Podcasts about Russia

In this episode of the 47 Morning Update w Ben Ferguson, Ben examines the Supreme Court's decision allowing work on the White House ballroom project to proceed despite ongoing litigation. They discuss the Court's analysis of standing, the debate over presidential authority, and what the ruling could mean for future legal challenges against executive actions. The conversation then turns to a newly announced Venezuela energy agreement that the administration describes as a historic opportunity for American energy access. Ben breaks down the reported structure of the deal, the role of private investment, the strategic implications for U.S. energy policy, and the administration's argument that greater access to Western Hemisphere energy resources could reduce dependence on hostile foreign suppliers. A 5-4 Supreme Court decision allows construction of the new White House ballroom and related complex to continue while legal challenges move forward. The ruling focuses on whether the groups bringing the lawsuit have standing to sue, a question that could have implications beyond this single project. At the same time, the Trump administration is highlighting a major energy agreement tied to Venezuelan oil reserves. Supporters argue the deal could strengthen long-term U.S. energy security, reshape geopolitical influence in the Western Hemisphere, and eventually affect energy markets. Topics Covered: Supreme Court's 5-4 ruling on the White House ballroom project Legal debate over standing and federal court challenges Ongoing litigation involving the National Trust for Historic Preservation Reported U.S. access to Venezuelan oil reserves and production rights Energy security, oil markets, and long-term supply strategy Geopolitical competition involving Venezuela, Russia, China, and the United States Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the The Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. And don't forget to follow the show on Social Media so you never miss a moment! Thanks for Listening X: https://x.com/benfergusonshowYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A former gang boss is facing potentially life in prison after being found guilty of murdering Tupac Shakur in 1996. Duane 'Keffe D' Davis masterminded the plan and supplied the gun that killed the rapper. Also, the families of more than 600 workers believed to be trapped in a vast network of mud-filled tunnels along Nepal's Trishuli River are clinging to hope their loved ones can be found alive. In the US, there is pushback about how quickly car licence plate readers made by one company, Flock, are spreading across the country. Argentina great Lionel Messi has announced his retirement from international football. The Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, has accused Israel and Russia of spreading disinformation related to the mass influx of migrants. John Galliano has cancelled an upcoming major exhibition celebrating his work as a fashion designer after it prompted criticism due to his previous conviction for making antisemitic and anti-Asian remarks. A team of conservationists in Chile has designed a healing "suit" to help penguins recover from surgery.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk Photo: Duane Davis looks on during his murder trial, related to the 1996 killing of rapper Tupac Shakur Credit: Reuters

Caption: 1521 PERSIATONIGHT CONTENTS THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW 8-31-2026Tehran Under Siege: Sanctions, War Fatigue, and the Credibility Crisis of the UNEdmund Fitton-Brown details the bleak economic reality for citizens in Tehran living under severe economic sanctions and a low-intensity conflict. Ordinary residents are reduced to driving for ride-sharing apps like Snapp and begging for food due to skyrocketing prices of staple goods like yogurt. While the regime's elite remain insulated, sanctions have severely strained the general population without driving systemic behavior changes. Furthermore, the discussion examines the declining global credibility of the United Nations. The organization has abandoned its neutrality by focusing excessively on targeting Israel and prioritizing humanitarian relief, which frequently ends up diverted to empower oppressive regimes. (1)Demographic Doom: How the One-Child Legacy and Youth Cynicism Threaten China's FuturePiero Tozzi explores China's severe demographic crisis resulting from the legacy of the totalitarian one-child policy enacted in 1979 and officially lifted in 2015. Despite transitioning to a three-child policy, fertility rates continue to plummet due to youth disillusionment. The gender imbalance has catalyzed widespread female trafficking from neighboring countries, while a high proportion of single-child soldiers in the military creates unique domestic vulnerabilities in conflict scenarios. Young Chinese citizens are increasingly opting out of intense economic exploitation through passive resistance movements like "laying flat" and "letting it rot," directly challenging propaganda regarding national rejuvenation. (2)The Domestic Surge: AI Infrastructure, Aerospace Recovery, and US Manufacturing RenaissanceAlan Tonelson highlights the significant manufacturing revival currently taking place in the United States, driven by key sectors like aerospace and artificial intelligence infrastructure. Boeing's resolution of safety and production issues has revitalized aerospace, while a massive buildout of AI data centers has boosted demand for semiconductors, steel, and electronic equipment. Although trade tensions with Canada persist, the US-Mexico-Canada Agreement protects most trade, rendering short-term disruptions minimal. Furthermore, while widespread local protests against data centers have emerged across various states, they have not yet slowed down the overall rapid pace of construction. (3)Middle East Realignment: Iranian Devaluation, Turkish Expansion, and Mediterranean Defense PartnershipsMalcolm Hoenlein covers shifting geopolitical and economic dynamics across the Middle East. Inside Iran, severe inflation, food shortages, and medicine price hikes are suffocating the middle class, prompting harsher internal crackdowns by the regime. Meanwhile, Omani channel shipping flows have partially improved following US-led mine sweeping efforts. In Syria, Turkey is pursuing a quiet military takeover, a move contested by Israel. Additionally, Saudi Arabia is utilizing pipelines to bypass shipping threats, and Finland has joined other nations in defunding the corrupt Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA. Finally, Greece and Israel have solidified a historic $3.5 billion multi-level defense agreement. (4)Cult of Rebellion: Understanding the Resilient and Hostile Ideology of the HouthisEdmund Fitton-Brown chronicles the history, structure, and ideological motivations of the Houthi movement in Yemen. Emerging in the mid-1990s as a Zaydi revivalist cult modeled after Lebanese Hezbollah, the group adopted a highly hostile five-part slogan ("the scream") emphasizing anti-American, anti-Semitic, and anti-Israel vitriol. Over decades of conflict, they waged multiple rebellions against former dictator Ali Abdullah Saleh before forming a tactical alliance with him to seize power. Known as relentless fighters who are always up for a battle, the Houthis harbor expansive territorial ambitions in southern Saudi Arabia, aiming to control the holy sites of Mecca and Medina. (5)Tehran in Limbo: Evaluating Sanctions, Bureaucratic Alienation, and Paths to Regime ChangeJanatyn Sayeh addresses the psychological state of "no war, no peace" in Tehran a year after the September 2025 conflict. The population faces deep war fatigue, compounded by blockades and new sanctions. While sanctions alone cannot topple the regime, they successfully alienate key socio-economic groups. Specifically, lower-level administrative bureaucrats and ideologues are losing their financial incentives and faith in the regime's competence. True systemic change will not happen overnight, but dragging out the process and bringing civil unrest into urban streets could break pro-regime morale and dismantle the kleptocratic elite's hold on power. (6)Deterrence and Covert Diplomacy: Analyzing CIA Trip to Moscow and the North Korean AllianceJohn Hardie analyzes CIA Director John Ratcliffe's unexpected visit to Moscow. Speculation suggests the trip aimed to deter Russian sabotage against NATO, push for a diplomatic settlement in Ukraine, and pressure Moscow to limit support for Iran. Although Russian leader Vladimir Putin remains convinced of victory and resistant to compromises, maintaining deterrence remains critical. Simultaneously, military intelligence reports that North Korea has supplied dozens of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine, with thousands of combat troops potentially deployed, further complicating the global security landscape. (7)A Shift in Rules: IDF's Aggressive Gaza Targeting, Tunnel Demolition, and West Bank Air PowerSamuel Ben-Ur highlights a shift in Israeli military operations. Following a ceasefire, the IDF returned to pre-agreement rules by striking an active Hamas militant at a Gaza bakery. The military has destroyed roughly half of Gaza's tunnels, with operations continuing on the Hamas-controlled side. Additionally, Israel executed a rare West Bank airstrike to eliminate Kais Betawi, a high-value financial and military operative, signaling strength ahead of upcoming elections. Finally, the discussion outlines the total exclusion of the heavily compromised UNRWA from future Gaza recovery efforts, noting that the United States and Israel will sideline the agency entirely. (8)Higher Education in Crisis: Rising Debt, STEM Brain Drain, and Political PolarizationTom Katsouleas critiques the declining public trust and degrees in American higher education despite high spending. Driven by cost, value, and inclusion issues, students face massive debts that delay major life milestones like marriage and housing. Public universities have increased tuition to compensate for shrinking state budgets, while investing in luxury facilities and high-end services. In graduate education, US research programs depend heavily on international students—primarily from China—for STEM fields. However, rising immigration hostility and aggressive geopolitical competition are reversing this brain drain, while perceived progressive bias further polarizes public trust. (9)The Strategic Vanguard: Hezbollah's Regional Reach, Ceasefire Probing, and Lebanese Shia PoliticsDavid Daoud outlines the strategic dynamics of Hezbollah in Lebanon. Hezbollah is currently launching pinprick probing attacks to test Israel's rules of engagement under ceasefire constraints and US pressure. Within Lebanesepolitics, the Shia community remains structured around a symbiotic relationship between the nationalist Amal movement and Hezbollah, preventing any independent Shia opposition from gaining ground. Beyond Lebanon, Hezbollah acts as the tip of the spear for Iranian expansionism, training regional proxies in rocket, tunnel, and propaganda warfare. This veteran, transnational expertise makes Hezbollah an indispensable regional asset that Iran would find impossible to replace. (10)The Silent Drip: Structural Remedies for America's $40 Trillion Debt CrisisThomas Savidge addresses the economic implications of the United States crossing the $40 trillion national debt threshold, fueled by pandemic spending and mandatory entitlements. This massive debt competes with private capital, driving up consumer borrowing rates and depressing real wages through inflation. To halt this slow economic drip, Savidge proposes a "fiscal constitution." This includes strong constitutional amendments, Colorado-style spending caps tied to population growth and inflation, a silent-approval budget commission to enact spending cuts, and strict regulatory limits on the scope of government authority to prevent accounting tricks. (11)

CAPTION; 1800 KREMLINDeterrence and Covert Diplomacy: Analyzing CIA Trip to Moscow and the North Korean AllianceJohn Hardie analyzes CIA Director John Ratcliffe's unexpected visit to Moscow. Speculation suggests the trip aimed to deter Russian sabotage against NATO, push for a diplomatic settlement in Ukraine, and pressure Moscow to limit support for Iran. Although Russian leader Vladimir Putin remains convinced of victory and resistant to compromises, maintaining deterrence remains critical. Simultaneously, military intelligence reports that North Korea has supplied dozens of short-range ballistic missiles to Russia for use in Ukraine, with thousands of combat troops potentially deployed, further complicating the global security landscape. (7)

Jake and Laura talk about the spot Speaker Mike Johnson is in, whether he should send everyone home this week. Plus, the latest on the Russia sanctions effort in the House and a preview of the Massachusetts primaries. Want more in-depth daily coverage from Congress? Subscribe to our free Punchbowl News AM newsletter at punchbowl.news. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

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Gus Carter is joined by Owen Matthews, the Spectator's Russia writer, to discuss John Ratcliffe's unannounced trip to Moscow, where the CIA director met Russia's foreign intelligence chief but not Putin.Owen runs through the possible reasons: Iran, a suspected Russian provocation against NATO, and the stalled peace process. They also discuss the sabotage campaign across Europe and the sanctions bill that could hurt Russia more than anything Trump has tried.Learn how to earn yield on gold, paid in gold, at Monetary-Metals.com/AmericanoProduced by Henry Lloyd. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on Donald Trump's emerging global strategy and examines whether the stunning silence from Russia and China over Trump's Venezuela moves reveals a much larger "spheres of influence" plan involving Trump, Putin, and Xi. Meiselas connects the dots between Venezuela, the reported CIA meeting with Putin, and the new multipolar world order taking shape which will irreparably weaken the United States. Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show The Ken Harbaugh Show: https://meidasnews.com/tag/the-ken-harbaugh-show Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

August 31, 2026 – 8am: WAPO: Military leaders want against extending Iran operations U.S., Iran trade strikes for the first time in a month Trump announces U.S.-Venezuela oil deal Russian strike near Kyiv kills at least 37 Treasury Dept. blocks some journalists from G20 meeting Trump calls for ‘rebuke or punishment' for NBC's Kristen Welker Fed chair Kevin Warsh warns that inflation is too high in speech Rep. Emmer praises economy amid affordability crisis Jury in Lindsey Clancey murder trial to continue to deliberate Jury to hear closing arguments in Tupac killing trial Trump admin. Appeals ruling blocking mail voting order To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The US has bombed Iranian launchers on Larak Island in the Strait of Hormuz - the first known attack in weeks. Tehran has launched retaliatory strikes against American bases in Jordan. Also: rescue efforts intensify after Nepal-Tibet flood; Russia is accused of targeting cultural sites in Ukraine; NASA launches its space telescope; a zoo reopens in Gaza's Khan Younis; and the best movies of the summer. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight.Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories.Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment.Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.ukPhoto: Ships and boats on the Strait of Hormuz, Oman, 29th April 2026 Credit: Reuters

A.M. Edition for Aug. 31. The U.S. strikes Iranian targets near the Strait of Hormuz, sending oil prices higher on concerns of a flareup in fighting. Plus, as the leaders of Russia and China converge against the West on supporting Iran, WSJ's Thomas Grove explains how their fortunes are diverging, with Beijing holding Russia's economy hostage. And a look at how President Trump's China tariffs have propelled Vietnam's economy, as manufacturers shift production. Luke Vargas hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In The Londinium Chronicles, Gaius (John Batchelor) and Germanicus (Michael Vlahos) explore the intersections of Roman history and modern geopolitics.Gaius and Germanicus: Set in Gaius's expanded Londinium wine bar, the hosts introduce modern headlines, including a US-Iran stalemate and rumors of a CIA-FSB flight to Moscow involving refinery capacities, Article 5, or a peace summit. Germanicus analyzes the Ukraine war, arguing Western support through tech, CIA operators, and weapons is pushing Russia to a breaking point. He proposes that empires do not end but pause and reform; the Russian Empiresuccessfully evolved into the modern, resilient Russian-Orthodox hybrid state, which seeks national pride, identity, and security rather than simple revisionist conquest. (1)

Razor Wire News hosts Fitz and McShane recap a chaotic week mixing major geopolitical narratives with bizarre tabloid stories and show banter. Fitz wishes his mother a happy birthday, while they preview topics including a Venezuela oil deal, renaming Lake Ontario as “Lake of America,” and intensified China-related narratives (election manipulation, audio hijacking, bot farms, and data-center issues). They discuss U.S.–Canada tariff disputes, claiming longstanding Canadian tariffs are higher than U.S. increases, and suggest Alberta may separate from Canada due to oil restrictions. They argue the Venezuela deal undercuts China and Russia, could help refill the SPR, and better matches Gulf Coast refinery needs, though they disagree on near-term gas-price impacts and note U.S. infrastructure limits. They cover claims the FBI eliminated a 1.8 million DNA-forensics backlog but question how and what it means for investigations. The hosts react positively to reports of tax crackdowns targeting George Soros nonprofits, the Southern Poverty Law Center, and CAIR, while noting Scott Bessent's past ties to Soros. Other topics include Portland Antifa labeled domestic terrorists, a Tibet–Nepal glacier flood disaster with large death and missing counts, and skepticism toward climate-change framing. Lighter segments include beer reviews (a disappointing pumpkin-spice scotch ale, Dragon's Milk Coconut Rum Barrel Reserve, and a Russian Imperial stout), a “fart corner” classroom story, a Los Angeles proposal for homeless sexual-relief clinics, masking hours at San Francisco's Exploratorium, Pennsylvania Gov. Shapiro's disputed measles-death claims, cosmic-radiation links to flight attendant breast cancer and weakened magnetosphere concerns, and a debate over human pheromones and “pheromone maxing.” Jefe joins for rapid-fire questions, roulette anecdotes, and a “farm report” on unusual foods eaten worldwide.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/razor-wire-news--5683729/support.www.razorwirenews.com

On Tuesday, August 25, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director John Ratcliffe traveled to Moscow, Russia, for the first publicly disclosed time to meet with Russian intelligence officials. While the CIA has not shared the official purpose of the trip, Ratcliffe reportedly cautioned Russia against attacking North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) member states. The visit also comes after four and a half years of war between Russia and Ukraine with little progress in peace discussions. Ad-free podcasts are here!Get 20% off your first year of ad-free episodes, exclusive interviews, and deep dives with Tangle's podcast membership!Bring back shame?On Friday, Associate Editor Carina Pacheco explored the cultural shift toward “normalizing” behaviors once seen as weird or unacceptable. She wrote:I shudder to think of the mud that so many good, necessary emotions have been dragged through to get to the altar of normalization, chief among them shame and embarrassment... They form the bedrock of the shared norms and values that keep society functional. Varying degrees of risk-taking and independent decision-making — and failure — are essential to establishing character and creating the foundation of self-trust and resilience that everyone needs to truly grow.Check out Carina's full essay here.You can read today's podcast⁠ ⁠⁠here⁠⁠⁠ and today's “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: Will Putin attack a NATO country in the next two years? Let us know. Our Executive Editor and Founder is Isaac Saul. Our Executive Producer is Jon Lall.This podcast written by: Isaac Saul and audio engineered and edited 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, Bailey Saul, Audrey Moorehead, and Carina Pacheco. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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The first of our occasional weekend bonus episodes… Bewildered by the tangled stories of Putin's war on Ukraine, Trump's incomprehensible loyalty to the Russian tyrant, and Russia's interference in British politics? The Guardian's foreign correspondent Luke Harding ties all the threads together in his riveting new book Betrayed: Trump, Putin And The New Age Of Conquest – laying bare how thoroughly Putin played Trump and the enormity of what has happened to our old world of rules.   He talks to Andrew Harrison about the big picture that daily news misses, the return of Great Power politics, and whether Donald Trump really is a Russian asset.   • Buy Luke's book Betrayal: Trump, Putin and The New Age of Conquest from our affiliate bookshop and you'll help fund the podcast by earning us a small commission for every sale. Bookshop.org's fees help support independent bookshops too.  • Questions for But Your Emails? Thoughts? Comments? Email us at ogwn@podmasters.co.uk.   • Photo: Trump greets Putin on the tarmac in Anchorage, Alaska on August 15 2025. (Photo by Kremlin Press Service / Handout/Anadolu via Getty Images)  Support us on Patreon - www.patreon.com/ohgodwhatnow  Written and presented by Group Editor Andrew Harrison. Produced by James Liddell. Audio Production by Tom Taylor. Art direction: James Parrett. Theme tune by Tom Taylor and Simon Williams. Managing Editor: Jacob Jarvis. OH GOD, WHAT NOW? is a Podmasters production.  www.podmasters.co.uk   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What's up, Amigos?! I'm glad you're still here. Seriously. I was worried. Because if you listened to the media, this weekend was supposed to be the one that finally got us. You know the drill. Trump did something horrible, therefore America was doomed. Trump did something good, therefore America was also doomed. Trump breathed. DOOMED. But somehow, against all odds, you people survived. You survived Trump pulling us out of the global climate-change farce. The planet was supposed to burst into flames by Tuesday. Yet here you are. Still breathing. You survived Trump's reductions in violent crime. I know. Terrifying. Fewer people getting robbed and murdered. What kind of monster would do that? Then there's the illegal immigration apocalypse. Thankfully, no NEW illegals were able to steal your money, while many are actually leaving the country. And now some of them can't bank here. They can't wire money here. They can't simply stroll across the border, establish themselves, and send your money back home. How oppressive! And somehow, despite all those terrifying Trump trade wars, you're still alive. You haven't been forced to sell your house to buy a dozen eggs. In fact, you may have noticed that the economic apocalypse keeps getting postponed. But the big one... Iran. The media assured us Trump was going to get us all killed. World War III! Nuclear war! Mushroom clouds! Your children would be vaporized! And yet... You didn't get droned by Iran. Congratulations! Apparently surviving the Trump presidency is now an extreme sport. And that brings me to all you horrible people listening right now. Yes, you. You racist... Homophobic... Xenophobic... Bible-thumping... America-loving... Trump-supporting... deplorables. You people are amazing. The Left has spent years predicting your extinction. The media has declared Trump supporters morally diseased, politically doomed, economically suicidal and apparently one tweet away from civilization collapsing. And yet you just keep showing up. Every morning. Coffee in hand. American flag somewhere nearby. Voting for Trump. Driving the people who hate you absolutely insane. You are like cockroaches to the Left. They've tried everything. Impeachment. Indictments. Investigations. Media hysteria. Russia. Ukraine. January 6. The economy. The climate. War. Recession. Eggs. And every time they scream: "THIS IS IT! TRUMP HAS FINALLY DESTROYED AMERICA!" Kevin Jackson has been called, the "white-collar" Joe Rogan. Given their similar backgrounds in TV, comedy, and martial arts, it's easy to see why people enjoy Kevin's show so much. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The US and Iran exchange fire for the first time in a month, as an oil tanker reportedly hits mines in the Strait of Hormuz. We look at what the renewed fighting could mean for oil supplies, shipping and the global economy. Also, China and Russia hold talks as world leaders gather for the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit. And after 15 years at the top, Tim Cook prepares to step down as CEO of Apple.Producer: Bisi Adebayo Presenter:Luke Wilson

In a recent deal, the US acquired a 55% stake in Venezuela's oil reserves, sparking a mix of excitement and skepticism. But what does this really mean for the country's energy security, and is it all just a clever PR move?This episode delves into the intricacies of the deal, exploring the complexities of Venezuela's oil production and the challenges of turning a tar-like crude into usable fuel. The speaker discusses the finer points of the agreement, including the 100-year commitment and the $107 billion in old bills that need to be paid. They also examine the role of China and Russia in the region and how this deal affects their interests.The conversation touches on the idea that the US is essentially buying a foothold in the hemisphere, with the Venezuelan government being the key to this deal. The speaker questions the assumption that this is a long-term investment, pointing out that the government in Caracas is not a stable entity. They also discuss the fact that the oil reserves are not as proven as they seem, with many of the barrels yet to be drilled.If you're interested in understanding the nuances of this deal and the implications for the US, tune in to this episode to hear the speaker's take on the situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

War is changing faster than most people realize, and Dave Cosnotti has seen it firsthand. After more than two decades in Army Special Forces, Dave now works alongside American and allied forces on modern national security challenges involving drones, AI, cyber warfare, critical infrastructure, and the rapidly evolving battlefield.Dave's biggest warning isn't that America has already lost its edge — it's that being on top today guarantees nothing about tomorrow. Warfare is evolving too quickly for old advantages to last forever, and the next world order may belong to whoever learns, adapts, and moves fastest when the rules change.Key Topics:How AI, drones, and cyber warfare are changing the battlefieldWhy Ukraine is becoming a testing ground for the future of warWhy Dave says Russia is still an enemy of the United StatesHow China has played a longer geopolitical game than AmericaWhy America's four-year political cycles can create a strategic disadvantageThe growing threat to America's power grid and critical infrastructureWhat happens if communications, power, or supply chains go offlineWhy future wars may target civilians and infrastructure as much as militariesWhy humans still matter more than technology on the battlefieldWhy Dave believes the next 3–5 years could be especially turbulent——Stay up-to-date with all things Resilient by subscribing to our Resilient Times Newsletter: https://resilienttimes.substack.comRESILIENT:Follow Us On Patreon: ⁠https://patreon.com/theresilientshowFollow Us On Instagram:https://www.instagram.com/resilientshowFollow Us On Twitter:⁠ ⁠https://twitter.com/resilientshowFollow Us On TikTok:⁠ ⁠https://www.tiktok.com/@resilientshowLIVE RESILIENT STORE:https://shop.theresilientshow.comFollow Chad: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/chadrobo_officialhttps://x.com/ChadRoboSPONSORS:Smith & Wesson: ⁠⁠https://www.smith-wesson.com⁠⁠Vortex Optics: ⁠https://vortexoptics.com⁠Gatorz Eyewear: ⁠⁠https://www.gatorz.com⁠⁠Allied Wealth: ⁠https://alliedwealth.com⁠BioPro+: ⁠⁠https://www.bioproteintech.com/CHAD30⁠⁠BioXCellerator: ⁠https://www.bioxcellerator.com⁠Core Medical: https://coremedicalgrp.com/chadpodcastcmg------The Resilient Show is a proud supporter of military and first responder communities in partnership with ⁠Mighty Oaks Foundation⁠.

At some point in the next decade, a historian is going to look at the first quarter of the 21st century from the perspective of the national security establishment and the blessings it had as it rose to global power status, and will publish the foundational reference book for those trying to understand that moment in time.Its primary rivals distracted and drained themselves in unnecessary quixotic quasi-imperial police actions, one in Central and Southwest Asia (U.S.A.), the other bled itself white attempting to reconstruct at least part of its predecessor's empire (Russia). All the while, its economy grew, its diplomatic influence expanded, and its military became an impressive, if untested, colossus.Yes, the People's Republic of China (PRC) had its problems and setbacks: demographic collapse, massive debt, economic fragility, and poor messaging—but so did its greatest competitors.In 2026, while most have been focused on the Iranian-Israeli-American conflict and the Russo-Ukrainian War rooted in unsolved issues from the end of the 20th century, the PRC continues its march forward into the future.Returning to the Midrats Podcast to discuss will be Dean Cheng.Dean is a Non-resident Senior Fellow, Potomac Institute for Policy Studies and Non-resident Fellow, George Washington University Space Policy Institute.He recently retired after 14 years with the Heritage Foundation, where he was a senior research fellow on Chinese political and security affairs, and wrote on various aspects of Chinese foreign and defense policy.Prior to joining the Heritage Foundation, he was a senior analyst with the China Studies Division (previously, Project Asia) at CNA from 2001-2009. Before joining CNA, he was a senior analyst with Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC) from 1996-2001. From 1993-1995, he was an analyst with the US Congress' Office of Technology Assessment in the International Security and Space Division, where he studied the Chinese defense industrial complex.He is the author of the book Cyber Dragon: Inside China's Information Warfare and Cyber Operations (NY: Praeger Publishing, 2016), as well as a number of papers and book chapters examining various aspects of Chinese security affairs.SummaryIn this episode, Mark, Sal, and Dean Cheng discusses China's strategic challenges, space ambitions, AI development, and regional influence, providing insights into China's long-term plans and global impact.Show LinksTo A Louse, On Seeing One on a Lady's Bonnet at Church, Robert BurnsGreat Wall, movie with Matt Damon2012, movie Himalayas Tsunami SceneRed Cliff, movie (the good one)Chapters00:00: Introduction and overview of China's global strategy02:38: Dean Cheng's background and China's long-term planning04:46: China's strategic challenges beyond the US06:04: North Korea's shifting alliances and regional dynamics08:06: Russia, China, and North Korea cooperation10:27: Chinese perceptions of US and regional threats12:25: Japan, Korea, and China's regional ambitions14:29: China's post-COVID strategic posture and influence16:03: China's national messaging and global image17:28: Xi Jinping's strategic vision and military buildup19:57: China's influence in the Pacific and Arctic regions22:42: Canada, Greenland, and China's northern ambitions31:00: China's space program and lunar exploration49:58: The race to the moon and space dominance54:46: Future of space exploration and international standards55:33: Long-term US space strategy and Chinese competition59:36: US and Chinese space efforts and collaboration01:00:26: Conclusion

Americans lead the industrialized world in belief in creationism and a literal Bible. A study by the University of Cincinnati compared Americans' belief in a recent creation and the truth of the Bible with beliefs in other countries. The study found that 45 percent of Americans believe that God created the world less than 10,000 years ago. Another 40 percent try to mix God and evolution. Only ten percent believe in atheistic evolution. In comparison, only seven percent of the citizens of Great Britain take the Genesis account of creation literally. Surveys of people in Norway, Russia and the Netherlands produced results similar to Great Britain. Interestingly, five percent of the physical scientists polled in the United States believe the account of creation as taught in the Bible.The study concluded that America is losing its scientific competitiveness because so many Americans believe in creation and the truth of the Bible. But scientific progress has come about because historically, scientists believed that we live in an ordered creation that follows the rules imposed on it by a Creator. They saw science as the discovery of God's order. Isaac Newton wrote more Bible commentaries than he did scientific books. Taking the Bible literally, he concluded that the earth was less than 7,000 years old. Other examples from history could be multiplied. But the lesson of human history is that true scientific progress is possible only when man recognizes that all knowledge and wisdom come from our Creator God through the Scriptures He has given us.1 Corinthians 1:25"Because the foolishness of God is wiser than men; and the weakness of God is stronger than men.”Prayer: Dear Father, help me never to be deceived by man's false wisdom. Help me to rejoice in the knowledge You give. Amen.Ref: Americans for Creationism, The Christian News. To support this ministry financially, visit: https://www.oneplace.com/donate/1232/29?v=20251111

A bombshell leak to the Washington post on Sunday, August 31st, demonstrated that US General Officers in the Pentagon are vying for increasingly finite assets and matériel across Combatant Commands, limiting the military viability of interventions in Iran, Ukraine, and Latin America. This episode examines how and why that is. Here is our general outline: Part 1: Russia–UkraineWhy did the CIA Director urgently fly to Russia?The US trying to freeze the Ukraine conflictNATO's fragilityCan the US rebuild its industrial base?Part 2: Iran, Sanctions & Economic WarfareThe limits of military forceThe new sanctions / economic isolationIran's capacity to withstand the warIran's international partnersPart 3: Venezuela & Latin AmericaSecuring Latin AmericaThe Venezuela dealLong-term objectivesChina & multipolarity in the AmericasFinal synthesis:● The three sections ultimately connect:○ Ukraine: limits of US/NATO military power.○ Iran: limits of US military and financial coercion.○ Venezuela: attempt to compensate by consolidating influence closer to home.● Central question: Is the US adapting to a declining relative position—or attemptingto reverse it through increasingly aggressive economic, military and politicalcoercion?

In this episode of John Solomon Reports, we dive into a captivating Sunday edition featuring a lineup that spans politics, culture, and international affairs. The conversation heats up as Congressman Pete Sessions joins the podcast to discuss the political landscape in Texas, challenging the narrative that the state is turning blue. He provides insights into the upcoming elections and the dynamics surrounding candidate James Talarico, humorously dubbed "James Talafrico" by Republicans.In a heartfelt tribute, country singer John Rich reflects on the life and legacy of the late Dolly Parton, who recently passed away at the age of 80. Rich shares personal anecdotes and highlights the profound impact Parton had on the music industry and American culture.Shifting gears, the episode explores the alarming rise of hybrid warfare, particularly in relation to Russia's actions in NATO and beyond. Ambassador Kominski from Moldova joins to discuss recent developments, including the discovery of an explosive-laden drone in Germany, shedding light on the evolving nature of global conflicts.To wrap up this engaging episode, Taylor Barkley joins for a light-hearted conversation, making it a perfect end to your Sunday brunch listening.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Started the week off with that horrifying flood in Tibet/Nepal, and then talked about the crazy Russia drones with no human operators. Also Pakistan nursery fire disaster, CIA head visits Moscow, King of Denmark dies, Dolly Parton RIP, Florida Shake Shack employee serves woman her burger with his genitals hanging out on the tray.

Send us Fan MailToday, we finish up the series on the heads of the Soviet secret police.Support the show

Episode 366 of the InGoal Radio Podcast, presented by The Hockey Shop Source for Sports, features an information-packed interview with PWHL, OHL, and Hockey Canada goalie coach Brad Fogal.In the feature interview, presented by NHL Sense Arena, Fogal, who also runs the Goalie Training Institute in Ontario, walks us through his unique path to NCAA and minor pro hockey before becoming a full-time coach, and how it informs his work now on the other side of the whistle. We caught up with Fogal while he was working with Team Canada's under-18 women's team, but he also works with PWHL Toronto and has been in the OHL with Owen Sound, and he shared advice on the importance of building a foundation -- and what that looks like at different ages -- consistent terminology, the biomechanics of good movement, adding game realism and decision-making to drills, working with multiple goalies and so much more.In the Parent Playbook, presented by Stop It Goaltending U the App, Hutch welcomes you to the Goalie (Parent) Union with his top-10 tips (actually top-11, with a bonus) for new goalie parents going into their first season.We also review the latest Pro Reads, presented by Vizual Edge, featuring Eric Comrie with a great breakdown of a late-game 6-on-5 and how to manage movement patterns and read releases even when you get a little behind a play, with a hat tip to Connor Hellebuyck for some of the advice he shares.And in our weekly gear segment we go to The Hockey Shop Source for Sports for a look at the Vaughn Ion Pro pads and gloves, which, counter to the name, is actually a second price-point line that still comes with plenty of top-end features.

Everyone keeps diagnosing Putin's mood, not least given the CIA Director's visit to Moscow. Putin is angry, he's frightened, he's desperate -- that seems to be the standard Western talking point these days, and hence the fear that he might do something dangerously escalatory.But is he? Things might actually look rather more encouraging from his perspective. So, in this episode, I try and peer through the Kremlin's windows, to understand how he believes things are going, in war and potential peace.Finally, I look at Nicole Grajewski's excellent new book, Russia and Iran. Partners in defiance, from Syria to Ukraine (Hurst, 2026) and what that may say not just about the Moscow-Tehran relationship, but also our understandings of the world.The podcast's corporate partner and sponsor is Conducttr, which provides software for innovative and immersive crisis exercises in hybrid warfare, counter-terrorism, civil affairs and similar situations.You can also follow my blog, In Moscow's Shadows, and become one of the podcast's supporting Patrons and gain question-asking rights and access to exclusive extra materials including the (almost-) weekly Govorit Moskva news briefing right here. Support the show

Tim discusses the Lindsay Clancy trial and the support it has drawn from American mothers, a woman who converted to Islam and planned an attack in New York, Russia's increasingly dangerous proximity to war, and Darline Graham blundering a question during a Republican primary. Become a Friend Of The Show https://bit.ly/BecomeAFriendOfTheShow and get access to weekly bonus audio episodes of the podcast!Live Dates

MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on Putin's war in Ukraine taking a dangerous new turn as fears of a wider global conflict intensify and Donald Trump confronts the consequences of his failed approach to Vladimir Putin and Russia. Meiselas breaks down the latest developments involving Putin, President Zelenskyy, and the escalating war, and explains how Trump's actions have helped create an increasingly dangerous situation with the threat of a broader world war conflict looming. Order now at https://drinkwillies.com and use code MEIDAS for 20% off of your first order + free shipping on orders over $95 Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show The Ken Harbaugh Show: https://meidasnews.com/tag/the-ken-harbaugh-show Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For the first time in like, 100 years, Jonah Goldberg is bachin' it up. With no dogs and no wife, The Ruminant is on time and cooking, diving into the Kennedy Center, the Indiana Dunes, Korean War-era debates, Donald Trump as the establishment, the three “M's” of the midterms, postwar politics, sovereigntism, Canada, John Ratcliffe's trip to Russia, Vladimir Putin's designs on Europe, and guilty white liberals.  Show Notes: —School of War - “Inside America's Fight for Drone Dominance” —School of War - “Our Foreign Policy Divide Began with the Korean War” —Friday's DisPod —‘Me-too Republican' G-File  —Ukraine: The Latest —Etymologist Remnant  —Wednesday G-File —Tyler Austin Harper Remnant  The Remnant is a production of ⁠The Dispatch⁠, a digital media company covering politics, policy, and culture from a nonpartisan perspective. To access all of The Dispatch's offerings—including the Saturday Ruminant, audio versions of all our articles and newsletters, and Jonah's twice-weekly G-File—⁠click here⁠. Instructions on how to set up your members-only feed can be found here, and if you'd like to remove all ads from your podcast experience, consider becoming a premium Dispatch member ⁠by clicking here⁠. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Henry Sokolski, executive director of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center, discusses the unpublicized nuclear cooperative agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia. He warns host John Batchelor that keeping side agreements secret from the American public prevents Congressional oversight. Saudi Arabia refuses to sign the additional protocol for inspections, claiming it violates sovereignty. Sokolski also highlights Poland's conflicting stances on hosting nuclear weapons, Germany's interest in funding the United Kingdom's Trident submarine program, and how Russia uses precision-guided munitions to target civilians and demoralize Ukraine, moving nuclear weapons further into the background, concluding that this is the new reality. (7)

TONIGHT-CONTENTS-8-26-2026California Swells Weather And Nevada CasinosJeff Bliss discusses a massive southern ocean swell creating rare surfing conditions at Newport Harbor's channel. Driven by an intense tropical storm off Mexico, California is experiencing unprecedented humidity and a nearly five-degree Fahrenheit rise in ocean temperatures, prompting a surge in marine life including hammerhead and great white sharks. Turning to Nevada, Bliss describes the K-shaped economy, where Las Vegas strip casinos profit from wealthy international tourists, while local traffic declines. He details In-N-Out's slow, quality-controlled eastward expansion and concludes with Berkeley's controversial, permissive approach toward housing campus homeless encampments, noting they receive government-funded clean needles and glass pipes. (1)Separation Of Powers And Election FraudRichard Epstein discusses a federal ruling by Judge Indira Talwani blocking the Trump administration's postal mail-in voting regulations for the 2026 midterms. Epstein asserts the administration overstepped, as the Constitution explicitly delegates election regulation to Congress, not the executive. He criticizes Chief Justice John Roberts's defense of the unitary executive, calling his opinions a disgrace that allows executive power to swamp both the legislature and the judiciary. Lastly, Epstein references Paul Krugman's views on Trump's destructive physical and institutional teardown of Washington and laments how flawed standing doctrines prevent ordinary citizens from legally challenging executive overreach in federal court. (2)Veronique de Rugy of the Mercatus Center details the alarming surge of the United States gross national debt to record heights, exceeding forty trillion dollars. She argues that the country suffers from an out-of-control spending problem rather than a lack of tax revenue, citing massive unpaid pandemic spending. De Rugy blames both political parties for avoiding structural reforms and warns of the critical 2032 deadline when Social Security and Medicare funding will face automatic, severe cuts. She predicts that Congress will resort to further debt and inflation, which will heavily penalize the public, while indebted European nations face similar struggles. (3)Economic Boom In Idyllic Lancaster CountyJim McTague details the thriving post-pandemic economy of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. Tourism remains robust, with attractions like the Renaissance Faire drawing two hundred thousand visitors annually. The local real estate market is red-hot, with retirees purchasing existing homes with cash and bid-ups creating million-dollar McMansions. McTague notes that rising inflation has packed Costco aisles with middle-class shoppers seeking the famous five-dollar loss-leader rotisserie chickens. He also discusses local commercial resistance to data centers, explaining how the impoverished borough of Columbia rejected a lucrative data center deal that would have solved its fiscal deficits, while baby boomers power local restaurants. (4)Small Business Growth And AI IntegrationGene Marks reports on his travels, conversing with host John Batchelor about a Quebec credit union conference where executives discussed loans, competitiveness, and adopting AI in front and back offices. Due to high mortgage rates, credit unions are shifting focus toward commercial loans. In Atlanta's thriving steel industry, tariffs have boosted competitiveness, and companies are deploying AI-powered robotic arms, gloves, and dogs to improve safety. Finally, a recent Pew Research survey indicates that Gen X is leading AI adoption because older, established professionals feel more secure than younger generations, though Marks calls the fear of job loss an urban legend. (5)French Resistance And World War ExileJane Rogoyska, author of Hotel Exile: Paris in the Shadow of War, Part Two: Rogoyska details how German anti-fascists and French Jews fled Paris for Marseilles and Spain in 1941. While Heinrich Mann escaped successfully, philosopher Walter Benjamin tragically committed suicide at the Spanish border. Rogoyska notes that Samuel Beckettjoined the resistance after Paul Léon's arrest. The Abwehr, aided by the treacherous priest Robert Alesch, infiltrated resistance networks, but was sidelined as the Gestapo's brutality worsened. Post-war, the Lutetia hotel became a repatriation center processing concentration camp survivors. Beckett survived and wrote literary masterpieces, while Alesch was executed. (6)Nuclear Politics And Precision Guided WarfareHenry Sokolski, executive director of the Nonproliferation Policy Education Center, discusses the unpublicized nuclear cooperative agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia. He warns host John Batchelor that keeping side agreements secret from the American public prevents Congressional oversight. Saudi Arabia refuses to sign the additional protocol for inspections, claiming it violates sovereignty. Sokolski also highlights Poland's conflicting stances on hosting nuclear weapons, Germany's interest in funding the United Kingdom's Trident submarine program, and how Russia uses precision-guided munitions to target civilians and demoralize Ukraine, moving nuclear weapons further into the background, concluding that this is the new reality. (7)Debating Environmental Politics Of Data CentersKevin Frazier leads a roundtable with Jim McTague and Simon Constable discussing the political and environmental backlash against data centers. Frazier details how Lancaster City welcomed data centers to erase its school district's deficit, while the poorer borough of Columbia rejected a lucrative deal due to local protests. Frazier argues that data centers are vital national infrastructure, defending the construction jobs they create and noting that blocking them harms the digital economy. Finally, Constable shares trivia from his Wall Street Journal quiz, revealing that Virginia leads the United States in data centers, followed globally by the United Kingdom. (8)V

Ralph speaks with Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, former Chief of Staff for Colin Powell, about the fall of the American Empire and self-proclaimed Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth. Then we welcome the CEO and co-founder of the Canadian-based organization Corporate Knights, Toby Heap, to break down Trump's unprecedented trade war with our closest ally. Plus, Ralph has some choice words for Hakeem Jeffries and his meeting with Jared Kushner and for Hillary Clinton and her take on the war with Iran.Lawrence Wilkerson is a retired U.S. Army colonel. Over his 31 years of service, Colonel Wilkerson served as Secretary of State Colin Powell's Chief of Staff from 2002 to 2005, and Special Assistant to General Powell when he was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993. Colonel Wilkerson also served as Deputy Director and Director of the U.S. Marine Corps War College at Quantico, Virginia, and for fifteen years he was the Distinguished Visiting Professor of Government and Public Policy at the College of William and Mary. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the Eisenhower Media Network, senior advisor to the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, and co-founder of the All-Volunteer Force Forum.Two-thirds of the world now thinks that we are an enemy of their state. Two-thirds of the world. And it happens to be the two-third that has the greatest amount of the GDP in the world.Colonel Lawrence WilkersonI've lived for 81 years, almost 82, and I've watched my country go to hell right in front of my face… And the billionaires who want all of this to happen, they do not want a democracy. A democracy is fallible. A democracy can't beat China. A democracy can't beat Russia. A democracy can't even beat Iran. They want a technocracy that is run by them, armed by them, technical revolution by them. They want all of this, and oh by the way they want to live to 150 while they're doing it too.Colonel Lawrence WilkersonEvery freaking hour they create a series of war crimes in Iran. Every freaking hour they perpetrate war crimes in the Persian Gulf. Every freaking hour they perpetrate war crimes in Lebanon with Israel. “What's new?,” I want to say. We are a criminal state. There is no other way to describe it. We are a criminal state. We pay no attention whatsoever to domestic or international law. Only when it benefits the person who is doing the deed do we pay any attention at all.Colonel Lawrence WilkersonToby Heaps is the CEO and co-founder of Corporate Knights, and Editor-in-Chief of Corporate Knights magazine. He spearheaded the first global ranking of the world's 100 most sustainable corporations in 2005, and in 2007 coined the term “clean capitalism.”What we're seeing is a sort of political physics—for every action is an equal and opposite reaction. Canada has in many ways benefited and rallied around our nationhood. We're often not the most boisterous or loudest type of folks. But this continued disrespect for our statehood and the continued attacks and the unreasonableness and the unfair play, our prime minister said something to the effect of: when the United States signs something, it's in pencil. It's really denigrating the United States' reputation globally and in Canadians' minds.Toby HeapsNews 8/28/26* This week, the left-wing insurgency in the Democratic Party scored several new victories. First, NBC reports that in Oklahoma, N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Markwayne Mullin, who Trump selected to lead the Department of Homeland Security following the resignation of Secretary Kristi Noem. Thomas will go up against Republican Congressman Kevin Hern in November. Unfortunately, Thomas stands little chance of winning the state, which has not elected a Democratic Senator since 1990. Thomas is a member of the Chickasaw Nation and identifies as a Democratic Socialist, but is “not yet” a member of DSA.* Next, in California, Democracy Now! reports progressive state lawmaker Aisha Wahab has prevailed in the special election to fill the seat vacated by disgraced former Congressman Eric Swalwell. This piece notes that Wahab “overcame a flood of attack ads from pro-Israel groups,” which sought to bolster her Democratic primary rival, Melissa Hernandez. In an interview, Wahab said that she “appreciates” voters in her district for “seeing through” the “lies that were spread by AIPAC.” Wahab will make history as the first Afghan American in Congress and has called for the United States to engage with the Taliban government and attempt to “[steer] them in the right direction” on human rights.* In Georgia, the Hill reports another progressive – Everton Blair – won the special election to fill the seat of Congressman David Scott, who passed away in April during his 12th term in the seat. Blair, the former chair of the Gwinnett County School Board, defeated Scott's daughter Marcye Scott. However, Blair will only represent this seat until the end of the year. Beginning in January, State Rep. Jasmine Clark, who won the May primary, will fill the seat for the 120th Congress.* Meanwhile, in the Cornhusker State, the Nebraska Examiner reports that the “Legal Marijuana NOW U.S. Senate candidate Mike Marvin announced he can't put more ‘energy' into the Senate race because of health issues and endorsed nonpartisan U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn.” Marvin will remain on the ballot, but is “urging all who supported [him] to now support…Osborn.” This piece notes that this announcement comes on heels of reporting by Flatwater Free Press showing that two staffers from Osborn's 2024 independent Senate campaign joined the Legal Marijuana NOW executive board and sought to dissolve the party from the inside. This, combined with the fact that former Democratic Senate nominee Cindy Burbank paid Mike Marvin's $1,740 candidate filing fee and dropped out of the race one day after the secretary of state verified Osborn's signatures to be on the fall ballot has fueled speculation that these were coordinated efforts to clear the field for Osborn. Marvin for his part disputes this and says he never planned to leave the race. Osborn is quoted saying “We hope to earn the support of the LMN voters and hope that we can represent their concerns well in the US Senate.”* In more third party news, Trump has launched new broadsides against the emerging ex-MAGA clique – consisting of Tucker Carlson, Congressman Thomas Massie, and former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. According to the Hill, Trump attacked the group, said to be exploring the possibility of founding a new right-wing party, calling Carlson “a loser,” Greene “a highly neurotic woman” and Massie a “real JERK” on Truth Social. The president added, “What a team this would be, THREE LOSERS, and a pocketful of change!...The only chance they have is to join the Radical Left Dumocrats, and try breaking into the Primary System. To all of them I say, PRAISE BE TO ALLAH!” The proximate cause of this latest flare-up between the camps is Trump's decision to allow in 300,000 metric tons of ground beef to be imported in the next 90 days, a move Massie called “worse than socialism.” Greene, who has been perhaps the most vocal defector from the MAGA camp, said “He attacks us with such vitriol because we actually are everything he claimed to be…he has proven as President that he is nothing more than a neocon puppet for Israel, corporations, big donors with special interests, and his dear friends in the Epstein class…We never changed, Trump did.”* Another story from this side of the aisle comes to us from NOTUS, which reports that an “unknown actor” has stolen over $16,000 from the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). This incident, alternatively characterized as a “theft” from a “foreign country” or simply a “fraud,” occurred in early July, when the NRCC “attempted to pay a bill from Ranger Wi-Fi Consulting, a Texas-based firm that specializes in helping clients ‘optimize their wireless networks while ensuring healthy security measures are in place.'” Seeking to assuage the fears of donors, NRCC spokesman Will Kiley told the press that “Protecting donor funds is a top priority for the NRCC,” and vowed that the committee is “working to recover the funds, and…taken steps to ensure it can't happen again.” Listeners might remember that in July, the DNC admitted that they had fallen prey to a scammer, losing almost $30,000 in the process. It would seem that these committees do not have functional safeguards against such schemes.* Our final stories this week all deal with the Middle East. First up, Axios reports that while AIPAC was gearing up for a major ad blitz in Michigan against Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed and on behalf of Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers, those plans have apparently been iced at the behest of the Rogers campaign. According to this story, Rogers believes that AIPAC spending in the Democratic primary – over $30 million on behalf of El-Syed's rival Haley Stevens – actually helped boost El-Sayed's candidacy, making his opposition to AIPAC a “centerpiece of his…campaign, using the group's spending against him to portray Democratic opponent Haley Stevens as beholden to the pro-Israel lobby.” Rogers fears the same fate, so he has sought to keep his distance from AIPAC while his allies are urging AIPAC to “get involved without putting the group's name front and center.” However, Rogers' attempts to put some daylight between his campaign and AIPAC has resulted in the latter turning cold towards the Republican candidate. Republicans now worry that AIPAC will “sit out the general election entirely.” As for the perception of AIPAC in Michigan, a recent poll found that “55% of Michigan voters oppose continued U.S. aid to Israel.”* On the other end of the Michigan political spectrum, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding that he “ensure the immediateand permanent release of U.S. citizen Sama Safi, a 20-year-old university student with a severe complex chronic health condition, who the Israeli military has arbitrarily and wrongfully detained since June 2nd.” This letter goes on to describe how “armed Israeli soldiers raided her family's home in the occupied West Bank in the middle of the night and tore her from her family,” and that since then, she has “suffered under appalling conditions in Israeli military detention including “frequent physical assault, shackling, and the throwing of gas and stun grenades into already overcrowded and poorly ventilated cells,” among other horrors. 40 more members of Congress signed this letter, including six senators, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Ed Markey and Chris Van Hollen among them. 85 civic groups also signed onto this demand, ranging from faith-based groups to human rights organizations and beyond.* In the region itself, a broad coalition of Muslim states – including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and, perhaps most notably, the United Arab Emirates – have issued a categorical condemnation of Israel's new “E1” settlement plan. This plan relates to new settlement activities east of occupied East Jerusalem and the signatories decry the plan as constituting “a dangerous escalation that further advances settlement expansion and annexation and undermines the geographical contiguity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory…thereby threatening the viability and realization of an independent, contiguous Palestinian State based on the 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.” The UAE was the most significant state in the region to sign onto the Trump-brokered Abraham Accords in 2020, which sought to normalize relations between Israel and its neighbors at the expense of the Palestinians. Saudi Arabia was said to be on the verge of signing the accords prior to October 7th and Israel's subsequent genocidal military campaign in Gaza. The UAE taking a new stand against Israel on behalf of the Palestinian cause is widely seen as the final death knell of the Abraham Accords and the beginning of a new era of relations in the Middle East.* Finally, the Economist reports that a group of seven top officials within the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is consolidating power in Iran. The man rumored to be leading this junta is Mohsen Rezaei, the new national-security adviser, former presidential candidate and the longest-serving chief of the IRGC, having led the corps though the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s. Others include the head of the navy, currently overseeing Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the IRGC's commander-in-chief and founder of the Quds Force. Notably absent from this group is Mojtaba Khamenei, the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. This piece judiciously avoids making any definite predictions about whether this new clique will rule as hardliners or pragmatists, but emphasizes that the late Ali Khamenei expertly “balanced the competing interests of his realm” while these military men favor action.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

The spoken languages in Hong Kong and Taiwan differ, with Cantonese being spoken in Hong Kong and Mandarin preferred in Taiwan, but the two territories use traditional Chinese characters for reading and writing. This has created a strong bond between them in the field of book publishing, with many books which are published in Taiwan being sold in Hong Kong. This year, authorities in Hong Kong have cracked down on booksellers under national security laws. Hong Kong's government argues they are necessary steps to maintain stability in the territory, but critics say they're crushing dissent. Concern is now being felt in the publishing industry in Taiwan. Joyce Li from BBC Chinese is based in Taipei, and Abel U, also from BBC Chinese, is based in Hong Kong, and they join to share their insights.Since 2024, a neighborhood in the Moroccan capital of Rabat has been undergoing demolition and eviction operations carried out by Moroccan authorities. Residents have been left uncertain about their futures, and the lack of transparency has also left people questioning what the real reasons are, behind the demolition campaign. Hanan Razek from BBC Arabic, has been following the story and speaking to locals.The last day of exams is always a big deal. It's when you might blow off some steam and have some fun with your friends after some tough months of studying. For a recent pharmaceutical technology student in eastern Nigeria, he left his last exam and ended up going viral on social media due to a special gift that was waiting for him, a goat. Adesola Ikulajolu of BBC Pidgin reported on the story.The Fifth Floor is at the heart of global storytelling on the BBC World Service, bringing you the best stories from journalists in the BBC's 43 language services. We're here to help you make sense of the stories making headlines around the world; to excite your curiosity and to get to grips with the facts. Recent episodes have investigated Russia's youth armies and how they make soldiers of Ukrainian children; featured the BBC team who were the first journalists to the site of the Nigerian school kidnappings and reflected the effects of internet blackouts in Iran, Uganda and India. If you want to know more about Venezuela's acting president, Delcy Rodriguez, and the legacy of Hugo Chavez; or how Vladimir Putin's network of deep cover spies operates; or why Donald Trump signed an executive order granting white South Africans asylum in the US, we have all those stories and more.This episode of The Documentary comes to you from The Fifth Floor, the show at the heart of global storytelling, with BBC journalists from all around the world. Presented by Faranak Amidi. Produced by Laura Thomas, Caroline Ferguson and Hannah Dean. (Photo: Faranak Amidi. Credit: Tricia Yourkevich.)

JOIN PATREON FOR EARLY UNCENSORED EPISODE RELEASES: https://www.patreon.com/JulianDorey CLIPPERS DISCORD: https://discord.gg/8QmWEKJ3BT FOLLOW JULIAN DOREY IG: https://www.instagram.com/julianddorey/ X: https://x.com/juliandorey FOLLOW JOEY DEEF IG: https://www.instagram.com/joeydeef/ X: https://x.com/TokeMalone JULIAN YT CHANNELS - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Clips YT: https://www.youtube.com/@juliandoreyclips - SUBSCRIBE to Julian Dorey Daily YT: https://www.youtube.com/@JulianDoreyDaily - SUBSCRIBE to Best of JDP: https://www.youtube.com/@bestofJDP ****TIMESTAMPS**** 00:00 - Joey Deef speaks on behalf of his fellow Chinese diaspora 1:31 - Julian thinks something will break here soon 2:28 - Deef's drone attacks 3:01 - Meta 5:02 - Bari Weiss covers up CBS Epstein Story 7:39 - Leon Black testimony coming 8:18 - Bari Weiss kamikaze bomber 9:26 - Hugh Hefner tried to expose Epstein to FBI (and they ignored him) 14:23 - The “Clout” of Epstein Files, according to British Socialite 15:54- Royal Fergie reached out to Kash Patel…in 2025 18:29 - Epstein funded Fergie's debts 20:16 - Fergie-Patel connection details 22:06 - How the Fergie Patel email went down (PURE SPEC) 25:14 - Guest Spotting in the Epstein Files 27:23 - What British Socialites do 28:32 - Kubrick's “Eyes Wide Shut” Dark Backstory & Theory 37:44 - Stanley Kubrick was tapped into another dimension 39:23 - CIA Director goes to Russia with Love 44:01 - Lindsey Graham's Afterlife 45:41 - Russia's “Human Rights Commissioner” 46:48 - “Semi-Routine” Trip to Russia amid Ukraine escalation 48:36 - Erik Prince bombing trap houses in Haiti & Hillary Clinton dance-a-thon 52:12 - CIA Galapagos Fishing Boat Drone Strikes 57:45 - The “Cool” Dictator & his relationship w/ human rights 59:10 - Christopher Nolan predicted society in Batman Trilogy 1:00:48 - Chinese cyberhack of DOJ, NASA, The Fed & US Government (DETAILS) 1:04:37 - The China-Nepal Food Disaster 1:07:08 - Meta $17.1 Billion Lawsuit settlement & New Rules for Kids Online 1:14:06 - The Slippery Slope Question & Constitutional Rights of Kids vs. Parents 1:17:36 - The 1990s AT&T Bill Precedent 1:18:56 - Flock CEO Doxxed 1:21:55 - Flock CEO Garrett Langley's Hilarious Privacy vs. Safety “Compromise” Proposal 1:26:34 - Alessi Allaman's City Council Moment vs. Flock in Florida 1:28:54 - Benn Jordan (Brilliantly) Spies on Flock 1:32:44 - The Dark Peter Thiel Ties to Flock 1:36:15 - Peter Thiel's Clavicular Ties & Deef tells Lee Cronin why Thiel is so shiny 1:38:24 - Hitting the Road CREDITS: - Host, Editor & Producer: Julian Dorey - COO, Producer & Editor: Alessi Allaman - https://www.youtube.com/@UCyLKzv5fKxGmVQg3cMJJzyQ - In-Studio Producer: Joey Deef Julian Dorey Podcast Episode 469 - Julian Dorey Music by Artlist.io Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Veteran investigative journalist Seymour Hersh says a longtime, well-informed international source told him that significant Jeffrey Epstein material remains inside government files and has not yet been made public by the Justice Department. According to Hersh, the withheld material includes evidence concerning Epstein's connections to both foreign and domestic intelligence services, particularly Israel's Mossad and the FBI. Hersh describes his conversation with the source as “distressing” and says the undisclosed records could create problems for current and former members of the Trump administration if they are eventually released. The report comes as questions continue to mount over whether the government has fully complied with demands for transparency surrounding the Epstein files and whether intelligence-related material has received anything close to the congressional or media scrutiny applied to Epstein's social and financial relationships.The claims remain allegations attributed to Hersh and his source, not independently established facts, but they add another layer to the broader fight over what the federal government is still withholding. Hersh's reporting suggests that Epstein may have had relationships or performed services involving several foreign governments, including Israel, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and Russia, while lawmakers have separately begun examining the possibility of intelligence connections. The most politically significant portion of the report is the suggestion that unreleased information could implicate or embarrass people associated with Trump's past and present administrations, particularly because the Justice Department has already faced intense criticism over redactions and withheld Epstein material. If Hersh's account is accurate, the central question is no longer simply what remains hidden in the Epstein files, but why intelligence-related records allegedly sitting inside government archives have remained outside the public release and largely beyond serious congressional examination.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:'Distressing discussion' on withheld Epstein files reveals 'problems' for Trump: report - Raw Story

I accidentally turned my mic off right before we started recording. So embarrassing!A two-hour conversation with Jon Stewart—former wrestler, Illinois candidate, and investigator of the leaked “Alien Interview”—on his political philosophy; life inside the Republican, Democratic, and Libertarian parties; Ukraine and Russia; a teased presidential run; and why he says the 1991 interrogation footage would be the most important story on Earth if it is genuine.

Merry Christmas you beautiful people!We start the show with this episode's version of A Christmas Carol and it's an episode of The High Fructose Adventures of Annoying Orange. The episode is called Orange Carol, and it's not great, but it's not bad either.You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gWtp6h2HjAoNext up it's Do You Hear What I Hear? and our resident barman Bob Baker takes a look at why us Brits say Tick and across the pond they say Check.Then we have a look at a Christmas Not So Classic. It's 8 Days of Christmas by Destiny's Child and I wasn't aware of it, but it's possible it is a bit of a classic.Have a listen here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MKdndMXIVXwListener Benji Pearson sent me some pictures of his favourite Christmas Ornaments and he's told me a little about them and I share them with you.Then Bob Baker is back with Where Are You Christmas? and this time he's found it in Russia.Check out Bob's podcast here:  https://4fpodcast.buzzsprout.comThen it's The Christmas Quiz. I only managed 7, be sure to send in your score.This episode I recommend a podcast called Crushed where comedians talk about their past unrequited loves.Here's a link: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/crushed-by-margaret-cabourn-smith/id1615555767Get in touch:Email: totalchristmas@gmail.comMerry Christmas!

90 Americans are still missing in nepal, the jury in the Clancy case continues to deliberate, and Russia is now threatening strikes on British targets. Get the facts first with Evening Wire. - - - Ep. 3063 - - - Today's Sponsor: Alliance Defending Freedom - Visit https://JoinADF.com/WIRE or text WIRE to 83848 to make TWICE the impact for freedom today.  - - - Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3   - - - Privacy Policy: ⁠https://www.dailywire.com/privacy⁠ morning wire,morning wire podcast,the morning wire podcast,Georgia Howe,John Bickley,daily wire podcast,podcast,news podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dave Rubin of "The Rubin Report" gives a first look at the stories you need to know to start your day, including Karoline Leavitt ending her historic tenure as White House press secretary as Scott Jennings leads the race to replace her in the Rubin Recap poll and on Kalshi; CIA Director John Ratcliffe making a surprise trip to Moscow to warn Russia against attacking a NATO country as President Trump pushes to end the Ukraine war; and CNN apologizing after mistakenly using a photo of Las Vegas impersonator Kelly Vohnn while reporting on country music legend Dolly Parton's death; and much more. #rubinreport #karolineleavitt #scottjennings #johnratcliffe #moscow #cnn #dollyparton #daverubin Subscribe to Dave's Newsletter, The Rubin Recap: https://rubinrecap.beehiiv.com/?utm_source=RubinNews&utm_medium=FirstLook&utm_campaign=rubinreport

In this episode of John Solomon Reports, we examine the significant uptick in immigration enforcement under the Biden administration, as nearly 50,000 arrests were made by ICE in July alone, marking a record high during the Trump presidency. Host John Solomon discusses the implications of these numbers and the changing leadership within ICE that has influenced this surge in enforcement.The episode features a lineup of insightful guests, starting with Tricia McLaughlin, former Homeland Security Assistant Secretary for Public Affairs, who shares her experiences during the early days of the Trump administration's border crackdown. Next, Darin Selnick, a former Pentagon advisor, discusses pressing national security issues involving Iran and Russia. Executive Chairman & CEO of 1792 Exchange Doug Napier provides a cultural perspective on current events in America.Finally, Dr. Chad Walding from our great partners at NativePath joins for our weekly health update.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

ITU: Ready to break through your biggest business bottleneck? Apply to work with me 1:1 - https://impacttheory.co/SCALESign up for my AI Masterclass: https://tombilyeu.com/ai-masterclass?utm_campaign=TBS-Livestream&utm_source=youtube&utm_medium=socialWelcome back to the Tom Bilyeu Show Live, where we break down the world's biggest stories and examine how they'll impact you. On today's episode, Tom Bilyeu dives straight into the heart of global instability, discussing the dangerous escalation in the Ukraine war—including provocative moves from Russia and signals that NATO may be increasingly tested. We'll also look at fears within the AI industry, as major tech leaders call for unity and urgent action in the face of rising cybersecurity risks. Plus, with Meta's massive settlement reshaping how kids use social media, we'll explore whether big platforms can actually create safer spaces for the next generation. Along the way, we'll cover food security concerns fueled by global conflicts, cultural clashes emerging across Europe, and the explosive anticipation for GTA 6—an entertainment phenomenon reflecting our society's technological leaps. Get ready for hard-hitting analysis, candid takes, and a look at why culture and politics are more intertwined than ever.Thank you to our sponsors: Cash App: Download Cash App Today: https://capl.onelink.me/vFut/v6nymgjl #CashAppPod*Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App's bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa® Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosure.Quince: Free shipping and 365-day returns at https://quince.com/impactpodWhatnot: Download the Whatnot app today and get free shipping on your first order.Ketone IQ: Visit https://ketone.com/IMPACT for 30% OFF your subscription orderEthos: Get a free quote at https://ethos.com/impactIncogni: Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code IMPACT at the link below and get 60% off an annual plan: https://incogni.com/impact ATT Business: Switch to AT&T Business at https://business.att.comPique: 20% off at https://piquelife.com/impactSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Peter Huessy argues that nuclear deterrence remains vital but requires continuous modernization of missiles, submarines, bombers, and command systems to match Russian and Chinese advancements. He explains that conventional defense fails against nuclear attacks in military war games. Huessy advocates for "counterforce" strategies—targeting an enemy's weapons and leadership rather than innocent civilian cities ("countervalue"). He also supports adding theater nuclear systems to deter Russia's "escalate to win" doctrine, which utilizes low-yield battlefield nuclear weapons to force a NATO stand-down. (2)

CONTENTS JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW 8-27-2026.Anatol Lieven warns that foreign policy establishments in both the United States and Britain have embraced a dangerous militarism. He highlights how the Biden administration failed to rejoin the nuclear deal with Iran, seeking instead a harder bargain. Furthermore, Europe faces acute escalation risks over Ukraine; Russia has warned of retaliation against Britain for authorizing the use of Storm Shadow missiles inside Russian territory. Lieven cautions that British Prime Minister Burnham's domestic agenda could be destroyed if a stray British missile strikes a Russian civilian target, triggering a direct, retaliatory attack on British soil. (1)Peter Huessy argues that nuclear deterrence remains vital but requires continuous modernization of missiles, submarines, bombers, and command systems to match Russian and Chinese advancements. He explains that conventional defense fails against nuclear attacks in military war games. Huessy advocates for "counterforce" strategies—targeting an enemy's weapons and leadership rather than innocent civilian cities ("countervalue"). He also supports adding theater nuclear systems to deter Russia's "escalate to win" doctrine, which utilizes low-yield battlefield nuclear weapons to force a NATO stand-down. (2)Andrea Stricker discusses the concerning US-Saudi bilateral nuclear agreement, which triggers a 90-day congressional review. This pact opens the door to uranium enrichment on Saudi soil, setting a dangerous precedent that could spark a regional "domino effect." Additionally, Stricker highlights unresolved risks in Syria. Despite a US-brokered deal to turn over natural uranium metal, Syria's al-Qaeda-linked leadership intends to rebuild its civil nuclear program. She urges the US to enforce the complete removal of all nuclear material from Syria rather than giving extremists a pass. (3)Mary Anastasia O'Grady explains how the US is aggressively targeting Cuban regime elites by freezing assets and revoking visas. To facilitate the regime's collapse, O'Grady stresses that the US must present a viable post-collapse plan for "Day Zero" to avoid chaos, bloodshed, or oligarchic asset-grabbing. She advocates for securing property rights to encourage external investments and suggests using multilateral peacekeepers to maintain order. She supports a transitional board of Cuban-Americans and Americans to manage investments and prevent former military elites from seizing privatized state assets. (4)Conrad Black analyzes the impending trade dispute between Canada and the United States, labeled "the dumbest trade war ever." President Trump's comments describing Canada as a "51st state" and calling the Prime Minister "governor" have sparked deep resentment across Canada. Prime Minister Carney has ended negotiations and threatened retaliatory tariffs, securing tentative public support. However, the political opposition is demanding that Carney publish the underlying negotiation documents and recall parliament to build an all-party policy. Black argues this represents a moment of great risk but also a Churchillian opportunity. (5)Jane Rogoyska explores the history of Paris's Hôtel Lutetia, which served as a haven for fleeing Weimar intellectuals before becoming a Nazi military intelligence headquarters in 1940. Rogoyska traces waves of refugees fleeing Nazi persecution, including writers Heinrich Mann and Lion Feuchtwanger. These figures struggled to warn an indifferent Europe about the dangers of fascism. Despite personal tragedies and bureaucratic challenges, literary giants like James Joyce, Samuel Beckett, and Arthur Koestler frequented the hotel, carrying poison just in case they were captured. (6)Evan Ellis details how an unprecedented "super El Niño" is battering the Americas, causing floods in Peru and severe droughts affecting the Panama Canal. He outlines political developments, including Chile's struggle to finance aging copper mining infrastructure despite high global prices. In Venezuela, the "Rodrigato" gang leadership continues to slow-walk democratic reforms while benefiting from US-supervised oil sales. Colombia's new conservative president, de la Espriella, has prioritized security and pro-business reforms. Finally, in Panama, the US is expanding security efforts to counter persistent Chinese commercial and diplomatic encirclement. (7)

Anatol Lieven warns that foreign policy establishments in both the United States and Britain have embraced a dangerous militarism. He highlights how the Biden administration failed to rejoin the nuclear deal with Iran, seeking instead a harder bargain. Furthermore, Europe faces acute escalation risks over Ukraine; Russia has warned of retaliation against Britain for authorizing the use of Storm Shadow missiles inside Russian territory. Lieven cautions that British Prime Minister Burnham's domestic agenda could be destroyed if a stray British missile strikes a Russian civilian target, triggering a direct, retaliatory attack on British soil. (1)

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Iran insists Mojtaba Khamenei remains in power, but nearly six months without a verified appearance is fueling questions about whether the supreme leader is alive—or involved in governing the country. Russia threatens to strike British military targets inside and outside Ukraine in retaliation for Kyiv's use of long-range British missiles. The Trump administration designates the British sabotage group Palestine Action a global terrorist organization. A catastrophic glacier collapse unleashes deadly flooding across Nepal and Tibet, leaving at least 360 people dead and more than 1,400 missing. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief iRestore: Unlock your best hair & skin with @iRestorelaser and HUGE savings on iRESTORE with code NERVE at irestore.com/PDB#irestorepod #sponsored MOD: For a free consultation and get 10% off your first order PLUS free shipping with promo code PDB at https://mod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Donald Trump signed an executive order renaming Lake Ontario to Lake America — yes, really — musing that maybe he'll rename the Atlantic and Pacific next, while Canadian PM Mark Carney responded that "Ontario" is a 400-year-old Wendat word meaning "the lake is beautiful, the lake is big," which is a more dignified response than the moment deserved. Back to actual issues, Iran has been running an AI-powered disinformation operation on Instagram and Facebook, posing as average Americans to spread political misinformation about immigration and the Israel-Palestine war, with Meta taking down 35 accounts — which is a lot of effort from a country we're supposedly defeating militarily. The military situation is genuinely alarming across every front: a sailor who jumped off the USS Abraham Lincoln in what his wife describes as a suicide attempt — after his paternity leave requests were repeatedly denied while his wife gave birth — is now facing disciplinary action for "malingering" and AWOL charges for being medically evacuated. Pete Hegseth fired the Army's top general days after the general was advised to drop an investigation into how Kid Rock got a military helicopter fly by so he could wave at it on social media. Oh but there's more, Jennifer Hegseth, Pete's wife and former Fox News producer, has been attending classified intelligence meetings with foreign officials with no confirmed security clearance — she was in the Houthi PC small group chat. Five service members told MSNBC they're being asked to violate international law by targeting civilian infrastructure, and applications to leave as conscientious objectors have surged since the Iran war started. The US is also "beyond critically low" on Patriot missile interceptors in Europe — because of the Iran war — right as the CIA director had to fly to Moscow in person to tell Russia not to attack NATO. A Navy engineer's rape lawsuit against the ship captain who allegedly entered her room with a master access key was dismissed by a judge who said it should be treated as a workplace compensation claim. To add to the overall craziness, ICE arrested 49,000 people in July alone, with less than 4% having any prior violent conviction. And finally, Fauci's prosecution is apparently going nowhere, which is the best news of the day. Resources/Articles mentioned: MS Now: Canada's prime minister gives Trump a history lesson after U.S. renames Lake Ontario Axios: Exclusive: Meta disrupts Iran-linked AI operation targeting politicians, journalists MS Now: Navy sailor who jumped off USS Lincoln faces disciplinary charges NYT: ‘It's Bonkers': Jennifer Hegseth's Hands-On Role in Her Husband's Pentagon IB Times: Judge Dismisses Navy Engineer's Rape Lawsuit, Says Alleged Assault by Captain Was Work Injury  MS Now: Retired Army general on fired general reportedly told to drop Kid Rock probe: ‘Very disturbing' WaPo: Before Hegseth fired him, top general was advised to drop Kid Rock probe Ap News: Exclusive: US Patriot missile stocks in Europe are 'beyond critical' due to Iran war, officials say  NYT: ICE Arrests Soar as People With No Criminal Record Are Increasingly Targeted WSJ: Republican Efforts to Prosecute Fauci for Contempt Are Hitting a Wall Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The break-up of the USSR was a tough one for Russia, being the jilted republic. For the entire decade after, the country plunged into a type of controlled chaos, with a rampantly corrupt kleptocracy taking the place of the toppled socialist society.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.