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//The Wire//2300Z June 15, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: TENTATIVE MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING AGREED UPON BY THE UNITED STATES AND IRAN, AGREEMENT TO BE SIGNED ON FRIDAY. U.K. IMPLEMENTS SOCIAL MEDIA BAN FOR CHILDREN, ADULTS NOW REQUIRED TO SUBMIT TO DIGITAL ID TO PROVE THEY AREN'T CHILDREN.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Middle East: Last night, the United States and Iran allegedly came to an agreement regarding the Memorandum of Understanding to work toward a settlement to the war. Immediately after the announcement was made, Israeli forces conducted strikes in Beirut. President Trump himself admitted that this was an attack that should not have happened due to it disrupting the peace process. So far Iran has let this one go, and has not responded to the Israeli efforts to derail the agreement. The agreement is scheduled to be signed on Friday.Analyst Comment: As of right now, the Strait of Hormuz is NOT open. NAVCENT has posted an update reminding all merchant traffic that both blockades are still in place, and no change of orders has been transmitted yet from the White House. On Friday, an announcement will be made regarding an update to the status of shipping through the Strait.United Kingdom: Unrest continued throughout the nation, as multiple stabbing attacks have continued over the past few days. Riots and unrest continue in Northern Ireland as the police response has continued to grow over the weekend. Yesterday, two viral videos have fanned the flames throughout the region even more: one video showing police beating a handcuffed man, while another video showing the violent arrest of a 5-year-old child, have continued to highlight the priorities of British authorities.Separately, this morning PM Starmer announced a total social media ban for children under the age of 16. As of 2027, no one under the age of 16 will be allowed to use social media, and age verification laws will apply to everyone. Per the fact sheet provided by the British government, most adults will need to submit to Digital ID measures, to prove that they are not a child.Analyst Comment: For historical context, this has been on the menu for a while, ever since the Digital ID efforts ramped up months ago, resulting in free speech concerns. As it stands, this appears to be a sly way of indirectly introducing the same Digital ID regulations which generated much pushback years ago. By banning children from social media, adults will have to prove they aren't children, and to do so they'll have to provide ID. This is a very clever rebranding effort to introduce censorship, because adults, in proving that they aren't children will need to upload private information. The details of this under-16 ban have not been written in stone yet, but the U.K. has stated that the goal is to emulate Australia's model...which granted exceptions for Roblox and Discord, two of the biggest platforms where online predators tend to congregate to target children. For Australia, this confirmed beyond all doubt that their regulations were not at all about protecting children, but really about controlling adults with Digital ID and only allowing social media platforms that bend the knee to government. As a result, how the U.K. manages this situation will be heavily scrutinized, especially as speech crimes are being aggressively policed throughout the nation every day.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: So far, the exact terms of the Memorandum of Understanding to end the Gulf War are not entirely clear. The U.S. has not released the details, but the Iranians have released what they say the terms are. This happened just a few days ago as well when the Iranians released the plan, and President Trump denied the details as leaked. This time, Mehr News (a state-sponsored Iranian outlet) published the 14-point-plan again, and this is the only side that has published anything. Unless the White House rejects some of these details, this will be the working document until something is signed on paper this Friday.Allegedly, the ceasefire would extend for another 60 days while the following details are worked out. The American Naval blockade would be lifted within a month, and the US would commit to withdrawing forces from the region. The Strait of Hormuz would open (also within 30 days), and the U.S. would lift all Iranian sanctions. The U.S. would also release $24 billion of frozen Iranian funds (over a period of time). On the nuclear issue, Iran would agree to re-affirm what they already agreed to under previous treaties, promising to not develop nuclear weapons. There are also other terms which will probably be sticking points (such as the war in Lebanon), but right now this is the gist of the deal as the Iranians see it.As it stands...it doesn't look good for the United States. If these are indeed the genuine items that the United States has agreed to, this war will be very challenging to describe as an American victory. The deal boils down to returning to the way the situation was before the war began, with the only differences being the American lives lost, most American bases and long-range radar sites being destroyed, a whole lot of destruction in Iran itself, and the oil infrastructure in the Middle East being heavily degraded. This is why it's hard to believe that the U.S. (or Israel) would agree to this arrangement, and it's ironically also why the warhawks and everyone else can finally agree on one thing: If this is the plan, this is a capitulation on the part of the United States, there's simply no other realistic way to frame it.The final proof will be in the pudding this Friday, when the details of the agreement are actually signed and both sides agree to what's written on the page. The deal also being tied to Israeli operations in Lebanon is also a certain point of friction, as Israel does not consider itself party to the agreement between Iran and the United States. As a result, there's still plenty of time for the deal to be sabotaged before Friday, and even then, it will take months to determine whether or not peace actually remains throughout the region.Analyst: S2A1 Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground Disclaimer: No LLMs were used in the writing of this report. //END REPORT//
Our guest Colonel Douglas MacGregor is a retired US Army colonel. He has had a distinguished military career having held important operational roles during the Gulf War and was a top strategic planner for General Wesley Clark as NATO's commander during the invasion of Yugoslavia. More recently Col. Macgregor has been the president and CEO of The National Conversation -- a non profit organization for "the politically homeless" with a mission to restore civic dialogue in America that challenges the duopoly ruling Washington and hopefully to lead to a new and viable political party. Since retiring Col Macgregor has been an author, consultant and media commentator who appears regularly on Judge Napolitano's Judging Freedom and Dialogue Works. Colonel MacGregor has written several books on military strategy and the history of warfare. He is a graduate of US military academy at West Point and later received a doctorate in international relations from the University of Virginia. His websites are DouglasMacgregor.com and TheNationaConversation.org, and you can read his writings on his substack at MacgregorWarrior. substack.com
CORRECTION: Some of the b-roll that I thought was from Belfast, was actually taken in Glasgow. Sorry for the mixup, it was mislabeled by the source and I didn't have time to geolocate it myself. Research Notes/Bibliography can be found here: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground Common Intelligence Picture: https://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=204a59b01f4443cd96718796fd102c00 Border Crisis Map: https://www.arcgis.com/home/item.html?id=7f13eda1f301431e98a7ac0393b0e6b0 TOC Dashboard: https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/ebe374c40c1a4231a06075155b0e8cb9/ 00:00 - Global Strategic Concerns 01:07 - Migrant Targeting 07:00 - Dundee Crisis 11:28 - Gulf War 24:30 - GhostNet Reports Download the GhostNet plan here! https://github.com/s2underground/GhostNet The text version of the Wire can be found on Twitter: https://twitter.com/s2_underground And on our Wire Telegram page here: https://t.me/S2undergroundWire If you would like to support us, we're on Patreon! https://www.patreon.com/user?u=30479515 Disclaimer: No company sponsored this video. In fact, we have ZERO sponsors. We are funded 100% by you, the viewer. All of our funding comes from direct support from platforms like Patreon, or from ad revenue on YouTube. Without your support, I simply could not do this work at all, so to those of you who chose to support my efforts, I am eternally thankful. Odysee: https://odysee.com/@S2Underground:7 Gab: https://gab.com/S2underground Rumble: https://rumble.com/c/S2Underground BitChute: https://www.bitchute.com/channel/P2NMGFdt3gf3/ Just a few reminders for everyone who's just become aware of us, in order to keep these briefings from being several hours long, I can't cover everything. I'm probably covering 1% of the world events when we conduct these briefings, so please remember that if I left it out, it doesn't necessarily mean that it's unimportant. Also, remember that I do these briefings quite often, so I might have covered an issue previously that you might not see if you are only watching our most recent videos. I'm also doing this in my spare time, so again I fully admit that these briefings aren't even close to being perfect; I'm going for a healthy blend of speed and quality. If I were to wait and only post a brief when it's "perfect" I would never post anything at all. So expect some minor errors here and there. If there is a major error or correction that needs to be made, I will post it here in the description, and verbally address it in the next briefing. Also, thanks for reading this far. It is always surprising the number of people that don't actually read the description box to find more information. This content is purely educational and does not advocate for violating any laws. Do not violate any laws or regulations. This is not legal advice. Consult with your attorney. Our Reading List! https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/133747963-s2-actual The War Kitchen Channel! https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCYmtpjXT22tAWGIlg_xDDPA
On the inaugural Bulwark Book Club, Mark Hertling joins Mona Charen to discuss his new book—If I Don't Return: A Father's Wartime Journal—a journal he began during the Gulf War for his young sons in case he never returned home. Their conversation explores combat, leadership, moral injury, fatherhood, friendship, military culture, and what it means to live a life worthy of the sacrifices made by those who serve.Get 15% off OneSkin with the code MONACHAREN at https://www.oneskin.co/MONACHAREN #oneskinpodBuy Mark's book: http://www.amazon.com/dp/1966786727/?tag=bulwark08-20Get a signed copy: https://www.ballastbooks.com/ballast-bookstore/if-i-dont-return
Bryan interviews Matthew Landis of Maine, a Gulf War veteran with a difficult past who finds hope and healing in Christ. Listen to this incredible, inspirational story of the power of abiding in Christ.
In this special edition of the Medic2Medic Podcast, Steve sits down with filmmaker Tom Putnam and EMS pioneer Baxter Larmon to discuss their powerful new documentary, Into the Unknown.The film follows five diverse paramedic teams from across the United States, offering an unfiltered look at the realities of EMS from life-saving victories and personal sacrifice to mental health challenges, violence, loss, and resilience. Through the experiences of a Gulf War veteran, Columbine survivors, rural volunteers, night-shift partners, and a helicopter rescue crew, Into the Unknown captures the human side of emergency medical services in a way rarely seen on screen.Steve, Tom, and Dr. Larmon discuss the inspiration behind the documentary, the challenges of telling authentic EMS stories, and what they learned while embedded with providers facing some of the most difficult situations imaginable. The conversation also explores the emotional toll of the profession, the importance of public understanding, and why paramedics' stories deserve to be told.This episode is a compelling look at the people behind the uniform and the courage required to step into the unknown every day.To learn more or to be part of the team to bring this documentary to theaters, go to intotheunknowndoc.com Subscribe to Medic2Medic wherever you get your podcasts and share this episode with someone who wants to better understand the realities of EMS and the extraordinary people who serve their communities every day.https://www.spreaker.com/episode/episode-331-into-the-unknown-with-tom-putnam-and-baxter-larmon--72434639
The tank has been written off many times in history, even when the very first ones rolled onto the battlefield in World War One. But this British invention continues to shape the world. From its inception as a “land ship” to the battlefields of Ukraine, the story of the tank and those who have commanded them, are chronicled by Hamish de Bretton Gordon in his new book “Tank Command” He tells Kate Gerbeau how a risky experiment secured its ongoing place in modern warfare He also shares his own experiences in a tank during the Gulf War, from engine repairs using rope to narrowly avoiding friendly fire from the tank of Major James Hewitt.
Holy Spirit inspired preaching from Peninsula Revival. Recorded back in 1990, at the outbreak of the first Gulf War, Pst Lloyd Longfield preaches on the Galatians dilemna: Our life under the new covenant is one of Liberty, not TO sin, but FROM sin. If this message resonates with you, check us out further at revivalcentres.org. If you'd like to talk to someone, or subscribe to our weekly newsletter, drop us a line at pensinsula@revivalcentres.org. God is offering you THE salvation experience - you can receive the Holy Spirit just as the disciples did on the Day of Pentecost. It is the same today as it ever was - don't settle for less!
//The Wire//2300Z June 4, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: CROSSBOW ATTACK REPORTED IN UNITED KINGDOM. NEW WORLD SCREWWORM CONFIRMED IN TEXAS. CONGRESS VOTES TO REAFFIRM WAR POWERS RESOLUTION.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-United Kingdom: This morning an attack was reported at the University of Surrey after a former student shot a security guard with a crossbow. The attacker has not yet been identified, however authorities have stated his is a Saudi national. The security guard who was shot remains in critical condition, and more details are expected at the situation develops.-HomeFront-Washington D.C. - Last night Congress voted to acknowledge the pre-existing War Powers Resolution, which would hold the Executive Branch to the standards of this resolution concerning the current war in the Persian Gulf.Analyst Comment: This vote has no real effect as it is merely a milquetoast effort to acknowledge a law that is already on the books, namely that the President can't declare war, only Congress can. The war certainly will not stop based on this vote, and President Trump also dismissed the vote in a post on his social media platform this morning.Texas: Yesterday, the USDA confirmed the presence of New World Screwworm (NWS) within the United States, marking the first confirmed case within the United States since the disease was eradicated from the continent in 1966. This first case was discovered in a newborn calf in Zavala County. A 20 km quarantine zone has been placed around the farm where the disease was discovered, and a unified incident command has been established to increase surveillance of the disease and increase targeted releases of sterile NWS flies, which is the primary means of combating the disease (used in the 1950's to eradicate it the first time).-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: For many months, agricultural communities have been sounding alarm bells regarding the spread of screwworm throughout Central America. Various agencies and entities have indeed engaged in extremely significant campaigns to slow the spread of the disease, but despite these genuine efforts, it was not enough and screwworm has crossed the border. It's hard to determine how severe this disease will impact livestock herds around the nation, however earlier this year, the USDA reported that the national cattle inventory currently sits at 86.2 million head, the lowest level since 1951. As a reminder, this is the raw figure that is not adjusted for the US population at the time. In 1951, the population of the United States was around 150 million. Today, the US population is (on paper) over double that figure, at 342 million. Based on the numbers alone, the US has returned to the beef levels of the 1950's, even though our population has doubled since then.This figure ebbs and flows throughout the year, and this is more of a strategic concern that has been building for some time, as opposed to an immediate and time-sensitive emergency. The reason for the decline in cattle stocks is mostly the result of high feed costs and drought conditions over the past few years, which have dwindled the national cattle supply. Over the past few months, the war in Iran has sharply driven up fertilizer prices, which has driven up prices for everything including the feed for cattle, as well as transportation and operating costs. So right now, a perfect storm is brewing. Cattle herds are already in a compromised state after years of drought and high feed costs, the Gulf War is making everything more expensive, and the cherry on top now arrives with New World Screwworm spreading throughout the national cattle supply at it's lowest point in 75 years. The next major indicator to watch out for will arrive at the end of July when the next cattle report comes out; total stockpiles of livestock nationwide are only compiled twice per year due to production cycles, so next month's report will be very telling in terms of how bad the situation truly is. Even based on January's data, it is a very softball assessment to surmise that beef prices are going to keep increasing for the foreseeable future, and when the supply shock from the global petroleum crisis finally trickles down more seriously to big industry, these costs will continue to escalate even more later on this year.Analyst: S2A1 Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground Disclaimer: No LLMs were used in the writing of this report. //END REPORT//
This week on G3 Weekly, Scott Aniol takes four of the week's biggest headlines and holds them up to the light of Scripture.4 STORIES THIS WEEK:1. The Supreme Court, Parents & the Limits of a Court Win2. Henry Nowak, Two-Tier Justice & the Sin of Playing the Victim3. A Billion Clicks: UFOs and the Restless Age4. Day 96 in the Gulf: Wars & Rumors of Wars
3 NEW AUTHORS. NO SAFE CONVERSATIONS. Angery American is joined LIVE by newly published authors Russ Sawyer, Dave Haddock, and Nick Meacher for an unfiltered conversation about survival fiction, preparedness, publishing, storytelling, and the realities of the world today.
In American teen movies, one college acceptance letter can change everything. For decades, that scene carried a country's promise: education as the way out, and up. Today, the promise feels worn thin. Student debt. Diversity programs dismantled. A degree that no longer guarantees a decent job, let alone a better life than your parents'.And yet education is never only about credentials. It is also about what a country chooses to pass on, or fails to.To explore this tension, Walid turned to two people who live it from both sides — personal and professional.In Atlanta, in spring 2025, at the end of his stay, he sits down with Elizabeth Elango, then head of the Global Village Project, a school for refugee girls. Born in Cameroon, shaped by two continents, she welcomes students arriving with stories of war and displacement, and tries to make room for joy and wonder in the school day.In New York, he meets Amir Moosavi, then assistant professor at Rutgers Newark. Son of an Iranian father and an American mother, he grew up in Milwaukee when the Gulf War, and later 9/11, made names like his harder to carry. He was teaching at a time when the country's divisions were already showing on campus.Walid closes the series with a personal note one year after these conversations.What's Left of the American Dream? / Que reste-t-il du rêve américain ? is a bilingual documentary series by Walid Hajar Rachedi. Set in Atlanta — the city of Martin Luther King Jr., a “Black Mecca” and a new crossroads of migration — during the first 100 days of Donald Trump's second term in 2025, it explores the stories of those who still live the American Dream, those who question it, and those who never believed in it.Editorial and sound support for this episode : Ryad Maouche.___Find all our stories on frictions.co.Follow Frictions on Instagram, Facebook, X !Hébergé par Ausha. Visitez ausha.co/politique-de-confidentialite pour plus d'informations.
Tonight on Gulf War Side Effects, Kevin and Wade welcome back renowned Gulf War illness researcher Dr. Garth Nicolson for one of the most important conversations we've ever had on the show.Dr. Nicolson discusses his groundbreaking research into Gulf War Illness, mycoplasma infections, mitochondrial dysfunction, toxic exposures, chronic fatigue, neurological symptoms, and the long-term health effects many Desert Storm veterans still suffer from today.Get access to past and bonus content with exclusive guest. Please help support the podcast and veterans so we can keep making the show - patreon.com/GulfWarSideEffects▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Life Wave Patches: https://lifewave.com/kevinsimon/store/products*Here is my recommendations on what patches to get and what has helped me.Ice Wave - this helps with my neuropathy.x39 - this helps me with brain fog and my shakesx49 - helps with bone strengthGludifion - helps get rid of toxinsMerch: https://gulfwar-side-effects.myspreadshop.com/Contact me with your questions, comments, or concerns at kevinsimon@gulfwarsideeffects.com
Kevin and Wade welcome Desert Storm veteran Mike Unrue, a former Bradley Fighting Vehicle systems mechanic with the 1st Infantry Division, for an unforgettable conversation about the Gulf War, combat, PTSD, and the realities of war.
Support the show: http://www.newcountry963.com/hawkeyeinthemorningSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mea Culpa welcomes back one of the most dialed-in journalists of the last several decades, Jane Mayer. Mayer has been a staff writer at The New Yorker since 1995. As the magazine's chief Washington correspondent, she covers politics, culture, and national security. Previously, she worked at the Wall Street Journal, where she covered the bombing of the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut, the Gulf War, and the fall of the Berlin Wall. In 1984, she became the paper's first female White House correspondent. She is the author of the 2016 Times best-seller “Dark Money: The Hidden History of the Billionaires Behind the Rise of the Radical Right,” She also wrote the 2008 Times best-seller “The Dark Side: The Inside Story of How the War on Terror Turned Into a War on American Ideals,” which was named a National Book Award finalist. She is the co-author, with Jill Abramson, of “Strange Justice,” also a National Book Award finalist, and, with Doyle McManus, of “Landslide: The Unmaking of the President 1984-1988.” She has won numerous prizes and awards including a Guggenheim Fellowship and the Nellie Bly Award for Investigative Reporting. Michael and Jane dig into Clarence Thomas and the Supreme Court, GOP's scary policies, and Trump's legal woes.
Ted Turner dead at 87 , it feels a bit like the end of a particular species of American businessman. The loud, impossible, swaggering media baron who looked as though he might buy a television station during a long lunch and then accidentally reshape civilisation before supper. In this episode of Mark and Pete, we look back at the life and legacy of CNN founder Ted Turner, the man who helped invent 24-hour news and, depending on your perspective, either modernised journalism or condemned humanity to permanent “BREAKING NEWS” anxiety forever.We get into the rise of CNN in the 1980s, the Gulf War broadcasts that changed television history, and the strange world before rolling news when people simply watched the six o'clock bulletin and then, rather daringly, carried on with their evening. Younger listeners may struggle to believe such a world existed. Apparently people once knew peace.There's also discussion of Turner himself: the yachts, the bravado, the environmental campaigning, the enormous land ownership, the bluntness, the sheer scale of the ambition. A genuinely fascinating figure, really. Not tidy. Not corporate. Not focus-grouped into beige compliance by consultants with PowerPoint decks and dead eyes.
In this episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we examine a remarkable moment: the leading architect of the Project for a New American Century, Robert Kagan, admitting that the Iran crisis is a catastrophe of unprecedented proportions – and that America has effectively lost the war.**The Project for a New American Century (PNAC) was the neoconservative think tank that shaped the foreign policy of the George W. Bush administration. Its vision was a unilateral American empire, able to fight and win two major wars simultaneously, with Iran at the top of its enemies list. But now, writing in *The Atlantic* – the house magazine of liberal interventionism – Kagan has declared that the Gulf War is unwinnable, that Iran has seized control of the Straits of Hormuz, and that the post-war American order is finished.What does it mean when the neocons themselves admit defeat? Kagan acknowledges that Iran has turned the straits from a passageway of free navigation into the world's most significant global pinch point. Iran will now decide which regimes can access Gulf shipping and which will be economically starved. America cannot project power into the Gulf; it has presented itself as an unreliable ally. The consequences for Taiwan, Japan, and other US partners are dire: they will not hesitate to break ties if a powerful regional predator comes calling.Kagan's only proposed alternative is a “massive generational land and air war” occupying Iran forever – an impossibility so absurd that it reveals the neocons' delusion. The Saudis, meanwhile, have concluded that the US and Israel are the aggressors, and that the entire attack was designed to drag them into a war with Iran. The eight-decade alliance forged by Franklin Roosevelt is now fraying. America is being expelled from the Gulf.This is the end of Pax Americana. Regional powers will now call the shots. Smaller nations will have to accommodate larger neighbours. And the neocons – after decades of advocating violent empire – have finally admitted that the project for a new American century is dead.**Topics covered:**- The Project for a New American Century (PNAC)- Robert Kagan's *Atlantic* article- Iran's control of the Straits of Hormuz- The end of American naval supremacy- Saudi Arabia's break with Washington- The collapse of Pax Americana- Neocon delusion and the impossibility of occupying Iran---*If you enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting us – we are migrating from Patreon to Substack. Details in the show notes.*Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive ContentBecome a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory▸ Join the Community & Continue the ConversationFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcastSubstack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com▸ Read Articles & Go DeeperWebsite: explaininghistory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Tonight on Gulf War Side Effects, Kevin and Wade break down one of the most important — and least understood — strategies of the Gulf War: the Left Hook.Using a powerful video from Clear & Present History, they walk through how Norman Schwarzkopf outsmarted Saddam Hussein and turned what could have been another Vietnam into one of the fastest and most decisive victories in modern military history.Get access to past and bonus content with exclusive guest. Please help support the podcast and veterans so we can keep making the show - patreon.com/GulfWarSideEffects▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬▬Contact me with your questions, comments, or concerns at kevinsimon@gulfwarsideeffects.com
A comparison between the first 50 days of the current war with Iran and the first 50 days of the Gulf War of the early 1990s, shows that markets have been more resilient this time around. Recent earnings numbers, notes Chris Holdsworth, Chief Investment Strategist, at Investec Wealth & Investment International, have been resilient as well, and not just in the US – countries like Taiwan, SA, Brazil and South Korea are all set to record strong profit growth this year. Investec Focus Radio SA
A version of this essay has been published by rediff.com at https://www.rediff.com/news/column/gulf-war-crisis-why-india-will-take-a-huge-hit/20260511.htmIn the heat and dust of elections, many of us have forgotten that there is a war going on. But the PM's warning about sacrifices and conservation reminds us that this essentially unwinnable war, and the on-again, off-again negotiations to bring it to a closure, are going to hit every one of us in our wallets.On 30th April, the Pentagon announced that the US had so far spent $25 billion on the West Asia war. This is a staggeringly huge number, and I was startled because I had casually thrown around this number as the ultimate cost of the war for all parties. Clearly I underestimated the damage, if this is the US' cost alone. Add the other frontline states, and then the untold misery and cost imposed on all of us innocent bystanders. And it's not over yet by any means.Pete Hegseth, the US secretary of war (self-fulfilling prophecy, isn't it, they changed the name from secretary of defense, and lo! they went to war immediately thereafter) bristled at the idea of a quagmire, according to The Economist. But I am old enough to remember Vietnam, and then Afghanistan. These forever wars are easy to get into, but hard to get out of.Indeed, the war has become not only an impasse, but also a charade. Even considering how the narrative gets bizarre from all sides during every war, this one seems especially messed up. So much so that there literally is no point in paying attention to the day-to-day events, because they don't seem to make much difference. Except of course, when the price of Brent crude hits $120, as it did on April 30th, twice what it was before the war. Ouch! And Hormuz is still closed.India is reeling under a heatwave, and we live under the Damocles' sword of power cuts. Kerala announced a half hour of rolling cuts (anodyne euphemism: “load shedding”) every night, but they will not tell you when or where the cuts will be. This is like the Malayalam proverb: “the guy who got hit by lightning was then bitten by a snake”. Incidentally, there's been a number of deaths from snakebites in Kerala as the reptiles enter houses seeking cooler temperatures.If this El Nino weather holds up, India's assumptions about load (maximum 270 GW) will be challenged: we hit a record on April 25th of 256 GW peak demand, and the fact that the grid didn't collapse is admirable, but being so close to the maximum is worrying. In Kerala, the grid cannot absorb the solar electricity produced by many households during the day because the Electricity Board did not purchase enough storage batteries: so much for on-grid.I am also fairly confident that once the elections are over, the government will be forced to increase fuel prices. Petrol has held steady at pump prices of Rs. 107.45/liter for a few years, but as crude oil prices have doubled, I see an inevitable rise not of Rs. 28 or so as speculated, but Rs. 50-100 based on how much inflation the Reserve Bank is willing to tolerate. In passing, I remember seeing somewhere that petrol prices have reached Pak Rs. 500/liter in that country.Therefore I have stopped paying much attention to the daily press releases and JUST IN, BREAKING NEWS types of ‘analysis' (some of the most prominent of these are clear AI slop, possibly manufactured by Chinese troll farms). The big picture is that the Straits of Hormuz remain blocked, the amount of oil and gas coming from the Persian Gulf remains diminished dramatically, and recovery may take months, if not years, even if the strait is unblocked.The chances are increasing that this will become a protracted war, as the principals are standing by their maximalist positions, where this is little reason to believe they will be able to arrive at a via media and a lasting ceasefire.It is not business as usual. This is the biggest energy shock since 1973, and as always, it is developing countries that will be most seriously affected. India is going to take a large hit, with inflation rising by, say, 2%, and GDP growth falling from 7+% to 6%.There are several things India needs to do urgently:* Strive for self-reliance (“Atmanirbhar”) in a variety of areas* Diversify its sources of hydrocarbons to other geographies eg. Africa, South America, Central Asia (through Chabahar), and accelerate exploration of its own (offshore and onshore) blocks as Mumbai High and Assam fields are aging rapidly* Pursue other forms of energy:* Renewables* Coal, including carbon sequestration* Biofuels* Nuclear (both SMR and FBR)* Shift households from LPG to LNG, including tapping Krishna Godavari wells, coal gasification, biomassEspecially at a time when electricity demand for new industries (eg. generativeAI data centers, semiconductors) is ramping up, it is important for India's manufacturing rise to ensure that this does not become a constraint. From a consumer perspective, increased affluence brings increased electricity demand.In addition, the Indian migrant worker population of about 10 million in West Asia, and their inward remittances of some $40-$50 billion per annum (total of $120 billion globally) may be increasingly under pressure if oil/gas production does not go back to pre-war levels.There is one more factor: India needs military muscle. As I said about Pax Indica, the Indian Ocean needs a strong, impartial facilitator of trade in the Hormuz to Malacca sea-lanes, and India is best placed to do this, harking back to Rajendra Chola re-opening Malacca in 1025 CE. But this requires three things:* Major container ports: Trivandrum (Vizhinjam), Vadhavan, Great Nicobar (Galathea Bay)* The ‘switch' to ease multiparty, multi-protocol trade: the India Stack* Security: three aircraft carrier groups, two dozen SSBNs, SSNs, AIP diesel submarinesThis is the time for India to plan forward fully, with the goal of Atmanirbharata, and energy security. The Persian Gulf is no longer a reliable source. The war is indeed a quagmire.950 words This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit rajeevsrinivasan.substack.com/subscribe
Oil helped shape far more than the American economy.In this episode, Dr. Matthew Huber explains how petroleum transformed American life itself… influencing the rise of suburbia, the structure of cities, consumer culture, geopolitics, and even the way many Americans came to think about freedom, individualism, and public life.Why did the United States become so dependent on automobiles? How did oil companies influence urban development and public transportation? And how did America's relationship with oil evolve from the age of Standard Oil and the 7 Sisters… to the oil shocks of the 1970s, the Reagan years, the Gulf War, and now the war with Iran?This is a conversation about oil… and the modern American condition.
EPISODE SNAPSHOT Welcome to The Bryan Air Podcast. Career intelligence for pilots. We break down executive moves, economic forces, and the technology reshaping how pilots are trained, assessed, and employed. Boardroom decisions land on your flight deck. We translate them first. No corporate spin. Just the intelligence pilots actually need. This week, three stories stacked on top of each other and they tell two completely different versions of where this industry is heading. IATA put hard numbers on the Gulf War, with Middle Eastern traffic down 58.6 percent year-on-year and global growth slowing to 2.1 percent in March. India's three biggest airlines wrote to their own government saying they are days from grounding aircraft as fuel rises from 40 percent to 60 percent of operating costs. Spirit folded. The UAE flipped its airspace switch back on and Emirates restored 96 percent of its network. Which story are you actually flying in? In this episode of The Bryan Air Podcast, Bryan Roseveare and Ryan Parrock break down the IATA fuel shock report, India's airlines on the brink, the UAE airspace reopening, Spirit Airlines folding, the BA taxi pilot job paying 100,000 dollars a year, the United 767 truck strike at Newark, and Japan Airlines testing humanoid robots on the ramp. TIME-STAMPED FLIGHT PLAN 00:00 ATC Cold Open 00:13 Headlines: Three Stories Stacked on Top of Each Other 00:55 Quick Favour Before We Roll 01:49 IATA Report: The Fuel Shock in Hard Numbers 04:28 Charter Pricing and Why Surcharges Are Now Standard 06:41 Why Europe Could Be Cheaper Than Cape Town This December 09:13 India: Three Major Airlines Days From Grounding 10:56 Spirit Airlines Folds and What It Means for Crew 12:47 UAE Airspace Reopens After Three Months Closed 16:33 Five Months Profit Share at Emirates? The Buzz 18:47 The 100,000 Dollar BA Taxi Pilot Gig at Chicago O'Hare 20:43 UK Government Lets Airlines Drop Slots Over Fuel Shortages 21:19 The United 767 That Smacked a Truck at Newark 22:54 Japan Airlines Tests Humanoid Robots on the Ramp 25:31 F1 Miami, UFC, and the Weekend Ahead 28:28 The Final Take: Which Story Are You Flying In? 30:08 Sign Off JOIN THE BRYAN AIR COMMUNITY Bryan Air is a career intelligence ecosystem for pilots. Sign up free to receive our weekly newsletter covering the disruption of AI in aviation, career strategy, and the analysis that does not make it into the episodes. Sign Up Free → https://bryanairpodcast.com/ FREE PILOT CAREER ASSESSMENT Where are you in your career? The Flight Plan is our free, AI-powered career intelligence tool. Answer 8 questions about your situation and get a personalised strategic assessment with specific moves tailored to where you are right now. Take the Free Assessment → https://pilotcareerintelligence.netlify.app/ RISK MANAGEMENT AND DECISION MAKING SIMULATOR Practise structured decision-making using live flights. Our AI-powered simulator lets you work through RMM and T-DODAR frameworks on real Flightradar24 data, with AI-generated scenarios and personalised debriefs. Built by Bryan Roseveare for pilots who want to sharpen the skills that matter most when things go wrong. Early bird: 29 dollars one-time. Lifetime access. Try the Simulator → https://bryanair.tools/ LINKS Bryan Air, Career Intelligence for Pilots → https://bryanairpodcast.com/ Free Pilot Career Assessment → https://pilotcareerintelligence.netlify.app/ Risk Management and Decision Making Simulator → https://bryanair.tools/ Bryan Roseveare → https://www.bryanroseveare.com/ Watch on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@BryanAirPodcast Support on Patreon → https://www.patreon.com/bryanair #AviationPodcast #BryanAir #PilotLife #IATA #FuelShock
After the latest RBA rate rises, and the Gulf War impact, we explore the latest from our household surveys to see the impact of the financial pressures they are facing. We see a rise in mortgage related stress in particular. We also update our scenarios based on the latest from the RBA and explore the … Continue reading "Households, Facing Into The Gale, Grit Their Teeth And Hope!"
Today's Poll Question at Smerconish.com: Has the 24/7 news cycle done more public good or harm? Michael reflects on the life and legacy of CNN founder Ted Turner while examining the profound impact of round-the-clock news coverage on American society. From the Gulf War and 9/11 to O.J., political polarization, and “doomscrolling,” Michael explores how cable news transformed journalism, public awareness, and national discourse. Did real-time reporting democratize information and strengthen accountability — or create ideological silos, anxiety, and a nonstop demand for outrage? Listen here, then vote! And please rate, review and share this podcast. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Need financing for your next investment property? Visit: https://www.academyfund.com/ Want to join us in Charleston, SC on June 1st & 2nd? Visit: https://www.10xvets.com/events ____ John Lynch is the Founder of Imprimis Financial, where he advises business owners, professionals, and Service Academy graduates on asset management, estate design, and tax-efficient wealth strategies. After serving as a field artillery officer and company commander during the Gulf War era, he earned his MBA in finance from NYU and began his career at Barclays and First Union before launching his own practice in Charlotte. Over the years, John has been working alongside private banking teams supporting large estates while building a discretionary investment model focused on disruptive technologies. With a foundation in institutional finance and technical trading, he leverages AI tools to help clients refine their goals and implement coordinated wealth strategies. In this episode of the SABM podcast, Scott chats with John about: A Career Built on Reinvention: John shares his transition from Army leadership to institutional finance and ultimately building his own advisory practice. Managing Disruptive Technology Investments: How he evaluates companies like Nvidia and Tesla using both fundamentals and technical entry points to manage volatility. Using AI to Enhance Decision-Making: Leveraging artificial intelligence to analyze portfolios, compare insurance structures, and accelerate strategic planning. The Team-Based Wealth Model: Why high-net individuals need integrated advisors working together rather than operating in silos. Tax Strategy as Alpha: Creating value through liquidity management, estate design, and tax-efficient structures, not just investment returns. Timestamps: 01:10 West Point to Army Career 02:56 MBA and Trading Roots 04:14 Building the Advisory Practice 05:36 Disruptive Tech Portfolio Model 07:49 How He Picks Entries 10:35 Ideal Clients and Service Grads 13:23 Ultra Wealth Team Planning 16:59 Using AI in Practice 22:04 Growth Goals and Legacy Shifts Connect with John: LinkedIn | John Lynch jlynch@imprimis-financial.com www.imprimis-financial.com If you found value in today's episode, don't keep it to yourself—share it with a colleague or friend who could benefit. And if you're a Service Academy graduate ready to elevate your business, we'd love for you to join our community and get started today. Make sure you never miss an episode. Subscribe now and help support the show: Apple Podcasts Spotify Leave us a 5-star review! A special thank you to John for joining me this week. Until next time! -Scott Mackes, USNA '01
Dangerous Dave hits top speed in this episode as he dives into the cult classic The Flash—a show that was bold, stylish, and arguably way ahead of its time.Kicking things off with a massive What Happened Way Back When (1990), Dave revisits iconic music, movies, and television that defined the year—from Vogue and Ice Ice Baby to blockbuster hits like Home Alone and groundbreaking shows such as Twin Peaks.In Retro Headlines, Dave explores a world in transition, covering major UK and US moments including the Resignation of Margaret Thatcher and the global tension building towards the Gulf War build-up.The heart of the episode is the Dangerous Deep Dive, breaking down the origins, cast, and legacy of The Flash. Dave explores standout episodes, behind-the-scenes challenges, and why the show's cancellation still stings today—while also connecting its DNA to the modern The Flash.The debate ramps up in Retro Rumble, as The Flash goes head-to-head with Lois & Clark: The New Adventures of Superman, while Better Than / Worse Than compares it against icons like Batman and the X-Men.There's plenty of nostalgia along the way with Back in the Ads (featuring classic and obscure 90s adverts), Toybox Time Machine (digging into forgotten toy gems), and a spotlight on overlooked TV in Dangerously Underrated and One Season Wonder.Finally, in a powerful Danger Zone, Dave makes the case that The Flash wasn't a failure—but a blueprint—drawing comparisons to superhero shows past and present.⚡ BONUS SEGMENTS
In this live show we examined the contention between record markets in the US, driven by AI investment and the real impact of the Gulf War. Will the former “Trump” the latter? I was joined by Head of Investments Damien Klassen. We also covered the RBA cash rate decision too! Go to the Walk The … Continue reading "DFA Live Q&A HD Replay: Will The AI Boom Save The Markets, Despite The War? With Damien Klassen"
[00:00 - 01:10] Introduction and Welcome Hosts Shaun, Todd, and Glenn welcome viewers. Overview of the Veterans Breakfast Club mission: creating communities of listening around veterans and their stories. Invitation to join live Zoom sessions and watch on Facebook or YouTube. [01:10 - 06:40] Upcoming Events and Programs Announcement of Thursday night's "Greatest Generation Live" focusing on World War II and the 81st anniversary of the Battle of Okinawa. Introduction of two Okinawa veterans guests: Neil Mallalum (99 years old) and James Wheeler (104 years old). Discussion of their service, experiences, and upcoming program details. Mention of in-person breakfasts and the BBC magazine distribution. [06:40 - 34:00] Why Veterans Wear Black Caps - Open Discussion Jim Roberts poses the question: Why do veterans wear black caps? (Jim shares his personal experience and reflections on wearing his Vietnam unit hat.) Discussion about the symbolism of hats for veterans as identifiers and conversation starters. Mixed feelings about public reactions to hats and "Thank you for your service" comments. Ben Dawson (Air Force veteran) talks about pride and connection through hats. Baltimore Ben shares his evolving attitude toward wearing veteran hats and public recognition. Chris Perolo discusses the military tradition of headgear and its role in identity. John Per shares his pride in his Army Security Agency hat and its role in connecting with fellow veterans. Patrick Hughes talks about his separate brigade service and pride in his hat. Ron comments on the professional look and versatility of black hats. Al Smith shares mixed feelings about wearing hats and recognition. Rick Weber tells the story of the "Lobcocks" nickname and its significance. Mark Spearigio discusses his late adoption of wearing hats due to Vietnam War reception and the healing aspect of acknowledgment. Sue Watson shares her father's Marine Corps hats and the significance of the Eoima survivor hat. Discussion about family members wearing veteran hats or apparel. Civilians working with veterans share their experiences with public recognition. John Terry and others discuss the importance of hats as conversation starters and symbols of pride. [34:00 - 55:50] Special Guest: Bill Peters and Army Security Agency Story Bill Peters joins to share a story about a photo of Army Security Agency veterans in Vietnam. Description of the photo location (Dong Ba Thin near Cameron Bay) and unit activities. Discussion about the casual dress in the photo and life in Vietnam. Bill shares his homecoming experience and current involvement with military honor guards. Plans for an upcoming Army Security Agency anniversary program. [55:50 - 01:17:40] Anniversary of the Kent State Shooting - Historical Context and Veteran Memories Greg Yoast provides a detailed history of the Kent State shooting on May 4, 1970. Explanation of the political and social climate leading to the incident, including Nixon's Cambodia incursion. Todd and veterans share personal memories and reflections on the event. Don Nemch recalls the impact and significance of Kent State and related protests. Ben Dawson and others discuss the National Guard's role and the atmosphere on campuses. John Terry shares his experience as a ROC instructor during ongoing protests. Bill Rios shares his story as a two-war veteran and Vietnam War protester, including his draft experience and later service in the National Guard during the Gulf War. Discussion about the complexity and divisiveness of the Kent State incident and its lasting impact on veterans and the nation. [01:17:40 - End] Closing Remarks and Upcoming Programs Thanks to participants and viewers. Reminder to join the upcoming Battle of Okinawa program. Encouragement to support the Veterans Breakfast Club through membership and participation. This breakdown captures the main topics and flow of the conversation, providing viewers with a clear guide to the video content.
//The Wire//2300Z April 30, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: TERRORISM CONCERNS REMAIN IN UNITED KINGDOM. UKRAINIAN TARGETING OF RUSSIAN OIL INFRASTRUCTURE CONTINUES. OIL MARKET REMAINS VOLATILE AS GULF WAR REMAINS STAGNANT.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE----- -International Events-Lebanon: The ceasefire has mostly collapsed, with fighting resuming between Hezbollah and the IDF. Several FPV drone strikes have targeted Israeli armor in the border regions of Lebanon over the past few days, and Israeli forces continue to mandate the evacuation of the newly created "buffer zone" south of the Litani River.United Kingdom: Counterterrorism policing operations have continued in the wake of the Golders Green attack yesterday, with authorities confirming that the suspect who conducted the stabbing is of Somali origin. The individual has been identified as Essa Suleiman, an individual who had previously been arrested for stabbing two police officers back in 2008. After this incident, he was incarcerated and a flagged as a potential terrorist threat under the Prevent program in 2020. At some point he was released and/or escaped the mental institution he was confined to, before conducting the stabbing yesterday. This morning, the national terrorism threat level was raised to SEVERE, meaning that further terror attacks are highly likely.Russia: Ukrainian targeting efforts throughout the nation have increased over the past few weeks, as Ukrainian forces pivot to targeting Russian oil terminals and refineries. The Lukoil petroleum refinery in Perm was hit overnight, along with the Tuapse Refinery on the Black Sea coast.Analyst Comment: This pivot to targeting Petroleum, Oil, and Lubricant (POL) facilities began in earnest last October, after a prolonged period of stagnation along the various front lines. As the war has been going on for a long time now, these targeting efforts received little attention outside the various communities observing the war. From Ukraine's perspective, these targeting efforts are perfectly reasonable, but for the rest of the world, the timing of this is going to cause an already tenuous oil market to increasingly be threatened. With the Middle East oil markets severely stifled by the Gulf War, the footnote that Russia is one of the largest producers of energy in the world has become a rather important detail. Russian oil refineries being blown up by the Ukrainians, while President Trump has alluded to the war continuing for some time, is almost certain to have follow-on effects which will (in the short term) drive up costs for nearly everything.-HomeFront-New York: This morning an explosion was reported at a residence in Queens. The incident began after one suspect (who has been identified as Anrup Parasram) attempted to break in to the residence, where his wife was living. A domestic disturbance developed, which involved the suspect attempting to conduct a stabbing attack. As authorities arrived on scene, the suspect barricaded himself inside the structure, before setting the house (and himself) on fire. A few moments later, the house exploded, possibly due to the suspect filling the home with natural gas. So far only minor injuries have been reported among responders, and the suspect remains "unaccounted for" per the FDNY.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: Yesterday Brent crude futures briefly jumped to $120/bbl upon the news of the strategic situation regarding the war in the Middle East. In addition to the UAE announcing their departure from OPEC, diplomatic efforts to end the war are stagnant at best and President Trump has indicated that the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz will be in place on more of a long-term basis. Yesterday, a post was made on President Trump's Truth Social account referencing a "nonnuclear deal". Though the meaning of this is not perfectly clear (and thus can be interpreted in any numbe
Aviation Week's Joe Anselmo, Michael Bruno, Jens Flottau and Guy Norris discuss recent earnings updates from Airbus and Boeing that saw the duopoly shrug off the Gulf War but note persisting supply chain issues. A freighter battle between the two is also heating up.
Send us Fan MailI've known James for a little while now, and I know he listens to the show, so when I heard he retired and hung up his gunboat... I knew I needed to reach out.He started his law enforcement service in the United States Air Force! He was stationed to Davis Montana AFB here in Tucson and even deployed to Iraq during the first Gulf War.Upon completing his 4 year commitment, he went back to school and entered the ministry as a Pastor in California. He loved this job, but Law Enforcement was in his blood, so he returned to Arizona and was hired by the Pima County Sheriff's department.Turn it up and enjoy the episode. James will be coming back, so keep your eyes peeled for his future episodes. Come see me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/choir.practice.94 or on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/cp_sfaf/
Step into the shadows of power and influence as we explore one of America's most prominent political dynasties—the Bush family. In this episode, we dive deep into the theories, controversies, and hidden connections that have fueled decades of speculation.From the secretive halls of Yale's Skull and Bones society to alleged intelligence ties and backdoor dealings, this rabbit hole uncovers claims of elite networks shaping global events behind the scenes. We examine the Business Plot, Cold War intelligence operations, and the murky overlap between oil, politics, and power.We also explore controversial narratives surrounding the Iran-Contra scandal, the Gulf War, and the War on Terror—connecting dots between government decisions, global conflicts, and the figures at the center of it all. Along the way, we touch on lesser-known and more speculative theories, from covert CIA operations to rumored occult influences tied to the family's inner circle.www.stayskeptical.comWise Wolf Gold: https://www.wolfpack.gold/?ref=jvujkwgsSources: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1jcwvgWpPz8GqLxNwpeJM7AHqBJL2O3JWVdE8ggKK7_8/edit?usp=sharing
//The Wire//2300Z April 28, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: WAR IN LEBANON CONTINUES DESPITE CEASEFIRE. PIRACY ACTIVITY COMPLICATES MERCHANT TRAFFIC IN THE GULF OF ADEN, THREAT LEVEL ELEVATED. SOMALI DAYCARES RAIDED IN MINNEAPOLIS.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE----- -International Events-Lebanon: The war continues as before, with Hezbollah conducting FPV drone strikes on Israeli armor, which are continuing their clearance operations in southern Lebanon.Analyst Comment: The ceasefire between these two belligerents being such a sticking point with the Iranian talks has not really resulted in a cessation of the war. At best, the Israelis have slowed down the bombing within downtown Beirut, but otherwise this war continues on.Red Sea/HOA: As the tenuous situation continues in the Persian Gulf, the Somalis have begun to increase hijacking attempts targeting commercial vessels in the vicinity of the Gulf of Aden. Last week, Somali pirates boarded and hijacked an unidentified tanker vessel, directing the vessel to Somalia's territorial waters. Overnight, another hijacking was reported as the M/V SWARD was hijacked in a similar manner, with the vessel being taken to the pirate strongholds along the eastern coast of the country. After these two hijacking incidents, another piracy attempt was reported today, to the east, farther off the coast. Separately, a local Somali fishing boat was hijacked by Somali pirates last week, and an attempted boarding was reported in the same area.Analyst Comment: Piracy activity in the Gulf of Aden has been a mainstay for decades. However, now that many shipping routes are skewed due to the Gulf War, piracy activity has increased over the past few weeks. Two successful hijackings and several other attempted hijacking operations taking place within just a few days is noteworthy, especially for the companies attempting to adjust to the radical changes to maritime shipping brought on by the war. As a result the UKMTO has elevated the threat to SUBSTANTIAL for the Somali Basin and the Somali Coast.-HomeFront-Minnesota: This morning the FBI conducted raids at several Somali daycare facilities in Minneapolis, many of which were at the center of previous fraud scandals. The Quality Learing Center was among the list of sites where evidence was collected, and around a dozen facilities in total were the target of the raids. The city of Minneapolis was not a part of the raid, and went out of their way to distance themselves from the federal investigations into these facilities.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: Not many details have emerged regarding the Washington Hilton assassination attempt, beyond what was immediately published the day of the shooting. The shooter's home in Torrance, California was raided on Sunday, but no disclosures have been made regarding whether or not anything was found. One of the major intelligence gaps (at least in the public sphere) is whether or not the suspect was communicating with anyone else before the attack. Some indications are present that he was talking to family members (who knew he possessed violent intent), but it is not known if the suspect was coordinating or communicating with anyone online, specifically to plan the attack. Most of the high-profile targeting efforts observed over the past few years (not just the Trump assassination attempts, but the Kirk assassination and the sniper attacks on ICE facilities) have involved the shooters having an extensive online presence, which in most cases indicated some level of communication with others. In this case, Allen survived the attack, so his testimony is at least available, and more time will be needed to determine if anyone else was involved in the planning phases of the attack.Analyst: S2A1 Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground
In this Conflicted Conversation, Thomas speaks to bestselling novelist and historian Jack Carr. A former Navy SEAL sniper, Carr talks about his phenomenal book Targeted: Beirut: The 1983 Marine Barracks Bombing and the Untold Origin Story of the War on Terror as well as his upcoming novel The Fourth Option. Jack describes: His path from childhood fascination with war to becoming a U.S. Navy SEAL sniper SEAL training: Hell Week, mental fortitude, and what separates those who quit from those who don't Boarding Iraqi oil tankers: enforcing sanctions at sea and policing the post–Gulf War international order His experience as a sniper in Iraq and Afghanistan The 1983 Beirut barracks bombing and its role in shaping modern terrorism and U.S. foreign policy The mistakes in US counter-terrorism policy: how limited responses can shape enemy strategy over time From warfighter to writer: how Carr's military experience informs his novels and nonfiction on the War on Terror Jack Carr's official website: https://www.officialjackcarr.com/ Find Jack on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackcarrusa/ Find Jack on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jackcarrusa/ Find Jack on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@JackCarrUSA Join the Conflicted Community here: https://conflicted.supportingcast.fm Find Conflicted on X: https://x.com/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conflictedpod And YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4sdlF1mY5t4 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Conflicted is a Message Heard production. Executive Producers: Jake Warren & Max Warren. This episode was produced by Thomas Small and edited by Alan Leer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
A new week means new questions! Hope you have fun with these!Jonathan Demme won his first and only Oscar for directing which film?What is the only word that is also a prefix of measurement in the NATO phonetic alphabet?Which gulf gave its name to the 1990 Gulf War?A hautboy is an archaic form of what woodwind instrument?Before becoming President, George W. Bush owned which MLB Franchise?Derived from the Greek word for 'gold or gold-colored', what name is given to the the hard, protective pupal stage of a butterfly?What book upset Theodore Roosevelt so much he pushed congress to pass the Meat Inspection Act?Which action involving enzymes produces beer and cheese and is also called zymosis?Fittingly, a Boston University professor once fooled the Associated Press by inventing a fake origin of April Fools' Day, claiming which Roman emperor created a “day of jollity” after a jester named Kugel was made king for a day?Morgan Freeman has played Detective Alex cross in two movies, name them, five points for each correct answerWhat was the first game from marvel made by capcom?The Palacio Libertad and the Teatro Colón are both located in which South American capital city?How many different ways can the letter combination "-ough" be pronounced in the English language (British & American)?Which cranial nerve connects the brain with the heart, lungs, and digestive tract?In Dungeons and Dragons, a number measuring the amount of damage a creature, character, or object can take before being killed, disabled or destroyed is called what?Which former Seattle Reign FC player and former Seattle Storm WNBA player recently announced their breakup?MusicHot Swing, Fast Talkin, Bass Walker, Dances and Dames, Ambush by Kevin MacLeod (incompetech.com)Licensed under Creative Commons: By Attribution 3.0 http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/Don't forget to follow us on social media:Patreon – patreon.com/quizbang – Please consider supporting us on Patreon. Check out our fun extras for patrons and help us keep this podcast going. We appreciate any level of support!Website – quizbangpod.com Check out our website, it will have all the links for social media that you need and while you're there, why not go to the contact us page and submit a question!Facebook – @quizbangpodcast – we post episode links and silly lego pictures to go with our trivia questions. Enjoy the silly picture and give your best guess, we will respond to your answer the next day to give everyone a chance to guess.Instagram – Quiz Quiz Bang Bang (quizquizbangbang), we post silly lego pictures to go with our trivia questions. Enjoy the silly picture and give your best guess, we will respond to your answer the next day to give everyone a chance to guess.Twitter – @quizbangpod We want to start a fun community for our fellow trivia lovers. If you hear/think of a fun or challenging trivia question, post it to our twitter feed and we will repost it so everyone can take a stab it. Come for the trivia – stay for the trivia.Ko-Fi – ko-fi.com/quizbangpod – Keep that sweet caffeine running through our body with a Ko-Fi, power us through a late night of fact checking and editing!Quiz, trivia, games, pub+trivia, pub+quiz, competition, education, comedy
//The Wire//2300Z April 20, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: US NAVY BEGINS TARGETING MERCHANT TRAFFIC IN STRAIT OF HORMUZ. VIOLENT CRIME CONTINUES THROUGHOUT THE UNITED STATES AND MEXICO. PROTESTS CONTINUE IN UNITED KINGDOM.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE----- -International Events-Middle East: The situation deteriorated over the weekend, after President Trump stated that the American blockade would stay in place even after the Iranians removed theirs. In response to this, Iran closed the Strait again, and kinetically targeted two Indian vessels that were in the Strait, attempting to cross it. Yesterday, the United States kinetically struck an Iranian merchant vessel which was attempting to run the American blockade. The M/V TOUSKA was fired upon by the USS Spruance (DDG-111), which engaged the vessel with their deck gun, targeting the engine room. After the shelling, U.S. Marines from the 31st MEU boarded and seized control of the ship.United Kingdom: Protests in Epsom continue to grow despite developments in the case. Epsom police have stated they "have not found any evidence of the offence as reported but the investigation is ongoing".Analyst Comment: Some claims are being made that the crime never took place, or otherwise did not occur as initially described. Nevertheless, this doesn't seem to matter much as most of the population does not believe the authorities' story, and there has not been a clear conveying of the series of events. As a result, protests have continued throughout the area over the past few days, mostly focusing on police accountability and transparency on the crimes that are committed.Mexico: This afternoon a shooting was reported at Teotihuacán, as a man climbed one of the pyramids and began shooting at crowds of tourists. As of this report, the number of causalities has varied, with local media reporting a total of a dozen people wounded by the shooter or otherwise injured during the incident. At least one Canadian tourist was killed by the shooter, who eventually took his own life, ending the incident.-HomeFront-Louisiana: Over the weekend a mass shooting was reported after a domestic disturbance resulted in a man murdering his entire family. Local authorities state that Shamar Elkins targeted his ex-girlfriend at their residence on Harrison Street following a domestic argument. After killing her, he drove W 79th Street, where he murdered his ex's sister, and eight children, seven of which were his own. After the mass-murder, Elkins fled the scene on foot, before carjacking a vehicle and fleeing to the north. A high-speed chase ensued and the suspect eventually crashed in a residential neighborhood in Bossier City. At this location the suspect was shot by police, ending the incident.North Carolina: This morning a shooting was reported in Leinbach Park, near Jefferson Middle School in Winston-Salem. Multiple individuals were wounded during the engagement, which resulted from a planned fight which devolved into a small arms skirmish. 2x fatalities have been reported, along with several others wounded.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: Statements made by President Trump over the weekend indicate that the Gulf War will probably resume once the ceasefire concludes on Wednesday evening. Major American military logistical flights have continued to intensify into the Middle East over the past few days, and as it stands the United States has not exactly been amenable to another extension of the ceasefire.. Due to the recent developments in the Strait, merchant traffic is not going to resume normalcy anytime soon, with not one, but two navies now targeting merchant shipping for running their respective blockades. The brief rhetoric a few days ago indicating the Strait opening up was only a fleeting moment, and now that peace is looking less likely, the long-term effects are going to start stack
Retired Navy Captain and author David E. Grogan joins us to discuss his book Learning to Live from Those Willing to Die, a collection of life lessons drawn from the lived experiences of American veterans. Grogan, a former international and operational attorney for the U.S. Navy, has spent years listening closely to those who served. The result is a book that not only describes twenty-six veterans' personal battlefields, but also digs deeper to discover the enduring life lessons their service teaches. All royalties from the book are donated to America's VetDogs, which provides guide and service dogs to veterans and first responders. The project has already raised more than $4,100 for the charity—a reminder that these veterans continue to serve others through their stories. For this special program, David will be joined by four of the veterans whose lives anchor key chapters in the book. Each represents a different era of service and a different lesson learned. Specialist Tom Garvey's service in Vietnam underscores one of the most enduring truths of military life: survival and sanity often hinge on friendship. His chapter reflects on the bonds formed under stress and how loyalty to one another carried young soldiers through war and long afterward. Specialist Billy Terrell's story emphasizes his efforts to provide a sanctuary for the most vulnerable victims of the Vietnam War. His service shaped in him a deep commitment to fairness and advocacy, particularly for those without a voice. His chapter explores how efforts military members take to help others often change lives, including their own. Specialist Eric Ferguson's experience during the Gulf War era highlights a quieter but powerful trait: attentiveness. Listening—to mentors, to circumstances, to possibilities, even to art—opened doors that might otherwise have remained closed. His story is about recognizing opportunity in unlikely moments and having the discipline to act. Commander Tom Jones unconventional career as a Navy attorney took him from military courtrooms to capture missions with the SEALs in Iraq. He had an equally unconventional family life growing up, yet his family always remained in the forefront of his military career. His chapter reflects on the sustaining force of family—before, during, and after war—and how service impacts not only the individual but also all those they love. This evening will not be a book talk but rather a conversation about what military service teaches and how those lessons echo long after the service is over.
Watching the news recently has been an uneasy experience for investors and retirees. War headlines dominate the airwaves, oil prices have surged to new highs, and portfolio balances may not look as reassuring as they did months ago. For family stewards looking to safeguard their financial futures, the temptation to react to these global shocks is powerful. But it's crucial not to make emotional financial decisions. Understanding the CrisisIn March 2026, military strikes in the Middle East led to severe disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz—a global oil supply chokepoint through which 20% of the world's daily oil supply flows. Although the U.S. itself is less directly dependent on Middle Eastern oil, oil's status as a globally priced commodity means any disruption impacts global prices and, by extension, markets everywhere. Brent crude prices quickly soared, spiking 10–15% in a day and peaking at $120 per barrel, amid fears it could rise further.Unsurprisingly, the financial markets responded with a bout of volatility. The VIX index—a gauge of investor fear—jumped from 19 to 25. Though jarring, Speaker A reminds us that these numbers pale compared to the shock during the COVID crisis when the VIX broke 80 (07:02). Recognizing this scale is the first step toward a measured response.Oil Prices and the Stock Market: It's ComplicatedMany assume a direct, simple link: oil prices soar, stocks tumble. While sometimes true in the short term, history tells a more nuanced story. The real variable is the duration of the oil shock, not the shock itself. In the 1973 Arab oil embargo, prices quadrupled, sustained for months, and the S&P 500 lost 37% in real terms, and recovery took six years.In the 1990 Gulf War, oil prices rose 75% in two months, but once the conflict was resolved, markets rebounded in just 28 days. In 2003, fears about Iraq pushed prices up, yet the S&P 500 delivered a 25% return the following year as disruptions were short-lived. In general, short, contained shocks resolve quickly with strong recoveries. Prolonged crises cause lasting damage.Building a Rock Solid PortfolioWithstanding economic storms starts with thoughtful preparation, and ideally, we want to create a “fortress portfolio”—not a flimsy wall, but a robust structure capable of weathering attacks. This involves deep diversification:U.S. small-cap and value stocksInternational and emerging marketsReal estate investment trustsShort-term and inflation-protected bondsDiversification means that even when panic causes correlations to rise temporarily, the portfolio is designed for resilience, not prediction. Selling during a crisis, by contrast, locks in losses and exposes investors to the impossible challenge of timing the market's rebound—a decision research shows most people get wrong.Lasting Wealth Is Built Through Hard TimesWar and oil shocks always ignite fear, but history and evidence are clear that those who stay disciplined, trust a well-built portfolio, and avoid emotional, short-term decisions are the ones who preserve and grow wealth. It isn't easy to hold the line, but it is the surest path to security and freedom for your family's future.Outline of This Episode[00:00] Retirement planning during uncertain times[01:09] Don't make emotional financial decisions[07:02] Understanding the VIX Index[08:57] The nuanced story of oil prices and your portfolio[14:08] Impact of oil on investments[18:13] Why timing the market is hard[23:26] Staying disciplined during volatilityResources MentionedVIX Volatility Products | Cboe Connect With Scott WellensSchedule a discovery call with ScottSend a message to ScottVisit Fortress Planning GroupConnect with Scott on LinkedInFollow Scott on TwitterFortress Planning Group on FacebookSubscribe to Best In WealthAudio Production and Show Notes byPODCAST FAST TRACKhttps://www.podcastfasttrack.comPodcast Disclaimer:The Best In Wealth Podcast is hosted by Scott Wellens. Scott Wellens is the principal at Fortress Planning Group. Fortress Planning Group is a registered investment advisory firm regulated by the US Securities and Exchange Commission in accordance and compliance with securities laws and regulations. Fortress Planning Group does not render or offer to render personalized investment or tax advice through the Best In Wealth Podcast. The information provided is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, tax, investment, or legal advice.
In this episode of Gulf War Side Effects, Kevin and Wade take a step back to answer the biggest questions from the community and explain what this podcast is truly about. We address common misconceptions, including whether guests are charged (they are not), how the show works, and why it exists, to give Gulf War veterans a voice and make sure their stories are never forgotten.This episode also dives into important topics like veteran support, mental health, lifestyle changes, and how small steps can improve your quality of life. From personal experiences to practical advice, this is a real and honest conversation about what veterans face every day.Get access to past and bonus content with exclusive guest. Please help support the podcast and veterans so we can keep making the show - patreon.com/GulfWarSideEffects
In this episode of Night Owls, John Ellis and Joe Klein sit down with retired Lieutenant General Michael Fenzel for a discussion about war, from Desert Storm to Afghanistan and Iraq to what we now call Gulf War 3. Fenzel's career in the military was shaped by war's evolution and its enduring unpredictability. The conversation addresses Iran's military calculus, the growing dominance of proxy warfare, and why today's battlefields extend from the Strait of Hormuz to outer space. Along the way, Fenzel offers candid assessments of leadership, fragile ceasefires, and the limits of diplomacy in an age of permanent tension. About war, he says, there is one central truth: the battle plan is the first casualty.Hosted by John Ellis and Joe KleinSanity Clause on SubstackNews Items on SubstackProduced by Dale Eisinger
On 29th January 1991, President George H.W. Bush addressed a joint session of Congress. America was at war with Iraq, having launched Operation Desert Storm to expel Saddam Hussein's forces from Kuwait. Bush's tone was sombre, measured—a contrast to the triumphalism of his State of the Union a year earlier, when he had spoken of communism crumbling and a new era for the world. Now he spoke of something grander: a "new world order.""What is at stake is more than one small country. It's a big idea: a new world order where diverse nations are drawn together in common cause to achieve the universal aspirations of mankind—peace and security, freedom and the rule of law."Drawing on Kristina Spohr's excellent book Postwall Post Square, we explore the context of that speech. The first Gulf War was a remarkable moment: a coalition of 28 countries from six continents, including traditional allies like Britain and Australia, prickly partners like France, and even Arab nations like Egypt, Syria, and Saudi Arabia. Most strikingly, the United States and the Soviet Union—despite Saddam being a long-time Moscow client—cooperated. Bush and Gorbachev had forged a personal accord, and the Cold War was over.But behind the grand rhetoric, the picture was more complex. Moscow's violent crackdown in Lithuania cast a shadow over the gleaming language of freedom. Bush struggled to balance his principled assertion of democratic values against his pragmatic need for Gorbachev's cooperation in the Gulf. And at home, America was sliding into recession. As Democratic Majority Leader George Mitchell pointedly reminded the president: "We have a crisis abroad, but we also have a crisis here at home."Bush invoked the lessons of history—the long struggle against Nazi totalitarianism—to justify American leadership. "We're the only nation on this earth that could assemble the forces of peace," he declared. "This is the burden of leadership and the strength that has made America the beacon of freedom in a searching world."Yet that liberal internationalist language—always a veneer for American imperialism—has now been eviscerated. Trump has abandoned any pretence of moral leadership. His decision to attack Iran, apparently taken after a chat with Netanyahu and against the advice of his own generals, has produced the greatest strategic disaster in American history, bar none. There is no exit strategy, no route to victory, no achievable objective.What Iran has done is fundamental. Unlike Vietnam or Afghanistan, where empires suffered humiliations but survived, America has been strategically and tactically defeated in the Persian Gulf. The petrodollar—propped up by American military power, bases, and security guarantees—is under threat. And once you show that American power is not all-conquering, it causes fragmentation in unprecedented ways.The distance from George H.W. Bush's "new world order" to Trump's chaotic adventurism is less than 40 years. Trump is not the cause of American decline; he is an accelerant to an ongoing process. The empire's days are numbered—and the world is about to become a much more dangerous place.Topics covered:George H.W. Bush's "new world order" speech (29th January 1991)The first Gulf War coalition and Soviet-American cooperationThe contrast between liberal internationalism and American imperialismDomestic recession and the limits of presidential powerMoscow's crackdown in Lithuania as a challenge to the new orderThe collapse of the Soviet Union and the end of historyTrump's Iran disaster and the absence of strategic thinkingThe petrodollar and the foundations of American hegemonyHow Iran has achieved a strategic defeat of the United StatesTrump as an accelerant, not the cause, of declineIf you enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting us. We're migrating from Patreon to Substack—more details soon.Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive ContentBecome a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory▸ Join the Community & Continue the ConversationFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcastSubstack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com▸ Read Articles & Go DeeperWebsite: explaininghistory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Salem's Lot: an update on the Gulf War. Topics include international commodity price pass-throughs to the US, the limits of energy independence, Gulf temperatures and their relevance to US military options, the proposed Iranian toll on the Strait of Hormuz, the cost per payload of asymmetric warfare and our commodity price tracker. Also: the history of Presidential firings of senior US military officers, and a US fossil fuel reliance fever dream. Watch the video
Send us Fan MailCancer isn't a solo fight—especially for veterans. But too many are still fighting it alone.In this episode, Marine Corps couples Joe and Jennifer Worthy, and Casey and Ashton Kroner, share the reality behind colon cancer, testicular cancer, remission, and the grind of chemo. This is the side of cancer you don't see—shock, denial, constant appointments, and the strain of trying not to lose your identity as husband and wife while cancer pushes you into patient and caregiver roles.We break down veteran cancer risks—burn pits, Gulf War exposure, Camp Lejeune water, asbestos—and why one question from a doctor, “Have you ever served?”, can change everything.If you're a veteran or caregiver navigating this alone, this conversation offers real steps: build support, advocate for your care, and get screened early.
Explosive new evidence is blowing the lid off America's election system. Patrick Byrne drops bombshell claims that voting machines were remotely accessed in 2020 through virtual backdoors that left zero trace. While 11 states plus D.C. now admit they have more registered voters than actual voting-age citizens. Tina Peters remains in prison for daring to preserve ballot images, as Colorado's largest county just walked away from the corrupt County Clerks Association and Matt Crane's influence. Fresh from Riverside County, California, the Sheriff is now personally counting 45,000 extra ballots after the Attorney General tried to block it with an emergency writ. This isn't theory, it's happening in real time, and the traitors at every level are panicking.Then we go inside the military's darkest secrets with a retired 30-year law enforcement officer, Gulf War Army Intelligence Analyst, and former Federal Air Marshal Matt Cubbler. For six years Matt has worked pro bono to prove his high-school classmate Navy SEAL Team FOUR Commander Job W. Price was murdered in Afghanistan in 2012, not a suicide as the Pentagon claimed. In 2024 he obtained forensic evidence that changed everything. Matt breaks down the breakthrough, the resistance he's facing from inside the system, and draws chilling parallels between the decision-making failures he saw in the Gulf War and today's escalating conflict with Iran. From rules of engagement to how deaths are classified, he exposes how political pressure and bureaucratic betrayal are putting American warriors at risk.Finally, we ask the question they don't want answered: What does “antisemitic” actually mean in 2025? Tucker Carlson grills Mike Huckabee on Israel's “right to exist,” Ben Shapiro and Bill Maher brand any criticism as racism, and Josh Hammer now accuses Tulsi Gabbard of running a “shadow operation.” We cut through the noise and show how the term has been turned into a weapon to silence America First voices. Hard-hitting, no-holds-barred, and unapologetically truthful this is the show they're afraid of.
We're tackling Sam Mendes' third feature this week, 2005's war adaptation Jarhead. The film followed Jake Gyllenhaal as Gulf War marine Anthony Swofford trapped in an existential wartime malaise. With a supporting cast that included recent Oscar winner Jamie Foxx and Peter Sarsgaard, expectations were sky high for the film before it received a muted critical … Continue reading "384 – Jarhead"
As always, Stigall doesn't tell you how to feel but he thinks its extremely important we're wide-eyed about the campaign within this country to tear a president and his team down in the middle of an incredibly consequential conflict. It's also very important to take stock in the enemy we face. Brad Brandon returns from Across Nigeria with a positively chilling account of the slaughter going on in northern Africa - which is, yes - funded by Iran as well. Lt. Col. Allen West served in both the Gulf War and Iraqi Freedom as well as advised Afghan military as a civilian and lays out why what President Trump is doing in Iran is nothing like the theaters in which he participated while in active duty. 24 hours ago, you'd likely never heard the name Joe Kent and now everyone in opposition to President Trump are acting like he's the most important voice in a generation because he resigned from the Trump administration yesterday. As usual , there's much more to the story and Stigall unpacks it. -For more info visit the official website: https://chrisstigall.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/chrisstigallshow/Twitter: https://twitter.com/ChrisStigallFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/chris.stigall/Listen on Spotify: https://tinyurl.com/StigallPodListen on Apple Podcasts: https://bit.ly/StigallShowSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Rod Bryant was once a Christian pastor with a thriving congregation of hundreds. Today, he teaches Torah to a global community of Noahides. In this conversation, Rod shares the remarkable journey that led him from growing up in a deeply devout Christian home in Louisiana to serving as a U.S. Army chaplain during the Gulf War, pastoring a large church, and ultimately leaving it all behind in pursuit of truth. What began as theological questions, especially about the nature of God, turned into a years-long search that led him to study Jewish texts, listen daily to Torah classes, and rethink everything he had once taught. Rod recounts the difficult moment when his search forced him to step away from the church he had built, sacrificing financial stability and reputation in order to follow where his study of Torah led him. Today he leads the Nativ Center, a community dedicated to teaching the Seven Noahide Laws and spreading universal ethical teachings rooted in the Torah. In this episode, he explains the Noahide path, the role of the Jewish people as a "light unto the nations," and why he believes the wisdom of the Torah offers a moral framework for the entire world. This episode was made possible thanks to our sponsors: ► PZ Deals Download the app and never pay full price again! https://app.pz.deals/install/mpp _________________ ► Colel Chabad Pushka App The easiest way to give Tzedaka https://pushkapp.cc/meaningful _________________ ► Givat Hashalva Givat Hashalvah is a new, vibrant, Torah-centered community rising in Givat Ze'ev, only 20 minutes from the heart of Yerushalayim. https://go.lyo.group/4rAkXCN _________________ ► Ness Vacation Homes EDEN GARDENS' LARGEST LUXURY HOME COLLECTION Handpicked, high-end homes available exclusively through Ness. OPTIONAL PROGRAM-LEVEL PESACH EXPERIENCE Upgrade your stay with a complete A–Z Pesach setup, including kitchen preparation, catered meals, and fully arranged details by Glatt Gourmet. https://nessvacationhomes.com/ _________________ ►Rothenberg Law Firm Personal Injury Law Firm For 50+ years! Reach out Today for Free Case Evaluation https://shorturl.at/JFKHH _________________ ► Town Appliance Visit the website or message them on WhatsApp https://www.townappliance.com https://bit.ly/Townappliance_whatsapp _________________ ► Pesach with Bordeaux Join us in Stamford, Connecticut for another spectacular, star-studded year This year, experience true relaxation, where every detail is taken care of. Rooms are filling quickly, don't wait! Mention Meaningful Minute for a special deal! Call/Text: 347-699-6120 www.pesachwithbordeaux.com Chat with us on WhatsApp! https://wa.me/13476996120
After a momentous week, our editors reflect on how uncertainty about the goals of the war in Iran will affect its course. Iran's retaliation has been fierce and wide ranging. How long can Gulf stocks of missile interceptors last? And our obituaries editor looks back at the life of Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei. Guests and host:Edward Carr, Economist deputy editor Josie Delap, Middle East editorShashank Joshi, defence editorAnn Wroe, obituaries editorRosie Blau, host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Iran, Donald Trump, third Gulf war, war goalsInterceptor missiles, military strategyAli Khamenei Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—Subscribe to Economist Podcasts+For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Meet my friends, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton! If you love Verdict, the Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show might also be in your audio wheelhouse. Politics, news analysis, and some pop culture and comedy thrown in too. Here’s a sample episode recapping four takeaways. Give the guys a listen and then follow and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Conflict Accelerates Tech Clay Travis and Buck Sexton discuss the geopolitical consequences of the ongoing conflict. They examine the paralysis of international shipping in the Strait of Hormuz, rising global oil prices, and how extended military engagement could impact U.S. domestic politics—especially with Democrats preparing to tie gas‑price volatility to Trump’s foreign‑policy strategy ahead of the 2026 midterms. They also discuss the administration’s unprecedented stance that President Trump intends to influence the selection of Iran’s next leader following the assassination of the Ayatollah, raising questions about regime change, constitutional monarchy possibilities, and whether Iran’s military factions might accept a U.S.-favored successor. The hosts then explore historical parallels, comparing modern drone‑ and intelligence-driven warfare to conflicts such as the Gulf War and the 2003 Iraq invasion, suggesting that advances in technology have made “boots on the ground” less essential. This leads to a broader conversation about whether internal Iranian opposition could rise up without military backing and why genuine regime change is impossible unless parts of Iran’s armed forces defect. Trump's Texas Tactics Clay and Buck analyze the fallout from the Texas primary and the growing expectation that President Trump will endorse a candidate in the Texas Senate race. They emphasize how critical the Texas seat is to preserving the GOP’s narrow Senate majority and outline the broader 2026 Senate landscape—highlighting difficult Republican battles in Maine and North Carolina, as well as opportunities in Georgia. The hosts examine how a Trump endorsement, whether for John Cornyn or Ken Paxton, signals a deliberate effort to maintain Senate control ahead of potential Supreme Court vacancies. A major portion of the hour is devoted to the explosive controversy surrounding Democratic candidate James Talarico, whose far‑left ideological positions, past tweets, and public comments have become a focal point of criticism. Clay and Buck dissect his rhetoric comparing himself to biblical figures, his claims about “white skin” being a societal contagion, and his promotion of Dr. Fauci memorabilia—framing Talarico as a deeply out‑of‑touch progressive misaligned with Texas voters. They compare him to figures like Jasmine Crockett and Beto O’Rourke, arguing that Democrats continue to misjudge which candidates appeal to mainstream Texans. They also break down the Republican strategic calculus, suggesting that Trump may back Cornyn to avoid draining resources needed for more competitive races across the country. Kristi Noem is Fired President Trump has fired DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, marking the first removal of a cabinet secretary in this administration. Clay and Buck react in real time as Fox News reports the termination and the appointment of Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma as the new acting head of the Department of Homeland Security. They recount the scandals that contributed to Noem’s downfall—including reports of inappropriate spending, allegations about personal relationships, and a controversial $200 million DHS ad campaign featuring her—describing widespread bipartisan dissatisfaction after her congressional hearing. The hosts speculate on what the leadership change means for border security, immigration policy, and future DHS operations. Nerding Out with Ryan Political data analyst Ryan Girdusky, host of It’s a Numbers Game, to break down the dramatic firing of DHS Secretary Kristi Noem, who was removed just minutes before stepping onstage at an event in Nashville. The hosts analyze President Trump’s official announcement elevating Senator Markwayne Mullin of Oklahoma to DHS Secretary, noting that Noem’s reassignment to “Special Envoy for the Shield of the Americas” signals a clear demotion. The hour digs into the controversies that precipitated her removal—especially the explosive $200 million DHS ad campaign featuring Noem, allegations that she misled Congress, and her attempt to shift blame to President Trump. Girdusky adds further context about long‑simmering internal frustrations over Noem’s self‑promotion, image‑driven leadership style, and political alliances, all of which contributed to her rapid downfall. The conversation then pivots to the 2026 Senate landscape, with a heavy focus on the Texas Senate race. Girdusky breaks down why the Trump team appears intent on securing Texas early, explaining that Republicans must lock down states like Texas, Ohio, Iowa, Alaska, and Montana to maintain Senate control. He critiques Ken Paxton’s underwhelming primary performance and praises John Cornyn’s unexpectedly strong showing, attributing it to disciplined campaigning. The hosts revisit the Democratic nominee James Talarico, highlighting the avalanche of far‑left statements and viral clips that portray him as deeply out of step with Texas voters—comments about abolishing prisons, describing “whiteness” as a moral failing, redefining Christianity through progressive ideology, and advocating extreme abortion policies. Clay, Buck, and Girdusky conclude that Talarico is even more radical than Jasmine Crockett, predicting he will crater in a statewide general election. They emphasize that Democrats are misreading Texas by nominating a candidate shaped by progressive online culture rather than real‑world Texas sensibilities. Make sure you never miss a second of the show by subscribing to the Clay Travis & Buck Sexton show podcast wherever you get your podcasts! ihr.fm/3InlkL8 For the latest updates from Clay and Buck: https://www.clayandbuck.com/ Connect with Clay Travis and Buck Sexton on Social Media: X - https://x.com/clayandbuck FB - https://www.facebook.com/ClayandBuck/ IG - https://www.instagram.com/clayandbuck/ YouTube - https://www.youtube.com/c/clayandbuck Rumble - https://rumble.com/c/ClayandBuck TikTok - https://www.tiktok.com/@clayandbuckYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.