Robert F. Kennedy Jr. faces a fiery confirmation hearing for his nomination as Health and Human Services Secretary, defending his controversial views on vaccine safety and fluoride risks. Meanwhile, in New Zealand, Shane Jones of New Zealand First accused banks of “debanking” regional businesses due to climate activism, while Climate Change Minister Simon Watts introduced a new emissions reduction target for 2035. Parliament saw heated clashes between New Zealand First and the Greens over allegations of racism, exposing a deeper ideological divide between nationalists focused on sovereignty and globalists advocating international cooperation. RCR political commentator William McGimpsey unpacks this growing tension, exploring how shifting political landscapes shape policy decisions.

Globally, a devastating mid-air collision in Washington, D.C., between a Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines plane left 64 people missing. The Trump administration stirred controversy by rejoining the Geneva Consensus Declaration, reaffirming opposition to abortion as a human right. In tech news, Alibaba's unveiling of its Quin 2.5 Max AI model sent shockwaves through the market, contributing to NVIDIA losing nearly $600 billion in value. Back in New Zealand, negotiations between iwi and the government concluded after nine years, while the U.S. remained the country's second-largest export destination in 2024. Meanwhile, debates over free speech and public scrutiny continue, with John Minto’s IDF tip-off hotline sparking condemnation but avoiding a ban from the Human Rights Commission. Fluoride Free NZ is also making waves, as U.S. lawyer Michael Connett tours the country raising concerns about potential health risks. On RCR Signpost, Natalie Cutler-Welsh previews upcoming discussions, including author Bruce Lipton’s insights on the power of belief, the impact of gene technology, and how listeners can take action on key issues like fluoridation and free speech.