Mike Baker

Just text PDB to the number 989-898 and you'll receive a free no-obligation information kit and you'll learn how to convert an existing IRA or a 401k into a gold IRA.

Again, text PDB to 989-898.

It's Friday, the 2nd of January.

I hope your new year is off to a very good start.

Welcome to the PDB Afternoon Bulletin.

I'm Mike Baker, your eyes and ears on the world stage.

All right, let's get briefed.

First up, protests in Iran turned deadly as security forces opened fire, adding fuel to an already volatile situation, and drawing a sharp warning from the White House.

Later in the show, a New York Times investigation has revealed how a marijuana boom in rural Oklahoma led investigators to New York, shadowy ownership networks, and unexpected ties to China.

But first, today's afternoon spotlight.

Earlier this week, we told you about growing protests across Iran, demonstrations driven by a collapsing economy, soaring prices, a lack of basic resources, and long-simmering anger toward the regime.

Now, those protests have taken a deadly turn.

What began as scattered demonstrations has escalated into violent clashes between protesters and Iranian security forces, leaving multiple people dead and pushing an already volatile situation closer to the edge.

According to reports, protests erupted across several Iranian cities as crowds gathered to denounce economic mismanagement, corruption, and the steep decline in living standards.

Witnesses described chants targeting senior leadership, with demonstrators openly challenging the authority of the Islamic Republic in a way that we haven't seen at scale since the nationwide unrest of 2022.

And the response from authorities has been swift and now lethal.

Iranian security forces, including riot police and paramilitary units, moved aggressively to break up crowds.

In several locations, live ammunition was used.

At least a handful of protesters are now confirmed dead.

Though the true toll may be higher.