Topic: Real News

The discussion highlights the recurring holiday media trope of an anonymous "Secret Santa" paying off shoppers' layaway balances at Walmart. These stories frequently feature local real estate developers and emotional shoppers on local news broadcasts. The hosts suggest these events are often coordinated promotional efforts by the retailer.

The rise in adult ADHD diagnoses is linked to the pervasive use of smartphones and apps like TikTok and Wordle. The hosts observe that phone addiction is not just a "kid problem" but is widespread among adults, even at the dinner table. The segment concludes with additional producer thank-yous and a plug for real estate services in Arkansas and Colorado.

The show closes with a musical mix by Oystine Berge and a final discussion on the rumored New York City trucker boycott following the Trump civil fraud ruling. The hosts touch on the potential for increased grocery prices in New York and the "victimless" nature of the real estate case. The segment ends with "chicken karma" jokes and a sign-off for the episode.

Home values in Clark, New Jersey have reportedly increased by $50,000 as people flee New York City for single-family dwellings. In a more personal note, a listener requested prayers and "karma" for his granddaughter, Toby, who is recovering from cancer surgery and undergoing radiation therapy. Toby is also celebrating her 25th birthday this week.

Anthony Scaramucci defends Donald Trump against a New York Times investigation into his inheritance and taxes, arguing that being aggressive within the "seams" of the tax code is legal. He cites the legal precedent of Justice Learned Hand regarding tax avoidance. Scaramucci contends that the average American views Trump as a self-made success story regardless of the specific dollar amount he inherited from his father, Fred Trump.

Former Fox News anchor Clayton Morris is facing legal scrutiny and a New York Times exposé regarding his real estate investment firm, Morris Invest. Hundreds of investors claim they were sold properties that did not exist or were in disrepair. The hosts discuss their past professional relationship with his wife, Natalie Morris.

BuzzFeed News reported that the Trump Organization planned to offer a $50 million penthouse in a proposed Moscow Trump Tower to Vladimir Putin as a bribe. The claim suggests the unit was intended to entice other Russian oligarchs to purchase apartments in the building. Skeptics dismiss the story as a minor real estate marketing tactic rather than evidence of criminal collusion.

A ProPublica report alleging deceptive practices by the Trump Organization is dismissed as standard behavior in the real estate industry. The segment also notes the removal of the Trump name from several New York City buildings, attributing the change to residents' fears of vandalism and harassment by political opponents rather than declining property values.

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.

The New York Times published a massive investigative report alleging that Donald Trump participated in dubious tax schemes and outright fraud to inherit wealth from his father, Fred Trump. The hosts criticize the New York Times' audio presentation of the story, specifically the use of jazz drums and "vocal fry" narration. They argue the report uses inflation-adjusted numbers to exaggerate the wealth transferred to Trump during his childhood.

The New York Times reports on North Korea's rapid construction of a massive tourist zone in Wonsan, replacing missile launch sites with beachfront hotels. This validates a long-standing theory by the hosts that Kim Jong-un's primary goal is economic development through tourism. The segment analyzes the "real estate pitch" delivered by President Trump during the Singapore summit.

The hosts discuss the long-standing grudge between Donald Trump and Daily News owner Mort Zuckerman, both of whom were rival real estate developers in New York. They speculate that Trump's past "favors" for Zuckerman might have involved mob connections, which they argue were a necessity for large-scale construction in the city. The segment contrasts these local ties with the broader allegations of Russian collusion.

Adam Curry and John C. Dvorak open Episode 941 of No Agenda from Austin, Texas, and Northern Silicon Valley. They discuss a viral Twitter meme involving Kate Middleton allegedly catching a falling countess. The hosts transition from social media trends to their curated list of "real news" items.

Adam Curry describes his stay at an Airbnb on East 58th Street in New York City, noting heavy construction and the "No Man's Land" feel of the neighborhood. He reveals that the apartment's advertisement used Photoshop to fake a view of Central Park and greenery. He expresses frustration with the lack of reviews and the deceptive marketing encountered upon arrival.

A theory on economic cycles suggests a potential depression within two years that could lead to a collapse in real estate and rent prices, particularly in overbuilt markets like San Francisco. Advice is given to accumulate cash and wait for this market correction before attempting to purchase property in expensive urban centers like New York City.

The hosts critique the writing of the ABC show "Suburgatory," describing it as vapid and poorly written. They also discuss the "Real Housewives of New York," specifically a scene involving a prosthetic leg, as an example of the low quality of modern entertainment.

A Weight Watchers clinic in Sweden made headlines after the floor collapsed during a meeting, an event the hosts find ironically humorous. In another media observation, the Nickelodeon show "The Mighty B" is noted for including a reference to Ayn Rand's "Atlas Shrugged" in a character's survival kit. These items are presented as "real news" highlights from the week.

The hosts acknowledge various listener donations, including a contribution from St. Petersburg, Russia. They discuss the economic downturn in New York City, reporting that some condo buildings are losing utility services due to insolvency. The segment includes mentions of specific donor names and their unique donation amounts, such as palindromes and cultural references.

The hosts critique the state of American reality television, specifically the show Jon & Kate Plus 8. They reference a CBS interview where family members alleged the children were being exploited or abused for entertainment. The conversation briefly touches on The Real Housewives of New Jersey as another example of vapid television programming.