Topic: News International

World chess champion Magnus Carlsen withdrew from a tournament in New York after being penalized for wearing jeans in violation of the official dress code. Carlsen, a seven-time champion known by the nickname "Dr. Drunkenstein," refused to change into formal trousers and opted to quit the event entirely. This incident adds to Carlsen's history of maverick behavior and public disputes with the International Chess Federation.

CNN's primetime ratings reportedly dropped 26% in April, leading to a discussion on the quality of domestic news versus international alternatives. CNN International, Sky News, and RT are cited as more watchable options for viewers seeking information beyond the Mueller probe. The hosts suggest that domestic networks are failing to correct course despite declining viewership.

A donor from Oregon encourages more deconstruction of non-U.S. media, a goal the hosts support through their "boots on the ground" listener network. Another producer, an airborne service member, announces his tenth upcoming military deployment while expressing his support for the show's mission.

Listeners have requested more deconstruction of international media, particularly from Europe and Australia, to provide a broader perspective beyond U.S. news cycles. The hosts agree that American media often becomes obsessed with single narratives, making it difficult to find diverse stories. They call for more "boots on the ground" reporting from global producers to help identify propaganda in different regions.

NBCUniversal released the findings of an internal investigation into Matt Lauer's conduct, concluding that leadership had no prior knowledge of his behavior before the November 2017 complaint. Critics, including the attorney for Lauer's first accuser, argue that the investigation should have been conducted by a third party rather than the company's own general counsel.

Adam Lewicki from Vienna, Austria, donates to become the "Knight of Wiener Schnitzel." He notes that Austrian politicians are beginning to copy American rhetoric regarding Russian influence and "fake news." The hosts acknowledge their growing base of international military and civilian producers.

Hillary Clinton appeared at a Women for Women International event in New York City for an interview with CNN's Christiane Amanpour. A producer from the event venue provided behind-the-scenes details, alleging that CNN requested an excessive six-camera shoot and that Clinton arrived 25 minutes late. The event featured a high ticket price of $2,500 per person and concluded with an awkward staging error during a final sales pitch.

European Union foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini and former National Security Advisor Stephen Hadley discuss the need to "revitalize" the international order. Hadley argues that if the U.S. does not lead, the system will benefit powers like Russia and China at the expense of smaller nations. The hosts interpret these statements as a push for global governance and a "New World Order" that excludes nationalist interests.

In his final speech to the United Nations, President Barack Obama stated that powerful nations must accept "constraints" and be willing to give up some "freedom of action" to bind themselves to international rules. Critics interpret this as a call to surrender U.S. sovereignty to international tribunals and globalist institutions. The speech is viewed as a definitive statement on the administration's commitment to a multilateral world order.

Donald P. Gregg revisited the 2010 sinking of the South Korean ship ROKS Cheonan, challenging the official narrative that a North Korean miniature submarine fired a torpedo. Gregg points to Russian investigations suggesting the damage was more consistent with a sea mine. He notes the improbability of a North Korean sub successfully attacking a ship during a joint U.S.-South Korean naval exercise.

The *International Herald Tribune* has been rebranded as the *International New York Times* after 126 years. Adam Curry, acting as a "brand expert," questions the logic of replacing a prestigious international brand with a city-specific name. The hosts speculate that the change may be driven by internal corporate politics or a misunderstanding of global market identity.

On PBS NewsHour, commentators David Brooks and Mark Shields debated the merits of striking Syria. Brooks, appearing nervous, argued that the U.S. must act to maintain the "non-proliferation regime," while Shields pointed out the lack of a coalition and the "poisoning of the well" from the Iraq War. The hosts criticize Brooks for ignoring that a strike without UN approval would violate international law.

Broadcaster Paul Gambaccini breaks silence on the BBC's internal knowledge of Jimmy Savile's predatory behavior, including his targeting of institutionalized children. Gambaccini criticizes the British establishment and the right-wing press for vetting Savile for a knighthood despite rumors of necrophilia. The discussion highlights the involvement of the Royal Family and the Papal knighthood Savile received.

The "No Agenda News App" is currently under review by Apple, with the hosts speculating it may be rejected due to its content. A listener provides fundraising tips adapted from Amnesty International. Davis Hislop makes a donation specifically to prevent Adam Curry from telling a story about captive dolphins, while Matthew Botkin jokes about Curry's "defecation source code."

The World Health Organization is overseeing the production of 3 billion doses of the H1N1 swine flu vaccine, leading to concerns about the use of controversial adjuvants to stretch the supply. While the FDA has historically been cautious, the pandemic is seen as a catalyst for licensing these additives in the U.S. market. Baxter International is identified as a key manufacturer, despite past controversies involving the accidental distribution of live viral materials.

The potential closure of the Boston Globe serves as a starting point for a discussion on the declining relevance of traditional print media. The hosts observe that modern audiences prefer the engaging nature of television commentators or specific bloggers over traditional newspaper columnists. They also note the disconnect between international news cycles and the localized focus of American media.

Adam Curry explains his habit of reading Google News from the US, UK, and the Netherlands to gain a broader perspective on global events. Dvorak comments on the "Tower of Babel" atmosphere at the PodShow offices, where Curry is frequently heard speaking Dutch on the phone. They conclude that American news coverage is often inferior to international sources.