Show Notes
2905 ROSTOV ON DON Online Russian Disinformation Campaigns Craig Unger discusses how Elon Musk’s Grok and X platforms distributed Russian disinformation deepfakes created by Storm-1516 targeting Democratic Senate candidates. He identifies former Palm Beach deputy sheriff John Mark Dougan operating from Moscow for the GRU, and traces historical Russian intelligence outreach to Donald Trump back to 1980. (5)
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Australian Cricket Test Slump Jeremy Zakis reports that the Australian cricket team is suffering an unprecedented performance slump during its Test series against South Africa. Officials are weighing strategy overhauls and roster changes while scouting rising T20 talent, as the national side confronts widespread unpredictability and questions about its competitiveness on the international stage. (3)
Venomous Snake Territorial Battles Jeremy Zakis explains how volatile El Niño conditions have sparked a population boom among Australian wildlife. He details intense territorial conflicts between venomous red-bellied black snakes and eastern brown snakes, alongside surging numbers of mice and kangaroos, as unpredictable weather reshapes animal behavior across the Australian countryside this tumultuous spring. (2)
El Niño Spring Chaos Jeremy Zakis reports that unusual El Niño weather patterns are driving a tumultuous Australian springtime marked by severe atmospheric conditions. He describes a rare inland tornado in New South Wales, stark climate divides across the continent, and the unpredictability these volatile conditions bring to regional meteorology and forecasting across Australia. (1)
Hannibal and the Punic Wars — Part Two Professor Eve MacDonald, author of Carthage: A New History, describes how Hannibal Barca launched an ambitious campaign against Rome, leading thousands of soldiers and war elephants across the Alps. Despite spectacular tactical victories such as Cannae, Carthaginian forces were ultimately defeated by Scipio Africanus at Zama, and the city later suffered complete destruction before its rebirth as a Roman city. (4)
1907 CARTHAGE Founding Ancient Carthaginian Empire — Part One Professor Eve MacDonald, author of Carthage: A New History, explores the early origins and naval empire of ancient Carthage. Founded by Phoenician colonists in North Africa, Carthage grew into a dominant maritime trade power across the Mediterranean, establishing complex economic networks, distinct religious traditions, and political structures long before engaging in catastrophic military conflict with Rome. (3)