UNBIASED Politics Podcast – December 15, 2025

Host: Jordan Berman

Episode Theme:
A comprehensive, impartial recap of major US news stories including the Brown University shooting investigation, newly released Epstein estate photos, allegations of D.C. crime data manipulation, and quick updates on several ongoing legal and political topics.

1. Brown University Shooting: Facts and Updates

[Starts ~02:50]

• Incident Overview:

  • On Saturday, a shooting at Brown University’s Barris and Holly Engineering Building left two dead and nine injured.
  • Attack occurred during final exams; building doors were unlocked for ease of access.
  • No suspect in custody; a detained “person of interest” has since been released.
  • Law enforcement continues to pursue “multiple leads” but restarts their investigation from scratch.

• Timeline and Law Enforcement Response:

  • 4:00 PM ET: Shooting in building’s first floor classroom during a review session.
  • 4:20 PM ET: University sends text alert about an active shooter—urged students to "lock doors, silence phones and stay hidden."

    “Run if you are in the affected location. Evacuate safely if you can, hide. If evacuation is not possible, take cover. Fight as a last resort…” (Brown University Alert, [04:20])

  • ~5:15 PM: Update—no suspect in custody, continued search underway.
  • 6:05 PM: Official university statement expressing gratitude to emergency responders and urging continued vigilance.
  • Evening: Shelter-in-place order remained through Saturday night; lifted Sunday morning (~6:30 AM).

• Investigation Developments:

  • Providence authorities and FBI involved; video footage released showing possible suspect, though brief and not facially revealing.
  • Person of interest (Benjamin Erickson):
    • 24, army veteran, planned to attend Brown but was not a student.
    • Detained at hotel in Coventry, RI; found with two firearms, one reportedly matching witness description.
    • Released after evidence shifted; authorities now believe “they are looking for a sole gunman.”
    • Confusion about status:

      “Police did initially say they were confident that the person of interest was the shooter, but obviously something changed…” – Jordan Berman, [18:20]

• Victims Identified:

  • Ella Cook: 19, Brown sophomore, vice president of the Republican Club, from Alabama.
  • Muhammad Aziz Umerzakov: Aspiring neurosurgeon from Uzbekistan.

• Community Reaction:

  • Providence Mayor and university affirm ongoing safety and no credible threats.
  • University and FBI call for further public assistance in the investigation.

2. Epstein Estate Photos Released

[Starts ~24:10]

• Context:

  • 92 photos released by House Democrats from Epstein’s estate, part of a congressional subpoena separate from DOJ’s impending document release.

• Content Overview:

  • Most images are mundane (house interiors, appliances, backyard). About 20 garner public interest:
    • Photos of various sex toys, Epstein and public figures (Steve Bannon, Donald Trump, Bill Clinton, Bill Gates, Prince Andrew, Richard Branson, Woody Allen).
    • Miscellaneous: Photos of Trump-branded condoms.
  • Uncertainty remains about image locations, timing, and context.
  • No images implicate new individuals or show illegal activity.

    “Notably, these pictures do not disclose anything new about Epstein's crimes or reveal any new people that he associated with.” – Jordan Berman, [26:50]

• Looking Forward:

  • DOJ required to release all redacted Epstein files by December 19; contents unknown.

3. FDA Considers Black Box Warning for COVID Vaccines

[Starts ~37:15]

• Report Summary:

  • FDA is reportedly weighing a “black box warning” for COVID mRNA vaccines (Pfizer/Moderna) due to rare cases of myocarditis/pericarditis, particularly in young males.
  • Black box: Most serious medication warning; increases transparency of potential risks but does not ban or restrict access.
  • Such warnings already exist for a few vaccines (e.g., smallpox).
  • No formal FDA announcement yet; possible connection to internal memos about pediatric myocarditis deaths.

    “A black box warning does not automatically change who can get a vaccine… It’s about making sure people understand the trade-offs.” – Jordan Berman, [41:40]

• Implications:

  • Warning would heighten awareness and inform consent process, but not materially change access or physician authority.
  • Medical community voices concern over impact on public vaccine confidence.

4. Report Alleges Manipulation of D.C. Crime Data

[Starts ~43:20]

• House Oversight Committee Report:

  • Alleges former D.C. police chief Pamela Smith pressured officers to downgrade crime reports to make stats appear lower.
  • Focus on selective reporting of only nine major felonies (Daily Crime Report), with instructions to avoid stats increasing public crime perception.

    “There are clear pressures placed on MPD personnel to lower the classifications of crime to present… the perception of low crime…” (House Report Quote, [44:50])

• Testimony Highlights:

  • Multiple district commanders described “extreme pressure” to minimize reportable crime stats.

    “Yes. I mean, extreme. There’s always been pressure to keep crime down, but the focus on statistics has come in with this current administration or regime, and… that has manifested publicly.” (MPD Commander Testimony, [45:20])

  • Cultural changes described as increasing fear, intimidation, and threats.

• Caveats:

  • Interim report, Republican-led committee.
  • Chief Smith resigned but denies allegations; claims resignation not connected to investigation.
  • D.C. crime data: Record highs in 2023, then significant reduction under Smith, though unclear if due to actual decline or data manipulation.

5. Quick News Hits

[Starts ~54:15]

• FBI Thwarts Alleged Terror Plot:

  • Four arrested in L.A. for planning New Year’s Eve bombings as part of a radical pro-Palestinian group.

• Milwaukee Judge on Trial:

  • Judge Hannah Dugan accused of helping undocumented immigrant evade ICE at courthouse. Defense claims adherence to court protocols.

• Trump’s Controversial Statement:

  • Former President Trump blamed deaths of Rob Reiner and wife on “Trump Derangement Syndrome” in a Truth Social post, sparking bipartisan criticism.

    “Rob Reiner… has passed away together with his wife Michelle, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding and incurable affliction with a mind crippling disease known as Trump Derangement Syndrome…” (Trump, [~56:10])

6. Critical Thinking Segment

[Starts ~59:30]

• Jordan encourages listeners to reflect on D.C. crime report:
  • Does political context (Republican-led investigation) affect credibility for you?
  • Would your opinion change if investigation were Democrat-led?
  • What evidence do you need to confidently conclude whether data was manipulated (audits, MPD leadership response, nonpartisan investigation)?

Notable Quotes & Moments

| Time | Speaker | Quote/Highlight | |---------|----------------|-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------| | 04:20 | University | “Run if you are in the affected location. Evacuate safely if you can, hide. If evacuation is not possible, take cover.” | | 18:20 | Berman | “Police did initially say they were confident that the person of interest was the shooter, but obviously something changed along the way…” | | 26:50 | Berman | “Notably, these pictures do not disclose anything new about Epstein's crimes or reveal any new people that he associated with.” | | 41:40 | Berman | “A black box warning does not automatically change who can get a vaccine… It’s about making sure people understand the trade-offs.” | | 45:20 | MPD Commander | “Yes. I mean, extreme. There’s always been pressure to keep crime down, but the focus on statistics has come in with this current administration or regime…” | | ~56:10 | Trump (quoted) | “Rob Reiner… passed away together with his wife Michelle, reportedly due to the anger he caused others through his massive, unyielding and incurable affliction…” |

Summary Table of Segment Timestamps

| Segment | Start | |------------------------------------------------|----------| | Brown University Shooting | 02:50 | | Epstein Estate Photos | 24:10 | | COVID Vaccine Black Box Warning | 37:15 | | D.C. Crime Data Manipulation Allegations | 43:20 | | Quick News Hits | 54:15 | | Critical Thinking Segment | 59:30 |

Tone and Language:
Jordan Berman maintains a steady, neutral, and fact-based delivery throughout—avoiding speculation and focusing on sourcing, clarity, and legal/technical definitions. The episode is structured to keep “spin” out and encourage listeners’ own critical thinking about major headlines.