Podcasts about lawmakers

Fraud in Minnesota is now under intense scrutiny on Capitol Hill, as state Republicans tell Congress that massive schemes went unchecked for years despite repeated warnings from whistleblowers. Lawmakers during a hearing on Wednesday focused on allegations tied to pandemic-era programs, with testimony raising new questions about what state officials knew and when. Republican Minnesota House Speaker Lisa Demuth, who is now running for governor, joins the Rundown to discuss how she believes Minnesota state officials had been ignoring or actively suppressing investigations into the alleged fraud. The U.S. military went into Venezuela. Could Greenland be next? President Trump says the America needs the icy territory, which is a self-governing Danish territory, for national security purposes. Our allies, including Denmark, are pushing back against the administration's comments about seizing or even buying the island. Michael Allen, a managing director and partner at Beacon Global Strategies and a former special assistant to President George W. Bush at the National Security Council, explains the strategic value of Greenland for the U.S. and the possibility of Trump using military action to take control of it. Plus, commentary by Ruthless Podcast co-host, John Ashbrook.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ousted Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife plead not guilty in New York, after a U.S. military operation brought them out of Venezuela and into a federal courtroom.Lawmakers are divided after a classified congressional briefing on Venezuela, with Republicans insisting the president acted within the law and Democrats asking what comes next.And the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention scales back routine childhood vaccine recommendations at President Trump's direction, some pediatricians warn it could leave more kids vulnerable.Want more 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 Kelsey Snell, Gigi Douban, Jane Greenhalgh, Mohamad ElBardicy, and HJ Mai.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Stacy Abbott. And our technical director is Neisha Heinis.Our Supervising Senior Producer is Vince Pearson.(0:00) Introduction(1:57) Maduro Pleads Not Guilty(05:32) Congress on Venezuela(09:18) Vaccine Schedule OverhaulLearn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Trump administration officials briefed a select group of bipartisan lawmakers on Venezuela in a classified setting this evening. One person who was in the briefing, Rep. Adam Smith, the ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, joins Anderson to discuss what was learned. And former CIA Director and head of U.S. Central Command, retired General David Petraeus, gives his perspective on the historic U.S. military operation leading to Maduro's arrest. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the first day of the 2026 legislative session. Lawmakers return to face a series of major issues, including looming cuts in federal funding, the potential closure of two hospitals, and a state budget deficit of more than $100 million. Globe Rhode Island's Steph Machado and Dan McGowan join host Edward Fitzpatrick to preview the session and what to expect from legislators this year. Tips and ideas? Email us at rinews@globe.com.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

First, Democratic Congressman Scott Peters weighs in on the U.S. attack on Venezuela. Then, last month almost every member of the U.S. military received a one-time payment of $1,776 dollars, we clarify where the funds came from. And, federal authorities missed the deadline to release more information around the death of an immigrant in Imperial County. Also, some Medi-Cal patients may notice a change when picking up their next prescription at the pharmacy. Lastly, yet another setback with the Harmony Grove South development.

Mike DeWine should condemn the lawmakers attacking the credibility of Ohio's childcare system Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

KSL's Top Story: Dozens of protestors have gathered outside Utah’s U.S. Senate offices. They are calling on our federal lawmakers to block further military action against Venezuela.

The children of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman are pleading with President Trump to remove a video he reposted on social media alleging Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is behind their mother and father’s assassinations. Governor Walz going even further, saying Trump’s post is going to “get more innocent people killed.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The children of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman are pleading with President Trump to remove a video he reposted on social media alleging Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is behind their mother and father’s assassinations. Governor Walz going even further, saying Trump’s post is going to “get more innocent people killed.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The children of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman are pleading with President Trump to remove a video he reposted on social media alleging Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is behind their mother and father’s assassinations. Governor Walz going even further, saying Trump’s post is going to “get more innocent people killed.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ousted leader of Venezuela is appearing in a New York City courthouse today. We explain why gas prices are set to be so cheap this year. Lawmakers are returning to Congress for crucial votes on health care. A trial is underway for a school district police officer over the Uvalde school shooting. Plus, a bluefin tuna fish has fetched an eye-watering sum.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is presented by Create A Video – North Carolina Rep. Carla Cunningham (D-Mecklenburg) is one of five people to file a petition with the court seeking to remove Sheriff Garry "Not My Fault" McFadden for bribery, extortion, and maladministration in office. Subscribe to the podcast at: https://ThePetePod.com/ All the links to Pete's Prep are free: https://patreon.com/petekalinershow Media Bias Check: GroundNews promo code! Advertising and Booking inquiries: Pete@ThePeteKalinerShow.com Get exclusive content here!: https://thepetekalinershow.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lawmakers clash over the U.S. capture of Venezuela's leader, Nicolás Maduro. Meanwhile, world and religious leaders continue to respond to the events in Venezuela. And, FOCUS brings young Catholics together at SEEK 2026.

The children of former Minnesota House Speaker Melissa Hortman are pleading with President Trump to remove a video he reposted on social media alleging Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is behind their mother and father’s assassinations. Governor Walz going even further, saying Trump’s post is going to “get more innocent people killed.” See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

What will Missouri lawmakers focus on in the 2026 legislation session? Pre-filed bills show that lawmakers are looking to phase out the income tax, reduce some property taxes, and invest in the state's roads and schools — although the budget surplus is quickly disappearing due to previous tax cuts.

Southwest Michigan's Morning News podcast is prepared and delivered by the WSJM Newsroom. For these stories and more, visit https://www.wsjm.com and follow us for updates on Facebook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Mass. Legislature begins the second year of its two-year session after ringing in the New Year.

January 4, 2026; 9am: On this hour of “The Weekend,” three members of Congress talk the latest on the president's military action in Venezuela. Including, ranking member of the House Armed Services Committee, Washington Representative Adam Smith, who says Secretary of State Rubio, "misled the American people" by claiming U.S. activities weren't aimed at regime change. Plus, Illinois Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi, a member of the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence. And Colorado Congressman Jason Crow – one of the Democrats who last year warned the military not to carry out illegal orders.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

California lawmakers react to the U.S. overnight operation against Venezuela. A federal appeals court rules that California's open-carry ban is unconstitutional. Plus — we dive into the history of groundbreaking mariachi musician, Rebecca Gonzales. Support The L.A. Report by donating at LAist.com/join and by visiting https://laist.com Visit www.preppi.com/LAist to receive a FREE Preppi Emergency Kit (with any purchase over $100) and be prepared for the next wildfire, earthquake or emergency!Support the show: https://laist.com

Property owners are howling as their property values, and their taxes keep going up. And the howls are loud enough for legislators to hear. They passed a number of measures aimed at providing property tax relief. But a grassroots effort to eliminate property taxes persists with the goal of qualifying a constitutional amendment for the 2026 ballot. Local governments and schools say that would be devastating. We will begin our lookback on the Statehouse and statewide news of 2025 with the push to reform property taxes and why any reforms from lawmakers may not be enough to stall a driver to abolish the taxes. Senate Bill 1, a higher education overhaul that targets what supporters call “liberal bias” on college campuses, went into effect in June. The bill, whose main architect is Sen. Jerry Cirino of Kirtland, targets most diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives on campuses and bans faculty strikes, among other measures. Legal marijuana will be more tightly regulated, and intoxicating hemp like the kind sold in corner stores and gas stations, will be banned after the legislature late in 2025 addressed those issues. Voters approved recreational marijuana in 2023 in a statute, not a constitutional amendment, allowing lawmakers to make changes. The Ohio Redistricting Commission redrew the state's congressional district maps in 2025 because the map adopted in 2022 did not have bipartisan support, meaning it had to be redrawn instead of being in place for a decade. The new map gives Republicans an edge in 12 of Ohio's 15 districts. The current map delivered 10 seats to Republicans. But this one did get bipartisan support on the commission because Democrats said they feared if they opposed it, and it went to the full legislature, the map would be even more lopsided in favor of Republicans. The months-long negotiations over Ohio's new two-year operating budget dominated the work of lawmakers for the first half of 2025. In the end, lawmakers handed off to the governor a $60 billion spending plan that flattens the state income tax, restricts the kinds of levies schools can ask voters to approve and changes the funding formula for libraries, eliminating the set percentage they received each year. Can Ohio produce enough power to keep up with demands from both consumers and data centers? That was a big issue in 2025, as the governor signed House Bill 15 in May, addressing power generation and grid reliability. Ohio voters approved an amendment to the state constitution, in place since 2023, protecting abortion rights and reproductive health. That doesn't mean lawmakers opposed to abortion were going to halt their efforts to limit it. Last year, they continued to introduce legislation opponents say conflicts with the voter-approved amendment. It's 2026 and that means big races in Ohio -- from the governor's seat with no incumbent to the Senate seat that will likely break fundraising records again -- are on the clock. Midterms will be a huge story for 2026, and races started taking shape in 2025 with the emergence of Vivek Ramaswamy on the Republican side and Dr. Amy Acton as the apparent Democratic candidate. Guests: -Karen Kasler, Statehouse News Bureau Chief, Ohio Public Radio/TV -Jo Ingles, Reporter, Ohio Public Radio/TV Statehouse News Bureau -Sarah Donaldson, Reporter, Ohio Public Radio/TV Statehouse News Bureau -Clare Roth, Managing Editor, The Ohio Newsroom

Generic drugs are, in many ways, the unsung hero of America's health care system, bringing powerful medical innovations within the reach of millions more people. These cheaper copies of brand-name drugs — from pills that stop heart attacks to antibiotics that cure life-threatening infections — save America hundreds of billions of dollars a year. But will affordable, high-quality generic drugs continue to be there when we need them?Some players are abandoning this business while others slash costs by cutting dangerous corners. Shortages of older generic drugs have become the norm, sending doctors scrambling. At the same time, crucial new medicines are proving tougher to copy on the cheap, saddling patients with brand-name prices.Over the course of “Race to the Bottom,” our new three-part podcast series, we'll explore why this industry that's so essential to our health is in trouble — and what could change that.In part one, we examine the history of this industry. Forty years ago this month, President Ronald Reagan signed groundbreaking, bipartisan legislation that gave birth to a new drug market. Lawmakers made choices back then that help explain the wild success and also the troubles we see today with generic medicines.Guests:Christine Baeder, MBA, President, Apotex USAAlfred Engelberg, JD, retired attorney and former counsel to the Generic Pharmaceutical AssociationLeslie Walker, Senior Reporter/Producer, TradeoffsLearn more and read a full transcript on our website.Al Engelberg's recently published memoir, “Breaking the Medicine Monopolies”, digs into the history of generic drugs. Want more Tradeoffs? Sign up for our free weekly newsletter featuring the latest health policy research and news.Support this type of journalism today, with a gift. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawmakers of Hong Kong's eighth-term Legislative Council have begun a four-year term after taking an oath at a ceremony administered by Chief Executive John Lee.

Lawmakers are demanding answers amid the sweeping fraud allegations tied to pandemic-era and state-run programs in Minnesota. House Majority Whip and Minnesota Congressman Tom Emmer joins Morning Wire to explain what he says went wrong under state leadership and what Congress and federal agencies can do next to prevent billions more in taxpayer dollars from being stolen. Get the facts first with Morning Wire. - - - Ep. 2557 - - - Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3 - - - Today's Sponsor: Ollie - Head to https://Ollie.com/wire tell them all about your dog, and use code WIRE to get 60% off your Welcome Kit when you subscribe today! - - - Privacy Policy: https://www.dailywire.com/privacy morning wire,morning wire podcast,the morning wire podcast,Georgia Howe,John Bickley,daily wire podcast,podcast,news podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Southwest Michigan's Morning News podcast is prepared and delivered by the WSJM Newsroom. For these stories and more, visit https://www.wsjm.com and follow us for updates on Facebook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode, Ryan Williams Sr. and Shannon Tynes discuss the increasing cyber threats to agriculture, particularly in the context of recent attacks on food companies. They highlight the need for improved cybersecurity measures in the agricultural sector, especially as technology becomes more integrated into farming practices. The conversation shifts to the risks associated with holiday cybersecurity, noting that hackers often exploit the downtime during holidays when organizations are less vigilant. Finally, they discuss the complexities and potential dangers of AI, emphasizing the need for caution as AI systems become more advanced and integrated into various sectors. Articles: Hackers are targeting US farms and food companies. Lawmakers say it's time to act https://www.wpr.org/news/hackers-targeting-us-farms-food-companies-cyber-security?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExTGk2SlVkT0ptTjFuWjlKcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5Mf1WK2BFmaJlNEHIdZajV3dJphSkPILyNmKP3rkeilFpJC-bthLxEaU_NtQ_aem_TR6HOOO6Z7L8UX0L1TYJxw Why hackers love the holidays https://www.axios.com/2025/12/25/holidays-hackers-corporate-security-teams?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExTGk2SlVkT0ptTjFuWjlKcnNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5Mf1WK2BFmaJlNEHIdZajV3dJphSkPILyNmKP3rkeilFpJC-bthLxEaU_NtQ_aem_TR6HOOO6Z7L8UX0L1TYJxw AI's Big Red Button Doesn't Work, And The Reason Is Even More Troubling https://www.yahoo.com/news/articles/ais-big-red-button-doesnt-110021493.html?guccounter=1 Pick up the eBook version of my book, THE OTHER SIDE OF THE FIREWALL: The Real-Life Stories of Movers, Shakers & Glass Ceiling Breakers, for FREE on Smashwords: https://lnkd.in/ee7bEPXT Use code SW100 at checkout for 100% off. Offer valid through January 1, 2026. Please LISTEN

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 16-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 28,723 on turnover of 5-billion N-T. The market closed lower on Tuesday after Wall Street fell overnight as heavyweight tech stocks lost ground from last week's big gains, but the downturn was limited due to government-led funds picking up large cap stocks to minimize volatility. MND highlights China's disinformation during large-scale drill The Ministry of National Defense's Political Warfare Bureau says it identified 46 pieces of disinformation related to China's military exercise on Monday and Tuesday. According to the bureau, the disinformation mainly focused on attacking the Lai administration's policies, slandering (誹謗) the armed forces, and eroding (逐漸毀壞) trust in the United States. Defense ministry spokesman Sun Li-fang says that every major Chinese military exercise since August 2022 has combined military and non-military actions aimed at influencing public opinion here in Taiwan, as well as in neighboring countries and Taiwan-friendly countries. President Lai Ching-te urged the public in a social media post to be mindful of disinformation accompanying the exercise. Lawmakers pass law amendments to Fraud Crime Hazard Prevention Act Lawmakers have passed amendments to the Fraud Crime Hazard Prevention Act. The revisions increase penalties for for high-value fraud and also offer sentence reductions for offenders who voluntarily surrender to authorities and pay full restitutions (歸還,賠償) to their victims. Under the amended Act, judicial and prosecutorial authorities are also authorized to notify financial institutions and virtual asset service providers to flag bank accounts, e-payment accounts, credit cards and virtual asset accounts suspected of being linked to fraud. And the amendments also add new penalty tiers (等級). Those found guilty of high-value fraud exceeding 10-million N-T face a prison sentence of up to 10-years While for fraud cases exceeding 100-million N-T, the statutory prison term has been increased to 7 years. Trump confirms US has bombed Venezuelan port, adds new sanctions US President Donald Trump says the US has struck an alleged drug loading dock inside Venezuela, marking the first strike on Venezuelan soil in his months-long pressure campaign against the government of Nicolas Maduro. Toni Waterman has more from Washington. Italy Approves 2026 Gov Budget Italy's Parliament has approved the government's 2026 budget, which includes deficit-cutting measures. The budget aims to reduce the 2026 deficit to 2.8% of GDP, aligning with the European Union's demands. Premier Giorgia Meloni's conservative coalition won the final vote on Tuesday. Meloni describes the budget as serious and responsible, focusing on families, work, businesses and health care. However, the center-left opposition criticizes it for not addressing poor salaries and high taxes. About 25% of the budget's funding comes from the financial sector, with tax hikes on banks and insurance companies. The European Central Bank warns these levies (課稅) could reduce credit flow. Germany bank Theft Police in Germany say thieves stole tens of millions of euros worth of property from safety deposit boxes inside a bank vault that they drilled into during the holiday lull (暫時平靜[). Some 2,700 bank customers were affected by the theft at the bank branch Monday in Gelsenkirchen. Investigators believe the theft to be worth somewhere between 10 and 90 million euros. German news agency dpa reported that the theft could be one of Germany's largest heists (搶劫). That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. -- Hosting provided by SoundOn

Southwest Michigan's Morning News podcast is prepared and delivered by the WSJM Newsroom. For these stories and more, visit https://www.wsjm.com and follow us for updates on Facebook. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Lately, it appears Congress has been recognizing the many challenges farmers and ranchers are facing these days, and U.S. Representative Dan Newhouse says that isn't happening by chance.

The U.S. military has confirmed another deadly boat strike in the eastern Pacific, bringing the total to 30 since early September. The Trump administration says the campaign targets drug trafficking operations, but has offered little public evidence. As details remain scarce, lawmakers are pressing the White House and Pentagon for greater transparency and accountability over the growing death toll. 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

Lawmakers will attempt to tackle a childcare availability crisis. Lukewarm economic forecasts as an affordability crisis escalates. 2026 Secretary of State candidates Diego Morales, Beau Bayh, and Blythe Potter build their warchests.  Host Jill Sheridan is joined by Democrat Ann DeLaney, Republican Mike O'Brien, Jon Schwantes of Indiana Lawmakers, and Ebony Chappel of Free Press Indiana to debate and discuss some of the biggest themes emerging in 2026.

The impeachment proposal against Taiwan leader, Lai Ching-te, initiated by the island's opposition lawmakers from the Chinese Kuomintang and Taiwan People's Party, was approved by Taiwan's "legislative yuan" on Friday, allowing the case to proceed.由中国国民党和台湾民众党反对派“立委”发起、针对台湾地区领导人赖清德的弹劾提案，于周五在台湾“立法院”获得通过，相关程序得以继续推进。The impeachment motion passed with 60 votes in favor and 51 against, surpassing the majority threshold in the "legislative yuan". The final roll-call vote on the impeachment is scheduled for May 19, following a series of public hearings and review meetings.该弹劾动议以60票赞成、51票反对获得通过，超过“立法院”所需的简单多数门槛。根据安排，在一系列公开听证和审查会议之后，最终的记名投票将于5月19日举行。Lawmakers from the KMT and TPP announced a plan to impeach Lai at a joint news conference in Taipei on Dec 19, after the Lai administration on Dec 15 refused to promulgate an amendment to the government revenue allocation plan that had been enacted by the island's "legislature".在赖清德当局于12月15日拒绝公布此前已由台湾“立法机构”通过的政府财政收入分配方案修正案后，国民党和民众党“立委”于12月19日在台北联合记者会上宣布将对赖清德发起弹劾。The amendment, revised by the opposition parties, would have allocated a larger share of government revenue to local governments. The Lai administration's refusal marked the first time a Taiwan leader has failed to enact a law passed by the "legislature".该修正案由反对党修订，旨在将更多政府财政收入分配给地方政府。赖清德当局的拒绝行为，标志着台湾地区领导人首次未能施行由“立法机构”通过的法律。According to the impeachment schedule, the island's "legislative body" will hold public hearings on Jan 14 and 15, followed by review meetings on Jan 21 and 22, as well as May 13 and 14, during which Lai will be required to answer questions from legislative representatives.根据弹劾程序安排，台湾“立法机构”将于1月14日至15日举行公开听证会，并于1月21日至22日以及5月13日至14日召开审查会议，期间赖清德需接受“立委”质询。On Wednesday, Peng Qing'en, spokesman for the State Council Taiwan Affairs Office, criticized Lai's actions at a regular news conference in Beijing, saying that they run counter to the public will and have eroded the support of the people in Taiwan."周三，国务院台办发言人彭清恩在北京举行的例行记者会上批评赖清德的相关行为，指出其违背民意，削弱了台湾民众的支持。Lai has stubbornly adhered to a 'Taiwan independence' stance, repeatedly undermining democracy and freedom, abusing the judicial system to suppress political opponents, engaging in 'green terror' and creating a 'chilling effect'," Peng said.彭清恩表示，赖清德顽固坚持“台独”立场，反复破坏民主与自由，滥用司法体系打压政治对手，制造“绿色恐怖”，形成“寒蝉效应”。He further condemned the Lai administration for disregarding the welfare of the people in Taiwan for political gain, as well as manipulating and provoking political strife for personal political gain, which has led to strong public opposition.他进一步谴责赖清德当局为谋取政治私利而无视台湾民众福祉，操弄并激化政治对立，已引发社会强烈反弹。At the same time, the online petition to "impeach Lai", launched in Taiwan on Dec 18, has reportedly surpassed 8 million signatures, according to media reports.与此同时，据媒体报道，12月18日在台湾发起的“弹劾赖清德”网络联署，签名人数已突破800万。Tsai Cheng-yuan, a former lawmaker and a political commentator in Taiwan, said, "Lai spends all his time focusing on 'Taiwan independence', without considering Taiwan's economic development or social harmony."台湾前“立委”、政治评论员蔡正元表示，赖清德将全部精力用于推动“台独”，却未顾及台湾的经济发展与社会和谐。An impeachment motion against the leader or deputy leader of the Taiwan authorities must first be proposed by at least half of the total lawmakers and approved by a two-thirds majority before being submitted to the judicial body for review.针对台湾当局领导人或副领导人的弹劾案，须由至少半数“立委”联署提出，并经三分之二多数通过后，方可提交司法机关审查。Currently, the "legislative yuan" has 113 representatives, including 52 from the KMT, 51 from Lai's Democratic Progressive Party, eight from the TPP and two independents.目前，台湾“立法院”共有113名“立委”，其中包括国民党52席、赖清德所属民进党51席、民众党8席以及2名无党籍人士。roll-call vote /ˈrəʊl kɔːl vəʊt/记名投票promulgate /ˈprɒməlɡeɪt/颁布，公布government revenue allocation /ˈɡʌvənmənt ˈrevənjuː ˌæləˈkeɪʃn/政府财政收入分配public hearing /ˈpʌblɪk ˈhɪərɪŋ/公开听证会chilling effect /ˈtʃɪlɪŋ ɪˈfekt/寒蝉效应

Jon DeVaney, President of the Washington State Tree Fruit Association, says we may have made some headway with conversations in Olympia helping lawmakers understand the current challenges farmers are facing.

On this week's episode of The Necessary Conversation, we break down one of the most chaotic and disturbing weeks yet in Trump's second term — from a Christmas Day posting spree that looked more like a meltdown than a holiday message, to explosive new revelations in the Epstein files, to an apparent attempt to bury a damning 60 Minutes investigation. Bob has once again fled the show, refusing to face off against his children as more evidence mounts against Trump by the day.

December 29, 2025; 8am: Broken MAGA alliances, on-again off-again friendships, and policy divisions have created massive cracks in the once united base this year. Can the Democratic Party use this to its advantage? Yemisi Egbewole joins “The Weekend” along with Former Representatives Donna Edwards and Charlie Dent to discuss the growing divide and its potential impact on politics in the new year.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow  To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

December 27, 2025; 8am: This week, the DOJ has defended the numerous mentions of the president in the latest Epstein document release. Plus, the department shared that it discovered more than 1 million additional documents to review. Glenn Thrush, Kimberly Atkins-Stohr, and Barbara McQuade join “The Weekend” to discuss the mishandling of these documents and the DOJ's credibility.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In his 2025 congressional deposition, Bill Barr largely reiterated the position he has maintained since leaving office: that Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide and that there was no evidence of homicide or outside interference. Barr emphasized the findings of the medical examiner, the DOJ's internal reviews, and the conclusions reached by the FBI and Bureau of Prisons investigations, framing the failures at MCC as severe negligence rather than conspiracy. He acknowledged the catastrophic breakdowns in staffing, camera coverage, and supervision but resisted claims that those failures pointed to intentional misconduct. Throughout the deposition, Barr portrayed the persistence of alternative theories as driven more by public mistrust and the extraordinary nature of Epstein's crimes than by substantiated evidence uncovered during federal reviews.That explanation, however, did little to quiet long-standing skepticism surrounding Barr's narrative. Lawmakers pressed him on the speed and certainty with which he publicly declared Epstein's death a suicide, the reliance on internal investigations rather than independent inquiries, and the unresolved questions created by missing footage, altered records, and contradictory statements from jail officials. Critics noted that Epstein's unique status, political connections, and intelligence-adjacent history make the “ordinary negligence” explanation difficult for many to accept, especially given the stakes involved. The deposition ultimately underscored a central tension that has followed the case for years: Barr insists the matter is settled by evidence and procedure, while a significant portion of the public—and some members of Congress—remain unconvinced that the full truth about Epstein's death has ever been disclosed.to contact  me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Geoffrey Berman's exit as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York in June 2020 unfolded amid unusual public tension with the Justice Department and immediately raised red flags. Attorney General William Barr first announced that Berman was stepping down, only for Berman to respond that he had not resigned and intended to remain in office until a Senate-confirmed successor was appointed. The standoff drew national attention because of how rare it is for a sitting U.S. attorney to openly challenge an attorney general's authority. After several days of public back-and-forth, Berman ultimately agreed to leave once assurances were made that his deputy would assume the role, preserving continuity within the office. The episode was widely viewed as extraordinary and politically fraught. It underscored the sensitivity surrounding the Southern District of New York, long known for its independence and willingness to pursue powerful figures. Berman's departure immediately prompted questions about what pressures may have been at play behind the scenes.Those questions intensified because Berman's office had overseen the federal prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein in 2019, one of the most explosive criminal cases in decades. Although no definitive evidence has emerged showing that the Epstein case directly caused Berman's removal, the timing and context fueled speculation that ongoing or potential investigations connected to Epstein may have made the SDNY leadership inconvenient. Observers noted that Epstein's death in federal custody, unresolved questions about co-conspirators, and the political sensitivity of the case all loomed over the office at the time. Lawmakers and legal analysts questioned whether the attempt to remove Berman was part of a broader effort to exert control over an office handling politically dangerous matters. The Justice Department denied any improper motive, insisting the move was administrative. Still, the circumstances left lingering doubts. For many critics, Berman's exit became another chapter in the broader controversy surrounding Epstein and the institutions tasked with delivering accountability.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Morse code transcription: vvv vvv Cold health alert and weather warnings issued for parts of UK on Christmas Day Lawmaker sues to remove Trumps name from Kennedy Center Officials discover a million more documents potentially related to Epstein case Turkey arrests 115 IS suspects planning New Years attacks 12 books you need to read in 2026 Cardiff couple invited man in for Christmas, he stayed for 45 years Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman to present Strictly for last time Quiz of the Year 2025, Part 1 Which star teased her engagement on the red carpet The time bombs in the new Archbishop of Canterburys in tray for 2026 Royal Family gather for Christmas Day service at Sandringham

Geoffrey Berman's exit as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York in June 2020 unfolded amid unusual public tension with the Justice Department and immediately raised red flags. Attorney General William Barr first announced that Berman was stepping down, only for Berman to respond that he had not resigned and intended to remain in office until a Senate-confirmed successor was appointed. The standoff drew national attention because of how rare it is for a sitting U.S. attorney to openly challenge an attorney general's authority. After several days of public back-and-forth, Berman ultimately agreed to leave once assurances were made that his deputy would assume the role, preserving continuity within the office. The episode was widely viewed as extraordinary and politically fraught. It underscored the sensitivity surrounding the Southern District of New York, long known for its independence and willingness to pursue powerful figures. Berman's departure immediately prompted questions about what pressures may have been at play behind the scenes.Those questions intensified because Berman's office had overseen the federal prosecution of Jeffrey Epstein in 2019, one of the most explosive criminal cases in decades. Although no definitive evidence has emerged showing that the Epstein case directly caused Berman's removal, the timing and context fueled speculation that ongoing or potential investigations connected to Epstein may have made the SDNY leadership inconvenient. Observers noted that Epstein's death in federal custody, unresolved questions about co-conspirators, and the political sensitivity of the case all loomed over the office at the time. Lawmakers and legal analysts questioned whether the attempt to remove Berman was part of a broader effort to exert control over an office handling politically dangerous matters. The Justice Department denied any improper motive, insisting the move was administrative. Still, the circumstances left lingering doubts. For many critics, Berman's exit became another chapter in the broader controversy surrounding Epstein and the institutions tasked with delivering accountability.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Top Stories for December 23rd Publish Date: December 23rd From the BG AD Group Studio Welcome to the Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. Today is Tuesday, December 23rd and Happy Birthday to Eddie Vedder I’m Peyton Spurlock and here are your top stories presented by KIA Mall of Georgia. Christkindl Market heading into final days of first run in Lawrenceville Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 66 hosts annual Cops and Kids Christmas event EXPLORING GWINNETT'S HISTORY: Christmas in the past All of this and more is coming up on the Gwinnett Daily Post podcast, and if you are looking for community news, we encourage you to listen daily and subscribe! Break 1: Kia Mall of Georgia - Sugar Hill Ice Skating Rink Final STORY 1: Christkindl Market heading into final days of first run in Lawrenceville The Atlanta Christkindl Market has been buzzing with holiday cheer, drawing over 226,000 visitors to downtown Lawrenceville since Thanksgiving. But if you haven’t made it out yet, time’s running out—Christmas Eve is your last chance. This German-inspired market has become a magnet for families across Gwinnett and beyond, offering European treats, handmade ornaments, and festive vibes. City Manager Chuck Warbington predicts the final tally will top 320,000 visitors. The market, at 210 Luckie St., is open daily now through Christmas Eve. Hours vary, so check ahead—and maybe book a Santa photo while you’re at it. STORY 2: Fraternal Order of Police Lodge 66 hosts annual Cops and Kids Christmas event Holiday traditions come in all shapes—carols, candles, big family dinners, and gift exchanges. But for the past 35 years, Gwinnett law enforcement has added its own twist: one December night dedicated to giving back. On Thursday, officers from 10 Gwinnett departments gathered at the Walmart on Lawrenceville Highway for the annual Cops and Kids Christmas. They strolled the aisles with families, helping kids pick out toys and clothes—making sure there’d be something under the tree. For many officers, this event is tradition. This year, 61 families and 104 kids were treated to gifts, Christmas dinner fixings, and even a “blessing box” from Hebron Baptist Church. For officers, it’s more than just shopping—it’s a chance to connect with the community and show a different side of law enforcement. More than 100 officers, plus Gwinnett Police Explorers, joined in this year. STORY 3: EXPLORING GWINNETT'S HISTORY: Christmas in the past When we think about Christmases past, it’s easy to romanticize them—quiet, simple, less commercial. Maybe we picture what our grandparents described or scenes from old books, but the truth? It all depends. Time, place, culture, class—Christmas looked different for everyone. By the 1800s, Christmas shifted toward family. Homemade gifts, carols, and decorated trees became staples. For enslaved people, though, the holiday was bittersweet—sometimes a brief reprieve, sometimes more work. In Gwinnett’s early days, Christmas was simple. Handmade decorations, maybe a church service, and stockings filled with candy, nuts, and—if you were lucky—an orange. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info. We’ll be right back Break 2: Ingles Markets STORY 4: ART BEAT: Instructor Jae Montano helps people find 'The Joy of Painting' Jae Montano doesn’t believe in mistakes—just “happy accidents.” A Certified Bob Ross Instructor (one of only 18 in Georgia), she’s made it her mission to share the joy of painting, one brushstroke at a time. Born in Seoul, South Korea, Jae didn’t start painting until the pandemic hit. Stuck at home, she stumbled across Bob Ross on YouTube and was hooked. That spark led her to classes with Steve Ross, Bob’s son, and eventually to becoming a certified instructor herself in 2022. Now, Jae teaches Ross’s wet-on-wet technique across Atlanta and Gwinnett, helping students create dreamy landscapes without fear or perfectionism. You can catch her at festivals like Suwanee Arts and Duluth Spring and Fall, or shop her work at Suwanee and John’s Creek Art Centers. For classes and more, visit www.paintingwithjae.com. STORY 5: HOUSING MATTERS: Georgians struggle with cost of living more than most Americans The cost of living is crushing. For some, it’s meant bouncing between overpriced motels; for others, it’s homelessness. Here’s a look at the latest on affordable housing and the fight against homelessness: Georgia ranks 8th in financial struggle: A United Way study puts Georgia in the top 10 states where people can’t afford basics like food, gas, and housing. Nearly 34% of adults are behind on rent or mortgage, and 41% struggle with daily expenses. Nationwide, 42% of households can’t cover essentials—13% live in poverty, while 29% are stuck in the “ALICE” gap: earning too much for aid, but not enough to get by. Warming centers hiring Gwinnett’s warming centers open when temps hit 35°F or below, offering meals and shelter. They’re hiring attendants ($18/hour) to work 5:30 p.m.–7 a.m. Apply at gwinnettcounty.com/WarmingStationsJob. It’s tough out there—help is out there too. Break 3: DTL HOLIDAY INTERVIEW GDP_DTL_MARK BERENS_122325_FINAL STORY 6: Gwinnett school board drops high schools from cell phone ban Gwinnett County Public Schools will follow the new state law banning cell phones in K-8 classrooms, but high schools? Not yet. The school board voted 3-2 last week to ban personal devices—phones, smartwatches, tablets, headphones—in elementary and middle schools. Originally, the plan included high schools too, but that part was dropped after some debate. Why? Flexibility. “High schoolers have jobs, leave early, and have different responsibilities,” said Vice Chairwoman Tarece Johnson-Morgan. Still, the state might force the issue soon. Lawmakers are already eyeing a high school ban for 2026. For now, the K-8 ban covers the entire school day—class, recess, even assemblies. Exceptions? Only for students with special needs. STORY 7: Atlanta's Christmas Day forecast sees temperatures near record high It’s not exactly sweater weather, folks—Christmas in Atlanta is shaping up to feel more like a spring fling. Highs are expected to hit the low to mid-70s, putting this year in the running for one of the warmest Christmas Days on record. The all-time high? A toasty 75 degrees back in 2015. By Christmas Eve, most of metro Atlanta will bask in the 70s, while the North Georgia mountains hover in the 60s. Rain? Not likely. Just sunshine, warmth, and maybe a little disbelief. We’ll have closing comments after this Break 4: GCPS Hiring Signoff – Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Gwinnett Daily Post Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.gwinnettdailypost.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com www.kiamallofga.com Ice Rink – Downtown Sugar Hill Holiday Celebration 2025 – City of Sugar Hill Team GCPS https://www.downtownlawrencevillega.com/ NewsPodcast, CurrentEvents, TopHeadlines, BreakingNews, PodcastDiscussion, PodcastNews, InDepthAnalysis, NewsAnalysis, PodcastTrending, WorldNews, LocalNews, GlobalNews, PodcastInsights, NewsBrief, PodcastUpdate, NewsRoundup, WeeklyNews, DailyNews, PodcastInterviews, HotTopics, PodcastOpinions, InvestigativeJournalism, BehindTheHeadlines, PodcastMedia, NewsStories, PodcastReports, JournalismMatters, PodcastPerspectives, NewsCommentary, PodcastListeners, NewsPodcastCommunity, NewsSource, PodcastCuration, WorldAffairs, PodcastUpdates, AudioNews, PodcastJournalism, EmergingStories, NewsFlash, PodcastConversations See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Trump administration was ordered to release all the Epstein Files. They didn't. Lawmakers say they are breaking the law. This episode was produced by Danielle Hewitt with help from Avishay Artsy, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Laura Bullard, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. Bill Clinton and Jeffrey Epstein in one of the images released Friday by the State Department. Photo by The US Justice Department / Handout /Anadolu via Getty Images. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

-- On the Show -- Jocelyn Benson, Michigan Secretary of State, joins us to discuss her campaign for the Democratic nomination for governor -- The Trump administration releases the Epstein files under a transparency law but heavily redacts documents and removes files from the Justice Department website -- Justice Department Epstein files that include photographs of Donald Trump vanish without notice and the release shows more secrecy than before -- Infighting at a Turning Point USA event explodes publicly as JD Vance, Ben Shapiro, Tucker Carlson and others attack each other while Donald Trump stays away -- Donald Trump appears visibly unwell at rallies, glitches while claiming perfect health, and alarms even his own supporters -- CBS leadership under Bari Weiss pulls a fully vetted 60 Minutes investigation on Trump administration migrant deportations to El Salvador hours before airtime -- Trump economic adviser Kevin Hassett admits on air that Americans pay tariffs, directly contradicting years of administration claims that foreign countries foot the bill -- Lawmakers from both parties move toward contempt proceedings against Attorney General Pam Bondi for defying the Epstein Files Transparency Act and removing mandated documents -- On the Bonus Show: Trump appoints an envoy to Greenland who wants the US to acquire the island, Elise Stefanik ends her campaign for New York governor, Mitt Romney calls for higher taxes on the wealthy, and much more...

U.S. Coast Guard 'in active pursuit' of third vessel off Venezuelan coast; Lawmakers demand answers from Justice Dept. after Epstein files release; Survivors and families speak out after release of Epstein files; and more on tonight's broadcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

High school athletes can now enter deals based on their name, image and likeness.

December 21, 2025; 9am: Health and Human Services terminated millions of dollars in grants to the American Academy of Pediatrics after the group previously criticized health secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr's changes to the federal vaccine policy. The health secretary is also expected to announce sweeping changes to how American children should be immunized in the new year. Dr. Karen Remley, the former CEO of the American Association of Pediatrics, joins “The Weekend” to share what this could mean for families.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnowTikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

We get reaction to the Epstein files, which were released on Friday but were heavily redacted and represent only a fraction of the number held by the FBI. There is more information, but are Epstein survivors satisfied that enough is being done? We are joined by Lisa Bryant, director and executive producer of a Netflix documentary series titled Jeffrey Epstein: Filthy Rich.Also on today's programme: President Zelensky says he is open to US proposals for direct talks with Russia, though there are conditions; will the prizefighter vs YouTuber bout change boxing? And a new lemon-shaped planet has been discovered -- and it's really weird.A sheet of redacted pages in connection with late financier and convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein is shown on a computer screen (19 December, 2025. U.S. Justice Department/Reuters)

Overnight, the Justice Department released hundreds more heavily redacted pages of material it had gathered on convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. They come in addition to the thousands of pages released Friday, but what has been made public so far falls short of the full disclosure required by the law Congress passed last month. John Yang speaks with Reuters correspondent Jeff Mason for more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Lawmakers warn Washington public defense system is at a breaking point. Oregon activists use schools to run ICE alert networks. Guest: First Liberty Institute Senior Counsel Jeremy Dys on a lawsuit against Everett School District over its opposition to a Bible program. // LongForm: GUEST: KIRO News Radio’s Chris Sullivan on the craziest travel stories of 2025 and what to expect next year. // Quick Hit: Jason on his favorite movies of the year.

2025 is set to end without the passage of a new health care bill. Congress had been working to hammer out new legislation before the holiday break. Democrats were pushing for an extension of Affordable Care Act subsidies that lowered the cost of health care premiums for millions of Americans. Those subsidies are set to expire at the end of 2025. House Democrats were joined in the fight by moderate Republicans who worried that skyrocketing healthcare costs would leave them vulnerable in next year's midterms. GOP leadership pushed for alternatives that would increase the possibility of coverage without the extensions. Lawmakers will resume the fight in January, with votes set for the extensions desired by Democrats after a Republican proposal passed earlier this week. Will the pressure of the midterms lead to larger cracks between GOP members and leadership?Midterms also have the potential to bring a new look to the Republican base. New polling from NBC News shows that the share of Republicans who identify as MAGA compared to traditional Republicans dipped from 57/43 in the spring to 50/50 as the year ends. Is this identity shift among voters a red flag for a party looking to increase turnout next November? And has the president lost some of his charm with Republican voters?Plus, does either party really care about the national debt anymore? Our KCRW panel answers one listener's question about a political argument that seems to have gone by the wayside.