Host Mil Arcega discusses the Congressional testimony on Russian US election meddling this week of former CIA Director John Brennan, speaking with VOA Congressional correspondent Katherine Gypson, and VOA White House Bureau Chief Steve Herman.

Trump Troubles 0:48, Higher US Troop Levels in Afghanistan 12:26, Humanitarian Crisis in Venezuela 20:55

HUMANITARIAN CRISIS IN VENEZUELA

United States Ambassador to the U.N. Nikki Haley called on the body to address what she called a crisis in Venezuela ahead of a Security Council meeting May 17. The Security Council met at Haley’s request to discuss an international effort to combat the deterioration in Venezuela’s economic and political situation. VOA UN Correspondent Margaret Besheer in New York, and VOA Spanish Service reporter Alvaro Algarra in Caracas talk about the crisis and street demonstrations that have led to scores of deaths.

HIGHER US TROOP LEVELS IN AFGHANISTAN?

The Trump administration is considering whether to send between three to five thousand additional U.S. troops to Afghanistan to try to break a stalemate in the 15-year long war against the Taliban.  Administration officials say President Donald Trump is likely to discuss a troop increase when he attends a NATO summit later this month.  VOA’s Ayaz Gul in Islamabad and VOA Pentagon Correspondent Carla Babb discuss the looming military escalation in Afghanistan.

TRUMP TROUBLES

U.S. President Donald Trump's White House was left reeling Wednesday following the stunning allegation that he sought to derail a criminal investigation into links his former National Security Adviser had with Russian officials, on top of reports that Trump disclosed highly classified intelligence to two Moscow diplomats last week. VOA’s Bill Gallo at the White House, and VOA National Security correspondent Jeff Seldin talk about the controversies involving former FBI Director James Comey, former National Security Advisor James Flynn, and possible Russian involvement in the 2016 presidential election.

A Political Firestorm Over Comey's Firing 0:46, US Russia Talks 12:32, South Koreans Turned a New Page 22:05

SOUTH KOREANS TURNED A NEW PAGE

South Korea has inaugurated a new president, Moon Jae—in. What does his election mean for the region? Jee Abbey Lee of VOA News talks about the election and the challenges ahead for South Korea.

US RUSSIA TALKS

The White House hosts high level talks with Russian officials and Secretary of State Rex Tillerson listens to climate change advocates in Alaska. VOA State Department Correspondent Cindy Saine in Alaska and White House correspondent Pete Heinlein discuss President Trump’s meeting with Russian diplomats in Washington and Secretary of State Tillerson attends the Arctic Council meeting in Fairbanks.