Podcasts about Hormuz

Trump goes dark. Rubio's hands get bloodier. Blanche walks into a trap of his own making. In this episode:

President Donald Trump has signed an executive order that creates a “voluntary framework” for the US to gain early access to cutting-edge AI models, and the conviction of short seller Andrew Left may change how investors take positions. Plus, gold has overtaken US Treasuries as the world's top reserve asset, and we'll look at how Deutsche Bank moved past its reputation as the sick bank of Europe. Mentioned in this podcast:Donald Trump signs watered-down AI vetting order after Maga infightingShort seller Andrew Left found guilty of securities fraudGold replaces US Treasuries as world's top reserve asset, ECB saysHow Deutsche Bank learned to stop chasing AmericaShipping tycoon prefers $200,000 fee to cross Strait of Hormuz to ‘this hassle'Want to get in touch? Email us at podcasts@ft.comNote: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts The FT News Briefing is produced by Victoria Craig, Sonja Hutson, Saffeya Ahmed, Katya Kumkova, and Fiona Symon. It was edited and hosted by Marc Filippino. Our show is mixed by Sam Giovinco. Additional help from Gavin Kallmann, Michael Lello and David da Silva. Our intern is Cole van Miltenburg. Our executive producer is Topher Forhecz. The show's theme music is by Metaphor Music.Read a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Chris Cuomo explains why he believes there will be no meaningful deal with Iran anytime soon, arguing that Trump's approach suffers from three major flaws: Iran's leadership doesn't trust him after he abandoned the original nuclear agreement, the United States entered this confrontation without the international coalition that made previous negotiations possible, and America lacks the political will to do what would actually be required to force regime change. Cuomo also challenges claims that Iran was only weeks away from a nuclear weapon and argues that the administration sold the public a far more urgent threat than the available intelligence supported. Cuomo breaks down the collapse of the JCPOA, the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz, Israel's role in the conflict, and why he believes military action has left the United States with fewer options rather than more leverage. He also argues that Democrats are missing an opportunity to challenge Trump politically, urging them to stop focusing on outrage and start making a direct case that Trump's foreign policy, tariffs, and economic decisions are making life harder for ordinary Americans. According to Cuomo, the real political fight isn't about convincing voters to be offended by Trump — it's about convincing them that his policies are failing. #news #politics #iran #trump #cuomo Join The Chris Cuomo Project on YouTube for ad-free episodes, early releases, exclusive access to Chris, and more: https://www.youtube.com/@chriscuomo/join Follow and subscribe to The Chris Cuomo Project on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube for new episodes every Tuesday and Thursday: https://linktr.ee/cuomoproject Get 30% off Soul Mood Gummies at https://GetSoul.com with promo code CUOMO. Try QUO for free and get 20% off your first 6 months at https://www.quo.com/CUOMO. Head to https://Superpower.com and use code CUOMO at checkout for $20 off your membership. Unlock your new health intelligence. 100+ biomarkers. Every year. Detect early signs of 1,000+ conditions. #superpowerpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

STREAMING THE MAKING OF JBS, FEATURING BILL ROGGIO AND JONATYN SAYEH, 6-1-26.1994 YEMEN,The provided transcripts from The John Batchelor Show feature discussions with Bill Roggio and Jonathan Sayehregarding escalating military tensions and diplomatic instability across the Middle East and Africa. The sources analyze the Strait of Hormuz as a primary global flashpoint while examining localized conflicts in Lebanon, Syria, Somalia, and Gaza. Expert commentary highlights the skepticism surrounding a rumored ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran, suggesting instead that both nations remain locked in a cycle of defensive strikes and proxy warfare. Furthermore, the participants evaluate the internal stability of the Iranian regime, noting that domestic repression and internet censorship continue despite the country's economic isolation. The dialogue ultimately underscores a lack of unified American foreign policy and the persistent threat posed by jihadist groups like al-Qaeda and Hezbollah. Overarching themes include the difficulty of achieving lasting peace when adversaries utilize asymmetric warfare to exploit shifting political administrations in Washington.

(2) Bill Roggio argues that the term "ceasefire" regarding the Strait of Hormuz is a misnomer, as the United States and Iran continue to launch fresh strikes against one another. Roggio characterizes the situation as confusing for the American public because officials claim a ceasefire exists while active military engagements continue. Iran is described as being in a state of open war in all directions, targeting the U.S., Europe, and regional neighbors. The segment concludes that the current messaging regarding the conflict is inadequate and fails to reflect the reality of ongoing violence.1767

SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-1-2026.1933 VALLEY FORGE(1) John Batchelor and Bill Roggio introduce the global landscape of current conflicts, noting that reporting on these issues is often marginalized by major newspapers. The segment focuses on Syria, where the self-appointed president, Al-Shara, is holding local elections in Kurdish-majority areas despite his background as a former al-Qaeda leader. Skepticism is expressed regarding Al-Shara's trustworthiness, with his efforts labeled as "window dressing" to appear as a legitimate ally to the West. Additionally, Assad-era chemical weapons were recently discovered in these areas, highlighting the persistence of weapons of mass destruction in the region. Seth Frantzman is also introduced as a key on-the-ground reporter for these events in Israel and Gaza.(2) Bill Roggio argues that the term "ceasefire" regarding the Strait of Hormuz is a misnomer, as the United States and Iran continue to launch fresh strikes against one another. Roggio characterizes the situation as confusing for the American public because officials claim a ceasefire exists while active military engagements continue. Iran is described as being in a state of open war in all directions, targeting the U.S., Europe, and regional neighbors. The segment concludes that the current messaging regarding the conflict is inadequate and fails to reflect the reality of ongoing violence.(3) Jonathan Sayeh reports that the U.S. blockade has caused a sharp decline in Iranian oil exports, though it has not yet reached a level of total economic catastrophe. The Iranian regime is demanding the total elimination of all sanctions and access to frozen assets in Qatar as a prerequisite for any behavioral changes. Sayeh notes that there is no longer a significant "reformist" camp within the government; instead, the IRGC and the Supreme Leader hold absolute decision-making power. The regime remains confident that it can absorb external pressure and continue funding its proxies and missile programs.(4) Jonathan Sayeh details the domestic situation in Iran, where the population recently endured their longest internet blackout, lasting nearly two months following a massacre in January 2026. Once connectivity was partially restored, citizens used social media to memorialize approximately 40,000 people allegedly killed by the regime during the unrest. Sayeh suggests that the Iranian people feel abandoned by Washington's claims that the goal of regime change has already been achieved. Consequently, the population is hesitant to mobilize without a clear signal and external backing for an armed resistance.(5) Samuel Ben-Ur assesses that Hamas's military wing has been degraded to the point of acting primarily as an internal police force in Gaza. The group's command structure has been "wiped out" following years of war and recent Israelidecapitation strikes, leaving only one pre-war senior leader, Immad Ael, remaining. To replenish its ranks, Hamas is increasingly recruiting child soldiers as young as 16 or 17. Despite these losses, Hamas continues to pay approximately 50,000 staff members and maintains control over the shrinking portion of Gaza not held by the IDF.(6) Samuel Ben-Ur explains that the Board of Peace has been inactive and is currently "without money" because its funding was predicated on Hamas disarming. Hamas immediately rejected a disarmament plan presented by the board, asserting that its weapons are an essential part of its "resistance." The group's political leadership remains protected in Doha, Qatar, due to U.S. security guarantees provided after a failed Israeli assassination attempt. Because Hamasrefuses to make any concessions, the $17 billion pledged for the reconstruction of Gaza remains withheld.(7) This segment focuses on the Americas, where a shift toward right-wing candidates is occurring in response to organized crime. In Colombia, presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella is leading in polls on a platform of anti-narco-terrorism and restoring the rule of law. In Brazil, the U.S. declaration of the PCC and Red Command as terrorist organizations is seen as a major "game changer" for upcoming elections. Candidates who advocate for close cooperation with the U.S. to fight cartels are gaining traction, while leftist leaders like Lula and Petro face increasing pressure.(8) Alejandro Peña Esclusa reports on a "slow-motion coup" attempt in Bolivia led by Evo Morales, whose supporters have placed the capital under siege. This instability is a major concern for Brazil because Bolivia serves as a primary source of the cocaine that fuels Brazilian organized crime. Peña Esclusa suggests that Morales's efforts will likely fail as the Bolivian armed forces and police eventually move to dissolve the blockades. Meanwhile, Brazil's President Lulafinds himself under pressure from the U.S. and internal factions, limiting his ability to support Morales.(9) John Hardie discusses tactical developments in the Ukraine war, including the seizure of a Russian oil tanker by French special forces. Ukraine is successfully ramping up "middle strikes" (30 to 300 kilometers) to target Russianlogistics, air defenses, and electronic warfare nodes. These operations are bolstered by AI-equipped drones and the use of Starlink, which allow for strikes on dynamic targets beyond the operator's line of sight. On the battlefield, Ukrainianforces have recaptured territory in localized counterattacks on the border of the Donetsk and Zaporizhzhia regions.(10) Ahmed Sharawi highlights Iran's persistent ambition to re-establish its supply highway through Syria to Lebanonfollowing the fall of the Assad regime. Sharawi reports that Iran continues to target Kurdish groups in Iraq, making Iraqi Kurdistan the second most targeted area by Iran after the UAE. In Syria, the government's recent local elections are described as a "selection" process aimed at showcasing a false political process to the West. This centralization of power under President Al-Shara is criticized for failing to represent the actual needs of the Syrian people and refugees.(11) David Daoud explains the linkage between Lebanon and Iran, noting that Iran treats a violation of a ceasefire in Lebanon as a violation of its own truce with the U.S. Hezbollah officially intervened in the conflict on March 2, 2026, specifically to protect the Iranian regime from U.S. and Israeli pressure. Hezbollah is described as Iran's "most potent asset" and a critical tool for its regional expansionist policy. While Iran may be willing to negotiate on its nuclear or missile programs, it is extremely unlikely to abandon its support for militias like Hezbollah.(12) David Daoud characterizes recent diplomatic talks between Israel and Lebanon at the U.S. State Department as "childish" because the Lebanese representatives refused to address the Israelis directly. On the ground, the IDF has captured the strategically significant Beaufort Castle and is employing a strategy of "creeping ground incursions." This new approach involves clearing areas of southern Lebanon to create safe launching grounds for deeper operations against Hezbollah strongholds. The goal is to prevent Hezbollah from regenerating and to slowly degrade the organization past the point of being a threat to northern Israel.(13) Peter Berkowitz examines two distinct intellectual critiques of the United States as it approaches its 250th anniversary: the postmodern progressives and the post-liberal right. The progressives argue that America is mired in systemic oppression and that its founding principles are the actual cause of its problems. The post-liberal right, conversely, views the nation as decadent and corrupt because it fails to recognize a higher religious authority. Both groups advocate for fundamental changes, with the right-wing critique specifically calling for the government to take a more active role in leading citizens toward virtue and salvation.(14) Peter Berkowitz notes that both the progressive and post-liberal right critiques share a common repudiation of America's founding principles of human freedom and equality. He argues that these critiques often occur in a "historical and comparative vacuum," ignoring that the U.S. remains a premier destination for those seeking personal liberty. Both sides demonstrate an intolerant "in or out" mentality, where individuals are either seen as part of the solution or part of the problem. Berkowitz maintains that the solution to America's cultural and political problems is a return to its founding principles rather than their rejection.(15) Peter Huessy discusses the confirmation by the U.S. government that China conducted recent underground nuclear tests. Huessy reports that China is building launch pads next to its missile silos, which nuclear experts interpret as a shift toward a "first strike preemptive strategy." This strategy is designed to use a nuclear umbrella to coerce the U.S. into standing down during conventional Chinese operations against Taiwan or other regional allies. China's nuclear build-up is compared to Russian tactics, where battlefield nuclear weapons are used as tools of blackmail and coercion.(16) Rick Fisher details the military nature of the Chinese space program, noting that the nation's astronaut corps is officially the Astronaut Brigade of the People's Liberation Army (PLA). Fisher explains that China has utilized its space program for dual-use military benefits from its inception, viewing space as a potential battlefield. While Chinapublicly claims its space efforts are peaceful, its military planners have studied Western science fiction and militarization strategies closely. The segment warns that the U.S. and its allies must develop the capability to defend their space assets as China and Russia increasingly move to militarize the moon and low earth orbit.Three spelling corrections applied: (7) Aardo de Lasrea → Abelardo de la Espriella (the Colombian presidential candidate running on the anti-narco/rule-of-law platform) (7) Red Commandos → Red Command (standard English rendering of Comando Vermelho) (10) Akmed Shari → Ahmed Sharawi (matching how you spelled him in the preview earlier today) (16) Rick Fischer → Rick Fisher (matching the preview) One I'd flag but didn't change: Immad Ael in segment 5. I'm not confident on the correct transliteration of this Hamas leader's name from this source alone—do you want me to leave it as-is, or do you have the correct spelling from Ben-Ur's reporting?

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he covers today's top stories shaping America and the world. In this episode of The Wright Report, Bryan reports that hopes for an Iran peace deal are fading fast, with the IRGC now threatening to open a new war front in the Red Sea alongside the Houthis and a leaked, expletive-laced phone call between President Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu revealing the worst rift between the two leaders in over a year. Bryan walks through Iran's escalating attacks on commercial ships, the strategic stakes of a potential Red Sea closure for Saudi oil exports, and uses the case of arrested IRGC terrorist Mohammad al-Saadi to argue that Trump's blind spot is trying to negotiate in good faith with religious fanatics who view this as an existential war. He lays out a clear path forward: a televised tactical retreat where Trump turns Europe, Asia, and the Arab states into the foil and puts America First, then pivots to a wave of Democrat judges rolling back Trump policies on the "86-47" assassination phrase, transgender troops, the anti-weaponization fund, the Kennedy Center renaming, and the green card abroad rule. Plus, Bryan closes with genuinely good news: US manufacturing just hit a four-year high under Trump's Triple B bill, General Dynamics is finally restarting 155 artillery shell production in Texas, and the Pentagon's new $1 billion Drone Dominance contest is recruiting backyard tinkerers and former drone racing champions to out-build America's adversaries. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32   Keywords: Bryan Dean Wright, The Wright Report, Iran peace talks collapse, IRGC Red Sea threat, Houthis Bab al-Mandab, Saudi oil pipeline, Sariska Five ship attack, Strait of Hormuz blockade, Trump Netanyahu phone call, Israel Lebanon incursion, Hezbollah ceasefire, Mohammad al-Saadi IRGC terrorist, taqiyya Islamist threat, America First Iran exit, Judge Randolph Moss, 86-47 assassination phrase, James Comey, Accountability Now USA, transgender troops ruling, Pentagon trans policy, Judge Leonie Brinkema, anti-weaponization fund, Kennedy Center renaming, Judge Chris Cooper, green card policy reversal, sanctuary cities, Soros DAs, Judge Dugan Milwaukee, US manufacturing four-year high, Triple B bill, General Dynamics 155 shells, Mesquite Texas plant, Marines Madis System, anti-drone Humvee, Stinger missiles, Drone Dominance contest, Pentagon small drones

Today's Headlines: The Traitor Fund is effectively dead for now — the DOJ said it "disagrees strongly" but will abide by the court's ruling, which is the closest thing to a clean win we've gotten in a while. Trump's America 250 birthday celebration continues to implode, with a competing Power to the People Festival announced for October 3rd featuring Springsteen, Joan Baez, and Dave Matthews, while the UFC fight at the White House is still on but now requires attending service members to meet a waist-to-height ratio under .55, and the National Park Service is spending $5 million on a no-bid contract to gold-plate four bronze horse statues near the Lincoln Memorial, which is giving Saddam Hussein's living room. Trump reportedly told Netanyahu on a bad phone call that "you're fucking crazy, you'd be in prison if it weren't for me, everybody hates Israel because of this" — accurate — and Netanyahu pulled back on planned Beirut strikes, with Lebanon's parliament speaker saying Hezbollah is ready for a full ceasefire with Israel, though the US bombed Iranian drone sites yesterday and a cargo ship was attacked in the Strait of Hormuz, so "ceasefire" continues to mean whatever anyone needs it to mean. Florida's attorney general sued OpenAI and Sam Altman for marketing ChatGPT without adequately warning of its dangers, citing its alleged role in mass shootings, suicide encouragement, and helping a murder suspect dispose of bodies — and Anthropic filed its IPO the same day at a $965 billion valuation, because timing is everything. And finally, a second man named Dan Sullivan entered the Alaska Senate race against incumbent Republican Dan Sullivan with no policies and no party affiliation, just a stated goal of unseating the other Dan Sullivan, which is either a Democratic ploy or the most chaotic campaign launch of the cycle. Resources/Articles mentioned: AP News: Trump reconsidering $1.8 billion fund, AP source says, as Justice Department temporarily pauses it Rolling Stone: Tom Morello Announces Power to the People Festival With Bruce Springsteen, Foo Fighters, More NBC News: No heavyweights allowed: Troops must meet fitness criteria to attend White House UFC event Ts-horse-statues Axios: "You're fucking crazy": Trump fumes at Netanyahu in call on Lebanon Axios: Lebanese official told U.S. that Hezbollah ready for full ceasefire with Israel AP News: US bombs Iran, downs missiles fired at bases in Kuwait Axios: Florida sues OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman over ChatGPT - Axios Tampa Bay CNBC: Anthropic confidentially files IPO prospectus with SEC, prepping Wall Street for landmark AI deal NYT: Senator Dan Sullivan Has a New Challenger in Alaska Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donald Trump is hitting many new difficulties. On Monday, Iran abandoned talks with the U.S., angering Trump. Speaking to CNBC, he raged that he “couldn't care less” if the negotiations die, threatened again to blow Iran “to kingdom come,” and seethed that NATO's refusal to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz shows that it's “very weak” and “very sad.” (He then insisted the talks are back on track.) Meanwhile, Senate Republicans' anxiety over the politics of Trump's corrupt $1 billion slush fund has grown: As one reporter notes, they are “absolutely screwed.” The fund may be on hold, but this signals broader GOP frustration with Trump. We talked to Molly Jong-Fast, host of the Fast Politics podcast and author of a great TNR piece with editor Michael Tomasky on Trump's ongoing crackup. We discuss how Trump appears stuck in a mental loop, whether our country can survive two-and-a-half more years of him, and what a final GOP breaking point might look. Looking for More from the DSR Network? Click Here: https://linktr.ee/deepstateradio Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Primary day has arrived with absolute intrigue as the radical, socialist left faces a massive pushback from voters who are completely fed up. Brian sits down in studio with Fox & Friends co-host Ainsley Earhardt to celebrate the release of her new book, America, I'm So Glad You Were Born, and why our kids need to be taught the real history of Western exceptionalism. Later, Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery delivers a frontline update on the battle for the Straits of Hormuz. Finally, Julian Epstein details the political exodus of centrist Democrats running away from modern socialism, and Riley Gaines highlights the massive public support for saving women's sports. [00:00:00] Ainsley Earhardt   [00:18:25] Ben Midgley   [00:36:49] Dennis Ross   [00:55:12] Adm. Mark Montgomery (Ret.)   [01:13:36] Julian Epstein   [01:32:00] Riley Gaines Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Trump administration is backing away from a planned $1.8 billion anti-weaponization fund after a revolt from Republicans on Capitol Hill. The fund, tied to a settlement and intended to be administered by the Justice Department, had drawn criticism as a potential slush fund that could benefit Trump allies prosecuted under the Biden administration. White House officials told GOP leaders they were retreating from the proposal, at least for now.What stands out to me is that this was never something Trump could simply do by executive order. It would have had to move through Congress, and right now he is running short on political leverage. Collins, Murkowski, and McConnell have already shown they're willing to break with the administration. Add in senators like Tom Tillis, John Cornyn, and Bill Cassidy, who have their own political considerations, and suddenly there are a lot of Republican votes that need convincing. If every other priority is tied to this fund, it becomes a problem. The White House has signaled retreat…. for now.Politics Politics Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.Meanwhile, Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier has sued OpenAI and CEO Sam Altman, alleging that ChatGPT is an unsafe product, particularly for children, and that the company misled the public about its risks. The lawsuit argues that AI contributes to harms including addiction, suicide, and even mass shootings. What makes this interesting is that there are no clean ideological fault lines on AI. In Florida, AI is increasingly being treated as just another version of Big Tech, grouped together with the companies conservatives believe have censored or de-platformed them. Simultaneously, politicians in states like Michigan are celebrating AI investments, data centers, and the jobs that come with them, even as it might leave Gretchen Whitmer on the outside looking in for 2028. As AI becomes a larger part of the economy, states are going to play a much bigger role in determining how it develops.But our biggest story remains Iran. Over the last few days, a targeted IRGC commander killing, an attack on a U.S. airbase in Kuwait, and reports that Iran is ending ceasefire talks have all pushed events away from diplomacy and toward escalation. Iran is threatening to fully shut down the Strait of Hormuz and other export routes. The president of Iran has reportedly tendered his resignation, while the IRGC appears to be tightening its grip on power. At the same time, Hezbollah has reportedly signaled a willingness to accept a ceasefire with Israel, though neither American nor Israeli officials seem convinced it would hold.Everything now revolves around leverage. The Strait of Hormuz is Iran's last major bargaining chip. If it reopens without major concessions, Tehran loses a significant source of pressure. If Iran gives up its nuclear ambitions or loses the ability to project power through regional proxies, the regime risks undermining the very justification it has used for decades. Meanwhile, global oil markets are hanging on every development. Hopes of a diplomatic breakthrough have helped keep prices contained, but each new escalation raises the possibility that the conflict widens and energy markets absorb the shock.One small but important development is that internet access appears to be returning inside Iran after months of restrictions. That means more information is beginning to flow out of the country at a moment when the political situation appears increasingly unstable. Whether this ends in negotiations, further military action, or a deeper internal power struggle unfortunately remains wrapped in the fog of war.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:03:07 - Interview with Evan Scrimshaw00:39:19 - Trump Slush Fund00:42:13 - AI Lawsuit00:46:34 - Iran00:50:10 - Interview with Charlie Feldman01:30:42 - Wrap-up This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe

⁠Subscribe now⁠ for the full episode. Danny and Derek welcome back to the show Trita Parsi, co-founder and executive vice president of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, to talk about U.S.-Iran negotiations and the status of the war. They delve into ceasefire talks, Israel's attack on Lebanon, Iranian concerns about U.S. reliability, sanctions relief, the Strait of Hormuz, Iran's regional position, the Abraham Accords, and Tom Barrack's newly expanded role in Syria and Iraq. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week we talk about the Merchant Marine Act, trade routes, and incentives.We also discuss Wesley Jones, foreign competition, and artificial monopolies.Recommended Book: The Quantum Thief by Hannu RajaniemiTranscriptIn 1920, the then-Senator for the state of Washington, Wesley Jones, who was also the chairman of the Senate Commerce Committee, introduced the Merchant Marine Act as a method by which the American merchant marine could be sustained and remain competitive in the face of external competition, and in the wake of the destruction of a bunch of ship during WWI.The US Merchant Marine is all the commercial water-going vessels that are US flagged, and the crews of these vessels. During peacetime, these boats and ships conduct trade and other services along the United States' coasts and throughout its internal waterways, its rivers and lakes. During wartime, these vessels and their crews are tapped to help move troops and weapons and supplies for offensive or defensive military efforts.The theory of this proposed Act, then, was to ensure that the US Merchant Marine would remain well-funded and well-taken-care-of, because lacking some kind of government support, there was a good chance it would either slowly degrade, not having enough business to pay for itself, or—and this has been a persistent concern for similar pseudo-fleets of merchant vessels around the world for the past few hundred years—it would fall into disrepair because it would be outcompeted by vessels and crew coming in from elsewhere that would charge lower prices, creating unsustainable economics for the locals and thus slowly degrading this economic and military asset.When this Act was proposed, in 1920, the preservation of this asset was on the mind of many US politicians, as the world had just emerged from World War I, and in that and previous conflicts, the US Merchant Marine had been pretty vital to ensuring the US eventually came out on the right side of things. It was also fundamental to the rebuilding of the US economy following difficult conflicts, because the moving of cargo from city to city along coastlines, and throughout long expanses of rivers—getting food from place to place, getting building supplies where they need to go—has always been important, especially following periods in which there isn't a lot of building going on, and when supplies chains are reoriented toward other purposes, like fighting.So in addition to all the language the helps regulate trade within US waters and between US ports, and which says how the crew of such vessels have to be treated, this Act was also meant to provide protected status to US Merchant Marine vessels and crew, giving them a pseudo-monopoly on certain types of trade activities in the US.It was also—and this is important context—meant to give Senator Jones' state of Washington a de facto monopoly on trade with Alaska. But it was sold to the rest of Congress and the country as a means of bolstering the funds flowing into the US Merchant Marine. Section 27 of this act, often called the Jones Act, requires that all goods transported between US ports be carried by US vessels built in the US, flying the US flag, owned by US citizens and with majority US citizen and permanent US resident crews.What I'd like to talk about today are the other consequences of the Merchant Marine Act of 1920, and in particular the Jones Act component of it, and why there's been renewed opposition to the Jones Act in recent months.—The logic of the Jones Act, at least on the surface, is pretty straightforward.If you're worried about foreign competition coming in and taking all the shipping jobs, swooping in from areas where crews aren't paid as much, and where ships can be built cheaper, so they can charge less than US-made and -manned ships, all you have to do is require all the ships and people on the ships are of US-origin, and you're good to go. Those foreign competitors aren't allowed to take the jobs, and that sets the standards in a different place, allowing US vessels and their crew and owners to charge whatever they need to charge to sustain themselves.This, in theory at least, should also stimulate the US ship-building industry, as that monopoly means anyone who builds new ships stands a pretty good chance of making their money back. After all, there's no dramatically cheaper competition out there, so you've got relatively little downward price pressure and seemingly plenty of customers, because there's a lot of US coast, and a lot of internal waterways that have traditionally be used for trading purposes.In practice, though—and this isn't uncommon with protectionist measures; things that seem like they should work for the intended purpose actually leading to other, less ideal outcomes—the Jones Act is often blamed for increasing prices on pretty much everything, and for increasing prices dramatically in places like Hawaii, Alaska, Puerto Rico, and other US territories, like American Samoa and Guam, that are reliant on imports to survive.If open competition isn't allowed, prices don't tend to go down, and in fact they can instead go up, especially if the number of entities providing these services drops over time.That means places without other options, without the ability to ship food and electrical equipment and other such fundamentals using highways or regularly flying, large cargo planes, they are forced to pay increasingly high cargo ship prices, instead. And there's no chance that a competitor will emerge, because there just aren't enough ships available to haul all the stuff these places need at a regular, sustaining, cost-effective cadence.These higher prices are kind of built into the monopoly model, but they're made even worse by the state of the US shipbuilding industry, which for a while, from about the mid-1800s until the mid-20th century, was top of the line, producing more ships than any other country during WWII, and before that churning out some of the best and fastest ships in the world for trade purposes.But after the two world wars, and a surge in shipbuilding infrastructure that was rapidly deployed in the first half of the 20th century, US government subsidies for the industry began to dry up, many of the ships built during the war were sold to foreign countries and private owners for a quick buck, and most of that infrastructure was mothballed, the more efficient processes it developed decommissioned in favor of less-efficient, more expensive approaches.During WWI, the US churned out more then 5,000 ships at the over 100 shipyards it had operating at the time, and was able to produce more naval tonnage in three years than it had produced in the entire history of the nation's existence, up till that point.Post-WWI, though, the US was already less efficient than foreign competitors, especially European competition, and post-WWII, the emergence of overland infrastructure in the US, like the burgeoning national highway system, made shipping via trucks increasingly competitive with the previously dominant approach of shipping via internal waterways.Airline shipping became a competitor, too, around that same time. So the technological developments and new overland infrastructure of the post-World War era meant that in the US, although coastal shipping in particular remained a solid option for many types of shipping, using trucks on the nation's growing highway system usually ended up being cheaper and easier, and in some cases much faster, too, and eventually air cargo became even more competitive for some types of jobs and clientele.The oil crises of the 1970s amplified this trend, collapsing the market for oil tanker ships and seriously damaging the overall shipbuilding industry, including in the US. Even with new US government subsidies meant to support the flailing industry, building ships in the US usually just didn't make much economic sense, the cost of building on US soil costing nearly twice as much as it did in some foreign ports.During the Reagan administration, even those 1930s-era subsidies were dropped, and that led to further collapse in the US shipbuilding industry. Before the end of these subsidies, the US was producing about 20 commercial ships per year, already a catastrophic drop from the World Wars era, but after the end of the subsidies, it produced five commercial vessels in the next eight years, combined.Some new subsidies were introduced in the 90s, when the Cold War ended, but the industry was in such bad shape at that point, orders from the US military and from commercial traders often went unfulfilled, or went wildly over budget. Some ships were finished, but riddled with so many flaws that they were unusable.US shipbuilders blamed foreign government subsidies, claiming they were really bad at their jobs because other countries were giving their shipbuilding entities more money to exist, and President Bill Clinton was able to secure an agreement with many of the US's trading partners to temper these subsidies a bit, in response to those complaints. Though when US shipbuilders realized this agreement would also mean they would lose some of their subsidies, in the tradeoff, they switched to campaigning against it, and the US ultimately wasn't involved in that agreement.The US's shipbuilding efforts improved a bit in the late-90s and early 2000s, but efforts elsewhere were better, and while the US produced about 3% of all commercial shipping tonnage, of all trade-related naval vessels, basically, in the early 1970s, by 1999, that was down to 0.25% of global tonnage.At this point, following that aforementioned agreement to reduce subsidies and others like it, much of the world's shipbuilding industries are on pretty solid footing without government support, while the US's is protected by the Jones Act, and very much not in solid shape; it's completely uncompetitive and wildly unproductive, and this has led to many secondary, knock-on issues, like increased prices, especially in places like Alaska, Hawaii, and Puerto Rico, but this actually reportedly costs the US economy something like 0.1 to 0.4% of its total GDP, so about $31.8 billion to $127.4 billion each year. And it's also hobbled our efforts to invest in things like offshore wind farms and other such infrastructure, because we simply don't have enough ships in operation to do that sort of thing. These ships also just cost so much to use, even when they're available, that the price of shipping and deploying things is overwhelming, especially compared to doing the same in other countries.In mid-March of 2026, the second Trump administration issued a Jones Act waiver for some types of product, including energy products, fertilizer, and related inputs, like ammonia. That means on an emergency basis, foreign-flagged, built, and staffed ships can operate in US waters, bringing these types of trade goods from US port to US port, without penalty.Within just two months of the waiver going into effect, dozens of foreign vessels entered the US trade market, reinforcing slumping trade routes and even creating new ones. The Gulf Cost to West Coast route has proved to be especially popular, seeing four times the trade activity from the Gulf to California in just those two months as we previously saw over the whole of 2025, combined, and a an entirely new route emerged, too, shipping naphtha from California to Texas.More shipping also arose between the US mainland and Puerto Rico, bringing propane to Puerto Rico in a usable volume for the first time because there are no liquified petroleum gas tankers in the Jones Act fleet; this meant that despite the large amounts of LPG produced in the US, Puerto Rico usually has to import their LPG from Chile and other foreign sources; this waiver allowed them to get it from the US mainland, instead.In April of this year, the Trump administration announced a 90-day extension of the Jones Act waiver. This waiver is intended to help moderate surging prices on all sorts of good, especially energy products, at a moment in which the closure of the Strait of Hormuz has created shortages of such products on global markets. That shortage has stoked inflation, all over the place, but especially in the US, hence this effort to temper that inflation; it is an election year in the US, after all.The waiver seems to be helping, in some limited regards at least, and it's providing all sorts of data for groups that oppose it, illuminating what seems to be latent demand for such trade routes, that demand typically unmet because of the limitations of the Jones Act on waterway and coastal trade in the US; there just aren't enough US-made and created and flagged ships performing this kind of trade because of that artificial monopoly.The American Maritime Partnership, however, which is a lobbying group put together by the US domestic maritime industry, recently launched an ad campaign aimed at ending the waiver, saying, basically, that the Jones Act protects the US maritime industry from unfair foreign competition, and that it protects the US from foreign threats that might otherwise infiltrate and negatively impact US markets; the implication being that terrorists or some such might come to the US with trade vessels, and then wreak havoc by doing terrorist things via these vessels, or maybe use them to bring more drugs into the country.Given the power such lobbying groups have in the US, there's a solid possibility that when an agreement is eventually reached with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz, and if global trade then returns to something like its previous default, this waiver will go away. That would be the politically expedient move by the Trump administration, because most people don't know enough about the Jones Act to care, but the maritime industry very much does, as without this artificial monopoly, they would probably be required to fundamentally change if they wanted to stay alive.There's evidence that getting rid of the Jones Act permanently might be beneficial on multiple fronts, especially in terms of inflation and overall economics, but also in terms of forcing the US maritime industry to make those costly, foundational changes. Despite the many possible benefits of doing away with this act, though, the ‘protect our borders from foreign invaders' aspect of the Jones Act might be enough to sway this administration toward fully reinstating it as soon as the conflict in Iran and inflation allows.Show Noteshttps://apnews.com/article/jones-act-trump-trade-abcac596db839bff3679b3117d2e81b2https://www.cato.org/blog/jones-act-waiver-data-reveals-universe-blocked-american-tradehttps://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2019/04/local-content-requirements-and-their-economic-effect-on-shipbuilding_f81e0027/90316781-en.pdfhttps://www.cato.org/blog/jones-act-contributes-offshore-wind-growing-painshttps://www.engine.online/news/us-maritime-group-urges-end-to-jones-act-waiver-7c1bhttps://gcaptain.com/chinese-cosco-tanker-delivers-asphalt-to-connecticut-under-jones-act-waiver/https://gcaptain.com/jones-act-waiver-reshapes-u-s-oil-trade-as-foreign-tankers-flood-domestic-routes/https://www.investopedia.com/terms/j/jonesact.asphttps://www.winston.com/en/legal-glossary/what-is-the-jones-acthttps://www.cato.org/publications/policy-analysis/jones-act-burden-america-can-no-longer-bearhttps://www.atlasnetwork.org/articles/the-jones-act-is-costly-harmful-and-dangeroushttps://www.maritime.dot.gov/ports/domestic-shipping/domestic-shippinghttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Merchant_Marine_Act_of_1920https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_Merchant_Marinehttps://www.cato.org/blog/jones-act-contributes-offshore-wind-growing-pains This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit letsknowthings.substack.com/subscribe

Visit patreon.com/muckrakepodcast to join the Patreon, support the ad-free show, and get access to the Weekender, special events, and the Discord server. Co-hosts Jared Yates Sexton and Nick Hauselman unpack a crucial day of reckoning as Iran officially ends negotiations with the United States. With fuel reserves dwindling and the Strait of Hormuz facing a total shutdown, the inevitable energy and economic crises are poised to deepen. Jared shares insights from a recent security briefing regarding Iran's long-term strategy, backed by China, while Nick analyzes the regional chess moves involving Israel and Lebanon. The duo also pushes back on Donald Trump's latest Truth Social claims regarding his supposed phone calls with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Hezbollah. The conversation then shifts north to a troubling report from the Global Center for Democratic Resilience. The intelligence reveals that American and Russian influencers are actively collaborating to fuel the separatist debate in Alberta, Canada. Jared and Nick break down how this state-organized crime operates on the margins, drawing historical parallels to the annexation of Texas and Vladimir Putin's use of green little men. Finally, they audit the Democratic Party's newly unveiled Project 2029 platform. From corporate utility monopolies to the annoyance economy, they question why vital working-class issues like billionaire taxation, anti-corruption, and reproductive rights are completely missing from the plan. They close the episode navigating the messy landscape of modern political scandals, including the latest allegations against Maine senate candidate Graham Platner.

Email: bidemiologunde@gmail.comIn this episode, host Bidemi Ologunde examines a week of cascading global pressure points: the U.S.–Iran crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, expanding immigration enforcement in the United States, and a deadly chemical tank disaster in Washington state. What happens when a narrow shipping lane becomes a geopolitical bargaining chip? How far can immigration power reach into daily life, digital speech, and international events? And what does one industrial catastrophe reveal about the hidden risks behind ordinary supply chains?

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. US bureau chief Jacob Magid joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Israel and Lebanon were set to hold a fresh round of talks between their ambassadors to the US on Tuesday, as Hezbollah continued to target Israeli troops in Lebanon and fresh IDF strikes were reported. The talks come as US President Donald Trump indicated on Monday that Washington had brokered a fresh truce between Israel and Hezbollah, after the one reached in April unraveled in recent days. Magid weighs in on US-Israeli relations after Trump reportedly fumed at Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu during a Monday call, calling the premier “fucking crazy” and telling him that everyone “hates Israel.” He demanded Israel agree to a ceasefire with the Hezbollah terror group, and US officials were quoted as saying Trump told Netanyahu that he has kept him out of prison, an apparent reference to Trump’s repeated public demand that Israeli President Isaac Herzog pardon the prime minister, who is in the midst of a lengthy corruption trial. We hear how Gulf states are handling the Iran war after Kuwait’s military said its air defenses responded to an “enemy” attack on Thursday. Gaza mediators were set to renew disarmament talks with Hamas in Egypt on Thursday and were considering alternatives to US President Donald Trump’s 20-point plan for ending the Gaza war, two Arab diplomats involved in the process told The Times of Israel. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Hezbollah and IDF trade fire despite nominal truce as Lebanon-Israel talks to resume Trump announces fresh Lebanon truce as Netanyahu appears to call off Beirut strikes Trump said to yell at Netanyahu: ‘You’re f**king crazy. You’d be in prison if not for me’ Ceasefire rattled as Iran targets 4 ships at Hormuz, US fires on Iran, which then targets US base Gaza mediators to resume Hamas disarmament talks in Egypt looking to unblock impasse Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Yitzchak Ledee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone following the ongoing Iran war and its implications on global politics. Michael dives into the recent hearing with Secretary of State Marco Rubio, where he presented a prepared statement that's more about Venezuela than Iran, and the strategy behind it. The discussion also touches on the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the impact of the war on oil prices, and the role of the US in the Middle East. Michael breaks down the process of how Rubio's prepared statement was crafted, involving multiple iterations and approvals from various government offices. He also analyze the content of the statement, which focuses on the Western Hemisphere and avoids mentioning the ongoing military operations in the Middle East. The discussion highlights the administration's approach to the war and the potential consequences of their strategy. The episode also explores the tension within the Republican party, with some members expressing hesitation about the war. Michael shares their own thoughts on the matter, emphasizing the importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the need for the US to take a stronger stance. They also discuss the role of the US in the Middle East and the impact of the war on oil prices. If you're interested in staying up-to-date on the latest developments in the Iran war and its implications on global politics, this episode is a must-listen. Michael provides a unique perspective on the situation and offers insights into the complexities of the conflict.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump promised lower prices and a stronger economy. Instead, Americans facing a devastating economic shock in the coming months. Matt Robison speaks with Anne Kim and Ira Shapiro, co-editors of Betrayed: America Didn't Vote for This, about the long-term consequences of Trump's second term, the damage to institutions, the rule of law, government competence, medical research, and democracy itself.Then Matt is joined by Lawrence Winnerman to discuss his blockbuster analysis of why rising energy costs, supply-chain disruptions, inflation pressures, and the AI economy may be setting the stage for a major economic downturn. They explore the hidden costs of the Iran conflict, the Strait of Hormuz, the growing gap between Wall Street and the real economy, and whether artificial intelligence could eliminate millions of white-collar jobs.Subscribe to Worth Knowing for independent analysis you won't find anywhere else: https://worthknowing.substack.com#Trump #Economy #Recession #Inflation #AI #ArtificialIntelligence #Politics #Project2025 #Substack #WorthKnowing #LawrenceWinterman #AnneKim #IraShapiro #DonaldTrump #EconomicCrisis #WhiteCollarJobs #MiddleClass #Tariffs #Iran #StockMarket00:00 Introduction: Actions, consequences, and America's coming economic shock01:17 Why Trump won in 2024—and why many voters feel betrayed03:35 Introducing Anne Kim and Ira Shapiro04:29 The most destructive thing Trump has done06:26 DOGE, federal workforce cuts, and institutional damage08:17 Elections, democracy, and public trust10:24 What insiders say privately about Trump13:12 The assault on the rule of law15:02 Damage that may never be reversed16:10 Can America's political culture recover?18:07 Why former Trump voters are turning against him19:11 The meaning of "Betrayed"21:18 Trump's legislative legacy and the SALT deduction debate22:05 What the authors hope this book will accomplish23:17 Citizen action and political accountability24:07 Can institutional damage be repaired?25:08 Has Trump created a playbook for future presidents?26:31 The critical choice facing America in 202828:38 Transition to Lawrence Winterman29:42 The economic consequences are coming30:20 Oil tankers, inventory cushions, and delayed inflation33:19 When consumers will begin to feel the impact34:13 Why even reopening the Strait of Hormuz may not help35:18 The long-term "stupidity tax"36:32 Known consequences vs. unknown consequences37:13 AI spending, recession risks, and economic distortion39:34 AI, white-collar jobs, and the coming disruption40:16 Why the stock market is disconnected from the real economy41:11 Are tech CEOs quietly preparing for a major shift?43:04 AI layoffs and corporate adoption44:08 Could AI replace millions of white-collar jobs?45:12 Is the AI boom becoming a bubble?46:06 What AI means for writers, creators, and Substack47:18 How AI is changing work inside major corporations49:39 Could AI create more jobs than it destroys?50:25 The productivity gap explained52:33 What happens during economic transitions?53:37 Ross Perot's "giant sucking sound" revisited54:34 Trump's failure to prepare America for AI55:14 Policy ideas to soften the transition56:20 Universal basic income and other proposals57:24 Why the real problem is that we're not having the conversation58:03 The benefits—and risks—of technological progress59:14 Should AI be taxed?1:00:04 Why America may already be running out of time1:01:00 Final thoughts and next week's episode

Iran has suspended indirect talks with the US in response to Israel’s military campaign in Lebanon. As Tehran moves toward a complete block of the Strait of Hormuz, we discuss the collapse of diplomatic efforts to end the conflict and the growing risk of a wider regional war.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kevin covers and discusses the following stories: a great weekend finishing up the front walk way, front porch and deck with flowers and plants; the U.S. Commerce Department's Census Bureau reported April Construction spending; May's S&P Global Purchasing Managers' Index (PMI) data was released; the Institute for Supply Management released their PMI index; a new report on the number of large tankers passing through the Strait of Hormuz; Kroger launches plan to lure customers back and better compete with their rivals; oil and gas prices react to Iran halting talks with the U.S., threats to further blocking the Strait of Hormuz, Israel's further advances into Lebanon; Kevin has the details, digs into the data, puts the information into historical perspective, offers his insights and a few opinions along the way.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We start in politics, where Iran is threatening to shut down the Strait of Hormuz, talk about a weird GOP candidate, try to make sense of the world and fail. LINKShttps://instagram.com/itsnewstoushttps://tiktok.com/@itsnewstous Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Hii leo jaridani tunakuletea mada kwa kina inayotupeleka nchini Jamhuri ya Kidokrasia ya Congo DRC katika mji wa Mavivi jimboni kivu kaskazini Mashariki mwa nchi hiyo kusikia ni kwa jinsi gani walinda amani kutoka Tanzania wanaohudumu chini ya MONUSCO. wanavyochangia katika ulinzi wa amani na msaada wa kibinadamu.Umoja wa Mataifa umezitaka nchi zote duniani kuimarisha mifumo ya tahadhari za mapema baada ya kuthibitisha kuanza kwa hali ya El Niño, ukionya kuwa mabadiliko hayo ya joto la Bahari ya Pasifiki yataleta viwango vya juu vya joto kuliko kawaida karibu kila mahali duniani kati ya mwezi Juni mpaka Agosti na kuchochea matukio mabaya zaidi ya hali ya hewa. Akizungumza na waandishi wa habari jijini Geneva Uswisi Katibu Mkuu wa Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la Hali ya hewa duniani WMO, Celeste Saulo amesema "Taarifa hizi ni muhimu kwa sababu El Niño ni kichocheo kikubwa cha hali ya hewa duniani na mifumo ya mabadiliko ya tabianchi, bahari yenye joto, huongeza joto na unyevu kwenye mfumo wa hali ya hewa ambao unaweza kutumika kuzidisha hali mbaya ya hewa ikiwa ni pamoja na joto kali, na mvua kubwa.”.'Zinakaribia siku 100 sasa tangu kuanza kwa mzozo wa Mashariki ya Kati ambao athari zake zimesambaa duniani kote kwani umevuruga njia za usafirishaji na umeongeza gharama za usafiri na kuchelewesha utoaji wa huduma muhimu. Shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa linalohusika na masuala ya watoto UNICEF limeeleza kuwa fedha nyingi sasa zinatumika kwenye usafirishaji badala ya kununua vifaa vya kuokoa maisha ya watoto. Gharama za kusafirisha chanjo kwenda baadhi ya nchi barani Afrika zimeongezeka kwa hadi asilimia 70, huku gharama za kusafirisha chakula tiba, na vifaa vya elimu, nazo zikipanda kwa kiwango kikubwa. Shirika hilo linaonya kuwa hali hiyo inalazimisha kufanya maamuzi magumu kuhusu ni watoto gani wapate msaada kwanza". Mlipuko wa ugonjwa wa Ebola uliogundulika nchini Jamhuri ya Kidemokrasia Congo DRC na Uganda mwezi uliopita wa Mei ambapo mpaka sasa watu 49 wamepoteza maisha, 48 nchini DRC na mmoja nchini Uganda. Mkurugenzi Mkuu wa shirika la Umoja wa Mataifa la afya ulimwenguni WHO Dkt. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus amezihimiza jumuiya za kimataifa kutoa usaidizi unaohitajika ili kudhibiti mlipuko. Pia amelihimiza nchi kutoweka vikwazo vya usafiri kwa DRC, ili kuhakikisha msaada wa kiafya na kibinadamu unaweza kufikia kiwango kinachohitajika.Na katika kujifunza lugha ya Kiswahili hii leo mtaalam wetu Onni Sigalla, Mhariri mwandamizi wa Baraza la Kiswahili la Taifa nchini Tanzania, BAKITA. Anafafanua maana za neno "CHOTORA"Mwenyeji wako ni Rashid Malekela, karibu!

You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Louis R. Avallone and Stephen Parr. This is the full show for June 1, 2026. We open with a question that sounds simple but goes deeper than you'd expect — why do we accept visible decline? In our public spaces, in our monuments, in our cities. We connect the psychology of personal presentation to the way communities signal what they expect of themselves, explain why Washington D.C. went decades without anyone in power noticing a fountain outside Union Station hadn't worked in 17 years, and give credit where it's due — Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, who says squalor is not a destiny, it is a choice — for the restoration happening across the nation's capital right now. Even in a city where 98% voted for Kamala Harris, people are noticing the fountains are running again. In our Top 3, New Jersey police finally broke up the well-organized, well-funded riots outside the ICE detention center in Newark after Governor Mickey Sherrill instituted a curfew — and once order was restored, ICE was able to resume visitation rights at the facility. Then the frontrunner for the Democrat Senate nomination in Maine is now facing allegations of sending sexually explicit messages to multiple women on a platform known as a predator's paradise — on top of the previously reported SS tattoo — and is still leading in the polls. And the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that Texas can enforce its state-level law making illegal entry into Texas a state crime — a significant win for state sovereignty and border security. We revisit the CDL license story — a naturalized Chinese citizen in New York who could not speak or read English was given a commercial driver's license and subsequently killed five people, four of them from the same immigrant family. We ask the hard question — when you relax your standards past the point of logic, people die. And the state of New York failed those people by treating a CDL as a checkbox rather than a safety standard. Our American Mamas Teri Netterville and Kimberly Burleson tackle the great group chat divide — who leaves, who stays, who creates the devastating side chat that accidentally gets sent back to the main group, and why the proper etiquette for exiting a group chat is to announce your departure before the precious baby photo drops and not the second after. We also get into the workplace group chat that becomes a clique engine, and why men with fat thumbs just don't participate. We dig deep into a CBRE study on corporate headquarter relocations covering 2018 through 2024 — and the results could not be clearer. In 2024 alone, California lost 17 corporate headquarters, 12 of them to Texas. Texas gained nearly 50% of all interstate relocations. The number one reason companies gave — by a margin that made every other reason almost irrelevant — was business climate, meaning lower taxes, fewer regulations, and local governments that actually want you there. We connect it to the same reason individuals move from blue states to red states and tie it back to the core argument of our book Bright Spots, Big Country — economic freedom is the engine of everything. We also dig into the Iran situation — where President Trump is continuing negotiations while maintaining military and economic pressure through the Strait of Hormuz blockade. We share our theory that the timeline for final resolution may be connected to the midterm elections, why the next military step would create a humanitarian crisis Trump is trying to avoid, and why the Democrats calling it a quagmire have it exactly backwards. We also cover the Pennsylvania woman now on the FBI's Most Wanted list for faking a terminal cancer diagnosis to swindle friends and family out of $11,000 — and use it as an illustration of what a law and order administration looks like when it sets a tone that no fraud is too small to chase. For our Bright Spot, Target is testing a new employee evaluation system that measures customer interaction — eye contact, greetings, offering assistance, projecting the energy of someone who is actually glad you're there. We call it common sense disguised as innovation and point out the oldest truth in business — what gets measured gets done. We also check in on the Los Angeles mayor's race, where Spencer Pratt is not just competitive against incumbent Karen Bass — he's running what may be the most effective political advertising campaign we've seen, built entirely on common sense ideas and the willingness to acknowledge visible reality. We make the case that in 2026, voters don't care about your resume anymore. They care whether you're willing to tell the truth about what's in front of them. And we close with Ethan Hayes, playing guitar in his backyard, and eight-year-old neighbor Madeline Glenn, who wrote a song request on a piece of paper, folded it into a paper airplane, and tossed it over the fence. Ethan played Love Story. The video went viral. Taylor Swift found out, and sent handwritten letters and signed guitars to both of them. May your pursuit of happiness bring you joy. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Democrat Graham Platner, U.S. Senate candidate from Maine, is facing a new round of damaging reports, now involving "sexting" exchanges with multiple women while he was married. President Trump wants changes to the Iran deal as discussions continue over the nuclear stockpile, future enrichment, unfrozen funds, and guarantees surrounding the Strait of Hormuz. California voters head to the polls tomorrow, with the governor's race tightening around Xavier Becerra, Tom Steyer, and Steve Hilton, while Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass faces a serious challenge from a surging Spencer Pratt. A three-foot meteor exploded over Massachusetts this weekend, rattling homes from Boston to Rhode Island and sending police departments across New England scrambling to identify the source of the boom.   Supersure Insurance: Simplify your business insurance and get a free coverage report at https://Supersure.com/Megyn   Pure Talk: Dial #250 and say keyword MEGYN KELLY to switch to Pure Talk and get unlimited data for just $34.99 a month! Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Despite Iran's threats, some commercial ships are quietly slipping through the Strait of Hormuz with U.S. assistance, raising new questions about whether Tehran's control over the strategic waterway is as absolute as the regime claims. President Trump is reportedly seeking tougher terms in a proposed agreement with Iran, sending a draft framework negotiated by his own envoys back for revisions as negotiations continue. British intelligence now estimates that nearly 500,000 Russian troops have been killed since the start of the war in Ukraine, offering a sobering assessment of the conflict's human cost to Moscow. In today's Back of the Brief, a rare meeting between senior U.S. and Cuban military officials at Guantanamo Bay is drawing attention as one of the few remaining channels of communication between Washington and Havana. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief.  YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief Tax Relief Advocates: End your tax nightmare today by visiting us online at https://TRA.comor call 800-583-6515 DeleteMe: Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to https://joindeleteme.com/PDBand use promo code PDB at checkout. Chapter: Compare every medicare plan call 915-671-5252 today! Chapter and its affiliates are not connected with or endorsed by any government entity or the federal Medicare program. Chapter Advisory, LLC represents Medicare Advantage HMO, PPO, and PFFS organizations and stand alone prescription drug plans that have a Medicare contract. Enrollment depends on the plan's contract renewal. While we have a database of every Medicare plan nationwide and can help you to search among all plans, we have contracts with many but not all plans. As a result, we do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 50 organizations which offer 18,160 products nationwide. We search and recommend all plans, even those we don't directly offer. You can contact a licensed Chapter agent to find out the number of products available in your specific area. Please contact https://Medicare.gov, 1-800-Medicare, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Iran suspends ceasefire negotiations with the United States as airstrikes resume in the Middle East. With threats of Iran to close the Strait of Hormuz, can a deal be reached on keeping it open? Plus, New York City mayor Zoran Mamdani breaks precedent and refuses to attend the city's annual Israel Day Parade, reflecting his own anti-Israel sentiments and similar opinions growing inside the Democratic Party. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Patrick Bet-David, Tom Ellsworth, Adam Sosnick, and Vincent Oshana break down why artists are abandoning Trump's America 250 celebration, how Spencer Pratt became one of the biggest stories in the Los Angeles mayoral race, the fight to replace Gavin Newsom in California, Jill Biden's response to questions about Joe Biden's health, and the political battles shaping America's future.------

PBD breaks down the draft US–Iran deal that needs Trump's signature, from a 60‑day ceasefire and reopening the Strait of Hormuz to a $300 billion fund, and warns why leaving enriched uranium off the table is a non‑starter.

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he covers today's top stories shaping America and the world. In this Monday Headline Brief of The Wright Report, Bryan reveals that Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has reportedly offered his resignation, admitting the IRGC, not the civilian government, is now firmly in control of Iran and its stalled peace talks with President Trump. Bryan tracks satellite images showing Iran using the ceasefire to dig out buried missiles and drones, a US Hellfire strike on a cargo ship running the naval blockade, and warnings from Chevron, Exxon, and Aramco that global oil supplies could hit a panic-buying breaking point in just two to three weeks, with prices potentially spiking past $150 a barrel. He also covers Israel's deepest push into Lebanon in 25 years and the capture of the Crusades-era Beaufort Castle, then makes the case that Trump's best play now is a bare-bones Iran deal so he can pivot to the bigger threat at home: an Islamo-Marxist Democrat movement organizing violent ICE protests with funding from Roy Singham and George Soros. Plus, Bryan unpacks the concept of Taqiyya and what it means for vetting figures like Zohran Mamdani, a screwworm case creeping toward Texas cattle country, a promising new blood test that distinguishes four forms of dementia with 92% accuracy, and surprising research on how multiple AI chatbots can fact-check each other to deliver better medical answers. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32   Keywords: Bryan Dean Wright, The Wright Report, Monday Headline Brief, Masoud Pezeshkian resignation, IRGC control Iran, Iran peace talks, Trump Iran deal, Strait of Hormuz blockade, Hellfire missile cargo ship, oil supply crisis, $150 oil price, Chevron Exxon Aramco warning, Israel Lebanon invasion, Beaufort Castle, Hezbollah disarm, Benjamin Netanyahu, Gaza war, drug boat strikes, Caribbean cartel operations, screwworm outbreak Texas, Eileen Wang Arcadia California, Chinese Communist infiltration, Roy Singham, George Soros, Hassan Piker, Delaney Hall ICE protests, Brandon Greer, New Jersey ICE attacks, Mikie Sherrill, Markwayne Mullin self deportation, Zohran Mamdani, Fadhel Al-Sahlani, taqiyya, political Islam, dementia blood test Washington University, CBD nerve pain study, AI medical chatbots, ChatGPT Gemini Llama health accuracy

Iran vows to "completely block" the Strait of Hormuz and end all negotiations with the United States – according to the Iranian state-run news outlet Tasnim. Iran wants Israel to remove all forces from Lebanon before it will resume ceasefire talks. How will the Trump Administration respond to this latest development? The Sekulow team discusses Iran's threat, the impact on oil prices, the ACLJ's legal work – and much more.

Trump and Bessent's $250 bill photo sums up the current moment, but under the surface the economy is tearing apart. AI stocks are ripping while credit card delinquencies hit 2008 levels. We get into why oil is artificially cheap, why data centers are becoming a political target, and the Bitcoin developments everyone is ignoring.

There is a new cease-fire and new concessions, but how does it as up against Trump's original goals. We will do a breakdown of the original justification for the strikes, operational objectives and what this newest cease-fire agreement means.SPONSOR: Lear CapitalGold and silver are at all-time highs as central banks, sovereign funds, and major institutions like Morgan Stanley shift capital out of the dollar and into precious metals. Lear Capital helps everyday Americans get into physical gold and silver with experienced reps, transparent pricing, and IRA-eligible options. With a qualified purchase, you can receive up to $20,000 in bonus gold or silver.Call Lear Capital at 800-707-4575 or visit https://www.Nick4Lear.com-----SPONSOR: Alliance Defending FreedomSome of America's largest corporations, including American Express and Home Depot, are using their employee healthcare plans to pay for irreversible gender-transition drugs and surgeries for kids. Alliance Defending Freedom's petition puts direct pressure on corporate leaders and gives concerned Americans a real way to push back. Adding your name helps spark the kind of accountability that influences boardrooms across the country.Sign the petition at https://www.JoinADF.com/Nick-----SPONSOR: Ridge WalletRidge makes a slim, modern wallet built from premium materials like aluminum, titanium, and carbon fiber, with a lifetime warranty and RFID protection. It holds up to 12 cards plus cash without the bulk of a traditional leather wallet, and comes in over 50 colors and finishes. The Anniversary Sale is on now with up to 40% off the entire site.Get up to 40% off at https://www.Ridge.com/FREITAS-----GET YOUR MERCH HERE: https://shop.nickjfreitas.com/BECOME A MEMBER OF THE IC: https://NickJFreitas.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/nickjfreitas/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/NickFreitasVATwitter: https://twitter.com/NickJFreitasYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@NickjfreitasTikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@nickjfreitas3.000:00:00 – Breaking down Trump's strategic military objectives in Iran00:01:29 – Exposing the IRGC and the Ayatollah's enforcers00:02:31 – How American strikes crippled Iran's missile capability00:03:58 – Annihilating the Iranian Navy in the Persian Gulf00:06:20 – Preventing the Ayatollah from getting nuclear weapons00:07:50 – Cutting off terror funding for Hamas and Hezbollah00:10:46 – Defending the Strait of Hormuz and gas prices00:12:34 – Using China to break Iran's economic backbone00:14:02 – Trump's high stakes negotiation strategy against Iran00:18:26 – Exposing why Democrats want Trump to fail00:21:09 – Analyzing the 60 day Iran ceasefire agreement00:23:03 – Why Trump's deal beats Obama's failed policy00:26:38 – Debunking the leftist media narrative on Iran00:31:05 – Iran President resigns amid total IRGC takeover00:40:39 – Will the Democrats sabotage Trump's Iran victory?00:41:43 – Why America First foreign policy delivers results00:45:30 – Final thoughts and preordering The Man Book

Today's Post - https://bahnsen.co/3RD5fcA This Monday Dividend Cafe reviews a mostly routine market update: after May's strong gains (S&P 500 up over 5% in May and 10.7% YTD), stocks opened lower but finished higher with tech leading and utilities selling off; the 10-year yield ended flat at 4.46%. The episode highlights record household equity allocation, elevated valuations across large and small caps (Russell 2000 up 70% from its 2025 low), and a Goldman index showing concentration/valuation/rally conditions similar to 2021 and 2000. It notes inflation-adjusted IPO fundraising plans from SpaceX, OpenAI, and Anthropic exceeding 300 combined internet IPOs from 1999–2000. Iran's renewed Strait of Hormuz blockade threats lifted oil ~6%, Florida filed a lawsuit against OpenAI, manufacturing ISM rose to 54, rent growth slowed, and futures imply 50% odds of a rate hike with no cuts expected. Friday's episode will feature the host's graduation commencement address. 00:00 Intro 01:23 Market Recap and Valuations 04:51 IPO Mania and Tech Froth 05:42 Geopolitics and Policy Updates 06:50 Labor and Manufacturing Data 08:30 Housing Inflation and Fed Odds 09:44 Energy Oil and Midstream 10:38 Week Ahead and Friday Twist 11:32 Conclusion Links mentioned in this episode: DividendCafe.com TheBahnsenGroup.com

Trump says Iran talks are back on, Israel is involved, the Strait of Hormuz is still part of the chaos, and somehow the answer is still "trust me, bro." So what is the actual win here? In this Good Morning Liberty episode, Nate and Chuck break down Trump's Iran war messaging, war powers, ceasefire confusion, Dave Rubin's viral Iran debate moment, and why "military operation" suddenly turns into "war" when civilian casualties come up. Then the guys cover America's 250th anniversary becoming less Founding Fathers and more MAGA rally, complete with artist dropouts, Vanilla Ice, Trump posts, and the Kennedy Center somehow entering the chat. Finally, Bernie Sanders wants government ownership in AI companies, and the libertarian problem is simple: once Republicans accept government ownership of private companies, they do not get to act shocked when the socialists want more. Chapters: 00:00 Good Morning Liberty 00:45 Iran war update and the 60-day clock 02:15 Trump says "sit back and relax" 04:15 Lebanon, Beirut, and ceasefire confusion 07:00 Trump says talks are back on 08:15 What counts as a win in Iran? 10:45 Dave Rubin gets pressed on Iran 14:45 "Military operation" or war? 18:00 Matt Walsh and the moving goalposts 19:30 America's 250th gets weird 22:30 Trump's America Is Back Rally post 29:30 Bernie wants government ownership of AI Links: Watch All Episodes: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi78svKlBr_8o0dDOX8DxO_Wwxu6WYhhA Watch Host Favorites: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLi78svKlBr__Zu40RL7mWxCuOOe54zgy2 Join the Fed Haters Club @ joingml.com All links @ gml.bio.link Subscribe, like, comment, share this with one liberty-loving friend, and leave a rating or review on your podcast app. #Trump #Iran #WarPowers #Libertarian #GoodMorningLiberty #AI

Google Set Release 32 Million GMO Mosquitoes On Americans, Iran Ends Talks After Israel Strikes Lebanon, Threatens To Totally Close Strait of Hormuz! Plus, Ebola Outbreak Explodes Across Africa With Cases Now Appearing Around The World! 

Despite ceasefire talks, the war between Iran and the US appears to be heating up again. Iran and the US have exchanged blows, potentially jeopardizing the ceasefire. While it seems that much of the world is happy to see Iran remain in power and continue terrorizing the region, President Trump thankfully isn't. Further complicating matters is the fact that Iran's president just tried to resign - again. This resignation attempt signals a collapsing chain of command within Iran, which makes you wonder if the people Trump is negotiating with actually have any real power in the government anymore. Justin Hilton breaks it down for you here on today's show.  Don't forget to subscribe to the channel so you don't miss out Beit El short film this coming Friday!  Sign up for The Israel Guys Show Notes: https://theisraelguys.com/subscribe/ Follow The Israel Guys on X: https://x.com/theisraelguys Source links: Skirmishes in the Gulf https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-897941  Iranian presidential resignation https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog_entry/citing-irgc-overreach-irans-pezeshkian-reportedly-asks-khamenei-to-let-him-quit-presidency/  https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-897917  Lebanon incursion https://www.jns.org/news/israel-news/idf-captures-strategic-ridge-in-deepest-incursion-into-lebanon-since-2000   

A ceasefire is supposed to lower the temperature, not provide new vocabulary for the same war. We unpack reports that the U.S. bombed targets in Iran after a ceasefire and why calling it “self-defense” can still function as a direct escalation. I walk through what those strikes signal, how each side tries to define the rules midstream, and why Iran may tolerate only so many “limited” hits before choosing a bigger response. From there, we get specific about the hard constraints behind the headlines: weapons stockpiles, interceptor burn rates, and how long it can take to replace key munitions. That context changes everything about threats, deterrence, and the realism of returning to a high-intensity U.S. Iran war. We also break down Marco Rubio's public talking points on Iran's nuclear program, what U.S. intelligence and international monitoring have said, and the reported outlines of a possible memorandum of understanding that touches sanctions relief, frozen assets, and shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. Trump's White House remarks add another layer, including talk about Hormuz control and a shocking shot at Oman, one of the most important mediators in U.S. Iran diplomacy. We connect that to the bigger regional picture, including Israel, Lebanon, and the Washington voices pushing to keep the fight going. Finally, we pivot to Jill Biden saying she feared Joe Biden was “having a stroke” during the 2024 debate and what that raises about cognitive decline, transparency, and the massive war powers concentrated in the presidency.

Bitcoin is teetering near $72,000 as the Iran war heats back up, with Trump claiming Tehran "really wants" a deal while air strikes resumed over the weekend near the Strait of Hormuz, sending Brent crude up 3.7% to $94.48 and WTI surging 4.3% to $91.07. A tentative 60 day memorandum of understanding would reopen the Hormuz chokepoint with unrestricted shipping and require Iran to clear all mines within 30 days, but the deal still awaits Trump's final approval and Iran's response. Meanwhile Coinbase is launching direct rupee rails in India on June 1 to attack the $3 billion local crypto market, Fed Governor Christopher Waller declared dollar stablecoins could expand the reach of U.S. monetary policy globally, and Jamie Dimon just vowed JPMorgan and the banking lobby will fight the CLARITY Act over stablecoin yield. Plus Michael Burry dropped a bombshell calling the Nvidia, xAI, Apollo, Athene structure "Fugazi", alleging $5.4 billion in GPUs are hidden off balance sheets while American retirees unknowingly hold $103 billion in Level 3 assets at 16x leverage inside a Bermuda insurance shell. We are breaking down whether Bitcoin can survive another Hormuz spike, what Waller's stablecoin endorsement means for the dollar, and why Burry's warning could be the most dangerous story nobody is talking about. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

DESCRIPTION Explosive allegations emerge that China was secretly arming Iran while publicly promising not to, raising new concerns about U.S. foreign policy, military security, and the future of Middle East stability. Tara examines reports involving Chinese weapons, Iran's military buildup, American casualties, and the growing debate over how the U.S. should respond. PODCAST SUMMARY Questions are mounting after reports surfaced suggesting China may have continued supplying military support to Iran while simultaneously assuring President Trump that it was not doing so. Tara breaks down claims involving a Chinese-linked weapons ship, satellite targeting assistance, and allegations that Chinese-made missiles were used by Iranian forces. The conversation examines concerns about U.S. service members stationed throughout the region, the risks of ongoing negotiations with Iran, and reports that Iran may be seeking access to frozen funds while rebuilding its military capabilities. Tara also explores the broader geopolitical implications of China's relationship with Iran, the role of proxy groups throughout the Middle East, and growing criticism of efforts to pursue diplomatic agreements with Tehran while military threats remain active. The episode concludes with a discussion about Israel's military strategy, debates over deterrence versus diplomacy, and whether stronger action is needed to prevent future attacks against American forces. SEGMENT HIGHLIGHTS China and Iran Allegations Claims that China continued supplying weapons to Iran despite public assurances otherwise. Discussion of reports involving a Chinese-linked weapons vessel near the Strait of Hormuz. Questions about the credibility of future agreements with Tehran. American Troops at Risk Review of attacks against U.S. forces in the region. Concerns over Chinese technology and targeting assistance. Debate over whether current policies adequately protect service members. Iran Negotiations Under Fire Reports that Iran may be seeking access to frozen assets. Discussion of longstanding disputes over uranium enrichment. Skepticism surrounding Iranian commitments on nuclear development. Israel's Role in the Region Debate over whether Israel should be given greater freedom to target Iranian-backed groups. Discussion of Hezbollah, Hamas, and broader regional security concerns. Analysis of U.S. influence over Israeli military decisions. KEY TAKEAWAYS Allegations suggest China may have been supporting Iran while publicly denying involvement. Concerns remain about future attacks against U.S. military personnel in the Middle East. Critics argue Iran continues to benefit from negotiations while maintaining military capabilities. The debate continues over whether diplomacy or military pressure is the more effective strategy. Regional tensions involving Iran, Israel, and China remain a major national security issue. SOCIAL MEDIA TEASER Did China secretly arm Iran while promising President Trump it wouldn't? New reports are raising serious questions about Chinese weapons, Iranian military operations, attacks on U.S. forces, and the future of Middle East negotiations.

US equity futures higher with S&P up 0.2%. Bond yields higher. US 10-year up 2 bps at 4.5%. Gilts up 2 bps at 4.8%. Bund 4 bps higher at 3%. Dollar firmer versus yen and euro, softer against sterling and Aussie. Oil up with WTI crude 3.8% higher near $90.50/bbl. Gold down. Industrial metals higher. Bitcoin lower. US-Iran ceasefire negotiations continue with press reports noting President Trump sent revised terms back to Tehran, seeking firmer commitments on nuclear concessions and reiterating demands for unrestricted Strait of Hormuz shipping. Release of frozen Iranian funds has been a point of debate. Despite ongoing talks, US carried out military strikes in Iran on the weekend and Kuwait reports missile and drone attacks. Companies Mentioned: Taylor Morrison Home, YUM! Brands, Four Corners Property Trust

Rates are climbing, carriers are piling on surcharges, and peak season is arriving ahead of schedule. This week Lars Jensen runs the numbers on why the market is where it is and it has everything to do with the Red Sea and almost nothing to do with how consumers are feeling.In this episode, Lars Jensen and Caroline Weaver cover:Why Pacific and Asia-Europe spot rates continue their upward momentum and what the futures curve is signaling for peak season, including a sharp expected pullback as early as SeptemberThe statistical relationship between US consumer sentiment and container volumes: Lars ran the analysis and the correlation coefficient is 0.3. There effectively isn't one.Hormuz update: no deal, drone strikes on Kuwait, a suspected mine in Omani waters, and an MSC 18,000 TEU vessel that went dark for five days and reappeared off West AfricaHow CMA-CGM continues to quietly expand its Suez routing while every other carrier goes around AfricaChina PMI at exactly 50, and why the raw materials sub-index shooting above 60 post-Hormuz is the inflation signal worth watchingGlobal trade imbalances since 2019: full containers up 17%, fleet up 43%, TEU miles up 41% and empty container movements up 102%

Markets are being pulled between oil worries and tech strength as the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, energy prices jump, and investors continue leaning heavily on the two sectors carrying the market this year: energy and technology.Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why oil prices are moving higher again, how the lack of progress with Iran keeps raising the risk of global energy problems, and why the S&P 500 is holding steady despite pressure from crude oil and Treasury yields. They also discuss why Gen Z may be better positioned in the job market than many feared, how Austin made housing more affordable by building more homes, why many Americans retire earlier than expected, and how rising insurance costs are reshaping decisions for homeowners.

The U.S. economy is still holding up, but each day the Strait of Hormuz remains closed increases the risk that today's uncomfortable gas prices could turn into a much bigger global supply problem.Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down why there is still no deal between the U.S. and Iran, how oil prices are reacting to the latest threats around Hormuz, and why the timeline for pressure on global inventories is now being measured in weeks rather than months. They also discuss NVIDIA's push to bring AI agents directly onto personal computers, what local AI chips could mean for data centers and business security, why Jay Powell is still warning about Fed independence, and whether concerns about white-collar workers stalling out are being overstated.

Send us Fan Mail*How do you forecast an event that has never happened before?*How do you forecast an event that has never happened before?The recent closure and reopening of the Strait of Hormuz are unique events. For events like these, traditional risk models lose their statistical basis: repetition. Alexander Denev returns to the podcast to show how causal models (Bayesian networks) let us reason about rare events despite this limitation.In this episode, we cover:- Why value-at-risk and other correlation-based models break exactly when you need them most- How a causal structure can "hold in time"- Building scenarios with LLMs - benefits, drawbacks, and lessons learned- Historical analogy as a modeling tool: Bosphorus, Hormuz, and more- A three-way robustness test for any Bayesian network- How the model's call held up: a ceasefire, a still-closed strait, and lasting infrastructure damage keeping oil elevated"History doesn't repeat itself, but it rhymes."------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Video version available on the Youtube: https://youtu.be/FzKy2ws-7qsRecorded on May 29, 2026 in London, UK.------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*About The Guest*Alexander Denev works at the intersection of quantitative finance, causality, and AI. He's the CEO of Turnleaf Analytics and the author of two books on applying Bayesian networks and probabilistic graphical models to finance and scenario analysis.Connect with Alexander:- Alexander on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-denev-66a25824/- Alexander's web page: https://turnleafanalytics.com/*About The Host*Aleksander (Alex) Molak is an independent machine learning researcher, educator, entrepreneur and a best-selling author in the area of causality (https://amzn.to/3QhsRz4 ).Connect with Alex:- Alex on the Internet: https://bit.ly/aleksander-molak*Links*Web- Alexander's LinkedIn post, Bayesian-network scenario for the Strait of Hormuz / Israel-Iran-US conflict: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/alexander-denev-66a25824_when-modelling-the-impact-of-events-that-share-7442892381668048896-JDs5/- Risk.net article, "Iran confusion makes the case for causal modelling": https://www.risk.net/our-take/7963361/iran-confusion-makes-the-case-for-causal-modellingBooks- Rebonato, R. & Denev, A. - Portfolio Management under Stress: A Bayesian-Net Approach to Coherent Asset Allocation (https://amzn.to/3vE6Jc1)- López de Prado, M. - Advances in Financial Machine Learning (https://amzn.to/3PXD8kH)- Molak, A. - Causal Inference and Discovery in Python (https://amzn.to/3VVK4m3)- Denev, A. - Probabilistic Graphical Models: A New Way of Thinking in Financial Modelling (https://amzn.to/3VQeLJm)- Pearl, J. & Mackenzie, D. - The Book of Why (recommended entry point) (https://amzn.to/4e0ATrZ)- Pearl, J. - Causality: Models, Reasoning and Inference (for advanced readers) (https://amzn.to/49zBKf5)- Rebonato, R. - Coherent Stress Testing: A Bayesian Approach to the Analysis of Financial Stress (https://amzn.to/3RC411e)*Perks & resources*

Iran and the Strait of Hormuz crisis reveal how much we owe to our merchant marinersThis week, Nick Cohen talks to author, travel writer and writer-mariner Horatio Clare about the hidden world of merchant marines and the critical role they play in global trade. Horatio shares insights from his experience as a writer-in-residence on container ships, describing the challenging conditions faced by seafarers stuck in the Gulf during the ongoing conflict, including extreme heat, isolation, and the constant threat of Iranian drone attacks. They discuss how modern shipping relies on a largely invisible workforce of approximately 18 people per large vessel, predominantly from countries like the Philippines, who maintain the world's supply chains while facing dangerous working conditions and minimal oversight.Horatio explains how containerisation moved ports away from cities, making shipping less visible to the public while simultaneously making globalisation possible, with shipping costs representing just one cent for goods transported globally. They also discuss the environmental impact of shipping, with vessels contributing significantly to global pollution, and the lack of journalism or union representation in the industry, leaving seafarers vulnerable to abuse and dangerous practices like throwing stowaways overboard to avoid fines.Read all about it! Robert Saunders - @redhistorian - author and academic. Author of "Yes to Europe! The 1975 Referendum & Seventies Britain". "A jaw-dislocating page turner"(Andrew Marr). Co-director the Mile End Institute @MileEndInst , Reader Queen Mary's @QMHistoryHoratio Clare, @HoratioClare is an author, with books including We Came By Sea; Your Journey; Heavy Light, Down to the Sea in Ships, Aubrey and the Terrible Yoot, Running for the Hills. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ali Vaez on the fraught negotiations between Washington and Tehran. In late February, the United States and Israel launched a war on Iran—a war that killed the country's supreme leader, closed the Strait of Hormuz, pushed the global economy to the brink, and brought the Middle East closer to all-out conflagration than at any point in a generation. Now, amid a ceasefire that has held without ever being formalized, a draft framework for a comprehensive agreement between Washington and Tehran is reportedly taking shape. The deal that emerges—if it emerges at all—will make clear limits of sanctions pressure, the price of war, and whether transformative diplomacy between the U.S. and Iran is even possible.Ali Vaez is Senior Adviser to the President and Project Director for Iran at the International Crisis Group. He is one of the foremost experts on the Iran nuclear file, having spent the better part of fifteen years in direct contact with Western, regional, and Iranian officials, and among a long list of other achievements he is a co-author of the excellent book How Sanctions Work: Iran and the Impact of Economic Warfare.The Sanctions Age is hosted by Esfandyar Batmanghelidj and Josefine Petrick.To receive an email when new episodes are released, access episode transcripts, and read the hosts reflections on each episode, sign-up for the The Sanctions Age newsletter on Substack: https://www.thesanctionsage.com/

MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on Donald Trump losing all control as Iran successfully retaliates against US aircraft and interests in the region after Trump ordered strikes on Hormuz. Go to https://Ground.News/MTN to cut through misinformation, critically analyze the news shaping our lives and hold the media accountable. Save 40% off unlimited access to Ground News with my link or scan the QR code on screen. Visit https://meidasplus.com for more! MeidasTouch relies on SnapStream to record, watch, monitor, and clip the news. Get a FREE TRIAL of SnapStream by clicking here: https://go.snapstream.com/affiliate/meidastouch/meidasnews?utm_campaign=4490308-affiliate2025&utm_content=customerpartner Support the MeidasTouch Network: https://patreon.com/meidastouch Add the MeidasTouch Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-meidastouch-podcast/id1510240831 Buy MeidasTouch Merch: https://store.meidastouch.com Follow MeidasTouch on Twitter: https://twitter.com/meidastouch Follow MeidasTouch on Facebook: https://facebook.com/meidastouch Follow MeidasTouch on Instagram: https://instagram.com/meidastouch Follow MeidasTouch on TikTok: https://tiktok.com/@meidastouch Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Trump's Silence as Iran Holds the Cards, in Particular the Strait of Hormuz, a Prize Our Idiot Gave Them | As Trump Monetizes His Presidency, His Administration Rewards the Tech Bros By Criminalizing Opposition to AI | Could Trump Just Admit That He Screwed Up? backgroundbriefing.org/donate twitter.com/ianmastersmedia bsky.app/profile/ianmastersmedia.bsky.social linktr.ee/backgroundbriefing

Unity Without Compromise with Dr. Steven LaTulippe – America faces a defining choice as Iran's IRGC threatens peace, freedom, and global stability. President Trump seeks wisdom, strength, and divine guidance while confronting terrorism, protecting the Strait of Hormuz, opposing nuclear ambitions, and calling the nation to stand together against tyranny with courage, faith, and resolve today for liberty...

This week on the Mark Levin Show, the media is truly stupid in its reporting on the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, which portrayed PM Benjamin Netanyahu as the unprovoked aggressor hammering Lebanon with no context whatsoever. In reality, while Iran negotiates with the United States, its proxy Hezbollah has launched more missiles and drones at northern Israel than ever before, killing people, and forcing evacuations as part of a deliberate plan to drive Israelis out of the north and then the center, concentrating the population in a tiny area. The entire ruling class—including Democrats, some Republicans, and the media—is pathetically weak and stupid, while many podcasters gain attention simply by being as obnoxious, vile, and poisonous as possible. Also, congratulations to the terror lobby of Arabs and Islamists for successfully electing candidates to Congress exclusively within the Democrat Party, which is flooded with Marxists and Islamists. One such candidate is Adam Hamawy who traveled with the Blind Sheikh Omar Abdel-Rahman as translator and witness on his behalf, plus his work in Bosnia with an Al Qaeda front group. Despite these ties, Hamawy has endorsements from Bernie Sanders, Ro Khanna, Ilhan Omar, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, and Rashida Tlaib. The Democrat Party supports Nazis, Marxists, and Islamists for office. The Iran deal reportedly offers immediate release of billions in frozen funds, discussions on sanctions relief, and humanitarian aid in exchange for Iran reopening the Strait of Hormuz and forswearing nuclear weapons development for 60 days. This agreement provides a massive financial infusion to the regime—funding the IRGC and police state—without addressing ballistic missiles or the regime's brutality against its people. Why is economic and military pressure being lifted before securing firm concessions Enforcement will be impossible given the regime's terrorist history, especially after the Trump presidency. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices