Global News Podcast

BBC speaks to anti-Putin Russian journalist

Thu, 13 Aug 2026

Russian journalist, television presenter and winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2021 talks exclusively to the BBC. The former editor-in-chief of the now banned independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta tells our Russia editor Steve Rosenberg about life under Vladimir Putin. Also: US Vice-President JD Vance reportedly intervenes to halt Ukrainian strikes on oil tankers using Russian port of Novorossiysk. Karoline Leavitt to step down as White House Press Secretary but will retain role as adviser to President Trump. Millions of people across Europe wowed by once-in-a-generation solar eclipse. Immigration agents in the US could soon be issued with gloves that deliver electric shocks. Eurovision Song Contest changes rules for countries at war. Brits could face dynamic prices to use public toilets. And the magnetic espadrilles helping pétanque players pick up their balls.

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Photo: Dmitry Muratov, editor of the now banned independent newspaper Novaya Gazeta and Nobel Peace Prize winner.
Credit: REUTERS/Yulia Morozova

Israeli settlers trap Palestinians in their West Bank homes

Wed, 12 Aug 2026

Two Palestinian families remain trapped in their homes by settlers who moved into their village in the occupied West Bank on Sunday. The first Israeli soldiers who arrived at the scene were filmed praying with the extremist settlers. But after clashes they left and the settlers have returned. The Palestinian families say their water and power have been cut and they have dwindling food supplies. Also, has the war in Iran eroded Donald Trump's support in one of his key strongholds? Zhu Rongji, the former Chinese premier who championed free market reforms, has died at the age of 97. And we hear from
the British driver Andy Green, who's set a new world speed record, in a hydrogen- powered vehicle.

Getting ready for solar eclipse

Wed, 12 Aug 2026

People across the world are eagerly awaiting a solar eclipse, with the Moon set to block out our view of the Sun. The BBC's science correspondent reports from northern Spain - one of the areas expecting a rare total eclipse. Also: rescue efforts continue after the earthquake in Colombia; a Syrian court sentences the ousted president, Bashar al-Assad, to death for crimes against humanity; Donald Trump defends swapping planes due to a reported security threat, despite anger from journalists left on Air Force One; the Winter Olympics sport of curling finds new fans in sunny Italy; and the American TV channel Hallmark celebrates its 25th anniversary.

Photo: Solar eclipse viewing preparations in the Netherlands. A woman wears eclipse glasses in Almelo. 11 August 2026.
Credit: Vincent Jannink. EPA/Shutterstock

More than 200 people killed in Colombian earthquake

Tue, 11 Aug 2026

The number of people known to have been killed by an earthquake in Colombia has risen to more than 200. The quake with a magnitude of 7.4 hit the west of the country on Monday. Rescuers worked through the night looking for survivors trapped under dozens of collapsed buildings. The cities of Cali and Pereira were among the places worst hit. Colombia's new president, Abelardo de la Espriella, has declared a state of emergency. Also: Medecins Sans Frontieres warns that children in southwest Somalia are facing alarming food shortages. President Trump was smuggled out of Air Force One in an airport catering truck after a possible Iran threat. And: What is behind Australia's first autonomous AI hack?

Deadly earthquake hits Colombia

Tue, 11 Aug 2026

More than 130 people have been killed after a powerful earthquake struck western Colombia. Rescuers are searching for those trapped under the rubble of destroyed buildings. Also: Turkey approves a law aimed at ending conflict with the Kurdish militant PKK group; we investigate China's "flash marriage" scams targeting lonely men; how tourism is impacting wildlife, especially elephants, in Zambia; Harry Potter fans get an undersea power cable rerouted to protect Dobby's fictional grave; and why we should smile at our dogs.