Podcasts about Senior counsel

Day Break | Election Chaos, Cyber Threats, and America Under Fire --- 00:00 - Monologue 19:25 – Lucas Vebber, Deputy Counsel at the Wisconsin Institute for Law & Liberty (WILL). Vebber discusses a Wisconsin court ruling that voters who have already returned absentee ballots for the state primary cannot receive replacement ballots, examining the legal reasoning behind the decision and its implications for election administration and voter confidence. 28:12 – Dr. Kurt Miceli, Chief Medical Officer at Do No Harm. Dr. Miceli discusses his organization's call for major medical societies to end invasive genital surgeries on minors, examining ongoing debates over pediatric medical ethics, informed consent, and standards of care. 38:31 - Monologue 47:32 – Becky Dummermuth, Senior Counsel at First Liberty Institute. Dummermuth discusses a recent court victory involving Alaska Airlines flight attendants who alleged they were disciplined because of their religious beliefs, examining the ruling's implications for workplace religious liberty and employee protections. 57:42 – Chris Farrell, Director of Investigations and Research at Judicial Watch. Farrell discusses a new documentary examining documents related to the 1996 crash of TWA Flight 800, outlining the evidence presented and why Judicial Watch believes additional questions remain about the investigation. 1:06:47 – Dr. Andrew Fox, organizational culture expert, professor, priest, and author of the forthcoming book Truth in the Age of Applause. Dr. Fox discusses the growing influence of the Democratic Socialists of America within Democratic politics, examining whether the movement is evolving into a distinct political force and what that could mean for the future of American political discourse. 1:17:05 - Monologue 1:26:03 – Tim Golding, Michigan State Director for Americans for Prosperity. Golding discusses Michigan's U.S. Senate primary, examining whether the race reflects a broader shift in voter priorities and how the outcome could shape the state's political landscape heading into the general election. 1:36:10 – John Leake, author of Mind Viruses: America's Irrational Obsessions and co-author of The Courage to Face COVID-19 with Dr. Peter McCullough. Leake discusses the themes of his new book, exploring how cultural trends, public narratives, and collective beliefs can shape public opinion and influence American institutions. 1:45:09 – Jason Cabel Roe, political and communications strategist. Roe previews Election Day races across Michigan, highlighting key contests to watch, the issues likely to drive voter turnout, and what the results could signal for both parties heading into the midterm elections. --- Check out our brand new podcast, 'Forgotten America'... Episode 24 is live NOW at Steve Gruber on YouTube! Link below: https://youtu.be/UrGZQdE62jA

Last week, Ralph, along with our constitutional law expert, Bruce Fein, organized another symposium in Washington DC on impeaching Donald Trump. On today's program, we play you highlights from that symposium with eight of the participants, each of whom are going to give listeners their perspective on why Donald Trump should be impeached even before the midterm elections.The rhetoric from many Democratic leaders has not kept up with the horror and the urgency of what [Donald Trump] is inflicting on America and the American people. He has moved very, very quickly to develop a fascist dictatorship embodying a kleptocratic corporate state that is marked by non-regulation, tax cuts for the wealthy, and tax escapes for the wealthy and major corporations, as well as expanded corporate welfare in the midst of personal and institutional two-way bribery and extortion. It's very important to punctuate the seriousness of what he's already done.Ralph NaderCelinda Lake is a political strategist and president of Lake Research Partners.What I love about polling is: conventional wisdom is wrong about 90% of the time, plus or minus 5%. Beltway conventional wisdom is wrong about 100% of the time, plus or minus 5%. So, “Everybody knows impeachment is unpopular.” No, it's not. It's very popular. A majority of people support it. “Everyone knows that it'll energize the other side.” No. The other side, to the extent they're going to be energized, they're already energized. We need to energize our side. We need to get our people out to vote… “Everyone knows it's very volatile.” No, it's not. Attitudes about impeachment track with job performance… And finally, “Everybody knows that nobody understands impeachment.” Well, frankly, voters understand it better than a lot of elected officials.Celinda LakeSuparna Reddy is the Senior Counsel for Free Speech For People.Let us be clear: Congress should impeach and remove Trump for each and every one of these hundreds of offenses. And we have a duty to record his every abuse of power. But in the process, we should not miss the forest for the trees— Trump is intentionally and systematically dismantling our democratic institutions to consolidate his own power and line his own pockets.Suparna ReddyRichard Painter is the S. Walter Richey professor of corporate law at the University of Minnesota Law School and was the chief White House ethics lawyer from 2005 to 2007.We have seen serious, indeed, tragic financial conflicts of interest in the executive branch never before seen in the history of our country—unless we look at our very early Presidents who held vast plantations with slave labor, a clear economic conflict of interest with their official duties. A conflict of interest shared by many Senators and Representatives and Justices of the Supreme Court, and indeed a tragic conflict of interest for the first eighty years of our history that ended only with a bloody civil war. But since then, we have not had at least a President who is embroiled in financial conflicts of interest with his official duties.Richard PainterDoug Bandow is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute, specializing in foreign policy and civil liberties.We need to make a persuasive argument for people, whether they like Donald Trump or not, to understand the Constitution transcends this President. The Constitution transcends future Presidents and future crises. We need to convince Americans across the political spectrum to stand with the rule of law, to stand with accountable government, to stand with an accountable executive, responsible legislatures. History tells us that one person making these decisions is not good. Plenty of authoritarians in the past have made these decisions and brought their countries to disaster.Douglas BandowErwin Chemerinsky is the Dean and Jesse H. Choper Distinguished Professor of Law at the University of California, Berkeley School of Law.We're now at a moment when the federal government is a threat to our rights. The actions of the Trump administration are unprecedented in the violations of the Constitution. And so I think it's crucial that state and local governments step in so as to protect rights. It's interesting that through American history, Federalism has always been equated, states' rights have always been equated with regressive policies… But now it's time for progressives to use states' rights and look for the opportunities for states to safeguard our constitutionErwin ChemerinskyKeira Havens is a United States Air Force veteran, a former scientist, and a longtime political activist. She is the executive director of Citizens' Impeachment.Everybody has agency. Everybody has a role that they can play. Everybody can take action. As a private citizen, I can say, “Man, there are a lot of things wrong with what's happening.” In fact, I wrote several articles of impeachment: tyranny, treason, obstruction of justice, and of course, corruption, right? Members of Congress have more power than that. They need to do more than say things. They have to take action. Courage is an action. It's what you do after you say the words that really matters. And every single member of Congress is able to take action. They are able to introduce articles of impeachment, and they are refusing.Keira HavensJessica Denson is a former Trump staffer and founder of the Removal Coalition.The American people (and particularly Democratic primary voters) are looking for fighters. For God's sake, what could you do better than to exert the power that you have—this one privilege in the House, Rule 9, that gives any member of the Congress, including the minority, the ability to force a vote any time. Why would you sit on that? Why would you wait? Instead, in my activism, I've had to resort to relying on literally one Congressman. This is so pathetic. He is a dear friend, and I am so grateful for him. But to this day, I think it is pathetic that I have to rely on one Congressman to bring forth articles of impeachment and force votes, and that's Representative Green.Jessica DensonNews 7/31/26* Our top stories this week have to do with the Democratic National Committee. Several stories have recently come out about DNC Chair Ken Martin, ranging from interpersonal issues to his utter failure to raise money for the Democratic Party. The most stunning example of this comes from NOTUS, which reports that Martin “put [the DNC's] physical headquarters up for collateral last year in order to obtain a $15 million line of credit to help invest in off-year elections.” While the party has used this mechanism before, it underlines the gaping disparity between the DNC, which is currently over $2 million in debt compared to the Republican National Committee (RNC), which can boast $128.5 million cash on-hand.* Compounding the issues of the already cash-strapped DNC, the New Republic reports the Democratic National Committee was scammed out of nearly $29,000 by an email from someone pretending to be Chair Ken Martin last year. DNC spokesperson Mia Ehrenberg is quoted saying “The DNC takes seriously our duty to protect the funds provided to us by millions of patriotic Americans chipping in to fund our mission…this was a one-off mistake that was promptly caught and addressed, and no similar issues have occurred since.” That said, only $7,000 worth of this money has been recovered. As TNR puts it, “This has all been very embarrassing. Martin can't raise money, can't keep money, and can't unite the base under the big tent' he likes to talk about.” Martin may also be facing an outright rebellion led by party insiders.* One surprising proposal to this effect is coming from a very unlikely source. The Hill reports veteran Democratic strategist James Carville, while tearing into Martin, opened the door to former DNC Vice-Chair David Hogg taking the reins. Carville said the DNC appears “dysfunctional” and that the committee needs to “figure out a way maybe they could be somewhat relevant,” adding that “If David Hogg wants to take it over, I ain't stopping you…Go ahead, man, I don't really care.” This is a stark turnabout from Carville's position on Hogg when the latter was in DNC leadership; back then, Carville dismissed him as “a contemptible little twerp.” In an interview, Hogg highlighted this exact reversal, while simultaneously saying that he did not want to lead the crumbling Democratic Party organization. Ben Wikler, the former Wisconsin Democratic Party Chair who challenged Ken Martin in 2025 has also resisted calls to take over the DNC, with rumors circulating that he is gearing up to run for Senate in the Badger State next cycle. While pressure continues to mount on Martin, alternative leadership remains elusive.* Speaking of lackluster leadership, Sources Say News reports Capitol CNCT has launched The Scoop which they describe as “a confidential rating system that lets current and former Hill staffers weigh in on the members and offices they have worked for.” As one might imagine, some reviews are extremely scathing. This piece cites one that reads, “Leadership is abusive. Lies about promotions and bonuses…This place will leach at your mental health like a vampire…Beware.” Sources Say highlights the fact that “Unlike most workplaces, Congress has no HR department, which means bad behavior by members and senior staff can go unreported and unchecked for years.” The new site verifies that the posters are or were real employees of these offices, but keeps their names anonymous to protect them from retaliation.* In more news from Congress, POLITICO reports Maryland Representative and House Judiciary Committee ranking member Jamie Raskin is launching a new investigation into Jeffrey Epstein, this time focusing on whether the deceased sex offender and financier acted as an unregistered foreign agent. In a letter to Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Director of National Intelligence Jay Clayton, Raskin writes that “Jeffrey Epstein never registered as a foreign agent…Yet numerous recently released documents now show he acted aggressively on behalf of multiple foreign governments, including several with interests adverse to the United States, in order to influence policies of the first Trump Administration.” The declassified files reveal that Epstein “offered to serve as a conduit between Saudi Arabia and members of the Trump administration, consulted with Russian officials on engaging with the president and advised former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak.” This inquiry is likely to raise fresh questions about not only Epstein's role working on behalf of foreign governments, but his possible connections with intelligence and espionage organizations including the CIA and Mossad.* Other progressive members of Congress, led by Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, have issued a formal response to a new Trump administration report on Cuba. These members interpret this report – which claims that the tiny Caribbean nation of 10 million people has “waged a sustained campaign” to “conquer” the United States and is backing “left-wing terrorism on American soil” – is in fact an instrument the administration plans to use to persecute “Trump's perceived political enemies.” Omar, joined by Representatives Jim McGovern, Delia Ramirez, Rashida Tlaib, AOC and more, contend that Trump is “hell-bent on taking America back 70 years to the height of Cold War McCarthyism, when hawkish foreign policy was paired with unsubstantiated accusations of communist subversion and political repression against dissidents at home.” The administration report singled out several organizations and activists, including the National Lawyers Guild, Hasan Piker, and campus activist Isra Hirsi, daughter of Congresswoman Omar. This from Common Dreams.* In more news from the left, POLITICO reports Donavan McKinney – who is challenging incumbent Congressman Shri Thanedar in Detroit – picked up a major batch of endorsements this week from members of the Congressional Black Caucus. These new endorsers include Representatives Steven Horsford, the former chair of the CBC, along with Lateefah Simon and Ayanna Pressley. These endorsements, particularly that of Congressman Horsford, are notable because Thanedar retains the support of House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries and his deputies, Representatives Pete Aguilar and Katherine Clark. McKinney said he was “honored” by these endorsements, adding that he “[looks] forward to working alongside these incredible leaders to pass critical legislation to protect voting rights, get big money out of our politics, and ensure all families have access to the resources they need to not just survive, but to truly thrive.” McKinney's primary will be held on August 4th, along with the more closely watched Senate primary between progressive Abdul El-Sayed and his moderate, establishment-backed opponent Haley Stevens.* Meanwhile, in New York City, Mayor Zohran Mamdani continues to fulfill campaign promises at an astonishing rate. First, Forbes reports that Mamdani has officially introduced a $124.7 billion city budget which includes funding for five city-run grocery stores which will sell staple foods at a 30% discount compared to private grocery stores. These staples are set to include produce, dairy, bread, select meat and seafood, and approximately 20 other products. Being city-owned, these stores will not have to pay rent or property taxes, ensuring they can operate more cheaply than their competitors in the private sector. This piece notes that similar experiments in smaller cities like Baldwin, Florida, and Erie, Kansas proved unsustainable financially, while proposals in Chicago and Kansas City struggled to get off the ground. There is reason to believe New York will prove a different matter entirely, but that remains to be seen. At the same time, Jacobin reports Mamdani is launching a new initiative called “Talk to Tenants,” which will “send volunteers door-to-door in buildings with chronic housing code violations, connecting renters with organizing resources, neighborhood organizations, and training on tenants' rights and how to build tenant associations.” This effort will be led by the Office of Mass Engagement in partnership with the Office to Protect Tenants. It is extremely encouraging to see Mamdani utilizing a varied array of tools at his disposal – including both direct action by the city as on grocery stores or using city resources to promote the formation of non-governmental organizing efforts – in order to achieve his vision of a just and affordable American metropolis.* In more troubling, if not surprising, news, the Wall Street Journal is out with a new report finding that the Department of Justice is giving a green light to corporate criminals. The Journal cites examples ranging from Alibaba to Boeing and EagleBank to Abbott Laboratories where the Trump DOJ “declined to charge companies even when prosecutors thought executives or managers were involved in the wrongdoing.” This follows from directives given by Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche, who has “said prosecutors shouldn't view prosecuting companies as their goal and should instead focus on holding individual wrongdoers accountable.” This piece cites a December speech by Blanche in which he stated that “Companies don't go to jail, people do.” Yet, it seems that under the Trump Justice Department, neither do.* Finally, in more corporate news, the antitrust lawsuit filed by over a dozen state attorneys general has at least temporarily succeeded in halting the mega-merger between Warner Bros. Discovery and the Ellisons' media conglomerate, Paramount Skydance. After the lawsuit was filed, a federal judge in Oakland ordered a pause on the deal, and since then, the Ellisons themselves have agreed to put the merger “on ice” pending the outcome of the trial, Variety reports. This piece also highlights the private sentiments of anonymous Warner Bros. executives who apparently hope that the deal hits a “legal landmine” and is ultimately “nixed.” However, in an internal memo, David Ellison maintained that “the facts and the law are on our side, and a full hearing will demonstrate why the plaintiffs' arguments should not prevail.”This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

It's Thursday, July 30th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark and Adam McManus Iranian Muslim authorities shut down oldest Protestant church Iranian officials recently shut down the oldest Protestant church in the country. Christians have held worship services at St. Peter's Evangelical Church in Tehran for 150 years. Authorities have now seized the property and banned church gatherings there. They also ordered 28 families living on the church compound to leave. Iran has been seizing Protestant church properties for years. Mansour Khajehpour previously served as an elder at St. Peter's Church. He told Christianity Today that the church in Iran grows despite persecution. He said, “This is the dynamic reality of the church. The church will not die. The church will grow, and we are a part of that church.” In Matthew 16:18, Jesus said, “On this rock I will build My church, and the gates of Hell shall not prevail against it.” United States launched strikes on Iran last night Speaking of Iran, the United States began launching strikes on Iran at 8 p.m. Wednesday, July 29th, according to the U.S. Central Command. The U.S. attacks were “a powerful response to [Tuesday's] attempted Iranian attacks on U.S. forces based in the Middle East.” The attacks by Iran on U.S. forces did not get past U.S. defenses. And The Western Journal reports that foreign governments are taking part in the fighting now, where they hadn't before. For the first time, the Saudi Arabian military joined with the U.S. in striking Iranian-backed militias in Iraq, reports the Associated Press. Retired Navy Vice Adm. Robert Harward, a retired SEAL and former deputy CENTCOM commander, said, “You see the Lebanese government making an agreement with Israel to undermine and try to get rid of Hezbollah.” He added, “You're seeing the pressure build on Iran on all fronts.” Ukrainian refugees have planted 160 churches across Europe Millions of Ukrainians have fled their homes since Russia invaded the country in 2022. Despite this, these refugees have planted churches across Europe.  European Christian Mission International reports displaced Ukrainians have started 160 churches in Europe in the last four years.   A report from the organization stated, “Increasingly, Ukrainian believers are refusing to see themselves only as refugees. Instead, many are embracing a different calling - missionaries sent by God into the nations of Europe.” Canadian labor board ruled in favor of COVID-shot rejecter LifeSiteNews reports that a Canadian labor board ruled in favor of a Christian man who objected to the COVID-shot mandate. The Canadian Revenue Agency suspended Steven Porter without pay after denying his religious exemption. The agency must now pay $5,000 in damages to Porter.  He wrote in his exemption request, “Christ is my supreme King and Lord and I am subject to His final authority alone in all matters of life, faith and conscience.” In Acts 5:29, the apostles said, “We ought to obey God rather than men.” Senator questions CDC's billion-dollar COVID-shot contract to Pfizer The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention awarded $1.24 billion in COVID-shot contracts to Pfizer last month. Republican Senator Ron Johnson of Wisconsin questioned this decision in a letter to Secretary of Health & Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr.  Johnson wrote, “The CDC's reported awarding of approximately $1.24 billion in new contracts to Pfizer for a vaccine linked to serious adverse events—including potentially the deaths of children—suggests [that the] CDC continues to fail to take its vaccine safety responsibilities seriously.” Pro-lifer Paul Vaughn got settlement over wrongful arrest Praise God! A pro-life, Christian father reached a $1 million settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice. The case involved his wrongful arrest under the Biden administration, reports Highlight Truth Ministries. Federal agents raided the Tennessee home of Paul Vaughn in 2022 and arrested him for his pro-life activism.  My family and I had the honor of meeting Paul Vaughn several years ago. He's an amazing Christian patriot. Steve Crampton, Senior Counsel at the Thomas More Society, said, “This settlement is not just about one family. It is a warning and a precedent. The weaponization of federal law enforcement against pro-lifers, against people of faith, against those who dare to stand for the unborn—that era is over.” Treasury has saved $99 million from going to dead recipients The U.S. Department of the Treasury implemented a new payment verification process.  The safeguard has already kept about $99 million from being sent to deceased individuals.  Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, “Treasury has delivered on a key promise of President Trump's mandate to stop improper payments and fraud before money leaves the Treasury, and strengthen the integrity of the federal payment system.” 70th anniversary of America's “In God We Trust” motto Today is the 70th anniversary of when “In God We Trust” became America's motto. President Dwight D. Eisenhower signed the law on July 30, 1956. The resolution also required the motto to appear on all U.S. currency.   Democratic Representative Charles Bennett of Florida introduced the resolution. He said, “Nothing can be more certain than that our country was founded in a spiritual atmosphere and with a firm trust in God. ... In these days when imperialistic and materialistic communism seeks to attack and destroy freedom, we should continually look for ways to strengthen the foundations of our freedom.” Texan mother shares that her kids have contributed Here at The Worldview in 5 Minutes newscast, Leticia in Blum Texas wrote, “Adam, we are so thankful for your radio newscast. It is a great encouragement to us! We listen to it on the road or when we're at home. It is great to hear stories that I know wouldn't normally make it into traditional newscasts. “The Worldview is concise and informative! Thankful for the work you are doing!  Our four children -- Fletcher (15), Halen (12), Beck (10), and Murphy (7) -- contributed some of their money to our donation.” McVeda kids' mother in Montana contemplates why sponsor this newscast And Melissa McVeda, the mother of the four kids under the age of 11 in Great Falls, Montana who have raised hundreds of dollars for The Worldview selling chocolate chip cookies, iced tea and hand crocheted puppets on their dairy farm, weighed in with her thoughts. She wrote, “Adam, there are so many ministries that I would like to donate to: earnest missionaries and people hurting from natural disasters, among others. In light of those needs, it has been difficult for me to reconcile giving to The Worldview. And I imagine I'm not alone in that. “Because of my kids' fundraiser, which naturally has come to involve the entire family, I've spent time considering if The Worldview is worth the effort and funds we're putting into it. This is the primary answer I have seen:  “I would not KNOW about many of the other needs if it weren't for The Worldview in 5 Minutes! Your newscast is a connection point -- a bridge, if you will - between Christians and people in need around the world.  “Because of this ‘bridge,' I heard about the dear brother in Uganda who lost both of his hands to his Muslim family's persecution. And God stirred me to pray for his faith not to be shaken! Because of The Worldview, I heard about the steadfast pro-life sister in Britain who recently was killed. I rejoiced to hear how God used her faithfulness and I was stirred to consider if she has family who are grieving.  “The Worldview IS an important ministry. It is connecting those who have a supply to those who have needs as 2 Corinthians 8:13-15 articulates. It is also building the Body of Christ as brothers and sisters across the world hear about each other and pray for and encourage each other as a result.  “I remember when I first heard about The Worldview in 5 Minutes back in 2018. Kevin Swanson was sharing how he had personally invested $30,000/year of his own money to fund it when it started in 2015.  He had recently reached out to this man, Adam McManus, a talk show host down in San Antonio Texas, to see if Adam would voice the newscast. Kevin, obviously, had a vision for how God would use The Worldview. “One final note. Yesterday, when my kids and I heard you cite some of the large donations coming in, where people were giving one-time donations of $500 and $1,000, I realized that those donors were not just donating for the benefit that they, themselves, receive from The Worldview. They were also donating so that someone else could have the same benefits.  I praise God for the work He's doing through this newscast.” 11 Worldview listeners gave $1,775.96 And finally, by Wednesday night at 8:00pm Central, 11 Worldview listeners stepped up to the plate and invested their treasure to fund the 6-member team behind The Worldview for another year. Our thanks to Augustine in Auburn, California and Ben in Eureka, California – both of whom gave $20 as well as Carri in Oro Valley, Arizona who gave $25, and Bethany in Austin, Texas who gave $50. We're grateful to God for an anonymous donor in Oxford, New York and David in Houston, Texas – both of whom gave $100, and the McVeda Kids in Great Falls, Montana who gave another $160.96! We appreciate Steven in Ulster Park, New York and James in Lancaster, South Carolina – both of whom gave $200 as well as Leticia and her kids Fletcher, Halen, Beck, and Murphy in Blum, Texas who also gave $200. And we were touched by the generosity of Karl in Grand Rapids, Michigan who gave $700. Those 11 gifts add up to $1,775.96. Ready for our new grand total? Drum roll please. (drum roll sound effect) $ 81,119.96 (sound effect of people cheering) We need to raise $42,380.04 by midnight on Friday, July 31! That means in order to hit our final goal of $123,500 by tomorrow night, Friday, July 31st, God needs to prompt folks to give a seemingly impossible amount of $42,380.04 in order for the 6-member Worldview newscast team to be fully funded for another year. I see the finish line from here.  But, without God's help, we are not going to get across it! We still have matches open for the next 4 people who give a one-time gift of $500 because our friend in Naples, Florida will match your gift with another $2,000 of his own money. If those four donations come in, that would leave the difference of $38,380.  Listen. Could you be one of 38 people – just 38 -- to give a one-time gift of $1,000? Or, if that's not doable right now, would you consider a monthly pledge of $83.33? No gift is too big or too small.  We have received a $5 gift and a $2,400 gift.  If everyone does something, we can get there with the Lord's help. Just ask Him. “Lord, how has this newscast made a difference in my life?”  What is that worth to you?  We had a college student sacrificially give $500.  We've had Africans in Eswatini, who have very little funds, invest $10/month. And we've had kids raise hundreds of dollars through creative fundraisers selling cookies and hardboiled eggs and lemonade. Just go to TheWorldview.com, click on Give, select the dollar amount, and make sure to click on the “recurring” button if that's your wish.  This newscast team champions the truth and uses the Bible as our plumbline.  Don't forget: The Worldview in 5 Minutes is commercial free. We have no sponsors. Nor do we have a pay wall.  Anyone who wants to access this newscast can get it for free. So, all we have is you! What is God prompting you to do right now? Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, July 30th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

A newly launched academic institute is seeking to influence the future direction of consumer financial services regulation by promoting a policy framework centered on consumer choice, market competition, empirical research, and innovation. In the podcast we are releasing today on Consumer Finance Monitor, our host Alan Kaplinsky (founder, former chair for 25 years and now senior counsel) interviewed Professors Todd Zywicki of George Mason University Antonin Scalia Law School and Tom Miller of Mississippi State University about their newly created Institute for Consumer Financial Choice (ICFC), its mission, and its ambitious agenda. Key Topics Discussed: ·                 A Different Vision of Consumer Protection: Rather than viewing regulation and deregulation as opposite ends of a policy spectrum, the Institute seeks to identify regulatory approaches that encourage innovation, expand consumer choice, and improve market performance while still protecting consumers from genuine abuses. ·                 Beyond Research: Influencing Policy: The ICFC plans to produce peer-reviewed empirical research, file amicus briefs in important litigation, submit regulatory comment letters, educate students, policymakers, and industry participants, and serve as a resource for legislators and regulators confronting emerging consumer finance issues. ·                 Revisiting the CFPB Task Force Report: One of the Institute's earliest priorities is breathing new life into the CFPB Task Force Report issued in 2021. ·                 Research Priorities: The Institute has already identified an ambitious research agenda that includes evaluating whether the Military Lending Act has improved access to credit for servicemembers, conducting new empirical research on the pawn industry, studying ancillary financial products such as GAP insurance and extended warranties, examining payday lending regulation, investigating rural financial inclusion, exploring stablecoins, cryptocurrency, and digital payments, and assessing how existing regulatory structures can better accommodate technological innovation. ·                 Artificial Intelligence Moves to the Forefront: Professor Zywicki argued that AI presents both enormous opportunities and significant risks for consumer financial services. ·                 Policy Issues Likely to Receive Immediate Attention: Professors Zywicki and Miller identified several policy areas where they believe the Institute can have an immediate impact, including interest rate caps and usury laws, APR disclosures and widespread misunderstanding of APR as a measure of price, payment systems and interchange regulation, federal preemption and the future of dual banking, financial inclusion, stablecoin regulation; and emerging litigation involving consumer financial regulation. The Institute's long-term success will ultimately be measured not by the number of conferences it hosts or papers it publishes, but by whether its research meaningfully influences legislation, regulation, litigation, and public understanding of consumer financial services. Based on the conversation with Professors Zywicki and Miller, they have set ambitious goals and they appear determined to pursue them. Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr, and the founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform for weekly insights into developments in the consumer finance industry.

Chris Tarbell is a leading privacy, cyber, and data strategy executive. He currently serves as the Chief Privacy Officer for VERSANT Media LLC. Prior to his current role, Chris was an associate general counsel for Fanatics and the Walt Disney Company, where he advised global businesses on compliance with domestic and international privacy, data security, and related consumer protection laws. Most recently, Chris served as Senior Counsel at the leading law firm of Kelley Drye and Warren, where he also supported clients in numerous regulatory investigations related to marketing and advertising. In this episode… Building strong privacy programs relies on human connection and a deep understanding of organizational dynamics and business goals. To be successful, privacy professionals must participate in the business rather than just focusing on meeting legal requirements. This approach enables leaders to advocate for the tools, budget, headcount, and other resources to move the program forward. Because privacy impacts many business functions, it is very much a people business, requiring strong relationships, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to build trust with stakeholders and internal teams. So, what steps can companies take to achieve this?  Putting this into practice starts with assembling a people-first privacy team and hiring individuals with the soft skills to step into unfamiliar situations, assess what is needed, and work across departments to move the program forward. By bringing curiosity and enjoyment to privacy work, they create an environment where other departments are more willing to involve privacy early and often. This approach is especially important in the media industry, where privacy pros may need to work with news colleagues to balance the right to be forgotten with First Amendment considerations or partner with intellectual property teams to protect personal information during piracy investigations. And while collaboration is essential, teams must also determine what can realistically be achieved with the time and resources available without allowing perfection to stall progress. In this episode of She Said Privacy/He Said Security, Jodi and Justin Daniels speak with Chris Tarbell, Chief Privacy Officer at VERSANT Media, about building effective privacy programs through relationships and collaboration. Chris explains how his experience as both in-house and outside counsel shaped his ability to understand business objectives, advocate for resources, and communicate the value of privacy. He shares insights on the cross-disciplinary nature of privacy work in the media industry, lessons from building a program during a major corporate spinoff, and the importance of creating a people-first privacy team capable of handling unfamiliar business challenges. Chris also explains why bringing some fun to privacy work can make a program more effective.

Jill sits down with Adele Abrams—attorney, safety professional, author, and nationally recognized OSHA and MSHA expert—about her unconventional journey from rock-and-roll radio and television into a career focused on OHS and law. Adele reflects on the experiences that shaped her expertise in construction and mining, her work on complex health hazards such as asbestos and silica exposure, and the mentors who helped her build a national practice while earning respected safety credentials.Now serving as Senior Counsel at Littler Mendelson P.C. and leader of the firm's MSHA litigation, Adele shares lessons from decades of handling workplace fatality investigations and regulatory cases. She discusses her commitment to “holistic settlements” that invest in training and safety improvements, offers insights on the growing politicization of workplace safety regulation, and provides practical advice for staying informed in a changing regulatory landscape. Adele emphasizes the importance of mentoring, teaching, and developing the next generation of safety professionals as part of her lasting legacy of protecting workers and saving lives.MSHA.govAdele's LinkedIn

Catherine Kirkland, Partner, King & Spalding LLP, and Baxter Morgan, Senior Counsel, Husch Blackwell LLP, discuss the landscape of Medicaid financing a year after the passage of the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, now known as the Working Families Tax Cut Act. They cover provider taxes and impending cuts, the hold harmless rule and litigation involving Florida and Texas, and potential alternative sources of Medicaid financing. Catherine and Baxter spoke about this topic at AHLA's 2026 Institute on Medicare and Medicaid Payment Issues in Baltimore, MD. Watch this episode: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AbYL51fGuPQLearn more about AHLA's 2026 Institute on Medicare and Medicaid Payment Issues: https://www.americanhealthlaw.org/medicaremedicaidLearn more about AHLA's 2026 Medicare and Medicaid eProgram: https://educate.americanhealthlaw.org/local/catalog/view/product.php?productid=1759 Essential Legal Updates, Now in AudioAHLA's popular Health Law Daily email newsletter is now a daily podcast, exclusively for AHLA Comprehensive members. Get all your health law news from the major media outlets on this podcast! To subscribe and add this private podcast feed to your podcast app, go to americanhealthlaw.org/dailypodcast.Stay At the Forefront of Health Legal EducationLearn more about AHLA and the educational resources available to the health law community at https://www.americanhealthlaw.org/. 

In today's episode of the Consumer Finance Monitor Podcast, we are pleased to present an audio version of the webinar we conducted on May 27, 2026 examining the CFPB's revised final rule and its practical implications for banks, credit unions, FinTech companies, and other providers of small business credit. During this comprehensive discussion, our host, Alan Kaplinsky (founder, former Practice Group Leader for 25 years and now Senior Counsel of the Consumer Financial Services Group) was joined by his Ballard Spahr colleagues Richard Andreano and John Culhane, along with two distinguished guest panelists: Bradley Blower, Principal and Founder of Inclusive-Partners, LLC, and Louis Caditz-Peck, Executive Director of the Responsible Business Lending Coalition. Key Topics Discussed: ·        The most significant differences between the CFPB's original 2023 Section 1071 rule and the revised 2026 final rule. ·        Why the Bureau substantially increased the institutional coverage threshold from 100 to 1,000 covered originations. ·        The practical implications of narrowing the definition of a "small business," reducing the required data points, and excluding merchant cash advances and agricultural loans from coverage. ·        Whether the revised rule still fulfills Congress's objectives of promoting fair lending and improving transparency in the small business lending market. ·        The operational and technology challenges lenders should begin addressing now—even though compliance is not required until January 1, 2028. ·        How institutions can use Section 1071 data not only for compliance but also as a competitive business intelligence tool. ·        The potential fair lending, supervisory, and reputational risks created by the public availability of Section 1071 data. ·        The current status of litigation challenging the original Section 1071 rule and whether additional lawsuits challenging the revised rule are likely. ·        Predictions regarding how the rule may evolve over time, including whether future administrations could expand its scope in a manner similar to the evolution of HMDA reporting. Whether your institution expects to be covered by the revised rule or not, this discussion provides valuable insight into the future direction of small business lending regulation and offers practical guidance on how lenders should prepare now for the compliance, operational, and strategic issues that lie ahead. Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr, and the founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform for weekly insights into developments in the consumer finance industry.

Part 1:We talk with Somil Trivedi, Advocacy Director and Senior Counsel at Court Accountability.We discuss the US Supreme Court, and how it uses the shadow docket to change laws, with no explanations. Many rulings overturn settled law and precedents, and produce new laws that are counter to what elected representatives have developed.Part 2:We talk with Megan O Matz, who reports on state and local government in Wisconsin.We discuss how public money is being funneled into private schools. This reduces moneys available to public schools. Private schools do not have accountability requirements, despite taking tax money. WNHNFM.ORG  productionMusic: "That's how every empire falls,"  John Prine

0:30 - BLM Brandon on budget 15:26 - NYC DSA Co-Chair Gustavo Gordillo with McCallum on businesses and rent freezes 32:46 - Rubio speech at The Resurgence of Political Terrorism confab 56:25 - Weingarten at AFT Poliburo meeting 01:12:58 - The Heritage Foundation's Steven Bucci discusses the latest in Iran, arguing it's long past time for the U.S. to take out Kharg Island. 01:35:53 - Ian Williams, former foreign correspondent for BBC Channel 4 News and NBC, breaks down The real Chinese election plot. Ian is also the author of ‘Vampire State. The rise and fall of the Chinese Economy’. 01:50:45 - Katherine Birbalsingh on the West 02:06:18 - Senior Counsel at the Article III Project, Will Chamberlain, on body cams for ICE officers, voter ID for all and what’s holding up the SAVE ActSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly evolving from a tool that assists human decision-making into technology capable of acting independently. The next frontier, often referred to as agentic AI or agentic commerce, envisions AI agents negotiating contracts, making purchases, authorizing payments, and completing commercial transactions with little or no human intervention. While enormous investments are being made to develop this technology, far less attention has been devoted to an equally important question: What legal infrastructure will govern autonomous commercial transactions? That is the focus of our latest episode of the Consumer Finance Monitor podcast being released today.   Our guests are Bridget McCormack, President and CEO of the American Arbitration Association–International Centre for Dispute Resolution (AAA) and former Chief Justice of the Michigan Supreme Court, and David Hoffman, the William A. Schnader Professor of Law at the University of Pennsylvania Carey Law School. They are the authors of the thought-provoking paper, Agentic Commerce Needs Legal Infrastructure—and the Courts Are Coming, which is published here on AAA's website. Key Topics Discussed: What distinguishes "agentic commerce" from today's AI-assisted transactions. Why traditional contract formation concepts, including clickwrap agreements, disclosures, and consent, may become increasingly difficult to apply. How existing agency law principles, including ratification, could bind companies to contracts negotiated by their AI agents. Why autonomous transactions may generate entirely new forms of litigation, including class actions arising from errors replicated across thousands, or even millions, of AI-driven transactions. The challenges of proving what an AI agent actually agreed to and the need for reliable records of contract formation. The growing importance of arbitration and other dispute resolution mechanisms as commerce increasingly moves to automated and, in some cases, irreversible payment systems such as stablecoins. Practical steps companies should consider now before deploying autonomous commercial agents. Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr, and the founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform for weekly insights into developments in the consumer finance industry.

Thursday, July 16, 2026 Welcome to our Next Generation Roundtable, hosted by Know Why Podcast Host Liberty McArtor. She is joined by Senior Counsel for Alliance Defending Freedom's Center for Public Policy Chelsey Youman and in the first hour by historian, author and presidential expert Richard Lim. In the second hour, Chelsey and ASU Law […]

On Episode 928 of The Core Report, financial journalist Govindraj Ethiraj talks to Mukesh Chand, Senior Counsel at ELP (Economic Laws Practice).SHOW NOTES(00:00) Stories of the Day(01:00) Markets Adjust To Longer War Reality In West Asia(04:31) PayPal sees a takeover bid that could value it more than $50 billion(05:45) The Second Phase Of India's Semiconductor Mission Kicks Off With 127,000 Crore(09:38) NCLT Approved A Record 78 Resolution Plans Under The Insolvency And Bankruptcy Code In The Last Quarter Check out our power tracker ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://cleanpower.thecore.in/⁠⁠⁠⁠For more of our coverage check out ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠thecore.in⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Subscribe to our Newsletter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Follow us on:⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Twitter⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Instagram⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Linkedin⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ |⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Join us on #TexasValuesReport with special guest Jonathan Scruggs, Senior Counsel, Vice President of Litigation Strategy, Alliance Defending Freedom, and guest host Mary Elizabeth Castle, Director of Government Relations for Texas Values, as they celebrate the #SaveWomensSports victory at the U. S. Supreme Court! Breaking! United States Supreme Court Delivers Victory for Women and Girls' Sports https://txvalues.org/breaking-united-states-supreme-court-delivers-victory-for-women-and-girls-sports/ Victory for Women and Girls in Sports at the U. S. Supreme Court https://youtu.be/keJC5R8dBs4 Watch a recent interview on The Victory Channel's UNCLASSIFIED hosted by Greg Stephens on the Save Women's Sports victory at the U. S. Supreme Court. https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1D5PEYCDr6/ America and Texas Win at the Texas State Board of Education on 250th Anniversary of our Nation https://txvalues.org/america-and-texas-win-at-the-texas-state-board-of-education-on-250th-anniversary-of-our-nation/ Watch Keep God in Texas! as Keynote speaker Pastor Rafeal Cruz and Texas leaders including members from our team Mary Elizabeth Castle, Director of Government Relations for Texas Values and Pastor Jorge Tovar (who leads our Church Ambassador Network of Texas - TXCAN) celebrate faith, family, and freedom in Laredo, Texas! https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DvVCiv5u8/ Help us build our channel so we can maintain a culture of Faith, Family, & Freedom in Texas by interacting with us; like, comment, share, subscribe! For more about Texas Values see: Txvalues.org To support our work, go to http://txvalues.org/give/

Ashley Ebersole, Co-Founder and Chief Legal Officer of tx, and former Senior Counsel at the SEC, joined me to discuss tx's tokenization solutions and the SEC's upcoming tokenization guidance. Topics:- tx tokenization platform and marketplace - TradFi tokenization race - SEC tokenization and crypto guidance - Future of markets 

The latest episode of the Consumer Finance Monitor podcast examines a significant and coordinated regulatory initiative that could reshape anti-money laundering and countering the financing of terrorism (AML/CFT) compliance across the financial services industry. In this episode, host Alan Kaplinsky and guest Celia Cohen, a partner in Ballard Spahr's White Collar Defense and Investigations Group, analyze the joint notice of proposed rulemaking issued by the federal banking agencies Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency, and National Credit Union Administration—alongside a parallel proposal from Financial Crimes Enforcement Network (FinCEN). Together, these proposals represent one of the most important efforts in years to modernize AML/CFT compliance frameworks, moving the system toward a more risk-based, effectiveness-driven model. Key Topics Discussed Include: A Shift Away from "Check-the-Box" Compliance "Establish and Maintain" — and Prove It Works SAR Filings and the Challenge of Judgment Calls Impact Across Financial Institutions Regulatory Signals: A Coherent Direction What Institutions Should Be Doing Now The Consumer Finance Monitor podcast will continue tracking developments as the rulemaking process advances and will revisit the topic when final rules are issued. Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr, and the founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform for weekly insights into developments in the consumer finance industry.

In Mullin v. Doe, the Supreme Court ruled 6-3 in favor of the Trump administration, reversing lower-court orders that had halted the termination of Temporary Protected Status (TPS) for Syrian and Haitian nationals. The Court held that the TPS statute bars judicial review of non-constitutional challenges to DHS’s TPS termination decisions. It also concluded that the Haitian plaintiffs’ equal-protection claim was unlikely to succeed, reasoning that the administration’s across-the-board opposition to TPS as previously implemented supplied a strong race-neutral explanation for the termination.Join us for a webinar breaking down the decision, the separate opinions, and the case's potential impact.Featuring:Eric Wessan, Solicitor General, Iowa Office of the Attorney GeneralJames Rogers, Senior Counsel, America First Legal Foundation

On today's Legally Speaking Podcast, I am delighted to be joined by Madeleine Weber. Madeleine is Senior Counsel, EMEA at Sitetracker. She has had an unconventional route into the legal profession, studying-CILEx, New York Bar, QLTS and SQE2. Madeleine also runs inhousew, an education platform helping aspiring solicitors prepare for SQE2 through different resources. She is committed to supporting the next generation of solicitors, having helped 2,000 students over the past 3 years. So why should you be listening in? You can hear Rob and Madeleine discussing:- Non-Traditional Route to Qualifying as a Solicitor- Building a Successful In-House Legal Career- Overcoming Qualification Challenges with Resilience- Making SQE Preparation More Accessible for Students- Supporting the Next Generation of SolicitorsConnect with Madeleine Weber here - https://uk.linkedin.com/in/madeleine-weber-0261aba2

A row between Justice Minister Jim O'Callaghan and solicitors over pay in the District Courts is threatening to cause further legal disruption this week. To discuss the impasse, Paul was joined by Michael O'Higgins, Senior Counsel, who practices in the criminal courts.

Friday, June 26, 2026 This is our Weekend Edition with Host Kerby Anderson and his guest hosts Liberty McArtor and Dr. Merrill Matthews. Senior Counsel with First Liberty Institute joins them for the first segment. For the rest of the show, their topics range from signs that Socialism is on the rise to America's 250th […]

What do recent legal and regulatory developments mean for financial professionals? In this episode, we examine the current status of the Department of Labor's fiduciary rulemaking efforts, the related litigation, and the implications for advisors, insurers, and the broader financial services industry. Joining the conversation are Eric Lund Marhoun, Senior Counsel at Nassau Financial Group, and Kent Mason, Partner at Davis & Harman LLP. They discuss the evolution of the fiduciary rule, recent court decisions, the role of industry organizations in the regulatory process, and practical considerations for navigating today's compliance environment. The discussion also explores documentation, client communications, and the potential role of technology, including AI, in supporting compliance practices. While the current regulatory framework has evolved through recent legal developments, future legislative, regulatory, or judicial actions may continue to shape the landscape. This episode is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or regulatory advice. Financial professionals should consult their firm's compliance department or legal counsel regarding specific situations.

At a May 19, 2026 Ballard Spahr webinar, "Cutting Out the Middleman: The Surge in FinTech Applications to Charter Banks, Industrial Banks and National Trust Companies," a distinguished panel of banking, fintech, crypto, and consumer financial services professionals explored one of the most important developments currently reshaping the financial services industry: the growing movement by fintech companies, payments firms, lenders, and crypto-native businesses to obtain their own banking charters rather than relying on traditional bank partnerships. The message from the panel was clear: we are witnessing a significant shift in how nonbank financial services companies are thinking about regulation, growth, and market access. Speakers:  Moderator: Alan Kaplinsky, senior counsel; founder and former leader of Consumer Financial Services Group, Ballard Spahr   Guest: Lee Reiners, Lecturing Fellow, Duke Financial Economics Center; founder and editor-at-large of The FinReg Blog; founder and host, The FinReg Pod; co-host, Coffee & Crypto with Lee and Jimmie (a podcast that covers the latest developments in cryptocurrency); co-organizer of Digital Assets at Duke (annual conference about crypto assets space) Scott Coleman, partner, Ballard Spahr  Joseph Schuster, partner, Ballard Spahr  Beau Hurtig, counsel, Ballard Spahr  Adam Maarec, counsel, Ballard Spahr  Key Takeaways A significant shift is underway. Fintechs increasingly want to internalize the benefits of banking rather than rely on partnerships. There is no one-size-fits-all charter. National banks, state banks, industrial banks, and national trust banks each serve different strategic objectives. The current environment appears unusually favorable. Regulators are showing greater openness to nontraditional applicants than at any point in recent memory. The trend extends well beyond crypto. Payments companies, lenders, fintech platforms, and other financial services providers are all exploring charter opportunities. Becoming a bank is a long-term commitment. The benefits are substantial, but so are the regulatory obligations. Part 2 of this webinar will be released next Thursday, July 2nd. Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr, and the founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform for weekly insights into developments in the consumer finance industry.

Day Break | Exposing Corruption, Defending Freedom --- 00:00 - Monologue 19:19 – Hans von Spakovsky, Senior Legal Fellow at Advancing American Freedom and former Justice Department official. Von Spakovsky discusses recent election developments in New York, election law issues, and analyzes the Supreme Court's decision in Blanche v. Lau, including its potential implications for future election administration and voting-related legal challenges. 28:18 – Peter Gillooly, CEO of The Wellness Company. Gillooly discusses newly released documents concerning COVID-era government funding of biological research and the ongoing debate surrounding accountability, public trust in healthcare institutions, and the relationship between government agencies, pharmaceutical companies, and public health policy. The conversation also focuses on personal preparedness and healthcare decision-making following lessons learned during the COVID pandemic. 38:36 - Monologue Featuring Ivey Gruber 47:36 – Jeremy Dys, Senior Counsel for First Liberty Institute. Dys examines religious liberty issues under the Trump administration, discussing legal and policy developments involving First Amendment protections, religious expression, and the role of faith-based organizations in public life. 57:49 – Kurt Couchman, Senior Fiscal Policy Fellow at Americans for Prosperity. Couchman discusses federal budget battles and government shutdowns, arguing for reforms that would increase congressional accountability and encourage lawmakers to complete appropriations work on time. 1:16:57 - Monologue 1:25:48 – Tom Coulson, owner of Liberty Coin Service. Coulson provides an update on the precious metals market, discusses trends affecting gold and silver prices, and reviews listener-submitted coin collections and rare coin finds sent in for evaluation. 1:36:00 – Ron Rademacher, travel writer, author, storyteller, and Michigan travel expert. Rademacher highlights festivals, attractions, outdoor activities, and community events taking place across Michigan, offering listeners ideas for weekend travel and exploration. 1:44:56 – Ivey Gruber, President of the Michigan Talk Network. Gruber discusses the latest developments involving the conflict with Iran, reactions to recent statements from President Trump, and ongoing debates surrounding U.S. foreign policy, military strategy, and diplomatic efforts in the region. --- Check out our brand new podcast, 'Forgotten America'... Episode 20 is live NOW at Steve Gruber on YouTube! Link below: https://youtu.be/rsjeaCh_UBA

What happens when the very things that make you different become your greatest strengths?For Fitzann “Fitz” Reid, showing up fully, taking calculated risks, and creating opportunities where none existed before have been defining themes throughout her career.A lawyer, investor, entrepreneur, sports owner, and leader, Fitz has built a career that defies traditional expectations. From growing up in South Jamaica, Queens, as the daughter of Jamaican immigrants to serving at the highest levels of the SEC, helping launch Hunterbrook, and investing in professional sports, she has consistently chosen growth over comfort and possibility over convention.In this episode of Branding Room Only, Fitz and Paula explore what it means to build a career intentionally rather than simply following the path laid out for you. They discuss the power of sponsorship, the leadership lessons learned through sports, the responsibility that comes with visibility, and the confidence required to remain authentic in spaces that were not always designed with you in mind. Fitz also shares her experiences as a Black queer woman and a first-generation Jamaican-American, and how those experiences have informed her perspective while never limiting the scope of who she is or what she can accomplish.The conversation covers career pivots, entrepreneurship, investing, leadership, and personal branding through the lens of someone who has repeatedly stepped into unfamiliar spaces and found ways to succeed. Fitz's story is a reminder that growth often requires courage, that visibility creates possibility for others, and that some of the most meaningful opportunities appear long before there is certainty about the outcome. Her approach to life and work demonstrates the value of trusting yourself, staying open to possibility, and being willing to take the first step before you have every answer.1:26 – Fitzann's personal brand definition and why she describes herself as authentic, relentless, and empathetic4:20 – Why a Bryan Stevenson (director of Equal Justice Initiative) quote that hangs on Fitz's wall made such an impression7:43 – How Fitz learned independence and resilience as a kid growing up in South Jamaica, Queens 10:25 – How being a first-generation Jamaican American has influenced Fitz's leadership and ambition13:02 – The weight of responsibility often facing children of immigrants and how Paula conveyed that to her kids14:25 – How Fitz has navigated her career and assumed leadership positions as a Black, queer woman in industries often lacking diversity19:05 – How her background in sports has played a major role in Fitz's leadership style22:38 – How Fitz stood her ground against conforming in law school and grew her confidence over time31:45 – Fitz outlines her career trajectory, from an early interest in politics and law school to buying an Italian basketball team and building Hunterbrook39:02 – How that initial sports investment opened up bigger doors of opportunity41:00 – How Fitz has been intentional about building her brand while navigating her career44:32 – The root of Fitz's personal and strategic interest in women's sports, and investment opportunities still available48:10 – Why advocacy through the National LGBTQ+ Bar Association is so important to Fitz51:48 – Why Fitz will never compromise on how she shows up, and the magic she offers to others53:41 – The importance of treating your difference from others as a superpower, not a disadvantageConnect With Fitzann ReidFitzann “Fitz” Reid is a partner, general counsel, and chief compliance officer at Hunterbook, a startup media company and hedge fund. She's also an avid sports investor and co-founder of Vera West Sports and Entertainment. Before Hunterbrook, she spent the bulk of her career in the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission at the highest levels, serving across Examinations and Enforcement as well as Senior Counsel to Commissioner Allison Lee. Then she moved on to become the Chief Compliance Officer and Deputy General Counsel at impact-focused hedge fund Engine No 1. Her work spanned rulemaking, enforcement, litigation, whistleblowers, and on-site examinations of registrants, including broker-dealers, investment advisers, private fund advisers, and mutual funds.Fitzann has a BBA from Pace University, an MBA from Wharton at UPenn, and a JD from Washington University School of Law in St. Louis, where she later taught federal regulations and enforcement as an Adjunct Professor. Off the clock, she serves on several boards, including the National LGBTQ Plus Bar Association, and is registered with the state bar in D.C. and New York.Fitzann Reid on LinkedInHunterbrook | Instagram | X | TikTok | YouTubeMentioned In Authenticity, Ambition, and Betting on Yourself with Fitzann ReidEqual Justice InitiativeNational LGBTQ+ Bar AssociationCurated Resources from PaulaSign up for Paula's Upcoming Events Learn More About Paula's Personal Branding Strategy Session OfferSubscribe to The Branding Room Only podcast on YouTubeCall to ActionFollow & Review: Help others find the podcast. Subscribe and leave a quick review.Want more branding insights? Join Paula's newsletter for expert tips and exclusive content! Subscribe HereConferences are an investment—make sure you maximize yours. My Engage Your Hustle™ Conference Playbook gives you the strategies to prepare, stand out, and follow up with impact. Get your copy today.Sponsor for this episodeThis episode is brought to you by PGE Consulting Group LLC.PGE Consulting Group LLC empowers individuals and organizations to lead with purpose, presence, and impact. Specializing in leadership development and personal branding, we offer keynotes, custom programming, consulting, and strategic advising—all designed to elevate influence and performance at every level.Founded and led by Paula Edgar, our work centers on practical strategies that enhance professional development, strengthen workplace culture, and drive meaningful, measurable change.To learn more about Paula and her services, go to www.paulaedgar.com or contact her at info@paulaedgar.com, and follow Paula Edgar and the PGE Consulting Group LLC on LinkedIn.

On May 12, 2026, we produced a 90-minute webinar in which we explored one of the most important and rapidly developing issues in consumer financial services law: coerced debt and the emerging legislative efforts designed to address it. The webinar has been re-purposed into a two-part podcast series, the first of which was released this past Thursday, June 11th, and the second of which is being released today, Thursday, June 18th. Alan Kaplinsky, Founder, former Chair for 25 years and now Senior Counsel of the Consumer Financial Services Group at Ballard Spahr, LLP hosted and moderated this discussion. The discussion examines the growing recognition that individuals, often survivors of domestic violence, elder abuse, human trafficking, or other forms of coercive control, can be manipulated, threatened, or deceived into incurring debt without meaningful consent. The program focuses in particular on New York's newly enacted coerced debt statute, which creates a framework allowing consumers to challenge the enforceability of debts incurred through coercion and requires creditors and debt collectors to investigate such claims. This topic was covered in Part 1. The episodes feature an outstanding panel of experts from academia, legal services organizations, consumer advocacy groups, and private practice. Professor Angela Littwin of the University of Texas School of Law discusses her groundbreaking research on coerced debt, including empirical studies demonstrating the prevalence of the problem and the inadequacy of traditional legal remedies such as divorce proceedings, bankruptcy, and fraud defenses. Representatives from CAMBA Legal Services, Brooklyn, New York, Divya Subramanyam and Naomi Young, explain how the New York statute is intended to operate in practice, including the evidentiary requirements imposed on survivors, creditor obligations upon receipt of a coerced debt claim, and the practical challenges survivors face in seeking relief. Part 2 of the program being released today begins with a discussion of the broader national landscape. Carla Sanchez-Adams of the National Consumer Law Center discusses similar legislative initiatives developing across the country, including laws enacted in states such as California, Texas, Connecticut, Minnesota, Maine, Illinois, and Vermont, as well as pending legislation elsewhere.  Carla and the panel further analyze the interaction between coerced debt claims and existing federal laws such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Truth in Lending Act, while also addressing ongoing efforts to expand federal protections. Finally, Ballard Spahr attorney, Dan Wilkinson, offers an industry perspective on the significant operational and compliance issues created by these laws for banks, finance companies, debt collectors, and other financial institutions. The discussion highlights the challenges of identifying coerced debt claims, conducting investigations while protecting survivor confidentiality, training frontline personnel, and balancing consumer protection concerns with fraud prevention and risk management obligations. Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr, and the founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform for weekly insights into developments in the consumer finance industry.

Misty Leon has spent nearly 25 years at the intersection of law, business, and strategy — as a partner at a boutique firm, Senior Counsel at a Fortune 500 company, and now founder of Practical Counsel Advisors, where she helps small to midsize law firms modernize their operations and navigate AI responsibly.In this episode, Misty shares the winding, intentional journey that led her to finally go out on her own — and why the bravest thing she ever did was stop asking "can I do this?" and start asking "do I even want to?"In this episode, we cover:How Misty accidentally stumbled into ERISA law via a newspaper job listing in Charlotte — and why it opened doors in Big LawWhat five years in-house taught her that she never could have learned at a firmThe moment she realized she was heading toward burnout — and how she caught it before it caught herWhat Practical Counsel Advisors does and why AI readiness is a reputational risk firms can't afford to ignoreWhy "change management" is more than corporate speak — and why it's the piece most firms skipThe mindset shift from powering through to asking whether the path still fitsWhy women don't need more resilience pep talks — and what we actually need insteadThe concept of seasons, and why it's one of the most powerful tools for ambitious women juggling everythingHer legendary legally blonde moment involving a law school interview and a closetConnect with Misty:LinkedIn: Misty LeonWebsite: practicalcounseladvisors.com Resources & Links:Book a connection call with Erin: https://calendly.com/eringerner/connectioncallFollow Erin Gerner on Instagram, Facebook & LinkedIn

Artificial intelligence in legal cases The use of artificial intelligence is a topic of concern in legal cases, both by attorneys and parties to lawsuits they file. On Monday's "Sound of Ideas," we examine precedent being set in both situations in our latest installment of our "Law of The Land" series, where we look at how the law impacts our everyday lives. We start the conversation talking about how attorneys are using AI, both properly and improperly, in ways that affect not only client confidentiality and the cost for representation, but the way the judicial system functions, as a whole. Then, we look at ongoing lawsuits like the $1.5 billion case connected to Anthropic, an AI company which admitted using pirated copies of books to train its large language models known as "Claude." We explore the precedent these cases might set for compensation for artists of all kinds. Guests:-D. Allan Asbury, Deputy Director and Senior Counsel, Ohio Supreme Court Board of Professional Conduct-Rohit Nath, Attorney, Susman Godfrey L.L.P. Cleveland Clinic's settlement with the Department of Justice bars gender-affirming care for minors The Cleveland Clinic has become the second medical institution to reach an agreement with President Donald Trump's Department of Justice related to fraudulent billing allegations, specifically associated with gender affirming care for people under the age of 18. In the back half of Monday's edition of the "Sound of Ideas," we continue our "Law of The Land" series by sorting through the settlement which includes a payment of $300,000 from the Clinic to be split between the state of Ohio and the DOJ, and a commitment to set aside $2 million to cover the cost of detransitioning care for those seeking it who cannot afford it. The Clinic has also agreed not to provide puberty blocker and hormone treatments to minors for the next 20 years, which extends beyond current requirements under Ohio's House Bill 68, a law which has been in effect since 2024. In May, Texas Children's Hospital agreed to pay $10 million dollars and establish the nation's first "detransition clinic." In the Cleveland Clinic settlement, the Department of Justice called gender affirming care for minors "misguided medical interventions." Critics are calling this agreement a lapse in medical integrity, amounting to cruelty and anti-trans hate. Particularly, the emphasis on funding detransition care is being called unnecessary, bigoted and performative. When we reached out to the Clinic ahead of this segment, a spokesperson told Ideastream Public Media via email that the Clinic remains focused on providing exceptional care to its patients and communities. In our conversation, we talk through the DOJ's allegations against the Clinic and what the settlement entails. We'll also share a statement from the Cleveland Clinic on the agreement, and learn why an Ohio advocacy group is disappointed in this result, to say the least. Guests:-Dara Adkison, Executive Director, TransOhio-Justin Glanville, Deputy Editor of Engaged Journalism, Ideastream Public Media

On May 12, 2026, we produced a 90-minute webinar in which we explored one of the most important and rapidly developing issues in consumer financial services law: coerced debt and the emerging legislative efforts designed to address it. The webinar has been re-purposed into a two-part podcast series, the first of which is being released today, June 11th, and the second of which is being released next Thursday, June 18th. Alan Kaplinsky, Founder, former Chair for 25 years and now Senior Counsel of the Consumer Financial Services Group at Ballard Spahr, LLP hosted and moderated this discussion.  The discussion examines the growing recognition that individuals, often survivors of domestic violence, elder abuse, human trafficking, or other forms of coercive control, can be manipulated, threatened, or deceived into incurring debt without meaningful consent. The program focuses in particular on New York's newly enacted coerced debt statute, which creates a framework allowing consumers to challenge the enforceability of debts incurred through coercion and requires creditors and debt collectors to investigate such claims. The episodes feature an outstanding panel of experts from academia, legal services organizations, consumer advocacy groups, and private practice. Professor Angela Littwin of the University of Texas School of Law discusses her groundbreaking research on coerced debt, including empirical studies demonstrating the prevalence of the problem and the inadequacy of traditional legal remedies such as divorce proceedings, bankruptcy, and fraud defenses. Representatives from CAMBA Legal Services, Brooklyn, New York, Divya Subrahmanyam and Naomi Young, explain how the New York statute is intended to operate in practice, including the evidentiary requirements imposed on survivors, creditor obligations upon receipt of a coerced debt claim, and the practical challenges survivors face in seeking relief. The program also examines the broader national landscape. Carla Sanchez-Adams of the National Consumer Law Center discusses similar legislative initiatives developing across the country, including laws enacted in states such as California, Texas, Connecticut, Minnesota, Maine, Illinois, and Vermont, as well as pending legislation elsewhere. Carla and the panel further analyze the interaction between coerced debt claims and existing federal laws such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act and Truth in Lending Act, while also addressing ongoing efforts to expand federal protections. Finally, Ballard Spahr attorney, Dan Wilkinson, offers an industry perspective on the significant operational and compliance issues created by these laws for banks, finance companies, debt collectors, and other financial institutions. The discussion highlights the challenges of identifying coerced debt claims, conducting investigations while protecting survivor confidentiality, training frontline personnel, and balancing consumer protection concerns with fraud prevention and risk management obligations. This podcast and the one we are releasing next week provide a comprehensive and balanced examination of a fast-evolving area of consumer finance law that is likely to have substantial implications for creditors, debt collectors, compliance professionals, consumer advocates, and policymakers nationwide. Part 1 of this discussion includes an introduction to the topic and the speakers by Alan Kaplinsky, an overview of coerced debt by Angela Littwin, and the analysis of the New York statute by Divya Subrahmanyam and Naomi Young.  Part 2 of the discussion, which is being released next Thursday, June 18th, will cover theories of liability under existing federal and state laws and bills pending in other states by Carla Sanchez-Adams, the Industry Perspective by Dan Wilkinson, and the key takeaways and closing by Alan Kaplinsky.  Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr, and the founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform for weekly insights into developments in the consumer finance industry.

In this episode, Adam Maarec sits down with fintech thought leader Simon Taylor for a lively fireside chat focused on the rapidly evolving world of fintech, payments, and banking innovation. Adam, an experienced legal and regulatory advisor in financial services, and Simon, widely recognized for his writing, podcasts, and advisory work with fintechs, banks, VCs, and regulators, delve into some of the most relevant challenges and opportunities shaping the industry today. Together, they unpack the rise of agentic commerce and the impact of AI-driven financial tools, exploring how personal finance agents and large language models are beginning to reshape shopping, payments, and financial management. The conversation covers the complexities of liability and authentication when using AI agents, the evolving regulatory landscape in the US compared to the UK and EU, and the ongoing battle with AML (Anti-Money Laundering) risks, particularly in relation to stablecoins and open banking. Listeners will hear candid takes on the tension between innovation and risk management, the evolving payments ecosystem (including A2A and stablecoins), and the real-world implications for merchants, consumers, and regulators as the industry pushes into new territory. The episode also highlights real use cases and experiments currently unfolding in the market, such as the integration of platforms like Perplexity and Plaid for next-generation personal financial management, and the adoption of stablecoins in B2B payments across global markets. Adam and Simon provide a balanced view, separating hype from genuine progress, and invite listeners to stay attuned to the early signals that are likely to shape the future of digital finance. Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr, and the founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform for weekly insights into developments in the consumer finance industry. 

On a recent episode of the Consumer Finance Monitor Podcast, Alan Kaplinsky, host of the podcast, had the opportunity to interview Amelia O'Rourke-Owens, a legal scholar and former CFPB policy fellow, about her article, "Tearing Holes in Consumer Protection: Democracy's Safety Net." Amelia is the founder and CEO of Resilience Solutions, which provides subject matter expertise and consulting services around policy solutions and strategic planning. The services enhance strategic objectives of their clients and build resilience in their enterprise and efforts.  The discussion explored the role of consumer financial protection law, the evolving mission of the CFPB, and the broader implications for democracy, innovation, and financial regulation. Amelia advances a bold thesis in her article: that consumer protection law, and particularly consumer financial protection law, may be the most impactful body of law in the United States. She further argues that the strength of consumer protection laws may serve as a barometer for the health of American democracy. To support this thesis, Amelia proposes a three-part framework for evaluating the "impact" of a body of law: 1.         The number of individuals protected 2.         The breadth of entities governed 3.         The available avenues for enforcement Under this framework, Amelia contends that consumer financial protection law stands apart because it affects virtually every American, governs a broad range of financial institutions and market participants, and relies on overlapping enforcement mechanisms that include federal regulators, state attorneys general, and private litigation. Alan and Amelia's discussion examined these themes in detail and highlighted several important points of disagreement. The CFPB's Role and Regulatory Philosophy A substantial portion of their conversation focused on the CFPB itself and how different administrations have approached the Bureau's authority. Amelia defended an expansive view of consumer protection oversight, arguing that robust regulation is necessary to prevent harmful market conduct and systemic instability. She pointed to the 2008 financial crisis as evidence that insufficient oversight can have devastating consequences not only for consumers but for the financial system as a whole. Alan expressed concern that, during the tenure of former CFPB Director Rohit Chopra, the Bureau frequently pushed beyond clear statutory boundaries through aggressive enforcement theories, expansive interpretations of UDAAP authority, and attempts to regulate emerging products and practices through guidance and supervisory pressure rather than formal rulemaking. As Alan noted during the discussion, many industry participants viewed the CFPB's approach under Chopra as creating significant uncertainty. Financial institutions often struggled to determine whether innovative products that complied with existing statutes and regulations would nevertheless become targets of CFPB criticism or enforcement. That uncertainty, in Alan's view, can have real-world consequences. Institutions may become more risk-averse, innovation may slow, and access to credit, particularly for low- and moderate-income consumers, may be reduced. Amelia strongly disagreed with the premise that regulatory oversight itself discourages innovation or access to credit. Instead, she argued that effective regulation can create guardrails that protect responsible market participants from competitors willing to cut corners or exploit consumers. The Importance of Multiple Enforcement Mechanisms Another key theme of the discussion was the importance of overlapping enforcement authority. Amelia emphasized the value of allowing state attorneys general to enforce consumer protection laws and argued that Dodd-Frank appropriately preserved state authority by limiting federal preemption in many contexts. She suggested that state regulators are often better positioned to identify emerging harms before they become national problems. Alan acknowledged that state enforcement can play an important role, particularly given the prevalence of arbitration clauses and class action waivers that have limited certain forms of private litigation. At the same time, Alan noted that overlapping federal and state enforcement can create inconsistent standards and compliance uncertainty for financial institutions operating nationwide. This tension between national uniformity and decentralized enforcement remains one of the central unresolved issues in consumer financial regulation. Areas of Agreement Despite their disagreements, there were several areas where Alan and Amelia found substantial common ground. Most notably, they agreed that one of the CFPB's most successful accomplishments has been the creation of its consumer complaint portal. The complaint database has provided consumers with an accessible mechanism for obtaining responses from financial institutions while also generating valuable market-wide data about recurring problems and trends. They also agreed on the growing threat posed by scams and fraud, particularly involving digital payment platforms and other rapidly evolving technologies. Amelia highlighted the enormous financial harm consumers suffer from fraud schemes, while Alan noted the increasing concern among policymakers and researchers regarding scams originating overseas and the need for a coordinated national response. Consumer Protection and Democratic Governance Perhaps the most provocative aspect of Amelia's article is her argument that consumer financial protection serves as a "bellwether" for the health of democracy itself. Amelia contends that strong consumer protection reflects a government responsive to the needs of its constituents, while weakening such protections signals an elevation of other interests over those of ordinary consumers. Alan expressed skepticism about tying consumer financial regulation so directly to democratic legitimacy. In Alan's view, there are also serious democratic concerns raised when an independent agency led by a single director exercises broad policymaking authority without clear congressional authorization. This debate reflects a larger national conversation about the proper role of administrative agencies, the balance between accountability and independence, and the limits of regulatory power. Looking Ahead The future direction of consumer financial protection remains uncertain. The CFPB under Acting Director Russell Vought has moved aggressively to scale back many of the initiatives pursued during the Chopra era, prompting intense debate about the agency's long-term mission and structure. At the same time, emerging technologies, digital payment systems, fraud risks, and evolving financial products will continue to challenge regulators, lawmakers, and industry participants alike. Alan's discussion with Amelia O'Rourke-Owens highlighted the sharp disagreements that exist regarding the CFPB and consumer financial regulation more broadly. But it also underscored the importance of continuing thoughtful and substantive dialogue about these issues as the financial services industry and regulatory landscape continue to evolve. Amelia's article was presented at the Loyola Consumer Law Symposium back in March. The article can be found in the Loyola Consumer Law Review Vol. 38:2. Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr, and the founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform for weekly insights into developments in the consumer finance industry.

In this Federalist Society America250 series, experts analyze modern legal and policy debates through the lens of the Founding generation. The Founders gave us the tools to answer many contemporary questions; join us as we explore those answers.In 2022, the Supreme Court overruled the "Lemon Test" for interpreting the Establishment Clause of the First Amendment, holding that the Clause must instead be interpreted by reference to "historical practices and understandings." To do this, the Court suggested it would look to certain historical "hallmarks of religious establishments the framers sought to prohibit when they adopted the First Amendment." This has kicked off a vigorous debate, in both caselaw and scholarship, about what constituted "an establishment of religion" at the time of the Founding, and how that history should inform interpretation of the Establishment Clause today. Join a gathering of the foremost scholars and litigators of the Establishment Clause to discuss the Clause's historical meaning both as a matter of originalist theory and in its application to current church-state controversies, such as displays of the Ten Commandments in public schools.Featuring:Joe Davis, Senior Counsel, The Becket Fund for Religious LibertyDouglas Laycock, Robert E. Scott Distinguished Professor of Law Emeritus, University of Virginia; Alice McKean Young Regents Chair in Law Emeritus, University of TexasMichael McConnell, Richard and Frances Mallery Professor of Law, Stanford Law School(Moderator) Hon. Ryan D. Nelson, Judge, U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit

Faith, Freedom and Family: A Timely Call to Action -- In an era marked by deep political polarization and societal fragmentation, a compelling new voice emerges, urging a return to foundational values … GUEST Timothy Goeglein … former 8-year Special Assistant to President G W Bush and VP of Govt and External Relations at Focus on the Family … author of “What Really Matters: Restoring a Legacy of Faith, Freedom, and Family” On Discipleship ... GUEST Dr Amy Peeler … The Kenneth T Wessner Chair in Biblical Studies and Prof of New Testament at Wheaton College … also Assoc Rector at St Mark’s Epis Church, Geneva, IL … author of “Women and the Gender of God” Ethical issues criminal defense attorneys face: how you and Kathy would handle them.… GUEST Bruce Antkowiak … Senior Counsel to the College & Archabbey, Past Chair of the Criminology Dept and Professor of Law at Saint Vincent College.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this episode of The Get Down: Beyond Bitcoin, host Cleve Mesidor sits down with two-term SEC Commissioner Hester M. Peirce—affectionately known as "Crypto Mom" and "Crypto's Architect"—for an engaging conversation.As Commissioner Peirce prepares to conclude her impactful tenure at the SEC later this year, she shares her unique origin story, vision for a digital asset regulatory framework, and insights regarding inter-agency harmonization between the SEC and CFTC.Commissioner Peirce is not just a champion of crypto, she also holds the industry accountable and advances sound guidance to build a stable industry. This captivating discussion covers a variety of timely topics, including tokenization opportunities for smaller players, as well as advice for the crypto industry about how best to continue to advance crypto rulemaking going forward.Interview with SEC Commissioner Hester M. PeirceCommissioner Peirce discusses her regulatory journey since 2018, impending departure from the Commission, and enduring optimism for the transformative nature of the technology.Crypto Origin Story: How early conversations with Jerry Brito sparked an interest in blockchain technology before joining the SEC during pivotal market shifts.Regulatory Harmonization: A deep dive into harmonization efforts with the CFTC, building on previous work with former Commissioner Brian Quintenz to develop a coordinated strategy.Advice to Industry: Why builders should focus on solving real-world consumer/investor problems and build commercially viable products.Life After SEC: Plans to transition into teaching, while cheering on sound regulation from the sidelines.Memorable Milestones: Reflections and why meeting conviction-driven builders during market lows remains her favorite part of the job.Next Gen Crypto: Reflecting on how Gen Z will integrate blockchain technology, and a call to use crypto as a tool for societal unity rather than divisiveness.About SEC Commissioner PeirceHester M. Peirce was appointed by President Donald J. Trump to the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and was sworn in on January 11, 2018.Commissioner Peirce leads the SEC Crypto Task Force, which seeks to provide clarity on the application of the federal securities laws to the crypto asset market and to recommend practical policy measures that aim to foster innovation and protect investors.Prior to joining the SEC, Commissioner Peirce conducted research on the regulation of financial markets at the Mercatus Center at George Mason University. She was a Senior Counsel on the U.S. Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs, where she advised Ranking Member Richard Shelby and other members of the Committee on securities issues. Commissioner Peirce served as counsel to SEC Commissioner Paul S. Atkins. She also worked as a Staff Attorney in the SEC's Division of Investment Management. Commissioner Peirce was an associate at Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering (now WilmerHale) and clerked for Judge Roger Andewelt on the Court of Federal Claims.Commissioner Peirce earned her bachelor's degree in Economics from Case Western Reserve University and her JD from Yale Law School.Links from the episodeCONNECT WITH COMMISSIONER HESTER PEIRCE:Website: www.sec.govCONNECT WITH BUTTERSCOTCH MEDIA:Website: butterscotch.mediaSubscribe to Chews Tipsheet: butterscotch.media/subscribeFollow us on X: @butterscotch360 CONNECT WITH BUTTERSCOTCH MEDIA:Website: butterscotch.mediaFinTech TV Network: https://fintech.tv/category/the-get-down-podcast-series/Subscribe to Chews Tipsheet: butterscotch.media/subscribeFollow us on X: @butterscotch360

In this episode of The Danielle Gill Show, Danielle sits down with Will Chamberlain, Senior Counsel at the Article III Project and a leading voice on constitutional law, Section 230, and conservative legal strategy. 00:13 – Introducing Will Chamberlain & his legal background 00:35 – Reaction to Thomas Massie’s loss in Kentucky 01:20 – Twitter politics vs real‑world voters 03:37 – Trump’s dominance and the GOP’s internal battles 07:57 – Is anti‑Trump sentiment growing on the right? 10:16 – Conservatism, influencers, and the international audience problem 13:02 – Supreme Court trends: race, redistricting & constitutional shifts 18:07 – Birthright citizenship: why the Court won’t overturn it 21:57 – The future of the Court: longevity, replacements & legacy 27:32 – Looking ahead to the 2028 GOP primary Watch full clips of the Danielle Gill Show here: https://rumble.com/c/DanielleDsouzaGill/videos?e9s=src_v1_cmd Find the full audio show wherever you get your podcasts:Apple - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-danielle-gill-show/id1879812724 Spotify - https://open.spotify.com/show/3x6hMKFn1roWyzLzednxXL?si=nhZG0TauTOmkWBo_ieFhcw Follow Danielle Gill on all social platforms:X - https://x.com/danielledsouzag?s=21&t=EDXtjHM__JNF18166lWkTQInstagram - https://www.instagram.com/danielledsouzagillFacebook - https://www.facebook.com/share/14YvjS1Umni/?mibextid=wwXIfrTruth Social - https://truthsocial.com/@danielledsouzagillSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming consumer financial services and countless other industries. As AI systems become more autonomous, adaptive, and deeply integrated into commercial decision-making, courts, regulators, and industry participants are increasingly confronting a critical question: when AI causes harm, who should be held responsible? In our latest episode of our award-winning, weekly Consumer Finance Monitor Podcast, our host Alan Kaplinsky (the founder, Chair for 25 years, and now Senior Counsel of our Consumer Financial Services at Ballard Spahr LLP)  had the pleasure of speaking with Mark Geistfeld, the Sheila Lubetsky Birnbaum Professor of Civil Litigation at New York University School of Law and the reporter for the American Law Institute's groundbreaking new project, Principles of the Law, Civil Liability for Artificial Intelligence.  The discussion explored one of the most consequential emerging legal issues in the AI era: how traditional tort law doctrines, including duty, reasonable care, causation, foreseeability, product liability, and allocation of responsibility, should apply to AI systems. Professor Geistfeld explained why the ALI chose to pursue a "principles" project rather than a traditional restatement. Because there is still relatively little AI-specific case law, the project is intended to provide a forward-looking framework that adapts existing tort doctrines to emerging AI technologies. As Mark noted during the discussion, the project seeks to determine "what existing law, properly adapted to this new technology, would require." Their conversation covered a wide range of timely and challenging issues, including: Whether AI systems should be treated as "products" or "services" for purposes of tort liability; How liability may be allocated among foundation model developers, deployers, integrators, and end users; The role of reasonable care obligations in AI development and deployment, including testing, monitoring, and guardrails; The growing importance of transparency and industry best practices; The "black box" problem and the difficulty of proving causation when even developers may not fully understand AI outputs; The tension between fostering innovation and ensuring accountability; and How tort liability and regulatory frameworks can operate together in a complementary manner.   How rapidly advancing AI capabilities, including developments involving autonomous agents and cybersecurity vulnerabilities, are accelerating the urgency of creating coherent legal frameworks. One particularly interesting aspect of the discussion involved Professor Geistfeld's explanation of how AI liability differs from traditional product liability analysis because AI systems evolve, adapt, and operate probabilistically. He emphasized that many of the challenges courts will face resemble issues already encountered in pharmaceutical litigation, toxic torts, and medical malpractice cases involving probabilistic causation. The ALI project remains in development, but preliminary drafts are already beginning to shape legal and academic discussions. Given the pace of AI advancement, courts and policymakers are likely to confront these issues long before a final completed volume is published. This podcast continues our ongoing intensive coverage of artificial intelligence and consumer financial services, including our recent programs discussing the White House AI Action Plan (listen to part 1 here and part 2 here), the White House AI Framework (listen here) and other AI regulatory developments. The episode provides valuable insights for financial institutions, fintech companies, AI developers, compliance professionals, litigators, and anyone interested in the future legal framework governing artificial intelligence. Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr, and the founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform for weekly insights into developments in the consumer finance industry.

Annie talks with Will Chamberlain, Senior Counsel at The Article 3 Project, to discuss Thomas Massie losing to Ed Gallrein in the Kentucky Primary.

The Youtube Live Chat Poll today asks the question if you are a supporter of Thomas Massie or are you against him? Annie will talk with Will Chamberlain, Senior Counsel at The Article 3 Project, to discuss this further.

Today's episode of the Consumer Finance Monitor Podcast features a wide-ranging and timely discussion about one of the most consequential fair lending developments in years: the CFPB's final rule fundamentally reshaping enforcement under the Equal Credit Opportunity Act (ECOA) and Regulation B. Hosted by Alan Kaplinsky (the Founder, Chair for 25 years and now Senior Counsel of the Consumer Financial Services Group at Ballard Spahr, LLP), the episode brings together an exceptional panel of fair lending authorities: our special guest Bradley Blower (the Principal and Founder of Inclusive-Partners LLC) along with John Culhane, Jr., and Richard Andreano, Jr., Senior Counsel in the Consumer Financial Services Group at Ballard Spahr LLP. The discussion revisits a proposal first examined on the podcast last year when the CFPB under Acting Director Russell Vought proposed sweeping revisions to ECOA enforcement principles (you can find more on that episode here). Now, the Bureau has finalized the rule largely as proposed, marking a dramatic shift in federal fair lending policy. The CFPB's Three Major Changes As discussed during the podcast, the final rule makes three major changes from the former Regulation B: ·        Eliminates the use of disparate impact analysis under ECOA and Regulation B. ·        Narrows discouragement liability by focusing primarily on spoken, written, or visual statements rather than broader conduct. ·        Revises the framework governing Special Purpose Credit Programs (SPCPs), particularly for for-profit lenders. The Bureau's stated rationale is that ECOA does not authorize disparate impact liability and that fair lending enforcement should focus on intentional discrimination rather than statistical disparities alone. Supporters of the rule argue that the changes provide lenders with clearer standards, reduce regulatory uncertainty, and create a more predictable environment for innovation, including AI-driven underwriting and algorithmic decision-making. Critics, however, contend that the rule ignores the historical role disparate impact analysis has played in uncovering systemic discrimination and could make it substantially more difficult to identify discriminatory outcomes embedded in facially neutral policies or automated systems. Disparate Impact: A Sea Change, But Not the End of Fair Lending The panel devoted significant attention to the CFPB's elimination of disparate impact liability under ECOA. John Culhane described the move as a "dramatic shift" for non-mortgage lending, noting that disparate impact theories historically drove many federal fair lending actions involving indirect auto finance, student lending, and other consumer credit products. At the same time, Rich Andreano emphasized that the mortgage industry remains subject to disparate impact claims under the federal Fair Housing Act because of the Supreme Court's decision in Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs v. Inclusive Communities Project. As a result, mortgage lenders still face substantial fair lending exposure notwithstanding the CFPB's new ECOA position. The panelists also stressed that disparate impact is far from dead at the state level. Several states, including Massachusetts, New Jersey, and New York, are expected to continue aggressive fair lending enforcement using disparate impact theories under state statutes, regulations, and consumer protection laws. Indeed, the panel highlighted the growing role of state attorneys general and state regulators as federal enforcement narrows. Discouragement Liability and the "Townstone Effect" Another focal point of the discussion was the CFPB's narrowing of discouragement liability. The panel explored how the Bureau's revisions appear heavily influenced by the CFPB's controversial enforcement action against Townstone Financial, where the Bureau alleged that comments made during radio broadcasts and podcasts discouraged minority borrowers from applying for loans. Rich Andreano characterized the final rule's discouragement provisions as effectively "the Townstone rule," reflecting the current CFPB leadership's strong opposition to the prior Bureau's enforcement theory in that case. Nevertheless, both Brad Blower and John Culhane cautioned that courts and state regulators may continue to consider broader conduct, including branch placement, marketing strategies, and community engagement, when evaluating potential redlining or discouragement claims. SPCPs Face New Uncertainty The podcast also examined the CFPB's revisions to Special Purpose Credit Programs. Brad Blower explained that while SPCPs remain permissible, the new rule substantially complicates the use of race-conscious programs by for-profit lenders. Many institutions may now seek to redesign programs around race-neutral criteria such as first-generation homeownership, low- and moderate-income geographies, or majority-minority census tracts. Rich Andreano warned that many financial institutions, especially banks, may scale back SPCPs due to litigation and regulatory uncertainty, particularly given the broader political and legal environment surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives. The Practical Message: "Stay the Course" Despite the significance of the CFPB's rule changes, the clearest takeaway from the discussion was remarkably consistent: lenders should not dismantle their fair lending compliance programs. All three panelists emphasized that institutions should continue: ·                 Monitoring for disparate impact. ·                 Reviewing underwriting and pricing models. ·                 Evaluating marketing and branch strategies. ·                 Testing AI and algorithmic systems for bias. ·                 Maintaining robust fair lending compliance management systems. As Brad Blower observed, institutions that "take their foot off the gas" risk state enforcement actions, private litigation, reputational harm, and future regulatory scrutiny under a different federal administration. Rich Andreano summarized the prevailing industry guidance succinctly: "Stay the course." AI, Algorithmic Underwriting, and Future Litigation The panel also explored how the rule intersects with AI-driven lending. Although federal ECOA disparate impact enforcement may narrow, the panelists noted that state laws and private litigation could continue targeting algorithmic discrimination. Several states already are pursuing or considering laws specifically addressing AI bias and automated decision-making. The panel further predicted that legal challenges to the CFPB's final rule are highly likely. Potential claims could include: ·        Administrative Procedure Act challenges. ·        Arguments that the CFPB disregarded congressional intent underlying ECOA. ·        Challenges arising under the Supreme Court's decision in Loper Bright Enterprises v. Raimondo, which eliminated Chevron deference to agency rules. The panel suggested that litigation over the final rule could ultimately reach the Supreme Court, particularly on the unresolved question of whether ECOA itself authorizes disparate impact liability. Conclusion This episode provides an exceptionally practical and nuanced examination of one of the most important fair lending developments in recent memory. While the CFPB has dramatically narrowed federal ECOA enforcement theories, the broader fair lending landscape remains highly active due to state enforcement, private litigation risk, the Fair Housing Act, and ongoing scrutiny of AI-based underwriting systems. For lenders, the message from the panel was unmistakable: despite the CFPB's final rule, fair lending compliance remains as important as ever. You can listen to the full podcast on the Consumer Finance Monitor Podcast available through Ballard Spahr and major podcast platforms. Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr, and the founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform for weekly insights into developments in the consumer finance industry.

Send us Fan MailThe NCUA looks to be getting a new board chair: John Crews, a longtime Washington DC hand and currently Deputy Assistant Secretary at the Treasury Department.  Prior jobs include Policy Director of the Senate Banking Committee and Policy Advisor to House majority leader Steve Scalise.  He's a guy who knows his way around inside the Beltway.There's an urgency to his nomination because present  NCUA board chair Kyle Hauptman has been named to the board of the Public Company Accounting Oversight board.  Hauptman also is the only member of the NCUA's current board. There are two other seats but their occupants presently are involved in litigation and no longer serve.Will Crews cross the finish line in the Senate and assume the top job at NCUA?On the show is Washington DC lobbyist Elizabeth Ergubian, herself a former staffer at NCUA where she served as  Director of External Affairs & Communications and Policy Advisor to the Chair.Before that she was Deputy Chief Advocacy Officer & Senior Counsel at CUNA.She knows the Beltway doings, she knows credit unions, and here she tells what to expect in Crew's confirmation hearing - and when to expect it.Listen up.Like what you are hearing? Find out how you can help sponsor this podcast here. Very affordable sponsorship packages are available. Email rjmcgarvey@gmail.com  And like this podcast on whatever service you use to stream it. That matters.  Find out more about CU2.0 and the digital transformation of credit unions here. It's a journey every credit union needs to take. Pronto

On this episode of the SeventySix Capital Sports Leadership Show, Wayne Kimmel interviewed Paris Dupree, Vice President, Senior Counsel in Business and Legal Affairs at OneTeam Partners.Prior to joining OneTeam, Dupree served as Vice President and Assistant General Counsel at JPMorgan Chase, where she led and negotiated major sponsorships and partnerships across  the company's Sports, Entertainment, Media, and Brand businesses—including the firm's partnerships with Madison Square Garden, the US Open, and the Chase Center, as well as global events such as the JPMorgan Corporate Challenge, the world's largest corporate running event. Her early career was shaped at leading law firms, including Morgan, Lewis & Bockius LLP, Pepper Hamilton LLP (now Troutman Pepper LLP), and Cooley LLP, where she gained significant experience in venture capital, mergers and acquisitions, and advising private equity funds and growth-stage companies across technology, life sciences, and digital media sectors. A proud graduate of Brown University, Dupree earned her degree in Organizational Studies: Commerce, Organizations, and Entrepreneurship. While at Brown, she was captain of the Women's Lacrosse Team, earning First-Team All-Ivy and Academic All-Ivy honors, and also competed in basketball as a dual-sport athlete her freshman year. In 2010, she was selected to the U.S. National Women's Lacrosse Team—the first Brown player in more than a decade to earn that honor. She was recently inducted into Brown University's Athletic Hall of Fame, recognizing her enduring contributions to the university's athletic legacy. Dupree later earned her J.D. from The George Washington University Law School. Dupree's leadership and impact extend beyond her professional role. She was recognized as the 2024 Young Woman Professional Award recipient by the New Castle County Chamber of Commerce, honoring her professional excellence and community contributions. She currently serves on Brown University's President's Advisory Council on Athletics & Recreation, focusing on long-term strategic planning, and as a member of the Board of Trustees at Sanford School, an independent, college preparatory school in Hockessin, Delaware, where she plays an active role in advancing the school's mission, shaping strategy, and strengthening community engagement. Dupree resides in Wilmington, Delaware, with her husband, Vern, and their 5-year-old son, Cairo. Family is central to who she is, and she can often be found cheering on her husband and father's Delaware State Hornets basketball team or supporting Cairo's activities. Paris Dupree:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/parisdupree/Chapters02:07 Understanding One Team Partners' Role in Sports Licensing03:58 Commercial Partnerships and Their Impact on Athletes08:07 Structuring Fair Deals for Players and Brands09:59 Collaboration with Player Associations12:06 The Fun and Meaningful Aspects of Paris's Job14:11 Paris's Athletic Background and Its Influence18:03 The Similarities Between Sports and Business22:04 Mentorship and Leadership in Paris's Career30:17 The Future of Sports and Player Opportunities

America has historically led the way in intangible property rights. We were the first country to recognize copyright and patents in our constitution and became the first to recognize trade secrets as protectable assets in 1868. Property rules assume that the rights-holder has superior knowledge about how to use the property— when to share, when to exclude, and when to sell—and would do so without causing significant problems for others. Some see IP as a barrier to the free dissemination of ideas, art and inventions. Others argue that IP rights ensure control and appropriate returns for creators while unleashing an economic and creative engine that delivers trillions of dollars in value, high-quality jobs, life-saving medicines, and breathtaking works of beauty and ingenuity that wouldn’t otherwise exist.As modern debates swirl around everything from whether using copyrighted works to train generative AI should count as ‘fair use’, to whether medical diagnostic methods, business models and other abstract ideas should be patentable as they are overseas, to whether we should adopt European-style rules that treat privacy and data as a quasi-proprietary right or extend “rights of publicity” in the era of AI, this gathering of astute legal minds will return to first principles to explore a deceptively simple-sounding question: when should we recognize something as a property right? Join us for a deep dive into history, philosophy, and economics to understand some of the legal and policy dilemmas of our time, and whether and when expanding property rights is the answer.Featuring:Alden F. Abbott, Senior Research Fellow, Mercatus Center, George Mason University; Former General Counsel at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)Prof. Jane Bambauer, Professor of Law and Journalism, University of FloridaJeffrey E. Depp, Senior Counsel for Law and Policy, Committee for Justice(Moderator) Satya Marar, Postgraduate Research Fellow, Mercatus Center, George Mason University

America has historically led the way in intangible property rights. We were the first country to recognize copyright and patents in our constitution and became the first to recognize trade secrets as protectable assets in 1868. Property rules assume that the rights-holder has superior knowledge about how to use the property— when to share, when to exclude, and when to sell—and would do so without causing significant problems for others. Some see IP as a barrier to the free dissemination of ideas, art and inventions. Others argue that IP rights ensure control and appropriate returns for creators while unleashing an economic and creative engine that delivers trillions of dollars in value, high-quality jobs, life-saving medicines, and breathtaking works of beauty and ingenuity that wouldn’t otherwise exist.As modern debates swirl around everything from whether using copyrighted works to train generative AI should count as ‘fair use’, to whether medical diagnostic methods, business models and other abstract ideas should be patentable as they are overseas, to whether we should adopt European-style rules that treat privacy and data as a quasi-proprietary right or extend “rights of publicity” in the era of AI, this gathering of astute legal minds will return to first principles to explore a deceptively simple-sounding question: when should we recognize something as a property right? Join us for a deep dive into history, philosophy, and economics to understand some of the legal and policy dilemmas of our time, and whether and when expanding property rights is the answer.Featuring:Alden F. Abbott, Senior Research Fellow, Mercatus Center, George Mason University; Former General Counsel at the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)Prof. Jane Bambauer, Professor of Law and Journalism, University of FloridaJeffrey E. Depp, Senior Counsel for Law and Policy, Committee for Justice(Moderator) Satya Marar, Postgraduate Research Fellow, Mercatus Center, George Mason University

This week, the en banc U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit held that a Texas law requiring public schools to display a copy of the Ten Commandments in classrooms does not violate the First Amendment's Establishment or Free Exercise Clauses. The court explained that Stone v. Graham, which relied upon the now-defunct Lemon test to invalidate a similar Kentucky law decades ago, is no longer controlling. In the place of Lemon and its progeny, the en banc court explained, courts must ask whether a challenged law resembles a founding-era religious establishment. The court also held the challengers here failed to show the law substantially burdened their free exercise. Join us for a litigation update breaking down this ruling and what it may hold for Establishment and Free Exercise cases in the future. Featuring: Prof. Stephanie Barclay, Professor of Law and Faculty Director for the Georgetown Center for the Constitution, Georgetown University Law Center Prof. Andrew Koppelman, John Paul Stevens Professor of Law, Northwestern University School of Law (Moderator) Joe Davis, Senior Counsel, The Becket Fund for Religious Liberty

A recent win for Moody Bible Institute and a case for a Christian photographer are just the beginning of the good news! Senior Counsel for ADF Johannes Widmalm-Delphonse joins us to discuss the recent ruling in DeGross v. Hunter, pushing back on Washington State's foster care regulations. DeGross v. Hunter – ADF Media (https://adfmedia.org/case/degross-v-hunter/)

Today, we released a new episode of the award-winning Consumer Finance Monitor Podcast examining one of the most significant recent federal developments in the fight against scams and fraud: Executive Order 14390. Hosted by Alan Kaplinsky (the founder, chair for 25 years and now Senior Counsel in the Consumer Financial Services Group), the episode features returning guests Kate Griffin and Nick Bourke of the Aspen Institute, who previously joined the podcast to discuss Aspen's landmark report, United We Stand: A National Strategy to Prevent Scams.   Why This Episode Matters Scams and fraud continue to impose staggering losses on American households, businesses, and financial institutions. As discussed in the episode, the Aspen report framed scams as a "whole-of-society" problem requiring coordination across government, financial institutions, technology companies, telecom providers, and civil society. The new Executive Order appears to respond directly to that challenge by calling for: A coordinated federal anti-scam strategy Greater inter-agency cooperation Enhanced public-private information sharing Increased disruption of transnational scam networks Stronger victim restitution and recovery efforts More aggressive international enforcement tools, including sanctions and diplomatic pressure In many respects, the Executive Order may represent the first serious federal attempt to build a national strategy to combat scams. Key Themes Explored in the Episode During the discussion, Kate Griffin described the Executive Order as the "starting gun" in the race against scams—an important signal that the federal government is now treating scams as a national priority. Nick Bourke emphasized that success will require more than enforcement alone. He noted that regulators, financial institutions, telecom carriers, and digital platforms must be empowered to share information and intervene more effectively when suspicious activity is detected. The conversation also examined: Coordination Across Government The Executive Order relies heavily on the federal government's National Coordination Center framework to align agencies such as the Departments of Treasury, State, Justice, and Defense. Whether that coordination translates into meaningful operational change remains to be seen. 2. Information Sharing and Safe Harbors The guests explained that one of the largest barriers to scam prevention is the inability of private-sector participants to share threat intelligence quickly because of privacy, litigation, or antitrust concerns. Legislative or regulatory safe harbors may ultimately be necessary. 3. Targeting the Scam Business Model Rather than focusing solely on individual fraudsters, the discussion stressed the need to undermine the economics of scams—making them harder, riskier, and less profitable for criminal enterprises to operate. 4. Victim Restoration A particularly notable feature of the Executive Order is its call for a victim restoration program, which could help return seized assets to scam victims more efficiently. 5. Modernizing Law Enforcement Tools The guests also highlighted the need to modernize legacy federal databases such as FBI and FinCEN reporting systems, many of which were designed before today's high-speed digital scam environment. What Comes Next? While the Executive Order is an important milestone, the guests agreed that additional action will be needed from Congress, regulators, and the private sector. A successful anti-scam strategy will likely require: Clearer legal pathways for data sharing Better consumer reporting systems Greater use of AI and analytics International cooperation Faster prosecutions and asset recovery Ongoing public education efforts Bottom Line This episode makes clear that scams are no longer simply a consumer-protection issue, they are now a national economic security issue. The White House has taken an important first step, but whether the Executive Order produces meaningful results will depend on execution, follow-through, and sustained cross-sector collaboration. Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr, and the founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform for weekly insights into developments in the consumer finance industry.

This episode is a recording of a webinar panel hosted by International Allies Against Mining, moderated by Yvette Borja, with Vidalina Morales, President of the Association for Social and Economic Development of Santa Marta, John Kavanaugh, Senior Advisor at the Institute for Policy Studies, and Luis Parada, Senior Counsel for Sovereign Arbitration Advisors. They discuss the 12 year long fight to pass the historic 2017 metals mining ban and the continued interest that mining companies have demonstrated in El Salvador. Support the podcast by becoming a patron: https://patreon.com/radiocachimbona?utm_medium=unknown&utm_source=join_link&utm_campaign=creatorshare_creator&utm_content=copyLinkRead Yvette and Jorge's article describing their experience observing the Santa Marta 5 criminal trial: https://escholarship.org/uc/item/5q43k0hpFollow @radiocachimbona on Instagram, X, and Facebook

Tuesday, May 5, 2026 Welcome to our Next Generation Roundtable, hosted by Know Why podcaster Liberty McArtor. During the first hour, she is joined by speaker and author Patrina Mosley and by consultant and writer William Barclay. In the second hour, Podcast Host Alyssa Sonnenburg and Senior Counsel at ADF Chelsey Youman join Liberty. They'll […]

In the episode of Consumer Finance Monitor Podcast being released today, we explore the White House's National Policy Framework for Artificial Intelligence published on March 20, 2026. This new framework represents the Administration's most concrete attempt yet to shape the future of AI governance in the United States. While it does not carry the force of law, it offers a revealing look at the policy direction the Administration hopes Congress will take. Joining our host, Alan Kaplinsky (founder, chair for 25 years and now Senior Counsel of the Consumer Financial Services Group), for this discussion were Charlie Bullock (Senior Research Fellow at The Institute for Law and AI), Kristian Stout (Director of Innovation Policy at the International Center for Law & Economics), and Greg Szewczyk, head of Ballard Spahr's Privacy and Data Security Group. Below are the key takeaways from the conversation. From Principles to Policy: A Clear Shift One of the most striking aspects of the new framework is how sharply it departs from last year's more principles-based "White House AI Action Plan." That earlier effort emphasized risk awareness, governance principles, and a balanced approach to innovation and regulation. On October 30, 2025, we produced a webinar entitled: "AI in Financial Services: Understanding the White House Action Plan – and What It Leaves Out", which featured the same speakers as the podcast being released today, plus Dean Ball, former White House senior advisor and one of the architects of the White House AI Action Plan. This webinar was then re-purposed into a two-part podcast series released on December 4 and 10, 2025. By contrast, the new framework is short, just a few pages, light on detailed policy prescriptions, and heavily focused on limiting regulation, particularly at the state level. As Charlie Bullock observed, the document is notable as much for what it doesn't include as for what it does. Rather than proposing robust federal oversight, it largely outlines areas where the government should refrain from acting. Federal Preemption Takes Center Stage The framework's most consequential and controversial feature is its strong endorsement of federal preemption of state AI laws. It proposes broad preemption in areas such as: ·        AI development ·        Liability for third-party misuse of AI systems ·        Restrictions on AI-enabled activities that would otherwise be lawful At the same time, it preserves certain state authorities, including: ·        Zoning and infrastructure decisions ·        State use of AI ·        "Generally applicable" laws (e.g., fraud, consumer protection, and child safety) This raises a critical question: How meaningful are these carve-outs? As we discussed, broadly worded exceptions, particularly for state "police powers", could significantly limit the practical reach of federal preemption and potentially preserve a patchwork of state regulation. The Patchwork Problem Isn't Going Away Even with federal action, the reality is that state-level AI regulation is already underway. Laws like Colorado's AI Act and emerging chatbot regulations illustrate how quickly states are moving. Greg Szewczyk noted that, unlike privacy law, where states have largely converged around similar frameworks, AI regulation could diverge in more fundamental ways. Without a consistent federal baseline, companies may face: ·        Increased compliance costs ·        Operational complexity ·        Uncertainty in deploying AI tools across jurisdictions Interestingly, some state regulators (including Democrats) may ultimately favor a well-crafted federal preemption regime if it provides clarity without sacrificing core protections. Innovation First—But Who Benefits? The framework strongly emphasizes: ·        AI infrastructure buildout ·        Faster permitting ·        Regulatory sandboxes ·        Access to federal datasets Kristian Stout highlighted that these priorities could accelerate innovation but they are not automatically startup-friendly. Large incumbents may benefit disproportionately due to: ·        Greater access to compute resources ·        Established compliance capabilities ·        Ability to absorb regulatory costs This tension between promoting innovation and preserving competition remains unresolved. Child Safety, IP, and Free Speech: More Questions Than Answers The framework touches on several critical areas but leaves key details unsettled: Child Protection It endorses tools like age verification and parental controls but offers little guidance on implementation. Compared to proposals like the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), the framework appears less aggressive and more preemptive of state innovation. Intellectual Property Rather than legislating, the framework defers to the courts on issues like: ·        Fair use in AI training ·        Output infringement This "wait and see" approach avoids premature policymaking but prolongs uncertainty. Free Speech A novel component aims to prevent government "jawboning" of AI providers; i.e., informal pressure to shape outputs. While rooted in legitimate First Amendment concerns, its ultimate scope and constitutionality remain unclear. No New AI Regulator—For Now The framework rejects the creation of a centralized AI regulator, instead relying on existing agencies. This approach has clear advantages: ·        Agencies already understand their sectors ·        Avoids bureaucratic duplication But it also raises concerns: ·        Limited technical expertise ·        Resource constraints ·        Inconsistent oversight across agencies As discussed, a hybrid model, combining agency expertise with centralized technical guidance, may ultimately emerge. Will Anything Actually Pass? Perhaps the most sobering takeaway: major AI legislation is unlikely in the near term. As Charlie Bullock put it bluntly, companies should not invest significant resources preparing for this specific framework. The political reality is: ·        Deep divisions within and between parties ·        Limited legislative bandwidth before the midterms ·        Competing proposals with very different philosophies That said, elements of the framework may still surface incrementally in future bills. The Anthropic "Mythos" Moment: A Glimpse of What's Coming While not covered by the White House framework, our discussion closed with a timely real-world example: reports about Anthropic's advanced AI model, "Claude Mythos," capable of identifying and exploiting software vulnerabilities at scale. Whether somewhat overstated or not, the episode highlights a broader truth: ·        AI is accelerating existing capabilities, not inventing entirely new ones ·        The pace of advancement is increasing rapidly ·        Both risks and defensive tools are evolving simultaneously As Kristian Stout noted, this is less a radical break than a compression of time and accessibility, making powerful capabilities available faster and to more people. Final Thoughts The White House AI Framework signals an important shift in U.S. policy thinking: ·        Away from abstract principles ·        Toward concrete (if still incomplete) legislative direction It prioritizes innovation, federal uniformity, and limited regulation but leaves fundamental questions unresolved. For industry participants, the key takeaway is not immediate compliance but continued vigilance. The direction of travel is becoming clearer, even if the destination remains uncertain. We will closely continue to monitor developments closely on our blog, webinars and podcast shows. We will soon be releasing podcast shows with (1) Professor Mark Geistfeld of NYU Law School about ALI's relatively new project entitled "Principles of the Law Pertaining to Civil Liability for Artificial Intelligence" and (2) with Professor David Hoffman of the University of Pennsylvania Law School about an article he co-authored with the CEO of the American Arbitration Association entitled "Agentic Commerce Needs Legal Infrastructure, and the Courts are Coming." Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr, and the founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform for weekly insights into developments in the consumer finance industry.

Leo Terrell, Senior Counsel to the Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights in the United States Department of Justice, makes his return to the morning show on this hump day installment of Sid & Friends in the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of the Consumer Finance Monitor Podcast, host Alan Kaplinsky (founder, former chair for 25 years and now Senior Counsel) had the pleasure of speaking with Sam Levine, Commissioner of the New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP), about the agency's evolving role as one of the most active local consumer protection regulators in the country. Important note: This podcast was recorded prior to DCWP's April 8, 2026 release of its proposed "click-to-cancel" rule addressing subscription practices. Alan recorded a description of the proposed rule which is at the end of the recording. We also wrote a separate blog about that significant development. A Local Regulator with National Influence From the outset, Commissioner Levine emphasized that DCWP is not simply a municipal agency focused on traditional licensing and enforcement, but rather a modern regulator tackling complex consumer protection issues that increasingly mirror those addressed at the federal level. "Local enforcement can be incredibly impactful—we're often closest to consumers and can move quickly to address emerging harms." He noted that New York City's scale and diversity make it a uniquely important testing ground for innovative consumer protection strategies. Executive Orders Driving Enforcement Priorities A key backdrop to DCWP's current activity is a pair of mayoral directives—Executive Order 9 and Executive Order 10—issued by New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani on January 5, 2026 (shortly after he took office) which we have discussed in a prior blog post. These Executive Orders signal a clear policy direction to fulfill his campaign promise to make life more affordable for everyday New Yorkers: an intensified focus on consumer protection, particularly in areas involving deceptive practices, hidden or "junk" fees, and recurring payment models. Executive Order 10, in particular, directs DCWP to prioritize enforcement against "subscription traps" and misleading recurring charge practices—laying the groundwork for the Department's subsequent proposed "click-to-cancel" rule published on April 8, 2026. Commissioner Levine made clear that these directives are not merely aspirational, but are actively shaping the agency's enforcement and rulemaking agenda: "We're aligning our work with the Mayor's directive to go after practices that frustrate consumers and undermine fair competition." Enforcement Priorities: Targeting Deceptive Practices A central theme of our discussion was DCWP's aggressive focus on deceptive and unconscionable trade practices, particularly in areas where consumers are most vulnerable. Commissioner Levine highlighted the agency's work in combatting: 1.     Hidden fees and misleading pricing practices 2.     Predatory lending and financial services abuses 3.     Worker exploitation in the gig economy 4.     Emerging digital marketplace risks "We're focused on conduct that distorts consumer choice—where people think they're getting one thing but end up locked into something very different." He underscored that transparency and fairness are guiding principles behind DCWP's enforcement agenda. Final Debt Collection Rules: A Significant Regulatory Development We also discussed DCWP's recently finalized debt collection regulations, which we have analyzed in prior blog coverage. These rules represent one of the most significant updates to New York City's debt collection framework in years. Commissioner Levine emphasized that the rules are designed to modernize existing requirements and address evolving industry practices, including the increased use of digital communications. "The goal is to ensure that debt collection practices keep pace with how consumers actually communicate today, while maintaining strong protections against harassment and abuse." Among other things, the rules clarify permissible communications, reinforce substantiation and disclosure requirements, and strengthen consumer protections in line with broader trends seen at the federal level. These rules, which go effective later this year, apply not only to third-party collectors and buyers of consumer debt, but also to creditors of consumers whenever the debtor resides or is located in New York City. Collaboration with Federal and State Regulators Drawing on his prior experience at the Federal Trade Commission as Director of the Bureau of Consumer Protection, Levine discussed the importance of coordination across jurisdictions. "There's a real opportunity for federal, state, and local regulators to work together and reinforce one another's efforts." He explained that DCWP frequently collaborates with the FTC, the New York State Attorney General's Office, and other enforcement bodies, particularly in cases involving multi-state or national conduct. At the same time, he made clear that local regulators can lead: "We don't have to wait. If we see harm affecting New Yorkers, we're going to act." Rulemaking as a Strategic Tool In addition to enforcement, Levine emphasized DCWP's increasing use of rulemaking to shape market behavior proactively. "Rules give clarity to businesses and protections to consumers—they're an important complement to case-by-case enforcement." He noted that clear rules can help level the playing field for companies that are already trying to do the right thing. Focus on Financial Services and Marketplace Innovation The conversation also explored DCWP's interest in financial services, particularly as new products and delivery models emerge. Levine pointed to risks associated with: 1.     Fintech innovations that may outpace regulatory frameworks 2.     Online platforms that obscure key terms or pricing 3.     Products that rely heavily on consumer inertia or behavioral biases "Innovation can be a good thing—but it can't come at the expense of transparency or fairness." Practical Takeaways for Industry For companies operating in or serving New York City, the message from DCWP is clear: 1.     Expect active enforcement of deceptive practices 2.     Monitor local regulatory developments, including mayoral directives and rulemaking initiatives 3.     Prioritize clear disclosures and consumer-friendly processes 4.     Anticipate continued focus on digital and subscription-based business models "Our goal is straightforward: markets should work for consumers, not against them." Looking Ahead Although our discussion did not cover it because it happened after our podcast was recorded, DCWP has since proposed a significant new rule targeting subscription practices—further underscoring the agency's commitment to addressing modern consumer risks and reflecting the policy direction set by Executive Order 10. Given Commissioner Levine's leadership and experience, including his prior role at the FTC, DCWP is likely to remain at the forefront of consumer protection innovation. Consumer Finance Monitor is hosted by Alan Kaplinsky, Senior Counsel at Ballard Spahr, and the founder and former chair of the firm's Consumer Financial Services Group. We encourage listeners to subscribe to the podcast on their preferred platform for weekly insights into developments in the consumer finance industry.