Podcasts about house oversight committee

In this episode of The Bizarre AF, we break down the September 9, 2025 House Oversight Committee hearing on UAPs — where whistleblowers and military insiders came forward with jaw-dropping testimony. From alleged cover-ups inside the Pentagon's UAP office (AARO) to firsthand accounts of unidentified craft over U.S. bases, we unpack what was said, why it matters, and what Congress might be hiding next.Featuring testimony from Jeffrey Nuccetelli, Alexandro Wiggins, Dylan Borland, and journalist George Knapp, this episode dives into government secrecy, whistleblower retaliation, and the growing demand for UFO transparency.House Oversight Committee Hearing on UAP Transparency & Whistleblower Protection – September 9, 2025LIVE: House hearing on transparency for unidentified anomalous phenomenaPast Bizarre AF Episodes:Immaculate Constellation – Another Congressional Hearing on UAPs Disclosure in US Congress

Ralph welcomes Michael Mann, Professor in the “Department of Earth and Environmental Science” at the University of Pennsylvania and author along with Dr. Peter Hotez of “Science Under Siege: How to Fight the Five Most Powerful Forces that Threaten Our World.” Then we are joined by Martin O'Malley, former governor of Maryland and one time Commissioner of the Social Security Administration to refute all the lies being told about the state of Social Security.Dr. Michael E. Mann is Presidential Distinguished Professor in the “Department of Earth and Environmental Science” at the University of Pennsylvania. He is a co-founder of the award-winning science website RealClimate.org, and the author of more than 200 peer-reviewed and edited publications, numerous op-eds and commentaries, and seven books, including “Science Under Siege: How to Fight the Five Most Powerful Forces that Threaten Our World” (co-authored with Dr. Peter Hotez).It's the five actors that we talk about, the five forces that threaten our world: the Plutocrats, the Petro States, the Polluters, the Propagandists, and yes, the Press, not all media outlets, but many of them, including even what we used to think of as legacy. Objective news outlets like the New York Times and the Washington Post too often engage in what we call performative neutrality, where anti-science positions are placed on an equal footing with the overwhelming consensus of the world's scientists.Dr. Michael MannPeople like to finger point at China, which currently is the largest emitter (of greenhouse gases) because they industrialized much later than the United States, more than a century later. But their trajectory is actually a downward trajectory. They've contributed far less carbon pollution to the atmosphere than we have, and they're taking greater action.Dr. Michael MannThe United States doesn't get to determine the future course of human civilization at this point. It's going to be the rest of the world. All the United States gets to determine is whether it's going to be on the front line of the clean energy transition, the great economic development of this century, whether they're going to be on board or left behind.Dr. Michael MannMartin O'Malley served as Commissioner of the Social Security Administration from December 20, 2023 to November 29, 2024. He previously served as Governor of Maryland from 2007 to 2015, following two terms as Mayor of the City of Baltimore.Once they (the Trump Administration) got rid of the heads of all of the offices of Inspectors General, they started launching these big lies, like the lie that there are 12 million dead people that continue to receive checks. And as Trump said himself to Congress, some of them are as much as 300 years old, which would have had them here for the founding of Jamestown.Martin O'MalleyThey (Republicans) are trying to wreck it (Social Security), wreck its reputation, wreck its customer service, so then they can rob it.Martin O'MalleyNews 10/3/25* Our top story this week is President Trump's chilling speech to the military high command, in which he proclaimed that “America is under invasion from within,” per PBS. Trump went on to say that he plans to use American cities – citing Chicago, San Francisco, and Portland – as “training grounds for our military.” Warning against conscientious objections by the military to this weaponization against domestic opponents, Trump added “I'm going to be meeting with generals and with admirals and with leaders. And if I don't like somebody, I'm going to fire them right on this spot.” Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, who has recently styled himself Secretary of War, reiterated this message, saying “if the words I'm speaking today are making your heart sink, then you should do the honorable thing and resign.” In terms of actual policy, a new draft National Defense Strategy calls for prioritizing defense of the “homeland,” over potential foreign threats, such as from China, per POLITICO. The administration followed up this declaration with a dystopian deployment in Chicago, where federal agents rappelled down from helicopters to raid a South Side apartment building, arresting Venezuelan migrants and Black American citizens alike. In a statement given to ABC7 Chicago, one man detained by feds stated “They had the Black people in one van, and the immigrants in another.” Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker decried the presence of “jackbooted thugs roaming around a peaceful downtown,” and demanded federal troops “Get out of Chicago...You are not helping us,” per the New York Times.* Speaking of conflicts abroad, this week Trump unveiled his proposal for a peace deal in Gaza. According to CNN, “The plan calls for Israel to release 250 Palestinian prisoners with life sentences, as well as 1,700 Palestinians detained since the start of the war, in exchange for Hamas freeing 48 hostages.” Once these exchanges have been completed, Israel is to gradually withdraw from Gaza and turn over administration of the enclave to a “Board of Peace,” which will include Trump himself along with former British Prime Minister Tony Blair, in a bizarre historical echo of the British mandatory rule over Palestine. If this process proceeds, it will supposedly create “a path for a just peace on the basis of a two-state solution.” The odds of success however are slim.* In more Gaza news, the Global Sumud Flotilla has been intercepted off the coast of Gaza and Israel has detained the activists on board. Video evidence shows the IDF detaining activist Greta Thunberg specifically. According to Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib, “The Israeli government has illegally abducted over 450 participants of the Global Sumud Flotilla, including nearly two dozen U.S. citizens…We must demand their immediate release and their protection from abuse and torture in Israeli detention. End the siege and genocide of Gaza now.” According to the Flotilla organizers, one of the ships – the Mikeno – got as close as 9.3 miles from the coast, within Gaza's territorial waters, before they lost its signal. While disappointing, given that this is the largest aid flotilla to Gaza in history and came so close to the shore, it seems that at least the flotilla gave fishermen in Gaza the opportunity to go out on the water without interference from the Israeli navy – a crack in the all-encompassing blockade.* Meanwhile, Fox News reports that Israeli intelligence hijacked all cellphones in Gaza in order to forcibly broadcast Prime Minister Netanyahu's United Nations General Assembly speech last week, in which he accused the leaders of western nations who recently recognized the state of Palestine – France, Australia, and the U.K. among others – of being “Leaders who appease evil rather than support a nation whose brave soldiers guard you from the barbarians at the gate,” adding, “They're already penetrating your gates. When will you learn?” Netanyahu's speech was also blasted into Gaza via loudspeakers on the Israeli side of the border. The families of the hostages still held in Gaza released a statement decrying this provocative action, writing “We know from our children…that the loudspeakers were placed inside Gaza. This action endangers their lives, all for the sake of a so-called public diplomacy campaign to preserve [Netanyahu's] rule…He is doing PR at the expense of our children's lives and security. Today we lost the last shred of trust we had in the political echelon and in the army leaders who approved this scandalous operation.”* In Latin America, Trump is planning to bailout Argentina, which has suffered tremendous economic shocks under the stewardship of radical Libertarian President Javier Milei. According to Newsweek, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has offered Argentina a, “$20 billion swap line and other forms of assistance to help stabilize the Argentine peso, and said the U.S. remained ‘prepared to do what is necessary' to sustain the ‘important strides' taken by Milei.” This kind of ideologically driven foreign assistance flies in the face of Trump's supposed “America First” policies, but beyond that it has infuriated domestic interests, especially in the agricultural sector. American Soybean Association President Caleb Ragland posted a statement reading, “The frustration is overwhelming…U.S. soybean prices are falling, harvest is underway, and farmers read headlines not about securing a trade agreement with China, but that the U.S. is extending…economic support to Argentina.” This is a particular twist of the knife because following Trump's offer, Argentina lowered export restrictions and sent “20 shiploads of Argentine soybeans to China in just two days.” Republicans representing agricultural interests share this fury. Iowa Senator Chuck Grassley wrote “Why would [America] help bail out Argentina while they take American soybean producers' biggest market???...We should use leverage at every turn to help [the] hurting farm economy. Family farmers should be top of mind in negotiations by representatives of [the] USA.” North Dakota Representative Julie Fedorchak added “This is a bitter pill for North Dakota soybean farmers to swallow.”* Moving on from foreign affairs, this week saw the release of a new batch of Epstein files, demanded by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee and turned over by the Jeffrey Epstein Estate. These files include “phone message logs, copies of flight logs and manifests for aircraft,” along with “copies of financial ledgers and Epstein's daily schedule.” These new releases implicate many big names, including Elon Musk, Peter Thiel, Steve Bannon, and well-documented Epstein associate, Prince Andrew of the British royal family, per the BBC. The release of these files is the latest victory in the campaign to expose everyone involved with Epstein's underage sex ring, a campaign Republicans in government – led by President Trump – have resisted. According to the Hill, Speaker Mike Johnson is refusing to allow the swearing-in of Adelita Grijalva, who was elected last week in a special election to fill the seat vacated by her father's death. In this move, many see an attempt by Speaker Johnson to stave off the discharge petition to release the Epstein files. Grijalva has already committed to signing the petition.* In the wake of the Charlie Kirk assassination, Republicans have hammered the left for what they see as violent rhetoric, with the White House going so far as to classify certain ideas – among them anti-fascism, anti-capitalism and “extremism on migration, race, and gender” – as potentially punishable under domestic terrorism laws. Meanwhile, however, the Arizona Mirror reports a Republican lawmaker in the state has called for the Washington Democratic Congresswoman Pramila Jayapal to be “tried convicted and hanged.” The lawmaker, state Representative John Gillette, was responding to a video in which Jayapal counseled protestors on “non-violent resistance” to Trump's policies. Gillette on the other hand has vocally supported the January 6th insurrectionaries, labeling them “political prisoners” and calling for their release. Asked for comment, Gillette said “The comment is what it is.” For her part, Congresswoman Jayapal has called for “All political leaders, of all parties, [to] denounce” these comments.* Turning to local news, incumbent New York City Mayor Eric Adams has dropped his bid for reelection, Reuters reports. Adams has been mired in scandal of all kinds, including a federal indictment for bribery. Speculation abounds as to why he chose to suspend his campaign now. It is too late to take his name off of the ballot and he declined to endorse any other candidate, making it unlikely that he did so to bolster the chances of disgraced former Governor Andrew Cuomo, who is still continuing his independent bid for the mayoralty despite lagging behind Democratic nominee Zohran Mamdani by a substantial margin. On the other hand, Adams has previously been offered incentives by President Trump to drop out of the race, including potential protection from prosecution and an ambassadorial post in Saudi Arabia. Curtis Sliwa, the Republican nominee, claims “Seven different people,” have offered him a “total of $10 million,” to withdraw from the race, but he adamantly refuses to do so, saying “you can't bribe me, buy me, lease me, I'm not for sale.” This from the New York Post.* Next, on September 25th, Black liberation activist Assata Shakur passed away at the age of 78, per Democracy Now!. Shakur had been convicted of killing a New Jersey state trooper in 1973, though serious doubts remain about her role in the death. She escaped from prison in 1979 and fled to Cuba, where she received asylum in 1984 and continued to maintain her innocence until her death. In 1998, Pope John Paul II visited Cuba and faced calls to demand Assata's extradition to the United States to “face justice” for the murder. In a highly-publicized letter, Assata wrote “The New Jersey State Police and other law enforcement officials say they want to see me brought to ‘justice.' But I would like to know what they mean by ‘justice.' Is torture justice?... When my people receive justice, I am sure that I will receive it, too.” Rest in power, Assata.* Our final story comes to us from, where else, but Hollywood. Variety reports, AI production studio Particle6 has created an AI “actress” who is “named” Tilly Norwood and thereby created a firestorm within the entertainment industry. Tilly's creator, Eline Van der Velden argues that she sees, “AI not as a replacement for people, but as a new tool…Just as animation, puppetry, or CGI opened fresh possibilities without taking away from live acting…nothing – certainly not an AI character – can take away the craft or joy of human performance.” However, SAG-AFTRA – the union representing screen actors – has issued a blistering statement, writing “To be clear, ‘Tilly Norwood' is not an actor, it's a character generated by a computer program that was trained on the work of countless professional performers — without permission or compensation…It has no life experience to draw from, no emotion and, from what we've seen, audiences aren't interested in watching computer-generated content untethered from the human experience.” The statement continues, “It doesn't solve any ‘problem' — it creates the problem of using stolen performances to put actors out of work, jeopardizing performer livelihoods and devaluing human artistry.” This episode is simply the latest clash within the entertainment industry between workers and the rising tide of AI. It will not be the last.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

PREVIEW HEADLINE: Experts Warn of US Vulnerability Due to Reliance on Taiwan for High-End AI Chips GUEST NAME: Brandon Weichert SUMMARY: Brandon Weichert discussed House Oversight Committee testimony detailing US vulnerability regarding high-end AI chips. The panel argued that relying on Taiwan for 90% of production makes the US supply chain susceptible to Chinese disruption. Experts recommended a comprehensive Chips Act and budgeting language to stop companies like Nvidia from selling advanced chips to Beijing. 1954

The fight over Jeffrey Epstein's unreleased government files has intensified as several new developments converge on Capitol Hill. House Speaker Mike Johnson is under fire from Democrats for delaying the swearing-in of Adelita Grijalva, Arizona's newly elected Democrat, who would likely provide the 218th signature needed to force a vote on a discharge petition requiring the release of Epstein's records. Democrats argue the delay is politically motivated, pointing to instances where Republicans were sworn in within 24 hours of certification. The issue comes amid a PBS NewsHour/NPR/Marist poll showing nearly three-quarters of Americans want all Epstein files released and 61 percent disapprove of the Trump administration's handling of the case, signaling broad bipartisan frustration with secrecy.At the same time, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick sparked new controversy by publicly claiming Epstein avoided harsher punishment by handing over blackmail videos of powerful clients, calling him “the greatest blackmailer ever.” The remarks prompted Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, to announce plans to compel Lutnick to testify under oath about his comments. Democrats say the combination of Johnson's delay, overwhelming public demand, and Lutnick's statement highlights a pattern of obstruction and underscores the urgency for full transparency. With Grijalva still awaiting her seat, Lutnick facing potential testimony, and a discharge petition one vote short, the battle over Epstein's files is set to remain a defining political fight in the weeks ahead.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

The fight over Jeffrey Epstein's unreleased government files has intensified as several new developments converge on Capitol Hill. House Speaker Mike Johnson is under fire from Democrats for delaying the swearing-in of Adelita Grijalva, Arizona's newly elected Democrat, who would likely provide the 218th signature needed to force a vote on a discharge petition requiring the release of Epstein's records. Democrats argue the delay is politically motivated, pointing to instances where Republicans were sworn in within 24 hours of certification. The issue comes amid a PBS NewsHour/NPR/Marist poll showing nearly three-quarters of Americans want all Epstein files released and 61 percent disapprove of the Trump administration's handling of the case, signaling broad bipartisan frustration with secrecy.At the same time, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick sparked new controversy by publicly claiming Epstein avoided harsher punishment by handing over blackmail videos of powerful clients, calling him “the greatest blackmailer ever.” The remarks prompted Rep. Robert Garcia, the top Democrat on the House Oversight Committee, to announce plans to compel Lutnick to testify under oath about his comments. Democrats say the combination of Johnson's delay, overwhelming public demand, and Lutnick's statement highlights a pattern of obstruction and underscores the urgency for full transparency. With Grijalva still awaiting her seat, Lutnick facing potential testimony, and a discharge petition one vote short, the battle over Epstein's files is set to remain a defining political fight in the weeks ahead.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Rep. Jay DeBoyer, R-Clay Township and Chair of the House Oversight Committee, joins The Steve Gruber Show to break down Michigan's budget concerns. He says the Department of Health and Human Services has failed in its most basic responsibilities, leaving taxpayers frustrated and vulnerable. What went wrong, and what accountability looks like moving forward.

MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas repots on Democrats in the House Oversight Committee obtaining new Epstein files from the Epstein Estate. Cozy Earth: Go to https://CozyEarth.com and use our code: MEIDAS at checkout for up to 40% off your new favorite pajama set and blanket! Visit https://meidasplus.com for more! Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Influence Continuum: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Coalition of the Sane: https://meidasnews.com/tag/coalition-of-the-sane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Victim detainees shot by a sniper at a Dallas ICE facility have been identified.USA TODAY White House Correspondent Zac Anderson takes a look at the Epstein documents released this week by Democrats on the House Oversight Committee.The Supreme Court Friday said President Donald Trump, for now, doesn't have to spend billions in foreign aid approved by Congress.USA TODAY Government Accountability Reporter Erin Mansfield breaks down the Department of Justice lawsuits involving six states over voter rolls.Golf's Ryder Cup rolls on after a rough start for Team USA.Have feedback on the show? Please send us an email at podcasts@usatoday.com. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

George Conway, president of the Society for the Rule of Law, and Liz Oyer, former Department of Justice pardon attorney, talk with Jen Psaki about the myriad flaws and shortfalls in the Trump Justice Department's case against former FBI director James Comey.New files turned over from the estate of Jeffrey Epstein to the investigators with the House Oversight Committee contain the names of close associates of Donald Trump. Rep. Ro Khanna talks with Jen Psaki about the ongoing pressure campaign to release the Epstein legal documents.The coming vote in California on Prop 50, redistricting to counter the Texas gerrymander meant to help Trump retain power over Congress through the midterm election, has brought a wave of advertising both for and against the measure. Jen Psaki takes a closer look at how those ads are being paid for and finds the two sides are not the same. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

A newly proposed bill in the New Mexico legislature seeks to launch a formal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's alleged activities at Zorro Ranch, establishing what proponents call a “truth commission” with subpoena power to force document production rather than relying solely on voluntary disclosure. State Representative Andrea Romero has announced plans to introduce the measure in January, contending that the commission should uncover the “truth about what went on” in Santa Fe County—even if some alleged offenses now fall outside existing statutes of limitations.  The proposal also includes provisions to change state law in order to allow victims whose claims might otherwise be time-barred to come forward and seek some form of recourse. While the mechanics are still being drafted, the initiative reflects growing pressure in New Mexico to revisit the legacy of Epstein's ownership of the ranch and the lingering shadow his crimes cast over local communities.A newly surfaced People report highlights an internal FBI memo from September 2008 confirming that Jeffrey Epstein “provided information to the FBI as agreed upon.” The memo, tied to his 2007 non-prosecution agreement, undercuts later statements by FBI Director Kash Patel, who claimed Epstein was never a source. The document closed out a subfile on Epstein's alleged asset forfeiture and suggested prosecutors found utility in his cooperation even as they opted not to pursue broader charges at the time. This revelation has reignited debate over how much intelligence Epstein offered and whether his cooperation shielded him from more serious exposure.The Epstein estate has delivered a new batch of unredacted documents to the House Oversight Committee, including calendars, call logs, cash ledgers, and message books, adding to earlier releases such as Epstein's will, his 2007 non-prosecution agreement, and his infamous “birthday book.” While the Committee has pledged to redact victims' names before any public release, the handover intensifies bipartisan pressure for full transparency, with Democrats pushing to expose all connections and Republicans warning against selective publication. The disclosures have deepened scrutiny of Epstein's networks and raised fresh questions about the powerful figures named within.to  contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:New Mexico lawmaker to propose investigation into Epstein's Zorro RanchEpstein estate turns over new documents - POLITICOJeffrey Epstein Provided Information to FBI: Internal Memo

A newly proposed bill in the New Mexico legislature seeks to launch a formal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's alleged activities at Zorro Ranch, establishing what proponents call a “truth commission” with subpoena power to force document production rather than relying solely on voluntary disclosure. State Representative Andrea Romero has announced plans to introduce the measure in January, contending that the commission should uncover the “truth about what went on” in Santa Fe County—even if some alleged offenses now fall outside existing statutes of limitations.  The proposal also includes provisions to change state law in order to allow victims whose claims might otherwise be time-barred to come forward and seek some form of recourse. While the mechanics are still being drafted, the initiative reflects growing pressure in New Mexico to revisit the legacy of Epstein's ownership of the ranch and the lingering shadow his crimes cast over local communities.A newly surfaced People report highlights an internal FBI memo from September 2008 confirming that Jeffrey Epstein “provided information to the FBI as agreed upon.” The memo, tied to his 2007 non-prosecution agreement, undercuts later statements by FBI Director Kash Patel, who claimed Epstein was never a source. The document closed out a subfile on Epstein's alleged asset forfeiture and suggested prosecutors found utility in his cooperation even as they opted not to pursue broader charges at the time. This revelation has reignited debate over how much intelligence Epstein offered and whether his cooperation shielded him from more serious exposure.The Epstein estate has delivered a new batch of unredacted documents to the House Oversight Committee, including calendars, call logs, cash ledgers, and message books, adding to earlier releases such as Epstein's will, his 2007 non-prosecution agreement, and his infamous “birthday book.” While the Committee has pledged to redact victims' names before any public release, the handover intensifies bipartisan pressure for full transparency, with Democrats pushing to expose all connections and Republicans warning against selective publication. The disclosures have deepened scrutiny of Epstein's networks and raised fresh questions about the powerful figures named within.to  contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:New Mexico lawmaker to propose investigation into Epstein's Zorro RanchEpstein estate turns over new documents - POLITICOJeffrey Epstein Provided Information to FBI: Internal MemoBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

A newly proposed bill in the New Mexico legislature seeks to launch a formal investigation into Jeffrey Epstein's alleged activities at Zorro Ranch, establishing what proponents call a “truth commission” with subpoena power to force document production rather than relying solely on voluntary disclosure. State Representative Andrea Romero has announced plans to introduce the measure in January, contending that the commission should uncover the “truth about what went on” in Santa Fe County—even if some alleged offenses now fall outside existing statutes of limitations.  The proposal also includes provisions to change state law in order to allow victims whose claims might otherwise be time-barred to come forward and seek some form of recourse. While the mechanics are still being drafted, the initiative reflects growing pressure in New Mexico to revisit the legacy of Epstein's ownership of the ranch and the lingering shadow his crimes cast over local communities.A newly surfaced People report highlights an internal FBI memo from September 2008 confirming that Jeffrey Epstein “provided information to the FBI as agreed upon.” The memo, tied to his 2007 non-prosecution agreement, undercuts later statements by FBI Director Kash Patel, who claimed Epstein was never a source. The document closed out a subfile on Epstein's alleged asset forfeiture and suggested prosecutors found utility in his cooperation even as they opted not to pursue broader charges at the time. This revelation has reignited debate over how much intelligence Epstein offered and whether his cooperation shielded him from more serious exposure.The Epstein estate has delivered a new batch of unredacted documents to the House Oversight Committee, including calendars, call logs, cash ledgers, and message books, adding to earlier releases such as Epstein's will, his 2007 non-prosecution agreement, and his infamous “birthday book.” While the Committee has pledged to redact victims' names before any public release, the handover intensifies bipartisan pressure for full transparency, with Democrats pushing to expose all connections and Republicans warning against selective publication. The disclosures have deepened scrutiny of Epstein's networks and raised fresh questions about the powerful figures named within.to  contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:New Mexico lawmaker to propose investigation into Epstein's Zorro RanchEpstein estate turns over new documents - POLITICOJeffrey Epstein Provided Information to FBI: Internal MemoBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

September 22nd, 2025, 5pm: After a blistering week of news forcing us to question the state of American democracy, Sue Gordon joins Nicolle to give her perspective. Then later, an Epstein survivor speaks with Nicolle about what she's looking for from the Justice Department after the former prosecutor who secured Epstein a sweetheart plea deal speaks to the House Oversight Committee. And the Trump administration ties tylenol to autism without sufficient scientific evidence.For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewhTo listen to this show and other MSNBC podcasts without ads, sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Jason Chaffetz, Fox News contributor and former House Oversight Committee chairman, joined Guy Tuesday, almost a week after having witnessed Charlie Kirk getting shot and killed in Utah. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexander “Alex” Acosta served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida in 2005-2009, during which time his office negotiated a highly controversial non-prosecution agreement in 2008 with Jeffrey Epstein. This deal allowed Epstein to plead guilty only to state charges (solicitation of prostitution), avoid federal prosecution, spend about a year in jail (with generous work release privileges), register as a sex offender, and receive restitution, rather than face broader trafficking charges that many believe were warranted. Acosta later served as Secretary of Labor under Donald Trump, resigning in 2019 amid public outcry over his role in the Epstein plea deal.On September 19, 2025, Acosta testified under oath in a closed-door deposition before the House Oversight Committee, answering questions about the 2008 agreement. He defended his actions by saying there were “evidentiary issues” at the time — for example, concerns about whether the witnesses would be consistent and whether the federal case could have been proven at trial. He also asserted he had received assurances that Epstein would not be granted work release, but said local authorities in Palm Beach nonetheless allowed it. Acosta expressed regret over how victims were treated and acknowledged that if today's knowledge had been available then, the deal likely would have been handled differently. He also emphasized that no documents he handled mentioned Donald Trump in relation to Epstein.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Alexander “Alex” Acosta served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida in 2005-2009, during which time his office negotiated a highly controversial non-prosecution agreement in 2008 with Jeffrey Epstein. This deal allowed Epstein to plead guilty only to state charges (solicitation of prostitution), avoid federal prosecution, spend about a year in jail (with generous work release privileges), register as a sex offender, and receive restitution, rather than face broader trafficking charges that many believe were warranted. Acosta later served as Secretary of Labor under Donald Trump, resigning in 2019 amid public outcry over his role in the Epstein plea deal.On September 19, 2025, Acosta testified under oath in a closed-door deposition before the House Oversight Committee, answering questions about the 2008 agreement. He defended his actions by saying there were “evidentiary issues” at the time — for example, concerns about whether the witnesses would be consistent and whether the federal case could have been proven at trial. He also asserted he had received assurances that Epstein would not be granted work release, but said local authorities in Palm Beach nonetheless allowed it. Acosta expressed regret over how victims were treated and acknowledged that if today's knowledge had been available then, the deal likely would have been handled differently. He also emphasized that no documents he handled mentioned Donald Trump in relation to Epstein.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

Ralph interviews New York Times reporter, David Gelles, about his new book, “Dirtbag Billionaire: How Yvon Chouinard Built Patagonia, Made a Fortune, and Gave It All Away.” Then, we welcome back former IRS commissioner, John Koskinen, to update us on how the Trump Administration is dismantling the IRS and stealing your personal information.David Gelles is a reporter on the New York Times climate team and he leads the Times's “Climate Forward” newsletter and events series. He is the author of The Man Who Broke Capitalism: How Jack Welch Gutted the Heartland and Crushed the Soul of Corporate America—and How to Undo His Legacy, and his new book is Dirtbag Billionaire: How Yvon Chouinard Built Patagonia, Made a Fortune, and Gave It All Away.He [Yvon Chouinard] saw Patagonia as a role model for other corporations and believed that by running Patagonia in a different way, he could show that capitalism just didn't have to suck so much.David GellesThere's a paradox that runs through the pages of Dirtbag Billionaire and it's never fully resolved…It's the fact that Chouinard is an environmentalist who wants to reduce the impact of mankind on planet earth, and yet he runs a big, complicated clothing company that is taking a toll on the environment that he's trying to protect. He runs a company that in theory, he says, and in practice is largely doing, the work of funding grassroots activists and environmental conservation. But he's doing it by participating in the very capitalist system that is responsible for so much of the damage to our natural world. And the list goes on. These contradictions are what really has animated Chouinard and his executive team for all these years. They understand their own perfections. But unlike most, they are willing to really examine their own failings, to look it square in the eye, straight in the mirror, and try to figure out how to make things better.David GellesChouinard being a “dirtbag” is something he always identified as and he still does at a certain level. The great insult in his mind is being called a “billionaire.”David GellesJohn Koskinen served as the IRS Commissioner from 2013 to 2017.Lobbyists and corporations are very good at making sure that [tax advantages] always stayed. You never hear too often of tax advantages taken out of the code, what everybody argues about as new ones being put into the code.John KoskinenThese (IRS workers) are very skilled people who in fact have given up the opportunity to make two or three times more money in the private sector because they believe in public service.John KoskinenNews 9/19/25* Just weeks after David Ellison's Skydance Media completed their $8 billion takeover of Paramount Global, Ellison is setting his sights even higher – a proposed $70 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery, Variety reports. If this deal proceeds, it would mean that Ellison would control CNN in addition to CBS news, the latter of which he seemingly plans to place under the supervision of “anti-woke” arch-zionist media personality Bari Weiss. While true that cable news does not possess nearly as much clout as it did just a few years ago, this would represent a nearly unprecedented consolidation in that sector. Ellison and his lieutenants would wield a tremendous amount of influence in the media, which would translate to real impacts on the political process. It remains to be seen whether the Trump administration media regulators will take any action to block this deal. Based on their actions so far, it seems unlikely.* In more media news, ABC has indefinitely suspended Jimmy Kimmel Live!, which the comedian has hosted since 2003, after he criticized Trump and his allies for “capitaliz[ing]” on the murder of Charlie Kirk to score political points, CNN reports. Federal Communications Commission Chairman Brendan Carr threatened action up to and including revoking the broadcast license for ABC, which airs the program, or possibly blocking their merger with Nexstar. While Rolling Stone reports multiple executives at ABC and its parent company Disney, felt that Kimmel “had not actually said anything over the line,” they folded immediately under the threat of retaliation by the administration. This move represents a major contradiction of Carr's previously stated belief that “[the FCC] must dismantle the censorship cartel and restore free speech rights for everyday Americans.” Democrats are incensed at this attack on free speech, Congressman Ro Khanna is seeking to subpoena Carr to testify to the House Oversight Committee. Trump, feeling confident after claiming the scalp of both Kimmel and Colbert – two outspoken critics – is now calling for NBC to remove Jimmy Fallon and Seth Meyers, via Truth Social. Variety reports conservative media conglomerate Sinclair will “replace the Friday timeslot of ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!' with a Charlie Kirk tribute special on its ABC affiliate stations — and is offering the special to all other ABC stations across the country.”* Regarding social media, the Wall Street Journal reports that the U.S. and China are nearing a deal on control of TikTok, under a framework in which “an investor consortium including Oracle... Silver Lake and Andreessen Horowitz” would acquire an 80% stake. Oracle is of course run by David Ellison's father, Larry Ellison, one of the richest men in the world, while Andreessen Horowitz is the venture capital firm of Trump ally Marc Andreessen. Silver Lake is another Silicon Valley private equity firm. This deal would finally put an end to the nebulous legal limbo created by Congress passing the TikTok ban and Trump refusing to enforce it. According to this report, the new company that would be created to run TikTok in America, “would also have an American-dominated board with one member designated by the U.S. government.”* The administration is seeking to shore up support in corporate America in other ways too. Trump has renewed his 2018 push to eliminate the reports businesses are mandated to issue on a quarterly basis, moving to a biannual reporting system. Trump argues that this shift would “cut costs and discourage shortsightedness on the part of publicly traded companies.” Others however believe that this change could be harmful to the economy, making companies less transparent and therefore increasing potential investor risk. The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) said it is “making Trump's proposal a priority.” This from Reuters.* More troubling signs are emerging in the U.S economy. Per Bloomberg, “Consumers in the top 10% of the income distribution accounted for 49.2% of total spending,” in the second quarter of 2025. This is the highest percentage of consumer spending accounted for by that demographic going back to 1989, according to an analysis of the Federal Reserve's Financial Accounts and Survey of Consumer Finance data conducted by Mark Zandi, chief economist for Moody's. Chandan Economics reports a spike in late rent payments in August, suggesting stress in the “financial health of renter households,” while for homeowners, Polymarket reports that even more people are searching "help with mortgage" on Google than during the 2008 housing crisis. This comes as only 1.3 million home building permits were issued in August, the lowest level since the Spring of 2020, according to economist and Washington Post columnist Heather Long. Taken together, this data paints a picture of an economy flailing, and kept afloat only by the very rich.* Speaking of the very rich, the first American Pope, Leo the XIV, condemned the precipitous rise in CEO pay compared to their employees. Leo remarked that CEOs now make “600 times more than what average workers are receiving," adding "What does that mean…If [money] is the only thing that has value anymore, then we're in big trouble." Specifically, Leo was referring to the proposed new compensation package for Tesla CEO Elon Musk, which could turn the billionaire into a trillionaire. This from Yahoo! Finance. Senator Bernie Sanders echoed this sentiment, writing “The Pope is exactly right. No society can survive when one man becomes a trillionaire while the vast majority struggle to just survive — trying to put food on the table, pay rent and afford health care. We can and must do better.”* Turning to Israel and Gaza, AP reports Jerry Greenfield of Ben & Jerry's is resigning from the company after 47 years. In a letter, Jerry explains that he could not “in good conscience” remain at Ben & Jerry's because their parent company – the British conglomerate Unilever – has been constraining his ability to advocate against the genocide in Gaza. Jerry writes “For more than 20 years under their ownership, Ben & Jerry's stood up and spoke out in support of peace, justice and human rights, not as abstract concepts, but in relation to real events happening in our world…It's profoundly disappointing to come to the conclusion that that independence, the very basis of our sale to Unilever, is gone.” This is the largest, but by no means only, rupture between Ben & Jerry's and Unilever; this report notes “In March Ben & Jerry's said that its CEO was unlawfully removed by Unilever in retaliation for the ice cream maker's social and political activism.” However, as Greenfield's departure illustrates, the founders have little recourse besides their public platform and resignation.* In a sign of Israel's waning influence in the Democratic Party, POLITICO reports Democratic public affairs “megafirm” SKDK has ended their $600,000 contract with the state of Israel which was supposed to run from April 2025 through March 2026. The firm's recent focus had been “pitching guests for news shows to hear Israel's side of the war in Gaza.” The firm has been tight-lipped on this decision, saying only the work “had run its course.” Yet, this decision comes directly on the heels of reporting that Stagwell, the parent company of SKDK, was involved in “setting up a bot program ‘to amplify pro-Israel narratives on Instagram, TikTok, LinkedIn, YouTube, and other platforms,'” as revealed in a Foreign Agents Registration Act filing.* On Wednesday, Senator Bernie Sanders crossed a major rhetorical rubicon, labeling Israel's actions in Gaza a “genocide.” In an op-ed appropriate titled “It Is Genocide,” Sanders cites the casualty totals – noting that “The full toll is likely much higher, with many thousands of bodies buried under the rubble” – along with the Israeli blockade on the enclave and their systematic destruction of Gaza's infrastructure, including hospitals, water and sanitation facilities and schools. Sanders also cites the genocidal intent expressed by Israeli leaders, through quotes like “the Gaza Strip should be flattened, and there should be one sentence for everyone there — death. We have to wipe the Gaza Strip off the map. There are no innocents there.” Sanders concludes this piece by warning that if the world fails to act, as during the Holocaust, Netanyahu and other “demagogues” will feel emboldened. History, Sanders writes “demands that the world act with one voice to say: enough is enough. No more genocide.” After Sanders' announcement, Vermont Congresswoman Becca Balint came out with her own statement accepting the genocide label. Zeteo reports a total of 20 members of Congress now say Israel is committing genocide.* Finally, to end on a positive note, on Monday the House passed the bipartisan Mental Health in Aviation Act, which seeks to “break down…barriers and support the mental health of our aviation workforce by changing the current rules which prevent aviation professionals from seeking mental health care by imposing unfair penalties on those who do,” according to a press release by the bill's Republican sponsor Pete Stauber. A press release from the Democratic sponsor, Sean Casten, reads “Aviators should not be unfairly penalized for seeking mental health care…The current system perpetuates a culture of silence, and it's past time that changes.” Some observers have attributed some credit for the passage of this bill to the comedian Nathan Fielder's series The Rehearsal, the latest season of which dealt extensively with the issue of aviators' mental health. While congressional staff have downplayed the show's influence, it seems hard to deny that at the very least it raised the profile of this pressing issue. Either way, hopefully this bill will make it safer to fly by removing the stigma from pilots seeking mental healthcare. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

Alexander “Alex” Acosta served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida in 2005-2009, during which time his office negotiated a highly controversial non-prosecution agreement in 2008 with Jeffrey Epstein. This deal allowed Epstein to plead guilty only to state charges (solicitation of prostitution), avoid federal prosecution, spend about a year in jail (with generous work release privileges), register as a sex offender, and receive restitution, rather than face broader trafficking charges that many believe were warranted. Acosta later served as Secretary of Labor under Donald Trump, resigning in 2019 amid public outcry over his role in the Epstein plea deal.On September 19, 2025, Acosta testified under oath in a closed-door deposition before the House Oversight Committee, answering questions about the 2008 agreement. He defended his actions by saying there were “evidentiary issues” at the time — for example, concerns about whether the witnesses would be consistent and whether the federal case could have been proven at trial. He also asserted he had received assurances that Epstein would not be granted work release, but said local authorities in Palm Beach nonetheless allowed it. Acosta expressed regret over how victims were treated and acknowledged that if today's knowledge had been available then, the deal likely would have been handled differently. He also emphasized that no documents he handled mentioned Donald Trump in relation to Epstein.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

September 19th, 2025, 4pm: This afternoon on Capitol Hill, Alex Acosta, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, testifies to the House Oversight Committee on the Epstein case. Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia tells Alicia Menendez — in for Nicolle Wallace — what went on in that closed door testimony. Plus, how Donald Trump is threatening free speech and a judge dismissing Trump's lawsuit against the New York Times. For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewhTo listen to this show and other MSNBC podcasts without ads, sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Senate fails to pass two versions of a government funding extension to avoid a shutdown At the end of the month: a Republican one that the House passed today that funds the government for another 7 weeks, and a Democratic one that does that but also extends Obamacare insurance subsidies; House passes a resolution to honor the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, the conservative activist who was shot and killed, and condemn all political violence, but about half the House Democrats vote no & present or skip the vote, pointing to Kirk's political positions; In the investigation of the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein, House Oversight Committee hears from Alex Acosta, former U.S. Attorney for South Florida, who negotiated a plea deal with Epstein in 2008; A federal vaccine advisory panel votes to tighten requirements for the coronavirus vaccine, make changes to the MMRV vaccine guidelines and postpone action on Hepatitis B. We will talk about it with New York Times Science and global health reporter Apoorva Mandavilli (35); Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks at the Pentagon's National POW/MIA Recognition Day. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It has been over a week since the assassination of Charlie Kirk. As many people in the nation, and the world, continue to mourn, the shocking murder has raised questions about the threat of political violence and what can be done to address it. Executive Vice President of Trump Organization, Eric Trump, joins the Rundown to discuss the legacy of Charlie Kirk, the trauma of witnessing his father nearly killed last summer, and what can be done to address the issue. Trump also discusses his upcoming book, “Under Siege”, and how he believes his family was unfairly targeted by his father's political opponents. The House Oversight Committee has asked the CEOs of social media companies like Discord, Twitch, and others to testify following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Chairman James Comer says, "Congress has a duty to oversee the online platforms that radicals have used to advance political violence." CEO of American AI Logistics, John Cofrancesco, joins the Rundown to talk about why people are drawn to these social media platforms, the challenges of content moderation, and the growing concern over whether or not these sites are leading to radicalization. Plus, Commentary from Democratic strategist and former Biden campaign surrogate Kevin Walling  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the final day of his state visit to Great Britain. The two announce what they call a "U.K.-U.S. Tech Prosperity Deal" and answer questions at a news conference about the wars in Ukraine & Gaza. We hear from the leaders and talk about the state visit with C-SPAN's Westminster Correspondent Peter Knowles (13); President Trump praises ABC's suspension of late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel, at the prodding of the FCC Chair, for the host's comments about Republicans' reaction to the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk. Democrats are saying this is the latest example of the president stifling dissent; House debates a resolution to honor the life and legacy of Charlie Kirk, and condemn political violence of all stripes; Washington, DC's Mayor, Council Chair and Attorney General testify before the U.S. House Oversight Committee about crime in the DC and the effect of President Trump's federalization of the DC police and surge of federal law enforcement and National Guard troops; Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. announces that, for the first time, an organization that distributes donated organs has been decertified for unsafe practices, administrative errors and underperformance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It has been over a week since the assassination of Charlie Kirk. As many people in the nation, and the world, continue to mourn, the shocking murder has raised questions about the threat of political violence and what can be done to address it. Executive Vice President of Trump Organization, Eric Trump, joins the Rundown to discuss the legacy of Charlie Kirk, the trauma of witnessing his father nearly killed last summer, and what can be done to address the issue. Trump also discusses his upcoming book, “Under Siege”, and how he believes his family was unfairly targeted by his father's political opponents. The House Oversight Committee has asked the CEOs of social media companies like Discord, Twitch, and others to testify following the assassination of Charlie Kirk. Chairman James Comer says, "Congress has a duty to oversee the online platforms that radicals have used to advance political violence." CEO of American AI Logistics, John Cofrancesco, joins the Rundown to talk about why people are drawn to these social media platforms, the challenges of content moderation, and the growing concern over whether or not these sites are leading to radicalization. Plus, Commentary from Democratic strategist and former Biden campaign surrogate Kevin Walling  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tonight on The Last Word: An investigation by The New York Times finds connections between the Trump family's cryptocurrency firm and an agreement granting United Arab Emirates access to A.I. chips. Also, Kash Patel testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee. Plus, the House Oversight Committee release more Epstein documents. And Donald Trump files a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times. Eric Lipton, Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse, and Andrew Weissmann join Lawrence O'Donnell. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In 2003, Ghislaine Maxwell compiled a 238-page leather-bound book for Jeffrey Epstein — filled with letters, sketches, poems, and photos from billionaires, politicians, scientists, and celebrities. This book was never meant to be public. But now, thanks to the House Oversight Committee, it's part of the public record — and it's worse than anyone expected.We'll also explore the deeper questions: Where did Epstein's money come from? Why hasn't the government followed the money? And what does this say about the two-tiered justice system in America?This scandal isn't just about Epstein. It's about the system that made him possible.Patrick's Books:Statistics For The Trading Floor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3eerLA0⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Derivatives For The Trading Floor: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ https://amzn.to/3cjsyPF⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Corporate Finance: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://amzn.to/3fn3rvC ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Ways To Support The Channel:Patreon: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.patreon.com/PatrickBoyleOnFinance⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Buy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/patrickboyle

The latest on the investigation into the assassination of right-wing political activist Charlie Kirk, and what the FBI is saying about DNA found at the crime scene. Then, the Epstein Estate turns over more documents to the House Oversight Committee – including a previously redacted name from his infamous fiftieth birthday book. Plus, the White House says the United States has the “framework” for a TikTok deal with China, however the terms of the deal remain a mystery. Peter Baker, Philip Bump, McKay Coppins, Gillian Tett, Max Chafkin, and Dan Kleban join The 11th Hour this Monday night. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The House Oversight Committee has received hundreds of pages of new material from Jeffrey Epstein's estate following congressional subpoenas. These include Epstein's will, the infamous 2008 non-prosecution agreement, entries from his longtime address book, and a heavily redacted “birthday book” that Ghislaine Maxwell compiled for Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003. The book contained messages, photos, and drawings from associates, sparking scrutiny because of one note signed “Donald” alongside a crude sketch, which Democrats say points to Donald Trump. Trump has flatly denied it, calling the note fake and politically motivated.The estate said it redacted names and identifying details of minors and private individuals to protect victims. It also emphasized it does not possess a so-called “client list” of people involved in Epstein's sex-trafficking crimes, despite years of speculation. The handover reflects growing congressional pressure, led by Rep. James Comer and the House Oversight Committee, to uncover what Epstein's records reveal about his finances, associates, and possible political connections.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Jeffrey Epstein estate turns over more documents to House committee

The House Oversight Committee has received hundreds of pages of new material from Jeffrey Epstein's estate following congressional subpoenas. These include Epstein's will, the infamous 2008 non-prosecution agreement, entries from his longtime address book, and a heavily redacted “birthday book” that Ghislaine Maxwell compiled for Epstein's 50th birthday in 2003. The book contained messages, photos, and drawings from associates, sparking scrutiny because of one note signed “Donald” alongside a crude sketch, which Democrats say points to Donald Trump. Trump has flatly denied it, calling the note fake and politically motivated.The estate said it redacted names and identifying details of minors and private individuals to protect victims. It also emphasized it does not possess a so-called “client list” of people involved in Epstein's sex-trafficking crimes, despite years of speculation. The handover reflects growing congressional pressure, led by Rep. James Comer and the House Oversight Committee, to uncover what Epstein's records reveal about his finances, associates, and possible political connections.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Jeffrey Epstein estate turns over more documents to House committeeBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Peter Mandelson's removal as Britain's ambassador to the United States has become one of the most high-profile political casualties linked to Jeffrey Epstein in years. Newly surfaced emails showed Mandelson referring to Epstein as his “best pal” and encouraging him to fight his 2008 conviction, undercutting his earlier claims of minimal contact. The backlash was swift: Prime Minister Keir Starmer dismissed him within days, while his consultancy, Global Counsel, severed ties amid fears of reputational damage. Survivors and advocates say the emails highlight how elite figures defended and normalized Epstein even after his conviction, reinforcing concerns that political and business networks actively shielded him. The scandal left the UK scrambling to fill a key diplomatic post and reignited debate over how thoroughly Epstein's ties to power have been scrutinized.At the same time, Washington is battling over transparency around Epstein's records. The House Oversight Committee has released hundreds of estate documents, including Epstein's “birthday book,” while the Treasury Department has agreed to provide suspicious activity reports flagging his financial transactions. Survivors say only full disclosure will deliver accountability, but Senate Republicans blocked efforts to force wider releases, fueling accusations of ongoing protectionism. The disclosures coincide with renewed scrutiny of JPMorgan Chase, which processed more than $1 billion for Epstein despite repeated compliance warnings. While the bank has paid massive settlements, critics argue financial institutions and regulators enabled Epstein's operation by ignoring red flags. Together, Mandelson's downfall, the transparency fight, and JPMorgan's exposure illustrate how the Epstein saga continues to reverberate, forcing political, financial, and regulatory institutions to confront their roles in one of the most notorious scandals of modern times.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Ralph welcomes Timothy Whitehouse, executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER) to speak about how federal workers across all government agencies are being unfairly denigrated and summarily fired by the Trump Administration to clear the way for corporate corruption. Plus, we are joined by Toby Heaps, Editor-in-Chief of “Corporate Knights” magazine to talk about the benefits of the cooperative business model over the corporate shareholder model.Timothy Whitehouse is executive director of Public Employees for Environmental Responsibility (PEER). Prior to joining PEER, he was a senior attorney at the Environmental Protection Agency and was head of the Law and Policy Program at the North American Commission for Environmental Cooperation in Montreal.The time to stigmatize federal workers is over. It's time to start rallying for unions for federal workers and what they do, and to support the idea that government plays an important role and that government (the civil service) must be as non-political as possible. Our country will be much better for it.Timothy WhitehouseThat's a good way to describe it: supersonic. We knew things were going to be really bad, but they are much worse than bad because there's no check and no balance on this President's madness. And some of the people and institutions we had hoped would stand up a little bit are collapsing one by one.Timothy WhitehouseOur foreign enemies could not have devised a better way to grind our system to a halt, and that's what's happening.Timothy WhitehouseToby Heaps is the CEO and co-founder of Corporate Knights, and Editor-in-Chief of Corporate Knights magazine. He spearheaded the first global ranking of the world's 100 most sustainable corporations in 2005, and in 2007 coined the term “clean capitalism.” Toby has been published in the Financial Times, Wall Street Journal, and the Globe and Mail, and is a regular guest speaker on CBC.I think in the co-op movement, the biggest bugaboo holding it back (in North America, that is) is people's perception that it's not a significant force. And it is already a significant force. In many cases, we're not familiar that the company might be a co-op (such as Associated Press or Ocean Spray) but in the United States alone, the turnover of co-op enterprises sales in 2023 was $324 billion US. And so, it's a significant part of the economy already.Toby HeapsI can't underline enough that if you care about a sustainable economy that works for people and planet, that the operating model is not just the clean economy (the environmentally friendly economy), it's the cooperatively-run economy.Toby HeapsThe principal obstacle to co-ops is the inadequate engagement of consumers to know about the huge benefits— to control the local economy from multinational corporations (absentee), who are pulling strings in ways that are very damaging, and basically to assume the purchasing power of the consumer.Ralph NaderNews 9/12/2025* Several major stories surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein case have emerged in the past week. First, Democrats on the House Oversight Committee have released a note written by President Trump to Epstein included in the latter's “birthday book” from 2003. In this note, Trump refers to Epstein as his “pal” and writes “May every day be another wonderful secret," according to Reuters. Trump has denied that this letter even existed, going so far as to sue the Wall Street Journal for defamation over their reporting in July. Trump continues to deny that he wrote the letter, though his signature is a perfect match, and he has sought to tamp down the matter, calling it a “dead issue,” per NBC.* In Congress, Republican allies of Donald Trump are seeking to quash the Epstein issue as well. On Tuesday, Republicans on the House Rules Committee “shot down a bid to put the Epstein Files Transparency Act—which would compel the Justice Department to release all unclassified records related to Jeffrey Epstein—to a floor vote,” in an 8–4 party-line vote, the New Republic reports. However, despite this setback, dissident Republican Thomas Massie continues to press the issue. Speaking about the birthday note, Massie said “It's…indicative of the things that might come out if we were to release all of the files…embarrassing, but not indictable. And I don't think avoiding embarrassment is a reason to avoid justice,” per CNN. Massie added in an interview on ABC that "I think it's going to be embarrassing to some of the billionaires, some of the donors who are politically connected to [Trump's] campaign. There are probably intelligence ties to our CIA and maybe to other foreign intelligence." Democrat Ro Khanna insisted in this same interview that he and his allies, including Massie, will be able to pull together a House majority of 218 members to force a vote on releasing the files.* Our final Epstein story for the week concerns James O'Keefe. Former leader of Project Veritas, O'Keefe continues to carry out far-right hidden-camera sting operations. In a rare move targeting conservatives, O'Keefe engineered a date between Joseph Schnitt, a deputy chief of staff at the Office of Enforcement Operations at DOJ, and an operative in his employ wherein Schnitt admitted that the Trump administration will “redact every Republican or conservative person in those files, [and] leave all the liberal, Democratic people.” In this video, Schnitt also implies that Epstein's lieutenant, Ghislaine Maxwell was relocated to a lower security prison to “keep her mouth shut,” as part of a deal with the government. This according to the Hill. One should certainly take revelations from O'Keefe with a heavy dose of salt, but these troubling comments should also raise suspicions about the government's possible plans to manipulate information related to this case for political ends.* Aside from the Epstein affair, the Trump administration continues to issue destructive policy directives in all directions. AP reports the federal Department of Transportation has scrapped a Biden-era rule that required airlines to “compensate stranded passengers with cash, lodging and meals for flight cancellations or changes caused by a carrier.” This rule, which sought “compensation starting at $200…[and] as high as $775…for delays of nine hours or more,” was consistent with European aviation consumer protections. Unsurprisingly, airlines – represented by lobbyists in the employ of the industry trade group Airlines for America – bitterly resisted the rule and celebrated the administration's abandonment of this basic consumer protection. The Biden Transportation Department had also been weighing rules that would have required airlines to provide, “free rebooking on the next available flight, including flights on rival airlines, as well as meals and lodging when passengers are stranded overnight.”* At the same time, the Trump administration's Federal Trade Commission is abandoning its rules banning noncompete clauses for employees. An eye-popping 1 in 5 workers are bound by noncompetes, approximately 30 million Americans, and experts estimated that banning such clauses could boost wages to the tune of nearly $300 billion per year and help create 8,500 new businesses, per NPR. The FTC voted 3-1 to vacate its defense of the rule, with Chair Andrew Ferguson and Melissa Holyoak, both Republicans, issuing a joint statement. Rebecca Kelly Slaughter, the lone remaining Democrat on the commission after Trump purged the FTC earlier this year, voted no.* Turning to foreign affairs, the Guardian reports two ships in the Gaza aid flotilla have been struck by drone attacks while docked in Tunisia. The first struck the Family Boat, which carries activist Greta Thunberg, though she was not on board at the time. The second struck the Alma, a ship bearing British flags while docked in the port of Sidi Bou Said. In a video, one can see, “a luminous object hitting the boat and fire erupting on board.” Francesca Albanese, the UN special rapporteur for the occupied Palestinian territories, is quoted saying, ‘‘Authoritative sources suggest the attack involved an incendiary grenade, wrapped in plastic materials soaked in fuel, which may have ignited before even hitting the vessel.” These attacks come amidst a renewed Israeli bombing campaign against its neighbors, including bombing the Qatari capital of Doha and the Yemeni capital Sanaa. Trump says he is “very unhappy” about the strikes; Israel's ambassador to the United States however says the world will “get over it.” This from Al Jazeera.* Meanwhile, Drop Site is out with yet another bombshell report, this time on Israel's propaganda push to cover up the scale of the hunger crisis in Gaza. According to this report, the Netanyahu government signed a previously unreported $45 million deal with Google to push false propaganda through the massive platform. One video, viewed more than 6 million times, asserts “There is food in Gaza. Any other claim is a lie.” Israel also reportedly paid $3 million for an ad campaign on X, formerly Twitter, and another $2 million on a French platform called Outbrain. This report also cites other examples of Israeli propaganda campaigns in recent years, including against UNRWA and regarding the illegal strikes in Iran.* In more positive news, the pro-Palestine campaign in Hollywood continues to grow. This week, Variety reports a group of over 3,900 filmmakers, actors and other industry professionals signed a new pledge to boycott working with “Israeli film institutions and companies that are ‘implicated in genocide and apartheid against the Palestinian people.'” This group includes many household names, such as Mark Ruffalo, Joaquin Phoenix, Jonathan Glazer, Tilda Swinton, Javier Bardem, Emma Stone, Boots Riley, Ayo Edebiri, and many, many more. The list continues to grow as this pledge circulates. According to the Hollywood Reporter, this campaign is led by Film Workers for Palestine, which explicitly modeled their strategy after Filmmakers United Against Apartheid. That group, founded by eminent filmmakers like Martin Scorsese, demanded that the film industry refuse distribution in apartheid South Africa.* Beyond Israel/Palestine, events are rocking Nepal, the small Himalayan nation that lies between India and China. The BBC reports “Fierce protests against corruption and nepotism spiralled into arson and violence on Tuesday. The prime minister resigned as politicians' homes were vandalised, government buildings torched and parliament set ablaze. Twenty-nine people have died since Monday.” The "Gen Z" youth groups leading the protests have distanced themselves from these acts of destruction, claiming their movement was "hijacked" by "opportunists". Nepal's military has been deployed in the capital of Kathmandu in an attempt to restore order and enforce a curfew. The government of Nepal, led by now-ousted Prime Minister K.P. Sharma Oli, sought to cultivate a closer relationship with China to offset Nepal's historical dependence on India. For the time being, China seems to be taking a wait and see approach to the situation in Nepal, with foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian calling for all parties to “properly handle domestic issues and restore social order and national stability as soon as possible,” per the South China Morning Post.* Finally, Democracy Now! reports that in an apparent fit of retaliation, the Trump administration is now threatening to redeport Kilmar Abrego Garcia, the American green card holder recently returned from his wrongful deportation to El Salvador's CECOT mega-prison. This time, instead of sending him to El Salvador, the government plans to send Garcia to the tiny African kingdom of Eswatini, formerly Swaziland. Garcia had previously expressed fear of being deported to Uganda. This move would surely be punitive, capricious and just plain bizarre, but that is hardly a deviation from the course of the Trump administration. We express solidarity with Garcia, who stands practically alone against the juggernaut of the United States' deportation apparatus.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

September 9, 2025; 6pm: New Epstein revelations are sending shockwaves through the Trump administration as protesters gather outside the White House. The developments follow the House Oversight Committee's release of a letter allegedly sent from Trump to Epstein in 2003. The letter concludes with Trump allegedly writing to Epstein: "A pal is a wonderful thing. Happy Birthday — and may every day be another wonderful secret.” MSNBC's Ari Melber reports, and is joined by former SDNY civil prosecutor Maya Wiley.

The GOP-led House Oversight Committee released Epstein's “birthday book” in full… and it's real gross. Scott and Jessica unpack the shocking revelations, and advise the Democrats on how to use this to win some elections. Plus — a surprising new poll shows that the young men and women of Gen Z might be really far apart, on lots of things. And, Scott and Jessica celebrate their work anniversary — it's been a whole year of Raging Moderates in your podcast feeds. Thanks so much for listening! Check us out on YouTube at youtube.com/@ragingmoderates. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov.  Follow Prof G, @profgalloway. Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPod. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The President calls his alleged birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein a “dead issue”, as bipartisan members of the House Oversight Committee head to New York City to review unredacted versions of the documents. Then, a major revision on the U.S. jobs market data raises more concerns about a serious economic slowdown. Plus, Israel strikes Qatar as they target Hamas leaders, drawing widespread criticism, including from the White House.

This episode was recorded prior to the shooting of Charlie Kirk in Utah, an act of violence we strongly condemn. Cliff recently launched the Soundcheck fund that offers micro-grants to liberal voices who need a leg-up – funding for liberal media is something Cliff and I have talked about for decades and now it's finally happening. Blueamp.co to support his work. We also talked about the latest Trump-Epstein document dump from the House Oversight Committee and whether the Republicans are deliberately undermining the Trump regime. And more! Meantime, make sure to support this podcast by subscribing at patreon.com/bobcescashow. Music by Hunger Anthem.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Trump's GOP allies are trying to deny the existence of the Epstein birthday note even after it was released by the House Oversight Committee, and Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor did not mince words in her dissent to the court's decision to allow ICE to target all Latinos regardless of citizenship status. Supreme Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor discusses the court's frequent use of the so-called “shadow docket” and explains why she issued a strong dissent to the court's ruling on ICE's powers. Justice Sotomayor's latest book, “Just Shine! How To Be A Better You” is available now in English and Spanish.  To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this episode of The Rickey Smiley Morning Show Podcast, the crew dives into Hollywood shake-ups, political controversy, and jaw-dropping celebrity revelations that have everyone talking. In today's show, Marlon Wayans firmly shut down fan hopes for a White Chicks 2 during a livestream event with Kai Cenat—citing the exhaustion of long makeup hours during the original shoot and instead hinting, with playful deflection, at Scary Movie 6 as a current focus. Actor Derek Dixon broke his silence in an exclusive ABC News Live interview—the first since filing a $260 million lawsuit against Tyler Perry. Dixon described his decision to speak out as a deeply emotional but necessary step, recounting traumatic experiences and failed career prospects following his alleged rejection of unwanted advances. The hosts unpacked the explosive revelation surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein birthday book, which includes a sexually suggestive sketch and a note purportedly signed by Donald Trump. The House Oversight Committee has released the note, prompting widespread scrutiny. Trump and his team have flat-out denied its authenticity, calling the language out of character and the document part of a partisan smear campaign. Website: https://www.urban1podcasts.com/rickey-smiley-morning-show See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The hosts unpacked the explosive revelation surrounding the Jeffrey Epstein birthday book, which includes a sexually suggestive sketch and a note purportedly signed by Donald Trump. The House Oversight Committee has released the note, prompting widespread scrutiny. Trump and his team have flat-out denied its authenticity, calling the language out of character and the document part of a partisan smear campaign. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Supreme Court clears the way for President Trump's immigration sweeps in Los Angeles, even when agents use race and accents as a factor. The House Oversight Committee released a limited batch of Epstein estate documents, including a crude birthday letter that appears signed by President Trump. And Russia's war on Ukraine is only intensifying, despite Trump's threats of sanctions and his high-profile talks with Russia's president.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Eric Westervelt, Megan Pratz, Andrew Sussman, Mohamad ElBardicy and Alice Woefle It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Neisha Heinis. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The estate of Jeffrey Epstein released materials today to the House Oversight Committee, including the "birthday book" that Donald Trump disputed (and continues to dispute) includes a crude drawing and note he submitted with his signature. Rachel Maddow looks at this and other new revelations and how much energy Trump is putting into denying what seems plain about Trump's role in a disgusting scandal of historic scale. Donald Trump's poor choice of Robert F. Kennedy Jr. as his HHS secretary has cost him a leadership role in public health as Kennedy dismantles key departments and agencies, cuts funding and fires experts, leaving state leaders to take charge of vaccine availability and other health issues. Dr. Tao Sheng Kwan-Gett, chief science officer for the Washington State Department of Health, joins Rachel Maddow to discuss.

On this Episode of the MeidasTouch Podcast, Ben Meiselas hosts the show solo as Brett and his wife just had a baby boy and Jordy was on daddy duty, so Meiselas covers all the breaking news including the release of Trump's birthday card to Epstein that was obtained by the House Oversight Committee which Trump and his sycophants now claim is a forgery, and Meiselas covers all other breaking news including Trump threatening American cities and harming the economy, major foreign affairs developments, and a major Supreme Court ruling on racial profiling. This and more is covered on the MeidasTouch Podcast. Subscribe to Meidas+ at https://meidasplus.com Get Meidas Merch: https://store.meidastouch.com Deals from our sponsors! Home Title Lock: Go to https://hometitlelock.com/meidas and use promo code MEIDAS to get a FREE title history report so you can find out if you're already a victim AND 14 days of protection for FREE! And make sure to check out the Million Dollar TripleLock protection details when you get there! Exclusions apply. For details, visit: https://hometitlelock.com/warranty Armra: Go to armra.com/MEIDAS or enter MEIDAS to get 30% off your first subscription order! Zbiotics: Head to https://zbiotics.com/MEIDAS to get 15% off your first order when you use MEIDAS at checkout. Qualia: Head to https://qualialife.com/meidas and use promo code: MEIDAS at checkout for 15% OFF your purchase of Qualia's products. Oracle: Take a free test drive of OCI at https://oracle.com/meidas Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lazlo can't sleep for the life of him, and is LIVID when Chief fans try to give him a pep talk. SlimFast and Summer are concerned about the hate comments; Lazlo couldn't care less. Lazlo gives parenting advice, “Do not let your kids do anything that would make you not like them.” In Headlines, Lazlo and SlimFast discuss the House Oversight Committee releasing the Epstein Birthday message, the body that was found in artist D4vd's Tesla, Seattle cops now dressing as the opposing Football team, and much much more! Stream The Church of Lazlo podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts!

The House Oversight Committee released a trove of records Monday evening from the estate of Jeffrey Epstein, including a note bearing President Donald Trump's name that was part of a collection of letters gifted to the late convicted sex offender for his 50th birthday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the DSR Daily for Tuesday, we break down the evacuation order for Gaza City, the House Oversight Committee releasing more Epstein-related documents, a significant Supreme Court ruling, and more.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Jay O'Brien reports after Democrats shared a photo they say is a message purportedly written by Pres. Trump in Jeffrey Epstein's "birthday book," as the House Oversight Committee receives documents from the Epstein estate; Melissa Adan reports on the massive wildfire exploding outside San Diego, destroying multiple structures and sparking evacuations; Victor Oquendo has details on the harrowing jet landings as dramatic video shows a small jet overshooting a runway. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

September 8th, 2025, 4pm: The House Oversight Committee released what appears to be Donald Trump's birthday note to Jeffrey Epstein featuring his signature as a bombshell New York Times report reveals that JPMorgan Chase financially enabled Epstein. Later in the show, Nicolle discusses the new polling showing a flashing warning sign to Trump on all major issues – and the question of how and if Democrats are capitalizing on it politically. For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewhTo listen to this show and other MSNBC podcasts without ads, sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts.   

Democrats on the House Oversight Committee release a photo of the alleged message President Trump wrote to Jeffrey Epstein for a birthday book. NBC News National Political Correspondent Steve Kornacki explains the latest NBC News Decision Desk poll numbers that shows President Trump underwater. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver (D-Mo.) joins Meet the Press NOW to discuss government funding and the ongoing redistricting efforts in Missouri. 

Ralph welcomes Palestinian-American writer, activist, and scientist Susan Abulhawa to discuss the ongoing Palestinian genocide and the evidence that supports a vastly higher death toll in Gaza.Susan Abulhawa is a Palestinian-American writer and political activist. She is the author of Mornings in Jenin—translated into thirty languages—and The Blue Between Sky and Water. Born to refugees of the Six Day War of 1967, she moved to the United States as a teenager, graduated in biomedical science, and established a career in medical science. In July 2001, she founded “Playgrounds for Palestine,” a non-governmental children's organization dedicated to upholding the Right to Play for Palestinian children.I consider this, first of all, immoral. It's disrespecting the Palestinian dead while they kill the Palestinians who are still alive with US bombers and artillery shells and other weapons coming from Washington, D.C. And it underestimates the kind of urgency that should be confronting this genocide.Ralph NaderThis is something that I think generations will study for a very long time to come. The complicity of Western media across the board is no less criminal than the genocide itself.Susan AbulhawaThis is a complete wiping out of life. A total destruction. And it's completely driven by this unfathomable hate and colonial arrogance and Jewish supremacy and this notion of entitlement. Of being favored by God, of being promised some real estate by a real-estate-agent Lord. I mean, it beggars belief the narratives that we see spoken in mainstream outlets and in the halls of power. Truly, it beggars belief.Susan AbulhawaNo, I don't believe Israel has a right to exist. It has never had a right to exist. No political entities have a right to exist. People have a right to exist. They have a right to exist in their own homeland with dignity. People have a right to universal dignity. A supremacist ideology—and that's ultimately what Zionism is predicated on, on supremacy and entitlement for a group of people at the detriment of another group of people—that is not a right, and it should never be a right. It should be anathema, in fact.Susan AbulhawaNews 9/5/25* The Intercept reports AIPAC has lost another Democratic ally in Congress. Congresswoman Deborah Ross of North Carolina has pledged that she will not accept AIPAC campaign contributions in her 2026 reelection bid. In previous elections, Ross has accepted over $100,000 in AIPAC donations. This comes on the heels of another North Carolina Congresswoman, Valerie Foushee – who received over $800,000 in AIPAC contributions – also renouncing donations from the group. As the Intercept notes, in June, the North Carolina Democratic Party adopted a resolution calling for a “complete arms embargo on all military aid to Israel until it ends its apartheid rule of Palestinians.” Dr. Paul McAllister, a reverend and chair of the Interfaith Caucus of the North Carolina Democratic Party, is quoted saying “AIPAC uses the muscle of their resources to oust anyone who disagrees with them regarding Israel, the conduct of Israel and the atrocities that may be committed by the government of Israel — so it is good that Deborah Ross is willing to recognize and acknowledge that.”* In more Israel news, a new aid flotilla bound for Gaza departed from Genoa, Italy last Sunday. Unlike previous flotillas however, this one carries the protection of a surprising group: Italian dockworkers. According to POLITICO EU, “Speaking at a rally on the docks of Genoa, one of Europe's largest ports, a dockworker representing the USB union said…‘Around mid-September, these boats will arrive near the coast of Gaza. If we lose contact with our boats, with our comrades, even for just 20 minutes, we will shut down all of Europe.'” Genoa has expressed unprecedented solidarity with Gaza. A food drive in the city collected “more than 300 tons of humanitarian aid…[and] over 40,000 people, including the city's mayor, Silvia Salis, joined a torchlit march through the streets in support of the [humanitarian flotilla on Saturday].” During the procession, Salis remarked “Every day I am proud to be the mayor of this city, but tonight, if possible, I am even more so.”* In yet another Israel story, Tom Artiom Alexandrovich, an Israeli cybersecurity apparatchik, who was arrested in August during an undercover operation “targeting child sex predators,” failed to appear for his court date in Nevada. Alexandrovich fled to Israel after being bailed out of jail in the U.S.; his lawyer, David Chesnoff, told the court that he told Alexandrovich not to attend the hearing. Judge Barbara Schifalacqua is now demanding that Alexandrovich appear before the court this week, but it remains to be seen whether he will actually show. This case has become politicized, with liberals and conservatives accusing one another of allowing Alexandrovich to flee the country. The government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu falsely denied that Alexandrovich was arrested at all. This from Al Jazeera.* In more sex predator news, Representatives Ro Khanna, Thomas Massie and Marjorie Taylor-Greene held a press conference this week with survivors of abuse at the hands of Jeffrey Epstein to push for full disclosure of the Justice Department's files on the case. At this conference, survivors also said they will release their own list of names. This comes amidst a renewed push for Congressional action spearheaded by the survivors. On Tuesday, the House Oversight Committee released a batch of records, but most of these have been made public before. The survivors met with lawmakers this week, including Speaker Mike Johnson, who said “I think the Oversight probe is going to be wide and expansive, and they're going to follow the truth wherever it leads,” per the Washington Post. Congresswoman Nancy Mace was also seen emerging from a meeting with the survivors visibly upset, though we do not know what exactly was discussed in this meeting. What is clear is that the Epstein story is not going away any time soon.* In local news, the National Guard has shared a statement with CBS News' Scott MacFarlane in which they boast that, “Guardsmen have cleaned more than 3.2 miles of roadways, collected more than 500 bags of trash, and disposed of three truckloads of plant waste.” Looking beyond the absurdity of deploying the National Guard to pick up trash, Samuel Littauer, Commissioner of ANC 3C01 – a local government district in Washington – crunched the numbers and found that “DC's cleaning crews cover around 81 miles/day for around $150K/day… [while the] National Guard has cleaned a total of 3.2 miles and costs more than $1M/day.” This means, “It's about 170X more cost efficient per mile to fund DC's existing work.”* Yet, despite the staggering inefficiency of the federal occupation – to say nothing of the outrageous, authoritarian government overreach – D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser has signed an order outlining how the District will “continue to work with the U.S. Marshals Service, the FBI, U.S. Park Police, the Drug Enforcement Administration, [and] the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives,” according to WTOP. This report notes that, “Bowser's order provides a path for working with federal law enforcement…[a] public indication that federal law enforcement could remain in the city indefinitely.” Other D.C. officials, including the District's delegate in Congress Eleanor Holmes Norton, have decried the occupation. Unfortunately, Norton is not even afforded the power of a single vote in Congress. This debacle further underscores the necessity for sovereign statehood for D.C.* In more news of federal law enforcement overreach, Prem Thakker of Zeteo reports new figures that show, “61,226 people are currently in ICE detention — the highest number ever in US history.” Thakker goes on to report that “According to ICE data, 70% of these people have no criminal conviction.” This unjustifiable mass detention shows no signs of slowing down, with ICE being granted larger and larger budgets and more and more latitude by the administration. The parallels to other shadowy secret police organizations throughout history continue to grow more pronounced.* Labor Notes editor Luis Feliz Leon reports Columbia University is seeking to bust graduate worker unions – at Columbia and beyond. A statement from the union reads “Over the summer, the university expelled and suspended 80 students, eliminated all but ten…graduate instructor jobs, and filed an Unfair Labor Practice Charge that could reshape the future of higher ed.” This marks yet another blow to the august reputation of Columbia, already damaged by their authoritarian overreaction to pro-Palestine protests and their capitulation to borderline extortion by Trump.* In the federal government, Trump continues to attack critical safety regulators. Reuters reports, “Two of the three remaining commissioners at the Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the U.S. nuclear safety watchdog, told a Senate hearing on Wednesday they feel President Donald Trump could fire them if they obstruct his goal to approve reactors faster.” Trump, via executive order, has committed the United States to, “fast-tracking new reactor licenses and quadrupling U.S. nuclear energy capacity by 2050…while also reducing staffing at the NRC.” The Commission is already down to just three members from its usual five and according to this report, “a dozen senior level managers…have left or announced they will leave since January, and…143 staff departed between January and June.” The Commission is currently considering five reactor applications and “expects another 25 to 30 soon.” Whatever one's thoughts are on nuclear energy in general, it is wildly irresponsible and dangerous to consider these reactor proposals by a commission short-staffed and constantly threatened with dismissal.* Finally, the Government Accountability Project has submitted a stunning whistleblower complaint on behalf of Chuck Borges, Chief Data Officer at the Social Security Administration. This complaint concerns “serious data security lapses, evidently orchestrated by DOGE officials, currently employed as SSA employees, that risk the security of over 300 million Americans' Social Security data…including apparent systemic data security violations, uninhibited administrative access to highly sensitive production environments, and potential violations of federal privacy laws by DOGE personnel.” The most critical violation is the DOGE staffers' move to “create a live copy of the country's Social Security information in a cloud environment that circumvents oversight.” As this complaint explains, “This vulnerable cloud environment is effectively a live copy of the entire country's Social Security information…that…lacks any security oversight from SSA or tracking to determine who is accessing or has accessed the copy of this data.” This includes “all data submitted in an application for a United States Social Security card—including the name of the applicant, place and date of birth, citizenship, race and ethnicity, parents' names and social security numbers, phone number, address, and other personal information.” If this data were to be compromised – as is eminently possible given the unsecured and unsupervised nature of the cloud copy, “Americans may be susceptible to widespread identity theft, may lose vital healthcare and food benefits, and the government may be responsible for re-issuing every American a new Social Security Number.” This staggering degree of carelessness and incompetence is almost unbelievable, if not for the fact that it comports perfectly with the DOGE track record. We can only hope lawmakers and regulators take swift action to shut down this ticking timebomb of data before it's too late.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

Congress has less than a month to figure out how to fund the government. But instead of that pressing business, calls for greater government transparency over allegations against convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein dominated Capitol Hill this week. On Tuesday, the House Oversight Committee released more than 33,000 documents related to the investigation, most of which are already publicly available.. But other lawmakers say this effort doesn't go far enough. Reps. Thomas Massie (R-Kentucky) and Ro Khanna (D-California) continued to push a competing effort that could force the Justice Department to release more files. Host Colby Itkowitz sits down with Post congressional reporter Marianna Sotomayor and senior national political correspondent Naftali Bendavid to discuss this news as well as the looming government funding deadline and how Democrats are thinking about flipping the House in the 2026 midterms. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Congress is back. It's back and it has a lot of work to do. If Congress doesn't fund the government by the end of September, the government will close up shop. And while Democrats have demanded meetings with President Donald Trump and his loyal GOP to drum up a bipartisan spending bill, Republicans don't seem too inclined to work with their colleagues across the aisle. But preventing a shutdown is just one bullet point on Congress' agenda. On Wednesday, survivors of convicted sexual abuser Jeffrey Epstein spoke on Capitol Hill in an effort to get answers and more information on his crimes. It came a day after the House Oversight Committee released more than 33,000 documents related to the Epstein investigation. So, for more on Epstein, and a potential government shutdown, we spoke with Maryland Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen.And in headlines: Florida's Surgeon General tries to connect vaccine mandates to slavery, Democratic Congresswoman LaMonica McIver of New Jersey tells the Washington Post she's going to keep working after the House rejected a resolution to censure her, and rumors are floating around that the Trump administration might offer New York City Mayor Eric Adams a new gig.Show Notes:Call Congress – 202-224-3121Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/3kk4nyz8What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcastFollow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday

A UN-backed panel of experts says there is famine in northern Gaza, the Justice Department is expected to deliver a first batch of files from its Jeffrey Epstein investigation to the House Oversight Committee and California Governor Gavin Newsom signed a California redistricting plan today to counter Texas Republicans.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Jason Breslow, Emily Kopp, Acacia Squires, Arezou Rezvani and Mohamad ElBardicy. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is David Greenburg. Our Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy