PODCAST · government
First Thursday
by Richard Poulson, LRIS
A monthly podcast from LRIS that provides in-depth coverage of trends in public sector labor relations.
Episodes
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First Thursday, October 2026
This month’s podcast is all about information. Information about the public and employees. Who controls it, who has access to it, how can it be used, and what role does the union play? The Cases How local and state legislative bodies are handling issues that impact public safety employees. (0:37:16)
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First Thursday, September 2026
Marijuana, Guns, & Public Safety Employees Marijuana laws have been loosening in many states, but the drug is still illegal at the federal level. This month’s podcast covers what happens when state and federal laws collide on this issue, and why the labor contract is so important. Coming up from...
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First Thursday, August 2026
The Brady Rule affirms that the government, because of its obligation to provide defendants with a fair trial, must turn over favorable, exculpatory evidence to a criminal defendant. Over the years, Brady has become as impactful on public safety labor law as it has in criminal law. Brady Lists of...
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First Thursday, July 2026
The Supreme Court has wrapped up its 2026 docket, and, in this podcast, Rick covers three decisions that impact public safety employees. US v. Hemani (03:19) Margolin v. National Association of Immigration Judges (32:13) Trump v. Slaughter (45:40)
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First Thursday, June 2026
Rick Poulson covers a potpourri of cases from across the country, including two involving police take-home vehicles. Cases: New Mexico Labor Relations Board Finds Police Take-Home Vehicles Policy A Mandatory Subject Of Bargaining, Village of Hatch Police Officers Ass’n v. Village of Hatch, PELRB...
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First Thursday, May 2026
The rise of gambling apps has created an multitude of issues, and the public safety labor environment has not been immune from its effects. In this episode of First Thursday, Rick Poulson explores this rapidly growing issue and its implications for public safety agencies. Sparked by both personal...
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First Thursday, April 2026
Upcoming seminars from LRIS (00:01:12) The Cases Court Rejects Late First Amendment Challenge to “Talk My S**t” Termination, Shelton v Cuyahoga Metropolitan Housing Authority (6th Cir. 2026)(00:02:40) No ULP When Citgy Refused To Make Firefighters Whole For W-2 Errors, Rochester Fire Fighters…
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First Thursday, March 2026
The U.S. Supreme Court recently heard oral arguments in the case United States v. Hemani. The case deals with whether federal criminal statute 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(3), which makes it a felony for an “unlawful user” of a controlled substance to possess a firearm, is constitutional when it is used to...
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First Thursday, February 2026
Employers often try to win disputes by focusing on technical definitions or procedural arguments. They will apply a narrow definition to an employee’s workplace right and reframe the dispute so the protection seems not to apply. All four cases covered in this month’s podcast are examples of this...
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First Thursday, January 2026, Part 2
In part two of this month’s podcast, Rick offers his predictions for 2026 for three different categories.
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First Thursday, January 2026, Part 1
A look back, a look ahead. We took January 1 off for the New Year’s Day holiday, so this First Thursday episode is posting on the second Thursday. We will be posting a bonus episode on the third Thursday (and you thought there were no more Christmas gifts coming). This episode will cover what…
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First Thursday, December 2025
We here at LRIS would like to wish everyone a joyous and peaceful holiday season. Here’s what in store for this last First Thursday podcast of 2025: Upcoming seminars from LRIS (00:01:53) The cases: State ex rel. GateHouse Media Ohio Holdings II, Inc. v. Columbus Police Dept., Slip Opinion No....
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First Thursday, November 2025
Richard Poulson interviews Memphis Police Association President Matt Cunningham about the recent deployment of national guard troops to his city. Cases: Labor Board Rules County Cannot Unilaterally Change Schedule, County of Gloucester, 51 NJPER ¶ 73 (2025) Illinois Labor Board Requires…
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First Thursday, October 2025
Rick and labor attorney Jessica Caggiano discuss what is and what isn’t protected speech by a public employee and in the age of social media. How has social media impacted how courts determine what speech is disruptive to the workplace? Rick and Jessica cover bedrock Supreme Court decisions as…
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First Thursday, September 2025
Rick interviews former firefighter and firefighter union leader, Bob Brooks, about his bid to represent Pennsylvania’s 7th district in the congress. They discuss the importance of political involvement by public safety labor and management representatives from all backgrounds. 00:02:16 – What’s...
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First Thursday, August 2025
Rick is joined again by labor attorney Jesse Bernstein to discuss the no tax on overtime provision from recent budget bill along with the usual roundup of cases. Cases
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First Thursday, July 2025
This month, Rick is joined by Philadelphia labor attorney Jesse Bernstein. The two discuss the following cases: NY Court Precludes Cross Examination Of Police Officers On Civilian Review Board Findings, United States v. Clanton, 763 F. Supp. 3d 261 (E.D. N.Y. 2025). (00:03:36) Bologna v. Krasner,...
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First Thursday, June 2025
FAQs 00:00:49 What’s new with LRIS? 00:01:24 Cases Cook County CO WinsADA Remedy For Unlawful Fitness-For-Duty Exam, Nawara v. Cook Cnty., 132 F.4th 1031 (7th Cir. 2025). 00:03:06 Union President Engaged In Protected Concerted Activity When Sharing Confidential Report, Montana Highway Patrol v....
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First Thursday, May 2025
0:01:32 What’s new with LRIS. 0:03:20 Seattle Officers Who Attended Jan 6 Rally Cannot Remain Anonymous, John Does 1, 2, 4, & 5 v. Seattle Police Dep’t, 2025 Wash. LEXIS 86 (2025). 0:15:24 Terminated Firefighter’s “Perceived Speech” Claim Triggers First Amendment Protect ions, Vargas v. City of...
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First Thursday, April 2025
Rick and economist Jeremy Crimmel discuss the nation’s economic outlook and what effects tariffs may have on inflation. Cases: State Court Confirms Louisiana Police Association’s Right to Engage in Political Activity, La. State Troopers Ass’n v. State Police Comm’n, 2025 La. App. LEXIS 135 (La....
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First Thursday, March 2025
In this month’s podcast, Rick discusses an important free speech case involving a fight over a police association’s logo and speaks with police defense attorney Lance LoRusso about a use of force case being decided by the Supreme Court. 00:01:41 — What’s going on with LRIS. 00:02:50 — Union logo...
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First Thursday, February 2025
This month’s podcast explores the connections between all workers, whether public safety or civilian, federal or state, public or private. Rick Poulson is joined by his colleague Joe Richardson to discuss this with a focus on a recent union-busting case out of Douglas County Colorado. 0: 03:43 –...
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First Thursday, January 2025
Happy 2025! The nasty bug that’s spreading across the East Coast hit our podcast host, Rick Poulson. He’s finally recovered enough to record this episode, but please forgive the cough. In this month’s podcast, we go over: Two cases:
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First Thursday, December 2024
Happy holidays to all our listeners. In this month’s First Thursday podcast, Rick covers: Pensions and Politics. What is the Social Security Fairness Act and does it have a chance of being passed? Progressive DAs. Elon Musk has his sights set on them. This month’s cases: Officer’s DWI Arrest Not...
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First Thursday, November 2024
Happy Veteran’s Day and thank you to all who served. Sorry we’re late! This month’s First Thursday should be renamed “Second Monday.” In this month’s podcast, Rick covers two union leave cases and two involving social media posts. The Cases: Gilmore v. Gallego, No. CV-23-0130-PR, 2024 WL 3590669...
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First Thursday, October 2024
LRIS Executive Director Rick Poulson goes over four cases in this month’s podcast, two involving free speech and two on prosecutorial immunity. This month’s cases: Ohio Security Guard’s Facebook “All Lives Splatter” Meme Protected by 1st Amendment, Noble v. Cincinnati & Hamilton Cnty. Pub. Libr.,...
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First Thursday, September 2024
Michael Freeman, Executive Vice President of the New Jersey Police Benevolent Association joins LRIS Executive Director Rick Poulson to discuss Mike’s career in law enforcement labor relations, and the two go over cases involving marijuana use and free speech. This month’s cases: Jersey City...
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First Thursday, August 2024
Rick Poulson interviews attorney Tom Gribbin about his career and the unique issues that arise in representing correctional officers. This month’s cases: Court Upholds Award Of Retroactive Sick Leave Benefits For COs, County of Berks v. Teamsters Local 429, 2023 WL 8290257 (Cmwlth. Ct.). City...
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First Thursday, July 2024
LRIS recently lost a member of our extended family. Arbitrator Dave Gaba, a frequent LRIS seminar speaker and co-author of the book Interest Arbitration passed away last month. We extend our sincerest condolences to Dave’s family and friends. Rick Poulson interviewed Arbitrator Michael Loconto…
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First Thursday, June 2024
Will Aitchison is on the other side of the microphone in this month’s podcast as Rick Poulson interviews him about his career in public safety labor relations. They discuss how long Will has been practicing, how he got into labor law, when and why he started LRIS, and why have seminars for both...
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First Thursday, May 2024
Rick Poulson interviews attorney Lance LoRusso, founder of the Blue Line Institute. They discuss Lance’s background as a sworn police officer and a police attorney, as well as the current challenges facing police officers and their advocates. This month’s cases: Court Reverses Decision Granting...
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First Thursday, April 2024
Welcome Rick Poulson to the LRIS First Thursday Podcast! April’s First Thursday podcast is a special two-person affair as LRIS Executive Director, Rick Poulson, joins Will as cohost. Rick talks about his background, how he became a labor attorney, and helps Will break down this months cases.…
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First Thursday, March 2024
State of California rewrites its Racial and Identity Profiling Act, Letter to Rob Bonta, Attorney General for California (2024) ‘Marsy’s Law’ Does Not Shield Crime Victims’ Names From Disclosure, City of Tallahassee v. Florida PBA, 2023 WL 8264181 (Fla. 2023). Female Firefighter Applicant...
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First Thursday, February 2024
Good news on the economy and inflation This month’s cases
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First Thursday, January 2024
The recurring attack on binding disciplinary arbitration. Will Aitchison covers a study from the Mackinac Center for Public Policy entitled “How To Improve Policing Through Collective Bargaining Reforms.” He covers its fatal flaw, and why law enforcement unions must be aware of it. Cases:...
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First Thursday, December 2023
This month’s cases: Cell Phone Warrant Of Officer’s Phone Too Broad, Commonwealth v. Sukhadia, 2023 WL 7409309 (Penn. Super. 2023). Township Violates Free Speech Rights By Banning Thin Blue Line Flag, Pennsylvania State Lodge v. Township of Springfield, 2023 WL 7547494 (E.D. Penn. 2023)....
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First Thursday, November 2023
Current Events The latest development in A.I. and policing: The City of San Jose signs on to use Benchmark Analytics’ First Sign Early Intervention System. How are cities dealing with the recruitment and retention crisis? Cases
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First Thursday, October 2023
This month’s cases: Officers Entitled To Privacy About Participation In January 6 Rally, Jane Doe 1 v. Seattle Police Department, 2023 WL 4182193 (Wash. App. 2023). Download this case. Department’s Garrity Failure Results In Reinstatement, Foltz v. City of St. Louis, 2023 WL 5688659 (Mo. App....
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First Thursday, September 2023
The persistence of the recruitment and retention crisis in public safety. Related stories: The Cases:
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First Thursday, August 2023
This month’s cases: Florida Court Upholds Termination Of CO For Medical Marijuana Use, Ortiz v. Department of Corrections, 2023 WL 4101330 (Fla. App. 2023). No Weingarten Rights When Merely Receiving Counseling Memo, Madison County Deputy Sheriff’s Association, 56 PERB ¶ 4541 (NY PERB ALJ 2023).…
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First Thursday, July 2023
Important cases from the Supreme Court. Groff v. Dejoy Students For Fair Admissions, Inc. v. President And Fellows of Harvard College Muldrow v. City of St. Louis Latest news: NYPD signs new uniformed officers contracts. New EEOC Guidance on When the Use of Artificial Intelligence in Selection...
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First Thursday, June 2023
This month’s cases: Union, Not Member, Has Right To Invoke Arbitration, Pendleton Police Department, 2023 WL 2858867 (OR ERB 2023). Paid Union Leave Legal In Texas, Borgelt v. Austin Firefighters Association, 2022 WL 17096786 (Tex. App. 2022). Political Patronage Case Subject To Arbitration…
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First Thursday, May 2023
The movie and novel Minority Report introduced the idea of “precrime.” Could AI make this a reality? Benchmark Analytics claims it can predict adverse officer actions before they happen. This month’s cases: Boston Allowed To Implement Vaccination Policy, Boston Firefighters Union, Local 718 v.…
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First Thursday, April 2023
The first meaningful applications of artificial intelligence in the public safety labor world are happening. What does this bode for the near future? Cases: Arbitrator’s Decision Reinstating Text-Messaging Officer Not Against Public Policy, City of Springfield v. PPBA, Unit 5, 2023 IL App (4th)...
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First Thursday, March 2023
Portland survived Winter Apocalypse 2023! This month’s cases: Firefighter Entitled To Unemployment Benefits After Firing For Use Of Medical Marijuana, City of Waterbury, 216 Conn.App. 717 (2022). No Privacy Interest In On-Line Videos, Mason v. City of Waco, 2023 WL 1926984 (W.D. Tex. 2023).Behind...
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First Thursday, February 2023
In this month’s podcast: Article: Evidence On Measures To Reduce Excessive Use Of Force By The Police (h/t to PORAC). Firefighter Schedule Change Illegal Discrimination, IAFF, Local 365 v. City of East Chicago, 2022 WL 17829283 (7th Cir. 2022). Sergeant Has Privacy Interest In Dropbox Account...
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First Thursday, January 2023
It’s a new year and the times, they are a-changin’ here at LRIS. In this month’s podcast:
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First Thursday, December 2022
This month’s cases: Not Unconstitutional To Bar Recording IA Interviews, Hils v. Davis, 2022 WL 16731082 (6th Cir. 2022). Firefighter Loses Free Speech Lawsuit Over Voicemail, Millspaugh v. Cobb County Fire and Emergency Services, 2022 WL 17101337 (11th Cir. 2022). Unsubstantiated Rumors Do Not...
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First Thursday, November 2022
Cases: The City of Oklahoma City and Devin Frazier decision, City of Oklahoma City, FMCS Case No. 210710-08292 (Rubinett 2022). Ex Parte Advice From Decisionmaker’s Wife Violates Due Process, Johnson v. Department of the Air Force, 2022 WL 4456279 (Fed. Cir. 2022). Court Allows Employer To Seize...
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First Thursday, October 2022
What’s going on with the Consumer Price Index? Cases: Waiver Of Bargaining Rights Need Not Be In Writing, Portland Fire Fighters’ Association, 321 Or. App. 569 (2022). Vice-President’s Knowledge Can Waive Union’s Right To Bargain, Syracuse Firefighters Association, 55 PERB ¶ 4551 (NY PERB ALJ...
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ABOUT THIS SHOW
A monthly podcast from LRIS that provides in-depth coverage of trends in public sector labor relations.
HOSTED BY
Richard Poulson, LRIS
CATEGORIES
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does First Thursday have?
First Thursday currently has 186 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is First Thursday about?
A monthly podcast from LRIS that provides in-depth coverage of trends in public sector labor relations.
How often does First Thursday release new episodes?
First Thursday publishes regularly with 186 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
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You can listen to First Thursday on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts First Thursday?
First Thursday is created and hosted by Richard Poulson, LRIS.
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