Podcasts about statewide

Its 2026 and the political world order has already seen major change, as just days ago U.S. forces captured former Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife during a military raid on the country's capital, Caracas. The implications of this attempted regime change are still unclear. President Donald Trump claimed Saturday that the U.S. intends to quote "run the country" until a transition of power can take place. Currently, Maduro's Vice President, Delcy Rodriguez is in charge. The White House is facing condemnation from legal experts and Democrats who argue the moves were conducted without congressional or United Nations approval, and violate U.S. and international law. On Tuesday's "Sound of Ideas," we're going to talk about Venezuela and look ahead to the year in politics. On a state level, Ohio has major races on the 2026 ballot from a governor's race without an incumbent to an open U.S. Senate seat, that could be one of the most closely watched races in the country. We also will see Ohio's newly-drawn congressional map in play. And on a national level, after starting 2025 with over 50-percent approval and what President Trump deemed a mandate from voters going into his second term, he ended the year hovering around 42 percent approval, with experts noting tariffs, the economy, and rising costs of health as some of the major issues voters care about. The party in power historically has an uphill battle in midterm elections. Could 2026 change Republican control of the three branches of power? Guests: - Katie Lavelle, Ph.D., Professor in World Affairs, Case Western Reserve University - Tom Sutton, Ph.D., Professor Emeritus of Political Science, formerly at Baldwin Wallace University - Rob Walgate, President, American Policy Roundtable - Quentin James, Founder and President, The Collective PAC

Read more John McAuliff: Data center growth is fueling a statewide energy crisis House of Delegates to continue subsidizing members' child care costs in 2026 Virginia lawmakers seek to balance energy affordability, reliability in 2026 Our award-winning work is made possible with your donations. Visit vpm.org/donate to support local journalism.

The Honolulu Police Department discusses the latest enforcement actions on illegal fireworks; Hawaiʻi Business Magazine's Cynthia Wessendorf reports on what industry leaders are forecasting for 2026

The Jay Thomas Show from Monday January 5th, 2026.  Guests include former AZ Sheriff turned Congressional Candidate, Mark Lamb, Michelle Turnberg and Drew Wrigley

On today's program, we're revisiting some of the biggest stories from 2025.

his change is related to efforts to cap the number of students eligible for federal loans and the amount of money they can borrow.

The Trump administration announced Tuesday that it's freezing child care funds to Minnesota amid accusations of fraud.Jim O'Neill is Deputy Secretary of Health and Human Services. He announced in a social media post that the move is in response to, “blatant fraud that appears to be rampant in Minnesota and across the country.”Gov. Tim Walz's office called the move “a transparent attempt to politicize the issue to hurt Minnesotans and defund government programs that help people.”Minnesota workers gain new benefits around breaks, wages and leave policies starting this week. New laws spell out that employees are entitled to a rest break of 15 minutes or enough time to seek out the nearest convenient restroom for every four hours worked. And they'll have a 30-minute window for a meal break for every six consecutive hours they work. That's different than the “adequate time” standard currently on the books.People who make minimum wage will see a slight bump in pay after an adjustment for inflation. Statewide, the hourly wage will tick up to $11.41 per hour. Workers inside Minneapolis and St. Paul city limits have even higher minimum wages because of rules that call for increases in 2026.More Minnesota workers also qualify for paid family and medical leave starting the first of the year.And the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources has given the green light to additional mineral exploration near Ely, just outside the Boundary Waters Canoe Area.Go deeper with the latest edition of the Minnesota Today newsletter.These new laws take effect in Minnesota as 2026 arrivesTrump administration says it's freezing child care funds to Minnesota after series of fraud schemesMinnesota DNR approves mining exploration plan just outside the Boundary WatersSubscribe on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or RSS.

Ed Freeman and Susan Bauer discuss their work to bring a replica of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial wall to Oʻahu; Therapist Ami Kunimura shares tips on setting intentions for the new year

Putnam has highest rate in state A surge in flu cases has propelled New York State to a one-week record and sent infections and hospitalizations in Dutchess and Putnam counties to their highest levels in at least two years. Cases reported by testing labs and hospitals reached 71,123 statewide for the week ending Dec. 20, the most recent data available, raising the tally of the achy and the sniffling by 38 percent over the previous seven days and the most in one week since New York made flu cases reportable in 2004. According to James McDonald, the state's health commissioner, hospitalized patients rose over the previous week by 63 percent to 3,666 - 36 percent of them 75 and older and 18 percent between 65 and 74. Hospitals and nursing homes in New York have also been experiencing outbreaks this flu season, which annually runs from October to May. More cases are being reported due to heightened testing, McDonald said in a statement, "but this record number underscores that this season is impacting more people than in other recent years." His department's data shows that 24 percent of state residents, including 22 percent in Dutchess and 24 percent in Putnam, have received a flu vaccine. "There are simple steps New Yorkers can take to protect themselves and those around them, including getting vaccinated, staying home when sick and practicing everyday preventive measures," he said. Rian Rodriguez, Putnam's public health director, offered the same advice. He said on Dec. 24 that Putnam's rate of 918 flu cases per 100,000 residents topped the state and was 61 percent higher than Nassau County on Long Island. Both the 903 flu cases in Putnam and the 1,276 reported in Dutchess (nearly three times higher than the previous week) for the week ending Dec. 20 were the highest seven-day totals since at least October 2023, according to state data. Both counties also have more hospitalizations this flu season - 13 in Putnam and 98 in Dutchess - than at the same points in 2023 and 2024. Hospitalizations increased from 31 to 47 in Dutchess and from one to nine in Putnam over the previous week. A county-produced heat map (putnamcountyny.gov/respdash) based on ZIP code data shows Carmel with the highest rate in Putnam for the week ending Dec. 20, with the rate in 10524 (Garrison/Philipstown) higher than in 10516 (Cold Spring/Philipstown). Children are the most vulnerable to the flu, followed by older adults, Rodriguez said. Pregnant women and people with chronic medical conditions such as heart or lung disease, asthma and diabetes are also at risk of serious complications. In addition, cases from Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) and COVID-19 are rising, although their numbers are dwarfed by the flu. Statewide, there were 4,904 reported cases of RSV for the week ending Dec. 20, an increase of 25 percent from the previous week. The number of people with COVID rose 3 percent, to 4,255. On Dec. 26, the most recent reporting day, the state health department reported two positive COVID tests in Dutchess and five in Putnam.

As the TribCast team takes a holiday break, we bring you this recording from The Texas Tribune Festival of interviews with three Republican candidates for statewide office.

Arizona does not have laws to protect workers from heat, although there are efforts to write them. Why enforcement may be the key to any new rules. Plus, the effort to prevent dangerous scar tissue from forming.

Honolulu city officials call on the public to take caution with fireworks ahead of NYE; Daniel Dinell discusses the legacy of his father, Tom Dinell, the founding chair of the University of Hawaiʻi Department of Urban and Regional Planning

Hawaiʻi Sen. Glenn Wakai shares concerns about accountability after last year's deadly NYE fireworks explosion; University of Hawaiʻi researchers Nori Tarui and Talal Khan say sea level is devaluing coastal properties

CTL Script/ Top Stories of December 26th Publish Date: December 26th   Pre-Roll: From the Ingles Studio Welcome to the Award-Winning Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast  Today is Friday, December 26th and Happy Birthday to Lars Ulrich I’m Chris Culwell and here are the stories Cherokee is talking about, presented by Times Journal Cherokee High School student places in statewide art contest Salleigh Grubbs appointed to State Election Board Georgia DOT suspends lane closures for the holidays Plus, Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on holiday foods We’ll have all this and more coming up on the Cherokee Tribune-Ledger Podcast, and if you’re looking for Community news, we encourage you to listen and subscribe!  Commercial: INGLES 8 STORY 1: Cherokee High School student places in statewide art contest Cherokee High senior Grace Dai just snagged second place in the Georgia State Parks and Historic Sites Art Contest, and her piece, “The Fall of the House of Chief Vann,” is heading to the Georgia State Capitol for the 2026 legislative session. Pretty cool, right? Dai’s no stranger to recognition—she’s been in the Governor’s Honors Program for Visual Arts, featured in the Atlanta High School Art Exhibit, and, oh yeah, she’s also a National Merit Scholarship Semifinalist. Her art teacher, Morgan Clifton, must be beaming. Grace? She’s clearly on a roll, and it doesn’t look like she’s slowing down anytime soon. STORY 2: Salleigh Grubbs appointed to State Election Board Salleigh Grubbs, former Cobb GOP Chair, is stepping into a new role on the State Election Board. Lt. Gov. Burt Jones appointed her to fill the seat left by Rick Jeffares, who stepped down last week. It’s a “recess appointment,” Grubbs explained, and she’s diving in right away. “I’m honored, humbled—really, all of it,” she said. “Fair elections have been my focus for years, and I’m ready to get to work.” A Marietta native, Grubbs led the Cobb GOP until earlier this year and now serves as the Georgia GOP’s first vice chair. “This is about transparency,” she added. STORY 3: Georgia DOT suspends lane closures for the holidays  With the holidays here, the Georgia DOT is giving drivers a little gift: no lane closures on interstates, major routes, or roads near shopping hotspots. From Dec. 23 at 6 a.m. to Dec. 28 at 10 p.m., and again from Dec. 31 at 5 a.m. to Jan. 2 at 5 a.m., you’ll get a break from the cones. But don’t get too comfy—crews might still be working nearby, and emergencies? Yeah, those closures can still happen. Stay sharp, watch for signs, and check the 511GA app for updates. Safe travels, y’all. We have opportunities for sponsors to get great engagement on these shows. Call 770.874.3200 for more info.    We’ll be right back. Break: INGLES 9 STORY 4: High-Scoring Georgia Men's Basketball Continues Non-Conference Roll With SEC play looming, Georgia’s men’s basketball team has plenty to feel good about. Monday night, they steamrolled West Georgia 103-74, improving to 11-1 and keeping their spotless 35-0 home non-conference record under coach Mike White intact. Blue Cain and Jeremiah Wilkinson were on fire, combining for 39 points. Cain dropped 20 on 9-of-13 shooting, adding four assists and three steals. “They told me about the 100-point record after the game,” Cain said. “It’s cool, but we’re just focused on playing the right way.” Somto Cyril? A beast. Fifteen points, 15 boards, four blocks. SEC, here they come. FALCONS: Bijan Robinson was electric, C.J. Henderson clutch, and the Falcons? They held on—barely. Atlanta edged Arizona 26-19 on Sunday, thanks to Henderson’s diving interception with 90 seconds left, slamming the door on the Cardinals’ final drive. Robinson? Unreal. 171 total yards, a touchdown grab, and a spot in Falcons history—just the third player to hit 2,000 scrimmage yards in a season. Not bad company: Jamal Anderson, William Andrews. Arizona? Another heartbreak. Seven straight losses, 12 of their last 13. Brissett’s 203 yards weren’t enough, and a wild Michael Wilson TD catch wasn’t either. Atlanta’s still alive. Barely. I’m Keith Ippolito and this is your tribune ledger sports minute. STORY 5: Incoming Mayor Dennis Nelson shares goals for Ball Ground  Dennis Nelson has big plans for Ball Ground. The incoming mayor, set to be sworn in Jan. 15, wants to turn Ball Ground Highway into a bustling commercial corridor and add a new park—maybe even the city’s first dog park. “Right now, it’s just an empty stretch,” he said. “People want to stay local, not drive miles for dinner or shopping.” Nelson’s also focused on the truck bypass project, aiming to keep heavy traffic out of downtown. “Everyone’s tired of the trucks,” he said. A Ball Ground resident since 2018, Nelson’s roots run deep—his great-great-grandfather helped settle the nearby city of Nelson. And now here is Leah McGrath from Ingles Markets on holiday foods Commercial: We’ll have closing comments after this.   COMMERCIAL: INGLES 10   SIGN OFF –   Thanks again for hanging out with us on today’s Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast. If you enjoy these shows, we encourage you to check out our other offerings, like the Cherokee Tribune Ledger Podcast, the Marietta Daily Journal, or the Community Podcast for Rockdale Newton and Morgan Counties. Read more about all our stories and get other great content at www.tribuneledgernews.com Did you know over 50% of Americans listen to podcasts weekly? Giving you important news about our community and telling great stories are what we do. Make sure you join us for our next episode and be sure to share this podcast on social media with your friends and family. Add us to your Alexa Flash Briefing or your Google Home Briefing and be sure to like, follow, and subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Produced by the BG Podcast Network Show Sponsors: www.ingles-markets.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

911 is seeing a rise in calls about respiratory distress this flu season; Surfer and scientist Cliff Kapono stars in the mini-doc "The Smartest Surfer in the World"

Honolulu Dep. Fire Chief Jason Samala shares a safety message ahead of the holidays; The Hawaiʻi Community Foundation awards $1.6 million award to assist members of Lahaina's Filipino community affected by wildfires

Some version of a residential solar tax credit has been around for decades. It was made higher under the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act under President Joe Biden. But Republicans in congress this year decided to pull the plug.

Ants, termites and rodents are facing extermination efforts across the Sunshine State as Turner Pest Control continues to expand from the company's war room in Jacksonville. In this episode, JBJ Editor-in-Chief James Cannon gets an update from President Kevin Poland.

The head of the state Department of Law Enforcement discusses concerns about illegal fireworks ahead of New Years Eve celebrations; The University of Hawaiʻi Refugee & Immigration Law Clinic has a deportation-defense hotline

California isn't just a state—it's a story still being written, and USA Today wants a front-row seat. With the launch of Today Californian, the national news giant is investing in a bold new experiment: statewide coverage designed to meet readers wherever they are, from inbox to Instagram. "We're positioning ourselves as highly relevant," says Greg Burton, the project's editorial lead. The goal? To create a digital-first newsroom that feels local, acts regional, and delivers impact at scale. Access more at this episode's landing page, at: https://www.editorandpublisher.com/stories/rewriting-the-california-story-usa-today-bets-big-on-statewide-local-journalism,259321  

The Maui County Council has passed a measure to phase out short-term vacation rentals; Sierra Lynne Stone, a sixth-generation kalo farmer on the North Shore of Kauaʻi, shares how her family's farm has grown

Send us a textOn this extended edition of Dishin' Dirt, I examine the contentious topic of whether South Carolina should adopt a statewide MLS or maintain its current multiple local MLSs. I am joined by MLS current and former board members, Craig Summerall, Matthew Thrift, and Brad Allen. Our conversation delves into the pros and cons of both systems, the ethical implications for real estate agents, and the challenges posed by having multiple MLSs in the upstate region. My guests share their insights on the importance of local expertise, the technical challenges of a statewide MLS, and the potential for consolidation among existing MLSs. The episode concludes with reflections on the future of MLS in South Carolina and the need for improved standards and practices in the real estate industry.Guest emails:Brad Allen-Brad@theartteam.netCraig Summerall- Craig@CraigSummerall.comMatthew Thrift-MThrift@CDanJoyner.comDon't forget to like us and share us!Gary* Gary serves on the South Carolina Real Estate Commission as a Commissioner. The opinions expressed herein are his opinions and are not necessarily the opinions of the SC Real Estate Commission. This podcast is not to be considered legal advice. Please consult an attorney in your area.

Gov. Josh Green talks about his plan to extend expiring federal health care subsidies with state money; HPR investigates why ICE is sending immigrants from the continent to a federal detention center in Honolulu

From the emotional turbulence to having to schedule around custody and family traditions, it can be far from joyful. We talk with a divorce attorney to get some advice.

Stories we're following this morning at Progress Texas:The Texas Democratic Party's effort to fill every state and federal race on the 2026 ballot represents the very first time that either party has done so in state history: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/12/17/texas-democrats-down-ballot-2026/Texas DPS has continued compiling a list of transgender Texans while refusing to explain what it's for: https://www.kut.org/politics/2025-12-15/texas-trans-transgender-drivers-license-id-list-privacyThe Gaines County measles outbreak resulted in a massive decline in school attendance at Seminole ISD schools, resulting in an educational delay that will take months if not years to overcome: https://www.texastribune.org/2025/12/17/texas-measles-mennonite-seminole-aftermath/...Meanwhile the Mennonite community at the center of the outbreak is more vexed by health officials blaming them for the outbreak, and are now even more deeply dug in against vaccines: https://www.hoover.org/news/absences-texas-school-district-spiked-41-percent-after-measles-outbreak-says-hoover-scholarWe had a terrific time this year at both of our 2025 Holiday Parties! THANK YOU to all of our supporters and attendees: ⁠⁠https://progresstexas.org/blog/live-podcast-lineup-progress-texas-holiday-parties-now-released⁠⁠See the full list of 2026 races and candidates, courtesy of Lone Star Left, ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠and ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠HERE⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.Check out our web store, including our newly-expanded Humans Against Greg Abbott collection: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://store.progresstexas.org/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Thanks for listening! Our monthly donors form the backbone of our funding, and if you're a regular, we'd like to invite you to join the team! Find our web store and other ways to support our important work at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://progresstexas.org⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠.

The Lahaina Small Boat Harbor has officially reopened for commercial operations; A new report says small businesses are struggling to fill job openings

Participation in the Honolulu Marathon was high despite stormy conditions; Maritime archeologist Jason Raupp explores the secrets of sunken whaling ships

A state wildlife biologist says bird flu in Hawaiʻi is not a matter of "if" but "when"; Retired Hawaiʻi Supreme Court Chief Justice Mark Recktenwald joins a coalition of former justices speaking out about the importance of the rule of law

In this episode of the Econ Dev Show, host Dane Carlson sits down with John Loyack of the North Carolina Community College System to unpack what “workforce development” looks like when you're the person who gets the call the day after the ribbon cutting asking where the next 500–5,000 workers will come from—and how North Carolina answers that question through four major tools: NC Edge customized training, ApprenticeshipNC, the Bio Network (now stretching from life sciences into food/beverage and natural products), and a small business center network embedded across 58 community colleges, all while pushing for tighter collaboration so employers experience one connected system instead of disconnected silos. Like this show? Please leave us a review here (https://econdevshow.com/rate-this-podcast/) — even one sentence helps! 10 Actionable Takeaways for Economic Developers Treat workforce development as core infrastructure, not a support function. Engage community colleges early, not after a project announcement. Promote customized training programs aggressively to prospects and existing employers. Use pre-hire assessments to reduce employer risk on major projects. Encourage employers, even competitors, to collaborate on shared talent needs. Leverage apprenticeship programs beyond manufacturing into healthcare, construction, and trades. Think regionally, not jurisdiction by jurisdiction, when building talent pipelines. Repurpose successful training models across industries where skills overlap. Break down silos between workforce, small business, and economic development teams. Communicate these resources constantly because most businesses do not know they exist. Special Guest: John Loyack.

Jon Nouchi, deputy director of Honolulu's Department of Transportation Services, discusses Skyline's ridership; Peter O'Dowd, co-host of NPR's "Here & Now," talks about how reporting has changed in the age of misinformation

The current episode elucidates the dire situation unfolding in the Pacific Northwest, where a potent atmospheric river has instigated severe flooding, prompting the governor of Washington to declare a statewide emergency. As multiple rivers reach or exceed flood stage, the National Guard has been activated to assist in the response efforts. We explore the rapid rise of levee concerns, particularly in regions such as the Skagit, Snohomish, Chehalis, Cowlitz, and Puyallup basins, underscoring the critical need for residents to heed local evacuation guidance and avoid flooded roadways. Moreover, we discuss the implications of high wind warnings in southeastern Wyoming, where gusts have reached alarmingly high levels, resulting in hazardous driving conditions. This episode aims to provide an informed overview of the ongoing weather-related adversities, emphasizing the necessity for vigilance and preparedness in the face of such natural calamities.A persistent atmospheric river continues to exert its influence over the Pacific Northwest, leading to severe weather conditions characterized by intense precipitation and resultant flooding. The governor of Washington has declared a statewide emergency, which has necessitated the activation of the National Guard to assist in mitigating the impact of the flooding that affects multiple rivers, some of which are reaching or exceeding flood stage. Concerns regarding levee integrity remain paramount, particularly in the Skagit, Snohomish, Chehalis, Cowlitz, and Puyallup basins, where swift rises in water levels pose a significant risk to the surrounding communities. Residents are urged to exercise caution, avoiding flooded roadways and adhering to local evacuation directives as the situation develops. As we navigate through this precarious weather event, the Weather Prediction Center has issued warnings for elevated rainfall risks across western Washington and northwest Oregon, with the potential for additional precipitation persisting into the weekend, thereby exacerbating the already critical conditions.Takeaways:* The Pacific Northwest is currently experiencing severe weather conditions due to a powerful atmospheric river. * Governor of Washington has declared a statewide emergency, activating the National Guard for flood response. * Residents are advised to avoid flooded roads and adhere to local evacuation guidance promptly. * Wyoming is facing significant wind hazards, resulting in the closure of major highway segments. * Alaska has established a Bethel Assistance Hub to aid survivors from the recent West Coast storm. * New York continues to experience winter storm warnings due to lake effect snow and hazardous travel conditions. Sources[FEMA | https://www.fema.gov/press-release/20251210/bethel-assistance-hub-opens-dec-11-support-alaskans][NWS Anchorage | https://www.weather.gov/afc][NWS Buffalo WSW | https://www.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=buf&wwa=all][NWS Fort Drum/Watertown Hazard Page | https://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?lat=43.972377&lon=-75.911254][NWS Portland Flood Statements | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=pqr&wwa=flood%20warning][PBOT Travel Advisory | https://www.portland.gov/transportation/news/2025/12/8/travel-advisory-heavy-rains-monday-night-through-wednesday-and][ODOT TripCheck | https://www.tripcheck.com/DynamicReports/Report/RoadConditions/0][Governor WA News Release | https://governor.wa.gov/news/news-releases][Proclamation (PDF) | https://governor.wa.gov/sites/default/files/proclamations/25-07%20-%20Atmospheric%20River.pdf][NWS Seattle Flood Warnings | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=sew&wwa=flood+warning][WPC ERO | https://www.wpc.ncep.noaa.gov/qpf/excessive_rainfall_outlook_ero.php][AP | https://apnews.com/article/28344ef2f138633444ab247b91c4e4f4][NWS Cheyenne High Wind Warnings | https://forecast.weather.gov/wwamap/wwatxtget.php?cwa=cys&wwa=high+wind+warning][WYDOT I-80 | https://www.wyoroad.info/pls/Browse/WRR.RoutesResults?SelectedRoute=I80][WYDOT I-25 | https://www.wyoroad.info/pls/Browse/WRR.RoutesResults?SelectedRoute=I25] This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit emnetwork.substack.com/subscribe

RYSE Hawaiʻi receives a $2.5 million donation from the Bezos Day 1 Families Fund; Hawaiʻi artist Jodi Endicott turns marine debris into sculptures that highlight the impact of plastic on the environment

In California's Central Valley, a small K–8 school district is getting big results. Livingston Union School District in Merced County was recently recognized by the UCLA Center for the Transformation of Schools for outperforming the state in key areas — reducing chronic absenteeism and suspensions while improving student well-being. How did the district do this? By investing deeply in school counselors and pushing a comprehensive program that goes above and beyond what most schools offer in both academic and mental health support. Guests: Alma Lopez, school counseling coordinator, Livingston Union School District Vani Sanganeria, reporter, EdSource Read more from EdSource: How school counselors reduced chronic absenteeism and suspensions at a California school district Central Valley school counselor wins national award for ‘relentless' work with students Podcast: What it takes to be an award-winning counselor Education Beat is a weekly podcast hosted by EdSource's Zaidee Stavely and produced by Coby McDonald. Subscribe: Apple, Spotify, SoundCloud, YouTube

For those who suffer from mental health challenges, holiday stress can make their conditions worse.

Send us a textDr. Jeffrey Gould and Dr. David Stevenson recount founding California Perinatal Quality Care Collaborative (CPQCC) in the mid-1990s, transforming California's fragmented perinatal care system. Initial success required organizational development expertise—not just databases—to transform stakeholders into partners by identifying mutual value. They created California Association of Neonatology, secured Packard Foundation support, and unified competing academic centers and private practitioners. CPQCC's disciplined approach—pods meeting biweekly, shared data, non-hierarchical teams—contributed to California achieving the nation's lowest maternal mortality while national rates climb. Gould emphasizes quality improvement as structural intervention building relationships and improving working conditions. For aspiring leaders, they advise: identify what teams value, use data to reveal challenges, build consensus around shared goals. Support the showAs always, feel free to send us questions, comments, or suggestions to our email: nicupodcast@gmail.com. You can also contact the show through Instagram or Twitter, @nicupodcast. Or contact Ben and Daphna directly via their Twitter profiles: @drnicu and @doctordaphnamd. The papers discussed in today's episode are listed and timestamped on the webpage linked below. Enjoy!

The news of Texas covered today includes:Our Lone Star story of the day: Drama continues in the TX19 GOP race for Congress with the Bowtie Bully, RINO County Judge Curtis Parrish, having infuriated most people, even some of his supporters, by unilaterally, without a court finding of fact, removing Precinct 2 County Commissioner Jason Corley from office solely based upon Bowtie's opinion of the resign-to-run statute. Corley, now a candidate for Congress in TX19, appears on the show to give us an update on his lawsuit, filed last night, and discuss the matter generally.Here is a good write-up: Corley's future on Commissioner's Court waits for judge to be assigned; other commissioners stunned he was replaced.For those who have never understood why many of us say Curtis Parrish has no business in a position of responsibility, this gives a glimpse into his super arrogance and viciousness that permeates about everything he does but is hard for outsiders to perceive.Our Lone Star story of the day is sponsored by Allied Compliance Services providing the best service in DOT, business and personal drug and alcohol testing since 1995.A rundown of who has filed in the GOP and Jackass parties for statewide offices; vacancies in the legislature, and; some local filings and comments.Listen on the radio, or station stream, at 5pm Central. Click for our radio and streaming affiliates.www.PrattonTexas.com

HPR gets a tour of an agroforestry farm on Kauaʻi; A retired city lifeguard gives marine trash new life

We spotlight KCCTO, a statewide Kansas initiative that delivers clock‑hour training, mental health support, and career pathways for early childhood professionals. Bronwyn Fees shares how a 65‑member team serves all 105 counties with online, virtual, and in‑person learning plus one‑to‑one career navigation.• KCCTO's mission and land‑grant roots• Non‑credit clock‑hour training for licensing• Scale of service across all 105 counties• Director of groups and community conversations• Mental health cohorts to reduce isolation• Turnover drivers and workforce retention• Statewide career pathway with stair‑step progression• Career navigators for personalized guidance• Simple access via phone and kccto.org• Hub at Kansas State University with remote staffCertainly, encourage our listeners to contact KCCTO if they have any other questions about getting into early childhood care and education or furthering their professional developmentGMCFCFAs

ʻAulani Wilhelm, CEO of Nia Tero, has been named an influential climate leader by TIME Magazine; Humpback whales have changed their behavior since their return to Lahaina

The head of the Honolulu Board of Water Supply discusses the status of Oʻahu's water resources; A coalition is working to protect parts of Maunawili Valley from future development

Today, we're revisiting our archives to bring you little-known stories of WWII.

A high-energy, unfiltered morning talk show host returned to the air after a brief illness, sounding about 85% but fired up and ready to go. He kicked things off by announcing he's permanently dropping all personal drama and online stalker nonsense from the show (“that stuff gets the least engagement anyway; y'all clearly don't care”), and instead wants to focus on the topics the audience actually enjoys. He ran a quick poll: In order of preference, what do you want the show to cover most? Hyper-local city and county issues Statewide stories National/Trump/world events Sports (toss it in wherever it fits) Most early feedback said “keep the mix but lean heavy on local rot and national politics.”Main topics of the morning: Street preachers and the First Amendment fight headed to the Supreme Court A group of aggressive street preachers who scream insults, call women whores and Jezebels, and wave graphic aborted-fetus signs at concertgoers, restaurant patios, and public events have been restricted to a designated protest zone outside a local amphitheater. After repeated fights (including one preacher getting punched), the city passed an ordinance moving them away from the entrance. The preachers sued, claiming religious/free-speech violations, and the case is now SCOTUS-bound. Host's take: “This isn't real evangelism; this is theater kids trying to get punched so they can play victim and sue. It's a grift that makes Christians look insane and drives people away from faith. You have the right to speak, but you don't have the right to scream fighting words in people's faces while they're just trying to eat dinner or go to a concert. Moving them across the street is common-sense time/place/manner restriction, not censorship.” The city of Jackson passing an ordinance that officially prohibits city employees from associating with or doing business with known drug dealers Introduced by a longtime councilman who says “dope boys have too much control in certain neighborhoods.” Host (who grew up in and ran nightlife in the city for decades) called it one of the wildest headlines he's ever seen, proof of how deep the corruption and cultural rot had gotten: Cops, code-enforcement officers, and even some DA staff grew up with the same drug dealers they're now supposed to police or prosecute. Street pressure (“you don't snitch on Pookie”) plus low pay makes corruption easy and common. Many nightclubs, car washes, detail shops, and bars in the city are allegedly money-laundering fronts for dealers; some owners are the dealers themselves. Past stories of JPD officers escorting drug shipments or letting connected dealers walk after traffic stops were cited as symptoms of the same disease. He praised the new mayoral administration and current council for at least acknowledging the problem out loud and trying to do something about it, noting he hasn't heard the usual racial-grievance or “black jobs” talking points since they took over. Other quick hits: A Mississippi man who impersonated a drug-task-force agent and actually showed up at the sheriff's office when they called his bluff = instant “F Around and Find Out” champion of the day. Breaking news that the January 6 pipe-bomber has finally been arrested (suspect reportedly tied to anarchist/Antifa ideology). Quick celebration that certain blue states refusing to turn over welfare-fraud data may lose federal SNAP funding soon. Overall tone: zero sugar-coating, heavy on local culture-rot commentary, strong defense of reasonable free-speech limits when they prevent real-world harassment, and cautious optimism that the city might finally be turning a corner under new leadership.The host closed by saying it was one of his favorite shows in months and promised a “FAFO Friday” tomorrow.

Mālama Mākua's Lynette Cruz and Sparky Rodrigues and filmmaker Mikey Inouye talk about their film that shows the decades-long fight of military leases; Ray Tsuchiyama, realtor and management consultant, talks about whether Japanese travelers are coming back to Hawaiʻi

This is the busiest shopping period of the year. That also brings risks to consumers as scammers are working to make sure you have an unhappy holiday season. Your financial and personal information is even more at risk.

Waikulu will be home to Maui's newest film festival; The Honolulu Zoo has a new exhibit featuring rare endemic snails