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Does AI need a kill switch? Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

Anthropic co-founder Jack Clark speaks to the BBC about the dangers of AI development and need for regulation, as the world's biggest AI bosses call for a pause in development, we find out does AI need a kill switch?

Also, Africa’s biggest ever share sale has been launched, Aliko Dangote wants millions of Nigerians to own a piece of his oil refinery, to help his plans for expansion. And Russia’s wartime economy may still be growing, but are businesses and ordinary Russians beginning to feel the strain?

PHOTO CREDIT: BBC NEWS YOUTUBE

Is an AI 'slowdown' even possible without China? Sep 14, 2026

Show notes

As bosses of AI companies call for a 'slowdown' in the development of the technology, the BBC's Luke Wilson explores if it's even possible without China onboard.

Plus, Africa's biggest ever public share has opened in Nigeria and how are oil prices reacting to the closure of a key pipeline in Saudi Arabia.

Global shipping threatened by Houthi military advances Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

The Houthis now control the vital Red Sea waterway including the key shipping lane through the Bab al-Mandab Strait. We hear from maritime and security experts. As oil prices hit an unprecedented six dollars per barrel in the U.S., we go to South Dakota and Massachusetts to speak to American business owners about the impact of higher prices and lower wages. And on the twenty fifth anniversary of 9/11, the Speaker of the New York City Council tells us about how her city fought back, but also about the environmental consequences of the attack. (Image Credit: EPA/Shutterstock)

"It's like somebody turned the faucet off" - gas prices keep inflation high Sep 11, 2026

Show notes

Prices in the US rose by 3.4% in the year to August, with the cost of living being pushed up by higher gasoline prices. We hear how one business is being impacted.

China sets targets to boost the percentage of EV's and autonomous vehicles on its roads.

And athletes compete for a share of 10 million dollars at the inaugural World Athletics Ultimate Championship in Budapest Hungary.

Presenter: Luke Wilson Producer: Barbara George

China’s President to travel to the BRICS summit in India Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

The visit to New Delhi is Xi Jinping’s first trip to India in seven years. But will this diplomatic overture lead to stronger business ties between the two countries? We go to our correspondent on the ground who tells us more. How much does the BRICS summit matter? A Brazilian economist tells us her view.

An expert on Yemen explains the latest shipping crisis in the region, after Houthi rebels take the city of Mocha on the Red Sea.

We go to New York to speak to a mathematician who says the field is in trouble — because of AI.

And the revelation that AI companies are buying rare books and destroying them has sent shockwaves through the books market — one rare book seller tells us why AI companies want the books and what it's doing to his business.

(Image Credit: Reuters)

ECB hikes rates to 2.5% Sep 10, 2026

Show notes

The European Central Bank has raised its key interest rate to 2.5%, as it steps up efforts to bring inflation under control. Will be taking a look at the kind of impact this is having and will other central banks follow suit.

Oil as hit over a hundred dollars a barrel, with jet fuel costs in some parts of the world pushed even higher.

And the Chinese telecoms giant Huawei goes on trial in New York.

Presenter: Luke Wilson Producer: Barbara George

Is AI a threat to humanity? Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

An Anthropic researcher's post on X that there is a 10% chance that AI "could kill all humans" has been viewed more than ten million times. It comes as Jacob Coxon resigns from the company warning that the two top companies are not "acting responsibly." But others say the warnings are overblown. We hear from experts and the public.

We go to the U.S. where Apple is launching a new product, the first foldable iPhone — the first such launch with new CEO John Ternus.

And a food safety crackdown in Mumbai, India's financial capital, has gone viral — with thousands of restaurant raids, and photos of filthy kitchens shared widely online.

(Photo: REUTERS/Manuel Orbegozo )

World oil price hits $100 Sep 09, 2026

Show notes

Oil prices rise above $100 a barrel for first time since July as tensions escalate in the Middle East, we'll be finding out what this means for consumers this winter.

Some of Europe's biggest airlines call for firings over air traffic control outages in the UK as hundreds of flights are cancelled in the UK's busiest airport.

And Apple gets set to unveil its latest products with a new boss at the helm.

Presenter: Luke Wilson Producer: Barbara George

UK bans trade with Israeli West Bank settlements Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

The UK has announced new measures targeting Israeli settlements in the occupied West Bank, including a ban on trade with settlement businesses. The move follows a joint declaration supported by 12 countries, amid concerns over the expansion of settlements. Israel has responded by announcing the closure of the British consulate in East Jerusalem and imposing entry bans on a number of British officials.

Canada is hitting back at the latest US tariffs, imposing duties on around $20 billion of American imports in a dollar-for-dollar response.

And thieves have stolen two paintings worth millions from a museum dedicated to impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir.

(Photo: Jamal Awad / Reuters)

Tariff tensions heat up Sep 08, 2026

Show notes

Canadian retaliatory tariffs on a range of US goods worth around £20bn dollars have come into effect. We'll hear from a dairy farmer in Ohio about the impact of this.

The boss of Dubai Airport says it's bouncing back, even while war in the Middle East continues.

And Singapore's Prime Minister gets a 1 million dollar pay rise.

Presenter: Luke Wilson Producer: Barbara George

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