Category: 2-DailyNews

Edition for Dec. 31. We recap a banner year for global markets, propelled in large part by the AI boom. Plus, OpenAI rewards its employees more than any major tech startup has in history. And Journal bureau chiefs preview the global flashpoints likely to dominate 2026. Luke Vargas hosts.

Programming note: What’s News is off tomorrow and will publish one show on Friday.

Sign up for the WSJ's free What's News newsletter.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Queen Camilla tells the BBC that as a teenager, she was the victim of an attempted indecent assault on a train journey. She says she fought off her attacker and felt furious about the experience for many years afterwards. The Queen has been a long-standing campaigner against sexual violence. Also: delivery workers go on strike in India; why it's been a bumper year for gold and silver; how to create a factory in space; the peril of the albatross in South Africa; and why American music fans can't get enough of Spanish-language tunes.

The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. 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. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

The EU says a new Israeli ban on nearly 40 aid groups working in Gaza and the West Bank would prevent lifesaving assistance from reaching Palestinians.

Also in the programme: How did thieves use a drill to steal €30m in a German bank heist? And the best moments from Newshour in 2025.

(Photo: MSF treat displaced Palestinians in Rafah. Credit: Haitham Imad/EPA-EFE/REX/Shutterstock)

As the year draws to a close, this episode looks ahead to some of the stories and events that could likely shape 2026. We ask which warning signs are already flashing, and what might still catch the world off guard. We also examine new research suggesting AI chatbots may carry built-in bias against Africa, raising fresh questions about technology, power and representation.

Presenter : Charles Gitonga Producers: Bella Twine, Blessing Aderogba Technical Producer: Terry Chege Senior Producer: Daniel Dadzie Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

Security ramped up for New Year's Eve. A bitterly cold night ahead for some celebrants. The new year means higher Obamacare premiums. CBS's Christopher Cruise has those stories and more on the World News Roundup podcast.

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump confirms the first known U.S. strike inside Venezuela, saying it targets drug trafficking as critics warn it risks escalation.
Iranian authorities shut down cities and security forces move in to contain growing protests as anger over inflation and sanctions boils over.
And the flu is spreading fast across the U.S., with a new strain driving cases higher just as vaccination rates slip and hospitals brace for what’s next.

Want more analysis of the most important news of the day, plus a little fun? Subscribe to the Up First newsletter.

Today’s episode of Up First was edited by Rebekah Metzler, James Hider, Rebecca Davis, Mohamad ElBardicy, and Alice Woelfle.

It was produced by Ziad Buchh, Nia Dumas and Christopher Thomas.

We get engineering support from Stacey Abbott. And our technical director is Carleigh Strange.

Our Supervising Producer is Michael Lipkin.

(0:00) Introduction
(03:30) U.S. Strikes Inside Venezuela
(07:25) Iran Protests
(11:22) Flu Cases Surge

Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NPR Privacy Policy

In this annual fan-favorite special, the Start Here team revisits their favorite “One Last Thing” stories of 2025. 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alabama

• The state to receive $203M in federal money to improve rural health care
• Mac Mcutcheon to resign on 3/1 as Chairman of Madison County Commission
• Ronny Shumate of Marshall County Commission died from stomach cancer
• Mobile city leadership considers relocation options after rent increase for city
• Moody man released on bond after deadly shooting at Trussville bar
• A kidnapping on Christmas Eve was foiled by quick thinking family member

National

• Federal judge in DC upholds Trump Admin. placing fees on new H-1B visas
• President Trump says another strike on Venezuela involves coastal port
• DOJ files motions to keep suspected J6 pipe bomber behind bars
• AG Pam Bondi says fraud arrests coming in MN due to Nick Shirley reports
• TN school shooter Audrey Hale used Pell Grant money to purchase guns
• NY Governor ready to sign bill for physician assisted suicide.

Protests over Iran's worsening economic problems have spread from the capital, Tehran, to other major cities. University students have now joined the demonstrations, calling for an end to poverty and corruption. How will the government respond? Also: the US places sanctions on Iranians and Venezuelans accused of the "aggressive and reckless proliferation of deadly weapons". Poland considers a bill to recognise same-sex couples for the first time. Some of the world's top aid organisations are set to be barred from Gaza under new Israeli rules. And researchers try a creative way of addressing homelessness.

The Global News Podcast brings you the breaking news you need to hear, as it happens. Listen for the latest headlines and current affairs from around the world. 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. Follow or subscribe now and never miss a moment. Get in touch: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk

High level DOJ officials pushed for the indictment of Kilmar Abrego Garcia only after he was mistakenly deported and ordered to be returned, according to a newly unsealed order.

Detention hearing this afternoon for man accused of planting pipe bombs in DC before the Capitol riot.

Tatiana Schlossberg, the grandaughter of President John F. Kennedy, has died at 35.

To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices