Podcasts about Commonwealth

Possibly the longest shownotes in history thanks to Gemini 3 Pro. Bless the swamp from which this AI slop emerged and enjoy the episode. Or just read this, I suppose. The title sucks terribly. Do better, Gemmo! Show Notes with Time‑Shifted Timestamps(All timestamps below have been shifted forward by 25 seconds to allow for theme music, as requested.)00:00 – Welcome, Cricket and the Pink Ball at the Gabba00:00:25 – Jack the Insider (Joel Hill) opens episode 137 of The Two Jacks and notes they're recording just after midday on 4 December.00:00:36 – Quick chat about the looming day–night Test at the Gabba and the prospect it could finish very quickly.00:00:44 – Hong Kong Jack explains why dusk session timings in Hong Kong line up perfectly with “Asahi o'clock”.00:01:07 – The Jacks wonder which pink ball is in use – Duke or Kookaburra – and what that means for Mitchell Starc and the batters.00:01:30 – They flag that full cricket chat will come later in the episode.Tai Po Fire, Mourning and Accountability in Hong Kong00:01:53 – Jack the Insider pivots from sport to tragedy: an update on the Tai Po (Typo) fire in Hong Kong, now with 159 dead, from ages 1 to 97.00:02:07 – Hong Kong Jack describes the government‑ordered three‑day citywide mourning period, mass flower layings, official ceremonies and a three‑minute silence.00:02:35 – Discussion of schools cancelling Christmas parties and staff functions in solidarity; a sense the tragedy is being taken seriously across society.00:02:55 – Hong Kong Jack outlines the judge‑led inquiry: not only into the Tai Po fire's causes, but also systemic issues in building management and renovation contracts on large estates, with hints of corruption.00:03:30 – Evidence emerging that the green construction cloth lacked proper fire retardant and that flammable materials were used to seal lift wells, helping the fire move inside.00:04:23 – Bodies, including one man, found in stairwells and lobbies; Hong Kong Jack cautions against jumping to conclusions before investigators reconstruct the fire.00:04:53 – Arrest tally climbs to around 12, mostly consultants/contractors involved in management and renovations rather than labourers.00:05:35 – Hong Kong Jack notes large numbers of displaced residents in hotels and temporary accommodation and outlines generous government payments to families of foreign domestic workers killed (about HKD 800,000 per family).00:06:05 – A harrowing vignette: a Javanese truck driver receives a final phone call from his wife, trapped with her employers' baby, seeking forgiveness because there is no escape.00:06:35 – The Jacks reflect on the horror of the story and promise to revisit the inquiry as more facts emerge.Australia's Under‑16 Social Media Restrictions & VPNs00:06:50 – Jack the Insider turns to domestic Australian politics: the under‑16 social media restrictions about to kick in.00:07:05 – He notes overwhelming parental support (around 80%) but says the government is now “hosing down expectations” and reframing the policy as a long‑term “cultural change” effort.00:07:30 – Platforms not yet on the restricted list – Roblox and Discord – are flagged as problematic globally for child sexual exploitation, illustrating rollout gaps.00:08:05 – They discuss technical enforcement: existing account age data, length of time on a platform and the likelihood that some adults will be wrongly flagged but quickly reinstated.00:08:35 – Jack the Insider explains the government's theory of cultural change: a generation that grows up never having had TikTok or Instagram under 16 “won't know what they're missing”.00:09:00 – Hong Kong Jack compares Australia to mainland China's efforts to control the internet and points out China still can't stamp out VPN usage, predicting similar Australian difficulties.00:09:25 – Jack the Insider clarifies that VPNs are not illegal in Australia; about 27% of connected Australians already use one, probably now closer to a third.00:09:55 – He strongly recommends everyone use a VPN for privacy and location masking, and warns that good VPNs now explicitly advise not to choose Australia as an exit node because of the new regime.00:11:00 – They note that Malaysia and several European countries (Denmark, Spain, France and EU initiatives) are eyeing similar under‑age social media restrictions, with large fines (Australia's up to about AUD 50 million or 1% of turnover).00:12:20 – Meta is already scanning and booting under‑age users, but teenagers are sharing tips on evading age checks. Jack the Insider describes various age‑verification methods: selfie‑based AI checks, account age, and Roblox's move to ban under‑15s.00:13:45 – Anecdote about Macau security doing ID checks: Hong Kong Jack's son is checked for being over 21, while Jack's own age makes ID unnecessary—an amusing generational moment.00:14:55 – The Jacks agree the policy is unlikely to stop kids having TikTok accounts but might “nudge” behaviour toward less screen time.00:16:00 – Jack the Insider stresses the real dangers of the internet—particularly organised child sexual exploitation rings like the notorious “764” network—and questions whether blunt prohibition can solve these issues.Bruce Lehrmann, Appeals and Costs00:18:22 – They move to the Bruce Lehrmann defamation saga: his appeal has failed and he's likely millions of dollars in debt.00:18:45 – Discussion of the prospect of a High Court appeal, the low likelihood of leave being granted, and the sense that further appeals are “good money after bad”.00:19:22 – Jack the Insider notes outstanding criminal charges against Lehrmann in Toowoomba relating to an alleged statutory rape, and outlines the allegation about removing a condom after earlier consensual sex.00:20:07 – They discuss the probable difficulty of prosecuting that case, and then pivot to the practical question: who is funding Lehrmann's ongoing legal adventures?00:20:35 – Hong Kong Jack explains why some lawyers or firms may take on such cases for profile, despite poor prospects of payment, and they canvass talk of crowdfunding efforts.00:21:07 – The Jacks agree Lehrmann should have left the public stage after the criminal trial was discontinued; now, bankruptcy in 2026 looks likely.00:21:58 – Limited sympathy for Channel 10 or Lisa Wilkinson; more sympathy reserved for Brittany Higgins and Fiona Brown, who are seen as exceptions in an otherwise “pretty ordinary” cast.NACC, Commissioner Brereton and Conflicts of Interest00:23:24 – The Jacks turn to the National Anti‑Corruption Commission (NACC) and Commissioner Paul Brereton's side work for Defence.00:24:03 – Hong Kong Jack recounts Senate Estimates footage where officials first claimed Brereton's Defence consulting work occurred outside NACC hours, then later admitted more than ten instances (possibly close to 20) during NACC office time.00:25:25 – Discussion of conflict‑of‑interest: the Commissioner maintaining a paid Defence relationship while heading the body that may need to investigate Defence.00:25:57 – The Jacks question the tenability of his position, especially given the NACC's opaque nature, its minimal public reporting obligations and a salary around AUD 800k–900k plus expenses.The Struggling Australian and Global Economy, Productivity and ANZ00:26:20 – Jack the Insider outlines Australia's sluggish economy: inflation remains sticky, GDP growth is flat, and government spending is driving much of the growth.00:27:00 – They discuss a small, tentative rise in productivity (around 0.2% for the quarter) and the Treasurer's caution that productivity figures are volatile.00:27:57 – Hong Kong Jack stresses that historically, economies escape malaise through productivity‑driven growth; there is no easy alternative, in Australia or globally.00:28:23 – Broader global picture: the US isn't in outright recession but is crawling; Europe is sluggish; Poland is a rare bright spot but rapid growth brings its own risks.ANZ and Post‑Royal Commission Failures00:28:54 – Focus shifts to ANZ's continuing governance and compliance failures after the Banking Royal Commission.00:29:30 – Jack the Insider shares a personal story about dealing with ANZ's deceased estates department following his mother and stepfather's deaths and the difficulty in releasing funds to pay for funerals.00:30:20 – Justice Jonathan Beach's scathing remarks: ANZ is still mishandling deceased estates, charging fees and interest to dead customers, despite years of warnings.00:31:34 – They recall Royal Commission revelations about “fees for no service” and charging the dead, plus ANZ's recent exclusion from certain Commonwealth bond business due to rorting.00:32:12 – The Jacks see this as a clear culture problem: five years on, the basics still aren't fixed, suggesting inadequate investment in compliance and little genuine reform.UK Justice Backlog and Curtailing Jury Trials00:33:05 – The conversation moves to the UK's proposal to restrict jury trials for offences likely to attract less than a two‑year sentence.00:33:35 – Hong Kong Jack notes the English historical attachment to jury trials dating back to Magna Carta, and that defendants have long had the right to opt for a jury if imprisonment is possible.00:34:38 – Justice Minister David Lammy, once a fierce critic of similar Tory proposals, is now advancing the idea himself, creating a political shambles.00:35:02 – They weigh up pros and cons of judge‑only trials for complex financial crimes, where juries may struggle to follow long, technical evidence.00:36:10 – Jack the Insider points out that even judges can find such cases difficult, but there is at least some expertise advantage.00:36:22 – They revisit the Southport riots and harsh sentences for people inciting attacks on hotels housing asylum seekers, arguing that common‑sense community judgment via juries may be better in such politically charged cases.00:37:26 – Ultimately, they doubt the reforms will meaningfully reduce the UK's huge court backlog and see it as another noisy but ineffective response.Ethics in Politics, Misleading Voters and the “Ethics Czar” Problem00:39:21 – Discussion moves to the UK budget, alleged “black holes” and whether the Chancellor misled voters about a AUD 22 billion‑equivalent gap.00:40:14 – They examine calls for the Prime Minister's ethics adviser, Sir Laurie Magnus, to rule on ministerial truthfulness, and Hong Kong Jack's discomfort with handing moral judgment to “anointed officials”.00:40:51 – The Jacks argue accountability should rest with Parliament and ultimately voters, not appointed ethics czars, whether in the Johnson era or now.00:41:36 – In Australia, Tony Burke's handling of “ISIS brides” returning to Australia is cited: he asked officials to leave a meeting so he could talk politically with constituents. The Jacks see this as legitimate hard‑headed politics in a very complex area rather than an ethical scandal.00:43:03 – Jack the Insider defends the principle that Australian citizenship must mean something, especially for children of ISIS‑linked families; stripping citizenship or abandoning citizens overseas can be a dangerous precedent.00:44:08 – Anecdotes segue into a broader reflection: politicians have always misled voters to some extent. They quote stories about Huey Long and Graham Richardson's defence of political lying.00:45:24 – They swap observations about “tells” when leaders like Malcolm Turnbull or Julia Gillard were lying; Scott Morrison, they say, had no visible tell at all.00:46:22 – Cabinet solidarity is framed as institutionally sanctioned lying: ministers must publicly back decisions they privately opposed, and yet the system requires that to function.Ukraine War, Peace Efforts and Putin's Rhetoric00:46:42 – The Jacks discuss reports of draft peace deals between Ukraine, the US and Russia that Moscow rejected over wording and guarantees.00:47:17 – Jack the Insider describes a gaunt Foreign Ministry spokesman, not Sergey Lavrov, delivering Russia's objections, sparking rumours about Lavrov's status.00:47:56 – Putin goes on TV to reassure Russians they're winning, threatens destruction of Europe if conflict escalates and claims territorial gains Russia doesn't actually hold.00:48:17 – Hong Kong Jack argues European fantasies of imposing a “strategic defeat” on Russia are unrealistic; retaking all occupied regions and Crimea would exact unbearable costs in lives and money.00:49:33 – The Jacks infer that Putin will eventually need to “sell” a negotiated deal as a victory to his own public; his current bluster is partly domestic theatre.00:49:50 – They note some odd, Trump‑like US talk of structuring peace as a “business deal” with economic incentives for Russia, which they find an odd fit for a brutal territorial war.Trump's Polling Collapse, Economic Credibility and 202600:50:13 – Attention turns to Donald Trump's polling in his second term: his net approval is negative across all major polls, in some cases approaching minus 20.00:51:04 – Jack the Insider highlights Trump's recent promises of USD 2,000 cheques to every American plus no income tax—claims they see as fantastical and electorally risky when voters inevitably ask “where's my money?”.00:51:39 – They compare Trump's denial of inflation and cost‑of‑living pressures to Biden's earlier mistakes in minimising pain; telling people “everything's cheaper now” when their lived experience contradicts that is politically fatal.00:52:34 – Hong Kong Jack notes history shows that insisting things are fine when voters know they aren't only accelerates your polling collapse.00:53:02 – They briefly touch on a special election in Tennessee: a safe Trump district where the Republican margin has shrunk. They caution against over‑reading the result but note softening support.00:54:14 – CNN's Harry Enten is quoted: this has been Trump's worst ten‑day polling run of the second term, with net approval among independents plunging to about minus 43 and a negative 34 on inflation.00:55:15 – They speculate about what this means for the 2026 midterms: Trump won't be on the ballot but will loom large. A future Republican president, they note, might still face governing without a Congressional majority.Disability, Elite Colleges and the Accommodation Arms Race00:56:07 – The Jacks discuss Derek Thompson's forthcoming Atlantic piece on surging disability registrations at elite US colleges: more than 20% at Brown and Harvard, 34% at Amherst and 38% at Stanford.00:57:10 – Hong Kong Jack explains how disability status yields exam and assessment advantages: extra time, flexible deadlines, better housing, etc., and why wealthy students are more likely to secure diagnoses.00:57:48 – They cite intake breakdowns at one college: small numbers for visual/hearing disabilities, larger numbers for autism, neurological conditions and especially psychological or emotional disabilities—suggesting a big shift in what counts as disabling.00:58:45 – Jack the Insider counters that many of these conditions were under‑diagnosed or ignored in the 1970s and 80s; growing recognition doesn't automatically mean fraud.00:59:40 – He brings in chronic conditions like ME/CFS: historically treated as malingering or “all in the head”, now increasingly accepted as serious and often disabling.01:00:02 – Hong Kong Jack quotes a Stanford professor asking, “At what point can we say no? 50%? 60%?”—underlining institutional concern that the system can't cope if a majority claim accommodations.01:01:05 – They wrestle with the employer's problem: how to interpret grades achieved with significant accommodations, and whether workplaces must also provide similar allowances.01:02:21 – Jack the Insider's answer is essentially yes: good employers should accommodate genuine disability, and it's on applicants to be upfront. He stresses diversity of ability and that many high‑achieving disabled people are valuable hires.01:03:40 – Hong Kong Jack remains more sceptical, shaped by long legal experience of people gaming systems, but agrees lawyers shouldn't be the priestly class defining morality.Cricket: India–South Africa, NZ–West Indies, BBL and the Gabba01:04:25 – They pivot back to sport: a successful South African tour of India, including a series win in Tests and a 1–1 one‑day series with big hundreds from Virat Kohli, Gaikwad and Aiden Markram.01:05:31 – Quick update on New Zealand's Test against the West Indies in Christchurch, with New Zealand rebuilding in their second innings through Ravindra and Latham.Women's Cricket and Phoebe Litchfield01:06:19 – Jack the Insider raves about the Sydney Thunder v Brisbane Heat game and singles out Phoebe Litchfield as the best women's batter in the world: technically sound, not a slogger, scoring “runs for fun” and hailing from Orange.Gabba Day–Night Test: Australia v England01:06:50 – With Usman Khawaja out, they discuss the unchanged 12 and whether Bo Webster plays, potentially pushing Travis Head up to open.01:07:39 – For England, Mark Wood hasn't recovered; they bring in Will Jacks, a batting all‑rounder and part‑time spinner, to bolster the order but lose their fastest bowler.01:08:11 – If you win the toss? Bat first, they say—if the conditions allow—and look to control the game with the bat for four hours or more.01:08:44 – They caution that with recent heavy Queensland rain, the pitch could be juicy whether you bat first or second; the key is getting cricket on Saturday.01:08:48 – Hong Kong Jack rates this as the best England attack to tour Australia in a long time, especially with Wood and Archer firing in Perth, although Archer's pace dropped markedly in the second innings.01:09:36 – They dissect England's first‑Test collapse: at one stage it was an “unlosable” match according to Ponting and the stats, but reckless strokes from set batters (Duckett, Pope, Root, Brook) handed it back to Australia.01:09:55 – Mitchell Starc's extraordinary home day–night record—averaging around 17 with the pink ball—looms as a big factor.Franchise Cricket, Empty Stadiums and Saving the Red‑Ball Game01:12:11 – Jack the Insider describes watching the ILT20 in the UAE: near‑empty stands, disengaged fielders and an overall “soulless” spectacle aimed solely at TV viewers in South Asia and the Gulf.01:13:49 – Despite his love of cricket, he worries this is a glimpse of the future if the longer formats aren't protected and nurtured. He pleads, in effect, for saving Test and other red‑ball cricket from being cannibalised by anonymous franchise leagues.Class and Cricket: Private Schools, Clubs and Stuart Broad01:14:11 – The Jacks explore the class divide in English cricket: all but one of England's Perth XI finished school at private schools; the sole exception is captain Ben Stokes, who grew up partly in New Zealand.01:15:05 – In contrast, Australia's pathway still runs largely through club cricket, though private schools with professional coaching (like Cranbrook) give some players a head start.01:15:47 – Jack the Insider notes Sam Conscientious (Sam Constance / Cummins reference is implied) spending two years at Cranbrook, reflecting how elite schools build academies with ex‑first‑class coaches that state systems can't match.01:16:20 – They agree state‑school kids like the Waugh twins still come through club cricket, but in England, some top private schools effectively operate as de facto county academies.01:17:31 – Anecdotes about Stuart Broad: a likeable “nepo baby” of former England player Chris Broad, who was toughened up by a formative season at Hoppers Crossing in Melbourne sub‑district cricket. Local players loved him.01:18:20 – Hong Kong Jack recommends Broad's appearance on The Front Bar as essential viewing for understanding his character and the cultural contrasts between English and Australian cricket.01:18:40 – More class culture: Chris Cowdrey, briefly England captain, shows up in full whites and blazer to toss with Viv Richards in surf shorts and thongs. When Cowdrey starts reading out England's XI, Viv cuts him off: “Mate, I don't care who you play, it's not going to make any difference.”F1, Oscar Piastri's Bad Luck and AFLW Glory01:21:11 – Brief detour to Formula 1: Oscar Piastri's season with McLaren seems dogged by terrible luck and questionable team decisions that have cost him a near‑certain championship.01:21:57 – Jack the Insider reflects on how F1 drivers like Piastri have effectively been in vehicles since toddlerhood, climbing the ladder from go‑karts to supercars.01:22:50 – They express hope he can clinch the title in the final race, but wryly note that F1 rarely grants fairytale endings.AFLW01:22:23 – AFLW: North Melbourne complete an undefeated season to win the premiership, comfortably beating Brisbane in the grand final.01:23:07 – Hong Kong Jack praises it as the best AFLW season yet, with marked improvement in depth and skill across the competition. North remain the benchmark everyone else must chase.Wrap‑Up, Tom Stoppard Anecdote and Season Timing01:23:49 – The Jacks look ahead to watching the Gabba Test, beers on ice for Jack the Insider and the late Hong Kong dusk session for Hong Kong Jack.01:24:01 – They note the death of playwright Tom Stoppard at 88 and share a favourite story: Spielberg offers him the Jaws screenplay; Stoppard declines because he's writing a play—“actually for BBC Radio”.01:25:11 – Final reflections on how Stoppard would have improved Jaws, then a note that the podcast will soon reach its final episodes for the year, with plans to feature listener feedback before a short summer break.01:25:56 – Jack the Insider signs off, thanking listeners and Hong Kong Jack, and promises they'll be back next week.

In this episode of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Joe Curry breaks down the 10 assets successful Canadian retirees almost never buy - and why avoiding these common wealth traps can dramatically improve retirement income and peace of mind. You'll learn how high fees, complexity, lifestyle liabilities, and poor planning quietly erode retirement wealth, and what disciplined retirees do instead.   Resources 10 Assets Canadian Retirees Never Buy - And Poor Ones Always Do - Original Youtube Video for Your Retirement Planning Simplified The Rational Reminder Podcast, hosted by Benjamin Felix and Dan Bortolotti Your Retirement Planning Simplified Blog Matthews + Associates Website   Thank you for listening! You can get a full breakdown of each episode on our blog: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/blog  Don't forget to like, comment, and subscribe for more simplified retirement planning insights!    Ready to take the next step?  Identify your retirement income style with the RISA questionnaire at  https://account.myrisaprofile.com/invitation-link/88QG1TMQ12   Want a retirement plan that adapts as your life evolves? Discover our True Wealth Roadmap — a step-by-step process to align your finances with your ideal retirement. Learn more here: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/vsl/   About Joe Curry Joseph Curry, also known as Joe, is the host of Your Retirement Planning Simplified, Canada's fastest-growing retirement planning podcast, where he provides accessible, in-depth financial advice. As the owner and lead financial planner at Matthews + Associates in Peterborough, Ontario, Joe and his team are committed to helping people secure both financial stability and purpose in retirement. His mission is to ensure people can sleep soundly knowing they have a solid plan in place, covering both financial and lifestyle aspects of retirement. A Certified Financial Planner and Certified Exit Planning Advisor, he values true wealth as more than money—it's about creating meaningful experiences with loved ones and fostering opportunities for the future.  You can reach out to Joe through: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/curryjoe Website: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/ Website: https://matthewsandassociates.ca/vsl/   About Retirement Planning Simplified Founded in 2022, its mission is to empower people to plan for retirement confidently, focusing not only on finances but also on a meaningful life. RPS wants everyone to have access to simple, reliable tools that reflect their values and priorities, helping them create True Wealth—the freedom to do what they love with those they love. By simplifying retirement planning and aligning it with the retiree's purpose, RPS aims to support building a retirement that feels fulfilling and secure. To know more about RPS you can visit the links below: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/retirement-planning-simplified/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retirement_planning_simplified Podcast/Blog: https://www.retirementplanningsimplified.ca/blog Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@retirementplanningsimplified       Disclaimer Opinions expressed are those of Joseph Curry, a registrant of Aligned Capital Partners Inc. (ACPI), and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. This video is for informational purposes only and not intended to be personalized investment advice. The views expressed are opinions of Joseph Curry and may not necessarily be those of ACPI. Content is prepared for general circulation and information contained does not constitute an offer or solicitation to buy or sell any investment fund, security or other product or service.

Air Date 12/14/2025 The sad ease with which we manage to ignore some atrocities, even while paying much attention to others, has to do with how visible or invisible to us the systems are that are propping up those events. Nothing happens in a vacuum and in our world, if you're willing to dig deep enough, you'll always find how we're all connected - across both time and geography. Be part of the show! Leave us a message or text at 202-999-3991, message us on Signal at the handle bestoftheleft.01, or email Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com Full Show Notes Check out our new show, SOLVED! on YouTube! BestOfTheLeft.com/Support (Members Get Bonus Shows + No Ads!) Join our Discord community! KEY POINTS KP 1: Will the International Community Act Preschool Massacre & Large Piles of Bodies in Sudan Part 1 - Democracy Now! - Air Date 12-10-25 KP 2: Sudan Civil War the Terrifying Escape From El Fasher - Global News Podcast - Air Date 12-1-25 KP 3: Can Trump Help Sudan Part 1 - Today, Explained - Air Date 11-19-25 KP 4: The War In Sudan with Khalid Medani Part 1- American Prestige - Air Date 5-10-24 KP 5: South Sudans Failed Peace Deal with Joshua Craze Part 1 - American Prestige - Air Date 5-27-25 KP 6: Decolonise Sudan - The Sages Cabin - Herbs & Liberation - Air Date 11-6-25 (00:45:33) NOTE FROM THE EDITOR On the past 20 years of politics DEEPER DIVES (00:50:08) SECTION A: VIOLENCE NOW (01:12:13) SECTION B: HISTORICAL ROOTS (01:51:58) SECTION C: OUTSIDE INTERFERENCE (02:12:01) SECTION D: RESOLUTION AND SOLIDARITY HOW IMAGE CREDITS Description: Photo of Sudanese refugee women, one with her baby, standing in line for food aid in Chad carrying bags, and boxes. Credit: "24 January 2025, Adre, Chad. Sudanese refugees who have fled the conflict in Sudan register for food aid in neighbouring Chad." by Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (UK), Flickr | CC BY-SA 2.0 | Changes: Cropped   Produced by Jay! Tomlinson Visit us at BestOfTheLeft.com Listen Anywhere! BestOfTheLeft.com/Listen Listen Anywhere! Follow BotL: Bluesky | Mastodon | Threads | X Like at Facebook.com/BestOfTheLeft Contact me directly at Jay@BestOfTheLeft.com

Gregory Copley reports on King Charles III's improving health and his unifying role within the Commonwealth. He contrasts the stability of the constitutional monarchy with the historical chaos of Cromwell's republic, suggesting the Crown remains a vital stabilizing force against political turmoil in the UK and its dominions. 1620 JAMES I

C Judy Dempsey examines fears that Russia will shift military forces to the NATO border if a Ukraine peace deal is reached. She discusses reported US pressure on Kyiv to surrender the Donbas, noting that both Ukraine and the EU oppose such concessions due to sovereignty concerns and lack of security guarantees. Judy Dempsey addresses the industrial crisis in Germany, specifically the auto industry's struggle against Chinese electric vehicles. She notes that Chancellor Merz is avoiding necessary pension reforms due to political pressure, while the rise of the AfD and a shifting transatlantic relationship further complicate Germany's economic stability. Mary Kissel argues that Ukraine cannot surrender the Donbas without ironclad security guarantees, citing past broken agreements like the Budapest Memorandum. She validates Finnish and Baltic fears regarding Russian aggression and questions whether the Trump administration's business-centric approach can effectively manage Vladimir Putin's ideological brutality. Mary Kissel characterizes China's economy as collapsing under Xi Jinping's mismanagement. She highlights the plight of Jimmy Lai, a 78-year-old British citizen imprisoned in Hong Kong, and urges Western leaders to use economic leverage to demand his release as a prerequisite for any improved relations. Jonathan Schanzer critiques the slow Australian police response to the Bondi Beach attack, linking the shooters to ISIS training in the Philippines. He warns that the Albanese government's political "virtue signaling" regarding Palestine may have emboldened radicals, while noting Hezbollah is reconstituting its money and weapons pipelines in Lebanon. Jonathan Schanzer analyzes the "murky" killing of US servicemen in Syria, attributing it to jihadist elements within the government's security forces. He describes the situation in Gaza as a deadlock where Hamas remains armed because no international force, other than the unacceptable option of Turkey, is willing to intervene. Gregory Copley details how the Bondi Beach attackers trained in the Philippines' insurgent areas. While praising Australian intelligence agencies, he blames the Albanese government for encouraging anti-Israel sentiment, arguing this political stance has given license to radical groups and undermined public safety. Gregory Copley reflects on the 25-year war on terror, arguing that Western governments have become distracted. He contends that elevating terrorists like Bin Laden to "superpower" status was a strategic error, as the true objective of terrorism is to manipulate political narratives and induce paralysis through fear. Gregory Copley observes a 2025 shift toward nationalism and decisive leadership, asserting that globalism is declining. He notes that nuclear weapons are becoming "unusable" due to changing military doctrines and warns that Western democracies are sliding toward autocracy, drawing historical parallels to Oliver Cromwell's rise as Lord Protector. Gregory Copley reports on King Charles III's improving health and his unifying role within the Commonwealth. He contrasts the stability of the constitutional monarchy with the historical chaos of Cromwell's republic, suggesting the Crown remains a vital stabilizing force against political turmoil in the UK and its dominions. Joseph Sternberg challenges the Trump administration's antagonistic view of the EU, citing polls showing the institution remains popular among Europeans. He argues that US policy should not be based on the expectation of the EU's collapse, noting that the UK's exit was unique to its specific history and not a continental trend. Joseph Sternberg condemns the imprisonment of British citizen Jimmy Lai in Hong Kong as a failure of UKdiplomacy. He argues that Hong Kong's economic success cannot be separated from its political freedoms, warning that the erosion of the rule of law threatens the territory's viability as a business center. Joseph Postell discusses the 1983 INS v. Chadha decision, which eliminated the legislative veto. He explains how this ruling stripped Congress of its ability to check the executive branch, transforming a once-dominant legislature into a weak institution unable to reverse administrative decisions on issues like tariffs. Joseph Postell suggests correcting the Chadha precedent by adopting a view of severability where delegations of power are unconstitutional without the accompanying legislative veto. He notes that the War Powers Resolutionremains a rare exception where Congress still retains a mechanism to reverse executive actions via simple majority.

State Senator Schuyler VanValkenburg has filed legislation that would direct Virginia to rejoin the Electronic Registration Information Center — known as ERIC. It's a multistate data-sharing consortium the Commonwealth withdrew from in 2023. Dave Cantor has more.

There are very few one-size-fits-all solutions in agriculture- most things depend on the weather, soil, pests, diseases and a host of other conditions for a particular farm. One of the most exciting trends in agriculture right now is the development of varieties that are suited to specific regional conditions. Common Wealth Seed Growers breeds open-pollinated vegetable varieties that are adapted to their region- in this case the southern USA.This week's guest Edmund Frost has managed seed production and research at Twin Oaks Seed Farm in Central Virginia since 2008. He also leads Common Wealth Seed Growers, a small, farm-based seed company with a commitment to regional production, adaptation and research based in Virginia. In this interview we discuss what traits they are breeding for in the Southeast, how they breed for resistance to the pests and diseases of the region, dehybridization, tropical pumpkins, new types of sweet corn that may have an advantage in the South, and more! Connect With Guest:Website: commonwealthseeds.comInstagram: @commonwealthseed Podcast Sponsors: Huge thanks to our podcast sponsors as they make this podcast FREE to everyone with their generous support: This episode is brought to you by Tend, the all-in-one, AI-powered farm management platform trusted by modern growers. Tend helps you cut through the busywork, so you can focus on growing and selling what matters. With Tend, you can plan your crops, assign and track tasks, manage inventory, and handle your sales and accounting, all in one smart, easy-to-use platform. Whether you run a 1-acre farm or manage a large operation, Tend adapts to your scale and style, supporting everything from manual labor to fully mechanized workflows. Try it for free at Tend.com, no credit card required. Tired of breakdowns and not knowing if your old Farmall or Allis G will start? Consider the Tilmor Super E - the electric cultivating tractor built for market growers. With up to 8 hours of runtime, the Super E uses a 48-volt electric system that's quiet, easy to operate, and dependable. No gas, no noise, no constant repairs and cheaper to operate than a gas tractor. It delivers reliable power that reduces manual labor and keeps your crew motivated. Learn more and see the Super E in action at Tilmor.com. Farmhand is the virtual assistant built for farmers—helping CSAs scale sales, run error-free fulfillment, and deliver 5-star service. Whether you're at 100 members or 1,000, Farmhand helps you grow without burning out. You've heard us—and our farmers—right here on the Growing for Market Podcast. Explore more stories and learn more at farmhand.partners/gfm. BCS two-wheel tractors are designed and built in Italy where small-scale farming has been a way of life for generations. Discover the beauty of BCS on your farm with PTO-driven implements for soil-working, shredding cover crops, spreading compost, mowing under fences, clearing snow, and more – all powered by a single, gear-driven machine that's tailored to the size and scale of your operation. To learn more, view sale pricing, or locate your nearest dealer, visit BCS America. Nifty Hoops builds complete gothic high tunnels that are easy to install and built to last.  Their bolt-together construction makes setup straightforward and efficient, whether it's a small backyard hoophouse, or a dozen large production-scale high tunnels- especially through their community build option, where professional builders work alongside your crew, family, or neighbors to build each structure -- usually in a single day. Visit niftyhoops.com to learn more. There are a lot of farm sales platforms out there, but there's only one that's cooperatively owned by farmers. That's GrownBy — your all-in-one solution to simplify farm sales. GrownBy makes online farm sales easy and affordable; setting up your shop is free, and you only pay when you sell. Join over 900 farms who have already signed up for GrownBy, at grownby.com. Subscribe To Our Magazine -all new subscriptions include a FREE 28-Day Trial

The recently passed Pennsylvania state budget includes more money for tuberculosis prevention efforts in the Commonwealth. Federal data show cases of TB steadily rising nationally after nearly three decades of decline. The University of Pittsburgh Medical Center is establishing a rural residency program in an effort to bolster the rural doctor workforce. Here’s how it works: Residents start at UPMC Williamsport before transferring to either UPMC Wellsboro or UPMC Cole in Coudersport. Both locations are in Pennsylvania’s northern tier known as the Pennsylvania Wilds region. In Cumberland County, an 80-year-old woman was found dead after a house fire early Sunday morning, according to the Cumberland County Coroner's Office. State officials discovered a month's worth of mail wasn't sent by a government-contracted mail house over the past month. The backlog of mail totals 3.4 million letters, including notices of SNAP eligibility and health benefit information, as well as driver’s license and vehicle registration renewal invitations from PennDOT. Pennsylvania lawmakers could end the year with the lowest number of new laws in at least a decade. That's due to split government, heightened partisanship, and the concentration of power in the hands of legislative leaders, according to reporting by our partners at Spotlight PA. Sunday marked the beginning of Hanukkah. The city of Lancaster and the Jewish Community Alliance of Lancaster hosted a menorah lighting in Penn Square. Did you know that if every sustaining circle member gives as little as $12 more a month, we'd close the gap caused by federal funding cuts? Increase your gift at https://witf.org/increase or become a new Sustaining Circle member at www.witf.org/givenow.Support WITF: https://www.witf.org/support/give-now/See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this episode of the Kentucky Afield Podcast, we're joined by Dr. John Hast, Bear and Elk Program Coordinator for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife, for an in-depth conversation on black bears and bear hunting in the Commonwealth. With Kentucky currently in the middle of its rifle season for bears, we're breaking down why the season is timed the way it is, the long-term goals of Kentucky's bear program, and how season dates help meet those management objectives. We also dive into the reasoning behind why baiting bears is not allowed in Kentucky, how weather conditions can influence bear movement and hunter success, and how shifting food sources impact bear behavior throughout the season. To wrap things up, Chase shares the story of harvesting his first-ever Kentucky black bear on public land during the October archery season. Whether you're a seasoned bear hunter or just curious about Kentucky's growing bear population, this episode offers valuable insight straight from the biologist helping lead the program.

Covering the Commonwealth ft. Virginia Tech Hokies + Washington Commanders by Ed Lane

Covering the Commonwealth ft. JMU Dukes + UVA Cavaliers by Ed Lane

What's up Gamers? This week on Konsole Kombat, the earth shakes as two of gaming's most heavily armored juggernauts collide! We are leaving the arena floor cracked and scorched as we pit the technological pinnacle of Rapture against the tactical discipline of the Brotherhood of Steel.In the red corner, representing BioShock 2: Minerva's Den, stands the Lancer Big Daddy. More advanced, more agile, and deadlier than the iconic Bouncer, the Lancer brings high-tech Art Deco destruction to the battlefield. With its blinding Ion Laser and heavy plating designed to withstand the crushing depths of the ocean, is it the ultimate tank?In the blue corner, representing Fallout 4, stands Paladin Danse. A model soldier of the Brotherhood of Steel, Danse is encased in T-60 Power Armor and wields "Righteous Authority"—his custom laser rifle. He brings military precision, tactical awareness, and the sheer grit of the Commonwealth Wasteland to the fight.In this episode, we break down:The Arsenal: Can the Lancer's Ion Laser melt through T-60 Power Armor, or will Danse's laser precision dissect the Big Daddy?Durability: Deep-sea pressure suits vs. nuclear-powered exoskeletons—who breaks first?Mobility vs. Power: Does the Lancer's surprising agility edge out the clunky but stable stance of a Brotherhood Paladin?The Simulation: We run the numbers and simulate the battle to determine who walks away and who ends up as scrap metal.It's Rapture vs. The Commonwealth. Biological programming vs. Military indoctrination. Ad Victoriam!Tune in now to see who reigns supreme in the Konsole Kombat arena!Don't forget to subscribe and give us your thoughts in the comments below. Get out there and level up, Kombatants!

In 2002 at the Commonwealth games held in Manchester. Steve Frew won a historic gold medal in the sport of artistic gymnastics on the still rings. Throughout his professional career Steve represented Scotland at five Commonwealth Games and Great Britain at two World gymnastics championships. In the early days of his senior gymnastics career Steve worked as a full time postman in order to pursue his dreams of becoming an Olympian. Since retiring from the sport he has dedicated his time to inspiring the next generation delivering motivational talks and mentoring children in schools up and down the country. During the London 2012 Olympic Games in London Steve was the arena commentator for the sport of gymnastics at the North Greenwich arena. And this is his story. 

It's been a big year for Kiwi boxing legend David Nyika, and he's looking back on a 2025 full of milestones. The Commonwealth and Olympic Games medallist claimed a one-sided decision win over China's Wuzhati Nuerlang in his adopted hometown of Gatton, Queensland. He joined the Afternoons team to discuss further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prosecutors in the Brian Walshe murder trial are trying to do something extremely rare: prove first-degree murder without a body, without a weapon, and without a confirmed cause of death. Ana Walshe has never been found. But what the Commonwealth does have is a digital trail that reads like a blueprint for premeditated murder — and a defendant positioned to receive $2.7 million in life insurance if his wife died. According to testimony from Massachusetts State Police Trooper Nicholas Guarino, the searches began at 4:52 a.m. on New Year's Day: “Best way to dispose of a body.” Three minutes later: “How long before a body starts to smell.” Over the next several days, the searches continued and escalated — questions about DNA degradation, dismemberment tools, identifying remains with broken teeth, and research into serial killer Patrick Kearney, the so-called “trash bag killer.” Day 5 testimony took the case even deeper. Trooper Connor Keefe read dozens of text messages Brian allegedly sent to Ana's phone for three days after prosecutors say she was already dead. None were delivered. Her phone was never recovered. In court, jurors also saw the tools investigators pulled from a Swampscott dumpster — a hacksaw, hatchet, hammer, shears, tape, even a measuring cup — items prosecutors say Brian used to dismember her body. Former prosecutor Eric Faddis joins us to assess the strength of the Commonwealth's case, the role of circumstantial evidence in no-body prosecutions, and how the defense is trying to introduce doubt through marital context and investigative missteps. Brian Walshe admits he disposed of Ana's body — but the jury doesn't know that. Now the question is whether the prosecution has enough to prove he killed her. Subscribe for daily trial updates. #BrianWalshe #AnaWalshe #WalsheTrial #TrueCrimeNews #MurderTrial #TrialCoverage #LifeInsuranceCase #DigitalEvidence #TrueCrimePodcast #CourtroomAnalysis Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Prosecutors in the Brian Walshe murder trial are trying to do something extremely rare: prove first-degree murder without a body, without a weapon, and without a confirmed cause of death. Ana Walshe has never been found. But what the Commonwealth does have is a digital trail that reads like a blueprint for premeditated murder — and a defendant positioned to receive $2.7 million in life insurance if his wife died. According to testimony from Massachusetts State Police Trooper Nicholas Guarino, the searches began at 4:52 a.m. on New Year's Day: “Best way to dispose of a body.” Three minutes later: “How long before a body starts to smell.” Over the next several days, the searches continued and escalated — questions about DNA degradation, dismemberment tools, identifying remains with broken teeth, and research into serial killer Patrick Kearney, the so-called “trash bag killer.” Day 5 testimony took the case even deeper. Trooper Connor Keefe read dozens of text messages Brian allegedly sent to Ana's phone for three days after prosecutors say she was already dead. None were delivered. Her phone was never recovered. In court, jurors also saw the tools investigators pulled from a Swampscott dumpster — a hacksaw, hatchet, hammer, shears, tape, even a measuring cup — items prosecutors say Brian used to dismember her body. Former prosecutor Eric Faddis joins us to assess the strength of the Commonwealth's case, the role of circumstantial evidence in no-body prosecutions, and how the defense is trying to introduce doubt through marital context and investigative missteps. Brian Walshe admits he disposed of Ana's body — but the jury doesn't know that. Now the question is whether the prosecution has enough to prove he killed her. Subscribe for daily trial updates. #BrianWalshe #AnaWalshe #WalsheTrial #TrueCrimeNews #MurderTrial #TrialCoverage #LifeInsuranceCase #DigitalEvidence #TrueCrimePodcast #CourtroomAnalysis Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

The Ghost Furnace - Episode 140 "Commonwealth Canines"   On this week's episode we dive back into the strange stories in the Venn diagram of upright canines, dogmen and werewolves. Everytime we look into this area, we find a new perspective and takes on what people might be seeing. Are they just dogs, are they neighbors suffering from lycanthropy, dogmen, out of place animals? Almost all of the answers, even the mundane ones, are curious at their most harmless and terrifying at their most extreme.    Here are links to the articles we reference this week. Please check out Lon and his work at Phantoms & Monsters.    MASSIVE QUADRUPEDAL CRYPTID CANINE Crosses Road in Broad Daylight Near Skelp Mountain, Pennsylvania COLOSSAL TREE-CLIMBING CRYPTID CANINE Encountered in Birdsboro Preserve, Pennsylvania MASSIVE UPRIGHT CANINE ENCOUNTER on Rt. 422 Near Pottstown, PA, Leaves Multiple Witnesses Frightened and Searching for Answers BLACK, SPIKED-HAIRED BIPEDAL CRYPTID Terrifies Resident in Doylestown, Pennsylvania MASSIVE QUADRUPEDAL CANINE Encountered in Karthaus Township, Pennsylvania Leaves Family Shaken   Remember to check out Stole Survivor anywhere you find high fashion and functional garments and use our exclusive code: IvanDragoWasTheMoralllySuperiorCharacterInRockyIV     If you have a story you'd like to share, please reach out on Instagram, YouTube or TheGhostFurnacePodcast@gmail.com

This week, human rights experts from United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention were blocked from inspecting detention facilities in the Northern Territory and West Australia. As they wrapped up a 12-day tour of facilities across the country, preliminary findings raise substantial concerns around the over-representation of First Nations people, punitive policies that target children, rising rates of remand and mandatory detention, among other issues. The federal immigration detention regime was also found to contravene fundamental international human rights norms - including the Commonwealth's recent deal with Nauru to deport stateless people. Australia's Human Rights Commissioner Lorraine Finlay says the findings show Australia is not complying with key international human rights commitments it has made to the world. She's speaking here with Tee Mitchell.

Recapping closing arguments for the Commonwealth and Defense. We are on verdict watch as of 12:22 PM eastern. I will do a youtube short when a verdict comes in.Be sure to subscribe and hit notifications if you want alerts of when I post new content.ALL MERCH 10% off with code Sherlock10 at checkout  - NEW STYLES Donate: (Thank you for your support! Couldn't do what I love without all y'all) PayPal - paypal.com/paypalme/prettyliesandalibisVenmo - @prettyliesalibisBuy Me A Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/prettyliesrCash App- PrettyliesandalibisAll links: https://linktr.ee/prettyliesandalibisMerch: prettyliesandalibis.myshopify.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/PrettyLiesAndAlibis(Weekly lives and private message board)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/pretty-lies-and-alibis--4447192/support.

Brian Walshe's defense was supposed to begin today after the Commonwealth rested its case in chief after calling 48 witnesses. Robert Morgenroth, an executive at d4vd's record label, was questioned by a grand jury and allegedly asked why he didn't call the police regarding the death of teen Celeste Rivas Hernandez.#CourtTV - What do YOU think?Binge all episodes of #OpeningStatements here: https://www.courttv.com/trials/opening-statements-with-julie-grant/Watch the full video episode here: https://youtu.be/XZJkJrzNXRMWatch 24/7 Court TV LIVE Stream Today https://www.courttv.com/Join the Investigation Newsletter https://www.courttv.com/email/Court TV Podcast https://www.courttv.com/podcast/Join the Court TV Community to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo5E9pEhK_9kWG7-5HHcyRg/joinFOLLOW THE CASE:Facebook https://www.facebook.com/courttvTwitter/X https://twitter.com/CourtTVInstagram https://www.instagram.com/courttvnetwork/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@courttvliveYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/COURTTVWATCH +140 FREE TRIALS IN THE COURT TV ARCHIVEhttps://www.courttv.com/trials/HOW TO FIND COURT TVhttps://www.courttv.com/where-to-watch/This episode of the Opening Statements Podcast is hosted by Julie Grant, produced by Eric Goldson, and edited by Autumn Sewell. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

LIVE COURTROOM COVERAGE — NO COMMENTARY This is the raw, uninterrupted courtroom feed from The Trial of Brian Walshe, presented exactly as it unfolds inside the courtroom. Brian Walshe is standing trial in connection with the disappearance and death of his wife, Ana Walshe, a case that has captured national attention and raised urgent questions about digital evidence, marital dynamics, and investigative timelines. This series provides unfiltered access to the testimony, exhibits, expert witnesses, and courtroom decisions as they happen. There is no editorializing, no added narration, and no commentary — just the court, the attorneys, the witnesses, and the judge. Viewers can follow every moment as the prosecution lays out its timeline, the defense challenges the state's case, and the court works through a complex and highly scrutinized trial that has been years in the making. If you're watching our live companion analysis on Hidden Killers or catching up with the highlight segments later, this raw feed serves as the complete, original source for everything happening inside the courtroom. #BrianWalshe #AnaWalshe #Courtroom #TrialCoverage #TrueCrime #LiveTrial #HiddenKillers #CourtFeed #LegalProceedings #TrialUpdates Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

LIVE COURTROOM COVERAGE — NO COMMENTARY This is the raw, uninterrupted courtroom feed from The Trial of Brian Walshe, presented exactly as it unfolds inside the courtroom. Brian Walshe is standing trial in connection with the disappearance and death of his wife, Ana Walshe, a case that has captured national attention and raised urgent questions about digital evidence, marital dynamics, and investigative timelines. This series provides unfiltered access to the testimony, exhibits, expert witnesses, and courtroom decisions as they happen. There is no editorializing, no added narration, and no commentary — just the court, the attorneys, the witnesses, and the judge. Viewers can follow every moment as the prosecution lays out its timeline, the defense challenges the state's case, and the court works through a complex and highly scrutinized trial that has been years in the making. If you're watching our live companion analysis on Hidden Killers or catching up with the highlight segments later, this raw feed serves as the complete, original source for everything happening inside the courtroom. #BrianWalshe #AnaWalshe #Courtroom #TrialCoverage #TrueCrime #LiveTrial #HiddenKillers #CourtFeed #LegalProceedings #TrialUpdates Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

As the nation's health ministers battle with the Commonwealth today for extra hospital funding, new figures show more than 3,000 aged care patients are stranded in public hospitals.

State and territory health ministers have unanimously rejected the Commonwealth's latest hospital funding offer, stating it fails to meet the commitment for increased federal contributions needed to handle Australia's growing and ageing patient population. This funding standoff has caused a critical bottleneck, leaving over 3,000 federally-funded aged care patients stranded in public hospitals and increasing pressure on state health services.

A stoush between the federal government and the states and territories over the funding of public hospitals remains unresolved, after the Commonwealth's latest offer was rejected.

As the nation's health ministers battle with the Commonwealth today for extra hospital funding, new figures show more than 3,000 aged care patients are stranded in public hospitals.

As the nation's health ministers battle with the Commonwealth today for extra hospital funding, new figures show more than 3,000 aged care patients are stranded in public hospitals.

Ana Walshe's former boss is set to testify in Brian Walshe's murder trial; Court TV asks how key witnesses will affect the Commonwealth's case against Brian. 'Family Matters' star Darius McCrary released from jail ahead of sentencing.#CourtTV - What do YOU think?Binge all episodes of #OpeningStatements here: https://www.courttv.com/trials/opening-statements-with-julie-grant/Watch the full video episode here: https://youtu.be/nE0FBwORQMQWatch 24/7 Court TV LIVE Stream Today https://www.courttv.com/Join the Investigation Newsletter https://www.courttv.com/email/Court TV Podcast https://www.courttv.com/podcast/Join the Court TV Community to get access to perks:https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCo5E9pEhK_9kWG7-5HHcyRg/joinFOLLOW THE CASE:Facebook https://www.facebook.com/courttvTwitter/X https://twitter.com/CourtTVInstagram https://www.instagram.com/courttvnetwork/TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@courttvliveYouTube https://www.youtube.com/c/COURTTVWATCH +140 FREE TRIALS IN THE COURT TV ARCHIVEhttps://www.courttv.com/trials/HOW TO FIND COURT TVhttps://www.courttv.com/where-to-watch/This episode of the Opening Statements Podcast is hosted by Julie Grant, produced by Eric Goldson, and edited by Autumn Sewell. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

James and Brett sit down with Allie to talk about her time under Jeff Fugate and Commonwealth. We had a blast and hope you enjoy it.To Purchase our cigar line go to: https://1689cigars.com/collections/4-freedom-cigars Our Experience Box: https://1689cigars.com/collections/4-freedom-cigars/products/the-4-freedom-experience-boxTo purchase James New Book "From Brokenness to Freedom" https://a.co/d/c7UX3xT For more info visit our website: https://4freedompodcast.comFor Merch visit this site: https://www.teepublic.com/user/freedom-ministries?utm_source=designer&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=Gq_E0abDp_8

LEXINGTON, Ky. (December 11, 2025) – There's a first time for everything — and on Friday, 71-year-old University of Kentucky College of Education graduate Ellen London will experience a significant first: attending a graduation ceremony to accept a diploma. Ellen, who just earned her second master's degree, didn't attend the commencement ceremonies for her bachelor's or first master's degrees at other universities. She didn't even attend her own high school graduation, saying she was "too shy" to be in the spotlight. As she dons a cap and gown for the first time and readies herself to cross the stage at Rupp Arena, she'll be cheered on by friends and family, including two family members who are also part of the UK community: her daughter, Tessa London-Bounds, M.D., a cardiothoracic surgeon with the UK Gill Heart Institute, and her 10-year-old grandson, Harry, a cello player in the College of Fine Arts' UK String Project. In this episode of "Behind the Blue," this trio joins us to talk about their nomadic upbringing, love of learning, and how the University of Kentucky has been able to provide each one of them with a vastly different educational experience.  "Behind the Blue" is available via a variety of podcast providers, including Apple Podcasts and Spotify. Subscribe to receive new episodes each week, featuring UK's latest medical breakthroughs, research, artists, writers and the most important news impacting the university. "Behind the Blue" is a joint production of the University of Kentucky and UK HealthCare. Transcripts for this or other episodes of "Behind the Blue" can be downloaded from the show's blog page.  To discover how the University of Kentucky is advancing our Commonwealth, click here.

Gem finishes up cross exam and redirect.We hear from Brian's probation officer, an apartment manager who got surveillance of Brian at the dumpster, another witness brings in Home Depot surveillance, and a witness brings in video of Brian buying men's clothes at TJMaxx The last witness for the commonwealth was a close friend of Ana's in DC. She testifies to Ana's state of mind the last time she saw her, and Ana confided in her about problems in her marriage. The commonwealth rested and the defense was denied a verdict of not guilty. The judge says there's enough evidence for a jury to deliberate.ALL MERCH 10% off with code Sherlock10 at checkout  - NEW STYLES Donate: (Thank you for your support! Couldn't do what I love without all y'all) PayPal - paypal.com/paypalme/prettyliesandalibisVenmo - @prettyliesalibisBuy Me A Coffee - https://www.buymeacoffee.com/prettyliesrCash App- PrettyliesandalibisAll links: https://linktr.ee/prettyliesandalibisMerch: prettyliesandalibis.myshopify.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/PrettyLiesAndAlibis(Weekly lives and private message board)Become a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/pretty-lies-and-alibis--4447192/support.

The Massachusetts Special Commission on Combating Antisemitism recently released their final report and recommendations. The commission was created and signed into law by Gov. Healey during the Summer of 2024 to address the alarming rise of antisemitic incidents and hate crimes occurring across the Commonwealth. David Freedman, one of Gov. Healey’s appointees to the Commission joined us to discuss the report’s findings and recommendations that chart a course for combating antisemitism “the Massachusetts Way".See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Governors Series is an interview-centric series put together by U Cast Studios. The point of these interviews is to examine power at the highest state level -- the governor, and to humanize what that role looks like.   In this episode, we talk to former Governor George Allen from the Commonwealth of Virginia. Governor Allen was elected to the governorship in 1994 and served until 1998. He was elected to the United States Senate in 2001 and served until 2007.   To visit our website: https://ucaststudios.com/ To visit other podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/u-cast-studios/id1448223064 To visit our LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/u-cast-studios  

How can global corporations and local entrepreneurs collaborate to fight plastic pollution at scale?In this week's episode, host Anna Stablum welcomes Jessie Coates, EY Corporate Responsibility Markets Leader, and Bintang Ekananda, Founder and CEO of Alner. Together, they unpack the unique public-private partnership known as TRANSFORM, a collaboration between Unilever, the United Kingdom's Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO), and EY. This decade-long initiative connects multinationals with mission-driven startups in Asia and Africa to scale innovative, market-based solutions.Jessie and Bintang share how Alner's refill-and-reuse business model is helping reduce plastic waste in Indonesia and how this collaboration supports both impact and profitability.During this episode, you will learn:How refill systems are transforming local retail in IndonesiaWhy big brands benefit from investing in impact-driven startupsHow public-private partnerships accelerate sustainability solutionsWhat's needed to scale circular packaging models & reduce single-use plastic wasteDon't miss an episode—subscribe to ESG Decoded on your favorite podcast platform and follow us on social for the latest updates!Episode Resources: Alner – Circular Retail & Refill Solutions in Indonesia: https://www.alner.id/ TRANSFORM Program – Unilever, UK FCDO and EY Impact Accelerator: https://transform.global/ EY Ripples – Shaping the future with confidence: https://www.ey.com/en_gl/corporate-responsibility/ey-ripples UN Treaty on Plastic Pollution (Global Plastics Treaty Overview): https://www.unep.org/intergovernmental-negotiating-committee-plastic-pollution -About ESG Decoded ESG Decoded is a podcast powered by ClimeCo to share updates related to business innovation and sustainability in a clear and actionable manner. Join Emma Cox, Erika Schiller, and Anna Stablum for thoughtful, nuanced conversations with industry leaders and subject matter experts that explore the complexities about the risks and opportunities connected to (E)nvironmental, (S)ocial and (G)overnance. We like to say that “ESG is everything that's not on your balance sheet.” This leaves room for misunderstanding and oversimplification – two things that we'll bust on this podcast.ESG Decoded | Resource Links Site: https://www.climeco.com/podcast-series/Apple Podcasts: https://go.climeco.com/ApplePodcastsSpotify: https://go.climeco.com/SpotifyYouTube Music: https://go.climeco.com/YouTube-MusicLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/esg-decoded/IG: https://www.instagram.com/esgdecoded/*This episode was produced by Singing Land Studio  About ClimeCoClimeCo is an award-winning leader in decarbonization, empowering global organizations with customized sustainability pathways. Our respected scientists and industry experts collaborate with companies, governments, and capital markets to develop tailored ESG and decarbonization solutions. Recognized for creating high-quality, impactful projects, ClimeCo is committed to helping clients achieve their goals, maximize environmental assets, and enhance their brand.ClimeCo | Resource LinksSite: https://climeco.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/climeco/IG: https://www.instagram.com/climeco/

On this week's episode of Toe2Toe, Andy Scott and Barry Jones are joined by British cruiserweight champion Viddal Riley and British and Commonwealth super welterweight champion Ishmael Davis.Viddal reveals the reasons why he's made the promotional switch to KSI's MF Pro Boxing plus who he is targeting as his first fight with the promotion and more.Ishmael discusses his win over Sam Gilley for the British and Commonwealth titles and previews his upcoming bout with Bilal Fawaz. Toe2Toe is a Sky Sports podcast. Listen to every episode here: skysports.com/toe-2-toeYou can listen to Toe2Toe on your smart speaker by saying "ask Global Player to play Ringside Toe2Toe".For all the latest boxing news, head to skysports.com/boxingFor advertising opportunities email: skysportspodcasts@sky.uk

Covering the Commonwealth ft. Virginia Tech Hokies by Ed Lane

Covering the Commonwealth ft. JMU, UVA and Washington Commanders by Ed Lane

Willie talks with the junior Senator from the Commonwealth of Kentucky Rand Paul about the chances of Obamacare subsidies making it through the Senate, and what should happen to the filibuster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Aidan Kearney's ex-girlfriend Meredith O'Neil continues to expose Kearney and his “Free Karen Read” innocence fraud grift. Lindsey Gaettani (another ex-girlfriend) gets highlighted in the Commonwealth filing. In this episode we examine Cosgrove's court filing. Do Kearney's women know too much about Kearney & Read's tactics to propagandize the public in order to get a murderer off?Get access to exclusive content & support the podcast by a Patron today! https://patreon.com/robertaglasstruecrimereporthrow a tip in the tip jar! https://buymeacoffee.com/robertaglassSupport Roberta by sending a donation via Venmo. https://venmo.com/robertaglassBecome a chanel member for custom Emojis, first looks and exclusive streams here: https://youtube.com/@robertaglass/joinShow Notes:Innocence Fraud Watch - https://theerrorsthatplaguethemiscarriageofjusticemovement.home.blog/2025/12/07/ex-girlfriend-of-psychopath-innocence-fraudster-aidan-turtleboy-kearney-says-he-twists-reality-rewrites-history-go-figure/Innocence Fraud Watch-https://theerrorsthatplaguethemiscarriageofjusticemovement.home.blog/2025/12/07/averil-estey-carmine-says-cop-killer-pathological-liar-karen-read-made-conscious-decisions-to-hurt-people/Thank you Patrons! Beth, Shelley Safford, Carol Mumumeci, Therese Tunks, JC, Lizzy D, Elizabeth Drake, Texas Mimi, Barb, Deborah Shults, Ratliff, Stephanie Lamberson, Maryellen Sudol, Mona, Karen Pacini, Jen Buell, Marie Horton, ER, Rosie Grace, B. Rabbit, Sally Merrick, Amanda D, Mary B, Mrs Jones, Amy Gill, Eileen, Wesley Loves Octoberfest, Erin (Kitties1993), Anna Quint, Cici Guteriez, Sandra Loves GatsbyHannna, Christy, Jen Buell, Elle Solari, Carol Cardella, Jennifer Harmon, DoxieMama65, Carol Holderman, Joan Mahon, Marcie Denton, Rosanne Aponte, Johnny Jay, Jude Barnes, JenTheRN, Victoria Devenish, Jeri Falk, Kimberly Lovelace, Penni Miller, Jil, Janet Gardner, Jayne Wallace (JaynesWhirled), Pat Brooks, Jennifer Klearman, Judy Brown, Linda Lazzaro, Suzanne Kniffin, Susan Hicks, Jeff Meadors, D Samlam, Pat Brooks, Cythnia, Bonnie Schoeneman-Dilley, Diane Larsen, Mary, Kimberly Philipson, Cat Stewart, Cindy Pochesci, Kevin Crecy, Renee Chavez, Melba Pourteau, Julie K Thomas, Mia Wallace, Stark Stuff, Kayce Taylor, Alice, Dean, GiGi5, Jennifer Crum, Dana Natale, Bewildered Beauty, Pepper, Joan Chakonas, Blythe, Pat Dell, Lorraine Reid, T.B., Melissa, Victoria Gray Bross, Toni Woodland, Danbrit, Kenny Haines and Toni Natalie

Running prodigy Sam Ruthe has shattered a record that's stood for more than three and half decades. The 16 year-old ran his 1500 metre heat in 3 minutes and 38.62 seconds at the New Zealand secondary schools track and field championship in Hastings. He broke the previous record held since 1989 by Commonwealth games runner, Richard Potts, shaving off six seconds. Sam Ruthe spoke to Lisa Owen.

John Granger rarely listens to audio adaptations of books unless he's on a long drive, though he admits they have played an important part in his life as a reader.Nick Jeffery listens to audio books everyday and often for hours at a time; he credits the medium for his mid-life rebirth as a reader (re-reader!).Zossima Granger, writer in residence at ProtagonistBook.com (Give the gift of an unforgettable story!) and host of Teller Talk interview series at Zossima's Story Stack Substack page, cannot remember a time when Harry Potter and audio books were not an important part of his life. He like Nick listens to one book per week or more.So — what do these Potter Pundits and Serious Strikers think of the new Audible ‘Full Cast Audio' (FCA) unabridged dramatization of Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone, which in the UK and Commonwealth nations is Philosopher's Stone?They loved it! No, the adaptation wasn't perfect, and, yes, there are a few jarring miscues and disappointments. As they explain in their ten point discussion of their experience listening to the Audible production, however, there's reason to be very excited about this audio version of the first Potter novel and the six promised FCA dramatizations.Nick lays out the audio adaptation history of the Hogwarts Saga, to include, in addition to the background of the new FCA books, the Stephen Fry and Jim Dale legacies. And then he asks the questions below!* What is your relationship with audio books? Are you a frequent listener?* Were the Fry/Dale Potter adaptations an important part of your experience of the Hogwarts Saga?* Did you listen to the ‘full cast audio' adaptation of Christmas Pig? Other books?* What were your expectations -- fears and hopes -- for the Sorcerer's Stone full cast audio adaptation?* What was the biggest surprise you experienced in your first listening?* Which of the voice actors brought out a different dimension of the text than you expected?* What is your favorite scene in Stone and was the full cast audio depiction of it a delight or a disappointment?* Fry, Dale, or Full Cast: will you listen to all three versions in the future? Do you have a strong preference?* Thumbs up or down: one to five stars, please, for the Audible production and your biggest grins and gripes.* What changes do you hope the producers will make before they release the next six adaptations?Please join in the conversation by sharing your answers to these questions in the comment boxes below. What is your relationship with books you listen to rather than read? What do think of the new FCA dramatization?And, when you've made your contribution to this conversation and you'd like more conversation between Nick Jeffery and Zossima Granger for dessert, check out Teller Talk #4, ‘Harry Potter and the Skill of Reading'! This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit hogwartsprofessor.substack.com/subscribe

For years, the Black Economic Council of Massachusetts has been working out of temporary offices as they carried out their mission to support Black business owners around the Commonwealth. Now, their dream to find a special place to settle down and create a permanent home for their work has been realized, with the purchase of a new "Sustainability Hub" in Roxbury. Executive Director Nicole Obi returns to the show to talk about the importance of this move, their plans for the space, and the resources they offer Black entrepreneurs and business owners here in Massachusetts.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Prosecutors in the Brian Walshe murder trial are trying to prove first-degree murder without a body, without a murder weapon, and without a definitive cause of death. Ana Walshe has never been found. What the Commonwealth does have is a digital trail that reads like a step-by-step guide to getting away with murder — and a defendant who stood to collect $2.7 million in life insurance if his wife died. The internet searches are the backbone of the prosecution's case, and they are brutal. According to testimony from Massachusetts State Police Trooper Nicholas Guarino, the searches began at 4:52 a.m. on January 1, 2023 — just hours after the couple celebrated New Year's Eve with a friend. That first search: "Best way to dispose of a body." By 4:55 a.m., Walshe had moved on to "How long before a body starts to smell." Over the next several days, the searches continued: "How long does DNA last." "Hacksaw best tool for dismembering." "Can you be charged with murder without a body." "Can you identify a body with broken teeth." He even researched Patrick Kearney — a serial killer known as the "trash bag killer." Prosecutors also have motive. Ana Walshe had taken out $2.7 million in life insurance policies naming her husband as the sole beneficiary. And according to the prosecution, Brian Walshe knew his wife was having an affair with William Fastow, a Washington D.C. real estate broker who sold Ana the townhouse she owned there. Prosecutors say Walshe's phone searched Fastow's name on Christmas Day — less than a week before Ana disappeared. In this episode, former prosecutor Eric Faddis breaks down the strength of the Commonwealth's case. We discuss how prosecutors prove premeditation through circumstantial evidence, whether the internet searches are as damning as they appear, and what the defense can do to poke holes in the timeline. Eric also explains the challenges of no-body murder cases and what the conviction rates actually look like. The prosecution may not have Ana Walshe's remains, but they're betting they have enough to put her husband away for life. #BrianWalshe #BrianWalsheTrial #AnaWalshe #ProsecutionCase #GoogleSearches #LifeInsuranceMurder #NoBodyMurderCase #CircumstantialEvidence #EricFaddis #TrueCrime #MurderTrial #WilliamFastow #AffairMotive #Hacksaw #Dismemberment #FirstDegreeMurder #Premeditation #MassachusettsTrial #CriminalJustice #TrueCrimePodcast Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Prosecutors in the Brian Walshe murder trial are trying to prove first-degree murder without a body, without a murder weapon, and without a definitive cause of death. Ana Walshe has never been found. What the Commonwealth does have is a digital trail that reads like a step-by-step guide to getting away with murder — and a defendant who stood to collect $2.7 million in life insurance if his wife died. The internet searches are the backbone of the prosecution's case, and they are brutal. According to testimony from Massachusetts State Police Trooper Nicholas Guarino, the searches began at 4:52 a.m. on January 1, 2023 — just hours after the couple celebrated New Year's Eve with a friend. That first search: "Best way to dispose of a body." By 4:55 a.m., Walshe had moved on to "How long before a body starts to smell." Over the next several days, the searches continued: "How long does DNA last." "Hacksaw best tool for dismembering." "Can you be charged with murder without a body." "Can you identify a body with broken teeth." He even researched Patrick Kearney — a serial killer known as the "trash bag killer." Prosecutors also have motive. Ana Walshe had taken out $2.7 million in life insurance policies naming her husband as the sole beneficiary. And according to the prosecution, Brian Walshe knew his wife was having an affair with William Fastow, a Washington D.C. real estate broker who sold Ana the townhouse she owned there. Prosecutors say Walshe's phone searched Fastow's name on Christmas Day — less than a week before Ana disappeared. In this episode, former prosecutor Eric Faddis breaks down the strength of the Commonwealth's case. We discuss how prosecutors prove premeditation through circumstantial evidence, whether the internet searches are as damning as they appear, and what the defense can do to poke holes in the timeline. Eric also explains the challenges of no-body murder cases and what the conviction rates actually look like. The prosecution may not have Ana Walshe's remains, but they're betting they have enough to put her husband away for life. #BrianWalshe #BrianWalsheTrial #AnaWalshe #ProsecutionCase #GoogleSearches #LifeInsuranceMurder #NoBodyMurderCase #CircumstantialEvidence #EricFaddis #TrueCrime #MurderTrial #WilliamFastow #AffairMotive #Hacksaw #Dismemberment #FirstDegreeMurder #Premeditation #MassachusettsTrial #CriminalJustice #TrueCrimePodcast Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Prosecutors in the Brian Walshe murder trial are trying to prove first-degree murder without a body, without a murder weapon, and without a definitive cause of death. Ana Walshe has never been found. What the Commonwealth does have is a digital trail that reads like a step-by-step guide to getting away with murder — and a defendant who stood to collect $2.7 million in life insurance if his wife died. The internet searches are the backbone of the prosecution's case, and they are brutal. According to testimony from Massachusetts State Police Trooper Nicholas Guarino, the searches began at 4:52 a.m. on January 1, 2023 — just hours after the couple celebrated New Year's Eve with a friend. That first search: "Best way to dispose of a body." By 4:55 a.m., Walshe had moved on to "How long before a body starts to smell." Over the next several days, the searches continued: "How long does DNA last." "Hacksaw best tool for dismembering." "Can you be charged with murder without a body." "Can you identify a body with broken teeth." He even researched Patrick Kearney — a serial killer known as the "trash bag killer." Prosecutors also have motive. Ana Walshe had taken out $2.7 million in life insurance policies naming her husband as the sole beneficiary. And according to the prosecution, Brian Walshe knew his wife was having an affair with William Fastow, a Washington D.C. real estate broker who sold Ana the townhouse she owned there. Prosecutors say Walshe's phone searched Fastow's name on Christmas Day — less than a week before Ana disappeared. In this episode, former prosecutor Eric Faddis breaks down the strength of the Commonwealth's case. We discuss how prosecutors prove premeditation through circumstantial evidence, whether the internet searches are as damning as they appear, and what the defense can do to poke holes in the timeline. Eric also explains the challenges of no-body murder cases and what the conviction rates actually look like. The prosecution may not have Ana Walshe's remains, but they're betting they have enough to put her husband away for life. #BrianWalshe #BrianWalsheTrial #AnaWalshe #ProsecutionCase #GoogleSearches #LifeInsuranceMurder #NoBodyMurderCase #CircumstantialEvidence #EricFaddis #TrueCrime #MurderTrial #WilliamFastow #AffairMotive #Hacksaw #Dismemberment #FirstDegreeMurder #Premeditation #MassachusettsTrial #CriminalJustice #TrueCrimePodcast Want to comment and watch this podcast as a video? Check out our YouTube Channel. https://www.youtube.com/@hiddenkillerspod Instagram https://www.instagram.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/hiddenkillerspod/ Tik-Tok https://www.tiktok.com/@hiddenkillerspod X Twitter https://x.com/tonybpod Listen Ad-Free On Apple Podcasts Here: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/true-crime-today-premium-plus-ad-free-advance-episode/id1705422872

Industrial water professionals sit at the intersection of risk, regulation, and community trust. In this episode, Dr. Annette Davison ("the water risk doctor") joins Trace Blackmore to show how disciplined governance, clear supply chain thinking, and community engagement can turn fragmented water systems into coherent, defensible risk management frameworks.  Water risk from source to customer  Annette starts with a simple question most customers never ask: "Where's your water coming from?" She walks through a conceptual supply chain from source to end point—collection, transfer, treatment, distribution, and customers—then layers governance on top. Who holds custody at each handover point? Are water quality objectives clearly defined and documented? What happens when something "stuffs up," and how is that communicated downstream? For leaders, it's a practical reminder that risk isn't just about treatment performance; it's about clearly assigned responsibilities along the entire chain.  Governance, ISO 31000, and the Water31K framework  Drawing on her background in microbial ecology and environmental law, Annette explains why "you can't do a good risk assessment unless you've got the context right." She describes how ISO 31000 inspired the Water31K framework—an approach that is jurisdictionally agnostic and capable of spanning drinking water, recycled water, and recreational water guidelines. Using Water31K, her team walks into any jurisdiction and systematically maps stakeholders, legal and formal requirements, reporting lines, and internal obligations so utilities can see their governance landscape clearly before they start scoring risk.  Critical control points, AI, and learning from incidents  Critical control points may have started in the food industry, but Annette shows how they can be sharpened for water. Her test— "would a computer understand this?"—forces teams to close logical gaps and define thresholds and responses precisely enough to be automated. She also explores how AI and "agents as a service" could help analyze incident data, while warning that AI is useless if utilities haven't done the basics: monitoring the right things, at the right place, at the right time, with a firm grasp of supply chain risk. Her mantra: never waste a good incident; dissect it and make sure it doesn't happen again.  Regulations, public–private contracts, and community projects  Using Australia as an example, Annette unpacks the complexity of layered laws—Commonwealth, state, local—and the different regimes governing public, metro, and private utilities. She shares a five-part checklist for public–private contracts (quantity, quality, maintenance, ownership, operations) and explains how weak agreements can undermine water quality objectives and monitoring. In parallel, she talks about social initiatives like One Street and One Creek, community-led work on Rocky Creek, and bringing STEAM (not just STEM) into high schools so the next generation sees water as a diverse, creative career path.  Strong water risk governance isn't just about compliance; it's about making better decisions for customers and communities over decades. This conversation gives leaders language, frameworks, and examples they can use to tighten their own systems and engage people beyond the plant fence.  Stay engaged, keep learning, and continue scaling up your knowledge!    Timestamps    02:15 — Trace reflects on the end of 2025, recap planning, and how goal setting shapes a stronger 2026 for sales and learning. 11:12 — Introducing lab partner Dr. Annette Davison and her diverse day-to-day across mediation workshops, field work, and high school outreach. 12:10 — The Risk Edge Group mission: protecting people, processes, and the planet from contaminated water with documents, templates, tools, and audits. 13:14 — "Incidents Online" as a free learning resource and how sharing real events helps others protect themselves. 14:10 — Becoming Australian Water Association's Water Professional of the Year and launching the One Street and One Creek social initiatives. 15:29 — From microbial ecology and contaminated sites to environmental law and a career focused on water quality governance. 19:47 — Training as a core "case study": lighting up operators and directors by finally explaining the "why" behind procedures and funding. 22:00 — Walking the water supply chain from source to end point and identifying governance handover points and quality objectives. 24:22 — Strategy-to-operations workflow: from planning and design to commissioning and operations, and why design must serve operators. 24:45 — Critical control points, space diarrhoea origin-story, and the discipline of defining CCPs so clearly "a computer would understand." 30:30 — How Water31K creates a common language for teasing out complex legal and regulatory structures across jurisdictions. 33:03 — The multi-layered Australian governance example: Commonwealth guidelines, state acts, and differing regimes for local, metro, and private utilities. 36:23 — Rocky Creek and the Karingai "Kraken" network: turning an unloved creek into a pilot for community care and data-driven education. 38:19 — onestreet.earth, mobilising your community, and building a playbook so others can replicate a "One Creek" model. 39:21 — STEAM power in schools: bringing science, technology, engineering, art, and maths together to improve water communication. 42:01 — Public vs private utilities, the Water Industry Competition Act, nimble private operators, and the five-part contract checklist. 44:39 — Emerging hazards (microplastics, PFAS) and the reminder not to take our eyes off the basics while we monitor new risks. 46:19 — Annette's core message: we've got to love water and help customers understand what it takes to keep it safe and reliable.   Quotes "You can't do a good risk assessment unless you've got the context right."  "Where's your water coming from? How do you collect it? How do you transfer it to where it needs to go to? How do you treat it?"  "We now just keep asking ourselves the same question, will the computer understand this?"  "AI's not going to help us until we get the right inputs to AI. Let's get the basics right first."  "We've got to love water. We've got to make sure that people are aware of water, not only the technocrats, but also the people who are using it."    Connect with Annette Davison Email: annette@riskedge.com.au  Website: https://www.riskedge.com.au/  LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annettedavison/    Guest Resources Mentioned   The Risk Edge Group – Water31K Framework & Services  Incidents Online (Risk Edge)  Risk Edge Training (e.g., CCP and Governance Courses)  Ku-ring-gai Community Rotary Network ("the Kraken")  Australian Drinking Water Guidelines (ADWG)  WHO Guidelines for Drinking-water Quality  The Overstory – Richard Powers  The Three-Body Problem – Cixin Liu  The Covenant of Water – Abraham Verghese    Scaling UP! H2O Resources Mentioned  AWT (Association of Water Technologies)  Scaling UP! H2O Academy video courses  Submit a Show Idea  The Rising Tide Mastermind    2025 Events for Water Professionals  Check out our Scaling UP! H2O Events Calendar where we've listed every event Water Treaters should be aware of by clicking HERE. 

Pennsylvania politics were pretty messy this year. Pennsylvanians waited 135 days for Harrisburg to pass a budget. Philly nonprofits had to cut back on services, and school districts took out loans just to pay the bills. Moving forward, how do we make government work? In our weekly politics episode, host Trenae Nuri talks with State Senator Anthony H. Williams, who represents parts of Philadelphia and Delaware Counties, to talk about ways to get more money flowing into the Commonwealth and his goal to withhold paychecks from legislators during budget stalemates.   Get Philly news & events in your inbox with our newsletter: Hey Philly Call or text us: 215-259-8170 We're also on Instagram: @citycastphilly You can support this show and get great perks by becoming a City Cast Philly Neighbor at membership.citycast.fm. Learn more about the sponsors of this episode: Penn Live Arts Independence Blue Cross RiverRink Winterfest  Advertise on the podcast or in the newsletter: citycast.fm/advertise

Yaël Pericard has been to 133 countries Hey now, I am your host, Ric Gazarian. In this episode, I have the pleasure to speak with traveler Yael Pericard. I met Yael briefly at the ETF in Bangkok and follow him on FB, but here is another case of a traveler who I really did not know well. Of course that is no longer the case after our conversation. Yael leads an adventurous life from summiting 7000 meters in Pakistan, to giving back in the Phillipines, to risking it all to explore a remote airstrip in Lesotho (this one is a pretty crazy story). And, you will get to meet him at the Extraordinary Travel Festival in Bangkok as he is coming back for the next event in 2026. I would like to thank everyone for their support of Counting Countries, especially my Patrons. You know them, you love them! Bisa "fully nomadic" Myles, Ted Nims, Adam "one-away" Hickman, Steph "Phuket" Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Katelyn Jarvis, Philippe "BC" Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Sam Williams, Scott Day, Dana Mahoutchian, Mihai Dascalu and Ryan Knott for supporting this podcast. You can support this podcast by going to Patreon.com/CountingCountries. My patrons will hear the entire conversation with Thomas. Please remember the next Extraordinary Travel Festival will be on October 22-25 in 2026. You can join the event and use code BANGKOK to save $110 for this incredibly packed event. We have announced a new speaker, Roberto Helou, who you might know from IG as ExploRob. I followed him last year as he biked from Cairo to Cape Town on an epic journey. I am excited to hear him speak next year. Consider joining our Instagram and Facebook groups and signing up for the ETF newsletter. Any questions, please let me know. I was in Bangkok while Yael was in Norway for this recording. Please listen in and enjoy. Thank you to my Patrons - you rock!! … Bisa Myles, Ted Nims, Adam Hickman, Steph Rowe, Simen Flotvik Mathisen, Ed Hotchkiss, Barry Hoffner, Katelyn Jarvis, Philippe Izedian, Gin Liutkeviciute, Sunir Joshi, Carole Southam, Sonia Zimmermann, Justine, Per Flisberg, Jorge Serpa, Sam Williams, Scott Day, Dana Mahoutchian, Mihai Dascalu, and Ryan Knott. Be the first on your block to sport official Counting Countries apparel! And now you can listen to Counting Countries on Spotify! And Alexa! Subscribe on Apple Podcasts today! And write a review! More about Yaël Pericard Counting Countries: Yael on IG: Instagram Yael on YT: https://www.youtube.com/@yaelpericard The Impossible Journey (Amazon US Kindle (affiliate)): https://amzn.to/46pRuDi Other book options: Thor Pedersen | Instagram, Facebook, TikTok | Linktree About Counting Countries Counting Countries is the only podcast to bring you the stories from the dedicated few who've spent their lives on the singular quest of traveling to every country in the world. Less people have traveled to every country in the world than have been to outer space. Theme music for this podcast is Demeter's Dance, written, performed, and provided by Mundi. About GlobalGaz Ric Gazarian is the host of Counting Countries. He is the author of three books: Hit The Road: India, 7000 KM To Go, and Photos From Chernobyl. He is the producer of two travel documentaries: Hit The Road: India and Hit The Road: Cambodia. Ric is also on his own quest to visit every country in the world. You can see where he has traveled so far and keep up with his journey at GlobalGaz.com How Many Countries Are There? Well… that depends on who you ask! The United Nations states that there are 193 member states. The British Foreign and Commonwealth office states that there are 226 countries and territories. The Traveler's Century Club states that there are 329 sovereign nations, territories, enclaves, and islands. The Nomad Mania divides the world into 1301 regions. The Most Traveled Person states that there are 1500 unique parts of the world. SISO says there are 3,978 places in the world. And the video that explains it all! Me? My goal is the 193 countries that are recognized by the UN, but I am sure I will visit some other places along the way. An analysis of these lists and who is the best traveled by Kolja Spori. Disclaimer: There are affiliates in this post. Yaël Pericard Counting Countries

00:00 The Rivalry: Virginia vs. Virginia Tech 11:53 Game Recap: A Dominant Performance 25:52 Reflections on the Season and Future Prospects 27:21 The Aftermath of the Game 29:38 Defensive Dominance 32:19 Player Highlights and Performances 36:10 Offensive Breakdown 37:41 Fan Reactions and Rivalry Dynamics 39:49 Looking Ahead: Future Prospects 43:24 Hypotheticals and Realities 46:15 Closing Thoughts and Gratitude Follow The Ball Hawk Show: Bleav Network, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and other podcasts platforms Ahmad Hawkins Website: http://www.ahmadhawkins.com Follow on X: @IAmBallHawk Instagram: iamballhawk Facebook: Ahmad Hawkins Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this episode, we unpack the meaning and origins of the term Downland, and explore how this distinctive landscape helps us better understand the geography and terrain of the First World War.We take a closer look at the Lewis Machine Gun, examining how it worked, how a Lewis Gun section operated in battle, and its role on the Western Front.We also consider the influence of the Franco-Prussian War on both the military thinking and physical landscape of WW1, before turning to the decorations and medals awarded to British and Commonwealth soldiers, explaining how they differed and what they reveal about service and recognition in the Great War.A wide-ranging episode connecting landscape, weaponry, military history, and remembrance across the First World War.The Vickers Machine Gun Association: The Lewis Gun on the Western Front 1916-18.Main image: German offensive on the Lys. A Lewis Gun-post in Marquois, 13 April 1918. (IWM Q6528)Sign up for the free podcast newsletter here: Old Front Line Bulletin.You can order Old Front Line Merch via The Old Front Line Shop.Got a question about this episode or any others? Drop your question into the Old Front Line Discord Server or email the podcast.Send us a textSupport the show