Well, howdy there, internet people. It's Bell again. And welcome to the roads with Bell.

Today is June 14th, 2026. And this is episode 147 of The Roads Not Taken, which is a weekly series

where we go over the news that was unreported, underreported, didn't get the

coverage we thought it deserved or we just found it interesting. And then we go through a few

questions from y'all. Today is June 14th and it's World Blood Donor Day and International Bath Day. And on this date in 1777, the Flag Act was passed,

and the U.S. flag was officially adopted. And starting with foreign policy, Iranian officials are

indicating that Trump agreed to release tens of billions of dollars

as part of a deal to reopen the strait, but is unwilling to publicly disclose it. This is raising

widespread concerns that Trump is trying to work out a public deal and an off-the-book deal. This seems to fit with political posturing domestically,

because Trump is terrified of having to admit what experts have known for months.

He's unlikely to get anything substantially different than the original Obama deal he criticized.

And you know, Obama didn't need a war and a disruption to the

global economy. In other Iran news, the UAE is reportedly releasing billions to Iran.

The EU is starting the process of moving Ukraine and Moldova toward membership status.

Ukraine's capabilities with drones and their method of deployment has greatly hindered Russia's

ability to make battlefield gains. However, Ukraine is facing a manpower shortage that they

plan on shoring up by recruiting foreign troops. The U.S. military reportedly conducted an airstrike

to take out the leadership of an influential gang. The strike was reportedly conducted with the blessing

of the Venezuelan government. This was openly discussed in the media. Well, if there's anything

we know, it's that sophisticated, well-funded, and well-armed groups are very understanding

of a once-compliant government, suddenly

okaying strikes against them. There is zero chance of blowback on this one.

...