owen james michael
WRITER • EDITOR • PRODUCER : : BROADCAST • PRINT • DIGITAL
Journalism & Fiction
"Hard News, Kind Life"
email owen@owenmic.com
CV, CLIPS
BIO
Owen Michael is an independent writer, editor and producer working in broadcast, print and digital media journalism for 20 years. He's currently at work on a new novel.
He began his career wire-editing business news and earnings reports, then wrote and edited for SURFER magazine, before moving to online news production at KABC-TV.
He went on to write, edit and produce digital content for a true-crime TV show, then launched and produced two subsequent crime-show podcast series, hosting several, at Telepictures.
He holds one L.A. Press Club investigative-report journalism podcast award.
As a freelance specialist, he's helped lead digital production, distribution, engagement and streaming expansion at KCBS/KCAL-TV.
Interested in localization and radio.
Owen grew up in the far north suburbs of the Chicagoland area.
He attended Arizona State University, where he graduated with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in English Literature with a minor in Sociology and a focus on Semiotics.
A former restaurant professional, he's lived and worked in Los Angeles since 1999.
An enthusiastic outdoor athlete, Owen spends quality time on trails and in water.
CURRICULUM VITAE
Profile
Writer-editor-producer with expertise in digital, print and broadcast media.
Skilled journalist, award-winning podcast producer.
Experience
Editor-in-Chief, knewz.com, Empire Media Group; New York — 2023-2024
Leading editorial team coverage of world events, popular science topics, offbeat
subjects. Managing team of writers, social strategy, newsletter outreach.
Worked with generative artificial-intelligence (A.I.) in text and audio applications.
WordPress. 3-5M uniques monthly. Site shuttered in April.
Digital Producer, kcalnews.com, KCBS/KCAL-TV; Los Angeles — 2022-2023
Leading digital-side transition into new 7-hour morning broadcast news block.
Troubleshooting, developing workflow solutions, driving stream. Per diem.
Senior Digital Writer-Producer, Telepictures; Burbank, Calif. — 2015-2022
Launched, managed website, social accounts of syndicated true-crime TV show
“Crime Watch Daily” (2015-2018): Writing daily crime coverage; video-editing,
graphics; broadcast coordination; rights management, legal clearances; SEO;
audience engagement; integrations; newsletters; affiliate relations.
Accumulated 5M YouTube subscribers, 3M Facebook followers, 23% newsletter open rate.
Developed, launched “True Crime Daily Podcast” and “TCD The Sidebar” audio/video podcasts:
Research, writing; booking; hosting; directing; A/V editing; team management.
Los Angeles Press Club Southern California Journalism Awards, 2021 Podcast
winner: Investigative reports showing enterprise, initiative, research.
Digital News Producer, abc7.com, KABC-TV; Glendale, Calif. — 2006-2014
ABC7 Eyewitness News: Breaking-news editor, lead nightside producer for
abc7.com covering Southern California news, sports, features, franchises.
OnTheRedCarpet.com: Entertainment coverage, content production.
High-volume deadline-driven newsroom, live broadcast TV coordination.
Copy Editor, Staff Writer, SURFER, Primedia; Dana Point, Calif. — 2004-2006
Magazine publishing, special projects. Copy-editing book; writing ecology column,
sections coverage, product reviews. Layout, production management, buyouts.
200K distribution/1M monthly reach.
Associate Editor, Marketwire; Los Angeles — 2002-2004
Distributing company news, filing financial disclosure, reportage to SEC legal standards. AP-style copy-editing, deadline-driven newsroom. Editorial formatting, satellite distribution coding. Fact-checking, quality-control editing/proofreading news releases. Domestic/international news agency/media relations partners coordination. Writing/editing headlines, content for company newsletters. Developing, editing internal startup company policies/procedures documents. Client services.
Editor, Business Wire; West Los Angeles — 2000-2001
Distributing Distribution of company news and financial reportage to SEC legal standards. AP-style copy-editing, deadline-driven newsroom. Client services, distribution coding, editorial formatting, quality control.
Education
Arizona State University, Tempe — Bachelor of Arts, English Literature, Semiotics focus, Sociology
Skills
AP Style, Chicago Style. Analytics, Omniture, Chartbeat. Microsoft, Adobe, Quark,
Final Cut, Grass Valley Stratus, Aurora, Akta, Edius. ENPS, iNEWS, CMS, SEO/SEM
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CRIME, PODCASTS, CLIPS
Crime coverage, podcast production and other written news and review items. I've written and published hundreds of breaking-news stories and other uncredited coverage. Deadline writing and writing for voice among specialties.
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Produced multiple weekly Telepictures Inc. podcasts from 2018 to 2022.
Selected and pitched weekly crime case coverage featuring two long-form cases and three comments cases with legal review.
Researched and wrote rundowns and scripts in deep outlined detail with sources.
Booked, directed and hosted a variety of guests including legal experts, law enforcement, doctors, authors and other journalists.
Coordinated and recorded in-person and remote interviews and sessions.
Edited audio and video on Pro Tools, Avid and Adobe Premiere.
Cleared photos and created custom Photoshop graphics for shows and distribution.
Wrote headlines, callout ledes, promo copy, distributed audio/video formats to podcast platforms, social media and newsletters.
Los Angeles Press Club Southern California Journalism Awards, 2021 Podcast winner:
Investigative reports showing enterprise, initiative, research. Scripts available.
TCDPOD
"True Crime Daily: The Podcast" - "Covering high-profile and under-the-radar cases across the country every week."
Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK
"True Crime Daily: The Sidebar"
Playlist: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLNZToiVGCkYJIaZStWK9rwMXHgror4yx9
TCD: https://truecrimedaily.com/pages/podcasts/
SPOTIFY: https://open.spotify.com/show/5MCQgSSVQEPB6ME2jSy9u2
APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-daily-the-podcast/id1451999167
STITCHER: https://www.stitcher.com/show/true-crime-daily-the-podcast
YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/c/TrueCrimeDaily
5 Million YouTube Subscribers.
EPISODES HOSTED:
Sep 6, 2019
School safety expert talks campus security, threat assessment, more - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NfMGkUn735Q&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=168
Nov 15, 2019
Campus security: Discussing Saugus High School attack with school safety expert - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TnPj5NTkMk4&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=154
Sep 13, 2019
1 apartment, 2 identical overdose deaths, no charges: Who's responsible? - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=72i2U0mpht4&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=167
Nov 19, 2019
Discussing directions, real-world effects of online extremism with Andrew Marantz - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf0Am6BLY48&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=153
Nov 22, 2019
West Virginia wife recorded hiring hit on husband; Nevada love-triangle homicide - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r_71UYA6_RU&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=152
Dec 23, 2020
Wrongful Conviction: The Exoneration of Willie T. Donald - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UxiOexWxM4Y&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=102
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SELECTED EPISODES PRODUCED:
Jun 18, 2021
Woman accused of killing friend with eyedrops; Football player arrested in Tinder 'catfish' murder - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-LFMLIVM0TQ&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=78
May 21, 2021
Dad arrested hours after pleading for baby's return; Mollie Tibbetts murder trial begins - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QODRT0D6vA8&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=82
Feb 26, 2021
Ex-cult leader killed children, claiming she saved them from the devil; Alexis Murphy update - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uwrPaOyRKgo&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=95
Jan 24, 2020
Where is Stephanie Parze? New Jersey woman vanishes, ex-boyfriend dead - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QUCss1yzp4I&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=147
Jan 17, 2020
Fraud suspect accused of killing family, living with bodies; Girl records abusive dad - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sdQyctVgesY&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=148
Jan 10, 2020
Idaho couple at large, kids missing, spouses dead; Texas kidnapper caught - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhULvsA2M14&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=149
Dec 13, 2019
Alabama's 'Cupcake' McKinney case; Legal hijinks in Florida man's murder case - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1acWrNN28Mw&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=150
Dec 6, 2019
Moms' boyfriends: 1 kills kids over cigs; 1 dismembered by girlfriend's son - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZAT4YMUHEU&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=151
Nov 8, 2019
Woman's OD death recorded on camera; Does Echo have murder data? Rodney Reed update - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E6iky-hsR4s&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=155
Nov 1, 2019
Teen blames plot on FB hack; Girlfriend wanted in suicide case - w/guest Dr. Gail Saltz - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kU1b6hvMdXk&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=156
Oct 29, 2019
Author/former agent Amaryllis Fox discusses her book on life in the CIA - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TD_HM08787g&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=157
Oct 25, 2019
Covering American cases abroad, with author/former CIA agent Amaryllis Fox - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mESV9GxvAc8&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=158
Oct 22, 2019
Scott Michaels shows special documents: 'Hollywood Ripper,' Anton LaVey - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=59nrzcbeBsU&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=159
Oct 18, 2019
Driver acquitted after shooting passenger dead; Guest Scott Michaels talks Sharon Tate items - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AV3lV8pSkbI&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=160
Oct 15, 2019
Author Jan Burke talks NamUs database, forensic science standards - TCDPOD Extra
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K0eTFXQRc1Y&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=161
Oct 11, 2019
FBI confirms America’s most prolific serial killer; Amateur sting goes wrong - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=beijfPH5-NY&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=162
Oct 4, 2019
Texas man shoots intruder, gets murder charge; Florida kid killed protecting sister - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_pnbzvoRZSw&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=164
Sep 27, 2019
School cop canned for arresting 6-year-olds; Boy drives hours to meet app hookup - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6IlylFpSlaU&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=165
Sep 20, 2019
Mom dead in husband's van, kids dumped in woods; Probation for burying baby; more - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Zf34sYAeidY&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=166
Aug 30, 2019
Exonerated 28 years later; Pimping to raise bond; Astronaut crime - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vrvxncArcr0&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=169
Aug 23, 2019
Judge pleads to wife's murder; Arrest after girl killed by dogs - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AolcN5aW0yc&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=170
Aug 16, 2019
Wife found after ex killed in shootout; 1 family, 3 hot-car arrests - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P8B62qESLfw&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=171
Aug 9, 2019
Millionaire murder suspect caught in Mexico; Man puts kid in hospital over hat - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nxqi4OA3K2Y&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=172
Aug 2, 2019
Ad exec 'catfishes' murdered partner's family; Brothers missing after visiting farm - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9zA6lwcRdZc&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=173
Jul 29, 2019
Ally Kostial case: Mississippi student arrested; Dad shoots daughter's boyfriend dead - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=stS4sQdYVnE&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=174
Jul 18, 2019
Grisly crime scene pics go viral. Missing Kentucky mom found dead - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mPv7pjDhUCc&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=175
Jun 28, 2019
Strange clues in MacKenzie Lueck case; torture-video defendant uses weapon in court - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ob08897l9ZQ&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=176
Jun 21, 2019
'Catfished' teen promised $9M to record murder; 'Meth attack squirrel' lives - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pzM5THNAHIE&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=177
Jun 14, 2019
Conviction concludes McStay Family murder mystery; Alien cult member killed - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RXPnVy2m-dc&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=178
Jun 7, 2019
Mom missing on custody hearing day, husband charged; Woman's phone records her death - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wz5IJKDP_b0&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=179
May 24, 2019
Ex-cop drove Texas to NY to kill dad of wife's kids? Drowning 'Smiley Face Killers' myth - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nAQ2oaEWUMU&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=180
May 17, 2019
Grim discoveries in missing pregnant mom case; carnival worker, pilot murder arrests - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dwqiDbQBXKs&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=181
May 10, 2019
Maleah Davis missing in Houston; faking death for profit; bartender over-served shooter? - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EoeiVi1C6bo&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=182
May 3, 2019
Amiah Robertson, Michael Cummins, Katlyn Alix, Shane Piche - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gEPdFrRLQJ0&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=183
Apr 26, 2019
AJ Freund; Ex-boyfriend in attic; Domain-name gangster goes down - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9esT4tC26Rc&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=184
Apr 18, 2019
Sol Pais; Austin Smith; Najah Ferrell; Jacob Gonzales - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZMcWpmoLPDM&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=185
Apr 12, 2019
Crowd-solving Marques Gaines' fatal street assault - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PoD12THG3fE&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=186
Apr 5, 2019
Timmothy Pitzen; Samantha Josephson; Kelsey Turner - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ljHMdAhh3w&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=187
Mar 29, 2019
Stacia Hollinshead; Kuzniks case in Cleveland; Closs, Packer updates - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DYNZ1nALwUc&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=188
Mar 15, 2019
Trinity Love Jones, Diana Keel, Kiaya Campbell - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfRWzdrhoWc&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=189
Mar 7, 2019
Boston mom abducted, found in trunk; Florida sisters' 'perfect murder'; Alabama girl taken - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cw0hWz2Vv-s&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=190
Feb 21, 2019
Cold-case DNA & online data; adoptive parenting horror; Michigan mom kills - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HuMPeGpp_jo&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=192
Feb 14, 2019
Bound body found in suitcase, Vegas cold-case arrest, smoking with a tiger - TCDPOD
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8atgC_qTFNg&list=PLNZToiVGCkYJVSTx8PXp-JE-H9p96j2rK&index=191
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CLIPS
Various news and features with bylines I've managed to remember to save. I have tons more uncredited daily/hourly news write-ups in my accumulated experience. Also some travel and L.A. stories.
Crime Watch Daily:
Wrote hundreds of daily short-form coverage items.
5 dead, 2 injured in shooting at Capital Gazette newspaper in Annapolis
Silver Lake update: 1 woman killed, barricaded suspect surrenders to police after violent pursuit
https://truecrimedaily.com/2015/10/26/yelp-reviews-of-jails-and-prisons/
Yelp reviews of jails and prisons, 10/26/15
https://truecrimenews.com/2015/10/06/ink-in-the-clink-prison-tattoos-explained/
Ink in the Clink: Prison tattoos explained
ABC7.com
Wrote hundreds of daily and hourly breaking-news stories and ongoing coverage of news, entertainment and features.
Armed suspect shot dead in gunfire exchange with Anaheim Police
By Owen Michael and ABC7.com staff
Friday, September 19, 2014
Ex-San Bernardino cop sentenced to 25 years for sex with prostitutes while on duty
By Owen Michael
Tuesday, October 28, 2014
Charlie Sheen sued for alleged violent dental office attack
By Owen Michael
Friday, October 3, 2014
Son-in-law arrested for 1998 Aliso Viejo murder
By Owen Michael
Thursday, October 9, 2014
Gunman wounded after firing shots in Lawndale SWAT standoff
By Owen Michael, Melissa MacBride and Leo Stallworth
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
https://abc7.com/suge-knight-katt-williams-arrested-for-stealing-camera-arrest-marion-micah/372199/
Suge Knight, Katt Williams arrested for stealing photog's camera
By Owen Michael
Wednesday, October 29, 2014
'War Machine' captured in Simi Valley; wanted for assaulting ex-girlfriend
By Owen Michael
Friday, August 15, 2014
https://abc7.com/ventura-stolen-mini-cooper-pursuit-el-jardin-avenue-car/240201/
Ventura vagrant leads police chase in stolen Mini Cooper
By Owen Michael
Monday, August 4, 2014
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SURFER magazine
Wrote dozens of front- and back-of-book sections and reviews from 2004-2006, much pre-digital transition. Print scans forthcoming.
https://casagrandepress.com/surfings-greatest-misadventures-dropping-in-on-the-unexpected/
Surfing’s Greatest Misadventures Dropping in on the unexpected (REVIEW)
Required reading right here, a future staple of Surf Culture 101 collegiate classes. Much of surfing’s enduring culture is passed along the chain of wave-riders and ocean folk through tall tales and reports from around the world. Surfing has its own historical mythology, and the intense bonding of sharing stories after a session, or during a flat spell, or while on a long slog of travel, adds to it. Surfers, some of the world’s most colorful characters, consistently find themselves in activities beyond the average worldly experience. But the best voices, stories and storytellers are more likely to be found out in the field, out on the journey, along the trail of the tropics, and if you’re not there, then you’re not tapping the source.
Paul Diamond and Tyler McMahon did the legwork of corralling a remarkable collection of those stories and storytellers to produce Surfing’s Greatest Misadventures: Dropping In on the Unexpected. The stories are so good this book achieves mass appeal; drama, humor, loss and gain, wisdom, failure, humility… serious literature, bro, go ahead and lose yourself. This collection features professional writers and editors mixed in with industry types, active participants and interested bystanders, and there’s not a bad tale in the lot. Ben Marcus with Greg Noll on Miki Dora, Steve Pezman on Trestles then and now, a few selections of Matt George’s incomparable style, Buzzy Kerbox, Shawn Alladio, Fernando Aguerre, Terry Gibson’s heavy-duty tour of the Transkei; shark attacks, birds exploding jet engines, navigating storm-tossed seas for 12 hours with nothing but an AM radio signal, a surf contest for homeless guys…there is a lot here, and it’s all good. Do yourself a favor and get this book, enjoy the heck out of it, and pass it on.
— Owen Michael, Surfer Magazine
https://www.amazon.com/Surfings-Greatest-Misadventures-Dropping-Unexpected/dp/0976951606
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Flow Intent An L.A. Beach Noir Comic Detective Novel by Owen Michael
Leon Henry is a middle-aged Generation X bartender and retired extreme-sports pro athlete. After he relocates to the South Bay of Los Angeles to clean up a mid-century dive bar on the wrong side of town, he runs into several figures from his early arrival in California, including an ingenue actress with a dark past and a DJ and club promoter with shady connections who turns up dead in a canyon in a decrepit RV. Is there a secret organization orchestrating a sinister plan in cahoots with a new-age religious group to arrange political events across the state? A journey from Mexico to the Bohemian Grove reveals strange patterns.
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