Podcasts about independents

Running a bar without AI is like competing with chains using paper and pencil. Big brands spend millions on tech to shave a few points off costs. Independents can't do that, but AI now delivers the same advantages at a fraction of the cost. Bar owners lose hours every week on scheduling, inventory, and marketing. That's time that should go to guests. AI won't replace hospitality, it frees you to focus on it. That's why savvy operators are paying attention. With the right setup, AI can reclaim 10 to 20 hours a week, cut expenses, and transform how independents run their bars. Learn how to make AI your collaborator, not your substitute, with practical tools you can use today.  

Independent voters have been gaining numbers for years now and have become the largest voting bloc in the United, with registrations surpassing both the Republicans and Democrats. This increase has been fueled by voters tired of the major parties constant bickering and the wish for more options in elections. Independent voters were very influential in the 2024, especially in swing states, electing a Republican for the presidency but also helping Democrats win some key Senate seats. FOX's Ryan Schmelz speaks with Adam Brandon, Senior Advisor at the Independent Center, an organization for info, research & engagement with independent voters, who says the number of registered Independents has grown quite a bit, along with their influence in our elections, and they are fed up with the two major parties. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's one thing to note that President Trump is redefining government, as that is easy to see. His policies have rocked the establishment, and that includes both Republicans and Independents. For decades we've watched the two parties play footsies with one another, and creating an unrecognizable government that has no intention of representing the citizens of the United States. Trump changed all that, which is why they tried to assassinate him. He built the MAGA movement, undoubtedly the stickiest political movement in history.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Independent voters have been gaining numbers for years now and have become the largest voting bloc in the United, with registrations surpassing both the Republicans and Democrats. This increase has been fueled by voters tired of the major parties constant bickering and the wish for more options in elections. Independent voters were very influential in the 2024, especially in swing states, electing a Republican for the presidency but also helping Democrats win some key Senate seats. FOX's Ryan Schmelz speaks with Adam Brandon, Senior Advisor at the Independent Center, an organization for info, research & engagement with independent voters, who says the number of registered Independents has grown quite a bit, along with their influence in our elections, and they are fed up with the two major parties. Click Here⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

August 24, 2025; 9am: Recent polling shows President Trump's self-proclaimed “Big Beautiful Bill” is unpopular and many constituents are imploring Democrats to push back harder against his agenda. Several Democrats see this as an opportunity to rally through red states and remind voters who is to blame when they cast their ballots this November. Representative Maxwell Frost joins “The Weekend” to discuss the reaction from his latest town hall in Omaha, Nebraska, and Democrats' messaging around the spending bill leading into the midterms.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnbc.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnbcTikTok: @theweekendmsnbcTo listen to this show and other MSNBC podcasts without ads, sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts.

August 23, 2025; 9am: After years of public pressure to release the Epstein files, the Department of Justice sent the first batch of documents to the House Oversight Committee on Friday. However, there are mixed reactions about the latest drop. While the Committee's chair, Congressman James Comer, praised the DOJ for “moving at a pace far faster than anything ever produced by the Biden DOJ,” Representative Robert Garcia said most of the files they've received were already public. Representative Ro Khanna, who is also a member of the committee, confirmed Rep. Garcia's assertion on this hour of “The Weekend.”For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnbc.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnbcTikTok: @theweekendmsnbcTo listen to this show and other MSNBC podcasts without ads, sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts.

We made it! Reminder to leave a 5 star review and follow to show for WEEKLY college football content!In this show, we will break down the matchups of Week 0 and talk about what to expect and who to take in these games. We are treated with a spectacular Big 12 matchup in Dublin this year with Iowa State and Kansas State our GOTW. Play The Fight Song is YOUR new home for all things college football. By fans, for fans - we are excited to bring you another season with the true CFB fan perspective. Play It! Shop No Rivals Hats and use code PTFS at checkout for free shipping! shopnorivals.comShop Frost Buddy and keep your drinks cold with their college universal can coolers! frostbuddy.com/PTFS

August 17, 2025; 7am: Saturday,  the Democratic National Committee organized hundreds of “Fight the Trump Takeover” protests in 43 states, according to the event website. Protesters took to the streets to oppose what they see as a sweeping power grab by Texas Republicans: a gerrymandering plan designed to lock in Republican control of the House of Representatives in the midterms. Protestors also took to the streets in Washington, DC, to rally against President Trump's federal police takeover as more Republican-led states plan to deploy National Guard troops to the city. Miles Taylor, former Department of Homeland Security chief of staff during Donald Trump's first term, joins “The Weekend” to discuss.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnbc.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnbcTikTok: @theweekendmsnbcTo listen to this show and other MSNBC podcasts without ads, sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts.

August 16, 2025; 7am: On Friday, President Trump hosted President Putin in Alaska to discuss the ongoing war in Ukraine with the hopes of brokering a peace deal. However, the nearly three-hour meeting ended without a ceasefire or peace agreement. Now, just hours after the summit, Ukrainian President Zelenskyy announced his plans to travel to Washington on Monday. Richard Haass and Celeste Wallander join “The Weekend” to discuss. Then, Richard Engel joins “The Weekend” from Kharkiv, Ukraine, with reaction from the region.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnbc.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnbcTikTok: @theweekendmsnbcTo listen to this show and other MSNBC podcasts without ads, sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts.

Independents (1:08)MWC (8:19)American (13:50)Sun Belt (18:03)MAC (20:51)CUSA (23:07)Pac-2 (24:10)

Join Jordan, Commish, Pitt Girl, and Beth, along with our VP of Podcast Production Arthur. Jordan cannot stop watching the World Games and continues to push his World Games agenda, we discuss the AP POLL, tell you to vote in our poll, Hawaii's new TV Deal, Bowling Green's locker room cat Pudge, then we do the SUPER SICKO SPINNING SELECTION SEASON PREVIEW FORECAST: SSSSSPF aka the 5SPF for the ACC, the Pac-12 and the Independents, we removed the teeth from the Louisville Cardinal, try to give Pitt Bulletin Board Material, somehow wind up with 8 Win Cal, explore Miami's schedule not leaving Florida until November, Corvallis Love previews Oregon State's schedule, then we build the Jim Mora Jr, railroad and much, much more!!See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

August 10, 2025; 9am: Texas Republicans have unleashed a wave of legal action aimed at forcing Texas Democrats to return to the Lone Star State. A recent lawsuit accused Former Congressman Beto O'Rourke of bribing lawmakers to break quorum by raising money for their travel expenses and legal defense. A district judge temporarily sided with Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, blocking O'Rourke from providing financial support to the Texas Democrats. O'Rouke joins “The Weekend” to explain why the fight is far from over.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnbc.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnbcTikTok: @theweekendmsnbcTo listen to this show and other MSNBC podcasts without ads, sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts.

August 9, 2025; 9am: Texas Democrats are facing a full-blown retaliation campaign after leaving the state to block the GOP's redistricting campaign. Governor Greg Abbott is asking the Texas Supreme Court to expel the House Democratic leader from office. Plus, Attorney General Ken Paxton has filed a lawsuit demanding that 13 House Democrats be declared vacant from their seats. One of those Democrats, State Representative Ron Reynolds, joins “The Weekend” to discuss the latest.For more, follow us on social media:Bluesky: @theweekendmsnbc.bsky.socialInstagram: @theweekendmsnbcTikTok: @theweekendmsnbcTo listen to this show and other MSNBC podcasts without ads, sign up for MSNBC Premium on Apple Podcasts.

We talk about the importance of research and analysis in sports betting. Insights into Notre Dame's upcoming season and why they might be overvalued. UConn's favorable schedule and potential for a strong season . Oregon State's improvements and the significance of their opening game. Washington State's challenges with a new team and coaching staff.

Austin (@devydeets) and Colin (@C2CDecker) go team by team through Conference USA and the FBS Independents and give their thoughts on the players worth rostering in C2C leagues.

Following a marathon 16-hour hearing, Texas Republicans have advanced the Trump-backed congressional map, which is expected to shift five Democratic House districts to Republican control. In response, California Governor Gavin Newsom is proposing a special election this November to adopt new congressional maps of his own. Texas State Representative Gina Hinojosa joins The Weekend to discuss the latest in the redistricting saga. Then, cities across the country are grappling with the influence import tariffs will have on their local industries and residents. The Weekend talks to Mayor Jim Rose of Arlington, Texas, and Mayor Andy Schor of Lansing, Michigan, to get their first-hand accounts. Plus, a dozen House Democrats sue the Trump administration after being barred from visiting immigration detention centers. Representative Adriano Espaillat of New York joins The Weekend to discuss the latest.

Texas Republicans, following President Trump's demands, unveiled a new congressional map this week that could hand the GOP five additional House seats, each drawn in areas Trump carried by double digits. Representative Lloyd Doggett and Texas State Representative Rafael Anchía join The Weekend to discuss what Democrats can do at the local and national level. Plus, a dive into the escalating tensions with Russia that led Trump to order the deployment of two U.S. nuclear submarines to "appropriate regions".

Over 200 candidates, a riding bigger than Switzerland and an immense amount of pressure on the leader of the opposition. To find out who (and what) Pierre is up against, host Sam Konnert travels to the riding to meet the candidates taking him on.Host: Sam KonnertCredits: Sam Konnert (Host/Producer), Noor Azrieh (Producer), Caleb Thompson (Audio Editor and Technical Producer), Max Collins (Director of Audio) Jesse Brown (Editor), Tony Wang (Artwork)Guests: Bonnie Critchley, Sarah Spanier, Monte Solberg, Michael Harris, Jayson CowanBackground reading:Independents up against Poilievre say they're ‘standing up' for their community – CTV NewsPoilievre wants bill to stop 'longest ballot scam' introduced this fall – CBC NewsAlberta byelection candidates reported 'potentially threatening' comments: RCMP – CBC NewsPoilievre has to contend with Alberta separatists as he vies for a Commons seat – CBC NewsFalice Chin: A tale of two (Poilievre) ridings – The HubSponsors: Douglas is giving our listeners a FREE Sleep Bundle with each mattress purchase. Get the sheets, pillows, mattress and pillow protectors FREE with your Douglas purchase today at douglas.ca/canadalandIf you value this podcast, Support us! You'll get premium access to all our shows ad free, including early releases and bonus content. You'll also get our exclusive newsletter, discounts on merch, tickets to our live and virtual events, and more than anything, you'll be a part of the solution to Canada's journalism crisis, you'll be keeping our work free and accessible to everybody. You can listen ad-free on Amazon Music—included with Prime.Can't get enough Canadaland? Follow @Canadaland_Podcasts on Instagram for clips, announcements, explainers and more. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The long-term row between independent production companies and those that sit within holding companies has resurfaced in recent weeks over best practice when it comes to bidding and being selected for work. Production craft festival Ciclope ended its sponsorship contracts with holding companies, which began an online debate between the Advertising Producers Association and the IPA on LinkedIn. The APA's chief executive Steve Davies suggested a forum to establish best practice in bidding, while the IPA's head of production, Eliot Liss, said “There is no need for an industry forum of the type the APA are suggesting”. He added “we don't accept there is an issue with transparency or propriety in how IPA members are providing their production services to clients.” In this episode, Campaign's editorial team dig deeper into the debate, what has been leading up to it and question whether independent and in-house production companies can co-exist alongside each other.Tech editor Lucy Shelley hosts the episode with Campaign's editor Maisie McCabe, creativity and culture editor Gurjit Degun and deputy creativity and culture editor Charlotte Rawlings. Further reading:APA: Brands 'won't be content' with IPA rejection of forum for production company biddingIPA rejects APA's call for best practice forum for production company biddingAPA launches initiative to bring brands and production companies togetherAPA report finds agencies withhold production partners information from brandsIPA ‘takes exception to the erroneous idea of gatekeeping' in APA reportIPA, APA and ISBA launch Production Pitch Process InitiativeDoes Rattling Stick's low-cost arm signal trouble in the production sector?Lights, camera, action: how production companies are fighting back Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Today, David Waldman and Greg Dworkin return to distract you from the real problem, whatever that might be. Another RIP goes out, this time to Tom Lehrer. Some of you know his math, and a few of you might know his cryptography, but many of you know many of his songs, and you owe it to yourself to know many more. Hopefully, this will be an opportunity for some sort of collaboration with Ozzy Osborne. Scotland welcomes Donald K. Trump. They say that the K stands for Knuckle-brained fart lozenge.  We say they're welcome to him. Inexplicably, the Scots keep letting him in.  Donald saves on strokes by aiming for his caddy's back pocket. Independents dislike Trump even more than they dislike Biden. Voters hate what Trump does and hate Democrats for letting him do it. That darn Epstein! Out there, stealing Trump's glory and/or distracting from his crimes. Trump opens the borders to violent criminals and mass murderers. It isn't only that MAGA likes rapists and murderers, but it's how much they like to rape and murder that makes them so deplorable.

President Trump took a weekend trip to Scotland to promote his latest golf course, with taxpayers footing the bill. However, this trip was met with protestors showing opposition to the administration's immigration policies, the war in Gaza, and his ties to Jeffrey Epstein. Eugene Robinson and Brendan Buck join The Weekend to discuss the optics of this trip as the country demands answers about Epstein. Plus, fired federal workers are spending the summer on Capitol Hill with their kids, forcing lawmakers to see the true cost of their cuts to government. Former USAID worker Kathleen Borgueta joins The Weekend to explain. 

Deputy Attorney General and former defense attorney to Donald Trump, Todd Blanche, spent two days in Florida interviewing Epstein's longtime accomplice, Ghislaine Maxwell. New reports say the DOJ granted Maxwell limited immunity during these meetings. Legal experts Andrew Weissmann and George Conway join The Weekend to dissect these rare actions. Then, Representative Maxwell Frost explains what Democrats are doing to push for answers on Trump and Epstein. Plus, a look at the pushback federal judges are giving the Trump administration on its deportation tactics.

In this hour, Teresa Helm, a Jeffrey Epstein survivor, joins The Weekend to describe the anguish survivors are dealing with and why it is important to release the Epstein files. Plus, Texas State Representative James Talarico joins The Weekend to discuss his newfound popularity and how he's getting Lone Star Democrats fired up for the next big election. Then, former Capitol police officer Michael Fanone shares his thoughts on House Republicans' new January 6th subcommittee. 

COLLEGE FOOTBALL PREVIEW Independents/PAC 12The only! Tyler Peacock is here to get you ready & informed on the 2025 CFB SZN, he's has power ranked all the teams in FBS Independents & PAC 12, we discuss each team, touch on the win totals conference odds & CFP odds, who to watch for, the schedule & what we can expect for the season, also he gives you a handful of games to watch for in 2025! RATE REVIEW SUBSCRIBE! Follow the show on X @podcockpeacast & Facebook also @ PodCock PeaCast, Available on Apple Podcast, Spotify, Amazon Music, Google Podcast & the rest of the major & minor podcast platforms by B y!!! Finally enjoy your listen!!!!A semiprofessional sports podcast that may or may not have a gambling problem, we will touch some entertainment subjects as well & elements of general tomfoolery, also it may have a witty moment or two along the way. X @podcockpeacastFacebook PodCock PeaCast

Some Americans are showing a more favorable view of the Supreme Court since the Roe v. Wade decision. AP correspondent Mike Hempen reports.

What's it like behind the scenes of the independent movement? What does the future look like and who will be the candidates that emerge as leaders of the movement? They're important questions we've explored now for years and this week we've got a rare opportunity to share with you, the true independent Americans.This week, our host Paul Rieckhoff (@PaulRieckhoff) was joined by past guest and independent veteran candidate for Senate from Idaho Todd Achilles, California candidate for Governor Ethan Penner, and Tennessee's Khalil Ekulona for a discussion about what the future of the movement looks like and how it will take shape. It was part of a fascinating day of panel discussions featuring leaders from Forward Party, Veterans for All Voters and many other leading organizations in the independent space as well as a session with Joe Manchin and his daughter, former Colorado Congressman Ken Buck and many other notable speakers. The event was organized by our good friends at the Independent Center and was hopefully the first of many conversations like this. Not everyone that was there agreed about how to approach the challenges of the future, but we all agree on one thing. Independents are the future. And this event was in part about independents planting a flag in Washington DC and claiming what is rightfully all of ours. The movement is young and growing, and these are the kind of events that can prove historic. And these are the kind of leaders that can make history.  Because Independent Americans is built on the Righteous Media 5 Is: independence, integrity, information, inspiration and impact. And this episode has it in spades. Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics, inspiration and hope. It's the truth beyond the headlines–and light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It's built for the 49% of Americans that proudly call themselves independent and we're proud to stand with you.  -Join the movement. Hook into our exclusive Patreon community of Independent Americans. Get extra content, connect with guests, meet other Independent Americans, attend events, get merch discounts, and support this show that speaks truth to power.  -NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. -Check the hashtag #LookForTheHelpers. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. And get cool IA and Righteous hats, t-shirts and other merch.  -Check out other Righteous podcasts like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by veteran-owned and led Righteous Media. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

2005 – Twenty Years OnNext Monday one of the most historic and transformative events in the Irish Peace Process took place. Twenty years ago on the 28 July 2005 the IRA issued a statement which ended its decades long armed struggle. In its statement the IRA said: "The leadership of Óglaigh na hÉireann has formally ordered an end to the armed campaign. This will take effect from 4pm this afternoon.  All IRA units have been ordered to dump arms. All Volunteers have been instructed to assist the development of purely political and democratic programmes through exclusively peaceful means. Volunteers must not engage in any other activities whatsoever.”The IRA leadership also said that it had authorised its representative to engage with the IICD (Independent International Commission on Decommissioning) to “complete the process to verifiably put its arms beyond use in a way which will further enhance public confidence.” This was confirmed two months later on the 26 September by the Commission.The IRA initiative opened up opportunities for progress.Peace processes are by their very nature challenging and difficult. They frequently fail. Many of the wars of the 1960s and 70's were a response to the colonial occupation and exploitation of native peoples by colonial powers.  Africa saw many examples of these. Some conflicts went on into the 1980s and 90s. Algeria, Kenya, Zimbabwe (then Rhodesia), Angola, Mozambique, and others, including in Asia the Vietnam War and in the Middle East the Israeli occupation of the Palestinian territories. The South African peace process brought an end to apartheid and witnessed the election of Nelson Mandela as President of that country in 1994. In our own place our peace process brought an end to decades of conflict and heralded processes of change.Today, in a world still bedevilled by wars, the Irish Peace Process is frequently held up internationally as an example of a peace process that is working.  The governments occasionally try to root it in the Anglo-Irish Agreement of 1985. But the truth is that it started in the 1970s when Republicans began to claim back the word ‘Peace.'A Welcome Electoral ChangeThe decision, announced last week by the British government, that it will be lowering the voting age to those aged 16 and 17, is a welcome move. There is already widespread support for a reduction in the voting age. Last September the Assembly backed a Sinn Féin motion calling for this change. In the South the policy has received widespread cross-party support from Sinn Féin, Fine Gael, Fianna Fáil, The Green Party, The Labour Party, Social Democrats, People Before Profit, and many Independents.The London government is focussed on the 2029 Westminster election but the North will have local government and Assembly elections in 2027. The focus now must be on ensuring that the necessary legislative steps are taken to ensure that 16 and 17 year olds can vote in those elections.Updating the electoral register and ensuring that this new tranche of young voters have suitable identification, will be a big job of work but with political will it can be done. It would also send entirely the wrong message to future voters if the 2027 deadline is missed.Legislating for young people to have the right to vote is the right thing to do. All parties in the North, with the exception of the DUP, support changing the voting rules. Young people should have the right to vote on decisions that impact on their lives, including voting for a united Ireland.Gaels le Cheile In Conversation with Peter CanavanMonday 28th July, 7:30pm - Naomh Eoin CLG Corrigan Park

According to a new Suffolk University/Boston Globe poll of 500 Boston voters likely to participate in the September 9th preliminary election, Boston Mayor Michelle Wu has a 30-point lead over challenger Josh Kraft. In addition, the polling shows Wu leading Kraft across age groups and racial demographics, as well as among Democrats, whereas Kraft is polling better with Republicans and Independents. David Paleologos, director of Suffolk University Political Research Center says all the ingredients are here to set up a big win for Mayor Wu this Fall. Pollster David Paleologos joined us to discuss.

Aida Rodríguez, una habitual del carnaval sitgetà des del 2009 i cap de colla d'AdiaBarà del Grup d'Independents, va ser l'elegida per representar el paper de Reina de la Summer Carnaval 2025. Aquest carnaval d'estiu del nucli de Les Roquetes a Sant Pere de Ribes cada vegada té més presència del carnaval sitgetà amb colles que hi participen i enguany també membres del jurat sitgetans. Hem conversat amb Eva Vilà i Susana Andreu, caps de colla de Kirikú del Prado i Bon Rotllo dels Independents respectivament que per primera vegada formaven part junt amb Sergio Pomares, del jurat de la Summer Carnaval amb la tasca de triar les millors colles en diferents categories. Totes dues es mostren sorpreses de la quantitat i qualitat del carnaval veí i fins i tot adoptarien algunes de les propostes d'aquesta rua d'estiu que aquest any ha tingut una reina enamorada del carnaval de Sitges, ella no és d'aquí però viu el Carnaval sitgetà amb la intensitat de qui s'estima la festa, la respecta i la vol fer créixer, hem parlat també amb Aida Rodríguez, Reina de la Summer Carnaval 2025, una apassionada del Carnaval. L'entrada El Carnaval de Sitges més present que mai a la Summer Carnaval de Les Roquetes i amb una reina apassionada de les rues sitgetanes ha aparegut primer a Radio Maricel.

All eyes are on Texas as the state's legislature is set to convene for a special session that will likely be dominated by one agenda item: President Trump's demand to redraw the state's congressional maps. Former Texas congressman Colin Allred joins The Weekend to discuss the implications this could have on the midterms. And, as extreme flooding hits many parts of the nation, the Trump administration shut down a federal website that presented congressionally mandated reports and research on climate change. Representative Eric Sorensen, the only meteorologist in the U.S. Congress, joins The Weekend to explain how these budget cuts could make it more difficult to predict storms. Plus, Emmy-winning actor Jim Parsons joins The Weekend to discuss “Reclaim The Flag,” a new documentary which unpacks the LGBTQ+ community's relationship with the American flag and examines how it can be reclaimed as a symbol of unity for all Americans. 

New reporting details the Justice Department's plot to obtain voter rolls and election data from multiple states. These unprecedented steps are raising concerns among election officials ahead of the 2026 midterms. Colorado's Attorney General Phil Weiser and Executive Director of the Colorado County Clerks Association Matt Crane join The Weekend to discuss. Plus, Gretchen Carlson talks about her former Fox News boss Rupert Murdoch and his very complicated relationship with Donald Trump, who now has a $10B libel suit against Murdoch and his company over the latest Wall Street Journal reporting about Jeffrey Epstein.

Amid the frustration growing over the handling of the Jeffrey Epstein files, new reporting from The Wall Street Journal alleges President Trump hand-drew a lewd photo of a woman for Epstein's 50th birthday. In response, Trump filed a libel lawsuit, seeking at least $10 billion in damages against the parent company of the newspaper, News Corp, its publisher, Dow Jones; two reporters for the newspaper, News Corp's chief executive, Robert Thomas, and its owner, Rupert Murdoch. Vaughn Hillyard, Kristy Greenberg, and Tara Setmayer join The Weekend to discuss.

Cormac McQuinn and Jack Horgan-Jones join Pat Leahy to look back on the week in politics: · The latest Irish Times/Ipsos B&A opinion poll shows Sinn Féin on 22 per cent (down four), with Fianna Fáil on 22 per cent (no change) and Fine Gael on 17 per cent (up one). Given just 14% of voters feel Government is successfully tackling the country's problems, do Sinn Féin need to find a new strategy in order to stimulate support? · One of the most notable findings of the poll is the clear growth potential around the Independents (up five) and new conservative parties like Aontú. · The poll also shows that support for the Occupied Territories Bill is softening with voters as just one-fifth of voters (20 per cent) say the Bill should be passed quickly, with a further 14 per cent saying its scope should be expanded and it should be passed quickly. The Bill, which would ban trade in goods with the occupied Palestinian territories, is due before the Dáil in the autumn. Plus, the panel picks their favourite Irish Times pieces of the week:· The plans to lower the UK voting age to 16, the Epstein Files present a new crisis for Donald Trump, and can Tipperary triumph in the All-Ireland hurling final against Cork? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Michael explains why he is one of the lead plaintiffs in a Pennsylvania lawsuit that could (and should) shake up elections moving forward, and lays out the legal, personal, and political case. The filing urges the PA state Supreme Court to overturn the commonwealth's closed primary system, arguing it unconstitutionally denies nearly 1.4 million unaffiliated voters a voice in critical elections. Michael's answer to today's Smerconish.com poll question is "HELL YES": Should the nation's millions of registered Independent voters be able to vote in primary elections? Listen here, then vote!

In this episode we discuss disability, culture and identity from the perspective of disability communities themselves.   Seattle based activist Dorian Taylor talks about the specific challenges disabled people face while accessing public transportation and Professor Sara Acevedo discusses the powerful ways that common language and terminology can shape our perceptions of disability, and why even today we are seeing further exclusion of disabled people. This program originally aired in 2019. Featuring: Dorian Taylor, Sara Acevedo. Episode Credits Special thanks to CIIS, the California Institute of Integral Studies and the CIIS Public Programs Podcast for use of the Sara Acevedo talk. To learn more about the CIIS Public Programs Podcast log onto https://www.ciispod.com/. The story of Dorian Taylor was produced by Yuko Kodama and Mona Yeh in partnership with KBCS and Finding America, a national initiative produced by AIR, the Association of Independents in Radio Incorporated. Financial support was provided by the Corporation for Public Broadcasting, the Wincote Foundation, The John D and Catherine T MacArthur Foundation and the National Endowment for the Arts. Making Contact Team Host: Anita Johnson Executive Director: Jina Chung Engineer: Jeff Emtman Digital Media Marketing: Lissa Deonarain   Learn More:  CIISPod | Sara Acevedo | Hampshire-Dorian Taylor | Krip Hop Nation | Fixed The Movie Making Contact is an award-winning, nationally syndicated radio show and podcast featuring narrative storytelling and thought-provoking interviews. We cover the most urgent issues of our time and the people on the ground building a more just world.

Story #1: Will takes you behind the scenes of his visit to Kerrville, TX and the powerful interviews he had with President Donald Trump and Texas Search and Rescue's Jonathan McComb. Story #2:  Daily Signal National Correspondent, Tony Kinnett, joins Will to break down Dr. Anthony Fauci's pardon by White House aide approved Autopen, the divide on the Right over Jeffrey Epstein, and Independents seeming to rebel against the push to remove illegal immigrants from America. Story #3: Will shares his takeaways from 'F1: The Movie' over the weekend, and he and The Crew reminisce about Brad Pitt's epic run of hit movies.  Subscribe to 'Will Cain Country' on YouTube here: Watch Will Cain Country! Follow Will on X: @WillCain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Split Zone Duo's conference previews for 2025 keep rolling along with a two-parter: the Pac-12 and the FBS independents, whose ranks have thinned.* Oregon State might finally (finally!) be poised for stability and growth* Washington State faces a similar crisis to the one OSU faced last year, although the Cougs have a few reasons for optimism as they prepare to take a big chunk of the best program in FCS and import it to FBS* Jim Mora has the UConn Huskies in just about the best place possible* Why this one feels like a “win the national title or bust” year for Notre Dame—or at least get back to the semifinalsCool stuff from Split Zone Duo's partners* Use SZD20 for 20% off your first order at Homefield.* Enter your favorite CFB road trip at our Nokian Tyres landing page, and you'll be entered in a drawing to win free tires. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.splitzoneduo.com/subscribe

As ICE raids continue to surge across the country, new reporting details the infighting inside the department, with one former official describing the morale as “in the crapper.” Another longtime official attributes the lack of detained convicted criminals to Stephen Miller's fixation on arrest numbers. Coincidentally, a new poll shows President Trump's immigration policy is unfavorable among Independents and Democrats. Then, Representative Debbie Dingell joins The Weekend to discuss Trump's health care cuts and how they could impact the midterms. 

Curtis Sliwa, Republican running for Mayor of New York City, joins Sid live in-studio to discuss his campaign, his support among Republicans, Democrats, and Independents, various political endorsements, and his refusal to drop out of the mayoral race despite suggestions from some quarters. Curtis highlights the dynamics of the influence of individuals like Eric Adams and Andrew Cuomo, and concerns about various policies including charter revisions and their impact on city neighborhoods. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

SEND ME A TEXT MESSAGE NOWDemocracy is crumbling before our eyes, yet mainstream media remains fixated on spectacle rather than substance. A shocking new poll reveals 76% of Americans—spanning Democrats, Republicans, and Independents—believe our democratic system faces serious danger. This silent crisis unfolds as political violence escalates, intimidation becomes normalized, and public trust in institutions plummets to historic lows.What kind of society are we creating? Who benefits? And most importantly—what will you do when democracy's alarm bells ring in your community? Email your thoughts to aworldgonemadpodcast@gmail.com and join the conversation about the world hidden beneath the headlines.AWorldGoneMadPodcast@gmail.com

Kev and Ciarnan dive into the latest college football news, discussing the NCAA's new transfer window, Arch Manning's expectations at Texas, and Auburn's recruiting struggles. They explore Kentucky's move to separate its athletic programs into an LLC and analyze its implications for college sports. The hosts engage in a lighthearted segment, assigning drinks to various college football teams based on their characteristics. The episode concludes with a check-in on their Old Bay Vodka challenge and plans for the Fourth of July weekend. Throughout, Kev and Ciarnan offer witty commentary and insightful analysis on the evolving landscape of college athletics. 0:00 New NCAA transfer window discussion 5:27 Arch Manning expectations and comparisons 10:25 Auburn's recruiting struggles and Hugh Freeze 16:05 Kentucky moves athletic programs to LLC 21:38 PAC-12 revival with new teams 28:11 College football teams as alcoholic drinks 38:11 Independents and Group of Five drinks 58:04 Fourth of July plans and safety reminders Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Chuck Todd begins by reacting to the senate passing Trump's signature piece of legislation: “The Big Beautiful Bill.” He reviews the excuses and rationales given by the senators who had expressed issues with the bill but still voted for it, and explains why the fear of Donald Trump's wrath is enough to get lawmakers to fall in line and explains why the bill's passage is emblematic of the broken state of Congress.Then, Chuck is joined by political scientist and Eurasia Group president Ian Bremmer to dissect the most pressing geopolitical challenges facing the world today. The discussion begins with analysis of recent Iranian strikes and the Middle East conflict, exploring whether Iran has been exposed as a "paper tiger" and examining the complex dynamics between Trump, Netanyahu, and regional powers like Saudi Arabia. Bremmer offers insights into Iran's domestic vulnerabilities—noting the regime's mere 20% public support—while assessing the likelihood of nuclear developments and potential exit strategies from current conflicts.The conversation expands to cover Trump's relationship with NATO allies, the slowly deteriorating situation in Ukraine, and Putin's potential next moves, including the concerning possibility of nuclear escalation if his regime faces existential threats. Bremmer and Todd also tackle the rise of populist movements globally, the erosion of democratic guardrails in America, and the fundamental shift toward reactionary politics that may define a generation. Throughout, Bremmer provides his characteristic blend of realpolitik analysis and concern for democratic institutions, culminating in a sobering assessment of how America's political system now rewards winners over leaders and creates conditions where "socialists can't beat capitalists, but they can beat kleptocrats."Finally, he answers listeners' questions in the “Ask Chuck” segment regarding the potential for erosion of Trump's support, election denialism and a fun alternate history theory where legendary Bears coach Mike Ditka beat Barack Obama for state office in Illinois.Timeline:(Timestamps may vary based on advertisements)00:00 Introduction00:15 90 days from Liberation Day and “90 deals in 90 days”, there are two deals01:30 Trump will back off on tariffs again to avoid economic damage02:30 The Big Beautiful Bill passes the Senate04:15 Josh Hawley votes for bill despite promises not to cut health care06:00 Lisa Murkowski cites tax break expiration for her yes vote08:15 Murkowski has always been Alaska first over America first09:30 Republicans fall in line out of fear of Trump11:00 Congress is broken 13:00 Bipartisanship is dead in the 21st century14:30 Both parties have weaponized partisanship16:15 How do we fix the broken congress?17:30 The public needs to understand WHY congress is broken19:00 Independents could force congress to function better21:00 Bill was rushed due to Trump's impatience22:30 We're in the kleptocracy stage, headed toward authoritarianism24:00 Dysfunction in congress has created a more powerful presidency26:00 Ian Bremmer joins the Chuck ToddCast! 28:00 Media cycle has already moved on from the Iran strike 29:15 The strike wasn't meant to be a war 30:15 Steve Bannon's theory that we're on the brink of WW3 31:45 Trump wanted a negotiated settlement with Iran 33:00 Netanyahu was always going to force the US's hand 34:30 Trump is capable of telling Bibi "no" 36:15 Would Trump support a two state solution? 38:30 Iran has no friends on the global stage willing to support them 40:15 After investigators access Gaza, Israel will lose support 41:45 Saudis will demand a two state solution 43:15 Did we expose Iran as a "paper tiger"? 45:30 The Iranian regime only has 20% support from the public 46:30 Iran's strong enough to put down an uprising 47:30 The U.S. won't put boots on the ground in Iran 49:00 What is Iran's exit strategy from this conflict? 52:00 Iran is likely 3 years away from a bomb 53:15 Iran may be a theocracy, but doesn't act irrationally 54:45 The state of Iraq's leadership? 56:15 Is there global investment in Iraq? 57:15 Status of Trump + NATO? 59:30 Europe underinvested in defense for decades 1:01:15 Pushing Europe to spend more on defense is one of Trump's best achievements 1:02:00 Status of Russia/Ukraine war? 1:03:00 Ukraine is losing slowly 1:04:15 Chances Putin would attack one of the Baltic states? 1:06:15 Putin could use a nuke if he felt his regime was at risk 1:08:15 The rise of left wing populism 1:10:00 American elections will be free and fair, but public won't think so 1:12:00 Guardrails on the executive branch have been weakened 1:13:15 Are we stuck with reactionary politics for a generation? 1:14:45 Trump didn't attend funeral for assassinated Minnesota lawmakers 1:15:45 The U.S. doesn't create leaders, it creates winners 1:18:30 The lack of bipartisanship creates bad legislation 1:19:45 The Big Beautiful Bill will create more Mamdanis 1:20:45 Socialists can't beat capitalists, but they can beat kleptocrats1:23:30 Thoughts on conversation with Ian Bremmer 1:24:00 Mamdani beat Cuomo by double digits in final tally 1:25:30 There will be a fight for the soul of the Democratic party 1:26:15 Ask Chuck 1:26:30 Could Trump's support erode like Marion Barry's? 1:30:30 Election denialism now coming from both sides regularly? 1:36:30 How different would things look if Mike Ditka had beat Obama in Illinois?

Welcome to the Scottish Watches Podcast episode 687! Today, we dive deep into the world of independent watchmaking with a guest who's been championing the scene long before it was... The post Scottish Watches Podcast #687 : The Luck of The Irish – Johnny Talks Irish Watch Shows, Heavy Metal and The Independents appeared first on Scottish Watches.

Trump has bombed Iran. And now, the spin and politics is accelerating faster than a B-2 bomber.  And a political bomb dropped on NYC this week as 33-year-old socialist Zohran Mamdani conquered Andrew Cuomo and a cluttered Democratic primary. Now, he'll take on a wacky Republican radio host, the compromised disaster that is Eric Adams, maybe Cuomo (ugh), and true independent and recent guest on this program, Jim Walden. But there's also a big, largely-unreported story of what this really means for NYC and America. And about how 1M independents didn't get a shot to be heard.  Paul Rieckhoff is quickly tearing into it while barreling through a heatwave. And, he has a fantastic and fascinating conversation with perhaps the most powerful independent in America.  Maine maverick Senator Angus King is not a Democrat or a Republican. But he is a true independent and a powerful voice of patriotism and conscience in Washington. He joins the show for the first time and shares his views on Trump's Iran bombing campaign, his efforts to expand his power and the use of the military, and lays out how and if the Senate can do anything to slow him down. And, why he so strongly supports Ukraine—and shares a status update on the Senator Lindsey Graham-led Russia sanctions legislation. And for our Patreon members, there's some extra content including the Senator's favorite Maine drink, his first car and what's playing on his playlist.  It's smart, respectful, charming and inspiring. Everything that our divisive news and politics in Washington is not.  It's the kind of conversation you can only find on this show.  And it's the latest in our “Meet the Independents” series following other Independent leaders like Colorado Springs Mayor Yemi Mobolade, independent candidate for Senate from South Dakota Brian Bengs, Independent candidate for Mayor of New York Jim Walden and Chattanooga, Tennessee Mayor Tim Kelly.  Welcome to Independent Americans, Episode 340. Every episode of Independent Americans is independent light to contrast the heat of other politics and news shows. It's content for the 49% of Americans that call themselves independent. Always with a unique focus on national security, foreign affairs and military and vets issues. This is another pod to help you stay vigilant. Because vigilance is the price of democracy. In these trying times especially, Independent Americans is your trusted place for independent news, politics and inspiration.  -Get extra content, connect with guests, events, merch discounts and support this show that speaks truth to power by joining us on Patreon.  -WATCH video of Paul and Senator King's conversation. -NEW! Watch the video version of the entire podcast here. Help us continue the fight to empower all independents by passing open primaries: In NYC: https://www.nycopenprimary.com/ And in NYC and nationwide with info from Unite America: https://www.uniteamerica.org/articles/1-in-5-nyc-voters-wont-have-a-say-in-choosing-the-next-mayor  And the fight for open primaries nationwide: https://openprimaries.org/ -Check #LookForTheHelpers on Twitter. And share yours.  -Find us on social media or www.IndependentAmericans.us. -Hear other Righteous pods like The Firefighters Podcast with Rob Serra, Uncle Montel - The OG of Weed and B Dorm.  Independent Americans is powered by Righteous Media. America's next great independent media company. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An honest media will occasionally tell truths that not everyone likes - and that's not a sign of bias or partisanship

The poll this time was a high-decibel, high stakes quadrangular contest, between two panels backed by two Pawars, their traditional rival Taware and a panel of Independents.  

Episode Overview This episode dives deep into the evolving solar landscape—covering key state-level policy battles, rising resistance to distributed solar, the latest federal tax package in Congress, and the long term trends in the solar industry. Fox Swim, Senior Solar Industry Researcher at Aurora Solar, shares expertise on policy, utility rates, and resiliency-minded markets.   Key Themes & Highlights Aurora Solar & Fox's Expertise Aurora provides industry-leading solar design and sales software globally.   State-Level Anti-Solar Trends Utilities favor centralized generation, clashing with distributed energy advocates.   California's AB 942 aims to end grandfathered NEM/NEM 2 contracts when homes are sold, pushing owners into less favorable NEM 3 tariffs—effectively breaking existing contracts.   Resiliency & Distributed Generation Extreme weather, aging grid infrastructure, and power instability are driving demand for solar + storage. Distributed generation is seen as a smarter, faster, and more resilient solution than central utility models. Virtual battery programs in states like Connecticut are emerging as positive examples.   Federal Tax Bill & IRA Disruptions The recent House tax bill introduces critical threats:   Elimination of IRA incentives (including ITC, storage, and battery credits). “Fiat” sourcing restrictions targeting Chinese-manufactured solar components, potentially nullifying battery and panel subsidies. Fox warns of an unplanned “solar winter” where many small players may fold, though core demand won't vanish. Emphasis is shifting toward resilience and independence—not just ROI.   2025 Aurora Solar Snapshot Insights (Backed by Aurora's data on ~12.5 million projects, surveys of 1,000+ homeowners, 1,000 professionals, and 500+ businesses) Resilience over ROI: 76% of homeowners view solar as a good investment (up from 43% in 2023)  Financing shifts: Third‑party ownership (leases/PPAs) are growing; battery demand surges with 78% installers seeing increased interest  Bipartisan appeal: Solar cuts across party lines—Republicans, Democrats, and Independents all value solar and IRA  Trust challenges: Installer mistrust doubled—44% of homeowners find trustworthy companies hard to identify  Motivations revealed: Top drivers: bill savings, energy independence, environmental impact (>50% cite environment as a top-3 reason)    Tactical Takeaways for Mavericks Strengthen Trust – Improve transparency and contract clarity; be proactive about ethical sales practices. Refocus Messaging – Highlight solar + storage for resilience and independence—especially in disaster-prone regions. Engage Politically – Contact local/state reps, especially around bills like North Carolina's ITC reinstatement. Diversify Revenue – Build resilience offerings or pivots like community solar and virtual battery programs. Advocacy & Data – Join efforts with industry groups (SEIA, ACORE), and use Aurora's regional data in policymaker discussions.   Quotes from the Interview “76% of homeowners now say solar is a smart investment—it used to be 43%!”   “Installer trust has tanked: 44% of homeowners find it hard to pick a dependable provider.”   “Solar isn't just about ROI anymore—it's energy independence and resilience.”   Benoy Thanjan Benoy Thanjan is the Founder and CEO of Reneu Energy and he is also an advisor for several solar startup companies.  He has extensive project origination, development, and financial experience in the renewable energy industry and in the environmental commodities market.   This includes initial site evaluation, permitting, financing, sourcing equipment, and negotiating the long-term energy and environmental commodities off-take agreements. He manages due diligence processes on land, permitting, and utility interconnection and is in charge of financing and structuring through Note to Proceed (“NTP”) to Commercial Operation Date (“COD”). Benoy composes teams suitable for all project development and construction tasks. He is also involved in project planning and pipeline financial modeling. He has been part of all sides of the transaction and this allows him to provide unique perspectives and value. Benoy has extensive experience in financial engineering to make solar projects profitable. Before founding Reneu Energy, he was the SREC Trader in the Project Finance Group for SolarCity which merged with Tesla in 2016.  He originated SREC trades with buyers and co-developed their SREC monetization and hedging strategy with the senior management of SolarCity to move into the east coast markets.  Benoy was the Vice President at Vanguard Energy Partners which is a national solar installer where he focused on project finance solutions for commercial scale solar projects.  He also worked for Ridgewood Renewable Power, a private equity fund, where he analyzed potential investments in renewable energy projects and worked on maximizing the financial return of the projects in the portfolio.  Benoy also worked on the sale of all of the renewable energy projects in Ridgewood's portfolio.   He was in the Energy Structured Finance practice for Deloitte & Touche and in Financial Advisory Services practice at Ernst & Young.  Benoy received his first experience in Finance as an intern at D.E. Shaw & Co., which is a global investment firm with 37 billion dollars in investment capital. He has a MBA in Finance from Rutgers University and a BS in Finance and Economics from the Stern School of Business at New York University.  Benoy was an Alumni Scholar at the Stern School of Business.  Fox Swim Fox Swim is a data-driven activist with a passion for solving complex social and environmental challenges. With expertise in alternative energy, and urban sustainability, she leverages technical research and leadership skills to drive impactful change. Currently a Senior Industry Researcher at Aurora Solar, Fox focuses on advancing renewable energy solutions while advocating for social justice and sustainability. Related Links https://solarbuildermag.com/news/california-committee-passes-bill-that-would-break-net-metering-contracts/ https://www.nerdwallet.com/article/mortgages/solar-panel-types https://www.eenews.net/articles/california-bill-would-slash-solar-benefits/  Aurora Solar's 2025 Snapshot Report   Stay Connected: Benoy Thanjan Email: info@reneuenergy.com  LinkedIn: Benoy Thanjan Website: https://www.reneuenergy.com   Fox Swim Website:  https://aurorasolar.com/ Linkedin:  https://www.linkedin.com/in/fox-swim-6919061a/   WRISE 20th Anniversary Gala Date & Time: Thursday, June 26, 2025 from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM Location: Gotham Hall, New York City Occasion: Celebrating 20 years of championing women and underrepresented groups in the renewable & sustainable energy sector  Host & Highlight: Presented by Women of Renewable Industries & Sustainable Energy (WRISE); evening includes networking, recognition of community leaders, and celebration of industry milestones  The link to register is below. https://wrise20thanniversarygala.rsvpify.com/?mc_cid=2c22b50623&mc_eid=0dfa02be45&securityToken=qZn8wqQI1mC1uMRPyb08kNwbscQ23wtX

In the midst of the terrible Trump tax bill moving through Congress, Ralph invites Sarah Anderson who directs the Global Economy Project at the Institute for Policy Studies to discuss the massive tax loopholes huge companies like Amazon get that allow them to pay far less in taxes than ordinary working people. Then, Greg LeRoy from Good Jobs First joins us to discuss how state taxpayers are footing the bill for these massive data centers companies like Google are building all over the country. Plus, Ralph has some choice words for passive unions and responds to listener feedback about our guest last week, Nadav Wieman.Sarah Anderson directs the Global Economy Project at the Institute for Policy Studies and is a co-editor of the IPS website Inequality.org. Her research covers a wide range of international and domestic economic issues, including inequality, CEO pay, taxes, labor, and Wall Street reform.They're (Congress is) planning to give huge new tax giveaways to large corporations like Amazon and wealthy people like Amazon founder Jeff Bezos. And partially paying for those tax cuts for the wealthy by slashing programs that mean so much to so many Americans like Medicaid and food assistance.”Sarah AndersonWe're not going to have a healthy, thriving society and economy as long as we have the extreme levels of inequality that we have today.Sarah AndersonDubbed “the leading national watchdog of state and local economic development subsidies,” “an encyclopedia of information regarding subsidies,” “God's witness to corporate welfare,” and “the OG of ensuring that state and local tax policy actually supports good jobs, sustainability, and equity,”* Greg founded Good Jobs First in 1998 upon winning the Public Interest Pioneer Award. He has trained and consulted for state and local governments, associations of public officials, labor-management committees, unions, community groups, tax and budget watchdogs, environmentalists, and smart growth advocates more than 30 years.Public education and public health are the two biggest losers in every state giving away money to data centers right now.Greg Le RoyWe know of no other form of state spending that is so out of control. Therefore, we recommend that states cancel their data center tax exemptions. Such subsidies are absolutely unnecessary for an extremely profitable industry dominated by some of the most valuable corporations on earth such as Amazon, Microsoft, Apple, Facebook, and Google.Good Jobs First report: “Cloudy With a Loss of Spending Control”They've (Congress has) known for years that the ordinary worker pays a higher tax rate than these loophole-ridden corporations.Ralph NaderIn my message to Trump, I ask him, "Why is he afraid of Netanyahu? And doesn't he want to come to the rescue of these innocent babies by saying, ‘Mr. Netanyahu, the taxpayers in this country are paying for thousands of trucks stalled at the border of Gaza full of medicine, food, water, electricity, fuel, and other critical necessities? We're going to put a little American flag on each one of these trucks, and don't you dare block them.'”…No answer.Ralph NaderNews 5/23/251. It seems as though the dam in Israeli politics against acknowledging the horrors in Gaza is beginning to break. In an interview with the BBC this week, former Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert stated that what Israel "is currently doing in Gaza is very close to a war crime. Thousands of innocent Palestinians are being killed.” He went on to say, “the war has no objective and has no chance of achieving anything that could save the lives of the hostages.” These quotes come from the Jerusalem Post. And on May 21st, Haaretz reported that opposition party leader Yair Golan warned that Israel could become a “pariah state, like South Africa once was,” based on its actions in Gaza. Speaking a truth that American politicians appear incapable of articulating, he added, a “sane state does not wage war against civilians, does not kill babies as a hobby, and does not set goals for itself like the expulsion of a population.”2. Confirming this prognosis, the Cradle reports “The Israeli military has admitted that more than 80 percent of the people killed in the attacks on Gaza since Israel breached the ceasefire two months ago are…civilians.” This fact was confirmed by the IDF in response to a request from Hebrew magazine Hamakom, wherein “the military's spokesperson stated that 500 of the 2,780 killed in the Gaza Strip as of Tuesday are ‘terrorists.'” Leaving the remaining 2,280 people killed classified as “not suspected terrorists.” The Cradle compares this ratio, approximately 4.5 civilians killed for every combatant, to the Russia-Ukraine war – a ratio of approximate 2.8 to one. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu has “claimed that the ratio is just one civilian killed for each combatant killed.” At the same time, AP reports that while Israel has allowed a minimum of humanitarian aid to enter Gaza, under immense international pressure, “none of that aid actually reached Palestinians,” according to the United Nations spokesperson Stéphane Dujarric. The renewed offensive coupled with the barring of humanitarian aid has raised the alarm about mass starvation in Gaza.3. Developments on the ground in Gaza have triggered a new wave of international outcry. On May 19th, leaders of the United Kingdom, France and Canada issued a joint statement, reading in part, “We strongly oppose the expansion of Israel's military operations in Gaza. The level of human suffering in Gaza is intolerable… The Israeli Government's denial of essential humanitarian assistance to the civilian population is unacceptable and risks breaching International Humanitarian Law…We will not stand by while the Netanyahu Government pursues these egregious actions. If Israel does not cease the renewed military offensive and lift its restrictions on humanitarian aid, we will take further concrete actions in response.” The Parliament of Spain meanwhile, “passed a non-binding motion calling on the government to impose an arms embargo on Israel,” per Anadolu Ajansı. This potential ban, supported by all parties except the conservative People's Party and the far-right Vox, would “ban the exports of any material that could strengthen the Israeli military, including helmets, vests, and fuel with potential military use.” Left-wing parties in Spain are now pushing for an emergency session to impose a binding decree to this effect.4. The United States however seems to be moving backwards. Drop Site news reports Trump's Middle East envoy Steve Witkoff made a deal with Hamas ensuring that, “the Trump administration would compel Israel to lift the Gaza blockade and allow humanitarian aid to enter the territory…[and] make a public call for an immediate ceasefire,” in exchange for the release of Edan Alexander. Of course, once Alexander was released Trump reneged completely. Basem Naim, a member of Hamas's political bureau, told Drop Site, “He did nothing of this…They didn't violate the deal. They threw it in the trash.” Besides prolonging further the charnel house in Gaza, this duplicity undermines American credibility in the region, particularly with Iran at a time when Trump is seeking a new deal to prevent Iran from developing nuclear weapons.5. Democrats in Congress are inching towards action as well. On May 13th, Senator Peter Welch introduced Senate Resolution 224, calling for “the urgent delivery of humanitarian aid to address the needs of civilians in Gaza.” Along with Welch, 45 Democrats and Independents signed on to this resolution, that is the entire Democratic caucus except for John Fetterman. On May 14th, Rashida Tlaib introduced House Resolution 409, commemorating the Nakba and calling on Congress to “reinstate support for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, which provides life-saving humanitarian assistance to Palestinians.” This was cosponsored by AOC and Reps. Carson, Lee, Omar, Pressley, Ramirez, Simon, and Coleman. And, on May 21st, a group of eight senators – Welch, Sanders, Kaine, Merkley, Murray, Van Hollen, Schatz, and Warnock – sent a letter urging Secretary of State Rubio to reopen the investigation into the death of Palestinian-American journalist Shireen Abu-Akleh, per Prem Thakker. The Biden administration ruled the death “unintentional,” but a new documentary by Zeteo News reveals a “Biden cover-up.”6. More action is occurring on college campuses as well, as students go into graduation season. At NYU, a student named Logan Rozos said in his graduation speech, “As I search my heart today in addressing you all…the only thing that is appropriate to say in this time and to a group this large is a recognition of the atrocities currently happening in Palestine,” per CNN. NYU announced that they are now withholding his diploma. At George Washington University, the Guardian reports student Cecilia Culver said in her graduation speech, “I am ashamed to know my tuition [fee] is being used to fund…genocide…I call upon the class of 2025 to withhold donations and continue advocating for disclosure and divestment.” GWU issued a statement declaring Culver “has been barred from all GW's campuses and sponsored events elsewhere.” The moral clarity of these students is remarkable, given the increasingly harsh measures these schools have taken to silence those who speak up.7. Moving on, several major stories about the failing DOGE initiative have surfaced in recent days. First, Social Security. Listeners may recall that a DOGE engineer said “40% of phone calls made to [the Social Security Administration] to change direct deposit information come from fraudsters.” Yet, a new report by NextGov.com found that since DOGE mandated the SSA install new anti-fraud checks on claims made over the phone, “only two claims out of over 110,000 were found to likely be fraudulent,” or 0.0018%. What the policy has done however, is slow down payments. According to this piece, retirement claim processing is down 25%. Meanwhile, at the VA, DOGE engineer Sahil Lavingia, “found…a machine that largely functions, though it doesn't make decisions as fast as a startup might.” Lavingia added “honestly, it's kind of fine—because the government works. It's not as inefficient as I was expecting, to be honest. I was hoping for more easy wins.” This from Fast Company. Finally, CBS reports, “leaders of the United States Institute for Peace regained control of their offices Wednesday…after they were ejected from their positions by the Trump administration and [DOGE] in March.” This piece explains that On February 19th, President Trump issued Executive Order 14217 declaring USIP "unnecessary" and terminating its leadership, most of its 300 staff members, its entire board, installing a DOGE functionary at the top and transferring ownership of the building to the federal government. This set off a court battle that ended Monday, when U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell ruled that the takeover was “unlawful” and therefore “null and void.” These DOGE setbacks might help explain Elon Musk's reported retreat from the political spotlight and political spending.8. On May 21st, Congressman Gerry Connolly passed away, following his battle with esophageal cancer. Connolly's death however is just the latest in a disturbing trend – Ken Klippenstein reports, “Connolly joins five other members of Congress who also died in office over the past 13 months…Rep. Raúl Grijalva…Rep. Sylvester Turner…Rep. Bill Pascrell…Rep. Sheila Jackson Lee…[and] Rep. Donald Payne Jr.” All of these representatives were Democrats and their deaths have chipped away at the close margin between Democrats and Republicans in the House – allowing the Republicans to pass Trump's “Big Beautiful Bill” by a single vote. Connolly himself prevailed over AOC in a much-publicized intra-party battle for the Ranking Member seat on the House Oversight committee. It speaks volumes that Connolly was only able to hold onto that seat for a few short months before becoming too sick to stay on. This is of course part and parcel with the recent revelations about Biden's declining mental acuity during his presidency and the efforts to oust David Hogg from the DNC for backing primaries against what he calls “asleep-at-the-wheel” Democrats.9. Speaking of “asleep-at-the-wheel” Democrats, Bloomberg Government reports Senator John Fetterman “didn't attend a single committee hearing in 2025 until…May 8, about a week after an explosive New York Magazine story raised questions about his mental health and dedication to his job.” Fetterman, who represents Pennsylvania on the Commerce, Agriculture, and Homeland Security committees skipped the confirmation hearings for Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem, Commerce Secretary Howard Lutnick and Budget Director Russ Vought, some of the most high-profile and controversial Trump appointments. Fetterman still has yet to attend a single Agriculture committee hearing in 2025.10. Finally, in more Pennsylvania news, the state held its Democratic primaries this week, yielding mixed results. In Pittsburgh, progressives suffered a setback with the ouster of Mayor Ed Gainey – the first Black mayor of the city. Gainey lost to Allegheny County Controller Corey O'Connor, the son of former Mayor Bob O'Connor, the Hill reports. In Philadelphia however, voters approved three ballot measures – including expanding affordable housing and adding more oversight to the prison system – and reelected for a third term progressive reform District Attorney Larry Krasner, per AP. Krasner has long been a target of conservatives in both parties, but has adroitly maneuvered to maintain his position – and dramatically reduced homicide rates in Philly. The Wall Street Journal reports Philadelphia homicides declined by 34% between 2023 and 2024, part of substantial decline in urban homicides nationwide. Kudos to Krasner.This has been Francesco DeSantis, with In Case You Haven't Heard. Get full access to Ralph Nader Radio Hour at www.ralphnaderradiohour.com/subscribe