World News Weekly – An SBS World News Podcast

Brazil’s presidential elections are headed to a runoff vote, after Flávio Bolsonaro and his extended family picked up surprise wins. Will the son of disgraced former president, Jair Bolsonaro, clinch the win over incumbent Luis Ignacio da Silva? Plus, fighting in Yemen worsens as a Saudi-backed counter-offensive aims to push back recent gains by Houthi rebels. Ben Lewis joins us from Estonia for all the latest on the bizarre British bomber threat that was - or wasn’t. Bulgaria gets pulled into Russia’s war on Ukraine and can AI now read our minds?

Donald Trump lays out a red-carpet welcome for Xi Jinping and gives him a tour of the White House. Did Trump’s change of tact and granite diplomacy impress his best frenemy? Ethiopia descends into civil war, which risks pulling neighbouring countries into the fighting. We take a look at the bizarre terror plot in the UK that may not be all it seems. And Anthony Albanese tries to stir up an AI hornet’s nest of regulation at the UN — will the OpenAI Medicare hack revelation make anyone take any notice? Plus, Cape Town’s nightmare neighbours: baboons.

Donald Trump tells the UN General Assembly he’s got “a big decision to make” on whether to drive Iran “into hell” or negotiate a deal as the Iranian delegation watched. The combative speech took pot shots at the UN itself and Trump re-branded AI. He also lauded a deal over Greenland – but what did he really gain? Anthony Albanese gets a selfie with Trump as he takes his digital agenda to New York but did he land his message of global leadership? Plus, the EU offers its first associate membership to Canada – could Australia be next? Saudia Arabia seeks international support in its renewed fight against the Houthis. Fears of another civil war in Ethiopia as a new rebel coalition vows to remove the government. And is it time to say goodbye to the bank of mum and dad?

Conflict between the Houthis and Saudi-led forces escalates, sparking fears of a renewed humanitarian crisis in Yemen and more oil price rises as the Red Sea is blocked again. Did Putin try to kill Boris Johnson? How the war in Ukraine has become the elephant in the room for Russia's upcoming parliamentary elections. Plus, will Donald Trump’s offer of cash for votes win over increasingly sceptical Americans? The Republican Party makes a midterm pitch amid a turbulent week for the US president. And, will AI lead to the end of us — or just the end of Hollywood?

The AfD wins big in German elections, the first time for a far-right party since World War II. 12 countries, including the UK, France and Canada have announced a trade ban on all goods from Israeli settlements in the West Bank, will others follow suit? And Nepal struggles to grapple with the scale of devastation from flash floods. Plus, the award-winning research into cockroach milk.

Nepal’s new government struggles under a cataclysmic landslide and blames climate change. Iceland says no to even considering EU membership and the Pacific Islands Forum in disarray over Taiwan’s presence. Plus, a very un-Norwegian royal.

The trade war between the US and Canada kicks off, with shots fired in both directions. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent talks up sanctions D-Day for Iran and Syria’s al-Sharaa says the country is “tearing out a painful chapter of its past” after the US lifts sanctions. Also, Borneo goes up in flames with palm oil adding fuel to the fires and threatening orangutans. Plus, a weightlifting robot’s jittering jerk...

Donald Trump is scaling back planned military drills with South Korea which send a “hostile” message to Pyongyang. Is he looking to rekindle his bromance with the North Korean leader? Meanwhile, elections kick off in Israel as settlers continue to surround Palestinian homes in the West Bank. Iran and the US are no closer to reaching a peace deal, and now Trump is threatening his ally Oman. Plus, we look at the terrible animated movie that’s captivating Chinese audiences with its low-budget charms.

Australia’s PM is in hot water over his comments about a gift from his Japanese counterpart, North Korea rides to Russia’s rescue and will Netanyahu’s rejection of Trump’s Gaza plan come back to bite him? Plus, AI runs amok while the world struggles to control it. and Dobby the house elf stops a power project.

Myanmar’s junta finally provides signs of life for its former leader Aung San Suu Kyi - but why now and what does it all mean for the ongoing civil war? Plus, Ceuta’s border crisis reignites immigration divisions in Europe. And, how a US hiker who got himself into – and out of – a sticky situation.

Japan is launching its first foreign intelligence agency since World War Two, backed by a massive US$400 million budget. Driven by Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, the move aims to counter escalating threats from China, North Korea, and Russia - placing Japan alongside global espionage powers like the CIA and MI6. But will this historic shift successfully deter regional aggression, or will it risk making relations worse?

The US Iran conflict threatens to burst beyond the Gulf with Ukraine and Egypt now in the frame. Bibi says his bromance with Trump is still on and does the cockroaches’ big win mean a big loss of face for Modi? Plus, AI claims another victim - a Canadian politician’s pride…

Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi forces have declared an immediate maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, threatening to choke off the strategic sea route and further destabilise global energy markets. With US-Iran tensions already at a boiling point, will this latest escalation plunge the Middle East into a broader regional war? Plus, from satire to a massive student uprising, could India’s “Cockroach" movement test Modi’s power? And the post-World Cup baby craze sweeping Peru.

The ceasefire crumbles as the US tries to loosen Iran’s grip on the Strait of Hormuz with bombing. Ukraine and its European allies join forces to protect the continent from ballistic missiles. Plus, how will the death of US Senator Lindsey Graham impact US foreign policy? And would you let South Korea’s Buddhist monks lead you to love?

Donald Trump calls the Iranian regime ‘scum’ as the US and Iran trade strikes. What's next for Iran's leadership as the country gives Ayatollah Ali Khamenei a long goodbye. Hamas agrees to dissolves its government, but will that change things? Also, Trump gives his NATO allies a kicking and a hug as Ukraine gets the nod to produce Patriot missiles. Plus, mystery balls plague another Australian beach.

Grief and anger mount in Venezuela after two huge earthquakes. SBS Correspondent Catalina Florez joins us from Caracas, where locals say the government is "nowhere to be seen". Plus, US and Iranian strikes resume, as a battle of wills over the Strait of Hormuz threatens to undo the ceasefire. Meanwhile, Cuba pushes through its biggest economic reforms since the communist revolution, and Batman Returns?! The caped crusader spotted in the most unlikely of places.

Trump and JD Vance insist talks for a final deal between the US and Iran are progressing smoothly, but does Iran agree? Keir Starmer bows to party pressure and resigns as PM, what's next for the UK? Plus, SBS Chief Political Correspondent Anna Henderson talks One Nation's rise up the polls in Australia, and her run-in with leader Pauline Hanson. And, it's fans, fun and fishy business during this week's action at the FIFA World Cup.

US-Iran strike a deal to make a deal, Bibi and Trump’s growing rift & could you be Japan’s next emperor? Tehran and Trump both sound triumphant but who is the real winner so far? And will Israel’s refusal to leave Lebanon upend negotiations? Plus, fresh from hosting cage fights at the White House, Donald Trump joins G7 leaders to pressure Putin, while players become political footballs at the FIFA World Cup, and Japan has a royal dilemma.

The FIFA World Cup kicks off amid geopolitical foul play. Ukraine says it is regaining territory and pushing for talks with Russia’s Vladimir Putin. Donald Trump continues to reshape US politics, and how India’s satirical Cockroach Party became an unlikely symbol of youth resistance.

Donald Trump loses his patience with Benjamin Netanyahu over Lebanon, while the Israeli prime minister hints at an even bigger endgame in Gaza. Is a new Middle East deal within reach, or the region’s latest escalation heading to another full conflict? Plus, a surprise AUKUS announcement on the sidelines of the Shangri-La dialogue and how an iconic Italian artwork is hanging in there.

Conflicting reports on peace negotiations between the US and Iran as military tensions escalate across the region. Former political prisoner Dr Kylie Moore-Gilbert joins us to explore what it means for the Iranian regime and its citizens. Plus, Netanyahu vows to crush Hezbollah with an expanding offensive as his own leadership comes under pressure ahead of elections. While in Türkiye, Erdogan moves against the opposition in a fresh crackdown on dissent, and Trump’s patriotic excuse for dodging a family function.

Beijing looks to capitalise on rival powers following back-to-back visits from the US and Russian presidents, as The Democratic Republic of the Congo struggles to contain a deadly Ebola outbreak. Plus, Donald Trump celebrates a landmark settlement with the IRS, and we investigate the art of the perfect diplomatic gift.

Taiwan on tenterhooks as they watch Donald Trump in Beijing for a high-stakes summit with Xi Jinping. The Iran war enters its eleventh week with ceasefire talks faltering and leadership challenges plague the UK Prime Minister. Plus, Eurovision faces boycotts over Israel’s participation and France’s President, Emmanuel Macron, chides a Nairobi crowd.

The latest pause in the US-Iran conflict has the world holding its breath - has the White House lost control of its own strategy? National security concerns surround the return of IS-linked women and children to Australia and a major election victory for Narendra Modi sparks claims of election fraud in India. Plus, the surprisingly brutal world of competitive furniture building.

The special relationship is given the kiss of life, Iran’s new deal gets kicked into touch as Trump points to a long-term blockade and will Israel’s opposition bromance last? Plus, would you trust a robo-baggage guy?

Confusion deepens on the Strait of Hormuz as President Trump extends the ceasefire with Iran. Another truce hangs in the balance with Israel and Hezbollah trading accusations - while thousands of Israeli troops draw a line in southern Lebanon. Plus, Japan loosens its long-standing arms export restrictions and world leaders flex their fitness credentials.

US-Iran talks collapse, and China feels the pressure over President Trump’s blockade in the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, a stunning election victory signals a new era for Hungary and how Australia is helping to fuel Colombia’s drug trade.

A shaky ceasefire announced between US President Donald Trump and Iran as oil prices plummet in response. Decorated veteran Ben Roberts-Smith charged with war crimes, what they could mean for Australia’s military reputation. Plus, allegations of foreign interference overshadow Hungary’s upcoming election, and around the moon and back with Artemis II.

US President Donald Trump issues a new Middle East war deadline as Yemen’s Houthis put pressure on vital waterways. Plus, the US permits a rare oil shipment to ease Cuba’s energy crisis - what’s driving the sudden pivot? And Australia immortalises an iconic ‘dinner’ felon.

Donald Trump inflames confusion over war in the Middle East and where are Mojtaba Khamenei’s hidden millions? Plus, Israel raises annexation of southern Lebanon, Australia signs a massive trade deal with the EU, and some father-daughter time dictator style as North Korea’s Kim Jong Un rolls out the tanks.

The war in the Middle East is entering a dangerous new phase, with a global oil chokepoint at the centre of rising tensions, but just how far will NATO allies go to support Trump’s push to reopen the Strait of Hormuz? Plus, a delayed China meeting raises fresh diplomatic concerns, and why not everyone is feeling the economic squeeze.

Trump tries to extinguish the oil price fire but Iran and Israel both double down on an extended war. Iranian women soccer players seek asylum and the Nepali youth’s hip-hop hero. Plus, Ready Player One? The virtual world to the rescue…

With the Supreme Leader killed, Iran lashes out. Will the Middle East choose sides as oil prices skyrocket and travel chaos sees thousands stranded. Plus, who could be next in line in Iran, could the US strikes encourage others into action and proof that sometimes the best defence is a very loud, slightly unhinged cuddly toy.

Can Ukraine hold the line as US support wavers going into a fifth year of fighting Russia’s full-scale invasion? Plus, an explosion of violence in Mexico after the killing of brutal cartel boss ‘El Mencho’ - will calm be restored in time for the World Cup? The US Supreme Court takes down Trump’s tariffs and POTUS uses his high-stakes State of the Union address to accuse Somalis of fraud

Marco Rubio sends mixed messages to Europe, Israel starts registration of large areas of the occupied West Bank and how new is Bangladesh’s new government? Plus, Chinoys celebrate lunar new year in the Philippines and Cocaine Sharks coming to waters near you.

A massive win for Japan’s hawkish first female PM worries China, conservatives reclaim Thailand and Jimmy Lai, Hong Kong’s most high-profile casualty of draconian security laws gets a ‘death sentence’. Plus, trouble growing at the winter Olympics.

The US and Iran tussle over talks to stave off more strikes, millions more Epstein documents touch the rich and powerful the world over from Elon Musk to the Norwegian princess-royal and more trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi don’t stop the destruction across Ukraine. Plus, US democracy in danger and what we learned when Melania Trump’s doco hit the cinemas…

President Trump feels the heat as ICE protests spread across the US, as Washington unveils real estate plans for Gaza - but are they based in reality? Plus, Myanmar’s military presses ahead with widely dismissed elections, and China’s panda diplomacy reaches an unbearable level.

Is Donald Trump’s retreat from tariffs and military threats over Greenland - a NATO reset or a tactical pause? Syria edges toward reunification but at a major cost to the Kurds – and IS group fighters escape. Plus how a farm girl’s plea from rural China went hog-wild online.

Can the economy-driven protests in Iran bring down the regime? Plus, the Venezuelan oil games continue as President Trump declares his global power answers to just one thing (hint: it’s not the UN or God), and why illegal importers are dicing with danger in Indonesia.

President Maduro snatched from his bed, Trump’s grab for Greenland unifies Europe. Plus, nationwide protests rattle the Iranian regime, and China’s stiff rise in the cost of condoms.

Terror strikes the iconic sands of Bondi Beach, sending shockwaves through Australia and Jewish communities worldwide - how did the deadly attack unfold, and what does it mean for national security? Plus, Volodymyr Zelenskyy signals cautious optimism in high-stakes Ukraine peace talks but is a deal with Russia any closer? And Donald Trump brands fentanyl a ‘weapon of mass destruction’ as tensions escalate with Venezuela.

Ceasefires are collapsing from Southeast Asia to eastern DRC, with civilians once again bearing the brunt of diplomatic failure. Plus, one year after the fall of the brutal Assad regime, are Syrians any better off? And FIFA honours President Trump – but is the prize an own goal?

Devastating floods and landslides wreak havoc across much of south-east Asia. No compromise reached after the Russian President and the US try to iron out a revamped peace proposal for Ukraine. Plus, the asylum seekers living in limbo – why they’re pleading with the Australian government to grant them leniency - and the rebel nuns refusing to give up their social media accounts.

Alarm bells in Kyiv and Europe as the US is accused of presenting Putin’s peace plan for Ukraine. The ‘make or break’ COP30 climate conference ends in failure – have the petro-states won? Plus, the unlikely bromance blossoming in the Oval Office.

Alarm bells in Kyiv and Europe as the US is accused of presenting Putin’s peace plan for Ukraine. The ‘make or break’ COP30 climate conference ends in failure – have the petro-states won? Plus, the unlikely bromance blossoming in the Oval Office.

Trump wipes the slate clean of murder for Mohammed bin Salman because ‘things happen’. The Epstein files move a big step closer to being released and what it’s like reporting on the ground in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Plus, the comment that sent China-Japan relations plummeting.

Typhoon Fung Wong leaves a vast trail of destruction in the Philippines, Syrian President Al-Sharaa shoots hoops before meeting Trump and Trump COPs it in Brazil. Also Zelenskyy under fire from corruption allegations, why AI is spreading Russian propaganda, and Bob Ross makes a splash.

Confronting reports of mass killings in Sudan, after a key city in Darfur falls to the RSF. The plan for an international stabilisation force for Gaza makes its way to the UN and it’s ‘GAME ON’ after the democratic socialist Zohran Mamdani wins NY – with Donald Trump threatening to cut federal funding to the city. Plus, why young men in China are opening up about getting the snip.

Donald Trump talks up tributes and tariff deals on his Asia tour, as well as the possibility of a third term as he stops in on the ASEAN and APEC summits. In Gaza, Israel and Hamas accuse each other of ceasefire violations. US sanctions on Russian oil piles the pressure on Putin, and a curriculum catastrophe for Queensland students.