The European Union sharpens its sanctions against Russia, targeting its financial and energy sectors. Ukraine's President Zelensky calls the move "essential and timely", while the Kremlin warns it will backfire. We also head to Japan, where voters are heading to the polls this weekend in a crucial Upper House election that could determine the Prime Minister’s political future amid rising inflation, ageing demographics, and the threat of U.S. tariffs on car exports. Plus, we look at how cryptocurrency theft has hit a record high in 2025, with cybercriminals and even violent attackers making off with billions in digital assets.You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.
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What are the key economic issues in Japan’s upcoming election?
Migration, tariffs and challenges of an ageing population are being discussed ahead of an election in Japan's upper house. What could President Trump's Big Beautiful Bill Act mean for African economies? And the European Union announces an 18th round of sanctions on Russia.
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House passes historic cryptocurrency bill to regulate stablecoin
The US Congress has passed its first major cryptocurrency legislation — the GENIUS Act, aimed at regulating stablecoins and paving the way for wider adoption of digital assets in everyday finance. Also on the programme, Meta settles an $8bn lawsuit over data privacy breaches tied to the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Roger Hearing asks what the outcome means for Big Tech. And Arsenal smash records with the world’s most expensive women’s football transfer.
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Dozens die in Iraq shopping centre fire
A fire at a newly opened shopping centre in Iraq has killed dozens of people. The blaze in the eastern city of Kut broke out at the Hyper Mall and rapidly engulfed its walls.
After a year of prolonged negotiations marked by dramatic twists and turns, the Canadian retailer Alimentation Couche-Tard said it was abandoning its multibillion-dollar bid to acquire the owner of 7-Eleven convenience stores.
Plus, we look at the CEO of Nvidia, Jensen Huang’s visit to China amidst the resumption of selling H20 chip to China.
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Trump rows back on threats to Fed Chairman
We look at the continuing tensions between President Donald Trump and the Chairman of the US Federal Reserve Jerome Powell.There could be more than 10 million extra people needed in the Russian labour market by 2030. Rahul Tandon hears from a Russian demography expert.And what will happen to renewable energy in the US?You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.
New Zealand