Democracy Now
Iran Escalates Deadly Crackdown on Mass Protests as Trump Threatens to Launch Military Attack
Amidst a deadly crackdown on anti-government protests in Iran, the US and Israel issue military threats and support for protesters, while experts warn such foreign intervention exacerbates internal repression and endangers activists.
Top U.S. & World Headlines — January 12, 2026
This episode details a series of escalating global and domestic crises, including violent protests in Iran, ongoing conflict in Gaza, nationwide anti-ICE demonstrations, and aggressive US foreign policy actions towards Venezuela, Cuba, and Denmark.
"What Are You Hiding?" Minnesota AG Keith Ellison Says ICE Killing Must Be Investigated
Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison condemns the federal government's obstruction of the state's independent investigation into the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent, challenging claims of absolute immunity and linking the death to an 'unwarranted, unconstitutional escalation' of federal immigration tactics.
"The Voice of Hind Rajab," Shortlisted for Oscar, Uses Audio of 6-Year-Old Girl Killed in Gaza
The Oscar-shortlisted docudrama 'The Voice of Hind Rajab' reconstructs the final hours of a six-year-old Palestinian girl trapped under Israeli fire in Gaza, using her actual phone calls to Red Crescent dispatchers.
Top U.S. & World Headlines — January 9, 2026
A Democracy Now report details escalating tensions surrounding ICE operations in the US, controversial US foreign policy moves regarding Venezuela and Greenland, and ongoing global conflicts, highlighting a disregard for international law and domestic accountability.
Trump Vows to “Indefinitely” Control Venezuela’s Oil
The US seized Venezuelan oil tankers and allegedly abducted President Maduro, with President Trump declaring indefinite control over Venezuela's oil sales, sparking debate over international law and internal Venezuelan dynamics.
ICE Agent Fatally Shoots Minneapolis Mother, Renee Good
Minneapolis officials and community leaders vehemently condemn the fatal shooting of Renee Good by an ICE agent, rejecting federal claims of self-defense and demanding ICE's immediate removal from the city.
Top U.S. & World Headlines — January 8, 2026
This episode details a series of escalating domestic and international crises, including a fatal ICE shooting in Minneapolis, US military intervention in Venezuela, and widespread human rights abuses in Sudan and Gaza, all framed by a critical lens on US government actions.
"Firestorm": MS NOW's Jacob Soboroff on Anniversary of L.A. Fires & "America's New Age of Disaster"
MSNBC reporter Jacob Soboroff details the devastating Los Angeles fires, revealing how personal loss, government defunding, political misinformation, and infrastructure failures converge to define 'America's New Age of Disaster'.
Trump's Plan to Seize Greenland Would "Militarize the Arctic," Trample Indigenous Rights
The Trump administration's aggressive pursuit of Greenland, including potential military force, sparks international condemnation, threatens NATO, and highlights the disregard for indigenous sovereignty and international law.
"This Is Our Hemisphere": Report from Colombia on Trump's Escalating Threats to the Region
Donald Trump escalated threats against Venezuela and Colombia, claiming the right to Venezuelan oil and accusing Colombian President Gustavo Petro of drug trafficking, prompting a strong defense from a Colombian activist.
Top U.S. & World Headlines — January 7, 2026
A US military raid leads to the abduction of Venezuelan President Maduro, with President Trump claiming control over Venezuelan oil, while globally, the US pledges security to Ukraine and Israel faces accusations over hindering Gaza aid.
Top U.S. & World Headlines — January 6, 2026
The US faces international condemnation and domestic unrest following the abduction of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, while simultaneously facing a controversial new vaccine schedule and a political standoff over a January 6th plaque.
Can U.S. Oil Companies Really Take Over Venezuela's Industry?
A Wall Street Journal reporter details how US policy in Venezuela impacts oil markets and exposes the Trump family's massive financial growth and global business ventures, including a controversial pivot to nuclear fusion for AI data centers.
"Imperial Laboratory": Alexander Aviña on the "Donroe" Doctrine & U.S. Intervention in Latin America
Professor Alexander Aviña explains how Trump's 'Donroe Doctrine' and military actions in Venezuela are a continuation of a bipartisan US imperial strategy in Latin America, often signaling US weakness rather than strength.
"It's All About the Oil, Stupid!": Mehdi Hasan on Trump Attacking Venezuela & Kidnapping Maduro
Mehdi Hassan argues that the US intervention in Venezuela, including the detention of President Maduro, was explicitly driven by oil interests, with President Trump openly admitting this motivation and briefing oil executives before Congress.
What’s Next in Trump’s War on Venezuela?
Experts dissect former President Trump's claims about Venezuelan oil and the broader US strategy in Latin America, revealing a complex web of resource interests, historical revisionism, and geopolitical maneuvering.
Law Prof. David Cole on the Illegality of U.S. Attack on Venezuela
Constitutional law expert David Cole dismantles the Trump administration's claim of a 'law enforcement operation' in Venezuela, framing it as an illegal imperialist invasion driven by oil interests and a dangerous precedent for international law.
Report from Caracas on U.S. Attack & Maduro Abduction
The US launched a military attack on Venezuela, abducting President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, leading to international condemnation and a power vacuum in Caracas.
Top U.S. & World Headlines — January 5, 2026
The US military launched a large-scale attack on Venezuela, abducting President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, sparking international condemnation and threats of further military action against other nations.
Special Report on Venezuela: U.S. Abducts Maduro, Trump Says "We Are Going to Run" Oil-Rich Nation
The United States launched a large-scale military operation to seize Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro, with President Trump declaring the US would 'run' the oil-rich nation and control its oil industry, drawing widespread international condemnation and triggering calls for resistance within Venezuela.
AOC, NYC Public Advocate Jumaane Williams & Poet Cornelius Eady: Voices from Mamdani Inauguration
New York City inaugurated Zoran Mamdani, its first Muslim, South Asian, and African-born mayor, with speeches from AOC, poet Cornelius Eady, and Public Advocate Jumaane Williams emphasizing community, equity, and the city's diverse future.
"I Will Govern as a Democratic Socialist": Watch Zohran Mamdani & Bernie Sanders at NYC Inauguration
Zohran Mamdani, New York City's youngest and first Muslim, South Asian, African-born mayor, pledges to govern as a democratic socialist, promising universal child care, rent freezes, and free public transit by taxing the wealthy.
Top U.S. & World Headlines — January 2, 2026
New York City swears in its youngest and first Muslim, South Asian, African-born mayor, Oran Mandani, as global headlines highlight escalating humanitarian crises, economic disparities, and geopolitical tensions.
Don't see the episode you're looking for?
We're constantly adding new episodes, but if you want to see a specific one from Democracy Now summarized, let us know!
Submit an Episode