Newshour
Interviews, news and analysis of the day’s global events.
Episodes
The German chancellor describes the results of a state election as a "disaster"
In the north-eastern state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the party was initially projected to only just scrape through, with its worst ever election result. A few hours later, however, it had dipped below the 5% threshold needed to stay in parliament. Meanwhile, the far-right AfD was on track to win the most votes in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, but it is unlikely to govern as other parties refuse to work
Germans vote in state elections
Germans vote in two state elections that could see further gains for the far-right AfD party and weaken Chancellor Friedrich Merz’s hold on power.Also in the programme: we hear from Scotland, which has Europe's highest rate of drug-related deaths, about the growing dangers from synthetic drugs; and the singer Ed Sheeran apologises to fans at his first concert since the rapper, Macklemore, was drop
NATO welcomes new US-Denmark deal over Greenland
NATO has welcomed a deal between the US and Denmark over the semi-autonomous territory of Greenland. Leaders of both Denmark and Greenland have said that the unpublished deal recognises their sovereignty and territorial integrity, while President Trump has said the agreement gives Washington "permanent control over security and all other needs" in Greenland. We hear from an MP in Greenland.Also in
US and Denmark reach deal over Greenland
US President Donald Trump says the US, Denmark, and Greenland have made a deal that will give America permanent control over security and other needs in Greenland. We'll have reaction from Denmark and a Nato perspective.Also on the programme: demonstrations are taking place in South Africa to honour nine women recently found murdered in eastern Johannesburg; and the rotating wax cylinders that wer
Russian hybrid attacks against Europe intensifying, says Macron
French President Emmanuel Macron has warned that the threat of hybrid attacks by Russia against Europe and France has intensified. At a news conference at the Elysee Palace, Macron said he had ordered a plan to protect critical infrastructure and defence industry sites in the face of this threat.
Also in the programme: Nigeria's president promises a full investigation into the deaths in detentio
Femicide in South Africa: what can the government do?
Is the South African government doing enough to address the scourge of femicide? We ask the country's minister for women.Also in the programme: Russia's parliamentary election begins. The result's not in doubt - so what can we learn? A deadly mosque attack hits Friday prayers in Pakistan; and how autonomous drones are being upgraded - with whiskers.(IMAGE: Participants carry placards during a memo
Fear and rage over femicide in South Africa
Fear and rage over femicide in South Africa after the body of a ninth woman was found in Ekurhuleni in east Johannesburg since July. Also in the programme: A prized artwork, drawn by Aztecs, goes back home to Mexico. It's a rare critique of the Spanish conquerors, and King Charles and his former brother-in-law go head-to-head over what's alleged to have been said about the death of Princess Dian
Canada's PM say EU ‘associate member’ would be positive move
Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney has told the European Parliament he welcomes ambitions for associate EU membership, in a speech containing thinly veiled criticism of Donald Trump's America. He proposed deep cooperation in areas including trade, defence and technology, adding that Canada could help meet Europe's energy needs. We speak to Canada's Federal Industry Minister Mélanie Joly.
Also i
EU backs plan for Canada to become 'associate member'
The European Commission president has announced proposals for Canada to become an associate EU member as the country's rift with the United States deepens.Also on the programme: The US federal reserve's just put up interest rates for the first time in three years; are the warnings about AI posing an existential threat a deliberate distraction?And we'll confront the really big issues with the owner
Ed Sheeran's support acts quit tour in support of Macklemore's 'Free Palestine' comments
One of the world's biggest music stars - Ed Sheeran faces the biggest controversy of his career, as his support acts on his tour quit when fellow musician Macklemore was dropped from the line up following his speech in support of a 'Free Palestine'. The speech drew controversy when his comments led to a petition from the Israeli American Council demanding his removal from the tour. It was success
Lithuanian minister: “Nato is effectively at war with Russia”
As Lithuania investigates a drone incursion, the country's defence minister tells us Nato is effectively at war with Russia.Also in the programme: President Trump lashes out at the judges he appointed to the US Supreme Court; the renewed civil war in Yemen causes huge numbers to flee, including over the sea to north Africa; and how an actor from Wales conquered US TV.(IMAGE: An Italian Air Force E
US confirms for first time it has deployed space weapons
China has urged the United States to "stop preparing for war" in space. Beijing's reaction came hours after the US confirmed it had deployed a space weapon in Earth's orbit which is the first such public acknowledgement from Washington. Also in the programme: President Trump's son confirms part of his wedding in May was paid for by a Russian oligarch with close ties to President Putin; and why the
Anthropic co-founder calls for regulation now
As Donald Trump hits out again at tech leaders calling for caution over the pace of AI development, we hear from Jack Clark, a co-founder of Anthropic, calling for just that.Also in the programme: should Nato be trying to shoot down Russian drones inside Ukraine? Africa’s biggest ever share sale launches in Nigeria, as billionaire owner Aliko Dangote invites ordinary people to invest in his huge o
Russian train attack has led to calls for Nato to step in and intercept drones
Former UK PM Boris Johnson and former US General David Petraeus were onboard an earlier train on the same route. Ukraine's state railway company believes the target of this drone could have been a diplomatic train.Also on the programme: billionaire art collector Leon Black denies allegations that he operated as a fixer for Jeffry Epstein. Nobel prize winning economist Daron Acemoglu explores why t
Trump downplays AI risks
US President Donald Trump has said ‘negative forces’ are ‘bringing up things that won’t happen’ in the context of AI risks. It follows a former Anthropic researcher saying ‘there is a strong chance that we could all die in the immediate future’ due to the current speed of development. We hear from US congresswoman Lori Trahan about her push for AI regulation.Also in the programme: Exit polls sugge
Industry voices warn of AI 'danger'
An artificial intelligence researcher who recently quit a leading AI firm has told the BBC that people working on the technology were "genuinely frightened" about its advancements and what it could mean for humanity.We'll look at whether there are increasingly urgent problems ahead for the roll-out of the technology.Also in the programme: EU leaders gather to discuss policy towards the Arctic; the
Anthropic boss calls for AI slowdown
The CEO of Anthropic says AI projects should look at slowing down amid internet security concerns. Open AI's Sam Altman, as well as Elon Musk, have agreed that companies like theirs need to pace themselves. We hear analysis from a technology professor.Also in the programme: US President Donald Trump’s support for a united Ireland prompts a mixed political reaction; and following years of battling
Trump says united Ireland would be a 'great thing'
US president Donald Trump has said a united Ireland would be a 'great thing' on two-day visit to Dublin and the west of Ireland - a comment likely to inflame tensions over the status of Northern Ireland.The British government responded by saying there was no majority support for a referendum on unification, which is what is outlined in a 1998 peace deal.Also in the programme: Saudi Arabia has shut
9/11 attacks remembered
Twenty-five years ago today, four planes flew into the Twin Towers of the World Trade Centre in New York, into the Pentagon in Washington DC and
into a field in Pennsylvania, after its passengers overpowered the hijackers. Almost 3,000 people died and tens of thousands more were injured. We hear from a survivor. Also on the programme: fighters from the Houthi movement capture more territory, rep
America marks the 25th anniversary of 9/11
Ceremonies are underway in the United States to mark the 25th anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks in which nearly 3,000 people were killed. We’ll look back at what happened that day, the intelligence failures and the reverberations still being felt.Also on the programme: how Yemen's Houthi fighters are tightening their grip on a crucial global shipping route; and we'll hear from the founder and
UK hits back on Israeli sanctions criticism
The UK's foreign minister Ed Miliband has said his country had to "call out" Israeli settlement activity in the West Bank before it was "too late" to save the two-state solution.In response to UK sanctions, Israel has banned 11 MPs from entering the country, while the UK consulate in Jerusalem is expected to shut in the next 30 days. We look at how the sanctions will work in practice.Also in the p
Trump offers voters $5,000 for GOP win
US President Donald Trump says he will offer every adult American a $5,000 payout if Republicans win both chambers of Congress in November's midterm elections – a plan that would cost more than a trillion dollars.Also on the programme: dozens of people are missing after a huge fire on board a ferry in the Philippines; and why so-called wellness treatments may not be just ineffective, but also dang
Anthropic researcher warns more than 10% chance AI ‘could kill us all’
A top safety researcher at Anthropic has resigned, warning artificial intelligence is advancing so quickly he believes there is a greater than 10% chance it “could kill all humans” by the end of the decade. Posting on X, Evan Hubinger said the risk from the models which currently exist was “low”, but that the technology might develop into “superhuman systems that can hack anything” and “acquire re
Israel announces counter-measures to UK sanctions
Britain is leading a group of twelve countries in banning trade with Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank.The Israeli foreign minister swiftly hits back - with a series of measures including the closure of the British consulate in JerusalemWe'll hear the arguments and ask what effect the new sanctions may have.Also - has Haiti's international gang suppression force actually suppressed any
UK sanctions Israeli settlements in West Bank
Foreign Secretary Ed Miliband told parliament that there will be an import ban on goods from Jewish settlements in the illegally occupied West Bank, as well as further sanctions. He also told MPs that the UK agrees there is ethnic cleansing in areas of the West Bank. We will get reaction from the US Ambassador to Israel, Mike Huckabee. Also on the programme: Jamaican culture minister Olivia Grange
Afd win poses challenge for German democracy
Afd win poses challenge for German democracy, we ask could they govern Saxony-Anhalt? Also in the programme: Latvia's foreign minister explains why her country banned Russian books; and the offkey choir that can't sing.(Photo: Anti-AFD protester carrying anti-AfD stickers. Credit: Reuters)
Germany's far-right AfD wins state election
Despite a decisive AfD victory in the eastern state of Saxony-Anhalt, the party appears to have fallen short of an outright majority needed to govern alone. Also on the programme: a BBC investigation into whether the FBI buried evidence of the alleged involvement of Saudi agents in 9/11; and an unlikely hero of the Second World War gets his own movie.(Photo: Candidate of the far-right Alternative
Germany's far-right AfD bids for their first taste of power in eastern vote
German voters are heading to the polls in an election in Saxony- Anhalt, which could see the far- right AfD win power at a state level for the first time. The party sees the vote as a potential stepping stone to nationwide success. Also in the programme: The top US envoys, Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, are in Kyiv for their first talks in Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion;
the politic
US envoys arrive in Moscow
Donald Trump's top envoys have arrived in Moscow, as part of a renewed diplomatic push to end Russia's war in Ukraine. Also on the programme, Germany's far-right Alternative für Deutschland party is aiming to secure a majority in the regional parliament of Saxony-Anhalt; people are still being rescued ten days after devastating floods in Nepal; and, the enduring appeal of Fleetwood Mac's most cele
Nepal flooding: Two workers rescued from tunnel
Rescue crews in Nepal have freed two workers from a blocked hydropower tunnel, nine days after they were trapped by debris from flash floods that devastated an area on the border with Tibet. Shortly after the two survivors were released, the body of a third person was found. Also in the programme: Germany's far right AfD party looks set to dominate a state election in the east of the country this
Spain's prime minister under pressure over migrant crisis
The Spanish prime minister Pedro Sánchez is under pressure over his government's handling of influx of 72,000 migrants in the exclave of Ceuta.On Wednesday, tens of thousands of people demonstrated in marches backed by opposition parties against the Spanish government's handling of the migrant crisis.Also in the programme: New warnings on the supersized El Nino; a voice from flood-lashed Tibet; an
Venezuela oil deal: who wins?
Washington and Caracas have signed an agreement which gives a US-led company rights over Venezuelan oilfields amounting to about a fifth of the country's reserves. Also in the programme: growing discontent in Spain at the government's handling of the sudden arrival of tens of thousands of migrants in Ceuta, a Spanish territory in North Africa; and as the British Museum launches its exhibition of t
Iran and US trade strikes in the Gulf
Iran and the US trade strikes in the most intense round of attacks in weeks. Iran says the US struck a wedding party killing four people including children, and retaliates with strikes on US bases in the Gulf. The US responded by denying it attacks civilians.Also in the programme: we speak to a friend of Joshua Wong, the face of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement, who has just pleaded guilty to fo
The death toll in Nepal from floods reaches 1,000
The death toll in Nepal from devastating floods on the border with Tibet has crossed 1,000, according to the country's disaster agency.Also on the programme, a special report from within Afghanistan looking at the thousands who have fled since the 2021 Taliban takeover; and we hear from the former girlfriend of Freddy Mercury, who stayed by his side until the end of his life.(Photo: Relatives of N
Six million forced to return to Afghanistan since 2023
Millions of Afghans have in recent decades fled across the borders to Pakistan and Iran, seeking refuge or employment. But as the numbers leaving Afghanistan have risen, especially since the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, so have deportation efforts by Pakistan and Iran. We have a special report by the BBC’s chief international correspondent Lyse Doucet, who has been to the main border
Nepal: Rescuers are trying to reach more than seven hundred trapped workers
The authorities say they have made progress using controlled explosions and heavy machinery to access the hydropower tunnels. Nepal says that at least nine-hundred people have died in the floods, and more than four-thousand are still missing.Also on the programme, football legend Lionel Messi retires from international competitions. British fashion designer, John Galliano, has withdrawn from a pla
Nepalese MP: the search for survivors is still on
As the death toll continues to rise and rescue teams try to reach people still trapped by Wednesday's flash floods in the Himalayas, a senior Nepalese MP tells us the search for survivors is still very much on, along with a major effort to identify bodies and carry out burials.Also in the programme: as Tim Cook prepares to step down after 15 years in charge of Apple, we assess his legacy; and how
Eight dead in Cyprus ferry disaster
The crew and captain of a ferry have been taken into custody after the vessel capsized off the northern coast of the Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Eight people have been confirmed dead with a further 17 still missing. Also on the programme: Spain asks for help from the EU to process hundreds of migrants who crossed into its North African territory of Ceuta; and the director of a new biopic about
Workers feared trapped in Nepal tunnels
Rescue teams battling dangerous conditions after Wednesday’s flash flooding in Nepal have deployed heavy machinery, in preparation to enter hydroelectric tunnels where more than a hundred workers may be trapped. Overnight, rain and rising river levels impaired efforts early on Sunday before conditions eased.
Also in the programme: NASA successfully launches a telescope; and a new film on Charle
Dozens dead after Russian strike on ammunition depot near Kyiv
In Ukraine a Russian airstrike detonated munitions in a warehouse in a residential area outside Ukraine's capital, Kyiv, killing 37 people. We hear from a BBC correspondent who has been behind the security perimeter.Also on the programme: Nepal has called for a "global effort" to address climate change after devastating floods; and we ask what next for cycling great Tadej Pogacar after crashing ou
Anger and hope in Nepal's flood zone
Bad weather is hampering rescue operations after the devastating flash flooding which tore through border areas of Nepal and Tibet on Wednesday. Officials say rain and fog are making access much harder. About 3,000 people are missing, with almost 700 bodies found so far -- some of them swept many kilometres downstream in India.Also in the programme: Huge explosions at a warehouse after an overnig
Nearly 2,000 now missing in Nepal floods
Officials in Nepal say the number of confirmed deaths in Wednesday's huge floods and landslides has now risen to 579, and the number of those unaccounted for has also increased to nearly 2,000. Chinese state media say five people have died and hundreds are missing in Tibet. We hear from a Nepalese climate envoy and a BBC China analyst.Also on the programme: a Sudanese businessman tells us about li
China: 'critical stage' after deadly Nepal floods
The death toll in Nepal has risen to 547, officials say, after Wednesday's flash flooding devastated the Himalayan border region. Chinese officials say that search and rescue operations have reached a 'critical stage', as a lake dammed by a landslide is at risk of overflowing.
Also in the programme: Norway has a new monarch, after the death of King Harald; and how climate change is affecting che
Information scarcity after Nepal flash floods
Why information can be hard to come by after the disastrous flash floods that have had hit Nepal and neighbouring Tibet, especially on the Chinese side of the border.Also in the programme: Ratko Mladic, the Bosnian Serb commander who oversaw the worst atrocities in Europe since the Second World War, has died in prison in The Hague; the alleged mastermind of the 9/11 attacks - Khalid Sheikh Mohamme
Thousands still missing after China-Nepal flood
Rescuers in China and Nepal are searching for about 1,300 people who are missing after a flash flood hit the two countries.At least 359 people have died in Nepal, with three confirmed deaths in China. We'll hear from both countries.Also in the programme: Ratko Mladic, the former Bosnian Serb commander who was convicted of genocide, has died in prison - we hear from the journalist Allan Little who
Meta agrees to restrict US teen use of its social media platforms
The social media giant Meta, which owns Facebook and Instagram, has agreed to restrict American teenagers’ use of its platforms as part of an $18bn settlement with states that accused it of harming children. We hear from a former Meta insider. Also on the programme: how climate change is increasing the likelihood of avalanches and flooding in the Himalayas; and we look back on the life of Rocky Ho
Hundreds missing after Nepal floods
Hundreds of people are missing, including at least 291 foreign tourists, after a flash flood on the Nepal-Tibet border.At least 18 people are confirmed dead in Nepal; Chinese state media is also reporting "major casualties" in Tibet, which is controlled by China. We'll hear how this incident is affecting people on the ground.Also in the programme: Tragedy at one of Pakistan's main hospitals, where
Country music legend Dolly Parton dies
The country music legend Dolly Parton has died at the age of 80 in Nashville, Tennessee. In a seven-decade career, she won 10 Grammy awards, sold more than 100 million records worldwide, and wrote in excess of 3,000 songs. We'll be looking back at her life and legacy.Also in the programme: the United Nations and the Red Cross have called for urgent negotiations to restrict the use of autonomous we
China to protect its interests in wake of US Iran sanctions
China has vowed to protect its interests after the US announced plans to widen economic sanctions against Iran and its trading partners, which include Beijing. Will China scupper the squeeze on Iran?Also in the programme: the UN and Red Cross call for urgent new laws to police fully autonomous weapons, an at-home test kit for cervical cancer. and can Australia keep AI out of music?(Photo: US Treas
US announces 'economic onslaught' against Iran
The US treasury secretary, Scott Bessent, has unveiled a wave of sanctions aimed at isolating Iran's economy and says that other countries will be pressured to comply. But will the US deliver on its threats?Also in the programme: a group of cricket legends urges Pakistan to give the former prime minister, Imran Khan, proper medical care; and the edible cookie made from plastic waste. (Photo: US Tr
US warns of 'economic D-Day' against Iran
The US treasury secretary has threatened Iran with "the single greatest financial offensive ever", claiming the US-Israel war with Iran was "entering its endgame".Scott Bessent said the US would sever all economic ties with the country in "an economic D-Day" and that any nation partnering with Iran financially would also be isolated. Will it work?Also in the programme: A blueprint for new weapons
Iran’s currency hits an all-time low against the US dollar
Iran’s currency, the rial, has hit a record low, trading at over 2 million rials to the dollar on unofficial markets. The devaluation comes a day before the United States is due to impose what US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessant described as “the toughest sanctions in history” on Tehran. Iran was struggling financially even before the start of its ongoing conflict with the US and Israel, nearly si
Ukraine's former defence minister repeats call for elections
Ukraine's popular former defence minister Mykhailo Fedorov tells the BBC he still wants nationwide elections, despite his country being at war. We hear a response from a supporter of President Zelensky. Also in the programme: how the Trump White House has turned one of the US's big sporting occasions into a political event; and diplomatic conflict between the UK and Russia, as Moscow apparently wi
Canada to impose retaliatory tariffs on US
Canada's prime minister, Mark Carney, has confirmed he'll impose retaliatory tariffs on the United States next month, saying trade talks collapsed because Washington made unacceptable demands.Also on the programme, the editor-in-chief and a reporter from the US military newspaper Stars and Stripes have been fired for 'insubordination', South Korea's first container ship to trial the much shorter a
EU condemns Russian attack on Ukrainian shopping centre
Rescuers in the central city of Kryvyi Rih are continuing to search for survivors of Friday's daytime drone attack on a shopping centre. We hear from the EU ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, about what the EU can do following a week of Russian attacks. Also on the programme: we hear about how sharks are inhaling caffeine; and the music video maker Tim Pope on his life putting rock stars
