Why the ancient English tradition of chasing a giant cheese down a steep hill is gathering crowds from around the world. Also: a life saving donation from a stranger half a world away; and Brazil's beatboxing nuns.

The Happy Pod: The joy of chasing a giant cheese

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Hear the most important global stories from the BBC, the most trusted name in international news. 
 
With reporters on the ground in every country, we’re always where the story is. We bring you unparalleled access and exclusive updates that you won’t get anywhere else. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. From Trump’s White House to Putin’s Kremlin, from the Ukraine War to the Israel-Gaza conflict. From Damascus to Delhi, from Silicon Valley to Singapore, from Washington DC to Wuhan. 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. Subscribe now and never miss a moment.Also listen to The Happy Pod, every Saturday, for the best global good news.Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

Ukraine claims to have left more than 40 Russian bomber planes burning in a large-scale drone attack. Also: the ICRC in Gaza says it's treated dozens of casualties after a reported attack near an aid distribution centre.

Ukraine launches drone attacks on Russian bombers

The US special envoy, Steve Witkoff, has called Hamas' response to a Gaza ceasefire plan 'totally unacceptable'. Also: What two astronauts did when they were stuck in space, and the life of India's 'Tiger Man'.

US rejects Hamas' response to Gaza ceasefire proposal

Donald Trump has heaped praise on Elon Musk at a press conference marking his exit from the US government. Also: The scientist behind the abortion pill dies, and Taylor Swift buys back her master recordings.

Musk leaves Trump administration

UN says the world must do more to save the entire population of Gaza from famine. Also: BBC finds the EU has spent more on Russian oil and gas than aid to Ukraine, and do parents know best when it comes to child health?

UN warns entire Gaza population at risk of famine

US President Donald Trump can keep collecting import taxes, an appeals court has ruled, a day after a ruling found the sweeping global tariffs to be illegal. Also: Chinese paraglider survives 8,000m-high flight.

US appeals court rules that Trump tariffs can stay in place for now

Israeli ministers say 22 new Jewish settlements have been approved in the occupied West Bank - the biggest expansion in decades. Also: A US federal court blocks many of President Donald Trump's trade tariffs.

Israel announces major expansion of settlements in occupied West Bank

A special report from the frontline in eastern Ukraine where Russian forces are advancing. Also: remembering the renowned Kenyan author Ngugi wa Thiong'o, and saving lives with a defibrillator on Mount Everest.

Dodging Russian drones in Donetsk

Germany's Merz promises to help Ukraine produce long-range missiles. Also: the latest from Gaza, 20 years in jail for French paedophile, experts warn the Earth is 'profoundly ill' and a flying car takes off in England.

Germany promises Ukraine long-range missiles to fight Russia

Thousands of Palestinians have stormed an aid distribution site in Gaza set up by a US and Israeli-backed group, a day after it began working there. Also: a Turkish bakery revives a 5,000-year-old bread recipe.

Crowds overrun new aid distribution site in Gaza

The first aid delivery into Gaza by a US and Israeli-backed group has been dismissed by the UN as a "distraction". Also: King Charles is to deliver a key speech in Canada's parliament, and the world's oldest human fingerprint.

US and Israeli-backed group distributes aid in Gaza

The US envoy Steve Witkoff rejects a claim by Hamas that it has accepted an American plan for a Gaza truce. Also: car drives into Liverpool football fans, and the Blue Danube waltz is to be broadcast to deep space.

US envoy rejects Hamas claim that it has agreed to American terms for a Gaza ceasefire

Rescue workers in Gaza describe 'horrific' scenes, after an Israeli strike on a school killed dozens. Israel said it had targeted Hamas. Also: the latest from Ukraine, as Donald Trump calls Putin 'crazy'.

Israeli strike kills dozens sheltering in Gaza school

Family of George Floyd promise to continue campaign for racial justice. Also: Spain calls for arms embargo against Israel over the war in Gaza. And male MPs in New Zealand describe their clothing to support female colleague.

US remembers George Floyd

Ukraine says almost all prisoners released by Russia in the latest exchange were beaten, isolated and brainwashed. Also: an Iranian film shot in secret wins the top prize in Cannes, and the Viagra of the Himalayas.

Ukraine accuses Russia of torturing Ukrainian prisoners of war

We hear how a man travelling the world with a cuddly duck has encouraged thousands to open up about mental health problems. Also: a roaring success for India's lions; and Kermit the Frog urges graduates to leap together.Presenter: Valerie Sanderson
Music: Iona Hampson

The Happy Pod: The unlikely duo getting men talking about mental health

President Trump threatens a 50% tariff on all goods sent to the US from the EU. Also: a gang is found guilty of the Kim Kardashian jewellery heist in Paris, and the Brazilian photographer Sebastiao Salgado dies aged 81.

Trump threatens 50% tariffs on EU and 25% on smartphones

Ukraine and Russia exchange hundreds of prisoners, which President Trump says "could lead to something big." Also: we look at the humanitarian situation in Gaza, and in Norway a man finds a ship in his garden.

Ukraine and Russia take part in biggest prisoner swap since invasion

The Trump administration bans Harvard from enrolling foreign students. Also: Israel blames critics of its war on Gaza for the murder of two US embassy staff, and why the Netherlands accuses Belgium of stealing wind.

The Trump administration stops Harvard from enrolling foreign students

Israel's foreign minister says antisemitic and anti-Israeli incitement linked to the war in Gaza lay behind the killing of two Israeli embassy staff in Washington. Also: China stakes its claim to the Arctic.

Two Israeli embassy staff shot dead in Washington DC

US President Donald Trump confronted his South African counterpart Cyril Ramaphosa at the White House, claiming that white farmers were being "persecuted" in the country. Also: climbing Everest using Xenon gas.

Trump confronts South African leader with claim of Afrikaners being 'persecuted'

Sudan's army says it has liberated all of Khartoum state from the paramilitary RSF. Also: the UN says new aid supplies have still not been distributed in Gaza, and rapid test could improve treatment for brain tumours.

Paramilitaries pushed out of key state

The United Nations says no aid has yet been distributed in Gaza despite aid lorries starting to cross the border after an 11-week blockade. Also: Sesame Street heads to Netflix after Trump cut PBS funding.

UN says no aid yet distributed in Gaza as international pressure on Israel mounts

The UN says Israel to allow 100 aid lorries to enter Gaza; Also: President Trump's real estate company in talks to build tower in Vietnam as it tries to head off huge US export tariffs, and why does the universe exist?

UN says Israel to allow 100 aid trucks into Gaza

US President Donald Trump says Russia and Ukraine will "immediately" start negotiating towards a ceasefire, after a phone call with Vladimir Putin. Also: videos show capuchin monkeys kidnapping babies of another species.

Trump says Russia and Ukraine to 'immediately' start ceasefire talks

Israel vows to 'take control of all' of Gaza to prevent Hamas from looting aid. Also: a BBC investigation finds evidence that children are being trafficked into illegal mines in South Africa and sexually abused.

Netanyahu: Israel plans to take over all of Gaza

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.

Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive' prostate cancer

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.

Trump to call Putin to stop Ukraine 'bloodbath'

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 Happy Pod: Climbing a mountain 64 times to inspire others

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

Ukraine and Russia agree prisoner swap after direct talks

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

Trump leaves Middle East while strikes on Gaza intensify

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.

US plays down prospects of peace talks between Russia and Ukraine

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.

Gaza officials say Israeli strikes kill more than 100 people

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.

Trump signs major trade deals with Qatar

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.

Donald Trump meets Syrian leader

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.

Trump agrees huge arms deal on Saudi visit

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

Trump arrives in Saudi Arabia

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?

Israeli-US hostage reunites with family after being freed by Hamas

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.

US agrees trade deal with China

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.

Zelensky challenges Putin to meet him

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.

Pakistan and India accuse each other of violating ceasefire

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.

The Happy Pod: Learning to read in your 30s

Pakistan accuses India of bringing them closer to a major conflict while India said it repulsed Pakistani assaults. Also: Robert Prevost's "head was in his hands" when he became pope and the Soviet spacecraft's return.

The fighting between Pakistan and India is intensifying

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.

Putin hosts Russia's Victory Day parade

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.

Pope Leo XIV - the world reacts

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)

Robert Prevost becomes first American pope: Special episode

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.

Ukraine labels Russian ceasefire 'a farce'

Black smoke emerges from the Sistine Chapel in the Vatican, as 133 cardinals fail to elect a new pope after the first ballot. Also: the White House responds to Joe Biden's BBC interview, calling him a disgrace.

First conclave vote ends in black smoke

Why are tensions escalating between India and Pakistan? Our team of BBC experts explain, after India launches missile strikes in Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Five Indian jets were downed, Pakistan says.

Kashmir crisis questions

Pakistan says India's missile attack has ignited an "inferno in the region". India claims it targeted terrorist infrastructure. Also: Joe Biden speaks to the BBC, and cardinals gather to elect the next Pope.

Pakistan vows to respond to Indian strikes

India says it has targeted nine sites in Pakistan in response to a deadly attack on Indian tourists in Kashmir two weeks ago. Also: Canada's new PM tells Donald Trump his country will never be for sale.

India strikes Pakistan and Pakistan-administered Kashmir

Is Friedrich Merz the new German chancellor after he unexpectedly lost an initial vote in parliament? Also: Russian fears for victory parade after Ukrainian attack, and what kind of Pope do Catholics want?

Crisis vote in German parliament

There's been criticism in Israel and internationally of its plan to expand military operations in the Gaza Strip. Also: Zhao Xintong has become the first Chinese player to win the World Snooker Championship.

Israel's plan to expand its military offensive in Gaza is widely criticised

How is a new Pope chosen? How long could the conclave last? In a special edition of the Global News Podcast, the BBC’s Religion Editor Aleem Maqbool answers listener questions on the conclave at the Vatican

How will the next Pope be chosen?

The EU launches a campaign to attract foreign scientists, after the Trump administration froze government funding to some universities. Also: Israel approves "conquest" in Gaza, and the Lady Gaga concert bomb threat.

EU entices foreign scientists as Trump attacks universities

Israel's military has confirmed that tens of thousands of call-up orders are being sent to reservists - in preparation for an expansion of operations in Gaza. Also: Welsh cyclist completes 'dream' ride across the world.

Israeli army starts calling up reservists for planned expansion of Gaza offensive

Supporters of Australia's governing Labor party led by Anthony Albanese have been celebrating a resounding victory in the general election. Also: Trump criticised after posting AI image of himself as Pope.

Australian PM Albanese makes stunning comeback with landslide win

A group of lions rescued from Ukraine are roaring again. Their new homes were built with money donated globally. Also: the paralysed man who's completed a marathon; a teenage cricket star; and a 103-year-old influencer.

The Happy Pod: The rescued Ukraine lions learning to roar again

In an interview, Prince Harry says he can't see a world where his family will visit the UK after he lost his security legal challenge. Also: a man's blood could unlock universal antivenom after being bitten many times.

Prince Harry tells BBC he wants reconciliation with the Royal Family

President Trump ousts Waltz and nominates him for UN post. Waltz had added a journalist to a group chat on military plans. Also: President Zelensky hails minerals deal as "truly equal partnership."

Trump replaces National Security Adviser Mike Waltz

Kyiv and Washington agree an economic partnership giving US access to Ukraine's rare earth minerals. Also: US economy shrinks for the first time since 2022, and hope for the Mexican amphibian on the brink of extinction.

US signs historic natural resources deal with Ukraine

India holds security talks and Pakistan warns of imminent military strikes from India, following the deadly attack on tourists in Indian-administered Kashmir. Also: Vietnam's reunification day, and a new eye test.

Pakistan warns of imminent military strikes from India

Donald Trump is celebrating 100 days in office - a key landmark. But the newly-elected Canadian government is reacting sharply against him. And Australian voters have taken against Mr Trump too.

Trump: The first 100 days

Officials investigate mass power blackouts in Portugal and Spain, but cyberattack ruled out. Also: Mark Carney's Liberal Party wins the Canadian election, and the mysterious hum annoying Scottish islanders.

What caused the mass power cut in Spain and Portugal?

A massive power cut hit large parts of Spain and Portugal on Monday, causing widespread disruption.

Power outage causes chaos in Spain and Portugal

The Kremlin announces a short ceasefire in Ukraine, coinciding with celebrations marking the end of World War Two in Europe. Kyiv calls for a 30-day end to fighting. Also: Israel's actions in Gaza on trial at The Hague.

Putin announces three-day Russian ceasefire in Ukraine

There have been a number of fatalities when a car was driven at high-speed into festivalgoers in the Canadian city of Vancouver. Also: a human chain helps a Michigan bookshop owner move her stock to a new home.

Man arrested after car drives into Vancouver street festival

A special episode of The Happy Pod for International Dance Day. From the Royal Opera House in London, we are hearing stories from performers and choreographers across the world.

The Happy Pod: International Dance Day special

Pope Francis has been laid to rest at his favourite church in Rome, Santa Maria Maggiore, after a private service. Also: fatalities after a huge explosion at key Iranian port.

World bids farewell to Pope Francis who told people to 'build bridges, not walls'

The Pope's funeral was attended by dozens of politicians and royalty. We hear from correspondents in Rome and countries with close links to the Pope - the DRC, Philippines and Argentina.

Pope Francis funeral - special episode

The funeral Mass for Pope Francis is taking place today in St Peter's Square. More than one hundred foreign dignitaries are expected to attend.

Final preparations underway for Pope Francis's funeral

Senior Russian general killed. Meanwhile US envoy arrives for talks with President Putin on how to end the war in Ukraine. The Russian foreign minister, in a US interview, said peace negotiations were progressing.

Russian general killed in Moscow car bomb

The US president insists he's putting 'a lot of pressure' on Russia and Ukraine to reach a peace deal. Also: Dutch town hall dumps rare Warhol print by mistake.

President Trump says he is 'not happy' with deadly Russian strikes on Kyiv

India and Pakistan announce tit-for-tat measures after deadly Kashmir attack. Ukraine responds to worst strike on Kyiv in months. Trump calls on President Putin to 'STOP!' Also: the woman who fooled the world's top magic society

India-Pakistan tensions rise following deadly Kashmir attack

The US Treasury secretary says the IMF and World Bank have deviated from their purpose. Also: The US issues Ukraine with an ultimatum, and proof that a Roman gladiator in Britain was bitten by a lion.

US Treasury secretary criticises the IMF and World Bank

Thousands queue to see Pope Francis lying in state in St Peter's Basilica. His body remains there until his funeral. Also: the EU hands Apple and Meta hefty fines under digital competition laws, and 20 years of YouTube.

Pope lying in state at St Peter's Basilica

The IMF cuts forecasts for every major economy and warns that the US could be hardest hit. Also: In Indian-administered Kashmir more than twenty tourists shot dead, and the surge in cosmetic surgery in China.

IMF downgrades global growth predictions after Trump tariffs

The Vatican has confirmed details of Pope Francis’s funeral. It’ll take place in St Peter’s Square, on Saturday. Donald Trump and Volodymyr Zelensky are among dozens of world leaders who’ve said that they’ll attend.

Plans outlined for Pope’s funeral

Vatican says Pope Francis died from a stroke and heart failure. Also: snowfall in Hindu Kush Himalayan mountain range reaches 23-year low.

Catholics around the world mourn death of Pope Francis

Pope Francis has died aged 88. We look back at his life and legacy, with analysis from our Religion Editor Aleem Maqbool, our former Vatican Correspondent David Willey in Rome, along with reaction from around the world.

Pope Francis Dies - Global News Podcast Special Episode

An IDF inquiry into the killing of 15 emergency workers in Gaza last month found a series of professional failures, but says six of those killed were Hamas members. Also: Russia’s brief Easter truce with Ukraine has ended.

Israel military admits mistakes led to killing of Gaza medics

The Ukrainian President, Volodymyr Zelensky says Ukraine is prepared to join Russia in observing an Easter ceasefire, but insists that Moscow's forces are still attacking. Also: scientists say they've discovered 'new colour' no one has seen before.

Zelensky says Russian attacks ongoing despite Putin announcing 'Easter truce'

After Dave's video rental store was forced to close, he created a space for his most loyal customer, Christina, so she could stick to her vital daily routine. Also: why millions of people are tuning in to watch the moose migration and what's the secret to 70 years of marriage?

The Happy Pod: Creating 'Christina's Corner'

US President Donald Trump has warned that unless Russia and Ukraine agree quickly to end their conflict, the United States will abandon its peace efforts. Also: project shares the sounds of Unesco World Heritage sites.

Trump says US will 'pass' on Ukraine peace talks if no progress soon

American top diplomat Marco Rubio warns US will walk away from Ukraine peace talks if progress is not seen within days. Also, US strikes in Yemen reportedly kill nearly sixty people, and the Fyre Festival relit?

US threatens to walk away from Ukraine peace talks

US President Donald Trump says he's 100% sure that he'll strike a trade deal with the European Union, after hosting the Italian PM Giorgia Meloni in Washington. Also: Rico the sloth gets surgery to cure toothache.

Trump and Meloni talk up chances of US trade deal with Europe

US and Ukrainian officials discuss ending the Ukraine war with European allies in Paris. Also: Russia has seized thousands of homes in occupied Ukraine, and scientists find promising signs of life on a distant planet

US and Europe discuss ending Ukraine war

The Trump administration is accused of "wilful disregard" of a ruling blocking the deportation of alleged gang members to El Salvador. Also: new speed climbing record set in the Swiss Alps.

Judge says US government could be in contempt over deportation flights

In a landmark ruling, the UK Supreme Court says the legal definition of a woman refers to biological sex. Also: BBC gets rare access to a torture cell in Bangladesh, and the unexpected popularity of a slow TV moose show.

UK's top court rules on definition of woman

Harvard professor labels White House actions "groundless" and "vengeful." Also: At least 6 prisons in France are attacked overnight.

Trump administration to freeze over $2 billion for Harvard

Hundreds of thousands flee Sudan's largest refugee camp in Darfur, after deadly attacks by RSF paramilitaries. Also: ‘God’s architect’ Antoni Gaudí is on the path to sainthood, and the new film inspired by a penguin.

Sudan: Hundreds of thousands flee Darfur refugee camp

Ukraine's president invites Donald Trump to visit his country before any deal with Russia to end the war. Also: the trial that could change the social media landscape, and golfer Rory Mcllroy secures a Grand Slam.

Zelensky urges Trump to visit Ukraine to witness war devastation

More than 30 Ukrainians killed in Russian missile attack on Sumy. Also: Israeli airstrikes hit Gaza City's last functioning hospital, presidential elections in Ecuador and Gabon, and scientists grow human teeth in a lab.

Russian missile strike in Ukraine kills over 30

President Trump exempts smartphones and laptops from new tariffs. Also: US and Iran describe first round of nuclear talks as constructive, and Melinda Gates says women face more obstacles now than when she was young.

Trump exempts smartphones and computers from tariffs

Meet the rat with a life-saving sense of smell. Carolina has correctly identified thousands of cases of Tuberculosis. Also: the Malaria vaccine providing hope in Uganda and, what is the UK tea time alarm?Presenter: Oliver Conway. Music composed by Iona Hampson

The Happy Pod: Life-saving rat retires

A US judge has ruled that Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate, can be deported for his involvement in pro-Palestinian protests. Also: how ‘A Minecraft Movie’ has broken box office records.

US judge rules Palestinian activist can be deported

President Trump's envoy Steve Witkoff is in St Petersburg for talks with Vladimir Putin as the US pushes for a ceasefire in Ukraine. Meanwhile, China raises tariffs on American goods to 125%.

Trump's envoy meets Putin for ceasefire talks

US President Donald Trump says transition to new trade world won't be easy, as markets process the White House’s 145% tariff rate for China. Also: Prada agrees to buy rival luxury fashion brand Versace.

Trump recognises tariff 'transition problems'

Ben Brown in London and Sumi Somaskanda in Washington, examine the key questions about the Trump tariff rollercoaster of the last few days. Why has the US doubled down on China, with even steeper tariffs of 145%?

Trump's tariffs explained

President Donald Trump has announced a 90-day pause for countries hit by higher US tariffs, but a trade war with China has escalated. Also: Inuit people accuse adventurer of ignorance over Baffin Island trek claim.