Global News Podcast

Celebrations and relief over Gaza ceasefire deal

16 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Israelis and Gazans welcome the ceasefire but express concern it won't end the conflict. Also: Trump's secretary of state pick, Marco Rubio, stresses ...

Gaza special: ceasefire and hostage deal agreed

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A Gaza ceasefire, which involves a full withdrawal of Israeli forces and the release of all the hostages, has been agreed by Israel and Hamas. The ann...

South Korea's impeached president arrested after police scale walls

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In custody Yoon Suk Yeol defended his decision to impose martial law last month. Also: dozens of bodies have been pulled from an abandoned gold mine i...

Talks between Israel and Hamas continue in Qatar

15 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Hopes remain high that a ceasefire deal between Israel and Hamas is very close. Also: South Korean investigators again try to arrest President Yoon Su...

Signs of imminent ceasefire deal for Gaza

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Qatari mediators say major differences have been overcome in Gaza negotiations. Also: US Justice Department report says Donald Trump engaged in an unp...

Negotiators close to securing Gaza ceasefire deal - White House

14 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

President Biden says a Gaza ceasefire deal is "on the brink" of coming to fruition. Also: Oliviero Toscani, Benetton's controversial photographer, di...

China's trade booms amid threat of US tariffs

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

China has reported its largest-ever annual trade surplus, amid Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs. Also, an investigation into the fast fashion g...

Zelensky offers exchange of North Korean soldiers

13 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Ukrainian president says he is willing to hand over two captured North Korean soldiers in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia. Also:...

The Global Story: The fight for the Arctic

12 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump has repeated his desire to control Greenland as a matter of national security, targeting Russian and Chinese interest in the Arctic. Comp...

Los Angeles firefighters battle to contain a large wildfire from spreading

12 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The authorities in Los Angeles say the strong winds that have spread wildfires over a wide area are likely to continue for several more days. Also: is...

The Happy Pod: The woman helping thousands of premature babies

11 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

We meet a Texas woman whose donated breastmilk helped thousands of premature babies. Also: surviving thirteen days alone in Australia's mountains; a c...

Night-time curfew imposed in fire-hit areas of Los Angeles

11 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

In Los Angeles, a night-time curfew has been imposed in areas impacted by the devastating wildfires, as police warn against looting. Also: a Stradiv...

2024 warmest year on record

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

EU scientists say 2024 was the warmest year on record, and the first to exceed the 1.5C global warming limit. Also: Los Angeles residents return to th...

Venezuelan opposition leader emerges from hiding to lead protests

10 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has emerged from hiding to lead anti-Maduro protests. Also: extracting what may be the world’s...

Multiple wildfires raging in Los Angeles

09 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A crescent of flames looms over Los Angeles as wildfires burn. Firefighters manage to bring under control the blaze that had been threatening Hollywoo...

First deaths as wildfires wreak havoc in LA

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

At least two people have died as wildfires rage uncontrolled in several parts of Los Angeles. President Biden has promised extra help. Also: Egypt ha...

Los Angeles wildfires force thousands from their homes

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Los Angeles' mayor says windstorms will worsen. Also: European nations warn borders must not be altered by force - after Trump threatens Greenland. An...

Trump's threats to seize Greenland and Panama Canal

08 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump has threatened to seize Greenland and the Panama Canal. Also: the climber who spent an earthquake up Mount Everest, and the Italian resid...

Over 100 dead in earthquake in Tibet

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A big earthquake has killed more than 100 people in Tibet and wrecked the Buddhist holy city of Shigatse. Also: the French far-right leader Jean Marie...

Canada's PM Justin Trudeau resigns

07 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Canada's PM Justin Trudeau has resigned, citing 'internal battles' in his governing Liberal party. Also: the drink absinthe, once banned by government...

South Korea: police refuse to arrest impeached President

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

South Korea's political chaos worsens as police refuse to arrest the impeached President. Also: Russia says it has captured a key town in eastern Ukra...

Millions hit by huge winter storm in US

06 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A state of emergency is declared across parts of the United States as a major winter storm brings chaos to road, air and train travel. Also: prisoner...

Six-day state funeral for Jimmy Carter begins in Georgia

05 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

A motorcade carrying the body of the former US president, Jimmy Carter, has arrived in Atlanta -- the capital of his home state, Georgia. He will lie ...

The Happy Pod: The professionals and tradespeople cleaning up Ghana

04 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Meet the Buz Stop Boys, a group of volunteers helping to clean the streets of Ghana. Also, the treehouse escape for people with chronic illnesses, and...

Mike Johnson survives razor-thin vote to remain US House Speaker

04 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Trump-backed Mike Johnson has been re-elected as US House Speaker in the first round of voting, after overcoming a Republican revolt. Also: Apple to p...

Police suspend efforts to arrest impeached South Korean president

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

South Korean police called off an attempt to arrest the suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol, following a long standoff with his security team. Anti-corr...

FBI says New Orleans attacker appeared to act alone

03 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

The FBI says the man who carried out a deadly attack in New Orleans was acting alone, and he had declared his support for ISIS militants. Also: do you...

First victims in New Orleans attack named

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Details have emerged about some of the 15 people killed in New Orleans on New Year's Day. Also: Syria's new Islamist-led administration outlines chang...

New Orleans attack: death toll rises to 15

02 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

US authorities say they do not believe the man who rammed his truck into New Year revellers acted alone. Also: a Tesla Cybertruck explodes outside Tru...

Ten killed in New Orleans attack

01 Jan 2025

Contributed by Lukas

Ten killed in New Orleans as a truck drives into crowds in the French Quarter. Also, the flow of gas from Russia to Europe stops as Ukraine refuses to...

Ecuador judge orders troops detained after children’s bodies found

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A judge in Ecuador orders the detention of sixteen military personnel over the disappearance of four boys whose badly burned bodies have been found ou...

Gaza babies dying from the cold as winter temperatures drop

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Six babies in Gaza have died from the cold weather within a two week period according to local health officials.

Russia and Ukraine carry out major prisoner swap

31 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Russia and Ukraine carry out a major prisoner swap with at least 300 people set free. Also: The UN warns of climate breakdown after a 'decade of deadl...

Tributes pour in for former US President Jimmy Carter

30 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Joe Biden leads tributes to former President Jimmy Carter as his humanitarian legacy is celebrated. Also: uncertainty in Ukraine - we hear from the fr...

Former US president Jimmy Carter dies

29 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Carter went on to become an international statesman and human rights campaigner. Also: South Korea mourns the victims of its worst-ever air disaster. ...

South Korea special: Plane crash kills 179

29 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

179 people were killed when a plane crashed at Muan International Airport in South Korea. It burst into flames after skidding off the runway and hitti...

Putin apologises over plane crash, without saying Russia is at fault

29 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Russian president apologises over the downing of an Azerbaijani plane in Russian airspace - without directly taking blame. Also: chess champion w...

The Happy Pod: The shop that opened for hugs at Christmas

28 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We meet the family who kept their shop open on Christmas Day to help locals feel less lonely. Also, the parents creating visual memories for their chi...

Mexico unveils emergency strategy to protect its migrants in US

28 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Mexico has announced an emergency strategy to protect migrants in the US, after president-elect, Donald Trump, threatened to deport millions of illega...

Nato steps up efforts to protect cables in Baltic Sea

27 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Nato steps up efforts to protect cables in the Baltic Sea after a power line is cut between Finland and Estonia. Russia accused of sabotage. Also: Ano...

Israeli airstrikes have hit several targets inside Yemen

27 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Israeli airstrikes have hit a number of sites in Yemen, after Houthi militants have been targeting Israel and vessels in the Red Sea. Also: Bald eagle...

20 years on: Remembering the tsunami

26 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Memorial events have been held around the Indian Ocean to mark 20 years since the tsunami that killed more than 220,000 people. Also: Did Russia down ...

The Happy Pod: 2024 News Review

25 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The happiest stories of 2024 - from the extraordinary achievement in raising Notre Dame Cathedral from the ashes, to the success of the chopsticks man...

Armed men open fire at Haiti hospital reopening

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Armed men in Haiti kill at least two journalists and a police officer, after opening fire at the reopening of its biggest public hospital. Also: Syria...

Spacecraft attempts closest-ever approach to Sun

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The probe is plunging into the sun's outer atmosphere, amid brutal temperatures. Also; the UN warns that famine is spreading in Sudan, with Darfur amo...

Trump ally Matt Gaetz paid for sex and drugs while in office, ethics report says

24 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A long-awaited report into Matt Gaetz says the former congressman paid for sex and drugs while in office. Also: marches take place in Magdeburg, and a...

Joe Biden commutes dozens of death sentences

23 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The president switched 37 capital punishment convictions to life in prison without parole. Also: motoring giants Nissan and Honda take their first ste...

Syria's new leader says armed factions will come under state control

22 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Turkey says there's no room for Kurdish militias in Syria's future. Also: Germany promises a thorough investigation into the Magdeburg attack.

The Global Story: Does Trump’s return threaten the future of Nato?

22 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Donald Trump's return to the White House is seen as a potential threat to European security. Some think he may abandon Nato - but the organisation's n...

Five dead and 200 injured in Magdeburg Christmas market attack

22 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The German city of Magdeburg is in mourning after a Christmas attack killed five. We hear the possible motives of the suspect. Also: Albania shuts dow...

The Happy Pod: Playing the piano saved my life

21 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A man filmed playing the piano while homeless went viral. Now he's raising money for others and says it's saved his life. Also: showing love with Chri...

Fatalities and injuries in German Christmas market attack

21 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A car has been driven into a crowd at a Christmas market in the German city of Magdeburg. There have been a number of fatalities and injuries.

US sends diplomats to Syria

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

US diplomats are visiting Syria to hold talks with the new de facto leader. Also: a new attempt to find the wreckage of missing flight MH370, and a co...

Murder suspect Luigi Mangione faces charges in New York court

20 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Luigi Mangione, the suspect accused of fatally shooting a US healthcare insurance executive, has been extradited to New York to face new federal charg...

Guilty verdicts and jail sentences in France's biggest rape trial

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In a major trial in France, Dominique Pelicot and 50 other men are jailed for repeatedly raping his wife Gisèle. Also, Israeli jets attack Houthi tar...

Syria's de facto leader says the country is not a threat to its neighbours or the west

19 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Syria's new leader, Ahmed al-Sharaa told the BBC that Syria is exhausted by war and is not a threat to its neighbours or to the west. Also: listen to ...

Man detained after Russian general's assassination

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Russia has detained an Uzbek man suspected of assassinating an army general. Russia says the suspect was recruited by Ukraine. Also: The UN warns Syri...

US says it's cautiously optimistic that a deal to end fighting in Gaza is within reach

18 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

After months of deadlock, there are new signs that Israel and Hamas could be moving closer to a Gaza ceasefire and hostage release deal. Also: repairs...

Russia's chemical weapons chief killed in Moscow bomb blast

17 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Igor Kirillov died in the explosion on Tuesday. Also; a powerful earthquake flattens buildings and cuts communications in Vanuatu, and how one letter ...

The rebels turned rulers providing law and order in Syria

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Syria's new rulers pledge to protect minority Alawite community in Latakia after recent attacks. Also: Germany’s chancellor loses vote of confidence...

French ministers arrive in Mayotte after devastating cyclone

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

France to provide relief and security to people in Mayotte, after Saturday's destructive cyclone. Also: Western powers step up their engagement with t...

Hundreds, possibly thousands, feared dead in Mayotte cyclone

16 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hundreds, possibly thousands, are feared dead in cyclone-hit Mayotte in the Indian Ocean. Also: the previously unheard stories of women inside Iran’...

The Global Story: The AI models invading our feeds

15 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

AI generated influencers are being criticised for creating unrealistic beauty standards and promoting unattainable lifestyle goals. But are their feed...

South Korea's president impeached

15 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

South Korea's Parliament impeaches President Yoon over failed martial law bid. The USA says it’s engaging with Islamists who ousted Syria’s Presi...

The Happy Pod: The cafe spreading the joy of dance

14 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We hear from a cafe in Massachusetts that spreads joy by asking customers to dance as they enter. Also: the toys made from cigarette butts; a communit...

The secret police's grip on Syria under Assad

14 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Revelations of how the secret police controlled society under Assad. Also: the mystery of huge drones spotted in the US, and how fidgeting can drive o...

Syria: thousands celebrate 'Victory Day'

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Streets were packed and revolutionary music blared out across Syria to mark the end of the Assad regime. Also: health misinformation on the Diary of a...

US top diplomat holds talks with Turkey on Syria

13 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

US top diplomat Antony Blinken holds talks with President Erdogan on establishing stability in Syria. Also: an 18-year-old Indian becomes youngest wor...

Biden in largest single-day act of clemency

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

US president commutes around 1,500 sentences and pardons 39 people. Also: inside Syria's abandoned presidential palace, recreational use of cannabis b...

Syria rebels burn tomb of Bashar al-Assad's father

12 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Syrian rebel fighters have destroyed the tomb of late president Hafez al-Assad, father of ousted president Bashar, in the family's home town of Qardah...

South Korea stand-off outside presidential office

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Security guards at presidential office in Seoul try to stop police from getting martial law documents. Also: new Syrian PM promises to guarantee right...

Israel confirms attack on Syrian naval fleet

11 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Israel attacks Syria's naval fleet as part of efforts to neutralise the country's military assets after the fall of the Assad regime. Also: New Zealan...

Life in Damascus returning to normal despite Israeli bombing

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Life in Dasmascus is returning to normal despite Israeli bombing. Also: Netanyahu appears in court on corruption charges and a judge throws a spanner ...

Syria rebel leader discusses 'transfer of power' after Assad is ousted

10 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Syrian rebel leader Abu Mohammed al-Jolani has met the outgoing PM to discuss the "transfer of power" - a day after Bashar al-Assad fled the country. ...

Syrians attempt to free political prisoners

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Civil defence workers in Syria are trying to reach underground cells to release some of the nation's tens of thousands of political prisoners. Also: M...

Moscow gives Assad asylum

09 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Moscow has given asylum to Syria's former president, Bashar al-Assad. Also: Trump threatens to take the US out of NATO, and Zelensky says 43,000 Ukrai...

Special edition: What's next for Syria

08 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The latest from our correspondents across the region on what this means for Syria, its people and its future.

Damascus Special

08 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Syrian rebels said President Assad had already fled as they declared their capture of Damascus. Reports said that he left the capital by plane for an ...

Syrian rebels enter Homs and close in on Damascus

07 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Syrian President's grip on power wanes as another strategic city falls to Islamist rebels. Also: Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is rededicated in front...

Syria special

07 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Syria's army says it's bolstering defences around the capital, Damascus, as rebels intent on overthrowing President Assad converge on the city.

The Happy Pod: Meet Italy's Tom Cruise and Blake Lively

07 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We're at an Italian film festival with a difference, for actors who become the voice of Hollywood stars and achieve fame in their own right. Also: Cal...

Romanian court criticised for annulling election results

07 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Both candidates in Romania's presidential election have denounced a court's decision to quash the results. Also: why it's hard to be a woman in Icelan...

Syrian rebels continue their rapid advance

06 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

In Syria, Islamist-led rebels continue their rapid advance. The UN says 300,000 have fled their homes as rebels reach the outskirts of Homs. Also: Rom...

Syrian rebels celebrate capture of Hama

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Islamist rebels celebrate the capture of the Syrian city of Hama. Also: US Police search for the gunman who shot dead a health insurance boss on the s...

Syrian rebels take control of second major city

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Syrian army says it’s withdrawn from the city of Hama after intense clashes. Also: health workers in Sierra Leone will be among the first to rec...

French government collapses in no-confidence vote

05 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The French government has collapsed after PM, Michel Barnier, was ousted in a no-confidence vote, after forcing through his budget. Also: Mexican pol...

South Korean president faces impeachment vote

04 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

South Korean MPs have begun impeachment proceedings against President Yoon Suk Yeol after thwarting his move to impose martial law. Also: jailed Irani...

South Korea president reverses his decision to impose martial law

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The president of South Korea has reversed his shock decision to impose martial law. Yoon Suk Yeol had ordered the deployment of troops hours earlier, ...

Taliban in Afghanistan ban all medical training for women

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Female students studying midwifery in Afghanistan have been told to stay away from classes. Also: Joe Biden is in Angola on his first visit to Africa ...

Israel strikes Lebanon as Hezbollah targets military

03 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Israel said it struck targets in Lebanon after vowing to retaliate for an attack by Hezbollah, with both sides accusing each other of violating last w...

BBC hears of horror and hunger in rare visit to Darfur

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The UN's humanitarian chief is calling for action to help people in the Darfur region of Sudan - we have a special report on the horrors of the civil ...

Syria's president meets the Iranian FM as he tries to marshal support against a rebel offensive

02 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The Syrian President, Bashar al-Assad, has described help from Iran and Russia as "vital" in the fight against a surprise rebel offensive. Also: did L...

Bonus: The Global Story - Which country educates its children best?

01 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Your weekly bonus from The Global Story podcast. Every few years governments around the world compete in school system rankings. But in many countries...

Syria's President Assad insists he will defeat rebels

01 Dec 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Syria's President Assad has insisted he will defeat the rebels who have attacked Aleppo. Also: Georgia's president vows to remain in post after her te...

The Happy Pod: Swimming against depression

30 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

We hear from a Ukrainian refugee who says cold water swimming has helped her tackle depression and keep moving forward. Also: making fuel from washed ...

UK MPs vote in favour of assisted dying

30 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

The terminally ill in England and Wales could soon have the right to end their lives as MPs vote in favour of assisted dying. Also: Rebel forces take ...

Notre-Dame cathedral returned to former glory

29 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Emmanuel Macron praised workers for restoring Paris's Notre-Dame cathedral, five years after the fire. Ukraine faces blackouts as Russia targets energ...

Putin says attack on Ukraine power grid 'response to US-made missiles'

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Putin says Russia's attack on Ukraine's power grid was in response to the use of US-made missiles. Also: Syrian rebels launch a major offensive in Al...

Massive Russian attack on Ukraine's energy infrastructure

28 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

Hundreds of thousands across Ukraine are without power after Russia launches a massive attack on its energy infrastructure. Also: The ceasefire betwee...

Fragile ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah appears to hold

27 Nov 2024

Contributed by Lukas

A fragile truce between Israel and Hezbollah is holding, but both sides are on alert. In the US, Donald Trump's incoming cabinet have received bomb th...