I'll start with what happened over the past 24 hours: The China Xi - USA Trump summit in Beijing was not a disaster.   Not much was agreed to, but no huge problems resulted. Xi admonished Trump about Taiwan, and his response was muted.  China could play a role in settling the Iran War.  It appears that Xi Jinping will return a visit to the U.S. in September. In a Star Advertiser poll: What should the U.S. do in the war against Iran? May 14, 2026   D. Just “finish the job” with military action (235 Votes) A. Current ceasefire/diplomacy is working (126 Votes) B. Call on NATO for active role (105 Votes) C. Call on China for active role (54 Votes) Oil prices went up: Brent crude futures gained $3.35, or 3.17%, to $109.07 a barrel by 12:34 p.m. CDT (7:34 a.m. Hawaii time). West Texas Intermediate futures were up $3.85, or 3.81%, at $105.02. So on to my topic of the day.  May 15 is the135th day of 2026, so there are 230 days left this year.  Thus far, ...

But first, the S&P 500 and Nasdaq hit record highs yesterday.  Also, this video shows that  Iran/U,S. peace talks are privately ongoing . In the meantime, to strengthen our bargaining position: Now,  three U.S. task forces will be available to support any invasion . The USS Abraham Lincoln has been deployed since January. The USS Gerald Ford arrived in the eastern Mediterranean in February. The USS George H.W. Bush was near the Horn of Africa on Tuesday and is expected to head towards the war region.   This aircraft carrier is also carrying 6000 troops.  Another 4200 military personnel are with the Boxer Amphibious Group and the 11th Expeditionary Unit are expected to arrive later this month. All the above will be to support approximately 50,000 U.S. troops already in the region. Boots on the ground? The last American killed in this war was more than a month ago, Today is April 16.  The two-week truce ends on April 22. In addition to better protect...