Podcasts about lawmakers

War Room Trump Throws Abraham Accords Monkey Wrench Into Saudi Nuclear Deal at 11th Hour, As Iran Threatens to Conduct Terror Attacks That Will ‘Cause National Mourning in America,' PLUS, Jack Smith Hit With Criminal Referral for Lying to Congress About Spying on Lawmakers

Tense hearings on Capitol Hill as the Pentagon asks for billions more in war spending. Storms bring historic flooding and tornadoes across multiple states.  The wreckage of a Pan Am airplane has been found 74 years after a deadly crash. House Speaker Johnson is on board with banning lawmakers from dating staffers.  Plus, an Australian lawmaker loses it on his dog during a live interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Higher food prices continue to change the way Americans shop, according to a new report from CoBank's Knowledge Exchange, and regenerative agriculture continues to gain momentum across the country.

Mea Culpa examines the right wing media's attempt to white wash the Capital Riot. Lawmakers and pundits keep trying to paint the January 6th insurrection as either the work of Antifa or outside “agent provocateurs,” sent to disrupt an otherwise peaceful gathering. Like the Big Lie that begat January 6th, the more these outlets push this alternative history, the more people are prone to believe what they read or hear. Michael speaks with former Obama White House Ethics Czar and Special Counsel to the House Judiciary Committee Norman Eisen.To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policyLearn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Utah's premier conservative think tank, the Sutherland Institute, has a new CEO: state Sen. Todd Weiler, a frequent guest of this podcast. Host Ali Vallarta asks Weiler about his goals, 1-star reviews of his organization, and why he won't be stepping down from the Legislature. We're doing our annual survey to learn more about our listeners. You'll be doing us a big favor if you take it at citycast.fm/survey — and it only takes seven minutes. Plus, anyone who takes the survey will be eligible to win a $250 Visa gift card and City Cast City swag. Thank you! Get more from City Cast Salt Lake when you become a City Cast Salt Lake Neighbor. You'll enjoy perks like ad-free listening, invitations to members only events and more.  Subscribe to our daily morning newsletter. You can also find us on Instagram @CityCastSLC. Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: (801) 203-0137 Looking to advertise on City Cast Salt Lake? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads.

On the July 20 edition: Valdosta residents fight a proposed data center; Senator Jon Ossoff makes his case to rural voters; And cuts to federal disaster relief programs have made "El Niño" a greater public health risk. 

Talking Points this week Blazed Weekly News 90th SESSION LEGISLATURE POWER GRAB by STATE AGENCY conflicting rules and legal decisions beverage only support DSHS and sunset committee federal regulation marijuana rescheduling CARVE OUT FOR FLOWER AT DPS NEW AGENCY TEXAS HEMP & CANNABIS BUREAU

July 19, 2026; 9am: More than two dozen House Democrats met this week for a closed-door strategy session to map out how they would respond if President Trump tried to interfere in this year's midterms. House Democrats have told MS NOW that one fear they have is that Trump could be using the Save America Act as a pretext, and if the legislation fails, Trump could declare a state of emergency to make electoral rule changes. Congressman Joe Morelle of New York, who organized the meeting with House Democrats, joins “The Weekend” along with Skye Perryman, President and CEO of Democracy Forward. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

July 18, 2026; 9am: Multiple fatal shootings involving ICE officers spark a major national day of action against Trump's immigration crackdown. In response to the shootings, the Department of Homeland Security paused ICE vehicle stops except in cases that involved serious criminal targets. However, President Trump reversed the order. Andrea Flores, former Department of Homeland Security and White House official, joins “The Weekend” to discuss. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Kathryn Ruemmler faced sharp bipartisan criticism after spending six hours answering questions before the House Oversight Committee about her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein. Lawmakers said they did not believe she had been fully candid, particularly when she attempted to characterize their association as limited or professional. Democratic ranking member Robert Garcia said her answers did not appear completely truthful, while Republican chairman James Comer focused on allegations that Ruemmler helped Epstein rehabilitate his reputation after his 2008 conviction. Ruemmler acknowledged that associating with Epstein was a mistake but claimed she never witnessed criminal conduct and argued that Epstein had used respected people like her to restore his legitimacy.The documents examined by lawmakers suggest a relationship that extended far beyond ordinary legal work. Emails showed personal plans, gifts and affectionate messages in which Ruemmler referred to Epstein as “Uncle Jeffrey,” said she adored him and maintained contact despite knowing about his sex-offense conviction. She testified that Epstein had expressed remorse and claimed he did not know the girls were underage, an explanation she apparently accepted because prosecutors and a judge had approved his earlier resolution. Her spokesperson insisted that she answered every question openly and truthfully, but lawmakers remained skeptical that her testimony matched the closeness reflected in the written record or adequately explained her role in helping Epstein regain access to powerful and respectable circles.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Lawmakers question Kathryn Ruemmler's testimony on Jeffrey Epstein ties | The IndependentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

Senator Mitch McConnell was absent from Capitol Hill for weeks. Rumors and conspiracies swirled until he recently reappeared and said he was in medical care recovering from a fall.He's not the only politician who's hid their health from the public eye – Joe Biden, for instance, tried to keep concerns about his health quiet before the 2024 election – until it was too hard to ignore.We talk about what aging and ailing lawmakers owe to the public especially if it impairs their ability to serve.Plus, immigration enforcement is surging. ICE doubled the number of arrests compared to earlier this year, and has been doing it without the massive protests that rocked the country. But now, with two headline-grabbing shootings of motorists by ICE agents, what is the future of that strategy?We also talk about how congress came together on a massive affordable housing bill.Producer: Leo DuranHost: Mike Madrid Guests:  Liz Bruenig, staff writer at The Atlantic - @EBruenig Sarah Isgur, senior editor at The Dispatch - @whignewtons

The movement continues among state lawmakers to ban cell phones in schools. one central Pa. district says they have seen benefits from restrictive phone policies.Pennsylvania officials say the Trump administration could be holding up millions of dollars of Homeland Security grants until states comply with election demands. Lawmakers are calling for tighter commercial driver's license laws in Pennsylvania. Their calls come in the wake of the July 1st crash that killed a state police trooper in Schuylkill County.A data center being built by Amazon in the greater Philadelphia area is sparking public outcry.The Public Utility Commission will hold public hearings on allegations related to operational and service-related issues within the Veolia water system. The Trump administration replaced an exhibit on slavery at the site of President George Washington's home in Philadelphia with a version that historians say whitewashes the nation's history. The Schuylkill River Passenger Rail Authority is partnering with Amtrak to provide passenger rail service from Reading to Philadelphia.The Harrisburg Fringe Festival began Thursday and stretches through the weekend. The fourth annual festival features more than 200 independent artists at nine venues across the city.And now it's time for our weekly segment called The Bright Spot. Every Friday, I'll share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle.  Today's bright spot is this:Two orphaned bear cubs are making central PA their new home.ZooAmerica North American Wildlife Park in Hershey took the pair of 5-month-old American black bear cubs in, after they were rescued by the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks.It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you. 

Some lawmakers back east appear to be blowing smoke today. Well… and they're inhaling it too. Wildfires in Canada have pushed a lot of smoke across the Midwest and Northeast, and lawmakers are mad. In fact, many are calling on Canada to do more to control the smoke. That has Greg and Holly wondering just what on Earth Canada is supposed to do… install some giant fans or something?

Longtime White House teleprompter operator facing allegations of insider training 'Teen Takeovers' coming to Utah Real Salt Lake issues apology to decorated Utah soccer player Lawmakers back east demand Canada do more to stop wildfire smoke from blowing into U.S. Defense Secretary Hegseth announces testosterone test for military service members Secret to endless youth? Going to the movie theater!

Democrats in the House say they want answers about the vetting process for ICE officers. AP correspondent Donna Warder reports.

Lawmakers & College Sports bonus 1253 Fri, 17 Jul 2026 12:36:24 +0000 ja6M6DMGm4nwZNcsAp4ubxC2zjRMHJmr sports Sports Daily sports Lawmakers & College Sports Wichita's popular morning local sports talk radio show is Sports Daily with Jacob Albracht and Tommy Castor. Listen live M-F 7a-11a on KFH! 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. Sports https://player.amperwavepodcasting.com?feed-link=https%3A%2F%2Frss.a

Two men have been charged following their arrest in Cayman Brac.Lawmakers greenlight an extra $2.5M for Agriculture Support and Regulatory Services.The SpaceX starship rocket is expected to fly over the Cayman Islands today.#rcnews #radiocayman #caymanislands

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CAUGHT: Jack Smith "Spied" on Lawmakers Private Texts.

Lawmakers slam the killings of two men by ICE agents. Senate Democrats use Pentagon policy bill as leverage to reign in the president on Iran, and SCOTUS justices ask for more security.

Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche faces the Senate Judiciary Committee as he seeks confirmation to permanently lead the Justice Department. Lawmakers are pressing him over the Epstein files, prosecutions involving Trump critics and a nearly $1.8 billion "Anti-Weaponization Fund." Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

WBEN's Tom Puckett gets reaction from state lawmakers on the data center moratorium full 75 Wed, 15 Jul 2026 07:58:00 +0000 5zfMLytJepMXts6QyKRkV70HgeKkD5wv news & politics,news WBEN Extras news & politics,news WBEN's Tom Puckett gets reaction from state lawmakers on the data center moratorium Archive of various reports and news events 2024 © 2021 Audacy, Inc. News & Politics News https://pla

Lawmakers slam the killings of two men by ICE agents. Senate Democrats use Pentagon policy bill as leverage to reign in the president on Iran, and SCOTUS justices ask for more security.Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/heartland-newsfeed-radio-network--2904397/support.

Kathryn Ruemmler, Goldman Sachs' former chief legal officer and current senior counsel, is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee as lawmakers investigate her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and the federal government's handling of his crimes. Ruemmler stepped down from Goldman's top legal position at the end of June after newly released Justice Department records revealed that her contacts with Epstein were more extensive than previously known. Those records reportedly show numerous communications between the two from 2014 through 2019, years after Epstein's 2008 conviction, as well as gifts Ruemmler accepted from him and advice she provided about responding to media questions concerning his criminal historyThe records also indicate that Epstein called Ruemmler's cellphone on July 6, 2019, the day of his federal arrest on sex-trafficking charges. Ruemmler's spokesperson has maintained that she did nothing improper, knew nothing about any ongoing criminal conduct and took no action after the brief call. Members of Congress are expected to question her about what she knew, whom Epstein discussed with her and how he maintained his influence among powerful institutions. Lawmakers have also criticized Goldman Sachs for retaining Ruemmler in an advisory role, arguing that the decision raises serious questions about the bank's due diligence and its judgment concerning her ties to Epstein.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Congress to grill Goldman Sachs executive over newly revealed Epstein ties | The Independent

The U.S. carried out a third night of strikes against Iran overnight, with officials saying the mission is aimed at degrading Iran's ability to attack civilians in the Strait of Hormuz. President Trump writing on Truth Social that The United States will be known as ‘the Guardian of the Hormuz Strait,' and be reimbursed at the rate of 20% on all cargo shipped, for providing safety and security. The latest strikes mark an escalation after the U.S. and Iran agreed to end hostilities, reopen the strait, and start nuclear negotiations.Lawmakers are back in Washington this week and Republican leaders in the House are trying again to move to pass the election integrity bill known as the SAVE America Act by attaching it to the National Defense Authorization Act. Lawmakers did this back in June but failed with 14 lawmakers opposing the rule. Senators can also strip the act out before passage so it would still require enough votes to pass.A 67-year-old Mississippi man identified as Wendell J. Royster, is facing charges after Capitol Police say he drove to a security barricade near the Capitol with a handgun on his lap. Authorities say he approached the barricade in a rented Ford Bronco and asked an officer for directions to the Supreme Court, which is when an officer noticed the firearm on his lap. A team of Capitol Police officers surrounded the vehicle and took him into custody without incident. Royster is charged with carrying a pistol without a license or permit.

Kathryn Ruemmler, Goldman Sachs' former chief legal officer and current senior counsel, is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee as lawmakers investigate her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and the federal government's handling of his crimes. Ruemmler stepped down from Goldman's top legal position at the end of June after newly released Justice Department records revealed that her contacts with Epstein were more extensive than previously known. Those records reportedly show numerous communications between the two from 2014 through 2019, years after Epstein's 2008 conviction, as well as gifts Ruemmler accepted from him and advice she provided about responding to media questions concerning his criminal historyThe records also indicate that Epstein called Ruemmler's cellphone on July 6, 2019, the day of his federal arrest on sex-trafficking charges. Ruemmler's spokesperson has maintained that she did nothing improper, knew nothing about any ongoing criminal conduct and took no action after the brief call. Members of Congress are expected to question her about what she knew, whom Epstein discussed with her and how he maintained his influence among powerful institutions. Lawmakers have also criticized Goldman Sachs for retaining Ruemmler in an advisory role, arguing that the decision raises serious questions about the bank's due diligence and its judgment concerning her ties to Epstein.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Congress to grill Goldman Sachs executive over newly revealed Epstein ties | The IndependentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-moscow-murders-and-more--5852883/support.

July 14, 2026 ~ Chris Renwick and Lloyd Jackson discuss car noise with State Representatives Jason Hoskins and Natalie Price, who hope to increase fines for excessively loud, illegally modified vehicle exhaust systems. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Semafor reported that Kevin Warsh faced his first Capitol Hill hearing as Federal Reserve chair on July 14, 2026. The testimony is part of the Semiannual Monetary Policy Report to the House Financial Services Committee and the Senate Banking Committee. Lawmakers typically question the Fed chair on inflation, employment, interest rates, the balance sheet, and bank supervision. Founders watch for signals about the policy rate path, balance sheet runoff, and credit conditions that shape borrowing costs and growth plans. Supervisory priorities, including capital rules and stress tests, can influence banks' lending appetite to small and mid sized firms. Businesses can prepare by modeling multiple rate scenarios, reassessing fixed versus floating exposure, and reviewing covenant headroom with lenders.Learn more on this news by visiting us at: https://greyjournal.net/news/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kathryn Ruemmler, Goldman Sachs' former chief legal officer and current senior counsel, is scheduled to testify before the House Oversight Committee as lawmakers investigate her relationship with Jeffrey Epstein and the federal government's handling of his crimes. Ruemmler stepped down from Goldman's top legal position at the end of June after newly released Justice Department records revealed that her contacts with Epstein were more extensive than previously known. Those records reportedly show numerous communications between the two from 2014 through 2019, years after Epstein's 2008 conviction, as well as gifts Ruemmler accepted from him and advice she provided about responding to media questions concerning his criminal historyThe records also indicate that Epstein called Ruemmler's cellphone on July 6, 2019, the day of his federal arrest on sex-trafficking charges. Ruemmler's spokesperson has maintained that she did nothing improper, knew nothing about any ongoing criminal conduct and took no action after the brief call. Members of Congress are expected to question her about what she knew, whom Epstein discussed with her and how he maintained his influence among powerful institutions. Lawmakers have also criticized Goldman Sachs for retaining Ruemmler in an advisory role, arguing that the decision raises serious questions about the bank's due diligence and its judgment concerning her ties to Epstein.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Congress to grill Goldman Sachs executive over newly revealed Epstein ties | The IndependentBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

ALSO: Sen. Lindsey Graham likely died after aorta rupture, Indianapolis council president calls for pause on data center developments, The U.S. launches more strikes on Iran, gas prices rise, and Fever / Pacers play.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Ryan talks with Publisher of Southeast Politics Janelle Irwin Taylor about how Florida lawmakers reacted to the death of former state senator Jack Latvala. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sen. Mitch McConnell (R-KY) has been hospitalized for nearly a month, but it remains unclear why or what his condition is. His prolonged absence comes just after Rep. Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ) disappeared for over 100 days, for what he later revealed was treatment for depression. These incidents are reigniting a prickly debate over what information lawmakers owe voters, the limits of medical privacy, and if Congress is just too old.  Note: This episode was recorded before McConnell's statement revealing that his hospitalization was due to a fall. Read more here. It was also recorded before the death of Sen. Lindsey Graham. ---  Guest: Casey Burgat, The George Washington University Graduate School of Political Management  Host: David Rind  Producer: Paola Ortiz  Showrunner: Felicia Patinkin Photo: Tom Brenner/Reuters Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

(The Center Square) – An Illinois state representative faces multiple counts of wire fraud and providing a false statement, according to a federal indictment released Tuesday night. State Rep. Carol Ammons, D-Urbana, was charged with eight counts of wire fraud surrounding an alleged kickback scheme involving campaign contributions. She was also charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice. Her husband, Aaron Ammons, the Champaign County clerk of courts, also faces charges of conspiracy to obstruct justice and obstruction of evidence. Neither Carol nor Aaron Ammons responded to The Center Square's request for comment. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Did you ever wonder why so many people didn't get out before the dot-com crash? It's an important question to ask yourself, especially if you believe you'll know exactly when to get out before any potential correction in today's AI and semiconductor stocks.   The reality is that the dot-com bubble burst only 25 years ago. Human nature hasn't changed since then. Investors today are no smarter than investors were back then, and the same emotions that drove the bubble are showing up again. There were four major reasons so many people lost money during the tech bust.   The first was that investors stopped focusing on earnings and price-to-earnings ratios. Instead, they justified sky-high valuations by looking at metrics like website traffic, page views, click-through rates, and the number of "eyeballs" on a screen. The assumption was that if revenue kept growing, profits would eventually follow. Many ignored the reality that businesses also have expenses, competition, and execution risk.   The second reason was FOMO or the fear of missing out. Between 1995 and 2000, the Nasdaq surged roughly 400%. As people watched friends, coworkers, and investors make fortunes on tech stocks and IPOs, more and more money poured into the market. Institutional investors and retail investors alike stopped worrying about valuations. They simply saw stocks going up and didn't want to miss the ride.   The third reason was the belief that "this time is different." You heard it everywhere: "You just don't get it. This is the new economy." Investors argued that traditional valuation metrics no longer mattered because the only thing that counted was gaining market share. Profitability could always come later.   The fourth reason was the assumption that capital would never dry up. Few investors paid attention to where companies were getting their money. Many businesses were surviving on venture capital rather than sustainable profits. When funding slowed and investors became more selective, those companies had no profitable business model to fall back on. Many quickly went bankrupt.   At the peak of the bubble, investors stopped asking basic questions. What am I paying for this company's earnings? What am I paying for its cash flow? In many cases, there weren't any. Yet investors convinced themselves the speculative frenzy would continue indefinitely.   The biggest lesson is a humbling one. We like to believe we'll recognize the top and get out before everyone else. But investors in 2000 believed the same thing. Human psychology hasn't changed, which is why bubbles continue to repeat throughout history.   Don't Build That Data Center in My Backyard The race to build AI infrastructure is running into an obstacle that many investors probably didn't see coming: local communities.   Across the country, residents are protesting and filing lawsuits to stop new AI data centers from being built in their neighborhoods. One of the biggest concerns is something most people never think about, the constant noise. Data centers operate around the clock, with cooling fans, chillers, and backup generators creating a continuous hum 24 hours a day. That may not sound like a major issue until you have to live next to it.   New York has become one of the focal points of this debate. While the state has plenty of available land for development, many communities are pushing back. Governor Kathy Hochul is even considering legislation that would place a moratorium on the construction of large data centers in certain areas.   Public opinion reflects that growing resistance. According to recent polling, 44% of Americans oppose additional data center construction, while only 21% support it. When the question becomes more personal and whether people would support a data center being built in their own community, opposition jumps to 57%, while support falls to just 14%.   Residents also question the long-term economic benefits. Building a data center may create thousands of construction jobs, but once the facility is complete, permanent employment may fall to just 100 to 200 workers. At the same time, these facilities consume enormous amounts of electricity. In some regions served by smaller utilities, a single data center could account for as much as 25% of total power demand, raising concerns about higher electricity costs and increased strain on the grid.   The political landscape is becoming more challenging. Lawmakers in states including Arizona, Illinois, and Ohio have restricted or eliminated tax incentives that were previously used to attract data center investment.   Even the companies building this infrastructure recognize the growing risk. The hyperscalers are expected to spend nearly $1 trillion on AI infrastructure this year, but increasing public opposition could slow those plans. Nebius Group, for example, warned in its 2025 annual report that rising resistance to data center projects in certain communities could become a headwind for future expansion.   Investors have spent a great deal of time focusing on AI demand, chips, and software. However, another risk is emerging that deserves attention: if communities continue saying, "Not in my backyard," the pace of AI infrastructure growth may not be as smooth as many expect.   Is Crypto Weakening One of America's Most Powerful Weapons? One of the United States' greatest geopolitical advantages isn't its military, it's the U.S. dollar.   Roughly 90% of global foreign exchange transactions involve the U.S. dollar. That dominance gives the United States enormous leverage. When the U.S. imposes financial sanctions and cuts countries off from the dollar-based financial system, it becomes far more difficult for them to conduct international trade, finance military operations, or access global markets.   That advantage is beginning to erode. Countries that have long opposed the United States such as Russia, Iran, and North Korea are increasingly turning to cryptocurrencies to bypass traditional financial channels. According to reports, their use of virtual currencies for cross-border transactions surged from roughly $12.5 billion in 2024 to more than $100 billion in 2025.   Crypto gives sanctioned nations another way to move money. It can be used to purchase drones, weapons, military components, and fuel, while also helping finance operations such as smuggling oil and paying suppliers outside the traditional banking system.   North Korea has become one of the world's most aggressive crypto thieves, using hacking and other cybercrimes to steal digital assets that can then be converted into funding for its military and weapons programs.   Part of the challenge is that cryptocurrency wallets are identified by long strings of letters and numbers rather than names. While blockchain transactions are publicly visible, identifying the person or organization controlling a wallet can be extremely difficult without additional intelligence. That makes enforcement of financial sanctions much harder.   Even terrorist organizations such as Hamas have, at times, solicited donations in cryptocurrency, illustrating how digital assets can be used to circumvent traditional financial controls.   This is why I believe cryptocurrency has become more than just an investment story, it has become a national security issue.   If Bitcoin and other cryptocurrencies were to experience a significant decline in value, it would reduce the purchasing power of those holding large crypto reserves, including sanctioned actors that rely on digital assets. While it would not eliminate their ability to use crypto, it could make this alternative financial system less effective and increase the relative importance of the dollar-based financial system.   The stronger the role of the U.S. dollar in global commerce, the more effective financial sanctions remain as a non-military tool of foreign policy. With cryptocurrencies becoming more widely adopted, policymakers will need to consider the risk of weakening one of America's most effective forms of economic leverage.   Even with oil off its recent peak, you still may not see cheaper airline tickets. You might assume that with the decline in oil prices, jet fuel costs are also declining, and airlines will pass those savings on to travelers through lower ticket prices. Oil and jet fuel prices have indeed come down, but don't expect airlines to slash fares anytime soon.   The reason is simple: demand remains strong. Even after airlines raised fares eight times since the start of the conflict in the Middle East, analysts say the average round-trip domestic ticket climbed roughly 19% to about $638 yet demand barely changed. In other words, consumers have shown they are willing to pay higher prices to travel. If people keep buying tickets, airlines have little incentive to lower fares and give up those higher profit margins.   Supply is also likely to remain constrained. Airlines aren't rushing to add flights because keeping capacity tight helps support higher ticket prices. The bankruptcy and downsizing of low-cost carriers such as Spirit Airlines has also reduced competition on many routes, making it easier for the remaining airlines to maintain pricing power.   To be fair, airline pricing should be viewed over a longer time horizon. From 2019 through 2025, overall consumer prices rose about 26%, while average airfares actually declined roughly 3.5%. So, despite the recent increases, airline tickets are still relatively inexpensive compared with the broader rise in inflation over the past six years.   The bottom line is that lower fuel costs alone don't guarantee lower ticket prices. As long as travel demand remains healthy and airlines keep capacity in check, consumers may not see much relief at the checkout screen.   Letting Air Out of the Investment Portfolio Balloon Before It Pops At one point or another, we've all seen a balloon inflated until it finally bursts. The same thing can happen to an investment portfolio.   Watching your portfolio grow is exciting, but every investor knows that markets don't go up forever. The challenge is that no one knows exactly when a portfolio has become too inflated. One of the biggest reasons investors refuse to sell is simple: they hate paying taxes. Believe me, I dislike paying taxes just as much as anyone else. But you should never let the tax bill dictate your investment decisions.   Sometimes the smartest move is to relieve some of the pressure in your portfolio before the market does it for you. There are two simple ways to accomplish this: trim oversized positions and sell investments that have become significantly overvalued.   The first strategy is reducing concentration risk. If you review your portfolio and discover that a single stock has grown to 10% or 12% of your total assets, it may be time to trim that position back to 7% or 8%. Yes, you'll likely owe capital gains taxes, but you'll also be reducing the risk that one investment can have an outsized impact on your portfolio if it suddenly declines.   The second strategy is selling investments that have exceeded your target price and can no longer be justified based on their fundamentals. If the valuation has become stretched and the company's earnings outlook no longer supports the stock price, it may be time to take profits. Again, you'll probably owe taxes on the gain, but remember that capital gains are generally taxed at favorable rates. More importantly, paying a 20% or 25% tax on your profit is often far less painful than watching the entire investment lose 20% or more in value. That 20% decline occurs on the entire position rather than just the gain.   No strategy is perfect. You may trim a position only to watch it continue climbing for another year or two. That's part of investing. Risk management isn't about perfectly timing the top, it's about ensuring that no single investment or sector can seriously damage your long-term financial plan.   Consistently following a disciplined, conservative approach won't always maximize returns during bull markets, but it can significantly reduce risk over a full market cycle. When the next major correction inevitably arrives, your portfolio should be positioned to withstand it. That makes it far easier to stay invested, avoid emotional decisions, and continue building wealth instead of panic-selling after the damage has already been done.   Successful investing isn't just about finding great investments. It's also about knowing when to reduce risk. Sometimes, letting a little air out of the balloon today is the best way to keep it from popping tomorrow.   Is AI creating the next memory boom... or setting up the next bust? SK Hynix just pulled off the largest foreign ADR listing in U.S. history, pricing its American depositary receipts at $149 and raising $26.5 billion. That isn't just a fundraising event, it is fuel for one of the most aggressive semiconductor expansion plans the industry has ever seen.   The company is pouring money into new factories, equipment, and advanced packaging capacity around the world. In the United States, SK Hynix is building its first manufacturing facility, a $4 billion advanced packaging plant in West Lafayette, Indiana, expected to be completed in 2028.   Back home in South Korea, the spending is even more staggering. SK Hynix plans to invest up to $720 billion expanding memory production, including a $390 billion semiconductor cluster in Yongin. The company has also committed roughly $7.8 billion by the end of 2027 for additional extreme ultraviolet (EUV) lithography machines, the highly specialized tools needed to manufacture cutting-edge HBM chips. These machines cost as much as $400 million each, are in extremely limited supply, and are only produced by ASML. The company is even accelerating its expansion timeline by more than a decade, with four new fabrication plants now expected to be completed by 2033.   The question investors should be asking isn't whether AI demand is real. It clearly is. The real question is whether the industry is repeating a familiar pattern. Memory has always been one of the most cyclical businesses in technology. Every major technology revolution from the dot-com boom, to smartphones, to cloud computing created a surge in demand for memory chips. Manufacturers responded by rapidly expanding production. Eventually supply caught up, prices collapsed, profits disappeared, and investors who arrived late learned just how brutal the memory cycle can be.   Today feels different... but that is often what every cycle feels like while it is happening.   SK Hynix's market value has increased more than sevenfold over the past year as AI infrastructure spending has created a shortage of HBM. Revenue nearly tripled between 2023 and 2025 to roughly $65 billion, and Wall Street expects sales to surge again to approximately $235 billion in 2026.   Those are incredible numbers. But when major memory producers start announcing massive capacity expansions, history suggests investors should at least consider what happens when today's shortage eventually becomes tomorrow's surplus. AI may create years of strong demand for memory, but the semiconductor industry has a long history of building too much capacity just as demand begins to normalize. The opportunity is enormous, but so is the risk if history repeats itself.   Financial Planning: Simple vs Compounding Interest Loans Many people assume that choosing a simple interest loan over a compound interest loan will dramatically reduce the amount of interest they pay, but in most real-world lending situations, the difference is minimal. The reason is that the power of compounding only becomes significant when a balance grows over time because interest is being added to the principal. With most consumer loans, borrowers either make interest-only payments that keep the principal balance unchanged or make payments that reduce the principal over time. In either case, the interest charged during each payment period is based on the outstanding loan balance at that time, not on an ever-growing balance. Since the loan balance is remaining the same or steadily declining rather than increasing, there is little opportunity for “interest on interest” to accumulate. While compounding can become important if unpaid interest is capitalized and added to the loan balance, that is the exception rather than the rule. For most mortgages, HELOCs, auto loans, personal loans, and similar debt, borrowers should focus far more on the interest rate than on whether the loan is described as using simple or compound interest.   Too Many People Are Using Target Date Funds in Their 401(k) For years, we've discussed the drawbacks of target date funds, including their higher fees and one-size-fits-all approach. Despite those concerns, they remain incredibly popular because they are simple and require very little effort from the investor. According to Vanguard, 61% of 401(k) participants invest in target date funds.   On the surface, they sound like the perfect solution. If you plan to retire around 2045, you simply choose the 2045 Target Date Fund and let it manage your investments. The fund automatically adjusts your portfolio over time, gradually reducing your exposure to stocks and increasing your allocation to bonds as you approach retirement.   Many investors don't realize how significant that shift can be. By the target retirement date, a target date fund may hold around 50% of its assets in bonds. The adjustments don't stop there. Reaching the target year doesn't mean the fund is liquidated or that you receive your money. Instead, the fund continues along its glide path and could increase its bond allocation to 70% or even 80% over the following years.   That approach may have made sense decades ago, but retirement looks very different today. Many people will spend 20 years or more in retirement. Over that length of time, maintaining enough exposure to stocks can be critical to helping your portfolio grow and keep pace with inflation. A portfolio that becomes too conservative too quickly may struggle to provide the long-term growth many retirees need.   Another limitation is that target date funds only manage the assets inside your 401(k). They don't take into account your IRAs, brokerage accounts, pensions, real estate, or other investments. As a result, your overall portfolio allocation could end up being far different than what is appropriate for your financial goals.   The convenience of target date funds is appealing, but convenience shouldn't replace planning. A successful retirement requires understanding how your money is invested, estimating what your portfolio could be worth when you retire, and developing a strategy for how those assets will be invested throughout retirement, not just until you reach it.   Is That Really Your Son or Daughter Calling You? You know your children's voices. You talk to them regularly. Then one day you get a frantic phone call from your son or daughter. They tell you they've just been in a serious accident. They need $15,000 immediately or they're going to jail. They tell you exactly how to send the money. Without hesitation, you wire the funds because you want to help your child.   Unfortunately, you have just been scammed by AI. AI-powered scams are exploding. Reports show AI-related fraud surged more than 1,200% in 2025, and at the current pace, losses from AI scams in the United States could reach $40 billion annually by 2027. Another study found that one in four adults has already experienced an AI voice scam.   Your first reaction may be, "That could never happen to me. I don't post anything on social media." But the problem may not be your online presence. It's your children.   Many people regularly post videos on social media, and today's AI only needs about three seconds of someone's voice to create a convincing clone. Once scammers have that sample, they can make it sound like your son or daughter is saying almost anything.   So how do you protect yourself? If you receive an emergency call asking for money, don't panic. Before sending anything, ask a question that only you and your child would know the answer to. Make it something that has never been shared publicly.   For example, ask about a funny childhood memory that only the two of you remember. Don't use information like birthdays, graduation dates, wedding dates, or other facts that could be found online or in public records. Remember with all these data centers there is so much information that is being obtained and saved but used for the wrong purposes.   Even better, establish a family safe word or passphrase today. Choose something simple that everyone can remember but that would never appear online.   If you ever receive one of these calls, ask for the safe word. If they can't provide it, assume it's a scam until you can verify the situation by calling your child directly or contacting another trusted family member.   As AI continues to improve, these scams will only become more convincing. The same technology powering innovation is also giving criminals new tools to exploit unsuspecting families. Stay alert. Verify before you trust. A few extra minutes could save you thousands of dollars and a great deal of heartache.   Is It Boom or Bust for Micron? It is hard to argue with Micron's incredible stock performance. Through July 2, the shares were up 242% year to date and an astonishing 701% over the previous 12 months. Even after recently falling about 22% from their peak, investors are still debating whether the company has much more room to run.   The good news is that Micron has locked in 15 new customers under long-term supply agreements, with some contracts extending as long as five years. Many of these agreements include customer deposits, giving the company excellent revenue visibility and reducing uncertainty over future sales. For investors, that is exactly the kind of stability they like to see.   But every smart investor should also ask: What is the downside?   While those contracts provide a strong foundation, they do not guarantee that demand will remain as strong over the long term. Unless a customer goes bankrupt, the contracts are largely locked in, but technology changes quickly. High prices and limited supply often encourage innovation, and the AI memory market is no exception.   Several companies are developing new architectures that reduce or even eliminate the need for high-bandwidth memory (HBM), which has been one of Micron's biggest growth drivers. As companies search for lower-cost and more efficient alternatives, demand for HBM could eventually soften.   Nvidia also signaled in June that it is redesigning portions of its upcoming Vera Rubin AI platform to use memory more efficiently. While Nvidia remains a major customer for HBM, improvements in memory efficiency could reduce the amount of HBM required per AI system over time.   Meanwhile, newly public chipmaker Cerebras has taken an entirely different approach. CEO Andrew Feldman has said the company's wafer-scale AI chips do not use HBM at all, arguing that it is too expensive and supply constrained. If other AI hardware companies pursue similar designs, it could create additional competition for HBM.   None of this means Micron's growth story is over. The company's long-term contracts provide meaningful protection, and AI demand remains exceptionally strong today. However, investors should remember that today's shortages and premium pricing often inspire tomorrow's technological breakthroughs.   The question for Micron investors is whether HBM remains the industry standard for years to come or whether innovation eventually reduces the need for it. If demand for HBM begins to slow, Micron's remarkable growth could also begin to moderate.   Companies Discussed: Caterpillar Inc. (Ticker: CAT)

Congress's Epstein inquiry has now been running for nearly a year, but the investigation has produced far more frustration than accountability. Lawmakers have interviewed major figures, pushed for file releases, questioned former officials, and leaned on the Justice Department for answers, yet they still have little to show when it comes to criminal culpability beyond Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Survivors and members of Congress remain angry that the government has not clearly explained why more people in Epstein's orbit have not faced investigation or prosecution, especially given the years of allegations, financial trails, and powerful associations surrounding him. The inquiry has also exposed continuing distrust of the DOJ, particularly over redactions, delayed releases, and the handling of sensitive records.The central problem is that the investigation has become a test of whether Congress can force real transparency from institutions that have spent years managing the Epstein fallout instead of fully resolving it. Survivors are still demanding recognition, accountability, and a clear accounting of how Epstein was allowed to operate for so long, while lawmakers are still chasing basic answers about government failures, possible financial crimes, and the people who enabled or benefited from his network. The inquiry has created headlines and political pressure, but not the kind of definitive reckoning many expected. One year in, the Epstein investigation remains stuck in the same familiar place: documents released in pieces, officials dodging hard questions, survivors left unsatisfied, and the public still wondering who was protected and why.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:One year in, Epstein inquiry has found few answers | National Post

Members of Congress are sharply divided over the idea of a potential pardon for Ghislaine Maxwell, with the debate emerging in the context of ongoing investigations into Jeffrey Epstein's network. Some Republicans on the House Oversight Committee have indicated they would consider supporting a pardon if it meant securing Maxwell's full cooperation and testimony, viewing it as a possible way to extract information about Epstein's associates. However, that position is far from unified—even within the GOP—with key figures, including the committee chair, expressing opposition. Maxwell herself previously refused to answer questions before the committee, invoking the Fifth Amendment, while her legal team has signaled she would be willing to speak more openly if granted clemency.Democrats, meanwhile, are unanimously opposed to any pardon scenario, framing the idea as unacceptable given Maxwell's conviction for her role in facilitating the abuse of minors. They argue that offering clemency in exchange for testimony would undermine accountability and justice for victims. The political split, combined with public backlash and the legal reality that only the president could grant such a pardon, makes any deal unlikely in the near term. Overall, the situation highlights both the high stakes surrounding the Epstein investigation and the deep partisan divide over how far lawmakers should go to obtain new information.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:Oversight members split over whether to pardon Ghislaine Maxwell, committee chair says - Live Updates - POLITICOBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

 Students from Thaddeus Stevens College of Technology in Lancaster won a national manufacturing competition, bringing home the grand prize of $100,000.Big Boy generated some big numbers for the Scranton area during its two-week stay at the Steamtown National Historic Site. As part of America's 250th birthday, there's a renewed interest in the Declaration of Independence. Philadelphia has more versions of the Declaration of Independence on display than any other city.Six projects across Cumberland County are receiving more than $750,000 in grant funding. Many of the recipients are using the money to improve or host sporting events.Former Pennsylvania State Senator Shirley Kitchen, who died last weekend, is being remembered as a tireless advocate for her district in North Philadelphia.Hundreds of people gathered Wednesday to remember Pennsylvania State Police Trooper Michael Pahira Jr, who was struck and killed by a tractor trailer along I-81 in Schuylkill County on July 1st. In Lancaster County, a 19-year-old man was killed when he lost control of his electric unicycle and was struck and killed by a tractor trailer on Route 322 Wednesday morning.The National Weather Service confirms a tornado touched down in Perry County, this past Sunday evening, July 5th.The York County Commissioners have issued a disaster declaration following severe storms over the July 4th weekend.The Penn State Extension now has a toll-free hotline that provides the latest ag news. Callers can hear updates on the latest crop production, weather outlook, and disease and pest management issues facing crop producers in the state. Lawmakers in the state House have overwhelmingly approved a bill to provide opportunities for hunter-trapper education in Pennsylvania schools. The bill calls for the Pennsylvania Game Commission to develop the program for students in grades 6 through 12. Saturday is the start of the 40th annual ChambersFest in Chambersburg, Franklin County. The event started as a way to commemorate the town's historic rebuilding in 1864.And now it's time for our weekly segment called The Bright Spot. Every Friday, I'll share a positive news story that may have gotten lost amid this week's news cycle.  Today's bright spot is this: It's that time of the year, when hikers attempting thru-hikes on the Appalachian Trail, are passing through Pennsylvania. Luzerne County native Hunter Lacomis is one of them. He was inspired by his uncles to take the trek through 14 states along the East Coast. It's been one year since public media's federal funding was revoked. Thanks to our community, we're still here for you and looking toward the future. Join the thousands of members who are building a stronger WITF. Go to  www.witf.org/givenow. And thank you. 

David Sergi talks with Russell and Rachel about the 15 th Circuit Court of Appeals case is still pending while the recent Senator Perry hearing made a laughing stock of his dog and pony show. Meanwhile positive change in the reschedule conversation and discussion for a hemp bill in Washington. www.BlazedNews.com www.texashempreporter.com 

Jason Whitlock argues that the WNBA's mishandling of Caitlin Clark proves women aren't built for sports' biggest stage. Clark and the Fever lost in embarrassing fashion to the Los Angeles Sparks Wednesday night. ➢​​Today's Sponsors PreBorn has helped rescue more than 400,000 babies, and every single day, they continue that work by offering mothers something powerful and life-changing: an ultrasound. Will you help us? Just dial #250 and say the keyword “BABY” or donate securely at https://Preborn.com/FEARLESS  ➢ Show Outline 0:00 - Jason Addresses Why Caitlin Clark and the WNBA Are Becoming a Joke 10:55 - 11 Lawmakers in Congress Write Letter to the WNBA 31:23 - Steve Kim, Charles Barker, and Skap Attack Reacts45:28 - 76ers, Heat, and Cavs are the frontrunners to sign LeBron James 55:59 - Marcellus Wiley Says His Wife Placed A Voodoo Curse On Him ➢ Follow Our GUESTS https://www.youtube.com/@skap_attack https://x.com/SteveKim323 ➢ Subscribe to Jason's other channel https://www.youtube.com/JasonWhitlock?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.youtube.com/@JasonWhitlockHarmony?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.youtube.com/@JasonWhitlockBYOG?sub_confirmation=1 https://www.youtube.com/@JasonWhitlockClips?sub_confirmation=1 ➢ Connect with Jason on Social Media:  https://x.com/JasonWhitlock  https://www.instagram.com/realjasonwhitlock/ https://www.facebook.com/jasonwhitlock ➢ Send Jason an Email FearlessBlazeShow@gmail.com ➢ Support The Blaze Visit https://TheBlaze.com. Explore the all-new ad-free experience and see for yourself how we're standing up against suppression and prioritizing independent journalism. Support Conservative Voices! Subscribe to BlazeTV at https://www.fearlessmission.com and get $20 off your yearly subscription. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Indiana lawmakers (Victoria Spartz, Erin Houchin, and Marlin Stuzman) are among the members of US Congress to in demand accountability from WNBA Commissioner Engelbert after MULTIPLE attacks against Caitlin Clark.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

start Gary in Vegas00:34:00 Mike WallaceCam Boozer's continued growthDarryn Peterson Making Summer League look easyWhen will Karim Lopez play00:51:00 5 More ThingsTim Hardaway, Jr. can wear Tim Hardaway's numberLawmakers threaten to investigate WNBA over the treatment of Caitlin ClarkJoey McGuire opens up about Brendan SorsbyMichael Kay vs. Anthony VolpeJustin Verlander announces retirement01:29:00 CarryoutFever v. Mercury preview'Worst Neighbor Ever' reviewUFC 329 excitement

July 9, 2026- A decade ago New York prohibited elephants from being part of circuses and now Gov. Kathy Hochul will have to decide whether other large animals can be part of traveling exhibitions. We discuss legislation approved at the Capitol with Brian Shapiro, state director in New York at the Humane World for Animals.

Congress's Epstein inquiry has now been running for nearly a year, but the investigation has produced far more frustration than accountability. Lawmakers have interviewed major figures, pushed for file releases, questioned former officials, and leaned on the Justice Department for answers, yet they still have little to show when it comes to criminal culpability beyond Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell. Survivors and members of Congress remain angry that the government has not clearly explained why more people in Epstein's orbit have not faced investigation or prosecution, especially given the years of allegations, financial trails, and powerful associations surrounding him. The inquiry has also exposed continuing distrust of the DOJ, particularly over redactions, delayed releases, and the handling of sensitive records.The central problem is that the investigation has become a test of whether Congress can force real transparency from institutions that have spent years managing the Epstein fallout instead of fully resolving it. Survivors are still demanding recognition, accountability, and a clear accounting of how Epstein was allowed to operate for so long, while lawmakers are still chasing basic answers about government failures, possible financial crimes, and the people who enabled or benefited from his network. The inquiry has created headlines and political pressure, but not the kind of definitive reckoning many expected. One year in, the Epstein investigation remains stuck in the same familiar place: documents released in pieces, officials dodging hard questions, survivors left unsatisfied, and the public still wondering who was protected and why.to contact me:bobbycapucci@protonmail.comsource:One year in, Epstein inquiry has found few answers | National PostBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-epstein-chronicles--5003294/support.

First, we'll tell you why California lawmakers could do away with a long-standing tax break. Also, why the city says it won't be enforcing its street vendor ordinance. Next, Burn All Books has an exciting new home. And, we visit the California Surf Museum celebrating its 40th year.

July 5, 2026; 7am: After being delayed by severe weather, President Trump delivers a patriotic and yet partisan speech to mark America's 250th birthday hours after masked white supremacists march in the nation's Capitol. MS NOW's Eddie Glaude Jr. and Michele Norris join “The Weekend” to discuss. For more, follow us on social media: Bluesky: @theweekendmsnow.bsky.social Instagram: @theweekendmsnow TikTok: @theweekendmsnow To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Stay informed on current events, visit www.NaturalNews.com  - Obedience vs. Excellence in America and China (0:11) - The Role of Lawmakers and Medical Education (2:43) - The Impact of Obedience Training on Society (5:57) - The Importance of Disobedience and Non-Conformity (9:29) - The Role of Chiropractors and Natural Health Practitioners (15:00) - The Historical Context of American Betrayal (22:28) - The Impact of Operation Paperclip and Nazi Infiltration (32:08) - The Depopulation Agenda and Technocratic Control (44:17) - The Role of AI and Technological Advancements (1:03:59) - The Importance of Sovereignty and Critical Thinking (1:04:34) Watch more independent videos at http://www.brighteon.com/channel/hrreport  ▶️ Support our mission by shopping at the Health Ranger Store - https://www.healthrangerstore.com ▶️ Check out exclusive deals and special offers at https://rangerdeals.com ▶️ Sign up for our newsletter to stay informed: https://www.naturalnews.com/Readerregistration.html Watch more exclusive videos here:

June 29, 2026 - 8am:  Republican lawmakers keep pushing Trump's "Save Act", false voter fraud claims   To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.