POPULARITY
Inner City Press asked Brad Lander, Congressional candidate, about FISA & the DNI. He pivoted from ICE hearings in Minneapolis to affordability (also declined to make endorsements in any other Cong primaries, eg, Adriano Espaillat, Antonio Reynoso v his teammates
VLOG May 26 Unsealing project: Suno AI in Boston, Inner City Press filing docketed: https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.mad.272063/gov.uscourts.mad.272063.233.0.pdf Sikkema guilty, book: https://books.google.com/books?id=hsDbEQAAQBAJ Revolut bank challenged by @FinanceWatchOrg https://www.patreon.com/posts/bank-beat-for-in-158964926 UN
VLOG April 30 Live Nation, Inner City Press unsealing filing: https://courtlistener.com/docket/68557723/1477/united-states-of-america-v-live-nation-entertainment-inc/ Blake Lively-Baldoni experts May 7 or 8. Harvey Weinstein's Teny grills Mann: https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/mann-on-the-cross-harvey-weinstein Habeas judge shopping; OppFi BNC hit: https://innercitypress.com/cra39oppfibncnatbankicp042926.html Grossi abuse?
VLOG April 3 Live Nation moves for sanctions on Mueller after Inner City Press gets unsealed https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/ticketmonster-leverage-in-live-nation Blake Lively 10 of 13 claims dismissed https://patreon.com/posts/hollywood-in-152-154629372 Luigi dates; BofA Epstein settlement questioned https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/epstein-bofa-settlement-critiqued UN theater
VLOG March 31 Live Nation seals declaration to strike expert, Inner City Press opposes https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/ticketmonster-slippage-in-live-nation VZ Maduro wants to share discovery with 4 on the lam. Spain's Iran stance & #Santander Webster bid; UNDP waste scoops, nothing from @USUN @MichaelGWaltz
VLOG March 30 Live Nation trial on Inner City Press motion to docket, Judge says puts some in: when? https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/ticketmonster-unsealing-battle-in FOIA requests to all states. Miles Guo memo https://www.patreon.com/posts/fox-hunt-guo-in-153747368UN #NextSG @RaphaelMGrossi no answers to $ Qs: https://innercitypress.com/unsg1candidatesquestionnaireicpfunca031726.html
VLOG March 25 Live Nation midnight sealing, Inner City Press 1:47 am opposition: https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/27906303-live-nation-sought-to-seal-at-midnight-inner-city-press-filed-opposition-at-1-am-here/ Javice new trial nixed https://www.patreon.com/posts/fintech-fraud-85-153867010 NY Yankees sue deadbeat fan: https://innercitypress.com/sdny40rochonyankeesicp032426.html Fed felon Calk FOIA; UN #NextSG Qs: https://innercitypress.com/unsg1candidatesquestionnaireicpfunca031726.html
VLOG March 19 Live Nation Rapino, Inner City Press moves to unseal https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.621993/gov.uscourts.nysd.621993.1248.0.pdfLuigi Mangione asks delay https://www.patreon.com/posts/luigi-docket-of-153362186 ICE case, Iran merger lull, #NextSG Qs to @RGrynspan, wastrel so where's @USUN @MichaelGWaltz? https://innercitypress.com/unsg3candidatesquestionnaireicpfunca031926.html
This one's a big deal. The Live Nation/Ticketmaster antitrust case is one of the most consequential battles in live music right now, and it's far more complicated than the headlines suggest. In this episode, Matt Ford sits down with Randy Nichols to break down what's actually happening, from the DOJ settlement that didn't end the case to the political and structural forces shaping what comes next. If you care about the future of live music, this is essential listening.As mentioned in the episode, Michael Rapino is testifying on Thursday, and Inner City Press is an amazing resource to stay in the loop as things continue to unfold. Check them out here: https://x.com/innercitypressEpisode Timestamps:(0:00) | The Case Isn't Over The DOJ settled, but the multi-state case continues. This is a bipartisan issue with Tennessee as a key case study.(4:30) | What the Case Is Really About It's not just about breaking up Live Nation — a breakup alone might not fix structural issues. You could end up with local monopolies, and the secondary market drives a lot of the pricing problem.(10:00) | PR Spin, Pardons & Political Pressure Live Nation is aggressively shaping the narrative, including a since-deleted blog post signaling fear about a breakup. Tim Leiwicke's pardon adds another political layer.(16:00) | Antitrust Leadership & Why This Differs from Big Tech The DOJ antitrust division had a leadership shake-up with Gail Slater and Roger Alford's firing. Unlike Big Tech cases, breaking up Live Nation could redirect revenue back into local economies.(22:00) | Unintended Consequences, AEG & How States Saved the Case Regional spinoffs could still squeeze indie venues. Live Nation is trying to frame AEG as equally dominant. The states kept the case alive by hiring a top litigator days before trial.(33:00) | Trial Mechanics, Trump & Ticket Pricing The trial runs weeks with major witnesses, and appeals could drag on for years. Trump seems more interested in a "win" than structural reform. Biden's all-in pricing rules are a separate thread.(42:00) | The Slack Messages Bombshell & the Scalper Fight Leaked internal Slack messages from Live Nation/Ticketmaster employees were a massive moment — staff openly calling fans "stupid" and celebrating how much money they could extract through ancillary fees.(54:00) | What's Next Rapino's testimony is a key upcoming moment. The likely outcome is modest remedies, fines, and long appeals — no single fix.(1:03:00) | Reforms, Indie Venues & Closing Randy wants more protection for indies and real ticketing innovation. The death of local radio under Clear Channel is a warning — live music could follow the same path.Please share this with anyone that might be interested in the topics, links below to subscribe and stay in the loop with the podcast and Prism:Subscribe hereMore on PrismFollow us on Instagram (@prismfm)Follow us on LinkedIn (here)Meet the Podcast Host/CEO of Prism -Matt FordOpening Music - Banana Bread - Layton.rx (Prism engineer!)
VLOG March 16 Live Nation trial restarts - Inner City Press moving to unseal. Global: https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/ticketmonster-goes-global-amid-us US says Maduro no expectation of VZ payments. Coinbase WLUNA case, OceanFirst redliner. SG in Lebanon, @USAmbUN OK with censorship? Project on #NextSG
VLOG March 9- On way into SDNY for Alexander bros verdict watch https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/hamptons-horror-20-in-alexander-brothersUS dropping out of US v. Live Nation, a 2d Inner City Press bid to unseal. Book: https://amazon.com/dp/B0GRN95HNTFDIC excludes public; @USUN does nothing on UN banning US Press: MUNGA?
VLOG After DOJ tells judge it has settled with Live Nation - but judge asks, When did you know? Inner City Press 2d filing to unseal https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.621993/gov.uscourts.nysd.621993.1165.0.pdf - Rapino tomorrow? States continue Monday? Book: https://amazon.com/dp/B0GRN95HNT
VLOG March 5 US v Live Nation, Inner City Press unsealing bid https://s3.documentcloud.org/documents/27752194/unsealing-live-nation-in-live-nation-antitrust-trial-exhibits-withheld-and-testimony-unheard.pdf Alexander bros deliberations https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/hamptons-horror-xviii-in-alexander Stock Yard Bank; US @SecretaryWright at UNSC but @USUN @MichaelGWaltz no action on UN Press ban https://innercitypress.com/usun4waltzwrighticp030426.html
VLOG 2 of March 4, after US v. Live Nation 1st witnesses John Abbamondi of Barclays (says he was threatened by Rapino) and Helgerson of MN Wild (says threatened by Ticketmaster). Ticketmonster book coming. Inner City Press filed to unseal: https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/27752194-unsealing-live-nation-in-live-nation-antitrust-trial-exhibits-withheld-and-testimony-unheard/
VLOG March 2 US v Live Nations jury selection, Inner CIty Press to Live (Nation) tweet; Alexander Bros US to rest https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/hamptons-horror-xi-in-us-v-alexanderFifth Third & JPMC sued re Tricolor; amid Iran, Melania Trump UNSC, @USUN no answers on UN censorship https://innercitypress.com/usun3waltzicp022526.html
VLOG Feb 19 At Jay Clayton SDNY press, Inner City Press asks of access to exhibits - but still delay in US v Conyers https://innercitypress.com/openthecourts2026sdny3bclarkeconyersicp021626.htmlUN ECOSOC Zarubina plea 11, Jay LucasUN bans Press, Qs to @USUN @MichaelGWaltz & @HeyTammyBruce: Host Country Agreement?
VLOG 2 Jan 22: After Blake Lively v. Justin Baldoni et al oral argument on motions (for summary judgment, and Lively seeking sanctions for using auto-delete on Signal), Inner City Press live tweeted it all: https://x.com/innercitypress/status/2014348058088046925and book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DWC8BH55
VLOG Jan 7 Venezuela docket, Inner City Press files 3d time DDC to unseal seizure orders, Bella 1: https://innercitypress.com/ddc122bunsealfaruquiszicp010726.html Luigi Mangione trashes Altoona PD https://patreon.com/posts/lone-wolf-docket-147609972 Kalder pro bono blues https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/extra-turkish-woman-charged-with Synovus down $1.5B, UNOG scoops
VLOG Jan 6 US v Maduro; Delcy Rodriguez was questioned by Inner City Press at UN before @AntonioGuterres threw the Press out https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/extra-maduro-and-wife-plead-not-guilty crypto Roman Storm to April 22, Chastain retrial? Habeas Guayana murder, Afghan. UN book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0GDJJMN4L
VLOG Dec 30 Wolff v. Melania Trump notice of removal @SDNYLIVE explained in response to questions and accusations : ) Inner City Press will continue to cover the case(s) https://innercitypress.com/sdny40docketswolffvtrumpicp122925.html w/ extras https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.comw/ docs: https://patreon.com/MatthewRussellLee
VLOG Dec 24 Diddy appeals brief, citing 1st Amendment https://www.patreon.com/posts/146590624 ICE beat: Senegal out, Guinea in. Fifth Third-Comerica fightnow Fulton, Burke & Herbert as regulators give banks gifts. UNSC on Venezuela, Inner City Press unsealing bid, Merry Xmas
VLOG 1 Dec 22 Luigi Mangione v. US death penalty, filing: https://www.patreon.com/posts/filing-luigi-not-146271535 Inner City Press v. ship seizure orders still sealed, Epstein Files echo: https://innercitypress.com/unsealflaws1shipsepsteinicp122225.html Today Cholo faces life sentence, OCC rubber stamps, UN role in South Sudan death
VLOG 2 Dec 17 After SDNY's Tricolor presser, Inner City Press asked about role of bank deregulation, Fed cutting 30% of examiners. USA Clayton said Chu's fraud wouldn't have been caught by supervision. 2008 echo. Also asked about NY Luigi Mangione hearing
Story of unsealing in Luigi Mangione suppression hearing100 Centre Street NYC Dec 2-4, 2025, Inner City Presshttps://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/extra-inner-city-press-challenged
VLOG 2 Luigi Mangione Day 3 suppression hearing - Officer Frey, "there's a weapon," Philly bus ticket and including Justice Carro saying, after Inner City Press unsealing letter, that *some* exhibits will be made available - watch this feed
VLOG Nov 18 Epstein Files vote, Bessent re Warren on X on which Inner City Press is locked out https://innercitypress.com/bigtech2summersxicp111825.html @Support @X does nothing so far https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/extra-x-does-nothing-as-inner-city FFW on BofA links. ICE beat, Compass v. Zillow live, UN scoop
MISTRIAL: Crypto Bros trial US v Peraire-Bueno after three weeks just ended in a mistrial, Inner City Press which live tweeted it all spoke with family members and juror afterwards, it'll all be in book (very) soon: Code Is Law Lives On? 1: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=fBCSEQAAQBAJ
Genocide verdict on Sudan against BNP Paribas, which said it must have been fine since UN did it too - Inner City Press coverer the trial and soon book, Banking on Dictator, including on UN's shameful role https://innercitypress.com/sdny91ihellersteinbnpsudanicp101725.html https://www.amazon.com/author/matthewrusselllee
VLOG II: Judge Vargas has dismissed Drake's lawsuit about Kendrick Lamar's "Not Like Us," calling it nonactionable opinion. Inner City Press live tweeted, for a book https://www.amazon.com/author/matthewrussellleenow story https://innercitypress.com/sdny4dvargasdrakeumgicp100925.html and Opinion: https://www.patreon.com/posts/case-dismissed-140855366
VLOG Oct 3 Sean Combs sentencing day, his letter: https://www.patreon.com/posts/diddy-dockets-on-140306556 and video, Book 1 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DHP7YF19 Another book coming, 1st Am https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/extra-sean-combs-asking-for-acquittalCSAM Camp Léman scoop: https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/extra-teacher-ward-detained-for-csamUN sex-in-the-van scoop: https://innercitypress.com/ungate1untsovanleakicp100225.html
VLOG II After US v. Sean Combs arguments on motion for acquittal, his lawyer Shapiro noting his 1st Amendment rights as a consumer of porn. Inner City Press live tweeted, prediction here https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/extra-sean-combs-asking-for-acquittal and on alert for ruling
VLOG Sept 24 Already tents by court for Diddy Sept 25;crypto Bond hearing off https://www.patreon.com/posts/crypto-in-courts-139588330 Luigi lawyer complains, LLDM case.In UNGA, @JapanMissionUN FM Iwaya slept through PM Ishiba speech, banned Inner City Press has asked: https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/extra-at-un-japan-diplomats-slept
VLOG Sept 22 UNGA week, and Inner City Press publishes leak: https://innercitypress.com/ungate3un80escapicp092225.html Luigi Mangione 100 pages v death penalty https://www.patreon.com/posts/lone-wolf-luigi-139310976 Diddy today, then Sept 15 w/ #6ix9ine & FTX Bond. FOIA Pinnacle, PNC, Erebor & Circle@USUN Waltz in, video here on Spotify
UNGA80, First Report:Inner City Press banned from UN for exposing corruptionSunday Sept 21 new USUN PR Mike Waltz presents credentials38 Floor video here. What next? More reports to follow: @InnerCityPressAmid Press Freedom Claims by UN and AI Inner City Press Bid to Enter Is Litmus Testby Matthew Russell LeeUN GATE, Sept 15 – On World Press Freedom Day, the United Nations of Antonio Guterres claimed to be in support of journalists being able to do their work without hinderance. Amnesty International makes just such claims, see below. UN Global Communications chief Melissa Fleming put out a video of Guterres equating what he (and she) characterize as disinformation as the threat to press freedom, Guterres has banned Inner City Press from entering the UN since 2018, when it exposed the omission of links to bribery firm CEFC China Energy from his financial disclosure. On June 19, 2025, Inner City Press submitted an application to cover the UN General Assembly, letter here. Law firm Quinn Emanuel, on a pro bono basis, wrote to Fleming and the UN Correspondents Association (with state media of China on its board of directors) seeking a dialogue to reinstate Inner City Press. Later, so did the pro bono law firm of Duane Morris.There has been no answer to an appeal to Guterres head of security Gilles Michaud. Nor has Amnesty International, to whose UN Office Inner City Press has repeatedly raised this glaring violation, done anything. Instead, on September 15, AI bragged that its Agnes Callamard will be at the UNGA, ready for interviews. Right. Inner City Press before being banned reported on her, here and here and here - and will again. This is a litmus test all around.But now, with Inner City Press' UN and SDNY covering, including the Sean Combs trial, being picked up all over the world, the application. Watch this site.June 19, 2025 application https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/25979730-amid-un-press-freedom-claims-application-by-inner-city-press-to-enter-is-2025-litmus-test/
VLOG Aug 13 On Do Kwon US will advocate for 12 years. Book: https://www.amazon.com/Crypto-Death-Spiral-Could-Again-ebook/dp/B0DTJHPDZXOneCoin Greenwood wants free lawyer to fight Inner City Press 2d Circuit win. Eric Adams' Mohamed Bahi felony plead, 0-6 months. Bronx District Leader Torres, US asks 70 months. UN
VLOG July 30 Ghislaine Maxwell no House immunity, DOJ's midnight filing https://www.patreon.com/posts/maximum-maxwell-135276752Roman Storm closings, Inner City Press unsealing bid in docket after 2d Cir win https://storage.courtlistener.com/recap/gov.uscourts.nysd.604939/gov.uscourts.nysd.604939.219.0.pdfSamourai plea, Blake Lively subpoenas, UNSG = censor
VLOG II July 29 Sean Combs asks out of jail on $50 million bond, again https://www.patreon.com/posts/diddy-dockets-3-135225826 US v Roman Storm, Inner City Press files to unseal transcript: https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/26035110-stormunsealasfiledicp/Rodriguez of Samourai Wallet to plead guilty https://www.innercitypress.com/sdny91nbermancoterodriguezicp072925.htmlUNMISS scoop
Hello, media consumers! Bryan and Joel present both sides of an argument around Gavin Newsom's lawsuit against Fox News (1:29), reporters live tweeting Wednesday night's congressional session, Netflix's NFL announcer problem, and Paramount becoming the latest media company to settle a lawsuit with Donald Trump (21:53). Next, Joel is joined by Matthew Lee of the Inner City Press to discuss his coverage of the Sean "Diddy" Combs trial, stories from covering the Southern District of New York, how institutions treat new media, and more (40:54). Bryan and Joel then close the show with some weekend recommendations (1:15:35)! Hosts: Bryan Curtis and Joel AndersonGuest: Matthew LeeProducer: Kyle Crichton Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
VLOG July 1 US v Sean Combs Day 34, jury deliberations Day 2 after questions on drug distribution & Juror 25. Inner City Press is covering https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/extra-in-combs-trial-deliberationsDrake v UMG case: https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/extra-in-drake-umg-lawsuit-about Book later; "Big Beautiful Bill," UN cronies
VLOG June 27 US v Sean Combs Day 32 Diddy's defense closing; Inner City Press is covering https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/extra-in-sean-combs-trial-closing…Week 6 book https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=rjtnEQAAQBAJ… Week 7 later today. DC bill, NYC Telfair and Kay Flock witness, UNODC corruption scoop: https://innercitypress.com/ungate3unodcwalyturkicp062625.html
VLOG June 20 US v Sean Combs Day 27, drug mule Brendan Paul on, Inner City Press covering: https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/extra-sean-combs-trial-suspended… Week 5 book: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=j6VlEQAAQBAJ…Week 6 book this afternoon; 26 Fed ICE, UN scoops and litmus test https://documentcloud.org/documents/25979730-amid-un-press-freedom-claims-application-by-inner-city-press-to-enter-is-2025-litmus-test/
VLOG June 13 US v Sean Combs, agent about guns in 2 Star in Miami, defense trying to exclude, juror issue to be addressed and Diddy's text about Gina, Inner City Press is covering https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/extra-sean-combs-lawyer-asks-jane-2fe Docs https://www.patreon.com/posts/diddy-docket-on-131350136 Week 5 book later today
VLOG June 12 US v Combs, Jane to end, analysis of Teny Geragos' cross, upcoming witnesses. Inner City Press is covering https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/extra-sean-combs-lawyer-has-jane Week 4 book: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=8uFjEQAAQBAJ 2d Cir denies Gold Bar Bob bail so jail June 17; UN censors https://www.cjr.org/the_profile/reporter-expelled-un.php
VLOG II June 9 US v Sean Combs midday, Jane still on direct, audio played of her phone call with Combs after Cassie's lawsuit was filed, He asks Jane, Are you recording me? No - but the tape exists. Issues, Inner City Press covers the trial https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/extra-in-sean-combs-trial-jane-describes
VLOG II June 6 US v Sean Combs midday in Jane Doe direct testimony, on carrying drugs from LA to Miami, IG-ing male entertainers as Diddy's direction - Inner City Press is reporting the trial; Week 3 book: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=seJhEQAAQBAJ Preparing Week 4 book, soon
VLOG June 5 US v. Combs, cross of Bongolan, then JanePseudonym chills media, defense says. Inner City Press covers trial https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/extra-in-sean-combs-trial-frank-piazzaDoc (guard v. Graves) https://www.patreon.com/posts/diddy-docket-and-130774877Week 3 book https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=seJhEQAAQBAJICE cases, UN scoops & censorship
VLOG June 3 US v Sean Combs Day 15, Garcia with immunity, Jane in the wings. Inner City Press is covering the trial https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/extra-in-sean-combs-trial-mia-is…Late night docs https://patreon.com/posts/diddy-docket-in-130571905…Week 3 book https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=seJhEQAAQBAJ…SDNY suit v Trump; UN budget cut exemption scoop
Vlog II June 2 US v. Sean Combs midday as Combs' Steel crosses Mia, shows bday video to Combs, now asking about the lawyer she hired - Inner City Press is covering the trial https://matthewrussellleeicp.substack.com/p/extra-in-sean-combs-trial-as-miaDocs https://www.patreon.com/posts/diddy-docket-for-130308440Week 3 book: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=seJhEQAAQBAJ
VLOG May 23 US v Sean Combs audio/ebook on Week 2From Dawn to Kid Cudi: https://play.google.com/store/books/details?id=2W1fEQAAQBAJ…After Inner City Press docketing win, letter from Victim 2https://patreon.com/posts/diddy-docket-in-129630196…Real RICO; Megan Thee Stallion/Roc case.UN says ignore US: https://innercitypress.com/sdny101ptorresunrwahamasicp052225.html
ICYMI: We have a live show going down in 3 days and some change at Punch Line Philly!! Get your tix ASAP at https://punchlinephilly.com/shows The Diddy trial has the world watching with no actual TV or video coverage. People are hanging on every court report from Inner City Press, Loren Lorosa and any other main stream media publication within reach. Today we cover the first week of trial, Cassie's testimony and how Dawn Richard rocked the defense so badly in 5 mins that the judge called recess for the weekend. All this plus the in depth analysis that only TRPE can provide.