Global News Podcast

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.

South Korean police called off an attempt to arrest the suspended president Yoon Suk Yeol, following a long standoff with his security team. Anti-corruption officers have appealed to the acting president to intervene.

The FBI says the man who carried out a deadly attack in New Orleans was acting alone, and he had declared his support for ISIS militants. Also: do you use traditional maps or an app to find your way around a city?

We meet the family who kept their shop open on Christmas Day to help locals feel less lonely. Also, the parents creating visual memories for their children and the restaurant where most of the staff have Down's Syndrome.

Memorial events have been held around the Indian Ocean to mark 20 years since the tsunami that killed more than 220,000 people. Also: Did Russia down an Azerbaijani plane? And the rise of non-alcoholic wine.

The happiest stories of 2024 - from the extraordinary achievement in raising Notre Dame Cathedral from the ashes, to the success of the chopsticks manoeuvre to catch a rocket booster; and the baby hippo who went viral.

A man filmed playing the piano while homeless went viral. Now he's raising money for others and says it's saved his life. Also: showing love with Christmas lights; how a cat saved its owner; and AI spots dolphin accents.

We hear from a cafe in Massachusetts that spreads joy by asking customers to dance as they enter. Also: the toys made from cigarette butts; a community library destroyed by fire reopens; and Italy's festive Krampus Run.

US president commutes around 1,500 sentences and pardons 39 people. Also: inside Syria's abandoned presidential palace, recreational use of cannabis banned in Japan, and the secret to being happy at work.

Syrian President's grip on power wanes as another strategic city falls to Islamist rebels. Also: Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris is rededicated in front of world leaders and the conman in India who duped families into thinking he was their long lost son.

Syria's army says it's bolstering defences around the capital, Damascus, as rebels intent on overthrowing President Assad converge on the city.

We're at an Italian film festival with a difference, for actors who become the voice of Hollywood stars and achieve fame in their own right. Also: California's canine mayor; and why diplomacy can work better in a sauna.

We hear from a Ukrainian refugee who says cold water swimming has helped her tackle depression and keep moving forward. Also: making fuel from washed up seaweed; how a community rescued a pod of whales; and driving rats.

Researchers have found that just as we smile at friends, dolphins change their expression too while interacting. Also: the college baseball star with a prosthetic leg and the first robotic double lung transplant.

MSF pulls out of Haiti's capital Port-au-Prince after attacks on staff. Also: US approves supply of antipersonnel land mines to Ukraine, why olive oil prices are plummeting and tennis bids adios to Rafael Nadal.

Billy and Susan's life changed when they spotted a starving otter. Now, Molly is part of the family and a film has been made about their story. Also, the invention giving people with disabilities greater freedom.

Republicans secure total control of US congress after winning the House of Representatives. Also: climate impact of jet condensation trails and the kidults rediscovering the joy of toys.

We hear about innovative environmental projects awarded millions of dollars in this year's Earthshot prizes. Also: the twins cleaning streets for free; detecting tumours with graphene; and a remarkable Himalayan rescue.Presenter: Andrew Peach. Music composed by Iona Hampson.

Donald Trump pledges to lead the US into a new golden age after winning US presidential election. We'll have world reaction and assess the potential impact on the global economy and environment.

Donald Trump poised to make historic comeback not seen in the US in more than a century.