Podcasts about Supreme leader

Ralph speaks with Colonel Lawrence Wilkerson, former Chief of Staff for Colin Powell, about the fall of the American Empire and self-proclaimed Secretary of War, Pete Hegseth. Then we welcome the CEO and co-founder of the Canadian-based organization Corporate Knights, Toby Heap, to break down Trump's unprecedented trade war with our closest ally. Plus, Ralph has some choice words for Hakeem Jeffries and his meeting with Jared Kushner and for Hillary Clinton and her take on the war with Iran.Lawrence Wilkerson is a retired U.S. Army colonel. Over his 31 years of service, Colonel Wilkerson served as Secretary of State Colin Powell's Chief of Staff from 2002 to 2005, and Special Assistant to General Powell when he was Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff from 1989 to 1993. Colonel Wilkerson also served as Deputy Director and Director of the U.S. Marine Corps War College at Quantico, Virginia, and for fifteen years he was the Distinguished Visiting Professor of Government and Public Policy at the College of William and Mary. He is currently a Senior Fellow at the Eisenhower Media Network, senior advisor to the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, and co-founder of the All-Volunteer Force Forum.Two-thirds of the world now thinks that we are an enemy of their state. Two-thirds of the world. And it happens to be the two-third that has the greatest amount of the GDP in the world.Colonel Lawrence WilkersonI've lived for 81 years, almost 82, and I've watched my country go to hell right in front of my face… And the billionaires who want all of this to happen, they do not want a democracy. A democracy is fallible. A democracy can't beat China. A democracy can't beat Russia. A democracy can't even beat Iran. They want a technocracy that is run by them, armed by them, technical revolution by them. They want all of this, and oh by the way they want to live to 150 while they're doing it too.Colonel Lawrence WilkersonEvery freaking hour they create a series of war crimes in Iran. Every freaking hour they perpetrate war crimes in the Persian Gulf. Every freaking hour they perpetrate war crimes in Lebanon with Israel. “What's new?,” I want to say. We are a criminal state. There is no other way to describe it. We are a criminal state. We pay no attention whatsoever to domestic or international law. Only when it benefits the person who is doing the deed do we pay any attention at all.Colonel Lawrence WilkersonToby Heaps is the CEO and co-founder of Corporate Knights, and Editor-in-Chief of Corporate Knights magazine. He spearheaded the first global ranking of the world's 100 most sustainable corporations in 2005, and in 2007 coined the term “clean capitalism.”What we're seeing is a sort of political physics—for every action is an equal and opposite reaction. Canada has in many ways benefited and rallied around our nationhood. We're often not the most boisterous or loudest type of folks. But this continued disrespect for our statehood and the continued attacks and the unreasonableness and the unfair play, our prime minister said something to the effect of: when the United States signs something, it's in pencil. It's really denigrating the United States' reputation globally and in Canadians' minds.Toby HeapsNews 8/28/26* This week, the left-wing insurgency in the Democratic Party scored several new victories. First, NBC reports that in Oklahoma, N'Kiyla Jasmine Thomas won the Democratic nomination for the U.S. Senate seat vacated by Markwayne Mullin, who Trump selected to lead the Department of Homeland Security following the resignation of Secretary Kristi Noem. Thomas will go up against Republican Congressman Kevin Hern in November. Unfortunately, Thomas stands little chance of winning the state, which has not elected a Democratic Senator since 1990. Thomas is a member of the Chickasaw Nation and identifies as a Democratic Socialist, but is “not yet” a member of DSA.* Next, in California, Democracy Now! reports progressive state lawmaker Aisha Wahab has prevailed in the special election to fill the seat vacated by disgraced former Congressman Eric Swalwell. This piece notes that Wahab “overcame a flood of attack ads from pro-Israel groups,” which sought to bolster her Democratic primary rival, Melissa Hernandez. In an interview, Wahab said that she “appreciates” voters in her district for “seeing through” the “lies that were spread by AIPAC.” Wahab will make history as the first Afghan American in Congress and has called for the United States to engage with the Taliban government and attempt to “[steer] them in the right direction” on human rights.* In Georgia, the Hill reports another progressive – Everton Blair – won the special election to fill the seat of Congressman David Scott, who passed away in April during his 12th term in the seat. Blair, the former chair of the Gwinnett County School Board, defeated Scott's daughter Marcye Scott. However, Blair will only represent this seat until the end of the year. Beginning in January, State Rep. Jasmine Clark, who won the May primary, will fill the seat for the 120th Congress.* Meanwhile, in the Cornhusker State, the Nebraska Examiner reports that the “Legal Marijuana NOW U.S. Senate candidate Mike Marvin announced he can't put more ‘energy' into the Senate race because of health issues and endorsed nonpartisan U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborn.” Marvin will remain on the ballot, but is “urging all who supported [him] to now support…Osborn.” This piece notes that this announcement comes on heels of reporting by Flatwater Free Press showing that two staffers from Osborn's 2024 independent Senate campaign joined the Legal Marijuana NOW executive board and sought to dissolve the party from the inside. This, combined with the fact that former Democratic Senate nominee Cindy Burbank paid Mike Marvin's $1,740 candidate filing fee and dropped out of the race one day after the secretary of state verified Osborn's signatures to be on the fall ballot has fueled speculation that these were coordinated efforts to clear the field for Osborn. Marvin for his part disputes this and says he never planned to leave the race. Osborn is quoted saying “We hope to earn the support of the LMN voters and hope that we can represent their concerns well in the US Senate.”* In more third party news, Trump has launched new broadsides against the emerging ex-MAGA clique – consisting of Tucker Carlson, Congressman Thomas Massie, and former Congresswoman Marjorie Taylor Greene. According to the Hill, Trump attacked the group, said to be exploring the possibility of founding a new right-wing party, calling Carlson “a loser,” Greene “a highly neurotic woman” and Massie a “real JERK” on Truth Social. The president added, “What a team this would be, THREE LOSERS, and a pocketful of change!...The only chance they have is to join the Radical Left Dumocrats, and try breaking into the Primary System. To all of them I say, PRAISE BE TO ALLAH!” The proximate cause of this latest flare-up between the camps is Trump's decision to allow in 300,000 metric tons of ground beef to be imported in the next 90 days, a move Massie called “worse than socialism.” Greene, who has been perhaps the most vocal defector from the MAGA camp, said “He attacks us with such vitriol because we actually are everything he claimed to be…he has proven as President that he is nothing more than a neocon puppet for Israel, corporations, big donors with special interests, and his dear friends in the Epstein class…We never changed, Trump did.”* Another story from this side of the aisle comes to us from NOTUS, which reports that an “unknown actor” has stolen over $16,000 from the National Republican Congressional Committee (NRCC). This incident, alternatively characterized as a “theft” from a “foreign country” or simply a “fraud,” occurred in early July, when the NRCC “attempted to pay a bill from Ranger Wi-Fi Consulting, a Texas-based firm that specializes in helping clients ‘optimize their wireless networks while ensuring healthy security measures are in place.'” Seeking to assuage the fears of donors, NRCC spokesman Will Kiley told the press that “Protecting donor funds is a top priority for the NRCC,” and vowed that the committee is “working to recover the funds, and…taken steps to ensure it can't happen again.” Listeners might remember that in July, the DNC admitted that they had fallen prey to a scammer, losing almost $30,000 in the process. It would seem that these committees do not have functional safeguards against such schemes.* Our final stories this week all deal with the Middle East. First up, Axios reports that while AIPAC was gearing up for a major ad blitz in Michigan against Democratic nominee Abdul El-Sayed and on behalf of Republican Senate nominee Mike Rogers, those plans have apparently been iced at the behest of the Rogers campaign. According to this story, Rogers believes that AIPAC spending in the Democratic primary – over $30 million on behalf of El-Syed's rival Haley Stevens – actually helped boost El-Sayed's candidacy, making his opposition to AIPAC a “centerpiece of his…campaign, using the group's spending against him to portray Democratic opponent Haley Stevens as beholden to the pro-Israel lobby.” Rogers fears the same fate, so he has sought to keep his distance from AIPAC while his allies are urging AIPAC to “get involved without putting the group's name front and center.” However, Rogers' attempts to put some daylight between his campaign and AIPAC has resulted in the latter turning cold towards the Republican candidate. Republicans now worry that AIPAC will “sit out the general election entirely.” As for the perception of AIPAC in Michigan, a recent poll found that “55% of Michigan voters oppose continued U.S. aid to Israel.”* On the other end of the Michigan political spectrum, Congresswoman Rashida Tlaib has sent a letter to Secretary of State Marco Rubio demanding that he “ensure the immediateand permanent release of U.S. citizen Sama Safi, a 20-year-old university student with a severe complex chronic health condition, who the Israeli military has arbitrarily and wrongfully detained since June 2nd.” This letter goes on to describe how “armed Israeli soldiers raided her family's home in the occupied West Bank in the middle of the night and tore her from her family,” and that since then, she has “suffered under appalling conditions in Israeli military detention including “frequent physical assault, shackling, and the throwing of gas and stun grenades into already overcrowded and poorly ventilated cells,” among other horrors. 40 more members of Congress signed this letter, including six senators, Bernie Sanders, Elizabeth Warren, Ed Markey and Chris Van Hollen among them. 85 civic groups also signed onto this demand, ranging from faith-based groups to human rights organizations and beyond.* In the region itself, a broad coalition of Muslim states – including Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Jordan, Indonesia, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and, perhaps most notably, the United Arab Emirates – have issued a categorical condemnation of Israel's new “E1” settlement plan. This plan relates to new settlement activities east of occupied East Jerusalem and the signatories decry the plan as constituting “a dangerous escalation that further advances settlement expansion and annexation and undermines the geographical contiguity of the Occupied Palestinian Territory…thereby threatening the viability and realization of an independent, contiguous Palestinian State based on the 1967 lines with East Jerusalem as its capital.” The UAE was the most significant state in the region to sign onto the Trump-brokered Abraham Accords in 2020, which sought to normalize relations between Israel and its neighbors at the expense of the Palestinians. Saudi Arabia was said to be on the verge of signing the accords prior to October 7th and Israel's subsequent genocidal military campaign in Gaza. The UAE taking a new stand against Israel on behalf of the Palestinian cause is widely seen as the final death knell of the Abraham Accords and the beginning of a new era of relations in the Middle East.* Finally, the Economist reports that a group of seven top officials within the elite Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) is consolidating power in Iran. The man rumored to be leading this junta is Mohsen Rezaei, the new national-security adviser, former presidential candidate and the longest-serving chief of the IRGC, having led the corps though the Iran-Iraq War of the 1980s. Others include the head of the navy, currently overseeing Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, as well as the IRGC's commander-in-chief and founder of the Quds Force. Notably absent from this group is Mojtaba Khamenei, the new Supreme Leader of the Islamic Republic. This piece judiciously avoids making any definite predictions about whether this new clique will rule as hardliners or pragmatists, but emphasizes that the late Ali Khamenei expertly “balanced the competing interests of his realm” while these military men favor action.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe

In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Iran insists Mojtaba Khamenei remains in power, but nearly six months without a verified appearance is fueling questions about whether the supreme leader is alive—or involved in governing the country. Russia threatens to strike British military targets inside and outside Ukraine in retaliation for Kyiv's use of long-range British missiles. The Trump administration designates the British sabotage group Palestine Action a global terrorist organization. A catastrophic glacier collapse unleashes deadly flooding across Nepal and Tibet, leaving at least 360 people dead and more than 1,400 missing. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting https://PDBPremium.com. Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief iRestore: Unlock your best hair & skin with @iRestorelaser and HUGE savings on iRESTORE with code NERVE at irestore.com/PDB#irestorepod #sponsored MOD: For a free consultation and get 10% off your first order PLUS free shipping with promo code PDB at https://mod.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's Headlines: Dolly Parton, the legendary country singer, songwriter, actress, and philanthropist, has died at 80. Beyond music, she leaves behind an extraordinary legacy of generosity and her work supporting medical research. Shifting gears, the CIA director made an attempted secret trip to Moscow with the plane sitting on the ground for eight hours and no explanation of who Ratcliffe met with or why, with possibilities ranging from hostage negotiations to addressing Russia's recent NATO provocations. Pivoting to the trade war, Canada announced 50% retaliatory tariffs on $20 billion in American goods effective September 8th, matching Trump's tariffs dollar for dollar on dairy, seafood, steel, appliances, and toilet paper, while Trump responded by threatening to rename Lake Ontario to Lake America on a gold-lettered map posted to Truth Social. That'll show them. And since we're on the subject of renaming, the DOJ argued in court that the Kennedy Center will collapse into a "decrepit structure" without Trump's name on the facade. On the Iran war beat, Tulsi Gabbard reportedly warned Trump before he started the Iran war in February that Iran would immediately close the Strait of Hormuz, that killing the Supreme Leader would produce a more hardline regime pursuing nuclear weapons, and that Iran would strike US bases across the region — all of which happened. On “the decline,” the Agriculture Secretary couldn't say where the 300,000 metric tons of mystery ground beef is coming from, saying conversations are "still going on," which is not reassuring. Two unvaccinated people in Lancaster, Pennsylvania died of measles — the first US measles deaths this year — amid a local outbreak of nearly 400 cases, a third of them children, as case numbers continue to break records for the most since measles was eliminated in 2000. Gary, Indiana is entering its second week without power for thousands of residents with no restoration in sight, and Darline Graham won her South Carolina Senate runoff, spending nearly a million Trump-backed dollars to inherit her brother's seat and run against Dr. Annie Andrews in November. Resources/Articles mentioned: NYT: C.I.A. Director Makes Secret Visit to Moscow The White House: President Trump Is Finally Ending Canada's Free Ride AP News: Canada strikes back at US with retaliatory tariffs as trade war escalates Axios: Kennedy Center's survival depends on Trump, DOJ says in new filing WSJ: The Warnings That Came Before a War Now Reaching the Six-Month Mark The New Republic: Trump Team Refuses to Explain Imported Beef Origin as Backlash Grows NYT: Two Unvaccinated People Died From Measles in Pennsylvania, Officials Say CNN: Powerful storms knocked out power in northwest Indiana 2 weeks ago. This majority Black city has suffered the most NBC News: Elections live updates: Darline Graham beats Ralph Norman in South Carolina GOP Senate primary runoff Subscribe to the Betches News Room and join the Morning Announcements group chat. Go to: betchesnews.substack.com Morning Announcements is produced by Sami Sage and edited by Grace Hernandez-Johnson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

COLOMBO AND COMPANY 0:00 SEG 1 12:30 SEG 2 Kristen Baesler - US Education Assistant Secretary of Elementary & Secondary Education. Secretary Baesler, who has served under Presidents Obama, Trump, and Biden, joined Tony to discuss education reform. She explained how current efforts are focused on returning control to the states and empowering parents to play a greater role in their children's education. Kristen emphasized the importance of parental engagement, reminding listeners that parents are their child's most influential teachers. 30:27 SEG 3 Virginia Kruta Virginia and Tony explore her recent article, "FBI Surprises Eric Swalwell At Airport, Seizes Key Evidence”. They also discuss President Trump's relationship with Kim Jong Un, the Supreme Leader of North Korea. and more https://www.dailywire.com/news/fbi-surprises-eric-swalwell-at-airport-seizes-key-evidence FOLLOW TONY - https://x.com/tonycolombotalk 24/7 LIVESTREAM - http://bit.ly/NEWSTALKSTLSTREAMS RUMBLE - https://rumble.com/NewsTalkSTL See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Janatyn Sayeh explores the "secret plan" of Iranian hardliners to escalate regional conflict and raise costs for the United States. He notes that while the Iranian economy is an existential vulnerability, the regime is willing to ride out sanctions to maintain its Islamist agenda. Sayeh critiques the viability of a U.S. land blockade, citing the difficulty of gaining cooperation from neighbors like Afghanistan and Pakistan. He argues that power is concentrated within the IRGCsecurity establishment rather than just the Supreme Leader, and that internal rifts are secondary to the elite's collective survival. (3)

Kamran Bokhari examines the evolution of the Iranian regime, arguing that the Supreme Leader has become a figurehead for the IRGC and security establishment. He suggests that the war has accelerated a process of internal fragmentation, though the elite remains united by a shared fear of collapse. While public uprisings have gone "underground," the regime continues to conduct mass arrests to prevent a critical mass of resistance. Bokhari describes a "post-clergy" era where the military dominates political life, noting that the regime has evolved into a different entity than it was decades ago. (8)

TABLE OF CONTENTS, THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 8-17-2026.Bill Roggio reflects on the five-year anniversary of the 2021 Afghanistan withdrawal, highlighting the accuracy of the maps he built that predicted the Taliban's takeover. He describes the withdrawal as disorganized, noting there was zero plan for the Afghan government or military equipment. Roggio specifically criticizes the abandonment of Bagram Air Base, which he believes was the superior evacuation site. He also addresses current Middle East policy, dismissing proposed land blockades against Iran as "fanciful" and impractical. He warns that current strategic failures mirror the indifference seen in Afghanistan. (1)Bridget Toomey analyzes the reawakening of the Yemeni Civil War, noting that the Houthis are launching fresh offensives to seize the Red Sea coast and the Bab el-Mandeb choke point. While the Houthis claim to target Saudiinterests, their primary focus has shifted to defeating government-backed ground troops. Toomey highlights the extensive use of drone technology by both sides, with the Houthis demonstrating sophisticated capabilities while the Yemeni government adopts modified Chinese systems. She notes that Saudi Arabia remains hesitant to fully re-initiate a large-scale military intervention despite continued Houthi aggression. (2)Janatyn Sayeh explores the "secret plan" of Iranian hardliners to escalate regional conflict and raise costs for the United States. He notes that while the Iranian economy is an existential vulnerability, the regime is willing to ride out sanctions to maintain its Islamist agenda. Sayeh critiques the viability of a U.S. land blockade, citing the difficulty of gaining cooperation from neighbors like Afghanistan and Pakistan. He argues that power is concentrated within the IRGCsecurity establishment rather than just the Supreme Leader, and that internal rifts are secondary to the elite's collective survival. (3)Malcolm Hoenlein provides an overview of the October 27th Israeli election, explaining the complex "list" voting system and Netanyahu's challenges. He discusses the "Board of Peace" negotiations, stressing that the central hurdle remains Hamas's refusal to disarm before Israeli withdrawal. Hoenlein also touches on regional tensions, including Hezbollah's rearming and internal unrest in Iran fueled by economic desperation. Finally, he notes Turkey's significant lobbying efforts in Washington through a new headquarters and a "glorious new front" of diplomatic normalization between Israel and several South American nations including Colombia. (4)Edmund Fitton-Brown argues that the U.S. is "running out of ideas" regarding economic pressure on Iran, labeling a land blockade as far-fetched due to uncooperative neighbors. He suggests that secondary sanctions on Chinese "teapot" refineries are a more practical tool. Regarding Yemen, Fitton-Brown observes that the Houthis have become emboldened by U.S. irresolution and are pushing south to capture the Bab el-Mandeb. He expresses cautious optimism regarding Jared Kushner's diplomatic delegation, noting that experienced figures like Tony Blair are unlikely to be "dupes" for Hamas during negotiations. (5)John Hardie reports on the Russia-Ukraine conflict, specifically Russia's rejection of a Black Sea ceasefire in favor of striking Ukrainian food supplies. He notes that while Russia maintains a maritime blockade advantage, Ukraine is retaliating with high-precision long-range drone strikes against Russian oil refineries and defense plants. Hardie suggests that the Kremlin may be receptive to a moratorium on deep-strike operations because their own infrastructure is increasingly vulnerable. He concludes that Ukraine currently holds a tactical edge in drone technology, aided by Western intelligence to bypass Russian air defenses. (6)David Daoud details the escalating tensions between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, noting that Hezbollah's refusal to disarm has prompted the IDF to prepare for a major operation. Israel is currently conducting "clearing operations" to destroy Hezbollah installations near the Al-Aishiyeh Ridge. Daoud highlights the recent deaths of senior commanders from the elite Radwan and Badr units, which indicates that Hezbollah's operational security remains compromised. Despite these losses, Hezbollah is working with Iran to rebuild its command structure and has attempted to smuggle advanced weaponry, including cruise missiles, into Lebanon. (7)Kamran Bokhari examines the evolution of the Iranian regime, arguing that the Supreme Leader has become a figurehead for the IRGC and security establishment. He suggests that the war has accelerated a process of internal fragmentation, though the elite remains united by a shared fear of collapse. While public uprisings have gone "underground," the regime continues to conduct mass arrests to prevent a critical mass of resistance. Bokhari describes a "post-clergy" era where the military dominates political life, noting that the regime has evolved into a different entity than it was decades ago. (8)Alan Tonelson exposes a massive Chinese tariff evasion scheme, where goods are rerouted through countries like Cambodia and Mexico to bypass U.S. duties. This "scam" is estimated to cost the U.S. up to $26 billion in annual revenue. While the White House is developing AI-based systems to strengthen customs enforcement, there is criticism regarding the lack of direct penalties against Beijing. Tonelson notes that 40 countries are currently complicit in these practices, harming the U.S. manufacturing base. He predicts only modest changes to these trade dynamics through the remainder of the current administration. (9)Samuel Ben-Ur discusses the ongoing conflict with Hamas in Gaza, focusing on Jared Kushner's meeting with Hamas leadership to discuss a 15-point peace plan. Ben-Ur explains that Israel rejected the plan because it lacked a verifiable mechanism for Hamas's disarmament before Israeli withdrawal. He dismisses reports of famine in Gaza as propaganda, noting that international bodies currently view aid levels as acceptable. The conversation emphasizes that Hamas remains committed to the destruction of Israel, making voluntary disarmament a "fiction," while Israeli politics remain divided over the war's prosecution. (10)Richard Epstein critiques Senator Bernie Sanders' characterization of Israeli politicians as "extremists," viewing it as a provocative attempt to shift American Democratic policy. Epstein argues that a two-state solution is fundamentally unstable because an autonomous Palestinian region cannot be prevented from remilitarizing. He contends that proponents of this solution often act in bad faith, ignoring Hamas's history of violated ceasefires. Furthermore, Epstein describes the Democratic Socialists of America as isolationists who focus disproportionately on Israel while ignoring other global aggressors like Vladimir Putin in Ukraine. (11)Jeremy Zakis reports on the looming weather crisis in Australia, where meteorologists predict a "super El Niño" combined with a positive Indian Ocean Dipole. This rare combination is expected to cause extreme drought and record-breaking temperatures in New South Wales and Victoria. Zakis warns that a wet winter has fueled rampant eucalyptus growth, creating a massive volume of flammable oils. These conditions have "primed" the landscape for catastrophic wildfires. Residents are being urged to clear undergrowth immediately, as the upcoming fire season could surpass the severity of the devastating 2020–2021 bushfires. (12)One small fix beyond the log: Badr unit (source had "Bader," segment 7) — the standard rendering of Hezbollah's Badr unit. Janatyn Sayeh applied per your confirmed spelling.

TABLE OF CONTENTS, JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 8-11-2-26Mary Kissel discusses North Korea's transformation into a critical military supplier for Russia's war in Ukraine, providing ballistic missiles and thousands of combat troops. This collaboration integrates Pyongyang into an "axis of tyranny" alongside Moscow, Beijing, and Tehran to challenge the West and NATO. Kissel notes that the Kim regime's involvement stems from a desire for cash, a need to demonstrate missile capabilities, and a shared goal of weakening U.S.global influence. This development highlights the long-term failure of U.S. diplomacy to prevent North Korean nuclear proliferation and serves as a warning regarding Iran. (1)Jonathan Schanzer addresses the mysterious absence of Iran's Supreme Leader and the resulting tightening grip of the IRGC on the government. The regime is characterized as sclerotic, relying on aging hardliners with "blood on their hands" to maintain power. Meanwhile, the Houthis have escalated attacks in the Red Sea, targeting Saudi infrastructure and shipping ports like Mocha and Jazan. Schanzer argues this is a strategic move by Iran to shut down trade on both sides of the Arabian Peninsula, exploiting a lack of unity between competitive regional powers like Saudi Arabia and the UAE. (2)Liz Peek analyzes the surprisingly vigorous U.S. economy, where consumer spending and small business optimism remain high despite elevated oil prices and stagnant job growth. While the Fed weighs interest rate hikes to curb inflation, a "wealth effect" from the stock market continues to buoy the economy. Politically, Peek highlights a "civil war" within the Democratic Party, where "revolutionary" candidates aligned with the Democratic Socialists of America (DSA) are challenging the establishment in key swing states like Michigan and Wisconsin. These far-left candidates struggle with electability among moderate voters in general elections. (3)Joseph Sternberg observes that the current midterm cycle has become an "election about nothing," with both parties failing to articulate clear policy agendas. He argues that Congress has outsourced its constitutional authority to the executive branch and regulatory agencies, losing the habit of legislating. This vacuum is being filled by "celebrity influencers" from the MAGA and DSA factions who prioritize social media attention over governing. Consequently, critical issues like Social Security reform and fiscal reality are being ignored until an inevitable crisis forces congressional action. (4)Gregory Copley evaluates the new "Mecca Joint Defense Agreement" between Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan, which aims to counter Iranian influence despite mutual distrust among the members. The discussion also explores the massive transformation of global trade routes, including China's "Ice Silk Road" through the Arctic and Russia's International North-South Transport Corridor. Copley notes that these routes aim to bypass vulnerable maritime choke points like the Suez Canal and the Strait of Hormuz. Finally, he provides a report on King Charles III's summer activities and public engagements in Scotland. (5)Veronique de Rugy critiques the Trump administration's shift toward "socialism on the right," evidenced by the government taking ownership stakes in private companies like Intel. Often justified by national security, these interventions mirror European state-owned enterprise models that historically burden taxpayers and distort market competition. De Rugy argues that such moves make private companies hostage to government dictates, such as labor or diversity requirements. By adopting policies championed by far-left senators like Bernie Sanders, the administration risks damaging long-term economic efficiency and creating a "state enterprise" system similar to China's. (6)Ahmad Sharawi explains that Russia has secured its military foothold in Syria through a new memorandum of understanding with the Al-Shara government. Russia will maintain access to vital maritime and aerial bases for its operations in the Mediterranean and Africa, while Syria remains dependent on Russian grain and energy. Sharawi notes that the U.S. appears to be losing diplomatic leverage by removing sanctions without obtaining counterterrorism concessions or progress in neutralizing ISIS. The new Syrian administration is successfully playing major powers against each other to maintain domestic stability and maximize international benefits. (7)Samuel Ben-Ur and Bill Roggio discuss the "Board of Peace" plan for post-war Gaza, which proposes a civilian Palestinian government overseen by international forces. A significant impasse remains: Israel refuses to withdraw until Hamas is disarmed, while Hamas has endorsed the plan, likely hoping its allies—Turkey and Qatar—will oversee the verification process. The discussion reveals that Gaza's tunnel network is more extensive than previously believed, with only 40–50% cleared after years of war. One proposed solution to prevent Hamas from regrouping is filling the remaining tunnels with cement. (8)Thaddeus McCotter analyzes the Michigan Senate race between Mike Rogers and Abdul El-Sayed, a Rhodes Scholar supported by the far-left DSA. El-Sayed's primary victory over the Democratic establishment highlights the growing influence of "woke" ideology in college towns. While El-Sayed attempts to pivot to the center for the general election, his lack of a public voting record makes his true agenda difficult to pin down. McCotter suggests the race will test whether voters will reject the "Jacobin" manifestations of cancel culture and extreme progressive policies in favor of a more traditional candidate. (9)All nine files this time, with Gregory Copley in place at (5).

Jonathan Schanzer discusses the opaque leadership within Iran, noting the Supreme Leader's prolonged absence and the IRGC's tightening grip on power. The regime appears sclerotic, relying on aging loyalists while forcing the U.S. to remain engaged in regional conflicts to strain its economy. Simultaneously, the Houthis have escalated maritime attacks in the Red Sea and on Saudi infrastructure, effectively opening a new front in the conflict. This escalation exploits fractures between Arab states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who remain in competition rather than forming a unified front against Iranian proxy networks. (2)

The Supreme Leader of the First Order returns, as Charles Soule takes on Kylo Ren in this new miniseries. The series follows the events of Legacy of Vader, leading up to The Rise of Skywalker. How well does Kylo play with Hux and Pryde? Spoilers, not well at all.Covers: Fall of Kylo Ren #1

Sacked radio host Kyle Sandilands has returned to the airwaves in the hotly anticipated launch of his independent production. Plus, Iran releases footage of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, and Australians ditch diesel cars for Chinese EVs. Read more: Kyle Sandilands spotted leaving Sydney studio after podcast launch disaster Iran releases video of supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei Australian interest in diesel cars dives amid cheap Chinese EV boomSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

These are the top headlines from Arab News, the Middle East's leading English-language daily, on Sunday August 9th at 6pm GMT.    - Tehran says won't reopen Hormuz until US accepts Iran's conditions - Iran to release footage of Supreme Leader in the future, Mizan says - 7 killed in Houthi drone, missile attacks on Yemen's Red Sea port of Mocha - Syria, Russia reach deal to transfer civilian sites, convert military bases - Netanyahu says Israel won't pull out of Gaza before Hamas disarms   Check out the latest updates on arabnews.com

Text the show! Trump wrote The Art of the Deal.After months of warnings, deadlines, extensions, and negotiations with Iran, I think it's time for the sequel:The Art of No Deal: Iran Edition.On this Satire Saturday, we're launching Trump's completely fictional new book — collector's edition, diplomatic edition, children's edition, empty display case and all.Then we tackle the bigger problem: maybe Trump's negotiating strategy isn't failing. Maybe he's simply never negotiated with a gay Supreme Leader before.If that's true, Washington doesn't need another foreign-policy expert.It needs me.We're fixing the Iran negotiations with the rules Washington apparently forgot:

Multiple sources inside Iran say that Iran's new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, has been rushed to the hospital and is in critical condition. Megan Rapinoe goes on an UNHINGED rant, accusing Sophie Cunningham and Riley Gaines of pushing nonsense because they're trying to protect women's sports. A United Nations study SHATTERS the Gaza “starvation” narrative. WNBA star Gabby Williams supports trans women playing in the league, saying “the battle has changed”.Thank you for supporting our sponsors that make The Dana Show possible…Alliance Defending Freedomhttps://JoinADF.org/DanaAlliance Defending Freedom is on the front lines defending the freedoms and values that matter. Join the fight today. Byrnahttps://Byrna.com/DanaTrusted by law enforcement, security professionals, and everyday Americans—defend yourself and your family with Byrna.HumanNhttps://Humann.com/DanaGet the limited edition Watermelon Flavor and find out how to get a FREE 30-day supply before they sell out.Patriot Mobilehttp://PatriotMobile.com/DANAVisit online or call 972-PATRIOT and use promo code DANA for a FREE month of service.Relief Factorhttps://www.ReliefFactor.comYou could be the next person sharing a Relief Factor success story. Get started today with the 3-Week QuickStart for only $17.76.Ghost Bedhttps://GhostBed.com/DANAGhostBed has the cooling luxury mattress you need for the best summer sleep. Use code DANA for an extra 10% off sitewide.Webroothttps://Webroot.com/DanaSave 60% off Webroot. Protect your devices. Protect your family. Protect your peace of mind. Live a better digital life with Webroot. Fast Growing Treeshttps://FastGrowingTrees.com/DanaGet an additional 20% off  your first Fast Growing Trees. Get better plants and a better looking yard. Noble Goldhttps://NobleGoldInvestments.com/DanaIf you want to see how physical gold and silver could fit into your portfolio, download Noble Gold Investments FREE Wealth Protection Kit.Concerned Women For Americahttps://ConcernedWomen.org/DanaDonate today and together, we can defend our girls, equip parents and protect the next generation.Chapterhttps://Chapter.org/DanaAsk Chapter today if you could be saving money on your medicare coverageSubscribe today and stay in the loop on all things news with The Dana Show. Follow us here for more daily clips, updates, and commentary:YoutubeFacebookInstagramXMore InfoWebsite

Abdul El-Sayed just scraped out a razor-thin win in Michigan's Democratic Senate primary, and the establishment is already lining up behind him. This isn't some mild progressive. We're talking open socialist policies, calls to treat Israel as an illegal apartheid regime, and a campaign that got a boost from radicals who said America deserved 9/11. The same party that once pretended to be the big tent is now rolling out the red carpet for the red-green alliance of socialists and hard-left extremists. Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) went from backing the moderate to praising El-Sayed's “energetic campaign.” Meanwhile, voices warning about anti-Semitism and anti-American fringe ideas are being shouted down. This isn't just Michigan. It's a clear signal that the socialist wing is no longer on the fringe — it is taking the nominations, and the leadership is folding. Regular Americans watching this should understand exactly what it means for the future of the country when the opposition party decides extremism is the new normal. Do you think the Democratic Party can still be pulled back from this radical takeover? What does it say about the state of the Left when someone this extreme becomes the nominee in a swing state? Pat also covered: Why are New York lawmakers pushing to bring back gay bathhouses? France just banned telemarketers — and Americans are taking notes. The eerie similarities between COVID panic and climate change hysteria. Spotify is closing in on 800 million users … and it's not slowing down. Why Mamdani's government grocery stores are already looking like a bad idea. If you want unfiltered truth and common-sense analysis that cuts through the noise, hit subscribe and turn on notifications. 00:00 Pat Gray UNLEASHED! 01:11 We're Getting Close to a Deal with Iran (...Once Again) 04:16 Benjamin Netanyahu on Making a Deal with Iran 06:45 Iran's President "Meets" with Supreme Leader in Tehran 11:01 Where is Everybody (and our Winn-Dixie Stores)? 18:38 JD Vance on Eliminating $56 Billion Worth of Fraud 22:27 Andrew Ferguson on Consequences for Fraudsters 27:15 Caller Cory 31:42 Fat Five 46:11 SpaceX Rocket Footage was AI-Generated 48:14 France Banning Unsolicited Telemarketing Calls 56:01 Updates on the Anthony Fauci Situation 1:01:11 Questions for Zohran Mamdani's City-Run Grocery Stores 1:15:47 Abdul El-Sayed is a JERK! 1:18:34 Stephen Miller on Defeating Communism in America 1:20:04 Francesca Hong's Favorite Holiday 1:25:55 Dearborn, Michigan Looking like Afghanistan 1:31:02 Joe Bastardi on COVID-19 & Climate Change Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.On today's podcast:1) Oil rose after its biggest drop in a week, as President Trump said his latest offer of talks is Tehran’s “last chance” and that he expects a full reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Tehran denied it was talking with the US, but said discussions with Oman to get more ships moving through Hormuz are making progress, with an adviser to Iran’s Supreme Leader saying Washington must “take the first step and change its behavior." Commodity flows through the Strait of Hormuz have slowed to a trickle, with a cargo vessel northeast of Al Khasab, Oman, broadcasting that it had been hit by an unknown projectile on Monday.2) Acting Attorney General Todd Blanche shared documents on social media that seemed to clear a major hurdle to the top job, but drew skeptical reactions from former Justice Department officials and administration critics. The documents addressed concerns about a $1.8 billion fund for alleged victims of government “weaponization” and immunity for President Trump, his family members and the Trump Organization from audits of past tax filings, but the original documents that sparked bipartisan outrage remain unchanged. Critics say the latest documents do not have much permanent legal effect and that the door is open for officials, Trump, or others in his orbit to try to enforce the terms in the future.3) Michigan's Senate primary today will serve as a litmus test of whether the Democrats' progressive wing can win in a presidential battleground state. The primary pits Representative Haley Stevens, a moderate, against progressive Abdul El-Sayed, with Black voters being central to the case. A win by El-Sayed would vault him into national prominence, but a defeat would spark questions about whether progressives can win outside of deeply Democratic areas.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

This week on The Necessary Conversation, Chad, Haley, and Mary Lou enter a brave new world in which Mary Lou said she wants to abolish ICE. Let that sink in.

Michael Shermer speaks with political scientist Marlene Laruelle about Russia's turbulent transformation during the 1990s and the rise of Vladimir Putin, why the Kremlin so badly misjudged Ukraine, China's rise and its ambitions regarding Taiwan, why killing Iran's Supreme Leader and much of its senior leadership did not bring down the regime, the limits of foreign aid and sanctions, mass surveillance, economic nationalism, and whether Western democracy can survive an age of economic pessimism and technological control. Marlene Laruelle is a professor in the Department of Political Science at Luiss University in Rome. From 2011 to 2025, she served as research professor of international affairs and political science at George Washington University. She directs the Illiberalism Studies Program, a transatlantic initiative based in Washington, D.C., and Paris at Inalco. A specialist in Russia and the post-Soviet region, her work examines ideology, geopolitics, and culture, with a current focus on the rise of illiberal and postliberal ideologies in Europe and the United States.

A warning to the U.S. from Iran. AP correspondent Donna Warder reports.

This program was broadcast on Friday July 10, 2026. Here are the main stories… NATO Summit: With special guest Pelle Neroth Taylor, author and geopolitical analyst  Iran: Special on location report from Patrick Henningsen  Column 20th Anniversary  State Threats: Rushed legislation to suit the state. With special guest Prof. David Miller  World Cup: Scandal and mess  Censorship: Goal posts moved to maintain control  Anne Widdecombe: Former Conservative MP and Brexit MEP has died  In Case You Missed It: Stories spotted by Basil this week Hosts Patrick Henningsen, Mike Robinson and Basil Valentine with Friday's end-of-week news round-up. 

The State of Emergency in Missouri, our Leslie Lopez has the details as there are over three hundred rescues in the state; and the threat of revenge by Iran's new Supreme Leader after his father, the former leader was killed by the United States at the start of the war with Iran, Selina Wang reports;  and a 14 year old's simple act that made the biggest difference, Rhiannon Ally has the story; and more on tonight's broadcast of World News Tonight with David Muir. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the US and Iran trade strikes in the Middle East, huge crowds have gathered in the holy city of Mashhad ahead of the burial of Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.We'll try to gauge the mood in the country and assess the options now for both the US and Iran. Also in the programme: The disinformation about Ebola fuelling attacks on Congolese health workers; we'll remember the life of the smash-hit gravel-voiced pop star Bonnie Tyle; and the Norwegian rowing sensation that's become one of the sounds of the men's football World Cup.(Photo shows mourners gathered on the day of the burial of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Mashhad, Iran on 9 July 2026. Credit: Alkis Konstantinidis/Reuters)

It's been a week of shifting alliances, escalating tensions and political drama. NATO leaders gathered in Turkey for a pivotal summit, where President Trump arrived questioning the alliance's unity before leaving in a markedly warmer mood, as attention also turned to his relationship with President Zelensky and the future of Western support for Ukraine. In the Middle East, Iran held days of public mourning for its late Supreme Leader, while fresh exchanges with the United States cast further doubt on hopes for a lasting ceasefire. In France, Marine Le Pen's political fortunes were transformed by a landmark appeal court ruling that revived her presidential ambitions. And on the football pitch, Les Bleus moved a step closer to a third World Cup title as Kylian Mbappé hit back at racist abuse from a Paraguayan senator.

The US and Iran have continued to trade strikes, raising fears of a return to full scale conflict. At the same time, huge crowds of mourners pay respects to Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei.Also in the programme: False claims about Ebola are fuelling violence against health workers in the Democratic Republic of Congo; and it's France versus Morocco at the World Cup.(Photo: A handout photo made available by the Iranian Supreme Leader Office shows crowds taking part in the burial of late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in the city of Mashhad, Iran, 09 July 2026)

Tensions flare again between the U.S. and Iran and NATO leaders wrap up a tense summit. On this Politics Day episode, we discuss the political fallout with political scientists Jim McCormick of Iowa State University and Evan Renfro of the University of Northern Iowa. We hear about the new round of U.S.-Iran hostilities that overshadows the days-long funeral for Iran's Supreme Leader, take a look back at the nation's 250th birthday celebration and more.

On this episode of the MeidasTouch Podcast, Ben, Brett, and Jordy break down the latest news, from Trump's bizarre White House luncheon to his Trump Accounts event and more. The brothers also cover alarming developments overseas as China and North Korea test a nuclear-capable missile, Russia escalates its attacks on Kyiv, and Ukraine strikes back with major attacks targeting Omsk and one of Russia's largest fuel refineries. They examine the massive funeral processions for Iran's Supreme Leader, Trump's increasingly uncomfortable behavior toward Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, and his rambling July 4 speech delivered before sparse crowds. All that, plus more, on this episode! Subscribe to Meidas+ at https://meidasplus.com Get Meidas Merch: https://store.meidastouch.com Deals from our sponsors!  HexClad: Find your forever cookware @hexclad and get 10% off at https://hexclad.com/MEIDAS! #hexcladpartner Smalls: For a limited time, get 60% off your first order, plus free shipping and free treats for life, when you head to https://Smalls.com/MEIDAS. 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. IQBAR: Get 20% off all IQBAR products. Text TRUTH to 64000. (Message and data rates may apply) 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

This program was broadcast on Friday July 3, 2026. Here are the main stories… State Threats: Terrorism legislation. With special guest Jessey Winney, Organiser, No2NATO  Devolution: Cross party conference for centralisation of power  Tehran: Special on the ground report from Patrick Henningsen  High North: Artic operational theatre  Palantir Data: Technocratic digital panopticon With special guest, investigative journalist Johnny Vedmore  Palantir Spain: Massive pushback  FOI: Rearrangement of deck chairs Freedom of Information Statistics | UK Government  BMJ Trade: Mismanagement of public finances  Enoch Burke: Out of prison, still campaigning  Hosts Patrick Henningsen, Mike Robinson and Basil Valentine with Friday's end-of-week news round-up. 

America celebrated its 250th birthday against a backdrop of deep division, with white nationalists marching in Washington DC, counter protesters filling the Mall, and President Trump delivering a speech attacking Democrats as communists. Huge crowds are marching through Tehran for the funeral of Iran's former supreme leader as U.S.-Iran talks sit frozen until the mourning ends, while Israel's prime minister heads to Washington to talk with President Trump about Iran and the shaky ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza. And the U.S. faces Belgium tonight in the World Cup, but the bigger story is off the field, after President Trump called FIFA's president about a red card and the American player's suspension was suddenly lifted.Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.Today's episode of Up First was edited by Kelsey Snell, Tina Kraja, Russell Lewis, Mohamed ElBardicy and Lindsay Totty.It was produced by Ziad Buchh and Ben Abrams.Our director is Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott and Eowyn Fain. Our technical director is Damian Herring.(0:00) Introduction(01:55) Holiday Weekend Politics(06:47) Iran Mourns Supreme Leader(10:27) US Vs Belgium World Cup Drama See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

The Iranian regime hopes the massive crowds gathered for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral will demonstrate its strength. Our correspondent says they could also reveal its weakness. Why Japan wants to change its divorce laws and custody arrangements. And the first part of our week-long road trip down America's iconic Route 66. Guests and host:Nicolas Pelham, Middle East correspondentMoeka Iida, East Asia correspondentJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Ayatollah, Khamenei, Iran, Supreme LeaderJapan, divorce, custodyRoute 66, Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

P.M. Edition for July 6. Crowds thronged the streets of Tehran today as part of the week of funeral events for Ali Khamenei, Iran's Supreme Leader killed by the U.S. and Israel at the start of the war. WSJ Middle East correspondent Benoit Faucon discusses how Iran is using the funeral as a demonstration of its defiance–potentially complicating peace negotiations. Plus, we're exclusively reporting that Klaus Schwab, the founder of the World Economic Forum that puts on Davos, is making a comeback bid. And the “Trump Accounts” for kids are now live. We hear from the Journal's Elyse Goncalves about who should get one, even if it doesn't come with $1,000 of seed money from the government. Alex Ossola hosts. Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Preview for Later Today: Janatyn Sayeh of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies details Iranian threats against US and Israeli leadership. He warns that Tehran's rhetoric regarding "accountability" for the Supreme Leader'sdeath signals potential transnational assassination plots. (4)1904 PERSIAN GULF

The Iranian regime hopes the massive crowds gathered for Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's funeral will demonstrate its strength. Our correspondent says they could also reveal its weakness. Why Japan wants to change its divorce laws and custody arrangements. And the first part of our week-long road trip down America's iconic Route 66. Guests and host:Nicolas Pelham, Middle East correspondentMoeka Iida, East Asia correspondentJon Fasman, senior culture correspondentRosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”Topics covered: Ayatollah, Khamenei, Iran, Supreme LeaderJapan, divorce, custodyRoute 66, Steinbeck, The Grapes of Wrath Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—subscribe to The Economist.For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our FAQs page or watch our video explaining how to link your account. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Patrick Bet-David and the Home Team break down America's 250th birthday, Trump's calls with Vladimir Putin and Volodymyr Zelensky, Iran's funeral for Ayatollah Khamenei and what comes next, Peter Thiel's explosive comments about Pope Leo and AI, plus the biggest business, political and cultural stories shaping America.———

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Masa Chips - Promo Code Wright for 25% Off Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he covers today's top stories shaping America and the world. In this Monday Headline Brief of The Wright Report, Bryan covers America's 250th birthday weekend, from Trump's Mt. Rushmore fireworks comeback and his barn-burner speech calling Communism a cancer on the Republic, to NYC Mayor Zohran Mamdani's counter-speech from George Washington's desk blasting white Americans as colonizers while his wife skipped the celebrations for a Muslim retreat in Spain. Bryan then tracks the sharp clash between VP JD Vance and Pope Leo over open borders immigration policy, grounded in fresh cases including a Biden-era Haitian migrant killing a Pennsylvania State Police trooper, Minnesota Governor Tim Walz pardoning a convicted child rapist from Laos, and newly elected Communist Congresswoman Melat Kiros refusing to condemn a Muslim terror attack targeting Jews in Boulder. On the global front, Iran's IRGC announces a discriminatory fee structure for ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, the former Ayatollah's funeral reveals the possible disappearance of Iran's new Supreme Leader, and Australia continues pulling Pacific island nations away from China with new security pacts in Fiji and the Solomon Islands. Plus, Spain's solar energy collapse offers a warning to US states doubling down on green energy, Europe's heat wave kills thousands as governments block air conditioning in the name of climate policy, Taiwan brings back anti-Communist military training, and Finnish researchers confirm that kids with dogs are healthier and need fewer antibiotics. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32   Keywords: Bryan Dean Wright, The Wright Report, America 250th birthday, Trump Mt. Rushmore fireworks, SAVE America Act, John Thune filibuster, Zohran Mamdani George Washington desk, Pope Leo immigration, JD Vance Pope Leo, Pennsylvania trooper Michael Pahira, Haitian migrant homicide, Tim Walz pardon child rapist, Melat Kiros Boulder attack, Mohamed Sabry Soliman flamethrower, Trump Accounts children savings, Taiwan anti-Communist military training, Iran IRGC Strait of Hormuz fees, Ayatollah Khomeini funeral, Mojtaba Khamenei, Australia Fiji security pact, Solomon Islands China, Vanuatu, Spain solar energy collapse dirty green energy, Europe heat wave air conditioning deaths, Patti LuPone Turkey cruise, Monday Headline Brief, dogs children health antibiotics

What message is Iran sending to the world during the 6-day funeral of their Supreme Leader? Kamran from Iran, and Margot from Israel offer analysis. Hear global reaction to America's 250th birthday.

President Trump's speech at Mount Rushmore turns dark. Despite the heat, Americans are finding ways to celebrate the nation's 250th anniversary. Two former Trump allies want to start a new political party. And after four months, Iranians officially mourn Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamanei, killed in Israeli/U.S. airstrikes.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy

President Trump has used a speech on the eve of the 250th anniversary of US independence to claim that American identity is under threat from domestic 'radicals' and 'extremists'. At the Mount Rushmore national monument, Mr Trump warned of a resurgence of what he called 'the communist menace' and 'newcomers' who embrace ideas opposed to the American way of life. Also in the programme: The Iranian authorities say they expect up to 20 million people to take part in six days of ceremonies paying respect to Iran's former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei; and Taylor Swift and the American footballer Travis Kelce get married in New York. (Photo: US President Donald Trump delivers a speech during a celebration for the 250th anniversary of US independence at Mount Rushmore, July 3, 2026. Credit: Reuters/Kylie Cooper)

Foreign dignitaries arrive in Iran for a week of events ahead of the burial of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, more than four months after he was killed in strikes launched by the US and Israel. He will be laid to rest in his hometown of Mashhad on Thursday after lying in state. Iranian authorities say millions are expected to attend. It comes as Iran and the United States observe a fragile ceasefire after signing a preliminary deal to halt their conflict in June. As control over shipping through the Hormuz Strait has proven to be Iran's key bargaining chip to end US and Israeli strikes in Iran, we have an exclusive report from the Strait itself, from the southern Iranian port of Bandar Abbas. Also: The UN accuses the paramilitary Rapid Support Force of executions, torture and sexual violence in Sudan; an elected mayor in Japan is the first to take maternity leave; a police hunt is underway for the suspect behind a parcel bomb attack in Monaco -- now believed to be a woman disguising herself as a man; and a volunteer has stumbled across a rare copy of the US Declaration of Independence in the UK. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.ukPhoto: The coffin of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei displayed during a farewell ceremony for him at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran, Iran. Credit: REUTERS. Foreign media in Iran operate under guidelines set by the Ministry of Culture and Islamic Guidance, which regulates press activity and permissions.

The coffin of Iran's late Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, is on display along with those of four family members at the Grand Mosalla mosque in Tehran. Millions of people are expected to attend Saturday's official ceremony. We hear from our correspondent in Tehran. Also on the programme: a Ukrainian woman is named as the main suspect in the Monaco bomb attack; and Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce are rumoured to be tying the knot today in New York's Madison Square Garden. (Photo: An Iranian man walks in front of a billboard of late Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei ahead of his funeral ceremonies in Tehran on July 3, 2026. Credit: EPA/Shutterstock)

Iran has begun several days of public mourning and funeral processions for its former Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, more than four months after he was killed in strikes launched by the US and Israel.Tehran is using the occasion as an opportunity to project to the world an image of power.Also in the programme: There's a grim warning from the UN that another humanitarian catastrophe is imminent in Sudan; why taking maternity leave as a town mayor is highly controversial in Japan; and we'll hear about the dolphins that are the gauge of marine destruction in the Adriatic Sea.(Photo shows mourners gathered by the coffin of Iran's late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei at the Imam Khomeini Grand Mosalla in Tehran, Iran, on 3 July 2026. Credit: Mohammed Salem/Reuters)

A record number of Americans hit the road amid a record heat wave. Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce donate $26M before their wedding. A mass funeral begins today, for Iran's former Supreme Leader. Rescue crews pulled a survivor of the Venezuelan earthquake, out of the rubble, after he had been trapped for more than a week.  Plus, a group from Milwaukee, known as the “Dancing Grannies” are set to perform in the Washington DC July 4th parade. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Tehran prepares for the burial of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, Governor Tim Walz pardons an illegal immigrant who sexually assaulted a child, and two lovers illegally scale the Empire State Building for a one-of-a-kind marriage proposal. Get the facts first with Evening Wire. - - - Ep. 2872 - - - Today's Sponsor: Alliance Defending Freedom - If you believe in the freedom to practice your religion — this is an opportunity to take action. Visit https://JoinADF.com/WIRE to sign the petition today. - - - Wake up with new Morning Wire merch: https://bit.ly/4lIubt3   - - - Privacy Policy: ⁠https://www.dailywire.com/privacy⁠ morning wire,morning wire podcast,the morning wire podcast,Georgia Howe,John Bickley,daily wire podcast,podcast,news podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today we take on the No Stephen Challenge wherein we DETHRONE Kingleheimer Stephen by spending 20 talking about how we're not going to talk about him! Before we kick Stephen to the curb, we use his tragically epic jingle for Normal News. And to really stick it to him, we're using the segment to talk about feral piss-addicted goat freaks. Take THAT, Stephen!!!!!And then…squish squish we're gettin' a little swampy. We're talking about the renovations that our Supreme Leader has brought to our country! Thank you! We think the pool looks GREAT with the algae, struggling ducklings, and the peeling paint! We see the vision, king!!! If YOU want to hear more political digests by the one and only Meagan Hatcher-Mays, subscribe to Swamp Person on Substack. And we are taking listener feedback for TikTok Digest!!! Should Meagan cover a) marbles or b) potluck/religious psychosis? Write in at deartextmeback@gmail.comNEVER LISTENED TO THE POD BEFORE? HERE IS YOUR STARTER KIT TO BEING BFFS WITH US!Listen to Stephen's diss-track episode: Lindy and Meagan Escape Through a Grizzly's Colon Learn all about the Kayak Dad lore in: It's Our First Episode!Meet Kevin in: Lindy and Meagan Need to Talk About KevinLearn why they keep saying BBW in Lindy and Meagan Are Officially BBWsWE NEED OUR ACCOLADES! It helps people find the show.⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only please) on Spotify⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5 stars only please) on Apple PodcastsGive us Rave Reviews and Accolades on Apple Podcasts! Mood boosterLove, love, love this nonsense!NIKKI6335 READING THIS IS *OUR* MOOD BOOSTER! I GUESS WE'LL KEEP DOING THE PODCAST!!STUFF TO CHECK OUT:Order Lindy's book!!!! Adult BracesNEWSLETTER ME BACK (A FREE WAY TO SUPPORT THE SHOW!)Check out SWAMP PERSON Subscribe to Lindy's newsletter butt news!Check out our MERCH so we can make MORE merch!! (Patrons get a discount, so check us out at patreon.com/textmebackpod)Listen Ad-Free by joining our $12 Patreon tier Freakaconda!Subscribe to Lindy's newsletter butt news!Join our Discord! We're obsessed with these people.⋆｡°✩⋆｡°✩⋆｡°✩⋆｡°If you like this episode and want us to keep making the show forever, please subscribe to our Patreon. This podcast will always be free, but we need your help to produce it -- and if you support our Patreon, you'll get all kinds of goodies in addition to the show itself! Learn more about the different tiers and rewards here: https://www.patreon.com/TextMeBackPodAlso! Please keep in touch with us! You can text OR CALL us at the Best Friend Party Phone: (703) 829-0003.We're on Instagram at @textmebackpod!You can email us at deartextmeback@gmail.com!WE WANT TO HEAR FROM YOU SO BAD!⋆｡°✩⋆｡°✩⋆｡°✩⋆｡°TEXT ME BACK is a production of Lindy West and Meagan Hatcher-Mays, proud members of the BFF Network. Our senior producer is Meagan Hatcher-Mays. Our other senior producer is Lindy West. Our show is produced by Alli Slice.Our music is by Chief Ahamefule J. Oluo. Diana Bowen is our video and creative advisor. Our digital strategist is Chance Nichols.You can also follow the podcast on Instagram and TikTok @textmebackpod. And for even more bestie content, follow Lindy and Meagan on Instagram at @thelindywest and @importantmeagan!TEXT ME BACK is a comedy podcast where Lindy West and Meagan Hatcher-Mays spiral about politics, pop culture, dogs, space, friendship, anxiety, Lord of the Rings, and whatever cursed topic is haunting them that week. Along the way, they've welcomed brilliant and hilarious guests including Lizz Winstead (The Daily Show), Kelsey McKinney (Normal Gossip), Samantha Irby (We Are Never Meeting in Real Life), Guy Branum (Hacks), collaborators, comedians, political experts, writers, and internet icons for deeply unserious conversations.⋆｡°✩⋆｡°✩⋆｡°✩⋆｡°See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info. See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Hussain Haqqani and Bill Roggio examine regional dynamics, noting the Iranian system remains unchanged despite the Supreme Leader's death. Haqqani describes the US-Iran memorandum as a "damp squib" that ignores fundamental security issues. Roggio suggests Saudi Arabia feels "stuck" with the US but may reconsider its primary regional backing. 2

SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-29-2026.1950Hussain Haqqani and Bill Roggio discuss the fragile US-Iran ceasefire and a flawed memorandum concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Roggio argues the agreement effectively grants Iran control, while Haqqani notes GCC countries feel excluded and wary of de-escalation on Iranian terms. The US lacks a plan to force Iranian understanding of consequences. 1Hussain Haqqani and Bill Roggio examine regional dynamics, noting the Iranian system remains unchanged despite the Supreme Leader's death. Haqqani describes the US-Iran memorandum as a "damp squib" that ignores fundamental security issues. Roggio suggests Saudi Arabia feels "stuck" with the US but may reconsider its primary regional backing. 2Ernesto Araújo addresses the Venezuelan earthquake and the Maduro regime's inability to manage the crisis, calling leadership a "gangster gathering." He sees international aid as a chance for accountability and renewal. He also questions why the US hesitates to allow democratic leader María Machado to return home. 3Ernesto Araújo discusses recent democratic victories in Colombia and Peru, characterizing them as a rejection of organized crime and socialism. He criticizes media bias for framing these shifts as a "right-wing drift" while ignoring the deep-seated corruption of regional leaders like Lula da Silva. 4Jonathan Schanzer and Bill Roggio analyze Iran's perceived "escalation dominance" in the Strait of Hormuz after the US lifted its naval blockade. Schanzer argues Iran uses the waterway as leverage to derail nuclear talks. Roggio critiques the US admission that there is no military solution to the waterway. 5Jonathan Schanzer and Bill Roggio investigate reports of damaged historic sites in Iran, suggesting they are Iranian information operations. Schanzer explains that many sites were actually torched by protesters rejecting Islamism. He also notes the morality police are doubling down on control following recent ceasefire stunts. 6David Daoud explores the Israel-Lebanon security deal and the IDF's destruction of a major Hezbollah arsenal. Daoud explains the concept of "pilot zones" where the Lebanese Armed Forces must perform demonstrably before territorial expansion. He notes Hezbollah wants a pragmatic end to pain but rejects normalization. 7David Daoud and Bill Roggio analyze "pilot zones" as a mechanism to hold Lebanon's feet to the fire regarding Hezbollah's disarmament. Daoud warns that if the US prioritizes quiet with Iran, these zones could become pressure tactics against Israel rather than mechanisms for actual Lebanese performance. 8Richard Epstein critiques the Supreme Court's 6-3 decision allowing the President to fire independent commission heads. Epstein argues this undermines the separation of powers between prosecution and adjudication. He warns that "presidential accountability" is an illusion in such a unitary power structure. 9John Hardie and Bill Roggio report on Russian fuel shortages caused by Ukrainian long-range drone strikes on refineries. Hardie notes this crisis breaks Putin's "social contract" of stability for passivity. Despite economic trouble, Putin maintains maximalist war demands due to inflated military reports from his general staff. 10Edmund Fitton-Brown critiques the UN's "toxic obsession" with Israel and its lack of evidence regarding genocide claims. Fitton-Brown highlights how China and Russia manipulate the UN system to avoid scrutiny. He notes Israel is uniquely targeted by permanent commissions while worse regimes go free. 11Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio discuss the instability of the Iran MOU and the upcoming Doha talks. He contrasts this with a balanced Israel-Lebanon framework that aims to marginalize Hezbollah. However, the MOU's vague language allows Iran to claim legitimate control over the Strait of Hormuz. 12Henry Sokolski examines the stalemate over Iran's nuclear program following a previous B2 raid. Sokolski notes Iranrefuses IAEA inspections at damaged uranium enrichment sites. He warns of massive plutonium risks at the Bushehrplant and calls for public hearings on regional nuclear restraint. 13Ahmad Sharawi documents Hamas's presence in Turkey, where senior operatives enjoy sanctuary to plot attacks in the West Bank. Sharawi notes Turkey provides a permissive environment to weaken Israel's regional freedom. Hamas maintains leadership and financing networks despite being whittled down in Gaza. 14David Maxwell and Gordon Chang analyze North Korea's "salami slicing" strategy in the DMZ designed to normalize its activities. Maxwell warns Kim Jong-un seeks to divide the US-South Korea alliance. He urges a superior political warfare strategy to expose and strangulate North Korea's malign activities. 15Gordon Chang challenges China's manufacturing numbers as "science fiction" and the promotion of robotics to hide massive youth unemployment. Chang explains that Xi Jinping prioritizes manufacturing over consumption to keep the population dependent. He also warns of rising state-promoted xenophobia against foreigners. 16

Donate (no account necessary) | Subscribe (account required) Join Bryan Dean Wright, former CIA Operations Officer, as he dives into today's top stories shaping America and the world. In this Monday Headline Brief of The Wright Report, Bryan breaks down a US-Iran peace deal that fell apart over the weekend, with Tehran declaring the Strait of Hormuz closed to all traffic but its own and President Trump threatening to seize the waterway by force. Bryan covers the deepening disconnect between a White House offering carrots and sticks and an Iranian regime whose Supreme Leader openly calls jihad his primary option, including new reporting that the IRGC is building secret assassination squads in Iraq to target US forces. He also tracks the global drone wars, from Ukraine bloodying Russia's refineries to illegal aliens charged in a plot to attack the White House grounds, and explains why Trump's deportation push is starting to bring down home prices and rent for American families. Plus, the fight over the Reflecting Pool in Washington DC and why Bryan sees it as a battle over whether Americans are allowed to celebrate their own country, China's tightening squeeze on critical minerals like indium, and the surprising mental health benefits of Nordic walking. "And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free." - John 8:32   Keywords: The Wright Report, Bryan Dean Wright, Iran peace deal, Strait of Hormuz, IRGC, JD Vance, Trump Iran negotiations, Operation Epic Fury, Hezbollah, drone warfare, Ukraine Russia war, illegal immigration, ICE deportations, H1B visas, housing prices, Reflecting Pool, Washington DC, China minerals, indium, rare earths, Nordic walking, daily news podcast

June 19, 2026: 8am — Iran's supreme leader endorses direct talks with U.S. To listen to this show and other MS podcasts without ads, sign up for MS NOW Premium on Apple Podcasts. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode of John Solomon Reports, host John Solomon dives deep into pressing national security issues with Senator Ron Johnson. The discussion covers a range of topics, including the recent terror plot targeting a UFC event and the implications of Dr. Anthony Fauci's actions, particularly in light of Senator Rand Paul's recent inquiries. Johnson addresses whether the Department of Justice should investigate the legality of Fauci's pardon and the broader consequences for accountability in government.In the second segment, Solomon speaks with Tristan Leavitt, a West Virginia legislator and head of the Empower Oversight Whistleblower Center. Levitt shares his harrowing experience as a target of the alleged UFC terror plot and discusses the motivations behind the attack, which he believes may be linked to a trip he took to Israel. The conversation sheds light on the disturbing connections between domestic terrorism and anti-Semitic sentiments.Next, national security expert Christine Balling joins the show to unpack the complexities of the Iran deal. With a recent statement from the son of Iran's former Supreme Leader suggesting a willingness for direct talks with the U.S., Balling analyzes the potential shifts in Iranian diplomacy and what it could mean for future negotiations.Finally, John Solomon introduces David Kane from AMAC, who shares details about an upcoming AMAC cruise to Alaska focusing on weaponization and election integrity. Listeners are encouraged to join the discussion and take advantage of special offers for the cruise.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

After months of waiting the World Cup is finally underway with the first match held in Mexico where the co-hosts played South Africa following an opening ceremony that featured a performance from Shakira. The United States and Canada will also be home to football's biggest competition which the organisers hope will be a focus for sport rather than politics and controversy. Also, President Trump cancels an attack on Iran and claims that a deal to end the war is not only imminent but has the backing of the Islamic Republic's Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei. But Tehran said this was all "speculation". One year on from the Air India crash in Ahmedabad our correspondent reports on the discovery that some human remains were wrongly identified. Thailand's Princess Bajrakitiyabha dies more than three years after she fell into a coma, Brussels will ban public e-scooters and the kill switch on iPhones which could deter thieves in London from stealing them.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk Photo: Mexico fans Caramelo and Caramelo Junior are seen inside the stadium before the match. Credit: REUTERS/Hannah Mckay

Trump just stormed off the “Meet the Press” set after going nuclear on Kristen Welker and NBC's nonstop 2020 election lies. You HAVE to see this. The moment Trump had enough of the gaslighting and walked out is pure fire — this is what fighting back against the fake news looks like. In this explosive clip, President Trump calls out NBC as a crooked, one-sided network and refuses to play NBC's rigged game any more. No more softball questions. No more pretending the 2020 election was fair. Just straight truth bombs that every conservative has been waiting for. We also cover: Spencer Pratt loses the Los Angeles mayoral race? Israel & Iran continue to shoot at each other. John Fetterman attacks “P-Hustle” s*xting scandal. AI just surpassed human traffic. Scott Pelley is the PROBLEM in journalism. If you're sick of the mainstream media's constant attacks on Trump and America First values, this video will fire you up. This isn't just another interview — it's a turning point moment that shows Trump is DONE tolerating the lies. Comment below RIGHT NOW: Was this Trump's best takedown yet? YES or NO? Should he keep going on these biased networks or ignore them completely? What was the craziest part of this interview? Drop your hottest take — I'm reading every single comment from patriots like you. 00:00 Pat Gray UNLEASHED! 00:18 New Pat Gray BINGO! Card 04:32 Iran Peace Deal Falling Apart 04:52 California in Trouble! 14:28 Out of Weapons against Iran? 16:53 Trump on U.S. Retrieving Nuclear Dust 18:16 Trump on Naval Blockade 19:21 Trump Asked Where the Leader of Iran is 21:21 Adviser to Iran's Supreme Leader on Negotiations 26:16 Price of Oil/Gas Rises Again 27:10 Trump on Treatment of J6 Protestors 34:16 Trump Walks Out of NBC Interview 37:50 Trump Asked about the New York Knicks 38:53 Enhanced Security for Madison Square Garden 41:34 Fat Five 48:59 Bots Taking Over the Internet! 53:37 John Fetterman's Thoughts on Graham Platner 1:04:47 More of John Fetterman & Graham Platner 1:06:01 Jeffy Brings Up the Tony Awards 1:06:53 Ellen DeGeneres & Portia de Rossi Return to U.S. 1:10:11 Pat Gray: The Neighborhood Gadfly 1:13:10 Interview with Scott Pelley 1:19:58 Todd Blanche's Fraud Update 1:23:13 H-1B Visa Fraud 1:28:22 Special Pat Gray UNLEASHED! Episode Later this Week 1:29:45 Debbie Dingell is Fed Up! 1:32:15 What Black People Think of Karmelo Anthony Trial Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices