Podcasts about border protection

In this episode of John Solomon Reports, we tackle pressing issues surrounding national debt and immigration policy. Senator Rand Paul joins us to discuss his groundbreaking six-penny plan aimed at reducing the staggering $39 trillion national debt, a burden that weighs heavily on future generations. His insights on fiscal responsibility and government spending are vital as we navigate these turbulent economic times.We also welcome Mark Morgan, the former acting director of Customs and Border Protection, and Ken Cuccinelli, former Deputy Secretary of Homeland Security, who provide an in-depth analysis of the current state of border security and election integrity. Their expertise sheds light on the complexities of immigration enforcement and the implications for American democracy.Additionally, John Solomon dives into a critical story about the new leader of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel, Juan Carlos Valencia Gonzalez. As a dual U.S. and Mexican citizen, Valencia's rise to power raises important questions about birthright citizenship and its consequences for national security. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Are U.S. border policies putting Americans at risk? Tara breaks down claims about suspected terrorists entering the country, the political fight over border enforcement, and the controversial debate over chain migration. Plus, heartbreaking news as four U.S. service members are confirmed dead after a KC-135 tanker crash during a military operation. What does it mean for national security and the political battle ahead? Episode Summary: Today's episode dives deep into the heated debate over border security and terrorism concerns. Tara discusses reports that thousands of suspected terrorists may have entered the United States in recent years, raising questions about vetting, immigration policy, and national safety. The conversation also examines political arguments surrounding immigration, including accusations that Democrats favor policies that could expand their voter base through immigration and chain migration. Tara and Lee analyze the messaging battle in Washington over calls to defund or dismantle border enforcement agencies like ICE, Customs and Border Protection, and the Department of Homeland Security. Finally, the show turns somber as breaking news confirms that four U.S. service members have died after a KC-135 Stratotanker crashed during an operation in Iraq. Tara reflects on the sacrifices made by American troops and the importance of national security in an increasingly dangerous world. Key Topics Covered: Allegations about suspected terrorists entering the U.S. The political fight over border enforcement and DHS funding Debate over chain migration and immigration policy Messaging battles between Democrats and Republicans Breaking news: KC-135 crash and the loss of U.S. service members The broader national security implications Hook / Teaser: Are open border policies creating national security risks—or is the political rhetoric masking a more complicated reality? Tara digs into the numbers, the policies, and the consequences. Social Media Clip Title: 18,000 Suspected Terrorists Entered the U.S.? Suggested Hashtags: #BorderSecurity #ImmigrationDebate #NationalSecurity #TerrorThreat #USPolitics #MilitaryNews #AmperWave

Multiple terror-related incidents in recent weeks have reignited fierce debate about immigration policy, border enforcement, and political leadership. Tara examines claims about extremist threats, the controversy surrounding a deadly campus attack, and the broader fight over messaging in Washington as tensions over national security continue to escalate. Episode Summary: In today's episode, Tara examines a surge of terror-related incidents and the political fallout surrounding immigration, national security, and domestic extremism. The discussion focuses on several attacks targeting institutions viewed as pro-American or conservative, raising questions about ideological violence and radicalization. A central part of the episode revisits the deadly attack at Old Dominion University, where Lieutenant Colonel Brandon Shaw, a respected ROTC leader and combat veteran, was killed. The suspect had previously pleaded guilty to providing material support to ISIS, sparking intense debate over why the individual remained in the United States after serving time. The show also explores broader claims about immigration vetting, alleged failures in federal enforcement, and controversial statistics regarding individuals on terrorist watch lists who have entered the country in recent years. Tara and Lee discuss political disputes over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, ICE, and Customs and Border Protection, arguing that these issues could have major implications for border security. Beyond immigration policy, the episode addresses the political messaging battle in Washington. Tara argues that the debate over terrorism, immigration, and foreign policy—including tensions with Iran—is increasingly being fought in the court of public opinion. She contends that without a coordinated communication strategy, critical national security concerns risk being misunderstood or ignored by the public. The episode closes with a warning about the potential consequences of rising geopolitical tensions, economic impacts from global instability, and the importance of leadership and communication in times of crisis. Key Topics Covered: Recent terror-related incidents and ideological violence The Old Dominion University attack and the death of Lt. Col. Brandon Shaw Debate over deportation and denaturalization for terrorism convictions Immigration vetting and border enforcement controversies DHS funding disputes and calls to eliminate certain enforcement agencies Claims about individuals on terrorist watch lists entering the U.S. Political messaging battles shaping the national debate Broader geopolitical tensions and national security risks A deadly terror attack, rising global tensions, and a fierce political fight over immigration and border enforcement—are America's leaders prepared for the threats ahead? Are Border Policies Increasing Terror Risks? #NationalSecurity #BorderDebate #ImmigrationPolicy #Terrorism #USPolitics #GlobalSecurity #AmperWave Suggested Segment Titles: Four Terror Incidents in Two Weeks – What's happening? The Old Dominion Attack – A veteran's tragic death Immigration Vetting Under Fire – How did suspects get in? The DHS Funding Battle – Politics vs. security The Messaging War – Who's shaping the narrative? Global Stakes – Iran, oil markets, and rising tensions

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Joe Piscopo will be co-hosting with Stephen Parr, Meteorologist for "The Joe Piscopo Show" and co-host of "American Ground Radio" on AM 970 The Answer. Col. Jack Jacobs, a retired colonel in the United States Army and a Medal of Honor recipient for his actions during the Vietnam WarTopic: Latest in Iran; Potential drone threat to the West Coast Assemblyman Dov Hikind, former New York State Assemblyman and the son of holocaust survivorsTopic: Mayor Mamdani's dinner with Mahmoud Khalil Jonathan Hoenig, portfolio manager at Capitalist Pig Hedge Fund LLC and a Fox News ContributorTopic: Iran War's impact on the economy John Iannarelli, former police officer, retired FBI Special Agent, consultant, and the author of "Disorderly Conduct"Topic: Terror threat to the West Coast Liz Peek, Fox News contributor, columnist for Fox News and The Hill, and former partner of major bracket Wall Street firm Wertheim & CompanyTopic: "Iran war could become the achievement that ensures Trump’s legacy" (Fox News op ed) Mark Morgan, Visiting Fellow at the Heritage Foundation, Former Acting Commissioner of U.S. Customs & Border Protection, and Former Assistant Director with the FBITopic: Upheaval in DHS; SAVE Act Pastor Dave Watson, Senior Pastor of Calvary Chapel on Staten Island, Founder and President of the New York Institute of Biblical Studies, and the host of "God in Our City" on WMCATopic: St. Patrick's Day; Our expectations in a war; New York's first Muslim MayorSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The American Radicals Podcast covers a new whistleblower disclosure from Customs and Border Protection, FISA 702 renewal tied to DHS funding, and the weaponization of federal gun laws. Check us out on Spotify! https://open.spotify.com/show/09AZ2WuYnWbZ2941wsb6jW?si=76c005605dc64dc1 https://www.washingtonexaminer.com/policy/immigration/4485075/whistleblower-says-cbp-chief-targeted-senior-staff-political-vendettas/ https://www.washingtonpost.com/politics/2026/03/10/shutdown-that-everyone-has-forgotten/ https://www.eff.org/deeplinks/2026/03/safe-act-imperfect-vehicle-real-section-702-reform https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/02/us/politics/supreme-court-guns-drugs.html https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/09/nyregion/us-attorney-nj-prosecutors.html https://zeale.co/news/articles/doj-moves-to-dismiss-or-pause-pro-life-lawsuit-seeking-to-reinstate-abortion-pill-safeguards?utm_campaign=129541854-The%20LOOP&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-87QF-RQi6OkeHDcAfU5AC4X17xKSVXW2DrurwiOpz1mmDj70Xhdn6KHkES0hLdVyH5YUFkM1Gq9XlgoRZfYyKKTVmYOw&_hsmi=24801923&utm_content=24801923&utm_source=hs_email https://zeale.co/news/articles/doj-asks-judge-to-delay-abortion-pill-restrictions?utm_campaign=129541854-The%20LOOP&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8NE_JuVA1x2jcNJfqjIH_bOwdT7FYJvY0VIwGd6OvDWLO8qxOjk0-oU1Dbx6o7fJhk6a1q https://zeale.co/news/articles/fda-approves-new-version-of-abortion-pill-prompting-backlash-from-pro-life-leaders/ https://zeale.co/news/articles/planned-parenthoods-latest-pivot-affiliates-add-cosmetic-services-to-offset-funding-cuts?utm_campaign=129541854-The%20LOOP&utm_medium=email&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-8MqAX186uwRmRMPUsVv7TWvfFdzkLCmtCW9poNExjP8F8uyeBcGMVptZeRYNziZix5PQKzurUDpg6NMZF_CuzOWI32eQ&_hsmi=24325166&utm_content=24325166&utm_source=hs_email 

In this episode of John Solomon Reports, we unveil a blockbuster story that has captured national attention: the FBI's grand jury subpoena for election records from Maricopa County, spanning from 2020 to 2024. John Solomon breaks down the implications of this significant development, confirmed by the Arizona State Senate, and hints at further actions likely to unfold in the coming days.We delve into the ongoing concerns surrounding Maricopa County's vote counting processes, highlighting alarming reports from congressional staffers about improper handling of ballots at a third-party facility. This segment sets the stage for a deeper exploration of the issues at play in Arizona's electoral landscape.Kicking off the show, Congressman John McGuire, a Navy SEAL from Virginia, joins us to discuss the pressing terror threats facing America today, including a recent attack in Austin and alarming incidents involving ISIS-inspired individuals. His insights provide a sobering look at the challenges we face on our own soil.Next, we welcome Congressman Ralph Norman from South Carolina, who is running for the Republican nomination for governor. He shares his plans for redistricting efforts aimed at addressing racially gerrymandered districts and raises concerns about retroactive pay raises being sought by long-serving lawmakers.Finally, we hear from Mark Morgan, the former acting director of Customs and Border Protection, who discusses the future of immigration enforcement under the new leadership at the Department of Homeland Security. His extensive experience in law enforcement provides valuable perspective on the challenges ahead.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection says it cannot quickly process refunds tied to Trump-era tariffs that the Supreme Court ruled illegal. In a new court filing, the agency says more than 330,000 importers paid about $166 billion across more than 53 million shipments, and refunding that money manually would take about 4.4 million labor hours. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

-- On the Show -- Donald Trump removes Kristi Noem as Secretary of Homeland Security after a series of public embarrassments, then assigns her a vague new envoy role to disguise the firing -- The real political divide in the United States is between powerful elites and ordinary Americans rather than traditional partisan conflicts -- Labor Secretary Lori Chavez-DeRemer faces an investigation after reports that taxpayer funds were used for a birthday celebration disguised as an official Department of Labor event -- Prosecutors investigate former Customs and Border Protection commander Gregory Bovino over video showing him throwing a chemical gas canister at protesters during a federal operation in Minneapolis -- Rising oil prices following the Iran conflict trigger internal panic in the Trump White House as officials scramble to respond to the political fallout from higher gasoline costs -- Larry Kudlow publicly argues that Donald Trump ended a war by starting one, highlighting the administration's attempt to reframe military escalation as peacekeeping -- Marjorie Taylor Greene tells Megyn Kelly that Donald Trump has said he does not expect to go to heaven and is near the end of his life -- On the Bonus Show: Trump suggests regime change in Cuba is next, a Fox & Friends host blames Americans trapped in the Middle East, Kristi Noem speaks immediately after get fired, and much more...

In our news wrap Friday, U.S. Customs and Border Protection says it should have a process ready in about 45 days to start refunding invalidated tariffs to hundreds of thousands of companies, storms are rolling across the central U.S. with forecasters warning of possible tornadoes and GOP Rep. Tony Gonzales is vowing to finish out his term after announcing he won't seek re-election. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

What do you get when you mix a lousy jobs report, spiking oil prices and a downturn in retail sales?  Simple, a mess and that is where we start this evening.  This is the Business News Headlines for Friday the 6th day of March, thanks for listening.  In other news, oil popped by over ten dollars a barrel. January retail sales slumped and we'll share by how much. The U.S. will now sell Venezuelan gold. Indonesia will ban social media for children under the age of 16. In other international news Canada and Japan have signed an agreement to strengthen defense and economic opportunities. Customs and Border Protection official says a new process for tariff refunds could be ready in 45 days. We'll check the numbers in The Wall Street Report and Sunday is International Women's Day but…there is a but.  Let's go. Thanks for listening! The award winning Insight on Business the News Hour with Michael Libbie is the only weekday business news podcast in the Midwest. The national, regional and some local business news along with long-form business interviews can be heard Monday - Friday. You can subscribe on  PlayerFM, Podbean, iTunes, Spotify, Stitcher or TuneIn Radio. And you can catch The Business News Hour Week in Review each Sunday Noon Central on News/Talk 1540 KXEL. The Business News Hour is a production of Insight Advertising, Marketing & Communications. You can follow us on Twitter @IoB_NewsHour...and on Threads @Insight_On_Business.

This Day in Legal History: FDR Declares Bank HolidayOn March 6, 1933, just two days after taking office, President Franklin D. Roosevelt declared a nationwide bank holiday in response to the escalating financial panic of the Great Depression. At the time, banks across the country were collapsing as frightened depositors rushed to withdraw their savings. The closures threatened to completely destabilize the American financial system. Roosevelt used emergency executive authority to temporarily shut down the nation's banks in order to stop the flood of withdrawals. The pause allowed federal officials to inspect financial institutions and determine which were stable enough to reopen.Although the order began as an executive action, Congress quickly moved to support the president's efforts. On March 9, lawmakers passed the Emergency Banking Act, which retroactively approved Roosevelt's bank holiday and expanded federal oversight of banks. The law allowed only financially sound banks to resume operations and provided additional confidence to depositors. In the days that followed, many banks reopened under stricter supervision, and public trust gradually returned to the banking system. Roosevelt reinforced this confidence through his first “fireside chat,” explaining the reforms directly to the American public.Legal challenges later tested the government's authority to take such sweeping action during a crisis. Courts ultimately upheld many emergency financial measures adopted during the early New Deal period. These rulings helped establish the principle that the federal government has broader power to respond to national economic emergencies. The bank holiday of March 6, 1933, therefore became an important early example of how executive initiative and congressional support can combine to address a national crisis.An insurer has filed a lawsuit accusing OpenAI of engaging in the unauthorized practice of law after its AI chatbot allegedly provided faulty legal assistance to a disability benefits recipient. According to the complaint, Nippon Life Insurance Co. of America had settled a long-term disability dispute with Graciela Dela Torre in January 2024. About a year later, she questioned the agreement and asked her attorney about reopening the case due to alleged documentation problems. When her lawyer explained that the settlement was final, Dela Torre consulted ChatGPT, asking whether her attorney had dismissed her concerns.The insurer claims the chatbot suggested that her attorney had invalidated her feelings and deflected responsibility. After receiving that response, Dela Torre fired her lawyer and attempted to reopen the case on her own. The lawsuit alleges that ChatGPT generated legal arguments asserting that her former counsel had pressured her into signing a blank signature page. She filed a motion based on those arguments, which Nippon says violated the settlement agreement releasing the company from future claims.According to the complaint, Dela Torre then submitted numerous additional filings drafted with the chatbot's help, including more than twenty motions and other court documents. The court rejected her attempt to reopen the case and upheld the settlement as valid. Despite that ruling, she allegedly used ChatGPT again to prepare a new lawsuit asserting claims such as fraudulent misrepresentation and interference with disability benefits. Nippon says she has filed dozens of motions that serve no legitimate legal purpose, forcing the company to spend significant time responding. The insurer is now seeking damages and an injunction preventing OpenAI from providing legal assistance to Dela Torre, while OpenAI has dismissed the claims as meritless.OpenAI Practices Law Without A License, Insurer Alleges - Law360A coalition of 24 states has filed a lawsuit challenging new global tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. The case was brought in the U.S. Court of International Trade and seeks to block tariffs introduced on February 20 under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974. The states argue the administration rushed to impose the tariffs only hours after the U.S. Supreme Court invalidated an earlier set of trade measures that had been issued under a different statute. According to the complaint, the new tariffs were an attempt to revive similar trade restrictions using a separate legal authority.The policy first imposed a 10% tariff on imports worldwide and was raised to the statute's maximum 15% the following day. The administration justified the move by claiming it was necessary to address serious U.S. balance-of-payments deficits. However, the states argue that such deficits do not actually exist and that the government selectively relied on negative data while ignoring overall positive financial inflows. They claim this misuse of the statute mirrors the earlier tariffs that the Supreme Court struck down.The lawsuit also argues that the tariffs violate the Constitution because the authority to impose taxes and duties belongs to Congress. The Supreme Court recently emphasized this principle when it ruled against the administration's earlier tariff policy. According to the states, Section 122 was originally enacted to address problems tied to an outdated international currency system that no longer exists today. Because the statutory conditions cannot be met, the coalition argues the president's tariffs are unlawful. The states are asking the court to invalidate the measures before they remain in effect through the summer.Two Dozen States Sue Trump to Halt New Global Tariffs - Law360Twenty-four US states file lawsuit to stop Trump's latest global tariffs | ReutersA federal trade judge is meeting privately with government lawyers to determine how the United States will refund billions of dollars in tariffs that courts recently ruled unconstitutional. Judge Richard Eaton of the U.S. Court of International Trade scheduled the closed-door meeting as a settlement conference to discuss a practical process for returning money to importers. The tariffs at issue were a major part of President Donald Trump's trade policy but were struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court in February for exceeding presidential authority. Because the Court did not provide guidance on how refunds should be handled, lower courts are now working to establish a workable procedure.The scale of the refunds could be enormous, potentially reaching $175 billion and affecting more than 300,000 importers. Government attorneys have warned that processing the reimbursements will be unusually complex because it may involve manual review of tens of millions of tariff payments. Many of the affected importers are small businesses concerned about the cost and administrative burden of seeking repayment. Judge Eaton has indicated that he wants a system that avoids forcing companies to file individual lawsuits.The issue arose in a case filed by Atmus Filtration Inc., which claims it paid $11 million in unlawful tariffs. Eaton recently ordered U.S. Customs and Border Protection to begin using its internal processes to refund tariffs not only to Atmus but potentially to all affected importers. The upcoming conference is expected to focus on how the agency can efficiently review roughly 79 million shipments and distribute refunds. Attorneys involved in related cases believe the meeting could lead to a standardized process that allows most businesses to receive reimbursements without extended litigation.Exclusive: US judge to meet parties on Trump-tariff refunds in closed-door ‘settlement conference' | ReutersA federal appeals court has ruled that President Donald Trump has the authority to suspend refugee admissions to the United States, reversing most of a lower court decision that had blocked the policy. The ruling came from a three-judge panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit. The judges concluded that federal law gives the president broad power to restrict the entry of foreign nationals when he believes it serves national interests. As a result, the panel allowed Trump's halt of the U.S. Refugee Admissions Program to remain in place.The policy was introduced shortly after Trump took office in 2025 and paused the admission of refugees while the administration reviewed whether the program ensured proper assimilation. Refugees, their family members, and several resettlement organizations filed a class action lawsuit challenging the move. A federal judge in Seattle had previously issued injunctions blocking the suspension and related actions. However, the Ninth Circuit determined that most of those rulings exceeded the district court's authority.Writing for the panel, Judge Jay Bybee acknowledged that the decision could have serious real-world consequences for thousands of refugees who had already completed years of vetting and were awaiting resettlement. Despite those concerns, the court emphasized that Congress granted the president sweeping authority over immigration entry decisions. The judges said policy judgments about refugee admissions belong to the executive branch rather than the courts.The panel did leave some portions of the lower court's order in place. It upheld injunctions that prevent the government from cutting services to refugees who have already been admitted to the United States and from terminating certain agreements with refugee support organizations. One judge dissented in part, arguing that the district court's injunctions should have been entirely overturned.Trump can suspend refugee admissions, US appeals court rules | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

Today's West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy Podcast for our especially special Daily Special, Blue Moon Spirits Fridays, is now available on the Spreaker Player!Starting off in the Bistro Cafe, twenty states have rushed to court to put a stop to Trump's nasty habit of stealing American's money through a new illegal tax scheme on international goods.Then, on the rest of the menu, Oregon lawmakers approved a measure to prohibit ICE agents from wearing masks; US Customs and Border Protection has opened an internal investigation into whether Gregory Bovino made disparaging comments about the Jewish faith of the US attorney for Minnesota; and, House Republicans have formally asked for criminal charges against key Jan 6 witness Cassidy Hutchinson, in another attempt to gaslight what the whole world saw live on television.After the break, we move to the Chef's Table where Gulf allies complain the US did not notify them of the Iran attacks and ignored their warnings; and, Sri Lanka began transferring more than 200 sailors from an Iranian vessel to shore after the ship sought assistance in the wake of the US sinking an unarmed Iranian ship returning home from an exhibition in India.All that and more, on West Coast Cookbook & Speakeasy with Chef de Cuisine Justice Putnam.Bon Appétit!The Netroots Radio Live Player​Keep Your Resistance Radio Beaming 24/7/365!“Structural linguistics is a bitterly divided and unhappy profession, and a large number of its practitioners spend many nights drowning their sorrows in Ouisghian Zodahs.” ― Douglas Adams "The Restaurant at the End of the Universe"Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/west-coast-cookbook-speakeasy--2802999/support.

A review of the week's major US international tax-related news. In this edition:  IRS proposes removing final regs on p'ship related-party basis adjustment transactions – Alternative process proposed for digital asset brokers electronic statements – IRS may waive 2025 electronic filing requirement for US and foreign withholding agents – Treasury Secretary says 10%global tariffs will increase to 15% – US Customs and Border Protection outlines possible tariff refund and liquidation mechanics – Federal Circuit rejects tariff refund delay.

It's been three months since U.S. Customs and Border Protection descended on Charlotte. Operation “Charlotte's Web” brought fear, confusion and disruption to the city, especially to the immigrant community. There are still many unknowns about that operation despite attempts by politicians at all levels asking for transparency and accountability. We get an update on those attempts and examine the economic, legal and cultural fallout.

The recent court ruling regarding tariff refunds for importers marks a significant development within the furniture industry, as it has the potential to influence numerous stakeholders reliant on imported goods. This episode elucidates the implications of a federal trade court's directive for the U.S. Customs and Border Protection to initiate refunds related to previously imposed tariffs, thereby opening avenues for financial recuperation for affected importers. Concurrently, we explore retail strategies that furniture retailers might adopt from established entities such as Target, particularly in terms of enhancing customer engagement through innovative showroom designs and improved service models. Furthermore, the episode addresses the escalating challenges posed by rising big box rents, which are prompting furniture retailers to reconsider their expansion strategies amidst a competitive real estate landscape. We also evaluate recent corporate developments, including the Chapter 11 filing of a regional retailer and the closure of enduring independent stores, which collectively reflect the evolving dynamics of the furniture market in the face of economic uncertainties.Takeaways:The recent court ruling may enable furniture importers to receive refunds for previously imposed tariffs, significantly impacting financial operations within the industry.Furniture retailers are encouraged to adopt innovative strategies akin to those utilized by Target, enhancing customer engagement through improved store presentations and service.Despite a wave of retail closures, rising rents for big box stores pose significant challenges, compelling furniture retailers to reassess their expansion strategies in competitive markets.In a notable bankruptcy case, American Home Furniture and Mattress seeks reorganization amidst industry challenges, indicative of broader financial pressures affecting regional retailers.The closure of longstanding independent stores, such as Kelsey Furniture, underscores the intense competitive pressures that have reshaped the retail landscape in recent years.Industry demand remains stable yet cautious, with new residential furniture orders showing little growth, reflecting consumer wariness amid ongoing economic fluctuations.

① How does China's annual government work report chart the course of the country for this year and the next five years? (00:52) ② China's foreign minister says Beijing will send its special Middle East envoy to regional countries to mediate in the Iran conflict. What has prompted China to make the decision? (24:59) ③ The US Court of International Trade has ordered the US Customs and Border Protection to process refunds on illegal tariffs imposed by President Donald Trump. Is it realistic to expect the Trump administration to do that? (36:27) ④ The European Commission has proposed a controversial industrial act to prioritize “Made in EU” goods in public support and procurement. Why is the proposed act criticized as a misguided and protectionist approach? (46:58)

The House fails to pass the ROTOR Act, and the competing ALERT Act is introduced. The military is shooting down drones with a laser, combat action in the Middle East is disrupting commercial flights, former President Biden flies commercial, Breeze Airways continues to expand, and United adds a new passenger requirement to its Contract of Carriage. Plus, more feedback on the Lockheed Constellation, and the passion for flying. Aviation News U.S. House rejects aviation safety bill after Pentagon abruptly withdraws support When we talked about the ROTOR Act last week, we explained that the Senate unanimously passed the bill requiring ADS-B In and that a House vote was scheduled. Before the House vote, the Pentagon withdrew its support, saying that the bill could create “unresolved budgetary burdens and operational security risks.” The bill failed to meet the required two-thirds majority: 264 in favor and 133 opposed, with more than 130 Republicans voting against it. Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said, “This bill will undermine our national security. Requiring our fighters and bombers and highly classified assets to regularly broadcast their location puts our men and women in uniform at risk.” Rep. Sam Graves, R-Mo., the chairman of the House Transportation & Infrastructure Committee, called the ROTOR Act an “unworkable government mandate” that would be “burdensome” to some pilots. ALERT Act Aviation Safety Bill Introduced in U.S. House . Graves and Rogers put their support behind their own bipartisan bill, known as the ALERT Act, or Airspace Location and Enhanced Risk Transparency Act. It is broader, more process‑driven, and relies more on future FAA rulemaking. The ROTOR Act uses mandates and concentrates on collision‑avoidance and traffic‑awareness, especially mandatory ADS‑B In equipage for aircraft operating near airports, plus related airspace reviews and military‑civil coordination.​ The ALERT Act uses rulemaking to implement essentially all ~50 NTSB recommendations from the DCA midair, including tech, ATC staffing/training, helicopter routes, DCA‑specific procedures, and FAA safety culture reforms. Military Laser Downs CBP Drone, Tiny TFR Established When Federal Agencies Start Shooting at Each Other's Drones, We Have a Real Airspace Problem The Defence Department has a laser weapon that can shoot down drones. Recently, a TFR closed the airspace in El Paso due to a drone downing. Now, Congress has been briefed that along the Mexican border at Fort Hancock, Texas, a Defense Department laser weapon shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone. In response, the FAA issued a TFR for that area. In a statement, three lawmakers said, “Our heads are exploding over the news that DoD reportedly shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone using a high-risk counter-unmanned aircraft system.” Also, “We said MONTHS ago that the White House's decision to sidestep a bipartisan, tri-committee bill to appropriately train C-UAS operators and address the lack of coordination between the Pentagon, DHS and the FAA was a short-sighted idea. Now, we're seeing the result of its incompetence.” Hundreds of thousands of travelers stranded by flight disruptions after attack on Iran Military combat in Iran and the surrounding region has forced the diversion and cancellation of flights. Airspace was closed by Israel, Qatar, Syria, Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, and Bahrain. The United Arab Emirates announced a “temporary and partial closure” of its airspace. Reportedly, hundreds of thousands of travelers were impacted and either stranded or diverted to other airports. Important hub airports in Dubai, Abu Dhabi, and Doha were closed. Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Etihad typically move about 90,000 passengers per day through those hubs. Three US Fighter Jets Accidentally Shot Down by Kuwaiti Air Defenses On 1 March 2026, three USAF F‑15E Strike Eagles were shot down over Kuwait by Kuwaiti air-defense systems during combat operations against Iran. U.S. Central Command described it as an apparent friendly‑fire incident; all six crew members ejected and were recovered. Biden flies commercial from DCA and winds up stuck in delays like everyone else Imagine getting settled into your seat on a commuter flight from DCA to Columbia, South Carolina, and realizing that your seatmate is a former President of the United States. Breeze adding new nonstop options from Portland, Maine Breeze Airways is adding new, summer seasonal nonstop flights from the Portland International Jetport to Akron/Canton and Cincinnati. Breeze is also adding new Breeze Thru service options, providing same plane, one-stop flights to Savannah, Georgia, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. The Breeze Thru service to Savannah starts July 1, 2026, with the service to Myrtle Beach on July 2, 2026. BreezeThru flights include a quick stop at an airport along the way to your destination. Just hang out. There’s no need to change planes or recheck bags. Your reservation will have a single confirmation number for both segments. United Threatens To Kick Off Passengers Who Don't Use Headphones United Airlines has added a new passenger requirement to Rule 21 Refusal of Transport in its Contract of Carriage. Item 22 reads, “Passengers who fail to use headphones while listening to audio or video content.” Under the Contract of Carriage, “UA shall have the right to refuse transport on a permanent or temporary basis or shall have the right to remove from the aircraft at any point, any Passenger…” for the stated reasons. United Airlines Contract of Carriage. Delta Air Lines Contract of Carriage: U.S. American Airlines Conditions of Carriage. Singapore Airshow 2026 Brian Coleman brings us interviews from the Singapore Airshow. In this episode, he and Grant McHerron talk with Nigel Pittaway, the Editor of Australia Defence Magazine. Mentioned How Live ATC Went Live Stories about Flying: Armchair Accident Investigators Veteran airline stowaway strikes again, this time on a Newark-to-Milan flight Aviation Safety Network, Focke-Wulf FWP-149D, N9145.  Hosts this Episode Max Flight, our Main(e) Man Micah, and Rob Mark.

More than 70 Democrats in the House and Senate are pushing the Department of Homeland Security's inspector general to open a new investigation into the agency's “warrantless purchases of Americans' location data.” In a letter sent Tuesday, the lawmakers tasked IG Joseph Cuffari with investigating whether Immigration and Customs Enforcement is purchasing illegally obtained location data about Americans, how that data has been used, whether audits of employee access to uncover abuse are occurring and the policies governing data usage. “Location data is extremely sensitive, and can reveal someone's religion, their political views, medical conditions, addictions, and with whom they spend time,” the Democrats said. “It is for that reason that ordinarily, the government must obtain a warrant from a judge in order to demand such data from phone or technology companies.” The letter comes nearly three years after an initial IG report found that Customs and Border Protection, the Secret Service and ICE violated federal law through warrantless purchase and use of location data. As part of that 2023 report, the watchdog office said the DHS components did not adhere to established privacy policies, nor did they develop sufficient guardrails before procurement and use. The chief information officer at the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency announced his departure Tuesday, ending his nearly five-year run at CISA. Robert Costello, an 18-year veteran of the Department of Homeland Security, posted about the move on LinkedIn.nCostello's tenure had recently grown turbulent, with conflicting accounts of whether the since-departed acting director of CISA, Madhu Gottumukkala, had tried to force him out. Costello last week received transfer orders for possible reassignment to another agency. “Serving as CIO at CISA has been one of the greatest privileges of my career,” he said. “Together, we strengthened our cybersecurity posture, modernized critical systems, and built capabilities that will endure. I am incredibly proud of what we accomplished as a team. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast  on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem defended her department's immigration enforcement tactics in front of a Senate committee on Tuesday and pushed back against criticism from Democrats who say she wrongly disparaged two protesters killed by federal officers in Minneapolis earlier this year.It was Noem's first congressional appearance since the shooting deaths of the two protesters galvanized widespread opposition to how the Trump administration is executing its mass deportation agenda, a centerpiece policy of President Donald Trump's second term. At the time, Noem portrayed the protesters, two U.S. citizens, as agitators, although accounts from local officials and bystander video contradicted assertions from her and other administration officials.In one exchange, retiring Republican Sen. Thom Tillis of North Carolina called her leadership a “disaster” and skewered her handling of the immigration crackdown and her management of emergency response.In the hearing, which stretched nearly five hours, Noem defended her agency's treatment of immigrants caught up in enforcement activities, and blamed activists and others for attacks against officers.“I want to address the dangerous environment that our ICE officers face on the streets today," Noem said. “They are facing a serious and escalating threat as a result of deliberate mischaracterizations of their heroic work and rhetoric that demonizes our law enforcement.”Since the deaths in Minneapolis, the administration has taken steps meant to tone down tensions, including drawing down the operation there. But the administration has continued pressing restrictions against both legal and illegal immigration, has been buying up warehouses for immigration detention and persisting in federal enforcement in areas around the country. Noem said about 650 investigators remain in Minnesota as part of a broader fraud probe.The immigration tactics of Noem's department have triggered a clash in Congress over its routine funding, which remains unresolved, although a spending bill passed last year granted it a significant infusion of cash for the Republican administration's mass deportation policy. Noem called the partial shutdown “reckless” and blamed Democrats for a move she said put national security at risk.Her appearance in front of the Judiciary Committee also comes after a weekend shooting at a bar in Texas that is being investigated as a possible act of terrorism, leading to concerns that the escalating conflict in Iran could have repercussions for security in the U.S.Noem blames chaotic situation for her characterization of killed protestersIn what was initially billed as an effort to root out fraud in Minnesota, Homeland Security sent hundreds of officers from Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection to the state. They were met by protesters who organized marches, patrolled neighborhoods for ICE activity with whistles and ferried food to immigrants too afraid to leave their homes.Renee Good, a 37-year-old mother of three, was shot and killed by an ICE officer on Jan. 7, setting off intense protests demanding an end to the operation. Then on Jan. 24, Customs and Border Protection officers opened fire on another Minnesota resident, Alex Pretti, who had been filming enforcement operations.Those deaths led to cries for accountability and transparency. Noem, whose initial comments portrayed both Good and Pretti as the aggressors, has come under withering criticism by Democrats and some Republicans, who have called for her to resign.Democrats repeatedly questioned Noem about her initial comments and called on her to apologize.“You and your agency rushed to brand these victims as, quote, domestic terrorists,” said Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois, the top Democrat on the committee. “We have ample video evidence and eyewitness testimony proving you are wrong. Your statements caused immeasurable pain to these families.”Noem said she was relying on information from people on the scene and blamed “violent protesters” for contributing to the chaos officers encountered.“I was getting reports from the ground from agents at the scene, and I would say that it was a chaotic scene,” she said.After public outrage over the deaths, Trump sent border czar Tom Homan to Minneapolis to take control of operations. Homan has since announced a drawdown of the ICE and CBP officers who had been sent to Minnesota to carry out what had been dubbed Operation Metro Surge, although he's been adamant that the president's mass deportation agenda will continue.Noem also faced some Republican criticismRepublicans largely kept the focus on the large numbers of migrants who came into the country under former President Joe Biden, portraying Noem as the leader of a cleanup effort of the former administration's mess.But she did come under some harsh questioning by members of her own party. Tillis, who called on Noem to resign following the shootings in Minneapolis, criticized her for erroneously arresting American citizens, for failures in her disaster recovery agency and for how she shot her own dog.“What we've seen is a disaster under your leadership, Miss Noem, a disaster," Tillis said. “What we've seen is innocent people getting detained that turn out are American citizens.”Tillis, who has already announced that he is not running for another term., added: “We're beginning to get the American people to think that deporting people is wrong. It's the exact opposite. The way you're going about deporting them is wrong."Another Republican, Sen. John Kennedy from Louisiana, also pushed her to explain why her department paid more than $200 million for an ad campaign she appeared in last year encouraging migrants to leave the country voluntarily and questioned whether Trump knew about the price tag ahead of time.Noem, who is set to appear Wednesday in front of a House committee, defended those ads, saying they were effective and went through the regular department bidding process.“Well, they were effective in your name recognition,” Kennedy said.

The current landscape of the furniture industry is characterized by a delicate balance between considerable challenges and nascent signs of stabilization. As we navigate through the pressures of tariffs, geopolitical uncertainties, and the repercussions of store closures, we observe a potential modest rebound emerging in specific sectors. It is imperative for industry stakeholders to remain judicious in their financial decision-making, particularly in light of the ongoing complexities surrounding tariff refunds and the lack of a definitive timeline for their resolution. Moreover, the recent financial troubles of prominent retailers serve as a poignant reminder of the fragility inherent in our market, underscoring the necessity for adaptive strategies in response to shifting consumer demands and tightening margins. As we delve into this week's analysis, we will examine critical developments, from the implications of geopolitical risks on import dynamics to the evolving consumer sentiment that shapes our industry's trajectory.Takeaways:The furniture industry currently navigates a complex landscape characterized by both stabilization and persistent pressures, indicating a cautious yet hopeful outlook.Recent discussions highlight the critical importance of establishing an account in the Customs and Border Protection's ACE Portal for potential tariff refunds.Independent retailers face a sobering reality as physical assets enter auction due to closures, underscoring the volatility of market conditions.Target's financial report reveals a slight decline in sales, yet forecasts signal a modest rebound, emphasizing the need for strategic adaptation in the retail sector.Consumer sentiment appears to be improving, with a notable increase in the home furnishing sentiment index, although hiring remains cautious and capital investment is restrained.Etsy's financial performance suggests that home and living categories continue to thrive in online marketplaces, reflecting evolving consumer preferences toward niche products.

Monday, March 2nd, 2026 Today, Donald Trump and Bibi Netanyahu have initiated a war with Iran; Democratic lawmakers call for Congress to return to DC to vote on a War Powers Resolution; a federal judge says the Trump administration is intentionally violating immigration law; the Pentagon has shot down one of our own drones; artificial intelligence giant Anthropic has told the Department of Defense it refuses to surveil Americans or build fully autonomous weapons for the government; Democrats say they have the votes to subpoena Lutnick over his Epstein Files appearances; the Justice Department exposed cooperating witnesses in the Epstein files; and Allison and Dana read your Good News. Thank You, DAILYLOOK For 50% off your first order, head to DailyLook.com and use code DAILYBEANS.   Thank You, Wildgrain Get $30 off your first box + free Croissants in every box. Go to Wildgrain.com/DAILYBEANS to start your subscription. Guests:  Michael Wriston,

Questions are being asked about possible drone activity on the U.S.-Mexico border after two recent incidents in the El Paso area shut down air space and a military laser was fired to accidentally take down a U.S. Customs and Border Protection drone.

The Department of Defense accidentally shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone near El Paso after mistaking it for a threat, triggering an FAA airspace restriction over Fort Hancock through June. In a joint statement, the Pentagon, CBP, and FAA said the drone was “seemingly threatening,” while congressional Democrats blasted the incident as proof of poor coordination between federal agencies. The Supreme Court is taking up a major Second Amendment case that challenges the federal ban on gun ownership for marijuana users, a 60‑year‑old law that affects millions of legal medical cannabis patients. Critics, including former Pennsylvania DA Rob Greene, argue the ban is outdated and unconstitutional, while the Trump administration defends it as a key public‑safety measure. The justices will now decide whether cannabis users deserve a carve‑out in federal firearms law. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Department of Defense accidentally shot down a Customs and Border Protection drone near El Paso after mistaking it for a threat, triggering an FAA airspace restriction over Fort Hancock through June. In a joint statement, the Pentagon, CBP, and FAA said the drone was “seemingly threatening,” while congressional Democrats blasted the incident as proof of poor coordination between federal agencies. The Supreme Court is taking up a major Second Amendment case that challenges the federal ban on gun ownership for marijuana users, a 60‑year‑old law that affects millions of legal medical cannabis patients. Critics, including former Pennsylvania DA Rob Greene, argue the ban is outdated and unconstitutional, while the Trump administration defends it as a key public‑safety measure. The justices will now decide whether cannabis users deserve a carve‑out in federal firearms law. Please Like, Comment and Follow 'Philip Teresi on KMJ' on all platforms: --- Philip Teresi on KMJ is available on the KMJNOW app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube or wherever else you listen to podcasts. -- Philip Teresi on KMJ Weekdays 2-6 PM Pacific on News/Talk 580 AM & 105.9 FM KMJ | Website | Facebook | Instagram | X | Podcast | Amazon | - Everything KMJ KMJNOW App | Podcasts | Facebook | X | Instagram See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

-- On the Show -- Senator John Cornyn and Attorney General Ken Paxton fight a divisive primary as Democrats James Talarico and Jasmine Crockett post competitive polling that forces Republicans to defend Texas -- Dr. Mehmet Oz praises Donald Trump's State of the Union as historically great while public reaction and polling show widespread disagreement -- New Jeffrey Epstein materials and statements from Congressman Robert Garcia intensify scrutiny of Donald Trump and the Department of Justice -- Senator Adam Schiff reveals that Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection approved $144 million in weapons purchases -- Former Immigration and Customs Enforcement agent Ryan Schwank alleges major training cuts and unconstitutional instruction at the ICE Academy -- Fox News host Jessica Tarlov confronts FBI Director Kash Patel over private jet hypocrisy and exposes inconsistent defenses on live television -- The Friday Feedback segment -- On the Bonus Show: Hillary Clinton testifies in Epstein probe and Benny Johnson manages to disrupt it, Jesse Watters thinks Trump has an attractive cabinet, and much more...

David Waldman shakes out the KITM grab bag o' stories heading into the weekend. It turns out that Donald K. Trump's State of the Union speech wasn't only a boring litany of lies but was filled with confessions of 2025 and plans for 2026 crimes. In that case, it was kind of amazing that he was able to fit so much into so little time. At that rate, Trump's Epstein testimony could still take days. A judge blocked Trump from cutting off funding to 22 Dem states to coerce them into giving up food stamp data. Netflix has backed out of its Warner Bros. bid, so CNN slides all the way to the dark side. The military shot off its ray guns again, taking out a Customs and Border Protection drone. Soon, the CBP army will be unstoppable. Kristi Noem is assembling a fleet of bidet-equipped, dildo-laden, flying boudoirs. U.S. Vice Admiral Fred Kacher has been removed from his position as director of the Joint Staff after only taking the post in December. Some just aren't cut out for the military life. Idiot Nick Shirley makes money frightening idiots. Trump can rule the world with enough frightened idiots. A massive pro-Trump Twitter account is run by a paid White House staffer. Zohran Mamdani goes back to the White House to play Trump and makes it all look so easy. Kansas' trans bounty hunter bill was slipped through the legislature hidden in a gut and go shell. A three-year-old company with fewer than five employees hopes to pick up $25 billion before the tariff gravy train runs off the rails.

AP's Lisa Dwyer reports on another drone incident in the airspace over Texas.

Today on America in the MorningHillary Faces Epstein Questions In an extraordinary closed-door hearing that at one point had to be halted when a GOP member of the committee sent out a picture that was posted on social media, Hillary Clinton on Thursday spent 6 hours answering House Oversight Committee questions regarding Jeffrey Epstein, someone that the former First Lady and Secretary of State said under oath she never met.  Correspondent Jennifer King has details.   No US-Iran Deal Iran and the United States held hours of indirect negotiations Thursday over Tehran's nuclear program but walked away without a deal, leaving the danger of another Mideast war on the table.  Washington correspondent Sagar Meghani reports the prospect of military action against Iran is growing, as is the air and naval forces the US is moving into the region.   New Details In Cuba Boat Shoot New details are being learned as Cuba's government said the 10 passengers on a boat that opened fire on its soldiers were armed Cubans living in the US, and at least one was an American citizen.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports.   Border Drone Shoot Down The U.S. military used a laser Thursday to shoot down a Customs and Border Protection drone.  There are questions as to exactly what happened, as ABC News is reporting the drone shoot down was accidental.   Viewership Down The numbers are in.  An estimated 32.6 million people tuned into President Trump's State of the Union address on Tuesday evening, according to Nielsen.    Student Released After Trump-Mamdani Meeting A Columbia University student was detained by ICE agents at her dorm Thursday morning sparking a protest on campus.  Joan Jones reports she won her release thanks to the unusual relationship between President Trump and New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani.   Primary Preview Today is the last day to vote early in the primary elections in Texas.  Correspondent Clayton Neville reports from a state where there's speculation parts of it could turn from red to blue.   Means Facing Resistance Casey Means, President Donald Trump's pick for surgeon general, does not yet appear to have the votes for confirmation following a testy Senate health committee hearing on her nomination Wednesday.  FedEx On Refunds FedEx announced Thursday it will return any tariff refunds it may receive to its customers who paid them as it seeks compensation from the federal government for tariffs paid that were subsequently ruled illegal.  Correspondent Ed Donahue reports this comes after the historic Supreme Court decision.   Gas Prices Rising If your wallet is feeling a bit lighter, look no further than the gas pump.  Gas prices have been steadily rising, according to Triple-A, with the average price for a gallon of regular nationwide now at $2 dollars 98 cents   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

There's a new chapter in President Donald Trump's ongoing tariff rollercoaster.   In April of 2025, President Trump unveiled his reciprocal tariff plan, which stacked new tariffs onto existing duties to raise overall import taxes as high as 145% for certain countries. The “Liberation Day” announcement left the beauty, fashion and wellness industries struggling to properly plan for 2025 and beyond.  These tariffs have been a major source of revenue for the Federal government. In January, the U.S. collected more than $30 billion in duties, more than double the amount generated in January of 2025.  Last week, in a 6-3 decision, the Supreme Court struck down these tariffs on the grounds that they were ordered under the 1977 International Emergency Economic Powers Act. The SCOTUS ruling doesn't say that Trump cannot enact tariffs, just that IEEPA doesn't explicitly give the president that power.  This rollback has caused ripples throughout our focus industries, with brand leaders wondering what happens next and whether businesses can expect refunds on the tariffs struck down by SCOTUS. On Tuesday, House Democrats announced plans to unveil a bill on March 2 outlining how businesses can recoup these illegal tariffs. The Senate Committee on Finance estimates that the government collected about $175 billion in tariffs under IEEPA since April 2025.  Immediately after the SCOTUS ruling, President Trump signed an executive order imposing a blanket 10% percent tariff on imported goods. On Saturday, he said he would raise it to 15%, but as of Wednesday, at the time this podcast was recorded, U.S. Custom and Border Protection had replaced Trump's IEEPA tariffs with a 10% global import charge. It's unclear if it will be changed to 15% soon.  On Tuesday, during the State of the Union address, President Trump called the SCOTUS ruling “unfortunate” and said that the “type of money we're taking in is saving our country.” He said the U.S. would soon have to “make a new deal that could be far worse” for companies and countries as the administration is “testing alternative legal statutes” which are “a little more complex but probably a little bit better” than IEEPA. He added that “congressional action would not be necessary” to reinstate similar tariffs.  In the meantime, brands have been left to navigate a quickly changing landscape. In today's episode, Glossy Beauty Podcast host Lexy Lebsack is joined by senior fashion reporter Danny Parisi and senior beauty reporter Emily Jensen to unpack the latest tariff news and share how brands are responding. Both Parisi and Jensen covered the tariff rollback earlier this week for Glossy's beauty and fashion verticals. 

DOD – Disrupter Disrupters China markets reopening after Lunar New Year Mexico Cartel Wars Refunds requested for the illegal tariffs PLUS we are now on Spotify and Amazon Music/Podcasts! Click HERE for Show Notes and Links DHUnplugged is now streaming live - with listener chat. Click on link on the right sidebar. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter Warm-Up - The CTP for Caterpillar announced - DOD - Disrupter Disrupters - China markets reopening after Lunar New Year - Mexico Cartel Wars (Jalisco) Markets - Mortgage Rates - looking good! - Tariffs found illegal - that is not stopping anything - Refunds requested for the illegal tariffs - Monday's big drop and AI taking a bite out of stock prices Tariffs - First, who actually knows what is going on. 100% chaos - Supreme court ruled illegal (6-3) - 10% flat across all countries immediately added - Wait a day and make that 15% - FedEx seeks refund for illegal IEEPA tariffs imposed by Trump after the Supreme Court ruled Trump's tariffs exceeded authority - Numerous lawsuits expected for IEEPA tariff refunds - Apple has spent more than $3 billion on tariffs since President Donald Trump enacted his trade policies. What about that? (HOW TO FIGURE OUT WHO GETS THE REFUND) --- Estimate that $175B tariffs have been collected alreay - A group of 22 U.S. Senate Democrats on Monday introduced legislation that would require President Donald Trump's administration to fully refund within 180 days all of the revenue, with interest, collected from tariffs struck down by the U.S. Supreme Court. - The legislation would require the Customs and Border Protection agency, which collects tariffs at U.S. ports of entry, to prioritize small businesses. - The U.S. Customs and Border Protection agency said it will halt collections of tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act at 12:01 a.m. EST (0501 GMT) on Tuesday Stop The Presses - After years of JCD's rants....... - Apple will soon introduce MacBooks with touch screens - Apple Inc.'s initial touch Macs will have the Dynamic Island at the center top of the display and OLED screen technology. The new MacBook Pro models will have a refreshed, dynamic user interface that can shift between being optimized for touch or point-and-click input. Europe Reacts - "The current situation is not conducive to delivering 'fair, balanced, and mutually beneficial' transatlantic trade and investment, as agreed to by both sides" in the joint statement setting out the terms of last year's trade agreement, the Commission said. "A deal is a deal." - All active discussions are halted on any USA/Europe trade deal The Potential Winners - Brazil and China may be the winners here - Chinese President Xi Jinping has a boost in bargaining power after the US Supreme Court invalidated Donald Trump's broad emergency tariffs, a key point of leverage over China. - The removal of tariff threats will make it harder for Trump to press Xi for larger purchases of certain products and leaves him without a key weapon to strike back if Chinese negotiators make fresh demands. - Xi's team will likely push harder for access to advanced semiconductors, the removal of trade restrictions on Chinese companies, and reduced US support for self-ruled Taiwan, according to Wu Xinbo, director at Fudan University's Center for American Studies. NVDA Earnings - NVIDIA drops its fiscal Q4 2026 (ended Jan 2025) results tomorrow—another make-or-break moment for the AI trade. - The bar is sky-high after years of blowout beats, but whispers of "peak AI" and slowing growth momentum have investors on edge. --- Consensus Expectations : ----Revenue: ~$65.6–$66.1 billion (up ~67–68% YoY from last year's ~$39B; guided $65B ±2% in prior report) ------EPS (adjusted/non-GAAP): ~$1.50–$1.53 (up ~70–72% YoY from $0.89). --------Gross margins: Targeting ~75% non-GAAP (holding strong despite supply chain noise). -----------Key driver: Data Center segment expected to crush ~$58–$60B, fueled by Blackwell ramp and hyperscaler spend. Home Depot Earnings - The home-improvement retailer gained 2.7% after posting fourth-quarter adjusted earnings of $2.72 per share on revenues of $38.20 billion. - That exceeded the per-share earnings of $2.54 on revenues of $38.12 billion expected by analysts polled by LSEG. AMD News - The semiconductor maker rose about 11% after it inked a multiyear deal with Meta to lend up to 6 gigawatts of its graphics processing units to artificial intelligence data centers. - The cost of the deal is unclear, but the companies' agreement includes a a performance-based warrant that could amount to up to 160 million of AMD shares, according to a statement dated Tuesday. - Meta has committed to deploying up to 6 gigawatts (GW) of AMD's Instinct GPUs (high-end graphics processing units optimized for AI workloads) to power its massive AI data centers. - Analysts estimate the GPU portion alone could be worth $60–$100+ billion over 5+ years Mortgage Rates - The average rate on the popular 30-year fixed mortgage fell to 5.99% on Monday, according to Mortgage News Daily, matching its lowest levels since 2022. - Last year at this time the rate was 6.89%. - A buyer putting 20% down on the median priced home, about $400,000 according to the National Association of Realtors, would have a monthly payment of $1,916 for the principal and interest. One year ago, that payment would have been $2,105, a difference of $189. Life Insurance Record - Manulife Financial Corp. sold a $300 million life insurance policy in Singapore, topping what Guinness World Records certified as the most valuable policy ever issued. - The policy surpasses the previous record of $250 million, set by HSBC Life in Hong Kong in 2024. Manulife said in a statement Tuesday that the deal reflects growing demand from ultra-wealthy clients to preserve their assets. - In Singapore over the past 12 months, Manulife has issued 25 individual policies each worth more than $50 million. Bitcoin Rout - Gemini said it was axing as much as a quarter of its staff and exiting the UK, European Union and Australia entirely. - This week, it parted with its chief operating officer, chief financial officer and chief legal officer, all in a single day. - Its stock has fallen more than 80% from a post-listing high last year, collapsing its market value from a peak of almost $4 billion to under $700 million. Over the Greenland - USA sending a "hospital ship" over - Trump's post on the ship came hours after Denmark's Joint Arctic Command said it had evacuated a crew member who required urgent medical treatment from a U.S. submarine in Greenlandic waters, seven nautical miles outside of Greenland's capital, Nuuk. - Greenland said thanks but no thanks So Long! - U.S. investors are pulling money out of their own stock market at the fastest pace in at least 16 years as Big Tech returns fade and better-performing overseas markets look more attractive. - In the last six months, U.S.-domiciled investors have pulled some $75 billion from U.S. equity products, with $52 billion flowing out since the start of 2026 alone, the most in the first eight weeks of the year since at least 2010 AI Disruption - DOD (Disruption of Disrupters) - CrowdStrike -9.8% and other cybersecurity names under heavy pressure again as AI disruption fears build following Anthropic's Claude Code release - - Cybersecurity stocks are under broad pressure today, extending recent weakness following Friday's launch of Claude Code Security by Anthropic. Claude Code Security scans codebases for vulnerabilities and suggests software patches for human review, fueling a narrative that AI platforms may be moving more quickly into parts of the security workflow than investors had previously expected. For cybersecurity, that raises concern around the forward demand outlook and competitive positioning, particularly in areas tied to application security, cloud security, identity workflows, and security operations automation, where AI-native tools could start to narrow perceived differentiation. - The move suggests investors are still sorting through the implications for product overlap, pricing power, and competitive positioning as AI capabilities evolve quickly. - IBM shares dropping toward lows of the session; attributed to news that Claude can automate cobol modernization COBOL (Common Business-Oriented Language) is a high-level, English-like programming language created in 1959 for business, finance, and administrative data processing. It is renowned for its verbosity, readability, and reliability, processing massive amounts of transactions on mainframe systems,, notes NetCom Learning and IBM. Despite being decades old, it remains critical in banking, insurance, and government sectors. - It is estimated that 70-80% of the world's business transactions are processed by COBOL Grok's Prediction about Future of OpenAi/ChatGPT Scenario Likelihood (My Estimate) Key Factors Outcome for OpenAI/ChatGPT Thriving Leader Medium (40%) Sustained breakthroughs, partnerships (e.g., Microsoft), regulatory wins OpenAI as AI giant; ChatGPT as ecosystem hub for agents/robots Evolved Survivor High (50%) Adaptation to agents/hardware; mergers Exists but rebranded; ChatGPT integrated into daily life tools Decline/Acquisition Low (10%) Overcompetition, funding collapse Absorbed or legacy; ChatGPT commoditized or obsolete Quick check on Europe Shares - European company earnings growth is picking up this reporting season against a tentatively improving economic backdrop, but wary investors are demanding more than solid results to justify sky-high valuations. - Companies representing 57% of Europe's market capitalization have reported so far, achieving average earnings growth of 3.9% in the fourth quarter, ahead of estimates for a final result of a contraction of 1.1% --- That is a big differential.... +3.9 vs -1.1 Iran Talks - News over the weekend that Iran will look to discuss a variety of items and potentially get a deal.... energy, mining and aircraft - Best guess: Iran will string us along like Russia is doing and we will say we have some kind of bogus deal. --- There is some talk of US "going in" as we are building military presence. Supposedly there are some saying it could be a multi-week incursion. - What is the plan - Regime change? What is this? - A divided Supreme Court on Tuesday ruled that Americans can't sue the U.S. Postal Service, even when employees deliberately refuse to deliver mail. - By a 5-4 vote, the justices ruled against a Texas landlord, Lebene Konan, who alleges her mail was intentionally withheld for two years. Konan, who is Black, claims racial prejudice played a role in postal employees' actions. - Justice Clarence Thomas, writing for a majority of five conservative justices, said the federal law that generally shields the Postal Service from lawsuits over missing, lost and undelivered mail includes “the intentional nondelivery of mail.” - So can ballots just be thrown in garbage for mail-ins for one party that will throw out another party's?     Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? HE CLOSEST TO THE PIN for CATERPILLAR Winners will be getting great stuff like the new "OFFICIAL" DHUnplugged Shirt!     FED AND CRYPTO LIMERICKS   See this week's stock picks HERE Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter

According to an anonymous source connected to the Jalisco New Generation Cartel (CJNG), Juan Carlos Valencia González — also known as “O3” — has reportedly stepped into a leadership role following El Mencho. O3 is said to run Grupo Elite, CJNG's armed enforcement wing, and currently carries a $5 million U.S. bounty.Here's where it gets serious: reports indicate he was born in Santa Ana, California — potentially making him a U.S. citizen by birth.If true, this development changes the conversation around cartel leadership, U.S. jurisdiction, national security, and the evolving nature of transnational organized crime.In this breakdown, Kelsi Sheren analyzes:– Who O3 is and his connection to El Mencho– The structure and power of the Jalisco New Generation Cartel– What Grupo Elite represents inside CJNG– The legal implications if a U.S. citizen leads a Mexican cartel– How birthright citizenship intersects with federal prosecution– Why CJNG remains one of the most dangerous cartels in the world– The broader national security implications for the United StatesThis is not sensationalism. This is a strategic look at what modern cartel power actually looks like in 2026.CJNG continues to be a major force in fentanyl trafficking, meth production, and cartel violence across Mexico and the United States. A confirmed leadership shift would have serious implications for U.S.–Mexico relations, federal law enforcement, and cartel designation debates.Chapters00:00 Introduction and Context of Mexico's Cartel Violence00:25 The Alleged Leadership Change in CJNG01:16 Carlos Valencia Gonzalez: The New Leader and His Background02:05 The Significance of a US-born Cartel Leader03:01 Legal Implications of US Citizenship for Cartel Leaders04:00 Citizenship and Jurisdiction in Organized Crime05:56 Cartel Violence as a National Security Threat06:52 Impact on US and Canadian Fentanyl Crisis07:19 Potential Outcomes of Leadership Transition08:07 Modern Cartel Structures and Globalization09:02 Implications for US-Mexico Cooperation and Policy09:58 The Future of Hybrid and Transnational Organized CrimeResources: CJNG Official Website - https://www.cjng.mx/RICO Laws - US Department of Justice - https://www.justice.gov/usao/justice-101/rico-actFentanyl Crisis - CDC - https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/fentanyl.htmlBorder Policy - US Customs and Border Protection - https://www.cbp.gov/Global Organized Crime - UNODC - https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/organized-crime/index.html - - - - - - - - - - - -One Time Donation! - Paypal - https://paypal.me/brassandunityBuy me a coffee! - https://buymeacoffee.com/kelsisherenLet's connect!Youtube - https://www.youtube.com/@thekelsisherenperspectiveInstagram -  https://www.instagram.com/thekelsisherenperspective?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw%3D%3DX: https://x.com/KelsiBurnsInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/kelsie_sheren/Substack:  https://substack.com/@kelsisherenSUPPORT OUR PEOPLE - - - - - - - - - - - -MasterPeace - 10% off with code KELSI - https://www.MasterPeace.Health/KelsiKetone IQ- 30% off with code KELSI - https://ketone.com/KELSIGood Livin - 20% off with code KELSI - https://www.itsgoodlivin.com/?ref=KELSIBrass & Unity - 20% off with code UNITY  - http://brassandunity.com- - - - - - - - - - - - -CHARITYHeroic Hearts Project - https://www.heroicheartsproject.orgDefenders of Freedom - https://www.defendersoffreedom.usBoot Campaign - https://bootcampaign.org

This Day in Legal History: Order 9066On this day in legal history, enforcement of Executive Order 9066 began in earnest following its signing by Franklin D. Roosevelt earlier in February 1942. The order authorized the military to designate exclusion zones and remove individuals deemed security risks from certain areas of the country. In practice, it led to the forced relocation and incarceration of more than 110,000 Japanese Americans, most of whom were U.S. citizens. Families were removed from their homes, businesses were lost, and entire communities were dismantled. The government justified the policy as a matter of national security during World War II. Critics argued it was rooted in racial prejudice rather than military necessity.The constitutionality of the policy reached the Supreme Court in Korematsu v. United States. Fred Korematsu, a U.S. citizen, had refused to comply with the exclusion order and was convicted. In a 6–3 decision, the Court upheld his conviction, accepting the government's claim that the exclusion was justified by wartime necessity. The majority deferred heavily to the executive branch, emphasizing the perceived threat on the West Coast. In dissent, several justices warned that the decision validated racial discrimination under the guise of military urgency.Decades later, the ruling came to be widely regarded as a grave error. In 1988, Congress passed the Civil Liberties Act, formally apologizing and providing reparations to surviving internees. In 2018, the Supreme Court explicitly stated that Korematsu was wrongly decided, rejecting its reasoning even though it was not formally overturned in the technical sense. The episode remains a cautionary example of how constitutional protections can erode in times of crisis.The U.S. Supreme Court is set to hear two cases concerning the scope of the Helms-Burton Act, a 1996 law that allows American companies to sue over property confiscated by Cuba after the 1959 revolution. One case involves ExxonMobil's effort to recover more than $1 billion for oil and gas assets seized by Cuba in 1960. Exxon sued a Cuban state-owned company in 2019, alleging it continues to profit from the confiscated property. A lower court ruled that the Cuban entities could claim foreign sovereign immunity, which generally protects foreign governments from being sued in U.S. courts. Exxon has asked the Supreme Court to reverse that decision.The second case involves four cruise operators—Carnival, Royal Caribbean, Norwegian Cruise Line, and MSC Cruises—accused of unlawfully benefiting from docks in Havana that were originally built and operated by a U.S. company before being seized by Cuba. The docks were used between 2016 and 2019, after travel restrictions were eased under President Obama. A trial judge initially ruled against the cruise lines and awarded more than $100 million in damages, but an appeals court later dismissed the case, finding that the original concession had expired before the cruise lines used the property. The Supreme Court's decisions could clarify how broadly Congress intended the Helms-Burton Act to apply and whether claimants face significant legal barriers when seeking compensation.US Supreme Court to hear Exxon bid for compensation from Cuba | ReutersU.S. Customs and Border Protection announced that it will stop collecting tariffs imposed under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) beginning just after midnight on Tuesday. The decision comes several days after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that those tariffs were unlawful. The agency said it would deactivate the tariff codes tied to President Donald Trump's IEEPA-related orders but did not explain why collections continued for days after the ruling. It also did not address whether importers who paid the duties would receive refunds.The suspension of the IEEPA tariffs coincides with the implementation of a new 15% global tariff introduced under a different statutory authority. Customs clarified that the halt applies only to the IEEPA-based tariffs and does not affect other trade measures, including those enacted under Section 232 for national security reasons or Section 301 for unfair trade practices. Economists have estimated that the now-invalidated IEEPA tariffs generated more than $175 billion in revenue and were bringing in over $500 million per day. As a result, the ruling potentially exposes the government to significant refund claims from importers.US to stop collecting tariffs deemed illegal by Supreme Court on Tuesday | ReutersJPMorgan Chase informed President Donald Trump and his hospitality company in February 2021 that it was closing their bank accounts, according to newly released documents tied to Trump's $5 billion lawsuit against the bank and its CEO, Jamie Dimon. The letters were sent about a month after the January 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol. At the time, several businesses and organizations distanced themselves from Trump, including law firms and the PGA of America.In its February 19, 2021 letters, JPMorgan did not provide a detailed explanation for ending the relationship. The bank stated generally that it may determine a client's interests are no longer served by continuing with J.P. Morgan Private Bank. JPMorgan has previously argued that Trump's lawsuit lacks merit. Trump's legal team, however, claims the letters amount to an admission that the bank intentionally “de-banked” him and his businesses, allegedly causing major financial harm.Trump contends that JPMorgan violated its own policies and unfairly targeted him for political reasons. The newly disclosed letters were submitted as part of the bank's effort to transfer the case from federal court in Miami to New York, where JPMorgan argues the dispute is more closely connected.JPMorgan says it closed Trump's bank accounts a month after Jan. 6 attack | ReutersA federal judge in Florida declined to overturn a $243 million jury verdict against Tesla stemming from a fatal 2019 crash involving the company's Autopilot system. The court found that the evidence presented at trial sufficiently supported the jury's conclusion that Autopilot played a role in the collision, which killed 22-year-old Naibel Benavides Leon in Key Largo. The jury determined that both the driver and Tesla shared responsibility for the crash.Jurors originally awarded $59 million to Benavides' parents and $70 million to her boyfriend, Dillon Angulo, who was injured in the incident. After accounting for comparative fault, the compensatory damages were reduced to about $42.6 million, with the driver found 67% responsible and Tesla 33% responsible. The jury also imposed $200 million in punitive damages against the company.Tesla asked the court to set aside the verdict or grant a new trial, arguing that the damages were excessive and that its conduct did not meet Florida's legal threshold for punitive damages. The company also contended that state law limits punitive damages to three times the compensatory award. The judge rejected these arguments, stating that Tesla was largely repeating points already considered and dismissed during trial.At trial, plaintiffs argued that Autopilot was defective because it could be activated on roads it was not designed for and did not adequately ensure driver attention. They also claimed Tesla overstated the system's capabilities. The driver admitted he had looked away from the road moments before the crash.Tesla Can't Escape $243M Autopilot Crash Verdict - Law360 This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

I never thought I'd be glued to my screen watching court battles unfold like episodes of some high-stakes drama, but here we are in mid-February 2026, and the Supreme Court is buzzing with cases tied straight to President Donald Trump's administration. Just last Friday, February 13th, a Republican member of Congress, along with a group of New York voters and state election officials, rushed to the U.S. Supreme Court begging them to let New York stick with its current congressional map for the 2026 elections. See, a state court had blocked it, calling it unfair, but these folks argued it should hold up to avoid chaos at the polls. SCOTUSblog reports the justices ordered the challengers to respond by Thursday afternoon, so eyes are on Washington for a quick ruling that could reshape House seats in the Empire State.Shifting gears to the immigration front, the Supreme Court has a blockbuster looming: oral arguments set for April 1st on President Trump's executive order aiming to end birthright citizenship for almost everyone born on U.S. soil. That's the 14th Amendment guarantee under fire, and SCOTUSblog's Amy Howe broke down a stack of amicus briefs backing the administration, from legal scholars to states like Texas and Florida arguing it's time to reinterpret the old rule. Challengers are gearing up too, promising a fight over what "subject to the jurisdiction thereof" really means—could redefine American identity overnight.Over in Boston's federal court, the Justice Department slapped Harvard University with a lawsuit on Friday, accusing them of stonewalling documents for over ten months. The Trump team wants proof that Harvard's complying with the Supreme Court's 2023 ban on affirmative action in admissions, post-Students for Fair Admissions v. Harvard. The Hill quotes a Harvard spokesperson firing back, calling it retaliatory overreach since the university won't surrender its independence. This one's personal—admissions data could expose if elite schools are dodging the ruling.Meanwhile, environmentalists are rallying after the administration axed the EPA's 2009 endangerment finding, the bedrock that justified greenhouse gas regs since greenhouse gases were deemed a public health threat. The New York Times says it's primed for Supreme Court showdowns, leaning on recent wins like curbing agency power in cases such as West Virginia v. EPA. Groups like the Sierra Club are suing, fearing a loss could kneecap future climate rules.Tariffs are heating up too—President Trump nominated White House lawyer Kara Westercamp to the U.S. Court of International Trade last Thursday, a spot that might rule on refunds if SCOTUS guts some duties. Politico notes giants like Costco and Toyota are suing Customs and Border Protection to freeze liquidation of their payments, buying time before refunds vanish. Business Insider lists more Fortune 500 players piling in, with deadlines ticking.And don't sleep on the judicial shuffle: Ballotpedia's February vacancy count shows President Trump with 39 Article III nominations since January 20th, 27 confirmed—including 21 district judges—outrunning averages. Fresh picks like Anna St. John for Louisiana's Eastern District and Chris Wolfe for Texas Western are Senate-bound.It's a whirlwind of lawsuits testing Trump's agenda from New York maps to Harvard halls, climate battlegrounds to border walls. With SCOTUS possibly dropping opinions this Friday at 10 a.m. Eastern, or next week on the 24th and 25th, the justices hold the gavel.Thanks for tuning in, listeners. Come back next week for more, and this has been a Quiet Please production—for more, check out Quiet Please Dot A I.Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.aiThis content was created in partnership and with the help of Artificial Intelligence AI

Customs and Border Protection has increased deployments of surveillance technology along the northern border over the past five years despite sluggish hiring levels of IT personnel needed to monitor the tech, according to a report by the Government Accountability Office published Thursday. The staffing rate for information systems specialists has remained below target levels for half a decade but the gap has widened since 2023. CBP officials pointed to low pay, a lengthy background investigation process, a limited local applicant pool, high cost of living and minimal career advancement opportunities as drivers of attrition and the inability to fill open positions. GAO conducted the audit over a nearly two-year period, starting in April 2024 and concluding this month. In examining CBP's northern border facilities, the watchdog found that CBP did not have a strategy to address the critical staffing gap. The Department of Health and Human Services made several changes to its IT leadership recently, including the addition of a new acting deputy chief information officer and acting deputy chief AI officer. A webpage listing leadership within the Office of the Chief Information Officer currently has David Hong as acting deputy CIO and Arman Sharma as acting deputy chief AI officer. Meanwhile, Kevin Duvall, who was previously deputy CIO and acting deputy CAIO, is no longer on the page. The apparent change-up comes amid reports of a personnel shake-up at the health agency. On Friday, CNN reported that two top aides to Secretary Robert F. Kennedy Jr. were departing and new senior counselors would be installed. Those changes were related to preparations for midterm elections, per CNN. It is not clear if the IT leadership changes were for similar reasons. While there is no public indication of when Hong and Sharma began serving as acting deputies, the changes appear to have been made recently. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast  on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.

Today's Headlines: Early voting is officially underway for North Carolina's March 3 Senate primary — your reminder that primary season is here and checking your state's election dates is now mandatory civic behavior. The timing matters, because Washington is doing the most: the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is likely to shut down after Senate Democrats blocked a funding bill that didn't include limits on ICE practices. If it happens, the shutdown would also hit the TSA, FEMA, and the United States Coast Guard — just as Congress leaves town for a Presidents' Day recess.  Meanwhile, border czar Tom Homan claims ICE is ending deployments to Minnesota, though reporting suggests those deployments may not have actually ended — or possibly started. At the same time, Customs and Border Protection is moving ahead with a $225,000 contract for Clearview AI, a facial recognition tool built on billions of scraped images, now approved for “tactical targeting” and network analysis.  That mysterious whistleblower complaint involving Tulsi Gabbard also landed exactly where everyone expected: it centered on her burying an NSA report about a Trump associate's call with a foreign intelligence agency. Just as we guessed…last week, that associate was Jared Kushner, and the call reportedly involved Iran. Benjamin Netanyahu met with Donald Trump at the White House, after which Trump publicly scolded Isaac Herzog for not pardoning Netanyahu over corruption charges — while brushing off questions about responsibility for October 7. Elsewhere, X, owned by Elon Musk, is under scrutiny after reports it sold premium accounts to Iranian regime officials despite U.S. sanctions. And finally, Gallup announced its ending monthly presidential approval ratings after nearly 90 years. The last one, taken in December, clocked in at 36%. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Inside North Carolina's 2026 high-stakes primary races Politico: DHS shutdown all but certain after failed Senate vote - Live Updates NYT: Trump Administration to End Surge of Immigration Agents in Minnesota Wired:: CBP Signs Clearview AI Deal to Use Face Recognition for ‘Tactical Targeting' WSJ: Gabbard Whistleblower Complaint Based on Intercepted Conversation About Jared Kushner Axios: Trump says Israeli president "should be ashamed" for not pardoning Netanyahu Wired: Elon Musk's X Appears to Be Violating US Sanctions by Selling Premium Accounts to Iranian Leaders NYT: Gallup Will No Longer Track Presidential Approval Ratings Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U.S. Customs and Border Protection personnel — not American service members — shot down an object with a military laser earlier this week near El Paso, Texas, according to multiple sources familiar with the situation. Troops with Joint Task Force – Southern Border were not authorized to shoot down drones in the area. The task force — which works hand-in-hand with federal law enforcement and serves as the primary military entity for the U.S.-Mexico border mission — trained CBP personnel on the equipment who used it during the incursion. A source familiar told DefenseScoop that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth approved the transfer of a military counter-drone system to CBP. Sources did not identify the specific laser system that was used. U.S. Border Patrol falls under CBP. The operation reportedly caused interagency turmoil between the Pentagon and Federal Aviation Administration, prompting the latter to issue a 10-day flight restriction that lasted only hours into Wednesday. The Internal Revenue Service moved forward this week with plans to involuntarily move employees with no direct tax experience to perform customer service and analysis duties for this year's filing season. According to email notices obtained by FedScoop, multiple IRS employees from the agency's IT and human capital office were informed Monday that they were assigned to a 120-day involuntary detail to the agency's Taxpayer Services division, as either a customer service representative or a tax examiner. The detail, effective Feb. 22, could be extended beyond the four-month period, per the notice. Joseph Ziegler, the agency's chief of internal consulting, stated in the notice that neither position will require direct engagement with taxpayers or answering phones, adding that the tax filing season is the “most important time” of the year for the agency. It is unclear how many employees were affected by the temporary reorganization, but it follows a series of shakeups and losses for the agency. The Daily Scoop Podcast is available every Monday-Friday afternoon. If you want to hear more of the latest from Washington, subscribe to The Daily Scoop Podcast  on Apple Podcasts, Soundcloud, Spotify and YouTube.

In part two of Red Eye Radio with Gary McNamara and Eric Harley, you know Democrats are out of ammo when they play the "God card". In a mostly soporific Tuesday House Homeland Committee hearing called amid the widespread public outcry over Customs and Border Protection agents' killing of Alex Pretti, Rep. LaMonica McIver (D-NJ) managed to set the whole room astir. She asked acting ICE Chief Todd Lyons whether he's religious, reacting with surprise when he responded that he is. “How do you think Judgment Day will work for you, with so much blood on your hands?” she asked. “I'm not gonna entertain that question, ma'am,” he responded, shaking his head. “Of course not,” McIver retorted, then: “Do you think you're going to hell, Mr. Lyons?” she asked, prompting an audible reaction in the room. Chairman Andrew Garbarino (R-NY) jumped in at that point, reminding McIver of hearing decorum rules. Also BREAKING NEWS: The person detained in the Nancy Guthrie missing person case has been released. For more talk on the issues that matter to you, listen on radio stations across America Monday-Friday 12am-5am CT (1am-6am ET and 10pm-3am PT), download the RED EYE RADIO SHOW app, asking your smart speaker, or listening at RedEyeRadioShow.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Acting Director of ICE, and the Director of USCIS are all expected to testify today before the House Homeland Security Committee. This hearing takes place as the government faces another potential partial shutdown if Department of Homeland Security (DHS) funding is not passed by the end of the week. Representative Brad Knott (R-NC) joins the Rundown to discuss the standoff over Democratic demands for ICE reform. Florida is now mandating that all driving tests be conducted in English only. While critics argue the rule is rooted in bias rather than safety data, Governor Ron DeSantis and other proponents defend the change as a common-sense measure to ensure drivers can comprehend road signs and laws. Lieutenant Governor Jay Collins joins the Rundown to discuss the policy—catalyzed by a fatal 2025 crash involving a non-English proficient commercial driver—and why he hopes the rest of the country follows the Sunshine State's lead. Plus, commentary by Jason Rantz, Host of the Jason Rantz Show and author of “What's Killing America.” Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The heads of Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Customs and Border Protection and Citizenship and Immigration Services appeared before the House Homeland Security Committee on Tuesday. Among the questions they faced was whether the tactics used by their agents during arrests and deportations run afoul of the Constitution. Lisa Desjardins reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

Top Homeland Security officials, including Todd Lyons, acting director of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement; Rodney Scott, head of U.S. Customs and Border Protection; and Joseph Edlow, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, will testify before the House Committee on Homeland Security on Tuesday.The FBI said it is not aware of any ongoing communication between “Today” show host Savannah Guthrie's family and any suspected kidnappers, after the search for her mother, Nancy Guthrie, entered its second week, and a ransom deadline set out in a purported ransom note appeared to have passed.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is looking to secure exports with a proposed rule mandating electronic data filing for all vessel cargo before it leaves port. This digital update replaces an outdated paper system to help officials better intercept high-risk shipments containing contraband like weapons or narcotics. In leadership news, the Truckload Carriers Association has named Jim Mullen as the organization's next president. The former FMCSA chief brings decades of regulatory experience to the role and will succeed retiring president Jim Ward this April. Samsara is modernizing fleet safety with the launch of an AI-powered coaching system that provides real-time guidance to drivers. By analyzing patterns such as distraction and drowsiness, the tool acts as a pro coach in the cab  to help eliminate accidents caused by human error. Follow the FreightWaves NOW Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Wednesday, The Washington Post laid off approximately one third of its staff, including hundreds of reporters in its newsroom. Executive Editor Matt Murray announced the cuts to the company, saying its approach required “a new way forward and a sounder foundation.” The layoffs have created uncertainty about the future of the outlet, which has long served as a leading U.S. news source but has recently struggled to retain readers and improve its business model. Ad-free podcasts are here!To listen to this podcast ad-free, and to enjoy our subscriber only premium content, go to ReadTangle.com to sign up!Answering your questions about ICE.The Trump administration's heightened immigration operations have prompted a flood of questions about how different immigration agencies work, the legality of their tactics, and the rights of citizens and noncitizens alike. In last week's Friday edition, we tackled the most frequently asked questions about Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection, featuring insights from a wide array of experts. You can read it here. You can read today's podcast⁠ ⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠, our “Under the Radar” story ⁠here and today's “Have a nice day” story ⁠here⁠.You can subscribe to Tangle by clicking here or drop something in our tip jar by clicking here. Take the survey: Who do you think is responsible for layoffs at The Washington Post? Let us know.Our Executive Editor and Founder is Isaac Saul. Our Executive Producer is Jon Lall.This podcast was written by: Isaac Saul and audio edited and mixed by Dewey Thomas. Music for the podcast was produced by Diet 75.Our newsletter is edited by Managing Editor Ari Weitzman, Senior Editor Will Kaback, Lindsey Knuth, Bailey Saul, and Audrey Moorehead. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are running out of time to reach an agreement over funding for the Department of Homeland Security, which includes Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Customs and Border Protection. We discuss the state of negotiations, plus how calls to “abolish ICE” are playing out in congressional races.This episode: senior White House correspondent Tamara Keith, congressional reporter Sam Gringlas, political correspondent Ashley Lopez, and political reporter Elena Moore.This podcast was produced by Casey Morell and Bria Suggs, and edited by Rachel Baye.Our executive producer is Muthoni Muturi.Listen to every episode of the NPR Politics Podcast sponsor-free, unlock access to bonus episodes with more from the NPR Politics team, and support public media when you sign up for The NPR Politics Podcast+ at plus.npr.org/politics.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Two federal immigration agents — Border Patrol agent Jesus Ochoa and Customs and Border Protection officer Raymundo Gutierrez — have been identified in government records as the officers who fatally shot Minneapolis protester and ICU nurse Alex Pretti during Operation Metro Surge in January, igniting nationwide outrage and calls for accountability. In other major developments, newly released Epstein files contain some of the most disturbing allegations yet about Jeffrey Epstein's abuse, as more evidence emerges that Epstein may have acted as a Mossad asset. Go to ⁠⁠⁠shipstation.com⁠⁠⁠ and use code DAMAGE for sixty days for free! Refresh your winter wardrobe with Quince. Go to ⁠⁠⁠quince.com/damage⁠⁠⁠ for free shipping on your order and 365-day returns. Hosts: Ana Kasparian & Cenk Uygur SUBSCRIBE on YOUTUBE ☞  https://www.youtube.com/@TheYoungTurks FOLLOW US ON: FACEBOOK  ☞   https://www.facebook.com/theyoungturks TWITTER  ☞       https://twitter.com/TheYoungTurks INSTAGRAM  ☞  https://www.instagram.com/theyoungturks TIKTOK  ☞          https://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungturks

Monday, February 2nd, 2026Today, Propublica has identified the two CBP agents that murdered Alex Pretti - Jesus Ochoa and Raymundo Gutierrez; the DOJ released their final and incomplete production of the Epstein Files; every single Senate Democrat and two Republicans voted to defund ICE but Republicans blocked the amendment; ICE has expanded their power to arrest people without warrants; four Black independent journalists were arrested for covering a church protest; Bovino mocked a prosecutor's Jewish faith during a call with lawyers; ICE shattered someone's skull and then told the hospital they did it to themselves; massive peaceful protests erupted across the country against ICE and Customs and Border Protection; the top FBI agent in Atlanta has been sacked after refusing to go along with the Fulton County election office raid; a Texas Democrat who was outspent 20 to 1 has flipped the District 9 State Senate seat with a 30 point swing in a stunning upset; five year old Liam Ramos and his father have been released from the Dilley concentration camp and are back home in Minneapolis; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.Thank You, Daily LookTo get 6 bottles of wine for $39.99, head to nakedwines.com/DAILYBEANS and use code DAILYBEANS for both the code and password.Thank You, HomeChefFor a limited time, get  50% off and free shipping for your first box PLUS free dessert for life! HomeChef.com/DAILYBEANS.  Must be an active subscriber to receive free dessert.Guest: Asha RangappaThe Freedom Academy with Asha Rangappa | SubstackIt's Complicated - YouTube@asharangappa.bsky.social on BlueskyWill Trump Send the Military to Seize Voting Machines? The LatestBREAKING: EXCLUSIVE: Epstein Files Tipster Tells Me About Her Friend Being Trafficked to Epstein Through Trump Modeling AgencyStoriesTwo CBP Agents Identified in Alex Pretti Shooting | ProPublicaHere's What to Know About the Millions of Pages of Epstein Documents | The New York TimesICE Expands Power of Agents to Arrest People Without Warrants | The New York TimesDon Lemon arrested after covering protest at Minnesota church | NBC NewsTakeaways from AP report on ICE claims that immigrant shattered his skull running into wall | AP NewsBovino Is Said to Have Mocked Prosecutor's Jewish Faith on Call With Lawyers | The New York TimesAtlanta FBI boss ousted after balking at 2020 election probe | MSNOWPartial government shutdown begins as funding lapses despite Senate deal |CBS NewsProtesters take to streets in U.S. to decry ICE tactics in Minneapolis | The Washington PostDemocrat Taylor Rehmet wins solidly red Texas Senate seat in stunning special election upset | Texas TribunePreschooler Liam Ramos and father land in Minneapolis after being released from immigration detention | CNNGood TroubleHow to Film ICE | WIRED→Standwithminnesota.com→Tell Congress Ice out Now | Indivisible→Defund ICE (UPDATED 1/21) - HOUSE VOTE THURSDAY→Congress: Divest From ICE and CBP | ACLU→ICE List  →iceout.org→2026 Trans Girl Scouts To Order Cookies From! | Erin in the MorningGood NewsAdopt Justin (Texas)The Visibility BrigadeProject For AwesomeTour — DANA GOLDBERG→Go To Good News & Good Trouble - The Daily Beans to Share YoursSubscribe to the MSW YouTube Channel - MSW Media - YouTubeOur Donation LinksPathways to Citizenship link to MATCH Allison's Donationhttps://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_86ff5236-dd26-11ec-b5ee-066e3d38bc77&WidgetId=6388736Allison is donating $20K to It Gets Better and inviting you to help match her donations. Your support makes this work possible, Daily Beans fam. Donate to It Gets Better / The Daily Beans FundraiserJoin Dana and The Daily Beans with a MATCHED Donation http://onecau.se/_ekes71More Donation LinksNational Security Counselors - Donate

New video has emerged showing a physical clash between Alex Pretti and federal agents over a week before he was fatally shot by Customs and Border Protection agents. A representative for Pretti's family confirmed to CNN that the man in a video posted Wednesday is Pretti. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tuesday, January 27th, 2026Today, the dominoes are falling as multiple prominent Republicans criticize ICE and call for an independent investigation into the murder of Alex Pretti; moderate Senator Jacky Rosen is calling for Kristi Noem's impeachment; Republican gubernatorial candidate is withdrawing from the race over ICE presence in Minnesota; DHS says it has the body-worn camera footage of Pretti's murder; Mike Pence calls for an independent investigation into the murder; Governor Abbott has called on the White House to recalibrate ICE; the Trump administration is now pulling Bovino and all Customs and Border Protection agents out of Minneapolis; and Allison and Dana deliver your Good News.Thank You, DeleteMeGet 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to joindeleteme.com/DAILYBEANS and use promo code DAILYBEANS at checkout. Thank You, BabbelGet up to 55% off your Babbel subscription – at Babbel.com/DAILYBEANS.Guest: Adam KlasfeldAll Rise News@allrisenews|Bluesky, @klasfeldreports.com|BlueSky, @KlasfeldReports|Twitter, @senecaprojectus - InstagramThe LatestICE OUT of Minnesota TRO Hearing | The BreakdownStoriesJudge to hear arguments on Minnesota immigration crackdown as calls grow for probe into Alex Pretti shooting - updates | CNNAbbott says ICE needs to recalibrate, work from different direction | El Paso TimesModerate Sen. Jacky Rosen urges Noem's impeachment as Dem fury grows over Minneapolis shooting | AP NewsChris Madel, a Republican running for Minnesota governor, ends his bid and criticizes ICE | CNN PoliticsAlex Pretti's killing was recorded on body-camera videos, DHS says | NBC NewsLindsey Halligan is no longer employed by the Justice Department after her departure from Virginia U.S. attorney's office | NBC News Good TroubleCharlotte Clymer posted on Bluesky:Looking for ways to support organizations and mutual aid projects on the ground in Minnesota? Here's a great directory for exactly that: standwithminnesota.comhttps://bsky.app/profile/charlotteclymer.bsky.social/post/3mddq3o5pas2d→Tell Congress Ice out Now - Take Action Now | Indivisible→standwithminnesota.com→Defund ICE (UPDATED 1/21) - HOUSE VOTE THURSDAY→Congress: Divest From ICE and CBP | ACLU→ICE List  →iceout.org→2026 Trans Girl Scouts To Order Cookies From! | Erin in the Morning Good Newsstandwithminnesota.comTimberwolves Chaplain Speaks Out | Fred ClarkPatuxent Roller DerbyTour Dates — DANA GOLDBERG→Go To Good News & Good Trouble - The Daily Beans to Share YoursSubscribe to the MSW YouTube Channel - MSW Media - YouTubeOur Donation LinksPathways to Citizenship link to MATCH Allison's Donationhttps://crm.bloomerang.co/HostedDonation?ApiKey=pub_86ff5236-dd26-11ec-b5ee-066e3d38bc77&WidgetId=6388736Allison is donating $20K to It Gets Better and inviting you to help match her donations. Your support makes this work possible, Daily Beans fam. Donate to It Gets Better / The Daily Beans FundraiserJoin Dana and The Daily Beans and support on Giving Tuesday with a MATCHED Donation http://onecau.se/_ekes71More Donation LinksNational Security Counselors - Donate

"It begins by giving power to people who shouldn't have it." After putting a bow on some topics from earlier in the show, Carl Douglas joins Dan and the Shipping Container to discuss the ongoing protests in Minneapolis after yet another American citizen was killed by officers. He and the crew dive into the violence perpetrated by ICE and Customs and Border Protection, the framing by the Trump Administration, and what to expect moving forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In this episode of John Solomon Reports, we dive into a week of notable developments in Washington, including historic bipartisan progress as Congress successfully passes all 12 appropriations bills for the first time in two decades. This shift towards regular budgeting practices signals a potential end to government shutdowns, marking a significant cultural change in how fiscal matters are handled.Congressman Eric Burlison from Missouri joins us to discuss a variety of pressing issues, including his intriguing work on a UFO disclosure project. He shares his insights on the unexplained flying objects observed around military bases, emphasizing the need for transparency and investigation into these phenomena. Additionally, Burlison addresses the important topic of weaponization within the U.S. government, shedding light on efforts to curb such practices.We also welcome Mark Morgan, former Commissioner of U.S. Customs and Border Protection, who brings a wealth of experience to the table. Morgan discusses innovative strategies for enhancing deportation operations, building on the historic 2.5 million deportations that took place recently. His proposals aim to expedite the process and alleviate the strain on our immigration system.In the final segment, investigative reporter John Sommer joins us to raise awareness about the growing threat of home title theft and the cybercriminals targeting homeowners. Together, we explore the alarming trends in this area and provide crucial information on how to protect your property through our partnership with Home Title Lock.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.