Sidebar With Katie Phang - 7/29/2026

Hey everybody, it's Katie Fang and welcome to another Sidebar Live on Katie Fang News. Yes, I just wrapped a SubSack Live with the amazing Katie Couric. It was Katie Squared. And I definitely wanted to make sure that I rushed to be able to hang out with all of you. As always, as I start Sidebar at Live, I say thank you. Thank you for the privilege every time. I know that you have a lot going on. But as always, what we try to do here is we try to go a little bit beyond just what the headlines are so that you. leave as a high information American and you understand everything that is at stake. Without further ado, I'm going to bring in now because I'm thrilled to be able to have this conversation with him. And it is the governor of Kentucky, Andy Beshear. Governor Andy Beshear, thanks to joining all of us here at Katie Fang News. Excited to do it. Also recently was on with Katie Kirk. So it's good to talk to both, Katie's. Look, and I know that you were on with Katie Kirk because I read up about it. And so, Governor, I'm going to play straight out of the gate two very short clips for you of Senator Mitch McConnell. And then I'll have some questions for you on the underside. But take a watch and listen. We're on a path to finishing the NDA this week. It's been good by partisan cooperation. And a string of...

Is it okay? Are you good? Mitch? Anything else you want to say? Do you want to say? Do you want to say anything else to say? Do you want to say anything else to the press? I'm running for re-election in 2026. What are my thoughts about what? Running for re-election in 2026. Oh, that's, uh. Did you hear the question, Senator? I'm running for re-election in 2026. Yes. Governor Bashar. I take no satisfaction in playing those clips for you. Those are from 2023. That is three years ago. And I feel like you've also kind of gotten a sense of heightened urgency in trying to find out what the actual hell is going on with Senator Mitch McConnell. A letter you sent out dated July 27th was addressing the senator directly, but acknowledged that if he was incapable of reading and responding verbally and not incapacitated by means of consciousness or cognition, that his staff had the obligation to be on. honest and transparent with the people of Kentucky. Governor, it's been 43 days. I know that there was some, as they're calling it, proof of life correspondence or notice that was sent out by the senator. It had some accompanying language from some physicians. I mean, at this point, Governor Andy Beshear, what are you going to do? So what we're looking at here is just a failure of Mitch McConnell to be honest and direct with the American people and the people of Kentucky. Now, for all your viewers, just think if you were away from work for six weeks, you'd be expected to call your boss and explain what's going on and a prognosis for moving forward. That's all we're asking of Mitch McConnell. And Scott Jennings out there as protege claims they had a 17-minute conversation. So Katie, why can't he call in or come on and have a three-minute conversation with you or with anyone else? It is not asking a lot. And it is just further fan the flames of the speculation of what's going on with Mitch McConnell. And that speculation is reasonable, especially since those two clips. So as Kentucky's governor, I've demanded that he either provide... Some proof, verbal proof to the people of Kentucky that he still has the capacity to do this job or to resign. Now as a state constitutional officer, I can't remove a federally elected officer. You know, our government doesn't work that way. That's typically done in the Senate through resignation, through death, or through a vote by the Senate itself. So I didn't just send that letter to Mitch McConnell, a Senate to John Thune as well. He is a majority leader in the Senate and he has a duty to ensure that every single one of the members has capacity to serve. I have asked him to investigate, to talk to the American people about Mitch McConnell's condition or to begin the process of declaring that office vacant in the Senate.

Governor Andy Beshear, part of the reason why I wanted to have this conversation is I wanted to also let people understand what you can do. There's a lot of things flying around on social media about what you can and cannot do as the governor of the state of Kentucky when it comes to. I'll use the word vacancy at this point because I'm not really sure what the heck is going on, right? So let's be clear. Back in 2021, the way that it worked was you, despite trying to veto this, you were then put in a position where you were going to have to pick if a vacancy came up for a Senate seat. You'd have to pick from a list of three that would be provided by the party of that senator. So for example, speak, you know, plainly. If it was Senator Mitch McConnell, the Republicans would have been able to give you a list of three from which you would choose to be able to fill it. Back in 2024, there was a law that was passed that pretty much got rid of that. So I want everybody who's tuning in now that'll tune in later to understand. You as the governor of Kentucky, according to. 118.720, which is a law in the state of Kentucky, you are supposed to do a special election who would then hold the office of Mitch McConnell until his term lapses, which is January of 2027. However, your state constitution has Section 152 that deals with vacancies, and it says plainly, Vacancies in all offices for the state at large or for districts larger than a county shall be filled by appointment of the governor. And all other appointments shall be made as may be prescribed by law. I mean, Governor Andy Beshear, it sounds to me you either call the special election. which would then maybe force somebody, including Mitch McConnell, to come to you and try to sue you to stop you from filling his seat if he's able to do so, or you yourself, pursuant to your Constitution, just put somebody in that seat if we don't get some satisfactory answers from Mitch McConnell. Yeah, so you can only call a special election if there's a vacancy. And the declaration of that is ultimately for the Senate. But remember, I also have a Republican Secretary of State. And those are the offices that ultimately conduct those elections. But let's talk for just a minute. For those that are saying, call a special election, call a special election, we haven't won as Democrats a U.S. Senate seat since 1992. So I call a special election, and we are likely in this interim period to get someone more obedient to Trump that will support him in every single way than Mitch McConnell. So Mitch McConnell's vacancy isn't acceptable because the people of Kentucky deserve representation. But what does it mean? One less vote for the SAVE Act. One less vote to potentially replace a conservative Supreme Court justice.

and put another on. One less vote to continue the war in Iran. One less vote for all these terrible things that congressional Republicans are doing to the country. Again, whether or not there is the appointment power or the special election is required, I think that is a question of law in Kentucky that has not been decided. But what I've said is if there is a vacancy. If we have the proof that there is the vacancy, then I'm keeping all options on the table because we cannot continue to have a Congress that simply allows this president to run over the Constitution and harm the American people. Look, I appreciate the chess versus checkers here of maybe trying to outwit Republicans, including Trump, by having Mitch McConnell not be reporting to duty and not being able to do even more harm as he has done. I guess my question is this, what are you defining then as a vacancy? And how much time are you going to wait before you actually get some satisfactory kind of definition of what that vacancy is? Again, a governor of a state can't declare a vacancy in a federal office. And some people are saying, just ignore that. Ignore the law, ignore the Constitution, ignore the separation between the federal and the state. And some would say, hey, Mitch McConnell would ignore. the Constitution. Some are saying Donald Trump would ignore the Constitution. Well, I'm not going to be the Democratic version of Mitch McConnell and Donald Trump. And if that's what people are looking for, they're looking in the wrong place. We've got to provide leadership. We have got to carry ourselves in a way that tells the American people with the 26 election coming up and the 28 later that there is a better way, that we can get back to being the United States of America that we recognize and that we don't see a government that takes a wrecking ball to the rule of law. Governor, I guess my next question then would be this, because I also subscribe to the rule of law, right? I mean, I'm a trial lawyer. I am somebody who's definitely respecting that. There also, though, I think comes a point of time where, you know, you kind of have to shake the tree a little harder. So let's talk about John Thune, right? Because I do think it's appropriate to put pressure on John Thune to actually also give answers to the American people, including those in Kentucky. Have you gotten any? any type of feedback from Foon about trying to get some transparency. Even Scott Jennings, as you acknowledge in your letter from yesterday, even Scott Jennings, who I'm no fan of, said if there had been a little bit more transparency in Mitch McConnell, he could save himself a lot of grief. I kind of feel like Foon really needs to feel the heat on this one as well. I agree. And it is the place that we can actually get some results in this. Remember, if the Senate is the only group that can declare this vacancy, which is true? They're the only group that could seat someone. So even if I tried to make an appointment, they're not going to seat a Democrat if that's who I appointed or anybody else. But John Thune has a duty in the Senate. And remember, he's down a vote. for all these different things. It should be in his interest, and I think Josh Hawley is calling on him, and others to say, Mitch, you've got to come back to work, or ultimately we're going to declare a vacancy here. Now, remember, if he does that.

It could result one way or another in another vote for some things that could harm our country that could pull voting rights away from other people. So you're right, there's the checkers and there's the chess here. And I know there's a lot of people online that, again, just want to feel good, want to see a certain amount of action. My job in the end is to do the best I can for the American people and to make sure that no one further has those voting rights torn back, that we protect our elections in 26. and 28, that we are there for Americans who are getting crushed by higher taxes, that we can get out of a war in Iran that has not only skyrocketed the price of gas and diesel, but also fertilizer for all of our farmers. There is a lot of tough things the American people are facing. And whether or not something that I do or don't do is a popular thing online, I'm always going to do what benefits the American people who I signed up to serve. And I know people believe that about you. Sir, and that is the reason why you do have such a strong support. I'm going to leave you with the following governor. And again, I am a big rule of law girl, and I am a big respectful person when it comes to the law. But I'm going to leave you with a little thought. You say, and I concur, you cannot on your own declare a vacancy. And I know that that's the law. But there is this idea, I think, where you could probably say that there is a constructive vacancy that has happened due to the absence of this senator and the absence of transparency to Kentuckians. And that that constructive vacancy is the reason why you do an appointment or you do something that moves the ball forward. I'm just suggesting that only because sometimes that can dislodge, I think, the truth. And I think that's what everybody wants, including you. Your letter has made it clear to John Thune and to Mitch McConnell and his staff. Footnote. who, by the way, his chief is getting $226,000 a year to be the chief of staff to Mitch McConnell when so many Kentuckians and Americans can't even afford health care or basic necessities. But you have told them that you want answers. I didn't see a deadline, though. Are you going to follow up and say, I need information by a date certain? Oh, we're going to keep pushing. As you see, this was the second letter, and I'm out there doing interviews on somebody's personal health, which isn't something that any of us want to do. But the people of Kentucky deserve answers. And I respect that you're a trial lawyer. I haven't seen the reality of a thing called a constructive vacancy. I'm making it up on the fly, governor. I'm just trying to help you in your state of Kentucky. No, I get it. I'm going to continue to push. I'm going to do it within the rule of law. But listen, we wouldn't be here without the noise we're seeing on this without how hard I'm pushing. And I would suggest to people that John Thune is a place that they should press and push because I want to make sure, and it's not because it's me, the Democrats get out of this practice of Republicans do something bad. And instead of spotlighting the Republicans doing something bad, we attack Democrats for... our perception that they might not be doing enough to stop it. If someone's going to rob a bank, we should be against the bank robber and not just attacking the security guard that's in it. So as Democrats that are out there, trying to call out Republicans, trying to win elections, trying to put people in positions where we can do more for the American people, let's just make sure we're trying to be constructive in the way we do it.

Well, I'm happy to draft some letters for you every week, Governor, if you want me to. I'm happy to sit there and escalate it for you. Governor, Andy Beshear, it really is a privilege to be able to spend the time of you. And thank you for being willing to have these honest and very transparent conversations that we're not getting from Republicans, but you're willing to have them with me. And I know that my viewers really appreciate you. So thank you so much. And Katie, if we have a position open up in our general counsel's office, we can use all that help. So come on. Thanks, Governor. It's good to see you. Thank you. Thank you. Folks, Governor Andy Beshear from the state of Kentucky. And look, I really wasn't joshing with him when I said this constructive vacancy idea. I'm kind of at this point where, you know, he really does raise a really profound dilemma that I think a lot of us find ourselves in and not just me, but you that's tuning in as well. You know, we don't want to allow the lawlessness to happen on the side of the Republicans. We are fed up and we're tired with the noncompliance with court orders, with laws like the Epstein Files Transparency Act. And so I kind of was saying this. Look, you know, I understand and I appreciate this kind of chess versus checkers moves that's happening here. But fundamentally, If you have to think outside the box, if you have to try to find a way to force something to be dislodged, as I suggested to the governor, then maybe that's what we do. We always do it within the confines of the law, but we get creative about it because that's really one of the only ways we can advance this ball. Now, I will say, and I do underscore the messaging from Governor Andy Beshear, which is this. Not having Mitch McConnell on appropriations, not having Mitch McConnell doing the votes, for example, for like, I don't know, Todd Blanche, right? If he makes that at Senate judiciary, it is one less Republican vote. And when the margins are so razor thin right now in D.C., sure, we want one man down. That being said, though, it's bullshit. It's bullshit that... Mitch McConnell can be glitching out the way that he does for years, can have a series of falls, can do all of these things and not even look like he's capable of mental acuity to do this job. Again, I don't think the man's dead. But I don't think he's all there. And I don't think it's right that people can go 43 plus days without reporting for their job because you and I both know, like the governor aptly noted, that if you said, peace out and you didn't roll up for your job for more than 43 days, you wouldn't have one. So. All of that aside, you also heard a directive, and I echo it as well. Let's start putting pressure on John Thune. Let's start blowing up that phone. Let's start calling. Let's start emailing. Let's start hitting up John Thune to say, what in the actual hell are you doing to be able to get answers about what is going on with Mitch McConnell versus the BS proof of life things that we're getting. I'm going to add a little bit of levity here.

I'm going to pull up a blue sky post of a friend of mine named Jeff Yang, and he's known the Chow family, Elaine Chow and her family. since college. And Jeff says, I can't imagine Elaine, one of the most put together people in existence, releasing a pick wearing a fin shirt over a visible black bra and untucked. It's implausible. I got to tell you, Sydney, can we do the side to side on the pictures, the proof of life pictures? I don't know, folks. I don't know. Y'all can let me know if you think it's real or it's not. But at this point, I don't know. I don't know. My jury remains out. I wanted to also say that Mitch McConnell's proof of life statement that he released yesterday on July 27th talked about how he's not going to go to fancy farm on Saturday, which is my birthday, by the way. He says, there's no place I'd rather be on the first Saturday in August than with the good people of Western Kentucky feasting on pork and mutton. Yeah, that's my emoji face of what. And then the office of the attending physician says that the physicians visit with a senator every day discussing all aspects of his rehabilitation care. Well, who are they discussing it with? Are they discussing it with Elaine? Are they discussing whether the family members? Are they actually having a conversation with Mitch McConnell? He has maintained a strenuous course of physical therapy and rehab, including multiple sessions a day to rebuild strength and reduce risk of future falls. I still don't hear anything about mental acuity. Verbalization. Mental acuity. Still haven't heard anything. I'm not quite sure. Let's stay on the vein of old people. in Congress. And let's talk about the funeral of Lindsey Graham. Maybe not the most elegant of transitions, but there you go. Today was one of a series of days of remembrances, memorial, whatever you want to call it for Lindsey Graham. There was a service today at the National Cathedral. And as you see, convicted felon Donald Trump, you had JD Vance. I saw I spy. I didn't I spy when I was watching the video live. Saw Todd Blanche, saw Failson. Eric Trump, wife Laura, saw a whole bunch of people, a whole bunch of people there, including Supreme Court Justice Brett Kavanaugh in the front row of mourners. His link to Lindsey Graham. Graham was one of his most passionate defenders during Brett Kavanaugh's confirmation hearings back in 2018 when Brett Kavanaugh was accused of sexually assaulting a fellow student during high school.

Among other things. In addition, there was Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Susie Wiles, the chief of staff, and a whole slew of dignitaries. I would not include Sean Hannity for Fox News as a dignitary, but he was there. And the reason why I bring him up is he made it a point, as in Sean Hannity, made it a point to acknowledge the presence of a, quote, very special person, VIP, at the Lindsey Graham Cathedral, National Cathedral Service. And I want you to listen as to whom his ass was kissing. Whose ass he was kissing? I don't know, y'all. I'll fix my grammar, but take a listen. I see Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is here. Mr. Prime Minister, you too have been a dear friend of mine for 30 years. It's an honor to have you. And Lindsay would have been blown away that you took this long journey with your beautiful bride to be here today. He loved you. He loved the state of Israel. He loved the people of Israel. Under your leadership, Israel has been one of America's most consistent and loyal allies. He was never shy to say it to the day he passed. Well, let's talk about Benjamin Netanyahu because he was present at that memorial service, but he had also spent time earlier in the day at the White House. And that was the first time that he and convicted felon Donald Trump had met since launching this illegal joint. effort, war, assault, whatever the hell you want to call it, against Iran. Now, this closed door meeting for an hour and a half, no readout whatsoever other than the following from press secretary, Karoline Leavitt, who said that it was a, quote, positive and productive meeting. Benjamin Netanyahu himself coming out afterwards saying it was a, quote, excellent meeting on a post on Benjamin Netanyahu's Instagram profile. He says, When I say, excellent, I don't mean it in a superficial way, a conversation with full partnership, with mutual support, with an understanding of the common goal of ensuring that Iran does not have nuclear weapons and other goals as well. One of the best conversations I've had with the president of the United States, our friend Donald Trump. problematic statement from Benjamin Netanyahu, considering this war is illegal and not congressionally authorized. Considering the fact that 18, at a minimum, active service members have died. Americans have died because of this illegal war. Considering the fact that we as Americans continue to get deemed financially and economically because of this illegal war. And yet our interests have to be 100% aligned with those of Israel at this point. I got a problem. I got a serious problem with that, right? Now, The defense minister of Israel, Israel Kat, stating that Israel, quote, very much wants to attack energy targets in Iran, but the United States does not allow it at the moment. Remember that phrase. At the moment.

out of concern that Iran will hit neighboring states and that will be a globe, that will, then there will be a global fuel crisis. Kat's adding that Israel was ready to hit around a third time by itself and to quote, take it back 40 years. So you don't have to be a rocket scientist for this. If Israel and U.S. has aligned interests, and you have Israel through its president stating, your prime minister, excuse me, and through its defense minister stating that they want to, quote, take Iran back 40 years. Is that what we're doing again? Is that what we're signing up for again? Involuntarily, by the way. Ramazan Sharif, though, former spokesman for Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, The ideological military force that has solidified its control over Iran during the war said on Sunday that Iran's enemy, America, had faced strategic defeat at every step, and that is according to Iranian state media. And yet, according to Donald Trump, we're doing great. According to Donald Trump, apparently, and I have a sound about this, or maybe I don't, Sydney, I actually have some sound to play for you right now, which is Donald Trump on air first one talking about being in alignment with Israel. Take a quick listen. You don't want to see him replace his leader? I haven't even thought of it. And you're with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tomorrow. Why did you ask for that meeting? And are you guys on the same page on Iraq? Are you on the same page on Iran? You and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu? Yeah, pretty close. We have a little difference, but pretty close, yeah. Well, Iran took a beating over the last 14 days, and they asked us very nicely, please stop, let's meet. And that's what we are right now, see what happens. If we don't make a deal, we go back to the same thing. I haven't heard Iran say, please stop. That's like every time Fallen Trump opens the mouth and says, people are saying or, you know, the glint in the eyes of the people that were saying, please, more bombs, please more war. It's not happening people. It's not. It's not happening. And yet, could you ask somebody what the status is of this war with Iran? Because I literally have to check because I don't really know because, of course, we don't get any information. And it just seems like in this weird stasis where nothing's happening. And yet clear of this stuff happening because Iran controls the Strait of Hormuz. And how do I know? Because what's the latest from the AAA, Sydney? Let's bring that up. Oh, the national average. Price as of July 28th, 2026. Looks a little expensive people. $4 and I'm rounding up, 10 cents. $4.10 per gallon. That's a national average. Average by definition means there's a lot more in certain places and a lot less. As always, in the chat in the comments, I see you guys posting. Maybe somebody can let me know how much gas is costing for you because I know I just completed a road trip from Detroit to northern Michigan and back and that gas was not cheap.

Another person who attended the Lindsey Graham Memorial Service today at the National Cathedral, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. I'm a big fan of his. And he also met earlier in the day with convicted felon Donald Trump. Karoline Leavitt, her readout, the meeting was positive and productive. I think that's the same language you used for the Benjamin Netanyahu one. So we'll take that with a grain of salt. But. Volodymyr Zelensky got some good news. Now, remember, Lindsey Graham literally flew back like a day before he died from Ukraine, where he had met with Volodymyr Zelensky and others. And I will give credit always where credit is due. You know I do. Lindsey Graham. May have been a flawed man, but he did support Ukraine against Vladimir Putin and Russia, which was the right thing to do. And Lizzie Graham was a big advocate for support for Ukraine, which we know a lot of Republicans are wishy-washy on the idea of, I don't know, you know, Vladimir Putin being a dictator. So here's some good news and breaking news. An initial vote is expected tonight on a bipartisan deal. to stop purchasers of Russian oil and gas, to be able to fuel Vladimir Putin's war machine, and to continue to restrict the Iranian regime's ability to support terrorism and to build its nuclear program. Volodymyr Zelensky has long pressed for this type of sanctions package, and he will be meeting with United States senators, not Mitch McConnell, on Capitol Hill. and that this bipartisan bill is going to be up for an initial vote tonight. So, silver lining, as you will, that comes from the passing of Lindsey Graham, maybe Republicans will be guilted into actually supporting the right side of this war of aggression that was caused by Vladimir Putin attacking Ukrainians. This war has been ongoing for years, folks, and it doesn't get as much attention as other things, but it should. Because it is backstopping, backstopping that backslide into autocracy in Europe. Let's move on to our next block and sidebar, which is also the block Todd Blanche block. Let's get the latest on the Todd Blanche thing. I talked about John Cornyn briefly with Katie Couric tonight on her substack live. And the reason why I want to bring up John Cornyn is he seems to be the lone holdout on the Republicans on Senate judiciary. Remember, folks, it's only one Republican vote to peel off to stop Todd Blanche from getting out of Senate judiciary to make it to the big floor vote for the Senate. Now, John Cornyn's an interesting fellow, isn't he? Remember, he got screwed by felon Trump for the primary. Trump ended up backing Ken Paxton, who has his whole slew of problems as well with voter fraud allegations. But remember, we thought Thom Tillis, and we thought who's on his way out.

And suddenly finds Jesus every once in a while on his way out, but couldn't do it when he was actually in office. But Thom Tillis and John Cornyn, we thought would be the lone holdouts when it comes to supporting blocking Todd Blanche's vote, right? Or his confirmation. Thom Tillis, we all know that he fizzled out. Although, listen, if he wants to redeem himself, he'll block it. But remember, Thom Tillis told Todd Blanche, go and meet with the Epstein victims and survivors. Todd Blanche hurried and did it and did it in a half-assed horrible way. And Thom Tillis still gave him. a victory lap on social media. So, eh. But John Cornyn, do me favor and bring up that portion of the settlement agreement so everybody can see it on the screen right now. So the settlement agreement that came from that bullshit collusive IRS lawsuit brought by Trump in Florida, there's a provision in it. And within that settlement agreement, it actually has a provision that says that any modifications to the settlement agreement may be modified only by way of the written agreement of the parties. Now. One of my favorite questionings and line of questionings that was done that was too long to replay for you here was John Cornyn when he was questioning Todd Blanche about where is the written modification of the settlement agreement to allow for that $1.8 billion slush fund to be eliminated. Recall. Todd Blanche refuses to put into writing that that $1.8 billion slush fund to benefit insurrectionists, that that's gone. He keeps on saying it's gone, but he won't actually sign anything and he won't do it under penalties of perjury. Bid reg flag, right? So, John Cornyn has said, okay, you want us to believe you that this $1.8 billion slush fund is not going to advance. Where's the writing? Where's the written modification of the settlement agreement? And Todd Blanche still hasn't done it. So why is that important? Well, this Thursday, Todd Blanche is supposed to be up for Senate judiciary vote. And John Cornyn says, this vote may not happen on Thursday because I don't have my written modification and I don't have written proof that this $1.8 billion slash fund isn't happening. So John Cornyn has created a very interesting legal loophole issue that Todd Blanche has to figure out how to navigate. And there's really no clean way of doing it. Now, before any of you canonize John Cornyn. John Cornyn, in some bizarre thing, still says that the IRS tax immunity thing could still survive. It just needs to be narrowed. Here's a newsflash for any and all people on Senate judiciary that don't understand. The settlement agreement doesn't exist because there was no case or controversy because it was collusion from the get-go. And a federal judge has found that, Judge Kathleen Williams. So all of this is just irrelevant noise. John Cornyn, Thom Tillis, and other Republicans should vote no on Todd Blanche because he is just not right because he doesn't have the fitness or the competency for the job. How do I know? I have a federal judge in my lawsuit against Todd Blanche that has said that he has conceded that he has violated the law. And I also know it because, I don't know, he's now been referred to the bar by Judge Williams in Florida because of his conduct concerning that collusion and fraud that was perpetrated on the court. And oh, hey, Kelmar Abraga Garcia's criminal prosecution got dropped because of Todd Blanche, his comments and his actions in pursuing a vindictive and selective prosecution against Kilmar Abraga Garcia. There is no lack of evidence of that going on.

Now, let's talk about that IRS lawsuit. There's been two filings that have been done. One from, I call them Amici, friends of the court. Other people call it Amici. But one group is asking for $39,000 in attorney's fees because they've had to. become involved in trying to highlight the fraud that's been happening on the court in that lawsuit. That's from a group of Amici in that lawsuit. And then you remember that group of former judges, the 35 judges that really blew this thing all wide open and actually gave the path for the federal judge to be able to do this? Well, they have sought their attorney's fees. Can anybody guess how much they're looking for? Their attorney's fees are in the hundreds of thousands of dollars, but can you guys guess in the chat how much they're asking for for attorney's fees? Anyone? anyone anyone one dollar they want one dollar in attorney's fees these former federal judges have said that the rule of law and the integrity of the digital system is way more important than this idea of attorney's face. I have to give a huge, huge round of thanks and a hat tip to Matthew Placken, former Attorney General for the state of New Jersey, who's now in private practice, my dear friend Norm Eisen at Democracy Defenders, where I am also working. They have been co-counseled with some other incredible lawyers in representing those judges. Remember that, folks. They are waiving those hundreds of thousands of attorney's fees to be able to just get $1. Some other good news. Crew has filed a lawsuit to be able to get the communications concerning. the quote, settlement negotiations between the DOJ lawyers and Donald Trump's lawyers. So they served a FOIA, a Freedom of Information Act request for those communications. They were denied an expedited production and they were pretty much given the runaround. And so they've now sued. And crew is incredibly effective in being able to get this information. So that's a brand new lawsuit filed today in federal court in D.C. to get those internal communications between the DOJ and Trump's folks to be able to. see exactly how deep and how wide that collusion goes. And finally, Senate Judiciary Democrats led by Adam Schiff have now demanded that the Department of Justice also give information about those. failed grand jury subpoenas that were served on New York Times reporters and their families. As we know, the DOJ has dropped pursuing those subpoenas. I covered that here at Katie Fang News extensively. And now Senate Judiciary Dems want to ask Todd Blanche, hey Todd, on your watch as acting AG, you served these grand jury subpoenas. You served these subpoenas on cell phone providers for not only the journalists, but for their family members, answer questions.

about what's going on. Now, before you post it in the chat, I already hear you strongly worded letters. Yet another one. I'm telling you right now, it's the most that can be done when you're in the minority, which is why voting in November and beyond has become so critically important because regaining the majority and the Senate and the House will provide for real fucking oversight over these assholes that think that they can end run our Constitution and our laws and our system. So make sure you're registered to vote. Make sure you check on your friends and your family and others and make sure that they're registered to vote because there has never been a more critical time in our history to make sure that we get out the vote in November and beyond. We're going to take a really quick break. As you know, I'm always very proud at Katie Fang News that we have sponsors. So take a quick listen to our sponsors for today's show. So my husband and I were recently talking about life insurance. And I thought it was an important conversation because I'm about to celebrate a birthday in a few weeks. And we have a daughter. And you know, you want to hedge. You want to hedge against the bad because you always want to be prepared. And it reminded me about when my late father passed away and how it impacted my mom and how she felt financially about the stability of the rest of her life. You know, it. It really means a lot to be able to speak to you about ethos. Ethos makes getting life insurance fast and easy. It's 100% online. You can get a quote in seconds. You can apply in minutes and get same day coverage. You can... get up to $3 million in coverage with some policies as low as $30 a month. And let me be clear, there's no medical exam. You just answer a few simple health questions. So take 10 minutes to get covered today with life insurance through ethos. Get your free quote at ethos.com slash fang. P-H-A-N-G, that's my last name. That's ethos.com slash fang. E-T-H-O-S dot com slash fang. Application times may vary and rates may vary. You know me and you know that I am obsessed with my Jay Jones Road Beauty Miracle Bomb. I am that person that's running around crazy in the mornings. I have no time. I'm always traveling. The last thing I need is some huge bulky makeup kit with a million things inside when all I can do is use my Jay Jones Road Beauty Miracle Bomb and I get a blush. I get a lip tint. I get a bronzer. I get a highlighter. It's all in one. And all of the Jonesware beauty products, they are clean and high performing. That's really important because you don't want to be doing anything bad to your skin. You also don't want to look heavy or cakey when it comes to your makeup during the summer when it is hot and humid. And then there's sometimes when I need a little bit more coverage. That's when I reach for my foundation stick. Available in 30 shades, you're going to find the one that matches for you. And it's going to give you just that little bit more that you need. modern day makeup that is clean, strategic, and multifunctional for effortless routines. And for a limited time, our listeners are going to get a free, full-size mascara with their first order by using the code Fang, P-H-A-N-G at checkout. Just head to jonesroadbeautcom and use the code Fang at checkout.

After you purchase, they're going to ask where did you hear about them from? Please support our show and let them know that we send you. I can't begin to tell you how much love my eye restore Illumina face mask. It is this incredible red light therapy mask that has been working wonders with my fine lines, my crow's feet, my wrinkles. I've been very honest with you that as I get older, I have to pay more and better attention to the way that I set up my routine. I want it to be efficient. And I also want it to be something that is effective. And with something like my Illumina face mask, I can watch TV. I can do small chores around the house because why? It is lightweight. It is cordless. And it is incredibly packed with power. With any new season, it's the perfect time to hit the reset button and figure out what is the routine that works best for you. I Restore has been leading the industry in red light therapy for more than two decades. are trusted by over 500,000 customers worldwide. The lumina face mask, lightweight, cordless, and packed with two times more LEDs than other top masks. And here's the thing. It's dermatologist recommended, and it comes with a 12-month money-back guarantee. So you can buy it and you don't have to worry about it. A 12-month money-back guarantee to get the best when it comes to red light therapy masks. And the cool thing about I Restore is it's not just the mask. They also have hair. helmets that help you stimulate the growth for your hair. I Restore is offering some huge discounts right now on their red light therapy devices. You can save on customer favorites like the Illumina Face Mask and the I Restore Elite Hair Helmet. Just head to irrestore.com and use the code Fang. That's irrestore.com. Use the code Fang. And please support our show and let them know that we sent you. Give your hair and skin the upgrade that they deserve so you can feel confident and refreshed. As always, grateful to my amazing sponsors. They are great. And let me be very clear, I would not be doing the ad reads or these sponsors if I didn't believe in the products. So just in case you were wondering, I do. Now, let's very quickly wrap up sidebar today with the Katie Fang with some other kind of big good news. Always want to try to end some good news now, right? We've got to find it these days. So in my backyard, in the state of Florida, I have some good news. A state of Florida house seat has actually been flipped red to blue, and you're going to laugh when you hear why. The Republican incumbent Paula Stark cannot be out on the ballot this year because a court has decided that because she did not file the appropriate paperwork that she has been disqualified for being on the ballot, which means that the two Democrats that are competing for that House seat, House District 47, that one of them will get it. Now, look, you may ask yourself, why the hell do I give a shit about what happens in Florida?

You should. Because Florida is the petri dish for all things crazy nationally. I like to say that Florida and Texas have a Hold My Beer competition when it comes to who can launch more BS war on woke and more culture wars and more really draconian stuff like who can have the worst detention center concentration camp, right? So the more that we can focus on our local elections as well as our federal elections. the better off we are. So when I see something like a stupid Republican not submitting the paperwork on time, and by the way, the reason why I talk about this with you is this Republican did more than just not submit the paperwork on time. They had a full trial on this. And this Republican candidate wanted to blame her husband, and her husband wanted to blame the clerks, the hardworking clerks that were there, try to say that they screwed it up. And a judge says, eh, I don't believe your story. Your story is not legit. And so that is the reason why. House District. Seat 47 in Florida has now been flipped from red to blue. I'll take the wins where we can get them. Another big win. Remember Olympic canoeist, American, Davy Hearn. Remember how the Trump DOJ has brought a one count indictment against him for criminally damaging the reflecting pool? We spent a lot of time on Sidebar Live about it as well as Katie Fang News. Check out this headline from NBC News Today. Witness in Reflecting Poolcase has conceded. that the damage was existing before Davy Hearn even touched the water. Now, the identity of this grand jury witness has not been disclosed. However, this key grand jury witness has testified that before Davy Hearn even put a finger in the water, that the condition of the reflecting pole was the same. was the same as in it was already damaged before he touched it. This is the only person who has testified about the extent or the state of damages in the pool at the time of Davy Hearn being there. And this witness says the property had already been damaged before Hearn even put his hands in the water. Now, the reason why this is important is, Davy Hearn has been charged with destruction of property and of doing property damage more than a thousand dollars to the reflecting pool. If you cannot prove the amount of the damages, then you won't have a case. Sounds like a minor thing, but it's a big deal if you cannot prove an element of the crime. And one of the elements of this crime is to be able to show that the damage sustained exceeded $1,000 or more. So especially when you have a witness that has told, excuse me, that there was existing damage before Davy Hearn even touched the property.

Sounds like you got a slam dunk win now for the defense. But again, just like James Comey, who I covered today at Katie Fang News, I invite you to go and look at that episode. I talk a lot about being able to prove a case if you are the DOJ, just like James Comey, just like Davy Hearn. The DOJ doesn't really care about the win. The DOJ knows it's not going to get the win. It's the exacting of the pain through the process. is what the goal is these days. It's not legal. It's not decent. It's not ethical. It's wrong. But it has become a hallmark of the Trump DOJ to weaponize it to go after people that are either political enemies like James Comey. or Congresswoman LaMonica McIver, who deserves all of our support, she is being prosecuted for doing her job of oversight over a horrific detention facility in New Jersey, Delaney Hall, and American Olympic canoists like Davy Hearn, who, frankly, did nothing wrong at all, right? I mean, the fact that they are doing this type of weaponization of prosecution is a... telltale sign that they know that they don't have control and they know that they don't have the support of the American people because that's what you do in an autocracy and that's what you do in a fascist state you prosecute people for what they think for what they say and for what they don't do How's that? Anyway, thanks for being here for today's episode of Sidebar Live. Please like and subscribe. That'll most certainly be helpful to me. Also, if you don't get the chance to watch Sidebar Live and you want to catch it maybe while you're driving the car or maybe doing errands at home, you can also subscribe to Sidebar Live as a podcast. The good news is, in addition to our live episodes, you also get all of my YouTube episodes. in pod format. Would love your support there as well. Thanks for joining me. As always, it is a privilege to have your time. I know you're incredibly busy, but being able to hang up with all of you live is always a kick for me. I'll see you guys tomorrow. In the meantime, be mad, be outraged, demand accountability, and TikTok goes that accountability clock for Todd Blanche as we inch closer to July 30th, which in my lawsuit is the deadline, no later than 3 p.m. Eastern. for Todd Blanche to produce unredacted emails and documents to Judge Emmett Dan Sullivan. I'll see you tomorrow.