Global News Podcast (BBC World Service)

Episode: Growing outrage over second Minneapolis killing

Date: January 26, 2026
Host: Charlotte Gallagher

Overview

In this episode, the BBC World Service provides comprehensive coverage of major global headlines, focusing particularly on the growing outrage in Minneapolis following the fatal shooting of nurse Alex Pretty by US federal immigration agents—the city’s second police-involved killing this month. The episode also covers a record-breaking sailing feat, a catastrophic winter storm gripping the US, concerns about Russia’s use of Interpol, the postponement of Saudi Arabia’s Asian Winter Games plans, a tribute to broadcasting legend Mark Tully, and Japan’s farewell to its last two giant pandas.

Main Story: Minneapolis Killing and Public Outrage

Background & Events ([02:00 – 10:15])

• Incident: The fatal shooting of Alex Pretty, a nurse, by US federal immigration agents (ICE) is the second such killing in Minneapolis this month.
• Political Fallout:
  • Minnesota Governor Tim Walz (Democrat) has urged ICE agents to leave the city.
  • President Trump announced a thorough review of the situation and suggested ICE agents might eventually be withdrawn, but did not comment on whether the shooting was justified.
    • “President Trump said his administration is reviewing everything that's happened in the city and hinted at the possibility of immigration enforcement officials being withdrawn eventually.” ([02:20])
• Protests:
  • Thousands have turned out for days of demonstrations, despite extreme cold (as low as -25°C).
  • Protesters express intense emotions, describing the climate as one of "domestic terrorism" and fearing escalation into violent conflict.
  • Quotes from demonstrators are powerful:
    • “The people of Minneapolis are tired, very angry and irate. I fear where it's going to go is war. I do. Because this is domestic terrorism.” ([03:45])
    • “We're here, like using our constitutional rights. The man who died had every constitutional right. They killed him. They took his gun first....and then they murdered him. It's clear.” ([04:15])
  • Despite tensions, protests have largely remained peaceful, with vocal solidarity shown in the streets.
• Law Enforcement Narrative:
  • ICE and the Trump administration claim Pretty was planning an armed attack, releasing images of his alleged handgun.
  • Greg Pavino (ICE Commander at large):
    • “I would implore upon any individuals, whether they're anarchists, rioters, or anyone else that thinks it wise to go into a law enforcement scene to disrupt, to delay, is to don't do that.” ([06:40])
  • The Homeland Security Secretary labeled the event an act of domestic terrorism, outraging locals and the family.
• Family & Community Response:
  • Alex Pretty’s family and Democratic officials categorically reject the administration’s narrative, calling it lies.
  • Michael Pretty (father):
    • “He cared about people deeply and he was very upset with what was happening in Minneapolis and throughout the United States with ICE as millions of other people are upset.” ([08:30])
  • The standoff is now framed as emblematic of deeper divisions in America over immigration and policing.

Other Key Global Stories

US Winter Storm Crisis ([10:20 – 15:10])

• Scope: A massive winter storm impacts 200 million people, causes widespread power outages (over 1 million households/businesses), and plunges temperatures as low as -40°C.
• States of Emergency: 23 US states affected; Philadelphia and NYC authorities advise against travel.
• Challenges:
  • Southern states (e.g., Louisiana, Arkansas) are especially hard-hit and unprepared.
  • “More than 1 million properties...are without electricity, people waking up in the dark in some places.” — Helena Humphrey, BBC Washington ([13:20])
  • Reports of hypothermia deaths indicate how dangerous the conditions are, especially where infrastructure is weaker.

Interpol Abuse & Russian “Red Notices” ([18:10 – 23:45])

• Investigation Findings: Internal Interpol files show Russia consistently abusing Interpol protocols by issuing politically-motivated arrest requests.
  • “Leaked documents reveal Interpol approved about 90% of Russia's requests in 2024...Internal reports also showed Interpol was aware of Russia's flagrant violations of its rules.” ([20:40])
• Whistleblower Insights: An Interpol insider claims extra scrutiny on Russia’s requests has been weakened post-Ukraine war, despite assurances.
  • “They claim to be transparent, but that's just not true. Everything is on a need to know basis.” — Anonymous Interpol source ([21:45])
• Victims’ Perspectives:
  • Igor Petrokov, Russian businessman:
    • “When you are hit with a red notice, you're like a cornered rat...Your bank accounts get blocked, it's the stress, the nerves, the pressure the lawlessness inflicted into you.” ([23:00])

Record-Breaking Sailing Feat ([15:15 – 17:45])

• Thomas Coville and crew set a new round-the-world, non-stop sailing record, shaving over 12 hours off the previous benchmark for the Jules Verne Trophy.
• Expert comment:
  • Helen Fretter, Yachting World:
    • “You're at the lap of the wind gods...the noise on these boats is phenomenal...It's cold, it's noisy, it's really hard to rest. So the physical challenge is relentless.” ([16:30])

Asian Winter Games in Saudi Arabia Postponed ([27:30 – 32:05])

• Project NEOM: A futuristic Saudi “megacity” was to host the 2029 Asian Winter Games, but plans have dramatically scaled down.
• Expert insight:
  • Alison Killing, Financial Times:
    • “When NEOM was first announced...500 billion [dollars]...was devoted to it. They said, we don't think this is enough. The line...looks like it's going to cost trillions. But they said that it was very, very difficult to get criticism listened to.” ([30:30])
  • Growing doubts about NEOM’s feasibility and timelines amid political pressures.

Tribute: Mark Tully, “The Voice of India” ([33:00 – 36:40])

• Legendary BBC correspondent Mark Tully dies at age 90.
• Noted for coverage of pivotal South Asian events, deep understanding of India, and distinctive, warm broadcasting style.
• Notable moment:
  • “In India, I'm always being asked you must have passionately wanted to be a journalist. And I said, 'No, I didn't. It all happened to me by accident.'” — Mark Tully ([34:30])
• Historian William Dalrymple:
  • “As the voice of India. He was irreplaceable, a man prepared to stand up to power and to tell the truth, however uncomfortable, that was.” ([36:20])

Japan’s Last Pandas Leave for China ([37:00 – 39:15])

• Event: Japan bids farewell to its last two giant pandas, Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, amid intense public emotion and uncertain panda diplomacy due to tense China-Japan relations.
• Public sentiment:
  • “I've been bringing my boy here since he was a baby, so I hope it becomes a good memory for him. I'm glad we could come today to remember them.” — Japanese visitor ([38:20])
• Diplomatic angle: The transfer comes amid strained relations, casting doubt on future panda exchanges.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

| Time | Speaker / Source | Quote / Moment | |--------|----------------------|-------------------------------------------------------------| | 03:45 | Minneapolis protester| “I fear where it's going to go is war. I do. Because this is domestic terrorism.” | | 06:40 | Greg Pavino (ICE) | “I would implore upon any individuals...to don't do that.” | | 08:30 | Michael Pretty | “He cared about people deeply and he was very upset...” | | 13:20 | Helena Humphrey | “More than 1 million properties...are without electricity...”| | 16:30 | Helen Fretter | “You're at the lap of the wind gods...the physical challenge is relentless.”| | 21:45 | Interpol Source | “They claim to be transparent, but that's just not true...” | | 23:00 | Igor Petrokov | “When you are hit with a red notice, you're like a cornered rat...”| | 30:30 | Alison Killing | “It was very, very difficult to get criticism listened to.” | | 34:30 | Mark Tully | “It all happened to me by accident. India has had a very profound effect on...my life.”| | 36:20 | William Dalrymple | “He was irreplaceable, a man prepared to stand up to power and to tell the truth, however uncomfortable, that was.”| | 38:20 | Japanese visitor | “I've been bringing my boy here since he was a baby...I'm glad we could come today to remember them.”|

Timestamps for Major Segments

• Main Minneapolis Story: 02:00 – 10:15
• US Winter Storm: 10:20 – 15:10
• World Sailing Record: 15:15 – 17:45
• Interpol/Russia: 18:10 – 23:45
• Saudi Asian Winter Games / Neom: 27:30 – 32:05
• Mark Tully Tribute: 33:00 – 36:40
• Japan’s pandas: 37:00 – 39:15

Conclusion

This episode reflects the volatility and complexity of current global affairs, balancing hard news (Minneapolis, Interpol, US storm) with stories about sports, science, and cultural farewells. The tone is serious but often personal, amplifying the voices of those directly impacted by world events.

For further information or response, contact: globalpodcast@bbc.co.uk