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Chelsea follows Susan’s advice, and Brian is grateful to Rex.

Following Donald Trump's annual State of the Union address, we look into some of his claims about the economy and immigration. Also: Japan announces a timeline for deploying missiles to a small island near Taiwan in a move that angers China. The Spanish government declassifies documents related to a failed coup 45 years ago which had threatened the transition from military dictatorship to democracy. And how to watch the planet parade this week. 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 German chancellor, Friedrich Merz, says there is a 'great opportunity' to develop a relationship with China, following a meeting with its leader Xi Jinping, in Beijing. Merz is currently on his first visit to China, which is Germany's biggest trading partner, since becoming leader 10 months ago. Plus a dispute is brewing between Washington and an AI company over military use of its technology. Presenter: Bisi Adebayo Producer: Matt Lines Editor: Justin Bones

US President Donald Trump makes the longest-ever State of the Union address, claiming America's enjoying a golden age. But will his message on the economy be enough to persuade voters worried about persistent high prices? Also in the programme: Sri Lanka's former intelligence chief has been arrested in connection with the 2019 Easter Sunday bombings that killed more than 270 people; and we'll hear from the small Norwegian club inside the Arctic Circle that's shaking up European football. (Photo shows US president Donald Trump delivering the State of the Union address at the United States Capitol in Washington, D.C. on 24 February 2026. Credit: Kenny Holston/Reuters)

In this episode, we look at what the release of lawyer Ahmed Souab means for freedom of expression and the people of Tunisia. The Tunisian lawyer and critic of he current government, has been serving a five-year sentence after warning that judicial independence in Tunisia was collapsing. His detention sparked anger among political and civil groups who saw it as part of a wider crackdown on dissent. We also explore the myths, mysteries, and cultural significance of the Argungu Fishing Festival in Kebbi State, Nigeria. After a six-year break, some 50,000 fishermen gathered at the Matan Fada River, each determined to catch the biggest fish. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Producer: Ayuba Iliya Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

The number of people working past retirement age is growing. New analysis of tax data found a 12% rise over the past five years. It was carried out by the specialist employment law firm, Littler, which says official estimates for the last financial year show 2.1 million workers and self-employed people are over state pension age. For some people carrying on working is a positive choice. They enjoy the routine, like the social side, and of course the money but for others it’s much more about necessity, when pensions alone not stretching far enough. But, how flexible are employers when it comes to older workers and what are the tax implications of collecting your state or private pension while still working? To talk it all through Felicity Hannah is joined by Zoe Alexander, Director of Policy at Pensions UK, Morgan Vine, Director of Policy at charity Independent Age and Julie Dennis, Head of Inclusive Workplace Strategy at ACAS. Presenter: Felicity Hannah Producer: Sarah Rogers Editor: Jess Quayle Senior Editor: Sara Wadeson (This episode was first broadcast on Wednesday the 28th of January 2026)

Here are 4 phrases with 'grass'. Don't kick learning them into the long grass! TRANSCRIPT Find a free transcript for this episode and more programmes to help you with your English at: https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/s5english_in_a_minute FIND BBC LEARNING ENGLISH HERE: Visit our website ✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish Follow us ✔️https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/followus LIKE PODCASTS? Try some of our other popular podcasts including: ✔️ Learning Easy English ✔️ Learning English Conversations ✔️ Learning English for Work They're all available by searching in your podcast app.

Also, callers across NI tell Nolan about hearing a late night 'big bang'. What was it?

President Trump touts his record in office in a fiery "America First" State of the Union address -- the longest in US history. The speech comes as polls suggest Americans are souring on his second-term agenda ahead of crucial mid-term elections. We have the highlights and analysis from Washington. Also: the UK introduces ETA for travellers entering the country; Thai authorities investigate tiger deaths; debate rages over a golden ram's head looted from Ghana; how an AI computer engineer accidentally hacked robot vacuums; and we meet Rose Wylie who's making art history at 91. 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 US President Donald Trump looks on as he delivers the State of the Union address in the House Chamber of the US Capitol in Washington, D.C. February 24, 2026. PHOTO CREDIT: REUTERS/NATHAN HOWARD

Aged 16, coming out of an audition, budding British actor Dan Whitlam was caught up in a fight with a group of boys in London. He was stabbed twice in the back with a screwdriver. The wound pierced and collapsed his lung. The physical scars healed quickly but the mental ones took a lot longer. For years Dan battled with panic attacks and anxiety. He was plagued with worries that his lung had collapsed again, his father became his chaperone as he was afraid to walk the streets alone. Two years later, Dan met his attacker as part of a restorative justice programme, and while he got the apology he needed the panic attacks and fear continued. What helped him was writing about that day. He told the story of the stabbing through poetry and added to it a new narrative, one that painted his attacker in a kinder light. He wanted to humanise him, make him less of a monster and show that there is more than one side to each of us. Dan has gone on to perform this poem hundreds of times and earned himself a huge following for his work as a spoken word artist and musician. He writes primarily for what he calls a lost generation – young adults who grew up in an age of social media, digital natives who are inundated with options, comparisons and aspirations. He also now writes a lot about love. Dan's poetry collection is called I Don't Want To Settle. He will be on tour in Europe and the US in November. The presenter is Jo Fidgen. Lives Less Ordinary is a podcast from the BBC World Service that brings you the most incredible true stories from around the world. Each episode a guest shares their most dramatic, moving, personal story. Listen for unbelievable twists, mysteries uncovered, and inspiring journeys - spanning the entire human experience. Step into someone else’s life and expect the unexpected. For more episodes like this, just search 'Lives Less Ordinary' wherever you get your BBC Podcasts.

Lord Mandelson was released in the early hours of Tuesday morning - and tonight lawyers for the former UK Ambassador and Labour minister have said he'd been arrested on "a baseless suggestion" that he was planning to leave the country. Also on the programme: As the government prepares to introduce its criminal justice reforms, a justice minister insists they won't back down on plans to reduce the number of jury trials. As the latest retail crime figures are released, the view from the frontline: our presenter visits Northampton to see how police are tackling shoplifting. And there has been a dog among the swans tonight - but a friendly one: the co-owner of Swansea City Football Club - the American rapper Snoop Dogg - attends a home game for the first time.

President Donald Trump is delivering the 2026 State of the Union address to the nation. We examine how this might affect the state of the US economy. Also what does the business community want to hear in the coming year ? A Florida based business shares his thoughts with us. Four years after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine. What impact is the war having on the economies of the two countries? And Novo Nordisk is halving the US list price of its most popular weight-loss drug. This comes after the Danish company announced that the trial of its latest weight loss medication CagriSema had under performed.

It's officially four years since the war in Ukraine began. One of the striking things that has happened to mark it has been a united statement of encouragement for Ukraine from leaders of the G7 group of countries, including the US. We hear from a Ukrainian mother and son about the impact of four years of war on their lives and the decisions they've made. Also in the programme: Russian dissidents tell the BBC they’ve seen fellow troops executed on commanders’ orders during the conflict; a look at what might be coming up in President Trump’s State of the Union address; and why a nineteenth-century Ghanaian artefact is being kept from public view. (Photo: People take part in a protest against Russia's invasion of Ukraine to mark the fourth anniversary of the start of the war, in Zurich, Switzerland, 24th February 2026. Credit: Andreas Becker/EPA/Shutterstock)

Lilian throws a spanner in the works, and there’s a glimmer of hope for David in his quest for volunteers.

President Zelensky has praised the endurance and courage of the Ukrainian people as the war with Russia enters its fifth year. With events being held across Ukraine to mark the day, Western leaders have been reaffirming their support for Kyiv. The British prime minister, Keir Starmer, hailed what he called Ukraine's incredible resilience. Also: For the first time in the UK a baby has been born to a mother who received a womb transplant from a dead donor. President Trump has dismissed media reports that the United States' most senior general had spoken of risks in potentially going to war with Iran. China has imposed restrictions on dual-use exports to major Japanese industrial companies, accusing them of helping to build up Japan's military capabilities. And one of Italy's most famous landmarks, Giotto Bell's Tower in Florence, is to be fully restored for the first time in centuries. 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

President Trump's new global 10% tariff comes into force today, and could rise to 15% for all of the US's trade partners. We find out what it means for Americans, and who if anyone could get a refund from the original tariffs. Plus after four years, what is the economic cost of war for Ukraine? Presenter: Leanna Byrne Producer: Matt Lines Editor: Justin Bones

Ukraine's president Volodymyr Zelensky says Vladimir Putin 'has not achieved his goals' and Ukraine will do everything to achieve peace and justice, on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion. European leaders are in Kyiv and commemorative events are being held across Ukraine. We hear from Ukrainians about how their lives have changed. Also in the programme: UK’s first baby born from a transplanted womb from a deceased donor; and researchers have discovered how a horse produces its distinctive whinny. (Picture: Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meets with President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen before a meeting of 'Coalition of the Willing' in Kyiv. Credit: Ukrainian Presidential Press Service/Handout)

In this episode, we examine how Spain’s plan to offer over 500,000 migrants legal status will affect African migrants in the country. Following an announcement by Spain's government, several in support of the proposal say it’s practical and crucial for Spain’s economy, while critics warn it could encourage irregular migration. We speak to a young Nigerian man in the queue for documentation. And we take a look at a recently released UNESCO report that shows Africa is giving the creative industries greater priority in comparison to other regions, with 62% of countries now including culture in development plans. Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna Technical Producer: Herbert Masua Senior Producers: Bella Twine and Blessing Aderogba Editors: Samuel Murunga and Maryam Abdalla

And, reaction to SF's call for 50:50 police recruitment to be re-introduced in the PSNI.

Life isn't always great, sometimes things can be difficult. Use 'go through a rough patch' when life gets difficult for a while. Learn this useful expression with Feifei and Phil. As always, find a free transcript here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/the-english-we-speak_2026/ep-260223 And discover the NEW series of Office English. Topics covering small talk, organising meetings and rules. Find it here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/english/features/office-english, or search 'Learning English for Work' in your podcast app. We send a newsletter with our weekly higlights - subscribe here: ✔️ https://www.bbc.co.uk/learningenglish/newsletters If you enjoy this podcast, you might like our others! Search 'BBC Learning English' to discover the range.