Michael Smerconish tackles the American political & news stories of the week, offering only one kind of talking points: his own.

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Director Daniel Roher explores the life & work of Russian opposition leader Alexei Navalny, who, after years of campaigning against corruption, has developed powerful enemies - including President Vladimir Putin. In August 2020, Navalny was secretly poisoned w/ a military-grade chemical nerve agent in a shockingly brazen attempt on his life. After being transferred to Germany for medical attention, a recovering Navalny worked closely w/ international news organizations Bellingcat & CNN to investigate the crime, ultimately linking the poison to Russian security services, despite denials from the Kremlin. Eye-opening & revelatory, Navalny chronicles the politician & activist's brave stand against the government that tried to silence him - & his never-ending fight for democracy.

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What Happened to America's Mayor? asks how the man considered a hero in the aftermath of 9/11 became an architect of Donald Trump's election conspiracies. This series bears witness to Rudy Giuliani's operatic life of victories and defeats.

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8pm PT *The Myth*

Rudy Giuliani bursts onto the New York City scene as U.S. Attorney w/ high profile prosecutions of Mafia bosses & Wall Street criminals; his success catapults him into his 1st run for mayor. -

9pm PT *The Mayor*

Taking office as mayor of New York City, Rudy Giuliani aggressively takes on the city's major crime problems & huge budget deficit. - TV Passport

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This series explores the cultural & political milestones of the decade including technological triumphs like the iPhone & social media, President George W. Bush's war on terror & response to Hurricane Katrina, Barack Obama's presidential election & the financial crisis, hip-hop's rise to dominance & a creative renaissance in television.