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Global News Podcast

Global News Podcast

BBC World Service 262 Episodes Oct 18, 2026

The Global News Podcast from BBC World Service delivers breaking news and current affairs twice daily on weekdays and daily on weekends, with special bonus episodes for urgent stories. It covers politics, economics, climate, business, technology, and health with expert analysis and insight.

Episodes

The Global Story:Was World War Two worth it? Some US conservatives have doubts
The Global Story:Was World War Two worth it? Some US conservatives have doubts Oct 18, 2026 1662 Since World War Two ended, most people living in the United States or Europe have generally upheld a consensus about its morality; that it was a just war fought against an evil Nazi regime, and the allies were right to fight it. But in a viral podcast debate with the British conservative Sir Jacob Rees-Mogg, Tucker Carlson seemed to disagree with that narrative, causing deep consternation within t
President Macron vows to punish French rioters
President Macron vows to punish French rioters Oct 18, 2026 1622 President Macron has promised that vandals and looters will be punished after a day of rioting saw businesses and public buildings damaged and set on fire across France. The protests - that have turned violent - are part of an ongoing wave of anger over declining public services and the cost of living. Also: The US, France and Belgium condemn Israeli settler attacks on diplomats and a journalist i
The Happy Pod: An island of strangers saved our wedding
The Happy Pod: An island of strangers saved our wedding Oct 17, 2026 1682 When a storm washed out the only road connecting North Carolina's Outer Banks, Kimberly and Jayden turned to the locals of Hatteras Island for help. None of their family or wedding suppliers could get there for their big day. But, after a social media appeal, the locals rallied round the couple and their wedding went ahead. The couple estimate between 500 to 800 strangers attended their wedding. A
Trump fires press secretary Katie Zacharia
Trump fires press secretary Katie Zacharia Oct 17, 2026 1757 The White House press secretary Katie Zacharia has been ousted after just five days, amid criticism of her first media briefing and questions about her legal background. Also: figures released by the Brazilian government indicate that deforestation in the Amazon has hit record lows. Police in the US state of Oregon have described how a teacher and a school parent fought off the gunman who killed f
Israeli settlers attack Palestinians during olive harvest
Israeli settlers attack Palestinians during olive harvest Oct 16, 2026 1854 The BBC has witnessed Israeli settlers attack Palestinians and set fire to olive trees in the occupied West Bank. Also: President Volodymyr Zelensky has said he is "only standing up for Ukraine's interests" after scathing criticism from Donald Trump. There has been a stark rise in anti-government activists deported to Russia from the EU and US, where they'd been seeking sanctuary. Researchers at t
Four killed in school shooting in US state of Oregon
Four killed in school shooting in US state of Oregon Oct 16, 2026 1613 A 16-year-old has shot dead three children and a teacher at Silver Rail Elementary School in Bend, in the US state of Oregon. The gunman was shot dead by a member of the public. Also: Britain's defence secretary says he's been reassured by the US that Starlink satellite services used by Ukraine’s military have been restored. In Yemen, the presidential palace and seat of the government in the port
Deadly school disaster in Pakistan
Deadly school disaster in Pakistan Oct 15, 2026 1896 More than 30 people have been killed after a school roof collapsed in Peshawar, Pakistan, with the majority thought to be children under the age of 13. The owner of the school has been arrested, with police warning the building was extremely dangerous and there was a risk of further collapse. Also: the BBC has identified 254 incidents in which the Israeli military has been accused of killing or in
Zelensky feels 'betrayed' by Trump
Zelensky feels 'betrayed' by Trump Oct 15, 2026 1657 Volodymyr Zelensky says he feels "betrayed" by Donald Trump after the US-Russia diesel deal and an apparent decision to curb access to the Starlink network, which has been vital to Ukraine during the war. President Zelensky accused the White House of being on the wrong side of history. Also: student protesters attack government buildings in Albania; Turkish police raid and shut down the opposition
Russian attacks leave 600,000 Ukrainians without power
Russian attacks leave 600,000 Ukrainians without power Oct 14, 2026 1739 Russian missile and drone strikes hit "critical" infrastructure in Kyiv and Kharkiv despite US President Donald Trump's claim on Sunday that an "energy ceasefire" was in place between Russia and Ukraine. Ukraine says it received no warning from allies and was hampered by restrictions to the Starlink communications network during another night of intense attacks. Separately, speed restrictions on
Pope has surgery for lung cancer
Pope has surgery for lung cancer Oct 14, 2026 1738 A medical bulletin from the Vatican has announced that Pope Leo has undergone a successful operation to remove a cancerous tumour from his right lung. It said the Pope had woken up normally and returned to his room after a brief period of observation. Pope Leo had announced on Sunday that his operation was imminent but the cancer diagnosis only came after the procedure had been carried out. Also:
IMF upgrades global economy outlook
IMF upgrades global economy outlook Oct 13, 2026 1870 The International Monetary Fund says in its latest report that global growth has weathered the Middle East conflict better than had been feared, with rerouting of oil supplies and the release of energy stocks helping reduce the negative impact of the Iran war. But the IMF also warns that emergency stocks are now depleted. Also; the authorities in the American state of Tennessee release dramatic ph
Annual dementia cases could double by 2050
Annual dementia cases could double by 2050 Oct 13, 2026 1662 Researchers in Australia say there were 11.4 million new dementia cases in 2023. They expect that number to more than double to 24.7 million by 2050. Women and people from lower- and middle-income countries are most likely to be affected. We speak to Professor Henry Brodaty, co-author of the study, who tells us this is because of "an epidemic of ageing". Also: the BBC reports from the frontline o

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