The BBC Global News Podcast presents a series of international news stories. These include Ukraine's drone attacks on Russian airfields and the ongoing conflict's impact on Ukrainian firefighters in Kharkiv, an incident near a Gaza aid distribution center with conflicting reports of casualties, and an aid boat attempting to break the siege of Gaza. The podcast also covers Poland's close presidential election, a reported terror attack on a pro-Israel demonstration in Boulder, Colorado, the UK's strategic defense review and submarine construction plans, Mexico's controversial judicial elections, and the economic impact on events like the Preakness Stakes. Finally, it discusses a study on how different cultures value beauty.