Global News Podcast

Global News Podcast

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 examines the aftermath of the U.S. midterm elections, where Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress, and the resulting internal friction within the Republican Party regarding the war in Iran and future foreign policy. The program also covers the ten-year prison sentence handed to Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong. Additionally, the episode explores the release of secret police files from Hungary's communist era, a controversial reality TV hoax in Denmark, and the diplomatic dispute between North and South Korea over Taekwondo's UNESCO registration. The report concludes with an update on the closely contested Senate race in Alaska.

Chapters

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Highlights

The Democrats beat even their most confident of expectations to win both chambers of the US Congress, the House of Representatives and the Senate.

00:01:31 · This describes the significant electoral victory achieved by the Democratic Party in the recent U.S. midterm elections.

The reason we lost is the war. The president himself said so last night.

00:03:46 · Vice President J.D. Vance uses social media to explicitly link the Republican electoral defeat to the ongoing conflict with Iran.

The authorities said that Joshua Wong had colluded with other activists to encourage foreign governments essentially to impose sanctions on China and Hong Kong.

00:13:09 · This explains the specific legal grounds upon which the pro-democracy activist was convicted under the national security law.

Some were blackmailed, some first agreed, then failed to deliver, and others, a minority, informed with gusto.

00:16:35 · The reporter explains the various motivations behind why individuals acted as informants during Hungary's communist era.

That left the road clear for North Korea to get its bid in with UNESCO.

00:21:30 · The speaker explains how South Korea's failure to accept a joint bid allowed North Korea to move forward with its own application.

Episodes

7372-

Trump blames Iran war for midterm defeat

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast examines the aftermath of the U.S. midterm elections, where Democrats secured control of both chambers of Congress, and the resulting internal friction within the Republican Party regarding the war in Iran and future foreign policy. The program also covers the ten-year prison sentence handed to Hong Kong activist Joshua Wong. Additionally, the episode explores the release of secret police files from Hungary's communist era, a controversial reality TV hoax in Denmark, and the diplomatic dispute between North and South Korea over Taekwondo's UNESCO registration. The report concludes with an update on the closely contested Senate race in Alaska.

05 Nov 2026
7371-

Democrats storm to success in US midterm elections

The US midterm elections have resulted in a significant victory for Democrats, who have gained control of both the Senate and the House. The segment covers Donald Trump's reaction to the Republican losses, the impact of economic concerns on voter behavior, and specific notable wins in Texas and Michigan. This episode also explores various geopolitical developments, including the impact of U.S. midterm elections on Iran-U.S. relations and the political deadlock in Israel following recent elections. Additionally, it discusses President Zelensky's decision to award Melania Trump a Ukrainian honor and the strategic motivations behind such gestures amidst the ongoing war.

04 Nov 2026
7370-

Democrats projected to take control of US Congress

This episode examines the results of the US midterm elections, focusing on Democratic gains in the House and Senate, including key victories in North Carolina, Georgia, and a historic shift in Texas. The discussion explores how these outcomes impact the Trump administration's ability to govern and the potential for new House committees to launch investigations. The episode also addresses the intersection of foreign policy and domestic economics, analyzing how crises in Iran and Ukraine influence American voters. Additionally, it highlights the economic concerns, such as inflation and tariffs, that drove voter behavior within the farming community.

04 Nov 2026
7369-

Americans vote in pivotal midterm elections

This episode covers a range of major global news stories, beginning with the political impact of the US midterm elections on Donald Trump's presidency and various local races. The report also details security concerns following bomb threats across Europe and the tragic death of Spanish footballer Jesus de Miguel. Additionally, the episode explores King Charles's visit to the Caribbean regarding the history of slavery, labor protests in Bangladesh's garment industry, and a massive cyber attack on Binance. Finally, we examine linguistic trends with Collins's word of the year, 'mogging'.

03 Nov 2026
7368-

Ukraine accuses Russia of hitting school used as aid centre

This episode of the BBC Global News Podcast covers major international stories, including a Russian attack on an aid center in Ukraine and the economic pressures facing American voters ahead of the US midterm elections. The report also explores the personal story of a couple who underwent duo euthanasia in the Netherlands. Additionally, the episode examines scientific breakthroughs at CERN regarding the 'Zeptoverse' despite UK funding cuts, a settlement by Snapchat over app addictiveness, and a Channel 4 game show hoax designed to highlight the dangers of gambling.

03 Nov 2026