Growing protests in Iran, Colombian drug investigation, Preparing Milan's Olympic Hockey rink, and more

Summary

Podcast Summary: Your World Tonight (CBC)

Episode Date: January 11, 2026
Hosts: Susan Bonner & Stephanie Skenderis
Runtime Covered: ~00:43–27:30

Overview

This episode of Your World Tonight from CBC covers major global stories: ongoing protests and government crackdowns in Iran, U.S. federal action in Minneapolis following an ICE shooting, fresh wiretap evidence in the U.S. case against Venezuela’s Nicolas Maduro, Canadian responses to Australia’s bushfires, diplomatic moves before the Canadian prime minister’s trip to China, snowbirds grappling with tough choices in Florida, cultural renewal in Naples, and preparations—and problems—at Milan’s new Olympic hockey rink ahead of the 2026 Winter Games.

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Key Segments & Insights

1. Escalating Protests and Crackdown in Iran

[00:43–04:21]

• Widespread Unrest: Hundreds are now reported dead and over 10,000 arrested after Iranian authorities crack down on persistent nationwide protests, sparked by economic collapse and the national currency’s freefall.
  • "Activists say more than 500 people have been killed, another 10,000 arrested as government forces crack down on growing nationwide protests." —Katie Simpson [01:56]
• Government Response: President Masoud Peseshkian blames economic issues but accuses the U.S. and Israel of instigating unrest, calling the demonstrations “sabotage.”
  • "The United States and Israel are sitting there giving instructions to these people." —Masoud Peseshkian (via Katie Simpson) [02:34]
• U.S. Threats: President Trump hints at possible direct intervention, stating:
  • "If they start killing people like they have in the past, we will get involved. We'll be hitting them very hard where it hurts." —Donald Trump (quoted by Stephanie Skenderis) [03:27]
• Iranian Parliament’s Reaction: “God is great and death to the USA!” Lawmakers vow to make U.S. and Israeli targets legitimate if attacked.
• Uncertainty Over U.S. Action: Trump is considering his options, citing past “success” in Venezuela as emboldening his stance.

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2. Massive ICE Operation and Tensions in Minneapolis

[04:21–07:32]

• Surge in Federal Agents: DHS Secretary Kristi Noem sends hundreds more agents to Minneapolis after an ICE agent kills a local woman, Renee Good, fueling already intense protests over immigration enforcement.
• Firsthand Fear:
  • "Yeah, so it was terrifying. I have two kids, 6 and 11, and they're both really scared. You know, it felt unsafe outside." —Mike Hodap, Minneapolis resident [05:31]
• Differing Narratives:
  • Representative Ilhan Omar maintains Renee Good was peaceful, while Trump’s border czar Tom Holman calls her actions a crime.
• Response from Local Leaders: Minneapolis mayor Jacob Fry insists the city is being made less safe by federal intervention.
  • "Two shootings in a large city so far this entire year. And one of them is ICE. This is a safe city." —Mayor Jacob Fry [07:00]
• Community Disruption: Residents voice emotional turmoil and fear, struggling to reassure their families.

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3. Venezuelan Drug Trafficking Evidence – The 'Cartel of the Suns'

[07:32–10:15]

• New Wiretap Recording: CBC obtains a phone recording from a Colombian police operation, reportedly providing fresh evidence of high-ranking Venezuelan military involvement in international cocaine shipments.
  • "They are the ones with the Suns who are sending loads of drugs," says a cartel broker on tape [08:03].
  • Payments to the generals are strictly upfront: "They don't give discounts."
• Implicated Officials: The “Cartel of the Suns” allegedly controls all outbound cocaine from Venezuela, with state-run covert airfields for large shipments.
• Legal Fallout: These tapes are supporting U.S. federal charges of drug trafficking against captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, who face trial in New York.

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4. Canadian Firefighters Sent to Australia as Wildfires Worsen

[10:15–13:25]

• International Aid: Two Canadian firefighting teams are en route to Victoria, Australia, where devastating bushfires have razed homes and led to fatalities.
• Local Impact:
  • Survivors recount near-complete destruction:
    • "I was extremely lucky, but there's a lot here worse off than I was. It's terrible, terrible to see the county." —Noel Brown, Harcourt resident [11:13]
  • "Nothing's left. And I ran away yesterday with nothing, nothing." —Ali McIver, Longwood area resident [12:59]
• Extended Emergency: Bushfires are the worst since 2019-2020's "Black Summer." The government warns they may burn for weeks.

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5. Canadian PM’s High-Stakes Visit to China & Trade Issues

[13:25–16:30]

• Significance: Mark Carney’s impending trip to Beijing is the first by a Canadian PM in nearly a decade, aiming to mend and reboot relations soured by tariffs (canola, EVs), Huawei’s case, and tit-for-tat political retaliation.
  • "It's an estimate, but he figures his family's farm has taken a hit worth nearly $500,000." —David Thornton, on farmer Bill Przybylski [13:46]
• Strategic Trade Talks:
  • Canada seeks to end Chinese canola tariffs, but is cautious about removing EV tariffs, especially given auto sector ties to the U.S.
    • "From China’s perspective, it’s simple. They will remove the tariffs if we remove tariffs on EVs." —Veena Najibullah, Asia Pacific Foundation [15:17]
• Regional Diplomacy:
  • Meanwhile, BC is cultivating Indian forestry trade despite strained Canada-India relations post-Sikh leader killing.
  • Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre blames high taxes and calls for tougher U.S. trade negotiations.

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6. Canadian Snowbirds Caught in U.S. Political and Economic Crossfire

[16:30–19:53]

• Dilemma Over Florida Homes: Canadians uncomfortable with U.S. politics under Trump and trade tensions are considering pulling out of their long-time winter homes, but a slumping property market traps many.
  • "I just don't want to anymore. I can take my dollars elsewhere." —Donna Lockhart, snowbird [16:49]
  • "It's kind of a bit like a slap in the face after you've, you know, been dating for a long time. What do you mean you don't like me anymore? You know?" —Donna Lockhart [17:13]
• Real Estate Glut:
  • Sales stall as Canadians rush to sell, but buyers are scarce and home insurance premiums have soared post-hurricane.
  • "It found a stunning 54% of all Canadians with homes stateside are considering selling them." —Royal LePage poll, via Analpyse Kouladi Alegreti [18:46]
• Political Outreach: Local politicians urge Canadians to stay, emphasizing historic bonds between the two countries.
  • "We were allies in both world wars. You know, we're basically, you know, cousins." —Alan Spence, congressional candidate [19:31]

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7. Naples Social Enterprise Revives Crime-Ridden District

[19:53–23:58]

• Community-Led Regeneration: In Naples’ Rione Sanita, the La Paranza cooperative is transforming catacomb tourism and related hospitality work into jobs for local youth, an alternative to crime and outward migration.
• First Person Stories:
  • "I never imagined I'd be able to be a historical guide," says Antonio Evita, a former participant now training as a guide [21:43].
  • Young residents reconsider emigration:
    • "In these months, I had the opportunity to discover the beauties that my neighborhood offers to the rest of the world." —Giada Kolasurdo [22:53]
• Expanding Impact: The model is spreading to other historic sites, aiming to keep economic value within the community.

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8. Milan Olympic Hockey Rink – Ready or Not?

[24:13–26:31]

• Facility Worries: The new Milan Olympic hockey arena faces concerns after test games reveal soft ice, construction delays, and one game paused for a surface hole.
  • "It was a little soft, the puck was kind of sticking, but... overall I think it was okay for the first few games on this new arena." —Curtis Roach, player [24:49]
• Organizers React:
  • CEO Andrea Varnier says issues are normal for new rinks.
  • Some unfinished areas will remain, but gameplay facilities are a priority.
  • NHL raised alarm; IIHF president Luke Tardif reassures all is on track to host players safely.
    • "We want to make sure about the quality of ice. The security for the player doesn't matter where they come. So now I can say we're ready for the competition." —Luke Tardif [26:01]
  • IOC sports director Pierre Ducre praises arena progress and excitement for the Games [26:19].
• Canada’s Hockey Hopes: Despite challenges, Canada eyes gold once again.

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9. Human Interest & Olympic Notes

[26:44–27:30+]

• Documentary Preview: Story of para hockey player Raphaëlle Toussignon, aiming to be the first Canadian woman at the Paralympics, but her participation is in doubt after an injury.
  • "How I feel about my chance right now, it’s hard to say.... I control everything in my power. And we'll see." —Raphaëlle Toussignon [26:44]
• Opening Ceremony Stars: Andrea Bocelli will perform at Milan’s Olympic opening, alongside Laura Pausini and Mariah Carey, aiming to match Celine Dion’s show-stopper in Paris.

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Notable Quotes

• "If they start killing people like they have in the past, we will get involved. We'll be hitting them very hard where it hurts."
  —President Donald Trump, via Stephanie Skenderis [03:27]
• "These sanctuary cities such as Minneapolis are extremely dangerous for American citizens ... ICE and Kristi Noem and everything they are doing is making it far less safe."
  —Mayor Jacob Fry [07:00]
• "They are the ones with the Suns who are sending loads of drugs."
  —Cartel broker, Colombian wiretap [08:03]
• "We are seeing these fires continue to be widespread and fast moving. We've seen how the existing fire activity has become more extreme, with the fires themselves creating additional weather, lighting style, starting new fires."
  —Victoria Premier Jacinta Allen [12:18]
• "I just don't want to anymore. I can take my dollars elsewhere."
  —Donna Lockhart, Canadian Snowbird [16:49]
• "I never imagined I'd be able to be a historical guide ... Realizing I can do something so unexpected motivates me."
  —Antonio Evita, Naples [21:43]
• "It was a little soft, the puck was kind of sticking, but ... overall I think it was okay for the first few games on this new arena."
  —Curtis Roach, hockey player [24:49]

---

Timestamps for Important Segments

• Iran Protests & U.S. Reactions: [00:43–04:21]
• ICE in Minneapolis: [04:21–07:32]
• Venezuelan Drug Wiretap: [07:32–10:15]
• Canadian Firefighters to Australia: [10:15–13:25]
• Canada-China Trade/Diplomacy: [13:25–16:30]
• Canadian Snowbirds in Florida: [16:30–19:53]
• Naples Youth Program: [19:53–23:58]
• Olympic Hockey Arena (Milan): [24:13–26:31]
• Olympic Docuseries & Opening Ceremony Preview: [26:44–27:30+]

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Tone & Style

The episode maintains a composed, journalistic tone throughout, blending hard news, personal testimonies, and human-interest sidebars. Hosts and reporters balance analysis with empathy, toggling deftly between international issues and personal stories.

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For all updates, listen to the daily Your World Tonight from CBC.

Transcript

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

Hi, I'm Debbie Millman and I host a podcast called Design Matters from the TED Audio Collective. Every episode I have conversations with designers, writers, artists and other luminaries of contemporary thought. People like Roman Mars, AI Weiwei, Ethan.

[Katie Nicholson / Mike Hodap]

Hawke, and Ashley Ford join us for.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

An inquiry into the broader world of creative culture. Find and follow Design Matters with Debbie.

[Katie Nicholson / Mike Hodap]

Millman wherever you're listening to this.

[CBC Announcer / Donna Lockhart]

This is a CBC podcast.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

More protests, more violence in Iran as the full picture becomes more clear. Hundreds are now believed to be dead and more than 10,000 arrested in the regime crackdown, and Tehran issues a warning to the US to stay out. This is your WORLD tonight. I'm Stephanie Scanderis. Also on the podcast, a look at the potential evidence the US May be using to accuse Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro of drug trafficking. You'll hear the wiretap recordings. Plus, it was a little soft, the puck was kind of sticking. But I mean, overall I think it was okay for the, you know, the first few games. Canada's Olympic hockey teams will obviously be going for gold. Could the Olympic rink hold them back? Hundreds of people are reported dead as nationwide protests in Iran grow, demonstrations that continue despite the violent government crackdown. US President Donald Trump is renewing his threats to step in as Tehran warns the Americans to stay out. Katie Simpson has the latest from Washington.

[Katie Simpson]

Outside the coroner's office in Tehran, mourners wailed as their loved ones, many already in body bags, are slowly identified. Activists say more than 500 people have been killed, another 10,000 arrested as government forces crack down on growing nationwide protests. Thousands marched and chanted in the capital. Fires burned in the streets, the scenes captured in videos posted online this weekend. Few images and sounds are making it out because authorities continue imposing an Internet blackout while also blocking international phone calls. Iran's president saying he is determined to resolve the economic problems that first sparked this latest wave of protests, which began in late December after the country's currency collapsed. Masoud Peseshkian also blaming outside forces for the unrest. The United States and Israel are sitting there giving instructions to these people, he said, accusing both countries of supporting what he called sabotage.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

So Iran's in big trouble.

[Katie Simpson]

US President Donald Trump is considering American military intervention, according to multiple US News agencies. He has already been briefed by national security officials on possible strike options in Iran. Late Saturday, he wrote on social media, iran is looking at freedom perhaps like never before. The the USA stands ready to help, echoing comments he made the day before.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

They start killing people like they have in the past, we will get involved. We'll be hitting them very hard where it hurts.

[Katie Simpson]

The Trump administration ordered targeted strikes in Iran last June, hitting key sites connected to Iran's underground nuclear weapons development facilities. In this moment, Tehran is warning the US to back off.

[Megan Williams / Antonio Evita]

Hello.

[Katie Simpson]

Lawmakers shouted God is great and death to the usa as as the parliamentary speaker vowed to retaliate. I have advice for the delusional president of the United States, he said. Israel, as well as US Military bases and ships in the region will be legitimate targets. According to US News reports, Trump has not made up his mind about carrying out any new strikes in Iran, though he does appear emboldened after the success of his military operation in Venezuela. Katie Simpson, CBC News, Washington.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

The U.S. department of Homeland Security is tightening the screws on Minneapolis. DHS Secretary Kristi Noem says hundreds more federal agents are being deployed to the city to bolster ICE operations. The new deployment comes days after an agent shot and killed a woman, sparking nationwide protests. Katie Nicholson is in Minneapolis for us tonight.

[Katie Nicholson / Mike Hodap]

Mike Hodap was having breakfast with his kids when he heard whistles and horns outside his home.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

And we went and looked out the window and we saw two ICE vehicles that pulled up in front of our house. It was a small red Prius that was behind them and a few other cars.

[Katie Nicholson / Mike Hodap]

Hodap started filming oh my God. As ICE agents smashed the red car's windows and pulled out its two occupants. Kodap says it appeared ICE arrested the two people because they were following their vehicles. CBC News has asked the Department of Homeland Security why the two were taken into custody, but hasn't yet heard back.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

Yeah, so it was terrifying. I have two kids, 6 and 11, and they're both really scared. You know, it felt unsafe outside. My younger daughter has been scared all morning about like what if ICE breaks our windows of our home.

[Katie Nicholson / Mike Hodap]

Hodep and his family live roughly eight blocks south of where an ICE agent killed 37 year old Renee Good on Wednesday. The polarized debate over whether Good was killed in cold blood, error or self defense spilled over into the US Sunday political shows. Minnesota Representative Ilhan Omar she's sitting in her car peacefully waving cars to get by.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

It's not okay to impede and interfere with an officer.

[Katie Nicholson / Mike Hodap]

While the Trump administration's border czar Tom Holman reinforced the federal government's assertion Good was obstructing officers.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

These are targeted enforcement operations. They're arresting bad people and it's illegal. Let's remember what she did was a crime.

[Katie Nicholson / Mike Hodap]

Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem pledged hundreds more agents who would Join what is already the largest ice operation in its history, with more than 2,000 on the ground in the state.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

These sanctuary cities such as Minneapolis are extremely dangerous for American citizens. And Jake, since we've been there, we've arrested dozens and dozens of murderers and rapists, individuals who have assaulted children. She's calling Minneapolis like this dystopian hellhole.

[Katie Nicholson / Mike Hodap]

Mayor Jacob Fry sharply pushed back.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

You know how many shootings we've had so far this year?

[Jorge Barrera]

Two.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

And one of them was ice. Two shootings in a large city so far this entire year. And one of them is ice. This is a safe city. ICE and Kristi Noem and everything they're doing is making it far less safe.

[Katie Nicholson / Mike Hodap]

And caught in the political fray. Mike Hodap.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

I don't know what to tell my kids right now. I think I'm like, I'm shocked and I'm afraid and disappointed.

[Katie Nicholson / Mike Hodap]

Faced with soothing his children as their neighborhood becomes the center of of a national firestorm. Katie Nicholson, CBC News, Minneapolis.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

The U.S. government has long accused the Venezuelan government of involvement in the drug trade, using it to justify multiple military strikes against boats it says are smuggling drugs and the capture of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife. CBC News recently obtained a wiretap recording from a Colombian drug investigation. It captures discussions between members of an organized crime group and and Venezuelan generals. Jorge Barrera has the details.

[Jorge Barrera]

This is a wiretap recording of a cell phone conversation between members of a Colombian organized crime group discussing Venezuelan generals by a nickname, the Sons, a reference to their lapel insignias displaying their rank. They are the ones with the Sons who are sending loads of drugs, says a broker alias Luis. He's arranging a shipment of 32 kilograms of cocaine in a container from a Venezuelan port to Libya for a contact in Bogota, Colombia. They tell me there is one with a high rank and three underlings. He says. You have to pay them up front. They don't give discounts, says the broker. This wiretap recording was captured in 2016 during a Colombian Federal police investigation started at the request of the U.S. drug Enforcement Administration. This was a transnational organization with roots into Europe, Central America, the US and Asia, says this former federal Colombian police anti narcotics officer. CBC News is not naming the former agent and distorting their voice because they are not authorized to speak about internal police matters. The agent says. This wiretap and other evidence shows that the so called Cartel of the Suns exists in Venezuela. And this group is made up of high ranking members of the Venezuelan military who controlled all shipments of cocaine leaving the country, he says. He says the Venezuelan regime controls all aspects of the drug trade and used secret airstrips to send planeloads of drugs. Cases like this make up part of the evidence US authorities have used to charge captured Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro and his wife, Celia Flores, who are facing federal cocaine trafficking and other charges in New York City. Jorge Barrera, CBC News, Cucuta, Colombia.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

Still ahead, should they go or should they stay? Canadian snowbirds, who usually head south for the winter, are feeling apprehensive about that choice in the current climate. But for some, staying out of Florida is easier said than done. The full story is coming up on youn World Tonight. Canadian firefighters are being deployed to Australia. Two teams will arrive in the country in the coming weeks at Australia's request. Bushfires in the state of Victoria have so far killed one person and burned 3,900 square kilometers, which is like two and a half million hockey rinks. Philip Lee Shannock has more. You just don't realise how bad it is until you're in the middle of it.

[Philip Lee Shannock / Andrew Wilson]

Noel Brown returns to charred brick and sheet metal in the town of Harcourt, an hour and a half's drive northwest of Melbourne, Victoria's capital. His home was spared by the Ravenswood south bushfire, but little else.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

I was extremely lucky, but there's a lot here worse off than I was. It's terrible, terrible to see the county.

[Philip Lee Shannock / Andrew Wilson]

Fire Captain Andrew Wilson says flames scorched most of the structures in town.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

It's gut wrenching. It's destroyed Harcourt. Hopefully we come out of this bigger and stronger.

[Philip Lee Shannock / Andrew Wilson]

About 200 km directly east, near the central Victorian town of Gober, the Longwood bushfire continues to rage. Police confirmed that a body was discovered in a remote hilly area not far from a vehicle. No identity or cause of death was released by the coroner, but authorities say it may be the first death caused by the bushfires. Victoria's Premier, Jacinta Allen, warned that following a prolonged heat wave, the bushfires in Australia's southeast would burn for weeks.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

We will see fires continue for some time across the state and again, that is why we are not through the worst of this by a long way. There are fires that are continuing right now that are threatening homes and property.

[Philip Lee Shannock / Andrew Wilson]

Allen ordered the emergency level raised to its highest danger rating.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

This declaration provides that additional support for our emergency services because we are seeing these fires continue to be widespread and fast moving. We've seen how the existing fire activity has become more extreme with the fires themselves creating additional weather, lighting style, starting new fires in a number of locations across the state.

[Philip Lee Shannock / Andrew Wilson]

Bushfires have been reported in Victoria's northeast on the border with New South Wales. Across the state, hundreds of homes have been destroyed and thousands are without power. Longwood area resident Ali McIver escaped the flames only to return to burned wreckage on a charred hillside.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

I mean, nothing's left. And I ran away yesterday with nothing, nothing. My husband's away, so all his clothes are here. Everything we have is here. It's gone.

[Philip Lee Shannock / Andrew Wilson]

This season's fires are the most destructive in Australia's southeast since the black summer blazes of 2019. 2020, when 33 people were killed and fires destroyed an area the size of Turkey. Felt Li Sehanok, CBC News, Toronto.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

Prime Minister Mark Carney is heading to China on Tuesday. It's the first visit by a Canadian prime minister in nearly a decade. The the relationship between the two countries has been strained in recent years. David Thornton explains what the Carney government wants to achieve and whether he can meet the high expectations that come with the trip. It's a significant impact.

[David Thornton]

Bill Przybylski is not hiding the impact of China's tariffs on Canadian canola. It's an estimate, but he figures his family's farm has taken a hit worth nearly $500,000.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

Well, ultimately an end to the tariffs, that's, that's what we need.

[David Thornton]

He and others have high expectations when Prime Minister Mark Carney leaves Tuesday for China. There he will meet with Chinese President Xi jinping. Not since 2017 has a Canadian prime minister visited the world's second largest economy.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

The prime minister believes that there's an opportunity to look bigger and longer term about where the partnership is going.

[David Thornton]

Cody Bloys, the parliamentary secretary to the prime minister, is joining Carney on the issue of canola tariffs. He stopped short of promising relief.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

I know you want to put a lot of focus on what I would call meaningful but short term irritants. The prime minister also sees a longer term opportunity to cooperate.

[David Thornton]

One of Ottawa's goals for the trip, recalibrating a relationship that in 2018 went downhill. After RCMP arrested a Huawei executive, Beijing detained Michael Kovrig and Michael Spavor. Then in 2024, a tit for tat trade spat. Canada slapped a tariff on Chinese electric vehicles. China responded with a tariff on canola.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

This is a high stakes visit and it will be real tests for Carney's pragmatic foreign policy.

[David Thornton]

Veena Najibullah is with the Asia Pacific foundation of Canada. While a reset is in the works. A word of caution as Ontario's auto sector struggles under Donald Trump's tariffs.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

From China's perspective, it's simple. They will remove the tariffs if we remove tariffs on EVs. But I think from Canada's perspective, that decision has to take into account what kind of a future we want for our auto sector, what level of integration we'll continue to have with the US on the auto sector.

[David Thornton]

Also in Asia, a British Columbia delegation visits India, another country Canada has a strained relationship with after the killing of a Canadian Sikh leader. BC's Minister of Jobs and Economic Growth Ravi Kalan says he's focused on diversifying forestry exports in India.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

There's a great deal of interest in our forest products, in making doors, in making furniture, and that's what we're exploring here.

[David Thornton]

A sector hard hit also by the US Tariffs and sawmill closures, including on Vancouver island, where Conservative leader Pierre Poliev stopped Saturday night.

[Philip Lee Shannock / Andrew Wilson]

This is a failure by both the.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

NDP government in B.C. and the Liberal government in Ottawa. The NDP government here has been hammering.

[Philip Lee Shannock / Andrew Wilson]

Our forestry sector with high taxes fees.

[David Thornton]

The solution, Poliev said, is to cut taxes and regulation for businesses and to take a stronger stance with Washington in trade negotiations. David Thornton, CBC News, Ottawa.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

As the era of bad blood between Canada and the US Drags on, some snowbirds are facing a tough either continue to go south to warmer weather or boycott their home away from home. But for those who want out of Florida, a bad housing market is making it harder to leave, JP Tasker reports. I do not like the direction that the United States are going in. I just don't want to anymore. I can take my dollars elsewhere.

[CBC Announcer / Donna Lockhart]

Canadian snowbird Donna Lockhart wants out of the US President Donald Trump's 51st state talk and the ongoing trade war has made her feel unwelcome in a place she has long made her second home.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

It's kind of a bit like a slap in the face after you've, you know, been dating for a long time. What do you mean you don't like me anymore? You know?

[CBC Announcer / Donna Lockhart]

But when the time came to list her condo in Punta Gorda, Florida, Lockhart encountered a big complication. The ongoing Canadian exodus from the state has pummeled the real estate market. Southwest Florida is in the throes of a snowbird induced sell off.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

There aren't the people looking yet. Supply is way above demand.

[CBC Announcer / Donna Lockhart]

There's more than 100 units on the market in her picturesque boating community. Rather than sell into a down market, Lockhart and her husband have decided to wait it out and list in early 2027. Despite some misgivings, she decided to go down this winter while she still has the condo. It's obvious by the cars on the road, other Canadians are sitting this one.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

Out like I've only seen one Ontario.

[Katie Nicholson / Mike Hodap]

Plate, and it's not like we're staying home.

[CBC Announcer / Donna Lockhart]

Southwest Florida is grappling with a whole host of housing troubles.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

Southwest Florida is characterized right now by an exceptionally high level of inventory.

[CBC Announcer / Donna Lockhart]

Realtor.com economist Joel Berner says the COVID boom that juiced prices is over and recent hurricanes have caused home insurance rates to soar. Add in the stampede of Canadians trying to get out and it's just not an ideal time to sell. Berner says he's expecting home prices to drop by another 10% there in 2026.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

A number of Canadian buyers in Florida.

[CBC Announcer / Donna Lockhart]

And in the US As a whole.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

Has kind of shrunk.

[CBC Announcer / Donna Lockhart]

Real estate firm Royal LePage recently commissioned a poll. It found a stunning 54% of all Canadians with homes stateside are considering selling them. Analyce Kouladi Alegreti speaks for the company.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

And among those people, close to two thirds of them actually pointed to concerns over the current political administration.

[CBC Announcer / Donna Lockhart]

At least one Florida politician is trying to get skeptical Canadians to stay put or come back.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

Not everybody here believes in what Donald Trump and Ron DeSantis are spewing.

[CBC Announcer / Donna Lockhart]

Alan Spence is a Democrat running for the US Congress in Sarasota. While he says the Canadian exodus has hurt business up and down the Gulf coast, it's not just about the money.

[Jorge Barrera]

We were allies in both world wars. You know, we're basically, you know, cousins.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

If we can say that. But I wish that we treated our family with a little more respect.

[CBC Announcer / Donna Lockhart]

Something some snowbirds say is in short supply. J.P. tasker, CBC News, Washington.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

You're listening to your World Tonight from CBC News. And if you want to make sure you never miss one of our episodes, follow us on Spotify, Apple, wherever you get your podcasts, just find the follow button and lock us in. The southern Italian city of Naples has been enjoying a tourism boom, but it's still a city with high unemployment and poverty. In a once crime ridden district, a local cooperative is transforming local cultural heritage into jobs, skills and a reason for young people to stay. Megan Williams has that story.

[Megan Williams / Antonio Evita]

In the corner of a crowded cafe entrance to the Catacomb of San Gennaro in Naples, Antonio Evita and Giada Colasurdo read aloud from a history book, the Story of the Miracle of San Gennaro. They're preparing to guide visitors through the ancient catacombs beneath their neighborhood, Rione Sanita below ground. Antonio Della Corte takes me through the ancient burial sites.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

Those two are Se Gennaro on the right and a Benedictine monk on the left.

[Megan Williams / Antonio Evita]

37 year old Della Corte grew up nearby and now trains new guides for La Paranza, a local social cooperative founded nearly 20 years ago by priest Antonio Alfredo. For decades, this neighborhood was defined by crime, poverty and isolation from the rest of Naples.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

I mean, it was dangerous due to the construction of a bridge. The area was completely isolated. The criminality got the control drug market. There was unemployment, poverty.

[Megan Williams / Antonio Evita]

La Paranza began reopening the catacombs, vast underground burial networks tied to the cult of Sanjay, Naples patron saint. Today those same catacombs provide jobs. Antonio Evita grew up here, took part in La Paranza's after school programs, though only visited the catacombs once as a child. In high school, he got into trouble with the law. Now he's learning to become a guide. I never imagined I'd be able to be a historical guide, he says. Realizing I can do something so unexpected motivates me. New confidence that has already led to new responsibility. Evita has just been hired as one of the three educators to run the same after school program he once attended. Jada Kolasurdo is 20 and lives just above the Sanita and Capodimonte. Before coming here as part of Italy's civil service volunteer program, she was planning on leaving Naples. Now she's thinking of staying.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

In these months, I had the opportunity to discover the beauties that my neighborhood offers to the rest of the world.

[Megan Williams / Antonio Evita]

The idea also extends above ground. Locanda del Monacone, a restaurant restaurant offshoot of La Paranza, just down the street from the catacombs, offers training and steady work to about 20 young people keeping economic value in the neighborhood. It's a counter model to a city grappling with over tourism, says manager Giuseppe. It's all about keeping kids in the Sanita, giving them skills and decent jobs where they live, live, he says. La Paranza is now expanding the model beyond Sanita, helping reopen churches across Naples Historic center run by young people who.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

Live there, changing the vision of the cultural heritage. Not something for few people, but something that can make the people protagonists of their growth.

[Megan Williams / Antonio Evita]

In a city where tourism often passes through without leaving much behind, Delacorte says this is one way to make sure it does. Megan Williams, CBC News, Naples.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

As the 2026 Winter Olympics approach, questions are swirling about Milan's new Olympic hockey arena and whether it's Ready for action. Organizers staged test games this weekend, giving players a chance to try out the rink amid concerns about construction delays and ice quality. Copinha Odouro reports. I'm really hopeful that they'll have the arena done in time for, you know, Team Canada when they come into town.

[Copinha Odouro]

Canadian Curtis Roach, who now plays hockey in Italy, was one of the first players to try out the ice at Milan's Olympic hockey arena. He says it was better than he expected, but still far from perfect.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

It was a little soft, the puck was kind of sticking, but, I mean, overall I think it was okay for the, you know, the first few games on this new arena, and yeah, hopefully by Olympic time, it'll be, you know, ready to go.

[Copinha Odouro]

This weekend, test games were held to assess the quality of the ice amid rising concerns about the arena. On Friday, a game was paused at one point when a hole developed in the ice. Milano Cortina 2026 CEO Andrea Varnier says this is normal.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

It happens all the time in hockey matches, and it was very, very limited. And again, that was the first time the ice has been used at all off the ice.

[Copinha Odouro]

The arena itself has faced construction delays. Varnier says some areas won't be finished in time for the Games.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

Field of play, the hospitality areas, the arena inside, and most of the features outside will be finished for the Games.

[Copinha Odouro]

The National Hockey League has raised concerns about the quality of ice because of the construction delays, at one point threatening not to send its players to the Olympics. International Ice Hockey Federation president Luke Tardif says there's no reason for NHL players not to come.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

You got European players.

[Copinha Odouro]

We don't make any difference.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

When we organize the world championship, we want to make sure about the quality of ice. The security for the player doesn't matter where they come. So now I can say we're ready for the competition.

[Copinha Odouro]

International Olympic Committee sports director Pierre Ducre says they are very happy with the size of the arena and the quality of the ice.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

I think this arena right now already shows signs to be a fantastic place for hockey or for any activities that will take place here in the future. So we are very excited to see it take its final shape.

[Copinha Odouro]

Despite concerns Olympic events at this venue are set to go ahead, with Canada hoping to score some hockey wins on its ice. The Games begin on Feb. 6. Fubino Duro, CBC News, Montreal.

[Debbie Millman / Stephanie Scanderis]

In the lead up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games, a new CBC docu series called Making Canada's Team goes Behind the Scenes to bring you the stories of some of the athletes vying for their shot at the podium. One of them is Raphael Toussignon. She's a para hockey player hoping to be the first Canadian woman to play the sport at the Paralympic Games. But a recent shoulder injury is putting her spot at the Games into question. How I feel about my chance right now, it's hard to say. Like, I think the only thing I can say right now is I don't know. But at the end of the day, it's out of my control. So I tried and I don't want to say like, I don't want, I don't want to be like, no, I'm not gonna go because I refuse to say that. So I control everything in my power. And we'll see. You can watch Raphael's story on Making Canada's team, which airs tonight and each Sunday at 7pm Eastern leading up to the Winter Games on CBC News Network and CBC Gem. We also know one more of the voices who will help kick off the Winter Games. And it's a big one. Famed Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli will be performing at the opening ceremony on February 6, and it won't be his first kick at the cauldron. Bocelli performed this song because, we believe at the closing of the Turin Winter Games in 2006. For this year's three hour event at Milan's San Siro Stadium, he'll be joining Italian singer Laura Pauzini. And mariah carey, Who are both also performing at the ceremony, which will celebrate the theme of harmony. There are big shoes to fill. Celine Dion, remember, stopped the show at the Paris Olympic opening ceremony with her first live performance in years. But Bocelli is surely up for the challenge. He'll be fitting in the opening ceremony in the midst of a world tour. And now it's time to say goodbye. You knew I was going to do that. So here's more of one of Andrea Bocelli's most famous songs. On your world tonight. I'm stephanie skenderas. Thank you for listening. Sa. For more cbc podcasts, go to cbc ca podcasts.