Global News Podcast

At the outset of the war in Iran, US President Donald Trump suggested that regime change was one of its goals. He later said it had been had achieved, a claim that is disputed by critics who point out that the same repressive forces in Iran still hold power. American attempts at regime change in Iran have a long history. In 1953 the CIA, assisted by British intelligence, led a deadly coup that toppled Iran’s last democratically elected leader. It’s a moment in history that poisoned US-Iranian relations, and helped launch the theocratic revolution to come. But the immediate success of ‘Operation Ajax’ would convince the CIA to carry out a wave of similar plots around the world. We get the full story from Scott Anderson, author of King of Kings: The Fall of the Shah and the Revolution That Forged Modern Iran.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.Producer

Nearly ninety deaths have been recorded so far in the Democratic Republic of Congo with medical experts warning that the current strain of the Ebola virus has a very high mortality rate. The DRC's health minister said that no vaccine or specific treatment was available. Also, more than fifty children between the ages of two and five are abducted in northeast Nigeria during attacks on three schools in the same town. Several people are seriously injured after a car is driven into pedestrians in the Italian city of Modena. Two rival marches are held on the same day in London with pro-Palestinian demonstrators and British far-right activists kept apart by the police. And Bulgaria stuns Eurovision to become the surprise winner at the song contest in Austria.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 an

We meet a teacher whose college fashion designs have gone on display at the famous Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Nadia Pinkney says she was shocked when the curator said they wanted to display her collection, which was inspired by a family history of Alzheimer's disease. She describes seeing the exhibition as an out-of-body experience and hopes it will encourage more people to talk about difficult topics like dementia.Also: the passengers catching a bus to nowhere in Switzerland. The project is designed to encourage people to slow down and talk to new people face to face.The mother who's found comfort from being able to hold her late daughter's hand again, after it was donated for a rare transplant.The Polish influencer who's raised millions of dollars for a cancer charity by hosting a livestream for nine days, non-stop.The grandmother fighting to preserve Chile's wetlands for the next generation.Plus the Canadian truck driver who rescued a moose called Rebel; and why musicians in southern England a

Israel says it's targeted the head of Hamas's military wing - describing him as an architect of the October 7th attacks. It's not clear if Izz al-Din al-Haddad was killed in the airstrike in Gaza City but there were civilian casualties. Also: the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire is to be extended; the alleged murder of an Aboriginal girl highlights Australia's deep inequalities; Bolivia's government strikes a deal with protesting miners; the WHO calls to restrict sales of nicotine pouches to young people; a French art gallery exhibits still-unclaimed works stolen by Nazis; and the hunt is on for the next James Bond. 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 break

Donald Trump has left China after talks with Xi Jinping that the US president says have settled "a lot of different problems". President Xi called it a "landmark" visit, but gave no details of any new agreements. On Iran, President Trump said the Chinese president would pressure Tehran to re-open the Strait of Hormuz. Mr Trump also said he didn't think there was a risk of conflict between China and the US over Taiwan. Also: American media reports say the US is preparing to indict the former Cuban president, 94-year-old Raul Castro. There's been a large prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia as the two sides ramp up their aerial attacks. The BBC has traced dozens of social media accounts - which post AI-generated anti-immigration content about the UK - to countries such as Sri Lanka and Vietnam. And the singer-songwriter with Parkinson's disease using AI to help him make music again. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and cu

The head of the CIA has visited Cuba as the island struggles with a severe energy crisis - made worse by a US fuel blockade. John Ratcliffe reportedly said Washington was prepared to engage on economic and security issues, but only if Cuba made fundamental changes. Also: tens of thousands of Israelis have taken part in an annual religious nationalist march through Jerusalem's Old City. Before it began, a far-right Israeli minister broke long-standing rules by unfurling an Israeli flag at a site holy to both Jews and Muslims; a BBC investigation reveals a new nationalist vigilante group is spreading across Russia; a new dinosaur has been discovered in Thailand that was twice the size of a T-Rex and weighed as much as nine adult Asian elephants; and how a horde of peacocks is ruffling feathers in an Italian seaside resort. 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,

China's leader Xi Jinping tells visiting US President Donald Trump that there could be conflict if their relationship is not managed properly. In a busy day of diplomacy in Beijing, Mr Trump said the two countries could enjoy greater prosperity and co-operation. Also in this podcast: Ukraine says Russia continues to launch drones on its territory. A senior minister resigns in Britain - throwing the prime minister's future into further doubt. There have been protests in Cuba over the economic crisis. And Israel's entrant in this year Eurovision Song Contest talks about the controversy surrounding his participation.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

The US and Chinese presidents meet face to face in Beijing for a much anticipated summit. Ahead of the talks, Xi Jinping told Donald Trump that the two countries should be "partners, not rivals". In response, President Trump described Mr Xi as a "great leader" and said the relationship between the superpowers will be "better than ever before". However, thorny subjects will be addressed during the talks, including tariffs, competition over tech, the Iran war and Taiwan. Also: The United Arab Emirates has denied a claim by Israel's prime minister that he secretly visited the country during the war with Iran. The man tasked with implementing President Trump's peace plan for Gaza says Hamas can survive as a political movement - but only if it gives up its weapons. And the disgraced lawyer, Alex Murdaugh, who was convicted of killing his wife and son in a high profile US murder trial that was the subject of a TV series, has his verdict overturned.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hea

To the sound of a cheering crowd, US President Donald Trump touches down in China for important talks with the Chinese leader, Xi Jinping. The two leaders are expected to discuss tariffs, the Iran war and US weapon sales to Taiwan. It's the first visit to China by a US president since President Trump's last visit in 2017. Ahead of the trip, Donald Trump said he would raise the case of the imprisoned Hong Kong media mogul, Jimmy Lai. Also in this podcast: King Charles officially opens the British parliament, as the country's leader, Keir Starmer, fights to stay in office. Plans to build Australia's first Trump tower have been scrapped because the brand is "toxic". South Africa's top police chief has appeared in court, charged with violating public finance law. And a man in the US has been sentenced to two years in prison for breaking into a car and stealing hard drives containing unreleased music by Beyoncé.The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the lat

President Trump is travelling to Beijing, on the first trip to China by a US leader since he last went there in 2017. The main focus of his highly significant talks with Xi Jinping will be the tense trade relationship between the two superpowers. President Trump said he would also have a "long chat" with President Xi about Iran. Also: we have the latest from the court battle between two of the biggest names in tech - Elon Musk and Sam Altman. How just one infusion of immune cells could suppress HIV for years. The viral video of a mafia-linked illegal horse race in Sicily - escorted by armed scooter riders - that's led police to seize the animals and launch an investigation. And Israel makes it through to the final of the Eurovision Song Contest, as five countries boycott the event over the war in Gaza. 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, technolo

It’s been a year since billionaire tech entrepreneur Elon Musk left his informal position in President Trump’s White House in May 2025. But behind the scenes, Musk has been busy.Musk has spent the last few weeks in a California courtroom, where he is suing his former business partner, OpenAI CEO Sam Altman. In January, Musk applied for permission with the US government to launch a million satellites into orbit, some of which he says will serve as solar AI data centres. And he is preparing to take his company SpaceX public, with an estimated valuation of over $1 trillion.Though his political presence has waned, is it possible that Elon Musk is more powerful than ever? We speak to the BBC’s North America technology correspondent Lily Jamali about what the world’s richest man has been up to since leaving the White House.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 Podcas

Six-year-old Saffie would have gone completely blind by adulthood, if not for a groundbreaking gene therapy. Her mother says she is now "thriving" and the results have been "incredible". Saffie was treated at Great Ormond Street Hospital in the UK.Also, the woman in Ethiopia who has given birth to quintuplets. Bedriya Adem had been trying to conceive for 12 years. She says her five babies are a 'blessing'. Plus, the beloved natural history presenter, David Attenborough turns 100. Why childhood musicians make better surgeons; the human choir singing with whales; and find out how four grandmothers become friends with a professional wrestler in Las Vegas. Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world.Presenter: Holly Gibbs. Music composed by Iona HampsonImage credit: PA

Since the start of the US-Israel war with Iran, there has been an ongoing debate over the role played by Israel’s prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, in convincing Donald Trump to go to war.But when it comes to ceasefire announcements, it has been the US President taking the lead - if the Israelis are present at all. So when it comes to ending the wars in Iran and Lebanon, are the Americans leaving Netanyahu out in the cold?We speak to Anshel Pfeffer, Israel correspondent at The Economist, and author of Bibi: The Turbulent Life and Times of Benjamin Netanyahu.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.

We meet a woman who started running marathons topless after having both her breasts removed because of cancer. Louise Butcher tells us she wanted to display her mastectomy scars with pride. She says she wants to empower other women and show that surviving the disease is about power not pity.Also: Preserving voice notes from almost a hundred years ago. The so called 'speaking letters' were recorded on small discs and sent through the post.Do chips from someone else's plate really taste better? Scientists put the common belief to the test.A project to save bats in Nigeria, where they're often associated with witchcraft.Plus: the comedian making her debut in her eighties; and the choir helping people get their voices back after a stroke or brain injury.Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world.Presenter: Holly Gibbs. Music composed by Iona Hampson. (Photo: Topless marathon runner Louise Butcher. Credit: @louisebutcher39)

Warning: this episode includes discussions of child sexual abuse and upsetting scenes. The BBC has been following a global team of undercover officers as they investigate the most hidden corners of the internet to stop those who exploit and harm children. A dedicated network of specialist investigators has successfully tracked and caught serial paedophiles who operate across the dark web with the same sophistication and secrecy as international organised crime syndicates. We speak to Special Agent Greg Squire who has dedicated his life to rescuing children who might otherwise never be found. His story is featured in the BBC documentary The Darkest Web and the BBC podcast World of Secrets: The Darkest Web. For further information on the issues raised in the programme, contact support organisations in your own country. For a list of organisations in the UK that can provide support go to bbc.co.uk/actionline. The Global Story brings clarity to politics, business and foreign policy in a time of connec

Ari wanted to help his brother Ben engage with the world after he lost the ability to walk, talk or move his hands. So he designed and built him a bespoke communication and entertainment system - allowing him to chat, go online, watch TV or play video games with just two buttons. Also: the endangered Mexican amphibian found in a river in the UK. Experts say the young girl who captured the axolotl probably saved its life.The women using their own experiences with breast cancer to tackle cultural taboos about the disease in Uganda, and encourage others to get treatment.After the Boston marathon, we hear from an elite female athlete hoping to inspire others by running the race while 22 weeks pregnant. And we find out why two runners stopped to help another who collapsed within sight of the finish line.Plus a statue honouring a giant rat who sniffed out landmines in Cambodia; and why a nature festival has had to clarify that visitors should come fully clothed.Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happ

Anthropic - one of Silicon Valley’s leading AI firms - recently announced that they have built a model which is too dangerous to be released to the public.Instead, they are only giving access to the model to a handful of big companies, to help them find security vulnerabilities.The company says the model has already found weak spots in “every major operating system and web browser”. Is this a genuine example of a company acting responsibly, or more of a carefully calibrated publicity move? We speak to the BBC’s North America tech correspondent, Lily Jamali, about whether this is a watershed moment. 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.Producers: Viv Jones and Aron KellerDigital producer: Matt PintusMix: Travis EvansExecutive producer: James ShieldSenior news editor: China CollinsCredit: Jurassic Park (1993) / Dir: Stephen Spielberg / Universal Picture

We meet the man helping to tackle loneliness by offering strangers somewhere to sit and chat. Dean Perryman started the Empty Chairs project, honouring the memory of his best friend. After he posted the concept online, it has been replicated around the world. Also: How technology has allowed a dancer with a muscle-wasting disease to see herself performing on stage again. A headset allowed Breanna Olson to control a digital avatar with her brainwaves in real time. Plus, we meet the 95-year-old swimmer still breaking records and showing no signs of slowing down. Brazil gets its own tartan. And we introduce you to Marcus, the black labrador too friendly to be a guide dog, but who's found his calling supporting cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world.Presenter: Holly Gibbs. Music composed by Iona HampsonPhoto: Dean Perryman hosting an Empty Chairs event in his distinctive orange hoodie. Credit: @EmptyChairsUK

A BBC investigation has heard from hundreds of people who say they developed sex and gambling addictions after taking a category of prescription drugs called dopamine agonists. Millions of people in the US and around the world have been prescribed these medications, which are used to treat various illnesses, from Parkinson’s to depression. But they have well-established side effects: around 1 in 6 people who take them develop impulse control disorders. Noel Titheradge, investigations correspondent, shares the story of one American woman who developed hypersexuality after she took a dopamine agonist drug. Like many of the patients Noel has spoken to, she says she was not warned that her medication could dramatically change her personality. Noel’s investigation is also a BBC podcast series. Search for ‘Shadow World: Impulsive’. If you have any concerns about medication you’re taking, speak to your doctor. For further information on the issues raised in the programme, contact support organisations in your own co

The mayor of Ingersoll beams with pride at the Canadian town being represented on Artemis II. Ingersoll is home to 15,000 people, including the astronaut Jeremy Hansen - who is the mission specialist. Also, we speak to two former NASA astronauts about why the Artemis II mission has gripped people around the world. Plus, the garden designed to support people with Parkinson's disease. It will go on display in May at the British Chelsea Flower Show, and then find its roots at a specialist hospital. The woman who has a memorial bench in honour of her survival. The couple who held a sustainable wedding in Utrecht Central Station and, the rescue operation in New Zealand which reunited Molly the dog with her owner Jessica, one week after they were separated. Presenter: Holly Gibbs. Music composed by Iona Hampson.