Shaya Baum, Michael Kassab and Sarah Annas break down this week's biggest headlines, including violence near a Greek Orthodox church in Jordan, the surprising opening of a Jewish museum in Baghdad, Iraq, Israel's election and the growing influence of Arab political parties, and the latest NFL controversies involving the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and more.

CHRISTIANS IN THE MIDDLE EAST: JORDAN CHURCH VIOLENCE

A deadly attack near a Greek Orthodox church in Karak, Jordan, has renewed concerns about the safety of Christians and religious minorities across the Middle East. The crew discusses religious freedom, violence against Christian communities and whether the international community is doing enough to protect vulnerable populations. Why isn't more attention being paid to Christians in the Middle East?

IRAQ'S JEWISH HISTORY: JEWISH MUSEUM OPENS IN BAGHDAD

A Jewish museum has opened in Baghdad, Iraq, bringing renewed attention to one of the world's oldest Jewish communities. Once home to a thriving Jewish population for more than 2,500 years, Iraq saw much of its Jewish community disappear amid persecution, political instability and mass emigration. The crew explores the significance of preserving Iraqi Jewish history, Jewish-Arab relations and whether this unexpected development could signal changing attitudes toward Jewish heritage in the Middle East.

ISRAELI ELECTION: ARAB PARTIES GAIN POLITICAL INFLUENCE

Israel's election results have sparked discussion about the future of Israeli politics as Arab political parties make significant gains in the Knesset, Israel's parliament. With neither major political bloc securing a clear majority according to the episode's discussion, Arab representation could play an important role in determining Israel's next government.

NFL RAPID FIRE: WEEK 7 RECAP & WEEK 8 PREVIEW

The crew tackles the latest NFL news, controversial calls and heated rivalries. Detroit Lions fans celebrate a victory over the Green Bay Packers, but Packers fans argue the Lions should have been flagged for taunting. Were the celebrations excessive, or are Green Bay fans overreacting?

Plus, Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs facing pressure against the Denver Broncos, and a quarterback showdown between Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen as the Baltimore Ravens take on the Buffalo Bills.

The crew also debates the greatest Super Bowl halftime performances of all time following the episode's discussion of Jay-Z and the 2027 Super Bowl.

Watch the Back to Business Podcast, new episodes every Wednesday at 10 AM.

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Shaya Baum, Michael Kassab and Sarah Annas break down some of the biggest headlines this week, including protests in France, President Donald Trump's warnings about immigration in Paris, allegations and reported investigations involving Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, an alleged OpenAI corporate espionage scandal with possible Saudi Arabia connections, and the latest NFL Week 6 and Week 7 action.

FRANCE PROTESTS & TRUMP'S WARNING ABOUT PARIS

France is facing growing unrest as protests over immigration, rising living costs and government policies spark heated debates about the country's future. President Donald Trump has weighed in, warning that Paris is becoming a Muslim city and raising questions about immigration, integration and Europe's changing cultural identity.

ILHAN OMAR INVESTIGATION & IMMIGRATION FRAUD ALLEGATIONS

Congresswoman Ilhan Omar is at the center of renewed controversy surrounding allegations of immigration fraud, questions about her marriage history and financial disclosures. The episode examines reports of federal scrutiny, the political fallout and Omar's denial of wrongdoing. What would these allegations mean for Congress if proven true?

OPENAI ESPIONAGE SCANDAL & SAUDI ARABIA CONNECTION

A former OpenAI employee is accused of secretly recording sensitive company discussions, raising concerns about corporate espionage, artificial intelligence and national security. Allegations of connections to Saudi Arabia have added another layer to the controversy. Could foreign governments be targeting America's leading AI companies to gain access to confidential information?

NFL RAPID FIRE: WEEK 6 RECAP & WEEK 7 PREVIEW

The crew breaks down the latest NFL headlines, including Jalen Hurts and the Philadelphia Eagles, Patrick Mahomes reaching 100 career regular-season wins, the Los Angeles Rams' struggles and the Arizona Cardinals' upset. Plus, a look ahead at the Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears vs. New England Patriots and San Francisco 49ers vs. Atlanta Falcons. Can the Lions make a statement against their division rivals?

New episodes every Wednesday at 10 AM.

#FranceProtests #FranceNews #DonaldTrump #Paris #Immigration #IlhanOmar #Congress #USPolitics #OpenAI #ArtificialIntelligence #CorporateEspionage #SaudiArabia #AINews #NFL #NFLWeek6 #NFLWeek7 #DetroitLions #PhiladelphiaEagles #PatrickMahomes #GreenBayPackers #CurrentEvents #BreakingNews #NewsPodcast #BackToBusinessPodcast

In this special edition of the Back to Business Podcast, host Sarah Annas sits down with John Elliott, Founder and Executive Chairman of Load One and former CEO, to discuss his decades of experience in the trucking and logistics industry, building successful businesses, and navigating the challenges of entrepreneurship.

From growing a fleet of trucks to overcoming major financial setbacks following 9/11, John shares firsthand insights into business growth, leadership, risk management, and the realities of running a trucking company.

The conversation also explores his longtime business partnerships with Lou Glazier and Shaya Baum, the future of the trucking industry, autonomous vehicles, and the importance of building relationships that last.

John also reflects on his experiences traveling to Israel, how those visits challenged his perceptions, and the importance of understanding world events beyond media headlines.

Whether you're an entrepreneur, business owner, or transportation industry professional, this episode offers valuable perspectives on scaling a business, overcoming adversity, building strategic partnerships, and achieving long-term success.

Watch and listen to the Back to Business Podcast every Wednesday at 10 AM.

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Shaya Baum, Michael Kassab and Sarah Annas are joined by special guest Alina Istifu to discuss some of the biggest headlines this week, including Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia, the Muslim Brotherhood controversy surrounding Michigan Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed, Kelly Clarkson's viral $15,000 bird feud and the latest NFL Week 6 and Week 7 matchups.

HOUTHIS LAUNCH DEADLY ATTACKS ON SAUDI ARABIA

Iran-backed Houthi rebels have reportedly launched missile and drone attacks targeting Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, raising concerns about regional security and escalating tensions in the Middle East. Is Iran using the Houthis to fight its battles without taking direct responsibility?

MICHIGAN SENATE RACE: MUSLIM BROTHERHOOD CONTROVERSY

Michigan Democratic Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed is facing scrutiny over alleged associations with individuals and organizations connected to the Muslim Brotherhood. As the controversy draws attention to the Islamist movement and its political influence, what exactly is the Muslim Brotherhood, and why is it so controversial?

KELLY CLARKSON'S $15,000 BIRD FEUD

Kelly Clarkson sparked a viral social media feud after publicly criticizing Brooklyn business Art of Play over a $15,000 mechanical singing bird. Clarkson accused an employee of treating her like she couldn't afford it, comparing the experience to Pretty Woman. The store fired back, defending its employees and claiming the bird wasn't for sale. After the dispute exploded online, the store raised the bird's price to $15 million. Was Clarkson justified in calling out the business, or did her celebrity influence take things too far?

NFL RAPID FIRE: WEEK 5 & WEEK 6

The crew breaks down the latest NFL action, including the Detroit Lions, the Philadelphia Eagles' struggles, Jim Harbaugh and the Los Angeles Chargers, and key matchups featuring the Kansas City Chiefs, Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers.

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#Houthis #SaudiArabia #Iran #MiddleEastNews #MuslimBrotherhood #MichiganPolitics #AbdulElSayed #KellyClarkson #KellyClarksonBird #CelebrityNews #SmallBusiness #NFL #NFLWeek6 #NFLWeek7 #DetroitLions #PhiladelphiaEagles #KansasCityChiefs #CurrentEvents #NewsPodcast #BackToBusinessPodcast

Shaya Baum, Michael Kassab and Sarah Annas are back to discuss some of the biggest headlines this week, including the ongoing Sharia law controversy in Texas, the Cornell 7 sexual assault allegations, new developments in Christa Pike's execution case and the latest NFL Week 4 and Week 5 matchups.

SHARIA LAW IN TEXAS

Texas Governor Greg Abbott's concerns surrounding the proposed EPIC City Muslim-centered community near Dallas continue to spark debate over Sharia law, religious freedom and American constitutional rights. Could religious communities establish rules that conflict with state and federal laws?

CORNELL 7: SEXUAL ASSAULT ALLEGATIONS

Cornell University faces renewed scrutiny after seven fraternity members allegedly sexually assaulted a female student. Newly reported messages, recordings and investigative interviews have raised questions about how the allegations were handled, while the viral "I Am Jane Doe" movement has brought additional attention to the case.

CHRISTA PIKE: BOTCHED EXECUTION

New developments in Christa Pike's reported failed lethal injection have raised questions about Tennessee's death penalty procedures. Following the reported resignation of corrections commissioner Frank Strada and the suspension of remaining executions, should Tennessee be allowed to attempt the execution again?

NFL RAPID FIRE: WEEK 4 & WEEK 5

The crew breaks down the Buffalo Bills' first loss, Joe Burrow's performance, the Philadelphia Eagles' struggles and upcoming matchups featuring the Detroit Lions, Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers and Baltimore Ravens.

BACK TO BUSINESS PODCAST

New episodes every Wednesday at 10 AM.

#ShariaLaw #TexasNews #GregAbbott #Cornell7 #CornellUniversity #SexualAssaultAllegations #ChristaPike #DeathPenalty #TrueCrime #CurrentEvents #NewsPodcast #NFL #NFLWeek5 #DetroitLions #ChicagoBears #GreenBayPackers #BackToBusinessPodcast

Shaya Baum, Michael Kassab and Sarah Annas are back to discuss some of the biggest stories making headlines this week, from the three-year anniversary of October 7 in Israel and an Israel-bound Flydubai flight hijacking to the Christa Pike execution case in Tennessee and the latest NFL Week 4 headlines.

OCTOBER 7: THREE YEARS LATER
October 7, 2026 marks three years since the Hamas-led attack on Israel that killed nearly 1,200 people, most of them civilians, and resulted in 251 people being taken hostage.

Shaya, Mike and Sarah reflect on where they were when they first learned about the October 7 attack, what they remember most and the stories, images and moments that have stayed with them three years later.

ISRAEL-BOUND FLYDUBAI FLIGHT HIJACKING
A Flydubai flight traveling from Dubai to Tel Aviv descended roughly 17,000 feet in a matter of minutes after the co-pilot allegedly stabbed the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft. Passengers and crew reportedly helped restrain the co-pilot while other pilots aboard helped regain control before the plane landed safely in Saudi Arabia.

The hosts react to the Israel-bound flight hijacking and the actions of the passengers, crew and pilots who stepped in during the emergency.

CHRISTA PIKE & THE TENNESSEE EXECUTION
Christa Pike was scheduled to become the first woman executed in Tennessee in more than 200 years for the 1995 murder of 19-year-old Colleen Slemmer. After Pike was given two syringes of pentobarbital, she remained alive and was eventually transported to a hospital for medical treatment.

NFL RAPID FIRE: WEEK 3 & WEEK 4
The crew closes out the episode with NFL Rapid Fire, including the Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles, Baltimore Ravens vs. Dallas Cowboys, Detroit Lions offense, Green Bay Packers vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Buffalo Bills and the NFL’s undefeated teams.

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#October7 #October7Anniversary #Israel #IsraelNews #MiddleEast #MiddleEastNews #Flydubai #FlydubaiFlight #TelAviv #Dubai #ChristaPike #Tennessee #DeathPenalty #CapitalPunishment #TrueCrime #CurrentEvents #BreakingNews #News #NewsPodcast #Podcast #PoliticsPodcast #MichiganPodcast #NFL #NFLNews #NFLWeek4 #DetroitLions #OnePride #ChicagoBears #PhiladelphiaEagles #BaltimoreRavens #DallasCowboys #BuffaloBills #GreenBayPackers #TampaBayBuccaneers

Shaya Baum, Michael Kassab and Sarah Annas are back to break down some of the biggest stories getting people talking.

Mike Rogers vs. Abdul El-Sayed in Michigan’s U.S. Senate race, the “Palestinian Rachel Dolezal” controversy, growing questions about kratom, two Ole Miss student deaths, and NFL headlines, this week’s Back to Business Podcast covers it all.

MIKE ROGERS, ABDUL EL-SAYED & THE MICHIGAN SENATE RACE
Mike Kassab shares his experience speaking at a Mike Rogers event before the conversation turns to Michigan’s U.S. Senate race between Republican Mike Rogers and Democrat Abdul El-Sayed.

THE “PALESTINIAN RACHEL DOLEZAL” CONTROVERSY
Philadelphia public school teacher and activist Hannah Gann admitted she falsely claimed Palestinian and Tunisian heritage for years; activist groups she worked with also accused her of falsely claiming Black identity. The story has prompted online comparisons to Rachel Dolezal. How did Gann build credibility around an identity that wasn’t actually hers, and what happens when the truth comes out?

OLE MISS, KRATOM & THE QUESTIONS PEOPLE ARE ASKING
Two Ole Miss students died in separate incidents on the same day, with kratom found during both investigations. Toxicology results were still pending when we prepared the episode, but the cases raise bigger questions about a substance millions of Americans have tried.

What is kratom? Why are more people using it? And why is it so readily available at gas stations, smoke shops and online?

NFL RAPID FIRE
The crew closes out the episode with NFL rapid fire, including Jaxson Dart, Caleb Williams, the Vikings, Falcons, Chargers and Aaron Glenn’s return to Detroit.

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New episodes every Wednesday at 10 AM.

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This week on the Back to Business Podcast, Sarah Annas, Shaya Baum and Michael Kassab break down major stories making headlines across politics, culture, international affairs and sports.

Macklemore was dropped from Ed Sheeran’s U.S. tour amid renewed controversy over his pro-Palestinian comments and past rhetoric and imagery that critics have condemned as antisemitic. Robert Kraft, owner of Gillette Stadium, said his opposition to Macklemore performing at the venue was not about supporting Palestinians, but about rhetoric he viewed as antisemitic.

In Afghanistan, teenage girls are risking arrest simply to receive an education. CBS News recently went inside a secret school in Kabul where girls ages 14 to 16 continue studying despite Taliban restrictions. Before the reporters left, students handed them 21 handwritten “letters to the world,” describing the education and freedoms they have lost and their hopes of studying, working and choosing their own futures. What does it say that in 2026, girls are still forced to risk their safety just to go to school?

The hosts also turn to escalating tensions in the Middle East after Saudi Arabia said it intercepted a Houthi drone headed toward Mecca. As Saudi Arabia seeks outside help against the Iran-backed Houthis, reports have also raised the possibility of Saudi Arabia turning to Israel for security assistance. The hosts discuss what that could mean for Israel and Saudi Arabia, two countries facing shared regional threats, and whether security cooperation could bring them closer together.

Finally, it’s NFL rapid fire. Shaya and Michael break down the biggest storylines from Weeks 1 and 2, including Caleb Williams and the Bears, Green Bay and Dallas, Patrick Mahomes and Kansas City, Lions vs. Bills, Seattle moving forward without Sam Darnold and whether the Giants can build on their early success.

Watch or listen to the Back to Business Podcast every Wednesday at 10AM.

CBS News Credit: This episode includes a brief video/audio excerpt from CBS News reporting on the secret girls’ school in Afghanistan. All CBS News footage and audio remain the property of CBS News.

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