Live with Nolan Higdon and Ron Placone

Strait of Hormuz Reopens, RFK Jr. Targets Special Ed, & Bari Weiss’s CNN Takeover

Watch: https://youtu.be/Zs0ZtrzK8NM Subscribe to Gaslight Gazette: ⁠https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.com [https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.com]⁠ Support us on Patreon: ⁠https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetox [https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetox]⁠ Learn more at: ⁠https://www.NolanHigdon.com [https://www.NolanHigdon.com]⁠ Nolan Higdon and Ron Placone return to unpack a monumental week of shifting global conflicts, massive shakeups in administrative appointments, and an accelerating media empire merger. From a historic 14-point deal poised to reopen the Strait of Hormuz to Donald Trump’s sudden, dramatic halt of a top intelligence nomination over surveillance concerns, we peel back the layers on how the establishment is reshaping domestic policy and global infrastructure. We break down the UK’s aggressive new moves toward a teenage social media ban, RFK Jr.’s highly controversial vision for the future of special education, and the ongoing corporate media chess moves as Bari Weiss tightens her grip on cable news. Plus, we review your audience suggestions for the official renaming of the show! Inside This Episode: The Strait of Hormuz Reopens: A major geopolitical breakthrough as an interim 14-point agreement outlines a path toward the immediate and permanent termination of military operations in the U.S.-Israeli war with Iran. We look at the details of the deal, including the lifting of U.S. sanctions and the reopening of one of the world's most critical maritime trade chokepoints. Source: Strait of Hormuz Reopen & Sanctions Lifted - NBC News Trump Sinks Clayton Nomination: In a stunning political pivot, Donald Trump has delayed the nomination of Jay Clayton for Director of National Intelligence. We examine how pressure from the "Save America" movement and deep-seated friction over FISA surveillance law prompted Trump to pull the emergency brake on his own pick. Source: Trump Delays Clayton Nomination - NBC News RFK Jr. & Special Education: Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s influence over HHS continues to spark fierce debate as reports surface detailing his controversial stances on special education, autism, and his long-held claims linking mass shootings to SSRI antidepressants. We dissect the backlash from disability advocates and what this means for administrative policy. Source: RFK Jr. on Disability & Special Ed - Mother Jones | SSRI Commentary - Mother Jones / FactPostNews The UK Social Media Ban: Prime Minister Keir Starmer's government takes a hardline stance on Big Tech, floating a potential ban on social media for teenagers. We break down the domestic safety arguments versus the digital civil liberties pushback. Source: UK Teen Social Media Ban - AP News / PoliticsUK The Bari Weiss CNN Overhaul Accelerates: Following last week's news of CBS News boss Bari Weiss eyeing editorial control at CNN, the merger moves into overdrive. We track reports of Weiss targeting CNN staff for restructuring while actively poaching high-level talent from ABC News and the Daily Mail. Source: Weiss Eyed for CNN - New York Post | Weiss Targets CNN Staffers - RadarOnline | CBS Overhaul & Talent Poaching - New York Post Renaming the Show? We read through the latest batch of audience feedback and suggestions for our official show rebrand, weighing the merits of Unspun, Syllabus and Satire, and the enigmatic Ronala. #NolanHigdon #RonPlacone #TheDisinfoDetox #StraitOfHormuz #IranWar #DonaldTrump #JayClayton #FISA #RFKJr #SpecialEducation #HHS #UKPolitics #SocialMediaBan #BariWeiss #CNN #CBSNews #MediaLiteracy

The Epstein Panic Returns, White House AI Exodus, & CA Primary Shakeups

Watch: https://youtu.be/lQ6GuwGQBag Subscribe to Gaslight Gazette: https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.com [https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.com] Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetox [https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetox] Learn more at: https://www.NolanHigdon.com [https://www.NolanHigdon.com] Nolan Higdon and Ron Placone return to unpack a massive week of political shakeups, high-level policy departures, and a sudden, panicked re-emergence of the Jeffrey Epstein fallout. From the definitive results of the June 9, 2026 California primaries to a quiet exodus of top AI security architects from the White House, we pull back the curtain on the politicians, tech oligarchs, and media elites scrambling to control the narrative. We break down how deepfakes are being weaponized in real-time campaigns, the corporate media chess moves at CNN, and why the political establishment is completely losing its cool behind closed doors. Inside This Episode: White House AI Exodus & Campaign Weaponization: Another top White House tech policy adviser, Thomas Lind, has abruptly resigned, marking the latest in a string of high-profile departures following the executive order on AI security. Meanwhile, a pro-Trump PAC gives us a terrifying look at the future of political warfare by dropping an AI-generated deepfake attack ad of Texas Rep. James Talarico in a dress.Source: White House AI Advisor Exits - Politico | AI Attack Ad on Talarico - Yahoo News The Epstein Files Panic: The ghost of Jeffrey Epstein continues to fracture the political elite. We look at reports of panicked Trump aides meeting in secret to clean up the mess—with some in the inner circle now labeling JD Vance a conspiracy theorist—while Trump reportedly loses his temper at Charlie Kirk for keeping the topic alive. Plus, Bill Gates heads to Capitol Hill to tell lawmakers he was "never interested" in being Epstein's friend.Source: Trump Aides Meet Over Epstein - NYT / HuffPost | Trump Team & JD Vance - New Republic | Bill Gates Congressional Testimony - Politico | Trump Clashes with Charlie Kirk - New Republic California Primary Recap & LA Runoff Set: We review the major takeaways from the California Governor primary. Plus, an update on a race we've been tracking: progressive City Councilmember Nithya Raman successfully blocks a reality-TV upset from Spencer Pratt, advancing to a high-stakes November runoff against incumbent L.A. Mayor Karen Bass.Source: California Primary Results - NBC News | L.A. Mayor Runoff Projected - NBC News The Media Narrative Shuffle: In a massive potential shakeup for cable news and corporate media independence, new reports suggest that CBS News boss Bari Weiss may be poised to take over editorial operations at CNN.Source: Bari Weiss Eyed for CNN - New York Post Primary Scandals: We dig into the June 9 primary fallout, including the damaging New York Times report featuring multiple women detailing "unsettling" behavior by Maine Senate candidate Graham Platner. Ana Kasparian’s Class War: We react to the viral fallout from Ana Kasparian’s latest commentary, unpacking the broader shift in corporate progressive media and its growing hostility toward working-class realities.Source: Kasparian Commentary - X (Hank Thompson) #NolanHigdon #RonPlacone #TheDisinfoDetox #AIPolicy #WhiteHouse #CaliforniaPrimary #LAMayor #KarenBass #NithyaRaman #SpencerPratt #EpsteinFiles #Trump #JDVance #BillGates #BariWeiss #CNN #JamesTalarico #GrahamPlatner #MediaLiteracy

Monopolizing the Mat: How TKO is Rewriting Sports, Media, and Law with Nate Wilcox

Watch: https://youtu.be/D-eLgcHwKRg Subscribe to Gaslight Gazette: https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.com [https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.com]Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetox [https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetox]Learn more at: https://www.NolanHigdon.com [https://www.NolanHigdon.com] In this episode of The Disinfo Detox, we pull back the curtain on an unprecedented collision of professional cage fighting, geopolitics, and massive corporate consolidation. We sit down with combat sports investigative journalist Nate Wilcox to unpack the staggering implications behind "UFC Freedom 250"—a historic mixed martial arts event scheduled to take place right on the South Lawn of the White House. While the mainstream headlines focus on Donald Trump’s long-standing bromance with Dana White, we follow the real money. Wilcox breaks down the overlooked role of TKO and Endeavor kingpin Ari Emanuel, detailing how his empire is intricately tied to the massive Ellison family buyouts dominating the media landscape—from Paramount and Warner Bros. Discovery to TikTok. We expose the dark underbelly of this corporate-state alliance: from lucrative partnerships with authoritarian gulf regimes in Saudi Arabia, Qatar, and the UAE, to the relentless price gouging, talent exploitation, and massive multi-million dollar antitrust class-action lawsuits brought by the fighters themselves. This isn't just sports; it's a blueprint for global monopoly. Inside This Episode:The Octagon on the South Lawn: The political choreography, logistics, and corporate motivations behind staging a full-scale UFC event at the White House. The Ari Emanuel & Ellison Nexus: Unpacking the massive corporate web connecting TKO's leadership to the high-stakes ownership shifts at Paramount, WBD, and TikTok. Sportswashing & State Money: Examining the lucrative, controversial partnerships between the UFC’s parent company and the autocratic governments of the Persian Gulf. The Cost of Monopoly: A look inside TKO's management of the WWE, relentless talent payroll cuts, consumer price gouging, and their aggressive legislative push to monopolize global boxing alongside the Saudis. Fighters Fight Back: An update on the massive antitrust class-action lawsuits against TKO that have already triggered $375 million in damages, and what the remaining suits mean for the industry. #NolanHigdon #TheDisinfoDetox #UFCFreedom250 #NateWilcox #TKO #AriEmanuel #MediaConsolidation #Sportswashing #Antitrust #JournalismEthics

US Continues To Drift Further Into Food Insecurity/More Election News w/ Ron and Nolan

Watch: https://youtu.be/yCGwskw1keY Subscribe to Gaslight Gazette: https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.com [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.com] Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetox [https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetox] Learn more at: https://www.NolanHigdon.com [https://www.NolanHigdon.com] Nolan Higdon and Ron Placone return to map out a nation drifting into deep food insecurity, escalating media censorship, and high-stakes election battles. From a harsh corporate-aligned rollout cutting millions from federal food assistance to the literal silencing of journalists within the walls of the Pentagon, we dissect a week defined by systemic overhauls and institutional clashes. From key polling shifts in the California gubernatorial race to intense internal chaos inside historic mainstream newsrooms, we unpack the power plays shaping the beginning of June 2026. Inside This Episode:The Hunger Crisis: A stark new report reveals a remarkable increase in food insecurity across the United States. Meanwhile, the Trump administration faces heavy criticism after an official claims that millions kicked off food aid are simply "moving into the American Dream."Source: Hunger Rises Under Trump - Common Dreams | Brooke Rollins SNAP Changes - Common Dreams Election Security & Polling: Authorities open an investigation into possible election interference after a downtown Los Angeles drop box is targeted with fire damage, destroying ballots. Meanwhile, a fresh May 30th poll reveals Xavier Becerra leading the California Governor's race, with Tom Steyer and Paris Hilton locked in a toss-up for second place.Source: LA Ballot Box Fire Investigation - ABC7 | California 2026 Poll - Emerson College Polling The Anti-Weaponization Fund: We tracking the massive shockwaves from Donald Trump dropping a $1.8 billion 'Anti-Weaponization Fund,' which has prompted blue states to quickly race to tax the payouts. Plus, Jill Biden speaks out about her decision to publicly support Joe Biden despite her private fears following the 2024 debate.Source: Trump Anti-Weaponization Fund - HuffPost | Blue States Tax Weaponization Fund - Politico | Jill Biden Breaks Silence - CNN Politics The Maine Senate Race: Independent candidate Graham Platner strikes back against the Wall Street Journal, slamming their report on an alleged sexting scandal as "gossip" and "journalistic malpractice" meant to distract from policy. Platner also hits out at Susan Collins over her record on sending troops to war.Source: Platner Slams Sexting Allegations - WMTW | Platner Hits Back at Collins - Common Dreams International Fractures: Tensions flare globally as Israel moves to cut ties with the U.N. Chief following its inclusion on a sexual violence blacklist. Closer to the ground, Benjamin Netanyahu announces he has directed the IDF to increase its control of Gaza to 70%.Source: Israel to Cut Ties With UN Chief - The New York Times | Netanyahu Directs IDF to Increase Gaza Control - BBC News The Media Crackdown: Press access takes a massive hit as Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth officially designates the Pentagon press office as a classified, off-limits area for reporters. Over at CBS, veteran journalist Scott Pelley rips into leadership during a tense staff meeting, accusing Editor-In-Chief Bari Weiss of "murdering '60 Minutes'" following high-profile firings.Source: Pentagon Restricts Media Access - Politico | Pelley Rips Bari Weiss Over 60 Minutes Firings - HuffPost #NolanHigdon #RonPlacone #TheDisinfoDetox #FoodInsecurity #SNAP #Election2026 #CAGov #XavierBecerra #TrumpFund #JillBiden #MainePolitics #GrahamPlatner #Gaza #PeteHegseth #Pentagon #CBSNews #BariWeiss #MediaLiteracy

Live with Nolan Higdon and Ron Placone

Subscribe to Gaslight Gazette: https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.com [https://www.google.com/search?q=https://www.nolanhigdon.substack.com] Support us on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetox [https://www.patreon.com/DisinfoDetox] Learn more at: https://www.NolanHigdon.com [https://www.NolanHigdon.com] Nolan Higdon and Ron Placone return to navigate a week defined by geopolitical escalations, generational political shifts, and the heavy toll corporate technology is extracting from our everyday lives. From a potential reality-TV-fueled shakeup in the LA mayoral race to corporate tech infrastructure literally freezing out everyday citizens, we break down the reality of a political and economic system prioritizing profit over people. From a massive primary upset in Texas that drew the attention of Donald Trump to a developing military conflict in the Middle East, we pull back the curtain on the power plays defining May 28, 2026. Inside This Episode: Potential LA Election Shakeup: A shocking new poll reveals a tight three-way toss-up in the LA Mayoral race. Incumbent Karen Bass and progressive city councilmember Nithya Raman are facing an unexpected challenge from reality TV star Spencer Pratt, completely upending local politics.Source: LA Mayor Race Poll: Bass, Raman, Pratt - Newsweek Texas Primary Shockwaves: A massive generational shift in Texas as veteran Rep. Al Green is defeated by freshman Rep. Christian Menefee in a heated Democratic runoff heavily influenced by outside crypto-industry spending. The high-profile loss quickly prompted a signature, celebratory reaction from Donald Trump.Source: Texas Election Battle - BBC News | Menefee Defeats Al Green in Texas Runoff - AP News | Trump Marks Al Green Loss - The Hill Data Center Energy Grid Crisis: Following up on a story we’ve been tracking, we look at the staggering reality of AI and data center expansion cannibalizing public infrastructure—including a major energy supplier abandoning 49,000 Lake Tahoe residents to prioritize tech industry power demands.Source: Energy Supplier Abandons Lake Tahoe for Data Centers - Yahoo Finance More AI Graduation Booing: The backlash against white-collar automation continues to build. We look at the latest viral footage of 2026 college graduates loudly booing the forced implementation of artificial intelligence during commencement ceremonies.Source: More AI Booing Clips - RT Twitter Global Flashpoints: We unpack the dangerous escalation in the Middle East following a U.S. official's confirmation that the military has carried out limited "self-defense" strikes against targets in southern Iran.Source: US Military Carries Out Attacks in Southern Iran - NBC News #NolanHigdon #RonPlacone #TheDisinfoDetox #LAMayor #KarenBass #NithyaRaman #SpencerPratt #TexasRunoff #AlGreen #ChristianMenefee #AICrisis #DataCenterGrid #LakeTahoe #IranStrikes #MediaLiteracy