Podcasts about justice department

Welcome to Purple Political Breakdown, the podcast that cuts through partisan spin to deliver the political news you actually need to know. Hosted with wit, wisdom, and zero agenda, we break down the biggest stories shaping America with the nuance mainstream media won't give you.What You'll Get Every Episode: Nuanced News Analysis - From Texas Democrats fleeing to Illinois over redistricting drama to Supreme Court decisions reshaping America, we cover the political stories that matter with context, not just headlines Research on a Dime - Complex topics made simple. Whether it's DEI policies, constitutional law, or economic policy, we explain what you need to know in plain English Real Talk Commentary - Break down public discourse, viral political takes, and trending topics with thoughtful analysis that respects your intelligence The Good News You Don't Hear - Scientific breakthroughs, innovation wins, and human progress stories buried by the news cycleRecent Deep Dives Include:The complete DEI controversy explained: what works, what doesn't, and why it mattersTexas redistricting battle and the national gerrymandering arms raceJustice Department investigations, Trump administration policies, and congressional oversight battlesState-level political dynamics from California to FloridaFederal policy impacts on everything from healthcare to immigrationKeywords & Topics We Cover:Politics: Congressional politics, redistricting, gerrymandering, Supreme Court, federal investigations, state politics, election analysis, political commentary, bipartisan analysisPolicy: Healthcare policy, immigration reform, environmental regulations, economic policy, federal spending, regulatory changes, constitutional lawNews Analysis: Political fact-checking, media literacy, policy explanation, government accountability, political trends, election coverageCurrent Events: Trump administration, Biden legacy, Congress, Justice Department, federal agencies, state governments, political investigationsEducation: Civic education, political science, policy research, government explained, constitutional analysis, political historyPerfect for politically curious listeners who want intelligent analysis without the partisan cheerleading. Whether you're center-left, center-right, or just trying to understand what's really happening in American politics, Purple Political Breakdown gives you the tools to think critically about the news.New episodes drop weekly featuring breaking news analysis, deep policy dives, and the stories mainstream media either ignores or oversimplifies.Subscribe now and join thousands of listeners who've discovered that purple really is the best color in politics.Standard Resource Links & RecommendationsThe following organizations and platforms represent valuable resources for balanced political discourse and democratic participation: PODCAST NETWORKALIVE Podcast Network - Check out the ALIVE Network where you can catch a lot of great podcasts like my own, led by amazing Black voices. Link: https://alivepodcastnetwork.com/ CONVERSATION PLATFORMSHeadOn - A platform for contentious yet productive conversations. It's a place for hosted and unguided conversations where you can grow a following and enhance your conversations with AI features. Link: https://app.headon.ai/Living Room Conversations - Building bridges through meaningful dialogue across political divides. Link: https://livingroomconversations.org/ BALANCED NEWS & INFORMATIONOtherWeb - An AI-based platform that filters news without paywalls, clickbait, or junk, helping you access diverse, unbiased content. Link: https://otherweb.com/ VOTING REFORM & DEMOCRACYEqual Vote Coalition & STAR Voting - Advocating for voting methods that ensure every vote counts equally, eliminating wasted votes and strategic voting. Link: https://www.equal.vote/starFuture is Now Coalition (FiNC) - A grassroots movement working to restore democracy through transparency, accountability, and innovative technology while empowering citizens and transforming American political discourse FutureisFutureis. Link: https://futureis.org/ POLITICAL ENGAGEMENTIndependent Center - Resources for independent political thinking and civic engagement. Link: https://www.independentcenter.org/ Get Daily News: Text 844-406-INFO (844-406-4636) with code "purple" to receive quick, unbiased, factual news delivered to your phone every morning via Informed ( https://informed.now) All Links: https://linktr.ee/purplepoliticalbreakdownThe Purple Political Breakdown is committed to fostering productive political dialogue that transcends partisan divides. We believe in the power of conversation, balanced information, and democratic participation to build a stronger society. Our mission: "Political solutions without political bias."Subscribe, rate, and share if you believe in purple politics - where we find common ground in the middle!

Epstein survivors and their legal advocates have voiced serious concern over the DOJ's push to unseal grand jury documents from Ghislaine Maxwell's criminal case, cautioning that such a move risks retraumatizing victims and potentially exposing sensitive identifying information. While the survivors have long called for transparency and accountability, many are now expressing frustration that the DOJ appears more interested in symbolic gestures—like the selective unsealing of documents—than in pursuing real justice against the powerful figures who enabled and benefited from Epstein's trafficking ring. Survivors' attorneys have pointed out that the DOJ has a long history of inaction, and they view this sudden interest in grand jury material as performative rather than substantive.In particular, the survivors have emphasized that unsealing redacted transcripts is no substitute for meaningful prosecutions or full disclosure of the DOJ's own failings—specifically regarding the original 2007 Non-Prosecution Agreement and the lack of charges brought against Epstein's inner circle of enablers. Some have accused the Justice Department of using the unsealing process as a distraction from the larger systemic failure to hold those in Epstein's orbit truly accountable. Others have warned that without strict safeguards, the release of grand jury testimony could expose private details that were never meant for public consumption, ultimately serving institutional optics rather than survivor justice.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Epstein victims speak out: This ‘smacks of a cover up' - POLITICOBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

This week on the Mark Levin Show, the Justice Department is launching a federal grand jury investigation into former Obama administration officials accused of their role in 2016's Russia-gate. This legal move could lead to criminal charges against key Cabinet members from the Obama era, including James Clapper, John Brennan, and James Comey. President Barack Obama needs to be questioned for his role. Barack Obama is the central figure in uncovering the full scope of the Russia Collusion scandal and the attempt to undermine the Trump campaign and presidency. The Supreme Court does not grant him blanket immunity. It offers a presumption of immunity, which could be challenged based on what the investigation reveals. Regardless, there is no immunity from criminal investigation or from being compelled to testify under oath—period. Israel is being attacked and accused of a deep Zionistic rhetoric that Israel has special interests regarding the spread of Zionism. Isreal is defending itself and protecting the freedoms of Jews, Christians and non-radical Muslims who oppose the Radical-Islamic regimes. Sen Elizabeth Warren met with Zohran Mamdani to endorse his socialist and Marxist agenda. Warren asserts that affordability is the primary crisis facing our nation, but this is merely a facade to disguise their true intentions. She also claims that this aligns with the Democratic message and their core values. Fidel Castro spoke of free healthcare, free food, and housing, yet he stifled his people's progress, leading to the current disastrous state of Cuba. The handouts they are advocating will ultimately cause more harm than good, jeopardizing everything you have worked tirelessly for, merely to provide for illegal immigrants, while also undermining essential institutions like our Police Departments, ICE, and more. Democrats have been more aggressive in gerrymandering than Republicans. There's not a single Republican representative from Massachusetts. There's only one Republican representative from Maryland. In 2020, the Census made "mathematic" errors resulting in upwards of 5 congressional seats assigned to blue states, which should have been held by red states. President Trump as an iconic, history-making president who thinks outside the box, achieving success as both a businessman and leader. Trump leverages America's economic power to rebuild industries, repatriate businesses, access closed economies, and compete with Communist China, while applying it to foreign policy—mirroring Ronald Reagan's approach that led to the Soviet Union's collapse. Chicago's Mayor Brandon Johnson warns of a "point of no return" for city finances amid a $1.1 billion 2026 deficit, pushing for tax hikes like a millionaire tax, corporate head tax and wants progressive revenue options. In On Power, it explains that the progressive movement aims to fundamentally transform America and Western democracies by centralizing government power, diminishing individual freedoms, and reengineering society through soft negative power. Johnson's progressive tax hikes reflects a drive to expand centralized governmental authority, which will erode economic freedoms and individual autonomy in pursuit of societal reengineering. This is what NYC can look forward to if Zohran Mamdani gets elected. Mandami repeatedly trashes America, failed to assimilate, and acting as a revolutionary against the country since his teenage arrival. His Marxist, Islamist, and Jew-hating ideologies echo terrorist lines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Friday's Mark Levin Show, NY AG Letitia James has been subpoenaed by the Justice Department as part of a grand jury investigation by the Albany US Attorney's Office, focusing on her $454 million civil fraud case against former President Donald Trump. This is fantastic; she's been politicizing her office for a long time. Jack Smith, Barack Obama, Hillary Clinton along with Smith are all being looked at. This is equal justice, not retribution. Also, historian Andrew Roberts discusses how Winston Churchill, long criticized by the left, is now also a target of disdain from the far-right podcasters, ‘influencers' and their guests, challenging the established narrative that the U.S. and U.K. were morally justified in defeating the Third Reich. Later, Trump brokered a historic peace deal between Azerbaijan and Armenia, who have been at war for 35 years. The President also facilitated ceasefires between Congo and Rwanda, Cambodia and Thailand, and India and Pakistan. Efforts are underway to negotiate a Russia-Ukraine deal, with a meeting planned, though concerns remain about Putin's reliability, given his history of breaking agreements. Afterward, On Power explains that John Adams warned that democracies can become tyrannical without just laws, representation, divided powers, private property rights, and a virtuous populace. Liberty, as outlined in the Declaration of Independence, includes unalienable rights to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Thomas Jefferson defined liberty as unobstructed action within the bounds of others' equal rights, emphasizing just laws to maintain order, though noting governments naturally encroach on liberty over time. Influenced by Locke, Jefferson saw law as a tool to promote freedom. Finally, Rep Bryon Donalds calls in to explains that he reintroduced the DC CRIMES Act to assert congressional control over Washington, D.C.'s sentencing policies, prohibiting local officials from altering sentencing laws and limiting leniency for young offenders.  Law and order needs to be restored. He also explains that if NYC elects Zohran Mamdani if would be worse than Bill de Blasio. Mamdani is good on TikTok but he's an economic illiterate. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tonight on The Last Word: Texas Republicans' attempt to remove Democrats goes to the state Supreme Court. Also, the Justice Department requests for the unsealing of the grand jury exhibits and transcripts in the Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell cases. Plus, nearly two million Americans are receiving unemployment benefits. And the Supreme Court is poised to come for the Voting Rights Act. Texas state Rep. Gina Hinojosa, Rep. Jasmine Crockett, Heather Long, Conor Lamb, and Melissa Murray join Jonathan Capehart.

This Nightcap tackles Trump's threats against courts that might try to block his trade policies. Then, the advocacy group “Democracy Forward” files a lawsuit against the Justice Department and the FBI, seeking to force them to release records about the handling of the Epstein investigation. Plus, the Texas redistricting dispute continues as Republicans escalate threats of FBI involvement to locate Democratic legislators who fled the state. Gillian Tett, Alex Wagner, Mark Joseph Stern, and David Jolly join The 11th Hour this Friday. 

On this new episode of THE POLITICRAT daily podcast Omar Moore on the Fight Club of Democrats in the new Civil War of legislative bodies: democracy on one side, white nationalists on the other. Plus: What each and every one of us can do right now to get involved in good trouble, necessary trouble to uphold any semblance of democracy that remains in the USA.Recorded August 8, 2025.SUBSCRIBE: https://youtube.com/@thepoliticratpodSUBSCRIBE: https://mooreo.substack.comSUBSCRIBE: https://politicrat.substack.comRECOMMENDED READSThe Privacy Act of 1974 (which is being violated by the Justice Department in its quest to get voting records , race and gender info, and social security numbers of every voter in the USA) : https://www.archives.gov/about/laws/privacy-act-1974.htmlOmar's latest article on Substack (subscribe!) "A Few Of The Restaurants In San Francisco Where Black People Can Expect Hostility And Racism" (August 6, 2025)https://mooreo.substack.com/p/a-partial-list-of-san-francisco-restaurants?r=275tyrTHE POLITICRAT SUMMER 2025 BOOK READING LIST: https://substack.com/@politicrat/note/c-133449058?r=judrw&utm_medium=ios&utm_source=notes-share-actionPatronize Lanny Smith's Actively Black apparel business: https://activelyblack.comPatronize Melanin Haircare: https://melaninhaircare.comPatronize Black-owned businesses on Roland Martin's Black Star Network: https://shopblackstarnetwork.comBlack-owned media matters: (Watch Roland Martin Unfiltered daily M-F 6-8pm Eastern)https://youtube.com/rolandsmartin Download the Black Star Network appIf you would like to contribute financially to The Politicrat: please send money via Zelle to omooresf@gmail.comSocial media:https://fanbase.app/popcornreel(Invest in Fanbase now! https://startengine.com/fanbase)https://spoutible.com/popcornreelhttps://popcornreel.bsky.socialAnd spill.com (@popcornreel)

This week, Ron Steslow and Mike Madrid (Author of The Latino Century) talk about the threats of the escalating, mid-decade redistricting war that Texas and California are kicking off. Later, they discuss some of the shocking, but not surprising, news on the Epstein scandal. Then, in Politicology+ they discuss the major jobs number revision from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Trump firing the agency's head, and what the erosion of trust in economic data means—especially for government institutions. Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don't miss all the extra episodes on the private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. Contribute to Politicology at politicology.com/donate Find our sponsor links and promo codes here: https://bit.ly/44uAGZ8 Send your questions and ideas to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at ‪(703) 239-3068‬ Follow this week's panel on X (formerly Twitter): https:/x.com/RonSteslow https://x.com/madrid_mike Related Reading:  The Great Transformation - Will Redistricting Become the Trigger for National Breakdown Chuck Todd - Stop Fearing the Voters: The Lazy Death Spiral of American Representation Politico - ‘If this fails, he'll have egg on his face': Gavin Newsom bets political future on redistricting power play WP - Ghislaine Maxwell's move to ‘country club' prison smacks of special treatment, experts say - The Washington Post ABC News - Ghislaine Maxwell told DOJ Trump never did anything concerning around her: Sources - ABC News CNN - Top Trump officials will discuss Epstein strategy at Wednesday dinner hosted by Vance | CNN Politics NYT - Inside Jeffrey Epstein's Manhattan Townhouse: Birthday Letters, First Edition ‘Lolita' and More - The New York Times NPR - House Oversight Committee subpoenas the Justice Department for Epstein files Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 8, 2025: In a dark new era for the Justice Department, the FBI has begun ousting longtime officials previously involved in Trump-related investigations. Nicolle is joined by retired FBI agent Christopher O'Leary and legal veteran Andrew Weissmann to discuss this latest attack on the rule of law. Plus, Ghislaine Maxwell is barred from training service dogs after being moved to a minimum-security prison camp. For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewhTo listen to this show and other MSNBC podcasts without ads, sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts.

In the past week, President Donald Trump has imposed sweeping tariffs on dozens of countries – and made moves to suppress signs of a weakening economy. Today on the politics roundtable, host Colby Itkowitz speaks with White House reporter Emily Davies and senior national political correspondent Naftali Bendavid about how Trump's recent economic moves are playing politically. They also cover his recent threats to take federal control of D.C., and the latest on how the Justice Department is pursuing investigations into Trump's perceived political enemies.Today's show was produced by Arjun Singh. It was edited by Laura Benshoff and mixed by Sean Carter. Subscribe to The Washington Post here.

Trump celebrates his sweeping new tariffs that took effect last night, which are the highest in nearly a century. Then, top White House officials held a meeting to discuss their strategy for handling the Epstein case, as the Justice Department faces a deadline tomorrow to decide whether to ask a judge to release the grand jury transcripts. Plus, a federal judge orders a two-week pause in the construction of Florida's immigration detention center. Peter Baker, Dave Weigel, Mark Leibovich, John Harwood, Max Chafkin, Joyce Vance, and John Meacham join The 11th Hour this Thursday. 

Another day, another attempted distraction from the Epstein/Maxwell scandal. As Trump's presidency continues to be dragged down by the Epstein debacle and the favors he's doing for Epstein's convicted co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, Attorney General Pam Bondi announces a bogus investigation into Barack Obama and his administration for investigating the connections between Trump and Russia in advance of the 2016 election.The harder Trump tries to distract from and coverup the Epstein files, the more he seems to alienate his base. Moreover, new reporting shows that congressional Republicans are ratcheting up their involvement in the Epstein matter by subpoenaing former Democratic AND Republican officials to testify about the Epstein investigation. Suffice it to say, this story seems to have real legs.For nightly live Law Talks, please join Glenn on Substack: glennkirschner.substack.comIf you're interested in supporting our all-volunteer efforts, you can become a Team Justice patron at: / glennkirschner If you'd like to support Glenn and buy Team Justice and Justice Matters merchandise visit:https://shop.spreadshirt.com/glennkir...Check out Glenn's website at https://glennkirschner.com/Follow Glenn on:Threads: https://www.threads.net/glennkirschner2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glennkirschner2Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glennkirsch...Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/glennkirschn...TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/glennkirschner2See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After weeks of tough talk, and a day before new sanctions are supposed to hit, President Trump eases up on Vladimir Putin. The question is why? Plus, he's now a Justice Department official, but on January 6th he was one of the mob at the Capitol. And video has surfaced of him. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Justice Department has launched a grand jury investigation into New York Attorney General Letitia James. James has been subpoenaed in an investigation focused on “possible deprivation of rights allegations” related to her civil fraud suit against President Trump. The investigation is being lead by Ed Martin. And President Trump is taking the cartels on! The New York Times reported that Trump ‘secretly' signed a directive ordering the Pentagon to start using military force against certain Latin American drug cartels. The order provides an official basis for the possibility of direct military operations at sea and on foreign soil against cartels. This means that US troops could find themselves in countries like Mexico battling the Sinaloa Cartel.Guest: Rich Valdes - Radio Host 'America at Night'Sponsor:My PillowWww.MyPillow.com/johnSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

The Justice Department is investigating President Donald Trump's long-time adversary. We have the latest on the standoff between Texas House Democrats and Republicans over redistricting. A lower court judge was dealt a significant setback in a high-stakes immigration case against two Trump officials. One of Israel's staunchest allies took a major stand against its decision to expand the war in Gaza. And, a university in the US is facing a billion-dollar hurdle.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Epstein survivors and their legal advocates have voiced serious concern over the DOJ's push to unseal grand jury documents from Ghislaine Maxwell's criminal case, cautioning that such a move risks retraumatizing victims and potentially exposing sensitive identifying information. While the survivors have long called for transparency and accountability, many are now expressing frustration that the DOJ appears more interested in symbolic gestures—like the selective unsealing of documents—than in pursuing real justice against the powerful figures who enabled and benefited from Epstein's trafficking ring. Survivors' attorneys have pointed out that the DOJ has a long history of inaction, and they view this sudden interest in grand jury material as performative rather than substantive.In particular, the survivors have emphasized that unsealing redacted transcripts is no substitute for meaningful prosecutions or full disclosure of the DOJ's own failings—specifically regarding the original 2007 Non-Prosecution Agreement and the lack of charges brought against Epstein's inner circle of enablers. Some have accused the Justice Department of using the unsealing process as a distraction from the larger systemic failure to hold those in Epstein's orbit truly accountable. Others have warned that without strict safeguards, the release of grand jury testimony could expose private details that were never meant for public consumption, ultimately serving institutional optics rather than survivor justice.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Epstein victims speak out: This ‘smacks of a cover up' - POLITICO

First: Texas Democrats who left the state in protest face a deadline to get back to the capital. If they don't the Texas attorney general says he'll seek a court order to fire them.  Plus: She prosecuted President Trump and now his Justice Department may prosecute her. The DOJ subpoenas Letitia James, looking for information about her case against the Trump Organization.  And: We introduce you to the biggest company you may never have heard of. It's worth more than Disney, Mcdonald's or Bank of America. And it just signed a $10 billion contract with the Pentagon.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another day, another attempted distraction from the Epstein/Maxwell scandal. As Trump's presidency continues to be dragged down by the Epstein debacle and the favors he's doing for Epstein's convicted co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell, Attorney General Pam Bondi announces a bogus investigation into Barack Obama and his administration for investigating the connections between Trump and Russia in advance of the 2016 election.The harder Trump tries to distract from and coverup the Epstein files, the more he seems to alienate his base. Moreover, new reporting shows that congressional Republicans are ratcheting up their involvement in the Epstein matter by subpoenaing former Democratic AND Republican officials to testify about the Epstein investigation. Suffice it to say, this story seems to have real legs.For nightly live Law Talks, please join Glenn on Substack: glennkirschner.substack.comIf you're interested in supporting our all-volunteer efforts, you can become a Team Justice patron at: / glennkirschner If you'd like to support Glenn and buy Team Justice and Justice Matters merchandise visit:https://shop.spreadshirt.com/glennkir...Check out Glenn's website at https://glennkirschner.com/Follow Glenn on:Threads: https://www.threads.net/glennkirschner2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glennkirschner2Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glennkirsch...Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/glennkirschn...TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/glennkirschner2See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Epstein survivors and their legal advocates have voiced serious concern over the DOJ's push to unseal grand jury documents from Ghislaine Maxwell's criminal case, cautioning that such a move risks retraumatizing victims and potentially exposing sensitive identifying information. While the survivors have long called for transparency and accountability, many are now expressing frustration that the DOJ appears more interested in symbolic gestures—like the selective unsealing of documents—than in pursuing real justice against the powerful figures who enabled and benefited from Epstein's trafficking ring. Survivors' attorneys have pointed out that the DOJ has a long history of inaction, and they view this sudden interest in grand jury material as performative rather than substantive.In particular, the survivors have emphasized that unsealing redacted transcripts is no substitute for meaningful prosecutions or full disclosure of the DOJ's own failings—specifically regarding the original 2007 Non-Prosecution Agreement and the lack of charges brought against Epstein's inner circle of enablers. Some have accused the Justice Department of using the unsealing process as a distraction from the larger systemic failure to hold those in Epstein's orbit truly accountable. Others have warned that without strict safeguards, the release of grand jury testimony could expose private details that were never meant for public consumption, ultimately serving institutional optics rather than survivor justice.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Epstein victims speak out: This ‘smacks of a cover up' - POLITICOBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

The All Local Afternoon Update for Friday, august 8 2025

He's worked for some of the most controversial people to enter the dock: OJ Simpson, Harvey Weinstein, Julian Assange.Leading American defence lawyer Alan Dershowitz also represented Jeffrey Epstein, the disgraced financier and convicted paedophile who has been causing trouble for President Donald Trump from beyond the grave.Dershowitz speaks to Tim Stanley about Epstein's relationship with Trump and Bill Clinton; what's really in those files; and the kind of deal Ghislaine Maxwell could do with the Justice Department.The Telegraph has also spoken to Epstein's former butler, who makes a new set of bombshell allegations about the late financier and his ties to Trump. We put those claims to Dershowitz.We want to hear from you! Email us at thedailyt@telegraph.co.uk or find @dailytpodcast on X, Instagram and TikTokRead: ‘I was Epstein's butler for 18 years. There's no way he killed himself'Producer: Lilian FawcettSenior Producer: John CadiganPlanning Editor: Venetia RaineyVideo Editor: James EnglandStudio Director: Meghan SearleExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

AP correspondent Ed Donahue reports on an investigation of a prominent New York Democrat.

This Day in Legal History: Expansion of US House of RepresentativesOn August 8, 1911, President William Howard Taft signed into law a measure that permanently expanded the size of the U.S. House of Representatives from 391 to 433 members. This change followed the 1910 census, which revealed significant population growth and shifts in where Americans lived. Under the Constitution, House seats are apportioned among the states according to population, and each decade's census can lead to changes in representation. Prior to 1911, Congress often responded to new census data by simply adding seats rather than redistributing them among states. The 1911 legislation reflected both that tradition and the political realities of the time, as expanding the House allowed growing states to gain representation without forcing other states to lose seats. It also set the stage for the modern size of the House—just two years later, New Mexico and Arizona joined the Union, bringing the total to 435 members. That number has remained fixed by law since 1929, despite the nation's continued population growth. The 1911 increase carried implications beyond arithmetic: more members meant more voices, more local interests, and a larger scale for legislative negotiation. It also underscored Congress's role in adapting the machinery of government to the country's evolving demographics. In many ways, the expansion reflected Progressive Era concerns with fair representation and democratic responsiveness. While debates over House size have continued into the 21st century, the 1911 law remains a pivotal moment in the chamber's institutional development. By enlarging the House, Taft and Congress preserved proportionality between population and representation, even if only temporarily.After the 1911 increase under President Taft, the size of the House stayed at 435 members following Arizona and New Mexico's statehood in 1912. The idea at the time was that future census results would continue to trigger changes, either by adding more seats or by redistributing them among the states.But after the 1920 census, Congress ran into a political deadlock. Massive population growth in cities—and significant immigration—meant that urban states stood to gain seats while rural states would lose them. Rural lawmakers, who still held considerable power, resisted any reapportionment that would diminish their influence. For nearly a decade, Congress failed to pass a new apportionment plan, effectively ignoring the 1920 census results.To end the stalemate, Congress passed the Permanent Apportionment Act of 1929. This law capped the House at 435 seats and created an automatic formula for reapportionment after each census. Instead of adding seats to reflect population growth, the formula reassigns the fixed number of seats among states. This froze the size of the House even as the U.S. population more than tripled over the next century.Critics argue that the 1929 cap dilutes individual representation—today, each representative speaks for about 760,000 constituents on average, compared to roughly 200,000 in 1911. Supporters counter that a larger House would be unwieldy and harder to manage. The debate over whether to expand the House continues, but the 1929 law has held for nearly a hundred years, making Taft's 1911 expansion the last time the chamber permanently grew in size.A fourth federal court blocked President Donald Trump's order restricting birthright citizenship, halting its enforcement nationwide. The order, issued on Trump's first day back in office, sought to deny citizenship to children born in the U.S. unless at least one parent was a citizen or lawful permanent resident. Immigrant rights groups and 22 Democratic state attorneys general challenged the policy as a violation of the Fourteenth Amendment's Citizenship Clause, which has long been interpreted to grant citizenship to nearly everyone born on U.S. soil.U.S. District Judge Deborah Boardman in Maryland sided with the challengers, issuing the latest in a series of nationwide injunctions despite a recent Supreme Court ruling narrowing judges' power to block policies universally. That June decision left a key exception: courts could still halt policies nationwide in certified class actions. Advocates quickly filed two such cases, including the one before Boardman, who had previously ruled in February that Trump's interpretation of the Constitution was one “no court in the country has ever endorsed.”In July, Boardman signaled she would grant national relief once class status was approved, but waited for the Fourth Circuit to return the case after the administration's appeal was dismissed. Her new order covers all affected children born in the U.S., making it the first post–Supreme Court nationwide injunction issued via class action in the birthright fight. The case, Casa Inc. et al v. Trump, continues as part of a broader legal battle over the limits of presidential power in defining citizenship.Fourth court blocks Trump's birthright citizenship order nationwide | ReutersThe Trump administration asked the U.S. Supreme Court to lift a lower court order restricting immigration enforcement tactics in much of Southern California. The Justice Department's emergency filing seeks to overturn a ruling by U.S. District Judge Maame Frimpong, who barred federal agents from stopping or detaining individuals based solely on race, ethnicity, language, or similar factors without “reasonable suspicion” of unlawful presence. Her temporary restraining order stemmed from a proposed class action brought by Latino plaintiffs—including U.S. citizens—who alleged they were wrongly targeted, detained, or roughed up during immigration raids in Los Angeles.The plaintiffs argued these tactics violated the Fourth Amendment's protections against unreasonable searches and seizures, describing indiscriminate stops by masked, armed agents. Judge Frimpong agreed, finding the operations likely unconstitutional and blocking the use of race, ethnicity, language, workplace type, or certain locations as stand-alone reasons for suspicion. The Ninth Circuit declined to lift her order earlier this month.The challenge comes amid a major escalation in Trump's immigration enforcement push, which includes aggressive deportation targets, mass raids, and even the deployment of National Guard troops and U.S. Marines in Los Angeles—a move sharply opposed by state officials. The administration contends the restrictions hinder operations in a heavily populated region central to its immigration agenda. The Supreme Court will now decide whether to allow these limits to remain in place while the underlying constitutional challenge proceeds.Trump asks US Supreme Court to lift limits on immigration raids | ReutersMilbank announced it will pay seniority-based “special” bonuses to associates and special counsel worldwide, ranging from $6,000 to $25,000, with payments due by September 30. Milbank, of course, is among the big firms that bent to Trump's strong-arm tactics, cutting a $100 million deal and dropping diversity-based hiring rather than risk becoming his next executive-order target. The New York-founded firm used the same bonus scale last summer, signaling optimism about high activity levels through the rest of the year. Milbank, known for setting the pace in Big Law compensation, is the first major corporate firm to roll out such bonuses this summer—a move that often pressures competitors to follow suit.Special bonuses are not standard annual payouts, and last year rival firms mostly waited until year's end to match Milbank's mid-year scale, adding those amounts to their regular year-end bonuses. Milbank also led the market in November 2024 with annual bonuses up to $115,000. The firm is one of nine that reached agreements with President Trump earlier this year after his executive orders restricted certain law firms' access to federal buildings, officials, and contracting work.In a smaller but notable move, New York boutique Otterbourg recently awarded all full-time associates a $15,000 mid-year bonus, citing strong performance and contributions to the firm's success.Law firm Milbank to pay out 'special' bonuses for associates | ReutersMilbank reaches deal with Trump as divide among law firms deepens | ReutersA federal judge in North Dakota vacated the Federal Reserve's rule capping debit card “swipe fees” at 21 cents per transaction, siding with retailers who have long argued the cap is too high. The decision, which found the Fed exceeded its authority by including certain costs in the fee calculation under Regulation II, will not take effect immediately to allow time for appeal. The case was brought by Corner Post, a convenience store that claimed the Fed ignored Congress's directive to set issuer- and transaction-specific standards under the 2010 Dodd-Frank Act.Banks, backed by groups like the Bank Policy Institute, defended the cap as compliant with the law, while retailers and small business advocates supported Corner Post's challenge. This is Judge Daniel Traynor's second ruling in the dispute; he initially dismissed the case in 2022 as untimely, but the U.S. Supreme Court revived it in 2024, easing limits on challenges to older regulations. An appeal to the Eighth Circuit is expected, with the losing side likely to seek Supreme Court review. The ruling comes as the Fed separately considers lowering the cap to 14.4 cents, a proposal still pending.US judge vacates Fed's debit card 'swipe fees' rule, but pauses order for appeal | ReutersTexas-based Fintiv sued Apple in federal court, accusing the company of stealing trade secrets to develop Apple Pay. Fintiv claims the mobile wallet's core technology originated with CorFire, a company it acquired in 2014, and that Apple learned of it during 2011–2012 meetings and nondisclosure agreements intended to explore licensing. According to the complaint, Apple instead hired away CorFire employees and used the technology without permission, launching Apple Pay in 2014 and expanding it globally.Fintiv alleges Apple has run an informal racketeering operation, using Apple Pay to collect transaction fees for major banks and credit card networks, generating billions in revenue without compensating Fintiv. The suit seeks compensatory and punitive damages under federal and Georgia trade secret and anti-racketeering laws, including RICO. Apple is the sole defendant and has not commented.The case follows the recent dismissal of Fintiv's related patent lawsuit against Apple in Texas, which the company plans to appeal. The new lawsuit was filed in the Northern District of Georgia, where CorFire was originally based.Lawsuit accuses Apple of stealing trade secrets to create Apple Pay | ReutersThis week's closing theme is by Antonín DvořákThis week's closing theme comes from a composer who knew how to weave folk spirit into the fabric of high art without losing either warmth or polish. Dvořák, born in 1841 in what is now the Czech Republic, grew from a village-trained violist into one of the most celebrated composers of the late 19th century. His music often married classical forms with the rhythms, turns, and dances of his homeland—an approach that made his work instantly recognizable and deeply human.His Piano Quintet No. 2 in A major, Op. 81, written in 1887, is a prime example. Dvořák had actually written an earlier piano quintet in the same key but was dissatisfied with it; rather than revise, he started fresh. The result is one of the most beloved chamber works in the repertoire. Across its four movements, the quintet blends lyrical sweep with earthy energy—romantic in scope, yet grounded in folk idiom. The opening Allegro bursts forth with an expansive theme, the piano and strings trading lines as if in animated conversation.The second movement, marked Dumka, takes its name from a Slavic song form alternating between melancholy reflection and lively dance. Here, Dvořák's gift for emotional contrast is on full display—wistful cello lines give way to playful rhythms before sinking back into introspection. The third movement is a Furiant, a fiery Czech dance bristling with syncopation and vigor, while the finale spins out buoyant melodies with an almost orchestral fullness.It is music that feels both intimate and vast, as if played in a parlor with the windows thrown open to the countryside. With this quintet, Dvořák shows how local color can speak in a universal voice—how the tunes of a homeland can travel the world without losing their soul. For our purposes, it's a reminder that endings can be celebratory, heartfelt, and just a bit homespun.Without further ado, Antonín Dvořák's Piano Quintet No. 2 in A major, Op. 81 – enjoy! 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

Donald Trump is drowning in the Epstein/Maxwell scandal. So day after day he tries to create a distraction. The latest? His Department of Justice will be investigating former Special Counsel Jack Smith. Glenn discusses why this particular investigation will go exactly nowhere!For nightly live Law Talks, please join Glenn on Substack: glennkirschner.substack.comIf you're interested in supporting our all-volunteer efforts, you can become a Team Justice patron at: / glennkirschner If you'd like to support Glenn and buy Team Justice and Justice Matters merchandise visit:https://shop.spreadshirt.com/glennkir...Check out Glenn's website at https://glennkirschner.com/Follow Glenn on:Threads: https://www.threads.net/glennkirschner2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glennkirschner2Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glennkirsch...Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/glennkirschn...TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/glennkirschner2See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

President Donald Trump announces he is nominating Stephen Miran, current chair of the Council of Economic Advisers, to Federal Reserve Board, to replace a board member who has resigned; Wall Street Journal's Gavin Bade on first day with President Donald Trump's tariffs in effect on more than 90 countries (6); Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) says FBI has agreed to assist Texas law enforcement in arresting Texas House Democrats who have fled to Illinois and other states to keep the Texas House Republican majority from voting on a new congressional redistricting map; Russian President Vladimir Putin welcomes President Trump's invitation to meet in person next week to discuss the war in Ukraine, and President Trump says a White House report that he believes Putin must first meet with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky is not true; U.S. Attorney for Washington, DC Jeanine Pirro says the Justice Department is considering pursuing the death penalty against the suspect in the Capital Jewish Museum fatal shooting. She is also asked about President Trump saying federal government may need to take over DC to curb crime, after a former DOGE staffer was brutally attacked; Today is National Purple Heart Day, honoring servicemembers wounded or killed by the enemy in military action. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump is drowning in the Epstein/Maxwell scandal. So day after day he tries to create a distraction. The latest? His Department of Justice will be investigating former Special Counsel Jack Smith. Glenn discusses why this particular investigation will go exactly nowhere!For nightly live Law Talks, please join Glenn on Substack: glennkirschner.substack.comIf you're interested in supporting our all-volunteer efforts, you can become a Team Justice patron at: / glennkirschner If you'd like to support Glenn and buy Team Justice and Justice Matters merchandise visit:https://shop.spreadshirt.com/glennkir...Check out Glenn's website at https://glennkirschner.com/Follow Glenn on:Threads: https://www.threads.net/glennkirschner2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glennkirschner2Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glennkirsch...Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/glennkirschn...TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/glennkirschner2See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Frank Desiderio, a founding partner at GDLSK, shared his journey from Brooklyn to becoming a trade attorney. Initially aspiring to be a cowboy, he discovered his aptitude for law during high school. After a summer with a prestigious civil engineering firm, he decided to pursue law for financial reasons. Desiderio excelled at St. John's University Law School and was recruited by the Justice Department. He later founded GDLSK, handling customs and trade law. Desiderio emphasized the importance of mentorship, adaptability, and persistence, sharing anecdotes about his early career and the evolving landscape of trade law.    Connect with Frank: https://www.linkedin.com/in/frankdesideriocustomsatty/    In the midst of all this chaos, education is your best ally. Access Exclusive Resources Here ⏬   Recommended Resources: Check out our OnDemand Library at GTC!

A new preschool opens its doors in East Salinas. And, a federal judge in San Francisco has ordered the Justice Department to defend its suspension of hundreds of scientific research grants at UCLA.

White House envoy Steve Witkoff is in Moscow to meet with Vladimir Putin, days before President Trump's deadline for Russia to end the war in Ukraine or face sanctions. Some of the President's core supporters are expressing disagreement with President Trump on issues from Gaza to Jeffrey Epstein, and the Justice Department has reportedly set up a grand jury investigation into the Obama administration's handling of the 2016 Presidential election.Want more comprehensive analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter. Today's episode of Up First was edited by Ryland Barton, Roberta Rampton, Megan Pratz, Janaya Williams and Ally Schweitzer. It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas. We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange. Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Justice Department is considering whether to release a transcript and audio from Ghislaine Maxwell's closed-door interview with Deputy AG Todd Blanche. In a wide-ranging CNBC interview, President Trump floated names to replace Fed Chair Jerome Powell, detailed a potential trade deal with China, recounted being de-banked after leaving office, and reiterated he “probably” won't run for a third term. The Coast Guard releases a scathing 335-page report on the Titan sub disaster, blaming CEO Stockton Rush's negligence and catastrophic engineering failures for the fatal implosion.Riverbend Ranch: Visit https://riverbendranch.com/ | Use promo code MEGYN for $20 off your first order.All Family Pharmacy: Order now at https://allfamilypharmacy.com/MEGYN and save 10% with code MEGYN10 

The House Oversight Committee subpoenas the Justice Department for its ‘Epstein files' and demands testimony from several high-profile individuals, including the Clintons. Then, DOJ weighs releasing the audio and transcript from Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche's interview with Ghislaine Maxwell last month. Plus, Texas Republican Senator John Cornyn asks the FBI to arrest Texas Democrats who fled the state to block the GOP's redistricting plan. Jon Allen, Daniella Diaz, Jeff Mason, Ron Insana, Gillian Tett, Reed Galen, and Michael McFaul join The 11th Hour this Tuesday. 

It looks like Trump and company are already currying favor with Jeffrey Epstein's convicted co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell. News broke that Maxwell was transferred from FCI (Federal Correctional Institution) Tallahassee - a prison that houses men and women - to a low-security women's "federal prison camp" in Texas.As a career federal prosecutor, there were times when Glenn arranged for the transfer of inmates from one confinement facility to another. In this podcast he discusses the two most common reasons for an inmate transfer, and talks about the possible reasons why Trump's Department of Justice may have chosen to transfer Maxwell.For nightly live Law Talks, please join Glenn on Substack: glennkirschner.substack.comIf you're interested in supporting our all-volunteer efforts, you can become a Team Justice patron at: / glennkirschner If you'd like to support Glenn and buy Team Justice and Justice Matters merchandise visit:https://shop.spreadshirt.com/glennkir...Check out Glenn's website at https://glennkirschner.com/Follow Glenn on:Threads: https://www.threads.net/glennkirschner2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glennkirschner2Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glennkirsch...Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/glennkirschn...TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/glennkirschner2See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A top Republican finally issues subpoenas related to Jeffrey Epstein but who isn't on the list says a lot more than who is. This as President Trump weighs in on Ghislaine Maxwell's unusual meeting with Justice Department. Plus, Republicans are asking the FBI to round up Texas Democrats who fled the state as Democrats across the country are now threatening to redraw their own maps.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Research shows children and teens who spend too much time on screens may face higher chances of developing obesity, high blood pressure and diabetes, especially if they also get poor sleep. Dr. Celine Gounder joins "CBS Mornings" to break it down. The Titan submersible implosion killed all five people on board as it was taking passengers to view the wreckage of the Titanic. Now, a report from the U.S. Coast Guard says the 2023 tragedy was preventable and outlines a series of mistakes. David Pogue of "CBS Sunday Morning" reports. As the Justice Department considers releasing Ghislaine Maxwell's interview, the family of Virginia Giuffre joins "CBS Mornings" to reflect on her legacy and respond to Maxwell's push for clemency. Psychiatrist Dr. Sue Varma joins "CBS Mornings" to explain "analysis paralysis" and how her new book "Practical Optimism" offers tools to break the cycle of overthinking. Meta says it has shut down nearly 7 million WhatsApp accounts linked to scammers just in the first half of 2025. To keep users safe, WhatsApp has now launched new AI-powered safety features to combat scams, including suspicious message detection and group invite warnings.Nate Burleson joins the men and women of Honolulu Ocean Safety, the lifeguards who patrol Oahu's treacherous North Shore and save lives far beyond the beach. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tonight, the Trump-Epstein-Ghislaine triangle of sleaze gets even messier. Ghislaine Maxwell, yes, that Ghislaine, convicted of trafficking minors, has reportedly told the Justice Department she “never saw” Trump do anything concerning with Epstein. Oh great, nothing to worry about then! Just taking the word of a convicted sex trafficker. Totally normal. Meanwhile, Trump's top aides are huddling behind closed doors tonight to figure out how to spin this disaster. What will the official narrative be? Deny, distract, or gaslight? Or most likely, all three. We're joined by journalist Tara Palmeri to break down what's real, what's spin, and what this all means. This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://betterhelp.com/donlemon and get on your way to being your best self. This episode is brought to you by Shopify. Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month trial and start selling today at https://shopify.com/lemon This episode is sponsored by Wild Alaskan. Not all fish are the same! Get seafood you can trust. Go to https://wildalaskan.com/LEMON for $35 off your first box of premium, wild-caught seafood. This episode is brought to you by Lean. Doctors created a healthier way to lose weight by capturing the power of natural ingredients -- like CARALLUMA. Let's get you started with 20% off. Use code LEMON20 at https://TAKELEAN.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It looks like Trump and company are already currying favor with Jeffrey Epstein's convicted co-conspirator Ghislaine Maxwell. News broke that Maxwell was transferred from FCI (Federal Correctional Institution) Tallahassee - a prison that houses men and women - to a low-security women's "federal prison camp" in Texas.As a career federal prosecutor, there were times when Glenn arranged for the transfer of inmates from one confinement facility to another. In this podcast he discusses the two most common reasons for an inmate transfer, and talks about the possible reasons why Trump's Department of Justice may have chosen to transfer Maxwell.For nightly live Law Talks, please join Glenn on Substack: glennkirschner.substack.comIf you're interested in supporting our all-volunteer efforts, you can become a Team Justice patron at: / glennkirschner If you'd like to support Glenn and buy Team Justice and Justice Matters merchandise visit:https://shop.spreadshirt.com/glennkir...Check out Glenn's website at https://glennkirschner.com/Follow Glenn on:Threads: https://www.threads.net/glennkirschner2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glennkirschner2Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glennkirsch...Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/glennkirschn...TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/glennkirschner2See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On Tuesday, the House Oversight Committee issued a flurry of subpoenas seeking files from the Justice Department and testimony from ex-government and law enforcement officials. Jeffery Epstein is a former financier and convicted sex offender who was accused of serial sex trafficking of women and underage girls, giving access to high profile figures. We will discuss the latest into this investigation.

Tuesday, the House Oversight Committee issued a flurry of subpoenas seeking files from the Justice Department and testimony from ex-government and law enforcement officials. Jeffery Epstein is a former financier and convicted sex offender who was accused of serial sex trafficking of women and underage girls, giving access to high profile figures. We will discuss the latest into this investigation.

This Day in Legal History: Voting Rights ActOn August 6, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Voting Rights Act into law, marking a pivotal moment in American legal and civil rights history. The legislation aimed to enforce the Fifteenth Amendment by prohibiting racial discrimination in voting, especially in the southern states where such practices were deeply entrenched. The Act outlawed literacy tests and other mechanisms that had been used for decades to suppress the Black vote. It also authorized federal oversight of voter registration and election procedures in jurisdictions with histories of discrimination.The law came in the wake of sustained activism, including the Selma to Montgomery marches and the brutal attack on peaceful demonstrators in what became known as “Bloody Sunday.” Johnson, in a powerful address to Congress, tied the moral imperative of the Act to the nation's founding ideals, declaring that “it is wrong—deadly wrong—to deny any of your fellow Americans the right to vote.” Within months of the Act's passage, hundreds of thousands of Black Americans were registered to vote, reshaping political representation across the South.The Voting Rights Act has since been amended and interpreted by courts, with key provisions reauthorized multiple times. However, in Shelby County v. Holder (2013), the Supreme Court invalidated the formula used to determine which jurisdictions required federal oversight, significantly weakening the Act's enforcement mechanism. This decision opened the door to new state laws that voting rights advocates argue disproportionately affect minority voters.Legal scholars and civil rights lawyers continue to debate the future of the Act, with efforts ongoing to restore and update its protections. The Voting Rights Act of 1965 remains one of the most consequential civil rights statutes in American history, transforming the legal landscape of democratic participation.Ghislaine Maxwell, convicted in 2021 for aiding Jeffrey Epstein in sexually abusing minors, is opposing the U.S. government's attempt to release transcripts from the grand jury that indicted her. Her legal team argues that public disclosure could irreparably damage her reputation and complicate a potential retrial, especially as she seeks to overturn her conviction at the U.S. Supreme Court. They claim the grand jury testimony is incomplete and lacks the scrutiny of cross-examination. The Department of Justice, citing public interest, requested permission from two Manhattan judges to release the material, prompting responses from Maxwell's lawyers, Epstein's estate, and alleged victims.President Donald Trump recently pushed for the release of the documents, seeking to address criticism from both allies and opponents about the handling of the Epstein-Maxwell case. Trump's Justice Department acknowledged that a rumored Epstein client list does not exist, which disappointed some supporters. While Epstein's estate took no stance on the release, attorneys for victims advocated for limited disclosure that protects victims' identities and allows pre-review by their legal teams.The Justice Department said the grand jury testimony largely aligned with evidence presented at Maxwell's trial. Maxwell's appeal to the Supreme Court argues that a 2007 plea agreement between Epstein and prosecutors should have protected her as well. Additionally, she recently met with Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche about potential information she may have on other individuals.Epstein partner Maxwell opposes release of her grand jury materials | ReutersA federal judge in Boston has blocked the Trump administration from diverting over $4 billion away from a disaster prevention grant program known as Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC). The ruling, issued by U.S. District Judge Richard Stearns, grants a preliminary injunction to stop the government from redirecting funds intended to help state and local governments prepare for natural disasters like floods and hurricanes.The lawsuit was filed by 20 predominantly Democratic-led states, led by Massachusetts and Washington, arguing that FEMA lacked authority to cancel or repurpose the BRIC program without congressional consent. The judge agreed that the states faced potential irreparable harm and shouldn't have to wait until the funding was fully withdrawn to challenge the decision.FEMA, a part of the Department of Homeland Security, had labeled the program as wasteful and ineffective earlier this year, announcing plans to shut it down. However, Judge Stearns noted that such a move violated proper legal procedures and posed serious risks to public safety and infrastructure.The BRIC program was created in 2018 during Trump's first term and has since approved around $4.5 billion in funding for nearly 2,000 infrastructure projects, largely in coastal areas. Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell said the ruling affirms the importance of federal support for community disaster preparedness.US judge blocks Trump administration from diverting disaster prevention grants | ReutersTesla and CEO Elon Musk are facing a proposed class action lawsuit from shareholders who allege they committed securities fraud by misrepresenting the safety and readiness of Tesla's self-driving technology, including the Robotaxi. The lawsuit, filed in federal court in Austin, Texas, follows a June test of the Robotaxi that revealed troubling behavior such as sudden braking, wrong-lane driving, and unsafe passenger drop-offs. After the test, Tesla's stock dropped 6.1%, erasing roughly $68 billion in market value.Shareholders argue that Musk and Tesla overstated the capabilities of their autonomous driving systems, misleading investors about the company's prospects. Key statements under scrutiny include Musk's April 2025 assertion that Tesla was "laser-focused" on launching the Robotaxi in Austin and Tesla's public claims of a scalable and safe autonomous approach. The lawsuit covers shareholders who bought stock between April 19, 2023, and June 22, 2025.Tesla CFO Vaibhav Taneja and former CFO Zachary Kirkhorn are also named as defendants. The complaint arrives as Tesla confronts lagging demand for its existing EV models and public concern over Musk's leadership and political views. Meanwhile, Tesla is appealing a recent Florida jury verdict holding it partially liable for a 2019 crash involving its self-driving software, which resulted in a $243 million damages award.Tesla, Elon Musk sued by shareholders over Robotaxi claims | ReutersThe U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), led by Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr., announced a sweeping rollback of government-funded mRNA vaccine projects, cutting 22 initiatives worth $500 million. The move affects high-profile organizations including Moderna, Emory University, and Tiba Biotech. Kennedy justified the decision by claiming mRNA vaccines have not effectively protected against upper respiratory illnesses like COVID-19 and influenza. He also indicated a policy pivot toward “safer, broader vaccine platforms” that could maintain effectiveness despite viral mutations.This decision marks a dramatic shift in federal vaccine policy under the Trump administration and reflects Kennedy's long-standing skepticism toward vaccine safety. It follows previous actions he's taken, including firing 17 CDC vaccine advisers, removing COVID-19 vaccines from recommended use in healthy children and pregnant women, and reducing contracts with Moderna and Novavax. The Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority (BARDA), which oversees U.S. pandemic preparedness, is now being redirected to focus on vaccine platforms with what the agency calls “stronger safety records” and more transparency.Critically, the rationale for these cuts leans heavily on Kennedy's controversial views, which conflict with the broader scientific consensus on the safety and efficacy of mRNA technology. While it is reasonable to assess long-term vaccine strategy, completely abandoning mRNA platforms — particularly after their role in containing the COVID-19 pandemic — appears ideologically driven rather than data-based. Public health experts warn this may jeopardize future preparedness and undercut decades of scientific advancement, especially when the HHS has not publicly released the data allegedly supporting its decision.RFK Jr. Pulls Back on mRNA Projects as Vaccine Shakeup Continues This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

On the 60th anniversary of the Voting Rights Act, protections are eroding as the Justice Department pulls back enforcement and the Supreme Court weighs limiting legal challenges from everyday citizens. Civil rights leaders warn that communities of color could soon have no recourse against voter suppression, redistricting, or election discrimination. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Monday's Mark Levin Show, the Justice Department is launching a federal grand jury investigation into former Obama administration officials accused of their role in 2016's Russia-gate. This legal move could lead to criminal charges against key Cabinet members from the Obama era, including James Clapper, John Brennan, and James Comey. President Barack Obama needs to be questioned for his role. Barack Obama is the central figure in uncovering the full scope of the Russia Collusion scandal and the attempt to undermine the Trump campaign and presidency. The Supreme Court does not grant him blanket immunity.  It offers a presumption of immunity, which could be challenged based on what the investigation reveals. Regardless, there is no immunity from criminal investigation or from being compelled to testify under oath—period.  Furthermore, In On Power, negative power is coercive and aims to suppress individual identity, liberty, and sovereignty, often exercised by authoritarian regimes that treat people as servants to their cause. Its goal is to dominate society through centralized, unchecked control, stripping individuals of free will, self-worth, and the human spirit. To maintain this grip, such regimes restrict speech, manipulate language, punish independent thought, and promote conformity and fanaticism over curiosity and independence. Lastly, Israel is being attacked and accused of a deep Zionistic rhetoric that Israel has special interests regarding the spread of Zionism. Isreal is defending itself and protecting the freedoms of Jews, Christians and non-radical Muslims who oppose the Radical-Islamic regimes.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Texas Governor Greg Abbott orders arrest warrants for Democrats who fled the state to block Republicans from redrawing the congressional map to gain seats. Then, Attorney General Pam Bondi calls for a grand jury investigation into the Obama administration over claims that it falsified data pertaining to Russia interference in the 2016 election. Plus, two of Jeffrey Epstein's victims slam the Justice Department over its handling of the ‘Epstein files,' urging that their privacy be protected. Luke Broadwater, Susan Glasser, David Drucker, Gene Sperling, Peter Goodman, Stuart Stevens, and Eleanor Klibanoff join The 11th Hour this Monday. 

A.M. Edition for Aug 5. President Trump is looking to step up pressure against banks for dropping clients over perceived discrimination against conservatives and crypto companies. WSJ editor Alex Frangos says it comes as investors are increasingly worried about political interference on Wall Street. Plus, The Justice Department tasks a grand jury with reinvestigating the intelligence community's findings over Russia's efforts to influence the 2016 presidential election. And, in a bid to deter foreigners from overstaying their visas, The State Department might require travelers entering the U.S. to post a bond of up to $15,000. Azhar Sukri hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

P.M. Edition for Aug. 5. Nearly 10 million American children are living in poverty, the most since 2018. Tens of millions more are precariously close, their families pushed to the brink by a storm of economic factors. Dan Frosch, who covers the U.S. economy with a focus on income inequality and poverty for the Journal, talked with a number of families in this position and joins us to discuss. Plus, with the resignation of a Federal Reserve official, President Trump has an opportunity to reshape the Fed. We hear from WSJ chief economics correspondent Nick Timiraos about what the president might do. And a House committee has subpoenaed the Justice Department for reports of its investigation into Jeffrey Epstein. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The District of Columbia Board on Professional Responsibility has issued a report recommending that former Department of Justice lawyer Jeffrey Clark be disbarred for his role in Trump's efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.The Report states: "On the merits, we conclude that Disciplinary Counsel proved by clear and convincing evidence that Respondent (Jeffrey Clark) attempted to make intentionally false statements when he continued to advocate that the Justice Department issue a letter containing falsehoods. Thus, Respondent's (Clark's) conduct constituted an attempt to make intentionally false statements about the results of the Justice Department's investigation. . . A majority of the Board recommends that Respondent (Clark) be disbarred. Glenn reviews this new legal development.For nightly live Law Talks, please join Glenn on Substack: glennkirschner.substack.comIf you're interested in supporting our all-volunteer efforts, you can become a Team Justice patron at: / glennkirschner If you'd like to support Glenn and buy Team Justice and Justice Matters merchandise visit:https://shop.spreadshirt.com/glennkir...Check out Glenn's website at https://glennkirschner.com/Follow Glenn on:Threads: https://www.threads.net/glennkirschner2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glennkirschner2Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glennkirsch...Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/glennkirschn...TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/glennkirschner2See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

In our news wrap Tuesday, the Texas Attorney General is ramping up pressure on Democrats who left the state to block a vote on a new congressional map, a central California wildfire exploded in size to nearly 130 square miles and the House Oversight Committee subpoenaed the Justice Department for files related to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

Jeffrey Epstein's so-called “deal of the century” wasn't earned—it was engineered. In 2008, despite facing evidence of molesting and trafficking dozens of underage girls, Epstein walked away with a sweetheart plea deal that saw him serve just 13 months in a private wing of the Palm Beach County jail. He was allowed to leave the facility six days a week for 12 hours a day under “work release,” even though his office visits were unsupervised and often involved young female visitors. The deal—brokered in secret—granted Epstein immunity not only for himself, but also for “any potential co-conspirators,” effectively shielding Ghislaine Maxwell, Sarah Kellen, Nadia Marcinkova, and others from prosecution. Federal prosecutors didn't even notify the victims, a clear violation of the Crime Victims' Rights Act. This wasn't justice—it was protection, delivered by a system that bent the knee to wealth, influence, and possibly much darker forces.The man who publicly signed off on the deal was then–U.S. Attorney Alex Acosta, but he wasn't the architect—he was the middleman. The real decision to cut Epstein loose came from the very top of the Bush-era Justice Department: then–Attorney General Michael Mukasey and Deputy Attorney General Mark Filip. They quietly pulled the strings behind the scenes, elevating the matter above Acosta's authority and ensuring that Epstein's prosecution would be neutered. This wasn't about a weak local prosecutor making a bad call—it was a deliberate move by the most powerful legal officials in the country to shut down a case that risked exposing too much. Whether it was done to protect intelligence assets, political allies, or institutional reputations, the result was the same: Epstein got a free pass, his victims were betrayed, and the system showed the world that justice is selective, rigged, and for sale when the right names are involved.

It's another jampacked episode of Mea Culpa! First, Michael sifts through the sordid wreckage of America's Creepiest Politician as we learn new details about Matt Gaetz and his taste for young girls. It's alleged that the Florida Rep lured girls as young as 17 to hotel rooms for sex romps on the club drug ecstasy. Later, as the Justice Department investigated his behavior, Gaetz sought a preemptive pardon from Donald Trump during the chaotic, final days of his administration. Later, John Dean, the OG, Washington operator and former Nixon White House Counsel, joins Mea Culpa to discuss Trump vs Nixon, Michael's own legal issues and how Nixon would've felt about the Donald. DON'T MISS THIS EPISODE!    To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices It's another jampacked episode of Mea Culpa! First, Michael sifts through the sordid wreckage of America's Creepiest Politician as we learn new details about Matt Gaetz and his taste for young girls. It's alleged that the Florida Rep lured girls as young as 17 to hotel rooms for sex romps on the club drug ecstasy. Later, as the Justice Department investigated his behavior, Gaetz sought a preemptive pardon from Donald Trump during the chaotic, final days of his administration. Later, John Dean, the OG, Washington operator and former Nixon White House Counsel, joins Mea Culpa to discuss Trump vs Nixon, Michael's own legal issues and how Nixon would've felt about the Donald. DON'T MISS THIS EPISODE! To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a live conversation on Aug. 1, Lawfare Editor in Chief Benjamin Wittes sat down with Lawfare Senior Editors Anna Bower, Lawfare Legal Fellow James Pearce, and Lawfare contributors Michael Feinberg and Renee DiResta to discuss the politicization of the Justice Department, including the attorney general's misconduct complaint against Judge Boasberg, the legal challenges to Alina Habba's appointment to be U.S. attorney, a lawsuit by Democratic Congress members against ICE over restrictions on visiting detention facilities, agreements by universities with the Trump administration, and more.You can find information on legal challenges to Trump administration actions here. And check out Lawfare's new homepage on the litigation, new Bluesky account, and new WITOAD merch.Support this show http://supporter.acast.com/lawfare. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a big "FU" to the federal judiciary and the American People, Senate Republicans confirm Donald Trump's former criminal defense attorney, Emil Bove, to the 3rd Circuit Federal Court of Appeals. The Republicans didn't care that Bove was credibly accused of telling DOJ lawyers that they would need to tell federal court judges "FU" and defy their court rulings if those orders interfered with Trump's deportation efforts. In a related story, Attorney General Pam Bondi seemed to take Bove's advice. In a midnight filing in the Epstein and Maxwell grand jury transcripts matter, Bondi refused to comply with a judge's directive to state whether, before filing the motion to unseal, the Government (meaning the DOJ) notified the victims of the motion to unseal. Glenn reviews these two sad developments that find the DOJ flailing and failing as an institution. For nightly live Law Talks, please join Glenn on Substack: glennkirschner.substack.comIf you're interested in supporting our all-volunteer efforts, you can become a Team Justice patron at: / glennkirschner If you'd like to support Glenn and buy Team Justice and Justice Matters merchandise visit:https://shop.spreadshirt.com/glennkir...Check out Glenn's website at https://glennkirschner.com/Follow Glenn on:Threads: https://www.threads.net/glennkirschner2Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/glennkirschner2Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/glennkirsch...Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/glennkirschn...TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/glennkirschner2See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.