Unbiased Politics Podcast Summary

Episode Title: December 18, 2024: Ethics Committee to Release Gaetz Report, Indiana's First Execution in 15 Years, SCOTUS Takes TikTok Case, Mangione's Many Murder Charges in NYC, and More
Host: Jordan Berman
Release Date: December 18, 2024

1. Episode Introduction and Correction

Timestamp: [00:32]

Jordan Berman opens the episode by acknowledging it as the second-to-last installment of Season Two, hinting at an upcoming hiatus before Season Three launches on January 6th. He emphasizes the importance of accurate reporting by issuing a correction from the previous episode:

"In reporting on the Wisconsin school shooting yesterday, I very quickly mentioned that a second grade student had called the shooting into the police. That is false. It was a second grade teacher, not a student... I apologize."
— Jordan Berman [02:15]

2. Supreme Court Takes on TikTok Case

Timestamp: [05:00]

Berman provides an update on the Supreme Court's decision to hear TikTok's case against the government, scheduled for January 10th. He outlines the Court's approach:

"We're not going to grant or deny your request. We're going to wait to rule on the request until we hear arguments... Schedule it now for arguments on January 10."
— Jordan Berman [05:45]

Key deadlines include:

• December 27, 5 PM: TikTok and ByteDance must file their brief.
• January 3, 5 PM: Government's reply is due.
• January 10: Oral arguments.

Berman anticipates a possible decision as soon as a week after arguments or as long as a few months, noting potential delays in enforcing any bans.

3. Indictment of Luigi Mangione in NYC

Timestamp: [10:30]

Jordan discusses the indictment of Luigi Mangione for the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson. Mangione faces multiple charges, including:

• 1 Count of First-Degree Murder: For intentionally killing Brian Thompson amid an act classified as terrorism.
• 2 Counts of Second-Degree Murder: One involving terrorism.
• Various Weapon Possession Charges: Ranging from second to fourth degree.
• Criminal Possession of a Forged Instrument: Due to a fake driver's license.

Berman explains the legal strategy behind multiple charges to cover different bases in the prosecution. Mangione is currently held in Pennsylvania awaiting extradition, with an extradition hearing scheduled.

4. House Ethics Committee to Release Matt Gaetz Report

Timestamp: [15:20]

The House Ethics Committee has voted to release its report on former Representative Matt Gaetz, who was under investigation for allegations including sexual misconduct and drug use. Key points include:

• Release Status: The report will be available before Christmas.

• Gaetz's Statement: He denies all allegations and criticizes the process, stating:

  "I've never been charged. I've never been sued... I live a different life now... I didn't vote for continuing resolutions that fuck over the country."
  — Matt Gaetz on X [16:10]

Berman notes that the podcast might be on hiatus when the report is released but encourages listeners to follow him on social media for updates.

5. Indiana's First Execution in 15 Years

Timestamp: [20:00]

Indiana executed Joseph Corcoran via lethal injection, marking the state's first execution in 15 years. Corcoran, convicted of quadruple homicide in 1997, had a troubled history, including a prior acquittal for murdering his parents and a subsequent murder of his brother and three others.

• Final Words: "Not really. Let's get this over with."
  — Joseph Corcoran [21:05]

Lethal Injection Details:

• Drug Used: Pentobarbital.
• Challenges: States face difficulties sourcing these drugs due to international bans and reliance on compounding pharmacies, leading to delays and complications in executions.

Corcoran's execution followed multiple legal reviews, with the Indiana Supreme Court upholding his competency despite claims of mental illness by his attorneys.

6. Congressional Developments and Legislation

Timestamp: [25:00]

Continued Resolution Passed:

• Funding: Government funded through March to prevent shutdown.
• Salaries: Congressional salaries increased from $174,000 to $243,000.
• Aid: Over $100 billion in disaster aid and $10 billion to farmers.
• Regulations: Restrictions on U.S. investments in China and requirements for upfront pricing disclosures by ticket sellers and hotels.
• Infrastructure: Commitment to rebuild Baltimore's Francisco Key Bridge and transfer administrative jurisdiction over a D.C. sports stadium.
• Homeland Security: Extension of the act to monitor and disrupt drone activities.

Time Capsule Legislation:

• Purpose: To bury a time capsule on the Capitol's West Lawn for America’s 250th birthday in 2026, to be opened on July 4, 2276.
• Contents: Books, manuscripts, memorabilia, legislative milestones, and messages from the current Congress.

7. Supreme Court's Public Seating Pilot Program

Timestamp: [28:45]

The Supreme Court introduces a pilot program allowing the public to apply for courtroom seating via an online lottery system starting February 2025. Key details include:

• Application Deadline: 5 PM Eastern Time, four weeks before the session.
• Notification: Applicants will be informed via email about their seating status.
• Purpose: To ensure availability for high-profile or controversial cases that typically attract larger audiences.

Berman highlights that general attendance remains open on a first-come, first-served basis, but the lottery offers a more secure option for enthusiasts.

8. Federal Reserve Interest Rate Cut

Timestamp: [30:30]

The Federal Reserve has agreed to cut interest rates once more this year, setting the federal funds rate between 4.25% and 4.5%, marking a two-year low. Future projections indicate:

• Next Year’s Forecast: Likely two more rate reductions, assuming steady economic growth and declining inflation.

Berman notes the impact on borrowing costs and the broader economy, emphasizing the Fed’s cautious approach amidst economic indicators.

9. Grubhub Settles with FTC and Illinois AG

Timestamp: [32:15]

Grubhub has agreed to a $25 million settlement over allegations of deceptive practices aimed at rapidly expanding its business. Accusations include:

• Price Manipulation: Concealing real costs leading to final prices often double the advertised rates.
• Driver Pay Inflation: Misrepresenting earning potentials for delivery personnel.
• Unauthorized Restaurant Listings: Adding restaurants to their platform without consent to scale nationally.

Grubhub denies wrongdoing but acknowledges the settlement is in its best interest.

10. Disney Removes Gender Identity Storyline from Upcoming Show

Timestamp: [35:00]

Disney Pixar's Win or Lose initially planned to explore a trans character's gender identity within a middle school softball team's championship narrative. However, officials have decided to remove the gender-related storyline to respect parental preferences on discussing such topics:

"When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline."
— Disney Statement [35:45]

Berman discusses the implications for representation and storytelling in children's media.

11. Gen Z's Increased Screen Time

Timestamp: [38:30]

A report from Gen Z research firm DCDX reveals that Gen Zers will spend 112 days on their phones in 2024, averaging 7 hours, 22 minutes, and 43 seconds daily. Highlights include:

• Age Variance: Ages 21-27 showed a larger increase compared to 16-20.
• Top Apps: TikTok leads, followed by Instagram and Messages.

Berman references the report’s findings and provides a link for listeners interested in detailed data.

12. Discovery of Mastodon Jaw in New York

Timestamp: [41:50]

Concluding on a lighter note, a New York homeowner unearthed a complete mastodon jaw in their backyard, alongside teeth, a toe bone, and part of a rib. Mastodons, ancient relatives of modern elephants, roamed between 2-23 million years ago and became extinct around 11,000 years ago. The discovery involved collaboration with the New York State Museum and SUNY Orange Community College for proper excavation and preservation.

Berman remarks on the significance of such paleontological finds and their contribution to understanding prehistoric life.

Conclusion

Jordan Berman wraps up the episode by expressing gratitude to listeners and reminding them of the upcoming hiatus before Season Three. He encourages engagement through reviews and social media to stay informed during the break.

Notable Quotes:

• Jordan Berman on Correction:

  "I never ever want to give you guys false information. So it's really important that I clarify this."
  — [02:15]

• Joseph Corcoran's Final Words:

  "Not really. Let's get this over with."
  — [21:05]

• Matt Gaetz's Statement on X:

  "I've never been charged. I've never been sued... I live a different life now..."
  — [16:10]

• Disney's Statement on Gender Identity Storyline:

  "When it comes to animated content for a younger audience, we recognize that many parents would prefer to discuss certain subjects with their children on their own terms and timeline."
  — [35:45]

This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key topics discussed in the episode, providing listeners with a clear and detailed overview of the major news and legal analyses presented by Jordan Berman on Unbiased Politics.