Podcasts about Judiciary committee

Former Congressman Peter Roskam, who leads BakerHostetler's Federal Policy team, provides listeners with a front-row seat to the most important policy and political debates in Congress. In this episode of “The Cloakroom with Peter Roskam,” Peter is joined at the 37th Annual Legislative Seminar in Washington D.C., by his BakerHostetler colleague, former Congressman Heath Shuler. Also joining is Congressman Brad Knott, a Republican from North Carolina. Knott is in his first term representing North Carolina's 13th District, which includes the suburbs around Raleigh. As a former federal prosecutor, he focused on prosecuting drug cartels, human trafficking, financial crimes and national gangs. In Congress, Knott serves on the Judiciary Committee and its Crime Subcommittee, which has legislative jurisdiction over federal prosecutors, drug enforcement, sentencing and internal and homeland security. He also serves on the Transportation Committee and the Homeland Security Committee. Knott focuses on combating crime and advocating for policies that promote economic growth in his North Carolina district and nationwide.Questions & Comments: proskam@bakerlaw.com

Why did Trump cut his interview short when pressed on the “slush fund”? Popok posits that it is because those questions are getting dangerously close to something he really cares about — the “Super Pardon” that his AG Blanche granted Trump and his whole family FOR ALL CRIMINAL LIABILITY or SUIT, something that the US Supreme Court even did in their immunity decision. Popok brings on Rep. Jamie Raskin, ranking House Member on the Judiciary Committee, to discuss how the Democrats are using this to block the fund and the release and undermine Blanche's nomination. NOBL gives you real travel peace of mind — security, design, and convenience all in one. Head to https://NOBLTravel.com for 46% off your entire order! #NOBL #ad Subscribe:  @LegalAFMTN  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 Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show The Ken Harbaugh Show: https://meidasnews.com/tag/the-ken-harbaugh-show Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 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

Former Congressman Peter Roskam, who leads BakerHostetler's Federal Policy team, provides listeners with a front-row seat to the most important policy and political debates in Congress. In this episode of “The Cloakroom with Peter Roskam,” Peter is joined at the 37th Annual Legislative Seminar in Washington, D.C., by his BakerHostetler colleague, former Congressman Heath Shuler. Also joining is Congressman Ted Lieu, a Democrat from California. Lieu is the vice chairman of the Democratic Caucus, the fourth-highest ranking House Democrat – also making him the highest-ranking Asian American to ever serve in House leadership. First elected in 2014, Lieu serves on the Foreign Affairs Committee and the Judiciary Committee, and he is a leading policy voice on artificial intelligence, climate and civil liberties.Questions & Comments: proskam@bakerlaw.com

X: @MarshaBlackburn @americasrt1776 @ileaderssummit @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk @JTitMVirginia Join America's Roundtable radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN). She serves on the Deputy Whip Team, the Finance Committee; the Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee; the Veterans' Affairs Committee; and the Judiciary Committee. The conversation will focus on addressing key issues impacting America and the world, and the urgency to advance principled policies: Election integrity in America. The Fraud Accountability Act introduced to strengthen accountability and enforcement against foreign actors who enter the United States to engage in fraudulent schemes that target taxpayer-funded programs. According to Fox News: "Vice President JD Vance recently highlighted an estimated $160 billion in stolen taxpayer funds that the administration's anti-fraud task force has targeted and begun recovering." The Memphis Safe Task Force, an initiative aimed at addressing the city of Memphis' crime crisis, with results including overall crime dropping by 43 percent compared to last year's data. An update on President Trump's efforts to hold Iran accountable and ensure that Tehran, the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, never acquires a nuclear weapon. americasrt.com https://ileaderssummit.org/ | https://jerusalemleaderssummit.com/ America's Roundtable on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-roundtable/id1518878472 X: @MarshaBlackburn @ileaderssummit @americasrt1776 @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk @JTitMVirginia America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable radio program focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 68 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Tune into WTON in Central Virginia on Sunday mornings at 9:30 A.M. (ET). Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

This Day in Legal History: Congress Passes the Nineteenth AmendmentOn this day in 1919, the U.S. Senate voted 56 to 25 to approve the Nineteenth Amendment, sending to the states a one-sentence constitutional rule that “the right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged by the United States or by any State on account of sex.” The House had already passed it two weeks earlier, by a comfortable margin, and the question now moved to the states, where ratification would take fourteen months of careful organizing and a now-legendary single vote by a Tennessee legislator named Harry Burn — cast on his mother's instruction — to clinch the 36-state threshold in August 1920. The Nineteenth Amendment did not by itself enfranchise all American women: Black women in the South, women of color across the country, and Native women living on tribal land would face decades more of state-level disenfranchisement that did not begin to ease until the Voting Rights Act of 1965 and would not be fully addressed even after that. But June 4, 1919 was the day that women's suffrage stopped being a state-by-state campaign and became, at the federal level, a constitutional commitment. The structural lesson is one worth holding onto: in the United States, voting rights live not just in the Constitution but in the day-to-day administration of elections by the states — which is why the fight over them is never quite over.Senators John Kennedy of Louisiana and Ron Wyden of Oregon — a Republican and a Democrat who do not often appear in the same headline — jointly introduced the Open Courts Act on Tuesday, a bill that would do something the federal judiciary has talked about for two decades and never quite accomplished: replace PACER, the public court records system, with a modern interface, eliminate the per-page fees, and harden the cybersecurity around the federal judiciary's electronic filing system. PACER stands for Public Access to Court Electronic Records, and right now it charges users ten cents a page to read federal court filings, which adds up alarmingly quickly when you're trying to follow a case of any size. The bill would also require the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts to build a new system funded outside the regular appropriations cycle, which the sponsors argue would save taxpayers about $60 million a year in operating costs and avoid the budget-fight ritual that has stalled past reforms. The cybersecurity piece is not incidental: the federal courts have suffered two significant intrusions in recent years, one reportedly tied to Russian actors in 2025 and a similar one in 2020, and Wyden has been pushing for an independent security review since last year. The legal stakes here are unusual because PACER is a public-access tool that has historically been priced like a paywalled subscription product, which is a kind of legal-transparency contradiction the U.S. has tolerated longer than almost any peer democracy. Kennedy's framing — “Americans should not have to sell plasma or wrestle with clunky government websites just to read public court records” — is the kind of soundbite the bill needs to actually move. Whether it actually moves is another question; previous versions of this bill have died quietly. Watch the Judiciary Committee in the next month.Bipartisan Bill Would Modernize Court Records Systems | Law360The Department of Justice has opened an investigation into former U.S. Representative George Santos for possible insider trading on Kalshi, the federally-regulated prediction-market exchange, after Kalshi itself reportedly flagged a pattern of suspicious wagers to prosecutors. The story, broken by Reuters on Wednesday, is one of the first big public test cases for how insider trading principles map onto event-based contracts — which are not stocks, are not commodities in the traditional sense, and have spent the better part of the last two years in regulatory limbo while Kalshi and the CFTC fought in federal court over whether the platform could list its contracts at all. The legal challenge is real: insider trading liability under Section 10(b) of the Securities Exchange Act and Rule 10b-5 historically requires a “security,” and Kalshi contracts are not securities — they sit under the CFTC's authority as “event contracts.” That leaves DOJ working with commodities-fraud theories, wire-fraud statutes, and potentially Santos's own conditions of release from his prior unrelated criminal sentencing, all of which apply differently and less neatly than they would in an old-fashioned stock-trading case. If you are wondering how an ex-Congressman ends up with material nonpublic information worth betting on Kalshi, you are asking the right question, and it is also the question prosecutors will have to answer if they want any of this to stick. Expect this to become a defining test case for how event-contract markets get policed.DOJ investigating ex-US lawmaker Santos for insider trading on Kalshi, source says | ReutersIn my column for Bloomberg this week, I write about a pattern emerging across California, Minnesota, Oregon, Illinois, Washington, Maine, and other states: lawmakers are reaching for the politically powerful phrase “wealth tax” to describe what are, on inspection, just new top brackets or surtaxes on high-income earners. I argue that the slippage is not just sloppy branding, it is a strategic mistake. A wealth tax and an income surtax are not the same thing — wealth is a stock and income is a flow, and a higher rate on income realized this year will never reach the accumulated balance-sheet fortunes that the wealth-tax conversation was actually designed to capture. The “buy, borrow, die” critique that motivates much of the wealth-tax movement is precisely about taxpayers who never realize income because they never need to: they hold appreciating assets, borrow against them for liquidity, and defer or escape income-tax recognition entirely. Adding a few points to the top marginal income-tax rate, I write, is just a slightly higher toll at the same toll booth — it does not reach the wealth that bypassed the toll entirely. The political-capital point is what worries me most. Wealth taxes pick a specific kind of fight — about asset valuation, billionaire flight, capital mobility, constitutional limits, and the like — and to spend that capital fighting that fight on behalf of what is in fact a different and more familiar policy is a strange trade. I think a more honest framing would serve both sides better: if states want a real wealth tax, they need to design one — with valuation rules, third-party reporting, anti-avoidance, residency standards, and liquidity protections — and if they want a high-income surtax, they should call it that and defend it on its own merits. The middle ground gets you the burden of a tax hike without the benefits of either. Half measures that cost full price in political capital, I conclude, are not helping anyone.States Should Avoid Using ‘Wealth Tax' Rhetoric for Income Taxes | Bloomberg Tax (Technically Speaking) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

THE TIM JONES AND CHRIS ARPS SHOW Guest Host, Larry Behrens of https://www.powerthefuture.com/ https://x.com/larrybehrens 0:00 SEG 1: TIM JONES || TOPIC: Amendments 1, 2, 4, and 5 being added to the August 4th ballot https://x.com/SpeakerTimJones 19:29 SEGMENT 2: Dr. Bob Onder, Congressman for Missouri’s 3rd District || TOPIC: Top Congressional headlines of the day || Reconciliation 2.0 update || bipartisan letter Rep Onder led and sent to the Army Corps of Engineers urging them to establish an Inland Navigation Construction Organization within its Headquarters || Bob questioned witnesses regarding the Southern Poverty Law Center in Judiciary Committee onder.house.govx.com/BobOnderMO 33:59 SEGMENT 3: Joey V’s Movies: “I Love Boosters", a new comedy about a group of creative shoplifters. How many Toasted Raviolis out of 5 will Joey V. give it? Brought to you by Harry J's Steakhouse in Moscow Millshttps://www.facebook.com/HarryJsSteakhouse/ https://newstalkstl.com/movies/ https://newstalkstl.com/ FOLLOW TIM - https://twitter.com/SpeakerTimJones FOLLOW CHRIS - https://twitter.com/chris_arps 24/7 LIVESTREAM - http://bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMS RUMBLE - https://rumble.com/NewsTalkSTL See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Soros-backed Fairfax County prosecutor Steve Descano sat in front of Jim Jordan's Judiciary Committee and tried to explain why he dropped charges against illegal immigrants accused of raping children and murder — and it went about as well as you'd expect. Congressman Brandon Gill and Congressman Brad Knott ripped into him case by case, including an illegal alien who attacked a four-year-old girl in her bed and walked free. Even the Democrat sheriff admitted it was "shameful." SHOP OUR MERCH: https://store.townhallmedia.com/ BUY A LARRY MUG: https://store.townhallmedia.com/products/larry-mug Watch LARRY with Larry O'Connor LIVE — Monday-Thursday at 12PM Eastern on YouTube, Facebook, & Rumble! Find LARRY with Larry O'Connor wherever you get your podcasts! SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7i8F7K4fqIDmqZSIHJNhMh?si=814ce2f8478944c0&nd=1&dlsi=e799ca22e81b456f APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/larry/id1730596733 Become a Townhall VIP Member today and use promo code LARRY for 50% off: https://townhall.com/subscribe?tpcc=poddescription https://townhall.com/ https://rumble.com/c/c-5769468 https://www.facebook.com/townhallcom/ https://www.instagram.com/townhallmedia/ https://twitter.com/townhallcomBecome a Townhall VIP member with promo code "LARRY": https://townhall.com/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Judiciary Committee's portion of the reconciliation bill gets parliamentary scrutiny. House appropriators take a first crack at an Energy-Water funding bill. And the housing debate gets floor time next week. David Higgins has your CQ Morning Briefing for Friday, May 15, 2026.

Martin LaLonde - Vermont State Representative, Chair of Judiciary Committee, Chittenden 12, joins Anthony & Dan to discuss the bills working their way through this years Legislative Session.

Larry O'Connor is joined by Governor Chris Sununu of Airlines for America and Chairman Jim Jordan of the Judiciary Committee. They dive into topics like the Spirit Airlines bankruptcy, the Iran situation, and the importance of enforcing immigration laws. Larry also shares his thoughts on the Obama marriage and the latest news from the nation's capital. With a mix of politics, news, and commentary, this episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in staying up-to-date on the latest developments in Washington.Become a Townhall VIP member with promo code "LARRY": https://townhall.com/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this compelling interview, Dr. Alex Iantaffi interviews transgender pioneer and Minnesota State Representative Leigh Finke. They discuss cross-movement solidarity, the recent militarized occupation of Minnesota by ICE during Operation Metro Surge, the impact of the current political violence on trans communities, especially trans women, and on Leigh herself, and the importance of community organizing and political engagement in the fight for all our civil rights.Leigh Finke is honored to serve as State Representative for District 66A. Prior to holding office she worked as a journalist, media creator, and documentary filmmaker. In 2022, she became the first out trans woman elected to the Minnesota Legislature. During her first two terms in office, Leigh has advocated for 2SLGBTQIA+ equality, abortion rights, prison justice, and environmental equity. She chairs the House Reproductive Freedom Caucus and serves as Co-Vice Chair of the Judiciary Committee. In her personal time, Leigh enjoys writing, painting, traveling, skateboarding, and organizing community events, and exploring Minnesota's parks with her kids.A few invitations and takeaways from the episode:Cross-movement solidarity is essential because our liberation is tied to one another.Trans, Two-Spirit, nonbinary, and/or gender expansive people are part of and belong in all communities.Engage in local and state elections to support 2SLGBTQ+ rights.Build community networks for mutual support and safety.Advocate for policies that protect civil rights and gender-affirming care, especially for minors.Educate yourselves and others about the systemic nature of injustice and resistance.Find out more about Leigh Finke at the following links:https://www.leighformn.com/about https://linktr.ee/leighformn24 https://www.instagram.com/leighformn/  Instagram: GenderStoriesHosted by Alex IantaffiMusic by Maxwell von RavenGender Stories logo by Lior Effinger-Weintraub

A recent U.S. Supreme Court decision has roots in Vermont and nationwide implications. The Zorn v. Linton case involved a 2015 protest in Montpelier, and Vermont State Police.We discuss the case with one of its subjects, Shela Linton of Brattleboro, and two constitutional lawyers: Jay Diaz, Civil Rights and workers compensation litigator at Darby Kolter & Roberts. He was formerly the lead advocate for qualified immunity reform with the ACLU of Vermont in Waterbury, and Jared Carter of Vermont Law and Graduate School.Then: a few days after the Mar. 11 confrontation between ICE agents and protesters in South Burlington, the Vermont House advanced a bill to allow citizens sue federal agents for alleged civil rights violations. The bill's sponsor, Rep. Martin LaLonde (D-South Burlington), also chairs the Vermont House's Ethics Committee and the Judiciary Committee.Broadcast live on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, at noon; rebroadcast at 7 p.m.Have questions, comments or tips? Send us a message or check us out on Instagram.

Thursday 4pm Hour: Jason hosts another exciting edition of his game show - Card DeSharks! Who'll win a $50 gift card to Jester Concepts Restaurants? Then State Sen. Ron Latz joins the show to talk about his Judiciary Committee hearing today and if the legislature will pass meaningful gun reform.

On Friday's Drivetime with DeRusha... 3pm: The snowstorm is on the way. Chris Shaffer checks in with the latest info. Then, tomorrow is Pi(e) Day! What's your favorite? 4pm: Jason hosts another exciting edition of Card DeSharks - who'll win the $50 Jester Concepts gift card? Then he's joined by State Sen. Ron Latz who chaired a Judiciary Committee hearing today with emotional testimony from Annunciation parents. 5pm: On the DeRush-Hour Jason goes "In Depth" with Steve Hunegs from the JCRC about yesterday's synagogue attack in Michigan and protecting houses of worship. Finally, we get a report of a grocery store running out of TP - what's wrong with people?!

Host/Producer: Amy Browne Big changes to LD2176 as the state legislature’s Judiciary Committee holds a second public hearing About the host: Amy Browne started out at WERU as a volunteer news & public affairs producer in 2000, co-hosting/co-producing RadioActive with Meredith DeFrancesco. She joined the team of Voices producers a few years later, and has been WERU's News & Public Affairs Manager since January, 2006. In addition to RadioActive, Voices, Maine Currents and Maine: The Way Life Could Be, Amy also produced and hosted the WERU News Report for several years. She has produced segments for national programs including Free Speech Radio News, This Way Out, Making Contact, Workers Independent News, Pacifica PeaceWatch, and Live Wire News, and has contributed to Democracy Now and the WBAI News Report. She is the recipient of the 2014 Excellence in Environmental Journalism Award from the Sierra Club of Maine, and Maine Association of Broadcasters awards for her work in 2017 and 2021. Theme music: BreakBeat Chemists I, 2015 Licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 4.0 International License The post Around Town 3/12/26: Local News, Culture and Events first appeared on WERU 89.9 FM Blue Hill, Maine Local News and Public Affairs Archives.

There are a few bills being discussed in front of the Judiciary Committee today including House Bill 5043, proposed by Governor Lamont. It's addressing lego-sized glock switches that can turn a semi-automatic handgun into a fully automatic firearm. We got more details from State Representative Steve Stafstrom, who also serves as House Chair of the Judiciary Committee.To read the full bill: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/TOB/H/PDF/2026HB-05043-R00-HB.PDF

This week, the Judiciary Committee looked at several bills including ones focused on privacy protections. We did a deeper dive into House Bill 5449, An Act Concerning Automatic License Plate Reader Systems with Chelsea-Infinity Gonzalez, Director of Policy and Advocacy for the ACLU-CT.To read the full legislation: https://www.cga.ct.gov/2026/TOB/H/PDF/2026HB-05449-R00-HB.PDF

Democratic and some Republican senators pressed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem over what they described as overly aggressive immigration enforcement. Noem's testimony before the Judiciary Committee comes as Congress remains deadlocked over DHS funding, raising concerns about national security at a moment of escalating conflict in the Middle East. Lisa Desjardins reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended her department's immigration enforcement tactics in front of a Senate committee on Tuesday and pushed back against criticism from Democrats who say she wrongly disparaged two protesters killed by federal officers in Minneapolis earlier this year.It was Noem's first congressional appearance since the shooting deaths of the two protesters galvanized widespread opposition to how the Trump administration is executing its mass deportation agenda, a centerpiece policy of President Donald Trump's second term. At the time, Noem portrayed the protesters, two U.S. citizens, as agitators, although accounts from local officials and bystander video contradicted assertions from her and other administration officials.In one exchange, retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina called her leadership a “disaster” and skewered her handling of the immigration crackdown and her management of emergency response.In the hearing, which stretched nearly five hours, Noem defended her agency's treatment of immigrants caught up in enforcement activities, and blamed activists and others for attacks against officers.“I want to address the dangerous environment that our ICE officers face on the streets today," Noem said. “They are facing a serious and escalating threat as a result of deliberate mischaracterizations of their heroic work and rhetoric that demonizes our law enforcement.”Since the deaths in Minneapolis, the administration has taken steps meant to tone down tensions, including drawing down the operation there. But the administration has continued pressing restrictions against both legal and illegal immigration, has been buying up warehouses for immigration detention and persisting in federal enforcement in areas around the country. Noem said about 650 investigators remain in Minnesota as part of a broader fraud probe.The immigration tactics of Noem's department have triggered a clash in Congress over its routine funding, which remains unresolved, although a spending bill passed last year granted it a significant infusion of cash for the Republican administration's mass deportation policy. Noem called the partial shutdown “reckless” and blamed Democrats for a move she said put national security at risk.Her appearance in front of the Judiciary Committee also comes after a weekend shooting at a bar in Texas that is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism, leading to concerns that the escalating conflict in Iran could have repercussions for security in the U.S.Noem blames chaotic situation for her characterization of killed protestersIn what was initially billed as an effort to root out fraud in Minnesota, Homeland Security sent hundreds of officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection to the state. They were met by protesters who organized marches, patrolled neighborhoods for ICE activity with whistles and ferried food to immigrants too afraid to leave their homes.Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by an ICE officer on Jan. 7, setting off intense protests demanding an end to the operation. Then on Jan. 24, Customs and Border Protection officers opened fire on another Minnesota resident, Alex Pretti, who had been filming enforcement operations.Those deaths led to cries for accountability and transparency. Noem, whose initial comments portrayed both Good and Pretti as the aggressors, has come under withering criticism by Democrats and some Republicans, who have called for her to resign.Democrats repeatedly questioned Noem about her initial comments and called on her to apologize.“You and your agency rushed to brand these victims as, quote, domestic terrorists,” said Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the top Democrat on the committee. “We have ample video evidence and eyewitness testimony proving you are wrong. Your statements caused immeasurable pain to these families.”Noem said she was relying on information from people on the scene and blamed “violent protesters” for contributing to the chaos officers encountered.“I was getting reports from the ground from agents at the scene, and I would say that it was a chaotic scene,” she said.After public outrage over the deaths, Trump sent border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis to take control of operations. Homan has since announced a drawdown of the ICE and CBP officers who had been sent to Minnesota to carry out what had been dubbed Operation Metro Surge, although he's been adamant that the president's mass deportation agenda will continue.Noem also faced some Republican criticismRepublicans largely kept the focus on the large numbers of migrants who came into the country under former President Joe Biden, portraying Noem as the leader of a cleanup effort of the former administration's mess.But she did come under some harsh questioning by members of her own party. Tillis, who called on Noem to resign following the shootings in Minneapolis, criticized her for erroneously arresting American citizens, for failures in her disaster recovery agency and for how she shot her own dog.“What we've seen is a disaster under your leadership, Miss Noem, a disaster," Tillis said. “What we've seen is innocent people getting detained that turn out are American citizens.”Tillis, who has already announced that he is not running for another term., added: “We're beginning to get the American people to think that deporting people is wrong. It's the exact opposite. The way you're going about deporting them is wrong."Another Republican, Sen. John Kennedy from Louisiana, also pushed her to explain why her department paid more than $200 million for an ad campaign she appeared in last year encouraging migrants to leave the country voluntarily and questioned whether Trump knew about the price tag ahead of time.Noem, who is set to appear Wednesday in front of a House committee, defended those ads, saying they were effective and went through the regular department bidding process.“Well, they were effective in your name recognition,” Kennedy said.

Democratic and some Republican senators pressed Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem over what they described as overly aggressive immigration enforcement. Noem's testimony before the Judiciary Committee comes as Congress remains deadlocked over DHS funding, raising concerns about national security at a moment of escalating conflict in the Middle East. Lisa Desjardins reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Attorney General Pam Bondi clashes with House Democrats over DOJ's handling of the Epstein files during a Judiciary Committee hearing. NBC Chief Data Analyst Steve Kornacki dives into the latest NBC News Decision Desk polling on President Trump's handling of immigration-related issues. Rep. Jason Crow (D-Colo.) joins Meet the Press NOW to react to DOJ's attempt to secure an indictment again him and five other Democrats for their video urging U.S. service members to refuse illegal orders. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On Capitol Hill, Attorney General Pam Bondi faced a barrage of questions on the handling of the Epstein files and the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota by federal officers. Bondi repeatedly sparred with lawmakers, at times engaging in shouting matches and leaving many questions unanswered. The exchanges unfolded with Epstein survivors seated just behind her. Ali Rogin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Today’s Judiciary Committee hearing turned into pure chaos as AG Pam Bondi faced off with House Democrats—and Jerry Nadler literally fell asleep during Jamie Raskin’s remarks. When Nadler finally woke up, the “questions” became Trump-bashing lectures, time-reclaiming theatrics, and constant interruptions. Bondi fired back, calling out years of Democrat silence under Garland, then stunned the room with a bizarre Dow-50,000 pivot before landing punches on sanctuary-state crime and donor hypocrisy. Jim Jordan kept it ALL together. SHOP OUR MERCH: https://store.townhallmedia.com/ BUY A LARRY MUG: https://store.townhallmedia.com/products/larry-mug Watch LARRY with Larry O'Connor LIVE — Monday-Thursday at 12PM Eastern on YouTube, Facebook, & Rumble! Find LARRY with Larry O'Connor wherever you get your podcasts! SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/7i8F7K4fqIDmqZSIHJNhMh?si=814ce2f8478944c0&nd=1&dlsi=e799ca22e81b456f APPLE: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/larry/id1730596733 Become a Townhall VIP Member today and use promo code LARRY for 50% off: https://townhall.com/subscribe?tpcc=poddescription https://townhall.com/ https://rumble.com/c/c-5769468 https://www.facebook.com/townhallcom/ https://www.instagram.com/townhallmedia/ https://twitter.com/townhallcomBecome a Townhall VIP member with promo code "LARRY": https://townhall.com/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On Capitol Hill, Attorney General Pam Bondi faced a barrage of questions on the handling of the Epstein files and the fatal shootings of two U.S. citizens in Minnesota by federal officers. Bondi repeatedly sparred with lawmakers, at times engaging in shouting matches and leaving many questions unanswered. The exchanges unfolded with Epstein survivors seated just behind her. Ali Rogin reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com

Independent investigative journalism, broadcasting, trouble-making and muckraking with Brad Friedman of BradBlog.com

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of On Record, UJC Chair Allison McVey discusses the Committee's 70th anniversary, an unusually heavy caseload this past fall semester, and the responsibilities that come with student-led adjudication. From navigating serious health and safety cases to training new members and launching a new endowment, McVey explains how the UJC continues to adapt while remaining grounded in UVA's core values of respect, safety and freedom.

There's a call for state lawmakers to put forward a bill that would prevent people on probation from being sent back to prison for minor technical violations. What are the laws on the books and how would provisions impact Connecticut? We asked State Senator Paul Cicarella, ranking senator on the Public Safety and Security Committee and also serves on the Judiciary Committee.

The Friday chaos is already underway! Somehow, despite the "surprise" nature of the "unanimous vote" by a handpicked board for the "name change," they're already installing new signage at the Kennedy Center. If you ordered a Trump Mobile T1 phone for Christmas, you're dumb! And SOL, as they say! Speaking of Trump phones, there's a newly-released tape of yet another racketeering phone call Trump made to Georgia Republicans, to try to overturn the 2020 election. And speaking of that, Jack Smith sat for a deposition before Gym Jordan and the Judiciary Committee on Wednesday. And he told them all that yes, there was a mountain of evidence to convict Trump. On everything. Thankfully, no Republicans accused him of politicizing the investigation, because Democrats bought 100% protection from that charge, by agreeing—once again—that all serious investigative and prosecutorial power must at all times be ceded to Republicans. But I digress! The U.S. continues to blow up more boats in the… uh… warm-ish, equatorial region. You know, wherever. Does it really matter what country they're from? Or whether anything alleged is true? I guess not, because it isn't! But couldn't Stephen Miller's evil plan to destroy Venezuela just end up driving more migration from Venezuela? Yes! But would Miller necessarily be sad about that? Not if it makes things look more like the fake "invasion" he keeps screaming about. Anyway, Happy Epstein Files Release Day, at long last! By which we mean Happy Epstein Files Not Getting Released Day! All the more reason to spend the weekend reading the NYT account of Epstein and Trump's "intense and complicated" relationship. And barfing! And if you're in DC, you'll still have plenty of other reasons to barf, like the continued presence of a federalized National Guard contingent. Why? Because you're too lazy to have become a state, of course!

Disability Rights Connecticut released a report following an investigation into sexual misconduct at Connecticut's only prison for women. It's a 27-page report highlighting alarming problems if not corrected will only allow the problem to continue at a high rate, according to the civil rights agency. To discuss the report, we spoke with state Senator John Kissel, Ranking Senator on the Judiciary Committee. Full report: https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5952983059cc68ff83ce3153/t/694167170bf5da1efebdebd6/1765893912027/DRCT+Report+on+Sexual+Abuse+at+York+Correctional+Institution+Dec+16+2025.pdf

Senator Eric Schmitt of Missouri, who serves on the Judiciary Committee and chairs the Subcommittee on the Constitution, joined The Guy Benson Show today to discuss the Trump administration's strikes against drug boats in the Caribbean and Latin America, pushing back on Democratic criticism by explaining why the actions are both legal and necessary. Schmitt also addressed the administration's renewed foreign policy focus on the Western Hemisphere and putting America first, targeting drug cartels and the opioid crisis at home, along with the bipartisan congressional briefings held to share intelligence and details surrounding the strikes. Senator Schmitt then weighed in on the importance of appointing and confirming Trump's judicial nominees, and outlined the Republican approach to healthcare reform. Listen to the full interview below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The latest reported street takeover in Connecticut is being called a targeted attack on police. It happened in East Haven and several people reportedly attacked the first responding officer to the takeover. It begs the question: are there enough penalties to combat this or does the police accountability law need to be tweaked? We asked State Senator Jason Perillo represents Connecticut's 21st District, which includes Stratford, Seymour, Shelton, and Monroe where street takeovers have happened in the past. He also is a member of Connecticut's Judiciary Committee.   Picture Credit: Eric Urbanowicz

Federal Reserve cuts interest rates by a quarter point for the second time this year, but Fed Chair Powell says another rate cut in December is not a foregone conclusion given concerns about the job market. We hear from the Fed chair and talk with Reuters Federal Reserve Correspondent Howard Schneider (5); Federal government shutdown is now at Day 29. Senate Democrats try and fail over Republican objections to pass a bill to extend funding only for the federal food aid program SNAP; Senate votes with the support of five Republicans to overturn President Donald Trump's emergency declaration to impose 50 percent tariffs on Brazil; President Trump promotes U.S. & Southeast Asia investment and development at a CEO's luncheon at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in South Korea and previews his meeting with Chinese leader Xi Jinping; Food & Drug Administration says it is looking to reduce the number of human clinical studies required for approval of certain biosimilar drugs to speed approval and reduce costs; Senate Veterans Affairs Committee holds a hearing on allegations of fraud in the VA disability benefits program; Sen. Chuck Grassley (R-IA), Judiciary Committee chair, talks about the news that many more Republicans were targeted in the Biden Justice Department's "Arctic Frost" investigation after the January 6, 2021 attack on the U.S. Capitol. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

X: @MarshaBlackburn @ileaderssummit @americasrt1776 @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk Join America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio co-hosts Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy with U.S. Senator Marsha Blackburn, senior senator for Tennessee and the first woman to represent the Volunteer State in the United States Senate. She serves on the Deputy Whip Team and is a member of the Finance Committee; the Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee; the Veterans' Affairs Committee; and the Judiciary Committee. Senator Marsha Blackburn serves as the Ranking Member on the Commerce Subcommittee on Consumer Protection, Product Safety, and Data Security and on the Judiciary Subcommittee on Human Rights and the Law. Before her election to the Senate, Marsha represented Tennessee's 7th Congressional District in the United States House of Representatives. americasrt.com (https://americasrt.com/) https://ileaderssummit.org/ | https://jerusalemleaderssummit.com/ America's Roundtable on Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/americas-roundtable/id1518878472 X: @MarshaBlackburn @ileaderssummit @americasrt1776 @NatashaSrdoc @JoelAnandUSA @supertalk America's Roundtable is co-hosted by Natasha Srdoc and Joel Anand Samy, co-founders of International Leaders Summit and the Jerusalem Leaders Summit. America's Roundtable (https://americasrt.com/) radio program focuses on America's economy, healthcare reform, rule of law, security and trade, and its strategic partnership with rule of law nations around the world. The radio program features high-ranking US administration officials, cabinet members, members of Congress, state government officials, distinguished diplomats, business and media leaders and influential thinkers from around the world. Tune into America's Roundtable Radio program from Washington, DC via live streaming on Saturday mornings via 68 radio stations at 7:30 A.M. (ET) on Lanser Broadcasting Corporation covering the Michigan and the Midwest market, and at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk Mississippi — SuperTalk.FM reaching listeners in every county within the State of Mississippi, and neighboring states in the South including Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana and Tennessee. Tune into WTON in Central Virginia on Sunday mornings at 6:00 A.M. (ET). Listen to America's Roundtable on digital platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon, Google and other key online platforms. Listen live, Saturdays at 7:30 A.M. (CT) on SuperTalk | https://www.supertalk.fm

On CNN's State of the Union, Dana Bash presses House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan over President Trump pressure on the Justice Department to go after his political opponents. They also discuss ICE's aggressive tactics and Trump firing federal workers en masse. Next, Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly sits down with Dana to discuss Democrat's strategy as the shutdown stretches into its second week. Then, former Biden National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan joins Dana to react to the potentially historic ceasefire-hostage in Gaza and what's next for the Middle East. Finally, CNN Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings, CNN Political Commentator Jamal Simmons, former State Department official Nayyera Haq, and foreign policy analyst Rebeccah Heinrichs discuss Trump's success negotiating peace abroad while sowing discord here at home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On CNN's State of the Union, Dana Bash presses House Judiciary Committee Chairman Rep. Jim Jordan over President Trump pressure on the Justice Department to go after his political opponents. They also discuss ICE's aggressive tactics and Trump firing federal workers en masse. Next, Democratic Sen. Mark Kelly sits down with Dana to discuss Democrat's strategy as the shutdown stretches into its second week. Then, former Biden National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan joins Dana to react to the potentially historic ceasefire-hostage in Gaza and what's next for the Middle East. Finally, CNN Senior Political Commentator Scott Jennings, CNN Political Commentator Jamal Simmons, former State Department official Nayyera Haq, and foreign policy analyst Rebeccah Heinrichs discuss Trump's success negotiating peace abroad while sowing discord here at home. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Day in Legal History: Spiro Agnew ResignsOn October 10, 1973, Vice President Spiro T. Agnew resigned from office after pleading nolo contendere (no contest) to a charge of federal income tax evasion. This marked the first time in U.S. history that a sitting vice president resigned due to criminal charges. Agnew, who had been under investigation for bribery, extortion, and tax fraud from his time as Baltimore County Executive and Governor of Maryland, struck a deal with federal prosecutors to avoid jail time.Agnew's resignation came amid the broader constitutional crisis surrounding the Nixon administration, which was already under intense scrutiny due to the unfolding Watergate scandal. While Agnew denied the bribery allegations, he admitted he failed to report $29,500 in income received in 1967. As part of the plea agreement, he was fined $10,000 and placed on three years' probation, but avoided prison.His departure triggered the use of the 25th Amendment, specifically Section 2, which allows the president to nominate a new vice president when a vacancy occurs. President Nixon nominated Gerald R. Ford, then House Minority Leader, who was confirmed by both chambers of Congress. Less than a year later, Nixon himself would resign, and Ford would ascend to the presidency—making him the only U.S. president never elected to the office of president or vice president.New York Attorney General Letitia James was indicted on October 9, 2025, for allegedly providing false information on a mortgage application. A federal grand jury in Virginia charged her with bank fraud and making a false statement to a lending institution, accusing her of falsely claiming she would use a property in Norfolk, Virginia, as a secondary residence. The indictment alleges that by misrepresenting her intent, James secured a lower interest rate, saving around $19,000. She denies wrongdoing and called the charges a politically motivated attack by the Trump administration, which she has clashed with repeatedly.The case follows a recent indictment of former FBI Director James Comey and ongoing investigations into other Trump critics, including Senator Adam Schiff and Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook. Critics, including James' attorney Abbe Lowell and Senate Democratic Leader Chuck Schumer, claim Trump is using the Justice Department for political retaliation. The case was brought by U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan, a recent Trump appointee, reportedly without involvement from career prosecutors. James is expected to appear in court on October 24.The legal battle comes amid ongoing litigation between James and Trump, most notably a civil fraud case that initially led to a $454 million penalty against Trump, later overturned on appeal. James' team plans to fight the charges vigorously, suggesting her misstatements were not intentional.Letitia James, NY attorney general and Trump foe, indicted for mortgage fraud | ReutersA federal judge in Chicago has temporarily blocked President Donald Trump's attempt to deploy National Guard troops to Illinois, citing concerns that the move could escalate tensions rather than ease them. U.S. District Judge April Perry questioned the federal government's justification for sending troops to manage what it described as unrest around an ICE facility in Broadview, Illinois. The state had sued the Trump administration, arguing the deployment was unnecessary and politically motivated. Perry noted that federal officers' own actions had sparked the protests and warned that additional troops would “add fuel to the fire.” Her injunction will remain in place until at least October 23.This ruling follows a similar block in Portland, Oregon, though a federal appeals court in San Francisco now seems poised to overturn that decision, possibly clearing the way for future deployments. The Trump administration has defended the use of troops, claiming it's necessary to protect federal property, while Democratic leaders in affected states accuse the president of misrepresenting peaceful protests as violent uprisings.Governor JB Pritzker called the court's ruling a win for the rule of law, arguing there's no rebellion requiring a military response in Illinois. The White House, meanwhile, pledged to appeal the decision, with Trump reiterating plans to expand troop deployments to other cities, including Chicago and Memphis. Critics argue this strategy stretches the limits of presidential authority and raises legal concerns over the military's role in domestic law enforcement.US judge blocks Trump's deployment of National Guard in Illinois | ReutersThe U.S. Senate confirmed Jennifer Mascott, a conservative legal scholar and Trump ally, to the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in a 50-47 vote, further shifting the court to the right. Her confirmation drew criticism from Democrats, particularly from Delaware senators, who objected to her lack of ties to the state traditionally associated with the vacant seat. Her only known Delaware connection is a beach house, prompting concerns about broken precedent and political loyalty.Mascott, who has clerked for Justices Clarence Thomas and Brett Kavanaugh, was on leave from her faculty position at Catholic University while working in the White House Counsel's Office. Senate Republicans praised her conservative legal background and past testimony before the Judiciary Committee. In contrast, Democrats criticized her nomination as partisan, with Senator Chuck Schumer labeling her a “sycophant” to Trump.This appointment, along with the recent confirmation of Emil Bove—a former Trump DOJ official and personal attorney—gives Republican appointees a majority on the 3rd Circuit, which hears appeals from Delaware, New Jersey, and Pennsylvania.Democrats also voiced frustration over the elimination of the “blue slip” tradition, which once allowed home-state senators to block appellate nominees. Republicans ended that practice during Trump's first term, enabling confirmations like Mascott's over local opposition. On the same day, the Senate Judiciary Committee advanced another Trump nominee, Rebecca Taibleson, despite objections from her home-state senator.US Senate confirms Trump nominee Mascott to federal appeals court | ReutersA Republican-controlled Senate committee approved two of President Donald Trump's nominees to the National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) but delayed action on a third, leaving the agency without the quorum needed to issue decisions. The Senate Health, Education, Labor and Pensions (HELP) Committee voted 12-11 to advance James Murphy, a retired NLRB lawyer, to the board and Crystal Carey, a labor attorney, as general counsel. However, a planned vote on Scott Mayer, Boeing's chief labor counsel, was pulled after he clashed with Senator Josh Hawley during his confirmation hearing.The NLRB has been unable to function fully since Trump's firing of Democratic board member Gwynne Wilcox in January and the expiration of another Republican member's term. Wilcox is challenging her dismissal in court, and the Supreme Court has allowed her removal to stand pending resolution. Without at least three board members, the NLRB cannot issue rulings, stalling hundreds of cases — including many involving union elections.Trump's nominees would give Republicans control of the board for the first time since 2021. Democrats expressed concern over the independence of the nominees, noting the precedent of Wilcox's dismissal and questioning whether the new appointees could remain neutral. Both Murphy and Mayer insisted they would apply the law impartially, regardless of political pressure.Mayer faced particular scrutiny over a current strike involving Boeing workers in Missouri. Hawley criticized Boeing's executive compensation amid labor disputes, while Mayer declined to comment on the situation, citing his pending nomination. The HELP Committee also approved other Trump nominees for roles within the Department of Labor.US Senate panel approves two Trump NLRB nominees, tables a third | ReutersThis week's closing theme is by Giuseppe Verdi.This week's closing theme features a composer whose name is nearly synonymous with Italian opera — Giuseppe Verdi, born on or around October 10, 1813, in the small village of Le Roncole, then part of the Napoleonic French Empire. Best known for grand operas like La Traviata, Aida, and Rigoletto, Verdi's music defined the emotional and political voice of 19th-century Italy. Though his legacy rests almost entirely on the opera stage, Verdi briefly stepped into the world of chamber music with a single, striking contribution: his String Quartet in E minor, composed in 1873.He wrote it during a production delay of Aida in Naples, saying modestly it was “just a trifle” — but the work is anything but. The first movement, Allegro vivace, opens with an energetic, tightly woven interplay among the instruments, showcasing Verdi's grasp of counterpoint and formal structure, likely influenced by his admiration for German composers like Beethoven. There's a dramatic drive that feels operatic, yet the themes unfold with the clarity and discipline of a seasoned instrumentalist.It's the only surviving chamber piece Verdi completed, and it stands as a fascinating outlier in his body of work — more intimate, abstract, and inward-looking than his vocal dramas. The movement balances lyrical passages with bursts of rhythmic vitality, hinting that even without voices, Verdi could make instruments sing. As we mark the week of his birth, this selection offers a rare glimpse into the quieter, more introspective corners of a composer usually associated with sweeping arias and rousing choruses. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Attorney General Pam Bondi faced intense scrutiny from Senate Democrats during a Judiciary Committee hearing on the Trump administration's handling of Jeffrey Epstein's documents but she pushed back with facts, conviction and the truth and it was amazing!▶Sign up to our Free Newsletter, so you never miss out: https://bio.site/professornez▶Original, Made in the USA Neznation Patriot Merch: https://professornez.myspreadshop.com/all

Send us a textThe cameras were hot, the questions were sharp, and the answers—when they came—raised more doubts than certainty. We walk you through the pivotal moments of a combative Judiciary Committee hearing with Attorney General Pam Bondi, from the still-murky $50,000 cash handoff to the whiplash over an “Epstein client list.” Beyond the viral clips, we unpack what real oversight should look like, why carefully chosen words matter, and how deflection corrodes public trust faster than any partisan meme.Then we step outside the hearing room to tackle a listener's tough question: can nonresident immigrants just use the ER for “free” care? We break down EMTALA's limits, the hidden costs everyone pays when prevention is absent, and the political calculus that turns shutdown seasons into showdowns over immigration and healthcare. You'll hear a clear, plain-English map of the arguments on both sides—cost-saving prevention and public health versus fairness, limits, and prioritizing citizens—without the noise of talking points.This episode weaves accountability, health policy, and civic responsibility into a single thread: performance wins headlines, but only substance changes lives. If you're tired of the stage play and hungry for the receipts—timelines, evidence, and straight answers—you're in the right place. Subscribe, share with a friend who follows the news closely, and leave a review telling us where you think accountability should start. Support the show

The former CDC director lays out his “See, Believe, Create” playbook from The Formula for Better Health: How to Save Millions of Lives—Including Your Own. He separates settled facts (hypertension control, PM2.5, tobacco) from guesswork, owns early COVID failures, and argues vaccine mandates and long school closures were mismatched to risk. Practical levers follow, rebuild primary care, mind your potassium-to-sodium ratio, and scale what actually works. Also: a withering look at Pam Bondi's Judiciary Committee testimony on the still-sealed Trump–Epstein files and that Qatar jet ethics tangle. Produced by Corey Wara Production Coordinator Ashley Khan Email us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠thegist@mikepesca.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ To advertise on the show, contact ⁠⁠⁠⁠ad-sales@libsyn.com⁠⁠⁠⁠ or visit ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://advertising.libsyn.com/TheGist⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Gist: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://subscribe.mikepesca.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Gist Youtube Page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4_bh0wHgk2YfpKf4rg40_g⁠⁠⁠⁠ Subscribe to The Gist Instagram Page: ⁠⁠⁠⁠GIST INSTAGRAM⁠⁠⁠⁠ Follow The Gist List at: ⁠⁠⁠⁠Pesca⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠Profundities | Mike Pesca | Substack⁠⁠⁠⁠ 

Record-breaking sums of money are pouring into American politics — from billionaires spending hundreds of millions to dark money groups hiding their donors. These sums have given wealthy interests outsized access and influence — while the Federal Election Commission (FEC), created to enforce campaign finance laws, has become unable to fulfill its mission.In this episode, host Simone Leeper speaks with former FEC Commissioner Ellen Weintraub, Senator Sheldon Whitehouse and Campaign Legal Center President Trevor Potter. Together, they trace how court rulings like Buckley v. Valeo, Citizens United v. FEC and SpeechNOW v. FEC opened the floodgates to unlimited political spending — and explore reforms that could restore transparency, strengthen the Federal Election Commission and curb the outsized role of big money in our democracy.Timestamps:(00:01) — Why was an FEC commissioner suddenly removed?(03:14) — How much money was spent in the 2024 election cycle?(07:00) — What campaign finance lessons came out of Watergate?(09:35) — What was the McCain-Feingold Act, and why did it matter?(10:45) — How did Citizens United and SpeechNow change U.S. elections?(13:41) — What is dark money and why is it dangerous?(15:18) — Why has the FEC failed to enforce campaign finance laws?(21:48) — How did Elon Musk become the biggest mega-donor in U.S. history?(24:14) — What government power did Musk gain after funding Trump?(30:03) — How has campaign finance evolved since Watergate?(33:41) — What reforms could reduce dark money and strengthen transparency?(40:57) — What must Congress do now to curb big money in politics? Host and Guests:Simone Leeper litigates a wide range of redistricting-related cases at Campaign Legal Center, challenging gerrymanders and advocating for election systems that guarantee all voters an equal opportunity to influence our democracy. Prior to arriving at CLC, Simone was a law clerk in the office of Senator Ed Markey and at the Library of Congress, Office of General Counsel. She received her J.D. cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center in 2019 and a bachelor's degree in political science from Columbia University in 2016.Ellen L. Weintraub served as Commissioner and four-time Chair of the U.S. Federal Election Commission from 2002 to 2025. There, she advocated for meaningful campaign-finance law enforcement and robust disclosure and strove to combat "dark money" and foreign influence in our elections. She has been a critic of the system that gives disproportionate influence to billionaire donors and has refuted unfounded claims of voter fraud. On February 6, 2025, she was informed that the President was removing her from office.A graduate of Yale College and Harvard Law School, Weintraub has published articles in The New York Times, The Washington Post and leading law reviews and is a frequent speaker on news shows and at conferences at home and abroad. Previously, she practiced law at Perkins Coie LLP and was Counsel to the U.S. House of Representatives Ethics Committee. Sheldon Whitehouse represents Rhode Island in the U.S. Senate. Senator Whitehouse serves as a senior member of the Judiciary Committee and the Ranking Member of the Senate Judiciary Courts Subcommittee.Trevor Potter is President of the nonpartisan Campaign Legal Center. A Republican former Chairman of the Federal Election Commission (FEC), Trevor was general counsel to John McCain's 2000 and 2008 presidential campaigns and an adviser to the drafters of the McCain-Feingold campaign finance law. To many, he is perhaps best known for his recurring appearances on The Colbert Report as the lawyer for Stephen Colbert's super PAC, Americans for a Better Tomorrow, Tomorrow, during the 2012 election, a program that won a Peabody Award for excellence in reporting on money in politics. The American Bar Association Journal has described Trevor as “hands-down one of the top lawyers in the country on the delicate intersection of politics, law and money.” He has provided testimony and written statements to Congress on federal election proposals, campaign finance regulation and, recently, the effects of the January 6th attack on our democracy. During the 2020 election season, Trevor was named to the cross-partisan National Task Force on Election Crises. Links:Democracy Decoded: Season 1, Episode 4 – CLC How Does the Citizens United Decision Still Affect Us in 2025? – CLC Dark Money Groups Are Pumping Millions Into the 2024 Election – CLC Elon Musk Stands to Gain Even More Wealth by Serving in Trump's Administration – CLC New CLC Report Examines FEC's Role in Letting Big Money Dominate Elections – CLC From Dysfunctional to Destructive (FEC Report) – CLC The Impact of Big Money and Secret Spending on Trump's Second Inauguration – CLC Have Wealthy Donors Bought the Trump Administration? – CLC Preventing Wealthy Special Interests from Using Shell Companies to Keep Their Political Spending Secret (Case Page) – CLC Opposing Special Interest Loopholes in Campaign Finance Law Enforcement — ECU v. FEC (Rick Scott Appeal - Case Page) – CLC CLC Steps Up to Promote Enforcement of Federal Campaign Finance Law (Case Page) – CLC Defending Federal Limits on Corporate Spending in Elections (Citizens United v. FEC - Case Page) – CLC Campaign Legal Center Releases New Report on the FEC's Deregulatory Trend – CLC The Agency That's Supposed To Provide Election Oversight Badly Needs Oversight – CLC Campaign Legal Center Letter Responds to President Trump's Unlawful Attempt to Exert Control Over the FEC – CLCAbout CLC:Democracy Decoded is a production of Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to solving the wide range of challenges facing American democracy. Campaign Legal Center fights for every American's freedom to vote and participate meaningfully in the democratic process. Learn more about us.Democracy Decoded is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Senator Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), who serves on the Commerce, Science, & Transportation Committee, Judiciary Committee, Veterans' Affairs Committee, and Armed Services Committee, and is the author of The Mind of a Conservative Woman: Seeking the Best for Family and Country, joined The Guy Benson Show today to slam Democrats for refusing to pass a clean funding bill, a "ridiculous" move as a government shutdown looms. Sen. Blackburn also argued that Democrats' push to provide healthcare for illegal immigrants is part of their long-term agenda is radical and doesn't address the need to get America's "fiscal house in order." Blackburn previewed the incoming federal task force being deployed to Memphis with Trump and numerous agencies to clean up the city and highlighted her new legislation to protect police and ICE officers from dangerous doxxing threats against them and their families. Listen to the full interview below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Disney's ABC pulls Jimmy Kimmel Live indefinitely following backlash relating to Kimmel's false comments on Charlie Kirk's alleged killer. Former CDC Director Susan Monarez clashes with Republicans over vaccine mandates, as Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. defends sweeping reforms to restore public trust. The Fed cuts interest rates for the first time under Trump, citing weak job growth revisions, with Powell signaling two more cuts by year's end. FBI Director Kash Patel fends off Democrats pressing for full Epstein file disclosures during a heated Judiciary Committee hearing. President Trump receives an unprecedented second state visit from King Charles, capped by historic military pageantry.  Lean: Visit https://TakeLean.com & use code MK for 20% offAll Family Pharmacy: Order now at https://allfamilypharmacy.com/MEGYN and save 10% with code MEGYN10 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Prosecutors formally charge Tyler Robinson with seven counts, including capital aggravated murder, in the political assassination of Charlie Kirk. The elderly man initially arrested at the scene of Kirk's shooting, George Zinn, now faces a child sexual abuse material probe after investigators searched his phone. FBI Director Kash Patel clashes with Senate Democrats in a fiery Judiciary Committee hearing.  Herald Group: Learn more at https://GuardYourCard.comRiverbend Ranch: Visit https://riverbendranch.com/ | Use promo code MEGYN for $20 off your first order.  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The Prop 50 Messaging BlitzProposition 50 is one of the most nakedly strategic plays in this cycle. It exists for one purpose: to eliminate California's independent redistricting board so Democrats can gerrymander five seats back — a direct response to Republicans doing the same in red states. That's the whole game. Strip away the messaging, and it's a power move. The ads hitting the airwaves now make it clear how the campaign is going to run: targeted, segmented, and intensely focused on turnout.Gavin Newsom's out front, naturally. The first ad is just him — classic ego-forward strategy. The second ad is aimed squarely at the Bay Area and Los Angeles liberal base, the same model they used to win his recall election. It's all about maximizing favorable turnout in deep blue pockets. They've run this play before, and they know it works — but back then, they had a longer runway. This time, they're racing the clock.Then there's the third ad. That one's for the independents, and its existence tells you everything. The campaign knows that gutting an independent redistricting board is a tough sell outside the bubble. They say it's temporary. I don't buy that. Nobody gives up control once they get it — not in politics. The only way this doesn't work is if moderates see through the language and call it what it is. That last ad shows they're worried that might happen.Politics Politics Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Jerry Nadler's Long ExitJerry Nadler is stepping down after more than 30 years in Congress and 50 years in public office. He's one of those figures who's always just sort of been there — a Manhattan political mainstay who most recently made headlines during Trump's first impeachment. That might end up being his most lasting national footprint. He barely held onto his seat after being redistricted into a brutal primary with Carolyn Maloney. He survived that one, but it felt like the end of something.Now he's officially retiring. He says it's time to pass the torch, and he's backing his former aide, Michael Lasher, to take over. That makes sense. It's a controlled handoff. The district will stay blue. The torch will stay in the family. Nadler might not have been the flashiest member of Congress, but he was consequential — particularly in the Judiciary Committee, where he held the gavel through some of the most heated partisan fights of the Trump era.He stepped aside from that leadership role after Jamie Raskin challenged him, and that felt like the start of the wind-down. There wasn't really a lane left for him in this current version of the Democratic Party. He's not the TikTok-friendly progressive, and he's not the compromise-seeking centrist. He's just an old-school liberal from New York. And now, like a lot of others in his generation, he's finally closing the book.Virginia Foxx and the Epstein FilesRepresentative Virginia Foxx, chair of the House Rules Committee, announced she won't use her panel to block Thomas Massie's discharge petition demanding the release of the Epstein files. That's a big move — maybe even a signal. The Republican leadership has been slow-rolling this whole thing, not wanting to get too close to whatever comes out of those documents. But Foxx just let it breathe.Massie's move has bipartisan cover — he's working with Democrat Ro Khanna — and it's gaining momentum. Speaker Mike Johnson says he supports “maximum disclosure,” but that there need to be protections for victims. That's the dodge. That's how they're all trying to walk this line — publicly in favor of transparency, privately praying it doesn't land on their doorstep.The buzz on the Hill is that DOJ will release just enough of the Epstein files to make the issue go away. Maybe that works. Maybe not. But one thing's clear: the discharge petition isn't just symbolic anymore. It's a real threat. And the fact that leadership isn't moving to squash it says a lot about how much weaker those levers of control have gotten. Foxx's choice here wasn't just about process — it was a quiet acknowledgment that the old rules don't apply. Not with this. Not anymore.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:03:25 - Interview with Dillon Fleharty00:45:49 - Update00:48:02 - Prop 50 ads00:53:05 - Jerry Nadler00:55:08 - Virginia Foxx00:56:47 - Interview with Dillon Fleharty, con't01:35:24 - Wrap-up This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe

The Senate gets moving on Donald Trump's appeals-court nominees, including Emil Bove for the Third Circuit, despite a Democratic walkout of the Judiciary Committee meeting. What questions remain about Bove's record at the Justice Department, including his handling of the Eric Adams case? And could his appointment affect whether other judges choose to retire? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The disastrous Epstein scandal tears the MAGA base apart, and Trump leaves an easter egg that suggests what he's going to do next. Brian interviews Jamie Raskin about what the Judiciary Committee is going to do to compel the Epstein files; Kara Swisher about Epstein, Elon and the America Party; and attorney Norm Eisen about his big win over Trump in the birthright citizenship case in court.Shop merch: https://briantylercohen.com/shopYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/briantylercohenTwitter: https://twitter.com/briantylercohenFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/briantylercohenInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/briantylercohenPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/briantylercohenNewsletter: https://www.briantylercohen.com/sign-upWritten by Brian Tyler CohenProduced by Sam GraberRecorded in Los Angeles, CASee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Angel Studios https://Angel.com/ToddBecome a Premium Angel Studios Guild member to watch The King of Kings, stream all fan-curated shows and movies, and get 2 free tickets to every Angel Studios theatrical release. Alan's Soaps https://www.AlansArtisanSoaps.comUse coupon code TODD to save an additional 10% off the bundle price.Bioptimizers https://Bioptimizers.com/toddEnter promo code TODD to get 10% off your order of MassZymes today.Bizable https://GoBizable.comUntie your business exposure from your personal exposure with BiZABLE.  Schedule your FREE consultation at GoBizAble.com today.  Bonefrog https://BonefrogCoffee.com/toddThe new GOLDEN AGE is here!  Use code TODD at checkout to receive 10% off your first purchase and 15% on subscriptions.Bulwark Capital https://KnowYourRiskPodcast.comBe confident in your portfolio with Bulwark! Schedule your free Know Your Risk Portfolio review. go to KnowYourRiskPodcast.com today.Renue Healthcare https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddYour journey to a better life starts at Renue Healthcare. Visit https://Renue.Healthcare/ToddLISTEN and SUBSCRIBE at:The Todd Herman Show - Podcast - Apple PodcastsThe Todd Herman Show | Podcast on SpotifyWATCH and SUBSCRIBE at: Todd Herman - The Todd Herman Show - YouTubeThe GOP Yawns Into The Abyss // Jimmy Comey Sounds a Like a Certain Snake // Gypsy Rose Needs God Before She Needs Her Daughter's ForgivenessEpisode Links:And this is one of those testimonials that will shock the conscience right out of you! Sen. James Langford: “You became aware that 329 children were being sent to the same address. Who else knew about thatDarrel Issa's Bill passed from Judiciary Committee to the floor limiting INJUNCTIONS to only apply to the case and the District the Judge is in. Speaker Johnson  @SpeakerJohnson will bring it to a floor vote next week!Secretary Scott Bessent makes an EXCELLENT point on judges meddling in Trump's tariffs:  "It seems highly inappropriate for the judiciary to weigh in here when the Senate had the opportunity to override the president and didn't." "So, in terms of separation of powers, the Senate has chosen not to exercise their powers, and the president absolutely has the right to set the trade agenda for the U.S."MSNBC's @jrpsaki: “Do you think there are laws that should be put in place that would help better manage [MAGA Republicans], that aren't in place now?” @Comey: “… Let's say you work in the FBI. You know that one of the two political parties is, let me put it nicely, white supremacist-adjacent, at a minimum. And so why would you want to throw your career on that side of the line & be summoned to Capitol Hill to be asked, ‘Why are you pursuing these innocent groups?'”Gypsy Rose Breaks Down Over Telling Daughter About Her Past

Glenn plays some of the most shocking moments from his interview with Trump's border czar, Tom Homan. Will the drug cartels retaliate against the United States for cracking down on illegal drugs? BlazeTV host Liz Wheeler joins to discuss what she calls one of the "biggest media scandals of this decade" after it was revealed that Politico was receiving millions of dollars from the federal government. Committee to Unleash Prosperity co-founder Stephen Moore joins to break down what Trump's foreign taxes would mean for the American consumer. The vote to push President Trump's FBI director nominee, Kash Patel, out of committee has been delayed a week. Is it due to Patel's promise to release the Epstein files? Blaze Media Washington correspondent and senior politics editor Christopher Bedford joins to discuss Trump's commitment to fulfill his campaign promises. Glenn and Christopher also discuss why the Judiciary Committee is delaying the vote to push Kash Patel out of committee. Glenn goes through the various ways the government has been wasting your tax dollars to push a radical leftist agenda.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices