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Most people who help design and equip restaurants never spent a night on the line themselves. In Episode 226 of On The Delo, Delo sits down with longtime friend Justin McCallister, Owner of Arizona Restaurant Consulting (AZRC), to talk about a career that started in a culinary school kitchen and grew into a full design-build firm behind restaurants, hotels, gas stations, and commercial kitchens across Arizona and beyond.Justin shares his journey from cooking at the original Mastro's Steakhouse and Kona Grill to spending 17 years in restaurant equipment sales and design before taking the leap to launch Arizona Restaurant Consulting in 2016. This year marks AZRC's 10th anniversary, making it the perfect time to look back on the lessons learned from a decade of designing, equipping, and building restaurants.The conversation dives into recent projects including Terrible's gas stations, a Hilton Squaw Peak remodel, and a challenging build for Freeport-McMoRan, along with what it really takes - from budgeting and design to equipment, permitting, and installation - to turn an empty gray shell into a fully operational restaurant.Justin also shares his philosophy on referrals and marketing, why he'd rather be the hub of the wheel than wear every hat himself, and the personal side of running a business for a decade, including bringing his wife on as a full partner after 28 years of marriage.Whether you're opening your first restaurant, remodeling an existing concept, or simply want a behind-the-scenes look at how successful hospitality projects come together, this episode is packed with practical insights from someone who's helped build them.Chapter Guide (Timestamps)(0:14 - 1:13) Welcome Back and Justin's First Time in the Office(1:13 - 3:37) From Missouri to Culinary School: Mastro's and Kona Grill(3:37 - 4:42) Finding a Niche in Restaurant Equipment Sales and Design(4:42 - 5:47) Taking the Leap: Founding AZRC in 2016(5:47 - 7:07) 10 Years of Growth and Launching AZRC Installations(7:07 - 9:50) Proud Projects: Terrible's Gas Stations and the $200K Walk-In(9:50 - 11:28) Current Projects: Hilton Squaw Peak and Jackson's Car Wash(11:28 - 13:00) Learning AutoCAD and Becoming a Design-Build Hybrid(13:00 - 15:11) Marketing as the Hub of the Wheel(15:11 - 17:10) Working Outside Arizona: DC, California, and Beyond(17:10 - 20:12) What It Really Takes to Open a Restaurant(20:12 - 22:44) Being an Equipment Reseller and Owning the Hard Conversations(22:44 - 25:51) Arizona's 2026 Market and the Freeport-McMoRan Challenge(25:51 - 28:11) Non-Negotiables, Family, and Bringing His Wife on Board(28:11 - 29:57) Where to Find Justin and AZRC(29:57 - 32:29) Rapid Fire and Delo's Close
Randy Mastro, attorney and government official who served as first deputy mayor of New York City under Mayor Eric Adams from March to December 2025, joins Sid to discuss a judge on Staten Island temporarily blocking implementation of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani's new pied-à-terre tax following a lawsuit brought by a group of homeowners Mastro is representing that alleges the city bungled the rollout by including many who live full-time in their homes on a list of 900,000 people who could be subject to the tax, as well as sending letters to 17,000 others.
John talks with former First Deputy Mayor of New York City Randy Mastro about the Mamdani administration mismanaging a new second-home tax by targeting thousands of permanent residents who should have been exempt.
Like the rest of us, China's leaders are confronting a world in turmoil. They see uncertain American commitments to allies, even as many of those allies ramp up their own defense efforts. They see changing relationships, whether deepening ties between Russia and North Korea or new connections among anxious middle powers. They see American military action in the Middle East and Western Hemisphere, with effects on American power in China's own region. And yet, as Oriana Skylar Mastro sees it, far from surprising Beijing, such disruptions are being taken as confirmation of what Chinese leader Xi Jinping often refers to as “great change unseen in a century.” Mastro has written a series of essays for Foreign Affairs on how Beijing aims to shape and exploit that change. She joined Dan Kurtz-Phelan to discuss China's strategy for navigating this turmoil—and what the United States should, and should not, do in response. You can find sources, transcripts, and more episodes of The Foreign Affairs Interview at https://www.foreignaffairs.com/podcasts/foreign-affairs-interview.
Team USA snowboarder and halfpipe specialist Maddie Mastro joins Sarah to talk about what was going through her mind before her final runs at the Milan Cortina Olympics, how she bounced back from a disappointing Games to end her season on a high note, why you gotta water your own grass, and how her rescue pup Pippy helps her through it all. Follow Maddie Mastro on Instagram here Check out the Phoenix Mercury’s AI-generated gospel song here and another hilarious version of the trend here You can now WATCH Sarah’s interviews! Subscribe to @iHeartWomensSports on YouTube and check out the Good Game playlist here Leave us a voicemail at 872-204-5070 or send us a note at goodgame@wondermedianetwork.com Follow Sarah on social! Bluesky: @sarahspain.com Instagram: @Spain2323Follow producer Alex Azzi! Bluesky: @byalexazzi.bsky.social Instagram: @AzziArtwork Follow producer Bianca Hillier! Bluesky: @biancahillier.bsky.social See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, Travis and his producer Eric riff on one of the hottest debates in modern city life: are reservations and curated nights out killing “real” experiences, or are they the only sane way to survive places like Las Vegas? Using a viral Subway Takes clip as a jumping-off point, they break down why lines get engineered, why chaos is overrated, and how to actually plan a great Vegas trip without burning cash (or patience) on bad clubs and hour-long waits. On this episode we talk about: The “no more reserved seats” hot take and why Travis and Eric think it's one of the worst opinions on going out How engineered lines and scarcity at places like With Love Always shape perception and demand Why wandering around for 45 minutes “exploring the neighborhood” sounds romantic online but is awful in real life—especially with kids Eric and Travis's case for reservations, predictable tables, and reducing unnecessary chaos in already chaotic lives Vegas tips: overrated experiences (nightclubs, certain hyped dining spots) versus underrated ones (off-strip restaurants, comedy clubs, and Cirque shows) Specific recommendations for steakhouses and nicer dinners: Del Frisco's, STK, Bavette's, Mastro's, and local gem Black Sheep Why national chains often underperform in Vegas compared to chef-driven, off-strip concepts Top show picks: Mad Apple, Mystère, Absinthe, O, and why comedy clubs like Brad Garrett's are such a great bet A frank breakdown of why most nightclubs are “eternal pits of money,” bottle service psychology, and how to avoid a five-figure hangover Top 3 Takeaways Convenience tools like reservations aren't killing spontaneity; for most people they're protecting sanity, time, and the ability to actually enjoy a night out. In Vegas, the best value often comes from off-strip or less-hyped spots—chef-led restaurants, comedy clubs, and thoughtfully chosen shows can beat loud clubs and generic chains. Nightclubs are designed as high-margin, high-temptation environments; if you go, treat it like a pre-planned expense, not a place where attention from staff equals real connection. Notable Quotes "When I go to eat is when I'm like, life's been chaotic. I want to go to my table." "Any night club is an overrated experience—it's an eternal pit of money where you can't hear anything." "Have fun, be cautious, and don't buy into the thought that these bottle service girls really love you—it's all a hustle designed to get all the money out of your bank." Connect with Travis: Instagram: https://instagram.com/travischappell Other: https://travischappell.com A Word from our Sponsor:Are you ready to start your own creatorjourney and make it big? Visitwww.fanvue.com today and launch yourcareer! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
North Korean troops are fighting and dying in Ukraine, and the survivors are returning home to teach their comrades what they've learned. In return, Moscow is transferring military technology to Pyongyang. Beijing, worried about losing its grip, is competing for influence by easing up on decades of pressure that kept the Hermit Kingdom in check. And Washington? It's pulling forces out of the Indo-Pacific and sending them to other theaters.In this episode, hosts Ray Powell and Jim Carouso sit down with Stanford's Dr. Oriana Skylar Mastro, Center Fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute and leading expert on Chinese military strategy, to unpack her new Foreign Affairs article, "Kim's Dangerous Liaisons: Russia, China, and the Growing North Korea Threat."Oriana makes the case that the Korean Peninsula is more dangerous today than it has been in years. North Korea is more capable and emboldened and less restrained by its two great-power patrons, who are playing against each other for influence. A conflict on the peninsula today would inevitably pull in Russia and China, nuclear powers with combined military and industrial weight that rivals the United States.In this conversation:Why North Korea's Ukraine experience is reshaping its military doctrineWhat a "limited attack" on South Korea could look like, and how it could spiralWhy China's restraining role over Pyongyang is breaking downHow U.S. force movements to Iran are read in Beijing, Moscow, and SeoulThe 1950 Dean Acheson parallel and what Washington risks repeatingWhy South Korea could one day hedge toward China if U.S. guarantees weakenWhat real deterrence in Northeast Asia would actually requireA sharp, accessible podcast on great-power competition, alliance politics, Korean Peninsula security, U.S.-South Korea relations, and the growing China-Russia-North Korea axis.
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In Episode 199, Delo sits down with Michael Merendino, the founder of Crust Simply Italian and a fixture in the Arizona hospitality scene. Born and raised in New York, Michael shares his incredible journey from waiting tables at Mastro's Ocean Club—where he made $1,000 a night during the golden era of steakhouses—to buying a 7-foot pizza oven before he even had a lease for his first restaurant. This conversation is a masterclass in grit, "scrappy" entrepreneurship, and the relentless pursuit of authentic hospitality.Michael opens up about the early days of opening Crust in 2007, making "every mistake possible," including opening without silverware and forgetting to wash the romaine lettuce on day one. He and Delo discuss the evolution of the restaurant industry from labor costs to the "MALT" principle (Music, Ambiance, Lighting, Temperature) that defines a great dining experience. They also dive deep into his expansion into the craft cocktail world with The Ostrich, a basement speakeasy in a 100-year-old hotel that houses feathers from the actual ostrich farm of Dr. Chandler.Whether you're a restaurateur navigating the chaotic waters of construction and permitting, or just a lover of great food and stories, this episode delivers. Michael explains why "touching every table" is still the secret sauce to retention, how he balances running a multi-concept portfolio while keeping a "family" culture, and even claims a little credit for the invention of lobster mashed potatoes.Chapter Guide:(0:00 - 3:15) Intro: Family Life & The "Scottsdale Love Story"(3:16 - 8:42) The Golden Era: Making $1k/Night at Mastro's(8:43 - 15:20) The First Crust: Buying an Oven Before a Lease(15:21 - 22:10) The Ostrich: Building a Speakeasy in a Basement(22:11 - 28:45) Scaling Up: Why "Touching Tables" Matters(28:46 - 35:30) Leadership: Managing Headaches & Celebrating Wins(35:31 - 40:37) Rapid Fire: MALT, Steaks, & Lobster Mashed Potatoes
Snowboarder Maddie Mastro is attending her third Olympic Games with renewed confidence, consistency, and a rediscovered sense of joy. In this conversation with NBC News correspondent Stephanie Gosk, Mastro talks about easing the pressure she put on herself, focusing on one run at a time, and why the mental side of competition matters most. Plus, she explains how finding balance has helped her feel more present and comfortable as she takes on Milan-Cortina. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Snowboarder Maddie Mastro is attending her third Olympic Games with renewed confidence, consistency, and a rediscovered sense of joy. In this conversation with NBC News correspondent Stephanie Gosk, Mastro talks about easing the pressure she put on herself, focusing on one run at a time, and why the mental side of competition matters most. Plus, she explains how finding balance has helped her feel more present and comfortable as she takes on Milan-Cortina. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Snowboarder Maddie Mastro is heading into her third Olympic Games with renewed confidence, consistency, and a rediscovered sense of joy. In this conversation with NBC News correspondent Stephanie Gosk, Mastro talks about easing the pressure she put on herself, focusing on one run at a time, and why the mental side of competition matters most. Plus, she explains how finding balance has helped her feel more present and comfortable as she looks to Milan. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
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More of my interview with ‘Landman' star Ali Larter. Ali tells me more about making the move to Idaho. We reminisce about early career auditions and our love for the kitchen. This episode was recorded at Mastro's Steakhouse in Beverly Hills, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
‘Landman' star Ali Larter joins the show. Over a seafood tower, Ali tells me about shooting on-location in Texas, how she met her husband (and fellow actor) Hayes MacArthur, and what Billy Bob Thornton hates to do on set. We also bond over the difficulties of raising kids as working actors, moving to Idaho with her family, and Ali tells me about the hoax Esquire cover that landed her first manager. This episode was recorded at Mastro's Steakhouse in Beverly Hills, CA. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
SEE DREW & STEW AT THE MANSION: https://www.bouncelife.com/events/69332743deddf4274efb8328 On this episode of The Steve Dangle Podcast, it's the early ALL TRIVIA episode! 00:00 Detroit vs Toronto was a game 05:00 Point a game 22:00 Every team Who He Play For Visit this episode's sponsors: Head to http://fabletics.com/SDP and sign up as a VIP to get 80% off everything! For all the odds, T's and C's, and to learn more visit https://betmgm.com/DANGLE. 19+ to wager. Any opinion expressed is not advice, a promise or suggestion that increases the chance of winning. Please play responsibly. If you have questions or concerns about your gambling or someone close to you, please contact ConnexOntario at 1-866-531-2600 to speak to an advisor, free of charge. BetMGM operates pursuant to an operating agreement with iGaming Ontario. Watch all episodes of The Steve Dangle Podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLk7FZfwCEidkgWpSiHVkYT7HrIzLPXlY Watch clips of The Steve Dangle podcast here: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLk7FZfwCEieOJuIrqWyZPWSIJtVMCbLz Buy SDP merch https://sdpnshop.ca/ Check out https://sdpn.ca/events to see The Steve Dangle Podcast live! Watch hockey with us! Live on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLLk7FZfwCEifCTX0vkKEaGg9otrW4Zl2k Subscribe to the sdpn YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@sdpn?sub_confirmation=1Join Subscribe to SDP VIP!: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC0a0z05HiddEn7k6OGnDprg/join Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/thestevedanglepodcast Spotify: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/sdpvip/subscribe - Follow us on Twitter: @Steve_Dangle, @AdamWylde, & @JesseBlake Follow us on Instagram: @SteveDangle, @AdamWylde, & @Jesse.Blake Join us on Discord: https://discord.com/invite/MtTmw9rrz7 For general inquiries email: info@sdpn.ca Reach out to https://www.sdpn.ca/sales to connect with our sales team and discuss the opportunity to integrate your brand within our content! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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It's another beautiful day in TRS land ☀️Today, Tobin reflects on a press conference with USWNT coach Emma Hayes, where Hayes emphasises the importance of U-17 and U-20 championships. Finally someone is saying the thing! Then, our hosts sit down to interview US Olympic snowboarder Maddie Mastro, brought to you by Nulo, on all things board sports, training, and most importantly, her beloved dog Pippy. New episodes every week. Watch the video version of the show on YouTube. Sign up for our newsletter, The RE—SET: https://re-website.com/pages/newsletter Follow RE: https://www.instagram.com/re__inc/ https://www.tiktok.com/@re__inc https://twitter.com/re__inc https://www.threads.net/@re__inc Follow Tobin: https://www.instagram.com/tobinheath https://twitter.com/TobinHeath Follow Christen: https://www.instagram.com/christenpress https://twitter.com/ChristenPress 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
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First Deputy Mayor of New York City Randy Mastro joins Sid to talk about his resignation from his position as deputy mayor, which will be effective on December 31. He reflects on his gratitude for Mayor Eric Adams and the policies implemented during Adams's term, such as bolstering police forces, cutting taxes, aiding job growth, and combating antisemitism. Mastro criticizes the incoming administration for planning to replace him and Mayor Adams despite their intent to leave, highlighting concerns over future policies. He expresses optimism for New York City's success and hints at continuing to contribute to its future, though he remains skeptical about the new mayor's plans. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This is the noon All Local for Monday, December 8, 2025
KCBS Radio's Foodie Chap Liam Mayclem speaks with Chef Brendy Monsada of Mastro's Steakhouse in San Francisco. Liam and Chef Brendy talk about dining out at Mastro's and Movember.
Send us a textRHOC Reunion Part 2: Clearing the Air (Or Not)⭐ Podcast Summary: RHOC – S19 Reunion Part 2Reunion Part 2 kicks off hot with Tamra and Gretchen immediately going for each other's throats. Tamra screams that Gretchen is a “F-ing liar,” and the old controversial photo of Jenn resurfaces—plus the infamous saga of the hair extensions. Jenn finally tells Tamra, “I feel like you don't like me—and that's okay.” Tamra insists Jenn targeted her to get on the show, which Andy hilariously shuts down.Gina chimes in that Jenn seemed thirsty her first season, and Tamra continues her list of “coincidences”—the house, the doctor, the salon, the fitness competition—only for Jenn to remind her Tamra invited her. Even Andy is like: what exactly is the problem here?Question from a viewer: is Tamra jealous of Jenn like she was of Gretchen? Tamra denies she's ever been jealous of anybody. Heather tries to defend her earlier “Jenn wants to be Tamra” narrative, only for Jenn to tell her none of it was real—Heather admits she realizes that now.Emily pushes Tamra on why she showed the photo in the first place, reminding her she admitted it was shady in Temecula. Tamra apologizes, Jenn shrugs it off, and Emily gives Jenn credit for helping her rethink her own insecurities around weight.Andy moves to Jenn's wedding—no date yet, and everyone agrees waiting is smart. Jenn opens up about worrying whether she'll “be enough” for Ryan as she ages, but also owns that she's the breadwinner and full-time parent.Shannon gives an emotional update about being accountable and in a good place. Gina's still worried about her, but Shannon insists she's solid, seeing her dad twice a week. Gina apologizes for mocking Heather's acting career, and Heather says she's exhausted defending herself.We see some fun montage moments (lymphatic drainage! stripper chaos!) before lunch. Matt pulls up to see Katie in her trailer, while Shannon interrogates Jenn and Tamra over chicken she packed herself. Jenn says Shannon won't accept her apology.After lunch, the big mess: Jenn vs Katie. They haven't spoken; Katie feels abandoned. The “roofie story” at Mastro's gets unpacked. Gretchen admits she misspoke about saying she went to the hospital—she meant she should have.Matt joins the stage and claims Ryan and Slade coached Katie to “hold the line” on the story. Gretchen is interrupting him nonstop. Tamra reveals Scheana was the one who told Kiki Monique. Andy explains Gretchen is back because of her success on Girls Trip—not Slade pulling strings. Slade didn't show because he didn't want the “he's always trying to be on TV” accusations.Finally, Katie tells Jenn she messed with her paycheck by not defending her—if Jenn had even slightly backed her, Katie says she wouldn't have had to stop filming.The drama is high, the receipts are sloppy, and everyone's yelling over each other—it's classic RHOC reunion chaos.Support the showhttps://www.wewinewhenever.com/
On today's episode of Turtle Time - "The Night at Mastro's" - we discuss Heather Gay saying again that she had sex with Captain Jason, the new RHONY casting rumors, and Dolores and Paulie from RHONJ getting engaged. (00:00 - 15:45). And after all of that we give our thoughts on the Dr. Wendy Osefo episode of Wife Swap: The Real Housewives Edition. (15:45) We then discuss part 2 of the Real Housewives of Orange County season 19 reunion. (27:35) If you enjoyed this episode and need more Turtle Time in your life, join the Turtle Time Patreon and become a Villa Rosa VIP to hear exclusive bonus content! We're recapping the Vanderpump Rules series from the beginning each week. And if you need even more Turtle Time in your life, follow us on TikTok or Instagram. And please, if you want to watch some of the fun things we do, subscribe on YouTube. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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This week we discuss Bill Mastro, who helped build the multi-million dollar industry of sports memorabilia trading with his auction site Mastro Auctions. However, he also helped to build the massive corruption that lurked behind these sites by cheating the buyers and hawking fake merchandise before eventually striking out.
First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro spoke with host Ben Max at a live event at New York Law School on the morning of September 30 to discuss Mayor Eric Adams' decision to drop his reelection bid, Adams' legacy, priorities Mastro has spearheaded, and much more. The event was hosted by NYLS' Center for New York City and State Law. (Ep 531)
First Deputy Mayor Randy Mastro: Advancements of Housing, Jobs and Safety in NYC (5 min) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The iguanodontians were an incredibly successful group within the Cretaceous. They could reach incredible sizes, with the largest species even matching the proportions of some sauropods, and they also had an incredible palaeogeographic range, meaning that their remains are found all over the world today. In the late Jurassic, they were a lot less diverse and much smaller, so the late Jurassic and early Cretaceous are key times for understanding the evolution of this group. Cariocecus bocagei is a newly described iguanodontian from the Early Cretaceous of Praia do Areia do Mastro, Portugal. Whilst it is only know from a partial skull, there are numerous useful characteristics that help identify it as a new species and fill in our understanding of iguanodontians in this important time in their evolution. Joining us in this episode is Dr Filippo Bertozzo of the Royal Belgian Institute of Natural Sciences.
Randy Mastro, serving as First Deputy Mayor of New York City, joins Sid to discuss criticisms of mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani's fitness and political competence, the achievements of his boss Eric Adams' administration in reducing crime, creating jobs, and improving public schooling. The conversation highlights recent controversies faced by Adams, such as allegations of misconduct by campaign volunteers, and defends the administration's integrity and ongoing efforts. Mastro underscores the progress made in addressing homelessness and e-bike regulations, affirming a commitment to safety and quality of life improvements for New Yorkers. The discussion also touches upon public sentiments, contrasting views, and the political landscape leading up to future elections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This week on RHOC, I'm so confused about what happened and who's telling the truth about Naked Wasted Gate, lets get into it!Follow me on social media, find links to merch, Patreon and more here! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Join us tonight as Andrew Del Mastro, special speaker with the missions "Faith Comes by Hearing" - a mission that we support here at CCR. This organization provides free Bible apps and MP3s to Audio Bible podcasts to people everywhere with free access to Gods Word. They offer hope to 6.1 billion people through Bible recordings in 1,243 languages.
Randy Mastro, First Deputy Mayor of New York City under Mayor Eric Adams, makes his debut on the program with Sid to discuss the mayor's proposal to reinstate a historical mask ban that was in place prior to COVID-19, aimed at reducing antisemitic and other hate crimes in the city. The ban seeks to prevent individuals from wearing masks during protests, a regulation that existed for over a hundred years in New York, highlighting the challenges faced in passing this law, opposition from various political factions. Mastro then points out the accomplishments of Mayor Eric Adams' administration in reducing crime and increasing job rates throughout his tenure. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
This Day in Legal History: 14th Amendment RatifiedOn July 9, 1868, the Fourteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified—one of the most sweeping and hotly contested legal transformations in American history. Drafted during Reconstruction, its promise was bold: birthright citizenship, due process, and equal protection under the law. In theory, it was the legal nail in the coffin for Dred Scott v. Sandford, the 1857 decision that declared Black people could never be citizens. In practice? A more complicated story.The amendment aimed to redefine American citizenship in the wake of emancipation—but its language proved a double-edged sword. While Section 1 is the cornerstone of modern civil rights litigation, it was also the platform for corporate personhood and Lochner-era judicial activism. The same equal protection clause used to dismantle segregation in Brown v. Board (1954) was first deployed to protect railroad companies from state taxes. So the question isn't whether the Fourteenth Amendment mattered—it's whether it served the people it was meant to protect.Southern states ratified the amendment under duress, often as a condition for rejoining the Union. The Supreme Court, for decades, narrowed its reach, refusing to apply most of the Bill of Rights to the states and sidestepping racial injustice entirely. Only in the 20th century—through selective incorporation and the civil rights movement—did its full potential begin to manifest.Today, the Fourteenth Amendment remains a constitutional battleground: cited in cases on abortion, marriage equality, affirmative action, and beyond. But the fight over its meaning is far from settled. July 9 isn't just a date on the calendar—it's a reminder that even the most powerful legal language is hostage to interpretation, and that equality under the law has always been a work in progress.Retired NBA star Charles Oakley is seeking sanctions against Madison Square Garden (MSG) and Randy Mastro, a top NYC official and MSG attorney, alleging they made false statements in a long-running legal battle over Oakley's 2017 ejection from a Knicks game. In a recent court filing, Oakley accused Mastro of repeatedly lying to the court about MSG owner James Dolan's involvement, despite Dolan admitting under oath that he played a role. Oakley wants the judge to award attorney fees, censure Mastro, and require him to attend an ethics class.This move follows MSG's own motion last month asking the court to sanction Oakley and his lawyers for allegedly promoting a "false narrative" and to dismiss the case. The dueling motions are part of an eight-year legal dispute that began after Oakley was forcibly removed from MSG. Oakley, a Knicks fan favorite from 1988–1998, has claimed excessive force was used during the incident and has recently amended his lawsuit to focus on assault and battery.Ex-NBA player seeks sanctions against Madison Square Garden, lawyer Mastro | ReutersLaw school deans across Texas are pushing back against a proposal to eliminate the requirement that attorneys graduate from American Bar Association (ABA)-accredited schools. In a letter to the Texas Supreme Court, deans from eight of the state's ten ABA-accredited law schools argue that scrapping the rule—which has been in place since 1983—would hinder graduates' ability to practice in other states and reduce transparency for students and consumers.The court's review of the ABA requirement follows a similar move by Florida, where justices cited the ABA's paused diversity mandate and political activity as reasons for reconsideration. Critics of the proposal warn that removing ABA accreditation could isolate Texas law schools, make legal education less portable, and ultimately increase costs for students.Notably, the dean of the University of Texas School of Law, Robert Chesney, did not join the group letter. Instead, he suggested the court explore alternative or supplementary accreditation pathways. Texas A&M's law dean, Robert Ahdieh, also withheld endorsement but emphasized the importance of maintaining national recognition for Texas law degrees. The state's high court, composed entirely of Republican-elected judges, has not indicated when it will issue a decision.Eliminating ABA accreditation for Texas law schools is flawed proposal, some deans say | ReutersA U.S. district judge temporarily halted the bankruptcy sale of genetic testing company 23andMe, giving California three days to argue that the deal violates its genetic privacy law. California had earlier failed to convince a bankruptcy judge to block the $305 million sale to TTAM Research, a nonprofit founded by 23andMe co-founder Anne Wojcicki.The state contends that transferring genetic data to TTAM without explicit consumer consent breaches California's Genetic Information Privacy Act. With roughly 1.8 million California residents among 23andMe's 10 million users, the state argues the sale could lead to unauthorized data transfers.Bankruptcy Judge Brian Walsh previously ruled that consumers could delete their data post-sale, minimizing potential harm. TTAM has promised to honor 23andMe's existing privacy policies. A federal court hearing on whether to extend the pause is scheduled for Thursday. The bankruptcy follows declining demand and a major 2023 data breach at 23andMe.Judge briefly pauses 23andMe bankruptcy sale amid California's appeal | ReutersThe IRS has agreed—at least for now—not to penalize churches for discussing political candidates or campaigns during religious services, provided that such speech is framed as a matter of faith. This move comes as part of a proposed consent decree intended to resolve a constitutional challenge to the Johnson Amendment, a 1954 law barring 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations—including churches—from participating in political campaigns.The settlement, filed in a Texas federal court, reinterprets the Johnson Amendment narrowly: religious speech about politics during worship services is not “political intervention” if it occurs through traditional, faith-based communication. The IRS now claims enforcing the Johnson Amendment against such speech could raise serious First Amendment concerns, especially if it treats politically silent religious organizations more favorably than outspoken ones.Critics warn this reinterpretation risks turning churches into tax-sheltered political operations. Diane Yentel of the Council of Nonprofits argues it opens the door to tax-deductible donations for de facto political activity—effectively subsidized by taxpayers who may disagree.While the lawsuit originally sought to strike down the Johnson Amendment entirely, this settlement attempts to sidestep the constitutional minefield through interpretation, not invalidation. But here's the legal paradox: the IRS is effectively rewriting statutory law without legislative input, relying on what it calls "constitutional avoidance." That raises real questions—can an executive agency unilaterally redefine the scope of a congressional statute to avoid a constitutional fight? Or is this a policy pivot masquerading as judicial restraint?For now, the constitutional showdown is paused. But if this consent decree is approved, it will mark a major shift in the legal boundaries between church, state, and campaign finance—without any actual change to the law's text. Whether that holds up under future scrutiny remains very much an open question.IRS Says Religious Groups Can Discuss Politics During Services (1) 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
Chef Dan DeSalvo, Chef at Mastro's Chicago, joins Wendy Snyder, in for Lisa Dent, to discuss Mastro’s happy hour food menu and share some samples with the crew!
(5:00) 'Noles signed a QB huh?(8:00) FSU secures lofty prospect from portal -- is DB a concern?(13:00) Tea leaves say FSU offensive line thinner than hoped during spring and uncertain heading into fall(25:00) Two 'Noles drafted -- smart to declare?(35:00) Did Fitz and Mastro get hosed?(43:00) Lot of thoughts on Sheduer Sanders(1:01:00) Baseball, bullpen stumbles vs LouisvilleMusic: The Black Keysvitaminenergy.com | Shake it and take it!
(5:00) 'Noles signed a QB huh?(8:00) FSU secures lofty prospect from portal -- is DB a concern?(13:00) Tea leaves say FSU offensive line thinner than hoped during spring and uncertain heading into fall(25:00) Two 'Noles drafted -- smart to declare?(35:00) Did Fitz and Mastro get hosed?(43:00) Lot of thoughts on Sheduer Sanders(1:01:00) Baseball, bullpen stumbles vs LouisvilleMusic: The Black Keysvitaminenergy.com | Shake it and take it!
Mayor Adams holds one off-topic press conference per week, where reporters can ask him questions on any subject. Elizabeth Kim, Gothamist and WNYC reporter, recaps what he talked about at this week's event, including various aspects of the mayoral campaign and his recent appointment of Randy Mastro as a deputy mayor.
In the latest blind tasting episode of GuildSomm: Into the Glass, Master Sommelier Chris Tanghe pours the dreaded so-called Bermuda Triangle of white wines for Texas sommelier Skyler Ring. Skyler has quickly risen through the sommelier ranks and has passed both the theory and service portions of the Master Sommelier exam, with just the tasting portion remaining before he becomes Austin's next Master Sommelier. Skyler began his hospitality career in New York City managing restaurants, and his focus shifted exclusively to wine after moving to Texas, where he has worked at Jeffrey's in Austin and Mastro's Steakhouse in the Post Oak Hotel in Houston. He currently works for importer Wilson Daniels. Thanks for listening. If you enjoy this episode, please consider leaving us a review, as it helps us connect and grow the GuildSomm community. Cheers!
It was a big news day at Fifth Third Arena. First, defenseman Ethan Del Mastro was recalled from Rockford to replace Craig Smith, who was sent to IR. Then, the team announced a contract for 2024 third-round pick AJ Spellacy. Join Mario Tirabassi and Jay Zawaski as they break down the day's news.