Front Burner

Exploring the takeover of Haiti by gangs, the challenges faced by Prime Minister Ariel Henry, the dire situation in Port-au-Prince, and the debate on foreign intervention amidst escalating violence and political turmoil.

US House of Representatives votes on bill to ban TikTok, uncertain future in Senate. Arguments for and against the ban, potential forced sale. ByteDance struggles with US TikTok independence, Oracle partnership. Questions on Chinese influence, privacy concerns, free speech. TikTok's impact on political discourse and internet culture, user engagement with lawmakers. Senate's skepticism and pressure for a floor vote.

Exploring the speculation and controversies surrounding Kate Middleton's sudden disappearance from public view, including the release of a controversial photo raising concerns about manipulation. Comparing the Royal PR approaches of Kate Middleton and King Charles, highlighting the complexities within the monarchy. Scrutinizing a photo released by Kensington Palace that sparked discussions about possible editing and manipulation, leading to broader conversations about the royal family's relationship with the media.

Discover the evolution of air travel from luxurious 70s services to today's frustrations. Explore the impact of airline deregulation, hub consolidation, and high costs like surge pricing. Author Ganesh Sitaraman offers solutions for a better flying experience.

Explore how Russian arms dealers are seeking Canadian tech for war drones, uncovering the cyber resistance efforts, analyzing Western electronics in shot down drones, and discussing the use of front companies to acquire technology.

Pierre Poilievre's fiery exchanges with Canadian media spark online buzz. How does his approach differ from past politicians? Journalist Paul Wells sheds light on Poilievre's interactions with reporters and public perception. Explore the evolving dynamics of political messaging and media engagement in the digital age.

Scientists from a Winnipeg lab were fired amid suspicions of Chinese espionage, prompting demands for transparency. Leaked documents raise more questions than answers, putting pressure on the government. Controversies surrounding the Wuhan lab and COVID-19 speculations are explored, along with concerns about national security and dangerous pathogens. Calls for government accountability and investigations into potential connections with China continue.

The legal proceedings between ex-spouses Johnny Depp and Amber Heard made nonstop headlines in 2022 — and online discourse at the time seemed to be overwhelmingly in favour of Depp. The tweets in particular caught the eye of investigative reporter and Tortoise Media editor Alexi Mostrous. They seemed to be part of a coordinated effort to smear Heard. And the closer he looked, the weirder it got.What's the connection between that trial, Johnny Depp’s friendship with the crown prince of Saudi Arabia, and a legion of Twitter bots for hire? Mostrous, who hosts the new podcast Who Trolled Amber?, walks us through his investigation and what it says about whether you can ever really trust what you read online.

Gaza health authorities say 118 people were killed and 760 people were injured while trying to get food staples like flour from aid trucks on Thursday, after Israeli soldiers opened fire.The Israeli military claims most people were killed in a stampede of people around the trucks, but accounts from witnesses and medical workers say most of the victims were shot.So what precipitated this deadly search for aid? How close is Gaza to famine? And what would it take to get food to the people there who are starving?Yarden Michaeli explains. He’s a reporter with Haaretz based in Tel Aviv. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcriptsTranscripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

Explore Brian Mulroney's political legacy, including his role in free trade agreements and his impactful stance on apartheid in South Africa. Reflect on his leadership skills, controversies, and connections to an arms dealer. Delve into the Meach Lake Accord's demise and the challenges faced during the Quebec referendum in 1995.