S14 EP135: Hour 1 - Big Balls is the Hero We Need

Overview: Fort Stewart shooting, DC safety, Apple investment, and supply-chain shifts

This episode strings together developing breaking news at Fort Stewart with broader debates about urban safety, federal control of Washington, D.C., major corporate moves by Apple, and the ripple effects of tariffs on global supply chains. Host Eric Erickson connects local violence and a heroic rescue in D.C. to national policy questions about crime data, federalization, and how tariffs ultimately affect consumers.

Fort Stewart active shooter updates and immediate safety response

Breaking coverage: Listeners get real-time reporting about an active shooter incident at Fort Stewart near Savannah, Georgia, where five soldiers were shot and the suspect was taken into custody. The report emphasizes the evolving casualty assessment, base lockdowns, and law enforcement coordination including the FBI and Georgia authorities.

Washington, D.C. public safety and calls for federal oversight

Eric uses the viral story of Edward Korosteen (nicknamed “Big Balls”)—a congressional staffer who intervened to protect a woman—to underscore public perceptions of urban danger. He contrasts national crime decline reports with persistent high local homicide rates in D.C., advocating for federalized control of the capital to restore public safety and accountability.

Corporate strategy and trade policy: Apple, tariffs, and supply-chain relocation

Apple’s announced U.S. investment and the company’s shift of some iPhone production from China to India are discussed in the context of escalating U.S. tariffs. The episode explores how tariffs on India could affect pricing, consumer costs, and Apple’s push for exemptions to protect product launches.

Geopolitics and sabotage: Russia’s growing asymmetric threats in Europe

The program highlights suspected Russian sabotage against power and telecom infrastructure across Northern Europe and the Baltic states’ defensive responses. These events are linked to broader sanction strategies and global tensions tied to the war in Ukraine.

Public safety solutions and surprising research

Listeners hear about a 2025 University of Connecticut study showing LED street-light retrofits can reduce crime — a practical policy lever cities can deploy. The show also critiques how FBI crime reporting changes may complicate interpretations of nationwide crime trends.

• What to expect: live updates, evolving details from Fort Stewart, government reactions, and implications for civic life.
• Why it matters: links between local violence, national policy debates, and global economic decisions shape daily safety and consumer costs.

For audiences searching for clear, up-to-the-minute context on military incidents, urban safety policy, and how trade policy affects everyday prices, this episode synthesizes breaking facts, policy analysis, and human stories in one place.