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6 episodes with ftc chair lina khan
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5 episodes with ftc chair lina khan
5 episodes with ftc chair lina khan
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5 episodes with ftc chair lina khan
2 episodes with ftc chair lina khan
2 episodes with ftc chair lina khan
Hey everyone, it's Nilay. Decoder is on a short summer break right now, but we'll be back starting June 23 with new episodes, and we're very excited for what we have on the schedule. In the meantime, we have an episode from the excellent podcast Stay Tuned with Preet, with host and former U.S. Attorney Preet Bharara. Last month, Preet sat down with former FTC Chair Lina Khan for a pretty high-level discussion about antitrust, monopoly power, and the ongoing shift from both political parties in the United States toward more aggressive, bipartisan regulation of Big Tech. I think you'll find it really interesting. Links: Stay Tuned with Preet | Apple Podcasts Google loses ad tech monopoly case | Verge Judge greenlights FTC's antitrust suit against Amazon | Verge Judge rules that Google ‘is a monopolist' in US antitrust case | Verge Illegally fired FTC commissioners on Meta, bribes, and fighting for privacy | Decoder The case for breaking up Google has never been stronger | Decoder DOJ antitrust chief is ‘overjoyed' after Google monopoly verdict | Decoder DOJ's Kanter says the antitrust fight against Big Tech is just beginning | Decoder Credits: Decoder is a production of The Verge and part of the Vox Media Podcast Network. Our producers are Kate Cox and Nick Statt. Our editor is Ursa Wright. The Decoder music is by Breakmaster Cylinder Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Ralph speaks to Washington Post columnist Dana Milbank about the Trump Administration's path of destruction in our federal government. Then, Ralph welcomes legendary public interest lawyer Alan Morrison to discuss the President's authority to impose tariffs and other constitutional questions.Dana Milbank is a nationally syndicated op-ed columnist for the Washington Post. He also provides political commentary for various TV outlets, and he is the author of five books on politics, including the New York Times bestseller The Destructionists and the national bestseller Homo Politicus. His latest book is Fools on the Hill: The Hooligans, Saboteurs, Conspiracy Theories and Dunces who Burned Down the House.I shouldn't be amazed, but Mike Johnson never ceases to amaze me with the rapidity with which he'll just drop to his knees whenever Trump says something.Dana MilbankWe're going to know this shortly, but it does appear that Trump's honeymoon may be over in the House as the conservatives finally seem to be finding their backbones. But I've thought that might happen before and then only to find out that they, in fact, they could not locate their backbones. So I don't want to be premature.Dana MilbankTrump seems to be gambling (and the administration seems to be gambling) that ultimately the Supreme Court is going to a wholesale reinterpretation of the Constitution to grant these never-before-seen executive powers, and it's possible that he's right about that. We're not going to know that. There have been a couple of preliminary rulings that seem friendly to Trump, but none of those is final, so we can't really be sure of it.Dana MilbankMy guess is that Chief Justice Roberts is seeing his legacy heading toward the ditch after his decision of Trump v. United States, where he said that Presidents cannot be criminally prosecuted….My guess is he's going to unpleasantly surprise Trump in the coming months.Ralph NaderAlan Morrison is the Lerner Family Associate Dean for Public Interest & Public Service at George Washington Law School. He currently teaches civil procedure and constitutional law, and previously taught at Harvard, NYU, Stanford, Hawaii, and American University law schools. He has argued 20 cases in the Supreme Court and co-founded the Public Citizen Litigation Group in 1972, which he directed for more than 25 years.It's inevitable that even for a non-economist like myself to understand that [the costs of tariffs] are going to be passed on. Other than Donald Trump, I don't think there's anybody who believes that these taxes are not going to be passed on and that they're going to be borne by the country from which the company did the exporting.Alan MorrisonIt's an uphill battle on both the statutory interpretation and the undue delegation grounds, but our position is rather simple: If the Congress doesn't write a statute so that there's something that the government can't order or do, then it's gone too far. In effect, it has surrendered to the President its power to set policy and do the legislative function. Interestingly, Trump has trumpeted the breadth of what he's doing here. He calls it a revolution. Well, if we have revolutions in this country, my copy of the Constitution says that the Congress has to enact revolution and the President can't do it on its own. So we think we've got a pretty strong case if we can get it to court.Alan MorrisonOne of the things that I've been struck by is that laws alone cannot make this country governable. That we can't write laws to cover every situation and every quirk that any person has, especially the President. We depend on the norms of government—that people will do things not exactly the way everybody did them before, but along the same general lines, and that when we make change, we make them in moderation, because that's what the people expect. Trump has shed all norms.Alan MorrisonNews 4/9/251. Our top story this week is the killing of Omar Mohammed Rabea, an American citizen in Gaza. Known as Amer, the BBC reports the 14-year-old was shot by the Israeli military along with two other 14-year-old boys “on the outskirts of Turmus Ayya” on Sunday evening. Predictably, the IDF called these children “terrorists.” According to NJ.com – Rabea formerly resided in Saddle Brook, New Jersey – Rabea's uncle sits on the board of a local Palestinian American Community Center which told the press “The ambulance was not allowed to pass the checkpoint for 30 minutes, a denial in medical treatment that ultimately resulted in Amer's death…[his] death was entirely preventable and horrifically unjust. He was a child, a 14-year-old boy, with an entire life ahead of him.” The Rachel Corrie Foundation, founded in honor of the American peace activist killed by an Israeli bulldozer while protesting the demolition of a Palestinian home, issued a statement reading “Rabea's death…was perpetuated by Israeli settlers who act with impunity…We believe that if our own government demanded accountability…Rabea would still be alive.” The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) has sent a letter to Attorney General Bondi demanding an investigation, but chances of the Trump administration pursuing justice in this case are slim.2. Meanwhile, President Trump seems to be driving the U.S. economy into a deep recession. Following his much-publicized tariff announcement last week – which included 10% tariffs on uninhabited Heard and McDonald Islands – the S&P dipped by 10.5%, among the largest drops in history, per the New York Times. Far from making Trump back off however, he appears dead set on pushing this as far as it will go. After the People's Republic of China responded to the threat of a 54% tariff with a reciprocal 34% tariff, Trump announced the U.S. will retaliate by upping the tariff to a whopping 104% on Chinese imports, according to the BBC. Reuters reports that JP Morgan forecasts a 60% chance of a recession as a result of these tariffs.3. In more foreign affairs news, on Friday April 4th, South Korea's President Yoon Suk Yeol was officially removed from office by that country's Constitutional Court, “ending months of uncertainty and legal wrangling after he briefly declared martial law in December,” per CNN. The South Korean parliament had already voted to impeach Yoon in December of 2024. The court's decision was unanimous and characterized the leader's actions as a “grave betrayal of the people's trust.” Upon this ruling being handed down, Yoon was forced to immediately vacate the presidential residence. A new election is scheduled for June 3rd. Incredible what a political and judicial class unafraid to stand up to lawlessness can accomplish.4. Speaking of ineffectual opposition parties, one need look no further than Texas' 18th congressional district. This safe Democratic district – including most of central Houston – was held by Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee from 1995 until her death in 2024. According to the Texas Tribune, Lee planned to run yet again in 2024, triumphing over her 43-year-old former aide Amanda Edwards in the primary. However, Lee passed in July of 2024. Edwards again sought the nomination, but the Harris County Democratic Party instead opted for 69-year-old former Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner, per the Texas Tribune. Turner made it to March of 2025 before he too passed away. This seat now sits vacant – depriving the residents of central Houston of congressional representation and the Democrats of a vote in the House. Governor Gregg Abbot has announced that he will not allow a special election before November 2025, the Texas Tribune reports. This is a stunning Democratic own-goal and indicative of the literal death grip the gerontocratic old guard continue to have on the party.5. One ray of hope is that Democratic voters appear to be waking up the ineffectual nature of the party leadership. A new Data for Progress poll of the 2028 New York Senate primary posed a hypothetical matchup between incumbent Senator Chuck Schumer and Democratic Socialist firebrand Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez – and found AOC with a staggering lead of 19 points. This poll showed AOC winning voters under 45 by 50 points, over 45s by eight points, non-college educated by 16 points, college educated by 23 points, Black and white voters by 16 points, and Latinos by 28. Schumer led among self-described “Moderates” by 15 and no other group. It remains to be seen whether the congresswoman from Queens will challenge the Senate Minority Leader, but this poll clearly shows her popularity in the state of New York, and Schumer's abysmal reputation catching up with him.6. Another bright spot from New York, is Zohran Mamdani's mayoral candidacy and specifically his unprecedented field operation. According to the campaign, between April 1st and April 6th, volunteers knocked on 41,591 doors. No mayoral campaign in the history of the city has generated a grassroots movement of this intensity, with politicians traditionally relying on political machines or enormous war chests to carry them to victory. Mamdani has already reached the public financing campaign donation cap, so he can focus all of his time and energy on grassroots outreach. He remains the underdog against former Governor Andrew Cuomo, but his campaign appears stronger every day.7. Turning to the turmoil in the federal regulatory apparatus, POLITICO reports Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. has eliminated the Freedom of Information Act offices at the Centers for Disease Control, and other HHS agencies. An anonymous source told the publication that HHS will consolidate its FOIA requests into one HHS-wide office, but “Next steps are still in flux.” In the meantime, there will be no one to fulfill FOIA requests at these agencies. This piece quotes Scott Amey, general counsel at the Project on Government Oversight, who said this “sends a wrong message to the public on the administration's commitment to transparency.” Amey added, “I often say that FOIA officers are like librarians in knowing the interactions of the agency…If you don't have FOIA officers with that specific knowledge, it will slow down the process tremendously.”8. At the Federal Trade Commission, Axios reports the Trump administration has “paused” the FTC's lawsuit against major pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs, related to “the drug middlemen…inflating the price of insulin and driving up costs to diabetes patients.” The case, filed against CVS Caremark, OptumRx and Express Scripts was halted by the FTC in light of “the fact that there are currently no sitting Commissioners able to participate in this matter.” That is because Trump unlawfully fired the two remaining Democratic commissioners Alvaro Bedoya and Rebecca Slaughter. In a statement, former FTC Chair Lina Khan called this move “A gift to the PBMs.”9. One federal regulatory agency that seems to be at least trying to do their job is the Federal Aviation Administration. According to the American Prospect, the FAA has “[has] proposed [a] rule that would mandate Boeing update a critical communications malfunction in their 787 Dreamliner plane that could lead to disastrous accidents.” As this piece explains, “very high frequency (VHF) radio channels are transferring between the active and standby settings without flight crew input.” The FAA's recommendation in is that Boeing address the issue with an update to the radio software. Yet disturbingly, in one of the comments on this proposed rule Qatar Airways claims that, “[they have] already modified all affected…airplanes with … [the recommended software updates] …However … flight crew are still reporting similar issues.” This comment ends with Qatar Airways stating that they believe, “the unsafe condition still exists.” Boeing planes have been plagued by critical safety malfunctions in recent years, most notably the 2018 and 2019 crashes that killed nearly 350 people.10. Finally, on a somewhat lighter note, you may have heard about Bryan Johnson, the tech entrepreneur dubbed “The Man Who Wants to Live Forever.” Johnson has attracted substantial media attention for his unorthodox anti-aging methods, including regular transfusions of plasma from his own son. But this story is not about Johnson's bizarre immortality obsession, but rather his unsavory corporate practices. A new piece in New York Magazine focuses on the lawsuits filed against Johnson by his all-too-mortal workers, represented by eminent labor lawyer Matt Bruenig. This piece relays how Johnson “required his staffers to sign 20-page NDAs,” and an “opt-in” document which informed his employees they had to be comfortable “being around Johnson while he has very little clothing on” and “discussions for media production including erotica (for example, fan fiction including but not limited to story lines/ideas informed by the Twilight series and-or 50 Shades of Grey.)” Bruenig says, “That stuff is weird,” but his main interest is in the nondisparagement agreements, including the one Johnson's former employee and former fiancée Taylor Southern entered into which has further complicated an already thorny legal dispute between Johnson and herself. Now Bruenig is fighting for Southern and against these blanket nondisparagement agreements in a case that could help define the limits of employer's power to control their workers' speech. Hopefully, Bruenig will prevail in showing that Johnson, whatever his pretensions, truly is a mere mortal.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
Ralph welcomes New York Times journalist, David Enrich, author of “Murder the Truth” an in-depth exposé of the attack on freedom of the press as protected by the landmark Supreme Court decision “Sullivan v. The New York Times.” Also, Professor Michael Graetz a leading authority on tax politics and policy joins to discuss his book “The Power to Destroy: How the Antitax Movement Hijacked America.” Plus, our resident constitutional scholar, Bruce Fein, updates us on his latest efforts to push for the impeachment of Donald Trump.David Enrich is the business investigations editor for The New York Times. He writes about the intersection of law and business, including the power wielded by giant corporate law firms and the changing contours of the First Amendment and libel law. His latest book is titled Murder the Truth: Fear, the First Amendment, and a Secret Campaign to Protect the Powerful, an in-depth exposé of the broad campaign—orchestrated by elite Americans—to overturn sixty years of Supreme Court precedent, weaponize our speech laws, and silence dissent.When all the institutions are crushed by a dictator in the White House, it's only the people that can save the people.Ralph NaderThe interesting thing was that Fox, and these other right-wing outlets for years had been kind of banging the drum against New York Times v. Sullivan and against the protections that many journalists have come to count on. And then they get sued and their immediate fallback is to very happily cite New York Times v. Sullivan.David EnrichThese threats and these lawsuits have become an extremely popular weapon among everyone from the President down to mayors, city council members, local real estate development companies, on and on and on…And the direct result of that will be that powerful people, companies, organizations, institutions are going to be able to do bad things without anyone knowing about it.David EnrichPeople keep asking me what they can do, what they should do. And I think the answer is really to try and understand these issues. They're complicated, but they're also getting deliberately misframed and misrepresented often, especially on the right, but sometimes not on the right. And I think it's really important for people to understand the importance of New York Times v. Sullivan, and to understand the grave threats facing journalists, especially at the local level right now, and the consequences that could have for our democracy.David EnrichMichael Graetz is professor emeritus at Columbia Law School and Yale Law School and a leading authority on tax politics and policy. He served in the U.S. Treasury's Office of Tax Policy and is the author and coauthor of many books, including Death by a Thousand Cuts: The Fight over Taxing Inherited Wealth and The Burger Court and the Rise of the Judicial Right. His latest book is The Power to Destroy: How the Antitax Movement Hijacked America.I spent a lot of time asking people to name the most important political and social movements of the last half century. And no surprise, they named the civil rights movement, the women's movement, the LGBTQ movement, the Christian Evangelical movement, the MAGA movement lately, but no one ever mentioned the anti-tax movement. And unlike the other movements I've named, the anti-tax movement is really the only one that has not suffered a serious setback in the past half century.Michael GraetzThe anti-tax movement has always relied on a false dichotomy between “us” (those who pay taxes) and “them” (those who receive government benefits).Michael GraetzThe Democrats now don't want to tax 98% of the people and the Republicans don't want to tax 100% of the people and the question is: how do you get anywhere with those kinds of firm “no new taxes” pledges? And that's a problem. And I think it's a problem that the Democrats have fallen into basically based on the success of the Republicans antitax coalition.Michael GraetzYou're going to see individuals' budgets pinched because the federal government refuses to treat its budget with any degree of seriousness.Michael GraetzThe label they use to justify tax cuts for the rich and the corporate they call them the “job creators.” Well, that has not been proven at all.Ralph NaderBruce Fein is a Constitutional scholar and an expert on international law. Mr. Fein was Associate Deputy Attorney General under Ronald Reagan and he is the author of Constitutional Peril: The Life and Death Struggle for Our Constitution and Democracy, and American Empire: Before the Fall.Certainly, the current Congress is not going to act without citizen involvement, pressure, clamoring that they do something to save the processes which are the heart and soul of our civilization as opposed to the law of the jungle.Bruce FeinNews 3/19/251. The AP reports that on Tuesday Israel broke the U.S.-brokered ceasefire in the Gaza Strip, launching airstrikes that have killed over 400 Palestinians. These strikes, which have killed mostly women and children, are described as “open-ended and expected to expand.” This new offensive began the same day Prime Minister Netanyahu was scheduled to appear in court to provide testimony in his corruption trial; according to Israeli broadcaster KAN News, Netanyahu used the surprise attack to annul this court date.2. This new offensive endangers the lives of some two dozen Israeli hostages still held by Hamas in Gaza. These hostages would have been released as part of the prisoner exchanges brokered through the ceasefire agreement. In order to dissuade further escalation, journalist Dimi Reider reports “Israeli hostage families are trying to make a human chain around Gaza to physically block a ground incursion.” This human chain includes prominent Israeli activist Einav Zangauker, whose son is still held in Gaza and who has made herself an implacable opponent of Netanyahu.3. On the home front, a new round of state-backed repression is underway, targeted at pro-Palestine activists on college and university campuses. The Mahmoud Khalil case has received perhaps the most attention and with good reason. Khalil is a legal permanent resident of the United States and is married to a U.S. citizen who is eight months pregnant. He has long been active in pro-Palestine organizing at the college, which White House officials have claimed make him a “threat to the foreign policy and national security interests of the United States.” The Trump administration has refused to honor Khalil's Constitutional rights – including refusing to let him meet with his lawyer – and has admitted that they are persecuting him on the basis of political speech, a clear-cut violation of the First Amendment. A White House official explicitly told the Free Press, “The allegation…is not that he was breaking the law.” In addition to Khalil however, Columbia has taken the opportunity to expel, suspend and revoke the degrees of 22 students involved in the Hind's Hall occupation last year, per the Middle East Eye. This raft of penalizations includes the expulsion of Grant Miner, President of UAW Local 2710, which represents thousands of Columbia student workers. Per the UAW, “the firing comes one day before contract negotiations were set to open with the University.” The timing of this expulsion is suspicious to say the least.4. Yet, even in the face of such repression, pro-Palestine campus activism perseveres. Democracy Now! reports that on March 14th, Harvard Law School students “overwhelmingly passed a referendum calling on Harvard to divest its more than $50 billion endowment from ‘weapons, surveillance technology, and other companies aiding violations of international humanitarian law, including Israel's genocide in Gaza and its ongoing illegal occupation of Palestine.'” The Harvard Undergraduate Palestine Solidarity Committee adds that the referendum passed with approximately 73% of the vote, an unquestionably decisive margin. Even still, the university is unlikely to even consider adopting the resolution.5. The resilience of student activists in the face of state-backed repression highlights the fecklessness of elected Democrats. The political leadership of New York for example has not mobilized to defend Mahmoud Khalil from authoritarian overreach by the federal government. Even locally, none of the current mayoral hopefuls – a rather underwhelming lot including the comically corrupt incumbent Mayor Eric Adams and former Governor Andrew Cuomo, infamous for killing thousands of seniors via his Covid policies and for the pervasive culture of sexual harassment in his office – have forcefully spoken up for Khalil. That is except for Zohran Mamdani, the DSA-endorsed mayoral candidate steadily climbing in the polls thanks to his popular message and well-crafted political ads. His advocacy on behalf of Khalil seems to have won him the support of perhaps the most principled progressive in Congress, Rashida Tlaib, who likewise is leading the meager Congressional effort to pressure the administration to rescind the disappearance of Khalil.6. In light of their anemic response to Trump and Trumpism, Democratic discontent is reaching a boiling point. A flashpoint emerged last week when Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer opted not to fight the Republican budget proposal and vote for cloture instead of shutting down the government. Democratic voters were so incensed by this decision that Schumer was forced to postpone his book tour and the Democratic Party registered its lowest ever approval ratings, with just seven percent of voters saying they have a “very positive” view of the party. As this debacle unfolded, House Democrats were at a retreat in Leesburg, Virginia where AOC “slammed…[Schumer's]…decision to ‘completely roll over and give up on protecting the Constitution.'” One member told CNN Democrats in Leesburg were “so mad” that even centrists were “ready to write checks for AOC for Senate.” And Pass the Torch, the grassroots progressive group that called for President Biden withdraw from the 2024 campaign is now calling for Schumer to resign as minority leader, the Hill reports. In their statement, the group writes “[Schumer's] sole job is to fight MAGA's fascist takeover of our democracy — instead, he's directly enabling it. Americans desperately need a real opposition party to stand up to Trump.”7. In the early evening on Tuesday March 18th, Trump unlawfully dismissed the two remaining Democrats on the Federal Trade Commission, POLITICO reports. One Commissioner, Alvaro Bedoya, tweeted “The President just illegally fired me.” Commissioner Rebecca Kelly Slaughter was also ousted from her post. In her statement, she wrote that her dismissal violated “the plain language of a statute and clear Supreme Court precedent. Why? Because…[Trump] is afraid of what I'll tell the American people.” Trump similarly violated the law when he dismissed National Labor Relations Board member Gwynne Wilcox who filed a lawsuit which prevailed in federal district court. POLITICO reports she returned to work last week. Biden's superstar FTC Chair Lina Khan, already ousted by Trump, commented “The @FTC must enforce the law without fear or favor. The administration's illegal attempt to fire Commissioners Slaughter & Bedoya is a disturbing sign that this FTC won't. It's a gift to corporate lawbreakers that squeeze American consumers, workers, and honest businesses.” On March 19th, Bedoya added “Don't worry…We are still commissioners. We're suing to make that clear for everyone.”8. Trump's radical deregulatory agenda could not come at a worse time. Amid a streak of horrific aviation accidents and incidents, it now appears that Elon Musk is seeking to permanently worm his way into the Federal Aviation Administration. Forbes reports that the Campaign Legal Center has filed a legal complaint with the Office of the Inspector General of the Transportation Department alleging that Musk may have violated conflict of interest laws through his “involvement with a deal between the Federal Aviation Administration and his own company Starlink.” Per the Washington Post, the FAA is “close to canceling” its existing $2.4 billion contract with Verizon in favor of working with Starlink, and according to the legal complaint, Musk “appears to have personally and substantially participated” in these negotiations. This matter will have to play out in court, but the risks are very real. As Representative Greg Casar put it, “Musk is trying to make our air traffic control system ‘dependent' on him by integrating his equipment, which has not gone through security and risk-management review. It's corruption. And it's dangerous.”9. In more Musk news, President Trump has announced that he will institute a new rule classifying any attack on Tesla dealers as domestic terrorism, Reuters reports. This comes in response to the peaceful, so-called “Tesla Takedown” protests, which urge participants to “Sell your Teslas, dump your stock, join the picket lines.” Any connection between the protests and isolated cases of vandalism against Teslas or Tesla dealerships is tenuous at most. Instead, this theatrical display of support for the auto manufacturer seems to be a response Tesla's declining stock value. Reuters reports “Tesla's market capitalization has more than halved since hitting an all-time high of $1.5 trillion on December 17, erasing most of the gains the stock made after Musk-backed Trump won the U.S. election in November.” It seems unlikely that invoking the iron fist of the state against peaceful protestors will do much to buoy Tesla's market position.10. Finally, in a humiliating bit of tragic irony, Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has long maintained a personal brand as a crusader against junk food, is being deployed by the Trump administration to boost the fast food chain Steak ‘n Shake. Ostensibly, the endorsement is predicated on the chain using beef tallow rather than seed oils to prepare their French fries – the company called it “RFK'ing the fries” – yet even that claim appears shaky. According to NBC, “the chain's move inspired some in the [Make America Healthy Again] world to look deeper… finding that [Steak ‘n Shake's] fries were precooked in seed oils.” Nevertheless, RFK's endorsement has been echoed by many others in Trump-world, including Rep. Anna Paulina Luna, Marjorie Taylor Greene, Kari Lake, Charlie Kirk, and others. NBC adds that in February, Tesla announced it had signed a deal to build charging stations at Steak 'n Shake locations. Funny how Musk's fingers seem to appear in every pie, or in this case grasping at every tallow French fry.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
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) sued PepsiCo in January, alleging that it has engaged in illegal price discrimination by giving unfair price advantages to one large retailer at the expense of other vendors and consumers. The benefiting customer wasn't named in an FTC statement about the lawsuit. But a source familiar with the case, who asked not to be named because they were not authorized to discuss it, said the retailer was Walmart. The FTC said PepsiCo's practices included making promotional payments to Walmart but not to large grocery chains or independent convenience stores. The FTC said that lets Walmart lower its prices, but forces Americans to pay inflated prices for PepsiCo products unless they shop at Walmart. “When firms like Pepsi give massive retailers a leg up, it tilts the playing field against small firms and ultimately inflates prices for American consumers,” FTC Chair Lina Khan said in the statement. “The FTC's action will help ensure all grocers and other businesses—no matter the size—can get a fair shake and compete on the merits of their skill, efficiency, and talent.” Walmart said it had “nothing to add at this time.” PepsiCo said its practices “are in line with industry norms.” “We do not favor certain customers by offering discounts or promotional support to some customers and not others,” the company said. The FTC sued PepsiCo under the rarely enforced 1936 Robinson-Patman Act. The FTC said the act prohibits companies from using promotional incentive payments to favor large customers over smaller ones. PepsiCo, based in Purchase, New York, is one of the world's largest food companies. It makes Pepsi, Mountain Dew, and Gatorade as well as snack foods like Lay's potato chips, Doritos and Fritos. It also makes Quaker Oats, breakfast cereals, and granola bars. PepsiCo's prices have been the subject of some scrutiny since the pandemic. In 2022, for example, the company acknowledged shrinking its Gatorade bottles from 32 ounces to 28 ounces, but it didn't respond when asked why it charged more for the 28-ounce bottles. This article was provided by The Associated Press.
Outgoing Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan discusses the firms battle reining in big tech companies along with her outlook on the future of TikTok in the US. She spoke to Bloomberg's Joe Mathieu and Kailey Leinz.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit zeteo.comHave you ever been stuck with a subscription you just can't seem to cancel? Or how about buying tickets online that nearly double in price at checkout? (Yes, we're looking at you, Ticketmaster.)We've all been there. But thanks to the work of the current Federal Trade Commission (FTC), those days will soon be coming to an end with initiatives like “click to cancel” and policies cracking down on pesky “junk fees.”As the final days of the Biden Administration come to an end, outgoing FTC Chair Lina Khan reflects on some of the agency's biggest accomplishments and the legacy she will be leaving behind. “I think our record speaks for itself. I think all of the ways that we are delivering enormous benefits for the American people speaks for itself, and I'm just enormously proud of the just win after win that we've been able to deliver for the American people,” she tells Mehdi.Khan, who was just 32 when she was appointed to her post in 2021, has been able to unite Americans across political lines for the FTC's anti-monopoly work and has produced populist policies that the Biden administration can be proud of.As she explains to Mehdi, “One of the original insights underlying the antitrust laws and the anti-monopoly tradition in America was a recognition that deep concentrations of economic power would be dangerous for the American people. It would undermine their economic freedoms, but it could also pose political dangers.”And as Jeff Bezos and Mark Zuckerberg cozy up to Trump, Khan warns, “extreme concentration of economic power can buy you political power…”Khan also talked about how the FTC's wins during her tenure are “durable” and could outlast the Trump administration's policies. To find out why, and more about her own plans after January 20, then please do watch the discussion above.Paid subscribers can watch in full while free subscribers can catch the first two minutes of the conversation.
Offline's favorite foe of Big Tech, FTC Chair Lina Khan, joins the show to talk to Jon about standing up to Meta and Amazon, how the internet has changed the way monopolies operate, and why her work has made her an unlikely folk hero. Plus: Max and Jon sit down to talk about the misinformation spreading about the Los Angeles fires, Meta's decision to abandon fact checking, and the last ditch efforts to save TikTok before the US ban takes effect next week.
The Automotive Troublemaker w/ Paul J Daly and Kyle Mountsier
Shoot us a Text.Remain calm, there is only 1 week until Christmas. Today we're talking about a potential merger between Nissan and Honda, how Chevy's EV Equinox apparently doesn't make enough noise and how the FTC is cracking down on junk hotel fees.Show Notes with links:Nissan faces a crossroads as merger talks with Honda intensify, spurred by Foxconn's interest in a controlling stake and the competitive pressures reshaping Japan's auto industry.An announcement by Honda and Nissan could come as soon as Dec. 23, with plans to sign a memorandum of understanding to discuss shared equity stakes in a new holding company.A Honda-Nissan-Mitsubishi merger would create one of two Japanese auto powerhouses—the other led by Toyota and its stakes in Subaru, Suzuki, and Mazda.Foxconn's interest in Nissan reportedly accelerated Honda's push for a merger, fearing Nissan's vulnerability to a takeover.Combined, Honda, Nissan, and Mitsubishi sold 4 million vehicles globally in the first half of the year, far behind Toyota's 5.2 million on its own.Nissan shares surged 24% on Dec. 18, marking the biggest one-day gain in its history, after both companies acknowledged discussions.Renault, Nissan's largest shareholder with a 36% stake, remains a key player, potentially influencing any final decision.General Motors issued a recall for the 2025 Chevy Equinox EV due to its pedestrian alert system failing to make sufficient noise at low speeds, potentially putting pedestrians at risk.The alert system's software may not meet federal noise requirements for hybrid and electric vehicles, affecting over 7,500 Equinox EVs.GM resolved the issue in its assembly plant in October. Current owners can get a free body control module update at dealerships starting January 27, 2025.EVs are known for their quiet operation, but regulations require external sounds to alert pedestrians, especially at low speeds.Despite the recall, over 15,000 units have already sold. The LT FWD trim, starting at $34,995, boasts a 319-mile range, making it one of the most affordable long-range EVs in the U.S.The FTC has passed a rule requiring ticket sellers, hotels, and rental sites to disclose total prices upfront, addressing "junk fees" that increase consumer costs.Companies must now include service fees, resort fees, and other charges in advertised prices, eliminating last-minute add-ons.The rule could save Americans 53 million hours annually spent uncovering hidden fees.Passed 4-1, the rule may face challenges under incoming Republican leadership and legal pushback.FTC Chair Lina Khan stated: "I.. encourage state and federal policymakers to build on this success with legislation that bans unfair and deceptive junk fees across the economy."Hosts: Paul J Daly and Kyle MountsierGet the Daily Push Back email at https://www.asotu.com/ JOIN the conversation on LinkedIn at: https://www.linkedin.com/company/asotu/ Read our most recent email at: https://www.asotu.com/media/push-back-email
On this episode, Oren is joined by FTC Chair Lina Khan for a wide-ranging conversation about competition, antitrust, and why the lack of strong enforcement hurts American consumers, small businesses, and our politics.The two talk through the decline in competition in the U.S. economy and how it has created fragile markets prone to shortages and undermined our economic wellbeing. They explore opportunities for bipartisan cooperation on antitrust enforcement, and what principles should guide competition policy.Plus: Khan explains what chicken farmers taught her about corporate power and the role of fear in our economy.
Dr. Jenny Schuetz, a nationally renowned economist, author, and policy expert on housing and land use, joins Scott to discuss trends and structural shifts occurring in the housing market, America's broken housing system, and potential policy solutions. Follow Jenny, @jenny_schuetz. Scott opens with his thoughts on FTC Chair Lina Khan's uncertain future under a second Trump administration. Algebra of happiness: How Scott copes during hard times. Subscribe to No Mercy / No Malice Buy "The Algebra of Wealth," out now. Follow the podcast across socials @profgpod: Instagram Threads X Reddit Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
In this episode, Scott Becker discusses the recent struggles of Spirit Airlines, analyzing the fallout from the FTC's decision to block its merger with JetBlue. He discusses the broader implications for the airline industry, from market consolidation to rising ticket prices, and questions the approach of FTC Chair Lina Khan in shaping these market dynamics.
In this episode, Scott Becker discusses the recent struggles of Spirit Airlines, analyzing the fallout from the FTC's decision to block its merger with JetBlue. He discusses the broader implications for the airline industry, from market consolidation to rising ticket prices, and questions the approach of FTC Chair Lina Khan in shaping these market dynamics.
The nation's largest producer of I-V fluids is expanding allocations of its products to meet demand from hospitals in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. UnitedHealth Group, Cigna, and CVS have asked a judge to remove FTC Chair Lina Khan and two other commissioners from the agency's insulin price antitrust suit. And, interviews are making their return to the podcast. Stay tuned to learn about what's on the docket. These stories—and more—coming upon today's episode of the Gist Healthcare podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Preview: FTC: Comment by colleague Chris Riegel of #SCALAREPORT: Chris Riegel CEO, Scala.com @Stratacache, regarding the report of a rift in the Democratic Party ranks about FTC chair Lina Khan -- and the unhappiness in Silicon Valley with Khan's policies about Big Tech. More tonight. 1955 NYSE
VP Kamala Harris has a real healthcare policy. FTC Chair Lina Khan is feared because she is fearless and must stay. The patriarchy is on its last stance and we are living through it. Subscribe to our Newsletter: https://politicsdoneright.com/newsletter Purchase our Books: As I See It: https://amzn.to/3XpvW5o How To Make America Utopia: https://amzn.to/3VKVFnG It's Worth It: https://amzn.to/3VFByXP Lose Weight And Be Fit Now: https://amzn.to/3xiQK3K Tribulations of an Afro-Latino Caribbean man: https://amzn.to/4c09rbE
First on today's show, Ralph welcomes back Dr. Bandy Lee to discuss her recent conference, "The More Dangerous State of the World and the Need for Fit Leadership—The Much More Dangerous Case of Donald Trump". Then, Ralph is joined by Professor Ted Postol to talk about the missiles and rockets (and other weapons) being used in the expanding war(s) in the Middle East. [Nadia Milleron] went down to Springfield, the state capitol, and met with every assembly member, saying—for future wrongful death, you should give people in Illinois the opportunity to file for punitive damages against these corporate defendants, or other similarly-positioned defendants. And she got it through—it was considered impossible to beat Boeing, and she got it through and the governor signed it. That's the determination of a parent who loses a child to corporate crimeRalph NaderDr. Bandy Lee is a medical doctor, a forensic psychiatrist, and a world expert on violence who taught at Yale School of Medicine and Yale Law School for 17 years before joining the Harvard Program in Psychiatry and the Law. She is currently president of the World Mental Health Coalition, an educational organization that assembles mental health experts to collaborate with other disciplines for the betterment of public mental health and public safety. She is the editor of The Dangerous Case of Donald Trump: 37 Psychiatrists and Mental Health Experts Assess a President and Profile of a Nation: Trump's Mind, America's Soul.Let me clarify that there's a distinction among the evaluations that mental health experts do—one is diagnostic, the other is functional. And the diagnostic exam is the one that mental health professionals have no business doing on a public figure because that's what you do in private therapy sessions, and you diagnose someone in order to outline their course of treatment. But a functional assessment is something you do for the public—and that includes unfitness or dangerousness—and these kinds of comments are not only permitted, they are part of our societal responsibility because we are responsible not just for private individual patients, but for the public, for society.Dr. Bandy LeeDonald Trump is not an isolated phenomenon. He is a product of the system that has come before him and he is an accelerator of the dangers that succeed him. I do not believe that a Biden presidency would have been this dangerous without a Trump presidency preceding him. Dr. Bandy LeeTed Postol is Professor of Science, Technology and National Security Policy Emeritus in the Program in Science, Technology, and Society at MIT. His expertise is in nuclear weapon systems, including submarine warfare, applications of nuclear weapons, ballistic missile defense, and ballistic missiles more generally. He previously worked as an analyst at the Office of Technology Assessment and as a science and policy adviser to the chief of naval operations. In 2016, he received the Garwin Prize from the Federation of American Scientists for his work in assessing and critiquing the government's claims about missile defenses.I do not want to appear like I don't think it matters, but at the same time, it's been provoked to the point that it's amazing that the Iranians have restrained themselves to this point. But the Iranians know that they're going to suffer heavy damage from Israel. They have not wanted to go to war. They have shown great wisdom and restraint in spite of the situation.Ted PostolWhat the Israelis want—this guy Netanyahu in particular, who I think is delusional besides being psychopath—what Netanyahu wants, he wants a decisive victory. Again, let me underscore that—a decisive victory against Iran and also Hezbollah and Gaza, these poor victims of his genocide in Gaza. He can't do that. He's going to kill God knows how many more people in his effort—which is already a crime against humanity that's beginning to look like the Holocaust—but he's not going to defeat Hezbollah in a decisive way. Ted PostolIn Case You Haven't Heard with Francesco DeSantisNews 10/2/241. ProPublica reports “The U.S. government's two foremost authorities on humanitarian assistance [USAID and the State Department's Bureau of Population, Refugees and Migration] concluded this spring that Israel had deliberately blocked deliveries of food and medicine into Gaza.” Yet just days later, instead of acting upon this information, Secretary of State Antony Blinken misled Congress telling lawmakers “We do not currently assess that the Israeli government is prohibiting or otherwise restricting the transport or delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance [to Gaza].” In USAID's report, the agency laid out specific examples of Israeli interference, including “killing aid workers, razing agricultural structures, bombing ambulances and hospitals, sitting on supply depots and routinely turning away trucks full of food and medicine.” The State Department Refugee bureau separately concluded that “the Foreign Assistance Act should be triggered to freeze almost $830 million in taxpayer dollars earmarked for weapons and bombs to Israel, according to emails obtained by ProPublica.” Yet because Blinken refused to accept these facts and instead opted to lie to Congress, the weapons pipeline to Israel continues to flow unimpeded. Some, including Nihad Awad, national executive director of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, have called on Blinken to resign, per the Middle East Monitor.2. On September 27th, Israel assassinated Hezbollah Secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah. According to NBC, the Israelis made this decision “after concluding [Nasrallah] would not accept any diplomatic solution to end the fighting on the Israel-Lebanon border that was not tied to an end to the war in Gaza.” Through this assassination, and the assassination of Hamas Political Bureau chairman Ismail Haniyeh earlier this year, Israel has made clear that they would rather resort to extrajudicial killings than negotiate an end to the ongoing genocide in Gaza. Israel now plans to invade Southern Lebanon, further escalating this conflict into a regional war, with the full backing of the United States.3. Following the pager and walkie-talkie attacks in Lebanon, the office of Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib issued a statement decrying that “The Biden-Harris administration continues to allow Netanyahu and the Israeli government to operate with impunity as they carry out war crimes. After facing no red line in Gaza…Netanyahu is now expanding his genocidal campaign to Lebanon…Deploying more U.S. troops and sending more U.S. bombs will only lead to more suffering and carnage. The...administration is capable of stopping the bloodshed. President Biden must implement an immediate arms embargo to end the slaughter and de-escalate the risk of a wider regional war.” Yet, far from de-escalating, the Biden administration has stood by while Netanyahu has escalated further, with increasing signs that the situation will tip over into a full-scale regional war between Israel and Iran. Dark days indeed could be ahead.4. This week, Hurricane Helene cleaved a “500-mile path of destruction” stretching from Florida to the Southern Appalachians, per CNN. So far, the casualties include at least 128 dead and whole communities wiped off the map. Yet, this devastation is not limited merely to peoples' homes and communities. In a darkly ironic twist, “Hurricane Helene's severe flooding [in Asheville, North Carolina] knocked offline the top tracker of U.S. and global climate data, including of extreme weather…The National Centers for Environmental Information,” or NCEI. According to the NCEI, “Even those who are physically safe are generally without power, water or connectivity,” per Axios. And just outside Atlanta, Vox reports “Amid the devastation and mass flooding…A chemical fire [at BioLab] released a massive plume of potentially toxic gasses into the air.” Officials issued a shelter-in-place order Sunday evening covering Rockdale County, home to around 90,000 people. EPA testing detected signs of chlorine gas in the air. Fulton County, which includes parts of Atlanta, has reported “a haze and strong chemical smell.”5. Last week, the International Trade Union Confederation published a report accusing “Some of the world's largest companies of undermining democracy across the world by financially backing far-right political movements, funding and exacerbating the climate crisis, and violating trade union rights and human rights.” This report specifically names Amazon, Tesla, Meta, ExxonMobil, Blackstone, Vanguard and Glencore. This report cites a litany of damning acts by these corporations – ranging from union busting and environmental degradation to funding of far-right and anti-indigenous movements around the globe – but makes the fundamental point that “This is about power, who has it, and who sets the agenda. …They're playing the long game, and it's a game about shifting power away from democracy at every level into one where they're not concerned about the effects on workers – they're concerned about maximizing their influence and their extractive power and their profit…Now is the time for international and multi-sectoral strategies, because these are, in many cases, multinational corporations that are more powerful than states, and they have no democratic accountability whatsoever, except for workers organized.” Per the Guardian, “the ITUC includes labor group affiliates from 169 nations…representing 191 million workers…the federation is pushing for an international binding treaty…to hold transnational corporations accountable under international human rights laws.”6. Yet, although these corporations are being called out for their role in undermining democracy, the Biden administration is granting many of them large sums of money via the newly announced “Partnership for Global Inclusivity on AI.” According to the State Department, this partnership will bring together the Department of State, Amazon, Anthropic, Google, IBM, Meta, Microsoft, Nvidia, and OpenAI to “promote inclusivity, respect for human rights, digital solidarity, and equitable access to the benefits of AI globally.” As the American Prospect's Luke Goldstein notes, every single one of the companies listed are currently facing lawsuits or are under investigation by either the Department of Justice or the Federal Trade Commission, and two of these corporations were clients of Secretary of State Antony Blinken's during his time as a consultant at WestExec Advisors. And in California, Variety reports Governor Gavin Newsom has vetoed SB 1047, a bill that “sought to ward off catastrophic risks of highly advanced [AI] models…[that] could be used to develop chemical or nuclear weapons.” This bill was strongly supported by SAG-AFTRA.7. A new article in the Atlantic makes the case that “Legalizing Sports Gambling Was a Huge Mistake.” On a previous program we discussed how the “widespread legalization of sports gambling over the past five years has [led to a] roughly 28% increase in bankruptcies and an 8% increase in debt transferred to debt collectors,” along with substantial increases in auto loan delinquencies and use of debt consolidation loans. Beyond the financial damages however, this piece cites a new University of Oregon study that found in places where sports gambling is legalized, a loss by the home NFL team increases intimate partner violence by approximately 10%. As Deseret News put the question, “If, after six years, a law was discovered to be encouraging domestic violence while causing people, especially the poor, to lose what little money they could put toward savings, what would be the correct next step?”8. On September 24th, the Federal Trade Commission took action against Invitation Homes, the country's largest landlord of single-family homes, for “an array of unlawful actions against consumers, including deceiving renters about lease costs, charging undisclosed junk fees, failing to inspect homes before residents moved in, and unfairly withholding tenants' security deposits when they moved out.” The FTC complaint cites a 2019 email from Invitation Homes' CEO “calling on the senior vice president responsible for overseeing the company's fee program to ‘juice this hog'” by making additional fees mandatory for renters. This action comes as “Democrats Are Torn Between Donors and Their Base,” over the high-profile FTC Chair Lina Khan, Wired reports. While many billionaire Democratic donors have publicly called for Khan's ouster, polling shows around “80 percent of Democrats feel that the government should be doing more to take on corporate monopolies, compared to only 3 percent who say it should be doing less...[and] Nearly 90 percent of Democrats…feel that lobbyists and corporate executives hold too much power over the government.” To his credit, powerful House Democrat Jim Clyburn recently defended Khan when asked whether she should be fired, saying “… fired for what? For doing [her] job?…I suspect that people who represent Invitation Homes may want her to be replaced by somebody who would not do their [job],” per the Huffington Post.9. POLITICO Europe has published a shocking exposé documenting “the atrocities carried out during the summer of 2021 by a [Mozambican] commando unit led by an officer who said his mission was to protect ‘the project of Total.'” The “Total” in question being TotalEnergies, the French energy titan operating an enormous liquid natural gas plant in the Southeast African country. According to this report, “villagers had been caught in the crossfire between the Mozambican army and ISIS-affiliated militants. Having fled their homes, they had gone to seek the protection of government soldiers. Instead…[t]he soldiers accused the villagers of being members of the insurgency. They separated the men — a group of between 180 and 250 — from the women and children. Then they crammed their prisoners into… shipping containers…hitting, kicking and striking them with rifle butts. The soldiers held the men in the containers for three months. They beat, suffocated, starved, tortured and finally killed their detainees. Ultimately, only 26 prisoners survived.” Beyond this horrific massacre, this piece investigates the complex relationship between the Mozambican government, the Islamist insurgency, and French energy interests operating in Mozambique.10. Finally, on the eve of the inauguration of Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexico's incoming president and the first ever Jewish head of state in North America, tensions are mounting between the country and its northern neighbor, the United States. On his way out, popular left-wing president Andrés Manuel López Obrador, or AMLO, has declared a Yucatán port owned by Alabama-based Vulcan Materials a nature reserve in a move that the company is calling “expropriation.” According to Reuters, the company has quarried limestone in Mexico for over three decades and AMLO has long criticized their activities as environmentally damaging. AMLO also offered offered up to 7 billion pesos or $362 million for the land, but Vulcan rejected the offer. In response to AMLO's move, Republican Senators Katie Britt of Alabama and John Cornyn of Texas sent a letter “threatening Mexico with ‘crushing consequences' if the incoming Administration of Claudia Sheinbaum,” doesn't reverse this decision, per José Díaz Briseño of Reforma. This vague saber rattling raises the question, voiced by decorated journalist Ryan Grim, “Are Senate Republicans threatening some kind of coup”?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
In this episode, we sit down with one of the most influential figures in government today: Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan. As the youngest FTC chair to ever be appointed, during her tenure the FTC has pushed to ban non-compete agreements, filed lawsuits against healthcare companies engaging in anti-competitive practices, and strengthened the Health Breach Notification Rule (HBNR) to protect sensitive health data.We cover:- The FTC's role in healthcare and how it compares to other sectors- The impact of consolidation and vertical integration in the healthcare industry- The agency's efforts to combat rising drug prices, including the recent actions against major PBMs- The controversial "Orange Book" patent challenges and their implications for drug innovation- The nationwide ban on non-compete agreements and its potential effects on doctors- Chair Khan's vision for the future of competition law and its application to healthcareSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
Carl Quintanilla, David Faber and Sara Eisen kicked off a new week for the markets: The Dow off to a fast start, hitting a new all-time high thanks to Intel's rally. Qualcomm recently approached the chipmaker about a possible takeover -- and Apollo Global reportedly offed to invest up to $5 billion in Intel. Also in focus: What the CEOs of Nvidia and IBM told CNBC after meeting with Indian Prime Minister Modi, Minneapolis Fed President Neel Kashkari spoke to CNBC about economic risks, FTC Chair Lina Khan on CBS' "60 Minutes" about the planned Kroger-Albertsons merger, an update on Nike following the company's decision to change CEOs. Squawk on the Street Disclaimer
Monday September 23, 2024 FTC Chair Lina Khan on 60 Minutes
It's Casual Friday! Emma speaks with Jeet Heer, national affairs correspondent for The Nation, to round up the week in news. First, Sam and Emma run through updates on uber-controversial revelations around GOP gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson, Israel's aggression to Lebanon, RFK's newest allegations, Mike Johnson's capitulation to Dems over government funding, and labor action in the US, before parsing through Donald Trump's use of the Zionist-Jewish conflation to blame the Jews for his theoretical upcoming loss. Jeet Heer then joins, as he, Sam, and Emma bask in the glory of the last few weeks (and particularly the last 24 hours) of leaks-upon-leaks of Republican malfeasance and controversy, from the Russian money behind right-wing commentators like Tim Pool and Dave Rubin, to the deep revelations of hypocrisy, bigotry, and infidelity in Mark Robinson's “Nude Africa” account (which, incidentally, tied in Chris Rufo), and RFK's ongoing scandal involving NYMag reporter Olivia Nuzzi. Expanding on this, Heer unpacks the growing pictures of a Trump campaign embroiled in chaos, as their main spokesfolks for the disillusioned man – JD Vance and RFK Jr. – continue to flounder in their media rounds while the candidate himself cannot help but get “Loomered.” Wrapping up, Jeet, Sam, and Emma look to the electoral state of the race, unpacking the central role Pennsylvania, North Carolina (thank you, Mark Robinson!), and Georgia are likely to play come November and assessing the rhetoric Harris and Trump are using to court those voters. And in the Fun Half: Sam and Emma dive deep into the crevasses of Mark Robinson's developing controversy, gain clarity on some of his and Trump's past interactions, and ponder the question of the leaker. They also tackle Harris' do “no” harm (excluding, you know, the genocide of Palestinians) to US-Israel relations and Nebraska's electoral fight, before parsing through the contradictions and lies that ground the US immigration system debate with Republican caller Will from Virginia. Andrea from Chicago responds to Kowalski's comments on industrial growth and housing, and Nathan from LA gives his perspective on the US economy… and also the show, plus your calls and IMs! Follow Jeet on Twitter here: https://x.com/HeerJeet Check out Jeet's work at The Nation here: https://www.thenation.com/authors/jeet-heer/ TICKETS FOR MAJORITY REPORT ELECTION NIGHT LIVE SHOW HERE!: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-majority-report-with-sam-seder-election-night-coverage-live-show-tickets-1010883639177 Call your Senators at 202-224-3121 and urge them to tell Sen. Schumer NOT to bring Sen. bill 4127 to the floor! Go to https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ and, in the space to contact the Vice President, voice support for FTC Chair Lina Khan and for Palestine! Become a member at JoinTheMajorityReport.com: https://fans.fm/majority/join Follow us on TikTok here!: https://www.tiktok.com/@majorityreportfm Check us out on Twitch here!: https://www.twitch.tv/themajorityreport Find our Rumble stream here!: https://rumble.com/user/majorityrep ort Check out our alt YouTube channel here!: https://www.youtube.com/majorityreportlive Join Sam on the Nation Magazine Cruise! 7 days in December 2024!!: https://nationcruise.com/mr/ Check out StrikeAid here!; https://strikeaid.com/ Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the ESVN YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/esvnshow Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! http://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: http://majority.fm/app Check out today's sponsors: Nutrafol: Take the first step towards achieving your hair growth goals. 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It's an EmMajority Report Thursday! Emma speaks with Noah Kulwin and Brendan James to discuss the most recent season of the Blowback podcast. Then, she speaks with Ross Barkan, contributing writer at New York Magazine and columnist at Crain's New York, to discuss his recent piece published in The Nation entitled "Is Eric Adams's Luck About to Run Out?" First, Emma runs through updates on Israel's attacks on civilians in Lebanon, the UN General Assembly's overwhelming vote to end Israel's military presence in Gaza and the West Bank, reporting on Biden's weapons transfers, the uncommitted movement, the teamsters' lack of a presidential endorsement, swing state polling, New York State's Democratic Party problem, the Fed, Russian offensives in Ukraine, Beshear's conversion therapy ban, and dropping overdose rates in the US, before parsing a little more thoroughly through the developing story of Israel's en-masse attack of Lebanese citizens (Hezbollah or not) via the use of rigged communications technologies. Emma is then joined by Noah Kulwin and Brendan James as they outline why they chose Cambodia for the focus of the fifth season of Blowback, unpacking its role as a central (and emblematic) node in the constellation of US intervention in Southeast Asia during the Cold War. Expanding on this, Kulwin and James dive into the complex cast of characters that dominate this season, first tackling the Nixon-Kissinger paring that set the blueprint for the entire thing, first sabotaging Vietnam peace negotiations in 1968 to help ensure a GOP victory, before centering a strategy of “Peace with Honor,” by which Nixon meant a shift to more expansive bombing campaigns, and immediately expanding said campaign by pushing Cambodian Royal Norodom Sihanouk to embrace a US carpet bombing campaign on his country (not war, totally not war), all while hiding the entire campaign behind a dual reporting system, separate books, and direct, behind-the-scenes communications between the White House and relevant parties. Shifting focus to Cambodia, Noah and Brendan parse through the Khmer Rouge's origins as an auxiliary, socialist-aligned force with the North Vietnamese (the basis for Nixon's carpet bombing), only to help launch a full-scale Civil War in the wake of the US-backed deposition of Sihanouk by South Vietnam in 1970, resulting in years of bloodshed (increased by ongoing US bombings) that saw the Khmer Rouge gain more and more territory and power, until the formerly-small-guerilla movement successfully sacked the capital city of Phnom Penh, launching five years of forced labor, full-scale genocide and the extermination of ethnic minorities, refugee crises, mass executions and more under the rule of Pol Pot. Continuing, James and Kulwin move into the breakdown of Cambodian society under the brutal regime of Pol Pot and expanding conflict as the Khmer Rouge turned against the North Vietnamese government that had supported them (in part due to the Khmer Rouge's budding relationship with the US and the West), resulting in said government launching a full-scale invasion of Cambodia, getting rid of Pol Pot and establishing a friendly regime, all to the condemnation of the West that had been peacefully watching Cambodians die for nearly a decade. After briefly expanding on the mythology tying the Khmer Rouge's rule to the greater Soviet movement and the obvious failures of said narrative when you look into who was actually supporting the regime, Emma, Brendan and Noah jump to the modern period, unpacking the symbiotic nature of a fully-capitalist Cold War between the US and China, and what that has meant for Cambodian development over the last decade, wrapping up the interview by running through the final figures on the mass deaths from US carpet bombing (100-150k), the US-backed Civil War (300-500k), and the following Cambodian Genocide (1.7m). Ross Barkan and Emma then dive right into the overwhelming cloud of corruption around NYC Mayor Eric Adams, including FOUR federal investigations ranging from domestic to foreign corruption, and the correlating complete incompetence of his governance, with Barkan comparing his administration to a Tammany Hall that didn't actually deliver anything to the people. After briefly expanding on the role an overwhelmingly unpopular New York Democratic Party is having on races up and down the ballot, Ross and Emma tackle the particulars of Adams' corrupt relationship with the NYPD and its deadly impact. And in the Fun Half: Emma is joined by Brandon Sutton and Matt Binder as they unpack North Carolina GOP Gubernatorial Nominee Mark Robinson's odd sermon on the ability to take and make life with one's genitalia, JD Vance's continuing commitment to racist conspiracy, and Ryan Grim's cathartic shutdown of Matt Walsh's absurd anti-Haitian bigotry. Kimmy from Kentucky on the misconceptions about her state and the value of people without college degrees, and M from Florida on Tim Pool, plus, your calls and IMs! Check out Blowback here: https://blowback.show/ Check out Ross' piece in The Nation here: https://www.thenation.com/article/politics/eric-adams-corruption-challenges/ TICKETS FOR MAJORITY REPORT ELECTION NIGHT LIVE SHOW HERE!: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-majority-report-with-sam-seder-election-night-coverage-live-show-tickets-1010883639177 Call your Senators at 202-224-3121 and urge them to tell Sen. Schumer NOT to bring Sen. bill 4127 to the floor! Go to https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ and, in the space to contact the Vice President, voice support for FTC Chair Lina Khan and for Palestine! Become a member at JoinTheMajorityReport.com: https://fans.fm/majority/join Follow us on TikTok here!: https://www.tiktok.com/@majorityreportfm Check us out on Twitch here!: https://www.twitch.tv/themajorityreport Find our Rumble stream here!: https://rumble.com/user/majorityrep ort Check out our alt YouTube channel here!: https://www.youtube.com/majorityreportlive Join Sam on the Nation Magazine Cruise! 7 days in December 2024!!: https://nationcruise.com/mr/ Check out StrikeAid here!; https://strikeaid.com/ Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the ESVN YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/esvnshow Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! http://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: http://majority.fm/app Check out today's sponsors: Article: Article is offering you 50 dollars off your first purchase of 100 dollars or more. 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Follow the Majority Report crew on Twitter: @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech @BradKAlsop Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on Youtube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Check out Matt Binder's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mattbinder Subscribe to Brandon's show The Discourse on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ExpandTheDiscourse Check out Ava Raiza's music here! https://avaraiza.bandcamp.com/ The Majority Report with Sam Seder - https://majorityreportradio.com/
It's Hump Day! Sam speaks with Sarah Lazare, editor of Workday Magazine and contributing editor at In These Times, to discuss her recent reporting on the UAW fighting to restore a shuttered Stellantis plant in Belvidere, Illinois. Then, they speak with Mark Joseph Stern, senior writer at Slate, to discuss the recent reporting in the New York Times regarding Chief Justice Roberts' influence on the Jan. 6th cases that were in front of the Supreme Court. First, Sam runs through updates on Israel's widespread and indiscriminate attacks across Lebanon, the UN's vote on ending Israeli occupation in Gaza and the West Bank, Fed cuts, polling, the GOP blocking another IVF protection attempt, Mike Johnson's desperate attempt to stop a Trump-backed push for a government shutdown, Express Scripts vs. the FTC, and growing labor action in the US, before watching Sen. Kennedy set quite the example at a hate crimes hearing. Sarah Lazare then joins, diving right into a history of Stellantis' plant in Belvidere, Illinois, from its opening in 1965 and through its peak in the late 2010s – when it employed nearly a third of the town's population – before the Corporation-formerly-known-as-Chrysler decided to idle the plant in 2023, essentially taking away thousands of jobs from the city. Continuing, Lazare then unpacks the plant's role in UAW negotiations with Stellantis in the wake of their overwhelmingly successful stand-up strike against the Big Three automakers (Stellantis, Ford, GM), with the reopening of the Belvedere plant one of many unprecedented wins for the union and emblematic of their emphasis on bringing workers into the manufacturing decisions that shape their lives. After briefly expanding on the details of the UAW's major wins from the stand-up strike, as well as some concessions, Sarah walks Sam through the devastating impact the idling of this plant has had on Belvidere, the incredible effort by other locals and the broader UAW to use their labor to demand the return of this plant, and the likelihood of the fight expanding into a broader strike, before wrapping up with a conversation on the ripple effect of labor rights and the importance of solidarity in building a better life for us all. Mark Joseph Stern and Sam then jump right into two major stories coming out of the recent SCOTUS leak, with Stern first outlining the revelations of Chief Justice John Roberts' complete MAGA-pilling over the last few years, including taking a commanding role on three major Supreme Court cases regarding Donald Trump, spearheading the entirety of the immunity decision and icing out the liberal judges, taking Alito off of the January 6th decision, and pushing for a landmark ruling on Trump's ballot access case. After expanding on the… “jurisprudence” behind Roberts' shift, Sam and Mark parse through the mystery of the leak, and what it tells us about the state of the Court. And in the Fun Half: Sam watches Mitch McConnell preemptively shirk blame for the GOP's upcoming government shutdown attempt, and Bret Weinstein and Heather Heying's brains expand beyond safe levels in real-time. He also dives deep into swing state and legislative poll numbers with John from San Antonio, unpacks the (im)moralities of social security with Dan Norton, and admires Henry Winkler's unabashed dissection of the absurdities of Bill Maher's Zionism. Dan Norton's biggest fan also calls in to explore the recent proliferation of anti-Haitian conspiracy and the United States' relationship to catholicism, plus, your calls and IMs! Follow Sarah on Twitter here: https://x.com/sarahlazare Check out Sarah's piece on the UAW here: https://inthesetimes.com/article/uaw-strike-stellantis-plant-fight Check out Workday Magazine here: https://workdaymagazine.org Follow Mark on Twitter here: https://x.com/mjs_DC Check out Mark's work at Slate here: https://slate.com/author/mark-joseph-stern TICKETS FOR MAJORITY REPORT ELECTION NIGHT LIVE SHOW HERE!: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-majority-report-with-sam-seder-election-night-coverage-live-show-tickets-1010883639177 Call your Senators at 202-224-3121 and urge them to tell Sen. Schumer NOT to bring Sen. bill 4127 to the floor! Go to https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ and, in the space to contact the Vice President, voice support for FTC Chair Lina Khan and for Palestine! Become a member at JoinTheMajorityReport.com: https://fans.fm/majority/join Follow us on TikTok here!: https://www.tiktok.com/@majorityreportfm Check us out on Twitch here!: https://www.twitch.tv/themajorityreport Find our Rumble stream here!: https://rumble.com/user/majorityrep ort Check out our alt YouTube channel here!: https://www.youtube.com/majorityreportlive Join Sam on the Nation Magazine Cruise! 7 days in December 2024!!: https://nationcruise.com/mr/ Check out StrikeAid here!; https://strikeaid.com/ Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the ESVN YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/esvnshow Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! http://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: http://majority.fm/app Check out today's sponsors: Nutrafol: Take the first step towards achieving your hair growth goals. For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners ten dollars off your first month's subscription and free shipping when you go to https://Nutrafol.com/men and enter the promo code TMR. Find out why over 4,500 healthcare professionals and stylists recommend Nutrafol for healthier hair. https://Nutrafol.com/men promo code TMR. Follow the Majority Report crew on Twitter: @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech @BradKAlsop Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on Youtube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Check out Matt Binder's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mattbinder Subscribe to Brandon's show The Discourse on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ExpandTheDiscourse Check out Ava Raiza's music here! https://avaraiza.bandcamp.com/ The Majority Report with Sam Seder - https://majorityreportradio.com/
It's News Day Tuesday! Sam and Emma break down the biggest headlines of the day. First, they run through updates on election polling, Trump's claims of “dangerous rhetoric” from the left, the complete shutdown of Springfield, Ohio in the wake of Trump/Vance's anti-migrant fear-mongering, RFK's continuing ballot struggles, major labor action with UAW, NYC Amazon Delivery Drivers, Seattle Starbucks, and Boeing, the devastating results of Georgia's abortion ban, Israel's expanding offensives, Twitter's major revenue drop, and increasing attacks on the NLRB, also expanding on the hypocrisy of Trump and Vance's recent statements on “dangerous rhetoric” after using their platforms to advance nazi conspiracies and lies about Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio. Next, Sam and Emma dive deep into polling with six weeks to election day, tackling Harris' inklings of a lead, Democrats' decision to target sleeper seats in the house, races in Nebraska and Iowa, and her focus on speaking to immigrant communities. They also look into increasing lawfare against the NLRB, including both a Trump-appointed judge's decision to find the Bureau unconstitutional over their case against Findhelp and their ongoing battles with Starbucks, and parse through growing corporate attacks on Lina Khan as Harris begins to outline her potential administration. Wrapping up, they discuss the disturbing – and predictable – story coming out of Georgia as their abortion ban puts more and more people in danger. And in the Fun Half: Sam and Emma watch JD Vance deftly pivot from addressing Trump's relationship to Laura Loomer to blunt bigotry, Megyn Kelly guest Rich Lowrie has a telling slip-up, and a Libertarian Party of NH member finds out that in Biden's America, you can't encourage the assassination of presidential candidates. Tim Pool has some questions about foreign money in domestic operations, Wayne from Iowa tackles the Right's perversion of masculinity, and Jesse Raspberry from Springfield, Ohio dives deep into the disastrous economic situation in Springfield – and how the influx of migrants has been a boon in its revitalization. Brad from PA touches on some positives and negatives for the Harris campaign, and Sam and Emma parse through the Green Party's long-term problem of lack of party infrastructure (or any plan to build it up), plus, your calls and IMs! TICKETS FOR MAJORITY REPORT ELECTION NIGHT LIVE SHOW HERE!: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/the-majority-report-with-sam-seder-election-night-coverage-live-show-tickets-1010883639177 Go to https://www.whitehouse.gov/contact/ and, in the space to contact the Vice President, voice support for FTC Chair Lina Khan and for Palestine! Become a member at JoinTheMajorityReport.com: https://fans.fm/majority/join Follow us on TikTok here!: https://www.tiktok.com/@majorityreportfm Check us out on Twitch here!: https://www.twitch.tv/themajorityreport Find our Rumble stream here!: https://rumble.com/user/majorityrep ort Check out our alt YouTube channel here!: https://www.youtube.com/majorityreportlive Join Sam on the Nation Magazine Cruise! 7 days in December 2024!!: https://nationcruise.com/mr/ Check out StrikeAid here!; https://strikeaid.com/ Gift a Majority Report subscription here: https://fans.fm/majority/gift Subscribe to the ESVN YouTube channel here: https://www.youtube.com/esvnshow Subscribe to the AMQuickie newsletter here: https://am-quickie.ghost.io/ Join the Majority Report Discord! http://majoritydiscord.com/ Get all your MR merch at our store: https://shop.majorityreportradio.com/ Get the free Majority Report App!: http://majority.fm/app Check out today's sponsors: Hello Fresh: For FREE breakfast for life go to https://HelloFresh.com/freemajority. One free breakfast item per box while subscription is active. That's free breakfast FOR LIFE, just by going to https://HelloFresh.com/freemajority. Follow the Majority Report crew on Twitter: @SamSeder @EmmaVigeland @MattLech @BradKAlsop Check out Matt's show, Left Reckoning, on Youtube, and subscribe on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/leftreckoning Check out Matt Binder's YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/mattbinder Subscribe to Brandon's show The Discourse on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/ExpandTheDiscourse Check out Ava Raiza's music here! https://avaraiza.bandcamp.com/ The Majority Report with Sam Seder - https://majorityreportradio.com/
This Day in Legal History: Nineteenth Amendment AdoptedOn August 26, 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was officially adopted, marking a pivotal moment in American history by granting women the right to vote. The Amendment, which states that the right to vote "shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex," was the culmination of decades of activism and struggle by women's suffrage advocates. Pioneers like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, and many others fought tirelessly for this fundamental right, organizing rallies, petitions, and civil disobedience.The Amendment's adoption followed a lengthy ratification process, where Tennessee became the crucial 36th state to ratify the amendment, securing the necessary three-fourths majority. This victory did not come easily; it was the result of a concerted effort by suffragists who faced significant opposition. The Nineteenth Amendment not only expanded the electorate but also symbolized a broader movement toward gender equality in the United States. Its passage empowered women to engage fully in the democratic process and laid the groundwork for future advances in civil rights. The legacy of the Nineteenth Amendment continues to influence social and political movements to this day.Big Law firms are rallying behind Vice President Kamala Harris by hosting high-dollar fundraising events. Sullivan & Cromwell's Rodge Cohen is organizing a New York lunch featuring Doug Emhoff, with ticket prices reaching up to $100,000. In Washington, Jenner & Block's Josh Hsu is co-hosting an evening reception where tickets are nearly $7,000. Since Harris became the Democratic frontrunner, high-profile attorneys have been mobilizing to support her campaign, with several already raising substantial sums. Notably, Mayer Brown partner Phil Recht, a Harris supporter, notes strong momentum in campaign contributions. The host committees for these events include prominent figures from Big Law and the tech industry, such as Skadden's Nina Rose and OpenAI's Johanna Shelton. The fundraising effort has seen significant engagement, with many top lawyers eager to contribute. For example, Dawn Smalls of Jenner & Block raised $100,000 in just a week, and partners at firms like Gibson Dunn and WilmerHale are actively supporting Harris through events and donations.Big Law Throwing Kamala Fundraisers with a Six-Figure Ticket TierThe U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is set to challenge Kroger's $25 billion merger with rival Albertsons in federal court, arguing that the deal would harm consumers and workers by reducing competition. The FTC's case, part of the Biden administration's broader effort to address rising consumer prices, will focus on how the merger could lead to higher grocery prices and diminish the bargaining power of unionized workers, particularly in states like California and Washington where both chains have significant overlap. This trial marks a significant test for FTC Chair Lina Khan, who has prioritized using antitrust laws to protect workers, a shift from the traditional focus on consumer prices.Kroger and Albertsons argue that the merger is necessary to compete with large multinational retailers like Walmart, Costco, and Amazon. They propose selling 579 stores to mitigate competition concerns and promise to lower grocery prices by $1 billion post-merger. However, the FTC, supported by several states, contends that the merger would lead to store closures and weakened union leverage. The trial, expected to last around three weeks, will also examine whether the proposed buyer of the divested stores, C&S Wholesale Grocers, can successfully operate them.This case is significant as it builds on the FTC's recent focus on labor market competition, following other antitrust actions that have challenged the impact of mergers on workers, such as those in the college athletics and publishing industries. The outcome could pave the way for more scrutiny of mergers based on their effects on labor markets.US FTC's bid to block Kroger-Albertsons merger heads to trial | ReutersKroger case tests FTC Chair Khan's bid to protect workers | ReutersThe US Chamber of Commerce, a conservative business organization, is urging Congress to maintain the 21% corporate tax rate and extend key provisions of the 2017 Republican-led tax law. The Chamber argues that these measures will support sustained economic growth, aiming for at least 3% annually. As Congress prepares for a major tax code overhaul next year, the Chamber is actively lobbying to preserve lower international tax rates set to increase in 2025 and to reinstate certain deductions for research and development, interest expenses, and full asset expensing. While Republicans generally support extending parts of the 2017 law, despite concerns about the growing deficit, Democrats advocate for raising the corporate tax rate to 28% and increasing taxes on the wealthy to cover the law's costs. The University of Pennsylvania's Wharton School estimates that extending the law would only offset about 4.4% of its projected $4 trillion cost through economic growth.The US Chamber of Commerce is known for its conservative stance, particularly in advocating for pro-business policies and lower taxes. Historically, the Chamber has supported Republican initiatives and has often opposed regulatory measures that it views as detrimental to business interests.US Chamber to Ask Congress to Preserve 21% Corporate Tax RateCitgo Petroleum, originally founded in 1910 as Cities Service Company, became a significant player in the U.S. refining industry. In 1986, Venezuela's state-owned oil company, PDVSA, purchased a controlling stake in Citgo, integrating it into Venezuela's oil export strategy. Citgo operates as a major U.S. refiner with its headquarters in Houston, Texas.Currently, Citgo is at the center of a complex legal battle in the U.S. stemming from Venezuela's expropriations and debt defaults. A U.S. federal court officer, Robert Pincus, is overseeing an auction of shares in Citgo's parent company, PDV Holding, to satisfy up to $21.3 billion in claims. These claims have resulted from international arbitration awards and issues surrounding foreign sovereign immunity, making the case particularly complex.The auction process, ongoing since 2017, has faced multiple delays due to the complexity of the bids and the unprecedented legal context. The latest extension request, the third this year, would push the deadline to September 16 for Pincus to recommend a winning bid. The leading bidders are CVR Energy, supported by investor Carl Icahn, and an investment group led by Gold Reserve, a mining company. Following the recommendation, there will be a 21-day period for objections before a final sales hearing on November 7.US court officer requests new extension to select winner of Citgo auction | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
On his show, Phil Donahue never shied away from questioning those in power, be they government officials or corporate CEOs. And there was no more frequent guest on his program than Ralph Nader. Along with guests Joan Claybrook, Michael Jacobson and Jeff Cohen, we pay tribute to a man Ralph calls “the greatest enabler and defender of the First Amendment right of free speech in American history.”Joan Claybrook is one of the public interest champions of the modern consumer movement, and she is president emeritus of Public Citizen. Prior to becoming president of Public Citizen, Ms. Claybrook was head of the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in the Carter administration from 1977 to 1981. Before serving as NHTSA administrator, she founded and ran Public Citizen's Congress Watch division and worked for the Public Interest Research Group, the National Traffic Safety Bureau, the Social Security Administration, and the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare.[Phil Donahue] had the deepest understanding of the First Amendment of anybody I've ever met. And the reason is that not only did he have these voiceless leaders and victims on a show that other media would avoid like the plague—it would upset their advertisers, who would upset their corporate bosses—he would have people on whose views he vehemently disagreed with.Ralph NaderPhil [Donahue] knew that it wasn't just important to reach people on his show—that he had to have them accessible to materials that elaborated it in greater detail. And he did that for lots of people. But it all started with his sense of the purpose of the media and a public philosophy of justice for all.Ralph NaderDonahue was a great source of help to get information out to the public that they really wanted. And no one else would publicize it.Joan ClaybrookMichael Jacobson holds a PhD. in microbiology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and he co-founded and then led the Center for Science in the Public Interest for four decades. Dr. Jacobson is the author of Salt Wars: The Battle Over the Biggest Killer in the American Diet. And he is the founder of the National Food Museum.Phil really was one of a kind— where he studied up on the topic, he knew it thoroughly, he was smart, he was generous, kind, thoughtful, asked good questions. So it was just a wonderful, positive experience for various reasons to be on his terrific daytime TV show.Dr. Michael JacobsonJeff Cohen is Co-Founder and Policy Director at RootsAction. He is a media critic, columnist, documentary filmmaker, and retired journalism professor who founded the media watch group FAIR—Fairness and Accuracy in Reporting— in 1986. For years, he was a regular pundit on CNN, Fox News and MSNBC discussing issues of media and politics, and he is the author of Cable News Confidential: My Misadventures in Corporate Media. He was senior producer of MSNBC's Phil Donahue Show until it was terminated on the eve of the Iraq war.Management wrecked the show, and then they terminated the show three weeks before the invasion of Iraq. And remember, they terminated us right after the biggest anti-war marches in global history up until that point. And obviously there was a huge audience— if they had allowed Phil Donahue to be Phil Donahue and put on the experts that we wanted to put on. And we would have gotten huge ratings—but they ruined the show, they hurt our ratings. [And] when we were terminated—in spite of all of management's interference—we were still the most-watched program on MSNBC. Management doesn't usually cancel their most-watched television show, but they did it at MSNBC.Jeff CohenIn Case You Haven't Heard with Francesco DeSantisNews 8/21/241. Last week, the Kamala Harris campaign announced their first major policy proposal: “a federal ban on corporate price gouging on groceries,” per the New York Times. In a statement to reporters, the campaign said this policy would “[set]…rules of the road to make clear that big corporations can't unfairly exploit consumers to run up excessive corporate profits on food and groceries,” according to the Washington Post. Reporter Jeff Stein further elaborates that this plan is expected to include “[money] for small firms to compete [and will] Challenge [industry] mergers.” This policy stems from the Federal Trade Commission report published by the New York Times in March, that found “Large Grocers Took Advantage of Pandemic Supply Chain Disruptions …[and] used rising costs as an opportunity to further hike prices.”2. This week of course Kamala Harris is in Chicago for the Democratic National Convention. Just before the convention, Mother Jones ran a profile of progressive Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, in which he said “What's happening right now [in Palestine] is not only egregious, it is genocidal.” Chicago is the largest local government in the United States to pass a resolution calling for a permanent ceasefire in Gaza. Further illustrating the success of pro-Palestine activism, Prem Thakker of the Intercept reports the DNC “will host [its] first ever panel on Palestinian human rights,” featuring Layla Elabed, co-leader of the Uncommitted movement, Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison, former Congressman Andy Levin, and Jim Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute, among others. Ms. Elabed and her compatriot Abbas Alawieh said in a statement “Our focus remains on policy change. Vice President Harris has an opportunity to unite the party against Trump…by turning the page toward a human rights policy that saves lives…We will keep pushing for our party's leadership to break away from its current financing of Israel's horrific assault on Gaza and military rule over Palestinians.”3. Yet another sign that pro-Palestine activism is shifting the center of gravity in the Democratic Party, last Friday dozens of congressional Democrats – including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi – sent a letter to President Biden and Secretary of State Blinken “urging a halt to weapons transfers to Israel,” per AP. This letter referred to the Israeli strike on American aid workers with the World Central Kitchen relief group, saying “In light of the recent strike against aid workers and the ever-worsening humanitarian crisis, we believe it is unjustifiable to approve these weapons transfers.” Other signatories include Reps. Rashida Tlaib, Barbara Lee, and AOC. This letter comes on the heels of a series of state polls by IMEU and YouGov showing “A significant share of Democrats and independent voters in pivotal swing states…are more likely to vote for the Democratic presidential nominee…if said nominee pledges support for an arms embargo to Israel,” per Zeteo. In Pennsylvania, 34% said more likely and only 7% less likely; in Georgia 39% said more likely and only 5% less likely, with similar numbers in Arizona. Put simply, it is clear that an arms embargo is both good politics and good policy. Even Pelosi knows it.4. A scandal is unfolding at the University of Florida, centering on a massive misuse of funds by the University president, former Senator Ben Sasse. The Alligator, the university newspaper, reports “In his 17-month stint as UF president, Ben Sasse more than tripled his office's spending, directing millions in university funds into secretive consulting contracts and high-paying positions for his GOP allies.” This piece continues “A majority of the spending surge was driven by lucrative contracts with big-name consulting firms and high-salaried, remote positions for Sasse's former U.S. Senate staff and Republican officials…[these] contracts have been kept largely under wraps, leaving the public in the dark about what the contracted firms did to earn their fees.” So much for the party of fiscal responsibility.5. A new piece in St. Louis magazine recounts the ongoing miscarriage of justice against Yolanda Greene. Ms. Greene was “fired from her job after being arrested—even though the police report that provided the basis of the charges against her is clearly contradicted by bystander video.” This piece continues “The police report says that Greene struck one of the officers ‘several times in the back near his neck, head, and shoulders with what appeared to be a closed fist.' [and that she] ‘actively assaulte[d]' a second officer.” Yet the bystander video shows “Greene on the ground and an officer [striking] her several times…A different video, captured by an officer's body camera, records another officer exclaiming, ‘Don't throw a strike'—even as the officer atop Greene does just that.” Mark Pedroli, Greene's lawyer, is quoted saying “I sent the tape over to [Wesley] Bell's office and said, ‘You're prosecuting the wrong people. You should be prosecuting the police for lying in these reports,'” yet Bell – who is nearly guaranteed a spot in the next congress after his successful AIPAC-backed primary against Cori Bush – is pressing ahead with these charges.6. Continuing its series on civil asset forfeiture, libertarian magazine Reason reports “A new class action lawsuit accuses Indiana law enforcement of seizing millions of dollars a year in cash from FedEx packages without ever informing owners of what crime they're suspected of violating.” This piece cites Sam Gedge a senior attorney at the “libertarian public interest law firm,” Institute for Justice, which claims “the Marion County Prosecutor's Office has sued to forfeit $2.5 million in currency from at least 130 FedEx parcels in transit from one non-Indiana state to another over the past two years. This scheme is one of the most predatory we have seen…It's illegal and unconstitutional for Indiana to forfeit in-transit money whose only connection to Indiana is the happenstance of FedEx's shipping practices.”7. According ProPublica, Arizona's experiment with school vouchers has failed spectacularly. As the publication explains “In 2022, Arizona pioneered the largest school voucher program in the history of education…any parent in the state…could get a taxpayer-funded voucher worth up to tens of thousands of dollars to spend on private school tuition, extracurricular programs or homeschooling supplies…Yet in a lesson for…other states, Arizona's…experiment has since precipitated a budget meltdown. The state this year faced a $1.4 billion budget shortfall, much of which was a result of the new voucher spending…Last fiscal year alone, the price tag of universal vouchers in Arizona skyrocketed from an original official estimate of just under $65 million to roughly $332 million…[and] another $429 million in costs is expected this year.” We hope this catastrophic budget implosion gives pause to the prominent Republicans and Democrats boosting the canard of “school choice.”8. The Federal Trade Commission has announced a new rule that will “combat fake reviews and testimonials by prohibiting their sale or purchase and allow the [FTC] to seek civil penalties against knowing violators.” FTC Chair Lina Khan adds “Fake reviews not only waste people's time and money, but also pollute the marketplace and divert business away from honest competitors…By strengthening the FTC's toolkit to fight deceptive advertising, the final rule will protect Americans from getting cheated, put businesses that unlawfully game the system on notice, and promote markets that are fair, honest, and competitive.” These types of much-needed, commonsense consumer protection rules are exactly why billionaires and corporate America are terrified of Lina Khan and have been mounting a shadowy campaign for her ouster.9. More Perfect Union reports “Ride share drivers in Massachusetts are now guaranteed a minimum wage of $32.50/hr, plus benefits.” According to the Verge, “The two companies also agreed to pay a combined $175 million, the bulk of which will be paid out to ‘current and former drivers who were underpaid by the companies,' [Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea] Campbell's office announced.” Despite these victories, Uber and Lyft drivers will still be classified as independent contractors instead of employees.10. Finally, per Huffington Post labor reporter Dave Jamieson, “The Culinary Union has reached a tentative agreement on its first contract with longtime Vegas Strip holdouts the Venetian and Palazzo [closing] a long chapter in which previous owner Sheldon Adelson successfully resisted organizing efforts.” In addition to the Culinary Union, the deal with the Venetian and Palazzo's new owners – private equity firm Apollo Global Management – also includes Bartenders Local 165, Operating Engineers Local 501 and Teamsters Local 986. As the Nevada Independent notes, “Combined, the Venetian and Palazzo have some 8,000 gaming and nongaming workers covering 7,100 hotel rooms, 225,000 square feet of casino space and 2.3 million square feet of convention space. It's unclear how many members of the workforce could be covered by the union agreements.”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
Josh Hammer updates us on a number of high-profile legal matters, including a major loss for controversial FTC Chair Lina Khan, before today's "deep dive" explains how disgraced Sen. Bob Menendez (D-N.J.) is now appealing his recent guilty-on-all-counts verdict on sprawling federal corruption charges. Today's "closing argument" then unpacks a major victory against transgender-related compelled speech in Ohio. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
So far this year, the city of Boston has recorded a grand total of 8 homicides while the similarly populated city of Washington D.C has had 110. Professor Thomas Abt, founding director of the Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction explains what Boston is doing right. Plus, noted nutrition expert, Michael Jacobson reveals his latest project, The National Food Museum, to promote critical thinking about food's impact on health, the environment, farm animal welfare, social equity, global and domestic hunger, and how the food industry and politics affect what we eat.Thomas Abt is the founding director of the Center for the Study and Practice of Violence Reduction (VRC) and an associate research professor in the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Professor Abt is the author of "Bleeding Out: The Devastating Consequences of Urban Violence—and a Bold New Plan for Peace in the Streets" His work is cited in academic journals and featured in major media outlets, both print and video. His TED talk on community violence has been viewed more than 200,000 times.Here's the important thing to remember. It's not just about police, and it can't just be about police… It's also important to have balance… So, while you're engaging these high-risk individuals, these people who are most likely to shoot or be shot, you need to back up those warnings of enforcement with offers of support and services. And that's something that's happening in Boston.Thomas AbtWhen you look at correlations between the restrictiveness of state laws and about how many guns there are, it's about the access to guns. And when access to guns is particularly easy, that's when you have higher rates of violence. Now, in D.C. they have restrictive gun laws, but they're closer to states that have much more permissive laws, particularly in the South. And no city is an island.Thomas AbtWhile you're hearing a lot of fear mongering out there about violent crime. The truth is that we have erased that massive surge that happened during the pandemic. And that's very good news.Thomas AbtMichael Jacobson holds a PhD. in microbiology from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, and he co-founded and then led the Center for Science in the Public Interest for four decades. Dr. Jacobson is the author of “Salt Wars: The Battle Over the Biggest Killer in the American Diet.” And he is the founder of the National Food Museum.Some of the exhibits will focus on how healthier diets could improve our health, how better farming techniques could improve the climate. And there's that intersection between climate and health. I thought of making a cow a symbol for the museum. Or maybe an anti-symbol, because meat-eating is a major contributor to disease; and it's a major contributor to climate change and other environmental issues and animal welfare issues, of course. The museum will get into those.Michael JacobsonThere are so many fascinating issues related to food. You know, I think about the history of the human diet, going back to the Stone Age, say 10 or 12 ,000 years ago, and the future of the human diet. It would be wonderful to have an exhibit, showing how diet has changed and may well change in the next 75 years, when many kids just growing up will still be alive.Michael JacobsonAnd in addition to all the wonderful improvements that you're going to exhibit and inform people about once this museum gets underway, you want people to enjoy it and have fun. That's what you've always been about, Mike.Ralph NaderIn Case You Haven't Heard with Franceso DeSantisNews 8/7/241. Presumptive Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has chosen Minnesota Governor Tim Walz as her running mate. Walz who presided over the passage of an impressive list of progressive priorities in Minnesota, arrayed a broad coalition of Democratic leaders behind his bid for the VP slot, including organized labor, Senator Bernie Sanders, and Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi. His key rival, Pennsylvania Governor Josh Shapiro, faced increasing scrutiny over his support for anti-public school vouchers, his history of anti-Palestinian racism, and involvement with the shady cover-up in the death of Ellen Greenberg. AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler praised the selection of Walz, writing in a statement “By selecting Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate, Kamala Harris chose a principled fighter and labor champion who will stand up for working people and strengthen this historic ticket.”2. In the UK, the new Labour government continues sending mixed signals on their Middle East policy. Last Friday, the Daily Mail reported the government had implemented a “secret arms boycott,” of Israel, supposedly “freez[ing] applications for new weapons export licences.” Yet on Monday, the Middle East Eye reported that the government has denied this report and maintains that “there has been ‘no change' in its approach to export licences.” The Guardian adds “Although [British] military exports to Israel were only estimated at £18.2m last year, an arms embargo is widely perceived as an appropriate and powerful means to register disapproval of Israel's actions towards the Palestinians.”3. The Canary, a left-wing British new outlet, reports “During the early hours of the morning of Tuesday 6 August, six Palestine Action activists were arrested after they broke inside and damaged weaponry inside the highly secured Bristol manufacturing hub of Israel's largest weapons company, Elbit Systems.” According to this report, the group “used a prison van to smash through the outer perimeter and the roller shutters into the building,” and “Once…inside, they began damaging…machinery and Israeli quadcopter drones.” As the Canary notes, “Elbit System…supplies up to 85% of Israel's military drones and land-based equipment.” Palestine Action issued a statement on this protest, writing “As a party to the Genocide Convention, Britain has a responsibility to prevent the occurrence of genocide. When our government fails to abide by their legal and moral obligations, it's the responsibility of ordinary people to take direct action.”4. Semafor reports “In January, The Wall Street Journal made an explosive claim: Quoting ‘intelligence reports,' the paper reported that not only had 12 members of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East, or UNRWA, taken part in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, but 10% of the relief agency's 12,000 workers in Gaza had ties to militant groups.” Yet, “months later, the paper's top editor overseeing standards privately made an admission: The paper didn't know — and still doesn't know —whether the allegation, based on Israeli intelligence reports, was true.” As Semafor notes, the fact that this story was “based on information [the paper] could not verify is a startling acknowledgment, and calls into question the validity of the claims.” This unconfirmed story resulted in more than a dozen nations – among them the US, the UK, and Germany – freezing their funding for UNRWA, totaling $450 million.5. Federal News Network reports “The Senate Appropriations Committee on Thursday approved… funding the Defense Department at $852.2 billion, a 3.3% increase over fiscal [year] 2024.” In other words, another year, another $10 billion for the Pentagon. In 2023, the Department of Defense failed its sixth audit in a row, per Reuters.In more positive news, this has been a banner week for consumer protection action at the federal level.6. On August 2nd, the FTC reported “On behalf of the Federal Trade Commission, the Department of Justice sued video-sharing platform TikTok, its parent company ByteDance, as well as its affiliated companies, with flagrantly violating a children's privacy law—the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act—and also alleged they infringed an existing FTC 2019 consent order against TikTok for violating COPPA.” Specifically, “The complaint alleges defendants failed to comply with the COPPA requirement to notify and obtain parental consent before collecting and using personal information from children under the age of 13.” FTC Chair Lina Khan is quoted saying “TikTok knowingly and repeatedly violated kids' privacy, threatening the safety of millions of children across the country…The FTC will continue to use the full scope of its authorities to protect children online—especially as firms deploy increasingly sophisticated digital tools to surveil kids and profit from their data.”7. On August 1st, the Consumer Product Safety Commission ruled that online retail titan Amazon qualifies as a “distributor” and “therefore bears a legal responsibility for recalling dangerous products and informing customers and the public,” per NPR. This report continues to say this decision “stems from a lawsuit filed by the CPSC against Amazon in 2021 over a slew of [unsafe] products offered on the retailer's platform… [including] children's sleepwear that didn't meet federal flammability standards, carbon monoxide detectors that failed to detect carbon monoxide and sound their alarms, and hair dryers that didn't protect against electrocution when immersed in water. Amazon sold more than 418,000 units between 2018 and 2021.” Teresa Murray, consumer watchdog director at U.S. PIRG is quoted saying “This order is about making sure Amazon is just as accountable as every other company that sells products to consumers who often think that if something is for sale, it must be safe.”8. AP reports “Coca-Cola…said Friday it will pay $6 billion in back taxes and interest to the Internal Revenue Service while it appeals a final federal tax court decision in a case dating back 17 years.” This lawsuit began in 2015 and centered around how the beverage giant “calculate[s] U.S. income based on profits amounting to more than $9 billion from foreign licensees and affiliates.” The company has been enjoying increased profitability this quarter, reportedly “boosted by product price increases.”9. “The D.C. attorney general is suing online ticket provider StubHub for allegedly adding surprise fees onto a needlessly long checkout process in violation of local consumer protection laws,” the Washington Post reports. Specifically, this suit alleges “StubHub deceives customers by offering them an incomplete price at first, then making them go through a purchase process that can involve more than 12 pages — with a timer to impart a sense of urgency — and adding extra fees.” The office of Brian Schwalb, the D.C. AG, alleges StubHub has “[extracted] an estimated $118 million in hidden fees,” from District consumers, using “drip pricing” – described by the FTC as “a pricing technique in which firms advertise only part of a product's price and reveal other charges later as the customer goes through the buying process.” This model is illegal under the District's Consumer Protection Procedures Act.10. Finally, “The Justice Department and several dozen state attorneys general won a sweeping victory against Google Monday as a federal judge ruled that the search giant illegally monopolized the online search and advertising markets over the past decade,” per POLITICO. In a lengthy ruling U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google “locked up some 90 percent of the internet search market through a partnership with Apple to be the default search provider in its Safari web browser, alongside similar agreements with handset makers and mobile carriers such Samsung and Verizon. Mehta also found that Google disadvantaged Microsoft in the market for ads displayed next to search results, allowing it to illegally dominate that market as well.” Judge Mehta further stated that “Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly.” Attorney General Merrick Garland commented “This victory against Google is a historic win for the American people…No company — no matter how large or influential — is above the law. The Justice Department will continue to vigorously enforce our antitrust laws.”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
It's Hump Day! Sam speaks with David Dayen, executive editor at The American Prospect,, to discuss Kamala Harris selecting Tim Walz as her running mate, and the recent ruling by a federal judge against Google. First, Sam runs through updates on Walz's thunderous debut as Harris jumps out to a polling lead, Cori Bush's primary loss, Hamas leadership, Israel's torture camps, Elon vs. Advertisers, Teachers' Union action, and JD Vance's link to Project 2025, also diving into Walz opening act as Vice Presidential candidate, and his ability to weave shots at the oddities of the GOP with clear progressive policy messages. David Dayen then joins, as he first dives into the DOJ's recent massive victory over Google's monopolistic violations of section two of the Sherman Act, becoming only the second major anti-monopoly victory of the digital age, walking through the case's parallels with Microsoft's monopoly case a quarter-century ago, and the central role Google's dominance of the search engine market via buying default access across the industry. Expanding on this, Dayen explores the $25 billion budget in 2021 (as well as myriad internal documents) that undercut Google's claim that this “default” status wasn't actually important to their market share, before stepping back to walk through the upcoming “remedy” phase of the trial, why it's so difficult to undo decades of monopoly power with punitive measures, and whether there is hope for greater structural change to come out of this case. This brings Dayen to the future of the administrative state, with this case's appeal likely to go well into the next presidency, and the approach a Harris Administration might take to this issue, parsing through the early signs as major Dem donors implore her to ditch the major anti-trust leaders of Biden's Administration, and whether Tim Walz and greater institutional defense of Biden's administrative choices serves as a stronger signal. Sam concludes the free half by highlighting LinkedIn co-founder and major Dem Donor Reid Hoffman's attempt to defend his call for Harris to drop FTC Chair Lina Khan. And in the Fun Half: Sam dives into the absurd new lawfare offensive by Elon and X to punish companies for not advertising, watches Cori Bush be very clear about her next steps in politics, and admires the complete meltdowns by everyone from Joe Scarborough and Van Jones to Ben Shapiro and Kevin McCarthy over Harris picking Walz over Shapiro. 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Israel strikes deep in Lebanon after the rocket attack and stokes fear of wider war. Walz jokingly calls himself a monster for passing universal school lunches. FTC Chair Lina Khan responds to calls for her firing." HOST: Ana Kasparian (@anakasparian), Cenk Uygur (@cenkuygur) SUBSCRIBE on YOUTUBE: ☞ https://www.youtube.com/user/theyoungturks FACEBOOK: ☞ https://www.facebook.com/theyoungturks TWITTER: ☞ https://www.twitter.com/theyoungturks INSTAGRAM: ☞ https://www.instagram.com/theyoungturks TIKTOK: ☞ https://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungturks
On this edition of Parallax Views, another double feature with two guests. First up, if there's any interview you listen to on my show this week make it this one, folks. David Dayen, executive editor of The American Prospect and author of Monopolized: Life in the Age of Corporate Power, joins the show to discuss his important article "The Corporate Wishcasting Attack on Lina Khan". Lina Khan was apponted by President Joe Biden to chair the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). In this role Khan, alongside the Antitrust Division of the Justice Department's Jonathan Kanter and others, has attempted to take on big tech, corporate power, and monopoly capitol in America. Billionaire LinkedIn co-founder Reid Hoffman is apparently not happy about this because after donating $8.6 million to Super PACs supporting Democratic Presidential candidate Kamala Harris has claimed Khan is “waging war on American business” and pushed for a Harris administration to dump her as FTC chair. Dayen and I will discuss why billionaires like Hoffman are so opposed to Harris and those who support strengthening antitrust laws and their enforcement in the U.S. We'll also discuss what Dayen argues the billionaire anti-antitrust crowd are leaving out about how Khan's agenda benefits working people over corporate profits. Although some reports indicate that Harris is skeptical of Khan's antitrust agenda and may as a result remove her, Dayen cautions that we don't know what a Harris administration will do with the antitrust agenda that has been ushered in by the Biden administration in recent years. Nonetheless, he argues that supporters of the antitrust movement should mobilize in support of Lina Khan now. Recently, a number of organizations, including the AFL-CIO and NAACP, signed a letter in support of Khan. At the end of the conversation we also discuss Dayen's latest article in "The Only Member of Congress Who Has Worked for Kamala Harris" in which he interviewed former Rep. Katie Porter who worked with Kamala Harris about her thoughts on how Harris will deal with big business and corporate interests. In the second segment of the show, the Revolving Door Project's Chris Lewis joins the show to discuss his American Prospect article, "The Dangerous Authoritarian Gunning to Serve as Trump's Grand Vizier". Chris and I take a closer looks at the figure of Trump loyalist and Christian nationalist Russ Vought, founder of the Center for Renewing America. Vought worked for the Trump administration from the director of the Office of Management and Budget from July 2020 to January 2021. Since then, he has become involved in the saga of the controversial Project 2025. Chris explains Vought's beliefs and rather authoritarian, even anti-constitutional or post-constitutional views on America. Additionally, Chris and I delve into the Project 2025 Schedule F scheme that would allow the President to sack numerous civil servants in various federal agencies to replace them with loyalists. Theoretically, this could lead to cranks with no knowledge in an agency's expertise in key positions they are not equipped to be in. In other words, imagine Infowars' Alex Jones, who has promoted using colloidal silver as supplement to counter coronavirus (despite the dangers of colloidal silver consumption), in a key position at the FDA.
Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan talks about how artificial intelligence could be regulated and the need for open and competitive markets. She also discusses her outlook on the recent CrowdStrike global IT outage. Khan spoke to Bloomberg's Emily Chang.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This Day in Legal History: Eight States Ratify Articles of ConfederationOn July 9, 1778, eight American states—New Hampshire, Massachusetts Bay, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and South Carolina—ratified the Articles of Confederation, marking a significant milestone in the establishment of the United States' first constitution. The Articles of Confederation served as the foundational legal framework for the fledgling nation during the Revolutionary War. This initial ratification by eight states paved the way for the Articles to take full effect once Maryland, the last holdout, signed on March 1, 1781.The Articles of Confederation aimed to unify the thirteen original states under a national government with limited powers, primarily to manage war efforts, conduct foreign diplomacy, and handle territorial disputes. However, the Articles granted most powers to the individual states, reflecting the colonists' fear of a strong central authority reminiscent of British rule.Despite its significance, the Articles of Confederation had several weaknesses, such as the lack of a strong central government, no executive branch, and the inability to levy taxes or regulate commerce effectively. These limitations eventually led to the drafting of the current U.S. Constitution in 1787, which created a more robust federal structure and addressed the shortcomings of the Articles.The ratification of the Articles of Confederation on July 9, 1778, remains a critical event in American legal history, symbolizing the early efforts to create a unified nation and laying the groundwork for the Constitution that governs the United States today.Federal judge Joshua Kindred, who recently resigned, engaged in a sexual relationship with a former law clerk and misled an investigating judicial panel about it, according to a Ninth Circuit judicial council report. Kindred, a Trump appointee, was found to have sexually harassed clerks and created a hostile work environment. The council's report describes his behavior as abusive, pervasive, and unprofessional, noting that his interactions with clerks were inappropriate and oppressive.Kindred submitted his resignation without explanation on July 5. The Judicial Council of the Ninth Circuit publicly reprimanded him and urged his resignation. The council also referred the matter to the Judicial Conference of the United States for potential impeachment.The report highlighted an "unusually close relationship" between Kindred and a former clerk, involving inappropriate physical contact and over 278 pages of personal text messages. Kindred's actions included discussing vulgar topics in the workplace and belittling clerks who raised concerns. The council expressed doubts about his ability to conduct himself appropriately in the future.Kindred initially denied the allegations but later admitted to crossing professional boundaries, attributing his behavior to personal turmoil, including a divorce. The investigation also found he was drinking excessively, sometimes in his chambers.This case comes amid broader scrutiny of judicial misconduct, particularly concerning judges' treatment of clerks. The judiciary has implemented new measures, such as the Office of Judicial Integrity, to address these issues. Jaime Santos, an advocate for judicial reforms, emphasized the importance of transparency and accountability in such cases to encourage clerks to report misconduct. Jeremy Fogel, a retired federal judge, noted the thoroughness and unanimity of the council's order against Kindred, highlighting the serious concern over his lack of honesty during the investigation.US Judge Resigned After ‘Sexualized Relationship' With Clerk (2)The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) released a report highlighting that concentration and vertical integration among the top pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) are driving up drug costs and financially straining independent pharmacies. The report stems from a study launched in June 2022, investigating the practices of the six largest PBMs. FTC Chair Lina Khan emphasized that these PBMs, which manage 94% of prescription drug claims, significantly influence drug access and pricing.The report noted that the top three PBMs—CVS Caremark, Cigna's Express Scripts, and UnitedHealth Group's OptumRx—control nearly 80% of the market. Their integration with health insurers and pharmacies allows them to exercise considerable power over drug prices and availability. The FTC found that pharmacies affiliated with these PBMs received reimbursement rates for certain cancer drugs that were 20 to 40 times higher than the national average drug acquisition cost, leading to an additional $1.6 billion in revenue over three years.These high reimbursement rates contribute to increased out-of-pocket costs for patients, including those on Medicare Part D. The FTC also pointed out that PBMs may engage in anticompetitive practices by negotiating rebates with drug manufacturers to exclude cheaper competitor drugs from their formularies.The FTC's study faced challenges due to some companies' failure to provide required data and documents. The agency is prepared to take legal action against non-compliant companies. Despite the findings, PBMs argue that they help reduce prescription drug costs and blame high manufacturer list prices and patents for the rising costs.The FTC voted 4-1 to issue the interim report, with one Republican commissioner opposing it. The Pharmaceutical Care Management Association, the leading PBM trade group, remains confident that the FTC's examination will ultimately show that PBMs reduce drug costs for patients and employers.FTC Blames Pharmacy Benefit Managers for Inflating Drug CostsLegal experts believe Donald Trump faces slim chances of overturning his conviction on charges related to hush money paid to a porn star, despite a recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling that broadly recognizes presidential immunity from prosecution. Trump's lawyers have argued for setting aside the May 30 guilty verdict, citing the Supreme Court's decision that former presidents cannot be criminally prosecuted for official acts under their "core constitutional powers."However, experts point out that much of Trump's conduct in question occurred before his presidency and involved personal matters, not official acts. Cheryl Bader, a law professor at Fordham University, noted that falsifying business records to pay off a porn star does not fall within presidential duties. Trump was convicted of 34 counts of falsifying business records to conceal reimbursement to his former lawyer, Michael Cohen, for paying $130,000 to Stormy Daniels before the 2016 election. Trump has denied the encounter and claims the case is politically motivated.Prosecutors argue the payment was part of a scheme to influence the election by avoiding a sex scandal. Trump's legal team contends that evidence related to his presidency, such as social media posts and an ethics form, should not be considered official acts. Legal experts like Steven Cohen from New York Law School believe these activities are unofficial and unlikely to lead to a reversal.While Trump's lawyers declined to comment, a spokesperson for the Manhattan District Attorney's office did not respond. There are precedents for overturning convictions following new Supreme Court decisions, but Cardozo Law School professor Gary Galperin notes that even if some evidence should not have been presented, the judge may still uphold the conviction if it did not deprive Trump of a fair trial, known as a "harmless error."Trump's defense is expected to fully present their arguments in a court filing by Wednesday, with prosecutors responding by July 24. Judge Juan Merchan will decide by September 6, and if the conviction stands, Trump will be sentenced on September 18. Trump hush money conviction reversal is unlikely, experts say | ReutersTaxing carbon emissions from livestock in the US could significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions, as cattle contribute 10% of the nation's agricultural emissions. Implementing a livestock tax would not only promote sustainable agricultural practices but also generate revenue for reforestation and responsible land use. This measure could provide a more comprehensive approach to addressing greenhouse gases compared to the gradual phase-out required for the fossil fuel industry.Currently, the US government spends about $30 billion annually on agricultural subsidies, a practice that effectively supports both carbonization and decarbonization of the economy. Agriculture's contribution to greenhouse gases, especially from methane emitted by cattle, is substantial yet often overlooked. Methane has a higher global warming potential than carbon dioxide, accounting for around 30% of the observed global temperature rise since the 18th century.Denmark's successful implementation of a livestock carbon tax demonstrates the feasibility of such policies. Starting in 2030, Denmark will tax livestock emissions, with rates increasing by 2035. This policy includes subsidies for carbon capture and reforestation, balancing environmental goals with farming realities. However, Denmark's policy focuses mainly on carbon dioxide, missing the full impact of methane emissions.The US could enhance this model by including both carbon dioxide and methane emissions in a per-head livestock tax. This would more accurately reflect the environmental cost of raising livestock, though it would likely increase meat and dairy prices. To make this tax more politically acceptable, the US could adopt a system similar to Austria's Klimabonus, which compensates residents for the costs imposed by a general carbon tax.In summary, a well-calibrated livestock tax in the US, incorporating the cost of both carbon dioxide and methane emissions, could drive sustainable agricultural practices, balance environmental and economic interests, and potentially gain public support through consumer compensation mechanisms. Taxing Cows a Pragmatic Step Toward Mitigating Climate Change This is a public episode. 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This Day in Legal History: Black Sox Scandal Jury SelectionOn July 5, 1921, jury selection commenced for one of the most infamous trials in baseball history: the Chicago "Black Sox" trial. Eight players from the Chicago White Sox, including the legendary "Shoeless Joe" Jackson, stood accused of conspiring to throw the 1919 World Series against the Cincinnati Reds. The scandal shocked the nation, casting a shadow over America's beloved pastime and questioning the integrity of the sport.The players were charged with accepting bribes from gamblers in exchange for intentionally losing the series. The trial attracted immense public and media attention, with fans eagerly following every development. Despite compelling evidence and confessions from some players, the jury ultimately acquitted all eight defendants.However, the acquittal did not mean exoneration in the eyes of baseball's governing bodies. Newly appointed Baseball Commissioner Kenesaw Mountain Landis took decisive action to restore the sport's integrity. On August 3, 1921, Landis issued a lifetime ban on all eight players involved in the scandal, regardless of the trial's outcome.The "Black Sox" trial remains a significant moment in legal and sports history, illustrating the complex interplay between law, ethics, and professional sports. The trial's legacy endures, serving as a cautionary tale about the dangers of corruption and the importance of maintaining trust in public institutions.A federal judge rejected Boehringer Ingelheim's attempt to block the Biden administration's Medicare Drug Price Negotiation Program, which aims to reduce prescription drug costs. Chief Judge Michael P. Shea ruled against all of Boehringer Ingelheim's claims, stating the program is constitutional. The case centered on whether the Inflation Reduction Act's provision forcing drug companies to agree to a maximum fair price for selected drugs violates constitutional rights.Boehringer Ingelheim argued that the program infringed on the First Amendment (compelled speech), Fifth Amendment (due process and takings clauses), Eighth Amendment (excessive fines), the Administrative Procedure Act, and the unconstitutional conditions doctrine. However, Judge Shea determined that participation in Medicare and Medicaid is voluntary, even if economically incentivized, and the federal government can place conditions on participation in its programs. He clarified that Boehringer Ingelheim was not deprived of property interest since it had the option to withdraw before any data submission was required.Regarding the First Amendment claim, Shea found no support in precedent, likening required communications to standard price regulations. On the Eighth Amendment claim, he noted that Boehringer Ingelheim could not demonstrate a likelihood of success as the argument was novel and lacked precedent.The case, Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals, Inc. v. United States Department of Health and Human Services, highlights ongoing legal challenges to the Biden administration's health plan, specifically targeting the reduction of high drug prices under the Inflation Reduction Act. The key issue here is the First Amendment argument, which was a central but unsupported claim in this case. Judge Shea's ruling emphasized that required communications for regulatory compliance do not constitute compelled speech under the First Amendment.Judge Tosses Boehringer Bid to Block Biden Drug Price PlanThe Federal Trade Commission (FTC) faced a significant legal challenge when a Texas federal judge halted its rule banning noncompete clauses across the U.S. Judge Ada Brown sided with the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and a Texas tax firm, arguing that the FTC exceeded its authority. This decision, following recent Supreme Court rulings limiting agency powers, underscores the difficulties the FTC may encounter in implementing new regulations.The FTC's noncompete rule, which was to take effect on September 4, would have impacted around 30 million U.S. workers by prohibiting noncompete clauses that restrict job mobility within the same industry. FTC Chair Lina Khan has been advocating for broader antitrust regulation, including labor markets, but faced opposition from major business groups.This rule, adopted in April with a narrow 3-2 vote, was a rare move for the FTC, which has traditionally addressed competition issues through legal actions rather than broad rulemaking. Despite the FTC's assertion that it has the authority to issue such a rule, Brown ruled that the FTC Act of 1914 does not permit the agency to create substantive rules on unfair competition.Legal experts noted that the FTC's limited history with rulemaking poses challenges for the agency, especially in light of recent Supreme Court decisions that reduce judicial deference to regulatory interpretations. This context complicates the FTC's efforts to enforce the noncompete ban, potentially leading to further legal battles.Brown's ruling referenced the recent Supreme Court decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which overturned the Chevron deference principle, further complicating regulatory actions by the FTC. While this particular decision was limited to the plaintiffs in the case, it sets a precedent that could hinder future FTC regulations.FTC Noncompete Ban Freeze Signals Tough Legal Road for AgencyUS judge partially blocks FTC ban on worker noncompete agreements | ReutersA liberal group, Accountable.US, filed a complaint with the Washington DC Attorney General alleging that the Conservative Partnership Institute (CPI), a nonprofit organization employing former White House Chief-of-Staff Mark Meadows, improperly funneled money to cover Meadows' legal bills related to investigations into efforts to overturn the 2020 election. The complaint states that CPI gave a $1.2 million grant to Personnel Policy Operations (PPO), another nonprofit, which then transferred $1.1 million to the Constitutional Rights Defense Fund to fund legal defenses for Trump allies, including Meadows.Accountable.US argues that CPI's actions violate its nonprofit status, which requires operations to benefit the public, not partisan operatives. The complaint calls for the dissolution of CPI and PPO, claiming they serve private interests rather than public purposes. The DC Attorney General has the authority to dissolve nonprofits that fail to operate in the public interest.CPI, a key organization in conservative circles preparing for a potential second Trump administration, paid Meadows a substantial salary in 2022. The complaint underscores that nonprofits must not engage in political campaigning or private benefit operations to maintain their tax-exempt status. Additionally, another liberal group, Campaign for Accountability, previously filed a similar complaint with the IRS against CPI.The takeaway here is the requirement for nonprofits to operate for public benefit to retain tax-exempt status. This case raises questions about whether CPI and PPO violated these rules by financially supporting Meadows and other Trump allies.Mark Meadows Nonprofit Funneled Cash for Legal Bills, Group SaysA $170 million legal fee request from lawyers at Grant & Eisenhofer and three other firms remains unresolved after a Brooklyn federal judge rejected their antitrust settlement with Visa and Mastercard. The settlement, following nearly 20 years of litigation, aimed to reduce the interchange fees merchants pay for credit card transactions. Visa and Mastercard would have paid up to $113.3 million and $56.6 million, respectively, to cover the legal fees if the settlement was approved.Judge Margo Brodie ruled that the settlement did not sufficiently address the merchants' concerns, despite agreeing with the fee request terms. She argued that Visa and Mastercard could withstand a more substantial settlement, noting that merchants paid $100 billion in interchange fees in 2023 alone. The proposed agreement would have marginally reduced swipe fees and imposed caps for five years but still required merchants to honor all Visa and Mastercard transactions.The ruling means lawyers must renegotiate better terms with Visa and Mastercard, extending the timeline for any resolution. Despite rejecting the settlement, Brodie's decision cannot be appealed and would be difficult to overturn.Opposition to the settlement came from major retailers and trade groups, who deemed it inadequate. The National Retail Federation, while not yet addressing the legal fee request, expressed broader concerns over the deal.In related legal fee news, Tesla and the legal team that voided Elon Musk's $56 billion stock options will argue over compensation, with the plaintiffs seeking around $7 billion, contrasting Tesla's suggestion of $13.6 million. Additionally, firms involved in a $48 million settlement with Progressive over undervalued wrecked cars seek up to $16 million in fees, and Hagens Berman and Cohen Milstein were awarded $51.6 million in a chicken price-fixing case.Legal Fee Tracker: Lawyers' $170 million payday in limbo in credit card swipe fee case | ReutersThis week's closing theme is by John Philip Sousa.This week's closing theme features the renowned American composer and conductor, John Philip Sousa. Known as "The March King," Sousa is celebrated for his extraordinary contributions to military and patriotic music. Born in Washington, D.C., in 1854, Sousa's career spanned more than five decades, during which he composed over 130 marches, as well as numerous operettas, suites, songs, and waltzes. His music epitomizes the spirit and vibrancy of American patriotism, making him a household name and a significant figure in American music history.Sousa began his musical journey at a young age, joining the U.S. Marine Band as an apprentice when he was only 13. He later became the band's conductor, elevating its status to the finest military band in the country. After leaving the Marine Band, Sousa formed his own civilian band, which gained international fame and toured extensively. His impact on American music extends beyond composition; he also championed music education and the development of the sousaphone, a marching band instrument named in his honor.Today, we highlight one of his most famous marches, "The Liberty Bell." Composed in 1893, this piece is instantly recognizable and has been used in various contexts, including as the theme for the British comedy series "Monty Python's Flying Circus." "The Liberty Bell" was originally intended for an operetta that never came to fruition, but it found new life as a standalone march. The piece is a perfect example of Sousa's ability to blend melodic ingenuity with rousing rhythmic patterns, capturing the essence of American optimism and pride. The title was inspired by a suggestion from Sousa's wife after they saw a picture of the Liberty Bell in a magazine.Without further ado, enjoy "The Liberty Bell" by John Philip Sousa. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe
Connie talks to Lina Khan, Chair of the Federal Trade Commission, about the need for regulation in the tech industry to ensure competition and address potential risks of AI, the challenges of regulating innovation in a rapidly changing tech environment, and the potential risks and benefits of breaking up big tech companies.
Since Lina Khan was appointed chair of the Federal Trade Commission in 2021, the FTC has become more ambitious in its efforts to curb alleged unfair business practices. The agency has banned most non-compete agreements, has begun to scrutinize the proliferation of AI and has initiated lawsuits against massive tech companies like Meta, Microsoft and Amazon. (Amazon founder Jeff Bezos owns The Washington Post).The FTC under Khan's leadership has drawn bipartisan support in Congress, but also the ire of some pundits and business leaders. Elahe Izadi sat down with Khan in The Washington Post studio this week for a wide-ranging conversation about Khan's tenure at the FTC, how the government should be regulating AI, why the FTC is going up against Amazon and what it means to be doing this work in an election year. Today's show was produced by Peter Bresnan. It was edited by Allison Michaels and mixed by Sean Carter. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.
This bonus episode of Squawk Pod, from our partners at “The Keynote,” features the two most important players in the Biden Administration's comprehensive reshaping of antitrust law. Federal Trade Commission Chairperson Lina Khan, and U.S. Assistant Attorney General for the Antitrust Division Jonathan Kanter joined Andrew Ross Sorkin at the CNBC CEO Council Summit on June 4th 2024. They spoke about how they have reinvigorated antitrust enforcement, the challenges and opportunities of the digital age and why they feel empowered to act. Plus, one reveals their “Swiftie” status. To listen to other interviews from events check out “The Keynote by CNBC Events” here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-keynote-by-cnbc-events/id1493248246. For information on upcoming events visit: CNBCevents.com. In this episode:Lina Khan, @linakhanFTCJonathan Kanter, @JusticeATRAndrew Ross Sorkin,@andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer,@Kramer_Katie
We are a society indoctrinated into the belief that we must think of business before the priority of families. FTC Chair Lina Khan has Jim Cramer and the plutocrats unhinged. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/politicsdoneright/message
Air Date 5/11/2024 The effort to turn theory into practice that will open up new ways of thinking about antitrust lawsuits attempting to rein in big tech and other mega-corporations, which are operating in a new phase of capitalism. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991 or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Transcript BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Clips and Shows + No Ads!) Join our Discord community! SHOW NOTES Ch. 1: FTC Chair Lina Khan on Antitrust in the age of Amazon - Planet Money - Air Date 11-3-23 On today's show, a conversation with FTC Chair Lina Khan on what it's like to try to turn audacious theory into bureaucratic practice, the FTC's new lawsuit against Amazon, and what it all means for business as usual. Ch. 2: Apple's Antitrust Problem - Professor Talha Syed - The BTLJ Podcast - Air Date 3-10-24 Professor Syed reveals his thoughts and assessment of the new Brandeis movement, headed by Lina Khan and Jonathan Kanter of the FTC and DOJ. Ch. 3: FTC Chair Lina Khan on Antitrust in the age of Amazon Part 2 - Planet Money - Air Date 11-3-23 Ch. 4: How to Fight Monopoly Power with FTC Chair Lina Khan - Factually! - Air Date 11-8-23 Lina Khan, appointed chair of the Federal Trade Commission by President Biden, has become the foremost voice of this movement and has engaged in high-profile battles to reshape how America deals with monopolies. SEE FULL SHOW NOTES MEMBERS-ONLY BONUS CLIP(S) Ch. 8: Real Estate Fees Crushed By Anti-Trust w David Dayen - The Majority Report - Air Date 3-26-24 FINAL COMMENTS Ch. 12: Final comments on the new show format tried out in the campus protesters episode as well as a retraction MUSIC (Blue Dot Sessions) SHOW IMAGE: Description: A court document with “Antitrust” at the top sits on a desk with a gavel and block on top. Credit: “Antitrust” by Nick Youngson via Pix4free | License: CC BY-SA 3.0 | Changes: Added solid background Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com
Subscribe to The Realignment to access our exclusive Q&A episodes and support the show: https://realignment.supercast.com/REALIGNMENT NEWSLETTER: https://therealignment.substack.com/PURCHASE BOOKS AT OUR BOOKSHOP: https://bookshop.org/shop/therealignmentEmail Us: realignmentpod@gmail.comFoundation for American Innovation: https://www.thefai.org/posts/lincoln-becomes-faiDana Mattioli, Wall Street Journal reporter and author of The Everything War: Amazon's Ruthless Quest to Own the World and Remake Corporate Power, joins The Realignment. Marshall and Dana discuss Amazon's rise through the lens of debates about corporate power, why FTC Chair Lina Khan's 2017 law review article kicked off a new era of government antitrust regulation, and why the FTC's 2023 monopoly lawsuit against Amazon could be one of the largest antitrust cases of the 21st century.
The Federal Trade Commission voted for a nationwide ban against noncompete agreements, which companies use to prevent employees from taking jobs with competitors in the same industry. FTC Chair Lina Khan addresses the agency's decision for the ban, as well as the potential impacts on businesses and workers. Meanwhile, House Speaker Mike Johnson and his Republican colleagues faced opposition when they appeared at Columbia University amid ongoing protests against Israel's conflict with Hamas. Robert Kraft, New England Patriots owner and founder of the Kraft Group and the Foundation to Combat Antisemitism, discusses the recent protests at Columbia University and other campuses and the concerning rise of antisemitism and his efforts to combat it. Plus, the Biden administration introduces new rules for airlines, mandating automatic cash refunds and prohibiting surprise fees. Lina Khan - 04:05Robert Kraft - 24:14 In this episode:Lina Khan, @linakhanftcJoe Kernen, @JoeSquawkBecky Quick, @BeckyQuickAndrew Ross Sorkin, @andrewrsorkinKatie Kramer, @Kramer_Katie
Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found Click On Picture To See Larger PictureBiden is pushing the green new scam by releasing a robust leasing schedule for the green industry while at the same blocking drilling. This will fail. Biden wants capitol gains tax to be 44%. Jamie Dimon says economy doing great, they are now trapped in their economic narrative. The [DS] is getting ready to have a big shift, they are waiting for Biden to be the nominee and then they will make their move. The rioters are not on the side of the D's because of the mixed messages. When war comes and chaos happens these people will riot and the Biden admin will have to make the call on what to do while the country is in turmoil. Trump turned the tables on the [DS]. Wray warns of terror, cyber attacks in the US. Begin the countdown. (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); Economy Biden Admin Releases Robust Leasing Schedule For Struggling Green Industry After Issuing Restrictive Oil And Gas Plan The Biden administration unveiled a plan to hold up to a dozen offshore wind leases over the next several years as the industry struggles to cement itself in the U.S. The Department of the Interior (DOI) announced its five-year schedule for offshore wind leasing, which envisions lease sales for plots in the Atlantic, Pacific, Gulf of Mexico and waters off of American territories. The agency expects to offer four sales in 2024, one each in 2025 and 2026, two in 2027 and four in 2028. The administration attempted to sell three areas in the Gulf of Mexico as offshore wind leases in August 2023, but the sales flopped as only one of the parcels received any bids. The Biden administration has previously touted its goal of having offshore wind supply enough electricity to power 10 million American homes by 2030, but Reuters reported in November 2023 that the lofty target for the industry appears to be firmly out of reach Source: dailycaller.com https://twitter.com/Fxhedgers/status/1783018685218599018 Mac said Thursday that the average rate on a 30-year loan this week crossed the 7% threshold for the first time this year, jumping from 6.88% to 7.1%. While that is down from a peak of 7.79% in the fall, it remains sharply higher than the pandemic-era lows of just 3%. Biden Regulator Passes Rule With Massive Implications For Millions Of Workers The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a final rule Tuesday banning noncompete agreements nationwide, affecting millions of Americans. Regulators argue that banning noncompetes will promote competition by giving workers greater ability to switch jobs, increasing innovation and leading to more businesses being created, according to an announcement from the FTC. The FTC estimates that around 18% of U.S. workers, or 30 million people, are covered under a noncompete, with the new rule applying to anyone not in a senior executive role, which is defined as someone who is making more than $151,164 and in a policy-making position. “Noncompete clauses keep wages low, suppress new ideas, and rob the American economy of dynamism, including from the more than 8,500 new startups that would be created a year once noncompetes are banned,” FTC Chair Lina Khan said in the press release. “The FTC's final rule to ban noncompetes will ensure Americans have the freedom to pursue a new job, start a new business, or bring a new idea to market.” The U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced Tuesday that it would be suing the administration to block the rule change. “Today, three unelected commissioners have unilaterally decided they have the authority to d...
When a subsidiary of the giant UnitedHealth Group got hit by a cyberattack recently, a big chunk of the country's doctors, pharmacists, hospitals and therapists just stopped getting paid. It's been a huge disruption, with some providers wondering if they can keep their doors open.But thanks to their huge size and reach, the situation may have had a silver lining — for United.Which seems like a big problem, and got us wondering: What can we maybe do about it?The answer turns out to be: Maybe more than we think, via antitrust enforcers at the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice.Strap in for a wild ride — and then maybe check out FTC Chair Lina Khan's talk with Jon Stewart on The Daily Show. We include some short excerpts, but the whole thing is worth a watch.Thanks to reporters Brittany Trang (STAT News) and Maureen Tkacik (The American Prospect) for guiding us through their reporting.And to the novelist/journalist/activist Cory Doctorow, who has been writing about antitrust enforcement for years. Here are a couple of his columns about Lina Khan and what she and other antitrust enforcers are up to.If you want a deeper dive on the new antitrust movement: It's summed up in a terrific (and short) book by Tim Wu, a Columbia University law professor and former White House adviser: The Curse of Bigness: Antitrust in the New Gilded Age. And you may be able to get it for free! If your local library uses a system called Hoopla, you can borrow it as either an audiobook or an ebook.Super-fun tangent: Cory Doctorow and Tim Wu went to elementary school together — and apparently played a lot of Dungeons and Dragons — when they were kids in Toronto. Here's a transcript of this episode. Send your stories and questions. Or call 724 ARM-N-LEG.And of course we'd love for you to support this show. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
#Bestof2021: 1/2 Dinner at the newly confrontational FTC. @RichardAEpstein @HooverInst https://www.npr.org/2021/07/01/1011907383/new-ftc-chair-lina-khan-wants-to-redefine-monopoly-power-for-the-age-of-big-tech 1920 Detroit
As we've discussed on the show at length, most recently with Cory Doctorow in our series The Enshittification of Everything, Amazon has slowly been inserting itself into seemingly every facet of our lives. All the while using its status as a monopoly in the market to squash competition, take advantage of its users and skew prices for everyone. At the end of our series Doctorow described how he has hope in among other people, Lina Khan, the chair of the Federal Trade Commission. Says Khan; “Amazon has actually quietly been hiking prices for consumers in ways that are not always clearly visible but at the end of the day can result in consumers paying billions of dollars more than they would if there was actually competition in the market.” In this midweek episode, we are airing a conversation our colleague and host of the New Yorker Radio Hour, David Remnick had with Lina Khan about her plan to sue Amazon for violating antitrust laws.
As we've discussed on the show at length, most recently with Cory Doctorow in our series The Enshittification of Everything, Amazon has slowly been inserting itself into seemingly every facet of our lives. All the while using its status as a monopoly in the market to squash competition, take advantage of its users and skew prices for everyone. At the end of our series Doctorow described how he has hope in among other people, Lina Khan, the chair of the Federal Trade Commission. Says Khan; “Amazon has actually quietly been hiking prices for consumers in ways that are not always clearly visible but at the end of the day can result in consumers paying billions of dollars more than they would if there was actually competition in the market.” In this midweek episode, we are airing a conversation our colleague and host of the New Yorker Radio Hour, David Remnick had with Lina Khan about her plan to sue Amazon for violating antitrust laws.
America has been sliding back toward levels of corporate control, consolidation, and inequality not seen since the Gilded Age. This resurgence in monopoly capitalism has sparked a corresponding movement in antitrust reform known as the New Brandeis movement. Lina Khan, appointed chair of the Federal Trade Commission by President Biden, has become the foremost voice of this movement and has engaged in high-profile battles to reshape how America deals with monopolies. In this captivating episode, Lina joins Adam to discuss the FTC's efforts to enhance the quality of life for Americans, from shielding our finances from corporate greed to protecting workers from extortive non-compete clauses in the workplace.SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.net/tourdates/SUBSCRIBE to and RATE Factually! on:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/factually-with-adam-conover/id1463460577» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0fK8WJw4ffMc2NWydBlDyJAboutHeadgum: Headgum is an LA & NY-based podcast network creating premium podcasts with the funniest, most engaging voices in comedy to achieve one goal: Making our audience and ourselves laugh. Listen to our shows at https://www.headgum.com.» SUBSCRIBE to Headgum: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeadGum?sub_confirmation=1» FOLLOW us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/headgum» FOLLOW us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/headgum/» FOLLOW us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@headgumSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
When Lina Khan was in law school back in 2017, she wrote a law review article called 'Amazon's Antitrust Paradox,' that went kinda viral in policy circles. In it, she argued that antitrust enforcement in the U.S. was behind the times. For decades, regulators had focused narrowly on consumer welfare, and they'd bring companies to court only when they thought consumers were being harmed by things like rising prices. But in the age of digital platforms like Amazon and Facebook, Khan argued in the article, the time had come for a more proactive approach to antitrust.Just four years later, President Biden appointed Lina Khan to be the Chair of the Federal Trade Commission, one of the main government agencies responsible for enforcing antitrust in America, putting her in the rare position of putting some of her ideas into practice.Now, two years into the job, Khan has taken some big swings at big tech companies like Meta and Microsoft. But the FTC has also faced a couple of big losses in the courts. On today's show, a conversation with FTC Chair Lina Khan on what it's like to try to turn audacious theory into bureaucratic practice, the FTC's new lawsuit against Amazon, and what it all means for business as usual. Help support Planet Money and get bonus episodes by subscribing to Planet Money+ in Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org/planetmoney.
The U.S. government and 17 states sued Amazon on Tuesday in a landmark case that could take down the tech giant.The Federal Trade Commission and a bipartisan group of state attorneys general say that Amazon is a monopolist that chokes competitors and raises costs for both sellers and shoppers.Lina Khan, the head of the Federal Trade Commission, has spent years arguing that a few big companies have too much control over corporate America. The new lawsuit against Amazon is the biggest test of these arguments yet. NPR's Ari Shapiro talks to FTC Chair Lina Khan, the driving force behind the case.
Kara and Scott discuss the tentative deal between Hollywood writers and studios, and what it means for the future of the industry. They also talk about GOP attacks on misinformation researchers, as well as the hedge fund making billions betting against FTC Chair Lina Khan. Friend of Pivot Mathias Döpfner stops by to talk about the future of media and his new book The Trade Trap: How to Stop Doing Business with Dictators. And be sure to check out Scott's recent conversation with Mathias on The Prof G Pod. Follow us on Instagram and Threads at @pivotpodcastofficial. Follow us on TikTok at @pivotpodcast. Send us your questions by calling us at 855-51-PIVOT, or at nymag.com/pivot. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Federal Trade Commission is the sheriff for big businesses. One of its main functions is to stop companies from buying up other companies in a way that hurts competition. Those investigations have been going way up under FTC Chair Lina Khan, and it's not gone unnoticed by critics in business and some Republican lawmakers. Today on the show, we look at the FTC's scorecard under Lina Khan. Related Episodes: Listen to Planet Money's three-part series on antitrust. • Antitrust one • Antitrust two • Antitrust three For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.
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