Shows
Factal ForecastHaiti’s humanitarian crisis worsens as gang violence surgesEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Jaime Calle Moreno discuss how Haiti's ongoing gang war is threatening to drag the country deeper into chaos, plus more on heavy rains in Pakistan, elections in Gabon and Singapore and U.S. student loan interest resuming.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jaime Calle Moreno, Awais Ahmad, Sophie Perryer, Jess Fino and Jeff Landset. Produced and edited by Jimmy Lovaas...
2023-08-2415 minFactal ForecastSearch for victims continues after historic Maui fireEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Joe Veyera discuss the Hawaii fires, plus more on elections in Ecuador, South Korea and the U.S. holding military drills, the BRICS summit in South Africa and elections in Zimbabwe.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Joe Veyera, Irene Villora, Vivian Wang, Agnese Boffano and Sophie Perryer. Produced and edited by Jimmy Lovaas. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Ha...
2023-08-1710 minFactal ForecastNiger coup brings threat of regional military interventionEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Sophie Perryer discuss the coup underway in Niger, plus more on primary elections in Argentina, a court hearing on Alabama’s proposed congressional maps, the Spanish Parliament meeting and leaders of the U.S., Japan and South Korea gathering for a summit..Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Sophie Perryer, Jaime Calle Moreno, Joe Veyera, Irene Villora and Jess Fino. Produced and...
2023-08-1012 minFactal ForecastUptick in cartel violence drags Mexico closer to narco-stateEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Jeff Landset discuss the recent cartel attacks in central and southern Mexico, plus more on the heat wave in the U.S., elections in Spain, the second Russia-Africa summit, and Italy’s prime minister visiting the U.S. White House.NOTE: The podcast will be off for the next two weeks so our next episode will be out August 9. In the meantime, be sure to follow us on Twitter where we’ll still be posting breaking news.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. ...
2023-07-2010 minFactal ForecastColombia’s government resumes peace talks with FARC guerrilla groupEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Irene Villora discuss the Colombian government resuming peace talks with an armed dissident group of the disbanded FARC guerrillas, plus more on a trans-Pacific free trade pact meeting, the Black Sea grain deal expiring, Syria facing allegations of torture at the world court, and Israel’s president addressing the U.S. Congress..Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode includes writing from Factal editors Irene Villora, Joe Veyera, Alex Moo...
2023-07-1313 minFactal ForecastIsrael ends deadly raid in Jenin, but warns more incursions to comeEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Agnese Boffano discuss Israel's deadly raid on the northern West Bank town of Jenin, plus more on United Nations' deep sea mining permits, an important deadline for Venezuela’s opposition primaries, President Biden meeting with King Charles at Windsor Castle and a NATO summit in Lithuania.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Agnese Boffano, Hua Hsieh, Irene Villora, Jeff Landset and Ale...
2023-07-0614 minFactal ForecastMonsoon brings relief to India and Pakistan, but remains high-risk situationEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Halima Mansoor discuss monsoon season in India and Pakistan, plus more on Kenya and Somalia reopening some land borders, municipal elections in Peru, Thailand's new parliament meeting and Russia deploying tactical nuclear weapons in Belarus.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Halima Mansoor, Sophie Perryer, Irene Villora, Jimmy Lovaas and David Wyllie. Produced and edited by Jimmy Lovaas. Music courtesy of A...
2023-06-2909 minFactal ForecastNew round of violence erupts in the occupied West BankEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Ahmed Namatalla discuss the new round of violence in the West Bank, plus more on New York City’s Pride March, elections in Guatemala, the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia and a U.N. mandate ending in Mali.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Ahmed Namatalla, Vivian Wang, Irene Villora, Agnese Boffano, and Jeff Landset. Produced and edited by Jimmy Lovaas. Mus...
2023-06-2212 min
Global Security Briefing by Factal and Emergent Risk InternationalFactal on covering a mass shooting; ERI on the things that keep them up at nightSenior editor Jimmy Lovaas reviews the Buffalo Shooting and how Factal editors covered the event and what tools they used.Kieran O'Leary needed to update his slides this morning as one of the five things that keeps him up at night had a tentative solution this morning -- the potential for a larger U.S. West Coast port strike is much lower today than yesterday. He also discusses the looming global energy crisis fueled by lack of finance, aging infrastructure and droughts.Since the earliest days of COVID, Factal and Emergent Risk International have held...
2023-06-1553 minFactal ForecastUkraine dam collapse sparks fears for large-scale devastation and war implicationsEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Alex Moore discuss the situation in Ukraine following a major dam collapse, plus more on a Swiss bank takeover, a meeting on Sweden’s bid to join NATO, the US and Guatemala addressing irregular migration and an important deadline in Ecuador’s presidential election.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Alex Moore, Jack Beeching, Agnese Boffano, Jeff Landset and Irene Villora. Produ...
2023-06-0815 minFactal ForecastClimbing death toll in El Salvador gang crackdown sparks international backlashEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Jeff Landset discuss El Salvador's year-long gang crackdown that has human rights monitors questioning the cost, plus more on Russian state forces fully taking over the occupation of Bakhmut, Ukraine, legislative elections in Guinea-Bissau, the anniversary of China’s 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown and French pension protests.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Alex Moore, Jess Fino, Vivian Wang, David Wyllie and Jef...
2023-06-0111 minFactal ForecastAnti-Putin militias in Ukraine mount cross-border attack as war drags onEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Alex Moore discuss Ukraine-aligned attack in Belgorod, Russia, plus more on the Greek parliament being sworn in and then dissolved, Turkey’s presidential election runoff, the Korea-Pacific Islands Summit in Seoul and a U.S. debt ceiling deadline.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jess Fino, David Wyllie, Jaime Calle Moreno, Joe Veyera and Alex Moore. Produced and edited by Jimmy Lov...
2023-05-2515 minFactal ForecastTurkey braces for runoff election as Erdogan survives first testEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Halima Mansoor discuss the Turkey's upcoming runoff election, plus more on the G7 meeting in Japan, possible flooding in northern Italy, voters heading to the polls in the Southeast Asian nation of Timor-Leste and an important deadline for elections in Ecuador.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode includes contributions from Factal editors Jeff Landset, Joe Veyera, and Jess Fino. Interview features editor Halima Mansoor. Produced and edited by Ji...
2023-05-1810 minFactal ForecastThousands evacuate as unprecedented wildfires burn in AlbertaEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Joe Veyera discuss the unprecedented wildfires in Alberta, Canada, that have forced thousands to evacuate, plus more on Ukrainian President Zelenskyy visiting Berlin, leaders from Armenia and Azerbaijan meeting, a federal appeals court hearing on the abortion pill and a summit for Arab leaders.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jaime Calle Moreno, Alex Moore, Jeff Landset, Ahmed Namatalla and Joe V...
2023-05-1108 minFactal ForecastProtests erupt in Paraguay after allegations of election fraudEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Jaime Calle Moreno discuss the protests that erupted in Paraguay this week after a general election ended with allegations of fraud, plus more on the King Charles coronation, Russia’s Victory Day holiday, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Indonesia and the U.S. ending its COVID national emergency.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jeff Landset, Alex Moore, Jes...
2023-05-0414 minFactal ForecastMilitant attack on base in Mali threatens more insecurityEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Sophie Perryer discuss the recent attack on a military base in central Mali, plus more on Singapore and China holding naval drills, the Israeli knesset returning from recess, Labor Day in France and local elections starting in the United Kingdom.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Vivian Wang, Joe Veyera, Jess Fino, David Wyllie and Sophie Perryer. Music courtesy of Andrew Go...
2023-04-2709 minFactal ForecastDeadly power struggle in Sudan sparks fears of civil warEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Ahmed Namatalla discuss the deadly clashes in Sudan, plus more on railway workers striking in Italy, local elections in North Kosovo, an annual meeting of Brazilian Indigenous communities and a court appearance for Pakistan's former Prime Minister Imran Khan.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Agnese Boffano, Alex Moore, Jess Fino, Awais Ahmad and Ahmed Namatalla. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe.
2023-04-2012 minFactal ForecastHigh-stakes court ruling threatens abortion access in US and FDA’s authorityEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Rebecca Bratek discuss the high-stakes court ruling threatening access to medical abortion in the United States, plus more on India's top court taking up same-sex marriage, Russia's detention of a Wall Street Journal reporter, Cuba's parliament appointing the country's next president and the start of Turkey's gas flow from the Black Sea. Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Agnese Boffano, David Wy...
2023-04-1312 minFactal ForecastIsrael pumps the brakes on judicial reform as protests grip countryEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Agnese Boffano discuss the Israeli protests over a controversial judicial reform plan, plus more on World Athletics banning transgender women from competitions, Twitter ending its legacy verification system, Russia assuming presidency of the U.N. Security Council and elections in Bulgaria.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Halima Mansoor, Jeff Landset, Sophie Perryer and Alex Moore. Our interview featured editor Agnese B...
2023-03-3011 minFactal ForecastHundreds arrested as French streets set alight in pension reform unrestEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Jess Fino discuss the protests in France over a controversial pension reform plan, plus more on a European Council summit in Sweden, fewer curfew hours in Kyiv, parliamentary elections in Cuba and a Pakistani court summons for former Prime Minister Imran Khan.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jaime Calle Moreno, Alex Moore, Owen Bonertz, Awais Ahmad and Jess Fino. Music co...
2023-03-2310 minFactal ForecastCollapse of two American banks sends shockwaves across financial worldEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Joe Veyera discuss the sudden collapse of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank last weekend marked the second- and third-largest bank failures in U.S. history, plus more on the Black Sea grain deal expiring, elections in Montenegro, Spain’s prime minister facing a no confidence vote and TikTok’s CEO testifying before Congress.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jess Fino...
2023-03-1609 minFactal ForecastAt least three dead in surging violence following West Bank attacksEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Agnese Boffano discuss a deadly surge in violence in the West Bank, plus more on German Chancellor Scholz visiting the White House, China’s top annual parliamentary meetings, French President Macron wrapping up his Africa tour and Turkey’s NATO talks with Finland and Sweden.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jaime Calle Moreno, Vivian Wang, Sophie Perryer, Alex Moore and Agnes...
2023-03-0211 minFactal ForecastNew earthquakes rattle Turkey and Syria as death toll nears 50,000Editors Jimmy Lovaas and Halima Mansoor discuss the devastating earthquakes in southern Turkey near the Syria border that have left thousands dead and millions displaced, plus more on the anniversary of Russia’s full invasion of Ukraine, a general election in Nigeria, a US Supreme Court hearing on Biden’s student loan forgiveness plan and California ending its coronavirus state of emergency.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from...
2023-02-2310 minFactal ForecastTensions rise as US shoots down Chinese spy balloon and UFOsEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Joe Veyera discuss the unidentified flying objects that have recently been shot down by US fighter jets, plus more on the annual Munich Security Conference, Carnival in Rio de Janeiro, Taiwan reopening travel from Hong Kong and Macau and a UN Security Council meeting on Somalia.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Irence Villora, Jaime Calle Moreno, Jess Fino, Sophie Perryer, D...
2023-02-1610 minFactal ForecastDesperation rises as Turkey-Syria earthquake death toll soarsEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Halima Mansoor discuss the devastating earthquake that's left thousands dead and tens of thousands injured in Turkey and Syria, plus more on a Texas judge deciding on an abortion medication case, an election in Cyprus, negotiations between the Colombian government and the rebel group ELN and China’s Sichuan province lifting restrictions on childbirth.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Sophie Per...
2023-02-0913 minFactal ForecastIsraeli-Palestinian tensions soar following deadly raids and attacksEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Agnese Boffano discuss the escalating violence in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, plus more on a referendum in Ecuador, the US State of the Union and Sri Lanka announcing new policies.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jeff Landset, Irene Villora, David Wyllie, Jaime Calle Moreno and Agnese Boffano. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we’ve misse...
2023-02-0211 minFactal ForecastFresh wave of protests in Venezuela throws new challenge at Maduro’s governmentEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Irene Villora discuss the protests underway in Venezuela, plus more on parliamentary elections in Tunisia, Hong Kong scrapping its COVID quarantine rule, pension reform strikes in France and civil servants striking in the UK.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Agnese Boffano, Hua Hsieh, Sophie Perryer, Jimmy Lovaas and Irene Villora. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or...
2023-01-2609 minGlobal Security Briefing by Factal and Emergent Risk InternationalFactal editors explain coverage techniques in Afghanistan; Emergent Risk International looks at upcoming electionsBoth Afghanistan and Pakistan create obstacles for Factal's coverage. Editors Awais and Halima explain the techniques the editorial team use to assure members get the information, context and accuracy they need.Factal's most recent Debrief is on the uneasy relations between Pakistan and Afghanistan.Emergent Risk International's Jackie and Iman go over the five things they're watching this next week, as well as the important elections of 2023, including how those could impact businesses.ERI is hosting the Strategic Intelligence Estimate: Global Business Infrastructure in 2023 on January 26.Since the earliest days of...
2023-01-1940 minFactal ForecastBiden classified document scandal threatens to derail political agendaEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Jeff Landset discuss President Biden's classified documents scandal, plus more on an opposition-initiated referendum in Slovakia, China’s Lunar New Year, Bolivia celebrating its Plurinational State Day and the 12th anniversary Egypt’s revolution.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Alex Moore, David Wyllie, Irene Villora, Agnese Boffano and Jeff Landset. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or even...
2023-01-1909 minFactal ForecastCalifornia’s tolls rise as new storms threaten millions with flooding riskEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Joe Veyera discuss the deadly storms wreaking havoc in California, plus more on the presidential election in the Czech Republic, the World Economic Forum in Switzerland, North Korea’s parliament holding a session and nurses striking in the UK.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Alex Moore, Owen Bonertz, Hua Hsieh, Jess Fino and Joe Veyera. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. ...
2023-01-1209 minGlobal Security Briefing by Factal and Emergent Risk InternationalPredictions for next week, next month and the next year by Emergent Risk International and FactalEmergent Risk International looks at their top five issues of the week. These include near-term looks at Covid in China, the Ukraine-Russia War, U.S. infrastructure sabotage, Brazil's new government, and Israel's new government.Factal predicts nine impacts on security and resilience professionals -- including the use of generative AI to provide intelligence analysis and the further splintering of social media. Cory recently wrote about eight predictions. Only the GSB gets all nine ;).There's a Q&A at the end, as usual. Head here to register for the Global Security Briefing to participate in chat...
2023-01-0558 minFactal ForecastNorth Korea tensions flare in wake of drone flights and missile testsEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Vivian Wang discuss rising tensions with North Korea following its recent drone incursions into South Korea, plus more on the North American Leaders Summit in Mexico City, Panama starting its census process, China reopening its borders and pension reform plans in France.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors David Wyllie, Jaime Calle Moreno, Irene Villora, Sophie Perryer and Vivian Wang. Music co...
2023-01-0510 minFactal ForecastThird year of drought threatens key crops in ArgentinaEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Jeff Landset discuss the drought affecting Argentina's heartland, plus more on parliamentary elections in Tunisia, primary elections in Paraguay, the World Cup final and an immigration policy set to end in the United States.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jimmy Lovaas, Irene Villora, David Wyllie, Joe Veyera, Jaime Calle Moreno, and Jeff Landset. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Not...
2022-12-1507 minFactal ForecastIran’s protests carry on while uncertainty over morality police continuesEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Agnese Boffano discuss the uncertain future of Iran's morality police amid months of protest, plus more on the first summit between China and Arab states, European Union and Southeast Asian nations holding their first full summit, an important bridge between Colombia and Venezuela reopening to traffic and a strike by British nurses.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Sophie Perryer, Hua H...
2022-12-0811 minFactal ForecastDeadly apartment fire sparks nationwide protests in China over “zero COVID” policyEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Vivian Wang discuss the wave of demonstrations that has spread across China in recent days, plus more on municipal elections in Cuba, Georgia’s high-profile Senate runoff, EU and Western Balkans leaders meeting in Albania and a possible strike by U.S. rail workers.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Irene Villora, David Wyllie, Alex Moore, Jimmy Lovaas and Vivian Wang. Musi...
2022-12-0110 minFactal ForecastTwitter faces uncertain future amid chaos, massive layoffs and calls for ad boycottEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Joe Veyera discuss the uncertainty surrounding Twitter, plus more on supporters of Pakistan’s ousted prime minister Imran Khan gathering in Islamabad, the Shanghai marathon, US and Russian officials meeting to discuss the nuclear arms reduction treaty and a US Senate hearing on the FTX cryptocurrency exchange situation.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Awais Ahmad, Hus Hsieh, Alex Moore, Jaime Cal...
2022-11-2412 minFactal ForecastUkraine war tensions spiral after errant missile kills two in PolandEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Joe Veyera discuss the recent missile strike in the Polish border area, plus more on the Black Sea grain deal expiring, the Francophone summit in Tunisia, the start of the World Cup and Russia’s President Putin visiting Armenia.UPDATE: Following the recording of this week’s episode, Ukraine announced that the Black Sea grain deal was extended for 120 days, despite Russia’s concerns that some of its demands have not been addressed yet. UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres welcomed the agreement even though it fell short of the one-year extension the UN...
2022-11-1709 minFactal ForecastUS midterm elections end as battle for Senate control continuesEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Joe Veyera discuss the US midterm elections, plus more on Lebanon getting a new president, marches against electoral reform in Mexico, NASA’s moon mission and Ukraine getting set to finalise new agreements with the International Monetary Fund.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Agnese Boffano, Irene Villora, Awais Ahmad, Jess Fino and Joe Veyera. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Hav...
2022-11-1009 minFactal ForecastRussia rejoins key Ukraine grain export deal, but fate of long-term extension loomsEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Alex Moore discuss the importance of the Black Sea grain deal and what to watch for next, plus more on the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Egypt, bird flu in the United Kingdom, the US midterm elections and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit in Cambodia.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Agnese Boffano, Jaime Calle Moreno, Joe Veyera, A...
2022-11-0312 minFactal ForecastBolivian strike turns deadly as protests grip economic hub Santa CruzEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Jaime Calle Moreno discuss the strike gripping Bolivia's agricultural export hub Santa Cruz, plus more on Elon Musk’s pending Twitter deal, a presidential runoff election in Brazil, Israel’s general election and Russia’s Unity Day.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jeff Landset, Jess Fino, Agnese Boffano, Alex Moore and Jaime Calle Moreno. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have fe...
2022-10-2713 minFactal ForecastDeadly fire at notorious Iranian prison heightens concerns for political prisonersEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Agnese Boffano discuss the deadly fire at Iran's notorious Evin Prison, plus more on a Pakistan likely coming off a watchdog’s “gray list,” Colombian and Venezuelan parliaments meeting, China’s Communist Party National Congress wrapping up and a possible start to US student loan debt relief.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more.These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Joe Veyera, Irene Villora, Awais Ahmad, Alex Moore and Agne...
2022-10-2010 minFactal ForecastNorth Korea nuclear test looms following spate of missile launchesEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Vivian Wang discuss North Korea's next nuclear test, plus more on a Jan. 6 Committee hearing, Burkina Faso picking a transitional president, NATO's annual nuclear deterrence exercises and the European Council meeting in Brussels. Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Joe Veyera, Awais Ahmad, Alex Moore, Jess Fino and Vivian Wang. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. ...
2022-10-1309 minFactal ForecastBurkina Faso sees second coup in nine months amid anti-French sentimentEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Sophie Perryer discuss Burkina Faso's second coup in just nine months, plus more on a strike by South African rail and port workers, Austria's presidential election, Japan reopening to mass tourism and Italy's parliament electing presidents for the Senate and Chamber of Deputies. .Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jeff Landset, Alex Moore, Halima Mansoor, Agnese Boffano and Sophie Perryer. Music co...
2022-10-0610 minFactal ForecastSabotage suspected after unexplained Nord Stream gas pipeline leaksEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Alex Moore discuss possible sabotage of the Nord Stream gas pipelines, plus more on Canada dropping COVID vaccine travel requirements, a presidential election in Brazil, a new term at the US Supreme Court and Puerto Rico ending tax exemptions on some food.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Joe Veyera, Irene Villora, Jeff Landset, Jaime Calle Moreno and Alex Moore. Music co...
2022-09-2913 minFactal ForecastAfter wreaking havoc on the Caribbean, Hurricane Fiona heads northEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Joe Veyera discuss Hurricane Fiona, plus more on annexation votes in Russian-occupied regions of Ukraine, elections in the Czech Republic, Cuba holding a referendum on a progressive Family Code and a state funeral for former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Alex Moore, Jess Fino, Irene Villora, David Wyllie and Joe Veyera. Music courtesy of Andrew Go...
2022-09-2208 minFactal ForecastClashes erupt between Armenia and Azerbaijan, sparking concerns of a broader conflictEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Alex Moore discuss the recent clashes between Armenia and Azerbaijan, plus more on Mexico Independence Day security measures, Serbia banning EuroPride, Queen Elizabeth’s funeral, El Salvador buying back debt bonds.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Irene Villora, Vivian Wang, David Wyllie, Joe Veyera and Alex Moore. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we’ve miss...
2022-09-1514 minFactal ForecastNew wave of unrest hits Chile after voters reject new constitutionEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Jaime Calle Moreno discuss the recent protests in Chile, plus more on the UN chief visiting Pakistan, a general election in Sweden, an Israeli settlement hearing and the United Kingdom's National Grid emergency exercise.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Alex Moore, Agnese Boffano, Ahmed Namatalla, Cristina Puerta and Jaime Calle Moreno. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, sug...
2022-09-0814 minFactal ForecastUkraine strikes psychological blow to Russia with Crimea attacksEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Alex Moore discuss the attacks in Crimea in recent weeks, plus more on a meeting concerning Sweden and Finland’s efforts to join NATO, the Nord Stream 1 pipeline shutting down for maintenance, Shanghai reopening schools and Kosovo implementing a controversial license plate measure.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Owen Bonertz, Sophie Perryer, Jaime Calle Moreno and Alex Moore. Music courtesy of A...
2022-08-2512 minFactal ForecastMexico deploys troops to border cities following surge of cartel violenceEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Irene Villora discuss the recent surge of cartel violence in Mexico, plus more on a no-confidence vote in Montenegro, the head of the UN visiting Ukraine, Greece leaving the EU's so-called enhanced surveillance framework and a court hearing regarding Idaho's abortion trigger law.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jaime Calle Moreno, Jeff Landset, Awais Ahmad, Joe Veyera and Irene Villora. Mu...
2022-08-1809 minFactal ForecastGaza ceasefire holds, but tensions remain high after dozens killed in Israeli operationEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Agnese Boffano discuss Israel’s recent military operation in the Gaza Strip, plus more on U.S. House lawmakers returning from recess, Pakistan’s Tehreek-e-Insaf political party holding a rally in Lahore, Thailand and China holding joint air force exercises and leaders from Serbia and Kosovo meeting.Subscribe to the show: Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts and many more. These stories and others are also available in our free weekly Forecast newsletter.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Joe Veyera, Irene Villora, Matthew Hipolito, Alex Moore and A...
2022-08-1113 minFactal ForecastLicense plate dispute leads to roadblocks, gunfire and rising tensions at Kosovo-Serbia borderEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Alex Moore discuss a rise in tensions at the Kosovo-Serbia border that recently led to gunfire, plus more on China's military drills around Taiwan, Colombia's presidential inauguration, Moldova's state of emergency and Kenya's upcoming election.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Vivian Wang, Irene Villora, Jess Fino, David Wyllie and Alex Moore. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we’ve missed? Drop us a note...
2022-08-0411 minFactal ForecastShocking surge in Haiti gang violence leaves hundreds dead and thousands stuck in crossfireEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Jaime Calle Moreno discuss a surge of gang violence in Haiti, plus more on Los Angeles considering a mask mandate, South Korea’s first lunar exploration mission, a vote in Kansas concerning abortion and Hungary’s controversial prime minister speaking at a conservative conference in Texas.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors David Wylie, Vivian Wang, Joe Veyera, Jess Fino and Jaime Calle Moreno. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have...
2022-07-2815 minFactal ForecastA scorched Europe grapples with fires amid record heatEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Jess Fino discuss Europe's brutal heat wave, plus more on Macau reopening, Pope Francis visiting Canada, a constitution referendum in Tunisia and French President Macron visiting Benin and Cameroon.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Alex Moore, Awais Ahmad, Joe Veyera, Sophie Perryer and Jess Fino. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we’ve missed? Drop us a note: hello@factal.comWh...
2022-07-2111 minFactal ForecastAbe’s military goals persist in Japan as questions swirl around assassinationEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Vivian Wang discuss the assassination of Japan’s former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, plus more on Russia’s parliament holding an extraordinary session, an extreme heat warning for the UK, presidents from Russia, Turkey and Iran meeting in Tehran and Sri Lanka’s parliament voting for a new president.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Alex Moore, Jeff Landset, Ahmed Namatalla, Jaime Calle Moreno and Vivian Wang. Music courtesy of Andrew...
2022-07-1411 minFactal ForecastItaly’s worst drought in 70 years threatens crops and powerEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Jaime Calle Moreno discuss Italy's worst drought in 70 years, plus more on French airport workers going on strike, a UN Security Council meeting concerning Syrian aid, Japan’s Upper House elections and Mexico’s president visiting the White House.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jess Fino, Sophie Perryer, Joe Veyera, Jimmy Lovaas and Jaime Calle Moreno. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we’ve misse...
2022-07-0713 minFactal ForecastSri Lanka halts non-essential fuel sales as economic crisis spiralsEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Jeff Landset discuss the fuel crisis underway in Sri Lanka, plus more on Turkey and Armenia working to normalize relations, WNBA star Brittney Griner's trial in Russia, U.S. Independence Day and French unions calling for a national rail strike.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jaime Calle Moreno, Alex Moore, Joe Veyera, Sophie Perryer and Jeff Landset. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we...
2022-06-3008 minFactal ForecastFrench President Macron faces no confidence vote after bloc loses absolute majority in parliamentEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Sophie Perryer discuss France's recent legislative election, plus more on Ryanair cabin crew going on strike in several European countries, New York City’s Pride March, a NATO summit in Madrid and a presidential inauguration in the Philippines.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jess Fino, Imana Gunawan, David Wyllie, Jaime Calle Moreno and Sophie Perryer. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we’ve missed...
2022-06-2310 minFactal ForecastDozens of Iraqi lawmakers quit parliament as political crisis deepensEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Ahmed Namatalla discuss the recent resignations of dozens of Iraqi lawmakers, plus more on the European Commission deciding if it will recommend Ukraine be granted candidate status for EU membership, Colombia’s presidential election runoff, Belarus holding military exercises near Ukraine’s border and the World Health Organization meeting on monkeypox.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Irene Villora, Jeff Landset, Alex Moore, Jess Fino, Agnese Boffano and Ahmed Namatalla. Music...
2022-06-1612 minFactal ForecastThousands join US-bound migrant caravan in southern Mexico as regional leaders consider immigration policiesEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Jaime Calle Moreno discuss the U.S.-bound migrant caravan on the move in southern Mexico, plus more on demonstrations against gun violence across the United States, Norwegian oil and gas workers threatening to strike, the FDA reviewing coronavirus vaccines for small children and two Saudi government delegations visiting the US.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode includes work from Factal editors Joe Veyera, Irene Villora, David Wyllie, Alex Moore and Jaime Calle Moreno. Music courtesy of...
2022-06-0914 minFactal ForecastScrutiny grows over Uvalde, Texas, police response following new discrepanciesEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Jeff Landset discuss the latest developments in the investigation into the Uvalde, Texas, school shooting, plus more on Tropical Storm Alex, US, Japan and South Korea meeting to discuss North Korea, a constitutional referendum in Kazakhstan and local elections in Mexico.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Joe Veyera, David Wyllie, Alex Moore, Irene Villora and Jeff Landset. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we...
2022-06-0210 minFactal ForecastWar in Ukraine rages on with future of the Donbas region at stakeEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Alex Moore discuss the fighting intensifying in eastern Ukraine, plus more on Colombia’s presidential election, the annual Jerusalem Day “Flag March”, a national strike in Belgium and water restrictions in California.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jaime Calle Moreno, Jeff Landset, Joe Veyera, Ahmed Namatalla and Alex Moore. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we’ve missed? Drop us a note: hello@factal.com...
2022-05-2611 minFactal ForecastAs Colombia cracks down on cartel violence, the country braces for moreEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Irene Villora discuss recent violence by Colombia's Clan del Golfo cartel, plus more on Sweden considering NATO membership, Somalia’s presidential election, Turkey’s foreign minister visiting the US and Australia’s election.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.Note: Our podcast (and the weekly Forecast email) will be off next week, but we'll be back on May 26. In the meantime, be sure to follow us on Twitter where we’ll still be posting breaking news.This...
2022-05-1211 minFactal ForecastProtests in Armenia over possible Nagorno-Karabakh concessions spark fears of mass unrestEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Imana Gunawan discuss the anti-government protests in Armenia, plus more on the Israeli parliament reconvening, Russia's annual military parade, Philippine elections and Sudan's upcoming national dialogue. These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Ahmed Namatalla, Alex Moore, David Wyllie, Agnese Boffano and Imana Gunawan. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we’ve missed? Drop us a note: hello@factal.comWhat's Factal? Cr...
2022-05-0510 minFactal ForecastSneak peak at The Debrief: Pakistan in political turmoil after PM Khan oustedEditors Sophie Perryer and Awais Ahmad discuss Pakistan's political crisis, plus more from Jimmy Lovaas on Greece raising its minimum wage, Italy easing coronavirus passport rules, a meeting of the U.S. Federal Reserve and Russian companies delisting from international exchanges.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.Subscribing to The Debrief Newsletter is also free. Our next edition comes out May 2nd and features a deeper look at Pakistan's political turmoil.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jess...
2022-04-2808 minFactal ForecastIsrael faces political crisis amid escalating violence in East JerusalemEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Agnese Boffano discuss the political crisis unfolding in Israel, plus more on round two of the French presidential election, South Korea easing coronavirus restrictions, the end of El Salvador’s state of emergency and Somalia’s parliament electing its leadership.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jeff Landset, Jess Fino, Jaime Calle Moreno, Irene Villora and Agnese Boffano. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we’ve...
2022-04-2111 minFactal ForecastAnti-government protests break out in Sri Lanka as economic and energy crises worsenEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Imana Gunawan discuss anti-government protests in Sri Lanka, plus more on Russia resuming travel with 52 "friendly" countries, a presidential election in the breakaway Georgian region of South Ossetia, a trucker convoy headed for Los Angeles and Somalia swearing in members of Parliament.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.Note: Our podcast will be off next week for Spring Break, but we'll be back on April 21. In the meantime, be sure to follow us on Twitter where we’ll...
2022-04-0709 minFactal ForecastIsrael on edge after three deadly attacks in a weekEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Ahmed Namatalla discuss recent deadly attacks in Israel, plus more on Shanghai’s coronavirus lockdown, a strike by Tunisian journalists, elections in Hungary, the U.S. Senate Judiciary Committee voting on the nomination of Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson to the Supreme Court.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Imana Gunawan, Agnese Boffano, Jaime Calle Moreno, Joe Veyera and Ahmed Namatalla. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or e...
2022-03-3112 minFactal ForecastIn Ukraine’s besieged city of Mariupol, thousands remain trapped with Russian forces closing inEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Alex Moore discuss Ukraine’s besieged city of Mariupol, plus more on Argentina's debt deal with the International Monetary Fund, Pakistani lawmakers considering a no confidence motion against Prime Minister Imran Khan, Zimbabwe's by-elections and Yemen peace talks. These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Irene Villora, Awais Ahmad, Jimmy Lovaas, Agnese Boffano and Alex Moore. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we’ve missed? Drop us...
2022-03-2414 minFactal ForecastWith all eyes on Ukraine, North Korea conducts tenth missile launch of yearEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Vivian Wang discuss North Korea's startling number of missile tests, plus more on Major League Baseball Spring Training games, Germany relaxing coronavirus rules, Supreme Court confirmation hearings and NATO leaders meeting to discuss Ukraine.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Joe Veyera, Jeff Landset, David Wyllie, Imana Gunawan and Vivian Wang. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we’ve missed? Drop us a note: hell...
2022-03-1709 minFactal ForecastRussia's invasion of Ukraine complicates plans to revive the Iran nuclear dealEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Agnese Boffano discuss how Russia's invasion of Ukraine complicates plans to revive the Iran nuclear deal, plus more on European Union heads of state meeting in Versaille, a presidential election in Turkmenistan and Colombia’s legislative elections, France lifting its vaccine passport rules.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jess Fino, Alex Moore, Irene Villora, Sophie Perryer and Agnese Boffano. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or ev...
2022-03-1010 minFactal ForecastTrucker convoy heads to US capital despite easing of coronavirus-related restrictionsEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Joe Veyera discuss an anti-mandate protest headed for Washington, DC, plus more on the upcoming French presidential election, International Court of Justice hearings over the war in Ukraine, a protest march in Pakistan and South Korea's presidential election.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Thibault Spirlet, Irene Villora, Jaime Calle Moreno, Vivian Wang and Joe Veyera. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we’ve miss...
2022-03-0309 minFactal ForecastRussia’s moves in eastern Ukraine intensify, raising fears of a deadly warEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Alex Moore discuss the escalating conflict between Russia and Ukraine, plus more on Somalia’s national election deadline, a constitutional referendum in Belarus, Canada easing travel restrictions and President Biden delivering the State of the Union.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Vivian Wang, Jimmy Lovaas, Thibault Spirlet, Jaime Calle and Alex More. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we’ve missed? Drop us a note...
2022-02-2415 minFactal ForecastA renewed power struggle in Libya threatens country’s tenuous stabilityEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Agnese Boffano discuss a renewed power struggle in Libya plus more on the Munich Security Conference, the Winter Olympics closing ceremony, Australia reopening its borders to vaccinated travelers and a UN General Assembly meeting on Ukraine.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Irene Villora, Thibault Spirlet, Imana Gunawan, Alex Moore and Agnese Boffano. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we’ve missed? Drop us a no...
2022-02-1711 minFactal ForecastAfter closing a border bridge, Canada’s anti-vaccine truckers may inspire a U.S. protestEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Joe Veyera discuss the Canadian truckers protesting a vaccine mandate, plus more on a strike at London’s Heathrow Airport, Germany’s presidential election, Russia's State Duma Council discussing a bill to recognize breakaway republics in eastern Ukraine and leaders from the European Union and African Union meeting for a summit.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Irene Villora, David Wyllie, Alex Moore, Jess Fino, Ahmed Namatalla and Joe Veyera. Music...
2022-02-1009 minFactal ForecastFailed coup attempt in Guinea-Bissau adds to concerns about West African stabilityEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Sophie Perryer discuss an apparent coup attempt in Guinea-Bissau, plus more on the cyclone headed for Madagascar, an election in Costa Rica, Libya's parliament voting on a new prime minister and Russian military exercises in Belarus.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jeff Landset, Irene Villora, Alex Moore, David Wyllie and Sophie Perryer. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we’ve missed? Drop us a no...
2022-02-0308 minFactal ForecastBurkina Faso’s military seizes power, marking Africa’s fifth coup in less than two yearsEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Ahmed Namatalla discuss the coup in Burkina Faso, plus more on Canadian truckers protesting a vaccine mandate, elections in Portugal, Hungary’s prime minister visiting Russia and the start of the Winter Olympics in Beijing.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors David Wyllie, Jess Fino, Bada Kim, Vivian Wang and Ahmed Namatalla. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we’ve missed? Drop us a note...
2022-01-2712 min
Factal ForecastNorth Korea's recent missile launches pose new challenges for missile defense systemsEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Vivian Wang discuss North Korea's recent missile launches, plus more on Beijing tightening travel rules, foreign troops leaving Kazakhstan, a meeting of Lebanon's government and England scrapping its "Plan B" coronavirus rules.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jimmy Lovaas, Awais Ahmad, Ahmed Namatalla, Sophie Perryer and Vivian Wang. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we’ve missed? Drop us a note: hello@factal.com
2022-01-2008 minFactal ForecastKazakhstan's deadly protests end, but political upheaval shrouds futureEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Alex Moore discuss the deadly protests in Kazakhstan, plus more on the U.S. Senate's vote on a Nord Stream 2 sanctions bill*, possible protests by India's farmers, a Serbian constitutional referendum and the start of the Australian Open. These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Jimmy Lovaas, Jeff Landset, Joe Veyera, David Wyllie and Alex Moore. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. Have feedback, suggestions or events we’ve missed? Drop...
2022-01-1311 minFactal ForecastSudan’s prime minister quits, leaving military in control as protests growEditors Jimmy Lovaas and Ahmed Namatalla discuss the unrest in Sudan, plus more on Iraq's new parliament holding its first session, Portugal lifting some of its coronavirus-related restrictions, the U.S. Occupational Health and Safety Administration penalizing companies that fail to enforce coronavirus vaccine guidelines and Russia-U.S. talks in Geneva.These stories and more are also available in our weekly Forecast email and you can subscribe for free.This episode was produced with work from Factal editors Alex Moore, Jess Fino, Irene Villora, David Wyllie and Ahmed Namatalla. Music courtesy of Andrew Gospe. ...
2022-01-0612 minFactal ForecastRussia workplace shutdown, Brazil trucker strike, Texas abortion ban hearing, UN report on Ethiopia, Sudan coupIn response to soaring coronavirus death tolls, Russian President Putin declared a week of “non-working days” starting Friday as part of a series of new, stricter restrictions introduced to combat the spike.Truck drivers across several Brazilian states are planning to strike Monday over the increase in fuel prices and new government’s proposals for the sector.The U.S. Supreme Court will hear arguments starting Monday concerning Texas’ highly restrictive abortion law that bans the procedure after roughly six weeks of pregnancy and enables lawsuits against abortion providers.A UN report due to be released on Monday is expected to revea...
2021-10-2810 minFactal ForecastLibyan liberation anniversary, Uzbekistan election, Canadian cabinet reshuffle, Afghanistan conference, Haiti kidnappingSaturday marks a decade since Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi was killed by rebel groups in the culmination of an uprising, and the country is in a state of ceasefire — but presidential elections scheduled for December threaten to disrupt the fragile peace.Uzbek citizens will head to polls Saturday to vote for a president in the country’s first election since incumbent President Shavkat Mirziyoyev came to power in September 2016.Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau plans to reshuffle his cabinet Tuesday following last month’s snap election.Iran is set to host a meeting Wednesday of foreign ministers representing the six countr...
2021-10-2109 minFactal ForecastFDA discusses vaccine boosters, France COVID test fee, NBA season starts, Russia invites Taliban to talks, Lebanon power outagesThe U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Vaccines and Related Biological Products Advisory Committee will meet on Thursday to review safety and efficacy data for potential booster doses of the Moderna coronavirus vaccine. The panel will reconvene the next day for similar discussions regarding the Johnson & Johnson shot.Unvaccinated French citizens will no longer be able to get free coronavirus tests starting Friday as Paris’ attempts to encourage the population to get vaccinated escalate. Tests for vaccinated citizens will remain free.The NBA season kicks off Tuesday with questions about the vaccination status of one of its star players.Russia wi...
2021-10-1409 minFactal ForecastUS-Mexico security talks, G20 meets on Afghanistan, EU-Ukraine summit, Bali reopens, Pandora PapersMexican and U.S. officials are set to hold security talks on Friday in Mexico City.Leaders from the world’s 20 largest economies will hold a virtual summit on Tuesday to discuss the ongoing crisis in Afghanistan after G20 chair Italy pressed for it. The session will focus on the ongoing humanitarian and economic crisis in the country that has worsened since the Taliban seized power.EU diplomats will hold a summit with Ukraine on Tuesday to discuss a host of issues between the bloc and Kyiv.Indonesia’s tourist island of Bali will reopen to some countries on Thursday afte...
2021-10-0709 minFactal ForecastPortugal lifts restrictions, Women's March, Japan gets new prime minister, US Supreme Court resumes, Kosovo-Serbia border protestPortugal is set to lift nearly all remaining coronavirus restrictions on Friday as it leads the world in vaccinations.The Women’s March is planning a rally across all 50 U.S. states on Saturday in response to controversial legislation introduced in Texas that significantly limits women’s access to abortion.Japan’s parliament will likely convene on Monday in a special parliamentary session to confirm former foreign minister Fumio Kishida as the country’s new prime minister.The U.S. Supreme Court will hold in-person oral arguments on Monday for the first time in the coronavirus era, however on a limited...
2021-09-3008 minFactal ForecastNetherlands eases restrictions, Tunisia protest, Germany's election, North Korea legislature, Australia-UK-US security pactMost social distancing measures will be dropped in the Netherlands starting Saturday, as the country moves to a "health pass" system requiring proof of coronavirus vaccination for entry into various venues.Opposition is mounting against Tunisian President Kais Saied after he extended indefinitely the “exceptional measures” he took in July that effectively consolidated all power in his hands. Protesters are planning to hold rallies Saturday after the first major demonstration took place in Tunis last week.The race continues between the centre-right’s CDU and the centre-left’s SPD in the final few days before German voters head to the polls Su...
2021-09-2310 minFactal ForecastUS Capitol rally, Canadian election, Zuma corruption trial, Polish hearing on EU law, Biden vaccine mandateSupporters of those jailed in connection to the Jan. 6 riot at the U.S. Capitol are expected to hold rallies across the United States on Saturday.Voters across Canada’s 13 provinces and territories will go to the polls Monday in the country’s 2021 federal election, with Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his Liberal Party of Canada seeking re-election as the largest bloc in the House of Commons.The hearing of former South African President Jacob Zuma regarding his involvement in a 1990s arms deal is set to continue Thursday after the 79-year-old’s defense agreed to a 12-day postponement earlier this m...
2021-09-1612 minFactal ForecastRussia military exercises, UN aid conference on Afghanistan, California recall election, coronavirus vaccine boosters, Guinea coupMassive quadrennial military exercises led by Russia and known as “Zapad” are set to begin Friday.The United Nations will convene an international aid conference in Geneva on Monday to discuss the Afghanistan crisis.California Gov. Gavin Newsom’s time in the governor’s mansion may be coming to a sooner-than-expected end depending on how Tuesday’s recall election pans out. The White House will consider a booster shot drive in the United States later this month in a public session with Israel’s Health Ministry on Friday.Guinea coup -- an interview with Factal senior editor Sophie Perryer. These stories...
2021-09-0909 minFactal ForecastRussian diplomats leave US, Brazil marches, Trump White House records, NFL season, Afghanistan updateTwo dozen Russian diplomats will be forced to leave the United States on or before Friday after their visas expire, the Russian ambassador said in an interview.Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is calling for his supporters to take to the streets on Tuesday amid a corruption investigation that may lead to his removal from office.Eight U.S. federal agencies have until Thursday to release a trove of documents relating to the Jan. 6 Capitol riot after receiving subpoenas from the House committee investigating the incident.The National Football League will kick off its 2021 season next Thursday as the Dallas Cowboys...
2021-09-0210 minFactal ForecastAfghanistan withdrawal deadline, China's Data Security Law, Belarus-US relations, Nord Stream 2 pipeline, Haiti earthquakePresident Biden remained resolute that the United States will evacuate all Americans from Afghanistan by Tuesday’s deadline, despite calls from G7 allies to extend the date to allow greater numbers of at-risk Afghans to depart the country.Businesses that transfer key data overseas without prior approval from the Chinese government face "hefty punishments" under a new law that goes into effect Wednesday.Belarus has demanded the United States reduce the number of staff at its Minsk embassy to just five people by Wednesday.With Russia’s President Putin saying that there remain just nine miles left to complete on the...
2021-08-2609 minFactal ForecastSan Francisco vaccine mandate, Cuomo steps down, Tokyo Paralympics, Biden cybersecurity talks, Afghanistan conflictPatrons at restaurants, bars, clubs, and gyms in San Francisco, as well as attendees of large events at indoor venues, will be required to show proof of full coronavirus vaccination starting Friday.New York Gov. Andrew Cuomo will leave office on Tuesday after an investigation by the state’s attorney general accused him of sexually harassing at least 11 women.With the Tokyo Olympics wrapped, the Paralympics are set to begin next Tuesday with no spectators, as the metropolitan area extends its state of emergency over an ongoing surge of coronavirus cases.President Joe Biden and his national security team will me...
2021-08-1911 minFactal ForecastPacific Northwest heatwave, Venezuela political talks, Poland's EU deadline, NYC vaccine mandate, Greece wildfiresSix weeks after an unprecedented heat wave shattered records and left hundreds dead in British Columbia, Washington state and Oregon, people across the region are again facing high temperatures that started Wednesday and are expected to continue through the end of the week.The Venezuelan government and the opposition have agreed to engage in talks expected to begin Friday in Mexico to solve the country’s political crisis.The European Commission warned Poland must comply with two decisions made by the European Court of Justice by Monday or face financial sanctions.Restaurant patrons in New York CIty will need to sh...
2021-08-1209 minFactal ForecastOlympics closing ceremony, France 'health pass,' Canada opens border, Zambia election, Delta variantThe 2020 Tokyo Summer Olympics are coming to a close on Sunday after a year of pandemic-related controversy and delay.Starting Monday, anyone visiting restaurants and bars in France will have to show proof of coronavirus vaccination, recent infection or a negative test result as the country expands the scope of its coronavirus pass.The Canadian government will begin allowing entry to vaccinated American citizens and permanent residents starting Monday after more than a year of closed borders due to the coronavirus pandemic.Zambians will vote Thursday to elect the country’s next president and members of its National Assembly.Update on...
2021-08-0509 minFactal ForecastHaitian president’s funeral, Lebanon government consultations, Myanmar leader trial, Peru's new president, Bootleg Fire in OregonFormer Haitian President Jovenel Moïse will be laid to rest on Friday in Cap-Haïtien after being assassinated earlier this month.Lebanon’s parliament will begin new consultations Monday, with the hopes of choosing a new prime minister following Saad Hariri’s resignation from the post.Myanmar’s deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi will stand trial as early as Monday, culminating legal efforts against her originating following the Feb. 1 military coup.Pedro Castillo will take office on Wednesday after winning Peru’s presidential election following weeks of litigation and accusations of fraud.The Bootleg Fire burning in Oregon -- an inte...
2021-07-2209 minFactal ForecastHajj begins, UK eases restrictions, US fast food workers strike, Colombia Congress resumes, Cuba protestsThe annual Islamic pilgrimage to holy sites in western Saudi Arabia starts Sunday with participation restricted to just 60,000 pilgrims as the world continues to grapple with coronavirus.Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed England will lift all coronavirus restrictions on Monday despite a rise in infections, while most devolved nations continue to take a more cautious approach.Fast food workers plan to strike in nine U.S. cities Tuesday to demand a rise of the minimum wage amid a historical workforce shortage in the industry.Colombia’s bicameral national legislature will resume Tuesday — roughly a week before the three-month anniversary of the...
2021-07-1510 minFactal ForecastOlympic torch relay, Virgin Galactic test flight, Bulgaria snap elections, Jacob Zuma hearing, Eswatini protestsMore than a year after the 2020 summer games were postponed, the Olympic torch relay finally arrives Friday in the Japanese capital engulfed in rising concerns over the sporting event.A new era of space tourism kicks off on Sunday when billionaire Richard Branson will go to space aboard his Virgin Galactic ship.Bulgaria’s President Rumen Radev announced new elections will take place on Sunday.On Monday, South Africa’s Constitutional Court is scheduled to hear former President Jacob Zuma’s challenge against his jail sentence.Pro-democracy protests in the Kingdom of Eswatini -- an interview with Factal editor Sophie Perrye...
2021-07-0810 minFactal ForecastCarnival Cruise restarts, Burkina Faso protests, Jeff Bezos steps down, India same-sex marriage, Brazil's mining industryThe Carnival Vista cruise ship is set to sail from Port of Galveston, Texas, on Saturday — the first time a Carnival Cruise Line ship has sailed from the United States in more than a year.Burkina Faso opposition groups are expected to march throughout the country Saturday as part of silent demonstrations against the government’s failure to tackle a growing jihadist insurgency.Jeff Bezos, the world’s richest man, will step down as chief executive officer of Amazon on Monday.The high court in Delhi, India, on Monday is set to continue hearing petitions seeking legal recognitions for same-sex couples...
2021-07-0112 minFactal ForecastAfghan president visits White House, Derek Chauvin sentencing, Trump rally in Ohio, India transporters strike, Sri Lanka ship fire cleanupPresident Joe Biden and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani will meet face-to-face for the first time Friday, as the United States continues to withdraw its 8,600 troops from Afghanistan following the decades-long conflict.Former Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin, who was convicted of murder in the death of George Floyd in May last year, will be sentenced on Friday after an initial delay.Former President Donald Trump is set to speak to supporters on Saturday at the first of several planned rallies to boost Republican allies running for Congress against ones who stood against his claims of election fraud.Transportation organizations in...
2021-06-2408 minFactal ForecastIran nuclear talks deadline, George Floyd death anniversary, Syrian president election, Mexico City protests, Belarus crackdownU.S. and European negotiators are rushing to conclude negotiations with Iran to revive the 2015 agreement that curbed its uranium enrichment by a Friday deadline. Tuesday marks one year since George Floyd was killed by now-former Minneapolis officer Derek Chauvin. A decade after the Syrian civil war began, President Bashar al-Assad looks certain to tighten his grip on power in Wednesday’s presidential election. Loved ones of the 43 students who went missing in Mexico nearly seven years ago will press for more answers in a Mexico City protest. And an interview with Factal editor Alex Moore on the Belarus opp...
2021-05-2009 minFactal ForecastGreece tourism, Puerto Rico election, China's Mars rover, Somalia leaders meet, Israel-Palestine conflictThe Greek government will officially open up for tourists in a bid to boost the tourism sector upon which the country relies economically. Puerto Ricans will vote in an election to send two special delegates to the U.S. Senate and four to the House of Representatives, with plans to become the 51st state. China’s six-wheeled, solar-powered Mars rover is scheduled to land on the Red Planet. Somali Prime Minister Mohamed Roble will meet with federal state leaders to discuss how to hold a much-delayed presidential election. And an interview with Factal editor Ahmed Namatalla on the Israeli-Palestinian conf...
2021-05-1313 minFactal ForecastScottish elections, Amazon union fight, Eid restrictions, Myanmar leader hearing, Colombia protestsScottish citizens will vote for a new government following months of public inquiries into some of the country’s most prominent politicians. The National Labor Relations Board will hold a hearing to consider objections to last month’s Amazon union election in Alabama. Multiple countries across the Middle East are tightening restrictions ahead of the Eid al-Fitr holiday. Myanmar’s deposed leader Aung San Suu Kyi is expected to appear before a court as she remains under house arrest. And an interview with Factal editor Irene Villora about the national strike that has ground Colombia to a halt.Th...
2021-05-0610 min