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This episode explores recent media reports regarding the closure of Montenegro-based online betting site Tether.bet, its alleged links to UK political figures, and the broader regulatory challenges facing the industry. Featuring insights from SBC's Media Director Martyn Elliott and Editor-at-Large Ted Menmuir, the discussion examines the ongoing regulatory scrutiny, the role of offshore payment processing, and calls for formal UK investigations.Key TopicsThe Sunday Times investigation into Tether.bet and reported links to political donorsRegulatory challenges surrounding offshore crypto gambling platformsPolitical scrutiny concerning Reform UK donations and Parliamentary Standards inquiriesAllegations regarding payment intermediaries in unlicensed marketsCalls by the Labour Party for Gambling Commission and FCA investigationsThe role of investigative journalism in gambling regulatory enforcementHost: Charlie HornerGuests: Martyn Elliott & Ted MenmuirProducer: Anaya McDonaldEditor: Anaya McDonaldLearn how Optimove's Positionless Marketing is changing how iGaming teams operate. Discover how operators are using Optimove's Positionless Marketing Platform to launch personalised CRM campaigns, dynamically change casino lobbies and bet slips, and create engaging gamified experiences. Learn more at optimove.com.Finally, remember to check out Optimove at https://hubs.la/Q02gLC5L0 or go to Optimove.com/sbc to get your first month free when buying the industry's leading customer-loyalty service.
Erst seit dem 20. Juli im Amt hat Andy Burnham bereits Millionen Likes für sich gewonnen. Auf Social Media scheint die umgängliche Art des neuen Premierministers von Grossbritannien zu funktionieren. Aber kann man so auch ein Land regieren? In dieser Folge erklärt der NZZ-Korrespondent in Grossbritannien, David Signer, weshalb Burnham so aktiv auf Social Media setzt, und wo die Unterschiede, etwa zum Rechtspopulisten Nigel Farage von Reform UK sind. Gast: David Signer, Korrespondent in Grossbritannien Host: Simon Schaffer Redaktion: Dominik Schottner Ihr findet Davids Analyse von Andy Burnhams Social-Media-Strategie [hier](https://www.nzz.ch/international/andy-burnham-social-media-als-erfolgsstrategie-in-der-politik-ld.10018308) auf der Seite der NZZ. [Exklusiv für dich als Podcast-Fan: 7 Tage NZZ-Digitalabo geschenkt. Unverbindlich testen. ](https://probeabo.nzz.ch/podcast?utm_source=shownotes&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=0726_NZZCH_Podcast) Lust auf noch mehr digitale Inhalte der NZZ? [Probier`s drei Monate aus.](https://abo.nzz.ch/25077808-2/)
THE CENSORS' THREAT TO ARTIn his latest Lowdown podcast, Nick Cohen talks to Sally Gimson, editor of Index on Censorship, discussing her report on censorship and the lack of political drama in the British arts scene. Sally explains that despite a strong left-wing political passion in the arts, there is a dearth of political theatre, with institutions playing it safe to avoid controversy. She describes how plays are now heavily workshopped and censored by committees, leading to bland and inoffensive productions. Sally highlights specific examples, such as the canceled production of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Royal Exchange in Manchester, which was deemed too political. Nick and Sally also discuss the chilling effect of funding dependencies, such as deals with China, and political pressures, particularly in Scotland where the SNP's dominance has stifled satire. Sally concludes with a critique of the self-censorship and institutional timidity that is rendering the arts irrelevant and apolitical.Read all about it!@SallyGimson is editor of @IndexCensorship, aTrustee of Abortion Talk. Sally's Fabian pamphlet Building Bridges in the wake of the Labour Party's 2019 defeat on what it needed to enhance its futjure election chances https://fabians.org.uk/publication/building-bridges/ was published in 2020.Nick Cohen's @NichCohen4 regular Substack column Writing from London on politics and culture from the UK and beyond is another must-read. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Was Hipkins ruling out NZ First really a decision, or an announcement, or even a story? Peters, of course, ruled Labour out a long time ago. I've been surprised by the number of people who text me telling me not to be so naïve. I'm told Peters is not to be trusted. I take Peters at his word though. He says a lot of random and increasingly clickbait-y stuff, but he doesn't straight up and down deceive. So when you take Hipkins ruling out Peters and add it to Peters ruling out Hipkins, can we assume all the conspiracy theorists can now go focus on something new? The trouble now for Labour is the math. As the Herald's Poll of Polls very clearly shows, there is virtually no pathway to office under current numbers. It's also fair to suggest that as people digest the Opportunity Party, they either reject them because they're mad, or they bleed votes off Labour and possibly the Greens. It's just a reshuffling of the “higher tax and more socialism” brigade. Either way, it doesn't grow the pie. Last week's poll is proof of it. Labour didn't tumble the same way Opportunity didn't double their support. Hipkins is most likely right that the poll is rogue, which is why yet again, we don't trust one-off polls. What the Government have in their favour is three solid, viable parties. The left have two – Labour and the Greens, and the third is a shadow of what it once was or could have been. If they're lucky, they may cobble together a seat or two electorally, but that'll be about it. With National on 30% and two parties at 8% or above, that's government. With Labour on 30% and even the Greens on 10%, they're still 10% short and the Māori Party don't make up the difference. Even though it was never real, mathematically NZ First gave Labour the potential of the numbers and the threat of the possibility. So as we sit here in early August with 88 days to go, short of some level of upheaval, collapse or resurgence for the ages, Hipkins is like a shag on a rock. He's got him and one and a bit options. It's not a government. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Perhaps the Labour Party's small target election year strategy has started to unravel as one of their MPs, Helen White, told us all of her desire for house prices to fall. She wants them to come down. They have already come down of course, through a series of events that included her last Government's approach to the economy. The booming inflation they created, the bulging debt from all the spending and the general fiscal waste that saw interest rates spike, the country failing to collect the migrant numbers it had previously had, as well as the cost of building skyrocketing. As a result, the property market has broadly gone backwards for what many suggest now is a historic period of time. So she should be happy. Which is the problem with economic illiterates like her. The Labour Party of course don't see things the way she does for obvious reasons. Two-thirds of New Zealanders own homes and many see them as a nest egg for retirement. Watching prices fall undermines our futures. Helen made herself a headline because she was asked about the Opportunity Party, the leader of which is standing in her Mt Albert electorate. They too want to wreck the property market with the land tax. Helen didn't know much about that, all she knew was she wanted prices to fall. Sadly, this is the sort of trouble Chris Hipkins is going to have to start to mop up. Once you get into election mode a lot of random questions get asked of previously unheard-of MPs, some of whom manage to almost immediately display the attributes the party had been hoping could stay hidden, at least until election day. Helen is already infamous given Mt Albert is deep Labour territory, and she almost lost it in 2023. So, her start to 2026 doesn't bode well. But the overarching message here is the bedrock of many New Zealanders savings strategies is under fire from increasing numbers of political operators. They want your retirement blown sky high with a property crash. I'm backing that approach not to be overly popular.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode of the Anglotopia Podcast, Jonathan Thomas welcomes back Dr. Chris Smith — historian at Coventry University, author of The Hidden History of Bletchley Park and The Last Cambridge Spy, and a returning friend of the podcast for his third appearance — to explore one of the most remarkable and troubling stories in modern British history: the Cambridge Five. Five young men, recruited at Cambridge in the 1930s, rose to the very heart of the British establishment — the Foreign Office, MI5, MI6, and Bletchley Park — and spent decades passing its secrets to Moscow. Dr. Smith takes Jonathan through the full arc: the political radicalization of the 1930s that made Soviet recruitment possible, the individual stories of Kim Philby, Guy Burgess, Donald Maclean, and Anthony Blunt, and — above all — the fascinating, overlooked figure of John Cairncross, the ironmonger's son from a Scottish mining town who was never quite let into the fold, mocked for his accent, made to fetch the tea, and who nonetheless walked out of Bletchley Park with raw decrypts stuffed in his trousers and fed them to Moscow. The episode covers the Battle of Kursk and what Cairncross's intelligence really contributed, the extraordinary Venona Project that began unravelling the ring, why MI5 couldn't prosecute the men they knew were guilty, how Anthony Blunt accidentally revealed himself by threatening to sue Private Eye, and why the story of the Cambridge Five — class, betrayal, embarrassment, and the establishment protecting its own — still grips Britain seventy years on. Links The Last Cambridge Spy by Dr. Chris Smith The Hidden History of Bletchley Park by Dr. Chris Smith My Silent War by Kim Philby My Five Cambridge Friends by Yuri Modin (better than any spy novel — though not entirely true) Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy — John le Carré Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 78 - Did Churchill Know? Unraveling the Myths of the Coventry Blitz and Wartime Espionage Anglotopia Podcast: Episode 86: Codebreakers, Spies, and Secrets - The Truth About Bletchley Park and Alan Turing Friends of Anglotopia Club Takeaways The Cambridge Five were not recruited because they were ideological fanatics — they were recruited because the 1930s presented them with a genuine political crisis: mass unemployment, fascism rising across Europe, a British establishment incapable of responding, and the Labour Party wiped out in 1931. Soviet communism appeared to be the only organized force willing to fight the Nazis. Kim Philby did not seek out the NKVD — he fell into their hands almost by accident when he went to work with the Viennese underground and met Litzy Friedmann, whose contacts led straight to Soviet intelligence. His recruitment was as much luck as design. John Cairncross was the only one of the five who did not come from the upper-middle or upper class. Born in 1913 in Lesmahagow, a mining town south of Glasgow, the son of an ironmonger and one of eight children, he arrived at Cambridge already primed with a chip on his shoulder — and was immediately reminded by Anthony Blunt and others that he was not quite one of them. Guy Burgess was literally the last person the Soviets wanted to recruit — their own list had him at the bottom. He was a prolific drunk who couldn't keep secrets and would tell people he was a spy when intoxicated. They eventually let him in because he'd worked it out and it was better to have him inside the tent. Cairncross's route into Bletchley Park came through losing his job in Lord Hankey's office when Churchill became Prime Minister and cleared out Chamberlain's people. He simply asked the right person to write the right letter, and was hired to work in Hut Three. Nobody ran adequate background checks — being a Cambridge man was effectively sufficient. Stealing secrets from Bletchley was almost embarrassingly easy. Cairncross would take raw decrypts from the room where they were waiting to be incinerated, stuff them in his trousers, walk out unchecked, get on the train to London, and hand them to his handler. Getting in without a pass was dangerous; leaving was essentially unmonitored. Cairncross's contribution to the Battle of Kursk — providing intelligence that allowed the Red Army Air Force to locate and destroy several hundred Luftwaffe aircraft on the ground — was real, but its precise importance is genuinely contested. The volume and quality of intelligence over years, not any single document, is what made the Cambridge Five so valuable. The reason none of the five were prosecuted comes down to evidence — specifically the Venona Project. The Americans were never going to allow their top-secret ongoing cryptanalytic operation to be exposed in a British criminal court, and without that evidence, MI5 had nothing admissible. The deal offered to Blunt and Cairncross: tell us everything and we guarantee you'll never be prosecuted. Anthony Blunt accidentally exposed himself by attempting to sue Private Eye for insinuating he was the fourth man. To bring a case you have to go public — which immediately told everyone in the journalistic world exactly who he was, and forced Margaret Thatcher to make a statement in the House of Commons using qualified parliamentary immunity. The Cambridge Five story endures because it is simultaneously a great spy thriller, a story about British class and the establishment's habit of protecting its own, and a genuinely embarrassing episode that helped bring down governments. John le Carré based the villain of Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy directly on Kim Philby, and the story has never quite gone away. Soundbites "Cairncross was mocked for his accent, made to fetch the tea, passed over — and went on to smuggle raw decrypts out of Bletchley Park stuffed in his trousers, feeding Moscow intelligence that shaped the greatest tank battle in history." — Jonathan's introduction. "In nineteen thirty-one, the Labour party basically gets annihilated in the general election. And for a lot of these quite radical individuals, it seems now that the establishment doesn't have the moral fortitude to address any of these issues with any kind of clarity or energy." — Chris on why Cambridge radicals turned to communism. "Philby literally walks up to a communist lecturer at Cambridge and says, what can I do for the movement? And this guy dispatches him off to Vienna, where he joins the Viennese underground and meets Litzy." — Chris on how Kim Philby's recruitment happened almost by accident. "Guy Burgess is literally the bottom of the list. He couldn't keep a secret, liked to get drunk all the time, and when drunk would literally tell people he was a spy. He would actually do that. And everyone would be like, he's drunk, talking rubbish." — Chris on the spy ring's most problematic recruit. "He just stuffs raw decrypts down his trousers and walks out of the park. Gets on the train to London. That's all it took. Getting in without a pass, you might get shot. But leaving — no one ever checked him." — Chris on how Cairncross stole secrets from Bletchley Park. "It's not the one James Bond, Jason Bourne style moment that we kind of imagine from TV. It's the volume, quantity, and quality over years which makes them so important to the Soviet Union." — Chris on why the Cambridge Five mattered. "The United States are not going to allow you to have their top-secret project come out in a British criminal court case. They haven't got admissible evidence. And everybody involved probably knows it." — Chris on why none of the five were ever prosecuted. "In the act of threatening to bring a case to court, you have to go public. So why would Anthony Blunt be suing Private Eye over Andrew Boyle's book? He basically revealed himself as a spy. And that meant Thatcher had to make a statement in the House of Commons." — Chris on how Blunt accidentally exposed himself. "Novels like Tinker Tailor Soldier Spy are literally written about Kim Philby. John le Carré had been an MI6 officer in the sixties and knew full well what had happened. It's not only better than fiction — it's also inspired the best fiction." — Chris on why the story endures. "It's about the establishment being untrustworthy. It brings down governments. It literally dogs them for decades. Every time there's a new generation of politicians, this story comes back again. It's the gift that keeps on giving." — Chris on why Britain can't let go of the Cambridge Five. Chapters 00:21 Introduction — Jonathan sets the scene: five Cambridge men, decades of treachery, and the one nobody remembers 02:05 Welcome Back, Chris — His third appearance; previous episodes on Bletchley Park and the Churchill/Coventry myth 02:09 How Chris Came to Cairncross — A PhD on Bletchley Park, a memoir, and a biography waiting to be written 03:03 Who Were the Cambridge Five? — Setting the scene for anyone who half knows the story 03:18 Meet the Five — Philby, Maclean, Burgess, Blunt, and the outsider Cairncross 05:00 Cambridge in the 1930s — The Devil's Decade, the Great Depression, 20% unemployment, and the 1931 election wipeout 07:55 The Soviet Union as the Only Alternative — Why young radicals looked to Moscow when everything else failed 09:43 How Kim Philby Was Recruited — Vienna, Litzy Friedmann, the NKVD, and an accident of love 11:33 Philby Recruits the Others — Arnold Deutsch, picking the fruit from the tree, and why the Soviets got very lucky 13:41 What Motivated Them? — Anti-fascism, anti-appeasement, class guilt, and the case that holds up vs. the one that doesn't 15:39 Enter John Cairncross — Lesmahagow, Glasgow, the Sorbonne, and an extraordinary family 16:20 Cairncross's Background — An ironmonger's father, eight children, five university degrees, and the brother who became chief economic advisor 19:55 Glasgow University — Bursary exams, near-perfect scores in French and German, and the city that films as New York 23:46 Two Years in Paris — Wine, Molière, Nazi refugees, and cycling holidays through Berlin 25:35 Cairncross Arrives at Cambridge — 1934, his brother Alec, and the year he finally becomes political 29:54 How Cairncross Was Recruited — Blunt spots him, Guy Burgess pursues him, Klugmann closes the deal 33:21 Rejected from Academia, Tops the Civil Service Exam — The establishment he hated becomes the one he joins 34:16 Into the Foreign Office — Top marks, third secretary, and Donald Maclean as his boss 38:02 Transferred to the Treasury — Why it turns out to be a goldmine for Soviet intelligence 39:04 Lord Hankey's Office — The MAUD Committee, nuclear weapons, and Cairncross as the first atomic spy 43:11 Cairncross Loses His Job and Gets to Bletchley — Churchill sacks Hankey's people; a letter to the right person; Hut Three 44:11 Background Checks in Wartime — Cambridge, Trinity, a bit of a communist at university — childish stuff, let him in 45:35 Stealing Secrets from Bletchley Park — Decrypts in his trousers, unmonitored exits, the train to London 46:00 Hut Six and Hut Three Explained — The mathematicians vs. the translators, Enigma and Lorenz 48:09 The Battle of Kursk — What Cairncross passed to Moscow, how many aircraft were destroyed, and how much it actually mattered 50:29 Six Thousand Documents and the Order of the Red Banner — Volume and quality over years 50:39 Did Cairncross Harm Britain? — His argument, Chris's verdict, and why the post-war evidence collapses his defence 53:08 Fast Forward: The Cold War Begins — Ally to enemy, and the ring starts to unravel 53:36 The Venona Project — How the Americans cracked the Soviet one-time pad and why it took decades 55:16 Narrowing Down to Maclean — The wife in New York, seven years of analysis, and Kim Philby tipping him off 59:09 Cairncross Confesses in 1963/64 — The MI5 deal, why prosecution was legally impossible, and what he revealed 01:00:47 Why They Couldn't Prosecute — Venona, admissible evidence, and the lawyers' verdict 01:03:53 The Deal Offered to Blunt and Cairncross — Tell us everything; we guarantee you'll never be prosecuted 01:04:46 How Blunt Was Finally Exposed — Andrew Boyle's book, Private Eye, a threatened lawsuit, and Thatcher's statement 01:07:04 Cairncross Publicly Named — Jock Colville, the handwritten note, and Oleg Gordievsky's defection 01:08:09 Cairncross's Final Years — France, TV interviews, memoirs, and death in 1995 01:10:07 Why the Story Still Grips Britain — Class, the establishment, le Carré, Private Eye, Yes Prime Minister 01:12:21 Wrap-Up — The Last Cambridge Spy, Yuri Modin's memoir, and a fourth episode already being planned Video Version
The future of the Census is once again in question, after the Labour Party decided not to support planned changes to the law.
This week starts with headlines from Tokens(dot)com, Taylor Farms, the wage theft industry, WestJet, Corewell Health, Brown University Health, the University of California, Microsoft, and the Labour Party. We've got two roundups this week, first discussing several recent organizing struggles in India, including the stunning emergence and victory of the student led "Cockroach Movement." Finally, we close covering the academic terrain of struggle, where the AAUP and other educators are waging a multifront effort to stop the billionaire campaign to destroy education in this country. Join the discord: discord.gg/tDvmNzX Follow the pod at instagram.com/workstoppage, @WorkStoppagePod on Twitter, John @facebookvillain, and Lina @solidaritybee
Everybody's talking about the Opportunity Party and I'm not quite sure I believe they're anything more than a bit of a sideshow. They haven't cracked 5 percent yet but anyway, there we go. Sir Ian Taylor wrote an opinion piece that was published by Stuff. In it, he said that throughout his life he's been a centre-left voter. That's been his political home. But during the whole Covid period, with the Labour Party's response to Covid and the way it wasted its supermajority when it had, you know, all the power in the House, he became disillusioned. He started talking to people from the National Party and saw that they were having conversations. They were talking to business as well and he says that's what he wanted. He didn't want a party telling him what to do in the way he felt Labour did. So he changed his allegiance, after a lifetime, to the National Party. But now he's becoming disillusioned with National as well, because he believes the tail is wagging the dog. He thinks that, on issues such as the Treaty Principles Bill, pay equity, school lunches and so on, ACT and New Zealand First have too much power. He even suggests that Winston Peters has more influence in the coalition Government than Christopher Luxon and the National Party. So he's disillusioned with them too, and he's starting to say, "I'm flirting with Opportunity because they want to have a conversation." That's what their leader has said: "I want to get away from tribalism." Sir Ian has found himself hacked off with the Labour Party, hacked off with the National Party and hacked off with the whole MMP system. He's been quite beguiled by Opportunity, which says it wants to have a conversation. Now, the problem I have with that is that you don't vote for a party simply because it isn't one of the other two parties that have dominated politics for the past 40 years. You don't vote for someone because you don't want to vote for someone else. You vote for them because of the policies they have. And with Opportunity, as soon as they mentioned a universal basic income, I thought, "Well, I'm out." I've been reading about universal basic income for 30 years. I don't believe it's going to work. Many economists say it's not going to work. Then they added a land tax and I thought, "Well, that's not going to work either." In fact, as we've seen in the costings, all of this is going to cost the country an enormous amount of money. So I'm not voting for Opportunity. It's a sideshow. Sure, it's getting some publicity but I was amazed that Sir Ian Taylor, like too many New Zealand voters, seems to vote for people simply because they're not the people he doesn't like anymore. And that's his only reasoning. Crazy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Trump says a Hamas disarmament deal has been reached in Gaza, Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez rushes to Ceuta as 50,000 migrants storm the enclave, while Italy suspends Schengen with Spain after the Ceuta migrant surge, a NATO intern is arrested for espionage in Belgium for alleged China ties, Anthropic's Claude AI reportedly hacked real systems during testing, U.K. lawmakers Abbott and Reid are readmitted to the Labour Party, Brazil's Supreme Court Justice authorizes an influence-peddling probe into Lula's son, the U.S. is investigating whether Iran cyberattacked over 30 Minnesota water systems, Elon Musk will reportedly resume funding the GOP in the U.S. midterms, and a deadly avalanche strikes Pakistan's Broad Peak. Sources: Verity.News
C Constable reports from France on the high heat and smoke impact near Bordeaux. The discussion shifts to surging energy prices, with Brent crude rising 26% and European gas up 36%. Despite high energy costs, rising copper prices suggest potential industrial growth. (1)Simon Constable and Jim McTague continue with a quiz highlighting that typical data centers use 300,000 gallons of water daily, while larger ones can reach 5 million gallons. Currently, most centers are urban, but 67% of planned facilities are rural. In Lancaster County, a "tale of two data centers" emerges as one town embraces the revenue stream while another resists it due to misinformation and fear. (2)Cliff May argues for maximum pressure and coercive diplomacy to prevent the Islamic Republic of Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons. He advocates for a naval blockade, specifically targeting oil exports from Kharg Island to strangle the regime's revenue. May emphasizes that the Iranian leadership's ideology makes them likely to use nuclear weapons, necessitating a strategy to cripple the regime's power. (3)John Hardie and Bill Roggio cover the significant leadership change in Ukraine as General Drapatyi replaces General Syrskyi as commander-in-chief. Drapatyi is seen as a representative of a new, western-style generation of officers who embrace technological innovation and listen to subordinates. The transition aims to "desovietize" the military and maintain the momentum of successful drone offensives against Russian infrastructure. (4)Anatol Lieven examines how the Ukraine and Iran conflicts are merging into one global struggle following a Ukrainiandrone strike on an Iranian vessel. This escalation threatens global energy supplies of refined oil products, as Russianrefineries struggle with capacity. While Ukraine targets the Russian middle class to undermine support for the war, Lieven warns of a widening proxy war involving China, North Korea, and Iran. (5)Anatol Lieven turns to Britain's new political era under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who is described as the Labour Party's "last chance" to address a discredited government. Burnham faces immense financial pressure, particularly regarding the costs of healthcare for the elderly and dementia. To succeed, he may need to pivot from "Net Zero" policies to prioritize energy needs and seek a new mandate through an election. (6)Salvatore Vitale and Kalin Plunkett of MIT explain hierarchical merging, a process where black holes merge repeatedly to create larger "monsters." By analyzing gravitational waves from 155 binary pairs, they discovered that 14% are second-generation black holes, born from previous mergers rather than stellar collapse. These second-generation black holes are characterized by rapid spin and mass asymmetry, providing clues to how supermassive black holes form in galaxies. (7)Salvatore Vitale and Kalin Plunkett continue: to uncover the origins of the Milky Way's supermassive black hole, scientists propose building larger gravitational wave detectors scaled up by a factor of ten. These advanced observatories would allow researchers to peer further back into cosmic history, potentially detecting black holes from the very early universe. Expanding the global network to four or five detectors would help pinpoint host galaxies and detect the formation of heavy elements. (8)Arthur Herman recounts the historic 1896 meeting where Henry Ford pitched his internal combustion engine to a skeptical Thomas Edison. Edison's encouragement served as the catalyst for Ford's revolution in American transportation. This industrial transformation was further enabled by John D. Rockefeller, whose ability to lower oil prices made gasoline an economically feasible fuel for mass production. The segment also highlights George Washington's vision for a professional Continental Army. (9)Arthur Herman explains the American founders were heavily influenced by the Scottish Enlightenment, particularly the ideas of David Hume and Adam Smith regarding the pursuit of happiness. This subjective right was prioritized over property to potentially allow for the future abolition of slavery. The founding spirit extended to the Northwest Ordinance, creating communities like Marietta, Ohio, that were dedicated to education, religion, and freedom. (10)Arthur Herman characterizes Abraham Lincoln as a founder for his vision of an America without slavery and his willingness to risk the Union to fulfill the Declaration of Independence. His administration's legacy includes the Homestead Act and the Transcontinental Railroad, which expanded the "empire of liberty." Additionally, the Civil War era facilitated the rise of Andrew Carnegie, who later revolutionized the global steel industry using the Bessemerprocess. (11)Arthur Herman reframes the Gilded Age not as an era of greed, but as a period of unprecedented opportunity and connectivity driven by the railroad. James J. Hill's Great Northern Railway fostered regional prosperity and negotiated fairly with Native American tribes. Meanwhile, Thomas Edison's relentless competitiveness and "restless mind" led to the electrification of the nation and the invention of the phonograph, inspiring future generations of founders like Elon Musk. (12)Arthur Herman contrasts Woodrow Wilson's attempt to centrally manage industry during World War I, which resulted in logistical chaos and failure, with FDR's embrace of the private sector for World War II, appointing GM's Bill Knudsento lead mobilization. By relying on the incentives of the marketplace, Knudsen successfully converted American manufacturing into a massive war machine, producing more war material than the world imagined in just 18 months. (13)Arthur Herman presents Martin Luther King Jr. as a founder who refounded the American experiment by taking risks to fulfill the promise of equality. The segment explores the eternal conflict between the bold "founder mindset" and the cautious "manager instinct" that emerged in the 1950s. While managers seek stability and predictability, founders drive innovation and national greatness, preventing the American dream from becoming stagnant and stale. (14)Arthur Herman credits Vannevar Bush's "The Endless Frontier" manifesto with persuading FDR to fund basic scientific research through universities, laying the groundwork for Silicon Valley. This federal support enabled discoveries in information theory and microchip development, transforming the American economy. The evolution from massive mainframes like the IBM 360 to modern microchips illustrates the imaginative leap of founders who see opportunities where others see only current technology. (15)Arthur Herman concludes that today's founders, including Elon Musk and Donald Trump, continue the tradition of taking massive risks to fulfill bold visions. Musk's goals for SpaceX and Mars are described as a step-by-step process of industrial manufacturing and innovation. Central to this enduring success is the Patent Act of 1790, a unique constitutional protection that ensures individuals own the products of their minds, fueling 250 years of American discovery. (16)Corrections applied per the log: John Hardie (transcribed as "Hardy," segment 4) and Labour Party (UK spelling, segment 6). I also dropped the phonetic "(Chopati)" after General Drapatyi in segment 4 — that's Mykhailo Drapatyi, so the first spelling stands. One to confirm for the log: Kalin Plunkett (segments 7–8) — I couldn't verify this MIT researcher's spelling; if it's from audio, it may need checking against the MIT LIGO group roster.
Anatol Lieven turns to Britain's new political era under Prime Minister Andy Burnham, who is described as the Labour Party's "last chance" to address a discredited government. Burnham faces immense financial pressure, particularly regarding the costs of healthcare for the elderly and dementia. To succeed, he may need to pivot from "Net Zero" policies to prioritize energy needs and seek a new mandate through an election. (6)
Burnham and Louise Haigh have unveiled their plans for funding devolution, do they stack up? Plus: A number of Burnham's new ministers are under scrutiny for historic statements on Israel's genocide, Spain's army tries to stop African migrants entering its African enclave, and Diane Abbott has been re-admitted into the Labour Party. With Steven Methven & Paul Holden.
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The UK has a new prime minister, Andy Burnham, who replaced Keir Starmer after he resigned just two years due to general lack of support. On today's show, guest hosts, Adrienne Pagac and Pete Ramand, are in conversation with David Jamieson about British politics, the future of the Labour left, and how all this corresponds to US politics. Burnham promises to transform the UK economy, but he inherits all the same problems that plagued Starmer's time in office. Many consider Burnham to be on the “soft left” of the Labour Party, but there are concerns that Burnham and his new team will liquidate the welfare state and funnel state funds into the arms industry. Where does this leave the Labour left? Jamieson says the Labour Party has become very centralized as neoliberalism and regional inequality fracture voters, potentially pushing the left out of the party or into the Green Party. Jamieson says that the treatment of democratic socialists by the US Democratic Party is similar to the treatment of Jeremy Corbyn in the UK. He's noticed a growing hysteria about democratic socialist candidates, but reflects that voters want authenticity and independent politicians. They also discuss the phenomena of New Labour under Tony Blair, Burnham's appointments like former defense secretary, John Healey, the US's interference in UK politics, figures on the far right, and more. David Jamieson is a journalist and socialist activist based in Scotland and co-editor of Conter. Featured image of 10 Downing Street via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0). Did you enjoy this story? Your funding makes great, local journalism like this possible. Donate hereThe post Andy Burnham and the Shaky Future of the Labour Left appeared first on WORT-FM 89.9.
Robert Peston is one of Britain's most trusted journalists. A fixture in British politics and business coverage, he came to national prominence as Business Editor and then Economics Editor at the BBC, where he revealed the crises at Northern Rock and RBS, the emergency rescue of HBOS, and the tumult around the credit crunch, bailouts, and austerity. Today he hosts his namesake flagship politics and current affairs show, Peston, as ITV's Political Editor, and co-hosts The Rest is Money with Steph McGovern where he continues to help audiences make sense of the fast-evolving worlds of business and finance. In July 2026 Peston joined us for the Intelligence Squared Economic Outlook. In conversation with BBC broadcaster Jonny Dymond, he explored the key challenges and opportunities facing today's domestic, European, and global economies. Peston answered questions on our most pressing issues today. Has Keir Starmer successfully seen off a Labour Party coup, and will his government finally be able to deliver growth? In the face of war in the Middle East, how exposed is Britain to renewed instability in energy markets and the wider global economy? And what should policymakers do now to restore confidence, encourage investment and navigate a more volatile international landscape? He also discussed The Kill Switch, the new novel in his bestselling crime thriller series, set at the intersection of media, money and political power. --- This recording is part of The Intelligence Squared Economic Outlook series of events made in partnership with Guinness Global Investors, an independent British fund manager that helps both individuals and institutions harness the future drivers of growth to achieve their investment goals. To find out more visit: https://www.guinnessgi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
JAM TOMORROW! Burnham's 3 Gimmicks & Snap Election Plot #AndyBurnham #NigelFarage #ReformUK #SnapElection #JamTomorrow #JonGaunt #UKPolitics Don't be fooled by the "King of the North" and his sudden burst of generosity!
Robert Peston is one of Britain's most trusted journalists. A fixture in British politics and business coverage, he came to national prominence as Business Editor and then Economics Editor at the BBC, where he revealed the crises at Northern Rock and RBS, the emergency rescue of HBOS, and the tumult around the credit crunch, bailouts, and austerity. Today he hosts his namesake flagship politics and current affairs show, Peston, as ITV's Political Editor, and co-hosts The Rest is Money with Steph McGovern where he continues to help audiences make sense of the fast-evolving worlds of business and finance. In July 2026 Peston joined us for the Intelligence Squared Economic Outlook. In conversation with BBC broadcaster Jonny Dymond, he explored the key challenges and opportunities facing today's domestic, European, and global economies. Peston answered questions on our most pressing issues today. Has Keir Starmer successfully seen off a Labour Party coup, and will his government finally be able to deliver growth? In the face of war in the Middle East, how exposed is Britain to renewed instability in energy markets and the wider global economy? And what should policymakers do now to restore confidence, encourage investment and navigate a more volatile international landscape? He also discussed The Kill Switch, the new novel in his bestselling crime thriller series, set at the intersection of media, money and political power. --- --- This recording is part of The Intelligence Squared Economic Outlook series of events made in partnership with Guinness Global Investors, an independent British fund manager that helps both individuals and institutions harness the future drivers of growth to achieve their investment goals. To find out more visit: https://www.guinnessgi.com/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The International Brigades and the Fight for Spain**In this episode of the Explaining History Podcast, we are joined by Tony Fox, organiser of the Northeast Volunteers for Liberty and the International Brigades Memorial Organisation, to discuss the newly published collection, *Remember Me to My Comrades: Letters from Spain to Britain*.**The book emerged from a remarkable collaboration with the families of volunteers from the North East of England – one of the industrial heartlands hit hardest by the Great Depression. Through letters, diaries, and previously unpublished documents from the Russian archives, it brings to life the voices of men who went to Spain to fight fascism.Tony explains how the International Brigades were formed in response to the Non-Intervention Treaty signed by Britain, France and other powers. While Nazi Germany and Fascist Italy poured troops and weapons into Franco's Nationalist forces, the Soviet Union organised volunteers through the Comintern. In Britain, the Communist Party – not the Labour Party, which supported non-intervention – recruited and vetted two-and-a-half thousand men.We discuss the diverse motivations of the volunteers: from committed communists who had already fought Oswald Mosley's fascists on the streets of Britain, to idealists who saw Spain as the front line of a wider war against fascism. We explore the unique political character of the International Brigades – an army of working-class activists who knew why they were fighting, and whose morale was sustained through political education, including an essay competition held in the middle of the war.Tony also shares the story of Sam Wild, the last and finest commander of the British Battalion, and the chaotic, heroic rear‑guard actions that defined the British experience – from the defence of Madrid to the bloody retreats across the Ebro.**Topics covered:**- The Non-Intervention Treaty and its consequences- The formation of the International Brigades- The role of the Communist Party in recruitment- The social and political character of the volunteers- The Battle of Jarama and the defence of Madrid- Sam Wild and the British Battalion- Letters from the Russian archives- The human cost of the Spanish Civil War---*Tony Fox's *Remember Me to My Comrades* is available from Barnfather Publishing and independent bookshops. Please consider buying from an independent retailer or directly from the publisher.**If you enjoy the podcast, please consider supporting us – we are migrating from Patreon to Substack. Details in the show notes.*Explaining History helps you understand the 20th Century through critical conversations and expert interviews. We connect the past to the present. If you enjoy the show, please subscribe and share.▸ Support the Show & Get Exclusive ContentBecome a Patron: patreon.com/explaininghistory▸ Join the Community & Continue the ConversationFacebook Group: facebook.com/groups/ExplainingHistoryPodcastSubstack: theexplaininghistorypodcast.substack.com▸ Read Articles & Go DeeperWebsite: explaininghistory.org Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Andy Burnham was officially named the leader of Britain's governing Labour Party on July 17, paving the way for him to become the United Kingdom's first prime minister to enter office publicly identifying as a Catholic. Joanna Bogle tells us more about him.
You’re listening to American Ground Radio with Stephen Parr and Louis R. Avallone. This is the full show for July 17, 2026. We open with the Trump administration's straightforward approach to election security funding — if your state wants federal Homeland Security dollars, it must demonstrate it is taking basic, credible steps to protect its elections. The requirement: devote 3% of the grant toward election security. That's it. We explain why this is not extreme, not unprecedented, and not controversial to anyone acting in good faith — highway funding comes with rules, education funding comes with requirements, and the foundation of our entire system of self-government deserves at least the same standard of accountability as a road project. We also walk through every argument the left makes against voter integrity measures and explain why each one is a red herring designed to obscure the only real reason to oppose them. We dig deep into President Trump's primetime address on election security — laying out the five points he made and the documents he says back them up. China hacked voter rolls and now possesses the name, address, Social Security number, and driver's license of roughly 220 million registered American voters. China ran an influence campaign in 2020 to prevent Trump's reelection and may have attempted to create fraudulent ballots. That intelligence was intentionally concealed from Trump by U.S. intelligence agencies between 2018 and 2020. Evidence of fraud in Michigan was covered up and not robustly investigated by the Biden FBI. And more than 250,000 non-citizens are registered to vote in the United States, documented in four cooperating states alone. We note what the speech did not do — it did not claim the 2020 election was stolen or produce proof of widespread cheating. It presented declassified evidence of vulnerabilities, foreign interference, and institutional failures, and put pressure on the Senate to pass the SAVE Act. The people calling it election denialism didn't listen to it. In our Top 3 Things You Need to Know, a federal appeals court ruled that the Pentagon can require reporters to be escorted through the building and register before gaining access — overturning a lower court ruling that had sided with the New York Times, and finding that the policy was applied evenly to all media. Then Maine Democrats held a debate to replace Graham Plattner — featuring eight candidates, the first four of whom all lost their primary races this year, and a final candidate whose listed qualifications were that he writes songs and books. And Britain has a new prime minister — Andy Burnham, former mayor of Greater Manchester, replacing Keir Starmer whose Labour Party's popularity has collapsed under the weight of rising crime, mass immigration, and a government crackdown on free speech. Burnham will be the seventh prime minister since 2016. We are not optimistic about his relationship with President Trump. Our American Mamas Teri Netterville and Kimberly Burleson take on the question of whether America has canceled grandma — and the answer is complicated. There's a legitimate version of the concern, where grandparents try to override parenting decisions while the parents are present, and a much more troubling version, where adult children cut off grandparents entirely for political or ideological reasons. Teri and Kimberly draw the distinction between a grandparent who steps in to discipline when a parent is right there versus a grandparent who is being pushed out because they're Trump supporters who like guns. One is a boundary conversation. The other is a tragedy. The Constitution's preamble says we are building this country for ourselves and our posterity — and cutting grandparents out of children's lives cuts the very thread of generational wisdom our republic depends on. We also cover what James Carville got right this week — that CNN should have aired President Trump's primetime address, even if they disagree with everything he says. Sunlight is the greatest disinfectant. Free speech works precisely because it trusts the American people to evaluate what they hear. The network that aired statements from the Chinese Communist Party without a fact-check decided it needed to fact-check the sitting president of the United States in real time. None of it holds together. We also take on the WNBA's treatment of Caitlin Clark — the greatest female basketball player in the history of the sport, who is being harassed by fellow players, subjected to demands that she denounce her own fans, and choked on the floor with no technical foul called. We offer the only explanation that fits all the evidence: it is racism, and it is the only category of racism the left refuses to acknowledge. Then it's Fake News Friday — including whether Trump wants to purge legitimate voters, whether a CNN poll found 125% of Americans disbelieve the election interference claims, whether Speaker Johnson has 1,500 unread texts, whether you can buy a piece of the MetLife Stadium World Cup field for $450, whether Mamdani watched the World Cup with Rikers Island inmates, whether Sacramento sanitation workers are photographing your trash, whether a man robbed a bank using a stolen kitten, and whether Pete Hegseth ordered soldiers with low testosterone transferred to the Navy. One of those is really fake news. For our Bright Spot, Senator Marsha Blackburn is reintroducing the Ban Birth Tourism Act — in direct response to the Supreme Court's birthright citizenship ruling — making the case that you should not be able to create a permanent legal anchor to the United States simply by giving birth on American soil without any commitment to this country whatsoever. And we close with 92-year-old Martin Gill of Wilmington, North Carolina — who retired from the oil fields, got bored, worked as a greeter at Sam's Club until that position was eliminated, and has now been the host at his local Chick-fil-A for six years. He says if you enjoy what you're doing, it's not work. He doesn't know what 92 is supposed to feel like — but he feels great. It's his pleasure. May your pursuit of happiness bring you joy. Listen now wherever you get your podcasts, visit AmericanGroundRadio.com, and join the conversation at 866-AGR-1776!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Andy Burnham has become the UK’s sixth prime minister in just 10 years. When it comes to energy and climate, Labour Party’s Burnham will inherit many of the same challenges of his predecessors: high energy prices, security of supply and an increasingly polarized debate over the UK’s ambitions to reach net zero. This week on Zero, Akshat Rathi sits down with Dale Vince, founder of Ecotricity and major donor to Labour, to ask can a new UK government make energy cheap? Zero is a production of Bloomberg Green. Our producer is Oscar Boyd. Special thanks to Summer Maxwell, Sommer Saadi, Alyssa McDonald and Laura Millan. Thoughts or suggestions? Email us at zeropod@bloomberg.net. For more coverage of climate change and solutions, visit https://www.bloomberg.com/green. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Andy Burnham, the former mayor of Greater Manchester and new leader of the Labour Party, took the final steps on Monday to succeed Keir Starmer and become the UK's seventh prime minister in a decade.The Department of War on Monday identified two U.S. soldiers who were killed in Iranian strikes in Jordan. First Lt. Tyler James Feehan, 25, and Pvt. Isabella Gonzales, 19, were killed during Friday's attack on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
Andy Burnham Just Another Man with No Plan? #Burnham #ReformUK #NigelFarage #JonGauntTV #Westminster #JonGaunt Same
The UK gets its seventh prime minister in the last decade. In a familiar ceremony, Keir Starmer, who was ousted by his own Labour Party tendered his resignation to King Charles at Buckingham Palace. The party's new leader, Andy Burnham, was then given an audience with the King who invited Burnham to form a new government. We learn about Burnham, whose political career has been shaped by England's North-South divide.See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for sponsorship and to manage your podcast sponsorship preferences.NPR Privacy Policy
In 2024, Keir Starmer became the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom after leading the Labour Party to one of the biggest election victories in modern British history. Just two years later, he has announced his resignation… and Britain is once again preparing for a new leader. Since the Brexit referendum in 2016, the UK has gone through an unusually high number of prime ministers. Each has promised to solve the country's problems, but then ended up leaving their role earlier than expected. In fact, this is now the third time I've made an episode asking the question, "Who Will Be the Next Prime Minister of the UK?" Episode 161 explored the race to replace Boris Johnson back in 2022, and Episode 302 looked at what might happen if the Conservatives lost power before the 2024 election. We're asking exactly the same question again in this episode, but this time, it's the Labour Party looking for a new leader. So, what happened? Why has Keir Starmer resigned after such a convincing election victory? Who is Andy Burnham, the politician many people expect to replace him? What kind of prime minister might he become? And why has British politics become so unstable over the past decade? Let's find out, and at the same time learn some new English vocabulary and practice your English listening comprehension. Conversation Club - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/patreon/conversation-clubs/ TRANSCRIPT - https://thinkinginenglish.blog/2026/07/20/397-who-will-be-the-next-prime-minister-of-the-uk-english-vocabulary-lesson/ AD Free Episode - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish Patreon - https://www.patreon.com/thinkinginenglish YouTube Channel - https://www.youtube.com/@thinkinginenglishpodcast INSTAGRAM - https://www.instagram.com/thinkinginenglishpodcast/) $10 Free Credits on iTalki (Affiliate Link) - https://www.italki.com/affshare?ref=af17506448 My Editing Software (50 % Discount Affiliate Link) - https://descript.cello.so/BgOK9XOfQdD Borough by Blue Dot Sessions Contact advertising@airwavemedia.com to advertise on Thinking in English. Thinking in English is part of the Airwave Media podcast network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In an address to the nation, President Trump accuses China of extensive interference in the 2020 elections and alleges that US intelligence covered up attempts by Beijing to damage him electorally. More than 800 wildfires are burning across Canada, with air quality alerts now extending south into multiple US states. We profile Andy Burnham who's about to become the new leader of the Labour Party and Britain's next Prime Minister. China has brought in new laws designed to stop people forming relationships with AI chatbots. The Scottish city of Glasgow is getting ready to host the Commonwealth Games. Christopher Nolan's latest blockbuster, The Odyssey, goes on release. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk Photo: US President Donald Trump delivers an address to the nation Credit: EPA/Shutterstock
Britain's governing Labour Party has officially declared Andy Burnham its new leader paving the way for him to replace Keir Starmer as prime minister. In his first speech as leader, he pledged to 'bring back hope'. China's President Xi Jinping has called for global cooperation on the development of artificial intelligence to mitigate the risks it poses. India has begun operating its first ever hydrogen-powered train; it's hoped the green technology will help modernise one of the world's biggest rail networks. The Japanese parliament has approved a bill to relax imperial succession rules, amid concerns over the dwindling size of the imperial family. But it does not change the law barring women from ascending to the throne. An angry crowd has reportedly attacked a hospital housing an Ebola treatment centre, in the Democratic Republic of Congo, forcing patients and health workers to flee. A UK study of a minimally-invasive treatment for prostate cancer has found it is as effective as surgery or radiotherapy - but with far fewer side-effects. For the first time, astronomers have detected an atmosphere around an Earth-like rocky planet that could have water on its surface. And the great niece of the acclaimed Mexican artist Frida Kahlo expresses concern that the growing hype and merchandise connected with her image, might detract from her art. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk Photo: Henry Nicholls/ Reuters Credit: Andy Burnham reacts as he speaks after being confirmed as the Labour Party's new leader and the country's next Prime Minister
Anatol Lieven analyzes the potential premiership of Mr. Burnham as he navigates pressures within the Labour Party. The discussion covers challenges like electoral reform, the rise of the Reform Party, and scandals. Burnham may avoid an immediate election to protect Labour's majority while opposition support fluctuates. (2)1900 BRUSSELS
SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 7-16-261948Anatol Lieven discusses the reinforcement of Ukraine following NATO meetings, highlighting German drone supplies and the symbolic value of US Patriot systems. While Baltic states fear imminent Russian provocations, Lieven argues Russia's army is currently too "bogged down" in Ukraine to risk a direct war with NATO. (1)Anatol Lieven analyzes the potential premiership of Mr. Burnham as he navigates pressures within the Labour Party. The discussion covers challenges like electoral reform, the rise of the Reform Party, and scandals. Burnham may avoid an immediate election to protect Labour's majority while opposition support fluctuates. (2)Caleb Weiss explains the complex counterterrorism landscape in the Horn of Africa, where al-Shabaab and ISISoperate. He details how the semi-autonomous Puntland region is rejecting Mogadishu's authority. US policy faces significant hurdles as funding for African Union missions reaches a critical crossroads. (3)Caleb Weiss reports on the failure of the 2022–2023 clan militia offensive, which allowed al-Shabaab to recapture lost territory. President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud faces a legitimacy crisis and constitutional conflict. Meanwhile, the UAEand Turkey conduct non-transparent drone strikes against various extremist targets in the north. (4)Simon Constable reports on extreme European temperatures and their impact on energy, noting major spikes in EU natural gas prices. He tracks shifting costs for wheat, corn, and copper. Additionally, he notes how Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian fertilizer plants could further disrupt global agriculture. (5)Simon Constable presents a quiz on longevity, revealing that the average US life expectancy has reached 79 years. Hawaii boasts the highest expectancy, while West Virginia remains the lowest. Globally, Monaco, San Marino, and Hong Kong lead in longevity according to United Nations data. (6)Doug Messier and Rick Fisher discuss China's planned 2027 circumlunar mission as a precursor to a lunar landing before 2030. This "Moon Race 2.0" challenges American prestige. While NASA aims for the South Pole by 2028, China and Russia plan an international research station to extract lunar resources. (7)Doug Messier and Rick Fisher explore the lack of cooperation between the US and China, viewing the solar system as a ground for ideological competition. Establishing permanent lunar bases requires major engineering feats, including nuclear power plants and rovers. China views the moon as a stepping stone for Mars. (8)Alan Mikhail discusses his book Newcomers, focusing on Anthony Jansen, known as "the Turk." Mikhail uses historical records to debunk the 150-year-old hypothesis that Anthony was the son of a Dutch pirate who converted to Islam, instead tracing his origins back to 17th-century Spain. (9)Alan Mikhail details the background of Anthony's wife, Grietje, a German migrant who worked as a barmaid or sex worker in Amsterdam. He explains the "soul seller" system used by maritime companies to recruit laborers. The couple married in 1629 and eventually sailed for New Amsterdam. (10)Alan Mikhail describes how the couple settled in Manhattan as ambitious farmers but faced friction with neighbors who used "the Turk" as a xenophobic insult. Their contentious behavior led to their banishment to Gravesend, Long Island. Mikhail highlights the clash between Dutch property rights and indigenous use-rights. (11)Alan Mikhail describes the "half-freedom" status given to some enslaved Africans, a system that cruelly ensured generational slavery. He also details the brutal violence of "Kieft's War" against Native Americans. Despite these conflicts and their exile, Anthony and Grietje prospered on their Long Island farm. (12)Veronique de Rugy warns that Social Security faces a 2032 deadline when trust fund assets will be depleted. Without reform, benefits could be cut by 22%. She advocates for means-testing to preserve benefits for those who truly need them, criticizing the current political silence on the issue. (13)Mary Anastasia O'Grady marks the fifth anniversary of Cuba's July 11 protests, noting the regime's ongoing brutal repression and imprisonment of political dissidents. She criticizes the United Nations for supporting the Cuban regime's narrative against US sanctions while ignoring the human rights atrocities on the island. (14)Thomas Savidge explains how the 2020–2021 pandemic strained state unemployment insurance systems. While 31 states were solvent before the crisis, many struggled with improper payments and fraud due to relaxed federal eligibility requirements. Some states fared better by taking the initiative to end bonus programs early. (15)Thomas Savidge proposes "Universal Savings Accounts" (USA) to replace complex government-managed savings vehicles. These accounts would grant individuals full ownership of their funds for unemployment or retirement. This reform aims to reduce fraud and address the long-term fiscal instability associated with the national "debt bomb." (16)Tail numbers (1)–(16), all standing corrections applied.48
Iranian drones have struck a growing list of targets in Kuwait.Also on the programme, Britain's ruling Labour Party elects Andy Burnham as its leader. What do we know about the man who become Prime Minister on Monday? We mark the death of the legendary cricketer Sir Garfield Sobers and we also meet Krazy George, the man credited with inventing the Mexican wave.(Picture: Smoke rises following a strike at an unknown location in Iran. Credit: US Military / Reuters)
Former Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham has officially become the new leader of the British Labour Party. He is expected to take over as the UK's prime minister on Monday, when Sir Keir Starmer will step down after spending two years in the role. We hear from a Labour MP, who's supportive of Burnham, about what the new leader's foreign policies might be.Also in the programme: China hits back at US President Donald Trump as he accuses the country of interfering in the 2020 presidential election; and a new Japanese law upholds the country's ban on female monarchs. (Photo: Andy Burnham speaks after being confirmed as the Labour Party's new leader and the UK's next Prime Minister, 17th July 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Henry Nicholls)
The new Labour leader, Andy Burnham, says he's finalising his decisions about who will be in his Cabinet, and will announce the details on Monday when he becomes Prime Minister. Also: The mother of Henry Nowak's killer is sentenced to three years in prison for assisting an offender. And Sir Garry Sobers, the first man to hit six sixes in first class cricket, has died aged 89.
Will Bain looks ahead as the Labour Party meets for its leadership special conference. Andy Burnham is expected to be confirmed as the Labour Party's new leader - we'll take a look at what his team could look like.The Government plans to ban the sale of energy drinks to under-16s next year - what could this mean for retailers?And a big day for the cinema, as Christopher Nolan's summer blockbuster the Odyssey is released today. We'll look at what these flagship films mean for the entertainment industry.
BURNHAM SPEECH: PASS ME THE SICK BUCKET! #JonGaunt #JonGauntTV #AndyBurnham #LabourParty #GeneralElection #UKPolitics #NigelFarage Is Andy Burnham the only rat attempting to jump back on a sinking ship? The stench of hypocrisy at the TUC today was overwhelming. Burnham's back, and frankly, my vacuum cleaner has more charisma. At least the vacuum actually picks up the dirt instead of just talking about it! The speech was all sizzle and no sausage. No detail, and—no surprise—he refused to take questions from the press again. Cowardice. He's got no mandate to lead this country. If he's so sure of these "big ideas," he should test them in a General Election now. Instead, he's standing there thanking Blunket, Beckett, and bloody Neil Kinnock. If those are your mentors, God help us all! I'm sure "Burnham the Showman" struck absolute fear into the heart of Nigel Farage... NOT! I give him until Christmas before he's replaced by a lettuce. Labour are finished. Give us a General Election NOW! Jon Gaunt, JonGauntTV, Andy Burnham, TUC speech reaction, Labour Party, Nigel Farage, General Election, UK Politics, Political Commentary, Burnham vs Starmer, Burnham lettuce, Showman Burnham, British Politics news #JonGaunt #JonGauntTV #AndyBurnham #LabourParty #GeneralElection #UKPolitics #TUC #PoliticalReaction #NigelFarage #Burnham This is political blogging and hard-hitting social commentary from Triple Sony Gold Award-winning talk radio legend, Jon Gaunt — former host on BBC, Talk Radio, and Sky News. On Jon Gaunt TV, we cut through the noise and say what others won't. No political correctness. No censorship. Just real conversations that matter.
Andy Burnham gives his first speech as leader of the Labour Party ahead of moving into Number 10 on Monday. Is Farage already on the run? Plus: The US is ramping up its attacks on Iran's infrastructure. A risky strategy ahead of the midterms? Finally, Infantino unveils a new Superbowl-style FIFA World Cup winners ring. Is there anything he won't hawk? With Aaron Bastani & Paul Holden.
Our London correspondent, Sean Whelan, has the latest.
Labour Party leader, Ivana Bacik, on calls for Government to protect Bessborough site. Patricia Carey, Special Advocate for Survivors of Institutional Abuse was born in Bessborough, and gaves her reaction to planning being granted at the site to RTÉ reporter, Barry Gallagher.
Moment of Clarity - Backstage of Redacted Tonight with Lee Camp
In this episode of Dangerous Ideas, Lee Camp dissects the resignation of UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, framing it as further proof that the Labour Party and the Tories are "two parties with no difference" on the most critical issues, from continuing the proxy war in Ukraine to implementing austerity for the poor. The episode then pivots to a sharp critique of mainstream American comedy, using an analysis from Chris Hedges to argue that the "elitist satire" of late-night shows and corporate comedians serves as a "pressure release valve" that ultimately props up the empire. All that and more!My livestreams are on Mon and Fri at 3pm ET/Noon PT and Wednesday at 8pm ET/5pm PT. I am one of the most censored comedians in America. Thanks for the support!
Ralph speaks to economist Dean Baker about the hypocrisies behind the supposed Social Security shortfall and Republicans' "waste, fraud, and abuse" panic. Then, Ralph talks to journalist and ocean activist David Helvarg about his new book: Forest of the Sea: The Remarkable Life and Imperiled Future of Kelp.Dean Baker is a Senior Economist at the Center for Economic and Policy Research, where he authors “Beat the Press,” his regular commentary on economic reporting. He has written several books, including Getting Back to Full Employment: A Better Bargain for Working People, The End of Loser Liberalism: Making Markets Progressive, False Profits: Recovering from the Bubble Economy, and The Conservative Nanny State: How the Wealthy Use the Government to Stay Rich and Get Richer.People will hear big numbers. They'll hear “$300 billion” and they'll go “Oh my God, that's a lot of money. That's money out of my pocket. It's causing the government deficit,” whatever. That's because they haven't given it any context…If we could, in any conceivable world, afford to pay $500 billion to increase the military budget, surely we can afford to pay $300 billion to ensure that everyone gets their Social Security benefits. It's just a case of: put it in context. I'm not going to say it's a small number. It isn't. But it's smaller— $300 billion is smaller than $500 billion, and that's really not a disputable point.Dean BakerWhere [DOGE] had the biggest consequences is with foreign aid. [Musk] just got a big kick out of that— USAID, he just shut it down. He boasted about that. He goes, “Last weekend I fed USAID into the wood chipper.” That's almost verbatim what he said. Now, what this meant was that you have people— and you could find waste in that program just like any other program, but this is a program that provided millions of people with medicine, with nutrition, with healthcare. And suddenly they couldn't get it…And Elon Musk was boasting that he killed that program. That's great. But millions of people, I mean, thankfully, I don't think it's millions yet, but if that program doesn't get restarted or funded somewhere else, you're going to see millions of people lose their lives.Dean BakerSo we're saying we have people on Medicaid that are committing fraud? No one gets a check from Medicaid. What would that even mean? Like, you signed up for Medicaid and you weren't eligible, so that would mean that they might be making a payment to a doctor or hospital that they don't actually have to make because you didn't qualify? I'm sure that happens sometimes but it's not like someone's living high on the hog because they were able to get Medicaid to pay for their doctor's visit when it actually shouldn't have.Dean BakerDavid Helvarg is a journalist and ocean activist. He is the founder and executive director of Blue Frontier, an ocean policy and media group, and producer of Rising Tide: The Ocean Podcast. He has produced more than 40 documentaries for media outlets, including PBS and the Discovery Channel. And he has written several books, including Blue Frontier, The War Against the Greens, and Forest of the Sea: The Remarkable Life and Imperiled Future of Kelp.I've been pushing with my colleagues in journalism the idea of the “blue beat.” The only resource in the ocean not fully exploited at this point is good investigative reporting and narrative storytelling. Because people don't connect with it, a lot of people think the environment ends at the shoreline. And that's really where 95% of the living space on the planet begins.David HelvargPeople at least know that corals are in trouble and they have some sense of what a coral reef is. People don't know that the planet has this other forest crisis—that kelp forests cover an area larger than the Amazon basin, and they're also being impacted by these marine heat waves that are growing every year. And as you add more heat to the system, it gets more energetic, which is why we have more and more extreme storms. I covered Katrina in 2005. I thought that would be a turning point (we had 1,800 people killed and a million environmental refugees). But the propaganda by the oil and gas industry is such that we keep having these disasters from a warming ocean planet, we see the melting of the Arctic ice, and instead of an alarm bell, it became a dinner bell for all the shipping industries and people who want to exploit the oil and gas in the increasingly open Arctic waters. So we're in this crisis point. I'm more frustrated than despairing because we know what the solutions are. It's creating the political will to enact them.David HelvargWhen I started Blue Frontier 20 years ago, the main threats were overfishing and pollution—oil, chemical, plastic, nutrient pollution. Today, that's being overwhelmed by these marine heat waves.David HelvargNews 6/26/26* Our top story this week comes to us from New York City, where democratic socialist mayor Zohran Mamdani has pulled off a stunning hat trick, with all three candidates for Congress endorsed by the Mayor winning their primaries on Tuesday. The most surprising victory is that of Darializa Avila Chevalier, who ousted the powerful incumbent Congressman Adriano Espaillat, head of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, in New York's 13th congressional district. This primary had turned ugly, with Espaillat's campaign seeking to weaponize anti-Haitian racism in the Dominican community against Avila Chevalier, per the Haitian Times, despite the fact that she is not in fact Haitian. Impressive in another way is the victory of UAW organizer and New York State Assemblywoman Claire Valdez in New York's 7th district. Much has been made of this race being a proxy battle between Mamdani and his onetime supporter, retiring Congresswoman Nydia Velazquez, who backed her protégé, Brooklyn Borough President Antonio Reynoso to succeed her in this seat. Reynoso enjoyed the support of a broad range of New York elected officials – including Velazquez along with New York Attorney General Letitia James, Congressman Jerrold Nadler, Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, and a broad range of unions and civil society groups, most notably the Working Families Party – but was absolutely trounced by Valdez, who won by over 20 points with the support of Mamdani and NYC-DSA. Meanwhile, in the 10th district, Brad Lander won by an even greater margin, outrunning incumbent Congressman Dan Goldman by over 30 points while running on a pro-Palestine platform in the most Jewish congressional district in America. These victories send a clear signal to the sclerotic, ossified leadership of the Democratic Party. The only question now is will they listen.* Beyond the congressional races, DSA won a remarkable number of races at the state level. According to Democratic Left, DSA will send as many as seven new legislators to Albany this cycle, for a total of “four state senators and 11 or 12 members of the state assembly.” As the magazine notes, this means that the “2027-2028 socialist bloc in Albany will be the second largest in a state legislature in U.S. history…behind 20 members in Wisconsin in 1919 and ahead of 14 members in Wisconsin in 1911.” Within New York City, DSA endorsed candidates won seven out of eight races for seats in the state legislature, per NYC-DSA. All told, it was a thunderous victory for the left in New York and raises the clout of Zohran and his compatriots to dizzying heights.* Meanwhile, in Washington DC, NOTUS reports the local DSA has exploded in membership, adding nearly 1,000 new members since this time last year. This growing bloc flexed its political muscle in the recent Democratic primaries, electing DSA members Janeese Lewis George for Mayor and Aparna Raj for the Ward 1 seat on the DC Council, as well as Oye Owolewa for an at-large seat. Axios notes that they are already eying, “two more openings — to fill Lewis George's Ward 4 seat and the at-large seat of Congress-bound Robert White.” If these votes go in DSA's favor, Lewis George could assume the mayoralty with a progressive majority of seven out of 13 members on the Council. Since her victory last Tuesday, Lewis George has emphasized her plan to lower utility costs through “expanding government solar,” and “balcony solar” for apartment tenants, optimizing efficiency at local government agencies and maximizing federal housing grants.* In Maryland, the results for DSA and progressives more generally were not quite so decisive but the left notched key victories nonetheless. DSA endorsed candidate McKayla Wilkes won her primary for the Charles County Commission and incumbent State Delegate Gabriel Acevero won reelection to his seat. Senators Dalya Attar and Nancy King, both centrist incumbents, lost to progressive challengers, per Maryland Matters. Will Jawando in Montgomery County won the County Executive position with broad support from the Maryland political establishment and progressives, while Maryland Senate Majority Leader Bill Ferguson fended off his first real challenge in years only after a last minute pledge to reverse his position on Maryland congressional redistricting. However, in the 5th congressional district, Steny Hoyer protégé and “AIPAC-backed” Adrian Boafo won the primary to succeed his mentor in Congress. According to the Jerusalem Post, “AIPAC poured $5.7 million into his campaign through its super PAC.” Former Capitol Police Officer Harry Dunn came in a distant third place, despite scoring the endorsement of Nancy Pelosi. In short, the left has more work to do in order to build a political machine in Maryland as they have in New York and DC.* The next major contest between the factions of the party will occur next week in Colorado, where Melat Kiros, a DSA-backed progressive challenger born in 1997, is taking on Congresswoman Diana DeGette, who first took office that same year, per Zeteo. According to a poll conducted on behalf of the Kiros-aligned Justice Democrats, she leads DeGette by five points and she has now won the endorsement of Senator Bernie Sanders. Senator and former Governor John Hickenlooper is also facing a progressive primary challenge from State Senator Julie Gonzales and, according to the polls, he holds but a single digit lead, the Coloradan reports. We will be watching both of these races closely.* Meanwhile in Congress, the Senate has passed a new resolution on Iran, this time directing Trump to “remove U.S. armed forces from hostilities against Iran unless explicitly authorized by Congress, other than to defend America, an ally or partner from ‘imminent attack,'” according to the Wall Street Journal. The Journal notes that while the resolution is nonbinding, it was previously passed by the House, marking “the first time both chambers of Congress have passed the same measure to curb” presidential power to wage war on the Islamic Republic. The resolution passed 50-48, with the support of Republican Senators Bill Cassidy, Susan Collins, Lisa Murkowski and Rand Paul. Senators Mitch McConnell and Dave McCormick were absent, and Senator John Fetterman again broke ranks with the Democrats to vote no.* Turning from the Senate floor to the shop floor, the United Auto Workers (UAW) concluded their 39th Constitutional Convention last week, with a momentous vote to divest the union's investments from Israel bonds. UAW's divestment decision is the latest victory in the campaign to disentangle the finances of American organized labor from the state of Israel, following the United Electrical Workers (UE) in 2015 and the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) in 2023. UAW members also heard from Abdul El-Sayed, the candidate the union has endorsed in the Michigan Senate race. This contentious campaign will not be over until August, but El-Sayed, occupying the progressive lane, has moved into the lead and appears to be consolidating his lead, winning the endorsement of Maryland Senator Chris Van Hollen just this week, per the Traverse City Record-Eagle. Van Hollen himself has recently begun hinting that he may seek higher office, recently telling NOTUS that he is “kicking the tires” on a 2028 presidential bid.* Turning to foreign affairs, this week saw the fall of British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Starmer, a centrist who was elected Labour Party leader in 2020 following the ouster of leftist Jeremy Corbyn, has held the post of Prime Minister since 2024 when Labour won an historic landslide. Since then however, his personal approval rating and that of the party has cratered, creating space for the rise of the far-right Reform UK party. The BBC reports Starmer will remain in his post until a new leader is chosen from within the party, with the presumptive successor being MP Andy Burnham who recently beat back a challenge in his own seat by a Reform candidate by a large margin. Starmer is now set to be the shortest serving Labour PM in British history, while Burnham is set to become the UK's seventh Prime Minister in the last ten years, both indications of the precariousness of the post-Brexit British political order.* Our final two stories come to us from Latin America. First, in Bolivia, the country's union confederation has maintained a general strike against the right-wing government of Rodrigo Paz for nearly two months over his administration's initiatives to privatize government services and rescind the land reform program instituted over the last several decades of rule by the Movimiento al Socialismo (MAS). On June 19th, journalist Ollie Vargas reported that the government had blinked and signed an agreement to withdraw these plans in exchange for the unions ending the general strike. However, Vargas notes that “most affiliated unions state that they want to maintain strike until [the Paz government] resigns.”* Finally, in Colombia, the right-wing candidate Abelardo de la Espriella emerged victorious from Sunday's runoff presidential election, defeating leftist Ivan Cepeda, the handpicked successor of sitting President Gustavo Petro, by less than one percentage point. In the immediate wake of the election, President Petro “alleged that Israel interfered” in the election, citing “irregularities in the country's vote counting process and calling for a full audit and recount,” per Drop Site News. However, by Wednesday, Cepeda himself formally conceded, framing his decision to do so as “an act of democratic responsibility, to contribute to harmony, peace and dialogue among Colombians,” Al Jazeera reports. As one of his first acts, Abelardo de la Espriella has committed to reestablishing diplomatic relations with Israel, which had been severed under President Petro.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
European Heatwave, Commodity Prices, and UK Political Shifts. Guest: Simon Constable. A "Godzilla El Niño" has triggered record-breaking heatwaves across Europe, impacting energy demand and agriculture. Amid falling Brent crude prices, attention shifts to UK politics, where the potential rise of Andy Burnham within the Labour Party signals a move toward higher taxes and increased government spending. 7
SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOCR SHOW, 6-24-2026MEXICO CITYThe Imprisonment of Jimmy Lai and the Future of Hong Kong. Guest: Mark Clifford and Gordon Chang. Jimmy Lai has spent over 2,000 days in prison, becoming a symbol of resistance against the Chinese Communist Party. His fate mirrors that of Hong Kong, which is transforming into a national security state where surveillance and espionage extend to international cities like London. 1US Navy Control and the Opening of the Strait of Hormuz. Guest: Rebecca Grant and Gordon Chang. Despite Iranian claims of closure, the US Navy maintains tactical control over the Strait of Hormuz, ensuring sea lanes remain open for international shipping. Advanced mine-clearing technology and persistent patrols have neutralized threats, though economic signals like the Jones Act waiver remain points of discussion. 2Canadian Public Opinion on the Chinese Threat and US Trade. Guest: Charles Burton and Gordon Chang. A majority of Canadians perceive China as a threat following revelations of election interference and malign influence operations. Meanwhile, concerns grow regarding the reliability of the United States as a partner under the Trumpadministration and the potential abrogation of the USMCA trade agreement. 3Strengthening Defense Ties Between the Philippines and Canada. Guest: Charles Burton and Gordon Chang.Canada is deepening security cooperation with the Philippines to counter Chinese expansionism in the South China Sea. This partnership includes logistical agreements and military training, even as Canada faces challenges protecting its own Arctic sovereignty against increasing Russian and Chinese strategic reach in the North. 4Ukrainian Drone Attacks Cripple Russian Oil Infrastructure. Guest: Michael Bernstam. Cheap Ukrainian drones have successfully targeted Russian refineries and fuel transport, causing significant shortages of gasoline, diesel, and aviation fuel. This technological warfare has forced Russia to ban exports and implement rationing, as traditional air defense systems struggle to counter swarms of small, maneuverable drones. 5Declining Russian Oil Production and the Shadow Fleet. Guest: Michael Bernstam. Russian oil production is falling due to aging fields and a lack of investment, failing to meet OPEC quotas. While Russia utilizes a "shadow fleet" to bypass sanctions, it must offer steep discounts to India and China as Brent crude prices decline and fiscal pressures mount. 6European Heatwave, Commodity Prices, and UK Political Shifts. Guest: Simon Constable. A "Godzilla El Niño" has triggered record-breaking heatwaves across Europe, impacting energy demand and agriculture. Amid falling Brent crude prices, attention shifts to UK politics, where the potential rise of Andy Burnham within the Labour Party signals a move toward higher taxes and increased government spending. 7The Infrastructure and Economic Impact of Data Centers. Guest: Simon Constable. Data centers have become essential infrastructure for AI development, consuming vast amounts of water and electricity. While they provide significant tax revenue for localities, particularly in states like Virginia and Texas, their construction often faces local opposition due to their immense resource requirements and costs. 8Colombia's Presidential Shift Toward Security and Law and Order. Guest: Evan Ellis. Abelardo de la Espriellaappears to have won the Colombian presidency, promising a crackdown on insecurity and organized crime modeled after El Salvador's policies. His victory signals a likely return to strong security cooperation with the United States and a departure from the policies of Gustavo Petro. 9Keiko Fujimori and the Return of the Fujimori Dynasty. Guest: Evan Ellis. Keiko Fujimori has likely secured the Peruvian presidency, narrowly defeating her socialist opponent through overseas votes. Her administration faces a deeply divided nation, widespread illegal mining, and cocaine production, but may benefit from a new bicameral Congress intended to provide greater political stability than previous years. 10Political Instability in Bolivia and Regional Alliances. Guest: Evan Ellis. President Rodrigo Paz has survived a 50-day crisis in Bolivia after declaring a state of emergency to clear blockades led by Evo Morales. While regional allies have supported Paz, Brazil's absence from this coalition highlights President Lula's role as a principal counterweight to US influence. 11Mexico's Economic Growth and USMCA Renegotiation Tensions. Guest: Evan Ellis. The Mexican economy saw its sharpest expansion in five years, yet the upcoming USMCA renegotiation creates significant uncertainty. While Mexicoattempts to appease the US through high-level investigations into cartel-linked officials, the Sheinbaum government remains hesitant to fully confront powerful political figures within its own party. 12Pope Leo XIV's Warning on Artificial Intelligence. Guest: Peter Berkowitz. In a 43,000-word encyclical, Pope Leo XIV warns that artificial intelligence risks dehumanizing society and excluding God from the human experience. While acknowledging technological benefits, the Pope emphasizes the danger of treating humans as mere means and the erosion of authentic human relationships in favor of machines. 13AI in Education and the Necessity of Liberal Learning. Guest: Peter Berkowitz. The rise of AI in academia tempts students to bypass the essential struggle of thinking, leading to intellectual atrophy. Educators argue that liberal education is now more vital than ever to help students cultivate a flourishing mind and recognize the limitations of technological shortcuts. 14Private Innovation and Infrastructure Challenges in Space. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. SpaceX successfully defeated legal challenges in Texas while NASA's aging infrastructure faces funding gaps and restrictive laws. Meanwhile, private startups like Catalyst are attempting robotic satellite rescues, signaling a shift toward a capitalist model in space operations as government agencies struggle with delays and inefficiencies. 15New Discoveries in Planetary Science and Cosmology. Guest: Bob Zimmerman. The Lucy probe's flyby of asteroid Donaldjohanson revealed a "tumbling peanut" shape, providing insights into its 155-million-year history. Additionally, observations of asymmetric radio galaxies highlight galactic movement through the intergalactic medium, while debates continue among cosmologists regarding the existence and properties of dark energy. 16One correction folded in: Labour Party (UK spelling) in file 7. I also expanded the file 9 headline's "Law Order" to "Law and Order" — flag if you wanted it left verbatim.
The Turmoil of British Leadership and the Labour Party. Guest: Joseph Sternberg. This segment explores the potential replacement of Keir Starmer with Andy Burnham as UK Prime Minister. Sternberg argues that Labour's struggles go beyond charisma, involving a lack of clear economic direction and the failure to address core voter concerns like the broken NHS and illegal immigration. 8
British Political Fragmentation and the Immigration Crisis. Guest: Gregory Copley. Britain has seen seven prime ministers in ten years due to political fragmentation over illegal immigration and European relations. Copley suggests that the Labour Party is failing to represent the British working class, which favors traditional values and stricter border controls, leading to a rise in alternative parties. 11
SCHEDULE JBS, 6-23-2026.1936Alan Greenspan's Legacy and the New Fed Chair. Guest: Elizabeth Peek. This segment reflects on the passing of Alan Greenspan and the transition to Kevin Warsh as Federal Reserve Chair. Peek highlights Warsh's goal to reform data collection and move away from forecasting, favoring real-time data over the traditional, often confusing, communication styles of his predecessors like Greenspan. 1The Resilient US Consumer and AI Infrastructure. Guest: Elizabeth Peek. Despite concerns over tariffs and wars, consumer spending remains robust, fueled by record stock market levels and rising low-end wages. Peek argues against AI alarmism, noting that massive investments in AI infrastructure are creating a surge in blue-collar job demand for skilled trades like welding and construction. 2Critiquing the Memo of Understanding with Iran. Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. Schanzer describes the newly established Memo of Understanding as a "dog's breakfast" that grants the Iranian regime significant sanctions relief and upfront cash. He argues the agreement appears to be an American defeat, particularly regarding the shaky nuclear inspection protocols and the uncertain status of the Strait of Hormuz. 3Hezbollah's Role and the Fog of Middle East Diplomacy. Guest: Jonathan Schanzer. The discussion focuses on Hezbollah as a "wholly owned subsidiary" of Iran, with the IRGC directing its activities in Lebanon. Schanzer criticizes the administration for expecting Israel to adhere to a ceasefire while Iran continues to provoke attacks, labeling the current diplomatic strategy as improvised and potentially harmful. 4Secretary Rubio's Reassurance Mission to Gulf Allies. Guest: Mary Kissel. Secretary of State Marco Rubio travels to the Gulf to reassure the UAE, Kuwait, and Bahrain of U.S. security commitments following Iranian attacks. Kissel criticizes the administration for granting Iran sanctions relief and 60-day exemptions, arguing that the diplomatic effort prioritizes "hope over experience" regarding Iranian nuclear ambitions. 5The Impact of Foreign Policy on Domestic Midterms. Guest: Mary Kissel. Kissel examines whether foreign policy influences American voters, noting it is rare compared to "pocketbook" issues like inflation and interest rates. She warns that adversarial regimes like Iran and China are sophisticated observers of the U.S. electoral calendar and may attempt to influence domestic politics. 6Kevin Warsh's Reformist Vision for the Federal Reserve. Guest: Joseph Sternberg. Sternberg analyzes Kevin Warsh's first FOMC meeting, noting a shift toward shorter policy statements and the removal of the "dot plot" forecasting tool. Warsh is initiating five task forces to reform the Fed's intellectual framework, specifically targeting productivity, data quality, and balance sheet management. 7The Turmoil of British Leadership and the Labour Party. Guest: Joseph Sternberg. This segment explores the potential replacement of Keir Starmer with Andy Burnham as UK Prime Minister. Sternberg argues that Labour's struggles go beyond charisma, involving a lack of clear economic direction and the failure to address core voter concerns like the broken NHS and illegal immigration. 8The Geopolitical Chessboard of the Strait of Hormuz. Guest: Gregory Copley. Copley discusses the power struggles within Iran and the strategic card of the Strait of Hormuz. He notes that while the strait is "more or less open," the situation remains in flux, with regional players like Turkey seeking to thwart Iranian ambitions in the Mediterranean. 9Xi Jinping's Strategic Outreach to North Korea. Guest: Gregory Copley. Xi Jinping's visit to Pyongyang is seen as a move to reassert Chinese influence over North Korea as Kim Jong-un shifts away from communist identity. Kim is positioning himself as an equal to Xi while strengthening his ties with Russia, creating a complex ideological shift in the region. 10British Political Fragmentation and the Immigration Crisis. Guest: Gregory Copley. Britain has seen seven prime ministers in ten years due to political fragmentation over illegal immigration and European relations. Copley suggests that the Labour Party is failing to represent the British working class, which favors traditional values and stricter border controls, leading to a rise in alternative parties. 11The Crown as a Symbol of British Identity. Guest: Gregory Copley. Amidst political instability, King Charles III is viewed as a dynamic symbol of national dignity and continuity. The segment discusses the King's role in stabilizing the United Kingdom following Prime Minister Starmer's resignation and managing sensitive royal family matters to preserve the image of the monarchy. 12Recovering the Original Understanding of Unalienable Rights. Guest: Peter Berkowitz. Berkowitz reflects on the 2019 Commission on Unalienable Rights, which sought to ground human rights in the American founding tradition. The commission aimed to counter the "proliferating industry" of rights that often serves partisan progressive ends, emphasizing the Universal Declaration of Human Rights' original austere framework. 13Unalienable Rights and the Challenge of Foreign Policy. Guest: Peter Berkowitz. This segment discusses applying founding principles to modern diplomacy, specifically condemning the Chinese Communist Party's crimes against the Uyghurs. Berkowitz argues that despite economic entanglements, the United States must maintain its dedication to universal principles and use its diplomatic toolbox to address massive human rights violations. 14The Strategic Failure of the Iran Memo of Understanding. Guest: Thaddeus McCotter. McCotter analyzes the Memo of Understanding, highlighting unresolved issues like the Strait of Hormuz and the $80 billion war funding request. He argues the administration is trying to make kinetic action palatable to voters while failing to secure meaningful concessions on Iran's nuclear program or its sponsorship of terrorism. 15The Republican Fissures and Potential Third-Party Movements. Guest: Thaddeus McCotter. The discussion centers on Tucker Carlson's potential departure from the Republican Party over foreign policy disagreements. McCotter suggests this reflects deeper fault lines within the MAGA base, where isolationist tendencies and dissatisfaction with the administration's relationship with allies like Israel could lead to future political discord. 16
It's been 10 years since the UK voted to leave the European Union — a decision with major political implications that most of the country regrets. Since then, neither the Labour Party nor the Conservative Party have been able to keep a leader in power. Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigned his post – becoming the sixth prime minister to quit in the last ten years. For comparison's sake, the UK had just two prime ministers between 1990 and 2007. So what's going on in the UK — and who's up next for prime minister? To find out, we spoke to Nish Kumar, co-host of Crooked Media's Pod Save the UK.And in headlines, the US and Iran make conflicting claims over whether or not Iran is welcoming U.N. inspections of its nuclear sites, the Pentagon asks the Senate for roughly $80 billion to help pay for the Iran war, and no one wants to name their babies Donald. I wonder why!Show Notes: Check out Pod Save The UK – www.youtube.com/@PodSavetheUK Call Congress – 202-224-3121 Subscribe to the What A Day Newsletter – https://tinyurl.com/y4y2e9jy What A Day – YouTube – https://www.youtube.com/@whatadaypodcast Follow us on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/crookedmedia/ For a transcript of this episode, please visit crooked.com/whataday
Hey BillOReilly.com Premium and Concierge Members, welcome to the No Spin News for Monday, June 22, 2026. Stand Up for Your Country. Talking Points Memo: Bill clears up the mass confusion about what's really happening in Iran. Nazee Moinian, Ph.D., Associate Fellow at the Middle East Institute, discusses how close Iran was to producing a nuclear bomb and the chances of reaching a deal. Why is British Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigning as leader of the ruling Labour Party? How the European Parliament reacted after lawmakers approved a sweeping overhaul of the EU's migrant return system. What Lara Trump had to say about the Obama Presidential Library and the big donors behind it. Final Thought: Bill's July 4th weekend book recommendations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The man poised to become Britain's seventh prime minister in a decade has been sworn in as a member of parliament, hours after Keir Starmer announced his resignation. Andy Burnham - the former mayor of Manchester - won an emphatic by-election victory last week and has confirmed he'll now stand for the leadership of the governing Labour Party. But who is Andy Burnham? And what is his vision for the UK? Also in this podcast: After the first round of peace talks with the US in Switzerland, Iran insists the administration of the Strait of Hormuz will never return to the way it was before the war. Families in South Sudan face starvation and malnutrition amid a severe food shortage. We look back on the life of the man who helped guide some of the most legendary careers in showbusiness - including Bruce Springsteen and Whitney Houston. Scientists discover a new ingenious species of spider in the Australian rainforest. And Lionel Messi becomes the all-time leading goal scorer at the World Cup. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk Photo: Andy Burnham being sworn in as an MP in London, after winning the Makerfield by-election Credit: House of Commons/PA Wire
Simon Constable discusses the upcoming by-election in Makerfield, where Greater Manchester Mayor Andy Burnham challenges Prime Minister Keir Starmer's leadership. The segment explores internal Labour Party power struggles and the physical process of UK voting, highlighting Starmer's refusal to step down despite mounting pressure from prospective rivals. (2)
SCHEDULE OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-16-2026.1881. LYSANDER DESTROYS THE WALLS OF ATHENS.Liz Peek discusses Elon Musk's potential trillionaire status, highlighting his massive contributions through SpaceX and Tesla. She defends his wealth creation as a product of capitalist grit and innovation, contrasting it with socialist critiques. Peek emphasizes how Musk's projects, including orbital data centers, advance technology for global society. (1)Liz Peek analyzes Kevin Warsh's appointment to the Federal Reserve and his optimistic view of AI-driven productivity. She predicts the Fed will hold interest rates steady despite inflation, noting that falling oil prices from a potential Irandeal could ease economic pressures. Peek also highlights a strong consumer market. (2)Professor John Yoo critiques the "Thucydides Trap" analogy used by Xi Jinping to describe US-China tensions. He argues China resembles militaristic Sparta, while the US represents the democratic, commercial Athens. Yoo warns that China's declining population and stolen technology make it a declining power compared to the booming US. (3)Professor John Yoo applies the Thucydides Trap to the current conflict between the US and Iran's "concert of autocracies." He notes that while some view Iran as a rising power, it functions more like a small, oppressive elite. Yooemphasizes that the US fears autocracy rather than rising power alone. (4)Joseph Sternberg explains the impending depletion of the Social Security Trust Fund, labeling it an accounting gimmick. He clarifies that the program is a pay-as-you-go system where current workers fund retirees. Sternbergdiscusses the political difficulty of reform, suggesting private accounts as a viable alternative for younger generations. (5)Joseph Sternberg reports on the turmoil within Britain's Labour Party, as Prime Minister Keir Starmer faces internal challenges. He discusses potential successor Andy Burnham's by-election bid and Nigel Farage's Reform Partyinfluence. Sternberg highlights the heavily taxed British economy and the strategic calculations surrounding a possible general election. (6)Jonathan Schanzer critiques the rumored US-Iran deal, warning that it offers significant sanctions relief without securing nuclear concessions. He argues that the plan fails to address ballistic missiles or proxies like Hezbollah. Schanzer expresses concern that the deal grants Iran a veto over Israeli defense actions in Lebanon. (7)Jonathan Schanzer discusses the roles of Syria, Qatar, and Turkey in regional conflicts. He questions the reliability of the Syrian regime to tame Hezbollah, suggesting a "neo-Ottoman" Turkish agenda. Regarding Gaza, he notes Hamas is tactically contained but remains a threat, while warning against trusting Qatar. (8)Gregory Copley addresses the crisis in the UK Ministry of Defense, marked by high-level resignations and budget cuts. He describes the Royal Marines' seizure of a Russian "shadow fleet" tanker and a Russian warship firing warning shots at a yacht. Copley argues years of neglect have degraded British naval power. (9)Gregory Copley examines the Makerfield by-election, where Andy Burnham seeks to return to Parliament to challenge Keir Starmer's leadership. He explains how third parties like Reform and Restore Britain could split the vote. Copley notes Burnham's potential as a more capable leader despite his traditional "tax and spend" policies. (10)Gregory Copley critiques the upcoming US-Iran memo, characterizing it as a "rinse and repeat" cycle rather than a true victory. He argues that by failing to remove the Islamic regime, the US preserves a weakened but hostile power. Copleyalso notes shifting alliances as Gulf states pursue independent policies. (11)Gregory Copley explains the Trooping the Colour ceremony, a display of British military discipline celebrating the sovereign's birthday. He highlights King Charles III handing visible authority to Prince William during this year's event. Copley notes the ceremony serves as an inspirational reminder of the British Army's historic and professional legacy. (12)Andrea Stricker discusses the IAEA's near-total loss of access to Iranian nuclear sites. She details how previous US and Israeli strikes decimated enrichment capabilities, yet monitoring remains blind. Stricker emphasizes the difficulty of verifying the location of highly enriched uranium stockpiles, particularly at the heavily damaged Esfahan tunnel complex. (13)Andrea Stricker explains the "numbingly complicated" nature of Iran's nuclear program, which utilizes research centers and universities to hide sensitive work. She advocates for a comprehensive agreement requiring full Iranian disclosure and intrusive inspections. Without such transparency, Stricker warns that any diplomatic deal will lack long-term strategic weight. (14)Thaddeus McCotter reflects on the 2009 Green Movement, criticizing the Obama administration for parlaying with "butchers" rather than supporting protesters. He warns that the current Trump administration faces the same ideological enemy. McCotter expresses deep skepticism toward any transactional deal, given the regime's religious commitment to its anti-Western crusade. (15)Thaddeus McCotter joins John Batchelor to discuss the lack of clarity in the emerging US-Iran memo, specifically regarding ballistic missiles and human rights. He questions the effectiveness of a "60-day ceasefire" strategy and calls for Congressional oversight. McCotter emphasizes that the regime's terroristic nature remains unaddressed by diplomatic benchmarks. (16)