Podcasts about domestically

Giants Real Madrid and PSG just managed to qualify in the Champions League last 16 but who is the best we've seen in the competition so far? Bode Glimt may not win it, but what a team - a town of 54,000, a wage bill a fraction the size of most Premier League teams and a playing style which is hugely adaptable.Domestically, Man Utd are on a charge, led by one of their unsung summer signings - Senne Lammens. What difference has the goalkeeper made?Lastly, how would two former pros fair in todays game, which team woudl they be best suited to and how has their position changed? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Supreme Court dealt President Trump a major blow by ruling his unilateral global tariffs unconstitutional, though the president has already vowed to bypass the decision using alternative trade laws. International tensions are peaking as a massive US naval force moves toward Iran following President Trump's threats of military action if a nuclear deal isn't reached within days. Domestically, the President faces further turbulence following a fatal security breach by an armed intruder at Mar-a-Lago and historically low approval ratings ahead of his upcoming State of the Union address. David Smith is Washington bureau chief at The Guardian.

Tara breaks down a whirlwind of political and global developments, from the fight over election laws and voter rolls to shocking statistics on mass shootings and dual justice in America. The episode dives deep into the filibuster debate, the SAFE Act, voter ID, and the impact of illegal voters on congressional outcomes. On the international stage, she examines Trump's unconventional foreign policy moves, including pressure on Iran and Cuba, smart power strategies, and small-footprint military leverage. Listeners get a detailed view of both domestic and foreign power plays shaping the future of U.S. politics, elections, and global influence. ⚡ PRIMARY TALKING POINTS Filibuster debate: Thune, McConnell, and election law strategy SAFE Act & voter rolls: uncovering illegal, fake, and duplicate voters Election implications: potential swing in congressional districts Mass shooting demographics: transgender and non-binary statistics Dual justice system: BLM protests vs. January 6 rioters Heroic story of 13-year-old Austin Appleby saving siblings at sea Trump's foreign policy: Iran, Cuba, and smart power diplomacy Small-footprint strategy vs. traditional foreign engagement

It's an unthinkable circumstance that we don't talk about enough but when women or men are the victims of domestic violence, police and hospitals are always involved. Dani Imbragulio of GBMC tells Nestor what really happens after the incident and what options the victim might have if they have no other option than returning "home" again. This is a tough talk on "A Cup Of Soup Or Bowl" during a week when we discuss the topics we need to address in our society. The post Dani Imbragulio of GBMC tells Nestor what really happens after a woman has been domestically assaulted first appeared on Baltimore Positive WNST.

This Day in Legal History: Opium is Prohibited in the USOn February 9, 1909, the United States took its first significant federal step toward regulating narcotics when Congress passed a law banning the importation of opium for non-medical purposes. The act, officially titled “An Act to Prohibit the Importation and Use of Opium for Other Than Medicinal Purposes,” marked the beginning of a century-long evolution in American drug policy. While opium had long been associated with addiction and social issues—particularly in Chinese immigrant communities—prior regulation had occurred mostly at the state and local levels. This federal statute aimed to curb both domestic consumption and the growing international trade in opium, which had become a concern for moral reformers, physicians, and public officials.The 1909 law was as much a product of racialized anxieties and diplomatic concerns as it was a health policy. U.S. officials were influenced by the growing global temperance movement and international agreements like those discussed at the International Opium Commission in Shanghai that same year. Domestically, the law paved the way for a broader federal role in drug control, leading to later landmark legislation such as the Harrison Narcotics Tax Act of 1914. It also helped define narcotics as a matter of federal concern rather than simply a moral or local issue.While the 1909 statute was limited in scope—it did not criminalize possession or use, only importation—it established the principle that Congress could regulate substances in the interest of public health and welfare. That principle would be expanded in later decades as the War on Drugs developed. The opium ban illustrates how early 20th-century American legal policy began to intertwine with international diplomacy, race, and evolving conceptions of public health.A landmark trial began this week in a California state court to determine whether Instagram and YouTube can be held liable for allegedly harming a young woman's mental health through addictive platform design. The plaintiff, a 20-year-old woman identified as K.G.M., claims that Meta (parent company of Instagram and Facebook) and Google (which owns YouTube) designed their platforms in a way that fostered addiction from a young age, contributing to her depression and suicidal ideation. Her legal team argues the companies were negligent, failed to provide warnings, and that the platforms substantially contributed to her psychological harm.A verdict in her favor could open the door for thousands of similar lawsuits currently pending against major tech firms like Meta, Google, Snap, and TikTok. Notably, Snap and TikTok settled with the plaintiff before trial, while Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg is expected to testify. The defense plans to emphasize external influences in K.G.M.'s life and highlight efforts they've made around youth safety.The case challenges longstanding U.S. legal protections under Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act, which generally shields internet companies from liability for user-generated content. However, if the jury accepts the argument that the harm stems from platform design rather than content, it could weaken those defenses. Parallel legal battles are underway, including over 2,300 federal lawsuits and a separate trial in New Mexico where Meta is accused of enabling child sexual exploitation.Instagram, YouTube addiction trial kicks off in Los Angeles | ReutersThe Trump administration has appealed a federal court ruling that requires the U.S. Department of Transportation to release frozen funding for the $16 billion Hudson Tunnel Project, which aims to upgrade vital rail infrastructure connecting New York and New Jersey. Judge Jeannette Vargas issued a preliminary injunction ordering the unfreezing of the funds after officials from both states warned that construction would cease due to lack of financing. The administration filed a notice of appeal two days later.The funding had been halted in September pending a review of the project's adherence to new federal restrictions on race- and sex-based criteria in contracting. According to a source, Trump recently proposed unfreezing the money if Democrats agreed to rename Washington Dulles Airport and New York's Penn Station after him—an offer that was widely condemned.The Hudson Tunnel, which was damaged during Hurricane Sandy in 2012, remains a critical piece of rail infrastructure, handling over 200,000 passengers and 425 trains each day. The Gateway Development Commission, which oversees the project, expressed readiness to resume work once funding is reinstated. Approximately $2 billion of the $15 billion federal allocation—approved under the Biden administration—has already been spent.Trump administration appeals ruling on releasing New York City tunnel funds | ReutersA divided panel of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit upheld the Trump administration's policy of mandating detention without bond for individuals arrested during immigration enforcement operations. The 2-1 decision is the first appellate ruling to affirm the policy, despite widespread opposition from hundreds of lower-court judges across the country who have deemed it unlawful. The ruling applies to Texas and Louisiana, states that hold the largest populations of immigration detainees.The policy relies on an expanded interpretation of the term “applicants for admission” under federal immigration law. Traditionally applied to individuals arriving at the border, the Department of Homeland Security argued in 2025 that it also applies to undocumented individuals already residing in the U.S. This interpretation was adopted by the Board of Immigration Appeals and made mandatory by immigration judges nationwide.The case before the court involved two Mexican nationals, Victor Buenrostro-Mendez and Jose Padron Covarrubias, who had previously persuaded lower courts they were wrongly denied bond hearings. The appeals court reversed those rulings, with Judge Edith Jones writing that the statute's plain text supported the administration's view. Judge Dana Douglas dissented, arguing that the interpretation stretched beyond what Congress intended in the 1996 immigration law.Other circuit courts are expected to weigh in on similar challenges, and the issue may ultimately reach the U.S. Supreme Court.US appeals court upholds Trump's immigration detention policy | ReutersA federal appeals court has denied the Trump administration's request to delay proceedings in its appeal to reinstate executive orders targeting four major U.S. law firms. The U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit ruled that the cases—challenging orders against Perkins Coie, WilmerHale, Jenner & Block, and Susman Godfrey—will move forward and be combined with a related appeal involving attorney Mark Zaid's revoked government security clearance.The Justice Department had sought to postpone the law firm appeals until after the Zaid case was decided, a move that could have delayed resolution for months. But the court rejected that approach, siding with the law firms, which argued they deserved a timely judgment on whether the government unlawfully targeted them.Trump's executive orders accused the firms of using the legal system against him and criticized their diversity policies, directing the government to strip them of security access and limit their interactions with federal agencies. Four federal judges previously struck down the orders as unconstitutional, finding they violated free speech and due process rights. The administration is now appealing both those rulings and the one involving Zaid.Trump administration loses bid to delay appeals over law firm executive orders | Reuters This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

The National Security Hour with Blanquita Cullum – Are dangerous foreign players stepping in to create more volatility inside and outside of Iran? Who are the main players? China? Russia? Domestically, are foreign entities, countries, or individuals propping up and supporting demonstrations in the US? Where does it lead—to what end? Who is sitting at the table of this series of organized chaos?

The National Security Hour with Blanquita Cullum – Are dangerous foreign players stepping in to create more volatility inside and outside of Iran? Who are the main players? China? Russia? Domestically, are foreign entities, countries, or individuals propping up and supporting demonstrations in the US? Where does it lead—to what end? Who is sitting at the table of this series of organized chaos?

It's a tale of two markets. Globally, fear is rising—Gold is correcting sharply on fears of tighter US monetary policy. Domestically, confidence is high—the Govt predicts robust GDP growth of up to 7.2% for FY27. Which signal should you follow? The Nifty closed lower today, caught in this crossfire. Join Sanket Bendre as we decode the "Safe Haven" sell-off and the sectors that will survive the volatility.

It's a tale of two markets. Globally, fear is rising—Gold is correcting sharply on fears of tighter US monetary policy. Domestically, confidence is high—the Govt predicts robust GDP growth of up to 7.2% for FY27. Which signal should you follow? The Nifty closed lower today, caught in this crossfire. Join Sanket Bendre as we decode the "Safe Haven" sell-off and the sectors that will survive the volatility.

It's a tale of two markets. Globally, fear is rising—Gold is correcting sharply on fears of tighter US monetary policy. Domestically, confidence is high—the Govt predicts robust GDP growth of up to 7.2% for FY27. Which signal should you follow? The Nifty closed lower today, caught in this crossfire. Join Sanket Bendre as we decode the "Safe Haven" sell-off and the sectors that will survive the volatility.

This Day in Legal History: “Axis of Evil”On January 29, 2002, President George W. Bush delivered his first State of the Union address after the September 11 attacks, a speech that would shape U.S. legal and foreign policy for years to come. During the address, Bush coined the term “Axis of Evil” to describe Iran, Iraq, and North Korea, alleging these nations were actively pursuing weapons of mass destruction and supporting terrorism. The speech marked a significant rhetorical shift in the U.S. posture toward preemptive military action and helped solidify a legal framework for broad executive authority in the name of national security. Citing the 2001 Authorization for Use of Military Force (AUMF), the Bush administration would go on to justify military interventions without new Congressional declarations of war.The “Axis of Evil” framing played a critical role in building public and political support for the 2003 invasion of Iraq. Though the legal justification centered on Iraq's supposed weapons programs and ties to terrorism, both claims were later discredited, leading to intense scrutiny of the legal rationale behind the war. Domestically, the period following the speech saw rapid expansion of executive power, new surveillance authorities, and detention practices that raised constitutional concerns. Internationally, the speech signaled a departure from multilateral norms and toward unilateral action under the banner of American security interests.The legal legacy of the address continues to reverberate in debates over presidential war powers and the limits of the AUMF. Critics argue the speech set a precedent for indefinite military engagement without sufficient Congressional oversight. Supporters contend it met the urgency of a new kind of threat in the post-9/11 world. Regardless of viewpoint, the 2002 State of the Union redefined the intersection of law, war, and foreign policy in the 21st century.A preliminary review by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) into the murder of Alex Pretti by federal immigration agents in Minneapolis did not state that Pretti brandished a firearm, contradicting earlier claims by Trump officials. Pretti, a 37-year-old ICU nurse, was shot after reportedly refusing to move from the street when ordered by a customs officer. Initial official statements described Pretti as an armed threat, with the Department of Homeland Security noting he had a handgun—though it was holstered—and Trump aide Stephen Miller labeling him a “domestic terrorist” without evidence. However, video footage from the scene challenged these claims, showing an agent removing a holstered weapon from Pretti's waist before the shooting.The CBP review, based on body camera footage and internal documents, said officers attempted to move Pretti and a woman from the street and used pepper spray when they didn't comply. A struggle followed, during which a Border Patrol agent shouted “He's got a gun!” before both agents opened fire. The review, which is standard protocol, was shared with lawmakers but emphasized it contained no final conclusions. The identities and experience levels of the involved officers, particularly regarding urban crowd control, remain undisclosed. The incident has sparked national controversy and prompted a more restrained response from Trump in its aftermath.U.S. review of Alex Pretti killing does not mention him brandishing firearm | ReutersThe U.S. federal judiciary may only be able to continue full paid operations through February 4 if Congress does not pass funding legislation in time to avert a partial government shutdown. Judge Robert Conrad, who oversees the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, issued a memo warning of the looming shortfall, stating that while courts will remain open on February 2, they would quickly exhaust available funds by February 4. The uncertainty comes amid a broader funding standoff in Congress, where a six-bill package—including money for defense, housing, transportation, and a $9.2 billion judiciary allocation—is stalled.A key point of contention is the funding of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), especially following the fatal shooting of U.S. citizen Alex Pretti by immigration officers. Senate Democrats are now refusing to approve DHS funding without reforms, throwing into doubt whether the broader package can pass. Although the bills had passed the Republican-controlled House and previously seemed poised for Senate approval, the Pretti incident has triggered renewed partisan gridlock.If no agreement is reached, this shutdown could affect the judiciary much sooner than the previous lapse in 2025, when courts operated for over two weeks before curtailing services. The current funding crisis threatens court staffing, case management, and broader access to justice. The memo underscores the fragile position of the courts in a prolonged budget standoff, with potential furloughs and suspended operations looming if a deal isn't struck.US judiciary may not be able to fully maintain operations past Feb. 4 in government shutdown | ReutersGoogle has agreed to pay $135 million to settle a proposed class action lawsuit accusing it of collecting Android users' cellular data without their consent. The settlement, filed in federal court in San Jose, California, still needs judicial approval. The lawsuit claimed that even when users closed Google apps, disabled location sharing, or locked their devices, Google continued to gather mobile data, which users had paid for through their carriers. Plaintiffs alleged this behavior amounted to “conversion,” a legal term referring to the unauthorized taking of someone's property for one's own use.Though Google denied any wrongdoing, it agreed to stop transferring data without user consent during Android device setup. The company will also update its Google Play terms to clearly disclose data transfers and give users simpler options to disable them. The case covers Android users dating back to November 12, 2017. If approved, users could receive up to $100 each from the settlement fund.Plaintiffs' attorneys described the agreement as the largest known payout in a conversion case, and they may seek nearly $40 million in legal fees. A trial had been set for August 2026 before the settlement was reached. Google has not commented on the resolution.Google to pay $135 million to settle Android data transfer lawsuit | ReutersGoogle to Pay $135 Million to Settle Android Phone-Data SuitA Christian substitute teacher, Kimberly Ann Polk, has lost her attempt to revive First Amendment claims against Maryland's Montgomery County Public Schools (MCPS) after refusing to use transgender students' pronouns. The Fourth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower court's decision, finding Polk unlikely to succeed on claims that the district's pronoun policy violated her free speech and religious freedom rights. The court ruled she failed to show any evidence of religious hostility from the school board and did not meet the legal threshold to proceed with her constitutional claims.Polk argued that MCPS's policy, which requires staff to use names and pronouns aligned with students' gender identities and bars disclosing those identities to unsupportive parents, conflicted with her belief that gender is fixed at birth. While the court dismissed her constitutional claims, it allowed her separate Title VII claim for religious accommodation to proceed. This claim argues that MCPS violated federal civil rights law by not making space for her religious beliefs in its employment practices.The decision was split, with Judge J. Harvie Wilkinson dissenting. He called the school policy a “gross assault upon the First Amendment” and argued Polk had a valid free speech claim. The case reflects ongoing national legal tensions between employee religious rights and school policies supporting LGBTQ+ students. Notably, another federal appeals court had previously sided with a teacher in a similar dispute, signaling a potential circuit split.Christian Teacher Can't Undo Pronoun Case First Amendment Loss This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

As China heads into the Year of the Horse, consumer demand is being released earlier than usual, propelled by the country's longest Spring Festival holiday on record and a coordinated policy push aimed at turning seasonal spending into sustained economic momentum.随着中国迎来马年，消费需求释放时间较往年提前。这得益于创纪录的长春节假期，以及旨在将季节性消费转化为持续经济动能的协同政策推动。The 2026 Spring Festival holiday will run from Feb 15 to 23, spanning nine consecutive days. The extended break—longer than in previous years—is not only reshaping travel and spending plans, but also amplifying the effects of policies designed to unlock consumption potential, particularly in services, travel and experience-driven spending.2026年春节假期将从2月15日持续至23日，共计九天连休。较往年更长的假期不仅重塑了出行与消费计划，更放大了解锁消费潜力的政策效应，尤其在服务、旅游及体验型消费领域。From bustling shopping streets in Beijing to small factories in Zhejiang's Yiwu operating extra production lines, and from reunion dinners booked weeks ahead of Chinese New Year's Eve to a sharp rise in two-way travel, signs of renewed consumption activity are emerging well before the holiday officially begins.从北京熙熙攘攘的商业街，到浙江义乌加开生产线的中小工厂；从数周前就预订好的除夕团圆饭，到双向出行量的显著增长——在春节正式到来之前，消费活动复苏的迹象已然显现。On Beijing's Wangfujing pedestrian street, winter temperatures have done little to slow foot traffic. Flagship stores are drawing a steady stream of overseas visitors, many taking advantage of expanded visa-free access and increasingly seamless digital payment options.北京王府井步行街上，寒冬的低温并未减缓人流脚步。旗舰店吸引着络绎不绝的海外游客，许多人正享受着扩大免签政策带来的便利，以及日益便捷的数字支付方式。Daniel Chan, a tourist from Los Angeles, stepped out of an electronics store with a newly purchased DJI Osmo Nano camera.来自洛杉矶的游客陈丹尼尔（音译）从一家电子产品商店走出，手里拿着刚买到的DJI Osmo Nano相机。"I've wanted this model for months. It's almost impossible to find stock back home, yet here it was available, and the price was very friendly,"Chan said. "It's not just a souvenir—it's cutting-edge technology."陈丹尼尔（音译）说道：“我渴望拥有这款相机已有数月之久。在美国几乎找不到现货，而这里不仅有货，价格还非常实惠。这不仅是件纪念品，更是尖端科技的结晶。”He said he had already started using the camera on the day of purchase. "I haven't explored all its functions yet, but the magnetic design and image quality are quite good," he added.他表示购买当天就已开始使用这台相机。他补充道：“虽然还没完全摸清所有功能，但磁吸设计和成像质量都相当不错。”What impressed him most during his China trip, Chan said, was the speed and convenience of food delivery services. "It's incredibly fast and efficient—almost unbelievable," he said. Dining in restaurants was equally striking, with some offering dish countdown timers and guaranteed serving speeds. "I've hardly ever experienced service like this in the United States."陈丹尼尔（音译）表示，此次中国之行最令他印象深刻的是外卖服务的快捷便利。他说：“速度快得惊人，效率极高——简直难以置信。”餐厅用餐体验同样令人震撼，部分餐厅设有菜品倒计时器并承诺上菜速度。“在美国几乎从未体验过如此服务。”Such experiences are precisely what policymakers hope to encourage.此类经历正是政策制定者希望鼓励的。The "Shopping in China" campaign, first launched in April 2025, aims to create a more internationally friendly consumption ecosystem while stimulating domestic demand through higher-quality supply.“中国购物”活动于2025年4月首次启动，旨在打造更具国际友善度的消费生态系统，同时通过更高品质的供给来刺激国内需求。At the launch of the 2026 "Shopping in China" and New Year Consumption Season in Shanghai on Jan 3, Commerce Minister Wang Wentao said the initiative would focus on goods consumption, services consumption and the development of new consumption scenarios. A series of nationwide events, including apremium consumption month and an international consumption season, will be rolled out, alongside locally tailored programs in 15 pilot cities.1月3日，2026“中国购物季”暨新年消费季在上海启动。商务部部长王文涛表示，本次活动将聚焦商品消费、服务消费及新型消费场景发展。全国将推出高端消费月、国际消费季等系列活动，同时15个试点城市将推出本土化特色项目。With the nine-day Spring Festival approaching, Wang said the Ministry of Commerce, together with other central departments and local governments, will host a "happy shopping for the Spring Festival" campaign as a flagship component of the "Shopping in China" series. The campaign will span food, accommodation, transport, travel, shopping and entertainment, aiming to create an inclusive, festive consumption experience for families at home and travelers on the move.随着为期九天的春节临近，王文涛表示商务部将联合中央各部门和地方政府，推出“欢乐春节·购物中国”系列活动的旗舰项目“欢乐春节·购物中国”。活动将覆盖餐饮、住宿、交通、旅游、购物、娱乐等领域，旨在为居家过节的家庭和外出游玩的旅客创造包容、喜庆的消费体验。More than 1,200 kilometers south of Beijing, Yiwu—the world's largest small-commodities hub—offers a ground-level view of how festive demand is being converted into real orders.距离北京以南1200多公里处，全球最大的小商品集散中心义乌正展现着节日需求如何转化为实际订单的生动图景。In the plush toy section of Yiwu International Trade Market, one horse-themed product has become an unexpected viral hit. Originally launched in mid-October under the name "Mashang Youqian", meaning "immediate prosperity", the toy initially sold about 400 units a day—steady but far from a bestseller.在义乌国际商贸城毛绒玩具区，一款以马为主题的产品意外走红。这款名为“马上有钱”的玩具于十月中旬上市，最初日销量约400件——虽保持稳定但远非畅销品。Its breakout moment came in January, after a minor production-line error resulted in the toy's mouth being stitched incorrectly, giving it a seemingly "tearful" expression. Buyers who received the flawed version posted photos and chat records online while requesting exchanges. The images struck a chord with netizens, who found humor and resonance in the toy's "wronged" look, quickly propelling it to the top of social media trending lists.这款玩具的爆红时刻出现在今年1月，当时因生产线的小失误导致玩具嘴巴缝制错误，呈现出仿佛“泪眼汪汪”的表情。收到瑕疵品的买家纷纷在网上晒出照片和聊天记录要求换货。这些照片意外引发网友共鸣，大家在玩具“委屈”的表情中发现了幽默感，迅速将其推上了社交媒体热搜榜首。Dubbed the "crying horse", the toy was soon labeled the first cultural "dark horse" of the New Year. As demand surged, the factory expanded production lines from two to more than a dozen, lifting daily output to around 15,000 units. The merchant has since applied for a design patent.这款被称为“哭哭马”的玩具，很快被冠以新年首个文化“黑马”的称号。随着需求激增，工厂将生产线从两条扩充至十余条，日产量提升至约1.5万只。该商家已就此申请了外观设计专利。Behind the viral moment, the success mirrors quality and Yiwu merchants' deeply ingrained ability to respond quickly to market signals, from identifying trends to making swift decisions and scaling production with minimal delay.这场病毒式传播的背后，其成功既彰显了商品品质，更折射出义乌商人深植于骨髓的敏锐市场触觉。从洞察趋势到果断决策，再到以最小延迟实现规模化生产，他们总能迅速响应市场信号。Across the toy sector, creative interpretations of the Year of the Horse are proliferating. Products range from zodiac photo frames to blind boxes and decorative figurines.玩具行业正涌现出大量以马年为主题的创意设计，产品涵盖生肖相框、盲盒以及装饰摆件等。Some bestselling items now sell between 40,000 and 60,000 units a day. For popular designs, factories are producing between 50,000 and 100,000 units daily. To maintain speed and creativity, some merchants require their design teams to develop as many as five new styles each day.部分畅销商品目前日销量在4万至6万件之间。对于热门款式，工厂日产量可达5万至10万件。为保持生产速度和设计创新力，部分商家要求设计团队每日开发多达五款新产品。Merchants say interest from foreign buyers has risen, particularly after Spring Festival was added to UNESCO's Representative List of theIntangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity in December 2024.商户表示，外国买家的兴趣有所提升，尤其是在2024年12月春节被列入联合国教科文组织人类非物质文化遗产代表作名录之后。Consumption momentum is also visible in the catering sector, where Chinese New Year's Eve reunion dinners—a core element of Spring Festival culture—are being booked out well in advance.餐饮业的消费势头同样明显，作为春节文化核心元素的除夕团圆饭，早已被提前预订一空。In Beijing, several restaurant chains report that all private rooms across multiple branches are already fully booked, with only limited lunchtime slots remaining. Prices largely match regular menus, though advance reservations and deposits are typically required.在北京，多家连锁餐厅表示其旗下各分店的包间已全部订满，仅剩少量午间时段可预约。价格基本与常规菜单持平，但通常需要提前预约并支付定金。To cope with demand, many restaurants have introducedstaggered dining slots on Chinese New Year's Eve, offering discounts for later sittings. Others have expanded takeaway services, allowing families to enjoy freshly prepared reunion meals at home.为应对需求，许多餐厅在除夕夜推出了错峰用餐时段，晚间时段还提供折扣优惠。另有餐厅扩大了外卖服务范围，让家庭能在家中享用现做的团圆饭。One restaurant in Beijing's Guomao area has launched two takeaway packages priced at 1,988 yuan ($286) for eight to 10 people and 999 yuan for four to six people, with free delivery within the city's Fifth Ring Road. Customers can also order a la carte, providing greater flexibility.北京国贸区某餐厅推出两款外卖套餐：8-10人份售价1988元（约合286美元），4-6人份售价999元，市内五环路内免费配送。顾客也可单点菜品，提供更灵活的选择。An emerging trend is the shift toward county towns and rural venues. In Yinjiang town of Ningbo, Zhejiang province, a countryside resort that opened reservations three months ago, has already sold out large private rooms for the first two days of the holiday, attracting families traveling from neighboring Shanghai, and Jiangsu province.新兴趋势向县城和乡村场所转移。在浙江省宁波市鄞江镇，一家三个月前开放预订的乡村度假村，其大型包间在假期前两天的预订已全部售罄，吸引了来自邻近上海和江苏的家庭游客。Traditional restaurant brands are also moving into rural markets. Managers say demand for reunion dinners and banquets in these areas remains strong, while the supply of mid—to high-end dining options is relatively limited—creating new opportunities for expansion.传统餐饮品牌也正进军农村市场。经营者表示，这些地区对团圆饭和宴会的需求依然旺盛，而中高端餐饮选择的供应相对有限，这为扩张创造了新机遇。The nine-day break is also reshaping travel patterns, triggering a surge in both outbound and inbound tourism.为期九天的假期也在重塑旅游模式，引发出境游和入境游的双双激增。Major travel platforms report that Spring Festival bookings for 2026 have surpassed last year's levels across the board. According to data from Flight Master, as of Jan 16, bookings for domestic flights during the holiday exceeded 4.13 million, up about 21 percent year-on-year. Outbound and inbound flight bookings both climbed to around 700,000.主要旅游平台数据显示，2026年春节期间的预订量全面超越去年同期水平。据飞航大师平台统计，截至1月16日，春节期间国内航班预订量已突破413万次，同比增长约21%。出境及入境航班预订量均攀升至约70万次。Airbnb data show searches by Chinese travelers for overseas accommodation around the Spring Festival period have roughly doubled year-on-year. Many travelers are choosing to stagger trips before or after the official holiday to secure better prices and less crowded itineraries.爱彼迎（Airbnb）数据显示，春节期间中国游客搜索海外住宿的数量同比翻了一番。许多游客选择在法定假期前后错峰出行，以获得更优惠的价格和更宽松的行程安排。Travel agencies are embedding New Year elements into overseas tour products, allowing travelers to retain a sense of festivity even while abroad.旅行社正将新年元素融入海外旅游产品，让游客即使身处异国也能保持节日氛围。Li Mengran, marketing manager of Beijing-based travel agency Utour, said the company has continued its long-standing practices in European tour products. These include customized reunion dinners and dumpling-making activities, alongside wine tastings and interactive prize draws.北京众信旅游集团媒介公关经理李梦然表示，公司在欧洲旅游产品中延续了多年来的传统项目，包括定制团圆晚宴和包饺子活动，同时安排品酒会和互动抽奖环节。"For family travelers, we also prepare red-envelope gifts for children under 16 to enhance the sense of ritual and warmth during the journey,"Li said.李梦然表示：“针对家庭游客，我们还为16岁以下儿童准备了红包礼物，以增强旅途中的仪式感与温馨氛围。”Domestically, culturally rich "intangible heritage towns" are emerging as popular destinations. Data from Qunar show that cities such as Huangshan in Anhui, Jingdezhen in Jiangxi, Quanzhou in Fujian, Foshan in Guangdong and Zigong in Sichuan—all offering immersive intangible cultural heritage experiences—have seen particularly strong hotel booking growth during the winter holiday and Spring Festival period.在国内，文化底蕴深厚的“非物质文化遗产小镇”正成为热门旅游目的地。去哪儿网数据显示，安徽黄山、江西景德镇、福建泉州、广东佛山、四川自贡等提供沉浸式非物质文化遗产体验的城市，在寒假和春节期间酒店预订量增长尤为显著。Inbound tourism is also gaining momentum.入境旅游业也正蓬勃发展。Qunar data show that bookings for domestic flights made using non-Chinese passports during the Spring Festival holiday are up more than 20 percent year-on-year, underscoring the holiday's growing role as a window for international visitors to experience Chinese culture.去哪儿网数据显示，春节期间持非中国护照预订的国内航班量同比增长逾20%，凸显出春节作为国际游客体验中华文化的窗口正发挥着日益重要的作用。This rebound reflects sustained policy support. By the first three quarters of 2025, visa-free inbound visits reached 20.89 million, up more than 50 percent year-on-year. Since the introduction of the 240-hour transit visa-free policy, inbound arrivals across ports have risen 27.2 percent.这一回升态势反映出政策支持的持续性。截至2025年前三季度，免签入境人次达2089万，同比增长逾50%。自实施240小时过境免签政策以来，各口岸入境人次增长27.2%。The World Travel & Tourism Council forecasts that China's tourism sector will grow at an average annual rate of 7 percent over the next decade, with the country on track to become the world's largest tourism market by 2031, surpassing the United States.世界旅游业理事会预测，未来十年中国旅游业将保持年均7%的增长率，预计到2031年将超越美国，成为全球最大的旅游市场。Economists say the early consumption surge reflects the combined effects of policy support, longer holidays and evolving consumer preferences.经济学家表示，消费的早期激增反映了政策支持、假期延长以及消费者偏好变化的综合影响。The Central Economic Work Conference held in December placed expanding domestic demand as the top priority of China's economic policy in 2026, with multiple consumption-supporting policies already rolled out or in the pipeline.去年12月召开的中央经济工作会议将扩大内需确立为2026年中国经济政策的重中之重，多项支持消费的政策已陆续出台或正在酝酿中。Su Jian, a professor at Peking University's School of Economics, said consumption growth has been most visible in services and fast-evolving consumer electronics, including tourism, cultural products, sports and entertainment. Rapid upgrade cycles, he added, continue to support demand for electronics.北京大学经济学院教授苏剑表示，消费增长在服务业和快速发展的消费电子产品领域最为显著，包括旅游、文化产品、体育和娱乐等。他补充道，快速的升级周期持续支撑着电子产品需求。Since last year, targeted consumption-boosting campaigns have delivered tangible results. In 2025, trade-in-related sales exceeded 2.6 trillion yuan, benefiting more than 360 million consumer transactions. Optimized trade-in programs introduced in 2026 are now translating into concrete market activity across regions.自去年以来，定向消费提振举措成效显著。2025年，以旧换新相关销售额突破2.6万亿元，惠及逾3.6亿笔消费交易。2026年推出的优化换购方案，正逐步转化为各地市场的实际行动。International observers have also noted structural changes underway. In its latest flagship annual report, global consultancy Roland Berger said China has entered the "consumption 4.0" era, characterized by resilience.国际观察人士也注意到正在发生的结构性变化。全球咨询公司罗兰贝格企业管理有限公司在其最新旗舰年度报告中指出，中国已进入以韧性为特征的“消费4.0”时代。China's consumption structure is shifting rapidly from survival-oriented spending toward development—and experience-oriented demand, the report noted. By elevating domestic demand expansion to a strategic priority, and encouraging a move from quantitative satisfaction to qualitative enrichment, policymakers are using consumption upgrading to drive supply-side innovation and support high-quality growth.报告指出，中国消费结构正从生存型消费向发展型消费、从物质型需求向体验型需求快速转变。通过将扩大内需提升为战略重点，引导消费从数量满足转向质量提升，决策者正以消费升级为引擎，推动供给侧创新，助力高质量发展。Boosting consumption, policymakers emphasize, is not a short-term fix, but a long-term strategy.政策制定者强调，提振消费并非短期对策，而是长远之策。A State Council executive meeting held on Jan 16 reviewed progress in the consumption-boosting campaign and outlined further steps to cultivate new growth points in service consumption.2026年1月16日召开的国务院常务会议审议了提振消费行动的进展情况，并规划了培育服务消费新增长点的后续措施。The meeting called for improving long-term mechanisms for promoting consumption, raising urban and rural household incomes, implementing the paid leave system and removing unreasonable restrictive measures for consumption.会议要求完善促进消费的长效机制，提高城乡居民收入水平，落实带薪休假制度，取消限制消费的不合理措施。premium consumption/ˈpriː.mi.əm/高端消费staggered dining slots错峰用餐时段intangible/ɪnˈtæn.dʒə.bəl/adj.非物质的

There is also a human cost to China's clean energy transition. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and Greater China bureaus. For January, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai teams up again with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian. Dramatic developments in Venezuela and Iran, both important oil suppliers for China, have exposed Beijing’s vulnerability in terms of energy security. Oil only accounts for around 18 per cent of China’s energy mix but most of this is imported. While both regimes have enjoyed solid ties with Beijing, the reality is there is little China can do directly to preserve its interests there. Domestically, China has achieved remarkable success in its clean energy transition. But the human cost of this effort, particularly when it comes to poorer communities, should not be underestimated. Clean tech may have played a part in China’s soft power rise (BYD electric vehicles and solar panels are obvious examples), but there is no guarantee that this will translate into a stronger hand geopolitically. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:02 Are China’s interests in Venezuela dead in the water? 4:58 Impacts of developments in Venezuela, Iran on upcoming Trump-Xi meeting 7:37 Is China prepared to use force to defend its energy security interests? 09:44 The human cost of China’s clean energy transition 14:11 Challenges in clean energy storage, distribution 17:28 Clean tech fuels China’s soft power rise 20:14 Existential survival instinct: Running out of energy Read more: https://str.sg/tBih Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Albert Wai (albertw@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There is also a human cost to China's clean energy transition. Synopsis: Every fourth Friday of the month, The Straits Times will now analyse the hottest political and trending talking points, alternating between its Malaysia and Greater China bureaus. For January, host and deputy foreign editor Albert Wai teams up again with senior China correspondent Yew Lun Tian. Dramatic developments in Venezuela and Iran, both important oil suppliers for China, have exposed Beijing’s vulnerability in terms of energy security. Oil only accounts for around 18 per cent of China’s energy mix but most of this is imported. While both regimes have enjoyed solid ties with Beijing, the reality is there is little China can do directly to preserve its interests there. Domestically, China has achieved remarkable success in its clean energy transition. But the human cost of this effort, particularly when it comes to poorer communities, should not be underestimated. Clean tech may have played a part in China’s soft power rise (BYD electric vehicles and solar panels are obvious examples), but there is no guarantee that this will translate into a stronger hand geopolitically. Highlights (click/tap above): 2:02 Are China’s interests in Venezuela dead in the water? 4:58 Impacts of developments in Venezuela, Iran on upcoming Trump-Xi meeting 7:37 Is China prepared to use force to defend its energy security interests? 09:44 The human cost of China’s clean energy transition 14:11 Challenges in clean energy storage, distribution 17:28 Clean tech fuels China’s soft power rise 20:14 Existential survival instinct: Running out of energy Read more: https://str.sg/tBih Register for Asian Insider newsletter: https://str.sg/stnewsletters Host: Albert Wai (albertw@sph.com.sg) Produced and edited by: Fa’izah Sani Executive producer: Ernest Luis Follow Asian Insider Podcast on Fridays here: Channel: https://str.sg/JWa7 Apple Podcasts: https://str.sg/JWa8 Spotify: https://str.sg/JWaX Feedback to: podcast@sph.com.sg SPH Awedio app: https://www.awedio.sg --- Follow more ST podcast channels: All-in-one ST Podcasts channel: https://str.sg/wvz7 Get more updates: http://str.sg/stpodcasts The Usual Place Podcast YouTube: https://str.sg/4Vwsa --- Get The Straits Times app, which has a dedicated podcast player section: The App Store: https://str.sg/icyB Google Play: https://str.sg/icyX --- #STAsianInsiderSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he dives into today's top stories shaping America and the world. In this Wednesday Headline Brief of The Wright Report, Bryan explains the fast-moving crisis over Greenland, why European military moves triggered President Trump's tariff threats, and how the fallout is already hitting markets and mortgage rates. He then turns to two strategically vital islands, Greenland and Diego Garcia, outlining why U.S. control of both matters for missile defense, China containment, and future war planning. Bryan argues Britain's deal to hand Diego Garcia to Mauritius is dangerously naive and urges Washington to act before Beijing exploits the opening. Back in the Americas, U.S. forces seize a seventh ghost-fleet oil tanker tied to Iran, Russia, and China, while Mexico quietly extradites 37 cartel leaders, handing U.S. intelligence a major win that could reshape cartel operations this year. Domestically, Bryan covers escalating clashes between Democrats and ICE in Minnesota, the DOJ investigation into state leaders after activists stormed a Christian church, and growing evidence of coordinated efforts to shield criminal illegal aliens from deportation. He closes with economic good news from Davos, where global bankers praise the strength of the U.S. economy under President Trump, and warns listeners to prepare for a severe winter storm sweeping from Texas to the Carolinas.   "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32     Keywords: January 21 2026 Wright Report, Greenland military escalation tariffs Europe, Denmark NATO Arctic dispute, Diego Garcia Chagos Island China risk, ghost fleet oil tanker seizure Caribbean, Mexico extradites cartel leaders intelligence win, Minnesota ICE church attack DOJ probe, Keith Ellison Don Lemon investigation, Davos bankers praise U.S. economy, winter storm Texas Carolinas

CannCon and Ghost open the January 20 edition of Badlands Daily by tracking how multiple pressure points are converging across geopolitics, domestic unrest, and institutional authority. The discussion moves through developments tied to Venezuela, sanctions, energy leverage, and shifting international alignments, emphasizing how narrative framing often obscures the mechanics actually driving outcomes. Domestically, the hosts examine rising tensions tied to law enforcement, protests, and political signaling, questioning whether stability is real or merely projected. Throughout the episode, CannCon and Ghost focus on pattern recognition, media misdirection, and why sudden “chaos moments” often follow long periods of quiet maneuvering. The conversation connects foreign policy pressure, economic leverage, and internal division into a broader picture of a system attempting to maintain control while underlying structures strain, reinforcing the need for patience, discernment, and clarity as events continue to unfold.

China will cut interest rates on targeted monetary policy tools and expand related quotas to spur lending in key areas and improve market expectations, underscoring policymakers' resolve to support a solid economic start to the 15th Five-Year Plan (2026-30) period, officials and experts said.官员和专家表示，中国将下调定向货币政策工具利率并扩大相关额度，以促进重点领域信贷投放、改善市场预期，凸显政策层支持“十五五”规划（2026—2030年）开局良好的坚定决心。Zou Lan, vice-governor of the People's Bank of China, said on Thursday that the central bank will reduce interest rates of various structural monetary instruments by 0.25 percentage points as it implements a moderately accommodative monetary policy, with the one-year rate on central bank lending facilities to be lowered from 1.5 percent to 1.25 percent.中国人民银行副行长邹澜周四表示，在实施适度宽松的货币政策背景下，央行将把多项结构性货币政策工具利率下调25个基点，其中一年期央行贷款工具利率将由1.5%下调至1.25%。Interest rates for other maturities will be adjusted accordingly, with effect from Monday.其他期限的利率也将相应调整，并自周一起生效。Speaking at a news conference, Zou said the quota of key structural monetary instruments will be expanded. This includes a central bank lending quota worth 1 trillion yuan ($143.4 billion) to support small and medium-sized private companies, and a 400 billion yuan increase in the central bank lending quota for technological innovation and upgrades, bringing the total to 1.2 trillion yuan.邹澜在新闻发布会上表示，重点结构性货币政策工具额度将进一步扩大。其中包括新增1万亿元人民币（约1434亿美元）的央行贷款额度，用于支持中小民营企业；同时，将科技创新和技术改造领域的央行贷款额度增加4000亿元，使总规模达到1.2万亿元。In terms of broad-based easing measures, Zou said there remains room this year for benchmark interest rate cuts and reductions in the reserve requirement ratio, or RRR — the proportion of deposits that banks must hold as reserves, which now stands at 6.3 percent on average.在全面宽松措施方面，邹澜表示，今年基准利率下调以及下调存款准备金率（RRR）仍有空间。目前银行存款准备金率平均为6.3%。"Overall, the exchange rate does not pose a strong constraint (on interest rate cuts)," Zou said. Domestically, he said that net interest margins of banks started to stabilize in 2025, and that the latest reduction in rates on structural policy tools will further lower funding costs of banks, making room for broad-based rate cuts.“总体来看，汇率并未对降息形成明显制约。”邹澜表示。从国内情况看，银行净息差在2025年开始企稳，而此次下调结构性政策工具利率将进一步降低银行资金成本，为全面降息创造空间。Lou Feipeng, a researcher at the Postal Savings Bank of China, said the policy package has sent a clear signal of targeted easing, helping anchor market expectations while strengthening the precision and sustainability of financial support for the real economy.中国邮政储蓄银行研究员娄飞鹏表示，该政策组合释放了明确的定向宽松信号，有助于稳定市场预期，同时提升金融支持实体经济的精准性和可持续性。"With banks' net interest margins stabilizing and about 50 trillion yuan of medium- to long-term deposits set to mature in 2026, expectations for a first-quarter RRR cut have strengthened. Heavy government bond issuance in January and related liquidity demand could further raise the odds of such a move," Lou said.娄飞鹏指出，随着银行净息差趋稳，且约50万亿元的中长期存款将于2026年到期，市场对一季度降准的预期有所增强；1月份地方和中央政府债券的集中发行及其带来的流动性需求，或将进一步提高降准的可能性。Zou, the central bank vice-governor, vowed to increase liquidity injections and flexibly conduct open market operations of buying and selling government bonds to create a supportive monetary and financial environment for the smooth issuance of government debt.央行副行长邹澜表示，将加大流动性投放力度，灵活开展买卖国债的公开市场操作，为政府债券平稳发行营造良好的货币金融环境。Zou added that the minimum down payment ratio for loans to purchase commercial properties will be lowered to 30 percent to help reduce inventory in the commercial real estate market.邹澜还表示，购买商业用房贷款的最低首付比例将下调至30%，以帮助消化商业房地产市场库存。Ming Ming, chief economist at CITIC Securities, said, "Given current capital market conditions, the new policies — cutting rates on structural tools while keeping an active tone on broad-based measures — will serve the dual goals of stabilizing market expectations and preventing asset bubbles."中信证券首席经济学家明明表示：“在当前资本市场环境下，此次政策在下调结构性工具利率的同时保持对全面措施的积极基调，将有助于同时实现稳定市场预期和防范资产泡沫的双重目标。”According to Zou, the renminbi exchange rate is expected to continue "moving in both directions with flexibility", with China's vast market and complete industrial chain to help offset external uncertainties.邹澜表示，人民币汇率有望继续保持“双向波动、弹性增强”的运行态势，中国庞大的市场规模和完整的产业链将有助于对冲外部不确定性。targeted monetary policy tools 定向货币政策工具structural monetary instruments结构性货币政策工具central bank lending facilities 央行贷款工具reserve requirement ratio (RRR)存款准备金率net interest margin /net ˈɪntrəst ˈmɑːrdʒɪn/净息差liquidity injections /lɪˈkwɪdəti ɪnˈdʒekʃənz/流动性投放

Listen to this episode commercial free at https://angryplanetpod.comOn January 28, 2025, I sat down with Aram Shabanian to talk about how we thought the first year of the Trump administration would go. I put the audio in a vault and didn't listen to it until now.We focused on geopolitics and the American military and our hit rate for predictions was about fifty percent. Domestically, it's been much worse than I expected. Abroad it's been much weirder than I expected. The bit about America seeking violence though? Right now that feels spot on.Hegseth's reforms got worse for women (vindicated)Conscription is not back (wrong)The yearning for violence when the gloves come off (vindicated)All the episodes that weren't producedSicarioifciation continues apaceThe bigger problem was that people felt badThe dangers of boredom“Drugs won the war on drugs and then looted the armories.”Against burning it all downGreenland is still on the tableThe ceasefire didn't last and war did not spread to Europe (wrong)Elon Musk is out (vindicated)X is still around, but it IS producing on-demand CSAM (wrong?)WWIII and mass riots didn't happen (wrong)Martin O'Malley 2028?The Cult of SicarioSupport this show http://supporter.acast.com/warcollege. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iran is reaching a breaking point as tensions escalate across the Middle East. Iranian state TV threatens President Trump, Qatar rejects U.S. use of its airbase, and Israel issues a direct warning to Tehran as airspace over Iran is cleared.We break down Trump's latest comments on Iran, Gaza, Greenland, and Venezuela, including Steve Witkoff's announcement of Phase Two in negotiations to end the Gaza conflict. Domestically, chaos erupts as ICE officers face violence, misleading media narratives spread, and Joe Rogan amplifies a story critics say leaves out key facts. Plus:Tim Walz under fire for inflammatory rhetoricSCOTUS rulings and protestsKash Patel exposes a Washington Post leakerKamala Harris' $8M Malibu mansionThe trans debate reaches new extremesRiley Gaines targeted by online mobsSUPPORT OUR SPONSORS TO SUPPORT OUR SHOW!Get 35% off your first Dose Daily subscription to support your liver at https://Dosedaily.co/CHICKS code CHICKS today!Get up to 30% off your first 3 OneSkin subscription orders with code CHICKS at https://OneSkin.co/Chicks and support our show at checkout!Visit https://ChicksLoveOliveOil.com and get a full-size $39 bottle of fresh-pressed olive oil for just $1 shipping—no commitment! Taste the freshness difference.Subscribe and stay tuned for new episodes every weekday!Follow us here for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:YoutubeFacebookInstagramTikTokXLocalsMore InfoWebsite

In this timely episode of The Alan Sanders Show (Ep. 008), we break down the escalating Iran uprising with death tolls soaring past 2,500 (and some reports claiming 12,000+), as the regime's brutal crackdown continues amid nationwide protests against the 47-year theocracy. President Trump ramps up his gambit with threats of military action, tariffs on Iran's trading partners and calls for protesters to persist, signaling potential U.S. intervention if killings don't stop. Domestically, we celebrate strong retail sales data showing a 4.1% holiday surge in late 2025, pushing totals over $1 trillion and highlighting resilient consumer strength heading into 2026. Plus, the fresh Secret Service leak scandal involving a VP JD Vance detail agent caught sharing sensitive security info on undercover video, raising major concerns about protection and trust. We wrap up with two of the Seditious Six in the cross-hairs of the justice system. Please take a moment to rate and review the show and then share the episode on social media. You can find me on Facebook, X, Instagram, GETTR,  TRUTH Social and YouTube by searching for The Alan Sanders Show. And, consider becoming a sponsor of the show by visiting my Patreon page!

Dick Morris and co-host Doug DePiro examine the strategic disruption of global adversaries under Donald Trump's leadership, specifically highlighting his role in destabilizing regimes in Venezuela and Iran. The discussion frames these foreign policy moves as part of a broader "bank shot" strategy intended to promote democracy while securing American national security and economic interests, such as curbing the global influence of China and Russia. Domestically, the speakers celebrate a booming U.S. economy fueled by retroactive tax cuts and the potential for a "renaissance in energy" through nuclear fusion technology. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

진행자: 박준희, Chelsea ProctorWhat were the best K-dramas of 2025?기사 요약: ‘중증외상센터', ‘폭싹 속았수다'부터 ‘서울 자가에 대기업 다니는 김 부장 이야기'까지, 올 한 해 큰 사랑을 받은 한국 드라마를 되짚어본다.[1] The year began strongly with Netflix's January release of “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call.” The medical drama follows genius surgeon Kang-hyuk (Ju Ji-hoon), balancing heroics with authentic surgical intensity. The drama gained traction by pairing its weighty, human-centered storylines with fantastical depictions of a hero doctor, which added moments of levity to the tension.strongly: 강하게 *strong: adj. 강한, 힘센genius: 천재; 특별한 재능authentic: 진본인; 정확한gain traction: 주목받기 시작하다[2] If “The Trauma Code: Heroes on Call” set the tone, Netflix's “When Life Gives You Tangerines” may have delivered one of the year's biggest breakouts. Anchored by the Hallyu sensation pairing of IU and Park Bo-gum, the series was the cultural touchstone of the first half of 2025 — creating buzz as well as viewership with a story that resonated across ages and borders.set the tone: 분위기를 정하다; 기조를 제시하다anchored by: ~에 의해 진행되는, 닻을 내린, 핵심적 존재가 중심을 잡는 역할을 하는sensation: 큰 반향을 일으킨 사람, 사건, 콘텐츠touchstone: 기준[3] Other streaming titles also left their mark. Disney+'s “Tempest,” starring Jun Ji-hyun and Kang Dong-won, ranked second worldwide among the over-the-top service's originals during its run. Domestically, though, the series struggled to sustain momentum, facing stiff competition and fading post-release discussion despite its some 50 billion won ($34 million) budget and A-list cast.worldwide: 전세계적인struggle: 힘겹게 ~하다momentum: (일의 진행에 있어서의) 탄력; 가속도stiff: 뻣뻣한, 딱딱한 *stiff competition 치열한 경쟁[4] Later in the year, “The Dream Life of Mr. Kim,” starring Ryu Seung-ryong as an everyman facing unemployment, family life and office politics, struck a chord with viewers. It topped Netflix Korea's TV chart while logging peak ratings of 7.6 percent with its grounded, relatable storytelling.everyman: 평범한 사람unemployment: 실직; 실업strike a chord: 심금을 울리다, 공감을 불러일으키다relatable: 공감 가능한; 연관있다고 느끼는기사 원문: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10643642[코리아헤럴드 팟캐스트 구독]아이튠즈(아이폰):https://itunes.apple.com/kr/podcast/koliaheleoldeu-paskaeseuteu/id686406253?mt=2네이버 오디오 클립(아이폰, 안드로이드 겸용): https://audioclip.naver.com/channels/5404팟빵 (안드로이드): http://www.podbbang.com/ch/6638

Several travel agencies have reported a significant hike in winter vacation tour bookings after schools and universities across China recently announced their winter holiday schedules. Industry insiders said domestic destinations with milder climates and overseas scenic spots are in intense competition to attract winter holiday travelers.多家旅行社表示，随着全国中小学和高校陆续公布寒假安排，冬季度假游预订量显著攀升。业内人士称，气候温和的国内目的地与海外景点正展开激烈竞争，争夺寒假游客资源。Since late November, primary and high schools nationwide, as well as universities, have been releasing their winter holiday plans, with vacation lengths ranging from 25 days to over 40 days.自11月下旬以来，全国中小学及高校陆续公布寒假安排，假期时长从25天到40多天不等。In Shanghai, for instance, primary and high school students will have 25 days off from Feb 2 to 27. In contrast, winter holiday breaks last 43 days in Heilongjiang province in Northeast China, starting in mid-January, as the region experiences earlier and more severe cold weather.例如，上海的小学生和中学生将从2月2日至27日享受25天的假期。相比之下，中国东北的黑龙江省因寒冷天气来得更早且更为严酷，其寒假从1月中旬开始，长达43天。As students' winter vacations will overlap with the Spring Festival holiday—a traditional Chinese period for family reunions falling in mid-February next year—many families are choosing to travel during the first half of their children's winter breaks to avoid travel peaks and potential price hikes for flights and hotel rooms during the Spring Festival holiday period.由于学生寒假将与春节假期重叠——这个中国传统的团圆时节将于明年二月中旬到来——许多家庭选择在孩子寒假的前半段出行，以避开春节期间的出行高峰和机票酒店可能上涨的价格。"I plan to take my son on a week-long winter tour in late January using my paid leave, although we haven't finalized the dates yet," said Wang Li, 39, who works in Beijing." We have two final choices—Hainan in South China and Kunming in Southwest China—both of which enjoy milder climates in winter."39岁的北京上班族王莉（音译）表示：“我计划在一月底用带薪休假带儿子进行为期一周的冬游，不过具体日期尚未敲定。我们有两个最终选择——中国南部的海南和西南部的昆明，这两个地方冬季气候都比较温和。”Wang said she previously sent her son to winter holiday tutoring classes, such as ice hockey and tennis, and scheduled family trips during the Spring Festival holiday. "Those plans cost much more because accommodation and flight prices skyrocketed during Spring Festival. This winter holiday, I want to move the family trip to earlier," she said.王莉（音译）表示表示，她此前曾让儿子参加寒假补习班，比如冰球和网球课程，并在春节假期安排了家庭旅行。她说：“这些计划花费更高，因为春节期间住宿和机票价格飞涨。这个寒假，我想把家庭旅行提前安排。”Wang is not alone. Travel portal Qunar said tour bookings from mid-January—when most students begin their winter school breaks—to the period before the Spring Festival holiday have seen significant growth since late November.王莉（音译）并非个例。旅游门户网站去哪儿网表示，自1月下旬（多数学生开始寒假）至春节假期前的旅游预订量，自11月下旬以来呈现显著增长。Qunar also reported a notable increase in flight ticket bookings for children during that period. Bookings for infants and children aged up to 12 rose by 60.7 percent year-on-year. Domestically, warmer destinations including Zhuhai in Guangdong province, Sanya in Hainan, and Xishuangbanna in Yunnan province have all seen a surge in tourism bookings, the platform said.去哪儿旅游网数据显示，同期儿童机票预订量显著增长，0至12岁婴幼儿及儿童机票预订量同比增长60.7%。该平台指出，国内旅游方面，广东珠海、海南三亚、云南西双版纳等温暖目的地均迎来旅游预订高峰。Overseas destinations such as Thailand and Russia are also popular choices for winter holiday travelers. According to Qunar, Thailand is currently the top overseas destination on its platform, with flight ticket bookings from the Chinese mainland to the country increasing 21 percent from mid-January to the eve of the Spring Festival holiday.泰国和俄罗斯等海外目的地也是冬季度假游客的热门选择。据去哪儿旅游网数据显示，泰国目前在其平台上位居海外目的地榜首，1月中旬至春节假期前夕，中国大陆至泰国的机票预订量同比增长21%。Qi Chunguang, vice-president of travel portal Tuniu, noted a boom in overseas winter holiday tours.途牛旅游网副总裁齐春光指出，海外冬季度假游呈现爆发式增长。"Some long-distance tour products to Australia and New Zealand for the winter holiday have already sold out," Qi said. "Tours to Europe, Dubai and Egypt will see a booking rush this month." He added that tour products to overseas island destinations such as the Maldives are also entering their peak reservation season.齐春光表示：“部分澳大利亚和新西兰的冬季长途旅游产品已售罄，本月欧洲、迪拜和埃及的旅游线路将迎来预订高峰。”他补充道，前往马尔代夫等海外岛屿目的地的旅游产品也正进入预订旺季。Zhou Chenjie, 42, who lives in Shanghai, said she has booked a five-day family trip to Thailand starting Feb 4. "It's my daughter's birthday wish," Zhou said. "Traveling before the Spring Festival holiday is a good deal, as flight tickets and hotel rooms are offered at discounted prices."现居上海的42岁周晨洁（音译）表示，她已预订了2月4日起为期五天的泰国家庭游，她说：“这是女儿的生日愿望。春节前出行很划算，机票和酒店都提供折扣价。”

CannCon and Alpha Warrior work through a December 18 news cycle dominated by mixed signals, stalled narratives, and rising tension across multiple fronts. The show breaks down shifting rhetoric around national security, border enforcement, and cartel activity, alongside confusion created by competing media narratives and vague official statements. They examine geopolitical posturing, foreign policy signaling, and why certain stories appear amplified while others quietly disappear. Domestically, the discussion touches on crime, enforcement priorities, political accountability, and the ongoing struggle to separate real developments from psychological operations designed to provoke fear or complacency. Throughout the episode, CannCon and Alpha emphasize pattern recognition, timing, and restraint, arguing that the information battlefield is just as active as any physical one. A steady, analytical episode focused on staying grounded while narratives collide and pressure continues to build.

In this episode, we break down the bifurcation in global logistics, where carriers look to higher rates, fewer sailings on key Asia-US route while demand on Asia-Europe lanes strengthens. Domestically, a strange market paradox is emerging as the Cass TL Linehaul Index extends a positive run, with rates rising due to tight capacity even as shipment volumes decline. Structural changes are hitting the workforce hard, evidenced by reports that from factories to fulfillment centers, more layoffs hit U.S. supply chains, including major cuts at Ford and Kroger. These strategic pivots are happening alongside regulatory updates, such as when a new bipartisan caucus targets trucking reform to address CDL integrity and aging infrastructure. Safety concerns are also driving legislative action, as new legislation tackles truck-bridge crashes caused by inaccurate GPS routing in states like New York. Meanwhile, friction is building in the rail sector as rail unions oppose historic transcontinental rail merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. Finally, to navigate this volatility, the industry is shifting toward predictive technology, exemplified by Inside Cleo's vision for an AI-native supply chain that thinks ahead. We discuss how these context-aware tools are becoming essential for maintaining service levels amidst permanent labor and capacity shifts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this episode, we break down the bifurcation in global logistics, where carriers look to higher rates, fewer sailings on key Asia-US route while demand on Asia-Europe lanes strengthens. Domestically, a strange market paradox is emerging as the Cass TL Linehaul Index extends a positive run, with rates rising due to tight capacity even as shipment volumes decline. Structural changes are hitting the workforce hard, evidenced by reports that from factories to fulfillment centers, more layoffs hit U.S. supply chains, including major cuts at Ford and Kroger. These strategic pivots are happening alongside regulatory updates, such as when a new bipartisan caucus targets trucking reform to address CDL integrity and aging infrastructure. Safety concerns are also driving legislative action, as new legislation tackles truck-bridge crashes caused by inaccurate GPS routing in states like New York. Meanwhile, friction is building in the rail sector as rail unions oppose historic transcontinental rail merger between Union Pacific and Norfolk Southern. Finally, to navigate this volatility, the industry is shifting toward predictive technology, exemplified by Inside Cleo's vision for an AI-native supply chain that thinks ahead. We discuss how these context-aware tools are becoming essential for maintaining service levels amidst permanent labor and capacity shifts. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Rita Cosby dives into President Trump's fearless approach, taking the fight to cartels and seizing a Venezuelan ship carrying black market, sanctioned oil destined for the IRGC. White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt explains the administration's dual focus on stopping illegal drugs and enforcing sanctions in the Western Hemisphere. Domestically, outrage sparks over the immediate release of proven gang member and human trafficker Abrago Kilmar Garcia by a liberal judge, an act the White House calls "judicial activism". Adding to the chaos, New York Mayor-elect Zoran Mandani doubles down, stating he is prepared to be arrested for resisting ICE and suggesting scenarios where NYPD might arrest federal ICE agents who "break the law". Critics debate if sanctuary city defiance constitutes sedition, warning that failure to enforce the law threatens America's very survival. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

China's major airlines have extended free refund and rescheduling policies for Japan-bound tickets as weekly Sino-Japanese flight volumes sink to their lowest level in a month and Chinese travelers redirect their winter holiday plans toward emerging hubs in Russia, Central Asia and domestic ice-and-snow destinations.中国主要航空公司已延长日本航线机票的免费退改政策，因中日每周航班量跌至一个月来最低水平，中国旅客正将冬季度假计划转向俄罗斯、中亚新兴枢纽及国内冰雪旅游目的地。On Friday, major domestic airlines, including Air China, China Eastern Airlines and China Southern Airlines, extended their previous Dec 31 deadline for refunds and rebooking to March 28 next year, the end of the winter-spring travel season.周五，包括中国国际航空、中国东方航空和中国南方航空在内的国内主要航空公司，将原定于12月31日的退票和改签截止日期延长至明年3月28日，即寒假春假出行高峰期的结束之日。The extensions follow China's travel advisories issued in mid-November discouraging trips to Japan after erroneous remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding China's Taiwan. Chinese airlines have since recalibrated capacity, with reductions concentrated in leisure-heavy routes.此次延长禁令源于中国11月中旬发布的旅行建议，该建议因日本首相高市早苗就中国台湾问题发表不当言论而劝阻赴日旅行。此后中国航空公司已调整运力配置，削减主要集中在休闲旅游为主的航线。Data from Flight Master, a travel services platform, show that round-trip Sino-Japanese flights fell to 1,167 during the week of Nov 24-30, the lowest weekly volume in a month, with the recovery rate sliding to 78.1 percent, a new low. As of Dec 1, the projected cancellation rate for Sino-Japanese flights scheduled in December rose to 26.4 percent, continuing an upward trend.旅行服务平台Flight Master数据显示，11月24日至30日当周中日往返航班量降至1167架次，创下一个月来最低周度水平，复航率滑落至78.1%，再创新低。截至12月1日，12月中日航班的预计取消率升至26.4%，持续呈上升趋势。Industry insiders said that the impact is likely to extend beyond the Spring Festival period, with aircraft redeployed to Southeast Asia and domestic routes.业内人士表示，该影响可能持续到春节假期之后，部分航班将被调往东南亚及国内航线。As travelers look beyond Japan for winter sports and seasonal scenery, travel demand is rising across a widening set of destinations. One of the most significant shifts is toward Russia following Moscow's decision to grant Chinese citizens visa-free entry for up to 30 days through Sept 14 next year.随着游客将目光投向日本以外的冬季运动和季节性景观，越来越多的目的地正迎来旅游需求增长。其中最显著的变化之一是俄罗斯旅游热潮，因为莫斯科宣布自即日起至明年9月14日，中国公民赴俄可享受最长30天的免签待遇。UTour, a Beijing-based travel agency, said inquiries doubled immediately after the policy took effect, driven largely by Spring Festival travel plans.北京优途天下国际旅行社表示，新规生效后咨询量立即翻倍，主要受春节出行计划推动。Huang Zhaoyang, the company's Russia product manager, said Murmansk, known for its aurora and ice-snow resources, is attracting attention under the new policy. Russia's overall appeal is expected to strengthen and help woo a wider range of Chinese travelers, he added.该公司俄罗斯产品经理黄朝阳（音译）表示，以极光和冰雪资源闻名的摩尔曼斯克在新政策下正吸引更多关注。他补充道，俄罗斯整体吸引力有望增强，有助于吸引更广泛的中国游客群体。Outbound travel is also pivoting notably toward Central Asia and Northern Europe, with Kazakhstan rapidly emerging as a winter sports hub. Tongcheng Travel data show that flight bookings from major Chinese cities to Kazakhstan between early December and the New Year holiday climbed more than 50 percent year-on-year, while hotel reservations climbed more than 80 percent, with Almaty and Astana ranking as top choices.出境游目的地也明显转向中亚和北欧地区，哈萨克斯坦正迅速崛起为冬季运动中心。同城旅游数据显示，12月初至新年假期期间，中国主要城市飞往哈萨克斯坦的机票预订量同比增长超50%，酒店预订量增幅更达80%以上，其中阿拉木图和阿斯塔纳成为最热门目的地。Analysts at Tongcheng's tourism research institute said the "Japan substitution effect" has accelerated since late November, with outbound ski demand that once concentrated on Japan increasingly shifting toward Kazakhstan and Nordic destinations. They added that domestic ski areas are also becoming popular alternatives to Japan's ski destinations.同程旅游研究院分析师指出，自11月下旬以来，“日本替代效应”持续加速，原先集中在日本的出境滑雪需求正逐步转向哈萨克斯坦及北欧目的地。他们补充道，国内滑雪场也正成为日本滑雪目的地的热门替代选择。European destinations are witnessing a similar upswing. Hotel bookings in Germany and Spain have increased by more than 300 percent year-on-year, while Denmark and Switzerland have posted gains exceeding 200 percent.欧洲旅游目的地也呈现出类似的增长态势。德国和西班牙的酒店预订量同比增幅超过300%，而丹麦和瑞士的增幅则超过200%。Domestically, local governments are racing to capture winter travelers through substantial incentives. Jilin province rolled out 100 million yuan ($14.1 million) in ice-snow vouchers and offered free ski passes to university students, while the Inner Mongolia and Xinjiang Uygur autonomous regions have introduced similar discounts.国内方面，地方政府正通过大幅优惠政策争相吸引冬季度假游客。吉林省推出价值1亿元（约合1410万美元）的冰雪消费券，并为大学生提供免费滑雪通行证；内蒙古和新疆维吾尔自治区也推出了类似的折扣政策。Qunar, a Beijing-based online travel agency, said hotel bookings in Xinjiang's Bortala region rose more than 80 percent year-on-year from November to late January of 2026, while reservations in the northeastern cities of Dandong, Liaoning province, Liaoyuan, Jilin province and Yichun, Heilongjiang province, each grew around 30 percent.北京在线旅游平台途牛旅游网表示，2026年11月至次年1月底期间，新疆博尔塔拉地区的酒店预订量同比增长逾80%，而东北地区辽宁省丹东市、吉林省辽源市及黑龙江省伊春市的酒店预订量均增长约30%。Demand for trips to glaciers and snow mountains has also surged, with ticket bookings for sites such as Meili Snow Mountain in Yunnan province and Xiling Snow Mountain in Sichuan province doubling year-on-year.前往冰川雪山的旅游需求也大幅增长，云南梅里雪山、四川西岭雪山等景点的门票预订量同比翻了一番。According to a white paper on China's ski industry, China currently has 748 operational ski resorts, including 66 indoor centers. Total ski visits reached 26.05 million last winter, up 12.9 percent.根据中国滑雪产业白皮书显示，目前中国共有748家运营中的滑雪场，其中包括66家室内滑雪中心。去年冬季滑雪人次达到2605万，同比增长12.9%。The white paper also noted that China's total ski visits last season surpassed Switzerland's 23.1 million, reflecting the growing scale of China's winter sports market. Average ski days per participant in China rose from 1.80 to 1.92, indicating increasing skier engagement and loyalty.该白皮书还指出，中国上赛季滑雪人次总量已超越瑞士的2310万人次，彰显中国冬季运动市场规模的持续扩大。中国滑雪者人均滑雪天数从1.80天提升至1.92天，表明滑雪参与度与忠诚度正逐步增强。recalibratev./ˌriːˈkæl.ə.breɪt/重新校准

Public safety measures have become a bigger part of public meetings and events. Author and personal safety trainer Alain Burrese joins the program to advise the general public, and public officials about the increasing need for better safety measures at […] The post Protection Measures Taking Higher Priority Domestically, Politically first appeared on Voices of Montana.

2/3. The Civic Communion Debate — Gaius observes that despite ceremonial declarations of national strength, the United States remains profoundly fragmented domestically. Germanicus presents French philosophical recommendations for "Civic Communion," emphasizing shared, major institutions—Religion, Military, Education, Healthcare—where citizens belong to each other transcending immutable background characteristics. Germanicushighlights that the US prioritizes enshrining individual rights and liberty but neglects fraternity, the concept providing implicit kinship and reciprocal obligation among citizens. Gaius articulates French exceptionalism, which embraces those joining the French civilizational sphere; the French concept of laïcité requires that kinship to France supersede sectarian and identitarian attachments. Germanicus emphasizes that the US has failed to cultivate the idea of constituting a "people" and lacks emotional bonds necessary for sustained national unity. Gaius notes this fragmentation was temporarily healed during the World Wars but is now fully developed, resembling divisions of the 1840s-1850s. Germanicus describes contemporary American society as characterized by "bile and rancor," where citizens are rewarded for denouncing American institutions, rendering reestablishment of "imagined kinship" extraordinarily difficult and requiring fundamental reconceptualization of national identity and shared purpose. 1908 FRENCH GRAND PRIX

China's Debt Dilemma and Keir Starmer's Political Trouble — Joseph Sternberg — Sternberg analyzes China'scritical economic vulnerabilities, noting that its $2.2 trillion in global lending—partly channeled through the Belt and Road Initiative—faces mounting pressure from defaults and political resistance to Chinese asset ownership. Domestically, China restricts capital inflows to manage inflation and stabilize exchange rates. Sternberg also examines UK politics, noting that Labour leader Keir Starmer faces mounting political difficulties ahead of a challenging budget that lacks an articulated economic growth strategy. 1700 WINDSOR CASTLE

SHOW -25 CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1942 THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT the peace plan. FIRST HOUR 9-915 Economy, Fed Rates, and the AI Productivity Boom — Liz Peek — Peek examines the U.S. economy, noting mixed retail sales data alongside recent strength in credit card spending. She anticipates the Federal Reserve will likely reduce interest rates in December due to softening labor market conditions, despite traditional employment reporting lags. Peekemphasizes that the Fed fails to account adequately for AI's significant, though currently unmeasured, impact on productivity gains, employment displacement, and escalating electricity consumption, even as AI demonstrates substantial benefits in diagnostics and medical analysis. 915-930 930-945 Ireland's Exposed Western Flank and Europe's Ukraine Stance — Judy Dempsey — Dempsey examines how Ireland's steadfast neutrality and limited defense capabilities leave its critical undersea communication cables vulnerable to Russian eavesdropping and potential sabotage. Despite maintaining budget surpluses, Ireland prioritizes social issues, including housing, over defense investments. Dempsey notes that European powers view the U.S.-Russia peace proposal for Ukraine with skepticism, characterizing it as a "Russian wish list," while German leadership remains publicly committed to sustained Ukrainian military support. 945-1000 SECOND HOUR 10-1015 Unorthodox Ukraine Diplomacy and Geopolitical Realism — Mary Kissel — Kissel analyzes the "exceedingly odd" U.S. approach to Ukraine peace negotiations, wherein businesspeople framed initial proposals while bypassing traditional State Department channels. This transactional negotiating style concerns European allies because it appears to reward Russia and establishes an unfavorable initial bargaining position. Kissel suggests the conflict will likely persist while diplomatic discussions protract. She commends Marco Rubio for prioritizing economic growth and countering Chineseand Iranian influence throughout the Western Hemisphere. 1015-1030 1030-1045 Escalating Conflict: Hezbollah Strike, Turkish Influence, and Fragile Ceasefires — Jonathan Schanzer — Schanzer discusses the chaotic status of regional ceasefires, highlighting Israel's major strike against Hezbollah's de facto military commander in Beirut. Iran and Turkey are actively exploiting smuggling routes into Lebanon via Syriato sustain Hezbollah operations. Schanzer addresses the dysfunction of the Lebanese government, the fragility of the Gaza truce agreement, and the complex geopolitical competition involving Russia, Turkey, and external actors competing for influence over the nascent Syrian state. 1045-1100 THIRD HOUR 1100-1115 China's Debt Dilemma and Keir Starmer's Political Trouble — Joseph Sternberg — Sternberg analyzes China'scritical economic vulnerabilities, noting that its $2.2 trillion in global lending—partly channeled through the Belt and Road Initiative—faces mounting pressure from defaults and political resistance to Chinese asset ownership. Domestically, China restricts capital inflows to manage inflation and stabilize exchange rates. Sternberg also examines UK politics, noting that Labour leader Keir Starmer faces mounting political difficulties ahead of a challenging budget that lacks an articulated economic growth strategy. 1115-1130 1130-1145 AI Regulation: The Danger of Fear and the Need for a National Framework — Kevin Fraaser — Fraser critiques the regulatory rush surrounding AI, faulting the EU's approach to establishing guardrails based on "speculative fears" rather than documented harms. He warns against allowing "robophobia"—unfounded fear of artificial intelligence—to drive policy, advocating instead for regulatory focus on beneficial applications including healthcare diagnostics and educational access. Fraaser advocates for a unified U.S. regulatory framework to prevent a fragmented patchwork of state laws and excessive litigation that stifles technological innovation. 1145-1200 FOURTH HOUR 12-1215 Ukraine Diplomacy, NATO Defense Gaps, and Baltic War Games — Gregory Copley — Copley analyzes the opaque U.S.-Russia Ukraine peace talks, which initially involved non-traditional negotiators rather than career diplomats. European powers are seeking inclusion in discussions but maintain conflicting strategic objectives. The discussion covers NATO's eroding relevance, particularly regarding Ireland's vulnerability to Russian surveillance and potential sabotage of critical undersea communication cables. Copley assesses a war game scenario in which Russia directly challenges NATO's Article 5 collective defense commitment in the Baltics. 1215-1230 1230-1245 1245-100 AM

Veronique De Rugy discusses US industrial policy, noting the trade deficit has increased despite tariffs, and the administration's decision to remove tariffs on food items—goods not produced domestically—is seen as an implicit admission that tariffs contribute to the "affordability crisis" because tariffs are a tax primarily borne by American consumers. The goals behind tariffs have shifted from fighting China to raising revenue, and the largest tariff exemption is for computer parts, indicating an understanding that tariffs could contradict other goals like energy abundance. De Rugyargues that US economic power stems from innovation and a willingness to invest, making industrial policy involving tariffs and seeking foreign investment largely unnecessary and potentially harmful. 1947

Investments from the US gov't make this time different The recent US-China agreement may secure short-term access for rare earth elements, but it doesn't alter the strategic need for domestic supply chains. Lawson and Michael highlight the complexity, cost, and time required to build out mining, midstream, and magnet-making capacity, highlighting that China's success today is a result of a commitment made back in the 1980s. US initiatives, including Department of War programs, US government investment and EXIM Bank support, are injecting real funding into projects, critical given that some of these projects are single-asset, but progress takes time. Michael also discusses the copper and aluminum markets, where structural demand growth meets a difficult supply situation, leading to higher production costs in the case of aluminum.   "Bank of America" and “BofA Securities” are the marketing names for the global banking businesses and global markets businesses (which includes BofA Global Research) of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, trading, research, strategic advisory, and other investment banking and markets activities are performed globally by affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and Member of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. ©2025 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.  

CONTINUED Joseph Sternberg Arabic service pushing Hamas propaganda potentially fueling anti-Semitism, while domestically discussing the UK Labour Party's dilemma over controversial immigration policies to control illegal channel crossings, a crisis that has strengthened Nigel Farage's Reform party.

K.T. McFarland, former Deputy National Security Advisor, joins Sid for her weekly Friday morning hit to talk about the designation of the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization and the evolving political landscape of Turkey under Erdoğan. McFarland praises Trump's historic efforts in the Middle East and debates the complexity of alliances with controversial figures like Erdoğan. Domestically, the discussion shifts to the economic challenges faced by young Americans, rising student debt, and the potential impact of artificial intelligence on future job markets. The conversation also touches on the potential for Republican victories in upcoming gubernatorial and senatorial races in New York, highlighting concerns over socialist candidates gaining traction. The urgency for Trump to address economic issues to retain political support is emphasized. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

For-hire trucking capacity is contracting significantly due to a 32% reduction in tractor builds (taking equipment below replacement levels) and stricter FMCSA English Language Proficiency enforcement, which could affect up to 10% of the driver pool. Despite shrinking capacity, freight rates are only seeing marginal spot market improvements of 1-2%, failing to keep pace with 3% inflation, due to volume volatility and broader macroeconomic risks. Regulatory friction is also widespread, as a federal judge issued a preliminary injunction blocking the California Air Resources Board from enforcing its Clean Truck Partnership against major OEMs (like Daimler, PACCAR, and Volvo). This legal development was driven by the judge's conclusion that CARB's lawsuit was attempting to enforce potentially federally preempted standards, creating an "impossible situation" for manufacturers after federal waivers for rules like the Advanced Clean Truck rule were withdrawn. In stark contrast to regulatory tangles, technology offers surprisingly frictionless solutions: fleets using complete AI safety solutions saw a 73% reduction in crash rates over 30 months, nearly double the industry average. Within just six months of implementation, these systems also achieved a 49% drop in harsh driving events and an 84% reduction in mobile phone use behind the wheel, alongside a 57% boost in Hours of Service compliance. Serious, hyperfocused investment is flowing into specialized logistics globally, notably in air cargo where Cargojet launched a new direct weekly service connecting its Canadian hubs to Liege Airport in Belgium. Latam Cargo also boosted its Europe-South America capacity by 25% (reaching 15 weekly frequencies), adding specialized routes like São Paulo to Brussels with a stop in Recife to handle mango exports. Domestically, TRAC Intermodal is focusing on standardization and efficiency by partnering with Florida East Coast Railway to stage standardized, GPS-integrated 53-ft domestic chassis directly at FEC terminals, aiming to build a national footprint for their T-53 program. Meanwhile, UPS completed its $1.6 billion acquisition of Andlauer Healthcare Group to strengthen its specialized Canadian cold chain and accelerate its strategic goal of doubling high-margin healthcare logistics revenue to $20 billion by 2026. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

PREVIEW. The Domestic and Foreign Ambitions of Syria's al-Sharaa. Ahmad Sharawi describes the two faces of al-Sharaa, Syria's leader. Externally, al-Sharaa seeks international legitimacy, investment, and full sanctions relief via diplomatic visits. Domestically, he faces resistance; there have been two massacres, and groups like the Druze, Kurds, and coastal residents demand separation and autonomy.

Kevin Green kicks off the trading day with his eyes overseas. He's watching developments with China ahead of Pres. Trump and Pres. Xi's highly-anticipated meeting, with particular attention to the soybean trade. KG notes positive commentary around a trade deal with South Korea. Domestically, the Fed's decision to cut rates by 25bps is largely anticipated, but KG says investors should pay attention to quantitative tightening (QT) measures by the central bank. He says if the Fed changes course on QT it could help push mortgage rates down, which could help not only homebuyers but also homebuilders. On the earnings front, KG looks at Boeing's (BA) "stabilizing report" and Caterpillar's (CAT) revenue growth thanks in part to the buildout in A.I. data centers. For today's session, he's looking at S&P 500 (SPX) upside to $6960, with downside to $6850. KG adds that he wouldn't be surprised if $7000 gets tested if there's any QT announcement from the Fed.======== 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 – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

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

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.

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.

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

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

    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.

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.

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