All Tuckered Out
In a series of high-profile cable news firings Monday morning, Fox News announced that the network agreed to part ways with top host Tucker Carlson — and just minutes later, news broke that CNN terminated longtime anchor Don Lemon after 17 years with the network. President Biden is expected to announce his 2024 bid for re-election as soon as today. Multiple outlets reported that he tapped Whi...
24m Apr 25, 2023
24m
Until Debt Do Us Part
The Supreme Court issued a decision preserving access to the abortion drug mifepristone, meaning access to the medication will likely remain unchanged at least into next year. House Speaker Kevin McCarthy unveiled his plan to raise the debt ceiling last week. The proposal has a long list of demands that take aim at the Biden administration’s agenda — including cutting climate change investment...
15m Apr 24, 2023
15m
Why Buzzfeed News Left Us
The Pentagon is moving American troops to Sudan to prepare for a possible evacuation of the U.S. Embassy in the region. This comes amid a dayslong series of clashes between two warring military factions that has led to hundreds of deaths and injuries. Buzzfeed is shutting down its entire news division after elevating reporting that rivaled many more established, legacy media outlets for over a...
24m Apr 21, 2023
24m
Full Supreme Court Press
In the latest in the fight against mifepristone, the Supreme Court has delayed its ruling on the abortion pill until Friday at midnight — extending the continued use of mifepristone for a couple more days. In a 6-3 ruling, the Supreme Court sided with Texas death row inmate Rodney Reed in his years-long effort to get post-conviction DNA evidence to try and prove his innocence. And in headline...
21m Apr 20, 2023
21m
The Defamation Trial That Never Was
The defamation trial brought by Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News was called off after both parties agreed to settle for $787.5 million at the last minute. Crooked news contributor Max Fisher joins us to break down what happened and what comes next. And in headlines: The white homeowner who shot 16-year-old Ralph Yarl turned himself in to Missouri authorities, a Russian judge ruled that...
24m Apr 19, 2023
24m
Ceiling Our Fate
House Speaker Kevin McCarthy proposed a one-year debt ceiling increase on Monday, calling the idea a “responsible, sensible” solution — but it’s unclear if he has the support of his own party to pass the divisive measure. A new report from The Washington Post revealed that Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas claimed income for two decades from a now-defunct real estate firm. This is the late...
22m Apr 18, 2023
22m
No Fox Given
The defamation lawsuit brought by the election technology company Dominion Voting Systems against Fox News is scheduled to start on Tuesday. Crooked news contributor Max Fisher tells us what’s at stake, and what we can expect over the next few weeks. And in headlines: a shooting in Alabama left at least four people dead and 28 others injured, French President Emmanuel Macron signed into law hi...
20m Apr 17, 2023
20m
It All Went Down in the Discord
The FBI has arrested 21-year old Jack Teixeira, a member of the Massachusetts Air National Guard suspected of leaking classified government documents on Discord early last month. The materials revealed sensitive information about the war in Ukraine, and how the U.S. spies on some of its allies. A federal appeals court partially blocked the decision by a Texas judge to suspend the FDA’s approva...
21m Apr 14, 2023
21m
Poetic Justins
In a unanimous vote, county officials sent State Representative Justin Pearson back to his seat in Tennessee’s House of Representatives. His reinstatement comes less than a week after he and another Black Democratic colleague were expelled for leading a protest on gun reform. And in headlines: California Senator Dianne Feinstein will temporarily give up her seat on the Senate Judiciary Committ...
18m Apr 13, 2023
18m
Ain’t No River Wide Enough
Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg filed a lawsuit against Ohio Representative Jim Jordan, accusing him of a “brazen and unconstitutional attack” on the criminal prosecution and investigation of former President Donald Trump, and organizing a “transparent campaign to intimidate and attack” the D.A. The Biden Administration has laid out two tough options it may take to solve the Colorado R...
20m Apr 12, 2023
20m
No Mifepristone Unturned
The Justice Department has appealed a Texas judge's decision that suspends the FDA's nationwide approval of the abortion pill mifepristone. Meanwhile, a separate ruling in Washington state would bar the agency from taking the medication off the market in at least 17 states. The Pentagon has launched an investigation after highly classified military documents were leaked online in recent weeks....
19m Apr 11, 2023
19m
We Didn't Volunteer For This
Tennessee House Republicans voted to expel two of three Democratic lawmakers for "disorderly behavior," after leading a demonstration inside the state Capitol against gun violence. It marks the first time in state history that any House member has been removed for violating the chamber's rules on decorum. In a bombshell report, the nonprofit newsroom ProPublica found that U.S. Supreme Court Ju...
23m Apr 07, 2023
23m
All I Do Is Winsconsin No Matter What
Judge Janet Protasiewicz won a seat on the Wisconsin Supreme Court, giving liberals control of the state’s highest court for the first time in 15 years. Ben Wikler, chair of the Democratic Party of Wisconsin, joins us to discuss the impact it will have on the battleground state. And in headlines: former Vice President Mike Pence won't appeal a ruling ordering him to testify in the DOJ's Januar...
21m Apr 06, 2023
21m
Florida Man Charged With Fraud
Former President Donald Trump pleaded not guilty to 34 felony counts of falsifying business records related to hush money payments made to adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Leah Litman, co-host of Crooked’s Strict Scrutiny podcast, breaks down all the charges and where the case goes from here. And in headlines: Janet Protasiewicz won the Wisconsin Supreme Court race, Republican lawmakers in T...
21m Apr 05, 2023
21m
It's Arraigning Men
Former President Donald Trump will make his first court appearance in Manhattan today, to answer to criminal charges handed down by a grand jury on Thursday. He’s expected to face dozens of charges related to hush money he paid to adult film star Stormy Daniels. Starbucks is facing more scrutiny, after former CEO Howard Schultz was grilled by Senate lawmakers last week over the company’s labor...
23m Apr 04, 2023
23m
We Don't Mean To Bragg
Former President Donald Trump has been indicted by a New York grand jury, making him the first U.S. president to face criminal charges. Harry Litman, senior legal affairs columnist for the LA Times and a former deputy assistant attorney general at the Department of Justice, tells us what we can expect in the coming days and weeks. And in headlines: an explosion in Saint Petersburg, Russia kill...
23m Apr 03, 2023
23m
Trump Indicted!
We quickly recap the reported indictment against former President Trump for his alleged role to cover-up his relationship with Stormy Daniels.
3m Mar 31, 2023
3m
Schultz's Medium Roast
Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz testified before the Senate HELP Committee on Wednesday. Lawmakers questioned him about the coffee chain’s union-busting activities that have been recorded and reviewed by the National Labor Relations Board over the past several months. The Senate voted 66-30 across party lines to repeal authorizations for the use of military force against Iraq. The vote fol...
19m Mar 30, 2023
19m
Pence and Sensibility
A federal judge ruled that former Vice President Mike Pence must testify in the Justice Department's investigation of former President Donald Trump’s efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election. He will be expected to testify about any potential illegal acts committed by Trump. At least 40 migrants died Monday night after a fire at a migrant detention center in Ciudad Juarez, a border...
21m Mar 29, 2023
21m
Another Mass Tragedy In Tennessee
Six people – including three young children – were killed in a shooting at an elementary school in Nashville, Tennessee. Police say the shooter, a 28 year-old, was a former student, and was armed with two assault rifles and a handgun. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu agreed to pause a plan to overhaul the country's judicial system until the next parliamentary session next month. The d...
18m Mar 28, 2023
18m
The Times Need A Changing
Severe weather continued across the Deep South, after intense tornadoes struck Mississippi and Alabama over the weekend, leaving at least 26 people dead and destroying rural towns in one of the poorest areas of the country. A collective of New York Times contributors released an open letter to the newspaper last month, calling out widespread editorial bias in its reporting on transgender, non⁠...
23m Mar 27, 2023
23m
Let's TikTok About It
TikTok CEO Shou Chew testified before Congress Thursday. Lawmakers grilled him for more than five hours over their concerns about the app’s safety, and its ties to China. The Michigan state appeals court ruled that the parents of the Oxford High School shooter can face trial for involuntary manslaughter. They’re accused of ignoring warning signs before the attack, and could be the first parent...
22m Mar 24, 2023
22m
Interest Takes A Hike
As Donald Trump faces possible criminal charges in New York, the former president faces another, and potentially more serious, legal threat. An appeals court ruled Wednesday that one of his own attorneys must testify before the grand jury investigating his handling of classified documents. The Federal Reserve raised the benchmark interest rate by a quarter percentage point. It’s the ninth rate...
19m Mar 23, 2023
19m
The Unindicted
Contrary to what he told his supporters, former President Donald Trump was not arrested on Tuesday — though most observers seem to agree that he’ll be indicted soon, over a 2016 hush money scheme involving adult film actress Stormy Daniels. A Fox News producer filed a pair of lawsuits against the network. She alleges that she was coerced into giving misleading testimony in Dominion Voting Syst...
23m Mar 22, 2023
23m
Global Warning
The United Nations released a major report on climate change yesterday, offering perhaps the most comprehensive understanding of how the planet is heating. Experts are urging industrialized nations to slash greenhouse gasses roughly in half by 2030. French President Emmanuel Macron survived two no confidence votes in parliament on Monday, all but ensuring that the French retirement age will be...
21m Mar 21, 2023
21m
Lock Me Up
Former President Donald Trump said he expects to be arrested tomorrow in connection with the yearslong investigation into a hush money scheme involving adult film actress Stormy Daniels. Trump called on his supporters to protest in opposition. Sunday marked the 20th anniversary of the US invasion of Iraq. Journalist and author Spencer Ackerman, who’s known for his work as a national security c...
23m Mar 20, 2023
23m
Banking On Each Other
Eleven of the largest U.S. lenders agreed to deposit $30 billion into First Republic Bank in an effort to rescue it. The move was also meant to stop the ongoing panic in the financial world, following the failure of three smaller banks this past week. Starting next Tuesday, tens of thousands of Los Angeles Unified School District service workers plan to walk off the job for three days. Members...
20m Mar 17, 2023
20m
Stormy In The Northeast
A federal judge in Texas held a hearing on Wednesday in a case that could block access to the widely-used abortion medication mifepristone — and suggested he may side with the anti-abortion advocates who want the drug taken off the market. Adult film actress Stormy Daniels met with New York prosecutors, who are investigating the hush money payments she received on behalf of former president Do...
19m Mar 16, 2023
19m
Big Trouble In North Carolina
The Pentagon says two Russian fighter jets hit an American surveillance drone over the Black Sea, forcing it to crash into international water. It’s the first known instance of the two countries making contact since the invasion of Ukraine, which U.S. officials warned could lead to a dangerous escalation. North Carolina’s state Supreme Court is rehearing a gerrymandering case that could have m...
19m Mar 15, 2023
19m
(Don't) Bank On It
Following the sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank, the federal government has taken drastic action to protect the financial system, and to make the bank's depositors whole. Business and tech journalist Jo Ling Kent joins us to discuss the backlash from both sides of the political aisle about the intervention — and whether or not it was technically a “bailout.” And in headlines: Donald Trump...
17m Mar 14, 2023
17m
Oscars Still So White
Silicon Valley Bank abruptly shut down on Friday, in what was the second biggest bank failure in U.S. history. The bank serviced many startups and other tech companies, and the federal government is now taking steps to protect its deposits, and stop a potential financial crisis. The 95th Academy Awards were held Sunday night, though the ceremony has been criticized over its lack of diversity. ...
24m Mar 13, 2023
24m
I Like Big Budgets And I Cannot Lie
President Biden unveiled his $6.8 trillion budget plan for the 2024 fiscal year. The plan would cut deficits by $2.9 trillion over the next decade while shoring up Medicare, bolstering military spending, and raising taxes on the wealthiest Americans. A third Norfolk Southern train derailed in Alabama, just hours before the company’s CEO testified before Congress about the derailment in East Pa...
22m Mar 10, 2023
22m
Iran’s Women Persist
A fresh round of public anger is growing in Iran, and the focus is now on a series of suspected school poisonings, which may be targeting girls and young women. Suzanne Kianpour, a foreign affairs correspondent for BBC News, explains why Iranians fear it could be “retaliation” for the women-led protests over the death of Mahsa Amini. And in headlines: Israeli military forces killed at least si...
16m Mar 09, 2023
16m
Women's Misery Month
Five women who were denied abortions have filed a lawsuit against Texas over the state’s near-total abortion ban. It’s the first time that pregnant patients who are affected by such laws are taking legal action. Florida Republicans have introduced bills that would further restrict abortion in the state, including one that would prohibit the procedure before most people even know they’re pregna...
21m Mar 08, 2023
21m
Florida, Man
Florida’s 2023 legislative session begins today. Lawmakers in the Republican-controlled state legislature are expected to push Governor Ron DeSantis’s conservative agenda, ahead of his widely-expected 2024 presidential bid. Police in Atlanta, Georgia charged 23 people with domestic terrorism this week for allegedly attacking police during a protest against “Cop City” — a proposed $90 million p...
19m Mar 07, 2023
19m
Another Rail Fail
A second Norfolk Southern train derailed in Ohio over the weekend, just over a month after the crash in East Palestine. Local hazmat teams verified that toxins were involved in this latest accident, though it’s raising more questions about rail safety and regulations. President Biden visited Selma, Alabama to mark the anniversary of “Bloody Sunday,” a pivotal moment in the civil rights movemen...
20m Mar 06, 2023
20m
TikTok On The Clock
The House Ethics Committee is officially investigating New York Rep. George Santos over whether he broke campaign finance laws. He’s also facing scrutiny over allegations of sexual misconduct from a prospective staffer. Lawmakers are sounding the alarm over TikTok, with some members of Congress calling for a total ban of the video-sharing app in the U.S. TikTok has been under scrutiny for its ...
22m Mar 03, 2023
22m
No Guts, No Lori
Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot lost her re-election bid on Tuesday, becoming the first one-term mayor of the city in 40 years. Lightfoot failed to capture enough votes to make it to the April 4th runoff, in a campaign marked by growing concerns over crime. Drug maker Eli Lilly announced that it would cap the out-of-pocket cost of insulin it makes to $35, bringing relief for the millions of Amer...
21m Mar 02, 2023
21m
SCOTUS, Throw Us A Loan
The Supreme Court heard arguments over President Biden’s plan to cancel more than $400 billion in federal student loans, and whether his administration has the authority to do so. We cover the two cases challenging the loan relief program, and how the court's conservative majority responded. And in headlines: a 5.6-magnitude earthquake struck southern Turkey, California ended its statewide cor...
17m Mar 01, 2023
17m
All Tea All Shade On Tennessee
The Biden administration has promised new measures to crack down on child labor. It follows a recent investigation by the New York Times, which found that many migrant children are being forced to work in dangerous, labor-intensive jobs. Tennessee’s Republican Governor Bill Lee said he will sign House Bill 9, a measure that would ban public drag performances in the state. The law would be the ...
22m Feb 28, 2023
22m
No Chill For Abortion Pills
Abortion rights advocates are bracing for a ruling in a case that could revoke the FDA’s decades-old approval of mifepristone — the most common and effective drug used for medication abortions. Dr. Kristyn Brandi, chair of the advocacy group Physicians for Reproductive Health, tells us how the decision could impact access to reproductive care nationwide. And in headlines: at least 59 migrants ...
20m Feb 27, 2023
20m
A Year Of War and Loss In Ukraine
Today marks the one-year anniversary of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Rolling Stone correspondent Jack Crosbie joins us from Kyiv to reflect on his time covering the conflict. We also check in with Julia Knyupa, a Ukrainian refugee who fled the country on the first day of the invasion, about how her life has changed. And in headlines: federal safety investigators said there was little warning ...
24m Feb 24, 2023
24m
Need We Say Moore
Wes Moore made history this year when he was sworn in as Maryland’s first Black governor. He joins us to discuss his vision for his home state — and his improbable journey to its highest office. And in headlines: Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner were reportedly subpoenaed by the special counsel investigating the insurrection, Norfolk Southern plans to spend $7.5 billion to buy back its own share...
20m Feb 23, 2023
20m
Supreme Court Packers
President Biden reaffirmed his support for Ukraine during a fiery speech in Poland on Tuesday. His address followed his clandestine trip to Kyiv – and hours after Russian President Vladimir Putin announced that Moscow will suspend its participation in the last remaining nuclear arms control treaty with the U.S. Wisconsin voters headed to the polls for the state’s Supreme Court primary — a nonp...
24m Feb 22, 2023
24m
The HBCU Vaulting Into Gymnastics History
Fisk University made history in January when it became the first historically Black college to launch a women's gymnastics program. Head coach Corrinne Tarver tells us about her journey from being the first Black gymnast to win an all-around NCAA title, to training the next generation of trailblazers. Fisk University made history in January when it became the first historically Black college t...
14m Feb 21, 2023
14m
Unidentified Flying Thingamabobbins
Days after three objects were shot down over North American air space, President Biden confirmed they were not linked to Chinese spy activity – and they were taken down out of an abundance of caution. A report from the special grand jury investigating alleged election interference by former President Donald Trump and his allies was partially made public. It found no evidence of widespread vote...
21m Feb 17, 2023
21m
The Trainborne Toxic Event
It’s been nearly two weeks since a freight train derailed outside of East Palestine, Ohio and the controlled burn of toxic chemicals it was carrying. Though officials say the area is now safe, some residents are afraid to return home, amid worrying signs that toxins may be lingering in the surrounding environment. The CDC says teenage girls in the U.S. are “engulfed” in record-high levels of d...
22m Feb 16, 2023
22m
How Many More?
A shooting at Michigan State University Monday night left at least three students dead and five others critically injured. It came on the eve of the fifth anniversary of the Parkland, Florida school shooting, and has, once again, renewed calls for Congress to take on gun control reform. California Senator Dianne Feinstein announced that she will not seek re-election in 2024. As the oldest sitt...
19m Feb 15, 2023
19m
Breaking Down The "Anti-Trans Hate Machine"
For years, transgender activists and journalists have criticized the New York Times and other mainstream news organizations for their inadequate – and harmful – coverage of trans issues. Some of that reporting and opinion writing is now being cited in anti-trans state legislation across the country. Journalist Katelyn Burns, co-host of the Cancel Me, Daddy podcast, breaks down how it has a di...
24m Feb 14, 2023
24m
99 Surveillance Balloons Go By
After the U.S. military downed a Chinese spy balloon over the Atlantic Ocean last week, three more “unidentified aerial objects'' have been shot down in North American airspace since Friday. While we don’t yet know what they were – or where they’re from – lawmakers on both sides of the aisle say they want answers from the Biden administration about its response. And in headlines: the death tol...
19m Feb 13, 2023
19m