Global News Podcast

The former US president Joe Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Friday after seeing a doctor for urinary symptoms. Also: Israel says it will allow "basic amount" of food into Gaza, ending 10-week blockade.

Donald Trump has said he will call Vladimir Putin on Monday to stop the Ukraine 'bloodbath'. Also: Reuniting Chile's stolen children with their birth parents, and the theft of a statue of Melania Trump.

Listener Tania tells us how stories on The Happy Pod helped her fight for life after a near fatal mountain fall. Now she's determined to inspire others. Also: a park designed in a computer game becomes a reality; why happiness boosts vaccines; and the cheerleading businessmen.

The first direct talks between Russia and Ukraine in more than three years have ended without a ceasefire agreement. Also: a man who attacked the author Salman Rushdie is jailed for 25 years

Airstrikes in north Gaza kill nearly 100 Palestinians. Trump ends Mideast trip with business deals but no Israeli hostage breakthrough. Russia-Ukraine peace talks start in Turkey. Plus: Eurovision finalists confirmed

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Ukraine breakthrough not likely until President Trump meets Vladimir Putin. Also: power cuts in Sudan after drone strikes on power stations.

Palestinians in Gaza say they are facing another Nakba on the anniversary of their "catastrophe". Also: President Zelensky calls Russian peace talks delegates "stand-in props" and the lost Magna Carta found at Harvard.

President Trump announces a series of deals between the US and Qatar, including a huge order for Boeing jets. Also: President Putin is not on the Kremlin list of officials attending Ukraine peace talks in Turkey.

Donald Trump has met Syria's president Ahmed al-Sharaa after announcing a surprise decision to lift US sanctions on the government in Damascus. Also: the remarkable first aid abilities of chimpanzees.

President Trump agrees $142bn arms deal with Saudi Arabia during a trip to the Gulf. Also: new hope for patients with breast cancer BRCA gene, and Basel hosts first Eurovision semi-final.

President Trump has met Saudi Arabia's crown prince in his first foreign trip since returning to the White House. Also: tennis stars Andy Murray and Novak Djokovic end their working partnership after just six months

The Israeli-American hostage, Edan Alexander, arrives in Israel after being released from captivity by Hamas. Also: Sean Diddy Combs' sex-trafficking trial begins, and can Ancelotti fix Brazil’s football?

Stock markets rally as US and China agree to slash tariffs for at least 90 days. Also: Kurdish PKK militants end armed struggle against Turkey and Mounjaro and Wegovy go head to head in weight loss trial.

President Zelensky has challenged President Putin to meet him after Donald Trump demanded they talk. Also: Hamas to free a hostage after direct talks with the US, and Pope Leo's call for an end to all wars.

Pakistan and India have accused each other of violating the truce which ended four days of attacks. Also: Syrian Jews return home, and some confusion over the return to Earth of parts of an old Soviet spacecraft.

We meet a man learning to read in his thirties, and inspiring others. He overcame embarrassment to share his journey on his TikTok, Oliver Speaks. Also: laughter yoga; rehoming chimps; and an 81-year-old female Ironman.

President Putin marks the 80th anniversary of VE Day by defending his invasion of Ukraine. Also: Ukraine arrests two people allegedly working as spies for Hungary and Pope Leo gives his first homily.

Pope Leo XIV addresses Vatican crowd as new leader of the Catholic Church. King Charles marks 80 years since Nazi defeat in Europe. Bill Gates pledges to give away his billions. Plus: David Attenborough turns 99.

The new pope is Robert Prevost, who will be known as Pope Leo XIV - the first American to be elected leader of the Catholic Church. Hear from our correspondent in Rome, as well as reaction from around the world.Image: Pope Leo XIV greets the faithful as he appears from the Central Loggia of St. Peter's Square on 8 May, 2025 in Vatican City (Credit: Alessandra Benedetti/Corbis via Getty Images)

Ukraine and Russia have accused each other of violating the three-day truce declared by President Putin. India and Pakistan have targeted each other in drone attacks. Also: the spacecraft due to crash back to Earth.