This morning, the President accused the Department of Justice of being a part of the so-called “deep state,” and called for investigations into Clinton aide Huma Abedin, and former FBI Director James Comey. It’s likely no coincidence that a tweet like this comes on the heels of a report on “how the Russia inquiry began” — which, according to The New York Times, was the result of foreign policy adviser George Papadopoulos telling an Australian diplomat that Russia had political dirt on Hillary Clinton. Trump supporter Sen. Orrin Hatch (R-Utah) also announced today that he will retire at the end of the year, making way for a likely run by former Mass. Governor and presidential candidate Mitt Romney, who has called Trump "a phony, a fraud," with promises "as worthless as a degree from Trump University." Jim Braude was joined by former communications director for Gov. Deval Patrick, Jesse Mermell, and former Massachusetts Treasurer Joe Malone, a Trump supporter.
Second chances are hard to come by in the criminal justice system, but last month, Darrell Jones got a big one. After spending more than 30 years behind bars, he’s out — at least for now. Just before Christmas, Superior Court Judge Thomas F. McGuire Jr.vacated his conviction for the murder of Guillermo Rodriguez — a crime Jones maintains he did not commit. His case was highlighted by the New England Center of Investigative Reporting and WBUR, which uncovered evidence that his conviction may have been racially motivated. Today, Jones is out on bail while prosecutors decide whether to pursue a retrial. He joined Jim Braude, along with NECIR Senior Investigative Reporter Jenifer McKim to discuss his case and the state of the justice system in Massachusetts.
Jim weighs in on what was supposed to be a calm end to a turbulent year.
