Global News Podcast

The former US President declines answering questions as part of a New York investigation. Also: A nationwide curfew is imposed in Sierra Leone following deadly clashes between police and protesters, and, from the brink of extinction -- why the only giant flightless parrot in the world is making a comeback in New Zealand.

Volodymyr Zelensky says the peninsula will never be given up. Also: The BBC uncovers organized torture in Russia's prison system, and the illustrator Raymond Briggs has died at the age of 88.

Carolyn Bryant Donham had faced potential charges of kidnapping and manslaughter of the black teenager in 1955. Also: blasts rock Russian airbase in annexed Crimea, and Serena Williams suggests retirement from tennis after US Open.

He described the raid as an attempt by opponents to prevent him running for president again. Also: The UN accuses the army in Myanmar of committing crimes against humanity following last year's coup, and the Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake dies, aged 84.

The US package to Ukraine will include rockets, ammunition and more precision missiles. Also: Fire at Cuba oil facility spreads; the actress and singer Olivia Newton-John dies aged 73.

Much needed aid and fuel begin arriving after a ceasefire ends three days of conflict. Also: a report says Russia is struggling to replenish its stocks of weapons because they contain high-tech components only made in the West, and retiring at the age of 103 - the British actress bowing out from the world's longest running soap opera.

The legislation includes billions of dollars to fight climate change. Also: Hopes as Gaza ceasefire comes into effect, and Carlo Bonomi - the voice of Pingu the penguin dies at the age of 85.

Ukraine says Russian rockets hit part of the giant nuclear plant but Russia blames Ukraine for it. Also: Gaza death toll rises as Israel targets militants, and The Seekers lead singer Judith Durham dies aged 79.

Palestinian militants from Islamic Jihad fire dozens of rockets into Israel in response. Also; Russia and Ukraine say shells have hit the site of Europe's biggest nuclear power plant, at Zaporizhzhia, and the busiest climbing season ever for K2 the savage killer mountain.

It's in retaliation for Nancy Pelosi's visit to Taiwan, as China continues its military show of force for a second day. Also: what are Russian forces up to at Ukraine's largest nuclear power plant? And the Bangladeshi man arrested for singing out of tune.

President Biden says Washington will use all means possible to guarantee the the double Olympic gold medallist basketball player's release. Also; vigilantes in a South African township have been hunting down illegal mine workers days after a gang rape in an abandoned mine, and, the pioneering Jamaican film, The Harder They Come, returns to the cinema 50 years after its debut.

Beijing is conducting live fire exercises around Taiwan after Nancy Pelosi's visit. Also: temperatures in parts of Iraq have risen above fifty degrees Celsius, and tourists flock to see a volcano erupt in Iceland.

Antonio Guterres urges governments to tax excessive profits made by oil and gas companies, accusing them of exploiting the poor. Also; experiments on pigs have led scientists to claim a breakthrough on organ transplants and, 90 million dollars blown as Batgirl the film based on DC comics is binned.

The US Speaker met leaders in the capital Taipei. China responded by announcing live fire exercises in Taiwanese waters. Also: the American state of Kansas votes to uphold abortion rights and the British supermarket selling carbon-neutral eggs.

Washington urges Beijing not to turn the trip into a crisis - saying it is consistent with America's longstanding one-China policy. Also: the first shipment of grain from a Ukarinian port since the Russian invasion reaches Turkish waters; and why the Commonwealth Games is a golden opportunity for smaller countries to shine on the global stage.

Washington says the Taliban should not have been harbouring Ayman al-Zawahiri. Also: Imran Khan's political party is accused of concealing foreign funding; and Ian McKellen plays Hamlet in a ballet.

The UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres made his remarks at a conference in New York. Also: al-Qaeda leader Ayman al-Zawahiri is killed in a US drone strike, and would you fancy getting woken up at 6am by the sounds of Scottish bagpipes?

A deal with Russia allows passage through a safe corridor. Also: Myanmar's military leaders extend emergency rule until 2023, and researchers find a lack of sleep in childhood can effect brain development.

Supporters of the Iraqi cleric Moqtada al-Sadr breach the high-security Green Zone in Baghdad, as they oppose the nomination of a pro-Iran rival candidate for PM. Also: Biden positive for Covid after "rebound infection", and Bob - a lost homing pigeon - back in UK after American adventure.

More than 50 prisoners of war were killed in a prison camp in the occupied part of Donetsk region. Also: "major disaster" in Kentucky as floods toll rises, and eye-popping fossil fish found in cattle-field.

The first grain ship from Ukraine since Russia's invasion is ready to leave port. Also; Wagatha Christie legal case reaches its climax and the multi billion dollar pests.

Beijing says Mr Xi told his American counterpart that "those who play with fire will only get burnt." Also: Is the world's largest economy in trouble or not? Plus, tiger populations bounce back in Nepal, but it’s not good news for everyone.

Forces are using US long-range rockets. Also, President Biden and China’s Xi Jinping hold their first talks since March. We look at the ways the paper industry is trying to cut carbon emissions. And after nearly four decades on screen, we say goodbye to the Australian soap opera "Neighbours".

The UN warns that millions of lives are at risk around the world. Also: we hear from Haiti where gang violence has killed hundreds so far this month, and Neom -- a future city in the Arabian desert with no streets or cars and horizontal skyscrapers .

Long: Russian state-controlled energy giant Gazprom cuts gas being delivered. Also: Turkey opens centre for Ukrainian grain exports, a magnitude seven earthquake strikes the Philippines and the economic crisis affecting Argentina.

The former President returned to a familiar theme, the US Mexico border, in his first address in the capital since riots by his supporters 18 months ago. Also: a warning that the bleak economic outlook could tip the world into recession; and the men who tried to flee a car crash in an English market town, only to be stopped by Emus.

The bloc reach a compromise deal to limit the cuts to some countries as Russian reductions in supply loom. Also: A row over gay marriage is overshadowing the start of a once-in-a-decade conference of Anglican bishops, and the infestation of giant African snails that is worrying the US state of Florida.

Indigenous children were abused over decades in Catholic- run schools. Also: Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky says he's confident grain exports will restart this week and scientists uncover a fossil of the world's earliest animal predator.

The executions mark the first cases of capital punishment in the country in decades. Also: Tunisians vote on an increase to President Saied’s powers, and the UK will host Eurovision next year after organisers said the event could not take place in Ukraine.

The Russian foreign minister, Sergei Lavrov, who is visiting Egypt, says the West is distorting the truth as the Ukraine war rages. Also: The Pope's "pilgrimage of penance" to Canada, and the model Kate Moss reveals how a photoshoot as a teenager opened her eyes to the dangers of the fashion industry.

The World Health Organization says more than 16,000 monkeypox cases have been reported from seventy-five countries. Also: Missile strike in the port of Odesa puts Ukraine grain deal in doubt, and calling all potential crime fiction writers - head to Harrogate.

A former senior advisor to Donald Trump, Mr Bannon refused to co-operate with the 6 January committee. Also: Ukraine and Russia sign "beacon of hope" grain deal, and rolling pins are at the ready as "The Great British Bake Off" television programme becomes a musical.

The deal will allow Ukraine to reopen its Black Sea ports for grain exports. Also: Sri Lanka's president swears in new unity government to tackle the political and economic crisis and, the authorities in Mali say they've repelled an Islamist attack on the country's main military base.

There's been a global shortage of Ukrainian grain since Russia invaded the country. Also: Sri Lanka forces raid anti government camp, and Biden "doing well" after testing positive for Covid.

Mr Draghi lost support of three of his coalition partners. Surveys suggest that most Italians wanted Mr Draghi to remain in his post. Also: Ranil Wickremesinghe is sworn in as Sri Lanka’s new president, and doctors say they've made a breakthrough in curing the rare bleeding disorder Haemophilia B.

The US President makes his financial commitment as countries around the world grapple with record temperatures, raging wildfires and deaths. Also: Italy’s government teeters on the brink of collapse and the race to become the next British PM is down to just two people.

Ranil Wickremesinghe calls for unity but protestors are already speaking out. Also: the devastating European heatwave moves north-east, a UN report lays bare the oppression of women in Afghanistan under the Taliban and how bullfighting is being used to canvass votes in Kenya.

The warning comes as UK breaks records for the hottest day and night. We hear from Athens where they are making changes to the city to help people cope with the heat. Also: Netflix loses nearly a million subscribers, and could polygamy return to the Ivory Coast decades after being outlawed.

Breaking sanctions is high on the agenda. Also Europeans suffer unprecedented temperatures and why vultures are actually nature's good guys.

Scientists predict more climate change chaos as Europe endures higher temperatures. Also: the scandal over allegedly plagiarised art gripping Cairo, and misunderstandings over the meaning of emojis.

Record temperatures and wildfires hit large parts of Europe. Also: The Ukrainian security chief and state prosecutor have been suspended over accusations of treason within their departments, and an historic one-two-three for Jamaica's women sprinters at the World Athletics Championships.

A report by Texas lawmakers says there was a 'void of leadership'. Also: a heatwave sweeps across western Europe and President Macron has warned that anti-Semitism remains rampant in France.

Thousands of firefighters are battling wildfires in Portugal, Spain and southwestern France, in the grip of a heatwave that shows no sign of easing. Also: North Macedonia takes step forward towards starting EU accession, and two athletes at the World Athletics Championships in Oregon have been sent home for doping violations.

President Biden is in Saudi Arabia to rebuild relations, having previously promised to make the country a "pariah" over its human rights record. Also: Sri Lanka seeks way forward after president quits, and France faces a shortage of mustard.

The US president made his comments during a visit to the West Bank. Also: A former German army officer is jailed for plotting terror attacks, and what is unusual about this year's hot summer in Spain.

Protestors celebrated in Colombo after Gotabaya Rajapaksa stood down, having fled to Singapore. Also: Italy lurches into crisis as PM offers resignation, and social support helps orphaned elephants cope.

The two countries pledge to deny Iran nuclear weapons. Also: in Sri Lanka, demonstrators begin to leave official buildings after the president flees on a military plane, and the remarkable discovery of a hidden Van Gogh self portrait in a Scottish museum.

The president of Sri Lanka, Gotabaya Rajapaksa, has fled the country in the face of massive anti-government protests. Also: Biden visits Israel ahead of thorny Saudi trip, and three men are charged with plot to sell stolen Eagles lyrics.

Demonstrators accuse Ranil Wickremasinghe of being too close to the previous leader. Also: Russian and Ukrainian delegations meet to discuss re-starting grain deliveries, Joe Biden touches down for his first Middle East tour as president and for the first time, a cat’s life has been saved using a pet oxygen mask.

There have been mass protests over the country's economic crisis. Also: America says it has killed a top ISIS leader, and China's super strict gaming rules for kids.

A BBC investigation has found evidence that British special forces, the SAS, killed dozens of detained and unarmed men more than a decade ago. Also, thousands of mourners pay tribute to the former Japanese prime minister Shinzo Abe, who was assassinated last week. And conservationists in Malawi drive hundreds of elephants to a new home.

Governing Conservative party announces rules and a date for a new leader to take charge. Also: Ukraine says thousands of soldiers are missing since Russia invaded, Britain’s gold medal winning Olympian Mo Farah says he was trafficked in to the country as a child and Monty Norman, the composer of the timeless James Bond theme, has died.

Moscow says move is temporary but Berlin fears it may become permanent. Also: Former Trump adviser to testify at Capitol riot hearing, India to surpass China as most populous country and grey squirrel birth control plan.

The speaker of parliament says President Rajapaksa will return by Wednesday and step down. Also: the South African president vows to tackle violent crime after a weekend of deadly shootings; and leaked documents reveal how some top European politicians secretly helped the taxi service, Uber.

Protesters descended on his official residence and set the prime minister's house on fire. Also: thousands have marched to the US capital to protest the reversal of abortion rights, and we speak to actor Daisy Edgar-Jones about their female-dominated creative team for their new film, ‘Where the Crawdads Sing’.

In June, the US Supreme Court overruled Roe v Wade and ended the constitutional right to abortion in America. In a special episode, we investigate the changing dynamic of abortion rights globally in countries like Colombia, China and Ireland. We'll also be examining the restrictions still faced by women in Africa and places like Malta and El Salvador.

Is the nuclear threat real? What does Putin want? Who is winning the war in Ukraine? We took questions on the invasion from young people around the world and looked for answers from BBC correspondents. Jackie Leonard speaks to Martin Forster, a senior child psychologist with the healthcare company, Kry, in Sweden. Listeners' questions are tackled by Vitaliy Shevchenko, Paul Adams, Theo Leggett, Lyse Doucet and Mark Lowen.

A month since the Russian invasion of Ukraine, we are collaborating with Ukrainecast again. We answer more of your questions. Jackie Leonard, presenter of the Global News Podcast, alongside Gabriel Gatehouse and Vitaliy Shevchenko from Ukrainecast, guide us through questions about civilian life in the country, military tactics, and the international response to the invasion. BBC chief international correspondent, Lyse Doucet, joins us from Kyiv to talk through what is happening on the ground there, and BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner, tells us the latest on the physical and information war. This episode was made by Chris Flynn. The studio director was Ash Taylor. The assistant editor was Sam Bonham.

BBC correspondents tackle questions from listeners around the world about Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Jackie Leonard speaks to Gabriel Gatehouse, Vitaliy Shevchenko, Lyse Doucet and James Landale.

Our experts in Moscow, Kyiv and London answer your questions about the crisis.

As the Omicron variant spreads around the world and cases surge, BBC correspondents tell us how Covid-19 is impacting our lives, our businesses and our economies.

BBC correspondents answer your questions about the Taliban's takeover of Afghanistan. We ask how did the Taliban overthrow the Afghan government so quickly? What now for human rights, the economy and international relations?

We team up with the award-winning Brexitcast team to bring you a special update on what Britain leaving the EU means for you. You’ve sent us questions from around the world and Jackie Leonard puts them to the experts from the podcast that’s all about Brexit. There’s also cake, phew. Spread the word! #GlobalNewsPod #Brexitcast Find the Brexitcast podcast here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/brexitcast