Squawk Pod Baby Formula, A Tax Hike, & The Late Show 2/18/26
Feb 18, 2026
Steven Fulop, Partnership for New York City CEO, on proposed property tax hikes and business impacts. Dr. Scott Gottlieb, former FDA Commissioner, on baby formula safety, manufacturing hurdles, and regulatory effects on vaccines and biologics. They discuss city budget politics, supply-chain and safety reviews, and how policy choices shape investment in health and regional competitiveness.
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Amazon CapEx Shock Raises AI Management Stakes
- Amazon's nine-day sell-off followed a surprise $200B 2026 CapEx plan that spooked investors about execution and AI integration risks.
- Andrew Ross Sorkin and Joe Kernen note management's ability to integrate AI matters more than the hype around spending.
Diplomacy Alters Oil Market Risk
- U.S.–Iran talks and partial Strait of Hormuz closure pushed oil prices higher amid uncertainty about military options.
- Hosts argue negotiated nuclear concessions may not resolve broader strategic issues with Iran.
Colbert's Interview Reaches Millions Online
- Stephen Colbert's interview with Texas Rep. James Talarico was posted on YouTube after CBS advised it could trigger equal-time rules.
- The clip still drew over four million views, showing late‑night content can find large online audiences despite network barriers.