The John Batchelor Show

CBS EYE ON THE WORLD WITH JOHN BATCHELOR 1909 DR THE SHOW BEGINS IN THE DOUBTS ABOUT THE LA FIRE RESTORATION...... 10-10-25 FIRST HOUR 9-915 Palisades Fire Aftermath and In-N-Out Expansion GUEST NAME: Jeff Bliss Jeff Bliss discusses the aftermath of the Palisades fire, noting that Adam Carolla, who lost his home, believes rebuilding is stalled by political forces seeking subsidized housing or natural restoration. An arrest was made in Florida for Jonathan Flendernik in connection with the fire. Video evidence suggests the LA Fire Department failed to fully extinguish the initial fire, which spread through root systems. In business news, the family-owned In-N-Out chain, known for high profits and employee treatment, is expanding with five new stores. The Boring Company's Prufrock tunneling machine is operating in Las Vegas. 915-930 Mixed Economic Signals and High-Tech Development in Lancaster County GUEST NAME: Jim McTague Jim McTague reports on Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, which is introducing high-tech industry by building two data centers on the former RR Donnelley printing plant site. Construction is underway on the L-shaped, two-story building. Anecdotally, the local economy shows mixed signals: two young people were seen signing up for the National Guard, suggesting tight employment, while an entrepreneur boasted of successful property investments. Consumers are cautious, engaging in "inflation shopping." 930-945 The Perpetual Conflict Over Executive Power and the Rise of Lawfare GUEST NAME: Professor Richard Epstein Professor Richard Epstein analyzes the perpetual clash between executive and congressional power, particularly regarding the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. He notes the Roberts court generally protects executive power. The dispute over fund impoundment, seen in Department of State et al. versus AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition, reflects deep polarization, hindering compromise. Epstein criticizes the use of lawfare, exemplified by the indictments of Letitia James and James Comey, stating it fails long-term and leads to cycles of violence and discord. 945-1000 The Perpetual Conflict Over Executive Power and the Rise of Lawfare GUEST NAME: Professor Richard Epstein Professor Richard Epstein analyzes the perpetual clash between executive and congressional power, particularly regarding the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. He notes the Roberts court generally protects executive power. The dispute over fund impoundment, seen in Department of State et al. versus AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition, reflects deep polarization, hindering compromise. Epstein criticizes the use of lawfare, exemplified by the indictments of Letitia James and James Comey, stating it fails long-term and leads to cycles of violence and discord. SECOND HOUR 10-1015 NPT Enforcement and the Golden Dome Defense Concept GUEST NAME: Henry Sokolski Henry Sokolski, executive director of the Non-proliferation Policy Education Center, debates whether the US should abandon the 1970 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), citing foreign criticism and industry constraints. He argues the US should stay to enforce the NPT by clarifying red lines, justifying the bombing of nuclear facilities. Sokolski also discusses the proposed Golden Dome defense system, intended to protect the Western Hemisphere against missiles and drones. The viability of the system, particularly regarding Low Earth Orbit defenses, remains unclear and requires greater Congressional buy-in. 1015-1030 NPT Enforcement and the Golden Dome Defense Concept GUEST NAME: Henry Sokolski Henry Sokolski, executive director of the Non-proliferation Policy Education Center, debates whether the US should abandon the 1970 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), citing foreign criticism and industry constraints. He argues the US should stay to enforce the NPT by clarifying red lines, justifying the...

Space Updates: NASA Administrator, Reusable Rockets, and Satellite Cell Service GUEST NAME: Bob Zimmerman Bob Zimmerman discusses the potential renomination of billionaire Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator, noting Isaacman's previous private manned space missions. He highlights Stoke Space raising nearly $1 billion to develop its fully reusable Nova rocket, potentially cheaper than SpaceX's offerings. AST SpaceMobile signed Verizon (adding to AT&T) to use its "Bluebirds" satellites for direct cell phone service, eliminating dead spots. SpaceX recently flew a Falcon booster for its 29th flight. Congressional cuts zeroed out 15 potential space missions

Space Updates: NASA Administrator, Reusable Rockets, and Satellite Cell Service GUEST NAME: Bob Zimmerman Bob Zimmerman discusses the potential renomination of billionaire Jared Isaacman as NASA administrator, noting Isaacman's previous private manned space missions. He highlights Stoke Space raising nearly $1 billion to develop its fully reusable Nova rocket, potentially cheaper than SpaceX's offerings. AST SpaceMobile signed Verizon (adding to AT&T) to use its "Bluebirds" satellites for direct cell phone service, eliminating dead spots. SpaceX recently flew a Falcon booster for its 29th flight. Congressional cuts zeroed out 15 potential space missions

Italy's Rising Diplomatic Status Amid Economic Headwinds GUEST NAME: Lorenzo Fiori Lorenzo Fiori details Italy's enhanced diplomatic role, noting that Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has been invited to the Israel-Gaza peace agreement signing. Italian carabinieri are already training local police near the Rafah border. Meloni has friction with French President Macron over migration policy and Africa. Italy's production index has fallen below mid-2021 levels due to weak internal demand and the highest energy costs in Europe. Mr. Trump restored Columbus Day, and AC Milan owner Cardinale received honorary Italian citizenship. 1936 RAMALLAH

Trump's Diplomatic Triumph: Expanding the Middle East Peace Consensus GUEST NAME: Conrad Black Conrad Black discusses the ceasefire deal between Gaza, Hamas, and the Israeli Defense Forces. He praises President Trump for his astute diplomacy in attracting sympathy from Arab states and non-Arab Muslim countries apart from Iran, such as Indonesia and Pakistan. Black considers this the greatest diplomatic success in the Middle East since the establishment of the state of Israel. The consensus, achieved by expanding the negotiating scope, is that established states are preferable to terrorist operations. 1936 RAMALLAH

Roman History: The Rivalry Between Cicero and Clodius GUEST NAME: Professor Josiah Osgood Professor Josiah Osgood discusses the end of the Roman Republic. The scandal involving Publius Clodius Pulcher disguising himself as a woman at the women-only Bona Dea ceremony led to his trial. Cicero testified against Clodius, leading to a dangerous rivalry. Acquitted, Clodius won election as tribune, passed a law targeting Cicero for executing citizens without trial, and destroyed his Palatine Hill mansion. Later, Cicero was present during Julius Caesar's assassination, though not involved in planning. 1770

Roman History: The Rivalry Between Cicero and Clodius GUEST NAME: Professor Josiah Osgood Professor Josiah Osgood discusses the end of the Roman Republic. The scandal involving Publius Clodius Pulcher disguising himself as a woman at the women-only Bona Dea ceremony led to his trial. Cicero testified against Clodius, leading to a dangerous rivalry. Acquitted, Clodius won election as tribune, passed a law targeting Cicero for executing citizens without trial, and destroyed his Palatine Hill mansion. Later, Cicero was present during Julius Caesar's assassination, though not involved in planning.

Roman History: The Rivalry Between Cicero and Clodius GUEST NAME: Professor Josiah Osgood Professor Josiah Osgood discusses the end of the Roman Republic. The scandal involving Publius Clodius Pulcher disguising himself as a woman at the women-only Bona Dea ceremony led to his trial. Cicero testified against Clodius, leading to a dangerous rivalry. Acquitted, Clodius won election as tribune, passed a law targeting Cicero for executing citizens without trial, and destroyed his Palatine Hill mansion. Later, Cicero was present during Julius Caesar's assassination, though not involved in planning.

Roman History: The Rivalry Between Cicero and Clodius GUEST NAME: Professor Josiah Osgood Professor Josiah Osgood discusses the end of the Roman Republic. The scandal involving Publius Clodius Pulcher disguising himself as a woman at the women-only Bona Dea ceremony led to his trial. Cicero testified against Clodius, leading to a dangerous rivalry. Acquitted, Clodius won election as tribune, passed a law targeting Cicero for executing citizens without trial, and destroyed his Palatine Hill mansion. Later, Cicero was present during Julius Caesar's assassination, though not involved in planning.

The US Fiscal Crisis: Spending Cuts Are the Only Way Out GUEST NAME: Adam Michel Adam Michel, director of tax policy at the Cato Institute, discusses the US fiscal crisis stemming from large deficits and overwhelming debt. He recalls the 1980s Ronald Reagan tax cut where promised spending cuts never materialized. The deficit is the annual gap between taxes and spending, accumulating into the national debt. Michel identifies a "deficit hawk coalition" split between deficit hawks (agnostic on revenues/spending) and budget hawks (concerned with government size), advocating for spending cuts to solve the crisis. Entitlement programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are the root of fiscal problems. 1936

The US Fiscal Crisis: Spending Cuts Are the Only Way Out GUEST NAME: Adam Michel Adam Michel, director of tax policy at the Cato Institute, discusses the US fiscal crisis stemming from large deficits and overwhelming debt. He recalls the 1980s Ronald Reagan tax cut where promised spending cuts never materialized. The deficit is the annual gap between taxes and spending, accumulating into the national debt. Michel identifies a "deficit hawk coalition" split between deficit hawks (agnostic on revenues/spending) and budget hawks (concerned with government size), advocating for spending cuts to solve the crisis. Entitlement programs like Social Security, Medicare, and Medicaid are the root of fiscal problems. 1903

NPT Enforcement and the Golden Dome Defense Concept GUEST NAME: Henry Sokolski Henry Sokolski, executive director of the Non-proliferation Policy Education Center, debates whether the US should abandon the 1970 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), citing foreign criticism and industry constraints. He argues the US should stay to enforce the NPT by clarifying red lines, justifying the bombing of nuclear facilities. Sokolski also discusses the proposed Golden Dome defense system, intended to protect the Western Hemisphere against missiles and drones. The viability of the system, particularly regarding Low Earth Orbit defenses, remains unclear and requires greater Congressional buy-in. 1945

NPT Enforcement and the Golden Dome Defense Concept GUEST NAME: Henry Sokolski Henry Sokolski, executive director of the Non-proliferation Policy Education Center, debates whether the US should abandon the 1970 Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT), citing foreign criticism and industry constraints. He argues the US should stay to enforce the NPT by clarifying red lines, justifying the bombing of nuclear facilities. Sokolski also discusses the proposed Golden Dome defense system, intended to protect the Western Hemisphere against missiles and drones. The viability of the system, particularly regarding Low Earth Orbit defenses, remains unclear and requires greater Congressional buy-in.

The Perpetual Conflict Over Executive Power and the Rise of Lawfare GUEST NAME: Professor Richard Epstein Professor Richard Epstein analyzes the perpetual clash between executive and congressional power, particularly regarding the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. He notes the Roberts court generally protects executive power. The dispute over fund impoundment, seen in Department of State et al. versus AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition, reflects deep polarization, hindering compromise. Epstein criticizes the use of lawfare, exemplified by the indictments of Letitia James and James Comey, stating it fails long-term and leads to cycles of violence and discord.

The Perpetual Conflict Over Executive Power and the Rise of Lawfare GUEST NAME: Professor Richard Epstein Professor Richard Epstein analyzes the perpetual clash between executive and congressional power, particularly regarding the Congressional Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974. He notes the Roberts court generally protects executive power. The dispute over fund impoundment, seen in Department of State et al. versus AIDS Vaccine Advocacy Coalition, reflects deep polarization, hindering compromise. Epstein criticizes the use of lawfare, exemplified by the indictments of Letitia James and James Comey, stating it fails long-term and leads to cycles of violence and discord. 1910

Mixed Economic Signals and High-Tech Development in Lancaster County GUEST NAME: Jim McTague Jim McTague reports on Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, which is introducing high-tech industry by building two data centers on the former RR Donnelley printing plant site. Construction is underway on the L-shaped, two-story building. Anecdotally, the local economy shows mixed signals: two young people were seen signing up for the National Guard, suggesting tight employment, while an entrepreneur boasted of successful property investments. Consumers are cautious, engaging in "inflation shopping." 1913 GETTYSBURGH

Palisades Fire Aftermath and In-N-Out Expansion GUEST NAME: Jeff Bliss Jeff Bliss discusses the aftermath of the Palisades fire, noting that Adam Carolla, who lost his home, believes rebuilding is stalled by political forces seeking subsidized housing or natural restoration. An arrest was made in Florida for Jonathan Flendernik in connection with the fire. Video evidence suggests the LA Fire Department failed to fully extinguish the initial fire, which spread through root systems. In business news, the family-owned In-N-Out chain, known for high profits and employee treatment, is expanding with five new stores. The Boring Company's Prufrock tunneling machine is operating in Las Vegas. 1919

PREVIEW: Lawfare: Does It Work? GUEST NAME: Professor Richard Epstein Professor Richard Epstein discusses lawfare, asserting that it only works when you win. He argues that the lawsuits against President Trump were based on "nefarious" or "silly transactions". He suggests these lawsuits, seen by the public as preposterous, likely propelled Trump into office. Epstein also suggests that impeachment should bar subsequent federal trials.

PREVIEW: Cicero's Sharp Tongue and Rhetorical Put-downs GUEST NAME: Professor Josiah Osgood Professor Josiah Osgood discusses Marcus Tullius Cicero from his book, Lawless Republic. Osgood notes students enjoy Cicero's beautiful Latin and his sharp tongue. Cicero's rhetorical put-downs, which are now forbidden, made enemies but entertained listeners in court. His appeal is evident, as one student keeps his speeches for laughs.

PREVIEW: Ex-NASA Nominee Jared Isaacman Reportedly Meeting with Trump Again Bob Zimmerman discusses Jared Isaacman, a billionaire space walker and former NASA administrator nominee whose nomination was suddenly withdrawn by Trump. Withdrawal rumors involved Isaacman's Democratic donations or his ties to Elon Musk during a budget dispute. Anonymous sources now claim Isaacman is holding meetings with Trump to discuss NASA's operational and future plans.