Global National with Dawna Friesen

The U.S. military captures the authoritarian leader of Venezuela, after a deadly assault on the country's capital. A look at the celebrations and the condemnations toward the attack. Plus, the rallies in Canada in solidarity with protests in Iran. And the concerns and consequences over widespread online deepfakes. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Investigators believe they've pinpointed the likely cause of the deadly New Year's fire at a Swiss ski resort bar. Redmond Shannon reports on the findings, and the heartbreaking pleas from families to find missing loved ones. As economic protests rage in Iran, Eric Sorensen reports on U.S. President Donald Trump's warning to Iran if it kills peaceful demonstrators. Meanwhile, scrutiny is growing about Trump's health. Jackson Proskow looks at how the commander-in-chief is firing back while defiantly disobeying doctors' orders. Back here in Canada, people are surveying the damage after Pimicikamak Cree Nation in Manitoba went days without electricity in the extreme cold. Neetu Garcha looks at what has to happen before residents can return home. Heather Yourex-West reports on when Calgary's major water main break could be fixed, and the frustration in the city over its aging infrastructure. Also, working out of the office - is out. Megan King looks at how Ontario's public servants aren't allowed to work from home anymore. And Katherine Ward introduces you to two Canadian scientists aiming to change how lung imaging is done to speed up diagnostics and improve patient safety. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The start of 2026 has been marred by tragedy in Switzerland. Redmond Shannon reports on the deadly fire at a resort that sent revellers running for their lives; the victims; and what may have ignited the flames. Back in Canada, Seán O'Shea reports on the tragic discovery inside a Barrie, Ont. home, and what shocked neighbours are saying. Skylar Peters updates the situation in Calgary, where boil water advisories are in effect after a major water main break. Canada's new grocery code of conduct is now in effect. Neetu Garcha explains how shoppers could still benefit, even if it won't necessarily lower food prices. Also, Canada's relationship status with the U.S.? It's complicated. Eric Sorensen looks at how 2025 was a turning point for the neighbouring nations. Plus, wrapping up a colourful career: Melissa Ridgen speaks with renowned Indigenous artist JD Hawk about the painting he calls his own Mona Lisa, and why he's hanging up his paintbrush for good. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Calgary suffers its second water main break in less than two years. Russia strikes Ukraine on New Year's Eve, as hope again fades for a ceasefire. How German thieves got away with millions in a Christmas bank heist. Plus, Hockey Canada unveils its full Olympic roster. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What's being blamed for a spike in Toronto's opioid overdoses. The search for two armed suspects in Saskatchewan after a deadly shooting at a First Nation. Plus, Canada warns of a deepening humanitarian crisis in Gaza, as Israel prepares to ban dozens of aid organizations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From freezing rain to gusty winds, the winter storm pummeling parts of Quebec and Ontario. Plus, the hero of Australia's deadly Bondi Beach mass shooting speaks out in his first interview, after taking the gunman head on. And darts, beers, costumes, and a prize worth millions in the World Darts Championship. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The presidents of the U.S. and Ukraine meet again, as a peace deal with Russia seems close. Plus, the legacy and controversies of French actor turned activist Brigitte Bardot. And looking back at an unprecedented year in Canadian politics. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Prime Minister Mark Carney condemned new Russian air attacks overnight against Ukraine and announced additional economic assistance for the beleaguered country. Mackenzie Gray was there for the $2.5B announcement. Candice Cole reports on the winter storms that have been wreaking havoc across parts of the U.S., and could soon threaten millions of Canadians. With the last surviving member of the Dionne quintuplets dying on Christmas Eve, Eric Sorensen looks at the sisters' global notoriety, and the costs that came along with it. And Katherine Ward reports on a world-first at St. Michael's hospital in Toronto, as more Canadian hospitals embrace the use of robotics to enhance surgical programs and improve the quality of care patients receive. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's the white Christmas that came a day too late. A winter storm on this Boxing Day blasted Toronto, resulting in misery for people on the roads, the sidewalks, and at the airport. Seán O'Shea braved the elements to report on the treacherous travel conditions, and whether any relief is on the way. Neetu Garcha reports on the widening scope of damage from California's deadly downpour, and the warning to some residents about what they may have to do. As Russia launches what's being called a massive attack on Kyiv, Mackenzie Gray tees up Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's weekend meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump in hopes of reaching a peace deal with Russia. Redmond Shannon reports on the American airstrikes targeting militants from the so-called Islamic State in Nigeria. Touria Izri reviews the investigation into four Quebec men with links to the military who are accused of building up an anti-government militia. Plus, what does it mean to be a man in the post-"Me Too" era? Sarah Offin introduces you to some Canadian men aiming to be good role models, redefine manliness, and eliminate toxic masculinity. And attention, online shoppers! Anne Gaviola looks at how some companies are banking on artificial intelligence to change the way you buy things on the internet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

At least two people have been killed in southern California, where a powerful storm has triggered raging floodwaters and mudslides. Neetu Garcha reports on the rescue missions, the hardest-hit areas, and whether any relief is in sight. An Edmonton family is in mourning this Christmas, after a loved one died in hospital waiting for hours to see a doctor. Sarah Komadina speaks with Prashant Sreekumar's devastated family. Mexican authorities have conducted raids being linked to Canadian fugitive and ex-Olympian Ryan Wedding. Mackenzie Gray looks at the challenges that lie ahead for Prime Minister Mark Carney in 2026. Heidi Petracek looks at how Newfoundland and Labrador's historic wildfire season is preparing the province for the future. Redmond Shannon tees up the elections around the world to watch for next year. Plus, someone in Arkansas is having an amazing Christmas after winning the Powerball lottery. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

There's cautious optimism in Ukraine peace is on the horizon. Mackenzie Gray reports on the concessions President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is making, what Russia wants, and the sticking points. Is it censoring free speech or fighting disinformation? Candice Cole explains why the U.S. has imposed visa bans on a group of Europeans combatting online hate and disinformation. Parts of western North America are being hit by a sharp weather contrast this Christmas Eve. Neetu Garcha looks at the heavy rain and flooding in California, the storm system heading to Canada, and the extreme cold putting pressure on Yukon's power grid. Anne Gaviola looks at the predictions for Canada's housing and rental markets in 2026. And Reggie Cecchini looks at the fears of what U.S. President Donald Trump may do to the election process, as the commander-in-chief's popularity slides. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. Department of Justice has released a new batch of documents pertaining to the Jeffrey Epstein investigation. Candice Cole reports on the emails that mention U.S. President Donald Trump, the former prince Andrew, and the alleged letter sent to convicted sex offender and disgraced sports doctor Larry Nassar; and how this new batch of files comes with a disclaimer from the DOJ. Elections Alberta has approved a petition from Alberta Prosperity Project, a provincial separatist group, which will ask Albertans about holding a referendum on separating from Canada. Heather Yourex-West looks at why the petition got the green light despite being called unconstitutional by a judge, and what needs to happen for the group's question to go to a referendum. Mackenzie Gray looks at how political tensions and a weak loonie are keeping Canadians away from the U.S., and where they're spending their vacation dollars instead. Seán O'Shea reports on Deepak Paradkar, the Ontario lawyer linked to fugitive and former Olympian Ryan Wedding, being granted bail, and how the U.S. wants to extradite the alleged "cocaine lawyer." Stuart Greer reports on the warning to Ukrainians as they head into the holidays. Plus, diagnosing autism: Katherine Ward looks at the Ontario program helping families get answers faster. And it's an offer one Japanese woman could not refuse: she agreed to marry a video game character created by ChatGPT. Neetu Garcha explains why. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Canada has officially named its new ambassador to the U.S. Mackenzie Gray explains who Mark Wiseman is, and why he's already under fire. Newly released court documents are revealing more details about the Bondi Beach massacre investigation. Stuart Greer reports on how police say the suspected gunmen allegedly took months to prepare for the attack, and why the debate about Australia's new proposed gun laws is so polarizing. CBS News is under fire again. This time, it's because the network yanked a '60 Minutes' report just before it was set to air. Candice Cole explains what the segment was about, and how correspondent Sharyn Alfonsi is firing back at her new boss, Bari Weiss, who became CBS's editor-in-chief in October. Heather Yourex-West looks at what low crude prices could mean for the prospect of a new pipeline in Alberta, and why U.S. President Donald Trump's rhetoric against Venezuela could be Canada's gain. Touria Izri reports on the decision on whether one of Canada's first convicted terrorists should be granted parole. Katherine Ward reports on the potentially heavy burden of the holidays, and how to stay mindful of your mental health. Plus, 'Heated Rivalry' is doing more than heating up screens. If you haven't heard, it's the Crave drama about two male hockey players who are rivals at the rink, but in a secret romance off the ice. Neetu Garcha explains how the hit Canadian drama is igniting an important conversation about identity and inclusion in sports. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. crackdown on oil tankers from Venezuela, and the consequences on the oil and gas industry. Plus, why some of the newly released Epstein files and photographs were suddenly removed. And the impact of the trade war on the holiday shopping season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The revelations and redactions from the first batch of the long-awaited Epstein files, released by the U.S. Department of Justice. Why they are fueling accusations of a cover-up. Plus, the American airstrikes on Syria targeting the so-called Islamic State. And concerns around the growing number of Canadians skipping out on travel vaccines. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Touria Izri reports on the three men accused of plotting to kidnap Jewish women in Toronto, and why police say one suspect was working for the so-called Islamic State. On deadline day today, the U.S. Department of Justice has released a fresh trove of files in the Jeffrey Epstein case, but Jackson Proskow explains why not everything has been made public yet. The Canadian government says talks to strike a new trade deal with the U.S. will resume next month. Mackenzie Gray reports on what to expect. Heidi Petracek reports on the messy mix of weather heading into the holidays. Melissa Ridgen reports on the push for the Manitoba government to intervene over fears an incarcerated man is being targeted by jail guards. Redmond Shannon reports on Europe's new support for Ukraine, and the comments Russian President Vladimir Putin made in his annual television event where he answers questions from journalists and voters. Plus, Ontario's singing baby sensation: meet the choir star stealing hearts around the world. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

An early taste of winter closes highways and schools in some of Canada's most weather-resilient regions. Heather Yourex-West reports on how people are coping, and where the storm system is heading next. A political storm is brewing over Canada-U.S. trade talks. Mackenzie Gray reports on U.S. Trade Representative Jamieson Greer's demands and the response from Prime Minister Mark Carney. Jackson Proskow reports on what U.S. President Donald Trump said in his nationwide address last night, and whether Americans are listening. Seán O'Shea speaks with Timothy Rees, the Ontario man who's been exonerated after spending more than two decades behind bars for murder. In a year-end interview, Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre tells Dawna about his stance on building a new oil pipeline. David Akin explains how Poilievre says he would handle concerns from Indigenous leaders. Plus, surf's up: Brayden Jagger Haines introduces you to the Montrealer riding a wave of excitement to promote an unconventional sport. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

A massive winter storm strikes the Prairies. Katherine Ludwig reports from Edmonton on the whiteout conditions that closed highways and airports. 'Tis the season...for the flu. Katherine Ward explains why this year's strain is particularly nasty. Heather Yourex-West looks at the fallout from Skate Canada's decision not to host major events in Alberta, because of the province's laws on transgender athletes. Seán O'Shea reports on the joint investigation between police and the Canada Border Services Agency that resulted in the recovery of hundreds of stolen vehicles. Dan Spector explains why Pablo Rodriguez has resigned as the leader of the Quebec Liberals, only six months after taking over the position. Redmond Shannon reports on the 59 charges the accused Bondi Beach attacker is facing, and why Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is under criticism. And Dawna sits down with Prime Minister Mark Carney for a year-end interview, and asks him whether he's trying to court other Conservative MPs to secure a majority government. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

New evidence is emerging in the terror attack in Australia. Redmond Shannon explains why police now believe the gunmen were inspired by the so-called Islamic State, as new video surfaces showing the attackers being confronted by a couple in their 60s. David Akin explains why a Canadian delegation, including six MPs, was blocked from entering the occupied West Bank. Nick Reiner has now been charged in the murders of his parents, acclaimed director/actor Rob Reiner and photographer-turned-producer Michele Singer Reiner. Jackson Proskow has the new details about what happened in the couple's final hours. Canada's new grocery code of conduct is coming in 2026. Anne Gaviola explains what it means for the industry and for food prices. Heather Yourex-West reports on the federal government unveiling regulations aimed at reducing methane emissions. Iris Dyck reports on the precious piece of regalia being returned to its community. Plus, boycotting Alberta: Jeff Semple explains why Skate Canada has decided to stop holding major events in that province. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Nick Reiner, the son of legendary movie maker Rob Reiner, has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the Hollywood icon and his wife, Michele Singer Reiner, were found stabbed to death in their home. Jackson Proskow reports on what's been revealed about the murders; and on the struggles Nick Reiner has faced; and Eric Sorensen looks at how Rob Reiner left an indelible mark on Hollywood and beyond. Australia is in shock and grieving after 15 people were killed and dozens more injured in a shooting at Sydney's famed Bondi Beach, where Jewish people had gathered for a Hanukkah event. Redmond Shannon reports on what's known so far about the attack, the gunmen, and what Ahmed al-Ahmed, the man who bravely disarmed one of the shooters, is saying; and Heather Yourex-West looks at how the attack has left both Jewish-Canadians and Muslim-Canadians feeling nervous. And Angela Jung reports from Abbotsford, B.C., on the warning of what's to come in the flood zone, even as floodwaters recede. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices