The John Batchelor Show

Josh Dean details the CIA-led U-2 program, designed for high-altitude reconnaissance over the Soviet Union. To achieve 70,000 feet, Johnson created a lightweight glider-like plane. This required the invention of specialized pressure suits for pilots, providing nearly 75% of intelligence gathered during the Cold War. (8)
1951

Josh Dean explains the Skunk Works method through the development of the F-104 Starfighter. Johnson demanded total control and minimal oversight from the Air Force, focusing on speed and climb. His test pilots, including Tony LeVier, formed an intimate, trusted team that operated like "cowboys". (7)
1951

Josh Dean describes the early days of the Lockheed Corporation and the birth of Skunk Works. After saving the company by fixing the Electra, Kelly Johnson promised a jet fighter in just six months. Operating out of a circus tent, his team produced the P-80 in 143 days. (6)
1951

Josh Dean introduces Kelly Johnson, the brilliant engineer behind the P-38 fighter. Born to hardworking Swedishparents, Johnson overcame poverty to become a legend in aviation. His industrious nature and early mastery of aeronautics led him to Lockheed, where he would transform the industry during WWII. (5)1951

Mariam Wahba reports on the brutal persecution of Christians under the Chinese Communist Party's "sinicization" policy. This effort involves rewriting the Bible and mandating state-sanctioned clergy to ensure religion serves the state. Despite this, the underground church continues to grow, posing a challenge to CCP authority. (4)
1905 SHANGHAI

Mary Anastasia O'Grady reports on the earthquake tragedy in Venezuela and the incompetence of the Rodriguezregime. She details how officials like Diosdado Cabello hinder rescue efforts to hide illicit activities. Meanwhile, the opposition leader María Corina Machado is being blocked from returning to the country. (3)
1948

Anatol Lieven explores a potential peace compromise and the risks of escalation. He notes that while Ukraine can make Russia suffer via drone strikes on energy infrastructure, aerial bombardment alone will not force a surrender. A single miscalculation could lead to a direct clash between Russia and NATO. (2)
1956

Anatol Lieven discusses the impact of the Ukraine war on Russian consumers and potential peace terms. He suggests Russia might settle if it abandons Donbass demands, provided the West bars Ukrainian NATO membership. Currently, the Russian military is advancing slowly while enduring huge casualties and economic suffering. (1)
1899 CUBA

Preview for Later Today: Josh Dean discusses the Lockheed Skunk Works and the U-2 spy plane's history. He details the Soviet Union's frustration as their radar detected the high-altitude aircraft, yet their defenses were unable to intercept it. (1)
1920

Preview for Later Today: Veronique de Rugy reflects on a Siena fresco contrasting good and bad government. She explores how arbitrary justice leads to societal decay and family destruction, noting that contemporary governance often struggles with these same issues. (2)
1660 MILAN