Dr. Jonathan Earle from LSU's Ogden Honors College joins the show to delve into the recently released JFK assassination files. President Trump released 64,000 pages of documents, mandated by a 1992 law, but the government missed the 2017 deadline. Dr. Earle explains that the documents reveal more about CIA operations during the Cold War, particularly against Fidel Castro, rather than new information about the assassination itself.The CIA's efforts to assassinate Castro included using mafia hitmen and spying on the Cuban embassy in Mexico City. Dr. Earle emphasizes that these tactics were part of the CIA's policy in the 1950s and 60s. The discussion also explores the connection to Louisiana, where Lee Harvey Oswald lived and conducted activities related to Cuba.Dr. Earle expresses skepticism about new revelations from the documents, stating that they do not provide additional information about Lee Harvey Oswald or the assassination plot. He believes that the CIA's desire to cover its questionable tactics and spycraft contributed to the delay in releasing the documents.The conversation shifts to the enduring nature of conspiracy theories. Dr. Earle suggests that the chaotic and tragic nature of the JFK assassination fuels the desire for alternative explanations. He acknowledges the entertainment value of conspiracy theories but maintains that the preponderance of evidence supports Oswald as the lone assassin. Despite the release of documents, Dr. Earle believes that conspiracy theories will persist, especially with the influence of the internet allowing widespread speculation and research.