SCHEDULE THE JBS, 5-29-26.
457 THE AMBROSIAN ILIAD.

(1) Jeff Bliss discusses the Los Angeles mayoral race between incumbent Karen Bass, who faces criticism over homelessness and crime, and unconventional candidate Spencer Pratt, who utilizes social media and "guerrilla campaigning" to gain traction.

(2) Jeff Bliss highlights Las Vegas's pursuit of an NBA team to complete its status as a global sports capital, while the Fertitta family acquires Caesar's Palace, consolidating power among the city's casino billionaires.

(3) Professor Richard Epstein analyzes the legal history of birthright citizenship and Donald Trump's executive order, arguing that the 14th Amendment has been misinterpreted and that the child's status should depend on the parent's.

(4) Professor Richard Epstein describes the Trump administration's $1.776 billion "slush fund" as a fraudulent private agreement, noting that despite its likely illegality, legal standing requirements make it difficult for anyone to successfully challenge.

(5) Jim McTague reports on Lancaster County's economy, noting record-breaking gasoline sales at Costco despite rainy weather, the rise of retirement-driven healthcare, and local "Luddite" opposition to a proposed data center in Columbia.

(6) Veronique de Rugy discusses a proposed California tax on billionaires, warning it will drive high earners away and reduce state revenue, while a competing initiative seeks to protect regular citizens' savings from taxation.

(7) Bob Zimmerman examines a massive Blue Origin rocket explosion that has grounded the New Glenn program and delayed NASA's Artemis missions, leaving SpaceX as the only viable private partner for immediate lunar goals.

(8) Bob Zimmerman discusses mysterious subsurface changes in the sun and conflicting data regarding water ice at the lunar South Pole, while highlighting Mars' "brain terrain" as evidence of significant near-surface ice deposits.

(9) Francis Rose details the Department of Veterans Affairs' ambitious rollout of a new electronic health record system in Michigan, aiming for a seamless "enlistment to grave" digital history for every member of the military.

(10) Francis Rose explores the security risks of electronic health records, explaining how nation-states like China seek bulk data for espionage and how the government utilizes "zero trust" technology to deter sophisticated machine-speed hacks.

(11) Gene Marks reports from Nashville that mid-market companies are aggressively adopting AI to supplement labor shortages rather than replace workers, while also navigating the complexities of receiving refunds for previously paid tariffs.

(12) Gene Marks questions surveys claiming 93% small business growth and dismisses claims that AI will eliminate white-collar jobs soon, asserting that human workers will naturally adapt to new technology as they have historically.

(13) Henry Sokolski argues that no inherent "right to enrichment" exists under the NPT, warning that Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional power plants create dangerous targets and risk a "hot spot" of nuclear-armed nations.

(14) Henry Sokolski discusses Russia's "gray warfare" tactics against NATO, including drone provocations and sabotage of European infrastructure, warning that the United States is not taking these threats seriously enough compared to Europe.

(15) Conrad Black discusses Alberta's threat to secede from Canada if the federal government blocks oil pipelines, detailing the political maneuvering between Premier Danielle Smith, indigenous groups, and Prime Minister candidate Mark Carney.

(16) Lorenzo Fiori reports on a record-breaking Italian heat wave and the poor market reception of Ferrari's new electric vehicle, while noting that affordable Chinese EVs are rapidly becoming the top-selling cars in Italy.

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JBS, FEATURING BLISS AND VLAHOS. 5-29-2026
1890 TROJAN WAR.

This transcript from The John Batchelor Show features a discussion with correspondent Jeff Bliss regarding the high-stakes mayoral primary in Los Angeles. The conversation highlights the tension between incumbent Karen Bass and her challengers, specifically former reality star Spencer Pratt and Democratic Socialist Nithya Raman, amidst a city struggling with homelessness, crime, and fire recovery. Beyond local politics, the participants explore Las Vegas's expansion into professional sports and the acquisition of Caesar's Palace by the Fertitta family. The dialogue shifts toward geopolitics with a guest named Germanicus, who analyzes the Russia-Ukraine conflict through the lens of historical parallels and the risks of NATO provocation. Finally, the speakers reflect on the power of national myths and how cultural narratives influence modern military and strategic decision-making.

Preview for Later Today: Francis Rose provides updates on Veterans Affairs' implementation of AI-driven electronic health records. He observes a decrease in reported systemic failures compared to previous years, indicating much improved technological integration across various federal agencies.

SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-28-26.
1890 VIKINGS

(1) Anatol Lieven discusses Moscow's escalation and the future of Ukraine negotiations, noting that Russia has threatened targeted strikes on Ukrainian headquarters in Kyiv. High casualty rates and stalled front lines contribute to a mood of frustration in Moscow.

(2) Anatol Lieven examines the struggle for UK Labour Party leadership, where Andy Burnham is the preferred candidate to replace Keir Starmer but must first win a by-election. The rising Reform Party poses a significant threat to established political figures.

(3) Josh Rogin discusses the Trump-Xi summit, noting that the President's visit to Beijing featured major CEOs but yielded no new trade agreements. Both nations remain locked in a trade war with mismatched expectations regarding economic cooperation.

(4) Josh Rogin examines upcoming Section 301 investigations that will address Chinese forced labor and dumping. Simultaneously, a critical shortage of magnets from China is impacting the production of U.S. defense technology and fighter jets.

(5) Evan Ellis describes turmoil in Bolivia, where supporters of Evo Morales have blockaded La Paz, causing severe humanitarian shortages. These groups utilize military-style tactics to protect drug territories and pressure the government while Morales evades justice.

(6) Evan Ellis examines electoral crossroads in Colombia and Peru, with Colombia facing a choice between leftist and pro-U.S. candidates in its upcoming election. In Peru, Keiko Fujimori leads a narrow race with implications for regional security and Chinese influence.

(7) Evan Ellis discusses legacies and alliances in Brazil, Venezuela, and Cuba, where Flavio Bolsonaro seeks U.S. alignment in Brazil, while the U.S. conducts military exercises near Venezuela. Meanwhile, the U.S. offers financial aid to Cuba to encourage democratic and economic transitions.

(8) Evan Ellis previews Pope Leo's historic visit to South America, including his former missionary grounds. In Argentina, President Milei struggles with declining approval as Peronist opposition organizes for future electoral challenges.

(9) Stephen Mazie discusses Supreme Court challenges to birthright citizenship and the President's power over the Federal Reserve. Rulings could drastically redefine executive authority and independent federal agencies.

(10) Stephen Mazie examines the Supreme Court's recent ruling in Louisiana v. Callais, which has disrupted primary elections by allowing the elimination of majority-minority districts. This reflects a long-term effort by the conservative majority to weaken federal oversight.

(11) Jeff McCausland analyzes the tense naval standoff between U.S. and Iranian forces in the Strait of Hormuz. Critics argue the administration failed to anticipate the blockade or effectively address regional Iranian proxies.

(12) Jeff McCausland discusses Russian casualties and NATO's growing nuclear anxiety, noting that Russia has reportedly suffered 500,000 deaths in Ukraine, creating severe manpower shortages. Consequently, European allies like France are considering moving nuclear assets eastward due to waning confidence in U.S. support.

(13) Simon Constable and Jim McTague examine global commodities and the economic impact of war, noting that high energy prices, including $8 diesel in France, are straining consumer budgets. While some commodity prices are stabilizing, the ongoing conflict in Iran continues to drive global inflation.

(14) Simon Constable and Jim McTague discuss the leadership vacuum in the United Kingdom as internal Labour Party disputes intensify. Some elites are calling for Tony Blair's return while the Reform Party gains traction among dissatisfied voters.

(15) Douglas Messier and David Livingston discuss the Starship 12 mission, which achieved significant milestones despite booster failures. NASA has also awarded major contracts to Blue Origin for lunar rovers and a specialized base lander.

(16) Douglas Messier and David Livingston examine NASA's phased plan to establish a permanently crewed moon base by 2032. The timeline involves uncrewed test landings and orbital refueling to prepare for future human missions.

STREAMING MAKING JBS, FEATURING CONSTABLE AND MCTAGUE. 5-28-28
1903 POPULAR HISTORY OF FRANCE.

This conversation features a broadcast recording between host John Batchelor and correspondents Simon Constable and Jim McTague, who discuss the intersection of global commodities, regional weather, and international politics. Reporting from the French Pyrenees, Constable describes the local agriculture of vines and olive trees while noting the impact of Middle Eastern violence on energy prices and Brent crude. In Lancaster, Pennsylvania, McTague highlights the burden of rising gasoline costs on American consumers, illustrating the economic strain through long lines at local fueling stations. The dialogue shifts to the instability of British leadership, critiquing the current state of the Labour Party and the nostalgic but controversial calls for Tony Blair's return. The participants also weigh the growing influence of artificial intelligence on creative work and data security, reflecting on how these technologies are reshaping professional standards. Ultimately, the transcript serves as a multinational overview of how localized environmental conditions and geopolitical skirmishes drive market volatility.

(5) Evan Ellis describes turmoil in Bolivia, where supporters of Evo Morales have blockaded La Paz, causing severe humanitarian shortages. These groups utilize military-style tactics to protect drug territories and pressure the government while Morales evades justice.

(4) Josh Rogin examines upcoming Section 301 investigations that will address Chinese forced labor and dumping. Simultaneously, a critical shortage of magnets from China is impacting the production of U.S. defense technology and fighter jets.