World News Weekly – An SBS World News Podcast

After a crushing Republican midterm defeat, Democrats are preparing to turn their attention to the Trump administration, vowing investigations into alleged corruption and misconduct while increasing scrutiny of the President's inner circle.What do the results of the US midterm elections mean for the MAGA agenda, the promotion of immigration hardliner Stephen Miller, and the political future of Donald Trump himself?Plus, Climate experts weigh in on whether COP31 still has any real influence as pressure mounts for stronger global action, while Israel's complex coalition negotiations raise questions about whether a change in government would bring about a meaningful change in policy.Also in this episode:Does COP process still have the authority to drive change?The fallout from Israel's electionFinland's embassy in Canberra becomes an unlikely social media sensationHosts: Abbie O’Brien, Ali CheeversGuests: Dr Lily O'Neill, Senior Research Fellow at Melbourne Climate Futures; Steven Hendrix, Former senior US diplomatProducers: Nick Ludlam, Billy Dahlenburg, Greer ChesterWorld News Weekly is the SBS World News podcast that makes sense of the week's biggest global stories, hosted by Ben Lewis and Claudia Farhart.Listen to more episodes of World News Weekly, and follow the show on the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.For the latest news from Australia and around the world, visit SBS News and follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.

US President Donald Trump blames a lack of love, but Vice President JD Vance blames him for the Republican party's generational trouncing at this year's midterm elections.With control of both the House and Senate switching to the Democratic Party, all eyes are on the Dems to see how they will use their power. Will they try to impeach the president or work to solve the cost-of-living crisis? The shock waves from the historic result will reverberate well beyond the US. Hosts Ben Lewis and Claudia Farhart are joined by former Republican and Democratic party officials to discuss the implications.Also in this episode:- Will Trump lose his grip on his party?- Tariffs and the war in Iran proved very unpopular- Where to now for the Republicans?- What the Democrats got right in their pitch to votersHosts: Ben Lewis, Claudia FarhartGuests: Bruce Wolpe, United States Studies Centre; Kim Hoggard, former White House officialProducers: Nick Ludlam, Ali Cheevers, Billy Dahlenburg, Greer ChesterWorld News Weekly is the SBS World News podcast that makes sense of the week's biggest global stories, hosted by Ben Lewis and Claudia Farhart.Listen to more episodes of World News Weekly, and follow the show on the SBS Audio app, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.For the latest news from Australia and around the world, visit SBS News and follow us on YouTube, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook and X.

The votes are being counted in Israel, and Ben Lewis is in Tel Aviv to pull back the curtain on what could be the country’s most consequential election ever.The votes are being counted in Israel, and Ben Lewis is in Tel Aviv to pull back the curtain on what could be the country’s most consequential election ever. While in Brazil, Lula da Silva has won a shock fourth term, and Flavio Bolsonaro fleeing to the US. Serbia’s months-long student protest movement has peacefully ousted the country’s far-right leader Aleksandar Vucic after 12 years in power, but how the newly formed government in Belgrade will shape the country’s future remains to be seen. Plus, we take a flight to Destination Unknown as Australia’s newest airport blows travellers off course.

An alleged attack on well-loved regional MP Helen Haines leaves Australia grappling with the reality of political violence on its shores. We’re joined by SBS’ Canberra bureau to discuss the fallout for the community and the country’s political culture. Meanwhile, European cities are reeling from riots this week, especially across France. How will the unrest affect French presidential elections, and will it give Marine Le Pen’s right wing the edge it needs? We dive deep on what the US midterms mean for Trump’s presidency as campaigns ramp up. Plus, the unusual solution Chinese parents have found to deal with spoiled children.

The US President appears to have upended months of support for Ukraine, striking a diesel import deal with Vladimir Putin. What does the agreement mean for Ukraine’s fight for survival? And as fears of Russian aggression linger, how is neighbouring Estonia preparing to defend itself? Meanwhile, Houthi fighters are escalating tensions in the Middle East, targeting Saudi Arabia’s main airport. We examine how Riyadh is likely to respond, and why some of its closest allies may be reluctant to get involved. Plus, a cyberattack sends fridges across France into meltdown in a bizarre new frontier of hacking, and the unexpected stowaways discovered aboard a Perth-to-Rome flight.The US President appears to have upended months of support for Ukraine, striking a diesel import deal with Vladimir Putin. What does the agreement mean for Ukraine’s fight for survival? And as fears of Russian aggression linger, how is neighbouring Estonia preparing to defend itself?Meanwhile, Houthi fighters are escalating tensions in the Middle East, targeting Saudi Arabia’s main airport. We examine how Riyadh is likely to respond, and why some of its closest allies may be reluctant to get involved.Plus, a cyberattack sends fridges across France into meltdown in a bizarre new frontier of hacking, and the unexpected stowaways discovered aboard a Perth-to-Rome flight.