A naturally formed, narrow, typically navigable waterway that connects two larger bodies of water
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Exploring Bogus oil prices Hold cow – look at what Gemini and JSD can do… Markets needed good news – Correlation high Fed on hold? PLUS we are now on Spotify and Amazon Music/Podcasts! Click HERE for Show Notes and Links DHUnplugged is now streaming live - with listener chat. Click on link on the right sidebar. Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter Warm-Up - Bogus Oil Prices - Look at what Gemini and JSD can do... - Markets needed good news - Correlation high - Fed on hold? - JCD LIMERICK! Markets - Did we just correct? - Inflation - Eco that matters - Manipulation in Oil - Land? John Dvorak Jr. - Guest - UPDATE ON JCD - AH Spoke with JCD Saturday.... Oil Prices - Bogus? - The price of oil in the middle east is at $140 for its land-locked price, but ocean traveling oil is at $100. - Sort, of, opposite of what you'd expect? - But, then there's been active conversation and warning about manipulating oil futures to manage the situation. - Oil in Backwardation across the spectrum. (Current price of oil contract is $95 and December contract is $75) Oil Prices may be BOGUS - But What About Gas? Gas Prices More Manipulation - The Trump administration has discussed trading in the oil futures market as a strategy to help curb surging crude prices amid the war in Iran, Interior Secretary Doug Burgum said. - US would just sell future contracts and then deliver at those prices at the end of the contract date. (SPR/Venezuela?) - Not sure how markets will take an intervention like that. - Remember when short selling was banned on Financials back in the 2008 ----Stock prices continued to fall during the ban and tended to stabilize only after it was lifted, suggesting the ban did not stop the decline. ------ Seems that when government intervenes in free markets they can set off more panic as the optics make it look even worse. ---- AND- Russian Oil sanctions partially removed Inflation and ECO - PCE Prices stay elevated - GDP rose at a seasonally and inflation-adjusted annual rate of just 0.7% in the fourth quarter, according to a Commerce Department revision Friday. - The first revision of the GDP reading was a sharp step down from the previous estimate of 1.4% and well below the Dow Jones consensus forecast for 1.5%. - The core PCE inflation rose 0.4% in January and 3.1% on a 12-month basis. The ex-food and energy reading was 0.1 percentage point higher than December. Eco Table Oil Models...Very Cool - JSD - Explain - https://gemini.google.com/share/d1427a61a804 Department of Defense, err War, is hiring - The Pentagon is hiring financial 'defense', or is that a financial warfare unit? - This may mean we're beginning to really adopt "Unrestricted Warfare (???) ----- ie: The Chinese strategy where the warfare model is extended to include social engineering, illicit trade, and finance operations. - Isn't this already in play? Tariffs, Straits of Hormuz, Asset Seizure (Russian Yachts), Venezuelan Oil???? --- This is why Quantum is in play too...(offense and defense) Did you know? - 30% of Helium production comes from Qatar - Qatar helium production stopped back on March 2nd, and is ~30% of all helium globally - South Korea depends almost entirely on helium from the strait of Hormuz, with 65% from Qatar specifically - Semiconductor manufacturing - - Wafer/equipment cooling — High thermal conductivity removes heat fast during lithography, etching, deposition, and other steps; critical for precise temp control and smaller chip nodes (no good substitutes). - - Inert purging & atmospheres — Chemically inert; flushes systems, prevents unwanted reactions in annealing, deposition, or vacuum chambers. -- - Plasma processes — Acts as carrier, diluent, or purge gas in plasma etching for precise circuit patterning. - - Leak detection — Tiny atoms detect micro-leaks in tools, pipelines, and vacuum systems to ensure reliability. - - Backside wafer cooling — Delivers stable cooling to silicon wafers in advanced fabs. INDIA! Running out of Gas - Does it matter? - India maintains only a 25 day reserve of oil - Good news for them that they use coal for electricity generation, and only use oil for transportation - BUT BUT BUT, What about getting goods from one place to another in India? -- FWIW - coal prices up 19% YTD in India Back to this... - AI not causing job losses - WHAT ABOUT META? - Meta's stock climbed after Reuters reported the social media giant is planning to lay off over 20% of its 79,000 employees to balance AI-related spending. Drone Warfare - New Warfare fought like games - Ender's Game Movie - Length: 3.5 meters (about 11.5 feet) Wingspan: 2.5 meters (about 8.2 feet) Weight (total takeoff/mass): Approximately 200 kg (around 440 pounds) Warhead/payload: Typically 40–50 kg explosive (some variants up to 90 kg with reduced fuel/range) --- Usage ~ 2,000 per day in Iran an peak of 10,000 per day in Ukraine/Russia Gaming Industry - DOA? See above - no wonder why - it is IRL now - Q1 continues sharp decline in video game sales - Older gamers: new AAA titles heavily cannibalized by old games - Gen Z & Alpha mostly play only Roblox (144M DAU), Fortnite (60M DAU), or Minecraft (11M DAU) - Young gamers rarely buy new AAA titles or consoles - Industry “growth” driven purely by subscriptions & upsells — no real sales increase - Hardware far below peaks: PS2 sold 160M, Nintendo DS 154M vs Switch 2 only 17M (original Switch lifetime 114M) - AI failing to cut costs for big studios — Roblox capturing all the upside - Roblox launches Incubator & Jumpstart programs for kids using AI “vibe-coding” to chase millionaire status INTERACTIVE BROKERS Check this out and find out more at: http://www.interactivebrokers.com/ Target Earnings - Target posted another quarter of falling revenue and customer traffic at its stores, though its shares rose as the retailer's earnings beat estimates and it said it is poised to end its sales slump. - Earnings per share: $2.44 adjusted vs. $2.16 expected - Revenue: $30.45 billion vs. $30.48 billion expected - Target said it expects full-year adjusted earnings per share to range from $7.50 to $8.50. Its adjusted earnings per share for the most recent full year were $7.57. - Shares up 7% in a piss poor tape Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? THE CLOSEST TO THE PIN for CATERPILLAR Winners will be getting great stuff like the new "OFFICIAL" DHUnplugged Shirt! FED AND CRYPTO LIMERICKS There is a tech pundit whose name be John, Whose sharp takes went late into dawn. He hit pause for some care, But with grit (and repair), Soon he'll be back oh so steady and strong. See this week's stock picks HERE Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter
Trump's war in Iran is bringing economic chaos and suffering to much of the world, but for American voters, the biggest effect is the soaring price of gasoline – and the political implications for Republicans in the midterms are clear to everyone. Meanwhile Minneapolis has shown how Americans can resist unjust and illegitimate power.Also: The Working Families Party is organizing voters not just to win a Democratic majority in Congress but for a movement election, a historic expansion of the electorate that includes a demand for significant change. Maurice Mitchell, the party's National Director, explains.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
In this special episode, Michael zeroes in on the potential for a collapse in global energy security amid the U.S.-Israel war with Iran. First, he speaks with Clay Seigle, a senior energy security fellow at CSIS, about the economic impact of the dangerous choke point at the Straits of Hormuz, where a paralyzed trade is threatening to send global oil prices soaring. Clay also analyzes the strategic implications of U.S. strikes on military infrastructure at Iran's key oil depot on Kharg Island. Then, Rear Admiral (Ret.) Mark Montgomery, Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), breaks down the high-stakes naval mechanics of reopening the Straits and why the U.S. must reset Iran's nuclear and ballistic capabilities by "five or seven years" to ensure long-term regional stability.
Rob Bernstein breaks down Donald Trump's never-ending "victory lap" as the Iran war spirals -- from the CIA briefing that Iran's new Supreme Leader might be gay, to Trump calling kamikaze boats AI-generated, to the President accidentally going full Yoda mid-press conference ("Dig, we must"). Rob covers Joe Kent's resignation from the National Counterterrorism Center, NATO allies refusing to join the war, Trump threatening to abandon the Strait of Hormuz, the Huckabee-Netanyahu "proof of life" video, JD Vance taking over DOGE, and the Comer subpoena of Pam Bondi over Epstein. Plus Bobby the Bank stops by with war stories from meeting Rogan and Zuckerberg at UFC, and the Sheath Underwear "Pouch Madness" sale.Full episode and subscriber content at robbernsteincomedy.com -- all five bucks a month.Sponsors:- Sheath Underwear -- code RYM for 20% off + Pouch Madness sale up to 50% off at sheathunderwear.com- YoKratom.com -- home of the $60 kilo
Join Jim and Greg for the Monday 3 Martini Lunch as they dig into multiple ways President Trump is getting tough on China over Iran, Virginia Democrats showing their true radical colors on gun control, and Tucker Carlson claiming he might face prosecution after the intelligence community snooped on his text messages with his contacts in Iran.First, they're glad to see President Trump demanding that China help to force Iran to keep oil tankers flowing through the Straits of Hormuz. And they're glad to see a major cconcession by Iran over the weekend as well.They also unload on Virginia Democrats, who said very little about gun control on the campaign trail last year but are now passing some of the most egregious violations of the Second Amendment anywhere in the U.S. We'll tell you what they are pushing and share one lawmaker's insane explanation for why you don't need a gun to stop a terrorist or mass shooter.Finally, they roll their eyes as Tucker Carlson claims he's been referred for prosecution over alleged violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act. Jim walks us through the possible options of what might really be going on here.Please visit our great sponsors:Noble Gold Investments helps you protect your future—schedule your free gold strategy session at https://NobleGoldInvestments.com/3MLYour emotional well-being matters. Find support and feel lighter in therapy with BetterHelp. Sign up and get 10% off at https://BetterHelp.com/3MLFind a mattress for every need with Brooklyn Bedding at https://BrooklynBedding.com and use promo code 3ML at checkout to get 30% off sitewide—this offer isn't available anywhere else.New episodes every weekday.
Note: "Act 2" will be a separate published audio podcast.*Check out EZ's morning radio show "The InZane Asylum Q100 Michigan with Eric Zane" Click here*Get a FREE 7 day trial to Patreon to "try it out."*Watch the show live, daily at 8AM EST on Twitch! Please click here to follow the page.Email the show on the Shoreliners Striping inbox: eric@ericzaneshow.comTopics*"When it rains, it pours." EZ's Aunt Gassia (Meathead's younger sister) passes away. *EZ's Aunt Gassia was great. Wonderful spirit. EZ tells some stories.*For some reason, EZ has to make a deposition Friday as two hillbillies are fighting over kids.*EZ had a dilemma while cooking Chinese food on "The Blackstone."*Trouble with the ice at the Grand Rapids Griffins' game."*Make your NCAA men's basketball tournament picks in "EZ's Tournament Bracket Challenge."*Sweet, elderly old-timer Door Dash delivery dude gets an assist from a GoFundMe*18 year-old chick from Australia has a super power.*Northern Michigan asshole has to be rescued from the ice on the Straits of Mackinac because he's a stupid fuck.*Another idiot puts people's lives in jeopardy when he's swept off the South Haven pier because he's a stupid fuck.Asshole of the DaySponsors:Zalenski Outdoor Services, Impact Powersports, Kuiper Tree Care, Frank Fuss / My Policy Shop Insurance, Kings Room Barbershop, Shoreliners, Ervines Auto Repair Grand Rapids Hybrid & EV, TC PaintballInterested in advertising? Email eric@ericzaneshow.com and let me design a marketing plan for you.Contact: Shoreliners Striping inbox eric@ericzaneshow.comDiscord LinkEZSP TikTokSubscribe to my YouTube channelHire me on Cameo!Tshirts available herePlease subscribe, rate & write a review on Apple Podcastspatreon.com/ericzaneInstagram: ericzaneshowTwitterSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-eric-zane-show-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
Note: "Act 1" was a separate published audio podcast.*Check out EZ's morning radio show "The InZane Asylum Q100 Michigan with Eric Zane" Click here*Get a FREE 7 day trial to Patreon to "try it out."*Watch the show live, daily at 8AM EST on Twitch! Please click here to follow the page.Email the show on the Shoreliners Striping inbox: eric@ericzaneshow.comTopics:*"When it rains, it pours." EZ's Aunt Gassia (Meathead's younger sister) passes away. *EZ's Aunt Gassia was great. Wonderful spirit. EZ tells some stories.*For some reason, EZ has to make a deposition Friday as two hillbillies are fighting over kids.*EZ had a dilemma while cooking Chinese food on "The Blackstone."*Trouble with the ice at the Grand Rapids Griffins' game."*Make your NCAA men's basketball tournament picks in "EZ's Tournament Bracket Challenge."*Sweet, elderly old-timer Door Dash delivery dude gets an assist from a GoFundMe*18 year-old chick from Australia has a super power.*Northern Michigan asshole has to be rescued from the ice on the Straits of Mackinac because he's a stupid fuck.*Another idiot puts people's lives in jeopardy when he's swept off the South Haven pier because he's a stupid fuck.Asshole of the DaySponsors:Zalenski Outdoor Services, Impact Powersports, Kuiper Tree Care, Frank Fuss / My Policy Shop Insurance, Kings Room Barbershop, Shoreliners, Ervines Auto Repair Grand Rapids Hybrid & EV, TC PaintballInterested in advertising? Email eric@ericzaneshow.com and let me design a marketing plan for you.Contact: Shoreliners Striping inbox eric@ericzaneshow.comDiscord LinkEZSP TikTokSubscribe to my YouTube channelHire me on Cameo!Tshirts available herePlease subscribe, rate & write a review on Apple Podcastspatreon.com/ericzaneInstagram: ericzaneshowTwitterSupport this podcast at — https://redcircle.com/the-eric-zane-show-podcast/donationsAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy
It's been a few days since we last looked at the Persian Gulf crisis, and events are racing forward at such a pace that the only sensible approach is to take a step back and examine the deeper patterns. Behind the headlines about Trump's impulsive decision-making lies a far more consequential story: the moment when a medium-sized power with cheap drones and missiles can hold the world's energy supplies hostage, and the world's sole superpower finds itself with no good options.I begin with the decision-making in Washington—or rather, the absence of it. Trump, advised by Netanyahu and a handful of Fox News personalities, appears to have launched this war on a whim, assuming he could create "media noise" with no thought to an exit strategy. Military planners who understand the region have been overruled. The system of American governance has decayed to the point where a single egotistical hustler can launch the country into a no-win scenario.Why no-win? Because Iran has been preparing for this moment for years. Its arsenal of drones, rockets, missiles, mines, and attack boats makes the safe navigation of the Straits of Hormuz virtually impossible. The idea of an international naval flotilla—Trump's proposed solution—is laughable. You would have to maintain it forever, and Iran would interpret any passage not agreeable to them as a hostile act.I draw a historical parallel: the Dardanelles campaign of 1915. The reason the Allies landed at Gallipoli was because the first attempt to sail through the straits ended in disaster, with British and French ships sunk by shore-based fortifications. The Straits of Hormuz will become exactly that kind of killing zone. It doesn't matter how big your navy is. How many capital ships is America willing to sacrifice for a war Trump started on a whim? How many American lives before the outcry sweeps him from office?The asymmetry of war is changing. Cheap, mass-produced drones—with motorcycle engines and mobile phones for guidance—can overwhelm anti-missile systems like Patriot and THAAD. Aircraft carriers, the symbol of American power for eighty years, may no longer be the tools for enforcing world order that they once were. China has been signalling this for years with its spectacular drone displays over Beijing: "Imagine what we can do if we attach something to them."Then there are the geopolitical consequences. Europe will rapidly rapproche with Russia to access cheap hydrocarbons. The Ukraine war will likely be settled in Russia's favour. The push for renewables will gain a new argument: national security, liberation from Trump's whims. Rachel Reeves, the British Chancellor, has already signalled where the wind is blowing, choosing Ursula von der Leyen over Trump when asked.The special relationship is dying. Suez was a humiliation; this is worse. The British political class is finally waking up to the reality that clinging to America's coat-tails no longer offers protection—only entanglement in unwinnable wars.And then there's Israel. Nuclear-armed, increasingly isolated, and with an American public whose support has reached an all-time low. If America withdraws from the Gulf, what sense does it make to support Israel as Iran's key enemy? But Israel has always reserved the right to act unilaterally. The situation between Iran and Israel is the one that will continue, long after the current crisis resolves—if it resolves.I end with two possible futures: a quick resolution where Trump claims an illusory victory and moves on, or a protracted conflict that drags the world into an endless energy crisis. Either way, the lesson of North Korea has been learned: the only protection against American aggression is a nuclear weapon. Iran will never sign another enrichment treaty.Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive ContentBecome a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory▸ Join the Community & Continue the ConversationFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcastSubstack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com▸ Read Articles & Go DeeperWebsite: explaininghistory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Here we find ourselves approaching the fifth spring of the Russo-Ukrainian War of 2022.As the rest of the world's geopolitical landscape changes dramatically, Russia's “friend group” shrinks, and Ukraine's friends grow weary and distracted, where is the war moving and where could we expect Russia to adjust for another year of conflict?Returning to Midrats again to discuss this and related issues is Dr. Dmitry Gorenburg, a Senior Research Scientist in the Strategy, Policy, Plans, and Programs division of CNA, where he has worked since 2000.Dr. Gorenburg is an associate at the Harvard University Davis Center for Russian and Eurasian Studies and previously served as Executive Director of the American Association of the Advancement of Slavic Studies (AAASS). His research interests include security issues in the former Soviet Union, Russian military reform, Russian foreign policy, and ethnic politics and identity. Dr. Gorenburg is author of Nationalism for the Masses: Minority Ethnic Mobilization in the Russian Federation (Cambridge University Press, 2003), and has been published in journals such as World Politics and Post-Soviet Affairs. He currently serves as editor of Problems of Post-Communism and was also editor of Russian Politics and Law from 2009 to 2016. Dr. Gorenburg received a B.A. in international relations from Princeton University and a Ph.D. in political science from Harvard University.SummaryIn this episode, we explore the ongoing Russia-Ukraine conflict, marking its fifth spring, and analyze Russia's current military strategy, technological dependencies, economic adjustments, and geopolitical efforts. Our expert guest, Dr. Dmitry Gorenberg, a senior research scientist at CNA, provides insights into Russia's military tactics, technological challenges, and international alliances, painting a comprehensive picture of a pivotal moment in the conflict.Key Topics:The significance of the fifth spring of the Russia-Ukraine war and its implicationsThe role and impact of Starlink and Russian anti-satellite capabilitiesRussian military tactics: steady grinding, troop mobilization, and drone warfareThe Russian psyche regarding prolonged conflict and public sentimentThe influence of repression and government control on information disseminationEconomic resilience: sanctions, oil prices, and support from BRICS nationsRussia's strategic partnerships: Venezuela, Iran, China, and othersThe role of sabotaging NATO and Western countries to weaken collective defenseInformation warfare: Russian propaganda, disinformation, and influence operationsTechnological dependencies: reliance on US-based satellite systems and Chinese componentsRussian military leadership: promotions, strategic updates, and future outlooksThe geopolitics of energy, with focus on shadow fleets and the Straits of HormuzTimestamps:00:00 - Introduction and overview of Russia's fifth spring in the Ukraine conflict02:09 - The impact of cutting off Starlink and communication disruptions on the front lines04:20 - Russian troop mobilization strategies and tactics05:39 - External foreign fighters: North Koreans, North Africans, and recruitment trends08:33 - Russian public perception and cultural narrative about the war's longevity09:29 - The influence of repression, propaganda, and societal attitudes in Russia12:46 - Government control of communications, internet censorship, and surveillance16:15 - Russia's dependence on US satellite systems and Chinese technology17:36 - Russia's technological gap: Satellites, GPS, and domestically developed systems19:10 - Economic impacts: sanctions, oil prices, and Russia's financial resilience 21:25 - Russia's efforts with BRICS and global network of allies to bypass sanctions23:24 - The role of Venezuela, Iran, and other countries in Russia's geopolitical web27:06 - Russia's sabotage operations against NATO and Western nations30:13 - Political influence campaigns, disinformation, and influence operations32:09 - Reflection on Cold War-era propaganda and current information strategies33:38 - The use of media, social platforms, and online influence in shaping narratives37:40 - Historical perspective on propaganda, public manipulation, and media control39:51 - Modern military technology, including missile attacks and Ukraine's defense42:11 - The evolving missile landscape, targeting energy infrastructure and battlefield logistics44:46 - Russia's advanced satellite capabilities: intercepting and maneuvering satellites46:47 - External support for Russia: North Korean, Iranian weapons, and China's role48:00 - Chinese technology and components aiding Russia's military industry50:17 - Russia's long-term concerns about China's rising dominance52:24 - Russia's diplomatic and military support networks in Latin America and beyond54:00 - Shadow tanker ships, oil sanctions, and economic strategies related to energy55:47 - The geopolitical implications of oil sales, shadow fleets, and global markets57:06 - Russia's support to Iran: targeting capabilities and strategic assistance58:21 - Ukraine's recent military developments and regional connections60:59 - Ukraine's defense industrial capacity and regional alliances62:24 - Russia's outreach and support to Middle Eastern countries; strategic intentions64:39 - Future outlook: military promotions, strategic planning, and the war's trajectoryResources & Links:CNA Russia StudiesStarlink by SpaceXRT (Russia Today)RAND Report on Russian SatellitesUS Sanctions and Oil Market DataRussia's Shadow Fleet
In this episode of The Alan Sanders Show, we dive into the explosive claim that Democrats and mainstream media appear to side with Iran amid the ongoing U.S.-Israel conflict, potentially undermining American interests. We explore Tucker Carlson's high-profile dilemma: his fierce criticism of the Iran war as "disgusting and evil," his reported contacts with Iranians drawing scrutiny and the backlash he's facing. Plus, we examine Trump's challenge to NATO to aid in keeping shipping lanes open and safe in the Straits of Hormuz. Please take a moment to rate and review the show and then share the episode on social media. You can find me on Facebook, X, Instagram, GETTR, TRUTH Social, TikTok, YouTube and Rumble by searching for The Alan Sanders Show. And, consider becoming a sponsor of the show by visiting my Patreon page!
Right on Radio Sunday Update: The host delivers a rapid-fire, opinionated briefing on major global developments, blending current events, strategic analysis, and biblical framing. Topics covered include recent U.S. strikes on Kharg (Karg) Island in the Straits of Hormuz, analysis of footage suggesting internal Iranian violence, and claims about motives and outcomes — including control of petroleum resources and a proposed exit strategy that relies on other nations policing the strait while the U.S. recoups costs. The host also discusses broader geopolitical realignment: references to the Club of Rome's 10-region maps, the decline of the Commonwealth, possible roles for China, Russia, and Israel, and the formation of regional blocs in the Western Hemisphere. Specific regional updates include Cuba's shifting stance and potential integration into a North/South American alliance, actions against cartels in Mexico, pressure on Canada's government and Five Eyes intelligence relationships, and the U.S. strategic posture enabled by new hypersonic capabilities. The episode interweaves skepticism of mainstream media, warnings about misinformation and AI deepfakes, cultural commentary (including the song “Hope of the Nations”), and the host's religious perspective on unfolding events. Listeners are promised a more detailed, theoretical follow-up show with visual aids, and the episode closes with community-focused, faith-based encouragements to love God, family, and neighbor. Want to Understand and Explain Everything Biblically? Click Here: Decoding the Power of Three: Understand and Explain Everything or go to www.rightonu.com and click learn more. Thank you for Listening to Right on Radio. Prayerfully consider supporting Right on Radio. Click Here for all links, Right on Community ROC, Podcast web links, Freebies, Products (healing mushrooms, EMP Protection) Social media, courses and more...https://linktr.ee/RightonRadio Live Right in the Real World! We talk God and Politics, Faith Based Broadcast News, views, Opinions and Attitudes We are Your News Now. Keep the Faith
Ralph spends the whole hour with progressive activist, Corbin Trent, former communications director for Alexandria Ocasio Cortez to discuss the lack of vision and the spineless leadership in the corporate Democratic Party.Corbin Trent is a co-founder of Brand New Congress and former co-director of Justice Democrats, two grassroots organizations working to elect progressive Democrats to Congress. He was the National Campaign Coordinator for the Bernie Sanders Presidential campaign, and recently served as the Communications Director for Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez. He writes about rebuilding America at AmericasUndoing.com.This is a [Democratic] Party that is led by sinecurists and apparatchiks who never look at themselves in the mirror after they lose to the most vicious, cruel, ignorant, anti-worker, anti-women, anti-environment, anti-small taxpayer, pro-war Republican Party. They never look into it. It's always: they blame the Greens or they blame some third party or Independent candidate. And they never ask themselves why as a national party did they abandon half the country, which are now called red states?Ralph NaderThe Democratic Party I think, ultimately, is leaderless because it's visionless. It doesn't really see. I don't think the Democratic Party as an entity or as an ideology has a real vision for how to go forward differently. And, therefore, it's hard to be led. It's hard to lead if you don't have a direction.Corbin TrentThe Democratic Party—like your Chuck Schumers, like your Hakeem Jeffries, and like most of the people that are elected there and in leadership positions at all, look at this system, the system of neoliberalism, and they think that somehow it's going to magically start working again. And the fact is that it's not. They have been unable so far to internalize the depth of the brokenness of this system. And then really unable to, I think, really internalize why Trump was powerful, why his messages were powerful. They want to look at it through this extremely narrow and negative lens of racism, bigotry and fear. As opposed to a complete and utter disdain for the system which is sucking from their lives and extracting from their communities. And I think that spells trouble.Corbin TrentIt's not my job as a voter to inspire myself to vote for you. It's your job as a candidate or as a party or as somebody to build a vision that inspires me to vote.Corbin TrentNews 3/13/26* This week, the New York City Council held a hearing on proposed legislation to carry out Mayor Zohran Mamdani's pledge to repossess property from “landlords who have racked up housing code violations and debt from unpaid taxes and fines.” This bill would empower the city's Department of Housing Preservation and Development to turn these buildings over to owners they deem “more responsible.” This would be an update of a program the city has tried to implement before, called “third-party transfer.” However, the council is hesitant to take this step, worrying that it could disproportionately affect small landlords that simply lack the resources to fix code violations or pay fees, as opposed to venture capital backed corporate landlords. Rosa Kelly, chief of staff to the housing commissioner, said the department “views the program as a key part of [their] broader enforcement and preservation toolkit to ensure that housing remains safe and livable for New Yorkers.” This from Gothamist.* In more local news, this week Washington D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser released a long-awaited report on congestion traffic pricing in the District of Columbia. According to the Washington Examiner, the study was conducted in 2021 and the Mayor has delayed the release until now. Along with the release of the study, Mayor Bowser sent a letter to D.C. Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, wherein the Mayor described the “congestion pricing tax scheme,” which includes a proposed $10 charge for people entering the city, as a “bad idea,” and argued that D.C. could not be compared to Midtown Manhattan, which recently implemented a successful congestion pricing system. Democratic Socialist Councilwoman and leading Mayoral candidate Janeese Lewis-George refused to dismiss the study out of hand, writing “Now that the report is public, the Council has an opportunity to dig into the findings & explore what they could mean for the District—including opportunities to reduce congestion, improve air quality & public health, & strengthen public transit for residents across the city.”* Meanwhile, on the West Coast, a new poll shows incumbent Mayor Karen Bass drawing under 20% of the vote in the upcoming primary for her reelection campaign. While this still puts Bass in the lead, it is clearly a weak showing and would be far below the 50% threshold she would need to win to avoid a November runoff. This poll also finds former reality television star Spencer Pratt in second place with around 10% support, and councilmember Nithya Raman – who has been both endorsed and censured by DSA LA in the past – in third with just over 9%, per KTLA. The LA Mayoral race mirrors the California gubernatorial race, which features ten candidates, none of whom draws over 20% in the polls. At some point, the party will have to step in to pressure underperforming candidates to drop out and endorse more viable alternatives, but June is quickly approaching with little sign of party unity.* Speaking of the Democrats, POLITICO is out with a new story on how red state Democratic parties are undermining their best chances of toppling incumbent Republican Senators – independent populist left candidates. In Montana, former University of Montana President Seth Bodnar has launched an independent bid for Senate, with the backing of former longtime Montana Democratic Senator Jon Tester. Bodnar filed on the final day candidates could get on the ballot in the state, and on that same day, three-term incumbent Republican Senator Steve Daines announced he would not run for reelection. POLITICO describes this as “an explicit effort to keep Democrats from fielding a strong candidate of their own.” The state party however shows no interest in stepping aside to clear a path for Bodnar. A similar dynamic is unfolding in South Dakota, with the state party feuding with independent candidate Brian Bengs – who has “raised more than five times his Democratic opponent and more than any non-Republican candidate in the state in 16 years” – while in Idaho, former Democratic state lawmaker Todd Achilles is running as an independent and the state party has played their strategy close to the vest. Only in Nebraska has the state party fully thrown their weight behind the popular independent candidate Dan Osborn, who came within approximately 60,000 votes of longtime incumbent Deb Fischer in 2024 and is polling within a single point of Senator Pete Ricketts this cycle.* In Congress, Republicans have independent problems of their own. Last week, Republican Rep. Kevin Kiley announced he would register as “no party preference,” instead of as a Republican, as he seeks reelection to Congress in his newly redrawn California congressional district. Axios quotes a Kiley spokesperson who said it is “not official yet” whether he will leave the party or the conference, adding: “For now, he's just filing as an independent for his reelection campaign.” If Kiley did leave the Republican conference, it would further imperil the Republicans' razor-thin House majority, which has been continuously whittled down over the course of the 119th Congress.* Turning to foreign affairs, Reuters reports that on Sunday, Colombia held congressional elections which saw the leftist Historic Pact win the most seats in the Senate, but with only 25 out of 102 seats, the Pact will have to compete against the right-wing Democratic Center in order to form a coalition government. Democratic Center, led by former President Alvaro Uribe, won 17 seats. Ivan Cepeda, the presidential candidate of Historic Pact, called the election results a “categorical victory.” In the House, Democratic Center won 32 out of 182 seats, followed by the Liberal Party with 31, and the Historic Pact with 29. Colombia will choose a new president in May, but according to Ariel Avila, a re-elected senator from the Green Alliance, whether that president is left or right they will likely face a “vetocracy” where “lawmakers block parties simply because they come from the opposing side.”* In more news from Latin America, the Center for Economic and Policy Research (CEPR) reports the right-wing government of Daniel Noboa in Ecuador has suspended the largest opposition party – the leftist Citizens' Revolution or RC – for nine months. If carried out, RC, led by former leftist president Rafael Correa, will effectively be barred from registering candidates for the 2027 local elections. CEPR Co-Director Mark Weisbrot is quoted saying “The government of President Daniel Noboa, who is strongly backed by President Trump, is trying to accelerate the destruction of what is left of democracy in Ecuador.” CEPR Director of International Policy Alex Main added “Democracy has been under attack since the presidency of Lenín Moreno (2017–2021), with not only the exclusion of political parties, but with persecution by lawfare, the imprisonment or forced exile of political opponents, and Noboa's repeated assumption of ‘emergency' powers and other abuses that have gutted civil liberties.” Recently, President Noboa has been closely collaborating with Trump and the U.S. Southern Command (SOUTHCOM) to carry out joint “lethal kinetic operations” in Ecuador.* Turning to the Middle East, NBC reports Iran is launching its ‘most intense' strikes of the war, firing some of its most advanced ballistic missiles toward Tel Aviv and Haifa and attacking multiple ships attempting passage through the blockaded Straits of Hormuz. Additionally, reports are trickling out through the Israeli press, which operates under military censorship, about high-profile targets being hit inside the country. The Jewish Chronicle confirms Binyah Hevron, son of Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich was wounded by a Hezbollah rocket, with shrapnel penetrating his back and abdomen, while Yahoo News has debunked rumors that an Iranian missile strike killed Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Officially, over 1,200 have been killed by Israeli and American strikes in Iran, according to the Iranian Red Crescent Society, while 570 have been killed in Lebanon. Retlatiatory strikes by Iran have killed 13 in Israel.* Meanwhile, a new wrinkle has emerged in the Paramount-Warner Bros. Discovery deal. Last week, Variety reported that Democratic Senators Elizabeth Warren and Richard Blumenthal have been raising the alarm about financing for this deal coming from Gulf states, including the Qatar Investment Authority, the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority and Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. This duo have called for the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States – an interagency body that reviews foreign investments in American businesses for potential national security risks – to review the deal. Warren told the industry trade publication, “Given the cloud of corruption surrounding the Trump administration's review of this deal from Day One, it's no surprise that Trump's Treasury Department is sticking its head in the sand instead of investigating the national security risks of $24 billion from Middle Eastern sovereign wealth funds apparently flooding this deal. It's American consumers who will pay the price. Thanks to Donald Trump, a Paramount-Warner Bros. merger could mean higher prices and fewer choices, and might allow foreign actors to control what's on our screens or access our private viewing information.” Ironically, the Trump administration's warlike actions in Iran may have inadvertently solved this problem. Gizmodo reports that the Gulf states are now “reviewing current and future investment commitments in order to alleviate some of the anticipated economic strain from the current war.” It is unclear what would happen if the Gulf states rescinded their financing of this deal, seeing as Paramount is the buyer preferred by the Trump administration and has already paid the $2.8 billion “break-up” fee to Netflix stipulated by their previous agreement with WBD.* Finally, a new Pew poll reveals a troubling reality of contemporary American life. According to the poll, which asked people around the world to rate the morality and ethics of others in their country, 53% of U.S. adults say their fellow Americans have bad morals and ethics. While that may not sound so stark, Pew notes that the United States is the only country they surveyed where more adults described the morality and ethics of others living in the country as bad rather than good, with only 47% saying the latter. Turkey came up second, with 51% saying good and 49% saying bad. Pew is careful to state that they have never conducted a poll on this question before, meaning they cannot say whether this is a reflection of long-held beliefs among Americans or a new phenomenon, but it could be the result of long-term trends related to political polarization and the decline in interpersonal trust over the past several decades. Whatever the reasons behind this fact, it presents a formidable problem for political leaders. How can one unify a country wherein the people do not trust one another or even believe that their neighbors are morally and ethically upstanding individuals? Surely there must be a way forward, but what that is I cannot say.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe
Day 13 of Operation Epic Fury. General Caine and Secretary Hegseth briefed this morning and several details aren't getting enough coverage. CENTCOM confirmed all six crew members of the KC-135 mishap have been killed. Watch on Youtube: https://youtu.be/6dMaKZ_8CuE From the briefing: ATACMS — Army Tactical Missile Systems fired from HIMARS — have been used to sink multiple Iranian ships, including a submarine in port. That's a ground-launched ballistic missile being used as an anti-ship weapon and it's a significant shift in how this war is being fought. Today is also the heaviest strike day of the entire campaign by Caine's own account, with over 6,000 targets struck and 99% of today's munitions being delivered overhead — not standoff. That's a permissive environment. We also cover the Strait of Hormuz situation — at least six civilian seafarers killed, tanker traffic down more than 90%, and Caine's direct quote: "The only thing preventing commercial traffic through the Straits right now is Iran. They are the belligerents here." Sources and links in the comments. Air Force Officer Qualifying Test (AFOQT) Prep with AFOQT Wingman https://afoqtwingman.com/Code: AFTERBURN for 10% off
12MAR26: Let Them Eat Lobster, Straits Closed, School Strike Update, Massie, ATACMS vs. PrSM Hosts: Matt & Leeroy Call In Live: +1 (276) 200-2105 Be Heard. Be Bold. No Censorship. Watch Us Here: linktapgo.com/thedumshow thedumshow.com #TheDUMShow #DontUnfriendMe #DUMShowLive #DUMNation #DUMFans #CallInShow #LivePodcast #ConservativeTalk #AmericaFirst #VeteranVoice #MilitaryPerspective #PoliticalCommentary Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-dum-show--6012883/support.
Hour 3 of A&G features... Attack on synagogue in Michigan & Old Dominion shooting Big Foot sightings in Ohio Iran attacks, Straits of Hormuz & a judge makes a great point Healthcare Fraud See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hour 2 of A&G features... Iran leader "disfigured" & the Straits of Hormuz Brain freezing Americans think other Americans suck & reporting on Iran Bitter partisanship See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week, we aren't just talking about movers—we're witnessing a historic disruption in the energy markets. We dive deep into the explosive price action and triple-digit volatility in WTI Crude Oil, where mining in the Straits of Hormuz and tanker attacks have sent WTI and Brent soaring. Is the "par" level the new floor? We break down the massive volume in May 95 calls and the 120-strike volatility crush. In this episode, we cover: Movers & Shakers: Why the light side is dominating with double-digit gains in Energy and Platinum, while Financials lead the slide to the dark side. Equities: A "banger week" for the E-mini S&P 500. We analyze the massive 23% bid in put skew and the 6500/6400/6300 put fly lighting up the tape. Small Caps: Is the rotation dead? We look at the spike in Russell 2000 volume as it flirts with negative territory for the year. Energy Deep Dive: A "ridiculous" amount of volume in Crude. We look at the 95/Par vertical and what December 120 calls tell us about the geopolitical outlook. Don't miss this breakdown of the volatility swings, skew changes, and hot trades at CME Group.
This week, we aren't just talking about movers—we're witnessing a historic disruption in the energy markets. We dive deep into the explosive price action and triple-digit volatility in WTI Crude Oil, where mining in the Straits of Hormuz and tanker attacks have sent WTI and Brent soaring. Is the "par" level the new floor? We break down the massive volume in May 95 calls and the 120-strike volatility crush. In this episode, we cover: Movers & Shakers: Why the light side is dominating with double-digit gains in Energy and Platinum, while Financials lead the slide to the dark side. Equities: A "banger week" for the E-mini S&P 500. We analyze the massive 23% bid in put skew and the 6500/6400/6300 put fly lighting up the tape. Small Caps: Is the rotation dead? We look at the spike in Russell 2000 volume as it flirts with negative territory for the year. Energy Deep Dive: A "ridiculous" amount of volume in Crude. We look at the 95/Par vertical and what December 120 calls tell us about the geopolitical outlook. Don't miss this breakdown of the volatility swings, skew changes, and hot trades at CME Group.
JOIN SHERI HORN HASAN @ https://www.karmicevolution.com/astrologically-speaking for the latest podcast which drops today March 13!This podcast begins by reminding us that we're not in the waning stages of the monthly lunar cycle that began with the February 17 Aquarius New Moon solar eclipse that asked us to plant seeds that help solidify our humanitarian beliefs & that progressive change should benefit all humans equally.What we got, however, by the February 24 waxing first quarter square of the Gemini Moon to the Pisces Sun, was a growing curiosity & questions about why the ideologues in power have more backwards beliefs about true equality.By the March 3 Virgo Full Moon lunar eclipse, our mission was to reveal (& release) all vague, confused & confusing answers to questions seeking facts. Especially since by then the United States had joined Israel to attack Iran on February 28, shortly after the third-quarter waning square of Mars to Uranus on February 27, surprising many. However, by the March 11 third quarter waning square of the Sagittarius Moon to the Pisces Sun, tension grew from asking questions that received no straight or verifiable answers to those focused on the overall strategy & end game for this war.And, as Jupiter stationed direct at 15'05” Cancer on March 12, the energy shifts to where we stand—both personally & collectively—in terms of morals & ethics. Retrograde since last November, Jupiter tasked us to go deep about whether we've been following our heart & souls' true knowledge about what is ethical & moral, or whether we've simply acquiesced to the beliefs of those in power.VENUS IN ARIES, JUPITER DIRECT: MORAL JUSTICE FOR SEX TRAFFICKED RAPE VICTIMSMeanwhile, as more Epstein documents continue to be released, since VE entered war god Mars-ruled Aries on March 6, & as it waxed toward a sextile to PL in AQ March 9/10 there was this from the NYT March 9: “Alexander Brothers Found Guilty of All Counts in Sex-Trafficking Trial The verdict comes more than a month after the trial began in Federal District Court in Manhattan where the jury heard weeks of emotional and often graphic testimony.“Three brothers, including two who were among the country's most prominent real estate brokers, were convicted in Manhattan on Monday of engaging in a yearslong conspiracy to traffic women and girls for sex.“The brothers — Tal and Oren Alexander, who regularly closed multimillion-dollar real estate deals in New York and elsewhere, and Alon Alexander, a security executive — were found guilty on every count they each faced, and could now all face life in prison when they are sentenced on Aug. 6.The verdict comes more than a month after the trial began in Federal District Court in Manhattan, where the jury heard weeks of emotional and often graphic testimony from 11 women who had accused the Alexander brothers of rape or sexual assault. Jurors deliberated for 21 hours. In some cases, the brothers — Tal, 39, and Oren and Alon, twins who are 38 — used drugs to incapacitate their victims before raping them.” We might hope that this is a bellwether for the Epstein scandal & that it's the beginning verdicts that help quench the thirst of those seeking long deprived justice for sexual abuse via international sex trafficking crimes. And that Venus in Aries will ultimately succeed in her her fight to restore the natural order of reverence for feminist anima as sacred.MERCURY RETROGRADE'S BLASTS FROM THE PASTThis podcast also delves into the reemergence of people & events from the past rearing their heads again today. Hmm, speaking of sexual abuse, might this recent verdict be a bellwether for the Epstein case as we learn that FBI is now investigating his sprawling Albuquerque, New Mexico, “Zorro Ranch” property,” which it neglected (or bothered) to search back when. A little Mercury retrograde action again, since the FBI knew about this property a long while back…Next, of course, is the Iran attack redux since both Israel & the U.S. claimed to have obliterated this nation's nuclear capabilities after their attacks back in June of 2025. Oops, maybe not…maybe it's during Mercury's retrograde in Pisces we were able to learn we were lied to, eh? Especially when we remember that Mercury's Hermes is known as “the trickster” in Greek mythology, there's the outdated intelligence used by Defense Department to target what it thought was an Iranian military structure that turned out to be a girls school.U.S. at Fault in Strike on School in Iran, Preliminary Inquiry Says, according to the NYTs on March 11: “Outdated targeting data may have resulted in a mistaken missile strike, according to the ongoing military investigation, which undercuts President Trump's assertion that Iran could be to blame…"...Striking a school full of children is sure to be recorded as one of the most devastating single military errors in recent decades. Iranian officials have said the death toll was at least 175 people, most of them children.” And of course answers from the U.S. Government to direct questions have been muddled & vague. Since Mercury is related to communication, we also have the reemergence of names like Kari Lake-- remember her? She's the right wing former candidate for Arizona Governor who Donald Trump last year appointed as the head of Voice of America, the international broadcast arm of the U.S. Government.There was this from AP on March 8: “Judge Voids Mass Layoffs at Voice of America…Federal judge rules Trump Administration's action to dismantle Voice of America are illegal. The ruling, which said that Kari Lake's appointment to oversee V.O.A.'s parent agency was invalid, was a major rejection of President Trump's attempts to dismantle the government-funded news group.”WATER, WATER, EVERYWHERE, NOR ANY DROP TO DRINKNext, we have the ongoing fall out of the attacks on Iranian infrastructure which seem to align with the recently begun Saturn/Neptune cycle in Aries. Numerous events, including the attacks on Iranian desalination planets, & Iranian retaliation toward nearby Gulf states have resulted thus far in destroying the ability of millions to access clean drinking water.According to the New York Times “…desalination plants in Iran and Bahrain were struck during the escalating conflict, with Iran accusing the U.S. of hitting a facility on Qeshm Island [the largest island in the Persian Gulf] that supplies water to about 30 villages, while Bahrain blamed an Iranian drone for damaging a plant there. “Analysts warned that attacking desalination infrastructure — a primary source of drinking water for millions in the Gulf — marks a serious escalation that could threaten civilian survival and broaden the war's impact beyond military targets.”Never mind the fact that this war has caused the Iranians to close their side of the Straits of Hormuz (Saturn=boundaries; Neptune=water, Aries=action), through which 20% of the world's oil transits. And that the rest of the world struggles to make up for this shortfall by releasing strategic petroleum preserves to tamp down the rise in oil prices, which may see oil rise to upwards of $200 per barrel, as per some experts estimates.And, of course there's the fact that bombing Iran has resulted in setting back the cause of preventing future damaging climate change for who knows how long, but at least decades, according to experts.PISCES NEW MOON: PLANT SEEDS OF GREATER EMPATHY FOR REAL VICTIMSAs we head toward the March 18 Pisces New Moon, which brings both luminaries together at 28'27” PI at 1:20 pm PT & 4:20 pm ET, they are also waxing toward conjunctions with Neptune at 1'42” Aries & Saturn @3'56”, as they begin to separate from now. This podcast delves into more about this lunation, & how by the time it arrives we'll also have the exact conjunction of wounded healer Chiron to chaos-inducer dwarf planet Eris. That's in addition to the March 15 conjunction of Mar & Mercury retrograde in Pisces.The Pisces New Moon chart for Washington, D.C., places the Chiron/Eris conjunction in the 7th House of partnership & partile opposite the Libra Ascendant & transiting Part of Fortune. It seems clear, imo, that America's lack of empathy for those who its actions have killed, maimed, or whose security it has destroyed--& the ensuring pain & chaos it has caused, will not be looked upon kindly by the rest of the world, either friend or foe.Learn more about the current & future Astro News You Can Use @ https://www.karmicevolution.com/astrologically-speaking when this latest podcast drops today March 13! We look also at the Pisces New Moon's square of Venus to Uranus, its position in Donald Trump's chart & how it depicts impulsive decisions that spark trouble for our partnerships. And how, by the time we reach the April 1 Libra Full Moon, we'll be asked to release the Aries Sun's shadow side of going it alone, partnership be damned…See you later! Namaste…
Hour 2 of A&G features... Iran leader "disfigured" & the Straits of Hormuz Brain freezing Americans think other Americans suck & reporting on Iran Bitter partisanship See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Hour 3 of A&G features... Attack on synagogue in Michigan & Old Dominion shooting Big Foot sightings in Ohio Iran attacks, Straits of Hormuz & a judge makes a great point Healthcare Fraud See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Greg Kelly and retired Air Force General Blaine Holt discusses the strategic and domestic complexities of an ongoing conflict with Iran. The conversation highlights the critical mission of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit to secure the Straits of Hormuz, emphasizing that the objective transcends oil to include protecting essential global supplies for agriculture and high-tech manufacturing. Beyond the overseas theater, General Holt warns of potential domestic terror threats and identifies recent industrial incidents as evidence of a "hybrid" battlefield. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
✈️ EPISODE SNAPSHOT Welcome to The Bryan Air Podcast. Boardroom decisions land on your flight deck — we translate them first. We break down executive moves, economic forces, and the technology reshaping how pilots are trained, assessed, and employed. No corporate spin. Just the career intelligence pilots actually need. Three weeks ago, aviation had never looked more optimistic. Then the bombs fell on Iran, the Straits of Hormuz choked, and 46,000 flights vanished from the board. Gulf hubs shut down, jet fuel surged past $3.40 a gallon, and pilots who were flying a hundred hours a month are now sitting at home waiting for a phone call that might not come. We have seen this pattern before — 9/11, 2008, COVID — and every time the industry promises it will be different. Bryan also unveils a brand new AI-powered Risk Management and Decision-Making Simulator built on live FlightRadar24 data, walking through a full demo of the tool designed to fix one of aviation training's biggest blind spots. In this episode of The Bryan Air Podcast, Bryan Roseveare and Ryan Parrock analyse the aviation impact of the Iran conflict, Middle East airspace closures, fuel price surges, pilot job insecurity, the aviation crisis cycle, and a live demo of a new AI-enhanced decision-making training tool for pilots.
4. Colonel Jeff McCausland further analyzes the asymmetric warfare tactics employed by Iran, which include the use of maritime drones to threaten shipping in the Straits of Hormuz. He notes that modern technology, such as Starlink and precise GPS, has shifted the advantage toward the defense, making cheap drones highly effective against expensive platforms like the Patriot missile system. Additionally, he points out that Ukraine has become a significant advisor to Gulf states, sharing advanced drone-countermeasure expertise developed on their own battlefields. (4)1866 PERSIA
What happens to the global economy when a war erupts at the world's most important energy choke point? In this episode, we trace the economic shockwaves already rippling out from Iran: surging oil and gas prices, rising shipping and insurance costs, higher food and fertilizer bills, and the growing threat of a 1970s-style stagflation shock. This is the old nightmare back again, prices rising while growth slows. We explain why the Straits of Hormuz matters so much, why Europe is far more exposed than America, how energy shocks feed into mortgages, inflation and consumer confidence, and why even countries with no direct trade with Iran will still feel the pain. From Beirut to Dublin, from jet fuel to grocery bills, this is the economics of a war that could redraw the Middle East as well as the global economy too. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, and Carl Cannon discuss Democratic Rep. Jim Clyburn (D-SC) who announced this morning that he would seek an 18th term in Congress at the age of 85, amid reports that he was planning to withdraw in hopes of handing his seat to his daughter. Also, Sen. John Cornyn (R-TX) reversed his opposition to ending the filibuster in the Senate in order to secure passage of the Save America Act, claiming the decision was not affected by his hope for President Donald Trump's endorsement in the upcoming run-off election against his challenger, State Attorney General Ken Paxton, for the Republican Senate nomination in Texas. Then, Peter Berkowitz of the Hoover Institution joins the guys to discuss today's announcement by Iran's new supreme leader that the Straits of Hormuz will remain closed, last night's statement by President Trump that the Iran War had already been won, and the future of the world energy market. Next, they talk about today's article in The Washington Post concerning Sen. Markwayne Mullen (R-OK) which reports that he once hired a felon who illegally stored guns at one of Mullins' facilities. Mullen is slated to testify before Congress next week seeking confirmation as Secretary of Homeland Security. Plus, a new music video featuring the AI generated character Tilly Norwood has been released encouraging Hollywood to embrace artificial intelligence, just in time for this year's Oscar weekend. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
11MAR26 Straits Closure, Threat West Coast, Cornyn Caves, Tomahawk News, Trump Vindicated Again, and more. Hosts: Matt & Olivia Call In Live: +1 (276) 200-2105 Be Heard. Be Bold. No Censorship. Watch Us Here: linktapgo.com/thedumshow thedumshow.com #TheDUMShow #DontUnfriendMe #DUMShowLive #DUMNation #DUMFans #CallInShow #LivePodcast #ConservativeTalk #AmericaFirst #VeteranVoice #MilitaryPerspective Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-dum-show--6012883/support.
Andrew Walworth, Tom Bevan, Carl Cannon and RCP White House Correspondent Phil Wegmann discuss extreme partisanship and the Iran War, including how Senators comment following White House briefings. Also, the closing of The Straits of Hormuz and how the price of oil will affect Administration decision making on the war. Then, RCP Senior Elections Analyst Sean Trende joins the team to discuss yesterday's special election results from Georgia, new polling in the California governor's race, and President Donald Trump's trip today to Kentucky and Ohio. Next, they discuss Starbucks' decision to relocate executive offices to Nashville and company founder Howard Schultz' decision to move to Miami in advance of Washington State passing a new tax on millionaires. And lastly, they talk about the recognition of New York City's police for heroism during this Saturday's attempted bombing outside of Gracie Mansion. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
The world's biggest producer of crude oil, the Saudi firm Aramco, has warned of "catastrophic consequences" if the Straits of Hormuz is blocked for an extended period of time. But as war rages in the middle east, and attacks on shipping severely reduce the transportation of oil and gas, Saudi Arabia's East-West oil pipeline has emerged as a critical piece of infrastructure in the global energy system. The CEO of Maersk speaks about the shipping industry's response to US/Israel war on Iran. And Leanna Byrne hears from India where a shortage of LPG is causing headaches for the food preparation industry.
Kevin Mahn, president and chief investment officer at Hennion & Walsh, entered 2026 expecting more volatility from the market and geo-politicla events, and while he "didn't have war in Iran on his dance card," he doesn't think it will change the outcomes all that much. He expects oil markets, for example, to stabilize once investors are certain that the Straits of Hormuz have re-opened, and he thinks there is plenty of opportunity where money has been flowing, into areas like artificial-intelligence infrastructure. All in all, he expects the stock market to celebrate a fourth birthday for the current bull market. Veteran trader Peter Robbins discusses his book, "The Trader's Journey: Navigating the Path to Trading Success," covering how important it is for traders — even investors who want to do modest amounts of transactions with a small percentage of their holdings — to find the system that works for them and their lifestyle, and he talks about how technology has changed trading, but how the evolution in artificial intelligence hasn't made it so that individual investors can't find a working path to success. Allison Hadley discusses a study she did for PartnerCentric.com study looking at AI shopping trends, where she found that nearly half of Americans tried AI-powered shopping last year, buying an average of more than $400 in eight transactions, and nearly two-third of shoppers expect to embrace AI when shopping this year. Despite that advancement, she notes that only 13% of Americans trust AI completely in its shopping recommendations with more than 80 % of consumers verifying its suggestions independently.
Claude wrote these. I did not. Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack are back for Episode 147, recorded on 5 March 2026. It's a massive week of news — a record Kiwi exodus to Australia, a leaked Liberal Party post-mortem, the Star Casino legal fallout, a landmark war in Iran, and a bumper AFL season preview. Settle in.Record Kiwi Migration & Trans-Tasman Economics[00:00:41]The BBC reports New Zealand citizens are leaving at record levels — over 60,000 departed in a single year, the equivalent of 180 people per day. Former PM Jacinda Ardern has joined the exodus, reportedly house-hunting on Sydney's northern beaches. Jack the Insider and Hong Kong Jack debate the merits of the northern beaches vs. the eastern suburbs, and the real net migration figures behind the headlines.Net migration loss from NZ: over 30,000 in 2024 to Australia aloneLong-term departures hit 101,932 in 2023 — remarkable for a nation of 5.3 millionNZ GDP per capita: USD 49,000 vs. Australia's USD 69,000New Zealand has been in negative GDP growth since December 2024, but is forecasting ~4% growth in the next financial yearAustralia has maintained consistent positive GDP growth post-COVID (0.8%–2.5% p.a.)The two countries are described as being at opposite ends of the economic cycleBrief discussion on Jacinda Ardern's post-Harvard career options and what Julia Gillard's post-PM trajectory looks like by comparison
Our CIO and Chief U.S. Equity Strategist Mike Wilson explains why history, technicals and fundamentals suggest a clearer runway for U.S. stocks six months out, despite geopolitical concerns.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Mike Wilson, Morgan Stanley's CIO and Chief U.S. Equity Strategist. Today on the podcast, I'll be discussing the conflict in Iran and what it means for equities. It's Monday, March 9th at 11:30 am in New York. So, let's get after it. While most believe the current equity market correction began in February, it's clear to me that it actually began last fall when liquidity began to tighten. In fact, back in September I warned that the Fed was not doing enough with the balance sheet – and financial conditions were likely to tighten and cause some stress in equities. Starting in October, that stress manifested as a sharp correction in the most speculative parts of the equity market and crypto currencies. The Fed responded by ending its balance sheet reduction earlier than expected and restarting asset purchases which led to strong equity performance in January. At this point, the correction is very well advanced in both time and price, with many stocks down 30 percent, or more. Meanwhile, dispersion has rarely been higher with the spread between winners and losers the highest we have seen in 20+ years. As usual, the markets got it right by anticipating many of the concerns that are now obvious to all. The questions for equity investors now are what will the world look like in six months and are prices cheap enough to start assuming a better future? The short answer is not yet, but get your shopping lists ready. In many ways, we find ourselves in a very similar position to last year. Recall that the major indices started to accelerate lower in Late February and early March. The concern at the time was centered around tariffs, but like today, equity markets had already been trading poorly for months on concerns that had nothing to do with tariffs. This time around, markets have been worried about AI labor disruption, private credit defaults and liquidity shortages long before the Iran conflict escalated. Corrections typically don't end until the best stocks and highest quality indices get hit and that usually takes a bigger shock, like Liberation Day or war. That process has begun with the S&P 500 having its worst week since October. The other thing to consider is that market levels tend to be tied to where they were a year ago. This year-over-year comparison is very important when thinking about support. Given the sharp decline last year, it tells me we have another month during which the equity markets are likely to struggle. Based on this simple observation and other technical indicators, I think the S&P 500 could trade toward 6300 by early April before our favorable fundamental outlook can take hold again. Does this mean we shouldn't worry about the conflict in Iran taking oil prices sustainably above $100? No, but since no one seems to be able to predict the outcome of military conflicts or oil prices, I am not going to try either. Instead, I am going to assume that in six months, things have likely settled down after this initial surge, much like we saw after Russia invaded Ukraine. Importantly, the spike in oil prices is the result of a logistical logjam in the Straits of Hormuz rather than a shortage of supply. That logjam is a real constraint, but necessity is the mother of ingenuity and will likely be solved. Another reason to be optimistic six months out is the broadening in earnings growth, a trend that remains intact and a key call in our 2026 outlook. Secondarily, the US is much more resilient than Asia and Europe to an oil shock given its energy independence. This should attract investor flows back to the US. And finally, tax incentives for capital spending and tax cuts for individuals in the [One] Big Beautiful Bill should provide a positive offset to the higher oil prices in the short term. On the negative side, the flight to quality and safety could lead to more US dollar strength which is a headwind to global liquidity. Bottom line, oil and US dollar strength is likely to persist until the conflict simmers down. While much of the damage has likely been done to the most vulnerable parts of the equity market, the index remains vulnerable to another 5-7 percent downside in my opinion while crowded stocks could see double digit declines before a final low appears next month. Remember market lows happen faster than tops so be ready to add risk in anticipation of the bull market resuming later this year. Thanks for tuning in; I hope you found it informative and useful. Let us know what you think by leaving us a review. And if you find Thoughts on the Market worthwhile, tell a friend or colleague to try it out!
In this episode, we examine the impact of significant disruptions in shipping operations due to the escalating conflict in the Gulf region.Seatrade Maritime News Editor Marcus Hand speaks with maritime lawyer Menelaus Kouzoupis, Partner with Stephenson Harwood, who provides insights into the legal implications for shipowners navigating these turbulent times. From the de facto closure of the Straits of Hormuz to the skyrocketing war risk insurance premiums, this discussion sheds light on the complex challenges faced by the shipping industry amidst geopolitical tensions.The conversation coversThe current situationIs the Strait of Hormuz closed?The impact on insurance premiumsVessels stranded in the Gulf – who pays?Can a shipowner refuse to sail?The risks to vessels stranded in the regionThe difficult situation faced by crewThe possibility of naval escortsListen now to hear more about all of these crucial topicsIf you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe to ensure you don't miss our latest uploads. For the latest news on the shipping and maritime industries, visit www.searade-maritime.com.Connect with Marcus Hand, Editor of Seatrade Maritime News:Follow on Twitter: https://twitter.com/marcushand1 Follow on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marcus-hand-b00a317/Don't forget to join the conversation and let us know what topics you want us to cover in future on Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn
The war in Iran, initiated by the U.S. and Israel, may have trapped some twenty per cent of the world's fossil fuels, but sunshine is still free to shine anywhere in the world.This webinar, organised by "Covering Climate Now", was a press briefing considering "The Iran War and the Climate Emergency".Two websites mentioned by speakers that would help reporters covering the Iran conflict were "Forensic Architecture" and the "Conflict Observatory".
Kia ora. Welcome to Monday's Economy Watch where we follow the economic events and trends that affect Aotearoa/New Zealand. I'm David Chaston and this is the international edition from Interest.co.nz. Today we lead with news of zero progress in the mess in the Middle East. In fact, it has probably gotten worse. And in the week ahead, geopolitical developments will likely dictate global market directions. Reports by the IEA and OPEC this week will reveal how the institutions see the supply shock of seaborne energy from the Persian Gulf. The spotlight on US economic data will be on consumer inflation for February (Thursday) and PCE for January (Saturday). Both are expected to rise (CPI to 2.5%, PCE to 2.9%) but everyone will know this is the base on what the March data (released on April 11) will be built on. Where US inflation goes, the bond market goes, and the cost of money locally, Of course, we will be tracking that for you. In China, they will release February inflation data, with headline CPI expected to firm to 0.8% from 0.2%, while producer prices are likely to decline at a slightly slower pace of 1.1%. They will also release new yuan loans data which is expected to decline in February, partly reflecting seasonal weakness linked to the Lunar New Year holidays. In Japan, we will get updated machine tool orders results. In Australia, it will be about consumer and business confidence, consumer inflation expectations. In India, it will also be about CPI data. Locally, apart from some retail data (card use) and more analysis on mortgage activity, data releases will be relatively quiet this week. But there will be plenty of news to follow, especially flowing from the consequences of shrinking workforces in the US, which will have global implications. The US economy shed -92,000 jobs in February at the headline level, the most in four months, following a downwardly revised +126,000 rise in January and much worse than forecasts of a +59,000 gain. From a year ago, payrolls are up +129,000 and that is unusually low. Apart from December's tiny +59,000 year-on-year gain you have to go back to the pandemic (and Trump 1) to find as weak a rise. It gets worse by broadening the view of all employment, not just payroll employment. That broader view shows overall employment down -391,000 in February from a year ago, the second consecutive shrinkage. US retail sales inched lower by -0.2% in January from December, slightly less that the expected dip. It was the first decline since October. From a year ago, they are +3.1% higher. Most of this is accounted for by 2.5% CPI core inflation. US inflation may be about to get a shock. Petrol pump prices are up today +10% from a year ago, up +18% from a month ago. And these costs are only just getting started with US crude oil up +35% in a week, up the same in a year. When US March CPI is reported, the Fed won't be able to look away. They are facing fast-weakening labour markets and fast rising inflation. They have a dual mandate so they will have to choose what to prioritise. The simple fact is that inflation problems are harder to remedy using monetary policy tools than the labour market. Absent political pressure, they would want to fight inflation first. (If they choose the other goal, they will embed inflation for a very long time.) In Canada, their widely-watched Ivey PMI surged higher in February, a strong expansion signal, to its best since September 2025, and prior to that its best since July 2024. In the Persian Gulf, the Qatari oil minister said in the next few days they have to decide whether to declare force majeure, releasing them from obligations to deliver supplies to customers. He said that could drive crude prices to US$150/bbl. There are still no ships transiting the Straits of Hormuz - except Iran-linked ones. China's foreign exchange reserves rose to US$3.428 tln in February, a small +US$30 bln increase over the previous month and the seventh consecutive monthly gain. These are now back to their highest level since November 2015. USD weakness helped, but it is clear US efforts to 'contain China' aren't working at the most fundamental level. Meanwhile, they bought slightly more gold and now have 74.22 mln troy ounces. American missteps have juiced the price of gold of course, so the value of their holdings rose +US$20 bln to US$388 bln at the end of February, now 11% of their total reserves. After falling consistently since August, the FAO food price index rose in February, basically tracking similar levels for the start of 2025. But there is wide variation between categories. Meat prices are steady, Dairy prices are falling as is sugar. Dairy prices are now at their lowest since the start of 2024. But vegetable oils are rising, and fast, with cereal prices turning higher too. Meanwhile, metals prices are rising, led by aluminium's overnight jump, and it is now approaching the heady heights of the pandemic peaks. Copper and zinc have been rising recently too, even nickel and zinc. Sulphur is another essential commodity at a peak, even higher than the pandemic levels. This is a particular problem for China. But iron ore prices are not joining the party. The UST 10yr yield is now just on 4.13%, up +2 bps from Saturday. The price of gold will start today up +US$28 from Saturday at US$5172/oz. Silver is up +50 USc at US$84.50/oz today. American oil prices are up +US$1, at just under US$91/bbl, while the international Brent price is up a bit less to be now just on US$92.50/bbl. The Kiwi dollar is unchanged against the USD from Saturday, still just on 59 USc. Against the Aussie we are down -10 bps at 84 AUc. We are up +10 bps against the yen. Against the euro we are up +10 bps at 50.9 euro cents. That all means our TWI-5 starts today little-changed at just over 62.7. The bitcoin price starts today at US$66,882 and down -2.0% from this time Saturday. Volatility over the past 24 hours has been moderate at just on +/- 2.5%. You can get more news affecting the economy in New Zealand from interest.co.nz. Kia ora. I'm David Chaston and we'll do this again tomorrow.
Kia ora. Welcome to Friday's Economy Watch where we follow the economic events and trends that affect Aotearoa/New Zealand. I'm David Chaston and this is the international edition from Interest.co.nz. Today we lead with news bankrupt US/Israeli decisions to choose war over peaceful pressure are having global consequences. But first, the Federal Reserve Beige Book for February reported that overall US economic activity increased at a slight to moderate pace in seven of the twelve Federal Reserve Districts, while the number of Districts reporting flat or declining activity increased from four in the prior period to five in the current period. This is not a review that found strong growth. US jobless claims rose last week by +18,000 from the prior week to 213,000 but most of that can be accounted for by seasonal factors. There are now 2.21 mln people on these benefits, similar to this time last year, but significantly higher than the 2024 levels. February announced job cuts were lower than in January, but together the first two months have been almost as high as the equivalent 2025 levels. This survey also tracks hiring plans and that is down more than -50% from last year. Tomorrow the February US non-farm payrolls will be released and analysts expect a low +59,000 gain. That would be half the +130,000 January level, itself historically low. According to AAA monitoring, average petrol prices (91) in the US are now US$3.25/gal (NZ$1.46L / AU$1.23/L) This is up +9% from US$2.98/gal a week ago, up from US$2.89/gal a month ago, or a +12.5% rise. US natural gas prices are up +7.2% over the same time-frame but to be fair are still very low. But in Europe, these prices are up +70% (in the UK) and up 53% (in Germany) for example. In India, natural gas prices have tripled for many users over the past few days. It is natural to wonder what Trump would say if the EU (or India) took unilateral actions that imposed similar cost jumps on the US. It is no longer safe to be a 'friend' of the US, or any country that pursues policies that "put me first". American policymakers are scrambling to assess a wide range of materials where access is at risk. And institutions more broadly are doing the same. We need to start keeping a closer eye on supply chain pressures. The NY Fed's February monitoring shows it elevated but nothing like the pandemic period, although not yet accounting for the current stresses. Taiwanese industrial production rose +28.5% in January from a year ago, no surprise given the export order data we have been noting. But it is their sharpest rise in at least a decade, probably longer. However, things are not positive for Taiwanese retail sales; they actually decreased in January. But this was entirely due to Chinese New Year falling in a different period this year. Singapore retail sales data for January also got twisted by the holiday timing. The Malaysian central bank kept its policy rate unchanged overnight at 2.75%, saying inflation there is well contained. But they are worried about Middle East conflict effects. China said it is lowering its growth target - slightly. Premier Li Qiang is set to announce a "around 4.5 to 5%" target while delivering the government work report, a key policy document, at the opening session of the National People's Congress later today. The departure from the "around 5%" growth target for the past three years signals the start of a period of slower expansion in China. A big focus is on stabilising their moribund real estate markets. 'Stabilising' will undoubtedly mean subsidies and incentives to unlock buyer interest in the sector again. That will be a hard ask, given the widespread pain still in recent memory. EU retail sales rose +2.3% in January, although slightly less in the Euro Area. In Australia, household spending rose +4.6% in January from a year ago, the slowest pace since late May, following a +5.0% rise in December. This was a smaller increase than expected. Global container freight rates, which had been falling every week in 2026 so far, turned +3% higher last week as the early signs of the Middle East pressures started to mount. Outbound China rates are up +10% for the week. However, they are still -23% lower than year-ago levels. It might be different when this week's data is released next week, of course. More currently, bulk cargo rates are up +6% for the week. Shipping traffic in the Straits of Hormuz has ceased altogether. (Live here.) And we should note ships outside the Strait are under attack too, so the conflict stresses are spreading. New Zealand and Australia have significant food exports into the Middle East region, and they are now disrupted. We noted the sharp rise in fertiliser costs yesterday and more broadly, that is bringing warnings of food shortage consequences. And as if these crises aren't enough, overshadowed is the Blue Owl private credit car crash in the US, and the wider concerns about their risky loans. Some insiders are now talking about a consequential "bank run" being caused by this. The UST 10yr yield is now just on 4.14%, up +6 bps from yesterday. The price of gold will start today down -US$71 from yesterday at US$5076/oz. Silver is down -US$2 at US$82/oz today. American oil prices are up more than +US$5.50, up +7% in a day, at just under US$79.50/bbl, while the international Brent price is down the same to be now just on US$84.50/bbl. The Kiwi dollar is down -40 bps against the USD from yesterday, now just on 58.9 USc. Against the Aussie we are up +20 bps at 84.1 AUc. We are down -30 bps against the yen. Against the euro we are down -10 bps at 50.9 euro cents. That all means our TWI-5 starts today down -30 bps, now just over 62.6. The bitcoin price starts today at US$71,316 and down -2.6% from this time yesterday, although holding on to a large part of yesterday's rise. Volatility over the past 24 hours has been moderate at just on +/- 2.1%. You can get more news affecting the economy in New Zealand from interest.co.nz. Kia ora. I'm David Chaston and we'll do this again on Monday.
3-2-20261971 HAHNAZ SQUARE, TEHRANHusain Haqqani critiques inconsistent US leadership and the "fog of war," expressing skepticism that air strikes alone can achieve regime change without ground troops or planning. Guest: Bill Roggio, Husain Haqqani. 1.Husain Haqqani examines Pakistan's military strikes against the Taliban in Kabul, occurring alongside the broader regional instability triggered by US and Israeli strikes on Iran. Guest: Husain Haqqani, Bill Roggio. 2.Bridget Toomey and Bill Roggio puzzle over Houthi restraint despite solidarity with Iran, questioning if capabilities are depleted or being held for strategic reasons. Guest: Bill Roggio, Bridget Toomey. 3.Bridget Toomey details Iraqi militia drone attacks and embassy protests, highlighting Iran's deep influence over Iraqisecurity forces and the potential for further regional chaos. Guest: Bill Roggio, Bridget Toomey. 4.Malcolm Hoenlein reports on the decapitation of Iran's leadership and explores potential coalition governments, including the possible return of the exiled Crown Prince. Guest: Malcolm Hoenlein. 5.Malcolm Hoenlein describes the fluid situation in Lebanon as Hezbollah reactivates, while discussing global economic adjustments and the potential for increased OPEC oil production. Guest: Malcolm Hoenlein. 6.Captain James Fanell assesses US Navy control over the Straits of Hormuz, addressing Iranian propaganda and the accidental loss of US aircraft over Kuwait. Guest: Gordon Chang, Captain James Fanell. 7.Rick Fisher warns of Chinese involvement in Iranian air defenses and the possible transfer of hypersonic missiles, which could escalate the conflict into a stalemate. Guest: Gordon Chang, Rick Fisher. 8.Jonathan Sayeh highlights the revolutionary mindset of young Iranians celebrating the Ayatollah's death, suggesting they are waiting for clear instructions to reclaim their country. Guest: Bill Roggio, Jonathan Sayeh. 9.Jonathan Sayeh details a four-to-five-week military campaign to deplete Iran's missile stockpiles and leadership, paving the way for a potential civilian-led revolutionary uprising. Guest: Bill Roggio, Jonathan Sayeh. 10.Edmond Fitton-Brown discusses Iran's retaliatory strikes on Gulf neighbors like Qatar and the UAE, noting the effectiveness of regional air defenses against Iranian drones. Guest: Bill Roggio, Edmond Fitton-Brown. 11.Experts explore the risks of regime change in Iran, citing historical failures and the country's ethnic complexities while considering the role of the exiled monarchy. Guest: Bill Roggio, Edmond Fitton-Brown. 12.John Hardie explains Russia's marginal influence in the Iran crisis, noting Putin's cautious attempt to balance ties with Trump while focusing resources on Ukraine. Guest: Bill Roggio, John Hardie. 13.Discussion focuses on how the Middle East conflict might divert US interceptor missiles from Ukraine, impacting the ongoing war of attrition against Russian forces. Guest: Bill Roggio, John Hardie. 14.Ahmad Sharawi analyzes Iran's strategy of targeting Gulf civilian infrastructure to pressure the US into de-escalation, despite regional air defenses intercepting many attacks. Guest: Bill Roggio, Ahmad Sharawi. 15.Ahmad Sharawi reports on prisoner exchanges between Damascus and the Druze, suggesting a path toward decentralized stability and minority rights in a war-torn Syria. Guest: Bill Roggio, Ahmad Sharawi. 16.
Live Mar 2, 2026 | Yaron Brook ShowSeason 12, Episode 45Iran War Day 4 -- March 03 | Yaron Brook Show
In Episode 3 of Escaping Calypso's Island, Matt Ehret presents Energy Wars, a powerful deep dive into the battle over energy, abundance, and human potential. Framed around Cynthia Chung's latest film, this episode confronts the idea that scarcity is inevitable and challenges the policies driving the global push toward so called “green” transitions. From the Straits of Hormuz and 1970s oil shocks to Europe's carbon neutral mandates, electric vehicles, solar capacity limits, and the hidden costs of renewables, the discussion exposes how energy policy shapes life expectancy, poverty, and national sovereignty. The episode contrasts energy rich and energy poor nations, highlighting the human cost of unreliable power in places like Gambia and India, while examining Germany's energy crisis and the geopolitical implications of nuclear power. The central question lingers throughout: is this truly about climate science, or about political control over who gets to flourish?
Greg Kelly discusses the strategic significance of the Straits of Hamas and the disruption of global shipping and insurance, while highlighting the battlefield successes and technological precision of Operation Epic Fury as reported by guest General Blaine Holt. The program also delves into domestic political friction, featuring critical evaluations of Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and analysis of the Texas primary elections. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Kia ora. Welcome to Wednesday's Economy Watch where we follow the economic events and trends that affect Aotearoa/New Zealand. I'm David Chaston and this is the international edition from Interest.co.nz. Today we lead with news inflation spike fear is gripping financial markets today as equities fall, bond yields rise, some key commodities like the oil price are spiking, and there is a sharp move toward perceptions of financial 'safety' which is hurting commodity-based currencies like the AUD and the NZD. The fear is based on seeing central banks hiking policy rates to weight against a looming inflation spike, just when economic activity is likely to weaken sharply on the consequences of Trump's wars. The fear is stagflation on steroids. It is affecting investors from New York to Shanghai. And now Trump is blaming friends (Spain, the UK) for not being supportive enough and threatening new trade restrictions. But it isn't universal - yet anyway. First up today, there has been another very good dairy auction overnight, the fifth positive one in a row, delivering prices up overall by +5.7% un USD terms. With the falling NZD, prices are up +8.4% in NZD. Our charts tell the story overall and in product detail. Basically prices are now back to the high 2025 levels in both USD and NZD terms. Yes, analysts will be reaching for their pencils to reassess the season's payout forecast, although we should caution that we are well past the peak of the milk flows - and that volumes offered and sold overnight are falling away seasonally. More broadly, in the US overnight, the February US Logistics Manager survey showed pressure on their system with rising inventories and strained capacity. Meanwhile the RealClearMarkets/TIPP Economic Optimism Index retreated in March from February, and delivering a decline when an rise was expected. This is largely because personal investor sentiment fell sharply as confidence in US government economic policies slipped away. In the Middle East, only one tanker, a Singaporean one, has managed to traverse the Straits of Hormuz in the past day. It's essentially closed still. Insurers have cancelled policies. Now the US says it is considering providing that, at taxpayer expense. The costs of war are broad. The scheduled meeting between Chinese President Xi and US President Trump is still on for the end of March. Given the unhinged policy-making by the US, it is a lottery on how this will play out. Trump will undoubtedly look for short-term, face-savings wins. Xi will be playing a much longer game. Meanwhile, China is putting the finishing touches to its latest five-year plan. We are approaching the rubber-stamp set piece. In Europe, the Euro area inflation rate rose to 1.9% in February, up from 1.7% in January. Although minor it was an unexpected rise. And that pushed core inflation up to 2.4% in February. Given the global rise in uncertainty, and the US/Israel/Iran crisis pushing up their energy costs very sharply in the past few days, these inflation levels are unlikely to stay this low in March, giving the ECB a new headache. In Australia, total residential building consents fell at a -7.2% rate in January, following a -30.7% drop in December. Year on year it is down -15.7%, the largest fall since late 2023. This may have ended the rising trend of approvals that started in July 2024. But there were 9,900 detached houses approved for construction nationally, a 41-month high. The big shortfall is in intensive housing. Australia's current account balance fell by -AU$2.8 bln in December 2025 to a deficit of -AU$21.1 bln. This is its second consecutive fall, driven by a net primary income deficit widening. This will take -0.1 percentage points from the December 2025 GDP result which will be released tomorrow. In public comments yesterday, the RBA governor acknowledged the sudden increase in uncertainty in the global economy, on top of already high uncertainty from Trump's abandonment of an international rules-based order. She said "a supply shock could, for example, add to inflation pressures. And the potential implications for inflation expectations are something we are very alert to. But at the same time, a prolonged impact on energy markets could have adverse effects on global economic activity and result in downward pressure on inflation. It is not obvious how this might play out." Westpac says Brent crude at US$100 is entirely possible in the coming few weeks. The UST 10yr yield is now just on 4.06%, unchanged from yesterday, although it did get up to 4.11% in between. The price of gold will start today down -US$179 from yesterday at US$5117/oz. Silver is down another -US$4 at US$83/oz today. American oil prices are up +US$5.50 at just under US$76/bbl, while the international Brent price is up the same to be now just over US$82.50/bbl. These at +7.5% rises. A collapse in Iranian oil production could have quite deep impacts. The Kiwi dollar is another -50 bps lower against the USD from yesterday, now just on 58.8 USc. Against the Aussie we are down -10 bps at 83.8 AUc. We are down -60 bps against the yen. Against the euro we are unchanged at 50.7 euro cents. That all means our TWI-5 starts today down -40 bps, now just on 62.5 and a new one month low. The bitcoin price starts today at US$67,5755 and down -3.2% from this time yesterday. Volatility over the past 24 hours has been moderate at just under +/- 2.6%. You can get more news affecting the economy in New Zealand from interest.co.nz. Kia ora. I'm David Chaston and we'll do this again tomorrow.
Captain James Fanell assesses US Navy control over the Straits of Hormuz, addressing Iranian propaganda and the accidental loss of US aircraft over Kuwait. Guest: Gordon Chang, Captain James Fanell. 7.1830
Iran has threatened shipping in the Persian Gulf and Straits of Hormuz as fighting between the country and the US and Israel escalates. Today, US President Donald Trump says he took the decision to launch a war against Iran because it was the "last, best chance" to stop the country's regime. We devote the entire programme to the conflict, and enlist a panel of experts to guide us through it: Rana Rahimpour is an Iranian-British journalist and former BBC Persian presenter and reporter; Kirsten Fontenrose was senior director for the Gulf at The US National Security Council in the first Trump Administration; and Sir Simon Fraser is a former head of the Foreign Office, now Chair of the British foreign policy institute Chatham House.Here in the UK, Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK's decision not to join the US-Israeli strikes on Iran was "deliberate", adding his government "does not believe in regime change from the skies". We assess the state of relations between the US and UK.
Argus launched RED-certified sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) and hydrotreated vegetable oil (HVO) fob Strait of Malacca prices in January 2026, to capture growing production capacity and liquidity in the region. Join Alfonso Berrocal (VP, Business Development, Oil Products and SAF) and Sarah Giam (Associate Editor, Biofuels & Net-Zero) as they: Unpack the rationale behind the price launches Share more details on the prices, and how they are assessed Speak about the latest developments on SAF policy, and how regional SAF and HVO markets might pan out in future You can find the detailed methodology for these prices and others in the Argus Biofuels report here.
Runnin’ down the show: Jarod Higginbotham and Shane Magnuson of Yakimabait.com in studio and in town for Sportco’s Springer 101! // Regional Roundup: 2025 Springers by the numbers and the first NOF Forecasts leaking out // The BeauMac TECH Line: How do Columbia RIver spring chinook techniques change from tide water to the Bonneville pool? Jarod and Shane drills down on techniques by river mile // Picks of the week: Canadian Straits Chelan koks, Razor clams and STEELHEAD!
1917 EDGAR RICE BURROUGHS. MARS1.Liz Peek discusses the market's current drift and the continued dominance of Artificial Intelligence, arguing AI is not a bubble but a rapidly adopted technology transforming productivity, with companies underhiring as they assess impact and investors needing exposure to this dominant sector.2.Liz Peek critiques California Governor Gavin Newsom, a potential 2028 presidential candidate, citing California'sstruggles with homelessness, illegal immigration, and a wealth tax driving residents away, characterizing him as a catastrophe whose record undermines his viability.3.Judy Dempsey and Thaddeus Mart dismiss Poland's reparation demands from Russia as political jostling, criticize Senator Rubio's visit to Hungary for bolstering Viktor Orbán, and note the Wagner Group's reported return to Europe as destabilizing.4.Judy Dempsey and Thaddeus Mart identify a leadership void in Europe, noting weakness in Macron and Starmer, arguing Europe possesses treaty tools for defense but lacks political will, often blaming Donald Trump rather than addressing internal paralysis.5.Mary Kissel praises Secretary Rubio's Munich speech for emphasizing Western defense but notes he was softer on China than expected, arguing Europe only strengthens military commitments when shamed by the US or facing immediate threats.6.Mary Kissel analyzes the massive US naval deployment near Iran as a credible threat to force regime compliance, dismissing Iran's military drills in the Straits of Hormuz as feeble, suggesting the administration will use force if Tehran refuses dismantlement.7.Jonathan Schanzer of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies analyzes Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan's disingenuous peace efforts, discusses US demands for Iran's total nuclear dismantlement, and highlights strategic confusion regarding the Board of Peace and Hamas supporters' involvement.8.Jonathan Schanzer describes Syria as effectively a Turkish proxy state viewed with danger by the region, discussing President Trump's announcement of five billion dollars from the Board of Peace for Gaza while expressing skepticism about Turkey and Qatar's reconstruction roles.9.Joseph Sternberg of the Wall Street Journal discusses European leaders finally addressing the continent's economic dysfunction compared to the US, noting proposals for a twenty-eighth regime to simplify business laws while politicians like Meloni and Merz face challenges balancing welfare states with growth reforms.10.Joseph Sternberg analyzes Prime Minister Keir Starmer's crash and burn scenario despite a large parliamentary majority, weakened by scandals and party infighting, with survival relying on the lack of compelling alternatives while constant policy reversals leave his government unable to foster growth.11.Alejandro Peña Esclusa details his transition from businessman to Venezuela's first political prisoner as Hugo Chávez, aided by the São Paulo Forum, dismantled democracy, recounting cacerolazo pot-banging protests and how the regime systematically destroyed the economy and persecuted dissenters.12.Alejandro Peña Esclusa discusses the reported capture of Nicolás Maduro, described as a Cuban asset and drug cartel leader, noting Venezuelans are cautiously celebrating with open protests while threats remain from radical groups and international friction regarding the transition.13.Gregory Copley of Defense & Foreign Affairs discusses the US deployment of one hundred troops to Nigeria to counter ISIS and Boko Haram, arguing stability requires addressing economic disenfranchisement from damming the River Niger rather than treating symptoms with military advisors.14.Gregory Copley reports Nigerian President Tinubu advocates for an African credit rating agency to reduce reliance on external assessments from firms like Moody's, reflecting growing desire for statistical independence and better quantification of local economies to attract investment.15.Gregory Copley argues Europe suffers from a leadership vacuum caused by post-WWII dependency on the US and bureaucratic corrosion within the EU, with economic recovery requiring slashing regulations as current welfare models become unsustainable amidst geopolitical threats.16.Gregory Copley notes that despite scandals surrounding Prince Andrew, the Royal Family remains essential glue holding the UK and Commonwealth together, with the King and working royals performing vital diplomatic functions while spares struggle without defined roles.
Mary Kissel analyzes the massive US naval deployment near Iran as a credible threat to force regime compliance, dismissing Iran's military drills in the Straits of Hormuz as feeble, suggesting the administration will use force if Tehran refuses dismantlement.1900 BRUSSELS
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Frank Urabeck The “SOCKEYEFATHER” on Lake Washington system predator reduction! // Northwest Outdoor Report Brought to you by 3riversmarine.com! // Duckworth Wheelhouse Jason Tonelli pacificangler.ca & vancouversalmonfishing.ca Oh Canada! Chinook in the Straits and coho??? BC Forecasts // FishQCL’s Really? Where? A hard look look at the FishQCL.com Listener trip May 29-June 1
The Steve Gruber Show | Fear, Lies, and Control --- 00:00 - Hour 1 Monologue 19:08 – Dan Doyle, oil industry insider, author of Of Roughnecks & Riches: A Start-Up in the Great American Fracking Boom, and president of Reliance Well Services and Arena Resources. Doyle explains why global oil markets are largely shrugging off President Trump's plans regarding Venezuela. He offers insight into energy geopolitics, production realities, and investor expectations. 27:53 – Nick Hopwood, Founder and President of Peak Wealth, with No Lazy Money. Hopwood breaks down the latest economic outlook, including GDP growth estimates, interest rate trends, and refinancing opportunities, while warning listeners to prepare for a potential market correction in 2026. He also discusses early-year financial goal setting. Visit PeakWM.com/Gruber for a free social security analysis 38:06 - Hour 2 Monologue 47:01 – Carolyn D. Gorman, Paulson Policy Analyst at the Manhattan Institute. Gorman discusses a new issue brief arguing that universal mental health screenings in schools may do more harm than good. She explains how well-intentioned policies can negatively impact students with mental illness. 57:04 – James Fitzpatrick, Director of the Center to Advance Security in America (CASA). Fitzpatrick reveals how some Minnesota schools are allegedly helping individuals evade ICE enforcement. He explains why this raises serious concerns about public safety and the rule of law. 1:05:49 – Dr. John Lucey, food science professor at the University of Wisconsin–Madison. Dr. Lucey breaks down the science behind raw milk and what Michigan residents should know before consuming it. He explains the risks, benefits, and common misconceptions surrounding raw dairy products. 1:15:28 - Hour 3 Monologue 1:24:14 – Ronna McDaniel, Chief Executive Officer of the Michigan Forward Network. McDaniel discusses rising energy costs in Michigan and recaps the state's job outlook following President Trump's recent visit. She also addresses a growing story highlighting what she calls Democratic hypocrisy on diversity. 1:34:09 – Ryan Duffy, member of the Enbridge Communications Team. Duffy explains a recent federal court decision that delivered a major win for Line 5 and provides an update on the tunnel project's timeline. He also discusses winter safety operations at the Straits and how Enbridge is learning from other tunnel projects. 1:42:50 – Ivey Gruber, President of the Michigan Talk Network. Gruber reacts to winter snowstorms hammering the Midwest and shares a story about a Plymouth Barracuda selling for $3.3 million. The segment wraps up with a fun discussion on eight of the happiest foods to eat. --- Visit Steve's website: https://stevegruber.com TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@stevegrubershow Truth: https://truthsocial.com/@stevegrubershow Gettr: https://gettr.com/user/stevegruber Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/stevegrubershow Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stevegrubershow/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/Stevegrubershow Rumble: https://rumble.com/user/TheSteveGruberShow