Politics and views in the United States.

From exile, the son of Iran's last Shah calls for help toppling the regime of Ayotollah Khoemini. Minnesota Dems warn protestors about staying safe, as more troops could be sent there to squelch protests and Virginia swears in its first female governor.

TRANSCRIPT

Welcome to 2026 Talks, where we're following our democracy in historic times.

I think the world, especially the democratic free world, that champions freedom and human rights and equality of citizens, at the face of this regime, brutal repression, should act now.

Reza Pahlavi, the son of Iran's last Shah, wants Europe and the U.S. to move against Iran's government.

The hardline Islamic regime has shut down most communications, but the country seems quiet for the moment after as many as 5,000 were killed in protests against repression and the failing economy.

President Donald Trump has walked back from threats to intervene.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado says she is continuing to fight for that country's future.

International observers say she won the country's 2024 election, but former President Nicolas Maduro held onto power until a U.S. raid earlier this month brought him to the U.S. to face drug charges.

She says full justice requires that the mandate of the Venezuelan people be carried out.

I'm just one member of a huge movement of millions of Minnesotans that have decided and are committed to be free.

Meanwhile Trump has backed away from threats to invoke the Insurrection Act in Minnesota, even though the Defense Department has put 1,500 active duty troops on standby for deployment.

The Democratic governor previously activated the state's National Guard, but warns any use of troops will escalate the conflict.

Democratic Representative Ilhan Omar says she and other Minnesota House Democrats want their constituents to stay safe while protesting.

We are telling our constituents to lawfully practice their First Amendment right.

We are telling them to document and we are telling them to fulfill any lawful orders they might get from law enforcement.

Minnesota union leaders are calling for a statewide "day of truth and freedom" on January 23rd.

They're calling on anyone who can to stay home from work or school and not go shopping.

They say that will mirror how folks across the state are being forced into hiding regardless of their immigration status. rural towns like Wilder, Idaho, are living with the aftermath of ice raids.

The Idaho Familias Assistance Fund has raised $55,000 and supported 45 families, though 100 people were detained there last fall.

Jackie Vasquez with Idaho Organization of Resource Councils says the raid in a poor meatpacking and farming community made people realize the importance of having an emergency plan, especially if they have children.

If I get detained, who are my kids going to go with?

Should I notify their teachers?

How are their teachers going to get notified?

Little things like that.

Virginia's first female governor is taking control in a Capitol building designed by Thomas Jefferson.

Abigail Spanberger was inaugurated over the weekend, replacing Republican Glenn Youngkin, who often aligned with Trump's MAGA movement.

In her inaugural address, Spanberger said she'll focus on affordability and will work across the aisle with state Republicans to do it.

That our leaders and our fellow Virginians should join in common cause, find common ground, and pursue common purpose.

That is the concept at the heart of what it means to be a Commonwealth.

I'm Edwin J. Viera for Pacifica Network and Public News Service.

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