Anti-Trump Mainstream Media ‘Expert’ Is Hiding Her Ties To A Pro-China Influence Group

Wendy Cutler, a former trade official under President Obama, has been frequently featured in the media as a critic of former President Trump's tariff policies. However, her connections to a pro-China influence group raise questions about her impartiality.

Media Presence: Cutler has appeared on CNN and NPR as an expert against Trump's tariffs, emphasizing her experience in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative and her current role at the Asia Society.

Chinese Influence Group: Cutler is listed as an international adviser for the Center for China and Globalization (CCG), a Beijing-affiliated think tank. This relationship is documented in various records where her role is confirmed.

Omissions in Testimony: When advising Congress on trade policy, Cutler did not disclose her ties to CCG, despite being asked if she was an adviser to any organizations related to the topics discussed. The implications of this omission are significant.

Nature of CCG: CCG is described as part of China's United Front, which aims to promote Chinese interests abroad discreetly. It engages with foreign influencers to shape policies favorably towards China.

The absence of transparency regarding Cutler's ties to a pro-China advisory role questions her credibility as an independent expert in discussions about U.S.-China trade policy. Media and congressional bodies should investigate these discrepancies to clarify her affiliations. 

https://nataliegwinters.substack.com/p/exclusive-anti-trump-mainstream-media?utm_source=post-email-title&publication_id=3382126&post_id=213358841&utm_campaign=email-post-title&isFreemail=true&r=6dl2nb&triedRedirect=true&utm_medium=email 

James Talarico Ain’t Choosin’ Texas

 James Talarico, a Democratic state lawmaker from Texas, is running for a U.S. Senate seat. While he was born in Texas, his political views and style are considered more aligned with liberal values from states like California and New York. This summary outlines the key points regarding his candidacy and the criticisms he faces.

Background and Identity: Although Talarico is Texan by birth, critics argue that his political ideologies and behaviors do not reflect Texas values. He is perceived as appealing to a more progressive, elitist demographic rather than the working-class citizens of Texas.

Legislative Views: Talarico's past statements suggest a radical viewpoint that links climate change with systemic oppression. He has previously stated that issues like climate change, white supremacy, and capitalism need to be addressed together, which many believe does not resonate with the average Texan's perspective.

Lifestyle Choices: During his reelection campaign in 2022, Talarico claimed he would only buy vegan products. This stance is seen as out of touch with Texas's identity as the leading beef producer in the U.S.

Criticism of Christianity: Talarico has publicly criticized his own racial background, linking it to systemic racism. This contradicts the state's strong Christian demographics, where approximately two-thirds identify as Christians.

Gun Control Views: Talarico's stance on gun control is also contentious in a state that traditionally values the Second Amendment rights. Critics argue that his positions misinterpret the cultural and legal landscape surrounding firearm ownership in Texas.

Funding Sources: Talarico's campaign financing shows that a significant portion (45%) of his nearly $32 million campaign funds come from out-of-state contributions, mostly from California and New York. In contrast, his opponent, Ken Paxton, has a majority of his donations from states that align more closely with Texas values.

Political Landscape: If Talarico wins, his constituents would not primarily be the majority Texan voters, but rather those aligned with more progressive or socialist ideologies from other states. This raises concerns about the potential drift of Texas politics toward more liberal policies.

James Talarico's candidacy for the U.S. Senate has sparked significant debate regarding his alignment with Texas culture and values. His progressive views and lifestyle choices appear out of step with many Texans, leading critics to worry about the implications of his possible election. There is hope among some conservatives that he will not succeed in the general election, echoing previous losses faced by Democratic candidates in Texas.

https://issuesinsights.com/2026/09/04/james-talarico-aint-choosin-texas/

More Access. More Choice. Less Cost.

 Secretary Kennedy raises concerns about the American Medical Association's (AMA) control over Current Procedural Terminology (CPT), but eliminating it is not the solution. Instead, it is crucial to maintain CPT while introducing competition and addressing the gaps in coverage to improve the healthcare system.

1. Importance of CPT: CPT serves as a crucial framework for coding medical services, facilitating claims and information flow in the healthcare system. Replacing it entirely would be costly and disruptive.

2. Need for Competition: Rather than dismantling CPT, introducing a complementary coding system can fill existing gaps. This would provide more options for healthcare providers and allow for better measurement of care effectiveness.

3. Cost of Healthcare: The U.S. spent around $5.3 trillion on healthcare in 2024, emphasizing the need for reform focused on access to care, which may lower overall costs. Earlier access to various treatments can prevent more significant health crises.

4. Broad Healthcare Workforce: Many licensed professionals provide necessary care outside of the traditional physician model. However, insufficient coding restricts their visibility and reimbursement, hindering broader access to care.

5. Policy Failure: The exclusivity of CPT limits recognition of non-physician services. Establishing a complementary coding framework can enhance data collection and policy evaluation, allowing for better insights into healthcare spending and outcomes.

Maintaining CPT while expanding the coding framework to include other licensed practitioners can facilitate better access to diverse healthcare options. By measuring outcomes and costs more effectively, the healthcare system can learn which services reduce expenses and improve patient care, ultimately leading to lower overall costs in a more transparent manner. 

https://brownstone.org/articles/more-access-more-choice-less-cost/

The West Faces Two Islams

 The dynamics of Islam and its relationship with the West, highlighting a shift from a civilizational clash to an internal ideological struggle within Islam itself. This shifting paradigm reflects changes in both Western societies and the Middle East.

1. Samuel Huntington's Theory: Huntington predicted that post-Cold War conflicts would be primarily between Islamic and Western civilizations. However, the real divide now exists within Islam, splitting into different ideological perspectives.

2. Modern Ideologies: In Western countries, Islam has often been linked to Third-Worldism and postcolonial theory, which view Western imperialism negatively. Historically, many Middle Eastern states have been moving towards pragmatism and acceptance of certain Western realities, focusing on modernization and statecraft.

3. Fragmentation of Political Islam: The Islamist challenge that emerged after the September 11 attacks has now splintered. Groups like Al-Qaeda and the Islamic State have weakened, and several Middle Eastern governments now regard traditional Islamist movements as potential threats.

4. Iran's Stance: Iran remains resistant to Western influence, but its revolutionary ideals are losing appeal among younger populations. Discontent and protests have emerged in Iran, indicating a shift in attitudes towards the government.

5. Abraham Accords: Relations among Middle Eastern countries, including those with Israel, have evolved. Countries like the UAE and Saudi Arabia are focusing on cooperative partnerships that benefit security and technology.

6. Shifts in Middle Eastern Policy: Arab states prioritize security and economic growth over ideological conflicts. They have learned that innovation and modern practices are vital for resilience and development.

7. Western Discourse on the Middle East: In the West, academic and political dialogues about the Middle East often embrace postcolonial theories, framing the conflict through perspectives of anti-colonialism and social justice. This growing movement has manifested in campus activism and political campaigns.

8. Convergence of Radical Actions and Progressive Politics: Anti-Israel activism and progressive movements have intersected, leading to increased tensions. Notable incidents of anti-Semitism have grown, particularly in academic settings.

9. Impact on International Relations: There is a conflict between the views of many diaspora activists in the West, who resist collaboration with Western and Middle Eastern countries, and the pragmatic policies of governments in the Middle East, which seek partnerships for development.

The article highlights that the real challenges in the twenty-first century will arise not from a clash between Islam and the West, but from conflicting forms of Islam that have emerged within Western societies and the Middle Eastern governments. A significant ideological rift exists between those in the West advocating for resistance narratives and Middle Eastern states pursuing modernization and cooperation with the U.S. and Israel. This call for reevaluation of existing narratives reflects a deeper understanding of the evolving landscape of global politics and religion. 

https://www.city-journal.org/article/islam-middle-east-iran-israel-west

Grain That Feeds Half The World Set For Biggest Annual Gain Since 2003

 Chicago rice futures are experiencing their largest annual gain since 2003, driven by a combination of weather conditions and geopolitical disruptions. This rise in rice prices poses risks for global food security, especially affecting lower-income markets.

Price Surge: Chicago rice futures have increased over 50% this year, nearing two-year highs.

Contributing Factors: The surge is tied to an intensifying El Niño, and supply issues from the Strait of Hormuz and the Russia-Ukraine conflict, which impact diesel and fertilizer availability.

Weather Concerns: Adverse conditions, particularly below-normal monsoon rainfall in India and weaker US rice-crop conditions, are raising alarms about future production in Asia, a major rice-producing region.

Vulnerable Producers: Southeast Asian countries, especially Thailand and Indonesia, are particularly at risk due to their reliance on monsoon rains that are critical for planting and early crop development.

Impact on Food Security: Analysts warn that increasing rice prices could lead to higher food inflation, severely impacting net rice-importing countries and low-income populations already facing stock shortages.

Warnings from Analysts: Firms like Barclays and JPMorgan are alerting markets to the growing risks in global food supply next year.

The rice market is experiencing substantial volatility, and the ongoing challenges may lead to significant implications for food security, particularly in vulnerable regions. The situation calls for close monitoring as rice prices continue to rise amid global uncertainties. 

https://www.zerohedge.com/commodities/grain-feeds-half-world-set-biggest-annual-gain-2003

Russia’s Oil Revenue Sinks as Urals Falls to $59

 The global oil market, including current prices, trends, and geopolitical impacts. Noteworthy information includes price changes, production forecasts, and disruptions affecting oil supply.

1. Current Oil Prices:

WTI Crude: $90.68 (down 0.62)

Brent Crude: $95.09 (down 0.43)

Murban Crude: $103.00 (down 1.72)

Natural Gas: $2.927 (up 0.014)

Heating Oil: $4.542 (down 0.052)

Gasoline: $3.106 (down 0.029)

Other price data is also available for a wide range of global oil blends and products.

2. Diesel Price Surge:

U.S. diesel prices have reached an all-time high, attributed to a global fuel shortage. This change may affect transportation and related sectors.

3. Geopolitical Developments:

Tensions in regions like Iran and the Strait of Hormuz are affecting market stability, with both potential supply disruptions and increased prices for oil.

Increased sanctions against oil drillers in the Falkland Islands and ongoing conflicts are impacting regional oil production and trade.

4. Russian Oil Revenue and Production:

Russia's oil revenues fell to $3.76 billion in August, a 22% decrease from the previous year, marking the lowest monthly total since February. This decline is linked to falling crude prices and reduced production capabilities.

Ukrainian strikes have disrupted Russian refineries, leading to decreased exports and increased reliance on domestic supplies.

Forecasts suggest a gradual decline in Russian production, with estimates dropping to approximately 8.95 million bpd in 2026 and 8.6 million bpd in 2027.

In response to tightening domestic supplies, the Russian government has implemented measures to maintain fuel stability, including refinery subsidies.

5. Market Reactivity:

Fluctuations in oil prices and revenues are influenced by international conflicts, such as the Iran conflict, which has pushed buyers away from Persian Gulf oil.

The shifting dynamics in global demand and supply, particularly in Asia, where countries are scrambling for energy resources due to the ongoing sanctions on Russia and the volatility in the Middle East.

6. Impact on Energy Policies:

Countries like China are accelerating their shift away from crude oil amid rising prices, highlighting a potential longer-term trend in global energy consumption.

Various nations are reassessing their energy policies in light of current market pressures and future uncertainty.

The current oil market is marked by fluctuating prices, geopolitical unrest, and significant shifts in production capabilities. As conflicts persist and global demand fluctuates, prices may remain volatile. Countries like Russia face challenges in maintaining production while simultaneously dealing with external pressures. The landscape of energy consumption is also evolving, with countries adapting to these market shifts. Keeping an eye on these developments will be crucial for understanding future trends in the oil sector.

https://oilprice.com/Latest-Energy-News/World-News/Russias-Oil-Revenue-Sinks-as-Urals-Falls-to-59.html

Bill regulating spending by California utility companies awaits Newsom's signature

California's Senate Bill 327, currently awaiting Governor Gavin Newsom's signature, aims to restrict utility companies from using ratepayer funds for lobbying against municipal energy initiatives.

Purpose of the Bill: The legislation prohibits utility companies from using ratepayer money to lobby against cities and counties that seek to create their own municipal utility services.

Effective Date: If signed, the law will take effect on January 1.

Review Authority: The bill empowers the Public Advocate’s Office to review utility companies' finances similarly to the California Public Utilities Commission.

Support and Opposition:

Senator Jerry McNerney, a co-sponsor of the bill, emphasizes that it is unfair for utility companies to use ratepayer money to fight against their interests in municipal services.

Opponents, including San Diego Gas & Electric and Southern California Gas, argue that the bill is unnecessary and inconsistent with existing laws regarding political activity and ratepayer impact.

Related Legislative Efforts: The bill is part of broader legislative efforts in California addressing issues related to investor-owned utility companies. For instance, a different bill aimed to allow cities to withdraw from Pacific Gas & Electric services, but it did not pass.

Senate Bill 327 represents a significant step in regulating utility companies' lobbying activities in California. Should it become law, it will prevent utility companies from using public funds to counteract city efforts toward municipalizing energy services, which advocates argue aligns better with the interests of ratepayers. 

https://justthenews.com/nation/states/center-square/bill-regulating-utility-companies-awaits-newsoms-signature?utm_source=justthenews.com&utm_medium=feed&utm_campaign=external-news-aggregators