The Muck Podcast

Episode 177: Such a Force | Clotilda Slave Ship

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The Muck Podcast
Episode 177: Such a Force | Clotilda Slave Ship
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Hillary and Tina cover America's last slave ship, the Clotilda.

Once a ship of human suffering, the Clotilda set the stage for an unimaginable bet. BUT its legacy continues to haunt Alabama’s history.

Sources
Hillary's Story
The Guardian
'Still fighting': Africatown, site of last US slave shipment, sues over pollution–by Lauren Zanolli

National Geographic
Last American slave ship is discovered in Alabama–by Joel K. Bourne

National Museum of African History
The Clotilda Has Been Found

NPR WLRN
Exploring the Clotilda, the last known slave ship in the U.S., brings hope–by Debbie Elliot and Marisa Penaloza of Morning Edition

The New York Times
Last Known Slave Ship Is Remarkably Well Preserved, Researchers Say–by Michael Levenson

Smithsonian Magazine
The ‘Clotilda,’ the Last Known Slave Ship to Arrive in the U.S., Is Found–by Allison Keyes

Time
A New Netflix Documentary Recounts the Last Known Slave Ship—and the Community Who Won't Let the World Forget–by Olivia B. Waxman

Wikipedia
Africatown
Clotilda (slave ship)
Cudjoe Lewis
Redoshi

Photos
Timothy Meaher–from public domain via Encyclopedia of Alabama
Cudjoe and Abache Lewis–by Emma Langdon Roche (public domain) via Wikipedia
Mural of the Clotilda–photo by Emily Kask via Time
Africatown Sign–by Amy Walker via Wikimedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Piece of Clotilda Wreckage–by Joe Turner via Time

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Episode 176: Kardashian Vibes | Richard Como

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Episode 176: Kardashian Vibes | Richard Como
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Tina and Hillary cover former superintendent Richard Como.

Superintendent Richard Como had a promising career in education, but text messages brought his career crashing down.

Sources
Tina's Story
ABC News
Pennsylvania School Officials Under Fire for 'Racist and Sexist' Text Messages–by Christina Ng
Resignations Accepted for Pa. School Officials Under Fire for Text Messages–by Christina Ng

CBS News Philadelphia
Ex-Officials Charged With Theft From School District

Main Line Times & Suburban
Chester County DA announces charges against former Coatesville school administrators

The Mercury
Ex-Superintendent Como sentenced to prison for theft of school funds–by Mike Rellahan

NBC 10 Philadelphia
Former Superintendent in Racist Text Scandal Received $40K Payout–by David Chang

Pennsylvania Court Documents
Memorandum Opinion

Philadelphia
Coatesville’s Racist Texting Scandal Yields Federal Whistleblower Lawsuit–by Victor Fiorello
2 Coatesville Officials Charged with Stealing School Funds–by Dan McQuade

The Reporter
Witnesses testify in former Coatesville superintendent’s fraud case–by Michael Price

Photos
Richard Como–via Chaddsford Live
James Donato-via Chaddsford Live

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Episode 175: Bob Haired Bandit | The Forty Elephants Gang

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Episode 175: Bob Haired Bandit | The Forty Elephants Gang
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Hillary and Tina cover the Forty Elephants gang.

The Forty Elephants were once the most notorious all-female gang in London, BUT their criminal empire came crashing down when law enforcement finally caught up with them.

Hillary's Story
AV Club
Meet the female shoplifting gang who ruled London’s West End for a century–by Mike Vago

The Crime Wire
Forty Elephants: Notorious All-Female Gang of Victorian London–by Ravi Fajan

Culture Trip
The Story Behind London's Notorious Girl Gang, the Forty Elephants–by Ling Tang

The Guardian
Girl gang's grip on London underworld revealed–by Amelia Hill

History
London’s Notorious Female Gangsters: The 40 Elephants–by Lauren Dillon

My London
London history: The women-only crime gang that ran amok in South London for over 200 years–Ertan Karpazil

Weird History (YouTube Channel)
Diamond Annie and the Forty Elephants – The All-Female Gang That Terrorized London

Wikipedia
Alice Diamond
Forty Elephants

Photos
Lillian Rose Kendall the Bob Haired Bandit–via The Daily Mail
Gang Mugshots–via Southwark News

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Episode 174: Pork Roll | Tony Mack

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Episode 174: Pork Roll | Tony Mack
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Tina and Hillary cover former Trenton mayor Tony Mack.

Trenton Mayor Tony Mack was once a rising political star, BUT his promising career was cut short when he was arrested on corruption charges.

Sources
Tina's Story
ABC 6
Ex-Trenton Mayor Tony Mack reports to prison

BBC News
Trenton Mayor Tony Mack removed from office

CBS News
N.J. Mayor Tony Mack arrested in corruption probe

FBI (Newark)
Trenton Mayor Sentenced to 58 Months in Prison on Federal Extortion, Bribery, and Mail and Wire Fraud Charges

NBC News 4
FBI Arrests Trenton Mayor, Others in Corruption Probe–by Jonathan Dienst, Shimon Prokupecz, and Joe Valiquette

New Jersey Times
A year of turmoil, stumbles for Trenton's mayor
Mack wins, water fails–by Meir Rinde
Trenton Mayor Tony Mack is arrested by FBI on corruption charge–by Alex Zdan

The New York Times
Trenton Mayor and Two Others Are Charged in Bribery Case–by Kate Zernike

WHYY PBS
Trenton mayor Tony Mack arrested on conspiracy charges, taking bribes
Trenton Mayor Tony Mack convicted of corruption–by Phil Gregory

Wikipedia
Tony F. Mack

The World
Tony Mack, New Jersey mayor, arrested by FBI in corruption probe–by Talia Ralph

Photos
Tony Mack–by City of Trenton via Fox 8 News
US Attorney Phil Fishman at Press Conference–screenshot from NJ Spotlight News via YouTube
Tony Mack at Press Conference–screenshot from NJ Spotlight News via YouTube

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Fighting for Choice: The Florida Organizations Working to Ensure Abortion Access for All

This week on Episode 173 of The Muck Podcast, we talked about the challenges of accessing abortion in Florida, particularly for women who may not have the financial means or ability to leave work and travel for an abortion procedure. Make no mistake that The recent attacks on reproductive rights and access for women in Florida are a result of a supermajority in the Florida legislature, and have left many women without access to essential healthcare services. 

Thankfully,  there are organizations that exist specifically to help women in these situations, including Tampa Bay Abortion Fund, Women’s Emergency Network, Broward Women’s Emergency Fund, EMA West Palm Beach, Florida Access Network, and ARC Southeast. These organizations are critical in ensuring that women have access to the care they need.

ARC Southeast is a network of reproductive justice organizations throughout the Southeast, including in Florida. They provide funding and support to ensure that all women have access to reproductive healthcare, including abortion.

The Broward Women’s Emergency Fund is another volunteer-run organization that provides financial assistance to women seeking abortions in the Broward County area. They also advocate for reproductive justice and work to raise awareness about the importance of access to abortion.

EMA West Palm Beach is a nonprofit organization that provides financial assistance to women seeking abortions in the West Palm Beach area. They also offer support services to help women make informed decisions about their reproductive health.

The Florida Access Network is a coalition of organizations and activists working to ensure that all Floridians have access to safe and legal abortion. They provide resources and support to individuals and organizations advocating for reproductive justice in Florida.

The Tampa Bay Abortion Fund is a volunteer-run organization that provides financial assistance to women in the Tampa Bay area who cannot afford an abortion. 

Finally, the Women’s Emergency Network is a statewide organization that provides financial assistance to help subsidize reproductive healthcare, including abortions. 

These organizations are essential for women seeking abortion care in Florida, as they provide critical resources and support to those who may not have access to other forms of assistance. By supporting these organizations and their important work, we can help ensure that all women have access to the care they need.

At The Muck Podcast, we believe that reproductive justice is a fundamental human right. We will continue to support and amplify the voices of organizations working towards this goal. If you or someone you know is seeking abortion care in Florida and needs financial assistance, we encourage you to reach out to one of these organizations for help.

Remember, access to abortion is not just a legal issue, it is a matter of justice and equality. We all have a responsibility to stand up for the rights of women and ensure that they have the resources and support they need to make their own reproductive choices.

Episode 172: Download Numbers | Bill Higgins

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Episode 172: Download Numbers | Bill Higgins



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Tina and Hillary cover former Beford County, PA District Attorney, Bill Higgins.

Bill Higgins was as County DA, BUT when he traded favors for lesser sentences, he traded in his career.

Sources
Tina's Story
ABC27
Ex-DA pleads guilty to accusations he aided drug dealers–by Myles Snyder

Altoona Tribune
Higgins gets 8 years of probation–by SHEN WU TAN

The Legal Intelligencer
Central Pa. District Attorney Accused of Protecting Drug Dealers, Outing Police Informants–by PJ D'Annunzio

Pennyslvania Attorney General's Office
ATTORNEY GENERAL SHAPIRO ANNOUNCES CRIMINAL CHARGES AGAINST BEDFORD COUNTY DISTRICT ATTORNEY WILLIAM HIGGINS

Pennsylvania Bar Association
William J. Higgins Jr., Zone 8 Governor

Penn Live Patriot News
Pa. prosecutor who's accused of helping drug dealers for sex resigns

Speaker Hub
Bill Higgins Never Quit

The Tribune Democrat
AG says Higgins betrayed Bedford County’s trust; ex-DA's attorney wants change of venue–By Jocelyn Brumbaugh
'Big believer in second chances': Former Bedford DA Higgins aims to 'move the ball forward' after criminal charges, disbarment–By Jocelyn Brumbaugh
Former Bedford DA sentenced to house arrest–By Jocelyn Brumbaugh

WPSU
Top Bedford County Prosecutor Arrested On 31 Charges, Resigns

Photos
Bill Higgins–via Speaker Hub Bio Page
Press Conference About Higgins's Indictment–Screenshot from Altoona Mirror via YouTube

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Episode 171: No Questions Asked | Roy McGrath

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Episode 171: No Questions Asked | Roy McGrath



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Hillary and Tina cover former chief of staff to Maryland's governor, Roy McGrath.

Roy McGrath was once a highly respected political figure, BUT when he was awarded a controversial severance package, he faced public scrutiny and he tarnished his reputation.

Sources
Hillary's Story
Baltimore Sun
Feds searching for former Maryland governor’s top aide after he does not appear for his trial
New Hogan chief of staff got six-figure payout as he left Maryland Environmental Service to work for governor
On top of severance, Maryland Environmental Service paid director $55K in expenses as he left to lead Hogan staff
Search for fugitive Roy McGrath continues a week after federal fraud trial absence

CBS News
FBI investigating death of fugitive Roy McGrath
Fugitive Roy McGrath, Maryland governor's ex-chief of staff, dead after “agent-involved shooting” with FBI–by Caitlin Yilek and Jordan Freiman
Roy McGrath, Maryland governor's ex-chief of staff, dead after manhunt–by Caitlin Yilek

FBI.GOV
The FBI Is Offering a $10,000 Reward for Information Leading to the Arrest of Fugitive Roy C. McGrath

NBC Washington
FBI Raids Home of Larry Hogan's Ex-Chief of Staff as Manhunt Continues–by Lea Skene

Slate
The Weird Story of the Nerdy Maryland Bureaucrat Who Died in a Confrontation With the FBI–by Ben Mathis-Lilley

Wikipedia
Roy McGrath

Photos
Roy McGrath–from Maryland GovPics via Wikipedia (CC BY 2.0)
Former Governor Hogan–from Maryland GovPics via Wikipedia (CC BY 2.0)
McGrath Wanted Poster–from US Marshals Service via Reuters

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Episode 170: A Letter to Daddy | Susanna Salter

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Episode 170: A Letter to Daddy | Susanna Salter



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Tina and Hillary cover America's first mayor, Susanna Salter.

Tina's Story
Susanna Salter served on several community boards. BUT it was a prank from locals that led to her becoming mayor.

Sources
Tina's Story
All That's Interesting
How Susanna Salter Became An Activist

Better Cities Project
Remembering Susanna M. Salter: The first woman mayor–by Lawrence Reed

Carrie Karens-Fannin
A Stamp for Susanna

Fact Republic
Susanna M. Salter

Fee Stories
Susanna M. Salter: The First Woman Mayor–by Lawrence Reed

Kansas Historical Society
Susanna Madora Salter First Woman Mayor–by Monroe Billington

Kansaspedia
Susanna Madora Salter

Medium
She Became America’s First Female Mayor Because of a Sexist Prank

Smithsonian Magazine
130 Years Ago, Men Against Women’s Suffrage Put Susanna Salter’s Name on the Ballot–by Kat Eschner

SheHeroes
SheHeroes in History: Susanna Madora Salter

Timeline
Men put her on the ballot as a sexist practical joke; then she won–by Erin Blakemore

Upworthy
The first female U.S. mayor was nominated by men as a joke. She won with 2/3 of the vote.–by Annie Reneau

Wikipedia
Susanna M. Salter

Photos
Susanna Salter–via Kansas Historical Society
Letter Announcing Salter's Win–via Kansas Historical Society

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The Shocking Political Scandal That Rocked Fort Lauderdale!

Our first episode of The Muck Podcast delves into a political scandal that rocked Fort Lauderdale in 1991. The episode focuses on Doug Danziger, who resigned from his position as Vice Mayor of Fort Lauderdale after being accused of canoodling with a sex worker named Kathy Willets. The scandal was even more shocking, given Danziger’s well-known opposition to immoral behavior.

The scandal had far-reaching consequences, not just for the people involved but for the entire city of Fort Lauderdale. We spill the dirty secrets that lay beneath the surface of the city’s moral crusade. Using old newspaper coverage, we dig into the case and give all the juicy details including “The List” of client names and possible blackmail. 

So, if you’re a fan of political scandals and true crime stories, you won’t want to miss this episode on the scandal that rocked Fort Laudy. It will leave you on the edge of your seat–power, sex, and morality in politics tends to do that. Click the episode card below to listen, and be sure to subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts!

Episode 169: Kneecap the MF’ers | Leo Frank

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Episode 169: Kneecap the MF'ers | Leo Frank



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Tina and Hillary cover the murder of Leo Frank.

Hillary’s Story
In April 1913, a heinous murder happened at the National Pencil Company. BUT despite several leads to the contrary, Leo Frank is charged and later murdered for the crime.

Sources
Hillary's Story
Library of Congress
Trial and Lynching of Leo Frank: Topics in Chronicling America

Museum of Jewish Heritage
Seeking Justice: The Leo Frank Case Revisited

The New York Times
GEORGIA PARDONS VICTIM 70 YEARS AFTER LYNCHING

PBS
Exploring Hate: Today In History: The Lynching of Leo Frank

PBS Learning Media
The New South and Leo Frank | Georgia Stories

The Washington Post
Leo Frank was lynched for a murder he didn't commit. Now neo-Nazis are trying to rewrite history–by Jacob Bogage

Wikipedia
Leo Frank

Photos
Leo Frank–from Bettman Archive via Time
Mary Phagen–from the Atlanta Georgian via Public Domain
Trial with Frank and witness, Newt Lee–by Walter Frank Winn/Atlanta Journal via Public Domain
Leo Frank Lynching Historical Marker–by David Seibert via Historical Marker Database

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