Podcasts about Secretary

Rapper Big Sean was stunned by the open-air drug use in downtown Seattle. Pierce County wants to overhaul its juvenile detention center. Why has nobody been held accountable in the takeover of the UW engineering building 105 days ago? Current and former employees are protesting at the Microsoft campus in Redmond. // LongForm: GUEST: Chairman of the DC police union Gregg Pemberton on the early results of the federal crackdown on crime. // Quick Hit: Washington played a role in the deadly Florida crash involving an illegal immigrant. Secretary of State Marco Rubio is revoking over 6K student visas due to charges of burglary, assault, and sympathizing with terrorism.

Join us as we explore the evolving landscape of US education with Dr. George Maurer, veteran journalist and education researcher. Dive into current trends shaping curricula, including topics like Critical Race Theory, while examining broader challenges in the American education system. Gain valuable insights on parent involvement and understanding your child's education. Whether you're a parent, educator, or concerned citizen, this episode offers a comprehensive look at modern learning environments and how to navigate them effectively.

Dana recaps the White House meeting between Trump and European leaders including the best-and-worst moments. Do some Conservatives think Putin WON this negotiation? Russia agreed to the US and Europe providing security assurances for Ukraine for the first time. Why did Pam Bondi tap Missouri AG Andrew Bailey as an additional FBI Co-Deputy Director alongside Dan Bongino? Colorado's Secretary of State Jena Griswold claims Trump is “obviously taking cues about democracy from a dictator like Putin” because he wants to BAN mail-in voting. Could Republicans take advantage of mail-in voting? Gavin Newsom's press office has been embarrassingly tweeting ridiculous things to try and troll Trump and his Truth Social. Dana is having a difficult time getting her son to properly pack for another year of college. Sen. Eric Schmitt joins us to react to Trump's Ukraine Summit, Attorney General Bailey getting promoted to the FBI, the Texas redistricting fight, mail-in ballots and more.Thank you for supporting our sponsors that make The Dana Show possible…Boll & Branchhttps://bollandbranch.com/DANASHOWExperience your best sleep ever—get 15% off plus free shipping on your first set!Webroothttps://webroot.com/Dana Protect your digital life and get 50% off Webroot Total Protection or Essentials, exclusively with my URL!Relief Factorhttps://relieffactor.com OR CALL 1-800-4-RELIEFTurn the clock back on pain with Relief Factor. Get their 3-week Relief Factor Quick Start for only $19.95 today! Byrnahttps://byrna.com/danaGet your hands on the new compact Byrna CL. Visit Byrna.com/Dana receive 10% off Patriot Mobilehttps://patriotmobile.com/DanaDana's personal cell phone provider is Patriot Mobile. Get a FREE MONTH of service code DANAHumanNhttps://humann.comSupport your cholesterol health with SuperBerine and the #1 bestselling SuperBeets Heart Chews—both on sale at Sam's Club. Boost your metabolic health and save!Keltechttps://KelTecWeapons.comSee the third generation of the iconic SUB2000 and the NEW PS57 - Keltec Innovation & Performance at its bestAngel Studioshttps://Angel.com/danaDecide what gets made — join the Angel Studios Member's Guild today. Sign up and start making a difference.All Family Pharmacyhttps://allfamilypharmacy.com/Dana Start today and take your health back with All Family Pharmacy. Use code DANA10 for savings and enjoy your health, your choice, no more waiting, no more “no's.”

A gaggle of self-righteous multimillionaires are now in charge of America's poverty agencies and policies, and they've been flaunting their deeply-held ignorance about poor families – almost none of whom they actually know.Consider the national embarrassment of Brooke Rollins, a patrician ideologue, who is Trump's plutocratic Secretary of Agriculture. Besides promoting a corporatized food and farm system, Rollins is advocating a program of back-to-the-future peonage for poor people. “We have way too many people that are taking government program that are able to work,” she snorts.Bad grammar aside, she falsely asserts that “34 million able-bodied adults” are freeloading on public health care. They're taking Medicaid benefits that they ought to have to “earn” by hard labor, she recently decreed. Her Dickensian solution: Put the moochers to work in the fields!Noting that Trump's militarized assault on immigrants has terrorized agricultural workers, thus creating a farm labor crisis, Rollins wants to hitch America's poor families to the plow. Voilà – labor shortage solved, and the poor are forced to earn their medical care. What a brilliant leader!Except for her rank ignorance. First, 64 percent of Medicaid recipients are already working and nearly all of the rest are retirees, unable to work, or struggling to find jobs. Second, she's obviously unaware that agriculture is skilled work – you can't just bus city and suburban people out to the country and say “grow stuff.”And third, it is beyond arrogant for a rich government autocrat – who takes $220,000 a year from taxpayers, plus platinum healthcare benefits and a fat pension – to be pontificating about forcing “undeserving” poor into hot fields to produce a nice leafy salad for her lunch.Jim Hightower's Lowdown is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jimhightower.substack.com/subscribe

AI therapy? Not if you're in Illinois. The state has banned the use of artificial intelligence for mental health therapy. It is just the third state to put restrictions on the use of AI in the field, joining Nevada and Utah. While some therapists support the ban, others are opposed, arguing that AI allows them to be more present in their client meetings. Others also vouch for AI therapy as a cheaper mental health care option for those who cannot afford professional care. Reset hears more about what the ban could mean for mental health care patients and providers in Illinois. Today's panel: Aaron Weiner, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist and addiction specialist; Blase Ur, assistant professor of computer science, University of Chicago; Joel Rubin, executive director, National Association of Social Workers, Illinois chapter; Mario Treto Jr., Secretary of Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation. For a full archive of Reset interviews, head over to wbez.org/reset.

In this episode, Sadie explains the rules of the magic system that governs evangelical beliefs about spiritual warfare. In our news segment, we discuss CREC pastor Doug Wilson's recent exposure as a result of a tweet by Secretary of Defense Pete HegsethIf you would like to ask a question for us to ask to Amy Duggar King when we interview her next month, you can submit it here! https://www.patreon.com/posts/what-questions-136584803If you would like to answer this week's patron poll, "Do you have a nemesis?" you can answer it here! https://www.patreon.com/posts/patron-poll-do-136571236Subscribe to Leaving Eden Podcast on YouTube!https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ4q94gAnsoW2jME4SvVrrQJoin our discord server! https://discord.gg/aneFkUJuJoin our subreddit! Reddit.com/r/EdenExodusBluesky:@leavingedenpodcast.bsky.social@hellyeahsadie.bsky.social@gavihacohen.bsky.socialInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/leavingedenpodcast/https://www.instagram.com/sadiecarpentermusic/https://www.instagram.com/gavrielhacohen/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Mike Pompeo, former Secretary of State and CIA Director, Fox News contributor and author of Never Give an Inch: Fighting for the America I Love, joined The Guy Benson Show today to lay out the goals of the latest summit with Russia and why the latest show of unity across the west is critical to maintaining pressure on Moscow. Pompeo emphasized the need for a robust security architecture in any deal to protect Ukraine's sovereignty, and why Donald Trump must fight for an outcome that honors the sacrifices of the Ukrainians who have fought so "valiantly." Pompeo explained why President Zelensky views Trump as serious about defending Ukraine and preventing Putin's aggression, saying Trump "gets it" and understands just how dangerous Putin is. Pompeo added that the negotiations ultimately hinge on two key questions: what territory Russia will continue to occupy and what security guarantees will be put in place, and you can listen to the full interview below! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This Day in Legal History: Nineteenth Amendment RatifiedOn August 18, 1920, the Nineteenth Amendment to the U.S. Constitution was ratified, guaranteeing women the right to vote and marking a major legal milestone in the struggle for gender equality. The amendment states simply: “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged… on account of sex.” Its passage capped off more than 70 years of organized activism, dating back to the Seneca Falls Convention in 1848. Suffragists like Susan B. Anthony, Elizabeth Cady Stanton, Sojourner Truth, and Alice Paul played pivotal roles in maintaining momentum across generations, despite fierce opposition.The road to ratification was grueling. Congress passed the amendment in 1919, but it still required approval from three-fourths of the states—36 at the time. Tennessee became the critical 36th state, narrowly approving the amendment in a dramatic vote where a 24-year-old legislator, Harry T. Burn, changed his vote after receiving a letter from his mother urging him to support suffrage. That moment tipped the scales and enshrined the right to vote for women nationwide.Before the amendment, several western states had already extended suffrage to women, but many others actively suppressed it. The legal recognition of women's voting rights through constitutional amendment removed any ambiguity and forced all states to comply. The Nineteenth Amendment not only transformed the electorate but also reshaped American democracy by recognizing women as full political participants.The Trump administration is accusing a federal judge in Boston of undermining the authority of the U.S. Supreme Court by continuing to block the administration from firing staff in the Department of Education's Office for Civil Rights. U.S. District Judge Myong Joun had issued an injunction requiring the reinstatement of employees let go in a mass layoff, despite the Supreme Court having recently paused a broader version of that order. The Justice Department has asked the 1st U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to intervene, arguing that Joun's refusal to lift the narrower injunction contradicts the Supreme Court's ruling and undermines the rule of law.The judge's decision stems from a lawsuit challenging Secretary of Education Linda McMahon's plan to lay off over 1,300 department employees, part of President Trump's broader goal of eliminating the department—something only Congress can authorize. The plaintiffs, including students and advocacy groups, focused specifically on the Office for Civil Rights, which was set to lose half its staff. They argue that lifting the injunction now would effectively reward the administration's ongoing failure to comply with the court's order, as the terminated employees have not yet been reinstated.Judge Joun, appointed by President Biden, criticized the Supreme Court's ruling as "unreasoned" and pointed to the administration's continued noncompliance. The 1st Circuit has asked the plaintiffs to respond promptly to the Justice Department's request, signaling an expedited review.Trump administration claims judge defied Supreme Court to bar Education Department firings | ReutersFederal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell is preparing for what may be his final speech at the annual Jackson Hole conference, facing a complicated economic picture that challenges his data-driven policy approach. In past years, Powell used the conference to pledge aggressive action against inflation and, later, to support the labor market. Now, with inflation still above target and signs of economic slowdown emerging, Powell must decide whether to prioritize price stability or job preservation.The Trump administration and many investors expect interest rate cuts at the Fed's September meeting, but Powell's messaging—how he frames future actions—may matter more than the decision itself. Internally, Fed officials are split: some want to move quickly to protect jobs, while others want to wait for clearer evidence that inflation won't rebound. Powell has previously styled himself after past Fed chairs like Paul Volcker and Alan Greenspan, with Volcker's inflation-fighting resolve and Greenspan's forward-looking leniency both offering competing models.Recent economic data has sent mixed signals. Revised job growth numbers were lower than initially reported, supporting arguments for easing monetary policy, but inflation has edged up again. Trump's tariff policies add further uncertainty, though their economic impact has so far been less severe than feared. With the economy growing slowly and inflation still above the Fed's 2% target, Powell must decide whether to stay the course, cut rates cautiously, or begin a broader shift.Powell has used Jackson Hole to battle inflation and buoy jobs; he's now caught between both | ReutersNovo Nordisk's shares rose by up to 5% after receiving accelerated U.S. approval for its weight-loss drug Wegovy to treat MASH (metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis), a progressive liver disease that affects about 5% of U.S. adults. This marks the first GLP-1 drug approved for MASH and offers a significant, if temporary, advantage over competitor Eli Lilly, which is still in clinical trials for its own MASH-targeting drug, tirzepatide.The news was a welcome reversal for Novo, which recently lost over $70 billion in market value following a profit warning and leadership change. The company, once Europe's most valuable publicly traded firm due to Wegovy's success, has seen its share price drop sharply over the past year amid intensifying competition in the obesity drug market and the rise of compounded copycat drugs.Although Novo now holds a short-term lead in the liver disease market, analysts expect that exclusivity will be brief once Eli Lilly gains approval. Novo has also submitted applications in Europe and Japan, signaling its intention to secure broader global use for Wegovy beyond weight loss.Shares in Novo Nordisk rise after Wegovy gets US nod for liver disease treatment | ReutersNorton Rose's ambitious tech partnership with NMBL Technologies has ended in failure and mutual lawsuits, highlighting how difficult it is for Big Law firms to pivot from selling legal services to selling tech products. The firm's Chicago office, launched in 2022 as an “innovation hub,” aimed to introduce 150 clients to Proxy, a legal workflow tool developed by a new partner, Daniel Farris. But three years later, not a single sale was made. NMBL claims Norton Rose didn't uphold its end of the deal and stifled the rollout, while the firm says clients weren't interested and is seeking damages for the investment.The fallout underscores broader challenges law firms face as they increasingly invest in artificial intelligence and legal tech amid growing demand and rising budgets. Unlike traditional legal work, selling products requires different infrastructure and skills—such as dedicated sales teams—that most law firms lack. Despite producing marketing materials and training resources, NMBL alleges that very few Norton Rose lawyers engaged with the product and that the firm failed to meaningfully promote it.NMBL is seeking $15 million in damages, accusing the firm of using the deal merely to recruit talent, while Norton Rose wants $250,000, calling the product commercially nonviable. The firm also allegedly created a shell subsidiary, LX, to meet contract terms but never properly funded or activated it. This case illustrates the steep learning curve law firms face in transitioning to tech-based business models and the internal resistance that can derail innovation.Firm's Failed Tech Venture Foretells Big Law's AI Sales Struggle This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.minimumcomp.com/subscribe

ABC News' Martha Raddatz interviews Secretary of State Marco Rubio, former Biden national security adviser Jake Sullivan, and Sen. Chris Van Hollen, D-Md. on ABC's This Week. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week on Face the Nation, after President Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin meet face to face in Alaska, Secretary of State Marco Rubio joins us to describe what went on in the room where it all went down and what could happen next. Questions remain following that three-hour meeting that ended abruptly, as President Trump adopts Putin's roadmap for ending the war in Ukraine--no cease-fire, but negotiations for a lasting peace in the conflict. But what about the other countries, like Ukraine, and its western allies, who are still tightly aligned? We hear from Trump's former National Security Council's Russia expert Fiona Hill, Alaska Republican Senator Dan Sullivan and Colorado Democrat Jason Crow. Plus, World Central Kitchen Founder José Andrés will join us following his trip to Gaza where a humanitarian crisis persists. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The sound of mining — And the sound of money — All across Griqualand West, tent towns mushroomed overnight, teeming with fortune seekers from around the world. Tens of thousands by 1873, all descending on a patch of dusty ground that was soon to become a beacon of development on the landscape. Kimberley. In the modern world, industrial diamonds have hammered the industry business model, China overwhelmingly dominates global production of synthetic industrial diamonds accounting for about 90% of the total total. But in the 19th century, diamonds were still as rare as as teetotaler in a Kimberley tavern. This episode we'll hear about the entrepreneurs both black and white, and the future Robber Baron and colonial Dreamer, Cecil John Rhodes. It was in May 1871 after the harvest at the Rhodes brothers cotton farm in Richmond in Natal had come in, that Rhodes began his long career of harvesting the right connections. Brother Herbert sailed to Natal two years earlier, and now Cecil was helping manage the 250 acre farm, helped by 30 black labourers. Herbert however had heard about the riches discovered in Griqualand West and headed off to the Diamond Fields in early 1871, leaving Cecil to run the show in Natal. Young Cecil attended the annual meeting of the colonies agricultural society where he exhibited samples of their cotton, in attendance were Natal's colonial elite. There were long after-dinner political speeches, all ending with a toast. IN the haze of cigar and tobacco smoke, and a haze of multiple shots of whiskey, one settler called for a man to offer the traditional toast to the Ladies. So it was ironic that Cecil Rhodes rose in response, and thus delivered his first ever public speech according to his friend and biographer, Lewis Mitchell. Ironic because Rhodes would never form a initimate relationship with a woman as far as we know . As he grew more powerful, he would always surround himself with young male private secretaries and later would make one - Neville Pickering, the sole beneficiary of his will. In the Victorian era, being openly homosexual was socially unacceptable and illegal, so any such relationships would have been kept private. We are hampered by a lack of personal diaries or revealing letters from Rhodes himself, making it difficult to reach a firm, irrefutable conclusion about his private life. The scale claim-owners did much of their own manual labour, but for the most part the work was done by black labourers, picking at the ground, smashing the bumps of earth and rock, sieving the lime dust through a coarse wire sieve, rubble thrown aside, what remained placed on a sorting table. A small scraper would be used to spread the rock on the tables, scooping after picking the diamonds out, repeat repeat. In early 1872 Herbert went back to their farm in Richmond to welcome yet another brother, Frank, to South Africa. Cecil was left in charge and suffered under the stress, hard labour in a harsh climate, supervising his business, and a sudden death of his friend John Thompson. He was smoking and drinking too much, breathing in too much dust, dehydrated — and collapsed — to be nursed back to health by John Blades Currey's wife, Mary. He was still only 18 years old and almost died. In his miasmic state, he wrote his will which is prescient, and somewhat theatrical, leaving all his possessions to Britain's Secretary of State for the colonies, Lord Kimberly instead of his family. New promulgations were thus passed by the miners themselves, black people could not stay in the mining camps for longer than two days without a master, they also had to observe a curfew after 9pm. Punishment for failing to observe these rules, 25 lashes or 10 shillings fine. All this at a time when most of the English-speaking world was repealing lashing.

Award-winning author Ralph R. “Rick” Steinke has built a loyal following with his gripping Jake Fortina series—known for its razor-sharp realism, believable dialogue, and pulse-pounding plots. With three acclaimed novels already out and his fourth, Vital Mission, set to launch this August, Steinke is redefining the military thriller genre for today's world.In this conversation, Rick takes us inside his creative process—how he balances authenticity with drama, crafts morally complex characters, and brings global flashpoints to life with startling realism. We also explore why military thrillers matter now more than ever, and how fiction can illuminate truths in an age of uncertainty. If you're a fan of high-stakes storytelling, unforgettable characters, and thrillers that keep you up at night, this episode is a must-listen.

President Donald Trump departed Washington aboard Air Force One on Friday on his way to a meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska for discussions about a possible cease-fire deal for the war in Ukraine. Trump was accompanied by Secretary of State Marco Rubio, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick, and CIA Director John Ratcliffe, as well as other top aides, the White House said.Before the high-stakes meeting between Trump and Putin, Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy joined NTD to discuss the significance of the event, as well as the strategic importance of the Arctic in the face of an ever-closer Russia–China alliance.

 639. Part 2 of our interview with Lori Peek about her book, The Continuing Storm, which she wrote with Kai Erikson. More than fifteen years later, Hurricane Katrina maintains a strong grip on the American imagination. The reason is not simply that Katrina was an event of enormous scale. But, quite apart from its lethality and destructiveness, Katrina retains a place in living memory because it is one of the most telling disasters in our recent national experience, revealing important truths about our society and ourselves. The Continuing Storm reflects upon what we have learned about Katrina and about America.Kai Erikson and Lori Peek expand our view of the disaster by assessing its ongoing impact on individual lives and across the wide-ranging geographies where displaced New Orleanians landed after the storm. Such an expanded view, the authors argue, is critical for understanding the human costs of catastrophe across time and space. Concluding with a broader examination of disasters in the years since Katrina—including COVID-19— The Continuing Storm is a sobering meditation on the duration of a catastrophe that continues to exact steep costs in human suffering. Now available: Liberty in Louisiana: A Comedy. The oldest play about Louisiana, author James Workman wrote it as a celebration of the Louisiana Purchase. Now it is back in print for the first time in 221 years. Order your copy today! This week in the Louisiana Anthology. "The Hurricane" by William Cullen Bryant (November 3, 1794 – June 12, 1878) was an American romantic poet, journalist, and long-time editor of the New York Evening Post. Born in Massachusetts, in 1825, Bryant relocated to New York City, where he became an editor of two major newspapers. He also emerged as one of the most significant poets in early literary America and has been grouped among the fireside poets for his accessible and popular poetry. "Lord of the winds! I feel thee nigh,     I know thy breath in the burning sky!     And I wait, with a thrill in every vein,     For the coming of the hurricane! And lo! on the wing of the heavy gales,     Through the boundless arch of heaven he sails;     Silent and slow, and terribly strong,     The mighty shadow is borne along,     Like the dark eternity to come;" This week in Louisiana history. August 16, 1831. A storm called the "Great Barbados Hurricane" hit just west of Baton Rouge wiping out sugar cane crops from BR to south of N.O. and killing 1,500 people. This week in New Orleans history. Mayor Mitchell Joseph "Mitch" Landrieu born August 16, 1960 is the former Lieutenant Governor of Louisiana, and a member of the Landrieu family. Landrieu is a member of the Democratic Party. He is the son of former New Orleans mayor and later a mayor himself, and the Secretary of the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development under Joe Biden. This week in Louisiana. Louisiana Rural Economic Development (LaRuE) Summit 2025 Sunday, August 24, 2025 12:00 pm - 11:59 pm Website Paragon Casino Resort 711 Paragon Place Marksville, LA 70351     The Tunica-Biloxi Tribe of Louisiana invites you to learn more about how rural communities and businesses can benefit from building relationships and creating strategic partnerships with local, state, and national leaders, federal agencies, corporate America, and Native American Tribes.     Topics include workforce development, agriculture, internet access and 5G expansion, healthcare, grant navigation, and more. Postcards from Louisiana. Crescent City Brewhouse. Listen on Apple Podcasts. Listen on audible. Listen on Spotify. Listen on TuneIn. Listen on iHeartRadio. The Louisiana Anthology Home Page. Like us on Facebook. 

President Donald Trump meets with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Anchorage, Alaska, Friday, joined by Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Special Envoy Steve Witkoff. A press conference is set for 7:30 p.m. ET following the summit.Despite the high-stakes talks, both Russia and Ukraine report ongoing attacks. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy continues calling for his country's involvement in the peace process.Texas Gov. Greg Abbott called a second special session after lawmakers failed to pass a new congressional map. Democratic legislators are preparing to return home to bolster legal challenges to the map.

On August 7, President Trump issued a much-anticipatedexecutive order, directing the Labor Department to (re)consider barriers to defined contribution plans accessing alternative investments.  Nevin & Fred check it out – and theimplications.More specifically, an executive order directed the Secretary of Labor to, among other things, “reexamine the Department of Labor's guidance on a fiduciary's duties regardingalternative asset investments in ERISA-governed 401(k) and other defined-contribution plans” – a stance widely seen as encouraging the consideration of alternative assets in defined contribution plans, including 401(k)s and 403(b)s.The EO states as “the policy of the United States that everyAmerican preparing for retirement should have access to funds that include investments in alternative assets…”That policy is, however, conditioned to situations “when therelevant plan fiduciary determines that such access provides an appropriate opportunity for plan participants and beneficiaries to enhance the net risk-adjusted returns on their retirement assets.” While the Executive Order doesn't immediately changeanything, it sets in motion the possibility of a less restrictive regulatory view on so-called, “alternative” assets, including private markets, real estate, digital assets, and lifetime income.The Executive Order calls out “burdensome lawsuits that seek to challenge reasonable decisions by loyal, regulated fiduciaries,” as well as “stifling Department of Labor guidance” that is says has “denied millions of Americans opportunities to benefit from investment in alternative assets.”Episode ResourcesBreakingNews: Trump Signs EO to Advance Private Market Investments in 401(k)sLifetimeIncome Also Cited in Private Markets Executive OrderTalkingPoints: Pandora's BoxThingsI Worry About (12): Private Funds and 401(k) Plans - Fred ReishDOLPulls Guidance Cautioning Fiduciaries About Private Equity in 401(k)s

An unofficial motto of ours here at HAG is: things get worse before they get worse. And now we have evidence to support that immutable truth in the form of the time lapse apocalypse, i.e. the demonstrative enshitification of things since our last broadcast in the spring of this year. Through careful analysis of the pictures now and then, it appears things have gotten shittier. You want to see the evidence? (are you sure you want to see it?) AI's nefarious influence has soaked deep into the pools of education, and in the words of HAG's guiding light, Saint Rosenstock, the future is dubm. In today's episode we take our Benihana knives to the whole “AI Education” fiasco. Another bit of inexplicable stupidity has Secretary of Defense Pete Voldemort resurrecting the zombie corpses of Confederate monuments to “restore” the nation's proud past with more dehydrated history. To paraphrase Frederick Douglass, what's missing here is not debate, but irony. Well, there it is, just a smidgen of the evidence to illustrate the time lapse apocalypse. Not to fear, your HAG sushi chefs will filet and atomize the gross conceits of these evil-doers, and like lightning to a tree, offer a little historical shock therapy to bring our poor battered sensibilities back into focus. Welcome to HAG, Episode 73, late-summer edition.Opening Theme by Jessie DeCarloMusic Interludes:Ambulance LTD -- "Primitive (the way I treat you)"Captain Beefheart & His Magic Band -- "Dropout Boogie"Contact us at Historyagainstthegrain@gmail.comHistoryagainstthegrain.com

It's August 15, 2025, and the past few days in federal court have felt electric, almost historic. The focus is squarely on Donald Trump and his administration's deployment of federalized National Guard troops and Marines in Los Angeles—a maneuver that's catapulted into a full-blown legal and political battle on San Francisco's turf. I was in the courtroom where the tension was thick, as attorneys for California Governor Gavin Newsom argued against what they called an unlawful use of military force on civilian streets. The stakes? Whether Trump's aggressive expansion of federal power can truly override state authority, and if the constitutional limits set by the Posse Comitatus Act still stand firm under these modern pressures.Day one set the tone quickly. Pete Hegseth, Trump's Secretary of Defense, had just gone on national television championing plans to “flood” Washington, D.C., with National Guard troops. That announcement reverberated in court as California officials pressed their argument that the model Trump used in Los Angeles—troops tightly coordinated with ICE and other agencies, patrolling and detaining civilians—was illegal. According to California Deputy Attorney General Meghan Strong, the blend of military and law enforcement was so close, it was practically indistinguishable. Los Angeles isn't the end, she warned; Baltimore and Oakland could be next.Judge Charles R. Breyer presided with a critical eye, noting how Hegseth's provocative statements about troop deployments might actually bolster California's case. The judge emphasized that if Trump's approach really is a trial balloon, it's important to determine the likelihood that the military law will be violated again as long as those troops remain on California soil.Attorney General Rob Bonta closed the state's arguments with force, reinforcing confidence that California had proved the Trump administration violated the Posse Comitatus Act. He described how federalized National Guard members have taken on active roles in law enforcement—armed blockades, apprehensions, and a heavy hand in immigration raids. The legal team demanded a permanent injunction to halt what they called a standing army in Southern California, arguing that the administration's actions pervaded civilian law enforcement and exercised proscriptive military power over civilians.Meanwhile, inside and outside the courtroom, the ripple effects were immediate and loud. Mayors from Oakland and other cities pushed back against Trump's claims of surging crime rates, contrasting them with data showing double-digit decreases. The federal bench hasn't slowed Trump's agenda, with White House officials apparently unfazed by the push to restrict “roving patrols” by federal agents. As closing statements wrapped, you could sense that whatever the final ruling, its impact would echo well beyond Los Angeles.Thanks so much for tuning in. Come back next week for more on these gripping cases and unfolding headlines. This has been a Quiet Please production—visit Quiet Please Dot A I for more.Some great Deals https://amzn.to/49SJ3QsFor more check out http://www.quietplease.ai

This week on Newsmakers: Secretary of State Gregg Amore discusses navigating the Trump administration, the ILO lobbying investigation, the State Archives, his political future and more; then, Tim White takes a fresh look at the 1975 Bonded Vault heist that marked a key moment in the history of the New England Mafia.

(The Center Square) – “Liberation Day” arrived Monday in Washington, D.C., as declared by President Donald Trump. The president declared a crime emergency in the district and said the National Guard will soon patrol the streets in an effort to curb crime. Flanked by U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth, FBI Director Kash Patel, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum, Secretary of the Army Daniel Driscoll and U.S. Attorney of the District of Columbia Jeanine Pirro, the president announced that he is invoking the D.C. Home Rule Act to take federal control of Metropolitan Police Department while deploying the National Guard, with threats more military could be called in to assist.Support this podcast: https://secure.anedot.com/franklin-news-foundation/ce052532-b1e4-41c4-945c-d7ce2f52c38a?source_code=xxxxxx Full story: https://www.thecentersquare.com/national/article_3c536cf9-3612-4652-a12c-23f66a96ef33.html

Sign up for your one-dollar-per-month Shopify trial and start selling today at ⁠shopify.com/tyt Azerbaijan and Armenia release the text of a US-brokered peace agreement. Secretary of State Antony Blinken pens an op-ed in The Wall Street Journal. Theo Von interviews a doctor who recently completed a mission trip in Gaza. Hosts: Ana Kasparian SUBSCRIBE on YOUTUBE ☞  https://www.youtube.com/@TheYoungTurks FOLLOW US ON: FACEBOOK  ☞   https://www.facebook.com/theyoungturks TWITTER  ☞       https://twitter.com/TheYoungTurks INSTAGRAM  ☞  https://www.instagram.com/theyoungturks TIKTOK  ☞          https://www.tiktok.com/@theyoungturks

The implications of awarding Robert F Kennedy, Jr with a position he's completely unqualified for are becoming clearer by the day. While he's made numerous egregious and dangerous moves as Secretary of HHS, canceling nearly $500 million of mRNA research grants is one of the most startling and shortsighted to date. Today we look at both the microcosm and macrocosm of such a move. Show Notes Kennedy Cancels Nearly $500 Million in mRNA Vaccine Contracts RFK Jr. slashed mRNA vaccine development funding. A Nobel Prize winner just responded Kennedy to halt $500 million in vaccine projects Exclusive: Medical journal rejects Kennedy's call for retraction of vaccine study Do All Celebrities Have Lyme Disease Now?  CDC Lyme Disease Case Maps  How mRNA Vaccines Work CDC Explaining How Vaccines Work Clinical Advances for mRNA Vaccines and Cancer Immunotherapy Katalin Kariko's Brittanica page Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Despite spending billions to update its waterfront, Seattle's tourism numbers are in the toilet. Secretary of State pushes back against claim that 1 in 7 voters are illegal under federal law. Never mind real help, city offers free gender care for the homeless! Why is the right so bent out of shape about male cheerleaders? 

“The case for America is not that America is perfect. The case for America is we keep striving.” – Condoleezza Rice.   In this exclusive interview, Bret speaks to the former Secretary of State to President George W. Bush, Condoleezza Rice, the first-ever Black American Woman to hold the title. Secretary Rice tells the story of how she was able to rise to prominence in an era where Jim Crow laws prohibited millions from a fair shot at the American dream, and why she grew to love her country despite that.   Secretary Rice also discusses the difficulties she faced in helping run a nation with hundreds of conflicting views, the role America must play in international politics, and why millions across the globe still strive for American citizenship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This episode is presented by Create A Video – In yet another bombshell, Just The News.com reports on a now-declassified document from a Department of Justice lawyer that outlines the year-long efforts by senior agency officials to halt field agents' investigations into corruption at the Clinton Foundation while Hillary Clinton was Secretary of State. Subscribe to the podcast at: https://ThePetePod.com/ All the links to Pete's Prep are free: https://patreon.com/petekalinershow Media Bias Check: If you choose to subscribe, get 15% off here! Advertising and Booking inquiries: Pete@ThePeteKalinerShow.com Get exclusive content here!: https://thepetekalinershow.com/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's show is sponsored by: Firecracker Farms Everything's better with HOT SALT. Firecracker Farms hot salt is hand crafted on their family farm with Carolina Reaper, Ghost and Trinidad Scorpion peppers. This is a balanced, deep flavor pairs perfect with your favorite foods. Whether it's eggs, steaks veggies or even your favorite beverage, Firecracker Farms hot salt is what you've been missing. Just head to https://firecracker.farm/ use code word: SEAN for a discount. Unlock the flavor in your food now! Delta Rescue Delta Rescue is one the largest no-kill animal sanctuaries. Leo Grillo is on a mission to help all abandoned, malnourished, hurt or suffering animals. He relies solely on contributions from people like you and me. If you want to help Leo to continue his mission of running one of the best care-for-life animal sanctuaries in the country please visit Delta Rescue at: https://deltarescue.org/ John Solomon bombshell drops, as the FBI found legitamite reason to investigate Hillary Clinton and the Clinton Foundation, then Obama Deputy Attorney General Sally Yates told them to "shut it down!" The Clinton Foundation solicited hundreds of millions of dollars from foreign and U.S. interests while she was serving as Secretary of State. First Lady Melania threatens to sue Hunter Biden for $1 billion over claiming Jeffrey Epstein introduced her to President Trump. This sparked a brazen, defiant response from Hunter in an interview with Andrew Callaghan on Channel 5. Melania won her suit against the Daily Mail so I hope Hunter has been selling some paintings. President Trump was at the Kennedy Center last night to name is 2025 honorees. It was another display in taking back the culture from the Left. We will celebrate America, American culture, patriotism and have beautiful buildings and landmarks. A stark contrast from the $1 billion eyesore Obama just plopped down on the south side of Chicago. The meeting with Putin takes place tomorrow with Steve Witkoff and President Trump as they seek to broker a peace deal between Russia and Ukraine. Our panel is here to unpack it all, plus this week's winners and losers. Featuring: Steve Cortes Founder | League of American Workers https://www.amworkers.com/ Sara Gonzales Sara Gonzales Unfiltered | Blaze TV https://www.blazetv.com/series/0i0zVH9dit5S-sara-gonzales-unfiltered?channel=series David Strom Assistant Editor | Hot Air https://hotair.com/ ------------------------------------------------------------- 1️⃣ Subscribe and ring the bell for new videos: https://youtube.com/seanmspicer?sub_confirmation=1 2️⃣ Become a part of The Sean Spicer Show community: https://www.seanspicer.com/ 3️⃣ Listen to the full audio show on all platforms: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-sean-spicer-show/id1701280578 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/32od2cKHBAjhMBd9XntcUd iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-sean-spicer-show-120471641/ 4️⃣ Stay in touch with Sean on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/seanmspicer Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanspicer Instagram: https://instagram.com/seanmspicer/ 5️⃣ Follow The Sean Spicer Show on social media: Facebook: https://facebook.com/seanspicershow Twitter: https://twitter.com/seanspicershow Instagram: https://instagram.com/seanspicershow Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In the GovClose Certification Program, our students learn the government contracting skills to:Start their own consulting business that can earn up to $400k as a “solopreneur” advising businesses that sell to the government.Land high-paying sales executive jobs with companies selling to the government.From Special Ops to the Pentagon: Forrest Underwood on AI, Startups, and the Future of Defense ContractingForrest Underwood's career spans flying MC-130Js for Special Operations, standing up new squadrons overseas, embedding with SOCOM on urgent missions, working with Silicon Valley venture capital firms, and now serving as Chief of Joint Investment Strategies at the Office of the Secretary of Defense and the CEO of Evergreen IndustriesIn this conversation, Forrest explains:How AI, cyber, and space tech companies can break into defense contracting.Why “product–mission fit” is the key to winning contracts without wasting resources.The cultural speed gap between Special Operations and traditional acquisition.How the Forged Act, Speed Act, OTAs, and acquisition reform will change the landscape.Why the best product doesn't always win — and how to fix it.If you're a founder, tech leader, or government contracting professional, this episode is packed with actionable insights to help you navigate — and win in — the defense market.Connect with Forrest on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/forrestunderwood/Timestamps / Chapters00:00 – The calm before the storm in defense acquisitions00:40 – AI writing proposals for AI: The growing noise problem01:15 – Special Ops speed: Delivering tech in under 24 hours02:00 – Forrest Underwood: From pilot to defense tech strategist03:00 – The grocery store encounter that launched an Air Force career04:00 – Air Force Academy prep school: Building future officers05:00 – Pilot training pipeline and aircraft assignments07:00 – C-130J missions in Europe and Africa09:00 – Standing up an MC-130J squadron in Okinawa11:00 – Transitioning to joint staff roles in Stuttgart14:00 – SOCOM immersion in Silicon Valley venture capital15:00 – Working with VC firms on AI, cyber, and space tech17:00 – The cultural speed gap in acquisitions19:00 – Overnight integration of mission-critical tech22:00 – Moving into acquisitions leadership at OSD23:00 – Managing $200B in annual defense investments24:00 – Founding Evergreen Industries and product–mission fit28:00 – Navigating the valley of death in defense innovation29:00 – OTAs, SBIRs, DIU, and accelerating acquisition30:00 – Forged Act, Speed Act, and acquisition reform32:00 – Why quality beats volume in proposals34:00 – Non-traditionals vs. primes in the new acquisition era36:00 – Cybersecurity compliance and small business challenges39:00 – Why the best product doesn't always win40:00 – Mapping capabilities to joint warfighting needs42:00 – Accelerating serious companies into DOD contracts45:00 – Sell it first, build it second in defense tech46:00 – Validating demand before developing solutions47:00 – Discovery-driven selling in the DOD49:00 – Understanding frustrations on both sides of the process50:00 – How acquisitions officers evaluate new tech53:00 – Where defense tech funding is headedJOIN the GovClose CommunityFollow me on LinkedIn for our free GovClose Newsletter and real-world GovCon insights

Gauging the economic impact as Canadian visitation to Vermont's Northeast Kingdom drops in response to president Trump's hostile rhetoric and tariffs. Plus, the UVM Medical Center will reduce the number of patients admitted for overnight care in a cost cutting move, there's a shortage of school counselors and psychologists in Vermont as public school students prepare to return to the classroom, an international graduate student at Dartmouth drops his lawsuit against the Trump administration after getting his legal status reinstated, and Vermont's Secretary of State says she will ignore any request from the Trump administration to share Vermont voters' personal information. 

President Trump says he's hopeful for peace in Ukraine, speaking just a day before his high-stakes meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Alaska. Putin signaled the U.S. and Russia could soon reach a nuclear arms control deal, while Secretary of State Marco Rubio weighed in on possible developments.The Pentagon says 800 National Guard troops are now in Washington, D.C. Forty-five arrests were made Wednesday night as the capital entered its fourth day under federal control of law enforcement.California officials and Gov. Gavin Newsom today called for a November special election to redraw the Golden State's congressional maps, aiming to counter Republican redistricting efforts in Texas. That's as Texas Democrats say they'll return to the state if their conditions are met.

Donald Trump once declared mRNA vaccines a medical miracle, now his health Secretary is taking an axe to them.Robert F Kennedy Junior doesn't believe in the science behind the vaccines that were deployed to save lives as Covid spread around the world and he's cut nearly half a billion dollars in research funding.Today, professor of public health Julie Leask on what Kennedy's anti-vaccine stance means for global health. Featured: Julie Leask, social scientist and professor in the School of Public Health at the University of Sydney

Taylor Swift announced a new album, 1st female umpire in the MLB, Sami Sheen almost sex trafficked, Harry & Meghan's new Netflix “deal”, Stuttering John sues WATP Karl, the rise of the idiot interviewer, and Howard Stern's Dana Plato interview. Shawn Windsor dropped another great (but sad) story on the latest ML Soul of Detroit. Taylor Swift has announced a new album is coming. She broke the news on the stupid Kelce Brothers podcast, New Heights. Sports: Jen Pawol has become the first female MLB umpire. She totally BLEW her very first call. Meanwhile, male cheerleaders enter the NFL. This motorcycle crash is insane and totally worth breaking into regular programming. Stuttering Jon Melendez has served Karl Hamburger and Shuli Egar and suing for making fun of him on the internet. Harry and Meghan get another Netflix deal. Podcaster Jennifer Welch absolutely hates Trump supporters. Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem has had a lot of work done. Howard Stern is getting “canceled” now for his 1999 Dana Plato interview. We scrub through the final bit featuring Dana. Even Corey Feldman is piling on the King of All Media. The Detroit Tigers are winning despite Tom Mazawey's hot take. Angelina Jolie is fleeing the US because of Brad Pitt. AI is killing computer science grad's careers. Sophie Rain leaves the OnlyFans Bop House. Sami Sheen won't go away. She believes she was almost sex trafficked. Kate Cassidy remains annoying. Playboy wants nothing to do with Donna D'Errico. Jami Gertz is “unrecognizable”. Babies love going to tennis matches. The Nelk Boys interviewed Benjamin Netanyahu for some reason. It's the rise of the idiot-interview. RIP Bobby Whitlock of Derek and the Dominos. Derek and the Dominos drummer Jim Gordon is dead murderer. If you'd like to help support the show… consider subscribing to our YouTube Channel, Facebook, Instagram and Twitter (Drew Lane, Marc Fellhauer, Trudi Daniels, Jim Bentley and BranDon).

The Holy Post crew is suspicious of a new study that finds MAGA supporters score higher in  authoritarianism, social dominance, and malevolent personality traits, while liberals score higher in compassion and empathy. Church planter, Brad Edwards, says many of us hold beliefs, language, and values that sabotage our ability to benefit from participation in a church. He talks to Kaitlyn about his new book, “The Reason for Church,” and why our anti-institutional instincts are self-defeating. Also this week, the Secretary of Defense reposted comments from his pastor that women shouldn't be allowed to vote. The Catholic Church says ICE detainees are being denied their religious rights. And robo-bunnies of death. Holy Post Plus: Ad-Free Version of this Episode: https://www.patreon.com/posts/136333510/   Bonus Interview with Brad Edwards: https://www.patreon.com/posts/136265237/   0:00 - Show Starts   3:25 - Theme Song Updated!   3:48 - Sponsor - Poncho - If you've been looking for the perfect shirt—something breathable, fits great, feels even better, and stands out in a good way—give Poncho a try. Get $10 off your first order by using this link: https://www.ponchooutdoors.com/holypost   5:27 - Sponsor - AG1 - Heavily researched, thoroughly purity-tested, and filled with stuff you need. Go to https://www.drinkag1.com/HOLYPOST   7:06 - Okoboji!   12:53 - Robo-Rabbits vs Snakes!   18:53 - Hegseth Opposes Women's Suffrage?   22:42 - Priests Alligator Alcatraz   28:22 - Conservative/Liberal Empathy Study   48:50 - Sponsor - BetterHelp - This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://www.betterhelp.com/HOLYPOST and get 10% off your first month   50:00 - Sponsor - Our Place - Go to https://www.fromourplace.com and use code HOLYPOST to get 10% off site wide on beautiful cookware!   51:11 - Interview   53:48 - Where's the Church at?   1:01:33 - Institution vs Therapy Speak   1:14:00 - Compassion as Moral Framework   1:26:15 - End Credits   Links from News Segment: Robot Bunnies in Florida: https://www.popsci.com/environment/robot-bunnies-florida-invasive-pythons/   Priests going to Alligator Alcatraz: https://religionnews.com/2025/08/07/archbishops-win-at-alligator-alcatraz-exposes-gop-religious-freedom-hypocrisy/   Women's Suffrage in question? https://www.thebulwark.com/p/pete-hegseth-shares-video-about-ending?utm_source=flipboard&utm_content=user%2FTheBulwark   Conservative vs Liberal Empathy Study: https://scottbarrykaufman.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/Neumann-Ngo-2025-Malevolent-vs.-benevolent-dispositions-and-conservative-political-ideology-in-the-Trump-era.pdf Other Resources: Holy Post website: https://www.holypost.com/   Holy Post Plus: www.holypost.com/plus   Holy Post Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/holypost   Holy Post Merch Store: https://www.holypost.com/shop   The Holy Post is supported by our listeners. We may earn affiliate commissions through links listed here. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.  

On this Wednesday edition of Sid & Friends in the Morning, Sid delves into current polling data showing Mayor Eric Adams trailing Republican candidate Curtis Sliwa and Adams' response to the polls. Former Governor David Paterson is endorsing Adams, while Republican Zohran Mamdani campaigns against Trump for some reason. Sid highlights Andrew Cuomo's social media strategy, rehashes his exclusive interview with Secretary of State Marco Rubio yesterday, emphasizes Israel's current conflict with Hamas and praises President Trump's conflict resolution achievements thus far in his second term, before he previews Mayor Eric Adams' upcoming appearance later on in the show after 17 months away from Sid's air waves. Tali Shine, Frank Morano, Gregg Jarrett, Stav Cohen, Mayor Eric Adams & Scott LoBaido join Sid on this Monday installment of Sid & Friends in the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

    Dr. Stephen Ferrara, a distinguished retired Navy Captain and the Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, joins us on WarDocs to share his inspiring journey through military medicine. Dr. Ferrara opens up about his motivations, which are deeply rooted in family ties and pivotal global events, such as the Gulf War, that led him to pursue a career as a vascular and interventional radiologist. His insights reveal the profound responsibilities of advising the Secretary of Defense on military healthcare policies, managing vast budgets, and advocating for the welfare of military healthcare professionals. Dr. Ferrara's narrative is a testament to the dedication and teamwork that mark the Military Health System, underscoring its essential role in national security.     The episode offers a window into the unique challenges and deeply rewarding experiences of serving as a military medical professional. Dr. Ferrara recounts his swift deployment aboard the USNS Mercy following the devastating 2004 tsunami and his subsequent support of Army operations in Afghanistan. These experiences highlight the adaptability and commitment required in military medicine, where providing care in disaster zones and combat situations becomes a way of life. The personal side of his story unfolds as well, sharing the dynamics of balancing a dual military family life, managing deployments, and instilling values of public service in the next generation.     Dr. Ferrara delves into the complexities of maintaining readiness and supporting healthcare initiatives amid budget constraints. He discusses leveraging partnerships with organizations like the VA and Medicare to enhance medical skills and generate revenue, ensuring the system's commitment to outperforming the private sector in patient outcomes. With congressional support and a focus on efficient governance, Dr. Ferrara's perspective sheds light on the resilience and innovation driving military healthcare forward.     Chapters: (00:04) Military Medicine Leadership and Career Insights (12:13) Military Service (18:51) Military Health System Excellence and Leadership (27:10) Strategic Partnerships for Military Health (40:43) Military Health Leadership and Service   Chapter Summaries: (00:04) Military Medicine Leadership and Career Insights Dr. Stephen Ferrara's extensive career as a retired Navy Captain and current Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs, overseeing the military health system and advocating for military healthcare professionals.   (12:13) Military Service Military medical professionals serve in disaster zones, combat, and global health missions, while balancing family life and instilling values of public service.   (18:51) Military Health System Excellence and Leadership Transitioning from military physician to health policy and national security roles, emphasizing readiness and supporting warfighters.   (27:10) Strategic Partnerships for Military Health The military health system faces budget constraints but strives to outperform the private sector through efficiency, good governance, and partnerships.   (40:43) Military Health Leadership and Service Dr. Steve Ferreira shares insights on health affairs in the defense sector, highlighting his career and significant experiences.   Take Home Messages: Leadership in Military Medicine: The episode highlights the significant leadership roles within the military health system, emphasizing the importance of advising top defense officials on healthcare policies, managing large budgets, and advocating for military healthcare professionals. The leadership insights shared underline the critical role of maintaining readiness and strategic planning in military medicine. Unique Challenges and Rewards: Serving in military medicine involves unique challenges, such as providing care in disaster zones and combat situations. The episode explores the adaptability and commitment required in these environments, illustrating the profound sense of duty and fulfillment derived from serving both the nation and its service members. Balancing Personal and Professional Life: The narrative also delves into the personal aspects of a military medical career, including the dynamics of balancing a dual military family life, managing deployments, and instilling values of public service in the next generation. This balance is a critical component of a successful military medical career. Strategic Partnerships and Innovation: The episode discusses the importance of strategic partnerships with organizations like the VA and Medicare to enhance medical skills, generate revenue, and maintain the military health system's commitment to excellence. These collaborations are vital for bridging budget gaps and ensuring the system's sustainability. Excellence and Resilience in Military Healthcare: The episode sheds light on the resilience and innovation driving military healthcare forward, focusing on efficient governance and the system's mission to outperform the private sector in patient outcomes. It highlights the dedication of military health professionals and the importance of congressional support in providing the necessary resources for continued excellence. Episode Keywords: Military Medicine, Dr. Stephen Ferrara, Navy Captain, War Docs Podcast, healthcare leadership, vascular radiology, military healthcare challenges, Gulf War, Afghanistan, USNS Mercy, military medical career, defense health system, resilience in healthcare, military health professionals, military medical deployments, strategic partnerships, VA and Medicare, military health budget, military family life, military healthcare excellence   Hashtags: #MilitaryMedicine #WarDocsPodcast #HealthcareLeadership #NavyMedicine #VascularRadiology #MilitaryHealthcare #MedicalReadiness #StrategicPartnerships #HealthcareInnovation #NationalSecurity   Honoring the Legacy and Preserving the History of Military Medicine The WarDocs Mission is to honor the legacy, preserve the oral history, and showcase career opportunities, unique expeditionary experiences, and achievements of Military Medicine. We foster patriotism and pride in Who we are, What we do, and, most importantly, How we serve Our Patients, the DoD, and Our Nation.   Find out more and join Team WarDocs at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/ Check our list of previous guest episodes at https://www.wardocspodcast.com/our-guests Subscribe and Like our Videos on our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast Listen to the “What We Are For” Episode 47. https://bit.ly/3r87Afm   WarDocs- The Military Medicine Podcast is a Non-Profit, Tax-exempt-501(c)(3) Veteran Run Organization run by volunteers. All donations are tax-deductible and go to honoring and preserving the history, experiences, successes, and lessons learned in Military Medicine. A tax receipt will be sent to you. WARDOCS documents the experiences, contributions, and innovations of all military medicine Services, ranks, and Corps who are affectionately called "Docs" as a sign of respect, trust, and confidence on and off the battlefield,demonstrating dedication to the medical care of fellow comrades in arms.     Follow Us on Social Media Twitter: @wardocspodcast Facebook: WarDocs Podcast Instagram: @wardocspodcast LinkedIn: WarDocs-The Military Medicine Podcast YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@wardocspodcast  

This is Frank Gaffney with the Secure Freedom Minute.  Secretary of State Marco Rubio was asked yesterday by talk radio host Sid Rosenberg, “Why wouldn't you guys designate the Muslim Brotherhood and CAIR?” He responded,  “All of that is in the works. Obviously, there are different branches of the Muslim Brotherhood, so you'd have to designate each one of them.” Those who have enabled that Sharia-supremacist – and therefore terrorism-tied – group and its fronts like the Council on American-Islamic Relations to metastasize in this country will surely mobilize to prevent their designations as such. Qatar, Turkey and jihadist organizations they support will use their considerable influence and operatives to protect the Brothers.  Still, nine years ago this week, then-presidential candidate Donald Trump pledged that “the support networks for Radical Islam in this country will be stripped out and removed one by one.” That's a promise made that must be kept now. This is Frank Gaffney.

China's Inroads In The AmericasIn this episode of GREAT POWER PODCAST, host Ilan Berman speaks with Evan Ellis of the U.S. Army War College about what China (as well as Russia and Iran) is up to, politically and strategically, south of the U.S. border.BIO:Dr. R. Evan Ellis is Latin America Research Professor with the U.S. Army War College, where his research is focused on China's engagement with Latin America and other regional security issues. In the first Trump administration, he served on the Secretary of State's Policy Planning Staff as the official responsible for Latin America and the Caribbean, as well as International Narcotics and Law Enforcement issues.

Simon Conway is joined by Iowa Secretary of Agriculture Mike Naig and Secretary of Energy Chris Wright during Wednesday's first hour.

Secretary of State Marco Rubio makes his debut on Sid & Friends in the Morning to discuss a wide range of topics including U.S. foreign policy, Marco Rubio's potential presidential candidacy, and various international issues. Key points include Rubio's thoughts on the tragic passing of Colombian Senator Uribe, the impact of Venezuelan drug cartels, the significance of designating terrorist organizations, the meeting between President Trump and Vladimir Putin, the U.S.-China relationship, and the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. The interview concludes with an acknowledgment of Rubio's successful diplomatic efforts in resolving international conflicts and a reflection on domestic law enforcement challenges in Washington, D.C. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On this Tuesday edition of Sid & Friends in the Morning, Sid covers the significance of the upcoming meeting between Trump and Russian President Putin regarding the Ukraine war, the controversial federal takeover of Washington D.C.'s police force in response to crime, which the city's mayor disputes, before he turns to local politics in detailing the New York City mayoral race where Zohran Mamdani criticizes President Trump's policies and faces allegations from Andrew Cuomo of living inappropriately in rent-stabilized housing, thereafter delving into international conflicts, particularly the Israeli-Gaza situation, where Netanyahu's actions against Hamas are debated, before he highlights U2 band members' mixed statements on the issue, emphasizing the media's portrayal of Israel and criticizing various public figures, before finally addressing anti-Semitism in recent events and expressing support for Secretary of State Marco Rubio and his stance on these global issues. Joe Benigno, Victoria Coates, Bo Dietl, Marco Rubio & Michael Goodwin join the program on this Tuesday installment of Sid & Friends in the Morning. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

### Episode 1,038: Tommy Duff for Governor? Mississippi's Future on the Line **Dive into the raw, unfiltered world of Mississippi politics with Clay Edwards in Episode 1,038 of The Clay Edwards Show!** Strap in for a no-holds-barred discussion on potential gubernatorial candidates and the state of Republican leadership. Clay breaks it all down with his signature reality radio style—award-winning, provocative, and always breaking rules when necessary. In this focused segment: - **Rankin County Republican Dinner Recap**: Clay recounts his last-minute invite to the Lincoln Reagan Trump Dinner at The Refuge in Flowood. He chats about rubbing elbows with movers and shakers like Pearl Mayor Jake Windham, Dylan Chappell, and keynote speaker Tommy Duff (of the Duff Brothers Tire Mart empire). Highlights include the venue's stunning transformation and how Rankin County has evolved from hosting events in Jackson to having multiple high-end spots like The Refuge, Clyde Muse Center, and City Hall Live. - **Tommy Duff: Governor Material?**: Clay dives deep into Tommy Duff's potential run for governor in 2027. Is his billionaire resume in economic development (recruiting Yokohama and Continental Tires to Mississippi) enough? Clay weighs the pros—self-made success, Christian-adjacent values (he's Mormon, but that's not a dealbreaker for Clay)—against the cons: short stature, softer voice, and ability to connect with blue-collar voters or left-leaning Democrats. How does he stack up against big personalities like Andy Gipson, Shad White, or Gerard Gibert? Clay polls listeners: Does height, voice, or faith matter in a male gubernatorial candidate? Women callers chime in wanting a "badass, man's man" leader. Plus, thoughts on other rising stars like Michael Watson (running for higher office) and Chris McDaniel. - **Election Integrity & Mississippi Politics**: Clay touches on Secretary of State Michael Watson's role in election integrity (numbers and national recognition say he's delivering, despite critics), district gerrymandering keeping figures like Bennie Thompson in power, and why economic development + brain drain prevention should top the 2027 agenda over school choice. - **Listener Interactions & Hot Takes**: Texts pour in on the Guns & Gear Text Line (769-241-1944) and Mazda Jackson Phone Line (601-879-0002). From women seeking alpha-male governors to debates on Napoleon syndrome, Clay reads and reacts live. **Why Listen/Watch?** If you're tired of sugar-coated talk radio, this is your daily dose of reality. Clay fights for Mississippi's soul and demands positive solutions from "positive-solutions-only" folks who've been in charge too long. No topic is off-limits. **Subscribe & Engage**: Hit that subscribe button on YouTube, follow on Rumble (@ClayEdwardsShow), Facebook/X (@SaveJXN). Share this episode—don't be a silent listener! Call/text in next time, and let's keep the conversation going. What do YOU think about Tommy Duff? Drop a comment below. #ClayEdwardsShow #MississippiPolitics #TommyDuff #GubernatorialRace #EconomicDevelopment

### Episode 1,038: Tommy Duff for Governor? Black Mayors Mad at Trump, and Mississippi's Future on the Line **Dive into the raw, unfiltered world of Mississippi politics and culture with Clay Edwards in Episode 1,038 of The Clay Edwards Show!** Strap in for a no-holds-barred discussion on potential gubernatorial candidates, the state of Republican leadership, and the backlash from Black mayors across America to Donald Trump's crime-fighting promises. From local events to national controversies, Clay breaks it all down with his signature reality radio style—award-winning, provocative, and always breaking rules when necessary. In this packed episode: - **Life in Central Mississippi**: Clay kicks things off with a personal update on his shift from Rankin County roots to spending more time in Madison County (hello, Flora!). He shares why downtown Brandon traffic pales in comparison to Gluckstadt's chaos and plugs his expanding presence on Rumble for short-form content. Streaming live on Facebook, X, YouTube (@SaveJXN), and Rumble (@ClayEdwardsShow). - **Rankin County Republican Dinner Recap**: Clay recounts his last-minute invite to the Lincoln Reagan Trump Dinner at The Refuge in Flowood. He chats about rubbing elbows with movers and shakers like Pearl Mayor Jake Windham, Dylan Chappell, and keynote speaker Tommy Duff (of the Duff Brothers Tire Mart empire). Highlights include the venue's stunning transformation and how Rankin County has evolved from hosting events in Jackson to having multiple high-end spots like The Refuge, Clyde Muse Center, and City Hall Live. - **Tommy Duff: Governor Material?**: Clay dives deep into Tommy Duff's potential run for governor in 2027. Is his billionaire resume in economic development (recruiting Yokohama and Continental Tires to Mississippi) enough? Clay weighs the pros—self-made success, Christian-adjacent values (he's Mormon, but that's not a dealbreaker for Clay)—against the cons: short stature, softer voice, and ability to connect with blue-collar voters or left-leaning Democrats. How does he stack up against big personalities like Andy Gipson, Shad White, or Gerard Gibert? Clay polls listeners: Does height, voice, or faith matter in a male gubernatorial candidate? Women callers chime in wanting a "badass, man's man" leader. Plus, thoughts on other rising stars like Michael Watson (running for higher office) and Chris McDaniel. - **Election Integrity & Mississippi Politics**: Clay touches on Secretary of State Michael Watson's role in election integrity (numbers and national recognition say he's delivering, despite critics), district gerrymandering keeping figures like Bennie Thompson in power, and why economic development + brain drain prevention should top the 2027 agenda over school choice. - **National Pivot: Black Mayors Furious at Trump**: Hour 2 heats up as Clay tackles "Black for a living" race grifters melting down over Trump's pledge to "clean up" crime-ridden cities like DC, Baltimore, and Oakland with military support. Reactions from mayors (wearing "Blackness Today, Blackness Tomorrow" shirts) claim racism, but Clay calls BS—violent crime isn't down; it's underreported. He predicts attempts to criminalize "racism" as a defense for bad behavior (e.g., Cincinnati leaders blaming white victims for "inciting" attacks). Clay's take: Prove Trump wrong by doing better—focus on law enforcement, accountability, and ditching zero-tolerance failures. Bonus: A wild AI query on words "only racist if white people say them." - **Listener Interactions & Hot Takes**: Texts pour in on the Guns & Gear Text Line (769-241-1944) and Mazda Jackson Phone Line (601-879-0002). From women seeking alpha-male governors to debates on Napoleon syndrome, Clay reads and reacts live. Plus, Clay's personal transformation journey: Before-and-after photos of his 80-pound weight loss via discipline, testosterone, and semaglutide (text "Clay" to 601-800-5031 for a free screening). **Why Listen/Watch?** If you're tired of sugar-coated talk radio, this is your daily dose of reality. Clay fights for Mississippi's soul, calls out culture rot, and demands positive solutions from "positive-solutions-only" folks who've been in charge too long. From Jackson crime to national absurdities (like charging lynching victims for "inciting riots"), no topic is off-limits. **Subscribe & Engage**: Hit that subscribe button on YouTube, follow on Rumble (@ClayEdwardsShow), Facebook/X (@SaveJXN). Share this episode—don't be a silent listener! Call/text in next time, and let's keep the conversation going. What do YOU think about Tommy Duff or Trump's DC plan? Drop a comment below. #ClayEdwardsShow #MississippiPolitics #TommyDuff #Trump2024 #SchoolChoice #JacksonMS #RealityRadio #GubernatorialRace #BlackMayors #EconomicDevelopment

Last time we spoke about the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. In the summer of 1945, Japan faced its most devastating siege, characterized by an aerial campaign called "Starvation" that crippled its industrial capabilities. As resources dwindled and chaos reigned, the Allies intensified their firebombing efforts, targeting major cities. By July, Japan was on the brink of collapse, culminating in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, where over 140,000 lives were altered or lost in a blinding flash. As the nation reeled from the destruction, the Japanese leadership was torn between surrender and continuing the fight. They faced not just the threat of American bombs, but also a Soviet invasion looming on the horizon. Days after Hiroshima, the atomic bomb "Fat Man" was dropped on Nagasaki on August 9, resulting in catastrophic casualties and extensive industrial losses. This attack further devastated an already weakened Japan, leaving the Emperor and his government grappling with the dire consequences. This episode is the Invasion of Manchuria Welcome to the Pacific War Podcast Week by Week, I am your dutiful host Craig Watson. But, before we start I want to also remind you this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Perhaps you want to learn more about world war two? Kings and Generals have an assortment of episodes on world war two and much more  so go give them a look over on Youtube. So please subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry for some more history related content, over on my channel, the Pacific War Channel you can find a few videos all the way from the Opium Wars of the 1800's until the end of the Pacific War in 1945.    August 9 stands as a catastrophic day in Japanese history. On this day, the nation faced the devastating impact of a second atomic bomb dropped on Nagasaki, along with the relentless Soviet invasion of Manchuria. Admiral Ivan Yumashev's Pacific Fleet moved to disrupt Japan's maritime communications in the Sea of Japan and provide support for offensive operations. At the same time, Soviet air forces targeted cities across Northeast Asia, striking both Manchuria and North Korea, as well as Japanese convoys in the Sea of Japan. General Twinning led a diversionary B-29 raid on Amagasaki, followed by a significant attack involving 108 aircraft on the rail yards at Marifu. In addition, Admiral Halsey's 3rd Fleet launched more strikes against airfields in northern Honshu and Hokkaido, where U.S. intelligence suspected a large Japanese air fleet and commando force was preparing for a desperate mission to Okinawa. Japanese paratroopers were gearing up for a new mission, codenamed Ken-go, but this time their target wasn't Okinawa. Similar to the earlier May 24 Raid on Yontan Airfield, Lieutenant General Sugawara Michio's Giretsu Kuteitai, also known as the “Heroic Paratroopers,” set their sights on the B-29 complex in the Mariana Islands for nighttime suicide raids. This operation marked the second planned assault on bases within the Mariana Islands, specifically aimed at destroying B-29 bombers. The plan involved deploying 60 transport aircraft to deliver 900 commandos during the nights of August 19 to 23. Around 300 personnel from Lieutenant Commander Daiji Yamaoka's 1st Kure Special Naval Landing Force initiated preparations at the end of June. Originally established for submarine-delivered raids on U.S.-held islands, these forces were now adapted to be flown in 30 Mitsubishi G4M 'Betty' twin-engine bombers, which had the necessary range for an unrefueled, one-way trip to the Marianas. The raid was initially scheduled for July 24. However, ten days earlier, U.S. carrier-based warplanes had attacked Misawa naval air base on Honshu Island, damaging or destroying many of the operation's bombers. Consequently, the raid was postponed to August 19, with the addition of 30 transport planes and 300 paratroopers from the army's 1st Raiding Regiment. Ultimately, however, on August 15, Japan surrendered, and Operation Ken-go was cancelled. Meanwhile, Admiral Shafroth's Bombardment Group unleashed heavy damage on the Kamaishi steel mill. The day after, to assist the Soviets, Halsey ordered additional airstrikes on northern Japanese airfields, causing extensive destruction. However, these were not isolated incidents; they were part of a sustained air-sea siege that had been intensifying for several months. The Allied blockade of Japan had severely impacted food imports, and industrial activity had nearly ground to a halt due to the ongoing blockade and bombings. By this point, six of Japan's ten largest cities had been completely destroyed, and over sixty smaller cities had been reduced to ashes from relentless incendiary raids. This scenario was a powerful manifestation of War Plan Orange in action. More critically, with the reality of Hiroshima's destruction echoing loudly, the Japanese government now grappled with the impending threat of complete annihilation, a grim reality they had never faced before in this war. Though they had recognized their defeat with the loss of Saipan and the initial Yawata raid, the stubborn resolve of the Japanese leadership had pushed them to prolong the conflict for an agonizing 14 months, clinging to the hope of a different outcome. Many now believed that peace was the only path to survival for the Japanese nation. As the crisis intensified, Prime Minister Suzuki and his cabinet engaged in heated discussions. He sought to persuade War Minister General Anami Korechika and Chief of the Army General Staff General Umezu Yoshijiro to accept the Potsdam Declaration on August 9. However, Suzuki and the militants could only agree that if there were any surrender, then it should ensure that the "national polity" or imperial family would continue in any postwar settlement. Anami and Umezu pushed for further, more favourable conditions. First, Japan would demobilize and disarm any IJA or IJN forces overseas. Second, Japanese courts would prosecute any war criminals. Third, after surrender the Allies would not occupy Japan. Chief of the Navy General Staff, Admiral Toyoda Soemu, agreed with Anami and Umezu. To break this deadlock, it became necessary to involve the Emperor directly. Around 2:00 AM on August 10, the cabinet convened with Emperor Hirohito, who ultimately agreed to accept the Potsdam Declaration and ordered an end to all military efforts, initiating the surrender process. Faced with no viable alternatives, all present reached a unanimous agreement. That morning, the Japanese government, through Swedish and Swiss intermediaries, sent an offer to accept the Potsdam Declaration, stipulating one condition: there would be no change to Japan's government structure, with Hirohito retaining his title as Emperor and sovereign ruler. Months afte the war Hirohito said this about his decision to surrender “The main motive behind my decision at that time was that if we . . . did not act, the Japanese race would perish and I would be unable to protect my loyal subjects [sekishi—literally, “children”]. Second, Kido agreed with me on the matter of defending the kokutai. If the enemy landed near Ise Bay, both Ise and Atsuta Shrines would immediately come under their control. There would be no time to transfer the sacred treasures [regalia] of the imperial family and no hope of protecting them. Under these circumstances, protection of the kokutai would be difficult. For these reasons, I thought at the time that I must make peace even at the sacrifice of myself.” Simultaneously, a new military campaign was underway, and several units of General Yamada's Kwantung Army were unexpectedly caught off-guard in Manchuria. In response, he implemented emergency measures and ordered commands to proceed with their plans for delaying operations. Upon learning of the Soviet declaration of war and the subsequent invasion led by Marshal Vasilevsky's Far East Command, Tokyo decided to place General Kozuki's 17th Area Army under the Kwantung Army. Furthermore, they instructed General Okamura Yasuji's China Expeditionary Army to transfer one army headquarters, along with six divisions and six brigades, to support this effort. As directed by Tokyo, the primary objective of the Kwantung Army was to defend Japanese territory in Korea. However, by the end of the first day of conflict, several border observation units had been completely destroyed while attempting to defend their positions. In the east, Lieutenant General Shimizu Noritsune's 5th Army, supported by the reinforced 128th Division, was confronting the main assault by Marshal Meretskov's 1st Far Eastern Front. To the south, Lieutenant General Murakami Keisaku's 3rd Army was engaged in defending against multiple penetrations along the border. In the northern sector, the 134th Division at Chiamussu was withdrawing towards Fangcheng, as planned, while flames engulfed Japanese houses in the city. General Uemura's 4th Army was preparing to face what they expected to be the main assault from General Purkayev's 2nd Far Eastern Front. Meanwhile, the 119th Division had already departed Hailar for Wunoerh, leaving only the 80th Independent Mixed Brigade behind. To the west, Lieutenant General Hongo Yoshio's 44th Army was confronting the formidable armored spearhead of Marshal Malinovsky's Transbaikal Front. Southwest of their position, the 108th Division was redeploying to the Chinhsien area. On August 10, the offensive led by Vasilevsky continued, as Colonel General Ivan Managarov's 53rd Army began crossing the border behind the now distant 6th Guards Tank Army. Recognizing that the 44th Army was not prepared to engage the overwhelming enemy armor in guerrilla warfare across the expansive terrain of western Manchuria, General Ushiroku made the independent decision to order Hongo to retreat to the Dairen-Hsinking line. This was where Lieutenant General Iida Shojiro's 30th Army was already establishing defensive positions. This decision contradicted Yamada's main strategy, which called for delaying the enemy advance at the borders.  Faced with what they deemed an illegal order, the Kwantung Army Headquarters convened an urgent staff conference. During this meeting, several opinions emerged: a sudden shift from established plans would likely create confusion; any attempt to counterattack after a withdrawal would likely fail if the enemy advanced quickly; and abandoning forward airfields prematurely would enable the enemy to advance unimpeded. To most participants, General Ushiroku's decision seemed to deliver a potentially fatal blow to the overall operational direction of the Kwantung Army Headquarters. However, since the 44th Army had already begun its withdrawal as ordered by General Ushiroku, Kwantung Army Headquarters was left with a fait accompli. Thus, they felt compelled to uphold the decision of the Third Area Army Commander, which was subsequently approved by General Yamada. Meanwhile, General Pliyev's cavalry-mechanized units advanced rapidly toward Kalgan and Dolonnor, reaching the foothills of the Grand Khingan Mountains. General Danilov's 17th Army also continued to encounter weak resistance, covering an additional 40 kilometers. General Lyudnikov's 39th Army bypassed the encircled 107th Division in the Halung-Arshaan and Wuchakou Fortified Regions. Here, the 5th Guards Rifle Corps moved toward Solun and Tepossi, while the 113th Rifle Corps advanced southeast toward Wangyemiao. The 94th Rifle Corps had to divert southward to support the 124th Rifle Division. In the east, General Luchinsky's 36th Army launched ongoing attacks against Hailar, with the 2nd Rifle Corps bypassing it to the east. Meanwhile, General Kravchenko's 6th Guards Tank Army reorganized its right-wing column and began crossing the Grand Khingan Mountains during the night, with both columns entering the central Manchurian plain by August 11. To the east, Meretskov continued his offensive. The 17th, 65th, and 72nd Rifle Corps of General Krylov's 5th Army advanced swiftly west and south, ultimately securing Machiacho, Laotsaiying, Suiyang, and Suifenho. This maneuver widened the zone of penetration to 75 kilometers and forced the 126th and 135th Divisions to withdraw their main forces to Yehho. In support, General Beloborodov's 1st Red Banner Army to the north broke through into open terrain, pushing rapidly westward to occupy parts of the cities of Pamientung and Lishuchen, along with their vital bridges across the Muleng River. Further south, General Chistyakov's 25th Army captured Tungning and successfully reduced its fortified region. Units in that area also secured Tumentzu, Hunchun, and Wuchiatzu. Lastly, General Zakhvatayev's 35th Army continued its operations far to the north. The 264th Rifle Division and the 109th Fortified Region seized Hutou and initiated a movement west along the railroad toward Hulin, while the 363rd and 66th Rifle Divisions pressed on with their advance northwestward. In northern Manchuria, General Purkayev continued his main assault, with General Mamonov's 15th Army reconnoitering key enemy strongholds south of the Amur River. After successfully crossing the river, the 34th Rifle Division and the 203rd Tank Brigade occupied Lopei and advanced through Fenghsiang to bypass the Hsingshanchen Fortified Region, leaving a force behind to reduce it. Meanwhile, the 361st Rifle Division captured Tungchiang, and the 388th Rifle Division secured Chienchingkou, preparing for an advance toward Fuchin. In support of these operations, General Pashkov's 5th Rifle Corps cleared Japanese forces from the Jaoho Fortified Region, while General Teryokhin's 2nd Red Banner Army was preparing to launch its offensive the following morning. On August 11, forward units landed at Heiho, Aihun, and Holomoching under the cover of artillery fire, quickly establishing a beachhead as additional forces crossed the Amur. However, due to a lack of crossing equipment, it took five days to transport all units across the river. Consequently, Teryokhin had to commit his forces piecemeal against the 123rd Division and the 135th Independent Mixed Brigade. This was not the only new offensive operation initiated by Purkayev on this day. A new target had emerged: South Sakhalin, known as Karafuto to the Japanese. As per Vasilevsky's plans, Major-General Leonty Cheremisov's 16th Army was deployed on North Sakhalin and along the mainland coast of the Tatar Strait, stretching from Sovetskaya Gavan to Nikolaevsk-on-Amur. If the invasion of Manchuria continued to progress favorably, this force was set to attack the Japanese-controlled portion of the island alongside the Northern Pacific Flotilla, commanded by Vice-Admiral Vladimir Andreyev, which was prepared to conduct amphibious operations against Esutoru and Maoka on the island's west coast. Opposing the Soviet forces, General Higuchi of the 5th Area Army positioned Lieutenant General Mineki Toichiro's 88th Division in the southern part of South Sakhalin, with only the 125th Regiment stationed to the north. Sakhalin shared many characteristics with several of the Manchukuoan border areas, presenting challenging terrain for mechanized warfare. The only viable invasion route south from the border at the 50th Parallel followed the Poronay River, located more or less in the center of the island. This river flows southward, flanked to the east and west by forested mountain ranges, as well as countless swamps and bogs. Both sides recognized the strategic importance of this potential invasion route and constructed extensive fortification networks. The Japanese fortifications were collectively known as the Koton, or Haramitog, fortified region. These defenses were built in three interlinked layers, with their western flanks anchored in the mountain range and eastern flanks in the wooded, swampy river valley. The permanent defenses spanned approximately 12 kilometers in frontage and extended up to 30 kilometers in depth, containing over 350 bunkers, pillboxes, artillery positions, and similar fortifications. These were protected by an elaborate network of infantry trenches, anti-tank ditches, minefields, and barbed wire. The heavy forest and brush made it challenging to locate these defenses. While enough vegetation had been cleared to allow for effective defensive fire, sufficient cover remained to obscure them from an attacking force. Consequently, the 16th Army would confront these formidable defenses without the advantage of surprise. At daybreak on August 9, reports emerged that the Soviet Army had unexpectedly invaded Manchuria from multiple directions. By 8:00 AM, telegraph lines were cut near Handa, a village located at the center of the Russo-Japanese border in Sakhalin. An excellent military road connected Handa to Kamishikuks, a region known as the Central Military Road area. At the same time, reports indicated that enemy forces were attacking the observation posts in this area. On August 10,  observation posts were forced to withdraw as the Soviet Army gradually advanced toward our main position in the Happo Mountains, situated about 10 kilometers south of the border. That evening, it was reported that the 125th Infantry had engaged in a skirmish, during which the Isunisawa Platoon, fighting near the Handa River bridge for over five hours, was wiped out. On that same day, the commander of the Fifth Area Army declared that not only had the Army engaged Soviet forces, but civilians in the area, including office workers and laborers, had also joined the battle in a desperate attempt to halt the advancing Soviet Army. By August 13, the National Volunteer Combat Teams were summoned. The recruitment of these volunteer combat teams from the general populace was unique to the Sakhalin campaign, aimed at creating the appearance of military readiness to deter the Soviet advance. Additionally, the 125th Regiment executed demolitions while retreating to establish stronger defensive positions on the western flank of Happo Mountain, northwest of Furuton. Given the unexpectedly favorable developments in Manchuria, the invasion of South Sakhalin was authorized on August 10. General Yumashev further directed Vice-Admiral Andreyev's naval forces to commence attacks on both South Sakhalin and the Kuriles. Major General Georgii Dziuba's air forces joined the effort, conducting reconnaissance flights over key Japanese ports that revealed Toro and Esutoru were almost entirely unprotected. In the early hours of August 11, the 56th Rifle Corps crossed the border and began its main advance along the central military road but encountered resistance at Handa, where around 100 defenders held them up for an entire day. Back in northern Manchuria, the 5th Rifle Corps embarked on a challenging march southwest toward Paoching, while Mamonov launched a bombing raid followed by an attack on Fuchin, which ultimately fell after a coordinated tank-infantry assault. Concurrently, the 4th Army headquarters and the bulk of the 149th Division received orders to retreat from Tsitsihar to Harbin. To the south, the 112th Fortified Region and the 6th Field Fortified Region crossed the Muleng River south of Mishan during the night. In the following days, they collaborated with units from the 35th Army to secure the Mishan Fortified Region. More importantly, the 26th and 59th Rifle Corps successfully secured Pamientung and Lishuchen, initiating a pursuit of withdrawing Japanese forces to the west and southwest. On August 11, the 5th Army advance continued, with reinforced forward detachments of the 65th and 72nd Rifle Corps reaching the Muleng River and preparing for an advance on Mutanchiang. At this juncture, Meretskov reassessed the situation and determined that his best opportunity for successful exploitation in the front zone lay within the 25th Army area. Consequently, he attached the 17th and 88th Rifle Corps to this command and placed the 10th Mechanized Corps in army reserve. This allowed the 17th and 39th Rifle Corps to commence a coordinated advance toward Wangching, Tumen, Tunhua, and Kirin. Looking west, Pliyev's units continued to encounter minimal resistance. The 17th Army was finally nearing the western foothills of the Grand Khingan Mountains. The lead brigade of the 5th Guards Tank Corps reached Lupei, while the 7th Guards Mechanized Corps completed its crossing of the Grand Khingan Mountains. The 39th Army maintained its holding operations against the Halung-Arshaan and Wuchakou Fortified Regions, coupled with main advances toward Solun and Wangyemiao. The 2nd Rifle Corps and the 205th Tank Brigade advanced along the railroad to Yakoshih. The 94th Rifle Division, supported by air and artillery, launched an assault and captured the southwestern portion of Hailar city before being reinforced by the entire 86th Rifle Corps. Meanwhile, the Soviet operational group on the right flank of the 36th Army broke through Japanese resistance at Manchouli, moving eastward along the rail line to join the Soviet forces besieging Hailar. As the Soviet armored units in the west made an unexpectedly swift advance, they were anticipated to reach Hsinking by August 15. On this same day, Yamada decided to relocate his headquarters to Tunghua. Additionally, during the night, a small naval force successfully conducted an assault landing at Yuki in North Korea, securing the port unopposed on August 12. Simultaneously, the 393rd Rifle Division pushed south into North Korea, quickly reaching Yuki before continuing toward Rashin. There, another small naval force landed on August 12, facing minimal resistance except for artillery fire. Meanwhile, the 25th Army advanced up to 40 kilometers in its main march southwest, prompting the commitment of the 10th Mechanized Corps to exploit further toward Wangching and beyond. The 5th Army had to eliminate a strong enemy position east of Taimakou before it could resume its advance to Mutanchiang. The 1st Red Banner Army pressed forward relentlessly, with the 26th Rifle Corps successfully bypassing Tzuhsingtun to advance on Hsientung, cutting the Linkou-Mutanchiang railroad line. The 363rd Rifle Division occupied Mishan while the 264th Rifle Division secured Hulin. The 171st Tank Brigade began a challenging advance southwest toward Chiamussu as the 15th Army reduced the Fuchin fortified region. Forward detachments of the 2nd Red Banner Army engaged Japanese advanced positions south of Holomoching and north of Aihun. After reducing Handa, the 56th Rifle Corps commenced an advance toward Furuton, although it faced delays from small enemy forces. Furthermore, in western Manchuria, Pliyev's Soviet-Mongolian formations and the 17th Army continued their advance through Inner Mongolia largely unopposed for the next two days. Throughout 12 and 13 August on the Trans-Baikal Front's right flank, the Soviet-Mongolian formations of General Pliyev swept across the Inner Mongolian deserts towards Dolonnor and Kalgan at a rate of ninety to one hundred kilometers a day, rudely shunting aside local cavalry forces. Pliyev's principal concern was providing his forces in the vast desert wastes sufficient food, fuel, fodder, and water. The 6th Guards Tank Army had to temporarily halt its advance as the 7th Guards Mechanized Corps reached Tuchuan. This pause was necessary due to severe fuel shortages, requiring an increase in fuel supplies before the offensive could resume. This situation allowed Ushiroku to withdraw the 63rd and 117th Divisions before they could be engaged. However, the 107th Division was less fortunate, as it was attacked by the 5th Guards Rifle Corps on the road to Solun. On the northern flank, the 36th Army continued its siege of the Hailar fortifications while the 2nd Rifle Corps seized Yakoshih and advanced up to Wunoerh. That day, Japan also received the initial Allied response to its surrender offer, penned by Secretary of State James Byrnes and approved by the British, Chinese, and Soviet governments. A critic of the Japanese imperial system, Byrnes insisted on an unconditional surrender but remained ambiguous regarding the future of the imperial family's position. The response included a statement that Japan's future form of government should be “established by the freely expressed will of the Japanese people.” Thus, even though the Soviet and Chinese governments aimed for the abolition of the imperial system, the Japanese could choose to retain their emperor, and likely would. Meanwhile, Secretary Stimson urged President Truman to accept the peace offer immediately, believing that, without an organized surrender supported by the emperor, U.S. forces would face “a score of bloody Iwo Jimas and Okinawas” across China and Southeast Asia. He cautioned that without the immediate capitulation of the Imperial Japanese Army and Navy, rogue military commanders might continue to resist. Retaining Hirohito would also aid Allied efforts to achieve a swift and orderly reconstruction while maintaining a compliant populace. The Japanese cabinet deliberated over the Allied response, with Anami and Suzuki, among other key military figures, arguing for its rejection unless an explicit guarantee for the imperial system was provided. Ultimately, however, Foreign Minister Togo and Marquess Kido Koichi succeeded in persuading Suzuki to support the acceptance of Byrnes' reply. Meanwhile, President Truman issued instructions prohibiting any further atomic weapons from being dropped on Japan without his approval, and he later ordered a complete halt to all bombings. Despite this, Halsey's 3rd Fleet remained in the area, preparing to launch additional strikes. Admiral Rawlings' Task Force 37 unfortunately had to retire at this point, though a token force was integrated into Admiral McCain's Task Force 38 to ensure British support until the end.  The Olympic timetable had called for Third Fleet to retire to Eniwetok and Manus in mid-August, but late on the night of August 10 Missouri intercepted a cryptic radio transmission: “Through the Swiss government, Japan has stated that she is willing to accept Allied surrender ultimatum at Potsdam, provided they can keep their Emperor.” Halsey had long predicted an early Japanese collapse, and had accordingly kept his logistic pipeline full. The following morning, August 11, flagships Missouri and King George V refueled simultaneously alongside oiler USS Sabine. Halsey recalled, “I went across to the ‘Cagey Five' as we called her, on an aerial trolley, just to drink a toast with Vice Admiral Rawlings.” Although Japan teetered near collapse, TF-37 lacked its own fast oilers and would have to retire immediately. With Nimitz's permission Halsey offered to sustain a token British force with Third Fleet so that the Royal Navy would be in “at the death.” Rawlings enthusiastically accepted. After replenishment, King George V, Indefatigable, Gambia, Newfoundland, and ten destroyers were re-designated TG-38.5 and absorbed into McCain's TF-38. The rest of TF-37, under Vian, reluctantly retired for Manus. In a truly desultory attack the following day, August 12, a single Japanese plane penetrated Buckner Bay, Okinawa undetected and torpedoed TF-95's just-arrived battleship Pennsylvania. Twenty Americans were killed, while Oldendorf and nine others were wounded. Back off Honshu, Halsey canceled August 12 strikes due to a typhoon. Late that night Third Fleet intercepted a confusing and ambiguous radio bulletin announcing that Japan had, with qualifications, accepted Allied terms. After a heated staff conference Halsey decided that, without firmer information, the following day's strikes were still on. Nevertheless, the prolonged negotiations were causing the Third Fleet considerable logistical problems; Halsey recalled, “Our galleys were reduced to serving dehydrated carrot salad. If the war was over, we could provision on the spot; if it was not, we would have to retire, reprovision, and return.” That night, a group of officers led by Major Hatanaka Kenji and Colonel Arao Okikatsu approached Anami, seeking his backing for a coup d'état to prevent Japan's surrender. Anami refused, leaving Hatanaka's conspirators to attempt the coup on their own. At the recommendation of American psychological operations experts, B-29 bombers spent August 13 dropping leaflets over Japan detailing the Japanese offer of surrender and the Allied response. In stark contrast, that same day, McCain's newly Anglo-American TF-38 launched 1,167 sorties against Tokyo, expending 372 tons of bombs and 2,175 rockets. Only seven planes and one pilot were lost, none to combat. Airborne opposition was virtually nil, as Lieutenant-General Kanetoshi Kondo, commander of Tokyo's defending 10th Hiko Shidan, “failed to urge his men to press the attack to the utmost, because it seemed absurd to incur additional losses with the war obviously lost and its termination due in a matter of days.”  Simultaneously, Suzuki's cabinet debated their reply to the Allied response late into the night but remained deadlocked. Back in Manchuria, on August 13, the 6th Guards Tank Army resumed its offensive by pushing reconnaissance units toward Tungliao and Taonan. The 39th Army continued its assault on Japanese units at Halung-Arshaan, while the 5th Guards Rifle Corps attacked and captured Solun. To the north, as the battle for Hailar raged on, the 2nd Rifle Corps engaged the determined 119th Division for control of the Grand Khingan passes west of Pokotu, achieving little progress over the next two days. Looking east, the 2nd Red Banner Army gathered sufficient forces to resume its offensive, successfully penetrating the defenses of the 123rd Division at Shenwutan and Chiko. They destroyed small Japanese outposts at Huma and Santaoka, further pushing the 135th Independent Mixed Brigade toward the main fortified region at Aihun. Additionally, the 15th Army reduced the fortified positions at Fuchin, while the 171st Tank Brigade continued its advance toward Chiamussu. To the south, the 66th Rifle Division finally occupied Tungan, cutting the highway and railroad to Hutou. Meanwhile, the 59th Rifle Corps reached and secured Linkou before turning south toward Mutanchiang. Advance elements of the 26th Rifle Corps attacked and occupied the railroad station at Hualin, though they could not secure crossing sites over the Mutan River due to the fierce resistance of a single battalion. During the night, heavy Japanese counterattacks forced Soviet forces back to a hill northeast of Hualin. More importantly, while the 45th Rifle Corps continued to reduce remaining Japanese strongpoints in the Volynsk, Suifenho, and Lumintai centers of resistance, the bulk of the 5th Army advanced 30 kilometers along the road and rail line, successfully approaching the outer fortifications of Mutanchiang by nightfall. Even farther south, the 25th Army pushed southwestward, with its three formations sharing a single road along the military rail line through the mountainous, heavily wooded area from Laoheishan to Heitosai. In South Sakhalin, the 56th Rifle Corps launched a siege attack against Furuton. However, the fierce resistance of the 125th Regiment successfully repelled Soviet assaults for the next three days. On the same day, in preparation for an amphibious invasion of Toro, two naval patrol craft reconnoitered Esutoru. Additionally, Meretskov approved the Seishin Operation in North Korea, leading to another small naval force landing successfully at Chongjin that afternoon. Soon after, they faced a strong Japanese counterattack, which drove the landing force out of the port and inflicted heavy losses on the Russians. The following morning, a naval infantry battalion was landed to retake Chongjin, but Japanese reinforcements from the Nanam Divisional District Unit arrived to contest the port. As the Russians were pushed back again, Yumashev decided to embark the 13th Naval Infantry Brigade for a third assault scheduled for August 15. To the north, the 393rd Rifle Division advanced south along the coast, reaching Kwangjuryong by August 14. Concurrently, after breaking through the 128th Division's main defenses at Lotzukou, the 25th Army reached Heitosai and prepared to launch its main attack against Murakami's 3rd Army. The 5th Army struck the right flank of Shimizu's 5th Army at Ssutaoling and in the hills southeast of Mutanchiang, while the 1st Red Banner Army attacked the northern and eastern flanks of the city and the railroad station at Yehho on the eastern bank of the Mutan River. The 35th Army began a rapid advance toward Poli and Linkou, encountering negligible opposition. Meanwhile, the 5th Rifle Corps reached Paoching, drove off its garrison, and continued marching toward Poli. In addition, the 15th Army finally reduced the Hsingshanchen Fortified Region, opening a more direct advance route toward Chiamussu. Meanwhile, the 2nd Red Banner Army succeeded in breaking through the outer Japanese defenses to besiege the Sunwu Fortified Region and surround the Aihun Fortified Region. To the west, the 36th Army continued to encounter strong resistance at Hailar and Wunoerh. The 5th Guards Rifle Corps initiated a southeastward pursuit along the railroad toward Wangyemiao, eventually catching elements of the 107th Division at Tepossi, while also engaging Japanese units retreating from the Wuchakou area. The forward detachment of the 7th Guards Mechanized Corps occupied Taonan after a march hindered by wet weather and Japanese kamikaze attacks. The 17th Army captured Taopanshin, and Pliyev's left column overcame a small Manchurian cavalry force, entering Dolonnor at the east end of the pass across the southern Grand Khingan Mountains. Back in the Pacific, the Allies grew restless as they awaited a Japanese response, ultimately interpreting the silence as a non-acceptance of the imposed peace terms. Consequently, Truman ordered a resumption of attacks against Japan at maximum intensity. More than 400 B-29 bombers launched daylight attacks, while over 300 conducted night raids, culminating in what would become the largest and longest bombing raid of the Pacific War. Furthermore, Truman began planning to drop a third atomic bomb on Tokyo. However, before he could proceed, Emperor Hirohito met with the most senior Army and Navy officers in the early hours of August 14, convincing them to cooperate in ending the war. The cabinet immediately convened and unanimously ratified the Emperor's wishes for an unconditional surrender. They also decided to destroy vast amounts of material related to war crimes and the war responsibilities of the nation's highest leaders. Shortly after concluding the conference, a group of senior army officers, including Anami, gathered in a nearby room and signed an agreement to execute the Emperor's order of surrender. This decision would significantly impede any attempts to incite a coup in Tokyo. During this meeting, General Kawabe Torashirō, Vice Chief of the Army General Staff, proposed that the senior officers present should each sign an agreement to carry out the Emperor's order of surrender, "The Army will act in accordance with the Imperial Decision to the last." An agreement was ultimately signed by each of the most important officers present, including Minister of War Anami, Chief of the Army General Staff Umezu, commander of the 1st General Army Field Marshal Sugiyama Hajime, commander of the 2nd General Army Field Marshal Hata Shunroku and Inspector-General of Military Training Doihara Kenji. When Umezu voiced concern about air units causing trouble, Vice Minister of War Wakamatsu Tadaichi took the agreement next door to the Air General Army headquarters, where its commander Kawabe Masakazu, the brother of Torashirō also signed. The document would serve to seriously impede any attempt to incite a coup in Tokyo. Simultaneously, the Foreign Ministry transmitted orders to its embassies in Switzerland and Sweden to accept the Allied terms of surrender, which were received in Washington at 02:49 on August 14. Anticipating difficulties with senior commanders on distant war fronts, three princes of the Imperial Family, who held military commissions, were dispatched to deliver the news personally. By 19:00, the text of the Imperial Rescript on surrender was finalized, transcribed by the official court calligrapher, and presented to the cabinet for their signatures. Around 23:00, the Emperor, with assistance from an NHK recording crew, made a gramophone record of himself reading the rescript. At long last, Japan had admitted defeat.  However at around 21:30 on 14 August, the conspirators led by Hatanaka set their plan into motion. The Second Regiment of the First Imperial Guards had entered the palace grounds, doubling the strength of the battalion already stationed there, presumably to provide extra protection against Hatanaka's rebellion. But Hatanaka, along with Lt. Col. Shiizaki Jirō, convinced the commander of the 2nd Regiment of the First Imperial Guards, Colonel Haga Toyojirō, of their cause, by telling him (falsely) that Generals Anami and Umezu, and the commanders of the Eastern District Army and Imperial Guards Divisions were all in on the plan. Hatanaka also went to the office of Tanaka Shizuichi, commander of the Eastern region of the army, to try to persuade him to join the coup. Tanaka refused, and ordered Hatanaka to go home. Hatanaka ignored the order. Originally, Hatanaka hoped that simply occupying the palace and showing the beginnings of a rebellion would inspire the rest of the Army to rise up against the move to surrender. This notion guided him through much of the last days and hours and gave him the blind optimism to move ahead with the plan, despite having little support from his superiors. Having set all the pieces into position, Hatanaka and his co-conspirators decided that the Guard would take over the palace at 02:00. The hours until then were spent in continued attempts to convince their superiors in the Army to join the coup. Hatanaka, Shiizaki, Ida, and Captain Shigetarō Uehara (of the Air Force Academy) went to the office of Lt. Gen. Takeshi Mori to ask him to join the coup. Mori was in a meeting with his brother-in-law Michinori Shiraishi. The cooperation of Mori, who was the commander of the 1st Imperial Guards Division, was vital. When Mori refused to side with Hatanaka, Hatanaka killed him, fearing Mori would order the Guards to stop the rebellion. Uehara killed Shiraishi. These were the only two murders of the night. Hatanaka then used General Mori's official stamp to authorize Imperial Guards Division Strategic Order No. 584, a false set of orders created by his co-conspirators, which would greatly increase the strength of the forces occupying the Imperial Palace and Imperial Household Ministry, and "protecting" the Emperor. The rebels, led by Hatanaka, spent the next several hours fruitlessly searching for the recordings of the surrender speech, failing to locate them amid a blackout caused by American bombings. Around the same time, another group of Hatanaka's rebels, led by Captain Takeo Sasaki, targeted Prime Minister Suzuki's office with the intent to kill him. When they found it empty, they opened fire with machine guns, devastating the office, and then set the building ablaze before departing for Suzuki's home. Fortunately, Hisatsune Sakomizu, the chief secretary to Suzuki's Cabinet, had warned Suzuki, enabling him to escape just minutes before the assassins arrived. After setting fire to Suzuki's residence, the rebels then proceeded to the estate of Kiichirō Hiranuma, aiming to assassinate him as well. Hiranuma managed to escape through a side gate, but the rebels torched his house too. In the aftermath, Suzuki spent the remainder of August under police protection, sleeping in a different bed each night to avoid detection. Around 03:00, Hatanaka was informed that the Eastern District Army was on its way to the palace to confront him and urged him to surrender. As Hatanaka saw his plan collapse around him, he pleaded with Tatsuhiko Takashima, the Chief of Staff of the Eastern District Army, for airtime on NHK radio to explain his intentions to the Japanese people. His request was denied. Meanwhile, Colonel Haga, commander of the 2nd Regiment of the First Imperial Guards, learned that the Army did not support Hatanaka's rebellion and ordered him to vacate the palace grounds. Just before 05:00, while his rebels continued their search, Major Hatanaka went to the NHK studios, desperately trying to secure airtime to convey his actions. However, slightly over an hour later, after receiving a phone call from the Eastern District Army, Hatanaka finally conceded defeat. He gathered his officers and left the NHK studio, feeling the weight of his failed coup. At dawn, General Tanaka learned that the palace had been invaded, so he went there to confront the rebellious officers. He berated them for acting against the spirit of the Japanese army and ultimately convinced them to return to their barracks. By 08:00 on August 15, the rebellion was entirely dismantled. Although they had held the palace grounds for much of the night, they ultimately failed to find the recordings. After his failed coup, Hatanaka took his own life before witnessing Japan's surrender. While TF-38 refueled on August 14, Halsey signaled McCain, stating, “I intend to strike the same general target area on the fifteenth.” McCain informed TF-38, “Our orders to strike indicate the enemy may have dropped an unacceptable joker into the surrender terms. This war could last many months longer. We cannot afford to relax. Now is the time to pour it on.” In fact, the Western Allies had sunk their last Japanese ships of the war that day, when submarines USS Torsk (SS-423) and USS Spikefish (SS-404) torpedoed I-373 and two small escort ships in the East China Sea, resulting in the death of 112 Japanese sailors. The following morning, August 15, the Third Fleet launched its first strike of 103 aircraft at 04:15 hours. At 06:14, just as the first strike was returning and the second strike was five minutes from the target, Halsey was ordered by Nimitz, “Air attack will be suspended. Acknowledge.” Shortly afterward, an officer burst in, waving a transcript—President Truman's official peace announcement. Halsey erupted with exuberance, “pounding the shoulders of everyone within reach.” He recalled, “My first thought at the great news was, ‘Victory!' My second was, ‘God be thanked, I'll never have to order another man out to die.'” However, within minutes, four retiring Hancock Hellcats were attacked by seven Japanese fighters, resulting in the Hellcats shooting down four without loss. Over Tokorazawa airfield, northwest of Tokyo, 20 IJAAF Ki-84 “Franks” ambushed six VF-88 Hellcats from Yorktown. The Hellcats managed to shoot down nine Franks but lost four of their own, along with their pilots. Rawlings' dawn strikes were intercepted by about 12 Zeros. Escorting Seafires shot down eight Zeros but lost one, while an Avenger downed a ninth Zero. Tragically, seven TF-38 flyers never returned. During the morning, Halsey launched his last strike of the war, but was soon ordered by Admiral Nimitz to suspend all air attacks. At 12:00, the Emperor's recorded speech to the nation, reading the Imperial Rescript on the Termination of the War, was finally broadcast. The war was over… or was it really? I would like to take this time to remind you all that this podcast is only made possible through the efforts of Kings and Generals over at Youtube. Please go subscribe to Kings and Generals over at Youtube and to continue helping us produce this content please check out www.patreon.com/kingsandgenerals. If you are still hungry after that, give my personal channel a look over at The Pacific War Channel at Youtube, it would mean a lot to me. As Prime Minister Suzuki and his cabinet debated surrender, the Emperor Hirohito finally accepted the Potsdam Declaration, conditionally ensuring the imperial family's continuity. However, conspirators attempted a coup to prevent the surrender, ultimately failing. By August 15, Japan officially surrendered, marking the end of the Pacific War.

At least one person is dead, after an explosion at a U.S. Steel plant near Pittsburgh. The state House passes a bill to fund Pennsylvania's mass transit, while the state Senate is expected to meet Tuesday. The state budget is now six weeks delayed. The State Attorney General's office is taking part in Operation Robocall Roundup, a multistate effort to crack down on robocalls nationwide. The Environmental Protection Agency has canceled a $7 billion Biden-era program to build rooftop solar. One of the Pennsylvania state troopers shot last Thursday in Susquehanna County, is released from the hospital and recovering at home. The U.S. Justice Department is asking Pennsylvania to turn over its voter rolls, including voters’ personal information, Social Security and driver’s license numbers. Secretary of the Commonwealth Al Schmidt received the request in a letter last week. Hundreds of people attended the third annual Central PA Bigfoot and Cryptid Festival last weekend. And a deep dive: A hospital in northeastern Pennsylvania is preparing for the possibility of closure. Public media's federal funding has been revoked, which means your support is now more vital than ever. Help power the independent journalism and trusted programming you find on WITF by making a gift of support now at witf.org/givenow. And thank you. Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Enemies List, Rick Wilson delivers a double-barreled blast at two dangerous actors inside Trump's orbit. First up: Steve Witkoff, Trump's real “acting” Secretary of State, who bumbled his way into a private summit with Vladimir Putin and handed the Russian dictator a propaganda victory. From legitimizing a war criminal to floating a “peace deal” that rewards Russia's invasion by carving up Ukraine, Witkoff's incompetence is a masterclass in diplomatic disaster. Rick breaks down how Trump's obsession with a Nobel Peace Prize, combined with his unshakable loyalty to Putin, is putting NATO, Eastern Europe, and America's security at risk. Follow Lincoln Square on X at @lincolnsquareHQ, Bluesky at @lincolnsquare.media‬, and Substack at @lincolnquare. Follow Rick Wilson on X @therickwilson, Bluesky at @therickwilson.bsky.social, and Substack @therickwilson. Be sure to subscribe to Lincoln Square Media on Substack and follow us on all your favorite (or tolerated) social media platforms. Substack: https://www.lincolnsquare.media/ Instagram:   / lincolnsquarehq   Facebook:   / lincolnsquarehq   TikTok: tiktok.com/@resolutesquare Sez Us: https://sez.us/user/lincolnsquarehq?1... BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/lincolnsquar... YouTube: ‪@ResoluteSquare‬ Xitter: https://x.com/LincolnSquareHQ About The Enemies List: American democracy is being threatened, and Rick Wilson knows exactly who is responsible. In each episode, Rick calls out those who are the enemies of democracy and exposes their treachery- because sunlight is the best disinfectant. #lincolnsquare #trump #democracy #rickwilson #enemieslist #gregabott #enemieslist Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump announced that he is invoking Section 740 of the DC Home Rule Act to place Washington, DC's Metropolitan Police Department under “direct federal control” and authorizing the Secretary of Defense to deploy National Guard troops in Washington, DC. Crime in D.C. is out of control and everyone, including President Trump, is tired of it!Sponsor:My PillowWww.MyPillow.com/johnSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Aaron McIntire dives into a historic Trump-Putin meeting set for August 15 in Alaska to negotiate an end to the Ukraine war, with VP JD Vance calling it a diplomatic breakthrough. Trump's secret authorization of military action against Latin American drug cartels, designated as terrorist organizations, signals a Sicario-like escalation. Israel's Netanyahu outlines a plan to free Gaza from Hamas, potentially with Saudi Arabia's involvement. New York AG Letitia James faces grand jury subpoenas over her Trump lawfare, while Texas AG Ken Paxton pushes to vacate 13 Democrat House seats. Nancy Pelosi's push for nationwide “gender-affirming” surgery for kids sparks outrage, and a Baltimore man gets a slap on the wrist for assaulting pro-life activists. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth's “All of Christ for All of Life” post highlights Christian nationalism's growing influence, exemplified by Doug Wilson's CNN segment. The show closes with a tribute to Apollo 13's Jim Lovell, whose Genesis 1 reading and reflections on Earth's design underscore God's general revelation.   Trump-Putin summit, Alaska meeting, Ukraine war, JD Vance, drug cartels, Sicario timeline, Netanyahu Gaza plan, Letitia James, Ken Paxton, Nancy Pelosi, trans surgery, pro-life assault, Pete Hegseth, Christian nationalism, Doug Wilson, Jim Lovell, Apollo 13, general revelation

K.T. McFarland, Former Deputy National Security Advisor, calls into the program to touch upon the upcoming appearances of Secretary of State Marco Rubio and other political figures on the show. The conversation centers around Marco Rubio's political journey, his perceived image, and his potential candidacy for the presidency in 2028. K.T. also discusses President Trump's approach to international diplomacy, specifically his dealings with Vladimir Putin and his ability to make significant deals. Additionally, the interview touches on global issues such as the Muslim Brotherhood, Middle Eastern politics, and the societal impacts of immigration in European cities like London and Paris. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New information about the Jeffrey Epstein case may finally come to light, thanks to a multitude of subpoenas issued by the House Oversight Committee. Following a subcommittee panel vote last month, Committee Chair James Comer (R-KY) released multiple subpoenas this past week targeting officials from the Biden, Obama, Trump, and Bush administrations—as well as former President Bill Clinton and former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. FOX News Congressional Correspondent Liz Elkind joins the Rundown to explain what to expect from the Oversight Committee's investigation and how a deeper dive into the case is receiving bipartisan support. Additionally, Liz discusses some notable upcoming midterm races and why former Biden administration officials are hesitant to discuss his mental decline. Later, Congressman Kevin Kiley (R-CA) talks about his proposed bill to ban mid-decade redistricting and California Governor Gavin Newsom's efforts to overrule an independent redistricting commission. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Ralph welcomes labor organizer Chris Townsend to discuss the current state of the labor movement under the second Trump administration. Then, Ralph talks to journalist Mariah Blake about PFAS and her new book “They Poisoned the World: Life and Death in the Age of Forever Chemicals.”Chris Townsend has been a union member and leader for more than 45 years. He was most recently the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU) International Union Organizing Director. Previously he was an International Representative and Political Action Director for the United Electrical Workers Union (UE), and he has held local positions in both the SEIU and UFCW.We've moved up an administrative layer of labor leaders, time markers, folks who see their role as at best guiding the sinking ship, managing the decline, taking best care as they can think of the members as their lives are destroyed, as the employers move to liquidate us.Chris TownsendIn many ways, exceeding the gravity of the political action crisis (our subordination to the Democratic Party, our membership estrangement from the political process, the lack of any significant trade union education of the rank and file other than a few cheap slogans)…is that the crisis that we face is the crisis of our very existence.Chris TownsendIt's far easier to shrink the labor movement than it is to build it and grow it. And that's our job. No other force in the country is going to do the work of adding the many millions of unorganized toilers—I use the word “toilers” very carefully…Toil is really what we've been reduced to, and increasingly so. So there's absolutely, I would indict the labor movement loudly, daily, that there is as yet no understanding that unless we go back out to the unorganized and take the spirit of trade unionism—unity, one for all, take on the employer, organize, defend each other, move forward, recapture some of this gargantuan wealth that we create each day on the job—unless that spirit is returned into an organizing wave or at least an attempt to do this, our fate has been sealed.Chris TownsendMariah Blake is an investigative journalist whose writing has appeared in the New York Times, the Atlantic, Mother Jones, the New Republic, and other publications. She was a Murrey Marder Nieman Fellow in Watchdog Journalism at Harvard University. And she is the author of They Poisoned the World: Life and Death in the Age of Forever Chemicals.PFAS are a large family of chemicals with some pretty amazing properties—they're extremely resistant to heat, stains, water, grease, electrical currents. They stand up to corrosive chemicals that burn through virtually every other material (including, in some cases, steel). And this makes them extremely useful. And as a result, they found their way into thousands of everyday products. On the other hand, they are probably the most insidious pollutants in all of human history. So they stay in the environment for hundreds or even thousands of years. Those that have been studied are highly toxic, even in the most minuscule of doses. And they are literally polluting the entire planet.Mariah BlakeThe way we regulate chemicals in this country at the moment makes zero sense. You do see changes happening in response to the unique threat posed by these chemicals on a state level. And this is really in response to citizen activism. So a number of states are passing laws that have banned the entire class of chemicals. That is not how we regulate chemicals in this country normally. We normally regulate them one by one, but at this moment 30 US states have passed at least 170 laws restricting PFAS, including 16 full or partial bans on the entire class of chemicals in consumer goods.Mariah BlakeThe amazing thing is the families of all these lobbyists have got these chemicals in their own bodies, their own kids, their own infants. I mean, don't they crank that into their daily mission as to how they're going to confront efforts by citizens around the country to ban and regulate these chemicals? How oblivious can you be? These oil and gas executives and lobbyists in Washington, their own families are being contaminated.Ralph NaderThese were people very much like Michael, people who had never taken much of an interest in politics, who'd spent their lives trusting that there were systems in place to protect them. And now that trust had been shattered. But rather than becoming cynical or resigned, they fought like hell to protect their families. And along the way, they discovered these hidden strengths that turned them into really remarkable advocates.Mariah BlakeNews 8/8/25* In Gaza, even the Israeli media is starting to acknowledge the scale of the starvation crisis. The New Yorker reporters, “Channel 12 [Israel's most-watched mainstream news broadcast], aired a series of startling…photographs of emaciated babies, and of children being trampled as they stood in food lines, holding out empty pots…[as well as] pictures of mothers weeping because they had no way to feed their families…Ohad Hemo, the network's correspondent for Palestinian affairs, concluded, ‘There is hunger in Gaza, and we have to say it loud and clear…The responsibility lies not only with Hamas but also with Israel.'” According to the U.N.'s World Food Programme, more than one in three people are not eating for days in a row. Yet, polls show that a “vast majority of Israeli Jews – 79 percent – say they are ‘not so troubled' or ‘not troubled at all' by the reports of famine and suffering among the Palestinian population in Gaza,” according Haaretz. This callous disregard for the lives of Palestinians among Israel's majority population ensures that this humanitarian crisis will worsen even more unless the government faces real external pressure to end the devastation and provide humanitarian aid.* Meanwhile, Axios reports the government of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu “unanimously voted Monday to fire Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara, who is currently prosecuting [Netanyahu] for corruption.” As this piece explains, “This is the first time an Israeli government has ever voted to fire an attorney general,” sparking “immediate accusations Netanyahu was seeking to protect himself and his aides.” The Israeli Supreme Court issued an injunction blocking the move. However, this act, and the ensuing backlash, all but guarantees the bombardment of Gaza will continue as Netanyahu uses the campaign as a political liferaft.* Speaking of political crises, a major one is unfolding here at home. In Texas, the Republican-dominated state legislature is seeking to redraw the state's congressional maps to give Republicans five additional seats, which President Trump claims they are “entitled” to, per ABC. This naked power grab has set off a firestorm, with Democratic-controlled states like California and New York vowing to retaliate by redrawing their own maps to maximize their party's advantage. Texas state Democratic legislators, in an attempt to deny Republicans the quorum they need to enact the new maps, have fled to Illinois. Attorney General Ken Paxton has ordered their arrest, but they are seeking safe harbor in Illinois. Gerrymandering has plagued the American body politic since the foundation of the republic; perhaps this new crisis will force a resolution to the issue at the federal level. Then again, probably not.* In more positive legal news, former Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina Khan reports that in an “Important win…A court rejected Google's effort to overturn a unanimous jury verdict finding that Google illegally monopolized key markets.” Crucially, the court also found that “digital monopolies can enjoy the fruits of their illegal conduct even after it stops.” In practice, this ruling means a remedy “may need to go beyond just stopping the illegal behavior so that the market can truly be opened up to competition.” However, Google is still appealing the ruling to the corporate-friendly Supreme Court, so the ultimate fate of this decision remains in the balance.* On Tuesday, the New York Times published an article giving an inside look at financier and pedophile sex trafficker Jeffrey Epstein's “Manhattan Lair.” Among other notable features of the seven-story townhouse: a surveillance camera inside Epstein's bedroom. One can only imagine the images it captured. Another notable feature: the preponderance of photographs of powerful and influential figures with Epstein, including Bill Clinton, Donald Trump, and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman. Epstein's Saudi connections, including a passport with a fake name and an address in Saudi Arabia which he used to enter several countries, including the Kingdom in the 1980s, have not been deeply probed.* Our remaining stories for this week all revolve around the Trump administration. First, after complaining that the Bureau of Labor Statistics “rigged” economic data to make his administration and Republicans look bad, Trump has fired BLS Commissioner Erika McEntarfer. As POLITICO notes, budget constraints and workforce cuts have already enfeebled BLS, and the bureau's attempts to insulate itself from political pressure will now be strained to the limit as whomever Trump does install will – implicitly or explicitly – understand that their fate will be tied to reporting out positive economic data. In the long run, this blow against accuracy in official economic reporting could do immense damage to the confidence of those considering investing in the United States.* Another Trump power grab is aimed at the District of Columbia. At 3 a.m. on Sunday, an altercation occurred between two fifteen-year-olds and Edward Coristine, the infamous DOGE staffer nicknamed “Big Balls,” in Washington's Logan Circle neighborhood. According to AP, “the group approached…[Coristine's] car and made a comment about taking it…[he then]...turned to confront the group…the teens then attacked him…officers patrolling nearby intervened…[and] the teens fled on foot.” This objectively strange, though ultimately mundane, attempted carjacking by teenagers has spurred the president to threaten a federal takeover of D.C., even as “violent crime overall is down more than 25% from the same period last year.” This is not the first time Republicans have threatened a federal takeover of the District, and in recent years there have been increasing tensions between the local and federal government – but D.C. is largely powerless to resist as it lacks the constitutional protections of statehood.* The Trump administration is also taking actions that will endanger the health and safety of all Americans. NBC reports Secretary of Health and Human Services Robert F. Kennedy Jr. is terminating 22 contracts, amounting to around $500 million, for research and development of mRNA vaccines. These contracts were awarded through the Biomedical Advanced Research and Development Authority, or BARDA. One of these contracts was intended to help develop an mRNA-based vaccine for H5N1, the strain of bird flu that has infected dozens of people in the United States, according to this report. Rick Bright, who directed BARDA through the first Trump administration is quoted saying, “This isn't just about vaccines…It's about whether we'll be ready when the next crisis hits. Cutting mRNA development now puts every American at greater risk.”* Over at the Environmental Protection Agency, the picture is far more muddled. The Washington Post reports that the EPA held a tense meeting this week on its plan to rescind the agency's drinking water standard with regard to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS. In this meeting, state officials complained that mixed messages from federal regulators were frustrating their efforts. According to the Post “Despite the lack of clarity on what the EPA will do with the standard, states are still on the hook for implementing it.” Steven Elmore, chair of the National Drinking Water Advisory Council, is quoted saying “Certain states have state laws that say their drinking water standard can't be more stringent than the federal law.” At the same time, 250 bills have been introduced in 36 states this year to address PFAS by “banning the chemicals in products, setting maximum levels in drinking water and allocating funding to clean up contamination,” and “Dozens of states have passed regulatory standards for at least one forever chemical in drinking water.” Put simply, chaos and confusion reign, and the American people will pay the price as toxic forever chemicals continue to pollute our drinking water.* Finally, the BBC reports Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has announced plans for the United States to put a nuclear reactor on the moon. According to this piece, this initiative – part of “US ambitions to build a permanent base for humans to live on the lunar surface” – will be fast-tracked through NASA with a goal of being completed by 2030. The BBC astutely observes “questions remain about how realistic the goal and timeframe are, given recent and steep [NASA] budget cuts.” The announcement of this literally outlandish potential boondoggle is driven by an announcement in May by Russia and China that they plan to build an automated nuclear power station on the Moon by 2035. That's right, a second space race is underway, and to paraphrase the 18th Brumaire of Louis Bonaparte, the second time is always a farce.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

America's newest Air Force Under Secretary brings a haunting encounter from the Arizona mountains — and a conviction that plasma beings are watching us.READ or HEAR the story: https://weirddarkness.com/air-force-under-secretary-ufo/= = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = = =WeirdDarkness® is a registered trademark. Copyright ©2025, Weird Darkness.#MatthewLohmeier #AirForceUnderSecretary #PentagonUFO #PlasmaAlien #UFOSighting #TucsonMountainsUFO #PlasmaBeings #BallLightningUFO #MilitaryUFOWitness #SpaceForceCommander #ConsciousPlasma #ArizonaUFO #PentagonOfficialAlien #PlasmaConsciousness #MilitaryUAP #F15PilotUFO #PlasmaPhenomena #UFODisclosure2025 #AirForceUFO #PlasmaEntity #PentagonConfirmation #PlasmaLifeForms #MilitaryEncounter #UFOTestimony #PentagonWhistleblower #AlienEncounter #USAirForce #SpaceForce #UFOBreaking #PlasmaOrb #NonHumanIntelligence #UAPNews #MilitaryDisclosure #PlasmaPhysics #UFODocumentary #PentagonLeader #AlienContact #UFOEvidence #ConsciousOrb #PlasmaAliens #UFOWitness #MilitaryPilotUFO #ArizonaAliens #UFOConfirmation #PlasmaIntelligence #PentagonNews #UFO2025 #AlienDisclosure #PlasmaUFO #MilitaryLeaderUFO #TucsonUFO #PlasmaEncounter #UFOTruth #PentagonAliens #PlasmaOrbSighting #SpaceForceUFO #MilitaryUFOReport #AlienPlasma #UFOResearch #PentagonReveal