Global News Podcast - podcast cover

Global News Podcast

BBC World Servicewww.bbc.co.uk

The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

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Episodes

South Africans hold protests against migrants

Protests take place in several South African cities against undocumented migrants. Demonstrators say they're taking jobs from locals, putting pressure on public services and causing crime. Many immigrants have already been forced to leave. Also: people in Venezuela are still searching damaged buildings for missing family and friends following last week's earthquakes. A Chinese tycoon who moved to the United States has been sent to prison for 30 years for fraud. Britain has announced a large incr...

Jun 30, 202629 min

Supreme Court hands Trump a big win and several defeats

The US Supreme Court gives Donald Trump sweeping new powers to fire government employees, but sides against him in cases regarding the Federal Reserve governor Lisa Cook and mail-in voting ballots. Judges also rejected President Trump's request to appeal against a $5m civil verdict that he'd sexually abused and defamed the journalist E. Jean Carroll. Also: the US military reopens Venezuela's La Guaira port to help aid deliveries after the earthquakes. The right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori wins...

Jun 30, 202625 min

Venezuelans' anger over slow earthquake response

More international support has been pledged for disaster response efforts in Venezuela in the wake of last week's massive earthquakes, but with tens of thousands still missing, hopes for finding more survivors are fading. Also, the Democratic Republic of Congo is still struggling to contain the Ebola outbreak, recording 47 new infections and 12 deaths on Saturday. Australia and Vanuatu sign a sweeping economic and security agreement in the face of growing concerns over Chinese influence in the r...

Jun 29, 202629 min

BBC meets Venezuela earthquake survivors

The Global News Podcast explores the devastating impact of Venezuela's recent earthquakes, highlighting survivor criticism and ongoing relief efforts. It also delves into Turkey's furious reaction to Israel's recognition of the Armenian genocide, examining the historical context and escalating regional tensions. The episode further reports on the immense challenges faced by Palestinians attempting to rebuild their lives in Gaza amid a fragile ceasefire, along with diverse global stories including a significant upgrade to the Large Hadron Collider, Canada's surprise World Cup success, and an investigation into a widespread online romance scam network.

Jun 29, 202629 min

The Global Story: Is the US falling out of love with Israel?

The United States has been a staunch ally of Israel for decades, and Americans used to be steadfast in their support for the country. But in recent years - and recent weeks - the special relationship between the two counties has come under fire. Several polls indicate that Americans have increasingly negative views of Israel and its prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu. And as the midterms approach, support for Israel is on the ballot in some races. Asma briefs Tristan on shifting US public and po...

Jun 28, 202628 min

Venezuela races to find earthquake survivors

The Venezuelan government says 1,430 people are now known to have died following Wednesday's twin earthquakes, and many thousands are still missing. More international search and rescue teams have arrived in the country to help with efforts to find survivors. A 72-hour window of opportunity that rescuers believe is the best chance of finding people alive is ending. Also: the United States has launched a wave of strikes on Iran, following a drone attack on a Panama-flagged oil tanker in the Strai...

Jun 28, 202631 min

Bonus: Are the World Cup's hydration breaks here to stay?

Fifa has introduced mandatory hydration breaks for this World Cup, essentially splitting the games into four quarters. The mandatory three-minute drinks stoppage at all 104 games has been introduced to help players cope with the stifling heat and humidity levels in Mexico, Canada and the United States. It has been criticised for allowing coaches to make tactical changes while broadcasters can - and many have - opted to cut to lucrative commercial breaks while play is halted. The breaks have also...

Jun 27, 202626 min

The Happy Pod: All aboard the Bike Bus

We find out about bike buses - an increasingly popular way for children to cycle to school safely. They involve travelling in a large group, escorted by adults, and stopping for pick ups and drop offs along the way. The idea started in Spain and Portugal a few years ago, but has seen a recent boom - thanks in part to some celebrity supporters. Also: the woman who's been encouraging acts of kindness by spelling the word in a cycle route across the US states of Minnesota and Iowa. Nahla Summers al...

Jun 27, 202627 min

UN says over 50,000 missing after Venezuela quakes

The number of people killed in Wednesday's powerful double earthquakes in Venezuela has risen to more than 900, with over 3,000 injured. Also: the US strikes several targets in Iran in retaliation for an alleged attack on a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran's Revolutionary Guard reportedly responds by targeting US sites in the Gulf. Israel and Lebanon sign a framework agreement brokered by the US. Scientists find evidence of vast hidden magma systems inside Mars. The symphony orchestras p...

Jun 27, 202629 min

Venezuela earthquakes: nearly 600 people now confirmed dead

The podcast delves into the aftermath of Venezuela's powerful earthquakes, highlighting the high death toll, rescue efforts, and criticisms of the government's response amidst underfunded healthcare. It also exposes a significant spy operation in Ukraine, detailing how a top security official passed secrets to Russia and the scale of Russian infiltration. Additionally, the episode reports on Japan's preparations for two tropical storms and recent earthquakes, and a look at the economic anxieties surrounding the AI investment boom.

Jun 26, 202630 min

US pledges $150m in aid after Venezuelan earthquakes

The Trump administration is deploying military assets and a specialised team, as well as millions of dollars in financial aid to help relief efforts in Venezuela. The country's health minister says at least 235 people are now known to have died in Wednesday's powerful earthquakes, and large numbers of people are still unaccounted for. Also: hundreds arrested across Kenya as demonstrators mark two years since a deadly crackdown on youth-led protests. King Charles and Queen Camilla won't move into...

Jun 26, 202630 min

Over 160 people dead in Venezuela earthquakes

A huge rescue and recovery operation is under way across northern Venezuela after two powerful earthquakes struck on Wednesday evening, killing more than 160 people and injuring over 1,000. Rescue teams are searching for survivors in Caracas and several other states after the 7.2 and 7.5 magnitude tremors hit during a national holiday, when many people were at home. Also: in Washington, a meeting between Donald Trump and Republican senators descends into a heated row over Iran; oil prices fall b...

Jun 25, 202627 min

Twin earthquakes strike Venezuela

A state of emergency is declared in Venezuela after two strong earthquakes close to the capital, Caracas. The authorities fear many casualties as rescue operations take place amid the rubble of collapsed buildings. Also: President Trump launches the 250th birthday celebrations of the United States with a campaign-style rally in Washington. The World Health Organization prepares to launch clinical trials next week of two Ebola treatments in the Democratic Republic of Congo. A member of the cult-l...

Jun 25, 202630 min

Ukraine knocks out power in Russian-occupied Crimea

This episode covers Ukraine's intensified drone attacks on Russian-occupied Crimea, causing power outages and fuel shortages, aiming to pressure Moscow. It also details Europe's unprecedented heatwave, its deadly impacts, and lessons learned from past climate events. Discussions include a study promoting hourly movement for productivity and mental health, the US Senate's challenge to President Trump over military action in Iran, and India's stricter regulations on foreign funding for NGOs. Finally, a new study reveals sperm whales in the Mediterranean are developing distinct vocal dialects, offering insights into cultural evolution in animal societies.

Jun 24, 202630 min

Lebanon won't accept any deal unless Israeli troops withdraw

The podcast reports on the stalled peace talks between Lebanon and Israel, with Lebanon demanding full Israeli withdrawal and Hezbollah accusing Israel of ceasefire violations. It also details a UN-backed commission's accusation that Israel deliberately targets Palestinian children in Gaza, a claim Israel rejects. Other segments cover North Korea's leader arming his navy with nuclear weapons and Western Europe bracing for record heat, linked to climate change. The episode concludes with reports on an Ebola outbreak in DRC's displaced persons camps, a study on why surprising events create vivid memories, and two men paid to watch every World Cup match.

Jun 24, 202625 min

Western Europe hit by record-breaking heatwave

As a record-breaking heatwave continues in western Europe, the United Nations has warned that fossil fuels are driving a climate crisis. France has endured its hottest night in more than eighty years and temperatures are expected to climb above 41C. Spain, Italy, Germany and the UK are also sweltering. Also: the European Union issues single-day visas to a Taliban delegation to attend a migration meeting in Brussels, despite not recognising the government in Afghanistan; the US Secretary of State...

Jun 23, 202631 min

Will Andy Burnham be the UK's new Prime Minister?

The man poised to become Britain's seventh prime minister in a decade has been sworn in as a member of parliament, hours after Keir Starmer announced his resignation. Andy Burnham - the former mayor of Manchester - won an emphatic by-election victory last week and has confirmed he'll now stand for the leadership of the governing Labour Party. But who is Andy Burnham? And what is his vision for the UK? Also in this podcast: After the first round of peace talks with the US in Switzerland, Iran ins...

Jun 23, 202630 min

Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer resigns

After months of growing pressure off the back of crushing local election results, Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation. By stepping down, he clears the way for the UK to get its seventh prime minister in a decade. The country's latest MP, the former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, has said that he will stand in any contest for the top job. Also: schools close across France as Europe suffers another record heatwave. Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo con...

Jun 22, 202630 min

Right-wing candidate claims victory in Colombian election

Abelardo de la Espriella claims to have won the tight presidential race in Colombia against left-wing rival Ivan Cepeda. It's estimated only a few hundred thousand votes separate the two candidates. Mr de la Espriella, who's backed by President Trump, wants to use force to combat drug cartels and rebel groups. Also, Pakistani and Qatari mediators say the first round of Iran-US talks in Switzerland have ended with encouraging progress made. Reaction from Bolivia, where police and soldiers used bu...

Jun 22, 202628 min

The Global Story: How to stop Iran from building a nuclear weapon

On Wednesday, President Trump met with Iranian leaders to sign an initial memorandum of understanding towards ending the months-long war. In a press conference after the signing, Trump was triumphant. Specifically, he touted the deal’s firmness on one of the US’s key priorities: ensuring that Iran can never develop a nuclear weapon. Whilst Iran has agreed to “not procure or develop nuclear weapons," there are many questions left unanswered. What does it actually look like to police the weapons p...

Jun 21, 202628 min

JD Vance heads for peace talks with Iran

The US vice president, JD Vance, is set to negotiate with Iran in Switzerland after Tehran said it had again shut the Strait of Hormuz - in response to Israel's continuing attacks in Lebanon. The White House disputes the claim that the Strait has been closed. Also: ten Palestinians are killed in the latest Israeli airstrikes on Gaza; Colombians prepare to choose a new president; King Charles is to become Britain's first monarch to reveal his personal tax bill; why the popularity of cassette play...

Jun 21, 202626 min

The Happy Pod: Success stories of former refugees

In this special World Refugee Day episode, hosts Holly Gibbs and Tam Patachako (a former refugee himself) explore extraordinary success stories. Hear from Razan Alsous, a Syrian refugee who built a thriving cheese business in the UK, and Mohamed Semra, who fled Sudan to become Australia's first mayor from sub-Saharan Africa. The episode also features Viola Minala, a hairdresser in a Ugandan refugee camp, and Jindod, who created an online therapy platform for displaced people, showcasing immense resilience and the power of community building despite difficult beginnings.

Jun 20, 202627 min
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