An update on the US government shutdown leads Bloomberg Intelligence’s Votes and Verdicts podcast this week. Nathan Dean examines that topic and the SEC’s effort to revitalize the IPO market, while BI litigation and policy analysts discuss other key catalysts. Matt Schettenhelm explores developments over the easing of FCC rules for TV broadcasters, as well as President Donald Trump’s amended defamation suit against the New York Times. Justin Teresi discusses the FTC case against pharmacy benefit managers like UnitedHealth’s Optum, CVS Health’s Caremark and Cigna’s Express Scripts over unfair drug-rebate practices. Holly Froum analyzes a lawsuit by victims of the Palisades Fire against the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. Elliott Stein explores an Oct. 17 verdict in favor of three Sudanese refugees against BNP Paribas.