Conflict Hits 6 Months: Iran Says Diplomacy Can Return But "Pressure Doesn't Work"

The "Good News" Is Always The Same: The Stock Market Is Up... Until It Isn't Authored by Charles Hugh Smith via OfTwoMinds blog, Cloaking a fake "market" with artifice to maintain its asymmetrical distribution of wealth and income also cloaks its detachment from the real world. I often refer to the dynamics of self-correction and self-liquidation. Systems that use feedback to rebalance extremes are self-correcting: rather than accelerate as they approach a cliff, they slow down and reorganize to avoid runaway self-reinforcing feedback (i.e. positive feedback), a.k.a. run to failure. Some things are self-liquidating by...

New Arizona Law Targets Demand Behind Prostitution, Sex Trafficking Authored by Allan Stein via The Epoch Times, Arizona has enacted a law that increases penalties for people who buy or attempt to buy sex, and directs new funding to services for victims of sex trafficking. Under the law, paying, agreeing to pay, or offering to pay for sexual conduct is now a felony offense and carries mandatory jail time. Offenders must also pay a $200 assessment, with all proceeds dedicated to programs that assist trafficking survivors. A first offense can result in up...

Oil Tumbles On Iran Deal Buzz As Rubio Still Insists 'Denuclearization' Is The 'Ultimate' Goal Summary Rubio: The "ultimate deal" is the denuclearization of Iran, while Omani talks focus on reopening Hormuz. Stalemate persists: Iran refuses nuclear negotiations until the conflict ends, leaving both sides far apart. Deal optimism sees oil slide: Brent fell below $80 on reports of progress in Oman-mediated Hormuz talks. Bessent claims a Hormuz agreement could come "today or tomorrow". Major doubts remain given Iran denies formal talks, security risks persist and the reported Oman plan could leave Tehran with broad...