Sensemaker

A look at how the pandemic and a hit TV show supercharged online chess and streaming culture. Tensions flare between streaming personalities and the sport’s traditional establishment. Cheating scandals, high-profile disputes, and a community rift amplify debates about reputation and the future of the game.

Charlotte MacDonald Gibson, a Minneapolis-based journalist reporting on ICE and local policing. She walks through video evidence of the Minneapolis shooting and how footage clashed with official accounts. They cover political pressure for an independent probe, leadership recalls and replacements, and whether those moves truly change enforcement on the ground.

A deep look at Iran's crackdown after mass protests and the near-total internet blackout. Emerging video evidence reveals overwhelmed hospitals and morgues. Discussion of casualty figures, mass arrests and possible executions. Analysis of U.S. threats and naval movements and whether military action could change the regime's fate. Exploration of why protests erupted now and what the movement's future might hold.

Some 60 countries have been invited to join the Board, and each would have to pay a billion dollars if they want to become permanent members. Trump will be its inaugural Chairman, a position he can hold for life. Writer: Poppy BullardProducer: Poppy BullardHost: Casey Magloire Episode photography: Sofia Fenton Executive Producer: Jasper Corbett Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With a vote of support in the house of Lords, the government is under increasing pressure to ban social media for under 16s. But will Keir Starmer back a ban?Writer: Ada BaruméProducer:  Ada BaruméHost: Casey Magloire :  Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this discussion, Richard Lambert, a British journalist and former chairman of the British Museum, dives deep into the Smithsonian's challenges under political fire. He outlines the museum's immense role in education and research, revealing its reliance on federal funding. Lambert explores Trump's controversial 'Restoring Truth and Sanity' executive order, aimed at reshaping American history narratives. He also evaluates Lonnie Bunch's leadership amidst threats of funding cuts and potential self-censorship, highlighting the precarious future of cultural institutions.

Dr. Paul Morland, a demographer and expert on population trends, explores the contentious topic of declining birth rates and their implications. He discusses the economic factors, like housing costs and childcare, that deter parents. Cultural shifts toward delayed marriage and changing life aspirations also contribute to lower fertility. Morland warns about the potential consequences of an ageing population, from economic strain to social care challenges, while emphasizing the importance of personal choice amid these trends.

Andreas Osthagen, Research Director for Arctic and Ocean Politics at the Fridtjof Nansen Institute, delves into the intriguing dynamics of Svalbard, an archipelago of growing geopolitical interest. He discusses the historic 1920 Spitsbergen Treaty granting Norway sovereignty while ensuring equal access for all signatories. The conversation highlights Russia's concerns over its proximity to Svalbard and Norway's tightening regulations. As Arctic shipping routes expand, Osthagen predicts that Svalbard will increasingly capture global attention.

Nigel Inkster, a former senior security official and advisor at the International Institute for Strategic Studies, dives into the controversial proposal for a new Chinese embassy in London. The discussion raises serious concerns about potential cyber threats and espionage activities, particularly given the embassy's proximity to critical infrastructure. Inkster also explains how this embassy could streamline diplomatic operations and what it signifies about UK-China relations, sparking a debate on the implications for national security and monitoring the Chinese diaspora.

Over 30,000 homes in South East England have been left without water for days, causing major disruptions to schools and businesses. Local residents express frustration over the unpredictable supply. The outages have caught parliamentary attention, with concerns about past service failures at South East Water. Experts discuss the negative impact of private equity ownership on maintenance and rising climate change challenges. Comparisons are made between water companies' responses, highlighting the need for investment and resilience.