The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 1:

• In a new editorial, center-left writer Matthew Yglesias argues that retail theft has become professionalized. Though progressive Democrats like Representative Alexandria Ocasio Cortez argue that shoplifting is done by the needy, Yglesias contends that narrative is inaccurate—with most retail theft being the result of criminals simply seeking an expedient way to attain money. The Washington Post notes that many cities are becoming “pharmacy deserts” with drugstore chains closing in major cities as a result of unchecked thefts. You can read Yglesias’s full article here: https://www.slowboring.com/p/taking-retail-theft-seriously. And you can read more about pharmacy deserts here: https://www.washingtonpost.com/business/2023/10/22/drugstore-close-pharmacy-deserts/
• While appearing on Meet the Press with Kristen Welker, Secretary of State Antony Blinken answered questions about potential Iranian involvement in Israel’s fight against Hamas terrorists, explaining: “we expect that there is a likelihood of escalation—escalation by Iran proxies directed at our forces.”
• While speaking with Jonathan Karl on ABC News, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin warned about potential escalation in the Middle East as Iranian-backed proxies begin to involve themselves military—even targeting U.S. forces stationed in the region.
• During Monday’s White House press briefing, National Security Council Coordinator for Strategic Communications John Kirby was asked how the Biden Administration can guarantee that American aid provided to Gaza won’t unintentionally end up in the hands of Hamas. Kirby said he was “not blind to the potential concerns” but did not explain how the administration would guarantee Hamas did not derive financial benefit.
• According to investigative reporter Jennie Taer of The Daily Caller, “[f]ederal officials are warning that members of Hamas, Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) and Hezbollah could be crossing through the southern border.” You can read the full report here: https://dailycaller.com/2023/10/22/hamas-hezbollah-southern-border/