Topic: Atlantic City

An Atlantic article titled "Why New York Has So Many Empty Storefronts" explores the 89% rise in retail rents that has driven out local businesses. The hosts observe similar trends in Austin, Texas, where unique local shops are being replaced by global chains like Starbucks and Swatch, or left vacant by landlords holding out for higher-paying tenants.

A preliminary deconstruction of the recent Miss America pageant highlights the highly political nature of the questions asked of the finalists. The hosts criticize the pageant for focusing on anti-Trump sentiment and plan a full analysis for the following episode.

A discussion on Trump's business record in Atlantic City leads to a critique of modern journalism. The hosts argue that journalism schools like Columbia and Missouri have failed by producing "cogs in the wheel" rather than independent investigators. They note that many major casino operators have faced bankruptcy, challenging the narrative that Trump's casino failures were unique.

CNN reporter Richard Quest is scrutinized for his role as an aviation expert despite having no formal flight license or experience. The hosts recount a 2008 incident in New York City where Quest was arrested in Central Park involving drugs and sexual paraphernalia. His expertise is attributed to his history of profiling airlines for business segments rather than technical knowledge.

The "jingle mail" phenomenon is moving into commercial real estate as mall owners like Taubman Centers stop making interest payments on major properties. The hosts also discuss a viral "gloom and doom" video from Tony Robbins warning of an impending economic collapse.