Definitely. Good morning. Good to have you with us on this Wednesday. I'm Joe Frier >> and I'm Savannah Cers. And we're going to begin this morning with President Trump confirming that he is seeking what he describes, as we played, quote, a lot of money in damages from his own federal government. The president acknowledged the effort yesterday after the New York Times reported that he'd filed administrative claims seeking up to $230 million from the Justice Department, where the deputy attorney general once ...

Legal & Political Risk - A potential $230 million (USD) demand from Donald Trump to the taxpayers as compensation for investigations by the Department of Justice is under scrutiny [1] - The demand is based on purported violations of Trump's rights, including the FBI and special counsel investigation into Russian election tampering and the search of Mara Lago for classified documents [1] - Ethical concerns arise due to Trump leading the government while demanding money from it, with his own attorney general potentially approving the settlement [2] - The investigations in question led to multiple indictments and guilty pleas, including those of Trump's campaign manager and other close associates [4] - Concerns exist that political appointees within the Department of Justice, who previously served as Trump's counsel, may not be impartial in deciding on the settlement [10][19] Potential Legal Actions - Taxpayer lawsuits could challenge the settlement, arguing that it harms taxpayers and is being decided by conflicted parties [22] - Bar associations could intervene, arguing that the former counsel's duty of loyalty to their prior client creates a conflict of interest [23][24] - A hearing or trial could reveal details of the Russia case and Mara Lago situation, which Trump has previously avoided [16][17] Investigation Context - Special counsel John Durham found no criminal wrongdoing on the part of the investigators [5] - The investigation into Trump's handling of classified information revealed boxes of documents, including nuclear secrets, stored at his private club [5][6] - There is an active investigation into officials who served under former President Barack Obama [13][14]

We are now three weeks into the government shutdown. >> Still no end in sight. But what we are beginning to see are its real world effects. The FAA says staffing shortages from the shutdowns caused thousands of flight delays across the US over this past weekend. According to the website FlightAware, at least 8,000 flights were delayed from Friday to Monday at major airports. They include Dallas, New York, Chicago, and Atlanta. About 13,000 air traffic controllers and 50,000 TSA officers are currently workin ...

Core Insights - Nongshim launched a global campaign in New York Times Square to celebrate the debut of Shin Ramyun in collaboration with Netflix's animated film 'KPop Demon Hunters' [1][4] - The campaign featured interactive activities that allowed consumers to taste Shin Ramyun, enhancing both online and offline engagement [1][4] Group 1: Campaign Details - The campaign included a giant Digital Out-of-Home (DOOH) billboard and themed booths for visitors to experience the Shin Ramyun brand [2] - Visitors sampled Shin Toomba and Shrimp Crackers, showcasing Korea's "Hangang Ramyun" culture [3] - The event featured instant photo booths and a social media follow event that offered prizes, including Shin Ramyun [3] Group 2: Global Expansion - Nongshim has been rolling out 'KPop Demon Hunters'-inspired packaging globally since late August, starting in Korea [4] - Sales in the Americas began in mid-September, with plans for expansion to key European markets and Australia/New Zealand within the year [4]

Restrictions on Pentagon Press Corps - New Pentagon press restrictions force journalists to surrender access to the building [1] - Restrictions hinder the American public's access to information about the Pentagon's inner workings [6] - Journalists are prohibited from asking basic questions without fear of prosecution [7] - Restrictions may impede the ability to report on military activities, deployments, and their impact [21][22] Impact on Reporting and Information Access - Sources express fear of talking to the press due to potential polygraph tests and questioning [12] - Journalism continues despite restrictions, with reporters finding alternative ways to report [8][9] - Restrictions may lead to a less nuanced understanding of military operations for the American public [23] - The Pentagon's decision to restrict press access may harm its own ability to engage with and be understood by the public [19][20] Concerns about Politicization of the Military - There are concerns about the politicization of the US military [16][17] - The US military is traditionally apolitical, defending the nation without fear or favor [16] - There is a danger that the military may be tailored to a specific political agenda [17]

President Trump refiled a shorter version of his $15 billion defamation suit against the New York Times after a judge tossed it out for violating court rules requiring “short, plain, direct” claims https://t.co/2V622nCDry ...

Core Insights - The Capital Link published an independent analysis titled "They Got It Wrong," examining LuxUrban Hotels Inc.'s compliance with New York State and City sales and occupancy tax requirements from 2020 to 2025 [1][4] Compliance Findings - The analysis concludes that LuxUrban's tax position aligns with New York state and city laws, indicating compliance with applicable tax regulations [2] - A significant portion of taxable transactions was processed through third-party online travel agencies (OTAs), which are responsible for collecting and remitting sales and occupancy taxes under New York law [2] Implications and Clarifications - The report aims to clarify claims of significant unpaid taxes, suggesting that public narratives may have exaggerated potential liabilities [3] - It emphasizes the importance of careful interpretation of tax filings and enforcement actions in the hospitality sector, which has broader implications for tax reporting and investor information [3]

On Wednesday, President Trump confirmed something that every other administration might have kept shrouded in secrecy that he had approved new CIA actions inside Venezuela. A move so unprecedented that it prompted a question like that from a reporter. So far, US military strikes on boats in the Caribbean have killed 27 people with little information, evidence, or much of an explanation from the Trump administration on their goals and its war on drug trafficking.But sources tell the New York Times, which was ...

Core Viewpoint - Major news organizations, including The New York Times, The Associated Press, and Newsmax, have decided not to sign a Defense Department document regarding its new press regulations, indicating a significant pushback against government control over media practices [1] Group 1 - The refusal to sign the document highlights concerns over press freedom and government influence on journalism [1] - The organizations involved represent a broad spectrum of the media landscape, from liberal to conservative outlets, suggesting a unified stance on the issue [1] - This decision may lead to further discussions about the role of the government in regulating media and the implications for journalistic integrity [1]

Legal and Political Context - The President's attempt to deploy the National Guard to Portland was challenged in court, with a judge initially blocking the deployment, stating the determination was "simply untethered to the facts" [1][2] - The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals granted an administrative stay, allowing the President to federalize Oregon's National Guard but barring deployment to Portland [3] - Concerns were raised about the dangerous precedent of deploying National Guard troops from different states against another state's will [9][10] Portland Situation and Response - Portland faces real challenges including crime, drug use, commercial vacancies, and homelessness [6] - The characterization of Portland as a "war ravaged city" or full of "insurrectionists" is considered absurd [7] - Oregon is experiencing a 51% reduction in violent crime since the beginning of the year [10] - The emphasis from city leaders is to avoid escalating the situation and not fall into a "trap" of violence [16] Broader Implications and Concerns - The President is accused of attacking an independent judiciary and the free press, using fear to intimidate people [18][19] - There are concerns about normalizing the use of the United States military on the streets, which is considered un-American [20][22] - The President's actions are seen as attacks on the pillars of democracy, requiring a firm stance against unconstitutional actions [20][21][22]