Global News Podcast

Ukrainian strikes on energy facilities in Russian-occupied Crimea have left its biggest city, Sevastopol, without power. The Moscow-appointed governor urged residents not to panic. Ukraine has been intensifying attacks across Crimea as it attempts to cut off the peninsula annexed by Russia in 2014. The authorities have been forced to suspend fuel sales to the public. Also: as sweltering temperatures continue across Europe, tens of thousands of homes are without power in northern France. Temperatures are set to peak across the country on Wednesday during a record-breaking heatwave. The US Senate has approved a measure demanding that President Trump halt the war in Iran or seek congressional approval before continuing military action. And, how a 5-minute walk every hour can make a tangible improvement to our health and could help to get more work done.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: [email protected] Photo: A satellite image shows smoke rising from Crimea Bridge, amid Russia-Ukraine conflict, Crimea, June 22, 2026. Credit: Vantor/Handout via REUTERS

After months of growing pressure off the back of crushing local election results, Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer has announced his resignation. By stepping down, he clears the way for the UK to get its seventh prime minister in a decade. The country's latest MP, the former Manchester mayor Andy Burnham, has said that he will stand in any contest for the top job. Also: schools close across France as Europe suffers another record heatwave. Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo confirm more than 1,000 cases of Ebola. We look back at the career of Alan Greenspan, the longtime US Federal Reserve chief who presided over a period of prosperity but was later criticised for failing to prevent the 2008 financial crisis. And 40 years after Diego Maradona's controversial 'Hand of God' goal against England, we hear from someone who witnessed it firsthand in Mexico's Azteca Stadium.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: [email protected]: British Prime Minister Keir Starmer speaks as he announces the timeline for his resignation, outside 10 Downing Street, in London, Britain, June 22, 2026. Credit: Photo by REUTERS/Jaimi Joy

Abelardo de la Espriella claims to have won the tight presidential race in Colombia against left-wing rival Ivan Cepeda. It's estimated only a few hundred thousand votes separate the two candidates. Mr de la Espriella, who's backed by President Trump, wants to use force to combat drug cartels and rebel groups. Also: Pakistani and Qatari mediators say the first round of Iran-US talks in Switzerland have ended with encouraging progress made. Reaction from Bolivia, where police and soldiers used bulldozers to clear roads blocked by anti-government protestors for more than six weeks. Is the UK about to get its seventh Prime Minister in ten years, as Donald Trump posts about rumours that Keir Starmer is set to resign? Europe braces for a prolonged heatwave as temperatures approach 40 degrees Celsius and are forecast to rise during the week. We look at how fatherhood might have a positive effect on men. Plus, Cape Verde continue to defy the odds, scoring their first ever goals at the World Cup.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: [email protected] Photo: Colombia's right-wing presidential candidate Abelardo de la Espriella arrives to vote in the runoff election in Barranquilla, Colombia, 21 June 2026. Credit: Photo by Mauricio Duenas Castaneda/EPA/Shutterstock

On Wednesday, President Trump met with Iranian leaders to sign an initial memorandum of understanding towards ending the months-long war. In a press conference after the signing, Trump was triumphant. Specifically, he touted the deal’s firmness on one of the US’s key priorities: ensuring that Iran can never develop a nuclear weapon. Whilst Iran has agreed to “not procure or develop nuclear weapons," there are many questions left unanswered. What does it actually look like to police the weapons programmes Today, we speak to someone intimately familiar with the weapons inspection process: President of the Institute for Science and International Security, David Albright. In the 1990s, Albright worked in Iraq with the UN, investigating the nation’s weapons programme under Sadaam Hussein.To hear more, search The Global Story wherever you get your BBC podcasts.

Israel and Hezbollah have agreed a ceasefire after deadly new exchanges in Lebanon put the fragile deal to end the US-Iran war under immediate strain. Health officials in Lebanon say dozens have been killed in Israeli strikes, while Israel said it was retaliating for the killing of four soldiers by Hezbollah. The US President Donald Trump and his administration have shown growing frustration with Israel, its ally and partner in the Iran war, calling for a complete ceasefire "on all fronts".Also: Italy's top diplomat has cancelled a trip to the US, accusing Donald Trump of insulting the Prime Minister Georgia Meloni. Rare talks take place between representatives of Venezuela's interim president and the country's long-marginalised opposition. A new study from Denmark raises questions about whether certain workplace activities in early pregnancy could increase the risk of miscarriage. The Marathi language film about forbidden love that has captured the hearts of people in India. And how Scotland’s football fans have won over the locals in Boston and Providence during the World Cup.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: [email protected]: A woman returning to her village in Tyre district of Lebanon after airstrikes, June 19, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Zohra Bensemra

JD Vance defends the Iran deal against criticism that it gives too many concessions to Tehran. The Iranian supreme leader says the US signed it "out of desperation". We get our international editor Jeremy Bowen's assessment. Also: Andy Burnham, a rival to the British prime minister Keir Starmer, wins the crucial Makerfield by-election; Cuba announces economic reforms under US pressure; the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago divides opinion; how honeybees make baby food; and we visit the world's first international competition for immersive art. 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: [email protected] Photo: U.S. Vice President JD Vance holds a press briefing at the White House in Washington. Credit: Reuters/Eric Lee

Marine tracking platforms say at least four tankers have sailed through the Strait of Hormuz after Iran and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding on ending their war. The first to pass into the Gulf of Oman was a French-flagged vessel carrying liquefied natural gas. Three Saudi-flagged oil tankers followed. Our chief international correspondent, Lyse Doucet, assesses where next for the Middle East. Also: Ukraine carries out one of the biggest ever attacks on Moscow. We speak to volunteers as they bury victims of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri province. New research reveals ChatGPT by Open AI can be made to generate sexualised and violent images, despite the company saying it had introduced additional preventive measures. A new walking shark species which uses fins like legs found off Papua New Guinea. And famous Robin Hood oak tree in England's Sherwood Forest declared dead. 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: [email protected]: Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, June 18, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Stringer

The US and Iranian presidents have signed a memorandum of understanding which could be a first step to ending the war between the two countries. It includes an end to fighting on all fronts, the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz and the lifting of the US blockade of Iranian ports. Also: Japan’s Defence Minister, Shinjiro Koizumi, tells the BBC that strengthening the country’s military capabilities is critical to preventing war in the region; archaeologists in Britain believe they've found a precursor to Stonehenge just five kilometres from the prehistoric monument; how AI helped the survival chances of two sisters who'd been born conjoined at the head; and Teddie Beverley, the last surviving member of the famous British singing trio, the Beverley Sisters, has died at the age of 99. 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: [email protected] Photo: US President Donald Trump signs the US Iran deal in Versailles, France, alongside the President of France Emmanuel Macron Credit: White House Television Service/EVN

Donald Trump has warned that the Iran deal - which is set to be formally signed on Friday - is "not final". Speaking on the last day of the G7 summit, Mr Trump said the US could resume attacks if the agreement doesn't work out, warning "we'll go right back to dropping bombs". Meanwhile, the US blockade on the Strait of Hormuz appears to be easing. Three Iranian oil tankers have now passed through, although as many as 600 vessels are still stranded. Also in this podcast: Amazon is dethroned as the world’s fifth most valuable company by Elon Musk's SpaceX. Scientists say more coral reefs may be able to survive climate change than originally thought. Five men have been arrested in connection with an alleged attack plot targeting the White House. Lionel Messi becomes the highest scorer in World Cup history. And we discuss the wins and failures of fashion on the pitch. 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: [email protected]: US President Donald Trump at G7 summit in Evian-les-Bains Credit: Reuters

President Trump has criticised Israel for continuing to strike Hezbollah targets ahead of the formal signing of a US-Iran deal in Switzerland on Friday. He said Israel didn't need to knock down an apartment block every time it was looking for someone from Hezbollah. Lebanese state media reported at least four deaths. Also: Britain's Ministry of Defence is investigating after a retired British couple said a Russian warship had fired warning shots near their yacht in the Channel on Tuesday; the US vice president JD Vance has a new memoir out - this time about religion; how illegal Iranian oil is smuggled across the mountains into Pakistan; and the Williams sisters return to Wimbledon at the ages of 44 and 46. 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: [email protected] Photo: A car and ambulance belonging to Hezbollah's health unit damaged during an Israeli strike on the village of Al Shaabiyeh in southern Lebanon Credit: EPA/Shutterstock

The United States says it's now completed the latest wave of airstrikes on Iran early Thursday morning local time. Iran says it responded with attacks of its own. Earlier on Wednesday, President Trump promised to keep up military pressure on Tehran because Iranian leaders were taking “too long to negotiate”. Also, on the eve of the men's football World Cup kicking off in Mexico the boss of FIFA, Gianni Infantino, has defended the handling of the event amid mounting criticism. Billionaire Microsoft founder, Bill Gates, has faced a US congressional committee keen to learn more about his relationship with the dead sex offender, Jeffery Epstein. In Northern Ireland, crowds gathered for a second night of anti-immigration unrest in parts of Belfast, following a stabbing in the city. And Nigeria is preparing to repatriate its citizens from South Africa following weeks of protests and attacks on illegal migrants across the country. 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: [email protected] Photo: USS Michael Murphy (DDG 112) launches Tomahawk cruise missiles against multiple targets in Iran. Credit: U.S. Central Command

Rebels fighting the military government in Myanmar have told the BBC they're losing ground because of a shortage of manpower and equipment. Also: after exchanging attacks overnight, the US and Iran accuse each other of damaging negotiations; Afghanistan says Pakistan killed 13 civilians in cross-border air strikes; police in South Africa launch a manhunt after 12 people are shot dead; and how you can tell if your dog favours using one paw over another.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: [email protected] Photo: Myanmar rebels in a pickup truck Credit: BBC/Darren Conway

The US has said that it's completed a series of strikes against Iran which targeted air defence systems, ground control stations and radar sites following the downing of an American helicopter. The Iranian Revolutionary Guards said they hit back with strikes on US bases in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait. Also, France has said that it will ban Israel's finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, from entering the country because the far right politician has been actively promoting the annexation of Palestinian territories. Anti-immigration violence breaks out in Northern Ireland after a man from Sudan has been charged with attempted murder. Barcelona celebrates the life of the Sagrada Família architect, Antoni Gaudi, with events which include a mass and ceremonial blessing by Pope Leo. And scientists in Finland have discovered that bumblebees have impressive problem solving skills.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: [email protected] Photo: Iranian missiles displayed at the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps(IRGC) Aerospace Force Museum in Tehran, Iran. Credit: Reuters​

The Israeli military has carried out strikes on the southern Lebanese city of Tyre, a day after Iran called for attacks on Lebanon to stop. Thousands of people have fled the city. Also: medical sources say Taliban forces in western Afghanistan have killed two people demonstrating against the detention of women who'd ignored religious dress codes; Honduras approves a series of reforms to tackle the high rate of femicide in the country; rescuers in the Philippines are working to reach isolated areas after an earthquake struck Mindanao; a BBC investigation reveals hundreds of Iraqi migrants were kidnapped and threatened with forced organ removal in Libya; and Japanese wildlife officials have caught a bear that had been roaming a city, causing widespread school closures.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: [email protected] Photo: Smoke billows following an Israeli strike in Tyre, Lebanon Credit: Reuters

Donald Trump has told the BBC that Benjamin Netanyahu did not defy his orders to stop attacking Iran; the Israeli missiles were already on their way to Iran when he spoke to the Israeli Prime Minister. Israel and Iran have agreed to halt strikes on each other, but Israeli attacks on southern Lebanon continued on Monday. Open AI, which makes ChatGPT, plans to sell shares through a stock listing in the US. Sudanese children return to school, despite four years of civil war. The Somalian football referee, Omar Artan is denied entry to the US for the World Cup, despite having valid paperwork. We hear from a Rwandan woman who's dedicated her life to giving a voice to women survivors of abuse. And we find out why record numbers of octopuses are appearing 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: [email protected] Photo: U.S. President Trump meets Israeli PM Netanyahu at Trump’s Mar-a-Lago club, in Palm Beach. Credit: Reuters

Israel has struck targets in western and central Iran, hours after Iran fired a wave of missiles towards northern Israel -- the first since a ceasefire was declared in April. The Israeli strikes came despite President Trump saying he did not want Israel to retaliate. Iran said its attack marked the beginning of a week of continuous strikes. Also: The presidential election runoff in Peru is close. The right-wing candidate Keiko Fujimori, the daughter of the late president Alberto Fujimori, and her left-wing rival, the congressman, Roberto Sanchez, are running neck and neck with the lead swinging from one to the other as the vote count proceeds. A new weight loss drug could be on the market soon. President Xi Jinping has arrived in North Korea for a two-day visit -- his first for seven years. Before leaving China, he hailed what he called an invincible friendship between the two countries. And in tennis, second seed Alexander Zverev has won the Men's French Open, clinching his first Grand Slam win after losing three previous finals. He's the first German man to win a Slam since Boris Becker. 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: [email protected] Photo: (write brief description of what photo shows) Credit: EPA/Shutterstock. Iranian missile and flag

Casting is finally underway for a new James Bond. But why has it taken five years to even begin the search? Since Daniel Craig retired as Bond in 2021, there have been reports of a behind-the-scenes David and Goliath battle between the family business which has held creative control of the franchise since the 1960s and its new owners, Amazon. It is now up to Jeff Bezos’s tech giant to decide who will play 007 – and how to run the series.In an era when Hollywood studios are desperate to eke out every last dollar from movie franchises, can James Bond retain its mystique and appeal to a new generation of cinema goers? We speak to Wall Street Journal enterprise reporter Erich Schwartzel.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.

Pete Hegseth has used a D-Day anniversary speech in northern France to criticise European nations for allowing what he described as an "invasion" on their shores. The US defence secretary said Europe's beaches were being ''stormed by migrants with dangerous ideologies.'' His comments mark a further criticism of European migration policy by senior members of the Trump administration. Also: Iran has accused the United States of violating its obligations as a World Cup host because of its refusal to grant visas to some staff travelling with the Iranian football team. Ukraine launches another major drone attack on the Russian city of St Petersburg. More foreign migrants are evacuated from South Africa following a surge in attacks on immigrants. A funeral is held for a seven-month-old Palestinian baby shot dead by an Israeli soldier in the occupied West Bank. People in Peru are voting in a highly polarized election to choose their ninth president in a decade. And the Russian tennis player Mirra Andreeva has won her first Grand Slam title at the French Open.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: [email protected]: US Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth giving a D-Day anniversary speech in France Credit: Reuters

A new DNA test can distinguish between patients who are likely to benefit from chemotherapy and those who are not, meaning many with the most common form of breast cancer can avoid the brutal treatment. Also, scientists have found a daily pill that could double the survival time for people with advanced pancreatic cancer. Daraxonrasib appears to be a breakthrough in managing a disease that has the highest mortality rate of all major cancers. Plus, we hear from Sterling Nasa, the student who ended up on stage during a concert performance of La La Land. A pianist was taken ill half way through the show, and the conductor appealed to the audience for help. A British man is hoping to become the first person with a physical disability to go to live and work in space. John McFall lost his leg when he was 19 -- but he hasn't let that stop him -- he has already become a paralympian and a surgeon. Finally, we meet Dr Shaunna Burke who has reached the summit of Mount Everest despite living with stage 4 incurable cancer. She becomes the first woman to do so Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world.Presenter: Holly Gibbs. Music composed by Iona Hampson(Picture: A doctor examining a mammogram to determine if a woman has breast cancer. Credit: PA)

Washington has confirmed that Iran's World Cup players have been issued visas to enter the United States, ten days before their first match in Los Angeles. The team will be based in Mexico during the tournament, but all three of their group stage matches will be held in the US. Iranian media are reporting that some staff travelling with the national team are yet to be given visas. Also: Downing Street hits out at ''people seeking to stir division'' after JD Vance blamed the murder of a British student on the "mass invasion of migrants". The crew of the International Space Station get the all clear after being put on standby to evacuate because of leaks. President Putin firmly rejects Volodymyr Zelensky's invitation to have face-to-face talks about ending their war. Why some politicians in France are unhappy about a banquet craze taking over towns and villages. And the actor Anthony Head who starred in Buffy the Vampire Slayer and Ted Lasso has died at the age of 72.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: [email protected]: Iran's Amir Razzaghinia, Ali Nemati and Hossein Kanani line up during the national anthems before their International Friendly against Gambia in May 2026 Credit: REUTERS/Umit Bektas

One of the biggest artificial intelligence developers, the US firm Anthropic, has proposed a coordinated global slowdown on building advanced AI systems, saying that the latest large language models could escape human control. Also: President Putin delivers a keynote address at an annual economic forum in St Petersburg, insisting that the Russian economy remains strong. The director-general of the World Health Organisation says significant challenges remain around the development of a vaccine for the new species of Ebola. Prosecutors in El Salvador say leaders of the infamous MS-13 gang currently on trial will be sentenced to thousands of years in prison. The military government in Mali bans motorcycles outside major cities to combat militant attacks. And the authorities in Japan say they are still searching for an "extremely intelligent" bear that's evaded capture after attacking people in Fukushima province.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: [email protected] Photo: Anthropic logo Credit: REUTERS/Dado Ruvic/Illustration/File Photo

Volodymyr Zelensky has written to Vladimir Putin inviting him to a face-to-face meeting with the aim of negotiating an end to their war. In an open letter to the Russian leader, the Ukrainian President said it would be "wrong to simply wait" until the war in Europe becomes the focus of the US's attention once again.Also: President Trump says he's spoken directly to Hezbollah about a possible end to the fighting in Lebanon, despite the US categorising the Iran-backed militia as a foreign terror organization. Some families of those who died in the Air India crash in 2025 have told the BBC the airline has offered them a final compensation settlement, if they give up their right to sue the company or its suppliers in future. A Nepali climbing guide is found alive on Mount Everest after surviving almost a week alone. Intelligence agencies warn that Chinese agents are posing as online recruiters to trick western governments and military personnel into disclosing state secrets. Scientists report that the world's mangrove forests are showing signs of recovery after decades of destruction. Plus, a lipstick worn by Marilyn Monroe and her recipe for stuffing are just some of the items belonging to the Hollywood star that have sold for thousands of dollars at auction.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: [email protected]: Photo by SERGEY DOLZHENKO/EPA/Shutterstock (16910105s) Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky speaks during a joint press conference with NATO Secretary General Rutte in Kyiv, Ukraine, 03 June 2026. Rutte arrived in Kyiv to meet with top Ukrainian officials amid the Russian invasion. NATO Secretary General Rutte visits Kyiv, Ukraine - 03 Jun 2026

Israel and Lebanon agree to a truce - but Hezbollah, backed by Iran, refuses to stop fighting while villages are under attack. The Lebanese President, Joseph Aoun, says this is the last chance for meaningful peace. Also, Ukraine is accused of killing four people in Russian-occupied Crimea in a drone attack. SpaceX reveals the price for the biggest stock market flotation in history - which could make Elon Musk the world's first trillionaire. Fiji says no to an Australian company's plan to send rubbish to the Pacific nation, in what some are calling "waste colonialism". Fifa bans football fans taking water bottles into World Cup stadiums, in a U-turn that's alarmed health campaigners. And the French-Iranian author and artist, Marjane Satrapi, best known for the book and film Persepolis, has died.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: [email protected] Photo: Hezbollah members marking al-Quds Day in Beirut’s southern suburbs. Credit: Reuters/Mohamed Azakir File photo

The US House has passed a resolution directing Donald Trump to withdraw American forces from the Iran war, in a largely symbolic move that nonetheless deals a political blow to the president. Four Republicans backed the Democrats, who accuse Trump of violating the Constitution by launching strikes without congressional authorisation.Also in this podcast: US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, warns that the Ukraine-Russia war is at high risk of escalating. Cuba accuses the US of "strangling the island", as major bank cards are set to be suspended after another Trump sanction. Filmmaker Wim Wenders withdraws his 1975 movie 'Wrong Move' over actress's teen topless scene. The WHO says the number of suspected Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reduced as testing ramps up. Mexico tries to curb cartel violence and protests ahead of the World Cup. And we visit the Tribeca Festival, which this year includes a film generated entirely by artificial intelligence.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: [email protected]: Moment US House of Representatives votes to limit Trump’s Iran war powers Credit: AFP

Kuwait says one person has been killed and at least 63 injured after Iranian drones strike a terminal building at its international airport. Officials say the dawn strike damaged civilian facilities, including diplomatic missions. Kuwait’s foreign ministry called it an act of aggression. Also: Ukraine says a Russian warship was among targets hit in a large-scale drone attack on St Petersburg ahead of the Russian city's annual economic forum. Malawi becomes the latest country to offer to repatriate its citizens from South Africa, following incidents of xenophobia. Japan is being battered by tropical storm Jangmi. The government urges more than 400 thousand people to evacuate because of the risk of flooding and landslides. Voters in six US states choose candidates for mid-term elections in November. Scientists at Harvard University say weight lifting or strength training for two hours a week could increase your life span. And ahead of the men's football World Cup, a 92-year-old illustrator brings out a new book out about the history of the 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: [email protected] Photo: Debris lies on the floor as fire burns in the background in the aftermath of Iranian strikes at Kuwait International Airport in Kuwait City. Credit: Social Media/via REUTERS

British oil giant Shell continued to operate major pipeline in Nigeria even though bosses knew it was causing widespread pollution, according to secret documents obtained by BBC. Shell has always rejected the accusations, blaming the theft and illegal refining of oil taken from the pipeline. Also: the Trump administration drops plans for a fund to compensate people claiming to be victims of politicised prosecution after a backlash from Republicans; Microsoft announces a new quantum chip that it says is 1,000 times more reliable than its predecessor; promising results for new cancer pill which caused tumours to shrink by at least 30%; anger in the UK following the case of a student who was murdered and falsely accused of racially abusing his attacker; and could microbes still be living in a body frozen in ice for 5,000 years? 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: [email protected] Photo: Shell sign for pipeline in Bille, southern Nigeria, that's been causing widespread pollution for years. Credit: BBC

The Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, says the world must treat the new phase of the weather pattern, El Niño, as an urgent climate warning. He said it would pour fuel on the fire of a warming globe. The World Meteorological Organisation says preparations are needed for a potentially strong El Niño event with an eighty percent chance of conditions developing in the next few months. Also: Israeli forces have continued hitting targets in southern Lebanon after an agreement backed by President Trump stopped them from striking the capital, Beirut. Two people have died in Kenya during protests against plans to establish a US-backed Ebola isolation centre. A British man could become the first astronaut with a disability to live and work in space; and Tom Hanks and Tim Allen are back as Woody and Buzz in Toy Story 5, as they try to make sense of a world dominated by technology. Photo credit: Photo by ANDREW KASUKU/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock (14248301d) A man rides a motorcycle on a flooded road in Chamwanamuma village, Tana Delta region, in Kenya, 07 December 2023. 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: [email protected]

Russia uses drones and missiles to bombard Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. A number of people were killed and injured. Kyiv's mayor said two high-rise apartment buildings in the capital had been hit, and people could be trapped under the rubble. President Zelensky had earlier warned that intelligence suggested Russia was preparing for a major attack, and urged people to pay special attention to air raid alerts. Also: President Trump says Israel and Hezbollah have agreed to stop attacking each other; Florida sues the maker of ChatGPT over allegations the chatbot is endangering children, aiding and abetting mass shootings and giving advice on suicide; Serena Williams confirms her return to competitive tennis at the age of 44; and an actress takes a stand against audience members texting in the theatre. 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: [email protected]

Israel has ordered attacks against Hezbollah in the southern suburbs of Beirut - prompting many residents to evacuate the Lebanese capital. Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said the military would strike what he called 'terrorist targets' in the area, in response to attacks on Israeli civilians and other violations of a US-brokered ceasefire. Also, Iran and the US launch renewed attacks in the Gulf, putting the ceasefire under strain. Moscow criticises France after it seizes a suspected Russian oil tanker in the Atlantic. And, are social media influencers and content creators becoming too intrusive?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: [email protected]

Abelardo de la Espriella will face left-winger Ivan Cepeda in Colombian presidential run-off in three weeks. The two offer strikingly different visions of how to tackle Colombia's challenges, including violence and drug crime. Also: France and Germany have condemned Israel's deepest incursion into southern Lebanon in a quarter of a century. Berlin said it was a cause for serious concern, while Paris has called for an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council; the new pill that can double the survival rate for patients with advanced pancreatic cancer, one of the world's deadliest forms of the disease; the mice plague that is wreaking havoc on rural Australian farms; and why people will now once again be able to take the 666 bus to Hel in Poland.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: [email protected]

Politics, power and money have always been part of international sporting competitions, and football (or soccer) is no exception. However, this year’s World Cup faces new challenges. The United States is co-hosting the tournament with Canada and Mexico, and its relationship with its neighbours has at times been rocky. Two countries at war with each other – the US and Iran – have never played in the same competition before. Some fans are anxious about travelling to games at a time of high tension. And the cost of attending the event has led some to ask whether this World Cup is really worth it.Mehreen Khan, economics editor of The Times of London and a lifelong fan of the sport, joins us to discuss what this World Cup could mean for a divided world.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: Cat Farnsworth and Aron KellerExecutive producer: James ShieldMix: Travis EvansSenior news editor: China CollinsPhoto: FIFA World Cup on display in Toronto. Credit: Kevin Sousa/ Imagn Images

Several hundred people have been detained by police in Paris after football fans went on the rampage when Paris St-Germain won the European Champions League. Vehicles and businesses were damaged, and several police officers were injured. It's the second year in a row that PSG have won the Champions League - but Arsenal didn't make it easy for them. Also: The first suspected case of Ebola outside Africa has been reported in Brazil. Colombians are preparing to vote in the first round of Presidential elections against a backdrop of political violence. The Oscar-winning editor of the original Star Wars film has died. And Scientists have discovered a new species of fungus, which they believe is helping the environment.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: [email protected]

Researchers say a simple sheet of plastic is helping to prevent women dying after childbirth. The drape measures blood loss, which allows doctors to provide faster treatment. It's been successful in Nigeria, and now the health professionals want it used across the globe. Plus, meet Joy and Diane who have been friends for 60 years. It all started with one letter when they were 12 years old and they have been pen pals ever since. Also, the fishing group helping people with breast cancer. The woman trying to save endangered Indian Skimmer water birds. The rare rainforest that is being restored in Northern Ireland over the next 100 years, and the homes in Australia which are being adapted to help people with ADHD.Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world.Presenter: Holly Gibbs. Music composed by Iona HampsonPicture credit: Gates Foundation/Nelson Owoicho

Ghana's parliament has approved a bill that contains some of the most repressive anti-LGBTQ laws in the world. The legislation bans any promotion of LGBTQ rights and activities. It still needs to be approved by the president. Also: A US judge orders the removal of Donald Trump's name from the Kennedy Center; Laos rescuers extract the first of seven men trapped inside a flooded cave; Novak Djokovic is knocked out of the French Open; the former head monk of China's "kung fu temple" is sentenced to 24 years in jail; and the hugely popular video game Call of Duty is under fire for its Korean war storyline.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: [email protected]

Romanian authorities say a Russian drone has crashed into a residential building in eastern Romania, causing a fire and injuring two people in the major port city of Galati. The episode has sparked a chorus of condemnation from NATO and EU leaders, who have accused Russia of acting recklessly. The Romanian president, Nicușor Dan, has described this as the most serious security incident to occur on Romanian territory since the start of Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Also: eight students have been arrested on suspicion of arson after a deadly fire at a girls school in Kenya; Anthropic, the firm behind the Claude chatbot, overtakes OpenAI to become the world's most valuable AI startup; WHO chief lands in the Democratic Republic of Congo to address rare Ebola outbreak; what two decades of anonymous Google searches tell us about our habits over time; and Lucian Freud’s muse Sue Tilley tells us what it’s like to be the subject of a painting worth a fortune. 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: [email protected]

The BBC reports from the Israel-Lebanon border, where fibre-optic drones have become Hezbollah's primary weapon of war. Also, Benjamin Netanyahu has ordered Israeli troops to take control of even more of the Gaza Strip. Meanwhile, the UN has added Israel and Russia to its blacklist for sexual violence in conflict zones. A 21-year-old Austrian man has been sentenced to 15 years in prison for planning a jihadist attack on a Taylor Swift concert. The people of Kenya are coming to terms with one of the worst school fires in the country's history. Jannik Sinner is out of the French Open in the biggest shock of the tennis tournament so far, but how much was Europe's heatwave to blame? And an underwater recording of bearded seals is named the sound 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: [email protected]

The fire at the Utumishi Girls Academy started in the early hours of Thursday, killing at least 16, as the students were asleep in the dormitory block. More than 800 children were in the school at the time. Kenyan officials say the cause of the fire has not yet been established. Boarding schools in the country have experienced several fatal fires in recent years, with overcrowding and poor safety standards frequently blamed for the high number of casualties.Also in this podcast: Israel conducts airstrikes in Lebanon's Tyre, Sidon and Beirut. The US says it wants to treat Americans with Ebola abroad - we ask a doctor if that is the most efficient way to curb the spread of the disease. Why the price of coffee has surged. Australia sues the manufacturing giant 3M for a record sum over its alleged use of toxic chemicals such as PFAS in firefighting foam. A Google engineer is charged with insider trading after winning $1.2m on Polymarket betting. A buffalo in Bangladesh is spared from Eid sacrifice - after it went viral for what people say is a likeness to Donald Trump. And is a black flowing gown an acceptable tennis outfit at the French Open?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: [email protected]

The US has launched more strikes against Iran, claiming to hit drones and a military site in Bandar Abbas. Tehran says it's fired at ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz, including an American oil tanker with its radar system turned off. Also: Matthew Perry's former assistant is sentenced for his role in the "Friends" actor's death; FIFA is investigated over the price of World Cup tickets; manosphere influencers fuel the gender divide in Kenya; Laos rescuers find villagers trapped in a flooded cave; how the war in the Middle East is affecting India's mango economy; who's won the fantasy football Premier League; and Ozzy Osbourne gets the AI treatment. 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: [email protected]

Unionised workers at Samsung Electronics in South Korea approve a landmark profit-sharing deal, putting them in line for bonuses averaging $400,000. The agreement with the world's largest memory chipmaker avoids a strike that had threatened the global supply chain. Workers had demanded a bigger slice of the tech giant's surging profits amid the AI boom.Also: Israel says it has killed the new head of Hamas' military wing, just days after targeting his predecessor. In the US, Maga Republicans show their dominance of the party, after Ken Paxton beats John Cornyn in the Texas Senate primary. Spanish police raid the headquarters of the governing Socialist Party in a corruption probe. People in Iran have been able to go online to speak to family and friends outside the country, some for the first time in three months. Bolivia's Congress grants President Rodrigo Paz emergency powers to deploy troops amid widespread protests. Ghana begins repatriating around 800 of its citizens from South Africa amid hostility towards migrant workers. High cost of living and soaring sheep prices mean many cannot afford to take part in the Muslim festival of Eid al-Adha. And the Supreme Court in Italy rules that a hotel acted lawfully when it refused to give tap water to a tourist. 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: [email protected]

NASA announces details of its plans to establish a permanent base on the Moon. The NASA chief, Jared Isaacman, said construction of the proposed twenty-billion-dollar facility is planned to happen over the next seven years, with the completed base expected to cover hundreds of square kilometres. Also: Israel expands its operations in Lebanon; Tehran promises to retaliate for strikes in southern Iran; El Chapo's nephew is arrested in Mexico; the idea of independence for the Canadian province of Alberta sparks fierce debate on whether it's a step towards Canada becoming the 51st state of America; the oil giant, BP, removes its chairman; therapy dogs in Uganda; and explaining the success of Tayto crisps.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: [email protected]

Several children and adults have been killed in a collision between a train and a school bus in Belgium. Federal police said the vehicle had been on its way to a special education school. Police have launched an investigation into the crash, with officials saying safety barriers on the level crossing had been down.Also: Iran vows to retaliate after Monday's US strikes. Israel says it will intensify its attacks against Hezbollah, as Lebanon reports multiple casualties in overnight strikes. A human rights watchdog has found evidence that the United Arab Emirates recruited Colombian soldiers to fight alongside paramilitary forces in Sudan. In Sydney, a light show is cancelled after 89 drones fall into Darling Harbour. And experts involved in the rescue of teenagers from a cave complex in Thailand in 2018 are called to search for seven people trapped in a Laos cave. Protected birds of prey are being illegally killed in Britain, conservationists say. And Ferrari unveils its first fully electric car.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: [email protected]

The US says it's launched new strikes on Iranian missile sites and boats, despite the ongoing ceasefire and diplomatic moves towards a peace deal. Meanwhile, Tehran says it will lift the nationwide internet shutdown today. Also: Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon exchange fire; Ukraine calls Russian strike threats "shameless blackmail"; WHO warns the Ebola spread in central Africa is outpacing response efforts, and we hear from a journalist in Ituri Province in the Democratic Republic of Congo; Europe swelters in "climate whiplash" heatwave; Saudi Arabia scales back ambitious megaprojects as funding dwindles; an update from the controversial Enhanced Games; and the diamond that saved a thousand lives in Sierra Leone.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: [email protected]

In his first teaching document, Pope Leo warns AI risks accelerating war and threatens humanity. It was published at an event in the Vatican attended by AI experts including the co-founder of Anthropic. Also: Muslims begin annual Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca as Saudi city hits 42C; the “revolutionary” gene editing therapy that could lower bad cholesterol by up to 62% for life; a new species of tiny blue octopus found 1,800 metres beneath the Galapagos Islands off Ecuador; the Japanese businessman who transformed the 7-Eleven chain, Toshifumi Suzuki, dies aged 93; and British pensioner, Harry Heasman, becomes world's oldest wing walker.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: [email protected]

The Democratic Republic of Congo, Uganda and South Sudan co-ordinate their response to the Ebola outbreak as the number of suspected cases in the DRC surpasses 900. Also: a pro-Palestinian activist makes serious allegations about her treatment after being detained on board a flotilla carrying aid to Gaza, which Israel denies; President Trump says Iran and the US "must take their time" to reach an agreement, dashing hopes of an imminent deal; we hear from women in Afghanistan where activists say the number of forced underage marriages have risen in the five years since the Taliban stopped girls over the age of twelve going to school; and we go to the controversial Enhanced Games - or the "Olympics on steroids".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: [email protected]

The mayor of the Californian city of Arcadia has agreed to plead guilty to charges she acted as an illegal agent for China. Prosecutors say Eileen Wang was directly co-ordinating with a Chinese official to disseminate news stories downplaying human rights concerns in China, with the aim of trying to influence US government and public opinion.US authorities say the extent of China’s covert activity and espionage in the United States goes well beyond this case. According to the FBI, Chinese counterintelligence and espionage efforts are a “grave threat to the economic well-being and democratic values of the United States”.We speak to Andrew Badger, former CIA case officer and co-author of The Great Heist: China's Epic Campaign to Steal America's Secrets.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 PodcastsProducer: Viv Jones and Lucy Pawle Executive producer: James Shield Sound engineer: Travis Evans Senior news editor: China Collins(Photo: Eileen Wang. Credit: City of Arcadia City Hall/ Reuters)

President Trump says an agreement with Iran to end the war has been "largely negotiated", writing on social media that the deal will include the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz. Contradicting his statement, Iranian media reports say the vital waterway will remain under Tehran's control. Our North America correspondent assesses the latest claims. Also: US secret service agents kill a shooter who opened fire near a White House security checkpoint; the Pentagon releases a further batch of previously classified files on alleged UFO sightings; the latest on the Democratic Republic of Congo where more than 200 people have died in the current Ebola outbreak; a new law in Japan finally allows divorced couples to share custody of their children; and we hear about the Norwegian based film, Fjord - winner of this year's Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival.

We find out why art could be the secret to living longer and how you can view the National Gallery's world-renowned collections from the comfort of your home, wherever you are, with its virtual tours. Plus, the German golfer Leonie Harm wins her first professional title, 13 years after she was given a 1% chance of survival. She was hit by a drunk driver and ended up in a coma. Also, we meet the man who risked his life to save critically endangered Mountain Bongos and, the woman in the UK who is knitting blankets for newborn babes to say thank you to hospital staff for saving her sight.Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world.(Photo: Van Gogh's Starry Night on display at the National Gallery in London. Credit: NEIL HALL/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)Presenter: Holly Gibbs. Music composed by Iona Hampson

Donald Trump's Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard resigns, citing her husband's recent cancer diagnosis - but Ms Gabbard had also struggled with the president's decision to enter into foreign wars. Our North America editor looks back at another tumultuous week for Mr Trump. Also: the Democratic Republic of Congo says Ebola cases have now been reported across several conflict-hit eastern provinces; demonstrators in Cuba hold a rally in support of the island’s former leader, Raul Castro, who has been charged by the US with murder and other crimes over the shooting down of two US civilian planes in 1996; the British scientists trying to create a gym for astronauts in space; the legacy of Carlo Petrini, the founder of the global slow food movement; and the tennis legend Billie Jean King finally graduates at the age of 82.

At a summit in Sweden, the US Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, says the Trump administration is constantly reviewing its relationship with NATO. The chief of the military alliance, Mark Rutte, insists it has grown closer and will become less reliant on the United States.Also: students at one of Turkey's oldest private universities protest over its closure; the WHO upgrades its risk for ebola in the DRC; two sisters share their experience of living in Iran during the US and Israeli attacks; the TV programme, The Late Show, is broadcast for the final time in the US; ahead of the Enhanced Games in Las Vegas on Sunday we hear more about which athletes are competing and Manchester City's coach, Pep Guardiola, has confirmed that he's leaving the club. 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: [email protected]

An angry crowd has set fire to part of a hospital in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo after the death of a suspected Ebola victim. The BBC understands relatives stormed the facility and tried to remove the body after health workers refused to release it. Medical staff at the Rwampara Hospital are under military protection. Also: President Trump says he will be sending 5,000 more troops to Poland. Meta settles a social media addiction case with a US school district. And scientists discover that Beluga whales can recognise themselves in a mirror. 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: [email protected]