Podcasts about Watchdog

Saudi Arabia is pushing back against US and Israeli pressure, challenging Washington's efforts to reshape the Middle East. From Gaza to Lebanon to the Red Sea, regional resistance is rising.Joining host Mnar Adley is Sharmine Narwani, journalist and political analyst and editor of The Cradle. Narwani breaks down Saudi Arabia's motivations, Israel's escalating campaigns across the region, and Yemen's unprecedented role in confronting Israeli expansion.We also examine Israel's mounting civilian toll in Gaza and Lebanon, the use of banned cluster munitions, and the economic crisis Israel faces as war debts mount.Don't miss this wide-angle look at shifting regional power, resistance dynamics, and why Saudi Arabia is no longer marching to Washington's drum.Watch the full episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dyRzGS1TQJISupport the showMintPress News is a fiercely independent. You can support us by becoming a member on Patreon, bookmarking and whitelisting us, and by subscribing to our social media channels, including Twitch, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to MintCast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and SoundCloud. Also, be sure to check out the new Behind the Headlines channel on YouTube and subscribe to rapper Lowkey's new video interview/podcast series, The Watchdog.

On this episode of New York's Finest : Retired & Unfiltered Podcast John, Eric & Marlon discuss the latest in NYPD news and a new city council bill that would grant the CCRB real-time access to body worn camera footage. Website: https://thefinestunfiltered.com ️New to streaming or looking to level up? Check out StreamYard and get $10 discount! https://streamyard.com/pal/d/5689366474915840 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Chris Markowski, known as the Watchdog of Wall Street, discusses various critical issues surrounding the current political and economic landscape in the United States. He critiques the leadership of President Trump, emphasizing the need for accountability and a course correction in policies. Markowski highlights the disparity between political narratives and economic realities, particularly concerning the American dream and the challenges faced by the youth. He also delves into the controversial topics of H1B visas and the impact of foreign students on the American education system, advocating for immigration reform and a reevaluation of economic policies. Throughout the conversation, he stresses the importance of morality in capitalism and the need for a more ethical approach to economic practices.

 Chris Markowski, the Watchdog on Wall Street, discusses the current state of the financial world, focusing on the impact of long-term mortgages, the challenges young Americans face in home ownership, and the broader implications of government policies on capitalism. He critiques the existing economic system, highlighting the influence of special interests and the need for reform in executive compensation and housing policies. Markowski emphasizes the importance of financial literacy and the need for systemic change to ensure true economic freedom for all Americans.

NEWS: Senate pushes creation of public works watchdog commission | Nov. 16, 2025Subscribe to The Manila Times Channel - https://tmt.ph/YTSubscribe Visit our website at https://www.manilatimes.net Follow us: Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebook Instagram - https://tmt.ph/instagram Twitter - https://tmt.ph/twitter DailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotion Subscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digital Check out our Podcasts: Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotify Apple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcasts Amazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusic Deezer: https://tmt.ph/deezer Stitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcherTune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein#TheManilaTimes#KeepUpWithTheTimes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Morning Show 11-14-25 Hour 1 Holiday hotels-Deer-Tom Jones-NCIS by The Watchdog

Morning Show 11-14-25 Hour 2 Bob Ney--Travel show by The Watchdog

Morning Show 11-14-25 Hour 3 John McCabe local news in review by The Watchdog

The Chair of the Civilian Complaint Review Board, which acts as an NYPD watchdog has submitted his resignation and a Queens Councilmember sounds an alarm on EBT theft. Meanwhile, tips for seasonal depression, and finally, Bronx Science students react to alum Mayor-elect Mamdani's win.

AP correspondent Karen Chammas reports on Iran's nuclear program.

Scheming, a liar, and a cover up. That is some of the language used to describe the behaviour of a disgraced top cop Jevon McSkimming, and the way his colleagues handled allegations against him. An IPCA report has found serious misconduct at the highest levels of police after they failed to properly investigate alleged sexual offending by McSkimming. A transparency watchdog says that scathing IPCA report could see New Zealand's transparency ratings take a hit. Julie Haggie of Transparency International New Zealand spoke to Lisa Owen.

Morning Show 11-13-25 Hour 2 Andrew Donaldson on shutdown-Steven Adams on Washington Center by The Watchdog

Morning Show 11-13-25 Hour 1 Road rage-Veterans-Greenbrier by The Watchdog

Morning Show 11-13-25 Hour 3 Erica Harley, Debbie Breiding Vance Church by The Watchdog

The United States is racing toward nuclear annihilation while its empire crumbles from within. In this explosive interview, independent journalist Rachel Blevins exposes how Washington's imperial ambitions have backfired catastrophically: as the New START treaty expires in 2026, Trump threatens to resume nuclear testing while Russia deploys unstoppable weapons like the Oreshnik and Burevestnik.Meanwhile, Zelensky begs for Tomahawk missiles that could trigger World War III, and in a shocking betrayal of reality, former Al-Qaeda leader Ahmad al-Sharaa, once with a $10 million bounty on his head, is now Syria's US-backed president, playing basketball with the very commanders who hunted him.From rare earth mineral dominance to the Nord Stream bombing cover-up, Blevins reveals how US aggression has forged an unbreakable Russia-China-Iran alliance, accelerating the collapse of American unipolar power while ordinary Americans pay the price at grocery stores and gas pumps.Donate to Support Independent Journalism: https://www.MintPressNews.com/donationsMintPress News YouTube: https://youtube.com/MintPressNewsFollow Rachel Blevins: https://twitter.com/RachelBlevinsFollow Mnar Adley: https://twitter.com/MnarMuhSupport the showMintPress News is a fiercely independent. You can support us by becoming a member on Patreon, bookmarking and whitelisting us, and by subscribing to our social media channels, including Twitch, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to MintCast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and SoundCloud. Also, be sure to check out the new Behind the Headlines channel on YouTube and subscribe to rapper Lowkey's new video interview/podcast series, The Watchdog.

AP correspondent Charles de Ledesma reports the UN is concerned about Tehran's uranium stockpile.

bPushback from Latin American leaders is throwing a wrench into Donald Trump's imperial ambitions. The Summit of the Americas — a U.S.-backed conference of regional leaders — has been abruptly cancelled (officially “postponed” until 2026) after threats of a mass boycott led by Mexico and Colombia.Joining host Mnar Adley to discuss the Trump administration's escalating plans for Venezuela, the geopolitical rift in Latin America, and the new frontlines of resistance are Camila Escalante and Alan MacLeod.Camila is a journalist for PressTV and editor of Kawsachun News. She's reported extensively from across Latin America, covering Washington's regime-change operations against Venezuela, the 2019 coup in Bolivia, and the return of President Lula da Silva in Brazil. Alan is a senior staff writer and producer at MintPress News and the author of Bad News From Venezuela: 20 Years of Fake News and Misreporting. His work has been featured in academic journals and major media outlets around the world.Together, they unpack the Trump administration's military buildup near Venezuela, the killing of 66 civilians in recent U.S. naval attacks, and the CIA's newly authorized “lethal operations” inside the country. With President Petro of Colombia filing legal action against Trump for the Caribbean assaults, and Mexico's Sheinbaum leading regional defiance, Washington faces an increasingly united Latin America unwilling to bow to empire.As MacLeod notes, Venezuela's well-trained military and millions of civilian militias mean that any U.S. invasion would be far from easy — potentially another Vietnam in the making.Support the showMintPress News is a fiercely independent. You can support us by becoming a member on Patreon, bookmarking and whitelisting us, and by subscribing to our social media channels, including Twitch, YouTube, Twitter and Instagram. Subscribe to MintCast on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and SoundCloud. Also, be sure to check out the new Behind the Headlines channel on YouTube and subscribe to rapper Lowkey's new video interview/podcast series, The Watchdog.

Chris Markowski, the Watchdog on Wall Street, discusses various pressing economic issues, including the implications of tariffs on small businesses, the role of government during economic emergencies, and the challenges posed by the current healthcare system. He also critiques Republican strategies during government shutdowns, explores the successes of educational institutions like the Piney Woods School, and addresses the ongoing drug crisis in America. The conversation emphasizes the need for reform and proactive measures to ensure economic stability and growth.

In this episode of The Watchdog on Wall Street, Chris Markowski discusses the current financial landscape, focusing on the impact of private equity on advisory firms and the absurd valuations being placed on them. He transitions into a discussion about the recent political shifts and their implications for the economy, emphasizing the importance of understanding economic realities. The conversation then shifts to the job market, highlighting the challenges faced by young graduates and the rising costs of living. Markowski critiques the current government policies, arguing that they favor big businesses over small ones and discussing the implications of socialism and capitalism in today's society. Finally, he addresses the challenges in the real estate market, particularly the burden of property taxes and the rising delinquency rates in commercial mortgages.

Sudan's collapse isn't a natural disaster — it's a deliberate act of imperial design.For decades, Washington has waged economic warfare and proxy conflicts to dismantle Sudan's sovereignty. Now, with Israel and the UAE leading the charge, Sudan is being stripped of its gold, oil, and independence under the banner of “stability.”In this episode, Mnar Adley exposes how U.S. policy, Israeli intelligence, and Emirati financing have turned Sudan into a war laboratory — and why its destruction is central to the West's war on the Axis of Resistance and China's Belt and Road Initiative.From the famine in Darfur to the blood gold flowing to Dubai, this is the architecture of U.S. imperialism at work — and a warning to every nation daring to defy it.Guests:Mnar Adley — Founder and director of MintPress News, host of Behind The HeadlinesAlan MacLeod — Senior Staff Writer and producer at MintPress NewsTopics Covered:U.S. sanctions and the deliberate destabilization of SudanIsrael and the UAE's proxy war roleThe theft of Sudan's gold and control of Red Sea portsWashington's strategy against China, Russia, and Iran in AfricaThe humanitarian façade behind imperial wars

Morning Show 11-07-25 Hour 1 Best decade of your life by The Watchdog

Morning Show 11-07-25 Hour 2 Toys-Hostess-Travel by The Watchdog

Morning Show 11-06-25 Hour 3 Connie Cain-homeless camp by The Watchdog

Morning Show 11-06-25 Hour 2 Holiday decorations-Kelly Allen- by The Watchdog

Morning Show 11-06-25 Hour 1 Cops and courts by The Watchdog

LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watchdog-on-wall-street-with-chris-markowski/id570687608 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PtgPvJvqc2gkpGIkNMR5i WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on:https://www.youtube.com/@WatchdogOnWallstreet/featured  Donald Trump huddles with Senate Republicans, demanding they ditch the filibuster and end the shutdown so he can push a sweeping agenda he claims will secure permanent GOP dominance. Critics warn the move could backfire, pointing to history and party-switching senators as reminders that power swings both ways. A tense debate over strategy, legacy, and the future of congressional guardrails unfolds on Watchdog on Wall Street.

Morning Show 11-05-25 Christmas decorations, comic books, elections, homeless by The Watchdog

Morning Show 11-05-25 Morning Show 11-05-25 Prince Andrew-Laughlin Chapel by The Watchdog

 Chris Markowski, the Watchdog on Wall Street, discusses various pressing issues affecting the financial landscape, including the ongoing drug crisis, the implications of government policies, the climate change narrative, and the impact of tariffs on the economy. He emphasizes the importance of financial truth and critiques the government's role in both the drug war and technological investments, while also addressing the political dynamics shaping America today.

Welcome to Mystacopolis – The Recovery Watchdog, a movement built to protect the integrity of recovery. This group exists to shine a light on unethical practices, exploitation, and abuse within the recovery and mental health industries — and to celebrate the people and programs doing it right. We are not here to gossip or tear others down. We are here to educate, investigate, and advocate for transparency, safety, and compassion in every corner of recovery.

 Chris Markowski, the Watchdog on Wall Street, discusses the harsh realities of Wall Street, emphasizing that the trading game is rigged against individual investors. He explains the concept of naked shorting and critiques the role of regulators like the SEC. Markowski advocates for long-term investing over short-term trading and warns listeners about the influence of private equity on financial advisory services. He also critiques the Federal Reserve's handling of inflation and economic policy, urging listeners to be aware of the financial landscape and to seek genuine financial advice.

Chris Markowski, the Watchdog on Wall Street, discusses the current financial landscape, focusing on the Federal Reserve's impact on interest rates and the economy. He critiques government assistance programs, particularly SNAP, and emphasizes the need for local community solutions to economic issues. The conversation also explores the implications of AI on the job market, highlighting the importance of human interaction in various sectors.

Morning Show 10-31-25 Hour 2 Bishop Cummings-Travel Show by The Watchdog

Morning Show 10-31-25 Hour 3 Halloween-Steven Adams-Chas Swingers by The Watchdog

Morning Show 10-31-25 Hour 1 Halloween-Suspension Bridge- by The Watchdog

La Chișinău astăzi este învestit noul Guvern condus de economistul Alexandru Munteanu. Se întâmplă la exact o săptămână de la desemnarea candidatului. Noua echipă și programul de guvernare este analizat de invitatul de astăzi la Moldova Zoom, analistul politic de la Chișinău, Nicolae Negru. „Programul guvernului Munteanu seamănă cu programul electoral al Partidului Acțiune și Solidaritate, este unul ambițios. Ținta, anul 2028, pentru ca să încheiem procesul de integrare europeană, să ne facem temele sau să stimulăm investiții de aproape 4 miliarde euro – o sarcină foarte ambițioasă în condițiile în care războiul din Ucraina continuă”, spune Nicolae Negru, în interviul realizat de Valeria Vițu.  Teme ediției: - De ce a deveni Franța de ceva vreme noua țintă a propagandei și dezinformării rusești. O relatare semnată de Liliana Barbăroșie și un interviu cu experta comunității WatchDog de la Chișinău, Tatiana Cojocari. - În regiunea transnistreană au fost comemorate Victimele Reprimărilor Politice din perioada sovietică. Numai că așa-zisele autorități de la Tiraspol nu au spus că torționarii au fost comuniștii, bolșevicii care au omorât mii de oameni. Despre această situație inedită ne vorbește jurnalistul Euronews România, Vitalie Cojocari. - În nordul Republicii Moldova, apa este o mare problemă, iar o nouă stație de tratare a apei, finanțată de UE, vine să schimbe situația. Un reportaj de la Cătălin Volconovici. - Armonizarea legislației naționale la normele europene va reprezenta o prioritate esențială pentru legislativ în următoarele luni. - Ucraina intenționează să reia, în luna noiembrie, importurile de gaze naturale din Grecia prin conducta Transbalcanică care trece prin România și Republica Moldova. - Au fost deschise înscrierile pentru programul DiscoverEU, care oferă posibilitatea tinerilor de 18 ani care au cetățenia unui stat european de a călători gratuit în Europa. Știrile zilei: Premierul desemnat Alexandru Munteanu merge în Parlament, împreună cu echipa guvernamentală, pentru a prezenta programul de activitate și a cere votul de încredere. Alexandru Munteanu își va prezenta programul intitulat „UE, pace, dezvoltare”, care stabilește principalele direcții de acțiune ale viitorului executiv. Documentul prevede finalizarea negocierilor de aderare la Uniunea Europeană până în anul 2028, pregătind astfel țara pentru integrarea deplină. În plan economic, Guvernul mizează pe valorificarea Planului de creștere finanțat de UE în valoare de 1,9 miliarde de euro, destinat stimulării dezvoltării și consolidării rezilienței economice. Partidul Acțiune și Solidaritate, de guvernare, are o majoritate confortabilă în Legislativ, motiv pentru care nu va avea probleme în a vota noul executiv. În baza votului de încredere, președintele țării numește oficial Guvernul, iar noul executiv își preia atribuțiile din ziua depunerii jurământului în fața șefului statului. Prima ședință a noului Guvern ar putea avea loc miercurea viitoare. *** Armonizarea legislației naționale la normele europene va reprezenta o prioritate esențială pentru legislativ în următoarele luni, declară vicepreședinta Parlamentului, Doina Gherman. Acesta sune că imediat după învestirea Guvernului Munteanu, Parlamentul își va concentra activitatea pe două direcții majore: rectificarea bugetară și continuarea agendei europene. *** În această dimineață, președinta Maia Sandu l-a numit pe fostul ministru de externe Nicu Popescu în funcția de emisar special pentru afaceri europene și parteneriate strategice. În noua sa poziție, Nicu Popescu va avea sarcina de a consolida sprijinul pentru aderarea Republicii Moldova la Uniunea Europeană, de a avansa dimensiunea politică a procesului de aderare și de a dezvolta relațiile cu partenerii strategici ai țării pentru consolidarea păcii și securității, în strânsă cooperare cu Președintele Republicii, Guvernul și Parlamentul, anunță un comunicat al Președinției. *** Ucraina intenționează să reia, în luna noiembrie, importurile de gaze naturale din Grecia prin conducta Transbalcanică, după intensificarea atacurilor rusești asupra infrastructurii energetice naționale, a anunțat joi firma de consultanță ExPro, citată de Reuters. Conducta care trece prin România și Republica Moldova. Potrivit estimărilor, 55% din producția internă de gaze a Ucrainei a fost afectată de bombardamentele din luna octombrie, determinând autoritățile de la Kiev să caute surse externe suplimentare de aproximativ 4 miliarde de metri cubi pentru a asigura alimentarea populației în sezonul rece, scrie News.ro. Până de curând, ruta transbalcanică nu era competitivă din cauza costurilor ridicate de tranzit prin cele patru țări traversate. Ministrul energiei de la Chișinău, Dorin Junghietu, a declarat recent la RFI că România și Republica Moldova au redus acum o săptămână cu 50 la sută taxele de tranzit prin conducta transbalcanică pentru a susține Ucraina să-și asigure necesarul de gaze. *** Până pe 13 noiembrie, tinerii de 18 ani care au cetățenia unui stat european se pot înscrie în programul DiscoverEU, care oferă posibilitatea de a călători gratuit în Europa, transmite IPN. Programul, inclus în bugetul Uniunii Europene din anul 2018, le oferă tinerilor europeni – inclusiv celor din Republica Moldova care dețin și cetățenia României sau a unui alt stat european – șansa de a descoperi cultura și istoria continentului. Timp de 7 ani, peste 390 de mii de tineri din toată Europa, dintre care peste 15 mii din România, au beneficiat de călătorii și experiențe deosebite prin DiscoverEU.

Morning Show 10-30-25 Hour 2 Halloween--Rick Healey by The Watchdog

Morning Show 10-30-25 Hour 3 Denny Magruder on Homeless camp by The Watchdog

Morning Show 10-30-25 Hour 1 Halloween-weather by The Watchdog

Australia correspondent Chris Niesche to talk about the decision by the competition watchdog ACCC to sue Microsoft for alleged misleading conduct over adding Copilot AI to its 365 subs.

Shock allegations of sexual abuse within Australia’s childcare system have been uncovered by a new ABC Four Corners investigation. In this episode of The Briefing, Natarsha Belling is joined by investigative journalist Adele Ferguson, who admits she was shocked by the level of abuse and the dangerous loopholes that allow childcare centres to be a hunting ground for alleged pedophiles. This episode contains descriptions of child sex abuse. If you or anyone you know needs assistance, contact 1800 RESPECT on 1800 737 732. Headlines: The ACCC has launched legal action against Microsoft, Kamala Harris has hinted she might make another run for the White House, and a Collie from Central Queensland has taken out a prestigious prize. Follow The Briefing: TikTok: @thebriefingpodInstagram: @thebriefingpodcast YouTube: @TheBriefingPodcastFacebook: @LiSTNR Newsroom See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

 Chris Markowski, the Watchdog on Wall Street, delves into the realities of financial markets, the impact of social media on public perception, and the consequences of government assistance programs. He critiques the GameStop saga, warns against get-rich-quick schemes, and discusses the detrimental effects of welfare dependency on society. Markowski also addresses the issue of usury and its exploitation of vulnerable individuals, while highlighting the challenges facing the agricultural sector in the U.S. The conversation emphasizes the need for financial literacy and personal responsibility in achieving true financial freedom.

Morning Show 10-24-25 Hour 2 Jim Justice issues-Highlights-Travel by The Watchdog

“Their cup of coffee, that delightful delicious cup that's helping them start their day and fuel these wonderful moments with their friends and family, almost certainly has either slavery, child labor, and deforestation in it. How has this industry gotten away with the plastic, with the cups, the milk, the human rights abuses, the deforestation? Scientists tell us this is the 11th hour. We are running out of time.” What would drive someone to take on some of the most powerful industries on Earth? This episode dives deep with Etelle Higonnet, a lawyer turned fearless activist who has dedicated her life to exposing the hidden abuses behind the products we use every day. From cocoa and palm oil to rubber and now coffee, she has fought to rebuild broken systems from the inside out. As the founder of Coffee Watch, Etelle is leading a global effort to transform one of humanity's favorite and most destructive commodities into a model of sustainability and fairness. We explore how she has held corporations accountable, what it takes to create real impact, and why every purchase and every choice matters more than we realize. What we discuss in this episode: The hidden truth behind your daily cup of coffee: what's really going into it and who pays the price. What it would actually cost per cup to ensure your coffee is ethical and environmentally sound. How to find coffee that's sustainably sourced and free of toxic chemicals. The primary drivers of global deforestation. Dark secrets behind chocolate production. What agroforestry is and why it's critical to the planet's future. How climate change affects coffee production. Practical steps you can take to make a real difference. Resources:   Coffee Watch Coffee Watch (@coffeewatchorg) • Instagram photos and videos Facebook: Coffee Watch   Click the link below to support the FISCAL Act https://switch4good.org/fiscal-act/ Share the website and get your resources here https://kidsandmilk.org/ Send us a voice message and ask a question. We want to hear from you! Switch4Good.org/podcast Dairy-Free Swaps Guide: Easy Anti-Inflammatory Meals, Recipes, and Tips https://switch4good.org/dairy-free-swaps-guide SUPPORT SWITCH4GOOD https://switch4good.org/support-us/ ★☆★ JOIN OUR PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP ★☆★  https://www.facebook.com/groups/podcastchat ★☆★ SWITCH4GOOD WEBSITE ★☆★ https://switch4good.org/ ★☆★ ONLINE STORE ★☆★ https://shop.switch4good.org/shop/ ★☆★ FOLLOW US ON INSTAGRAM ★☆★ https://www.instagram.com/Switch4Good/ ★☆★ LIKE US ON FACEBOOK ★☆★ https://www.facebook.com/Switch4Good/ ★☆★ FOLLOW US ON TWITTER ★☆★ https://twitter.com/Switch4GoodOrg ★☆★ AMAZON STORE ★☆★ https://www.amazon.com/shop/switch4good ★☆★ DOWNLOAD THE ABILLION APP ★☆★ https://app.abillion.com/users/switch4good

LISTEN and SUBSCRIBE on:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/watchdog-on-wall-street-with-chris-markowski/id570687608 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/2PtgPvJvqc2gkpGIkNMR5i WATCH and SUBSCRIBE on:https://www.youtube.com/@WatchdogOnWallstreet/featured  The U.S. is pouring billions into Argentina's sinking economy — and it's not coming back. As the Trump administration pressures major banks to cobble together a $20 billion loan to prop up the collapsing peso, American ranchers and taxpayers are left holding the bag. From failed Argentine bonds to imported beef undercutting U.S. producers, this episode exposes the madness of subsidizing a country notorious for default while our own farmers struggle under crushing regulations. Watchdog on Wall Street breaks down how this bailout betrays “America First” and why history says we're about to get burned — again.

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. 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Award-winning journalist Aaron Maté joins Mnar Adley to expose the hidden interests behind Trump's Gaza “peace” deal — a plan rooted not in diplomacy but in real estate and natural gas profits.As Israel's ceasefire takes hold, Western media celebrate the return of Israeli captives while ignoring thousands of Palestinian prisoners and the empire's economic motives beneath it all.In this episode of Behind the Headlines and MintCast, Maté and Adley break down:How Trump's Gaza plan ties into Israel's offshore gas fieldsThe Larry Ellison CBS takeover and its pro-Israel media implicationsWhy the corporate press whitewashes empire's crimes in GazaThe ongoing battle for narrative control in Western journalism

Today's Headlines: White House hardliner Stephen Miller is out here saying the quiet part out loud — during a CNN interview about National Guard deployments, he claimed the president has “plenary authority,” aka limitless power, before mysteriously freezing mid-interview. Meanwhile, Attorney General Pam Bondi doubled down on that energy in her Senate testimony, stonewalling lawmakers on everything from the Epstein files to alleged FBI bribery and whether government officials actually have to follow court orders. The FBI just cut ties with the Anti-Defamation League and the Southern Poverty Law Center — two longtime watchdogs for extremism — after complaints from Trump allies that the groups were “biased.” In policy plotting news,  the administration is reportedly eyeing a partial selloff of the $1.6 trillion federal student loan portfolio to private buyers, and it's refusing to guarantee back pay for federal workers during the ongoing shutdown, apparently to pressure Democrats on Obamacare tax credits. At the Supreme Court, justices seemed ready to strike down Colorado's ban on conversion therapy after hearing arguments from a Christian therapist claiming free speech violations. A federal judge also blocked the administration's attempt to force teen pregnancy prevention programs to comply with its anti–“gender ideology” policies. And finally, six former U.S. surgeons general are warning that HHS Secretary RFK Jr. 's health policies are an “unprecedented threat” to public safety — citing his anti-vaccine rhetoric and pseudoscience as proof the nation's top health post has gone completely off the rails. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: CNN Show Transcripts Axios: Bondi dodges senators' questions on Comey, Epstein probes WBRC: FBI cuts ties with Southern Poverty Law Center, Anti-Defamation League following complaints Politico: Trump administration considers sale of federal student loan debt WSJ: White House Says Federal Workers' Back Pay During Shutdown Isn't Guaranteed NBC News: Supreme Court skeptical of state bans on conversion therapy aimed at LGBTQ kids AP News: A judge has blocked a Trump administration effort to change teen pregnancy prevention programs Axios: "Unprecedented threat": Six former surgeons general sound alarm on RFK Jr. Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Trump administration has taken steps to effectively dismantle the Merit Systems Protection Board and the Office of Special Counsel, two agencies that protect federal civil servants. We discuss why changes at these agencies matter and how the U.S. Supreme Court could grant the president broad powers to make changes at other independent agencies. This episode: voting and election security correspondent Miles Parks, labor and workplace correspondent Andrea Hsu, and justice correspondent Carrie Johnson.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell & Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye. Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy