Ink Stained Wretches

We’re kicking off with the biggest story in American news media: the Murdoch family. We’re also discussing Hamas, Ukraine, and Mayor Karen Bass’s masterclass in spin. Wretch on!Timestamps: 4:28 - Front Page46:35 - Obsessions55:55 - Reader Mail57:21 - Favorite ItemsShow Notes: The Atlantic: Growing Up MurdochThe New York Times: ‘You’ve Blown a Hole in the Family’: Inside the Murdochs’ Succession Drama The New York Times: Hamas Releases What It Said Were the Bodies of 4 Israeli HostagesFree Beacon: WATCH: As Gazans Celebrate the Murder of Jewish Women and Children, NPR Calls the Scenes 'More Somber and Much Less Celebratory' Commentary Magazine: What Did Trump Just Say About Ukraine? WHAT??? The Wall Street Journal: How the Trumps Turned an Election Victory Into a Cash Bonanza The New York Times: How Trump’s Directives Echo Project 2025The Hill: Washington Post backs out of ‘Fire Elon Musk’ ad orderJeremy Barr on X: NBCUniversal is settling a lawsuit filed by obstetrician gynecologist Mahendra AminCollin Rug on X: NEW: LA Mayor Karen Bass says she’s investigating why she was allowed to go on a trip to Ghana days before the LA fires.The New York Times: As a White Man, Can I Date Women of Color to Advance My Antiracism?NPR: Performers protest Trump leadership at Kennedy Center with dance CBS News: Online searches for gambling addiction surge as sports betting expands, study findsThe New York Times: What Should I Wear to Protest an Unspoken Dress Code? The Telegraph: Margaret Brennan's CBS humiliation exposed everything that's wrong with the Left-wing media The New York Post: CBS News exec Adrienne Roark, who reprimanded anchor over Israel interview, plans to exit network The Wall Street Journal: Inside Amazon’s Messy Push to Bring Everyone Back to the Office I Might Be Wrong on Substack: I’m Such a Hopeless Libtard That It Bothers Me When We Side With the Authoritarian Predator State The New York Times: Art Adviser. Friend. Thief.

Dive into the chaos of current political crises, from media exclusion in the White House to Trump's controversial courtroom battles. Nostalgia for Ajit Pai brings laughs, while the Super Bowl halftime show stirs cultural debates. Tune in as the ethical implications of CNN's expansion in Qatar spark essential discussions on foreign funding in journalism. Plus, cherished family traditions during Super Bowl festivities remind us of the importance of connections amid the turmoil. It's a blend of serious analysis and playful banter!

Chris takes the lead this week as Eliana rests her vocal cords. This week, we are covering everything from the FCC to the trans sports ban out of the White House, as well as a few items on the Super Bowl and the latest shake from McDonald’s. Wretch on!Time Stamps: 2:04 - Front Page52:01 - Obsessions55:56 - Reader Mail57:48 - Favorite ItemsShow Notes:The Wall Street Journal: More Than 40,000 Federal Workers Have Resigned So Far, Short of Target  The Washington Post: Republican ire at USAID finds an unusual target: Politico The Hill: Politico publishes note ‘to set the record straight’ on government subscription outrage Axios: Scoop: Trump orders key government agency to cancel all media contracts Fortune: Member of Elon Musk’s DOGE resigns after being linked to a social media account that shared racist posts  NPR: Why CBS stands at the epicenter of Trump's assault on the media CJR: A Plea for Institutional ModestyAEI: When Anti-Press Ascendancy Meets FCC Public Interest Regulation The Wrap: Meta Hires Chief Correspondent From Tucker Carlson-Founded Daily Caller Mediaite: ‘Mass Murderer in Waiting’: Writer Accuses LA Times of Editing His Anti-RFK Op-Ed to Support Conspiracy Theorist Semafor: Inside Tom Cotton’s unconventional push for Tulsi Gabbard The Washington Post: The couple who want to make America procreate againThe New York Times: As Trump Attacks Diversity, a Racist Undercurrent Surfaces AP News: Winging it for the Super Bowl? Broccoli might be a cheaper party snack this year Poynter: Donald Trump brings back the tradition of the Super Bowl interview USA Today: Travis Kelce: Trump attending Super Bowl 'cool.' The president said 'I hate Taylor Swift.' The Hill: Whole Hog Politics: An inflection point for the transgender movement The Wall Street Journal: Americans Don’t Eat Enough Bacon. The Pork King Has a Plan.

Dive into the chaos of Trump's second administration and the internal conflicts about federal funding. Discover the tragic collision of a plane and a helicopter, provoking thoughts on accountability. Enjoy a humorous debate on the value of Valentine's Day flowers versus durable goods. Explore fashion trends, like the nostalgic return of 'lumber sexuality,' and the historical representation of transgender individuals during the Civil War. Plus, uncover Jim Justice's financial downfall contrasted with his billionaire image.

Explore a humorous take on the challenges of attending a frigid inauguration and the contrasting experiences of elite guests. Delve into urgent discussions about the impact of Trump's policies on Black America and media dynamics. Analyze the economic fallout of labeling cartels as terrorists and Biden's controversial pardons. Discover insights on CNN's layoffs amidst shifting landscapes in news coverage, and enjoy lighthearted anecdotes about favorite airlines, weaving through serious discussions of defamation in media.

The discussion kicks off with a reflective look at Biden's farewell address, exploring disappointment and political dynamics. The rising trend of private firefighting services in California highlights the socioeconomic divide during wildfires. Media controversies surrounding the L.A. mayor and significant resignations in journalism spark debates on leadership integrity. An intriguing analysis of tech politics includes the link between TikTok regulations and the Trump administration. Plus, bizarre conspiracy theories during crises raise concerns about misinformation's impact.

Explore the troubling landscape of fact-checking and the political ramifications surrounding misinformation, particularly with Meta's recent policy changes. Delve into the captivating Power Dynamics with insights from a White House chief of staff interview. Touch on the defamation trial against CNN and its implications for media credibility. Enjoy nostalgic musings about McDonald's and frenzied discussions over a $78 Birkin dupe, rounding out a lively, insightful conversation on contemporary cultural and political issues.

Reflecting on the year's political turbulence, discussions tackle Trump 2.0's resurgence and mainstream media's struggles. The Iowa caucus dynamics reveal surprising candidate strategies, while the cultural impact of McDonald's rebranding showcases societal shifts. Amidst partisan pressures, media integrity remains a hot topic, particularly regarding Biden's scrutiny. The financial challenges faced by racial justice activists highlight the limitations of funding in addressing systemic issues. Overall, the podcast navigates a complex media landscape in a divided political climate.

In this conversation, Megan McCardle, a columnist for the Washington Post, dives deep into the shifting tides of American journalism and politics. She critiques the recent media coverage of President Biden’s fitness, sparking a discussion on the implications of aging leaders. Megan also shares insights on coping with online trolling and the complexities of free speech in social media landscapes like Blue Sky. Additionally, they explore the intersection of health trends and political narratives, revealing the evolving discourse in today's culture.

The discussion kicks off with a critical look at Vogue’s ill-fated profile of Asma al-Assad, raising questions about media responsibility. From scrutinizing a scandal involving Trump’s DOJ and press freedom to navigating the quirks of group chat dynamics, the hosts delve into contemporary issues. They also tackle body image pressures during winter and the complexities of ethnic identity among white Americans. With lighthearted bets on political outcomes and reflections on historical figures, the conversation is engaging and thought-provoking.