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Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger PictureThe people of the US are feeling economic hangover from Biden/Obama, it will start to improve 2026.Trump is shutting down the corrupt H1-B visa with charging for it. Trump is using the tariffs to lower the deficit which is lowering the Fed inflation. Tariffs are bringing in trillions of dollars. The [DS] is pushed the Epstein hoax, they redacted a picture that was already public, the Dem Esptein hoax is real. The [DS] is panicking, they are preparing for bad news against them. The infiltration is now attacking. The [DS] brought them into each country to conquer the countries. Trump and team are in control of the pieces, it doesn’t mean we the enemy will not attack. White hats are in control. Economy https://twitter.com/nedryun/status/1999590708995579967?s=20 administration put us in such a very, very tough spot.” (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/1999881070188073298?s=20 https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2000240482295664646?s=20 https://twitter.com/unusual_whales/status/1999977885591814217?s=20 https://twitter.com/KobeissiLetter/status/1999584404814057970?s=20 https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/2000238965744410694?s=20 inflation.” “We’ve got the trade deficit cut in half from last year.” “All of these things are things that should continue to move us towards the Fed target of 2%.” Don’t let the “Experts” lie to the American people These changes are said to help push inflation toward the Federal Reserve’s 2% target rate. Lower deficits and trade imbalances reduce economic pressures that drive up prices, potentially stabilizing costs for consumers and businesses. these figures signal improving fiscal health. For context, the U.S. deficit was around $1.7 trillion in 2024; dropping it by $600 billion would bring it closer to $1.1 trillion—a substantial cut that could ease long-term debt concerns and support lower interest rates. Lower inflation to 2% would mean steadier prices, boosting real wages and consumer confidence. The U.S. budget deficit is the annual shortfall when government spending exceeds revenue in a given fiscal year. The national debt is the total accumulated amount owed from all past deficits (plus interest), essentially the running total of borrowed money. https://twitter.com/GuntherEagleman/status/2000268781084348516?s=20 Political/Rights https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/1999945168120848428?s=20 https://twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/2000177646072631506?s=20 https://twitter.com/sentdefender/status/2000142553815847148?s=20 https://twitter.com/HamasAtrocities/status/2000263382197481781?s=20 https://twitter.com/BNODesk/status/2000304813591118154?s=20 from pakistan https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2000160163282727197?s=20 https://twitter.com/TheBritLad/status/2000308891104797052?s=20 https://twitter.com/Currentreport1/status/2000199214870180153?s=20 https://twitter.com/C_3C_3/status/2000055847309791603?s=20 Brown University Shooting Suspect In Custody; Gunman “Yelled Something” Before Attack On Econ Classroom The shooter “yelled something” before the attack … Source: zerohedge.com https://twitter.com/nicksortor/status/2000264684180746600?s=20 authorities have detained the suspect in the Brown University shooting that occurred on December 13, 2025, which left two students dead and nine others injured. The person of interest, identified as 24-year-old Benjamin Erickson from Wisconsin (who is not a Brown student), was taken into custody early on December 14 at a hotel in Coventry, Rhode Island, about 15 miles from the campus. Officials have confirmed no other suspects are being sought, and the investigation is ongoing. A revolver and a small Glock handgun were recovered at the hotel. From the available information and reports on the Brown University shooting suspect, Benjamin Erickson (a 24-year-old man from West Bend, Wisconsin, born in 2001, and a U.S. Army Cyber Warfare Officer), https://twitter.com/DC_Draino/status/2000211287184216117?s=20 https://twitter.com/robbystarbuck/status/2000261881504661801?s=20 Democrat tells you guns make us less safe — ask them to explain why so many counties with the HIGHEST gun ownership rates have BELOW average violent crime rates. Guns aren't making us less safe and gun laws won't solve the problem. Most of our recent mass shootings had shooters who already violated gun laws to commit their crimes. The left wing culture in America, including mass migration is making us less safe. It's the root of our problem. Fix our regressive, hedonistic, violence and evil loving culture. That will fix America. We need our country to value strength, life, love, liberty, faith and family again. That's the antidote to the poison that creates a violence society. https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/2000244040667676940?s=20 this morning, FBI Boston's Safe Streets Task Force, with assistance from the @USMarshalsHQ & the @Coventry_RI_PD , detained a person of interest in a hotel room in Coventry, RI, based off a lead by the @ProvidenceRIPD . We have deployed local and national resources to process and reconstruct the shooting scene – providing HQ and Lab elements on scene. We set up a digital media intake portal to ingest images and video from the public related to this incident. And the FBI's victim specialists are fully integrating with our partners to provide resources to victims and survivors of this horrific violence. This FBI will continue an all out 24/7 campaign until justice is fully served. Thanks to the men and women of the FBI and our partners for their continued teamwork. Please continue praying for the victims and their families – as well as all those at Brown University. https://twitter.com/justicecometh/status/2000250433718391025?s=20 Both Bill and Hillary are set to testify before Congress over the next 2 days. TRULY WICKED: Obama Judge Lavishly PRAISES Illegal Alien Who R*ped and Sodomized Helpless Woman with Cerebral Palsy – Refuses to Add More Years to His Sentence The Detroit News reported on Friday that a violent illegal alien from Honduras who sexually assaulted a woman with cerebral palsy in a Michigan laundry room will be released from prison as early as July 2028, less than three tears from now thanks to a federal judge appointed by Barack Obama. The illegal, 30-year-old handyman Edys Renan Membreño Díaz was previously caught sneaking into the U.S. at least seven times since 2019. He pleaded guilty in 2022 to sexually assaulting the woman and was sentenced by Judge Judith Levy in August 2024 to time served. She had the opportunity to serve two more years to his sentence but declined to do so. https://twitter.com/TriciaOhio/status/1999903030284599656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1999903030284599656%7Ctwgr%5E2356e2c49fec253cd07998523821c20be68fb92b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Ftruly-wicked-obama-judge-lavishly-praises-illegal-alien%2F laundry room . He was sentenced 3 years ago and could be released from prison as early as July 2028. But, the U.S. District Judge Judith Levy refused to sentence him to 2 more years for immigration crimes and called this monster a future “ambassador for living up to our immigration restrictions.” This Obama appointed judge went on to praise him for “family devotion and willingness to perform work that it claimed Americans find undesirable.” Truly wicked. https://twitter.com/StephenM/status/1999908172190937190?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1999908172190937190%7Ctwgr%5E2356e2c49fec253cd07998523821c20be68fb92b%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Ftruly-wicked-obama-judge-lavishly-praises-illegal-alien%2F Source: thegatewaypundit.com OT Finds Half Of NY Commercial Drivers Are Illegals, Threatens To Pull $73 Million In Federal Funding The Department of Transportation is threatening to pull $73 million in federal highway funding from New York after an audit found that half of the state’s commercial trucking licenses were issued to illegal immigrants. “What New York does is if an applicant comes in and they have a work authorization — for 30 days, 60 days, one year — New York automatically issues them an eight-year commercial driver's license,” Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said on Friday during a press conference at DOT headquarters, adding “That’s contrary to law.” “But we also found that New York many times won't even verify whether they have a work authorization, they have a visa, or they're in the country legally. “So they're just giving eight-year commercial driver's licenses to people who are coming through their DMV and sending them out on American roadways — and again they're endangering the lives of American families.” Source: zerohedge.com https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/1999919282982093126?s=20 https://twitter.com/THEDuaneCates/status/1999797760569032896?s=20 March of next year the 2 million self deports will be 25+ As our AmericanDream stabilizes and begins to recover. https://twitter.com/Patri0tContr0l/status/1999878469518287022?s=20 media enough. https://twitter.com/nicksortor/status/1999666180118970644?s=20 over the faces of 20+ year old women to make the public believe they were minors and victims. Total BS. These were models representing the well-known American suntan lotion brand Hawaiian Tropic at a Mar-a-Lago event. One of the women, who was 22 at the time the photo was taken, told The Telegraph today that Donald Trump was a “gentleman” and “went out of his way” to ensure their entire group enjoyed their time at Mar-a-Lago. “I was 22 years old and remember him being very nice. He was very gentlemanly, that's the word to describe him,” she said. Not a SINGLE ONE of them accused Trump of wrongdoing. It's absolutely freaking shameful how Democrats have decided to discard ACTUAL victims of Jeffrey Epstein in an attempt to falsely smear President Trump. DOGE Geopolitical https://twitter.com/amuse/status/1999875618138177603?s=20 finalizing a comprehensive US Brazil pact that ties trade cooperation to reversing Brazil's censorship & lawfare machinery. Brazil is granting amnesty to Lula's political rivals & removing major authorities from Justice Alexandre de Moraes. Trump offered a goodwill reversal of Global Magnitsky sanctions placed on de Moraes just months ago to open the door to renewed ties built on a $6.8 billion US trade surplus. It marks a decisive shift in Brazil's direction under Trump's diplomatic pressure. https://twitter.com/BehizyTweets/status/1999971147677585449?s=20 the same values and interests that we share, for democracy and to create a new alliance in South America,” “The U.S. has a lot of technology and has a lot of experience and sustainable extraction of resources. We want to take advantage of that. Of course, we want to receive some technology transfers and to be part of the whole chain of production.” The Uyuni Salt Flat in Bolivia holds the world’s largest lithium reserves—estimated at 21 million tons—vital for batteries. China currently controls over 80% of global lithium production. This move would give American industry a huge boost. This is for all the naysayers who question Trump’s recent moves to reclaim domination of the Western Hemisphere. War/Peace https://twitter.com/SecWar/status/1999882265355227392?s=20 https://twitter.com/RamboAndFrens/status/1999911602376851472?s=20 Germany Sends Troops Into Poland ‘To Protect' NATO'S East Border With Russia and Belarus Germany is sending troops into Poland! Calm down – it's not 1939. But it could end up just as bad. Today (13), it has been reported that Germany is sending soldiers to Poland, in a bid to ‘strengthen' NATO's eastern border with Belarus and Russia. Politico reported: “Several dozen German soldiers will join Poland's East Shield from April 2026, with the mission initially running until the end of 2027, Deutsche Welle reported, citing Berlin's defense ministry. German troops will focus on engineering work, according to a ministry spokesperson quoted in the report. The spokesperson described this as building positions, digging trenches, laying barbed wire and constructing anti-tank obstacles. .” Source: thegatewaypundit.com Zelenskyy offers to drop NATO bid for security guarantees but rejects US push to cede territory Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy Zelenskyy on Sunday (December 14, 2025) voiced readiness to drop his country’s bid to join NATO in exchange for Western security guarantees, but rejected the U.S. push for ceding territory to Russia as he arrived in Berlin for talks with U.S. envoys on ending the war. Source: thehindu.com CIA Outlet Concerned About Kash Patel and Dan Bongino Meeting with Top Zelenskyy Officials It been reported that the FBI has been working closely with the National Anti-Corruption Bureau of Ukraine (NABU) in detecting and discovering corruption amid Ukraine officials who have skimmed money from various international aid programs. However, the Washington Post is suddenly concerned that FBI Director Kash Patel and Deputy FBI Director Dan Bongino have held “secret meetings” with lead Ukraine peace negotiator Rustem Umerov. it is easy to get the sense that Rustem Umerov is in alignment with the U.S. proposals, but Volodymyr Zelenskyy is not. Hence, Zelenskyy keeps returning to his U.K, France, Germany and EU support network for counterproposals despite his officials like Umerov working with the U.S. team directly. This paragraph from within the WaPo (CIA) framework seems to tell a background story: […] “The meetings have caused alarm among Western officials who remain in the dark about their intent and purpose. Some said they believe Umerov and other Ukrainian officials sought out Patel and Bongino in the hopes of obtaining amnesty from any corruption allegations the Ukrainians could face. Others worry the newly established channel could be used to exert pressure on Zelensky's government to accept a peace deal, proposed by the Trump administration, containing steep concessions for Kyiv.” (more) Perhaps Zelenskyy's primary negotiator for the USA team, Rustem Umerov, has specific knowledge of corruption connected to the generous financial support the USA has provided Ukraine. Watching Yermak get taken down within the FBI/NABU investigation, might have triggered Umerov to cooperate on several levels. Umerov reported as happy with the negotiated U.S. terms. Volodymyr Zelenskyy openly not happy with the negotiated terms. This is worth watching. Source: theconservativetreehouse.com https://twitter.com/jcokechukwu/status/1999635471991992548?s=20 Christmas Day, December 25 to accept peace deal of America is done for good. PresidentTrump told Volodymyr Zelensky that he has until Christmas to accept his deal to end the war with Russia, and then said that Ukraine will eventually succumb to Russia unless agreement is signed Keep in mind that if America is done with Ukraine it's basically done with NATO/EU. Meanwhile, a U.S. lawmaker, Thomas Massie just recently introduced a bill to remove the United States from NATO completely. While all that is simmering, President Putin releases this highly impassioned video, letting America and Americans know what a great partnership it'll be for Russia and the U.S. to work together. He paints a future filled with immeasurable mutual benefits and shared strengths. Me: I agree % Imagine the historic tectonic geopolitical earthquake this would cause – two of the world's most powerful nations, two of the worlds leading nuclear powers, two unashamedly Christian nations, two gigantic neighbors with some of the world's most advanced space technologies. Chew on that for a minute. It'll literally change everything! Old guard being removed Medical/False Flags https://twitter.com/libsoftiktok/status/1998039567677767817?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1998039567677767817%7Ctwgr%5E2cab4574d42020afe9d0c3cf4d6443e94d4c276a%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Fwhite-house-slams-vermont-schools-somali-flag-hoist%2F Justice Department Sues Minneapolis Schools Over Race-Based Hiring Policies The Department of Justice filed a federal lawsuit this week against Minneapolis Public Schools, alleging that the district violated federal civil-rights law by embedding race-based employment preferences into its collective bargaining agreement with the teachers' union. Filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Minnesota, the complaint challenges contract provisions that prioritize teachers from “underrepresented populations” during layoffs, reassignments, and recalls, and that grant exclusive employment benefits to members of a third-party program known as “Black Men Teach Fellows.” Federal officials argue the policies violate Title VII of the Civil Rights Act, which prohibits discrimination based on race or sex in employment. Source: thegatewaypundit.com [DS] Agenda https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/1999702068052000852?s=20 on luxury hotel stays and $23,000 renting the Coliseo De Puerto Rico, where she was spotted dancing at a Bad Bunny concert in August. She stayed at the “first-class, adults only” Hotel Palacio Provincial, which boasts “transcendent hints of the structure’s grand colonial past.” Another $10,700 went to meals and catering. This while AOC denounced “gentrification” on the island on social media. Back on the mainland, her “Fighting Oligarchy” tour with Bernie Sanders included $6,600 at Hotel Vermont and $6,300 for a single meal at an Italian restaurant in DC. Fighting oligarchy is exhausting work. Someone has to stay at the colonial boutique hotels. Biden Has Raised Little of What He Needs to Build a Presidential Library His library foundation has told the I.R.S. that by the end of 2027 it expects to bring in just $11.3 million — not nearly enough for a traditional presidential library. Source: nytimes.com https://twitter.com/amuse/status/1999843168259326313?s=20 https://twitter.com/BreakTheChainsM/status/1999618299135664403?s=20 President Trump's Plan https://twitter.com/C_3C_3/status/1999880370628808937?s=20 Appeals Court Overturns Obama Judge's Order Blocking Trump's Big Beautiful Bill Provision Barring Funding for Planned Parenthood Another win for the Trump Administration. A federal appeals court on Friday overturned Judge Talwani's (already halted) orders blocking Trump's Big Beautiful Bill provision that barred funding for Planned Parenthood. The First Circuit Court of Appeals vacated Judge Talwani's July orders granting preliminary injunctions blocking the provision. The three-judge panel unanimously overturned Judge Talwani's orders. Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/julie_kelly2/status/2000013679501222248?s=20 if I were drowning he'd push me under. Friend can, and should, be judged by the company he keeps as well as his unhinged threat against Kash Patel and what appears to be unauthorized (and inaccurate) disclosures of investigative information. They are not men of integrity, they used a sympathetic MAGA base to sell books, promote podcasts, contribute to their fundraising sites. This bad behavior should not be endorsed, nor excused, by anyone. https://twitter.com/amuse/status/1999559961555112354?s=20 https://twitter.com/AAGDhillon/status/1999488546688668023?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1999488546688668023%7Ctwgr%5E6c909da47fcbfad57d7abed97bc0ca0d1edc0165%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Fdoj-sues-four-states-violating-federal-election-law%2F https://twitter.com/JoeLang51440671/status/1999693589547483396?s=20 https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/1999808771065827447?s=20 mail-in voting, all the things, make our elections secure and safe!” “If you don’t get it, you’ll NEVER pass [voter ID].” Election year starts in a few weeks. The GOP needs more to show for it. https://twitter.com/WallStreetApes/status/2000299373226561793?s=20 (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");
SEASON 4 EPISODE 40: COUNTDOWN WITH KEITH OLBERMANN A-Block (2:30) SPECIAL COMMENT: Trump’s losing streak has hit 27 days. His LATEST losing streak. MAGA knows it. The Head of the Republican National Committee knows it. The Wall Street Journal knows it. The Indiana GOP knows it. The Ukrainians know it. Anybody who saw his pathetic credit-grabbing disinformational tweet Saturday night after the Brown shooting knows it. His own economists know it. The terrorists know it. Even TRUMP knows it. Since the house passed the Epstein Files Transparency Act on November 19th Trump has been SINKING. In quicksand. SINKING. And not more than one or two of his more insane more desperate colleagues even getting close enough to hand him a rope, for fear of being pulled down with him. They are beginning to blame him. “We are facing almost certain defeat,” says the purulent face of the RNC Joe Gruters, about the midterms. Then, “this is an absolute disaster.” Then “There’s no sugarcoating it. This is a pending looming disaster headed our way.” Then, I think quoting me quoting the late football owner Al Davis, “the chances are Republicans will go down and will go down HARD.” Just lose, baby. And boy, has he been losing. On affordability. In the Miami election. In the Georgia state house election. On affordability. On telling you to buy your daughter only two dolls. In Indiana. About Somalia. In his "peace" deal in the Middle East. In Thailand. In Syria. In Ukraine. About ObamaCare. About Alina Habba. About Kilmar Abrego Garcia. About the National Guard troops in L.A. And mostly about Epstein. Those four photos show nothing and would normally would therefore MEAN nothing. But they form a reminder that Trump tried to stop you from SEEING photos of him with Epstein. That THOSE photos weren’t PART of the tranche in the files, doesn’t matter. It only raises a kind of instinctive speculation about how much WORSE those OTHER Epstein-Trump photos are. It keeps the Epstein story alive when Trump COULD HAVE killed it, weeks ago, months ago. But he knew better. And now we get an endless scandal that only has to promise shocks to self-perpetuate. Trump used to win with those. Now he's losing. Because he's Donald Trump. Donald - with 47 L's. B-Block (30:30) THE WORST PERSONS IN THE WORLD: Anna Paulina Luna, member of the U.S. Congress and top Russian influencer? Governor Josh Shapiro is so stuck on bipartisanship he's bothsides-ing political violence (including the day the fascists firebombed his family). And Howard Lutnick with the greatest self-contradiction of the year. C-Block (38:00) THINGS I PROMISED NOT TO TELL: A tragic event on the streets of New York 65 years ago led to me winding up in the authorized biography of the creator of Willy Wonka, Roald Dahl. He was a complicated and controversial figure but he did great things too - like encourage any kid he interacted with. Including me! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Germany is racing to rearm as the war in Ukraine shakes its sense of security, forcing the country to confront its military past as it strengthens its military might. Correspondent Bill Whitaker observes basic training in northwest Germany and speaks with defense minister Boris Pistorius in Berlin to find out how Germany plans to achieve its aim of building the most powerful armed forces in Europe. A new generation of drugs is offering hope to children who once had none. But these breakthrough therapies can cost millions for a single dose, and the American healthcare system still hasn't figured out how to pay. Correspondent Scott Pelley sets out to understand the challenges of paying for these expensive treatments. An unscripted underdog saga is unfolding in the most unlikely setting this college football season. Indiana University's perennially overlooked and outmatched Hoosiers have transformed into the #1 ranked team in the country. Correspondent Jon Wertheim speaks with head coach Curt Cignetti and dives into how this remarkable turnaround took shape – as the undefeated Hoosiers contend for a national championship. To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mikhail Zygar is a renowned Russian dissident journalist living in exile in the USA. He was the founding editor-in-chief of independent news channel TV Rain in Russia. He publicly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and fled into exile days later. Despite persistent death threats, he continues to write fearlessly about his homeland. In November 2025 he joined Intelligence Squared to discuss the fall of the Soviet Union and why that period can help explain the failure of democracy in today's Russia. His new book, The Dark Side of The Earth, draws on hundreds of interviews – from key players including Mikhail Gorbachev to ordinary men and women – to build a rich and nuanced account of the collapse of the USSR. It is the personal story of a child of the Soviet Union, a testament to those who believed democracy was possible in Russia, and an indictment of the cynical leaders who ultimately seized power. Zygar shed light on questions such as how did the end of the Soviet Union set the stage for Putin's rise? And what happens when leaders and citizens lose faith in their ideals? In this conversation, Zygar discussed the path from communism to Putinism, the dangers of cynicism and what Russia's political history can teach us in the West about our politics too. --- If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events ... Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. … Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Eric and Eliot discuss the newly released National Security Strategy's flaws, highlighting its incoherence and hostility to Europe. They note the strategy's unwillingness to identify Russia, China, and Iran as enemies of the United States and the abdication of the U.S. role in maintaining global order. The pair also discuss the latest pressure on Ukraine to capitulate to Russia before welcoming returning guest Representative Jim Himes for a conversation about the Trump Administration's Venezuela policy. Eric on the NSS in The Bulwark: https://www.thebulwark.com/p/trump-national-security-strategy-foreign-policy-defense-allies-china-russia-iran-north-korea Eliot on the NSS in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2025/12/national-security-strategy-incoherent-babble/685166/?gift=KGDC3VdV8jaCufvP3bRsPhY0neK1oFmUu2ila2ZbOTc&utm_ The 2025 National Security Strategy: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/2025-National-Security-Strategy.pdf Shield of the Republic is a Bulwark podcast co-sponsored by the Miller Center of Public Affairs at the University of Virginia.
A terror attack on a Jewish event in Sydney kills more than a dozen people. Plus, investors are increasingly concerned about how much debt is funding the AI boom, world leaders meet to discuss a peace plan for Ukraine, and it's a big week for US economic data. And: The FT's ‘Behind the Money' podcast looks into whistleblowing in the UK. Mentioned in this podcast:Gunmen who killed 15 in Sydney attack on Jewish festival were father and sonInvestors seek protection from risk of AI debt bustUkraine offers to drop Nato membership demandsBehind the Money podcastInvestors will have to wait until new year for clear data on US economyBank of England set to cut rates to 3.75% as economic data eases inflation concernsNote: The FT does not use generative AI to voice its podcasts Today's FT News Briefing was hosted by Victoria Craig, and produced by Persis Love and Sonja Hutson. Our show was mixed by Alex Higgins. Additional help from Peter Barber. The FT's acting co-head of audio is Topher Forhecz. The show's theme music is by Metaphor Music. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
US historian and classicist Victor Davis Hanson joins Americano for a wide-ranging assessment of Donald Trump's first year back in office, from the economy and immigration to Ukraine and the future of the West. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Một số tin chính trong bản tin trưa ngày 15-12-2025. Thủ Tướng đến thăm bãi biển Bondi khi những lời tưởng niệm dành cho những người thiệt mạng liên tục được gửi đến. Kêu gọi hành động mạnh mẽ hơn nữa chống lại nạn bài Do Thái sau vụ tấn công ở Bondi. Đặc phái viên Hoa Kỳ Steve Witkoff cho biết "đã có nhiều tiến triển" trong các cuộc đàm phán về Ukraine.
As we approach the end of 2025, we take a look back at what happened around the world in Trump's first year back in office. We're joined by two of the best foreign policy writers we know: Franklin Foer and Anne Applebaum from The Atlantic! We discuss the EIGHT wars and conflicts that Trump has single handedly ended, while also examining the ongoing conflicts in The Middle East, Ukraine, Venezuela, and more. Anne and Frank explain why Trump's Middle East peace plan isn't holding up and why we all should have been skeptical of it from the start. We also look at why the administration's plan for peace between Russia and Ukraine looks like it was written by the Russians themselves. And, of course, we discuss Trump's blatant corruption in both of those theatres. Anne also shares her heartbreaking firsthand account of what the USAID cuts have done to the rest of the world. It highlights the shortsightedness of the entire first year of Trump's second term. READ Franklin's work in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/franklin-foer/ READ Anne's work in The Atlantic: https://www.theatlantic.com/author/anne-applebaum/ Check out our sponsor Ollie for premium dog food! Go to https://www.ollie.com/franken and use code FRANKEN to get 60% off your first box.
CNN's Bianna Golodryga anchors the top of the show. Bianna is joined by former Swedish Prime Minister Carl Bildt for a wide-ranging conversation about recent pushes to end the war in Ukraine, the Trump administration's new National Security Strategy, and the future of the transatlantic alliance. Then, Bianna speaks with Joe Flint, a media reporter at the Wall Street Journal about the battle between Paramount and Netflix to buy Warner Bros. Discovery and what the sale means for the future of the entertainment industry. GUESTS: Carl Bildt (@carlbildt), Joe Flint (@JBFlint), Holly Dagres (@hdagres), Tom Freston Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
9 Hours and 44 MinutesPG-13These are the episodes featuring Dr. Matthew Raphael Johnson minus the 200 Years Together readings (so far). Uprisings and Pogroms in Historic Ukraine A Century of Zionist Violence Vladimir Putin and His EnemiesThe Myth And Lies of the Russian 'Pogroms' The 'Red Terror' in Russia (1918-1922)Ukraine, Israel and Endless DestructionThe History of Khmelnytsky and his CossacksKarl Marx's Zur Judenfrage w/ Dr. Matthew Raphael JohnsonWho Is Claudia Sheinbaum?Dr Johnson's PatreonRusJournal.orgTHE ORTHODOX NATIONALISTDr. Johnson's Radio Albion PageDr. Johnson's Books on AmazonPete and Thomas777 'At the Movies'Support Pete on His WebsitePete's PatreonPete's SubstackPete's SubscribestarPete's GUMROADPete's VenmoPete's Buy Me a CoffeePete on FacebookPete on TwitterBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-pete-quinones-show--6071361/support.
In our news wrap Sunday, Zelenskyy met with U.S. representatives for more talks on how to end the war in Ukraine, crowds gathered in Gaza for the funeral of a top Hamas commander killed by an Israeli strike, and the National Weather Service forecasts an arctic blast across the eastern U.S and Great Lakes. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
At a rehabilitation facility in Kyiv, some of Ukraine’s wounded warriors are working hard to learn how to use their new limbs. As John Yang reports, a very special dog named Lavr is giving them inspiration to persevere. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Mikhail Zygar is a renowned Russian dissident journalist living in exile in the USA. He was the founding editor-in-chief of independent news channel TV Rain in Russia. He publicly condemned Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, and fled into exile days later. Despite persistent death threats, he continues to write fearlessly about his homeland. In November 2025 he joined Intelligence Squared to discuss the fall of the Soviet Union and why that period can help explain the failure of democracy in today's Russia. His new book, The Dark Side of The Earth, draws on hundreds of interviews – from key players including Mikhail Gorbachev to ordinary men and women – to build a rich and nuanced account of the collapse of the USSR. It is the personal story of a child of the Soviet Union, a testament to those who believed democracy was possible in Russia, and an indictment of the cynical leaders who ultimately seized power. Zygar shed light on questions such as how did the end of the Soviet Union set the stage for Putin's rise? And what happens when leaders and citizens lose faith in their ideals? In this conversation, Zygar discussed the path from communism to Putinism, the dangers of cynicism and what Russia's political history can teach us in the West about our politics too. --- This is the first instalment of a two-part episode. If you'd like to become a Member and get access to all our full ad free conversations, plus all of our Members-only content, just visit intelligencesquared.com/membership to find out more. For £4.99 per month you'll also receive: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared episodes, wherever you get your podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series - 15% discount on livestreams and in-person tickets for all Intelligence Squared events ... Or Subscribe on Apple for £4.99: - Full-length and ad-free Intelligence Squared podcasts - Bonus Intelligence Squared podcasts, curated feeds and members exclusive series … Already a subscriber? Thank you for supporting our mission to foster honest debate and compelling conversations! Visit intelligencesquared.com to explore all your benefits including ad-free podcasts, exclusive bonus content and early access. … Subscribe to our newsletter here to hear about our latest events, discounts and much more. https://www.intelligencesquared.com/newsletter-signup/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
11 people have been killed after gunmen opened fire on crowds at the start of the Jewish festival of Hanukkah on Bondi Beach in Sydney. Australia's Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, described the attack as “evil beyond comprehension.” Also: Police in Rhode Island have arrested a man in connection with a deadly mass shooting at Brown University. Ukraine's Volodymyr Zelensky says he is willing to compromise on NATO membership, and Sunderland beat Newcastle United in their first Premier League derby in nine years.
2025-12-14 | UPDATES #078 | A Russian drone hits Turkish cargo vessel VIVA in the Black Sea. This matters for Turkey, maritime security, and Ukraine's campaign against Russia's “shadow fleet.” We look at the increased risk for shipping in the black sea, both those that serve Ukraine's legitimate and legal export needs, and those that form part of Russia grey fleet trading illegally in oil. Ukraine says Russia hit a Turkish civilian cargo ship with a drone — a vessel carrying sunflower oil to Egypt — inside what Ukraine describes as a protected coastal “grain corridor.” And it happened within hours of Erdoğan raising port strikes with Putin. On Saturday, 13 December 2025, Ukraine's navy accused Russia of a deliberate drone strike on the Turkish vessel VIVA, describing it as a “targeted strike” on a civilian ship heading to Egypt with sunflower oil. (Reuters)----------SOURCES: Reuters (Dec 13, 2025): Ukraine says Russian drone attack hit civilian Turkish vessel The Moscow Times / AFP (Dec 14, 2025): Ukraine says Russian drone hit Turkish cargo vessel VIVAReuters (Dec 12, 2025): Vessel on fire after Russian attack on Ukraine's Odesa region, sources sayReuters (Dec 13, 2025): Erdoğan comments after Putin meeting; calls to protect ports/energy facilities Turkey MFA statement (Dec 12, 2025): Chornomorsk port attack; maritime security/freedom of navigation Ukrinform (Dec 13, 2025): Turkey urges halt to attacks on energy and port infrastructureKyiv Independent (Dec 14, 2025): Mentions *VIVA* incident amid broader strikes Ukrainian Pravda (Dec 13, 2025): Ukraine Navy statement on “targeted strike” against VIVAReuters (Dec 10, 2025) background: Ukraine disables “shadow fleet” tanker Dashan with sea dronesBackground (outside 48h): Beşiktaş Shipping halts Russia-linked voyages after explosions----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------SILICON CURTAIN FILM FUNDRAISERA project to make a documentary film in Ukraine, to raise awareness of Ukraine's struggle and in supporting a team running aid convoys to Ukraine's front-line towns.https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SILICON CURTAIN LIVE EVENTS - FUNDRAISER CAMPAIGN Events in 2025 - Advocacy for a Ukrainian victory with Silicon Curtainhttps://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extrasOur events of the first half of the year in Lviv, Kyiv and Odesa were a huge success. Now we need to maintain this momentum, and change the tide towards a Ukrainian victory. The Silicon Curtain Roadshow is an ambitious campaign to run a minimum of 12 events in 2025, and potentially many more. Any support you can provide for the fundraising campaign would be gratefully appreciated. https://buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtain/extras----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
Antisemitischer Anschlag im australischen Bondi mit 12 Toten, Weltweites Entsetzen über Anschlag am Chanukka-Fest im australischen Bondi, Verhandlungen über Waffenruhe mit Ukraines Präsident Selenskyj und dem US-Sonderbeauftragten Witkoff in Berlin, Russlands Bevölkerung befürwortet Putins harten Kurs gegen die Ukraine, Bundesinnenminister Dobrindt im "Bericht aus Berlin": Europa muss bei Friedensverhandlungen mit der Ukraine mitreden, Festnahmen in Bayern wegen mutmaßlicher Anschlagspläne auf einen Weihnachtsmarkt, Ahrtalbahn nimmt nach vier Jahren wieder Betrieb auf, Ergebnisse der Fußball-Bundesliga, Deutsche Handballerinnen verlieren WM-Finale gegen Norwegen mit 20:23, Das Wetter Hinweis: Der Beitrag zur Fußball-Bundesliga darf aus rechtlichen Gründen nicht auf tagessschau.de gezeigt werden.
A demilitarised zone that invites armoured cars. A referendum that can't be fairly run. A €210 billion pot that solves today's bills but complicates tomorrow's peace. We start with shuttle diplomacy and the hard edges of a potential DMZ in Donetsk. On paper it pauses the fight; in practice Rosgvardiya blurs policing and militarisation, turning “demilitarised” into a loophole big enough for armour. We then map the constitutional and moral traps around wartime elections or referendums, where occupied voters, blocked monitors and legal grey zones collide with Kyiv's need to navigate Washington without capitulating.From there, we track Europe's move to indefinitely freeze Russian sovereign assets and the push to spend them on Ukraine's budget. It feels just and efficient, but invites Russian expropriations at home, lawfare against Euroclear, and counter‑seizures abroad. It also spends tomorrow's reconstruction funds during the war, betting that weary voters will keep paying later. Meanwhile, Moscow counts manpower, energy pressure and US politics more than ledgers, so the deterrent effect may be modest.The Ben Aris article I mention is at: https://www.intellinews.com/commnet-the-eu-s-reparation-loan-vote-needs-to-fail-416078/?source=russia Finally, to a Paris restaurant where a row between Garry Kasparov and Vladimir Kara‑Murza exposed a deeper rift inside the exile opposition. PACE's platform and its Berlin Declaration have elevated some factions while sidelining Navalny's network, creating gatekeepers and fresh grievances. The result is predictable: public spats, claims of capture by donors, and propaganda gifts to the Kremlin. The uncomfortable truth remains that Russia's future will be authored inside Russia; exiles matter most when they support rather than splinter the constituencies that still exist at home.Support the show
On this week's Defense & Aerospace Report Business Roundtable, sponsored by Bell, Dr. “Rocket” Ron Epstein of Bank of America Securities and Richard Aboulafia of the AeroDynamic advisory consultancy join host Vago Muradian to discuss a week on Wall Street; the House's version of the National Defense Authorization Act; implications of US efforts to push Ukraine to ceasefire that now appears to include Kyiv giving up on NATO membership in exchange for Western security guarantees; outlook for the SCAF next-generation air program as French, German and Spanish defense ministers meet in advance of meeting next week between President Emmanuel Macron and Chancellor Friedrich Merz; the GCAP consortium's invitation that Canada join Britain, Italy and Japan in developing a family of next generation air systems; Boeing closes its $8.3 billion acquisition of Spirit AeroSystems as the company's Air Force One program is delayed another year to mid 2028 and the Federal Aviation Administration reviews the proposed angle of attack alert system for 737 Max 10 jets; SpaceX prepares its IPO the company could be working $800 billion; and JP Morgan Chase hires Berkshire Hathaway's Todd Combs and recruits veteran advisers including Jeff Bezos, Michael Dell, Ford CEO Jim Farley, former Defense Secretary Mark Esper, former Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and retired Gen. Dave Petreaus to oversee bank's $1.5 trillion Security and Resilience Initiative investment fund.
YT LINK: https://youtube.com/live/rDyd3lrGNP0Since many on the MAGA right talked about how Zelensky's govt and the people's popular will in Ukraine differs in their views on the Russian invasion and peace deals, I thought it would be interesting to talk to the Ukrainians themselves, so enlisted a friend's help to find random people (as picked by our right leaning guest, former US Special Forces Brian O'Shea) in the streets of Kyiv to speak with.Featuring:Brain O'Sheahttps://x.com/BrianOSheaSPIhttps://consumerdiligence.org/Vlad Davidzonhttps://x.com/VladDavidzonJerryMacc, the Ukrainian Loremaster + his friends.https://x.com/JerryULoreAnd the Ukrainian people.--Consider Supporting BTR by:Becoming a Parton: https://www.patreon.com/breaktherules
Bei einem Terroranschlag auf ein jüdisches Fest in der australischen Metropole Sydney haben Angreifer mehrere Personen getötet. Der Anschlag am ersten Tag des Chanukka-Festes habe sich gegen die jüdische Gemeinschaft gerichtet, sagte der Regierungschef der Region New South Wales, Chris Minns. (00:00) Intro und Schlagzeilen (01:19) Tote nach Terroranschlag am Bondi Beach in Sydney (04:09) Nachrichtenübersicht (09:03) Kann man mit dem Strafrecht das Elternbesuchsrecht erzwingen? (14:30) Medienvielfalt in Italien gerät unter Druck (18:50) Einheitliche Standards machen das Leben nicht allen leichter (23:54) Wer in der Ukraine hilft, der exponiert sich
Conversations on Groong - December 14, 2025In this episode of Conversations on Groong, we examine how Venezuela's vast oil reserves have become entangled in global conflict. The discussion links US pressure on Caracas to efforts to drive down oil prices, weaken Russia's war effort in Ukraine, and limit Iran's regional power amid rising fears of a wider war. We also explore how a revived Venezuelan oil sector could disrupt OPEC+, reshape Middle East politics, and alter the balance of power across today's conflict zones.Topics:Venezuela's oil and US pressureTrump, oil prices, and OPEC+Middle East fallout from cheap oilUkraine war and Iran conflict stakesGuest: Harry IstepanianHosts:Hovik ManucharyanAsbed BedrossianEpisode 495 | Recorded: December 11, 2025SHOW NOTES: https://podcasts.groong.org/495VIDEO: https://youtu.be/g0bH2EFA3GU#Venezuela #OilPolitics #Geopolitics #USForeignPolicy #EnergyWarsSubscribe and follow us everywhere you are: linktr.ee/groong
Antisemitischer Anschlag im australischen Bondi mit 12 Toten, Weltweites Entsetzen über Anschlag am Chanukka-Fest im australischen Bondi, Verhandlungen über Waffenruhe mit Ukraines Präsident Selenskyj und dem US-Sonderbeauftragten Witkoff in Berlin, Russlands Bevölkerung befürwortet Putins harten Kurs gegen die Ukraine, Bundesinnenminister Dobrindt im "Bericht aus Berlin": Europa muss bei Friedensverhandlungen mit der Ukraine mitreden, Festnahmen in Bayern wegen mutmaßlicher Anschlagspläne auf einen Weihnachtsmarkt, Ahrtalbahn nimmt nach vier Jahren wieder Betrieb auf, Ergebnisse der Fußball-Bundesliga, Deutsche Handballerinnen verlieren WM-Finale gegen Norwegen mit 20:23, Das Wetter Hinweis: Der Beitrag zur Fußball-Bundesliga darf aus rechtlichen Gründen nicht auf tagessschau.de gezeigt werden.
Für zwei Tage ist Berlin der Schauplatz für die Ukraine-Verhandlungen. Und diese zwei Tage könnten entscheidend sein.
Die Kommentatoren beschäftigen sich mit den Verhandlungen über eine Friedenslösung für die Ukraine sowie den Folgen der neuen US-Sicherheitsstrategie für Europa. Ein weiteres Thema ist der CSU-Parteitag in München. www.deutschlandfunk.de, Presseschau
World news in 7 minutes. Monday 15th December 2025Today : Australia shooting. Ukraine counteroffensive. UK King cancer. Thailand Cambodia fighting. India Messi riots. US Abrego freed. China executes politician. Chile votes. Tunisia protests. South Africa old human.SEND7 is supported by our amazing listeners like you.Our supporters get access to the transcripts and vocabulary list written by us every day.Our supporters get access to an English worksheet made by us once per week.Our supporters get access to our weekly news quiz made by us once per week.We give 10% of our profit to Effective Altruism charities. You can become a supporter at send7.org/supportContact us at podcast@send7.org or send an audio message at speakpipe.com/send7Please leave a rating on Apple podcasts or Spotify.We don't use AI! Every word is written and recorded by us!Since 2020, SEND7 (Simple English News Daily in 7 minutes) has been telling the most important world news stories in intermediate English. Every day, listen to the most important stories from every part of the world in slow, clear English. Whether you are an intermediate learner trying to improve your advanced, technical and business English, or if you are a native speaker who just wants to hear a summary of world news as fast as possible, join Stephen Devincenzi, Juliet Martin and Niall Moore every morning. Transcripts, vocabulary lists, worksheets and our weekly world news quiz are available for our amazing supporters at send7.org. Simple English News Daily is the perfect way to start your day, by practising your listening skills and understanding complicated daily news in a simple way. It is also highly valuable for IELTS and TOEFL students. Students, teachers, TEFL teachers, and people with English as a second language, tell us that they use SEND7 because they can learn English through hard topics, but simple grammar. We believe that the best way to improve your spoken English is to immerse yourself in real-life content, such as what our podcast provides. SEND7 covers all news including politics, business, natural events and human rights. Whether it is happening in Europe, Africa, Asia, the Americas or Oceania, you will hear it on SEND7, and you will understand it.Get your daily news and improve your English listening in the time it takes to make a coffee.For more information visit send7.org/contact or send an email to podcast@send7.org
Topics: Condolences for the week (4:50) Washington experiences a state of emergency due to flooding (12:40) Russia continues attacking Ukraine (16:12) DoorDash diver arrested for tampering with customer food (21:58) Ex-Michigan Football coach fired and arrested in the same week (24:56) Photos of Epstein and people in power were released (46:08) Trump being sued over construction of White House (52:08) King Charles shares news of cancer treatment (1:00:03) Update on Wednesday News Story (1:05:02) Entertainment news [Disney partnering with OpenAI & Trailers released] (1:09:19) Ending Music: Kanye West – Jesus Lord (Instrumental) National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-8255 Twitter: @My2Podcast Instagram: my2centspodcastg2 YouTube: My2CentsPodcast Business email: my2centspod@yahoo.com
Gäste: Kerstin Kohlenberg, DIE ZEIT, ehem. USA-Korrespondentin Anne McElvoy, POLITICO, London-Korrespondentin Andrey Gurkov, russischer Journalist und Autor Thomas Mayer, Europa/NATO-Korrespondent, Der Standard Von Anke Plättner.
The Situation Report for December 13, 2025. Rep. Dan Crenshaw covers the latest in global conflicts driving U.S. foreign policy — from an escalating showdown with Venezuela, to Ukraine's counter-proposal in talks with Russia, to the Pentagon's push to break China's grip on critical military materials. U.S. seizes oil tanker off Venezuelan coast Advice for would-be smugglers Kyiv makes a peace offer The U.S. military is getting into the refinery business War again in South Asia President Trump's Gold Card Visa The Fed cuts interest rates If you read nothing else: "How long Britain could really fight for if war broke out tomorrow" by Frank Gardner
In this episode, Ron is joined by Lucy Caldwell (Board Advisor to the Renew Democracy Initiative) to confront the question hanging over Democratic politics: Can the Democratic Party keep pretending we're not in a populist era? Lucy breaks down the party's internal struggle between centrists and insurgents—and why both sides are wildly overinterpreting recent election results. Using the Maine Senate race as a case study, they examine how primaries reward disruption and narrative power, often at the expense of general-election viability, and why nationalized politics makes it harder than ever for candidates to outrun the Democratic brand. Finally, Ron and Lucy dig into affordability—the disconnect between elite economic narratives and everyday experience—and why dismissing those pressures only fuels the kind of toxic populism Democrats say they fear. In Politicology+ they talk about the current healthcare landscape and the ongoing debate about how we pay for healthcare. They critique the ACA's effectiveness, the challenges of health insurance coverage and explore market-based solutions. They also highlight the importance of personal advocacy in navigating healthcare and the evolving discourse around health and wellness, particularly in the context of AI's role in healthcare advocacy. DONATE FOR UKRAINE To support equipment requests for our frontline communicators and psyop-ers in Ukraine, you can use this link: paypal.me/MollyKMcKew 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. CONTRIBUTE TO POLITICOLOGY politicology.com/donate SPONSORS & PROMO CODES https://bit.ly/44uAGZ8 Get 15% off OneSkin with the code RON at https://www.oneskin.co/ #oneskinpod Send your questions and ideas to podcast@politicology.com or leave a voicemail at (703) 239-3068 Listen to The Last Invention: https://bit.ly/4pob891 Follow this week's panel on X (formerly Twitter): https:/x.com/RonSteslow https://x.com/lucymcaldwell Related Reading: Noah Smith - The "$140,000 poverty line" is very silly The Free Press - Big-Tent Politics Won't Save the Democrats The Free Press - Has the Democratic Tea Party Arrived? - by Gabe Fleisher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
MeidasTouch host Ben Meiselas reports on Ukraine President Zelenskyy going to the frontlines of the war with Russia after a massive victory over Russia's elected air assault unit and delivering a powerful message to Trump and Putin about power of Ukraine. Get 25% OFF your first order + FREE shipping @IndaCloud with code: MEIDAS at https://Indacloud.co Visit https://meidasplus.com for more! 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 Influence Continuum: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen 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 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Coalition of the Sane: https://meidasnews.com/tag/coalition-of-the-sane Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Friday, December 15th, 2023A New York court has denied Trump's appeal of his gag order, and then denied his request to appeal to the highest court; the jury has the Ruby Freeman and Shaye Moss defamation case against Rudy Giuliani; Jim Comer has a shell company; Associate Attorney General Vanita Gupta is leaving the Justice Department; the European Union opens accession talks with Ukraine; The Supreme Court leaves the Illinois assault weapons ban in place; a judge rules that Elon Musk must sit for a deposition again in the SEC's investigation into Twitter. Plus Allison delivers your good news. Dana is out and about.Our GuestJohn Fugelsanghttps://www.johnfugelsang.com/tmehttps://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-john-fugelsang-podcast/id1464094232 Listener Survey:http://survey.podtrac.com/start-survey.aspx?pubid=BffJOlI7qQcF&ver=shortFollow the Podcast on Apple:https://apple.co/3XNx7ckWant to support the show and get it ad-free and early?https://patreon.com/thedailybeanshttps://dailybeans.supercast.com/https://apple.co/3UKzKt0 Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
SHOW 12-12-2025 THE SHOW BEGINS IN DOUBTS ABOUT 2026.2 Las Vegas Venues, California Rail, and Disney's AI Investment: Colleague Jeff Bliss reports that Las Vegas's Allegiant Stadium is now a top-grossing venue while many resorts are dropping unpopular fees, discussing California's new rail line to Anaheim, mismanagement of the Pacific Palisades fire, and high gas prices, additionally covering Disney's investment in OpenAI and its new luxury community, Cotino. Nvidia's Jensen Huang and the AI Revolution: Colleague Brandon Weichert praises Nvidia's Jensen Huang as a pivotal geopolitical figure driving the AI revolution, comparing AI's growth to the railroad boom and predicting long-term economic benefits and massive opportunities for construction and energy sectors as the US builds infrastructure to support data centers. Business Resilience and AI Tools in Construction: Colleague Gene Marks reports on business resilience in Austin despite tariff concerns and describes a safety conference in Fargo where AI tools were a focus, explaining that AI and robotics like Boston Dynamics' Spot are supplementing rather than replacing workers in construction, helping address severe labor shortages. Health Reimbursement Arrangements and AI's Economic Potential: Colleague Gene Marks advocates for Health Reimbursement Arrangements, noting they allow small businesses to control costs while employees buy their own insurance tax-free, also discussing AI's potential to double economic growth and advising businesses to ignore doomsday predictions and embrace tools that enhance productivity and daily life. Lancaster County's Economic Divide and Holiday Retail: Colleague Jim McTague reports from Lancaster County, highlighting the economic divide between flush Baby Boomers and struggling younger generations, observing strong holiday retail activity exemplified by crowded venues like Shady Maple and a proliferation of Amazon delivery trucks, suggesting the economy remains afloat despite challenges. La Scala's Season Opening and Milan's Christmas Atmosphere: Colleague Lorenzo Fiori describes attending the season opening at La Scala, featuring a dramatic Russian opera that audiences connected to current geopolitical tensions, also noting the festive Christmas atmosphere in Milan and Prime Minister Meloni's continued, albeit non-military, support for Ukraine. SpaceX IPO Rumors and EU Space Regulations: Colleague Bob Zimmerman discusses rumors of a SpaceX IPO and new scientific strategies for using Starship for Mars exploration, reporting on the Pentagon's certification requirements for Blue Origin's New Glenn and critiquing proposed EU space laws that could impose bureaucratic hurdles on international private space companies. Mapping the Sun's Corona and Rethinking Ice Giants: Colleague Bob Zimmerman details scientific advances including mapping the sun's corona and rethinking Uranus and Neptune as having rocky interiors rather than just ice, mentioning discoveries regarding supernova composition, the lack of supermassive black holes in small galaxies, and new images of Mars' polar ice layers. "The Incident" of 1641 and Charles I's Failed Plot: Colleague Jonathan Healey narrates "The Incident" of 1641, a failed plot by Charles I to arrest Scottish Covenanter leaders, explaining that the conspiracy's exposure and Charles's subsequent denial destroyed his political standing in Scotland, forcing him to concede power to the Scottish Parliament and weakening his position before the English Civil War. The Prelude to the English Civil War: Colleague Jonathan Healey discusses the prelude to the English Civil War, detailing the power struggles between Charles I and the Commons and Lords, explaining the execution of the King's advisor Strafford, noting Charles's regret and the rising influence of reformists who feared royal tyranny and supported impeachment. The Junto and Puritan Influence in Parliament: Colleague Jonathan Healey describes the political geography of London, introducing the "Junto," a reformist party coordinating between Parliament's houses, analyzing the influence of Puritans and key opposition figures like John Pym and Mandeville who strategically challenged Charles I's authority regarding church reform and arbitrary taxation. The Grand Remonstrance and Popular Politics: Colleague Jonathan Healey explains the "Grand Remonstrance," a document used by the Junto to rally public support against the King, highlighting how rising literacy and the printing press fueled popular politics in London, while also discussing Queen Henrietta Maria's political acumen and Catholic faith amidst the growing conflict. Critiquing Isolationism and the Risks of Disengagement: Colleague Henry Sokolski critiques isolationist arguments, comparing current sentiments to pre-WWII attitudes, warning against relying solely on missile defense bubbles and discussing the distinct threats posed by Russia and China, emphasizing that US disengagement could lead to global instability and unchecked nuclear proliferation. Saudi Uranium Enrichment and Proliferation Risks: Colleague Henry Sokolski discusses the risks of allowing Saudi Arabia to enrich uranium, fearing it creates a bomb-making option, warning that making exceptions for Saudi Arabia could trigger a proliferation cascade among neighbors like Turkey and Egypt, undermining global non-proliferation efforts amidst rising tensions involving Russia and NATO. The Historical Context of Humphrey's Executor: Colleague Richard Epstein analyzes the historical context of Humphrey's Executor, explaining how the administrative state grew from the 1930s, detailing FDR's attempt to politicize independent commissions and the Supreme Court's justification, arguing that while constitutionally questionable, long-standing prescription has solidified these agencies' legal status over time. Presidential Power and Independent Agency Dismissals: Colleague Richard Epstein discusses current Supreme Court arguments regarding presidential power to fire independent board members, referencing actions by both Trump and Biden, critiquing the politicization of agencies like the FTC under Lina Khan and warning that unchecked executive authority to dismiss advisory boards undermines necessary checks and balances.
La Scala's Season Opening and Milan's Christmas Atmosphere: Colleague Lorenzo Fiori describes attending the season opening at La Scala, featuring a dramatic Russian opera that audiences connected to current geopolitical tensions, also noting the festive Christmas atmosphere in Milan and Prime Minister Meloni's continued, albeit non-military, support for Ukraine. 1957
Today, in a special bonus episode, we bring you a panel Francis Dearnley recently moderated at the Frontline Club in London – a renowned meeting place for anyone passionate about foreign affairs, hosting regular events with guests from think tanks, journalism, the humanitarian sector, and many more.The discussion features leading experts on various dimensions of the war: Christopher Miller (Chief Ukraine Correspondent, Financial Times), Dr Jack Watling (Senior Research Fellow for Land Warfare, RUSI), and Orysia Lutsevych OBE (Head of the Ukraine Forum, Chatham House). Though recorded a few weeks ago, the conversation feels not just relevant, but prescient, in light of recent developments. Topics include: what security guarantees Ukraine wants versus what it actually needs; the manpower challenges facing both Russia and Ukraine; the levers available to pressure Moscow; how a ceasefire can be either a remedy or a poison depending on its terms; the declining US role and Europe's response; hybrid threats across the Continent...and the terrifying cost of delay.Speakers:Christopher Miller (Chief Ukraine Correspondent, The Financial Times)Dr Jack Watling (Senior Research Fellow for Land Warfare, Royal United Services Institute)Orysia Lutsevych OBE (Head of the Ukraine Forum at Chatham House)Learn more about The Frontline Club:https://www.frontlineclub.com/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
President Trump this week pressured Ukraine to accept his administration's peace proposal, one that heavily favors Russia. This as his administration's national security strategy has put him at odds with American allies. Moderator Jeffrey Goldberg, Susan Glasser of The New Yorker, Amna Nawaz of PBS News Hour and Vivian Salama and Anne Applebaum of The Atlantic discuss all this and more.
In this week's conversation, Yascha Mounk, Timothy Garton Ash, Sabina Ćudić, and Nathalie Tocci explore the relationship between the United States and Europe, the Ukraine peace talks, and whether Europe has any hope of reinvigorating itself. Timothy Garton Ash is the author of Homelands: A Personal History of Europe and writes the newsletter History of the Present. Sabina Ćudić is elected member of the National Parliament of Bosnia and Herzegovina, vice president of the Foreign Relations Committee, vice president of the European liberals in the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, and the president of Naša stranka, a progressive, social-liberal political party. Nathalie Tocci is Director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali, Professor of Practice at the John Hopkins University SAIS, and independent non-executive director of the multi utility company Acea. If you have not yet signed up for our podcast, please do so now by following this link on your phone. Email: leonora.barclay@persuasion.community Podcast production by Jack Shields and Leonora Barclay. Connect with us! Spotify | Apple | Google X: @Yascha_Mounk & @JoinPersuasion YouTube: Yascha Mounk, Persuasion LinkedIn: Persuasion Community Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In our news wrap Saturday, Trump vowed to avenge the deaths of two U.S. soldiers and an American civilian interpreter ambushed in Syria, Belarus freed more than 100 prisoners after the U.S. said it would lift sanctions on the country’s potash exports, Russian strikes across Ukraine left more than 1 million people without power, and comedy icon Dick Van Dyke celebrated his 100th birthday. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy
Kate Adie introduces stories from Syria, Ukraine, the USA, China and Germany.Syrians took to the streets to celebrate one year since the fall of the Assad regime, but in the background post-war reconstruction has been slow and sectarian violence is on the rise. Lina Sinjab has been travelling the country and reflects on the challenges ahead.Despite the constant threat of drones and missiles, many Ukrainians are finding ways to carry on with their lives - including the country's artists and musicians. Marcel Theroux recently visited Chernivtsi in western Ukraine, to attend the opening night of an unexpected musical gem.Just a few years ago, the city of El Paso in Texas declared a state of emergency as local shelters struggled to cope with the influx of migrants crossing the border from Mexico. Today, the picture is very different with the flow of migrants now a trickle. Bernd Debusmann looks at the impact of Donald Trump's immigration crackdown.China's mighty Yangtze river is one of the world's busiest shipping lanes, but the wildlife living in the river is struggling for survival with many native species already extinct. Stephen McDonell met a team of scientists trying to save the endangered finless porpoise.The German city of Chemnitz is currently a European Capital of Culture, and among the celebrations is an exhibition of a cultural icon - the Trabant. Adrian Bridge explores the history of East Germany's car culture - and how it provided some welcome respite from the spying eyes of the Stasi.Series Producer: Serena Tarling Production coordinators: Katie Morrison and Sophie Hill Editor: Richard Fenton-Smith
Ret. Lt. Gen. Mark Hertling joins Margaret Hoover to talk about President Trump's new National Security Strategy and how his second term foreign policy differs from his first.Having spent nearly four decades in the U.S. Army, Hertling provides insight into the Trump administration's strikes on alleged drug boats in the Caribbean and the ethical and legal questions they raise for the military.Hertling, who served as commanding general of the Army in Europe, responds to Trump's criticism of America's allies, his effort to revive the Monroe Doctrine, and his decision to allow Nvidia to sell advanced AI chips to China.Hertling also comments on ending the war in Ukraine and discusses his upcoming book, “If I Don't Return.”Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, Pritzker Military Foundation, Cliff and Laurel Asness, Katharine J. Rayner, Lindsay and George Billingsley, The Meadowlark Foundation, and Jared Stone.
This week we cover nine transits, highlighted by the New Moon in Sagittarius and the Sun's entrance into Capricorn on the Winter Solstice.I share personal reflections on my first week as a father and explore the theme of breaking cycles of familial trauma through two very different stories. First, Sylvester Stallone—whose father's jealousy wounded him deeply, and who has spoken openly about the regret he carries for in the past prioritizing career over his own familial relationships. Then, the heartbreaking story of former Michigan football coach Sherrone Moore, whose firing aligned with the Mercury-Lilith conjunction in Scorpio. A father of three daughters, Moore now faces the painful consequences of choices that have upended his life. With the North Node in Pisces, we have the opportunity to sit in empathy with these stories and learn vicariously—rather than suffer through these lessons in our own lives.The centerpiece of this episode is a deep dive into Mars entering Capricorn (December 14th – January 23rd). We examine the historical pattern of this transit through events like the Gulf War, the Arab Spring, Russia's invasion of Ukraine, and the COVID-19 lockdowns—revealing how Mars exalted consistently brings decisive institutional action and contested power. What might this mean for the weeks ahead?(26:56) The Sun in Sagittarius Square Saturn in Pisces 25° – December 14 – 18 (Sunday – Thursday) – Exact Tuesday, December 16. (31:00) Mercury Exits its Retrograde Shadow in Sagittarius 6°50' – December 16, 2025October 21 – Mercury Enters its Retrograde Shadow in Scorpio 20°43'November 9 – Mercury Retrograde in Sagittarius 6°50'November 29 – Mercury Direct in Scorpio 20°43'December 16 – Mercury Exits its Retrograde Shadow in Sagittarius 6°50'(37:48) Venus in Sagittarius Trine Chiron Retrograde in Aries 22° – December 16 – 19 (Tuesday – Friday) – Exact Thursday, December 18. (40:50) The Full Moon in Sagittarius 28° at 5:44 PM PST – Friday, December 19, 2025.(47:49) The Sun in Sagittarius Square Neptune in Pisces 29° – December 18 – 21 (Thursday – Sunday) – Exact Saturday, December 20. Mercury in Sagittarius Square the North Node Retrograde in Pisces 11° – December 18 – 21 (Thursday – Sunday) – Exact Saturday, December 20. Venus in Sagittarius Square Saturn in Pisces 25° – December 18 – 21 (Thursday – Sunday) – Exact Saturday, December 20. (55:45) The Sun in Capricorn – December 21, 2025 – January 19, 2026 – The Winter Solstice (1:02:38) Jupiter Retrograde in Cancer Square Chiron Retrograde in Aries 22° – October 5, 2025 – January 10, 2026 – Exact October 23 and December 21. (1:09:44) When Authority Takes the Field: Mars in Capricorn and the Architecture of PowerGet the 2026 Astrology GuideCheck out my Appearances on the Ultra World PodcastJoin my Substackhttps://www.theweeklytransit.com/
The EU agrees to indefinitely freeze Russian assets, removing obstacles for a loan to Ukraine. The admiral leading U.S. troops in Latin America steps down. Trump appears in newly released Epstein photos. Plus, Americans say they're drinking less, but new data shows the drop is only about one drink per week. Recommended Read: Pictures of the year: Animals Listen to Morning Bid podcast here. Sign up for the Reuters Econ World newsletter here. Listen to the Reuters Econ World podcast here. Visit the Thomson Reuters Privacy Statement for information on our privacy and data protection practices. You may also visit megaphone.fm/adchoices to opt out of targeted advertising. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Sir Richard Shirreff is Co-founder and Managing Partner at Strategia Worldwide. After graduating from Oxford, he served in the British Army for 37 years commanding soldiers on operations or in combat at every level from platoon to division and rising to the highest rank before retiring from the Army as NATO's Deputy Supreme Commander Europe. In 2016 his novel ‘2017: War with Russia' was published in the UK, USA, and Poland. He is an honorary Fellow of Exeter College, Oxford.----------LINKS:https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Shirreff https://twitter.com/RichardShirreff https://www.strategiaworldwide.com/our-people/sir-richard-shirreffhttps://www.globsec.org/who-we-are/our-people/gen-ret-sir-richard-shirreff https://www.brookings.edu/events/is-armed-conflict-with-russia-a-real-possibility/ ----------Silicon Curtain is a part of the Christmas Tree Trucks 2025 campaign - an ambitious fundraiser led by a group of our wonderful team of information warriors raising 110,000 EUR for the Ukrainian army. https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtainThe Goal of the Campaign for the Silicon Curtain community:- 1 armoured battle-ready pickupWe are sourcing all vehicles around 2010-2017 or newer, mainly Toyota Hilux or Mitsubishi L200, with low mileage and fully serviced. These are some of the greatest and the most reliable pickups possible to be on the frontline in Ukraine. Who will receive the vehicles?https://car4ukraine.com/campaigns/christmas-tree-trucks-2025-silicon-curtain- The 38th Marine Brigade, who alone held Krynki for 124 days, receiving the Military Cross of Honour.- The 1027th Anti-aircraft and artillery regiment. Honoured by NATO as Defender of the Year 2024 and recipient of the Military Cross of Honour.- 104th Separate Brigade, Infantry, who alone held Kherson for 100 days, establishing conditions for the liberation of the city.- 93rd Brigade "Kholodnyi Yar", Black Raven Unmanned Systems Battalion ----------DESCRIPTION:Critical Analysis: European Security in the Face of Rising Russian AggressionIn this episode, co-founder and managing partner at Worldwide and former NATO Deputy Supreme Commander Europe, Sir Richard Shirreff, discusses the evolving geopolitical landscape with host Jonathan. The conversation dives into Russian strategies and the apparent shift in the U.S. stance on European security under Trump's administration. Shirreff and Jonathan analyse the recently released U.S. National Security Strategy, highlighting its lack of emphasis on China and Russia as threats and its focus on European institutions. They discuss how Trump's policies may be inadvertently aiding Putin's objectives by decoupling U.S. support from European security and undermining NATO. The episode underscores the need for Europe to bolster its resilience and unity independently. Shirreff emphasizes the necessity of leadership and clear strategies to face these challenges. They also delve into the implications of cognitive warfare, societal resilience, and the broader necessity for Europe to mobilize and prepare for potential threats. In the concluding segment, they highlight a fundraiser aimed at supporting Ukrainian soldiers by providing crucially needed vehicles.----------CHAPTERS:00:00 Introduction and Guest Background01:21 Russian Strategy and US National Security Policy03:36 NATO's Current State and Challenges06:09 Europe's Need for Self-Reliance10:07 Resilience and National Defense13:37 Potential Future Scenarios28:54 Call to Action and Conclusion----------SUPPORT THE CHANNEL:https://www.buymeacoffee.com/siliconcurtainhttps://www.patreon.com/siliconcurtain----------
Earlier this year, on March 30, at the Taiwan Center in Flushing NY, FAPA (Formosan Association for Public Affairs) hosted a panel discussion, Lessons from the Battlefield: What Taiwan Can Learn From Ukraine. Representatives from the Ukrainian community, Razom for Ukraine and Dignitas Ukraine and FAPA discussed how NGOs can strengthen advocacy, humanitarian aid, and international collaboration. It was a very substantive discussion that we wanted to record and share with FAPA's permission to our listeners. This episode part one is the first half of the panel discussion. Related Links:
Verhandlungen über Friedenslösung für die Ukraine in Berlin, Russland greift die Ukraine unvermindert an, Kanzler Merz hält Rede auf CSU-Parteitag, Mögliche Finanzblase durch KI-Hype, Belarus lässt 123 politische Gefangenen frei, 14. Spieltag der Fußball-Bundesliga, Weltcup: Emma Aicher gewinnt die zweite Abfahrt der Frauen in St. Moritz, Eröffnung der ersten Stadt-Schwebebahn von Paris, Die Lottozahlen, Das Wetter Hinweis: Die Beiträge zum Thema „Fußball-Bundesliga“ dürfen auf tagesschau.de aus rechtlichen Gründen nicht gezeigt werden.
Badlands Media provides full special coverage as President Trump hosts members of the legendary 1980 U.S. Olympic men's hockey team in the Oval Office for the signing of H.R. 452, the “Miracle on Ice” commemorative medals bill. Joined by surviving players, family members of deceased teammates, and members of Congress, Trump reflects on the historic upset over the Soviet Union at Lake Placid and the moment's lasting impact on American pride and unity. Players share personal memories, gratitude, and reflections on representing the nation, while Trump recounts the geopolitical and cultural backdrop of the Cold War era and praises the team's resilience and teamwork. The event also expands into broader remarks on current foreign conflicts, the war in Ukraine, border security, drug trafficking, Venezuela, healthcare reform, and the state of college athletics, blending sports history with contemporary policy commentary. The ceremony closes with photographs, signed memorabilia, and a reaffirmation of the enduring symbolism of one of the greatest moments in U.S. sports history.
Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says he's willing to hold elections if the US and other allies help ensure security. Is that a promise Trump can make as he pushes Ukraine to surrender territory to Russia? Also, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a man illegally deported by the Trump administration in March and eventually returned, is now free from immigration custody. Plus, Republicans in Indiana have rejected a redistricting proposal. President Trump successfully pushed other states to redraw their congressional maps to help Republicans win next year's midterm elections, so why did Indiana's Republicans break with the president?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 Kate Bartlett, Anna Yukhananov, Larry Kaplow and Alice Woelfle.It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. Our technical director is Carleigh StrangeOur Executive Producer is Jay Shaylor.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy
Episode 4993: What Comes Next For AI And The Techno-Oligarchs; Security Guarantees For Ukraine
Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> The layoff number show no signs of a weakening labor market. Jobs are coming back to the US. The fake news will not admit that the economy is improving, but the people will feel it. The Fed cannot control employment or inflation with QE, they use it to keep their system alive. Banks are getting message, crypto will be included in the future economy of the US. The [DS] attacks will intensify as we get closer to the midterms, they will use division tactics with the people and the military. The [DS] is trying to muddy the water with the Epstein files, this has already failed. The [DS] is pushing war to keep their crimes from being exposed. Trump has initiated the cyber attack offensive strategy. Trump and we the people have the leverage and control. Economy (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); Layoffs Show No Signs of a Weakening Labor Market If the labor market is weakening, it's on the job-creation side of the equation, maybe in part due to AI. the four-week average, which largely irons out the week-to-week squiggles, and which ticked up to 216,750, seasonally adjusted, which is historically low, and in the same low range that it has been in for the past four years. This is administrative data, not survey-based data. Freshly laid-off people filed these applications for unemployment insurance at state unemployment agencies, which then reported them to the US Department of Labor by the weekly deadline, which then combined the data and published it today. In a longer timespan going back to the 1970s, initial claims are very low, despite the growth of nonfarm payrolls over the decades. They were lower only during the tight labor market of 2018 and 2019 and during the labor shortages coming out of the pandemic. Layoffs show no signs of a weakening labor market. If the labor market is weakening, it's on the job-creation side of the equation. So layoffs are low, but once laid off, it takes people longer to find a job as companies have slowed their hiring, but even that has improved since the summer. Source: wolfstreet.com for having created, with No Inflation, perhaps the Greatest Economy in the History of our Country? When will people understand what is happening? When will Polls reflect the Greatness of America at this point in time, and how bad it was just one year ago? https://twitter.com/profstonge/status/1999141753442414645?s=20 https://twitter.com/TheCryptoLark/status/1999161790886711747?s=20 Political/Rights Tim Walz Vows to Bring More Somalis to Minnesota, Despite Growing Fraud Scandal Reaching Into the Billions Minnesota Governor Tim Walz is vowing to bring more Somali immigrants to his state, despite the massive fraud scandal that has unfolded in the Minnesota Somali community on his watch. The Washington Free Beacon reports: Tim Walz Pledges To ‘Welcome More' Somalis Into Minnesota as Evidence of Staggering Fraud Scheme Makes National Headlines CBS News reports: https://twitter.com/amuse/status/1999531988210909599?s=20 Source: thegatewaypundit.com Garcia. But immigration courts do not issue such a form, and Congress removed district courts from reviewing these cases nearly 30 years ago. By declaring the order “nonexistent,” she manufactured jurisdiction and granted release. Her six month obstruction of Garcia's removal shows exactly why Congress barred district judges from intervening in INA cases. Trump Admin Pulls 9,500 Truck Drivers Off The Road For Failing English Tests https://twitter.com/SecDuffy/status/1998787357416501638?s=20 Source: zerohedge.com Democrat Rep. Attempts to Embarrass Kristi Noem by Introducing Her to a ‘Harmless' Veteran She Supposedly Deported – But the Move Backfires When the Actual Truth is Revealed (VIDEO) During the hearing, Rep. Seth Magaziner (D-MA) decided to ambush Noem, first by demanding how many US military veterans she had deported. When Noem responded that she had not, the congressman then pulled out his next nasty stunt. “We are joined on Zoom by a gentleman named Sae Joon Park. He is a United States combat veteran who was shot twice,” Magaziner announced. “Like many veterans, he struggled with PTSD, he was arrested in the 1990s for some minor drug offenses. “He never hurt anyone besides himself. He is a Purple Heart recipient; he has sacrificed more for this country than most people ever have,” he added. “Earlier this year, you deported him to Korea, a country he has not lived in since he was seven.” “Will you join me in thanking Mr. Park for his service?” Noem said she would, but reiterated that America's laws needed to be enforced, which displeased Magaziner. https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/1999200511820763484?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1999200511820763484%7Ctwgr%5E71b314ce22abe6b529570dbbaed5501f8b066bd1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Fdemocrat-rep-attempts-embarrass-kristi-noem-introducing-her%2F Park had a removal order over felony drug charges and bail jumping – and was NOT a citizen, but a green card holder. Democrats lie, lie, LIE. https://twitter.com/TriciaOhio/status/1999207164603433210?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1999207164603433210%7Ctwgr%5E71b314ce22abe6b529570dbbaed5501f8b066bd1%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Fdemocrat-rep-attempts-embarrass-kristi-noem-introducing-her%2F controlled substance In 2010 an immigration judge issued him an order of removal. Park's appeal to the Board of Immigration Appeals that same month was dismissed by the Board in April 2011. With no legal basis to remain in the U.S. and a final order of removal, Park was allowed to self-deport to Korea. President Trump and Secretary Noem have been clear: criminal illegal aliens are not welcome in the U.S. Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/RedWave_Press/status/1999451592903282965?s=20 2.5 Million Illegal Immigrants Deported Under Trump Admin: DHS More than 2.5 million illegal immigrants have left the United States under the Trump administration, a “record-breaking achievement” in a year, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) said in a Dec. 10 statement. The 2.5 million figure includes more than 605,000 individuals deported as part of DHS enforcement operations and around 1.9 million illegal immigrants who have voluntarily self-deported since January. The rapid decline in the illegal immigrant population is showing effects nationwide, such as a “resurgence in local job markets,” DHS said. In October, 12,000 jobs were added to the U.S. economy, which followed 431,000 additions in September. Source: zerohedge.com https://twitter.com/GOPoversight/status/1999506355548299518?s=20 DOGE In other words, AI has far more Electricity than they will ever need because, they are building the facilities that produce it, themselves. We are leading the World in AI, BY FAR, because of a gentleman named DONALD J. TRUMP! Geopolitical Unelected EU Commissioner Ursula von Der Leyen Warns Trump To Keep Away From ‘European Democracy' – But the Patriotic Wave Is Upon Her https://twitter.com/SprinterPress/status/1999360985753174112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1999360985753174112%7Ctwgr%5Ea460cf825346c02faf408dfdd2869c8b434de5e3%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Funelected-eu-commissioner-ursula-von-der-leyen-warns%2F Politico reported: “Donald Trump should not get involved in European democracy, Ursula von der Leyen said Thursday, days after the U.S. president launched a stinging attack on Europe. ‘It is not on us, when it comes to elections, to decide who the leader of the country will be, but on the people of this country. That's the sovereignty of the voters, and this must be protected', the European Commission president said in an interview at the POLITICO 28 gala event in Brussels. https://twitter.com/JnglJourney/status/1999294487781326880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1999294487781326880%7Ctwgr%5Ea460cf825346c02faf408dfdd2869c8b434de5e3%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Funelected-eu-commissioner-ursula-von-der-leyen-warns%2F Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/iAnonPatriot/status/1999198852717424957?s=20 https://twitter.com/Defence_Index/status/1999348521120698795?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1999348521120698795%7Ctwgr%5E4d8309aa196b50542667c5dfcee40655f2883cf0%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Fmad-maduro-after-declaring-christmas-october-embattled-venezuelan%2F War/Peace accident, but Thailand nevertheless retaliated very strongly. Both Countries are ready for PEACE and continued Trade with the United States of America. It is my Honor to work with Anutin and Hun in resolving what could have evolved into a major War between two otherwise wonderful and prosperous Countries! I would also like to thank the Prime Minister of Malaysia, Anwar Ibrahim, for his assistance in this very important matter. Zelensky Floats Holding Referendum On Giving Up Land For Peace “I am definitely in favor of elections,” Ukraine’s President Zelensky said Thursday. “The most important thing is that they are held legitimately.” He’s presenting a position of willingness to compromise amid the increasing pressure from Trump. Is this but a ruse to buy time? Ceding territory by vote? WSJ continues… Zelensky has long said that as president he can't unilaterally decide the fate of Ukrainian territories, which must be approved by the Ukrainian people. In early fall, 54% Ukrainians opposed ceding land, even if it meant continuing the war and risked the country's independence, compared with 38% who were open to some territorial concessions, in a poll conducted by Kyiv International Institute of Sociology. Source: zerohedge.com Zelenskyy: Holding Elections in Ukraine Requires Ceasefire President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that holding elections in Ukraine during wartime would require a ceasefire. “There must be a ceasefire – at least for the duration of the election process and voting. This is what needs to be discussed. Frankly speaking, here in Ukraine, we believe that America should talk to the Russian side about this,” he told a meeting of the ‘Coalition of the Willing’ group of nations. Wartime elections are forbidden by law but Zelenskyy, whose term expired last year, Source: newsmax.com NATO’s Rutte warns allies they are Russia’s next target NATO chief Mark Rutte urged allies to step up defence efforts to prevent a war waged by Russia that could be “on the scale of war our grandparents and great-grandparents endured”. FRANCE 24’s Dave Keating reports Source: france24.com NATO Secretary Rutte: “NATO Must Prepare for War Against Russia” Source: theconservativetreehouse.com https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/1999270361414729766?s=20 remarks: “Things like this end up in Third World Wars, and I told that the other day. I said, you know, everybody keeps playing games like this, you’ll end up in a Third World War, and we don’t want to see that happen.” Trump’s essentially telling NATO, Ukraine, and Russia to stop the brinksmanship before proxy war becomes direct conflict. When the U.S. president is publicly warning about World War III, that’s not hyperbole, that’s acknowledgment of how close we’ve gotten to catastrophe. https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/1999499056133898497?s=20 The Trump administration is preparing to enlist private businesses and cybersecurity firms to conduct offensive cyberattacks against foreign adversaries, including criminal hackers and state-sponsored groups that target U.S. critical infrastructure, telecommunications, or engage in ransomware activities. This approach, detailed in a draft national cyber strategy from the Office of the National Cyber Director, aims to expand U.S. cyber capabilities by leveraging private sector expertise, allowing government agencies to focus on unique tasks. An upcoming executive order is expected to define roles for these firms and provide legal protections, though additional legislation may be needed to mitigate risks for companies traditionally focused on defense. Medical/False Flags https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/1999176473723191554?s=20 [DS] Agenda BREAKING: Grand Jury *AGAIN* Declines to Indict Letitia James For Mortgage Fraud A federal grand jury in Virginia declined to indict New York Attorney General Letitia James for mortgage fraud on Thursday. This is the second time federal prosecutors have failed to secure an indictment against Letitia James. “Federal prosecutors on Thursday failed to convince a majority of grand jurors to approve charges that James misled a bank to obtain favorable loan terms on a home mortgage, according to sources,” ABC News reported. Source: thegatewaypundit.com BREAKING: Executive Director of Black Lives Matter Oklahoma Charged with Wire Fraud and Money Laundering – 25 Counts Total – Facing DECADES in Prison An executive director of Black Lives Matter Oklahoma was charged with wire fraud and money laundering. A federal grand jury on December 3 returned a 25-count indictment against Tashella Sheri Amore Dickerson, 52. Dickerson was charged with 20 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering. “On December 3, 2025, a federal Grand Jury returned a 25-count Indictment, charging Dickerson with 20 counts of wire fraud and five counts of money laundering. For each count of wire fraud, Dickerson faces up to 20 years in federal prison, and a fine of up to $250,000. For each count of money laundering, Dickerson faces up to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000 or twice the amount of the criminally derived property involved in the transaction,” the DOJ said. According to the charging documents, Dickerson, through BLMOKC, raised more than $5.6 million, but rather than using the money to bail out George Floyd rioters, she used millions to fund her lavish lifestyle. Federal prosecutors said Dickerson funneled over $3.5 million to her personal accounts and spent it on vacations, six properties in Oklahoma City, retail shopping, and food. Per the DOJ: https://twitter.com/FBIDirectorKash/status/1999235340620497058?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1999235340620497058%7Ctwgr%5E9f29cdaa88d5635542427963418842d100b04bdd%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.thegatewaypundit.com%2F2025%2F12%2Fblack-lives-matter-executive-charged-wire-fraud-money%2F Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/DataRepublican/status/1998944940865503255?s=20 https://twitter.com/Patri0tContr0l/status/1999164831652315320?s=20 JUST IN: House Overwhelmingly Rejects Al Green's Impeachment Effort Against Trump – 70 Democrats Kill Measure (VIDEO) The House of Representatives voted on a Motion to Table Texas Democrat Al Green's resolution to impeach President Trump on Thursday, effectively killing the resolution, with many Democrats even voting against impeachment. Green has already tried several times to impeach Trump since he took office in January. Green first introduced articles of impeachment against Trump in February, just weeks after he took office. Source: thegatewaypundit.com Schumer Erupts After Senate Blocks Democrat Bill to Extend Expiring Obamacare Subsidies — Desperately Blames Republicans for the Disaster Democrats Created The Senate delivered a major blow to Democrat leadership Thursday night after rejecting Majority Leader Chuck Schumer's last-minute attempt to extend expiring Affordable Care Act (ACA) subsidies, subsidies Democrats themselves voted to terminate in Joe Biden's so-called “Inflation Reduction Act” of 2022. The subsidies are set to expire on December 31, 2025 because Democrats wrote the expiration date into their own bill. Yet now, as the political consequences close in, Schumer is scrambling to pin the blame on Republicans. Democrats locked the subsidy expiration date into law in 2022. They knew this would happen. They planned for it to happen. They voted for it to happen. Now, in an election year—Schumer is trying to retroactively pretend Republicans created a crisis that Democrats engineered from the beginning. Recall that in 2014, Chuck Schumer himself admitted Obamacare was a mistake and confessed that Democrats sold out the middle class to get it passed. Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/EricLDaugh/status/1999178360082301396?s=20 The Dems who voted against this SUPPORT BIG INSURANCE. UNBELIEVABLE. One GOP “no”: Rand Paul (KY). Paul says he wants the ACA gutted even further. Needs 60. DEMOCRATS = PARTY OF BIG, RICH INSURANCE. https://twitter.com/ElectionWiz/status/1999233530694418762?s=20 President Trump's Plan Elections. Democrats have been relentless in their targeting of TINA PETERS, a Patriot who simply wanted to make sure that our Elections were Fair and Honest. Tina is sitting in a Colorado prison for the “crime” of demanding Honest Elections. Today I am granting Tina a full Pardon for her attempts to expose Voter Fraud in the Rigged 2020 Presidential Election! https://twitter.com/Rasmussen_Poll/status/1999403926316069209?s=20 Ticktin’s nine-page letter dated December 7, 2025, accuses a “criminal conspiracy” involving Dominion Voting Systems, Colorado officials like Secretary of State Jena Griswold, and foreign influences, while arguing that Peters preserved election data in compliance with federal law (52 U.S.C. § 20701). He positions her as a key witness for future investigations into election integrity, leveraging her status as a 70-year-old Gold Star mother to evoke sympathy. A core (and controversial) element of Ticktin’s legal theory is the untested claim that the U.S. Constitution allows presidents to pardon state-level convictions—a position not supported by precedent, as presidential pardons are explicitly limited to federal offenses under Article II, Section 2. This strategy aims to challenge the boundaries of executive power, potentially setting up a court battle if pursued further, while amplifying the narrative through media and conservative outlets to build public pressure. , this pardon is largely symbolic and legally ineffective because Peters was convicted and sentenced in Colorado state court on charges like attempting to influence a public servant, conspiracy, and official misconduct—not federal crimes. It doesn’t vacate her nine-year prison sentence or require her release; only Colorado’s governor (currently Democrat Jared Polis) could grant clemency for state offenses, and there’s no indication he plans to do so. the pardon could indirectly help Peters in several ways: Political and Public Pressure: It elevates her case nationally among Trump supporters and election skeptics, potentially leading to fundraising for her legal defense, public campaigns for her release, or even influencing her ongoing state appeals (e.g., by highlighting perceived bias in her trial). A federal magistrate recently denied her release pending appeal, but this symbolic gesture might bolster arguments about unfair prosecution. Narrative Framing: Ticktin can use it to reinforce claims of her innocence in the court of public opinion, portraying the pardon as validation from the president that her actions were justified. This aligns with broader Republican efforts to question 2020 election security. Potential Federal Angle: If any federal investigations arise from her case (e.g., related to Dominion or election data), the pardon could preemptively shield her from future federal charges. Ticktin’s strategy also includes pushing for a DOJ review of her conviction, which Trump directed earlier in 2025. https://twitter.com/CynicalPublius/status/1999284588955468129?s=20 This refers to the DOJ’s decision, under Bondi’s leadership, to rescind regulations enforcing disparate impact liability. This action implements an executive order signed by President Donald Trump in April 2025, eliminating the use of disparate impact metrics to prove discrimination against entities receiving federal funding. What is Disparate Impact Liability? It’s a legal doctrine originating from the 1971 Supreme Court case Griggs v. Duke Power Co., which interprets Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Under this theory, policies or practices that disproportionately harm protected groups (e.g., based on race, even without intentional bias) can be considered discriminatory. Over decades, it expanded into a regulatory tool that penalized unintentional disparities, often requiring institutions like employers, schools, or housing providers to track and adjust for racial outcomes to avoid lawsuits or loss of federal funds. Critics (including the poster and the article) argue it incentivized racial quotas, DEI (diversity, equity, and inclusion) mandates, and “reverse discrimination,” straying from the Civil Rights Act’s original focus on intentional discrimination. Ending disparate impact liability is framed as restoring “equality under the law” by focusing DOJ enforcement solely on provable intent, rather than statistical outcomes. Bondi stated: “This Department of Justice is eliminating its regulations that for far too long required recipients of federal funding to make decisions based on race.” this is a blow against overreaching government coercion, promoting individual liberty and meritocracy over enforced equity. They suggest skeptics “pay closer attention” to appreciate its impact on freedom from such policies. Texas Showdown: GOP’s Wesley Hunt Now Dares Dem Crockett to Face-Off The 2026 election cycle is working its way up through the gears. Candidates are announcing their intent to run for various seats; some are sure-wins, some are sure to be fights to the finish, and some are sure to be inexplicable. One of the latter is surely Democrat Representative Jasmine Crockett (TX-30) announcing for a Texas Senate seat, the same seat being sought by Republican Representative Wesley Hunt (TX-38). My money’s on Mr. Hunt. Even more so now, that the Republican Congressman has challenged Rep. Crockett to a duel – or, rather, a debate. She may wish she’d picked swords at sunrise instead of a verbal exchange with Wesley Hunt. Texas Senate candidate Rep. Wesley Hunt, R-Texas, challenged House colleague Rep. Jasmine Crockett, D-Texas, to a debate after Crockett entered the race earlier this week. Hunt, who faces incumbent Sen. John Cornyn, R-Texas, and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton in a competitive Republican primary, was quick to challenge Crockett to a debate, saying that if the new contender agreed it would be “must-see TV.” Source: redstate.com https://twitter.com/mrddmia/status/1999519791527207239?s=20 https://twitter.com/TheStormRedux/status/1999143399631282641?s=20 get the right people in place. VANCE: “Eventually you are gonna see prosecutions. Not just Arctic Frost related, but on a whole host of other issues. Eventually we need certain subpoenas that have to be issued by a court. Eventually you need local prosecutors, US Attorneys to go after some of these people in a court of law. If you can't get a U.S. Attorney appointed because the Democrat wont give you a blue slip. Or you can't get a judge confirmed… Republicans have gotta open up their perspective a little bit.” Everyone can complain all they want, but the DOJ would be stupid to bring charges without the right people in place. Blame the worthless Republican Senators! Frustrating, but I am confident President Trump will figure it out because he is the best problem solver I've ever seen in my life. (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");