Global News Podcast

Cardinal Becciu became involved in a controversial deal to buy a luxury building in London. He denies any wrongdoing. Also: the US Republican leader has said there will be an "orderly" post presidential election transition, and how lockdown birds sang to a different note.

It begins in November and means the government will pay part of workers’ wages who have lost hours because of the coronavirus pandemic. Also: South Korea has condemned North Korea's killing of a civilian official who was apparently trying to defect as unforgivable, and we look at some of the contenders for the Mercury music prize.

Grand jury decides not to charge police officers over fatal shooting of Breonna Taylor; mass protests in Belarus after Alexander Lukashenko is secretly sworn in for another term as president; and why Africa is seeing a sustained fall in the number of new coronavirus infections.

All countries will have to take in refugees or sponsor the return of those refused asylum. Also: the Russian opposition politician, Alexei Navalny, has been discharged from hospital where he was being treated for Novichok nerve agent poisoning, and a Grammy-nominated singer is building a high-tech city in Senegal with its own cryptocurrency.

President Trump's administration has been repeatedly criticised over its handling of the virus. In March, President Trump said if deaths were between 100,000 and 200,000, the country would have done a "very good job". Also: police forces around the world seize more than 6.5 million dollars in cash and virtual currencies, as well as drugs and guns in a co-ordinated raid on dark web marketplaces, and NASA announces a plan for the first woman on the Moon by 2024 as a staging post for the first human mission to Mars.

Ren Zhiqiang went missing earlier this year after writing an essay said to be critical of President Xi. Also: Arctic sea-ice shrinks to a near record low extent, and the Italian university accused of fixing a language exam for the footballer Luis Suarez.

Order comes as scientists increase the UK's coronavirus alert level. Also: Ruth Bader Ginsburg's last dictated message to her grand-daughter, Twitter's apparent racial bias and China's Hollywood propaganda videos.

The Belarusian opposition leader wants the EU to impose sanctions against President Lukashenko and senior officials. Also: a global poll shows the world is split on the urgency of tackling climate change, and the big winners at the virtual Emmys.

BBC investigation reveals how criminals were helped to move dirty money around the world. Also: reprieve for We Chat after US judge blocks Trump ban order, hundreds protest against Madrid lockdowns and Gore-Tex creator dies.

Washington is split over who will take the position, following Ruth Bader Ginsberg's death. Also: a former British diplomat is being investigated for allegedly spying on the EU for China, and frozen ground in Siberia is thawing and contributing to climate change.

It comes as Israel returns to a nationwide lockdown and several countries tighten restrictions. Also: the US will ban downloads of the Chinese-owned apps, TikTok and WeChat, from Sunday, and seven footprints found in an Arabian desert may change the timeline of human history.

Israel is trying to tackle the surge in coronavirus cases, with a new three-week lockdown. Also: China military drill as US envoy visits Taiwan, and an alligator on gas snaps up Ig Nobel prize.

The 30 million landmark comes as the World Health Organisation warns about the situation in Europe. Also: Fires devastate the world's largest wetland, and hear about the incredible life of the female secret agent who is said to have inspired the creator of James Bond.

China says millions of workers --mostly Muslim Uighurs -- have been retrained in centres, which the US has likened to concentration camps. Also: WHO warns of "very serious situation" regarding Covid-19 in Europe, and what are the bizarre new stunts included in the latest Guinness World Records?

The ex-head of athletics’ governing body was convicted of accepting bribes from athletes suspected of doping to cover up test results and letting them continue competing, including in the 2012 London Olympics. Also: Venezuela says the UN report which accuses its government of systematic violations to suppress political opponents is riddled with falsehoods, and an artificial intelligence-powered ship aiming to recreate a historic voyage from 400 years ago.

UN Human Rights Council looked into cases of killings, torture, and disappearances. Investigators say President Maduro and other top officials were implicated. Also, top intergovernmental group says global economy is doing better than expected, and should we all learn to appreciate statistics more ?

It was signed at the White House with President Trump. He hailed the dawn of a new Middle East. Also: India passes five million coronavirus cases - we hear how families are suffering, and the TV ad which overshadowed a reality star appearance on ‘Dancing With the Stars’.

The Russian opposition leader posts on social media that he's getting better. A photo showed him sitting up in his Berlin hospital bed, surrounded by his wife and children. Also: new figures suggest China's economy is recovering from the pandemic, and hip hop fans prepare to bid on memorabilia at Sotheby’s in New York.

Scientists discover a gas in the atmosphere of Venus that may have been produced by living organisms. Also: Climate change takes centre stage in the US presidential race, and the enduring appeal of Pinocchio, the tale of the wooden puppet who wants to be a real boy.

Belarusians protesting against President Alexander Lukashenko have allegedly been kidnapped and beaten by security forces. Also, Yoshihide Suga is expected to be sworn in as Japan’s next prime minister, after being selected as leader of the governing Liberal Democratic Party. And one of the most powerful men in football – Nasser Al Khelaifi – goes on trial over the sale of World Cup television rights.

More than 100,000 anti-government protestors took to the streets of Minsk. Also: Israel announces a new national lockdown to contain a surge in coronavirus infections, and a permanent migrant reception centre is to be built on the Greek island of Lesbos.

At peace talks in Qatar, the Afghan delegation said war had no winners. Also: Pompeo in Cyprus warns US "deeply concerned" over Turkey energy search, and British designer, Sir Terence Conran, dies aged 88.

Bahrain is only the fourth Arab country in the Middle East to recognise Israel. Also: dozens of people missing in Oregon fires; migrants and Greek islanders protest over new camp.

EC's Vice-president says burnt-out camp to be replaced by modern facility on same site. Residents of Moria camp have staged protest calling for right to leave island of Lesbos. Also, Rio Tinto's boss to quit over company's destruction of Aboriginal sacred sites, and we meet a man who reads out confessions of dead people at their own funerals.

The UK is told to drop plans to rewrite the withdrawal agreement by end of the month or risk scuppering the trade deal. Also: Microsoft says Russia, China and Iran hackers are targeting Trump and Biden, and the British actress Dame Diana Rigg dies aged 82.

A blaze engulfed Moria camp on Tuesday night, then another wiped out any remaining tents on Wednesday. Also: The opposition politician in Belarus told she would be deported ‘alive or in bits’ and backlash in China after attempts to bring in couples counselling before marriage.

The remark is contained in a book by the journalist, Bob Woodward, who broke the Watergate scandal. Also: Greek fire sparks race to shelter 13,000 migrants, and scientists develop a technique to spot fake Scotch whisky without opening the bottle.

A huge fire has ravaged the Moria facility on the island of Lesbos. Thousands of migrants have been left homeless. Also, efforts to make the Oscars more diverse, and how one man developed a friendship with an octopus.

Pressure is growing in Rochester over the death of a black man named Daniel Prude, who asphyxiated after being restrained by police. Also, Italy’s fashion industry grapples with racism. And, how will taking photos of broccoli today help scientists study space tomorrow?

The long term leader has told Russian media he won't be stepping down despite weeks of protests. Meanwhile Belarus opposition leader resists deportation. Also: the floods threatening Sudan's ancient ruins, and why Senegal has been praised for its handling of the coronavirus.

Doctors treating Russian opposition figure Alexei Navalny say he is out of an induced coma and his condition, since being poisoned, has improved. Also: A Saudi court commutes the death sentences of those convicted of murdering the journalist Jamal Khashoggi, and Afghan officials and the Taliban prepare for formal talks in Qatar.

Witnesses say Maria Kolesnikova was bundled into a minibus by masked men and driven away. Also: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange appears in a London court to fight a US extradition request, and Nigerian doctors go on strike.

More than 100,000 anti-government demonstrators took to the streets in Minsk. Also: India now has the second highest number of coronavirus cases in the world, and Jacob Blake sends his first public message from a hospital bed.

Many refugees are reluctant to move to Bhashan Char island, even if it means leaving the crowded camps where they now live. Also, soldiers in Niger are accused of executing dozens of civilians earlier this year. And India introduces coronavirus tests on demand, as its outbreak surges.

US unemployment rate below 10% for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic, also:Iran breached limits of nuclear agreement says UN watchdog and Messi stays with Barça

Researchers find one of largest collections of IS online material. Experts say it enables group to continually replenish extremist content on the net. Also, Dutch far-Right politician Geert Wilders cleared of inciting hatred, and US academic says she lied about being black.

The US Democratic presidential candidate, Joe Biden, says the shooting victim told him he "won't give up". Also: Beirut rescuers investigate signs of life in rubble, and English Premier League terminates huge China TV rights deal.

The killing of the investigative journalist, Jan Kuciak, and his fiancée in 2018 led to protests and the collapse of the government. Also: President Trump tells voters in North Carolina to vote twice to test the system, and Brazil's men and women international football players get equal pay.

The German chancellor Angela Merkel says Alexei Navalny was a victim of attempted murder. Also: US sanctions staff at top war crimes court, and Prince Harry and Meghan to make shows with Netflix.

Suspects are accused of helping radical Islamists who killed 12 people in January 2015. Most of alleged accomplices are in court in Paris but 3 are being tried in absentia. Also, scepticism in Lebanon about official investigation into Beirut blast, and how Earth is rattled after 7 billion years by signals from black holes' collision.

The US president blames what he calls "domestic terror" for the "destruction" in the Midwestern city. Also: Zimbabwe to return farmland seized from foreigners; and with a changing world, Dictionary.com changes its definitions of many words.

Alleged accomplices to the deadly attack on the magazine go on trial on Wednesday. Twelve people were killed in 2015 including famous cartoonists. Also: students in Belarus protest against President Lukashenko on the first day of the university term. And, K-Pop conquers the US charts.

The Democratic Party's candidate for the US presidency Joe Biden has challenged President Trump on law and order, asking voters if they feel safe with a leader who can’t control his supporters. Also: Australia says China has detained a prominent journalist without charge, and new figures show the Indian economy has been devastated by the pandemic.

The direct flight marks a major step in normalising ties between Israel and the Gulf Arab country. Also: Sudan 'on road to peace' after a deal is signed, and artificial intelligence is being trialled in Australia to improve the safety of female travellers at night.

Tens of thousands again take to the streets in Belarus to protest against President Alexander Lukashenko. Also: the Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, says there have been unpublicised talks with many more Arab countries about improving ties. And India and Russia declared joint winners at Chess Olympiad.

Several thousand women in Belarus have rallied in central Minsk for a “March of Solidarity”, urging President Lukashenko and the government to resign. Also: German police have arrested hundreds of people demonstrating in Berlin against coronavirus restrictions, and hundreds of migrants are rescued from a ship funded by the British graffiti artist Banksy.

The rally was held on the anniversary of Martin Luther King's "I Have A Dream" speech. Also: the outspoken head of Russia's anti-doping agency has been fired, and how a children's cartoon is helping a lonely penguin in Australia.

Longest-serving Japanese PM has suffered for many years from ulcerative colitis. He will remain in his post until a successor is chosen. Also, Trump tells Republican convention that Biden will 'demolish' the American dream if he becomes president, and UK honours World War 2 heroine Noor Inayat Khan.

US president was responding to players' walkout over police violence. Also: Four die as Hurricane Laura batters US Gulf coast; Russian police 'on standby' to enter Belarus; and the world's most expensive sheep.

The storm, one of the strongest to hit the US Gulf coast, has caused flash flooding and power cuts. Also: the wearing of facemasks in public is to be made compulsory in Paris because of Covid-19, and the London Symphony Orchestra comes out of lockdown and begins rehearsing again.

The two people were killed following the police shooting of a black man. Also: Mladic denounces UN court in genocide appeal, and the doctor who says a safe social distance is eight metres.

Violence continues in city in Wisconsin following police shooting of a black man. Jacob Blake was shot by officers on Sunday in the presence of his children. Also, Melania Trump makes plea for racial harmony at Republican party convention, and deadly flash-floods hit northern Afghanistan.

Nigeria is now rid of wild polio despite having more than half of all cases a decade ago - a major success in efforts to eradicate the disease. Also: The family of an unarmed black man shot by police in Wisconsin say he is paralysed from the waist down, and the captain of the Manchester United football club is found guilty of attempting to bribe a Greek police officer.

The court hearing has already been delayed by the ex-Bosnian Serb commander's health issues and the coronavirus pandemic. Also: Gaza imposes lockdown following first Covid-19 cases, and researchers find method to regrow cartilage in arthritic mice.

At the event, President Trump told the crowd that this was the most important election in the history of the country. Also: Scientists in Hong Kong say they have confirmed the first reinfection of the coronavirus, and an Israeli teenager discovers a jar filled with gold coins at an archaeological site.

The latest detentions come amid a border row with neighbouring Lithuania. Also: Christchurch gunman 'planned third mosque attack', and are full stops intimidating?

President Lukashenko has vowed to crush unrest and blamed the dissent on unnamed "foreign-backed revolutionaries". Also: US President Donald Trump's eldest sister says her brother is a liar who "has no principles", secret recordings reveal, and in football Bayern Munich beat Paris Saint Germain to be crowned champions of Europe for a sixth time.

Claims by Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko that "foreign powers" are organising a build-up of troops on the country's border are baseless, says NATO. Also: The World Health Organisation says children over 12 years old should wear masks to prevent the spread of coronavirus, and violence in Ivory Coast as President Alassane Ouattara is nominated for a third term in office.

We team up with the award-winning Brexitcast team to bring you a special update on what Britain leaving the EU means for you. You’ve sent us questions from around the world and Jackie Leonard puts them to the experts from the podcast that’s all about Brexit. There’s also cake, phew. Spread the word! #GlobalNewsPod #Brexitcast Find the Brexitcast podcast here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/brexitcast