Global News Podcast

BBC World Service•www.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

Last refreshed: June 28th, 2026 at 4:07 AM

Follow on

Apple Podcasts

Spotify

RSS

Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app

Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

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, 2026•31 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, 2026•26 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, 2026•27 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, 2026•29 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, 2026•30 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, 2026•30 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, 2026•27 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, 2026•30 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, 2026•30 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, 2026•25 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, 2026•31 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, 2026•30 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, 2026•30 min

For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android