Global News Podcast - Joe Biden diagnosed with 'aggressive' prostate cancer

Episode Date: May 19, 2025

The former US president Joe Biden was diagnosed with prostate cancer on Friday after seeing a doctor for urinary symptoms. Also: Israel says it will allow 'basic amount' of food into Gaza, ending 10-week blockade.

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This is the Global News Podcast from the BBC World Service. I'm Bernadette Keough and in the early hours of Monday 19 May these are our main stories. The former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. With Gaza on the brink of famine, Israel says it will allow basic amounts of food into the territory as it extends its ground offensive against Hamas. Near complete results from the second round of Romania's presidential election show the pro-EU candidate has won. Also in this podcast, the singer Elton John says he'll fight plans in Britain to exempt AI firms from copyright laws.

The danger is for young artists, they haven't got the resources to keep checking or fight big tech if there is a lawsuit or anything like that. It's criminal and I feel incredibly betrayed. The former US President Joe Biden has been diagnosed with prostate cancer. A statement from his office said he had an aggressive form of the disease. Mr Biden, who's 82, left office in January. Concerns about his age and health, highlighted by a calamitous debate performance against Donald Trump last June, forced him to abandon his re-election campaign. I heard more from our correspondent, Nomi Iqbal,

about the statement on Mr. Biden's health. Well, the statement said that last week, Mr. Biden was seen because the doctors found a prostate nodule after he was experiencing increasing urinary symptoms. And then on Friday, he was diagnosed with prostate cancer and it spread to the bone and so it's an aggressive form of the disease but the statement goes on to say

that the cancer appears to be hormone sensitive which allows for effective management and his office also says that the president and his family are reviewing treatment options with his doctors. And we've been getting some initial reaction. We have. President Trump has put on his social media platform. He commented saying that he and his wife were saddened to hear about the medical diagnosis. He said, to quote him, we extend our warmest and best wishes to Jill, Joe Biden's wife,

and the family, and we wish Joe a fast and successful recovery. At Kamala Harris, his former vice president said on X that she and her husband Doug were saddened to hear of this and she said Joe is a fighter and I know he will face this challenge with the same strength, resilience and optimism that have always defined his life and leadership. We are hopeful for a full and speedy recovery. Well, Mr Biden left office as the oldest ever serving US president, but his age and health forced him to abandon his re-election campaign 10 months ago, didn't they? Yeah, questions about his capacities dogged him throughout his presidency and they really peaked after that debate with President Trump on June 27th. It was one of the most consequential debates, I'd say, in US US history, combined with his flagging poll

numbers, his party had this huge panic over whether he could win in November. And then I remember clearly he quit on July the 21st Sunday and that was less than a month before his party's convention, a few months before voters were heading to the polls, so it was totally, totally unprecedented in the modern political era. And as we know, the gamble, if that's how we saw it, didn't pay off because his vice president, Kamala Harris, lost to President Trump.

And Joe Biden has been back in the spotlight recently. He has. He's been trying to rebuild his legacy, I think. He's in that sort of mode at the moment. He gave an interview to the BBC, he was on a US TV show, The View, and there he pushed back on claims that his mental health was in decline. And just this weekend there's been really damning audio from when he was questioned in 2022 about the classified documents, where you can hear that he's pretty slow. There are also major books coming this week, which are pretty scathing about him

and basically saying he was cocooned from reality. Democrats were lost on how to deal with it. And even now, they won't speak openly about President Biden's mental health. Nomiya Iqbal. The Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, has said Israel will allow a basic amount of food into Gaza after imposing a blockade on all humanitarian aid since early March. There have been repeated warnings that malnutrition had become widespread and growing calls by

Israel's allies, aid agencies and the UN to allow supplies in. The announcement came hours after Israel's military said it had begun extensive ground operations throughout Gaza to defeat Hamas and free hostages. Over the past week some 500 people have been killed in Israeli strikes. Our correspondent in Jerusalem, Wurah Davis, told me more about the Israeli announcement as regards food aid for the territory. Israel has bowed to American and international and some internal pressure to allow some basic food aid into Gaza. The humanitarian crisis which Israel had denied was happening is clearly becoming a big problem for Israel itself. Aid agencies and the UN had said that the entire population of Gaza was at risk of famine.

People are going without food. There's been an Israeli blockade for more than 10 weeks now. So Israel, after a security cabinet meeting, will allow a basic amount of food aid in. But the justification given by Israel for that was because it is about to embark on a huge military operation called Operation Gideon's Chariot. And that military operation, says Israel, doesn't want to be hampered by the possibility,

the likelihood of famine and starvation in Gaza. So in many ways it's to allow the smooth running, as Israel will put it, of its military operation that it's to allow food aid into Gaza. All of this is happening this enhanced military operation putting tens of hundreds if not thousands of Israeli military boots on the ground in Gaza while the ceasefire talks in Qatar are said to be hanging by a thread. There is no sign of agreement between the Hamas and the Israeli delegations, so the Israeli military have announced this huge military operation. One of the most controversial

parts of the operation will be to split Gaza into several parts and attempt to move tens of thousands of people down towards so-called safe zones in southern Gaza. But that in itself will be hugely problematic. It's been criticized roundly by members of the United Nations and the international community. And we've seen signs in the last 24 hours that this military operation, this enhanced military operation is well underway. In the last few hours, Israeli tanks and

soldiers have been surrounding a hospital in northern Gaza, the Indonesian hospital. Of course Israel accuses Hamas and other militants of hiding within hospital grounds and is using hospitals as command and control centers but the situation at the Indonesian hospital was so egregious that patients and medical staff were unable to move, they were unable to perform their functions, so in effect the hospital had to stop operating, it had to stop working and that was one of three public hospitals in Gaza, in northern Gaza, that have now closed down. So this is a very ominous period. Israel now in the next few days

about to really ramp up this huge military operation in Gaza with all the consequences that will have for the territory's population of 2.1 million people. Wora Davies in Jerusalem. Next to Romania, the pro-EU candidate in the country's presidential election has emerged as the winner with almost all of Sunday's votes now counted. Nikoshe Dan, the mayor of Bucharest, was running against the right-wing Eurosceptic, George A. Simeon, who'd voiced support for the US president Donald Trump. Claudio Nasui, a Romanian MP for the Save Romania Union Party,

which backed Nikoshe Dan, said the victory was a great relief. We are very delighted I think Romania dodged the bullets tonight so if we look at the first round of elections the results were not very encouraging actually there was a fair chance that Mr. Simeon could win and right now I think that the general atmosphere is that that disaster was averted. On Sunday evening our correspondent Sarah Rainsford who was with Nicosia Dan supporters in Bucharest sent this report. We just didn't know how it was going to go. It was pretty much neck-and-neck in the opinion

polls that we saw before the election day itself and I think it was anyone's guess what the result might be. I think certainly the fact that more people have turned out to vote, there's quite a significant increase in turnout, seemed to favour the Bucharest Mayor, Nicolas Jourdan. That was always the kind of thinking before the election, the second round, and it seems to be what has happened or at least part of the story. But definitely I can just tell you right now where I am. I'm in the centre of Bucharest and I made a massive crowd of people who are here waiting to see Nicolas Chaudin appear. There's police here, there are metal barriers that have been put up, there are lots of cameras, lots of lights at the little stage

and of course lots of people here are extremely relieved that this was the moment they were scared might not happen. I've actually spoken to quite a few supporters of Nicolas Chaudin in recent days who were worried that if Georges Simeon did win the election they said that they thought for them that meant they actually might have to leave the country. They were talking about leaving in a matter of days because they were scared about what a Simeone presidency might mean for Romania, for its future direction, for its relations with Europe, for its economy, but of course that's just half the picture in Romania and there are plenty of supporters of George Signon,

who I've been speaking to as well in recent days, who really were hoping that voting for him was a vote for change. They talk a lot about traditional family values, they talk about Christianity, they talk about God quite a lot and they also talk about Romania first. It's quite a Trumpian kind of narrative. Sarah Rainsford in Romania. Next to Rome, Pope Leo has received the symbols of office at his inaugural mass in St Peter's Square. In his homily he criticised economic systems that exploit the poor and the natural world. Tens of thousands of people attended. From the Vatican, Bethany Bell reports. Cheers from the crowd as Pope Leo appeared in his Pope Mobile and drove around St Peter's Square. People waved flags and balloons, some lifted up their babies for him to bless. This is a moment of excitement, joy and solemnity. People have come from across the world to

be part of this historic occasion. Michelle from Germany said she came to Rome specifically to see Pope Leo. It's very crazy because there are so many people. I don't heard much about him but I think he's very nice and lovely so I think it's okay. Many of the tens of thousands here were Catholics but there were also tourists in the crowd. Joe is from Missouri in the US. It's great timing we're here to see the Pope's inaugural mass. I think it's wonderful first American Pope extra proud. That was mass. I think it's wonderful, first American Pope, extra proud.

That was a surprise, I think a surprise to the world. Very big surprise, yes. This is just inspiring no matter what denomination of Christian you are. Choir singing During the service, Pope Leo received the special symbols of his papacy. He was visibly moved when the papal ring was placed on his finger.

He appealed for love and reconciliation. We cannot forget our brothers and sisters who are suffering because of war. In Gaza, the surviving children, families and elderly are reduced to starvation. In Myanmar, new hostilities have cut short innocent young lives. Finally, war-torn Ukraine awaits negotiations for a just and lasting peace. The Pope met with the world leaders and ministers who attended the service. Among them were the Ukrainian President Vladimir Zelensky and the US Vice President JD Vance. The Bells rang out over St Peter's Square,

carrying with them the hopes for a more peaceful world. Bethany Bell in Rome. Still to come. Your five years in solitary confinement are at an end. You've paid part of your debt to France. A return to French Guiana for some of the most dangerous inmates in France. I talk to women soldiers about their experiences, why they joined the military and ask what the future holds for them at a time of increased tensions around the world. And ultimately, I hope to discover

what it's like to be a woman warrior. Listen now by searching for the documentary wherever you get your BBC podcasts. The suspect in the bombing of a reproductive clinic in Palm Springs, California has been identified. The 25-year-old, Guy Edward Bartkus, had reportedly uploaded a rambling manifesto online outlining his belief that human childbirth is morally wrong. Later the FBI described him as having neolistic ideation, a belief that life is meaningless.

The man is accused of detonating a bomb outside the clinic, killing one person, which is believed to have been himself, and leaving several others injured. At a news briefing, the FBI's Achal Davis said bomb technicians were able to save all of the embryos at the facility and gave an update on the search of the suspect's home. I can confirm they were executing a search warrant at that location in 29 Palms as a result of this explosion. We do not believe that there's an ongoing threat to the public in the 29 Palms area as a result of this investigation. Our North America correspondent Jake Kwon

told me more about the suspect. He's a local resident about an hour away from the blast site in the Palm Springs. He lives in this town called 29 Palms. This is a town where a large marine base is located. He was living in this house with his mother. It appears that the suspect's motive was really the question after any bombing like this. And he had apparently uploaded a manifesto of sorts. He had written online and describing himself as a pro-mortalist, which is a belief that it is human nature to suffer and to cause suffering, that it is better for people to not exist. And this is why he is believed to have targeted a fertility clinic.

And this is not like an abortion clinic. This is a fertility clinic where they provide services to expecting parents, to provide IVF. And he believed that it was morally wrong for People to bring children into this world without their consent So this are this is the the picture that is emerging right now and because the blast was so strong This is one of the strongest blast in Southern, California The the police had said and the the body that was so mangled It took a while to identify.

And it's still not fully identified yet, but it is suspected that the victim is in fact the suspect himself. And did the suspect make an audio clip before the alleged attack? There is an audio that is being circulated. It appears that this is the suspect's audio. But the police has not yet fully confirmed that this audio in fact did belong to the suspect's audio, but the police has not yet fully confirmed that this this audio in fact did belong to the suspect. There are other internet traces where the suspect had you know shared his thoughts on the nature of humanity. He has a very bleak view of the world and he's claims that he had Decided to carry out this act when this other friend he had who shared some of these views about the pessimistic on a worldview had recently died had in fact killed herself

And this is what prompted him to do it now this post and this audio We're still waiting for a full confirmation by the police but it does really appear to be really belong to the suspect. Jake Kwon. Exit polls released after Portugal's snap parliamentary election put the governing right of centre democratic alliance in first place but again without a majority. This is the country's third election in as many years. Alison Roberts reports. The Democratic Alliance led by the incumbent

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro looks unable to secure a majority in the new parliament even if it does a deal with the smaller economically more radical liberal initiative as many commentators expect. Exit polls also point to the main opposition Socialist Party shedding seats perhaps even being overtaken by initiative, as many commentators expect. Exit polls also point to the main opposition socialist party shedding seats, perhaps even being overtaken by far-right Schegger, a party with which Mr Montenegro has said he won't do any deals. Once the actual results are in, it's up to Portugal's president Marcelo Cabello do Sousa to ask someone to form a government, after hearing all parties. He said he'll only do

so once he's sure the new government's programme won't be rejected. Alison Roberts The singer Elton John says he's ready to fight the British government in court if it presses ahead with plans to allow artificial intelligence or AI companies to use artist content without paying for it. He warned that ministers would be committing large-scale theft if they exempted AI firms from copyright laws. A bill to review the use of data is going through the British Parliament. Elton John's reaction is part of a broader backlash from prominent musicians including Paul McCartney, Andrew Lloyd Webber

and Ed Sheeran. He spoke to Laura Kunzberg about companies using artists' content without paying. Well, they'd be committing theft, thievery on the highest scale and for young people or for everyone who's creative creative the fact that AI could run Rampant without you have to ask for approval and you have to have transparency. That's it. It's quite simple You know if you know if someone wants to use your song ask and then you have to have the transparency And how is it being used? That's fine But to actually the danger is for young artists They haven't got the resources to keep checking or fight big tech if they if there is a lawsuit or anything like that

It's criminal and I feel incredibly betrayed. We're complaining about People's legacy whether they're young songwriters with the young playwrights journalists, whatever some people aren't like me They don't earn as much as I do, but when they're creative and it comes from the human soul, and not a machine, because a machine isn't capable of writing anything with any soul in it, if you've got to get rid of that and you've got to rob young people of their legacy and their income, it's a criminal offence I think. I think the government are just being absolute losers. And I'm very angry about it, as you can tell. Big Tech has so much money. And if you're a young person and you're fighting Big Tech, good luck.

It's really disrespectful. It's really disheartening. I supported the government. I did a thing for them at St Paul's Cathedral when Keir Starmer said, I want to help young people in the music business. I want to support them. Well, he's not doing it. And I did that show and I did it because I believed, but I'm not believing so much now. And if the government continues to stick their fingers

in their ears, what are you prepared to do? Are you not just as one as the most successful songwriters of all time? We'll fight all the way, Laura. I mean, if it takes going to the court successful songwriters of all time. We'll fight all the way, Laura. I mean, if it takes going to the court or whatever, we will fight this. And the government are being so stupid. How do you see this battle?

Is it capitalism versus creatives, or is it all about tech bros versus the traditions that we've had for so long? Well, the government said, we've got to overturn this because of financial privilege. That answers your question. It's money. A machine can't create anything. It can but it doesn't have a soul, it doesn't have a heart, it doesn't have human feeling, it doesn't have passion. What machines have passion? Human beings when they create something are doing it. They believe in what they're creating is something good. Whether it's good or not

it doesn't matter. They're trying to create something that will bring pleasure to lots of people. Machines are incapable of doing that. But do you really think that the UK government would be strong enough if they take your side to make Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg pay? It's no good putting a Beba Doobie song for example and putting it into computer safe. Write me a song like Beba Doobie or write me an article like Marina Hyde from The Guardian. That is just horrible. It's George Orwell times a thousand. The government have no right to do this to my songs. They have no right to do it to anybody's songs, anybody's prose,

anybody's journalism, anybody's creative ability. They have no right to send us down the river. And this is what they're doing. And if Keir Starmer was sitting in this seat, what would you say to him today? Wise up. Elton John, the British government, including the British Prime Minister Keir Starmer, says it's seeking a solution that will enable creative industries and AI companies to flourish. France is to build a high-security prison in the South American jungle for the most dangerous criminals, including drug kingpins and convicted jihadists. The Justice Minister said the facility will open in 2028. As Jo Inwood reports, it will be located in French Guiana, home of the infamous penal colony

Ile du Diable or Devil's Island, the location for the classic film Papillon. You know the charge. Yours is the most terrible crime a human being can commit. I accuse you of a wasted life. Killing. It exposed the brutality of French penal colonies, as Steve McQueen's Papillon tries to survive, then escape the place they call Devil's Island. Papillon told the true story of Henri Charriere, wrongly convicted of murder and held in French Guiana. It was also where Captain Alfred Dreyfus, falsely accused of treason, was held. A controversy

that divided pre-World War I France. This proposal from the hardline Justice Minister will not resurrect Devil's Island, but the comparisons are inevitable. Gérald Damanin said the new facility will be built in the town of Saint-Laurent-du-Marronny and will hit organized crime at all levels. The plan would involve isolating the heads of drug trafficking networks. The original Devil's Island operated for a hundred years from 1892. It was a place from which huge numbers did not return, with a death rate of around 70%. But Henri Charrière did live to tell the tale, floating to freedom on a sack of coconuts. I'm still here.

Jo Inwood reporting. I'm still here. Jo Inwood reporting. And that's all from us for now, but there'll be a new edition of the Global News podcast later. If you want to comment on this podcast or the topics covered in it, you can send us an email. The address is globalpodcast.bbc.co.uk. You can also find us on X at BBC World Service. Use the hashtag globalnewspod. This edition was mixed by Masood Ibrahimkhal. The producer was Liam McSheffrey, approved by Charles Sanctuary. The editor is Karen Martin.

I'm Bernadette Keough. Until next time, goodbye. Goodbye. at a time of increased tensions around the world. And ultimately, I hope to discover what it's like to be a woman warrior. Listen now by searching for the documentary wherever you get your BBC podcasts.