Front Burner

Sarah Martin, senior correspondent with Guardian Australia, discusses the billion-dollar investment scheme called HyperVerse, its fake CEO, the involvement of celebrities like Chuck Norris and Steve Wozniak, and the devastating impact on regular people who lost a lot of money.

Explore the rise of invasive strep A infection in Canada, its devastating consequences like flesh-eating disease and death, and the potential factors behind the increase. Also, learn about the global trend of invasive strep A and the urgency for global attention. Discover the challenges in early identification and treatment, and the need for tracking and mitigating these infections.

The podcast discusses Pascal Siakam's trade from the Raptors to the Pacers and its impact on the team's future. It explores Siakam's journey and role in the Raptors' championship win, as well as the emotional reflections of the team's president and Siakam himself. The chapter also delves into the significance of the city, trade speculation, and the decision to rebuild with a focus on young players.

The podcast discusses an ongoing inquest into a devastating mass stabbing on James Smith Cree Nation. Topics covered include the motive behind the attacks, testimonies from victims and family members, and the outrage over the release of the perpetrator. It also explores the impact on the community and the need for support.

Edmonton's police crackdown on homeless camps during a harsh cold snap, with concerns raised over the evictions. The surge of homelessness in the city, the declaration of a homelessness emergency, and the controversial eviction policies. Living conditions and challenges faced by homeless individuals in extreme weather. Increase in homelessness due to the pandemic and economic downturn. Efforts made by the city to address homelessness and the need for supportive housing units.

This episode of a podcast discusses the trial of Richard Mantha, accused of sexually assaulting sex trade workers in Calgary. It explores the experiences of the victims, the relationship between the accused and his victims, and the similarities to Canada's notorious serial killer. The episode also delves into the accused's request for a trial in French and the planned trial start date.

The podcast explores the impact of Canada's immigration policy on housing affordability, discussing concerns raised by economists and the Bank of Canada. It examines the potential effects of a cap on non-permanent residents and the significance of immigration for the Canadian economy. The link between immigration and living standards is explored, along with the challenges of addressing the housing crisis and the impact on international students.

Ecuador is facing a state of emergency due to violent acts by armed gangs, including burning cars and attacking a TV station. Journalist Carolina Loza León discusses the escalating violence, the gang at the center of it, and the government's response. Topics include gang control, corruption, a dysfunctional legal system, gang wars, and the factors contributing to the rise of violence.

In hearings at the International Court of Justice last week, South Africa accused Israel of genocide in Gaza. A potential final ruling at the court could take years, but within weeks, judges could order Israel to stop its military operations So what's behind South Africa’s argument? Why is Israel saying the case should be dismissed? And in a court without a mechanism to enforce orders, why would a ruling really matter? Canadian academic William Schabas, a professor of international law at Middlesex University recognized with the Order of Canada as a foremost authority on genocide, explains. For transcripts of Front Burner, please visit: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/frontburner/transcripts Transcripts of each episode will be made available by the next workday.

Wayne LaPierre, leader of the NRA for 30 years, is involved in a corruption trial and facing declining membership. The podcast explores the rise of the NRA as a partisan lobby group and discusses their controversial actions, influence on gun culture, and refusal to compromise on gun control. It also delves into the NRA's use of inflammatory rhetoric, alleged financial mismanagement, and the upcoming trial against LaPierre.