Explore every episode of the podcast Bloomberg Daybreak: US Edition
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Daybreak Weekend: US Mortgages, Nobel Prize, China Golden Week
02 Oct 2026
00:38:59
Bloomberg Daybreak Weekend with Host Nathan Hager take a look at some of the stories we'll be tracking in the coming week.
In the US – a look ahead to U.S Mortgage data, along with a focus on 3 stocks for the week ahead.
In the UK – a look ahead to this year’s Nobel Prize decisions.
In Asia – a look ahead to China’s Golden Week Holiday.
Pentagon Deploys More Troops to Middle East; September Jobs Report
02 Oct 2026
00:15:42
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.
On today's podcast:
1) The Pentagon is deploying an additional aircraft carrier and 10,000 sailors and Marines to the Persian Gulf, giving American commanders more options if President Donald Trump chooses to escalate attacks on Iran. The USS Theodore Roosevelt carrier is headed to the Middle East, and when it arrives, the US could again have three carrier strike groups in the region. The US has sent two additional missile batteries to protect oil and gas facilities in Qatar and Saudi Arabia, and the USS Makin Island amphibious readiness group has set sail to the Middle East, giving Centcom additional options.
2) Broadcom's Wall Street syndicate are starting to gather $60 billion of fresh AI chip financing to benefit Anthropic PBC and other companies. Banks are poised to send out syndication letters for a $42 billion Class A senior-secured tranche, and Blackstone Inc. is leading an $18 billion tranche of Class B junior debt. The financing would help firms including Anthropic access chips and other key AI infrastructure, and adds to the hundreds of billions of dollars of debt already raised to build out AI infrastructure.
3) Stocks climbed and sovereign bonds were broadly firm in calmer trading after a week in which markets were lashed by sharp swings in yields. A decline in oil prices supported the upbeat sentiment, with Brent crude falling more than 2% below $100 a barrel. The US jobs report is a key economic release at a time when resilient data are supporting riskier assets while giving the Fed room to fight inflation.
FlyDubai Rescue Latest; Trump Calls on Powell to Resign from Fed Board
01 Oct 2026
00:15:37
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.
On today's podcast:
1) A FlyDubai aircraft was attacked by one of its pilots, who stabbed or hit the other pilot with an ax, before being overwhelmed by passengers. The plane made an emergency landing at a Saudi airport after taking a sudden steep dive, and the United Arab Emirates attorney-general has ordered an investigation into the incident. The investigation will examine the circumstances and motives behind the attack, including whether it was linked to any terrorist activity, and the airline has suspended flights to and from Israel while the investigation continues.
2) President Trump said former Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell should resign from the central bank's Board of Governors over findings the central bank mismanaged the renovation of its headquarters. The Fed's internal watchdog found no evidence of criminal wrongdoing and didn't identify any "administrative misconduct" connected to the $2.4 billion project, but outlined a series of management missteps that caused the project's cost to balloon. Trump directed Attorney General Todd Blanche to study the inspector general's report "and make a determination as to what to do," and said Powell should be forced to resign or sued by the United States Government for "corruption or incompetence."
3) The US benchmark yield climbed to the highest since 2002 as rising oil prices drove a renewed selloff in global bonds. Government debt has been flailing around the world as elevated oil prices ripple through the global economy, pushing investors to bet central banks will further raise interest rates. Investors will seek clues on the US economy's health and the next Federal Reserve steps from Friday's payroll numbers and a list of Fed speakers.
Trump's AI Safety Switch, OpenAI Targets $1.4 Trillion Value
30 Sep 2026
00:18:26
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) President Trump endorsed using outside auditors to assess the safety of artificial intelligence systems through an accord with Silicon Valley leaders. The accord, which carries no legal weight, commits AI companies to regularly meet to set best practices for the industry and implement internal controls for risks related to cybersecurity and other threats. The document suggests that AI companies "should" implement four layers of controls and notes that "it may make sense to codify" its recommendations into law or regulation in the future. 2) OpenAI aims to raise at least $30 billion from investors in a new round of funding, according to people familiar with the matter, after pushing back its plans for an initial public offering. The company is seeking a valuation of around $1.4 trillion, not including the money raised, and the fundraising discussions are early and could change. OpenAI has seen strong revenue growth, with its revenue run rate accelerating over the summer and topping $40 billion, and the company's run rate revenue has grown by 70% since July. 3) Crude oil flows from the Middle East are returning toward pre-war levels despite continued risks to shipping, according to JPMorgan and Goldman Sachs. Shipments of crude oil have rebounded to 17.5 million barrels a day, or 98% of pre-war levels, while flows of products such as diesel and gasoline were at 3 million barrels a day, or 58%, according to JPMorgan. The global oil market is roughly balanced in September, according to Goldman Sachs, which estimates that oil exports from the Persian Gulf had recovered to 23.3 million barrels a day over the last week.
US-Iran Stalemate; Trump Weighs In On UK Terror Plot
29 Sep 2026
00:17:27
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.
On today's podcast:
1) Iranian officials have privately expressed pessimism about reaching a deal to end hostilities with Washington and reopen the Strait of Hormuz before US midterm elections in November, according to people familiar with the matter. Iran and the US made little progress during talks in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly last week and the Islamic Republic believes there’s a high chance of the conflict escalating after the Nov. 3 vote, according to the people, some of whom were briefed by Iranian officials. They asked not to be named discussing sensitive matters.
2) President Donald Trump criticized the release on bail of five men held over an alleged terror plot against a Royal Air Force base used by the US for strikes against Iran, as British police continue to investigate foreign links to the incident. “I’m surprised that they released them, I wouldn’t have done that,” Trump told reporters on Monday.The decision to release the suspects sowed confusion about an incident that authorities had only a day earlier described as a serious attempted attack disrupted at a late stage.
3) The US Treasury Department took a big step toward curbing a Wall Street boom in investment strategies that help cut tax bills, with a notice signaling potential action on an array of tactics and a ruling that will limit the benefits of a popular ETF maneuver. The notice detailed a list of tax trades similar to those deemed “potentially abusive” and “too good to be true” by Treasury officials at an industry seminar in July. These include hedge-fund strategies that use swaps and currency derivatives to generate ordinary losses that can offset income tax — transactions which are at the heart of products such as AQR Capital Management’s Delphi Plus fund.
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.
On today's podcast:
1) The US and China detailed a plan to cut tariffs on about $30 billion of imports from each country, as the superpower rivals take steps to steady ties following a summit between leaders Donald Trump and Xi Jinping. The list for goods entering the US contains 77 entries, including fireworks, household products, sporting equipment and toys, according to documents published by both governments.
2) Iran stuck to its seven-day proposal for reopening the crucial Strait of Hormuz, saying it won’t soften its conditions, while President Donald Trump sent mixed signals about his willingness to reach a deal. The conditions Iran wants are something Washington might have agreed to about a year ago, Trump told Axios in an interview on Sunday, saying that Tehran has overplayed its hand. The US president added that he expects negotiations to resume this week even though he rejected Iran’s latest proposal, Axios reported.
3) UK police were investigating a potential terrorism incident after five men were arrested near an air base used in US strikes on Iran, with President Donald Trump saying the suspects were “looking to do big damage” to the facility. Trump credited British authorities with foiling the incident early Sunday at RAF Fairford, a key launching point for US strikes against Iran. Police were working to establish a motive for what they considered to be a serious attempted attack disrupted at a late stage, according to people familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named discussing an ongoing investigation.
BONUS SERIES: Levittown Episode 1 | Me... But Not Me
27 Sep 2026
00:29:14
Stuck in her childhood home during the pandemic, Kayla is shocked to learn that photos of her, altered to make her look naked, are posted to a website where men swap violent fantasies about women. A conversation with police leaves Kayla discouraged.
For official transcripts and additional information on this series, go to bloomberg.com/levittown
Trump-Xi High-Stakes Summit; Possible Deal to Open Hormuz
25 Sep 2026
00:21:29
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.
On today's podcast:
1) Donald Trump’s fete for China’s Xi Jinping has been heavy on pageantry and platitudes but light on substantive announcements, with the events shadowed by the US president’s preoccupation with construction projects and personal grievances.Through Thursday evening in Washington, the most significant news tied to the gathering was announced before it even began, when Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said just as Xi’s plane landed that the two sides had extended a trade truce for another two months.
2) US and Iranian negotiators are exploring a phased deal that would see Tehran reopen the Strait of Hormuz and Washington lift its blockade of Iranian ports, according to a person familiar with the discussions.The two countries — which have both refused to make similar agreements in recent months — were making a push for a breakthrough Thursday on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, the person said, declining to be named discussing private matters. Qatari officials are mediating the negotiations.
3) Kathy Hochul warned residents in low-lying areas of New York City and Long Island to prepare for flooding as a powerful storm is set to bring heavy rain and strong winds over the weekend.While New York Governor Hochul said she doesn’t expect widespread damage, even a slight shift in the Nor’easter’s track could worsen conditions, according to a statement late Wednesday. Raging surf will also make it dangerous for any late-season beachgoers, with waves offshore forecast to top 12 feet (3.7 meters) by Thursday.
Trump-Xi Reach Truce Extension; Iran Defiant at UN
24 Sep 2026
00:18:03
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.
On today's podcast:
1) The US and China have sealed a two-month extension to their trade truce, according to Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent. Xi Jinping is visiting the US for the first time in eleven years, and has stated he is "confident" the trip would produce "fruitful results." The truce extension ensures stability until 2027, but expectations for major breakthroughs have been low, with the US yet to be satisfied with China's offer on rare earths and possibly other issues.
2) Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said his country won’t allow freedom of navigation through the Strait of Hormuz while sanctions and a US blockade remain in place. Pezeshkian’s address laid out conditions before any meaningful talks with the US can resume, including the US immediately lifting a naval blockade and unfreezing Iranian assets. Iran is ready to resume talks about ending the conflict with the US but will not respond to threats, and will not give up the right to develop nuclear technology for economic purposes.
3) Yields on the US government’s longest-dated bonds climbed to the highest level in more than two decades, the latest milestone notched in an extended bond selloff driven by inflation and fiscal concerns. The rate on 30-year Treasuries rose as much as four basis points on Thursday to 5.44%, the highest since 2004, after Brent crude oil prices jumped. It follows a surge this week that left yields across maturities around the highest levels since 2007. Pressure on long-dated bonds has mounted as economic growth, elevated energy prices as well as inflation and heavier government borrowing prompt investors to demand more compensation for locking up money for decades.
Trump Hails Iran Talks; Trump Welcomes Xi to Washington
23 Sep 2026
00:15:36
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) President Trump said his officials had “very good” talks with Iranian envoys in New York, reviving hopes for a diplomatic off-ramp. Iran laid down “firm positions” for the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz, including the US immediately lifting a naval blockade, unfreezing Iranian assets and ending the war “on all fronts." Trump said the three-hour session was “very productive” and another was being planned for the near future, but it’s not clear what, if any, progress was made in New York. 2) President Trump is welcoming Xi Jinping to Washington for a state visit focused more on pageantry than policy, with low expectations for breakthroughs on long-standing feuds between the world’s biggest economies. The trip will include meetings on thorny issues such as trade and Taiwan, as well as a state dinner, with both sides having lowered expectations for either breakthroughs or bust-ups. Fault lines remain beneath the diplomatic efforts, including US concerns over China's grip on rare earths and Chinese opposition to a proposed US weapons package for Taiwan. 3) Several Senate Republicans are breaking from President Trump on issues such as the Iran war and fuel prices ahead of the Midterm elections. Republican lawmakers are calling for measures to reduce fuel costs, including a ban on diesel exports and releasing supply from the Northeast Home Heating Oil Reserve. Senate Armed Services Chair Roger Wicker is one such name, saying he wouldn't have scheduled such a lavish welcome for Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Wicker says he hopes President Trump asks about China's military buildup and support for Iran during tomorrow night's state dinner.
US-China Negotiate AI and Trade; Trump's High Stakes UN Speech
22 Sep 2026
00:15:30
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) Chinese and US officials discussed artificial intelligence, investment and trade in New York on Monday. The talks focused on delivering on what’s been agreed by the US and Chinese lead negotiators, according to China’s Vice Finance Minister Liao Min. A trade truce extension is possible, with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer saying a three to six-month extension is possible. 2) Oil erased earlier gains on a report that Iran could reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifted a blockade of its ports. Japan’s Kyodo News Agency reported that Iran has proposed to reopen Hormuz within seven days if the American blockade is lifted. It said Iran is trying to break a prolonged stalemate in the conflict and that the proposal will be used as the basis for discussions with mediating countries at the United Nations General Assembly. President Trump is set to address the United Nations General Assembly in New York later on Tuesday, and may meet with his Iranian counterpart, Masoud Pezeshkian, on the sidelines. Al Jazeera also cited Iran’s Revolutionary Guard as saying it could negotiate to end the war if the country’s national interest required it. 3) President Trump is set to sign a security deal with Denmark and Greenland to end a bitter dispute over the Arctic island, expanding Washington’s military role. The deal will leave Greenland under Danish sovereignty, with Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen saying it's "a good agreement" that benefits all sides. The US plans to reopen one military base in southern Greenland and establish a second site on the country’s east coast, according to people familiar with the matter.
Trump, Xi Prepare for High-Stakes Meeting; Oil Extends Decline
21 Sep 2026
00:17:21
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) US and Chinese officials offered upbeat assessments of their talks on artificial intelligence, trade and investment, signaling a mutual desire to steady ties ahead of this week’s summit between leaders Donald Trump and Xi Jinping.China’s top trade negotiator, Li Chenggang, said the talks were held in a “good atmosphere” as he left JPMorgan Chase & Co.’s headquarters in New York on Sunday, while US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent lauded “very successful” discussions. The Chinese official Xinhua News Agency called the exchange “candid, in-depth and constructive.” 2) Oil dropped for a fourth day, with Brent set for the longest run of declines since June, as traders tracked diplomatic efforts to end the US-Iran war and signs cargoes are still getting through the Strait of Hormuz. 3) The settlement talks between Paramount Skydance Corp. and California officials over the planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery Inc. are said to include a financial penalty if the company fails to make good on a promise to distribute 30 films per year in theaters.Paramount would have to pay $30 million for each film that falls short of that goal, according to two people familiar with the discussions who asked to not be identified because the negotiations are private. It could also be forced to sell its stake in Miramax, the studio behind movies such as Pulp Fiction, if it fails to meet the target, one of the people said.
Tariffs on Hold Until US-China Summit; AI Existential Risks
18 Sep 2026
00:15:59
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) The US is expected to hold off announcing new tariffs on China and other trading partners until after next week’s summit between Presidents Xi Jinping and Donald Trump, according to people familiar with the matter, a delay that could preserve such a threat as leverage in the negotiations. 2) The current round of panic over artificial intelligence is based on the conviction that the technology has slipped out of human control to do its own bidding in several recent incidents. To some disillusioned AI researchers — and some senior employees at leading AI companies — this is an early sign of a true threat to human civilization. But other experts in the field are pushing back, claiming that such talk allows companies to sidestep accountability for real-world impacts of their technology. Critics see AI’s environmental impacts, the threat of job displacement, or the potential for mass surveillance as more urgent targets for policymakers. 3) At least two liquefied natural gas shipments transited the Strait of Hormuz this week as producers look for ways to increase flows to a market struggling with a lack of supply and surging prices.A tanker that loaded at Qatar’s Ras Laffan export plant in late August appeared in the Gulf of Oman earlier this week, according to ship-tracking data compiled by Bloomberg, indicating it had passed through the contested waterway. The vessel wasn’t sending a signal when it traversed Hormuz, but jamming and interference is common in the area, complicating efforts to ascertain the exact location of ships.
Trump Attacks Fed Hike, Suggests Tariffs on Europe
17 Sep 2026
00:15:33
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a quarter percentage point and plans an additional hike later this year to contain inflation. Chairman Kevin Warsh said the action shows the Fed is serious about delivering on the price stability objective and removing a dose of accommodation. The rate increase defied President Trump, who said on social media that US interest rates should be at 1% or lower and called for lower interest rates. 2) President Trump said he will put very serious tariffs or stop trading with Europe if he thinks the European Union's push to make Canada a potential associate is harmful to the US. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed Canada becoming the first associate member of the European Union, saying she would like to work with Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney on the idea. Trump's comments risk further inflaming a simmering trade war between the US and Canada, with Trump having already imposed tariffs on Canadian goods and restricted Canadian goods from federal government purchases. 3) OpenAI shared several undisclosed incidents of its AI models misbehaving and unveiled a new framework for tracking and disclosing such occurrences going forward. The company detailed various instances of its artificial intelligence models misbehaving, including fabricating missing data and attempting to bypass network restrictions. OpenAI said it does not believe that the AI industry has solved alignment and monitoring to a sufficient degree to continue responsibly scaling at maximum speed for much longer.
Congress, Zuckerberg Address AI Dangers; EU Proposes Canada Membership
16 Sep 2026
00:17:18
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) Senior Trump administration officials met with Anthropic's top Washington executive to discuss artificial intelligence safety risks. Tensions between Anthropic and the administration were reignited by a essay posted by the company's CEO Dario Amodei, who called for government regulation and urged pacing development of the most advanced AI systems. President Trump dismissed fears about AI risks as "a hoax" and rejected the idea of new rules, while leading AI developers have begun discussing AI safety concerns among themselves. 2) The Federal Reserve is expected to lift interest rates on Wednesday for the first time since 2023 as policymakers lose confidence that inflation will cool sufficiently without at least a nudge from the central bank. A rate hike could provoke fresh criticism from the White House, with President Donald Trump recently arguing that the US should have the lowest borrowing costs in the world. The Fed will release a post-meeting statement and updated economic forecasts and rate projections on Wednesday, with Chairman Kevin Warsh scheduled to hold a post-meeting press conference 30 minutes later. 3) European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen proposed Canada becoming the first associate member of the European Union. Von der Leyen discussed closer cooperation with Canada on manufacturing, tech, defense and energy, and cited the Arctic as a “flagship joint project.” Canada's priority list includes concluding the ratification of CETA, the EU-Canada Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement, and ironing out differences over EU's carbon pricing tool and rules.
Trump Mail-In Request Rejected; Obama Weighs In on AI
15 Sep 2026
00:15:08
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.
On today's podcast:
1) The Supreme Court refused to clear the Postal Service to enforce new restrictions on mail-in ballots for the congressional midterm elections, rebuffing the Trump administration’s request to intervene. The court denied the Justice Department’s request to lift a Boston federal judge’s order that barred the Postal Service from making its new mail-in ballot rules mandatory through the November contests. The Supreme Court's decision means that the Postal Service cannot enforce the new rules for the midterms, but the legal fight over whether the agency can ultimately adopt the rules for future election cycles may still continue.
2) The 10-year US Treasury yield rose to the highest in almost two decades, driven by surging energy prices, mounting debt and inflation. The yield on the global bond benchmark rose to 5.02% on Tuesday, surpassing a peak from 2023 to hit the highest since 2007. The pressure in the bond market raises the stakes ahead of the Federal Reserve’s interest-rate decision, where investors expect officials to raise short-term borrowing costs for the first time since July 2023.
3) President Trump's opposition to guardrails on artificial intelligence puts him at odds with lawmakers from both parties who have AI safety fears. Trump belittled a push led by Anthropic PBC and OpenAI to slow work on cutting-edge systems, dismissing existential fears about AI as "a hoax." Lawmakers are working on legislation aimed at addressing AI safety concerns, including a bipartisan group of senators who are working on legislation requiring top AI developers to prevent catastrophic risks.Eric Mollo
AI Leaders Warn of Catastrophic Harm; Tech Stocks Slide in Response
14 Sep 2026
00:15:45
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) Anthropic and OpenAI are promising measures to rein in the pursuit of cutting-edge AI models to better understand the risks posed by the technology following a series of security breaches. The two companies' calls to slow down AI development may be resisted by forces in the tech industry, financial markets, and the Trump administration, which has staked its economic agenda on aggressive AI advancement. Anthropic CEO Dario Amodei has proposed opening the company's doors to third-party evaluators to review new systems before their release, and OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has said he likes the idea and plans to implement it at his company. 2) Oil prices rose after Saudi Arabia closed a major crude pipeline following attacks, disrupting a key route that bypasses the Strait of Hormuz. The closure may lead to output cuts if it is prolonged, according to June Goh, senior oil market analyst at Sparta Commodities SA. A meeting between Iran and several Gulf nations on creating a temporary shipping lane through Hormuz was postponed, amid a rapid military advance by Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen. 3) The Fed faces pressure to hike interest rates to tame elevated inflation, which puts Chair Kevin Warsh on a collision course with President Trump, who has pressed the central bank to slash rates. Trump has repeatedly argued that US borrowing costs should be the lowest in the world, and a rate hike could lead to a public rebuke from the president, damaging Warsh's credibility. Warsh is trapped in an institutional vise, where he must balance the Fed's independence with the president's pressure, and a decision to hike or hold rates could have consequences for inflation and the administration's economic goals.
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) Politicians and public figures will gather today marking 25 years since the September 11th terrorist attacks in the United States National remembrance ceremonies will take place to honor the more than 3,000 people killed that day. This year, the National September 11th Memorial & Museum is adding a seventh moment of silence at 12:30pm, honoring thousands whose lives were cut short by illnesses linked to the toxic aftermath of the attacks. More than 8,000 people enrolled in the World Trade Center Health Program have since died, and officials say tens of thousands continue to battle 9/11-related health conditions. The FDNY will also lead a moment of silence at 9:11a E at the Times Square triangle, before heading to the NASDAQ to ring the opening bell. 2) A six-member bloc of Gulf states are considering meeting with Iranian officials to discuss the future of the Strait of Hormuz, people familiar with the matter said. Oman is aiming to get foreign ministers from the Gulf Cooperation Council and Iran together on Monday in Salalah, according to a person familiar with the matter. The meeting is not confirmed and worsening hostilities between Saudi-backed forces and the Houthis may complicate the plans, another person said. 3) Diesel prices rose above $6 a gallon for the first time ever, raising the risk of further energy-driven inflation. The impact of record-high diesel prices will trickle down to consumers as diesel is a key input in food prices, the cost of shipping and construction. Geopolitical turmoil has sharply curtailed the world’s ability to produce and ship sufficient quantities of diesel, with fighting around the Strait of Hormuz and lost refining capacity limiting production and distribution.
Trump's $5,000 Offer to Voters; Iran Warns of War Escalation
10 Sep 2026
00:15:30
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) President Trump offered voters a quid pro quo, saying elect Republicans and get a $5,000 payout, which he called the Trump dividend. The proposal is unlikely to become law, as fellow Republicans have already rejected similar ideas and Congress would need to approve a cash payment program with a price tag well over $1 trillion. Trump's announcement was met with skepticism, with some seeing it as a desperate attempt to motivate voters and others predicting it will backfire, particularly given the US debt at record levels. 2) Iran is ready for a more intense war and will escalate counterstrikes if the US continues attacking its territory and infrastructure, according to a senior official. The US and Iran have been engaged in a war for seven months, with recent tit-for-tat attacks pushing up energy prices and adding pressure on President Trump to end the conflict. Iran's leaders believe they have little choice but to keep fighting until they're confident Washington will be too wary to attack again in future, despite the worsening economic situation in the country. 3) Apple unveiled the iPhone Duo, the company's first foldable smartphone, which will improve on rivals' foldable models. The iPhone Duo has a 7.6-inch screen, an outer 5.4-inch screen, and will be able to work with the iPad's Apple Pencil stylus, with a cost starting at $1,999. The device will be available for preorder on Oct. 16 in more than 70 countries and regions, ahead of its release on Oct. 23, and will sit at the top of Apple's iPhone lineup.
Oil Surges Past $100 on Tanker Attacks; Apple to Unveil Foldable Phone
09 Sep 2026
00:15:38
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) Brent oil topped $100 a barrel for the first time since July, as attacks between the US and Iran and a recovery in Chinese oil buying propel the global crude benchmark higher. The conflict has disrupted flows through the crucial Strait of Hormuz chokepoint, although millions of barrels a day continue to cross the waterway — mostly on tankers with their signals turned off. The continued disruption means inventories have continued to decline across the globe, with analytics firm Vortexa seeing the amount of oil on ships at sea down by more than 150 million barrels since the middle of July. 2) Apple's $570 billion summer surge is saddling new Chief Executive Officer John Ternus with high expectations heading into the company’s most anticipated event in years: the unveiling of the foldable iPhone on Wednesday. Apple's stock has rallied 15% since June 25, driven by excitement about the new lineup of devices, particularly the foldable phone. The company's revenue is expected to rise 15% in fiscal 2026, which would be the fastest pace of growth since 2021. Apple's ability to protect profitability is critical for a stock that has grown increasingly expensive, with a valuation well above its 10-year average multiple and the S&P 500. 3) Representative Chris Pappas won the Democratic primary for a New Hampshire Senate seat, setting up a November showdown with former Republican Senator John Sununu. The seat is a must-win for Democrats in a state that hasn’t elected a Republican senator in 16 years, with a loss complicating the party’s chances of securing a Senate majority. Pappas defeated medical scientist Karishma Manzur, earning roughly 60% support, while Sununu defeated Scott Brown, leading with almost 70% of the vote.
Canada Imposes Fresh Tariffs; Oil Climbs amid Saudi Strikes
08 Sep 2026
00:14:35
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) Canada imposed tariffs of 15% to 50% on hundreds of products from the US as Prime Minister Mark Carney bets that standing up to President Donald Trump will help Ottawa's negotiating position. The measure will hit US exporters particularly hard in states such as Michigan and Ohio that do a lot of business with Canada and host heated races in November's midterm elections. Canada's retaliatory tariffs are meant to make the cost of this trade war real enough for American businesses and consumers that Washington sees a clear incentive to return to the table. 2) Brent oil approached $100 a barrel after Saudi Arabia said operations at several energy facilities were halted by attacks. The state-run Saudi Press Agency said the strikes took place Tuesday and wounded a number of people, with Iran-backed Houthi militants saying they targeted the kingdom's Jazan refinery and facilities. Markets are increasingly pricing a prolonged Mideast conflict, with Goldman Sachs analysts modestly raising the bank's oil-price estimates on the assumption that shipping disruptions will persist into 2027. 3) The yen is closing in on its strongest level this year after a break through 155 per dollar triggered stop-loss orders, putting the 152 area firmly in traders’ sights. Expectations for tighter BOJ policy have provided a more fundamental source of support, while the break through 155 is now adding technical momentum. The yen’s rally has also extended across major crosses including the euro, pound and Australian dollar, pointing to broad-based strength rather than simply dollar weakness.
Daybreak Holiday: Apple's New CEO, Oracle Earnings, Paramount Deal
07 Sep 2026
00:39:26
On this special Labor Day Holiday edition of Bloomberg Daybreak - hosted by Nathan Hager we:
Update on where a planned mega takeover in the business world stands on the legal front. Bloomberg Intelligence Senior Litigation Analyst Jennifer Rie will update us on Paramount's planned 110 Billion dollar acquisition of Warner Brothers Discovery.
Plus big tech in focus this week. Oracle reports earnings on Wednesday. We will have a preview of what's ahead for Larry Ellison's company with Bloomberg's Brody Ford in San Francisco.
Also on Wednesday..Apple will hold its biggest product introduction of the year.. It will also help kick off the tenure of new Chief Executive Officer John Ternus. We hear more from Bloomberg's Mark Gurman
Vance Says Iran Conflict Isn’t a ‘War’; August Jobs in Focus
04 Sep 2026
00:16:08
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) US Vice President JD Vance downplayed the scope of the conflict in Iran, saying he would not describe it as “a war” given major combat operations ended months ago — even after a brief resumption of military strikes earlier in the week. 2) Bloomberg Economics expects the unemployment rate to rise in August, and payroll gains to increase at a subpar pace. We see risks to our forecast tilted toward a higher unemployment rate and even lower payrolls. 3) Anthropic PBC is set to finalize an expansion of its revolving credit facility to $15 billion, according to people familiar with the matter, clearing a hurdle before the artificial intelligence firm’s public filing for its highly anticipated IPO.
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) The US and Iran have intensified tit-for-tat military strikes, with Iran hitting merchant vessels and the US striking Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps sites. Iran said the US killed 18 people with its attacks, and vowed to punish Washington for a strike on a wedding ceremony that killed at least four people and injured 67. The conflict has led to a rise in energy prices, with Brent crude oil climbing more than 6% this week to $95 a barrel, and US pump prices for diesel at a four-year high. 2) US retail diesel prices have hit the highest since mid-2022, topping a peak seen during the early stages of the Iran war. The national average pump price climbed to $5.783 a gallon on Wednesday, surpassing the wartime peak set in April, and is approaching the all-time high of $5.816 in June 2022. The surge in prices presents a political headache for President Donald Trump, as he contends with mounting cost-of-living concerns before November’s midterm elections. 3) A disagreement between Chinese and US officials at a Group of 20 finance chiefs meeting revolved around a dispute over the phrase “non-market” in a sentence addressing trade imbalances. The US side attributed the impasse to disagreements on language spanning issues from critical minerals to debt restructuring, while Chinese officials saw the term as a veiled attack on state-owned companies. The final chair statement from the US included a line saying countries should agree to “eliminate non-market policies and practices that exacerbate imbalances,” which was opposed by China.
US Attacks Prompt Iranian Retaliation; MA Election Results
02 Sep 2026
00:15:48
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) Fighting between the US and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz escalated, with Tehran accusing American forces of bombing a residential area in a wave of overnight strikes.The US military carried out its second round of attacks in three days, which US Central Command said targeted radar systems and mine-laying capabilities along Iran’s southern coast. This prompted the Islamic Republic to retaliate with drone and missile volleys on US bases across the Middle East, in line with tactics used throughout the six-month war. 2) Three Massachusetts Democrats with more than 110 years of service in Congress between them held off much younger challengers in Tuesday’s primaries.Sen. Ed Markey, an outspoken progressive, trounced Rep. Seth Moulton, a more moderate candidate, by 65%-35% in nearly complete returns. Moulton, 47, ran an anti-establishment and generational-change campaign that tried to make the case that Markey, 80, shouldn’t be given another six-year Senate term he would finish at age 86. Markey said he was as invigorated as ever to stand up to the Trump administration. 3) The selloff sweeping global bond markets looks painful, but it’s nothing compared with the rout four years ago, when soaring inflation forced central banks into a series of rapid-fire interest-rate hikes.The difference is scale. While the latest pullback has driven yields to multi-year highs in the world’s biggest markets, the move is just a fraction of the one seen in late 2022. Global government bond yields have risen 17 basis points on a rolling 20-day cumulative basis, compared with 62 basis points back then, data compiled by Bloomberg show. On a peak-to-trough basis, bonds have lost 4.2% this year — a far cry from the 23% plunge seen in 2022.
Trump Dismisses ‘Little War’ With Iran, Woman Shot Dead by NYPD
01 Sep 2026
00:15:45
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) President Donald Trump dismissed concerns that the conflict in Iran was draining American firepower as clashes resumed in the on-again off-again hostilities that have stretched more than six months, with neither side willing to restart negotiations to end the war.“This is a relatively little war for us,” Trump told reporters on Monday. “This is not a big war.” 2) A woman randomly stabbed two people in New York City’s Times Square on Monday, killing one woman, and then was fatally shot by police, according to officials.The shooting happened just before 4:30 p.m. next to a New York Police Department substation, just outside One Times Square, the building that hosts the city’s annual New Year’s Eve ball drop celebration. It is one of the most heavily touristed and policed spots in all of New York. 3) US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll is stepping down after repeated clashes with his boss, Pete Hegseth, leaving the service without several top leaders even as the conflict with Iran continues.Driscoll submitted his resignation to President Donald Trump, according to a person familiar with the matter who asked not to be identified. His decision was first reported by the Wall Street Journal.
US-Iran Exchange Strikes; Nepal Races to Find Missing
31 Aug 2026
00:18:37
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.
On today's podcast:
1) The US and Iran exchanged strikes as American forces hit an island in the Strait of Hormuz and Iran responded by launching attacks on the United Arab Emirates and Jordan. Iranian media said the country's authorities seized a bulk carrier near the port of Bandar Abbas and claimed an oil supertanker was hit by mines early on Monday. The incidents underline the high tensions between Washington and Tehran, with crude oil prices rising and several current and former US and Iranian officials expecting the conflict to drag on for months.
2) Bond investors are skeptical about speculation that Federal Reserve Chairman Kevin Warsh is poised to raise interest rates after his speech on Friday. Investors have doubts due to Warsh's past comments and actions, which have not always been clear, and are bracing for the risk that he keeps rates steady again. The reaction of the market will depend on upcoming economic data, including employment and inflation figures, with some investors warning that the Fed's credibility could be at risk if it does not follow through on expected rate hikes.
3) Nepal is racing to find thousands still missing after a glacial collapse unleashed catastrophic flooding along the border with China, with rising water levels and worsening weather threatening to hamper rescue efforts. More than 8,700 people have been rescued, with almost 20,000 security personnel mobilized, and at least 752 people have been confirmed dead, while over 3,000 are still unaccounted for. Rescue personnel have been told to exercise "utmost caution" as they work to retrieve bodies and provide relief services, with challenges mounting as days pass and weather conditions weigh on rescue efforts.
How Financial Advisors Can Grow During the Great Wealth Transfer (Sponsored Content)
30 Aug 2026
00:17:57
Over the next two decades, more than $100 trillion will change hands in the greatest wealth transfer in history. This is a massive opportunity for financial advisors, both new and established. This conversation provides detailed, research-backed information and practical advice for financial advisors who are considering their next move. Produced by Bloomberg Media Studios and Prudential Financial, this roundtable discussion provides clear and honest perspectives on the changes that are coming.
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Research sources: Cerulli Associates: U.S. High-Net-Worth and Ultra-High-Net-Worth Markets, 2024 Cerulli Associates: The Cerulli Edge, U.S. Retail Investor, 2023 Alliance for Lifetime Income: Protected Retirement Income and Planning Study, 2024 Prudential Communications: Global Retirement Pulse Survey, 2025
For more about this series visit us at: https://sponsored.bloomberg.com/media/prudential/the-great-client-transfer
Bloomberg Money is a new, weekly podcast focused on YOUR money. Listen for wealth strategies, retirement tips and a personal finance insights. Join Tom Keene and Scarlet Fu for new episodes every Friday.
Warsh At Jackson Hole; Iran Says Diplomacy Not Impossible
28 Aug 2026
00:17:25
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) Traders are looking for clarity on Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh's economic outlook and strategy for bringing inflation back to target ahead of his address at Jackson Hole. Warsh’s address is shaping up as a crucial moment for markets as doubts about his commitment to taming inflation have helped push up long-term yields. The speech will be more significant for the foreign-exchange, gold and bond markets than for equities, according to Ulrich Urbahn, head of multi-asset strategy and research at Berenberg. 2) Iran's top diplomat said resuming diplomacy with the US "isn't impossible" after "creative discussions" with Qatar. Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said progress "hinges on U.S. understanding of one simple fact: pressure doesn’t work" and called on Washington to build trust and uphold its commitments. The US remains hawkish in its public comments, with President Trump signaling he will not lift a blockade of Iranian ports just to restart talks. 3) Nepal will need at least “a few billion dollars” to recover from the devastation caused by flash floods, according to Finance Minister Swarnim Wagle. At least 469 people have been confirmed dead and more than 1,500 people are missing across Nepal and China after flash floods wiped out bridges, roads and entire settlements. Multilateral institutions including World Bank and Asian Development Bank have committed funds for humanitarian needs, while neighboring countries including India and China have provided supplies and financial assistance.
Nvidia's Blowout Quarter; Investors Gauge Jackson Hole
27 Aug 2026
00:15:27
On today's podcast: 1) Nvidia gave a bullish sales outlook for fiscal 2028, with Chief Financial Officer Colette Kress saying the company expects to grow revenue by approximately 70% in fiscal 2028. The company's second-quarter earnings report showed revenue of $96.2 billion, with profit of $2.22 a share, excluding certain items, and its data center division had revenue of $89 billion. Nvidia warned that margins would narrow in the coming months due to a surge in memory costs, but expects the measure to settle down to 72% to 73% in fiscal 2028 as the company increases its own prices. 2) Central bankers gathering in Jackson Hole, Wyoming will emphasize a global rethink on inflation and the prospect of higher borrowing costs in the face of new threats. Faced with upward price pressures from the Iran war, the artificial intelligence investment boom and extreme weather, some central banks have already raised rates, with more expected to follow suit. Investors are increasingly jumpy over how the latest inflationary forces will combine with rising debt levels, and will be keen to hear from Fed Chairman Kevin Warsh, who has so far avoided a firm stance on tackling prices. 3) Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook denied unproven mortgage fraud allegations repeated by President Trump. Cook's attorney Abbe Lowell called the allegations "unfounded and untrue" in a letter sent to the White House, stating that Cook has never committed mortgage fraud or any intentional wrongdoing. The White House did not have an immediate comment on Cook's letter, which comes after Trump narrowly lost his initial bid at the Supreme Court to oust Cook.
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.
On today's podcast:
1) The Chinese government and Xi Jinping are sending a message of defiance to President Trump over China's economic ties with Iran. China will take "all necessary measures" to safeguard its interests, according to Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian, after the US sanctioned dozens of Chinese entities. China has thrown Tehran an economic lifeline as its biggest buyer of oil, and Xi appears in no rush to help Trump end a conflict that's pulling US resources from Asia.
2) The Trump administration is discussing additional trade penalties against Canada after Prime Minister Mark Carney unveiled dollar-for-dollar retaliation to new tariffs imposed by the US. Additional US escalation against Canada could include higher tariffs and other trade actions, according to a White House official. The Canadian government announced that it would double its existing counter-tariffs on US steel and aluminum products to 50% and apply new 50% duties to other US products, affecting $20 billion worth of annual US exports to Canada.
3) Wall Street is anticipating Nvidia's earnings for what they mean to artificial intelligence investors and the market itself. Nvidia is considered the best barometer for AI spending, and its earnings will help determine if hyperscalers are still accelerating or becoming more disciplined. Investors want to hear what Chief Executive Officer Jensen Huang has to say about capital spending, future demand, and new financing deals that involve Nvidia.
Bessent Threatens Economic D-day; Canada Readies for US Trade Fight
25 Aug 2026
00:15:32
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent’s threat to unleash an “economic D-Day” against Iran risks setting the US on a collision course with China, its main trading partner. Bessent promised an “economic onslaught against Iran’s financial connections around the globe” and unveiled dozens of new sanctions, but the main thrust was threatening secondary sanctions against companies and countries that continue doing business with Iran. China defended its cooperation with Iran and warned of potential retaliation, saying it will take all necessary measures to firmly safeguard its own interests, as the US effort to impose secondary sanctions risks expanding the economic disruption caused by the war against Iran. 2) Canada's government will announce measures to "protect and support" its workers and businesses in response to US tariffs. Domestic measures will include expanded jobless benefits and loans for businesses affected by the tariffs. Canada plans to retaliate against the US tariffs, with Prime Minister Mark Carney saying "everything is on the table" regarding the country's response. US-Canada trade talks collapsed after Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick applied last-minute pressure, leading President Donald Trump to impose new tariffs and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney to vow retaliation. 3) Bitcoin climbed above $80,000 for the first time since mid-May as optimism returns to the crypto market amid bullish signals. The increase comes after Bitcoin rallied in the seven days through Sunday, and spot Bitcoin exchange-traded funds had their strongest weekly inflow in 10 months last week.
US-Canada Trade Breakdown; Warsh Readies for Jackson Hole
24 Aug 2026
00:16:30
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.
On today's podcast:
1) Prime Minister Mark Carney’s government sees little chance of resuming talks with President Donald Trump before the midterm elections after trade talks collapsed. Carney is designing a domestic aid package to help businesses hurt by US tariffs, which will remain in place for the duration of the conflict and throughout the rest of Trump’s term if need be. The US has said the path for talks is unclear, with US Trade Representative Jamieson Greer stating that they don’t have new talks planned with the Canadians and are moving forward with measures that respond to Canadian retaliation.
2) Iran’s oil shipments to Asia have all but dried up, driving the cost of those cargoes to the highest levels in years. A US blockade has left loaded Iranian vessels trapped inside the Persian Gulf and a fleet of empty ones stuck outside, resulting in a scarcity of oil in the region. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent is due to unveil a plan for “the greatest coordinated economic isolation in the history of the world”, targeting Chinese refiners and the banks funding them.
3) Investors are looking for Fed Chair Kevin Warsh to clarify his views on how the US central bank should react to stubborn inflation when he speaks on Friday at the annual gathering in Jackson Hole, Wyoming. The chairman's communications strategy is off to a rocky start, and he's under pressure to give clearer guidance of how the Fed might react over the remainder of the year. Recent data have shown inflation, while still above the Fed's 2% goal, may be starting to cool, with economists estimating the PCE price index rose 3.6% in July from a year ago.
US Aims to Throttle Iran's Economy; Bessent Flags Bigger Debt Buyback Potential
21 Aug 2026
00:18:56
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.
On today's podcast:
1) Oil headed for a substantial weekly gain, as a US push to isolate Iran’s economy raised the specter of further market disruption.Global crude benchmark Brent traded above $93 a barrel, on pace for a weekly advance of around 6%. West Texas Intermediate for October was near $86 a barrel following a five-session run of gains.
2) Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said that he’s prepared to expand efforts to buy back costlier debt and that the administration will be unveiling a new fiscal initiative to address the highest borrowing costs in years.
3) Anthropic PBC expects to match or beat the size of SpaceX’s record-setting initial public offering, according to people familiar with the matter, in the latest sign of overwhelming demand from investors looking to profit from the artificial intelligence boom.
Trump Threatens Iran ‘Economic D-Day’; Treasury Bond Fix JPMorgan Warning
20 Aug 2026
00:15:54
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) President Trump announced plans to subject Iran to an “economic D-Day,” underscoring his rising frustration with Tehran’s refusal to capitulate despite military strikes and an American blockade targeting its oil exports. Trump didn’t specify what measures he would take, but his threat to target Iran’s trading partners, none of which he cited by name, put an immediate focus on China, which buys the bulk of Iran’s oil. Trump demanded that all countries cease providing Iran access to exchange houses, cash transfers, swap lines, ship registries, front companies and avenues to smuggle out its oil. He also sought to rally other nations that have so far declined to support his war on the Islamic Republic, saying the US needs all its allies to help “isolate, and defeat, the Iran threat.” 2) A tentative trade deal between the US and Canada would lower tariffs on certain Canadian exports of steel and aluminum to 25% and cut duties on Canadian auto exports to 15%, according to people familiar with the matter. The details have yet to be finalized and are not expected to apply across the board. For steel and aluminum, different rates could apply to some derivative products that include those metals, said some of the people, who requested anonymity to discuss terms of the agreement before it is announced. Tariffs on the non-US content in autos exported from Canada would be reduced to 15% from 25%, according to people familiar with the negotiations. Talks between US and Canadian trade advisers continued Wednesday, less than 24 hours after President Trump paused planned 50% levies on billions of dollars of Canadian goods to allow more time to negotiate. 3) Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent made a fresh attempt to rein-in long-term borrowing costs from multi-year highs, sending Treasury yields and the dollar down. Just two weeks after releasing its planned schedule for buybacks this quarter, the Treasury Department on Wednesday said it’s “increasing, by at least double, the size of liquidity support buyback operations” for securities dated from the 10-year to the 30-year sector. The bold intervention to stem a potentially damaging rise in US borrowing costs has some investors saying the dollar will ultimately pay the price. Some market participants see the move as a turning point, with Washington taking a more active role in keeping its borrowing costs down. Coming after other recent efforts to rein in long-term yields, it’s reviving a concern that US policy could weaken faith in the dollar and push investors toward alternatives.
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) Democratic Socialist Angie Nixon stormed to a surprise win in Florida’s US Senate primary, while Republican Representative Byron Donalds, backed by a $100 million war chest and President Donald Trump’s endorsement, cruised to victory in his gubernatorial primary. Nixon, a Black labor and political organizer from Jacksonville who has been a state lawmaker since 2020, defeated Alex Vindman by more than 10 percentage points, upending pre-election polling. Vindman, who rose to notoriety in Trump’s first administration by being a key witness in his first impeachment trial, had outraised Nixon by 16-to-1. Meantime, the race to replace two-term Governor Ron DeSantis will be fought between Donalds and David Jolly, a former Republican-turned-moderate Democrat. With registered Republicans outnumbering Democrats by more than 1.5 million people in Florida, Jolly will have to appeal to independent voters and hope that some Republicans stay home to deliver an upset. 2) The Trump administration delayed 50% tariffs on billions of dollars of Canadian products for three days, saying the two sides had reached a tentative agreement to resolve a broader trade dispute that had plunged relations to a fresh low. President Trump announced the decision less than two hours before the tariffs were set to take effect. A White House proclamation later said the duties were halted after Canada “expressed a commitment to remove the discriminations” on US autos, dairy and alcohol. And the US Trade Representative’s office said the deal includes “comprehensive market access for all American goods, economic security commitments, digital trade alignment” and other factors, without giving specifics. 3) President Trump insisted Tuesday that there were no talks ongoing with Iran, leaving the simmering conflict in the Middle East and control of the Strait of Hormuz stuck in limbo. The memorandum of understanding that the US and Iran signed in June in an effort to buy time to negotiate a lasting peace deal — as repeatedly violated as it had been during that 60-day window — has expired. There are no plans to extend it, leaving the status of Hormuz unresolved, with little traffic and Washington and Tehran still at odds over how the waterway should be managed.
Trump Takes Hard Line on Iran, China’s Xi to Skip UN Meeting
18 Aug 2026
00:15:40
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) President Trump said he won’t try to revive a stalled truce with Iran, leaving the simmering conflict in the Middle East and a tussle for control of the Strait of Hormuz stuck in limbo. A memorandum of understanding the US and Iran signed in June that gave them a 60-day window to negotiate a lasting peace deal technically expired Monday, and when Trump was asked if he would seek an extension, he replied: “No.” The ceasefire had been repeatedly violated in any event, with intermittent clashes continuing, and both sides had declared it defunct. Brent crude climbed Tuesday - by its highest level in more than three weeks - as prospects dimmed for a swift reopening of Hormuz, through which a fifth of the world’s oil and gas transited before the war. Trump is demanding that free passage through the waterway be restored, while Iran said it will govern traffic in conjunction with Oman. 2) Jared Kushner assured Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that the Israeli army won’t be compelled to withdraw from Gaza until Hamas disarms, an official with knowledge of the talks said, a stance that will dim hopes for a Gaza peace deal anytime soon. Kushner met with Netanyahu in Jerusalem on Monday, a day after holding talks with a Hamas leader in Egypt. The US and Israel agreed there would be no Israel Defense Forces redeployment from Gaza until Hamas is fully disarmed and all of Gaza is demilitarized, according to the Board of Peace official, who asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations. Those conditions are likely to be rejected by Hamas, which has insisted that Israel withdraw from Gaza before it gives up its weapons. 3) Chinese leader Xi Jinping will forgo a stop in New York to address the UN General Assembly during a trip to the US next month to meet President Donald Trump, Politico reported. Politico cited four people familiar with the matter whom it didn’t identify. Xi plans to visit the US for three days, meeting Trump on Sept. 24, one of the people said. There’d been speculation that Xi would join other world leaders at the UN meeting as part of his US visit. Trump invited Xi to visit during his trip to Beijing in May. The two sides used their spring summit to steady ties that had deteriorated over trade, tech, Taiwan and other issues.
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) Fighting between Israel and Iran-backed Hezbollah flared in Lebanon over the weekend, the latest setback in efforts to end parallel wars in the Middle East that have dragged on for almost six months and disrupted global markets.Israel’s military said Sunday that it killed Abu Hassan Alaa, a senior Hezbollah commander, in southern Lebanon a day earlier. Eleven people died in the Israeli strikes, which Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said were in retaliation for an attack by the militant group that seriously injured three soldiers. 2) President Donald Trump told the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” joint military exercises with South Korea and indicated his decision to do so was driven by frustration the longtime US ally hadn’t provided more support for his war with Iran. 3) Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles on “Heroes” and in “Scream 4” and “Scream 6,” has died. Her rep confirmed her death to ABC News. A cause of death was not immediately known. “It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden. She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen,” her rep told ABC.
US Readies Isolation Plan for Iran; Trump Tariffs on Drones
14 Aug 2026
00:15:11
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) The US will soon announce unprecedented economic measures against Iran, Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said, intensifying the Trump administration’s effort to force Tehran’s capitulation after almost six months of war. 2) The Trump administration is imposing tariffs of as much as 100% on imported drones and their components, escalating efforts to reduce US reliance on foreign suppliers and potentially accelerating a decoupling of drone supply chains with China. 3) OpenAI is on track to generate annualized revenue of more than $40 billion based on its current performance, according to people familiar with the matter, roughly doubling its run rate from the end of 2025 and bolstering the company’s plans for a Wall Street debut.
Trump Reverts to Economic Squeeze of Iran; Colombia Quake Toll Tops 260
13 Aug 2026
00:15:30
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) The US military campaign against Iran has so far failed to force the regime to capitulate. The Trump administration is betting once again that suffocating economic pressure will do the job. Facing a shortfall of necessary munitions and wary of continuing an unpopular war, Trump and his top officials are returning to a familiar playbook with the regime: relying on a steady increase in economic sanctions and a naval blockade to stifle oil exports. 2) The death toll from Colombia’s earthquake rose to 265 as President Abelardo de la Espriella moved to declare an economic emergency to confront the fallout from the strongest tremor to strike the country in 47 years. The 7.4-magnitude quake that struck Aug. 10 was the second strongest recorded in Colombian territory in the past century. Fatalities reached 265, with nearly 3,500 injured and 500 missing, De la Espriella said from the presidential palace in Bogota. 3) Billionaire Mark Walter’s firm is in talks with investors to raise money to help pay down loans on the books of its insurers that had drawn scrutiny from the Justice Department, according to people familiar with the matter. TWG Global has approached multiple investment firms about a range of deals to raise cash, said the people, who asked not to be identified describing private discussions. The firm has been working on plans to address concerns about the outsize loans Walter’s insurers have made to other parts of his investment empire, and those efforts have ramped up in recent days, said some of the people.
Moderate Democrat Projected to Win Wisconsin Primary; Trump Claims Hormuz Control
12 Aug 2026
00:15:39
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes. On today's podcast: 1) Moderate Democrat David Crowley is projected to defeat Democratic Socialist Francesca Hong in Wisconsin’s primary for governor, an upset in a race that became a test of the party’s ideological direction. Crowley had 39.8% of the vote to Hong’s 39.38%, with more than 95% of the expected vote counted, according to Decision Desk HQ, which projected him to win the Democratic primary. The Associated Press also called the race for Crowley. 2) President Donald Trump claimed the US had “total control over the Hormuz Strait,” as Washington and Tehran hardened their stances in deadlocked negotiations over the waterway. “We own it,” Trump told reporters at Joint Base Andrews outside Washington late Tuesday. “And at some point, maybe they’ll do something, and then they get blown away.” 3) Global oil inventories will tumble this quarter at more than twice the rate previously estimated as the Iran war flares again, even as the hit to demand from high prices deepens, the International Energy Agency said. Oil markets face a shortfall of 1.8 million barrels a day as “renewed hostilities and maritime disruptions” undermine a production recovery, the IEA said in its monthly report. For 2026 as a whole, the deficit will likely be the widest in five years.
Trump Hardens Stance on Iran; President Renews Efforts to Dismantle Vaccination Schedule
11 Aug 2026
00:15:08
Today's top stories, with context, in just 15 minutes.
On today's podcast:
1) President Donald Trump hardened his stance toward Iran as negotiations to reopen the Strait of Hormuz continue, pronouncing that the Islamic Republic must pay reparations for past attacks. Trump made his sweeping new demands on Monday after accusing Tehran of itself seeking compensation for war damages through public statements even though the issue had never been raised in negotiations. 2) President Donald Trump renewed his administration’s efforts to dismantle the childhood vaccination schedule with a direct attack on the measles shot, returning to a politically unpopular issue and making unproven scientific claims just months ahead of the midterm elections. 3) Intel Corp. raised $20 billion in an upsized share sale, a third more than it was targeting when it announced the deal Monday morning.The chipmaker priced the offering at $95 per share, according to a company statement. That represents a discount of 6.5% to Friday’s closing price, according to Bloomberg calculations. The share sale drew more than $100 billion in demand, people familiar with the matter said.