Issues in the News - VOA Africa
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VOA moderator Kim Lewis speaks with VOA correspondents who provide insights and analysis that go beyond the headlines and give listeners the "inside" story on what they see and hear in domestic and international news.
Available episodes
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Aug 11, 2023
Niger in Crisis - August 12, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine and VOA Chief National Correspondent, Steve Herman about the efforts of West African leaders to continue to work to restore constitutional order to Niger following a coup last month; kidnappers in Haiti release a U.S. nurse and her daughter nearly two weeks after they were abducted at gunpoint from the capital Port-au-Prince, where gang violence has taken over; Ukrainian and western officials warn Ukraine’s counteroffensive against Russia will be long and hard; and more stories topping the news.
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Aug 4, 2023
The Political Impact of Trump’s Legal Woes - August 05, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA White House Correspondent Anita Powell and Washington Correspondent for Project 10 TV Australia, Michael Williams about reaction across the political spectrum to former President Donald Trump’s multiple indictments; the Biden Administration’s reaction to the downgrading of the US government’s credit rating; how the coup in Niger is affecting the country’s allies and neighbors; and Russia’s creation of a global food crisis with its continued attacks on Ukraine’s grain ports.
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Jul 28, 2023
Israel’s New Crisis - July 29, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson and Christian Science Monitor Washington Bureau Chief Linda Feldmann about continued protests over Israel’s parliament passing a law to restrict judicial power; the progress of Ukraine’s counter-offensive against Russia’s invasion; why Hunter Biden’s plea agreement was put on hold and questioned by the judge; House Republicans mull possible impeachment inquiry of President Joe Biden over unproven claims of financial misconduct; and more.
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Jul 21, 2023
Ukraine Grain Crisis Causes Global Food Security Concerns - July 22, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA Senior Diplomatic Correspondent, Cindy Saine and VOA News Center Audio Programs Managing Editor, Steve Miller, about the ramifications of Russia exiting the Black Sea Grain Deal and damaging grain export infrastructure at two of Ukraine’s Black Sea ports; North Korea’s silence so far on its detention of a US Soldier who dashed across the Koreas’ heavily militarized border; mixed reaction from US Congress to Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s address to Washington lawmakers; and more.
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Jul 14, 2023
Biden's Decision to Send Cluster Munitions to Ukraine - July 15, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell and orrespondent for Project 10 TV Australia Michael Williams about criticism and support of the Biden administration’s decision to send cluster munitions to Ukraine; Washington and its NATO allies continued support for Ukraine, but stopping short of naming a date for the country’s membership in the alliance; the future of the Russia-Ukraine Grain deal which expires in days, and more.
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Jul 7, 2023
Ukraine’s Counter-Offensive Against Russia Continues - July 08, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA senior diplomatic correspondent Cindy Saine and Moment Magazine contributor Dan Raviv about Ukraine’s continued counter-offensive against Russia, as both countries accuse each other of plotting to stage an attack on the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant; Sweden’s push to join NATO ahead of the alliance’s summit; Israel’s most intense military operation in the occupied territory in nearly two decades; and so much more.
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Jun 30, 2023
Bidenomics: President Biden’s New Economics Campaign - July 01, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell and VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson about the United States and NATO reaction to the power struggle in Russia between President Vladimir Putin and the mercenary Wagner Group; the launch of President Joe Biden’s huge economic campaign termed Bidenomics as the 2024 election cycle heats up; and lots more.
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Jun 23, 2023
US-India Relations - June 24, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA State Department Bureau Chief, Nike Ching and VOA Chief National Correspondent Steve Herman, about reaction to President Joe Biden providing a state visit to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the most elevated form of American diplomacy; US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken’s historic visit to China; highlights from the Ukraine Recovery Conference in London; and lots more.
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Jun 16, 2023
Ukraine and the Related Challenges Facing NATO Allies - June 17, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell and Marketplace correspondent Nancy Marshall-Genzer about Ukraine and the related challenges facing NATO allies; the impact of the indictment of former President Donald Trump on the GOP and the 2024 presidential campaign; the ongoing tension between moderate and conservative House Republicans; and more.
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Jun 9, 2023
Ukrainian Dam Breach Affects Thousands - June 10, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson and Moment Magazine contributor Dan Raviv about Ukraine and Russia accusing each other of breaching a major dam, which caused flooding in southern Ukraine and a humanitarian crisis; South Korea’s stern protest over Beijing and Moscow flying their military planes into the country’s air defense identification zone unannounced; US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visit to Saudi Arabia, and more.
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Jun 2, 2023
US First Lady Jill Biden visits Middle East, and North Africa - June 03, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell and VOA national security correspondent Jeff Seldin about US First Lady Jill Biden’s visit to the Middle East and North Africa to promote empowerment for women and young people; pending the President’s signature, the US Debt Ceiling will be suspended until 1/1/2025; the growing GOP presidential primary field and what it means for front-runner former President Donald Trump; and more.
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May 26, 2023
The US-Debt Limit - May 27, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine and Washington Correspondent for Project 10 TV Australia, Michael Williams about expectations from Republican and Democratic leaders as talks continue on raising the U.S. debt limit; the growing GOP primary field with Senator Tim Scott (R-S.C.) and Florida Governor Ron DeSantis entering the 2024 presidential race; Ukraine’s diplomatic push to bolster support in the Global South; and more.
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May 19, 2023
Beijing, Moscow Top G-7 Summit in Japan - May 20, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson and VOA chief national correspondent Steve Herman about negotiations between the White House and top congressional leaders on raising the U.S. debt limit; world leaders gather in Japan with Beijing and Moscow topping the agenda; U.S. lawmakers are set to advance legislation to hold Russia accountable for crimes of aggression against Ukraine; and lots more.
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May 12, 2023
US Debt Crisis - May 13, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson and Marketplace correspondent Nancy Marshall-Genzer about the faceoff between President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy over the country’s debt; the roll-out of a new rule from the Biden administration for migrants in the wake of the expiration of Title 42; the sexual abuse judgment against former president Donald Trump and its effect on his campaign to regain the White House; and much more.
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May 5, 2023
Biden-McCarthy - US Debt Ceiling - May 06, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA White House Correspondent Anita Powell and VOA Chief National Correspondent Steve Herman about the stalemate between President Joe Biden and US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy over raising the US debt ceiling; the Biden administration’s plan to send 1,500 active-duty troops to the US-Mexico border to coincide with the imminent ending of a restrictive immigration policy; the Kremlin’s claim that Ukraine launched two drones at the residence of Russian President Vladimir Putin with the help of the US, an allegation which both countries strenuously deny, and much more.
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Apr 28, 2023
Sudan Crisis Forces Tens of Thousands to Flee the Country - April 29, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA Senior Diplomatic Correspondent, Cindy Saine and Washington Correspondent for Project 10TV Australia, Michael Williams about international reaction to the crisis in Sudan and security concerns for neighboring countries, reaction to President Joe Biden’s formal announcement of his re-election campaign, and other stories topping the week.
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Apr 21, 2023
Sudan Fighting Leading to Humanitarian Crisis - April 22, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara and Marketplace Correspondent Nancy Marshall-Genzer about the ramifications of continued fighting in Sudan despite a U.S. brokered cease-fire between the army and paramilitary forces; Ukraine’s receipt of advanced weapons from allies to help fight against Russia’s war efforts; Russia’s use of their court system to imprison journalists and critics; Dominion Voting System’s unprecedented settlement of a defamation lawsuit against Fox News Media; and House Republicans’ proposal of a debt ceiling increase.
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Apr 14, 2023
US President Joe Biden Visits Ireland - April 15, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with Christian Science Monitor Washington Bureau Chief, Linda Feldmann and VOA Midwest Correspondent Kane Farabaugh about US President Joe Biden’s visits to Northern Ireland and Ireland on the 25th anniversary of the Good Friday Agreement, the leak of US classified documents and its implications for Ukraine’s efforts to fight Russia’s unprovoked invasion, reaction by some members of Congress to the latest mass shooting in the US, and the outcry over and legal challenges to the banning of an FDA-approved abortion medication by a conservative Texas court.
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Apr 7, 2023
China Criticizes US for Support of Taiwan - April 08, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA senior national correspondent Steve Herman and Moment Magazine contributor Dan Raviv about the unprecedented indictment of former President Donald Trump who pled not guilty to 34 felony charges stemming from hush money payments; China’s reaction to the US’ recent show of support for Taiwan after President Tsai Ing-wen met with US House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on US soil; Finland’s historic move from neutrality to joining NATO, a major rebuke to Moscow; Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskyy’s public visit to Poland; and much more.
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Mar 31, 2023
Africa Welcomes US Vice-President Kamala Harris - April 01, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine and Washington Correspondent for Project 10 TV Australia, Michael Williams about U.S. Vice-President Kamala Harris’ historic and symbolic visits to Ghana, Tanzania and Zambia; Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu’s effort to overhaul Israel’s judiciary system which prompted outrage and protests including public criticism from the US; mixed reaction from the second Summit for Democracy hosted by the US; and more.
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Mar 24, 2023
China and Russia Sign Agreement - March 25, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA Executive Producer Steve Redisch and Midwest Correspondent Kane Farabaugh about Chinese President Xi Jinping’s state visit to Russia, the significance of the International Criminal Court accusing Russian President Vladimir Putin of war crimes, North Korea’s latest missile launches; the Federal Reserve’s interest rate increase to fight persistent inflation; and political implications of former President Donald Trump’s legal investigations.
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Mar 17, 2023
Blinken Visits Ethiopia and Niger - March 18, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine and VOA Executive Producer Steve Redisch about U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s visits to Ethiopia and Niger with aims to strengthen security ties, concerns over a Russian military intercept that resulted in the downing of a U.S. surveillance drone into the Black Sea, the launch of a federal investigation into the largest collapse of a major U.S. bank since the Great Recession in 2008.
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Mar 10, 2023
Proposed Bipartisan Legislation Aims to Ban TikTok in the US - March 11, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell and Moment Magazine contributor Dan Raviv about the significance of International Women’s Day, bipartisan legislation that would expand President Joe Biden’s legal authority to ban Chinese- owned social media giant TikTok in the US, White House reaction to Israeli troops storming a refugee camp in the occupied West Bank killing six Palestinian militants, Russia’s war efforts to capture all of the surrounding Donbas region of eastern Ukraine, and more.
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Mar 3, 2023
NATO Reacts to China’s call for Peace in Russia’s War on Ukraine - March 04, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara and VOA Executive Producer Steve Redisch about reaction to China urging peace in Russia’s war on Ukraine, Iran’s growing alliance with Russia, President Biden’s push to wipe out $400 billion in student loan debt, First Lady Jill Biden’s legacy for Africa, and lots more.
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Feb 24, 2023
President Joe Biden Makes Surprise Visit to Ukraine - February 25, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA Pentagon Correspondent Carla Babb and VOA US Politics and Policy Reporter Vero Balderas about President Joe Biden’s dramatic visit to Ukraine, the strength of the NATO alliance, Biden’s pledge to defend the Bucharest Nine, the importance of the US sending new aid to Ukraine which includes artillery, ammunition and anti-tank weapons, and First Lady Jill Biden’s visit to Namibia and Kenya.
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Feb 17, 2023
President Biden Addresses China Spy Balloon and UFOs - February 18, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA White House Correspondent Anita Powell, VOA Executive Producer Steve Redisch about the shooting down of a Chinese spy balloon which flew across the US continent and the three high-altitude objects from unknown origin that were also shot down, Russia’s latest war efforts against Ukraine after western allies pledged to ramp up military aid to Ukrainian armed forces, and other stories topping the week.
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Feb 10, 2023
Earthquake Destabilizes Türkiye and Syria - February 11, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson and Washington Correspondent for Project 10 TV Australia, Michael Williams about rescue operations in Turkey and Syria where two major earthquakes struck killing over 17,000 people, highlights and reaction to President Joe Biden’s second State of the Union address, and US lawmaker’s reaction to China’s use of a spy balloon over the continental US.
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Feb 3, 2023
US Debt Ceiling: Finding Common Ground - February 04, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with Marketplace Correspondent Nancy Marshall-Genzer and VOA Executive Producer Steve Redisch about the outcome of the first meeting between President Joe Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy on the need to raise the nation’s $31.4 trillion debt ceiling, another interest rate hike from the Federal Reserve and what it signals for Americans, the various investigations led by state and federal prosecutors regarding Rep. George Santos (R-NY), and calls for passing of the George Floyd Justice in Policing Act after another Black man lost his life to police brutality.
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Jan 27, 2023
US and Germany to Send Tanks to Ukraine - January 28, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA White House Correspondent Anita Powell and Moment Magazine Contributor Dan Raviv about President Joe Biden’s plan to send 31 Abrams tanks to Ukraine on the heels of Berlin’s decision to send its Leopard tanks, top US, Russian and Chinese officials traveling to and vying for influence in Africa, new revelations that former Vice President Mike Pence mishandled classified documents and the reintroduction of gun control legislation by the White House in the aftermath of a spate of mass shootings in California affecting the Asian-American community. These topics and more on Issues in the News.
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Jan 20, 2023
Western Allies Seek to Bolster Ukraine - January 21, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA Senior Diplomatic Correspondent Cindy Saine and Executive Producer Steve Redisch about the question of sending German tanks to Ukraine, the significance of US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen’s three-nation tour of Africa, issues addressed at the World Economic Forum, including the global economic effect of Russia’s war on Ukraine, and the politics and worldwide repercussions of the debt limit debate in the United States. These topics and more on Issues in the News.
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Jan 13, 2023
US-Mexico-Canada Look to Strengthen Economic Ties - January 14, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA White House Correspondent Patsy Widakuswara and Christian Science Monitor Washington Bureau Chief Linda Feldmann, about highlights from the annual North American Leaders’ Summit in Mexico City, the attack on Brazil’s government buildings by supporters of far-right former president Jair Bolsonaro and its resemblance to the January 6, 2021 attack on the US Capitol, and calls for an investigation into the discovery of classified documents found in possession of President Joe Biden. These topics and more on Issues in the News.
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Jan 6, 2023
US House and Senate 2023 Preview - January 07, 2023
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson and Marketplace Correspondent Nancy Marshall-Genzer about the significance of the US Congress not having a House Speaker elected on the first ballot in 100 years, Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell’s public show of bipartisan support for President Joe Biden’s economic plan, the second anniversary of the January 6, 2021, attack on the US Capitol and reflections on the work of the select committee’s hearings and final report on the implications of the assault and lots more.
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Dec 30, 2022
Russia/Ukraine Update - December 31, 2022
Guest moderator Steve Redisch talks with VOA senior national correspondent Steve Herman and Moment Magazine contributor, Dan Raviv, about Moscow’s brutal verbal and military assaults against Ukraine, a surge of coronavirus infections in China that has prompted Washington to require travelers from China to present negative Covid-19 tests before entering the United States, the recommendations from the final report of the congressional committee investigating the January 6, 2021 attack on the Capitol, and a preview of 2023!
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Dec 23, 2022
Ukrainian President Zelenskyy Visits Washington - December 24, 2022
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA White House Bureau Chief Patsy Widakuswara and VOA Executive Producer Steve Redisch about the surprise visit of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to Washington, Russian President Vladimir Putin’s trip to Belarus, a COVID-19 surge in China and other countries, international reaction to the Taliban banning women from universities in Afghanistan, and lots more.
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Dec 16, 2022
Biden hosts US-Africa Leaders' Summit - December 17, 2022
Kim Lewis talks with Marketplace Correspondent Nancy Marshall-Genzer and VOA Executive Producer Steve Redisch about the highlights of the US-Africa Leaders' Summit in Washington, the significance of the Respect for Marriage Act recently signed into law by President Joe Biden, the Federal Reserve's ongoing efforts to curb inflation, the collapse of crypto giant FTX and the arrest of its founder Sam Bankman-Fried, and lots more.
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Dec 9, 2022
US Basketball Star Brittney Griner Freed - December 10, 2022
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA White House correspondent Anita Powell and Moment Magazine contributor Dan Raviv about the freeing of WNBA basketball star Brittney Griner from a Russian prison, the significance of Democratic Senator Raphael Warnock’s victory in a Georgia Senate run-off election, the tax fraud conviction of former President Donald Trump’s organization, and lots more.
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Dec 2, 2022
China Protests Against Zero-Covid - December 03, 2022
Guest moderator, Steve Redisch talks with VOA chief diplomatic correspondent Cindy Saine and congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson, about the implications of widespread protests against China’s Zero-Covid policy, NATO’s stepped-up support for Kyiv as Russia targets Ukraine’s energy and water infrastructure, major issues facing the “lame duck” session of Congress before Republicans take over the lower chamber, or House of Representatives, in January 2023, and much more.
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Nov 25, 2022
US Vice-President Kamala Harris Visits the Philippines - November 26, 2022
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with Washington Bureau Chief for the Christian Science Monitor, Linda Feldmann, and VOA Executive Producer Steve Redisch, about US Vice-President Kamala Harris' visit to the Philippines, Ukraine's food and energy crisis created by Russia's ongoing attacks, the latest mass shootings in the US, the DOJ's appointment of a special counsel to head up their investigations involving former President Donald Trump, and the legacy of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.
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Nov 18, 2022
Ukraine-Poland-Missile Explosion - November 19, 2022
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA senior diplomatic correspondent Cindy Saine and VOA executive producer Steve Redisch, about the controversy over a Ukrainian air defense missile that accidentally crossed the Polish border and killed two people, former President Donald Trump's announcement of his candidacy for president in the 2024 election, and the latest midterm elections results.
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Nov 11, 2022
US/Midterm Elections - November 12, 2022
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA Congressional Correspondent Katherine Gypson and Marketplace Correspondent, Nancy Marshall-Genzer who provide insight into the 2022 US midterm elections results, how the balance of power in Congress could affect Americans, and the latest developments in Russia's war on Ukraine.
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Nov 4, 2022
Countdown to 2022 US Midterm Election Day - November 05, 2022
Moderator Kim Lewis talks with VOA Executive Producer Steve Redisch and VOA Midwest Correspondent Kane Farabaugh about the highly anticipated November 8th US midterm elections and what surprises could be store, the in-home attack on Paul Pelosi, husband of House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, the political comeback of Israel's former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with far-right support, escalating tensions surrounding Russia's war on Ukraine, and more.
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Oct 28, 2022
Midterm Election Previews - October 29, 2022
Kim Lewis talks with Nancy Marshall-Genzer of Marketplace and VOA's Steve Redisch about the latest news including US midterm election developments, Russia's nuclear weapons exercises, the plight of WNBA star Brittney Griner, Britain’s new prime minister and anti-regime protests in Iran.
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Oct 21, 2022
Update: Russia's War on Ukraine - October 22, 2022
Kim Lewis talks with VOA's Anita Powell and Steve Redisch about Russia's ongoing assault on Ukraine, President Biden's move towards releasing more oil from the nation's reserves, record breaking early voter turnout in the US state of Georgia and what it signals for other states, and more.
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Oct 14, 2022
US, NATO, EU Increase Support for Ukraine - October 15, 2022
Kim Lewis talks with VOA's Cindy Saine and Moment Magazine contributor Dan Raviv about the NATO and the EU commitment to send Ukraine more sophisticated weapons to fight Russia's ongoing assault on Ukraine, President Biden's response to the decision by OPEC's plans to cut oil production, and more.
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Oct 7, 2022
President Biden Visits Florida in the Aftermath of Hurricane Ian - October 08, 2022
Kim Lewis talks with VOA's Patsy Widakuswara and Katherine Gypson about President Joe Biden's visit to Florida to survey damage caused by Hurricane Ian, international condemnation of Russia’s illegitimate annexation of four Ukrainian regions, OPEC’s decision to reduce oil production, and more.
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Sep 30, 2022
Russia's War Efforts - October 01, 2022
Kim Lewis talks with VOA's Cindy Saine and Christian Science Monitor's Linda Feldmann about the US warning to Russia over its threat to use nuclear weapons, the Russian-led annexation vote in Ukraine, the ongoing protests in Iran over the death of Mahsa Amini while in police custody and more.
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Sep 23, 2022
US-Russia-Ukraine - September 24, 2022
Kim Lewis talks with VOA's Anita Powell and Steve Redisch about the UN General Assembly where US President Joe Biden and other world leaders called out Russian President Vladimir Putin's announcement of escalation of war efforts including nuclear retaliation against Ukraine.
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Sep 16, 2022
Queen Elizabeth II: The World's Loss - September 17, 2022
Kim Lewis talks with VOA's Anita Powell and Dan Raviv of Moment Magazine about world reaction to Queen Elizabeth's death, Ukraine’s success in capturing an area from Russian forces, and the latest on the numerous investigations of former president Donald Trump.
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