Global News Podcast
BBC World Service
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
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
SpaceX makes history catching part of returning spacecraft
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Part of SpaceX's Starship rocket was caught as it descended back to Earth in Texas. It's the first time the upper section of a reusable rocket has ever been captured. Mechanical arms carried out a "chopstick" manoeuvre to catch the spacecraft. The breakthrough could dramatically cut the cost of space travel and marks a major step towards making Starship suitable for human spaceflight. Also: Ukraine's president says the US has, for the first time, floated the idea of Ukraine joining NATO in exchange for ceding control of the Donbas region to Russia. We hear from the first black senator of the US state of Mississippi in 145 years. A fierce debate is brewing in Germany over the future of Hitler's Eagle's Nest after the building was destroyed by fire. A leading specialist in detecting digitally manipulated images warns that deepfakes are becoming almost impossible to spot. And a Philippine teenager has won the first-ever Eurovision Asia competition. 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 Photo: SpaceX Starship 42 returns from orbit to the launch pad on the 15th test flight from the SpaceX launch complex in Starbase, Texas, US, November 14, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Steve Nesius
Before taking on Antarctica's 160 kilometre ultramarathon, Stephanie Case said she wanted to show her daughter what mothers can achieve even in the toughest places on Earth. The Canadian ultra-runner has now made history, becoming the first woman to complete the race. Case says she wanted to prove that ''motherhood isn't the finish line''. Also: we catch up with a young Sudanese boy who received a surprise message from his favourite footballer, the Real Madrid player Vinícius Júnior. We visit a drama workshop where actors use sound to create theatre for blind and visually impaired people. How robotic kits with chopsticks are inspiring children around the world. The African athletes who have made history at the Youth Olympic Games in Senegal. Plus the chimpanzee in Florida that had his own drone delivery service of bananas. (Photo: Stephanie Case pictured after completing the Antarctic Ice Ultra 2026. Credit: Reuters) Presenter: Chantal Hartle. Music composed by Iona Hampson
On Friday, the US made the rare decision to ground flights nationwide, leaving tens of thousands of people stranded. An overloaded air traffic control system triggered communications failures across the country. The White House says there's no evidence of a cyberattack. Flights resumed after four hours, but Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy has warned that getting the aviation network back to normal will take time. Also: Divisions deepen inside the Trump administration as the US Commerce Secretary comes under criticism for his failure to ban exports of advanced Nvidia chips to a company linked to a suspected Chinese spy. Microsoft says its services are gradually returning to normal after a global outage that affected hundreds of millions of people. Pope Leo says he's overcoming cancer as huge crowds turn out to welcome him in Peru. We report from India, where members of the Gen-Z "Cockroach" protest movement face growing legal pressure and detentions. And the grand final of the first-ever Asian Eurovision Song Contest is about to get underway. 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 Photo: Plane landing at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport after the US FAA issued a national ground stop. Credit: Reuters/Jonathan Ernst
A global Microsoft outage hits schools, doctors and businesses. The tech giant is scrambling to fix the issue - but with so many of us relying on its products such as Outlook and Teams, it has prompted a conversation about how reliant we are on its services. Microsoft says it's not found any evidence that malicious activity caused the problems, and in its latest update it reported that "broader improvements" were being observed in North America and Europe. Also: El Salvador soldiers use combat robot dogs equipped with assault rifles to re-take the national football stadium from gangs in Haiti. The FBI says North Korean hackers used fake video calls in a 400-million dollar crypto hack. Mauricio Pochettino is finally confirmed as Manchester United's new manager. We go inside a secret wartime bunker rediscovered beneath cliffs on the south coast England. 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 Photo: The icons for several Microsoft apps, including Microsoft Outlook. Credit: Yui Mok / PA
Ukraine's President Zelensky has welcomed efforts by Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff, to secure European involvement at the next round of peace talks with Russia. He was speaking alongside the US envoys in Dublin, where they'd flown to brief Mr Zelensky on their earlier discussions with Vladimir Putin in Moscow. Mr Zelensky said it made sense for Europeans to be involved as Ukraine would eventually be an EU member. Also: One of the most powerful men in the AI industry -Jensen Huang- will appear before Congress in the US after being forced to resign over a sex and spying scandal. Schools in Italy have been evacuated for a second day in a row after receiving hoax bomb threats. US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth has awarded a medal to the guard who reprimanded his group for laughing at Arlington National Cemetery. Haiti's security forces say they've regained control of the country’s main stadium in the capital Port au Prince, which has held by gangs for two years. How Pakistan is leading the way in solar energy... and, as matcha continues to boom, a new Japanese matcha congress meets to try and stop it being a victim of its own success. 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 Photo: Russian President Vladimir Putin chairs a meeting in Moscow, Russia. Credit: Sergey Builkin / Sputnik
Nvidia's chief financial officer, Colette Kress, will take over as interim CEO following Jensen Huang's departure. Shares in the company plummeted as US markets opened. It comes days after Huang admitted to an affair with a suspected Chinese spy, although Beijing denies the allegations. It also follows a New York Times report of a second affair with an executive at his own company.
Democrat Scott Colom has won the Mississippi senate race in a shock midterms victory. He will become the state's first Democratic senator in four decades. Exit polls showed Mr Colom benefitted from surging support among black and young voters. Also: Nvidia considers ousting CEO Jensen Huang after his admitted affair with a suspected Chinese spy. A warm welcome for the Pope on his homecoming to Peru. The US Treasure Secretary, Scott Besset, relocates from his home to an unnamed military base after reports of unspecified “threats” from Tehran. Kenya prepares for the extreme weather and flooding expected from El Niño. And the manhunt for the Italian man who escaped house arrest in Argentina by abseiling off his balcony. 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 Photo: Democrat Scott Colom speaks to the media in Jackson, Mississippi, US November 4, 2026 Credit: Reuters
Russia and Ukraine agree to a large prisoner exchange during trilateral talks mediated by the US, but significant differences remain to achieve a peace deal. Kyiv says a ceasefire must come before any discussions on territory, while Moscow demands Ukrainian forces withdraw from parts of eastern Ukraine. The US envoys Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner are to travel to Moscow on Thursday to meet Russia's Vladimir Putin, before debriefing Ukraine's President Zelensky during his visit to Dublin. Also: widespread disruption hits Spain during the country's first general strike in 14 years, prompted by housing shortages and the high cost of living. Will the UN's climate summit make much impact when the world's biggest emitters have declined to join? Deadly floods sweep through Gaza's tent cities, sparking criticism against Israel over an insufficient emergency response. As Manchester United manager Michael Carrick looks set to lose his job, the club begins talks with USA men's coach Mauricio Pochettino. A Sudanese boy who was injured in a drone strike gets prosthetic legs and a greeting from his favourite football player, Real Madrid star Vinícius Jr. And why board games have become so popular again. 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 Photo: Delegates including US officials, led by United States Special Envoy Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, US President Donald Trump's son-in-law, members of the Russian delegation, led by Vladimir Medinsky, an aide to Russia's President Vladimir Putin, and members of the Ukrainian delegation, led by Head of Ukraine's Foreign Intelligence Service Rustem Umerov, attend the UAE-hosted trilateral talks between the United States, Russian and Ukrainian delegations, in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, November 10, 2026. REUTERS/Rula Rouhana
A senior American soldier is in custody at a London police station after being arrested on suspicion of spying for Russia. The 41-year-old man was held during a counter-terrorism operation involving the US military and the FBI, and is understood to have been stationed at Imjin Barracks in Gloucestershire - the headquarters of NATO's Allied Rapid Reaction Corps. Also: US Republicans block efforts to impeach the defence secretary, Pete Hegseth. Anti-homosexuality laws are overturned in Trinidad and Tobago - we hear from the man behind the 11-year legal battle. We meet the "Peaky Blinders" drone unit fighting in Ukraine's front line city of Sloviansk. A federal judge in Florida rules that Donald Trump's 10 billion dollar defamation lawsuit against the BBC for misleading editing can proceed. One of the last surviving heroes of the French Resistance, Solange Alexandre, has died. And fury and amusement over Kim Kardashian's Skims advent calender. 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 Photo: Imjin Barracks, Innsworth, Gloucestershire. Home of ARRC - Allied Rapid Reaction Corps Credit: BBC
A BBC investigation uncovers new evidence about how model agencies, scouts and powerful fashion figures helped Jeffrey Epstein gain access to young women after his conviction for sex offences. A woman raped by the financier says the president of her model agency put her in danger when he sent her to two photoshoots at Epstein's Florida beach house. At the time, in 2009, Epstein was serving a jail sentence for sex offences against a minor but was allowed to work each day from his home. Also: dozens of soldiers in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo are sentenced to death by a military court for offences including cowardice and mutiny. Negotiators from Ukraine, Russia and the US begin two days of talks in Abu Dhabi, aimed at ending the war. One of Russia's few independent news outlets, Novaya Gazeta, is shut down. In a unique experiment, movie fans in the Netherlands are hypnotised before watching their favourite film, so they can experience the movie as if for the first time. A round-the-world cruise ship, which left passengers stranded in Cambodia after its operator ran out of money, has been seized in Singapore. And five stars are shortlisted for the 2026 BBC World Service Women’s Footballer of the Year. 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 Photo: Jeffrey Epstein Credit: New York State Division of Criminal Justice Services sex offender registry
President Trump has said the resumption of US strikes against Iran is "quite unlikely and unnecessary". He expressed support for his defence secretary, Pete Hegseth, after a Republican Congressman, Thomas Massie, introduced articles of impeachment against him for waging war in Iran and elsewhere without Congressional approval. Also: President Trump says the FBI is investigating claims that Jensen Huang, the boss of the US tech giant Nvidia, had an affair with a suspected Chinese agent. He said he'd spoken to Mr Huang - who'd told him he had no idea that the woman was a spy. France has accused Iran of being behind cyberattacks last month that heated up supermarket fridges and freezers, spoiling millions of dollars' worth of food. The former British comedian and actor, Russell Brand is beginning a prison sentence of ten-and-a-half years for raping one woman and sexually assaulting three others between 2004 and 2009. We have a special report from the Libyan city of Derna, which has been rebuilt after Storm Daniel triggered the worst flood disaster in the world this century. Astronomers say the Earth has another temporary moon that's fallen into our planet's gravitational pull. And the author M John Harrison is awarded the prestigious Booker Prize for his dystopian novel, The End of Everything. 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 Photo: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth speaking at the Pentagon in March. Credit: EPA/Shutterstock
Nvidia says it's investigating CEO's affair with tech executive Alice Huang, as shares in the firm fall in pre-market trading. Also: BBC investigation finds one of Europe’s most powerful drug gangs recruits teenagers from across France to carry out murders and kidnappings. COP31 UN Climate summit gets underway in Turkey, focusing on delivering on past promises. The former Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, who's facing the death penalty in her home country, requests a new passport and identity card so she can return. Pope Leo, who's on a tour of South America, criticises Argentine president Javier Milei over austerity measures. Eight years after Australian cricket was rocked by the infamous "sandpapergate" scandal, one of the players involved - David Warner - breaks his silence, saying the whole team knew about ball tampering. And could a vibrating mattress help fight Alzheimer's disease? 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 Photo: Alice Huang attends a dinner with Nvidia CEO Jensen Huang at a restaurant in Taiwan in May 2025 Credit: CTI/Reuters
The US tech giant Nvidia has opened an independent investigation following reports its chief executive, Jensen Huang, had a relationship with a woman suspected of spying for China. Mr Huang apologized to his wife and his children for being unfaithful. The chip maker said it had no reason to believe its secrets or US national security were compromised. Also: an anti-terrorism investigation is launched in Poland after a mass shooting in the city of Krakow left six people dead. In Egypt two trains have crashed south of the capital, Cairo, killing seven people and injuring more than 100. South Africa’s governing party, the African National Congress, has recorded its worst result in local elections since Nelson Mandela led the country into democracy. The Indian capital Delhi records very poor air quality during Diwali celebrations. Billionaires on the ballot in California - should they pay more tax? And a miraculous rescue in the Pacific Ocean as cruise ship pianist is picked up by fishermen. 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 Photo: Nvidia boss Jensen Huang at the US Institute of Peace in Washington, 8th October. Credit: Reuters
After Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022, many Russians who opposed the war – or feared being sent to fight in it – fled the country. In much of the West, they were welcomed as courageous dissidents. But four years on, the number of Russians being forcibly returned from the US to Russia is rising. Is the tougher stance on Russian asylum seekers evidence of the Trump administration seeking closer ties with Moscow? Or is it part of a wider immigration crackdown, driven by domestic politics? In this episode, Tristan Redman speaks to the BBC’s Will Vernon about the Russian refugees he has met who face persecution if they are forced to return home. The Global Story brings clarity to politics, business and foreign policy in a time of connection and disruption. For more episodes, just search 'The Global Story' wherever you get your BBC Podcasts.
Poland has begun two days of mourning after a gunman opened fire on the main square in the city of Krakow, killing six and injuring 15 others; three more bodies were found at the suspect's home. The authorities say he used military weapons and is thought to have been inspired by far-right ideologies. Also: Israel's president invites Gadi Eisenkot, the main rival of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, to try to form a government after last week’s inconclusive election. Heavy rains in Gaza cause flooding for tens of thousands of misplaced residents living in desperate conditions in tents. The former president of Paraguay is charged in connection with the banking scandal that led to his impeachment. The Ultimate Fighting Championship boss, Dana White, tells us he is meeting President Trump on Monday after he was apparently offered the job of White House Press Secretary. The super sock that's supposed to improve running but has proved divisive. And why thousands entered a competition to find the most "distinctly Boston" accent. 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 Photo: Emergency personal near the site of the shooting in the main market square in Krakow Credit: Reuters / Agencja Wyborcza.pl
When Bridget's relationship fell apart, she turned to the internet with a proposal: come to Northern Ireland and celebrate the wedding that never happened. What followed was a story that has resonated worldwide as 11 strangers answered the call and helped transform loss and heartbreak into an unforgettable week of connection, companionship and adventure. Also on this podcast; meet the 25-year-old who is on a mission to give one million people access to safe water by 2030. Diana Virgovicova was diagnosed with ovarian cancer as a teenager -- a disease which she believes was linked to the use of agricultural pesticides in her town. After she realised contaminated water was a global problem, she taught herself quantum chemistry to find a way to clean up water. Also, the family living on the UK's most remote inhabited island and we go to Washington DC's annual High Heel Race. Picture: Eleven strangers from across the world travelled to Northern Ireland to celebrate Bridget's 'non-wedding'. Credit: Rob Dight / Epic Love Photography Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world. Presenter: Holly Gibbs. Music composed by Iona Hampson
Donald Trump names the immigration hardliner, Stephen Miller, as the new White House chief of staff after the Republican Party's historic losses in the US midterm elections. Mr Miller's appointment to one of the most powerful positions in Washington has been criticised by Democrats and some Republicans. Also: Paraguay's president, Santiago Peña, is impeached and placed under house arrest. Thomas Markle - the estranged father of Prince Harry's wife, Meghan - appears in court over child sex abuse material; he denies wrongdoing. More than 200 Palestinian couples are married at a mass ceremony in war-torn Gaza. The American-Israeli filmmaker Guy Nattiv speaks to the BBC about his new movie, The Liberation. And were ancient Siberian nomads smoking cannabis? 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 Photo: Stephen Miller, the newly-appointed White House chief of staff, speaking on 20th October in the Oval Office. Credit: Reuters
Investors dump tech shares over fears of slowdown in AI development following the sweeping Democrat victory in the US midterm elections. Markets in Asia suffer sharp losses. Japan’s Nikkei index and South Korea’s Kospi closed 6% down on Friday. Also: the leader of a doomsday cult in Kenya is sentenced to 200 years in prison after being found guilty of murdering more than 190 people; Paraguay's president faces impeachment after a banking scandal puts the country in crisis; another wave of bomb threats disrupts passenger flights in Europe; Gavin Newsom spares 500 prisoners from the death sentence in California; and the Pope heads to Latin America three weeks after lung cancer surgery. 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 Photo: Currency dealers talk in front of an electronic board displaying the Korea Composite Stock Price Index (KOSPI) in Seoul, South Korea. Credit: REUTERS/Kim Hong-Ji
Pressure grows on the US defence secretary following the Republicans' midterm losses. The war in Iran, which Pete Hegseth supported, is being blamed for the defeats - but President Trump said he intended to keep Mr Hegseth on. The defence secretary issues a defiant video statement defending his record. Also: Melania Trump hosts Russian and Ukrainian representatives at the White House. US tech stocks lose hundreds of billions of dollars over fears the Democrats could slow down AI development. Paraguay's president faces impeachment over the collapse of a bank that he had connections with. And the blind Nigerian woman hoping to retain her martial arts title. 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 Photo: US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth speaks in a video statement, in Arlington, Virginia, US in this still image from handout video released November 5, 2026. Credit: X/Reuters
French riot police have fired tear gas at protesters in several cities in the latest day of demonstrations over the rising cost of living and public services that began with student strikes in September. French riot police have fired tear gas at protesters in several cities. A school near the southern city of Toulouse has been set on fire. Unions, who've called a general strike to demand higher pay, say they expect 800,000 people on the streets across France. Also: Flights across Europe have again been disrupted by a series of bomb threats, with at least twelve planes affected. British comedian and actor Russell Brand has been found guilty of rape and sexual assault and told he faces jail. The Portuguese striker, Cristiano Ronaldo, has announced he is retiring from international football. New Zealand's party leaders have been making their final appeals to voters, before a general election with no clear frontrunners. Was an Italian chef really fired over refusal to put pineapple on pizza? And... we speak to Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw about their favourite moments from filming the second series of the hit Netflix spy thriller Black Doves. 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 Photo: A masked protester holds a red flare during a demonstration in Paris Credit: REUTERS/Hannah McKay
President Trump said it was "largely true" that the Republicans' defeat in the US midterm elections was because of the war on Iran. The Vice-President, JD Vance, went further, suggesting the political fallout from the conflict wasn't worth it. We'll also have the latest on the Senate race in Alaska, in which a winner has yet to be declared. Also: tens of thousands of secret police files are released in Hungary. A Hong Kong activist is sentenced to 10 years in prison. And there's outrage in Denmark after a man was tricked into being filmed for a reality TV show. 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 Photo: President Trump addresses White House construction workers, 04 Nov 2026 Credit: Photo by Annabelle Gordon/Pool/EPA/Shutterstock.
Democrats have stormed to success in the US midterm elections, capitalising on voter anger about the Iran war, the economy and threats to democracy under Donald Trump. Both the Senate and the House have been flipped by a wide margin. Senate seats turned from Republican to Democrat in Texas, Ohio, Iowa, Kansas and Maine, as well as North and South Carolina. Many of the seats had been held by Republicans for decades. In a first reaction, Iran's supreme leader said he doesn't expect US policy to change, although his chief negotiator earlier said the results showed Americans didn't want war. Also; Israel's president has begun consultations with party leaders on who can form a government after last week's inconclusive vote, and President Zelensky has given Ukraine's highest civilian award for women to the American first lady, Melania Trump, for a ceasefire which she's credited with brokering in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky. 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 Photo: Democratic US Senate candidate Abdul El-Sayed walks onto the stage after his victory in the US midterm elections in Detroit, Michigan Credit: Reuters/Brian Snyder
The Democratic Party inflicted a huge upset on the Republicans in the US midterm elections. In the Senate race in Texas, the Democrat James Talarico is projected to beat the Republican Ken Paxton. He'll join Democratic Senators from South and North Carolina, and Ohio, who've flipped seats in a change that will see the Republicans lose control of the Senate. The Democrats are already expected to win a majority in the House of Representatives - a victory which will have a major impact on President Trump's ability to govern. Writing on social media, the president said that if he'd been on the ballot, the Republicans would have won 'in a landslide'. 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 Photo: Supporters react after media outlets projected Democratic US Senate candidate and Texas State Representative James Talarico's victory in the US midterm elections in Austin, Texas, US, November 3, 2026. Credit: Reuters
US voters decide whether Donald Trump keeps control of Congress in the midterm elections. The Democrats are predicted to win back control of the House, and possibly the Senate, although many key contests are within the margin of error. Also: several flights land at airports around Europe after all being targeted by suspected bomb threats; Tenerife footballer, Jesus de Miguel, dies after on-field collision; King Charles calls the slave trade a "shameful chapter" in Britain's history; hundreds of garment factories in Bangladesh are forced to close after several days of violent protests; North Korea denies role in the massive theft of cryptocurrency in a major cyberattack on Binance; and the new word of the year for 2026. 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 Image: Voters fill out their ballots to vote in the midterm election on Election Day in Detroit, Michigan, USA, 03 November 2026 Credit: EPA/Shutterstock
President Zelensky described as utterly horrific a Russian attack in the southern Ukrainian region of Zaporizhzhia that killed at least 26 people. He said the first air strike was on a school building which was being used as an aid distribution centre. It was followed by nine more bombs targeting a shelter where people were taking cover. Among those killed in the second attack were police and rescue workers who had gone to help. Also: final campaigning has been taking place in the United States on the eve of the midterm elections, which President Trump has described as the most important "in our lifetime". We hear from a man in the Netherlands whose parents opted for duo-euthanasia, where a person receives a lethal injection at the same time as a loved one. Snapchat settles a multi-million-dollar lawsuit following claims that its app was designed to be addictive. And the million-pound game show on British television that wasn't quite what it appeared to be. 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 Photo: General view of a compound of a local school where a Russian air strike hit an underground shelter, which was used as a humanitarian aid hub in the frontline town of Komyshuvakha, in Zaporizhzhia region, Ukraine, November 2, 2026. Credit: Press service of the State Emergency Service of Ukraine in Zaporizhzhia region.
Ukraine reported late on Sunday that an air alert app had been compromised - with citizens receiving several false notifications about chemical and radiological threats. A few hours later, the authorities in Russia said a similar app had been hacked after fake messages appeared about nuclear warheads being launched towards the country. The apparent cyberattack came on the same day the humanitarian ceasefire in the Russian-occupied city of Oleshky officially ended. Also: Monday is the last day of campaigning before the US midterm elections - we speak to voters in a key state. In Florida, investigators are on the scene of a plane crash that killed nine people and left a burning crater in a residential area. The BBC secures rare access to people inside Iran whose lives have been changed after a year of widespread protests, a brutal crackdown by the authorities and the war with the US and Israel. Dozens of supermarkets across Europe - particularly in Belgium and Luxembourg - have been hit by a suspected cyberattack affecting refrigerators and freezers. Sudan has complained to the UN against Ethiopia over drone attacks which it says were launched from Ethiopian territory... and police in Finland have launched a criminal investigation into possible breaches of the country’s environmental laws at the site of a planned Google data centre. 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 Photo: A woman holding a mobile phone. Credit: PA
A shock endorsement in Michigan just days before the US midterm elections has been welcomed by President Trump. Democratic Congresswoman Haley Stevens backed Republican, Mike Rogers, rather than her own party's candidate, Abdul El- Sayed. Also: Hamas says at least eight people have been killed during Israeli air strikes on Gaza. Thousands participate in demonstrations in Germany over the cost of living and spending on education. Buddhists in Bhutan gather to build 108 structures in 24 hours in order to bless a "mindfulness" city. We hear from Karl Bushby, the British former paratrooper who is finally home after 28 years. And 20-year old Kimi Antonelli becomes the youngest champion in the history of Formula One at the Mexico Grand Prix. 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 Photo: US Representative Haley Stevens speaks with the media next to Republican US Senate candidate Mike Rogers who she endorsed, after attending church in Michigan. Credit: RUTERS/Rebecca Cook
The French interior ministry says that more than 500 people were arrested during riots across the country. Paving stones and petrol bombs were thrown at the police after trouble broke out following mainly peaceful demonstrations about falling living standards. Also: anti-government protests have broken out again in Albania where water canon was used to try to disperse protestors. Emotions run high in Ukraine where people evacuated from the Russian-occupied town of Oleshky were reunited with friends and family they haven't seen for more than four years. Andy Burnham goes further than any previous British prime minister by saying he is "open" to calls for the UK to formally apologise for its role in the transatlantic slave trade, but he rules out financial reparations. Wikipedia's co-founder, Jimmy Wales, speaks to the BBC on the 25th anniversary of the free online encyclopaedia. And the medieval knights on electric bikes jousting in a park in London after footage of their first showdown attracted millions of views online. 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 Photo 1: Protesters kick back tear gas canisters, during a demonstration against the cost of living and rising fuel prices, in Paris, France, October 31, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Pedro Nunes Photo 2: A protester holds a firework during a demonstration over the cost of living and rising fuel prices, in Paris, France, October 31, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Pedro Nunes
A new personalised skin cancer vaccine has been found to reduce the risk of patients dying or their cancer returning by 42%. As part of a global two-year clinical trial, more than 1,000 patients who had already had their tumours removed were given a widely used immunotherapy drug. Around two-thirds were then given the experimental vaccine, which was developed using cells from their own tumours. Researchers say the results could mark a turning point in cancer treatment. Also: How a man achieved his goal of becoming a world-famous singer without even knowing it. The neighbours who rallied together to fulfil an autistic boy's dream. The "brain bank" giving hope to Parkinson's patients. A ballet school offering a brighter future for children living in one of the poorest parts of the world. And how one conservationist's determination helped save the threatened African manatee. Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world. (Photo: A man receives a personalised vaccine as part of a global cancer treatment trial. Credit: Addenbrooke's Hospital) Presenter: Helena Burke Music: Iona Hampson
The US State Department says it has approved the sale of more than two billion dollars' worth of Patriot missiles to Ukraine. The 500 missiles have been paid for by contributions from Canada, Germany and Norway. Ukraine needs the interceptors to defend itself from escalating Russian attacks, but there is a global shortage due to their use by the US in its war against Iran. Also: Russia's most prominent independant paper closes after years of state persecution. Shares in US technology companies fall sharply for a second day on Wall Street as concerns rise over the hundreds of billions of dollars being invested in AI. Police Scotland confirm that they're looking into the time the King's brother Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor spent with Jeffrey Epstein and Ghislaine Maxwell at the British Royal Family's Balmoral estate in Aberdeenshire. A row in South Korea over pictures from a deadly crush being used in the latest Call of Duty video game. And Ken Russell fans gear up to see a newly restored and uncensored classic by the late acclaimed British film director. 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 Photo: U.S. Army MIM-104 Patriots, surface-to-air missile (SAM) system launchers are pictured at Rzeszow-Jasionka Airport, amid Russia's invasion of Ukraine, Poland March 24, 2022 Credit: Reuters
Officials confirm the evacuation of the Ukrainian city of Oleshky is under way. Russia and Ukraine have agreed a temporary local ceasefire. People who decided to leave Oleshky had a four-hour window to do so. Also: Binance, the world's biggest crypto exchange, has been hit by what could be the biggest hack in history. We report from Syria, two years on from the fall of the Assad regime. Experts say the online “manosphere” should be treated as a public health issue. We look at what role Israel’s president will play in the outcome of the general election. And researchers say eating fruit and vegetable scraps could provide a health boost that most of us are missing. 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 Photo: Residents in Oleshky, Ukraine, 30th October 2026. Credit: Reuters
The Venezuelan opposition leader, Maria Corina Machado, has questioned a massive oil deal agreed between Caracas and Washington earlier this year. The accord will see Venezuela hand over twenty per cent of its oil reserves to the US. Speaking at a news conference after her return from exile over the weekend, Ms Machado insisted elections would be held next year, as part of the democratic transition she said was backed by the US. Also: Spanish families desperately search local hospitals in the hope of finding relatives who were hurt in the Toledo train disaster on Wednesday. America's First Lady, Melania Trump, says the ceasefire in the Ukrainian city of Olezhky has been expanded within the Kherson region. The British actor, Patrick Stewart, who gained fame as Captain Jean-Luc Picard in Star Trek, has died at the age of 86. The Republican governor of Alaska has ordered an investigation into an alleged scheme which led to two men named Dan Sullivan standing in the state's US Senate race. Mike Dunleavy said he was responding to a New York Times story alleging that Democratic party operatives recruited a spoiler candidate. At least 300,000 people could be at risk of future natural disasters in the Himalayas, and we hear from Iranians planning to celebrate Halloween despite the risk of arrest. 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 Photo: Venezuela’s opposition leader Maria Corina Machado addresses the press in Caracas. Credit: Reuters/Gaby Oráa
More than a dozen people are killed by a jet-powered drone from Russia as they board a train from a crowded platform in the Ukrainian city of Dnipro. Also: following the election in Israel, Arab-led parties could hold the balance of power. Would they ever agree to join a coalition government? Rescuers are still searching the wreckage of a crash involving two high-speed trains in Spain. There's been outrage in South Korea after the makers of the video game Call of Duty include footage from a real-life tragedy that killed nearly 160, most of them young people. And Britain is looking at ways to verify the age of teenagers ahead of a social media ban for under-16s - but will it work? 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 Photo: emergency workers at railway station in Dnipro, Ukraine after Russian drone strike Credit: Reuters
Flávio Bolsonaro insists he is Brazil’s rightful leader, claiming fraud in the election he lost to President Lula da Silva - without providing evidence. He is currently in Miami in the United States but denies fleeing Brazil where he is under investigation. Also: Spanish investigators examine if negligence played a role in deadly rail crash; forest fires spark anti-government protests across Indonesia; the woman who pet a great white shark; and the art of short films, and even shorter microdramas. 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 Photo: Flávio Bolsonaro lands in Florida after fleeing Brazil following his defeat in the presidential election. Credit: Reuters/Eva Marie Uzcategui
More than 60 people have died after two high-speed trains collided south of the Spanish capital, Madrid. The accident happened on the same rail line where 46 people died earlier this year. Also: with most votes counted in the Israeli election, Benjamin Netanyahu's bloc is slightly ahead, but short of a majority. A luxury cruise ship on a years-long voyage around the world has suspended operations because of high fuel costs, leaving passengers stranded in Cambodia. King Charles has begun his tour of the Caribbean by acknowledging the "great suffering of the past" as he faced calls for slavery reparations. And the two-time Oscar winner, Michael Douglas, tells the BBC that writing a memoir was an important legacy to leave his “nepo baby” children. 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 Photo: two high-speed trains collide in Urda, Spain. Credit: EPA/Shutterstock
There is no clear winner in Israel's election, with results remaining too close to call. As votes are being counted, Benjamin Netanyahu tells supporters he wants to form a right-wing government and "remove the Iranian threat once and for all." His challenger, opposition leader Gadi Eisenkot, urges the prime minister to step down, saying the country has voted "for change". Arab parties are on track to record their best results ever. Also: Brazil's defeated right-wing presidential candidate, Flávio Bolsonaro, has fled to the United States amid a probe into alleged money laundering. NFL player Colin Kaepernick speaks to the BBC about his choice to protest police brutality by taking the knee on the field in 2016, causing him to lose his career. The Youth Olympic Games, held in the Senegalese capital, is set to be the first Olympic event held on African soil. And why scientists are playing underwater sounds to coral reefs. 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 Picture: Voters wave Israeli flags while awaiting results from the country's first parliamentary elections since the 7 October 2023 attacks. Credit: EPA/Shutterstock/Atef Safadi
Israelis turn out in large numbers to vote in what many view as one of the most pivotal elections in the country's history. The campaign has been shaped by the issues of democracy and security and is widely being seen as a referendum on Benjamin Netanyahu's leadership. Also: Officials aligned with the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan say drone strikes on the city of Nyala have killed over a hundred people. A ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine is holding in the Russia-occupied city of Oleshky, to allow in humanitarian aid. Media groups in India have told the country's supreme court that the government’s new privacy law would challenge the entire concept of news and amount to pre-censorship. The US Justice Department is set to file new charges against James Comey, marking the third time in just over a year that the Trump administration has tried to prosecute the former FBI director. Football star Kylian Mbappe has been dropped by two of his Chinese sponsors after a video emerged of the player making fun of China’s revolutionary hero Mao Zedong. As the sixth instalment in Sarah J. Mass’s ACOTAR series is released, we learn why the romantasy genre has become so popular. And finally, a two-metre-tall skeleton of a dinosaur is expected to sell at Southby’s for $9m. 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 Photo: An ultra-Orthodox Jewish man casts his vote for the 26th Knesset elections in the city of Bnei Brak, near Tel Aviv, Israel, 27 October 2026. Credit: EPA/ Shutterstock
Israel is holding its first general election since the October 7th Hamas attacks in 2023, with Benjamin Netanyahu seeking to maintain his hold on power after three years of war. Also: after his shock defeat in the Brazilian election, the right wing opposition candidate, Flávio Bolsonaro, says he's now been banned from leaving the country. Anthropic files for a potentially record-breaking stock market valuation. Two Catholic bishops in the US say they regret meeting President Trump, after images of them praying with him are released by a White House aide. Harry Kane becomes the first English footballer in 25 years to win the game's most prestigious individual award - the Ballon d'Or. A convicted murderer in Australia loses his legal challenge against the ban on Vegemite in prisons. 'Maxxing' is selected as Dictionary.com's word of the year.
This week the Chinese President Xi Jinping and his inner circle are meeting in Beijing for a series of closed-door meetings, known as plenums. Once those meetings have concluded, we're expecting to learn more about the senior figures that could shape the look of China's ruling Communist Party in the years to come. In this bonus episode we answer your questions about the next generation of Chinese leaders and how they might run the world superpower. Presenter Celia Hatton is joined by the BBC's China correspondent Stephen McDonell in Beijing and Shawn Yuan from the BBC Global China Unit and other Chinese expert guests. 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 Photo: Chinese President Xi Jinping pictured during a meeting in Beijing, China, May 15, 2026. Credit: Reuters/Evan Vucci/Pool
Serbia's long-standing leader, Aleksander Vučić, is defeated in parliamentary elections by the Student List Party. The movement grew out of protests against corruption and authoritarianism. Also: we speak to Israelis about what many see as the most critical election in their history. Brazil's incumbent left-wing President, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, wins a stunning victory in a run-off vote. Around 300 top politicians gather in Beijing, as China's communist leadership holds its most important meeting of the year. And cars, buses, taxis and bicycles disappear from a section of Oxford Street, as pedestrians take over London's famous shopping thoroughfare. 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 Photo: Supporters of the electoral list, "Student List - Students Win", celebrate after Aleksandar Vučić,, Serbian Progressive Party (SNS) prime ministerial candidate, conceded defeat in the parliamentary election in Belgrade, Serbia. Credit: REUTERS
Brazil's left-wing President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has been elected to a fourth term in office, defeating Flávio Bolsonaro in the runoff of the presidential election. The right-wing challenger Bolsonaro has called for the election to be annulled, following in his father Jair Bolsonaro’s footsteps by not recognising the results. Lula becomes the first president in Brazil's history to win a fourth term. Also: joy and disbelief on Serbia's streets as a student-led protest movement defeats the long-standing leader Aleksandar Vučić. The Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado returns to Caracas after nearly a year in exile. Why the money from China's soaring exports isn't reaching the nation's workers. Uganda imposes a 21-day Ebola quarantine for travellers arriving from the DRC. Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly clashes with his military chief. And why wind-up radios are flying off the shelves in the 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 Photo: Brazil's President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, the Workers' Party (PT) candidate for re-election, gestures as he addresses supporters after his victory in the presidential runoff election, at Paulista Avenue, in Sao Paulo, Brazil, October 26, 2026. REUTERS/Amanda Perobelli
Midterm elections in the United States are normally about domestic issues such as the economy and the cost of living. They’re often a pulse check on voter sentiment towards the party in power, or a reflection of local political battles and regional trends. Midterms are rarely impassioned referendums on a specific foreign policy issue. But this year in Michigan, for some voters, the Senate race is shaping up to be just that. Today on the show, The Global Story’s Asma Khalid shares her reporting from Michigan, where a debate among Democrats over the conflict in the Middle East has become a touchstone issue, especially among the state’s large Arab American and Jewish communities. The Global Story brings clarity to politics, business and foreign policy in a time of connection and disruption. For more episodes, just search 'The Global Story' wherever you get your BBC Podcasts.
Protests against poor economic conditions have been held across France. Nearly 1,000 people have been arrested after clashes with riot police in cities including Paris and Marseilles. Also: campaigning intensifies ahead of the US mid-term elections. We have a special report from the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas. Gianni Infantino claims the "vast majority" supports his bid for re-election as head of world football's governing body, FIFA. Final rallies are held in Brazil ahead of Sunday's presidential run-off election between Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and Flávio Bolsonaro. One man has been arrested after Hitler's Eagle's Nest retreat in Bavaria was engulfed in flames. And Europe's busiest shopping street, Oxford Street in London, prepares to go traffic free. 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 Photo: People clash with police during a demonstration against the high cost of living in Bordeaux, France, 24 October 2026. Credit: EPA/Shuttershock
Patrick Mohr thought his wedding ring was gone after it fell off his hand while he swam in Italy, but it led to an international friendship with three locals who dived to find it. Filippo Palagi, Nicola Malloggi and Edoardo Poggi went on a trip to return it to Patrick in Ireland. Also: the grandmother who competed at Miss Great Britain and made history in the process. Glamour Gran Ann wants other women to see that getting older does not mean disappearing. In Australia, the reporter who ended up saving a man's life while covering floods in Brisbane. ABC reporter Will Murray pulled a man from a sinking car, after the driver accidentally drove into the flood. Plus - World Athletics are holding their first ever World Treadmill Championship. And the live stream in Finland where you can watch puppies 24/7. Image: The three men who helped Patrick find his ring, posing with Patrick holding it. Credit: Patrick Mohr. Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world. Presenter: Holly Gibbs. Music composed by Iona Hampson
The White House says the US first lady, Melania Trump, has brokered a local ceasefire for a frontline city in a Russian-occupied part of Ukraine. The truce in Oleshky, in the Kherson region, is due to begin on October 29. The White House says the city is on "the brink of disaster" without medicine, food and clean water. Residents of the city have resorted to eating garden weeds to survive. Also: Donald Trump files a lawsuit seeking to block Alaska's result in the midterms if the Republican incumbent does not win his Senate seat. We look at the legacy of the iPod as the device turns 25. The company behind ChatGPT announces that it will no longer train its AI models live on the internet amid security concerns. Brazilians go to the polls on Sunday in what’s predicted to be an incredibly close presidential election. And the hunt for the next James Bond is underway, with screen tests rumoured to be taking place in London. 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 Photo: Rally demanding the establishment of a humanitarian corridor to evacuate Ukrainian civilians from Oleshky in Kherson region, in Kyiv. October 6, 2026. REUTERS/Alina Smutko
A BBC investigation has found evidence that Sudanese paramilitary fighters systematically destroyed El-Fasher's healthcare system during their long siege and subsequent takeover of the city in Darfur a year ago. UN human rights chief Volker Türk called the findings "deeply disturbing", saying multiple attacks by the Rapid Support Forces (RSF) on civilian infrastructure, including health facilities, were serious violations of international humanitarian law and may amount to war crimes. Also: the Israeli military says two soldiers were killed in an attack by Palestinian gunmen in the occupied West Bank. The two suspected attackers were shot dead by the IDF. Ukrainian defence officials say there are still restrictions on their use of the Starshield satellite network, despite President Trump saying it was operating normally. And, the brave little octopus who escapes death after venturing from her normal underwater habitat. 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 Photo: A makeshift hospital in El Fasher lies in ruins after being targeted by RSF fighters. Credit: BBC News
Our senior international corrrespondent Orla Guerin reports from Yemen where fighting has intensified between government forces and Houthi rebels. Also: Kim Jong-un's sister, Kim Yo-jong steps into the limelight as rumours swirl over the health of the North Korean leader. Demonstrators stage peaceful protests across Venezuela calling for the safe return of opposition leader Maria Corina Machado. President Trump is ordered to answer questions under oath in BBC lawsuit. New York city council votes to ban the use of horsedrawn carriages in Central Park after a long campaign by activists who say the animals suffer. A retired decorator becomes a millionaire after Pokemon cards sold at auction. And Raye wins the 2026 Mercury Prize for her album This Music May Contain Hope. 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 Photo: Yemeni families seek refuge in a camp near the port city of Aden Credit: Lee Durant - BBC
The Ukrainian president has accused Russia of responding to the latest negotiations about ending the war by launching three waves of ballistic missiles. Nine people were killed and more than 30 injured across Ukraine, as homes, power facilities, shops and a medical centre were hit. The attacks came after Russia had said it was "ready in principle" to resume peace talks, and the US said an end to the war was close. Also: American media reports say the US and Israel are developing plans for renewed strikes against specific targets in Iran. How Arab parties could hold the balance of power in the Israeli general election. Why has President Trump been heckled at a rally in South Carolina? And a clinical trial has been launched in the UK which scientists hope could cut years from the search for new treatments for Alzheimer's disease. 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 Photo: A rescuer works at the site of a shopping centre hit by a Russian missile attack, amid Russia's attack on Ukraine, in Kyiv, Ukraine October 22, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Gleb Garanich
A cyber security flaw has prompted governments in Finland and the Netherlands and websites such as Wikipedia and the BBC to go completely dark temporarily. The flaws in a programming language were discovered by AI. PHP is a scripting language that powers 70 per cent of all websites in the world. Also: Three-way talks between Russia, Ukraine and the United States are scheduled to take place in Abu Dhabi next month to try to bring an end to the Russia-Ukraine war. We hear about an Iranian prisoner who went to extraordinary lengths to chronicle the brutal reality of life Inside one of the country's notorious jail's. Our correspondent details the rise in the number of wild elephants dying in Sri Lanka. The new rules that mean you won't have to clean up before you leave an Airbnb. And why John Malkovich is tipped for an Oscar for his performance in Wild Horse Nine. 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 Photo: The website of the Computer Emergency Response Team for the EU Institutions, Bodies and Agencies displays a warning message after critical vulnerabilities were detected in the PHP programming language Credit: Rob Engelaar - EPA/Shutterstock
Russia has released a retired American teacher who was jailed for allegedly fighting on behalf of Ukraine, as President Vladimir Putin met US envoy Steve Witkoff. Mr Witkoff praised the decision, calling Mr Putin "a humanitarian", while also thanking him for a diesel deal that has angered Kyiv's allies. The US envoy, who had attended talks with President Volodymyr Zelensky in Norway on Tuesday, also asked Mr Putin to consider trilateral peace talks with Ukraine. Also: Hungarian police arrest the former central bank chief György Matolcsy on suspicion of fraud. South Korea's newest celebrity, Bukangi the shark, returns to sea after a third rescue attempt in Busan harbour. Australian MP Helen Haines loses both legs after alleged car attack, as suspect is charged with multiple offences. The UK government gives the green light to a new gas field in North Sea, despite protests from environment campaigners. The BBC visits Springfield, Ohio, ahead of the US midterm elections, speaking to Haitian migrants fearing deportation. Why Elon Musk wants to merge SpaceX and Tesla, and the Hokusai Mount Fuji photos going on display in London.