Episodes

Monday Jan 20, 2025
Monday Jan 20, 2025
This week, global politics and markets are poised for transformation with Donald Trump's inauguration as the 47th President, the World Economic Forum in Davos focusing on AI and geopolitical shifts, and TikTok's uncertain future in the U.S. as Speaker Johnson and GOP senators diverge from Trump's stance. Explore the implications of these events on international relations, economic strategies, and digital freedom.Sources:https://kyivindependent.com/the-week-ahead-key-developments-impacting-global-politics-markets-6/https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/19/politics/democrats-party-change-cnn-poll/index.htmlhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/01/19/politics/pardon-trump-january-6-rioters/index.htmlhttps://www.nbcnews.com/politics/congress/speaker-johnson-2-gop-senators-break-trump-tiktok-extension-rcna188307Outline:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:44) The Week Ahead: Key Developments Impacting Global Politics & Markets(00:04:01) CNN Poll: Most Democrats think their party needs major change, while the GOP coalesces around Trump(00:06:48) Trump plans to issue Day 1 pardons for some convicted January 6 rioters(00:10:15) Speaker Johnson and 2 GOP senators break with Trump on TikTok extension

Sunday Jan 19, 2025
Sunday Jan 19, 2025
Explore Elon Musk's controversial foray into European politics with his 'Make Europe Great Again' slogan and its implications. Delve into Israel's approval of a Gaza ceasefire, revealing deep political divides that could threaten its stability and Netanyahu's future. Plus, insights into Trump's bold plans for mass deportations and Biden's potential pardons as his term ends. This episode unpacks the complex interplay of technology, politics, and international relations shaping today's world.Sources:https://www.businessinsider.com/elon-musk-make-europe-great-again-mega-germany-uk-politics-2025-1https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/17/middleeast/israel-gaza-ceasefire-hostage-deal-netanyahu/index.htmlhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/01/18/politics/trump-interview-first-week-priorities/index.htmlhttps://www.nbcnews.com/politics/white-house/biden-expected-issue-pardons-leaving-office-monday-rcna188228Outline:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:46) Elon Musk says 'Make Europe Great Again' as he continues his push into European politics(00:04:45) Israel’s approval of the Gaza deal unmasks deep schisms that could threaten the ceasefire and Netanyahu’s political future(00:08:06) Trump says mass deportations will happen quickly, stresses importance of Israel-Hamas deal in wide-ranging NBC News interview(00:11:41) Biden is expected to issue more pardons before leaving office on Monday

Saturday Jan 18, 2025
Saturday Jan 18, 2025
President Biden's bold move to declare the Equal Rights Amendment ratified sets the stage for a significant legal battle over gender equality. Meanwhile, a GOP-led immigration bill gains traction in the Senate with bipartisan support, highlighting shifting political dynamics. We also explore the potential impact of Trump pardons on January 6 rioters and Ohio's new fiscal conservative senator's plans to reshape government intervention. Join us as we delve into these pivotal stories shaping America's political landscape.Sources:https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/17/politics/joe-biden-equal-right-amendment/index.htmlhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/01/17/politics/laken-riley-act-senate-key-vote/index.htmlhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/01/17/politics/judges-sentence-january-6-capitol-rioters/index.htmlhttps://www.foxnews.com/politics/next-ohio-senator-fiscal-conservative-aims-get-government-out-peoples-livesOutline:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:43) Biden says Equal Rights Amendment is ratified, kicking off expected legal battle as he pushes through final executive actions(00:03:59) GOP-led immigration bill on verge of Senate passage after Democrats join with Republicans in key vote(00:07:53) Judges sentence January 6 Capitol rioters, fully aware a Trump pardon could spare them(00:11:06) Next Ohio senator, a 'fiscal conservative,' aims to 'get government out of people's lives'

Friday Jan 17, 2025
Friday Jan 17, 2025
Explore the latest political upheavals as Speaker Mike Johnson's leadership decisions stir tensions within the GOP, and President Biden critiques red states' economic strategies during the pandemic. Delve into the arrest of Georgia Senator Colton Moore and Trump's controversial pick for the Secret Service. This episode unpacks the evolving power dynamics and their implications for American politics.Sources:https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/mike-johnson-headache-narrowly-divided-house-politics-desk-rcna188065https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/joe-biden/biden-says-red-states-really-screwed-handling-economies-covid-years-rcna188080https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/politics-news/georgia-senator-colton-moore-arrested-rcna188068https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/16/politics/curran-trump-secret-service/index.htmlOutline:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:42) Mike Johnson has a new challenge in the narrowly divided House: From the Politics Desk(00:02:53) Biden says 'red states really screwed up' in handling their economies during Covid years(00:05:55) Georgia senator arrested after he tried to defy a ban on entering the House chamber(00:09:00) Trump taps the leader of his personal detail to run the US Secret Service

Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Thursday Jan 16, 2025
Dive into the high-stakes political battles shaping the nation: the contentious North Carolina Supreme Court election, Rep. Torres' call for a probe into a $9B Medicaid contract, and the surprising removal of the House Intelligence Committee chair. Explore the implications of these events on democracy, governance, and national security.Sources:https://spectrumlocalnews.com/nc/charlotte/news/2025/01/15/north-carolina-supreme-court-riggshttps://spectrumlocalnews.com/nys/central-ny/politics/2025/01/16/rep--torres-re-ups-call-for-probe-of--9b-medicaid-home-care-contracthttps://www.kolotv.com/2025/01/16/lombardo-tells-democratic-controlled-legislature-set-politics-aside-find-compromise/https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/15/politics/house-intelligence-committee-chair-removed-turner-johnson/index.htmlOutline:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:43) N.C. Supreme Court election battle could have national impact(00:04:07) Rep. Torres re-ups call for probe of $9B Medicaid home care contract(00:07:05) Lombardo tells Democratic-controlled Legislature to set politics aside, find compromise(00:11:11) Johnson removes Republican chair of House Intelligence Committee

Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Wednesday Jan 15, 2025
Explore the GOP-led House's controversial vote to ban transgender athletes from women's sports, the rise of the Sahra Wagenknecht Alliance in Germany, and the Biden administration's move to remove Cuba from the state sponsor of terrorism list. Plus, delve into the political turmoil surrounding the UK's Treasury. This episode unpacks the intersection of sports, politics, and international relations, offering insights into the evolving global landscape.Sources:https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/14/politics/house-vote-ban-transgender-athletes-womens-sports/index.htmlhttps://www.jpost.com/international/article-837512https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/14/politics/biden-remove-cuba-from-state-sponsor-of-terrorism-list/index.htmlhttps://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cly90yd1w7woOutline:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:42) GOP-led House votes to ban transgender athletes from women’s sports(00:03:37) The pro-Russia, anti-Israel populist aiming to redefine German politics(00:06:34) Biden administration announces plans to remove Cuba from state sponsor of terrorism list(00:09:27) Chris Mason: Political heat map flashes red over Treasury

Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Tuesday Jan 14, 2025
Explore the Biden administration's strategic move to seize $300 billion in Russian assets as leverage for Ukraine peace talks, facing skepticism from European allies. Delve into the complexities of international diplomacy, the transition of U.S. power, and the potential impact on global relations. Understand the stakes and implications for future U.S. foreign policy in this high-stakes geopolitical maneuver.Sources:https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/14/politics/biden-russian-assets-ukraine-european-skepticism/index.htmlhttps://www.ajc.com/politics/partisan-politics-dominate-first-day-of-georgias-legislative-session/FM7VQ62AKVCOVNRC3XQNY5P27A/https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/donald-trump/ron-desantis-align-florida-law-trump-immigration-overhaul-rcna187424https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/14/politics/special-counsel-smith-report-trump-2020-election-subversion/index.htmlOutline:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:43) US encounters European skepticism in last-ditch push to seize $300B in Russian assets for Ukraine leverage(00:03:17) Partisan politics dominate first day of Georgia’s legislative session(00:06:19) Ron DeSantis pushes to align Florida law with Trump's expected immigration overhaul(00:09:45) Garland hands over special counsel report on Trump and 2020 election subversion to Congress

Monday Jan 13, 2025
Monday Jan 13, 2025
Explore the heated debates on Capitol Hill over disaster relief funding amidst federal spending cuts, and the political implications for California. Delve into Israel's judicial reform efforts and the Democratic Party's search for new leadership. Plus, uncover the controversy surrounding Meta's decision to end its fact-checking program, raising questions about political influence on tech giants. Join us for an in-depth analysis of these pressing political issues and their broader impact.Sources:https://www.foxnews.com/politics/political-firestorm-thats-about-singe-capitol-hillhttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/politics-and-diplomacy/article-837160https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/11/politics/democrats-chair-forums/index.htmlhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/01/12/business/meta-oversight-fact-checking-political/index.htmlOutline:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:40) The political firestorm that's about to singe Capitol Hill(00:03:35) Coalition aims to pass judicial selection bill by February's end(00:06:52) Democrats search for a leader to rebuild as the party figures out what comes next(00:10:26) Meta oversight co-chair says the company looks like it’s ‘buckling to political pressure’ by ending fact-checking program

Sunday Jan 12, 2025
Sunday Jan 12, 2025
Explore the conviction of former Senator Bob Menendez and its implications for political accountability, as prosecutors seek a 15-year sentence for bribery. Delve into the Democratic Party's search for a new leader amidst internal struggles and the potential impact of a second Trump administration. Plus, examine Elon Musk's controversial influence on UK politics and the resignation of Special Counsel Jack Smith after submitting a critical report on Donald Trump. This episode offers a deep dive into the shifting dynamics of political power and integrity.Sources:https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/10/politics/bob-menendez-prosectors-recommend-15-years-in-prison/index.htmlhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/01/11/politics/democrats-chair-forums/index.htmlhttps://www.theguardian.com/technology/2025/jan/11/majority-of-britons-believe-musk-having-negative-impact-on-uk-politicshttps://www.pbs.org/newshour/politics/special-counsel-jack-smith-resigns-from-justice-department-after-submitting-trump-reportOutline:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:44) Prosecutors seek 15 years in prison for former New Jersey Sen. Bob Menendez after bribery conviction(00:03:37) Democrats search for a leader to rebuild as the party figures out what comes next(00:06:49) Majority of Britons believe Musk having negative impact on UK politics(00:10:06) Special counsel Jack Smith resigns from Justice Department after submitting Trump report

Saturday Jan 11, 2025
Saturday Jan 11, 2025
President Biden slams Meta's decision to replace fact-checkers, while the Supreme Court considers a TikTok ban over national security concerns. Rudy Giuliani faces contempt charges for spreading 2020 election misinformation. Plus, Biden extends deportation protections for nearly a million immigrants. Dive into these pressing issues shaping the political and digital landscape.Sources:https://www.cnn.com/2025/01/10/politics/joe-biden-meta-donald-trump/index.htmlhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/01/10/politics/video/supreme-court-seems-ready-to-allow-tiktok-banhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/01/10/politics/rudy-giuliani-contempt-hearing-defamation-case/index.htmlhttps://www.cnn.com/2025/01/10/politics/biden-extends-temporary-deportation-protections/index.htmlOutline:(00:00:00) Introduction(00:00:41) Biden slams Meta’s decision to get rid of fact-checking in wide-ranging Q-and-A with reporters(00:03:36) Supreme Court seems ready to allow TikTok ban(00:06:50) Federal judge holds Rudy Giuliani in contempt over continued 2020 election lies(00:09:28) Biden extends temporary deportation protections for nearly 1 million immigrants ahead of anticipated Trump crackdown