Podcasts about Southern District

In this episode, Tom Fox welcomes Arthur Gollwitzer from the law firm of Jackson Walker to discuss the merits of involving outside counsel in handling False Claims Act cases and the nuances of legal compliance. Arthur shares his experiences in avoiding and defending False Claims Act allegations, the significance of hiring specialized investigative counsel early, and the integrity and credibility required in investigative processes. He also offers insights on the implications of AI regulations in Texas, his time as an Assistant US Attorney in the Southern District of New York, and the honor of representing the United States in court. Key highlights: Discussing False Claims Act Importance of Independent Investigations Credibility in Legal Investigations AI and Legal Implications Experience in the Southern District of New York Resources: JacksonWalker Arthur Gollwitzer on LinkedIn Texas 89th Legislature: Key Artificial Intelligence Legislation Tom Fox Instagram Facebook YouTube Twitter LinkedIn For more information on the use of AI in Compliance programs, my new book is Upping Your Game. You can purchase a copy of the book on Amazon.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Elie Honig is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and co-chief of the organized crime unit at the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted more than 100 mobsters, including members of La Cosa Nostra, and the Gambino and Genovese crime families. He went on to serve as Director of the Department of Law and Public Safety at New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. He is currently Special Counsel at Lowenstein Sandler and a CNN legal analyst. For a transcript of Elie's note and the full archive of contributor notes, head to CAFE.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Edward Forst told lawmakers Thursday that he wasn't privy to the decision-making behind the General Services Administration's deal with xAI's Grok — but if confirmed to lead the agency, he signaled openness to examining the process that led to the procurement of the generative AI chatbot known for having an antisemitic meltdown. During a Senate Homeland Security & Governmental Affairs Committee hearing, ranking member Gary Peters, D-Mich., asked the GSA administrator nominee if he shared his concerns about Grok, pointing to the day the tool “produced racist and antisemitic content widely across [Elon] Musk's social media platform.” Forst, a former private equity and financial services executive, told Peters that he had “not been a part of the decision” by the GSA to contract for the chatbot from the Musk-owned AI firm. With some additional pressing by Peters, Forst acknowledged that procuring a tool with a history of racist and antisemitic posting is “not, I think, the signal we would necessarily want to send to the country.” Peters attempted to get Forst to commit to pausing use of Grok until the committee received “documentation about the details of the procurement, including whether the GSA actually performed a comprehensive risk assessment.” Forst wouldn't go that far on Grok, which once referred to itself as “MechaHitler.” But he did says his commitment to the lawmakers is that he will “meet with the team, and I'll understand the process used in selecting them, and I'll make sure that we have all the facts and if there was incompleteness to the process, that we'll rectify it.” A pair of federal judges said staff use of generative artificial intelligence tools and premature docket entry were behind error-ridden orders they issued, according to letters made public by Senate Judiciary Chairman Chuck Grassley on Thursday. Judges Henry T. Wingate and Julien Xavier Neals, who sit on the U.S. District Courts for the Southern District of Mississippi and District of New Jersey, respectively, both stated in letters that their law clerks had used AI tools to draft orders that were then entered into the dockets before they had been reviewed. Both judges also described measures to prevent repeat issues. The letters come after the orders from both judges were ridden with errors — including misquotes and references to parties not in the current cases — and later withdrawn. Speculation swirled as to whether those judges used AI, which is known to hallucinate, in their orders. Earlier this month, Grassley, R-Iowa, sent letters to both jurists asking for an explanation. The communications published Thursday are responsive to those inquiries. In his response, Neals indicated that previous reporting by Reuters that a “temporary assistant” had used ChatGPT was correct. “In doing so, the intern acted without authorization, without disclosure, and contrary to not only chambers policy but also the relevant law school policy.” Neals said he prohibits generative AI use in legal research and drafting of opinions and orders. While that policy was verbal in the past, he said it is now a “written unequivocal policy that applies to all law clerks and interns, pending definitive guidance from the AO through adoption of formal, universal policies and procedures for appropriate AI usage. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast  on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.

Matthew I. Menchel, once the Chief of the Criminal Division at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida, played a pivotal role in shaping the 2007–2008 non-prosecution agreement that spared Jeffrey Epstein from serious federal charges. As the FBI gathered overwhelming evidence against Epstein for trafficking and abusing underage girls, Menchel's office instead negotiated a secret plea deal that granted Epstein and his co-conspirators broad immunity. Reports later revealed that Menchel had blocked early efforts to arrest Epstein and failed to disclose a prior romantic relationship with one of Epstein's defense attorneys, Lilly Ann Sanchez—a glaring ethical lapse identified by the Department of Justice's internal review. His influence within the Miami office made him a key architect of what became one of the most infamous legal failures in modern U.S. history, a betrayal of both the victims and the principles of equal justice.Now, newly surfaced documents have reignited outrage by revealing that Menchel's connection to Epstein may have gone far beyond the courtroom. Evidence of ski trips, dinners, and personal contact between the two men paints a damning picture of proximity and favoritism that directly undermines any claim of impartiality. If true, these revelations transform an already scandalous case into a full-blown indictment of prosecutorial integrity, suggesting the man charged with holding Epstein accountable was instead socializing with him. For the victims, and for a public already disillusioned by power's protection of predators, these details are not just shocking—they confirm what many suspected all along: justice in Epstein's case wasn't blind. It was bought, brokered, and betrayed from within.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Epstein had dinners with a top Florida prosecutor on his case, docs show

This week, the boys head to the jungle for one of Amazon Studios' first films, James Gray's “The Lost City of Z”. That's pronounced “Zed” for you British purists. The film stars Charlie Hunnam, Robert Pattinson with a beard and glasses, and Sienna Miller. It was produced by Brad Pitt's Plan B and was SOMEHOW filmed on a $30 million budget, half of which was spent flying the dailies out of the actual Amazon jungle. We get drinking with a few mini-reviews at the top, and Jeff must have started early because he recorded with his microphone facing the wrong way. Luckily, Dave has fixed Jeff & John's crap many times before. Grab a beer and listen in! linktr.ee/theloveofcinema - Check out our YouTube page!  Our phone number is 646-484-9298. It accepts texts or voice messages.  0:00 Intro; 6:11 “Good Fortune” Dave & John's mini-review; 9:15 “Anemone” John's mini-review; 12:06 “Blue Moon” Dave's mini-review; 13:53 “Tron: Ares” John's mini-review; 17:54 Gripes; 19:08 2016 Year in Review; 37:17 Films of 2016: “Lost City of Z(ed)”; 1:35:45 What You Been Watching?; 1:46:51 Next Week's Episode Teaser Additional Cast/Crew: David Grann, Tom Holland, Edward Ashley, Ian McDiarmid, Matthew Sunderland, Jared Leto, Jeff Bridges, Aziz Ansari, Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, Keke Palmer, Sandra Oh, Stephen McKinley Henderson, Ethan Hawke, Richard Linklater, Bobby Cannavale, Margaret Qualley, Daniel Day-Lewis, Ronan Day-Lewis, Sean Bean. Hosts: Dave Green, Jeff Ostermueller, John Say Edited & Produced by Dave Green. Beer Sponsor: Carlos Barrozo Music Sponsor: Dasein Dasein on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/77H3GPgYigeKNlZKGx11KZ 
Dasein on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dasein/1637517407 Recommendations/Tags: Rocky, I Play Rocky, Alex Murdaugh, Gangs of New York, Peacemaker, Invasion. Additional Tags: The Dallas Cowboys, Short-term memory loss, Warner Brothers, Paramount, Netflix, AMC Times Square, Tom Cruise, George Clooney, MGM, Amazon Prime, Marvel, Sony, Conclave, Here, Venom: The Last Dance, Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, Oscars, Academy Awards, BFI, BAFTA, BAFTAS, British Cinema. England, Vienna, Leopoldstadt, The Golden Globes, Past Lives, Apple Podcasts, West Side Story, Adelaide, Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Melbourne, The British, England, The SEC, Ronald Reagan, Stock Buybacks, Marvel, MCU, DCEU, Film, Movies, Southeast Asia, The Phillippines, Vietnam, America, The US, Academy Awards, WGA Strike, SAG-AFTRA, SAG Strike, Peter Weir, Jidaigeki, chambara movies, sword fight, samurai, ronin, Meiji Restoration, plague, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, casket maker, Seven Samurai, Roshomon, Sergio Leone, Clint Eastwood, Stellan Skarsgard, the matt and mark movie show.The Southern District's Waratah Championship, Night of a Thousand Stars, The Pan Pacific Grand Prix (The Pan Pacifics), Jeff Bezos, Rupert Murdoch, Larry Ellison, David Ellison, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg.   

​Sean "Diddy" Combs, the former music mogul, has been served with a superseding indictment that introduces new allegations of forced labor and sexual misconduct. Filed in the Southern District of New York, the indictment accuses Combs and his associates of coercing employees to work extensive hours under threats of physical, psychological, financial, and reputational harm. Notably, it alleges that Combs used physical violence and intimidation to compel one employee into engaging in sexual acts with him. These new charges supplement existing accusations of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution, with the trial set to commence on May 5, 2025.In this episode, we get a look at that indictment and what was added to it.to contact me:bobbycacpucci@protonmail.comsource:gov.uscourts.nysd.628425.169.0_2.pdf

Plaintiff Steve Otis has filed a Second Amended Complaint in the Southern District of New York (Case No. 1:25-cv-01652-LAP) against Sean “Diddy” Combs, Garren James (also known as Brett Taylor), and Cowboys4Angels, through his attorneys at Eisenberg & Baum, LLP. The filing outlines allegations made by Otis that stem from actions he claims were personally experienced and others he believes occurred based on information and belief.The complaint positions Combs, James, and Cowboys4Angels as defendants in what appears to be a civil case involving alleged misconduct and coordination among the named parties. While the specific factual allegations and legal claims are not included in this introductory section, the filing indicates Otis intends to hold the defendants accountable under federal jurisdiction in New York, marking a continuation of prior versions of the case through this amended complaint.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:gov.uscourts.nysd.637615.43.0.pdf

Plaintiff Steve Otis has filed a Second Amended Complaint in the Southern District of New York (Case No. 1:25-cv-01652-LAP) against Sean “Diddy” Combs, Garren James (also known as Brett Taylor), and Cowboys4Angels, through his attorneys at Eisenberg & Baum, LLP. The filing outlines allegations made by Otis that stem from actions he claims were personally experienced and others he believes occurred based on information and belief.The complaint positions Combs, James, and Cowboys4Angels as defendants in what appears to be a civil case involving alleged misconduct and coordination among the named parties. While the specific factual allegations and legal claims are not included in this introductory section, the filing indicates Otis intends to hold the defendants accountable under federal jurisdiction in New York, marking a continuation of prior versions of the case through this amended complaint.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:gov.uscourts.nysd.637615.43.0.pdf

Elie Honig is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and co-chief of the organized crime unit at the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted more than 100 mobsters, including members of La Cosa Nostra, and the Gambino and Genovese crime families. He went on to serve as Director of the Department of Law and Public Safety at New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. He is currently Special Counsel at Lowenstein Sandler and a CNN legal analyst.  For a transcript of Elie's note and the full archive of contributor notes, head to CAFE.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

​Sean "Diddy" Combs, the former music mogul, has been served with a superseding indictment that introduces new allegations of forced labor and sexual misconduct. Filed in the Southern District of New York, the indictment accuses Combs and his associates of coercing employees to work extensive hours under threats of physical, psychological, financial, and reputational harm. Notably, it alleges that Combs used physical violence and intimidation to compel one employee into engaging in sexual acts with him. These new charges supplement existing accusations of sex trafficking, racketeering, and transportation for prostitution, with the trial set to commence on May 5, 2025.In this episode, we get a look at that indictment and what was added to it.to contact me:bobbycacpucci@protonmail.comsource:gov.uscourts.nysd.628425.169.0_2.pdf

Corruption defines both the perception and reality of government, eroding trust and even threatening national security. Today, the safeguards meant to keep our government accountable are failing. From the mass firing of inspectors general to congressional stock trading and Supreme Court ethics scandals, abuses of power are weakening public trust and raising fears that the U.S. could slide toward kleptocracy.In this episode, host Simone Leeper speaks with Mark Lee Greenblatt, former Inspector General of the U.S. Department of the Interior; Jodi Vittori, Georgetown University professor and expert on corruption and national security; and Kedric Payne, Vice President and General Counsel at Campaign Legal Center. Together, they trace America's long fight against corruption — from the founders' earliest fears to Watergate reforms — and examine how today's failures of accountability threaten American democracy. The episode closes with solutions for restoring integrity, eliminating conflicts of interest and rebuilding trust in American government. Timestamps:(00:05) — Why did Trump fire 17 inspectors general?(07:36) — How has corruption shaped U.S. history?(11:14) — What reforms followed Watergate?(18:22) — Why does corruption feel worse in daily life now?(23:01) — How did Trump weaken watchdog offices and ethics enforcement?(28:47) — Why does congressional stock trading undermine trust?(33:58) — What do Supreme Court ethics scandals reveal?(39:59) — Could the U.S. slide toward kleptocracy?(46:04) — How does corruption threaten national security?(56:57) — What reforms could restore accountability and integrity? Host and Guests:Simone Leeper litigates a wide range of redistricting-related cases at Campaign Legal Center, challenging gerrymanders and advocating for election systems that guarantee all voters an equal opportunity to influence our democracy. Prior to arriving at CLC, Simone was a law clerk in the office of Senator Ed Markey and at the Library of Congress, Office of General Counsel. She received her J.D. cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center in 2019 and a bachelor's degree in political science from Columbia University in 2016.Mark Lee Greenblatt is an expert on government ethics and compliance, an attorney and author. Most recently, he served as Inspector General for the U.S. Department of the Interior. His work bolstered the integrity of the agency's programs, rooting out waste, fraud, and abuse in the Department's $10 billion in grants and contracts and $12 billion in natural resource royalties. Mark was elected by the 74 Inspectors General to serve as the Chairman of the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency in 2022. He previously served in leadership roles at the U.S. Department of Commerce Office of Inspector General and the U.S. Senate Permanent Subcommittee on Investigations. He also served as an investigative counsel at the U.S. Department of Justice. He clerked for U.S. District Judge Anita Brody and was a litigator in two international law firms. Mark is the author of Valor, which tells untold stories of 21st century American soldiers, sailors and Marines who faced gut-wrenching decisions to overcome enormous odds. He is a frequent speaker at industry events, and he regularly appears in the news media. He graduated from Columbia University School of Law, where he was a Harlan Fiske Stone scholar, and he earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University.Jodi Vittori is an expert on the linkages of corruption, state fragility, illicit finance and U.S. national security. She is a Professor of Practice and co-chair of the Global Politics and Security program at Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service. Jodi is also an associate fellow with RUSI's Centre for Finance and Security and was previously a non-resident fellow with the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Before joining the Georgetown University faculty, she was the U.S. Research and Policy Manager for Transparency International's Defense and Security Program and a senior policy advisor for Global Witness. Jodi also served in the U.S. Air Force; her overseas service included Afghanistan, Iraq, South Korea, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, and she was assigned to NATO's only counter-corruption task force. She was an Assistant Professor and military faculty at the US Air Force Academy and the National Defense University. Jodi is also a founder and co-moderator of the Anti-Corruption Advocacy Network (ACAN), which facilitates information exchange on corruption-related issues amongst over 1,000 participating individuals and organizations worldwide. She is a graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy and received her PhD in International Studies from the University of Denver.Kedric Payne leads the government ethics program at Campaign Legal Center, where he works to strengthen ethics laws and hold public officials accountable at the federal, state and local levels. He conducts investigations into government corruption and initiates legal actions against officials who violate the law. At CLC, Kedric has been at the forefront of advancing reforms on issues such as congressional stock trading, Supreme Court ethics enforcement, executive branch conflicts of interest, and state ethics commission autonomy. His legal work and analysis have been featured in major media outlets. He has also testified at congressional hearings on government ethics and accountability. Before joining CLC, Kedric built a broad legal career across all three branches of the federal government and in private practice. He began as a litigator at Cravath and later practiced political law at Skadden. He went on to serve as Deputy Chief Counsel at the Office of Congressional Ethics and as a Deputy General Counsel at the U.S. Department of Energy, where he advised on federal ethics laws. Earlier in his career, he clerked for the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York.Links: Understanding Corruption and Conflicts of Interest in Government – CLC Holding Government Officials Accountable for Unlawful Conflict of Interest Violations – CLC Ethics Pledges by Trump Cabinet Draw Questions and Skepticism – NY Times CLC Sues to Stop Elon Musk and DOGE's Lawless, Unconstitutional Power Grab – CLC Elon Musk Stands to Gain Even More Wealth by Serving in Trump's Administration – CLC Is Musk Using the FAA to Benefit Himself and His SpaceX Subsidiary, Starlink? – CLC Have Wealthy Donors Bought the Trump Administration? – CLC How a Second Term Introduces More Conflicts of Interest for Trump – CLC CLC's Kedric Payne on Trump's Brazen Removal of Nation's Top Ethics Official – CLC The public won't get to see Elon Musk's financial disclosures. Here's why that matters.  – CBS  Justice Clarence Thomas Should Be Held Accountable Under Federal Ethics Law – CLC Judicial Conference Decision Lowers Ethics Standards for Federal Judges and U.S. Supreme Court – CLC Improving Ethics Standards at the Supreme Court – CLC The Justice Department Is In Danger Of Losing Its Way Under Trump – CLC Congress Has an Ethics Problem. Now It's Trying to Get Rid of Ethics Enforcement – CLC A Win for Ethics: CLC, Partners Succeed in Preserving Office of Congressional Conduct – CLC Crypto Political Fundraising Raises Questions About Senate Ethics Committee Efficacy – CLC Stopping the Revolving Door: Preventing Conflicts of Interest from Former Lobbyists – CLC The Trump Administration Has Opened the Door to More Corruption – CLC Solving the Congressional Stock Trading Problem – CLCAbout CLC:Democracy Decoded is a production of Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to solving the wide range of challenges facing American democracy. Campaign Legal Center fights for every American's freedom to vote and participate meaningfully in the democratic process. Learn more about us.Democracy Decoded is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Who's the Biglaw partner with the most star-studded client roster? Orin Snyder, co-chair of the Trials Practice Group at Gibson Dunn & Crutcher, has to be up there. Consider this: at least a half-dozen of his clients have performed at the Super Bowl halftime show, in Times Square on New Year's Eve, or both. (In case you're wondering, they are Marc Anthony, Mariah Carey, Lady Gaga, Jennifer Lopez, The Rolling Stones, and Bruce Springsteen.)Most lawyers would be thrilled to have just one famous client. But Orin Snyder isn't most lawyers. A former federal prosecutor, he has been recognized as one of the nation's leading litigators—not just by Chambers and Partners and Forbes, but by entertainment-industry publications like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter.In our conversation, we covered Orin's family history in the entertainment industry; his service as an assistant U.S. attorney in the Southern District of New York; why celebrity clients are often a joy to represent, not annoying or aggravating (which was my guess); and his forthcoming memoir.As a longtime Biglaw partner and member of Gibson's executive committee, Orin is an expert on the business of law. So we discussed the virtues of boutique practice (he had his own boutique before joining Gibson), why so many Biglaw firms are shifting away from litigation, and why he thinks that's a mistake. Finally, Orin told me how he came to represent the family of the late Professor Dan Markel, pro bono—for which I am, as a friend of Dan, especially grateful.Show Notes:* Orin Snyder bio, Gibson Dunn & Crutcher LLP* Orin Snyder profile, Chambers and Partners* Meet Orin Snyder, the Deadliest Trial Lawyer in Tech, by Greg Sandoval for The VergePrefer reading to listening? For paid subscribers, a transcript of the entire episode appears below.Sponsored by:NexFirm helps Biglaw attorneys become founding partners. To learn more about how NexFirm can help you launch your firm, call 212-292-1000 or email careerdevelopment at nexfirm dot com. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit davidlat.substack.com/subscribe

Ghislaine Maxwell's efforts to secure a retrial faced daunting legal obstacles from the start. One central hurdle was proving that a significant procedural or constitutional error occurred during her original trial—mere disagreement with the result isn't enough on appeal. Her team advanced arguments such as a juror failing to disclose a history of sexual abuse (which Maxwell's lawyers claimed influenced deliberations) and prosecutorial overreach in applying “conscious avoidance” instructions to the jury. But trial judges largely rejected those arguments, and appellate courts are historically very deferential to trial-level rulings on admissibility, jury selection, and instructional issues.On appeal to the Second Circuit, Ghislaine Maxwell challenged multiple elements of her conviction. Among her central arguments was that Jeffrey Epstein's 2007 non-prosecution agreement (NPA) with the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of Florida included a clause protecting co-conspirators, and that it should have shielded her from prosecution in New York. She contended that because the NPA referred broadly to “the United States” (rather than naming a specific district), it was intended to bind all federal prosecutors, not just those in Florida. She also raised claims about the statute of limitations, alleged juror nondisclosure, potential constructive amendment of her indictment, and that her sentence was not procedurally reasonable.The Second Circuit rejected all those arguments and affirmed the conviction. It held that the NPA did not bind the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Southern District of New York, reasoning that unless an agreement “affirmatively shows” an intent to bind beyond its district, it is limited to the district in which it was made. The court also determined that the indictment was timely, that no abuse of discretion occurred in handling jury or procedural questions, and that Maxwell's sentence was lawful under the relevant standards.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Elie Honig is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and co-chief of the organized crime unit at the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted more than 100 mobsters, including members of La Cosa Nostra, and the Gambino and Genovese crime families. He went on to serve as Director of the Department of Law and Public Safety at New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. He is currently Special Counsel at Lowenstein Sandler and a CNN legal analyst. For a transcript of Elie's note and the full archive of contributor notes, head to CAFE.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Headline Highlights… There are big developments in Diddy's case as he's denied acquittal just days before sentencing. The viral dv4d singer is officially cleared as a suspect, while in the Bryan Kohberger trial, the judge has permanently barred the release of graphic crime scene photos. Hulu just dropped a new documentary Death in Apartment 603: What Happened to Ellen Greenberg?—but left out some key details. Plus, Annie is joined in the studio by Kaelyn Moore, host of Heart Starts Pounding, to dive into some juicy true crime Reddit confessions. You won't want to miss this!

The foundation of our democracy is the Constitution, a system of checks and balances and the rule of law. But today, those cornerstones are being blatantly disrespected by a presidential administration attempting to consolidate power at all costs..In this episode, host Simone Leeper is joined by Campaign Legal Center litigators Anna Baldwin and Brent Ferguson. They examine the most pressing examples of the erosion of the rule of law, from the politicization of the Department of Justice to the stifling of free speech. Along the way, they highlight how Congress and the courts have failed as effective checks — leaving civil society and citizens to defend constitutional principles — and explore the reforms that could restore accountability, protect the rule of law and strengthen democracy against threats. Timestamps:(00:05) — Why is free speech under attack in the U.S.?(03:50) — How is political opposition being falsely linked to political violence?(05:38) — Why is deploying federal troops in U.S. cities a threat to democracy?(09:50) — How are Congress and the courts failing to check presidential abuses of power?(15:09) — How has the DOJ been transformed into a political tool?(20:17) — Why is the Voting Rights Act no longer being enforced?(21:17) — What's at stake with the DOJ's demand for voter data?(27:27) — How is CLC challenging unlawful executive orders?(32:30) — What reforms are needed to restore checks and balances?Host and Guests:Simone Leeper litigates a wide range of redistricting-related cases at Campaign Legal Center, challenging gerrymanders and advocating for election systems that guarantee all voters an equal opportunity to influence our democracy. Prior to arriving at CLC, Simone was a law clerk in the office of Senator Ed Markey and at the Library of Congress, Office of General Counsel. She received her J.D. cum laude from Georgetown University Law Center in 2019 and a bachelor's degree in political science from Columbia University in 2016.Anna Baldwin is a member of Campaign Legal Center's voting rights team working to protect the freedom to vote, litigating cases in state and federal courts, from filing through appeal to the Supreme Court. Prior to joining CLC, Anna spent 14 years in the Civil Rights Division of the U.S. Department of Justice. In North Carolina State Conference of the NAACP v. McCrory, Anna led briefing and appellate argument for the United States to overturn a North Carolina law that purposefully restricted voting and registration opportunities for Black voters in violation of Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act. Anna was also a member of the trial team that successfully challenged Texas's racially discriminatory voter ID law. Anna has argued eighteen cases before the federal courts of appeal, including four en banc cases. Previously, Anna was an associate in the Washington D.C. office of Jenner & Block LLP, and clerked for Judge James Robertson on the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and for Judge M. Blane Michael on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit.Brent Ferguson leads Campaign Legal Center's strategic litigation team, focusing on anti-authoritarianism and litigating in all areas of election law. Brent has worked on protecting and improving our democracy for most of his career. At CLC, he has led litigation teams challenging state and federal laws and policies that seek to unlawfully purge voters, limit voter registration activity and otherwise prevent Americans from exercising their constitutionally protected rights. He has authored academic articles on election law and other constitutional issues in the Washington Law Review, the Cornell Journal of Law & Public Policy, the Emory Law Journal Online and elsewhere. Before coming to CLC, Brent was senior counsel at the National Redistricting Foundation, where he helped develop strategy for federal and state redistricting litigation. For four years, he served as counsel at the Brennan Center for Justice, focusing on campaign finance reform and working on a broad range of other democracy issues. He was also an assistant district attorney in the Manhattan District Attorney's office, where he litigated appeals of public corruption convictions. He clerked for Judge Michael Chagares of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit and Judge Jeffrey Miller of the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California.Links:Taking Action Against Presidential Abuses of Power | Campaign Legal CenterAbout CLC:Democracy Decoded is a production of Campaign Legal Center, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization dedicated to solving the wide range of challenges facing American democracy. Campaign Legal Center fights for every American's freedom to vote and participate meaningfully in the democratic process. Learn more about us.Democracy Decoded is part of The Democracy Group, a network of podcasts that examines what's broken in our democracy and how we can work together to fix it. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

This week, the boys cover “Fight Club”, the 1999 movie that is both an of-its-time dark satire and a should-have-been-released-in-2025 heat check. Before we dive into it, we need to get drinking! So we discuss the new Paul Thomas Anderson “Dr. Strangelove”-esque gripping satire (maybe?), “One Battle After Another”, the new Daniel Day-Lewis film “Anemone”, directed by his son, Ronan Day-Lewis, and John made it to the red carpet premier of Guillermo del Toro's latest fright film “Frankenstein”. We also discuss “Highest 2 Lowest” and “Swiped”. It's a busy show! Grab a beer and listen to us drunkenly talk about movies!  linktr.ee/theloveofcinema - Check out our YouTube page!  Our phone number is 646-484-9298. It accepts texts or voice messages.  0:00 Intro; 04:12 “One Battle After Another”; 12:06 “Anemone”; 17:27 “Frankenstein”; 21:53 1999 Year in Review; 44:00 Films of 1999: “Fight Club”; 1:32:58: What You Been Watching? 1:51:15 Next Episode Additional Cast/Crew: David Fincher, Chuck Palahnuik, Jim Uhls, Brad Pitt, Edward Norton, Meat Loaf, Zach Grenier, Helena Bonham Carter, Jared Leto, Holt McCallany, Dust Brothers, Jeff Cronenweth, James Haygood, Daniel Day-Lewis, Ronan Day-Lewis, Sean Bean, Samantha Morton, Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio Del Toro, Paul Thomas Anderson, Sean Penn, Thomas Pynchon, Teyana Taylor, Regina Hall, Alana Haim, Guillermo del Toro, Mary Shelley, Oscar Isaac, Jacob Elordi, Christoph Waltz, Mia Goth, Charles Dance, Felix Kammerer, David Bradley, Lars Mikkelsen, Lily James. Hosts: Dave Green, Jeff Ostermueller, John Say Edited & Produced by Dave Green. Beer Sponsor: Carlos Barrozo Music Sponsor: Dasein Dasein on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/77H3GPgYigeKNlZKGx11KZ 
Dasein on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dasein/1637517407 Recommendations/Tags: Highest 2 Lowest, Final Destination: Bloodlines, The Lost Bus, Swiped. Additional Tags: The Dallas Cowboys, Short-term memory loss, Warner Brothers, Paramount, Netflix, AMC Times Square, Tom Cruise, George Clooney, MGM, Amazon Prime, Marvel, Sony, Conclave, Here, Venom: The Last Dance, Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, Oscars, Academy Awards, BFI, BAFTA, BAFTAS, British Cinema. England, Vienna, Leopoldstadt, The Golden Globes, Past Lives, Apple Podcasts, West Side Story, Adelaide, Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Melbourne, The British, England, The SEC, Ronald Reagan, Stock Buybacks, Marvel, MCU, DCEU, Film, Movies, Southeast Asia, The Phillippines, Vietnam, America, The US, Academy Awards, WGA Strike, SAG-AFTRA, SAG Strike, Peter Weir, Jidaigeki, chambara movies, sword fight, samurai, ronin, Meiji Restoration, plague, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, casket maker, Seven Samurai, Roshomon, Sergio Leone, Clint Eastwood, Stellan Skarsgard, the matt and mark movie show.The Southern District's Waratah Championship, Night of a Thousand Stars, The Pan Pacific Grand Prix (The Pan Pacifics), Jeff Bezos, Rupert Murdoch, Larry Ellison, David Ellison, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg.   

The Supreme Court's decision not to hear Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal effectively weakened the legal shield once thought to protect Jeffrey Epstein's network of alleged co-conspirators under his 2007 Florida non-prosecution agreement (NPA). That refusal signaled that the deal's immunity applied only within the Southern District of Florida, not nationwide—opening the door for other jurisdictions to pursue charges tied to Epstein's broader trafficking operation. Prosecutors in places like New York or the U.S. Virgin Islands may now be emboldened to indict figures such as Sarah Kellen (Vickers), Lesley Groff, Adriana Ross, and Nadia Marcinkova, all of whom were named as “unindicted co-conspirators” in the Florida deal. Each played a different role—from scheduling and recruiting victims to managing finances and flights—but their activities often crossed state and international lines, placing much of their conduct outside the reach of the original agreement.The Supreme Court's silence carries major implications: if even Maxwell, Epstein's closest associate, failed to convince the courts that the NPA protected her, it's unlikely lesser aides will succeed in claiming immunity elsewhere. This outcome reshapes the prosecutorial landscape—transforming a once-untouchable circle into viable targets for renewed investigation and potential indictment. For victims, it represents a long-delayed opening for broader accountability; for prosecutors, it removes the procedural fear that cases could collapse on technical immunity grounds. In short, the Maxwell decision didn't just end her appeal—it cracked open the door for justice to finally reach those who operated behind Epstein's curtain of secrecy.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Tim Bakken, a civilian professor, and the longest-serving law professor in West Point's history, filed a lawsuit recently in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, challenging a new U.S. Military Academy policy regulating faculty speech, which he alleges violates the First Amendment.  You may recall that Professor Bakken was on … Read More Read More

The Supreme Court's refusal to hear Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal effectively upheld lower court rulings that the 2007 non-prosecution agreement (NPA) Jeffrey Epstein signed in Florida does not extend protection to alleged co-conspirators outside that district. This leaves the NPA confined to the Southern District of Florida and strips it of the national immunity once implied by Epstein's legal team. As a result, prosecutors in other jurisdictions—such as New York, New Mexico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands—are now free to pursue fresh indictments against individuals connected to Epstein's trafficking network without fearing dismissal on immunity grounds. The Court's silence sends a clear message: the NPA was local, not global, and its co-conspirator clause does not bind the rest of the United States.This outcome marks a pivotal shift in the Epstein saga. For years, the Florida deal acted as a roadblock to federal accountability, shielding those who helped facilitate Epstein's crimes from prosecution elsewhere. But the Supreme Court's inaction on Maxwell's appeal erodes that shield, creating new prosecutorial opportunities for cases tied to interstate trafficking, financial transfers, and recruitment that took place beyond Florida's borders. It sets a precedent that the law can reach further than a secret plea deal brokered nearly two decades ago—signaling a potential reckoning for others who, until now, have remained beyond the reach of justice.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

The Supreme Court's refusal to hear Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal effectively upheld lower court rulings that the 2007 non-prosecution agreement (NPA) Jeffrey Epstein signed in Florida does not extend protection to alleged co-conspirators outside that district. This leaves the NPA confined to the Southern District of Florida and strips it of the national immunity once implied by Epstein's legal team. As a result, prosecutors in other jurisdictions—such as New York, New Mexico, or the U.S. Virgin Islands—are now free to pursue fresh indictments against individuals connected to Epstein's trafficking network without fearing dismissal on immunity grounds. The Court's silence sends a clear message: the NPA was local, not global, and its co-conspirator clause does not bind the rest of the United States.This outcome marks a pivotal shift in the Epstein saga. For years, the Florida deal acted as a roadblock to federal accountability, shielding those who helped facilitate Epstein's crimes from prosecution elsewhere. But the Supreme Court's inaction on Maxwell's appeal erodes that shield, creating new prosecutorial opportunities for cases tied to interstate trafficking, financial transfers, and recruitment that took place beyond Florida's borders. It sets a precedent that the law can reach further than a secret plea deal brokered nearly two decades ago—signaling a potential reckoning for others who, until now, have remained beyond the reach of justice.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

The Supreme Court's decision not to hear Ghislaine Maxwell's appeal effectively weakened the legal shield once thought to protect Jeffrey Epstein's network of alleged co-conspirators under his 2007 Florida non-prosecution agreement (NPA). That refusal signaled that the deal's immunity applied only within the Southern District of Florida, not nationwide—opening the door for other jurisdictions to pursue charges tied to Epstein's broader trafficking operation. Prosecutors in places like New York or the U.S. Virgin Islands may now be emboldened to indict figures such as Sarah Kellen (Vickers), Lesley Groff, Adriana Ross, and Nadia Marcinkova, all of whom were named as “unindicted co-conspirators” in the Florida deal. Each played a different role—from scheduling and recruiting victims to managing finances and flights—but their activities often crossed state and international lines, placing much of their conduct outside the reach of the original agreement.The Supreme Court's silence carries major implications: if even Maxwell, Epstein's closest associate, failed to convince the courts that the NPA protected her, it's unlikely lesser aides will succeed in claiming immunity elsewhere. This outcome reshapes the prosecutorial landscape—transforming a once-untouchable circle into viable targets for renewed investigation and potential indictment. For victims, it represents a long-delayed opening for broader accountability; for prosecutors, it removes the procedural fear that cases could collapse on technical immunity grounds. In short, the Maxwell decision didn't just end her appeal—it cracked open the door for justice to finally reach those who operated behind Epstein's curtain of secrecy.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

This document is a motion in limine filed by Sean Combs' legal team in his federal criminal case (Case No. 24-cr-542) in the Southern District of New York, seeking to exclude the testimony of Dr. Dawn Hughes, a psychological expert the prosecution intends to call. Dr. Hughes is expected to testify about general behavioral patterns of victims and perpetrators of sexual and domestic abuse, which the defense argues would unfairly bolster the credibility of the government's witnesses — including alleged victims — without having evaluated any facts specific to this case. The defense asserts that Dr. Hughes's testimony is not based on a reliable scientific application to the actual circumstances surrounding Combs and instead consists of broad generalizations that risk misleading the jury by presenting “typical” abuse behavior as evidence of guilt.Combs' attorneys argue that Hughes's proposed testimony violates the standards set by Federal Rules of Evidence 702 and 403, which regulate expert witness admissibility. They claim her statements offer no specialized knowledge beyond what jurors already understand — such as abusers exploiting power or victims remaining in abusive relationships — and that she conflates clinical definitions of coercion with legal ones, potentially confusing the jury. The motion asserts that Hughes's testimony is “advocacy masquerading as expertise” and warns it would improperly bolster the credibility of government witnesses under the guise of psychology. The defense urges the court to block her from testifying, citing that her opinions are methodologically unsound and prejudicial rather than probative.to contact  me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:gov.uscourts.nysd.628425.206.0.pdf

Case 1:24-cv-07973 is a civil lawsuit filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York. The plaintiff, identified only as John Doe, brings serious allegations against music mogul and entrepreneur Sean "Diddy" Combs. This case seeks both compensatory and punitive damages for a sexual assault that allegedly took place during a Cîroc Vodka party in Los Angeles. The event was organized by the Cîroc brand, which was heavily marketed by Combs as its celebrity spokesperson. Combs also claimed to have an ownership stake in the liquor brand, further linking him to the event and its management.Key AllegationsNature of the Assault: The plaintiff asserts that he was targeted and assaulted by Combs during a Cîroc-sponsored party, which was marketed as an exclusive and high-profile event. According to Doe, the assault occurred while he was present at the event for professional reasons, under the impression that he was in a safe, controlled, and celebratory environment. Doe alleges that Combs leveraged his power and influence as host and brand ambassador to initiate and carry out the assault.Cîroc Party Context: Cîroc Vodka parties, including the one where the assault allegedly took place, were widely known for their glamorous reputation. These events were part of a broader marketing strategy that emphasized luxury and exclusivity, often attended by celebrities, socialites, and other high-profile individuals. The plaintiff argues that the event's atmosphere was used by Combs to manipulate the situation and create a sense of safety and familiarity, making it easier for him to commit the alleged assault.Doe's Experience and Damages Sought: John Doe contends that the assault has resulted in severe physical, emotional, and psychological distress, affecting his personal and professional life. He is seeking substantial compensatory damages to address the personal harm suffered and related expenses. Additionally, he is pursuing punitive damages to hold Combs accountable for what he describes as a deliberate, malicious act, meant to both punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.Legal ImplicationsBroader Context of Allegations Against Combs: This lawsuit is part of a growing number of sexual misconduct allegations against Combs, many of which span several years and involve multiple accusers. The claims portray a pattern of alleged sexual violence, intimidation, and abuse of power by Combs within high-profile events and settings that he controlled or influenced.Combs' Response and Defense: Combs has consistently denied all allegations of sexual misconduct, including the claims brought by John Doe in this case. His legal team has publicly criticized the lawsuit, calling it part of a coordinated effort to tarnish Combs' reputation and extort financial settlements. Combs' defense strategy will likely focus on discrediting the plaintiff's claims, disputing the details of the alleged incident, and emphasizing his reputation as a businessman and cultural icon.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:gov.uscourts.nysd.630242.1.0_1.pdf

This document is a motion in limine filed by Sean Combs' legal team in his federal criminal case (Case No. 24-cr-542) in the Southern District of New York, seeking to exclude the testimony of Dr. Dawn Hughes, a psychological expert the prosecution intends to call. Dr. Hughes is expected to testify about general behavioral patterns of victims and perpetrators of sexual and domestic abuse, which the defense argues would unfairly bolster the credibility of the government's witnesses — including alleged victims — without having evaluated any facts specific to this case. The defense asserts that Dr. Hughes's testimony is not based on a reliable scientific application to the actual circumstances surrounding Combs and instead consists of broad generalizations that risk misleading the jury by presenting “typical” abuse behavior as evidence of guilt.Combs' attorneys argue that Hughes's proposed testimony violates the standards set by Federal Rules of Evidence 702 and 403, which regulate expert witness admissibility. They claim her statements offer no specialized knowledge beyond what jurors already understand — such as abusers exploiting power or victims remaining in abusive relationships — and that she conflates clinical definitions of coercion with legal ones, potentially confusing the jury. The motion asserts that Hughes's testimony is “advocacy masquerading as expertise” and warns it would improperly bolster the credibility of government witnesses under the guise of psychology. The defense urges the court to block her from testifying, citing that her opinions are methodologically unsound and prejudicial rather than probative.to contact  me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:gov.uscourts.nysd.628425.206.0.pdf

In this opinion and order, Judge Arun Subramanian of the Southern District of New York addressed post-trial motions filed by Sean “Diddy” Combs following his conviction on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution under the Mann Act. After an eight-week trial, the jury found Combs guilty, but before the government rested its case, his defense filed a motion for acquittal under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 29, arguing insufficient evidence. The court deferred its ruling at that time and allowed the trial to continue.Following the guilty verdict, Combs renewed his motion for acquittal and separately filed a motion for a new trial under Rule 33, seeking to overturn the jury's decision or secure a retrial. Judge Subramanian reviewed both motions and found no basis to disturb the verdict. The court concluded that the government presented sufficient evidence for a rational jury to convict and that no errors occurred warranting a new trial. Accordingly, both motions were denied, upholding Combs's conviction on both counts.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:gov.uscourts.nysd.628425.518.0.pdf

In this opinion and order, Judge Arun Subramanian of the Southern District of New York addressed post-trial motions filed by Sean “Diddy” Combs following his conviction on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution under the Mann Act. After an eight-week trial, the jury found Combs guilty, but before the government rested its case, his defense filed a motion for acquittal under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 29, arguing insufficient evidence. The court deferred its ruling at that time and allowed the trial to continue.Following the guilty verdict, Combs renewed his motion for acquittal and separately filed a motion for a new trial under Rule 33, seeking to overturn the jury's decision or secure a retrial. Judge Subramanian reviewed both motions and found no basis to disturb the verdict. The court concluded that the government presented sufficient evidence for a rational jury to convict and that no errors occurred warranting a new trial. Accordingly, both motions were denied, upholding Combs's conviction on both counts.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:gov.uscourts.nysd.628425.518.0.pdf

In this opinion and order, Judge Arun Subramanian of the Southern District of New York addressed post-trial motions filed by Sean “Diddy” Combs following his conviction on two counts of transporting individuals for prostitution under the Mann Act. After an eight-week trial, the jury found Combs guilty, but before the government rested its case, his defense filed a motion for acquittal under Federal Rule of Criminal Procedure 29, arguing insufficient evidence. The court deferred its ruling at that time and allowed the trial to continue.Following the guilty verdict, Combs renewed his motion for acquittal and separately filed a motion for a new trial under Rule 33, seeking to overturn the jury's decision or secure a retrial. Judge Subramanian reviewed both motions and found no basis to disturb the verdict. The court concluded that the government presented sufficient evidence for a rational jury to convict and that no errors occurred warranting a new trial. Accordingly, both motions were denied, upholding Combs's conviction on both counts.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:gov.uscourts.nysd.628425.518.0.pdf

Elie Honig is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and co-chief of the organized crime unit at the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted more than 100 mobsters, including members of La Cosa Nostra, and the Gambino and Genovese crime families. He went on to serve as Director of the Department of Law and Public Safety at New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. He is currently Special Counsel at Lowenstein Sandler and a CNN legal analyst.  For a transcript of Elie's note and the full archive of contributor notes, head to CAFE.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Day in Legal History: Earl Warren AppointedOn October 2, 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower appointed Earl Warren as the 14th Chief Justice of the United States, setting in motion one of the most transformative periods in Supreme Court history. Warren, who had previously served as Governor of California and was the Republican nominee for Vice President in 1948, was a surprise choice—appointed during a recess of the Senate following the death of Chief Justice Fred Vinson. Though Eisenhower reportedly later regretted the decision, Warren would go on to lead a Court that dramatically expanded civil rights, civil liberties, and judicial power.Under Warren's leadership, the Court issued a series of landmark decisions, beginning with Brown v. Board of Educationin 1954, which declared racial segregation in public schools unconstitutional. The Warren Court also established the principle of “one person, one vote” in legislative apportionment, expanded the rights of criminal defendants in cases like Gideon v. Wainwright and Miranda v. Arizona, and reinforced the wall between church and state. Warren was known for his ability to forge consensus among justices, often securing unanimous decisions in major cases to strengthen the Court's moral authority.His tenure marked a fundamental shift in constitutional interpretation, emphasizing equality, due process, and the role of the judiciary in correcting social injustices. While praised by many for championing individual rights and the rule of law, the Warren Court also faced significant criticism from those who viewed its decisions as judicial activism. Warren retired in 1969, but the legal legacy of his Court continues to shape American law and society.New York Attorney General Letitia James filed a lawsuit and an emergency motion against U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem and the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), accusing them of unlawfully withholding nearly $34 million in funding for New York's Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA). The MTA oversees subway, bus, and commuter rail systems across New York City and surrounding areas. James filed the suit in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York, seeking a temporary restraining order to preserve the funds while the legal case proceeds.According to James, DHS abruptly reduced the funding allocation from nearly $34 million to zero, a move she described as unlawful and politically motivated. Her office emphasized that the emergency request does not seek immediate disbursement, but rather aims to prevent the funds from being lost while the court reviews the matter. She warned that the funding freeze could endanger the safety of millions of transit riders in New York.This legal action comes amid broader concerns raised by the U.S. Transportation Department, which recently threatened to withhold 25% of MTA's federal transit funding unless improvements are made to track worker safety protocols. DHS did not provide an immediate response to requests for comment.New York AG James sues Homeland Security for nearly $34 million over transit funding freeze | ReutersApple and OpenAI asked a U.S. judge to dismiss a lawsuit brought by Elon Musk's AI company, xAI, over claims that their partnership harms competition. xAI's suit, filed in August, seeks billions in damages and argues that Apple's integration of ChatGPT into its devices gives OpenAI an unfair advantage while sidelining rival products like Musk's Grok chatbot. Apple and OpenAI countered that their deal is not exclusive and that Apple plans to work with other generative AI providers.Apple's lawyers emphasized the openness of the agreement, asserting that the arrangement does not prevent competition or violate antitrust laws. In a separate filing, OpenAI described Musk's legal actions as part of a broader “campaign of lawfare” against the company, referencing previous lawsuits Musk has filed, including one challenging OpenAI's shift from nonprofit to for-profit status.OpenAI further argued that xAI had not demonstrated concrete harm or the kind of anticompetitive behavior that antitrust law is designed to prevent. Musk, who co-founded OpenAI in 2015 before departing, has accused the company and CEO Sam Altman of straying from its original nonprofit mission.Apple, OpenAI ask US judge to dismiss Musk's suit over competition claims | ReutersLawyers representing Prince Harry and other public figures accused the Daily Mail publisher, Associated Newspapers (ANL), of also targeting Prince William and Princess Kate in an ongoing privacy lawsuit. The new allegations, presented in filings at London's High Court, suggest that confidential details about William's 21st birthday were obtained through “blagging”—a deceptive tactic to access private information. Kate was allegedly targeted by a private investigator working for a Mail journalist.Prince Harry and six others, including Elton John and his husband David Furnish, are suing ANL for alleged privacy violations dating back 30 years. The lawsuit accuses ANL of unlawful activities such as voicemail hacking, obtaining medical records by deception, and even burglary. ANL has denied the claims and called them baseless and exaggerated. A trial is scheduled for early 2026.The publisher pushed back in court, arguing that the claimants failed to connect the alleged misconduct to specific journalists or investigators. They also sought to exclude findings from earlier cases against other newspaper publishers like News Group Newspapers and the Daily Mirror. ANL accused two claimants, Sadie Frost and Simon Hughes, of manipulating the timing of story publications to evade a statute of limitations—though the court had previously ruled in the claimants' favor on that issue.Prince Harry attended the hearing remotely, while several other claimants were present in court. This lawsuit marks the first time ANL has been directly implicated in the phone-hacking scandal that has plagued British tabloids for nearly two decades.Daily Mail publisher asks UK court to limit Prince Harry lawsuit | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Crypto pulling back October - one of the toughest months Day traders - some good news Intel's new growth model PLUS we are now on Spotify and Amazon Music/Podcasts! Click HERE for Show Notes and Links DHUnplugged is now streaming live - with listener chat. Click on link on the right sidebar. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter Warm-Up - Crypto pulling back - REMINDER - NEW CTP  for Lithium Americas (LAC) stock! - October - one of the toughest months - Day traders - some good news Markets - New Tariffs announced - Drugs, trucks, kitchen cabinets - Intel's new growth model - Quantum stocks rallying - Powell setting the stage RYDER CUP - What a finish! Friday Jobs Report Labor Dept - may - or may not release jobs report Friday - Fearing that a government shutdown will be problematic - Convenient US to take stake in Lithium Americas - Up 29% - Where are we coming up with all of this $ Red October? -9 of the 20 largest single-day drops in the Dow Jones occurred in October. - 1907 Bank Panic - 1929 Crash (Black Tuesday) - 1987 Crash (Black Monday, -22.6% in one day) - 2008 Financial Crisis (S&P 500 fell ~17% in October alone) - Since 1950, the S&P 500 has averaged a gain of ~0.91% in October -Over the past 20 years, October has been relatively favorable, with average gains between 0.8% and 1.5% for the S&P 500, Dow, and Nasdaq. -October is 35% more volatile than the average month. Saudi Arabia for the Win! - Electronic Arts rallied on Friday following a report by the Wall Street Journal that the video game company is nearing a roughly $50 billion deal to go private. - The deal would likely be the largest leverage buyout of all time, according to the Journal. - Investors including Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund and Silver Lake could announce the deal as soon as next week, the report said - Also in n the TikTok Deal - what is up with that? - Oh - Jared Kushner's Affinity Partners is another participating investor, according to a source familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named because the discussions are private. On the Other hand - Shares of CarMax fell to an all-time low on Thursday, as investors disposed of positions after disappointing second-quarter earnings results. - This followed surprisingly disappointing financial and operating results, with retail used unit sales declining 5.4 percent, and comparable same-store sales decreasing 6.3 percent. - Net income declined by 28.16 percent to $95.4 million from $132.8 million in the same period last year, while net sales and operating revenues dropped by 6 percent to $6.59 billion from $7.013 billion year-on-year. - Carvana next or reason why KMX doing poorly? Ponzi Accusations - The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is accusing the men who bought bankrupt chains RadioShack, Modell's Sporting Goods, and Pier 1 Imports of running a Ponzi scheme that duped investors out of tens of millions of dollars. - A complaint filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida on Tuesday, alleges the co-founders of Miami-based Retail Ecommerce Ventures, Alex Mehr and Tai Lopez, together with the company's Chief Operating Officer Maya Burkenroad, raised approximately $112 million combined from hundreds of U.S. investors by selling investments in eight companies they created and controlled under Retail Ecommerce Ventures. - Between April 2020 through Nov. 2022, they raised money by selling two types of investments. They sold unsecured notes that promised returns of up to 25% a year, and ownership shares that offered monthly payouts as high as 2%, according to the complaint.| - To pay interest, dividends and maturing note payments, Mehr and Lopez resorted to using a combination of loans from outside lenders, merchant cash advances, money raised from new and existing investors,

Virginia Robinson and her family moved to Camp Lejeune in 1959, a Marine Corps base in North Carolina. She raised her children there and dedicated 25 years of her life working on base, never knowing that the very place where she lived, worked, and built her family was slowly poisoning them. For decades, toxic chemicals such as PCE and TCE contaminated the water and air at Camp Lejeune. No one warned the families. And for Virginia, the consequences have been devastating. Virginia has endured a battle for her life that has spanned more than 40 years. She survived leukemia, colon cancer while pregnant, and two separate diagnoses of breast cancer. In 2023, she faced liver cancer, kidney cancer, and yet another fight with breast cancer, all at the same time. The tragedy has stretched across her family. Her husband passed away in 2014, her daughter followed just five months later, and her father developed Parkinson's. Her daughter was born with a spinal tumor and died young from bladder cancer. All of them were exposed to Camp Lejeune's poisoned water. Virginia's suffering has been relentless, but so has her courage. Out of five siblings, she was the only one plagued by repeated cancers. Despite loss, grief, and years of illness, she refuses to give up. “Camp Lejeune never told us the truth,” she has said, but she still believes she can win this fight for herself, for her family, and for every victim who was left in the dark. For decades, families like hers have been ignored, their pain dismissed, and their sacrifices forgotten. Ashley Keller is a founding partner of Keller Postman LLC and one of the nation's leading trial and appellate lawyers. At Keller Postman, he helps guide strategic direction across the firm's wide-ranging docket, which includes product liability, antitrust, class action, and arbitration matters. He is a recognized leader in product-liability litigation and currently serves as court-appointed co-lead counsel in the Acetaminophen multidistrict litigation in the Southern District of New York. Ashley also represents numerous states in antitrust litigation against Google, challenging its dominance in online display advertising. He has played a key role in the development of Keller Postman's arbitration practice, which has secured millions of dollars in settlements for employees and consumers nationwide. Before founding Keller Postman, Ashley co-founded Gerchen Keller Capital, which became the largest private investment manager focused on legal and regulatory risk. He was previously a partner at Bartlit Beck, where he litigated high-stakes securities, patent, and mass tort cases. Ashley clerked for Justice Anthony M. Kennedy on the United States Supreme Court and Judge Richard Posner on the Seventh Circuit Court of Appeals. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard College, earned his M.B.A. from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, and graduated first in his class from the University of Chicago Law School. Keller has been recognized as a Plaintiffs' Lawyers Trailblazer by the National Law Journal and has been listed among Lawdragon's 500 Leading Lawyers in America. He will be representing Virginia Robinson in her fight for justice in the Camp Lejeune case. With gratitude to our sponsors: RA Opticshttps://raoptics.com/bttpUse Code: BTTP-----Sky Horse Publishinghttps://www.skyhorsepublishing.com/-----Sign Uphttps://www.backtothepeople.net

As of today, October 1, 2025, the court trials involving Donald Trump remain a significant focus of legal and political attention. Just a few months ago, on January 10, 2025, Trump was sentenced to an unconditional discharge in a New York case, following a guilty verdict on 34 felony counts of falsifying business records. This verdict was a major development in the ongoing legal saga surrounding Trump, who was indicted by a Manhattan grand jury on March 30, 2023. The trial began on April 15, 2024, and by May 30, 2024, a Manhattan jury found Trump guilty of these charges.In another significant case, Trump was indicted in the Southern District of Florida on June 8, 2023, alongside his aide Waltine Nauta and later Carlos De Oliveira, on charges related to national defense information and obstruction of justice. However, on July 15, 2024, Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed the federal indictment, ruling that Special Counsel Jack Smith was improperly appointed and funded. The Justice Department later appealed this decision but eventually dismissed it on November 29, 2024, for Trump and extended the dismissal to Nauta and De Oliveira on January 29, 2025.In Washington, D.C., Trump was indicted on August 1, 2023, on charges including corruptly obstructing an official proceeding and conspiracy to defraud the United States. The case was initially stalled due to Trump's immunity claim, which was heard by the Supreme Court. On August 2, 2024, the case was remanded back to the district court, but on December 6, 2024, Judge Chutkan granted the government's motion to dismiss the case.These developments highlight the complex and evolving nature of Trump's legal challenges. As Trump navigates these legal cases, his legal team continues to engage in various appeals and motions, shaping the trajectory of his ongoing trials.Thank you for tuning in today. Be sure to come back next week for more updates on these and other unfolding stories. This has been a Quiet Please production, and for more information, visit QuietPlease.AI.Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

This week, the boys talk a lot about the day's events, including the $55B sale of EA, AI “actress” Tilly Norwood, and the incredible year 2002, before getting into our featured conversation about Paul Thomas Anderson's “Punch Drunk Love”. Check the show notes if you want to scoot ahead to any particular segment of the show!  linktr.ee/theloveofcinema - Check out our YouTube page!  Our phone number is 646-484-9298. It accepts texts or voice messages.  0:00 Intro; 5:36:22 Gripes about EA, Tilly Norwood, and Toilets; 19:51 2002 Year in Review; 57:44 Films of 2002: “Punch Drunk Love”; 1:32:48 What You Been Watching?; 1:37:39 Next Week's Episode Teaser Additional Cast/Crew: Adam Sandler, Emily Watson, Phillip Seymour Hoffman, Luis Guzman, Robert Elswit. Hosts: Dave Green, Jeff Ostermueller, John Say Edited & Produced by Dave Green. Beer Sponsor: Carlos Barrozo Music Sponsor: Dasein Dasein on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/77H3GPgYigeKNlZKGx11KZ 
Dasein on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dasein/1637517407 Recommendations/TagsL  EA Tillly Norwood Toilets Downton Abbey Platonic Practical Magic Hulu Alien:Earth Peacemaker. Additional Tags: Boogie Nights, There Will Be Blood, Hard Eight, Daniel Day-Lewis, The Dallas Cowboys, Short-term memory loss, Warner Brothers, Paramount, Netflix, AMC Times Square, Tom Cruise, George Clooney, MGM, Amazon Prime, Marvel, Sony, Conclave, Here, Venom: The Last Dance, Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, Oscars, Academy Awards, BFI, BAFTA, BAFTAS, British Cinema. England, Vienna, Leopoldstadt, The Golden Globes, Past Lives, Apple Podcasts, West Side Story, Adelaide, Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Melbourne, The British, England, The SEC, Ronald Reagan, Stock Buybacks, Marvel, MCU, DCEU, Film, Movies, Southeast Asia, The Phillippines, Vietnam, America, The US, Academy Awards, WGA Strike, SAG-AFTRA, SAG Strike, Peter Weir, Jidaigeki, chambara movies, sword fight, samurai, ronin, Meiji Restoration, plague, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, casket maker, Seven Samurai, Roshomon, Sergio Leone, Clint Eastwood, Stellan Skarsgard, the matt and mark movie show.The Southern District's Waratah Championship, Night of a Thousand Stars, The Pan Pacific Grand Prix (The Pan Pacifics), Jeff Bezos, Rupert Murdoch, Larry Ellison, David Ellison, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg.   

(The Center Square) – Ryan Routh was found guilty of all charges in a plot to kill Donald Trump by a federal jury that needed little time to reach a verdict Tuesday afternoon. Deciding to represent himself and getting cautions many times from Judge Aileen Cannon along the way, Routh nevertheless presented himself as incapable of the five charges prosecutors levied against him. The jury of seven women and five men in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Florida in Fort Pierce ultimately were swayed more – needing only about two hours, 20 minutes – by the United States' attorneys and their 38 witnesses over seven days of testimony.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxxRead more: https://www.thecentersquare.com/florida/article_43e8980d-915a-4479-96a4-88a5abb5f69d.html Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Elie Honig is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and co-chief of the organized crime unit at the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted more than 100 mobsters, including members of La Cosa Nostra, and the Gambino and Genovese crime families. He went on to serve as Director of the Department of Law and Public Safety at New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. He is currently Special Counsel at Lowenstein Sandler and a CNN legal analyst. For a transcript of Elie's note and the full archive of contributor notes, head to CAFE.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In 2016, attorneys representing Epstein's survivors brought what they described as extensive documentation and testimony to the Southern District of New York. They met with Amanda Kramer, then the top human trafficking prosecutor, and laid out evidence of a trafficking network that extended beyond what had been handled in Florida. Lawyers such as David Boies argued that the evidence clearly showed Epstein's continued criminal conduct and Maxwell's role, urging SDNY to act decisively. Survivors also lent their voices, recounting their experiences in hopes of finally seeing a meaningful federal investigation in New York.Despite these efforts, SDNY declined to pursue charges. Prosecutors reportedly reasoned that much of the material overlapped with what had already been covered by Epstein's controversial 2007 Florida non-prosecution agreement. Others inside the office were wary of reopening a case that had been deemed “resolved,” citing concerns about jurisdictional conflicts and political complications. Survivors and their attorneys left the meeting frustrated, believing the federal government had once again turned its back on credible evidence and missed an opportunity to intervene years before Epstein's 2019 arrest.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comSource:https://www.nydailynews.com/new-york/ny-jeffrey-epstein-maxwell-case-20201013-jmzhl7zdrzdgrbbs7yc6bfnszu-story.htmlBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

In this rare and candid conversation, Todd Chrisley sits down with Billy Marshall, Director of the Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Together, they open up about life inside the prison system, the realities of incarceration, and what change might look like from both personal and institutional perspectives.This interview goes beyond headlines to explore Todd's personal experience serving time in the federal prison system, Billy Marshall's role leading the BOP and overseeing federal corrections, and honest discussions about reform, accountability, and the future of corrections in America.Whether you've followed Todd's story from the start or you're interested in learning more about how the federal prison system really works, this conversation gives insight you won't hear anywhere else.THANK YOU TO OUR SPONSORS!- Cowboy Colostrum: Visit www.cowboycolostrum.com and get 25% OFF your entire order when you use code CHRISLEY at checkout! #CowboyColostrumPod- Clean Safe Products: Go to www.cleansafeproducts.com/CHRISLEY today to get $15 OFF the Green Mitt Kit, the world's easiest soft surface cleaning solution!- Jones Road Beauty: Use code CHRISLEY at www.jonesroadbeauty.com to get a Free Cool Gloss with your first purchase! #JonesRoadBeauty #ad- Just Thrive: Go to www.justthrivehealth.com/CONFESSIONS to save 20%! Take the 90-Day Just Thrive Challenge today because when your gut thrives, you thrive!- Genesis Gold Group: Visit www.chrisleylovesgold.com today for your FREE Family Wealth Protection Gold Guide and join thousands of Americans who've protected their legacy with real assets!- Superpower: Go to www.superpower.com to learn more and lock in the special $199 price while it lasts. Live up to your 100-Year potential. #superpowerpodFOLLOW US ON SOCIALS:Todd Chrisley:Insta: (https://www.instagram.com/toddchrisley)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/toddchrisley)Julie Chrisley:Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/juliechrisley)Facebook: (https://www.facebook.com/JulieChrisley)Chrisley Confessions 2.0:Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/chrisleyconfessions2.0)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@chrisleyconfessions2.0)YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/@ChrisleyConfessions)Produced and Edited by: The Cast Collective (Nashville, TN)YouTube: (https://www.youtube.com/@TheCastCollective)Instagram: (https://www.instagram.com/thecastcollective)TikTok: (https://www.tiktok.com/@castcollective)About Billy Marshall:William K. Marshall III is the Director of the Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP). Director Marshall was sworn in on April 21, 2025, and assumed responsibility for the operation of 122 BOP facilities, six regional offices, two staff training centers, and 22 residential reentry management offices. He is responsible for the oversight and management of approximately 36,000 staff members and 156,000 federal inmates.Director Marshall began his law enforcement career with the West Virginia State Police in Huntington, where he was honored as the 1995 National Association of Police Organizations West Virginia Police Officer of the Year. He transferred to the Interstate Drug Interdiction Team and worked with the West Virginia Worker's Compensation Fraud Task Force, as well as on drug task forces in Charleston and Parkersburg. His exemplary service led to his selection for the IRS Criminal Investigation Division's Fraud Task Force, working out of the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Southern District of West Virginia in Charleston, during which time he also received a deputation from the U.S. Marshals Service.Promoted to Sergeant in 2006, Director Marshall later became the Commander of the Pleasants County Detachment before serving as Commander of the Wood County Detachment. He was then selected as the Deputy Director of Traffic Records at State Police Headquarters, where he collaborated with the Governor's Highway Safety Program. In 2010, Director Marshall returned to Wood County to resume command until his retirement in July 2017, concluding more than 25 years of service with the West Virginia State Police.Following his retirement, Director Marshall was appointed as the first Director of Corrections Investigations for the West Virginia Department of Military Affairs and Public Safety (now known as the West Virginia Department of Homeland Security). He was also designated the Director of the Division of Juvenile Services. Under the newly formed Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation, he served as Assistant Commissioner of the Bureau of Juvenile Services until Governor Jim Justice appointed him as the Commissioner of the West Virginia Division of Corrections and Rehabilitation in January 2023.Director Marshall earned his undergraduate degree from Marshall University and is a graduate of the West Virginia State Police Academy.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

This week, John and Jeff keep it positive as they cover for Dave while he goes and finds himself to discuss “Leon: The Professional”. The random year generator spun 1994, so we gave a year in review of this crazy film year! First, to get us drinking, we discussed “Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale” and Christopher Nolan taking the helm of the DGA! Grab a beer and join us for this wild ride.  linktr.ee/theloveofcinema - Check out our YouTube page!  Our phone number is 646-484-9298. It accepts texts or voice messages.  0:00 Intro; 23:09 1994 Year in Review; 51:13 Films of 1994: “Leon: The Professional”; 1:26:52 What You Been Watching?; 1:33:35 Next Week's Episode Teaser Additional Cast/Crew: Jean Reno, Natalie Portman, Gary Oldman, Danny Aiello, Luc Besson, Simon Curtis, Julian Fellowes, Michelle Dockery, Joanne Froggatt, Elizabeth McGovern, Alessandro Nivola, Dominic West, Hugh Bonneville, Paul Giamatti, Laura Carmichael. Hosts: Dave Green, Jeff Ostermueller, John Say Edited & Produced by Dave Green. Beer Sponsor: Carlos Barrozo Music Sponsor: Dasein Dasein on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/77H3GPgYigeKNlZKGx11KZ 
Dasein on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dasein/1637517407 Recommendations: Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, Alien: Earth,  Additional Tags: The Dallas Cowboys, Short-term memory loss, Warner Brothers, Paramount, Netflix, AMC Times Square, Tom Cruise, George Clooney, MGM, Amazon Prime, Marvel, Sony, Conclave, Here, Venom: The Last Dance, Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, Oscars, Academy Awards, BFI, BAFTA, BAFTAS, British Cinema. England, Vienna, Leopoldstadt, The Golden Globes, Past Lives, Apple Podcasts, West Side Story, Adelaide, Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Melbourne, The British, England, The SEC, Ronald Reagan, Stock Buybacks, Marvel, MCU, DCEU, Film, Movies, Southeast Asia, The Phillippines, Vietnam, America, The US, Academy Awards, WGA Strike, SAG-AFTRA, SAG Strike, Peter Weir, Jidaigeki, chambara movies, sword fight, samurai, ronin, Meiji Restoration, plague, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, casket maker, Seven Samurai, Roshomon, Sergio Leone, Clint Eastwood, Stellan Skarsgard, the matt and mark movie show.The Southern District's Waratah Championship, Night of a Thousand Stars, The Pan Pacific Grand Prix (The Pan Pacifics). 

Geoffrey Berman, the former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, made it clear that Prince Andrew was a person of interest in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Berman said that despite Andrew's public claims of being willing to help, he provided “zero cooperation.” His office sought to interview Andrew about his ties to Epstein and the allegations from survivors, but Andrew and his legal team consistently stonewalled. Berman even accused the Prince of “shutting the door” on the investigation after repeated attempts to engage with him were ignored.Andrew, through his representatives, pushed back by claiming Berman's statements misrepresented the facts, insisting that he would cooperate “if required.” Yet no voluntary interview ever took place, and the Justice Department confirmed that the Prince had not provided the assistance they requested. This public standoff highlighted the perception that Andrew's royal status shielded him from the scrutiny that other Epstein associates might have faced, leaving survivors and prosecutors deeply frustrated.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Elie Honig is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and co-chief of the organized crime unit at the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted more than 100 mobsters, including members of La Cosa Nostra, and the Gambino and Genovese crime families. He went on to serve as Director of the Department of Law and Public Safety at New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. He is currently Special Counsel at Lowenstein Sandler and a CNN legal analyst.  For a transcript of Elie's note and the full archive of contributor notes, head to CAFE.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alexander “Alex” Acosta served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida in 2005-2009, during which time his office negotiated a highly controversial non-prosecution agreement in 2008 with Jeffrey Epstein. This deal allowed Epstein to plead guilty only to state charges (solicitation of prostitution), avoid federal prosecution, spend about a year in jail (with generous work release privileges), register as a sex offender, and receive restitution, rather than face broader trafficking charges that many believe were warranted. Acosta later served as Secretary of Labor under Donald Trump, resigning in 2019 amid public outcry over his role in the Epstein plea deal.On September 19, 2025, Acosta testified under oath in a closed-door deposition before the House Oversight Committee, answering questions about the 2008 agreement. He defended his actions by saying there were “evidentiary issues” at the time — for example, concerns about whether the witnesses would be consistent and whether the federal case could have been proven at trial. He also asserted he had received assurances that Epstein would not be granted work release, but said local authorities in Palm Beach nonetheless allowed it. Acosta expressed regret over how victims were treated and acknowledged that if today's knowledge had been available then, the deal likely would have been handled differently. He also emphasized that no documents he handled mentioned Donald Trump in relation to Epstein.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.com

Alexander “Alex” Acosta served as U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida in 2005-2009, during which time his office negotiated a highly controversial non-prosecution agreement in 2008 with Jeffrey Epstein. This deal allowed Epstein to plead guilty only to state charges (solicitation of prostitution), avoid federal prosecution, spend about a year in jail (with generous work release privileges), register as a sex offender, and receive restitution, rather than face broader trafficking charges that many believe were warranted. Acosta later served as Secretary of Labor under Donald Trump, resigning in 2019 amid public outcry over his role in the Epstein plea deal.On September 19, 2025, Acosta testified under oath in a closed-door deposition before the House Oversight Committee, answering questions about the 2008 agreement. He defended his actions by saying there were “evidentiary issues” at the time — for example, concerns about whether the witnesses would be consistent and whether the federal case could have been proven at trial. He also asserted he had received assurances that Epstein would not be granted work release, but said local authorities in Palm Beach nonetheless allowed it. Acosta expressed regret over how victims were treated and acknowledged that if today's knowledge had been available then, the deal likely would have been handled differently. He also emphasized that no documents he handled mentioned Donald Trump in relation to Epstein.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

September 19th, 2025, 4pm: This afternoon on Capitol Hill, Alex Acosta, former U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, testifies to the House Oversight Committee on the Epstein case. Democratic Congressman Robert Garcia tells Alicia Menendez — in for Nicolle Wallace — what went on in that closed door testimony. Plus, how Donald Trump is threatening free speech and a judge dismissing Trump's lawsuit against the New York Times. For more, follow us on Instagram @deadlinewhTo listen to this show and other MSNBC podcasts without ads, sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Elie Honig is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and co-chief of the organized crime unit at the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted more than 100 mobsters, including members of La Cosa Nostra, and the Gambino and Genovese crime families. He went on to serve as Director of the Department of Law and Public Safety at New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. He is currently Special Counsel at Lowenstein Sandler and a CNN legal analyst. For a transcript of Elie's note and the full archive of contributor notes, head to CAFE.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, the boys head back to 1997 to figure out what the hell is going through David Fincher's head while torturing Michael Douglas in “The Game”. His follow-up to “Alien3” and “Se7en”, as well as lots of peak-MTV music videos, Nolan kept his mystery streak going, and we're still wondering, what did he want from us? First, after John tells everyone to go see “TWINLESS”, we had some beef to settle featuring 11 callers! So grab a drink, enjoy the ride, and listen to a bunch of callers give us crap, courtesy of our friends at The Matt & Mark Movie Show.  linktr.ee/theloveofcinema - Check out our YouTube page!  Our phone number is 646-484-9298. It accepts texts or voice messages.  0:00 Intro; 6:22 Gripe Calls; 17:33 1997 Year in Review; 33:51 Films of 1997: “The Game”; 1:17:44 What You Been Watching?; 1:24:26 Next Week's Episode Teaser Additional Cast/Crew: David Fincher, Michael Douglas, Sean Penn, James Rebhorn, Michael Ferris, John Brancato, Deborah Kara Unger, Carroll Baker, Peter Donat, Armin Mueller-Stahl, Dylan O'Brien. Hosts: Dave Green, Jeff Ostermueller, John Say Edited & Produced by Dave Green. Beer Sponsor: Carlos Barrozo Music Sponsor: Dasein Dasein on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/77H3GPgYigeKNlZKGx11KZ 
Dasein on Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/dasein/1637517407 Recommendations: Unknown Number: The High School Catfish, Alien: Earth,  Additional Tags: The Dallas Cowboys, Short-term memory loss, Warner Brothers, Paramount, Netflix, AMC Times Square, Tom Cruise, George Clooney, MGM, Amazon Prime, Marvel, Sony, Conclave, Here, Venom: The Last Dance, Casablanca, The Wizard of Oz, Oscars, Academy Awards, BFI, BAFTA, BAFTAS, British Cinema. England, Vienna, Leopoldstadt, The Golden Globes, Past Lives, Apple Podcasts, West Side Story, Adelaide, Australia, Queensland, New South Wales, Melbourne, The British, England, The SEC, Ronald Reagan, Stock Buybacks, Marvel, MCU, DCEU, Film, Movies, Southeast Asia, The Phillippines, Vietnam, America, The US, Academy Awards, WGA Strike, SAG-AFTRA, SAG Strike, Peter Weir, Jidaigeki, chambara movies, sword fight, samurai, ronin, Meiji Restoration, plague, HBO Max, Amazon Prime, casket maker, Seven Samurai, Roshomon, Sergio Leone, Clint Eastwood, Stellan Skarsgard, the matt and mark movie show.The Southern District's Waratah Championship, Night of a Thousand Stars, The Pan Pacific Grand Prix (The Pan Pacifics). 

Ever wonder how special counsel investigations really work, and what goes on behind the scenes? Former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York and Stay Tuned contributor Elie Honig offers insider access to the key players in his latest book, When You Come at the King: Inside DOJ's Pursuit of the President, from Nixon to Trump. It is a riveting account of six modern special counsel cases compiled through dozens of interviews and firsthand stories.  In the bonus for Insiders, Preet and Elie discuss what makes Elie such a prolific writer, plus, that one time the mob tried to kill Curtis Sliwa.  Join the CAFE Insider community to stay informed without hysteria, fear-mongering, or rage-baiting. Head to cafe.com/insider to sign up. Thank you for supporting our work. Show notes and a transcript of the episode are available on our website.  You can now watch this episode! Head to CAFE's Youtube channel and subscribe. Have a question for Preet? Ask @PreetBharara on BlueSky, or Twitter with the hashtag #AskPreet. Email us at staytuned@cafe.com, or call 833-997-7338 to leave a voicemail. Stay Tuned with Preet is brought to you by CAFE and the Vox Media Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

During his deposition, former Attorney General Bill Barr confirmed that Prince Andrew was always someone the Southern District of New York wanted to question in connection with the Jeffrey Epstein case. Barr explained that Andrew was regarded as a witness the DOJ hoped to interview, given the allegations raised by Virginia Giuffre and the supporting evidence investigators had compiled, such as travel and hotel records. He noted there was an ongoing “dispute” regarding Andrew's cooperation, highlighting how prosecutors publicly stated he wasn't cooperating, while Andrew's camp insisted otherwise.Barr also clarified that, despite the SDNY's interest, he did not recall ever being informed that Andrew had been officially elevated to the level of a “subject” or “target” of the investigation. In Barr's account, Andrew remained in that gray zone of being a “person of interest” — someone the DOJ wanted information from, but not someone the department was actively moving to prosecute or extradite. This distinction reinforced how Andrew's royal status and wealth seemed to keep him shielded from the more aggressive legal pursuit others in Epstein's orbit faced.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Prince Andrew was 'at least' a witness in the Jeffrey Epstein investigation, reveals former chief US prosecutor as he recalls 'zero cooperation' press conference in newly-released Epstein files | Daily Mail Online

Elie Honig is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and co-chief of the organized crime unit at the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted more than 100 mobsters, including members of La Cosa Nostra, and the Gambino and Genovese crime families. He went on to serve as Director of the Department of Law and Public Safety at New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. He is currently Special Counsel at Lowenstein Sandler and a CNN legal analyst.  For a transcript of Elie's note and the full archive of contributor notes, head to CAFE.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Elie Honig is a former Assistant U.S. Attorney and co-chief of the organized crime unit at the Southern District of New York, where he prosecuted more than 100 mobsters, including members of La Cosa Nostra, and the Gambino and Genovese crime families. He went on to serve as Director of the Department of Law and Public Safety at New Jersey Division of Criminal Justice. He is currently Special Counsel at Lowenstein Sandler and a CNN legal analyst. For a transcript of Elie's note and the full archive of contributor notes, head to CAFE.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices