutable. They discuss the Supreme Court's upcoming birthright citizenship arguments, with Toobin predicting a decisive loss for Trump based on the 14th Amendment's text. The conversation also touches on judges' responses to Trump's attacks and concerns about election integrity in 2026 and 2028, with Toobin cautiously optimistic due to state control of elections.Today Bill highlights the work of the American Civil Liberties Union. Check out all the great work they're doing at ACLU.org.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Donald Trump seemed to preemptively attack Supreme Court justices as “stupid” and “dumb”—ignoring a warning from Justice John Roberts about “dangerous” rhetoric—as they prepare to hear oral arguments Wednesday in a landmark case challenging Trump's executive order limiting birthright citizenship. Key Facts The Supreme Court will hear oral arguments Wednesday in Trump v. Barbara, a case concerning the legality of Trump's executive order saying babies born in the U.S. cannot be citizens if their parents aren't U.S. citizens or permanent residents themselves. Trump claimed Monday morning the U.S. is “the only Country in the World that dignifies” the topic of birthright citizenship “with even discussion”—which is false—and expressed pessimism the Supreme Court would rule in his favor, after the court previously ruled against his signature tariff policy. Other countries are “laughing at how STUPID our U.S. Court System has become” while taking advantage of U.S. citizenship by birth, Trump claimed on Truth Social, adding, “Dumb Judges and Justices will not a great Country make!” The 14th Amendment grants citizenship to “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof,” which has long been interpreted as guaranteeing citizenship by birth in nearly all cases, except for children of foreign diplomats or enemy soldiers. The Trump administration has adopted a novel legal theory claiming children of undocumented immigrants or temporary U.S. residents are not “subject to the jurisdiction” of the U.S., with Trump's executive order stating children born in the U.S. are not citizens unless at least one of their parents is a citizen or permanent resident at the time of their birth. Parents and children impacted by the decision, represented by the American Civil Liberties Union, have challenged the order in court, arguing it's unlawful and the court should affirm the 14th Amendment guarantees citizenship to children even when their parents aren't permanent residents or citizens. What To Watch For The court will hear oral arguments Wednesday in the birthright citizenship case and issue a ruling in the coming months, sometime before the court's term ends in late June. Trump's order limiting birthright citizenship is not in effect while the court is deliberating, meaning babies born in the U.S. to temporary or undocumented immigrants will still be granted citizenship at least until the court rules. Big Number 255,000. That's the approximate number of babies who would be affected by Trump's executive order each year if it takes effect, according to the Migration Policy Institute and Penn State's Population Research Institute.  Surprising Fact Trump's order limiting birthright citizenship is part of the president's broader crackdown on undocumented immigration. If it takes effect, the Migration Policy Institute projects the number of undocumented immigrants would significantly increase, however, estimating there would be an additional 2.7 million by 2045 and 5.4 million by 2075. Do Other Countries Have Birthright Citizenship? Yes. While Trump has claimed birthright citizenship is unique to the U.S., nearly 40 other countries have policies guaranteeing citizenship to people who are born there. Countries with birthright citizenship policies are largely concentrated in North, Central and South America and include Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Canada, Ecuador, Mexico, Pakistan and Venezuela, among others. Read the full story on Forbes: ByAlison Durkee https://www.forbes.com/sites/alisondurkee/2026/03/30/trump-slams-stupid-supreme-court-ahead-of-birthright-citizenship-case/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this newscast: Juneau has officially broken its snowfall record; The City and Borough of Juneau began mailing out annual property tax assessment values to homes and businesses late last week; Three finalists have been chosen in a mural contest to decorate new bear-resistant trash infrastructure in downtown Juneau this summer; The American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska came to Juneau last week to give training sessions on what to do if residents encounter immigration enforcement actions in town; The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments Monday in a case challenging mail-in ballot deadlines.

On today's Midday Report with host Terry Haines:The Alaska Legislature is on the verge of passing a major election reform bill. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is prioritizing short and medium-term solutions to glacial outburst flooding in the Mendenhall Valley. And the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska gave training sessions last week on what to do if residents encounter immigration enforcement actions. Photo: Mara Kimmel from the American Civil Liberties Union of Alaska speaks at KTOO on Wednesday, March 18, 2026. (Photo by Clarise Larson/KTOO)

Project 2025 began not with a bill in Congress, but with a 900‑plus page playbook assembled by the Heritage Foundation and allied conservative groups, billed as a roadmap for the next Republican president. Heritage calls it a plan to “take back our government from the deep state,” while critics describe it as a bid to, in the words of the National Federation of Federal Employees, “destroy the administrative state” and replace it with loyalists.At the heart of the project is a personnel revolution. The blueprint urges reinstating and vastly expanding “Schedule F,” a Trump‑era job category that would let presidents reclassify tens of thousands of career civil servants as at‑will employees. According to an analysis by the Center for American Progress, one architect of the original order, James Sherk, projected roughly 50,000 positions could lose civil service protections. Advocates argue this would “ensure the President's policies are faithfully executed.” Opponents warn it would allow mass firings based on ideology, undermining neutral expertise in law enforcement, public health, and regulation.The document does not stop at staffing. It zeroes in on independent agencies that Congress designed to be insulated from day‑to‑day political pressure. In Project 2025's own terms, these are “so‑called independent agencies.” Chapters urge giving the president power to remove commissioners at will and subject their rules to aggressive White House review. Analysts at the Center for American Progress note that this could let a future president pressure the Federal Communications Commission on media licenses or keep the Federal Trade Commission from issuing rules like its recent ban on most noncompete clauses.Concrete agency changes are spelled out in vivid detail. A chapter on the Department of Energy recommends outsourcing core analytical work of the Energy Information Administration to private contractors, a move Boston Review warns could turn basic energy data into an ideological battleground. At the Environmental Protection Agency, Project 2025 proposes ending the role of career staff in awarding hundreds of millions in grants and handing that power to a single political appointee. The Health and Human Services chapter calls for steering teen pregnancy prevention funds toward abstinence‑only programs, reversing a decade of evidence‑based grantmaking.Running through the plan is a view of presidential power sometimes called the “unitary executive theory.” According to the American Civil Liberties Union, Project 2025 would concentrate control of the Justice Department in the White House, prioritizing an attorney general “above all loyal to the President” and easing the removal of officials who resist politically driven investigations.Supporters frame these ideas as a long‑overdue correction to an unaccountable bureaucracy. Critics, including nonpartisan legal scholars, warn that neutral guardrails like Senate confirmation, independent data, and protected civil servants are what keep any president from becoming an “imperial” figure.With the next election cycle underway, Project 2025 now functions as both a governing manual and a political litmus test. Candidates are being pressed to endorse, amend, or reject its proposals. The real test, though, will come if a future administration tries to turn this blueprint into executive orders, agency reorganizations, and real‑world firings.Thanks for tuning in, and come back next week for more.Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

This Day in Legal History: Tenth Circuit ActOn March 3, 1863, Congress passed the Judiciary Act of 1863, quietly reshaping the structure of the United States Supreme Court in the middle of the Civil War. The Act increased the number of Supreme Court justices from nine to ten. This expansion created an additional seat that President Abraham Lincoln could fill at a critical moment in the nation's history. Lincoln soon appointed Justice Stephen J. Field to occupy the new position.The timing of the law was not accidental. The country was deeply divided, and major constitutional questions about executive power, wartime authority, and civil liberties were moving through the courts. By enlarging the Court, Congress ensured that Lincoln would have greater influence over the judiciary's direction. Although altering the size of the Court was constitutional, it carried clear political implications.The Constitution does not fix the number of Supreme Court justices. Instead, Congress has authority to determine the Court's size through legislation. This structural flexibility has allowed lawmakers to adjust the Court in response to political and practical concerns. The Judiciary Act of 1863 stands as one example of how institutional design can intersect with national crisis.The legal element worth highlighting is Congress's constitutional power to set the size of the Supreme Court. Article III establishes the Court but leaves its structure largely to Congress. This separation of powers detail is significant because it shows that the judiciary's composition is not self-defining. I chose this element because it explains how a simple statute, passed during wartime, could alter the balance of influence within the highest court in the country without amending the Constitution.The U.S. Supreme Court heard arguments over whether a federal law prohibiting illegal drug users from possessing firearms violates the Second Amendment. The case arose after federal prosecutors charged Ali Hemani, a Texas resident who admitted to regular marijuana use, with unlawful gun possession under the Gun Control Act. A lower court dismissed the charge, and the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld that decision, concluding there was no historical basis for disarming a sober person who was not under the influence at the time of possession.The Justice Department, under President Donald Trump, appealed to the Supreme Court. The administration argued that the restriction is comparable to 19th-century laws that allowed authorities to disarm habitual drunkards. Hemani, supported by the American Civil Liberties Union, countered that regular marijuana users are not historically analogous to those groups and that the statute is too vague because it does not clearly define who qualifies as an “unlawful user.”The dispute comes as the Court continues to apply the history-focused test it announced in New York State Rifle & Pistol Association v. Bruen, which requires modern gun regulations to align with the nation's historical tradition of firearm regulation. The case also echoes the 2024 conviction of Hunter Biden under the same statute, though he was later pardoned. With a 6–3 conservative majority, the Court has recently taken an expansive view of gun rights and is weighing multiple challenges to firearm regulations.US Supreme Court scrutinizes gun ownership ban for illegal drug users | ReutersA recent policy shift by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission has given public companies greater control over which shareholder proposals appear on annual meeting ballots. In November, the agency stopped its long-standing practice of having staff formally review and approve companies' decisions to exclude certain proposals. Instead, corporate executives now have more discretion to determine what goes into proxy statements.Investor advocates say the change has created confusion and weakened shareholder rights, especially in disputes involving environmental, social, and governance issues. The new approach has already led to lawsuits against companies including PepsiCo, AT&T, and Axon Enterprise. In several instances, companies initially declined to include shareholder proposals but reversed course after being sued. For example, PepsiCo agreed to allow a vote on an animal-welfare proposal shortly after litigation was filed. AT&T similarly settled a lawsuit brought by New York City pension funds by permitting a vote on workforce diversity disclosures.Other disputes remain pending, including a case against Axon over a proposal related to political contributions. Activists argue that without clearer guidance from regulators, shareholders must turn to the courts to protect their ability to file resolutions. Despite concerns that the rule change would dramatically increase exclusions, early data suggests companies have blocked proposals at roughly the same rate as in prior years.Trump's SEC gave companies more power over investors. Lawsuits pushed them back | ReutersThe U.S. Supreme Court declined to hear an appeal from computer scientist Stephen Thaler, leaving intact a lower court ruling that works created solely by artificial intelligence are not eligible for copyright protection. The decision lets stand a ruling from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit that agreed with the U.S. Copyright Office that only human authors can register copyrighted works.Thaler sought protection for a two-dimensional image titled “A Recent Entrance to Paradise,” which was generated by his AI system known as the Creativity Machine. He argued that the Copyright Act does not explicitly require human authorship and that the agency improperly read that limitation into the statute. The D.C. Circuit rejected that claim, reasoning that multiple provisions of the law assume an author is a human being, particularly sections dealing with lifespan and inheritance rights.Thaler also contended that, as the system's owner and programmer, he should qualify for copyright under work-for-hire principles or property law concepts. The government responded that a valid work-for-hire arrangement requires a written agreement and cannot apply to a nonhuman creator. This dispute echoes Thaler's earlier, unsuccessful effort to secure patent rights for an AI-generated invention, which the Supreme Court also declined to review in 2023.Justices Reject Appeal Over Copyright For AI-Created Art - Law360 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Episode 45: The Enduring Legacy of Buckley v. ValeoJanuary 30, 2026, marked the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court's landmark decision in Buckley v. Valeo. To commemorate the anniversary, the Institute for Free Speech convened a virtual panel to reflect on the history of the case and its enduring legacy. Moderated by Kim Strassel of the Wall Street Journal, the panel discussion featured the insights of Bradley A. Smith, Joel Gora, and Eugene Volokh.About the panel: Brad Smith is the Founder & Chairman of the Institute for Free Speech and a former Chairman of the Federal Election Commission. He is one of the nation's foremost experts on campaign finance law and the First Amendment. Joel Gora is a Professor of Law at Brooklyn Law School and a former attorney for the American Civil Liberties Union. While at the ACLU, Joel was one of three advocates that argued against the law challenged in Buckley v. Valeo before the Supreme Court. Eugene Volokh is a legal scholar who is the Thomas M. Siebel Senior Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and the co-founder of the popular legal blog the Volokh Conspiracy. Kim Strassel is a member of the Wall Street Journal editorial board. She writes the  All Things with Kim Strassel  newsletter and hosts the associated podcast by the same name. Resources: ⁠Buckley v. Valeo blog series ⁠⁠Original Buckley v. Valeo oral argument audio⁠ ⁠Expert panel transcript⁠ (Note: The transcript was automatically generated. Please excuse any typos or transcription inaccuracies.) The Institute for Free Speech promotes and defends the political speech rights to freely speak, assemble, publish, and petition the government guaranteed by the First Amendment. If you're enjoying the Free Speech Arguments podcast, please subscribe and leave a review on your preferred podcast platform. To support the Institute's mission or inquire about legal assistance, please visit our website: www.ifs.org

Former Los Angeles Mayor and California Assembly speaker Antonio Villaraigosa says he's running for California governor because the state needs an experienced “problem-solver” who can work across the aisle. Born and raised in L.A., Villaraigosa was expelled from one high school and dropped out of another before getting back on track with the help of an English teacher, eventually graduating from UCLA. A longtime union organizer, he also served as president of the Southern California chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union.Villaraigosa, who previously ran for governor in 2018, says he would focus on public safety, housing and homelessness, and affordability if elected. He points to accomplishments such as a decrease in violent crime and increase in graduation rates during his tenure as Los Angeles mayor. In Sacramento, he says, he “worked with both parties to balance the state budget, with record investments in education and public safety, while holding the line on taxes.” Villaraigosa joins Commonwealth Club World Affairs as part of our “Race for Governor 2026” series of candidate forums. Hear his vision for California, and ask your questions before you cast your vote for California's next governor. Commonwealth Club World Affairs of California is a nonprofit public forum; we welcome donations made during registration to support the production of our programming. Commonwealth Club World Affairs is a public forum. Any views expressed in our programs are those of the speakers and not of Commonwealth Club World Affairs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Send a textReal Talk: What is Happening with ICE right now?With reports of increased ICE activity and the ending of Temporary Protective Status (TPS) for Yemeni nationals, many families in our community are worried about what comes next. In this episode, we move past the rumors to discuss the facts: what policies are driving these changes, and exactly what your rights are.We break down the critical difference between judicial and administrative warrants, how to prepare a safety plan for your children, and what local organizations are doing to push back. This is a must-watch guide for anyone navigating the current immigration landscape.Our guest for this episode is Jessica Ayoub, who is the Deputy Political Director for American Civil Liberties Union of Michigan. In This Episode We Cover:  [00:00] Intro  [02:15] What is driving the recent uptick in ICE activity?  [05:30] Trump Administration & TPS: What this means for Yemeni nationals  [10:45] Warrants 101: Judicial vs. Administrative (and how to verify them)  [15:20] Know Your Rights: What to do if approached at home or work YC [22:10] Family Safety Plans: Ensuring your children are cared for  [28:45] Can local government or masks dictate how ICE operates?  [34:00] How schools and faith institutions can support affected familiesFollow us on social media:- Instagram: @motivateme313 or @ozmedia313- Website: ozmedia313.com- Facebook: ozmedia313-TikTok: @ozmedia313-Apple Podcast: ozmedia-Spotify Podcast: ozmediaThis show was sponsored by:-The Family Doc https://thefamilydocmi.com/-Juice Box Juiceboxblend.com-Holy Bowly http://www.myholybowly.com-Wingfellas thewingfellas.com-Hanley International Academy https://www.hanleyacademy.com-Malek Al-Kabob malekalkabob.com-Bayt Al Mocha https://baytalmocha.com/-Chill Box https://www.chillboxstore.com/-Royal Kabob https://www.royalkabob.com/-GEE Preparatory Academy https://www.gee-edu.com/schools/geepreparatory/index#KnowYourRights #Immigration #TPS #Yemen #CommunitySafety #ICE #CivilRights #OzMedia #Dearborn #Detroit #LegalAdvice

This week we're talking to Ben Wizner from the American Civil Liberties Union about what the ACLU have been doing in the first year of Trump's second term, what the difference is between this time and last time, and how an earth they can keep up. LinksACLU report: https://www.aclu.org/campaigns-initiatives/aclu-vs-trumpKyllo case: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kyllo_v._United_StatesUnderground Empire book: https://henryfarrell.net/underground-empire-2/Swift work between PI and ACLU: https://privacyinternational.org/blog/1355/pi-and-aclu-show-swift-auditor-has-extensive-ties-us-governmentYale lectures on National Security law: https://epe.yale.edu/videos/above-law-or-beneath-it-how-national-security-law-subverts-accountability-and-weakens-0Asylum for White South Africans: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/30/us/politics/trump-refugee-admissions-white-south-africans.htmlFISA reauth: https://theintercept.com/2026/01/29/nsa-702-fisa-surveillance/

In this episode Bill talks with Elie Mystal, Justice Correspondent for The Nation, to discuss the rapid erosion of legal norms and accountability under the Trump administration. They analyze the extrajudicial killings of Renee Good and Alex Pretti, emphasizing the lack of due process and the administration's misinformation. Elie critiques Merrick Garland's inaction and explores the complexities of holding law enforcement accountable, particularly under restrictive federal influence. They address Trump's other law-defying actions, such as the kidnapping of the Venezuelan president and the demolition of the East Wing of the White House, while scrutinizing the questionable effectiveness of international and domestic responses. The conversation concludes with reflections on the potential long-term impact on U.S. democracy and the role of future leaders in restoring legal and moral standards.Today Bill highlights the work of the American Civil Liberties Union. Fighting the good fight against the Trump. More information at ACLU.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The key to pursuing happiness is living an intentional life. What do I want to achieve? What do I oppose?Steve is an adjunct professor at Emory University and the Founding Director of the Alabama Civil Liberties Union. His new memoir, out today, is What's In a Family Name: A Southern Family History Becomes a Gothic Mystery. Here's the description:When Steve Suitts undertakes a family research project he uncovers a real-life, true crime, southern Gothic mystery. Ambition, sex, lies, and betrayal. And it all takes place in the Free State of Winston in north Alabama.And here is the book trailer I put together for Steve:You can buy the book here at Bookshop.org and here on Amazon. Steve's website is here.In this conversation Steve and I talk:* The moment Steve realized he had a book* Giving a speech opposing the Ku Klux Klan as a high school student* Reclaiming history* The story of James Monroe Blackwell, Steve's great-great-grandfather, who opposed the Confederacy during the Civil War* His research and writing processHere is an AI generated transcript. Don't come for me.Here is the cleaned and corrected transcript. I have fixed the formatting, corrected the phonetic misinterpretations (like “Free State” instead of “three state” and “progeny” instead of “GY”), and smoothed out the stuttering for readability.Transcript: Interview with Steve SuittsBEN: So Steve, your memoir, What's in a Family Name? A Southern Family History Becomes a Gothic Mystery, comes out today, Tuesday, January 27th. How are you feeling?STEVE: I'm feeling like someone who's waiting to hear what their neighbor's baby is gonna be called.BEN: At what point did you realize this story would make a good book?STEVE: I think the inkling of it was when I discovered that not only was my grandmother's version of my family history on my father's side a fiction, but that it didn't even begin to tell the story. And that point was when I discovered that the person I thought was my grandfather could not biologically be my grandfather, since my father was born at least a year and a half after his death.BEN: The evidence strongly suggests your biological grandfather was actually B.H. Drake, a prominent, wealthy merchant in Winston County. That's right. Why do you think the Drake family and the community worked so hard to erase Anna, your grandmother, and her son, your father, from the official record after B.H. married Anna?STEVE: This is all speculation, but I think there were probably two reasons. The first was simply a matter of embarrassment. Here was a man who was a representative of the local Baptist church at the State Baptist Convention. He gave the land on which the local Baptist church was built. His family was very deeply involved in the Baptist Church, and I think the evidence is that he probably began his affair with my grandmother before he was actually divorced from his first wife. So I think there was a real embarrassment about that in a small-town community.The second is, of course, that he died, and as a wealthy man. By law, she should have been one of the heirs of his estate, because at the time of his death, all evidence points to the fact that they were still married—although they may have, by that time, returned to his first wife's estate. So I think that there was this financial interest, that they would want to keep it quiet.I don't think there was a great deal of complicity on the part of the broader community, but it was just something that happened. And in the community, I think like most small towns, these things did happen and most small towns knew about it, but simply let it play out on its own terms.BEN: You devote part of the book to your great-great-grandfather, James Monroe Blackwell, who was a “scalawag,” or Southerner loyal to the Union. You mentioned that he was threatened with hanging for supporting Lincoln. He named his son after President Lincoln, and this is during the time of the Civil War. Why does his story resonate so much with you?STEVE: When I was in high school in Florence, Alabama, on the Tennessee River, I was a member of the student council, got elected, and I was asked at various times to give speeches at assemblies of the school. One of the speeches I gave was during 1964 or ‘65, and it was essentially an attack on the Klan—the Ku Klux Klan.I don't remember the entire speech, but I do remember saying that the Klan had to understand that Halloween came only once a year, and even then, when you wore a mask, you were not allowed to harm people anonymously. And that the Klan was a group who masqueraded without any courage of showing themselves to the public.I also remember that my teachers on that day kept me late at school. For some reason I did not understand until later in life, one of them drove me home that day rather than letting me walk by myself.So I came to those views for a variety of reasons. But when I discovered that I had an ancestor who not only supported the Union during the war over slavery, but who also supported the reconstruction of the South on the terms that the Congress established in the aftermath of the Civil War... I realized that I wasn't the first in my family to believe in the kind of equal treatment under the law that I was espousing as a high school student.And later, going on to work with the American Civil Liberties Union affiliate in Alabama—where we did more litigation relating to equal treatment under the law as we did the First Amendment—it was a moment in which I realized that whatever bloodlines do in this world for families, I wasn't the first. And Lord have mercy, I hope I'm not the last.BEN: When you were young, did you hear stories about James Monroe Blackwell, or did you only discover this history later?STEVE: I discovered this history later. No one talked about it. My great uncle—my grandmother's brother—Uncle Wesley, used to talk about why we were Republicans in the family, but he never talked about James Monroe Blackwell. No one did. Not even my grandmother, who I think probably had mixed up fact and fiction so much by the time she told me the story about our family history that she might have put him on the wrong side of the Civil War, after all.BEN: At the end of the book, you write about the idea of reclaiming history—both with Blackwell and with your grandmother and the Drake family, your great-grandmother, and the decisions that she made to protect her family. Can you talk about that motivation of reclaiming history and what that means to you?STEVE: Yeah. I think we all are trying to find our place in the world, but the Faulkner concept that the past is not really the past essentially means that, in finding our place in the world, we also have to know who we were in our past, where our family fit in, where we came from. It's a very Southern notion, but I think it's a universal one as well.Reclaiming the history, I think, means that we're trying to understand where we came from and, by that measure, where we're going in our lives. One of the things the book jacket says is that this is a story that no family wanted to remember, and a family too proud of its history would always want to forget.And I think for me, reclaiming history is a matter of not trying to reconstruct it or trying to hide it. It's trying to simply say: this is where my family has been, this is who we have been. And it doesn't predict who I'm going to be and what I'm going to be, but it gives me a way in which to frame who I am and how I'm gonna go forward.And for those who read the book, you won't be surprised to realize that I have tried very hard in my life to not be the person my father was. I've made a very deliberate and very conscientious effort. Whether I've succeeded or not, only my sons and descendants will be able to say, but that's part of reclaiming your history. Look at the word: his-story. That's what history is. And part of that history is you at that moment, and you can either continue that history or you can break with it.BEN: But I'll note... how much do you think people are shaped by their environment, by their family history? And I ask because I think you're an example of someone who grew up in a conservative political environment. Like you said, one of the teachers had to drive you home after giving your Ku Klux Klan Halloween speech. Personally, as you write about in the introduction, your father was at best difficult—I think accurately described as abusive. And yet you... I don't know if “rejected” is the right word, but you are a different person than those two different environments would most likely produce.STEVE: I think the key to the pursuit of happiness—as our Declaration of Independence says—in my judgment, is enabled only by having an intentional life. A life in which you say: Why am I here? What do I want to achieve? What do I want to oppose? What do I want to support? Simply have a sense of intent about how you frame your life.Now, obviously, everybody knows that we have to earn a living. Sometimes the jobs we get aren't always the jobs we may have wanted earlier in life. It may be difficult, may have other problems. But generally, it is one where you have to simply live an intentional life, trying to have goals—whether the goals drive out of your reading of the Bible, or whether they're from great philosophers, or simply out of the sense of what you think is right and wrong.And I think the discussion about nurture and nature is one that will continue to be unresolved. In that competition between which is more important, your lineage or your environment, there is, I think, something which some religious teachings call free will. Perhaps it's not as free as some might think, but you have choices to make.When I was reading the first Harry Potter books with my family—the boys were small and they were devouring those books—I was reading along. And the school superintendent, Dumbledore, makes a statement to Harry Potter in which he says, essentially: “Harry, we are the choices we make.” And at that point I said out loud, “Yeah!” And of course, the boys thought I was talking about who had won the Quidditch match in the book.But therein lies, I think, my sense of what it's all about. You make choices. And while those choices may inhibit others and they may open up others, you are those choices, and you need to make them with an intent of what you want your life to be. So that's my view.BEN: What was the process of writing this book like?STEVE: I did most of the research before I even began putting anything down on paper. That's not usually the way I write books. I usually have a lot of research already done, but you still have to go back in and answer questions as the writing process occurs. In this case, all of the research was virtually done before I started writing. So it really was a more reflective process than a fact-finding process for me.I have a friend, Jack Drake, who's a great civil rights lawyer and now retired, who has a memoir coming out that's gonna be a very important one about somebody who grew up as a white Southern boy dealing with the issues of race in the Deep South. Jack says he thinks the best way to figure something out is to write about it. And there's a lot of truth in that, if you're writing honestly.And I think in this case, the writing process finally brought home both the sense of villainy that's in the story I tell, and also some sense of pride in the honesty and the good character of people who are also members of my family, whose surname I carry and whose progeny I am.BEN: So the book comes out today. Where can people buy it and where can people find more information about you?STEVE: The book is available at any of the major online booksellers. You can go to Bookshop, which is an online store for independent bookstores, but Amazon, Barnes and Noble, Books-A-Million, or whatever online bookseller is out there.It hopefully is at a price that you can afford. It's a book that I think everyone, hopefully, will be able to read and prompt their own interest in their own family history.BEN: And if people want to keep up with you and learn more about you, where can they find you?STEVE: I now have a website and it is aptly called SteveSuitts.com. That's S-T-E-V-E-S-U-I-T-T-S dot com.BEN: The book is What's in a Family Name? A Southern Family History Becomes a Gothic Mystery. Comes out today, available everywhere. That's a fantastic book. I encourage you to get it and urge you to visit Steve's website and keep up with what he's doing. Including... Steve, are you working on another book?STEVE: I am. Actually, the next book is also going to be set in Winston County, Alabama—the Free State. And it's going to be about the history of the county, race relations, and centered especially on a single Black school that operated for more than 40 years in Haleyville in a one-room church chapel. I look forward to finishing it and then moving on to the second volume of my trilogy of Justice Hugo Black of Alabama. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit benbo.substack.com

Have a comment? Send us a text! (We read all of them but can't reply). Email us: Will@faithfulpoliticspodcast.comFormer ACLU president and First Amendment scholar Nadine Strossen joins Faithful Politics for a wide-ranging conversation on what free speech actually protects—and what it doesn't—in today's political climate. Strossen explains why free expression is the foundation for every other civil liberty, why censorship often backfires, and how both the left and the right have grown more comfortable restricting speech they dislike. The conversation moves from campus speech controversies and hate speech laws to protest, ICE enforcement, January 6, and the legal standard for incitement. Throughout, Strossen makes a clear case for viewpoint neutrality and warns that powers used to silence one group rarely stay contained. The episode closes with practical guidance on how Americans should think about the First Amendment in daily life, and why defending speech we oppose is the price of protecting our own.Guest BioNadine Strossen is one of the country's leading voices on free speech and civil liberties. She served for 17 years as president of the ACLU, becoming the first woman to lead the organization. She is a law professor at New York Law School and a senior fellow at the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE). Strossen is the author of several influential books, including Hate: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship, Free Speech: What Everyone Needs to Know, and The War on Words.Organizations:Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression: https://www.thefire.org/American Civil Liberties Union: https://www.aclu.org/Recommended Readings:Hate: Why We Should Resist It with Free Speech, Not Censorship: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9780190859121The War On Words: 10 Arguments Against Free Speech—And Why They Fail: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9781949846829The Coddling of the American Mind How Good Intentions and Bad Ideas Are Setting Up a Generation for Failure: https://bookshop.org/a/112456/9780735224919Support the show

This episode, Eamon & Merlin talk two new episodes of The Traitors, where Colton attempts to be Pilot Pete go down in flames, but not as much as New York's most annoying human. Then, they talk the newest episode of RuPaul's Drag Race, where RDR Live returns and the judges discover comedy for the very first time apparently. 4:42 - The Traitors: Season 4: Episodes 04-05 1:16:59 - RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 18: Episode 03 We are Eamon and Merlin, a queer married couple from Texas living in Pittsburgh, PA. We love reality television, wrestling, drag queens, and pretty much anything that can be called even kinda gay. A Gay & His Enby is a podcast where we talk about everything we love in terms of media and pop culture; everything thats gay and gay adjacent; basically all the conversations we have in our living room we are now putting in front of a microphone and on the internet for you. We have launched our MERCH STORE! We are so excited to bring you these designs, all made by Merlin, commemorating some of our favorite iconic moments! Shop now at https://AGayAndHisEnby.Threadless.com Every week, we have the pleasure and privilege of recording from Sorgatron Media Studios in Pittsburgh. The theme song for our main show is Pulsar by Shane Ivers, and the theme song for Binge Watch is Higher Up by Shane Ivers, both of which you can find at https://www.silvermansound.com All of our social media can be found at our linktree: https://linktr.ee/agayandhisenby We want to take a moment to uplift a powerful resource:

This episode, Eamon & Merlin talk Real Housewives of Potomac, where Angel's Colorado getaway is making the ladies want to get away from this lackluster home. Then, a new episode of Married to Medicine, that sees Heavenly host a family reunion, as Quad learns her chance of expanding hers may be out of reach. Also, Part One of the Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, that sees Lisa go on offense, yet gets defensive when it comes to what she does for a living. And finally, a new episode of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, where Amanda gets caught in Sutton's vortex, leading to Jennifer Tilly finally speaking her mind. 5:37 - Real Housewives of Potomac: Season 10: Episode 14 49:33 - Married to Medicine: Season 12: Episode 06 1:30:54 - Real Housewives of Salt Lake City: Season 06: Episode 17 2:29:32 - Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Season 15: Episode 05 We are Eamon and Merlin, a queer married couple from Texas living in Pittsburgh, PA. We love reality television, wrestling, drag queens, and pretty much anything that can be called even kinda gay. A Gay & His Enby is a podcast where we talk about everything we love in terms of media and pop culture; everything thats gay and gay adjacent; basically all the conversations we have in our living room we are now putting in front of a microphone and on the internet for you. We have launched our MERCH STORE! We are so excited to bring you these designs, all made by Merlin, commemorating some of our favorite iconic moments! Shop now at https://AGayAndHisEnby.Threadless.com Every week, we have the pleasure and privilege of recording from Sorgatron Media Studios in Pittsburgh. The theme song for our main show is Pulsar by Shane Ivers, and the theme song for Binge Watch is Higher Up by Shane Ivers, both of which you can find at https://www.silvermansound.com All of our social media can be found at our linktree: https://linktr.ee/agayandhisenby We want to take a moment to uplift a powerful resource:

As The Electorette returns with a new season, there was only one place to start: the front lines of civil liberties. In this episode, Jen Taylor-Skinner is joined by Deirdre Schifeling, Chief Political & Advocacy Officer at the American Civil Liberties Union, for a wide-ranging and urgent conversation about what Trump's second term really represents—not chaos, but a calculated “shock and awe” strategy designed to overwhelm the law, the courts, and the public. They discuss the ACLU's unprecedented legal response, the escalating attacks on immigrant communities, and why the Supreme Court's upcoming birthright citizenship case could fundamentally redefine what it means to be American. Deirdre also explains how coordinated legal and civic pressure can slow executive overreach, why public engagement still matters in moments like this, and what people can do right now to meaningfully defend civil liberties and the rule of law. Mentioned in this episode: Firewall For Freedom: States Must Safeguard Our Rights Stop ICE's Attack On Our Communities Episode Chapters & Timestamps 00:00 — Season Return & Why the ACLU Now Jen kicks off the new season of The Electorette and explains why beginning with the ACLU is both urgent and necessary. 02:00 — “Shock and Awe” as a Governing Strategy Deirdre Schifeling explains why the current moment isn't chaos, but a deliberate strategy designed to overwhelm the law and civil society. 06:30 — The Scale of the ACLU's Legal Response How the ACLU mobilized immediately—and what it means to file hundreds of legal actions in a single year. 09:30 — Immigration Enforcement, Due Process, and Escalation A look at aggressive immigration tactics, racial profiling, and why conditions may intensify as new funding takes effect. 14:30 — Public Backlash and the Limits of Fear Politics Why demonizing immigrant communities has consequences—and where public resistance is already visible. 18:30 — Are the Courts Holding Up? An assessment of how the judicial system is responding, where it's working, and where the risks remain. 22:30 — Birthright Citizenship and the Supreme Court Test Why the birthright citizenship case is so consequential—and what's at stake for the Constitution if it fails. 28:30 — What Birthright Citizenship Really Means Historical context on why birthright citizenship exists and how it defines American equality. 33:30 — Executive Power and the Role of the Courts How recent court decisions have expanded executive authority—and where guardrails are most needed. 38:30 — What Comes Next for Civil Liberties Looking ahead: where pressure points are likely to emerge and how rights are most vulnerable. 42:30 — Civic Engagement Beyond the Courts How public participation, organizing, and legal advocacy intersect outside electoral politics. 46:30 — The ACLU's “Firewall for Freedom” Strategy How state and local governments can act as safeguards—and what that looks like in practice. 51:30 — What Individuals Can Do Right Now Concrete ways people can support civil liberties, engage locally, and stay involved. 55:30 — Final Thoughts & The Work Ahead Closing reflections on this moment, the long view, and why sustained engagement matters. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This episode, Eamon & Merlin talk the first three episodes of The Traitors Season 4, where murders are abound, just not to the one contestant that needs it the most. Then, they talk the newest episode of RuPaul's Drag Race, where the queens form Q-Pop Groups and let their body talk on the runway. 4:42 - The Traitors: Season 4: Episodes 01-03 1:16:59 - RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 18: Episode 02 We are Eamon and Merlin, a queer married couple from Texas living in Pittsburgh, PA. We love reality television, wrestling, drag queens, and pretty much anything that can be called even kinda gay. A Gay & His Enby is a podcast where we talk about everything we love in terms of media and pop culture; everything thats gay and gay adjacent; basically all the conversations we have in our living room we are now putting in front of a microphone and on the internet for you. We have launched our MERCH STORE! We are so excited to bring you these designs, all made by Merlin, commemorating some of our favorite iconic moments! Shop now at https://AGayAndHisEnby.Threadless.com Every week, we have the pleasure and privilege of recording from Sorgatron Media Studios in Pittsburgh. The theme song for our main show is Pulsar by Shane Ivers, and the theme song for Binge Watch is Higher Up by Shane Ivers, both of which you can find at https://www.silvermansound.com All of our social media can be found at our linktree: https://linktr.ee/agayandhisenby We want to take a moment to uplift a powerful resource:

This episode, Eamon & Merlin talk Real Housewives of Potomac, that sees the cast do some bindering before heading to Colorado to do some bickering. Then, a new episode of Married to Medicine, where a battle over a bag gets personal between Heavenly and Toya, as Cecil's brother David tries to bring him back off the cliff. Also, the season finale of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, that sees a conclusion produced by theatre kids in more ways than one. And finally, a new episode of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, where the ladies venture to Sedona as Amanda talks too much and Erika barely talks at all about her new man. 5:42 - Real Housewives of Potomac: Season 10: Episode 13 41:16 - Married to Medicine: Season 12: Episode 05 1:16:16 - Real Housewives of Salt Lake City: Season 06: Episode 16 2:16:53 - Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Season 15: Episode 04 We are Eamon and Merlin, a queer married couple from Texas living in Pittsburgh, PA. We love reality television, wrestling, drag queens, and pretty much anything that can be called even kinda gay. A Gay & His Enby is a podcast where we talk about everything we love in terms of media and pop culture; everything thats gay and gay adjacent; basically all the conversations we have in our living room we are now putting in front of a microphone and on the internet for you. We have launched our MERCH STORE! We are so excited to bring you these designs, all made by Merlin, commemorating some of our favorite iconic moments! Shop now at https://AGayAndHisEnby.Threadless.com Every week, we have the pleasure and privilege of recording from Sorgatron Media Studios in Pittsburgh. The theme song for our main show is Pulsar by Shane Ivers, and the theme song for Binge Watch is Higher Up by Shane Ivers, both of which you can find at https://www.silvermansound.com All of our social media can be found at our linktree: https://linktr.ee/agayandhisenby We want to take a moment to uplift a powerful resource:

John talks about the White House's lunatic response to the murder of Renee Good in Minneapolis with JD Vance trying to quell protests by claiming she was "terrorizing" the ICE agents with her car and claiming ICE personnel have "absolute immunity". Then, he speaks with Andrew Mikula who is a Senior Housing Fellow at Pioneer Institute, specializing in housing policy and economic development. They talk about his Boston-based organization Legalize Starter Homes - launched in July 2025 to support a 2026 ballot question that would would allow single-family homes to be built in any residentially-zoned area as long as the land on which it is to be constructed meets general guidelines. Then, John interviews Naureen Shah who is the Director of Government Affairs, Equality Division at the American Civil Liberties Union. They discuss the killing of Renee Good by ICE agent Johnathan Ross in Minneapolis.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On this 200th episode, Eamon & Merlin talk goes retro and talks the Scary Island episodes of Real Housewives of New York City with Executive Producer and first time Real Housewives watcher Sorg. Then, they talk the Season 18 premiere of RuPaul's Drag Race, where the light shines bright on the 14 new queens, mainly because half are from the Sunshine state. And finally, the newest episode of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, when Meredith isn't the only one with accusations of substance abuse as new ones get splashed in Britani's direction. 4:25 - Real Housewives of New York: Scary Island 53:54 - RuPaul's Drag Race: Season 18: Episode 01 1:58:58 - Real Housewives of Salt Lake City: Season 06: Episode 13 We are Eamon and Merlin, a queer married couple from Texas living in Pittsburgh, PA. We love reality television, wrestling, drag queens, and pretty much anything that can be called even kinda gay. A Gay & His Enby is a podcast where we talk about everything we love in terms of media and pop culture; everything thats gay and gay adjacent; basically all the conversations we have in our living room we are now putting in front of a microphone and on the internet for you. We have launched our MERCH STORE! We are so excited to bring you these designs, all made by Merlin, commemorating some of our favorite iconic moments! Shop now at https://AGayAndHisEnby.Threadless.com Every week, we have the pleasure and privilege of recording from Sorgatron Media Studios in Pittsburgh. The theme song for our main show is Pulsar by Shane Ivers, and the theme song for Binge Watch is Higher Up by Shane Ivers, both of which you can find at https://www.silvermansound.com All of our social media can be found at our linktree: https://linktr.ee/agayandhisenby We want to take a moment to uplift a powerful resource:

This episode, Eamon & Merlin talk Real Housewives of Potomac, where an attempt at reconciliation between Wendy and her dad leads to a blow up of epic proportions from her mother. Then, a new episode of Married to Medicine, that see's Toya put Eugene on blast, and yet somehow it's all Heavenly's fault. And finally, they dive into the steamy romance of Heated Rivalry Season 1, as a new queer love story takes the nation by storm and puts hockey into the zeitgeist once again. 4:54 - Real Housewives of Potomac: Season 10: Episode 12 52:09 - Married to Medicine: Season 12: Episode 04 1:32:27 - Heated Rivalry: Season 01 We are Eamon and Merlin, a queer married couple from Texas living in Pittsburgh, PA. We love reality television, wrestling, drag queens, and pretty much anything that can be called even kinda gay. A Gay & His Enby is a podcast where we talk about everything we love in terms of media and pop culture; everything thats gay and gay adjacent; basically all the conversations we have in our living room we are now putting in front of a microphone and on the internet for you. We have launched our MERCH STORE! We are so excited to bring you these designs, all made by Merlin, commemorating some of our favorite iconic moments! Shop now at https://AGayAndHisEnby.Threadless.com Every week, we have the pleasure and privilege of recording from Sorgatron Media Studios in Pittsburgh. The theme song for our main show is Pulsar by Shane Ivers, and the theme song for Binge Watch is Higher Up by Shane Ivers, both of which you can find at https://www.silvermansound.com All of our social media can be found at our linktree: https://linktr.ee/agayandhisenby We want to take a moment to uplift a powerful resource:

This episode, Eamon & Merlin talk Real Housewives of Potomac, where Angel lets her rental slip away, leading to speculation of what tier of WAG she truly is. Then, a new episode of Married to Medicine, that sees Simone lose it on her son, but will she in turn lose her marriage? Also, the newest episode of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, where Meredith walks the streets of Santorini and Angie talks Britani's head off about a shady trademark. And finally, a new episode of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, where Boz attempts to get some actual wives back on this show, and newbie Amanda attempts to present her expertise, or lack thereof. 6:03 - Real Housewives of Potomac: Season 10: Episode 11 39:21 - Married to Medicine: Season 12: Episode 03 1:23:36 - Real Housewives of Salt Lake City: Season 06: Episode 12 2:01:00 - Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Season 15: Episode 03 We are Eamon and Merlin, a queer married couple from Texas living in Pittsburgh, PA. We love reality television, wrestling, drag queens, and pretty much anything that can be called even kinda gay. A Gay & His Enby is a podcast where we talk about everything we love in terms of media and pop culture; everything thats gay and gay adjacent; basically all the conversations we have in our living room we are now putting in front of a microphone and on the internet for you. We have launched our MERCH STORE! We are so excited to bring you these designs, all made by Merlin, commemorating some of our favorite iconic moments! Shop now at https://AGayAndHisEnby.Threadless.com Every week, we have the pleasure and privilege of recording from Sorgatron Media Studios in Pittsburgh. The theme song for our main show is Pulsar by Shane Ivers, and the theme song for Binge Watch is Higher Up by Shane Ivers, both of which you can find at https://www.silvermansound.com All of our social media can be found at our linktree: https://linktr.ee/agayandhisenby We want to take a moment to uplift a powerful resource:

Many people know Thurgood Marshall as the first African American U.S. Supreme Court justice, however, first he had a long and distinguished career with the American Civil Liberties Union and the NAACP Legal Defense Fund. On this episode of Us & Them, Trey Kay hosts a community conversation highlighting Thurgood Marshall's legacy and sharing excerpts from a new Maryland Public Television documentary “Becoming Thurgood: America's Social Architect.” Marshall was the lead attorney for the plaintiffs in the 1954 Brown vs Board of Education case which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. His work used the law as a tool for social change while dismantling institutional racism and inspiring social reforms. 

This episode, Eamon & Merlin talk Real Housewives of Potomac, where Gizelle and Monique settle their differences without going low, as Stacey and Tia's argument keeps them from getting high. Then, a new episode of Married to Medicine, that sees turmoil in Heavenly's household at the front of Toya's mind, leading to a battle on the dance floor. Also, the newest episode of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, as the ladies venture to Santorini for some sights, fights and Lisa getting in makeup until late at night. And finally, a new episode of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, where the art subjects at Jennifer's Sip and Draw aren't the only one's feeling free, as Kyle opens up about her recent relationship past. 5:23 - Real Housewives of Potomac: Season 10: Episode 10 44:15 - Married to Medicine: Season 12: Episode 02 1:13:42 - Real Housewives of Salt Lake City: Season 06: Episode 11 2:05:22 - Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Season 15: Episode 02 We are Eamon and Merlin, a queer married couple from Texas living in Pittsburgh, PA. We love reality television, wrestling, drag queens, and pretty much anything that can be called even kinda gay. A Gay & His Enby is a podcast where we talk about everything we love in terms of media and pop culture; everything thats gay and gay adjacent; basically all the conversations we have in our living room we are now putting in front of a microphone and on the internet for you. We have launched our MERCH STORE! We are so excited to bring you these designs, all made by Merlin, commemorating some of our favorite iconic moments! Shop now at https://AGayAndHisEnby.Threadless.com Every week, we have the pleasure and privilege of recording from Sorgatron Media Studios in Pittsburgh. The theme song for our main show is Pulsar by Shane Ivers, and the theme song for Binge Watch is Higher Up by Shane Ivers, both of which you can find at https://www.silvermansound.com All of our social media can be found at our linktree: https://linktr.ee/agayandhisenby We want to take a moment to uplift a powerful resource:

This episode, Eamon & Merlin talk Real Housewives of Potomac, where Ashley and Keiarna attempt to turn Monique against Stacey, but still she rises. Then, the season premiere of Married to Medicine, as tensions continue between Quad and Simone and their war of words at polo almost become an oh no. Also, the newest episode of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, where Bronwyn is feeling patriotic, as Meredith and Lisa come off as narcissistic. And finally, the season premiere of Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, featuring the debut of Bravo darling Rachel Zoe as the ghost of Garcelle still lurks among this group. 6:13 - Real Housewives of Potomac: Season 10: Episode 09 45:42 - Married to Medicine: Season 12: Episode 01 1:14:30 - Real Housewives of Salt Lake City: Season 06: Episode 10 1:59:59 - Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Season 15: Episode 01 We are Eamon and Merlin, a queer married couple from Texas living in Pittsburgh, PA. We love reality television, wrestling, drag queens, and pretty much anything that can be called even kinda gay. A Gay & His Enby is a podcast where we talk about everything we love in terms of media and pop culture; everything thats gay and gay adjacent; basically all the conversations we have in our living room we are now putting in front of a microphone and on the internet for you. We have launched our MERCH STORE! We are so excited to bring you these designs, all made by Merlin, commemorating some of our favorite iconic moments! Shop now at https://AGayAndHisEnby.Threadless.com Every week, we have the pleasure and privilege of recording from Sorgatron Media Studios in Pittsburgh. The theme song for our main show is Pulsar by Shane Ivers, and the theme song for Binge Watch is Higher Up by Shane Ivers, both of which you can find at https://www.silvermansound.com All of our social media can be found at our linktree: https://linktr.ee/agayandhisenby We want to take a moment to uplift a powerful resource:

The transgender rights movement in America appeared to be gaining momentum. But after suffering a big loss before the Supreme Court in June and facing a shift in public opinion, where does the fight go now? On this episode of “Interesting Times,” Ross is joined by Chase Strangio, a transgender rights activist and a lawyer with the American Civil Liberties Union, to discuss strategy in the courtroom and in the court of public opinion — as well as broader philosophical questions about transgender identity.02:15 - Bostock vs. Clayton County08:30 - United States v. Skrmetti22:57 - Defining sex, gender identity and transgender identity32:52 - Chase talks about “coming home”40:42 - Healthcare for transgender youth is changing56:58 - Sports and transgender athletes1:07:49 - Coexistence within the debate(A full transcript of this episode is available on the Times website.)Thoughts? Email us at interestingtimes@nytimes.com. Please subscribe to our YouTube Channel, Interesting Times with Ross Douthat. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app.

This episode, Eamon & Merlin talk Real Housewives of Potomac, where for every finger the group is pointing at Stacey, Stacey is pointing them right back. Then, the newest episode of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, where Mary looks to heal the group at Valters as Meredith's recollection of events comes into question. 4:23 - Real Housewives of Potomac: Season 10: Episode 08 54:05e - Real Housewives of Salt Lake City: Season 06: Episode 09e We are Eamon and Merlin, a queer married couple from Texas living in Pittsburgh, PA. We love reality television, wrestling, drag queens, and pretty much anything that can be called even kinda gay. A Gay & His Enby is a podcast where we talk about everything we love in terms of media and pop culture; everything thats gay and gay adjacent; basically all the conversations we have in our living room we are now putting in front of a microphone and on the internet for you. We have launched our MERCH STORE! We are so excited to bring you these designs, all made by Merlin, commemorating some of our favorite iconic moments! Shop now at https://AGayAndHisEnby.Threadless.com Every week, we have the pleasure and privilege of recording from Sorgatron Media Studios in Pittsburgh. The theme song for our main show is Pulsar by Shane Ivers, and the theme song for Binge Watch is Higher Up by Shane Ivers, both of which you can find at https://www.silvermansound.com All of our social media can be found at our linktree: https://linktr.ee/agayandhisenby We want to take a moment to uplift a powerful resource:

This episode, Eamon & Merlin talk Real Housewives of Potomac, where a formerly departed Monique returns without her feathered friend and Ashley's convenes the girls for World Pride in order to put Stacey in the hot seat. Then, the newest episode of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, where Mary knows the ladies need Jesus and gives it to them directly with her church reopening. And finally, Part Three of the Real Housewives of Orange County reunion, where Gretchen gets the benefit of the doubt while there is no doubt that this group is looking to finally end Tamra. 6:33 - Real Housewives of Potomac: Season 10: Episode 07 51:25 - Real Housewives of Salt Lake City: Season 06: Episode 08 1:43:05 - Real Housewives of Orange County: Season 19: Episode 20 We are Eamon and Merlin, a queer married couple from Texas living in Pittsburgh, PA. We love reality television, wrestling, drag queens, and pretty much anything that can be called even kinda gay. A Gay & His Enby is a podcast where we talk about everything we love in terms of media and pop culture; everything thats gay and gay adjacent; basically all the conversations we have in our living room we are now putting in front of a microphone and on the internet for you. We have launched our MERCH STORE! We are so excited to bring you these designs, all made by Merlin, commemorating some of our favorite iconic moments! Shop now at https://AGayAndHisEnby.Threadless.com Every week, we have the pleasure and privilege of recording from Sorgatron Media Studios in Pittsburgh. The theme song for our main show is Pulsar by Shane Ivers, and the theme song for Binge Watch is Higher Up by Shane Ivers, both of which you can find at https://www.silvermansound.com All of our social media can be found at our linktree: https://linktr.ee/agayandhisenby We want to take a moment to uplift a powerful resource:

In this explosive episode of Zoning Out, Jonathan and Jason tackle the wildly aggressive and cruel ICE raids happening in Charlotte leaving no question where their loyalty lies - with their community and immigrants. Jordan was busy having dinner. As of this post, Jonathan and Jason have not received any leftovers. Also in this episode: Jonathan has an unlikely crush. Decades of trauma. Top three sitcoms; Ted Lasso, Community, Parks & Rec… How can you protect yourself during raids and how you can protect your neighbors  Comedy chaos includes: People are dumb, especially in government and the billionaire class. Would you rather the money or the violence…? National Immigration Justice Center https://immigrantjustice.org/for-immigrants/know-your-rights/ice-encounter/   American Civil Liberties Union https://www.aclu.org/know-your-rights/immigrants-rights   Defending Our Neighbors Fund https://defendingourneighbors.org/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=ad&utm_campaign=2025-10-brand&utm_content=search-launch&gad_source=1&gad_campaignid=23056268821&gbraid=0AAAABBeJRAP5E9g7cKjwxmIuPQLRaTQHi&gclid=CjwKCAiAuIDJBhBoEiwAxhgyFmI15ukw63Fo22COMzNCY--JIbLJ0YAe-oj-pDf1MtmNMz6dxmGamRoC9CsQAvD_BwE First United Methodist Church https://charlottefirst.org/ice-updates-and-resources  Subscribe to hear unfiltered takes on comedy, culture, and chaos every week.  Follow: @ZoningOutPodcast | @JordanCentry | @MrWilliamsComedy | @KingJasonAllen

This episode, Eamon & Merlin talk Real Housewives of Potomac, where a sultry night to celebrate Jassi leads to Angel's wings being clipped by someone in her past. Then, the newest episode of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, that sees Meredith put the ladies on a plane ride from hell that has the group talking and Britani weeping. And finally, Part Two of the Real Housewives of Orange County reunion, where Katie's hot seat gets slightly cooler when her husband Matt comes in for the save. 4:10 - Real Housewives of Potomac: Season 10: Episode 06 42:03 - Real Housewives of Salt Lake City: Season 06: Episode 07 1:44:45 - Real Housewives of Orange County: Season 19: Episode 19 We are Eamon and Merlin, a queer married couple from Texas living in Pittsburgh, PA. We love reality television, wrestling, drag queens, and pretty much anything that can be called even kinda gay. A Gay & His Enby is a podcast where we talk about everything we love in terms of media and pop culture; everything thats gay and gay adjacent; basically all the conversations we have in our living room we are now putting in front of a microphone and on the internet for you. We have launched our MERCH STORE! We are so excited to bring you these designs, all made by Merlin, commemorating some of our favorite iconic moments! Shop now at https://AGayAndHisEnby.Threadless.com Every week, we have the pleasure and privilege of recording from Sorgatron Media Studios in Pittsburgh. The theme song for our main show is Pulsar by Shane Ivers, and the theme song for Binge Watch is Higher Up by Shane Ivers, both of which you can find at https://www.silvermansound.com All of our social media can be found at our linktree: https://linktr.ee/agayandhisenby We want to take a moment to uplift a powerful resource:

This episode, Eamon & Merlin talk Real Housewives of Potomac, where we get a peek at Angel's fun side, before Keiarna ensures it won't last. Then, the newest episode of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, where an accusation from Britani awakens Meredith from the dead on Zombie Night. And finally, Part One of the Real Housewives of Orange County reunion, where Shannon has something to say and Tamra will do everything in her power not to hear it. 5:13 - Real Housewives of Potomac: Season 10: Episode 05 55:16 - Real Housewives of Salt Lake City: Season 06: Episode 06 1:53:11 - Real Housewives of Orange County: Season 19: Episode 18 We are Eamon and Merlin, a queer married couple from Texas living in Pittsburgh, PA. We love reality television, wrestling, drag queens, and pretty much anything that can be called even kinda gay. A Gay & His Enby is a podcast where we talk about everything we love in terms of media and pop culture; everything thats gay and gay adjacent; basically all the conversations we have in our living room we are now putting in front of a microphone and on the internet for you. We have launched our MERCH STORE! We are so excited to bring you these designs, all made by Merlin, commemorating some of our favorite iconic moments! Shop now at https://AGayAndHisEnby.Threadless.com Every week, we have the pleasure and privilege of recording from Sorgatron Media Studios in Pittsburgh. The theme song for our main show is Pulsar by Shane Ivers, and the theme song for Binge Watch is Higher Up by Shane Ivers, both of which you can find at https://www.silvermansound.com All of our social media can be found at our linktree: https://linktr.ee/agayandhisenby We want to take a moment to uplift a powerful resource:

This episode, Eamon & Merlin talk Real Housewives of Potomac, where it's choppy waters for Angel on this island vacation, and no amount of filters can disguise her. Then, the newest episode of Real Housewives of Salt Lake City, that sees Heather and Lisa go below the belt with the Below Deck crew looking on. And finally, the season finale of Real Housewives of Orange County, where the ladies confront Gretchen over her liking anti LGBTQ posts… or did she? (She definitely did.) 6:52 - Real Housewives of Potomac: Season 10: Episode 04 1:01:49 - Real Housewives of Salt Lake City: Season 06: Episode 05 2:08:11 - Real Housewives of Orange County: Season 19: Episode 17 We are Eamon and Merlin, a queer married couple from Texas living in Pittsburgh, PA. We love reality television, wrestling, drag queens, and pretty much anything that can be called even kinda gay. A Gay & His Enby is a podcast where we talk about everything we love in terms of media and pop culture; everything thats gay and gay adjacent; basically all the conversations we have in our living room we are now putting in front of a microphone and on the internet for you. We have launched our MERCH STORE! We are so excited to bring you these designs, all made by Merlin, commemorating some of our favorite iconic moments! Shop now at https://AGayAndHisEnby.Threadless.com Every week, we have the pleasure and privilege of recording from Sorgatron Media Studios in Pittsburgh. The theme song for our main show is Pulsar by Shane Ivers, and the theme song for Binge Watch is Higher Up by Shane Ivers, both of which you can find at https://www.silvermansound.com All of our social media can be found at our linktree: https://linktr.ee/agayandhisenby We want to take a moment to uplift a powerful resource:

In this episode, Bill speaks with Anat Shenker-Osorio, a political strategist and messaging expert, about the state of Democratic messaging ten months into Donald Trump's second term. Shenker-Osorio critiques Democrats' reliance on polling and failure to effectively communicate their message to voters. She contrasts this with effective messaging strategies, citing examples like Zohran Mamdani and the importance of agenda-setting. Shenker-Osorio stresses the need for Democrats to adopt a more proactive and consistent messaging approach, focusing on key issues like affordability and framing the opposition as authoritarian. She also discusses current topics like AI-generated videos and California's Prop 50, emphasizing the importance of voter engagement and resistance to authoritarian tactics.You can follow the great work of Anat Shenker-Osorio on Blue Sky at @anatosaurus.bsky.social. Her podcast, Words to Win By: WordsToWinBy-pod.comHer writings on Substack: substack.com/@anatosaurusToday Bill highlights the work of The American Civil Liberties Union. More information at ACLU.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Today:Carol Rose, executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Massachusetts, discusses our constitutional crisis, as the Supreme Court starts a new term.

The American Civil Liberties Union files a motion for an en banc re-hearing of Judge Boasberg's criminal contempt opinion after a three-judge panel stayed his ruling.Attorney General Pam Bondi continues her assault on the Department of Justice by sidelining career attorneys causing every member of the Sanctuary Cities Working Group to resign.The DC US Attorney's office fails to return indictments from federal grand juries as another judge lambasts federal prosecutors.CIA Director John Ratcliffe and Tulsi Gabbard clash over her disclosure of an undercover officer's identity.Plus listener questions…Do you have questions for the pod?   Follow AG Substack|MuellershewroteBlueSky|@muellershewroteAndrew McCabe isn't on social media, but you can buy his book The ThreatThe Threat: How the FBI Protects America in the Age of Terror and TrumpWe would like to know more about our listeners. Please participate in this brief surveyListener Survey and CommentsThis Show is Available Ad-Free And Early For Patreon and Supercast Supporters at the Justice Enforcers level and above:https://dailybeans.supercast.techOrhttps://patreon.com/thedailybeansOr when you subscribe on Apple Podcastshttps://apple.co/3YNpW3P

In this episode of the Bill Press Pod, Bill speaks with David Cole, the George Mitchell Professor in Law and Public Policy at Georgetown University and Legal Affairs Correspondent for The Nation Magazine. They discuss the weaponization of the Justice Department under Donald Trump's administration, highlighting recent actions taken against Trump's critics like John Bolton. Cole elaborates on how these actions represent a misuse of power and undermine the rule of law. Cole also talks about the broader implications for civil society, mentioning how Trump has leveraged federal funding to coerce universities, law firms, and media organizations into compliance. They explore the lack of checks and balances from both Congress and the Supreme Court, and Cole provides insight into how civil society and legal organizations can push back against these abuses of power.Today Bill highlights the work of the American Civil Liberties Union. Where our guest used to be the Legal Director for many years. More information at ACLU.org. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Trump administration is facing more than 300 legal challenges, many of which are being litigated by the American Civil Liberties Union led by Anthony Romero. The executive director has been at the helm through historic legal battles—from voter supression and “muslim” bans, to exposing torture in military detention and defending immigrant and reproductive rights. Romero sits down with host Maria Hinojosa and guides us through the ACLU’s current fight to protect our constitutionally enshrined rights in an era of raids, denaturalization threats and attempts at ending birthright citizenship. Latino USA is the longest-running news and culture radio program in the U.S., centering Latino stories and hosted by Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Maria Hinojosa. Follow the show to get every episode. Follow us on TikTok and YouTube. Subscribe to our newsletter. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 1925, the famous politician and presidential contender William Jennings Bryan returned to the limelight to lead a new crusade against the teaching of evolution. With Bryan's support, Tennessee became the first state to ban the teaching of evolution in public schools.The American Civil Liberties Union resolved to challenge the anti-evolution law in court, and the small town of Dayton, Tennessee volunteered one of their own: a shy 24-year old high school science teacher named John Scopes. What became known as the “Scopes Monkey Trial” would bring together two of America's most famous orators in a case that would captivate the nation, and pit modern science against religious conviction.Be the first to know about Wondery's newest podcasts, curated recommendations, and more! Sign up now at https://wondery.fm/wonderynewsletterListen to American History Tellers on the Wondery App or wherever you get your podcasts. Experience all episodes ad-free and be the first to binge the newest season. Unlock exclusive early access by joining Wondery+ in the Wondery App, Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Start your free trial today by visiting wondery.com/links/american-history-tellers/ now.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.