US offers Cuba a new relationship

US offers Cuba a new relationship

Author: BBC World Service May 20, 2026 Duration: 25:38

America's top diplomat, Marco Rubio, has offered the Cuban people a "new relationship" in a video message marking the anniversary of Cuba's independence. He blamed the island's hardships on its communist leadership and not the US fuel blockade, which has exacerbated the economic crisis. Mr Rubio made the comments as US media reported that the Justice Department would unveil charges against Cuba's veteran leader Raul Castro.

Also: The World Health Organization is exploring vaccine and treatment options to help contain the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Israel’s far-right National Security Minister, Itamar Ben Gvir, has released a video showing him taunting detained activists from a Gaza aid flotilla. As investigations into how a group of experienced divers died in the Maldives continue, officials say all five bodies have now been retrieved from a deep cave. Russia's President Putin has met China's President Xi in Beijing and signed around 20 agreements just days after Donald Trump's visit. North Korea's Naegohyang football team has beaten South Korea's Suwon FC 2-1 in the semi-final of the Asian Women's Champions league in a rare match between the former enemies. English wines have won the highest percentage of gold medals per entry in a global competition, with experts describing the improvement as remarkable... and we find out why the T-Rex had such little arms.

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


Staying informed means navigating a constant stream of events, and the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service provides a grounded, thorough digest of that flow. This isn't just a headline service; it's a twice-daily briefing that situates you within the day's most pressing stories, particularly focusing on complex, unfolding situations. Right now, that means dedicated coverage from across the Middle East, including Iran, Israel, Lebanon, and the Gulf states, offering clarity on regional dynamics and their global implications. Alongside that essential regional focus, the podcast consistently pulls back for a wider lens, bringing reports and context from every corner of the world. What you'll hear is the BBC's signature blend of on-the-ground reporting and measured expert analysis, all designed to build understanding rather than just summarize events. For a reliable, in-depth audio briefing that updates each weekday morning and evening, this podcast delivers a comprehensive picture of our world as it happens.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Global News Podcast
Podcast Episodes
One killed and dozens injured in Kuwait by Iranian drones [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:33
Kuwait says one person has been killed and at least 63 injured after Iranian drones strike a terminal building at its international airport. Officials say the dawn strike damaged civilian facilities, including diplomatic…
Shell accused of ignoring pollution evidence in Nigeria [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:14
British oil giant Shell continued to operate major pipeline in Nigeria even though bosses knew it was causing widespread pollution, according to secret documents obtained by BBC. Shell has always rejected the accusations…
Prepare for a more intense El Niño, UN warns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:13
The Secretary General of the United Nations, Antonio Guterres, says the world must treat the new phase of the weather pattern, El Niño, as an urgent climate warning. He said it would pour fuel on the fire of a warming gl…
Night of large-scale Russian attacks across Ukraine [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:34
Russia uses drones and missiles to bombard Kyiv and other Ukrainian cities. A number of people were killed and injured. Kyiv's mayor said two high-rise apartment buildings in the capital had been hit, and people could be…
Israel orders attacks in Beirut suburbs [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:32
Israel has ordered attacks against Hezbollah in the southern suburbs of Beirut - prompting many residents to evacuate the Lebanese capital. Israel's prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, said the military would strike what…
Right-wing outsider wins Colombian election first round [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:01
Abelardo de la Espriella will face left-winger Ivan Cepeda in Colombian presidential run-off in three weeks. The two offer strikingly different visions of how to tackle Colombia's challenges, including violence and drug…
The Global Story: World Cup 2026: The most political of all time? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:45
Politics, power and money have always been part of international sporting competitions, and football (or soccer) is no exception. However, this year’s World Cup faces new challenges. The United States is co-hosting the t…
Fans rampage after Paris St-Germain win Champions League [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:40
Several hundred people have been detained by police in Paris after football fans went on the rampage when Paris St-Germain won the European Champions League. Vehicles and businesses were damaged, and several police offic…
The Happy Pod: The simple plastic sheet saving lives [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:30
Researchers say a simple sheet of plastic is helping to prevent women dying after childbirth. The drape measures blood loss, which allows doctors to provide faster treatment. It's been successful in Nigeria, and now the…
Ghana passes bill criminalising promotion of LGBTQ rights [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:10
Ghana's parliament has approved a bill that contains some of the most repressive anti-LGBTQ laws in the world. The legislation bans any promotion of LGBTQ rights and activities. It still needs to be approved by the presi…