The Global Story: The American mayor accused of working for China

Right-wing candidate claims victory in Colombian election

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: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk 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

The Global Story: How to stop Iran from building a nuclear weapon

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.

JD Vance heads for peace talks with Iran

The US vice president, JD Vance, is set to negotiate with Iran in Switzerland after Tehran said it had again shut the Strait of Hormuz - in response to Israel's continuing attacks in Lebanon. The White House disputes the claim that the Strait has been closed. Also: ten Palestinians are killed in the latest Israeli airstrikes on Gaza; Colombians prepare to choose a new president; King Charles is to become Britain's first monarch to reveal his personal tax bill; why the popularity of cassette players endures in Kashmir; and today's obsession with true crime. 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 Photo: US Vice President JD Vance boards a plane for Switzerland for peace talks with Iran Credit: Reuters/Elizabeth Frantz

The Happy Pod: Success stories of former refugees

The Happy Pod is celebrating World Refugee Day. We hear from Razan Alsous, who fled from Syrian to the UK and wanted a taste of home. She now runs a successful cheese business. Also, Mohamed Semra has become Australia's first mayor from sub-Saharan Africa. Plus, the woman who started a hairdressing business in a Ugandan refugee camp and, Leo Ajkic on finding success in radio and television after fleeing from Bosnia. Our weekly collection of inspiring, uplifting and happy news from around the world. Photo: Razan Alsous making cheese. Credit: Razan Alsous Presenter: Holly Gibbs and Tam Patachako. Music composed by Iona Hampson

Israeli strikes reported in Lebanon, despite Hezbollah ceasefire

Rescuers in Nabatieh say several Israeli attacks have hit southern Lebanon after the ceasefire with Hezbollah came into effect. Meanwhile, US media reports Steve Witkoff is heading to Switzerland for potential Iran talks. Also: the White House confirms it's ending funding for South Africa's HIV programmes, linking the decision to unevidenced claims that the white-minority Afrikaner community is being persecuted; Afghanistan says it's launched strikes on two provinces in Pakistan targeting suspected Islamic State militants; James Burrows, the man behind countless US sitcoms including Cheers and Friends, has died; and for football World Cup fans - are time lags in technology spoiling your enjoyment of the beautiful game? 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 Photo: Remains of a toy lie amid destroyed buildings in Deir Qanoun al-Nahr, Tyre district, southern Lebanon. Credit: Reuters/Aziz Taher