BBC

New Yorkers breathed a sigh of relief at the news of a rent-price freeze for a million apartments. In a recent win for Mayor Zohran Mamdani, a housing board approved his pledge to prevent leases from going up and we hear about what this means for both the landlords and tenants. Our market expert also explains the potential pros and cons of this.

And, as Europe's heatwave persists with temperatures reaching highs of 40C, we find out whether the region's infrastructure is prepared for this kind of weather, and what we can learn from other countries with naturally warmer climates. We also speak with a dairy farmer on how this has affected their business.

The number of people killed has risen to at least 920, with 3,360 injured, according to officials. We report live from Caracas.

Also on the programme: actor Brian Cox on his hopes for the Scotland football team as they wait to find out whether their 2026 World Cup campaign is over. And just hours before BBC Radio 4's Long Wave signal ends, we hear about the transmission masts that put Droitwich in Worcestershire on the map.

Venezuela's government has promised that aid will reach affected areas- but already criticism of their response is growing. We speak with a professor of politics in Caracas to find out what she thinks of the response.

A crucial World Cup match between Egypt and Iran in Seattle later today will unfold against the backdrop of the city’s annual Pride celebrations, Homosexuality and any symbols of pride are criminalized in both Iran and Egypt. We take you there to hear what it sounds like.

And movie music instead of Bach? Symphony orchestras across the United States - and in Europe - are increasingly offering film score performances. We speak with a conductor at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra on what he thinks about it.

(Photo: A view of the donations received from locals in Caracas, Venezuela, June 26, 2026. Credit: REUTERS/Fausto Torrealba)

Writer: Sarah Hehir

Director: Sally Avens

Editor: Jeremy Howe

Brian Aldridge … Charles Collingwood

David Archer … Timothy Bentinck

Ruth Archer … Felicity Finch

Helen Archer … Louiza Patikas

Henry Archer … Blayke Darby

Tony Archer … David Troughton

Tom Archer … William Troughton

Lilian Bellamy … Sunny Ormonde

Susan Carter … Charlotte Martin

Ian Craig … Stephen Kennedy

Clarrie Grundy … Heather Bell

Ed Grundy … Barry Farrimond

George Grundy ... Angus Stobie

Tracy Horrobin … Susie Riddell

Adam Macy … Andrew Wincott

Kate Madikane … Perdita Avery

Anne-Marie Gordon … Kate Ashfield

Keira Grundy … Mollie Kruczek

The Dead Ringers team are back to train their vocal firepower on the week’s news with an armoury of impressive impressions.

This week: Andy Andy Burnham Bright, Thomas Tuchel talks tactics, and Curious Cases considers a conundrum.

Starring Jon Culshaw, Jan Ravens, Lewis Macleod, Duncan Wisbey and Jess Robinson.

Executive Producer: Pete Strauss

Produced by Jon Holmes

Production Co-ordinator: Giulia Lopes Mazzu

A BBC Studios Production.

June 25 marks a turning point in Kenya’s history. What started in 2024 as youth-led protests against the Finance Bill grew into nationwide demonstrations. Led largely by Gen Z, protesters demanded justice for the fallen, an end to corruption, and real economic change. More than 60 lives were lost in the historic anti-tax protests.

In this episode we sit down with BBC reporters Akisa Wandera and Thomas Mukhwana. They break down why this leaderless youth movement refuses to back down and what this means for the future of Kenya.

Presenter: Nkechi Ogbonna

Producers: Fana Negash, Bella Twine, and Daniel Dadzie

Senior Producers: Keikantse Shumba, Rhoda Odhiambo, and Carolyne Jotham

Technical Producer: Herbert Masua

Editors: Charles Gitonga and Maryam Abdalla

The Venezuelan government says a search and rescue operation is ongoing to find thousands of people still missing after two huge earthquakes on Wednesday. Venezuela's interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, says nearly 600 people are now known to have died. The United Nations says more than a thousand international search and rescue workers have been deployed. Also: a spy scandal in Ukraine as a top agent is jailed for passing secrets to Russia; King Charles reveals his 17 million dollar tax bill; Paris restricts alcohol due to a severe heatwave; more than a million people are asked to evacuate their homes in Japan ahead of a tropical storm; and we bring you the latest from the FIFA World Cup.

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: [email protected]

Photo: People react in the aftermath of earthquakes in La Guaira, Venezuela, June 25, 2026

Credit: REUTERS/Maxwell Briceno

Asia is bearing the brunt of the latest technology stock sell-off, as concerns that the excitement around artificial intelligence may have pushed prices too high.

The late arrival of India's monsoon and below-average rainfall are causing concern for the country's 300 billion dollar agriculture sector.

And King Charles’s property management firm, the Crown Estate, has made a profit of more than £1bn for the third year running.

With many believed to still be buried beneath rubble, Venezuela’s interim president, Delcy Rodriguez, has said UN-certified rescuers would be joining the search for survivors. The United States is deploying two warships, along with transport planes and helicopters. Specialists from Turkey, Spain, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the UK will also be involved.

Also on the programme: a World Cup match between Iran and Egypt in Seattle causes friction as it coincides with the city’s Pride celebrations; the discovery that Mars once had Earth-like magma systems beneath its surface raises the possibility of life on the red planet.

(Photo: People inspect the rubble of a collapsed building in La Guaira, Venezuela, 25 June, 2026. Credit: Gaby Oraa/Reuters)

Nolan talks to BBC NI Political Reporter Brendan Hughes and TUV MLA Timothy Gaston