Podcasts about Albania

Stijn Schmitz welcomes back Steve Hanke back to the show. Steve Hanke is a Professor of Applied Economics at Johns Hopkins University. Hanke highlights the two major wars—the U.S.-Israel conflict with Iran and the Ukraine war—as critical disruptors of global commodity flows. He notes that the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed, with Iran controlling it, and the Houthis threaten the Red Sea chokepoint, severely constricting crude and refined product supplies. Russia's cutoff of diesel exports and domestic fuel shortages compound the strain. Oil markets are in backwardation, with spot prices above futures, signaling dangerously low inventories that have cushioned prices so far but are nearing depletion. Hanke warns that once physical inventories run out, oil prices could spike dramatically, potentially later this summer. He advises going long on oil, especially major producers, as a straightforward trade for most investors. On gold, Hanke maintains a bullish outlook, projecting a peak around $6,000 per ounce based on historical ratios to real disposable income. He attributes recent pullbacks to dollar strength and rising interest rates but sees central bank buying as a fundamental driver. He also discusses the pressure on the Fed to monetize debt, which could fuel inflation and support gold. The conversation shifts to the broader commodity supercycle, fueled by deglobalization, underinvestment, and the need for larger precautionary inventories. Copper and tungsten are identified as clear bullish plays due to supply deficits. Hanke notes that high diesel prices are squeezing mining and agriculture, potentially raising output prices. He also touches on dollarization, recommending developing countries adopt the U.S. dollar to expand its use rather than de-dollarize. The interview concludes with Hanke emphasizing the importance of money supply growth as the key determinant of nominal GDP and inflation. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:01:05 – Key Developments on Radar 00:04:58 – Oil Predictions vs Reality 00:10:53 – Inventory and Flow Analysis 00:14:40 – Crack Spreads and Refining 00:16:27 – Demand Destruction Dynamics 00:20:51 – Anticipated Oil Price Spike 00:22:32 – Long Oil Opportunity 00:27:37 – Gold Bull Market Outlook 00:29:38 – Central Bank Buying Drivers 00:45:54 – Concluding Thoughts Guest Links: X: https://x.com/steve_hanke Website: https://thegoldsentimentreport.com Amazon Book: https://www.amazon.com/Making-Money-Work-Rewrite-Financial/dp/1394257260 Amazon Book: https://www.amazon.com/Capital-Interest-Waiting-Controversies-Additions/dp/3031633970 E-Mail: mailto:hanke@jhu.edu Steve H. Hanke is a Professor of Applied Economics and Founder & Co-Director of the Institute for Applied Economics, Global Health, and the Study of Business Enterprise at The Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore. He is a Senior Fellow and Director of the Troubled Currencies Project at the Cato Institute in Washington, D.C., a Senior Advisor at the Renmin University of China's International Monetary Research Institute in Beijing, a Special Counselor to the Center for Financial Stability in New York, a contributing editor at Central Banking in London, and a regular contributor to the Wall Street Journal's Opinion pages. Prof. Hanke is also a member of the Charter Council of the Society of Economic Measurement and of Euromoney Country Risk's Experts Panel. In the past, Prof. Hanke taught economics at the Colorado School of Mines and at the University of California, Berkeley. He served as a Member of the Governor's Council of Economic Advisors in Maryland in 1976-77, as a Senior Economist on President Reagan's Council of Economic Advisors in 1981-82, and as a Senior Advisor to the Joint Economic Committee of the U.S. Congress in 1984-88. Prof. Hanke served as a State Counselor to both the Republic of Lithuania in 1994-96 and the Republic of Montenegro in 1999-2003. He was also an Advisor to the Presidents of Bulgaria in 1997- 2002, Venezuela in 1995-96, and Indonesia in 1998. He played an important role in establishing new currency regimes in Argentina, Estonia, Bulgaria, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Ecuador, Lithuania, and Montenegro. Prof. Hanke has also held senior appointments in the governments of many other countries, including Albania, Kazakhstan, the United Arab Emirates, and Yugoslavia. Prof. Hanke has been awarded honorary doctorate degrees by the Bulgarian Academy of Sciences, the Universität Liechtenstein, the Universidad San Francisco de Quito, the Free University of Tbilisi, Istanbul Kültür University, Varna Free University, and the D.A. Tsenov Academy of Economics in recognition of his scholarship on exchange-rate regimes. Prof. Hanke and his wife, Liliane, reside in Baltimore and Paris.

What do dinosaur fossils, Bubble Wrap, Super Soakers, Viagra, and Bob Ross have in common? More than you'd think. In this episode of The Box of Oddities, Jethro introduces the astonishing true story of Baron Franz Nopcsa—the eccentric Hungarian aristocrat who transformed himself into one of history's most visionary paleontologists. Decades before mainstream science caught up, he proposed that some dinosaurs were warm-blooded, cared for their young, and evolved through island dwarfism. But his remarkable life didn't stop there. Nopcsa also became an explorer, linguist, spy, and even launched a serious bid to become King of Albania. His extraordinary achievements, however, are overshadowed by one of the most tragic endings imaginable. Then Kat lightens the mood with a celebration of history's greatest happy accidents. Discover how forgotten experiments and unexpected mistakes gave us saccharin, Bubble Wrap, the Super Soaker, and even Viagra—proving that some of humanity's biggest breakthroughs happened because someone was curious enough to ask, "What else could this be?" It's an episode filled with brilliant minds, bizarre history, accidental inventions, dark twists, and the wonderfully unexpected. In this episode: * Baron Franz Nopcsa and the dinosaurs that changed science * The scientist who wanted to become King of Albania * Paleontology, espionage, and eccentric genius * The tragic final chapter of Franz Nopcsa's life * The accidental invention of saccharin * How Bubble Wrap went from failed wallpaper to shipping legend * The surprising origin of the Super Soaker * Why Viagra was originally developed for heart disease * Bob Ross, happy accidents, and the value of unexpected discoveries If you love strange history, forgotten inventors, scientific oddities, accidental discoveries, and true stories that are stranger than fiction, this episode belongs in your queue. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Episode 494 features the New Old Heads breaking down Jay-Z's historic three-night anniversary residency at Yankee Stadium. We discuss his flawless execution of Reasonable Doubt and The Blueprint, and debate if the success of the concert proves that older Hip Hop legends can still draw massive stadium crowds. We also address DJ Funk Flex comparing Jay-Z's weekend to Kanye West's massive sold-out show in Albania, asking if cancel culture even exists anymore. Finally, we tackle Jay-Z's controversial freestyle subbing Colin Kaepernick, questioning if the billionaire is simply out of touch with the very criticism he is trying to defend against.Support the show

antiochindy.com

In this episode of Peace Matters, we explore the unfolding environmental crisis in Albania's Zvërnec and Sazan Island, where the "Flamingo Protests" have emerged as a symbol of the country's deepening struggle between rapid economic expansion and democratic accountability. We examine how a localized environmental movement has evolved into a systemic critique of executive power, exposing the friction between state-led "strategic investments" and the preservation of Albania's last remaining wild frontiers.As Albania accelerates its bid for European Union membership, we analyze the delicate balance between accession benchmarks and the transactional nature of modern diplomacy, questioning whether the path to Brussels is being paved over protected landscapes at the expense of independent oversight. Can a candidate country's environmental and democratic integrity survive the pressure of high-stakes foreign investment, or is the "European dream" becoming a tool for silencing domestic dissent?Guest: Gresa Hasa is an expert on Albania and the Western Balkans, with a particular focus on the rule of law, state capture, democratic backsliding, and electoral politics. She is a PhD candidate at the Faculty of Law and the Center for Southeast European Studies at the University of Graz, Austria, as well as a 2026 BiEPAG Fellow. Her research focuses on the 2016 judicial reform in Albania and broader processes of Europeanization. She holds degrees in Southeast European Studies, with a specialization in law and politics, from the University of Graz and the Central European University, as well as a degree in Political Science from the University of Tirana. In addition to her academic research, she regularly contributes political and cultural commentary to regional and international media outlets.Accompanied by:Gjergj Loka, Project Coordinator at the IIP.This episode was recorded on 6 July 2026.

Kate Adie introduces stories on Bangladesh's deadly measles outbreak, France's military flex on Bastille Day, Albania's 'flamingo revolution', Ecuador's bird-watching boom, and remembering BBC Rome correspondent David Willey. Bangladesh is experiencing a severe measles outbreak, with around 700 people dying of confirmed and suspected cases since March - most of them children. BBC South Asia Correspondent Azadeh Moshiri reports from a hospital, north of the capital Dhaka. France celebrated Bastille Day this week, which marks the beginning of the French revolution. This was the last parade under President Emmanuel Macron, who steps down from office next year – but he made sure to make his mark, showcasing French military power and celebrating unity with its allies. James Waterhouse reports from Paris.In Albania, the pink flamingo has become an unlikely symbol of protest, reflecting environmental concerns over a proposed tourism development that triggered recent protests. But as Guy De Launey discovered, unhappiness among voters runs much deeper. Ecuador is one of the best places to watch birds anywhere in the world, boasting some 1600 species – twice as many as the whole of Europe. Unsurprisingly, birding tourism is thriving. Stephen Moss has been ticking off some rare spots.And veteran BBC correspondent, David Willey, died last weekend at the age of 93. Across a career spanning decades, he reported from around the world - covering communist China, the Vietnam war, and Libya during in Gaddafi era. His former producer, Joanne Cayford, remembers her time working with him during his long-standing role as BBC Rome correspondent. Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production coordinators: Gemma Ashman & Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith

Dr. Elida Dakoli joins the program to share her family's firsthand experience surviving one of the most brutal communist regimes in modern history. A concert pianist and author, Dr. Dakoli recounts the murder of her grandfather, who served as mayor of her hometown before being targeted during the communist party's crackdown, along with other members of her family. She explains how fear, surveillance, and silence became tools of control, creating a society where people learned that speaking openly could come at an unimaginable cost.Sarah and Dr. Dakoli discuss the unsettling parallels they believe are emerging in the West today as governments grow larger and citizens increasingly look to institutions for security during periods of economic hardship. As prices rise, jobs become scarcer, and financial pressures mount, they explore the importance of resisting the temptation to exchange freedom for promises of stability and support. Dr. Dakoli's family's story serves as both a historical account and a cautionary reminder of how easily liberty can erode when fear and dependency replace individual responsibility and resilience.Learn more, see her event dates and purchase her book at elidadakoli.com

La celebración de la selección de Argentina tras vencer a Inglaterra 2 a 1 y clasificar a la final del Mundial 2026 desató una nueva polémica internacional. El político mexiquense Javier Albarrán, actual integrante del PAN, generó polémica tras publicar un video en el que aseguraba que el voto en México debería emitirse "por casa y por familia". Un nuevo testigo protegido aseguró que el entonces secretario de Marina, Rafael Ojeda Durán, facilitaba la operación de buques cargados con combustible ilegal.El gobierno de Brasil anunció que activará la Ley de Reciprocidad para responder a los aranceles del 25% impuestos por Estados Unidos a diversos productos brasileños. Más de 100 incendios están fuera de control en Canadá desde este miércoles, mientras cientos más están siendo vigilados y atendidos. Dua Lipa expresó su apoyo a las protestas en Albania contra un megaproyecto turístico impulsado por Ivanka Trump y su esposo Jared Kushner. La Reserva Ecológica Chaparrí, en Perú, anunció el nacimiento de dos cachorros de oso andino. Para enterarte de más noticias, suscríbete aquí a nuestro newsletter y síguenos en redes sociales. Estamos en todas las plataformas como Te lo cuento. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Send us Fan MailToday's episode is my conversation about the 1931 film Tabu: A Story of the South Seas. I'm joined by James Kreul from the Moving Image Madison newsletter and we talk about how the film's pacing suffers due to trying to blend documentary filmmaking with a loose narrative structure, the film's influence on modern films set in the same region like Moana, and the sad passing of the film's director just a week before it debuted.You can watch Tabu on Amazon Prime or YouTube or purchase a copy for yourself and be sure to check out James's newsletter.Other films mentioned in this episode include:All Quiet on the Western Front directed by Lewis MilestoneDracula directed by Tod BrowningNanook of the North directed by Robert J. FlahertyMoana directed by Robert J. Flaherty and Frances Hubbard FlahertyWhite Shadows of the South Seas directed by W.S. Van DykeJaws directed by Steven SpielbergSunrise directed by F. W. MurnauNosferatu directed by F. W. MurnauCity Girl directed by F. W. MurnauWith Byrd at the South Pole directed by Julian JohnsonBlack Pearl directed by Michał WaszyńskiThe Hurricane directed by John FordMutiny on the Bounty directed by Frank LloydThe Last Laugh directed by F. W. MurnauTrader Horn directed by W.S. Van DykeMorocco directed by Josef von SternbergCimarron directed by Wesley RugglesThe Right to Love directed by Richard WallaceSvengali directed by Archie MayoOther referenced topics:B.C. (comic)Wizard of Id (comic)Zog I of Albania"The Star Spangled Banner""The Academy and the Cameramen" from Experimental Cinemalantern digital library"Reri's Real Name is Anna" from Movie ClassicMorduant Hall in The New York TimesAndréas Giannopoulos on Senses of Cinema"Photoplayfare" by Roy W. Winton in Movie MakersInformation on the San Francisco Film Preserve's new restoration of Sunrise: A Song of Two HumansSupport the show

North Macedonia has waited 21 years at the EU's door. Zoran Dimitrovski and Linas Kojala ask what delay now costs Europe. Look at a map and the unresolved logic is striking. Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Kosovo, Montenegro, North Macedonia and Serbia are almost entirely surrounded by EU and NATO members. These countries are not on some distant European frontier. They form an enclave within the Union's own geography. In 2003, at the Thessaloniki summit, the EU promised the Western Balkans a European future. More than two decades later, Croatia remains the last country to have joined, back in 2013. Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine, enlargement has shifted from a slow technical process to an urgent geopolitical question: what happens when Europe leaves a space inside its own borders unfilled? My guests brought two unusually powerful perspectives to that question. Zoran Dimitrovski, North Macedonia's Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, spent 35 years as a journalist before entering government. He edited some of his country's leading newspapers, reported from Washington, wrote more than 1,500 articles and investigations, and continues to teach critical thinking and analytical writing. Alongside him was Linas Kojala, CEO of the Geopolitics and Security Studies Center in Vilnius and a lecturer at Vilnius University. A Fulbright scholar with studies at Oxford, Cambridge and Harvard, Kojala has written about Lithuania's own journey into the European Union and has been ranked among his country's most influential public figures. Twenty-one years at the front door North Macedonia became an EU candidate in 2005, around the same time as Croatia. Yet it still has not opened substantive accession negotiations. The country first faced a long dispute with Greece over its name, eventually resolved through the Prespa Agreement and the adoption of the name North Macedonia. That opened the way into NATO. A second dispute then emerged with neighbouring Bulgaria, involving language, identity, history and the recognition of a Bulgarian community within North Macedonia's constitution. Zoran Dimitrovski did not deny the work still required within his own country. North Macedonia must continue aligning its laws with the EU, strengthening the judiciary and fighting corruption. His argument was that these shortcomings were not the principal reason the country had been stopped. This describes one of the demands that, in Dimitrovski's view, reach beyond the Copenhagen criteria governing democratic institutions, human rights, the rule of law and a functioning market economy. There is, however, responsibility on both sides of the border and both sides of the accession table. The European Parliament's latest assessment expresses regret at North Macedonia's lack of progress, calling for the constitutional amendments, stronger cross-party cooperation and deeper reforms. Yet that same resolution warns that bilateral disputes over language, culture and national identity should not be used to obstruct accession. This is the uncomfortable heart of the story: the EU must remain demanding enough for membership to retain meaning, while remaining fair enough for its promises to retain credibility. The rules were written for a different Europe Kojala argued that the enlargement machinery itself must adapt to a radically altered security landscape. The process still requires unanimity at critical stages, allowing one member state to hold up another country's progress. Under normal circumstances, such caution might be defensible. These, he stressed, are not normal circumstances. The EU's decision-making can be painfully slow because 27 governments must agree on decisions touching sovereignty, money and national interest. Kojala compared it to 27 friends attempting to choose a restaurant, except that several of them may not be friends and the decisions are monumental. The central question is therefore whether procedures devised 20 years ago are still adequate for a Europe facing war, cyber-attacks, sabotage, disinformation and growing competition from authoritarian powers. Railways, bridges and the architecture of security EU enlargement may sound abstract, but it rapidly becomes concrete. It is about railway lines, bridges, roads, energy systems and digital networks. Dimitrovski pointed to Corridors VIII and X, which cross North Macedonia and connect the Adriatic, Black and Aegean Seas with wider Europe. These routes matter for trade and daily life, but also for NATO's ability to move personnel and equipment across the continent. A bridge too weak to carry military vehicles is simultaneously an infrastructure problem, an economic weakness and a security vulnerability. Kojala offered a useful challenge to the language of cost. Security spending is often discussed as money disappearing from productive use. Yet roads, schools, housing, communications and transport capacity remain in the communities where they are built. The same is true of enlargement: investment in the Western Balkans is not charity at Europe's edge. It is investment in the resilience of the continent as a whole. A vacuum rarely stays empty Russia remains an influential force in Serbia and parts of Bosnia and Herzegovina, while Chinese lending and infrastructure investment have expanded across the region. Dimitrovski was careful not to suggest that the Western Balkans would simply abandon Europe for Moscow or Beijing. His warning was more subtle. Prolonged uncertainty can produce weaker institutions, frustrated populations and a region increasingly exposed to financial pressure, political manipulation and disinformation. Europe therefore faces a choice that is larger than whether another flag appears outside the institutions in Brussels. It must decide whether the Western Balkans are genuinely part of its future, and demonstrate that belief through fair conditions, credible timelines and visible results. Kojala described the European Union as something close to a “boring miracle”: cumbersome, imperfect and endlessly predicted to collapse, yet remarkably capable of adapting and surviving. That miracle now requires another act of political imagination. The Western Balkans have spent more than 20 years hearing that their future lies inside the European Union. Europe may now need to ask a harder question of itself: how long can a promise remain credible before waiting becomes its own form of rejection?

Could the European football union step up its game and show FIFA the red card? Then: Inside Europe's correspondents pick their player of the World Cup, France legalizes assisted dying, Albania's Gen Z keep protesting, wildfires rage in Southern Europe, and a hidden Prague collection records disability in Europe. ++ https://tinyurl.com/4za5z2tc and https://tinyurl.com/rphv2khn ++ &maca=en-podcast_inside-europe-949-xml-mrss

VOV1 - Liên minh châu Âu (EU) vừa đồng thời tổ chức bốn hội nghị liên chính phủ với Ukraine, Moldova, Montenegro và Albania trong cùng 1 ngày. Đây được xem là bước tiến đáng chú ý trong tiến trình mở rộng EU sau hơn hai thập kỷ.Động thái này diễn ra trong bối cảnh châu Âu đang đứng trước nhiều biến động về an ninh và địa chính trị. Việc EU cùng lúc thúc đẩy đàm phán với nhiều quốc gia không chỉ phản ánh quyết tâm mở rộng liên minh, mà còn làm dấy lên nhiều câu hỏi về những tính toán chiến lược phía sau quyết định này.Vì sao Brussels lại lựa chọn thời điểm hiện nay để tăng tốc tiến trình mở rộng, và EU sẽ phải đối mặt với những thách thức nào nếu kết nạp thêm thành viên?Albania, Montenegro, Moldova và Ukraine đạt bước tiến quan trọng trong đàm phán gia nhập EU. Ảnh minh họa.

It can be hard to get a clear picture, so our episode today is here to help: "How much do things cost in Morocco?"As much as there's the standard answer, "It depends," we go a little deeper than that and try to frame costs around certain standards and levels of service. Whether that means different types of accommodation, the cost of meals at sit-down restaurants, do desert camps vary greatly in price, how much are activities such as a Hot Air Balloon ride, and lots more.There are a couple of possible yet unrelated preconceptions about Morocco that we should address. For one, folks might think that Morocco is a budget travel destination akin to Thailand or El Salvador, where your dollar goes very far, decent accommodation is well under $100/night, and an amazing meal costs $5.Well, that's not the case in Morocco, our costs aren't quite that low! Secondly, costs in Morocco might simply seem unknown, with no real frame of reference. Maybe it's expensive, maybe it's not, how can you know, and what can you relate it to? And when you see the cost of something, are you getting the appropriate value for that cost?Morocco generally speaking fits in somewhere between the costs of Western Europe and Eastern Europe. Not quite as expensive as France or the UK, but not as inexpensive as maybe Albania or Poland. Similar prices to what we often see in North America, but also very good, and certainly unique value, whether it's in our distinct accommodation (riads) or our one-of-a-kind cuisine.So our goal here today is to help give you a frame of reference and ease the sticker shock that might come otherwise. And to therefore help you plan better, know what questions to ask and make an educated decision on budgeting for your trip!You can also watch the video version of this episode on our YouTube channel here: "Typical Travel Costs in Morocco" Join me for an 8-Day Boutique Moroccan Experience!https://trips.destinationsmorocco.com/Morocco-2026Step inside the hidden Morocco on this first-of-its-kind, 12-spot journey, hosted personally by Azdean.November 8-15, 2026, $1995 USD Per PersonBook Your Spot Today! Learn more about Azdean and Destination Morocco.

Medical missionaries are often called upon to provide care that is beyond the scope of their training and previous experience. This interactive case presentation looks at the realities of clinical decision-making in a critically ill snakebitten patient, and offers suggestions on how to navigate similar challenging situations.

Today we speak to Albanian journalist Eleftheria Kousta. She tells us about Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump's mission to luxury-colonise an Albanian island, and the people's anger at the government allowing it to happen.  No ads and all exclusives: patreon.com/popularfront Discounted 50% off the best internet privacy for all our listeners: proton.me/popularfront INFO | MERCH | NEWS | JAKE | SUBSTACK

Elios ha 35 anni, è un software architect e vive a Milano, ma è nato in Albania, nell'anno in cui il Paese passava dalla dittatura comunista alla democrazia. La sua è una famiglia di ceto medio che manda avanti un ristorante, dove i soldi seguono un rituale preciso: all'inizio di ogni mese si accantona per le tasse, per la scuola, per le spese, e ciò che resta si risparmia il più possibile. Si accumula, non si investe, perché non si sa cosa succederà domani. Sulla cultura e sull'istruzione non si risparmia; sul divertimento e sulle vacanze sì. Da quella selezione Elios eredita qualcosa di più profondo del solo modo di spendere. «Questa modalità aveva creato in me una specie di freno a mano invisibile, che nella vita mi ha sempre guidato a non superare quel confine».Quel freno lo accompagna a lungo. In Albania cambia tre aziende, ma mai per migliorare la remunerazione: solo per cercare più sicurezza. Poi arriva in Italia, per motivi personali, e accetta una posizione molto al di sotto delle sue competenze, a 25.000 euro lordi. Un anno e mezzo dopo arriva la pandemia, che va a colpire il suo punto più fragile: la stabilità che aveva cercato per tutta la vita. È lì che il freno smette di funzionare come protezione e diventa un limite, che lo blocca nel riconoscere il proprio valore anche sul piano economico. In famiglia, del resto, non si negoziava mai, nemmeno il prezzo di un acquisto. «Pur riconoscendo il valore del lavoro degli altri, si faceva fatica a vendere il proprio lavoro al prezzo giusto».A smuovere qualcosa è il confronto con la compagna, con cui il denaro diventa oggetto di conversazione aperta. È lei a dargli la frase che gli mancava. «Questo rispetto che metti verso gli altri, a un certo punto, lo devi mettere anche verso te stesso». Alle conversazioni con la compagna si affiancano conversazioni con esperti di finanza personale. «Quello che mi ha cambiato un po' il modo di relazionarmi con il denaro è stato partecipare a eventi di educazione finanziaria e, soprattutto, cercare di comprendere il più possibile l'economia». Nel giro di otto anni Elios arriva a guadagnare il 140% in più rispetto a quando è arrivato a Milano, cambiando azienda e negoziando. E, a differenza della sua famiglia d'origine, non si limita ad accumulare: inizia a investire. Non ha mai abbandonato la cultura con cui è cresciuto, ma l'ha completata. «Tra cinque anni mi piacerebbe avere una gestione economica che mi permetta di vivere meglio il presente e di guardare al futuro con più realismo».

Greg Dworkin helped us round up the chaos of this R -1 weekend. Did you have Lindsey Graham buying the farm before Mitch McConnell? What's the process in South Carolina for replacing Graham? Will Republicans just dip into the loser bench from their most recent statewide primary? Too soon to start thinking about how the Republican Infirmity Crisis will impact the balance of power in the next Congress? Ha ha! Trick question! There's no such concept as "too soon" anymore! Texas may yet escape Republican clutches, with the Deporter-in-Chief always on the ballot. But don't let Democratic successes get you optimistic! It's time to bite your nails about [dramatic music]… Democratic Socialists! In random news: One of those "looksmaxxing" dumbasses is dead now, too. Even though he didn't die, there's a bit of procedural drama surrounding the replacement process for Rigor Tortoise. Remember the time we spent last week on the NATO countries working on making their escape from the US umbrella? Well, it's not just NATO anymore. And speaking of craptacular foreign entanglements, Jared Kushner may have just stepped in it, in Albania. Which borders on the Adriatic.

Of course Lindsey Graham dies the day we're back to podcasting.

antiochindy.com

Chelsea discusses our rival travel podcast, whilst James brings back an old familiar feature that you've all been asking for!PLUS, the pair discuss whether or not Albania is worth the hype and offer other - similarly beautiful - alternatives!Download SAILY in your app store and use our code HOLIDAYEXPERT at checkout to get an exclusive 15% off your first purchase! For further details go to https://saily.com/holidayexpert Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Reports suggesting Russia may be planning a limited attack against Poland have sparked intense debate ahead of the NATO Summit. This week, Adam and Alexandra are in Sofia, Bulgaria, where they unpack the intelligence reports, discuss what they could mean for NATO deterrence, and examine thewider implications for European security.They also look at the sudden collapse of Moldova's government, what it means for the country's EU ambitions, and the growing anti-government protests in Albania, where demonstrators are now openly demanding Prime Minister Edi Rama's resignation. Finally, reporting from Sofia, Adam and Alexandra shareobservations from discussions on European security, disinformation, and the country's changing political landscape.In this episode:Reports of a possible Russian attack scenario involvingPolandWhat to expect from the NATO SummitUkraine's air defence challengesMoldova's political crisis and EU accessionAlbania's growing anti-government protestsBulgaria's political direction after joining the EurozoneEuropean security, public trust and disinformation Talk Eastern Europe is the podcast from New Eastern Europemagazine - your trusted source for in-depth analysis and expert perspectives on Central and Eastern Europe, Russia, and the post-Soviet space. Available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, YouTube and all majorplatforms. Read the New Eastern Europe Magazine Bimonthly publication with exclusive long-form analysis. https://neweasterneurope.eu/become-a-member-of-new-eastern-europe/ Support us on PatreonJoin our community for bonus content, early access, behind-the-scenes insights, and access to our exclusive WhatsApp group where we discuss the news in real-time.https://www.patreon.com/talkeasterneurope Subscribe to the Brief Eastern Europe NewsletterWeekly briefing sent out every Monday with news updates,expert commentary, and our editorial picks - free to your inbox: https://briefeasterneurope.eu/subscribe FOLLOW USInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/neweasterneuropemag/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NewEasternEurope/LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/new-eastern-europe/

Headlines for July 09, 2026; “A Disastrous Development”: Trita Parsi on Breakdown of U.S.-Iran Ceasefire; “Demanding the Truth”: Family Wants Answers After ICE Kills Houston Dad Lorenzo Salgado Araujo; Homicide by Asphyxiation: What Happened to Geraldo Lunas Campos, Who Died in a Texas ICE Jail?; Albania’s Flamingo Revolution: Protests Against Kushner-Trump Luxury Resort Could Bring Down Gov’t

Headlines for July 09, 2026; “A Disastrous Development”: Trita Parsi on Breakdown of U.S.-Iran Ceasefire; “Demanding the Truth”: Family Wants Answers After ICE Kills Houston Dad Lorenzo Salgado Araujo; Homicide by Asphyxiation: What Happened to Geraldo Lunas Campos, Who Died in a Texas ICE Jail?; Albania’s Flamingo Revolution: Protests Against Kushner-Trump Luxury Resort Could Bring Down Gov’t

Weeks of protests in Albania show no signs of stopping. Tens of thousands have been taking to the streets to oppose the proposed purchase and development of land by Donald Trump's daughter and son-in-law. As the country's tourist industry booms, there is a divide over the cost of development and the country's sense of self. Our writer went to the island at the centre of a political and national identity crisis.This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Richard Assheton, features writer, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Taryn Siegel.We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.comRead more: Is this the Kushners' $5bn Albania resort? 350 yachts and a water parkClips: David Senra podcast, APT, X/@IsamyzyrajAlb, IG/@thebrickobserversatire, DW News.Photo: Richard Assheton. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's show: Headlines “A Disastrous Development”: Trita Parsi on Breakdown of U.S.-Iran Ceasefire “Demanding the Truth”: Family Wants Answers After ICE Kills Houston Dad Lorenzo Salgado Araujo Homicide by Asphyxiation: What Happened to Geraldo Lunas Campos, Who Died in a Texas ICE Jail? Albania's Flamingo Revolution: Protests Against Kushner-Trump Luxury Resort Could Bring Down Gov't. Democracy Now! is a daily independent award-winning news program hosted by journalists Amy Goodman and Juan Gonzalez. The post Democracy Now! – July 9, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

As the Iron Curtain descends across Eastern Europe, the West is determined to roll back the march of Communism - starting with Albania. Historian Stephen Long is your guide to Operation BGFiend/Valuable - the joint MI6-CIA operation that laid the groundwork for 40 years of Cold War. From SPYSCAPE, the home of secrets. A Cup And Nuzzle production. Series producer: Joe Foley. Produced by Max Bower. Stephen Long is the author of A Rich Harvest of Bitter Fruit: CIA–MI6 Covert Action in Communist Albania at the Birth of the Cold War Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Full Episode 7-6-26 - In this episode, we talk more about Albania, and the FIFA World Cup.

It's being called the 'Flamingo Revolution' – Albanians have taken to the streets in record numbers for more than a month, protesting their government's approval of a mega resort backed by Jared Kushner and Ivanka Trump. Freelance reporter Alice Taylor joins guest host Catherine Cullen to explain what flamingos have to do with the protests, what the protestors want, and why the government is digging in.

Dall'Iran, dove il funerale di Ali Khamenei diventa una prova di forza del regime, ai nuovi attacchi su Gaza, Libano e Ucraina. E ancora: il Sudafrica attraversato dalla xenofobia, l'Albania in rivolta, la crisi energetica di Cuba, gli incendi in Europa e le altre notizie dal mondo.Il notiziario quotidiano di Radio Bullets, a cura di Barbara Schiavulli.

Get the free Friday newsletter: send7.org/newsletterWorld news in 7 minutes. Friday 3rd July 2026.Today : Ukraine Russian attacks. Albania protests. Tour de France heat. Thailand monks crash. Indonesia whipping. Ethiopia rabies. Somalia social media arrest. Venezuela rescue. US Trump crypto. North America heatwaves. World Cup success.SEND7 is supported by our amazing listeners like you.Our supporters get access to the transcripts and vocabulary list written by us every day.Our supporters get access to an English worksheet made by us once per week.Our supporters get access to our weekly news quiz made by us once per week.We give 10% of our profit to Effective Altruism charities. You can become a supporter at send7.org/supportWith Stephen DevincenziContact us at podcast@send7.org or send an audio message at speakpipe.com/send7Please leave a rating on Apple podcasts or Spotify.We don't use AI! Every word is written and recorded by us! We do not consent to the podcast being used to train AI.Since 2020, SEND7 (Simple English News Daily in 7 minutes) has been telling the most important world news stories in intermediate English. Every day, listen to the most important stories from every part of the world in slow, clear English. Whether you are an intermediate learner trying to improve your advanced, technical and business English, or if you are a native speaker who just wants to hear a summary of world news as fast as possible, join Stephen Devincenzi, Juliet Martin and Ben Mallett every morning. Transcripts, vocabulary lists, worksheets and our weekly world news quiz are available for our amazing supporters at send7.org. Simple English News Daily is the perfect way to start your day, by practising your listening skills and understanding complicated daily news in a simple way. It is also highly valuable for IELTS and TOEFL students. Students, teachers, TEFL teachers, and people with English as a second language, tell us that they use SEND7 because they can learn English through hard topics, but simple grammar. We believe that the best way to improve your spoken English is to immerse yourself in real-life content, such as what our podcast provides. SEND7 covers all news including politics, business, natural events and human rights. Whether it is happening in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas or Oceania, you will hear it on SEND7, and you will understand it.Get your daily news and improve your English listening in the time it takes to make a coffee.For more information visit send7.org/contact or send an email to podcast@send7.org

An exclusive DW interview with Albanian PM Edi Rama, a crackdown on Turkey's opposition ahead of the NATO summit in Ankara, and a spat about who gets to lead the Czech delegation. The US celebrates 250 years of independence: two journalists detained at an event in Brussels and Glyn Morgan on the "Rise and Fall of American Europe". Plus: Ireland takes over the rotating Council presidency.

WWW.ADVENTUREFREAKSSS.COM Find your Ideal Destination Here: https://adventurefreaksss.com/ideal-destination-finder/ ================================= How to work with me: =================================

Jared and Ivanka Kushner thought they were investing in luxury resorts in Albania. Instead, they sparked the biggest protests the country has seen since the fall of communism. This episode was produced by Dustin DeSoto, edited by Amina Al-Sadi, fact-checked by Gabriel Dunatov, engineered by David Tatasciore and Patrick Boyd, and hosted by Noel King. Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner in Egypt last year. Photo by YOAN VALAT/POOL/AFP via Getty Images. Listen to Today, Explained ad-free by becoming a Vox Member: vox.com/members. New Vox members get $20 off their membership right now. Transcript at ⁠vox.com/today-explained-podcast.⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Understanding how values and communication styles differ across cultures is key to succeeding internationally. That’s why training in cross-cultural communication has become commonplace in the international business world. In this session, we’ll look at 6 dimensions of cross-cultural communication and their application to medical scenarios.

On this week’s episode of The Sentinel Report: President Trump issues strong warnings about communism as the Supreme Court hands down major rulings with nationwide implications on the Federal Reserve, elections, and immigration. Alex Newman also examines the Communists’ key victories in New York City and the fraud through Obamacare being exposed by RFK Jr and Dr. Oz. Guests shine light on the news: Then, Brent Knudsen joins us to expose the alarming collapse of America’s bee population, why it poses a serious threat to our food supply and public health, and what can be done to reverse the crisis. Next, Melanie Kurdys of United States Parents Involved in Education breaks down H.R. 2691, legislation that would abolish the U.S. Department of Education, end federal education programs, and return authority—and funding—to the states. Finally, former Albanian President and Prime Minister Sali Berisha joins Newman to explain the Trump administration’s decision to lift sanctions against him, Albania’s escalating political turmoil, and the ongoing battle against George Soros’ influence in the Balkans. Don’t miss this important broadcast.

Is the Middle East entering a new golden age? Loulou sits down with one of the most well-connected geopolitical economists working today for a structural read on the region recorded as the US-Iran 60-day MOU process opened, Strait of Hormuz traffic restarted, the IMEC corridor returned to the working-group table and Saudi Arabia pivoted NEOM capital into AI infrastructure. The episode is built to hold whether the ceasefire holds or slips: Middlebrook's read is 10 to 20 years out, not week to week. Dr. Peter Middlebrook is the CEO of Geopolicity and has advised the World Bank, the European Union, the United Nations, the British Government, the Iraqi Prime Minister's office, and governments across the Middle East, Africa and Central Asia. He is the author of two new books in 2026: "How to Make Britain Great Again" and "Rich Student, Poor Student." Subscribe for weekly conversations on business, investing, leadership and what is actually happening in the Arab world. Chapters: 1:43 The US-Iran ceasefire, the Hormuz reopening and the return to business 3:58 Why Dubai is a replacement for New York 9:40 Why the Gulf is no longer a single bloc 16:34 IMEC explained: Mumbai to Jebel Ali to Piraeus 19:02 MENA youth unemployment: NEET and the 30% problem 21:20 White-collar work, debt, social protection and the climax of capitalism 25:20 Hybrid governance: phones, governments and the Sixth Estate 33:48 Saudi's pivot from megaprojects to AI data centers 36:41 Why society itself has to change 41:16 China, state capitalism and the West losing the critical raw materials race 46:15 Albania appointed an AI minister: why the Gulf is next 47:10 Closing: a long-term investor's case for the Middle East Follow Loulou Khazen Instagram: /louloukhazen LinkedIn: /louloukhazen X (Twitter): /louloukhazen Follow the guest Dr. Peter Middlebrook Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-middlebrook-14477018/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

On this week’s episode of The Sentinel Report: President Trump issues strong warnings about communism as the Supreme Court hands down major rulings with nationwide implications on the Federal Reserve, elections, and immigration. Alex Newman also examines the Communists’ key victories in New York City and the fraud through Obamacare being exposed by RFK Jr and Dr. Oz. Guests shine light on the news: Then, Brent Knudsen joins us to expose the alarming collapse of America’s bee population, why it poses a serious threat to our food supply and public health, and what can be done to reverse the crisis. Next, Melanie Kurdys of United States Parents Involved in Education breaks down H.R. 2691, legislation that would abolish the U.S. Department of Education, end federal education programs, and return authority—and funding—to the states. Finally, former Albanian President and Prime Minister Sali Berisha joins Newman to explain the Trump administration’s decision to lift sanctions against him, Albania’s escalating political turmoil, and the ongoing battle against George Soros’ influence in the Balkans. Don’t miss this important broadcast.

Today's West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy Podcast for our especially special daily special, Tarrytown Chowder Tuesday is now available on the Spreaker Player!Starting off in the Bistro Cafe, Trump's first briefing on the Iran MOU immediately went sideways as Rubio and Witkoff refused to answer questions and started screaming at congress members.Then, on the rest of the menu, a Catholic nun was released from immigration custody after she was arrested walking to Mass in her habit in South Texas; newspaper publishers across the country are suing OpenAI and Microsoft for scraping their websites to train their flagship artificial intelligence models; and, giving Trump access to a secret list of Russians being targeted for recruitment or tracked by US intelligence would be a colossal mistake and a threat to US security, but that's what he wants.After the break, we move to the Chef's Table where a MAGA-curious ex-UK lawmaker plead guilty to cheating in an election betting scandal; and, Albania's ‘Flamingo Revolution' is trying to torpedo the Kushner coastal resort development on the Narta Lagoon Wildlife Reserve and in the process, may bring down the corrupt government.All that and more, on West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy with Chef de Cuisine Justice Putnam.Bon Appétit!The Netroots Radio Live PlayerKeep Your Netroots Radio Beaming 24/7/365“As I ate the oysters with their strong taste of the sea and their faint metallic taste that the cold white wine washed away, leaving only the sea taste and the succulent texture, and as I drank their cold liquid from each shell and washed it down with the crisp taste of the wine, I lost the empty feeling and began to be happy and to make plans.” – Ernest Hemingway “A Moveable Feast”Justice PutnamBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/west-coast-cookbook-speakeasy--2802999/support.

The new Bundibugyo strain is the fastest-spreading Ebola outbreak ever, with over a thousand cases detected and more than 300 deaths in just one month in Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. Also, protests in Albania against plans for a multi-million-dollar luxury tourism development backed by Jared Kushner have expanded to include other grievances. And, a look at how Chinese immigrants from San Francisco helped establish birthright citizenship in the US. Plus, a rundown of the latest updates in the knockout phase of the World Cup.We made our goal of $30,000! Thank you.

Public schools in Texas will indoctrinate kids into Christianity. Rock-throated RFK Jr. offered a post in the administrated to a congressional candidate in exchange for favors. Sickly Trump launched a strike against Iran despite that memo thingy. Human cosplayer JD Vance blathered something stupid about the Watergate scandal. Mayor Pete was the victim of an evil attack from Trump’s DOJ. Albania is super ticked off at Jarvanka over that island. Shitler’s fair in the national mall is craptastic. The prosecutor in the Charlie Kirk murder trial was held in contempt for blabbing. Our billionaire Italian Ambassador is hated bigly for cruising his 6 story barge in Venice.

Just when you thought the Trumps couldn't get any greedier, Jared and Ivanka invade Albania. Ben riffs. Rummana—aka, Chicago's foremost authority on Mayor Mamdani—talks…Mayor Mamdani! He went 3 for 3 in Tuesday's congressional primaries. What does that say about the future of American politics? Also, Rummana makes a prediction about the two sports known as football. Rummana is a columnist for the Chicago Sun-Times. Her views are her own.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

A massive rescue effort begins in Venezuela, where hundreds have died and thousands are missing. Then: Protests in Albania ramp up, Monocle’s Quality of Life Survey 2026, urbanism news and a new Frida Kahlo exhibition.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Why is toxic algae spreading? Will the Albanian PM be the next to fall? And what does a cancelled biopic tell us about today's movie industry? Olly Mann and The Week delve behind the headlines and debate what really matters from the past seven days. With Arion McNicoll, Felicity Capon and Rebecca MessinaImage credit: Artem Hvozdkov / Getty Images

President Trump refuses to sign a bipartisan affordable housing bill, insisting that Congress pass his SAVE America Act first. Victories for allies of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani prompt a broad conversation about Democratic strategy. And concerns over an island resort pushed by Ivanka Trump and Jared Kushner have spiraled into furious national protests in Albania. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Journalist Tony Frangie Mawad says he was in an elevator in Caracas when the first of two powerful earthquakes hit Venezuela. He described to "CBS Mornings" what happened, saying when he went outside "everything was shaking."There have been weeks of protests in Albania over a luxury tourism development backed by President Trump's son-in-law Jared Kushner. The resort is set to rise in a protected area known for its natural beauty. Leigh Kiniry reports.Temperatures have topped 100 degrees in parts of France and the U.K. amid a record-breaking heat wave in Europe. As people seek relief, air conditioning is still a rare option. Chris Livesay reports.The three candidates New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani endorsed in New York won their congressional primaries this week. Last November, Mamdani won the mayoral race after running on a democratic socialist platform. "CBS Mornings" takes a deeper dive into what appears to be rising support for democratic socialism.The U.S. men's national team has already won their group, but they still have a chance to make history in their World Cup match against Turkey. A win on Thursday would mark the first time the team has won all three matches in the group stage. Nicole Valdes reports.Xenia is a small city in Ohio that was devastated by a powerful tornado more than 50 years ago. But the community rebounded and rebuilt. Mark Strassmann shows how it has become a symbol of perseverance.Kim Murstein and her grandma Gail Gudnick, the hosts of the popular podcast "Excuse My Grandma," tell "CBS Mornings" how the pandemic helped launch their podcast, its impact on their relationship and what they've learned from each other.The U.S. will take on Turkey on Thursday for the team's final match in the group stage. With two wins, they've already earned their spot in the next round. Charlie Davies, an analyst for CBS Sports Golazo Network, previews Thursday's match and breaks down the U.S. chances for the rest of the tournament.

☕️ The Rush Hour Podcast – Morning Edition Donald Trump is taking to the skies in style, officially embracing his controversial Qatari jet while critics ask whether accepting a luxury aircraft from a foreign government is any different from spending billions constructing a presidential legacy project. Today, we compare Trump's flying palace to the newly opened Obama Presidential Center and ask what modern presidential monuments say about power, image, and influence. Also in today's episode: ✈️ Trump's Qatar jet sparks renewed debate over ethics, legacy building, and presidential branding.

The levels of corruption Americans are witnessing are both historic and astounding. This week, Alex speaks to ProPublica reporter Robert Faturechi, who broke the story that the Department of Defense gave a $620,000,000 loan to a company affiliated with Donald Trump Jr. Then she's joined by Pod Save the World host Ben Rhodes to talk about how everything from the UFC cage match on the White House lawn, to Ivanka Trump's island development in Albania are indicative of the unprecedented grift, and limitless appetite for self enrichment of the Trump family. Be sure to pick up a copy of Ben's new book, All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History of the United States in 15 Speeches.

We dive into Ivanka and Jared's Albanian nightmare. What were they really up to while trying to develop a private island in Albania on protected land, and what are the ramifications of this secret operation in the broader war of democracy vs. fascism? Why are they trying to buy an island in a part of the world notorious for sex trafficking?  These questions matter in light of Ivanka's brother marrying Epstein's longtime banker, and the new bombshell reporting out of the New York Times. The Times reports that the Kremlin Klown Kar (KKK) in the White House uses our tax payer-funded Situation Room–meant for sensitive national security matters–to plot the ongoing Epstein cover-up, protecting Epstein's longtime friend, convicted felon Donald Trump. Look to the show notes for a gift link of the New York Times' reporting.  For this week's bonus show, Russian mafia expert Ogla Lautman helps connect the dots on what is up with Ivanka and Jared's mysterious island in Albania, a part of the world known for sex-trafficking. Should we be concerned? The Albanian people are–they're storming their own government in a growing anti-corruption movement over Jared and Ivanka's attempts to buy an ecologically protected island.  We also discuss Ben Black, Leon Black's son, getting a job in the Trump administration. Both father and son are all over the Epstein files.  To listen to this full episode and support our independent journalism, subscribe to Gaslit Nation on Patreon.com/Gaslit or GaslitNation.Substack.com – thank you to everyone who supports the show – we could not make Gaslit Nation without you!    Show Notes:  Inside the White House Freakout Over the Epstein Files The president's top advisers gathered in a series of Situation Room meetings as they struggled to contain a scandal engulfing Donald Trump himself. https://www.nytimes.com/2026/06/10/magazine/trump-epstein-files-white-house-vance-doj.html?unlocked_article_code=1.pVA.8Bpw._gUv6lvoFPWC&smid=url-share   Situation Room Scramble Over Sick Trump Fetish Claim Revealed https://www.thedailybeast.com/situation-room-scramble-over-sick-trump-fetish-claim-revealed/   Records: SC woman accused Trump, Epstein of sexual abuse in 1980s https://www.wistv.com/2026/03/09/records-sc-woman-accused-trump-epstein-sexual-abuse-1980s/   Donald Trump groped me in what felt like a 'twisted game' with Jeffrey Epstein, former model alleges https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2024/oct/23/donald-trump-accuser-stacey-williams-jeffrey-epstein   Dozens of FBI records apparently missing from Epstein files, including Trump accuser interviews https://www.cnn.com/2026/02/24/us/epstein-files-trump-accuser-missing-files-invs   Justice Department publishes documents with sexual assault allegations against Trump https://www.politico.com/news/2026/03/05/donald-trump-epstein-files-allegations-00816123   Opening clip: Rep. Garcia on MSNow https://bsky.app/profile/robertgarcia.house.gov/post/3mnzjwzllis2l   "House Oversight Ranking Member Robert Garcia says he plans to formally ask Chairman Comer to bring JD Vance, Susie Wiles, and Kash Patel before the Committee in light of the new NYT Epstein reporting." https://bsky.app/profile/kylegriffin1.bsky.social/post/3mnzj3dj7ns2z   Trump appointee leading $205bn US agency had personal ties to Epstein, emails show https://www.theguardian.com/us-news/2026/jun/03/ben-black-investment-trump-epstein   Join our community of listeners and get bonus shows, ad free listening, group chats with other listeners, ways to shape the show, invites to exclusive events like our Monday political salons at 4pm ET over Zoom, and more! Discounted annual memberships are available. Find your community at GaslitNation.Substack.com or Patreon.com/Gaslit

Tommy and Ben are back to discuss a week that includes collapsed ceasefire(s), the World Cup, and Jared and Ivanka pretending to be conquistadors.The so-called ceasefires between Israel and Lebanon and the US and Iran continue to unravel, while Trump insists he has Iran and Israel under his control and twists reality (and the English language) to fit his narrative. Then, Ivanka Trump claims to have "discovered" a pristine, protected ecological island off the coast of Albania, sparking major protests and a government corruption investigation. The FIFA World Cup kicks off this week across three countries and 16 cities, and the guys dig into the Trump administration's decision to use the biggest sporting event on earth as an opportunity to deny visas to fans, journalists, and even Africa's top referee. Xi Jinping pays his first visit to North Korea in seven years amidst reports about Kim Jong Un's surprising economic turnaround. Former Trump National Security advisor John Bolton pleads guilty to mishandling classified information, while a CIA official is caught with 303 gold bars and a 15-year-old Nigerian congressional candidate is exposed for faking his age on the campaign trail. Then Tommy speaks with the BBC's Mexico, Central America, and Cuba Correspondent, Will Grant, about life on the ground in Cuba, what US intervention on the island could look like, and the vibes in Mexico City ahead of the World Cup. Will's book is Populista: The Rise of Latin America's 21st Century Strongman.Buy Ben's book All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches  and subscribe to his Substack here.For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast, episode title, and episode date