Podcasts about us correspondent

US Correspondent Jonathan Kearsley joined Andrew Dickens to chat about the latest news out of America. The alleged Brown University shooter, who killed two and injured more, was found dead. The House Oversight Committee Democrats released 68 more photos from Epstein's estate, including images of Bill Gates, Steve Bannon and Noam Chomsky. And, TikTok has agreed to a deal which will end the threat of a US ban. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has unveiled a new Presidential Walk of Fame in The White House. It includes portraits of all the previous presidents and corresponding descriptions, written in the style of social media posts. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Heather du Plessis-Allan Trump has helped write some of them. The one for Joe Biden refers to him as Sleepy Joe, the worst President in the history of America. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The son of Hollywood director and actor Rob Reiner and his wife Michele has been charged with murdering his parents - found dead in LA on Sunday. Reiner is famed for directing the iconic When Harry Met Sally and A Few Good Men, among others. 32-year-old Nick Reiner is charged with two counts of first degree murder, with a special circumstance of multiple murders. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says these charges carry a maximum sentence of life in prison without parole, or the death penalty. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The son of Hollywood director and actor Rob Reiner is being held on suspicion of the murder of his parents. Police say 32-year-old Nick Reiner's been booked for murder after Rob Reiner and his wife Michele were found dead in their Los Angeles home. They say he's a suspect in the case and is being held on a US$4 million bail. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Heather du Plessis-Allan that Reiner and his wife had apparently taken their son to a holiday party, where he had apparently been disruptive, the day before their bodies were found. He says it allegedly led to a shouting match between the father and son. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US correspondent Danielle Kurtzleben is White House correspondent for NPR.

The US has escalated tensions with Venezuela and seized a tanker off its coast, described by Donald Trump as the largest ever seized. He's otherwise keeping tight lipped, saying it was done for 'a very good reason'. CNN reports it intensifies Trump's pressure campaign aimed at forcing the leader Nicolas Maduro out of power. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Heather du Plessis-Allan that while US officials are saying the seizure does not signal a broad scale war, Trump doesn't want to rule an American ground invasion in or out. He says the US has now carried out 22 attacks on Venezuelan drug boats, Trump saying that every drug boat leads to the deaths of some 25,000 Americans, but it's unknown where he pulled that figure from. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On the pod today: The Rogue is revealed!!! Did you guess who it was going to be? Nicole, our US Correspondent, tells us about the famous Rockefeller tree We asked kids what they thought about the social media ban See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump is defending his controversial economic policies amid ongoing concerns about the cost of living. Data shows two-thirds of Americans say the Trump administration has fallen short of expectations in handling inflation and economic turmoil. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says Trump has blamed the Democrats and the previous Biden administration for the state of the economy. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump has waded into the battle to buy Warner Bros. Discovery. Paramount Skydance has launched a hostile bid for company in a last ditch effort to outbid Netflix. The offer would be worth about NZ$188 billion compared to the $125 billion Netflix has been offering. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Heather du Plessis-Allan that this level of presidential involvement is new, with Trump saying he'll look at both proposals. He says Trump has said that neither company are particularly great friends of his, so it's unknown as to what his approval will hinge on. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

United States Secretary of War Pete Hegseth will not confirm whether the video footage of a strike on a Venezuelan boat will be released. Critics have called the strike a war crime. President Donald Trump is reportedly considering the replacement of long-time ally and Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem. And, self driving car company Waymo has recalled software after its cars repeatedly failed to stop for school buses. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

In 2021, the night before the infamous January 6 insurrection, bombs were placed at Democratic National Convention and Republican headquarters. Police were able to deactivate the bombs, but, until now, the culprit was a mystery. On December 4, the FBI arrested a 30-year-old Virginia man, Brian Cole Jr., for the crime. And, the US continues to target alleged drug boats, yesterday killing four people in the pacific. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steve Futterman, US Correspondent, reports from court in LA where the first person has been imprisoned over the death of actor Matthew Perry.

The US Defence Secretary seems to be in hot water. A Department of Defence report concluded that Pete Hegseth put military personnel at risk when he shared information of a planned airstrike over Signal. The incident came to light when a journalist for the Atlantic was accidently added to the chat in which sensitive details of the strike on Houthi fighters in Yemen back in March. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Hegseth refused to take part in interviews for the investigation, claiming he has the power to declassify material mentally. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Grammy award winning popstar Sabrina Carpenter has slammed the White House after using her song 'Juno' in a video of immigration raids. She called the video 'evil and disgusting'. US Correspondent Jonathan Kearsley told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "I think the administration posts these videos, with music from vocal critics of their own campaign and administration, knowing full well the response they're going to get." Kearsley also chats about the backlash to US strikes on Venezuelan boats, and Witkoff and Putin's unsuccessful meeting in Moscow. He summed up the meeting saying, "essentially there is no compromise, there is no deal." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Secretary of Defence is facing scrutiny for potentially having committed a war crime. Pete Hegseth is facing scrutiny over a strike he ordered on a boat in the Caribbean Sea suspected of smuggling drugs. The Washington Post reported last week that Hegseth authorised a highly unusual second strike to kill all survivors on the boat – reports Hegseth has denied. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that Hegseth has previously railed against the Geneva Convention and the legal rules of engagement. In his book, Arnold says, Hegseth shares an anecdote in which he tells the soldiers in his platoon to ignore such legal advice. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

More details are emerging around the background of the Afghan national who allegedly shot two National Guard soldiers in Washington DC. Both soldiers remain critically injured after yesterday's shooting, while the suspect's in custody. The FBI says the shooter had worked with the CIA in Afghanistan and had immigrated to the US in 2021. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the suspect was reportedly troubled by his work with a CIA paramilitary force in Afghanistan. Arnold says the group was also accused of civilian killings. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine officials say they've agreed to the 'essence' of a peace deal with Russia, but some sensitive issues are still to resolve. US President Donald Trump says a deal is close and US and Russian officials have been meeting separately in Abu Dhabi on discussions. Reports indicate it's now expected Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelenskyy will meet within the next week. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says the final deal will come down to whether or not Russia accepts the proposed changes. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ukraine and the US are signalling they're nearing a proposal to end the war as Russia maintains its uncompromising position. Ukrainian and US officials have negotiated details of a proposed 28-point peace plan in Switzerland. A US official's told reporters Ukraine has agreed to a peace deal, but there were still some minor details to be sorted out. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking it appears several key issues have still been set aside, including the new territorial boundaries, the size of an ongoing Ukrainian military, and the proposed ban on NATO troops inside Ukraine. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Trump is set to meet with recently elected New York mayor Zohran Mamdani at the White House on Friday following months of public conflict. The US President announced the meeting in a Truth Social Post which said the "communist mayor" requested the meeting. US correspondent Charles Feldman told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "Trump is at heart a New Yorker, and I think he's going to want to present himself as somebody who does have New York's interests at heart." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

George W. Bush has paid a fond farewell to his friend and former Vice President, Dick Cheney. The former Republican President has spoken at Cheney's funeral at Washington's National Cathedral. He was a divisive figure in American politics, both for his role as the driving force behind the Iraq War, and his scathing criticism of Donald Trump. But Bush has told Cheney's family, many Americans are grieving Cheney's death. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Trump did not take part in the funeral, and wasn't invited. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump appears to have had his hand forced, over the Jeffrey Epstein files. A bipartisan bill compelling the Justice Department to release case documents relating to the deceased convicted sex offender has overwhelming Congress support. The President - who's repeatedly denied links to Epstein - must now sign it into law. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says it's unknown when these files will be released, but that detail is up to the Department of Justice. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Government is business as usual after the longest shutdown in US history – but only till January. US President Donald Trump's signed a bill to end the shutdown and fund the government, while providing back-pay to federal workers. It's caused a divide among Democrats, as it doesn't ensure access to Affordable Care subsidies. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the shutdown costs are estimated to be around NZ$24.6 billion per week, or as much as 1.5% of the GDP. He says the National Economic Council is estimating that 60,000 non-federal workers lost their jobs during the period. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Senate has passed through legislation to reopen the US Government, indicating the long-running shutdown is closer to wrapping up. The 41-day shutdown could last a few more days, with more members of the House set to vote on the legislation. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says there's still more issues to come - as flights in the US are impacted by delays and disruptions. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Division within Democrats as US Senators approve the final version of a Bill that could end the weeks-long Government shutdown. The deal from a group of Democrats and GOP leaders will go to the House of Representatives, then will need signing into law by the President. Under the deal, the Government will reopen in exchange for a future vote on extending Affordable Care subsidies. Democratic Senator Jeff Merkley told CNN it's unlikely that vote will go anywhere, because Republicans have vastly different healthcare ideals. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that the Democrats who flipped say that they've at least set the table for the debate in the midterm elections. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The BBC is under extra scrutiny after this latest scandal - and US President Donald Trump is threatening legal action. A leaked BBC memo suggests the Panorama programme edited Trump's speech to imply he encouraged the Capitol Hill riots of January 2021. The US President is demanding a full retraction, and is threatening to sue for nearly $1.8 billion New Zealand dollars in damages. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says it's unclear where Trump will take this legal action. "If he does it in the United Kingdom, well, they've got different defamation laws to what they do here in the United States - in the United States, you would have to go to a specific state." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

After 40 days, the US government shutdown appears close to ending as several Senate Democrats backed a Republican deal, sparking internal party tensions. 

Donald Trump has announced to reduce the costs of some weight loss drugs, or as he calls them 'fat shots'. The Trump administration claims that Americans could lose 61 billion kilogrammes combined because of this deal. A US$1 trillion pay package, endorsed by Tesla shareholders, could be headed for Elon Musk . Meanwhile, the Government shutdown, which has now reached 37 days, is leading to flight delays and cancellations at US airports. Jonathan Kearsley told Heather du Plessis-Allan, "what this is now doing is spreading the pain far beyond federal workers ... straight into American travellers." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The ongoing US federal government shutdown could stop many Americans returning home for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. The shutdown's now the longest in US history. Thousands of air traffic controllers and security screeners aren't being paid for their work, prompting a sharp drop in flights across the country. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that more than 5000 flights around the country were delayed in the past 24 hours. He says air traffic controllers are reportedly resigning every day due to the prolonged nature of the shutdowns. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Zohran Mamdani's scored victory for the Democrats - making history as New York City's youngest mayor in a century. The 34-year-old candidate focused his winning campaign on working-class issues. It's a crushing defeat for the second-placed Trump-backed Independent Andrew Cuomo, and Republican Curtis Sliwa. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says it's not gone down well with the US president. "He's blaming some of the losses, not just in New York but in governing races in Virginia and New Jersey on the Government shutdown that's been going on for well over 30 days - and also on a lack of presence of himself." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former US Vice President Dick Cheney has died at the age of 84, from the complications of pneumonia, and cardiac and vascular disease. George W Bush says his VP's death is a "loss to the nation". Cheney's family say he taught his children and grandchildren fly-fishing, to love their country, and to live lives of courage, honour, love and kindness. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking he was the most powerful vice president in American history, pushing for the war on terror and the invasion of Iraq, among other things. Cheney gained the nickname Darth Vader for his role as well as his health, Arnold said, the VP experiencing his first heart attack at 37, with four more following before he got a heart transplant at 71. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Government shutdown has reached 32 days, 3 days away from the longest in history. President Donald Trump seems to be on-track to break his own record after the shutdown in late 2018 which lasted 35 days. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that the shutdown is affecting US public services. 'More and more air traffic controllers are staying off work since they're not being paid.' LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Concerns over potential US nuclear tests have arisen after Donald Trump posted on X saying 'I have instructed the Department of War to start testing our nuclear weapons on an equal basis'. The announcement left questions about whether the US President meant testing weapons systems or actually conducting test explosions, which the United States has not done since 1992. Vice-President JD Vance failed to provide any clarification, telling reporters the President's statement “speaks for itself". US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Andrew Dickens he wasn't convinced the threats will be followed through- "as we know, the president tends to speak first sometimes and think after he has spoken". LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Hurricane Melissa is moving towards eastern Cuba, weakening further to a category three storm. The National Hurricane Center is still warning of powerful effects as it moves across Cuba and the Bahamas. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the hurricane's hit Jamaica hard, with heavy rainfall and damaging winds impacting the area. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Military tensions are escalating in the Caribbean Sea, as the US deploys the world's largest warship to counter drug-traffickers. The US says it has killed dozens of people in strikes on small vessels from Venezuela which it alleges carry 'narcotics' and 'narco-terrorists.' But US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Venezuela's fighting back. "The President of Venezuela, who's accusing the US of 'fabricating' this new war - but yet, we see the drug trail kind of leads back there as well." LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

An NBA player and coach are among dozens of people arrested in an FBI investigation into rigged, mafia-linked poker games. Miami Heat's Terry Rozier and Portland Trail Blazers head coach Chauncey Billups were named as those arrested. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the NBA stars were used as bait to draw players to the table with the rigged game. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Plans for a second Trump-Putin meeting to discuss the Ukraine war have been shelved, days after they were proposed. Last week, Trump said he and the Russian president would hold talks in Budapest to discuss the war in Ukraine. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says reports claim Russia isn't happy with some proposed terms. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Shohei Ohtani made baseball history and ensured the Los Angeles Dodgers beat the Milwaukee Brewers to reach the World Series. Ohtani made three home runs and struck out 10 Brewers batters in a comprehensive 5-1 victory as the Dodgers swept the series 4-0. US correspondent Leon Busby joined Piney to discuss. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Donald Trump's warning Hamas will have their weapons taken off them - even if it falls to him to make it happen. Talks are underway in Egypt's Sharm el-Sheikh on the second phase of a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Trump hasn't given Hamas a hard deadline as of yet, and it's unclear how this will go. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A few hiccups in the journey towards peace in the Middle East. Hamas has released the 20 living Israeli hostages and almost 2000 Palestinians have been returned by Israel. Leaders including Donald Trump have signed the US-brokered peace deal at a summit in Egypt. However, US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking, despite Trump claiming the war is over, he had no input on how to resolve the Israeli-Palestinian standoff over rebuilding Gaza. He says the peace proposal lacks detail in key areas and its implementation remains tenuous. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Donald Trump's confident the momentum will continue beyond the first phase of a Gaza peace plan. The Israeli Government's voting this morning on whether to implement the terms agreed with Hamas yesterday. It would see hostages released early next week and Israeli troops withdraw to agreed lines. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the remaining hostages are believed to be held by splinter groups, so getting them all together will be challenging. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Locking down a new trade deal is front of mind for Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney as he met for talks with US President Donald Trump. Negotiations have been ongoing since August, when Trump imposed 35 percent tariffs on Canadian goods. Canada remains the only G7 country without a deal - something Trump attributes to a 'natural conflict' stemming from their proximity. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says this meeting appeared to be a positive one, when compared to their previous discussion. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A view mass layoffs are imminent as the US Federal Government shutdown nears its third day. Democrats and Republicans failed to get their respective bills through the senate, suspending thousands of government workers without pay. US President Donald Trump's called it an unprecedented opportunity to slash spending. US Correspondent Jonathan Kearsley told Andrew Dickens layoffs are coming, it's just a question of how deep and wide they are. He says we know they're looking to slash spending to save billions, but the shutdown is also hurting the economy every day. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The White House Press Secretary's confirmed federal layoffs could happen within days thanks to the latest United States government shutdown. Federal funding expired yesterday after Democrats and Republicans failed to get their respective bills through the senate, furloughing thousands of government workers. Donald Trump is blaming the Democrats, threatening to follow through with mass layoffs in an effort to pressure them to back moves to end the shutdown. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that analysts are estimating approximately 750,000 federal employees will be furloughed. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Trump and Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announce a Gaza peace plan.

There's a belief a shooter in Dallas, Texas, was motivated by violent ideology and divisive rhetoric. One detainee is dead and two more are critically injured after a rooftop sniper fired indiscriminately at the Immigration and Customs Enforcement Facility, also known as ICE yesterday. The gunman later died from a self-inflicted gunshot. Dallas ICE Director Joshua Johnson says it's being investigated as an act of targeted violence. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the shooter reportedly left behind notes including a game plan of the attack and target areas at the facility. One note reportedly says he wanted to give ICE agents a sense of “terror”, the shooter describing ICE employees as "people showing up to collect a dirty pay check". LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The US Secret Service has dismantled a massive network of electronic devices that could have been used to disable New York City's cellphone network, officials say. Investigators found devices in vacant properties within 55km of the UN General Assembly meeting that's taking place in Manhattan this week. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that allegedly foreign governments and criminals located in the US are using this network to run their organisations. He says they appear to have identified links to at least one foreign country and links to some known criminals, but have not said who. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

US President Trump attends a memorial for Charlie Kirk and there's another Government shutdown looming over budget disagreements.

The latest from the USA with Washington bureau chief for The Guardian.

Chicago is bracing for a major immigration enforcement operation.

What are the repercussions of the US President's move to take over the Federal Reserve?