Podcasts about critics

Professional who makes a living communicating their opinions and assessments of various forms of creative work

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    LadyGang
    Chelsea Handler: Sex, Freedom & the Power of Not Giving a F*ck

    LadyGang

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2025 47:30


    From blowing off press to prioritize pleasure, to redefining success, aging, and freedom on her own terms, Chelsea Handler proves why she remains the blueprint for living boldly. We dive into sex without shame, why getting older means caring less (and loving it more), how Chelsea approaches dating, power moves, and personal boundaries, and why protecting your joy is the real flex. She opens up about her High and Mighty Tour, solo travel, career longevity, hosting the Critics' Choice Awards, and the mindset shift that comes with truly knowing yourself. Plus, Chelsea hands out her own “Chelsea's Choice” awards — covering pop culture, celebrity obsessions, skincare she swears by, talent crushes, wellness habits, and unsolicited life advice every woman needs heading into 2026.LadyGang is sponsored by BetterHelp! Get 10% off at BetterHelp.com/ladygangSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

    The Focus Group
    TFG Unbuttoned: Rainbow Bike Racks, Abercrombie Trials, and Mormon Mocktails

    The Focus Group

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2025 25:44


    Tim and John discuss a variety of topics including holiday preparations, the magic of the Rockettes, highlights from SNL, LGBTQ representation in Florida, the Abercrombie and Fitch scandal, and the rise of “Mormon” dirty soda as a popular beverage. They also share personal anecdotes and reflections on the holiday season, concluding with a nod to their partnership with Critics' Choice Video. Apple Podcasts: apple.co/1WwDBrC Spotify: spoti.fi/2pC19B1 iHeart Radio: bit.ly/4aza5LW Tunein: bit.ly/1SE3NMb YouTube Music: bit.ly/43T8Y81 Pandora: pdora.co/2pEfctj YouTube: bit.ly/1spAF5a Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    Land Of The Creeps
    Land Of The Creeps Episode 459 : Top 10 Horror Movies From 1990's

    Land Of The Creeps

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2025


     DownloadWelcome to LOTC episode 459. This week is the decades finale episode. All year we have been looking year to year of the horror movies from the 1990's decade. During this show you will hear the crew with special guest Nicloe Trawick counting down their top 10 horror movies from the entire decade. This was lots of fun compiling our lists as well as hearing from each other. We are also going to hear from You the listener, what was your lists? Listen now and see what movies made the cut and which ones were left off. We also want to wish each and every one out in podcast world a Merry Christmas , Happy Holidays and Happy New Year. We will be back once again in 2026, bigger and better. Thank You so much for all your love and support through out the year. Grab those favorite snacks and beverages as you journey with us through the Land Of The Creeps.HELP KEEP HORROR ALIVE!!TOP 10 LIST'SDAVE1. 1996 SCREAM2. 1999 SLEEPY HOLLOW3. 1990 TREMORS4. 1992 CANDYMAN5. 1994 CEMETERY MAN6. 1997 FUNNY GAMES7. 1996 FROM DUSK TIL DAWN8. 1990 EXORCIST 39. 1995 SEVEN10. 1998 THE FACULTYNICOLE1. 1991 SILENCE OF THE LAMBS2. 1996 FROM DUSK TIL DAWN3. 1996  SCREAM4. 1994 IN THE MOUTH OF MADNESS5. 1996 BAD MOON6. 1990 STEPHEN KING'S IT7. 1998 HALLOWEEN H208. 1998 RINGU9. 1997 EVENT HORRIZON10. 1999 RAVENOUSBILL1. 1990 MISERY2. 1997 CUBE3. 1997 FUNNY GAMES4. 1996 SCREAM5. 1990 JACOBS LADDER6. 1993 NEEDFUL THINGS7. 1998 THE FACULTY8. 1992 DEAD ALIVE AKA BRAINDEAD9. 1996 THINNER10. 1993 THE VANISHINGPEARL1. 1996 BAD MOON2. 1999 STORM OF THE CENTURY / 1991 CAPE FEAR3. 1993 NEEDFUL THINGS4. 1990 TALES FROM THE DARKSIDE5. 1994 THE CROW6. 1994 WES CRAVENS' NEW NIGHTMARE7. 1996 THINNER8. 1997 THE DEVIL'S ADVOCATE9. 1998 STRANGELAND10. 1999 HOUSE ON HAUNTED HILL / 1999 SIXTH SENSEGREG1. 1999 AUDITION 2. 1998 HALLOWEEN H203. 1996 SCREAM4. 1994 WES CRAVENS' NEW NIGHTMARE5. 1993 BODY BAGS6. 1993 THE UNTOLD STORY7. 1994 CEMETERY MAN8. 1997 NIGHT FLIER9. 1999 RAVENOUS10. 1990 MISERYLOTC Links :Land Of The Creeps InstagramGregaMortisFacebookTwitterLand Of The Creeps Group PageLand Of The Creeps Fan PageJay Of  The Dead's New Horror Movie PodcastYoutubeInstagramEmailLetterboxdDr. ShockDVD Infatuation TwitterDVD Infatuation WebsiteFacebookHorror Movie PodcastJay Of The Dead's New Horror Movies PodcastYouTube ChannelLetterboxdDVD Infatuation PodcastThe Illustrated Fan PodcastBill Van Veghel LinkFacebookLetterboxdMusic,Movies,Sports & Stuff PodcastFacebook Music Movies Sports & StuffTwisted Temptress LinkLetterboxdLOTC Hotline Number1-804-569-56821-804-569-LOTCLOTC Intro is provided by Andy Ussery, Below are links to his social mediaEmail:FacebookTwitterOutro music provided by Greg Whitaker Below is Greg's Twitter accountTwitterFacebook

    Throwing Fits
    *PATREON PREVIEW* The 2025 Throwing Fits Year in Review Critics' Choice Awards Spectacular Holiday Special

    Throwing Fits

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 10:05


    Subscribe to Throwing Fits on Substack. You already know what time it is: The most wonderful of the year. This week, the Fab 5 (sadly minus Chef who is holed up with the flu, but we do FaceTime him in) are reconvening to debate, discuss, and crown their personal favorite jawnz, timeline takeovers, brands, collabs, trends, movies, TV shows, musical artists, best-dressed celebs, bozos, and GOATs of the year that was. We are truly the gift that keeps on giving.

    After Class Podcast
    8.48 - Christmas and Critics

    After Class Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 47:50


    "Jesus wasn't born on December 25th!" Are you mad? Faith shattered? Christmas ruined? May it never be! With the actual birth date of Jesus a mystery, why did Christians gravitate toward December 25th? Did we rob and reface a Roman holiday? Are we coopting the winter solstice? Is it just a borrowed holiday from some other pagan religion? And what about... the tree? Are the critics right? And does it really matter in the grand scheme of things? What are we actually celebrating as Christians at Christmas? Tune in to today's episode as we dig into the reason for the season—and maybe embolden your faith for the holidays. Merry Christmas!

    The Back Look Cinema Podcast
    Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas - Ep. 206

    The Back Look Cinema Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 86:41


    Zo finds himself within a snowflake. What strange magic that caused him to be inside the snowflake is unclear, but he is amazed with what he finds inside. There is an entire civilization with strange human-like creatures; there are even some who seem indistinguishable from human. There are mountains, trees, rivers and an actual town - a town called Whoville. What's even crazier is that they're preparing to celebrate Christmas. This begs several questions: how did they come to know our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ? How long has this singular snowflake been floating in the atmosphere? Are there other snowflake civilizations?   All is not cheery though as Zo noticed that among all the people here there is one who isolated himself on a mountain. This creature is even stranger than the folks of Whoville being green, covered in fur and walking about stark naked. The Whovillians talk about how mean and nasty he is and that he absolutely hates Christmas, though no one seems to know why. Whenever they refer to him they would only whisper "The Grinch." Episode Chapters00:05:24 Opening Credits for Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas Starring Jim Carrey and Taylor Momsen00:22:16 Favorite Parts of the 2000 film Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas01:13:21 Trivia from the Holiday Classic - Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas01:22:48 Critics' Thoughts on Ron Howard's Dr. Seuss's How the Grinch Stole Christmas Taylor Momsen and The Pretty Wreckless perform Christmas, Why Can't I Find You? on YouTube   Please leave a comment, suggestion or question on our social media: Back Look Cinema: The Podcast Links:Website: www.backlookcinema.comEmail: fanmail@backlookcinema.comYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@backlookcinemaTwitter: https://twitter.com/backlookcinemaFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/BackLookCinemaInstagram: https://instagram.com/backlookcinemaThreads: https://www.threads.net/@backlookcinemaTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@backlookcinemaTwitch https://www.twitch.tv/backlookcinemaBlue Sky: https://bsky.app/profile/backlookcinema.bsky.socialMastodon: https://mstdn.party/@backlookcinemaBack Look Cinema Merch at Teespring.comBack Look Cinema Merch at Teepublic.com Again, thanks for listening.

    Beyond The Horizon
    The FBI And It's Less Than Stellar Handling Of High Profile Cases Like Jeffrey Epstein

    Beyond The Horizon

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 29:00 Transcription Available


    The FBI has faced sustained and bipartisan criticism for its handling of major sexual abuse cases, most notably those involving Larry Nassar and Jeffrey Epstein, where clear warning signs were missed, complaints were mishandled, and opportunities to stop ongoing abuse were squandered. In the Nassar case, the Justice Department's own inspector general found that FBI agents in the Indianapolis field office failed to properly document victims' allegations, delayed action for more than a year, and made false statements about their handling of the case—during which time Nassar continued abusing young gymnasts. Survivors later testified that the FBI's inaction directly enabled further assaults, turning what should have been a law-enforcement intervention into a catastrophic institutional failure marked by negligence, indifference, and self-protection.Similar patterns have been identified in the Epstein case, where the FBI possessed credible intelligence about Epstein's sexual exploitation of minors as early as the mid-2000s yet failed to act decisively. Despite evidence of interstate trafficking, multiple victims, and powerful co-conspirators, federal authorities deferred to a deeply flawed Florida investigation that culminated in a secret non-prosecution agreement, effectively neutralizing federal enforcement. Critics argue that the FBI's passivity, combined with its willingness to accept prosecutorial hand-offs and jurisdictional excuses, allowed Epstein to continue abusing girls for years after he should have been stopped. Together, the Nassar and Epstein cases have become emblematic of a broader critique: that when sexual abuse allegations collide with institutional risk, reputational concerns, or powerful defendants, the FBI has too often failed the very victims it is charged to protect.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

    MPR News with Angela Davis
    Could proposed federal changes push thousands of Minnesotans back into homelessness?

    MPR News with Angela Davis

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 22, 2025 47:48


    Millions of dollars for homeless services in Minnesota are up in the air after the Trump  administration proposed changing the rules for housing programs that helped people get off the streets.   The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development plans to shift money away from long-term housing programs that provide services.   Instead, more federal money would go toward breaking up homeless encampments and to short-term shelters with work requirements and mandatory addiction treatment.  Critics warn this could force thousands of Minnesotans back into living in their cars, onto friends' couches or onto the streets — including people who have relied on supportive housing for years.On Dec. 19. a judge temporarily halted the administration's proposals, creating more uncertainty. MPR News guest host Catharine Richert talks with her guests about what helps people move into permanent homes and how federal policy shifts could affect Minnesotans. Guests: Chris LaTondresse is the president and CEO of Beacon Interfaith Housing Collaborative, one of Minnesota's largest nonprofit providers of supportive housing for families, single adults and youth who have experienced homelessness. He previously served as a Hennepin County Commissioner and chaired the Hennepin County Housing and Redevelopment Authority. LeAnn Littlewolf is the executive director of the American Indian Community Housing Organization (AICHO) in Duluth. The nonprofit organization runs Gimaajii Mino-Bimaadizimin, a community center with supportive housing for women and children. She is a member of the Leech Lake Band of Ojibwe and previously worked with the Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless.  

    Law Enforcement Today Podcast
    Is 19 Too Young To Be a Police Officer?

    Law Enforcement Today Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2025 36:47


    Is 19 Too Young To Be a Police Officer? A Florida, USA Perspective on Trauma Impact and PTSD. Special Episode. At just 19 years old, Michael A. Laidler was already wearing a badge and responding to some of the most intense calls a police officer can face. Sworn in as a police officer in Tallahassee, Florida, USA, his early entry into law enforcement placed him on the front lines at an age when most of his peers were still navigating college life or their first civilian jobs. The question at the heart of this Special Episode is simple, yet deeply complex: Is 19 too young to be a police officer? Look for The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast on social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. Michael's story, shared through the Podcast available for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and most major podcast platforms, offers a rare firsthand look at how early exposure to trauma can shape both a career and a life. “At 19, I thought I was ready,” Michael reflects. “I passed the tests, I met the requirements, but nothing truly prepares you for repeated exposure to trauma at that age.”  Supporting articles about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin . Trauma at the Start of a Career Early in his career, Michael encountered extreme stress and traumatic incidents that would leave lasting impressions. He recounts two particularly disturbing events that occurred while he was still a teenager in uniform, experiences that many officers don't face until years into the job. Is 19 Too Young To Be a Police Officer? A Florida, USA Perspective on Trauma Impact and PTSD. Special Episode. Available for free on their website and streaming on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and other podcast platforms. “You don't just see trauma,” he explains. “You absorb it. And when you're that young, it hits differently.” These experiences didn't just affect his work performance; they influenced his personal life, emotional regulation, and long-term career decisions. Like many officers of his generation, Michael says there was little discussion about mental health, PTSD, or the long-term Trauma Impact on young officers. “Back then, the mindset was to tough it out,” he says. “You handled it the best you could, often without the tools or language to understand what was happening inside.” The Science Behind Age and Trauma In the United States, the minimum age to become a police officer typically ranges from 18 to 21, depending on the state and department. Florida is unique in that it sets the minimum age for sworn law enforcement officers at 19 years old, while corrections officers may be hired at 18. However some agencies have higher minimum ages. Research suggests that while 18 and 19-year-olds possess adult-level reasoning abilities, the brain, particularly the prefrontal cortex responsible for impulse control, emotional regulation, and decision-making, continues to develop well into the early 20s. This ongoing development may make younger officers more vulnerable to the effects of repeated traumatic exposure. Is 19 Too Young To Be a Police Officer? A Florida, USA Perspective on Trauma Impact and PTSD. Special Episode. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast episode is available for free on their website , Apple Podcasts , Spotify and most major podcast platforms. Studies cited by the National Institutes of Health indicate that trauma exposure can double the risk of major depressive disorder and is a key criterion for developing PTSD. Adolescents and young adults may be especially susceptible, as trauma can intersect with critical stages of identity formation and emotional development. “You're still becoming who you are,” Michael notes. “When trauma gets layered onto that process, it can redirect your entire path.” Florida Standards and the Bigger Debate Under Florida Statute 943.13, individuals seeking certification as law enforcement officers must meet strict criteria, including U.S. citizenship, a high school diploma or GED, good moral character, and a clean criminal history. In cities like Miami, applicants must be at least 19 years old to apply. The interview can be found on The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, on Apple podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and across most podcast platforms where listeners will find authentic law enforcement stories. While these standards ensure legal and ethical readiness, they don't fully address developmental readiness or long-term mental health outcomes. Critics argue that agencies should more seriously consider age, maturity, and access to trauma-informed support systems when hiring young officers. According to broader research, trauma experienced during sensitive developmental periods may carry a higher risk for long-term psychological effects, including PTSD, substance abuse, and relationship difficulties, especially if left untreated. Is 19 Too Young To Be a Police Officer? A Florida, USA Perspective on Trauma Impact and PTSD. Special Episode. Turning Pain Into Purpose Today, Michael A. Laidler uses his experiences to help others. His career path ultimately shifted toward leadership development and training, driven by a desire to support officers before trauma defines them. “If sharing my story helps even one young officer recognize the signs of PTSD or seek help earlier, then it's worth it,” he says. The full podcast episode is streaming now on their website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and across Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. This Special Episode isn't just about age requirements or policy, it's about people, development, and the hidden costs of early exposure to trauma in law enforcement. As the conversation continues across News, Podcast, and social media platforms, Michael's story adds an essential human perspective to the ongoing debate. “Nineteen isn't too young to care,” Michael concludes. “But it might be too young to carry trauma alone.” Listeners can tune in on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show website, on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and most every major Podcast platform and follow updates on Facebook, Instagram, and other major News outlets. You can find the show on Facebook, Instagram, Pinterest, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, as well as read companion articles and updates on Medium, Blogspot, YouTube, and even IMDB. You can help contribute money to make the Gunrunner Movie . The film that Hollywood won't touch. It is about a now Retired Police Officer that was shot 6 times while investigating Gunrunning. He died 3 times during Medical treatment and was resuscitated. You can join the fight by giving a monetary “gift” to help ensure the making of his film at agunrunnerfilm.com . Background song Hurricane is used with permission from the band Dark Horse Flyer. You can contact John J. “Jay” Wiley by email at Jay@letradio.com , or learn more about him on their website . Stay connected with updates and future episodes by following the show on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, their website and other Social Media Platforms. Find a wide variety of great podcasts online at The Podcast Zone Facebook Page , look for the one with the bright green logo. Be sure to check out our website . Be sure to follow us on X , Instagram , Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Is 19 Too Young To Be a Police Officer? A Florida, USA Perspective on Trauma Impact and PTSD. Special Episode. Attributions FDLE Miami Government Wikipedia N.I.H. Michael Laidler Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

    The Epstein Chronicles
    Sixteen Epstein Files Removed as DOJ Faces Transparency Backlash (12/21/25)

    The Epstein Chronicles

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2025 13:33 Transcription Available


    The U.S. Department of Justice has come under fire after releasing thousands of pages of documents related to Jeffrey Epstein under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, only to include extensive redactions that critics say undermine the law's intent. Lawmakers and advocates argue the heavily blacked-out material—some pages entirely obscured and many more with large sections removed—fails to meet the statutory requirement for transparency. Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche defended the redactions, saying they were legally necessary to protect victims' identities and sensitive information, but opponents counter that the lack of clear explanations for the edits fuels suspicion and diminishes public trust in the process. The Hill noted that even innocuous or puzzling redactions (such as non-substantive content) have drawn ire and raised questions about whether the DOJ is fully complying with the law.The controversy intensified as some documents initially published on the Justice Department's website were removed without explanation just days after release, including files that appeared to contain a photograph featuring a former U.S. president alongside Epstein. Critics from both parties, including co-sponsors of the transparency legislation, accused the department of a “bare minimum” rollout that falls short of Congress's mandate, and threatened further oversight or legal action to enforce compliance. DOJ officials maintain they are continuing to review and release additional materials on a rolling basis, but the dispute highlights ongoing tensions over how much of Epstein's records should be public and how to balance survivor privacy with demands for accountability.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:16 Epstein files, including photo of Donald Trump, disappear from DOJ website: ReportBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

    The Epstein Chronicles
    Mega Edition: Bill Barr, The Epstein Subpoena And The Still Unanswered Questions (12/21/25)

    The Epstein Chronicles

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2025 32:04 Transcription Available


    In his 2025 congressional deposition, Bill Barr largely reiterated the position he has maintained since leaving office: that Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide and that there was no evidence of homicide or outside interference. Barr emphasized the findings of the medical examiner, the DOJ's internal reviews, and the conclusions reached by the FBI and Bureau of Prisons investigations, framing the failures at MCC as severe negligence rather than conspiracy. He acknowledged the catastrophic breakdowns in staffing, camera coverage, and supervision but resisted claims that those failures pointed to intentional misconduct. Throughout the deposition, Barr portrayed the persistence of alternative theories as driven more by public mistrust and the extraordinary nature of Epstein's crimes than by substantiated evidence uncovered during federal reviews.That explanation, however, did little to quiet long-standing skepticism surrounding Barr's narrative. Lawmakers pressed him on the speed and certainty with which he publicly declared Epstein's death a suicide, the reliance on internal investigations rather than independent inquiries, and the unresolved questions created by missing footage, altered records, and contradictory statements from jail officials. Critics noted that Epstein's unique status, political connections, and intelligence-adjacent history make the “ordinary negligence” explanation difficult for many to accept, especially given the stakes involved. The deposition ultimately underscored a central tension that has followed the case for years: Barr insists the matter is settled by evidence and procedure, while a significant portion of the public—and some members of Congress—remain unconvinced that the full truth about Epstein's death has ever been disclosed.to contact  me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

    The Moscow Murders and More
    Pam Bondi And Her Big Jeffrey Epstein Promises

    The Moscow Murders and More

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 21, 2025 13:49 Transcription Available


    ​Attorney General Pam Bondi's recent announcement of releasing additional files related to Jeffrey Epstein has been met with skepticism, particularly following the underwhelming "Phase 1" release. The initial batch, which Bondi had hyped as containing "sick" revelations, primarily consisted of previously available flight logs and heavily redacted documents, offering little new information. This anticlimactic disclosure led to disappointment among the public and conservative influencers, who had anticipated more substantial revelations. Critics argue that the fanfare surrounding the release was disproportionate to its actual content, raising questions about the transparency and intentions behind these actions.In response to the backlash, Bondi has assured the public that more comprehensive documents will be forthcoming, blaming the initial shortcomings on the FBI's alleged withholding of thousands of pages. She has demanded that these documents be delivered to her office promptly, emphasizing a commitment to full transparency. However, given the previous overpromising and underdelivering, many remain skeptical about the authenticity and potential impact of the upcoming releases.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsoruce:Attorney General Pam Bondi insists more Jeffrey Epstein files are being released – despite disastrous ‘phase 1' | The IndependentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

    Beyond The Horizon
    The State Of Florida And The Internal Investigation Into Jeffrey Epstein's Prosecution

    Beyond The Horizon

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2025 27:34 Transcription Available


    Florida officials conducted an internal review into the handling of Jeffrey Epstein's 2007–2008 non-prosecution agreement (NPA) after years of public outrage over how the deal was reached and why it so dramatically undercut federal sex-trafficking charges. The review focused primarily on the Palm Beach State Attorney's Office, which allowed Epstein to plead guilty to minor state charges despite overwhelming evidence of serial sexual abuse of minors. Prosecutors concluded that while the outcome was deeply troubling, they found no prosecutable misconduct by state attorneys involved at the time. The internal findings leaned heavily on procedural defenses, arguing that decisions fell within prosecutorial discretion, even as the deal allowed Epstein to serve minimal jail time with work release and avoid federal indictment altogether.Critics have long argued that the Florida review was structurally designed to absolve the system rather than interrogate it, narrowly framing the inquiry to avoid confronting how extraordinary the Epstein deal truly was. The investigation did not meaningfully examine coordination with federal prosecutors, political pressure, or the extent to which Epstein's wealth and legal firepower distorted the process from the outset. Nor did it grapple with the fact that victims were never notified of the deal, a violation later confirmed by a federal judge under the Crime Victims' Rights Act. In practice, the Florida internal investigation functioned less as a reckoning and more as institutional damage control—acknowledging public anger while insulating decision-makers and leaving the central question unanswered: how one of the most notorious sex-trafficking cases in modern U.S. history was quietly neutralized before it ever reached open court.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

    Thinking to Believe
    185: Answering God's Critics pt 14 - Problem of Evil pt 5 - Theodicy: Why Does God Permit Evil?

    Thinking to Believe

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2025 49:56


    I've demonstrated that evil doesn't make God's existence impossible or even unlikely, but one might wonder why, if God exists, He permits evil. What is the purpose? This is the question of theodicy. I cover five reasons God might permit evil:1.       To better our souls via moral growth (soul-making theodicy)2.       To bring glory to God3.       To make moral freedom and love possible4.       To make happiness possible5.       To reveal more of God to usWeb: ThinkingtoBelieve.comEmail: ThinkingToBelieve@gmail.comFacebook: facebook.com/thinkingtobelieveTwitter & Gettr: @thinking2believTruth: @ThinkingToBelieveParler: @thinkingtobelieve

    KMJ's Afternoon Drive
    Trump Announces Patriot Games Critics Says Its ‘Hunger Games'

    KMJ's Afternoon Drive

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2025 23:19


    President Donald Trump on Thursday announced plans for an “unprecedented” athletic competition called the Patriot Games to be held next fall as part of the Freedom 250 festivities celebrating the United States’ 250th birthday. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    The Moscow Murders and More
    The State Of Florida And The Internal Investigation Into Jeffrey Epstein's Prosecution

    The Moscow Murders and More

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2025 27:34 Transcription Available


    Florida officials conducted an internal review into the handling of Jeffrey Epstein's 2007–2008 non-prosecution agreement (NPA) after years of public outrage over how the deal was reached and why it so dramatically undercut federal sex-trafficking charges. The review focused primarily on the Palm Beach State Attorney's Office, which allowed Epstein to plead guilty to minor state charges despite overwhelming evidence of serial sexual abuse of minors. Prosecutors concluded that while the outcome was deeply troubling, they found no prosecutable misconduct by state attorneys involved at the time. The internal findings leaned heavily on procedural defenses, arguing that decisions fell within prosecutorial discretion, even as the deal allowed Epstein to serve minimal jail time with work release and avoid federal indictment altogether.Critics have long argued that the Florida review was structurally designed to absolve the system rather than interrogate it, narrowly framing the inquiry to avoid confronting how extraordinary the Epstein deal truly was. The investigation did not meaningfully examine coordination with federal prosecutors, political pressure, or the extent to which Epstein's wealth and legal firepower distorted the process from the outset. Nor did it grapple with the fact that victims were never notified of the deal, a violation later confirmed by a federal judge under the Crime Victims' Rights Act. In practice, the Florida internal investigation functioned less as a reckoning and more as institutional damage control—acknowledging public anger while insulating decision-makers and leaving the central question unanswered: how one of the most notorious sex-trafficking cases in modern U.S. history was quietly neutralized before it ever reached open court.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

    Philip Teresi Podcasts
    Trump Announces Patriot Games Critics Says Its ‘Hunger Games'

    Philip Teresi Podcasts

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2025 23:19


    President Donald Trump on Thursday announced plans for an “unprecedented” athletic competition called the Patriot Games to be held next fall as part of the Freedom 250 festivities celebrating the United States’ 250th birthday. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    SBS News Updates
    Critics warn banning protests will not curb antisemitism | Midday News Bulletin 20 December 2025

    SBS News Updates

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 20, 2025 5:04


    Critics warn banning protests will not curb antisemitism; The US strikes IS targets in Syria; And in football, Manchester United coach Ruben Amorim says he's unaffected by the protests of a star player's brother.

    X22 Report
    Trump Counters The Seditious 6, The Entire [DS] Corrupt System Is Being Brought Down – Ep. 3799

    X22 Report

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 92:08


    Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger PictureAll [CB] are now dropping rates because the US is dropping rates, we saw this during Trump first term. Initial jobless claims show the labor market is not weakening. Trump gives a speech on the state of the economy and the next inflation is almost inline with what the Fed wants. Trump has destroyed the Fed narrative, next phase coming. Trump is now in the process of setting everything up preparing for the midterms and stopping the [DS] form doing us harm. The seditious 6 sent the message, Trump just countered it with a 1776 bonus to the military. The patriots are in the process of bringing down the entire corrupt system. It’s being exposed and dismantled. Panic in DC. Economy https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2001625195526971703?s=20 (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); https://twitter.com/profstonge/status/2001646305320546453?s=20 Initial Jobless Claims Show No Signs Of Labor Market Distress  After the Thanksgiving Week debacle, the number of Americans filing for jobless benefits for the first time remains back in the same – very low – range it has been in for the last four years at 224k…  So despite the uptick in the BLS-derived unemployment rate, jobless claims data show no signs of acute distress anywhere. Source: zerohedge.com https://twitter.com/RealEJAntoni/status/2001662433983696966?s=20 https://twitter.com/Geiger_Capital/status/2001647313157263628?s=20 https://twitter.com/RealEJAntoni/status/2001656024097272170?s=20 No, Inflation Did Not “Cool Unexpectedly”, It Slowed Because Trump Policies are Working    While the media proclaim, “inflation cooled unexpectedly,” the reality is that it's not unexpected.  The results of a slowing of price increase are not accidental; they are the result of Trump's domestic economic policies working. [Non-Paywall Source and Media Spin] President Trump has been cutting waste, fraud and abuse in runaway government spending; slashing costly regulations across all sectors of the economy and ending Green New Scam energy policy in favor of drill, baby, drill.  As noted by NEC Chairman Kevin Hasset, Trump has reduced deficit spending overall. There's still a long way to go, but significant MAGAnomic progress is being made.  Oh, and that skyrocketing “tariff inflation” the same shocked pundits proclaimed was sure to happen this time, well, that has not surfaced either.  Just like it didn't surface in 2018 or 2019 when the tariffs were applied the first time. NEW YORK –  Source: theconservativetreehouse.com Trump is winning against the CB system. https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2001649080762872069?s=20 https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/2001477403961626755?s=20  he took office–tariffs to create fair trade, reduced income tax, gutting the Green Energy Scam, promoting investment in American manufacturing, reducing the federal bureaucracy and eliminating crippling regulations, deporting illegal aliens and eliminating the “free stuff” we taxpayers give them, getting the Fed onboard, etc. But that plan needed time. Time enough to make the economy shine come the mid-terms. Now we will start to see the fruits of that plan, and Trump’s speech tonight is to announce that. Is he right? One thing I’ve learned is to never bet against Trump. Maybe he is wrong. Maybe I’m wrong. But I still have trust. Political/Rights Nolte: Failing Oscars Demoted to YouTube Starting in 2029, the irrelevant Oscars will have its annual irrelevant Academy Awards show broadcast on — lol — YouTube. To dwindling ratings and cultural relevance, the Oscars have been broadcast on ABC since 1976. The final broadcast will occur in 2028, which also happens to be the 100th anniversary of the award ceremony. So now the Oscars will stream on YouTube, where anyone who wants to can watch them for free online, at least through the end of the deal in 2033. Source: breitbart.com https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/2001675341828342074?s=20  Another didn't even know what building they were at. Meanwhile, no one had info on the shooter, and no one was rushing in. The suspect eventually slipped away. 10 were shot. 2 died. Brown University and the police failed, and now families are furious. And rightfully so! It wasn't just chaos. It was incompetence with a badge, and the price was paid in blood. Source: @Rightanglenews https://twitter.com/C_3C_3/status/2001369540119392433?s=20 https://twitter.com/DataRepublican/status/2001714347605922149?s=20  student. Chatman resigned from Utah after attempting to reform the university's police department and later took his position at Brown. His efforts coincided with student-led campaigns, including those supported by Fanaeian, to reduce campus policing in the wake of Lauren McCluskey's murder. At Brown University, Chatman recently faced an unanimous vote of no confidence back in October for the charge of having “directly contributed to an all-time low in morale and has strained the department's ability to effectively serve the Brown University community.” At the University of Utah, the student campaign to scale back policing was led by Emirya Fanaeian, the same leader of SLC Armed Queers. Fanaeian deleted the group’s social media in the wake of Charlie Kirk’s assassination. She led a student research effort into campus policing while Chatman was employed there. Credit: @SKDoubleDub33 + @iamlisalogan … Developing. https://twitter.com/DataRepublican/status/2001340901537517902?s=20  appeared to contradict what was visible in the videos. We learned witnesses had actively coordinated to prevent one of their own from being charged. This is the same group that deleted its social media posts on the day of Charlie Kirk's assassination and is alleged to have had advance knowledge along with multiple trans groups. Then the police officer yesterday refused to comment on what the shooter shouted although multiple media reports had already said it wash “Allah Akbar.” Between that plus the mainstream celebrations of Kirk’s death and Jay Jones’s election, we cannot just yet write off the possibility that this country has fallen so far off the end that students and professors automatically are covering for the shooter even though they saw someone get shot point blank in the face. https://twitter.com/CollinRugg/status/2001748138324038022?s=20  home is about 50 miles from Providence, Rhode Island, where the Brown shooting took place. “Senior law enforcement officials tell Target 12 that federal, state and local authorities are now examining possible ties between the two crimes,” WPRI reported. “Multiple people familiar with the investigation said they have discovered evidence showing the two may be linked.” Loureiro was shot and killed in his home. The suspect remains at large. Loureiro was named head of the Plasma Science and Fusion Center at MIT last year. Speculation in media and online discussions has included possible ballistic matches (e.g., 9mm casings recovered at Brown) or similar vehicles spotted at both scenes (e.g., unverified mentions of Nissan Sentras), but these remain unsubstantiated and are not confirmed as the linking evidence.  Some online commentary has also suggested motives tied to international actors, like Iran, based on celebratory posts in certain Telegram channels, but this is purely speculative and unconfirmed. https://twitter.com/EWess92/status/2001718099972886750?s=20 DOGE Geopolitical https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2001502910677397573?s=20 ‘German' Globalist Authoritarianism: Berlin Migrant Housing Costs Skyrocket to Nearly €1 Billion, Tripling Since 2020    Newly released government figures have revealed the capital spent nearly €900 million ($9.8 million) in 2024 alone to house migrants, many of which do not have any kind of status in the country, almost triple the cost from just four years earlier, Die Welt reports. Internal Senate data confirms that accommodation expenses for foreign nationals reached €883 million last year, compared with €312 million in 2020, an increase of 183%. The numbers expose the real cost of mass migration policies pushed by Berlin's left-liberal globalist political class.  Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2001674979348484469?s=20 https://twitter.com/RadioGenoa/status/2001634609424220333?s=20 https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/2001462937920184556?s=20 War/Peace FBI Agents Thought Clinton’s Uranium One Deal Might Be Criminal – But McCabe, Yates Stonewalled Investigation: Report Remember Uranium One? The massive 2010 sale of US uranium deposits to Russia approved by Hillary Clinton and rubber-stamped by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) – after figures linked to the deal donated to the Clinton Foundation? Turns out rank-and-file FBI investigators thought there was enough smoke to launch a criminal investigation, but internal delays and disagreements within the DOJ and FBI ultimately caused the inquiry to lapse, newly released records reveal.   The Uranium One transaction – involving the sale of a Canadian mining company with substantial U.S. uranium assets to Russia's state-owned nuclear firm Rosatom – became a flashpoint during Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. Critics argued that then-Secretary of State Clinton, a member of CFIUS, helped approve the deal while donors connected to Uranium One made large contributions to the Clinton Foundation.  The newly released documents suggest that the circumstances surrounding Uranium One were never fully investigated, leaving unresolved questions about how a strategic U.S. asset came under Russian control – and whether potential criminal conduct went unexamined due to internal delays and legal disputes. Source: zerohedge.com https://twitter.com/JoeLang51440671/status/2001445235759436036?s=20 https://twitter.com/HansMahncke/status/2001673497563607325?s=20 https://twitter.com/Dmytruk__Artem/status/2001657781443596657?s=20  Everything in our life is ‘for now.' The position may change in the future. Politicians change, some live, some die.” This statement cannot be interpreted in any other way. It refers specifically to Donald Trump and his team, who have consistently and reasonably opposed Ukraine's accession to NATO and the continuation of the war. Zelensky is effectively speaking about the physical elimination of political opponents. I have said this many times before. Zelensky has done and will continue to do everything to destroy Trump and everything associated with him — politically, informationally, and beyond. I have also stated that Zelensky is connected to assassination attempts on Trump and is also involved in the killing of Charlie Kirk. Today, the militant faction of the West reacts painfully to the truth, because this truth destroys their convenient narrative and shows that they are accomplices of a terrorist regime that is prepared to wait for people to die in order to retain power and prolong the war. Medical/False Flags https://twitter.com/robbystarbuck/status/2001468009248960833?s=20 https://twitter.com/HHSResponse/status/2001691600083091515?s=20 HHS, RFK Jr moves to STOP funds for hospitals that perform child sex changes [DS] Agenda https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2001676158140563662?s=20  case in US history is still billing Minnesota taxpayers. Feeding Our Future defendant Gandi Yusuf Mohamed, who changed his name before indictment, operates assisted living homes paid through Medicaid. Rep Kristin Robbins says the state paid him $49M over five years, including $132,000 this year alone. Despite red flags, Gov Tim Walz's administration approved licenses and kept payments flowing https://twitter.com/WallStreetApes/status/2001623482342224289?s=20   at 2 locations “Less than 150 square feet in size, smaller than some bathrooms — stores had one register, no carriages, no hand baskets” “One legitimate supermarket in the same area as these stores redeems approximately $80,000 in and SNAP benefits per month. Over the last 20 months, the Juswala variety store was redeeming between 3-6x that amount monthly” The 2 fake convenient store owners caught were both from Haiti https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2001342827804909728?s=20 President Trump's Plan https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/2001437584468082999?s=20  cases like the pipe bomb investigation. And that's only a small part of the work he went about every single day delivering for America. He not only completed his mission – he far exceeded it. We will miss him but I'm thankful he accepted the call to serve. Our country is better and safer for it. https://twitter.com/TonySeruga/status/2001666110945661112?s=20 these 4 walls all day separated from my wife in DC.” https://twitter.com/ThePatriotOasis/status/2001662279184466380?s=20  to receive this check right before Christmas—We love you and your families, and we wish you a very Merry Christmas.” https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2001484437091959133?s=20  in US cities nationwide and Trump has been threatening to invoke the Insurrection Act for months. Trump said this warrior dividend will be delivered before Christmas, and the $1,776 is meant to honor the founding of our nation. Christmas and 1776? Kind of reminds me of one very special painting. https://twitter.com/StephenM/status/2001421552496087246?s=20   No more. America's might will secure America's rights. America's military will defend America's destiny. For Americans, first and always. https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2001013033447952648?s=20 President Trump wasn’t playing “5D Chess” yesterday. There was no “OP” to leak information to retards like Tucker Carlson about war. None of that happened. The Whitehouse has been telling people for 2 days the speech was about the economy. Get a grip. https://twitter.com/MJTruthUltra/status/2001412804864094502?s=20  History. As President, he passed the highly ineffective ‘Unaffordable’ Care Act, resulting in his party losing control of both Houses of Congress, and the Election of the largest House Republican majority since 1946. He presided over a stagnant Economy, approved the one-sided Iran Nuclear Deal, and signed the one-sided Paris Climate Accords, both of which were later terminated by President Donald J. Trump.” “Under Obama, the ISIS Caliphate spread across the Middle East, Libya collapsed into chaos, and Russia invaded and took Crimea. In Ukraine. He crippled small businesses with crushing regulation and environmental red tape, devastated American coal miners, and weaponized the IRS and Federal bureaucracies against his political opponents. Obama also spied over the 2016 Presidential Campaign of Donald J. Trump, and presided over the creation of the Russia, Russia, Russia Hoax, the worst political scandal in American History. His handpicked successor, Hillary Rodham Clinton, would then lose the Presidency to Donald J. Trump.”  JOE BIDEN “Sleepy Joe Biden was, by far, the worst President in American History. Taking office as a result of the most corrupt Election ever seen in the United States, Biden oversaw a series of unprecedented disasters that brought our Nation to the brink of destruction. His policies caused the highest Inflation ever recorded, leading the U.S. Dollar to lose more than 20% of its value in 4 years. His Green New Scam surrendered American Energy Dominance and, by abolishing the Southern Border, Biden let 21 million people from all over the World pour into the United States, including from prisons, jails, mental institutions, and insane asylums. His Afghan Disaster was among the most humiliating events in American History, and resulted in the murder of 13 brave American Servicemembers, with many others gravely wounded. Seeing Biden’s devastation, the heinous Russia invaded Ukraine, and Hamas terrorists launched the October 7th attack on Israel.” https://twitter.com/DanScavino/status/2001516571106083001?s=20 (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");

    The Clark Howard Podcast
    12.19.25 Clark Answers His Critics on Clark Stinks / For Christmas Procrastinators

    The Clark Howard Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 36:12


    Friday - Clark Stinks day! Christa shares Clark Stinks posts with Clark. Submit yours at Clark.com/ClarkStinks.  Also in today's episode:  What if you still haven't completed your holiday shopping? Will you have to pay more this close to Christmas? Yes AND No.  Clark Stinks: Segments 1 & 2 11th Hour Retail Strategy: Segment 3 Ask Clark: Segment 4 Mentioned on the show: Clark's Christmas Kids 2025 Why Every Family Needs a Code Word The Best Phone Plan For You - Compare Phone Plans Costco vs. Sam's Club vs. BJ's Wholesale: Which Is Best? Warehouse Clubs Archives - Clark Howard Best Free Password Managers: 10 Top Picks Credit Card Car Rental Insurance: What You Need To Know What Can I Safely Use for Peer-to-Peer Payments? 15 Financial New Year's Resolutions for 2026 Clark.com resources: Episode transcripts Community.Clark.com  /  Ask Clark Clark.com daily money newsletter Consumer Action Center Free Helpline: 636-492-5275 Learn more about your ad choices: megaphone.fm/adchoices Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    KQED’s Forum
    Trump Expanding Third-Country Removals of Asylum Seekers in California

    KQED’s Forum

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 54:41


    The current Trump administration has deported roughly 8,000 people to places most have never even visited, in a process known as third-country removal. Critics say this violates U.S. law, depriving people seeking asylum of their due process rights. We hear from a Russian whistleblower and asylum seeker who was en route to California when he was deported… to Costa Rica. Plus, we'll hear from lawyers who are seeing the Trump administration expand third-country removals for asylum seekers within California. Guests: José "Caya" Cayasso, co-founder of the tech startup Slidebean; YouTuber and journalist who first reported German's story German, Russian whistleblower who was deported to Costa Rica after attempting to seek asylum in the United States Dr. Yael Schacher, immigration law historian and director for the Americas and Europe, Refugees International Nicole Gorney, immigration attorney, Vidas Legal Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Next Best Picture Podcast
    Interview With "Cover-Up" Directors Laura Poitras & Mark Obenhaus

    Next Best Picture Podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 24:51


    "Cover-Up" is an American documentary film produced and directed by Laura Poitras and Mark Obenhaus. It explores the investigative journalism career of Seymour Hersh, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who covered the U.S. Army torture scandals during the Vietnam War and the Iraq War. The film had its world premiere out of competition at the 82nd Venice International Film Festival and later screened at the Telluride, Toronto, and New York Film Festivals, where it continued to receive praise, resulting in nominations for Best Documentary Feature at the Critics' Choice, PGA, and Cinema Eye Honors. Poitras and Obenhaus were both kind enough to spend some time talking with us about their work and experience making the film, which you can listen to below. Please be sure to check out the film, which will be released in select theaters on December 19th before arriving on Netflix on December 26th. Thank you, and enjoy! Check out more on NextBestPicture.com Please subscribe on... Apple Podcasts - https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/negs-best-film-podcast/id1087678387?mt=2 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/7IMIzpYehTqeUa1d9EC4jT YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWA7KiotcWmHiYYy6wJqwOw And be sure to help support us on Patreon for as little as $1 a month at https://www.patreon.com/NextBestPicture and listen to this podcast ad-free Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    LARB Radio Hour
    Tales from Two Critics: A.S. Hamrah and Melissa Anderson on the Year in Film

    LARB Radio Hour

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 75:35


    Kate Wolf is joined by two of today's finest film critics to discuss the current state of Hollywood—including the sale of Warner Brothers Discovery—the art of writing about movies, and some of the year's best films. Up first is critic A.S. Hamrah, author of two new books: Last Week In End Times Cinema, which compiles the relentless follies of the film industry from March of 2024 to 2025 in an annals of ever-winnowing corporate conglomeration and AI speculation, and Algorithm of the Night: Film Writing 2019-2025. Next, Melissa Anderson discusses her latest book, The Hunger: Film Writing 2012-2024. A self-proclaimed "acteurist" whose attention often centers on a film's star rather than its plot, Anderson's criticism engages with movies on an affective level, charting her own pleasure, desire, and occasional disgust. Here she talks about grounding her writing in queer and feminist politics and how her ardent cinephilia is born of a sense of open-minded curiosity, hopefulness, and the willingness to be transported.

    One of Us
    Digital Noise Episode 367: Hideous Mutant Freak Critics

    One of Us

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 152:27


    DIGITAL NOISE EPISODE 367: HIDEOUS MUTANT FREAK CRITICS A long time ago Wright and Chris were walking down a long and lonesome road when all of the sudden shined some shiny…physical media. And our audience said, “Give the best reviews in the world or we'll eat your souls”. And Chris and Wright looked at each […]

    Land Of The Creeps
    Land Of The Creeps Episode 458 : DD 77 Door Into Darkness & Stranger Things Season 4

    Land Of The Creeps

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025


     DownloadWelcome to LOTC Presents episode 458 DD 77. This week the show starts with Ian Irza and GregaMortis reviewing Dario Argento's Door Into Darkness on Black Glove Mysteries. Door Into Darkness was a made for Italian TV series. We hope you will enjoy the discussion of this series. Lastly, the Twisted Temptress and GregaMortis are joined by Tammy Maguire to breakdown in full SPOILER fashion, season 4 of Stranger Things. This was lots of fun going episode to episode. We want to wish everyone a Happy Holidays as Christmas is right around the corner. Thank You to all of you for your continued support and love. Grab those favorite snacks and beverages as you journey with us through the Land Of The Creeps.HELP KEEP HORROR ALIVE!!LINKS FOR DOUBLE DOUBLEGregaMortisFacebookTwitterLand Of The Creeps Group PageLand Of The Creeps Fan PageJay Of  The Dead's New Horror Movie PodcastYoutubeInstagramEmailLetterboxdTwisted Temptress LinkLetterboxdIAN IRZA LINKSBLOG SITEFACEBOOKTWITTERINSTAGRAMLETTERBOXDLOTC Hotline Number1-804-569-56821-804-569-LOTCLOTC Intro is provided by Andy Ussery, Below are links to his social mediaEmail:FacebookTwitterLespecial FacebookLespecial Website

    Beyond The Horizon
    Pam Bondi And Her Big Jeffrey Epstein Promises

    Beyond The Horizon

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 13:49 Transcription Available


    ​Attorney General Pam Bondi's recent announcement of releasing additional files related to Jeffrey Epstein has been met with skepticism, particularly following the underwhelming "Phase 1" release. The initial batch, which Bondi had hyped as containing "sick" revelations, primarily consisted of previously available flight logs and heavily redacted documents, offering little new information. This anticlimactic disclosure led to disappointment among the public and conservative influencers, who had anticipated more substantial revelations. Critics argue that the fanfare surrounding the release was disproportionate to its actual content, raising questions about the transparency and intentions behind these actions.In response to the backlash, Bondi has assured the public that more comprehensive documents will be forthcoming, blaming the initial shortcomings on the FBI's alleged withholding of thousands of pages. She has demanded that these documents be delivered to her office promptly, emphasizing a commitment to full transparency. However, given the previous overpromising and underdelivering, many remain skeptical about the authenticity and potential impact of the upcoming releases.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsoruce:Attorney General Pam Bondi insists more Jeffrey Epstein files are being released – despite disastrous ‘phase 1' | The Independent

    The Epstein Chronicles
    The State Of Florida And The Internal Investigation Into Jeffrey Epstein's Prosecution

    The Epstein Chronicles

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 27:34 Transcription Available


    Florida officials conducted an internal review into the handling of Jeffrey Epstein's 2007–2008 non-prosecution agreement (NPA) after years of public outrage over how the deal was reached and why it so dramatically undercut federal sex-trafficking charges. The review focused primarily on the Palm Beach State Attorney's Office, which allowed Epstein to plead guilty to minor state charges despite overwhelming evidence of serial sexual abuse of minors. Prosecutors concluded that while the outcome was deeply troubling, they found no prosecutable misconduct by state attorneys involved at the time. The internal findings leaned heavily on procedural defenses, arguing that decisions fell within prosecutorial discretion, even as the deal allowed Epstein to serve minimal jail time with work release and avoid federal indictment altogether.Critics have long argued that the Florida review was structurally designed to absolve the system rather than interrogate it, narrowly framing the inquiry to avoid confronting how extraordinary the Epstein deal truly was. The investigation did not meaningfully examine coordination with federal prosecutors, political pressure, or the extent to which Epstein's wealth and legal firepower distorted the process from the outset. Nor did it grapple with the fact that victims were never notified of the deal, a violation later confirmed by a federal judge under the Crime Victims' Rights Act. In practice, the Florida internal investigation functioned less as a reckoning and more as institutional damage control—acknowledging public anger while insulating decision-makers and leaving the central question unanswered: how one of the most notorious sex-trafficking cases in modern U.S. history was quietly neutralized before it ever reached open court.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

    Digital Noise
    Digital Noise Episode 367: Hideous Mutant Freak Critics

    Digital Noise

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 152:27


    DIGITAL NOISE EPISODE 367: HIDEOUS MUTANT FREAK CRITICS A long time ago Wright and Chris were walking down a long and lonesome road when all of the sudden shined some shiny…physical media. And our audience said, “Give the best reviews in the world or we'll eat your souls”. And Chris and Wright looked at each […]

    LA Review of Books
    Tales from Two Critics: A.S. Hamrah and Melissa Anderson on the Year in Film

    LA Review of Books

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 75:34


    Kate Wolf is joined by two of today's finest film critics to discuss the current state of Hollywood—including the sale of Warner Brothers Discovery—the art of writing about movies, and some of the year's best films. Up first is critic A.S. Hamrah, author of two new books: "Last Week In End Times Cinema," which compiles the relentless follies of the film industry from March of 2024 to 2025 in an annals of ever-winnowing corporate conglomeration and AI speculation, and "Algorithm of the Night: Film Writing 2019-2025." Next, Melissa Anderson discusses her latest book, "The Hunger: Film Writing 2012-2024." A self-proclaimed "acteurist" whose attention often centers on a film's star rather than its plot, Anderson's criticism engages with movies on an affective level, charting her own pleasure, desire, and occasional disgust. Here she talks about grounding her writing in queer and feminist politics and how her ardent cinephilia is born of a sense of open-minded curiosity, hopefulness, and the willingness to be transported.

    Minimum Competence
    Legal News for Fri 12/19 - Trump Takes Aim at Green Card Lottery, ICE Blocking Judge Convicted, Epstein File Drama and No Tax on Car Loans is Bogus

    Minimum Competence

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 10:47


    This Day in Legal History: Entrapment as DefenseOn December 19, 1932, the U.S. Supreme Court decided Sorrells v. United States, a case that reshaped how American courts evaluate government conduct in criminal investigations. The case involved a Prohibition-era prosecution in which a federal agent repeatedly pressured the defendant to obtain illegal liquor. The Court held that criminal convictions should not stand when the government induces a crime that the defendant was not otherwise predisposed to commit. This decision formally recognized entrapment as a valid defense under federal law.Rather than focusing only on the defendant's actions, the Court emphasized the importance of limiting improper law enforcement tactics. The majority opinion reasoned that Congress could not have intended criminal statutes to be enforced through deception that manufactures crime. As a result, courts were instructed to examine whether the criminal intent originated with the government or the accused. The ruling reflected growing concern about aggressive policing methods during Prohibition. Over time, Sorrells became a foundational case cited whenever defendants challenge undercover operations. The decision also highlighted the judiciary's role in supervising executive conduct in criminal prosecutions.The Trump administration has suspended the Diversity Immigrant Visa Program—commonly known as the green card lottery—following two high-profile campus attacks. Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem announced the move, stating that the suspect in the fatal shootings of a Brown University student and an MIT professor had entered the U.S. through the program. The shooter, Claudio Manuel Neves Valente, a 48-year-old Portuguese national and former Brown student, was found dead in an apparent suicide. Noem said the pause is necessary to prevent further harm from what she called a “disastrous program.”The lottery program, which grants up to 50,000 green cards annually, has long been a target of Trump's immigration agenda, which links violent incidents to immigration policy failures. This suspension follows earlier actions by the administration, including visa restrictions after a separate shooting by an Afghan national and a proposal to impose a $100,000 application fee for H-1B work visas, which are heavily used in the tech industry.Trump's broader immigration crackdown also includes enhanced social media vetting for tourists, expanded ICE operations in major cities, and the development of large-scale immigration detention centers known as “mega centers.” These moves align with Trump's campaign promises to tighten border controls and execute large-scale deportations.Trump Suspends US Green Card Lottery After Brown, MIT AttacksTrump administration officials are scrambling to meet a Friday deadline to release a large cache of documents related to the Justice Department's investigations into Jeffrey Epstein. The release was mandated by a recently passed law, supported by both parties in Congress, following months of political pressure and public frustration over the administration's resistance to transparency. Though President Trump initially opposed the legislation, he reversed course shortly before the vote amid growing dissent from his own supporters.The new law permits the Justice Department to withhold certain details, including victims' identities and information tied to ongoing investigations. Attorneys in the department's National Security Division have been racing to redact sensitive data, raising internal concerns about the risk of mistakes, especially regarding private information. The tight timeline has disrupted other DOJ casework since Thanksgiving.Trump's handling of the Epstein matter has dented his support among Republicans, with only 44% approving of his actions, according to a recent Reuters/Ipsos poll. This contrasts sharply with his broader 82% approval within the party. Critics argue that Trump's past friendship with Epstein and his failure to follow through on a 2024 campaign promise to declassify the records have fueled suspicions of a cover-up. While Trump has denied knowledge of Epstein's crimes and has not been accused of wrongdoing, past email disclosures have added to the controversy.As more emails emerge—some implying Trump's involvement, others suggesting no direct misconduct—the administration has tried to redirect attention toward figures like Bill Clinton and JPMorgan. But with midterms approaching, the Epstein file release may remain a political liability.Trump administration officials race to meet Friday deadline for Epstein files | ReutersWisconsin Judge Hannah Dugan was found guilty of obstructing a federal proceeding for aiding a migrant in avoiding an immigration arrest at the courthouse, marking a significant legal win for the Trump administration's intensified immigration enforcement efforts. The jury acquitted Dugan on a lesser charge of concealing a person from arrest but convicted her on the more serious obstruction count. The case is part of a broader Justice Department campaign targeting local officials accused of interfering with Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) operations.Prosecutors alleged that in 2023, Dugan helped Mexican national Eduardo Flores-Ruiz, who faced domestic violence charges, avoid a planned ICE arrest by rerouting him and his lawyer through a restricted exit after confronting ICE agents stationed near her courtroom. Dugan, a former head of Catholic Charities and longtime legal aid attorney, argued she was following internal court policies meant to manage ICE activity in courthouses, especially after prior arrests caused confusion and concern.Flores-Ruiz was ultimately arrested outside the courthouse after a brief chase. The Justice Department framed the case as a message that even judges are not above the law when it comes to obstructing federal immigration enforcement. Critics, however, view courthouse arrests as damaging to the legal system's integrity, potentially deterring vulnerable individuals from seeking legal protection.Judge found guilty of obstructing arrest in Trump immigration crackdown | ReutersIn a piece I wrote for Forbes earlier this week, I take down yet another One Big Beautiful Bill Act tax “reform” that, upon closer examination, isn't as great a deal as it may first seem.Starting in 2025, a new federal tax deduction allows taxpayers to deduct up to $10,000 in interest on qualifying new car loans—but only under strict conditions. The car must be newly purchased (not leased or used), assembled in the U.S., and not used for business purposes. The deduction phases out for individuals earning over $100,000 and joint filers over $200,000, narrowing its reach to a slim demographic of middle- to upper-middle-income earners. While promoted as consumer relief amid high car prices and interest rates, critics argue it's a veiled subsidy for automakers, not a meaningful economic benefit for struggling Americans.The policy resembles the mortgage interest deduction, which has long been criticized for inflating home prices and disproportionately benefiting wealthier borrowers. Similarly, this car loan deduction doesn't lower car costs—it subsidizes borrowing, pushing consumers toward pricier new vehicles and encouraging debt accumulation. The IRS will also gain new data from lenders, who must now report annual interest paid, further expanding government oversight.Despite the flashy $10,000 cap, few borrowers will come close to that threshold. A typical new car loan might yield only a $600 annual tax benefit—negligible compared to high monthly payments and rapid depreciation. Rather than meaningful relief, the policy appears to be more of a political gesture, using tax code tweaks to create the illusion of support while primarily serving industry interests.‘No Tax On Car Loan Interest'—Tax Reform Or Facade?This week's closing theme is by Louis-Nicolas Clérambault.This week's closing theme comes from Clérambault, a French Baroque composer born on December 19, 1676, whose music captures the elegance and structure of early 18th-century Paris. Clérambault is best known today for his sacred cantatas and his refined works for keyboard and chamber ensemble. He spent much of his career as an organist, serving at prominent Paris churches and developing a style that balanced expressive melody with formal clarity. His music reflects the French taste for ornamentation while remaining grounded and disciplined.The piece featured here is Suite du premier ton: V. Basse et Dessus de Trompette, presented in a complete performance. This movement highlights the contrast between a strong bass line and a bright, trumpet-like upper voice, a hallmark of French Baroque color and texture. Rather than showcasing virtuosity for its own sake, the music emphasizes balance and conversation between parts. The result is confident and ceremonial, yet never overstated.As a closing theme, this work offers a sense of order and resolution, bringing the week to a measured and dignified close. Clérambault's writing reminds us that Baroque music was as much about structure and purpose as it was about beauty. His music endures because it is clear, expressive, and carefully crafted. Ending the week with this piece is a quiet nod to tradition, discipline, and lasting musical craft.Without further ado, Louis-Nicolas Clérambault's Suite du premier ton: V. Basse et Dessus de Trompette–enjoy! 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

    Broeske and Musson
    BRIBE? Democrats Criticize Trump's Warrior Dividend

    Broeske and Musson

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 10:06


    Democrats blasted President Trump’s $1,776 “warrior dividend” checks to service members, calling them a political stunt and “holiday bribe.” Critics argue the payments repurpose housing funds already approved by Congress, not new benefits. They warn the move undermines military support while masking inflation and affordability concerns. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Broeske & Musson' on all platforms: --- The ‘Broeske & Musson Podcast’ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever else you listen to podcasts. --- ‘Broeske & Musson' Weekdays 9-11 AM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Facebook | Podcast| X | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

    AURN News
    DOJ Expands Legal Fight Over Voter Registration Data

    AURN News

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 1:17


    The U.S. Department of Justice has filed new lawsuits against several states over access to voter registration data, citing federal law and election integrity. Critics warn the move could threaten voter privacy and lead to a national voter database. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    The Gramophone podcast
    Critics Choice 2025

    The Gramophone podcast

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 24:53


    As another year of preparing and publishing many hundreds of reviews draws to a close, the three team members most involved - Reviews Editor Gavin Dixon, Deputy Editor Tim Parry, and Editor and Publisher Martin Cullingford - take time out to discuss what lies behind the process, and how we decide which albums are named Gramophone Editor's Choices. And, after that, they celebrate their own personal pick of the year, explaining which recording they chose for our annual Critics' Choice feature, and why it so impressed and inspired them.

    Oliver Callan
    Foil Arms and Hog go sea swimming - Visiting Critics

    Oliver Callan

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 19, 2025 17:33


    Foil Arms and Hog are this week's Visiting Critics and they join Oliver after going sea swimming.

    Amanpour
    Using Frozen Russian Assets to Support Ukraine 

    Amanpour

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 56:16


    World leaders are meeting in Brussels to discuss an unprecedented plan to use frozen Russian assets to finance more support for Ukraine. Critics argue that it's legally questionable and risks serious retaliation from Moscow. Correspondent Clare Sebastian joins the show from Brussels.   Also on today's show: author Marietje Schaake, "The Tech Coup"; playwright Bess Wohl and actor Kristolyn Lloyd, "Liberation"; Zoe Weissman, a survivor of both the Brown University and Parkland school shootings    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

    S1E1
    S1E1: All in the Family

    S1E1

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 114:42


    All in the Family is a sitcom created by Norman Lear that aired on CBS from 1971 to 1979. The show centers on Archie Bunker (Carroll O'Connor), a loud, stubborn, working-class man whose beliefs are constantly challenged by his son-in-law and daughter. What set the show apart was its ability to use comedy to put taboo subjects like racism, sexism, politics, and religion front and center. Initially divisive, All in the Family quickly became both a massive ratings hit and a cultural lightning rod. Critics recognized it as bold, as it trusted audiences to laugh while being uncomfortable. The series spent five consecutive seasons as the number-one show on television. Decades later, it remains one of the most influential comedies ever made. Listen as the S1E1 boys deep dive the show's pilot episode, "Meet The Bunkers". Starring: Carroll O'Connor, Jean Stapleton, Sally Struthers, Rob Reiner, & Mike Evans www.S1E1POD.com Instagram & X (Twitter): @S1E1POD

    Critics at Large | The New Yorker
    The Year of the Broken Mirror

    Critics at Large | The New Yorker

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 50:13


    Many of this year's most talked-about releases were, in some sense, diagnostic: from Ryan Coogler's “Sinners” to Paul Thomas Anderson's “One Battle After Another,” films offered up assessments of the nation's ills. On this episode of Critics at Large, Vinson Cunningham, Naomi Fry, and Alexandra Schwartz discuss these and other reflections of American life, which arrive at a time when reality itself feels more nebulous than ever. Then, the hosts consider the “broken mirror” of A.I., and how the second Trump Administration's effort to erase unflattering chapters of U.S. history has further muddied the distinction between fact and fiction. Despite these dark developments, the art that's emerged from this moment, much of it focussed on activists and renegades seeking change, also functions as a warning against stasis. Cunningham says, of the cultural shift: “This fixation on democracy on the ground—whether it's violent or not, whether it's misguided or not—I hope describes a yearning for more action. A move away from the mirror, and out into the streets.” Read, watch, and listen with the critics:“Sinners” (2025)“Fruitvale Station” (2013)“ ‘Sinners' Is a Virtuosic Fusion of Historical Realism and Horror,” by Richard Brody (The New Yorker)“Eddington” (2025)“ ‘Eddington' and the American Berserk” (The New Yorker)“Gimme Shelter” (1970)“One Battle After Another” (2025)“One Paul Thomas Anderson Film After Another” (The New Yorker)“Bugonia” (2025)“Art in the Age of Artificial Intelligence” (The New Yorker)“Our Fads, Ourselves” (The New Yorker)New episodes drop every Thursday. Follow Critics at Large wherever you get your podcasts.Critics at Large is a weekly discussion from The New Yorker which explores the latest trends in books, television, film, and more. Join us every Thursday as we make unexpected connections between classic texts and pop culture. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

    Beyond The Horizon
    Denise George's Attempt To Freeze The Epstein Estate Accounts Is Denied By The Court

    Beyond The Horizon

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 18:56 Transcription Available


    A federal court denied then–U.S. Virgin Islands Attorney General Denise George's request to freeze the Epstein estate's bank accounts after determining that the extraordinary relief she sought was not supported by the procedural posture of the case. George argued that an immediate freeze was necessary to prevent the dissipation of assets while the territory pursued civil enforcement claims tied to Epstein's sex trafficking operation. The court, however, found that the request did not meet the high legal threshold required for such an action, emphasizing concerns about due process and the absence of a sufficient showing that assets were in imminent danger of being improperly transferred or concealed.The denial had significant consequences for the USVI's broader strategy. Without a freeze in place, the estate retained control over its funds as litigation continued, allowing money to flow toward legal fees, administration costs, and the victims' compensation program. Critics argued that the ruling weakened the territory's leverage and accelerated the depletion of resources that could have supported deeper discovery and enforcement. For George, the decision became emblematic of the systemic barriers facing efforts to aggressively pursue Epstein's estate, reinforcing her claim that legal and institutional structures consistently favored containment and closure over transparency and accountability.to  contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

    The Epstein Chronicles
    The FBI And It's Less Than Stellar Handling Of High Profile Cases Like Jeffrey Epstein

    The Epstein Chronicles

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 29:00 Transcription Available


    The FBI has faced sustained and bipartisan criticism for its handling of major sexual abuse cases, most notably those involving Larry Nassar and Jeffrey Epstein, where clear warning signs were missed, complaints were mishandled, and opportunities to stop ongoing abuse were squandered. In the Nassar case, the Justice Department's own inspector general found that FBI agents in the Indianapolis field office failed to properly document victims' allegations, delayed action for more than a year, and made false statements about their handling of the case—during which time Nassar continued abusing young gymnasts. Survivors later testified that the FBI's inaction directly enabled further assaults, turning what should have been a law-enforcement intervention into a catastrophic institutional failure marked by negligence, indifference, and self-protection.Similar patterns have been identified in the Epstein case, where the FBI possessed credible intelligence about Epstein's sexual exploitation of minors as early as the mid-2000s yet failed to act decisively. Despite evidence of interstate trafficking, multiple victims, and powerful co-conspirators, federal authorities deferred to a deeply flawed Florida investigation that culminated in a secret non-prosecution agreement, effectively neutralizing federal enforcement. Critics argue that the FBI's passivity, combined with its willingness to accept prosecutorial hand-offs and jurisdictional excuses, allowed Epstein to continue abusing girls for years after he should have been stopped. Together, the Nassar and Epstein cases have become emblematic of a broader critique: that when sexual abuse allegations collide with institutional risk, reputational concerns, or powerful defendants, the FBI has too often failed the very victims it is charged to protect.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

    The Epstein Chronicles
    The Performative Nature Of The Investigation Into Epstein And HIs Alleged Crimes In The UK

    The Epstein Chronicles

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 22:02 Transcription Available


    The investigation into Jeffrey Epstein in the United Kingdom has widely been criticized as superficial, fragmented, and structurally incapable of delivering accountability, giving the appearance of due diligence without the substance. Despite extensive public reporting, survivor testimony, flight records, and Epstein's documented ties to British elites, UK authorities repeatedly framed their involvement as limited “reviews” rather than full criminal investigations. The Metropolitan Police acknowledged receiving material related to Epstein multiple times over the years, yet consistently concluded there were no viable lines of inquiry—without ever clearly explaining what investigative steps were actually taken, who was interviewed, or why obvious avenues were deemed unworkable. This approach created the impression of a process designed to close doors rather than open them, insulating powerful figures from scrutiny while allowing law enforcement to claim procedural neutrality.Critics argue the UK response fits a familiar Epstein pattern: jurisdictional buck-passing, narrow evidentiary thresholds, and a studied reluctance to confront allegations that intersect with wealth, royalty, and international influence. Survivors and transparency advocates have pointed out that Epstein operated transnationally, recruited victims across borders, and maintained properties and contacts tied to the UK—yet no serious effort was made to map that network or test allegations in a courtroom. Instead, decisions not to pursue cases were quietly announced long after public attention peaked, reinforcing the sense that the outcome was predetermined. In this context, the UK investigation is often described less as a failed probe and more as a managed outcome—one that preserved institutional comfort, avoided diplomatic embarrassment, and left the core questions about Epstein's British connections unresolved and untouched.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

    Up To Date
    Looking for a new movie or show? Kansas City critics share 2025 favorites and holiday watches

    Up To Date

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 46:36


    Whether you're gathering with family during the holidays, or catching up on the best of the year before award season, Up To Date invited Kansas City film critics to share some great movies and television series worth catching.

    Minimum Competence
    Legal News for Thurs 12/18 - Courts Block Trump CFPB Firings, Doctors Sue RFK Jr. HHS Over Vaccines, DC Guard Deployment Remains and Trump Ballroom Moves Forward

    Minimum Competence

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 6:50


    This Day in Legal History: Trump ImpeachedOn December 18, 2019, the U.S. House of Representatives voted to impeach President Donald J. Trump, marking the third presidential impeachment in American history. The impeachment followed a months-long investigation centered on Trump's dealings with Ukraine. House Democrats alleged that the president abused the powers of his office by pressuring a foreign government to investigate a political rival. A second article charged Trump with obstruction of Congress for directing executive branch officials not to comply with House subpoenas. The votes largely split along party lines, reflecting deep political polarization.Impeachment itself did not remove Trump from office, but instead formally accused him of constitutional wrongdoing. Under the Constitution, the House holds the sole power of impeachment, functioning similarly to a grand jury. Once impeached, the process shifted to the Senate, which is responsible for conducting a trial. Chief Justice John Roberts later presided over the Senate proceedings, as required when a president is tried. The Senate ultimately acquitted Trump in February 2020, falling short of the two-thirds vote needed for conviction. Despite the acquittal, the impeachment reinforced Congress's oversight authority over the executive branch. The episode also highlighted ongoing debates about the limits of presidential power and the role of impeachment as a constitutional check.A federal appeals court in Washington reversed an earlier ruling that would have allowed the Trump administration to move forward with mass firings at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Sitting as a full bench, the court blocked plans to cut as much as 90% of the agency's workforce and agreed to rehear the administration's appeal of a lower court order that had paused efforts to dismantle the bureau. As a result, the administration remains temporarily barred from gutting the agency while litigation continues. The legal fight has stretched on for months, during which the CFPB has been largely sidelined. Congress originally created the CFPB after the 2008 financial crisis to protect consumers from unfair, deceptive, and abusive practices by banks, lenders, and other financial companies. Its mission includes enforcing federal consumer financial laws and preventing the kinds of predatory conduct that helped trigger the financial collapse. Supporters of the agency, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, praised the ruling as necessary to shield families from financial harm.Critics within the Trump administration have argued the CFPB is politically motivated (as protecting consumers from predatory financial practices is political, apparently) and should be eliminated, though they have also claimed in court that some version of the agency would remain. Complicating matters further, the CFPB faces a funding dispute over whether it can draw money from the Federal Reserve, raising concerns that it could run out of operating funds.US appeals court tosses decision allowing Trump mass firings at consumer bureau | ReutersFull DC Circuit Will Review Trump's Bid to Dismantle CFPB (2)A group of leading medical organizations asked a federal judge to allow their lawsuit challenging vaccine policy changes under Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. to move forward. The groups argue that recent actions by Kennedy and the Department of Health and Human Services will reduce vaccination rates and endanger public health. They point to a directive removing COVID-19 vaccine recommendations for pregnant women and children without advance notice or explanation. The lawsuit also challenges Kennedy's decision to dismiss 17 experts from a CDC advisory panel and replace them with members more aligned with his views. That reconstituted panel later voted to scale back broad vaccine recommendations, including limiting COVID-19 shots to shared decision-making with doctors and eliminating universal recommendations for certain childhood vaccines.The plaintiffs claim the panel was unlawfully reshaped in violation of federal law requiring advisory committees to be balanced and free from improper influence. Government lawyers argue the medical groups lack standing because the CDC's guidance merely advises consultation with doctors and does not directly harm them. The plaintiffs counter that they have been injured by having to divert resources to help doctors navigate confusing and abrupt policy shifts. The judge indicated skepticism toward the government's standing argument, particularly in light of statements suggesting doctors could face liability for deviating from CDC guidance. A ruling on whether the case can proceed is expected before a scheduled January hearing.US medical groups urge judge to allow challenge to Kennedy-backed vaccine policies to proceed | ReutersA federal appeals court allowed President Donald Trump's deployment of National Guard troops in Washington, D.C., to remain in place while legal challenges continue. A three-judge panel said the administration was likely to succeed in defending the deployment, temporarily blocking a lower court order that would have ended it. The ruling gives Trump an interim victory as he claims broad authority to use troops for domestic law enforcement. The deployment began earlier in the year and expanded after two Guard members were shot near the White House. The judges emphasized that Washington, D.C.'s unique status—because it is not a state—strengthens presidential authority there. District officials who sued to stop the deployment said the decision is preliminary and does not resolve the underlying legal questions. The White House praised the ruling as confirmation of the president's lawful powers and credited the deployment with improving public safety. The case comes amid broader disputes over Trump's efforts to deploy troops in several major cities despite objections from local and state leaders. Lower courts have generally been skeptical of those efforts, rejecting claims that protests against federal immigration enforcement qualify as rebellions. The Supreme Court is widely expected to weigh in on the scope of presidential power in this area.US appeals court says Trump's National Guard deployment in DC may continue | ReutersTrump's DC Troop Deployment Gets Extension From US Appeals CourtA federal judge allowed President Donald Trump to continue work on a proposed White House ballroom, rejecting an emergency request from preservation advocates to immediately halt the project. The judge ruled that the National Trust failed to show imminent, irreparable harm that would justify stopping construction at this early stage. However, he cautioned that the government may be required to reverse certain underground work if it ends up locking in a specific design. The project involves replacing the demolished East Wing with a large ballroom that would be significantly bigger than prior White House renovations. Trump has described the ballroom as a privately funded project and recently increased its estimated cost. Preservationists argue the administration moved forward without required public input and bypassed federal planning and design review processes. The government countered that the design is still in flux and that above-ground construction will not begin for several months. Relying on those representations, the judge found no immediate risk of irreversible aesthetic damage. He scheduled another hearing to reconsider whether the project should be paused as the lawsuit continues. For now, construction may proceed while the court reviews whether the administration complied with historic preservation and planning laws.Judge allows Trump's ballroom project to proceed for now | Reuters 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

    The Piano Maven with Jed Distler
    Reviews in Retrospect - IPQ's critics pick the best of 1998

    The Piano Maven with Jed Distler

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 18, 2025 23:39 Transcription Available


    A look back at the Winter 1999 issue of International Piano Quarterly (now International Piano), when twelve critics were asked to pick their top piano releases for 1998, as well as to mention recordings they'd like to see reissued. How many of these reissue requests came to pass over the next 27 years? And have their 1998 top release choices stood the test of time?Here are links to some of the recordings discussed:The William Kapell Edition - https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8079691--william-kapell-editionMedtner – Complete Piano Sonatas, with Marc-André Hamelin - https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/7945019--medtner-the-complete-piano-sonatasMonique de La Bruchollerie box from Meloclassic - https://www.meloclassic.com/home/monique-de-la-bruchollerie-box/Benno Moiseiwitsch is amply represented in Naxos' Great Pianists' series - https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/7948359--great-pianists-moiseiwitsch-2Lukas Foss plays Bach Concertos Nos. 1 & 5 (LP transfer) - https://archive.org/details/lp_concerto-no-1-in-d-minor-concerto-no-5-in_johann-sebastian-bach-lukas-foss-the-zimblInternational Tchaikovsky Competition Vol. 1 – Vladimir Ashkenazy & John Ogdon - https://www.prestomusic.com/classical/products/8253856--tchaikovsky-competition-vol-1-1962-the-competition-that-was-a-draw

    X22 Report
    Trump Counters The Fake News,Uniting His Team For The Next Phase Of The Plan,My Fellow… – Ep. 3798

    X22 Report

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 98:37


    Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger Picture Trump and his administration are now dismantling the entire green agenda. The [CB] has made everything unaffordable, Trump is now in the process of reversing this. The [CB] tried to trap Trump in a failing economy, Trump turn the tables and trapped the [CB]. The [DS] is fighting back, corruption still exists, criminals are still running many parts of gov across the country. Trump is dismantling their system and they are trying to stop him. Trump has countered the fake news, they have been trying to divide the people and pushing doubt in regards to the Trump administration. His admin are now showing the world that they are united and they stand behind Trump. This was needed for the next part of the plan that we are entering. Soon the storm is coming, buckle up. Economy  (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); https://twitter.com/unusual_whales/status/2001275434898784270?s=20 https://twitter.com/PlanetOfMemes/status/2000978294993236140?s=20 https://twitter.com/USTradeRep/status/2000990028835508258?s=20   enterprise services to EU companies, and they support millions of jobs and more than $100 billion in direct investment in Europe. The United States has raised concerns with the EU for years on these matters without meaningful engagement or basic acknowledgement of U.S. concerns. In stark contrast, EU service providers have been able to operate freely in the United States for decades, benefitting from access to our market and consumers on a level playing field. Some of the largest EU service providers that have hitherto enjoyed this expansive market access include, among others: — Accenture — Amadeus — Capgemini — DHL — Mistral — Publicis — SAP — Siemens — Spotify If the EU and EU Member States insist on continuing to restrict, limit, and deter the competitiveness of U.S. service providers through discriminatory means, the United States will have no choice but to begin using every tool at its disposal to counter these unreasonable measures. Should responsive measures be necessary, U.S. law permits the assessment of fees or restrictions on foreign services, among other actions. The United States will take a similar approach to other countries that pursue an EU-style strategy in this area.  Political/Rights https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2000982942907039813?s=20   Russiagate. In 2017, he founded the Committee to Investigate Russia, a political NGO that promoted the Russiagate hoax. Former CIA Director John Brennan and DNI James Clapper served on its advisory board, giving intelligence world credibility to a partisan effort. The group's mission was clear: cripple President Trump and question the legitimacy of the 2016 election. https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/2000993976330191330?s=20   efforts to have Trump imprisoned on wholly fabricated charges. Proof below. 3. In all likelihood, Reiner was in cahoots with the CIA in attempting to destroy our Constitutional form of government. Given the above, if anything Trump’s commentary on Reiner was too kind. So knock it off, bedwetters. https://twitter.com/TonySeruga/status/2001297973209416013?s=20 https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/2000987037638496554?s=20  https://twitter.com/RedWave_Press/status/2001066545716326714?s=20 https://twitter.com/TheLastRefuge2/status/2001196416056619102?s=20 Brown University Received a Letter from 34 Human Rights Groups in August Requesting They Disable Their CCTV System  The question is: Did Brown University acquiesce under pressure from far-left human rights groups to disable their CCTV systems, in advance of the mass shooting on campus? [SOURCE – AUGUST 19, 2025] As originally reported in August 2025 {SOURCE}, a group of far-left human rights advocate sent a letter to 150 U.S. colleges and universities asking them to disable the CCTV systems to protect “free expression and academic freedom across the country,” because “the Trump administration has launched an aggressive campaign against US academic institutions.” The motive for the request to disable CCTV systems as stated: “Right now these tools are facilitating the identification and punishment of student protesters, undermining activists' right to anonymity––a right the Supreme Court has affirmed as vital to free expression and political participation.” {SOURCE} The letter from ‘Fight For The Future‘ (August, 2025) came after an earlier campaign by the same group seeking to stop the use of facial recognition cameras on college campuses. {SOURCE} Source: theconservativetreehouse.com https://twitter.com/DataRepublican/status/2001107948312133776?s=20   network. Students from there have been arrested for participating in terrorist plots. The evidence is so overwhelming, that House Republicans successfully convinced Harvard to cut research ties to Birzeit University — briefly. Let’s put it this way: If I were in Vegas and forced to bet on whether Professor Doumani had ever been part of any extremist plots, I wouldn’t bet on “no.” We need to stop accepting “Ivy League” as any meaningful measure of merit. https://twitter.com/DC_Draino/status/2001052796037017940?s=20   in the area with no noticeable gun, then started jogging towards the building where he shot one of the few conservative leaders on a radical campus. That seems like an assassination of Ella Cook, possibly with an innocent bystander taken down with her. https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2001062786084880887?s=20  today, December 16, 2025, amid widespread speculation and emerging reports identifying him as the prime suspect in the December 13 mass shooting on campus that killed two students and injured nine others. The university has not released an official statement explaining the deletion, but online discussions and news coverage point to it as an effort to scrub digital traces of Kharbouch during the ongoing FBI manhunt and investigation. His X (formerly Twitter) account has also been taken down, fueling theories of a cover-up by the university, media, or authorities to control the narrative around his pro-Palestine activism and alleged radical views. As of now, federal authorities have released images and a timeline of the suspect’s movements but have not publicly confirmed Kharbouch’s involvement, though some outlets report he has fled and remains at large with a $50,000 reward offered for information leading to his arrest. This is a summary of his (now deleted) manifesto: In Mustapha Kharbouch’s 2024 manifesto, “I Hear The Voice of My Ancestors Calling: From The Camps to The Campus,” published by the Institute for Palestine Studies, the author reflects on his role in the Brown University Gaza Solidarity Encampment amid the ongoing conflict in Gaza. As a third-generation stateless Palestinian refugee raised in Lebanon, Kharbouch draws from his family’s history of displacement during the 1948 Nakba to frame his activism. The piece begins with lyrics from an adapted “Ancestor Song,” symbolizing a call to action and intergenerational resilience. He describes participating in non-violent protests, including an eight-day hunger strike by 19 students, arrests of 61 comrades for demanding university divestment from apartheid and illegal occupation, and organizing encampments with hundreds of participants engaging in rallies, teach-ins, art, film screenings, and chants. Kharbouch explores themes of “radical love” for land and people in Gaza, collective grief over the genocide, and solidarity as a revolutionary practice rooted in Palestinian revolutionary traditions that reject colonialism, carcerality, and imperialism. He critiques passive hope, instead advocating for active, decolonial hope through community-building and bearing witness to atrocities, like the invasion of Rafah. Influenced by queer feminist approaches (citing scholars like Sarah Ihmoud and Robin Kelley), he emphasizes transforming anger and despair into sustainable world-making, while questioning intergenerational betrayal and the cynicism inherited from survival under oppression. Ultimately, the manifesto affirms the encampment’s role in a broader student rebellion, linking campus actions to global Palestinian liberation and calling for continued, unyielding commitment despite challenges. https://twitter.com/EndWokeness/status/2001028141851013528?s=20 https://twitter.com/JamesHartline/status/2001090533746467327?s=20 https://twitter.com/EndWokeness/status/2001089445194235926?s=20 https://twitter.com/ProvidenceRIPD/status/2001345847133643062?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2001345847133643062%7Ctwgr%5E8764cf1453bd57445310069de900ad0f6828d697%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Fbreaking-providence-police-release-photos-person-proximity-brown%2F https://twitter.com/nypost/status/2001047137308590081?s=20 https://twitter.com/TheSCIF/status/2000985628029403418?s=20 https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2001347329585012818?s=20 https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/2001000454042607728?s=20 DOGE Trump Suspends ‘Tech Prosperity Deal' With UK Over Censorship and Regulations by ‘Online Safety Bill' Hurting US Tech Companies  Trump has suspended the ‘Tech Prosperity Deal' with the UK over its censorship push. The Telegraph reported: “The White House paused the tech prosperity deal amid concerns the Online Safety Act, which regulates online speech, will stifle American artificial intelligence companies, the Telegraph understands. The law allows the British government to levy large fines on tech giants it deems have facilitated hate speech.” After the rise of artificial intelligence, companies like OpenAI or xAI can face huge fines – harming their growth and giving China an edge in the AI race. “'The perception is that Britain is way out there on attempting to police what is said online, and it's caused real concern', a source with knowledge of the decision to suspend the deal said. ‘Americans went into this deal thinking Britain were going to back off regulating American tech firms but realized it was going to restrict the speech of American chatbots'.” Source: thegatewaypundit.com Geopolitical https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/2001217017001685167?s=20    of our Assets, and many other reasons, including Terrorism, Drug Smuggling, and Human Trafficking, the Venezuelan Regime has been designated a FOREIGN TERRORIST ORGANIZATION. Therefore, today, I am ordering A TOTAL AND COMPLETE BLOCKADE OF ALL SANCTIONED OIL TANKERS going into, and out of, Venezuela. The Illegal Aliens and Criminals that the Maduro Regime has sent into the United States during the weak and inept Biden Administration, are being returned to Venezuela at a rapid pace. America will not allow Criminals, Terrorists, or other Countries, to rob, threaten, or harm our Nation and, likewise, will not allow a Hostile Regime to take our Oil, Land, or any other Assets, all of which must be returned to the United States, IMMEDIATELY. Thank you for your attention to this matter! DONALD J. TRUMP PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA In 1970, as National Security Advisor, Kissinger was briefed on and helped shape US oil import policies toward Venezuela following a visit by Venezuelan President Rafael Caldera. These policies, announced in June 1970, focused on long-term petroleum development and were positively received by Venezuela, but they represented unilateral US adjustments rather than a negotiated deal.  In 1972, Venezuela terminated a longstanding reciprocal trade agreement with the US that included concessional tariff rates on Venezuelan oil imports. Kissinger was informed of this as National Security Advisor, and the US considered maintaining low tariffs to avoid cost increases, but this was a termination process, not a new deal.   Venezuela effectively took control of oil fields and assets from US companies on two major occasions, though the processes involved nationalization and expropriation rather than outright theft without legal frameworks or compensation. These actions shifted operations from private foreign (including US) entities to state control under the Venezuelan government.In the 1970s, Venezuela nationalized its entire oil industry, which had been largely developed and operated by foreign companies since the early 20th century. On January 1, 1976, the government officially took over, creating the state-owned Petróleos de Venezuela, S.A. (PDVSA). This affected major US firms like Exxon (formerly Standard Oil), Gulf Oil, and others, which had held concessions. The companies were provided compensation as part of the process, and it was generally seen as an expected transition in global oil politics at the time, without major disruptions to US supply. In 2007, under President Hugo Chávez, Venezuela escalated state control by mandating that foreign oil projects in the Orinoco Belt (a massive heavy oil reserve) convert to joint ventures where PDVSA held at least a 60% stake. Companies like Chevron complied, but ExxonMobil and ConocoPhillips refused, leading to the government expropriating their assets. International arbitration tribunals later ruled these actions unlawful, awarding ExxonMobil about $1.6 billion and ConocoPhillips over $8 billion in compensation (though Venezuela has contested and delayed payments). This has been a point of ongoing tension, with US firms pursuing Venezuelan assets globally to enforce the awards. These events did not involve taking oil fields directly from the US government but from American corporations with investments in Venezuela, reflecting broader shifts toward resource nationalism. https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2001087786879795546?s=20 War/Peace Zelensky: If Putin rejects peace plan, US must give us weapons The Ukrainian leader issued the warning as Russia said it would not drop its claims to land it believes to be its own  So Zelensky, NATO EU DS rewrote the plan knowing Russia wouldn’t accept it.  Source: thetimes.com Zelensky is stealing the election before it begins The overstaying Ukrainian leader has made a show of agreeing to hold a vote – but his preconditions make a mockery of it   The often-heard claim that Ukraine cannot hold presidential elections in wartime, by the way, is badly misleading, and a thoroughly politically motivated misrepresentation of the facts: In reality, the Ukrainian constitution only prohibits parliamentary elections in time of war. Elections for the presidency are impeded by ordinary laws which can, of course, easily and legally be changed by the majority which Zelensky controls in parliament. That is merely a question of political will, not legality.  Zelensky and his fixers are planning to shift the whole presidential election online. If they do, falsification in Zelensky's favor is de facto guaranteed or mail in ballots Source: rt.com Hegseth Orders Christmas Bonuses For War Department Top Performers  The War Department is rewarding its highest performers with monetary awards worth 15 to 25% of base pay, The Daily Wire can first report, rewards intended to reflect the “historic successes” of the past 10 months. Secretary of War Pete Hegseth directed all War Department department heads and principal staff assistants to “take immediate action to recognize and reward [the] very best” of the department's civilian workforce with “meaningful monetary awards consistent with the relevant existing civilian awards authorities for each pay system,” according to a memorandum for senior Pentagon leadership first obtained by The Daily Wire. The distribution of bonuses — which could reach up to $25,000 — is also in line with the Trump administration's broader efforts to make the federal government function more like a private-sector business. Source: dailywire.com FBI Agents Thought Clinton’s Uranium One Deal Might Be Criminal – But McCabe, Yates Stonewalled Investigation: Report Remember Uranium One? The massive 2010 sale of US uranium deposits to Russia approved by Hillary Clinton and rubber-stamped by the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS) – after figures linked to the deal donated to the Clinton Foundation? Turns out rank-and-file FBI investigators thought there was enough smoke to launch a criminal investigation, but internal delays and disagreements within the DOJ and FBI ultimately caused the inquiry to lapse, newly released records reveal.   The Uranium One transaction – involving the sale of a Canadian mining company with substantial U.S. uranium assets to Russia's state-owned nuclear firm Rosatom – became a flashpoint during Hillary Clinton's 2016 presidential campaign. Critics argued that then-Secretary of State Clinton, a member of CFIUS, helped approve the deal while donors connected to Uranium One made large contributions to the Clinton Foundation.  The newly released documents suggest that the circumstances surrounding Uranium One were never fully investigated, leaving unresolved questions about how a strategic U.S. asset came under Russian control – and whether potential criminal conduct went unexamined due to internal delays and legal disputes. Source: zerohedge.com Health https://twitter.com/GuntherEagleman/status/2001327868979368264?s=20 [DS] Agenda https://twitter.com/Badhombre/status/2001052105155481995?s=20   million stolen through Medicaid fraud by Chavis Willis. – $12.5 million in federal education grants stolen by 1,834 “ghost students.” All of this happened in Minnesota under Tim Walz. Somali fraudsters were involved in almost every case. Ex-Marine planned attack in New Orleans that would ‘recreate’ Waco, officials say Plans to “carry out an attack” in New Orleans were thwarted after an ex-Marine was arrested while on the way to the Louisiana city with guns and body armor in the car, according to court documents obtained Tuesday by The Associated Press. Micah James Legnon, 28, was charged with threats in interstate commerce. Federal authorities said they had been surveilling Legnon due to ties to an extremist anti-capitalist and anti-government group. Four members of the group were arrested Friday in the Mojave Desert, east of Los Angeles, as they were rehearsing a foiled plot to set off bombs in Southern California on New Year's Eve, authorities said.  Legnon believed it was time to “recreate” Waco with an attack in New Orleans, authorities said in court documents. They pointed to a Dec. 4 chat message by Legnon written under the alias “Kateri The Witch” the day after Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents arrived in New Orleans. Legnon's alias had “she/her” written beside it, but jail records referred to Legnon as male. Source: nbcnews.com https://twitter.com/PeteHegseth/status/2001118961073639492?s=20 President Trump's Plan  https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2001336422150869037?s=20 https://twitter.com/RAZ0RFIST/status/2001111187245736061?s=20 https://twitter.com/KariLakeWarRoom/status/2001117437274509736?s=20 RINO Congressman Who Voted to Impeach President Donald Trump Will Not Seek Re-election  In 2021, RINO Rep. Dan Newhouse (R-WA) was one of the 10 House Republicans who voted to impeach President Donald Trump. Newhouse announced that he will not seek re-election in 2026, leaving Rep. David Valadao (R-CA) as the only one of the group remaining in Congress. https://twitter.com/RepNewhouse/status/2001291310146158666?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2001291310146158666%7Ctwgr%5Ee6d32e37b15338ded9a698a990480010a5616470%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Frino-congressman-who-voted-impeach-president-donald-trump%2F The fates of the ten Republicans who voted to impeach: 1. Liz Cheney (WY) — Defeated in 2022 primary 2. John Katko (NY) — Retired in 2022 3. Adam Kinzinger (IL) — Retired in 2022 4. Fred Upton (MI) — Retired in 2022 5. Jaime Herrera Beutler (WA) — Defeated in 2022 primary 6. Peter Meijer (MI) — Defeated in 2022 primary 7. Anthony Gonzalez (OH) — Retired in 2022 8. Tom Rice (SC) — Defeated in 2022 primary 9. Dan Newhouse (WA) — Will not seek reelection 10. David Valadao (CA) — Reelected in 2024, currently serving in the 119th Congress Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/2000999942303998185?s=20 https://twitter.com/HansMahncke/status/2001046169279955130?s=20   January 2017 briefing of Trump followed the same playbook, as did Strzok's conversation with General Flynn. The FBI's so-called briefings of Senators Grassley and Johnson also fit the same mold. Each time, they present it as a routine check-in or just a quick conversation. And each time, the real purpose is to box you in, lay traps and put you in prison. https://twitter.com/Cernovich/status/2001087239938564475?s=20  https://twitter.com/BehizyTweets/status/2000996943741501841?s=20 There is no specific time limit mandated by law or congressional rules for the Senate to vote on a bill passed by the House, including one that codifies executive orders (such as the FY2026 NDAA, which reportedly incorporates 15 of President Trump’s executive orders). The Senate can schedule consideration and a vote at any point during the remainder of the current Congress (the 119th Congress ends on January 3, 2027). If the Senate does not act before then, the bill dies and would need to be reintroduced in the next Congress.In practice, for time-sensitive legislation like the NDAA, the Senate typically votes shortly after the House (often within days or weeks) due to bipartisan urgency around defense authorizations, but this is not a requirement. https://twitter.com/PressSec/status/2001031213516304877?s=20 https://twitter.com/AGPamBondi/status/2000991371952357796?s=20   achievements will fail. We are family. We are united. https://twitter.com/EagleEdMartin/status/2001011049106161975?s=20 President Trump Issues Response to Vanity Fair Hit Piece Which Claims Susie Wiles Made a Pointed Remark About Him During an interview with the New York Post, Trump did not take the alleged remark Wiles made about him as an insult. In fact, he admitted to having a “very possessive” personality. “No, she meant that I'm — you see, I don't drink alcohol. So everybody knows that — but I've often said that if I did, I'd have a very good chance of being an alcoholic. I have said that many times about myself, I do. It's a very possessive personality,” Trump told the Post. “I've said that many times about myself. I'm fortunate I'm not a drinker. If I did, I could very well, because I've said that — what's the word? Not possessive — possessive and addictive type personality. Oh, I've said it many times, many times before,” he added. Trump went on to tell the Post that he agrees the Vanity Fair article was a total hit job and Wiles's remarks were taken out of context.  . Source: thegatewaypundit.com  Based on recent reports, the entire Trump administration appears to be standing by White House Chief of Staff Susie Wiles following the Vanity Fair article, with no notable dissent.   Specific individuals who have expressed support include: Name Position Donald Trump President JD Vance Vice President Doug Burgum Secretary of the Interior Scott Bessent Secretary of the Treasury Chris Wright Secretary of Energy Lori Chavez-DeRemer Secretary of Labor Linda McMahon Secretary of Education Scott Turner Secretary of Housing and Urban Development Brooke Rollins Secretary of Agriculture Sean Duffy Secretary of Transportation Kelly Loeffler SBA Administrator Lee Zeldin EPA Administrator Russ Vought OMB Director Pam Bondi Attorney General Kash Patel FBI Director Karoline Leavitt White House Press Secretary The [DS] has been trying to divide Trump adminitration from the beginning, they want people questioning everything, they are trying to have people doubt the administration.  how do you show the people that you are not divided.   Trump and team just changed the narrative, they took control, Susie and team most likely set this up, this way the team can tell the world they are united not divided. Information warfare. We are now moving into the next phase of the plan and the DS is panicking, the attacks against MAGA, his administration will continue, physical attacks will continue. The [DS] is fighting for their lives while Trump is dismantling their system and producing evidence on the  treasonous crimes they have committed. I think is letting us know we are moving into the storm, look how he stared this truth post.   (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");

    Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health
    This Unknown Deadly Health Syndrome Affects Nearly 90% of US Adults — Could You Have It?

    Dr. Joseph Mercola - Take Control of Your Health

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 7:57


    Nearly 90% of U.S. adults have at least one risk factor for cardiovascular-kidney-metabolic (CKM) syndrome, a newly named but long-standing health crisis that links heart, kidney, and metabolic dysfunction The American Heart Association warns that CKM often goes unnoticed until a major event like a heart attack occurs, yet most cases are reversible if identified early and addressed at the metabolic level Critics in PLOS Medicine argue that CKM is less a medical breakthrough and more a rebranding of what's already known — that mitochondrial failure, poor diet, and chronic stress drive the same interconnected diseases True recovery starts by repairing energy production in your cells: lowering linoleic acid intake, restoring magnesium balance, eating real carbohydrates, and supporting hormonal and circadian health through sunlight and rest By fixing mitochondrial function rather than chasing new labels, you help your organs work in sync again — stabilizing blood pressure, improving kidney filtration, and reigniting your metabolism from the inside out

    You Can Overcome Anything! Podcast Show
    You Can Overcome Anything: Ep 324 - Being an Unknown Author and Gaining Recognition - Thomas White

    You Can Overcome Anything! Podcast Show

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 46:27 Transcription Available


    On this episode CesarRespino.com brings to you a fellow author at You Can Overcome Anything! Podcast Show by the name of Thomas White.Tom began his career as an actor. Several years later he found himself as the Artistic Director for a theatre in Los Angeles and the winner of several Drama-Logue and Critics' awards for directing. He directed and co-produced the world tour of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Coming Out Of Their Shells".The show toured for over two years, was translated into seven different languages and seen by close to a million children. Tom served as President and Creative Director for Maiden Lane Entertainment for 24 years and worked on many large-scale productions that included Harley-Davisdon, Microsoft, Medtronic Diabetes and dozens of others. The Edison Enigma is Tom's third novel following up Justice Rules (which was a finalist in the Pacific Northwest Writers Association 2010 Literary Contest) and The Siren's Scream, a Four Seasons Book Award Winner.Tom's message to you is:If you want to be a writer. You have to write. Good, bad, or sloppy, you can change something, you can't change notning.Where can people find you?To Connect with Thomas White go to:Thomas-white-author.comhttps://youtu.be/Hzwoo_L75REhttps://www.facebook.com/inkydanhttps://www.instagram.com/thomaswhiteauthor/To Connect with CesarRespino go to:

    The Epstein Chronicles
    Pam Bondi And Her Big Jeffrey Epstein Promises

    The Epstein Chronicles

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 17, 2025 13:49 Transcription Available


    ​Attorney General Pam Bondi's recent announcement of releasing additional files related to Jeffrey Epstein has been met with skepticism, particularly following the underwhelming "Phase 1" release. The initial batch, which Bondi had hyped as containing "sick" revelations, primarily consisted of previously available flight logs and heavily redacted documents, offering little new information. This anticlimactic disclosure led to disappointment among the public and conservative influencers, who had anticipated more substantial revelations. Critics argue that the fanfare surrounding the release was disproportionate to its actual content, raising questions about the transparency and intentions behind these actions.In response to the backlash, Bondi has assured the public that more comprehensive documents will be forthcoming, blaming the initial shortcomings on the FBI's alleged withholding of thousands of pages. She has demanded that these documents be delivered to her office promptly, emphasizing a commitment to full transparency. However, given the previous overpromising and underdelivering, many remain skeptical about the authenticity and potential impact of the upcoming releases.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsoruce:Attorney General Pam Bondi insists more Jeffrey Epstein files are being released – despite disastrous ‘phase 1' | The IndependentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

    X22 Report
    [DS] Will Fight To Hide Their Treasonous Crimes From Being Exposed,Military Is The Only Way – Ep. 3797

    X22 Report

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 99:54


    Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger PictureCalifornia is destroying their gasoline market, they want the state to own it, socialism. Oil prices are dropping, gas prices are dropping soon gas will be close to $1. Trump is reversing the [CB] illusion, jobs are being returned to the private sector. All in preparation to go back to the Constitution. The [DS] will continue to push back and try to delay everything Trump is trying to do. The House is prepared to make his EO into law, this will protect the country into the future. Trump had the real Generals stand behind him, these are the individuals that will protect the Republic from the [DS]. Trump is undoing decades of corruption, exposing the [DS] treasonous crimes, they will fight to hide their treasonous acts but this will fail. In the end the Military is the only way. Economy (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); https://twitter.com/US_OGA/status/2000639453866651711?s=20 https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/2000951982874636662?s=20 https://twitter.com/profstonge/status/2000628845918265518?s=20 https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/2000925538131829101?s=20 https://twitter.com/RealEJAntoni/status/2000925018281402525?s=20 https://twitter.com/profstonge/status/2000952081012940948?s=20 https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2000966123274068007?s=20 https://twitter.com/RealEJAntoni/status/2000936248370717073?s=20 https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2000922549060858200?s=20   $2,000 per household, depending on the number of workers.” “[The economy] is gonna start lifting off in Q1 and Q2.” This is HUGE! Political/Rights https://twitter.com/KanekoaTheGreat/status/2000701268806062358?s=20 https://twitter.com/KanekoaTheGreat/status/2000713713423196652?s=20 https://twitter.com/KanekoaTheGreat/status/2000766725231665257?s=20 https://twitter.com/KnightsTempOrg/status/2000645606964933100?s=20 WEIRD? Police Publish and Quickly Delete Photos of Rob Reiner's Son Being Cuffed for Slaughtering Parents, Give No Explanation Nick Reiner, the 32-year-old son of liberal activist and famed director Rob Reiner, has been arrested and charged with the brutal murder of his parents. The LAPD Gang and Narcotics Division published dramatic photos of Nick's handcuffed arrest on Instagram on Monday, but quickly deleted them without explanation. Rob Reiner, 78, known for classics like The Princess Bride, Spinal Tap, and When Harry Met Sally, and his wife Michele Singer Reiner, 68, were found stabbed to death in their Brentwood, Los Angeles home on Sunday afternoon. The New York Post reports: Nick Reiner, whose face is blurred out, is seen being forced to the ground with his hands cuffed behind his back, according to one photo. Another snap showed law enforcement pushing the suspect against the front of a squad car. In the caption, the unit only identified the man as “a double homicide suspect.” The arrest was made by US Marshals with the assistance of the LAPD's robbery homicide division, according to the post. An LAPD spokesperson declined to comment when asked why the force's gang and narcotics unit deleted the arrest photo shortly after it was published. The since-deleted photos: Nick, who has long battled severe drug addiction starting in his teens, co-wrote and starred in the 2016 semi-autobiographical film Being Charlie, directed by his father, which chronicled a young man's struggles with substance abuse and rehab. Insiders report that Nick “really resented” his father and “hated himself for not being as successful,” amid ongoing family tensions. The night before the murders, Rob and Nick reportedly got into a “very loud argument” at Conan O'Brien's Christmas party, loud enough for other guests to notice. Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/nypost/status/2000870292227260695?s=20 https://twitter.com/barrycunningham/status/2000736216354853228?s=20   lists are…well you know. TAKE A LISTEN https://twitter.com/RealSLokhova/status/2000919590449394156?s=20 Real Texas Conservative  The tragic deaths of filmmaker Rob Reiner and his wife Michele on December 14, 2025, have cast a somber shadow over Hollywood, prompting reflections on legacy, loss, and the lingering scars of political division. In response, President Donald Trump’s Truth Social post on December 15, 2025 – framing their passing through the lens of “Trump Derangement Syndrome” (TDS) – has ignited controversy. Yet, when examined against the backdrop of Reiner’s decade-long barrage of vitriolic rhetoric against Trump, the statement emerges not as callous, but as an appropriate blend of pointed satire, genuine sympathy, and a timely concern for mental health. This piece builds an ironclad case for its fittingness, rooted in factual history, psychological insight, and legal precedent. To understand the appropriateness of Trump’s words, one must first confront the unyielding hostility Reiner directed at him since 2015. Reiner, celebrated for directing classics like “This Is Spinal Tap” and “The Princess Bride,” transformed into one of Trump’s most vocal detractors after his presidential candidacy. In a 2016 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Reiner labeled Trump a “con man” and “dangerous,” warning he would erode democratic norms. This escalated over the years. By 2018, Reiner tweeted comparisons of Trump to Hitler, accusing him of fostering fascism and white supremacy. His 2024 documentary “God & Country” explicitly tied Trump’s influence to Christian nationalism, portraying it as a threat to American democracy. Reiner’s social media feed became a relentless stream of attacks, calling Trump a “pathological liar,” “sociopath,” and “existential danger” in posts that amassed millions of views. Even in 2025, shortly before his death, Reiner urged boycotts of Trump-related events, framing his re-election as apocalyptic. These were not isolated jabs but a sustained campaign, often personal and inflammatory, that Reiner himself admitted stemmed from deep-seated outrage. This history of antagonism, predominantly initiated by Reiner, sets the stage for why Trump’s response is not only defensible but proportionate. Far from escalating the feud posthumously, Trump’s post acknowledges Reiner’s talents – “a tortured and struggling, but once very talented movie director and comedy star” – while attributing the tragedy to TDS, a “mind-crippling disease” fueled by “raging obsession.” This framing isn’t baseless invention; it’s grounded in credible psychological analysis. Critics have questioned the timing of Trump’s post, issued just a day after the tragedy, as potentially too raw or opportunistic. However, this immediacy is precisely what makes it authentic and effective, aligning with Trump’s longstanding style of direct, unfiltered leadership in a 24/7 news cycle where narratives solidify within hours. Historical precedents abound; consider how President Lincoln addressed critics’ deaths or political losses with prompt wit during the Civil War, using fresh moments to foster national introspection and prevent distorted legacies. Similarly, Trump’s swift response cuts through emerging media spin – already framing Reiner solely as a heroic anti-Trump voice – by injecting balance and psychological truth right when public discourse peaks. Delaying would risk seeming calculated or detached, whereas this timing underscores sincerity, especially paired with the post’s sympathetic close. In essence, it’s not haste but strategic candor, transforming grief into a teachable moment on division’s dangers before emotions calcify. Transitioning from personal history to broader insight, TDS has been recognized by mental health experts as a manifestation of intense political polarization leading to real psychological strain. Psychiatrist Dr. Keith Ablow, in analyses shared on platforms like the Mark Simone Show, described TDS as rooted in “mass hysteria,” where individuals project anxieties onto a political figure, resulting in paranoia, chronic stress, and potential health declines. Research in the Journal of Abnormal Psychology supports this, linking partisan hatred to elevated cortisol levels, anxiety disorders, and weakened well-being. Trump’s reference to TDS isn’t mockery; it’s a diagnostic observation, highlighting how Reiner’s fixation – evident in his own words – might have contributed to personal tolls, especially amid reports of familial strife surrounding the deaths. By raising this, Trump shifts the narrative from vendetta to vigilance, urging awareness of how ideological obsessions erode lives. Moreover, the post’s satirical edge aligns with a storied tradition of political commentary, making it intellectually apt rather than insensitive. Trump employs hyperbole – “driving people CRAZY” amid America’s “Golden Age” – to underscore the irony of Reiner’s paranoia against tangible achievements like record economic growth, Middle East peace accords, and energy independence during his administration. This mirrors Jonathan Swift’s exaggerated proposals in “A Modest Proposal” or Abraham Lincoln’s witty rebukes of critics, using humor to expose societal flaws without literal malice. Legally, such expression is shielded by the First Amendment; the Supreme Court’s ruling in Hustler Magazine v. Falwell affirms that satirical opinions about public figures, absent provable falsehoods, are protected speech. Trump’s “reportedly due to” phrasing acknowledges speculation, ensuring it remains opinion, not defamation. What elevates the statement to appropriateness is its undercurrent of grace amid past unkindnesses, including Trump’s rare direct engagement with Reiner pre-tragedy despite the instigations. The post concludes with “May Rob and Michele rest in peace!” This isn’t perfunctory; it’s a sincere extension of sympathy, humanizing both parties and transcending the feud while modeling reciprocity in an era of unrelenting acrimony. Trump’s words match rhetoric’s intensity yet cap it with compassion and a mental health caveat, turning potential gloating into a nudge toward understanding division’s toll. In conclusion, Trump’s response is ironclad in its fittingness because it reciprocates a decade of Reiner’s attacks with measured satire, validates psychological realities, and prioritizes sympathy over score-settling. It doesn’t diminish the tragedy but illuminates division’s costs, encouraging reflection. Postscript: While the author is not an attorney or mental health practitioner, his nearly two decades as a seasoned content writer and editor have honed expert research skills, enabling rigorous analysis grounded in verifiable facts and legal precedents. https://twitter.com/DC_Draino/status/2000931274744324237?s=20 https://twitter.com/AlecLace/status/2000700955457630718?s=20 https://twitter.com/KurtSchlichter/status/2000694706054029700?s=20  reason for it. Sadly, past experience, teaches us that the most likely reason for the lack of transparency is that the answers are not going to support the left-wing agenda of the local Rhode Island Democrats. I could be wrong. But if I was wrong, I have a nagging suspicion. I would've had answers to those questions already. The FBI is offering a $50,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of this man. Trump blames Brown, not FBI, for delay in finding shooting suspect President Trump blamed Brown University for the delay in locating the suspect in the fatal mass shooting on the school's campus in Rhode Island on Saturday. “You'd really have to ask the school a little bit more about that because this was a school problem,” Trump said when asked on Monday if FBI Director Kash Patel has told him why it's been difficult for the FBI to identify the suspected shooter. “They had their own guards. They had their own police. They had their own everything, but you'd have to ask that question really to the school, not to the FBI. We came in after the fact, and the FBI will do a good job, but they came in after the fact,” he said. Source: thehill.com War/Peace https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2000694318512652750?s=20 JUST IN: US OBLITERATES 3 More Venezuelan Drug Boats Just Hours After President Trump Designates Fentanyl as a Weapon of Mass Destruction United States Southern Command on Monday announced that Joint Task Force Southern Spear took out three narcotrafficking vessels in the Eastern Pacific.  A total of eight “narco-terrorists” were killed in the strikes. “Intelligence confirmed that the vessels were transiting along known narco-trafficking routes in the Eastern Pacific and were engaged in narco-trafficking,” US SOUTHCOM said. Video from the strikes shows massive explosions on each boat, turning them into burning piles of rubble. https://twitter.com/Southcom/status/2000756230252314901?s=20 Source: thegatewaypundit.com Trump: Syria is a key part of peace efforts in the Middle East Washington, Dec. 16 (SANA) U.S. President Donald Trump described the developments in Syria this year as “remarkable,” highlighting that the United States is committed to ensuring lasting peace in the Middle East, with Syria playing an essential role in that peace. Source: sana.sy 1306 Q !xowAT4Z3VQ ID: e7b971 No.1248119 Apr 30 2018 10:51:06 (EST) Define the terms of the Iran nuclear deal. Does the agreement define & confine cease & desist ‘PRO' to the republic of Iran? What if Iran created a classified ‘satellite' Nuclear facility in Northern Syria? What if the program never ceased? What other bad actors are possibly involved? Did the U.S. know? Where did the cash payments go? How many planes delivered? Did all planes land in same location? Where did the U1 material end up? Is this material traceable? Yes. Define cover. What if U1 material ended up in Syria? What would be the primary purpose? SUM OF ALL FEARS. In the movie, where did the material come from? What country? What would happen if Russia or another foreign state supplied Uranium to Iran/Syria? WAR. What does U1 provide? Define cover. Why did we strike Syria? Why did we really strike Syria? Define cover. Patriots in control. Q British Intelligence Head Says Prepare for War Against Russia  The newly appointed head of MI6, Blaise Metreweli, formerly known by her position as “Q”, is literally the granddaughter of factual Ukraine Nazi, Constantine Dobrowolski.  Now, as head of MI6 Metreweli wants war with Russia. In a rather remarkable speech to the British people, Blaise Metreweli proclaimed Europe is in “the space between peace and war,” with a direct military conflict with Russia looming as the biggest threat.  Metreweli declared, “Our world is being actively remade, with profound implications for national and international security.” Source: theconservativetreehouse.com https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2000898313579561365?s=20 https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/2000896186413441184?s=20   have already been filed. The World Bank estimates the total at $524 billion over the next decade – triple Ukraine’s 2024 GDP. Zelensky: “It’s not enough to force Russia into a deal. It’s not enough to make it stop killing. We must make Russia accept that there are rules in the world.” Mechanism: Register of Damage (created 2023): collects claims from individuals, companies, and the Ukrainian state. Claims Commission: reviews, validates, and awards compensation case-by-case. Categories: sexual violence, child deportations, infrastructure destruction, religious sites bombed. Funding plan: Frozen Russian assets held by the EU, supplemented by member contributions. Dutch FM David van Weel: “The goal is to have validated claims that will ultimately be paid by Russia.” Enforcement? Still being worked out. Complication: Trump's team floated amnesty for war crimes as part of a peace deal – makes prosecuting the very individuals being billed impossible. Next steps: Convention takes force after 25 nations ratify it (if funds secured). Russia calls frozen-assets proposal “illegal,” denies war crimes, threatens retaliation. Reality check: This is post-WWII-style reparations applied to an ongoing conflict. The $524B estimate covers through 2024 only – 2025's escalated attacks on utilities, transport, and civilians already make the number outdated. https://twitter.com/AwakenedOutlaw/status/2000626884145754206?s=20   breaking out. Their position is legitimately insane. Sadly, what’s clear is that the European leadership is comprised of war-mongering, bloodthirsty psychopaths. The idiom, “With friends like these, who needs enemies?” comes to mind. Only in this case, it’s not a sarcastic observation. ______ EU Globalists Threaten to Dump $2.34 Trillion in U.S. Debt to Stop Trump's Ukraine Peace Deal JUST IN: Senate Advances $900 BILLION Defense Spending Bill with Military Aid to Ukraine Senate advances $900 billion defense spending bill The US Senate on Monday voted to end the filibuster and advance the National Defense Authorization Act to a final vote.  The bipartisan vote, 76-20, invoked cloture on the bill, bringing it one step closer to final passage, which could still take days. Still, some lawmakers seek to amend the bill further, which would then require House passage before landing on the President's desk. Burchett: Big vote tonight was the NDAA, National Defense Authorization Act, and it was $900.6 billion. There’s money in there for, of course, Ukraine, $800 million total, and some other things, money in there for recognizing an Indian tribe out of North Carolina— has nothing to do with national security— Syria, money, Iraq. But we just got to quit this stuff. Somebody's, America’s got to start paying attention. Trump didn’t even ask for that. You’ve got the war pimps that push for this stuff. And they always will tell you, Oh, it’s, “Burchett, man, they’re gonna spend all that money here buying those missiles.” You know, is that what we’re basing our votes on is they’re going to buy implements to kill other people on? I’m all for getting rid of our enemies, but this is just too much, way too much, and things are just not what they appear. We need to wake up. I voted no. Over 100 Democrats voted to pass this. That ought to tell you right there what this is about. Got some liberal stuff tucked in there, and it’s over 3000 pages. We get it on Sunday, and we’re voting on it today. There’s no way, no way, we will ever know what was in there, and just— anyway, frustrated, we’ll keep fighting. Thank y’all for sending me here. Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/2000775317577744797?s=20   commands down to 8. Under the plan expected to be presented to Secretary Hegseth this week: U.S. Central Command, European Command, and Africa Command would be downgraded and placed under a new “U.S. International Command.” U.S. Southern Command and Northern Command would merge into “U.S. Americas Command” (Americom), reflecting the administration’s shift toward Western Hemisphere operations. The remaining commands: Indo-Pacific, Cyber, Special Operations, Space, Strategic, and Transportation. A senior defense official on the urgency: “Time ain’t on our side, man. The saying here is, ‘If not us, who, and if not now, when?'” The plan aligns with Trump’s national security strategy declaring that “the days of the United States propping up the entire world order like Atlas are over.” Former Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel expressed concern: “The world isn’t getting any less complicated. You want commands that have the capability of heading off problems before they become big problems.” Congress has required the Pentagon to submit a detailed blueprint before any changes can take effect. The Monroe Doctrine comes to CENTCOM. https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2000687672936030583?s=20   been done long ago, which is eradicate the cartels that are plaguing the Western hemisphere via drug/human trafficking. The cartels have gone unchecked for decades, while they murder millions of Americans and commit heinous crimes against humanity. Trump confirms that designating the cartels as a foreign terrorist organizations “is a big deal from a legal and military standpoint”. Trump is going to use the full force of the US MIL to shut this entire corrupt network down. The Dems/MSM, and the weaklings on the Right, are going to squeal and moan the entire way, but this must be done. Trump is going to neutralize this threat to the American People and do what past Presidents failed to do. Medical/False Flags [DS] Agenda https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/2000857179142680769?s=20   been part of it. Her late father served as a colonel in the Somali army under dictator Siad Barre, whose regime carried out mass killings in the 1980s. That makes her backstory more complicated than she lets on. A resurfaced video shows a man resembling Omar's father discussing brutal tactics. There's no proof he committed war crimes, but some say he was close enough to know what was happening. Photos also show Omar's siblings with General Morgan – known as the “Butcher of Hargeisa” – and Omar herself at a 2022 event where Morgan was present. One relative even referred to him as “uncle.” Omar hasn't commented on the new findings, and her silence has led some to question how she can call for accountability abroad without addressing her own family's history. https://twitter.com/JamesRosenTV/status/2000723473182965780?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2000723473182965780%7Ctwgr%5Eb493e83212e9c33013500c56069b3622c19b2e21%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fredstate.com%2Frusty-weiss%2F2025%2F12%2F16%2Fice-officials-rip-ilhan-omar-over-ridiculous-story-about-her-son-being-racially-profiled-n2197175 https://twitter.com/thestoicplumber/status/2000748048683815183?s=20 https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2000742064959455252?s=20 U.S. Attorney Jeanine Pirro: D.C. Authorities Were Artificially Deflating Crime Stats With ‘Manipulated' Numbers https://twitter.com/USAttyPirro/status/2000637280789188855?s=20  into MPD's reported deflation of crime statistics. The need for accurate information to fight crime is essential. After a review of almost 6000 reports and the interview of over 50 witnesses, it is evident that a significant number of reports had been misclassified, making crime appear artificially lower than it was. The uncovering of these manipulated crime statistics makes clear that President Trump has reduced crime even more than originally thought, since crimes were actually higher than reported. His crime fighting efforts have delivered even more safety to the people of the District. The conduct here does not rise to the level of a criminal charge. However, it is up to MPD to take steps to internally address these underlying issues. Source: breitbart.com https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2000822708389745055?s=20 There is FEC data analysis that strongly suggests that Mark Kelly, Elissa Slotkin, Jason Crow, Chris Deluzio, Chrissy Houlahan and Maggie Goodlander have been recipients of illegally laundered campaign funds. Kelly is currently under investigation. They’re all backed by Soros!! President Trump's Plan https://twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/2000710555674325272?s=20  extremists after transitioning. https://twitter.com/george18kennedy/status/2000781888152129887?s=20   Staff of the Army (senior uniformed leader of the U.S. Army, member of the Joint Chiefs). – Admiral Daryl Caudle – Chief of Naval Operations (senior uniformed leader of the U.S. Navy, member of the Joint Chiefs). – General Eric M. Smith – Commandant of the Marine Corps (senior uniformed leader of the U.S. Marine Corps, member of the Joint Chiefs). – General Kenneth S. Wilsbach, USAF – Chief of Staff of the Air Force (senior uniformed leader of the U.S. Air Force, member of the Joint Chiefs). – General B. Chance Saltzman, USSF – Chief of Space Operations (senior uniformed leader of the U.S. Space Force, member of the Joint Chiefs). https://twitter.com/MJTruthUltra/status/2000668738203312188?s=20 TAKE A LISTEN https://twitter.com/nicksortor/status/2000725299420352640?s=20 https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2000916623243300901?s=20   Something BETTER be done about this. https://twitter.com/RobLutherLawyer/status/2000697951295840722?s=20 https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/2000961090612813971?s=20 https://twitter.com/SusieWiles/status/2000943061627548148?s=20   story. I assume, after reading it, that this was done to paint an overwhelmingly chaotic and negative narrative about the President and our team. The truth is the Trump White House has already accomplished more in eleven months than any other President has accomplished in eight years and that is due to the unmatched leadership and vision of President Trump, for whom I have been honored to work for the better part of a decade. None of this will stop our relentless pursuit of Making America Great Again! https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2000957946352820238?s=20  codification of the President’s executive orders.” “A very aggressive legislative agenda coming right out of the gates in January. We’re going to continue to work, for example, on health care to continue to bring costs down for the American people, to bring down the cost of living overall.” “He’s up to about 200 of those [orders], probably about 150 of them are codifiable by Congress and we’re working steadily through that list.” “You’re going to see us delivering for the American people while the effects of that giant piece of legislation that we did on July 4th, got signed on July 4th, comes into implementation.” “So much more, much more yet to do and the President and I talk about that almost every day and he’s excited about it and I am.” https://twitter.com/seanmdav/status/2000685717497004167?s=20 to procedurally gum up the works behind the scenes. JD Vance Points Out the Consequence of the Senate “Blue Slip” Veto of Judicial Nominees It was passed by Congress on May 13, 1912, and ratified on April 8, 1913 The 16th Amendment to the United States Constitution grants Congress the authority to impose and collect income taxes without the need to apportion them among the states or base them on census data. constitution.congress.gov It was passed by Congress on July 2, 1909, and ratified on February 3, 1913. all of this is an outcome of the 17th Amendment, which stopped the state legislatures from having control over their senators.  Under the original constitutional framework, the Senate was designed to represent the interests of the state, as the Senators were appointed by state legislature, not popular votes.  The Sea Island assembly destroyed this cornerstone when they triggered the 17th Amendment. Repeal the 17th Amendment, and just about everything in federal government changes. Machiavelli said, “It must be remembered that there is nothing more difficult to plan, more doubtful of success, nor more dangerous to manage than a new system. For the initiator has the enmity of all who would profit by the preservation of the old institution and merely lukewarm defenders in those who gain by the new ones.”  A prescient and oft repeated quote that is pertinent to the situation. When our founders created the system of government for our constitutional republic, they built in layers of protection from federal control over the lives of people in the states.  Over time, those protections have been eroded as the federal bureaucracy has seized power.  One of the biggest changes that led to the creation of the permanent political class was the 17th Amendment. Our founders created a system where Senators were appointed by the state legislatures.  In this original system, the Senate was bound by obligation to look out for the best interests of their specific states.  Under the ‘advise and consent‘ rules of Senate confirmation for executive branch appointments, the intent was to ensure the presidential appointee -who would now carry out regulatory activity- would not undermine the independent position of the states.  .When the 17th Amendment (direct voting for Senators) took the place of state appointments, the perspective of ‘advise and consent' changed.  The Senate was now in the position of ensuring the presidential appointee did not undermine the power of the permanent bureaucracy, which is the root of power for the upper-chamber. Senate committees, Homeland Security, Judiciary, Intelligence, Armed Services, Foreign Relations, etc. now consists of members who carry an imbalanced level of power within government.  The Senate now controls who will be in charge of executive branch agencies like the DOJ, DHS, FBI, CIA, ODNI, DoD, State Dept and NSA, from the position of their own power and control in Washington DC. In essence, the 17th Amendment flipped the intent of the constitution from protecting the individual states to protecting the federal government. Seventeenth Amendment- “The Senate of the United States shall be composed of two Senators from each State, elected by the people thereof, for six years; and each Senator shall have one vote. The electors in each State shall have the qualifications requisite for electors of the most numerous branch of the State legislatures. When vacancies happen in the representation of any State in the Senate, the executive authority of such State shall issue writs of election to fill such vacancies: Provided, That the legislature of any State may empower the executive thereof to make temporary appointments until the people fill the vacancies by election as the legislature may direct.” (link)   The biggest issue following the passage of the 17th Amendment became Senators who were no longer representing the interests of their state.  Instead, they were representing the interests of the power elite groups who were helping them fund the mechanisms of their re-election efforts. A Senator only needs to run for re-election every six years.  The 17th Amendment is the only amendment that changed the structure of the Congress, as it was written by the founders. Over time, the Senate chamber itself began using their advice and consent authority to control the executive and judicial branch.  The origination of a nomination now holds the question: “Can this person pass the Senate confirmation process?” source: theconservativetreehouse.com https://twitter.com/j3669/status/2000683161273897213?s=20 https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2000952036238746070?s=20 https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2000671858417422538?s=20   is going to save the GOP, AGAIN. (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");

    christmas united states america god american time president donald trump europe hollywood los angeles house space state reality americans british research video war russia european ukraine washington dc european union north carolina western army congress indian fbi world war ii middle east iran journal economy supreme court military navy debt iraq democrats consequences civil war weapons transitioning senate adolf hitler cia define intelligence strategic funding patriots air force syria republic constitution ukrainian senators hide historical exposed photos crimes nuclear convention cyber pentagon presidents rhode island oil transportation critics gop golden age abraham lincoln damage amendment gdp marine corps butcher dump homeland security brown university doj first amendment world bank trillion new york post nsa zelensky space force legally cb ds dod princess bride george soros lapd enforcement insiders rob reiner dhs hollywood reporter foreign relations somali tds generals eo spinal tap truth social delaying reiner special operations judiciary mi6 repeal trump white house uranium when harry met sally brentwood joint chiefs machiavelli indo pacific something better western hemisphere american people united states constitution mark kelly trump derangement syndrome psychiatrist dr ndaa fec national defense authorization act state dept jonathan swift us marshals this is spinal tap mpd armed services monroe doctrine military aid stop trump sea islands falwell central command treasonous createelement elissa slotkin modest proposal odni centcom northern syria nick reiner kurt schlichter weel naval operations u1 abnormal psychology parentnode getelementbyid space operations jason crow hustler magazine southern command dc draino southcom hargeisa eastern pacific making america great again european command chrissy houlahan keith ablow northern command mrandyngo iran syria being charlie
    Politics Politics Politics
    Jobs Report Brings Mixed News. Suzie Wiles' Wild Vanity Fair Interview (with Kirk Bado)

    Politics Politics Politics

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 78:31


    On Tuesday, a sprawling two-part Vanity Fair piece built from more than a dozen interviews with Susie Wiles, President Trump's chief of staff, dropped online. It is, without exaggeration, one of the most revealing portraits of an active White House power broker I can remember. Wiles describes Trump as having an “alcoholic's personality,” a striking characterization given his lifelong teetotalism. Trump, notably, did not dispute it. He later confirmed the description himself, calling it aggressive, possessive, and myopic.Wiles also took shots across the bow at several major figures. She labeled Elon Musk an “odd duck,” dismissed his politics, and triggered a very public response that included Musk taking a drug test near my own neighborhood to rebut claims of ketamine use. She endorsed JD Vance as the likely Republican nominee in 2028 while simultaneously describing his MAGA conversion as politically convenient. On Epstein, she confirmed Trump's name appears in the files, contradicted Trump's claims about Bill Clinton, and slammed Attorney General Pam Bondi's handling of the document release as a total failure. These were not slips. They were deliberate disclosures from someone who understands power intimately.Perhaps most telling was Wiles's admission that some Trump-era prosecutions look vindictive and that Venezuelan boat strikes were intended to pressure Nicolás Maduro politically, not just disrupt drug trafficking. That level of candor is rare. It reframes policy decisions as leverage rather than law enforcement, and it explains why the article landed like a grenade inside Republican circles.Politics Politics Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.A Cooling Jobs Market and a Complicated Economic PitchAway from the media drama, the November jobs report offered something for everyone but reassurance. Payrolls grew by 64,000 jobs, better than feared but far from robust. Unemployment climbed to 4.6 percent, the highest level in more than four years, signaling a labor market that is cooling but not collapsing. The Labor Department flagged unusual data uncertainty due to the government shutdown, muddying trend lines even further.Supporters of the administration argue that private sector employment remains solid and that government job losses were inevitable given debt and deficits. Critics counter that Trump ran as the “economy man,” and this is not an economy that inspires confidence. Manufacturing and professional services continue to contract, while gains are concentrated in health care and education. The Fed's recent rate cut looks justified, but the promised “golden age” is difficult to sell when affordability remains front and center for voters.A Prime-Time Address and the Politics of the MomentAll of this sets the stage for Trump's prime-time address from the White House, scheduled for Wednesday night. Officially, there is no news hook. Unofficially, this looks like a straight-to-camera year-in-review and year-ahead speech, a nakedly political address designed to reset the narrative as he approaches the midpoint of his second term. If there were a major announcement, such as a Russia-Ukraine breakthrough or a stimulus package, it would not stay secret. The absence of leaks suggests there is no surprise coming.At the same time, Speaker Mike Johnson is facing an internal revolt over expiring Affordable Care Act subsidies. Moderates in swing districts are desperate for a vote they can point to, even if it fails. Hardliners insist on abortion-related restrictions tied to the Hyde Amendment, and leadership is frozen. With discharge petitions circulating and Trump's own political strength under scrutiny, Johnson's power is only as strong as Trump's grip on the conference. Right now, that grip looks uncertain.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:01:23 - Susie Wiles in Vanity Fair00:04:49 - Kirk Bado on Susie Wiles00:35:30 - Update00:37:14 - Jobs Report00:39:43 - Trump's Primetime Address Announcement00:44:04 - Mike Johnson and the ACA00:50:37 - Kirk Bado on Nuzzi/Lizza and More01:13:57 - Wrap-up This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe

    Danny, Dave and Moore
    Hour 3: Did Sam Darnold give more fuel to his critics yesterday?

    Danny, Dave and Moore

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 16, 2025 41:08


    Wyman and Bob talk with Mark Schlereth about the Seahawks ugly win over the Colts, they evaluate Sam Darnold’s performance yesterday, they react to what Jedd Fisch had to say about the Huskies LA Bowl win and why Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannan decided to punt when they were down by 13 in the 4th quarter in Sweeping the dial