Podcasts about Iranians

Warner Bros Discovery, a movie-making giant, is restarting talks with Paramount about a potential deal. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

//The Wire//2300Z February 17, 2026////ROUTINE////BLUF: MASS SHOOTING REPORTED IN RHODE ISLAND. IRANIAN FORCES CONTINUE NAVAL DRILLS AS AMERICAN FORCES BEGIN MASS MOVEMENT INTO MIDDLE EAST.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE----- -International Events-Caribbean: American forces continue airstrikes on narco vessels, with three fastboats sunk overnight in the SOUTHCOM area of responsibility. Two strikes were carried out in the Pacific, and the third in the Caribbean. A total of 11x EKIA were reported as a result of the strikes.Middle East: This morning Iranian forces continued naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz. These drills, dubbed the "Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz" exercise by the IRGC-N, has involved various show-of-force targeting drills involving various naval platforms. These exercises involved the brief closure of a section of the Strait for a few hours today, as live-fire drills were conducted throughout the day.Europe: This morning, the mass movement of US military aircraft was observed throughout the continent as American forces begin the surge of forces into the Middle East. Overnight, multiple flights of F-16's, F-22's, F-15's and F-35's were all observed maneuvering toward the region, totaling several dozen aircraft. Command and Control aircraft were observed staging as well, alongside several Airborne Early Warning platforms.-HomeFront-Rhode Island: Yesterday afternoon a mass shooting was reported at a skating rink in Pawtucket as one assailant began firing in the stands at a high school hockey game. The shooter has been identified as Robert Dorgan, who was targeting his ex-wife and children during the attack. Concerning casualties, two fatalities have been reported, along with multiple wounded.Analyst Comment: This appears to be a domestic incident, in which a transgender individual murdered his family in the middle of a crowded venue. Based on the shooter's social media pages, this individual was very obviously mentally ill and had made threats openly for some time, including one post which directly threatened violence one day before the shooting.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: So far, the mass mobilization of equipment to CENTCOM looks like the Real McCoy, once again. As of this afternoon, this is the largest migration of military aircraft into CENTCOM in many years, and differs from the last time the US struck Iranian facilities in that fighter aircraft are moving into theater much moreso than the previous one-and-done, single-sortie mission that was Operation MIDNIGHT HAMMER. Of course, moving aircraft is comparatively cheap when it comes to the manipulation that these actions provide, which in this case is very obviously intended to pressure the Iranians into accepting whatever deal is put before them. This afternoon Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi departed Geneva, with the past two weeks of talks more or less being a stalemate. As must always be noted, the forces that are being staged right now can always turn around and go home without a shot being fired. However, even taking this into account (and adding in the wider geopolitical context), it's very likely that cratering Iranian facilities is on the menu once more.Probably the best form of warning for the Iranians is the minor detail that the main aircraft carrier in the region (the USS *ABRAHAM LINCOLN*) has not transited the Strait of Hormuz. This foreboding detail is likely due to long-standing doctrine; any serious actions taken in Iran will require more maneuverability (and range) than the Gulf can provide. As a result, a common rule of thumb has been that the United States holding position in the Arabian Sea (without transiting the Strait) is an indicator that the US is serious. If the US just wanted to posture, the Navy would have sailed through the Strait just to flex on the Iranians brown-water navy, and since a CSG

“They have said in private conversation through Oman that they're interested to have this matter being resolved through peaceful means. But at the same time, one can question why the American forces are building up around Iran, why they are using threats, why they resorting to intimidation.”Lyse Doucet speaks to Majid Takht-Ravanchi, Iran's deputy foreign minister, in an interview recorded before the second round of talks with the US. The talks are aimed at curbing Iran's nuclear programme in return for the lifting of sanctions that have crippled the country's economy.The latest round of talks follow US-led military strikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure last summer, amid growing concerns that Tehran was pursuing nuclear weapons.US President Trump has threatened further strikes if a deal cannot be reached, with the US building up its military presence in the region. As concerns grow over the slow pace of current negotiations, the US says Iran is to blame.The talks also come against a backdrop of ongoing nationwide protests against the Islamic regime in Tehran. According to human rights groups, thousands have been killed by the government in an attempt to quell the uprising. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Iranian author Azar Nafisi, Google CEO Sundar Pichai, and Venezuelan opposition leader Henrique Capriles. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Lyse Doucet Producer: Charlotte Scarr Editor: Damon RoseGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Majid Takht-Ravanchi Credit: SAFIN HAMID/AFP via Getty Images)

In Episode 85 of Geopolitics with Ghost, Ghost opens with President Trump's Air Force One gaggle, breaking down remarks on Iran negotiations, DHS funding, voter ID, and the ongoing shutdown battle. From there, the focus shifts to the second round of U.S.–Iran talks in Geneva, military buildup in the Middle East, and Tehran's response, including naval drills in the Strait of Hormuz. Ghost examines media framing around anti-regime protests in Iran, questions the nuclear narrative, and highlights statements from Iranian officials regarding verification and enrichment. He connects this to reports on Mossad intelligence operations inside Iran and China's interpretation of modern hybrid warfare. The episode also explores Pentagon personnel shakeups, DHS communications turmoil, and what Ghost describes as narrative manipulation within both mainstream and alternative media spaces. He critiques sensational claims surrounding the Epstein files and warns against distraction tactics that derail focus from larger geopolitical realities. Closing on the evolving “Board of Peace,” Gaza stabilization efforts, and shifting alliances, Ep. 85 challenges viewers to prioritize discernment over spectacle in a rapidly escalating global environment.

For review:1. US & Iran Talk in Geneva While More US Warplanes Move to Region. The aircraft included F-22, F-35, and F-16 jets. Several refuelers were also spotted on the move, according to social media accounts dedicated to tracking military flights.A US official also confirmed to the Axios news site that more than 50 fighter jets were moved to the region in the past 24 hours.2. Iran says it temporarily closed parts of the Strait of Hormuz, the narrow mouth of the Persian Gulf. The move came as semiofficial Iranian news agencies reported live fire exercises in the vital waterway, through which 20% of the world's oil passes.3. Ukraine, Russia, and the U.S. held a new round of trilateral peace talks in Geneva on Feb. 17, as Washington presses for progress toward a deal before summer.A follow-up session is scheduled for Feb. 18. 4. General Atomics' LongShot is aiming to have its first flight test “as early as the end of 2026,” — three years after the company first said tests would begin, the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) announced today.LongShot is an unmanned aircraft system dropped from a bomber or fighter that can launch missiles of its own. It could potentially be useful for both the Air Force and Navy, DARPA says. 5. Australia is one of the pioneers exploring collaborative combat aircraft, or CCAs, as it throws its full weight behind Boeing Defence Australia's MQ-28A Ghost Bat platform.6. The U.S. Air Force said Tuesday it expects its next-generation LGM-35A Sentinel nuclear missile to reach initial capability in the early 2030s, following a revamp of the over-budget program's acquisition plan set to finish this year.

Lara Trump, Fox News Host & Daughter-in-Law of President Donald Trump, makes her return to the morning show to discuss Mike Tyson and why his story about family obesity and a health-focused lifestyle makes him an effective spokesperson for diet and ultra-processed food concerns. The conversation shifts to foreign policy, with Sid expressing skepticism about Iran's willingness to compromise, while Lara says President Trump has given Iran an opportunity and suggests change may ultimately come from the Iranian people seeking freedom. She criticizes Democrats for opposing election integrity measures like requiring voter ID, argues Trump's policies on border security, deporting violent criminals, public safety, and the economy are working, and praises Scott Pressler's voter registration efforts while criticizing some Republicans for not supporting the SAVE Act. Sid and Lara also discuss the Olympics and what they describe as woke media questions and athletes criticizing the U.S., and they close by congratulating Elizabeth Pipko on becoming a mother and emphasizing parenthood's importance. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With war clouds gathering once again over the Middle East, Aimen takes us behind the scenes of the indirect negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. He narrates the shifting Iranian position, the will-he-or-won't-he calculus surrounding Donald Trump, and the vital strategic role played by Israel as the White House formulates a way forward. Is this brinkmanship, miscalculation, or the prelude to full-scale war? They discuss: Iran's negotiating position over the past 17–18 days The domestic factors informing Trump's thinking How the IRGC is united around a rejectionist position How Israel may have helped provide the White House with the narrative it needs to get buy-in from U.S. citizens What really went on during Netanyahu's recent visit The truth beyond Scott Bessent's claims about causing a dollar crisis in Iran Join the Conflicted Community here: https://conflicted.supportingcast.fm/ Find us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/MHconflicted And Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MHconflicted And Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/conflictedpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Conflicted is a Message Heard production. Executive Producers: Jake Warren & Max Warren. Produced and edited by Thomas Small. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tuesday's Geneva talks ended without a breakthrough as Iranian live-fire drills escalated tensions near U.S. naval forces. Meanwhile, U.S.-brokered Russia-Ukraine negotiations concluded day one with little progress reported. Co-Host of The Five and Democratic Strategist Jessica Tarlov, Chief Communications Officer at Targeted Victory Matt Gorman, and FOX News Senior White House Correspondent Peter Doocy join the panel to discuss the U.S. role in these high-stakes meetings and whether a diplomatic win can help President Trump break the "midterm curse." Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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. The US and Iran are set to hold indirect talks in Geneva today, with little indication of potential compromise as the United States continues its economic sanctions and ramps up its military presence in the Middle East while Iran holds large-scale maritime exercises. We hear what may be on the table as US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner hold negotiations with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi. Israel plans to afford Hamas a 60-day period to disarm, and if it does not, the Israeli military will go back to war in the Gaza Strip, according to Cabinet Secretary Yossi Fuchs on Monday. How does this align with the inaugural session of US President Donald Trump's Board of Peace, which is set for this Thursday? We learn which countries may be joining and what is hoped to be accomplished. And finally, last Thursday, US President Donald Trump said that President Isaac Herzog “should be ashamed of himself” for not granting a pardon to Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who is standing trial for alleged fraud, bribery and breach of trust. Why were these remarks made out of the blue -- and do they actually help the Prime Minister? Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Trump ally to ToI: Ayatollah staying in power would be ‘strategic victory for Iran’ Top Netanyahu aide: Hamas will have 60 days to disarm or IDF will ‘complete’ mission Indonesia says 8,000 troops ready to deploy to Gaza by June as Trump touts progress Sa’ar to represent Israel at inaugural Board of Peace meeting, after PM declines to attend Trump says Herzog should be ‘ashamed of himself’ for not pardoning Netanyahu Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by Podwaves and Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: A huge banner showing hands firmly holding Iranian national flags as a sign of patriotism, in Tehran, Iran, January 14, 2026. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi, File)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, President Donald Trump's top peace negotiating team, is in Switzerland today focused on Iran and Ukraine. The two will first speak with Iranian officials as the Trump administration continues to build up a military presence in the region, and the duo is prepared to move on to speak with Russian and Ukrainian officials to seek an end to the war in Ukraine. Back stateside, early voting in Texas begins on Tuesday, as both parties await the results of their respective primaries ahead of Election Day on March 3. Playbook's Jack Blanchard and Adam Wren dig into the state of peace talks and the stakes for each primary.

This episode of Roqe takes stock of an extraordinary Global Day of Action for a Free Iran, with major demonstrations in Toronto, Los Angeles, and Munich - and coordinated rallies across the diaspora following a call initiated by Prince Reza Pahlavi. Jian is joined by four voices who were there: Farnoush Hamadian in Munich Laleh Tangsiri, joining from London after attending the Munich rally Navid Negahban in Los Angeles Pegah Ganji in Toronto They reflect on the scale, discipline, and political significance of the weekend - and what this moment could mean for Iranians inside Iran and around the world. Jian opens the episode with an essay addressing Christiane Amanpour and the criticism surrounding her recent interview with Prince Reza Pahlavi - arguing the issue is not tough questions, but uneven journalism. This episode is brought to you with the support of Avoca Chocolates https://avocachocolates.com

Prime Minister Mark Carney to publicly release his $6.36 billion "Buy Canadian" plan for supplying the military and growing Canada's domestic defence industry. Iranian state TV says latest round of nuclear talks with the U.S. ended after almost 3 hours. British Columbia's NDP government to present a budget a week after mass shooting at Tumbler Ridge. Southern Ontario bracing for spring temperatures, rain, and potentially heavy flooding. 2026 Olympic Games: Defending speed skating champs eye Canada's 3rd gold medal. US civil rights leader Jesse Jackson dies aged 84.

Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.On today's podcast:1) The Reverend Jesse Jackson, the civil rights leader who marched alongside Martin Luther King Jr. and later ran for president, has died at 84, according to a statement from his family released early Tuesday. Ordained in 1968, he spent decades fighting for voting rights and economic justice. A longtime advocate for racial and economic justice, Jackson was with King in Memphis in 1968 when King was assassinated. He went on to found the Rainbow PUSH Coalition and became one of the most prominent voices in American civil rights and politics.2) Iran and the US are set to meet for a second round of nuclear talks in Switzerland on Tuesday morning as they seek to avoid renewed conflict in the Middle East following last year’s attacks on the Islamic Republic. Oman will mediate the negotiations in Geneva almost two weeks after the first round was held on February 6th, Iran’s state broadcaster said. Iranian officials have expressed willingness to discuss their nuclear-enrichment activities, but have tied any concessions to the potential easing of American sanctions. Meanwhile, Washington is increasing its military presence in the Middle East, deploying a second aircraft carrier to the region amid warnings of a possible strike on Iran if talks — which could drag on for weeks — fail to produce a compromise. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps held drills around the strategic Strait of Hormuz on Monday that were focused on delivering a “decisive” response to security threats.3) Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Europe’s fate is intertwined with the US while faulting the continent for what he said was a drift away from their shared Western values. “We want Europe to prosper because we’re interconnected in so many different ways, and because our alliance is so critical,” Rubio told Bloomberg News Editor-in-Chief John Micklethwait on the sidelines of the conference on Saturday. “But it has to be an alliance of allies that are capable and willing to fight for who they are and what’s important.”See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Gilchrist brings us the latest global headlines, starting in the Middle East where the USS Abraham Lincoln has been positioned in the Arabian Sea, roughly 700 kilometres from Iran, as Washington increases pressure on Tehran over its nuclear ambitions and internal crackdown on protesters, ahead of scheduled talks between US and Iranian officials in Switzerland. He also reflects on the death of Hollywood legend Robert Duvall at the age of 95, the Academy Award-winning actor celebrated for iconic roles in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, who passed away at his home in Virginia. And in Australia, police in Sydney are appealing for information after 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian was allegedly abducted from his home in what authorities believe may have been a case of mistaken identity, with investigators urging the public to assist in efforts to secure his safe return. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio7See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam Gilchrist brings us the latest global headlines, starting in the Middle East where the USS Abraham Lincoln has been positioned in the Arabian Sea, roughly 700 kilometres from Iran, as Washington increases pressure on Tehran over its nuclear ambitions and internal crackdown on protesters, ahead of scheduled talks between US and Iranian officials in Switzerland. He also reflects on the death of Hollywood legend Robert Duvall at the age of 95, the Academy Award-winning actor celebrated for iconic roles in The Godfather and Apocalypse Now, who passed away at his home in Virginia. And in Australia, police in Sydney are appealing for information after 85-year-old Chris Baghsarian was allegedly abducted from his home in what authorities believe may have been a case of mistaken identity, with investigators urging the public to assist in efforts to secure his safe return. 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station. Bongani makes sense of the news, interviews the key newsmakers of the day, and holds those in power to account on your behalf. The team bring you all you need to know to start your day Thank you for listening to a podcast from 702 Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Breakfast with Bongani Bingwa broadcast on 702: https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/36edSLV or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/zEcM35T Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio7See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today is a big day of diplomacy talks in Geneva. Peace talks continue between Ukraine and Russia (with the US "mediating") as the 4th anniversary of their ongoing conflict approaches. In another nearby building, American and Iranian diplomats discuss Iran's nuclear ambitions.

For review:1. The U.S. Air Force on Tuesday awarded Boeing a sole-source contract for newvGBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrator bombs , to replace the munitions used in last June's strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities.2. Iran launched live-fire naval exercises in the Strait of Hormuz on Monday.The drill, called "Smart Control of the Strait of Hormuz," was led by the naval forces of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) under the supervision of IRGC Commander in Chief Maj. Gen. Mohammad Pakpour.3.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he had told U.S. President Donald Trump to make four key demands of Iran in any deal to avert military strikes against the Islamic regime in Tehran.- All enriched uranium must leave Iran.- Iran to have no enrichment capability.- Limits on the range of Iranian ballistic missiles (Range of 300km and under).- Dismantle support/infrastructure for Iranian militia proxies in the Region.4. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi and his delegation left for the Swiss city after the first round of indirect talks took place in Oman last week. Oman will mediate the talks in Geneva, the IRNA state-run news agency reported on its Telegram channel.Mr. Araghchi is also expected to meet with his Swiss and Omani counterparts, as well as the director general of the U.N.'s atomic watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency.5. A Republican senator seen as close to US President Donald Trump suggested Monday that an American decision on potential military action against Iran was “weeks, not months” away and opined that it would be a “strategic victory” for the Islamic Republic if its supreme leader isn't toppled amid the current standoff.6. Lebanon's government says its army will have a four-month extendable period to implement phase two of the military's plan to disarm Hezbollah in south Lebanon.Phase two covers an area north of the Litani river.7. The Israel Defense Forces on Sunday evening said that it carried out an airstrike targeting members of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad terror group in eastern Lebanon, close to the Syrian border.8. A Ukrainian delegation was heading to Geneva on Monday for another round of U.S.-brokered talks with Russian officials, There was no anticipation of any significant progress on ending the war at the Tuesday-Wednesday meeting in Switzerland as both sides appear to be sticking to their negotiating positions on key issues.9. US Secretary of State Rubio sharply criticized the UN for having “virtually no role” in resolving conflicts, and called for global institutions to be reformed.“The United Nations still has tremendous potential to be a tool for good in the world,” he told the Munich conference.“But we cannot ignore that, today, on the most pressing matters before us, it has no answers and has played virtually no role,” he said.10. Slovak Prime Minister Robert Fico has announced his country is in talks with the United States to buy an additional four F-16 fighter jets on top of the 14 copies already ordered.11. Estonia's arms procurement agency has signed a contract with France and KNDS for the acquisition of 12 additional Caesar self-propelled howitzers.The newly ordered systems are scheduled for delivery later this year.12. The Pentagon, along with the Department of Energy, on Sunday airlifted a small nuclear reactor, the first such transportation as the Trump administration looks to quickly deploy nuclear power across the U.S.The Ward 250 is a 5 megawatt nuclear reactor that could potentially power roughly 5,000 homes, according to the Pentagon. 

Alex Traiman, CEO of Jewish News Syndicate, joins Sid live from Israel to talk about Israeli player Deni Avdija becoming an NBA All-Star, noting his smart, all-around game and that many Israelis likely watched his All-Star game appearance via replay due to the late start time in Israel. The conversation shifts to a report that Spike Lee wore pro-Palestinian apparel at an All-Star event, which Traiman denounces. Sid and Alex then discuss Israel-U.S. views on Iran, arguing that Iranian agreements are unreliable, citing the NPT, the JCPOA, and skepticism that any verifiable deal can be reached; Traiman references a prior 12-day war and U.S. participation in “Operation Midnight Hammer” targeting Fordo, and suggests any future strike could be a joint U.S.-Israel operation, emphasizing Israel's intelligence capabilities. They also address President Trump's criticism of Israeli President Isaac Herzog for not pardoning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Traiman saying Trump's remarks surprised people but were significant in countering claims that Netanyahu's Washington visit had failed and in underscoring Trump's view of Netanyahu as a strong wartime leader. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Iranians are once again protesting. In cities and towns across Iran, people have poured into the streets driven by economic despair and a desire for structural political change. As the 47th anniversary of 1979 Iranian Revolution approaches, serious questions exist about the future of the Islamic Republic. Is this the beginning of the end for Iran's clerical authoritarian regime? Can the Iranian regime survive this existential moment? How should the international community respond? Panel discussion hosted in January 2026 at Georgetown University, chaired by Professor Nader Hashemi, with speakers Negar Mortazavi and Daniel Brumberg.Watch the video of this panel HERE.

In the 5 AM hour, Larry O'Connor and Bethany Mandel discussed: WEEKEND RECAP: A review of Valentine’s Day and the President’s Day holiday weekend. EPSTEIN FILES: Newly released messages between Steve Bannon and Jeffrey Epstein regarding opposition to Pope Francis. IMMIGRATION: Hakeem Jeffries dismisses concerns regarding the 1,300% increase in assaults against ICE officers. VOTER FRAUD: The Colorado Secretary of State faces criticism for sending 30,000 voter registration mailers to non-citizens. IRAN PROTESTS: Massive rallies in Toronto and Los Angeles calling for a free Iran. NAVY MOVEMENT: The Pentagon sends the USS Gerald R. Ford to the Middle East as tensions with Iran escalate. Where to find more about WMAL's morning show: Follow Podcasts on Apple Podcasts, Audible, and Spotify Follow WMAL's "O'Connor and Company" on X: @WMALDC, @LarryOConnor, @JGunlock, @PatricePinkfile, and @HeatherHunterDC Facebook: WMALDC and Larry O'Connor Instagram: WMALDC Website: WMAL.com/OConnor-Company Episode: Monday, February 16, 2026 / 5 AM HourSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three weeks into the search for Nancy Guthrie, investigators now say a glove found near her Tucson home contains DNA and appears to match the masked man seen on her doorbell camera. Plus, Homeland Security is partially shut down after lawmakers failed to reach a deal. Now, TSA, FEMA and the Coast Guard are caught in the middle. And American and Iranian officials are set to meet indirectly this week in Geneva. The White House says it wants diplomacy, while Israel says it doesn't trust Tehran. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, February 16, 2026.

Against the backdrop of a meeting of national security luminaries – including Secretary of State Marco Rubio – last weekend in Munich, Germany, a most amazing event took place. According to police estimates, a quarter of a million people took to that city's streets in solidarity with the people of Iran, demanding an end to the horrific sharia-supremacist tyranny that has brutally repressed them and threatened us for nearly fifty years. Senator Lindsay Graham conveyed America's support for liberating the Iranian people. His comments came shortly after President Trump observed the end of the ayatollahs' regime would be “the best thing that could happen.”  Mr. Trump now has in place military forces that can destroy the  mullahs' remaining security apparatus. It's time for the promised “help is on the way” to be translated into help delivered and a true “Liberation Day” achieved.   This is Frank Gaffney.

From Munich to Melbourne, hundreds of thousands have turned out to oppose Iran's clerical leadership in the wake of a brutal crackdown on protesters inside the country. While opinions differ over who should take over the current regime, protesters all voiced their desire for an Iran free from oppression.

The top diplomats of Oman and Iran have met in Geneva to finalize preparations for a second round of indirect talks between Tehran and Washington.

In this high-energy Friday edition of What's on Your Mind, host Scott Hennen cuts through the "liberal dribble" and media sensationalism surrounding the current state of America. The episode features a deep-dive Town Hall with Senator Kevin Cramer, covering the high stakes of the Iranian uprising and the "anti-cop" rhetoric fueling tension in Minnesota. The conversation shifts from global security to domestic victories, highlighting the often-ignored economic successes of the Trump administration's tax cuts. Later, Mike Lindell calls in fresh off a plane from Mar-a-Lago to discuss his 100% commitment to running for Governor of Minnesota and why the recent ICE drawdown in Minneapolis is actually a brilliant strategic move to expose political fraud. From "V-neck comforters" to the historical truth of the Confederacy, this episode is a masterclass in conservative perspective and grassroots activism. Standout Moments & Timestamps [00:01:07] – The Iran Credibility Gap Senator Kevin Cramer discusses the moral and strategic dilemma in Iran, noting that while the U.S. has the power to take out the regime's assets, the ultimate goal is supporting the Iranian people's own desire for regime change. +2 [00:03:35] – Reputation of Strength Cramer reflects on President Trump's earned reputation as a leader who takes a backseat to no one, arguing that the world is watching to see if there is a price to pay for doing wrong by America. [00:07:49] – Fact-Checking the "Gulag" Rhetoric Scott takes aim at local columnists and "Trump derangement syndrome," debunking claims that ICE is randomly "house-to-house killing" people and throwing them into gulags. +1 [00:11:13] – The Government Shutdown Myth Senator Cramer clarifies that despite media sensationalism, DHS and the Coast Guard are not shutting down, as they are essential services with ample funding. +2 [00:15:52] – Melania: The Movie Review A "number one fan" calls in to review the Melania Trump movie, praising the First Lady's "Jackie O class" and noting a specific transition scene involving Joe Biden and a bag of trash. +2 [00:22:21] – Live from Fort Bragg The show dips into live coverage of President Trump and Melania speaking to energized troops in North Carolina, celebrating the restoration of the "Fort Bragg" name. +2 [00:29:43] – History Lesson: Democrats and Slavery A listener provides a historical breakdown of the Confederacy, reminding the audience that the Southern Democrats were the architects of slavery and the Confederacy. +2 [00:32:05] – Mike Lindell: 100% All In…

The salient point of today's discourse centers around the recent triumph of the U.S. men's curling team over Sweden in the Olympics, a victory that exemplifies the competitive spirit of American athletes on the international stage. Further, we delve into a myriad of topics including the implications of geopolitical maneuvers regarding Greenland and its strategic position in global affairs, particularly in relation to the interests of the United States and its allies. Additionally, we reflect on the cultural significance of sporting events, such as the Super Bowl, and the impact of personal experiences tied to these occasions. The conversation also encompasses our ongoing financial obligations related to maintaining this podcast, emphasizing the necessity of listener support to sustain our endeavors. As we conclude, we express our gratitude for the continued engagement of our audience and extend an invitation for future discussions that explore these pressing themes.Takeaways:In this episode, we engage in a thoughtful discourse on the recent achievements of the U.S. men's curling team, emphasizing the significance of such victories in the realm of international sports.We express our admiration for the Olympic Games as a platform that showcases remarkable human accomplishments and fosters a sense of global unity among nations.We delve into the implications of geopolitical developments in the Arctic region, particularly regarding natural resources and their potential impact on international relations.The discussion also touches upon the socio-political dynamics within Iran, highlighting the ongoing struggles for freedom and the importance of international support for the Iranian populace.We reflect on our personal experiences with charitable contributions to organizations such as the Ayn Rand Institute, reinforcing the value of supporting ideological movements we believe in.Lastly, we contemplate the future of our podcast, contemplating potential guests and topics that align with our mission to promote philosophical inquiry and meaningful dialogue.Show notes with links to articles, blog posts, products and services:USA men score ‘statement' curling upset in huge boost to medal-round pushMike Vrabel - Patriots dot comSuper Bowl XXXVI - WikipediaAyn Rand InstituteThe Secular Foxhole dot liveSeinfeldish - The...

From Munich to Melbourne, hundreds of thousands have turned out to oppose Iran's clerical leadership in the wake of a brutal crackdown on protesters inside the country. While opinions differ over who should takeover the current regime, protesters all voiced their desire for an Iran free from oppression.

Angus Taylor is facing pressure from his party, a sociologist discusses the stark difference between pro-Palestinian and Iranian protests, and Drew Pavlou talks about why he thinks he was deported from the US. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this edition of Between Two Nerds Tom Uren and The Grugq discuss whether middle powers should be investing in military cyber capabilities. This episode is also available on Youtube Show notes The Record on Iranian air defences Max Smeets No Shortcuts RunZero sponsor interview

Alex Traiman, CEO of Jewish News Syndicate, joins Sid live from Israel to talk about Israeli player Deni Avdija becoming an NBA All-Star, noting his smart, all-around game and that many Israelis likely watched his All-Star game appearance via replay due to the late start time in Israel. The conversation shifts to a report that Spike Lee wore pro-Palestinian apparel at an All-Star event, which Traiman denounces. Sid and Alex then discuss Israel-U.S. views on Iran, arguing that Iranian agreements are unreliable, citing the NPT, the JCPOA, and skepticism that any verifiable deal can be reached; Traiman references a prior 12-day war and U.S. participation in “Operation Midnight Hammer” targeting Fordo, and suggests any future strike could be a joint U.S.-Israel operation, emphasizing Israel's intelligence capabilities. They also address President Trump's criticism of Israeli President Isaac Herzog for not pardoning Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, with Traiman saying Trump's remarks surprised people but were significant in countering claims that Netanyahu's Washington visit had failed and in underscoring Trump's view of Netanyahu as a strong wartime leader. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Three weeks into the search for Nancy Guthrie, investigators now say a glove found near her Tucson home contains DNA and appears to match the masked man seen on her doorbell camera. Plus, Homeland Security is partially shut down after lawmakers failed to reach a deal. Now, TSA, FEMA and the Coast Guard are caught in the middle. And American and Iranian officials are set to meet indirectly this week in Geneva. The White House says it wants diplomacy, while Israel says it doesn't trust Tehran. These stories and more highlight your Unbiased Updates for Monday, February 16, 2026.

The US bond and stock markets were closed Monday for Presidents' Day. That means we have no Wall Street lead for today's ASX. SPI futures are up 15 points and suggest the ASX will open modestly higher. The news of the day will be dominated by the release of BHP's latest results. The market will be looking for further clarity around their current negotiations around iron ore pricing with China. Commodity contracts still changed hands, with oil edging up as the world awaits Iranian developments, while gold slipped back on thin trading. Industrial metals in London were generally lower. China is on Lunar New Year holiday all week so news flow from the biggest consumer will be muted. I wouldn't expect much from any of them for now.BHP - SEK - JDO results—Marcus Today – Daily Market InsightsMarcus Today provides clear, practical commentary for self-directed investors – covering markets, portfolios, education, and decision-making without the noise.If you'd like to go further:Start a free 14-day trial of Marcus Todayhttp://bit.ly/mt-trial-podcastJoin Marcus TodayUse code MTPODCAST for 10% offhttp://bit.ly/mt-join-podcast-offerMT20 – Managed ETF PortfolioA professionally managed portfolio run by Marcus Padley and the team, using ASX-listed ETFs with active market timing.http://bit.ly/mt20-podcastPrinciples – How We Think About InvestingA short video series on timing, behaviour, and decision-making. No stock tips.http://bit.ly/mt-principles-podcast—DisclaimerThis podcast is general information only and does not consider your personal circumstances. It is not personal financial advice.

European countries say tests show Russia's Alexei Navalny was poisoned with a substance developed from a toxin found in Ecuadorian dart frogs. But the Kremlin denies killing the opposition leader. Also: Marco Rubio delivers a softer line to America's European allies at the Munich Security Conference; there are more global protests against the Iranian government; families of Venezuelan political prisoners go on hunger strike; the "Trump slump" affects US tourism; Cuba's cigar festival is snuffed out; palaeontologists discover giant sloth and elephant-like mastodon fossils; and we visit the British inmates learning how to garden. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

In this powerful and deeply moving interview on Refocused Network, Shemaiah Reed sits down with Zolal Habibi — a fearless Iranian-American human rights activist with over 25 years of dedicated work amplifying the voiceless inside Iran.Zolal's story begins with profound personal loss: at a young age, she witnessed the regime murder her father, a respected writer and political dissident, during the horrific 1988 massacre of political prisoners. That tragedy ignited an unshakeable commitment — choosing not a medical career, but a lifelong path to bring freedom and justice to Iran.https://ncr-iran.org/She shares raw insights into:The pivotal role of women's leadership and empowerment in dismantling tyranny and misogynyThe current climate inside Iran: the opposition and resistance movements (at home and abroad), ongoing protests, and human rights realitiesIran's geopolitical threats: terrorism, warmongering, and nuclear ambitionsWhy the voices of political prisoners, dissidents, and freedom-seekers must be heard on the global stageAs someone rooted in both Iranian heritage and American perspective, Zolal bridges understanding in ways that resonate deeply — offering hope, clarity, and a vision for real change.This conversation is a reminder that one person's courage can ripple into movements that reshape nations. If stories of resilience, purpose, and fighting for what's right move you, this episode is for you.

Iranian deputy foreign minister says Tehran willing to make concessions if US willing to lift sanctions. Sources close to prime minister say Netanyahu had connection to Trump remarks chastising Herzog over pardon. From December, English proficiency to be tested separately from Israeli psychometric examSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Stacie Hueter delivers the news on the toxin found in Russian dissident Aleksei A. Navalny's corpse, Norwegian royal family's ties to Jeffrey Epstein, and the extensive abuse endured by Nobel peace laureate, Narges Mohammadi, by Iranian authorities on 2/15/26. 

Ilan Goldenberg of J Street hosted a live briefing featuring two leading Iran experts who examined the current state of the protests, how President Trump's threats of intervention are being perceived inside Iran, and the policy options currently available to the United States.Nate Swanson is director of Iran Strategy Project at the Atlantic Council. He has served as a senior advisor on Iran policy across multiple administrations, most recently as Director for Iran at the National Security Council.Negar Mortazavi is a senior fellow at the Center for International Policy and the editor and host of The Iran Podcast. An award-winning journalist and political commentator, she has covered Iranian affairs and U.S. policy towards Iran for 15 years.

Your daily news in under three minutes. At Al Jazeera Podcasts, we want to hear from you, our listeners. So, please head to https://www.aljazeera.com/survey and tell us your thoughts about this show and other Al Jazeera podcasts. It only takes a few minutes! Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Prime Minister Mark Carney and other political leaders joined hundreds of mourners in Tumbler Ridge last night to honor the eight victims of Tuesday's mass shooting.As Tumbler Ridge begins the long process of healing, Members of Parliament share personal messages of support — including one survivor of the 1989 École Polytechnique massacre.An estimated 200,000 protesters have flooded the streets of Munich for the largest-ever Iranian opposition rally in Europe, calling for an end to the Islamic Republic.Portugal and Spain face a four-billion-euro cleanup as a series of deadly storms gives way to clear skies and a massive national recovery effort.Canada's top pension funds remain heavily invested in the U.S. despite an ongoing trade war and "Buy Canadian" calls.Rising costs for gold and cocoa are squeezing Valentine's Day budgets, forcing many Canadians to trade jewelry for more affordable gifts.

The latest tranche of the Epstein files contains more than three million documents - the largest release of its kind. In what appears to be a clumsy attempt at a cover-up by the US Department of Justice, the sloppily redacted names of high-profile perpetrators have failed to conceal the intricate web of global elites spanning politics, royalty, Hollywood and tech. The fallout in Europe has resulted in a string of resignations, but in the US, there has been limited accountability for the politicians named in the files, including Donald Trump. Contributors: Mehdi Hasan - Editor-in-chief and CEO, Zeteo News Chris Hedges - Host, The Chris Hedges Report Nikki McCann Ramirez - Politics reporter at Rolling Stone Danielle Moodie - Host, The Danielle Moodie Show On our radar: It's been a month since Iranian authorities imposed a total internet blackout during a violent crackdown on antigovernment protesters. Since then, the state has ramped up the targeted repression of journalists and progressive politicians in Iran. The limited information that has managed to make it out of the country, via Elon Musk's Starlink, is now struggling against what experts say are internet filtering technologies from Chinese companies. Tariq Nafi reports on Iran's nationwide internet shutdown. How the US military took over American football From choreographed flyovers to flags stretching the length of the field, no other sports league has marketed patriotism as aggressively or successfully as the United States' National Football League, the NFL. Militarism is embedded in sports and entertainment in the US, but, under the Trump administration, more state institutions are trying to get in on the act. Ryan Kohls reports on the power and the spectacle of the Super Bowl. Featuring: Howard Bryant - Sports journalist and author Kavitha Davidson - Podcast host, Sportly Gregory Daddis - Professor of history, Texas A&M University; retired colonel, US Army

Five European countries are accusing Russia of using a rare poison from dart frogs on Alexei Navalny, which led to his death two years ago. The popular dissident, who had previously recovered from another suspected Russian poisoning, headed an opposition movement against president Vladimir Putin. The announcement overshadowed the gathering of the Munich Security Conference, which has also been a test of western allies relationship with the U.S.Also: Hundreds of thousands of protesters filled Canadian city streets today. Its part of a Global Day of Action -- as Iranian communities call for regime change. Sparked by an economic crisis, the protests began in December but have spread beyond Iran... with the largest held in Munich, Los Angeles and Toronto. It also comes as fears grow over a potential military intervention by the U.S.And: The Milano Cortina Olympics are well underway. But 20 athletes are competing as neutral, not for their home countries. That's because of restrictions that also bar one of the fiercest hockey nations from taking part.Plus: Canada's FIRST Inuit-led university, Olympic newbies, Dating in Hong Kong, and more.

Ghazal, an Iranian woman in London speaks about the recent destabilisation operation in Iran. This was a prelude to a regime-change war, she says. The chaos on the streets of Iran was no grass-roots revolution. The riots were aimed AGAINST the mass of the Iranian people, and were orchestrated by outside forces, led and funded by the US and the Israeli Zionists, and using the dregs of the reactionary deposed monarchists who are nurtured in the west, in the vein hope they can again be reinstalled in a sick re-run of the 1953 operation “Ajax”, which overthrew President Mosaddegh. That was a CIA plot led by Kermit (Kim) Roosvelt, Allen and John Foster Dulles, under Eisenhower's newly minted CIA regime change machine. It is the monopoly capitalists, facing immanent financial collapse, who are driving to crush the Iranian people to lay hands on again in their mineral wealth and grow rich from their super-exploitation and wage slavery. Iran stands at the centre of the axis of resistance. Women in Iran enjoy freedom, dignity, literacy, education and empowerment, the like of which they do not have in the west. It is for them to decide and form their future - not the financiers and wage lords of western capital. Long live the people of Iran! Death to the genocidal Anglo-American imperialists and their Zionist proxies! Long live the axis of resistance! Subscribe! Donate! Join us in building a bright future for humanity! www.thecommunists.org www.lalkar.org www.redyouth.org Telegram: t.me/thecommunists Twitter: twitter.com/cpgbml Soundcloud: @proletarianradio Rumble: rumble.com/c/theCommunists Odysee: odysee.com/@proletariantv:2 Facebook: www.facebook.com/cpgbml Online Shop: https://shop.thecommunists.org/ Education Program: https://thecommunists.org/education-programme/ Each one teach one! www.londonworker.org/education-programme/ Join the struggle www.thecommunists.org/join/ Donate: www.thecommunists.org/donate/

We kick things off in FOLLOW UP with the ongoing "nuclear war" between Automattic and WP Engine, where discovery has revealed Matt Mullenweg's alleged hit list of competitors and a desperate attempt to bully payment processors—because nothing says "open source" like an eight-percent royalty shakedown. Meanwhile, the Harvard Business Review confirmed what we already knew: AI isn't reducing our work; it's just compressing it until we're all working through lunch and burning out faster while Polymarket turns our collective brain rot into a literal "attention market" where you can bet on Elon's mindshare.Transitioning to IN THE NEWS, Elon has officially pivoted SpaceX from Mars to the Moon, presumably because building a "self-growing lunar city" is easier than admitting the Red Planet is hard, though his xAI all-hands rant about "ancient alien catapults" suggests he's been staring at the sun too long. Between X allegedly taking blue-check lunch money from sanctioned Iranian leaders, Meta facing trials for creating "predator-friendly hunting grounds," and Russia finally pulling the plug on WhatsApp, the internet is looking more like a digital dumpster fire than ever. Add in Discord leaking 70,000 government IDs, OpenAI shoving ads into ChatGPT while safety researchers flee the building like it's on fire, and a "cognitive debt" crisis eroding our ability to think, and you've got a recipe for a tech-induced psychosis that even crypto-funded human trafficking can't outpace.In MEDIA CANDY, we're wondering about the soft-core porn intro in the latest Star Trek: Starfleet Academy while Apple buys the total rights to Severance for seventy million dollars—because in-house production is the only way to keep those ballooning budgets under control. Super Bowl trailer season gave us a glimpse of The Mandalorian and Grogu and a Project Hail Mary teaser, while Babylon 5 has finally landed on YouTube for free, proving that even 90s serialized sci-fi eventually finds its way to the clearance bin.Over in APPS & DOODADS, Meta Quest is nagging us for our birthdays like a needy relative, while Roblox had to scrub a mass-shooting simulator—because "AI plus human safety teams" is apparently just code for "we missed it until it hit the forums." Ring's Super Bowl ad for "Search Party" accidentally terrified everyone by revealing a mass surveillance network for pets that's a slippery slope toward a police state, and Waymo is now paying DoorDashers ten bucks just to walk over and close the car doors that autonomous tech still can't figure out.Wrapping up with THE DARK SIDE WITH DAVE, we dive into the Mandalorian Hasbro reveal where Sigourney Weaver's action figure comes with no accessories because her existence is enough of a flex. We explore the grim reality of "RentAHuman," where humans are paid pittance to pretend AI agents are actually doing work, and look at "Trash Talk Audio," which sells a $125 microphone made out of a literal old telephone for that authentic Gen-X "get off the line, I'm expecting a call" aesthetic. From Marcia Lucas finally venting about the prequels and a rare book catalog specifically for our aging generation, we're reminded that while the future is a chaotic mess of "GeoSpy" AI and corporate reshuffling at Disney, at least we still have our cynical memories and some free versions of Roller Coaster Tycoon to keep us from losing it completely.Sponsors:CleanMyMac - Get Tidy Today! Try 7 days free and use code OLDGEEKS for 20% off at clnmy.com/OLDGEEKSDeleteMe - Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to JoinDeleteMe.com/GOG and use promo code GOG at checkout.Private Internet Access - Go to GOG.Show/vpn and sign up today. For a limited time only, you can get OUR favorite VPN for as little as $2.03 a month.SetApp - With a single monthly subscription you get 240+ apps for your Mac. Go to SetApp and get started today!!!1Password - Get a great deal on the only password manager recommended by Grumpy Old Geeks! gog.show/1passwordShow notes at https://gog.show/733FOLLOW UPAutomattic planned to target 10 competitors with royalty fees, WP Engine claims in new filingAI Doesn't Reduce Work—It Intensifies ItPolymarket To Offer Attention Markets In Partnership With Kaito AIIsrael Arrests Members of Military for Placing Polymarket Bets Using Inside Information on Upcoming StrikesIN THE NEWSUnable to Reach Mars, Musk Does the Most Musk Thing PossibleWe'll Find the Remnants of Ancient Alien Civilizations': Read Musk's Gibberish Rant from His xAI All-Hands MeetingElon Musk's X Appears to Be Violating US Sanctions by Selling Premium Accounts to Iranian LeadersMeta Faces Two Key Trials That Could Change Social Media ForeverWhatsApp is now fully blocked in RussiaRussia is restricting access to Telegram, one of its most popular social media apps. Here's what we knowDOJ may face investigation for pressuring Apple, Google to remove apps for tracking ICE agentsDiscord Launches Teen-by-Default Settings GloballyDiscord says hackers stole government IDs of 70,000 usersFree Tool Says it Can Bypass Discord's Age Verification Check With a 3D ModelTesting ads in ChatGPTOpenAI Researcher Quits, Warns Its Unprecedented ‘Archive of Human Candor' Is DangerousOpenAI Fires Top Safety Exec Who Opposed ChatGPT's “Adult Mode”Anthropic AI Safety Researcher Warns Of World ‘In Peril' In ResignationMusk's xAI loses second co-founder in two daysAmerica Isn't Ready for What AI Will Do to JobsMonologue: No, Something Big Isn't ComingThe Scientist Who Predicted AI Psychosis Has a Grim Forecast of What's Going to Happen NextCrypto-Funded Human Trafficking Is ExplodingMEDIA CANDYShrinkingStar Trek: Starfleet AcademyPoor ThingsProject Hail Mary | Final TrailerMinions & Monsters | Official TrailerDisclosure Day | Big Game SpotThe Mandalorian and Grogu | A New Journey Begins | In Theaters May 22Babylon 5 Is Now Free to Watch On YouTubeApple acquires all rights to ‘Severance,' will produce future seasons in-houseOptimizing your TVAPPS & DOODADSTumbler Ridge Shooter Created Mall Shooting Simulator in RobloxHere's how to disable Ring's creepy Search Party featureWaymo Is Getting DoorDashers to Close Doors on Self Driving CarsTikTok US launches a local feed that leverages a user's exact locationApple just released iOS 26.3 alongside updates for the Mac, iPad and Apple WatchTHE DARK SIDE WITH DAVEDave BittnerThe CyberWireHacking HumansCaveatControl LoopOnly Malware in the BuildingWe Call It ImagineeringYour First Look at Hasbro's 'Mandalorian and Grogu' Figures Is Here (Exclusive)I Tried RentAHuman, Where AI Agents Hired Me to Hype Their AI StartupsTrash Talk AudioRoger Reacts to Star Wars - A New HopeMarcia Lucas Finally Speaks Out | Icons Unearthed: Unplugged (FULL INTERVIEW)What's wrong with the prequels?Rare Books, Gen X editionGeoSpyCLOSING SHOUT-OUTSRobert Tinney, who painted iconic Byte magazine covers, RIPBud CortSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Border czar Tom Homan announced the end of the ICE operation in Minnesota in the coming days following weeks of operations by federal law enforcement in the state.Customs and Border Patrol officials closed airspace around the El Paso airport this week after firing an anti-drone laser, and failing to coordinate with the Federal Aviation Administration.And President Donald Trump ordered pride flags at New York City's Stonewall National Monument, a prominent site in LGBTQ history, removed as part of a larger campaign to change displays at national parks around the country.And, in global news, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in Washington this week meeting with President Donald Trump. Items on the agenda were Iran, its ballistic missiles, and Iranian nuclear capabilities.Meanwhile, European leaders gathered in Belgium to counter economic pressure from China and military threats from Russia.And the Trump Administration threatened to block the opening of the Gordie Howe Memorial Bridge over disputes with the Canadian government. The structure, which connects Michigan and Ontario, took several years and billions of dollars to build.We cover the most important stories from around the globe on the News Roundup.Find more of our programs online. Listen to 1A sponsor-free by signing up for 1A+ at plus.npr.org/the1a.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Today's Headlines: Early voting is officially underway for North Carolina's March 3 Senate primary — your reminder that primary season is here and checking your state's election dates is now mandatory civic behavior. The timing matters, because Washington is doing the most: the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is likely to shut down after Senate Democrats blocked a funding bill that didn't include limits on ICE practices. If it happens, the shutdown would also hit the TSA, FEMA, and the United States Coast Guard — just as Congress leaves town for a Presidents' Day recess.  Meanwhile, border czar Tom Homan claims ICE is ending deployments to Minnesota, though reporting suggests those deployments may not have actually ended — or possibly started. At the same time, Customs and Border Protection is moving ahead with a $225,000 contract for Clearview AI, a facial recognition tool built on billions of scraped images, now approved for “tactical targeting” and network analysis.  That mysterious whistleblower complaint involving Tulsi Gabbard also landed exactly where everyone expected: it centered on her burying an NSA report about a Trump associate's call with a foreign intelligence agency. Just as we guessed…last week, that associate was Jared Kushner, and the call reportedly involved Iran. Benjamin Netanyahu met with Donald Trump at the White House, after which Trump publicly scolded Isaac Herzog for not pardoning Netanyahu over corruption charges — while brushing off questions about responsibility for October 7. Elsewhere, X, owned by Elon Musk, is under scrutiny after reports it sold premium accounts to Iranian regime officials despite U.S. sanctions. And finally, Gallup announced its ending monthly presidential approval ratings after nearly 90 years. The last one, taken in December, clocked in at 36%. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: Axios: Inside North Carolina's 2026 high-stakes primary races Politico: DHS shutdown all but certain after failed Senate vote - Live Updates NYT: Trump Administration to End Surge of Immigration Agents in Minnesota Wired:: CBP Signs Clearview AI Deal to Use Face Recognition for ‘Tactical Targeting' WSJ: Gabbard Whistleblower Complaint Based on Intercepted Conversation About Jared Kushner Axios: Trump says Israeli president "should be ashamed" for not pardoning Netanyahu Wired: Elon Musk's X Appears to Be Violating US Sanctions by Selling Premium Accounts to Iranian Leaders NYT: Gallup Will No Longer Track Presidential Approval Ratings Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On today's episode, Dr. Mark Costes sits down with Dr. Andrew Kokabi, owner of Brookhaven Family Dentistry and a true example of grit, growth, and purpose-driven leadership. From his early days in a three-operatory practice with no paycheck, to leading a thriving 17-op fee-for-service operation with plans to expand to 30, Dr. Kokabi shares his deeply personal journey. He talks about how his upbringing as the child of Iranian immigrants shaped his business mindset, the painful but transformative experience of burnout, and the pivotal role the Dentalpreneur Podcast played in reigniting his passion and vision.  The conversation dives deep into creating a strong culture, onboarding associates with aligned philosophies, tracking performance, building patient loyalty, and giving back to the community in creative, meaningful ways. You'll also hear about Dr. Kokabi's vision for long-term impact—both in dentistry and through empowering underserved populations. Be sure to check out the full episode from the Dentalpreneur Podcast! EPISODE RESOURCES https://www.coupleofdentists.com https://www.truedentalsuccess.com Dental Success Network Subscribe to The Dentalpreneur Podcast

On Wednesday Mark Levin Show, this debt crisis in America predates President Trump – it stems from a massive welfare state which expanded to include illegal aliens, unchecked waste, fraud, and abuse costing hundreds of billions annually, and out-of-control Marxist-socialist policies.  Congress is unable to fix this problem because Democrats want to spend even more. Unchecked fiscal irresponsibility risks economic collapse, worthless currency, stagflation, societal dislocation, and violent riots if the system fails. We need to ensure that our republic survives! Also, why are we negotiating with Iran? If Iran unexpectedly accepts all U.S. demands, an agreement might be signed, allowing the regime to survive. Failing to eliminate the Iranian regime now is unconscionable and immoral, as it will leave future generations to confront a far more dangerous Iran armed with 50,000 ballistic missiles capable of striking the entire U.S. mainland, Hawaii, and Alaska, plus nuclear warheads. Later, the House of Representatives narrowly passed the SAVE America Act requiring voter ID by a vote of 215 to 214, with Rep Thomas Massie joining with the Democrats. ID is routinely required for everyday activities like entering government buildings, courts, buying alcohol or cigarettes, renting a car, signing a lease, getting a mortgage, and more—yet Democrats oppose it for voting. Voter ID protects against fraud like illegal voting, double voting, or votes by the deceased, making it a civil rights issue where fraudulent votes dilute legitimate ones. The only reason to oppose it is to enable fraud. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At the end of December, familiar scenes of protest in Tehran were being documented and shared across the world. But on January 8th, the images stopped coming after the Iranian regime cut off the internet in an attempt by the authorities to prevent protestors from organizing and posting videos online for the outside world to see. Under the cover of darkness the regime is reported to have killed up to 30,000 people.Brooke spoke to Mahsa Alimardani, the Associate Director of the Technology Threats & Opportunities program at WITNESS, where she works on distinguishing visual truths in the AI age. She says that the internet has started flickering back on after a nearly three-week-long national blackout–the longest the country has ever seen–but that a thick fog of disinformation still covers Iran. On the Media is supported by listeners like you. Support OTM by donating today (https://pledge.wnyc.org/support/otm). Follow our show on Instagram, Twitter and Facebook @onthemedia, and share your thoughts with us by emailing onthemedia@wnyc.org.