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As New Zealand approaches the 2026 general election, Andy Loader questions the growing cost of government, the expansion of the public service and whether taxpayers can continue funding an ever-increasing bureaucracy. He argues that voters must distinguish essential public services from political promises that ultimately add to the national debt. How much does New Zealand owe in debt? · As of late 2026, New Zealand's net core Crown debt stands…

Donald Trump has accused Vladimir Zelensky of resisting efforts to end the Ukraine conflict, following criticism of Washington’s diplomatic engagement with Moscow. In France, opposition figures blame government policies for weekend unrest as protests and disorder spread across parts of Europe. Meanwhile, Israel’s Defence Minister has threatened a permanent military presence in southern Lebanon ahead of diplomatic talks in Washington, amid…

Labour has entered the 2026 election campaign promising restrictions on social media access for children under 16, a new digital regulator and stronger controls over technology companies. The proposal raises legitimate questions about protecting young people, but also about whether blanket restrictions can work without imposing new identification requirements and privacy risks on everyone. Report by eLocal · A Promise Made During an Election…

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In this opinion, Dr Guy Hatchard examines the retraction of a prominent Covid vaccine research paper following findings of fabricated data and falsified images. He questions the integrity of biotechnology research, raises concerns about possible links between mRNA vaccination and autoimmune disease, and challenges New Zealand health authorities to release comprehensive health data for independent scrutiny. His central argument is that public…

The Health Practitioners Disciplinary Tribunal censured Catherine Simpson and suspended her registration for two months over offensive social media posts, but stopped short of ending her nursing career. Health New Zealand subsequently dismissed her for serious misconduct, according to the Free Speech Union, raising questions about free expression, professional standards and the limits of state employment power. Report by eLocal · !Registered…

Vladimir Zelensky accuses Donald Trump of making a mistake by engaging with Russia, after the US president suggested Ukraine needs new leadership. Russia’s foreign minister claims Zelensky is unwilling to negotiate peace and is determined to remain in power. Meanwhile, widespread unrest sweeps European cities, with more than 2,000 arrests reported. France sees some of the largest demonstrations, driven by anger over the government’s handling of…

In this episode of Moscow Mules, Chay Bowes and the crew grab the popcorn for Zelensky’s latest public meltdown over the Trump-Putin “Diesel Deal”- and trust us, the PR tears are flowing. While Kiev goes completely dark and recruiters drag naked guys straight out of the shower, the Pentagon is busy flexing its muscles by planning the livestreamed execution of a paraplegic. Sanity has officially left the building, but Vladimir Putin’s ghost is…

Ukraine's latest request for European financial assistance has reopened a fundamental question about the war with Russia: how much longer can European governments sustain Kyiv's military and budgetary needs, and who ultimately carries the financial risk? With an additional €70 billion reportedly sought for 2027, divisions are emerging over the scale, accountability and repayment of Europe's commitments. INR Report: Based on RT's October 17,…

US President Donald Trump's latest White House press secretary has departed after only five days in the role, following criticism of her debut briefing and questions about her professional qualifications. The episode raises wider questions about how the administration selects its senior public representatives and communicates with the American public. INR Report: Based on reporting by RT, published 16 October 2026. · Katie Zacharia's brief…