Podcasts about senior political correspondent

Watch Call me Back on YouTube: youtube.com/@CallMeBackPodcastSubscribe to Ark Media's new podcast ‘What's Your Number?': lnk.to/HJI2mXArk Media on Instagram: instagram.com/arkmediaorgTo contact us, sign up for updates, and access transcripts, visit: arkmedia.orgDan on X: x.com/dansenorDan on Instagram: instagram.com/dansenor=============================================It's been a busy week with a lot of moving pieces - there are new war plans in Gaza, the US-Houthi agreement, and of course, the Gulf Summit and a potential new deal between the US and Saudi Arabia. Here's what we do know:On Tuesday, during a press availability in the Oval Office of the White House, President Donald Trump told reporters that the total number of living hostages in Gaza dropped from 24 to 21. “As of today, it's 21. Three have died.”, he said. Israel maintains that officially, the list of living hostages remains 24. Trump also said that the US would stop bombing Yemen's Houthis after the Iran-backed group had agreed to stop interrupting important shipping lanes in the Middle East. The announcement did not mention the Houthi attacks on Israel, including a missile that hit Ben Gurion international airport on Saturday, to which Israel responded with a crippling attack on Yemen's international airport in Sanaa. Following Trump's announcement, a spokesman for the Houthis pledged that the strikes on Israel would continue. On Thursday, sources told Reuters that the United States is no longer demanding Saudi Arabia normalize ties with Israel as a condition for developing its nuclear program - a major concession by Washington. Senator Lindsey Graham says he opposes any pact with the Saudis that excludes normalization with Jewish state. Earlier in the week, on Monday, Israel's security cabinet authorized plans for the widening of the Gaza invasion, which if taken to its logical conclusion, meaning Hamas refuses to surrender and release the hostages – could result in an Israeli reoccupation of Gaza and reestablishing some permanent presence there.It is unclear at this point if this military plan is going to be implemented, or if it is used as leverage on Hamas as a negotiating tactic. That said, Finance Minister Betzalel Smotrich said on Monday that “We are finally going to occupy the Gaza Strip. We will stop being afraid of the word' occupation.” To unpack what this all means, we are joined by Lahav Harkov, Senior Political Correspondent for Jewish Insider. Senior Fellow at the Misgav Institute for National Security.(00:00) Introduction(04:56) Potential US-Saudi deal(13:33) What do the Saudi's want?(15:37) IDF operations in Gaza(21:10) How would occupation work?(26:58) Strain on reservist soldiers(34:13) What are the options for Hamas?CREDITS:ILAN BENATAR - Producer & EditorMARTIN HUERGO - Sound EditorGABE SILVERSTEIN - ResearchYUVAL SEMO - Music Composer 

Vassy Kapelos is joined by Frank McKenna, Former Canadian Ambassador to the United States and Former Premier of New Brunswick, to discuss how Prime Minister Mark Carney can approach dealing with US President Donald Trump. On today's show: Andrew Scheer, Conservative-Saskatchewan Elect and former Conservative Party leader, on Pierre Poilievre losing his seat and tensions between the federal and some provincial Conservative parties on how to move forward James Duthie, Host of TSN hockey coverage, on the second round of the NHL playoffs with several Canadian teams still in contention The Daily Debrief Panel with Robert Benzie, Queen's Park Bureau Chief, The Toronto Star; Laura Stone, Queen's Park reporter, The Globe and Mail; and Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News Jennifer Howard, Former National Campaign Director for federal NDP and Jagmeet Singh’s Chief of Staff; former NDP minister in Manitoba, on the collapse of the NDP, the factors at play, and what might come next for the party

Nigel Farage is throwing the kitchen sink at Labour and he's not being subtle about it. As Reform UK ramps up its local election efforts, Farage is fielding candidates in councils up and down the country. But the real showdown is in Runcorn and Helsby, where Reform is plotting a high-profile coup in the upcoming by-election. What's at stake in Runcorn, and why should Keir Starmer be worried?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Geraldine Scott, The Times' Senior Political Correspondent.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Euan Dawtrey, Taryn Siegel and Edith Rousselot. Further reading: Labour and Reform in fierce battle for Runcorn & Helsby seatClips: Sky News, Reform UK Youtube, Nigel Farage Youtube and Facebook, Channel 4, Green Party TikTok, Liberal Democrats Youtube.Photo: Getty Images.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Economist Don Drummond as he breaks down the economic measures included in the parties' costed platforms to deal with the uncertainty of U.S. tariffs. On todays show: Vassy is joined by Judy Trinh, CTV National News Correspondent, Rachel Aiello, CTV National News Correspondent and Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News for the latest from the campaign trails. Mark McGowan, Professor of History & Celtic Studies, St. Michael's College, University of Toronto joins Vassy to answer this weeks 'The Explainer' question on how a new pope is selected. The Daily Debrief Panel with Jeff Rutledge, Laura D'Angelo, and Stephanie Levitz. Carmi Levy, tech journalist and analyst joins Vassy to talk this weeks top tech stories.

Éric Blais, President of Headspace Marketing in Toronto, joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss how advertisements impact an election campaign, and to help break down the strategy behind each parties choice of advertisement. On todays show: Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News, Abigail Bimman, CTV News Correspondent and Rachel Aiello, CTV National News Correspondent join host Vassy Kapelos for the latest from the campaign trail. Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Perry Bellegarde, Former National Chief of the Assembly of First Nations as they discuss the passing of Pope Francis and how his papacy is being viewed by Indigenous communities. Vassy Kapelos hosts ‘The Daily Debrief’ political panel discussion with Shakir Chambers, principal at Earnscliffe Strategies, Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute, and Sabrina Grover, Sr Advisor, Spark Advocacy and NorthStar Public Affairs. Dr. Angela Rasmussen, Virologist, and Principal Research Scientist, Vaccine and Infectious Disease Organization at the University of Saskatchewan joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss the increased fear of the bird flu becoming a possible pandemic as now it may pose a growing risk to people as the pathogen spreads.

Professor Michael W. Higgins, Vatican Affairs Analyst And Author Of ‘The Jesuit Disruptor, a Personal Portrait of Pope’ joins host Vassy Kapelos to reflect on the legacy left behind by Pope Francis after his passing on Easter Monday at age 88. On todays show: Vassy is joined by Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News, Rachel Aiello, CTV National News Correspondent and Abigail Bimman, CTV News Correspondent for the latest from the campaign trail during the final week of the election campaign. Vassy Kapelos hosts ‘The Daily Debrief’ political panel discussion with Jason Lietar, President of Enterprise Canada and Scott Reid, CTV News political commentator, and former communications director for Prime Minister Paul Martin. Vassy takes your texts and calls on what you think will play out during the final week of the election campaign.

Amie Parnes, Senior Political Correspondent for The Hill and co-author of the new book ‘FIGHT: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House', discusses new revelations about the Biden, Harris, and Trump presidential campaigns.

Barry J. McLoughlin, President, TLC Transformational Leadership Consultants Inc. joins guest host Tim Powers to talk about the importance of debates and how they shape and influence the election. On todays show: Guest host Tim Powers is joined by Rachel Aiello, CTV National News Correspondent, Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News and Abigail Bimman, CTV News Correspondent for the latest on the campaign trail. Elias Makos, Host of 'The Elias Makos Show' on CJAD 800 joins guest host Tim Powers to discuss the calls to delay the French debate due to the Montreal Canadiens hockey game. Tim Powers guest hosts ‘The Daily Debrief’ political panel discussion with Shakir Chambers, principal at Earnscliffe Strategies, Shachi Kurl, president of the Angus Reid Institute, and Carlene Variyan, Associate Vice-President of Summa Strategies. Blair Beed, Maritimes Historian and Author of 'Titanic Victims in Halifax Graveyards' joins guest host Tim Powers to reflect on the 113th anniversary of Titanic sinking.

Vassy is joined by Rachel Aiello, CTV National News Correspondent, Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News and Abigail Bimman, CTV News Correspondent to get the latest from each party on the campaign trail. On todays show: Vassy is joined by Ali Velshi, MSNBC Chief Correspondent, Jason Kenney, former Conservative cabinet minister and former Premier of Alberta and Amanda Lang, CTV’s Chief Financial Correspondent to discuss where Trumps trade war is headed next. Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Nik Nanos, Chief Data Scientist and Founder of Nanos Research on the state of the race so far. The Daily Debrief Panel with Zain Velji, Tom Mulcair, and Tim Powers. Barbara Barrett, Executive Director Frontier Duty Free Association joins Vassy to discuss the plunge in traffic over the border, how that’s affecting business and the federal governments response.

The Treaty Principles Bill is dead, voted down by all parties except ACT - 11 to 112 - before a packed gallery. Fiery moments included Labour's Willie Jackson being kicked out for calling ACT leader David Seymour a liar. The Speaker reminded people multiple times not to clap, sing, or interject during speeches - in which the Bill was labelled 'embarrassing', 'grubby', and a 'stain on our country'. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper recapped a memorable day in the House. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green MP Benjamin Doyle has conceded it was naïve to not delete old social media posts with sexually suggestive captions, as suggested by the party. Deputy Prime Minister Winston Peters spearheaded criticism of the private Instagram posts - escalating a barrage of extreme, violent threats against Doyle. Doyle has returned to Parliament - after taking leave since the onslaught. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks today's statements. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul is again dismissing criticism of her views on policing. Billboards depicting Paul and Green Party co-leader Chloe Swarbrick have popped up in Wellington and Auckland -- with the tagline - 'Defund the Police, vote Green'. The Sensible Sentencing Trust is behind the ads, and claims the Greens have expressed copyright concerns about their use of official candidate photos. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks the reactions from today. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Listen to Vassy's full conversation with Stephen Poloz, Former Bank of Canada Governor, Special Advisor at Osler, Hoskin and Harcourt and John Manley, Former Liberal Finance Minister, Chair of Jeffreys financial Canada and Chair of the Telus Corp board as they discuss the economic impacts of Trumps tariffs. On todays show: Abigail Bimman, CTV News Correspondent, Mike Le Couteur, Senior Political Correspondent, CTV National News and Jeremie Charron, CTV National News Correspondent join Vassy to give the latest updates from the campaign trail. Thomas Juneau, Associate Professor, Public and International Affairs at the University of Ottawa joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss how President Donald Trump said Monday that direct talks are underway between the United States and Iran over Tehran’s nuclear program. The Daily Debrief Panel with Shachi Kurl and David Coletto. Jérémie Harris, the co-founder of Gladstone AI, an AI national security company joins host Vassy Kapelos to discuss how Shopify Inc. is doubling down on artificial intelligence with new policies that will make the technology a “fundamental expectation” for all staff because it will be embedded into everything from performance reviews to product development.

The Prime Minister says a multi-billion dollar boost for the Defence Force is about our national interest. The Government's unveiled its Defence Capability Plan, including $12 billion dollars of funding over four years - with $9 billion of new spending. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the plan's 'surprising'. "Remember, we said last week when it comes out that it'll be a 15-year plan. Well, this is more short-term - they're going to be spending, over the next four years, $12 billion dollars." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Story #1: How will President Donald Trump's tariffs plan define his presidency? While the results are still pending, it will be remembered as revolutionary. Story #2: Did Former President Obama and Former Speaker Nancy Pelosi not want Vice President Harris on top of the ticket? Plus, inside the cover-up of former President Biden's health. Will is joined by Senior National Politics Reporter at 'NBC News,' Jonathan Allen & Senior Political Correspondent at 'The Hill,' Amie Parnes to discuss their new book: 'FIGHT: Inside the Wildest Battle for the White House.' Story #3: Second Take: Major update on the story of the father leaving his children at a McDonald's, the ratings for March Madness are hot and cold, and Will shares his Top Five (Val Kilmer as) Doc Holliday quotes.  Tell Will what you thought about this podcast by emailing WillCainShow@fox.com Subscribe to The Will Cain Show on YouTube here: Watch The Will Cain Show! Follow Will on Twitter: @WillCain Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump has finally unveiled his sweeping tariff plan - and many countries have been caught up in it. The US President's announced 10 percent tariffs on almost all imports to the US. They're much higher for some countries and products - including 25 percent on vehicles, 34 percent on China, and nearly 50 percent on some other countries. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Trump's focused on protecting the US from "unrelenting economic warfare" - but it's unclear what that could do to global relations. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Te Pati Māori won't attend a Privileges Committee hearing tomorrow - despite being summoned over a haka performed by MPs during reading of the Treaty Principles Bill last year. Te Pati Māori says its request for a joint Party hearing was turned down, and its legal counsel isn't available. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper wonders why the party isn't playing by the rules. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's asking people to dob in too many road cones at work sites. A telephone hotline is planned - for people to report excesses. It'll be manned and funded by WorkSafe. It's been announced at the same time as Health and Safety at Work Act changes, with a focus on reducing the load on smaller businesses. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper has voiced support with this idea. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Green MP Tamatha Paul has copped more criticism from her political peers. The Wellington Central MP's been under fire over comments she made last week criticising police beat patrols - and suggesting all they do is throw away homeless people's possessions. Tamatha Paul reiterated those claims in further interviews. She also claimed a woman was imprisoned for stealing $12 worth of items - and when questioned, could not verify whether what she was told was true or not. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this isn't a good look. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Outrageous and 'a load of rubbish' are the Prime Minister's words to describe a Green MP's comments about police. Wellington Central MP Tamatha Paul spoke at an event last week, saying all beat police do is walk around - and throw away homeless people's items. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this makes the Greens look like a laughing stock. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Feedback is being sought on a major shake-up of electorates. The Representation Commission is proposing replacing Wellington's Ōhāriu, Mana and Ōtaki, with new electorates, Kapiti and Kenepuru. A number of Auckland boundary lines would be redrawn, including New Lynn, Kelston, Te Atatū - becoming Waitākere, Glendene and Rānui. Panmure-Otahuhu would become Ōtāhuhu. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks the potential winners and losers from this announcement. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's potential for some bi-partisanship as the Government reveals key features of a replacement Resource Management Act system. Two replacement acts will include clearer environmental boundaries and prioritise property rights. RMA Reform Minister Chris Bishop says it also has common sense ideas - like standardised zoning countrywide. He says he'll reach out to Labour and the Greens to look for areas where they can work together. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper explains further. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's had its lowest Ipsos survey rating since 2017, as they will slapped with a 4.2 out of 10 by Kiwis. The top concerns were healthcare, hospitals, the economy, housing, and crime. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about the results, building consent delays, and Wellington councils portaloo tax issue. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Government's had its lowest Ipsos survey rating since 2017, as they were slapped with a 4.2 out of 10 by Kiwis. The top concerns were healthcare, hospitals, the economy, housing, and crime. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about the results, building consent delays, and Wellington councils portaloo tax issue. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

New Zealand is officially out of recession, but that doesn't mean the focus is off recovering the economy. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper says the May budget will be tough. "There was a lot of criticism at the last budget that it wasn't tough enough, they had to do more ... they'll be hoping they can do something that will turn the economy on a better basis than what it has been," he said. Barry Soper joins the show to discuss this, Ginny Anderson's charter contradicting charter school comments, and the Green MP who visited Dean Whitcliffe in prison. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Green Party is calling for Dean Wickliffe, a 77-year-old prisoner on a hunger strike, to be released. Wickliffe was allegedly beaten by prison guards at Spring Hill Corrections Facility - and the Greens want him released on compassionate grounds. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper wonders why a notorious criminal needs to be let out of prison under these circumstances. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

ACT's David Seymour says it's time for a clean-out in local politics, as the party looks to stand candidates in local body elections this year. He's calling for expressions of interest from practical, community-minded people who are focused on keeping rates down and services up. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says ACT is likely looking to boost its political reach. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says confirmation we're relaunching Indian trade talks came soon after he'd touched down in New Delhi. On the campaign trail, Chris Luxon pledged a deal with India within his first term. He's noted there'll be many rounds of negotiations, but this news is a huge win and a breakthrough in New Zealand's economic agenda. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper is unsure how far these discussions will go at this stage. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Wellington Mayor Tory Whanau is sounding off on the Prime Minister after failing to reach a deadline made for all councils. Councils were encouraged to deliver a plan that the Government could help with, and Wellington didn't deliver one in time. Whanau then said Prime Minister Christopher Luxon is 'not a very nice person.' Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper said the Mayor thought the comment would work in her favour. "She said it works for her because a lot of people in Wellington don't like Luxon," he said. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Dame Jacinda Ardern is releasing her first children's book, called 'Mum's Busy Work'. The former Prime Minister says it's told through the eyes of a child, based off things her daughter Neve said to her when she was in the top job. It will be released in September, with $3 from every copy sold going to The Kindness Collective. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper offered his thoughts ahead of the book's release. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Banks are hanging tough despite tough economic conditions. A KPMG report has found the sector's net profit for 2024 increased just 0.25 percent from the previous year. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this still adds up to $7.22 billion. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Nigel Farage has been accused of a ‘vindictive witch-hunt' by a former Reform MP as part of a messy public row at the top of the party. Rupert Lowe was suspended by the party after allegations of workplace bullying and threats of violence, which he denies. What could this spat mean for the political prospects of the party that, just a few months ago, was riding high in the polls?This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestoryGuest: Geri Scott, Senior Political Correspondent, The Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Producers: Sam Chantarasak and Taryn Siegel.Clips: Sky News, Talk TV, GB News, Fire at Will podcast. Photo: Getty Images. Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Prime Minister's yet again been forced to defend David Seymour over the school lunches saga in the House. The Opposition was relentless at Question Time today - with Chris Hipkins taking aim at the Government over the school lunch programme. Yet again, it was up to Chris Luxon to fend off the the attacks. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacks today's events. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Labour has overtaken National - and Chris Hipkins has leap-frogged Chris Luxon as preferred Prime Minister in a new poll. The Taxpayers' Union-Curia Poll has Labour on 34.1 percent and National on 33.6 percent - leaving the coalition unable to form a Government. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Luxon doesn't appear to be bothered by this data - and he's focused on getting the economy sorted ahead of the 2026 election. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Health Minister Simeon Brown is making major changes by bringing back the board of Health New Zealand. It comes as an audit of the public health agency found financial difficulties and "significant concerns." Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper tells Ryan Bridge one of those concerns was senior management not having a meeting for two years. "If it was laughable, you'd say it was an orchestrated litany of laughs, but it's not because it's not funny," he said. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The man at the centre of the economy for eight years has resigned, leaving without notice or explanation. Adrian Orr stepped down from his role as Reserve Bank governor on Wednesday. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper says it would be beneficial to hear from Orr. "He's either accepting absolute defeat in what he set out to do, or he's saying ... 'I've done the job, now I'm out of here.' LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Foreign Minister Winston Peters has sacked Phil Goff as British High Commissioner. The Foreign Minister acted after Goff - a former Labour leader and Cabinet Minister in Clark's Government - questioned Donald Trump's understanding of history. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Trump needs to be handled with care, as the US President could retaliate and impact New Zealand's 'bread and butter'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today's surprise resignation by Reserve Bank Governor Adrian Orr has left experts with plenty of questions. Neither the Prime Minister nor Finance Minister are giving any details of why the most powerful, non-elected person in Government has abruptly quit. Not only have Nicola Willis and Chris Luxon gone to ground - the Reserve Bank will not answer media questions about the departure. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper suspects Adrian Orr may have found other opportunities elsewhere - and aimed to leave while the economy was recovering. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's tension-filled meeting with Volodymyr Zelenskyy made headlines all over the world after Trump and VP Vance showed noticeable hostility to the Ukrainian President. Zelenskyy left the US early to join leaders from Europe and Canada in a meeting in London - to agree a four-step plan to end the war with Russia. NewstalkZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper unpacked Trump's 'bullying' behaviour during the meeting directed towards the Ukrainian leader. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Winston Peters has met with the Chinese Foreign Minister in Beijing, telling his counterpart that New Zealand was not given enough warning about China's recent navy exercises. Peters says the Cook Islands-China deal was also a topic of discussion in their meeting. In other meetings, Sir Kier Starmer has met with Donald Trump. Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper talks to Ryan Bridge about everything that happened in that meeting, Peters discussion with the Chinese Foreign Minister, Trump's invitation from King Charles, and the Treasury's Cook Straight Ferry deadline. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It's unclear whether New Zealanders will embrace four-year Parliamentary terms this time around. New legislation proposed by the Government could see it put to referendum. However, Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper remembers voting in a similar referendum in the past - and he's unsure if Kiwi voters are interested. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Justice Minister says it's not possible to have a police office on every corner, as he announces plans to beef up citizen's arrests. The Government is aiming to legislate proposals from a retail crime advisory group - letting businesses detain, restrain and use reasonable force against people stealing. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper has some concerns about these new changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

France's President claims today's discussions with Donald Trump are a turning point for settling the war in Ukraine. Emmanuel Macron and the US President have held talks at the White House, while virtually attending the Kyiv G7 meeting. In translation, Macron says both parties want peace as soon as possible, and neither want a weak agreement. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Trump still appeared oblivious over several key aspects during the discussions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former Minister Andrew Bayly says a complaint was laid about him laying a hand on a staffer. He says it was during a work discussion he's called 'animated' last Tuesday. He's apologised to the staff member, and resigned as ACC and Commerce and Consumer Affairs Minister, but he remains the MP for Port Waikato. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Bayly's got a reputation as an 'interesting' character - but he owned up to his mistake. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Three Chinese warships are docked off the coast of Sydney, why? Senior Political Correspondent Barry Soper answers that question, discusses Jenny Shipley's comments towards David Seymour, Winston Peters visit to China and the call to deregister Destiny Church as a charity. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The remains of four hostages seized by Hamas during the attack that ignited the war in Gaza are expected to be returned this morning. We hear from Lahav Harkov, Senior Political Correspondent at Jewish Insider.

More debate over calling New Zealand Aotearoa in the House, taking up 10 minutes during Question Time. Yesterday, Winston Peters objected to Mexican immigrant Ricardo Menendez-March using the name. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Aotearoa is perfectly acceptable to use in the house - despite Peters' obstinance on the subject. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Prime Minister says this afternoon's double cut to the OCR is another sign the economy's improving. The Reserve Bank is also signalling it'll follow up with at least two more 25 point reductions by the end of May. Despite low productivity and net migration, our economy is expected to gradually pick up, in part due to rising dairy and beef prices - and the low Kiwi dollar. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says the Government's feeling proud of today's OCR update. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The head of the Public Service Sector says the Government needs to do better with Kiwis' data. A report into claims Covid and Census data were misused during the 2023 election has been released today. It highlights significant shortcomings at Stats NZ and Health NZ - and concluded the agencies failed to ensure data provided to third-party providers was kept confidential. Newstalk ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says this isn't a good look for the wider public service sector. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

There's renewed calls to evaluate Destiny Church's charitable status and tax treatment after their actions last weekend. Followers of Destiny Church - the religious movement spearheaded by Hannah and Brian Tamaki - stormed an Auckland library on Saturday to protest a drag king reading to children. Followers of the church then disrupted Auckland's rainbow parade - actions Auckland's mayor calls thuggery. Prime Minister Chris Luxon says they intimidated public officials - and the Government will be investigating their status, and tax treatment in due course. ZB senior political correspondent Barry Soper says Destiny Church acted disgracefully, and a review needs to take place. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.