The Briefing
A fast-paced news round-up with expert reporting, business insights, and industry updates on technology, aviation, retail, and media. Anchored from London.
Latest Episodes
Why is the world viewing China more positively than the US?
We unpack a new survey from PEW Research Center which shows that China is now viewed more positively than the US. Plus: Greener, Cooler, Healthier is a new platform providing nature-based solutions to urban heat.
Western Europe’s last frontier fence falls as Gibraltar joins the border-free Schengen community
In an historic step that follows decades of divisiveness and years of negotiations, Gibraltar joins Europe’s border-free Schengen community.
Macron uses his last Bastille Day to unite Europe in show of military strength
As France’s president oversees his last parade, we assess why this year’s celebrations focus on European unity and support for Ukraine.
Is the Strait of Hormuz open or closed? US and Iran exchange tit-for-tat strikes
Tehran says it can’t allow Washington to use the Strait of Hormuz to harm Iran’s sovereignty. Plus: why is Volkswagen changing? Then: is Norway the model country for ‘good losers’? And: we chat with Belgian singer Angèle.
Coming out of the cold? Myanmar tries to re-engage with the Asean bloc
Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations prepare for their first talks with Myanmar since the 2021 coup. Plus: we examine how Londoners are living with and adapting to extreme heat. And: how flamenco can improve our communication skills.
Will an establishment-versus-outsiders rift sink the Democrats’ mid-term hopes?
Are global energy markets engaging in wishful thinking as the conflict in Iran deepens? Then: does the Maine Senate race prove Democrats cannot resolve the rift threatening their mid-term chances? Plus: Klarna’s CMO and ‘The Global Countdown’.
Damascus rocked by explosions during Macron’s visit to Syria: what comes next?
As the first visit to Syria by an EU leader is marred by explosions, we get the view from France and Damascus. Then: what next for Nato after renewed Trump threats? Plus: business news and Japan’s Yumiko Morioka.
Trouble on the right: Meloni faces Trump at Nato summit while Le Pen awaits her fate
Donald Trump continues to mock his erstwhile ally Giorgia Meloni, claiming that he needs a “restraining order” against her. Is all this helping Meloni in Italy? Plus: the fate of Marine Le Pen’s presidency in the hands of a French court ruling.
Iran mourns Ali Khamenei amid questions over his son’s whereabouts
Funeral processions for Iran’s slain supreme leader culminate in central Iran but his successor is nowhere to be seen. Plus: Sara Duterte’s impeachment trial gets under way; the chief economist of Swedbank; and how Bank of America is funding art-conservation projects.
Press freedoms in the spotlight on the 250th anniversary of US independence
As Donald Trump prepares to mark America’s birthday, we look at how press freedoms have evolved. Then: why has Moldova’s prime minister resigned? And: we speak to the owners of Paris shirtmaker Charvet.
