Global News Podcast

Global News Podcast by BBC World Service

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 major international developments, including a study predicting a doubling of dementia cases by 2050 and reports from the conflict between Yemeni government forces and Houthi rebels. The program also examines Elon Musk's unprecedented $276 million in donations to Republican groups ahead of the US midterm elections and the investigation into federal agents raiding US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's home. Additionally, the episode explores political shifts in Hungary following Viktor Orban's departure from power, a fire at a historic market in Paris, and allegations regarding an altercation involving actress Selma Blair on a commercial flight.

Chapters

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Highlights

The epidemic's not of dementia, it's of ageing.

00:03:09 · Professor Henry Brodati explains that the primary driver behind the projected increase in dementia cases is the global rise in the elderly population.

She has responded to this saying, make no mistake, this is an attempt to target political enemies and weaponize federal law enforcement.

00:12:28 · Congresswoman Ilhan Omar describes the raid on her home as a politically motivated use of federal power.

It appears to be, at the very least, one of the largest single donations by an individual in any campaign cycle, if not the largest.

00:15:50 · The correspondent discusses the unprecedented scale of Elon Musk's recent political spending in the US.

This year's vote was a vote for rejoining Europe. I think most people were fed up with being the black sheep.

00:22:48 · A former correspondent explains the motivation behind the recent Hungarian election results.

according to airport officials they say they responded to a physically abusive passenger that she hurt two flight attendants one of whom was taken to hospital

00:26:18 · A reporter details the allegations regarding Selma Blair's behavior during a recent flight.

Episodes

7325-

Annual dementia cases could double by 2050

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers major international developments, including a study predicting a doubling of dementia cases by 2050 and reports from the conflict between Yemeni government forces and Houthi rebels. The program also examines Elon Musk's unprecedented $276 million in donations to Republican groups ahead of the US midterm elections and the investigation into federal agents raiding US Congresswoman Ilhan Omar's home. Additionally, the episode explores political shifts in Hungary following Viktor Orban's departure from power, a fire at a historic market in Paris, and allegations regarding an altercation involving actress Selma Blair on a commercial flight.

13 Oct 2026
7324-

French supermarkets say fridges targeted in cyberattack

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers a range of international developments, from a cyber attack on French supermarkets causing food spoilage to ongoing Houthi missile attacks in Saudi Arabian airspace. The report also examines President Zelensky's reaction to an announced energy ceasefire and the growing local opposition to AI data center expansions in the United States. Additionally, the episode explores political unrest in Pakistan, electoral fraud allegations in India, and discussions regarding global AI safety standards with Microsoft's president. Finally, it investigates a mysterious incident involving the destruction of rare Chinese porcelain at the British Museum and the possibilities of its restoration.

12 Oct 2026
7323-

Houthis attack Saudi airport for third time in four days

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers major international developments, including Houthi rebel attacks on Riyadh airport in Saudi Arabia and the impact of Hurricane Simon on Mexico's Pacific coast. It also discusses Donald Trump's unverified claim of an energy ceasefire between Russia and Ukraine amidst ongoing Russian strikes on Ukrainian infrastructure. The program further explores a BBC Africa Eye investigation into police killings in Kenya, a fatal migrant boat sinking near Djibouti, and Pope Leo's announcement regarding upcoming lung surgery. Additionally, the episode features a report on the rising frequency of shark attacks in Australia.

12 Oct 2026
7322-

The Global Story: Smart glasses or ‘pervert glasses’?

This episode explores the controversy surrounding Meta's Ray-Ban smart glasses, which have faced criticism as 'pervert glasses' due to privacy concerns and unauthorized filming. The discussion covers the functionality of these devices, the impact of non-consensual recording on individuals, and Meta's introduction of audio-only glasses as a potential response to these privacy issues. The episode also examines the evolution of Meta's wearable technology, noting its marketing focus on style and accessibility for the visually impaired. Additionally, it explores the competitive landscape involving Google and Snap Inc., while addressing skepticism regarding whether these innovations are a distraction from Meta's historical controversies.

11 Oct 2026
7321-

Trump calls for Zelensky to be replaced

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers a range of international developments, including a diplomatic rift between Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky over Russian energy deals, severe hurricane activity in North America, and widespread protests regarding electoral integrity and voter list revisions in India. The report also explores investigations into the Nord Stream pipeline explosion, potential renewed conflict in Ethiopia's Tigray region, and security breaches involving AI agents at Anthropic and OpenAI. Additionally, the episode features scientific breakthroughs in light-activated tattoo technology and a look into the early technical challenges of the Hubble Space Telescope.

11 Oct 2026