Global News Podcast

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.

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'.

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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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