Podcasts about Strategic Petroleum Reserve

On this episode of the MeidasTouch Podcast, Ben, Brett and Jordy discuss the latest escalation in Trump's war with Iran as U.S. strikes are met with attacks on American bases, while Trump posts bizarre AI war videos and threatens even more military action. The brothers break down Trump's escalating trade war with Canada and scrutinize his newly announced Venezuela oil "deal," including exposing how his promises on gas prices and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve don't add up. They also cover growing turmoil inside the Pentagon, from Army Secretary Dan Driscoll's resignation to revelations about MAGA influencers working for the federal government and a reported revolt among top military leaders over the administration's war plans. Plus, they discuss the Supreme Court allowing Trump's ballroom construction to continue and much more. Deals from our sponsors!  Mud/WTR: Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR with code MEIDAS at https://mudwtr.com/Meidas! #mudwtrpod Leaf Filter: Schedule your free inspection and get up to 30% off your entire purchase at https://leaffilter.com/meidas The Perfect Jean: F*%k your khakis and get The Perfect Jean 15% off with the code TRUTH15 at https://theperfectjean.nyc/truth15 #theperfectjeanpod Draft Kings:: New DraftKings customers, sign up with code MEIDAS spend five bucks to get $200 in rewards within 21 days - includes all markets. That's code MEIDAS. In Partnership with DraftKings. The Crown Is Yours. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER, 1-800-MY RESET. Connecticut: call 888-789-7777, visit CCPG.org. On behalf of Boot Hill Casino in Kansas. RO: Go to https://RO.CO/MEIDAS to see if you qualify. Subscribe to Meidas+ at https://meidasplus.com Get Meidas Merch: https://store.meidastouch.com Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af Sidebar with Katie Phang: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/sidebar-with-katie-phang/id1886801652 The Parnas Perspective: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-parnas-perspective/id1869165949 The Intersection with Michael Popok: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-intersection-with-michael-popok/id1818863274 Scott MacFarlane Reports: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/scott-macfarlane-reports/id6807138300 MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Ken Harbaugh Show: https://meidasnews.com/tag/the-ken-harbaugh-show The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Five Minute News: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/five-minute-news/id1471715443 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

President Trump has announced a historic oil deal with Venezuela which grants the U.S. access to billions of barrels in proven reserves. FOX Business Network Contributor and Oil Market Analyst at the Price Futures Group Phil Flynn joins the Rundown to explain why the agreement could be a "generational game changer" for the nation's energy security, how it impacts the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the immediate impact on pump prices and why a "new era of low prices" is on the horizon. After devastating flooding and mudslides swept through the mountainous Nepal-China border, hundreds are dead and thousands remain missing, including dozens of Americans. As rescue crews work to reach isolated communities in the Himalayas and families search for loved ones, questions remain about what caused the catastrophic landslide and debris flow. Philip Prince, geologist with Appalachian Landslide Consultants and adjunct professor at Virginia Tech, joins the Rundown to explain what may have triggered the disaster and if early warnings can be provided in the future to populations at risk. PLUS, commentary by Ted Jenkin, President of Exit Stage Left Advisors and Host of The Red, White & Green Show. PHOTO CREDIT: AP IMAGES Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Iran war has reached the six-month mark, far beyond the quick victory Trump once promised. Pakistan says it's still working on diplomacy to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, while Trump says he has no timetable for ending the conflict and insists the United States is winning. The big story is that there now appears to be free passage through the American-controlled corridor off Oman's coast. About half of the prewar oil traffic is reportedly getting through. That would represent a significant loss of Iranian leverage — but only if crude prices begin to fall.Brent crude remains just under $90 a barrel. That's the low end of high, not the meaningful decline we saw during the memorandum-of-understanding period. Iran is at an impasse. Regime leaders have reportedly been doxxed, people aren't getting paid because the country can't move oil, and there are rumors that the supreme leader may be dead. If Iran's leverage since the revolution was “Don't interact with us or we'll derail the world economy and set the region on fire,” that doesn't appear to have happened. Its proxies haven't ignited the region, its oil isn't moving normally, and it may now be operating without a supreme leader.Politically, though, this has been an absolute disaster for Trump. It fractured his right flank and gave independent voters permission to say, “No, this guy sucks. He lied.” He called himself the president of peace, and now we've been at war with Iran for six months. Iran's goal is to make Trump pay in the midterms, and Trump is doing a lot to help. He doesn't have tremendous instincts for winning races when he isn't on the ballot.Politics Politics Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.The administration may be looking to Venezuela for relief. It's negotiating with the interim government for American ownership stakes in more than a dozen productive oil fields holding about 90 billion barrels of proven reserves. Venezuela would receive investment and additional revenue while American and other private firms rebuilt production. Is this energy security or an extraordinary American claim on another country's resources? To quote the Stephen A. Smith meme: We don't care. At least not when it comes to the one thing that matters in American politics — gas prices.So go gas prices, so goes the economy, inflation, and probably the midterms. Trump's original pitch was that tariffs might create instability and make foreign goods more expensive, but Americans could count on cheaper energy. A funny thing happened on the way to Tehran, and that got screwed up. More Venezuelan oil could push prices down and make it easier to refill the Strategic Petroleum Reserve without buying expensive crude. It would also almost certainly benefit the oil companies that remain furious about Hugo Chávez taking their equipment.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:02:14 - Trade War with Canada00:34:44 - Update00:36:49 - Iran00:42:19 - Venezuelan Oil00:45:13 - 9/11 Trial00:47:25 - Evan Scrimshaw's Midterm Picks01:25:03 - NFL01:48:34 - Wrap-up This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe

Listen/Watch the FULL EPISODE ad-free/early on Substack: https://coffeeandamike.substack.com/ Dave Collum is a professor of organic chemistry from Cornell University. He joins economic researcher and founder of Peak Prosperity Chris Martenson to discuss the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, traffic in the Strait of Hormuz, digital tokenization, global food emergency, and much more. PLEASE SUBSCRIBE LIKE AND SHARE THIS PODCAST!!!    Follow Me X- https://x.com/CoffeeandaMike IG- https://www.instagram.com/coffeeandamike/ Facebook- https://www.facebook.com/CoffeeandaMike/ YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@Coffeeandamike Rumble- https://rumble.com/search/all?q=coffee%20and%20a%20mike Substack- https://coffeeandamike.substack.com/ Apple Podcasts- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/coffee-and-a-mike/id1436799008 Gab- https://gab.com/CoffeeandaMike Locals- https://coffeeandamike.locals.com/ Website- www.coffeeandamike.com Email- info@coffeeandamike.com   Support My Work Venmo- https://www.venmo.com/u/coffeeandamike Paypal- https://www.paypal.com/biz/profile/Coffeeandamike Substack- https://coffeeandamike.substack.com/ Patreon- http://patreon.com/coffeeandamike Locals- https://coffeeandamike.locals.com/ Cash App- https://cash.app/$coffeeandamike Buy Me a Coffee- https://buymeacoffee.com/coffeeandamike Bitcoin- coffeeandamike@strike.me   Mail Check or Money Order- Coffee and a Mike LLC P.O. Box 25383 Scottsdale, AZ 85255-9998   Follow Dave X- https://x.com/DavidBCollum   Follow Chris Martenson Website- https://peakprosperity.com/ X- https://x.com/chrismartenson?s=20 YouTube- https://www.youtube.com/@PeakProsperity   Sponsors Vaulted/Precious Metals- https://vaulted.blbvux.net/coffeeandamike McAlvany Precious Metals- https://mcalvany.com/coffeeandamike/  

//The Wire//2300Z August 24, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: BODY DUMP SITE LOCATED IN OREGON. MARITIME TRAFFIC IN MIDDLE EAST REMAINS STAGNANT AS HOUTHIS STRIKE SHIP IN RED SEA. RENO WILDFIRE CONTINUES TO THREATEN SUBURBS.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE-----  -International Events-Red Sea/HOA: This morning a merchant vessel was struck by an unidentified munition in the Red Sea, to the west of the port of Yanbu. The M/V AMZAN was struck by the Houthis while transiting the Red Sea, and as of this afternoon remains on fire.Ukraine: This morning a mass stabbing attack was reported at a monetary in Donestk. An unidentified group of assailants breached the compound of the Holy Dormition Svyatogorsk Lavra Monastery, and began attacking the clergymen living at the compound. This attack resulted in the murder of at least one monk, and the wounding of several others. An investigation is currently underway to identify the culprits of the attack.-HomeFront-New York: Over the weekend, Buffalo-Niagara International Airport ran out of jet fuel, resulting in aircraft diverting to other airports to refuel. Delays continued throughout the evening for some flights, with most flights returning to normal this morning.Analyst Comment: This is more of a localized issue resulting with problems internal to the airport. Initially, statements indicated that the problem was within the supply chain itself, as this airport is supplied by trucks carrying fuel and not a pipeline like many other airports. However this afternoon, the airport stated that the issue was due to an electrical wiring problem at the fuel point.Oregon: On Saturday, authorities discovered a body dump site at a rural home in Washington County. Local authorities initially responded to a fire at a residence on NW Otis Lane, after neighbors reported seeing a vehicle on fire at this location. Once firefighters arrived on scene, they discovered a series of human remains. All total, 5x bodies were found at this location, along with several deceased animals. Once police arrived on scene, the suspect was identified as Benjamin Charles Parker, who was tracked to an undisclosed location in Enumclaw, WA. At this location, Parker was discovered deceased in his vehicle. No further information has been provided on this incident, and the investigation into what actually happened continues.Nevada: Major wildfires continue to spread in the vicinity of Reno, with roughly 14,000 homes remaining under mandatory evacuation orders. Residential areas to the north and west of the city remain threatened as the Hawk Fire remains at zero-percent containment. Local authorities state that this fire was caused by human activity, though the exact point and circumstances of the origin has not yet been disclosed.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: In the Middle East, maritime traffic throughout the region remains stagnant as the war of information continues. On Friday, reports circulated claiming that 40x ships passed through the Strait of Hormuz secretly, using the southern Omani route. In reality, this report is a complete fabrication. Not only is merchant traffic easily verifiable via a number of sources, but the UKMTO themselves (which work for USNAVCENT) stated that this entire week, the amount of traffic through the Strait has been in the "single digits" both ways.This report was almost certainly intended to manipulate financial markets once again, as Brent crude started climbing back up due to the announcement of the economic warfare campaign intended for Iran. TankerTrackers has stated that all total, over the past 7 days, the entire region has exported 6 million barrels of oil per day, though not all of such has transited the Strait (some has originated from Oman and the UAE, which have pipelines bypassing the Strait). This figure is also the totality of petroleum that has been exported to the global market; the exact amount of petroleum which has specifically been exported to the United States is not as easy to parse from the total. Nevertheless, the total figure is still much less than the pre-war average of roughly 20 million barrels per day, which is the main reason for why the United States continues to drain the Strategic Petroleum Reserve.Analyst: S2A1 Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground NomadNet: 5fa68c88be727a0e1a250a75e5e79269 Disclaimer: No LLMs were used in the writing of this report. //END REPORT//

Adam Butcher joins Brian Nichols to reveal what's actually driving your electricity bill higher and why blaming data centers and AI misses the real story about America's energy supply.Everybody's pointing at the data centers. Adam isn't.He's the President and Managing Partner of Basin Ventures. He's managed over $1.25 billion in oil and gas projects for more than 50 players in the industry and deployed over $500 million into minerals and royalties. He's a land guy - leases, title, ownership - which means he sees the part of this story nobody on cable news covers.And he came on with a number that stopped me cold. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is at its lowest level since 1983. Roughly 35 days of cover. Draining every single week. Adam's take? Cheap oil is a mirage... and we've been hiding that with artificial levers instead of taking our medicine.So I brought him the stat sheet. Retail electricity up 7% in 2025. Up roughly 40% since 2021. Utilities requested $31 billion in rate hikes in 2025 versus $15 billion the year before. Another $9.4 billion in Q1 of 2026 alone. Virginia has 663 data centers, Texas has 405, together over a quarter of every data center in the country.And Adam looked at all of it and called data centers the new boogeyman.We get into Venezuela and why 2028 is the real timeline. We get into why he says he's always made more money under Democrats than Republicans. We get into the LNG export shutdown, ERCOT's grid math, Zuckerberg's city-sized facility outside Shreveport, and why he moved his fund to 50/50 oil and gas betting on a 2027 boom.Meet people where they're at. Most folks don't care about megawatts... they care about the number at the bottom of the envelope. So that's where we started.CHAPTERS00:00 Somebody's Paying For The Wires02:26 Billy Bob Made Us Famous03:35 The $60 Call He Made In June04:05 Cheap Oil Is A Mirage08:03 Venezuela Won't Save Us Until 202811:48 I Make More Money Under Democrats13:23 The LNG Shutdown Nobody Talks About15:24 The Snake Problem18:27 What Oil Should Actually Cost22:11 We Have To Take Our Medicine22:46 Your Bill Went Up 40 Percent25:05 Data Centers Are The New Boogeyman29:15 Texas Needs 5X Its Power31:06 Final ThoughtsCONNECT WITH ADAM BUTCHERBasin Ventures: https://www.basinventures.comAdam's bio: https://www.basinventures.com/team/adam-butcherLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamwbutcherSUPPORT THE SHOWCardio Miracle - https://cardiomiracle.com/TBNS - use code TBNS for 15% offCONNECT WITH BRIANhttps://www.briannicholsshow.combrian@briannicholsshow.comX, Facebook, Instagram: @BNicholsLibertyRecorded at Cardio Miracle Studios in eastern Indiana. New episodes Thursdays.Educated. Enlightened. Informed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Adam Butcher joins Brian Nichols to reveal what's actually driving your electricity bill higher and why blaming data centers and AI misses the real story about America's energy supply.Everybody's pointing at the data centers. Adam isn't.He's the President and Managing Partner of Basin Ventures. He's managed over $1.25 billion in oil and gas projects for more than 50 players in the industry and deployed over $500 million into minerals and royalties. He's a land guy - leases, title, ownership - which means he sees the part of this story nobody on cable news covers.And he came on with a number that stopped me cold. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is at its lowest level since 1983. Roughly 35 days of cover. Draining every single week. Adam's take? Cheap oil is a mirage... and we've been hiding that with artificial levers instead of taking our medicine.So I brought him the stat sheet. Retail electricity up 7% in 2025. Up roughly 40% since 2021. Utilities requested $31 billion in rate hikes in 2025 versus $15 billion the year before. Another $9.4 billion in Q1 of 2026 alone. Virginia has 663 data centers, Texas has 405, together over a quarter of every data center in the country.And Adam looked at all of it and called data centers the new boogeyman.We get into Venezuela and why 2028 is the real timeline. We get into why he says he's always made more money under Democrats than Republicans. We get into the LNG export shutdown, ERCOT's grid math, Zuckerberg's city-sized facility outside Shreveport, and why he moved his fund to 50/50 oil and gas betting on a 2027 boom.Meet people where they're at. Most folks don't care about megawatts... they care about the number at the bottom of the envelope. So that's where we started.CHAPTERS00:00 Somebody's Paying For The Wires02:26 Billy Bob Made Us Famous03:35 The $60 Call He Made In June04:05 Cheap Oil Is A Mirage08:03 Venezuela Won't Save Us Until 202811:48 I Make More Money Under Democrats13:23 The LNG Shutdown Nobody Talks About15:24 The Snake Problem18:27 What Oil Should Actually Cost22:11 We Have To Take Our Medicine22:46 Your Bill Went Up 40 Percent25:05 Data Centers Are The New Boogeyman29:15 Texas Needs 5X Its Power31:06 Final ThoughtsCONNECT WITH ADAM BUTCHERBasin Ventures: https://www.basinventures.comAdam's bio: https://www.basinventures.com/team/adam-butcherLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamwbutcherSUPPORT THE SHOWCardio Miracle - https://cardiomiracle.com/TBNS - use code TBNS for 15% offCONNECT WITH BRIANhttps://www.briannicholsshow.combrian@briannicholsshow.comX, Facebook, Instagram: @BNicholsLibertyRecorded at Cardio Miracle Studios in eastern Indiana. New episodes Thursdays.Educated. Enlightened. Informed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Book a call: https://remnantfinance.com/calendarEmail us at info@remnantfinance.com or visit https://remnantfinance.com for more informationFOLLOW REMNANT FINANCEYoutube: @RemnantFinance (https://www.youtube.com/@RemnantFinance)Facebook: @remnantfinance (https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61560694316588)Twitter: @remnantfinance (https://x.com/remnantfinance)TikTok: @RemnantFinanceDon't forget to hit LIKE and SUBSCRIBEHans opens this episode with a correction to the original recording, the SECURE 2.0 Act dropped that penalty from 50 percent to 25 percent, and then makes the case that the only incentive that explains the rule at all is that they do not want you leaving it to your children.From there, a macro roundup on the three stories driving the tape right now: the 30-year Treasury clearing above 5.3 percent for the first time since 2007, oil sitting stubbornly in the eighties while the Strategic Petroleum Reserve hits its lowest level since 1982, and the Fed holding its range at 3.5 to 3.75 while the betting markets start pricing a hike rather than a cut. Then a replay of what was, for most of this show's run, its most popular episode. Hans and Brian take apart the conventional financial planning model, starting with the assumption buried underneath all of it: that anyone can predict the future. When you retire, what taxes will be, what inflation does, how long you live, how the market performs. Every one of those has to break your way for the plan to work. Only one has to break against you for it to fall apart.Chapters 00:00 – Opening segment 01:05 – Why part two of the interest rate breakdown is delayed a week 04:55 – Correction: SECURE 2.0 took the RMD penalty from 50 percent to 25 percent 06:45 – The one piece of the tax code Hans cannot steel man 07:00 – How the two gates work: 59 and a half, then 73 08:15 – Reducing the penalty to 10 percent, and why the barrier never really left 10:20 – Tax on the seed versus tax on the harvest 11:55 – Macro roundup: how a Treasury auction actually clears 14:05 – The 30-year breaks 5.3 percent, highest since 2007 14:55 – Heavy federal issuance and the approaching 40 trillion mark 15:50 – AI data center CapEx enters the rate story 16:35 – Three straight down sessions in the S&P 17:00 – Oil, Hormuz, and the lowest SPR level since 1982 20:20 – Why "cooling inflation" is still inflation 22:10 – Replay begins: the airline gig and stop being a passenger 25:50 – What the institutions want, and the four things they are optimizing for 26:40 – Pond money versus river money 27:45 – The blackjack cheat sheet the dealer hands you for free 28:50 – The conventional model in one paragraph 30:50 – Where did 65 come from, and why is it a goal at all 32:25 – The Social Security incentive trap 33:35 – The generation that struck gold on the timeline of history 36:10 – Asset price inflation is not value creation 37:10 – A proposal: let our generation take the hit 40:40 – On spending it all and leaving nothing behind 44:15 – The Waiting List, and what you would actually trade for your children 48:55 – Back to the model: predict the future 50:20 – What will tax rates be in thirty years 53:40 – If taxes double, does your plan survive 53:55 – The family budget slide and what it actually is 59:35 – 1988 prices and the case against linear inflation 1:02:50 – How long will you live, and the barrel of water on the island 1:05:35 – Market performance as a load-bearing assumption 1:06:45 – Closing segmentKey TakeawaysThe conventional plan is a stack of predictions dressed as a strategy. When you retire, what tax brackets look like decades out, what inflation does to the cost of a car or a house, how long you live, and what the market returns over the accumulation window.

Adam Butcher joins Brian Nichols to reveal what's actually driving your electricity bill higher and why blaming data centers and AI misses the real story about America's energy supply. Everybody's pointing at the data centers. Adam isn't. He's the President and Managing Partner of Basin Ventures. He's managed over $1.25 billion in oil and gas projects for more than 50 players in the industry and deployed over $500 million into minerals and royalties. He's a land guy - leases, title, ownership - which means he sees the part of this story nobody on cable news covers. And he came on with a number that stopped me cold. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is at its lowest level since 1983. Roughly 35 days of cover. Draining every single week. Adam's take? Cheap oil is a mirage... and we've been hiding that with artificial levers instead of taking our medicine. So I brought him the stat sheet. Retail electricity up 7% in 2025. Up roughly 40% since 2021. Utilities requested $31 billion in rate hikes in 2025 versus $15 billion the year before. Another $9.4 billion in Q1 of 2026 alone. Virginia has 663 data centers, Texas has 405, together over a quarter of every data center in the country. And Adam looked at all of it and called data centers the new boogeyman. We get into Venezuela and why 2028 is the real timeline. We get into why he says he's always made more money under Democrats than Republicans. We get into the LNG export shutdown, ERCOT's grid math, Zuckerberg's city-sized facility outside Shreveport, and why he moved his fund to 50/50 oil and gas betting on a 2027 boom. Meet people where they're at. Most folks don't care about megawatts... they care about the number at the bottom of the envelope. So that's where we started. CHAPTERS 00:00 Somebody's Paying For The Wires 02:26 Billy Bob Made Us Famous 03:35 The $60 Call He Made In June 04:05 Cheap Oil Is A Mirage 08:03 Venezuela Won't Save Us Until 2028 11:48 I Make More Money Under Democrats 13:23 The LNG Shutdown Nobody Talks About 15:24 The Snake Problem 18:27 What Oil Should Actually Cost 22:11 We Have To Take Our Medicine 22:46 Your Bill Went Up 40 Percent 25:05 Data Centers Are The New Boogeyman 29:15 Texas Needs 5X Its Power 31:06 Final Thoughts CONNECT WITH ADAM BUTCHER Basin Ventures: https://www.basinventures.com Adam's bio: https://www.basinventures.com/team/adam-butcher LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamwbutcher SUPPORT THE SHOW Cardio Miracle - https://cardiomiracle.com/TBNS - use code TBNS for 15% off CONNECT WITH BRIAN https://www.briannicholsshow.com brian@briannicholsshow.com X, Facebook, Instagram: @BNicholsLiberty Recorded at Cardio Miracle Studios in eastern Indiana. New episodes Thursdays. Educated. Enlightened. Informed. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

────────────────────────────────────────[00:00:50]Trump Is Draining the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for Israel's Farcical War — SPR at Historic LowsReleasing reserves for a war with no objective and no timeline that his CIA director called farcical; Trump calls the resulting fuel prices a very small tax.────────────────────────────────────────[00:02:09]Trump Threatened to Bomb Oman — a Long-Term US Ally Brokering a Hormuz Deal to Clean Up His MessOman was negotiating a toll system with Iran to reopen the Strait; Trump threatened to bomb them; his CIA chief called the war farcical.────────────────────────────────────────[00:04:37]Trump's War Has No Objectives, No Timeline, No Coherent Goal — Just Whatever Netanyahu SaysOne day the mission is stopping Iran's bomb; the next it's lower gas prices; Vance says fuel costs is goal one; Trump says Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.────────────────────────────────────────[00:14:53]Kushner Met With Netanyahu to "Finish the Job" in Gaza — Lebanon Hit With Deadliest Escalation of 2026Seven civilians killed in their homes; Hezbollah wounded three IDF soldiers — Israel's response was to bomb houses across multiple towns.────────────────────────────────────────[00:20:56]Iran Is Shifting From Defensive to Fully Offensive — Asymmetric Warfare Inside America Is the Likely ThreatUkraine is hitting Russian Amazon-equivalent warehouses; America is more vulnerable to that attack type; truckers expect diesel over $6 a gallon very soon.────────────────────────────────────────[01:54:43]Oracle's Executive Chair Boasts About Running Illegal AI Operations With People in UniformSarah Katz: we're doing very scary things I can't tell you about — because they're illegal; Ellison controls Oracle, has Trump's ear, and is a hardcore Zionist.────────────────────────────────────────[01:54:43]Trump's Anti-Semitism Chief Wants to Gut the First Amendment — Criticism of Israel Is Anti-SemitismLeo Terrell: anti-Semitism is everywhere; we've got to deal with it at the local level; same playbook as LGBT — speech is violence; control speech everywhere.────────────────────────────────────────[01:54:43]Catholic Bishops Installed a Jewish Woman Who Rejects Christ to Remove Antisemitic Interpretations From the BibleTwo days to issue the statement; Huckabee and Cruz are Christ deniers; Judeo-Christianity is the biggest oxymoron Knight has ever heard.────────────────────────────────────────[00:01:47]Trump's Failures Paving the Way for a Smart Dangerous Socialist — John Birch Freedom Index: Five Out of 100He just entered the race; clever, articulate, and dangerous; statism and corruption create the vacuum these people fill.────────────────────────────────────────[01:54:43]Flock Is a Federally Orchestrated Program — Trump Promises Subsidies to Cities That Buy InHow did Flock know every county would buy? Federal government wants them to; Massey's defund-cities-that-use-Flock approach is the right answer. ──────────────────────────────────────── Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silver For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code “KNIGHT” For high quality made in America products go to HomeSteadProducts.shop and use promo code “Knight” for 10% off your purchases Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.com If you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-show Or you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-david-knight-show--2653468/support.

────────────────────────────────────────[00:00:50]Trump Is Draining the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for Israel's Farcical War — SPR at Historic LowsReleasing reserves for a war with no objective and no timeline that his CIA director called farcical; Trump calls the resulting fuel prices a very small tax.────────────────────────────────────────[00:02:09]Trump Threatened to Bomb Oman — a Long-Term US Ally Brokering a Hormuz Deal to Clean Up His MessOman was negotiating a toll system with Iran to reopen the Strait; Trump threatened to bomb them; his CIA chief called the war farcical.────────────────────────────────────────[00:04:37]Trump's War Has No Objectives, No Timeline, No Coherent Goal — Just Whatever Netanyahu SaysOne day the mission is stopping Iran's bomb; the next it's lower gas prices; Vance says fuel costs is goal one; Trump says Iran can never have a nuclear weapon.────────────────────────────────────────[00:14:53]Kushner Met With Netanyahu to "Finish the Job" in Gaza — Lebanon Hit With Deadliest Escalation of 2026Seven civilians killed in their homes; Hezbollah wounded three IDF soldiers — Israel's response was to bomb houses across multiple towns.────────────────────────────────────────[00:20:56]Iran Is Shifting From Defensive to Fully Offensive — Asymmetric Warfare Inside America Is the Likely ThreatUkraine is hitting Russian Amazon-equivalent warehouses; America is more vulnerable to that attack type; truckers expect diesel over $6 a gallon very soon.────────────────────────────────────────[01:54:43]Oracle's Executive Chair Boasts About Running Illegal AI Operations With People in UniformSarah Katz: we're doing very scary things I can't tell you about — because they're illegal; Ellison controls Oracle, has Trump's ear, and is a hardcore Zionist.────────────────────────────────────────[01:54:43]Trump's Anti-Semitism Chief Wants to Gut the First Amendment — Criticism of Israel Is Anti-SemitismLeo Terrell: anti-Semitism is everywhere; we've got to deal with it at the local level; same playbook as LGBT — speech is violence; control speech everywhere.────────────────────────────────────────[01:54:43]Catholic Bishops Installed a Jewish Woman Who Rejects Christ to Remove Antisemitic Interpretations From the BibleTwo days to issue the statement; Huckabee and Cruz are Christ deniers; Judeo-Christianity is the biggest oxymoron Knight has ever heard.────────────────────────────────────────[00:01:47]Trump's Failures Paving the Way for a Smart Dangerous Socialist — John Birch Freedom Index: Five Out of 100He just entered the race; clever, articulate, and dangerous; statism and corruption create the vacuum these people fill.────────────────────────────────────────[01:54:43]Flock Is a Federally Orchestrated Program — Trump Promises Subsidies to Cities That Buy InHow did Flock know every county would buy? Federal government wants them to; Massey's defund-cities-that-use-Flock approach is the right answer. ──────────────────────────────────────── Money should have intrinsic value AND transactional privacy: Go to https://davidknight.gold/ for great deals on physical gold/silver For 10% off Gerald Celente's prescient Trends Journal, go to https://trendsjournal.com/ and enter the code “KNIGHT” For high quality made in America products go to HomeSteadProducts.shop and use promo code “Knight” for 10% off your purchases Find out more about the show and where you can watch it at TheDavidKnightShow.com If you would like to support the show and our family please consider subscribing monthly here: SubscribeStar https://www.subscribestar.com/the-david-knight-show Or you can send a donation throughMail: David Knight POB 994 Kodak, TN 37764Zelle: @DavidKnightShow@protonmail.comCash App at: $davidknightshowBTC to: bc1qkuec29hkuye4xse9unh7nptvu3y9qmv24vanh7Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-real-david-knight-show--5282736/support.

Day Break | Flock Surveillance Spreads, Socialism Surges & Trump Pushes for Peace --- 00:00 - Monologue 19:12 – Eric Metaxas, author of seven New York Times bestsellers, including his million-selling biography of Dietrich Bonhoeffer. Metaxas discusses his forthcoming book, REVOLUTION: The Birth of the Greatest Nation in the History of the World, exploring America's founding, the revolutionary principles behind the nation, and why that history remains relevant today. 28:12 – Dr. Michael Hutchison, inventor of the NeuroGuard+. Dr. Hutchison discusses the NeuroGuard+ mouthguard and its approach to concussion prevention and sports safety. He highlights testing conducted at Michigan State University and Wayne State University and explains the technology behind the product and its potential benefits for athletes. Learn more at NeuroGuardPlus.com. 38:23 - Monologue Featuring Ivey Gruber 47:25 – Rey “R.T.” Trevino, oil and gas expert and operator of Pecos Country Energy, a privately owned exploration and production company headquartered in Fort Worth. Trevino discusses reports that the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve has fallen to its lowest level since 1983, examining what that means for American energy security, oil markets, and the country's ability to respond to future supply disruptions. 57:37 – Joshua Philipp, award-winning journalist and Senior Investigative Reporter at The Epoch Times, as well as host of The Joshua Philipp Show and Crossroads. Philipp discusses “crypto communism,” examining how communist ideology can evolve, operate under different labels, and influence modern political and cultural movements. 1:06:33 – Scott Greer, author, writer, and podcaster. Greer discusses his book Whitepill: The Online Right and the Making of Trump's America, exploring the evolution of the online right, its relationship with Donald Trump's political movement, and the role internet culture has played in reshaping American politics. 1:16:43 - Monologue 1:25:44 – Michael Letts, law enforcement veteran with more than 30 years of experience and Founder, President, and CEO of InVest USA. Letts discusses reports that ICE could spend up to $20 million on electric-shock gloves, examining the technology, its potential law-enforcement applications, and questions surrounding officer and detainee safety. 1:35:58 – Mollie Engelhart, regenerative farmer and rancher at Sovereignty Ranch. Engelhart discusses reports of lactation in steers at conventional feedlots, examining available data and the questions the phenomenon raises about growth implants, livestock management, and modern agricultural practices. 1:44:52 – Ivey Gruber, President of the Michigan Talk Network. Gruber joins Steve for their regular conversation and commentary on the latest news, culture, and stories of the day. --- Check out our brand new podcast, 'Forgotten America'... Episode 24 is live NOW at Steve Gruber on YouTube! Link below: https://youtu.be/UrGZQdE62jA

August 17, 2026 - Chase Taylor discusses a risk surrounding Iran and global energy markets that he believes investors may be overlooking: whether Iran could attempt to break the blockade through force as economic pressure continues to build. Chase also examines oil's latest breakout, rising long-term Treasury yields, deteriorating Chinese economic data, the potential for Chinese stimulus, and the continued drawdown of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve—and why the eventual end of those releases could dramatically tighten an already stressed global oil market.

Today we learn that Oil jumped 2% and the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve just hit a 43-Year low. Pastor Stan also shares why the dollar might be falling even faster than we expected, and finally, we take a look what might be holding up the Massive Arrests. 00:00 Intro 02:09 Iran 10:20 Dollar Collapse 15:16 Massive Arrests

Today we learn that Oil jumped 2% and the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve just hit a 43-Year low. Pastor Stan also shares why the dollar might be falling even faster than we expected, and finally, we take a look what might be holding up the Massive Arrests. 00:00 Intro 02:09 Iran 10:20 Dollar Collapse 15:16 Massive Arrests

It's Wednesday, August 12th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark and Adam McManus British driver lost car insurance over Christian bumper sticker A British driver lost his car insurance for displaying a Christian message on his vehicle.  Simeon Chandra put handmade “Jesus Loves You” stickers on his car. However, his GoSkippy Insurance broker said he must remove the stickers to retain coverage. The Christian Legal Centre is now supporting him in his ordeal. Andrea Williams, chief executive of the group, said, “Having experienced profound transformation through Jesus, from despair to hope, and from brokenness to purpose, [Simeon] is not ashamed to share what he believes. … If insurers can refuse [coverage] because a customer displays a Christian message, that should alarm everyone who cares about freedom of religion and freedom of expression.” 1 Peter 3:15-16 says, “But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts, and always be ready to give a defense to everyone who asks you a reason for the hope that is in you, with meekness and fear; having a good conscience, that when they defame you as evildoers, those who revile your good conduct in Christ may be ashamed.” To register a polite, on-line complaint with GoSkippy, visit our transcript today at www.TheWorldview.com. European household pets outnumber children Evangelical Focus reports that household pets outnumber children in Europe.  As of 2024, 49 percent of European households owned a pet. Of the 306 million pets in Europe, most were cats followed by dogs and ornamental birds.  By comparison, there are 1.4 million children under the age of 15 in Europe. That means the continent has an average 0.4 children for every pet. In fact, pet dogs now outnumber children in 15 European countries.   Massachusetts legalized killing babies on their birthdays Here in the United States, Massachusetts legalized the killing of unborn babies up to the point of birth on August 10th. Democrat Governor Maura Healey, a lesbian who is faux married to a woman and identifies as a Catholic, signed the abortion bill into law on Monday. The measure allows late-term abortions for any reason. Listen to how Governor Healy asserts that killing a baby is “healthcare” at her press conference. HEALY: “I promise that no matter what Donald Trump or Republicans in Congress, or the Supreme Court does, we're going to continue to make sure that women and families have access to the healthcare that they need right here in Massachusetts. “We know that protecting abortion access and reproductive healthcare has been under fire. We saw it when the Supreme Court overturned Roe in the Dobbs decision back in 2022, the first time a court has ever taken away a right that was given. “We've seen it as Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress continue to pass anti-abortion legislation, including extreme abortion bans. Today, one in three women in America live in a state with an abortion ban. “President Trump's new attorney general, Todd Blanche, over the weekend, said that overturning Roe v. Wade should be made ‘permanent' in every state. That's what we're up against.” Massachusetts is now the 11th state, plus the District of Columbia, to allow abortions up to birth. (Massachusetts joins Alaska, Colorado, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon and Vermont, according to FoxNews.com). Isaiah 59:7 says, “Their feet run to evil, and they make haste to shed innocent blood; their thoughts are thoughts of iniquity; wasting and destruction are in their paths.” ​Trump recommends fewer child vaccines & greater parental authority On August 10th, President Donald Trump signed an executive order on childhood vaccines, recommending fewer ones and that they be spread out over time instead of injecting multiple vaccines in one sitting. Listen to comments from Stephen Miller, the White House Deputy Chief of Staff for Policy. MILLER: “Because of your courage and leadership, Mr. President, millions of parents all over America today are breathing an enormous sigh of relief. I say this as the parent of young children myself. “Millions and millions of parents feel they've been pressured when their children are just weeks out of the hospital to take five shots, six shots, seven shots -- all at once. They're told it'll be normal. Your kid will have a fever of 103 [degrees] for three or four days. Your kid will stop eating for a week. Your kid's going to change all their sleeping. Don't worry; it's totally fine. It's totally normal. Nobody has studied it. Nobody's looked at it. Nobody's thought about it. “The pressure from the pharmaceutical industry and from aspects of the medical industry to pump your kids full of shots days after birth, with no understanding of the long-term consequences, has been a medical travesty.” In addition, the order recommends 11 immunizations for children, down from 18. The order also calls on states to protect parental authority and religious freedom in vaccine decisions.   Specifically, President Trump said in the order, “It is the policy of my administration that federal programs and funding should support maximal parental choice over childhood vaccines.” America's oil reserves dropped to half capacity America's oil reserves have fallen to the lowest level in over 40 years. The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve dropped below 300 million barrels last week. That's less than half of its total capacity and the lowest level since 1983.  In March, President Donald Trump authorized the release of up to 172 million barrels from the reserve in response to the war with Iran.  Churchgoers who attend Bible studies have highest discipleship scores And finally, Lifeway Research reports churchgoers who attend Bible studies have the highest discipleship scores. The discipleship scores highlight characteristics consistently present in the lives of believers who are progressing in their spiritual maturity. U.S Protestant churchgoers who attend a small group Bible study five times or more each month had the highest discipleship scores.  Scott McConnell, executive director of Lifeway Research, said, “The value of small groups is seen in higher levels of evangelism, service, giving, disciplines and relationships among those who regularly participate in small groups of adults from church compared to those who do not.” Acts 2:42 describes the early church: “And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Monday, August 10th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  Plus, you can get the Generations app through Google Play or The App Store. I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Wheat prices surge as dry conditions, disappointing yields, and strong global demand push Kansas City wheat 25 cents higher. SF Daily host Lorrie Boyer breaks down the market moves, geopolitical risks, and key agriculture stories shaping the day.

Oil is a psychological event, and nobody experienced it as one. For ten thousand years, every household chose nightly between eating its oil and burning it for light. Petroleum ended the choice, and this episode is about what winning did to us. Part two of the Parachute Problem finishes Nolan's Odyssey first: the Sea Peoples as the empire's own veterans, Odysseus bringing Troy's tactics home, Athena's amnesia as national dissociation, the war with no ledger. Then the substance: what crude oil actually is, why America has not built a major refinery since 1977, oil and light as interchangeable words in scripture, Christ as an oil word, the 1973 embargo and the inward turn, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve as an unconscious dug into salt, Carbon Democracy, and the question nobody will ask: are we going into a dark age. The Bronze Age left the answer baked into clay, and the only thing that crossed the last dark age was a poem carried between people. Free resources: gettherapybirmingham.com. Support the show with code TAPROOT at Hardy Nutritionals.   oil psychology, petroculture, peak oil, why no new refineries, oil refinery shortage, US refinery 1977, crude oil explained, sweet vs sour crude, 1973 oil embargo, Strategic Petroleum Reserve salt caverns, Carbon Democracy Timothy Mitchell, Bronze Age collapse, Sea Peoples, Odyssey ending explained, Christopher Nolan Odyssey analysis, xenia law of Zeus, Linear B, dark age, Great Endarkenment, energy unconscious, Bataille expenditure, empty self psychology, Jungian psychology, oil and light Bible, Taproot Therapy  

On this episode of the MeidasTouch Podcast, Ben, Jordy, and Brett dissect Trump's rambling  and dangerous Oval Office event on childhood vaccines, including bizarre claims about "vats" of vaccine being "pumped into your child's body" and moments where he visibly struggles to stay awake on camera. They dig into the U.S.-Iran standoff grinding into its fifth month with the Strait of Hormuz still closed, Iran's defiant new list of demands, and a Pentagon scrambling to resupply weapons stocks depleted by the war. The guys also cover mounting economic warning signs at home — soaring gas prices, a Strategic Petroleum Reserve at a 43-year low, and even Republican pollsters sounding alarms ahead of the midterms — plus reports of military families confronting Navy leadership over grim conditions aboard the USS Lincoln. Ben, Brett, and Jordy go through all this and more! Pre-order the new book from MeidasTouch, WTF America?!: The Way Out of This Hell and Back to Democracy, today: https://bit.ly/wtfamericayoutube Deals from our sponsors!  Found: Take back control of your business today — don't wait. Open a Found account at https://found.com Dupe: Go to https://Dupe.com today and find similar products for less. It's 100% free to use. Stop wasting money on brand names and start saving with https://Dupe.com today. MUD/WTR: Start your new morning ritual & get up to 43% off your @MUDWTR with code MEIDAS at https://mudwtr.com/MEIDAS! #mudwtrpod Miracle Made: Upgrade your sleep with Miracle Made! Go to https://TryMiracle.com/meidas and use the code: MEIDAS to claim your FREE 3 PIECE TOWEL SET and SAVE over 40% OFF. Subscribe to Meidas+ at https://meidasplus.com Get Meidas Merch: https://store.meidastouch.com Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Ken Harbaugh Show: https://meidasnews.com/tag/the-ken-harbaugh-show The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Bob's recap of STLV and a big announcement on the forthcoming Trek documentary. Martin Sheen's new promo! Donald hid on the airport catering truck in order to secretly switch aircraft. He used the press and his own staff as human shields. Donald and RFK Junior are going kill many children with new vaccine recommendations. Donald slept during most of the Oval Office event. Iranian official vows to continue the war until Donald is out of office. Strategic Petroleum Reserve is almost drained to nothing. Why is Tim Walz hacking all these water systems? The latest dismal jobs report. Good news about Troth Senchul; Democrats are investigating the indictment of David Hearn; Sen. Kennedy declares the end of the Save Act. With Jody Hamilton, David Ferguson, music by Powder Pink and Sweet, The Wildwoods, and more! Brought to you by Russ Rybicki, SharePower Responsible Investing. Support our sponsors and get free shipping at Quince.com/bob and bollandbranch.com/bob!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Market update for August 11, 2026Check out the Public app for incredible investing tools and to support the show (LINK)Follow us on Instagram (@TheRundownDaily) for bonus content and instant reactions.In today's episode, Zaid covers:The U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve falls below 300 million barrels for the first time since 1983Nvidia teams up with Wall Street for $500 billion to fund AI infrastructureAnthropic targets a September or early October for IPORiot lands a massive Anthropic data-center deal while Rocket Lab warns of another Neutron delaySpaceX finally climbs back above its IPO price after a massive insider-share unlock fails to trigger a selloff

July 31, 2026 – Amazon's earnings, Apple's selloff, soaring Treasury yields, and AI spending continue to send conflicting signals across the market. So what's actually driving prices? Zach Abraham and Chase Taylor discuss why hyperscaler valuations continue to climb despite rising rates, whether Microsoft's accounting changes reveal a deeper issue with AI economics, why Amazon's capital spending could create opportunities elsewhere, and what today's market structure says about price discovery. They also break down developments in the Strait of Hormuz, oil prices, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the Fed's growing challenge as long-term yields rise, and why political incentives continue to shape economic decisions.

https://youtu.be/–TRke8F1qM Recorded July 26 and July 9, 2026 In Episode 161 of the PetroNerds Podcast, Trisha Curtis, CEO of PetroNerds and host of the PetroNerds Podcast, is joined by Stu Turley of Energy News Beat for a wide-ranging discussion on the intersection of energy markets, geopolitics, and national security. Key Takeaways Iran’s threats to the Strait of Hormuz highlight the importance of resilient global energy infrastructure. U.S. oil and natural gas production continue to provide America with a significant economic and geopolitical advantage. China’s investments in coal, synthetic fuels, and energy stockpiling underscore its long-term focus on energy security. Europe’s energy policies continue to challenge industrial competitiveness and grid reliability. Reliable, affordable energy remains the foundation of economic growth and national security. The conversation begins with escalating tensions involving Iran and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz. Trisha and Stu examine attacks on energy infrastructure and shipping, discussing whether Iran’s actions reflect growing leverage or increasing desperation. They also explore how expanding export infrastructure in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates is reducing dependence on one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints. The discussion then shifts to the Strategic Petroleum Reserve and the contrasting energy strategies of the United States and China. While America remains the world’s leading producer of oil and natural gas—with crude production nearing 14 million barrels per day and natural gas output approaching 136 billion cubic feet per day—China continues investing heavily in energy stockpiles, coal-fired generation, and synthetic fuel production to strengthen its long-term energy resilience. Trisha explains why America’s energy abundance extends far beyond production. Refining capacity, pipeline infrastructure, LNG exports, petrochemicals, and manufacturing all contribute to a competitive advantage that supports economic growth while enhancing U.S. influence around the world. China’s approach provides a sharp contrast. The episode examines Beijing’s continued expansion of coal generation and coal-to-liquids projects as part of a broader strategy to reduce dependence on imported oil and prepare for future geopolitical disruptions. Rather than viewing these investments individually, Trisha and Stu discuss how they fit into China’s long-term planning for energy security. The conversation also explores Europe’s evolving energy landscape, including the consequences of reducing domestic coal, nuclear, and oil and gas production while increasing reliance on imported LNG. Trisha and Stu discuss how higher energy costs and declining industrial competitiveness complicate Europe’s efforts to expand defense spending and strengthen economic resilience. The episode concludes with a discussion on electricity markets, grid reliability, ESG and net-zero policies, American manufacturing, NATO, emerging trade relationships, and the growing strategic importance of LNG in global energy markets. The overarching theme is one that has become increasingly clear: energy security is national security. Countries that prioritize reliable, affordable, and scalable energy systems will be better positioned to support economic growth, strengthen national defense, and maintain geopolitical influence in an increasingly competitive world. Listen to the full conversation and subscribe to the PetroNerds Podcast for additional market analysis, geopolitical insights, and expert commentary on the forces shaping global energy.

CNBC Business News Update with Jessica Ettinger - Markets & Business News With Expert Analysis From Top Business Names. Visit CNBC.com For More. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Netflix Is Struggling to Stay on Top…. and the Stock Reflects It For years, Netflix has been the dominant force in streaming, consistently taking market share from its competitors. However, recent data suggests the competition is beginning to chip away at that lead.   Netflix reported earnings last week, and the results showed a company that is executing well. Profits continue to grow, customer cancellations remain among the lowest in the industry, and the company is still producing blockbuster franchises like Bridgerton and Stranger Things that attract millions of viewers.   The concern in the report wasn't profitability, it was engagement. Viewer engagement measures how much time subscribers spend watching content and how often they complete a movie or series. The more engaged customers are, the less likely they are to cancel their subscription in favor of another streaming service. That's why this metric is so important.   Netflix still accounted for 7.8% of total TV viewing in April, making it the largest subscription streaming platform. However, that was its lowest share since May 2025, suggesting competitors are gradually gaining ground.   The stock has reflected those concerns, declining roughly 40% over the past year despite continued earnings growth. I've always liked what Netflix co-founder Reed Hastings had to say as he frequently emphasized the importance of staying focused and keeping the business simple. That's a philosophy that has served our investment firm well over the years.   Now, with increasing competition from Disney, HBO Max, YouTube, and others, Netflix is reportedly exploring additional subscription offerings similar to what Amazon and Apple provide. Personally, I think that would be a mistake.   At this year's Emmy Awards, Netflix earned 111 nominations. Instead of expanding into new subscription services, why not invest even more heavily in creating award-winning shows and movies? If they produced enough quality content to earn 120 or even 130 Emmy nominations next year, subscriber engagement would likely take care of itself.   Sometimes the best strategy isn't to do more, it's to do one thing exceptionally well. What do you think? Have you canceled or considered canceling your Netflix subscription? Or do you still believe Netflix offers the best streaming service?   U.S. oil supplies are falling to concerning levels U.S. oil inventories have fallen to levels that should be a concern. The current U.S. oil stockpile is just under 410 million barrels. On a seasonal basis, we have not seen inventories this low since 2018. The seasonal comparison is important because summer is one of the highest-consumption periods of the year.   The U.S. consumes about 20.6 million barrels of oil per day, produces approximately 13.9 million barrels per day, and relies on imports for roughly 7 million barrels per day. At the same time, the United States exports about 4 million barrels of oil per day, likely because companies can receive higher prices for that oil in international markets. If we somehow stopped producing and importing oil entirely, the current commercial stockpile would last roughly 20 days.   The Strategic Petroleum Reserve, which has been reduced to approximately 317 million barrels, is also at its lowest level since 1983. At current consumption rates, that reserve would represent roughly 15 days of consumption.   Replenishing U.S. oil inventories to higher levels could take many months or even years. Now with WTI oil around $90 a barrel that higher price could actually be a good thing.   You may be wondering why I would say that, especially since higher oil prices often mean higher gas prices at the pump, but higher gas prices may encourage consumers and businesses to reduce their energy consumption. A lower consumption rate could help slow the decline in inventories and give the U.S. a chance to rebuild its oil supplies.   Over the last six months, have you found yourself reducing your energy usage? And do you plan to reduce your consumption going forward?   Banks Had a Great Quarter, Is It Time to Invest? Last week, the banks reported financial results that topped estimates for both earnings and revenue. They also showed improved efficiency as expenses declined as a percentage of revenue. After such a strong quarter, you might think the coast is clear and it's time to invest in the banking sector.   For the cautious investor, however, it's important to look at the other side of the coin. I'm not expecting the banks to fall dramatically but returns going forward could be more muted because of several factors.   First, there is net interest margin, which measures the difference between what a bank earns on its assets and what it pays depositors and debt holders to borrow money. Banks now have very large balance sheets, so even if net interest margins decline, the dollar amount of profits can remain substantial. However, further pressure on margins could still become a headwind for future earnings growth.   There are also other risks for conservative investors to consider. The ongoing situation with Iran could create additional uncertainty. The AI boom could experience a rough patch, and while the economy and labor markets appear strong right now, investors cannot ignore the possibility of an economic slowdown.   Rising interest rates could also prove difficult for banks if rates move significantly higher from current levels, potentially putting pressure on their profit margins. The good news is that bank valuations are not excessively high, which could help limit the downside risk in the event of a market pullback.   To be clear, we are not anticipating a major decline in the banks we hold in our portfolio. However, investors should make sure the banks they own have very strong balance sheets. Strong capital positions and manageable debt can help reduce downside risk if the economic environment becomes more challenging. A strong quarter is certainly a positive sign for the banks, but investors should remember that great earnings today do not always guarantee great returns tomorrow. Valuation, balance-sheet strength, and the economic environment will all play an important role in determining future returns.   Are new homes actually a better deal than existing homes? There is an interesting trend developing in the housing market: the median price of a newly built home is now lower than the median price of an existing home. Historically there has been about a 20% premium for new homes.   At first, that sounds surprising. New homes are typically more expensive, so how can they now be cheaper? One major reason is that the type of new homes being built and sold has changed. Builders are increasingly focusing on smaller homes, townhomes, and more affordable developments. Townhouses now account for about one in five new single-family homes, which is the highest share since the National Association of Home Builders began tracking the data in 1985. In many cases developers are focusing on attainable homes for the middle-class which means the homes are roughly 1,200 to 2,000 square feet on smaller lots. As a result, the median price of a new home can look lower than the median price of an existing home, even though that doesn't necessarily always mean buyers are getting more house for their money.   In other words, the comparison isn't always apples to apples. A new townhome or smaller home may have a lower price than an older, larger single-family home. That can make new construction appear to be a better deal, but buyers need to carefully consider what they are actually comparing.   There are some real advantages to buying new. Builders are offering incentives such as mortgage-rate buydowns and assistance with closing costs. These lower rates make the monthly payment lower and more achievable than a comparable existing home. New homes typically require less maintenance, come with modern finishes and new appliances, are more energy efficient, and often come with warranties.   But there are risks and a big one many people may not consider is lower resale value. Many of these new home developments only provide a handful of floorplans and they are built on a smaller parcel of land, which leads to less distinctive homes. If you go to sell your home within a few years, you may also be competing against the homebuilder if new homes are still being built in the community.   The bottom line: new homes may offer some of the best deals in the housing market right now, but buyers need to look beyond the headline numbers. Compare the size, location, price per square foot, HOA fees, upgrades, and the total monthly cost. A new home may be a better deal than an existing home, but make sure you understand exactly what you are getting for your money.   Stock Trading Is Off the Charts! There is a frenzy happening in the stock market right now. With individuals buying and selling stocks, along with institutional investors constantly trading, Wall Street is generating enormous trading fees. But one has to ask the question: Does all of this activity make sense?   U.S. average daily trading volume in equities and options hit a record in the second quarter, with 73 million options contracts and 20 billion shares traded. Think about that number for a minute: 20 billion shares of stock changing hands over just three months. Let that sink in.   We have not seen this much activity in individual stocks since the end of the dot-com bubble, and we all know how that turned out.   The good news is that, with this frenzy of stock trading, more people are beginning to seek professional help managing their portfolios. The bad news is that many brokers are really just salespeople who may not have a strong investment philosophy or truly understand what they are doing. They will simply ride the wave until the crash comes, just as happened at the end of the tech bust.   Back then, even a year after the market had collapsed, some brokers were still telling their clients to stay invested because the market would eventually come back. I remember an old saying I learned when I first entered the industry: “The broker knows the price of everything and the value of nothing.”   It took the Nasdaq more than 15 years to get back to breakeven after the dot-com bubble burst when it fell close to 80% from top to bottom. That is why it is so important, when seeking financial advice, to understand the investment philosophy of the broker or investment adviser you are working with. Does their philosophy make sense to you? Does it align with your goals? And, most importantly, does it make sense for your portfolio?   When markets are rising and everyone is making money, almost any strategy can look brilliant. The real test is what happens when the frenzy ends.   If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is! A recent story in Barron's highlights a warning that applies to everyone, not just professional athletes.   Several current and former professional athletes reportedly invested in an online business opportunity that sounded too good to be true. Three former NFL players were interviewed by Barron's and collectively they said they lost more than $1 million. The pitch was simple: invest at least $50,000 in an online store and they'll handle everything from social-media marketing to manufacturing store inventory. Investors were told they would get their original investment back within six months, and then receive 80% of the profits.   Sounds like a great deal, right? Unfortunately, according to the investigation, it appears the sales weren't real. The stores were built using Shopify and appeared to be generating significant revenue. But investigators reportedly found questionable orders, including one $5,000 order for 100 desktop humidifiers and 120 USB-powered cup warmers. The person at the shipping address said they never placed the order and “Who needs 100 humidifiers and 120 cup warmers?” There were also other red flags including one e-commerce site, Dailyprodtrend, doesn't appear in Google search results and the web address is just a random string of numbers and letters.   The scheme is run by a 24-year-old entrepreneur named Mohamed Coulibaly and to gain credibility he used celebrity connections citing the names of about two dozen current and former pro athletes and other public figures as clients in a pitch deck. He also has created an image of wealth and success with one athlete saying he saw what appeared to be $25 million in a business account that Coulibaly showed him on a cellphone screen. It's important to remember that no matter how successful someone appears or how many famous people they know you still need to do your own due diligence.   A big problem is the websites were just the beginning of what appears to be a longer con. Once investors had their Shopify login credentials, they were given the impression the business was healthy due to these “fake” orders and then were presented with an even bigger bet that involved the Dubai investment firm Middle East Venture Partners. Unfortunately, this appears to have led to more red flags and still no return on investment.   Before investing, you should independently verify the revenue, customers, expenses, bank statements, contracts, and the actual business itself. Don't simply rely on an online dashboard or someone else's claims about how much money is being made.   The bottom line: If it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. And the more exciting and guaranteed the opportunity sounds, the more skeptical you should become.   Financial Planning: Conservation Easements: Valuable Planning Tool or Tax Trap? Conservation easements are a tax planning strategy that allows a landowner to permanently donate certain development rights to a qualified conservation organization in exchange for a charitable income tax deduction equal to the reduction in the property's value. When used as Congress intended, they can provide meaningful tax benefits while preserving land for future generations. For example, a family that owns a 1,000-acre ranch valued at $10 million may have no intention of developing the property and want to ensure it remains open space permanently. By donating a conservation easement that limits future development, the property value may decline to $6 million, creating a $4 million charitable deduction while allowing the family to continue owning and using the land. This type of transaction aligns with the purpose of the law because the conservation benefit is the primary goal and the tax deduction is an incentive. However, taxpayers should be cautious of strategies that appear too good to be true. In recent years, the IRS has aggressively challenged syndicated conservation easement transactions that were marketed primarily as tax shelters. In these arrangements, investors often contributed a relatively small amount of capital to a partnership that acquired land, and promoters claimed the donation of a conservation easement created deductions several times larger than the investors' original contribution. For example, an investor might contribute $250,000 and be promised a $1 million charitable deduction based on an aggressive property valuation. Many of these transactions relied on inflated appraisals and lacked a genuine conservation purpose, resulting in significant IRS scrutiny, disallowed deductions, penalties, and litigation. While conservation easements can be used in specific situations, they should be approached with caution and used only when there is a legitimate conservation objective. As with many tax strategies, a benefit that appears disproportionately large compared to the underlying economic activity is often a warning sign that additional due diligence is needed. Are Porsche Cars Losing Their Excitement? Porsche cars have long been known for their high-end, exciting sports cars. But lately, the company has been losing sales compared with last year.   Porsche faces plenty of competition, but its global deliveries were down 16% during the first six months of 2026 compared with the same period in 2025. Last year, the company benefited from strong demand for the electric Macan, while it also ended production of the gasoline-powered 718.   The company was also hurt by the loss of U.S. tax incentives for electric vehicles, which contributed to the decline in sales. Porsche sold 37,712 vehicles in North America, a 13% decline from last year. China, which accounts for roughly 10% of Porsche's sales, saw an even larger drop, with sales falling 32% to 14,501 vehicles.   The price of a Porsche starts at around $65,000, but the average transaction price is closer to $125,000. And if you know anything about these cars, you also know that the maintenance and upkeep can put significant pressure on your wallet. You would think that if you're spending $125,000 on a car, you shouldn't have to spend a fortune maintaining it. But that can be part of the trade-off when owning a high-performance luxury vehicle.   So, are Porsche cars losing some of their excitement? Would you be willing to spend $125,000 on a new Porsche, or would you rather purchase a less expensive American car?   Time to Say Goodbye to EV Car Maker Polestar? I would occasionally see Polestar vehicles on the road, and I believe the company even has a dealership at UTC Mall. However, I didn't know much about the company and was surprised to learn just how complicated its ownership structure is.   Polestar is closely tied to Volvo, which is 79% owned by the Chinese company Zhejiang Geely Holding Group. The automotive world has become incredibly complicated over the years. I always thought of Volvo as a Swedish company, but that is no longer technically the case.   The ownership change began in March 1999, when Ford Motor Company paid $6.5 billion to acquire Volvo. However, Ford later sold 79% of Volvo to Geely in August 2010 for approximately $1.8 billion. The remaining 21% is publicly owned through stock ownership. In other words, Ford appears to have taken a significant loss on its investment.   Now, Polestar is facing serious challenges in the United States. The U.S. government is concerned about the company's connection to China and the possibility that data collected by the vehicles could be accessed by the Chinese government. As a result, new Polestar vehicles are no longer expected to be sold in the U.S.   What is strange, however, is that Volvo vehicles are still being sold in the United States, even though Volvo is also majority-owned by Geely. The situation shows just how complicated the relationship between the U.S. auto market and Chinese ownership has become.   There are currently reports of fire-sale discounts on Polestar vehicles, with some discounts reportedly reaching as much as $25,000 just to move the cars. These vehicles originally sold for roughly $55,000 to $75,000 when new.   I'm not sure who would want to purchase one at this point. The biggest concern may not even be the vehicle itself, but what happens to service and support for existing owners. It is possible that Volvo will continue servicing Polestar vehicles, but I would be skeptical about whether maintaining a separate service infrastructure for the brand will be worth the company's time.   After all, relations between the United States and China are currently far from ideal. For Polestar owners, that could create some serious questions about the future of their vehicles.   The New Tobacco Companies The three remaining major players in the tobacco industry are Philip Morris International, British American Tobacco, and Altria Group. It should come as no surprise that the number of cigarettes sold in North America has dropped by about 33% since 2020, while the number of tobacco smokers continues to decline rapidly.   But don't be fooled: Tobacco companies have developed smoke-free products that are gaining popularity, but that does not mean they are healthy. The two primary alternatives tobacco companies are now selling are vaping products and something called an oral nicotine pouch.   It is easy to see when someone is vaping because of the large clouds of vapor produced. Nicotine pouches, however, are much less noticeable. They are placed between the front of your teeth and your lip, similar to chewing tobacco. The difference is that you don't need to spit out saliva every few minutes because the nicotine is slowly released into your system.   Currently, in North America, about 7% of the population vapes, up from 3.7% in 2020. Nicotine pouches are also growing rapidly, although you can't see who is using them. In 2024, approximately 23 billion nicotine pouches were sold worldwide, a 50% increase from 2023.   Make no mistake: Both of these products contain nicotine, which is highly addictive and keeps people coming back for more. Some may believe that nicotine pouches are simply a way to move away from cigarettes, but that isn't necessarily the case. The pouch itself can become addictive as well.   Tobacco stocks have performed well, with some nearly doubling over the last few years. More institutional investors who previously dumped these stocks for ethical reasons are now returning because of the growth of smoke-free products.   It all sounds like smoke and mirrors to me. There are simply too many issues surrounding nicotine and the addictive nature of these smokeless products for me to feel comfortable investing in the tobacco industry.   Companies Discussed: Fiserv, Inc. (Ticker: FISV)

//The Wire//2300Z July 20, 2026// //ROUTINE// //BLUF: CENTCOM CONFIRMS FOUR AMERICAN CASUALTIES FOLLOWING IRANIAN STRIKES IN MIDDLE EAST. ARSON ATTACK REPORTED AT FEDERAL BUILDING IN NYC.// -----BEGIN TEARLINE------International Events-Jordan: Over the weekend CENTCOM confirmed the deaths of three US service members, who were killed as a result of the strikes on a barracks building at Muwaffaq al Salti Airbase. Two of the casualties have been identified as 1LT Tyler James Feehan, and Private Isabella Gonzales. The third casualty officially remains classified as Missing in Action as the remains will require DNA analysis to confirm identity, and has not yet been officially identified. A fourth casualty was also reported somewhere in Iraq, which was the result of an Iranian drone strike.Middle East: Following Iranian targeting of the al-Subiya Power Station, Kuwait has begun to rely on portable substations and generators to provide electricity while repairs are made. The scale of the power outages is not known, but Iranian forces have struck several logistical hubs and electrical power plants over the past few days. In Bahrain, Iranian targeting has remained heavy over the weekend, with several ballistic missile strikes reported at American installations around the country.Strait of Hormuz: Several more merchant vessels were struck over the past few days, most of which were tankers attempting to use the southern Omani route instead of the Iranian route. At least one of these vessels resulted in the crew abandoning ship before being rescued.Iran: After these collective strikes over the weekend, American targeting efforts intensified with the latest bombing campaign focusing on the targeting of bridges and civilian roadway tunnels around Bandar Abbas. Many of the roads that lead to the port city are now cut off, with only a few major roadways allowing access to the city. Several bridges have also already been repaired, and the status of others remains unclear until better satellite imagery is available.-HomeFront-New York: This morning an arson attack was reported at the Federal building in downtown Manhattan. One assailant approached the building with a bucket of gasoline, dumping the bucket at the northeast side of the structure. The suspect immediately ignited the pool of gas, which also contained a mix of commercial grade fireworks. The suspect was immediately detained by the plethora of police already on scene, as the accelerant burned on the sidewalk. Analyst Comment: No motive has yet been conveyed regarding this attack, however some of the paraphernalia scattered throughout the scene of the attack appears to be political in nature, opposing ICE.Washington D.C. - This morning, the latest numbers for Strategic Petroleum Reserve levels were released indicating that over the past week, the US has drained the SPR by an additional 5.1 million barrels, to it's lowest level since the Tanker War in 1983.Analyst Comment: Many might have assumed that the US might have re-stocked the SPR during the two-week ceasefire in the Middle East, however very little oil actually made it out of the region during that time, which amounted to only a tiny fraction of US daily usage. Since the war began five months ago, only a very small percentage of oil has exited the region, and the US has been draining the SPR at breakneck pace in order to keep the country going.-----END TEARLINE-----Analyst Comments: Concerning the American casualties sustained over the weekend, it is extremely important to note that the deaths of 1LT Feehan and PVT Gonzales are officially classified under Operation INHERENT RESOLVE (OIR)...not under Operation EPIC FURY (OEFU). Inherent Resolve is the long-standing mission to combat ISIS in Syria, and not in any way linked to the current war in Iran. As a result, the true number of casualties sustained warrants further investigation. This classification could have been an administrative error, but this would also be a way of camouflaging casualty figures. The Defense Casualty Analysis System (DCAS) is the main database for logging all American casualties, which are defined by military operation. In this case, these deaths are not cataloged under either operation yet, adding to the more broad (but also growing) concerns that the database has been concealing the true number of casualties, specifically the numbers of personnel wounded.In fact, while admonishing these concerns as "baseless and malicious accusations" Assistant Secretary of War Sean Parnell directly contradicted the numbers his own department was producing. He stated in an interview with CBS News that roughly 100 personnel had been wounded throughout the war over the past month....while his own database states that a grand total of zero personnel had been wounded for the month of July, and three in June. If this testimony is accurate, this confirms beyond all doubt that the Pentagon is lying about the number of troops wounded during this campaign. Considering that the Pentagon has disclosed a total of 413x soldiers wounded during this entire campaign, ~100x WIA being reported within a month (which also included a two-week ceasefire) is alarming to say the least.The cause of the fatalities reported over the weekend is also important to note as these deaths were very likely preventable. In the days leading up to the ballistic missile striking the housing at this base, the Iranians successfully struck the Patriot battery in Erbil, Iraq. This missile defense site would have been one of the sites providing protection for missiles launched into Jordan. With this battery offline or at least degraded in some way, it is possible that a clear air corridor existed that allowed Iranian ballistic missiles to fly unchallenged through a gap in air defense coverage. If the Erbil strike also damaged the radar array, it is also very possible that the warning time for an incoming ballistic missile would have been reduced, so any defenses at the target base would have been less effective. Obviously, the true scale of the damage to this air defense site would be classified, so in the public eye we have to guess as to how bad it was based on blurry satellite imagery. However the military commanders who knew the systems and did NOT have to guess, were also the same commanders who had the authority to either issue warnings or orders to disperse from the unprotected Containerized Housing Units (CHUs) that were struck by Iran. The failure of command to disperse their soldiers is what led to these fatalities.The very minute that the Patriot battery was struck in Erbil was a major clue that the Iranians were conducting shaping fires of their own...they were striking the air defense sites so as to open up a gap in air defense coverage, and reach out to American positions with their larger ballistic missiles.Though it is usually in poor taste to reflect on failures in the immediate aftermath of the death of troops, in the interest of expediency sometimes uncomfortable conversations must be had in order to prevent further loss of life. If a gap in air defense coverage is what allowed this strike to happen, it is almost certain that this gap still exists and that the danger to American service members is still not mitigated. For ALL American troops in the Middle East, this observation must be noted: If the Iranians are striking air defense sites, the next assumption must be that the Iranians are planning to strike something that would have been protected by that site. In retrospect this is common sense, but even at this very moment, the continued strikes on American positions (and the nearly total lack of fortification efforts at these bases, even to this day) continues to indicate that the Iranian targeting efforts are not being taken seriously by senior American decision makers. Five months into this war, CENTCOM leadership has still not figured out that the Iranians can strike their bases at will, and as demonstrated by the strikes in Kuwait and Jordan, the US is still not digging in, and also not dispersing enough to avoid troops getting killed. No underground fortification efforts have been undertaken at any base in the Middle East, and satellite imagery indicates that no substantial fortifications have been undertaken either. Granting as much leeway to the Pentagon's decision making process as possible, it is possible that no hardening of defenses would have mattered considering the missiles Iran is launching. Drone defense is one thing, but it would take years to build a bunker that would withstand the impact of an Iranian Fattah or Ghadr missile. Nevertheless, when it comes to defending American positions, doing something is better than doing nothing, and concrete does not take half a year to dry.Even if large-scale construction projects are off the menu, ALL military publications, textbooks, and training scenarios dictate and demand what has been obvious since World War One...Dispersion is the name of the game. This is what kept casualties to a minimum in Bahrain, but different theater commanders have different personal initiatives. Some are more proactive with their defense, and others have done nothing at all, besides making sure that all of the vehicles in the motorpool are lined up neatly.Where this goes from here is anyone's guess, but unless radical and immediate changes are made, the United States will continue to suffer casualties. And as long as the bombing continues which is motivating Iran to target our bases, this indirectly highlights the deficiencies with American air defense technologies, not just for this war, but for the wars to come.Analyst: S2A1 Research: https://publish.obsidian.md/s2underground NomadNet: 5fa68c88be72

The official story is simple. The timeline is not. We take a hard look at the reporting around Senator Lindsey Graham's death and ask a basic question that gets skipped too often in political news: does the schedule even work. With Larry Johnson back on the show, we walk through the travel route to Kyiv, the time zone math, and why conflicting accounts keep surfacing when high profile foreign policy figures are involved. Then the focus shifts to the West Bank after Representative Ro Khanna says he was detained by Israeli settlers armed with American made rifles, with the IDF continuing the detention. We react to Netanyahu's public explanation, talk about accountability, and dig into what this moment suggests about Israeli settler violence, US political support, and how “ally” can start to sound like a branding exercise instead of a reality. We close with the rapidly deteriorating US Iran situation, including the Strait of Hormuz fight, claims about who controls safe passage, and what that means for global energy markets. Larry lays out a nuts and bolts case for why sour crude constraints, refinery design, diesel supply, aviation fuel demand, and the Strategic Petroleum Reserve drawdown could collide into a very real economic shock if escalation continues. If you value clear analysis over talking points, subscribe, share the episode, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

FF: Physical vs. Governmental Constraints We have been draining the Strategic Petroleum Reserve in the U.S. At some point, if they drain it too low, they will risk collapsing the salt caves that store it. This is a physical constraint. Copper mines can take decades to get permitted by the government, which is a governmental constraint. We talk about many other limits, whether they are physical or governmental, and how they can affect the average citizen. Bad decisions lead to bad results. We cover AI and data centers, electric, wastewater regulations, kickbacks, and budgets. More people need to wake up and see what is happening in the world, so they can make decisions based on physical restrictions. There are many ways to make money. It is important to always be congruent in how you live your life and in what you invest in. Use the information in this episode to help make better decisions! Abolish Property Taxes in Ohio: www.AxOHTax.com  Get more information about abolishing all property taxes in Ohio. https://citizensforpropertytaxreform.org/ Our Links: www.RealPowerFamily.com Info@RealPowerFamily.com 833-Be-Do-Have (833-233-6428

Ellen Wald examines how tensions in the Strait of Hormuz could impact crude oil prices and global energy markets. She discusses China's oil demand, the role of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and how diplomatic efforts or prolonged conflict could shape the outlook for energy markets.======== Schwab Network ========Empowering every investor and trader, every market day. Subscribe to the Market Minute newsletter - https://schwabnetwork.com/subscribeDownload the iOS app - https://apps.apple.com/us/app/schwab-network/id1460719185Download the Amazon Fire Tv App - https://www.amazon.com/TD-Ameritrade-Network/dp/B07KRD76C7Watch on Sling - https://watch.sling.com/1/asset/191928615bd8d47686f94682aefaa007/watchWatch on Vizio - https://www.vizio.com/en/watchfreeplus-exploreWatch on DistroTV - https://www.distro.tv/live/schwab-network/Follow us on X – https://twitter.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/schwabnetworkFollow us on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/schwab-network/ About Schwab Network - https://schwabnetwork.com/about

This week: two audio essays, on one big Iran cluster-frig. In the Collingwood corner: Donald Trump has become an unreadable politician. His credibility has burst through various levels of ‘madman theory' negotiating prowess, into a place where it may not even be clear to his most intimate subordinates where his true intent begins and ends. The result is that US policy is now a broken sail, flapping in the wind. Originally, America had four aims: dismantle Iran's nuclear programme, cap its missiles and drones, cut off its proxies, and change the regime. With nil-for-four, the window to credibly settle this beef is getting farther away – not closer. Meanwhile, chez Pilkington: The US now believes it can ‘print oil'. That the present attempt to jigger the markets by making use of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, and various ‘Whale of Hormuz' attempts to rig the options market are long-term sustainable. They are not, as Phil points out. What goes up must come down, and the slip-slide will not be pretty. Rather than a war of attrition, Pilko suggests, the oil price war has become the totality of conflict – a Baudrillardian quarrel over supremacy of a number – only secondarily underpinned by the drones and bombs of the Arabian Gulf. Yes, it's time to up the escitalopram – enter code HAPPYPILLS26 at checkout to redeem this offer.

The July 14, 2026, edition of the Closing Market Report highlights shifting grain dynamics, regional crop conditions, and agricultural energy concerns amid escalating global conflicts. Market analyst Naomi Blohm notes that a recent shift to slightly cooler nighttime temperatures has taken some heat pressure out of corn and soybean prices, while wheat experiences a war premium driven by renewed tensions in the Black Sea region. Nationally, crop progress remains steady, though states west of the Mississippi—particularly Minnesota and Iowa—are significantly outperforming eastern Corn Belt states like Illinois, Indiana, and Ohio. Energy expert Susan Stroud addresses the growing volatility in the diesel market, explaining how supply crunches in Europe, domestic biofuel mandates, and the continued depletion of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve are squeezing fuel availability ahead of the fall harvest. Finally, meteorologist Don Day warns that a stubborn high-pressure ridge will sustain well-above-average temperatures and dry conditions across the northern tier and western Corn Belt for the next 10 to 12 days.01:15 Ag Markets with Naomi Blohm, Total Farm Marketing07:30 USDA Weekly Crop Progress Report09:29 Crop Protection Network Disease Report10:47 AgriNext & Energies with Susan Stroud, No Bull Ag20:59 Ag Weather with Don Day, Day Weather ★ Support this podcast ★

Trump goes from ceasefire language to “it's over” in a matter of hours, and the Strait of Hormuz becomes the pressure point again. Host Kyle Anzalone and guest LtCOL Karen Kwiatkowski walk through the reports of Iranian shots at transiting ships, the follow-on CENTCOM strikes, and what it means when a president talks like a full-scale war is on the table while the Pentagon still faces real constraints in ships, air defense, and weapons stockpiles. If you're trying to understand Iran, US military posture, and how quickly an MOU can unravel, this conversation lays out the incentives and the red flags in plain terms. We also pull on the thread most people miss: oil prices and energy security. We talk about why tanker flow does not snap back to “normal,” why insurance markets matter as much as missiles, and how Strategic Petroleum Reserve decisions can collide with the public story being told about stability. When leaders float the word “blockade,” shipping firms and underwriters do the math, and the result can be higher costs, slower trade, and more opportunity for miscalculation. Then we widen the map to Syria and Lebanon, including the stunning normalization of Ahmed al-Sharaa, also known as Abu Mohammed al-Jolani, and the idea of sending battle-hardened fighters toward Hezbollah. From there, we get into Israel's brewing conflict with Turkey, Trump's openness to F-35 sales to Erdogan, and why the jet is as much about control and lock-in as it is about performance. We close with a domestic warning about NDAA Section 219 and why calling Congress may be one of the few levers the public still has.

Apple is escalating its fight with OpenAI as questions grow over trade secrets, AI hardware, and whether the next generation of devices could threaten the iPhone's dominance.Chuck Zodda and Mike Armstrong break down Apple's lawsuit against OpenAI, why the timing matters as Tim Cook prepares to step aside, and how OpenAI's delayed IPO could make the company more vulnerable. They also discuss warnings from economists about AI-driven job losses, why retraining programs may struggle to keep up, how the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve is being strained by repeated drawdowns, what renewed pressure on oil supplies could mean for energy security, and why Disney's live-action remake strategy may be running out of steam.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q2f7C_7ZyG0 Recorded: July 9, 2026 In this post–Fourth of July episode of the PetroNerds Podcast, Trisha Curtis welcomes Hon. Jason Isaac back to the show for a wide-ranging discussion about global oil markets, geopolitical risk, American energy security, and the policies shaping energy affordability and reliability. Trisha begins with a market snapshot—WTI near $72 per barrel, Brent around $76 per barrel, and Henry Hub natural gas near $3 per MMBtu—before examining the renewed conflict involving Iran. Trisha and Jason discuss attacks on ships and military installations, continued crude movements through and around the Strait of Hormuz, U.S. vessel escorts, ship-to-ship transfers, trucking, and the growing pipeline infrastructure that could steadily reduce Iran's leverage over global oil flows. The conversation then expands to Russia's shadow tanker fleet, Ukrainian attacks on vessels and refining infrastructure, Venezuelan and Iranian crude exports, and India's growing role in refining Russian oil. Trisha explains why disrupting individual tankers and refineries matters, while cautioning that Russia still has multiple ways to move crude and obtain refined products. Trisha and Jason also break down the coordinated release from the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, emphasizing the difference between an exchange and an outright sale. They discuss the relationship between SPR drawdowns, U.S. crude exports, oil prices, and the eventual need to replenish strategic inventories. China is another major focus. Trisha challenges conventional estimates of Chinese oil demand and argues that China's ability to reduce imports may reflect years of aggressive stockpiling rather than a sudden drawdown of its reserves. They explore China's refined-product exports, its economic slowdown, its energy relationship with Russia, and the enormous influence Beijing continues to exercise across global energy markets. In the second half, the conversation turns to energy development in Africa, international financing, the World Bank, the U.S. Export-Import Bank, European energy policy, air-conditioning access, climate modeling, fuel taxes, climate litigation, the Texas power grid, Permian Basin natural gas, flaring restrictions, transmission spending, and the cost of integrating intermittent generation. Throughout the episode, Trisha and Jason make the case that abundant, affordable, and reliable energy is essential to economic development, national security, and human flourishing. Prepared from the supplied episode transcript.  Key Topics Why crude continued moving despite disruption concerns in the Strait of Hormuz Pipeline projects and alternative transportation routes around the strait Iran's shrinking leverage over regional oil exports Russian shadow tankers and Ukrainian attacks on refining infrastructure The Strategic Petroleum Reserve exchange and its impact on exports and prices U.S. crude production approaching 14 million barrels per day China's oil imports, stockpiling strategy, demand, and refined-product exports Energy investment, corruption, and infrastructure development in Africa International financing for coal, natural gas, and energy development European heat, air-conditioning access, and electricity reliability Climate modeling, RCP8.5, and the “They Knew” research project California fuel taxes and the consumer cost of climate mandates Climate litigation involving energy companies Texas transmission projects and the cost of integrating wind, solar, and batteries Permian Basin natural gas, power generation, ESG commitments, and flaring

On this episode of the MeidasTouch Podcast, Ben, Brett, and Jordy break down the escalating and unlawful war on Iran as Trump threatens to wipe out the country's electric grid, water supply, and civilian infrastructure, all while the Strategic Petroleum Reserve nears emergency tank-bottom levels and the Pentagon barrels toward its own budget crisis. The guys unpack the collapsed MOU, Iran's strategy of running out the clock through the Strait of Hormuz, and the tens of millions who turned out for the Ayatollah's funeral procession, directly contradicting Trump officials' claims that it's all "astroturf." Plus, a disastrous NATO summit where Trump confuses Zelenskyy for Putin, role-plays as the Russian president, threatens to invade a NATO ally over Greenland, and rants about his ability to be "the greatest communist ever," followed by the White House's unhinged, expletive-laden attack on MeidasTouch's own editor. It's a full breakdown of the lies, the escalation, and the sheer chaos of the Trump regime. Subscribe to Meidas+ at https://meidasplus.com Get Meidas Merch: https://store.meidastouch.com Deals from our sponsors!  BetterHelp: This is sponsored by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at https://BetterHelp.com/MEIDAS today to get 10% off your first month and get on your way to being your best self! HIMS: Visit https://hims.com/meidas to get simple, online access to personalized, affordable care for ED, Hair Loss, Weight Loss, and more. Armra: Head to https://tryarmra.com/meidas or enter promo code: MEIDAS to receive 30% off your first order! DeleteMe: Get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to https://joindeleteme.com/MEIDAS and use promo code MEIDAS at checkout. Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast The Ken Harbaugh Show: https://meidasnews.com/tag/the-ken-harbaugh-show The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's the deal with Qatar Force One? Graham Platner is out. How soon before he's a Fox News contributor complaining about the Democratic Party? Donald's war against the Islamic Republican of Japan. Endless war is back on the table. "They're liars. They're cuckoo." The most under-reported story of the week: Donald sent Iranian asylum seekers back Iran for some reason. Status of the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. NO! Donald hasn't ended 8 wars. Freedom Fuel?? Donald demands a do-over on birthright citizenship. David Hearn, the ex-Olympian charged with vandalism, pleads not guilty. With Jody Hamilton, David Ferguson, music by MilkMaiden, Michael McDermott, and more! Brought to you by Russ Rybicki, SharePower Responsible Investing. Support our sponsors and get free shipping at Quince.com/bob and bollandbranch.com/bob!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Our Global Head of Fixed Income Research Andrew Sheets outlines what could potentially go wrong and disrupt markets' optimism this summer.Read more insights from Morgan Stanley.----- Transcript -----Welcome to Thoughts on the Market. I'm Andrew Sheets, Global Head of Fixed Income Research at Morgan Stanley. Today, discussing three things that could disrupt a quiet summer. It's Wednesday, July 8th at noon in New York. As markets turn the page toward the second half of the year, there are lots of reasons for optimism. Global growth remains solid. Earnings growth is strong, and broadening across more companies. Capital markets remain open and deal activity is robust. We continue to think that the best analogy for current conditions is something like 1997 through 1998 or 2005 through 2006 – periods where corporate aggression was increasing, and had further to go, leading to equities outperforming credit. Even more immediately, July also happens to be one of the best months of the year for markets. And while one should never base their entire investment strategy on how far the earth has travelled around the sun, this month has been the best month for the U.S. High Yield returns, by far, over the last 15 years. The last time the S&P 500 fell in the month of July was 2014. So given all that, what could go wrong? Well, here are three things that are on our mind. First, a key part of our most optimistic view is that U.S. inflation will be lower than the Federal Reserve expects in the second half of this year, leading them to leave interest rates unchanged, rather than raise rates as the market expects. The risk is that this assumption is just wrong, perhaps soon. There is certainly an argument that, if the Fed is worried about inflation, it shouldn't wait to act, and the market is currently placing roughly 1-in-3 chance that the Fed hikes rates on July 29th. If that happens – and again, our base case is it does not – it could drive volatility. Second is earnings season, which kicks off next week. While the general trend of earnings is important, the bigger focus is likely to be on the results of large U.S. tech companies, and in particular, how much they plan to spend building out AI infrastructure. Over the last several quarters, almost like clockwork, these spending estimates have been revised higher and higher. And that has helped boost confidence in AI – as the spending is a sign that the technology holds promise – as well as boosting the broader earnings outlook; since all of this spending is becoming other company's revenue. Our base-case remains that this AI spending cycle has further to run, with capex from the major U.S. hyperscalers rising from over $800bn of spending this year to roughly $1.2 trillion of spending next year. But the risk would be that second quarter earnings now show more hesitation to spend, maybe because the share prices of some of these big spenders have been recent underperformers. And given how much the current growth and earnings story is linked to AI, and how popular AI exposure is with investors, that would create a risk. Finally, there's Iran. Our base case assumes a gradual renormalization of flows through the Strait of Hormuz, and we forecast Brent oil at about $75/bbl in 12 months time, which is pretty similar to current levels. But as of this recording there were reports of renewed hostilities, and the ceasefire may be fragile. The U.S. has already drawn down its Strategic Petroleum Reserve to its lowest-ever levels, potentially reducing some ability to absorb shocks if the conflict re-escalates. Historically, July tends to be strong, and markets have a number of helpful tailwinds at their back. But an unexpected rate hike, an unexpected reduction in Hyperscaler Capex, and a resumption of the Iran conflict are three factors that are not in our base-case – and could disrupt that. Thank you, as always, for your time. If you find Thoughts on the Market useful, let us know by leaving a review wherever you listen. Also tell a friend or colleague about us today.

Starting off July on a Wobble SpaceX added to NAZ100 Oil prices drifting lower – Gas at the pump? JOBS Number – Odd Move Saylor is selling Bitcoin! 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? PayPal.Donation.Button({ env:'production', hosted_button_id:'JJJHP2GDEJC7J', image: { src:'https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif', alt:'Donate with PayPal button', title:'PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!', } }).render('#donate-button'); Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter Warm-Up - JOBS Number - Odd Move - Saylor is selling Bitcoin! - VEGGIE ALERT! - US RESUMES POWERFUL STRIKES ON IRAN (Is this still a ceasefire?) Markets - Starting off July on a Wobble - SpaceX added to NAZ100 - Oil prices drifting lower - Gas at the pump? - Oracle - Canary? World Cup? - USA is out... (Bad goalie move last night) IRAN - Looks like war is back on - at least for tonight - Oil rises about 3% on the news - US revokes Iran's ability to sell oil around the world - Markets don't seem overly concerned - VIX still low at 16 - Odds that this will be more than a quick in and out? --- Could it be that Iran was waiting until after the Funeral? JOBS COOL, FED STILL HOT - June payrolls came in at +57,000, well under the +110,000 estimate. - April and May were revised down by a combined 74,000 jobs. - Unemployment slipped to 4.2%, but not for the best reason: the labor force shrank by 720,000 people. - Labor-force participation fell to 61.5%, the lowest in more than five years. - Leisure and hospitality lost 61,000 jobs, a notable hit to the consumer-service economy. - Average hourly earnings rose $0.13 in June. - Fed setup: weaker hiring argues for patience, but inflation is still above target, so the market is back to parsing every Fed sentence. - - Fed Funds Futures Now only ONE Raise by Year-End DOW RECORD, NASDAQ WOBBLE - The Dow closed at a record 52,900.07 after the soft jobs report cooled near-term rate-hike fear. - S&P 500 finished roughly flat. - Nasdaq fell about 0.8% as chip stocks dragged the tape lower. - The Philadelphia Semiconductor Index dropped more than 5% on July 2. - Apple rose nearly 5% on iPhone launch optimism. - Nvidia and other AI/chip names stayed volatile after a huge first-half run. - Goldman client data showed hedge funds dumped tech hardware and semiconductor exposure for a fourth straight week. - The issue is not "AI is dead"; the issue is when all the AI capex turns into visible returns. TESLA BEATS DELIVERIES, STOCK STILL GETS HIT - Tesla delivered 480,126 vehicles in Q2, a record quarter and above Wall Street expectations. - Production was 451,758 vehicles. - Model 3/Y made up 467,762 deliveries. - Other models were only 12,364. - Energy storage deployments were 13.5 GWh. - Shares fell about 7.5% after the report, the worst one-day drop in roughly a year. - Pressure points: margin worries, price cuts, demand sustainability, and the market questioning whether the EV story is enough at a very rich valuation. - As of Monday afternoon, TSLA was around $420 with a market cap near $1.49 trillion and a trailing P/E around 385. MORE MUSK - TESLA PUTS AI ON A BUDGET - Tesla reportedly capped employee spending on third-party AI tools at $200 per week starting July 6. - Grok was reportedly exempt from the cap. - Setup: Tesla wants employees using AI, but not running up unlimited outside-token bills. - Cost-control angle: AI is becoming a normal operating expense, not a science project. - Funny part: even at Tesla, the AI bill apparently needs a limiter. NVIDIA SERVER DELAY NOISE - Nvidia shares held up despite reports of delays tied to its next AI server architecture. - SemiAnalysis reportedly said Nvidia's Kyber architecture could slip by up to 12 months into 2028. - Nvidia pushed back and said its development roadmap is unchanged. - Mizuho called the delay report "noise" and said it was not a material issue for the stock. - NOTE:  Story is still report-driven, not company-confirmed. ORACLE - CANARY? - Oracle's stock fell 19% this week, the steepest drop since August 2001, the depths of the dot-com bust. - The company's capital expenditures surged 162% in the latest fiscal year, with almost $24 billion in negative free cash flow and $130 billion in debt. - Co-founder Larry Ellison has fallen behind the Google co-founders, Amazon's Jeff Bezos and Michael Dell on the list of the world's richest people. - After the company reached a peak market cap of $900 billion in September, on enthusiasm about Oracle's AI customers, the stock has lost about 55% of its value. - The crux of the problem is that for Oracle to fulfill its AI infrastructure commitment, primarily to OpenAI, it's having to raise record amounts of debt, creating balance sheet risk while focusing on lower-margin offerings. SPACEX ENTERS THE INDEX MACHINE - SpaceX is set to join the Nasdaq-100 on Tuesday after its recent IPO. - The company's valuation is around $2.1 trillion. - Its Nasdaq-100 weight will initially be under 1% because of limited public float. - Index-tracking funds tied to the Nasdaq-100 will need exposure, creating automatic demand. - Key issue: big valuation, small float, forced index buying. - Watch the lockup calendar: index inclusion can create near-term demand, but employee and insider selling later can change the supply picture. - Podcast angle: retail gets "SpaceX exposure" through QQQ, but not necessarily much exposure at first. STRATEGY SELLS BITCOIN TO PAY THE BILLS - Strategy sold 3,588 bitcoin last week for about $216 million. - Proceeds are being used for preferred-stock dividends and dollar reserves. - The company still holds 843,775 bitcoin, valued around $52 billion. - Q2 included an $8.32 billion paper loss tied to bitcoin weakness. - The company's average bitcoin purchase price is around $75,476. - Recent sale prices were around $59,000 to $61,000. - Funny part: the former "never sell" bitcoin treasury poster child is now selling bitcoin to service the capital structure. - Watch for copycats: any company that copied the bitcoin-treasury model may face the same liquidity math if crypto stays weak. MICROSOFT CUTS AGAIN - Microsoft said it will cut about 4,800 jobs. - Shares slipped nearly 1%. - Job cuts landed while investors are still rewarding AI spending. - The message? spend heavy on AI, cut elsewhere. --- Yes, AI is killing jobs... SERVICES HOLD AT 54 - ISM non-manufacturing PMI came in at 54.0. - Result matched expectations. - Reading above 50 means services activity is still expanding. - Market took it as firm enough for growth, not hot enough to force an immediate Fed move. EARNINGS SEASON STARTER - Delta and PepsiCo report this week. - Levi Strauss also reports this week. - Delta is the read on travel, premium demand, fuel, and consumer resilience. - PepsiCo is the read on snack pricing, volume, and lower-income consumer pressure. - Q2 earnings bar is high after the market's strong second-quarter rally. OIL BACK TO PRE-IRAN WAR LEVELS - Brent settled around $71.99. - WTI settled around $68.55. - OPEC+ approved another output-target increase for August, adding 188,000 barrels per day. - Since April, planned increases add up to nearly 800,000 barrels per day. - Crude exports through the Strait of Hormuz are recovering, taking some geopolitical premium out of the market. - Saudi Arabia cut official selling prices, another sign the market is shifting from shortage panic to buyer resistance. - Good for headline inflation if it sticks; bad for energy bulls who were pricing war-premium oil. SPR DRAWDOWN - U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve fell by 6.2 million barrels. - SPR level is now 319.5 million barrels. - That is the lowest level since April 1983. - Drawdown comes while oil prices are easing and OPEC+ is adding supply. - Energy setup: lower crude helps inflation, but reserve levels are historically thin. MORE OIL - CHINA BUYS THE DIP - China stepped up Middle East oil purchases as prices fell. - Saudi Arabia cut export prices to Asia to a six-year low. - Brent settled at $71.99. - WTI settled at $68.55. - OPEC+ approved another August production increase of 188,000 barrels per day. - Planned OPEC+ supply increases since April now total nearly 800,000 barrels per day. - Lower oil supports disinflation but raises questions about global demand. VEGGIE ALERT Item Status Asparagus ESCALATED Artichokes EXTREME Cantaloupe EXTREME Fennel (Anise) EXTREME Green Leaf / Red Leaf Lettuce ESCALATED Honeydews EXTREME Iceberg Lettuce EXTREME Limes (175's and larger) ESCALATED Green Bell Peppers ESCALATED Romaine Lettuce EXTREME Romaine Hearts EXTREME White Asparagus ESCALATED Snacking Tomatoes (Grape & Cherry) ESCALATED   PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT - Conair Recalls Over One Million Cuisinart Grill Brushes Due to Ingestion Hazard - Product: Metal Wire Bristle Grill Brushes - 1 Million or so - BUT none of these are any good..... CHINA NOT MESSING AROUND - A Chinese court handed a rare death sentence to a former official on corruption charges, in a severe punishment underscoring the intensity of President Xi Jinping's anti-graft crackdown. - Yang Youlin, a former vice director of an economic zone in the eastern city of Nanjing, was sentenced to death on Monday for taking more than 2.21 billion yuan ($325 million) of bribes between 2013 and 2023, according to the state broadcaster China Central Television. - Yang was found guilty also of embezzlement, abuse of power and money laundering. His crimes were “exceptionally grave” and caused massive losses, warranting the capital sentence, CCTV reported, citing the Changzhou Intermediate People's Court in Jiangsu province. DRONES - Dronemaker AeroVironment reported fourth-quarter earnings that beat on the top and bottom lines. - The company's funded backlog of $1.2 billion was up substantially over last year, but grew only slightly from the $1.1 billion last quarter. - Autonomous systems were a strong point with revenue of $492 million that beat the $402 million StreetAccount expectation.   Love the Show? Then how about a Donation? PayPal.Donation.Button({ env: 'production', hosted_button_id: 'JJJHP2GDEJC7J', image: { src: 'https://www.paypalobjects.com/en_US/i/btn/btn_donateCC_LG.gif', alt: 'Donate with PayPal button', title: 'PayPal - The safer, easier way to pay online!' } }).render('#donate-button-2'); THE CLOSEST TO THE PIN for SpaceX (SPCX) Winners will be getting great stuff like the new "OFFICIAL" DHUnplugged Shirt!     FED AND CRYPTO LIMERICKS   See this week's stock picks HERE Follow John C. Dvorak on Twitter Follow Andrew Horowitz on Twitter

We are burning through our emergency oil cushion and pretending everything is fine.According to our next guest, America's Strategic Petroleum Reserve is now at its **lowest level since 1983**—essentially back to where it was while it was still being filled.

Donald Trump's growing crypto wealth is raising new questions about conflicts of interest while serving as President. In this video we examine reports surrounding Trump-linked crypto projects, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve, weak employment data, silver prices, and what these developments could mean for the U.S. economy.Join the RTD Telegram community here: https://t.me/+US-jrRt-WsohwyD-

You won't want to miss this episode with Jack Prandelli from Switzerland. As an international trader and Substack Author, Jack has been on target with his articles on global oil and Gas Markets. Check out The Merchant News Substack: https://themerchantsnews.substack.com/Follow Jack on X @jackprandelliConnect with Jack on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/prandelligiacomo/1. LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) Supply & GeopoliticsThe hosts discuss Shell's report on increasing LNG demand and how the U.S. is positioning itself as the world's most reliable LNG supplier. Key points include:Damage to Qatar's Ras Lafanne facility (70% production loss) has shifted market dynamicsThe U.S. is signing long-term LNG contracts with Asian clients, displacing QatarEurope faces competition with Asia for U.S. LNG supplies due to lost Russian gasThis represents a major geopolitical win for the U.S.2. Critical Minerals & Copper Supply ChainExtensive discussion on copper's critical role in energy transition and manufacturing:Copper is essential for AI, green energy, and electrificationChina controls over 50% of global copper refining capacity, creating strategic dependencyThe U.S. lacks domestic processing infrastructure despite abundant lithium reservesThis supply chain vulnerability gives China significant leverage over Western economies3. Oil Prices & Trump's StrategyAnalysis of Trump's focus on lowering oil prices before midterm elections:Discussion of the "crack spread" (refining margin) and why lower crude prices don't immediately translate to lower gas pricesStrategic use of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve for exports and refiningComparison with China and India's government pressure on refineries to keep prices lowThe importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz for oil transit4. India's Rising Oil Demand & Russia-India PartnershipIndia emerges as a critical player in global energy markets:India will lead global oil demand growth by 2050India increasingly imports Russian oil despite sanctionsA strategic partnership is forming where Russia exports crude to Indian refineries, which then supply Russia with refined productsThis relationship reduces Russia's dependence on China5. Geopolitical Realignment & Energy DominanceBroader discussion of shifting global power dynamics:The U.S. is reasserting control over South American oil resources (Venezuela, Argentina)China's strategic oil reserves strategy and patient approach to purchasingThe fragmentation of the world into competing trading blocs (U.S., China, Russia, India, Saudi Arabia)Soft power and hard power strategies in energy markets6. California's Energy Crisis & Renewable FailuresA cautionary case study on premature green energy transition:California's net-zero policies have devastated oil production (from 2,000 wells/year to 17 in 2025)Refining costs in California ($15/barrel) are 3x higher than Texas ($5/barrel)California now imports 40-60% of its diesel, jet fuel, and gasoline from AsiaOnly 6-7 refineries remain (down from 38), with more slated to close7. Renewable Energy Reality CheckCritical analysis of the renewable energy transition timeline:$10.2 trillion spent on wind and solar has only yielded 3% energy gainCurrent battery storage technology is insufficient for grid-scale implementationNuclear energy is more reliable but faces uranium supply chain concernsThe hosts advocate for lowest-cost, lowest-environmental-impact energy solutions8. Strategic Energy IndependenceOverarching theme about national security:Energy security must start at home with domestic productionEnergy dominance is demonstrated through exportsOver-reliance on foreign supply chains (especially China) creates vulnerabilitiesThe U.S. should leverage its oil and gas advantages while developing nuclear capacityThe podcast emphasizes that global energy markets are in flux, with the U.S. reasserting dominance, new trading blocs forming, and critical mineral/metal supply chains becoming geopolitical battlegrounds. The hosts argue that premature abandonment of fossil fuels without adequate alternatives is economically and strategically dangerous.Check out the Energy News Beat SubStack https://theenergynewsbeat.substack.com/A shout-out to Steve Reese and the Reese Energy Consulting group for sponsoring the Podcast https://reeseenergyconsulting.com/.Data2 if you have any business systems, can you trust A? Well, they have the patent on validation. . https://data2.zoholandingpage.com/energyAnd we have WellDatabase rolling in as a new sponsor. https://welldatabase.com/

Mike Madrid (Author of The Latino Century) joins Host Ron Steslow to dive into how populism is consuming both parties and the institutions meant to contain them, from a socialist sweep in New York to a building debt-and-oil crisis. They begin with New York's primaries, where DSA-aligned candidates won and Zohran Mamdani emerged as a kingmaker—signaling the Democratic party's “Tea Party moment.”  From there, they ask whether the party is radicalizing or whether its establishment wing is the last refuge of institutional conservatism Then they trace an oil crisis to a draining Strategic Petroleum Reserve, the rising cost of servicing the national debt, and the first moves of new Fed chair Kevin Warsh. Finally, they map the vise closing on the White House before the midterms: a standoff with Iran, a depleting reserve, and a choice between a weak deal and economic shock. In Politicology+, they discuss Mike's invitation to the Oxford Union, where he argued the position that Donald Trump has betrayed the conservative movement.  POLITICOLOGY+ Not yet a Politicology+ member? Don't miss all the extra episodes on the private, ad-free version of this podcast. Upgrade now at politicology.com/plus. SPONSORS & PROMO CODES: https://bit.ly/44uAGZ8 Send your questions and ideas to podcast@politicology.com Ron Steslow on X: https://x.com/RonSteslow Mike Madrid on X: https://x.com/madrid_mike Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

https://youtu.be/B4L-5KNiqNo Recorded: June 21, 2026 In Episode 159 of the PetroNerds Podcast, Trisha Curtis, CEO of PetroNerds and host of the PetroNerds Podcast, delivers a wide-ranging market update on oil, natural gas, geopolitics, China, strategic petroleum reserves, inflation, and monetary policy. Recorded on Father's Day and ahead of America's 250th Fourth of July celebration, the episode focuses on the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, the Strait of Hormuz, global crude oil flows, China's oil imports, and the Federal Reserve's renewed emphasis on inflation. Trisha examines why oil prices moved lower despite heightened geopolitical tensions, how more crude continued reaching the market through Hormuz and alternative export routes, and why physical oil flows matter more than headlines. Key Takeaways Oil prices softened as crude continued flowing through and around the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia and the UAE's export infrastructure helped reduce supply risks during the latest Middle East tensions. China's crude import decline does not necessarily indicate collapsing demand and must be viewed alongside stockpiling, refinery activity, and energy-security priorities. The debate between the IEA and OPEC reflects competing views of future oil demand and supply balances. Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh signaled a stronger focus on inflation and price stability. AI-driven investment and rising electricity demand may contribute to future inflationary pressures. Oil Flows, Hormuz, and Energy Security A major theme throughout the episode is the disconnect between market sentiment and physical oil realities. Trisha walks listeners through the U.S.-Iran memorandum of understanding, disputed claims surrounding the Strait of Hormuz, and the market reaction to evolving events in the Middle East. The conversation examines how Saudi Arabia's East-West Pipeline and the UAE's Fujairah pipeline provide critical export capacity outside the Strait of Hormuz, helping maintain crude flows during periods of disruption. Trisha also reviews Strategic Petroleum Reserve releases, U.S. crude exports, tanker traffic, and the importance of understanding actual barrel movements in a 100-million-barrel-per-day global oil market. Why China Remains the Most Important Energy Story One of the central themes of the episode is China and its long-term energy-security strategy. Trisha challenges the narrative that declining Chinese crude imports are solely the result of electric vehicle adoption. Instead, she examines China's stockpiling activity, refinery runs, strategic reserves, domestic production, and energy-security priorities. The discussion highlights why understanding China remains critical to understanding global oil markets, particularly as Beijing balances economic challenges with long-term strategic planning. The IEA, OPEC, and the Future of Oil Demand The episode also explores the growing divide between the International Energy Agency and OPEC. Trisha reviews the IEA's June Oil Market Report and the possibility that restored production and normalized Hormuz flows could create a future supply overhang. She contrasts that outlook with OPEC's World Oil Outlook 2026, which projects continued growth in global oil demand through 2050. The discussion raises important questions about energy security, investment, and whether current market forecasts are adequately accounting for future demand growth. Inflation, the Federal Reserve, and AI In the second half of the podcast, Trisha shifts to macroeconomics and monetary policy. She breaks down the June Federal Open Market Committee meeting, Chairman Kevin Warsh's first press conference, inflation data, Treasury yields, housing, and the Federal Reserve's balance sheet. Trisha also discusses the potential inflationary effects of rising investment in artificial intelligence infrastructure, semiconductors, data centers, and electricity demand. The episode concludes with a broader discussion on inflation, energy prices, housing, and the economic forces likely to shape markets through the remainder of 2026. Whether you're an energy executive, investor, policymaker, or industry professional, Episode 159 provides a timely and data-driven examination of the forces shaping oil markets, inflation, energy security, and the global economy.

Stijn Schmitz welcomes back Colonel Douglas Macgregor to the show. Douglas is a Retired U.S. Army Colonel and a Decorated Combat Veteran. In their discussion, Macgregor assesses the leaked 14-point MOU between Iran and the United States as an admission of strategic defeat, signaling that Iran has emerged victorious from the conflict. He emphasizes that the war is not over, predicting Israel will soon resume its offensive, prompting an Iranian counterattack and forcing President Trump to reengage militarily, albeit briefly, before ultimately disengaging. Macgregor argues that the United States was doomed to lose due to Iran's mastery of integrated surveillance and strike capabilities, which render traditional naval and air superiority ineffective without robust ground forces, a capability he claims the U.S. currently lacks. Shifting to economic implications, Macgregor advises a focus on energy, metals, minerals, fertilizer, and food as the only secure investments in the current climate, dismissing AI and SpaceX as speculative bubbles. He warns that the Strait of Hormuz remains at risk, ensuring oil prices will surge again as global demand outpaces supply, with countries racing to build strategic reserves. The depletion of the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve and the potential for further conflict will drive inflation and economic instability, likening the coming effects to a tsunami. He foresees a structural reset where American military hegemony retreats, leading to the collapse of artificial state boundaries in the Middle East and the rise of Iran and Turkey as dominant regional powers, which will reshape alliances and likely end Israel’s long-term viability. Macgregor also discusses the financial front, projecting that gold will reemerge as the ultimate reserve currency, with prices potentially reaching $10,000, while Bitcoin may serve as a transactional alternative to the dollar. He underscores that the geopolitical shifts will redirect American focus inward, forcing a painful but necessary reorientation toward domestic prosperity and core industries. Overall, his analysis presents a bleak near-term outlook marked by military defeat, economic disruption, and profound global realignment. Timestamps: 00:00:00 – Introduction 00:00:45 – Iran US MOU Assessment 00:06:00 – Energy Metals Commodity Focus 00:08:50 – Oil Prices and Reserves 00:11:50 – Rise of Iran & Turkey 00:20:14 – Trump Pressures & MOU 00:23:30 – Gold and Bitcoin Outlook 00:27:56 – U.S. Strategic Petro Reserve 00:31:38 – Sulphuric Acid, Urea, & Ag. 00:34:47 – Use of Ground Forces? 00:37:08 – Gold In A Tsunami 00:38:50 – Purchasing Power Gold & BTC 00:40:01 – Substack and Final Remarks 00:42:11 – Concluding Thoughts Guest Links: Website: https://douglasmacgregor.com X: https://x.com/DougAMacgregor YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@douglasmacgregorTV Articles: https://breakingdefense.com/author/doug-macgregor/ Substack: https://substack.com/@coloneldoug Douglas Macgregor is a decorated combat veteran, an author of five books, a PhD, and a defense and foreign policy consultant. Macgregor was commissioned in the Regular Army in 1976 after 1 year at VMI and 4 years at West Point. In 2004, Macgregor retired with the rank of Colonel. In 2020, the President appointed Macgregor to serve as Senior Advisor to the Secretary of Defense, a post he held until President Trump left office. He holds an MA in comparative politics and a PhD in international relations from the University of Virginia. Macgregor is widely known inside the U.S., Europe, Israel, Russia, China and Korea for both his leadership in the Battle of 73 Easting, the U.S. Army's largest tank battle since World War II, and for his ground breaking books on military transformation: Breaking the Phalanx (Praeger, 1997) and Transformation under Fire (Praeger, 2003). Macgregor's recommendations for change in Force Design and “integrated all arms-all effects” operations have profoundly influenced force development in Israel, Russia and China. In 2010, Macgregor traveled to Seoul, Korea to advise the ROK Ministry of Defense on force design. In 2019, Transformation under Fire was selected by Lt. Gen. Aviv Kohavi, Chief of the Israeli Defense Force (IDF), as the intellectual basis for IDF transformation. His fifth book, Margin of Victory: Five Battles that Changed the Face of Modern War from Naval Institute Press is available in Chinese, as well as, English and will soon appear in Hebrew. In 28 years of service Macgregor taught in the Department of Social Sciences at West Point, commanded the 1st Squadron, 4th Cavalry, and served as the Director of the Joint Operations Center at SHAPE during the 1999 Kosovo Air Campaign for which he was awarded the Defense Superior Service medal. In January 2002, at Secretary of Defense Donald Rumsfeld's insistence the USCENTCOM Commander listened to Colonel Macgregor's concept for the offensive to seize Baghdad. The plan was largely adopted, but assumed no occupation of Iraq by U.S. Forces. Macgregor has also testified as an expert witness before the Senate and House Armed Services Committees and appeared as a defense analyst on Fox News, CNN, BBC, Sky News and public radio. He is fluent in German.

SpaceX shares trade lower for the first time since the company's public debut, raising questions about what comes next. We break down what the options market is signaling about investor expectations for the stock. Plus, HPE CEO Antonio Neri joins the show to discuss the company's new partnership with Nvidia and how it plans to capitalize on the growing demand for AI infrastructure. And new government data shows the U.S. Strategic Petroleum Reserve has fallen to its lowest level since 1983, as energy security and oil markets remain in the spotlight. Squawk on the Street Disclaimer Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran was apparently signed over the weekend, but the text remains a mystery to most. Donald Trump says he'll release it and even read it himself so nobody can misunderstand it. If it's such good news, though, why not put it out right now? Israel isn't a fan of it, nor are those who believe we've abandoned the Iranian people by making a deal with the IRGC. At the same time, there may be a silent majority that cares less about the politics and more about the price at the pump. And that's what caught my attention.Since the beginning of May, with Iran closing the Strait of Hormuz, gas prices in the United States have fallen. Not by a little, but by a lot. The national average has gone from roughly $4.50 a gallon to $3.50. That happened while the strait was closed and before any memorandum of understanding was announced. The White House wasn't bragging about it. They weren't loudly telling Iran that the closure wasn't working. That made me think something else was going on.Politics Politics Politics is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.After digging through it, I've been able to dig up a few explanations. The most public, I'd argue, was the Strategic Petroleum Reserve. The Department of Energy released more than 53 million barrels as part of a broader international effort, bringing the reserve down to its lowest level since 1983. There were also reports that the United States was helping move oil out of the Gulf using some of the same techniques Iran has historically used to evade sanctions. American production remained high. Every hint of a peace deal pushed oil prices lower. Global demand softened. China sharply reduced its purchases on the open market. Alternative routes around Hormuz became more important. Gasoline inventories improved. All of it pushed prices down.If I rank the reasons, peace-talk optimism sits at the top. Strategic reserve releases bought time. American-supported workarounds moved real barrels. Demand destruction, especially with China stepping back, reduced pressure. Improved gasoline inventories helped. Some of the more speculative theories include sanctions waivers for Iranian oil, greater tolerance for shadow-fleet shipments, and alternate export routes making Hormuz less decisive than Iran hoped.What stands out is that there were more American incentives to get to the table than Iranian ones. The Strategic Petroleum Reserve is a temporary band-aid. Smuggling oil out of the Gulf is risky. Every day the Strait of Hormuz remained closed carried economic and military risks. That helps explain why the White House wanted a deal. Iran had incentives too, especially if China was no longer buying at previous levels, but the balance of pressure appears different than many expected.My assumption remains what it has been for weeks: there are multiple power centers inside Iran, and the biggest question is whether any deal can survive them. The Ayatollah is gone, much of Iran's leadership structure has been shattered, and the IRGC itself appears divided between factions willing to make a deal and hardliners who want to keep fighting. The memorandum of understanding may give us a clearer picture when we finally see it. Until then, the biggest question isn't whether a deal exists. It's whether anyone on the Iranian side can actually enforce it.Chapters00:00:00 - Intro00:02:38 - Iran and Gas Prices00:31:47 - Update00:32:04 - UFC 250 Terrorism Plot00:37:46 - Russia-Ukraine00:39:48 - Primaries00:42:48 - Interview with Maria Curi01:11:46 - Wrap-up This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe

Marty sits down with Chris Martenson to discuss rigged oil and futures markets, the Strategic Petroleum Reserve heading for tank bottom, the coming wave of inflation, and why hard assets are the only protection against a terminally broken financial system. Chris on X: https://x.com/CHMartenson Peak Prosperity: https://peakprosperity.com/ STACK SATS hat: https://tftcmerch.io/ Our newsletter: https://www.tftc.io/bitcoin-brief/ TFTC Elite (Ad-free & Discord): https://www.tftc.io/#/portal/signup/ Discord: https://discord.gg/yHGkvYxdqT Opportunity Cost Extension: https://www.opportunitycost.app/ Shoutout to our sponsors: Bitkey https://bitkey.world/ Aven https://www.aven.com/bitcoin CrowdHealth https://www.joincrowdhealth.com/tftc Unchained https://unchained.com/tftc/ Salt of the Earth: https://drinksote.com/tftc Join the TFTC Movement: Main YT Channel https://www.youtube.com/c/TFTC21/videos Clips YT Channel https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCUQcW3jxfQfEUS8kqR5pJtQ Website https://tftc.io/ Newsletter tftc.io/bitcoin-brief/ Twitter https://twitter.com/tftc21 Instagram https://www.instagram.com/tftc.io/ Nostr https://primal.net/tftc Follow Marty Bent: Twitter https://twitter.com/martybent Nostr https://primal.net/martybent Newsletter https://tftc.io/martys-bent/ Podcast https://www.tftc.io/tag/podcasts/

Graham Platner is leading Susan Collins in one of the most important Senate races in the country, and instead of asking how Democrats can win the seat, half the party seems busy feeding its own candidate into the purity machine.We break down the allegations against Platner, what he has admitted, what he denies, and why the political background of his most prominent accuser matters. We also talk about the larger question Democrats keep refusing to answer: what exactly is the standard?Because Donald Trump has 34 felony convictions, was found civilly liable for sexual abuse, owes millions in defamation damages, and is still treated by Republicans as perfectly fit to govern. But Graham Platner, a Marine combat veteran and PTSD survivor running against Susan Collins, gets treated like an extinction-level event by his own party.Also in this episode: Trump cries election fraud while his own candidates are winning in California, Pete Hegseth's Pentagon slashes recognized faiths and leans harder into Christian nationalism, Republicans briefly flinch at a $1.8 billion weaponization slush fund before protecting the possibility of bringing it back, Trump's White House ballroom donors rake in billions in federal contracts, and the House moves to rename the Department of Defense the Department of War.It is corruption, hypocrisy, purity politics, and institutional cowardice all the way down.Keywords: Graham Platner, Susan Collins, Maine Senate race, 2026 Senate election, Democratic Party, Democratic purity test, purity politics, Trump corruption, Donald Trump, Democratic double standard, Graham Platner allegations, Susan Collins Maine, Maine primary, Senate Democrats, Chuck Schumer, John Fetterman, Bernie Sanders, Ro Khanna, Janet Mills, Project 2025, Heritage Foundation, Independent Women's Forum, Brett Kavanaugh, Trump felony convictions, E. Jean Carroll, Pete Hegseth, Department of War, Department of Defense, Christian nationalism, Pentagon religion policy, Trump election fraud claims, California primary, Xavier Becerra, Steve Hilton, Strategic Petroleum Reserve, Trump ballroom, White House ballroom donors, federal contracts, weaponization fund, Democratic leadership, We Saw the Devil, political podcast, left wing politics, anti corruption, authoritarianism, media hypocrisy, Democratic infighting, Susan Collins challenger, Graham Platner Maine SenateBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/we-saw-the-devil-unfiltered-political-analysis--4433638/support.Website: http://www.wesawthedevil.comPatreon: http://www.patreon.com/wesawthedevilDiscord: https://discord.gg/X2qYXdB4Twitter: http://www.twitter.com/WeSawtheDevilInstagram: http://www.instagram.com/wesawthedevilpodcast.

Preview for Later: Guest: Lance Gatling Summary: Lance Gatling discusses Japan's response to the Hormuz crisis, highlighting its reliance on imported energy and the strategic petroleum reserve. He explores how Japan diversified energy sources after previous conflicts and nuclear accidents.1920 TOKYO