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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: [email protected]

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.

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Russian strikes on Ukraine have continued on the 4th anniversary of Moscow's full-scale invasion. But in recent days Kyiv has been recapturing territory it lost in the first weeks of the war. Also: Mexico has deployed thousands of troops to maintain order after the country's most wanted cartel leader - known as "El Mencho" - was killed by the army. Britain's former ambassador in Washington, Peter Mandelson, has been arrested over his links with the late American sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. A powerful storm is battering the northeastern US, leaving thousands without power. A study into so-called "weasel words" reveals just how misleading they can be. And could daily meditation reduce the risk of cancer spreading?

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]