Global News Podcast (BBC World Service)

Episode: Second fatal shooting by US immigration agents
Date: January 25, 2026
Host: Charlotte Gallagher

Episode Overview

This episode covers a range of major global news stories. The central theme is the fatal shooting of an American citizen by US immigration (ICE) agents in Minneapolis — the second such incident in a month — and the growing depths of local outrage and polarization around federal interventions. Other key topics include Myanmar's heavily criticized elections, President Trump’s remarks about British troops, a Chinese military purge, Ukraine peace talks, environmental controversy in Albania, and a haunted palace in Venice. The episode concludes with an exploration of a new exhibition of love letters in London.

Key Discussion Points and Insights

1. Second Fatal Shooting by ICE Agents in Minneapolis

• Summary:
  A US citizen, Alex Pretty, a 37-year-old nurse, was shot dead by ICE in Minneapolis, marking the second such incident this month. There is a starkly polarized debate over the circumstances, with federal officials and local authorities offering conflicting narratives.

• Federal Account:

  • Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem claimed Pretty “approached Border Patrol officers with a 9mm semiautomatic handgun.” Officers attempted to disarm him; on resisting violently, an agent fired in self-defense. No ID was found on Pretty, and he was allegedly equipped to “inflict maximum damage.”
  • [03:26] Kristi Noem’s statement outlines the federal justification.

• Local Response:

  • Multiple videos circulated online reportedly contradict the official account.
  • Minnesota Senator Amy Klobuchar strongly criticized ICE’s presence:

    “We need ICE out of Minnesota. They are not making us more safe, as the tragic, tragic killing this morning... shows us they are making us less safe.” — Amy Klobuchar [03:54]

  • City officials accuse federal agents of “terrorizing” the city and request National Guard troops for security.

• On The Ground:

  • Reporter Tom Bateman described a tense atmosphere at the scene, with flowers, candles, and profound anger from the community.
  • Bateman notes, “There are now multiple videos... there have been hundreds of protesters out, but a lot more anger being expressed... an extremely polarized narrative about what happened here.” [04:15]
  • Polarization is deepening between the Trump administration, who defends ICE, and Minnesota authorities, who want ICE withdrawn.

2. Trump’s Reversal on British Troops in Afghanistan

• Background:
  Trump’s earlier comments had implied NATO allies avoided front lines in Afghanistan, causing outrage in the UK.

• Reaction and Amends:

  • Following a call with PM Keir Starmer, Trump issued social media praise for UK forces: “the great and very brave soldiers of the United Kingdom will always be with the United States... a bond too strong to ever be broken... the UK military, with tremendous heart and soul, is second to none except for the USA.” [06:35]
  • Diane Derney, mother of frontline veteran Ben Parkinson, noted:

    “He was never going to say the word sorry. I just hope that the words... do take away some of the pain and the hurt that he’s caused.” [07:24]

  • The episode underscores tensions within NATO, which remains “fractured like never before.”

3. Myanmar’s Military-Dominated Elections

• Situation:
  Myanmar wraps up the third round of ongoing regional and national elections, widely condemned as unfair. The military-backed party is expected to win a landslide; most opposition is barred.

• Reporting:

  • Correspondent Jonathan Head (Shan State) describes low enthusiasm and an “extremely repressive environment for a vote to take place.” He notes the stifling security and lack of campaigning:

    “We have been followed and monitored at every single step we’ve taken… blocked from covering the only rally… many people said... ‘we have to vote, we don’t have a choice.’” [08:33]

  • There is no real opposition; 90% of previously successful parties are excluded, notably Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD, with their leaders exiled or jailed.

    “It’s such a stacked deck in favor of the military party here. You can’t really talk about an opposition.” [10:18]

  • The likely outcome: coup leader Min Aung Hlaing will become President, giving “a civilian veneer over what is still essentially a very hardline military government.” [11:07]

4. China’s Military Purge Under Xi Jinping

• Headline:
  Xi Jinping's anti-corruption sweep purges General Zhang Youxia, the country’s top general and closest military ally.

• Expert Opinion (Isabel Hilton):

  • The entire Central Military Commission promoted by Xi in 2022 has now been purged.

    “Shah [Zhang] was once described as Xi Jinping’s elder brother... his demise is really extraordinary.” [12:21]

  • While corruption charges are standard, key concern is loyalty after Putin’s military failures in Ukraine:

    “After Putin’s invasion of Ukraine, Xi Jinping decided to look very closely at his own military... [worrying] about military competence.” [13:24]

  • Purges are both political and about military effectiveness.

5. Ukraine/Russia Peace Talks Amid Ongoing Attacks

• Update:
  First trilateral peace talks (Ukraine, Russia, US) in Abu Dhabi deemed “constructive” yet produced no visible progress, especially over territory.

• On the Ground:

  • Despite talks, Russia conducts energy infrastructure attacks, leaving one million without power.
  • President Zelenskyy is quoted: “focus was on possible parameters for ending the war” but no breakthroughs. Next round may proceed on February 1. [17:13]
  • Reporter Abdul Jalil AbduRusalov notes: “There is little optimism that the war could end soon.” [17:51]
  • Foreign Minister warns:

    “Russian missiles hit not only Ukrainian residents but also the negotiation table.” [18:41]

6. Environmental Outcry Over Kushner’s Albanian Resort Plans

• Story:
  Jared Kushner plans a billion-dollar luxury resort on the uninhabited Albanian island of Sazan, triggering opposition from over 40 environmental groups.

• Concerns:

  • Risks to biodiversity, especially the world’s most endangered seal.
  • Environmentalists urge an immediate halt due to threats to delicate habitats.
  • Albania’s government touts economic benefits and awarded “strategic investor” status to the project. [19:05]

7. Venice’s Haunted Palace on the Market

• Feature:
  Francesco da Mosta, historian and filmmaker, shares the mysterious and fatal history of Palazzo Dario, an unsellable Venetian mansion reputed to be cursed or haunted.

• Memorable Quotes:

  “If they give me [the palace] as a present, maybe I will accept it. I will risk.” — Francesco da Mosta [23:53]

• Summary:
  The palace has been the site of numerous suspicious deaths and misfortunes for owners through the centuries. Some attribute bad luck to the “number of windows on the Grand Canal is 17, and that is bad luck.” [23:35]

8. London Exhibition: Love Letters Across the Ages

• Cultural Segment:
  The National Archives opens a display of “devotion, longing, sacrifice and passion” through historical love letters.

• Highlights:

  • Robert Dudley’s (Earl of Leicester) poignant letters to Queen Elizabeth I — “I humbly kiss your foot.” [24:47]
  • Catherine Howard’s fateful correspondence, leading to her execution.
  • Edward VIII’s abdication letter for Wallis Simpson.
  • Love notes from spy John Cairncross to Gloria Barraclough, hidden for decades:

    “Writing to you seems to have some magical effect on me... your letters have a lightness, vivacity and joy…” (paraphrased) [26:19]

  • Plea from Lord Alfred Douglas to Queen Victoria on Oscar Wilde’s behalf.
  • Jane Austen’s touching bequest to her sister.
  • A father’s reference for the Kray twins: “the most respectful and good natured lads anyone could wish to meet.” [27:40]

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “We need ICE out of Minnesota. They are not making us more safe... they are making us less safe.” — Amy Klobuchar, [03:54]
• “There are now multiple videos... but a lot more anger being expressed... an extremely polarized narrative.” — Tom Bateman, [04:15]
• “He was never going to say the word sorry. I just hope the words... take away some of the pain and the hurt.” — Diane Derney (mother of UK veteran), [07:24]
• “It’s such a stacked deck in favor of the military party here. You can’t really talk about an opposition.” — Jonathan Head, [10:18]
• “This means... every single member who was promoted by Xi Jinping in 2022 has now been purged.” — Isabel Hilton, [12:21]
• “Russian missiles hit not only Ukrainian residents but also the negotiation table.” — Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Andrii Sibiha, [18:41]
• “If they give me as a present, maybe I will accept it. I will risk.” — Francesco da Mosta, on Venice's haunted palace, [23:53]
• “I humbly kiss your foot.” — Robert Dudley, letter to Queen Elizabeth I, [24:47]

Timestamps for Major Segments

| Segment | Timestamp | |--------------------------------------------|-------------| | Intro & Headlines | 00:58–01:58 | | ICE Shooting in Minneapolis | 02:23–06:09 | | Trump on British Troops in Afghanistan | 06:09–07:57 | | Myanmar Elections | 07:57–11:50 | | Xi Jinping’s Military Purge | 11:50–13:50 | | Ukraine Peace Talks & Attacks | 16:12–18:41 | | Kushner’s Albanian Resort Controversy | 18:41–20:36 | | Venice Haunted Palace | 20:36–24:01 | | Exhibition of Love Letters | 24:01–27:40 |

Tone & Style

The episode skillfully balances sober and urgent reporting (on shootings, war, democratic backsliding) with insightful cultural coverage (love letters, haunted mansions). The language is direct, international in outlook, and often colored with personal sentiment in interviewee quotes.

This summary provides a thorough, timestamped guide to all major stories in this episode of the Global News Podcast (January 25, 2026), preserving the BBC’s journalistic clarity and the authentic voices of its sources.