Podcasts about domestically

President Trump's trip to Asia continues to be fruitful, President Trump and the Prime Minister of Japan Sanae Takaichi signed a deal that will bring $500 Billion into the United States. The new technology prosperity deal involves both countries committed to rapid advancement of cutting-edge science and technology – including artificial intelligence (AI), quantum technology, and biotechnology. The U.S. and Japan also agreed to a new mining agreement for rare earth minerals, helping to secure the supply of these elements that are crucial to technological and mechanical innovation. Domestically, Senator Ron Johnson's Shutdown Fairness Act would have gotten essential workers and military families paid, but Democrats voted no on that. As the shutdown drags on Senator Johnson says the filibuster has prevented us from becoming as Socialist country and he is not ready to remove it at this point. The ACA subsidies that Democrats are bemoaning about are an atrociously wasteful option to prop up a flawed and failed Obamacare system. Senator Johnson unpacks the subsidies and the broken Obamacare that has millionaire subsidized and millions of fraudulent zero-premium 'ghost' accounts. Featuring: Sen. Ron Johnson U.S. Senator | Wisconsin https://www.ronjohnson.senate.gov/ Check out my latest newsletter

After finally meeting with Donald Trump, the prime minister, Anthony Albanese passed another political test and returned home with a win. Domestically, the Coalition continued to battle over net zero and generate its own headlines for all the wrong reasons. Bridie Jabour talks to editor Lenore Taylor, national news editor Josephine Tovey and head of newsroom Mike Ticher about what Albanese's and Sussan Ley's two very different weeks tells us about the state of Australian politics

From the international success of “Fauda” to Academy Award nominations and prestigious festival awards, the Israeli film and television industry was at a high point before the October 7 attacks. Throughout the two-year Gaza war, the industry has struggled as international funding and festival invitations dried up, and Hollywood A-listers circulated petitions to boycott any association with the Israeli industry. Domestically, Benjamin Netanyahu’s government has been hostile, especially when infuriated by films they view as too sympathetic to the Palestinian cause. Assaf Amir, chairman of the Israeli Academy of Film and Television, joins host Allison Kaplan Sommer to talk about the threat by Culture Minister Miki Zohar’s extreme reaction to the fact that the film winning this year’s Academy for Israel’s Best Picture was “The Sea” – about a Palestinian boy’s journey from the West Bank to Tel Aviv – which is now poised for submission in the Best Foreign Language film category at the Oscars. As a result, Zohar said he will defund the Academy prize and set up an alternative government award ceremony to choose a different Best Picture. Amir said on the podcast that he was unimpressed by the threat. “We'll see who submits their films to his prize and who he chooses to decide which of the films should win,” Amir said. As for the Hollywood boycotts, Amir said he would point to Israel’s Best Picture this year and ask the professionals signing the petitions where they stand on it. “Will they watch this Arabic-language film that was made by an Israeli and a Palestinian about a Palestinian boy from the West Bank trying to go to Tel Aviv – or would they boycott it? I think that's the question they should ask themselves, and I'm wondering what the answer is – because I would definitely urge them to watch this film.” Read more: Israel's Best Film Award Goes to 'The Sea,' Chosen to Represent Country at the Oscars Government Says It Will Cut Israel Film Academy Funding After Film 'Depicting Israel Negatively' Wins 'If We Stop Deteriorating': Head of Israel's Film Academy Still Sees a Bright Future, Despite Political Pressures 1,300 International Actors and Filmmakers Pledge to Avoid Israeli Film Institutions 'Implicated in Gaza Genocide' Debra Messing, Liev Schreiber Among 1,200 Hollywood Figures Opposing Israeli Film Boycott Opinion | As an Israeli Filmmaker, Thank You to Everyone Who Is Boycotting My WorksSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

7. Bucharest 2008 and the Failed Bid to Prevent Russian Aggression. Serhii Plokhy (Professor of Ukrainian History at Harvard University) discusses how Vladimir Putin's powerful presidency, rooted in a manipulated super-presidential constitution, enabled him to assert the right to dictate which countries could align with the West. The April 2008 NATO summit in Bucharest was a critical turning point. Though the US, led by George W. Bush, favored inviting Ukraine and Georgia to join the alliance, Western allies, notably Germany, opposed the idea, leading to a split. The outcome—a promise of future membership with no specifics—was the "worst outcome possible." Putin used this weakness, starting a war in Georgia months later, effectively annexing territory and disqualifying Georgia from joining NATO due to territorial conflicts. This demonstrated that Ukraine and Georgia had exposed themselves to future Russian attacks by publicly seeking NATO membership without securing "meaningful Western support," meaning military aid. Domestically, Putin viewed the 2004 Orange Revolution, which rejected his preferred candidate Viktor Yanukovych, as a threat to his own power structure. Yanukovych later returned and, in 2013, was bribed and pressured by Russia not to sign an EU association agreement, sparking the Euromaidan Revolution which served as a stepping stone toward the 2014 Crimean annexation.

HEADLINE: China's Predicament in the Middle East and Domestic Economic Instability GUEST NAME: General Blaine Holt SUMMARY: General Blaine Holt analyzes China's strategic challenges, noting Beijing is concerned about losing access to critical oil and gas resources as US leadership advances the Abraham Accords. China's previous regional deals, like the Saudi-Iran agreement, lacked substance compared to US business commitments. Holt suggests internal pressures might lead Iran toward the Accords. Domestically, China faces accelerating deflation and uncertainty regarding Xi Jinping's leadership due to four competing factions before the fourth plenum. 1914

SHOW SCHEDULE 10-15--25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1964 ATLANTIC CITYCONVENTION HALL THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT CONGRESS.... 10-15--25 FIRST HOUR 9-915 HEADLINE: Obamacare Subsidies Trigger Government Shutdown Debate GUEST NAME: Michael Toth SUMMARY: Michael Toth explains that the current government shutdown debate centers on extending two expensive Biden-era Obamacare subsidies. These changes allow individuals earning over 400% of the federal poverty line to receive subsidies and provide 100% coverage for the near-poor. The original Obamacare cross-subsidy structure failed because young, healthy individuals found premiums too high. Toth advocates deregulation, such as allowing insurance companies to charge lower, risk-adjusted rates and enabling single business owners to use Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) for cheaper coverage. 915-930 HEADLINE: Obamacare Subsidies Trigger Government Shutdown Debate GUEST NAME: Michael Toth SUMMARY: Michael Toth explains that the current government shutdown debate centers on extending two expensive Biden-era Obamacare subsidies. These changes allow individuals earning over 400% of the federal poverty line to receive subsidies and provide 100% coverage for the near-poor. The original Obamacare cross-subsidy structure failed because young, healthy individuals found premiums too high. Toth advocates deregulation, such as allowing insurance companies to charge lower, risk-adjusted rates and enabling single business owners to use Professional Employer Organizations (PEOs) for cheaper coverage. 930-945 HEADLINE: Hamas, Hostages, and Middle East Turmoil: Challenges to the Trump Ceasefire Plan GUEST NAME:Jonathan Schanzer SUMMARY: Jonathan Schanzer discusses complications in the Trump ceasefire plan, including Hamas delaying the return of deceased hostages to maintain leverage. The released prisoners, including potential Hamas leaders, raise concerns about where the organization's center of gravity will shift if they are deported to places like Turkey or Qatar. Schanzer views Turkey, an autocratic supporter of Hamas, as a problematic guarantor of the ceasefire. Internationally, Iran continues its nuclear program despite snapback sanctions, and al-Sharaa is meeting with Putin regarding Russian assets in Syria. 945-1000 HEADLINE: Hamas, Hostages, and Middle East Turmoil: Challenges to the Trump Ceasefire Plan GUEST NAME:Jonathan Schanzer SUMMARY: Jonathan Schanzer discusses complications in the Trump ceasefire plan, including Hamas delaying the return of deceased hostages to maintain leverage. The released prisoners, including potential Hamas leaders, raise concerns about where the organization's center of gravity will shift if they are deported to places like Turkey or Qatar. Schanzer views Turkey, an autocratic supporter of Hamas, as a problematic guarantor of the ceasefire. Internationally, Iran continues its nuclear program despite snapback sanctions, and al-Sharaa is meeting with Putin regarding Russian assets in Syria. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 HEADLINE: China's Predicament in the Middle East and Domestic Economic Instability GUEST NAME: General Blaine Holt SUMMARY: General Blaine Holt analyzes China's strategic challenges, noting Beijing is concerned about losing access to critical oil and gas resources as US leadership advances the Abraham Accords. China's previous regional deals, like the Saudi-Iran agreement, lacked substance compared to US business commitments. Holt suggests internal pressures might lead Iran toward the Accords. Domestically, China faces accelerating deflation and uncertainty regarding Xi Jinping's leadership due to four competing factions before the fourth plenum. 1015-1030 HEADLINE: South Korea's Descent into Authoritarianism and Persecution of Opposition GUEST NAME: Morse Tan SUMMARY: Morse Tan argues that South Korea is moving toward a "rising communist dictatorship" that oppresses political and religious figures. The indictment of the Unification Church leader and the targeting of the rightful President Yoon exemplify this trend. This persecution serves as an intimidation campaign, demonstrating the regime's disregard for the populace. Tan recommends the US implement active measures, including sanctions relating to a coup d'état and visa sanctions, while also pressing for greater military cooperation. 1030-1045 HEADLINE: Russian War Economy Stalls as Oil Prices Decline and Sanctions Bite GUEST NAME: Michael Bernstam SUMMARY: Michael Bernstam reports that the Russian economy is struggling as global oil prices decline and sanctions increase transportation costs, leading to a $13 to $14 per barrel discount on Russian oil. The "military Keynesianism" economy is exhausted, resulting in staff cuts across industrial sectors. Forecasts indicate contraction in late 2025 and 2026, with the IMF lowering its growth projection for 2025 to 0.6%. Russia is avoiding sanctions by routing payments through neighbors like Kyrgyzstan, who have become major financial hubs. 1045-1100 HEADLINE: Lessons from the Swiss National Bank: Risk-Taking, Exchange Rates, and Fiscal Responsibility GUEST NAME: John Cochrane SUMMARY: Economist John Cochrane analyzes the Swiss National Bank (SNB), noting it differs greatly from the US Federal Reserve by investing heavily in foreign stocks and bonds to manage the Swiss franc's exchange rate. The SNB's massive balance sheet carries risks accepted by Swiss taxpayers and the Cantons. Switzerland, being fiscally responsible (running no budget deficits), finds central banking easier. Cochrane advises that the US Fed should not be buying stocks or venturing into fiscal policy. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 HEADLINE: China Retaliates Against Dutch Chipmaker Seizure Amid European Fragmentation GUEST NAME:Theresa Fallon SUMMARY: Theresa Fallon discusses China imposing export controls on Nexperia after the Dutch government seized control of the chipmaker, which was owned by China's Wingtech. The Dutch acted due to fears the Chinese owner would strip the technology and equipment, despite Nexperia producing low-quality chips for cars. Fallon notes Europe needs a better chip policy but struggles to speak with one voice, as fragmented policy allows China to drive wedges and weaken the EU. 1115-1130 HEADLINE: China's Economic Slowdown, Deflation, and the Spectre of Japanification GUEST NAME: Andrew Collier SUMMARY: Andrew Collier discusses China's economic woes, characterized by persistent deflation, with the CPI down 0.3% (6 out of 9 months in the red) and the PPI down for 36 straight months. This environment raises concerns about "Japanification"—a multi-decade slowdown after a property crash. Major structural changes to stimulate consumer consumption are unlikely at the upcoming Communist Party plenum, as the system favors state investment. The property market collapse means foreign investment is leaving, and Collier suggests the economy may not bottom until 2027 or 2028. 1130-1145 HEADLINE: SpaceX Starship Success, Private Space Dominance, and Government Inaction GUEST NAME: Bob Zimmerman SUMMARY: Bob Zimmerman describes SpaceX's Starship Super Heavy 11th test flight as "remarkable," highlighting successful booster reuse and controlled re-entry despite missing tiles. He asserts that private enterprise, like SpaceX, runs the "real American space program" aimed at Mars colonization, outpacing government efforts. In contrast, European projects like Callisto, proposed in 2015, demonstrate government "inaction." JPL is also laying off staff following the cancellation of the Mars sample return project, forcing organizations like Lowell Observatory to seek private funding. 1145-1200 HEADLINE: SpaceX Starship Success, Private Space Dominance, and Government Inaction GUEST NAME: Bob Zimmerman SUMMARY: Bob Zimmerman describes SpaceX's Starship Super Heavy 11th test flight as "remarkable," highlighting successful booster reuse and controlled re-entry despite missing tiles. He asserts that private enterprise, like SpaceX, runs the "real American space program" aimed at Mars colonization, outpacing government efforts. In contrast, European projects like Callisto, proposed in 2015, demonstrate government "inaction." JPL is also laying off staff following the cancellation of the Mars sample return project, forcing organizations like Lowell Observatory to seek private funding. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 HEADLINE: Commodity Market Trends and UK's Lack of Risk Appetite for AI Innovation GUEST NAME: Simon Constable SUMMARY: Simon Constable notes that data center expansion for AI is increasing prices for copper (up 15%) and steel (up 14%). He points out that the UK lags significantly behind the US in building new AI data centers (170 vs. 5,000+) due to a lack of risk appetite, insufficient wealth, and poor marketing of new ideas. Separately, Constable discusses the collapse of a UK China spying trial because the prior government failed to officially classify China as a national security threat during the alleged offenses. 1215-1230 HEADLINE: Commodity Market Trends and UK's Lack of Risk Appetite for AI Innovation GUEST NAME: Simon Constable SUMMARY: Simon Constable notes that data center expansion for AI is increasing prices for copper (up 15%) and steel (up 14%). He points out that the UK lags significantly behind the US in building new AI data centers (170 vs. 5,000+) due to a lack of risk appetite, insufficient wealth, and poor marketing of new ideas. Separately, Constable discusses the collapse of a UK China spying trial because the prior government failed to officially classify China as a national security threat during the alleged offenses. 1230-1245 HEADLINE: AI Regulation Debate: Premature Laws vs. Emerging Norms GUEST NAME: Kevin Frazier SUMMARY: Kevin Frazier critiques the legislative rush to regulate AI, arguing that developing norms might be more effective than premature laws. He notes that bills like California's AB 1047, which demands factual accuracy, fundamentally misunderstand AI's generative nature. Imposing vague standards, as seen in New York's RAISE Act, risks chilling innovation and preventing widespread benefits, like affordable legal or therapy tools. Frazier emphasizes that AI policy should be grounded in empirical data rather than speculative fears. 1245-100 AM HEADLINE: AI Regulation Debate: Premature Laws vs. Emerging Norms GUEST NAME: Kevin Frazier SUMMARY: Kevin Frazier critiques the legislative rush to regulate AI, arguing that developing norms might be more effective than premature laws. He notes that bills like California's AB 1047, which demands factual accuracy, fundamentally misunderstand AI's generative nature. Imposing vague standards, as seen in New York's RAISE Act, risks chilling innovation and preventing widespread benefits, like affordable legal or therapy tools. Frazier emphasizes that AI policy should be grounded in empirical data rather than speculative fears.

    CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1957 THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE GLOBAL RARE EARTH SUPPLY CHAIN. . 10-14-25 FIRST HOUR 9-915 HEADLINE: China's Rare Earth Threat and Trump's Unacknowledged Win GUEST NAME: Liz Peek SUMMARY:Liz Peek discusses US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's harsh critique of China's rare earth threats, viewing it as confirmation of Beijing's failing export-driven economy and desperation. She notes the US vulnerability due to dependence on China for rare earth processing. Domestically, the failure of subprime auto loan lenders signals stress in the private credit market and consumer weakness. Peek also highlights the reluctance of Democrats and the left to acknowledge President Trump's success in achieving the Gaza ceasefire. 915-930 HEADLINE: China's Rare Earth Threat and Trump's Unacknowledged Win GUEST NAME: Liz Peek SUMMARY:Liz Peek discusses US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's harsh critique of China's rare earth threats, viewing it as confirmation of Beijing's failing export-driven economy and desperation. She notes the US vulnerability due to dependence on China for rare earth processing. Domestically, the failure of subprime auto loan lenders signals stress in the private credit market and consumer weakness. Peek also highlights the reluctance of Democrats and the left to acknowledge President Trump's success in achieving the Gaza ceasefire. 930-945 HEADLINE: Gaza Fragility and Germany's Trade Concerns with China GUEST NAME: Judy Dempsey SUMMARY:Judy Dempsey analyzes the fragile Gaza ceasefire, noting Gazans return to destruction while Hamas fights rivals and remains armed. Arab states are cautious about taking over governance. She credits President Trump for forcing the peace deal, appreciating his decisive, non-ideological approach. The discussion shifts to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's aggressive stance on China's rare earth export threats. Germany's powerful auto industry faces risk, but Berlin is responding calmly and diversifying its supply chains. 945-1000 HEADLINE: Gaza Fragility and Germany's Trade Concerns with China GUEST NAME: Judy Dempsey SUMMARY:Judy Dempsey analyzes the fragile Gaza ceasefire, noting Gazans return to destruction while Hamas fights rivals and remains armed. Arab states are cautious about taking over governance. She credits President Trump for forcing the peace deal, appreciating his decisive, non-ideological approach. The discussion shifts to US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's aggressive stance on China's rare earth export threats. Germany's powerful auto industry faces risk, but Berlin is responding calmly and diversifying its supply chains. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 HEADLINE: UK Political Realignment and the Migration Crisis GUEST NAME: Joseph Sternberg SUMMARY:Joseph Sternberg discusses the UK's political realignment following the Conservative Party's 14-year misrule. Kemi Badenoch aims to revive the Tories with Thatcherite economic policies and a strong stance on welfare reform, prioritizing work and fairness. However, the Tories lack credibility on the highly controversial issue of illegal immigration across the English Channel, allowing Nigel Farage's Reform party to gain ground. The migration problem remains intractable due to high costs and lack of political incentive. 1015-1030 HEADLINE: UK Political Realignment and the Migration Crisis GUEST NAME: Joseph Sternberg SUMMARY:Joseph Sternberg discusses the UK's political realignment following the Conservative Party's 14-year misrule. Kemi Badenoch aims to revive the Tories with Thatcherite economic policies and a strong stance on welfare reform, prioritizing work and fairness. However, the Tories lack credibility on the highly controversial issue of illegal immigration across the English Channel, allowing Nigel Farage's Reform party to gain ground. The migration problem remains intractable due to high costs and lack of political incentive. 1030-1045 HEADLINE: Gaza Ceasefire, Hamas Regeneration, and Iran's Tactical Retreat GUEST NAMES: David Daoud, Bill Roggio SUMMARY: David Daoud analyzes the Gaza ceasefire, noting Hamas refuses to disarm and is executing rivals to reassert control. He views the truce as a tactical lull in the "long war," expecting released senior prisoners to help regenerate terrorist leadership. Iran, which skipped the summit, is seen as engaging in a tactical retreat to staunch losses and rebuild proxies, letting adversaries adopt a false sense of victory. 1045-1100HEADLINE: Gaza Ceasefire, Hamas Regeneration, and Iran's Tactical Retreat GUEST NAMES: David Daoud, Bill Roggio SUMMARY: David Daoud analyzes the Gaza ceasefire, noting Hamas refuses to disarm and is executing rivals to reassert control. He views the truce as a tactical lull in the "long war," expecting released senior prisoners to help regenerate terrorist leadership. Iran, which skipped the summit, is seen as engaging in a tactical retreat to staunch losses and rebuild proxies, letting adversaries adopt a false sense of victory. THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 HEADLINE: Released Palestinian Prisoners and Mideast Instability GUEST NAMES: Ahmad Sharawi, Bill Roggio SUMMARY: Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio discuss the risks associated with Israel's release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including senior Hamas, Fatah, and Islamic Jihad figures. They argue these terrorists will likely rejoin militant movements, providing crucial replacement leadership. Concerns are raised about monitoring them, especially those deported to countries like Qatar or Turkey. The conversation also covers stability risks in Syria, particularly regarding ISIS and Turkish intervention. 1115-1130 HEADLINE: Released Palestinian Prisoners and Mideast Instability GUEST NAMES: Ahmad Sharawi, Bill Roggio SUMMARY: Ahmad Sharawi and Bill Roggio discuss the risks associated with Israel's release of nearly 2,000 Palestinian prisoners, including senior Hamas, Fatah, and Islamic Jihad figures. They argue these terrorists will likely rejoin militant movements, providing crucial replacement leadership. Concerns are raised about monitoring them, especially those deported to countries like Qatar or Turkey. The conversation also covers stability risks in Syria, particularly regarding ISIS and Turkish intervention. 1130-1145 HEADLINE: Ceasefire Challenges, Border Conflicts, and Ukraine's Weapons Needs GUEST NAME: Colonel Jeff McCausland SUMMARY: Colonel Jeff McCausland reviews the Gaza ceasefire, noting the prisoner exchange and aid delivery, but stresses that disarming Hamas remains the key challenge. Released senior prisoners could regenerate leadership. He discusses the long-standing conflict between Pakistan and the Taliban/TTP, noting deep mistrust exacerbated by perceived Indian influence. Regarding Ukraine, the potential delivery of long-range Tomahawk missiles, viewed by Putin as escalation, is uncertain due to past US bluffs and domestic supply concerns. 1145-1200 HEADLINE: Ceasefire Challenges, Border Conflicts, and Ukraine's Weapons Needs GUEST NAME: Colonel Jeff McCausland SUMMARY: Colonel Jeff McCausland reviews the Gaza ceasefire, noting the prisoner exchange and aid delivery, but stresses that disarming Hamas remains the key challenge. Released senior prisoners could regenerate leadership. He discusses the long-standing conflict between Pakistan and the Taliban/TTP, noting deep mistrust exacerbated by perceived Indian influence. Regarding Ukraine, the potential delivery of long-range Tomahawk missiles, viewed by Putin as escalation, is uncertain due to past US bluffs and domestic supply concerns. FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 HEADLINE: Global Turmoil: Turkey's War Aims, China's Coup, and Iran's Pivot GUEST NAME: Gregory Copley SUMMARY: Gregory Copley discusses the Gaza ceasefire's instability, noting Hamas, backed by Turkey, is reasserting control. He analyzes Turkey's neo-Ottomanist need to continue confrontation. Iran is seen as strategically weakened, potentially seeking a deal with Trump. The conversation pivots to China, detailing rumored internal turmoil, including a coup led by General Zhang Youxia, and linking China's rare earth export threats to Beijing's leadership struggles. 1215-1230 HEADLINE: Global Turmoil: Turkey's War Aims, China's Coup, and Iran's Pivot GUEST NAME: Gregory Copley SUMMARY: Gregory Copley discusses the Gaza ceasefire's instability, noting Hamas, backed by Turkey, is reasserting control. He analyzes Turkey's neo-Ottomanist need to continue confrontation. Iran is seen as strategically weakened, potentially seeking a deal with Trump. The conversation pivots to China, detailing rumored internal turmoil, including a coup led by General Zhang Youxia, and linking China's rare earth export threats to Beijing's leadership struggles. 1230-1245 HEADLINE: Global Turmoil: Turkey's War Aims, China's Coup, and Iran's Pivot GUEST NAME: Gregory Copley SUMMARY: Gregory Copley discusses the Gaza ceasefire's instability, noting Hamas, backed by Turkey, is reasserting control. He analyzes Turkey's neo-Ottomanist need to continue confrontation. Iran is seen as strategically weakened, potentially seeking a deal with Trump. The conversation pivots to China, detailing rumored internal turmoil, including a coup led by General Zhang Youxia, and linking China's rare earth export threats to Beijing's leadership struggles. 1245-100 AM HEADLINE: Global Turmoil: Turkey's War Aims, China's Coup, and Iran's Pivot GUEST NAME: Gregory Copley SUMMARY: Gregory Copley discusses the Gaza ceasefire's instability, noting Hamas, backed by Turkey, is reasserting control. He analyzes Turkey's neo-Ottomanist need to continue confrontation. Iran is seen as strategically weakened, potentially seeking a deal with Trump. The conversation pivots to China, detailing rumored internal turmoil, including a coup led by General Zhang Youxia, and linking China's rare earth export threats to Beijing's leadership struggles.

HEADLINE: China's Rare Earth Threat and Trump's Unacknowledged Win GUEST NAME: Liz Peek SUMMARY:Liz Peek discusses US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's harsh critique of China's rare earth threats, viewing it as confirmation of Beijing's failing export-driven economy and desperation. She notes the US vulnerability due to dependence on China for rare earth processing. Domestically, the failure of subprime auto loan lenders signals stress in the private credit market and consumer weakness. Peek also highlights the reluctance of Democrats and the left to acknowledge President Trump's success in achieving the Gaza ceasefire. 1955

HEADLINE: China's Rare Earth Threat and Trump's Unacknowledged Win GUEST NAME: Liz Peek SUMMARY:Liz Peek discusses US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent's harsh critique of China's rare earth threats, viewing it as confirmation of Beijing's failing export-driven economy and desperation. She notes the US vulnerability due to dependence on China for rare earth processing. Domestically, the failure of subprime auto loan lenders signals stress in the private credit market and consumer weakness. Peek also highlights the reluctance of Democrats and the left to acknowledge President Trump's success in achieving the Gaza ceasefire. 1958

China, which has made historic progress in uplifting the well-being of women, can serve as a role model for other countries that wish to promote gender equality and highlight women's key role in global development, analysts said.分析人士指出，中国在提升女性福祉方面取得了历史性进展，对于那些希望促进性别平等、凸显女性在全球发展中关键作用的国家而言，中国可成为典范。In his address on Monday at the opening ceremony of the Global Leaders' Meeting on Women, held in Beijing, President Xi Jinping said that it is the international community's shared consensus to advance the development of women.周一，在京举行的全球妇女峰会开幕式上，习近平主席发表致辞时表示，推动妇女发展是国际社会的共同共识。"Women in every corner of the world are bound together by a shared future. At present, complex challenges still hamper their all-round development," Xi said, noting that more than 600 million women and girls around the world are still mired in war and conflict, and around 10 percent are trapped in extreme poverty.习近平主席表示：“世界各国妇女命运与共。当前，复杂挑战仍在阻碍妇女全面发展。”他指出，全球有超过6亿妇女和女童仍深陷战争与冲突之中，约10%的妇女和女童处于极端贫困状态。Namtip Aksornkool, former head of the UNESCO Literacy and Basic Education and Gender Focal Point, said the high-level meeting will help to promote international collaboration. She also emphasized the critical role of women in global issues and highlighted that women's rights are human rights.联合国教科文组织前扫盲与基础教育部门负责人兼性别问题协调员南提普·阿克索恩库尔（Namtip Aksornkool）表示，此次高级别会议将有助于促进国际合作。她还强调了妇女在全球事务中的关键作用，并指出妇女权利是人权的重要组成部分。Aksornkool said that China has achieved significant progress in women's education and leadership.阿克索恩库尔表示，中国在妇女教育和妇女参与领导层面取得了显著进展。She said she is hoping that as the host of the high-level meeting, China will share its successful policies and inspire other nations to invest in women's potential.她表示，希望作为此次高级别会议东道主的中国，能分享其成功政策，激励其他国家发掘妇女潜力。Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy, vice-president of the Asian Century Philippines Strategic Studies Institute, said Xi's speech indicates that he puts a premium on women's issues.菲律宾亚洲世纪战略研究所副所长安娜·罗萨里奥·马林多格-乌伊（Anna Rosario Malindog-Uy）表示，习近平主席的致辞表明他高度重视妇女议题。Malindog-Uy said this was "a deliberate signal" aimed at both domestic and international audiences. "Domestically, it reinforces the government's commitment to gender equality. Internationally, it positions China as an active participant in global dialogues concerning women's rights and development," she said.马林多格-乌伊称，这是向国内外传递的“明确信号”。“在国内，这强化了政府对性别平等的承诺；在国际上，这表明中国在有关妇女权利与发展的全球对话中扮演着积极参与者的角色，”她说。Malindog-Uy said the meeting will serve as a platform for China to showcase its achievements in promoting women's development and to advocate global cooperation in addressing challenges that women face worldwide.马林多格-乌伊表示，此次会议将成为中国的展示平台，既可以展现中国在促进妇女发展方面的成就，也能倡导全球合作以应对各国妇女面临的挑战。"The meeting is also an opportunity for China to announce new initiatives or policies aimed at further advancing women's rights and opportunities, both domestically and internationally," she said.“此次会议也是中国的重要契机，可借此宣布新的举措或政策，以在国内外进一步促进妇女权利、拓展妇女发展机遇，”她说。Xi put forward four proposals to accelerate women's all-round development: foster an enabling environment for women's growth and development; cultivate robust drivers for the high-quality development of the women's cause; jointly develop governance frameworks to protect women's rights and interests; and write a new chapter in promoting global cooperation on women.习近平主席提出四项建议，以加速妇女全面发展：一是营造有利于妇女成长发展的良好环境；二是培育妇女事业高质量发展的强劲动力；三是共同构建保障妇女权益的治理框架；四是谱写促进妇女领域全球合作的新篇章。Sayamol Charoenratana, director of the Center of Excellence for Human Security and Equity at Chulalongkorn University in Thailand, said that Xi's proposals are important "because the world is now changing dramatically". She said the two-day Beijing meeting, which gathers leaders from around the world, can provide the opportunity to reinforce women's contributions to both global and regional development, especially in the Global South.泰国朱拉隆功大学人类安全与公平卓越中心主任萨亚莫尔·查伦拉塔纳（Sayamol Charoenratana）表示，习近平主席提出的建议意义重大，“因为当前世界正发生深刻变革”。她指出，这场为期两天、汇聚各国领导人的北京会议，为彰显妇女对全球及区域发展（尤其是在南方国家）的贡献提供了契机。"For many decades, there has been a deep stereotype that usually places women in supporting roles instead of being decision-makers. Women are mostly attached to roles related to family and community," Sayamol said, adding that gender inequality is "a prominent problem in developing countries".萨亚莫尔表示：“数十年来，存在一种根深蒂固的刻板印象，即通常将妇女置于辅助角色而非决策角色。妇女的角色多与家庭和社区相关。”她还补充道，性别不平等是“发展中国家面临的突出问题”。Zoe White, executive president of the Australia China Economics, Trade and Culture Association, said that the ongoing high-level meeting on women in Beijing is "a new milestone" in promoting global women-related causes.澳中经贸文化交流协会执行会长佐伊·怀特（Zoe White）表示，目前正在北京举行的这场妇女高级别会议，是推动全球妇女事业发展的“新里程碑”。"The Global Leaders' Meeting on Women…not only provides a vital platform for the progress of women's causes, but also fosters a positive global environment for women's growth and development," White said. "It highlights…advancing women's empowerment and protecting women's rights."怀特表示：“全球妇女峰会……不仅为妇女事业发展提供了重要平台，也为妇女成长发展营造了积极的全球环境。会议凸显了……增进妇女赋权、保障妇女权利的重要性。”international analysts on gender equalityn.关注性别平等的国际分析人士 /ˌɪntəˈnæʃnəl ˈænəlɪsts ɒn ˈdʒendə ɪˈkwɒləti/leaders of global women-related organizationsn.全球妇女相关组织负责人/ˈliːdəz əv ˈɡləʊbl ˈwɪmɪn-rɪˈleɪtɪd ˌɔːɡənaɪˈzeɪʃnz/

Maritime trade disputes have escalated with the US and China implementing reciprocal tonnage fees effective October 14th, while the U.S. is aggressively targeting Chinese-made container cranes and intermodal chassis with staggering tariffs up to 270%. The instability is creeping into vital cross-border operations, specifically the US-Mexico e-commerce corridor, following Mexico's mid-August move to raise duties on Chinese imports to 33.5% and roll out stricter data reporting rules. This mix of higher duties and inconsistent enforcement is creating compliance challenges, causing US sellers to reassess using Mexico as a fulfillment hub and potentially shifting inventory back north into the states. Domestically, the truckload market is flashing warning signs of capacity fragility after the National Truckload Index for dry van spot rates rose 2% without the typical corresponding rise in contract tender rejections. Adding to the risk picture, new ATRI data highlights the hidden cost of cargo theft, estimating annual direct costs for motor carriers between $456.7 million and $937.4 million, noting that over 40% of carriers do not report lower-value incidents due to high deductibles and fear of escalating premiums. C.H. Robinson is tackling the need for stability by introducing the Asset Management System (AMS) within its Drop Trailer Plus program, a significant technological upgrade that applies to nearly 50% of the entire truckload market. AMS integrates GPS technology and real-time operational data into the Navisphere platform, transforming trailers into "intelligent assets" that offer SKU-level visibility, enhanced security, and a buffer against capacity shocks and rising crime costs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Maritime trade disputes have escalated with the US and China implementing reciprocal tonnage fees effective October 14th, while the U.S. is aggressively targeting Chinese-made container cranes and intermodal chassis with staggering tariffs up to 270%. The instability is creeping into vital cross-border operations, specifically the US-Mexico e-commerce corridor, following Mexico's mid-August move to raise duties on Chinese imports to 33.5% and roll out stricter data reporting rules. This mix of higher duties and inconsistent enforcement is creating compliance challenges, causing US sellers to reassess using Mexico as a fulfillment hub and potentially shifting inventory back north into the states. Domestically, the truckload market is flashing warning signs of capacity fragility after the National Truckload Index for dry van spot rates rose 2% without the typical corresponding rise in contract tender rejections. Adding to the risk picture, new ATRI data highlights the hidden cost of cargo theft, estimating annual direct costs for motor carriers between $456.7 million and $937.4 million, noting that over 40% of carriers do not report lower-value incidents due to high deductibles and fear of escalating premiums. C.H. Robinson is tackling the need for stability by introducing the Asset Management System (AMS) within its Drop Trailer Plus program, a significant technological upgrade that applies to nearly 50% of the entire truckload market. AMS integrates GPS technology and real-time operational data into the Navisphere platform, transforming trailers into "intelligent assets" that offer SKU-level visibility, enhanced security, and a buffer against capacity shocks and rising crime costs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of This Week in AML, John Byrne and Elliot Berman cover a wide range of developments in the financial crime and compliance landscape. They look at international enforcement actions, including record AML fines for UK law firms and Switzerland's updated typology report. The conversation spans topics such as life insurance vulnerabilities, cultural heritage protection, Rabobank's compliance-driven leadership shift, Iran's FATF ambitions, insider threat mitigation in Canada, and Nigeria's efforts to combat terrorist financing via crowdfunding. Domestically, they unpack major U.S. regulatory proposals, including redefining community banks, eliminating reputation risk as a supervisory focus, and evolving model risk management guidance.

Rita talks about President Trump announces a historic first-phase Gaza peace plan signed by Israel and Hamas, aiming for the imminent release of all hostages. Domestically, Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem slams Portland's local leaders as "a bunch of pansies" for failing to act against Antifa protests surrounding the ICE facility. Hear a shocking eyewitness account describing Antifa as highly organized, funded by the wealthy hard left, and using tactics like drilling with umbrellas as weapons. Plus, Illinois Governor JB Pritzker fires back at President Trump's threat of jail, and a California gubernatorial candidate melts down on camera when faced with follow-up questions from a reporter. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Domestically, NI politics has been consumed by Irish language issues this week and unionists reel in the wake of Belfast City Council's new bilingual policy – is it just the result of demographics? October is party conference season – why did Starmer not mention us in his speech? The SDLP is presenting itself as both an alternative to Alliance and pushing Irish unity, can they do both? And finally, an MLA says the current Stormont executive is the worst one since devolution returned in 1998 – is he right? Ciarán Dunbar is joined by the Belfast Telegraph's Liam Tunney, political commentator Alex Kane and by Ulster University lecturer David McCann. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

3. Rituals of Command and the Cicero Revelation Londinium Chronicles Gaius & Germanicus Debate The emperor asserted command authority over the legions in a ritual event at Quantico, Virginia, with his viceroy addressing the leadership of the legions. This ceremony was designed to overturn the previous instances of "command disobedience" experienced by Trump during his first term (such as General Milley's reported actions). The message delivered was a direct command: "New mission. Fortress America. If you are uncomfortable with that, leave."Domestically, this ongoing power transition draws parallels with the murder of Caesar, which marked the end of the Roman Republic and the path toward the principate. A newly shared detail from the documents of Marcus Tullius Cicero reveals that Brutus allegedly raised his dagger while striking Caesar and shouted "Cicero." This detail suggests Cicero, the master storyteller and champion of the senatorial class, provided the intellectual legitimacy and imprimatur for the assassination, affirming that the murder was committed in the name of the Senate's vision of republicanism. 1802

Following the regulatory changes that led to a 30% drop in express volumes from China/Hong Kong, DHL surges customs agent hiring as new tariffs confuse importers. Despite sourcing diversification driving double-digit growth from countries like Vietnam and Mexico, DHL Express is forecasting an unusually muted peak season lift of just 20% to 25%, down significantly from the typical 40% to 50% jump. Domestically, we dive into the contentious legal battle over California's Advanced Clean Trucks Rule (ACT) as the Federal goverment fires back in court over California waiver cancellation. Owner-operators, who face astronomical repair costs like $21,000 for emissions equipment on a $30,000 truck, argue that these standards dramatically drive up operating expenses, leading major associations to back regulatory rollbacks, as noted in Truckers back Trump's emissions rollback at EPA. The soft freight market highlights the intense need for financial agility, illustrated by a recent small carrier filing for Chapter 11, where their lawyer stressed that the cash needed for operations “doesn't generate itself”. This scenario emphasizes why the reliance on factoring services is now a critical lifeline for many smaller outfits struggling in the current economic environment, as detailed in Small carrier's bankruptcy spells out need for factoring. We examine how the annual corn harvest creates a short but lucrative peak season for Midwestern carriers, relying heavily on the FMCSA agricultural commodity exemption to maximize hours and earnings, as explored in How the corn harvest season changes freight networks across the Midwest. Finally, we analyze the structural shifts impacting the rails following the Union Pacific/Norfolk Southern proposed merger, where a union job guarantee meant to secure support is being widely warned against by former executives, as heard in Rail merger: Lifetime job is great “until you are stuck in it”. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tehillah Niselow & Ndumiso Mngomezulu are in conversation with Zama Mkosi, Deputy Chairperson at Brand SA & Thebe Ikalafeng, Pan-African Brand Expert & Founder of Brand AfricaSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's episode dives into a storm of global and domestic crises threatening America's security. We start with breaking news of a massive foreign telecommunications network discovered near the UN General Assembly, capable of crippling 911 systems and targeting U.S. leaders. Then, we unpack the strategic necessity of reclaiming Bagram Air Base, Trump's post-midterm plans, and ongoing threats from terror training camps in Afghanistan, including a resurgence of al Qaeda. Domestically, we explore escalating left-wing violence at ICE facilities in Chicago, Portland, and beyond, exposing how law enforcement in sanctuary cities often fails to respond, leaving federal agents and citizens at risk. From cyberattacks and international espionage to civil unrest and political betrayals, this episode connects the dots on how national security, foreign policy, and domestic lawlessness intersect—and what it means for the future of the United States.

Domestically, Tom Homan takes bribes and Republicans just don't care. Internationally, the Trump administration is engaged in international war crimes by murdering foreign civilians, and… Republicans still just don't care. Learn why this is an Article I Constitutional crisis with guest Brian Finucane.   Links: Brian Finucane, International Crisis Group https://www.crisisgroup.org/who-we-are/people/brian-finucane   Show Links: https://www.lawandchaospod.com/ BlueSky: @LawAndChaosPod Threads: @LawAndChaosPod Twitter: @LawAndChaosPod  

Welcome to Top of the Morning by Mint.. I'm Nelson John and here are today's top stories.  India's Supreme Court delivered a crushing victory for the Ambani family, declaring their massive Vantara zoo legally untouchable and slamming the door on future complaints. The 3,500-acre facility housing 2,000 species survived allegations of smuggling and money laundering after a thorough investigation. Meanwhile, India-US trade talks resumed with Washington's chief negotiator flying to New Delhi. After the US slapped brutal 50% tariffs on India over Russian oil purchases, both sides are pushing for a deal by fall 2025. The stakes are high - India's been cozying up to China while these talks stalled. Domestically, railways announced that starting October 1, only Aadhaar-verified users can book tickets during the crucial first 15 minutes online. Out of 130 million IRCTC users, only 12 million are verified - meaning 118 million need to authenticate or wait. Nature struck Uttarakhand as cloudbursts swallowed the ancient Tapkeshwar temple in Dehradun. No lives lost, but it's part of escalating Himalayan disasters that killed 200+ in 2021's Chamoli catastrophe. Globally, Gaza burns under relentless bombing just after US Secretary Rubio's Jerusalem visit backing Israel's assault. At least 16 Palestinians died as America signals no immediate ceasefire push. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As philosopher Ludwig Wittgenstein observed, "The limits of my language mean the limits of my world." Words do not merely describe reality — they shape it. The United States is now offering its own example of this.On Friday, the US president signed an executive order restoring the historical title "Department of War" to the Pentagon. Even though Congress has yet to approve it to make the renaming permanent, the symbolism is powerful, revealing a shift in how Washington wishes to present itself to the world.The US changed the name of its War Department to the Department of Defense in 1949 after World War II and at the dawn of the nuclear age. At that time, the US lawmakers emphasized "defense" to signal restraint and deterrence, as new international institutions such as the United Nations were being established to safeguard peace. That choice of words carried weight. It underscored that military power was to be exercised with caution and with the aim of preventing conflict.The latest reversal, however, highlights a different mood in Washington. Supporters of the change argue that the original name reflects the US' history of strength and victory, pointing back to the world wars. Yet behind this rhetoric lies a message aligned with a more assertive and transactional view of security. The move fits into a wider policy pattern: the use of force in the Middle East, backing military offensives by allies, and calls for partners in Europe and Asia to assume greater financial burdens for US protection.Domestically, the decision has understandably provoked debate, if not strong opposition. Democrats in Congress quickly voiced their objections, calling the move "childish" or "dangerous". Think tanks and historians have also raised concerns that reintroducing the "Department of War" label risks undermining the US' "moral standing", particularly given the lessons of the nuclear age. Even among the public, the debate reflects fatigue with military campaigns abroad. Many Americans, after two decades of costly wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, fear that glorifying "war" rather than "defense" could mark a return to open-ended conflicts.In a survey carried out by CGTN among 14,071 respondents from 38 countries from 2023 to 2024, 61.3 percent of the respondents believed that the US is the most combative country in the world, and 70.1 percent thought that the US waging wars abroad has caused serious humanitarian crises worldwide.Allies are equally attentive. European governments, already unsettled by Washington's imposition of unilateral tariffs and its calls for higher defense spending, now face the additional challenge of explaining to the public why they should rally behind a "Department of War" of the US. And for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, which has long presented itself as a defensive alliance, the optics of following a country that openly embraces the rhetoric of war may prove problematic.In Asia, too, US partners are watching closely. Some may fear that Washington is signaling a readiness to escalate conflicts in the region, while others may interpret the move as a prelude to shifting US resources inward. Reports that the Pentagon is drafting a new strategy, possibly downgrading the focus on the "Indo-Pacific" while prioritizing the Western Hemisphere and homeland security, will only add to the uncertainty, particularly among the US' regional pawns, such as the Philippines. If the allies and partners of the US sense that Washington is more aggressive in tone and less reliable in commitment, confidence in the US alliance system may weaken further.History offers perspective. The change of name from "War" to "Defense" was not mere semantics. It reflected a determination that in the nuclear age, stability depended on restraint, multilateral cooperation and an emphasis on peace. In today's uncertain world, that lesson remains valid. At a time when conflicts in Europe and the Middle East continue, and when the global community faces transnational challenges from climate change to public health, what is most needed is dialogue, coordination and restraint, not signals of confrontation.Language matters. The words governments choose shape perceptions, expectations and policy paths. The international community should therefore pay close attention to the implications of this renaming. It is a reminder that the US, as the world's largest military power, carries a special responsibility to lead not toward war, but toward peace. Only by upholding this responsibility can Washington, by giving the right answer to the fundamental question of war or peace, truly contribute to the common aspiration of all nations: a world defined not by conflict, but by peace and development.

In 1971 and 1972, American troop withdrawals accelerated under President Nixon’s Vietnamization policy. The South Vietnamese Army faced its first major test during Operation Lam Son 719 in Laos, which ended in a costly failure and revealed the ARVN’s limitations. Domestically, antiwar sentiment intensified, fueled by the Winter Soldier Investigation, rising drug use and fragging within the military, and the explosive release of the Pentagon Papers. In 1972, North Vietnam launched the massive Nguyen Hue (Easter) Offensive, aiming to decisively defeat the South. Despite initial successes, the offensive was repelled with significant help from U.S. air power, including Operation Linebacker and the mining of Haiphong Harbor. While the ARVN held its ground, the costly battle highlighted the fragility of Vietnamization and set the stage for the war’s final phase. Join Sean and James as they discuss the autumn of the Vietnam War.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin Green kicks off the trading week with eyes on geopolitical headlines weighing on minds of investors and traders. He recaps Friday's Alaska talks between U.S. President Trump and Russian President Putin before preparing for this week's meeting with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy as well as European leaders. KG is watching the energy space as both the crude oil market and rare minerals trade could be impacted. Domestically, he also discusses Palo Alto Networks (PANW) ahead of earnings.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day.Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – / schwabnetwork Follow us on Facebook – / schwabnetwork Follow us on LinkedIn - / schwab-network About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

Current tariff policies and economic uncertainties are profoundly reshaping the U.S. freight and manufacturing industries. A significant surge in U.S. container imports in July, nearing record highs and driven notably by a 44% month-over-month recovery from China, is largely attributed to importers "front-loading" shipments. This strategic move is a response to the end of the "de minimis" exemption for imports under $800 and ongoing uncertainty regarding various tariffs, including a temporary 30% rate on some Chinese goods and new reciprocal tariffs affecting over 90 U.S. trade partners. Despite this import boom, Trans-Pacific spot rates have plummeted, falling 62% from the Far East to the U.S. West Coast since June 1st, a paradox driven by significant global overcapacity and potentially muted consumer demand, which carriers attempt to counter through increased blank sailings, contributing to congestion at Chinese ports. Experts now view tariffs as a "new normal" for businesses, a permanent fixture influencing market dynamics. Consequently, the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates forecast a 5.6% decrease in U.S. import cargo volume for 2025, primarily due to tariffs leading to higher consumer prices and reduced demand. Domestically, the manufacturing and trucking sectors are experiencing weakness, with heavy-duty truck sales hitting multi-year lows due to trade policy shifts and a lack of clarity on future emissions regulations, deterring companies from making significant investments. While there are "green shoots" of slight pickup in order activity, manufacturers anticipate needing to adjust prices for 2026 truck orders due to rising costs partly from these same tariffs on components. This environment underscores how trade policy has become a primary driver in the market, making precise calculation of "total landed costs"—factoring in these new baseline tariffs—critical for supply chain professionals. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Liberal democracy is under siege. Domestically, popular discontent with civic, cultural and political institutions is tempting voters in many democracies towards more authoritarian leadership. Globally, the axis of autocracies in Russia and China threaten to upend weaker democratic neighbors. Donald Trump's trade policies and diplomacy are weakening alliances and undermining faith in "the west.” Is democracy in retreat? Does it matter? On this episode of Free Expression, Gerry Baker and former British prime minister Rishi Sunak discuss the state of democracy in the U.K. and the U.S, how liberal democracy can be strengthened, and how rapid technological change is affecting economics and politics. And the U.K.'s last Conservative prime minister offers his thoughts on the state of conservatism on both sides of the Atlantic.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this powerful compilation of commentary, callers and hosts confront the defining struggles of our time—foreign threats, government corruption, and the silencing of dissent. From rising tariffs and supply chain pressures to the weaponization of biowarfare and fentanyl by China, the case is made for a complete trade and strategic break from the CCP. Meanwhile, tech platforms like YouTube and Facebook face scrutiny for systematically censoring voices under the guise of copyright violations, as globalist institutions push Elon Musk to comply with EU speech controls. Domestically, concerns grow over the erosion of civil liberties, media bias, and political double standards. A rallying cry emerges for Americans to reclaim control—by voting out corruption at the local level, demanding transparency, and refusing to surrender free expression. It's a wake-up call for a nation teetering between survival and submission.

The US President has shifted on Ukraine - criticising Putin and facilitating more weapons for Kyiv. Has the Russian leader miscalculated? On Iran, the US has managed to isolate the regime. Domestically, Trump's opponents are still in disarray. Six months in to his second term, is Donald Trump proving his critics wrong? Or is America heading in a sinister direction? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In accordance with Chinese laws, China has indicted 21 key members of a telecom fraud crime group operating in northern Myanmar on various charges including fraud, operating casinos, intentional homicide, drug manufacturing, and other offenses mainly targeting civilians in China.根据中国法律，中国已对一个在缅甸北部活动的电信诈骗犯罪集团的 21 名核心成员提起公诉，指控其犯有诈骗、开设赌场、故意杀人、制造毒品等多项罪行，该集团的犯罪活动主要针对中国公民。According to China's public security authorities, the criminal group is suspected of involvement in activities that led to the deaths of six Chinese citizens. It is found to be linked to over 31,000 telecom fraud cases, with fraud-related funds exceeding 10.6 billion yuan (around $1.48 billion).中国公安部门表示，该犯罪集团涉嫌参与的活动已导致 6 名中国公民死亡。经查，该集团与超过 3.1 万起电信诈骗案件有关联，涉案诈骗资金超过 106 亿元人民币（约合 14.8 亿美元）。The group is also found to have been involved in the production and trafficking of approximately 11 tonnes of drugs.此外，该集团还被查明参与制造和贩运了约 11 吨毒品。Since 2015, the criminal gang headed by Bay Saw Chain has built over 41 large-scale compounds in northern Myanmar to carry out telecom fraud and illegal online gambling operations, said the Chinese Ministry of Public Security (MPS).中国公安部表示，自 2015 年起，以白所成为首的该犯罪团伙在缅甸北部建造了 41 余个大型园区，用于实施电信诈骗和非法网络赌博活动。These scam centers have been used to aggressively carry out illegal activities targeting Chinese citizens and to lure individuals from China into crossing borders illegally to engage in gambling and fraudulent schemes.这些诈骗园区被用于大肆开展针对中国公民的非法活动，并引诱中国公民非法越境参与赌博和诈骗活动。Investigations further revealed that the criminal group maintained armed control over these centers and condoned violent enforcement tactics, including abuse, assault and even murder of lower-level telecom fraud operatives.调查进一步显示，该犯罪集团对这些园区实施武装控制，并纵容暴力管理手段，包括对底层电信诈骗人员进行虐待、殴打甚至杀害。In November 2023, the MPS established a special task force to investigate the Bay criminal group and later issued public wanted notices in December.2023 年 11 月，公安部成立专案组对该犯罪集团展开调查，并于 12 月发布了公开通缉令。In January 2024, under the China-Myanmar law enforcement and security cooperation mechanism, Myanmar handed over Bay Saw Chain and Bay Yin Chin to Chinese authorities. To date, a total of 36 key suspects involved in the case have been taken into custody.2024 年 1 月，在中缅执法安全合作机制下，缅甸将白所成、白应苍等人移交中国 政府。截至目前，该案共抓获 36 名核心犯罪嫌疑人。During the investigation, Chinese police dispatched task forces to northern Myanmar five times, collecting key evidence with the support of Myanmar authorities. Domestically, over 1,000 Chinese police officers were mobilized nationwide to gather testimony and evidence from fraud victims.调查期间，中国警方先后 5 次向缅甸北部派出工作组，在缅甸 政府 的支持下收集关键证据。在国内，全国共动员 1000 余名警力，向诈骗受害者收集证言和证据。Through joint law enforcement efforts and a series of targeted operations, Chinese and Myanmar police have apprehended over 57,000 Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in telecom fraud schemes. These actions have dealt a significant blow to major criminal groups operating in northern Myanmar.通过联合执法行动和一系列针对性行动，中缅警方已抓获 5.7 万余名涉嫌参与电信诈骗的中国籍人员。这些行动对在缅甸北部活动的主要犯罪集团造成了沉重打击。indict /ɪnˈdaɪt/ 起诉，控告telecom /ˈteləkɒm/ 电信，电讯fraud /frɔːd/ 诈骗，欺诈apprehend /ˌæprɪˈhend/ 逮捕，拘押

In this packed episode, CannCon and Ghost tackle a slate of global and domestic flashpoints. They start with Russia's formal recognition of the Taliban government, unpacking how Moscow rebranded the Taliban from a terror group to a regional partner and why Trump's Doha Agreement laid the groundwork. The conversation turns to Netanyahu's tense visit to Washington, where he failed to secure Trump's blessing for annexing the West Bank and left without a breakthrough on Gaza, signaling a rare public rift. The hosts highlight Israel's plan to corral 2.2 million Gazans into a “humanitarian city,” warning it could become a de facto concentration camp. Domestically, they dig into the Biden administration's move to ban Chinese nationals from buying U.S. farmland, the Supreme Court's decision clearing Trump to order mass federal layoffs, and the swirling debate over mass deportations and farm labor visas. On the climate front, they dismantle mainstream dismissals of cloud seeding after Texas floods, citing chaos theory to argue small manipulations can trigger outsized effects. With plenty of sharp humor, sidebars on North Korea's K-pop psyops, and reflections on Epstein files, this episode challenges official narratives from every direction. 

Today's Headlines: Iran officially retaliated for the U.S. bombing of its nuclear sites by launching missiles at a U.S. base in Qatar—none hit, thanks to Qatari defenses. President Trump thanked Iran for the “early notice” and mocked the attack as “very weak,” while urging oil producers to keep prices down and demanding the Energy Department “DRILL BABY DRILL.” Trump later declared a 12-hour ceasefire between Israel and Iran, claiming the war is over. Reporting revealed he was warned by Iran of potential sleeper cell attacks in the U.S. and used vague public statements to mask his true plans. His decision to strike was reportedly influenced by Fox News coverage and online sentiment, leading one military official to call him the “biggest threat to operational security.” Globally, Iran's foreign minister met with Putin, who condemned the strikes but didn't pledge support. Meanwhile, Russia, China, and Pakistan introduced a UN resolution condemning the U.S., which America is expected to veto. Japan and South Korea pulled out of the NATO summit, citing the Middle East conflict. Domestically, the Supreme Court ruled 6–3 to allow Trump's administration to deport migrants to third countries, and the administration also overrode a federal judge's order to release smuggling suspect Kilmar Abrego Garcia. ICE had already planned to detain him regardless. In finance, FICO announced it will start factoring buy-now-pay-later (BNPL) loans into credit scores, affecting 90+ million Americans—raising concerns over debt risk in an already fragile consumer economy. And nearly 190 million Americans are under heat advisories as a record-breaking “heat dome” grips the US, setting over 360 daily high temp records last week alone. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: No casualties reported after Iran missile attack on U.S. base in Qatar NY Times: How Trump Decided to Strike Iran WSJ: Putin Tells Iranian Envoy U.S. Strikes Weren't Justified AP News: Iran-Israel live updates: Trump says countries agree to ceasefire The New Republic: Countries Ditch NATO Summit After Trump Decision to Bomb Iran AP News: Supreme Court allows Trump to restart swift deportation of migrants away from their home countries NYT: Judge Orders Abrego Garcia Released on Smuggling Charges Before Trial Axios: FICO credit scores to include buy-now-pay-later loans  Axios: Millions at risk amid widespread heat wave Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Last time we spoke about Operation Chahar. In July 1937, the tensions between Japan and China erupted into a full-scale conflict, ignited by the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. Following a series of aggressive Japanese military maneuvers, Chiang Kai-shek, then enjoying a brief respite at Kuling, learned of the escalating clashes and prepared for battle. Confident that China was primed for resistance, he rallied his nation, demanding that Japan accept responsibility and respect China's sovereignty. The Japanese launched their offensive, rapidly capturing key positions in Northern China. Notably, fierce battle ensued in Jinghai, where Chinese soldiers, led by Brigade Commander Li Zhiyuan, valiantly defended against overwhelming forces using guerrilla tactics and direct assaults. Their spirit was symbolized by a courageous “death squad” that charged the enemy, inflicting serious casualties despite facing dire odds. As weeks passed, the conflict intensified with brutal assaults on Nankou. Chinese defenses, though valiant, were ultimately overwhelmed, leading to heavy casualties on both sides. Despite losing Nankou, the indomitable Chinese spirit inspired continued resistance against the Japanese invaders, foreshadowing a long, brutal war that would reshape East Asia.   #156 The Battle of Shanghai Part 1: The Beginning of the Battle of Shanghai Welcome to the Fall and Rise of China Podcast, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about the history of Asia? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on history of asia and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel where I cover the history of China and Japan from the 19th century until the end of the Pacific War. On August 9, a bullet riddled sedan screeched to an abrupt halt at the entrance to the Hongqiao airport along Monument Road. The gruesome scene on the dashboard revealed that one of the victims had died in the car. He had been dragged out and subjected to brutal slashing, kicking, and beating until his body was a mangled mess. Half of his face was missing, and his stomach had been cut open, exposing the sickly pallor of his intestines, faintly glimmering in the night. The other man had managed to escape the vehicle but only got a few paces away before he was gunned down. A short distance away lay a third body, dressed in a Chinese uniform. Investigators swiftly identified the badly mangled body as belonging to 27-year-old Sub-Lieutenant Oyama Isao, while the other deceased Japanese man was his driver, First Class Seaman Saito Yozo. The identity of the Chinese victim remained a mystery. At first glance, the scene appeared to be the aftermath of a straightforward shootout. However, numerous questions lingered: What were the Japanese doing at a military airfield miles from their barracks? Who had fired the first shot, and what had prompted that decision? The Chinese investigators and their Japanese counterparts were at odds over the answers to these questions. As they walked the crime scene, searching for evidence, loud arguments erupted repeatedly. By the time the sun began to rise, they concluded their investigation without reaching any consensus on what had transpired. They climbed into their cars and made their way back to the city. The investigators were acutely aware of the repercussions if they failed to handle their delicate task with the necessary finesse. Despite their hopes for peace, it was evident that Shanghai was a city bracing for war. As they drove through the dimly lit suburbs on their way from Hongqiao back to their downtown offices, their headlights illuminated whitewashed trees, interspersed with sandbag defenses and the silhouettes of solitary Chinese sentries. Officially, these sentries were part of the Peace Preservation Corps,  a paramilitary unit that, due to an international agreement reached a few years earlier, was the only Chinese force allowed to remain in the Shanghai area. In the hours that followed, both sides presented their versions of the incident. According to the Chinese account, the Japanese vehicle attempted to force its way through the airport gate. When members of the Peace Preservation Corps stationed at the entrance signaled for Saito, the driver, to stop, he abruptly turned the car around. Sub-Lieutenant Oyama then fired at the Chinese guards with an automatic pistol. Only then did the Chinese return fire, killing Oyama in a hail of bullets. Saito managed to jump out before he, too, was gunned down. The commander of the Chinese guards told a Western reporter that this wasn't the first time someone Japanese had attempted to enter the airport. Such incidents had occurred repeatedly in the past two months, leading them to believe that the Japanese were “obviously undertaking espionage.” The Japanese account, predictably, placed the blame for the entire incident squarely on China. It asserted that Oyama had been driving along a road bordering the airfield with no intention of entering. Suddenly, the vehicle was stopped and surrounded by Peace Preservation Corps troops, who opened fire with rifles and machine guns without warning. Oyama had no opportunity to return fire. The Japanese statement argued that the two men had every right to use the road, which was part of the International Settlement, and labeled the incident a clear violation of the 1932 peace agreement. “We demand that the Chinese bear responsibility for this illegal act,”. Regardless of either side, it seemed likely to everyone in the region, war would soon engulf Shanghai.  Meanwhile, as the Marco Polo Bridge Incident escalated into a full blown in the far north, General Zhang Fakui was attending a routine training mission at Mount Lu in southeastern Jiangxi. A short and small man, not considered too handsome either, Zhang had earned his place in China's leadership through physical courage, once taking a stand on a bridge and single handedly facing down an enemy army. He was 41 years old in 1937, having spent half his life fighting Warlords, Communists and sometimes even Nationalists. In the recent years he had tossed his lot in with a rebel campaign against Chiang Kai-Shek, who surprisingly went on the forgive him and placed him in charge of anti communist operations in the area due south of Shanghai. However now the enemy seemed to have changed.  As the war spread to Beijing, on July 16th, Zhang was sent to Chiang Kai-Shek's summer residence at Mount Lu alongside 150 members of China's political and military elites. They were all there to brainstorm how to fight the Japanese. Years prior the Generalissimo had made it doctrine to appease the Japanese but now he made grandiose statements such as “this time we must fight to the end”. Afterwards Chiang dealt missions to all his commanders and Zhang Fakui was told to prepare for operations in the Shanghai area.  It had been apparent for weeks that both China and Japan were preparing for war in central China. The Japanese had been diverting naval troops from the north to strengthen their forces in Shanghai, and by early August, they had assembled over 8,000 troops. A few days later, approximately thirty-two naval vessels arrived. On July 31, Chiang declared that “all hope for peace has been lost.” Chiang had been reluctant to commit his best forces to defend northern China, an area he had never truly controlled. In contrast, Shanghai was central to his strategy for the war against Japan. Chiang decided to deploy his finest troops, the 87th and 88th Divisions, which were trained by generals under the guidance of the German advisor von Falkenhausen, who had high hopes for their performance against the Japanese. In doing so, Chiang aimed to demonstrate to both his own people and the wider world that the Chinese could and would resist the invader. Meanwhile, Chiang's spy chief, Dai Li, was busy gathering intelligence on Japanese intentions regarding Shanghai, a challenging task given his focus in recent years. Dai, one of the most sinister figures in modern Chinese history, had devoted far more energy and resources to suppressing the Communists than to countering the Japanese. As a result, by the critical summer of 1937, he had built only a sparse network of agents in “Little Tokyo,” the Hongkou area of Shanghai dominated by Japanese businesses. One agent was a pawnshop owner, while the rest were double agents employed as local staff within the Japanese security apparatus. Unfortunately, they could provide little more than snippets, rumors, and hearsay. While some of this information sounded alarmingly dire, there was almost no actionable intelligence. Chiang did not take the decision to open a new front in Shanghai lightly. Built on both banks of the Huangpu River, the city served as the junction between the Pacific Ocean to the east and the great Yangtze River, which wound thousands of kilometers inland to the west. Shanghai embodied everything that represented modern China, from its industry and labor relations to its connections with the outside world. While foreign diplomatic presence was concentrated in nearby Nanjing, the capital, it was in Shanghai that the foreign community gauged the country's mood. Foreigners in the city's two “concession” areas nthe French Concession and the British-affiliated International Settlement often dismissed towns beyond Shanghai as mere “outstations.” Chiang Kai-shek would throw 650,000 troops into the battle for the city and its environs as well as his modest air force of 200 aircraft. Chiang, whose forces were being advised by German officers led by General Alexander von Falkenhausen, was finally confident that his forces could take on the Japanese. A German officer told a British diplomat, “If the Chinese Army follows the advice of the German advisers, it is capable of driving the Japanese over the Great Wall.”   While Chiang was groping in the dark, deprived of the eyes and ears of an efficient intelligence service, he did have at his disposal an army that was better prepared for battle than it had been in 1932. Stung by the experience of previous conflicts with the Japanese, Chiang had initiated a modernization program aimed at equipping the armed forces not only to suppress Communist rebels but also to confront a modern fighting force equipped with tanks, artillery, and aircraft. He had made progress, but it was insufficient. Serious weaknesses persisted, and now there was no time for any remedial action. While China appeared to be a formidable power in sheer numbers, the figures were misleading. On the eve of war, the Chinese military was comprised of a total of 176 divisions, which were theoretically organized into two brigades of two regiments each. However, only about 20 divisions maintained full peacetime strength of 10,000 soldiers and officers; the rest typically held around 5,000 men. Moreover, Chiang controlled only 31 divisions personally, and he could not count on the loyalty of the others. To successfully resist Japan, Chiang would need to rely not only on his military command skills but also on his ability to forge fragile coalitions among Warlord generals with strong local loyalties. Equipment posed another significant challenge. The modernization drive was not set to complete until late 1938, and the impact of this delay was evident. In every category of weaponry, from rifles to field artillery, the Chinese were outmatched by their Japanese adversaries, both quantitatively and qualitatively. Domestically manufactured artillery pieces had shorter ranges, and substandard steel-making technology caused gun barrels to overheat, increasing the risk of explosions. Some arms even dated back to imperial times. A large proportion of the Chinese infantry had received no proper training in basic tactics, let alone in coordinated operations involving armor and artillery. The chief of the German advisory corps was General Alexander von Falkenhausen, a figure hard to rival in terms of qualifications for the role. Although the 58-year-old's narrow shoulders, curved back, and bald, vulture-like head gave him an unmilitary, almost avian appearance, his exterior belied a tough character. In 1918, he had earned his nation's highest military honor, the Pour le Mérite, while assisting Germany's Ottoman allies against the British in Palestine. Few, if any, German officers knew Asia as well as he did. His experience in the region dated back to the turn of the century. As a young lieutenant in the Third East Asian Infantry Regiment, he participated in the international coalition of colonial powers that quelled the Boxer Rebellion in 1900. A decade later, he traveled through Korea, Manchuria, and northern China with his wife, keenly observing and learning as a curious tourist. From 1912 to 1914, he served as the German Kaiser's military attaché in Tokyo. He was poised to put his extensive knowledge to good use in the months ahead. Chiang believed that Shanghai should be the location of the first battle. This decision was heavily influenced by Falkenhausen and was strategically sound. Chiang Kai-shek could not hope to win a war against Japan unless he could unify the nation behind him, particularly the many fractious warlords who had battled his forces repeatedly over the past decade. Everyone understood that the territory Japan was demanding in the far north did not need to be held for any genuine military necessity; it was land that could be negotiated. The warlords occupying that territory were unpredictable and all too willing to engage in bargaining. In contrast, China's economic heartland held different significance. By choosing to fight for the center of the country and deploying his strongest military units, Chiang Kai-shek signaled to both China's warlords and potential foreign allies that he had a vested interest in the outcome.  There were also several operational reasons for preferring a conflict in the Yangtze River basin over a campaign in northern China. The rivers, lakes, and rice paddies of the Yangtze delta were much better suited for defensive warfare against Japan's mechanized forces than the flat plains of North China. By forcing the Japanese to commit troops to central China, the Nationalists bought themselves the time needed to rally and reinforce their faltering defenses in the north. By initiating hostilities in the Shanghai area, Japan would be forced to divert its attention from the northern front, thereby stalling a potential Japanese advance toward the crucial city of Wuhan. It would also help safeguard potential supply routes from the Soviet Union, the most likely source of material assistance due to Moscow's own animosity toward Japan. It was a clever plan, and surprisingly, the Japanese did not anticipate it. Intelligence officers in Tokyo were convinced that Chiang would send his troops northward instead. Again in late July, Chiang convened his commanders, and here he gave Zhang Fukai more detailed instructions for his operation. Fukai was placed in charge of the right wing of the army which was currently preparing for action in the metropolitan area. Fukai would oversee the forces east of the Huangpu River in the area known as Pudong. Pudong was full of warehouses, factories and rice fields, quite precarious to fight in. Meanwhile General Zhang Zhizhong, a quiet and sickly looking man who had previously led the Central Military Academy was to command the left wing of the Huangpu. All of the officers agreed the plan to force the battle to the Shanghai area was logical as the northern region near Beijing was far too open, giving the advantage to tank warfare, which they could not hope to contest Japan upon. The Shanghai area, full of rivers, creaks and urban environments favored them much more. Zhang Zhizhong seemed an ideal pick to lead troops in downtown Shanghai where most of the fighting would take place. His position of commandant of the military academy allowed him to establish connections with junior officers earmarked for rapid promotion. This meant that he personally knew the generals of both the 87th and 88th Divisions, which were to form the core of Zhang Zhizhong's newly established 9th Army Group and become his primary assets in the early phases of the Shanghai campaign. Moreover, Zhang Zhizhong had the right aggressive instincts. He believed that China's confrontation with Japan had evolved through three stages: in the first stage, the Japanese invaded the northeast in 1931, and China remained passive; in the second stage, during the first battle of Shanghai in 1932, Japan struck, but China fought back. Zhang argued that this would be the third stage, where Japan was preparing to attack, but China would strike first.   It seems that Zhang Zhizhong did not expect to survive this final showdown with his Japanese adversary. He took the fight very personally, even ordering his daughter to interrupt her education in England and return home to serve her country in the war. However, he was not the strong commander he appeared to be, as he was seriously ill. Although he never disclosed the true extent of his condition, it seemed he was on the verge of a physical and mental breakdown after years in high-stress positions. In fact, he had recently taken a leave of absence from his role at the military academy in the spring of 1937. When the war broke out, he was at a hospital in the northern port city of Qingdao, preparing to go abroad for convalescence. He canceled those plans to contribute to the struggle against Japan. When his daughter returned from England and saw him on the eve of battle, she was alarmed by how emaciated he had become. From the outset, doubts about his physical fitness to command loomed large. At 8:30 a.m. on Tuesday, August 10, a group of officers emerged from the Japanese Consulate along the banks of the Huangpu River. This team was a hastily assembled Sino-Japanese joint investigation unit tasked with quickly resolving the shooting incident at the Hongqiao Aerodrome of the previous night. They understood the urgency of reaching an agreement swiftly to prevent any escalation. As they drove to the airport, they passed armed guards of the Chinese Peace Preservation Corps stationed behind sandbag barricades that had been erected only hours earlier. Upon arriving at Hongqiao, the officers walked up and down the scene of the incident under the scorching sun, attempting to piece together a shared understanding of what had transpired. However, this proved to be nearly impossible, as the evidence failed to align into a coherent account acceptable to both parties. The Japanese were unconvinced that any shootout had occurred at all. Oyama, the officer who had been in the car, had left his pistol at the marine headquarters in Hongkou and had been unarmed the night before. They insisted that whoever shot and killed the man in the Chinese uniform could not have been him. By 6:00 pm the investigators returned to the city. Foreign correspondents, eager for information, knew exactly whom to approach. The newly appointed Shanghai Mayor, Yu Hongjun, with a quick wit and proficiency in English, Yu represented the city's cosmopolitan image. However, that evening, he had little to offer the reporters, except for a plea directed at both the Japanese and Chinese factions “Both sides should maintain a calm demeanor to prevent the situation from escalating.” Mayor Yu however was, in fact, at the center of a complex act of deception that nearly succeeded. Nearly eight decades later, Zhang Fakui attributed the incident to members of the 88th Division, led by General Sun Yuanliang. “A small group of Sun Yuanliang's men disguised themselves as members of the Peace Preservation Corps,” Zhang Fakui recounted years later in his old age. “On August 9, 1937, they encountered two Japanese servicemen on the road near the Hongqiao military aerodrome and accused them of forcing their way into the area. A clash ensued, resulting in the deaths of the Japanese soldiers.” This created a delicate dilemma for their superiors. The two dead Japanese soldiers were difficult to explain away. Mayor Yu, likely informed of the predicament by military officials, conferred with Tong Yuanliang, chief of staff of the Songhu Garrison Command, a unit established after the fighting in 1932. Together, they devised a quick and cynical plan to portray the situation as one of self-defense by the Chinese guards. Under their orders, soldiers marched a Chinese death row inmate to the airport gate, dressed him in a paramilitary guard's uniform, and executed him. While this desperate ruse might have worked initially, it quickly unraveled due to the discrepancies raised by the condition of the Chinese body. The Japanese did not believe the story, and the entire plan began to fall apart. Any remaining mutual trust swiftly evaporated. Instead of preventing a confrontation, the cover-up was accelerating the slide into war.  Late on August 10, Mayor Yu sent a secret cable to Nanjing, warning that the Japanese had ominously declared they would not allow the two deaths at the airport to go unpunished. The following day, the Japanese Consul General Okamoto Suemasa paid a visit to the mayor, demanding the complete withdrawal of the Peace Preservation Corps from the Shanghai area and the dismantling of all fortifications established by the corps. For the Chinese, acquiescing to these demands was nearly impossible. From their perspective, it appeared that the Japanese aimed to leave Shanghai defenseless while simultaneously bolstering their own military presence in the city. Twenty vessels, including cruisers and destroyers, sailed up the Huangpu River and docked at wharves near "Little Tokyo." Japanese marines in olive-green uniforms marched ashore down the gangplanks, while women from the local Japanese community, dressed in kimonos, greeted the troops with delighted smiles and bows to the flags of the Rising Sun that proudly adorned the sterns of the battleships. In fact, Japan had planned to deploy additional troops to Shanghai even before the shooting at Hongqiao Aerodrome. This decision was deemed necessary to reinforce the small contingent of 2,500 marines permanently stationed in the city. More troops were required to assist in protecting Japanese nationals who were being hastily evacuated from the larger cities along the Yangtze River. These actions were primarily defensive maneuvers, as the Japanese military seemed hesitant to open a second front in Shanghai, for the same reasons that the Chinese preferred an extension of hostilities to that area. Diverting Japanese troops from the strategically critical north and the Soviet threat across China's border would weaken their position, especially given that urban warfare would diminish the advantages of their technological superiority in tanks and aircraft. While officers in the Japanese Navy believed it was becoming increasingly difficult to prevent the war from spreading to Shanghai, they were willing to give diplomacy one last chance. Conversely, the Japanese Army was eager to wage war in northern China but displayed little inclination to engage in hostilities in Shanghai. Should the situation worsen, the Army preferred to withdraw all Japanese nationals from the city. Ultimately, when it agreed to formulate plans for dispatching an expeditionary force to Shanghai, it did so reluctantly, primarily to avoid accusations of neglecting its responsibilities. Amongst many commanders longing for a swift confrontation with Japan was Zhang Zhizhong. By the end of July, he was growing increasingly impatient, waiting with his troops in the Suzhou area west of Shanghai and questioning whether a unique opportunity was being squandered. On July 30, he sent a telegram to Nanjing requesting permission to strike first. He argued that if Japan were allowed to launch an attack on Shanghai, he would waste valuable time moving his troops from their position more than 50 miles away. Nanjing responded with a promise that his wishes would be fulfilled but urged him to exercise patience: “We should indeed seize the initiative over the enemy, but we must wait until the right opportunity arises. Await further orders.” That opportunity arose on August 11, with the Japanese display of force on the Huangpu River and their public demand for the withdrawal of China's paramilitary police. Japan had sufficiently revealed itself as the aggressor in the eyes of both domestic and international audiences, making it safe for China to take action. At 9:00 p.m. that evening, Zhang Zhizhong received orders from Nanjing to move his troops toward Shanghai. He acted with remarkable speed, capitalizing on the extensive transportation network in the region. The soldiers of the 87th Division quickly boarded 300 trucks that had been prepared in advance. Meanwhile, civilian passengers on trains were unceremoniously ordered off to make room for the 88th Division, which boarded the carriages heading for Shanghai. In total, over 20,000 motivated and well-equipped troops were on their way to battle.  On August 12, representatives from the United Kingdom, France, the United States, Italy, Japan, and China gathered for a joint conference in Shanghai to discuss ceasefire terms. Japan demanded the withdrawal of Chinese troops from Shanghai, while the Chinese representative, Yu Hung-chun, dismissed the Japanese demand, stating that the terms of the ceasefire had already been violated by Japan. The major powers were keen to avoid a repeat of the January 28 Incident, which had significantly disrupted foreign economic activities in Shanghai. Meanwhile, Chinese citizens fervently welcomed the presence of Chinese troops in the city. In Nanjing, Chinese and Japanese representatives convened for the last time in a final effort to negotiate. The Japanese insisted that all Peace Preservation Corps and regular troops be withdrawn from the vicinity of Shanghai. The Chinese, however, deemed the demand for a unilateral withdrawal unacceptable, given that the two nations were already engaged in conflict in North China. Ultimately, Mayor Yu made it clear that the most the Chinese government would concede was that Chinese troops would not fire unless fired upon. Conversely, Japan placed all responsibility on China, citing the deployment of Chinese troops around Shanghai as the cause of the escalating tensions. Negotiations proved impossible, leaving no alternative but for the war to spread into Central China. On that same morning of Thursday, August 12, residents near Shanghai's North Train Station, also known as Zhabei Station, just a few blocks from "Little Tokyo," awoke to an unusual sight: thousands of soldiers dressed in the khaki uniforms of the Chinese Nationalists, wearing German-style helmets and carrying stick grenades slung across their chests. “Where do you come from?” the Shanghai citizens asked. “How did you get here so fast?” Zhang Zhizhong issued detailed orders to each unit under his command, instructing the 88th Division specifically to travel by train and deploy in a line from the town of Zhenru to Dachang village, both located a few miles west of Shanghai. Only later was the division supposed to advance toward a position stretching from the Zhabei district to the town of Jiangwan, placing it closer to the city boundaries. Zhang Zhizhong was the embodiment of belligerence, but he faced even more aggressive officers among his ranks. On the morning of August 12, he was approached by Liu Jingchi, the chief of operations at the Songhu Garrison Command. Liu argued that the battle of 1932 had gone poorly for the Chinese because they had hesitated and failed to strike first. This time, he insisted, should be different, and Zhang should order an all-out assault on the Japanese positions that very evening. Zhang countered that he had clear and unmistakable orders from Chiang Kai-shek to let the Japanese fire first, emphasizing the importance of maintaining China's image on the world stage. “That's easy,” Liu retorted. “Once all the units are deployed and ready to attack, we can just change some people into mufti and send them in to fire a few shots. We attack, and simultaneously, we report that the enemy's offensive has begun.” Zhang Zhizhong did not like this idea. “We can't go behind our leader's back like that,” he replied. Zhang Zhizhong's position was far from enviable. Forced to rein in eager and capable officers, he found himself acting against his own personal desires. Ultimately, he decided to seek the freedom to act as he saw fit. In a secret cable to Nanjing, he requested permission to launch an all-out attack on the Japanese positions in Shanghai the following day, Friday, August 13. He argued that this was a unique opportunity to capitalize on the momentum created by the movement of troops; any further delay would only lead to stagnation. He proposed a coordinated assault that would also involve the Chinese Air Force. However, the reply from Chiang Kai-shek was brief and unwavering: “Await further orders.” Even as Chiang's troops poured into Shanghai, Chinese and Japanese officials continued their discussions. Ostensibly, this was in hopes of reaching a last-minute solution, but in reality, it was a performance. Both sides wanted to claim the moral high ground in a battle that now seemed inevitable. They understood that whoever openly declared an end to negotiations would automatically be perceived as the aggressor. During talks at the Shanghai Municipal Council, Japanese Consul General Okamoto argued that if China truly wanted peace, it would have withdrawn its troops to a position that would prevent clashes. Mayor Yu responded by highlighting the increasing presence of Japanese forces in the city. “Under such circumstances, China must adopt such measures as necessary for self-defense,” he stated. Late on August 13, 1937, Chiang Kai-shek instructed his forces to defend Shanghai, commanding them to "divert the enemy at sea, secure the coast, and resist landings."  I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. In July 1937, tensions between Japan and China escalated into war following the Marco Polo Bridge Incident. Confident in his country's resolve, Chiang Kai-shek rallied the Chinese against Japanese aggression. On August 9, a deadly confrontation at Hongqiao Airport resulted in the deaths of Japanese soldiers, igniting further hostilities. As both sides blamed each other, the atmosphere became tense. Ultimately, negotiations failed, and the stage was set for a brutal conflict in Shanghai, marking the beginning of a long and devastating war.

Two explosive stories converge: Israel's Mossad pulls off a covert drone strike from inside Iran, signaling a potential collapse of Iran's influence as its proxy Hezbollah backs down. Meanwhile, America faces a sobering reality—China's grip on rare earth minerals forces Trump into a humiliating compromise, allowing 500,000 Chinese students to remain in the U.S., even after a bioweapon smuggling incident. Domestically, the chaos escalates. Democrats defend lawlessness as Senator Padilla disrupts a press event under the guise of “oversight,” while Gallup reveals even Democrat voters are rejecting woke extremism. Ron DeSantis champions the right to self-defense in Florida, and a new push to ban Big Pharma ads emerges amid revelations the government hid vaccine risks. This episode connects the dots between global intelligence warfare, economic coercion, and America's cultural battle—all in a time of critical decision-making.

Today's Headlines: Nationwide protests against ICE raids are ramping up ahead of “No Kings Day,” a weekend of counter-programming to Trump's birthday military parade. Trump declared he “liberated” LA in a speech to troops, while California Gov. Gavin Newsom criticized the military deployment. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott followed by mobilizing the state's National Guard. Trump also announced a pending U.S.-China trade deal that would ease rare earth exports and partially lift U.S. export restrictions, though tariffs on Chinese imports will remain steep. Meanwhile, the U.S. is extending its tariff pause for other countries—contradicting earlier White House statements. Inflation rose just 0.1% in May, bringing the annual rate to 2.4%. Elon Musk publicly apologized to Trump after a reported intervention by GOP allies, seemingly ending their brief online feud. The U.S. is evacuating staff from parts of the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate. Trump also urged Israel to halt its Gaza offensive and threats toward Iran. Domestically, the EPA is moving to repeal major pollution regulations on coal and gas plants, including mercury emissions. And in New York, Harvey Weinstein was found guilty on one charge of sexual assault, with the jury still deliberating on a third. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: PBS: WATCH: Trump speaks at Fort Bragg while facing criticism for deploying military at Los Angeles protests Axios: No Kings Day: Gov. Abbott deploys National Guard  NYT: Trump Hails Progress With China, but Details Are Sketchy Yahoo Finance: Bessent, asked about Fed chair job, says 'I would like to stay' Treasury secretary until 2029 BBC: Trump's tariffs 'not going away', top adviser says  Axios: Inflation slowed in May despite tariffs, Consumer Price Index shows CNN: Musk called Trump Monday night before expressing regret for harshest criticism of the president Axios: U.S. evacuating personnel from Middle East amid growing tensions with Iran CNN: Trump tells Netanyahu to end Gaza war and stop Iran threats, source says, as US ramps up pressure on Israel CNN: Trump EPA proposes repealing major air pollution and emissions limits for power plants The Guardian: Harvey Weinstein found guilty on one charge in New York sex crimes retrial Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Will England be the best prepared team at next year's World Cup? Will it matter?As they head into a friendly with Andorra how many true tests of his team will Thomas Tuchel face before the World Cup? And what has happened to England's forward line from the 2022 Euros…only one remains first choice at his club.Domestically teams are making early moves in the transfer market. Could Matheus Cunha and Bryan Mbeumo be good signing for Manchester United? Does that mean Bruno Fernandes has to leave? And Manchester City are in the process of a re-build so, where does that leave Jack Grealish? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On this week's episode of Global Digest, we are joined by Prof. Noah Midamba, Senior Associate at Global Centre for Policy and Strategy to dissect President Trump's State visit of the Middle East, lifting of sanctions against Syria's interim administration as well as EU-Nato or Trump who claim.the bragging rights for securing the elusive Russia-Ukraine ceasefire. Domestically, President Ruto's declaration that Kenya and China are the new world triggered the US Senate into reviewing Kenya-US relations

Despite record medicaid enrollment, members of Congress seek to slash it at the same time they're making it possible for Israel to bomb hospitals.  Meanwhile, here at home, corporate media is turning the kidnapping of a toddler into a feel-good story as the domestic Gestapo we know as ICE gets more and more funding - something that has been a bipartisan effort really since its inception.  Speaking of domestic issues, Ukraine isn't just dealing with Russia, it's dealing with a shock doctrine style attack on its own basic rights, not least of all in the workplace.    leecamp.net eleanorgoldfield.substack.com

Christians across the country have watched the early months of Trump's return to power with cautious patience—wondering, even praying, for signs that real change was coming. Now, those signs may finally be emerging. Not in fanfare, but in force.After months of what seemed like political stagnation and institutional gridlock, the tide may be beginning to turn. In Riyadh, President Trump delivered a foreign policy message grounded not in idealism, but in clarity—“It is God's job to sit in judgment… My job is to defend America.” That message came alongside a pair of massive economic deals with Qatar and Saudi Arabia, totaling hundreds of billions of dollars and potentially supporting over a million U.S. jobs.Domestically, the ground is shifting as well. A Wisconsin judge—long seen as a symbol of progressive judicial activism—has been federally indicted. And in a ruling few expected, a federal court has upheld Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport members of violent foreign gangs. The legal system, long weaponized against the Right, is starting to show signs of something unfamiliar: equilibrium.And then there's RFK. No, not a defector—still a liberal in many ways—but one willing to tear into the bureaucratic rot inside the NIH. For Christians, his calls for transparency in the halls of scientific authority echo a deeper longing: that the light would expose the darkness.For those who have waited—and prayed—for the return of order, for justice with teeth, and for leaders willing to defend the good, these are not random events. They are early signs. Slow signs. But real ones. What we are witnessing may be the beginning of a providential reordering—not perfect, not messianic, but unmistakable.This episode is brought to you by our premier sponsors, Armored Republic and Reece Fund, as well as our Patreon members and donors. You can join our Patreon at patreon.com/rightresponseministries or you can donate at rightresponseministries.com/donate.In today's episode, we're looking at the glimmers of renewal—foreign policy rooted in realism, a justice system testing its strength, and cracks forming in the walls of institutional secrecy. Is this a political resurgence or the beginning of something deeper? Let's find out.*MINISTRY SPONSORS:**Reece Fund.* Christian Capital. Boldly Deployedhttps://www.reecefund.com/*Private Family Banking*How to Connect with Private Family Banking:1. FREE 20-MINUTE COURSE HERE: ⁠https://www.canva.com/design/DAF2TQVcA10/WrG1FmoJYp9o9oUcAwKUdA/view⁠2. Send an email inquiry to ⁠chuck@privatefamilybanking.com⁠3. Receive a FREE e-book entitled "How to Build Multi-Generational Wealth Outside of Wall Street and Avoid the Coming Banking Meltdown", by going to ⁠https://www.protectyourmoneynow.net⁠4. Set up a FREE Private Family Banking Discovery call using this ⁠link: https://calendly.com/familybankingnow/30min⁠5. For a Multi-Generational Wealth Planning Guide Book for only $4.99, use this link for my affiliate relationship with "Seven Generations Legacy": ⁠https://themoneyadvantage.idevaffiliate.com/13.html⁠*Western Front Books. Publishing for men on the right. Not churchy. Christian.*https://www.WesternFrontBooks.com/*Mid State Accounting*Does your small business need help with bookkeeping, tax returns, and fractional CFO services? Call Kailee Smith at Mid State Accounting at 573‑889‑7278 for a free, no‑obligation consultation. Mention the Right Response podcast and get 10% off your first three months.*Kingsmen Caps*Carry the Crown with Kingsmen Caps — premium headwear made for those who honor Christ as King. Create your custom crown or shop our latest releases at https://kingsmencaps.com.*Squirrelly Joes Coffee - Caffeinating The Modern Reformation*Our audience can get a free bag of coffee (just pay shipping) by visiting ⁠https://squirrellyjoes.com/rightresponse ⁠

Find us on social media: Facebook & InstagramEmail us: hello@thetinlounge.com Discussion:Booking on Grandma’s Budget: How Grandparents Are Driving Multi-Gen and Skip-Gen TravelMost Americans to Stay Domestic for Travel This Summer: Survey As heard on Excess Baggage:New Aman Resort is Coming to the BahamasHolland America Unveils “Culinary Ambassador” CruisesHawaii's accommodations tax will apply to cruise linesAdventures by Disney adds Switzerland and Greece toursLindblad Expeditions to Launch First-Ever European River Expeditions Via Transcend CruisesPrincess Cruises Removes Canned Sodas from Premium Drink PackagesNow Open: SLS Barcelona, the Brand's First in EuropeFlights Will Likely Be Cheaper This Year, According to Airline Insiders—Here’s When to Book for the Best DealsSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this refreshingly candid episode of The Daily Herold, Jon Herold blends humor with hard-hitting analysis as he covers a range of stories from the absurd to the geopolitically significant. Leading the charge is Trump's announcement of a $1.2 trillion economic agreement with Qatar, along with historic arms and aircraft deals, made even more bizarre by the backdrop of Qatar gifting Trump a replacement Air Force One. Domestically, Jon dives into Trump's executive order to cut drug prices and the surprising twist that a Democrat, Rep. Ro Khanna, is introducing legislation to codify it, while Republicans drag their feet. He slams Congress for being run by lobbyist-compromised staffers, not elected officials, and calls the legislative process little more than a PR stunt. Other highlights include a judge upholding Trump's use of the Alien Enemies Act to deport violent gang members, James O'Keefe's bizarre Epstein kitchen footage, and Rubio's planned restructuring of the National Security Council to better match Trump's top-down style. Jon also revisits the reinstatement of Pete Rose and Shoeless Joe Jackson, celebrates Trump's camel-flanked parade, and skewers the performative politics dominating D.C. Light on guests but loaded with insight, it's a classic solo Herold hour, snarky, sharp, and unmistakably Badlands.

Today's Headlines: The US and China are set to meet this weekend to discuss trade relations, with Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent meeting Chinese officials for what could be just a preliminary discussion about de-escalation. Meanwhile, the EU and China appear to be warming up diplomatically, with European leaders signaling a potential reset, while the EU accelerates trade talks with Southeast Asian nations. Back in the US, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell announces that interest rates will remain steady but warns that ongoing trade conflicts could lead to stagflation if not resolved. In aviation news, Newark Airport faces safety concerns after two instances of losing radar and radio contact, prompting some air traffic controllers to take medical leave. Reagan National Airport has also suspended Blackhawk helicopter flights after recent landing issues. Overseas, the US Navy loses two fighter jets in the Red Sea, both crashing during carrier landings, though the pilots were safely recovered. Domestically, controversy arises as a federal judge blocks the deportation of Southeast Asian immigrants to Libya, after reports that ICE coerced detainees into signing deportation agreements. Additionally, the sudden removal of the vice chair of the National Transportation Safety Board raises questions amid ongoing investigations. Lastly, intelligence efforts increase concerning Greenland, as the US explores potential support for taking over the territory. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNBC: China says U.S. asked for trade meeting in Switzerland  Euronews: Signs of EU-China reset intensify as Xi Jinping arrives in Moscow for Victory Day  France: EU trade chief says accelerating free trade talks with Asia CNBC: Fed meeting recap: Powell rules out a preemptive rate cut to blunt any tariff impact NY Times: How Lost Radar and Silent Radios Have Upended Newark Air Travel  Live & Let's Fly: United Airlines CEO Says Newark Airport Is Safe—But There's Just One Problem  WA Post: Army suspends helicopter flights to Pentagon after airliners abort landings  Yahoo: Vice chair of the National Transportation Safety Board is unexpectedly removed from position  CNN: Second US Navy jet is lost at sea from Truman aircraft carrier  NBC News:Judge blocks deportation flight of Asian migrants to Libya  WSJ: Exclusive | U.S. Orders Intelligence Agencies to Step Up Spying on Greenland   Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: President Trump met with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to discuss trade, where Carney affirmed Canada's status as the U.S.'s largest trading partner despite Trump's contrary claims. Meanwhile, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent admitted that the U.S. has yet to start formal trade talks with China, even as Trump downplayed the impact of not trading. In Asia, China, Japan, South Korea, and ASEAN formed a financial stability agreement, while India launched missile strikes in Kashmir following a massacre of Hindu tourists, escalating tensions with Pakistan. Domestically, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth faced backlash over his use of Signal for sensitive communications amid reports of a government archiving tool hack. Hegseth also announced cuts to senior military ranks, reducing four-star officers by 20%. In a surprising move, the Trump administration sought to dismiss a lawsuit limiting access to the abortion pill mifepristone. The Supreme Court ruled 6-3 to temporarily allow Trump's transgender military ban, affecting over 4,000 service members. Meanwhile, the Vatican conclave began, as 133 cardinals gathered to elect a new Pope, needing a two-thirds majority to win. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Trump's Oval Office meeting with Carney didn't reach Zelensky-level tension. But it wasn't all neighborliness Fox: US has yet to launch trade negotiations with China, Treasury secretary says Reuters: Japan, China, South Korea, ASEAN enhance regional financial safety net  The Guardian: Kashmir crisis live: India missile attack kills eight; Pakistan official says two Indian fighter jets shot down WSJ: Hegseth Used Multiple Signal Chats for Official Pentagon Business Axios: Signal archiving tool Trump officials used suspends services after hack claims  NY Times: Trump Administration Asks Court to Dismiss Abortion Pill Case NBC News: Supreme Court allows Trump to implement transgender military ban Reuters: Cardinals enter seclusion ahead of secret conclave to elect new pope  Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode of The Daily Herold, Jon Herold recaps a jam-packed day of headlines and speculation centered around Prime Minister Mark Carney's visit to the White House. Trump steals the show with fiery commentary on U.S.-Canada trade relations, poking fun at Carney while floating the idea of Canada becoming the 51st state, complete with “free military” and lower taxes. Jon also highlights the power imbalance in global trade as Trump asserts America no longer needs to sign deals, it simply sets terms. Major foreign policy updates include Trump's announcement that the Houthis have agreed to cease attacks, prompting a pause in U.S. bombings, and a teaser for a “major” announcement from the Middle East, possibly hinting at new Abraham Accords signatories. Domestically, Trump signed an executive order halting all federal funding for gain-of-function research, citing public health and national security risks. Jon also critiques the politicization of gas prices, election rulings in North Carolina, and the resurfacing of the 2017 congressional baseball shooting. He covers economic threats from Japan over U.S. Treasuries, the media's racial framing of tariffs, and a bombshell lawsuit from Stephen Miller's AFL targeting Chief Justice Roberts. From foreign policy to financial maneuvering, Herold delivers a rapid-fire, no-nonsense rundown of the day's most pressing stories.

How are American businesses & foreign companies responding to President Trump's tariff plan? Bret sits down with Bank of America CEO Brian Moynihan to discuss how he believes tariffs might impact U.S. businesses, America's trade relationships, and manufacturing jobs within the country. He also discusses what he believes the key strengths and weaknesses are within the economy right now. Later, Taiwanese Representative to the U.S. Alexander Yui talks about the trade relationship between America and Taiwan, and how the current negotiations to lower tariffs and increase investments and trade are going. He also shares how Taiwanese leadership is responding to the growing military threat from China toward Taiwan — something that could greatly impact world trade. Follow Bret on X: @BretBaier Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Pope Francis has died at age 88 following a stroke, initiating a nine-day memorial and the conclave to select his successor. Back in Washington, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth is under fire after firing three senior aides over leaks, followed by a top ally's resignation and a damning op-ed describing a “meltdown” at the Pentagon. Hegseth is also reported to have shared sensitive military plans in a private Signal chat with family and his lawyer. A new Democratic delegation has traveled to El Salvador to advocate for Kilmar Abrego Garcia's release, as scrutiny of U.S. deportation policies grows. Meanwhile, two German teenagers were detained and deported from Hawaii after U.S. customs officers questioned their backpacking plans. Internationally, the Trump administration is signaling a pullback from ceasefire talks with Ukraine and is reportedly open to recognizing Crimea as Russian—contradicting Zelensky's position. Domestically, the DOJ has scrapped a civil rights agreement with Alabama over wastewater treatment in Black communities, calling it an “illegal DEI policy.” Meanwhile, the DOGE-mandated weekly emails are being ignored or mocked by federal workers across departments. And finally, DHS Secretary Kristi Noem's purse was stolen in D.C.—containing her passport, federal badge, and $3,000 in cash. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: AP News: Vatican says Pope Francis died after cerebral stroke Politico: Opinion | Former Top Pentagon Spokesperson Details ‘Month From Hell' Inside the Agency  NY Times: Hegseth Said to Have Shared Attack Details in Second Signal Chat AP News: More Democratic lawmakers are visiting El Salvador on Abrego Garcia's behalf The Independent: Teenage German tourists handcuffed and deported from Hawaii over 'suspicious' hotel booking  Bloomberg: US Open to Recognizing Crimea as Russian in Ukraine Peace Deal Yahoo: Trump Administration Terminates ‘Illegal DEI' Settlement Addressing Alabama's Sewage Crisis In Black Communities  WA Post: The '5 things' emails are going by the wayside, as Musk readies his exit NY Times: Kristi Noem's Bag, With Security Badge and $3,000, Is Stolen Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage alongside Bridget Schwartz and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Was Arenal's win in Madrid a coming-of-age performance for Mikel Arteta's side? After beating the fifteen-time champions Real Madrid what chance do they have against in form Paris Saint Germain? Is it best defence against best attack? Declan Rice shone in both games against Real, is he now one of the best in Europe?Domestically, Virgil Van Dijk has followed Mo Salah in signing a new contract with Liverpool…could they cap the week by winning the league this weekend?And Newcastle are now third, could they be title contenders next season or do they need to strengthen? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

//The Wire//2300Z April 2, 2025////ROUTINE////BLUF: MULTIPLE AMERICAN AIRCRAFT CARRIERS DEPLOY TO MIDDLE EAST, STRATEGIC DEPLOYMENTS CONTINUE.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Middle East:  Significant Naval deployments are either underway currently, or have been recently announced. Yesterday afternoon CENTCOM announced several operational changes throughout the AOR. The USS HARRY S. TRUMAN (CVN-75) CSG's deployment has been extended, with the TRUMAN remaining in the Middle East theatre. The USS CARL VINSON (CVN-70) has also been transferred from INDOPACOM to the CENTCOM area of responsibility, and is currently making all sail for the Middle East. On Friday, the USS NIMITZ (CVN-68) departed San Diego on her final deployment before retirement, and will be heading to the western Pacific. This morning, the USS ABRAHAM LINCOLN (CVN-72) departed port San Diego as well. Yesterday morning commercial satellite imagery confirmed that another B2 Spirit stealth bomber landed at Diego Garcia, bringing the total on the island to 6x bombers, plus their required refueling tankers.-HomeFront-California: Monday night a murder was reported at a Walgreens in Fresno. Local authorities state that Narciso Gallardo Fernandez entered the establishment late Monday night, and murdered one of the employees due to his grievances with large pharmaceutical companies. Fernandez was arrested at the scene, while attempting to reload his firearm in the parking lot.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: The indications and warnings of an impending war in the Middle East continue to mount. The proverbial deployment of aircraft carriers before a major war appears to have arrived. In closed-source, confidential reporting, NBC has claimed that the Pentagon has authorized the deployment of one THAAD battery, and at least two Patriot batteries to augment missile defense throughout the Middle East. Though this cannot be independently confirmed yet, if this is true this would be yet another indication that wartime preparations continue, beyond what would normally be considered to be posturing or power-projection.Domestically, various political protests are scheduled for April 5th. The "HandsOff" protests originated from organized labor unions, however most far-left groups are also planning to use the day to conduct low-level attacks, such as vandalism against Tesla vehicles. Of course, the impact that these events will have is dictated mostly by funding; events involving labor unions will obviously be much larger than smaller and uncoordinated groups of malign actors seeking to break things. Nevertheless, increased vigilance is recommended, particularly in areas where Tesla vehicles and Trump supporters have been targeted so far.Analyst: S2A1Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground//END REPORT//

//The Wire//2300Z April 3, 2025////ROUTINE////BLUF: VBIED ATTACK FAILS IN AMSTERDAM. WHITE HOUSE ANNOUNCES GLOBAL RECIPROCAL TARIFF PLAN. TENSIONS IN MIDDLE EAST CONTINUE.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Europe: This morning a suspected terrorist attempted to detonate a Vehicle-Borne Improvised Explosive Device (VBIED) in Amsterdam. The would-be attacker parked his vehicle centrally in Dam Square, near a group of people, before attempting to detonate the device. This attempt failed, and immolated the driver of the vehicle. Footage of the incident indicates the driver did survive his failed detonation, however his condition is unknown.AC: Video footage of the incident very strongly indicates this was a deliberate terror attack that failed. The driver of the vehicle chose the same square in which 5x people were stabbed by a terrorist a week ago. When he attempted to detonate the device, his detonator failed and burned rather than exploding, as is an extremely common occurrence among crudely constructed IEDs.-HomeFront-Washington D.C. - The White House unveiled their new global tariff plan, which has since resulted in much consternation on the international stage. The tariff plan is allegedly reciprocal, with the US planning to tax other nations the same as they tax the United States. While the mathematical process to determine each figure is more complicated than that, this is the general idea. However, in most cases the tariff's aren't reciprocal, with the United States still not taxing some nations at the level that they themselves tax the United States. The White House released several graphical charts indicating what nations will be taxed at which rate, leading most world leaders to make various statements of condemnation regarding the tariffs that affect them.Virginia: The USS IWO JIMA (LHD-7) departed port Norfolk yesterday evening, following the conclusion of a large exercise last week.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: It is unknown if a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) is embarked on the Iwo Jima, or if this is more of a standard positioning movement to the shipyard for refit after her recent exercise. The Iwo Jima should be in her Advanced Phase training for deployment right now, but the timetables for various certifications could have been accelerated following the sharp increase in wartime preparations throughout the Middle East.Regarding the trade tariffs, the biggest international impacts will be felt by nations such as China, which is potentially facing a 34% tax increase, on top of the 20% Chinese companies already pay. This means that most goods from China will be subject to a 54% import tax if the tariffs stand as is (which will probably change with negotiation over the next few weeks). Domestically, the American stock markets responded by dumping roughly $2 trillion worth of value, mostly in the form of tech companies losing substantially as most of their business models rely on overseas labor and/or logistics which are now subject to heavy tariffs.Analyst: S2A1Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground//END REPORT//

On Friday's Mark Levin Show, President Trump put the hammer down on Iran, Russia, and the Hitler youth protestors at colleges and universities. Trump is adopting an aggressive and strategic approach to both foreign and domestic challenges. He is pressuring Russia and Ukraine to negotiate an end to their war with sanctions and diplomacy, while simultaneously threatening Iran if it does not agree to a nuclear deal. Domestically, he is taking a strong stance against antisemitic university protestors.  The Trump administration is taking actions that the Biden administration wouldn't. We see Hitler youth antisemitism in the streets, and Trump is stepping up to address it. The Trump administration has canceled $400 million in grants and contracts to Columbia University due to "inaction in the face of persistent harassment of Jewish students." Also, over the last seven or eight years, China has significantly muscled up and is now a serious force. Billions of dollars have been spent on everything except the U.S. military, but Trump will fix that. Later, it's fine to have people with strong opinions, but the hosts on The View are unhinged radicals. They constantly cross the line, with Sunny Hostin leading the pack as the worst offender. ABC News apparently has no issue with her calling for people to fight and die. Hostin needs to be fired for pushing violence like that. Finally, Kevin McCarthy calls in to explain that the Democrats are in chaos, fighting an internal civil war with no clear leader in the House, even after the election. In California, Gavin Newsom's presidential ambitions have him clashing with the party by opposing men in women's sports, fueling the divide. The split isn't just left versus hard left—there are no moderates anymore, just Marxists and socialists. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The United States has officially imposed broad tariffs on two of its largest trading partners, Canada and Mexico, marking one of the most aggressive trade measures in recent history. With potential economic fallout looming, world leaders, economists, and businesses are scrambling to assess the impact of President Donald Trump's latest move.From Trade Deals to Trade Wars: How We Got HereDuring Trump's first term, his administration took a mixed approach to tariffs. While he aggressively targeted China with import duties — many of which remain under President Biden — his strategy with Canada and Mexico was more nuanced. Initial tariffs on specific industries such as lumber, steel, and aluminum eventually gave way to the U.S.-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), a revised version of NAFTA that stabilized trade relations.However, with Trump back in the White House, he has revived concerns over trade imbalances, particularly with Canada and Mexico. On January 20th, Inauguration Day, Trump signed an executive order launching a review of USMCA, with findings due in April. But before that process could unfold, he moved forward with major tariff increases.On February 1st, Trump announced two executive orders imposing sweeping tariffs. Canadian imports now face a 25% tariff, with a lower 10% tariff on energy exports like oil and gas. Mexico has been hit with a flat 25% tariff on all imports. Though negotiations initially delayed the tariffs by 30 days, they have now gone into full effect, shaking up a $1.3 trillion annual trade relationship.To justify the tariffs, Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act, a legal framework typically used for sanctions. He linked the move to national security concerns, specifically citing fentanyl trafficking and illegal immigration.Sweeping Tariffs Hit North America HardThe response from Canada and Mexico has been swift and severe. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau condemned the tariffs as "absolutely unacceptable" and unveiled a $30 billion retaliatory tariff package, with plans for an additional $125 billion in tariffs within 21 days if the dispute is not resolved. Several Canadian provinces have announced bans on U.S. products, pulling American wine, beer, and liquor off store shelves.In Mexico, President Claudia Sheinbaum issued a sharp protest but has not yet outlined a formal retaliation. However, Mexican officials have signaled that they may target key U.S. industries, including soybeans, pork, and beef exports.Domestically, the tariff decision has sparked significant economic concern. Stock markets tumbled following the announcement, and major retailers like Target and Best Buy have warned that prices on imported goods will rise sharply, with businesses passing the cost onto consumers.Economists overwhelmingly predict inflationary pressure, warning that tariffs could lead to a U.S. recession and further damage trade relations. The automotive industry is expected to see major price hikes, as will sectors reliant on steel and aluminum, energy resources, agriculture, and consumer goods such as electronics, clothing, and household appliances.Trump's Endgame: Tough Negotiation or Economic Gamble?These tariffs will likely be felt most harshly by Canada and Mexico, as the United States is their largest export market. Seventy-five percent of Canadian exports go to the U.S., while for Mexico, that number is even higher at 80%. By limiting these exports, Trump is exerting maximum pressure on both countries, but the strategy raises significant questions.Is he using tariffs as leverage to renegotiate USMCA? Does he expect Canada and Mexico to cave under economic strain? Or is this a broader shift toward economic protectionism, despite warnings from economists?Trump's decision could make or break his administration. While his supporters may see the move as a strong stance against unfair trade practices, rising prices and economic downturns could alienate voters — especially those who supported him for his stance on inflation control. The coming months will reveal whether these tariffs are a negotiation tool or a long-term policy shift. For now, both the U.S. and its North American neighbors brace for an economic showdown.Chapters* 00:00:00 - Introduction* 00:02:39 - Ukraine Mineral Deal Fallout* 00:06:35 - The Impact of Tariffs on Trade Relations* 00:17:22 - Consequences of Tariffs on the Economy* 00:22:15 - Interview with Bill Scher* 00:58:09 - Update introduction* 01:00:13 - J.D. Vance's European Controversy* 01:03:02 - GOP Government Funding Bill* 01:04:48 - Democrats' Plans to Protest Trump's Speech* 01:08:00 - Interview with Katie Harbath* 01:45:25 - Outro This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe