Global News Podcast

President Biden says a Gaza ceasefire deal is "on the brink" of coming to fruition. Also: Oliviero Toscani, Benetton's controversial photographer, dies aged 82, and a Scottish island finally celebrates New Year.

China has reported its largest-ever annual trade surplus, amid Donald Trump's threat to impose tariffs. Also, an investigation into the fast fashion giant Shein; and the millions taking part in Kumbh Mela in India.

The Ukrainian president says he is willing to hand over two captured North Korean soldiers in exchange for Ukrainian prisoners of war in Russia. Also: Kenya investigates the metal structure that fell from the skies.

Donald Trump has repeated his desire to control Greenland as a matter of national security, targeting Russian and Chinese interest in the Arctic. Competition is heating up over shipping routes and stores of natural resources.The Global Story brings you one big story every weekday, making sense of the news with our experts around the world. Insights you can trust, from the BBC World Service. For more, go to bbcworldservice.com/globalstory or search for The Global Story wherever you got this podcast.

The authorities in Los Angeles say the strong winds that have spread wildfires over a wide area are likely to continue for several more days. Also: is A.I. dubbing the future for foreign-language dramas and films?

We meet a Texas woman whose donated breastmilk helped thousands of premature babies. Also: surviving thirteen days alone in Australia's mountains; a chess playing NBA star; and appealing for friends to tackle loneliness.

In Los Angeles, a night-time curfew has been imposed in areas impacted by the devastating wildfires, as police warn against looting. Also: a Stradivarius violin heads to auction with an estimated $18m price tag.

EU scientists say 2024 was the warmest year on record, and the first to exceed the 1.5C global warming limit. Also: Los Angeles residents return to their burnt-out homes, and is time running out for TikTok?

The Venezuelan opposition leader Maria Corina Machado has emerged from hiding to lead anti-Maduro protests. Also: extracting what may be the world’s oldest Antarctic ice, and the etiquette of air kissing.

A crescent of flames looms over Los Angeles as wildfires burn. Firefighters manage to bring under control the blaze that had been threatening Hollywood. Also: the dangerous journey across the Darien Gap jungle.

At least two people have died as wildfires rage uncontrolled in several parts of Los Angeles. President Biden has promised extra help. Also: Egypt hails possibly the greatest find since the discovery of Tutankhamun.

Los Angeles' mayor says windstorms will worsen. Also: European nations warn borders must not be altered by force - after Trump threatens Greenland. And China steps up relief efforts for the earthquake in Tibet.

Donald Trump has threatened to seize Greenland and the Panama Canal. Also: the climber who spent an earthquake up Mount Everest, and the Italian residents who are banned from becoming seriously ill.

A big earthquake has killed more than 100 people in Tibet and wrecked the Buddhist holy city of Shigatse. Also: the French far-right leader Jean Marie Le Pen has died, and the weird and wonderful species under threat.

Canada's PM Justin Trudeau has resigned, citing 'internal battles' in his governing Liberal party. Also: the drink absinthe, once banned by governments and now rehabilitated, and what does silence sound like?

South Korea's political chaos worsens as police refuse to arrest the impeached President. Also: Russia says it has captured a key town in eastern Ukraine, and the wild cat that's come back from the brink of extinction.

A state of emergency is declared across parts of the United States as a major winter storm brings chaos to road, air and train travel. Also: prisoners in a high security jail try to find redemption through singing.

A motorcade carrying the body of the former US president, Jimmy Carter, has arrived in Atlanta -- the capital of his home state, Georgia. He will lie in repose for a few days for the public to pay their respects.

Meet the Buz Stop Boys, a group of volunteers helping to clean the streets of Ghana. Also, the treehouse escape for people with chronic illnesses, and the Hawaiian crow which went extinct in 2002 returns to the wild.Presenter: Nick Miles. Music composed by Iona Hampson

Trump-backed Mike Johnson has been re-elected as US House Speaker in the first round of voting, after overcoming a Republican revolt. Also: Apple to pay $95m to settle Siri "listening" lawsuit.