How big a problem is torture? Are the right things being done to prevent it? Why does the UN appear at times to be so impotent in the face of it? Tackling Torture: Prevention in Practice(Bristol University Press, 2023) by Malcolm D. Evans tells the story of torture prevention under international law, setting out what is really happening around the world. Challenging assumptions about torture’s root causes, he calls for what is needed to enable us to bring about change.
The author draws on over ten years’ experience as Chair of the UN Subcommittee on Prevention of Torture to give a frank account of the remarkable capacities of this system, what it has achieved in practice, or not been able to achieve – and most importantly, why.
This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose forthcoming book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars.
Twitter employees had always imagined the platform would be used for social good. Their idea was that free expression on the internet would lead to good things. But after the 2016 U.S. election, that notion would be put under stress. And Twitter would have to grapple with the question: what happens when its powerful superuser - who also happens to be the most powerful person in the world - creates havoc on the platform?
We'll bring you the key takeaways from this week's statewide elections and what the results could mean for 2024.
Also, American lawmakers punished a congresswoman who's been vocal about the war in Gaza. We'll explain why.
Plus, we're talking about growing interest in surgically implanted brain chips from Elon Musk, a noticeable change coming to every Walmart store, and how Gen Z seems to be shaking up the workplace for everyone.
Special Education teacher Kelly Burke joins us to debunk the classic Andrew Wakefield vaccine study, but there's probably a whole lot that you don't know about it because holy crap this thing was shockingly terrible. It's especially insane that it had such an impact on the anti-vax movement when it was literally a pile of garbage in every way imaginable. Come learn more about truly one of the worst science thingies to ever thing. Are you an expert in something and want to be on the show? Apply here! Please please pretty please support the show on patreon! You get ad free episodes, early episodes, and other bonus content!
Tuesday was Election Day in key battleground states. In Ohio, voters codified reproductive rights into the state’s constitution. And over in Kentucky, incumbent Democratic Governor Andy Beshear won reelection over Republican challenger Daniel Cameron. Heather Williams, interim president of the Democratic Legislative Campaign Committee, breaks down the results and gives insight on what might happen in next year’s general election.
And in headlines: Israel said its troops have reached the heart of Gaza City, New Delhi is dealing with another year of severe air pollution, and scientists have discovered the oldest known black hole in space.
Crooked Coffee is officially here. Our first blend, What A Morning, is available in medium and dark roasts. Wake up with your own bag at crooked.com/coffee
If you've ever looked up at the clouds and wondered where they came from, you're not alone. Atmospheric researcher Lubna Dada is fascinated by the mystery of how clouds form and what role they play in our climate. Today, host Aaron Scott talks to Dada about a recent study on the role of trees in cloud formation, and how this data will improve our current climate models.
Want more stories on the environment or climate change? Email us at shortwave@npr.org.
Parents should have the right to know what their children are being taught in school and to have their voices heard when they have concerns.
That’s why Rep. Julia Letlow, R-La., introduced the Parents Bill of Rights.
“It's actually appalling to me ... that we have to have a Parents Bill of Rights, but in today's age, it's absolutely necessary, because parents always deserve a seat at the table when it comes to their child's education,” Letlow says.
The House passed the bill in March without a single Democrat supporting the measure. The Senate has yet to bring the Parents Bill of Rights to the floor for a vote.
“I know there's been some interest from my Senate colleagues on the other side, but I'm hopeful that one of them will come forward and take it up,” Letlow says.
The Louisiana congresswoman joins “The Daily Signal Podcast" to discuss why a Parents Bill of Rights is needed. She also weighs in on the dismantling of the Department of Education, and why President Joe Biden’s student-loan forgiveness efforts are not the answer to young people’s college debt.
November 6-12 is GAR WEEK! What is a gar, you ask? Picture: A long snout. Hundreds of teeth. Scales that could slice you. Should we fear it? Should we hug it? One of the world’s most passionate and knowledgeable experts on this ancient, mysterious fish joins to make you fall in love with these slimy longbois. Dr. Solomon David is affable, charming, enthusiastic and absolutely shameless when it comes to fish puns. Slip into some hip waders and jump in the muck to learn all about a creature that -- despite decades of mudslinging -- is not a gar-bage fish. Also: why gar caviar is a hella bad idea.