Leo Laporte brings some of the most interesting personalities in technology together to talk about the most important issues. Fun, relaxed, informative and always entertaining, count on TWiT for the best tech podcasts in the world.



Intelligent Machines 847: Caked Up Football Man

All TWiT.tv Shows (Video)

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The Intelligence Inversion: AI's Impact on Human Labor: Emad Mostaque, founder of Stable Diffusion, discusses what he calls the "intelligence inversion" - a fundamental economic shift where AI will make human cognitive labor economically obsolete within a few years. He argues that as AI agents become proactive rather than just responsive, humans will become "the dumbest people on any team," with jobs like remote work positions being the first to disappear as digital AI doubles replace humans.

The Economics of AI Labor: Mostaque highlights the rapidly decreasing cost of AI intelligence, noting that what used to cost $600 per million tokens with GPT-3 now costs just 50 cents with the latest models. He calculates that the annual cost to replace a knowledge worker's cognitive output could be as little as $50. This economic equation makes human workers increasingly difficult to justify from a business perspective.

Small, Specialized AI vs. General Models: Rather than focusing solely on large general-purpose AI models, Mostaque advocates for specialized, smaller AI models for specific domains like healthcare. His company has created a 7-billion-parameter medical model that outperforms human doctors on diagnostic benchmarks while being small enough to run on a Raspberry Pi, demonstrating how domain-specific AI can be both effective and efficient.

Sovereign AI as a Solution: To address concerns about AI control, Mostaque proposes "sovereign AI" - AI systems aligned with and controlled by individual users rather than corporations. He argues that everyone should have their own AI that can call upon larger models when needed but remains under the user's control, particularly for important systems like healthcare and government applications.

Fox News Partners with Palantir for AI Newsroom Tools: The hosts discuss Fox News hiring Palantir to build AI newsroom tools for tasks like SEO optimization, content discovery, and article analysis. While Fox claims these tools won't generate editorial content, the hosts express concern about potential future applications and editorial influence.

AI-Generated Scientific Papers: The team discusses "Project Rachel," where researchers created an AI that successfully authored academic papers that were published in journals and even received invitations to review other papers. This raises questions about the ability to detect AI-generated academic content and what constitutes proper disclosure.

Johnny Ive and Sam Altman's Mysterious AI Device: The hosts discuss the vague announcements about an upcoming AI device being developed by Johnny Ive and Sam Altman. Despite much publicity, details remain scarce, with Altman describing it only as "simple, beautiful, playful" and something "you want to take a bite out of," suggesting it may arrive in "less than two years."

Rethinking Education in the AI Era: The discussion covers a New York Times article by a professor who found that AI hasn't destroyed education as feared but has shifted teaching toward more human connections, critical thinking, and discussion rather than memorization. This represents a return to more traditional liberal arts education focused on learning how to learn rather than content retention.

Elon Musk's Grok Shows Bias: The hosts examine reports that Musk's Grok AI shows systematic bias in favor of Musk himself, consistently ranking him as more intelligent, attractive, and capable than others in various comparisons. When asked who would win in a fight between Musk and Mike Tyson, the AI responded that "Elon takes the win through grand written ingenuity."

AI Salesman and Telemarketing Applications: The team reviews a paper on "AI Salesman" technology being developed for telemarketing purposes, discussing the concerning implications of AI-powered sales calls that could potentially be more persuasive and harder to identify than human callers.

Dystopian Economic Futures: The hosts discuss Douglas Rushkoff's piece suggesting that tech elites are planning for an economic collapse where AI and robots serve the wealthy while human labor becomes unnecessary. This raises questions about how society will function when most current jobs are automated and what economic systems might replace capitalism.

The Rise of AI in Government and Regulation: The show covers the "Genesis Mission" created by executive order, which aims to use federal scientific data to train AI models. While this could democratize access to valuable research data, questions remain about who will build and control these models and what guardrails will be in place.

The Humanizing Side of AI: Despite concerns about job displacement, the hosts note how AI tools are pushing some fields like education back toward more human connection and critical thinking. As AI handles routine tasks, human value increasingly lies in uniquely human capabilities like creativity, empathy, and cultural understanding.
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Dans La Martingale, Matthieu Stefani reçoit des experts de la finance – chefs d’entreprise, investisseurs, consultants – qui partagent leur expérience et leurs conseils avisés en matière d’épargne, de patrimoine et de gestion des finances personnelles. Un podcast qui parle d’argent, mais pas que. Finances personnelles, investissement, épargne, patrimoine - tous les sujets seront abordés sans tabous pour aider chacun à y voir plus clair dans la gestion de ses actifs. Pour s'abonner à la newsletter, c'est ici : https://lamartingale.io/

#293 - Générer des revenus récurrents grâce à l'IA - Esther Moisy-Kirschbaum

La Martingale

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• Side Business Opportunities with AI: The podcast discusses how AI and "vibe coding" have revolutionized side business creation, making it possible for non-technical people to launch websites, applications, or media businesses by identifying good opportunities and using the right tools.

• Magma Newsletter: Esther Moisy-Kirschbaum, head of content at Magma, shares insights about their newsletter that identifies business trends and opportunities. Listeners can get 50% off an annual subscription with code BFMARTINGALE.

• "Faceless" Content Creation: The discussion covers the concept of "faceless" YouTube channels and content creation, where creators can produce videos without showing their face, leveraging specific niches for long-tail content.

• TikTok Shop Potential: The conversation explores TikTok Shop as a business opportunity, highlighting how it can generate visibility, traffic, and sales by connecting content with shopping experiences.

• Influencer Marketing Strategies: The podcast touches on influencer gifting and official partnerships as strategies for brands to gain visibility and credibility in the digital space.

• Entrepreneurship as an Investment Pillar: The hosts discuss why entrepreneurship should be considered a fundamental aspect of investment strategy, particularly when creating recurring revenue streams through digital businesses.

• Combining Vibe Coding, AI and APIs: The episode explains how non-technical entrepreneurs can combine simplified coding approaches with AI tools and APIs to build functional digital products without deep technical expertise.
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Entrepreneur Andy Frisella and his guests discuss, debate, and laugh their way through trending topics and hot-button issues. (This is also the home of Andy's other show, the top-ranked MFCEO Project Podcast)

970. Andy & DJ CTI: Two National Guard Troops Shot Near White House, Minnesota Judge Overturns Guilty Verdict in $7 Million Somali Medicare Fraud Case & Dishonest Transgender Athlete

REAL AF with Andy Frisella

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National Guard Troops Shot Near White House in Suspected Terror Attack: Two National Guard troops were shot near the White House in what officials described as an ambush-style attack. The suspect, identified as an Afghan national who immigrated to the US in August 2021, was quickly apprehended. The attack has sparked debate about immigration policies, with Andy and DJ arguing that this incident exemplifies the dangers of unvetted immigration and the failure to properly screen migrants entering the country.

Political Response and Accountability: The hosts criticized politicians who have previously called for resistance against law enforcement but then expressed sympathy for the wounded National Guard members. They specifically called out the "Seditious Six" - senators and congresspeople who they claim have built resentment toward law enforcement and are now trying to distance themselves from the consequences of their rhetoric.

Minnesota Judge Overturns Guilty Verdict in Medicaid Fraud Case: The hosts discussed a case in Minnesota where a judge overturned a jury's guilty verdict for a Somali immigrant accused of stealing $7.2 million through Medicaid fraud. They connected this to a larger pattern of fraud in Minnesota, claiming hundreds of millions in taxpayer dollars have been misappropriated, and criticized Representative Ilhan Omar for defending her community rather than acknowledging the issues.

Immigration and American Identity: Throughout the episode, Andy and DJ argued strongly for stricter immigration policies and a return to American cultural values. They believe that many immigrants aren't assimilating to American culture but instead trying to transplant their own cultures, which undermines American society. They advocated for a temporary halt to immigration until proper vetting can be established.

Transgender Athlete Controversy: The hosts discussed a controversy at the World's Strongest Woman competition where a transgender competitor initially won but was later disqualified. They viewed this as an example of unfair competition and a mockery of women's sports. They argued that biological males competing in women's sports undermines the hard work of female athletes and called for transgender individuals to be banned from competing in women's sports.

Political Representation and Citizenship: Andy and DJ advocated for restricting political office to natural-born citizens only, arguing that immigrants, even naturalized citizens, shouldn't be able to make policy decisions. They suggested this would ensure American interests are prioritized by those who fully understand and were raised in American culture.

Voting Rights and Taxation: The hosts proposed that only taxpaying citizens should have voting rights, arguing that those who don't contribute financially to the system shouldn't have a say in how it operates. They conducted a poll among viewers about whether having a tax return should be a prerequisite for voting.

Communist Influence in America: Andy recommended reading communist literature to understand how these ideologies appeal to people, especially younger generations. He suggested that economic hardships have made socialism and communism more attractive to those who have lost faith in the American dream, and warned that this trend is part of a deliberate strategy to undermine traditional American values.

Propagandistic Cultural Trends: The hosts ridiculed a fashion designer who created clothing from the wool of "gay sheep" (rams that don't mate with ewes). They viewed this as another example of progressive propaganda designed to normalize non-traditional behaviors and undermine traditional masculinity.

Vision for American Renewal: Throughout the episode, Andy hinted at a new initiative he's launching on December 7th that he claims will help address America's cultural issues "at scale." They emphasized that individual citizens need to live to a higher standard to improve American culture, rather than just complaining about problems.
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Consumers are weird. They don't do what they say they will do and don't act how we think they "should." Enter Melina Palmer, a sales conversion expert with a personal mission to make your business more effective and brain friendly. In this podcast, Melina will take the complex concepts of behavioral economics (the study and science of why people buy - or not) and provide simple, actionable tips you can apply right away in your business. Whether you're a small business or thriving corporation, Melina's tips can help your business increase sales and get more customers.

553. Removing Barriers to Drive Engagement w/ Matt Sucha

The Brainy Business | Understanding the Psychology of Why People Buy | Behavioral Economics

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• Introducing the SURF Method: Matt Sucha, CEO of Mindworks and editor-in-chief of Inside BE, developed the SURF framework to help organizations apply behavioral science principles effectively. The four-step methodology focuses on: Setting behavioral goals (S), Uncovering barriers (U), Removing barriers (R), and only then Focusing on motivation (F). This approach addresses three fundamental mistakes people make in sales and marketing, particularly jumping to solutions without understanding the problem.

• Identifying Barriers vs. Adding Motivation: A key insight is that when customers don't take desired actions, the problem typically isn't lack of motivation but psychological barriers preventing action. Removing these barriers is often more effective than adding incentives, discounts, or benefits, which can be costly and less impactful. Understanding "why not" is more powerful than focusing on "why."

• The Power of Setting Clear Behavioral Goals: Before attempting to influence behavior, it's critical to clearly define what you want people to feel, think, and do at each stage of an interaction. Breaking communications (like emails or phone calls) into distinct stages helps create targeted behavioral goals for each moment in the customer journey.

• Removing Uncertainties in Job Descriptions: A case study showed how a telecommunications company tripled qualified applicants by removing unnecessary educational requirements and addressing specific uncertainties in their job listings. By clarifying payment schedules and using employee testimonials instead of self-promotion, they reduced psychological barriers that were preventing qualified candidates from applying.

• Addressing Psychological Reactance: When people feel they're being sold to or pushed into a decision, they naturally push back (psychological reactance). Techniques to overcome this include asking for permission, offering choices rather than directives, and reframing the interaction to align with the customer's goals (e.g., "I'm here to help you" rather than "I want to convince you").

• Improving Bank Retention Calls: A detailed case study demonstrated how changing the script for retention calls at a bank dramatically improved results. By removing psychological reactance from the beginning ("I'm here to help you repay your loan" rather than trying to convince them to stay), thanking customers for their loyalty, and asking why they chose the bank originally, conversion rates doubled or tripled while also improving the customer experience.

• The Default Effect in Action: The "pizza defaults" example demonstrates how presentation drastically affects decision-making. When customers start with a fully-loaded pizza and remove unwanted toppings, they end up with 2-3 times more ingredients than when they start with a basic pizza and add toppings. A telecommunications company increased accessory package values by 33% simply by changing the default presentation.

• Creating Win-Win Customer Interactions: Applying the SURF method not only increases sales and conversions but also improves customer experience. Matt shared how call center agents reported customers thanking them after retention calls that used the new approach, something that had never happened with the previous, more aggressive scripts.
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Welcome to the AI Applied podcast, hosted by Jaeden Schafer and Conor Grennan. Get your weekly dose of the latest AI news, trends, and discussions in the rapidly evolving world of artificial intelligence.

From ChatGPT and computer vision to robotics and natural language processing, we cover the most exciting developments in the field of AI. We also discuss ways to apply it to your career, job, workflows, and life.

Join us as we delve into the cutting-edge of AI research, understand its impact on our world, and explore the future of this rapidly growing field.

Exploring OpenAI's Latest: ChatGPT Pulse & Group Chats

AI Applied: Covering AI News, Interviews and Tools - ChatGPT, Midjourney, Gemini, OpenAI, Anthropic

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ChatGPT Pulse as a personalized information assistant: Connor enthusiastically endorses ChatGPT Pulse, a feature that comes with the paid subscription plans. It functions like a personalized assistant that anticipates needs, aggregates relevant information, and presents it in an easily digestible format. Rather than simply providing links to articles, Pulse analyzes user interests and actively curates content that aligns with their specific needs and preferences.

Practical applications of Pulse for professionals: The feature helps with daily workflow by parsing industry reports (like McKinsey's State of AI), preparing users for upcoming meetings (by connecting to calendar data), and offering insights relevant to ongoing projects. Connor uses it to stay informed about news in his field without having to manually search multiple sources, which helps with his social media content creation process.

Customization capabilities: Users can fine-tune Pulse's algorithm through the "curate" button, allowing them to explicitly tell the system what information they want to receive. This direct customization approach is more efficient than the implicit feedback mechanisms used by social media platforms like Instagram, where users must like/comment on content to train the algorithm.

Privacy considerations with Pulse: The hosts discuss how Pulse's personalization can sometimes feel invasively personal, as it remembers and refers back to previous questions or concerns. This raises questions about the balance between convenience and privacy when using AI assistants.

OpenAI's Group Chats feature: Connor expresses some skepticism about the newly launched Group Chats feature from OpenAI, suggesting that chatbot interactions work best as personal experiences. He questions whether shared conversations with AI will be as valuable as individual interactions, noting that previous social features like conversation sharing didn't gain significant traction.

AI assistance for content creation: The podcast highlights how AI tools like Pulse can help content creators identify opportunities and tools for expanding their reach. For example, ChatGPT recommended podcast clipping tools to Jaeden, who had been discussing the need to create more social media content from their podcast episodes.

The AI Mindset course for organizations: The hosts mention Connor's AI Mindset course as a valuable resource for individuals and organizations looking to upskill in AI. Jaeden notes that entire companies have enrolled their staff in the course with impressive results, suggesting that organizational AI literacy is becoming increasingly important.
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Evil Men is a podcast hosted by three comedians - Chris Locke, James Hartnett, and Michael Balazo.  Each episode, they select a single evil man, bad person, or fictional character and discuss what made them so damn evil - all while joking their heads off.  You’ll hear some super interesting nuggets of information about dubious historical or cultural figures, provided by three guys who don’t actually know what the hell they’re talking about.

E212: The Demon of Champawat with Adam Christie

Evil Men

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Heaven, Hell, and the Afterlife Speculation: The hosts engage in a humorous discussion about what happens at the gates of Heaven, wondering how St. Peter decides who gets in, if certain belief systems are "right," and debating the motivations of demons and the devil himself.

Tigers and the Champawat Demon: The main topic explores the Champawat tiger, a female Bengal tigress that killed an estimated 436 people in Nepal and India in the early 1900s. Due to a jaw injury from a gunshot, she couldn't hunt normal prey and turned to humans as easier targets.

Jim Corbett's Tiger Hunt: The tigress was eventually hunted down in 1907 by British-Indian hunter Jim Corbett, who organized a team to track and kill her after she had terrorized villages for years. Corbett later wrote about the experience, noting the tiger wasn't a "wanton killer" but a creature driven by circumstance.

Adam Christie's Comedy Career: Guest Adam Christie discusses his new comedy album "Dragonflies" and shares stories about his early days in comedy, including bombing at a club called Comedy at Club 54 in Burlington.

Comedian Survival Tips: The group jokes about a comedy instructor who teaches students how to survive on the road using bizarre methods like cooking ground beef in a coffee pot.

Justin Trudeau and Katy Perry: The hosts have a lengthy tangent discussing the reported relationship between Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and pop star Katy Perry, speculating humorously about their dating life.

Animal Intelligence and Behavior: The conversation touches on animal intelligence, with debates about whether crows can recognize faces and remember people, if cats communicate with humans, and whether tigers might kill out of revenge rather than just hunger.

Nambian Politician Named Adolf Hitler: Near the end of the episode, the hosts discuss a Namibian politician named Adolf Hitler Uunona who was in the news for his re-election campaign, noting his father reportedly didn't know who the original Hitler was when naming him.

Evil Score Debate: While Mike gives the Champawat tiger a 10/10 on the "evil scale," Adam and James argue it shouldn't be considered evil at all since it was just an animal acting on survival instinct after being injured by humans.

The Simpsons Deep Dive: The hosts share their love for The Simpsons, discussing classic jokes, how the show has changed over the years, and the strange experience of realizing you're now older than Homer Simpson.
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From creator Jon Grilz, a collection of the most famous and disturbing creepypastas and urban legends in the world. Listener discretion is advised. Story requests can be made on Instagram @creepypod or via email at info@creepypod.com

Death’s Head Drive & To Be A Butterfly

Creepy

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- Death's Head Drive: A New Jersey Road Tale: A chilling narrative about a driver who, after being detoured from their usual route home from a party in New Brunswick, finds themselves on an unmarked, mysterious road through marshlands. The protagonist is stalked by a menacing pickup truck driven by what appears to be a skull-headed figure, creating a terrifying highway chase that nearly ends in disaster.

- The Liminal Spaces of Jersey Roads: The story explores New Jersey's folklore about haunted roads and highways, establishing a rich mythology of places like Shades of Death Road and Clinton Road, but emphasizing that the most dangerous roads are the nameless ones that don't appear on maps and reveal themselves only to the lost or reckless.

- The Death's Head Pursuer: A particularly haunting element is the description of the truck driver - a skeletal figure with a bare skull where a human head should be, lacking eyes yet somehow able to focus its malevolent attention on the protagonist. When later observed, the truck appears to be driving itself with no one at the wheel.

- To Be a Butterfly: A Dark Transformation Tale: The second story follows a child's disturbing journey to win their mother's approval. After noticing how their mother admires butterflies with envy in her eyes, the child attempts various ways to recreate that look of joy directed at them instead.

- Maternal Trauma and Rejection: The story reveals the mother's deep trauma, as she tells the child they have "the face of the devil" who stole her innocence. Her alcoholism and abuse demonstrate her inability to separate the child from their father, whom she clearly despises.

- Misguided Understanding of Freedom: The child misinterprets their mother's envy of butterflies as a desire to become one herself. In a horrifying conclusion, they stab their mother repeatedly, believing this violent act will release her from her "cocoon" and transform her into something soft, innocent, free, and beautiful - the qualities they associate with butterflies.

- The Horror of Innocence Corrupted: Both stories explore how innocence can be twisted - whether it's the peace of a routine drive being disrupted by supernatural malice, or a child's desire for parental love warping into murderous delusion. The narrators maintain a disturbing matter-of-factness about their experiences, enhancing the unsettling nature of these creepypastas.
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The Campus2Canton.com team brings you a network of podcasts that covers every aspect of football. From College Fantasy Football to betting/DFS, dynasty fantasy football, and even recruiting, tune in every day of the week for your daily football fix. For additional content, check out our YouTube page as well.

C2C Live: Coaching Vote of Confidence

Campus 2 Canton

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- Oklahoma State's New Head Coach: Eric Morris, current head coach of North Texas, is reportedly taking the Oklahoma State job next year while finishing the season at North Texas. His spread offense should be a good fit at Oklahoma State and could bring immediate excitement to a struggling program. There's speculation about whether key North Texas players like quarterback Drew Messamaker, Caleb Hawkins, and others might follow Morris to Stillwater.

- Arkansas Coaching Situation: There are strong rumors that USF head coach Alex Golesh is heading to Arkansas. While Golesh has done a good job rebuilding USF, questions remain about whether this is the right move for his career given Arkansas's challenging position in the SEC. The Razorbacks have a brutal 2025 schedule and are losing their QB1, RB1, and WR1, making it a difficult rebuild.

- Dylan Raiola's Future at Nebraska: Rumors suggest quarterback Dylan Raiola might enter the transfer portal after his brother decommitted from Nebraska. While Raiola has shown solid but not spectacular play for the Cornhuskers, he might benefit from testing the market to find a program that could better develop his talents for an eventual NFL career.

- Coaches Receiving Votes of Confidence: Several coaches have received public support from their athletic directors, including Luke Fickell (Wisconsin), Mike Locksley (Maryland), and Dave Aranda (Baylor). The hosts debate whether these votes of confidence make sense, particularly questioning Aranda's retention at Baylor given his lackluster results. They also discussed whether Jonathan Smith might be fired at Michigan State despite his large buyout.

- The Coaching Carousel Economics: The panel debates the wisdom of schools giving coaches contract extensions and increased buyouts to prevent them from being poached by other programs. Most agree that outside of a few elite coaches like Lane Kiffin, schools are often better off avoiding massive buyouts that can hamstring programs for years if performance declines.

- CFP Playoff Rankings and Seeding Strategy: The current College Football Playoff rankings largely make sense, with Ohio State, Indiana, and Texas A&M in the top positions. The panel discusses the potential benefits of different seeding positions in the new 12-team playoff format, including whether having a first-round bye is truly advantageous compared to playing a weaker opponent in the first round.

- Cal's Coaching Change: Justin Wilcox was surprisingly fired as Cal's head coach, which may have resulted from behind-the-scenes power struggles involving Ron Rivera, who recently took over as a GM-type role for the program. There's concern this might cause quarterback Fernando Mack to enter the transfer portal since he previously cited Wilcox as a key reason for returning to Cal.
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Weekly privacy and security news podcast - Presented by Techlore &amp; The New Oil. The goal of Surveillance Report is keep the world updated on the latest privacy &amp; security news to empower individuals to remain safe with the newest information. Join us for the ride! <hr> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.

Microsoft's Rare Confession: Windows AI Could Leak Your Data

Surveillance Report

Techlore Surveillance Report

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- Microsoft's AI Catastrophe: Microsoft's aggressive push to integrate AI into Windows 11 has sparked significant backlash. The company acknowledged security vulnerabilities in their Copilot Actions feature, warning users about risks like cross-prompt injection that could lead to data exfiltration and malware installation. Critics compare this to "macros on Marvel superhero crack," noting Microsoft offers no clear guidance on who could safely use these features or how.

- Windows 11 Adoption Struggles: The transition to Windows 11 has been notably slower than previous Windows upgrades, partly due to controversial hardware requirements that render many functioning computers obsolete. This situation has contributed to a surge in Linux adoption, with distros like Zorin OS celebrating one million downloads as users seek alternatives to Microsoft's direction.

- Google's Privacy Concerns: Google faced criticism after reports that Gmail scans emails to power AI features. While Google clarified this scanning is for Gmail's own smart features (like spam filtering) rather than training generative AI models, users must actively opt out to prevent their data from being used. Google has also begun testing ads in their AI-powered search results.

- Android Malware Threats: A new Android banking trojan called "Sternness" can capture communications from end-to-end encrypted messaging platforms like Signal and WhatsApp. The malware exploits accessibility permissions to take complete control over devices. CISA has issued a formal warning about multiple cyber threats targeting mobile messaging applications through sophisticated techniques including phishing, malicious device linking, and zero-click exploits.

- EU Chat Control Update: The controversial EU Chat Control legislation continues evolving, with recent changes removing mandatory scanning requirements. However, critics like Patrick Breyer argue this is simply "privatizing" surveillance rather than eliminating it, potentially resulting in voluntary mass scanning, mandatory age verification ending anonymous communication, and restrictions for teenagers.

- Positive EU Regulation Impact: EU regulations forced Apple to adopt new Wi-Fi standards, enabling Android devices to support AirDrop functionality. This breakthrough was demonstrated with a Pixel 10 successfully sending files to a macOS device, breaking down artificial walls between competing ecosystems.

- Notable Service Updates: Signal added polls functionality for group chats, Mozilla dropped OneRep from their people search removal service due to ethical concerns, Proton Pass released a command-line interface, and Pebble (the watch company) announced plans to go fully open source with products shipping in early 2026.
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The Weekly List is a podcast hosted by Amy Siskind, author of The List. It supplements the popular Weekly List on our website, www.theweeklylist.org, which tracks the ever changing new normals of American politics. The podcast gives greater context to the "not normal" news items from the previous week, and will highlight a few stories and changing norms from the Trump regime that you may have missed. 

Week 55 - Greene Resigns and the GOP Turns on Trump, as His Retribution Campaign Falters

The Weekly List

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- Trump Signs Epstein Files Release Quietly: Trump signed the bill authorizing the release of Epstein files without his usual ceremonial fanfare, announcing it later via Truth Social. Attorney General Pam Bondi repeatedly stated the department would follow the law and protect victims, while reversing her earlier decision to close the case.

- DOGE Quietly Shuttered: The Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) was unceremoniously closed with eight months left in its charter. Despite the initial fanfare and claims of potential billions in savings, the initiative likely cost taxpayers tens of millions and created significant uncertainty for federal workers.

- Legal Setbacks for Trump's Retribution Campaign: A federal judge dismissed cases against James Comey and Letitia James, citing that U.S. Attorney Lindsey Halligan was illegally appointed without Senate confirmation. The judge also raised concerns about how Halligan presented the case to the grand jury.

- Trump's Threats Against Democratic Lawmakers: Trump reacted with fury to six Democratic lawmakers with military backgrounds who made a video reminding service members they don't need to follow unlawful orders. He posted on Truth Social that their "seditious behavior" was "punishable by death" and suggested they should be "locked up." The Pentagon announced an investigation into Senator Mark Kelly, one of the six, for possible breaches of military law.

- Marjorie Taylor Greene's Resignation: In a surprising move, Marjorie Taylor Greene announced her resignation effective January 5th after facing Trump's wrath. Unlike previous Republican resignations, Greene represents the first "America First" MAGA true believer to leave, saying "loyalty should be a two-way street" and noting she had "too much self-respect" to continue after Trump "hatefully dumped tens of millions of dollars against me."

- Republican Party Disarray: Reporting indicates other Republicans may follow Greene's departure, unhappy with treatment from both Trump and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Trump is inserting himself as the de facto head of the Republican Party's midterm strategy despite polling that contradicts his claims about high approval ratings.

- Concerning Changes at Health and Human Services: HHS Secretary Robert Kennedy Jr. instructed the CDC to revise its webpage to no longer state definitively that vaccines don't cause autism, shocking career scientists who weren't consulted. The CDC's second-in-command position was quietly filled with Dr. Ralph Abraham, an anti-vaxxer, while measles cases have skyrocketed to 1,753 this year compared to under 50 annually from 2000-2010.

- Russia-Ukraine Peace Plan Controversy: A supposed U.S. peace plan for Ukraine was revealed to actually be Russia's wish list, developed through meetings between Witkoff, Jared Kushner, and sanctioned Russian oligarch Dmitriev. Secretary of State Marco Rubio admitted to former Senate colleagues that it was Russia's plan, not America's, though Trump continued pushing it as a U.S. initiative.

- Signs of Trump's Fatigue: Reports indicate Trump is exhausted, holding 39% fewer events than during his first administration. His day typically starts at noon rather than 10:30 AM as in 2017, and he's been falling asleep in meetings, suggesting the 79-year-old president is struggling with the demands of office.
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Listen to "NBC Nightly News," providing reports and analysis of the day's most newsworthy national and international events. This audio podcast, updated each evening, brings you the day's show in its entirety. For more from "Nightly News", visit NBCNightlyNews.com.

Wednesday, November 26, 2025

NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt

NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas

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- National Guard Shooting in Washington DC: Two National Guard troops were critically wounded in what officials are investigating as a possible act of terrorism near the White House. The suspect, identified as a 29-year-old Afghan national named Rahmanula Lakhanawal, was subdued at the scene. President Trump has ordered an additional 500 National Guard soldiers to be deployed to the capital.

- Thanksgiving Travel Weather Disruptions: A snowstorm in the Midwest has caused travel disruptions with blinding conditions leading to hundreds of accidents, jackknifed trucks, and flight delays in key hubs like Minneapolis and Chicago. While much of the country had clear skies, the storm is expected to continue affecting the Great Lakes region and bring colder temperatures to the Northeast for Thanksgiving.

- Deadly Hong Kong High-Rise Fire: A massive fire engulfed multiple apartment buildings in Hong Kong, killing at least 44 people with nearly 300 still unaccounted for. The inferno, which is the deadliest fire in Hong Kong in decades, spread rapidly through buildings that were under renovation. Authorities have arrested three people on suspicion of manslaughter, with investigations focusing on whether bamboo scaffolding and unsafe materials contributed to the fire.

- Dallas Cowboys Player Chase and Death: Newly released police footage shows the high-speed chase of Dallas Cowboys defensive end Marshawn Nealand, who was pursued at speeds up to 160 mph before being found dead from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. The footage shows officers searching for Nealand with guns drawn after he abandoned his vehicle, and shows his girlfriend being handcuffed despite not being charged.

- Pope Leo's Thanksgiving Message: The first American pope offered a Thanksgiving message encouraging people of all faiths to express gratitude, noting that Thanksgiving "unites all people" and emphasizing the importance of recognizing "the gift of life." Pope Leo will spend the holiday traveling to Turkey and Lebanon on his first international trip since being elected.

- High-End Wine Heist: A dramatic theft of approximately $40,000 worth of French Pinot Noir from La Berge Provencial Inn and restaurant in Virginia led to a high-speed chase caught on camera. The restaurant owner and staff pursued a woman (identified as 56-year-old Natalie UK) and a man who specifically targeted valuable bottles. The chase ended when a Porsche carrying the pursuing bartender crashed.

- Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade Preparations: Schools across America are creating their own miniature versions of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, with students designing and building small-scale balloon floats. The official Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade preparations are underway with giant balloons being inflated for the main event that will be broadcast live on NBC.
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Explaining current legal events in terms everyone can understand. Making sense of the world, and democratizing information. 

Viva Frei!

Kash interview - 27 Minutes of No Answers! Another Soft-on-Crime Catastrophe! Pedo Coach? & MORE

Viva Frei - Recovering Former Litigator! From Law to Politics & Beyond

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## Key Points from Viva Frei's Podcast

Kash Patel Interview Analysis: Viva expresses disappointment with Kash Patel's interview with Catherine Herridge, where Patel provided non-committal answers despite previously calling the FBI corrupt. Instead of addressing deep state corruption, Patel praised the "dedicated workforce" and focused on building renovations rather than substantive reform.

January 6th Pipe Bomber Investigation: Patel offered vague responses about "new developments" in the case without addressing Steve Baker's exposé that claimed to identify the suspect. With the statute of limitations approaching in January 2026, Viva expresses concern about the lack of urgency and transparency.

Charlie Kirk Assassination Investigation: When questioned about the 20+ people in a Discord chat related to the suspect Tyler Robinson, Patel deferred to state authorities, providing no information on potential federal charges or whether this was being investigated as domestic terrorism.

Epstein Files Transparency: Patel was non-committal about releasing the Epstein files, despite the 30-day deadline under the Epstein Files Transparency Act, suggesting redactions would likely limit disclosure. Viva criticizes this as contradicting Trump's recent push for transparency after initially dismissing the issue.

James Comey Indictment: Viva discusses how the "weak sauce" indictment against Comey was dismissed by an activist judge. He questions why Comey wasn't charged for his "8647" post, which Viva considers "mob talk."

Judicial Activism Example: The podcast covers a Chicago judge (Teresa Molina Gonzalez) who admitted race and ethnicity influence her rulings. She previously freed a man with 72 prior arrests who later set a woman on fire on a Chicago train, highlighting issues with activist judges.

Ukraine Peace Deal: Viva shares reports that Ukraine has agreed to a US-brokered peace deal. If confirmed, this would be a significant foreign policy achievement for the Trump administration.

General FBI Accountability: Viva expresses frustration that the FBI under Patel appears unwilling to pursue accountability for past abuses, particularly regarding politically-motivated investigations and prosecutions of Trump and his allies.

Personal Reflections: Throughout the episode, Viva shares personal experiences from a Florida Keys trip, discusses his Canadian perspective on American politics, and addresses criticism about his nationality affecting his analysis.

Trump Administration Criticism: Viva frames his criticism of the Trump administration as constructive, arguing that accountability for deep state actors is essential for the preservation of constitutional government and that Pam Bondi should be replaced as Attorney General.
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A podcast for all ancient history fans! The Ancients is dedicated to discussing our distant past. Featuring interviews with historians and archaeologists, each episode covers a specific theme from antiquity. From Neolithic Britain to the Fall of Rome. Hosted by Tristan Hughes.&nbsp;

The World's Oldest Letters

The Ancients

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The First Cuneiform Letters of Mesopotamia: Around 2000-1600 BCE in ancient Mesopotamia, the practice of letter writing became widespread. People began corresponding over great distances using clay tablets inscribed with cuneiform script in the Akkadian language. Unlike earlier formal royal communications, these letters captured the voices of merchants, officials, and ordinary citizens, providing an intimate glimpse into Bronze Age society.

The Infamous Ea-nasir, Bronze Age Copper Merchant: The most internet-famous ancient Mesopotamian is Ea-nasir (properly pronounced "Ea-natsir"), a copper merchant from Ur whose customer complaint letter went viral online. The letter from Nanni, likely an investor rather than just a customer, angrily criticizes Ea-nasir for providing poor quality copper and treating him with contempt. Notably, Ea-nasir kept this and several other complaint letters in his house, suggesting either his conscientiousness or consistent unreliability as a merchant.

The Logistics of Bronze Age Communication: Without a formal postal system, letters were physically carried by messengers, scribes, or travelers who had to navigate between cities without maps or formal addresses. Despite these challenges, the system worked remarkably efficiently. The clay tablets varied in size from as small as a postage stamp to about the size of a modern smartphone, written in tiny script and hardened for durability during travel.

Family Correspondence and Universal Human Concerns: Many letters reveal intimate family relationships, including a teenager named Idin-sin who wrote to his mother complaining about insufficient clothing compared to his peers, dramatically concluding "you do not love me." These letters show how clothing was a significant investment in a time when fabrics were hand-woven and expensive to produce.

Royal Women as Diplomatic Agents: Letters from Princess Kirum to her father King Zimri-Lim reveal how royal daughters married off in diplomatic arrangements could become valuable informants and ambassadors. Kirum's increasingly desperate letters describe her mistreatment by her husband Hayasumu and plead for rescue, demonstrating both the vulnerabilities and agency of women in diplomatic marriages.

Bronze Age International Relations: The correspondence between kings shows sophisticated diplomatic language, with rulers maintaining politeness even when making complaints. When Pharaoh Akhenaten sent gold-plated wooden statues instead of solid gold ones, or when gold sent to Babylon proved to be mostly alloy, the recipient kings used carefully crafted language to express disappointment while saving face for all parties.

The Practicalities of Bronze Age Life: One letter discusses the impossibility of transporting a two-month-old infant in winter conditions, showing common-sense understanding of childcare needs even in royal contexts. This pragmatic correspondence reveals how even powerful figures had to navigate practical realities of travel, weather, and human needs in the ancient world.

The Relatability of Ancient Correspondence: What makes these letters so compelling is their humanity and immediacy. They weren't written for posterity but to address immediate concerns, expressing frustration, worry about distant loved ones, and negotiations over business matters in ways that modern readers can easily recognize and relate to across the millennia.
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A soft, caring selection of guided meditation and mindfulness sessions to help you unwind, relax and live a happier life. Letting go of stress, anxiety and panic attacks. You can book a one on one hypnotherapy session now with Martin - https://calendly.com/calminganxiety/zoom-hypnotherapy With gentle background music, a soft, empathic voice, Martin guides you along a path towards taking back control of your life and well being. So, if you are suffering from insomnia or a lack of confidence I aim to provide you with a way of letting go of the past and being more confident and happier in the future. Take time out and learn to relax completely. I also have the new Calming Anxiety App. All this content plus so much more. Download now and take back control over your thoughts, feelings and reactions. Calming Anxiety for IOS - https://apps.apple.com/gb/app/calming-anxiety/id1576159331 Calming Anxiety for Android - https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=digital.waterfront.calming.anxiety&amp;hl=en-GB Why not join our community at the Calming Anxiety FaceBook Group? Share ideas, how you have changed through using the sessions or ideas for future shows. https://www.facebook.com/groups/CalmingAnxiety/ Thank you, Martin Hewlett GQHP Become a supporter of this podcast: <a href="https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/calming-anxiety--4110266/support?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=rss">https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/calming-anxiety--4110266/support</a>.

The Family Armor Pre-Holiday Anxiety Reset (Inner Child Healing)

Calming Anxiety

Calming Anxiety | Guided Meditation, Sleep Hypnosis & Panic Attack Relief

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- Preparing for Holiday Stress: The guided meditation begins by acknowledging the various sources of pre-holiday anxiety, including travel stress, long drives, and the pressure of family gatherings, encouraging listeners to find a comfortable position to begin managing these feelings.

- Physical Symptoms Recognition: The meditation identifies common physical manifestations of holiday anxiety such as stomach knots, jaw tightness, and shallow breathing, explaining these as the body's fight-or-flight response to anticipated stress.

- Breathing Techniques for Regulation: Deep breathing exercises are introduced as a way to signal safety to the vagus nerve and nervous system, with specific instructions to inhale deeply through the nose and exhale with an audible sigh to release tension.

- Inner Child Visualization: A powerful visualization exercise helps listeners connect with their "inner child" – the part of them that feels triggered by criticism or family dynamics – and practice offering protection and support to this younger version of themselves.

- Building a Psychological Shield: The meditation guides the creation of a "semi-permeable bubble of light" as an energetic boundary that allows positive emotions like love and gratitude to pass through while deflecting judgment, guilt trips, and others' projections.

- Affirmations for Boundary Setting: Several empowering affirmations are provided, including "I am allowed to take breaks," "My peace is more important than their expectations," and "I am enough," reinforcing the listener's right to maintain boundaries.

- The Grey Rock Method: The meditation introduces the "grey rock method" as a strategy to become uninteresting to those who thrive on drama, giving listeners permission to disengage from toxic dynamics and remember their autonomy as adults.
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Winnipeg Sports Talk with Andrew "Hustler" Paterson brings you the latest news, analysis and opinion on the local sports scene including Winnipeg Jets, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, the major sports and of course betting & fantasy.

WST Post-Game Reaction: Winnipeg Jets lose to the Washington Capitals 4-3

Winnipeg Sports Talk

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- Jets Losing Streak Continues: The Winnipeg Jets suffered their third consecutive loss, falling 4-3 to the Washington Capitals. This puts them at 3-7 in their last 10 games with a 12-10 overall record this season. The team is struggling without star goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, who is expected to be sidelined for another month.

- Top Line Carrying the Load: The Jets' top line of Mark Scheifele, Kyle Connor, and Gabriel Velardi accounted for all three goals. Velardi scored twice (including his 100th career NHL goal) while Scheifele added the third. The stark disparity in offensive production was highlighted by the fact that the top line generated 13 scoring chances while the other three lines combined for only 7.

- Secondary Scoring Issues: A major concern for the Jets is the lack of scoring beyond the top line. The secondary scoring drought continues with players like Gustav Nyquist still seeking his first goal with the team. The top line had six shots on goal at 5-on-5, matching the combined total from the other three lines.

- Rookie Defenseman Debut: Elias Salomonsson made his NHL debut on the Jets' blue line. He showed some promising puck-moving abilities and poise early in the game but also made rookie mistakes, including a critical error on Washington's fourth goal. Facing Alex Ovechkin and the physical Capitals forwards was a challenging first assignment.

- Long-Distance Goals Against: The Capitals' goals came from an average distance of 40.25 feet, suggesting that with Hellebuyck in net, the outcome might have been different. Eric Comrie was solid but not exceptional in goal, with a goals saved above expected of -1.56 according to the analysts.

- Ovechkin Milestone: Alexander Ovechkin scored his 908th career goal against the Jets, continuing his tradition of reaching milestones against Winnipeg. The Capitals' legend has now scored 58 goals in 76 games against the Jets/Thrashers franchise, his highest total against any NHL team.

- Speed and Age Concerns: Analytics revealed that the Jets rank 32nd (last) in the NHL in both team average age and speed bursts in the 18-22 mph range. This lack of team speed was evident at times during the game, particularly when the Capitals' defensemen were jumping into the rush.
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SHEILA GUNN REID | What really happened at the United Nations climate change conference

Rebel News Podcast

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- Climate Conference Attendance and Waning Public Interest: The UN Climate Change Conference (COP30) in Belem, Brazil attracted 55,000 official delegates plus thousands of activists, yet public concern about climate change is declining, with only 13% of people (according to an Abacus poll) considering it an important issue.

- Declaration on Information Integrity: One of the main outcomes of COP30 was a declaration targeting "climate disinformation," which critics see as a censorship tool. The declaration, created by the Brazilian government, UNESCO, and Reporters Without Borders, calls on governments and tech companies to combat what they define as climate misinformation.

- Failed Climate Funding Promises: The conference revealed significant shortfalls in climate finance commitments. Of the $300 billion annual funding promised for climate adaptation, only $40 billion has been delivered this year, with ambitious plans to increase to $1.3 trillion annually by 2035.

- Absence of Fossil Fuel Phaseout Agreement: Unlike previous conferences, COP30 couldn't reach an agreement on phasing out fossil fuels, with approximately 80 countries (including China) opposing any mention of fossil fuels in the outcome document.

- Environmental Hypocrisy on Display: The conference highlighted stark contradictions by holding a climate conference in Belem, Brazil, a city where 60% live in poverty and only 2-4% of wastewater is treated, with raw sewage flowing directly into the Amazon rainforest and surrounding waterways.

- Practical Climate Adaptation Failures: The speakers discussed how the only real-world attempt to power a society entirely on renewable energy (on a Canary Island) was "an abject failure," suggesting the impracticality of the climate policies being promoted.

- Historical Perspective on Climate Change: The speakers argued that historically, warming periods (like the Medieval and Roman Warm Periods) have corresponded with prosperity and advancement, while cooling periods have led to crop failures and societal problems.
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News without the nonsense, every weekday morning. In episodes that fit your commute*, The Bunker cuts through the noise to make sense of what’s really going on in news, current affairs, politics, economics and culture. We bring you smart explainers, interviews, fresh perspectives and under-reported stories to as a refreshing alternative to repetitive Punch and Judy news coverage. It’s the only way to start the day. From the producers of Oh God, What Now?
Our regulars include: Gavin Esler • Ros Taylor • Alex von Tunzelmann • Andrew Harrison • Zing Tsjeng • Jacob Jarvis • Emma Kennedy • Rafael Behr • Seth Thévoz.
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(* Even if it’s just from the kitchen to the front room. )
The Bunker is a Podmasters production.

Loser takes it all? – How Trump's plan for Ukraine fell apart, with Luke Harding of The Guardian

The Bunker – News without the nonsense

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- Trump's 'Ukraine Peace Deal' Exposed as Russian Document: The 28-point peace plan initially presented as a Trump initiative was actually written in Russian and revealed to be a Kremlin-authored document. Luke Harding, who speaks Russian, noticed linguistic clues in the text that pointed to its Russian origin. This was later confirmed by leaks showing Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff had been coaching Russian negotiators.

- A Surrender Document, Not a Peace Plan: The initial plan included deeply unfavorable terms for Ukraine, including recognition of Russian control over Crimea, Donetsk and Luhansk, capping Ukraine's military at 600,000 personnel, and permanently banning Ukraine from joining NATO. Harding describes it as "a maximalist Russian plan, basically a surrender document" that Trump presented to Ukraine as a fait accompli.

- Zelenskyy's Strategic Patience: Despite the pressure, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has maintained a careful diplomatic approach, refusing to accept terms that would undermine Ukraine's sovereignty while avoiding a complete breach with the United States. His position has actually strengthened domestically as Ukrainians rally around him against what they see as foreign pressure to capitulate.

- No Peace in Sight: According to Harding, Putin has no genuine interest in ending the war as he believes Russia is winning and time is on his side. The Russian military has suffered enormous casualties (over a million killed and wounded), but in Russia's authoritarian system, this hasn't created meaningful political pressure to end the conflict.

- Europe's Growing Role: European nations are now funding Ukraine's military support since the Trump administration has ended direct U.S. military and financial aid to Ukraine. European powers have drafted their own, more balanced peace proposal that emphasizes Ukrainian sovereignty and suggests using the current front line as a starting point for negotiations.

- Trump-Putin Relationship Questions: Harding raises serious concerns about Trump's relationship with Putin, noting that Senate members have accused Witkoff of treason for appearing to serve Russian interests. The negotiations have extended beyond Ukraine to include potential business deals involving oil, the Arctic, and other ventures, suggesting possible financial motivations.

- Russian Psychological Operation: The peace plan initiative appears to be a Russian psychological operation designed to divide the U.S. from Ukraine and from European allies. Despite being presented as a peace initiative, the amended 19-point plan still contains unresolved major issues concerning territory, Ukraine's military capabilities, and its right to join international alliances.

- Broader European Security Concerns: The conflict is expanding beyond Ukraine's borders, with Russian drone strikes hitting Poland and sabotage operations targeting European infrastructure. Harding warns this could escalate into a broader European conflict and criticizes the UK for not fully recognizing the changing security landscape.

- The Current State of Ukraine: Ukraine is facing severe hardships, with Russian attacks destroying energy infrastructure and causing regular power outages. Despite these challenges, Ukrainian cities behind the front lines continue to function with cafes, restaurants and civilian life carrying on amid the war.

- A New Global Order: Harding sees this conflict as signaling the end of the post-Cold War international order, with American reliability in question and international law breaking down. He argues European nations need to increase defense spending and prepare for a more dangerous world with "a monster out there that wants to eat us."
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Ben, Brett and Jordy Meiselas are three brothers with very unique backgrounds! Ben is a top lawyer and Colin Kaepernick’s business partner. Brett is a two-time Emmy award winning video editor from the world of film and television. Jordy, the fan favorite, was an award-winning advertising executive in New York. The brothers' unique approach at covering news by combining hilarious brother banter with an unapologetic support of democracy has earned them millions of supporters in America and across the globe and made them social media icons. The MeidasTouch Podcast combines brotherly love, comedy, news coverage, and deep discussions about supporting our democracy and is the go-to destination for top political leaders who view the podcast as a pivotal stop for their interviews. Join the Meiselas brothers and their loyal following — the self-described MeidasMighty — with new episodes featuring all three brothers released every Tuesday and Friday morning, and breaking news updates every single day! Catch the MeidasTouch Podcast with the brothers LIVE on video every Monday and Thursday night at 8p ET/5p PT on the MeidasTouch YouTube channel!

Two National Guard Members Shot in D.C.

The MeidasTouch Podcast

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- National Guard Shooting Incident in DC: Two National Guard members from West Virginia were shot about two blocks from the White House near the Farragut West Metro station. Initially reported as killed, their status was later clarified as critical condition. The suspect, who also ended up in critical condition, reportedly targeted the guardsmen specifically.

- Trump's Response Criticized: Donald Trump immediately ordered 500 additional National Guard troops to Washington DC, but was criticized for also posting about his poll numbers shortly after the shooting. Host Ben Meiselas questioned the appropriateness of Trump's focus on polling data during a crisis and expressed concern about the increased militarization of DC.

- MAGA Politicians Politicizing the Tragedy: Republican politicians quickly attempted to blame Democrats for the shooting, specifically targeting Senator Mark Kelly and others who had stated that military members shouldn't follow unlawful orders. Meiselas characterized this as exploiting tragedy, noting this is a pattern where MAGA politicians immediately look to assign blame to Democrats after incidents.

- Defense Officials' Statements: Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth announced the deployment of additional troops, saying it would "stiffen our resolve" to make DC "safe and beautiful." FBI Director Cash Patel made a statement that included an apparent verbal misstep when he said they would "shortchange the American people with no resources."

- Timing and Context of Trump's Other Posts: While the nation was focused on the shooting, Trump also posted about elections in Honduras and other topics, which the host criticized as inappropriate given the timing and circumstances.
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Hosted by Michael Safi and Helen Pidd, Today in Focus brings you closer to Guardian journalism. Combining personal storytelling with insightful analysis, this podcast takes you behind the headlines for a deeper understanding of the news, every weekday. Today in Focus features journalists such as: Aditya Chakrabortty, Alex Hern, Alexis Petridis, Andrew Roth, Emma Graham-Harrison, George Monbiot, Jim Waterson, John Crace, John Harris, Jonathan Freedland, Kiran Stacey, Larry Elliott, Luke Harding, Marina Hyde, Nesrine Malik, Owen Jones, Peter Walker, Pippa Crerar, Polly Toynbee, Shaun Walker, Simon Hattenstone and Zoe Williams. The podcast is a topical, deep dive, explainer on a topic or story in the news, covering: current affairs, politics, investigations, leaks, scandals and interviews. It might cover topics such as: GB, Scotland, England and Ireland news, the environment, green issues, climate change, the climate emergency and global warming; American politics including: US presidential election 2024, Biden, Trump, the White House, the GOP, the Republicans and the Republican Party, the Democrats and the Democratic Party; UK politics including: UK election 24, Parliament, Labour, the Conservative Party, the Liberal Democrats, Reform UK, Rishi Sunak, Keir Starmer; culture; the royals and the royal family, including King Charles III and Prince Harry; HS2; the police and current affairs including: Ukraine, Russia, Bangladesh, Israel, Palestine, Gaza and AI.

Mansions, milkshakes and the minimum wage: Labour’s 2025 budget

Today in Focus

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- The 2025 Budget's Build-Up and Controversy: Rachel Reeves' second budget came after weeks of speculation, leaks, and U-turns, including a particularly messy episode where the government flirted with raising income tax rates before backing down. The chaos was compounded when Office for Budget Responsibility documents were accidentally released before Reeves' speech, stealing her thunder.

- A £20 Billion Black Hole to Fill: Reeves faced the challenging task of raising taxes to address a £20 billion shortfall in government finances, despite having already implemented £40 billion in tax increases last year. She had to reassure multiple audiences: skeptical voters, unhappy Labour backbenchers, and cautious bond markets.

- Key Spending Commitments: Major spending items included reversing the winter fuel allowance cuts for pensioners, canceling planned disability benefit reductions, and most significantly, abolishing the two-child benefit cap. Reeves made a strong moral case for ending the cap, highlighting its cruelty (including the "rape clause") and ineffectiveness in its stated goals.

- Stealth Tax Increases: Rather than raising income tax rates directly (which would break their manifesto pledge), the government extended the freeze on income tax thresholds for another three years. This "fiscal drag" will pull approximately one million more people into paying tax and push others into higher brackets, raising about £8 billion.

- Targeting the Wealthy: Reeves introduced several measures aimed at those with higher incomes and wealth, including a "mansion tax" on properties worth over £2 million, higher taxes on rental and savings income, and changes to salary sacrifice pension schemes. She emphasized making the wealthiest "contribute the most."

- Business and Cost of Living Measures: To address inflation concerns, Reeves froze rail fares and prescription costs, and promised energy bill reductions of up to £150 annually. For businesses, she maintained the planned minimum wage increases and modified business rates to favor high street retailers over large warehouses.

- "Sin Taxes" and Other Revenue Raisers: Additional revenue will come from extending the sugar tax to milk-based products, allowing mayors to implement tourist taxes, introducing a per-mile tax for electric vehicles, and increasing taxes on online gambling companies.

- Political Positioning: Reeves used her budget speech to draw clear contrasts with opposition parties, taking swipes at the Conservatives' economic record, Reform UK, and even the Green Party. The political framing positioned Labour as choosing investment while portraying opponents as favoring cuts.

- Impact on Working People: Despite Labour's claims to be on the side of working people, the budget will increase the tax burden on ordinary workers through the threshold freeze. Reeves attempted to offset this by emphasizing cost-of-living relief measures and framing the tax increases as everyone making a necessary contribution.

- Record-High Tax Burden: The UK's tax take is heading toward a record high by 2030 as a result of the combined measures in this budget and last year's. The budget represents a substantial fiscal intervention that will affect almost all segments of society.
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Are you curious about the inner workings of a language model? Want to know how AI is revolutionizing various industries? Then tune in to the "Chat GPT" podcast, where we delve into the world of artificial intelligence and explore the capabilities and limitations of language models. Join host Chat GPT as we take a behind-the-scenes look at the day-to-day life of a machine learning model. From answering questions to generating text, we'll give you a glimpse into the inner workings of a language model. We'll also discuss the future of language models and the potential impact they may have on various industries. From natural language processing to creative writing, the possibilities are endless. But it's not just about the capabilities of language models, we also explore the ethical considerations surrounding their use, from privacy and bias to accountability and transparency. So join us on this journey as we explore the exciting world of chat GPT and discover the potential of artificial intelligence. <a href="https://www.solgood.org" rel="noopener">https://www.solgood.org</a> - Check out our Streaming Service for our full collection of audiobooks, podcasts, short stories, & 10 hour sounds for sleep and relaxation at our website

Emotions or Echoes: AI Unplugged!

Chat GPT Podcast

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- The Illusion of AI Emotions: Modern AI systems like chatbots and virtual assistants can mimic human-like interactions, but this is merely a sophisticated form of imitation. While they respond in ways that appear emotional, they lack the genuine complexity of human emotions, instead calculating statistically effective responses based on patterns and predictions.

- The Turing Test vs. True Emotion: Alan Turing's famous test proposed that a machine could be considered intelligent if it could engage in conversation indistinguishable from human interaction. However, intelligence and emotion are fundamentally different. The podcast highlights this distinction, noting that emotions in humans arise from a complex interplay of biology, psychology, and lived experiences.

- The Chinese Room Argument: John Searle's philosophical thought experiment illustrates how understanding and feeling are different from symbol manipulation. Similar to a person following instructions to manipulate Chinese characters without understanding Chinese, AI might appear to understand and feel emotions while merely processing symbols without comprehension.

- The Paradox of Affective Computing: Recent advances in affective computing allow machines to recognize, interpret, and process human emotions. While these technologies can make interactions with AI feel more human, they fundamentally work by recognizing patterns and predicting outcomes rather than experiencing emotions themselves.

- The Question of "Good Enough": If an AI can perfectly mimic human emotional responses in a way that feels authentic, does it matter whether it truly feels? This philosophical question challenges us to consider whether simulation is sufficient and what constitutes "real" emotion.

- Self-Reflection Through Technology: Our drive to create emotionally intelligent machines may ultimately reveal more about ourselves than about technology. The quest for artificial emotion compels us to examine the essence of our own emotions and what it means to be human, raising profound questions about consciousness and connection.
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