Reuters World News

Pope Francis's sudden passing has sparked global tributes and reflections on his transformative leadership. The complexities of modernizing the Catholic Church and the implications for selecting his successor are explored. Tensions flare as sensitive Pentagon leaks raise concerns about U.S. military strategies. Geopolitical conflicts intensify with changes in Israel's military and a skeptical view of the latest ceasefire efforts in Ukraine, highlighting the ongoing struggles for peace and humanitarian concerns.

Antonis Slodkovsky, Reuters' chief politics correspondent in Beijing, and Don Durfee, the U.S. foreign policy editor in Washington, delve into the high-stakes tariff war between the U.S. and China. They explore China's wartime posture in response to the tariffs and the historical pride influencing its resistance. The discussion covers the economic pressures facing both nations, including potential recessions and high unemployment. They also examine the fragile U.S.-China relationship and the implications of these tensions for international trade and regional stability.

A U.S. judge's ruling could lead to criminal contempt charges against Trump officials over deportations from El Salvador. Tensions flare as congressional Republicans face furious constituents at townhalls. Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell hints at a wait-and-see approach on interest rates, emphasizing economic data. Meanwhile, a landmark UK court decision defines 'woman' solely as biological, stirring significant debate over equality laws.

China's economy surprises with a 5.4% GDP growth, but fears linger as U.S. tariffs loom. A Pentagon advisor faces serious scrutiny amid leak investigations, raising eyebrows within defense circles. Legal drama unfolds over a wrongful deportation case to El Salvador. Meanwhile, French prisons experience a surge in violence linked to drug trafficking. The episode also celebrates the canonization of Carlo Acutis, a millennial saint, and features an amusing story about smugglers caught trying to export live ants from Kenya.

Harvard faces a staggering $2.3 billion funding freeze after a clash with the Trump administration. Meanwhile, El Salvador's president reveals he won't return a man wrongfully deported from the U.S. Europe's energy security is under threat as reliance on American gas grows precariously amid ongoing conflicts. Lastly, the NBA is eyeing expansion into Europe, fueled by the sport's rising international popularity, though logistic challenges loom large.

Donald Trump is set to announce new tariffs on imported chips, causing waves in the tech industry. In an unexpected twist, U.S. officials claim they aren't responsible for a wrongly deported Maryland resident in El Salvador. Meta faces a significant antitrust trial with potential far-reaching impacts on the social media landscape. Meanwhile, Rory McIlroy clinches victory at the Masters, completing his grand slam in golf. Get insights on how these topics intertwine with global trade and legal intricacies.

Poppy McPherson, a seasoned Southeast Asia correspondent for Reuters, dives deep into Myanmar's challenging landscape post-earthquake. She highlights how the recent 7.7 magnitude quake not only caused significant devastation but also exacerbated the ongoing civil strife stemming from a military coup. The discussion sheds light on the military’s strengthened grip on power amid humanitarian crises and the legacy of Aung San Suu Kyi in a country facing tough political realities. McPherson also touches on the impact of limited U.S. support in recovery efforts.

China's recent increase in U.S. tariffs to 125% raises eyebrows, especially regarding its impact on President Trump's political landscape. Hollywood faces a downturn as trade tensions shift the spotlight to Chinese cinema. Meanwhile, Europe hopes to benefit from a brain drain, enticing U.S. scientists disheartened by funding cuts. The podcast also touches on significant legal developments in the U.S., adding layers to the complex fabric of global politics and economics.

President Trump’s unexpected tariff reversal offers a flicker of hope for investors, yet tensions with China remain high, leading to concerns for Christmas tree producers. As markets respond to these shifts, holiday shopping faces potential challenges from pricing pressures. Meanwhile, NASA's nominee contemplates the ambitious goal of both Moon and Mars missions amidst fierce international competition in space exploration. The evolving political landscape adds another layer to these pressing economic and space-related issues.

Trump's tariffs ignite a global trade war, imposing hefty duties on Chinese goods and causing chaos in markets and U.S. bonds. As consumers brace for impact, China's strategic meeting reveals efforts to mitigate the fallout. The episode also highlights the capture of two Chinese fighters in Ukraine, raising tensions over China's ambiguous stance in the conflict. Amid rising economic anxiety, small businesses feel the pinch of inflation and potential recession, making for a gripping discussion on international relations and economic repercussions.