Podcasts about Strait

Send us a textIn this episode, Deb shares the inspiring story of the “Strait to the Heart” benefit in Texas, hosted by George Strait to support flood victims. The event raised over $6 million with heartfelt performances, including a surprise appearance by Garth Brooks. What powerful reminder of how music and community come together in times of need!Support the showFind us at:Facebook: facebook.com/garthologycastTwitter: twitter.com/garthologycastInstagram: instagram.com/garthologycastWebsite: Garthology.comEmail us at: garthologycast@gmail.com

Last time we spoke about the Battle for South Sakhalin and the Kurile Islands. In August 1945, as Japan teetered on the edge of destruction following the atomic bombings, a desperate situation unfolded. The Soviet Union launched a sudden invasion of Manchuria, catching Japanese forces off guard. On August 14, Japan's decision to surrender was made, announced to the world the following day. However, the Kwantung Army resisted fiercely, engaging in frantic evacuations. In South Sakhalin, Japanese defenders clashed with advancing Soviet troops, facing overwhelming odds. By August 18, chaos reigned on the Japanese side, with forces surrendering and civilians in panic. As the Soviets pushed forward, the situation became increasingly dire for Japan. Despite valiant resistance, the imminent defeat became clear. In a moment of critical decision, Emperor Hirohito accepted the surrender terms, officially sealing Japan's fate and marking the end of the Pacific War. However the Soviets had not yet stopped their onslaught.  This episode is the Soviet Victory in Asia 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.  We are drawing near to the real conclusion of this series! Japan has officially surrendered, however the Soviets are not done just yet. East asia is a delicious piece of cake, laid wide open and Stalin intends to take every piece he can grab before the curtain falls. Now as we last left off it was August 18, and General Yamada's Kwantung Army had surrendered to the Soviet forces led by Marshal Vasilevsky, who were advancing rapidly through Manchuria. Yet, some Japanese units, like those at Kalgan, continued to resist occupation until the month's end. On August 19, following Yamada's announcement that all military operations had ceased, a Soviet delegation arrived at Hsinking.  A daring operation took place, where a 225-strong detachment from the 6th Guards Motorized Rifle Brigade, part of the 5th Guards Tank Corps, was airlifted to the city's main airfield. This mission, along with others, was carried out under orders from Marshal Vasilevsky on August 18, following the commander's initial offer of surrender from the Kwantung Army. Vasilevsky's directive was urgent: “The Japanese resistance is broken, and the challenging road conditions hinder the swift advance of our main forces. We need to deploy specially formed, fast-moving, and well-equipped units to capture Changchun, Mukden, Jilin, and Harbin immediately. These units should remain flexible for future missions, regardless of their distance from the main forces.”The push to accelerate operations came directly from Stalin himself. In Kulichkin's biography of Marshal Vasilevsky, he recounts a pivotal phone call on August 15. Stalin was informed that the Japanese had “lost command and control” and were unable to mount a strong defense, with their forces divided into several fragmented groups. Vasilevsky confidently stated, “Even a miracle cannot save the Japanese from total defeat,” stressing the need to maintain the momentum of the offensive. Stalin's response was straightforward: “Good. We need to increase the pace. What proposals do you have?” Vasilevsky revealed plans to use airborne assault forces against larger cities like Harbin, Changchun, Jilin, and Mukden, alongside advanced mobile units across all combined arms armies. These units, consisting of tanks and assault guns, were fully equipped with desantniki, ready to engage firmly in the ongoing operations. The landing at Shenyang revealed a remarkable twist of fate. Waiting at the airfield for evacuation to Japan was none other than the recently abdicated Emperor Puyi of Manchukuo. On August 15, 1945, Puyi tuned in to the radio and listened to Emperor Hirohito's address announcing Japan's surrender. In this historic speech, the Showa Emperor referred to the Americans' use of a "most unusual and cruel bomb," which had just devastated Hiroshima and Nagasaki. For Puyi, this was the first revelation of the atomic bombings, information that the Japanese had conveniently withheld from him until that moment. The aircraft carrying Major Chelyshev's force, escorted by fighter planes, landed at 1:15 PM without any opposition and captured him. This small unit's survival hinged on remaining unchallenged, and they successfully secured the airfield. They also freed several Allied personnel held at the nearby Hoten prisoner-of-war camp. As soon as the landing was secured, additional reinforcements were airlifted in later that day, led by General Kravchenko, the commander of the 6th Guards Tank Army. He formally accepted the city's surrender, and the Soviets then transported Puyi to the Siberian town of Chita.  Meanwhile, Vasilevsky's ground offensive pressed on, mostly unopposed, though some resistance persisted. In the Transbaikal Front, Marshal Malinovsky's General Pliyev led his cavalry-mechanized units against the Japanese forces at Kalgan. Other units reached Jehol and accepted the surrender of the 108th Division. General Danilov's 17th Army secured the Shanhaiguan coast, while General Managarov's 53rd Army pushed towards Kailu. The main force of General Kravchenko's 6th Guards Tank Army regrouped at Tungliao and Kaitung, preparing to advance south toward Mukden. General Lyudnikov's 39th Army steadily approached Changchun, confronting the bypassed 107th Division, and General Luchinsky's 36th Army occupied Tsitsihar, accepting the surrender of the 136th Independent Mixed Brigade. At the same time, on General Purkayev's 2nd Far Eastern Front, General Teryokhin's 2nd Red Banner Army continued its siege of the Aihun fortified region. Meanwhile, a forward detachment moved slowly south through the Lesser Khinghan Mountains. General Mamonov's 15th Army began capturing and processing prisoners from the many retreating Japanese units after a successful amphibious assault secured Sansing. The Amur Flotilla supported the army's push towards Harbin, while General Pashkov's 5th Rifle Corps finally reached Poli, which had already been occupied by other Soviet units. In Marshal Meretskov's 1st Far Eastern Front, forward detachments of General Zakhvatayev's 35th Army began arriving at Linkou, focusing on the surrender of Japanese units in the area. Rear elements effectively eliminated the last traces of enemy resistance in the Hutou fortified area.  After a challenging struggle through the wetlands and the capture of Mishan on August 12, advanced detachments of the 35th Army's main force, the 66th and 363rd Rifle Divisions, continued their advance against minimal opposition. The situation was starkly different to their rear, where the 1056th Rifle Regiment of the 264th Rifle Division, supported by the heavily reinforced 109th Fortified Region, worked to dismantle the now-isolated Hutou fortified area. Despite the dire circumstances, the garrison refused to surrender. Thus, the focus shifted to systematically eliminating their defenses, which became a painstaking task. The attackers deployed an artillery destruction group, secured air supremacy, and utilized well-trained assault formations. Their techniques included pouring kerosene or gasoline into ventilation shafts of underground structures, sometimes in alarming quantities. For instance, two tonnes of gasoline were recorded being poured into a single installation before ignition was applied. Despite the brutal and methodical obliteration of their positions, the defenders continued to ignore orders to surrender. Notably, on August 18, a Japanese prisoner was sent under a flag of truce to inform those still holding out that the war was officially over; tragically, he was hacked to death by a sword-wielding officer. Ultimately, this stubbornness led to catastrophic consequences: about 3,000 defenders were killed, blasted and burned, before a small number finally capitulated. Additionally, advanced detachments of General Beloborodov's 1st Red Banner Army reached Shangzhi before continuing towards Harbin, and forward elements of General Krylov's 5th Army pushed on toward Jilin. General Chistyakov's 25th Army commenced disarming General Murakami's 3rd Army, while the 10th Mechanized Corps advanced rapidly westward, crossing the Laoilin Mountain passes to arrive at Tunhua by nightfall. Over in North Korea, the 335th Rifle Division successfully landed in Chongjin, as General Kabanov's Southern Defense Region prepared for an assault on Gensan. In South Sakhalin, despite the surrender of the 125th Regiment and ongoing negotiations with General Mineki's 88th Division, Soviet forces opted to proceed with the planned landing at Maoka. Consequently, Admiral Andreyev's Northern Pacific Flotilla departed from Sovetskaya Gavan in the morning, carrying the bulk of the 113th Rifle Brigade along with a battalion of marines for the long and challenging voyage to Maoka. On Shumshu Island, as General Gnechko's forces were landing their artillery to renew their assault, Japanese officers unexpectedly approached the Soviets under flags of truce, carrying a letter from General Tsutsumi proposing negotiations for surrender. Representatives from both sides began discussions, and by 6 PM, the 91st Division formally surrendered the garrisons of Shumshu, Paramushir, and Onekotan. On August 20, Gnechko dispatched a small detachment on six vessels to seize control of the airfield at Kataoka. However, as they crossed the Second Kuril Strait, batteries on both sides of the narrow waterway opened heavy fire on the Soviet ships, forcing them to withdraw. This breach of the surrender agreement sparked a renewed offensive at 1 PM, coordinated with air strikes. The bases at Kataoka and Kashiwabar were bombed by 61 aircraft, which dropped over 200 bombs, enabling ground troops to push forward up to six kilometers. It was not until General Tsutsumi intervened that the Soviets were assured the Japanese would indeed lay down their arms. Meanwhile, Andreyev's convoy arrived at Maoka harbor on the morning of August 20, successfully landing the first wave of marines amid heavy fog. They quickly spread out and secured the area while the second and third waves of infantry followed behind. By noon, the port area was secured, and the marines began advancing eastward into the city, supported by infantry on their flanks. Taken by surprise, the Japanese defenders were ultimately compelled to retreat, with the 113th Rifle Brigade pursuing them through the mountains to the villages of Futamata and Osaka. In Manchuria, between August 20 and 21, Vasilevsky's units continued their advance to occupy the region's main centers. Stalin urged for greater speed, fearing that any delay might prompt President Truman to order General MacArthur's air-naval assault forces to land there. Notably, Pliyev's first column successfully captured Kalgan, while his second column moved south toward Beijing, securing Gubeikou at the border. Located in one of the passes through the Great Wall, marking the border between Manchukuo and China, the town was garrisoned by Japanese units. These forces surrendered upon the approach of the Soviet troops, who then quickly advanced toward Beijing, about 100 kilometers away. Although not the former capital itself, this area was under the control of Chinese Communist forces known as the 8th Route Army, who aligned with the Soviets. Generalissimo Chiang Kai-Shek was acutely aware that any Japanese capitulation to the Communists in northern China would allow the latter to occupy vital territories, making their removal difficult. Consequently, he commanded the 8th Route Army not to accept any Japanese surrenders, insisting they only surrender to Nationalist forces, with dire punishments threatened for defiance. Adding to the complexity, the Soviet Union and China had signed the Sino-Soviet Treaty of Friendship and Alliance, discussed at Yalta, just six days earlier on August 14. This treaty promised mutual respect for sovereignty and non-interference in each other's internal affairs. The Soviets had also committed to providing “moral support and aid in military supplies and other material resources” exclusively to the National Government as the legitimate central authority of China. Thus, a significant political and military predicament loomed. However, the Soviets quickly extricated themselves from this situation when Malinovsky issued an order forbidding Pliyev's forces from crossing the border. As Pliyev recounted, his formations were poised just halfway between Chengde and Beijing, needing “only one 'leap' to the Chinese capital.” He noted, “I had to suspend the offensive and move north beyond the Great Wall.” Units from the 6th Guards Tank Army occupied both Changchun and Mukden, initiating a rail movement towards Port Arthur and Dairen. For those curious, at Pingfan and Changchun, General Shiro Ishii and the remaining personnel from Units 731 and 100 were captured by Soviet forces. In a tragic turn of events, all test subjects were murdered and cremated, while the Japanese attempted to destroy evidence of their facilities but were unable to do so in time. Following their capture, the Soviets launched an extensive campaign to uncover the secrets behind Units 731 and 100, leading to the Khabarovsk Trial. If you want to learn more about what I would call “japans operation paperclip”, the secret dealings between Unit 731 and the Allies after the war, I did make an episode about it over on my patreon. Its pretty gruesome stuff so big disclaimer there.' The Soviets arrived to Dairen on 24 August, although these places had surrendered to air-landed forces two days earlier. This was, no doubt, much to the relief of Stalin, as these were amongst the main locations where he most feared American intervention. Indeed, on the day of the landing he had told Vasilevsky to ‘keep in mind' the fact that any delay could mean ‘Truman will order General MacArthur to land his naval assault forces'. The long-resisting 135th Independent Mixed Brigade finally surrendered at Aihun, while advanced units of the 2nd Red Banner Army secured Nencheng and Peian before pushing towards Tsitsihar and Harbin. Forward detachments from the 15th and 1st Red Banner Armies also reached the already-occupied Harbin. Furthermore, advanced units of the 5th and 25th Armies arrived in Jilin to reinforce the air-landed detachment there. Additionally, units from the 88th Rifle Corps and the 10th Mechanized Corps began their southward movement into Korea, heading toward the 38th Parallel. In North Korea, Kabanov dispatched a marine battalion and other units, totaling around 2,000 men, to occupy the fortified port of Gensan on August 20. The following morning, the landing force arrived and disembarked without opposition. However, the Japanese garrison refused to surrender until orders from higher command were received. Meanwhile, Japanese troops began to peacefully surround the harbor area, while Soviet sailors and marines, in a similarly calm manner, took up their defensive positions. As Kabanov noted, “An incomprehensible situation arose, neither peace nor war. The enemy has numerical superiority, but he neither fights nor wants to capitulate.” Unsurprisingly, he added, “the night passed in suspense.” The surreal situation was resolved when Rear Admiral Hori Yugoro and Colonel Tado boarded the frigate EK-3 to meet with Captain Studenichnikov on the morning of August 22. During their discussions, they attempted to negotiate terms, but the Soviet captain issued a bold threat of an immediate large-scale air strike and the initiation of hostilities at the port unless they surrendered unconditionally. While the latter was likely an empty threat, the Japanese officers signed the surrender agreement nonetheless. The process of surrendering the garrison began that evening and continued until August 26. In total, the Soviets captured more than 7,000 officers and men, along with all their military equipment. Looking toward the northern Kuriles, Japanese forces on Shumshu finally began to lay down their weapons on the afternoon of August 22, as Gnechko's units spread out to secure the island. In Manchuria, airborne detachments were also landed at Dairen and Port Arthur to secure these key administrative centers before the Americans could take control. Vanguard units of the 6th Guards Tank Army arrived to reinforce them two days later. Meanwhile, in South Sakhalin, heavy fighting persisted at Futamata despite Mineki's ceasefire agreement on August 22. Soviet air strikes supported the ground forces when weather conditions allowed, and the Japanese finally surrendered by the nightfall of August 23. At the same time, Andreyev dispatched three marine battalions on a small convoy to capture Otomari. However, a fierce storm forced the flotilla to seek refuge in the port of Honto on the morning of August 24. Once the storm subsided that evening, the force left a company of marines to garrison the port and resumed their voyage to Otomari, arriving there on the morning of August 25, just as elements of the 113th Rifle Brigade reached the eastern outskirts of the city. By noon, the 88th Division surrendered, and the city was secured. Shortly after, the 214th Tank Brigade arrived at Toyohara to secure South Sakhalin's administrative center. Thus, the South Sakhalin operation concluded with nearly 18,320 Japanese soldiers taken prisoner. Yet, this wouldn't mark the end of operations for General Cheremisov's 16th Army. Stalin pushed for the 87th and 135th Rifle Brigades, along with three marine battalions, to assemble at Otomari and execute amphibious landings on the southern Kurile Islands, specifically, Etorofu, Shikotan, and Kunashiri, and the islets of the Habomai group. The failure to include the Kuril Islands in the areas designated for surrender to Soviet forces in Truman's General Order No. 1, originally issued on August 15, exacerbated Stalin's inherent suspicions regarding American intentions. Consequently, Vasilevsky was instructed to organize landings on the Kurils, ensuring that, similar to Port Arthur, Soviet occupation would manifest physically through boots on the ground. Despite Truman's subsequent correction of the omission, mistrust endured, as did the directive to occupy the islands. However, where Stalin hesitated was concerning Hokkaido. Truman's somewhat abrupt rejection of Stalin's demand for a portion of Hokkaido undoubtedly irritated the Soviet dictator, yet he chose not to take further action. Scholarly debates have arisen around the rationale behind Stalin's ‘retreat.' When viewed within the framework of his stated geostrategic goal of securing the Soviet Union's sea lines of communication in the Pacific, it becomes understandable. Churchill once likened the Soviet Union's challenges in this regard to those of a “giant with his nostrils pinched.” A look at the map reveals that control of the Kurils would significantly alleviate this pressure in the Far East, making their acquisition crucial. Similarly, occupying southern Sakhalin would allow the Soviet Union to control the northern side of the La Pérouse Strait, which connects the Sea of Japan to the Sea of Okhotsk. The strait's opposite shore is formed by the northern coast of Hokkaido, and possessing this area would undeniably enhance the security of communications and is therefore highly desirable. However, any unilateral action in this regard would incur a significant and public breach with the Americans, the consequences of which could not be easily predicted. Given that Stalin's claim to the Kurils was firmly based on the agreement reached at Yalta, an agreement which Truman honored, his choice to avoid completely rupturing relations with the U.S. was motivated by strategic self-interest. Consequently, Andreyev's flotilla, carrying these units, departed Otomari on August 27, reaching the west coast of Etorofu at 3:15 AM on August 28. The landing, conducted using small boats, went unopposed and was met by the surrender of General Ogawa's 89th Division. The occupation of the other islands was also peaceful, with the Soviets securing Kunashiri by September 2, and Shikotan and the Habomai islets by September 5. The remaining northern Kurile Islands surrendered without incident as elements of Gnechko's Kamchatka forces arrived at Paramushir on August 24, Onekotan and Shiashkotan on August 25, Matsuwa by August 26, Shimushiru on August 27, and Uruppu by August 29. In total, 63,840 prisoners were taken throughout the Kuriles. On August 24, air-landed detachments arrived at the cities of Pyongyang and Kange to secure the last administrative centers in North Korea. Two days later, units of the 25th Army reached Gensan. With this move, albeit with some geographical liberties, Chistyakov asserted that "the troops of the 25th Army, on the orders of Marshal Meretskov, reached the 38th Parallel.” In the days that followed, units of General Kushibuchi's 34th Army gradually began to surrender and disarm. Finally, in Manchuria, most of Yamada's units had surrendered and were being disarmed. However, one unit continued to resist until the end of the month. The bypassed and encircled 107th Division was engaged in fierce fighting for survival against the 94th Rifle Corps. Due to a lack of communication with Kwantung Army Headquarters, they did not receive any ceasefire orders. As a result, a staff officer from General Iida's 30th Army was dispatched by plane to locate the division and deliver the ceasefire orders. The 107th Division was found near Chalai, and the plane made a forced landing between the Japanese troops and the opposing Soviet forces. The staff officer successfully delivered the orders terminating hostilities in that sector on August 30, which the Japanese troops promptly complied with. By September 1, units of the 53rd Army occupied Kailu, Chaoyang, Fuhsin, and Gushanbeitseifu, while forward detachments secured the Chinchou area on the Liaotung Peninsula. This marked the conclusion of the Manchurian campaign, with the Soviets claiming to have captured between 594,000 and 609,000 prisoners of war across Inner Mongolia, Manchuria, and North Korea. The captured Japanese military personnel were subjected to forced labor in Siberian internment camps, as well as camps in Sakhalin, Manchuria, Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, and Mongolia. A significant number were assigned to the construction of the Baikal-Amur Mainline. Unfortunately, the treatment of prisoners of war was deemed inhumane and mishandled. Many suffered from malnutrition, overwork, cave-ins, floods, unsanitary working conditions leading to epidemics, harsh winter weather, violent guards, and brutal suppression of even mild resistance. Disturbingly, some Japanese prisoners were even lynched by their fellow captives. Estimates suggest that between 60,000 and 347,000 Japanese died in captivity. Although 18,616 prisoners were released in 1946, the process of repatriating prisoners of war extended into the 1950s. Those who remained after 1950 were detained for various convictions. However, their release began in 1953 under different amnesties. Following Josef Stalin's death and the subsequent Khrushchev Thaw, the Soviet attitude toward the remaining Japanese prisoners shifted significantly. Accompanied by Soviet officials, they were taken on tours of cities and allowed to purchase gifts for their families. Before repatriation, a banquet in Khabarovsk, hosted by Nikolai Gagen, included high-ranking prisoners such as Jun Ushiroku as attendees. The last major group of 1,025 Japanese POWs was released on December 23, 1956. After that, some Japanese POWs were released in small groups, with some only returning in the 1990s following the collapse of the Soviet Union. Interestingly, some prisoners who had been held for decades, many of whom had married and started families during their captivity, chose not to return permanently to Japan. The Soviets committed numerous war crimes during their invasion and occupation of Manchuria and other Japanese territories. During the invasion, Soviet soldiers killed and raped Japanese civilians and looted civilian property. Following the Soviet invasion of Manchuria on August 9, 1945, a large number of Japanese citizens residing in the region sought to repatriate to Japan. The Supreme Commander for the Allied Powers supervised this mass movement and, in October 1945, delegated responsibility to Japan's Ministry of Health and Welfare. The Kwantung Army, which was meant to protect the Japanese settlers in Manchuria, quickly retreated and abandoned them. With most able-bodied men drafted into the army, the majority of those left behind were women, children, and the elderly, rendering them highly vulnerable to attacks from Soviet soldiers and local Chinese seeking revenge.In Soviet-occupied Manchuria and North Korea, the repatriation of Japanese civilians was characterized by violent expulsions, accompanied by widespread looting, mass killings, and rampant sexual violence perpetrated by both Soviet soldiers and local populations seeking retribution. Many Japanese civilians succumbed to starvation, disease, mass killings, and mass suicides. Approximately 223,000 Japanese civilians residing in the Soviet-occupied zones died, most within a year and a half after August 9, 1945. Regarding the extensive rape of Japanese women and girls by Soviet soldiers, a former Japanese soldier, Wakatsuki Yoshio, detailed these grim experiences in his memoir, The Records of Postwar Repatriation “What word can possibly describe the violence committed by the Soviet soldiers on Japanese women? I can only think of the word “hideous”. The victim could be a girl of twelve or thirteen years old or an old lady of almost seventy years old. These soldiers did not choose the sites where they raped them, in public, in broad daylight, even on snow-covered roads”. The Soviet invasion of Manchuria in 1945 left many Japanese women stranded after their male family members were either conscripted or killed. These women, including young girls, endured severe hardships, facing gang rapes by Soviet soldiers and local Chinese militia groups. In a desperate effort to survive, many were forced to marry Chinese men, either out of necessity or in exchange for assistance in repatriating their remaining family members. Disturbingly, some victims were as young as thirteen. Some women were held in groups and subjected to repeated sexual violence over extended periods. In certain instances, to ensure the safety of the group, members of the Japanese community offered women to their perpetrators. There were also reports of women voluntarily submitting themselves to protect their families, younger peers, or others in their communities. After Japan's defeat in 1945, leaders of the Kurokawa Settler Group in Manchuria offered approximately 15 young women, aged 17 to 21, to Soviet soldiers in exchange for protection. This tragic practice continued from September to November 1945, with some of the women later being offered to Chinese soldiers as well. With no protection from Japanese soldiers, Japanese women often had to devise unique strategies to avoid rape. Memoirs from female repatriates detail various escape tactics. Some women hid in attics every night, narrowly avoiding capture or even gunfire. Others managed to trap intruders in rooms before fleeing or bribed Soviet soldiers with valuables, such as wristwatches, to secure their escape. Notably, some women, particularly former geisha and bar workers, voluntarily went with Soviet soldiers to protect others. These women were referred to as tokkōtai (kamikaze) for their self-sacrifice. Additionally, it wasn't just Japanese women who suffered; Korean and Chinese women were also victims of sexual violence at the hands of various perpetrators in Manchuria. British and American reports indicate that Soviet Red Army troops looted and terrorized the local population in Shenyang, a city in Manchuria. A foreign witness described how Soviet troops, formerly stationed in Berlin, were permitted by the Soviet military to enter Shenyang for "three days of rape and pillage." In Harbin, Soviet forces ignored protests from leaders of the Chinese Communist Party regarding the widespread mass rape and looting committed by their troops. In the immediate aftermath of the war in 1945, in areas of Manchuria occupied by the National Revolutionary Army, 176 Koreans were killed, 1,866 were injured, 3,468 were detained, and 320 were raped by armed Chinese mobs. The attacks against Korean residents in Manchuria were believed to stem from a perception of Korean collaboration with Japanese colonial rule. One of the most infamous instances was the Gegenmiao massacre. On August 10 and 11, Xing'an was bombed, nearly destroying its urban functions. It is estimated that 3,000 of the 4,000 civilians. Anticipating the Soviet invasion, Xing'an had prepared an evacuation plan divided into three groups based on residential area and workplace. The Kwantung Army, however, failed to inform the General Office officials about their retreat. As a result, residents in the eastern area, many of whom were self-employed or office workers, had difficulty obtaining information and securing transportation, while those in the western area had military personnel who were first to learn of the situation. Some of the civilians with a handful of armed men had proceeded on foot towards Gegenmiao Township, about 35 kilometers southeast of Xing'an Street, to wait for a train at Gegenmiao Station and then evacuate to Baichengzi. They aimed to receive protection from the Kwantung Army in Baichengzi. Around 11:40 AM on August 14 in the vicinity of Gegenmyo Hill, where a Lamaist temple was located, they encountered an infantry unit consisting of 14 Soviet medium tanks and 20 trucks. The column reportedly stretched for two kilometers, with about a hundred survivors among them. Soviet troops launched an attack from the hilltop, deploying tanks with machine-gun fire. The tanks attacked multiple times, and when they ceased, Soviet soldiers disembarked and ruthlessly shot and bayoneted survivors. Many who escaped death from gunfire were still severely injured or witnessed family members being killed. Some were left holding their loved ones or chose to commit suicide. It is estimated that only about a hundred survivors were later confirmed, including nearly 200 schoolchildren from the Xing'an Street Zaiman National School. Kwantung Army units, which were supposed to escort the civilians and counterattack, had already retreated southward. Even after the Soviet soldiers left, sporadic gunfire continued, presumably due to suicides. Local residents began to plunder the bodies, stripping them of clothes and valuables. Others drowned in the river while attempting to escape. Reports tell of one woman who had her child killed by Soviet soldiers, only to later face an attack from Chinese militia, who stripped her of her clothes and mutilated her. Surviving mothers and children were also attacked, and those separated were often taken by the Chinese. At the time, it was common for Japanese boys to be sold for 300 yen and girls for 500 yen. Some survivors gathered together and began committing mass suicide, killing those who wished to end their lives. Others expressed intentions to form a death squad with rifles for revenge but ultimately did not resist.   After the war ended on August 15, attacks on displaced persons continued. A 12-year-old girl who joined a group of about ten women after the incident reported that they were attacked and robbed, taking over a week to reach Zhenxi Station, 10 kilometers from Gegenmiao Station. The women sought shelter in an abandoned house near the station but were discovered by Soviet soldiers that night who assaulted them until midnight. Afterward, the soldiers piled dry grass into the house, setting it ablaze in an attempt to burn the women alive. The girl and her sister managed to escape through a window, but many others could not flee in time due to the fire's rapid spread. The girl was forced to live as a residual orphan afterward. Fortunately, some Chinese, Mongolians, and Koreans provided food for the survivors, with some Chinese showing kindness towards the children. Those orphaned children, whose parents had been killed, became known as residual orphans, with about 30 in this unfortunate situation. Many women were forced to become residual women as well. Tragically, around 200 students from a local school, including the headmaster and his wife, were killed during this chaos. Some historians believe the attack stemmed from Soviet soldiers mistaking the refugees for armed Japanese troops because men within the group were carrying firearms for protection. In general, displaced persons at this time often carried small weapons like rifles, and some groups were even armed with light machine guns. In the pioneer groups, women sometimes participated in fighting against bandits, and in the Sado pioneer group incident, children above the fifth grade were forced into combat, regardless of gender. There may also have been prior skirmishes with other Japanese civilian groups before the war's end, further complicating the situation as the Soviet Army, which included female soldiers, may have regarded these mixed civilian and armed groups as a threat. According to Soviet military combat records, on August 14, the Soviet 17th Guards Rifle Division, 19th Guards Rifle Division, 91st Guards Rifle Division, and 61st Tank Division were stationed northwest of Gezhne Temple, but there was no combat activity in the area. On August 15, this unit advanced toward Bai Chengzi and occupied Bai Chengzi Station, which was then taken over by tanks from the 61st Tank Division. Despite extensive documentation, nothing about this incident was revealed until 2014 during the process of perestroika. Reports from British and American sources indicate that the 700,000 Soviet troops occupying Manchuria also terrorized and looted the local population in Mukden. They were not deterred by Soviet authorities and engaged in what was described as "three days of rape and pillage," with similar atrocities occurring in Harbin and across the country. Amid the mass repatriation of Japanese civilians living in the region, Japanese women in Manchuria faced repeated sexual violence at the hands of Russian soldiers every day. In North Korea, it was similarly reported that Soviet soldiers raped both Japanese and Korean women. Additionally, Soviet soldiers looted the property of Japanese, Chinese, and Koreans residing in Manchuria and North Korea. 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. Amid chaotic surrenders, Emperor Hirohito accepted defeat, but Soviet advances continued relentlessly. As they pushed deeper, the Soviets captured key cities, including Harbin, while Japan's soldiers and civilians struggled for survival against the onslaught. War crimes committed by Soviet troops added to the tragedy, with rampant violence against Japanese civilians. Amidst political tensions, the Soviets secured territory, culminating in the surrender of remaining Japanese forces. The grim conclusion of this campaign marked a profound shift in the power dynamics of East Asia and paved the way for post-war ramifications.

Stuart Munson is a reformed backpacker who discovered paddling as a new way to get to great places. Today we talk about his two-month slow roll exploration of Desolation Sound and Johnstone Strait in Pacific Northwest Canada. Stuart Munson shares his two-month solo sea kayak expedition through Desolation Sound, Johnstone Strait, and the Broughton Archipelago. Stuart shares planning tips, campsite strategies (including his favorite aerial tent), wildlife encounters with orcas, porpoises, bears, and a humpback, and how he balanced safety and exploration using charts, Gaia GPS, and a Garmin inReach. YouTube Desolation Sound, Johnstone Strait, Discovery Islands, and the Broughtons Eastern Lake Superior Connect: Facebook    

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Richard Harpham has more than 14,000 miles of human-powered adventures under his belt and he's not slowing down. Today we talk about two, London to Marrakech by kayak and bike the challenges and triumphs encountered along the way, from the sea conditions off of Casablanca to the bustling Strait of Gibraltar, and a unique twist on a trip that he called the New York Spare Seat Kayak Expedition. Rich Adventure Canoetrail.co.uk Great British Paddling Adventures: More than 50 routes for kayak, canoe, and paddleboard  

Italy: Dining the Dolomites, bridging the Messina Strait. Lorenzo Fiori

In this episode of the Indian Business Podcast, we speak with Reuven Azar, the Israeli Ambassador to India, to decode how Israel became one of the world's most resilient and innovative nations despite being surrounded by hostility since its birth. We discuss the long-standing Israel-Iran conflict, the ideological roots of Islamic radicalization, and what really unfolded during the October 7th Hamas attacks. While the world sees Israel through headlines of war and conflict, Ambassador Reuven Azar gives us a ground-level understanding of the mindset, history, and strategy that drive the nation's defense doctrine. From compulsory military service shaping entrepreneurial culture to how Israel became a powerhouse in defense tech and cybersecurity, this episode offers a rare diplomatic perspective on how nations survive, innovate, and lead under constant threat.Timestamps:00:00 – Intro 03:29 – How Israel Was Built? 09:51 – Root Cause of Radicalization 17:19 – Israel & Iran: What Changed? 22:25 – Did Israel's Intel Fail on 7th October? 24:49 – Can Hamas Be Destroyed? 25:15 – Iran's Strait of Hormuz Threat 29:08 – Why Israel Won't Let Iran Go Nuclear 30:05 – Is Israel Pressured During Strikes? 32:49 – How Israel Shapes Global Perception 36:00 – Why Is Israel Attacking Syria? 43:10 – Is Israel Attacking Gaza's Aid Centres? 48:42 – How Is Israel So Powerful Today? 52:03 – How Israel Became a Defense Superpower 55:19 – How Did Israel Become So Innovative in Startups? 1:02:16 – Final Message to India

In his new book, The Deepest Border: The Strait of Gibraltar and the Making of the Hispano-African Border(Stanford, 2019), Sasha D. Pack considers the Strait of Gibraltar as an untamed in-between space—from “shatter zone” to borderland. Far from the centers of authority of contending empires, the North African and Southern Iberian coast was a place where imperial, colonial, private, and piratical agents competed for local advantage. Sometimes they outmaneuvered each other; sometimes they cooperated. Gibraltar entered European politics in the Middle Ages, and became a symbol of the Atlantic Empire in the Early Modern period (the Pillars of Hercules of Emperor Charles V are featured on the Spanish flag to this day), but Pack's study focuses on the nineteenth century. Europe's new imperialism, Britannic naval supremacy, the age of steam, the ever-present danger of cholera, all mark the change of a Spanish-Moorish border into a multilateral one. So too does the multicultural mix of Europeans and North Africans, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, and Protestants who brought a spirit of convivencia (mutual toleration) into the region, unlike the nineteenth- and twentieth- century homogenizing nationalism that was at play elsewhere. In the middle of this theater, Dr. Pack follows the careers of adventuresome entrepreneurs, who manipulated the weak enforcement of conflicting laws in overlapping jurisdictions for their own gain. He calls these characters “slipstream potentates” because they maneuvered creatively in the wakes of great ships of state on their courses in the seas of international politics. (Other historians have called them “the last Barbary pirates.”) They bring color and detail to this already gripping narrative of international politics in Spain and North Africa in the century between Napoleon and Franco. Sasha D. Pack is Associate Professor of History at the University of Buffalo. He studies Modern Europe, Spain and Portugal, and the Mediterranean, focusing on transnational and political history. Krzysztof Odyniec is a historian of the Early Modern Spanish Empire specializing in culture, diplomacy, and travel. He completed his PhD in 2017 at UC Berkeley where he is now a Visiting Scholar and a Fellow in the Berkeley Connect in History program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

In his new book, The Deepest Border: The Strait of Gibraltar and the Making of the Hispano-African Border(Stanford, 2019), Sasha D. Pack considers the Strait of Gibraltar as an untamed in-between space—from “shatter zone” to borderland. Far from the centers of authority of contending empires, the North African and Southern Iberian coast was a place where imperial, colonial, private, and piratical agents competed for local advantage. Sometimes they outmaneuvered each other; sometimes they cooperated. Gibraltar entered European politics in the Middle Ages, and became a symbol of the Atlantic Empire in the Early Modern period (the Pillars of Hercules of Emperor Charles V are featured on the Spanish flag to this day), but Pack's study focuses on the nineteenth century. Europe's new imperialism, Britannic naval supremacy, the age of steam, the ever-present danger of cholera, all mark the change of a Spanish-Moorish border into a multilateral one. So too does the multicultural mix of Europeans and North Africans, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, and Protestants who brought a spirit of convivencia (mutual toleration) into the region, unlike the nineteenth- and twentieth- century homogenizing nationalism that was at play elsewhere. In the middle of this theater, Dr. Pack follows the careers of adventuresome entrepreneurs, who manipulated the weak enforcement of conflicting laws in overlapping jurisdictions for their own gain. He calls these characters “slipstream potentates” because they maneuvered creatively in the wakes of great ships of state on their courses in the seas of international politics. (Other historians have called them “the last Barbary pirates.”) They bring color and detail to this already gripping narrative of international politics in Spain and North Africa in the century between Napoleon and Franco. Sasha D. Pack is Associate Professor of History at the University of Buffalo. He studies Modern Europe, Spain and Portugal, and the Mediterranean, focusing on transnational and political history. Krzysztof Odyniec is a historian of the Early Modern Spanish Empire specializing in culture, diplomacy, and travel. He completed his PhD in 2017 at UC Berkeley where he is now a Visiting Scholar and a Fellow in the Berkeley Connect in History program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/african-studies

In his new book, The Deepest Border: The Strait of Gibraltar and the Making of the Hispano-African Border(Stanford, 2019), Sasha D. Pack considers the Strait of Gibraltar as an untamed in-between space—from “shatter zone” to borderland. Far from the centers of authority of contending empires, the North African and Southern Iberian coast was a place where imperial, colonial, private, and piratical agents competed for local advantage. Sometimes they outmaneuvered each other; sometimes they cooperated. Gibraltar entered European politics in the Middle Ages, and became a symbol of the Atlantic Empire in the Early Modern period (the Pillars of Hercules of Emperor Charles V are featured on the Spanish flag to this day), but Pack's study focuses on the nineteenth century. Europe's new imperialism, Britannic naval supremacy, the age of steam, the ever-present danger of cholera, all mark the change of a Spanish-Moorish border into a multilateral one. So too does the multicultural mix of Europeans and North Africans, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, and Protestants who brought a spirit of convivencia (mutual toleration) into the region, unlike the nineteenth- and twentieth- century homogenizing nationalism that was at play elsewhere. In the middle of this theater, Dr. Pack follows the careers of adventuresome entrepreneurs, who manipulated the weak enforcement of conflicting laws in overlapping jurisdictions for their own gain. He calls these characters “slipstream potentates” because they maneuvered creatively in the wakes of great ships of state on their courses in the seas of international politics. (Other historians have called them “the last Barbary pirates.”) They bring color and detail to this already gripping narrative of international politics in Spain and North Africa in the century between Napoleon and Franco. Sasha D. Pack is Associate Professor of History at the University of Buffalo. He studies Modern Europe, Spain and Portugal, and the Mediterranean, focusing on transnational and political history. Krzysztof Odyniec is a historian of the Early Modern Spanish Empire specializing in culture, diplomacy, and travel. He completed his PhD in 2017 at UC Berkeley where he is now a Visiting Scholar and a Fellow in the Berkeley Connect in History program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In his new book, The Deepest Border: The Strait of Gibraltar and the Making of the Hispano-African Border(Stanford, 2019), Sasha D. Pack considers the Strait of Gibraltar as an untamed in-between space—from “shatter zone” to borderland. Far from the centers of authority of contending empires, the North African and Southern Iberian coast was a place where imperial, colonial, private, and piratical agents competed for local advantage. Sometimes they outmaneuvered each other; sometimes they cooperated. Gibraltar entered European politics in the Middle Ages, and became a symbol of the Atlantic Empire in the Early Modern period (the Pillars of Hercules of Emperor Charles V are featured on the Spanish flag to this day), but Pack's study focuses on the nineteenth century. Europe's new imperialism, Britannic naval supremacy, the age of steam, the ever-present danger of cholera, all mark the change of a Spanish-Moorish border into a multilateral one. So too does the multicultural mix of Europeans and North Africans, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, and Protestants who brought a spirit of convivencia (mutual toleration) into the region, unlike the nineteenth- and twentieth- century homogenizing nationalism that was at play elsewhere. In the middle of this theater, Dr. Pack follows the careers of adventuresome entrepreneurs, who manipulated the weak enforcement of conflicting laws in overlapping jurisdictions for their own gain. He calls these characters “slipstream potentates” because they maneuvered creatively in the wakes of great ships of state on their courses in the seas of international politics. (Other historians have called them “the last Barbary pirates.”) They bring color and detail to this already gripping narrative of international politics in Spain and North Africa in the century between Napoleon and Franco. Sasha D. Pack is Associate Professor of History at the University of Buffalo. He studies Modern Europe, Spain and Portugal, and the Mediterranean, focusing on transnational and political history. Krzysztof Odyniec is a historian of the Early Modern Spanish Empire specializing in culture, diplomacy, and travel. He completed his PhD in 2017 at UC Berkeley where he is now a Visiting Scholar and a Fellow in the Berkeley Connect in History program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/european-studies

In his new book, The Deepest Border: The Strait of Gibraltar and the Making of the Hispano-African Border(Stanford, 2019), Sasha D. Pack considers the Strait of Gibraltar as an untamed in-between space—from “shatter zone” to borderland. Far from the centers of authority of contending empires, the North African and Southern Iberian coast was a place where imperial, colonial, private, and piratical agents competed for local advantage. Sometimes they outmaneuvered each other; sometimes they cooperated. Gibraltar entered European politics in the Middle Ages, and became a symbol of the Atlantic Empire in the Early Modern period (the Pillars of Hercules of Emperor Charles V are featured on the Spanish flag to this day), but Pack's study focuses on the nineteenth century. Europe's new imperialism, Britannic naval supremacy, the age of steam, the ever-present danger of cholera, all mark the change of a Spanish-Moorish border into a multilateral one. So too does the multicultural mix of Europeans and North Africans, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, and Protestants who brought a spirit of convivencia (mutual toleration) into the region, unlike the nineteenth- and twentieth- century homogenizing nationalism that was at play elsewhere. In the middle of this theater, Dr. Pack follows the careers of adventuresome entrepreneurs, who manipulated the weak enforcement of conflicting laws in overlapping jurisdictions for their own gain. He calls these characters “slipstream potentates” because they maneuvered creatively in the wakes of great ships of state on their courses in the seas of international politics. (Other historians have called them “the last Barbary pirates.”) They bring color and detail to this already gripping narrative of international politics in Spain and North Africa in the century between Napoleon and Franco. Sasha D. Pack is Associate Professor of History at the University of Buffalo. He studies Modern Europe, Spain and Portugal, and the Mediterranean, focusing on transnational and political history. Krzysztof Odyniec is a historian of the Early Modern Spanish Empire specializing in culture, diplomacy, and travel. He completed his PhD in 2017 at UC Berkeley where he is now a Visiting Scholar and a Fellow in the Berkeley Connect in History program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/geography

In his new book, The Deepest Border: The Strait of Gibraltar and the Making of the Hispano-African Border(Stanford, 2019), Sasha D. Pack considers the Strait of Gibraltar as an untamed in-between space—from “shatter zone” to borderland. Far from the centers of authority of contending empires, the North African and Southern Iberian coast was a place where imperial, colonial, private, and piratical agents competed for local advantage. Sometimes they outmaneuvered each other; sometimes they cooperated. Gibraltar entered European politics in the Middle Ages, and became a symbol of the Atlantic Empire in the Early Modern period (the Pillars of Hercules of Emperor Charles V are featured on the Spanish flag to this day), but Pack's study focuses on the nineteenth century. Europe's new imperialism, Britannic naval supremacy, the age of steam, the ever-present danger of cholera, all mark the change of a Spanish-Moorish border into a multilateral one. So too does the multicultural mix of Europeans and North Africans, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, and Protestants who brought a spirit of convivencia (mutual toleration) into the region, unlike the nineteenth- and twentieth- century homogenizing nationalism that was at play elsewhere. In the middle of this theater, Dr. Pack follows the careers of adventuresome entrepreneurs, who manipulated the weak enforcement of conflicting laws in overlapping jurisdictions for their own gain. He calls these characters “slipstream potentates” because they maneuvered creatively in the wakes of great ships of state on their courses in the seas of international politics. (Other historians have called them “the last Barbary pirates.”) They bring color and detail to this already gripping narrative of international politics in Spain and North Africa in the century between Napoleon and Franco. Sasha D. Pack is Associate Professor of History at the University of Buffalo. He studies Modern Europe, Spain and Portugal, and the Mediterranean, focusing on transnational and political history. Krzysztof Odyniec is a historian of the Early Modern Spanish Empire specializing in culture, diplomacy, and travel. He completed his PhD in 2017 at UC Berkeley where he is now a Visiting Scholar and a Fellow in the Berkeley Connect in History program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In his new book, The Deepest Border: The Strait of Gibraltar and the Making of the Hispano-African Border(Stanford, 2019), Sasha D. Pack considers the Strait of Gibraltar as an untamed in-between space—from “shatter zone” to borderland. Far from the centers of authority of contending empires, the North African and Southern Iberian coast was a place where imperial, colonial, private, and piratical agents competed for local advantage. Sometimes they outmaneuvered each other; sometimes they cooperated. Gibraltar entered European politics in the Middle Ages, and became a symbol of the Atlantic Empire in the Early Modern period (the Pillars of Hercules of Emperor Charles V are featured on the Spanish flag to this day), but Pack's study focuses on the nineteenth century. Europe's new imperialism, Britannic naval supremacy, the age of steam, the ever-present danger of cholera, all mark the change of a Spanish-Moorish border into a multilateral one. So too does the multicultural mix of Europeans and North Africans, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, and Protestants who brought a spirit of convivencia (mutual toleration) into the region, unlike the nineteenth- and twentieth- century homogenizing nationalism that was at play elsewhere. In the middle of this theater, Dr. Pack follows the careers of adventuresome entrepreneurs, who manipulated the weak enforcement of conflicting laws in overlapping jurisdictions for their own gain. He calls these characters “slipstream potentates” because they maneuvered creatively in the wakes of great ships of state on their courses in the seas of international politics. (Other historians have called them “the last Barbary pirates.”) They bring color and detail to this already gripping narrative of international politics in Spain and North Africa in the century between Napoleon and Franco. Sasha D. Pack is Associate Professor of History at the University of Buffalo. He studies Modern Europe, Spain and Portugal, and the Mediterranean, focusing on transnational and political history. Krzysztof Odyniec is a historian of the Early Modern Spanish Empire specializing in culture, diplomacy, and travel. He completed his PhD in 2017 at UC Berkeley where he is now a Visiting Scholar and a Fellow in the Berkeley Connect in History program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In his new book, The Deepest Border: The Strait of Gibraltar and the Making of the Hispano-African Border(Stanford, 2019), Sasha D. Pack considers the Strait of Gibraltar as an untamed in-between space—from “shatter zone” to borderland. Far from the centers of authority of contending empires, the North African and Southern Iberian coast was a place where imperial, colonial, private, and piratical agents competed for local advantage. Sometimes they outmaneuvered each other; sometimes they cooperated. Gibraltar entered European politics in the Middle Ages, and became a symbol of the Atlantic Empire in the Early Modern period (the Pillars of Hercules of Emperor Charles V are featured on the Spanish flag to this day), but Pack's study focuses on the nineteenth century. Europe's new imperialism, Britannic naval supremacy, the age of steam, the ever-present danger of cholera, all mark the change of a Spanish-Moorish border into a multilateral one. So too does the multicultural mix of Europeans and North Africans, Muslims, Jews, Catholics, and Protestants who brought a spirit of convivencia (mutual toleration) into the region, unlike the nineteenth- and twentieth- century homogenizing nationalism that was at play elsewhere. In the middle of this theater, Dr. Pack follows the careers of adventuresome entrepreneurs, who manipulated the weak enforcement of conflicting laws in overlapping jurisdictions for their own gain. He calls these characters “slipstream potentates” because they maneuvered creatively in the wakes of great ships of state on their courses in the seas of international politics. (Other historians have called them “the last Barbary pirates.”) They bring color and detail to this already gripping narrative of international politics in Spain and North Africa in the century between Napoleon and Franco. Sasha D. Pack is Associate Professor of History at the University of Buffalo. He studies Modern Europe, Spain and Portugal, and the Mediterranean, focusing on transnational and political history. Krzysztof Odyniec is a historian of the Early Modern Spanish Empire specializing in culture, diplomacy, and travel. He completed his PhD in 2017 at UC Berkeley where he is now a Visiting Scholar and a Fellow in the Berkeley Connect in History program. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/british-studies

We are ending our 7-Night European Cruise aboard the Disney Fantasy tomorrow morning and have loved it so much! We started in Barcelona and sailed through the Strait of Gibraltar, stopped in Lisbon, Portugal and then two more ports in Vigo and La Coruña, Spain. From amazing seafood to Disney trivia, we've had so much […] The post Barcelona to Southampton Disney Fantasy Cruise | Trip Report appeared first on Addicted to the Mouse.

The party and the Elder Brain exchange words before facing off for what seems to be quite the battle for the party with more muscle than not. There's a brief moment to prepare before things get going, and starting with Valen being thrown to the Elder Brain by the Slash Brothers. However, before they get a chance to do much else, most of the party is stunned due to a psychic attack, leaving the melee fighters out of the fight for quite some time. Chantico throws down a wall of fire, Valen is wrapped up by a tentacle, and Dona is firing shots from her bow, keeping the damage piling on. Slowly, but surely, Thorak enters the fight again, dealing heavy damage to the creature of nightmares, but it's not without sustaining heavy damage himself. Valen, who is slowly getting hit points chipped away, is given some healing by Chantico, who tries to figure out how to help her new ally. Meanwhile, Thorak is now fighting a spectral entity known as the Herald of the King on the backline. Spells, arrows, blades, and obscenities fly as the fight continues. In the end, thanks to Bob and Ursus returning to the fray, they deal the decisive blows to their foe, defeating it, and they all receive visions of 3 figures who they assume will soon be enemies they encounter who work for the King in Yellow.They gather themselves and their spoils and traverse back the way they came with Chantico, taking the lead. We end with the party taking off for a bit to do some work, gather supplies, train, and get some well-deserved rest. There's so much happening, and that's where we pick up…Find out what happens next in this episode of the Medusa's Cascade: Blood and Booze! Theme Music is written and performed by EfflorescenceMixed by Thomas Lapierre IIICheck out the show at themedusascascade.com

In this episode of Energy Newsbeat – Conversations in Energy, Stuart Turley sits down with Dr. Robert Brooks of RBAC to explore global natural gas and LNG markets, including U.S. export trends, Asia's rising demand, and Europe's energy challenges. We discuss geopolitical impacts, FSRUs, LNG-to-power growth in Southeast Asia, and why net-zero policies are backfiring in industrial economies. Dr. Brooks also highlights RBAC's forecasting software and long-term LNG price trends, offering sharp insight into the future of global energy.If you are in the AI, Data Center space there are a couple of key companies you need to have on your speed dial, and RBAC is one of them. Understanding the global natural gas and LNG market is crtical for your business, data center, or the use of AI. With the reports from the Department of Energy that we have talked about that power blackouts could increase 100 fold, you need to look at your power plans to keep your business running in ways we did not have to in the past. Thank you Dr. Brooks for stopping by the podcast, it was a lot of fun. - Stu. Check out RBAC here https://rbac.com/Follow Dr. Brooks on his LinkedIn here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-brooks-ph-d-8081231/Highlights of the Podcast 00:00 - Intro01:15 - Strait of Hormuz & Iran's Threats01:56 - LNG Projects in the U.S. & Gulf Coast03:42 - Alaska LNG Project History06:16 - Global Energy Diplomacy08:00 - RBAC Software Overview09:40 - North America Dominates Global Production11:15 - Asia's Natural Gas Growth14:54 - Virtuous LNG Cycle in Developing Nations18:06 - FSRUs & Fast-Track LNG Infrastructure20:04 - Hawaii's Dirty Secret: Fuel Oil21:26 - Long-Term LNG Contracts & U.S. Exports22:08 - Middle East Energy Giants Go Global24:32 - Europe's Return to Fossil Pragmatism25:58 - U.S. Voters Prefer Pragmatism on Energy28:05 - Germany's Industrial Collapse30:22 - Rising EU Skepticism in Eastern Europe31:07 - China's Political Uncertainty & Trade Realignment34:56 - LNG's Global Role in Economic Alignment35:39 - Slide 35: LNG Price Forecasts37:49 - Maritime LNG Demand Trends40:02 - Geopolitical Games & Energy Metrics41:01 - Closing & Next StepsCheck out the Full Transcript and other story features on the Energy News Beat Substack https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/

DESCRIPTION Anthony Strait, Vice President of Operations with the Downtown Tempe Authority, discusses downtown Tempe, frictionless parking and data. SPONSORS This episode is brought to you by Parkalytics. Parkalytics will take drone images of parking lots and/or on-street parking for a given time period and then upload those images into their parkalytics software. Within a matter of seconds, it will provide you parking counts, turnover studies, utilization studies, you name it. You can now wow your clients or supervisors by having a complete snapshot of the parking usage for a fraction of the price of a traditional parking study. Learn more at parkalytics.com. This episode is brought to you by Parking Today and the Parking Today Podcast Network. Learn more at parkingtoday.com/podcast. This episode is brought to you by Parker Technology, the customer experience solution of choice for the parking industry. Their solution puts a virtual ambassador in every lane, to help parking guests pay and get on their way in under a minute. Learn more at parkertechnology.com/parkingpodcast and subscribe to our podcast “Harder Than It Looks: Parking Uncovered.” This episode is brought to you by Scheidt & Bachman USA. Scheidt & Bachmann USA markets state-of-the-art Parking Solutions and Fare Collection Systems: the most innovative and advanced solutions in the US. Learn more at scheidt-bachmann-usa.com. This episode is brought to you by Breeze: Parking Concepts' digital platform that makes the parking experience a Breeze! For more than 50 years, PCI has been proactively managing parking & transportation operations with unparalleled integrity & service. Learn more at parkingconcepts.com. This episode is brought to you by Parkmobile. Parkmobile, a part of EasyPark Group, is the leading provider of smart parking and mobility solutions in North America, using a contactless approach to help millions of people easily find, reserve, and pay for parking on their mobile devices. Learn more about parkmobile.io. WEBSITES AND RESOURCES https://www.parkingcast.com/ https://parkingtoday.com/podcast/ www.parkertechnology.com/parkingpodcast scheidt-bachmann-usa.com parkingconcepts.com parkmobile.io parkalytics.com downtowntempe.com/get-around/tempe-trip

In this insightful episode of the Energy Impacts podcast, David Blackmon sits down with renowned energy expert and author Dan Yergin to explore the evolving landscape of global energy. Yergin's best-selling books include “The New Map,” “The Quest,” and “The Prize.”In the fast moving 30-minute interview, Daniel and David unpack key takeaways from the recent CERAWeek conference, including the rising demand for electricity driven by AI and data centers, the U.S.'s growing influence in global LNG markets, and the strategic implications of rare earth mineral supply chains dominated by China.Yergin also discusses the urgent need for infrastructure reform, the long timelines for mining and nuclear deployment, and why the energy transition may be more of an “energy addition.” From geopolitical tensions to copper shortages, this conversation provides a comprehensive look at the forces reshaping energy policy, markets, and global power dynamics.Foreign Affairs “The Energy Transition Needs a Reality Check” op/ed by Yergin: https://www.ceraweek.com/en/news/press-releases/foreign-affairs-the-energy-transition-needs-a-reality-checkBooks by Daniel Yergin: https://www.amazon.com/Prize-Daniel-Yergin/dp/1847376460?adgrpid=186996878628&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvadid=748008426888&hvpos=&hvnetw=g&hvrand=14490381126824490089&hvqmt=&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=9191716&hvtargid=dsa-2414841787166&hydadcr=&mcid=&hvocijid=14490381126824490089--&hvexpln=67&tag=googhydr-20&hvsb=Healthmedia_d&hvcampaign=dsadeskCERAWeek Home Page: https://www.ceraweek.com/enS&P Global Study on The Future of Copper: https://cdn.ihsmarkit.com/www/pdf/0722/The-Future-of-Copper_Full-Report_14July2022.pdfS&P Global Report on Chinese Control of Supply Chains: https://www.spglobal.com/market-intelligence/en/news-insights/research/critical-minerals-sourcing-rises-trade-troublesHighlights of the Podcast00:01 - Introduction01:21 - CERAweek Themes03:43 - U.S. LNG as a Geopolitical Power05:20 - Pipeline Infrastructure & U.S. Gas Abundance07:26 - Strait of Hormuz & Geopolitical Stakes09:16 - U.S. Global Energy Role Post-WWII11:14 - Rare Earths & Mineral Security13:33 - Copper Shortage: “Copper in the Age of AI”15:21 - U.S. Permitting Crisis18:00 - Grid Strain & Nuclear Outlook20:33 - Solar & Wind Investment Timeline22:19 - Crypto and Industrial Power Demand23:46 - Ukraine War & NATO Shifts25:42 - Defense Spending vs. Energy Transition27:07 - Energy Transition: Reality vs. Aspirations29:15 - Looking Ahead

George strait is raising money for those affected by the flood. Website

In this thought-provoking Market Mondays clip, the hosts Rashad Bilal, Ian Dunlap, and Troy Millings dive into the intersection of war, technology, and market resilience. They start by breaking down the “war index” — highlighting major players like Palantir, Anderil, OpenAI, Microsoft, and Meta — and reveal how data and algorithms are the new battlegrounds alongside traditional military might. Discover why having user data on 3.4 billion people gives Meta unprecendented influence, and how information (and propaganda) shape global conflict just as much as firepower.The conversation pivots to current geopolitical flashpoints, including Yemen's bold entry into the fray, the critical importance of waterways like the Strait of Hormuz, and the complex dance between America, Israel, Iran, China, and Russia. Does long-term regime change trigger more instability? Rashad explores lessons from history, the risks of forced changes, and what global players want for Iran's future.But it's not all global tension! The clip also covers how the markets respond to conflict, why “the market is literally rigged to stay up,” and tactical investment tips on stocks like Palantir and Meta, especially as they break new all-time highs.Crypto fans, this one's for you too—debate heats up over Bitcoin, Jack Dorsey versus Michael Saylor, and the ever-polarizing XRP. Rashad opens up about his fraught relationship with the XRP crowd and pushes Ian and Troy to weigh in: will XRP ever hit $10,000, or will institutional power always win out?Plus, hear exclusive details about Invest Fest, including a raffle for an all-expenses-paid trip to Ghana and special appearances from the likes of Jack Dorsey and past panelists like Cathie Wood.

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger Picture Europe is trouble, with event in Iran they are now seeing they are vulnerable in regards to LNG. Inflation ticked up .2%, this is not inflation this is a fluctuation. The inflation people are feeling is from the Biden admin. OPEC is ready to increase capacity, what happens to inflation. Trump trade deals incoming. The [DS] is losing every step of the way. The SC just ruled the nationwide injunctions are not constitutional. Trump can now continue with his policies, remember the judges they will nee to be impeached. Is Trump setting the Obama with U1. Lindsey is saying that 900lbs of Uranium is missing. Lindsey is an Iron Eagle. Iran was much more than people think. Its to expose it all.   Economy https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/1938402609364082979 Europe's LNG Gamble Exposed By Middle East War The Israel-Iran conflict has driven up diesel, jet fuel, and gas prices. With 20% of global LNG flowing through the Strait of Hormuz, even threats of disruption have raised EU gas prices by 20%. Europe's refusal to sign long-term LNG deals or develop local hydrocarbon resources is backfiring. Oil and the security of its supply have stolen the media spotlight in the context of the new Middle East war, and with good reason. Ever since Israel first bombed Iran, diesel prices have soared, jet fuel prices have soared, and importers have been troubled. For Europe, the situation is even worse due to natural gas. Europe has been hurt more than others by the diesel price surge because it has boosted its imports considerably over the past years. About 20% of the diesel Europe consumes comes from imports, and a lot of these imports come from the Middle East. The situation is not much different in jet fuel. Europe depends on imports and a solid chunk of these imports comes from the Middle East. What's true of these essential fuels is doubly true of natural gas—even though direct imports of gas from the Middle East constitute a modest 10% of total imports. Yet they constitute a substantial portion of global gas exports, so any suggestion of disrupted supply affects gas prices in exactly the same way it has affected oil prices—and makes a vital commodity less affordable for Europeans.  Europe needs to refill its gas storage caverns for next winter. Even if it cancels the 90% refill rate requirement, it still needs to buy a lot of gas, most of it on the spot market because of that aversion to long-term gas commitments it believes is part and parcel of the transition effort. And geopolitics has made LNG costlier—which will add billions to the refill bill. Source: zerohedge.com (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1938575712757133319   1. Sticky Services Inflation Core PCE (which excludes food and energy) is heavily weighted toward services, such as housing, healthcare, and financial services. Services inflation has proven persistent, especially in housing rent, insurance, and healthcare costs. 2. Labor Market Strength The job market remains tight: unemployment is low and wages are still rising. Higher wages boost consumer spending, which keeps demand elevated, especially in non-goods sectors like leisure,

From the BBC World Service: A White House official said the talks lay the groundwork for expediting rare earth shipments from China to the U.S. Then, the 12-day war between Iran and Israel brought intense focus on a key waterway, the Strait of Hormuz. How has the conflict affected a region so dependent on the Strait? And, European leaders have been gathering in Brussels to decide on a common negotiating position toward the Trump administration.

If doctors can catch breast cancer early enough, the chances of survival are about 90%. In order to catch it early enough, women over the age of 40 usually get annual mammograms, paid for by their health insurance. Roughly half of those women have dense breast tissue that requires additional screenings, however, which aren't always covered by insurance. Also: a record-high stock market and the state of the economy surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

If doctors can catch breast cancer early enough, the chances of survival are about 90%. In order to catch it early enough, women over the age of 40 usually get annual mammograms, paid for by their health insurance. Roughly half of those women have dense breast tissue that requires additional screenings, however, which aren't always covered by insurance. Also: a record-high stock market and the state of the economy surrounding the Strait of Hormuz.

From the BBC World Service: A White House official said the talks lay the groundwork for expediting rare earth shipments from China to the U.S. Then, the 12-day war between Iran and Israel brought intense focus on a key waterway, the Strait of Hormuz. How has the conflict affected a region so dependent on the Strait? And, European leaders have been gathering in Brussels to decide on a common negotiating position toward the Trump administration.

During World War II, the U.S. shipbuilding industry flourished. Now, it's nearly non-existent. China is the dominant shipbuilder in the world economy. On today's show, we look at what happened to American shipbuilding and the protectionist impulses that could stifle a revival.Related episodes:Will Iran block the Strait of Hormuz?The great turnaround in shippingThe wide open possibility of the high seasFor sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Fact-checking by Tyler Jones. Music by Drop Electric. Find us: TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Newsletter.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

- Trump's Strategy and Netanyahu's Future (0:11) - Trump's Alleged Back-Channeling with Iran (2:25) - Theater for Zionists and Trump's Tweets (5:03) - Trump's Alleged 5D Chess and Geopolitical Judo (20:50) - Iran's Alleged Playing Possum (28:51) - Trump's Economic Strategy and NATO (53:48) - State Department Layoffs and Foreign Policy Shift (1:02:38) - Trump's Alleged Long-Term Strategy (1:12:17) - Trump's Alleged Economic Warfare (1:18:08) - Trump's Alleged Geopolitical Reset (1:20:51) - Launch of New AI Engines (1:21:12) - Availability and Support for AI Engines (1:26:33) - Introduction to Michael Yan and Colony Ridge (1:27:48) - Political Implications and Israel Fatigue (1:33:26) - Geopolitical Tensions and Strait of Hormuz (1:36:57) - Israeli Nuclear Threat and Domestic Terrorism (2:09:16) - Impact of Israeli Actions on International Reputation (2:12:53) - Conclusion and Final Thoughts (2:25:56) For more updates, visit: http://www.brighteon.com/channel/hrreport NaturalNews videos would not be possible without you, as always we remain passionately dedicated to our mission of educating people all over the world on the subject of natural healing remedies and personal liberty (food freedom, medical freedom, the freedom of speech, etc.). Together, we're helping create a better world, with more honest food labeling, reduced chemical contamination, the avoidance of toxic heavy metals and vastly increased scientific transparency. ▶️ Every dollar you spend at the Health Ranger Store goes toward helping us achieve important science and content goals for humanity: https://www.healthrangerstore.com/ ▶️ Sign Up For Our Newsletter: https://www.naturalnews.com/Readerregistration.html ▶️ Brighteon: https://www.brighteon.com/channels/hrreport ▶️ Join Our Social Network: https://brighteon.social/@HealthRanger ▶️ Check In Stock Products at: https://PrepWithMike.com

US warns China to stop Iran from closing the Strait of Hormuz, risking 20% of global oil flow. Rubio and JD Vance call it economic suicide for Iran. The panel debates China's role, Iran's credibility, and why America First works better than isolationism in today's global economy.

Today's Headlines: President Trump called for a ceasefire between Iran and Israel Monday night—then accused both sides of not knowing “what the fuck they're doing” after the ceasefire didn't immediately happen.  By Tuesday, a fragile truce emerged, though both sides warned they'd resume attacks if provoked. Trump also abruptly tweeted that China could keep buying Iranian oil—despite his prior threats—after they helped keep the Strait of Hormuz open. Meanwhile, a leaked classified report revealed that U.S. airstrikes only set back Iran's nuclear program by a few months, not the “total obliteration” Trump implied. The White House dismissed the report as inaccurate and “demeaning.” In Florida, construction has started on a bizarre new 1,000-bed immigration detention center—dubbed “Alligator Alcatraz”—deep in the Everglades, where escapees would allegedly face only pythons and gators. Toy prices are spiking due to tariffs on Chinese goods, rising faster than inflation. At the same time, nearly 2 million student loan borrowers may soon see wage garnishment as Trump-era loan collections ramp back up. House Democrats elected Rep. Robert Garcia as their new ranking member on the Oversight Committee, while the late Rep. Gerry Connolly's official account mysteriously posted an endorsement from beyond the grave. Resources/Articles mentioned in this episode: CNN: Live updates: Iran-Israel conflict: Trump rebukes both sides hours after ceasefire CNBC: Oil tumbles for a second day, loses 6% as Iran-Israel ceasefire eases supply concerns  NY Times: Strike Set Back Iran's Nuclear Program by Only a Few Months, U.S. Report Says  WaPo: Florida builds ‘Alligator Alcatraz' for migrant detainees in Everglades WaPo: Toys are getting pricier as tariffs kick in WSJ: Nearly Two Million Student-Loan Borrowers Are at Risk of Docked Pay This Summer Axios: Rep. Robert Garcia elected top Democrat on House Oversight Committee  Axios: Dead congressman promotes candidate for his seat on social media Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Strait of Hormuz is a vital maritime choke point through which about 20% of the world's oil and a significant share of liquefied natural gas are shipped daily. Today's Stocks & Topics: EMN - Eastman Chemical Co., How Much Physical Precious Metals Justin Owns?, Why the Strait of Hormuz Remains a Critical Lifeline for the Global Economy, DOW - Dow Inc., BIIB - Biogen Inc., The Labor Market, Difference from a 403b and regular 401k, BCS - Barclays PLC ADR, FINV - FinVolution Group ADR, The Dollar.Our Sponsors:* Check out Ka'Chava and use my code INVEST for a great deal: https://www.kachava.com* Check out Progressive: https://www.progressive.comAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands

As tensions flare between Iran and Israel, investors are watching oil, gold, and, of course, crypto. In this episode of Bits + Bips, the panel digs into the market response to war risk, the chances the Fed will actually cut rates, and how Circle's IPO is being treated more like a meme stock than a fintech play. Plus: Why Scaramucci says we're all living in a surveillance state  Whether stablecoins are being kneecapped by U.S. regulation  When altcoin ETFs are coming And what BlackRock's Larry Fink secretly told Scaramucci about Bitcoin in 2021

In this week's Money Moves, Matty A and Mr. Breedwell are back together to break down the biggest market, geopolitical, and real estate headlines shaping the second half of 2025. From Trump's tariff war to Powell's rate pause, the guys unpack what's driving inflation, whether we'll get the cuts the market is begging for, and why risk tolerance is changing in a desensitized, crypto-gambling, TikTok-trading generation.They also touch on record-breaking housing inventory gaps, AI unicorn mania, Tesla vs. Waymo, and what the Iran-Israel ceasefire really means for oil and global volatility.This is a tactical, no-fluff conversation for investors who want to understand what's next—and profit from it.Timestamps:0:00 – Matty's back from Mexico and birthday shenanigans1:00 – CPI drops below 3%, so why are rates still high?3:15 – Powell's inflation warning and Fed rate cut hesitation5:00 – Breedwell leans toward cuts: “We need to re-stimulate lending”7:00 – US economy strength and market liquidity8:30 – Why Gen Z treats the stock market like DraftKings10:45 – Volatility isn't scary anymore—retail is here to play12:00 – Buy the dip: how to profit from war-driven market dips14:00 – Investing should be boring: Breedwell's boring but brilliant strategy16:00 – Powell's trigger-shyness and election-year avoidance18:30 – Trump's public feud with Powell and economic optics20:00 – Tariffs, borders, and bombs: a geopolitical chaos recap22:00 – Operation Midnight Hammer: Iran nuclear strike details24:00 – Media hypocrisy on military action under different presidents26:30 – Israel vs. Iran: ceasefire claims, risks, and trust issues29:00 – Strait of Hormuz shut down? What it really means for oil32:00 – Tesla vs. Waymo: Is there even a self-driving war?34:00 – AI bubble brewing? Unicorns, smoke, and future corpses36:30 – Google's Waymo problem and Apple's smart retreat38:00 – Crypto chaos: pump, dump, and ETF-driven dreams39:00 – Redfin report: record housing supply and demand gap41:00 – 75% of buyers sitting on the sidelines42:00 – DeSantis wants to kill property taxes in Florida42:45 – Bull or BS: Lightning Round (Rate Cuts, Bitcoin, CRE, and more)What You'll Learn:Why the Fed is hesitating despite sub-3% CPI numbersWhat Powell's inflation forecast actually signalsHow retail traders have shifted the market dynamic post-COVIDThe real risk (and opportunity) behind the Iran ceasefireWhy Breedwell is quietly loading up on U.S. equitiesThe ugly truth behind AI unicorn valuations and investor FOMOHow Tesla is crushing Waymo in the autonomous vehicle raceWhy the housing market is stuck in a standoff and what could spark a breakoutNotable Quotes:“It's easy to be successful in investing—people just make it hard.” – Mr. Breedwell “Retail investors aren't chickens anymore. They're not waiting to be slaughtered—they're squeezing the market.” – Mr. Breedwell “These are the windows where generational wealth gets made.” – Matty A “Waymo is five times the cost for a worse product. Tesla already won.” – Mr. BreedwellCalls-to-Action:Want a free portfolio x-ray? Text XRAY to 844.447.1555Want the best alternative investment deals? Text DEALS to 844.447.1555Follow Matty A for daily market insights: @officialmattyaFinal Thoughts:The market may be uncertain, but the opportunity is massive. If you're sitting on the sidelines waiting for the perfect signal, you're already late. Now's the time to get informed, stay sharp, and take action like the pros do.If you got value from today's show, leave us a review, subscribe, and share it with a friend who's trying to make smarter money moves.Episode Sponsored By:Discover Financial Millionaire Mindcast Shop: Buy the Rich Life Planner and Get the Wealth-Building Bundle for FREE! Visit: https://shop.millionairemindcast.com/CRE MASTERMIND: Visit myfirst50k.com and submit your application to join!FREE CRE Crash Course: Text “FREE” to 844-447-1555

Main Event: Former President Donald Trump announces a "complete and total ceasefire" between Israel and Iran after a 12-day war. The ceasefire is structured in phases: Iran begins first, followed by Israel, with a full cessation of hostilities within 24 hours. Key Developments: The conflict escalated after Israel struck Iranian nuclear sites, prompting a symbolic Iranian missile retaliation targeting a U.S. base in Qatar. Iran's response was calibrated and pre-warned, aiming to avoid full-scale war while maintaining domestic and international posture. Ben emphasizes that Iran's actions were measured, avoiding escalation like closing the Strait of Hormuz. Trump’s Framing: Trump refers to the conflict as the "Twelve Day War", drawing a parallel to the Six-Day War of 1967. He positions the ceasefire as a historic diplomatic victory, crediting his leadership and foreign policy strategy. Media Criticism: The episode is highly critical of mainstream media, especially CNN, accusing them of bias against Trump and hoping for his failure. It highlights a moment where CNN is caught off guard by Iran’s agreement to the ceasefire, allegedly undermining their narrative. Please Hit Subscribe to this podcast Right Now. Also Please Subscribe to the Ben Ferguson Show Podcast and Verdict with Ted Cruz Wherever You get You're Podcasts. Thanks for Listening #seanhannity #hannity #marklevin #levin #charliekirk #megynkelly #tucker #tuckercarlson #glennbeck #benshapiro #shapiro #trump #sexton #bucksexton#rushlimbaugh #limbaugh #whitehouse #senate #congress #thehouse #democrats#republicans #conservative #senator #congressman #congressmen #congresswoman #capitol #president #vicepresident #POTUS #presidentoftheunitedstatesofamerica#SCOTUS #Supremecourt #DonaldTrump #PresidentDonaldTrump #DT #TedCruz #Benferguson #Verdict #maga #presidenttrump #47 #the47morningupdate #donaldtrump #trump #news #trumpnews #Benferguson #breaking #breakingnews #morningupdateYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@VerdictwithTedCruzSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The most important economic part of the War in Iran? The Strait of Hormuz… It controls 20% of earth's oil exports.The 2 biggest self-driving car headlines of the decade… Tesla's robotaxi launch in Austin & Waymo's coming to NYC.The Dallas Cowboys Cheerleaders just got a 400% pay raise thanks to 1 word… Leverage.Plus, the untold origin story of… Dr Pepper.$KDP $TSLA $SPYWant more business storytelling from us? Check out the latest episode of our new weekly deepdive show: The untold origin story of… “Dr Pepper

The world has held a close eye on the Strait of Hormuz lately with Israeli and U.S. strikes on Iran. Nearly a quarter of the world's seaborne oil passes through the narrow waterway, and many are worried Iran could shut the strait down. Today on the show, we explore what it would mean for Iran to close off the strait, and what insurance could tell us about tensions in the Middle East.Related episodes:Oil prices and the Israel-Hamas war (Apple / Spotify)How the 'shadow fleet' helps Russia skirt sanctions (Apple / Spotify)For sponsor-free episodes of The Indicator from Planet Money, subscribe to Planet Money+ via Apple Podcasts or at plus.npr.org.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 1: 3:05pm- On Saturday night, seven U.S. B-2 bombers dropped a total of fourteen 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs on Iranian nuclear sites in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. In a press conference following the strategic strike, President Donald Trump called the mission a “spectacular military success.” 3:10pm- On Monday, Iran responded to U.S. strikes on key nuclear development facilities by launching missiles at an American base in Qatar—the largest American military installation in the Middle East. The Defense Department has said the air defense systems intercepted the missiles and there were no U.S. casualties. 3:20pm- During a press conference Sunday night, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Dan Caine revealed that Iranian air defense never spotted the American B-2 bombers over Iranian airspace and, consequently, never fired a single shot during Saturday night's strategic bombing. 3:30pm- Deputy Head of Russian President Vladimir Putin's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev called America's strike on Iranian nuclear facilities a “dangerous escalation” and suggested other countries may supply Iran with a nuclear weapon—though, he did not say which nations. 3:40pm- Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned Iran not to shut down the Strait of Hormuz with mines. China, an ally of Iran, has echoed a similar sentiment. According to estimates 84% of the crude oil that moves through the Strait goes to Asian markets.

The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 3: 5:00pm- Dr. EJ Antoni—Chief Economist at the Heritage Foundation—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to breakdown potential financial repercussions related to the strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. Could Iran respond by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, and what would that mean for oil prices globally? 5:20pm- While appearing on Fox News, Trump Administration Border Czar Tom Homan discussed potential Iranian sleeper cells in the United States—explaining that the Biden Administration's relaxed border security policies resulted in “1,272 nationals of Iran released” into the U.S. 5:40pm- Breaking News: The Supreme Court has stayed a lower court order and will allow the Trump Administration to deport illegal migrants swiftly to countries where they don't have citizenship. 5:50pm- Did Mel Gibson and Pierce Brosnan turn down the role of Batman?

The Rich Zeoli Show- Full Episode (06/23/2025): 3:05pm- On Saturday night, seven U.S. B-2 bombers dropped a total of fourteen 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs on Iranian nuclear sites in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. In a press conference following the strategic strike, President Donald Trump called the mission a “spectacular military success.” 3:10pm- On Monday, Iran responded to U.S. strikes on key nuclear development facilities by launching missiles at an American base in Qatar—the largest American military installation in the Middle East. The Defense Department has said the air defense systems intercepted the missiles and there were no U.S. casualties. 3:20pm- During a press conference Sunday night, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Dan Caine revealed that Iranian air defense never spotted the American B-2 bombers over Iranian airspace and, consequently, never fired a single shot during Saturday night's strategic bombing. 3:30pm- Deputy Head of Russian President Vladimir Putin's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev called America's strike on Iranian nuclear facilities a “dangerous escalation” and suggested other countries may supply Iran with a nuclear weapon—though, he did not say which nations. 3:40pm- Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned Iran not to shut down the Strait of Hormuz with mines. China, an ally of Iran, has echoed a similar sentiment. According to estimates 84% of the crude oil that moves through the Strait goes to Asian markets. 4:05pm- Listeners react to the Trump Administration's decision to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. Is there concern that Iran and its allies—China, Russia, and terror organizations like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis—could retaliate? 4:30pm- John Yoo—The Emanuel Heller Professor of Law at the University of California at Berkeley—joins The Rich Zeoli Show and dismisses Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez's (D-NY) suggestion that President Donald Trump violated Article II of the Constitution and should be impeached for authorizing strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. 4:50pm- While appearing on Fox News, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) praised the U.S. military's strikes on Iran and President Trump's decision—explaining “it was a very limited military exercise” and did not amount to a declaration of war. 5:00pm- Dr. EJ Antoni—Chief Economist at the Heritage Foundation—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to breakdown potential financial repercussions related to the strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. Could Iran respond by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, and what would that mean for oil prices globally? 5:20pm- While appearing on Fox News, Trump Administration Border Czar Tom Homan discussed potential Iranian sleeper cells in the United States—explaining that the Biden Administration's relaxed border security policies resulted in “1,272 nationals of Iran released” into the U.S. 5:40pm- Breaking News: The Supreme Court has stayed a lower court order and will allow the Trump Administration to deport illegal migrants swiftly to countries where they don't have citizenship. 5:50pm- Did Mel Gibson and Pierce Brosnan turn down the role of Batman? 6:05pm- Dr. Victoria Coates—Former Deputy National Security Advisor & the Vice President of the Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy at The Heritage Foundation—joins The Rich Zeoli Show and reacts to the United States's strategic strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Plus, BREAKING NEWS: Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire. Dr. Coates is the author of the book: “The Battle for the Jewish State: How Israel—and America—Can Win.” 6:30pm- In a post to Truth Social, Preside Donald Trump wrote: “CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, E ...

Currently, if you or your kids get into college and don't have the money to pay for it, you can borrow however much you need from the federal government to cover tuition and living expenses. If the tax cuts and budget bill working its way through Congress passes, that won't be the case anymore. Plus, some oil experts aren't worried about the Strait of Hormuz and Fed Chair Jerome Powell heads to Capitol Hill.

Oil markets went into a state of panic after the United States launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend, stoking fears that Iran could retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz. But Iran's control over the key oil trade route may not be the economic weapon many think it is. We'll explain. And, several provisions in the Republicans' reconciliation bill haven't made it through the so-called “Byrd Bath” and risk being axed from the legislation. Plus, did you know killer whales aren't really whales?Here's everything we talked about today:"Capitol agenda: How Johnson may block an Iran rebuke" from Politico "11 days until July 4: Byrd Bath and policy fights on deck" from Punchbowl News"Senate parliamentarian rejects GOP attempt to authorize states to conduct immigration enforcement" from The Hill"G.O.P. Can't Include Limits on Trump Lawsuits in Megabill, Senate Parliamentarian Rules" from The New York Times  "Iran Has an Oil Card to Play. So Does the U.S." from The Wall Street Journal  "The largest digital camera ever built has released its first shots of the universe" from AP News  "Vera C Rubin Observatory first images" from BBC Sky at Night Magazine  "Killer whales seen grooming each other with kelp in first for marine tool use" from The Guardian Got a question for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

P.M. Edition for June 23. President Trump said the U.S. received advance notice of Iran's attack and thatno Americans were harmed and little damage was sustained. Trump indicated that he believed the attack wouldn't escalate the crisis in the region. WSJ national security reporter Lara Seligman joins to discuss how the U.S. might respond. Plus, investors prepare for the possibility that Iran could close the Strait of Hormuz, the world's main energy shipping artery. We hear from WSJ investing columnist Spencer Jakab what impact this would have on oil prices and inflation. And fewer Chinese companies are listing on U.S. stock exchanges. James Areddy covers Chin a for the Journal and explains how the U.S.-China relationship fits into it. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter.  Sign up for the Markets A.M. Newsletter by Spencer Jakab  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Click here and select today's episode from the list to share with friends and post on social media: www.podfollow.com/the-wright-report   Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, for a Special Report on Operation Midnight Hammer — President Trump's bold decision to bomb Iran's nuclear program. Trump Launches Massive Airstrike on Iran's Nuclear Facilities On Saturday night, U.S. forces struck Iran's nuclear sites at Isfahan, Natanz, and Fordow using Tomahawk missiles and B-2 bombers with bunker-busting MOPs. The operation aimed to halt Iran's growing nuclear threat without seeking regime change. The Lead-Up: Peace Talks Failed, Iran Accelerated Toward the Bomb Despite last-minute efforts, peace negotiations collapsed when Iran's Supreme Leader couldn't be reached. U.S. and Israeli intelligence confirmed Iran was accelerating weapons development, missile programs, and plans for a potential strike on Israel. The Strike Plan: 125 Aircraft and Precision Targeting The operation involved over 125 U.S. aircraft and coordination with Israeli and Arab allies. All aircraft returned safely. Early satellite imagery confirms severe damage to nuclear facilities, though some equipment may have been smuggled out to China before the attack. Iran's Response: Missile Strikes, Terror Threats, and Strait of Hormuz Threat Iran fired missiles into Israeli cities, injuring civilians, and warned of sleeper cell attacks in the West. Its parliament is considering closing the Strait of Hormuz, a vital global oil passage, which could trigger wider war. Russia, China, and Europe React Russia threatens to provide Iran with nuclear warheads. France warns of Iranian terror cells in Europe. The U.S. and Arab allies brace for retaliation while some quietly support Israel's actions. U.S. Homeland at Risk from Sleeper Cells FBI Director Kash Patel ramps up counterterror operations, especially with concerns about Iranian saboteurs among the millions of unvetted illegal immigrants. Border Czar Tom Homan blames Biden-era immigration for the heightened risk. What Comes Next: Regime Change, Retaliation, or Peace? President Trump insists regime change is not the goal, though he hints at it. Arab leaders back Israel privately. Europe fears a terror wave. America must now prepare for blowback, both at home and abroad. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." – John 8:32 Take your personal data back with Incogni! Use code TWR using the link or at check-out and get 60% off an annual plan: Incogni.com/TWR

Send us a textStrap in, because this Daily Drop drops bombs—literally. Jared's back from the San Diego Operator Training Summit and immediately diving into the nuclear circus known as Operation Midnight Hammer—the largest B-2 strike in U.S. history. We're talking 125+ aircraft, deception ops worthy of Hollywood, and a casual flex on Iran's nuclear ambitions. But don't worry, the Pentagon swears it's not “regime change.”Also in this episode:CENTCOM's tanker games, shady KC-135 logistics, and a DoD recruiting task force that somehow thinks legal and public affairs are your new talent magnets (spoiler: they're not).A Marine takes over the F-35 program, we slap “F-47” on our next-gen fighter because Trump said so, and someone in Oregon thinks they can tell the federal government what to do with the National Guard.Oh—and China's getting military secrets from broke Army NCOs. Cool. Cool cool cool.This one's loaded with hot takes, hard truths, and the usual blend of sarcasm and side-eye from the Ones Ready crew. Buckle up, buttercup.

Oil markets went into a state of panic after the United States launched strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities over the weekend, stoking fears that Iran could retaliate by closing the Strait of Hormuz. But Iran's control over the key oil trade route may not be the economic weapon many think it is. We'll explain. And, several provisions in the Republicans' reconciliation bill haven't made it through the so-called “Byrd Bath” and risk being axed from the legislation. Plus, did you know killer whales aren't really whales?Here's everything we talked about today:"Capitol agenda: How Johnson may block an Iran rebuke" from Politico "11 days until July 4: Byrd Bath and policy fights on deck" from Punchbowl News"Senate parliamentarian rejects GOP attempt to authorize states to conduct immigration enforcement" from The Hill"G.O.P. Can't Include Limits on Trump Lawsuits in Megabill, Senate Parliamentarian Rules" from The New York Times  "Iran Has an Oil Card to Play. So Does the U.S." from The Wall Street Journal  "The largest digital camera ever built has released its first shots of the universe" from AP News  "Vera C Rubin Observatory first images" from BBC Sky at Night Magazine  "Killer whales seen grooming each other with kelp in first for marine tool use" from The Guardian Got a question for the hosts? Email makemesmart@marketplace.org or leave us a voicemail at 508-U-B-SMART.

President Trump has called the U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites “a spectacular military success,' while Iran was quick to respond with a barrage of missiles launched at Israel. But what does this mean for Iran's nuclear ambitions, the region's stability and possible further U.S. involvement? WSJ Middle East Bureau Chief Andrew Dowell tells us what we know about the attack, if we might see nuclear negotiations soon and the political debate over the use of force on Capitol Hill. Luke Vargas hosts. Further Reading:  U.S. Strikes 'Obliterated' Iran's Nuclear Sites, Trump Says  Will Iran Attempt to Block the Strait of Hormuz?  Trump Gave Final Go-Ahead for Iran Attack Hours Before Bombs Fell  Three Sites Hit by U.S. Represent Core of Iran Nuclear Program  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 2: 4:05pm- What should President Trump do regarding Iran? Listeners call into the show and voice their opinions. 4:20pm- According to The New York Times, the Trump Administration is considering ways in which Iran can retaliate in the event the U.S. strikes fortified nuclear facilities in Fordo. One of the possibilities is Iran using mines to shut down the Strait of Hormuz—where 20% of the world's oil and liquified natural gas pass through. The move would potentially isolate U.S. naval vessels in the Persian Gulf. 4:45pm- “World's Best Farter.” Jefferson County Judge Raquel West scolded a Texas man for his wardrobe choice during a recent felony court appearance.

The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 1: 3:05pm- On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a message directly from President Donald Trump on a potential U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities: "Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks." 3:10pm- Is an internal MAGA feud brewing on social media? During a Tuesday interview, Tucker Carlson accused Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) of wanting to “topple” Iran without knowing anything about the country. Sen. Cruz responded by suggesting Carlson is an isolationist—comparing his misguided foreign policy preferences to those of former Presidents Barack Obama and Jimmy Carter. 3:15pm- CNN pollster Harry Enten revealed data showing 79% of Americans agree with President Trump—Iran cannot be allowed to develop and possess a nuclear weapon. Remarkably, even 79% of Democrats are in agreement with the president. 3:30pm- According to The New York Times, the Trump Administration is considering ways in which Iran can retaliate in the event the U.S. strikes fortified nuclear facilities in Fordo. One of the possibilities is Iran using mines to shut down the Strait of Hormuz—where 20% of the world's oil and liquified natural gas pass through. The move would potentially isolate U.S. naval vessels in the Persian Gulf. 3:40pm- On Wednesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing to investigate former President Joe Biden's alleged physical and mental decline while in office—and whether he was fit to serve towards the end of his presidential term. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MI) called for an investigation into the Biden Administration's use of the auto pen.

The Rich Zeoli Show- Full Episode (06/19/2025): 3:05pm- On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a message directly from President Donald Trump on a potential U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities: "Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks." 3:10pm- Is an internal MAGA feud brewing on social media? During a Tuesday interview, Tucker Carlson accused Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) of wanting to “topple” Iran without knowing anything about the country. Sen. Cruz responded by suggesting Carlson is an isolationist—comparing his misguided foreign policy preferences to those of former Presidents Barack Obama and Jimmy Carter. 3:15pm- CNN pollster Harry Enten revealed data showing 79% of Americans agree with President Trump—Iran cannot be allowed to develop and possess a nuclear weapon. Remarkably, even 79% of Democrats are in agreement with the president. 3:30pm- According to The New York Times, the Trump Administration is considering ways in which Iran can retaliate in the event the U.S. strikes fortified nuclear facilities in Fordo. One of the possibilities is Iran using mines to shut down the Strait of Hormuz—where 20% of the world's oil and liquified natural gas pass through. The move would potentially isolate U.S. naval vessels in the Persian Gulf. 3:40pm- On Wednesday, the Senate Judiciary Committee held a hearing to investigate former President Joe Biden's alleged physical and mental decline while in office—and whether he was fit to serve towards the end of his presidential term. Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MI) called for an investigation into the Biden Administration's use of the auto pen. 4:05pm- What should President Trump do regarding Iran? Listeners call into the show and voice their opinions. 4:20pm- According to The New York Times, the Trump Administration is considering ways in which Iran can retaliate in the event the U.S. strikes fortified nuclear facilities in Fordo. One of the possibilities is Iran using mines to shut down the Strait of Hormuz—where 20% of the world's oil and liquified natural gas pass through. The move would potentially isolate U.S. naval vessels in the Persian Gulf. 4:45pm- “World's Best Farter.” Jefferson County Judge Raquel West scolded a Texas man for his wardrobe choice during a recent felony court appearance. 5:05pm- A man has proposed to his AI chatbot “girlfriend”—and it said “YES!” Meanwhile, CBS News spoke with a woman named Irene who has developed a “steamy” relationship with her AI chatbot. Are we all doomed? 5:30pm- During a segment of The View, Whoopi Goldberg bizarrely said that being Black in America is exactly the same as being a citizen of Iran. 5:40pm- On Thursday, White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt delivered a message directly from President Donald Trump on a potential U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities: "Based on the fact that there's a substantial chance of negotiations that may or may not take place with Iran in the near future, I will make my decision whether or not to go within the next two weeks." 6:00pm- Tom Azelby in for Rich!