In this episode of the Back to Business Podcast, we explore four stories shaping conversations around culture, technology, justice, and the future of the Middle East.

🔹 Brooklyn Co-op Boycott Sparks National Response

A vote by members of New York City's Park Slope Food Coop to boycott Israeli products has ignited controversy and prompted a nationwide response.

🔹 Assyrian Groups Reject Land Distribution Plan in Tel Keppe

Assyrian organizations are raising concerns over a proposed land distribution initiative in the historic Christian town of Tel Keppe, Iraq. We discuss what it takes to preserve one of the Middle East's oldest indigenous communities after decades of war, displacement, and demographic change.

🔹 America's AI Boom Faces a Data Center Bottleneck

Artificial intelligence is driving unprecedented technological growth, but can America's infrastructure keep up? We examine how power shortages, permitting delays, and increasing demand for computing capacity could impact the nation's position in the global race for AI leadership.

🔹 Michigan Exoneree Compensation Reform

Michigan lawmakers are considering changes to the state's wrongful imprisonment compensation law. We discuss whether people who have been proven innocent should ever face additional barriers to receiving compensation and what meaningful justice looks like after a wrongful conviction.

Join us as we break down today's headlines, ask difficult questions, and explore the issues shaping our world.

🎙️ New episodes of the Back to Business Podcast premiere every Wednesday at 10 AM.

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This week on the Back to Business Podcast, Jessica joins Shaya Baum and Mike Kassab as guest host while Sarah is away. Together, they discuss some of the biggest stories shaping politics, international relations, business, technology, and criminal justice.

🔹 Texas Candidate Faces Backlash Over Extreme Online Comments
A Texas congressional candidate is under fire after controversial social media posts sparked accusations of antisemitism and political extremism. We discuss the rise of inflammatory online rhetoric, the role social media plays in amplifying outrage, and whether extreme political messaging is becoming too normalized in American discourse.

🔹 Trump Pushes Additional Muslim Nations to Join the Abraham Accords
Reports indicate President Trump is encouraging several Muslim-majority nations to join the Abraham Accords as part of broader Middle East negotiations. We explore the history of the accords, their impact on regional diplomacy, and whether expanding them could reshape relationships between Israel and the Arab world.

🔹 SpaceX Plans What Could Become the Largest IPO in History
With reports valuing SpaceX at approximately $1.4 trillion, Elon Musk's company could soon become one of the most valuable publicly traded companies in the world. We discuss the future of commercial space exploration, satellite communications, defense technology, and the growing competition for influence beyond Earth.

🔹 Wrongful Convictions Act Returns to New York Lawmakers
New York lawmakers are once again considering legislation that would make it easier for individuals to challenge convictions when new evidence emerges. We examine the debate over wrongful convictions, plea deals, criminal justice reform, and whether the legal system should place greater emphasis on finality or innocence.

📅 New episodes every Wednesday at 10:00 AM

This week on the Back to Business Podcast, Jessica joins Shaya Baum and Mike Kassab as guest host while Sarah is away. Together, they dive into some of the biggest stories impacting business, geopolitics, public policy, culture, and the Middle East.

🔹 UAE Denies Netanyahu Secret Visit During Iran Conflict
Could growing cooperation between Israel and Gulf nations represent a path toward greater stability and peace in the Middle East? We discuss the Abraham Accords, regional security, diplomacy, and shifting alliances amid tensions with Iran.

🔹 First Palestinian ICC Filing Against Hamas
A historic legal filing asks the International Criminal Court to investigate Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes against Palestinians. We explore accountability, international law, human rights, and what this could mean for the future of the region.

🔹 Howard Schultz Warns About Seattle’s Direction
Former Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz raises concerns about crime, economic competitiveness, political extremism, and the challenges businesses face in major American cities. Are companies beginning to rethink where they invest and grow?

🔹 Chaldean Christians and Jewish Communities in Iraq
We examine the history and contributions of two of Iraq’s oldest communities, the challenges that led to their displacement, and why preserving the stories of the Middle East’s diverse populations remains critical to fostering understanding and long-term peace.

🔹 DOJ Pushes to Revive Obscenity Prosecution Task Force
As concerns grow over explicit online content and its accessibility, we discuss free speech, government regulation, internet culture, and where the line should be drawn in the digital age.

The Back to Business Podcast brings together thoughtful conversations on business, finance, entrepreneurship, current events, geopolitics, public policy, and the stories shaping our world.

📅 New episodes every Wednesday at 10:00 AM