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The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader by Melissa Murray is an irreverent and accessible guide to understanding our nation's history, amendment by amendment. Melissa joins us to talk about tyranny, translation, the founding fathers, the curation of history, the Electoral College, language and more with host Miwa Messer. This episode of Poured Over was hosted by Miwa Messer and mixed by Harry Liang. New episodes land Tuesdays and Thursdays (with occasional Saturdays) here and on your favorite podcast app. Featured Books (Episode): The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader by Melissa Murray The Lost Founder: James Wilson and the Forgotten Fight for a People's Constitution by Jesse Wegman How the Word Is Passed: A Reckoning with the History of Slavery Across America by Clint Smith Kin by Tayari Jones The Phantom Tollbooth by Norton Juster
July 12, 2026; 8am: It has been a little more than three months since Blanche took the reigns at the Department of Justice after Trump's last AG Pam Bondi was fired, reportedly in part due to Trump's growing frustration with the pace of prosecutions against his perceived political rivals. In just that short time Blanche has shown his willingness to allow his former client to assert himself, as Trump has repeatedly declared, to be the chief law enforcement officer” of the U.S. Melissa Murray and Andrew Weissmann join The Weekend to discuss his confirmation hearing. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @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.
This week, Stay Tuned listeners can hear a full episode of Preet Bharara and Joyce Vance's weekly Insider podcast. While Insider episodes are typically available only to subscribers, we're unlocking this one for everyone. To listen to future episodes, and get 25% off the Insider membership in honor of America's 250th anniversary, head to staytuned.substack.com/250. In this episode, Preet and Joyce are joined by NYU Law professor and co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast Melissa Murray to break down some of the Supreme Court's most consequential decisions from their latest term: – Trump v. Barbara, where the Court struck down President Trump's executive order restricting birthright citizenship; – National Republican Senatorial Committee v. Federal Election Commission, where the Court struck down a federal law limiting the amount of money political parties can spend on a political candidate; – Trump v. Cook, where the Court prevented Trump from firing Fed Chair Lisa Cook; – Trump v. Slaughter, where the Court allowed Trump to fire the commissioner of the Federal Trade Commission; – Watson v. RNC, where the Court ruled that mail-in ballots that arrive a few days after Election Day can be counted; and – West Virginia v. B.P.J., where the Court upheld state bans on transgender athletes from women's and girls' school sports teams. This conversation was recorded on Tuesday, June 30. Special thanks to the Aspen Ideas Festival, where Melissa Murray recorded the podcast. Shop Stay Tuned merch and featured books by our guests in our Amazon storefront. Have a question for Preet? Ask @PreetBharara on BlueSky, or Twitter with the hashtag #AskPreet. Email us at staytuned@cafe.com, or call 833-997-7338 to leave a voicemail. Stay Tuned with Preet is brought to you by CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Well, it's that time of the year again when the ladies of Strict Scrutiny join Chris to break down the latest ways in which SCOTUS has taken a sledgehammer to constitutional principles. There's a lot to discuss as the 2025-2026 term was another consequential one. Kate Shaw, Melissa Murray and Leah Litman, co-hosts of Strict Scrutiny, join to break down some of the biggest decisions this most recent term, what re-envisioning the Court could look like and more. Sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts to listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads. You'll also get exclusive bonus content from this and other shows. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
July 5, 2026; 8am: He and his family could find themselves under intense scrutiny if Democrats win big in November's midterms. As Axios reports, Democrats are planning a serious of subpoenas intent on exposing what has become the most lucrative presidency in American history. Democrats may also investigate people in Trump's orbit over a myriad of corruption allegations involving Trump's crypto empire, his sons' investments in defense companies seeking federal contracts, and billions of dollars worth of investments in Saudi real estate projects. Author Megan Gorman joins The Weekend to discuss the president's finances. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @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.
The U.S. Constitution can feel intimidating—but what if understanding it is one of the most empowering things you can do? This week, JVN sits down with constitutional law professor, legal scholar, and Strict Scrutiny co-host Melissa Murray to unpack what the Constitution actually says, how it's evolved over time, and what it does to shape our daily lives here in the U.S. Together, they break down the myths, the amendments, and the big debates that continue to define U.S. democracy. From the origins of Prohibition to the long fight for women's rights, Melissa explains why the Constitution was designed to change—and why “We the People” have always been central to that process. They also explore what rights the Constitution does (and doesn't) guarantee, how constitutional amendments come to be, and what power ordinary people have to shape the country's future. Get your copy of THE U.S. CONSTITUTION: AN ANNOTATED GUIDE FOR THE MODERN READER here Catch Strict Scrutiny wherever you get your podcasts! . Wanna see JVN on stage? Get tix to the Hot & Healed Comedy Tour here. Full Video Episodes now available on YouTube. Follow Melissa Murray on Instagram @profmmurray Follow Strict Scrutiny on Instagram @stricscrutinypodcast Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Follow Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Executive Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from: Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Supreme Court handed Trump more executive power today by granting him the ability to fire agency chiefs. The Court also ruled that the 4th Amendment extends to digital location data. And they rejected Trump's appeal to overturn E. Jean Carrol's $5 million sex abuse case. Plus, we're joined by former North Carolina Governor and current U.S. Senate candidate Roy Cooper on his race to help Democrats take back the upper chamber. And Nebraska's Independent U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn, who's got the support of the Democrats. Lina Khan, Melissa Murray, Roy Cooper, and Dan Osborn all join The 11th Hour with Ali Velshi. 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.
The Supreme Court term has come to an end with a flurry of blockbuster rulings. Today, the justices preserved birthright citizenship, striking down the executive order President Trump issued on the first day of his second term seeking to end it. They also ruled that states can bar transgender athletes from girls' and women's sports and loosened campaign finance restrictions by allowing candidates and political parties to coordinate their spending. In earlier decisions, the court also undercut protections for immigrants and yesterday, it handed the president sweeping power to fire leaders of independent federal agencies. Marisa sorts through the decisions with Melissa Murray, a law professor at New York University and cohost of the Strict Scrutiny podcast. Check out Political Breakdown's weekly newsletter, delivered straight to your inbox. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The US Constitution is more than two centuries old. For most of that time, its purpose has been to maintain representative government and the peaceful transfer of power. That's started to break down in recent years. Politicians try to win elections by gerrymandering voters, rather than convincing them. More and more power has been consolidated in the executive branch, bypassing traditional checks and balances. Melissa Murray joins host Alex Lovit to talk about the Supreme Court's role in this democratic decline and how the Constitution can be a roadmap to reverse it. Melissa Murray is the Frederick I. and Grace Stokes Professor of Law and the faculty director of the Birnbaum Women's Leadership Center at New York University. She cohosts the popular Supreme Court podcast, Strict Scrutiny. She has written several books, most recently The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader. https://crooked.com/podcast-series/strict-scrutiny/ https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-U-S-Constitution/Melissa-Murray/9781668221938 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Serwer's piece documents the Trump administration's explicitly race-based statements about Haitian immigrants, including claims they all have AIDS, eat household pets, are genetically predisposed to crime, and are poisoning the blood of the country. Samuel Alito's majority opinion declined to repeat any of those statements, substituting his own race-neutral explanations for what they might have meant instead. Justice Elena Kagan's dissent noted that the evidence was plain to see in statements the majority and even Trump's own lawyers could not bring themselves to repeat. The article brings in legal scholars including Guy-Uriel Charles of Harvard Law, who describes the ruling as setting up an impossible burden for plaintiffs, Anderson Francois of Georgetown, who notes that the administration now needs only a plausible pretext to discriminate while Black plaintiffs need proof no amount of evidence will satisfy, and Melissa Murray of NYU, who calls this a colorblind constitution the architects of Jim Crow would love. Serwer also traces Alito's selective application of intent, showing he is perfectly willing to read racial motive into policies when white people could be perceived as the victims, as in his 2009 Ricci v. DeStefano opinion, but refuses to do so here. SUPPORT & CONNECT WITH HAWK- Support on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/mdg650hawk - Hawk's Merch Store: https://hawkmerchstore.com - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@mdg650hawk7thacct - Connect on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@hawkeyewhackamole - Connect on BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/mdg650hawk.bsky.social - Connect on Substack: https://mdg650hawk.substack.com - Connect on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/hawkpodcasts - Connect on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/mdg650hawk - Connect on Twitch: https://www.twitch.tv/mdg650hawk ALL HAWK PODCASTS INFO- Additional Content Available Here: https://www.hawkpodcasts.comhttps://www.youtube.com/@hawkpodcasts- Listen to Hawk Podcasts On Your Favorite Platform:Spotify: https://spoti.fi/3RWeJfyApple Podcasts: https://apple.co/422GDuLYouTube: https://youtube.com/@hawkpodcastsiHeartRadio: https://ihr.fm/47vVBdPPandora: https://bit.ly/48COaTB
Trump refused to sign a bipartisan housing bill, demanding the GOP first pass the election-targeting "SAVE America Act." Members of the "Leaving MAGA" support group share their experiences. And Darializa Avila Chevalier on the scrutiny she's facing over her past statements, controversial views, and where she goes from here. Melissa Murray, Angelo Carusone, all David Noriega join Ali Velshi on The 11th Hour. 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.
June 19, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Melissa Murray reports on renewed fears that the president is asserting an expansive vision of presidential power. Semafor's Margaret Carlson and longtime journalist Tara Palmeri join. Plus, new heat on Trump's DOJ over its controversial fund that could pay Jan. 6 rioters. 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.
June 17, 2026; 6pm; President Trump is facing heat from Democrats and Republicans over his deal with Iran to end the war. MS NOW's Melissa Murray reports and is joined by The New York Times' Molly Jong Fast and Political Analyst Jason Johnson. Plus, Trump under fire for forcing the delay of a critical hearing for his nominee to be director of national intelligence. 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.
Margaret Hoover talks to Melissa Murray, legal scholar and best-selling author of tThe U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader, a book she wrote in the hope that the Constitution would be read and understood by all Americans—just as the founders had intended.Murray, who also co-hosts the Strict Scrutiny podcast, examines the history of each amendment, and how the Reconstruction Era transformed the Constitution.In the wake of the Supreme Court's landmark ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, Murray analyzes the history and future of the Voting Rights Act, the unfinished promise of Reconstruction, and the debate over whether the Constitution's guarantees of equal citizenship have been fulfilled or remain an ongoing project. She also discusses the Roberts Court's approach to voting rights and race, the limits of presidential power, the role of Congress in checking the executive, and why constitutional literacy remains essential to the survival of American self-government.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Pritzker Military Foundation, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Marc Haas Foundation, Katharine J. Rayner, Charles R. Schwab, Lindsay and George Billingsley, The Meadowlark Foundation, Jared Stone, Al and Kathy Hubbard, and Craig Newmark Philanthropies.
June 1, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW reports that the Trump administration is planning to abandon its highly controversial $1.8 billion “slush fund.” MS NOW's Melissa Murray reports and is joined by former SDNY civil prosecutor Maya Wiley and The New York Times' Molly Jong-Fast. Plus, Murray reports on growing questions about Donald Trump's Wall Street trades. Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and Trump biographer David Cay Johnston joins. 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.
Brain Talk | Being Patient for Alzheimer's & dementia patients & caregivers
Brain donation is helping researchers better understand why Alzheimer's disease and related neurodegenerative disorders develop, progress, and affect people differently.Dr. Melissa Murray is a professor of neuroscience at Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Florida, where her research focuses on the biological changes, including tauopathies, that drive Alzheimer's and related neurodegenerative disorders.. At Mayo Clinic Florida she helps direct one of the world's largest brain banks focused on these diseases, giving scientists access to donated brain tissue that can reveal details about diagnosis, disease progression, genetics, resilience and risk that cannot always be seen during life.In this conversation with Being Patient's Mark Niu, Murray explains what tauopathies are, how tau and amyloid contribute to Alzheimer's disease, and why brain banks are essential to understanding the many ways dementia can appear. She also discusses how brain donation can support biomarker development, genetic discoveries, and more specific diagnoses. She emphasizes that brain donation also offers families answers and helps researchers work toward better ways to detect, treat, and ultimately prevent neurodegenerative disease.----If you loved listening to this Live Talk, visit our website to find more of our Alzheimer's coverage and subscribe to our newsletter: https://www.beingpatient.com/Follow Being Patient: Twitter: / being_patient_ Instagram: / beingpatientvoices Facebook: / beingpatientalzheimers LinkedIn: / being-patient Being Patient is an editorially independent journalism outlet for news and reporting about brain health, cognitive science, and neurodegenerative diseases. In our Live Talk series on Facebook, former Wall Street Journal Editor and founder of Being Patient, Deborah Kan, interviews brain health experts and people living with dementia. Check out our latest Live Talks: https://beingpatient.com/live-talks/
We discuss the hidden power inside the U.S. Constitution, what it was designed to protect against, and how it can fortify American democracy today. Melissa's civic action toolkit recommendations are: Commit to voting and follow through Make your demands clear to your elected representatives Melissa Murray is the Frederick I. and Grace Stokes Professor of Law at NYU School of Law, co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, and a legal analyst for MSNBC. Her new book is The US Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader. Let's connect! Follow Future Hindsight on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/futurehindsightpod/ Discover new ways to #BetheSpark: https://www.futurehindsight.com/spark Follow Mila on X: https://x.com/milaatmos Follow Melissa on IG: https://www.instagram.com/profmmurray/ Read The US Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader: https://bookshop.org/shop/futurehindsight Sponsor: Thank you to Shopify! Sign up for a $1/month trial at shopify.com/hopeful. Early episodes for Patreon supporters: https://patreon.com/futurehindsight Credits: Host: Mila Atmos Guests: Melissa Murray Executive Producer: Zack Travis Executive Editor: Mila Atmos
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump's war in Iran looms over the U.S.-China summit. Also, economists predicted the failures of Trump's economy. And The Wall Street Journal reports the Trump administration is eyeing 250 pardons for July 4th. Laura Barrón-López, Rep. Madeleine Dean, Bobby Ghosh, Justin Wolfers, and Melissa Murray join Ali Velshi. 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.
As a host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, on MSNOW, in her classes at NYU School of Law, and in op-eds, Melissa Murray is known for her accessible explanations of constitutional law. In her new book, The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader, Murray brings her signature insights to bear on the document at the heart of U.S. law and legal culture. Watch as Murray joins The Briefing with Michael Waldman to discuss the history behind the Constitution's articles and amendments, their relevance today, and their ability to protect democratic institutions.Recorded on May 5, 2026The Brennan Center is a nonpartisan law and policy institute that works to repair, revitalize, and defend our systems of democracy and justice so that they work for all Americans. The Brennan Center cannot support or oppose any candidate for office.
May 10, 2026, 8 AM ; The crowded primary is June 2nd with the top 2 candidates advancing to the general election regardless of party. Among the candidates are Democrats Xavier Becerra, Katie Porter and Tom Steyer, and Republicans Steve Hilton and Chad Bianco. However, after two fiery debates last week, there is still no clear frontrunner. A CBS-YOUGOV POLL, conducted in late April, shows only 7 percentage points separating the top 5 candidates. Former. Rep. Katie Porter, who is one of several Democrats running for the seat, joins The Weekend to discuss the California Governor's race. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @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.
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump fixates on the ballroom as the Iran war spikes gas prices. Also, Republicans move to redraw Black-majority districts in the south. Plus, Democrats pass a bill to block whites-only communities in Pennsylvania. And Vladimir Putin scales back his “Victory Day” parade. Rep. Brendan Boyle, Melissa Murray, Pennsylvania House Speaker Joanna McClinton, and Amb. Michael McFaul join Ali Velshi. 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.
Leading SCOTUS scholar Melissa Murray joins Harry to discuss her new book on the constitution and her concerns about the Justices now tasked with interpreting it. Melissa guides Harry through key points from her book—"The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader"—from the fears of slave rebellion that shaped the 2nd amendment to the expansive promise of liberty that has been gradually erased from the 14th. The two close with a closer look at the Justices, including why Melissa sees John Roberts as the "Victor Frankenstein of American government."Mentioned in this episode: Melissa's new book: https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-U-S-Constitution/Melissa-Murray/9781668221938New York Times reporting on the origins of the shadow docket: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/04/18/us/politics/supreme-court-shadow-docket.htmlNoah Feldman's book “Scorpions”: https://www.nytimes.com/2010/11/07/books/review/ACohen-t.htmlCarol Anderon's book “The Second”: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/05/28/books/review/the-second-carol-anderson.html Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Constitution: So revered! So important! So…really, who knows, because most of us haven't read it. But law professor and Strict Scrutiny cohost Melissa Murray has, and she sits down with Brittany Packnett Cunningham to discuss her new, essential book on the subject. They get into why the Constitution is a “trauma-informed document,” why SCOTUS's new voting-rights ruling is so scary and “bonkers,” and why the real secret of the Constitution is that we, the people, have more power than we think. Plus, Brittany is joined by Dr. Brittney Cooper and political strategist Atima Omara for this week's group chat—on everything from billionaire culture to Devil Wears Prada 2 to Black joy during prom season. Read LaTosha Brown's article “We Are the Architects Now”: https://www.contrabandcamp.com/p/we-are-the-architects-now Melissa Murray's The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader is out now: https://bit.ly/42g0KGW Atima Omara's How Black Women Have Been Essential to American Democracy (And What We Can Learn From Them) https://bit.ly/3Rqswy3 For abortion access visit: INeedAnA.com To subscribe to The Meteor: wearethemeteor.com/newsletters Episode website: stayundistracted.com Follow The Meteor on Instagram and TikTok: @themeteor Follow Brittany on Instagram, TikTok, Youtube: @mspackyetti
Tonight on The Last Word: Donald Trump pauses the escort of ships in the Strait of Hormuz for negotiations. Also, Sherrod Brown wins the Ohio Democratic Senate primary. Plus, Rep. Raskin demands answers on Trump's “Board of Peace” patent. And the Supreme Court restores abortion pill access, for now. Rep. Jason Crow, Sherrod Brown, Rep. Jamie Raskin, and Melissa Murray join Jonathan Capehart. 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.
Just like the ceasefire with Iran, Trump's standing in the polls has effectively collapsed, but Democrats aren't performing better on the generic ballot. Jon, Lovett, and Tommy discuss why, and what Democrats can do about it. They also react to the latest chaos in the Strait of Hormuz, the Trump administration's effort to blame the demise of Spirit Airlines on Joe Biden, and whether Republicans really might convince John Fetterman to switch parties. Then, Jon talks to Strict Scrutiny's Melissa Murray about the recent court rulings on mifepristone, new threats to safe and legal abortion, and Melissa's new book "The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader."Friends of the Pod subscribers on Apple Podcasts will receive today's ad-free episode a few hours later than the regular release due to a technical issue. Thanks for your patience!For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date.
The Supreme Court surprised many on Monday allowing the commonly used abortion medication mifepristone to stay available via mail for at least one more week. But even with this decision, the current Supreme Court still feels like a mystery. For a body that intends to examine the law through a Constitutional lens, the court is kind of… freestyling a lot of the time. And in the era of Trump, a lot of that freestyling has been in his favor. So is this the Supreme Court's fault? Or… the Constitution's? To find out, we spoke with Melissa Murray. She's a co-host of Crooked Media's Strict Scrutiny, and author of the new book, The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader.And in headlines, President Donald Trump talks about the “mini-war” in Iran, the Department of Justice holds a press conference about its most recent beef, and Trump threatens to stay in power for another eight or nine years.Show Notes: Check out Melissa's book – https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-U-S-Constitution/Melissa-Murray/9781668221938 Call Congress – 202-224-3121 Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/y4y2e9jy What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcast Follow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/ For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday
Our Constitution is about limited government and restraining the power of the state, but we've got a president asserting powers he lawfully doesn't have, a Supreme Court that largely helps him do so, and a Republican Congress that's just dozing through it all. Americans need a refresher on how our government is supposed to work under the Constitution. Plus, the mifepristone case has brought abortion politics roaring back in time for the midterms, Trump is creating his own libel rules and circumventing press freedoms, and no, SCOTUS, the 14th and 15th Amendments were not designed to be colorblind on the matter of voting rights. Melissa Murray joins Tim Miller.show notes Melissa's new annotated guide to the Constitution Melissa's "Strict Scrutiny" podcast The NYT on the Supreme Court's shadow docket Tickets for our Bulwark Live shows in San Diego on 5/20 and in LA on 5/21: TheBulwark.com/Events Exclusive $25-off Carver Mat at https://on.auraframes.com/BULWARK. Promo Code THEBULWARK
Melissa Murray, NYU law professor, co-host of the podcast Strict Scrutiny, MSNOW commentator and the author of The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader (Simon & Schuster, 2026), explains the Constitution and how all the problems inherent in the founding are contained in it, not solved by it. Photo: The first page of the US Constitution. (U.S. National Archives and Records Administration via Wikimedia Commons)
Yesterday, the Supreme Court temporarily reinstated a Food and Drug Administration rule allowing the abortion pill mifepristone to be prescribed via telemedicine. On Today's Show: Melissa Murray, NYU law professor, co-host of the podcast Strict Scrutiny, MSNOW commentator and the author of The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader (Simon & Schuster, 2026), explains the Constitution and how all the problems inherent in the founding are contained in it, not solved by it.
May 2, 2026, 8 AM; In the name of disentangling race from voting, the Supreme Court has made it virtually impossible for Black voters to challenge gerrymandered congressional maps. For decades, Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act acted as a guardrail, preventing Southern legislatures from carving Black voters out of political power. Within hours of that ruling, states across the South began moving to redraw their maps ahead of the midterms. President and CEO of Democracy Forward Skye Perryman and Melissa Murray join The Weekend to discuss how this will affect voting and the midterms. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @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.
April 29, 2026; 6pm; Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth testified before the House Armed Services Committee, marking his first hearing since the Iran war began. MS NOW's Melissa Murray reports and is joined by Admiral John Kirby. Meanwhile, the Supreme Court's conservative supermajority struck down a Louisiana voting map as unconstitutional, finding that lawmakers “illegally used race when drawing a new majority-Black district.” 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.
Melissa Murray is an NYU Law professor, New York Times bestselling author, and cohost of @strictscrutinypodcast, where she breaks down the biggest legal battles and political messes in our country. She's also the author of The U.S. Constitution: A Comprehensive and Annotated Guide for the Modern Reader, set to release on May 5.Today, she sits down with Sali to share how she established herself as a prominent voice in law, to remind us of the power of “we the people,” and to explain why she refuses to discuss the law from a place of neutrality. Listen or watch the full episode at the link in bio.0:00 - Introduction2:45 - Biggest "Oh No" Moment4:35 - Child of Jamaican Immigrants11:18 - “Maybe I could be a lawyer.”13:45 - Navigating Grief Before College 15:25 - A Full Scholarship to UVA 18:03 - Deferring Yale Law21:08 - Clerking for Justice Sonia Sotomayor23:45 - A Mentorship Misconception27:09 - Working in Education43:18- Being a Professor in 202639:30- Coaching Middle School Debate Club41:30 - "Strict Scrutiny" & Ditching Neutrality44:20 - Why Write a Book On The U.S. Constitution?53:55 - Dress Code for Lawyers58:51 - “You have to know what your season is.”1:00:49 - Would You Rather? On Sali: Argent Double-Breasted Crewneck Blazer and Single Pleat TrouserOn Melissa: Argent Double-Breasted Blazer and Wide Leg TrouserHosted by Sali Christeson @salichristesonProduced by Gina Marinelli @ginaalilbitEdited by Ryan Woldoff @c__bizTheme Song by Karina DePiano @sheplaysdepiano & Melanie Nyema @melanienyemaRecorded at Podstream Studio @podstreamstudio
John welcomes NYU law professor, co-host of the Strict Scrutiny podcast, and MS Now legal analyst Melissa Murray to discuss Donald Trump's firing of Pam Bondi as attorney general and the future of the Justice Department. Murray weighs in on Bondi's tenure, legacy, and potential replacements as AG—as well as the oral arguments before the Supreme Court last week in the birthright citizenship case. 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
The Supreme Court tackled a question Wednesday that most Americans probably thought was settled: are the American-born children of immigrants American citizens? The Constitution seems pretty clear -- Section 1 of the 14th Amendment reads in part, “All persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the state wherein they reside.” But an executive order issued on President Donald Trump's first day back in the White House argued, “The Fourteenth Amendment has never been interpreted to extend citizenship universally to everyone born within the United States.” That order was quickly met by a number of lawsuits. During oral arguments on Wednesday, most of the Supreme Court justices seemed skeptical that the 14th Amendment means something other than what it says. Melissa Murray, professor at the New York University School of Law and co-host of Crooked Media's Strict Scrutiny, joins the show to break down the birthright citizenship question.And in headlines, Trump threatens to withdraw the U.S. from NATO even though he'd need Congressional approval to do so, Republicans say they finally have a plan to fund DHS, and statues mocking the president keep popping up across the nation's capital.Show Notes: Check out Melissa's book – https://tinyurl.com/5ay6txmw Call Congress – 202-224-3121 Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/y4y2e9jy What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcast Follow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/ For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday
April 2, 2026; 6pm; President Trump has fired Attorney General Pam Bondi after just 14 months leading the DOJ. MS NOW's Melissa Murray reports, joined by The New York Times' Molly Jong-Fast and former FBI General Counsel Andrew Weissmann. Plus, Trump is facing new heat as the endgame in Iran remains unclear. 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.
President Trump gave the nation an update on the war with Iran but offered little clarity about what comes next, aside from saying "the core objectives are nearing completion". Then, the Supreme Court hears arguments over the constitutionality of Trump's effort to ban birthright citizenship. And NASA launches its first astronaut mission to the moon in more than half a century. Hayes Brown, Basil Smikle, Michael McFaul, Melissa Murray and Ron Insana join The 11th Hour. 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.
April 1, 2026; 6pm; House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries joins MS NOW's Melissa Murray on "The Beat" to discuss President Trump's war in Iran, escalating clashes over ICE and more. Plus, NASA's Artemis II sends astronauts on a historic mission around the moon. Retired NASA astronaut John “Danny” Olivas joins for analysis. 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.
March 17, 2026; While President Donald Trump's inner circle continues to defend Trump's decision-making, another top official resigned today, joining the group of former-loyalists turned-dissidents: Joe Kent, once Director of the National Counterterrorism Center, quit today, citing Iran. Nicolle Wallace discusses with Anne Applebaum, John Brennan and Tom Nichols. Later in the hour, the latest in the FCC's censorship efforts with Melissa Murray. For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewh For more from Nicolle, follow and download her podcast, “The Best People with Nicolle Wallace,” wherever you get your podcasts.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.
Melissa Murray, NYU law professor and former clerk for then–Appeals Court Justice Sonia Sotomayor, breaks down the constitutional crisis surrounding the attacks on Iran and what it could mean for the case against Trump if he ever returns to a courtroom.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/tavis-smiley--6286410/support.
Melissa Murray & Kate Shaw, two of the three hosts from the HIT podcast Strict Scrutiny join JVN on this week's episode of Getting Better to break down the biggest legal and political stories shaping our lives right now — from ICE and Minneapolis, the TikTok data debate, and the Supreme Court cases that could change everything. Check out Strict Scrutiny wherever you get your podcasts! They talk: voting rights, power, accountability, what the headlines miss…and whether there's still reason for hope. Full Getting Better Video Episodes now available on YouTube. Follow Strict Scrutiny @strictscrutinypodcast Follow Melissa Murray @profmmurray Follow Kate Shaw @kateashaw Follow us on Instagram @gettingbetterwithjvn Jonathan on Instagram @jvn Senior Producer, Chris McClure Producer, Editor & Engineer is Nathanael McClure Production support from Chad Hall Our theme music is also composed by Nathanael McClure. Check out the JVN Patreon for exclusive BTS content, extra interviews, and much much more - check it out here: www.patreon.com/jvn Curious about bringing your brand to life on the show? Email podcastadsales@sonymusic.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
February 2, 2026; 6pm; The Department of Justice has released their final tranche of three-million files related to Jeffrey Epstein. Included in the files are about two hours of never before seen interview footage of Epstein, conducted by Steve Bannon. Melissa Murray reports. Plus, more on the growing pushback to trump's immigration crackdown. 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.
January 21, 2026; 6pm; MS NOW's Ari Melber breaks down the international chaos shaping President Trump's first month of 2026, with new insights from his interview with former Trump White House lawyer Ty Cobb. Ambassador Michael McFaul joins the discussion. Plus, the Supreme Court appears skeptical of President Trump's bid to take control of the independent Federal Reserve, with analysis from NYU law professor Melissa Murray. 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.
January 13, 2026; 6pm; The Trump administration is probing Fed Chair Jerome Powell. MS NOW's Ari Melber delivers a special report on the “blatant abuse of power,” coming after Powell upheld his oath to keep the Federal Reserve independent. Plus, Melber reports on how the biggest headlines made their way into the Golden Globes. Melissa Murray and John Slattery join. 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.
January 8, 2026; 6pm; The Trump administration is blocking state officials from investigating the deadly ICE shooting of an American citizen in Minneapolis. Plus, pressure is mounting on Trump's Justice Department over Jeffrey Epstein. Rep. Robert Garcia, Melissa Murray, and more join MS NOW's Ari Melber. 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 30, 2025; 6pm; Artists have canceled their upcoming performances at the Kennedy Center after its board voted to rename the performing arts venue to include President Donald Trump's name. Melissa Murray reports. 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.
It has been a record-breaking year for Congress, but not in the way they would hope. Guest host Melissa Murray is joined by Molly Jong-Fast and Steve Benen on the way the institution of Congress has fallen in 2025; plus, Dr. Uche Blackstock on how America's healthcare system broke in 2025; and Brad Lander and Maria Hinojosa on how the strength of communities coming together in collective responsibility for their neighbors is challenging the Trump administration's anti-immigrant propaganda machine. 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.
Guest host Melissa Murray is joined by John Fabian Witt, who talks about his argument in the New York Times that 2025 was the year Americans' shared belief in process collapsed - and the historical example from his new book about how it can be rebuilt; plus former Congressman Denver Riggleman and Dean Obeidallah on Speaker Mike Johnson's broken Congress; and Dr. Uche Blackstock on the power of politics over the public good that has invaded American healthcare. 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.
Tonight on The Last Word: Democrats explore legal options over the partial Epstein files release. Also, Donald Trump takes his broken economic message to North Carolina. Plus, GOP divisions grow as lawmakers head home. And Jack Smith demands a public hearing to defend the Trump indictments. Rep. Jamie Raskin, Lisa Rubin, fmr. Gov. Roy Cooper, fmr. Rep. David Jolly, and Melissa Murray join Ali Velshi. 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.
Are President Trump's tariffs illegal? Will the independence of federal agencies be a thing of the past? Is birthright citizenship about to be taken away? These are just a few of the consequential questions before a Supreme Court that's hell-bent on destroying obstacles to President Trump's executive power. Alex talks to two plaintiffs at the center of of these cases, Toymaker Rick Woldenberg and former FTC Commissioner Rebecca Slaughter. Then, she sits down with NYU Professor and Strict Scrutiny host Melissa Murray to put it all into context and talk about what the long term impacts will be of a Supreme Court where corruption and partisanship are now out in the open. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
December 1, 2025; 6pm: MS NOW's Melissa Murray reports on an alleged war crime that is engulfing the Trump administration. Plus, Murray breaks down the growing scrutiny over alleged corruption inside the Trump White House. Vanity Fair's Molly Jong-Fast joins. 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.