Global News Podcast

Global News Podcast

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

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Episode's summary

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers a range of major international stories, including suspected cyber attacks on emergency alert systems in Ukraine and Russia, as well as a wave of attacks targeting supermarket refrigeration systems in Europe. The program also reports on the final day of US midterm election campaigning in Ohio and Kansas, Sudan's accusations against Ethiopia regarding drone strikes, and a fatal private jet crash in South Florida. Additionally, the episode explores the violent crackdown on protesters in Iran through harrowing personal accounts and examines environmental concerns surrounding Google data center construction in Finland.

Chapters

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Highlights

I treated old people, middle-aged people and teenagers. They were shot with the intent to kill in the head, in the neck, in the genitals.

00:01:23 · A medic provides a harrowing account of the violence witnessed during the protests in Iran.

The first thought was, oh my God, I'm not prepared for this. I'm prepared for blackouts, for cutting central heating, but not for nuclear attacks.

00:02:15 · A resident of Kyiv describes her reaction to receiving false nuclear attack alerts via a mobile app.

In one Swedish supermarket, the temperature of the freezers were turned up to 50 degrees Celsius.

00:17:13 · The reporter describes the extreme impact of the cyber attack on food storage systems.

Obviously, this was a cataclysmic plane crash. It looked like a missile going down.

00:24:02 · Florida's governor describes the intensity and impact of the private jet crash in a residential area.

It's just a vast expanse of mud. The best way to describe it is that it does look like an enormous gaping wound of nature.

00:26:13 · A correspondent describes the environmental damage caused by the clearing of trees for a Google data center.

Episodes

7367-

Ukraine and Russia hit by fake emergency alerts

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers a range of major international stories, including suspected cyber attacks on emergency alert systems in Ukraine and Russia, as well as a wave of attacks targeting supermarket refrigeration systems in Europe. The program also reports on the final day of US midterm election campaigning in Ohio and Kansas, Sudan's accusations against Ethiopia regarding drone strikes, and a fatal private jet crash in South Florida. Additionally, the episode explores the violent crackdown on protesters in Iran through harrowing personal accounts and examines environmental concerns surrounding Google data center construction in Finland.

02 Nov 2026
7366-

Trump celebrates shock endorsement ahead of US midterms

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers major international developments, ranging from the US midterm elections and the impact of inflation on voters to high-stakes political races in Michigan and Texas. The program also follows Carl Bushby's conclusion of a 28-year journey around the world on foot, reflecting on his extreme adventures. Additionally, the episode reports on Israeli airstrikes in Gaza, widespread youth-led protests across Europe, and the launch of a new 'mindfulness city' in Bhutan. The news concludes with an exploration of how Formula One has expanded its audience through Netflix and the impact of Kimi Antonelli's championship victory.

02 Nov 2026
7365-

Violent protests in France for the third weekend in a row

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers a wide range of international stories, from violent protests in France and Albania to humanitarian developments in Ukraine. The report also explores political debates regarding British apologies for the transatlantic slave trade and examines health crises involving dengue and measles in Bangladesh. Additionally, the episode features lighter stories such as electric bike jousting in London and an exhibition celebrating Agatha Christie's legacy at the British Library. The program concludes with a look at the technical challenges faced by the Hubble Space Telescope and the impact of AI on Wikipedia.

01 Nov 2026
7364-

The Happy Pod: Personalised cancer vaccine shows promise in major trial

This episode of the BBC's Happy Pod explores a variety of human-interest stories, ranging from medical breakthroughs in personalized melanoma vaccines to the vital role of the Parkinson's UK Brain Bank in researching treatments through brain tissue donation. The episode also highlights community and conservation efforts, including the global rise of Nigerian artist Steve Monite, a heartwarming community celebration for an autistic boy, and the impact of a ballet school in Nairobi's Kibera slum. Additionally, we look at intergenerational art programs in England and successful manatee conservation efforts in Cameroon.

31 Oct 2026
7363-

US approves sale of 500 Patriot missiles to Ukraine

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers major international developments, including US approval of Patriot missile sales to Ukraine and the closure of Russia's independent newspaper, Novaya Gazeta. The program also examines the impact of AI investment concerns on US tech stocks and political backlash among Cuban-American voters in Florida regarding mass deportation policies. Additionally, the episode explores various news reports and deep dives, ranging from police inquiries involving Prince Andrew and Jeffrey Epstein to controversies over footage used in Call of Duty. The episode concludes with features on the restoration of Ken Russell's film 'The Devils' and a biographical look at horror writer Arthur Machen.

31 Oct 2026