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This episode was originally published last November.On Sept 12, 2001, Blerim Skoro was approached by a man and a woman while he was in prison. They turned out to be CIA agents. That one meeting would change the course of his life and lead him on a journey across countries, inside terrorist groups, as he tried to make it home to his family.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: Josie Ensor, US Correspondent, The Times and The Sunday Times.Host: Luke Jones.Producer: Taryn Siegel.Clips: Video filmed by Blerim Skoro, provided by ‘The Accidental Spy', directed by Anthony Wonke.Photo: John Beck for The Times.Further reading: I gave my life to the CIA. They betrayed meGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Canadian prime minister Mark Carney says his country and the US are in the process of re-defining their relationship. He's been at the White House talking trade and Canadian sovereignty with Donald Trump. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Carney made it clear that Canada was not for sale - but Trump is still hopeful this will change. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The US President wants to put 100 per cent tariffs on foreign made films - what will that do to the global film industry?
A short term as US National Security Advisor for Mike Waltz, who's been removed from the role by Donald Trump. Current Secretary of State Marco Rubio will take over the job in the interim, as Waltz has been nominated for Ambassador to the UN. This comes after he says he inadvertently added a journalist to a Signal group chat, where officials planned military strikes in Yemen. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson told Heather du Plessis-Allan that no one really believes this is a promotion for Waltz. He believes Trump wanted to avoid the criticism that would come if he fired him altogether, and this has been coming for some time. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US President Donald Trump has celebrated the 100th day of his second term - and he spoke to party faithful at a gathering in Michigan. He spoke of his achievements in the role, mocked his Democratic predecessor, Joe Biden, and dismissed polls that showed his popularity slipping. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Trump's trying to reassure people as the mass dissatisfaction over his tariffs draws backlash - and impacts the stock market. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US President Donald Trump met with Ukrainian President Zelenskyy at the Pope's funeral to discuss next steps in Russia-Ukraine peace effort. Secretary of State Marco Rubio says that this week Trump will decide whether to continue the process. It comes as Trump said in a post to truth social last week, "Vladimir, STOP!" after Russia carried out the deadliest attack in months on Ukraine. US Correspondent Richard Arnold talks to Mike Hosking about the meeting and what the polls are saying after Trump's first 100 days in office. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The deadliest attacks in months hit Kyiv yesterday. US President Donald Trump posted to Truth Social, "Vladimir, STOP!" after Russia sent 70 missiles and 145 drones toward Ukraine - an attack Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said was aimed at pressuring the United States. US Correspondent Richard Arnold talks to Tim Beveridge about what this means for the war, reactions from European leaders and tariffs. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donald Trump has confirmed he's standing 'strongly' behind Pete Hegseth after reports claim he leaked more military plans. Hegseth's wife, lawyer and brother were included on a Signal group chat, where he shared detailed plans about an operation against Houthi rebels in Yemen. This comes one month after a journalist released messages between top US officials after accidentally being added to their group chat. US correspondent Mitch McCann says Donald Trump has 'dug his heels in' and he's reluctant to let go of Hegseth as US Secretary of Defence. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Danielle Kurtzleben is a political correspondent assigned to NPR's Washington Desk
US President Donald Trump's in the midst of a showdown with the Supreme Court. US border agents put 28 Venezuelans on a bus to Texas airport last night, where they would be taken to the infamous Salvadoran prison CECOT. But the Supreme Court ordered a pause on the deportations. US Correspondent Richard Arnold talks to Tim Beveridge about the unfolding situation and state department cut backs. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The US president is in no rush to reverse the wrongful deportation of a man to Central America. Donald Trump has been meeting with the president of El Salvador at the White House. Despite a unanimous Supreme Court ruling that the US must allow for Kilmar Abrego Garcia's return, both leaders are batting away calls. Abrego Garcia entered the US illegally in 2011, but in 2019 an immigration judge withheld his removal due to threats in his home country. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Donald Trump has expressed interest in deporting US citizens who are considered violent criminals to El Salvador - which has sparked further concerns. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Donald Trump is going after the oldest United States university in a push to reshape top institutions. He's demanding Harvard University makes changes to hiring, admissions, and teaching practices to curb anti-Semitism on campus. The institution says no Government should dictate how a private university operates. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking Trump is reacting by freezing close to NZ$3.5 billion in federal funds. He says the White House is calling for an end to the tax-exempt status for research operations. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Governor of Pennsylvania Josh Shapiro has been evacuated from his home after a suspected arson attack. The attack took place after the Jewish governor celebrated the first night of the Jewish holiday, Passover. He said he woke up in the middle of the night to authorities banging on the door of the home as a fire spread. US Correspondent Richard Arnold talks to Mike Hosking about the incident, tariffs, and the all female Blue Origin space flight. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
6 people have been killed after a helicopter crashed in New York City's Hudson River. Three adults and three children were on a sightseeing flight when the helicopter lost control and crashed. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about the crash, teething problems arising from Trump's tariffs, and the athlete getting a billion dollar contract. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
In this episode, we're venturing into the unknown and exploring how to move forward when the future is unclear. Co-hosting our tech segment with Jonathan Aberman, Elizabeth Shea sits down with Doug Anderson to explore how D.C. startups are navigating new political, economic and technological tides. Then, Juliane Schäuble, US Correspondent of "Der Tagesspiegel", joins us to discuss the shockwaves that President Trump is sending in Germany and throughout Europe. Also, veteran Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Rivlin talks about his newest book AI Valley and the major questions AI is raising about data privacy, regulation, and entrepreneurship across the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoicesSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
In this episode, we're venturing into the unknown and exploring how to move forward when the future is unclear. Co-hosting our tech segment with Jonathan Aberman, Elizabeth Shea sits down with Doug Anderson to explore how D.C. startups are navigating new political, economic and technological tides. Then, Juliane Schäuble, US Correspondent of "Der Tagesspiegel", joins us to discuss the shockwaves that President Trump is sending in Germany and throughout Europe. Also, veteran Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Gary Rivlin talks about his newest book AI Valley and the major questions AI is raising about data privacy, regulation, and entrepreneurship across the country. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The chances of a full blown trade war between the US and China is looking more and more likely. China will be hit with an additional 50 percent tariff from tomorrow, taking their total to 104 percent. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says the Nasdaq has taken another hit - and Chinese trade officials have made it clear they plan to 'fight this out'. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
More than 70 countries have approached the White House for talks following Trump's tariffs. There's been no let up on China though – the US has promised to hit them with a 50% increase tomorrow. That will take China's total tariff rate to 104%. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the world's biggest company, Apple, has been dealt a massive blow. He says its lost 20% of its market value in the past three days, and is pivoting production to India instead of China. The White House has raised the idea of manufacturing in the US, but Arnold says it's unlikely as it would costs thousands of dollars more. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The United States is reacting to Donald Trump's tariffs, with people turning out in their thousands to protest across the country. The markets have been in 'meltdown' since US President Cannounced global tariffs. Trump has returned to the White House after three days away, and tomorrow he will meet with Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. US Correspondent Richard Arnold talks to Mike Hosking about the fallout. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Following Trumps Liberation Day tariffs, the Dow has plunged 1,700 points and the Nasdaq is down 0.5%. The market's seen its biggest drop since the start of the pandemic. Economists say the tariffs could lead to a global recession. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about the fallout, Trump looking to delay TikTok ban, and why Americans are dyeing potatoes. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The US Justice Department is seeking the death penalty if Luigi Mangione is found guilty. Mangione is on federal charges for allegedly shooting United Healthcare CEO Brian Thompson dead in Manhattan last December. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says Mangione has pleaded not guilty so far - but discussions are ongoing. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Two special elections in the US are racking up quite the price tag. Voters are heading to the polls in two special elections in Florida and Wisconsin. Florida's holding special elections for Matt Gaetz and Mike Waltz's congressional seats, and both seats are critical races for Republicans, given their slim majority in the House. The battleground state of Wisconsin is also voting on a new judge for the state's top court. It's become the most expensive judicial contest in US history, with more than $90 million being spent on campaigning, including $21 million by Elon Musk. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that Musk has been accused of trying to buy the election. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The fallout continues from the editor of The Atlantic being added to a national security chat on Signal.
US President Donald Trump has coined Wednesday as 'Liberation Day', when he will roll out tariffs promised to free the country from foreign goods. The President says he will impose 25% tariffs on cars and car parts made outside of the United States. Tesla's are one of the only cars made entirely in the US. US Correspondent Richard Arnold joins the show to discuss Liberation Day, and the death of Richard Chamberlain. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Another Government department has been hit in the US, as 10,000 jobs are to be cut in the Health Department. This comes as 10,000 employees had already left or taken early retirement. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about the cuts, a warning for staff cabinet staff using the signal app that leaked war plans, and how many parents are financially supporting their adult kids. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries says the Defence Secretary should be fired over texting war plans in a group chat. Atlantic editor-in-chief Jeffrey Goldberg was accidentally added to a Signal group chat where Pete Hegseth posted plans for attacks in Yemen - two hours beforehand. Jeffries says that threatened national security, and likely violated the law. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says President Trump has attempted to downplay the incident. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Department of Homeland Security is cutting back its civil rights and oversight offices after it revoked parole status from half a million people.
Donald Trump's Commerce Secretary is facing backlash for his “cavalier” comments regarding Social Security. Social Security employees have been warning that the Trump administration's plan to cut staff will result in delayed benefit cheque. Secretary Howard Lutnick says that anyone who complains about a missed Social Security cheque is a fraudster. This is despite 40% of all seniors living alone being entirely reliant on the payment – some 40 million people. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US President Donald Trump has signed an executive order to dismantle the Department of Education. It's been a decades-long goal of the United States to put individual states in charges of running schools. The Education Department was created in 1979 and cannot be shut down without Congress' approval, but Trump's order might have done enough. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about why that is, why Americans are less happy than ever, and how much money two astronauts stuck in space earnt. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donald Trump is being forthcoming in hope of improving relations with Russia - despite speculation he'll be outmanoeuvred. The US President called his Russian counterpart this morning to pitch an end to hostilities with Ukraine. The Kremlin's agreed to pause attacks on energy infrastructure for 30 days, and to work towards a ceasefire in the Black Sea. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson explains what could happen going forward. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
On the frontline of Mexico's drug wars, rival cartels are exploiting a decades-old dispute about indigenous land rights and turning local people against each other - with fatal consequences. To appease Trump, the government has downplayed the violence in the south to focus on the US border, but if the cartels continue undeterred, could the US launch a military operation? 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: Louise Callaghan, US Correspondent, The Sunday Times. Host: Manveen RanaProducer: Sam ChantarasakFurther reading: Watch: inside the town torn apart by Mexico's cartel violenceFurther listening: At the border crossing where Trump's migrant ban is working Clips: Al Jazeera, Firstpost, Imagen Noticias. Photo: Natalia Meneses Alís for The Sunday TimesGet in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The United States democratic party has reached record low numbers in favourability polls. Many within the party have said their leaders should publicly stand against President Donald Trump. The party is polling at just 29%. US Correspondent Richard Arnold talks to Mike Hosking about the reason for this, and the fatal tornadoes that ripped through six states. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
President Donald Trump is threatening Europe with a 200 percent tariff on alcohol. The warning comes as an attempt to have the EU remove a tariff held on whiskey. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about the latest tariff threat, why Trump's heading to the Supreme Court, and the Americans that think they can beat a grizzly bear in a fight. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
A potential government shutdown in the US as the deadline to fund federal agencies looms. Congress lawmakers have until the end of the day on Friday US time to fund its Government, or agencies will have to halt all non-essential functions. But the Bill will require the support of some democrats. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that's not guaranteed. He says while Democrats have supported Republicans in the past to avoid a shutdown, this time may be different given it's come in the midst of the Elon Musk sackings of government workers. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The US Department of Education has initiated mass layoffs, reducing its workforce by nearly 50 percent. Impacted staff will be placed on administrative leave from March 21, according to a statement from the Department. US correspondent Dan Mitchinson says DOGE team lead Elon Musk has expressed interest in getting rid of the Department of Education altogether - and it's unclear how possible this goal is. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The US economy is in chaos as Donald Trump continues to push ahead with his tariff plan. The US President's confirmed Australia won't be exempt from new 25% tariffs on steel and aluminium imports, and has announced 50% tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium imports. This is in response to Ontario's now-suspended 25% surcharge on electricity exports. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that investment giant Goldman Sachs says there is now a 1-in-5 chance of a recession in the US. Arnold says that while the average American is yet to feel this in full, they certainly will. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The US is facing a budget battle. House Republicans have unveiled a stopgap spending bill that would keep federal agencies funded and avoid a government shutdown. The measure is backed by President Donald Trump, but some key Republicans in the House have refused to back similar measures in the past. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that Trump has posted pleading for support, but it's uncertain if he will get it. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Cracks are showing in the relationship between US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk. Trump gathered his cabinet to distinguish what power Musk has. The President's new guidance says that DOGE will play an advisory role and that's it. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about the change, and Trump's pause on Mexico-Canada tariffs. LISTEN ABOVE.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Donald Trump says tariffs will make the US rich again. The President's been delivering his first Congress address since commencing his second term. He's talked up the 119 sweeping changes he's already pushed through - drastically reshaping domestic and foreign policy. He says the US has been ripped off for decades by nearly every country on earth - and he won't let that happen any longer. US correspondent Jonathan Kearsley says Trump was also quick to fire back at the Democrats in the audience who didn't clap for him. LISTEN ABOVESee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
People who once flooded north across the river between Guatemala and Mexico are trickling south again, their dream of reaching the US ended by President Trump's crackdown. What's it like having to turn back when you've given up everything for a new life in America?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: Louise Callaghan, US Correspondent, The Sunday Times.Host: Manveen Rana.Photo: Times Media Ltd.Get in touch: thestory@thetimes.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
America's trade war with Canada, Mexico, and China is ramping up. All three countries are introducing retaliatory tariffs in response to the steep tariffs introduced by Donald Trump last night. Trump's responded, saying he will raise tariffs on Canada even further. China's vowing to fight the US "to the bitter end", and Canada's Justin Trudeau says his country won't back down. Trudeau says Canadians are reasonable and polite, but they won't back down from a fight when the wellbeing of their country is at stake. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking that within the US, major franchises such as Target, Walmart, Best Buy, and Home Depo are all warning of price spikes ahead. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Republicans are getting into line behind President Trump and blaming Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy for antagonising his American counterpart.
The world is reacting to a fiery meeting between US President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. US Correspondent Richard Arnold says shock waves are continuing to be felt around the world, with NATO attempting to 'patch things up.' "Vance certainly intervened in ways we've not seen from an American VP before, and is facing protesters right now in Vermont," he said. Was it a setup? LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
The Trump administration has released hundreds of documents related to the death of Jeffrey Epstein. What was revealed? And legendary actor Gene Hackman, his musician wife Betsy Arakawa and their dog were found dead in their New Mexico home on Wednesday. A gas leak has been ruled out as suspicions grow around the deaths. US Correspondent Dan Mitchinson talks to Ryan Bridge about any Epstein revelations, what we know so far about Hackman and Arakawa's deaths, and Trump and UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer meeting. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
US Correspondent for Nine News, Reid Butler, has relayed the latest update from authorities in the United States on the mysterious deaths of Gene Hackman and his wife and dog.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Questions have been raised over how US actor Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa died, with the situation deemed suspicious, despite no signs of foul play. The pair have been found dead with their dog in their New Mexico home. Carbon monoxide poisoning has been ruled out. The couple's front door was found unlocked, with no signs of forced entry. Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking the pair's bodies were found in separate rooms. He says they'd been rarely seen since they quit Hollywood decades ago. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Believe it or not, it's been a whole 20 days since we last brought you a Trumpdate. From new tariffs to Oval Office photo ops with Elon, it's time to to break down exactly what the President has been up to in the last few weeks. Plus, if your group chat's gone suspiciously quiet about Friday night's plans, you might be dealing with one of the seven types of flaky friends - today we investigate why last-minute cancellations have become the new normal. THE END BITS Support independent women's media Check out The Quicky Instagram here GET IN TOUCH Share your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice note or email us at thequicky@mamamia.com.au CREDITS Hosts: Taylah Strano & Claire Murphy Guest: Amelia Lester, Mamamia's US Correspondent & Deputy Editor at Foreign Policy Magazine Executive Producer: Taylah Strano Audio Producer: Lu Hill Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
NATO leaders are on their way to the United States this week. French President Emmanuel Macron will arrive in Washington tomorrow, followed by British Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Meanwhile, Elon Musk's "5 Things" deadline is up tomorrow, leaving federal workers jobs on the line. US Correspondent Richard Arnold joins the show. LISTEN ABOVE. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Marion McKeone, US Correspondent with the Business Post
The latest cuts in the US Government have been described as a “total farce”. The Trump Administration has reversed the firings of hundreds of employees at the National Nuclear Security Administration, the department tasked with working on the nation's nuclear weapons programs. The cuts were part of a DOGE purge across the Department of Energy. US Correspondent Richard Arnold told Mike Hosking they attempted to walk back the sackings and rehire the workers, but were unable to contact many of them since they'd been cut out of the email network. LISTEN ABOVE See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.