Best Critical Fail Radio Podcasts (2025)

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Weekend Edition: Political Polarization in the U.S., Jimmy Kimmel & the FCC, and FDA's new approach on vaccine policy and autism research 31:28

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7h ago31:28

31:28

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First, a discussion with former Democratic Congressmen Tim Roemer – and Republican Congressman Charles Boustany from the non-profit group Issue One -- on efforts to reduce political polarization in the U.S. Then, Former FCC Chair Tom Wheeler discusses the Jimmy Kimm…

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Former FBI Dir James Comey indicted and other top stories this week 56:52

16m ago56:52

56:52

While Congress is out of session, and President Donald Trump spent the day in New York at the Ryder Cup golf tournament, Washington Today look at some of the major stories this past week, including: *Former FBI Director James Comey is indicted for lying to Congress. President Trump says it is justice and not revenge against a political opponent. *D…

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Congressional Democratic Leaders say they will not be intimated by threat of large-scale federal worker layoffs if government shuts down 58:02

1d ago58:02

58:02

White House prepares for widespread layoffs of federal workers at government agencies if there is a government shutdown starting October 1st, the new fiscal year. We will hear from the House Democratic leader Hakeem Jeffries, President Donald Trump, and talk with Reuters congressional reporter Bo Erickson (10); President Trump signs a deal tofacili…

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Does warm weather mean more rats in UK towns and cities? 32:27

9m ago32:27

32:27

Summer heatwaves and missed bin collections have created panic in the press that rat numbers in the UK are increasing. We ask Steve Belmain, Professor of Ecology at the Natural Resources Institute at the University of Greenwich for the science. This summer Wales became the first country in the UK to ban plastic in wet wipes, with the other nations …

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Sen. Cruz (R-TX) says "politically motivated violence is wrong" and "this must stop" after anti-ICE message found on ammunition near gunman in deadly shooting at ICE facility in Dallas 53:39

3d ago53:39

53:39

A gunman kills two detainees at an U.S. Immigration and CustomsEnforcement facility in Dallas in what the FBI Director Kash Patel says lookslike a politically motivated attack. Sen. Ted Cruz (R-TX) says of this, andother recent attacks, "This violence is wrong and needs to stop"; ABClate night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel returns to the airwaves aft…

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Trump's unproven autism claim 8:40

4m ago8:40

8:40

Donald Trump has made the unproven claim there's a link between autism and Tylenol, known as paracetamol elsewhere. Find full subtitles and a worksheet for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2025/250924 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/lear…

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Pres. Trump in UN speech rails against migration, clean energy, UN ineffectiveness; Pres. Trump cancels meeting on gov't funding with House & Senate Dem leaders to avoid shutdown 50:42

4d ago50:42

50:42

President Donald Trump speaks at the opening the 80th session of the United Nations on his “America First” agenda, criticizing the UN for being ineffective at preventing or stopping wars and Europe for his immigration policies; President also meets in New York City with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky and in a post said Ukraine should be abl…

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Pres. Trump & FDA link autism rise to acetaminophen use during pregnancy, and that drug Leucovorin is a potential treatment for autism 59:37

1d ago59:37

59:37

President Donald Trump joins federal health officials to announce that pain reliever acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, used by pregnant women, is linked to rising cases of autism, and that the drug Leucovorin is a potential treatment for autism; Disney says late night host Jimmy Kimmel is returning to the air on ABC, less than a week…

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Australian security - Is United States our best option? 29:54

6d ago29:54

29:54

Since the end of WW2, the security alliance between Australia and the United States ANZUS has been the cornerstone of our foreign policy and security. And the AUKUS agreement announced in 2021 by Prime Minister Morrison only deepens that alliance. But just how well has the alliance served Australia and will the AUKUS deal enhance our security or le…

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Weekend Edition: Americans View of the Economy, Constitution Day, and Trump Administration Approach to Vaccines 27:55

6d ago27:55

27:55

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First, a conversation on how Americans are viewing the economy right now with Heather Long - Washington Post columnist and chief economist for Navy Federal Credit Union. Then, we speak with National Constitution Center President & CEO Jeffrey Rosen about the history…

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Senate fails to pass both Republicans & Democratic proposals to extend federal government funding, increasing chances of a shutdown starting October 1 58:37

4d ago58:37

58:37

Senate fails to pass two versions of a government funding extension to avoid a shutdown At the end of the month: a Republican one that the House passed today that funds the government for another 7 weeks, and a Democratic one that does that but also extends Obamacare insurance subsidies; House passes a resolution to honor the life and legacy of Cha…

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Pres. Trump & British Prime Minister Starmer talk tech investment, Ukraine & Gaza wars, and Kimmel suspension & free speech at joint news conference in England 57:02

9d ago57:02

57:02

President Donald Trump meets with British Prime Minister Keir Starmer on the final day of his state visit to Great Britain. The two announce what they call a "U.K.-U.S. Tech Prosperity Deal" and answer questions at a news conference about the wars in Ukraine & Gaza. We hear from the leaders and talk about the state visit with C-SPAN's Westminster C…

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Could solar panels in space be the energy source of the future? 28:07

6d ago28:07

28:07

As new research looks at the financial and environmental case for solar panels in space, we explore how likely the technology could be to power our future energy needs back on Earth. Marnie Chesterton hears from the author of a new study into the topic, Dr Wei He from King’s College London, and is joined by Professor Henry Snaith from Oxford Univer…

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Federal Reserve cuts interest rates quarter point; newest Fed Governor Stephen Miran votes no, calls for half-point cut 55:58

6d ago55:58

55:58

Federal Reserve announces an interest rate cut of a quarter percentage point, lowering borrowing costs for the first time since December. Newest Fed Governor Stephen Miran, who has taken a leave of absence from his job as chair of the White House Council of Economic Advisers, votes for a bigger cut of 0.5%; U.S. House begins work on the federal gov…

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Israel committing genocide in Gaza: UN commission 7:56

7d ago7:56

7:56

An investigation by the United Nations, called a 'commission of inquiry', has found that Israel has committed genocide against Palestinians in Gaza. Israel's foreign ministry has rejected the report, saying that it is "distorted and false". Find full subtitles and a worksheet for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/featur…

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FBI Director Kash Patel testifies on high-level FBI firings, releasing Epstein files, Charlie Kirk shooting investigation 59:54

7d ago59:54

59:54

FBI Director Kash Patel testifies before the Senate Judiciary Committee about accusations the agency is being politicized, whether all the Epstein files will be released and his handling of the investigation into the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk; Utah County's Attorney General says the suspect in the Kirk shooting is being c…

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Pres. Trump deploys the National Guard to Memphis, Tennessee, calling it a ‘replica’ of his anti-crime effort in Washington, DC 38:08

8d ago38:08

38:08

President Donald Trump announces he’s sending the National Guard into Memphis, Tennessee to combat crime; Vice President JD Vance host the late Charlie Kirk's daily radio show; talks continue in Congress to keep the government open and funded past the end of the month. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

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Weekend Edition: Charlie Kirk, Remembering 9/11 and Dr. Paul Offit 28:01

11d ago28:01

28:01

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First – we chat with Punchbowl News congressional reporter Max Cohen about the prospects for a potential government shutdown in a few short weeks – and the political and policy obstacles to a potential deal. Then: Vaccine expert Dr. Paul Offit discusses his recent r…

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Gov. Spencer Cox (R-UT) says 'we got him' in announcing the arrest of a 22-year-old suspected of fatally shooting conservative activist Charlie Kirk 53:25

15d ago53:25

53:25

Gov. Spencer Cox (R-UT) announces the arrest in the shooting death of conservative activist Charlie Kirk of 22-year-old suspect Tyler Robinson of Utah; President Donald Trump says he will send National Guard to Memphis, Tennessee, the next city he is targeting with federal resources to reduce crime; former White House Press Secretary Karine Jean Pi…

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Manhunt continues for Charlie Kirk's killer; 9/11 terror attack anniversary; Senate GOP changes rules to speed up nominee confirmation 55:46

16d ago55:46

55:46

FBI releases photos of a person of interest in the shooting death of conservative political activist Charlie Kirk and asks the public for help in identifying him. FBI also gives an update on the evidence recovered sofar, including the suspected firearm used; President Donald Trump announces he will award Charlie Kirk a posthumous Presidential Medal…

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What will we be wearing in the future? 28:11

13d ago28:11

28:11

What are you wearing today? What processes, chemical and otherwise, have gone into creating the garments in your wardrobe? And how might they be improved, honed, transformed in the future? Professor of Materials & Society at UCL, Mark Miodownik, Dr Jane Wood, Lecturer at the University of Manchester and expert in textile technology, and materials s…

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Conservative activist Charlie Kirk is shot & killed while speaking at university in Utah 53:41

13d ago53:41

53:41

Conservative activist Charlie Kirk is shot and killed at an event at Utah Valley University; Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) forces a vote in the Senate on an amendment to release all the files related to the case of convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein; NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte says Russia flying drones over Poland "reckless…

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'God's influencer': First millennial saint named 7:13

14d ago7:13

7:13

Catholic church names 15-year-old boy the first millennial saint. Learn to talk about this news story in English with Beth and Phil. Learn about this news story with Neil and Beth. Find full subtitles and a worksheet for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2025/250910 The London Let…

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MAHA Commission releases report on reducing chronic disease in children, with emphasize on nutrition & lifestyle changes over more gov't regulation 57:12

18d ago57:12

57:12

Trump Administration's Make America Health Again (MAHA) Commission releases a report with strategies to fight childhood chronic disease that focuses more on nutrition and lifestyle changes rather than government regulations; White House says President Donald Trump would be willing to bring in a handwriting expert to show that it is not his signatur…

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Supreme Court lifts restrictions on LA immigration stops set after agents swept up US citizens 36:32

15d ago36:32

36:32

News from the Supreme Court today….In a 6-3 decision, it blocked a federal judge’s ruling that restricted federal officers’ ability to conduct immigration stops in the Los Angeles area…. The Court also received… a formal request from the White House to let it hold back 4 billion dollars of congressionally approved foreign aid. The appeal comes afte…

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Drones and how they are changing modern warfare 29:35

17d ago29:35

29:35

It was after the September 11 terrorist attacks on New York and Washington – that the drone became America’s weapon of choice in war on terror. Unpiloted planes, capable of finding and destroying target on the other side of the world, known as – Reaper or Predator Drones. But it’s over the past 25 years the use of drones - both civilian and militar…

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Weekend Edition: Epstein Files and the 2026 Midterm Elections 19:21

18d ago19:21

19:21

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. Congress returned to Washington this week – and immediately was consumed by the Epstein files controversy and the looming government funding deadline at the end of the month. We talk with two lawmakers – on opposites sides of the aisle -- about potential Congression…

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Labor Dept says U.S. added 22K jobs in August, lower than expected; Pres. Trump renames Dept of Defense to Dept of War 49:15

18d ago49:15

49:15

Labor Department says the U.S. added just 22,000 jobs in August, lower than expectations, and the unemployment rate goes up to 4.3%. President Donald Trump says the real jobs numbers will be next year, after his policies have a chance to take effect; Sen. Elissa Slotkin (D-MI) talks about her vision of keeping the needs of the U.S. middle class fro…

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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. at a Senate hearing defends vaccine policy changes and firing top CDC officials 58:57

19d ago58:57

58:57

Health & Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. defends his vaccine policy changes and firing of top officials at the Centers for Disease Control & Prevention, before the Senate Finance Committee. Almost all the committee's Democrats are calling on him to resign. Secretary Kennedy is also asked about studies on the causes of autism, and ab…

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What’s the evidence for vaccines? 28:11

20d ago28:11

28:11

US Health Secretary Robert F Kennedy Jr announced plans this week to cancel $500 million dollars of funding for mRNA vaccine development. The research was focusing on trying to counter viruses that cause diseases such as the flu and Covid-19. Marnie Chesterton is joined by Professor Anne Willis, Director of the MRC Toxicology Unit at the University…

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Survivors of sexual abuse by Jeffrey Epstein tell their emotional stories, call for release of more Justice Dept files; Pres. Trump again calls it a 'Democrat hoax' 58:08

24d ago58:08

58:08

Survivors of sexual abuse by the late Jeffrey Epstein tell their emotional, personal stories in a news conference on Capitol Hill with Members of Congress of both parties who have been calling for the release of all the Justice Department files in the investigation of Epstein; President Donald Trump again calling that effort on the Epstein files a …

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Earthquakes hit Afghanistan 8:24

21d ago8:24

8:24

Earthquakes in Afghanistan kill over 1,400 people. Learn about this news story with Neil and Beth. Find full subtitles and a worksheet for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2025/250903 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE:Visit our website ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglishFollow …

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President Trump says about sending National Guard to Chicago 'we're going in' and 'I didn't say when' 57:32

21d ago57:32

57:32

President Donald Trump says, "we're going in" and "I didn't say when",when asked if he plans to send the National Guard to Chicago to combat crime. Gov. JB Pritzker (D-IL) responds; a federal judge rules President Trump and Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth violated federal law by using the U.S. military to help carry out law enforcement activities in…

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Controlling The Pacific 29:35

24d ago29:35

29:35

Since the end of World War II, America has dominated the Pacific, but China’s expanding economy and growing military might is challenging that dominanceBy Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Weekend Edition: Intel Corporation, Israel - Hamas Conflict, and the 20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina 31:11

28d ago31:11

31:11

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First, a discussion with Competitive Enterprise Institute's Ryan Young, about the Trump Administration's purchase of a 10% stake in the Intel corporation. Then, Nadia Bilbassy-Charters (bill-bey-zee) of Al Arabiya News Channel and Jacob Magid (MAG-id) of the Times o…

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20th Anniversary of Hurricane Katrina hitting Gulf Coast; President Trump cuts $4.9 billion in foreign aid through a 'pocket rescission', bypassing a Congressional vote 54:33

29d ago54:33

54:33

On the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina devastating Louisiana,Mississippi and other parts of the Gulf Coast, tributes to those lost, pride in the rebuilding and recovery, and thoughts of preparing for future storms; President Donald Trump says he will cut $4.9 billion for foreign aid through a 'pocket rescission', which will not give Congress …

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Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. defends firing CDC Director Susan Monarez just a few weeks after she is sworn-in 56:51

30d ago56:51

56:51

Health Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. says the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Director Susan Monarez was removed from her position because she did not align with President Donald Trump's “Make America Healthy Again” (MAHA) agenda. She is challenging the dismissal and her lawyers say she chose "protecting the public over serving a poli…

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Why wasn’t the Russia mega earthquake as damaging as previous ones? 28:20

27d ago28:20

28:20

A massive 8.8 magnitude mega earthquake off Russia's east coast sent tsunami waves into Japan, Hawaii and the US west coast this week. While more than two million people across the Pacific were ordered to evacuate, there were no immediate reports of any fatalities. After recent devastating tsunamis like the ones that hit Fukushima in 2011 and the B…

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Gunman shoots through church windows in Minneapolis, killing two children, injuring others, at mass celebrating new year of Catholic school; Gov. Walz says students were met with 'evil and horror and death ... 52:17

1M ago52:17

52:17

A gunman kills two children and injures 17 other children and adults at a Catholic school in Minneapolis during a mass celebrating the first day of school before killing himself. FBI Director Kash Patel says it is being investigated as an act of domestic terrorism and hate crime against Catholics; Washington, DC Mayor Muriel Bowser says the three w…

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Heatwaves speed up ageing process, study says 7:37

28d ago7:37

7:37

A study in Taiwan has found that peoples' biological age increases when they experience heatwaves. Learn about this news story with Phil and Georgie. Find full subtitles and a worksheet for this episode at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/learning-english-from-the-news_2025/250827 FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our web…

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Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook to sue after President Donald Trump says he is firing her for alleged mortgage fraud 47:58

28d ago47:58

47:58

Lawyers for Federal Reserve Governor Lisa Cook say she will sue after President Donald Trump said he is firing her after allegation of mortgage fraud. Cook says the president does not have that power; President Trump says he wants anyone who commits a murder in Washington, DC to be given the death penalty. DC Council repealed the death penalty in 1…

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President Trump welcomes South Korean President and signs Executive Orders; Judge orders ICE to keep Kilmar Abrego Garcia in the US; Democrats start their summer meeting 32:02

30d ago32:02

32:02

President Donald Trump welcomes the South Korean President and signs executive orders on the National Guard in DC, ending cash bail and prosecuting burning the American flag; judge orders ICE to keep Kilmar Abrego Garcia in the U.S.; Democratic National Committee starts it summer meeting in Minneapolis. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megap…

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Rear Vision - Australia’s Green Iron plan 29:36

1M ago29:36

29:36

What can Australia do to maintain its mineral wealth in a decarbonising world? Rear Vision drills down into our coal and iron-ore industries. And asks, can Green Iron save us?By Australian Broadcasting Corporation

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Weekend Edition: Russia Ukraine, Trump Admin. Immigration & Deportation Policies, and Mail-In Ballots 28:22

1M ago28:22

28:22

In this weekend's episode, three segments from this past week's Washington Journal. First, a conversation with Yevheniia Kravchuk -- a Member of Ukraine's Parliament about President Zelensky's White House meeting earlier this week - and a potential peace deal to end the fighting between her country and Russia. Then, Steven Camarota of the Center fo…

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DAY 2 - Ghislaine Maxwell Tapes - July 25th, 2025 1:40:28

1M ago1:40:28

1:40:28

The Justice Department released a transcript and audio recordings of the interview that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche conducted with Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. From July 24th, 2025 here is the complete first day of the testimony. And a warning, there might be language that some find offensive. Learn more about your ad choi…

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DAY 1 - Ghislaine Maxwell Tapes - July 24th, 2025 5:04:27

1M ago5:04:27

5:04:27

The Justice Department released a transcript and audio recordings of the interview that Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche conducted with Jeffrey Epstein accomplice Ghislaine Maxwell. From July 24th, 2025 here is the complete first day of testimony. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices…

1
Stocks rally after Federal Reserve Chair Powell signals possible interest rate cut; Justice Dept releases audio & transcripts of Ghislaine Maxwell interview 52:52

1M ago52:52

52:52

Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell signals a possible cut in interest rates in the near future and stocks rally on Wall Street; FBI agents raid former National Security Adviser John Bolton's home in Marylandhome and office in Washington. Sources tell media outlets it is part of anational security investigation involved classified material; Just…

1
Vice President Vance in Georgia promotes GOP tax cuts; President Trump meets with DC & federal law enforcement, and National Guard, patrolling Washington 51:49

1M ago51:49

51:49

Vice President JD Vance travels to Georgia to promote the Republican tax cuts & spending cuts bill known as the 'one big, beautiful bill', but he does not use that phrase, instead calling it the “working families tax cut” bill, while Sen. Josh Ossoff (D-GA) criticizes the law for its health care spending cuts; White House announces details of a tra…

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The surprising culture of the animal kingdom 27:52

1M ago27:52

27:52

We discuss the incredible science of the animal kingdom, focusing on the latest fascinating research into animal culture, society and communication. Victoria Gill is joined by a panel of experts in front of a live audience at the Hay Festival to hear about their research all over the world into animal behaviour. Taking part are: Jemima Scrase, who …

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Texas House starts long debate on new Congressional redistricting map ahead of expected easy passage by Republican majority over Democratic objections 50:18

1M ago50:18

50:18

The Congressional redistricting battle in the two most populous states moves from debate to votes. In Texas, Republicans are seeking to gain five more U.S. House seats for their party, and California, the exact opposite, with Democrats drawing a new map favoring their party in five more seats. We will hear debate from the Texas House of Representat…