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In today's episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast we're breaking down the latest moves in Iran and the Middle East with all the context you need to understand what's really happening in the Strait of Hormuz, the Gulf, and beyond. President Trump's Project Freedom, the US effort to guide commercial ships through the strait, has been paused for a short period of time even as the blockade remains in effect. We explain why this pause matters, what it signals about ongoing negotiations with Tehran, and how both the US and Iran are jockeying for leverage while the world watches.

Iran isn't standing still. We cover recent missile and drone strikes against UAE oil facilities, including the Fujairah Petroleum Industrial Zone, and how these attacks fit into Tehran's strategy to maintain control over the strait and test Gulf and US resolve. We break down the IRGC's posture, Major General Ali Abdollahi's warnings, and the new bureaucratic system Iran has rolled out to regulate shipping, giving them both economic and strategic leverage in this critical choke point.

We also bring you updates from Beijing, where Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi met Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi ahead of the Trump-Xi summit. China is pressing for a ceasefire and safe passage through the strait, highlighting its dual role as Iran's major energy customer and a global power trying to keep US relations intact.

Energy markets are reacting in real time. Brent crude has hovered around one hundred dollars per barrel while West Texas Intermediate is near one hundred and five. We explain why Japan just received its first shipment of Russian oil since the war started in February, and what it means for global supply chains. We also explore Saudi Arabia and the UAE's ongoing economic and strategic competition, from Yemen policy to corporate relocation and multi-billion-dollar investment plans, showing how Gulf geopolitics continues to shift even without headline-grabbing battles.

From a tactical perspective, US forces continue to defend merchant ships, neutralizing Iranian speedboats and intercepting cruise missiles and drones. We cover the broader regional implications with Hezbollah attacks in southern Lebanon, the situation in the West Bank, and how Israel is managing civilian displacement while maintaining operational control. We also touch on Iran's internal resilience, including oil storage capacity and adaptive strategies for sanctions evasion, demonstrating Tehran's ability to survive pressure and maintain its negotiating position.

If you want a clear, concise, and high-level understanding of why the Strait of Hormuz remains the center of gravity in the Middle East, how Project Freedom is shaping regional dynamics, and what the latest Iranian, Gulf, and global energy moves mean, this episode is a must-listen. Ryan and Glenn break it down with precision, context, and a touch of levity so you can follow the story without getting lost in jargon.

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Step beyond the headlines and official spin to uncover the deeper realities inside Russia and China's economies. We take a close look at how Moscow and Beijing project power abroad while grappling with fragile foundations at home, from Russia's unsustainable wartime spending to China's faltering growth and anxious workforce. We cut through state narratives to reveal the costs of these economies, costs borne not by leaders, but by ordinary citizens facing higher prices and shrinking opportunities. With insights from data, policy shifts, and on-the-ground reports, we trace how these two authoritarian powers strain to maintain control, and how their choices reverberate across global markets, diplomacy, and the lives of millions. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.

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In today's episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast we're diving deep into China's latest moves on multiple fronts. From energy to diplomacy to military posture this is your go-to briefing on how Beijing is shaping the global stage. We start with China's wind energy expansion. Offshore projects are booming with massive arrays now 45 miles off Yantai in waters 180 feet deep. Wind power now provides roughly ten percent of China's electricity and exports are surging to the EU and Belt and Road Initiative nations. With smart tax and currency policies Chinese turbine makers like Ming Yang and Envision Energy are dominating production and global influence. This is not just green energy; it's a strategic play to reduce dependency on Middle Eastern oil while increasing global leverage.

On the diplomatic front we cover China's handling of tensions around Iranian oil. The US is pressing to secure the Strait of Hormuz and control energy flows, while China is instructing firms like Hengli Petrochemical to ignore US sanctions using its 2021 blocking rule. For the first time Beijing is applying this tool visibly signaling it is willing to push back aggressively and systemically. We also have updates on Taiwan. President Lai Ching-te's successful visit to Eswatini shows Taipei's ability to maintain international engagement despite Beijing's attempts at isolation. The US is reinforcing Taiwan as a trusted partner highlighting continued strategic support.

We break down China's military posture and intelligence moves. The PLA continues to centralize command and conduct exercises near the Taiwan Strait. Taiwanese officials are emphasizing readiness improvements including joint anti-landing drills and new alert levels. Meanwhile Beijing is rolling out new naval and anti-drone systems following lessons from Ukraine and the Middle East signaling a serious push to modernize and protect maritime interests.

Technology and strategic competition remain front and center. AI is a critical national-security asset and both China and the US are positioning for long-term advantage. China continues to navigate the intersection of tech trade and sanctions while defending its global companies and expanding influence. Energy diplomacy, export strategy, and technological leverage are all intertwined in a calculated mix of resilience and global influence.

Hong Kong's economy also plays a role in today's narrative with GDP growth showing resilience despite geopolitical shocks. Exports, consumption, and investment remain strong highlighting how global markets absorb China's strategic moves in real time.

This episode connects energy, diplomacy, military developments, and tech competition into a full picture of Beijing's strategy. We unpack what this means for the US for Taiwan and for the broader Indo-Pacific region. Keep an ear out for insights into upcoming Trump-Xi talks and why every move from wind turbines to drone deployments matters globally.

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.

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In today's episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, we break down the latest developments in Russia and Ukraine, bringing you strategic insights and on-the-ground updates you won't get anywhere else. Ukrainian forces are ramping up their deep-strike capabilities, hitting targets like the Kirishinefteorgsintez refinery in Leningrad Oblast and the VNIIR-Progress plant in Cheboksary with missiles and drones launched over 1,500 kilometers. These strikes are disrupting Russia's industrial and military infrastructure and sending a clear message that even the Russian rear areas aren't safe.

Meanwhile, Russian forces are responding with coordinated drone and missile attacks across Ukraine, killing civilians and targeting energy infrastructure. We cover the deadly double-tap strikes in Poltava, and how these ongoing attacks are stretching Ukrainian defenses. Drone warfare remains at the center of this evolving conflict with Ukraine achieving operational depth dominance and Russia scrambling to respond with partially effective countermeasures.

We also take a closer look at Ukraine's international strategy and partnerships. Taiwan is emerging as a critical supplier of drone components, giving Ukraine alternatives to Chinese technology and supporting domestic production. Training initiatives in Azerbaijan show Kyiv is not just building drones but creating regional expertise in countering Shahed-class drones. These moves highlight how Ukraine is combining technology, diplomacy, and industry to gain an edge.

Back inside Russia, domestic pressures are mounting. KamAZ continues to struggle under sanctions and falling sales, hypersonic researchers face long prison sentences, and political repression extends to activists like Lev Ponomaryov. Moscow maintains tight control over communications, restricts mobile internet, and enforces heavy FSB oversight. Leadership changes in Dagestan, security adjustments ahead of Victory Day, and targeted intelligence operations show a Kremlin feeling increasingly vulnerable at home and abroad.

Energy and regional geopolitics also take center stage. Kazakhstan will end Russian electricity imports by 2027, and the Iran conflict is opening the door for the Trans-Caspian Gas Pipeline connecting Central Asia to Europe, bypassing Russia. Meanwhile, Russian-occupied Ukraine remains a site of extractive reconstruction with civilian hardship and ongoing resource exploitation.

This episode is packed with updates on the war, technology, sanctions, domestic politics, and energy developments. We explain how long-range strikes, drone innovations, regional alliances, and internal pressures in Russia are shaping the conflict. From strategic infrastructure attacks to the shifting energy landscape, we cover it all in a way that's engaging, informative, and easy to follow.

Tune in to understand the broader implications behind each strike, policy move, and domestic shift in Russia and Ukraine. Whether you're a defense professional, geopolitical analyst, or just someone who wants to stay ahead of the news cycle, this episode breaks down the key developments with clarity and context.

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.

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The Strait of Hormuz is back in the spotlight as Iran ramps up pressure and the United States launches Project Freedom to reopen shipping lanes. In this episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, Ryan and Glenn break down the latest escalation in the Gulf, including Iranian drone and missile attacks, fast-attack boats neutralized by US forces, and commercial vessels navigating dangerous waters under heavy military oversight. We provide updates on the UAE and Oman, where strikes on energy infrastructure and residential areas have rattled the region, and explain what this means for global energy markets.

Saudi Arabia and the UAE are also facing growing tensions as their once-close partnership shows cracks over Yemen, energy policy, and competing regional ambitions. With Abu Dhabi exiting OPEC and Riyadh consolidating corporate power at home, the Gulf's geopolitical landscape is shifting in real time. Ryan and Glenn contextualize the rift and its implications for oil supply, regional stability, and the balance of power in the Middle East.

Hezbollah's FPV drone campaigns against Israeli forces in southern Lebanon continue to evolve. We dive into their recent attacks, how Israel is countering with drone interceptors and frontline tactics, and why these cheap and precise drones are changing the dynamics along the Israeli-Lebanese border. The West Bank remains tense as settler violence escalates, Palestinian displacement continues, and international diplomacy faces pressure from Europe over humanitarian concerns.

We also touch on Iran's internal economic situation, sanctions evasion tactics, and the return of figures like Babak Zanjani who are leveraging cryptocurrency to move funds for the IRGC. The podcast highlights how Iran adapts its asymmetric strategies, from gold smuggling during the Ahmadinejad era to modern blockchain operations, keeping the US and allies on their toes.

Global markets are feeling the impact. Brent crude surged to over $113 per barrel as commercial shipping was disrupted and regional tensions spiked. Japan received its first Russian oil shipment since the war began, signaling how countries are scrambling to secure energy supplies. Ryan and Glenn explain the economic ripple effects, including inflationary pressures, investor reactions, and the broader implications for international trade and energy security.

Tune in as we unpack the complex web of Middle East dynamics, from Iran's strait control to Gulf rivalries, Israeli security challenges, and the broader global consequences. This episode is packed with updates, insights, and tactical context you won't find anywhere else. Stay informed, stay ahead, and understand the stakes behind every headline.

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.

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China is making bold moves on multiple fronts and we've got the latest for you. In this episode, we break down China's dominance in wind power and how its offshore projects are shaping the global energy market. While other nations scramble to respond to Middle East disruptions, China is planning decades ahead, using subsidies and strategic exports to tighten its grip on renewable energy and secure its economic and geopolitical position.

We also dive into the escalating tensions between the US and China over Iranian oil. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has been clear: China is funding Tehran, the largest state sponsor of terrorism, and Washington is using every tool at its disposal to push back. Meanwhile, Beijing isn't backing down. Today we update you on China's first-time use of the 2021 blocking rule to defy US sanctions and protect its domestic companies, marking a visible escalation ahead of the Trump-Xi summit.

Taiwan is making headlines too. President Lai Ching-te completed a carefully rerouted trip to Eswatini, bypassing Chinese-influenced airspace. This move reinforces Taipei's commitment to international engagement and demonstrates that China's attempts to isolate Taiwan are far from foolproof. We cover what this means for regional diplomacy and US-Taiwan relations.

On the domestic front, the US is preparing to tighten visa measures as China slows repatriation of undocumented nationals. Over 100,000 Chinese nationals in the US are impacted, and this story highlights the intersection of immigration policy and international leverage just ahead of the high-stakes Trump-Xi meetings.

Hong Kong's economy is also making waves. Q1 GDP grew 5.9 percent, the fastest pace in almost five years, fueled by consumption, investment, and AI-driven electronics exports. We look at how regional geopolitics and Middle East conflicts might influence future growth, while the city navigates both opportunity and risk.

And of course, military readiness is front and center. Taiwan continues to monitor PLA activity near the Taiwan Strait, refining alert levels, anti-landing operations, and counter-cognitive warfare measures. We also touch on China's broader pushback against US sanctions on Cuba and tech companies, showing how Beijing combines diplomacy, economics, and regulation into a global strategy.

This episode is your one-stop update on China, Taiwan, and US strategy. We make it clear, fast, and engaging so you stay ahead of the headlines without getting bogged down in repetitive reporting.

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.

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Today on The Restricted Handling Podcast we're diving into the latest updates from Russia, Ukraine, and the wider conflict landscape that's keeping global leaders on edge. This episode takes you straight into the heart of Kremlin paranoia as President Vladimir Putin tightens his security, restricts mobile internet in Moscow and St. Petersburg, and prepares for a scaled-back Victory Day parade. Ukrainian drones continue to punch deep into Russian territory and hit strategic infrastructure including high-rises, oil refineries, and nuclear monitoring equipment. We break down what this means for Russia's military posture, domestic stability, and energy exports.

We also cover the latest shakeups in the Russian military. Colonel General Alexander Chayko has taken command of the Russian Aerospace Forces amid criticism over air defense and repeated drone strike failures. We analyze how this leadership change could impact ongoing operations and the Kremlin's ability to manage both strategic threats and public perception. Meanwhile, Russia is extending its domestic security efforts with high-profile FSB operations and sweeping anti-corruption measures in frontline regions. These actions consolidate power, ensure loyalty, and highlight the growing tension inside Moscow as the war grinds on.

On the Ukrainian side, we discuss operational and diplomatic moves that are changing the game. President Zelensky's visit to Gabala, Azerbaijan, has solidified defense and military-industrial cooperation, including joint UAV development and deployment of air-defense experts. This isn't just symbolic. Kyiv is positioning itself as a regional security partner and opening avenues for potential trilateral negotiations with the US and Russia. We also touch on POW negotiations and how foreign fighters captured by Ukraine are affecting Russian priorities, providing a nuanced view of legal, diplomatic, and strategic challenges.

Energy and logistics remain central to the conflict. Ukrainian strikes continue to target Russian energy infrastructure and the shadow fleet, creating operational risk and economic disruption. Japan's recent imports of Sakhalin-2 crude illustrate how global energy markets are shifting in response to the conflict. At the same time, Russia is deploying Buk-M3 systems and machine gunners atop the Kremlin to counter aerial threats. This episode provides context on how energy, military, and technological factors intersect on both sides of the conflict.

Finally, we explore the broader implications for Europe and US allies. Funding packages, sanctions, and regional cooperation continue to shape the strategic environment. European nations are consolidating support for Ukraine while countering Russian influence in neighboring countries like Armenia. These developments show how local battlefield actions ripple across global geopolitics.

Stay tuned for a fast-paced, in-depth briefing that's as serious as it is engaging. From drones and leadership shakeups to international diplomacy and economic pressure campaigns, we cover the stories you need to know to understand the current state of play in Russia and Ukraine.

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.

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The Strait of Hormuz is now the main stage of the Iran war and the stakes could not be higher. In this episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, Ryan and Glenn break down President Trump's launch of "Project Freedom," the U.S. effort to guide stranded commercial ships out of the world's most important energy chokepoint. Is this a humanitarian coordination move or the beginning of a high-risk maritime showdown with Iran?

We walk through Iran's immediate response, including direct warnings from senior Iranian military commanders that U.S. forces entering the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted. We unpack the missile strike claims near Jask, the U.S. denial, and why oil prices spiked above one hundred dollars per barrel almost instantly. If you care about global energy markets, inflation, or what happens next in the Middle East, this is the episode for you.

We also dive into Iran's 14-point peace proposal delivered through Pakistan. What does Tehran actually want? Why is the nuclear file being pushed to a second phase? And what are the real sticking points between Washington and Tehran right now? Ryan and Glenn explain the sequencing battle over sanctions relief, uranium enrichment, and control of Gulf shipping in clear terms without the diplomatic fluff.

Beyond Hormuz, we zoom out to Lebanon, where Israel is expanding its buffer zone and Hezbollah is ramping up drone and rocket activity. We discuss how Israeli operations in southern Lebanon are being compared to Gaza tactics and what that means for regional escalation. In the West Bank, settler violence is intensifying amid global distraction, raising questions about internal Israeli stability and long-term political consequences.

On the economic front, we examine Iran's mounting financial pressure. Inflation, currency depreciation, job losses, and sanctions evasion through cryptocurrency networks tied to figures like Babak Zanjani are all in play. This is not just a battlefield conflict. It is an economic and technological chess match unfolding in real time.

We also cover OPEC dynamics after the UAE's surprise exit and what Abu Dhabi's fifty five billion dollar domestic energy push signals about the future of Gulf energy politics. Supply chains, oil flows, maritime security, and great power competition are all converging in one narrow stretch of water.

If you want sharp geopolitical analysis on Iran, the Middle East, U.S. military posture, energy security, sanctions enforcement, and regional power politics, this episode delivers. No cable news noise. No performative outrage. Just focused, strategic insight designed for listeners who care about how global security actually works.

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.

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China is playing three-dimensional chess right now and the board stretches from Africa to the Strait of Hormuz to the Panama Canal. In this episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, we break down how Beijing is maneuvering across multiple theaters at once while the United States and its allies scramble to keep up.

We start with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te pulling off a surprise arrival in Eswatini after several countries revoked overflight permissions. Taipei says China leaned on Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar to block his route. Beijing fired back with public insults. Washington called the visit routine. What looks like diplomatic theater is actually a test of how far China can extend its economic and political pressure beyond Asia. If Beijing can influence African airspace decisions, that tells you something about global leverage.

From there we shift to the Iran war and China's careful hedging. Beijing is publicly calling for de-escalation while quietly protecting its energy interests and maintaining relationships across the board. With oil markets shaken and the Strait of Hormuz disrupted, China's vulnerability as a major energy importer is front and center. At the same time, Chinese firms remain deeply embedded in global supply chains that touch everything from dual-use materials to drone components. This episode unpacks how China balances diplomacy, economic survival, and long-term strategic positioning.

We also examine China's use of economic coercion in Latin America. After Panama's Supreme Court moved against Hong Kong-linked port concessions, Chinese authorities sharply increased inspections of Panama-flagged vessels. That is not just trade friction. It is a signal. Smaller states are watching closely to see what happens when you cross Beijing's commercial interests.

In the Indo-Pacific, US allies are not standing still. The massive Balikatan exercise in the Philippines brought together forces from seven nations, including Japan's first ground troop deployment there since World War II. We walk through why that matters for Taiwan contingencies and South China Sea flashpoints. We also look at Taiwan's evolving military readiness posture and its push to counter Chinese gray zone tactics and information warfare.

Finally, we dig into China's long-term preparation for great power competition. Strategic stockpiling, energy security planning, anti-corruption crackdowns, and deeper Belt and Road partnerships all point to a leadership that believes turbulence is not temporary. It is structural.

If you care about China, Taiwan, Iran, the South China Sea, economic coercion, energy security, and the shape of US allied strategy in the Indo-Pacific, this episode connects the dots in a way that is direct, clear, and built for serious listeners.

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.

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Ukraine just struck deep into Russia's energy and naval backbone, and this episode breaks down why it matters far beyond a few drone hits.

In RH 5.4.26, Ryan and Glenn walk through Ukraine's long-range strike on the Baltic oil port of Primorsk, the reported hit on a Kalibr-capable Karakurt-class corvette, and attacks on shadow fleet tankers used to dodge Western sanctions. This is not just battlefield action. This is economic warfare aimed directly at Russia's oil revenues.

We explain how Ukrainian drone operations are targeting ports like Primorsk, Novorossiysk, and Tuapse, and how those strikes intersect with rising global oil prices driven by the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Russia's oil revenues surged in March. Ukraine is trying to cut into that momentum. The result is a strategic contest over barrels, budgets, and battlefield sustainability.

We also dig into Europe's response. The European Union finalized a ninety billion euro loan package for Ukraine after Hungary's leadership change removed the blockade. Now the UK is opening talks to join the scheme. That move has implications for defense integration, sanctions enforcement, and the broader post-Brexit UK–EU reset. This is not symbolic. It is money, contracts, weapons, and leverage.

From there, we zoom out to Armenia. The EU is deploying a mission to counter Russian cyber and political interference ahead of June elections. Moscow still maintains a military base in Armenia and significant economic influence. But the geopolitical drift is real. The Caucasus is no longer a quiet Russian backyard.

Inside Russia, things look tense. European intelligence reporting suggests Vladimir Putin has tightened security amid fears of assassination attempts and elite instability. The Federal Protective Service reportedly expanded protection for senior generals. Internet shutdowns are planned in Moscow ahead of Victory Day. This year's May 9 parade will not feature heavy military equipment. That is not a detail. That is a signal.

We also cover Ukrainian drone strikes reaching a high-rise near central Moscow, Russia's modification of Geran drones to carry air-to-air missiles, and the recruitment of African nationals into Russian military service. This war is stretching across continents, supply chains, and political systems.

If you want a clear, fast, serious breakdown of what is happening in Russia, Ukraine, Europe, and beyond, this episode delivers.

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.