In this episode of the BBC World Service Global News podcast, we explore a variety of pressing international stories. Islamist rebels in Syria have made significant territorial gains, posing a serious threat to Assad's regime. Meanwhile, the investigation into the murder of a US healthcare CEO has taken a turn with intriguing clues discovered on bullet casings. We also discuss a groundbreaking AI tool that promises to enhance weather forecasting.
In cultural news, Japanese sake has been awarded UNESCO World Heritage status. French President Macron is addressing the fallout from his government's collapse, while an unknown illness outbreak is raising concerns in the DRC. Additionally, a powerful earthquake has struck off the California coast, and scientists have made a significant breakthrough in understanding how elliptical galaxies form. Finally, we wrap up with a list of the year's most mispronounced words.