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The World Tonight

BBC Radio 4
The World Tonight
Latest episode

322 episodes

  • The World Tonight

    Dolly Parton dies aged 80

    2026/08/25 | 37 mins.
    With tributes pouring in from around the world, we look back at the life and career of the legendary American singer.
    Also on the programme: Canada hits back in its trade war with the US, levying tariffs of up to 50% on American goods; and a new report finds that people who leave the care system are much more likely to die young.
  • The World Tonight

    US announces ‘economic D-Day’ for Iran

    2026/08/24 | 37 mins.
    Some analysts have called Operation Economic Outcast a ‘damp squib’, given the lack of measures aimed at China – which buys roughly 90% of Iran's oil. We get an assessment of the sanctions and whether the Trump administration is likely to follow through on its threats to Iran’s trading partners.
    Also in the programme: Middlesbrough Mayor Chris Cooke discusses organised crime in the region after a car crash on the A66 killed seven people, including two police officers. And scientists say they’ve created a protein-rich cookie from recycled plastic.
  • The World Tonight

    High court allows rugby brain injury case to go on

    2026/08/21 | 38 mins.
    Former rugby union and league players claim not enough was done to prevent brain injuries. Governing bodies argue robust systems are in place to minimise the risks to players. We hear from former Wales international rugby player Alix Popham, who’s been diagnosed with early onset dementia and probable CTE.

    Also in the programme: the Panama Canal's operator is to cut the number of vessels passing through the key waterway due to low rainfall caused by El Niño. And we speak to the cast and director of a play exploring the relationship between former prime ministers Winston Churchill and David Lloyd George.
  • The World Tonight

    Major Western powers condemn Israel's West Bank settlement project

    2026/08/20 | 37 mins.
    The UK, France, Germany, Italy and Canada say the project to build 1,200 settlement homes is “unacceptable”. Labour MP Zubir Ahmed tells us there should be sanctions against companies trading with settlers.
    Also in the programme: the mother and brother of a murdered American student give their reaction to a growing trend of school shooters’ parents being prosecuted. And could new underwater drones help British paramedics save the lives of those who’ve gotten into difficulty swimming?
  • The World Tonight

    Hopes for new cancer vaccine

    2026/08/19 | 37 mins.
    There have been encouraging results in melanoma vaccine trials run by US drug companies Moderna and Merck. The results are preliminary, but experts say they are the first positive late stage results for a cancer vaccine of this type.
    Also on the programme: the Duke and Duchess of Sussex plan to return to the UK; and the British pensioners, resident in Sweden for decades, threatened with deportation.
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About The World Tonight
In-depth reporting, intelligent analysis and major breaking news from a global perspective
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