World Business Report

Why is black unemployment rising in the US?

Why are black women are being hit hardest in today’s jobs market? With African American unemployment at a four-year high, we hear from women searching for work. In Japan, a “human washing machine” could soon be hitting the shops. The European Union waters down its own plan to ban petrol and diesel vehicles by 2035. We hear how the trucking industry is changing in Canada. And Ed Butler speaks to an 11-year-old farmer travelling from Ireland to Brussels by tractor with his dad, ahead of a major protest.

US jobs report shows rise in unemployment

The Bureau of Labor Statistics has released its long-awaited data, showing mixed signals for the US jobs market. The unemployment rate is at a four-year high of 4.6%, up from 4.4%. The European Union is set to soften its planned ban on new petrol and diesel cars, giving carmakers more time to move away from combustion engines. We hear from Wolfgang Weber, CEO of German electro and digital industry association (ZVEI). And the last vehicle will roll off the assembly line at Volkswagen's plant in Dresden today. First time ever the German carmaker closed a manufacturing plant in its home country. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033. Presenter: Leanna Bryne Producer: Victoriya Holland Editor: Justin Bones

Will the EU hit the brakes on its combustion car ban?

The European Union once set an ambitious goal: by 2035, all new cars sold would be fully electric. But now, the BBC understands that Brussels is considering scrapping, or at least watering down, its plan to ban new petrol and diesel vehicles. So what could it mean for carmakers and consumers across Europe? South Korea and the UK have signed a new trade deal. In the US, people applying for a skilled worker visa will now have their social media profiles screened. And who's winning the race to build the most sophisticated AI models? (Photo: An exhaust pipe of a car is pictured on a street in Berlin, Germany. Credit: REUTERS/Fabrizio Bensch)

Spain hits Airbnb with a major multimillion fine for illegal listings

The Spanish government has fined property rentals giant Airbnb €64m ($75m) for advertising unlicensed apartments. Andres Barragan, Secretary General for Consumer Affairs in the Spanish Government, tells this programme that the short term rent for tourism is rising the rent price. In India, pollution is grinding the economy to a halt. And in Paris, workers at the Louvre are on strike in a dispute over demand for extra staff and measures to tackle overcrowding. You can contact us on WhatsApp or send us a voicenote: +44 330 678 3033.

Trade tensions: EU vs China

Trade tensions rise as the EU investigates Chinese firms over possible unfair government subsidies. We hear from the China Chamber of Commerce to the EU who says they are being unfairly targeted. Plus, who will pay the new €3 tax on small parcels from China - businesses or consumers? Why are most household things still not being recycled? And sport fans in the US will soon be able to subscribe to a new YouTube TV package. [Photo: An attendant walks past EU and China flags in Beijing, China. Credit: REUTERS/Jason Lee]