Global News Podcast

Dozens killed in Hong Kong fire

More than forty people have died and hundreds are missing after a fire engulfed high-rise apartment blocks in Hong Kong's Tai Po district. Firefighters have been battling to contain the blaze for nearly 24 hours. Also: a "targeted shooting" near the White House critically injures two National Guard troops; Nigeria declares a nationwide security emergency; the military in Guinea-Bissau stages a coup; a special report from Lebanon on the anniversary of Israel's ceasefire with Hezbollah; a warning about ocean noise; the latest scandal from the Miss Universe beauty pageant; and what Warner's partnership with Suno means for the future of AI in music. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

Taiwan to boost defence spending

Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te says China is stepping up military preparations to take the island by force. He's announced a $40 billion supplementary defence budget that underscores Taiwan's determination to protect itself, with a focus on drones and missile systems. President Lai said giving up and making compromises to aggression would only bring war. Also: the US-Palestinian teenager who's been in detention since February for stone throwing -- with no trial in sight. The joy of discovering a rare flower in Indonesia. Two Australian teenagers go to court to challenge their government's up-coming ban on social media for under-16s. And an elderly couple enjoy a last, surprise dance on the ballroom floor. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

Brazil's Bolsonaro begins jail term

The former president of Brazil, Jair Bolsonaro, has been ordered to begin his 27 year prison sentence for plotting a coup after the last election. The Supreme Court said he'd exhausted all appeals and will serve his time behind bars at the federal police headquarters in Brasilia. Also: Italy makes femicide – the murder of a woman, motivated by gender – a crime to be punished with a life sentence. Refugees who've fled Mali tell the BBC about alleged atrocities committed by Russia's Wagner group. New Zealand's "suitcase murders" trial comes to an end. The Popemobile is converted into a medical clinic in Gaza. LGBT campaigners celebrate the top EU court's ruling on same-sex marriage in case brought by Polish couple, and how children's author Roald Dahl's secret life as a spy inspired his script for a Bond movie. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

Has the Ukraine conflict reached a turning point?

The Ukrainian authorities say Kyiv has reached a common understanding with the United States on the key terms of a peace agreement with Russia. Moscow says it has yet to see the amended version of an earlier draft, which included many of the Kremlin's demands. Also: there's been heavy criticism of the Nigerian authorities after hundreds of students were abducted from a school last week. The US Government tells holidaymakers to dress properly at airports. And what's more important? A billion dollars' worth of shipwreck treasure or the preservation of an important underwater archaeological site? The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

Criminal cases against Trump critics dropped

A federal US judge has dismissed the criminal cases against the former FBI director James Comey and the New York Attorney General Letitia James, who've both led high-profile investigations into Donald Trump. The judge found that the prosecutor overseeing both cases, Lindsey Halligan, had been hired unlawfully. The White House has said the Justice Department will appeal against the ruling. President Trump has denied accusations that he uses the criminal justice sytem to target his enemies. Also: Mexican police arrest a man accused of recruiting people involved in the murder of a popular mayor, Carlos Manzo. We look back at the life of the singer Jimmy Cliff who helped popularise reggae around the world. Meanwhile, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi leads tributes to the Bollywood actor Dharmendra who has died at the age of 89. A new location feature on the social media platform X raises questions about the origins of politically provocative content. And a woman in Thailand has been found alive in her coffin moments before she was due to be cremated. The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. Politics, economics, climate, business, technology, health – we cover it all with expert analysis and insight. Get the news that matters, delivered twice a day on weekdays and daily at weekends, plus special bonus episodes reacting to urgent breaking stories. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk