Background Briefing – July 16, 2026
Background Briefing offers an educational approach to providing information in an era of “fake news.”
Honoring Cancerian Men in a time of Cataclysm
Honoring Cancerian Men in a time of Cataclysm Welcoming the return of poet and herbalist Seán Pádraig O’Donoghue, whose birthday it be today! With referenced Cancerian companions: George Orwell, Jose Andres, and Erling Haaland, with myriad narratives proffered as conversing partners…. Chivalric protection of life woven with the simmering symmetry of now… the cruel … Continued
Two recently digitized interviews from the Probabilities Archive: Sara Paretsky, author of the V.I. Warshawski mystery series, recorded in 1991 and iconic science fiction and fantasy author Ian Watson (1943-2026), both co-hosted by the late Richard A. Lupoff. Hosted by Richard Wolinsky. Also, review of “The Employee Dharma Handbook” at TheatreWorks Palo Alto through August 2, 2026. (photo of Sara Paretsky from saraparetsky.com).
American anti-egalitarians, AIPAC’s black front group
Kim Phillips-Fein, author of Country of Lords, on the anti-egalitarian tradition in American politics • Aziz Rana on tensions between the Declaration and the Constitution (2024 reprise) • Jasmine Wynn on the National Black Empowerment Coalition, basically an AIPAC front group (Jacobin article here)
This Way Out – July 16, 2026
This Way Out is the only internationally distributed weekly LGBTQ radio program, currently airing on some 200 local community radio stations around the world. The award-winning half-hour magazine-style program features a summary of some of the major news events in or affecting the queer community (NewsWrap), in-depth coverage of major events, interviews with key queer … Continued
Curiosity, Faith & Believing in Everything, with Jen Dary
In her book I Believe in Everything: A Memoir of Illness, Motherhood and Magic, Jen Dary chronicles her experience with a brain tumor. It’s a story of wonder, unknowing, uncertainty, belief — and curiosity. Theme music by Sean Balick; “The Big Ten” by Warmbody, via Blue Dot Sessions.
Turn off your television, it’s time for The Stakes. The Stakes breaks down the 2026 political landscape. Hosted by Teresa Wierzbianska and Scott Baba, this KPFA News show delivers analysis of national, state, and local races and policy battles. Thursdays at 10 a.m. On today’s show, we go back to Maine, where just a week … Continued
Democracy Now! (Rebroadcast) – July 16, 2026
On today’s show: Headlines Todd Blanche Is “Not Fit” to Be AG, from Epstein Files to Trump’s $1.8B Slush Fund: Rep. Jayapal We Are Sending a Message to Netanyahu: Rep. Jayapal on 100+ Dems Voting to Cut Israeli Military Aid Victor Salgado Araujo Saw ICE Agent Kill His Brother in Texas. He Is Now Detained, … Continued
Neo-Nazi and White Supremacist Groups Marching on Capitol Hill on July 4th Hundreds of masked white nationalists marched on the Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C. on the 250th anniversary of the signing of the declaration of independence. Who are the Aryan Freedom Network? What’s the responsibility of government to protect vulnerable groups when folks like … Continued
Todd Blanche Confirmation Hearing; Plus, US Escalates Attacks on Southern Iran, Iran Releases American Detainee
00:08 — John Nichols, Executive Editor of the Nation. 00:33 — Mouin Rabbani is a nonresident fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs. He is the author of “Gaza Apocalypse”, forthcoming from OR Books. 00:45 — Negar Mortazavi is a Senior Fellow at Center for International Policy and host of the Iran Podcast.
Democracy Now! – July 16, 2026
On today’s show: Headlines Todd Blanche Is “Not Fit” to Be AG, from Epstein Files to Trump’s $1.8B Slush Fund: Rep. Jayapal We Are Sending a Message to Netanyahu: Rep. Jayapal on 100+ Dems Voting to Cut Israeli Military Aid Victor Salgado Araujo Saw ICE Agent Kill His Brother in Texas. He Is Now Detained, … Continued
Background Briefing (5am) – July 16, 2026
On today’s briefing: The MoU Fell Apart Because of Trump, Witkoff and Kushner’s Amateurism and Desperation and Now We Are About to Lose the Same War Again We begin with how Trump, Witkoff and Kushner’s amateurism and desperation has led to the MoU between the U.S. and Iran falling apart with Trump now threatening more … Continued
Non-fiction Music – July 16, 2026
A mix of jazz, folk, blues and more with Joel Sachs.
LoveSoul with Al Glenn – July 16, 2026
Enjoy sensuous bedroom soul, sexy Smooth Jazz, and scintillating social commentary with Bay Area native and longtime Classic Soul radio taste-maker and Smooth Jazz connoisseur Al Glenn. Have some before this tasty Midnight snack is all gone!