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Seth Ferranti is a former LSD kingpin and fugitive on the US Marshall's Top 15 Most Wanted list who faced a highly publicized and lengthy prison sentence due to the DEA's early-'90s crackdown on LSD. The self-described outlaw and ahead-of-his-time activist is now a journalist and filmmaker whose past life informs all aspects of his work. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Episode 1986 - brought to you by our incredible sponsors: LUCY - 100% tobacco free pure nicotine, get 20% off your first order by going to Lucy.co/hardfactor and use promo code Hardfactor 00:00:00 Timestamps 00:01:00 Will broke his chair again 00:04:40 New study finds that birds love to masturbate 00:20:00 DEA whistleblower details accounts of DEA letting LOTS of Fentanyl into the US on purpose 00:30:33 Louisiana Pastor hands out a caught-on-camera beatdown of 20 year old balding man For more head over to patreon.com/hardfactor for weekly bonus episodes and most importantly HAGFD! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The United States' military prowess has been on display over the last several months during operations in Iran. But are our assets ready for other potential conflicts around the globe? Montana Republican Senator Tim Sheehy joins FOX News White House Correspondent Aishah Hasnie to discuss the nation's military preparedness, whether the U.S. is ready for a major war, and why he believes that investing in our defense now will save us money and lives later. A new investigative report reveals the DEA allowed fentanyl-laced pills to be distributed—rather than seizing them—in an effort to catch the "bigger fish" behind the sale and trafficking of the fatal drug. Associated Press investigative reporter Jim Mustian joins the FOX News Rundown to discuss what DEA whistleblowers told him, the fallout from the investigation, and whether these high-stakes tactics were successful in getting dealers off the street. Joe Concha, FOX News Contributor, does commentary. PHOTO CREDIT: AP PHOTO Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Recorded live at London's Natural History Museum on November 24, 2025. Breaking Bad fanatics, have a fresh pair of trousers at the ready—Bryan Cranston delivers an unforgettable conversation packed with behind-the-scenes stories from his years playing Walter White. He shares how DEA agents taught him the fundamentals of meth production, what he learned shadowing a USC chemistry professor to prepare for the role, and the surprising science details the show actually got right. A Hollywood legend through and through, Cranston does not disappoint. Joining him is the eminent Alan Hart—mineralogist, science historian, and keeper of extraordinary knowledge about the material world. Hart breaks down the real science behind Heisenberg's Uncertainty Principle, the intricate chemistry of organic and inorganic crystal structures, and the remarkable history of how the Periodic Table came to be. Together, Cranston and Hart illuminate the scientific heart of Breaking Bad in a way fans have never heard before.
In this episode of John Solomon Reports, host John Solomon uncovers a bombshell hearing on Capitol Hill, where Postmaster General David Steiner made a pivotal announcement regarding mail-in ballots. Steiner confirmed that the Postal Service would not deliver ballots from states that refuse to comply with President Trump's executive order mandating the vetting of state voter rolls by the Justice Department. This declaration sets a significant precedent in the ongoing debate over election integrity and is expected to lead to legal battles ahead.Joining Solomon is Congressman Keith Self from Texas, a staunch advocate for the Save America Act. Self shares his insights on the importance of this legislation and suggests that Congress should be compelled to vote on it daily, a strategy that could alter the legislative landscape.The episode also delves into a new scandal reminiscent of the Fast and Furious operation, this time involving fentanyl. A decorated DEA agent has come forward with allegations that over one million deadly fentanyl pills were allowed to flood the streets of New Mexico due to negligence from federal agencies. Solomon speaks with Tristan Leavitt, the agent's lawyer from the Empower Over Oversight Whistleblower Center, to discuss the implications of these allegations and the potential consequences of federal inaction on public health.Finally, Solomon addresses critical federal election rulings pending before the Supreme Court, with insights from Hans von Spakovsky, a leading campaign finance expert. They explore the significance of a key case in Mississippi and its potential to shape the future of elections in the United States.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Hidden Killers With Tony Brueski | True Crime News & Commentary
Sean Combs's name reportedly appears seventy-seven times in the court filings surrounding Tupac Shakur's murder. Across every alias, every legal document connected to the case against Keefe D, the references keep surfacing. A recorded 2008 police interview. A 2009 follow-up with Las Vegas detectives. A 2025 DEA document obtained by USA Today. A Netflix documentary that put the million-dollar bounty allegation back on screen for millions of viewers. Combs has denied involvement forcefully and consistently. Law enforcement said in 2024 he was never a suspect in the case.None of that has stopped the allegation from growing louder. And now Keefe D's defense team wants Combs in the courtroom — not as a defendant, but as their own witness. The strategy is to have Combs deny the bounty under oath, proving Keefe D fabricated the entire story. If the jury buys that Keefe D lied about Combs, the defense argues, they should believe he lied about every confession the prosecution is using to build its case.The criminal trial is set for August 10. Keefe D has no current attorney after his latest lawyer withdrew in March. Every pretrial motion the defense has filed has been denied. A petition at the Nevada Supreme Court represents the last chance to derail the prosecution before a jury is seated. Meanwhile, Tupac's stepbrother Mopreme Shakur has filed a wrongful death lawsuit naming one hundred unnamed co-conspirators and requesting broad discovery powers. Tupac would be fifty-five. Tony Brueski walks through the case, the allegations, and what happens when a man who cannot stop talking finally faces a jury.Join Our SubStack For AD-FREE ADVANCE EPISODES & EXTRAS!: https://hiddenkillers.substack.com/ Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8-vxmbhTxxG10sO1izODJg?sub_confirmation=1 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/TrueCrimePodThis publication contains commentary and opinion based on publicly available information. All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law. Nothing published here should be taken as a statement of fact, health or legal advice.#TupacShakur #SeanCombs #HiddenKillers #KeefeD #Diddy #TupacMurderTrial #TrueCrime #LasVegas #MopremeShakur #ColdCase
CannCon and Ghost open the final show before GART week in Deadwood with a Tuesday packed with stories that connect in ways most people are not seeing. An AP investigation with a named whistleblower reveals the DEA knowingly allowed 74,000 fentanyl pills to flood New Mexico between 2023 and 2025 to catch bigger fish while running the "one pill can kill" public campaign at the same time. Bill Pulte walks into ODNI and CNN immediately runs a smear piece while Letitia James attacks his qualifications despite simultaneously backing Jay Clayton, who has identical gaps in intelligence experience. Ghost and CannCon apply the white hat versus black hat framework and explain why neither applies: incentive-based leverage is how this operation actually works. A federal judge blocks the SAVE database cross-referencing Social Security and citizenship data, and CannCon asks the only relevant question: who issues your Social Security number and who determines citizenship status? In geopolitics, Ghost delivers a layered breakdown of Colombia's contested election, tracing the Alex Saab connection to De La Espriella, the Smartmatic globalist pivot of 2014, and why Hispanic neocon Republicans are backing a Maduro ally while publicly opposing Maduro. A viral JD Vance Qatar slight gets debunked with the full video.
Trump's Reflecting Pool renovation turning green almost immediately after a $14 million makeover, followed by the administration blaming Obama-era repairs. Trump calling Obama a “son of a bitch” while defending his own Iran deal, which remains unclear and politically messy. A new poll showing most Americans support replacing the Electoral College with a national popular vote. Ohio lawmakers failing to pass a bipartisan child marriage ban before summer recess. Elon Musk threatening legal action against Rep. Ro Khanna after Khanna connected DOGE's USAID cuts to possible mass child deaths abroad. An interview with Colorado gubernatorial candidate Erik Underwood about his political identity, Approval Voting Party run, tech background, Bank of America fight, and ambitious policy agenda. A DEA fentanyl seizure mistake in New Mexico that left dangerous drugs unaccounted for. A look at the San Andreas Fault and new concerns about stress buildup in Southern California. House of the Dragon returning with Season 3 and the Battle of the Gullet. Xbox turning 25 and pushing deeper into movies and TV with projects tied to Gears of War, Sea of Thieves, Minecraft, Fallout, and more. LINKShttps://instagram.com/itsnewstoushttps://tiktok.com/@itsnewstous Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Trump's Reflecting Pool renovation turning green almost immediately after a $14 million makeover, followed by the administration blaming Obama-era repairs. Trump calling Obama a “son of a bitch” while defending his own Iran deal, which remains unclear and politically messy. A new poll showing most Americans support replacing the Electoral College with a national popular vote. Ohio lawmakers failing to pass a bipartisan child marriage ban before summer recess. Elon Musk threatening legal action against Rep. Ro Khanna after Khanna connected DOGE's USAID cuts to possible mass child deaths abroad. An interview with Colorado gubernatorial candidate Erik Underwood about his political identity, Approval Voting Party run, tech background, Bank of America fight, and ambitious policy agenda. A DEA fentanyl seizure mistake in New Mexico that left dangerous drugs unaccounted for. A look at the San Andreas Fault and new concerns about stress buildup in Southern California. House of the Dragon returning with Season 3 and the Battle of the Gullet. Xbox turning 25 and pushing deeper into movies and TV with projects tied to Gears of War, Sea of Thieves, Minecraft, Fallout, and more. LINKShttps://instagram.com/itsnewstoushttps://tiktok.com/@itsnewstous Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
El Nino is no longer a “maybe.” We're staring at a near-certain El Nino pattern, and we walk through what that could mean for New Mexico weather, Albuquerque precipitation, and mountain snowpack as we head toward fall and winter. We compare two very different analog years, including the huge 1997-1998 setup and the more disappointing 2015-2016 pattern, then translate the meteorology into what you actually care about: when the wettest window may hit, how the southern storm track can shift, and why early-winter timing could matter as much as total moisture.Then we turn to a front-page fentanyl story that raises an uncomfortable question about public safety and law enforcement strategy. A whistleblower alleges DEA decisions allowed massive quantities of fentanyl pills to reach Albuquerque streets during wiretap cases, while the agency argues the work targets larger drug trafficking networks and stays within DOJ guidance. We lay out the nuance, the claims, the pushback, and the part that's hardest to sit with: how do you strike a balance when overdose deaths are climbing and every operational choice has a human cost?We also unpack the Iran situation and why it feels like policy whiplash. From the Strait of Hormuz to inspection talk to tougher rhetoric, we sort through competing messages and what “real progress” would have to include for a durable outcome. We wrap with a surprisingly heated story about vandalism at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool and a bigger debate about patriotism, political polarization, and whether pride in America should change based on who's president.Subscribe for more, share this with a friend who follows weather or current events, and leave a review telling us which topic hit you the hardest.Website: https://www.nodoubtaboutitpodcast.com/Twitter: @nodoubtpodcastFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/NoDoubtAboutItPod/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/markronchettinm/?igshid=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D
CBS News found that the Justice Department's massive Epstein-file release still leaves major holes in the public record. Although the DOJ said it collected more than six million pages, it released only about three million, claiming the remainder consisted of duplicates, unrelated material or legally protected records. The files that were published also contain questionable redactions, including the names and images of prominent Epstein contacts even though the disclosure law specifically barred officials from withholding information merely to prevent political embarrassment or reputational damage. Some redactions were quietly removed only after CBS News questioned the department, while thousands of older emails, email attachments, internal FBI communications and records from Epstein's earliest accounts remain absent or difficult to trace.The missing material extends into some of the most important unresolved areas of the Epstein investigation. CBS News could not locate substantial records connected to a DEA money-laundering investigation, earlier federal inquiries, massage scheduling, encrypted Signal messages, suspicious financial transactions and missing FBI interview reports. More than 70 percent of the documents listed in an index used during Ghislaine Maxwell's criminal case could not be found under their original identification numbers, and prison footage from 147 cameras—along with video from the night of Epstein's first reported jail incident—was not released. The continuing gaps have prompted a Government Accountability Office investigation, congressional scrutiny and litigation seeking clearer explanations for the redactions and the release of additional documentsto contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:What's missing from the Epstein files? Questions persist about unexplained redactions, missing documents, email gaps - CBS News
AP correspondent Julie Walker reports staggering amounts of fentanyl hit the streets as the DEA watched and took no action.
Pippa Hudson is joined by James Ker-Lindsay, Senior Research Fellow at Kingston University to unpack the latest from the US/Iran Peace deal. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
CBS News found that the Justice Department's massive Epstein-file release still leaves major holes in the public record. Although the DOJ said it collected more than six million pages, it released only about three million, claiming the remainder consisted of duplicates, unrelated material or legally protected records. The files that were published also contain questionable redactions, including the names and images of prominent Epstein contacts even though the disclosure law specifically barred officials from withholding information merely to prevent political embarrassment or reputational damage. Some redactions were quietly removed only after CBS News questioned the department, while thousands of older emails, email attachments, internal FBI communications and records from Epstein's earliest accounts remain absent or difficult to trace.The missing material extends into some of the most important unresolved areas of the Epstein investigation. CBS News could not locate substantial records connected to a DEA money-laundering investigation, earlier federal inquiries, massage scheduling, encrypted Signal messages, suspicious financial transactions and missing FBI interview reports. More than 70 percent of the documents listed in an index used during Ghislaine Maxwell's criminal case could not be found under their original identification numbers, and prison footage from 147 cameras—along with video from the night of Epstein's first reported jail incident—was not released. The continuing gaps have prompted a Government Accountability Office investigation, congressional scrutiny and litigation seeking clearer explanations for the redactions and the release of additional documentsto contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:What's missing from the Epstein files? Questions persist about unexplained redactions, missing documents, email gaps - CBS NewsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.
Send us Fan MailOne ride along and a passion for public service. That's all it took to change everything. My guest on the show today, Sheriff Mark Lamb, walked away from a successful business career, stepped into a police academy in his thirties, and never looked back. He went on to become one of the most recognized law enforcement figures in America. On this episode of the Cops and Writers Podcast, we take a look at how it all started for Sheriff Mark Lamb. Welcome to part one of this incredible story. Part two airs next Sunday.More about Sheriff Lamb. Mark Lamb is known as "America's Sheriff.” He served as the 24th Sheriff of Pinal County, Arizona, overseeing a county the size of Connecticut with over 600 employees. Before entering law enforcement, he was a business owner for over a decade and didn't join law enforcement until his thirties, yet he quickly rose through the ranks. Valedictorian of his training class, Rookie of the Year, Officer of the Year, and Detective of the Year.He served as sheriff from January 2017 through December 2024, and ran for U.S. Senate in 2024, losing the Republican primary to Kari Lake. He's now running for Congress in Arizona's 5th Congressional District. No matter what your political persuasion is, I think his message needs to be heard, and I'm grateful he took the time out of his busy schedule for this interview. In today's episode, we discuss:· Growing up in different countries and how that helped him later in life as a cop and person.· Being a teenager and trapped in Panama during Operation Just Cause.· His calling to be of service.· How one ride-along changed his life forever. · The benefits or drawbacks of being “older” in the police academy.· His first job in law enforcement was as a tribal police officer on an Indian reservation.· Being a white man working on an Indian reservation as a police officer.· The lessons he learned from the natives while he was policing on the reservation.· An epidemic of missing and murdered women on Indian reservations.· Why did he run for sheriff? · His opposition attacking him and his family during this and previous elections through mudslinging, and him taking the high road. All of this and more on today's episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.Visit Sheriff Lamb's website.Head on over to my website! What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click thSupport the show
Fresh off the IgniteIt Cannabis Capital Conference in Chicago, Cole shares reactions from cannabis operators, industry stakeholders, and policymakers following the passage of Illinois' landmark cannabis omnibus legislation. Hear what business owners, advocates, and legal professionals are saying about expanded possession limits, medical cannabis access, hemp regulation, and the many unanswered questions that remain as the law moves into implementation. The episode also explores major federal developments, including DEA inspections tied to cannabis rescheduling efforts, an upcoming federal hearing on Schedule III, and the growing debate over the future of hemp. Plus, hear highlights from Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton's appearance at IgniteIt and learn why many industry participants are optimistic about the road ahead, even as uncertainty remains. Watch video version and read full show notes soon at ColeMemo.com
Send us Fan MailOn a Father's Day episode of Cannabis Legalization News, the hosts discuss running their dispensary ahead of an upcoming grand opening, including signage delays, compliance burdens, medical tax differences, pricing pressures, curbside ordering with cashless payment, and a “round up” donation program supporting Freedom Grow. They lead with a unanimous Supreme Court decision affirming cannabis users' Second Amendment rights to bear arms, then cover the DEA's upcoming rescheduling hearing and concerns about limited participation and delays, plus early DEA on-site inspections at Mississippi dispensaries seeking federal protections. Other topics include Virginia lawmakers' negotiated marijuana sales bill with automatic resentencing hearings, a Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling rejecting a legalization rollback challenge, Ukraine issuing its first cannabis license after two years, industry lobbying around hemp and beverages, and criticism of Illinois' social equity and licensing system.Support the showGet our newsletter: https://bit.ly/3VEn9vu
CBS News found that the Justice Department's massive Epstein-file release still leaves major holes in the public record. Although the DOJ said it collected more than six million pages, it released only about three million, claiming the remainder consisted of duplicates, unrelated material or legally protected records. The files that were published also contain questionable redactions, including the names and images of prominent Epstein contacts even though the disclosure law specifically barred officials from withholding information merely to prevent political embarrassment or reputational damage. Some redactions were quietly removed only after CBS News questioned the department, while thousands of older emails, email attachments, internal FBI communications and records from Epstein's earliest accounts remain absent or difficult to trace.The missing material extends into some of the most important unresolved areas of the Epstein investigation. CBS News could not locate substantial records connected to a DEA money-laundering investigation, earlier federal inquiries, massage scheduling, encrypted Signal messages, suspicious financial transactions and missing FBI interview reports. More than 70 percent of the documents listed in an index used during Ghislaine Maxwell's criminal case could not be found under their original identification numbers, and prison footage from 147 cameras—along with video from the night of Epstein's first reported jail incident—was not released. The continuing gaps have prompted a Government Accountability Office investigation, congressional scrutiny and litigation seeking clearer explanations for the redactions and the release of additional documentsto contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:What's missing from the Epstein files? Questions persist about unexplained redactions, missing documents, email gaps - CBS NewsBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.
Joseph was praised as successful, but no one knew the secret life he was living. Behind the UPS uniform, he was smuggling drugs and chasing money until the DEA finally caught up to him. Support our production
Every badge carries a story, but few careers have traveled the path of Chief Clay Morris. In this episode, we sit down with the Chief of Police of Hoover, Alabama, and journey through a life dedicated to service, sacrifice, and leadership. Raised in a family steeped in law enforcement tradition, Morris joined the DEA in 1995 and was soon sent to the streets of Dallas, Texas, where the war on drugs was raging and every operation carried the potential for danger. From high-stakes narcotics investigations and split-second decisions to the leadership challenges that would define his career, Morris recounts the moments that tested his resolve and shaped the man behind the badge. He also reflects on finding himself at the center of one of Dallas' most publicized investigations involving a Dallas police officer and former NFL starMichael Irvin. But this story is about more than arrests, seizures, and close calls. It is a story of brotherhood, perseverance, growth, and answering a calling greater than oneself. Join us as we explore the remarkable life, career, and legacy of Chief Clay Morris—a journey from the front lines of federal law enforcement to the chief's office, and the lessons learned along the way.
El exdirector interino de la DEA, Derek Maltz, recurrió a las redes sociales para pedirle a la presidenta de México que se una a la lucha contra el narcotráfico.
Dea scéala go bhfuil cead tugtha don druga Givinostat ag grúpa drugaí Fheidhmeannacht na Seirbhíse Sláinte & labhair siad linn faoi ócáid, atá eagraithe ag Sinn Féin, atá ar siúl i dTeach Laighean inniu, áit a mbeidh deis ag teaghlaigh na ndaoine a maraíodh i dtragóid an Chraoslaigh labhairt le baill an Oireachtais.
Ibrahim Akasha was the kingpin of East Africa's heroin highway, setting up a massive tracking empire that stretched from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Iran to Kenya, South Africa and Europe. When he was gunned down in 2000, his sons stepped into the void, hungrier and even more violent...but also, more sloppy. They struck deals with Pakistani mobsters and Colombian cartels, turning Kenya's ports into gateways for global dope. But their empire crumbled in a DEA sting straight out of a Hollywood script. *Note: Sean disappeared while on vacation in Amsterdam, Danny had to be hospitalized post Knicks win, so we took a week off for the first time in a year. Enjoy this classic episode from last summer: Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Get ready for an explosive episode of The Chad & Cheese Podcast as hosts Joel Cheesman and Chad Sowash welcome Jack McFarland, a 32-year DEA veteran and former Quantico instructor, to HR's Most Dangerous Podcast. In this high-stakes interview, McFarland bridges the gap between federal law enforcement and corporate leadership, sharing gripping stories from his rise through the streets of Philadelphia during the crack epidemic to commanding major cartel investigations and leading elite teams in the Caribbean. He breaks down the elite psychology of hand-picking teams, the critical art of vetting human intelligence, and why managing special agents is exactly like coaching high school football. From his old-school 1987 application process to a wild, modern-day run in the casting semi-finals for reality TV's The Traitors, Jack blends sharp humor with serious operational wisdom. Plus, he pulls back the curtain on federal mandatory retirement at age 57, delivering a raw look at institutional ageism and why agencies are forced to rehire retirees to fix massive staffing shortages. Whether you are scaling a company, managing risk, or navigating corporate politics, this wide-ranging conversation delivers actionable leadership principles straight from the front lines. Chapters 00:00 - Introduction to Jack McFarland 02:59 - Jack's Journey to the DEA 05:54 - The Interview Process for Reality TV 08:59 - The Evolution of the DEA's Brand 11:49 - Managing Diverse Teams in Law Enforcement 19:39 - Career Progression and Leadership Roles 21:02 - Ageism and Mandatory Retirement in Law Enforcement 23:12 - Financial Motivations Behind Hiring Practices 24:31 - Rehired Annuitants: A New Approach to Staffing 26:46 - Transitioning to Civilian Life After Law Enforcement 29:32 - The Importance of Networking in Career Advancement 30:01 - Managing Human Intelligence and Informants 34:47 - Actionable Intelligence and Avoiding Bias in Law Enforcement
Join Bryan and Marie on this powerful episode of Coffee Talk as they sit down with Brian Townsend — a retired Supervisory Special Agent and Resident Agent in Charge with the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA). With 28 years in law enforcement, including 23 years with the DEA, Brian brings unmatched insight into drug trafficking, leadership development, and the evolving opioid crisis.Brian served in multiple leadership roles across Corpus Christi, Little Rock, and Springfield, managing teams, operations, and major investigations. His work at the DEA Training Academy in Quantico helped shape the agency's leadership development programs, which continue to train more than 10,000 personnel today.Now serving as a Law Enforcement Training Coordinator for MOCIC and founder of Eagle 6 Training, Brian provides world‑class instruction on leadership, cryptocurrency investigations, dark web threats, and organizational readiness. He also leads Only 2mg Inc., a 501(c)(3) dedicated to fentanyl awareness and education, speaking nationwide about the opioid epidemic and its devastating impact.Brian sits on the Board of Directors for the Drug Enforcement Association of Federal Narcotics Agents (DEAFNA) and is frequently featured by major news outlets including FOX and CNN.This episode dives deep into:Brian's 28‑year law enforcement journeyThe realities of drug trafficking and fentanyl's riseLeadership inside one of the nation's most demanding federal agenciesHow digital crime, cryptocurrency, and the dark web are reshaping investigationsHis mission to educate communities and save livesA must‑listen for anyone passionate about public safety, leadership, and the fight against the opioid crisis.
Judi Therianos and Missy Bevers had nothing in common except for the fact they were both beloved women and mothers who were murdered, senselessly, in 2016. Their murders didn’t have much in common, either. One got the usual local coverage, the other was an internet sleuth sensation. One was solved fairly quickly, the other, 10 years later, is still as much of a mystery as it was in 2016. But they both left devastated family and friends in their wake, and their homicides and the aftermath say something about the bigger picture 10 years ago — in a lot of ways, little has improved. To commemorate our 200th episode, we look at the two homicides from 2016, the same year we started this podcast. To check out Maureen's Maine-based Bernadette “Bernie” O’Dea mystery novels, including the award-winning (seriously!) Dying for News, click here. Looking for a cool Crime & Stuff T-Shirt, or another cool shirt designed by Rebecca? Check out her Bonfire shirt site, by clicking here.
The debut episode of The Connor O'Gara Show is here on The Next Round digital platform, and Connor is joined by Lance Taylor — LT — for a loose, live Friday morning conversation on college football, gambling, wild personal stories and the start of a new weekly series. Connor and LT dive into the Brendan Sorsby gambling situation and why Texas Tech has found itself in the middle of a major PR storm. Is the school backing Sorsby because of loyalty — or because he represents a massive NIL investment? LT also opens up about his past as a college bookmaker, why he eventually walked away from the business, and how the modern NIL era has completely changed the conversation around college athletes and gambling. Plus, Connor and LT swap unbelievable run-ins with authority — from a college house party SWAT raid to LT being detained by the DEA after a Burger King parking lot drug deal gone wrong. The guys also hit on:
In Part 2 of this explosive interview, Ray Donovan — the DEA's Chief of Operations — goes deeper than any headline ever has. This isn't the sanitized version you've heard before. This is the real account of how a multi-agency coalition of DEA, FBI, and HSI agents coordinated one of the most complex law enforcement operations in modern history to bring down Joaquin "El Chapo" Guzmán and dismantle the Sinaloa Cartel's global empire.
Internationally sought-after, highly nomadic, non-politically correct, no-nonsense, blunt, eccentric, lightning-fast-moving, and in-your-face Universal Systems Architect, Doctor of Metaphysical Psychology, and scholar who consults/trains +125k entities (e.g. Fortune 100,universities, AI experts, artists/creatives, compliance officers, doctors, engineers, lawyers, local/federal police, wellness experts, and many others across all industries) across countries and languages in the ability behindhistory's greatest thinkers. This ability he loosely calls "Holistic Vision" and defines as "the ability to see the foundations and interconnectivity of all atmospheres". His work continues to generate+$26M in clientele's revenue. Dr. Herman is a Harvard University-published writer;12x-author (ten solo, two contributor) whose work is accepted in the US Library of Congress and used in educational entities worldwide; writer of +50 academic,business, and research papers; expert featured +70 times in media worldwide in various languages (including MSN, YAHOO!); awardee of six degrees (Doctorate, two Masters, two Bachelors, Associates); advisor/consultant/instructor/judge/mentor at universities, academies, career centers, entrepreneurship incubators/accelerators, and employment agencies worldwide; Universal/Holistic/Psychological Systems Consultant for a NASA contractor and international AI/cyber investigation contractors to CIA, DARPA, DEA, FBI, EUROPOL, INTERPOL, SecretService, other agencies, and High-Net-Worth-Individuals (HNWI). Linkto episode can be found here: #drdanamzallag, #drdanpodcast, #Happinessjourneywithdrdan,#ddanmotivation, #inspiringinterviews, #drdancbt, #drdantherapy,#drdancoaching, #drdanhappiness,
In Part 1 of this exclusive true crime interview, Ray Donovan opens up about the pivotal mentorship that launched his law enforcement career, the brutal realities of life inside the DEA, the international operations that defined a generation of drug enforcement, and what it really takes to rise from rookie agent to Chief of Operations of the preeminent drug enforcement agency in the world!!
Become the Medetomi-Dean of AdmissionsStep up your hospital addiction medicine game by learning to troubleshoot methadone dose confirmations/missed doses and understanding how medetomidine's emergency in the drug supply is impacting patients and withdrawal management. We're joined by Dr Maggie Lowenstein (University of Pennsylvania)Claim CME for this episode at curbsiders.vcuhealth.org!By listening to this episode and completing CME, this can be used to count towards the new DEA 8-hr requirement on substance use disorders education.Episodes | Subscribe | Spotify | iTunes | CurbsidersAddictionMed@gmail.com | CME!Credits Writer, Producer, and Show Notes: Shawn Cohen MD Infographic and Cover Art: Zoya Surani Hosts: Carolyn Chan, MD. MHS and Shawn Cohen MD Reviewer: Payel Jhoom Roy MD, MSc Showrunner: Carolyn Chan, MD, MHS Technical Production: PodPaste Guest: Maggie Lowenstein MD MPhil MSHP Sponsor: BabbelGo to Babbel.com/CURB for up to 60% off.Sponsor: FIGSCurbsiders listeners can get 15% off. Just go to WearFIGS.com and use code FIGSRX.Sponsor: FreedSetup takes 30 minutes and pricing starts at $149 a month. Try it free for 7 days at getfreed.ai/front-desk.
Welcome to another episode of The Video Store Podcast. This week I am recommending four movies about undercover work. That can mean a lot of things in movies. Sometimes it is a young cop trying to prove himself. Sometimes it is a guy returning to a place where everyone already knows him. Sometimes it is a job that starts out dangerous and then gets worse because the people doing it begin to lose track of who they are supposed to be.I have always liked this kind of story because it gives crime movies a built in problem right away. The person at the center has to lie, but the lie only works if part of it feels true. That is where these movies live. None of them treat undercover work as clean or especially clever. It is usually sweaty, stressful, and bad for everyone involved.No Man's Land (1987)No Man's Land stars D. B. Sweeney as a young cop who goes undercover to get inside a Porsche theft ring run by Charlie Sheen. It was directed by Peter Werner and written by Dick Wolf, which is a little interesting now because most people probably connect Wolf with Law and Order and television crime stories. Here he is working in a very eighties lane, with stolen sports cars, Los Angeles money, and Charlie Sheen doing the smooth rich kid criminal thing.This is not the deepest movie on the shelf, but it has a good setup and a lot of period texture. The car stuff helps. A crime ring built around stolen Porsches feels very much of its moment, and the movie understands the appeal of that world even while it is showing you the danger underneath it. Sweeney is good as someone who is not quite ready for the assignment, and Sheen is believable as the guy who makes bad choices look attractive.The cast also includes Randy Quaid, M. Emmet Walsh, Lara Harris, and Bill Duke. I always like when Bill Duke shows up in something, and in this week's lineup he shows up twice, once here as an actor and later as the director of Deep Cover (1992). That was not the reason I picked these four, but it is a nice bit of video store shelf connection.State of Grace (1990)State of Grace stars Sean Penn as Terry Noonan, an undercover cop who returns to Hell's Kitchen and reconnects with the people he grew up with. The problem is that those people are now tied into the Irish mob, and some of them still see him as one of their own. That makes the undercover part more personal than usual. He is not just pretending to belong. In some ways, he already did.The cast is a big part of the reason to watch this one. Ed Harris is controlled and cold as Frankie Flannery, Gary Oldman is all nerves and damage as Jackie, and Robin Wright gives the movie more emotional weight than it would have had with a thinner version of that role. John Turturro and John C. Reilly are in there too, which gives the movie one of those casts where you keep noticing people before they became more familiar.It was directed by Phil Joanou, written by Dennis McIntyre, shot by Jordan Cronenweth, and scored by Ennio Morricone. That is a lot of strong names attached to a movie that never became as famous as it probably should have. Part of the problem is timing. It came out in 1990, the same year as Goodfellas, and that is a tough shadow for any New York crime movie to stand in. State of Grace is not Goodfellas, and it is not trying to be. Rush (1991)Rush is a heavier version of the undercover story. Jason Patric and Jennifer Jason Leigh play narcotics officers working a drug case in 1970s Texas, and the movie is less interested in the mechanics of the investigation than in what the job does to them. It is about crossing lines, then having trouble finding those lines again.The movie was directed by Lili Fini Zanuck and based on Kim Wozencraft's novel, which was inspired by her own time as an undercover narcotics officer. Pete Dexter wrote the screenplay, and the cast includes Sam Elliott, Max Perlich, and Gregg Allman. That last bit always makes the movie feel slightly stranger on paper than it plays on screen, because Allman fits into the world of the movie pretty naturally.Rush is not a casual watch. Jason Patric was very good in this period at playing men who seem like they have already made peace with ruining themselves, and Jennifer Jason Leigh makes her character's slide feel believable without turning it into a big speech. Eric Clapton did the music, and the soundtrack became better known than the movie in some circles because of Tears in Heaven. The film itself is rougher and less sentimental than people might expect from that association.Deep Cover (1992)Deep Cover stars Laurence Fishburne, still credited here as Larry Fishburne, as a police officer recruited by the DEA to go undercover in Los Angeles. Jeff Goldblum plays the lawyer and criminal operator he gets close to, and Goldblum gives the movie a different kind of villain than the usual street level dealer. He is funny, polished, and awful in a way that feels very specific to him.This was directed by Bill Duke, and it is one of the best undercover crime movies of the period. It has the shape of a genre film, but it is also angry about the systems around the drug war. Fishburne is excellent because he never plays the character as a cool movie cop enjoying the danger. He looks like someone being hollowed out by the job, which makes the movie more interesting as it goes along.The title song is also a major part of the movie's history. Deep Cover was Dr. Dre's debut solo single and introduced a lot of listeners to Snoop Doggy Dogg. That song has lived on in a big way, but the movie deserves to be remembered right alongside it. It is sharp, stylish, and still feels a little mean around the edges.All four of these movies are about people who are supposed to keep their identities separate, and none of them are very good at it for long. No Man's Land (1987) gives you the flashy version with stolen cars and rich criminals. State of Grace (1990) makes it about old friends and old wounds. Rush (1991) turns the assignment into something punishing and personal. Deep Cover (1992) takes the undercover story and pushes it into something colder and more political.If I were standing behind the counter this week, these are the four I would point you toward. They are not all doing the same thing, but they belong together on the same rental stack. Undercover movies work best when the job stops being just a job, and each of these gets there in its own way.Thanks for reading Video Store Podcast! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.videostorepodcast.com
Well… this movie is something, isn't it? Leon: In this episode we break down Leon: The Professional. We talk about Gary Oldman's insane performance and how he created one of the best villians improvising the entire time. We tell the story of how the production smuggled illegal weapons into France and got hit with massive fines when authorities shut it down. We get into why Natalie Portman's parents ever allowed her to be in this movie. And we give our honest reaction to a cult classic that caught us WAY off guard in ways we were not ready for.Chapters:00:00 Announcements0:29 Not what we were expecting...12:43 How Jean Reno helped the problematic story14:49 The sketchy backstory of the director19:06 How Natalie Portman's parents kept her safe25:26 Why is this a cult classic28:07 Gary Oldman here to save the day36:12 Keanu Reeves and John Wick41:10 Jean Reno's method acting & the music44:14 The most accurate DEA raid in movie history45:09 Setting up major scenes49:35 Could've been Man on Fire53:02 Our final thoughts
The Truth About American Police and the Danger of Drug Labs: He Shares What Most People Never See. The Truth about American Police is often far different from what appears in headlines, television dramas, or social media debates. Behind every badge are men and women who routinely face violence, uncertainty, and life-threatening situations that most citizens never experience. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. In a powerful episode of the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast, retired DEA agent, former Omaha Police Department officer, and military veteran Charles Noonan pulls back the curtain on the realities of policing, the murder of a fellow officer, and the growing danger posed by modern illegal drug labs. The Podcast is available for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartradio and most major podcast platforms. #Free #Podcast #Radio The episode is available on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, LinkedIn, and other major platforms as a Free Podcast. The Murder of Omaha Police Officer Jimmy Wilson Before joining the Drug Enforcement Administration, Charles Noonan served with the Omaha Police Department alongside Officer Jimmy Wilson. The Truth About American Police and the Danger of Drug Labs: He Shares What Most People Never See. Supporting articles about this and much more from Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast in platforms like Medium , Blogspot and Linkedin. Wilson was more than a coworker. He was a close friend. On a tragic evening, Officer Wilson conducted what appeared to be a routine traffic stop involving a van displaying fictitious license plates. At approximately 8:00 p.m., he radioed his location and approached the vehicle. Moments later, the situation turned deadly. Two members of an eight-person gang exited the van and opened fire with an AK-47 rifle and a 9mm semi-automatic pistol. Officer Wilson was killed while still seated in his patrol vehicle, his seatbelt fastened and his microphone still in his hand. The suspects ranged in age from 14 to 20 years old. One gang member, affiliated with the Bloods street gang, was later convicted of First Degree Murder. Evidence showed he had told fellow gang members that he was "not going back to jail" before opening fire. He was sentenced to life imprisonment along with additional prison time for firearm charges. The Truth About American Police and the Danger of Drug Labs: He Shares What Most People Never See. The show is inspiring audiences through the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Apple, Spotify, iHeartradio and and many Podcast platforms. Officer Wilson had served with the Omaha Police Department for only 16 months. He was survived by his fiancée and parents. Policing ran deep in his family, as both his father and grandfather had also served with the department. For Noonan, the loss remains a stark reminder of the risks officers face every day. The Truth About American Police Stories like Jimmy Wilson's illustrate a reality many people never see. Most police officers begin every shift knowing they may encounter armed criminals, violent offenders, or dangerous situations with little warning. What appears to be a simple traffic stop can become a deadly encounter within seconds. Noonan explains that officer survival often comes down to preparation, awareness, and training. Yet even the most experienced officers can find themselves facing circumstances beyond their control. His decades in law enforcement provided firsthand insight into the sacrifices officers and their families make throughout their careers. The Truth About American Police and the Danger of Drug Labs: He Shares What Most People Never See. The episode is available across major platforms including their website, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, with highlights shared across their Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn profiles. From Street Cop to DEA Expert Following his service with the Omaha Police Department, Noonan transitioned to the Drug Enforcement Administration, where he became an expert in clandestine drug laboratories and hazardous drug environments. Over the years, he investigated some of the most dangerous illegal drug operations in the United States and abroad. What surprised many people was where some of these labs were found. During the podcast, Noonan discusses two separate drug lab investigations that took place inside luxury condominiums in South Florida. The locations challenged common assumptions that illegal drug labs only exist in remote rural areas or abandoned buildings. In reality, dangerous criminal operations can be hidden in upscale neighborhoods, apartment complexes, and residential communities. The Modern Danger of Drug Labs The nature of illegal drug manufacturing has changed dramatically over the past decade. Traditional methamphetamine laboratories have declined, but the threat has evolved into something potentially even more dangerous. The Truth About American Police and the Danger of Drug Labs: He Shares What Most People Never See. Available for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Youtube and most major Podcast networks. Today's criminal organizations increasingly focus on synthetic drugs such as fentanyl and counterfeit prescription pills. Rather than operating large chemical labs, many criminal groups now utilize pill-pressing operations that transform fentanyl and other substances into fake medications that closely resemble legitimate pharmaceutical products. These operations create enormous risks for both law enforcement and the public. According to Noonan, many modern drug labs involve: Fentanyl production and packaging Counterfeit pill manufacturing Industrial pill pressing operations Toxic chemical storage Hazardous waste contamination Explosive chemical reactions Even microscopic amounts of fentanyl can create significant exposure concerns for first responders. Why Drug Labs Are So Dangerous The danger extends far beyond the criminals operating these facilities. Drug labs often contain volatile chemicals capable of causing explosions, fires, and long-term contamination. First responders entering these environments must be prepared for chemical exposure, toxic fumes, and unknown substances. The Truth About American Police and the Danger of Drug Labs: He Shares What Most People Never See. The Podcast is available for free on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast website, also on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, iHeartradio and most major podcast platforms. Noonan has spent years training officers and emergency personnel to recognize and safely respond to these threats. Many people are surprised to learn that drug labs frequently exist in ordinary neighborhoods. Warning signs may include: Blacked-out windows Strong chemical odors Unusual foot or vehicle traffic Excessive security measures Frequent short-term visitors Chemical containers or waste materials Authorities advise residents never to investigate suspected drug labs themselves. Instead, they should immediately contact local law enforcement or federal authorities. A Career Dedicated to Training and Officer Safety With 37 years of military and law enforcement experience, Charles Noonan has become a respected trainer throughout the United States and internationally. He has worked undercover in five countries and provides instruction in both English and Spanish. His training expertise includes: Chemical and Biological Hazard Operations Fentanyl Response and Awareness Terrorism and Narco-Terrorism Investigations Undercover Operations Management Officer Survival Strategies Active Shooter Response Criminal Intelligence Gathering Cryptocurrency and Dark Web Investigations Ballistic Shield Operations Interview and Interrogation Techniques Vehicle Arrest and Containment Operations Law Enforcement Leadership and Ethics Through his work with HazMat Tactical Solutions International and the University of Miami Gordon Center, Noonan continues helping prepare officers for the evolving threats facing law enforcement. The Truth About American Police and the Danger of Drug Labs: He Shares What Most People Never See. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast continues bringing listeners real conversations from the front lines of crime, policing, trauma, survival, and healing. Listen to the Full Interview The powerful conversation with retired DEA agent Charles Noonan provides a rare inside look at The Truth about American Police, the sacrifice of fallen officers, and the growing danger posed by modern drug labs. His firsthand experiences reveal realities that many Americans never see, from the tragic murder of Officer Jimmy Wilson to the hidden threats of fentanyl production and clandestine laboratories. The complete interview is available as a Free Podcast on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, LinkedIn, and major podcast platforms. For anyone interested in law enforcement, public safety, officer survival, or the hidden world of illegal drug operations, this is an episode that should not be missed. Listeners can hear the complete interview on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, and other major Podcast, Radio, News, and Media platforms. 3 Traffic Arrests Hid a Lifetime of Childhood Trauma: Her Powerful Journey from Abuse and Addiction to Sobriety and Success. The Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast social media like their Facebook , Instagram , LinkedIn , Medium and other social media platforms. Get the Free Clubhouse App, it is Drop In Social Audio. Think of it as your own talk radio show on your phone, and best of all it is free. Be sure to look for me and follow me, that's John J Wiley or @letradioshow you can do all that here. You can contact John J. “Jay” Wiley by email at Jay@letradio.com , or learn more about him on their website . 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 . Listen to the full story on the Free Podcast, available on the Law Enforcement Talk Radio Show and Podcast Website, on Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Apple, Spotify, and more. Be sure to follow us on X , Instagram , Facebook, Pinterest, Linkedin and other social media platforms for the latest episodes and news. Learn and get access to money saving tips and how to increase your net worth at www.LetSavings.com Listen to this powerful #Free Podcast episode featuring Marci Hopkins on Facebook, Instagram, Youtube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and major Podcast platforms nationwide. Download the Free Ebook about ways and tips to improve your health. You can get the ebook for free at www.LetHealthy.com The Truth About American Police and the Danger of Drug Labs: He Shares What Most People Never See. 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Send us Fan MailThanks for coming back for the conclusion of my interview with Author, Screenwriter, Producer, and Retired DEA Agent J Todd Scott. Today's episode, we talk DEA stuff and work our way into Hollywood and books, more specifically, him being a producer and writer for the Yellowstone spinoff, Dutton Ranch. Todd spent 30 years as a special agent for the DEA, being assigned to multiple locations across the United States and the world. During his time as a special agent, he took part in investigations leading to tons of seized illegal drugs and millions of dollars in illegal drug proceeds. He was part of the first group of agents to be assigned to Haiti for a long-term mission, where he escaped certain death multiple times by the skin of his teeth. Todd has always had a passion for stories and writing, and pursued this when he retired from federal service. He's authored six critically acclaimed crime and thriller novels. He's also a film/TV producer and screenwriter. His work includes the Lawmen: Bass Reeves, and he is a producer and writer for the spinoff to the massively popular Yellowstone series, Dutton Ranch.It was a pleasure to get the chance to chat with Todd. He has lived and is living a life that books and movies are made of; now he's telling the stories. In today's episode, we discuss:· Has legalizing marijuana in some states made things better, worse, or has it made any difference?· What is the best way to prepare yourself to become a DEA Special Agent, or any other LE officer?· Writing and being a producer on the new Yellowstone spinoff, Dutton Ranch and Lawmen: Bass Reeves.· His ‘big break' in his writing career.· Yellowstone, why was it such a breakout success?.· What is his role with The Dutton Ranch? · How daunting was it to work on Dutton Ranch with all the success of Yellowstone? How he dealt with that.· Having a full-time snake wrangler on set.· His advice for anyone wanting to break into the book-writing world or television, or movies. All of this and more on today's episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.Head on over to Todd's website to learn more about him and his work.Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop!Head on over to my website! What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click thSupport the show
From dropping out of school in the 9th grade to becoming one of San Francisco Police Department's most respected undercover narcotics investigators, this is the incredible journey of Britt Elmore.With 27 years on SFPD, plus time with the San Mateo Sheriff's Office and federal task forces (DEA & ATF), Britt shares raw, unfiltered law enforcement stories from the streets: running buy‑busts in the Tenderloin, going undercover against Honduran fentanyl networks, gun buys, life inside “Murder Max” jail, and what it really takes to survive decades in narcotics.He talks street smarts vs college degrees in policing, the human side of the people he arrested, the impact on his family, and how law enforcement has changed over 30 years.If you're in law enforcement, thinking about becoming a cop, or want to understand the real world behind the badge, this episode is a must‑watch interview.Welcome to our Channel Reasons We Serve, a podcast dedicated to exploring the motivations, challenges, and realities of working in law enforcement. We dive deep into the personal stories of officers, discuss different career paths, and break down the roles of various agencies—from local police departments to state and federal law enforcement.
On January 26th, 1977, twenty-four year old Melanie Flynn walked out from her Lexington, Kentucky job, climbed into her red, Ford Elite and drove off into the unknown. She has never been seen again. Immediately in the aftermath of her disappearance her father, former state senator Bobby Flynn, reached out a friend and police officer for help. He didn't expect the response he received.The Police weren't all that interested or concerned. They brushed aside the family's worries and assured them that Melanie had likely gone off with friends and would come back sometime soon. It wasn't until ten days later, when the missing woman's car was found, that a detective was finally assigned to the case. The initial investigation was described as poorly conducted and carried out by detectives who seemed indifferent to the plight of the Flynn's. When they received tips that the missing woman was seen in Florida they took that statements at face value and announced the case was closed.It remained that way until a cop, the very one Bobby had reached out to, sat for a controversial interview where he blasted the victim, called her a slew of insults and then issued his belief that she'd run off on her own and didn't need to be found. This interview would unlock a door that revealed the dark indications of a grander conspiracy in which Melanie may have found herself caught.Part 2 will be releasing Friday, June 5th, 2026.FollowTEPod.comFollow Trace Evidence on Social MediaTwitter --- Instagram --- TikTok --- YouTube --- Like Facebook Page --- Join Facebook Group --- Threads --- Like MeWe Page --- Join MeWe Group --- BlueskySuppport Trace EvidencePatreon --- Paypal --- Cash App --- Buy Me A CoffeeTrace Evidence Merch ShopsTeePublic --- ShopTEPod --- SpreadshopAll Other LinksOfficial Trace Evidence Website --- LinkTreeMusic Courtesy of:"Lost Time" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/"Chasing Time" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/"Galactic Rap" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/#truecrimepodcast #unsolvedmysteries #coldcase #coldcaseinvestigation #murder #murdermystery #missingperson #missingpersons #truecrimecommunity #mysterypodcast #truecrime #coldcasefiles #truecrimestories #crimelovers #truecrimeaddict #truecrimejunkie #crimescene #justiceforall #missing #crimesquad #podcastcommunity #sleuthsunite #darkhistories #criminalmindset #detective #detectivediaries #forensics #forensicfiles #crimestories #crimepodcast #traceevidence #traceevidencepodcast #criminalinvestigation #justiceforvictims #detectivework #truecrimediscussion #podcastfamily #listenandsolve #crimefans #listentotraceevidence #uncoverthetruth #podcastrecommendations #podcastlove #podcastlife #truecrimeobsessed #followtheclues #cluefinders #podcastaddict #unsolvedmurders #unsolveddisappearances #detectiveatheart #jointheinvestigation #disappearance #vanishing #abduction #gonemissing #upandvanished #pacheco #stevenpacheco #podcasting #crimetalk #crimeanalysis #theories #melanieflynn #bobbyflynn #dougflynn #billcanan #henryvance #drewthornton #cocainebear #cocaine #trafficking #escobar #medellin #lexington #kentucky #kentuckyunsolvedBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/trace-evidence--3207798/support.
In part 2 we examine the greater conspiracy surrounding the Vanishing of Melanie Flynn. Lexington Police Officer Bill Canan, who claimed to be using Melanie as a confidential informant for his undercover work in the drug scene is fired from his job for a multitude of reasons related to insubordination. Canan denies any involvement in Melanie's disappearance or in any illegal activities. However, his partner, Drew Thornton, dies while flying a plane carrying two hundred pounds of cocaine into the United States from Columbia.In the early 1990's, former reporter Sally Denton releases a book entitled “The Bluegrass Conspiracy.” The book goes on to expose a massive drug and arm trafficking operation being carried out between South America and the US with local police as well as several federal agents working hand-in-hand with Pablo Escobar's Medellin cartel. In addition to trafficking, there are cases of witness intimidation, theft, assault and even murder. Canan is eventually arrested, charged and convicted of cocaine trafficking. During his trial, several witnesses claim he was directly responsible for Melanie's disappearance and murder.FollowTEPod.comFollow Trace Evidence on Social MediaTwitter --- Instagram --- TikTok --- YouTube --- Like Facebook Page --- Join Facebook Group --- Threads --- Like MeWe Page --- Join MeWe Group --- BlueskySuppport Trace EvidencePatreon --- Paypal --- Cash App --- Buy Me A CoffeeTrace Evidence Merch ShopsTeePublic --- ShopTEPod --- SpreadshopAll Other LinksOfficial Trace Evidence Website --- LinkTreeMusic Courtesy of:"Lost Time" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/"Chasing Time" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/"Galactic Rap" Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com) Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 License http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/#truecrimepodcast #unsolvedmysteries #coldcase #coldcaseinvestigation #murder #murdermystery #missingperson #missingpersons #truecrimecommunity #mysterypodcast #truecrime #coldcasefiles #truecrimestories #crimelovers #truecrimeaddict #truecrimejunkie #crimescene #justiceforall #missing #crimesquad #podcastcommunity #sleuthsunite #darkhistories #criminalmindset #detective #detectivediaries #forensics #forensicfiles #crimestories #crimepodcast #traceevidence #traceevidencepodcast #criminalinvestigation #justiceforvictims #detectivework #truecrimediscussion #podcastfamily #listenandsolve #crimefans #listentotraceevidence #uncoverthetruth #podcastrecommendations #podcastlove #podcastlife #truecrimeobsessed #followtheclues #cluefinders #podcastaddict #unsolvedmurders #unsolveddisappearances #detectiveatheart #jointheinvestigation #disappearance #vanishing #abduction #gonemissing #upandvanished #pacheco #stevenpacheco #podcasting #crimetalk #crimeanalysis #theories #melanieflynn #bobbyflynn #dougflynn #billcanan #henryvance #drewthornton #cocainebear #cocaine #trafficking #escobar #medellin #lexington #kentucky #kentuckyunsolvedBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/trace-evidence--3207798/support.
FILM FESTIVAL TICKETS: https://buytickets.at/thedopeyfoundation/2216905 PATREON: www.patreon.com/dopeypodcast This week on Dopey! We check in from deep inside Knicks playoff mania, tackles a listener email about dating in early recovery, and shares some hard-earned thoughts on relapse, relationships, and protecting your sobriety at all costs. Then we reconnect with fellow Mountainside alum Kelly P, who was in treatment alongside Dave and Chris back in 2011. What follows is a truly classic Dopey story: childhood trauma, smoking weed at 12, cocaine by 17, dealing pills, getting hooked on oxy and heroin, robbing her own supplier, catching a federal indictment, getting arrested by the DEA, doing time in federal prison, finding love behind bars, and eventually surviving years of heroin, fentanyl, crack, and total chaos. Kelly takes us through decades of addiction, crime, incarceration, heartbreak, motherhood, and redemption with brutal honesty and surprising humor. From federal prison relationships to fentanyl addiction and near-total self-destruction, Kelly's story is a powerful reminder that recovery is possible even after the darkest chapters. Now approaching three years sober, Kelly reflects on forgiveness, family, recovery, and the gratitude that comes from building a life she never thought she'd get to live. PLUS: Knicks obsession, 2C-B puke stories, listener mail, Patreon drama, Narcan, recovery resources, cocaine relapse talk, and plenty of classic Dopey nonsense on a brand new episode of the podcast on drugs, addiction, and dumb shit. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
(June 05, 2026) LAPD, DEA sweep through MacArthur Park again. Military training brings sounds of gunfire in Long Beach, Industry. California vote count slow, leaving governor and L.A mayor races undecided. President Trump slams California elections, alleges ‘cheating’ in governor and LA mayor races.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
It's Friday, June 5th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com. I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Adam McManus Vietnamese Communists arrested two pastors Two Montagnard Vietnamese Christian men — Pastor Siu Yúi, age 68, and church member Siu Dok, age 40 — were recently arrested in Gia Lai Central Province in Vietnam's Central Highlands region. Both men were charged with “religious teachings” to mobilize ethnic minority communities toward separatism and independence, according to Christian Solidarity Worldwide. These arrests of Vietnamese Christians are the latest in a long campaign that the Communist Vietnamese government has waged against Montagnard Christian ethnic minorities in the Central Highlands who refuse to join state-controlled and sanctioned churches. In John 16:33, Jesus said, “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” In L.A. Mayoral race, Karen Bass and Spencer Pratt advance to run-off In the June 2nd election for Los Angeles mayor, Democrat incumbent Karen Bass had a dismal showing with only 34% of the vote. She was followed by insurgent reality TV star Spencer Pratt, a Republican, at 30% and socialist Nithya Raman at 22%. However, they are still counting ballots. Bass and Pratt now advance to a runoff this November. Tom Bevan, the founder of Real Clear Politics, offered this analysis. BEVAN: “The good news for Spencer Pratt is that over 60% of Los Angelinos voted for anybody but Karen Bass. That's the good news. “The bad news is for Spencer Pratt that he's at 30%. 22 [percent] voted for a socialist in Nithya Raman. How many of those voters are going to migrate over and vote for Karen Bass in the general election? And how much of an uphill climb is it for him to become the next mayor? “I think it's still a long shot, but he's going to get to stand on stage with Karen Bass again, in at least one debate, unless she decides not to.” Spencer Pratt scored points about Palisades Fire and drug addiction issue Spencer Pratt, whose home burned down in the Palisades Fire which he blames on Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for having drained nearby reservoirs, talked about her failure in their pre-election May 6th debate. (Watch 11 minutes of highlight video) PRATT: “So, without those two reservoirs filled with 117 million gallons and 5 million gallons, these firefighters had to fly all the way to Malibu and Encino to get water. So, that to me is the most dangerous thing that the mayor put us up against. … As mayor, I will never drain the reservoirs that we need for wildfire protection.” In that same debate, Pratt explained that the “homeless” in the streets is primarily a drug addiction problem. PRATT: “The reality is, no matter how many beds you give these people, they are on super meth, they are on fentanyl. The DEA statistic says 93% of this is a drug addiction problem. “Councilwoman Raman's plan for treatment first. I will go below the Harbor Freeway tomorrow with her, and we can find some of these people she's going to offer treatment for. She's going to get stabbed in the neck. These people do not want a bed. They want fentanyl or super meth.” Fate, Texas stands tall for nuclear family And finally, not every elected official is jumping on the sexual perversion bandwagon, declaring the month of June to be Homosexual Pride month. Fate, Texas Mayor Andrew Greenberg declared June to be Nuclear Family Month. Listen. GREENBERG: “I, Andrew Greenberg, Mayor of the City of Fayette, on behalf of the City Council, do hereby proclaim the month of June as Nuclear Family Month in the City of Fate, Texas, and encourage all citizens to reflect on the importance of the God-ordained nuclear family structure and continue working to strengthen and protect the traditional values of our city, county, state, and country.” God did ordain a husband and wife -- and their biological, adopted or foster children -- as the essential nucleus of the family. In Genesis 1:28, God commanded that the husband and wife “be fruitful and multiply.” You can send a quick 2-sentence email of thanks to Mayor Greenberg at aGreenberg@fateTX.gov. Close And that's The Worldview on this Friday, June 5th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com. Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.
¡Análisis, política y música en vivo en Me lo dijo Adela! Adela Micha aborda las advertencias de Estados Unidos sobre el uso de drones por parte de los cárteles, las investigaciones de la DEA que involucran a gobernadores de Morena y las implicaciones económicas y políticas para México en la renegociación del TMEC, junto a los especialistas Víctor Sánchez Valdés y Salvador Mejía. Además, se analizan los detalles del secuestro de la periodista Roxana Berenice Guzmán y el complejo panorama que enfrenta el país rumbo al Mundial 2026. En la segunda parte del programa, Jorge Medina y Josi Cuen comparten su historia de superación, su regreso a los escenarios con el proyecto "Juntos" y presentan, junto al ícono del vallenato Jorge Celedón, su colaboración "Naturalita", interpretando en vivo éxitos como "Cuatro Rosas", "Si tu amor no vuelve" y un emotivo homenaje a José Alfredo Jiménez previo a su concierto en la Arena CDMX. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
In Part 1 of this episode of Game of Crimes, two retired DEA law enforcement experts, Derek Maltz and Aaron Graham, pull back the curtain on one of the deadliest crises in American history: counterfeit prescription pills laced with synthetic fentanyl — and the $4.5 billion global death trade fueling it.These aren't street drugs. They're stamped, pressed, and packaged to look exactly like Xanax, Adderall, and Percocet. Cartel chemists are manufacturing them by the millions. Two milligrams — smaller than a few grains of salt — is a lethal dose. And many of these pills carry ten times that amount.
Lethal Mullet Podast: Episode #312: Delta Force 2: The Colombian Connection On tonight's episode of LM we look at DELTA FORCE 2, Scott McCoy, is back and headed to Colombia to save some friends, and DEA agents that are held hostage by Billy Drago, who plays drug baron, Ramon Cota. Classic, and filled with many explosive action scenes, this is the follow-up to the 1986 film of the same name. DELTA FORCE 2: Starring: Chuck Norris & Billy Drago TUNE IN to FPN on fpnet.podbean #FandomPodcastNetwork Trailer: FILM on YOUTUBE: https://youtu.be/LnPW6A8HMaQ?si=OxWTnzkyAeEhOulL Where to watch the film: https://youtu.be/SVlMbxVjswg?si=WeaCK8zJHxbrV42L On YouTube, and Amazon Prime Site: fpenet.podbean.com Socials: @thelethalmullet #deltaforce2 #chucknorris #lethalmulletpodcast
This week the Cult Classic Calendar says it's time for Hard Ticket to Hawaii so here it is! "Two undercover DEA agents intercept a drug shipment intended for a ruthless kingpin. When they accidentally uncover a cache of smuggled diamonds, they become marked for death." That synopsis barely scratches the surface of this one, tune in for our thoughts on this Hard Hitting classic! We hope you enjoy this review of Hard Ticket to Hawaii! If you'd like to unlock bonus episodes from Talking Back every month, then check out our page on Patreon! Check out Tim's Youtube Channel Demo Dash! You can also support Talking Back by sending us a Coffee at Buy Us a Coffee! Please consider leaving a 5 star rating and review on Apple Podcasts! This helps make our Podcast easier for listeners to find. Feel free to drop us a line on Social Media at Instagram, and Facebook. Or drop us an email us at talkbackpod@gmail.com. This podcast is part of the BFOP Network
Send us Fan MailThe name of this podcast is Cops and Writers. My guest on the show today, J Todd Scott, definitely fits that bill. The conclusion of this interview will air next Sunday!Todd spent 30 years as a special agent for the DEA, being assigned to multiple locations across the United States and the world. During his time as a special agent, he took part in investigations leading to tons of seized illegal drugs and millions of dollars in illegal drug proceeds. He was a part of the first group of agents to be assigned to Haiti for a long-term mission, where he escaped certain death multiple times by the skin of his teeth. Todd has always had a passion for stories and writing, and pursued this when he retired from federal service. He's authored six critically acclaimed crime and thriller novels. He's also a film/TV producer and screenwriter. His work includes the Lawmen: Bass Reeves series, and he is a producer and writer for the spinoff to the massively popular Yellowstone series, Dutton Ranch.I loved talking with Todd. He has lived and is living a life that books and movies are made of; now he's telling the stories. In today's episode, we discuss:· Growing up in rural Kentucky. · Having no relatives or friends in law enforcement, and joining the DEA.· Why did he choose the DEA?· Thinking his career with the DEA would be like the Miami Vice television series.· His first day on the job as a special agent assigned to the Los Angeles field office.· The multiple work locations where he worked as a DEA agent. · Training local law enforcement and running active investigations in Haiti.· Dealing with corruption within the Hattian Police Department.· Being caught in a street mob in Haiti and barely making it out alive.· What is the biggest threat to the United States? What is the role of illegal drugs? All of this and more on today's episode of the Cops and Writers podcast.Head on over to Todd's website to learn more about him and his work.Check out my newest book! Police Stories: The Rookie Years - True Crime, Chaos & Life as a Big City Cop!Head on over to my website! What's the craziest thing you saw when you were a cop?My first week on the job, a guy running at me with a butcher knife. He'd just killed his brother over the last hot dog.That's chapter 1. There are 33 more.Police Stories: The Rookie Years just launched - available on Amazon. Search 'Police Stories Patrick O'Donnell' or click thSupport the show
Ralph welcomes back union organizer, Chris Townsend, to discuss the reasons why the AFL-CIO shrinks from effectively fighting for its members and expanding the power of workers. Then, political scientist Lee Drutman lays out a system of proportional representation that would take away the incentive to gerrymander congressional districts. Plus, Ralph gives some quick takes on Thomas Massie's primary loss, fish hopped up on cocaine, and the situations in Lebanon and Ukraine.Chris Townsend has been a union member and labor leader for more than 45 years. He was most recently the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) International Union Organizing Director. Previously, he was an International Representative and Political Action Director for the United Electrical Workers Union (UE), and he has held local positions in both the SEIU and UFCW.[The upcoming AFL-CIO] convention is deliberately kept secret. It's what I describe as sort of a hideout strategy. It enables the leadership to not have to discuss or take positions that for them are difficult, such as: What is the labor movement going to do to confront the rampant lawlessness and criminality of the Trump regime? What is the labor movement going to do to address the rampaging inflation that is eating up living standards? There's no wage policy. There's no bargaining policy of the Federation. What are they going to do to address the ongoing national health care crisis and disaster?... And what are they doing about the crisis of the unorganized?Chris TownsendThe labor movement finds itself (I would submit) with the leadership disinterested in going out and organizing the unorganized. But even for those who do (and there are some), the laws—Taft-Hartley primary among them—provide such a minefield that we have to run through, that our ability to organize on any scale for decades has been stopped. And therefore, we are condemned to a perpetual shrinking size, resources, and whatnot. [And what] might help for folks to figure out how or why this is happening is that the labor movement is systematically being converted from trade union fighting organizations, membership-driven fighting organizations, to harmless not-for-profit organizations. And this is today's administrative layer of trade union leaders that don't see anything wrong with that. But that doesn't help anyone in the shop, in the office, in the workplace. And it doesn't help anyone looking to the labor movement for something better—better treatment, better wages, better benefits, better conditions, better health and safety in the workplace.Chris TownsendLee Drutman is a senior fellow in the Political Reform program at New America, where he focuses on electoral reform, Congress, and democratic health. He writes the newsletter Undercurrent Events and co-hosts the podcast Politics in Question. And he is the author of The Business of America is Lobbying and Breaking the Two-Party Doom Loop: The Case for Multiparty Democracy in America.The whole issue of gerrymandering is really just an outgrowth of this way that we use single-winner districts with winner-take-all votes. It's also what entrenches the two-party system in the US, which limits the choice of voters. So there's this one weird voting mechanism that we have that most countries have gotten rid of, that is an antiquated voting system, that preserves the two-party system and makes gerrymandering just inevitable—and that's the use of single-member districts. Now, in a proportional system, you take away the districts, and you do this statewide, you can carve up larger states into a few multi-member districts. And then seats get allocated proportionally by party share. That takes away the entire incentive of gerrymandering, it gives voters everywhere meaningful choices, meaningful votes, and it is just a superior system of representing the pluralism and diversity of our pluralistic and diverse society.Lee DrutmanPeople like the idea of proportional representation as basic fairness—that people think that parties should get seats in proportion to the share of votes they get. I did some polling on it a few years ago, and I'm hoping to do a little bit more… But I think that one of the challenges is people don't entirely understand how it works. And so it's a challenge to poll people on a concept that they don't know about. But I think more and more people understand it. And from the polling I've seen, at a principles-based level, people get the idea that proportionality is a form of fairness, and people like fairness.Lee DrutmanKaty O'Donnell is the editorial director at Haymarket Books, a radical, independent, nonprofit book publisher based in Chicago.News 5/22/26* Our first story this week has to do with what appears to be the impending downfall of ultrazionist media personality, Bari Weiss. Weiss, who resigned from the New York Times to found the Free Press and then sold that venture to become “Editor-in-Chief” for CBS News under the Ellison regime, is reportedly facing down the barrel of her role being scaled back substantially. Puck reports “As Paramount closes in on its acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery…members of the senior leadership team have had informal discussions about changing Bari's mandate at CBS News—and, eventually, CNN—in ways that would give her less control over the linear product.” This piece cites her missteps stewarding CBS News, including her inability to improve the ratings for Evening News, even failing to secure new anchor Tony Dokoupil a travel visa to China in time for President Trump's recent visit to the People's Republic. While a total dismissal of Weiss seems unlikely in the near future, such a dramatic reduction in her clout would constitute a tremendous, humbling blow.* Moving to state-level news, last week, Colorado Democratic Governor Jared Polis announced he would be commuting the sentence of former Mesa County Clerk Tina Peters, who was sentenced to nine years in prison for tampering with voting systems to overturn Joe Biden's victory in the Centennial State. Peters will now be eligible for parole June 1st. This move has been widely condemned, most notably by the Colorado Democratic Party which voted by a margin of over 90% to officially censure Polis. In a statement, the CDP wrote, “Reducing [Peters'] sentence now, under pressure from Donald Trump, is not justice…It sends a message to future bad actors that election tampering has consequences, unless you're friends with the president.” According to NBC, the CDP also banned Polis from being able to “participate as an honored guest, speaker or officially recognized representative of the Colorado Democratic Party at party-sponsored functions.”* In more positive state-level news, NPR reports Minnesota Governor Tim Walz has signed a bill banning prediction market sites like Polymarket and Kalshi – which allow consumers to “place…wager[s] on…future outcome[s], like sports, elections, live entertainment” – from operating in the North Star State. This makes Minnesota the first state in the nation to ban the prediction betting platforms. As this story notes, the Trump administration is pursuing legal action on behalf of the platforms, ensuring a legal battle over whether states can act to protect their own consumers from these predatory betting services. Minnesota Rep. Emma Greenman, who introduced the measure, is quoted as saying, “We as a state should decide how best and what regulations we think should attach to gambling, to protect public safety, to protect our kids.” The administration, meanwhile, specifically the Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) is arguing in court that prediction market industry regulation should be the sole preserve of the federal government.* Looking toward Congress, this week saw a number of high-profile primaries, including in the state of Pennsylvania. Leading up to that primary, the Pennsylvania machine went all out against the congressional campaign of State Representative Chris Rabb. Rabb, who had won the endorsements of everyone from AOC and Rashida Tlaib to Jamie Raskin and Philly DSA to the Philadelphia Inquirer, was targeted by a barrage of anonymous text messages to Philadelphia voters accusing him of “spreading conspiracy theories and holding extremist views,” per the Inquirer. What is remarkable about this smear campaign, however, is that it was organized by Philadelphia's Democratic City Committee and that it violated federal election law by failing to disclose that fact. In another troubling portend of things to come, one of the texts featured an “AI-generated image of Rabb acknowledging his supposed lack of legislative accomplishments in Harrisburg.” Rumors have long circulated that Governor Josh Shapiro wanted Rabb to lose, and worked the backrooms to this end while avoiding public statements.* Yet, despite all of that, Rabb prevailed – winning over his two establishment-backed opponents with around 45% of the vote compared to his opponents, who each won approximately 30% and 24% respectively. The Pennsylvania primaries turned out to be a good night for progressives more generally, with Bob Brooks – a firefighter's union chief and former state rep. who successfully united the Democratic Party behind him, winning the endorsements of both Governor Josh Shapiro and Senator Bernie Sanders. Brooks will face off against freshman Republican Congressman Ryan Mackenzie in November in the R+1 seventh district of Pennsylvania, while Rabb's general election campaign is seen as little more than a formality in the D+40 PA-03.* Yet, if it was a good streak for Democratic progressives, it was a very bad one for Trump critics within the GOP. This week, Thomas Massie lost his primary in Kentucky's fourth congressional district, buckling under the war chest deployed against him in what amounted to the most expensive House primary on record. Massie joked that “My vote was never for sale, so they bought a congressional seat. They found out what it cost.” Massie, perhaps Trump's most formidable intra-party opponent in the House during his second term, worked with Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna on bills ranging from the Epstein Files Transparency Act to War Powers Resolutions related to the administration's actions in Venezuela and Iran. In retaliation, Trump made it clear that he would go to any lengths to ensure Massie would not be reelected. That said, Massie will remain in the House until January and has indicated that he will make that time as painful for Trump and Speaker Mike Johnson as he possibly can. Moreover, during his concession speech, Massie's supporters chanted for him to run for president in 2028, the Cincinnati Enquirer reports. Whether he is even entertaining that thought is unclear, but if he did run as a right-wing independent candidate, one could easily imagine him capturing a large enough share of the vote to deny certain states to the Republican nominee. Meanwhile, his ally across the aisle, Democratic Congressman Ro Khanna, said in a statement that Massie “lost because he had the guts to stand up to the Epstein class and against the war…He won voters under 45 by 30 points…Tonight, I say to [his] voters who feel rejected by Trump. We welcome you. Join our coalition to take on a rotten system and stand for the working class over the Epstein class.”* Massie isn't the only Republican targeted in the latest round of Trump purges. Downballot, Trump loyalists have ousted the Indiana Republicans who resisted Trump's pressure to implement mid-decade redistricting, but the real scalps he is claiming are in the Senate. Last weekend, Republican Senator Bill Cassidy of Louisiana lost his primary runoff. Fox reports this makes Cassidy the “first elected Republican senator to lose renomination since Sen. Richard Lugar of Indiana in 2012.” Trump wasted no time in dancing on Cassidy's political grave, writing on Truth Social, “His disloyalty to the man who got him elected is now a part of a legend, and it's nice to see that his political career is OVER!” His supposed disloyalty, of course, refers to Cassidy's vote to convict Trump in the Senate trial for his second impeachment following January 6th. Former Senator Mitt Romney, who also voted to convict, is quoted in this article saying that Cassidy is a “person of character,” and that his “departure is a loss for the country.” Cassidy, however, is likely soon to be joined by longtime Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn. Cornyn is currently making his last stand against scandal-ridden Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in that runoff election. Trump has long prevaricated regarding whether and whom he would endorse in this race, at times leaning towards either candidate but remaining neutral up until this week, when he formally gave the nod to Paxton, per the Texas Tribune. This move has caused great consternation amongst Senate Republicans and cautious optimism among Democrats, who see Paxton as the weaker opponent to go up against Democratic nominee James Talarico in November – giving Democrats their best chance in years to flip a Senate seat in Texas.* What Cornyn's next move will be is a mystery, especially as he has not yet officially lost the Texas primary. Cassidy, however, appears to have chosen the Massie route of going down fighting. This week, Cassidy flipped his position to become the deciding vote in favor of the Senate War Powers Resolution on Iran – successfully pushing it through along with support from fellow Republican Senators Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski, and Rand Paul, despite disloyal opposition from Democratic Senator John Fetterman. The measure was then sent back to the House, but fearful it might actually pass – Democratic holdout Jared Golden had vowed to vote yes, and war-weary House Republicans Thomas Massie, Warren Davidson, Brian Fitzpatrick and Tom Barrett were all signaling their support – leadership abruptly canceled the vote, per MSN.* One factor cited in the Republicans' calculus around this latest War Powers push was the absences of Members of Congress. In their view, the absences would have given Democrats the votes they needed to win. Two of these absences have garnered substantial attention in the media: those of Republican Congressman Tom Kean Jr. of New Jersey and Democratic Congresswoman Frederica Wilson of Florida. The 83-year-old Wilson, who was missing for a month with little public acknowledgment or explanation, has finally resurfaced, saying that she was undergoing a major eye surgery but still plans to seek reelection. In a remarkably tone-deaf comment, a source close to the Congresswoman was quoted in Axios saying “missing votes is not a sign she's sick or retiring…She shows up when she wants to.” Still, at least her absence has been explained and she has now returned to her duties in the House. Congressman Kean's disappearance is more mysterious. As of May 21st, Kean has not “been seen in Washington for more than 75 days,” NOTUS reports. When his absence first began to gain media traction, his Chief of Staff added fuel to the fire with the cryptic remark “there are no cameras where Tom is.” Now it is being reported that his neighbors back in New Jersey haven't seen hide nor hair either. There has been some indication that Kean is dealing with a personal or medical issue, but Speaker Mike Johnson claims to have no knowledge of the particulars. It is not controversial to say that being an American Member of Congress is too important to simply be AWOL for long periods of time, especially without deigning to explain why to one's constituents. Something must be done.* Finally, we turn to Latin America, where former president Evo Morales has leveled claims that the government of his native Bolivia, in coordination with the DEA and the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) is plotting to “detain or kill” him, TeleSUR reports. According to this report, “Morales detailed specific military units allegedly involved, including the Army's Ninth Division in the tropical region under Colonel Franz Andrade Loza, whom he said the government promised to promote to general and appoint as armed forces commander ‘if he finishes off Evo.'” Morales also “cited an F-10 unit under Lieutenant Colonel Carlos Giménez Ortuño,” a former aide to the defense minister in the government of the unelected U.S.-backed regime of Jeanine Áñez. These allegations sound somewhat outlandish, but in a moment when the U.S. has recently kidnapped Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, worked to undermine the governments of Mexico and Colombia via the Hondurasgate scheme, and just recently moved to indict 94 year old Raúl Castro for his role in an incident three decades ago when the Cuban government downed a civilian aircraft that entered their sovereign airspace, it does not seem so far fetched.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe