Podcasts about General assembly

Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for March 21, 2026 is: scrutinize • SKROO-tuh-nyze • verb To scrutinize something is to examine it carefully especially in a critical way. // I closely scrutinized my opponent's moves before making my own. See the entry > Examples: "The governor proposes a balanced budget, and the General Assembly scrutinizes every line." — J.B. Jennings, The Baltimore Sun, 5 Feb. 2026 Did you know? Scrutinize the history of scrutinize far back enough and you wind up sifting through trash: the word comes from Latin scrutari, which means "to search, to examine," and scrutari likely comes from scruta, meaning "trash." The etymology evokes one who searches through trash for anything of value. The noun scrutiny preceded scrutinize in English, and in its earliest 15th century use referred to a formal vote, and later to an official examination of votes. Scrutinize was established in the 17th century with its familiar "to examine closely" meaning, but retained reference to voting with the specific meaning "to examine votes" at least into the 18th century. (Votes are still commonly said to be scrutinized in the general sense of the word.) And while the term scrutineer can be a general term referring to someone who examines something, it is also sometimes used in British English specifically as a term for someone who takes or counts votes.

After a decade in public office, Sen. Graig Meyer (D-Orange) is leaving the General Assembly to head up the state's leading progressive think tank, the North Carolina Justice Center.  Meyer joins Tim to talk about leaving office, the current status of progressives and Democrats in North Carolina, and the shocking news of the state's most powerful politician, Phil Berger, on the verge of losing his seat in the legislature.

Journalists from around the state discuss the news of the week with host Bill Bryant, including President Donald Trump's visit to Northern Kentucky and the latest progress on legislation for a state budget in the 2026 General Assembly. Panelists: Alex Acquisto, Lexington Herald-Leader; McKenna Horsley, Kentucky Lantern; and Todd Faulkner, WPSD Local 6 in Paducah.

War in Iran, General Assembly updates, issues in KY prisons and foster care, and is there a positive side to shoplifting? All things the KPW crew discusses this week.

This week, special guest host Marc de Jeu sits down with pastor and author Josh Hayden to discuss the missional markers of a healthy church. They break down the distinction between revitalization and remissioning, the relationship of church metrics to a church's missional identity, and share a bit about the equipping session they will be leading together at this year's General Assembly. Whether you're leading a church that wants to make disciples or just interested in how to improve your church's missional health, this episode will allow you to consider the important questions and encouragements needed to for a healthy EPC church. Read Josh's book, Remissioning Church, here: https://www.ivpress.com/remissioning-church?srsltid=AfmBOorwhJXYrulGe3_txOVkiOb95fWKFCwxp4oBfH7aEGNKT5-uHf99

Ohio Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) knows if you're not at the table, you get the scraps. After a 30-year career in a public school classroom, he's now at the table in the General Assembly, serving as the Ranking Member on the House Education Committee. He joins us for this episode for a deeper dive into House Bill 523, a bill he has co-sponsored to allow paid student teaching and remove other barriers for Aspiring Educators trying to enter the education field. He also shares his thoughts on the importance of our union in this moment, as someone who recently made the choice to become a Lifetime member.WATCH | Rep. Brennan wrote a guest column for the April/May edition of Ohio Schools called "Why Our Union Matters More Than Ever." Click here to watch a short video of him sharing that message. LEARN MORE ABOUT HB 523 | Click here to read the full text of the bill and to track its progress in the Ohio General Assembly. Click here to read OEA President Jeff Wensing's testimony in support of House Bill 523 in the House Education Committee in February, 2026. TELL YOUR STORY | Help advocate for a more accessible path to becoming an educator by sharing your perspective about your own time as a student teacher - past or present. Click here to share your experience.  SUBSCRIBE | Click here to subscribe to Public Education Matters on Apple Podcasts or click here to listen on Spotify so you don't miss a thing. You can also find Public Education Matters on many other platforms. Click here for some of those links so you can listen anywhere. And don't forget you can listen to all of the previous episodes anytime on your favorite podcast platform, or by clicking here.Featured Public Education Matters guest: Ohio Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan, (D-House District 14)State Representative Sean Patrick Brennan has dedicated his life to public service. He firmly believes that his story informs his calling to public service and proves that the American Dream survives. After his father abandoned his family, his strong mother modeled the importance of family and the satisfaction of a hard day's work, making their trailer a home and utilizing public assistance only as needed. Sadly, his mother later suffered through an abusive relationship. As a result, Rep. Brennan was blessed when his loving grandmother took him in to help tend the family farm and focus on his studies.Rep. Brennan went on to attend the University of Dayton where he graduated summa cum laude earning a Bachelor's Degree in International Studies concentrating in Russian, Soviet, and East European Studies. While there, he fell in love with Deena Denk from Parma, where they currently reside and raised their two beautiful children. He has also completed graduate-level coursework in history, political science, economics, and pedagogy at several colleges and universities and has a Master's Degree in Secondary School Administration from Cleveland State University. Brennan's scholarly activities involve projects on the subjects of the U.S. Constitution, religious freedom in America, and various other American political and historical topics at George Washington's Mount Vernon, James Madison's Montpelier, Thomas Jefferson's Monticello, the University of Oxford in England, George Washington University in Washington, D.C., the Bill of Rights Institute in Arlington, Virginia, and the Ashbrook Center at Ashland University.Rep. Brennan served as an award-winning public school teacher for three decades, as well as a Parma councilman for nearly two decades, including over a decade as the at-large elected President of Council and the Public Housing Board of Ohio's 7th largest city. He is active in civic, professional, and charitable organizations, which include founder and board member of the Andrew Boyko Scholarship Foundation, St. Charles Borromeo Parish lector and adult server, Friends of Parma Libraries life member, founder of the Parma Peanut Butter Drive benefitting All Faiths Pantry, founder and past adviser of the Parma Youth Commission, advisory board member of Big Creek Connects, member of West Creek Conservancy, Parma Historical Society, the City Club of Cleveland, German Central Foundation, National Education Association, Ohio Education Association, and Northeast Ohio Education Association.An avid runner and advocate of healthy living, Rep. Brennan has completed over 100 full marathons, as well as countless other smaller running events. His love of running led to his creation of the annual Parma Run-Walk for Pierogies, which has raised tens of thousands of dollars for local charities. Among other projects, his charitable work led to the creation of the script Parma sign which was subsequently donated to the City of Parma and adorns Anthony Zielinski Park and raising thousands of dollars to assist residents whose incomes were negatively impacted by the pandemic.Rep. Brennan was nominated Ohio Teacher of the Year, selected for the Parma Senior Veterans Appreciation Award, “Citizen of the Year” by the Friends of Parma Libraries, “Friend of PEA” by the Parma Education Association, “Conservationist of the Year” by the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District, “Parma Democrat of the Year” by the Parma Democratic Party, “Teacher of the Year” by the Cleveland American Middle Eastern Association (C.A.M.E.O.), and the “Good Partner Award” by Goodwill Industries.Rep. Brennan joined the Ohio House of Representatives in 2023 and is now serving his second term. He is proud of his perfect session attendance, 96% bipartisan voting record, being named the “Most Bipartisan Legislator,” sponsoring more bills than any other legislator in the Ohio General Assembly, and passing 5 bills in his first term. Most of all he is committed to providing excellent constituent services to the residents who contact his office. He cares deeply for the people of the great state of Ohio and works doggedly to improve the quality of life for all of those who reside in the Buckeye State. He is deeply honored to serve the residents of Ohio's 14th House District which includes, Parma, Parma Heights, and Cleveland Wards 12, 13, and 14, which encompass the Old Brooklyn, South Hills, Brooklyn Centre, and Clark-Fulton neighborhoods. Connect with OEA:Email educationmatters@ohea.org with your feedback or ideas for future Public Education Matters topicsLike OEA on FacebookFollow OEA on TwitterFollow OEA on InstagramGet the latest news and statements from OEA hereLearn more about

Csaba B. Horváth, PhD earned his PhD in International Relations at Corvinus University of Budapest after completing degrees in History and Political Science at Eötvös Loránd University. He is a member of the General Assembly of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. His research focuses on geopolitics, with a particular emphasis on the Indo-Pacific as well as on Central and Eastern Europe. He has held visiting research fellowships at several universities in Australia, China and Taiwan, and earlier in his youth, spent two years living in Japan, where he acquired conversational proficiency in Japanese. He is also a regular participant in international conferences and held public talks across the Indo-Pacific, including in Australia, China, India, Korea, Malaysia and Singapore. The talk explores the idea that East-Central Europe is currently experiencing a rare strategic “window of opportunity” not seen since the 18th century. For centuries, the region functioned largely as a buffer zone dominated by external imperial powers. Today, the effective disappearance and disintegration of traditional continental empires has created a structural power vacuum in the region, which, combined with shifting global power balances and growing strategic interest from the United States, is generating unprecedented conditions for East-Central Europe to emerge as a more autonomous geopolitical actor. The presentation examines the risks, constraints, and potential pathways for such a transformation. This lecture is part of the 18th Annual Symposium of the Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies. The Kościuszko Chair serves as a center for Polish Studies in the broadest sense, including learning, teaching, researching, and writing about Poland's culture, history, heritage, religion, government, economy, and successes in the arts, sciences, and letters, with special emphasis on the achievements of Polish civilization and its relation to other nations, particularly the United States. This year, the 17th annual Kościuszko Chair Conference focuses on the topic of threats and opportunities in the Intermarium. **Learn more about IWP graduate programs: https://www.iwp.edu/academics/graduate-degree-programs/ ***Make a gift to the IWP Kosciuszko Chair of Polish Studies: https://wl.donorperfect.net/weblink/WebLink.aspx?name=E231090&id=4

What's actually happening with #SaveThePCA right now? We pulled together some sharp PCA churchmen to talk through it — the movement, the overtures, and what's coming at General Assembly. Grab a drink. This one's worth your time.

Guest host Shannon Moody is joined by Jane Herms, president and CEO of Family Nurturing Center in NKY; Sonja Grey, executive director of ECHO; and Laura Wills-Coppelman, co-founder of ICKY Schools. This panel of advocates discuss several bills being considered by the General Assembly to address and prevent child sexual abuse and grooming. Learn more about the Blueprint for Kentucky's Children 2026 priorities at kyyouth.org/blueprintKY. Learn more about the Kosair for Kids Face It Movement at faceitabuse.org. Thank you to Aetna Better Health of Kentucky for supporting the Making Kids Count Podcast. Visit AetnaMedicaidKY.com/choose to learn more about their health care benefits and programs designed with your family's wellbeing in mind.

Henrico, VDOT crews busy tackling pothole problems; Henrico Police pull a man's body from the James River; solar panel installation available to some Henrico families; General Assembly tables two bills that sought to give state agency additional oversight in data center proposals.Support the show

Some of Kentucky's federal delegation react to Kristi Noem's firing as Secretary of Homeland Security, Kentucky's General Assembly looks to make good on its promise to see nuclear energy sourced in the state, lawmakers debate if a shakeup in the medical marketplace will help or hurt patients, the U.S. war in Iran continues without Congressional approval, and UK athletics director Mitch Barnhart.

Read more from VPM News:  Virginia lawmakers are on the cusp of changing medical malpractice law  General Assembly kills bills for certifying high-power facilities  Charlottesville considers $279M spending plan  Richmond School Board approves $550M budget for fiscal 2027  Heads up, Richmond: 2026 River City Half and 5K road closures, ‘no parking' zones    Other links:  Virginia joins multistate lawsuit challenging Trump administration over new global tariffs (Virginia Mercury) Hopewell city manager hopefuls include two recently fired administrators (The Progress-Index)* FOIA Files: 2025 Loudoun Crime Stats Release Would Cost $600, LCSO Says (Loudoun Now) Richmond councilwoman threatens to subpoena Mayor Avula (The Richmond Times-Dispatch)*    *This outlet uses a paywall  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

The General Assembly bill filing deadline has passed the the KPW crew takes a look at some of what's out there. Also, KPW Foreign Correspondent Jason Emert stops in to talk Iran.

Casey Fields and Jake Broom discuss legislative action on the boat tax reduction bill, a SC Department of Transportation modernization bill and two bills concerning data centers. They also preview upcoming General Assembly work on the state budget.

Delaware's Supreme Court recently upheld a law passed by the state's General Assembly last year, designed to keep companies from leaving the state to incorporate elsewhere. A trend dubbed “DExit.”State Senator Bryan Townsend sponsored that legislation - Senate Bill 21 - which was challenged by a company stockholder arguing it violated the state's constitution.This week, Townsend reflects on SB 21 and where the state stands almost a year later with Delaware Public Media politics reporter Bente Bouthier.

Voting is complete and the results are in, so what did North Carolina's primaries decide? From key races in Mecklenburg County to consequential contests that could reshape the balance of power in the General Assembly, we break down what the outcomes mean heading into November.

Tune in here to this Wednesday's edition of the Brett Winterble Show! Brett kicks off the program joined by John Stewart from the North Carolina political arena to talk about the statewide Senate race and the stunning shakeups in the General Assembly. The two dive straight into the U.S. Senate contest, breaking down Michael Whatley’s commanding primary performance and the looming general election battle against Governor Roy Cooper. Stewart argues that despite Cooper’s decades of statewide victories, a narrow early polling margin should raise eyebrows and signals a far more competitive race than many expected. The conversation then turns to major legislative surprises, including a wave of incumbent losses and the razor-thin outcome in the race involving longtime Senate leader Phil Berger. Stewart highlights the historic implications of Berger’s potential defeat, calling it one of the biggest political upsets North Carolina has seen in decades. Together, Brett and Stewart analyze what these results mean for power dynamics in Raleigh and the political battles ahead. Listen here for all of this and more on The Brett Winterble Show! For more from Brett Winterble check out his YouTube channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Renee Shaw hosts a discussion about childcare legislation. Guests include: State Senator Danny Carroll (R-Paducah), chair of the Senate Families and Children Committee; State Representative Samara Heavrin (R-Leitchfield), chair of the House Families and Children Committee; and Sarah Vanover, Ed.D., policy and advocacy director for Kentucky Youth Advocates.

Henrico earns nearly $60 million in new regional transportation funding; family of five displaced by fire; General Assembly weighs bills related to AI use in public schools; The Yardbirds play Tin Pan tonight.Support the show

Journalists from around the state discuss the news of the week with host Bill Bryant, including the House passing a state budget during the General Assembly. Panelists: Austin Horn, Lexington Herald-Leader; Liam Niemeyer, Kentucky Lantern; and Sylvia Goodman, Kentucky Public Radio.

Forests are vital for people everywhere. They cover about 4.14 billion hectares, roughly a third of the world's land, and store 714 gigatons of carbon. They also support 80% of land-based biodiversity. However, we are losing 11 million hectares each year to deforestation, and the World Bank expects demand for forest-based products to rise by 400% by 2050. Many industries, from construction to textiles and automotive, are turning to wood fiber to replace fossil-based materials. Yet, a 2023 Circularity Gap Report found that over 90% of materials entering the global economy come from nature and end up in landfills. This approach is not sustainable. If we do not change how we use and reuse fiber, forests will be depleted faster than they can recover. Today's guest, Loa Dalgaard Worm, leads the Forest Stewardship Council's Circularity Hub. This innovation team, launched in 2023, is updating a certification system that was originally designed for a linear economy 30 years ago. Her team is working to add circular business models, like take-back, repair, and leasing, to FSC's chain-of-custody standard, which already includes 70,000 companies worldwide. They are also creating a framework to certify agricultural leftovers, such as wheat straw, rice husks, and coffee chaff, as alternative fibers for pulp-based products. This helps reduce the need for new forest fiber.Loa's boldest idea is a royalty system that would pay forest owners a small fee each time fiber from their forest is reused or recycled into a new product. Currently, forest owners are paid only once, when they harvest a tree, and do not receive ongoing rewards for protecting ecosystems, conserving biodiversity, or supporting communities. Companies buying recycled fiber would pay for verified origin data, which they increasingly need to meet the EU Deforestation Regulation and other international standards. The pieces for this plan are coming together. FSC already runs FSC Trace, a blockchain-based traceability platform, and works with World Forest ID on isotope testing that can identify a fiber's origin within about 15 kilometers. They also partner with esri to improve earth observation capabilities. “We used to be able to do this,” Loa says about circularity, pointing out that remembering old habits, not just inventing new ones, is key to sustainability. “Our parents knew how to repair things. My grandmother knew how to mend all of her clothes.” FSC's circularity work is focused on rebuilding the systems needed to help us relearn how to reuse and repair on a large scale. Loa hopes to test the royalty system within two years and present it to FSC's General Assembly for discussion by 2029. The big question is whether institutions and markets will move quickly enough to protect forests. To learn more about the FSC Circularity Hub, visit fsc.org/circularity or email the team at circularity@fsc.org.Subscribe to Sustainability In Your Ear on iTunesFollow Sustainability In Your Ear on Spreaker, iHeartRadio, or YouTube 

The JMU community mourns a student lost in a fire… Governor Spanberger's rhetoric against ICE activity in Virginia is providing hope to legislators working to limit the federal agency… The General Assembly debates rules for so-called “forever chemicals” used in widely available consumer products….

In this episode we chat with VPAP's Executive Director Cat Anthony about crossover in the General Assembly, how each side is faring in policy advancements, and the continued challenges facing efforts to redistrict Virginia ahead of the November elections.

We have a budget (kinda, sorta)! The General Assembly moves on and KPW has an update on the important pieces moving in Frankfort. Also, the US launches strikes against Iran, the State of the Union is a thing that happened, and one man puts the Commonwealth in the national headlines.

by UFO History Buff & Author, Charles Lear On October 7, 1977, Prime Minister of Grenada Sir Eric Gairy gave a 90-minute speech during the 32nd session of the General Assembly of the United Nations urging the organization to create an agency that would monitor UFOs. This led to a presentation and panel discussion over one year later, organized and produced by Lee Speigel, that included Dr. J. Allen Hynek, Dr. Jacques Vallée, and Col. Gordon Cooper. While this was considered a high point at the time in terms of gaining respectability for the UFO Waldheim Meeting. Credit: ICUFON Archives subject (Grenada issued a set of stamps in 1978 commemorating Gairy's efforts) and still is today, not everyone was happy about it, particularly the directors of the Scientific Bureau of Investigation, formed in January of 1979. Read more →

“S” is for South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism. Created by the General Assembly in 1967, the South Carolina Department of Parks, Recreation, and Tourism (SCPRT) is charged with promoting tourism in the state, operating a system of state parks, and assisting local governments in the development of recreational facilities and programs.

Good morning, Indiana School Leaders — As the General Assembly moves toward adjournment, the pace at the Statehouse has accelerated. Conference committees have dominated the week, and final votes may still be occurring as this message reaches you. In this week's Legislative Update Podcast, I focus on legislation that has officially crossed the finish line. At the time of recording, Governor Braun has signed four bills we've been following into law. Below you'll find direct links and a brief summary of each. ✅ HEA 1035 – Permissible Unsupervised Activity Author: Representative Teshka This new law defines "independent activity" and clarifies that a child is not considered a Child in Need of Services solely because a parent allows age-appropriate independence — including walking, biking, playing outdoors, remaining at home, or remaining briefly in a stationary vehicle. While not an education-specific bill, this legislation shapes the broader child welfare framework impacting our students and families. ✅ HEA 1195 – High School Equivalency Diplomas Author: Representative Davis This legislation extends pilot timelines through 2028 and requires students pursuing a High School Equivalency diploma to: Complete the Indiana Career Explorer program Complete a DOE-approved readiness assessment Effective upon passage. This reinforces structure and accountability within alternative diploma pathways. ✅ HEA 1325 – Special Education Author: Representative Pfaff HEA 1325 requires the Department of Education, in collaboration with the Indiana Department of Health, Department of Child Services, and the Office of the Secretary of Family and Social Services, to collect data and make recommendations regarding: Residential placements Developmental preschool Special education services With next year being a budget year, this data-driven approach positions Indiana for more informed conversations about special education funding and service alignment.     ✅ HEA 1036 – Children in Need of Services Author: Representative Wilburn This law requires the Department of Child Services to have in-person contact with an alleged victim before: Concluding an abuse or neglect assessment, and Dismissing or terminating a pending CHINS case. Given recent statewide discussion around DCS processes, this legislation strengthens procedural safeguards. School leaders — often mandatory reporters and partners in these cases — should be aware of this procedural shift. As session concludes, remember: IASP will continue monitoring conference outcomes and agency guidance and will provide additional updates as final language settles. Thank you for your leadership, your advocacy, and your steady presence for Indiana students.  

On the Course Report podcast today, we're joined by Jourdan Hathaway, Chief Business Officer and CMO at General Assembly. General Assembly is in the middle of a pretty meaningful shift. They're moving beyond the idea of a single, all-or-nothing bootcamp model and toward learning pathways that better reflect how people are actually building careers today. In this episode, we explore how AI is disrupting every role – from entry-level to leadership – why continuous, pathway learning is replacing the “one big career sprint,” and how GA is redesigning its programs to meet both employer demand and learner needs.

"Coxe's death and the coming of toleration didn't immediately end the Particular Baptist differences over the scope of religious liberty. A letter by William Kiffen from September 1688 and a document from the General Assembly of 1689 shows that there was divided opinion over the Repeal campaign for several years. And yet there was at bottom, a fundamental agreement about liberty of conscience as evidenced by the 1689 Confession." - Ron MillerFor more information, visit CBTSeminary.org

After four years of wrangling in court, a trial in the Nexus financial exploitation case is delayed yet again… With help from Harrisonburg's mayor, researchers are discovering a rich trove of historical documents detailing Black entrepreneurial life in the city… In the General Assembly, bills advance to prevent gun violence, offset health care cost spikes, and give legislators a pay raise….

"Coxe's death and the coming of toleration didn't immediately end the Particular Baptist differences over the scope of religious liberty. A letter by William Kiffen from September 1688 and a document from the General Assembly of 1689 shows that there was divided opinion over the Repeal campaign for several years. And yet there was at bottom, a fundamental agreement about liberty of conscience as evidenced by the 1689 Confession." - Ron Miller For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org

"Coxe's death and the coming of toleration didn't immediately end the Particular Baptist differences over the scope of religious liberty. A letter by William Kiffen from September 1688 and a document from the General Assembly of 1689 shows that there was divided opinion over the Repeal campaign for several years. And yet there was at bottom, a fundamental agreement about liberty of conscience as evidenced by the 1689 Confession." - Ron Miller For more information, visit CBTSeminary.org

Jerry Glenn, a futurist, serves as the executive director of the Millennium Project, and authors an annual publication, “State of the Future.” He was the executive director of the American Council for the United Nations University and was deputy director of Partnership for Productivity International. The State of the Future 20.0 Report is the most comprehensive and largest document covering 15 global challenges that affect the world.  It is a tool for The UN Council of Presidents of the General Assembly which is an organization to help the 193-UN Member States determine its logical role in dealing with one of the thorniest:  AGI (Artificial General Intelligence). Managing the transition to AGI is the most difficult management problem humanity has ever faced, A few other challenges to confront include Zero-Sum power geo-politics; the climate crisis; and global collective intelligence systems for water, energy, food, economics, education, gender, crime, ethics, and demographics.

On Feb. 24, 1865, Kentucky's General Assembly voted against ratifying the 13th Amendment, which abolished slavery in the United States. Although the state remained in the Union during the Civil War, slavery continued there until the amendment became law later that year. Kentucky did not officially ratify the amendment until 1976. Subscribe to our newsletter to stay informed with the latest news from a leading Black-owned & controlled media company: https://aurn.com/newsletter Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Thursday, Feb. 19, Tazewell Circuit Court Judge Jack Hurley Jr. granted a restraining order sought by the Republican National Committee and the National Republican Congressional Committee along with Congressmen Ben Cline (VA-06) and Morgan Griffith (VA-09). The order prohibits any voting to take place before March 18.  In order to comply with Virginia law, voting of the April 21 deadline needed to begin on March 6.   The request for a restraining order is based on the contention that the Democrat majority in the General Assembly were ramming redistricting-related bills through the legislature.  Hurley ruled in favor of the plaintiffs because he found merit in the argument concerning the ballot question's language. The judge further sided with Republicans in ruling that the referendum violates the timing requirements set out in the state constitution.

Read more from VPM News:  Data center tax break takes center stage in Virginia budget plans  General Assembly passes bill containing new congressional map, primary date  Charlottesville City Council tweaks zoning ordinance  On the agenda: It's budget season in Central Virginia    Other links:  Lawmakers question how Rosie's was approved to add more gambling machines in Richmond (The Richmonder)  RPD liaison, police discuss preventative measures after Shockoe Bottom shooting (WRIC)  A school suspended 323 students after ICE protest. They protested again. (The Washington Post)

Representative Rodney Pierce joins the Holler to talk about what it means to represent one of North Carolina's most overlooked regions. A public school teacher and first-term legislator representing Halifax, Warren, and Northampton counties, Pierce discusses rural population decline, public school funding, bipartisan bills that never got hearings, and what rural voters want from their elected leaders in Raleigh.We talk school vouchers, segregation academies in eastern North Carolina, health disparities, removing a Confederate monument in Halifax County, and what it's actually like inside the General Assembly. Pierce reflects on faith, service, and the responsibility of representing communities that too often feel left out of the political conversation.It's a conversation about rural dignity, public education, bipartisan frustration, and who state government is really working for.

Comprehensive coverage of the day's news with a focus on war and peace; social, environmental and economic justice. ICE training agents to violate constitution, according to ICE whistleblower testimony; Colorado activists campaign forces relocation of surveillance company Palantir used by ICE, Israel; UN Human Rights Council celebrates 20 years, General Assembly head Baerbock says “human rights are not a spectator sport”; Chicago voters name “Abolish ICE” as runaway top choice in “You Name a Snowplow” contest, other nominations include “Stephen Coldbert”, “Blizzard of Oz” The post Whistleblower says ICE training new agents to violate constitution; activists declare victory in campaign against AI surveillance company Palantir – February 23, 2026 appeared first on KPFA.

(The Center Square) – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker has proposed a budget for fiscal year 2027 that is smaller than the state's 2026 spending plan. The governor delivered his State of the State budget address before the General Assembly at the Illinois Capitol on Wednesday. Pritzker opened by saying he would introduce another balanced budget proposal. The spending plan with $54.8 billion in general funds appropriations is down from the state's $55.2 billion for the current year. The governor then launched into criticism of President Donald Trump and said Illinois is fighting more than 50 cases in court where Pritzker said the federal government is “illegally confiscating money” that was promised and appropriated by Congress to the people of Illinois. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

AI tech giant Palantir moved its HQ from Denver to Miami this week, notifying the world via a single tweet. Was this abrupt relocation in response to ongoing protests outside its Denver office or Colorado's first-in-the-nation AI bill or something else entirely? Political commentator Adrian Felix joins producer Paul Karolyi and host Bree Davies to dig into the controversial company's departure, plus the uncertain future of Leven Supply after being seized for unpaid taxes, and our wins and fails of the week. What do you think about Palantir leaving town? We want to hear from you! Text or leave us a voicemail with your name and neighborhood, and you might hear it on the show: 720-500-5418 Adrian talked about the proposal to legalize prostitution, which we discussed earlier this week on the pod. Bree discussed the hand painted sign stolen from Duke's Good Sandwiches and Burgers and the local sign painters who created it. Paul mentioned RTD moving forward with its renaming of Civic Center Station despite pushback, Chad McWhinney and Kimbal Musk in the Epstein Files, and the Poetic Kinetics art installation coming to downtown this summer.  For more on Scott Bottoms' allegation of a “pedophile ring” at the Capitol, Mandy Connell pressed him on it on KOA yesterday.  After we recorded this episode, we heard back from AG Phil Weiser's office about Palantir and CO's AI law. His spokesperson says that they have not had any conversations with Palantir and that Weiser's position on the AI law remains unchanged since the CU Denver Artificial Intelligence Symposium last fall, when he said his office was going to “hold off on any rule making process to implement the law until after the 2026 legislative session concludes and the General Assembly has an opportunity to make substantive changes to the AI law. This approach will allow us to create the initial rules from a place of more certainty and stability in the underlying law as well as enable us to best use and conserve our limited law enforcement resources.” For even more news from around the city, subscribe to our morning newsletter at denver.citycast.fm. Watch clips from the show on YouTube: youtube.com/@citycastdenver or Instagram @citycastdenver Chat with other listeners on reddit: r/CityCastDenver Support City Cast Denver by becoming a member: membership.citycast.fm/Denver Looking to advertise on City Cast Denver? Check out our options for podcast and newsletter ads at citycast.fm/advertise

“S” is for South Carolina Commission on Higher Education. The South Carolina Commission on Higher Education (CHE) was created by the General Assembly in 1967.

Your chance to learn more about Henrico's affordable housing trust fund and how it could benefit you; the General Assembly reaches crossover; two movies this weekend at the Henrico Theatre; our Black History Month Spotlight series continues.Support the show

International law involving armed conflict has been “dead” in public perception since before the first shots were fired on October 7th. A community of humanitarian activists, academics, and NGOs has long presented a version of the law that “doesn’t connect with and doesn’t align with the doctrinal version of the law that we apply in practice,” Professor Brian Cox told a Jewish Policy Center webinar on Feb. 26. Truth may be the well-known first casualty of war, but law precedes it — distorted before conflicts even begin. Cox, an adjunct professor at Cornell University Law School and a 22-year U.S. Army veteran, served seven years as a judge advocate with combat deployments to Iraq and Afghanistan. His roles included military prosecutor, federal prosecutor, brigade judge advocate, and military magistrate. That background, he said, reveals a stark “divergence” between the law as military practitioners apply it and the version the humanitarian community generates in public discourse. Military lawyers advise commanders and train soldiers — “it’s not really our job to get thoroughly involved with public discourse.” The humanitarian community fills that vacuum. He pointed to United Nations General Assembly resolutions as a prime example. While the General Assembly offers “absolutely virtuous qualities” as a diplomatic forum, it “cannot create international law” and its resolutions carry “no legal consequence.” Yet those pursuing an anti-Israel agenda exploit resolutions accumulated since the early 1970s to “create the perception as though the United Nations has said this is law and every country now has to follow.” On the genocide charge, Cox was direct: “The focus always has to be intent. Intent is decisive.” From Raphael Lemkin’s original formulation through the 1948 Genocide Convention to the 1998 Rome Statute, intent has remained the linchpin. “It’s not like there’s a lot of destruction, but we’re not sure about the intent, but it’s still genocide. Intent is decisive.” Israel’s expressed strategic objective has been consistent throughout: ensure Hamas no longer poses a threat and repatriate all hostages. To establish genocide, one would have to prove the actual intent is to destroy the Palestinian Arab population — not Hamas. Those advancing the allegation, he said, use a methodology “like clockwork”: Cherry-pick statements from select Israeli political leaders and impute genocidal intent Point to battlefield effects as confirmation Downplay or ignore evidence of mitigation measures taken to protect civilians He cited a concrete example. When the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) identified an underground Hamas command node beneath a hospital, they “deliberately delayed the fuses of these munitions so that the munitions would penetrate through the ground and explode underneath” rather than destroy the hospital above. “If the intent were to destroy the Palestinian population in whole or in part as such, there would be no need” for such measures. On disproportionate force, Cox provided the doctrinal standard: “An attack is prohibited if the expected incidental damage is going to be excessive in relation to the concrete and direct military advantage expected.” Key points: The assessment must be made per attack — each individual act of violence It requires knowledge of what the responsible personnel expected at the time Without that evidence, “we don’t have enough information to make a proportionality assessment” In 22 years of service, he said, “I can’t think of a single scenario where a commander said, I expect incidental damage that’s going to be excessive, and I’m going to launch the attack anyways.” He criticized Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch for a “flawed methodology” — visiting attack sites after the fact, finding no visible evidence of military objectives, and concluding disproportionality without access to decision-makers’ intent or intelligence. The volume of misinformation, he acknowledged, amounts to a “flood” that overwhelms the few voices committed to doctrinal accuracy. Those who understand military doctrine “are too few and far between.” The best approach: “Keep chipping away at it to create an anchor for other folks who are interested in the truth to grab onto.” Looking ahead, there is no legal obligation to rebuild Gaza before the conflict is resolved — and sound policy argues against it. The administration’s peace plan, including the proposed International Stabilization Force (ISF), represents “a generational opportunity to completely change the nature of this conflict that has been dragging out since the late 1940s.” But the international community “is going to have to put their troops where their mouths are” and use armed force against Hamas if necessary. “If that commitment isn’t there,” Cox cautioned, “my assessment is this won’t work. It’s just going to be a piece of paper.” This summary was created with the help of AI, it may contain errors. 

Aaron, Kim and Nate connect with two HS public education advocates about the ...interesting... approach to KY schools from the General Assembly... and their NEW BOOK. Also, we get a GA update from Fairness Campaign's Chris Hartman! #ColonelsOfTruth#ColonelsOfTruth #ProgressKentuckyNEWS OF THE WEAK:https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/02/18/ky-senate-committee-backs-bill-to-restore-voting-rights-to-some-with-felony-convictions/Call 800-372-7181 and tell your lawmakers to SUPPORT SB 80 and Restoring Voter Rights!https://kentuckylantern.com/2026/02/18/floridas-desantis-jabs-back-at-beshear-while-in-ky-to-push-balanced-budget-amendment/Call 800-372-7181 and tell your lawmakers to OPPOSE a dangerous constitutional convention!CAMPAIGN CORNER: Chris Hartman, KY Fairness Campaign SB 72 - Healthcare Discrimination Bill! Call 800-372-7181 and tell your House Member to OPPOSE!Join the Fairness Lobby Day and Rally - 2/25/26 Details and RSVP: https://fairness.org/RallyINTERVIEW: Kentucky Student Voice Team - Lucy Carter and Maggie DonworthSB114 - Ends School Board Democracy in Lou & Lex! Call 800-372-7181 and tell your lawmakers to OPPOSE!Get the KSVT book ksvt.org/rose/bookLearn more at www.ksvt.org & RSVP for the event in Danville at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/1981552926144?aff=oddtdtcreator.Join us! http://progressky.org/Support us! https://secure.actblue.com/donate/progresskyLive Wednesdays at 7pm on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/progressky/live/and on YouTube http://bit.ly/progress_kyListen as a podcast right here, or wherever you get your pods: https://tr.ee/PsdiXaFylKFacebook - ⁠⁠@progressky⁠ ⁠ Instagram - ⁠⁠@progress_ky⁠⁠ Bluesky - ⁠https://bsky.app/profile/progressky.org ⁠https://linktr.ee/progresskyEpisode 247 was produced by Parker WilliamsTheme music from the amazing Nato - hear more at http://www.NatoSongs.com

This week, Candi and Victoria bring you critical updates in the latest on the plot for partisan gerrymandering in Virginia. Plus, learn more about some surprising wins at the General Assembly.

Read more from VPM News: 'Right to repair' bills die in Virginia House subcommittee  Richmond's General Assembly agenda has been a mixed bag so far        Other links:  Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism. 

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Sucharita Kodali, executive director of The Election Hub, about the Democratic ballot in Mecklenburg County.The primary election is March 3, 2026. Early voting runs through Feb. 28, 2026.Registered Democrats and unaffiliated voters can cast ballots in the Democratic primary, which features races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, the General Assembly, judgeships, the Mecklenburg County Board of Commissioners and sheriff.➡️ You can find information about every candidate on the Mecklenburg ballot at TheElectionHub.org.

In this episode of The Charlotte Ledger podcast, Ledger editor Tony Mecia talks with Sucharita Kodali, executive director of The Election Hub, about the Republican ballot in Mecklenburg County.The primary election is March 3, 2026. Early voting runs through Feb. 28, 2026.Registered Republicans and unaffiliated voters can cast ballots in the Republican primary, which features races for U.S. Senate, U.S. House, the General Assembly and an N.C. Court of Appeals seat.➡️ You can find information about every candidate on the Mecklenburg ballot at TheElectionHub.org.

In this episode, Mardi Winder sits down again with Laurie Gerber, a love and relationship coach who specializes in helping people after divorce find new relationships. Laurie shares her own experience of working through challenges in her marriage with coaching, which helped her gain insight into what really matters in keeping a relationship strong. This led her to become a coach herself, with a focus on dating and finding love, especially for women over 50.The conversation gets real about the fears and myths that hold people back from dating again, like the worry that there aren't any good partners left out there. Laurie reassures listeners that this simply isn't true, and encourages a shift in perspective, if you're here, so is someone else who's a good match. She talks about her 3H Method, which makes dating feel more manageable and fun: pay attention to what your head, heart, and “hoo ha” tell you about someone, and don't get bogged down with endless lists of requirements.There's practical advice on online dating, including how to stay safe and what to watch out for, and tips for handling awkward moments, like figuring out how to politely turn down a match after a video call. Laurie reminds everyone that dating is a numbers game and it's okay to say “no” if things aren't clicking. The whole chat is supportive and easygoing, aimed at helping anyone feel more confident about jumping back into the dating world at any point in life.About the Guest:Laurie Gerber is one of the most engaging and effective life coaches and presenters in the country. After holding several positions at Handel Group® over the last 20 years, including President of HG Life, Laurie is currently licensing The Handel Method® and running Laurie Gerber Coaching, Inc. focusing on LOVE coaching. Laurie has appeared on the Today Show, Dr, Phil, MTV and A & E and been the resident love expert at Match, Zoosk, Jdate, and many more.She has been presenting to and coaching individuals, couples, and groups, with a wide range of partners including: the dating sites above, General Assembly, She Tribe, BeSocialChange, IvyConnect, Ellevate, and many more. She has appeared on television shows, podcasts, radio shows, and all over the internet. Check out “The Secret-Free Diet”, her TedX talk on the power of truth telling. When not working from her NYC townhouse, she's meditating, jogging, or attempting to get cuddles from her 10, 20 and 22-year old kids and husband of 26 years.For Laurie's gift: https://lauriegerber.com/webinarTo connect with Laurie:Website: lauriegerber.comFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/lauriegerberdatingcoachInsta: https://www.instagram.com/lauriegerber_coach/ Youtube:https://www.youtube.com/@lauriegerbercoachLinked in: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauriegerberAbout the HostMardi Winder is an ICF and BCC Executive and Leadership Coach, Certified Divorce Transition Coach, Certified Divorce Specialist (CDS®) and a Credentialed Distinguished Mediator in Texas. She has worked with women in executive, entrepreneur, and leadership roles, navigating personal, life, and professional transitions. She is the founder of Positive Communication Systems, LLC, and host of Real Divorce Talks, a quarterly series designed to provide education and inspiration to women at all stages of divorce.Are you interested in learning more about your divorce priorities? Take the quiz "The Divorce Stress Test".Connect with Mardi on Social Media:Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/Divorcecoach4womenLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mardiwinderadams/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/divorcecoach4women/YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@divorcecoach4womenThanks for Listening!Thanks so much for listening to our podcast! If you enjoyed this episode and think that others could...

Look, I'm not anti-private school. You want your kid to learn in an environment that matches your beliefs? Cool. To each their own. But should your neighbors be paying for it? North Carolina is funneling half a billion dollars into private schools with almost zero oversight. 87% of new voucher money is going to families who were already paying for private school. Meanwhile, public schools are losing funding and teachers are getting paid near the bottom in the country. In this episode, I talk to a former student, a policy researcher, and a reporter who couldn't find a school that was cashing state checks. Spoiler: it took her seven addresses to track it down. Stephen Cordes — Former student at the Word of Faith Christian School in Spindale, NC Kris Nordstrom — Senior Policy Analyst, NC Justice Center Education & Law Project https://www.ncjustice.org/author/kris-nordstrom/ Blair Reeves — Executive Director, Carolina Forward https://carolinaforward.org/about/ Ann Doss Helms — Former Education Reporter, WFAE (Charlotte's NPR station). 22 years covering education in Charlotte. https://www.wfae.org/people/ann-doss-helms Kris Nordstrom's voucher discrepancy analysis (NC Justice Center) https://www.ncjustice.org/analysis-nc-private-school-voucher-program/ Ann Doss Helms' reporting on TAS Academy (WFAE): Charlotte private school had more vouchers than students: https://www.wfae.org/education/2023-06-27/charlotte-private-school-had-more-vouchers-than-students-and-wheres-the-building The elusive voucher school — some answers and lingering questions: https://www.wfae.org/education/2023-08-01/charlottes-elusive-voucher-school-some-answers-and-lingering-questions Elusive voucher school has a new address in Harrisburg: https://www.wfae.org/education/2024-03-07/elusive-voucher-school-has-a-new-address-in-harrisburg-and-students-are-there Carolina Forward https://carolinaforward.org NC Justice Center — Education & Law Project https://www.ncjustice.org PRETEND Season 3 — Word of Faith Fellowship https://www.pretendradio.org If you live in North Carolina and you have an opinion about how your tax dollars are being spent on private school vouchers, let your legislators know. They work for you. Find your NC state representative and senator: https://www.ncleg.gov/findyourlegislators Call the NC General Assembly directly: 919-733-4111 (ask to speak to your representative or senator) Public Schools First NC also has a full contact list with emails for every member of the General Assembly, including education committee members: https://publicschoolsfirstnc.org/engage/contact-elected-officials/ You don't have to live in North Carolina to care about this. If your state has a voucher program, find out where the money's going. Ask the questions nobody else is asking. Got a story idea? Hit me up: javier@pretendradio.org GuestsResources & Further ReadingMake Your Voice HeardContact Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices