Podcasts about appeals court

The state of Alabama is appealing a ruling on nitrogen gas execution. AP correspondent Mike Hempen reports.

A federal appeals court rejected a suit filed by 22 young Montanans that challenges several executive orders signed by President Trump in early 2025.

AP correspondent Ben Thomas reports a federal appeals court is raising concerns about Alabama's use of nitrogen gas for executions.

Decisions are happening fast — and the consequences are showing. Last week, Trump announced he would nominate Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche to the top post at the Justice Department, after Blanche nixed the $1.776 “Anti-Weaponization” fund while keeping the controversial release that shields Trump and his family from any liability. Mary and Andrew highlight the myriad of issues Blanche will need to answer for when a confirmation hearing comes, before moving to the Supreme Court ruling that allows Alabama to adopt a Republican-drawn congressional map eliminating one of only two majority-Black districts in the state. This nullifies a lower court's decision that the map was, in fact, intentionally discriminatory. Next up, the co-hosts review a Rhode Island judge's ruling that invalidated several of Trump's immigration policies, including one that placed a hold on asylum claims globally, causing chaos and uncertainty for many legally trying to obtain asylum claims and green card status.And lastly, a beat on a new executive order stripping job protections from thousands of federal workers, plus continuing litigation over Trump's ballroom. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Mea Culpa welcomes back Michael Smerconish, the host of the TV program on CNN fittingly called "Smerconish." He is also the host of The Michael Smerconish Program on SiriusXM. He's been nationally syndicated in more than 100 markets and has authored seven books: two New York Times best sellers, and his novel TALK! was optioned for television by Warner Brothers. When the pandemic hit in 2020, Smerconish was about to embark on a new tour called "Things I Wish I Knew Before I Started Talking," a one-man show commemorating his 30th anniversary in talk radio. A taped version of that presentation was aired worldwide as a one-hour CNN special in 2020. Nowadays he is focused on pointing out the foibles of the MAGA mob while trying to find a middle ground in our divisive nation; hoping somehow that this nation can find a way to come back together before the 250th Anniversary of this nation. 

As judges continue to weigh in, President Trump is finding that despite his litigious efforts, he can't always get what he wants. Mary and Andrew begin this week with the latest fallout from his $1.776 billion “anti-weaponization” fund, which is now under judicial review after a group of federal judges filed a motion arguing that the original lawsuit that prompted the fund was “itself a fraud on the court.” This prompted the news, first reported by Axios, that the Trump administration would abandon the fund altogether. Mary and Andrew tie this into another instance in which the administration is losing in the courts, with Judge Mehta's decision refusing to dismiss the indictment of Oath Keepers' leader Stewart Rhodes, among others whose sentences were commuted. They then move to a ruling ordering the removal of Trump's name from the Kennedy Center facade, a setback in his attempt to reshape the renowned preforming arts center. And after an update on the criminal case against the Southern Poverty Law Center, Andrew shares some insight into his recent New York Times op-ed which offers a path to stop vindictive prosecutions altogether. Further Reading: Here is Andrew's recent New York Times op ed: This Is How to Stop Trump's Vindictive Prosecutions Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Pete Hegseth, Secretary of Defense and former Fox News weekend co-host, is facing mounting scrutiny across three major stories that broke in a single day. Hegseth has classified the Pentagon press area, effectively barring journalists from accessing public affairs officials, a move that is expected to face legal challenges after courts have already ruled against him multiple times for restricting press access. A federal appeals court blocked Trump and Hegseth's transgender military ban in a scathing 107-page opinion written by Judge Robert Wilkins, who found the policy arbitrary, demeaning, and unsupported by any factual basis, noting that transgender service members have served honorably and pose no threat to national security. The New York Times reported that Hegseth personally intervened in a slate of 22 Navy admiral promotions, blocking candidates who are disproportionately Black and female, actions that current and former defense officials say appear to violate the merit-based, apolitical promotion process. SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk - Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hawkeyewhackamole - Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mdg650hawk.bsky.social - Connect on Substack: https://mdg650hawk.substack.com - Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawkpodcasts - Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdg650hawk - Connect on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mdg650hawk ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Content Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTB

AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports a federal appeals court panel says the Pentagon illegally barred transgender troops from military service.

Mary and Andrew begin this week by tackling a decision by a U.S. District Judge to dismiss criminal charges against Kilmar Ábrego García, calling the administration's case against García a vindictive prosecution for challenging his illegal deportation last year. Mary and Andrew couple this topic with a conversation about the “Broadview Six” case, involving a group of Chicago ICE protesters whose criminal case was dropped, similarly, due to misconduct by the DOJ. Then, Mary and Andrew continue a discussion from last week about Trump's $1.776 billion settlement with the IRS — specifically about an addendum to the settlement which grants Trump and "affiliated individuals" extremely broad protections from future prosecutions. They then talk about Carmen Lineberger, a former federal prosecutor indicted for sending unreleased files from the Jack Smith report to her personal email account. Plus, a conversation about a decision by a federal judge who has ordered the White House to comply with the Presidential Records Act, undermining the DOJ's ability to give the administration a legal way to destroy White House records from the second Trump term. This podcast is also available on YouTube at ms.now/mainjustice.  Further reading: HERE is the 'Broadway Six' case transcript    Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The case has been tried and appealed a few times and the 5th Circuit finally said the Plaintiff is entitled to compensation under the Texas state constitution. https://ij.org/

There's a pattern to Andrew and Mary's focus this week: lies, lies and more lies. They gather in-person to tackle a host of issues and to celebrate the release of Andrew's new book, “Liar's Kingdom.” After digging into the book's thesis, they hone in on the biggest news of the week: the $1.776 billion “Anti-Weaponization Fund” created by the Justice Department as part of a settlement agreement which, according to the Attorney General, would provide a non-partisan “systematic process to hear and redress claims of others who suffered weaponization and lawfare.” But as Mary and Andrew note, the real goal is to compensate Trump allies who claim they were wrongfully prosecuted by the former administration. They then shift to the DOJ's lawsuit against the DC Bar to block punishments for Trump officials, including Jeffrey Clark, the former Acting Assistant Attorney General in the final months of Trump's first term. Next, the co-hosts touch on last week's oral arguments in the government's appeal of the ruling against Trump's attempt to blacklist four law firms, before moving to the ongoing litigation in Judge Boasberg's attempt to hold contempt proceedings.   This podcast is also available on YouTube at ms.now/mainjustice. Be sure to check it out: this week features video of Mary and Andrew in-person together. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Death penalty opponents are waiting to see if Texas will proceed with what they say would be an unconstitutional execution. Texas’ Attorney General has appealed to the nation’s highest court to lift a stay on Edward Busby’s scheduled execution for today. There are reports that Texas officials plan to move forward with the execution despite a federal appellate court ruling last week that put a temporary hold on it pending a Supreme Court decision on a separate case. The issue at hand, whether or not Edward Busby is intellectually disabled, which would make him ineligible for the death penalty. Busby was convicted in the 2004 robbery and murder of a retired Texas Christian University professor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Death penalty opponents are waiting to see if Texas will proceed with what they say would be an unconstitutional execution. Texas’ Attorney General has appealed to the nation’s highest court to lift a stay on Edward Busby’s scheduled execution for today. There are reports that Texas officials plan to move forward with the execution despite a federal appellate court ruling last week that put a temporary hold on it pending a Supreme Court decision on a separate case. The issue at hand, whether or not Edward Busby is intellectually disabled, which would make him ineligible for the death penalty. Busby was convicted in the 2004 robbery and murder of a retired Texas Christian University professor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Death penalty opponents are waiting to see if Texas will proceed with what they say would be an unconstitutional execution. Texas’ Attorney General has appealed to the nation’s highest court to lift a stay on Edward Busby’s scheduled execution for today. There are reports that Texas officials plan to move forward with the execution despite a federal appellate court ruling last week that put a temporary hold on it pending a Supreme Court decision on a separate case. The issue at hand, whether or not Edward Busby is intellectually disabled, which would make him ineligible for the death penalty. Busby was convicted in the 2004 robbery and murder of a retired Texas Christian University professor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Death penalty opponents are waiting to see if Texas will proceed with what they say would be an unconstitutional execution. Texas’ Attorney General has appealed to the nation’s highest court to lift a stay on Edward Busby’s scheduled execution for today. There are reports that Texas officials plan to move forward with the execution despite a federal appellate court ruling last week that put a temporary hold on it pending a Supreme Court decision on a separate case. The issue at hand, whether or not Edward Busby is intellectually disabled, which would make him ineligible for the death penalty. Busby was convicted in the 2004 robbery and murder of a retired Texas Christian University professor.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Mary and Andrew recognize it's been a doozy of a week. Starting with the continued fallout from the Supreme Court's Louisiana v. Callais decision, they focus on how much the 6-3 ruling has opened the floodgates for other states like Tennessee, South Carolina, Florida and Texas to pursue similar redistricting efforts. The Justices even allowed Alabama to move forward with re-drawing their congressional maps, despite prior determinations of intentional racial discrimination in the state. Mary and Andrew juxtapose this new landscape with last week's redistricting decision in Virginia, as Democrats submit an emergency appeal to the Supreme Court on that ruling. In addition, a Fulton County decision came in allowing the Justice Department to hold onto the 2020 ballots seized in the FBI's January raid. Plus, the co-hosts unpack the latest from Trump's retribution efforts as James Comey's criminal trial date is set. But in an uplifting end to a rough week, the pair highlight Senator Mark Kelly's argument before the DC Circuit in his case against Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth over his participation in a video reminding military members of their duty not to obey unlawful orders. This podcast is also available on YouTube at ms.now/mainjustice. Further reading: Here is the Just Security piece on Senator Mark Kelly's case: Lessons from the Pentagon's Empty Case Against Mark Kelly    Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A federal appeals court says President Trump can postpone payment to a columnist who won sexual abuse and defamation suits against him. The AP's Jennifer King reports.

Mary and Andrew begin this week by highlighting another questionable indictment of former FBI Director James Comey over a photo of seashells that he posted on Instagram. The indictment alleges that a “reasonable person” would interpret that the shells in the picture, arranged to spell out “86 47,” represent “a serious expression of an intent to do harm to the President of the United States.” Then, a win for Director Comey's daughter Maurene, after a federal judge cleared the path for her wrongful termination suit against the Trump administration to proceed. Next, Mary and Andrew analyze the latest filings by the Southern Poverty Law Center and why whistleblowers are flagging their concern that the recent indictment was rushed. And before wrapping up, they break down the Supreme Court's consequential ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, which effectively hollows out the last remnants of the Voting Rights Act by striking down a redistricting effort that was aiming to ensure an equal opportunity for representation in the state. This podcast is also available on YouTube at ms.now/mainjustice. Further reading: Here is the SCOTUS 6-3 decision: Louisiana v. Callais Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Five LGBTQ organizations challenged the law claiming its “vagueness” created a “chilling effect” on the First Amendment rights of drag show performers. Constitutional expert, lawyer, author, pastor, and founder of Liberty Counsel Mat Staver discusses the important topics of the day with co-hosts and guests that impact life, liberty, and family. To stay informed and get involved, visit LC.org.

The Dean's List with Host Dean Bowen – AFL called it a “historic victory” in the fight to hold school districts accountable to parents. America First Legal (AFL), attorneys on behalf of the mother, said the district school's policy had required schools to address students by their preferred pronouns, name, and gender; permit them to use whichever bathroom they wanted; and allow them to...

Today Could Be Infowars' LAST SHOW Despite The Texas Appeals Court Blocking The Onion's Latest Attempt To Hijack The Company! Trump Has Ordered The Military To Prepare A Ground Invasion Of Iran's Strait Of Hormuz! US Debt Hits 100% Of GDP

The Trump administration continues its push to reduce the number of recommended vaccines for children.

The Dean's List with Host Dean Bowen – In a razor thin 9–8 vote, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit confirmed Texas Senate Bill 10, overturning the lower-court injunctions that had barred the 2025 law from taking effect. The ACLU lamented the decision. “We are extremely disappointed in today's decision. The Court's ruling goes against fundamental First Amendment principles and...

This week, Mary and Andrew follow the money from Alabama to New York to Southern Florida. They start with an 11-count indictment against the Southern Poverty Law Center alleging financial crimes and defrauding donors — the DOJ suggesting that the center's goal was to give funding to extremist groups rather than to report on them. The co-hosts find the charges dubious at best, with a speaking indictment that seems “weak” and lacks specifics. From there, they analyze another set of charges out of the SDNY against an Army soldier who won over $400,000 in online bets using his classified knowledge of the US capture of Nicolas Maduro. After reviewing the merits of that case, they head to Miami, where President Trump's civil suit against the IRS was put on pause to discern how to handle him being on both sides of the case. As Mary notes, the judge is asking Trump to essentially “show me we really have adverse parties here.”Then to DC, for a look at the charges filed against the alleged gunman in the White House Correspondents' Dinner shooting, and how the administration quickly used that as another reason to build the White House ballroom in an unusual court filing. And last up, Andrew and Mary review the DC Circuit's decision on Trump's asylum ban. This podcast is also available on YouTube at ms.now/mainjustice. Further reading: Here is Andrew's piece on the SPLC indictment: The Poverty of the DOJ Indictment of the Southern Poverty Law Center Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode Jeff tears apart the latest assassination attempt against Donald Trump and the staggering security failures that allowed it to happen. From an armed suspect getting dangerously close to the president to the laughable claims that the system “worked” Jeff explains why this was a complete disgrace and why the response afterward was even worse. Jeff then breaks down the war with Iran and how what started with clear objectives quickly unraveled. Bad advice, unrealistic expectations and a fundamental misunderstanding of the enemy have led to a situation where Iran is now dictating terms. Trump's focus on markets and public perception over actual victory has turned a position of strength into an avoidable mess. The bigger problem is what this moment represents. Jeff argues this was likely the last real chance to cripple the world's leading terror regime and instead the United States blinked. The result is a stronger more emboldened enemy and a future that looks far more dangerous than it needed to be. Receive new episodes directly in your inbox: https://beyondthelegallimit.com/subscribe

AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports a federal appeals court has blocked a key pillar of President Trump's plan for cracking down on southern border migration.

Top headlines for Thursday, April 23, 2026A major study finds the number of atheists worldwide is expected to decline in the coming decades, the Presbyterian Church in America reports another drop in membership, and a Virginia school district agrees to restore a teacher's position after he was fired over refusing to use a transgender student's preferred pronouns.00:11 Israel promotes 'biggest LGBTQ+ festival ever' near site of Sodom01:04 Satanic imagery seen in now-banned Roblox school shooting game02:01 SPLC indicted, accused of giving $3M to extremist organizers03:04 Texas can display Ten Commandments in schools: appeals court03:56 Lesbian Bishop Yvette Flunder says Bible needs Third Testament04:45 Trans Rep. Sarah McBride claims to be a Presbyterian elder05:35 Kendrick Brothers' ‘Flywheel' remake set for fall releaseSubscribe to this PodcastApple PodcastsSpotifyGoogle PodcastsOvercastFollow Us on Social Media@ChristianPost on TwitterChristian Post on Facebook@ChristianPostIntl on InstagramSubscribe on YouTubeGet the Edifi AppDownload for iPhoneDownload for AndroidSubscribe to Our NewsletterSubscribe to the Freedom Post, delivered every Monday and ThursdayClick here to get the top headlines delivered to your inbox every morning!Links to the NewsIsrael promotes 'biggest LGBTQ+ festival ever' near site of Sodom | WorldSatanic imagery seen in now-banned Roblox school shooting game | U.S.SPLC indicted, accused of giving $3M to extremist organizers | PoliticsTexas can display Ten Commandments in schools: appeals court | EducationLesbian Bishop Yvette Flunder says Bible needs Third Testament | Church & MinistriesTrans Rep. Sarah McBride claims to be a Presbyterian elder | PoliticsKendrick Brothers' ‘Flywheel' remake set for fall release | Entertainment

Mary and Andrew begin this week by welcoming former Assistant US Attorney Sunita Doddamani. A 20-year civil servant with an impeccable record of service, Sunita is one of the prosecutors who was recently fired as part of the DOJ's report about the prior administration's so-called “bias” against abortion protesters and religious rights in FACE Act cases. She talks openly about the "Article II" termination letter she received from Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, with no warning and like many others, seemingly just for doing her job by taking the cases assigned to her. From there, Andrew and Mary look at the administration's moves to vacate the convictions of four Proud Boys who were convicted of multiple felonies related to the attack on January 6th. Then, on to a significant decision from Judge Mehta in a long-running civil lawsuit brought against Trump, finding that the president's January 6th speech was political rather than official in nature, which would rule out immunity for official acts. And before they wrap up, the co-hosts take up the latest ruling on Judge Boasberg's contempt inquiry into whether government officials violated his court orders around those deportation flights in March of 2025. This podcast is also available on YouTube at ms.now/mainjustice. Further reading: Here is the Just Security piece on the FACE Act report: Separating Fact from Fiction in FACE Act Enforcement Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WMAL GUEST: JOE DIGENOVA (Legal Analyst and Former U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia) on being sworn in today as Counsel to the Attorney General to lead the investigation into the Russia collusion hoax. He also discusses the D.C. Appeals Court ruling allowing construction to resume on the $400 million White House ballroom and bunker complex. WEBSITE: diGenovaToensing.com READ: Appeals court green lights Trump’s White House ballroom construction Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Monday, April 20, 2026 / 7 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Joyce talks about:The ignorance of our currently elected representatives. The Democrat party agenda against Eric Swalwell and using his past to get him out of the governors race.Sarah Godlewski, running for Lieutenant Governor, freaks out over hail and claims global warming. Justiciary becoming a political tool and the Appeals Court ordering Judge James Boasberg to end contempt investigation into the Trump Administration over deportation flights. Republican Congressional candidate Dan Franzese calls in to the show to talk about 2026 Primary Season and running as a supporter of President Trump, America first, affordability, and accountability with a business mans perspective. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This is the official audio recording of the argument held in the appeal on April 9, 2026 in United States versus Sean Combs (Diddy) brought before the US Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit following the criminal conviction and sentencing.

In the wake of Viktor Orbán's election loss in Hungary—an autocratic leader backed by both Vladamir Putin and Donald Trump—Mary and Andrew call on an expert to give context to Peter Magyar's surprising win: Princeton Professor Kim Lane Scheppele. Kim sheds some light on what led to this moment in Hungary, what it means for Hungarians and the EU moving forward, and what lessons the US can apply here at home. From there, the co-hosts move to a concerning opinion from the Office of Legal Counsel declaring the Presidential Records Act unconstitutional on its face, suggesting that Trump would no longer have to comply with the federal law. Mary and Andrew align on the significance of preserving these archives, before heading to what amounts to, in Mary's words: “a bunch of garbage”out of the DOJ. On the list: Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche's “I love you, Sir” press conference, the firing of immigration judges for ruling in high-profile cases in a way that was unfavorable to the President, and the DOJ's investigation into Cassidy Hutchinson, a former White House aide, about whether she lied to Congress around the events of January 6th. This podcast is also available on YouTube at ms.now/mainjustice. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AP Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports a federal appeals panel is ordering a judge to drop his contempt probe of Trump administration deportation flights.

WMAL GUEST: JOE DIGENOVA (Legal Analyst and Former U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia) on Rep. Eric Swalwell’s sudden campaign suspension and resignation from Congress, as well as the D.C. Appeals Court ruling allowing construction to resume on the White House ballroom and bunker complex. WEBSITE: diGenovaToensing.com READ: Trump ballroom construction can continue, appeals court rules Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Monday, April 13, 2026 / 7 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The law has been on the books since 1868 and was supposedly in place to keep people from avoiding the tax on the product - an appeals court said that makes no sense. https://www.lehtoslaw.com

This is the noon All Local for Thursday, April 9, 2026

AP correspondent Ed Donahue reports Sean "Diddy" Combs' appeal is heard in New York.

Appeals court rulings mean Iowa's book ban and other restrictions aimed toward age-appropriate instruction can take effect. The AP's Jennifer King reports.

The Trump administration says a judge's order to halt construction of a $400 million White House ballroom is creating a security risk for the president. AP correspondent Donna Warder reports.

While much of the news is rightfully focused on the ongoing war with Iran, Mary and Andrew pull the threads on some consequential legal news that's not getting as much attention. They start with the Justice Department's settlement with Michael Flynn, paying out $1.25 million over his claim that he was wrongly prosecuted for making false statements to federal agents. And as Mary points out in her recent MS NOW op-ed, this settlement could set a dangerous precedent, by encouraging others “to seek similar windfalls” that support Trump's efforts to rewrite history. Next, they unpack a case brought by Minnesota against the DOJ and DHS for blocking state investigators from accessing evidence in the Renee Good, Alex Pretti, and Julio Sosa-Celis shootings. And last up, the co-hosts break down a disastrous error the Justice Department admitted to this week, using an incorrect written policy to defend actions resulting in a number of arrests at immigration courthouses, as people voluntarily appeared for their immigration proceedings. You can also find us on YouTube at ms.now/mainjustice. Further reading: Here is Mary's MS NOW write up on Michael Flynn: Trump's settlement to Michael Flynn could set a dangerous precedent.  Here is the Anthropic decision:  Anthropic PBC v. U.S. Department of War HERE is the ICE memorandum the government relied on to allow immigration arrests near courthouses. And HERE is the letter from the SDNY to Judge Kevin Castel noting their error. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This case is fundamentally about whether religious institutions can maintain their identity and mission in their employment decisions. Constitutional expert, lawyer, author, pastor, and founder of Liberty Counsel Mat Staver discusses the important topics of the day with co-hosts and guests that impact life, liberty, and family. To stay informed and get involved, visit LC.org.

Amid an unrelenting news cycle, one story really hit hard for both Mary and Andrew this week: the passing of former FBI Director Robert Mueller. Both hosts worked with him: Mary in the DC US Attorney's Office; Andrew as FBI Special Counsel, General Counsel, and ultimately, as a top prosecutor in Mueller's 2016 Special Counsel investigation into Russian election interference. They reflect on Mueller's life and legacy being one dedicated topublic service, which, in Andrew's accounting, “wasn't just a calling, it was a privilege.” Next, they move to a win for journalism and freedom of the press: Judge Paul Friedman's decision in the case brought by the New York Times against the Pentagon regarding press access. And lastly, Mary and Andrew reviewMonday's Supreme Court oral arguments in a case centered on whether mail-in ballots that arrive after Election Day should be counted. The co-hosts read the tea leaves on the merits the justices seem to be eyeing and what it could mean for midterm voting this fall. And, a big thank you to listeners as Main Justice celebrates it's 3-year anniversary. Starting today, you can also find us on YouTube at ms.now/mainjustice. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The law allows Liberty University to require employees to act consistent with its Christian doctrine. Constitutional expert, lawyer, author, pastor, and founder of Liberty Counsel Mat Staver discusses the important topics of the day with co-hosts and guests that impact life, liberty, and family. To stay informed and get involved, visit LC.org.

Five LGBTQ organizations challenged the law claiming its “vagueness” created a “chilling effect” on the First Amendment rights of drag show performers. Constitutional expert, lawyer, author, pastor, and founder of Liberty Counsel Mat Staver discusses the important topics of the day with co-hosts and guests that impact life, liberty, and family. To stay informed and get involved, visit LC.org.

Last week, Judge James Boasberg checked in the Justice Department by quashing two subpoenas against Federal Reserve Board Chair Jerome Powell, intended to pressure him into "voting for lower interest rates or resigning.” Finding “essentially zero evidence” of criminal behavior, Mary and Andrew explain how these subpoenas were issued as retribution and retaliation against Powell, as Boasberg cited over 100 statements that the president and his deputies made attacking him. Next, the co-hosts dig into the disciplinary proceedings against President Trump's pardon attorney Ed Martin, who, while serving as DC's interim U.S. Attorney, pressured Georgetown Law School to change its curriculum. Last on the agenda, Mary and Andrew highlight the case that AI firm Anthropic filed against the Defense Department over being essentially blacklisted. The case is centered around the Pentagon labeling the AI firm a “supply chain risk” after they asked the Pentagon not to use their “Claude” AI technology to do two things: “deploy lethal autonomous warfare without human oversight” and use it for “mass surveillance of Americans.” Further reading:  Here is the complaint Anthropic filed against the government: Complaint For Declaratory And Injunctive Relief Here once again is the Federal Register if you'd like to enter public comment: Review of State Bar Complaints and Allegations Against Department of Justice Attorneys Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Today's episode begins with a breakdown of the Justice Department's about-face on four cases brought after Trump targeted several law firms through executive action. As Mary and Andrew discussed last week – they initially dropped their appeal of the decisions against sanctioning these firms, only to reverse course the next day, topped off with a new court filing Friday appealing the rulings. Next, the co-hosts review a pair of decisions: one out of Minnesota's district court concerning the state's immigration surge, which determined the stopping and subsequent arrests of the case's plaintiffs was a result of racial profiling. The second decision comes from U.S. District Judge Royce Lamberth, who ruled Kari Lake's oversight of Voice of America unlawful and illegitimate. Last up, Mary and Andrew detail Attorney General Pam's Bondi's proposed rule that would put any state complaint against a justice department lawyer on hold while the DOJ reviews it, essentially giving the department the power to hold these indefinitely if they so choose. Further reading: Here is Mary's recent piece on MS Now detailing the DOJ's shift on appealing several law firm decisions: What's exposed by the Justice Department's reversal on Trump's campaign against law firms. Every lawyer knows that the federal court rulings were correct and that the president's executive orders are legally indefensible. Here is the Federal Resister: Review of State Bar Complaints and Allegations Against Department of Justice Attorneys Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Initial shock has given way to grave concerns as the US and Israel's joint attack on Iran continue, stepping both countries into a war without a clear goal, end date or exit strategy. To help explain where congressional powers lie and the limits of executive authority, Mary and Andrew call upon Tess Bridgeman, international law expert and Co-Editor-in-Chief of "Just Security”. Tess stakes out the scope of the 1973 War Powers Resolution, and why Congress is meant to be the body that decides if, and when the US commits to armed conflict with another nation state. Then, Mary and Andrew turn focus to a few immigration updates, as more judges chastise the government for continually violating court orders, and a Columbia student is detained by ICE under false pretenses. Last up, the co-hosts turn to the decision in the case involving whether a journalist's devices seized while executing a search warrant could be searched. Plus: the Trump administration's decision to stand down on defending Trump's sanctions against law firms— only to do a seeming about face the next day. Further reading: Here is the piece Tess Bridgeman co-wrote on "Just Security": Top Questions the Trump Administration Needs to Answer on War with Iran Here is the opinion Andrew and Mary were referring to out of the Southern District of West Virginia You can pre-order Andrew's book, out May 19th, here: Liar's Kingdom: How to Stop Trump's Deceit and Save America Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Last week, the Supreme Court struck down President Trump's expansive tariffs, ruling that they exceeded the authority given to him by Congress. The 6-3 decision saw conservative Justices Gorsuch, Coney Barrett, and Chief Justice Roberts align with the court's three liberal justices, though as Mary and Andrew explain, through different pathways: the conservative justices using the “major questions doctrine” as their guiding principle, while the liberal justices arrived at the same result through statutory interpretation and good ‘ole “common sense.” The co-hosts spend most of this episode walking through key parts of the ruling, noting Justice Gorsuch's opinion that the legislative process ought to reflect the will of elected representatives, “not just that of one faction or man.” Then, Mary and Andrew turn to a significant ruling against ICE in West Virginia, where a federal judge admonished agents for wearing masks and using unmarked cars, a presence akin to a “secret police force." And last up, a scathing review of Judge Eileen Cannon's decision not to release Jack Smith's report in the classified documents case. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Last week, a grand jury refused to indict six Democratic lawmakers over a video they made addressing service members' duty to refuse illegal orders. Mary and Andrew hold little back as they discuss the government's attempt to chill free speech and persecute political foes. In an adjacent case, they review Judge Richard Leon's decision to block Secretary Pete Hegseth from demoting Senator Mark Kelly over the video, saying it “trampled on Senator Kelly's First Amendment freedoms.” The co-hosts then dig into the unsealed Fulton County affidavit and what it shows about the basis of the administration's 2020 election fraud claims, before concluding with a couple due process updates: Judge Boasberg's decision ordering the Trump administration to facilitate the return of some Venezuelan migrants unlawfully deported, and Judge Tim Kelly's decision in a case about death row prisoners being sent to a “Supermax” prison on the government's orders without due process, after Biden granted them clemency from the death penalty before leaving office.Further reading:Read Judge Richard J. Leon's Memorandum Opinion on Mark Kelly v. Pete Hegseth HERE  Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Andrew and Mary are often inundated with news out of the Justice Department, but one item that really caught their attention this week was the DOJ's appeal to the Supreme Court to toss out Steve Bannon's contempt conviction. They begin here, highlighting Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche's wry comments on social media about the case. Next, they turn to a reality hitting prosecutors hard, especially in states ICE is targeting—that the push for mass detentions did not include any plan for the infrastructure needed to support the caseload in the courts or in U.S. Attorneys' offices. And it's pushing prosecutors to the brink. Mary and Andrew talk about one of them, Julie Le, who was fired after expressing her exasperation in Minnesota. Next, they explain why Congress was given access to the (mostly) un-redacted Epstein files and Ghislaine Maxwell's choice to plead the 5th in a congressional deposition. And last up, a beat on the Georgia ballot seizures, as Fulton County sues and a judge orders DOJ records to be unsealed in the case.Further Reading:Here is a new piece from Andrew: How Congress Can Give Epstein Survivors the Investigation They Deserve, Starting with Compelling Maxwell to Testify Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.