This episode covers a shooting incident at the Washington Hilton Hotel during a major annual dinner that brings together top politicians, press, corporate sponsors, and celebrities, featuring firsthand details from attendee Mary Katharine Ham.

Mary Katharine explains the event’s layout and security, emphasizing the confrontation occurred a full floor above the ballroom, not outside its doors, and describes Secret Service agents streaming into the packed room, the tense uncertainty, and the eventual evacuation through service corridors amid heavy police activity and helicopters outside.

The discussion then shifts to how the story was reported, including erroneous early reports and debate over quoting a suspected shooter’s manifesto in interviews, with concerns about victim-blaming and glorifying political violence. What do you think about how the press reported this story that they, themselves, experienced?

00:00 Weekend Breaking News
01:08 Inside The Dinner
03:13 Security And Entry
04:28 Shots And Confusion
06:39 Ballroom Lockdown
11:57 Evacuation And Aftermath
15:33 Reporting And Rumors
17:38 Free Speech Aftermath
18:40 Press Tone Under Scrutiny
19:17 NPR Clip Breakdown
20:55 Assassination Attempts Context
22:52 Violence Rationalization Warning
23:55 CBS Manifesto Debate
26:28 Double Standards And Victim Blame
28:13 Host Recap And Reporting Ethics
29:16 Event Logistics And Security
30:30 Bipartisan Calls For Sanity
33:35 What The Real Story Is
34:29 Closing Thoughts And Next News

Mary Katharine Ham

Normally Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/normally/id1769997814
Getting Hammered: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/getting-hammered/id1589858387

Can AI be held responsible for a crime?

In this episode, Jenna breaks down a surprising move by Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, who announced a criminal investigation into OpenAI and ChatGPT following a tragic shooting at Florida State University.

At the center of the case: a new legal theory — if an AI chatbot “aids, abets, or counsels” a crime, could a company be held criminally liable?

Jenna explains how this idea challenges long-standing internet protections under Section 230, and why more state-level cases are testing the limits of tech accountability.

You’ll also hear:

OpenAI’s response and what the company says it did
Why this case could reshape how we view AI: tool vs. participant
Key takeaways from a Capitol Hill hearing on AI-driven scams, fraud, and cybercrime
How criminals are already using AI for phishing, deepfakes, ransomware, and more
The growing debate: innovation vs. public safety

Plus: Jenna walks through the three biggest questions this story raises — and why they matter right now.

00:00 Cold Open Chat
00:09 Florida AG Investigation
01:50 Section 230 Explained
03:00 Aiding And Abetting Theory
04:47 OpenAI Response And Other Cases
06:08 Is AI Search Or Partner
07:11 Capitol Hill AI Crime Hearing
11:45 Three Big Questions
13:40 Guardrails And Alcohol Analogy
15:13 Closing Thoughts Rita Peters

Jenna previews an unpredictable news week, highlighting uncertainty over planned U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan as the ceasefire deadline nears. 

Tensions in the Strait of Hormuz continue to climb after U.S. forces stopped and seized an Iranian vessel following hours of warnings, and questions about who is currently leading Iran’s government. 

She flags a Louisiana domestic shooting that’s received national attention - as the biggest major mass shooting in more than 2 years. She explains how terms like “mass shooting” and “mass killing” vary by definition and often exclude domestic or gang-related incidents. 

The episode also covers a federal probe into disappearances and deaths of people linked to sensitive U.S. sites, cautioning that some labeled “scientists” may not be, but that the case has now received heightened attention due to President Trump's comments.

She updates a significant development in the Nancy Guthrie case as a hair DNA sample is transferred from a private Florida lab to the FBI. 

Finally, Jenna revisits the 2013 Boston Marathon bombing, its ties to extremist inspiration, and related news headlines today, in an unexpected way.

00:00 Week Ahead Overview

01:20 US Iran Talks Uncertain

02:20 Strait Tensions Escalate

04:32 Why Pakistan Hosts Talks - And Why That Matters

06:21 Louisiana Family Shooting

07:42 What Mass Shooting Means In The Press Vs. Law Enforcement

11:30 Scientists Missing Probe

14:19 Why You Should Exercise Caution When Reading Headlines

15:16 Nancy Guthrie DNA Update

19:32 Boston Bombing Remembered

24:20 Iran Terror Links Explained

31:19 Death Row And Appeals

34:20 Wrap Up And Next Steps

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 "The suburban dad next door who was also a serial killer"

A serial killer admits to his crimes, but is justice served?

We tackle that question and others in a wide-ranging conversation with investigative journalist Alexis Linkletter, who has covered this case for more than a decade and has poured several years into developing a podcast series on the mystery called, "Unraveled."

Alexis recounts being in court as Rex Heuermann entered a guilty plea, admitting to being the Long Island serial killer. 

She describes the intense scene, the victims’ families present, and Heuermann’s apathetic demeanor as he admitted to strangling eight victims.

The discussion traces the case’s history from the 2010 discovery of remains and the impact of Suffolk County corruption, to the revived multi-agency task force under District Attorney Ray Tierney.

Linkletter explains how an early tip about a green Chevy Avalanche, phone-location links, surveillance, and DNA from discarded items helped lead to Heuermann’s 2023 arrest.

She highlights cutting-edge nuclear DNA testing of rootless hairs that passed an initial hearing, potentially opening doors for other cold cases not only in New York but other states as well.

The episode previews the June sentencing, FBI Behavioral Science Unit interviews, possible additional victims, and CODIS (Combined DNA Index System) implications.

Is justice done? We report. You decide.

00:00 Guilty Plea Shocker

01:13 Inside the Courthouse

02:28 What He Admitted To

03:41 Origins of the Case

04:04 Corruption and Coverups

06:36 Coincidence at Court

09:26 Centering the Victims

12:47 Cold Case Breakthrough

13:51 Task Force and DNA Trail

14:51 The Tip That Cracked It

18:01 Double Life Questions

19:26 Hearing the Confession

22:07 Why Plead Guilty

23:28 Family in the Fallout

24:02 Basement Crime Timeline

26:02 More Victims Questions

27:17 Asian Doe Clues

29:38 Rootless Hair Breakthrough

32:17 Admissibility Frye Hearing

34:14 Courtroom Demeanor

34:45 Why He Killed

38:00 Sentencing Stakes

38:30 FBI Behavioral Study

41:41 Justice And Victims

44:10 CODIS And Future Cases

46:22 Book Project Wrap

Alexis Linkletter
Podcast: Unraveled

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Jenna previews a busy week of major stories, framed by Artemis astronaut Jeremy Hansen’s “Joy Train” message about teams regaining perspective and joy. 

Internationally, she clarifies reports about a U.S. “blockade” in the Strait of Hormuz, explaining Central Command describes actions focused on ships entering or exiting Iranian ports rather than blocking international waters, and notes the move follows failed U.S.-Iran talks in Pakistan centered on securing a long-term Iranian commitment not to pursue nuclear weapons, with Iran accusing the U.S. of shifting goalposts; oil prices remain elevated amid a ceasefire timeline. 

In Europe, Hungary’s longtime leader Viktor Orban suffers a “stunning defeat” to 45-year-old Peter Maygar, a centrist-right figure focused on the economy and anti-corruption, raising questions about shifts in alliances and conservatism. 

Domestically, allegations against Rep. Eric Swalwell lead him to exit California’s governor race as Congress debates rare expulsion moves that also involve Rep. Tony Gonzalez, while the First Lady publicly denies any relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and urges continued investigation amid disputes over former Attorney General Pam Bondi’s testimony.

**UPDATE** ERIC SWALWELL released a statement on Monday around 5:15 est announcing his intention to resign from Congress.

00:00 Week Ahead Preview

00:27 Joy Train Mindset

02:21 Strait of Hormuz Blockade

05:41 Iran Talks and Nuclear Standoff

09:33 Oil Prices and Global Stakes

11:04 Hungary Election Shock

14:12 What Orban Loss Signals

17:39 Swalwell Scandal Fallout

22:09 Expulsion Push in Congress

27:41 Melania and Epstein Questions

31:20 Reporting Gray Areas

33:30 Artemis Wisdom and Signoff

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The President says he wants to go after those who leaked information about a rescue operation in Iran - Can he?

Jenna takes you to a portion of a White House press conference that drew attention after the president blamed press reporting and a leaker for revealing a second missing airman during a rescue operation in Iran, saying the media company should give up the source “or go to jail.” 

She clarifies that while there is legal precedent for the government to pursue the leaker, she knows of no precedent for prosecuting a media organization for publishing accurate (or even inaccurate) information, and notes protections for journalists vary: most states have shield laws, but there is no federal shield law. 

She cites the Iraq War-era case in which New York Times journalist Judith Miller was jailed 85 days for contempt after refusing to reveal sources, but leads us to a larger ethical questions about reporting sensitive details during national security events.

Plus - Jenna shares her grandfather's reporter's handbook - from his time embedded with U.S. forces during WWII.

What do you think about his responsibilities as a member of the press?

00:00 Press Freedom Question
00:26 Trump Leak Threat Clip
01:19 Rescue Mission Context
03:36 Who Is He Targeting
05:23 Journalist Protections Explained
07:54 No Federal Shield Law
08:34 Judith Miller Case Study
11:27 State vs Federal Subpoenas
14:15 Ethics vs Legality
17:01 WWII Censorship Rules
20:23 What Free Press Means Now
21:15 Wrap Up and Support

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Jenna recaps a 90-minute White House press conference that provided the first on-the-record details about the rescue of two U.S. Air Force crew members after an F-15 went down in hostile Iranian territory late Thursday/early Friday. 

Officials said both airmen ejected and landed separately; the pilot (Dude 44 Alpha) was located and rescued first, while the weapons systems officer (Dude 44 Bravo) was injured, evaded capture for more than a day in mountainous terrain, and was rescued Saturday night into Easter Sunday amid heavy enemy fire, with no U.S. casualties though some equipment was damaged. 

CIA Director John Ratcliffe described deploying human assets, “exquisite technologies,” and a deception campaign to misdirect Iranian forces. 

Jenna highlights key unanswered questions, including the mission/target, how Iran shot the jet down despite claimed air dominance, and details about the officer’s injuries, while noting President Trump’s Tuesday 8:00 PM Eastern deadline for an Iran deal and potential escalation.

00:00 Press Conference Preview

01:21 Why Iran Matters

05:27 Social Media Fog

07:18 Timeline From General Cain

10:53 Survival Behind Lines

14:25 Rescue Operation Details

17:20 CIA Role And Deception

22:54 Unanswered Press Questions

26:33 Deadline And Next Steps

31:30 Wrap Up And Press Rights

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Two months after the disappearance of Nancy Guthrie, key questions remain unanswered.

In this episode, Jenna interviews law enforcement and crime expert Morgan Wright to examine the biggest unknowns in the case, what investigators may be focusing on now, and why certain details continue to raise questions.

We discuss:
• what investigators may be prioritizing two months later
• why a $1.2 million reward has not led to answers
• whether the evidence suggests more than one person involved
• how investigators evaluate vehicles and surveillance evidence
• what this case may reveal about personal safety and preparedness
• what could help move the investigation forward

This expert conversation provides context on what we know, what remains unclear, and why the case continues to draw national attention.

#NancyGuthrie #TrueCrime #MissingPerson #CrimeAnalysis #News #Investigation #MorganWright

TIMESTAMPS
00:00 Assumptions In The Case

00:22 Meet Morgan Wright

03:02 Detective Work Basics

06:32 Who What Where When

07:29 Missing Pieces

10:17 Ransom And Early Statements

10:40 The First On The Record Remarks from Pima County's Sheriff Nanos

12:35 Bedroom Clues and Blood Trail

18:25 Press Conference Anomalies

22:24 Targeted Or Random

24:46 Motive and DNA Strategy

29:30 Smoking Gun Myth

30:03 Naming Suspects Too Soon

30:30 Ring Footage Timeline Confusion

32:12 Metadata and Physics Timeline

33:50 Why FBI Releases Evidence

35:05 How Many Offenders?

38:11 Camera Data Retention Limits

40:16 Neighbors Dogs and Outages

42:55 Debunking Wifi Jammer Claims

45:34 Abandoned House Speculation

48:40 Media Coverage and NBC Interview

50:05 Crime Scene Details Doors Blood

56:50 Ransom Notes and Withholding Info

01:00:50 Cruel Ransom Trolls

01:01:25 Proof of Life Standards

01:02:24 Why No Arrests Yet

01:03:33 NBC Drip Marketing

01:07:21 Ethics Over Programming

01:09:28 Security Cameras Done Right

01:11:39 Family Led Public Appeals

01:14:48 Give the Public a Mission

01:18:00 Actionable Home Security

01:23:52 Trust Your Gut

01:25:07 Wrap Up and Next Steps

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Jenna interviews space journalist Kristin Fisher of Endless Void Studios about why NASA’s Artemis II mission matters, framing it as a choice to lead or follow as China and others pursue the Moon.
 
The daughter of two NASA astronauts, Fisher says success is simply returning the four astronauts safely, calling it NASA’s riskiest human test flight since Apollo because this rocket has flown only once and, after a certain part of the journey (a trans-lunar injection) there is no rescue option. 
 
She explains recent delays stemmed from hydrogen/helium leak issues and notes a “point of no return”  before a single lunar slingshot flyby that will set a human distance record. 
 
Kristin describes the importance of the “lunar base” competition between the U.S., Russia and China for “property” at the Moon’s south pole - a key spot for potential ice that carries huge national security implications. 
 
Fisher also shares the details of her “Launch Party” live coverage aimed at space-curious viewers.

00:00 Why Artemis II Matters

01:11 Leading the Moon Return

02:29 Defining Mission Success

03:43 Human Risk and Reality

05:54 Hydrogen Leak Delays

08:47 Countdown and Launch Day

11:59 Flight Plan to the Moon

13:33 Why This Crew Won’t Land On the Moon

14:42 Stakes of the Space Race 2.0 

17:33 Launch Party Coverage

20:47 Final Thanks 

Kristin Fischer:
 Launch Party
Endless Void Studios
Instagram

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Jenna previews a consequential week of news heading into Easter weekend from the space race to social media company lawsuits and the headlines in between (including sharks ... on painkillers).

On The Middle East: Pres. Trump expresses optimism about a deal with Iran, references a 15-point plan, claims Iran is shipping large amounts of oil, and loosely characterizes leadership changes as “regime change,” while escalation indicators include Houthi attacks on Israel, increased U.S. troop levels (about 50,000 vs. a typical 40,000), Israel-Hezbollah exchanges, and NATO intercepting Iranian missiles aimed at Turkey. 

On The Economy: Rising oil prices impact the economy and move the markets into "correction" territory (a decline of 10% off their highs).

In The Courtroom: Major jury verdicts against Meta, YouTube, on child safety and “addictive” designs. These lawsuits challenge Section 230 protections.

In Space: A possible Artemis II launch is schedule for Wednesday. We detail a 10-day crewed mission around the Moon, and discusses space as strategic “high ground.”

00:00 The Week That Changes Everything

01:54 Sharks on Drugs

04:27 Iran Waterways and Oil

05:12 President Gaggle Highlights - Including Potential De-escalatory talks.

09:24 Escalation Signals in the Middle East

13:09 Gas Prices and Market Jitters

16:57 Artificial Intelligence and SaaS (Software as a Service) Uncertainty

22:08 Social Media Legal Showdown

27:21 Meta Verdict Fallout in New Mexico

30:02 California "Defective" Design Case in California

31:25 Cigarette Lawsuit Parallels

32:40 The impact of infinite scrolling.

35:33 Quick update on the DHS shutdown.

38:17 Budget Chaos And Precedent

39:35 Artemis II Moon Race

43:25 The NASA Administrator refers to "Space As High Ground"

46:57 Why Space Hype Fades: 

49:34 Teen Screen Time Data

52:00: Beware of the Sneaky Sasquatch.

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