Trump threatens 50% tariffs on EU and 25% on smartphones

Summary

Global News Podcast Summary BBC World Service | Released on May 23, 2025

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1. Escalating US-EU Trade Tensions

The Global News Podcast opens with a significant escalation in trade tensions between the United States and the European Union. President Donald Trump has publicly threatened to impose a 50% tariff on all EU goods starting June 1 and a 25% import tax on smartphone makers. These aggressive measures mark a stark increase following a period of relative calm between the two economic powerhouses.

Key Highlights:

• Trump's Stance: In the Oval Office, Trump emphasized his dissatisfaction with the EU's trade practices. At [02:06], Neil Burgess, presumably a spokesperson, stated, "They haven't treated us properly. They haven't treated our country properly. They banded together to take advantage of us."

• EU's Response: Polish Trade Minister Michal Baranowski countered Trump's threats at [02:54], asserting, "We are negotiating... I see this as another step in our negotiations that I truly hope will result in a good agreement. Good that is balanced and fair for both sides."

• Market Reactions: Business correspondent Michelle Fleury reported on the market's response, with US stocks declining and uncertainty dominating investor sentiment. Danny Eberhard explained at [04:10], "US Stocks were lower... driven by uncertainty, something that markets really don't like. Investors can prepare for more of a roller coaster ride ahead."

• Future Implications: The tariffs, initially paused for 90 days on April 2, may be reinstated if trade negotiations fail, potentially leading to ongoing volatility in international markets.

2. French Court Verdict on Kim Kardashian Robbery

A high-profile case concluded in France with a court finding eight individuals guilty of robbing Kim Kardashian in a Paris hotel nine years ago. Despite the severity of the theft, the defendants received shorter sentences than initially sought by the prosecution.

Key Highlights:

• Court's Decision: At [05:39], Ian Williams reported, "Two of them had admitted that they did it... The sentencing, I think, is the interesting part because they are light sentences." The defendants, mostly in their 60s and 70s, will not return to jail as their prior pre-trial custody periods effectively served their sentences.

• Public and Victim's Reaction: Williams noted a unique rapport in court where Kim Kardashian forgave Omar Kadash, the ringleader, after he expressed remorse. This gesture of forgiveness has garnered international attention, though it has had a muted impact domestically within France.

3. Europol Dismantles International Cybercrime Networks

Europol announced a major success in the fight against international cybercriminals by dismantling key infrastructures used for spreading malware and launching ransomware attacks. This operation spanned five European countries, including the UK, as well as the US and Canada.

Key Highlights:

• Operation Details: At [08:20], Danny Eberhard detailed the operation, mentioning that "300 servers and hundreds of domain names were taken down, and several strains of malware were disabled." Additionally, Europol seized £3 million in cryptocurrency and issued international arrest warrants for 20 suspects.

• Impact on Cybersecurity: While the raids were not directly linked to recent attacks on British retailers like Co-op and Marks & Spencer, they underscore the persistent threat cybercriminals pose to both financial and reputational aspects of businesses worldwide.

4. Harvard Faces Legal Battle Over Foreign Student Ban

President Trump's directive to expel foreign students from Harvard University has been temporarily blocked by a US judge. The ban, aimed at eliminating what the Homeland Security secretary described as fostering anti-Semitism and collusion with the Chinese Communist Party, has left thousands of students in uncertainty.

Key Highlights:

• Legal Proceedings: The injunction halts the immediate expulsion of students, pending a court hearing next week. Harvard has filed a lawsuit challenging the legality of the ban.

• Impact on Chinese Students: Kerry Allen, the China media analyst, discussed at [10:11], "Chinese students account for around 20% of all international students at Harvard... many feel heartbroken and are unsure of their future." The Chinese government has responded by ensuring affected students can transfer to other institutions, such as the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology.

• Geopolitical Tensions: Allen further highlighted how the US's actions are being portrayed in China, emphasizing increasing frictions and impacting the perception of safety for Chinese students abroad.

5. Tribute to Sebastio Salgado, Renowned Photographer

The podcast pays homage to Sebastio Salgado, a Brazilian photographer and environmental campaigner who passed away at the age of 81. Salgado was celebrated for his poignant black-and-white imagery that captured marginalized communities and pressing global issues.

Key Highlights:

• Career Overview: Salgado began his career as a wedding photographer before transitioning to impactful projects like "Workers" and "The Archaeology of Industrialism," documenting the decline of manual labor due to mechanization and computerization ([14:07]).

• Legacy and Influence: Neil Burgess, Salgado’s agent, remarked at [14:36], "He was a brilliant image maker and a fantastic storyteller... influencing generations of photographers." Salgado's dedication extended beyond photography to environmental conservation through his reforestation project, the Institute of Terra.

• Personal Tributes: Burgess described Salgado as a passionate and generous individual, highlighting his love for life, family, and his intense commitment to his work ([15:55]).

6. Java Programming Language Celebrates 30 Years

Marking three decades since its inception, Java continues to be a cornerstone in the programming world, powering over 3 billion devices globally. Its longevity is attributed to adaptability and widespread corporate adoption.

Key Highlights:

• Adaptability and Stability: At [16:28], Neil Burgess explained, "Java looks to the past while also advancing towards the future," balancing legacy system support with modern advancements.

• Ubiquity in Industry: Java remains the preferred language for more than 90% of Fortune 500 companies and is integral to Android app development. Chris Stokel Walker emphasized Java's role as a "Swiss army knife" in technology, underlining its versatility across platforms and applications ([24:03]).

• Educational Importance: Despite the emergence of newer programming languages, Java's emphasis on stability and gradual evolution has kept it relevant, maintaining a strong presence in educational curriculums worldwide.

7. Victor Wanyama's Continued Impact on Scottish Football

Kenyan football icon Victor Wanyama has rekindled his ties with Scotland by joining Dunfermline Athletic on a short-term deal. Despite limited playing time, Wanyama's presence has significantly boosted the club's morale and fan engagement.

Key Highlights:

• Club's Struggles and Turnaround: Wanyama's arrival was pivotal in helping Dunfermline Athletic avoid relegation, showcasing his leadership and experience ([27:09]).

• Fan Support and Legacy: The overwhelming demand for Wanyama's replica jerseys highlights his enduring popularity. At [28:58], it was noted that orders surged not just locally but internationally, demonstrating his global fan base.

• Potential National Team Return: With changes in the Kenyan Football Federation, Wanyama is considering a return to the national team, indicating his ongoing commitment to his home country's football scene ([29:28]).

8. Breakthrough in Night Vision Technology with Contact Lenses

Scientists in China have developed contact lenses embedded with nanoparticles that enhance night vision by converting infrared light into visible wavelengths, potentially revolutionizing low-light vision capabilities.

Key Highlights:

• Technology Explanation: Richard Hamilton explained at [17:30], "These nanoparticles absorb infrared light and convert it into normal red, blue, and green wavelengths," allowing wearers to see in conditions previously challenging.

• Advantages and Limitations: Unlike bulky special operations goggles, these contact lenses are lightweight and battery-free. However, they blur fine details on the retina, necessitating additional glasses for clarity ([19:28]).

• Potential Applications: Beyond military uses, this technology could aid colorblind individuals and enhance information transmission in security and rescue operations.

9. Eurovision Song Contest Faces Rigging Allegations

The Eurovision Song Contest is under scrutiny following Israel's entry, "New Day Will Rise," garnering the majority of public votes but securing only second place overall. Concerns have been raised about potential rigging and the integrity of the voting system.

Key Highlights:

• Allegations of Rigging: Broadcasters from several countries, including Ireland, the Netherlands, and Spain, have called for an audit, suspecting unfair advantages in voting and promotion. Paul Jordan, a Eurovision expert, commented at [21:19], "Targeted ads encouraging voting times for a specific entry isn't really within the rules."

• EBU's Response: The European Broadcasting Union remains firm that there is no evidence of vote manipulation, yet acknowledges the need to review promotional and voting rules ([22:58]).

• Voting System Concerns: Current public voting allows up to 20 votes per viewer, with reports of voters circumventing limits through multiple registrations. The EBU is committed to ensuring future contests maintain fairness and transparency.

10. Closing Highlights

The episode concludes with a mix of lighter segments, including innovative advancements and personal stories, reinforcing the podcast's commitment to delivering comprehensive global news coverage.

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Notable Quotes:

• Neil Burgess on Java's Longevity (00:16:28): "Java looks to the past while also advancing towards the future."

• Ian Williams on French Robbery Case (00:05:39): "None of them is going to return to jail because of the long periods of pre-trial custody which so many of them have spent."

• Kerry Allen on Chinese Students (00:10:11): "Chinese students account for around 20% of all international students at Harvard... many feel heartbroken and are unsure of their future."

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This comprehensive summary encapsulates the key discussions, insights, and conclusions from the Global News Podcast episode, providing readers with an in-depth understanding of the topics covered without needing to listen to the full episode.

Transcript

[Oliver Conway]

This BBC podcast is supported by ads outside the uk.

[Zing Singh]

I'm Zing Singh.

[Simon Jack]

And I'm Simon Jack.

[Zing Singh]

And together we host Good Bad Billionaire.

[Simon Jack]

The podcast exploring the lives of some of the world's richest people.

[Zing Singh]

In the new season, we're setting our sights on some big names.

[Simon Jack]

Yep, Lebron James and Martha Stewart, to name just a few.

[Zing Singh]

And as always, Simon and I are trying to decide whether we think they're good, bad or just another billionaire that's good.

[Simon Jack]

Bad Billionaire from the BBC World Service.

[Zing Singh]

Listen now, wherever you get your BBC podcasts.

[Hugh Scofield]

Foreign.

[Oliver Conway]

You're listening to the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service. Hello, I'm Oliver Conway. This edition is published in the early hours of Saturday, the 24th of May. President Trump threatens 50% tariffs on the EU and 25% on smartphone makers. A French court has found eight people guilty of robbing Kim Kardashian in a Paris hotel nine years ago. And the Brazilian photographer Sebastio Salgado has died at the age of 81. Also in the podcast.

[Simon Jack]

Hi, Ale.

[Zing Singh]

Salman Stem for New Day will rise. New day will rise.

[Oliver Conway]

Why? The Eurovision Song Contest is looking into its voting and promotion rules. Our discussions with them are going nowhere. A post by Donald Trump on Friday referring to trade negotiations with the European Union. The US President said the block had been very difficult to deal with and he threatened a 50% tariff on all EU goods from 1 June. He also warned Apple it could face a 25% import tax, later extending that to all smartphone makers. Shares fell on both sides of the Atlantic as the trade war ramped up once again after a period of calm. At an appearance in the Oval Office, Mr. Trump again criticized the EU.

[Neil Burgess]

They haven't treated us properly. They haven't treated our country properly. They banded together to take advantage of us.

[Hugh Scofield]

And the people behind me know because.

[Neil Burgess]

They had some of that with their industry. But generally, you know, we signed a great deal with United Kingdom. We have numerous other deals that are ready to be signed. We have, we've signed a deal with China. We have some really amazing deals. But the European Union, I mean, the sole purpose was really to, not to hurt us, but to take advantage of us. And we're not going to be taken.

[Oliver Conway]

Mr. President, Mr. President, we're not going to be taken advantage of, says Mr. Trump. But the EU said it will continue to defend its interests. Here's the Polish Trade Minister, Michal Baranowski.

[Richard Hamilton]

We are negotiating and I think anything.

[Hugh Scofield]

I'm sure we'll get a good deal.

[Richard Hamilton]

I see this as another step in.

[Hugh Scofield]

Our negotiations that in the end, I truly hope will result in a good agreement. Good that is balanced and fair for both sides.

[Oliver Conway]

So what is going on? Our New York business correspondent Michelle Fleury spoke to Helena Humphrey.

[Danny Eberhard]

We know that there was this meeting earlier on today that was due to take place between the EU Trade commissioner and his American counterpart at the US Department of Trade. A short while ago, we heard from the EU Trade commissioner basically saying that the EU was prepared to defend EU rights by but that being said, they were also ready to do a deal, but it needed to be based on mutual respect, not threats. Of course, this comes on a day when not only did Donald Trump say that he was dissatisfied with the way talks were progressing, but then later on in the Oval Office doubling down and saying that he wasn't ready to do a deal with the eu.

[Kerry Allen]

We often say that markets like certainty. So what does all of this mean in terms of what we are seeing on the markets?

[Danny Eberhard]

There was, unsurprisingly, a lot of discomfort when they started to see these social media posts on a Friday morning before a long weekend. At the end of the day, though, how did they end? Well, US Stocks were lower. The Dow Jones Industrial Average and the S&P 500, both down by less than 1%, but certainly their worst performance since April. And all of this is being driven by uncertainty, something that, as you point out, markets really don't like. The unfortunate thing is that investors can prepare for more of a roller coaster ride ahead. And that is because all of this stems from those Liberation Day tariffs imposed on April 2. They were put on pause for 90 days. As we get closer to the end of that deadline in which you could see tariffs reimposed unless there are successful trade negotiations, I think we're going to see a lot more of this potentially, which is this kind of repeated tariff threats, potentially rollbacks and more sort of back and forth, creating a lot of noise, a lot of uncertainty before we finally discover where things land.

[Oliver Conway]

Michelle Fleury in New York. A gang of armed robbers has been found guilty of stealing jewels worth around $10 million from Kim Kardashian in Paris nearly nine years ago. However, they will all go free after being given shorter sentences than the prosecution had requested. Dubbed the Grandpa Robbers by the French media, most are in their 60s and 70s and they have spent time in detention awaiting trial. I got reaction from Hugh Scofield in Paris.

[Ian Williams]

I'm not at all surprised at the guilty verdicts for the main participants. Two of them had admitted that they did it. The main guy, the ringleader, Omar Kadash, had said that he was there. All he disputed was the fact that he was the ringleader. He'd said that he was actually told by someone else, who he wouldn't name, to do it. So there's no real surprise there. Several of the others had said, oh, no case of mistaken identity. But I don't think anyone particularly believed that. The sentencing, I think, is the interesting part because they are light sentences. There's no two ways about it. None of them is going to return to jail because of the long periods of pre trial custody which so many of them have spent. You know, they were arrested only a few months after the robbery and spent some years in jail before being released because it was all taking too long to bring them to trial. So they got two years or three years, which means they won't go back to jail now because they've already done it. You can sort of kind of understand it. I mean, they are very, very frail old men. And there was also this fact that in court, there was this kind of funny rapport almost between Kim Kardashian herself when she was here, and the main accused, Omar Kadash, who expressed his remorse, his regret, and she said, well, I'm getting involved in the law and rehabilitation. I think that's very important. So I accept your apology and I forgive you.

[Oliver Conway]

But it was quite an astonishing robbery that they carried out, even though they were relatively elderly.

[Ian Williams]

It was. And, you know, the prosecution and the court's president were at pains to, you know, remind everyone over and over again that there was nothing funny or cuddly or old timery about the robbery. It was a petrifying, terrifying experience. They got away with the theft of millions of dollars in, in jewels, which has never been recovered. But the balance was between that and the fact that it all happened so long ago, that they'd served time already in pre trial custody, that they are old men, that they are in many cases sick old men. And there was this strange rapport, this strange sort of forgiveness between the main victim, Kim Kardashian, and a couple of the main participants who basically said sorry and regretted that they'd done what they'd done.

[Oliver Conway]

And what did the French public make of it all?

[Ian Williams]

All I can say is that this has not exercise the French public quite as much as it's exercised the world's public. I mean, it's very much an international story rather than the French story. This. The French themselves are. They follow it and they're. They were Bemused, I think, by the portrayal of the gang as the Granddad Bandits. That's all a reference to an old French film, Les tont au Flanger, which is about, you know, a group that gets together in their 70s to do one last job. And that, that was the kind of an amusing spin on the story.

[Oliver Conway]

Hughes Schofield in Paris, the European Union's police agency says it has carried out a large sting operation against international cyber criminals, dismantling key infrastructure used to spread malware and launch ransomware attacks. Europol said five European countries, including the UK were involved, along with the US And Canada. Our Europe regional editor, Danny Eberhard has the details. This operation targeted global networks, spreading the malicious software or malware that cybercriminals use to infect computers systems unnoticed. They can then deploy ransomware to cripple networks and encrypt, destroy or steal data. The raids were unconnected to the recent cyber attacks here in Britain on the Co Op and Marks and Spencer. But those incidents were a reminder of how damaging such attacks can be, both financially and reputationally. Criminals use ransomware to try to extort huge sums from the public service or corporation targeted to restore access. This week's raids saw 300 servers and hundreds of domain names taken down and several strains of malware disabled. In addition, Europol said 3 million pounds of cryptocurrency was seized and international arrest warrants were issued for 20 suspects, but no one's yet been taken into custody. The game of cat and mouse continues. Danny Eberhardt, President Trump's plan to force Harvard to get rid of its foreign students has been temporarily blocked by a US Judge. The ban was announced yesterday by the Homeland Security secretary, who accused the university of fostering anti Semitism and coordinating with the Chinese Communist Party on its campus. Harvard sued and there'll now be a court hearing next week. But in the meantime, thousands of students remain in limbo. Among them are many from China. As we heard from our China media analyst, Kerry Allen, there's been a real.

[Kerry Allen]

Feeling in China that this is a measure that's targeting Chinese students. So there's a real emphasis in newspapers that Chinese students account for around 20% of all international students at Harvard, which is around 1,800 to 2,300 Chinese students a year. And there's a lot of attention being given to China's Foreign Ministry saying that it's going to safeguard the rights and interests of overseas Chinese students. Also a lot in newspapers highlighting how students have reacted, with some saying that they feel heartbroken by the decision. And it's left them not really knowing where to go.

[Oliver Conway]

Yeah, I mean, what can the Chinese authorities do to look after their foreign students?

[Kerry Allen]

One of the things that China's been saying is that this impacts a lot of countries. They're saying that it impacts students from as many as 140 countries and regions. One university in Hong Kong, for example, the Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, has said that it can offer places to affected Harvard students. So there's a real emphasis that China wants to welcome people who've been impacted by this decision by the US Government.

[Oliver Conway]

And how many Chinese students like to go abroad to study? Is it a big thing in China?

[Kerry Allen]

It is, yeah. So many years ago I used to be a teacher in China and there was this idea of the American dream was, was very real to Chinese students. They used to have a lot of exposure to American TV shows. And the idea of speaking English is still associated with prestige. But at the same time, there's a lot of state media messaging that stresses the frictions between China and the US are only getting worse. And that really kind of, it changes the idea in Chinese students minds of how safe it is to go abroad and whether this dream that they've had for years is the actual reality.

[Oliver Conway]

And in a way, might the communist authorities in China be pleased that Harvard might actually be forced to kick out some of its Chinese students as a result of this action?

[Kerry Allen]

Oh, absolutely. And I think this is why state media want to draw so much attention to it. There's a lot of messaging at the moment that the US government under President Trump is almost isolating itself against the world. So China's really capitalizing on that and saying where the US is gaining criticism, China is not. At the moment, people are looking at China more favorably.

[Oliver Conway]

Our China media analyst, Kerry Allen. The Brazilian photographer and environmental campaigner Sebastio Salgado has died at the age of 81. He traveled the world with his camera, captivating audiences with his images of wildlife, landscapes and people. Many of his projects focused on the dignity of marginalized communities, from Brazilian gold miners to Ethiopian refugees, all shot in black and white. Last year, he spoke to the BBC about his career, saying he began as a wedding photographer.

[Hugh Scofield]

I went to a magazine in Paris and I said, guys, I'm a new photographer, a young photographer. I want to see if you want to lose my pics. They smile, they joke of me and said, sebastian, look, we give you all the stories that will be publishing next week. If you have one picture that can illustrate one of these matters, you bring it, we look. If it's good, you use. I look at this and I had a lot of stories about migration and said, I am a migrant. These guys I know and I had a small motorbike. I went there, I was accepted by the migrants and I started to make the pictures. Next week I developed my prints. I bring to the magazine and they accept my pictures, they publish and they pay me. And slowly by slowly, I was accepted by this magazine. And after. By a second one, by a third one, in a moment, I started to work as a photographer.

[Oliver Conway]

Well, Sebastio Salgado's agent, Neil Burgess, spoke to Rebecca Kesbi about his career.

[Neil Burgess]

The first big project was called Workers. He called it the Archaeology of Industrialism. He was looking at the remaining industries which use a manual layer. I think he saw back then what we see very clearly now with the advent of AI and computerization, how mechanization and computers were taking over the role of people who only had their labor to sell the proletariat, if you like. And he made a fantastic record of that era.

[Kerry Allen]

What do you think his contribution has.

[Oliver Conway]

Been to the art form?

[Neil Burgess]

Salgado was a brilliant image maker and he was a fantastic storyteller, but he. The way that he concentrated on his ideas, the way that he researched his ideas, and the way he put together not just a single image, but a whole essay, a whole book, a whole exhibition which would inform the viewer of some of the most important issues of our time. Issues about migration, issues about the environment, issues about the changing economic scene. He has influenced a couple of generations of photography already, and I'm sure he'll keep influencing many more generations of photographers to come. But I think, I mean, speaking to him a couple of decades ago, he told me about the thing that he hoped would probably be his. His greatest work and the thing that he might be most remembered for, and that's for his and his wife Leilia's reforestation project in Brazil, the Institute of Terra, where they have reinstated a very large number of farms worth of northern rainforest.

[Kerry Allen]

And Neil, obviously we've been focusing on his work, but you worked with him very closely. You were his agent for decades.

[Oliver Conway]

What was he like as a person?

[Neil Burgess]

He was a very intense man. He was very intense about his work and everything he did. He loved football, he loved music, he enjoyed life, he loved his family. He was a very generous, funny man. He was a great human being.

[Oliver Conway]

Neil Burgess on Sebastio Salgado, who's died at the age of 81 and still to come, on the global news podcast.

[Neil Burgess]

I think one of the reasons why Java has remained so strong is that it looks to the past while also advancing towards the future.

[Oliver Conway]

The programming language Java turns 30.

[Zing Singh]

I'm Zing Singh.

[Simon Jack]

And I'm Simon Jack.

[Zing Singh]

And together we host Good Bad Billionaire.

[Simon Jack]

The podcast exploring the lives of some of the world's richest people.

[Zing Singh]

In the new season, we're setting our sights on some big names.

[Simon Jack]

Yep, LeBron James and Martha Stewart, to name just a few.

[Zing Singh]

And as always, Simon and I are trying to decide whether we think they're good, bad, or just another billionaire.

[Simon Jack]

That's good. Bad Billionaire from the BBC World Service.

[Zing Singh]

Listen now, wherever you get your BBC podcasts.

[Oliver Conway]

Now, contrary to myth, carrots do not help you see in the dark. But what about contact lenses? Well, scientists in China believe they found a way to improve night vision through technology that even allows people to see when their eyes are shut. Richard Hamilton has been looking into the story for us.

[Richard Hamilton]

The human eye cannot see infrared light, which is like the beam coming out of a TV remote control. So it's usually invisible because this wavelength is too long to be detected. So what the scientists did was they embedded nanoparticles into a type of contact lens, which converts that wavelength into a shorter wavelength that's more visible. So these nanoparticles absorb infrared light and convert it into the normal red, blue, and green wavelengths. And what's amazing is that if you close your eyelids, it becomes. These lenses become four times more effective because they're cutting out any interference. And the technology is similar to what these sort of special ops guys that you see in films like Mission Impossible. You know, if there's a nighttime raid, they wear these bulky goggles. But of course, the advantage of the contact lenses is that you don't need any batteries. So they're not bulky. And they tested it sounds a bit dangerous, but they tested this technology on mice. And the mice were fitted with the contact lenses and given a choice between a dark box and one flooded with infrared light. And the mouse chose the darker box, suggesting that they could see this infrared light and they didn't find it comfortable. And they also did brain scans which showed there was activity going around in the mice's brains, which is responsible for visual processing.

[Oliver Conway]

Are there any problems with them, though?

[Richard Hamilton]

Yes, because these lenses sit on the retina, the fine detail is a bit blurred. So, for example, in the dark, you wouldn't be able to see the writing on a sign on a wall. So the scientists also developed a pair of glasses that you can put on top of these lenses to make the image sharper. And then they finally said that sort of the last resort is to shine a light on the infrared light, which. Which seems rather sort of taking away the point. You might as well say we'll just switch the light on in the room and then you won't have any problems.

[Oliver Conway]

And are we all going to be going around wearing contact lenses and glasses as well in future?

[Richard Hamilton]

Not anytime soon. But they say that there are some serious implications. It could help colorblind people translate otherwise indistinct hues into shades that are more easily perceived. And then going back to the Special Ops situation, those guys with the bulky goggles, they say that flickering infrared light could be used to transmit information in security or rescue operations.

[Oliver Conway]

And I was talking to Richard Hamilton there. The world's biggest music competition, the Eurovision Song Contest, has been hit with rigging claims. After Israel got most votes from the public in the final last Saturday, TV networks have raised concerns with the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes Eurovision. It has said it will look into how entries are promoted and the number of votes allowed per viewer. Stephanie Zakrisen has the details.

[Kerry Allen]

297 points.

[Simon Jack]

We have a new leader on the scoreboard.

[Zing Singh]

Yuval Rafael and her ballad New Day Will Rise came top of the viewer vote last Saturday, but finished second overall to Austria when combined with the jury scores. But Israel's success among the public and the disparity between the two tallies has prompted calls from a string of countries to examine the results and voting system. Broadcasters in Ireland, the Netherlands, Belgium, Spain, Iceland and Finland have raised concerns or questions, with some requesting an audit of the votes. Two areas have been highlighted. Firstly, heavy promotion of the Israeli entry on digital and social media platforms. So what is and isn't allowed? Here's Eurovision expert Paul Jordan.

[Oliver Conway]

It is a bit of a grey area because promotion of your song is.

[J]

Fine, but targeted ads encouraging voting 20.

[Oliver Conway]

Times for a specific entry isn't really within the rules, certainly not within the spirit of the event.

[J]

I voted for Israel because it was.

[Oliver Conway]

A very good song and I understand, you know, politically it's a very challenging situation, but for me, Eurovision is about the music.

[Zing Singh]

Now, Israel's entry is not the only one that popped up on people's social media feeds in the weeks leading up to the competition, but looking at its presence online, it appears to have been a wide ranging campaign. On YouTube, there are videos targeting voters in all Eurovision participating countries with a singer, Yuval Rafael, addressing them in different languages. Hi, Alisaman Stempo New day will rise. New Day will rise. Vote for New Day will rise. New Day will rise. Hi, everyone.

[Oliver Conway]

Vote for New Day will rise.

[Zing Singh]

Number four. These ads have been labelled as paid for by the Israeli government advertising agency. The Eurovision organizer. EBU has said the ads did not break the rules. Another criticism facing the contest is the way the public voting system works, with every viewer able to vote 20 times. There are reports of voters finding ways around this by registering different bank cards when voting via the website or using multiple phones. The Eurovision expert Paul Jordan.

[Oliver Conway]

Again, there's no proof in the allegations that this has happened. This time. However, I think we need to protect the contest from future opportunities for even hackers. You know, Eurovision is a very complex event and it's very vulnerable at times as well.

[Zing Singh]

The EBU has updated its rules over the years. In 2014, it tightened the regulations after Azerbaijan was accused of trying to buy jury votes and pay members of the public in other countries to dial in. In a public letter published on Friday, the head of the Eurovision Song Contest, Martin Green, says there is no evidence that votes were manipulated. Rather, the EBU has insisted the results have been thoroughly checked and verified. But in light of the criticism and questions raised, Eurovision will look into the rules around the promotion of entries and the number of votes allowed per person.

[Oliver Conway]

Stephanie Zakrison for most of us, it's easier not to look too hard inside the devices that dominate our lives. But the programming language which helps many of them run, has celebrated a special birthday. Java is now 30, named after the coffee that one of its founders was drinking in a brainstorming session. It's now used on more than 3 billion devices. As Louis Brett Kelly reports, Java has.

[Simon Jack]

Been described as the Swiss army knife of programming languages from Netflix and Minecraft, cloud servers and cars. Java's language is behind so much of the technology that surrounds us today. It's used by more than 90% of the companies on the Fortune 500, a list of top American companies, and is considered the default language for big businesses. And since its founding 30 years ago, despite the development of potentially revolutionary technology like AI and more advanced programming languages, Java has remained a key player. Chris Stokel Walker is a tech journalist.

[Neil Burgess]

I think one of the reasons why Java has remained so strong is that it's both been adaptable to the changes that are coming down the line, while also recognizing that there are a lot of systems that are built on this sort of thing that need to remain compatible in the past. So it manages to play both cards. It kind of looks to the past while also advancing towards the future.

[Simon Jack]

Java's slogan is write once, run anywhere, the idea being that its language is compatible with a majority of platforms. In the 90s, Java's versatility set it apart from its competitors. At the time, Microsoft was creating tech that could only work with its own Windows software, so Java was essentially set up as a repos. To that, the language's flexibility paid off, and for years, Java was the official language for Android app development. In its 30 years, Java has prioritized stability and slow evolution, and it's still taught in classrooms across the world. While new flashy models have cropped up, Java has remained a trusted language and built a diverse and loyal user base.

[Oliver Conway]

Louis Brett Kelly reporting Now to an African football icon who, despite having played all around the world, has developed a love affair with Scotland. Victor Wenyama was a European Champions League finalist with Tottenham Hotspur. He also played in Sweden, Belgium and Canada. But the Kenyan midfielder first made his name with Scottish champion Celtic and recently returned to Scot on an unlikely rescue mission for second tier Dunfermline Athletic. As BBC Sport Africa's Ian Williams found out.

[J]

In Dunfermline History calls out this small and picturesque city in central Scotland used to be the capital. At its heart sits a sandstone abbey dating back to the 12th century. Its cool interior houses the remains of kings and queens. But recently the city has been playing host to African football royalty.

[Neil Burgess]

I actually couldn't believe when I told.

[Oliver Conway]

You you're signing for Dunfermline.

[J]

On the other side of town, outside Dunfermline's modern day cathedral, East End Park. Fans who remember the first reign of of Victor Wanyama in Scotland when he won two titles with Celtic in 2012 and 2013, queue for autographs and photos.

[Hugh Scofield]

Thank you Victor.

[Neil Burgess]

Thank you so much.

[J]

It's a bond the Kenyan midfielder feels is shared.

[Hugh Scofield]

They have really looked after me. They embrace their culture always, you know, loving. They don't. It doesn't matter where you come from, they see you as one of their own and they love their football.

[J]

When all the photos are snapped, I finally get my chance.

[Kerry Allen]

Chance.

[J]

Victor, this is great of you to welcome us. Should we go inside and have a look around?

[Hugh Scofield]

Yeah, let's go.

[J]

Thank you Victor. When you came to Dunfermline, what did you know about the club?

[Hugh Scofield]

I knew the club is a big club. They have produced also some some of the legends in the game, the likes of Sir Alex Fugus.

[J]

When he arrived on a short term deal in March, the two time Scottish cup winners were fighting relegation to the third team year. The reason he signed up for the battle, his former manager and mentor at Celtic, Neil Lennon, the man in charge of Wanyama once again at Dunfermline.

[Hugh Scofield]

He knows me very well and he's a winner, so it's that easy. When someone like Nell Cole.

[J]

Reunited with Lennon, a strong late run saw the team beat the drop, even if Wanyama's influence on the pitch was limited. You've not played all that many minutes. Has that been a frustration?

[Hugh Scofield]

Not at all. We had a young team and had to play a role in that, you know, speaking to the young lads, trying to help them in training. So this is the club shop where you can get your Wanyama shirt.

[J]

Evidence that Wanyama retains hero status can be found in the fact that the club run out of replica shirts. Marketing manager Chris Addison is the man often responsible for printing them. With Wanyama choosing 44 as his squad number, Chris had to make an emergency order for more number fours as soon.

[Oliver Conway]

As the squad number was confirmed, which was 44. And we saw the orders come in from UK, his native Kenya. Further afield, all over the world, really.

[J]

Wanyama hasn't played for his own country since 2020, having fallen out with the National Federation. But with a new regime in place and the appointment of high profile South African coach Benny McCarthy, could a Kenya comeback be on the cards? Has Benny given you a call?

[Hugh Scofield]

Yeah, I've spoken to him a few times. He was trying to convince me to go back. Things have changed the way the federation manages the players and the football national team. So that has already convinced me. It's something maybe I might consider.

[J]

34 next month. Wanyama is also talking to his new friends at Dunfermline about maybe staying on next season.

[Hugh Scofield]

We'll have to sit down again and see what's next and then we'll be happy. We'll be happy to come back here for next season.

[J]

Enjoying being back in the heart of the action. One yammer farmer says he has no plans for retirement. Whatever comes next, it seems he'll always have a second home here in Scotland.

[Oliver Conway]

Ian Williams of BBC Sport Africa. And that's all from us for now. But the Global News podcast will be back at the same time tomorrow. This edition was mixed by Mike Campbell and produced by Stephanie Tillotson. Our editors, Karen Martin. I'm Oliver Conway. Way until next time. Goodbye.

[Zing Singh]

I'm Zing Singh.

[Simon Jack]

And I'm Simon Jack.

[Zing Singh]

And together we host Good Bad Billionaire.

[Simon Jack]

The podcast exploring the lives of some of the world's richest people.

[Zing Singh]

In the new season, we're setting our sights on some big names.

[Oliver Conway]

Yep.

[Simon Jack]

LeBron James and Martha Stewart, to name just a few.

[Zing Singh]

And as always, Simon and I are trying to decide, decide whether we think they're good, bad or just another billionaire.

[Simon Jack]

That's good. Bad billionaire from the BBC World Service.

[Zing Singh]

Listen now, wherever you get your BBC podcasts.