Podcasts about regionally

In today's episode of Trending Middle East, the US has announced sweeping new sanctions against Iran, and Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent said he expects other countries to take similar action as Washington steps up its campaign to economically isolate Tehran. We also look at the US decision to remove Syria from its list of state sponsors of terrorism, clearing a major obstacle to Damascus's economic recovery. And leading Palestinian artist Sliman Mansour has died, aged 79, after more than five decades shaping a visual language of Palestinian identity. Abu Dhabi's Lulu Island is set for a major transformation under developer Eagle Hills Properties, while Dubai's public parking operator Parkin is expanding its smart parking services into Bahrain and Egypt. Trending Middle East is AI-assisted, using original reporting published in The National and curated and edited by humans.

Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa: The inauguration of Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella marks a pivotal shift toward the "Shield of the Americas" initiative to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. Unlike his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, the new administration seeks close cooperation with the US to dismantle narco-socialist structures. Meanwhile, Venezuela remains in crisis seven months after the detention of Nicolás Maduro, with the Rodríguez family still wielding significant power. The US is attempting to facilitate negotiations with the opposition, yet critics argue the current transition model fails the population. Regionally, Brazilian President Lula da Silva faces increasing isolation as his neighbors shift toward conservative, security-focused governance. (2)1910 CARACAS

SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW 8-3-20261705Husain Haqqani: Iran is openly boasting that it uses diplomatic pauses to reconstitute its military arsenal for future attacks on energy infrastructure. Ambassador Haqqani critiques the current US approach as a haphazard war lacking a clear end-state or ground strategy, which causes deep anxiety among Gulf allies. While GCC states such as the UAE have successfully fended off missile barrages, they feel Washington has not provided the military commitment necessary for long-term protection. Consequently, China is emerging as a winner in the conflict, gaining respect through silence while the US appears as a helpless giant unable to achieve an honorable peace. (1)Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa: The inauguration of Colombian President Abelardo de la Espriella marks a pivotal shift toward the "Shield of the Americas" initiative to combat drug trafficking and organized crime. Unlike his predecessor, Gustavo Petro, the new administration seeks close cooperation with the US to dismantle narco-socialist structures. Meanwhile, Venezuela remains in crisis seven months after the detention of Nicolás Maduro, with the Rodríguez family still wielding significant power. The US is attempting to facilitate negotiations with the opposition, yet critics argue the current transition model fails the population. Regionally, Brazilian President Lula da Silva faces increasing isolation as his neighbors shift toward conservative, security-focused governance. (2)Malcolm Hoenlein: Recent reports reveal the existence of Iranian-backed assassination cells such as the Foxtrot group, which recruits European criminals to target Jewish and Israeli figures. In the Levant, the IDF continues to discover unprecedented tunnel complexes in Lebanon and Gaza, some so vast they require dedicated cement factories to seal. These reinforced, air-conditioned structures demonstrate a massive diversion of humanitarian funds toward military infrastructure. While a pilot zone plan aims to restore Lebanese sovereign authority, Hezbollah's refusal to disarm remains the primary obstacle. Similarly, in Gaza, Hamas is reportedly distributing rifles to operatives to circumvent disarmament agreements while demanding an Israeli withdrawal. (3)General Blaine Holt and Gordon Chang: Concerns are rising regarding the flow of Chinese and Russian aid to Iran, which includes potential shipments of anti-aircraft missiles. While some interpret President Trump's reserved stance as weakness, General Holt suggests it may be a strategic gambit to exploit internal CCP factional infighting. Within the Party, a reformer named Hu Chunhua is reportedly rising as a potential rival to Xi Jinping. However, experts warn that provocative Chinese actions in the South China Sea and Taiwan Strait require a steel-with-steel confrontation. Critics argue that the US must eventually humiliate the Chinese leadership through economic and espionage crackdowns to project true force. (4)Andrew Collier and Gordon Chang: China's banking system faces a time bomb with an estimated $7.7 trillion in unreported bad loans, largely due to government-backed entities rolling over debt to mask insolvency. The property market remains a crater, and while manufacturing and tech sectors such as EVs are growing, they represent only a fraction of the GDP once provided by real estate. Xi Jinping resists bazooka stimulus programs, preferring state-led investment in high tech over consumer-driven growth. This has resulted in a K-shaped economy in which wealthy urbanites thrive while rural citizens face declining property values and job insecurity. Ultimately, China risks a multi-decade slump similar to Japan's lost decades. (5)David Daoud: A recent drone attack on an IDF vehicle near the Ali Taher Ridge highlights the fragility of the current ceasefire in Lebanon. The IDF maintains control over the ridge's surface, yet Hezbollah continues to operate within a vast underground tunnel network. Despite diplomatic efforts, Iran has boasted that ceasefires are used primarily to rearm and redeploy its proxies. Hezbollah's regeneration efforts, including weapons shipments through Syria and recruitment via the IRGC's Imam Hussein division, reportedly outpace Israeli interdiction. While the Lebanese government denies these activities, evidence suggests Hezbollah remains a significant fighting force south of the Litani River. (6)Edmund Fitton-Brown: The Houthis have launched a blockade against Saudi shipping in the Red Sea, targeting energy routes critical to global markets. In response, Saudi Arabia has formed a fourteen-nation defense coalition to protect the Bab el-Mandeb, notably excluding the UAE and Oman. While the Houthis maintain some autonomy, they are heavily dependent on Iranian technical assistance and resupply. Iran has used regional pauses to restock its arsenal and now threatens Saudi infrastructure, including desalination plants and pipelines. Experts believe the US remains the elephant in the room, but a lack of consistent policy from Washington emboldens the Houthis to continue their aggressive psychological warfare. (7)Samuel Ben-Ur: President Trump has announced a tentative Hamas deal involving a phased disarmament and the transition of governance to a National Committee. However, the plan faces significant hurdles, as Israel demands the complete destruction of terror infrastructure before any withdrawal. Hamas seeks to retain small arms, potentially leading to a Hezbollah-style shadow governance. This diplomatic friction coincides with a tight Israeli election between Benjamin Netanyahu and Gadi Eisenkot. Netanyahu faces criticism for allowing US interests to dictate Israeli policy, particularly regarding Iran's ballistic missile threat. Voters are increasingly focused on national security autonomy and the domestic cost of living ahead of the October polls. (8)Janatan Sayeh: The Iranian regime has dramatically escalated its internal reign of terror, with executions increasing by over 100 percent in some regions. Revolutionary courts, led by brutal judges such as Mohammad Reza Tavakoli, use public hangings and floggings to desensitize and intimidate the population. These courts specifically target young dissidents, journalists, and even musicians for offending the supreme leader or waging war against God. Washington is criticized for failing to invoke human rights sanctions since January, even as other Western nations act. The surge in executions often coincides with diplomatic negotiations, serving as the regime's deliberate internal priority to liquidate all political dissent. (9)John Hardie: President Zelenskyy has proposed a plan to use Elon Musk's Starlink network to bypass the need for scarce Patriot interceptors, enabling deep strikes against Russian missile launchers. Starlink provides the low latency required for controlling drones beyond the radio horizon, though SpaceX currently restricts its use in certain territories. Simultaneously, Russia has implemented a crippling blockade of Odessa, targeting port infrastructure and civilian vessels with new Banderol cruise missiles. This offensive has brought agricultural and metal exports to a near standstill, threatening global food security and Ukraine's hard currency earnings. Without a maritime corridor, Ukraine faces its toughest winter challenge of the war. (10)Two names to confirm: the CCP reformer rendered in the raw as "Huchen Hua" — I set it as Hu Chunhua; and the revolutionary court judge given as "Muhammad Raza Takav Tavakoli" — I set it as Mohammad Reza Tavakoli. Also still open from earlier batches: Lorenzo Fiato or Fiori.

Shutterstock Track 1219389 Monetization ID TFGEPGEI0LHEIJAI Kia ora. Welcome to Wednesday's Economy Watch where we follow the economic events and trends that affect Aotearoa/New Zealand. I'm David Chaston and this is the international edition from interest.co.nz. Today we lead with news the oil price has taken another large retreat today even though the Red Sea and Strait of Hormuz remain essentially closed. Alternative ways to shift crude oil out of the region are gathering pace and effectiveness. But this big price drop is directly related to Scott Bessent saying a deal with Iran to reopen the Streat is imminent, comments that have moved markets. But first up today, there was another full dairy auction earlier this morning and prices in USD were virtually unchanged overall (+0.1%), but they did dip in NZD by -0.9% on the higher currency. Of note is the new season volumes offered, very similar to the same event a year ago. But prices are now a full -10% lower this year than then. In the US, job openings fell in June, coming in slightly less than expected. The number of job openings fell in almost all industries except in the logistics sector and in federal government. Regionally, openings fell in the Northeast (-62,000), the South (-50,000), and the Midwest (-97,000), but rose in the West (+32,000). Also falling were US factory orders. They dipped -0.3% from the previous month in June, extending the revised -1.1% decline in May. This was disappointing because analysts had expected a +0.2% increase. It was the first month of back-to-back declines in nearly one year. Still, they are up more than +10% from June a year ago, reflecting the earlier stockpiling urgency. Meanwhile US exports of both goods and services fell -0.9% in June while their imports of both fell -1.8% on the same basis. That narrowed their trade deficit although not be as much as expected. The US Logistics Managers Index is still very high, but is now slowing as the stockpiling urgency seems 'full' now. July demand for warehouse capacity and transportation both actually retreated in the month. The RealClearMarkets/TIPP Economic Optimism Index edged down in August from July, missing market expectations of an improvement and remaining below the neutral level. The Six-Month Economic Outlook index fell on weaker expectations for the US economy. In Canada's June exports rose as did their imports, both much more than expected and delivering a larger trade surplus than expected, to a four year high. Canada's transition away from dependence on its now-unreliable southern neighbour has been impressive, you have to say. In China, they have set a new target to reach 50% of electricity produced from non-fossil fuels by 2030, up fron 42% now. It is a heady and fast goal. In Australia, household spending rose +0.8% in June from may to be +6.0% higher than year-ago levels. This is a very consistent rising trend from September 2024 when it was at under +1% from the prior year. This high gain was largely due to increased spending on cars, especially EVs, and for travel. And we must note that the H5 bird flu is killing more birds in Australia now. It is getting closer, even in Eastern states. As we noted yesterday, the copper price has risen again and is now over US$14,000/tonne and back at record highs. The UST 10yr yield is now just on 4.63%, down another -6 bps from this time yesterday. The price of gold has risen to US$4088/oz, up +US$55 from yesterday. Silver is up +US$2 at just over US$59.50/oz. Oil prices are down another -US$4 from yesterday and now just under US$76/bbl in the US, while the international Brent price is now just under US$79.50/bbl. Hormuz transits are still very constrained. There have been only three crude tanker and 9 cargo ship exiting over the past 24 hours (7 dark with transponders off) and ten entering for new loads (4 dark), again all Iran-linked. The Red Sea activity is still low with much less than 20 either way. The Kiwi dollar is back up +30 bps from yesterday at just over 58.9 USc. Against the Aussie we are down -10 bps at 83.7 AUc. Against the euro we have firmed +10 bps to 51.1 euro cents. That all means our TWI-5 starts today at 62.6 which is back up +20 bps from this time yesterday. The bitcoin price starts today at US$63,915 and up +0.1% from this time yesterday. Volatility over the past 24 hours has been low at just on +/-0.7%. Join us later this morning for the June update of the New Zealand labour market. You can get more news affecting the economy in New Zealand from interest.co.nz. Kia ora. I'm David Chaston and we'll do this again tomorrow. Track 1219389 Monetization ID TFGEPGEI0LHEIJAI Audio soundtrack opening is licensed from Shutterstock, Track 1219389 Monetization ID TFGEPGEI0LHEIJAI

We have five core values at Price Chapel: Biblical Teaching & Preaching; Worshipping God, Fellowship as Family, Investing in the Next Generation, and Sending People Locally, Regionally & Globally. Today we dive into our value of Worshipping God. Paul and Silas in Act 16 give us a perfect picture of the way worship shapes our lives from obedience to prayer to praise to service. Their worship while in chains changes lives. Ours can too.

This is the second episode of our new miniseries 'The Public Architect', an RIBA funded project exploring the past and present of the relationship between the architectural profession and the public. In this episode we spoke to researchers Ruth Lang, Natcha Ruamsanitwong and Patrick Zamarian about the role of research and innovation in post-war public sector architecture, focusing on bodies like the London County Council Architects' Department and the Building Research Station. We were then joined by Rafe Bertram and Professor Flora Samuel to explore the contemporary relationship between architectural research, local government, and the built environment today.Architectural History is the podcast of the Society of Architectural Historians of Great Britain. This miniseries, The Public Architect, was made possible thanks to funding from the Royal Institute of British Architects. It was hosted and produced by Claire Jamieson and Jess Kelly, with editing by Front Ear Podcasts and production support from Matthew Lloyd Roberts. If you enjoyed this series, please consider becoming a member of the SAHGB to support our work and get access to exclusive content. https://www.sahgb.org.uk/join-renewContributors:Rafe Bertram works on several scales of sustainability in the built environment. Locally, he is an Asset and Sustainability Manager at the London Borough of Enfield, managing Council Housing Energy Efficiency and Retrofit programme across 10,000 homes. Regionally, he sits on the steering group for Warmer Homes London and a panel member of Design South East. Nationally, he chairs the Finance thinktank for the Good Homes Alliance. At a local level, he is a founding director of the community cooperative, Retrofit Kentish Town. He is an Architect, Retrofit Coordinator, Public Practice Alumni and previously a partner at Foster+Partners. He has recently been awarded a Churchill Fellowship to undertake research on Retrofit Economics across Europe. Dr Ruth Lang is an architect, curator, and Associate Professor leading the Masters programme at the London School of Architecture. Through her teaching, research and writing, her work explores how contemporary architectural practice can be restructured to more equitably address issues of diversity and the Climate Emergency, using collaborative and transdisciplinary strategies. Her book ‘Building for Change: The Architecture of Creative Reuse was published by gestalten in 2022.Natcha Ruamsanitwong is a historian of architecture in twentieth-century Britain. She is currently convenor of the SAHGB Women Architectural Historians' Network and a Trustee of the Construction History Society. She is the author of Leslie Martin and Sadie Speight: Architects of Modern Britain (Lund Humphries, 2026).Flora Samuel is the Professor of Architecture (1970) and Head of the Department of Architecture at the University of Cambridge. She was formerly Head at the Sheffield School of Architecture.  Her research currently focuses on rural placemaking, inclusive design and housing but she began her career writing about Le Corbusier and the nature of architectural practice. She currently leads Public Map, a major AHRC funded project based in Wales.Patrick Zamarian is a senior lecturer in architectural design and humanities at the University of Liverpool. His research centres on the role of educational and professional institutions in the history of architecture, specifically in the British Empire. He is the author of The Architectural Association in the Postwar Years (Lund Humphries, 2020) and has published on student networks in interwar Britain, on the role of the Building Research Station in the postwar period, and on architectural education in British India, among other things.

Jen Schriever is a Tony Award–nominated lighting designer working across Broadway, the West End, Off-Broadway, regional theatre, and opera.  Most recently, Schriever received the Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for Outstanding Lighting Design for The Lost Boys at the Palace Theatre, a 12-time Tony Award–nominated production that earned her a Tony Award nomination for Best Lighting Design, shared with co–lighting designer Michael Arden.  She received two Tony nominations for her lighting design of A Strange Loop at the Lyceum Theatre and Death of a Salesman at the Hudson Theatre. She is also an Obie Award-winner for Sustained Excellence in Lighting Design and received an Obie Award Special Citation as part of the creative team and ensemble of A Strange Loop.  On Broadway and in the West End, her work includes Art (Music Box Theatre), Glengarry Glen Ross (Palace Theatre), Eureka Day and Lackawanna Blues (MTC, Samuel J. Friedman Theatre), Death of a Salesman (Hudson Theatre), 1776 and Birthday Candles (American Airlines Theatre), A Strange Loop (Lyceum Theatre, The Barbican), Mother Play; Grand Horizons and What the Constitution Means to Me (Helen Hayes Theater), The Lifespan of a Fact (Studio 54), Eclipsed (Golden Theatre), and John Leguizamo's Ghetto Klown (Lyceum Theatre and HBO).  Off-Broadway and New York credits include Antigone (This Play I Read in High School) and The Other Americans (Public Theater), Strategic Love Play (Audible, Minetta Lane Theatre), Spain (Second Stage, Tony Kiser Theatre), Shhh (Atlantic Theater Company), Power Strip (Lincoln Center Theater, Claire Tow Theater), Usual Girls (Roundabout Theatre Company), Strange Interlude (Irondale Theatre, Transport Group), Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (New Victory Theater), and Selling Kabul (Playwrights Horizons).  Regionally, her work includes Uncle Vanya (Berkeley Repertory Theatre), Highway Patrol (Goodman Theatre), Hippest Trip: The Soul Train Musical (American Conservatory Theater), A Transparent Musical (Mark Taper Forum), A Strange Loop (Woolly Mammoth Theatre Company). She earned a Helen Hayes award for Private Jones at Signature Theatre DC.  In opera, Schriever has designed A Thousand Splendid Suns (Seattle Opera), Iphigenia (tour), The Pearl Fishers and Die Fledermaus (Metropolitan Opera), and La Traviata, Faust, and A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Mariinsky Theatre in Russia, as well as The Pearl Fishers for English National Opera in London.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On the latest installment of the CavsCorner Podcast, this episode out of time seeks to weigh various championships against each other and try to gauge what we'd “give up” in terms of UVa titles for a World Cup trophy.   Credits: Brad Franklin (@Cavs_Corner) David Spence (@HooDaves)   Visit CavsCorner now!   Sign up for CavsCorner today – Join for $1, plus a complimentary year of access to The Athletic included. Join: https://www.on3.com/sites/cavs-corner/join/

In this episode of RaboTalk, Growing Our Future, Blake Holgate talks with Matt Highway, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Association of Resource Management (NZARM) who shares practical advice on managing environmental challenges without getting caught up in changing regulations. He explains why focusing on outcomes, tackling your biggest on-farm risks, and connecting with local catchment groups can deliver better results for both the environment and your bottom line.Like what you've heard? Follow our podcast for more great content.Show notes:In this episode, Blake speaks with Matt Highway, Chief Executive of the New Zealand Association of Resource Management (NZARM), to explore sector capability and strategic land management. With over 25 years of experience across regional councils, the dairy sector, and industry consultancy, Matt highlights how the profession has evolved from its early roots in soil conservation to a modern focus on integrated catchment management and neutral, nature-based business solutions.The conversation focuses on how land managers can navigate regulatory uncertainty by concentrating entirely on environmental outcomes rather than changing compliance policies. By identifying on-farm risks and leveraging collective community frameworks, Matt explains how farmers can utilise emerging technologies and localised networks to make pragmatic decisions that protect both their landscapes and their business profitability.Discussion TopicsBuilding Sector CapabilityEstablished in 1953, NZARM has shifted its modern strategy away from political advocacy to focus completely on capability building and professional connection. Matt highlights their collaborative capability project, which features an online skill mapping database that allows land professionals, catchment coordinators, and organisations to track environmental skill sets and connect expertise across regions.Accessing Cheap Data over Silver BulletsWhile technological advancements like AI and weekly satellite passes provide massive, low-cost datasets, the primary challenge remains applying these tools practically on the ground. Matt warns against chasing silver bullets, explaining that popular edge of field widgets like constructive wetlands and detention bunds must be deployed selectively within the right landscape context to avoid major financial inefficiencies.A Structured Approach to Farm RiskWhen farmers look to step up their environmental performance, Matt advises them to treat the process like managing financial risk. Landowners should systematically evaluate which areas of their property are most vulnerable to flooding, drought, or critical source area runoff. Prioritising action means choosing the single biggest risk that can be mitigated for the lowest relative investment cost.Context-Driven Measuring and MonitoringWater quality testing is a slow brew that can take five years to deliver meaningful trends. Rather than taking on heavy individual monitoring costs, producers should ensure their farm plans align with their wider catchment context. If a downstream lake is driven by phosphorus, targeted investments on the farm floor should address that specific asset rather than tracking irrelevant metrics.Outcomes Over Policy AnnouncementsAlthough environmental regulations have experienced significant political shifts, the fundamental goals of land management have not changed. Healthy soils, clean drinking water, and profitable businesses remain the constant baseline. By scenario testing strategies against these permanent objectives, farmers can insulate their operations against future policy cycles.The Power of Catchment CollectivesReflecting on regional networks, Matt notes that effective land management relies far more on community cohesion than on pure science. Regionally focused catchment collectives have grown into powerful, supportive entities that build vast local databases. These groups provide a safe space for peer learning, channel funding, and serve as a collective voice for isolated producers.Final Advice: Connect for a Higher ReturnMatt encourages farmers to look past technological widgets over the next twelve months and focus entirely on connecting with their local catchment group. Joining a collective offers a high return on investment by providing direct access to shared expertise, plant funding, and regulatory updates. Aligning with a community framework allows producers to target exciting, tangible goals, like restoring local native species, while naturally fulfilling their wider environmental obligations.

Kidzplay is a national soft-play membership network that Lisa built from scratch — a wholesale model in which we buy fixed table capacity from partner venues and resell it through memberships.Lisa is an accountant! Kevin will be in heaven. PwC-trained ACA. 18 years in soft play. One MBO (Gameplay, sold to Game Group). Several businesses were built, a couple were buried, and a lot was learned.Flat Cap Friday is a grassroots broker network I co-founded with Nigel Bowers. Regionally rooted, built around genuine peer connection. No pitch decks, no lead-gen noise — just good people showing up on Fridays. Wired is a five-pillar framework for founders who are running on empty: business, financial, body, relationships, restoration. Twelve weeks. Broughton Estate, North Yorkshire. Lisa builds businesses to be cash-generative, mission-driven, and eventually sold or handed on.Summary of PodcastKey TakeawaysKids Play: A membership model solving venue cash-flow volatility by buying fixed-price slots, making family activities affordable and accessible.Wired Framework: A coaching program using 12-week sprints to help founders align business strategy with personal purpose, health, and freedom.Core Purpose: All ventures are unified by a mission to build community and combat loneliness, stemming from a personal experience.Strategic Shift: A new model of delegating operational work enables a strategic focus on high-level thinking and personal freedom.The Problem: A Crisis of ConnectionA crisis of connection stems from modern pressures (cost of living, screen time), causing parents to sacrifice family time and leading to a youth mental health crisis.COVID-19 highlighted the devastating impact of lost social interaction on children's development.Lisa's mission is to bring families together and ensure no one feels lonely.Kidzplay: An Accessible SolutionOrigin: Evolved from a soft play center Lisa bought in 2007.Business Model: A monthly membership for unlimited access to partner venues (soft play, farms, classes).Customer Benefit: Affordable, stress-free family activities.Venue Benefit: Stable, predictable income to offset cash-flow volatility (e.g., a sunny half-term cut revenue from a projected £30k to £4k).Mechanism: Kidzplay buys fixed-price slots from venues, de-risking their economics.Wider Purpose:Soft Play: Provides a safe space for physical activity and teaches sharing.Classes: Develop fine motor skills (e.g., needlework) to counter screen-time effects.Farms: Educate children on food origins.Wired Framework: Coaching for FoundersA coaching program for founders based on Lisa's personal journey from traditional accounting to purpose-driven entrepreneurship.Core Philosophy: Prioritize personal health and purpose first; business success will follow.Structure: 12-week sprints of intense focus, followed by a 1-month consolidation/rest period.Method: Uses the "7 Layers of Why" technique to help founders uncover their true purpose.Delivery: Full-day workshops at Broughton Estate to provide a focused, out-of-environment experience.Lisa's Strategic Model: Delegation for FreedomLisa's model is to delegate operational work to focus on high-level strategy.Rationale: This approach enables personal freedom and prevents burnout, a lesson learned from past overwork.Example: After realizing she was "making herself busy" with pitch decks, Lisa made the direct call to a key venue owner, Nick, securing a meeting.Other Ventures:Flat Cap Fridays: A relaxed, pub-based networking group.Inspiring Women: A goal to show women that career paths are non-linear and self-imposed limits should be challenged.The Next 100 Days Podcast Co-HostsGraham ArrowsmithGraham founded Finely Fettled in 2014 to provide data from the UK High Net Worth Database to marketers targeting affluent and high-net-worth customers. He's the founder of MicroYES, a Partner for MeclabsAI, creating lead generation AI Agents & Workflows and introducing the MeclabsAI Platform. Graham also provides an Answer Engine Optimisation solution to get your website in shape to be found by LLMs.Kevin ApplebyKevin specialises in finance transformation and implementing business change. He's the COO of GrowCFO, which provides both community and CPD-accredited training designed to grow the next generation of finance leaders. You can find Kevin on LinkedIn and at kevinappleby.com

On this episode of Destination on the Left, I talk with Jennifer Adams, Director of Tourism, and Alex Fogg, Natural Resources Chief, to find out how the destination's innovative Coastal and Natural Resources team is setting Destin Fort Walton Beach apart, transforming environmental challenges into tourism opportunities. You'll hear how an invasive species, the lionfish, became both a tourism driver and an annual event, and how the region has evolved into a family destination through free outdoor adventure programs for kids and teens. Jennifer and Alex also share the inside story of the creation of what will be the world's largest artificial reef, using the repurposed SS United States ocean liner, positioning the area as an international diving hotspot. What You Will Learn in This Episode: Why Destin Fort Walton Beach has established a Coastal and Natural Resources team  How a challenge with the invasive lionfish species became a key tourism driver for the region How the destination's free Little Adventures program engages kids and families with hands-on outdoor experiences How the team created and rapidly expanded a program offering free outdoor classes, resulting in 700 sessions and serving over 4,000 kids in a year Why the artificial reef project, featuring the SS United States ocean liner, will make the area an internationally recognized dive destination Collaborations and strategic partnerships that have fueled product development and positioned Destin Fort Walton Beach for year-round tourism Lessons Jennifer and Alex have learned about turning ecological challenges into memorable and marketable visitor experiences Expanding Beyond Traditional Tourism Marketing Historically recognized for its crystal-clear waters and white sand beaches, Destin Fort Walton Beach has long attracted vacationers seeking a quintessential Florida getaway. But as the tourism market grew more competitive, especially against all-inclusive options like cruise vacations, Jennifer Adams realized something had to change. This insight spurred the creation of a coastal and natural resources team, making their tourism office one of the few in the U.S. with in-house marine and forestry biologists, aimed at protecting and enhancing the very environment that draws visitors. Free Outdoor Classes Fueling Family Connection One of the standout programs redefining the visitor experience is the Little Adventures initiative. Recognizing statistics that highlight children's lack of outdoor engagement, Jennifer and her team built a brand promise: "get kids outside on the water to give their adventure side room to grow". Through this program, local experts, including fishing guides, dive instructors, and even astronomers, offer free hands-on classes to vacationing families. What began with 70 sessions in 2021 exploded to over 700 in a single season, reaching more than 4,000 kids. This investment brought significant returns for the community, circulating an estimated $4 million back into the local economy, while giving families a broader, authentic experience that's hard to replicate elsewhere. Partnership, Collaboration, and Global Reach Collaboration is foundational to every initiative. Regionally, Destin Fort Walton Beach works closely with seven other Florida Panhandle counties via the Northwest Florida Tourism Council, pooling resources for international marketing and product development. Partners like Yamaha and the Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute have also joined artificial reef efforts, while the "Ask a Scout" feature on the destination's website connects incoming families with local moms to provide real, trusted advice. "We all work collectively," Jennifer emphasizes, ensuring that local character, environmental strength, and visitor experiences remain connected. Resources: Website: https://www.destinfwb.com/ 

On May 20, JWE president Helena Cobban sat down with Dr. Yingnan ("Chris") Yi, a Research Fellow at the Chongyang Institute for Financial Studies at Renmin University in Beijing, to discuss the role that China has played and can play in finding a speedy, lasting, and equitable end to the U.S.-Iran war. This conversation came just a few days after the end of Pres. Trump's trip to Beijing where he held a notable series of summit-level meetings with Pres. Xi Jinping. This conversation took the distinctive form of an interactive dialogue, in which Dr. Yi. and Ms. Cobban each had the chance to pose some questions to the other. It also ranged broadly over a number of key items on the China-U.S. agenda, in addition to matters related more directly to the ongoing U.S.-Israeli war on Iran and Israel's assaults against Lebanon, Gaza, and the West Bank. The two scholars also assessed the broad changes in power dynamics that the world is seeing today.This dialogue was also the latest episode in Just World Ed's continuing series on the Iran Crisis. Find the multimedia records of this episode and all its others at this Online Learning Hub on our website.Support the show

Don't shut the door yet; housing supply discipline turning Consistent with the U.S. economy as a whole, the housing and building products markets are stronger in the high end, and weaker in the entry-level. Regionally, there are shades of this as well. Our new housing heatmap shows that the New York and San Francisco metro areas are among the strongest. Rafe discusses the drivers behind the regional disparities, the importance of supply and how certain markets that have been dealing with excess supply may get a bit of relief as builders are demonstrating discipline. Rafe also compares fundamentals for homebuilders to those for building product companies and why exposure to less discretionary projects like roofing can make certain building product companies attractive investments. Finally, we touch on housing policy where many potential solutions have been floated but where challenges persist. We discuss why meaningful action so far has been limited, partly due to structural dynamics   You may also enjoy listening to the Merrill Perspectives podcast, featuring conversations on the big stories, news and trends affecting your everyday financial life.   "Bank of America" and “BofA Securities” are the marketing names for the global banking businesses and global markets businesses (which includes BofA Global Research) of Bank of America Corporation. Lending, derivatives, and other commercial banking activities are performed globally by banking affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including Bank of America, N.A., Member FDIC. Securities, trading, research, strategic advisory, and other investment banking and markets activities are performed globally by affiliates of Bank of America Corporation, including, in the United States, BofA Securities, Inc. a registered broker-dealer and Member of FINRA and SIPC, and, in other jurisdictions, by locally registered entities. ©2026 Bank of America Corporation. All rights reserved.

Week 15 of 2026 marks a potential turning point for the global ship recycling markets, as the long-standing war-driven oil premium begins to ease for the first time in months. In this episode, Grace and Ryan break down the latest developments across Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Turkey, highlighting how falling oil prices, firm freight markets, and stable currencies are shaping recycling sentiment. The macro environment shifted this week as Brent crude dropped sharply from above USD 109 to near USD 101 per barrel following geopolitical developments involving Iran. However, despite this correction, the Baltic Dry Index climbed above 2,100, indicating that freight earnings remain strong and continue to delay recycling decisions. Currency markets remained relatively stable, with the U.S. Dollar softening slightly, offering marginal support to sub-continent buyers, while the Indian Rupee weakened modestly after last week's rebound. Regionally, Bangladesh continues to lead the market, supported by a sharp increase in steel plate prices to BDT 71,000 and improving Letter of Credit approvals. India remains structurally strong with over 110 HKC-compliant yards but is still constrained by limited supply and ongoing energy challenges. Pakistan stands out for its stability, with firm steel prices and a steady currency supporting consistent bidding. Turkey, despite a slight currency recovery, remains uncompetitive for mainstream tonnage and focused on niche EU-regulated recycling. A notable transaction this week included an LNG vessel reported at USD 513 per LDT, signaling that deals are still occurring, albeit selectively. The key theme remains unchanged: recyclers are ready to buy, but vessel supply continues to lag. As oil prices soften and geopolitical uncertainty evolves, the market may be approaching an inflection point, but the timing of any meaningful supply release remains uncertain. As Q2 progresses and the monsoon window narrows, the industry is watching closely: will lower oil prices trigger increased recycling activity, or will firm freight markets continue to delay the flow of tonnage?   Key Market Developments this week War premium in oil begins to ease as Brent drops from USD 109 to ~USD 101 Baltic Dry Index rises above 2,100, keeping freight earnings strong Vessel supply remains constrained despite improving recycling conditions Bangladesh leads with strong steel prices and improving LC approvals India faces currency pressure and energy constraints despite strong infrastructure Pakistan remains stable with firm steel prices and competitive positioning Turkey shows slight recovery but remains uncompetitive for mainstream recycling LNG vessel sale reported at USD 513/LDT highlights selective deal activity Market approaching potential inflection point, but supply response still pending    

Week 14 of 2026 sees the global ship recycling markets enter Q2 under continued pressure, with many of the same challenges from Q1 still firmly in place. In this episode, Ingrid and Henning walk through the latest developments across Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, and Turkey, where recyclers remain active but are still facing a shortage of workable end-of-life vessel supply. The broader macro environment continues to play a key role. Ongoing tensions in the Middle East are keeping oil prices elevated above USD 100 per barrel, supporting freight earnings and delaying demolition decisions. As a result, older vessels are staying in service longer, limiting the flow of tonnage into recycling yards. Currency movements added another layer this week. The Indian Rupee rebounded following central bank intervention, offering some support to local buyers, while the Turkish Lira weakened further, keeping Turkey uncompetitive for mainstream tonnage. At the same time, mixed steel price trends across the sub-continent continue to make pricing decisions more difficult. Regionally, Bangladesh remains the most active market, with steady post-Eid momentum, improving LC approvals, and firm pricing levels. India continues to benefit from strong HKC compliance infrastructure but remains constrained by limited supply and operational challenges. Pakistan shows improving stability, supported by firm steel prices and growing compliance capacity, while Turkey remains focused on niche EU-regulated recycling segments. The key theme this week remains unchanged: recyclers are ready to buy, but vessels are not arriving in sufficient numbers. As Q2 begins, the market continues to watch closely -  will supply improve ahead of the monsoon season, or will strong freight markets continue to delay recycling activity? Key Market Developments This Week Q2 opens with continued pressure from oil, freight, and geopolitical factors Elevated freight earnings continue to delay recycling decisions Ongoing shortage of end-of-life vessel supply across all major markets Bangladesh remains the most competitive and active destination Indian Rupee rebound offers support, but operational challenges persist Pakistan strengthens position with stable steel prices and improving sentiment Turkey remains uncompetitive for mainstream tonnage due to currency weakness Compliance and due diligence remain key following unresolved sanctioned vessels Overall market activity remains subdued despite improving buyer appetite

We will be getting what we need this weekend...  Rain!!0

In (yet another) emergency episode, Darren offers eight initial thoughts on the US and Israeli strikes on Iran and the killing of Ayatollah Khamenei. Inside Iran, the question is whether airpower and decapitation can deliver regime change when the historical record says they never have — though this case may be an outlier given how weakened the regime already was. Regionally, Iran's “drizzle” retaliation strategy is targeting Gulf states and depleting expensive US interceptors, while the munitions being consumed come directly at the expense of what the US would need in a Taiwan contingency. Globally, no country or institution has any agency to shape what happens next — and China may be the quiet winner simply by being predictable while Washington lurches between crises. On international order, Darren explores how US deterrence is simultaneously stronger on willingness but weaker on material capacity, and why the Venezuela-Greenland-Iran sequence is normalising a new and dangerous operating model for the hegemon. On Australia, he thinks the government made the right call. He finishes by asking what we're learning about Trump's emerging “anti-Powell Doctrine”, what the erosion of rules means for world politics, and what constraints — if any — exist on this new kind of American power. Australia in the World is written, hosted, and produced by Darren Lim, with research and editing this episode by Hannah Nelson and theme music composed by Rory Stenning. Relevant links Charles Clover, Neri Zilber and Abigail Hauslohner, “Military briefing: Iran's new retaliation strategy”, Financial Times, 1 March: https://archive.md/R24HQ#selection-1700.1-1889.0 Michael Gordon and Shelby Holliday, “U.S. Races to Accomplish Iran Mission Before Munitions Run Out”, Wall Street Journal, 1 March: https://archive.md/IHG7H#selection-547.0-547.62 Eliot Cohen, “Trump rolls the iron dice”, The Atlantic, 28 Feb: https://www.theatlantic.com/ideas/2026/02/trump-rolls-iron-dice-iran/686199/ Kyle Chan, “China is winning by waiting: How Beijing turns predictability into power”, Foreign Affairs, 27 Feb: https://www.foreignaffairs.com/united-states/china-winning-waiting Tanner Greer, "On bombing Iran", Scholar's Stage, 1 Mar: https://scholars-stage.org/on-bombing-iran/

Team NEO 2025 Performance & Impact Annual ReportThe headline numbers from Team NEO's new 2025 jobs report include nearly 3,000 new jobs, more than $450 million in capital investments, and 92 business investments across Northeast Ohio. The report also highlights the rollout of the JobsOhio Relocation Incentive Program, which offers businesses up to $15,000 for making successful hires in certain industries, with a focus on STEM and technical roles. There's also the expansion of LayerZero, a manufacturer for power systems like data centers. The company is opening a new facility in Portage County that expects to create 535 new jobs. At the same time, new federal trade policies could affect Northeast Ohio's economic outlook. A 10% U.S. tariff on most global imports took effect Tuesday, despite President Donald Trump's earlier pledge to set the rate at 15%. And findings from the Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland say that tariffs are contributing to price increases across Ohio and parts of Pennsylvania, Kentucky and West Virginia. Manufacturers and retailers add that their products cost more to make, so consumers are paying more. On Thursday's the “Sound of Ideas,” Team NEO CEO Matt Dolan joins the program to discuss what the report's findings mean for Northeast Ohioans and the state economy. Guest:- Matt Dolan, CEO, Team NEO 2026 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame NomineesLater in the hour, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Nominees are here, and we'll discuss who made the cut. Of this year's 17 nominees, 10 are appearing on the ballot for the first time. Here are the nominees:- The Black Crowes- Jeff Buckley- Mariah Carey- Phil Collins- Melissa Etheridge- Lauryn Hill- Billy Idol- INXS- Iron Maiden- Joy Division/New Order- New Edition- Oasis- P!NK- Sade- Shakira- Luther Vandross- Wu-Tang Clan Guest:- Kabir Bhatia, Senior Arts Reporter, Ideastream Public Media ShuffleTo close the program, we'll hear a new installment of "Shuffle." Akron musician Brett Auerbach once drove 15 hours for a 30-minute gig. It was a gamble that helped launch his band, Rye Valley, onto national tours. This week, Ideastream Public Media's Amanda Rabinowitz talked with Auerbach about the journey, and how it led him to create a space for other songwriters in Northeast Ohio. Guests:- Amanda Rabinowitz, Host, Ideastream Public Media- Brett Auerbach, Musician, Rye Valley

The United Nations General Assembly, designated 26 January as the International Day of Clean Energy to raise global awareness and accelerate action towards a just and inclusive clean energy transition. This transition is essential for climate stability, sustainable development, and reducing greenhouse gas emissions, as current energy systems remain heavily reliant on fossil fuels. Renewable energy sources solar, wind, hydro, biomass, and geothermal offer sustainable, low-emission alternatives. Beyond environmental benefits, these technologies can catalyse economic growth, create jobs, and enhance energy access, especially in underserved communities. Nigeria, Africa's largest economy and most populous nation, confronts a profound energy access crisis. Over 140 million Nigerians (71% of the population) lack reliable electricity, compelling widespread use of expensive, polluting diesel and petrol generators. Nigeria's Energy Transition Plan (ETP) sets a clear pathway to achieve net-zero emissions by 2060, balancing socio-economic realities with climate imperatives. Central to this plan is scaling renewable generation to account for 50% of the electricity mix by 2030, alongside universal energy access goals. Achieving these targets demands comprehensive regulatory reforms, increased capital investment, and strong private-sector engagement. Installed renewable capacity is expanding, with solar capacity exceeding 1,200 MW, largely through off-grid and rural electrification initiatives. Programs like the Nigeria Distributed Access through Renewable Energy Scale-up (DARES) supported by a $750 million World Bank credit and over $1 billion in leveraged capital aim to deliver clean energy to 17.5 million Nigerians via mini-grids and standalone solar systems (World bank 2023). Regionally, West Africa faces similar energy challenges. Sub-Saharan Africa accounts for 85% of the global population without electricity, despite substantial renewable potential. However, the region attracts a disproportionately small share of global clean energy investment, underscoring the urgent need for robust policies and financing mechanisms to enable equitable energy transitions.

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

Regional Powers React to Tenuous Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Deal. Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani discuss how the Gaza agreement is viewed regionally as a tenuous ceasefire and hostage deal, not a path to peace. Saudi Arabia was displeased, seeking a long-term Palestinian state solution. Egypt supported the quiet to prevent domestic instability and refugee influx. Conversely, Qatar and Turkey championed the ceasefire because they are invested in Hamas and want its political and military structure to survive. 1903

Regional Powers React to Tenuous Gaza Ceasefire and Hostage Deal. Bill Roggio and Husain Haqqani discuss how the Gaza agreement is viewed regionally as a tenuous ceasefire and hostage deal, not a path to peace. Saudi Arabia was displeased, seeking a long-term Palestinian state solution. Egypt supported the quiet to prevent domestic instability and refugee influx. Conversely, Qatar and Turkey championed the ceasefire because they are invested in Hamas and want its political and military structure to survive. 1898