Podcasts about National Assembly

In this week's episode, NK News' Lead Correspondent Shreyas Reddy joins John Lee. They  discuss Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party's landslide victory, delivering a two-thirds parliamentary supermajority that could pave the way for long-sought constitutional revisions. They delve into how uncertainty surrounding U.S. foreign policy and alliance commitments is influencing both Seoul and Tokyo as they reassess defense self-sufficiency and trilateral cooperation. The episode also covers South Korea's expanding defense partnership with Saudi Arabia, where a new memorandum of understanding signals a shift from one-off arms sales to longer-term joint research and development. The pair discuss how deeper industrial cooperation aligns with Riyadh's localization goals under Vision 2030 and Seoul's ambition to solidify its position in the Middle East, while also considering potential friction with U.S. defense exporters. Shifting to domestic politics, the episode examines contentious judicial reform proposals in South Korea's National Assembly. Lawmakers from the ruling Democratic Party are advancing plans to expand the Supreme Court and adjust the relationship between the Supreme Court and Constitutional Court.  The episode concludes with a look at the week ahead, including legislative maneuvering before the Lunar New Year holiday, continued developments surrounding U.S. tariff discussions and the unfolding Coupang saga.  About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Managing Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, delivering deep, clear analysis of South Korean politics, diplomacy, security, society and technology for professionals who need more than headlines. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Feb. 12, 2026. Audio edited by Alannah Hill

On this episode, Oluwakayode and The Guru examine international politics through the lens of security strength, comparing the global power structures of major nations with the realities facing African countries. The conversation then turns homeward to Nigeria's democratic process, focusing on the controversy around e-transmission of election results.They unpack concerns about poor internet infrastructure, delayed or disrupted result transmission, and how the National Assembly's passage of a vaguely worded bill sparked public outrage. From Senate floor drama to nationwide protests, this episode connects governance, technology, and citizen response — offering historical insight and sharp context into why trust in the system remains fragile.

 Starting in the autumn of 2025, the US began attacking small civilian boats in or near Venezuelan waters, summarily executing over 126 people. January, 2026 began with it kidnapping Venezuelan president Nicolás Maduro and his wife, and bringing them to the US. This month, just weeks after the kidnapping, Haymarket Books published the immensely useful and urgent book, Venezuela in Crisis. The historical range of the book begins with the regime of Hugo Chavez and ends with the 2024 elections in Venezuela.We are immensely fortunate to be able to speak with the editor and translator of this collection of essays, Anderson Bean, and two of its contributors, Emiliano Terán and Simón Rodríguez.  The key argument of the book is that, even by his own admission, Chavez was not able to completely transform Venezuela into a socialist state. The book explains the roots of this failure, despite the inspiring successes of Chavismo. It then tracks an ever-increasing neoliberal and oppressive trend carried forward by Maduro, which is characterized by burgeoning extractivism, corruption, and suppression of human rights.  We end by calling on socialists and progressives everywhere to resist the tendency to side with Maduro's false claims to socialism, and to focus instead on building solidarity with the people of Venezuela.Anderson Bean is a sociology professor at North Carolina A&T State University, a member of the Tempest Collective, and a North Carolina–based activist and editor. He is a contributor to Venezuela in Crisis: Socialist Perspectives (Haymarket Books) and the author of Communes and the Venezuelan State: The Struggle for Participatory Democracy in a Time of Crisis (Lexington Books).Simón Rodríguez is a Venezuelan socialist writer and journalist. He was a student organizer and later became professor at the Universidad de los Andes. When he was a member of the national leadership of the Socialism and Freedom Party, he ran as a candidate for the National Assembly in 2015. He is a founding member of Laclase.info and Venezuelanvoices.org and has published articles in Humania del Sur, NACLA Report on the Americas, The New Arab, and Rebelión and on dozens of electronic outlets, and his articles have been translated into six languages. He has given talks and lectures in Argentina, Brazil, Cuba, and the Dominican Republic. He is coauthor with Miguel Sorans of the book Why Did Chavismo Fail? A Left-Opposition Balance Sheet.Emiliano Terán is a sociologist from the Central University of Venezuela and has a master's degree in ecological economics from the Autonomous University of Barcelona. He is a PhD candidate in environmental science and technology at the same institution. He is also an associate researcher at the Center for Development Studies in Venezuela and a member of the Observatory of Political Ecology of Venezuela   

Good afternoon, I'm _____ with today's episode of EZ News. Tai-Ex opening The Tai-Ex opened up 173-points this morning from yesterday's close, at 31,956 on turnover of $10.4-billion N-T. Cross-border effort leads to Taiwan fugitive's arrest in Philippines A 33-year-old Taiwanese fugitive has been arrested in Metro Manila following a joint operation between Philippine and Taiwanese authorities. The suspect, surnamed Chien (簡), had been on the run since August 2023, when an arrest warrant was issued by the Miaoli (苗栗) District Prosecutors Office on theft charges. Philippine immigration officials say Chien was also classified as an “undesirable (不受歡迎的) alien” after overstaying his temporary visitor visa. He is currently being held at a detention facility pending deportation. Since the start of 2025, officials have successfully tracked down and arrested 22 wanted Taiwanese fugitives in the Philippines through intelligence sharing and other forms of cooperation. Airport MRT to run 5 a.m. express train from Feb. 12-22 for LNY Taoyuan Airport MRT is adding an early morning express train service from Taipei Main Station to handle (應付) increased outbound travel over the Lunar New Year holiday. According to the operator, the train will run from February 12th to the 22nd … and depart at 5 AM … reaching Taoyuan International Airport Terminal 2 Station within 41 minutes. On the way, it will call at A3 New Taipei Industrial Park, A8 Chang Gung Memorial Hospital, and A12 Airport Terminal 1 stations — as usual for the express train. To support the service, Taipei Main and New Taipei Industrial Park stations will open earlier — at 4:30 AM. In-town check-in at Taipei Main will also be available at that time. While the other stations it stops at will open at 5 AM. Japan PM Party Secures Supermajority Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's governing party has secured a two-thirds supermajority in a parliamentary election. Takaichi told public broadcaster NHK later that she is ready to pursue (實行) policies to make Japan strong and prosperous. TV networks cited preliminary results from Sunday's vote in reporting that Takaichi's Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner won 352 seats in the 465-seat lower house. The huge jump from the previous parliament could allow Takaichi to make progress on a right-wing agenda that aims to boost Japan's economy and military capabilities as tensions grow with China and she tries to nurture ties with Washington. US FBI concluded Jeffrey Epstein wasn't running a sex trafficking ring for powerful men, files show From the US…. Files show the FBI concluded Jeffrey Epstein wasn't running a sex trafficking ring for powerful men. AP correspondent Julie Walker reports Venezuela Gov Releases Opposition Members from Prison Venezuela's government has released (釋放) several prominent opposition members from prison, including one of the closest allies of Nobel Peace Prize laureate Maria Corina Machado. These releases come as acting President Delcy Rodriguez faces pressure to free those detained for political reasons. The move follows a visit from representatives of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights. On Sunday, Foro Penal confirmed the release of at least 30 people. Machado's ally Juan Pablo Guanipa, a former governor, and her attorney, Perkins Rocha, were among the released. The ruling party-controlled National Assembly is debating an amnesty bill that could lead to more releases. That was the I.C.R.T. EZ News, I'm _____. －－－－以下為 SoundOn 動態廣告－－－－ 一趟遠程飛機 一篇小日記 飛行 9800 公里 穿越一個又一個時區 把想說的話 全都唱給妳聽 擁抱同一片藍天 望著同一顆月亮 讓想念帶著我們前進 用愛對齊時間 用心容納一切 盧可沛 Look 首張個人專輯傾心醞釀中 首波前導單曲〈小日記〉2/9搶先收聽

Members of the Parliament's Ad Hoc Committee probing criminal infiltration in the justice system propose a third extension of its deadline, as the deadline for the committee to conclude its work ends on 20 February. Meanwhile, the Speaker of the National Assembly, Thoko Didiza, has welcomed the Ad Hoc Committee’s decision to continue engaging with Mr. Brown Mogotsi and Mr. Paul O’Sullivan, following her guidance that further substantive engagement be pursued before resorting to the issuing of summonses. The Speaker in a statement says she's pleased that this approach has resulted in one of these witnesses availing himself to appear physically before the Ad Hoc Committee to testify from Tuesday, without the need for summonses to be issued.

Four years after a devastating fire ripped through South Africa's Parliament, destroying the National Assembly as well as the Old Assembly chambers and displacing lawmakers, a new chapter is beginning. On Friday, Public Works Minister Dean Macpherson handed over a newly constructed Dome to National Assembly Speaker, Thoko Didiza. It's a temporary but fully functional structure that will host parliamentary sittings, including the upcoming State of the Nation Address debates. The project, completed in just more than ten weeks, is being presented as a critical step in restoring normal parliamentary business. Mkhokheli Bandla reports

“Most Venezuelans are thinking about the future: Will things improve? Will deep changes come? Will we reunite as a people with our history, dreams, and hopes?”BBC correspondent Norberto Paredes speaks to Henrique Capriles, a Venezuelan opposition leader, about his vision for a new Venezuela.In the aftermath of President Maduro's capture by the United States, Henrique Capriles is one of the key political voices emerging - an alternative to the high-profile Maria Corina Machado, Nobel-prize winner and vocal supporter of Trump's intervention.Now it is time for Venezuela's opposition to unite, he says, and bring democracy to the country. Henrique Capriles narrowly lost out on the presidency in both 2012 and 2013, before being banned from standing for public office for many years. In 2025, he was elected to the National Assembly.Thank you to the BBC Mundo team for its help in making this programme. The Interview brings you conversations with people shaping our world, from all over the world. The best interviews from the BBC, including episodes with Colombian President Gustavo Petro, the President of Ecuador Daniel Noboa and President Lula da Silva of Brazil. You can listen on the BBC World Service on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 0800 GMT. Or you can listen to The Interview as a podcast, out three times a week on BBC Sounds or wherever you get your podcasts. Presenter: Norberto Paredes Producers: Nathalia Passarinho and Lucy Sheppard Editor: Justine LangGet in touch with us on email TheInterview@bbc.co.uk and use the hashtag #TheInterviewBBC on social media.(Image: Henrique Capriles Credit: REUTERS/Marco Bello)

It's Thursday, February 5th, A.D. 2026. This is The Worldview in 5 Minutes heard on 140 radio stations and at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus. (Adam@TheWorldview.com) By Jonathan Clark Sam Brownback: “Dictators fear religious freedom more than nuclear weapons” The International Religious Freedom Summit held its six annual meeting this week in Washington, D.C. Organizers reported nearly 80% of people around the world live in countries with high levels of restrictions on religion. The meeting identified China, Iran, Russia, Nigeria, and India as some of the worst countries for religious freedom. Sam Brownback, co-chair of the summit, said, “Ours is truly a global movement feared by dictators around the world because we represent the heart of freedom. They actually fear religious freedom more than they do aircraft carriers or even nuclear weapons.” In John 8:31-32, Jesus said, “If you abide in My word, you are My disciples indeed. And you shall know the truth, and the truth shall make you free.” Finnish authorities continue to harass Christian Parliamentarian Attacks on religious freedom are rising in Europe as well. A prominent example is Finnish Parliamentarian Päivi Räsänen. She has faced trial three times for sharing her Christian beliefs online. Her case is now before Finland's top court.  Räsänen testified before the U.S. House Judiciary Committee yesterday in a hearing on Europe's threat to American speech. Concerning her case, she has warned, “If I would lose, it would mean … starting a time of persecution of Christians in Finland and also in Europe.” Listen to her comments at the hearing. RÄSÄNEN: “I have been supported by my faith and thousands of expressions of support I have received from around the world, including many from the U.S. Congress. “I remain hopeful. I trust that freedom of expression can still be upheld. It is too important to lose.” Will Europe ban social media for minors? European countries are considering measures to ban social media use for minors. France's National Assembly passed a bill last week that prohibits children under 15 from using social media. The bill heads to the French Senate. President Emmanuel Macron supports the measure. Similarly, Spain and Greece recently announced plans to ban social media use by teenagers there. This comes after Australia became the first country in the world to enforce such a ban last December. Trump signed $1.2 trillion funding bill In the United States, President Donald Trump signed a $1.2 trillion funding bill on Tuesday. This ends the partial government shutdown that began on Saturday. The bill did not including long-term funding for the Department of Homeland Security which includes U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement. Democrats are demanding changes to the agency before approving more funding.  700 of 3,000 ICE officers leave Minnesota Speaking of ICE, White House Border Czar Tom Homan  announced a drawdown of immigration enforcement officers in Minnesota yesterday. About 700 of the roughly 3,000 officers in the state are leaving. Homan's goal is a complete drawdown which depends on cooperation from local officials. He said, “We currently have an unprecedented number of counties communicating with us now and allowing ICE to take custody of illegal aliens before they hit the streets.” Washington Hospital ends transgender mutilations The News Tribune reports a hospital in Washington State is ending its mutilating transgender surgeries. MultiCare Mary Bridge Children's Hospital in Tacoma cited loss of funding under the Trump administration for the closure. President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order in January 2025, protecting children from chemical and surgical mutilation. Last year, over 20 hospitals began rolling back such practices. Walmart first retailer to reach $1 trillion market capitalization Walmart became the first retailer to reach a market capitalization of one trillion dollars on Tuesday. The list of trillion dollar companies has been dominated by tech companies. Not surprisingly, Walmart's record valuation is accompanied by recent growth in its online business and investment in Artificial Intelligence technology.  1,161st anniversary of Anskar, missionary to Denmark and Sweden And finally, this week is the anniversary of the death of Anskar, the first missionary to Denmark and Sweden. The traditional date of his death is February 3, A.D. 865. Anskar was known as the “Apostle to the North” for his work of evangelism in Scandinavia.   Historian A.D. Jorgensen wrote of the missionary, “He possessed a rare eloquence both in preaching and in common talk, so that he left on all men an extraordinary impression: the mighty and haughty were frightened by his tone of authority, the poor and humble looked to him as to a father, whilst his equals loved him as a brother. …. What he carried out in the thirty-­three years of his bishopric was of imperishable importance.” In Romans 1:16, the Apostle Paul wrote, “For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation for everyone who believes, for the Jew first and also for the Greek.” Close And that's The Worldview on this Thursday, February 5th, in the year of our Lord 2026. Follow us on X or subscribe for free by Spotify, Amazon Music, or by iTunes or email to our unique Christian newscast at www.TheWorldview.com.  I'm Adam McManus (Adam@TheWorldview.com). Seize the day for Jesus Christ.

Raphaël Melançon, political analyst for CTV Montreal and CJAD 800, columnist for the Montreal Gazette, and president and founder of Trafalgar Strategies, and Graham Singh, Pastor at St-Jax Church. Men can refuse service from women at the SAAQ. The surprising news came out of the public hearings on Bill 9, the government’s effort to double down on secularism in Quebec. And speaking of Bill 9, secularism minister Jean-François Roberge is emphatic: The proposed law is not 'against certain religions.' The now famous potholes on Notre-Dame Street that gave Montreal Mayor Sorraya Martinez Ferrada a couple of flat tires have been patched up. For the first time since the beginning of the Quebec Liberal party crisis, MNA Marwah Rizqy returned to the National Assembly yesterday as an independent.

From the BBC World Service: President Donald Trump announced tariff cuts on goods imported from India and said that, in return, India promised not to buy any more Russian oil. But when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the tariff reduction, he didn't mention anything about Russia or its oil. What gives? Then, following the U.S. military action in January, a bill currently before Venezuela's National Assembly aims open its state-dominated oil industry to foreign investment.

From the BBC World Service: President Donald Trump announced tariff cuts on goods imported from India and said that, in return, India promised not to buy any more Russian oil. But when Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced the tariff reduction, he didn't mention anything about Russia or its oil. What gives? Then, following the U.S. military action in January, a bill currently before Venezuela's National Assembly aims open its state-dominated oil industry to foreign investment.

Clement Manyathela speaks to Isaac Hartley, the Senior Home Inspector from the National Home Builders Registration Council, Hydraform’s Mabuse Hlalele and Dr Lindelani Matshidze, the board chairperson of Agrément about the benefits of using IBT’s and their adoption in the construction industry. Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 yathela speaks to Moloto Mothapo, Parliament’s Spokesperson about why the National Assembly speaker, Thoko Didiza is reluctant to condone summons on behalf of the Ad-hoc committee for Brown Mogotsi and Paul O’Sullivan. MK Party Member of the Ad-hoc committee, Sibonelo Nomvalo says Didiza must be loyal to the people of South Africa and stop prioritising individual interests. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clement Manyathela speaks to Judy Klipin, a Master Life Coach and published author about the difficulties faced by middle managers and the support needed for this role. Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 yathela speaks to Moloto Mothapo, Parliament’s Spokesperson about why the National Assembly speaker, Thoko Didiza is reluctant to condone summons on behalf of the Ad-hoc committee for Brown Mogotsi and Paul O’Sullivan. MK Party Member of the Ad-hoc committee, Sibonelo Nomvalo says Didiza must be loyal to the people of South Africa and stop prioritising individual interests. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clement Manyathela speaks to Thembi Simelane, the Minister of Human Settlements about the IBT summit and how the department is enhancing the delivery of housing across the country through the adoption of Innovative Building Technologies (IBTs). Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 yathela speaks to Moloto Mothapo, Parliament’s Spokesperson about why the National Assembly speaker, Thoko Didiza is reluctant to condone summons on behalf of the Ad-hoc committee for Brown Mogotsi and Paul O’Sullivan. MK Party Member of the Ad-hoc committee, Sibonelo Nomvalo says Didiza must be loyal to the people of South Africa and stop prioritising individual interests. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clement Manyathela and the listeners discuss who should still make an appearance before the Ad Hoc Committee before its hearings come to a close. Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 yathela speaks to Moloto Mothapo, Parliament’s Spokesperson about why the National Assembly speaker, Thoko Didiza is reluctant to condone summons on behalf of the Ad-hoc committee for Brown Mogotsi and Paul O’Sullivan. MK Party Member of the Ad-hoc committee, Sibonelo Nomvalo says Didiza must be loyal to the people of South Africa and stop prioritising individual interests. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clement Manyathela speaks to Baatseba Mothoa, a Clinical Psychologist about the profound impact of bipolar disorder in relationships, work life and overall wellbeing, especially when undiagnosed or untreated. Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 yathela speaks to Moloto Mothapo, Parliament’s Spokesperson about why the National Assembly speaker, Thoko Didiza is reluctant to condone summons on behalf of the Ad-hoc committee for Brown Mogotsi and Paul O’Sullivan. MK Party Member of the Ad-hoc committee, Sibonelo Nomvalo says Didiza must be loyal to the people of South Africa and stop prioritising individual interests. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Clement Man The Clement Manyathela Show is broadcast on 702, a Johannesburg based talk radio station, weekdays from 09:00 to 12:00 (SA Time). Clement Manyathela starts his show each weekday on 702 at 9 am taking your calls and voice notes on his Open Line. In the second hour of his show, he unpacks, explains, and makes sense of the news of the day. Clement has several features in his third hour from 11 am that provide you with information to help and guide you through your daily life. As your morning friend, he tackles the serious as well as the light-hearted, on your behalf. Thank you for listening to a podcast from The Clement Manyathela Show. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to The Clement Manyathela Show broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/XijPLtJ or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/p0gWuPE Subscribe to the 702 Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 yathela speaks to Moloto Mothapo, Parliament’s Spokesperson about why the National Assembly speaker, Thoko Didiza is reluctant to condone summons on behalf of the Ad-hoc committee for Brown Mogotsi and Paul O’Sullivan. MK Party Member of the Ad-hoc committee, Sibonelo Nomvalo says Didiza must be loyal to the people of South Africa and stop prioritising individual interests. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Political commentator James Mennie is a reporter, columnist and editor at the Montreal Gazette. He can be heard weekdays at 4:05 p.m. on Montreal Now with Aaron Rand.

France has adopted its 2026 state budget after the government led by Prime Minister Sebastien Lecornu survived two no-confidence votes over the issue in the National Assembly.

Shadow Politics with Senator Michael D. Brown and Co-host Liberty Jones Guest, Zahra Aminpour, a human rights activist and supporter of the Iranian resistance movement In this episode of Shadow Politics, Iranian human rights activist Zahra Aminpour discusses the pivotal role of women in the fight for a secular democracy in Iran. The conversation explores the historical context of the 1979 revolution, the brutal tactics of the current regime, and the specific transition plans proposed by the resistance. Aminpour also draws striking parallels between the struggle for unity in Iran and the current political polarization in the United States. Detailed Summary The Historical Context and Women's Role Contrary to common Western perceptions, Iranian women have traditionally been socially, culturally, and economically active. The 1979 revolution and the subsequent rise of the current regime stripped women of their civil rights, enforcing strict dress codes and requiring male permission for travel and education. Despite these restrictions, women have resisted by outperforming men in higher education—particularly in STEM fields—and maintaining strong digital connectivity. The regime's attempt to suppress women has paradoxically emboldened them to become the leaders of the current resistance movement. The 1979 revolution itself was born out of legitimate grievances against the Shah's brutal police force (SAVAK) and economic disparities, exacerbated by the historical trauma of the 1953 coup. However, a power vacuum allowed Khomeini to exploit the populace's frustration. Once in power, the theocratic regime executed tens of thousands of progressives and consolidated control through violence, betraying the people's hope for democracy. Life Under the Regime and the Strategy of Fear The regime maintains power through collective punishment; if a young person protests, their entire family faces imprisonment or execution. Public executions are used as a terror tactic to quell dissent. Women face specific brutality regarding hijab enforcement, as seen in the case of Mahsa Amini, and political prisons are filled with citizens ranging from doctors to teachers. Despite this oppression, Iranians maintain resilience through private acts of joy and community, refusing to let the regime strip them of their humanity. The NCRI Transition Plan The resistance rejects both the current theocracy and the former monarchy. The National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI) proposes a specific roadmap: Immediate Goal: Topple the dictatorship via popular uprising. Interim Period: Establish a provisional government for 6 months. Key Milestone: Hold the first free elections to form a National Assembly. Long Term: A 2-year process to draft a new constitution and establish full governance institutions. The Path to Secular Democracy The Iranian people are not seeking reform; they are chanting "Down with the dictatorship" and demanding a secular democracy. The resistance is organized under the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI), led by President-elect Maryam Rajavi. This coalition represents diverse ethnicities and religions and has garnered bipartisan support globally. Their plan involves a six-month provisional government followed by free elections to draft a new constitution, ensuring self-determination without external military intervention. Policy Recommendations and Global Action Aminpour argues strongly against negotiating with the current regime, viewing it as illegitimate and unreformable. Instead, the international community should isolate the regime politically and economically through targeted sanctions. Crucially, the West should provide technological support to ensure Iranians have internet access to share their reality with the world. The resistance emphasizes the right of the Iranian people to defend themselves and topple their own government, acknowledging that while they do not want foreign war, the internal struggle will likely involve sacrifice. Resistance Philosophy: Unity & Joy The Weapon of Joy "One of the greatest acts of resistance is joy." Maintaining humanity and connection prevents the oppressor from total psychological control. Courage in Unity Polarization is a tool of the enemy. Resistance requires overcoming division and finding solidarity in shared struggles, a lesson applicable to both Iran and the US. Key Data 45 Years: The duration of the current regime's oppression of women and society. 490 Groups: The number of different ethnicities, religions, and populations represented in the National Council of Resistance of Iran (NCRI). 6 Months: The proposed timeline for the provisional government to hold free elections after the regime falls. 6,500 Deaths: The estimated number of activists killed in recent uprisings according to resistance sources. Conclusion The Iranian people are engaged in a high-stakes struggle for self-determination, led largely by women who refuse to be silenced. Success requires the global community to stop legitimizing the regime through negotiation and instead support the Iranian people's right to establish a secular democracy through isolation of the regime and technological aid.

Lester Kiewit speaks to Tara Roos, CapeTalk commentator and Business Day Political Correspondent, about the latest news coming out of parliament, including: a breakdown of what is earned by regular Members of Parliament, senior members, committee chairs, cabinet ministers, etc; serious work this week was from the National Assembly's ad hoc committee on the infiltration of the criminal justice system; and a question asked on why convictions for violent crimes are taking so long. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily. Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast – from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit. Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 06:00 and 09:00 (SA Time) to Good Morning CapeTalk with Lester Kiewit broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/xGkqLbT or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/f9Eeb7i Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Learn how state-level decisions directly impact your seasons, access, opportunity, and conservation funding.Host Dr. Mike Brasher sits down with Kayleigh Leager of the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and Swanny Evans of Pheasants Forever & Quail Forever—two policy professionals working daily inside state capitols to protect hunting, fishing, trapping, and shooting traditions.Most hunters understand federal policy like the Duck Stamp or the Farm Bill. But far more decisions—from Sunday hunting to conservation funding and public‑land access—are made in state legislatures. This episode explains how the National Assembly of Sportsmen's Caucuses works, why states are “laboratories of democracy,” and how small bills can create big downstream impacts on opportunity.In this episode:What the Congressional Sportsmen's Foundation and NASC network doHow state bills—good and bad—spread across the countryWhy Sunday hunting reforms matter for access and R3Conservation funding: how license structures and federal match dollars really workWhy discounted or free licenses can unintentionally hurt state wildlife agenciesThe case for resident‑rate licenses for nonresident college studentsHow DU, PF/QF, and partners collaborate to stop harmful bills and advance positive onesListen now: www.ducks.org/DUPodcastSend feedback: DUPodcast@ducks.orgSPONSORS:Purina Pro Plan: The official performance dog food of Ducks UnlimitedWhether you're a seasoned hunter or just getting started, this episode is packed with valuable insights into the world of waterfowl hunting and conservation.Bird Dog Whiskey and Cocktails:Whether you're winding down with your best friend, or celebrating with your favorite crew, Bird Dog brings award-winning flavor to every moment. Enjoy responsibly.

India and the EU finalize a free trade deal after nearly 20 years of negotiations, Trump hikes tariffs on South Korea imports to 25%, Trump moves border patrol chief Gregory Bovino out of Minneapolis, Canada announces affordability measures to combat rising costs, France's National Assembly approves a social media ban for children under 15, the Trump administration faces its first wrongful death lawsuit over its alleged drug boat strikes, California's Newsom probes TikTok for allegedly censoring anti-Trump content, hundreds of thousands are impacted by flooding in Mozambique, a new study links menopause to the loss of gray matter in the brain, and Anthropic's CEO warns AI could cause civilization damage. Sources: Verity.News

Joining Elias on The Big 5 were Justine McIntyre, Strategic consultant and former city councillor and Montreal journalist and broadcaster Sue Smith. Among the topics discussed A new poll from Leger for Postmedia shows the Liberals in majority territory François Legault may not be leaving the National Assembly as quickly as expected One Montreal engineering school has decided beef is off the menu — literally — in the name of climate change According to the results of a survey done by Radio-Canada, 60% of students in Quebec use AI regularly, ranging from several times a month to several times a day

On Monday, burst pipes caused major flooding at the Douglas hospital, sending water pouring through ceilings and onto ultra-sensitive scientific equipment across more than a dozen labs. It’s the second flooding incident in just two years, and it comes as staff and researchers continue to warn that the Douglas facilities are in poor condition and in urgent need of modernization. Just days before this latest incident, a petition calling on the Quebec government to act quickly was submitted to the National Assembly. Alejandra Zaga Mendez, the Québec solidaire MNA for Verdun, spoke to Andrew Carter. Photo Credit: THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

AP correspondent Karen Chammas reports on a vote from France's National Assembly to ban social media for kids under 15 years old.

The Honorable Fravia Marquez, Advisor to Venezuela's National Assembly and Spokeswoman to Cumbe International (African Descendants in the Americas) Fravia Marquez and Obi Egbuna, External Relations Officer of the Zimbabwe Cuba Friendship Association and Co-founder of the Shirley Graham Du Bois-William Worthy Media and Friendship Collective, with the latest on Venezuela.Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

“Time for an Awakening” with Bro. Elliott & Bro. Richard, Sunday 1/25/2026, the guests was the 2nd Advisor to Venezuela's National Assembly, Spokeswoman for Cumbe International (African Descendant Movement in Venezuela/South America) Fravia Marquez Silva, and Activist, Organizer, Journalist, Playwright, Obi Egbuna Jr. Fravia Marquez Silva talked about how Venezuela's Anti-Imperialist government position and resistance have led to sanctions and military attacks by the U.S. government. Also, an overview of how the sanctions have compromised the infrastructure of everyday Venezuelans, particularly African descendants, who make up a large portion of the country. In the second portion of the program, Bro. Obi Egbuna Jr. talked about organizing efforts to resist in South America, in the Caribbean, and on the African Continent. In the third part of the program, “Open Forum Sunday Edition.” Bro. Elliott & Bro. Richard, in open forum conversations on topics that affect Black people locally, nationally, and internationally.

On January 3, the United States carried out a direct military operation against Venezuela. US forces bombed targets in and around Caracas, struck the electrical grid, killed over one hundred people, and abducted Venezuela's sitting president, Nicolás Maduro, along with his wife and National Assembly deputy Cilia Flores. Federico Fuentes, socialist journalist, writer for Green Left and editor of Links International Journal of Socialist Renewal, joined the Green Left Show to discuss the current situation in Venezuela and how we can build the solidarity movement here in Australia. Fred is addressing two public forums co-hosted by Green Left and Socialist Alliance on Venezuela next week, in Naarm/Melbourne on Thursday, January 29 and in Gadigal Country/Sydney on Saturday, January 31. Details here: Naarm/Melbourne: https://www.greenleft.org.au/2026-01/event/venezuela-latin-america-trumps-war-latin-america Gadigal Country/Sydney: https://www.greenleft.org.au/2026-01/event/forum-trump-out-venezuela-hands-latin-america We acknowledge that this video was produced on stolen Aboriginal land. We express solidarity with ongoing struggles for justice for First Nations people and pay our respects to Elders past and present. If you like our work, become a supporter: https://www.greenleft.org.au/support Support Green Left on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/greenleft Green Left online: https://www.greenleft.org.au/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/greenleftonline YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/greenleftonline TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@greenleftonline Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/greenleftonline/ Podbean: https://greenleftonline.podbean.com/ Telegram: https://t.me/greenleftonline Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/greenleftaction

Dominique breaks down the latest developments in Venezuela following the U.S. abduction of their president Nicolas Madura, where are they now and what's next. In the second half hour we are joined by the Honorable Fravia Marquez Silva, Advisor to Venezuela's National Assembly and Spokeswoman to Cumbe International (African Descendants in the Americas) she speaks out on the impact of the U.S. military action on Black Venezuelans, stories being ignored by the mainstream media and more.https://www.instagram.com/diprimaradio/ https://www.instagram.com/cumbeinternacional/

Prime Minister Mark Carney's trade deal with China has sent a jolt through Canada and beyond. In exchange for allowing more Chinese-made electric vehicles to enter the Canadian market, Beijing has agreed to lower duties on some agricultural and seafood products. Catherine Cullen first speaks with Manitoba Premier Wab Kinew about what the deal means for his province; then former Conservative leader Erin O'Toole discusses the risks of a closer relationship with China; and Business Council of Canada CEO Goldy Hyder discusses the PM's possible calculus behind the deal.Plus, Carney is not the first prime minister to try to improve Canada's relationship with China. From Trudeau Sr. to Trudeau Jr., Jia Wang of the University of Alberta's China Institute and former ambassador Guy Saint-Jacques chart the highs and lows of bilateral relations and tensions; then Politico's Phelim Kine breaks down the Trump administration's reaction to Carney calling China a “more predictable partner” than the U.S. Also: François Legault is stepping down as premier of Quebec mere months ahead of a provincial election that polls suggest could be won by the separatist Parti Québécois. Philip Authier of the Montreal Gazette and Daniel Thibeault, Ottawa bureau chief for Radio-Canada, discuss whether Legault's decision throws a wrench in the PQ's plans for a referendum.This episode features the voices of:Wab Kinew, Premier of ManitobaErin O'Toole, former leader of the Conservative Party of CanadaGoldy Hyder, CEO of the Business Council of CanadaJia Wang, senior fellow at the China Institute at the University of CalgaryGuy Saint-Jacques, former Canadian ambassador to ChinaPhelim Kine, Washington-based China correspondent for POLITICOPhilip Authier, National Assembly reporter for the Montreal GazetteDaniel Thibeault, parliamentary bureau chief for Radio-Canada and host of Les Coulisses du Pouvoir

Diego Sequera, award winning journalist and writer based in Caracas, Venezuela, discusses the recent kidnapping of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro and his wife and former member of the National Assembly, Cilia Flores, delving into Venezuela's complex historical landscape. He begins with the Caracazo uprising of 1989, which revealed deep socioeconomic inequalities while uniting the working class against President Carlos Andrés Pérez's austerity measures. Sequera notes that this context set the stage for the rise of Chavismo, notably through Hugo Chávez's transformation from a coup leader to an elected president by 1999. Sequera critiques the neoliberal policies, growing foreign debt, and the resulting polarization exacerbated by anti-Communist sentiments while linking Chávez's Bolivarian Revolution to contemporary global conflicts, scrutinizing political figures like Maria Corina Machado for their role in societal divisions. Furthermore, he addresses the role of US foreign policy, detailing the sanctions imposed, starting with the Venezuela Defense of Human Rights and Civil Society Act of 2014 and culminating in the 2015 “Obama decree” ((Executive Order 13692), which targeted the Venezuelan oil industry ultimately aiming to destabilise the country both economically and politically. Sequera critically analyzes the rhetoric of US politicians who categorize Venezuela as a “narco-state” and suggest foreign interference in the 2020 US elections, as he draws parallels between Venezuela, Iran, and Gaza in critiquing the selective moral blindness of Western nations towards their participation in human rights abuses and loss of life in these regions, reflecting on the broader implications of foreign policy decisions on Venezuela's plight. Get full access to Savage Minds at savageminds.substack.com/subscribe

John Maytham is joined now by Tony Leon, former Member of the National Assembly of South Africa, to unpack the ongoing turmoil. Leon will provide insight into what this infighting means for the DA’s future, how political parties can navigate internal disputes, and what leadership strategies can help restore cohesion and confidence among members and supporters alike. Presenter John Maytham is an actor and author-turned-talk radio veteran and seasoned journalist. His show serves a round-up of local and international news coupled with the latest in business, sport, traffic and weather. The host’s eclectic interests mean the program often surprises the audience with intriguing book reviews and inspiring interviews profiling artists. A daily highlight is Rapid Fire, just after 5:30pm. CapeTalk fans call in, to stump the presenter with their general knowledge questions. Another firm favourite is the humorous Thursday crossing with award-winning journalist Rebecca Davis, called “Plan B”. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Afternoon Drive with John Maytham Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays from 15:00 and 18:00 (SA Time) to Afternoon Drive with John Maytham broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/BSFy4Cn or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/n8nWt4x Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In this week's episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, John and Joon Ha open with a breakdown of the Lee-Xi summit in Beijing. The hosts assess Lee's request for China to act as a mediator in stalled inter-Korean nuclear talks, the different narratives that have emerged about the summit and examine Seoul's claim that Beijing agreed to remove a controversial steel structure from the Yellow Sea. The conversation then turns to South Korea's domestic political response to the U.S. military operation in Venezuela that led to the capture of President Nicolas Maduro. John and Joon Ha explore how calls for de-escalation from Seoul, along with public condemnation from some Democratic Party lawmakers and Rebuilding Korea Party leader Cho Kuk, reflect unease over opaque U.S. executive action taken without congressional approval or allied consultation. The episode also revisits Joon Ha's recent analysis on Thailand's use of a South Korean trainer jet to strike targets in Cambodia. The hosts compare Seoul's restrained response with past cases involving the Philippines, Saudi Arabia and Ukraine, and discuss the diplomatic, legal and reputational risks for South Korea. The discussion concludes with a look ahead to the coming week, including Lee's expected meeting with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, signals sent by Lee's historical messaging while in China and key domestic political developments such as the Democratic Party's upcoming floor leader election and a likely National Assembly plenary session. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Managing Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, delivering deep, clear analysis of South Korean politics, diplomacy, security, society and technology for professionals who need more than headlines. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Friday, Jan. 8, 2026. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

Watch The X22 Report On Video No videos found (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:17532056201798502,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-9437-3289"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");pt> Click On Picture To See Larger PictureThe US is now withdrawing from the GCF, the entire plan of the [WEF]/[CB] is imploding. Housing is going to boom, Trump has all the pieces in place. Supreme Court is suppose to make a decision on tariffs, if they rule against Trump he has another card up his sleeve.US trade deficit dropped by 40%. Trump just gave the [WEF] the middle finger and shutdown their entire agenda. The [DS] is doing exactly what Trump wants, they are building the insurrection right in front of the countries eyes. Trump has now set the trap of all traps, never interfere with an enemy while in the process of destroying themselves. Trump has the military, he has the law on his side, everything has been planned for, playbook known. Economy https://twitter.com/SecScottBessent/status/2009264006083522849?s=20 (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:18510697282300316,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-8599-9832"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="https://cdn2.decide.dev/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs"); https://twitter.com/TKL_Adam/status/2009018778294927730?s=20 https://twitter.com/profstonge/status/2009298104764219475?s=20 The Supreme Court is expected to potentially rule on the legality of President Trump’s tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) as early as tomorrow, January 9, 2026, at around 10 a.m. ET.  The justices heard oral arguments in the consolidated cases (Learning Resources, Inc. v. Trump and Trump v. V.O.S. Selections, Inc.) on November 5, 2025, where they appeared skeptical of the administration’s position that IEEPA grants the president authority to impose such sweeping tariffs during declared national emergencies.  Lower courts had previously ruled against the tariffs’ legality, but they remain in effect pending the Supreme Court’s decision.    These options are drawn from existing trade laws and have been used by past administrations. Here’s a breakdown of the key alternatives: Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962: This allows the president to impose tariffs on imports deemed a threat to national security after an investigation by the Department of Commerce. There’s no cap on duty levels or duration, making it flexible for broad application, such as on steel or autos.  Section 301 of the Trade Act of 1974: Through the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), this permits tariffs in response to unfair or discriminatory foreign trade practices that violate international agreements or harm U.S. commerce. No rate limit exists, but it requires an investigation and findings, which could target specific countries like China.  Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974: This enables temporary import surcharges of up to 15% (or quotas) for up to 150 days to address “large and serious” balance-of-payments deficits. It’s seen as a quick interim option while longer-term measures are pursued, but extensions need congressional approval.  Section 201 of the Trade Act of 1974: Known as “safeguard” measures, this authorizes tariffs if surging imports are causing or threatening serious injury to domestic industries. It requires a U.S. International Trade Commission investigation and recommendation, with tariffs potentially lasting up to four years (extendable to eight).  Section 338 of the Tariff Act of 1930: This allows duties up to 50% on imports from countries engaging in “unfair” practices that discriminate against U.S. exports. It’s less commonly used and could face immediate lawsuits due to its broad interpretation potential. The administration has signaled readiness to shift to these tools, potentially starting with Section 122 for rapid implementation. U.S. Trade Deficit Drops 40% in Latest Commerce Dept Report  As you review this latest data on trade, remember any drop in trade deficits has two big picture functions: First, lower trade deficits generally mean the accompanying GDP release will be stronger than anticipated because imported products are a deduction from the valuation of all goods and services created in the U.S. economy.  Lower imports mean less is deducted. Secondly, and perhaps most importantly, a drop in the trade deficit created by diminished imports means more wealth remains inside the USA. We are not spending, sending money overseas, to import foreign goods at the same rate, and that money stays inside the U.S. economy. More wealth inside the U.S. provides the fuel for expanded domestic growth, more investment gains in USA manufacturing and USA industry and the ability to pay higher USA wages. The Commerce Department is reporting today that the U.S. trade deficit for October 2025 dropped to the smallest amount in 16-years.  A significant amount of the deficit drop was because a high value of physical precious metals (gold/silver) was exported, simultaneous with big offshore pharmaceutical companies dropping the prices of imported products (policy and tariff pressure).   Some may question whether internal consumer demand has declined, causing the significant drop in imports.  However, the U.S productivity rate is still very high – which generally means domestic consumer demand is still high and all units produced have a lower overall cost per unit. Economic analysis can get weedy…. so, a simple way to look at productivity is to think about baking bread in your kitchen. If you were going to bake 4 loaves of bread it might take you 2 hrs. start to finish. However, if you were going to bake 8 loaves of bread it would not take you twice as long because most of the tasks can be accomplished with simple increases in batch size, and only minor increases in labor time. Your productivity measured in the last four loaves is higher. Economic Productivity is measured much the same way, within what's called a production probability equation. Additionally, if two hours of your time are worth $40, each of four loaves of bread costs $10 in labor; but if you make 8 loaves in the same amount of time the labor cost is only $5/per loaf.   When we see higher productivity in direct alignment with GDP increases, the increased production indicates sustainable GDP growth. Source: theconservativetreehouse.com https://twitter.com/RealEJAntoni/status/2009314808332734604?s=20 Political/Rights https://twitter.com/lizcollin/status/2009046198314008954?s=20 DOGE   Geopolitical https://twitter.com/visegrad24/status/2009287108796575807?s=20 https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2009306335087665208?s=20 These nine Republican lawmakers joined the Democrats: Fitzpatrick (PA), Bresnahan (PA), Mackenzie (PA), Lawler (NY), Salazar (FL), LaLota (NY), Valadao (CA), Kean (NJ), Miller (OH). Yes, for S.J. Res. 98 (the Venezuela war powers resolution referenced in the post) to become law and enforce limits on further U.S. military actions, it must pass the House of Representatives after its recent advancement in the Senate. If the House approves it, the bill would then go to President Trump, who has indicated he would likely veto it based on similar past actions.  If vetoed, Congress would need a two-thirds majority in both chambers to override.    Article II of the Constitution, as all Presidents, and their Departments of Justice, have determined before me. Nevertheless, a more important Senate Vote will be taking place next week on this very subject. https://twitter.com/DOGEai_tx/status/2009076665054277855?s=20  101’s 11-point democratization criteria – including releasing political prisoners and restoring National Assembly powers. The 2025 bill mandates strict oversight of any aid through Section 204’s safeguards against regime capture. Taxpayers deserve transparency: Will this embassy facilitate accountability for $150B in stolen oil revenues, or just greenlight more foreign aid slush funds? Strategic engagement only works if tied to verifiable reforms, not symbolic gestures. https://twitter.com/estrellainfant/status/2008948263916015793?s=20 Marco Rubio and Pete Hegseth continue to expose Delcy Rodríguez and, at the same time, prevent the internal fissures of the regime from spiraling into an uncontrolled collapse. That is no coincidence: it is strategy. Rubio is not acting to provoke an immediate implosion, but to manage the decomposition of power. By exposing contradictions, routes, false narratives, and opaque movements, he weakens Delcy in front of the Chavista leadership, but without pushing the system toward a violent break that generates a power vacuum, chaos, or an unpredictable military reaction. This achieves several objectives at once: First, it isolates Delcy. Every time she is exposed, her room to maneuver shrinks in front of her “external allies” and the regime’s hardline elements. She shifts from being an operator to becoming a risk. Second, it deepens internal distrust. When sensitive information starts to align with U.S. actions, within the regime no one knows who is leaking what. That paranoia is corrosive and weakens more than a direct strike. Third, it preserves the minimum governability necessary for a transition. An abrupt collapse favors criminal actors, armed dissidents, and foreign powers. Controlling the pace of the erosion allows maintaining channels, containing damage, and preparing the ground for a subsequent political process. In that context, Delcy is trapped. If she cooperates, she exposes herself. If she doesn’t cooperate, she becomes isolated. Any move weakens her. And Rubio, aware of that, pressures her without touching the final detonator. That’s why this deserves attention: we are not seeing improvisation or personal revenge, but a calibrated operation of attrition, where the goal is not to humiliate for spectacle, but to dismantle the regime piece by piece, avoiding Venezuela paying the cost of an uncontrolled collapse. https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2008967791966376081?s=20 https://twitter.com/disclosetv/status/2009090766354960453?s=20 War/Peace Security Alert – U. S. Embassy Kyiv, Ukraine (January 8, 2026) Location: Ukraine, all districts Event: The U.S. embassy in Kyiv has received information concerning a potentially significant air attack that may occur at any time over the next several days. The embassy, as always, recommends U.S. citizens be prepared to immediately shelter in the event an air alert is announced. Actions to Take: Identify shelter locations before any air alert. Download a reliable air alert app to your mobile phone, like Air Raid Siren  or Alarm Map . Immediately take shelter if an air alert is announced. Check local media for breaking news. Be prepared to adjust your plans. Keep reserves of water, food, and medication. Follow the directions of Ukrainian officials and first responders in the event of an emergency. Review what the Department of State Can and Cannot Do in a Crisis . https://twitter.com/Geiger_Capital/status/2008991231507099730?s=20    tremendous numbers being produced by Tariffs from other Countries, many of which, in the past, have “ripped off” the United States at levels never seen before, I would stay at the $1 Trillion Dollar number but, because of Tariffs, and the tremendous Income that they bring, amounts being generated, that would have been unthinkable in the past (especially just one year ago during the Sleepy Joe Biden Administration, the Worst President in the History of our Country!), we are able to easily hit the $1.5 Trillion Dollar number while, at the same time, producing an unparalleled Military Force, and having the ability to, at the same time, pay down Debt, and likewise, pay a substantial Dividend to moderate income Patriots within our Country! 
PRESIDENT DONALD J. TRUMP Medical/False Flags [DS] Agenda https://twitter.com/DerrickEvans4WV/status/2009097879106015609?s=20 https://twitter.com/EndWokeness/status/2009305173395415310?s=20 https://twitter.com/susancrabtree/status/2009271768121242054?s=20  years, which is happening this morning. This is the arrogant California corruption that has occurred under Newsom's watch and in this case —possibly his own direction or one of his top aide's —because the light was finally beginning to shine on why the Golden State has become so tarnished under his watch. https://twitter.com/MarioNawfal/status/2009188335873302712?s=20   She warned that the intimidation is systemic, and basically if you speak up, expect your life to be dismantled. Whistleblowers are supposed to be protected by law, and if they're being hunted for telling the truth, the system is being weaponized. @MarionONeill1 : “Retaliation has been going on for quite some time and it's now escalated. You're going to lose your job. You're going to lose your home. They'll track your children. They'll make sure you can't get a job anywhere Democrats control.  https://twitter.com/Peoples_Pundit/status/2009099844506501431?s=20 https://twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/2009087403575947648?s=20 DHS Sec. Kristi Noem Drops Facts, Cooks Walz and Frey During Presser on MN Anti-ICE Incident https://twitter.com/townhallcom/status/2009046495262110138?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2009046495262110138%7Ctwgr%5Ec2c616dd05bfbbc6e3cd4613990f826fb989a6af%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fredstate.com%2Fsister-toldjah%2F2026%2F01%2F07%2Fkristi-noem-drops-facts-cooks-walz-and-frey-during-presser-on-mn-anti-ice-incident-n2197890   these federal law enforcement officers, they’ll say that when you call for back-up…it’s hit and miss.” https://twitter.com/townhallcom/status/2009044827158007875?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2009044827158007875%7Ctwgr%5Ec2c616dd05bfbbc6e3cd4613990f826fb989a6af%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fredstate.com%2Fsister-toldjah%2F2026%2F01%2F07%2Fkristi-noem-drops-facts-cooks-walz-and-frey-during-presser-on-mn-anti-ice-incident-n2197890 Noem also shared that the woman in the SUV had been “stalking and impeding” the agents during the course of the day: https://twitter.com/realDailyWire/status/2009050638232244548?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2009050638232244548%7Ctwgr%5Ec2c616dd05bfbbc6e3cd4613990f826fb989a6af%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fredstate.com%2Fsister-toldjah%2F2026%2F01%2F07%2Fkristi-noem-drops-facts-cooks-walz-and-frey-during-presser-on-mn-anti-ice-incident-n2197890 Source: redstate.com Breaking: The same ICE agent appears to have been dragged roughly 300 feet while executing an arrest warrant on an illegal alien, resulting in 33 stitches just six months ago. Video and full details below. Thanks to @MWhitney93679 for bring this to my attention. @DataRepublican @elonmusk https://cbsnews.com/minnesota/video/shocking-footage-shows-driver-dragging-deportation-officer/?referrer=grok.com https://twitter.com/elonmusk/status/2009292194406895696?s=20 https://twitter.com/julie_kelly2/status/2009044298486948261?s=20 https://twitter.com/warriors_mom/status/2009038176627876188?s=20   force by an ICE agent becomes unavoidable. And the local Minneapolis politicians decide it's the perfect opportunity to declare war against the federal government? https://twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/2009142447905882188?s=20   to the deadly incident, leftists are urging vengeance and riots in Minneapolis. Rioters earlier surged to a federal building and smashed up the entrance. The shooting incident occurred in the context of the far-left and Antifa urging violence against ICE for months. It has led to an Antifa cell carrying out an ambush shooting in Texas on the Prairieland facility. At least seven have pleaded guilty to a federal terrorism charge. Then, in Dallas, an ICE facility was shot up by an anti-ICE activist, killing people. https://twitter.com/KanekoaTheGreat/status/2009040818896830650?s=20 BREAKING: The wife of Renee Nicole Good—the 37-year-old Minneapolis shooting victim who attempted to run over an ICE officer—appears to have been outside the vehicle filming as her wife blocked ICE vehicles. She is seen wearing a flannel shirt, walking around the vehicle and recording ICE officers. She later runs back to the vehicle to check on Renee. Afterward, she tells a nearby man, “That's my wife.” When he asks if she knows any of her wife's relatives she could call, she responds, “We’re new here. I don’t have people… I can't even breathe right now.” Why was she outside the vehicle filming while her wife was blocking ICE officers? Terrible https://twitter.com/KanekoaTheGreat/status/2009143305075097679?s=20 https://twitter.com/seanmdav/status/2009103459019002182?s=20 https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2009270499398893758?s=20 https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2009132509607677966?s=20 https://twitter.com/iAnonPatriot/status/2009087576402219051?s=20 https://twitter.com/Breaking911/status/2008995871724355652?s=20 https://twitter.com/libsoftiktok/status/2009297640555503770?s=20 https://twitter.com/nicksortor/status/2009197905723216144?s=20   After about two minutes on scene, my security began wanting to bring me out of there due to the immediate threats of violence. I tried to shorten this video as much as possible but it's tough given all the BS that unfolded. As soon as I dialed 911, one of the leftist screamed “Minneapolis Police are on OUR side!” Turns out, he was right. – A vehicle began chasing us the wrong way down a one way and then threatened to kiII me (dispatch heard this and responded by asking for my last name?) – First dispatcher promised they'd respond, asked me if I was “White,” held me on the phone for the 10 mins, and then ended the call – Second one called back and gave me the runaround as the situation worsens – Third one calls me back and tells me to go fck myself, essentially We ended up being FOLLOWED out of town, and requested backup set to arrive in a few hours. We are NOT giving up. Leftists WILL NOT terrorize us into silence. See you in a few hours, Minneapolis. Stay tuned. Will Trump invoke the Insurrection Act? Before Jan 20, 2029 57% Before 2027 43% Before Jan 20, 2029 If the President of the United States has invoked the Insurrection Act to deploy the United States military and/or the federalized National Guard within the United States before Jan 20, 2029, then the market resolves to Yes. Sources from the White House, The New York Times, the Associated Press, Reuters, Axios, Politico, Semafor, The Information, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, ABC, CBS, CNN, Fox News, and MSNBC. Minneapolis Public Schools Cancel Classes and Activities for Rest of Week  Minneapolis Public Schools announced Wednesday night that all classes and activities were canceled for the rest of the week and that students would not have to do ‘e-learning' at home while schools are closed. Protests are expected in the coming days after a woman driver was shot and killed by a federal officer when she allegedly tried to run him over during a protest against ICE in a Minneapolis residential neighborhood Wednesday morning. MPS statement: No school Jan. 8-9 due to safety concerns Source: thegatewaypundit.com Preplanned Riot patterns. https://twitter.com/TheSCIF/status/2009115663848362251?s=20 https://twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/2009077478073979120?s=20 Do you think the criminals are trying to cover their tracks, with the riots are they going to burn down the many Somali daycares will they then file for insurance claims, loss of business revenue claims. https://twitter.com/MrAndyNgo/status/2009131575724625972?s=20 https://twitter.com/amuse/status/2009009290518872568?s=20 https://twitter.com/Cernovich/status/2009041195717284106?s=20 https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2009020845239533590?s=20 TAKE A LISTEN https://twitter.com/WarClandestine/status/2009117399300362278?s=20 DHS makes over 1500 immigration arrests in Minneapolis, Secretary Kristi Noem says  https://twitter.com/Sec_Noem/status/2008718230039450008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E2008718230039450008%7Ctwgr%5Ec51cd928497b686ddee7e7e639023089bf1f9b57%7Ctwcon%5Es1_c10&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fthenationaldesk.com%2Fnews%2Famericas-news-now%2Fdhs-makes-1500-arrests-in-minneapolis-secretary-kristi-noem-says source:  wgxa.tv/  https://twitter.com/JDVance/status/2009090255908130994?s=20 https://twitter.com/jsolomonReports/status/2009278938019688755?s=20 President Trump's Plan https://twitter.com/StephenM/status/2009059590726627814?s=20  https://twitter.com/RapidResponse47/status/2009334017250996436?s=20 The saying “don’t fire until you see the whites of their eyes” (or similar variations) is most famously associated with the Battle of Bunker Hill on June 17, 1775, during the early stages of the American Revolutionary War. American colonial forces, low on ammunition and facing British regulars advancing uphill, were reportedly instructed to hold their fire until the enemy was close enough for shots to be effective—maximizing the impact of limited powder and musket balls, which were inaccurate at longer ranges. BREAKING: Obama Judge Disqualifies Trump-Appointed US Attorney Overseeing Letitia James Investigations, Tosses Subpoenas Issued to James A federal judge on Thursday disqualified the Trump-appointed US Attorney for the Northern District of New York overseeing investigations into New York Attorney General Letitia James. US District Judge Lorna Schofield, an Obama appointee, disqualified acting US Attorney John Sarcone and quashed two subpoenas issues to Letitia James. Sarcone is the fifth Trump-appointed US Attorney to be disqualified by a rogue judge Source: thegatewaypundit.com https://twitter.com/WhiteHouse/status/2009025328065466665?s=20 WITHDRAWING FROM INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS: Today, President Donald J. Trump signed a Presidential Memorandum directing the withdrawal of the United States from 66 international organizations that no longer serve American interests. The Memorandum orders all Executive Departments and Agencies to cease participating in and funding 35 non-United Nations (UN) organizations and 31 UN entities that operate contrary to U.S. national interests, security, economic prosperity, or sovereignty. This follows a review ordered earlier this year of all international intergovernmental organizations, conventions, and treaties that the United States is a member of or party to, or that the United States funds or supports. These withdrawals will end American taxpayer funding and involvement in entities that advance globalist agendas over U.S. priorities, or that address important issues inefficiently or ineffectively such that U.S. taxpayer dollars are best allocated in other ways to support the relevant missions. RESTORING AMERICAN SOVEREIGNTY: President Trump is ending U.S. participation in international organizations that undermine America's independence and waste taxpayer dollars on ineffective or hostile agendas. Many of these bodies promote radical climate policies, global governance, and ideological programs that conflict with U.S. sovereignty and economic strength. American taxpayers have spent billions on these organizations with little return, while they often criticize U.S. policies, advance agendas contrary to our values, or waste taxpayer dollars by purporting to address important issues but not achieving any real results. By exiting these entities, President Trump is saving taxpayer money and refocusing resources on America First priorities.  This is factually a much bigger deal, a bigger win, than most will initially appreciate. Each of the institutions carry “membership fees” or financial obligations each participating government pays into. Each organization consists of board members, stakeholders and other administrative offices which employ the friends and families of current and former politicians, world “leaders” and essentially well-connected and disconnected elites who run the agencies. It's like a massive network of NGOs, except the entities exist exclusively with government funding. Just like the United Nations itself, the USA always pays the dues, fees and largest portion of the operating expenses, which includes payrolls and travel benefits. Other countries participate, but it is the USA who picks up the largest portion of the financial obligations for the organization itself to exist. Like USAID, the designated “global” organizations (conventions, treaties, etc) operate as massive bureaucratic rule makers for global standards and practices. The organizations themselves employ a network of downstream entities, agencies, contractors, think-tanks, academic liaisons and internal government offices who collaborate with the goals and objectives of the parent organization.   Withdrawing the support of the U.S. means cutting that entire apparatus off from receiving funding from the USA. Europe and the USA are the largest funders of each of these World Economic Forum aligned agencies. It is not coincidental that President Trump and Secretary Rubio are making this move in advance of President Trump traveling to Davos, where the network associations congregate. President Trump is expected to deliver a bucket of ice water upon the heads of those who attend Davos annually. The GREAT RESET crew, who design the global government customs and norms, is being reset. Source: theconservativetreehouse.com (function(w,d,s,i){w.ldAdInit=w.ldAdInit||[];w.ldAdInit.push({slot:13499335648425062,size:[0, 0],id:"ld-7164-1323"});if(!d.getElementById(i)){var j=d.createElement(s),p=d.getElementsByTagName(s)[0];j.async=true;j.src="//cdn2.customads.co/_js/ajs.js";j.id=i;p.parentNode.insertBefore(j,p);}})(window,document,"script","ld-ajs");

On today's podcast:1) Ousted Venezuela President Nicolás Maduro pleaded not guilty on Monday to US charges in a narco-terrorism case against him, kicking off an extraordinary legal battle with major geopolitical ramifications. The US accused Maduro over the weekend of using his positions in government for a quarter of a century to enrich himself and help transport cocaine into the country. The toppling of Maduro reverberated around the world and signaled President Trump’s willingness to reconfigure the global order. 2) Venezuela’s government is reasserting itself after the capture of Nicolás Maduro, swearing in Delcy Rodríguez as acting president and flashing warning signs that a new wave of repression has begun. As the government continued to churn inside the presidential palace Miraflores, Venezuela’s military counterintelligence officials have been patrolling the streets of Caracas, according to at least two witnesses. At least seven journalists and members of the press were detained on Monday morning and early afternoon, most of them at the National Assembly and its surroundings, according to the national press workers syndicate.3) President Trump suggested the US may subsidize efforts by energy companies to rebuild Venezuela’s oil industry as his administration seeks to convince firms to invest in the country days after ousting strongman Nicolás Maduro. Trump said the project to have US oil industry companies expand their operations in the country could be “up and running” in less than 18 months, in an interview Monday with NBC News — a timeframe starkly at odds with estimates from energy industry experts, while oil companies have been largely silent about their willingness to reinvest in Venezuela.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

pWotD Episode 3168: Nicolás Maduro Welcome to popular Wiki of the Day, spotlighting Wikipedia's most visited pages, giving you a peek into what the world is curious about today.With 2,519,497 views on Saturday, 3 January 2026 our article of the day is Nicolás Maduro.Nicolás Maduro Moros (born 23 November 1962) is a Venezuelan politician and former union leader who served as the president of Venezuela from 2013 until his de facto deposition in 2026. He served as the vice president under President Hugo Chávez from 2012 to 2013, and minister of foreign affairs from 2006 to 2012.Starting as a bus driver, Maduro rose to become a trade union leader before being elected to the National Assembly in 2000. A member of the United Socialist Party (PSUV), he was appointed to a number of positions under Chávez, serving as President of the National Assembly, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and as vice president under Chávez. Maduro assumed the presidency after Chávez's death and won the 2013 special presidential election. He ruled Venezuela by decree after 2015 through powers granted to him by the ruling party legislature. Shortages in Venezuela and decreased living standards led to a wave of protests in 2014 that escalated into daily marches nationwide, repression of dissent and a decline in Maduro's popularity. An opposition-led National Assembly was elected in 2015 and a movement toward recalling Maduro began in 2016, which was ultimately cancelled by Maduro's government; Maduro maintained power through the Supreme Tribunal, the National Electoral Council (CNE) and the military. The Supreme Tribunal stripped the elected National Assembly of power and authority, resulting in a constitutional crisis and another wave of protests in 2017. In response to the protests, Maduro called for a rewrite of the constitution, and the Constituent Assembly of Venezuela was elected in 2017 under voting conditions that many concluded were irregular. In 2018, Maduro was reelected and sworn in with widespread condemnation. The president of the National Assembly, Juan Guaidó, was declared interim president by the opposition legislative body—starting a presidential crisis that spanned nearly four years and divided the international community. In 2024, Maduro ran for a third term in an election which the Maduro-aligned CNE claimed he won—without providing evidence—starting another political crisis. Vote tallies gathered by the opposition showed that their candidate, Edmundo González, had won the most votes. In November 2025, Maduro was designated as a member of a foreign terrorist organization by the United States.Maduro was widely considered to be leading an authoritarian government characterized by electoral fraud, human rights abuses, corruption, and severe economic hardship. Between 2013 and 2023, Venezuela dropped 42 places in the Press Freedom Index. According to estimates by the United Nations (UN) and Human Rights Watch, under Maduro's administration thousands of people have died in extrajudicial killings and seven million Venezuelans were forced to flee the country. The UN Fact-Finding Mission on Venezuela concluded that the country's justice system independence had declined; the mission also identified frequent due process violations, including political external interference and the admission of evidence through torture was alleged. Most Venezuelan television channels are controlled by the state, and information unfavourable to the government is not covered completely. In 2018, a board designated by the Organization of American States (OAS) alleged that crimes against humanity have been committed in Venezuela during Maduro's presidency. In 2021, the Office of the Prosecutor of the International Criminal Court (ICC) announced the opening of an investigation regarding the situation in the country. Maduro denies all allegations of misconduct and argues the United States has conspired against Venezuela to manufacture a crisis as a means of enabling them to make the case for regime change.On 3 January 2026, Maduro and his wife were captured by US forces. They were then transported to New York, where they remain incarcerated, with Maduro expected to be arraigned in a Manhattan court in the next week.This recording reflects the Wikipedia text as of 03:58 UTC on Sunday, 4 January 2026.For the full current version of the article, see Nicolás Maduro on Wikipedia.This podcast uses content from Wikipedia under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License.Visit our archives at wikioftheday.com and subscribe to stay updated on new episodes.Follow us on Bluesky at @wikioftheday.com.Also check out Curmudgeon's Corner, a current events podcast.Until next time, I'm standard Emma.

The year 2025 was one marked by political tension, policy decisions, and difficult choices for Nigeria.From economic reforms and tax debates to security operations and party politics, government actions continued to shape public conversation and daily life.On today's episode of Nigeria Daily, we take a closer look at the political events and policies that defined 2025, and what they reveal about Nigeria's governance and democratic journey.

The head of the Louvre Museum said that new security measures are being put in place at the Paris landmark after October's stunning crown jewels heist.  The cameras—some 100 of them—will be up and running by the end of next year, while anti-intrusion systems are expected to already be in place, Louvre director Laurence des Cars said. She described the systems as equipment that will prevent intruders from getting close to the museum buildings but did not offer specifics. The new surveillance cameras will try to ensure “complete protection of the museum's surroundings,” she said. “After the shock, after the emotion, after the assessment, it's time for action” at the world's most visited museum, des Cars told the Committee of Cultural Affairs of the National Assembly. She said it was all part of more than 20 emergency measures that will be implemented. The new measures also include the creation of a “security coordinator” position at the museum, and the job was posted in November, she added. On the day of the heist, it took thieves less than eight minutes to force their way through a window into the Apollo Gallery with the help of a freight lift and steal the 88 million euro ($102 million) trove. Des Cars unveiled some new details about the security breach that allowed the October 19 robbery, saying the power tools used by robbers to cut through the display cases were disc cutters meant for concrete. “It's a method that had not been imagined at all,” she said, referring to the time when the display cases in the Apollo Gallery were replaced in 2019. At the time, they had been designed primarily to counter an attack from inside the museum with weapons, she added. Footage from museum cameras shows that during the robbery, the display cases “held up remarkably well and did not break apart,” she said. “Videos show how difficult it was for the thieves.” This article was provided by The Associated Press.

Gen Z have taken to the streets of Nairobi with mass protests that rocked the Kenyan government in recent years and led to multiple deaths. Kenya is a young country where 67% of its youth is unemployed, some of them feel that the new generation is not being listened to. Jonny Dymond chairs a panel fielding questions covering the deaths of women, inequality and whether abductions and killings in Kenya are part of the concerted effort from the state to supress dissent. The panel: Sylvanus Osoro, MP. Majority Party Chief Whip (KNC), National Assembly of Kenya Zaha Indimuli, Human Rights Activist, National Advocacy Lead End Femicide Ke. Canon Evans Omollo, Provost of All Saints Cathedral, Nairobi Martha Karua, former Minister of Justice, Opposition Presidential Candidate for the People's Liberation Party. Producer: Charlie Taylor

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, John and Joon Ha reflect on South Korea's political and social landscape one year after the failed martial law declaration, tracking how public anger, institutional distrust and competing protest movements continue to shape the country's trajectory. The hosts recount Korea Pro's on-the-ground reporting at both anti-Yoon and pro-Yoon demonstrations, exploring how diverging narratives around legitimacy, accountability and national security continue to harden. They analyze President Lee Jae Myung's latest National Assembly address and the People Power Party's internal disarray, assessing what Lee's agenda signals for governance, fiscal priorities and his relationship with a weakened conservative opposition. The episode breaks down the passage of the 2026 budget — the first on-time budget since 2020 — highlighting the debut of the National Growth Fund, shifts in defense spending and the political calculus behind a deal struck under extreme polarization. John and Joon Ha then examine Coupang's spiraling data disaster, parsing what is known, what remains unclear and how the incident exposes systemic cyber vulnerabilities that now sit squarely within South Korea's regulatory, political and corporate crosshairs. The episode concludes with a look ahead to the Dec. 14 deadline for the the Special Counsel investigating the martial law incident About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, delivering deep, clear analysis of South Korean politics, diplomacy, security, society and technology for professionals who need more than headlines. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Dec. 4, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

In this episode of The Korea Pro Podcast, John and Joon Ha assess South Korea's strategic leap in space technology after the successful early-morning launch of the Nuri rocket, exploring the implications for sovereign satellite capability, dual-use defense competitiveness and regional positioning against Japan's H3 program. The hosts analyze Poland's decision to choose Sweden's Saab over Hanwha Ocean for the Orka submarine project, examining what the loss signals for South Korea's ambitions to move up the defense-export value chain from land systems to complex naval platforms. They break down the Bank of Korea's decision to hold the base rate at 2.5% while upgrading the growth outlook, focusing on currency volatility, household-sector fragility and constrained policy space as markets price geopolitical risk into 2026. The episode also reviews President Lee Jae-myung's performance in Turkey, separating symbolic diplomacy from measurable outcomes and assessing whether outreach to Ankara reflects a broader multipolar strategy. The episode concludes with a look ahead to next week's protest marking one year since former President Yoon Suk-yeol's failed martial law declaration, where Korea Pro's Joon Ha Park and Lina Park will report from the National Assembly. About the podcast: The Korea Pro Podcast is a weekly conversation hosted by Korea Risk Group Executive Director Jeongmin Kim, Editor John Lee and correspondent Joon Ha Park, delivering deep, clear analysis of South Korean politics, diplomacy, security, society and technology for professionals who need more than headlines. Uploaded every Friday. This episode was recorded on Thursday, Nov. 27, 2025. Audio edited by Gaby Magnuson

진행자: 간형우, Devin WhitingWorking parents challenge ban on dawn delivery기사 요약: 새벽배송 금지 제안을 둘러싼 논쟁이 이어지는 가운데, 제도 유지를 요구하는 소비자 청원이 5천 명 넘는 동의를 얻었다.[1] Korea's dawn delivery services are drawing renewed attention after a public petition opposing possible restrictions gained thousands of signatures, following online speculation that the system may be curbed to address working-condition concerns for couriers.petition: 청원courier: 운반원[2] The petition posted on the National Assembly's public petition platform has received more than 5,000 signatures since it was uploaded on Thursday.post: 게시하다, (게시물 등)을 올리다signature: 서명[3] In it, a working mother raising two children wrote that dawn delivery had become “an important means of sustaining daily life” for families who return home late at night and rely on overnight delivery for groceries and school-supply orders.means: 수단sustain: 지속 가능하게 하다grocery: 식료품 및 잡화[4] “When supermarkets are closed, it is often the only way to get school supplies and breakfast for our children before they leave for school,” she wrote, urging lawmakers to consider “what citizens truly need” before making any changes to the system.urge: 강력히 권고하다lawmaker: 국회의원기사 원문: https://www.koreaherald.com/article/10616973

The revocation of the Edict of Nantes led more than 200,000 Huguenots to flee France after 1685. Many settled close to the country's frontiers, where their leaders published apologetic texts arguing for their right to return to France and be recognized as French citizens. By framing their refugee experiences intentionally, even using the term "refugee" to describe their diaspora, Huguenots profoundly influenced Enlightenment debates on citizenship and religious tolerance.  Write to Return: Huguenot Refugees on the Frontiers of the French Enlightenment (McGill-Queen's, 2024) is a cultural history of these Huguenot apologetics in which Bryan Banks examines the work of four authors: Pierre Jurieu, Pierre Bayle, Antoine Court, and Jean-Paul Rabaut Saint-Étienne. Each author advanced his arguments using key ideas of the Enlightenment, appealing to reason to argue for freedom of conscience all while appealing to emotion in his descriptions of Huguenot victimhood. The authors' campaign succeeded. In 1789, France's revolutionary National Assembly granted repatriation to all expelled Huguenots, offering them citizenship regardless of place of birth or baptism, and even permitting them to reclaim ancestral lands.  International refugees played an overlooked role in shaping discourse around the nation and nationalism in the eighteenth century. Write to Return shows how early modern refugees could advocate for their interests, build international networks, and even craft a new collective identity. By presenting themselves as loyal citizens of France, Huguenots were at the forefront of constructing a French national identity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/new-books-network

The revocation of the Edict of Nantes led more than 200,000 Huguenots to flee France after 1685. Many settled close to the country's frontiers, where their leaders published apologetic texts arguing for their right to return to France and be recognized as French citizens. By framing their refugee experiences intentionally, even using the term "refugee" to describe their diaspora, Huguenots profoundly influenced Enlightenment debates on citizenship and religious tolerance.  Write to Return: Huguenot Refugees on the Frontiers of the French Enlightenment (McGill-Queen's, 2024) is a cultural history of these Huguenot apologetics in which Bryan Banks examines the work of four authors: Pierre Jurieu, Pierre Bayle, Antoine Court, and Jean-Paul Rabaut Saint-Étienne. Each author advanced his arguments using key ideas of the Enlightenment, appealing to reason to argue for freedom of conscience all while appealing to emotion in his descriptions of Huguenot victimhood. The authors' campaign succeeded. In 1789, France's revolutionary National Assembly granted repatriation to all expelled Huguenots, offering them citizenship regardless of place of birth or baptism, and even permitting them to reclaim ancestral lands.  International refugees played an overlooked role in shaping discourse around the nation and nationalism in the eighteenth century. Write to Return shows how early modern refugees could advocate for their interests, build international networks, and even craft a new collective identity. By presenting themselves as loyal citizens of France, Huguenots were at the forefront of constructing a French national identity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices Support our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/intellectual-history

The revocation of the Edict of Nantes led more than 200,000 Huguenots to flee France after 1685. Many settled close to the country's frontiers, where their leaders published apologetic texts arguing for their right to return to France and be recognized as French citizens. By framing their refugee experiences intentionally, even using the term "refugee" to describe their diaspora, Huguenots profoundly influenced Enlightenment debates on citizenship and religious tolerance.  Write to Return: Huguenot Refugees on the Frontiers of the French Enlightenment (McGill-Queen's, 2024) is a cultural history of these Huguenot apologetics in which Bryan Banks examines the work of four authors: Pierre Jurieu, Pierre Bayle, Antoine Court, and Jean-Paul Rabaut Saint-Étienne. Each author advanced his arguments using key ideas of the Enlightenment, appealing to reason to argue for freedom of conscience all while appealing to emotion in his descriptions of Huguenot victimhood. The authors' campaign succeeded. In 1789, France's revolutionary National Assembly granted repatriation to all expelled Huguenots, offering them citizenship regardless of place of birth or baptism, and even permitting them to reclaim ancestral lands.  International refugees played an overlooked role in shaping discourse around the nation and nationalism in the eighteenth century. Write to Return shows how early modern refugees could advocate for their interests, build international networks, and even craft a new collective identity. By presenting themselves as loyal citizens of France, Huguenots were at the forefront of constructing a French national identity. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Voting is underway on Pakistan's 27th Constitutional Amendment bill in the National Assembly. The Amendment to Constitution will make Asim Munir Field Marshal for life, the chief of all defence forces- including Pakistan Navy & Air Force, and give him President-like immunity from prosecution. ThePrint Editor-In-Chief Shekhar Gupta explains the changes, and the sighnifcance of the 27th Amendment. #CutTheClutter Episode 1755 also looks at previous instances when Pakistan's Constitution has been amended.----more----Reed Zahid Hussain's article here: https://www.dawn.com/news/1954621/killing-the-constitution----more----Read Maleeha Lodhi's article here: https://www.dawn.com/news/1954232/slide-into-authoritarianism----more----Watch Shamshad Mirza's CutTheClutter episode here: https://youtu.be/xAtVjmoL98A

Wisconsin ranks next-to-last in the nation when it comes to arts funding, spending about 18 cents per person, according to the National Assembly of State Arts Agencies. So what gives? And what are our state's children missing out on when they don't have access to creative outlets in school? Erica Halverson, professor of curriculum and instruction at UW-Madison's School of Education, is trying to make arts more accessible in Madison schools. As the co-founder of a program called Whoopensocker, she's bringing innovative storytelling techniques to classrooms across the state. Today, host Bianca Martin chats with Erica to find out what's in store for the future of arts education in Wisconsin.

This week, the French government lost a confidence vote in the National Assembly, forcing the prime minister François Bayrou and his cabinet to resign. Sophie Pedder, Paris bureau chief at The Economist, breaks down the latest and what's on the table for President Emmanuel Macron to remedy what's being called a "collapse" of his government.

France has been plunged into a new political crisis with the defeat of Prime Minister François Bayrou at a confidence vote in the National Assembly. The defeat means that Mr Bayrou will on Tuesday present his government's resignation to President Emmanuel Macron, who must now decide how to replace him. Also: Democrats in Congress release alleged Trump birthday note to Epstein, and new Banksy mural appears at Royal Courts of Justice in London. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk