The World: Recent Episodes
PRX
Host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories that remind us just how small our planet really is.
A humanitarian crisis has unfolded in eastern Libya, after a major storm battered the region and destroyed two dams. About 10,000 people are missing and more than 5,000 are confirmed dead, after floods wiped away entire neighborhoods in the city of Derna. And, "The Listening Project," launched by The New Humanitarian, is inviting Yemenis from across the country and in the diaspora to talk about their own experiences of war and their daily lives. Also, later this month, Slovakia holds a parliamentary election that will have ramifications far beyond its borders. If the opinion polls are correct, it would mark the return of Robert Fico: a man who models himself on Viktor Orbán, Hungary's “alt-right” leader. Plus, China's tobacco problem.
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un arrived in Russia by armored train on Tuesday to meet President Vladimir Putin. The two are expected to hammer out an arms deal that could help Russia continue its war in Ukraine. And, the so-called Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is projected to double the country's electricity supply and promises agricultural expansion. This has worried Egypt for years, and now that the dam is full and complete, the region confronts a new reality. Also, fighting in Sudan between rival armed forces has now dragged on for 150 days. So far, multiple international efforts at mediation have failed to bring about a lasting ceasefire. Experts warn that a broader civil war could be on the horizon. Plus, Portugal's river of wine.
On Friday evening, a rare 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco in the heart of the Atlas Mountains. More than 2,000 people are reported dead, with many more injured. Aid workers say rough terrain is making rescue efforts difficult. And, last week, the US announced it was sending depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine's military in its fight against Russia's invasion. They are expected to be used against Russian tanks, which are susceptible to the weapon. Also, the bombing of Chile's presidential palace by the military on Sept. 11, 1973, marked the end of a socialist president and the beginning of 17 years of right-wing authoritarianism. We hear how the US played a role in undermining socialist policies and popular support. Plus, soul food in Mexico City, Mexico.
US President Joe Biden arrives in India as Delhi is gearing up to host the G20 summit this weekend. The group of 20 nations includes the United States, Russia and China among others. And, Canada’s temporary foreign worker programs are a “breeding ground” for modern forms of slavery, a United Nations expert has warned. Also, the UN on Friday released the most comprehensive analysis to date of global action on climate change. The report makes clear that radical changes are still needed to meet agreed-upon climate targets. Plus, this Puerto Rican rapper swims against the current.
In this one-hour special, The World looks at transportation issues around the globe. Thor Pedersen, a former UN soldier originally from Denmark, went on a decadelong adventure that took him to every country in the world. The trick — he never took an airplane. And, NASA’s Artemis program aims to bring the first woman and first person of color to the moon in 2024, and it's the prelude to a much bigger ambition — sending humans to Mars. Also, lithium is in soaring global demand, because it's used in electric car batteries. This is good news for the economy of Chile, that meets a third of the world’s lithium needs. Plus, a Finnish driver gets a $120,000 speeding ticket.
After the Taliban takeover, the US finished pulling out its forces from Afghanistan two years ago. The withdrawal was violent and chaotic. What lessons were learned from it? And, beginning in 2026, US prices of expensive prescription drugs may be coming down as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Also, in the early morning hours of Wednesday, military leaders in Gabon announced they seized power and put President Ali Bongo under house arrest. Bongo had just been declared the president in a flawed election. Plus, London's foxes: pest or survivor?
Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leaders of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, proposed a plan for the kind of democratic government he's undermined in the past. Meanwhile, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who leads Sudan's national military, is headed to Egypt and Saudi Arabia for talks. And, disturbing video published on Tuesday by The Guardian newspaper shows the dire conditions of people staying in one of Libya’s migrant detention centers. Also, at least seven people are dead in Haiti after a pastor leading a protest marched through a gang-controlled suburb of the capital. Human rights groups are blaming the pastor for taking protesters into such a dangerous situation and the police for not preventing it from happening. Plus, how do you weigh an ant?
US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is in Beijing on Monday for talks with her Chinese counterpart. The meeting comes as China continues to struggle with deflation and slowing growth. And, on Saturday, incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa was declared the winner of Zimbabwe's presidential election. Electoral observers and opposition leaders say the election had serious issues. Also, the Syrian government thought it had crushed the popular uprisings that began in 2011. But in the past week, two major cities in government-held areas in the south have seen mass demonstrations against the government. Plus, Crimean singer Jamala heads to US for her first major stateside tour.
Greece's wildfires continue to burn. In some cases, asylum-seekers are living in the forests for fear of being deported to Turkey and reversing any potential asylum claims. And, in Russia, Vladimir Putin has consolidated power and taken control of the entire political system. Yet, even as Russia continues to plunge deeper into authoritarianism, the country still hosts elections. Also, a year ago, nearly a third of Pakistan experienced catastrophic flooding that caused massive infrastructural damage. More than 1,500 people lost their lives. We hear how the rehabilitation process has progressed a year later. Plus, this silly hip-hop group challenges politics in Ecuador.
One day after a jet dropped out of the sky north of Moscow, reportedly killing Wagner mercenary group chief Yevgeny Prigozhin and his top commanders, rival private militias are jockeying to fill the vacuum. And, researchers from the British Antarctic Survey say it's likely no emperor penguin chicks survived in 4 out of 5 colonies in one Antarctica region. Loss of sea ice is to blame. Also, the number of children living with only one parent — usually the mother — is growing worldwide, according to the UN. In Latin America, a combination of patriarchal culture and weak laws allow for many fathers to skip out on their financial obligations and get away with it. Plus, a race across Europe using public transit ends in a sprint.
Yevegeny Prigozhin, the leader of the Wagner mercenary army, is reported dead in a plane crash near the city of Tver, just north of Moscow. Earlier this summer, Prigozhin led an armed mutiny in an attempt to oust the military leadership within Russia’s Ministry of Defense. And, makeshift chairlifts that bring kids to school in remote, mountainous regions of Pakistan are a local solution to a common problem: the scarcity of roads and buses. Also, belching and farting from cows is responsible for a worrying amount of greenhouse gas emissions every year. Ireland is facing up to the fact that having so many cows may be detrimental to the country's climate goals. Plus, a controversy over Adolf Hitler's house.
The Panama Canal uses a series of locks to raise the water level and carry ships across from one ocean to the other. But that requires lots of freshwater — and it's running low in Panama. And, On Wednesday, Zimbabweans will take to the polls to vote for their next president. Observers are saying this election is marred by violence and intimidation against the opposition and its supporters. Also, right now, in South Africa, the BRICS summit is in full swing. BRICS stands for Brazil, Russia, India China, South Africa, an economic bloc of countries billed as five major emerging economies collectively representing 40% of the world’s population. Plus, remembering Isabel Crook, an anthropologist who joined Mao Zedong’s rural revolution.
Eradicating the swirling gyre of plastic trash in the Pacific Ocean has been the longtime goal of Ocean Cleanup, a nonprofit group. On Monday, in Victoria, British Colombia, the group took a big step forward, hauling 120,000 pounds of plastic out of the ocean using retrofitted fishing trawlers and specialized nets. And, Bernardo Arévalo upset Guatemala’s political establishment by clenching his country’s presidency this past weekend. But he faces a tough task ahead. Also, in Ecuador, a peaceful snap presidential election took place over the weekend amid an unprecedented security crisis that has left three politicians assassinated in less than a month. Plus, an artist's fake green card project inspires conversations about US citizenship.
Ecuadorians will take part in a snap election this weekend in a tense political atmosphere. The country is grappling with a recent wave of unprecedented violence that has seen three politicians assassinated in less than a month. And, a former Afghan diplomat, Abduljamil Bais, is resettling with his family in Canada. This follows a harrowing journey for Bais, his wife and three kids through South and Central America. Also, in Myanmar, rappers are considered the artistic arm of a revolution to bring down the ruling military through armed rebellion. "Rap Against Junta" is a collective of lyricists who work under pseudonyms and change locations frequently to avoid getting caught. Plus, a Cuban pianist longs for home.
The entire population of Yellowknife, the capital of Canada’s Northwest Territories, was ordered to evacuate due to wildfire danger this week. A climate engineer says he's astonished by the speed of the fires approaching the city. Also, fighting that began in April between the Sudanese Army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) has created a humanitarian crisis, forcing 4 million people from their homes. And, Ukrainian officials have expressed frustration with the treatment of Ukrainians in Israel. Now, Kyiv is reportedly considering canceling visa-free travel for Israelis. Plus, a look at popular ice cream flavors from 18th century Britain, including “brown bread,” and how it's been resurrected for visitors to try at 13 historical sites across England.
Two years after the 2021 Taliban takeover in Afghanistan, independent journalism there has been all but completely snuffed out. Some news outlets continue to report on Afghanistan, but from outside the country. We hear from one Afghan newspaper editor, now working out of Washington, DC. Plus, the South Korean thriller "Parasite" was the first non-English language film to win best picture in 2020. But there's another film from South Korea that's been on the radar of international movie buffs for two decades. Now, "Oldboy" is getting a remake. And in Colombia's capital city Bogota, a guerrilla campaign of vigilantes armed with spray paint cans are calling attention to crumbling urban infrastructure.
Tuesday marks the second anniversary of the Taliban takeover of the Afghan capital, Kabul. Since then, the group has transformed the country into a place where women have very few rights and many are struggling to make ends meet. And, in Ethiopia, an airstrike on a crowded town square in Amhara killed at least 26 people on Sunday. Amhara is a regional state where local militiamen and government forces have clashed recently over efforts to disband the militias. Also, a judge in Montana sided with young people who argued that the state had violated their right to a “healthful environment” by promoting fossil fuel use. We hear how climate change litigation is gaining momentum globally. Plus, this scholar examines Shakespeare through a racial equity lens.
In Australia, 1 in 25 properties will be effectively uninsurable by 2030, according to a recent report due to rising risks of extreme weather events. In the face of worsening wildfires, droughts, floods and cyclones, insurance companies are either pulling out of the highest risk areas or making premiums so high as to be unaffordable. And, activists take on drug gangs in the anti-establishment community of Christiana, in Copenhagen. Also, some young men in Niger’s capital Niamey, say they’re a "citizens’ watch group," patrolling the streets to ensure that outsiders do not drive into Niamey and try to turn back the military coup. We hear why some youth are in favor of the coup. Plus, this Nicaraguan exile makes a new home in the Colorado mountains.
The US and Iran have reached a deal that will see the release of Iranian American prisoners held in Iran in exchange for Tehran gaining access to its frozen assets. Also, authorities in Ecuador have arrested six Colombian suspects in connection to the assassination of presidential candidate Fernando Villavicencio. We look at the possible role of organized crime in the shooting. And, to celebrate hip-hop turning 50, we look at women who are rocking the mic across the globe. Plus, the mystique around North Korea, the so-called “Hermit Kingdom,” has allowed officials to profit through restaurants across Southeast Asia, where customers can try the cuisine and watch North Korean waitresses sing and even dance. But now, many of them are closing down.
Fernando Villavicencio, 59, was on the rise as a presidential candidate in Ecuador. He fearlessly took on drug cartels and corruption. On Wednesday, he was shot and killed outside of a political rally in Ecuador's capital, Quito. And, Sixto Rodriguez, the Detroit-born singer-songwriter known under the moniker Rodriguez, has died. His 1970 debut album didn't attract much attention in the US, but it garnered a cult following in South Africa. Also, an accidental data breach is causing anxiety among Northern Ireland's police force. The breach is the second in a matter of weeks and includes the full names and locations of police officers. Plus, Hawaii's royal capital is devastated by wildfires.
Britain has begun moving asylum-seekers out of government-funded hotels and onto a large barge docked off the country's southwest coast. The move is part of a controversial plan by the Conservative government to crack down on the number of asylum-seekers arriving on small boats off UK shores. And, Brigadier Gen. Moussa Salaou Barmou was Washington’s point person in Niger, in charge of elite forces that US troops had been training to fight militants. Now, he’s the spokesperson for the military junta that ousted Niger’s democratically elected president. Also, while most of the globe's economies are grappling with the effects of inflation, China's economy is charting a different course — suffering from deflation. Plus, how the siege of Sarajevo turned this musician from a pop-star to a punk rocker.
Thailand's election three months ago resulted in a winner from the country’s most progressive political party ever. But the party’s leader, Pita Limjaroenrat, is blocked from becoming prime minister because Thailand's military-backed senate believes he’s unfit to rule. Also, since Russia pulled out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative in July, its troops have been attacking Ukraine’s ports, destroying 220,000 metric tons of grain in the past week alone. But US Ambassador to the UN Linda Thomas-Greenfield says the grain deal could be brought back to life. And, more than 100 years ago, many Europeans, especially Italians and Spaniards, migrated to Argentina. Now, some of their descendants are returning to Europe, once again chasing economic stability. Plus, Tijuana's All-Star Little League team heads to the World Series.
Niger's military coup leaders failed to return government to civilian hands Sunday — a deadline set by the Economic Community of West African States. The 15-nation bloc has yet to respond with military action as it promised. And a rennovated naval facility built on Cambodian shores is poised to serve as China's second-ever foreign military base. But Chinese officials are downplaying the importance of the Ream Naval Base. Also, health officials in Australia announced this month that they've virtually eliminated HIV transmission in inner Sydney, which was once the epicenter of the disease in the country. Plus, Moroccan women advance in World Cup.
It's been six months since two massive earthquakes hit Turkey and Syria, killing more than 59,000 people and collapsing thousands of buildings. We hear what life is like for survivors as rebuilding continues. And, from "Stories from the Stage," Javed Rezayee tells the story of how he pits his meager cooking skills against those of his father, a talented professional chef. Also, a federal appeals court has ruled that the Biden administration can temporarily continue to enforce its strict immigration program while the Justice Department appeals a lower court ruling that blocked it. The controversial policy at the heart of the court battle largely restricts migrants who passed through another country from seeking asylum in the United States. Plus, how one man visited every country in the world without taking a flight.
Thousands of tourists evacuated off the Greek island of Rhodes last month are being offered a free holiday on the island next year by the country’s government. But a new report by the European Commission suggests that summer holidays on the Mediterranean coast may soon be in jeopardy if temperatures continue to soar. And, paleontologists in Peru have discovered the fossils belonging to the most massive, whale-like animal called Perucetus colossus. Also, in Colombia today, a six-month ceasefire begins with the rebel group, the National Liberation Army, or the ELN. The truce is controversial, because the ELN is known for attacks on civilians, its association with drug trafficking cartels, and its violent hold on the region around Colombia's border with Venezuela. Plus, Dominican musician Yasser Tejeda assures us "it'll all work out."
China’s capital has been battered by more than 29 inches of rain since Saturday. It’s the heaviest rainfall Beijing residents have seen in 140 years and has taken the lives of at least 20 people. And, top American officials have been visiting Saudi Arabia and Israel in recent weeks to discuss a possible normalization deal between the two sides. President Joe Biden said last week that a deal may be on the way, but both sides have put forward major demands. Also, a rising number of cases in Florida of Hansen's disease, commonly known as leprosy, highlights the increase in tropical disease infections found in the US. Plus, the evolution of hip-hop in South Korea.
Nearly 1 1/2 years into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, the environmental damage from combat has contaminated Ukraine’s soil, water and air, at an estimated cost of $56 billion. This impact is likely to be one of the longest-lasting legacies of the war, persisting for decades after the fighting stops. And, on Tuesday in Canada, new regulations take effect that require health warning labels on individual cigarettes. Canada is the first country in the world to take this step. Also, Marta da Silva, who is known as Marta, is a legend of Brazilian and international soccer. She was the first player ever to score in five consecutive Olympics, and the most World Cup goals in world history. This World Cup, she says, is her last one. Plus, the changing landscape for Sweden's music industry.
International condemnation for last week's military coup in Niger continued to grow over the weekend. West African leaders have threatened economic sanctions, travel bans, and possible use of force if the president is not reinstated within a week. And, a series of drone attacks in Moscow on Sunday brought the war closer to Russian citizens. Although Ukraine has not taken responsibility, President Volodomyr Zelenskiy said afterward that attacks on Russian territory are an “inevitable, natural and absolutely fair process” in the war which has ravaged Ukraine for nearly 18 months. Also, the blast that killed dozens at a political rally in Pakistan this weekend exposed the deepening rivalries between the country’s powerful militant groups. Officials say ISIS is responsible for the explosion. Plus, a Brazilian masterpiece comes to the US.
President Joe Biden has given the green light for US cooperation with the International Criminal Court on its investigation into Russian war crimes in Ukraine, in a reversal of the US’s stance on the ICC. The Trump administration had sanctioned the ICC’s chief prosecutor who was investigating alleged of war crimes by US troops in Afghanistan. Also, after the armistice between North and South Korea 70 years ago, the two countries were in ruins leaving hundreds of thousands of children as orphans. And, El Salvador's Congress has passed legislation that would allow up to 900 people to be tried together for the same gang affiliation. Plus, through "Stories from the Stage," one woman's tale of love in two cultures.
Russian President Vladimir Putin told African leaders gathered for a summit in St. Petersburg today that his government would provide grain shipments to six African nations for free, in order to help avert a food crisis caused by Putin's decision to pull out of the Black Sea Grain Initiative last week. And, on July 27, 1953, the United Nations and North Korea signed a ceasefire, bringing an end to three years of fighting on the Korean Peninsula that killed more than 36,000 US soldiers and an estimated 2 million Korean civilians. But a formal peace agreement was never signed. Also, tributes to iconic Irish singer Sinéad O'Connor continue to pour in today after she was found dead in her London home on Wednesday at the age of 56. "Her music was loved around the world and her talent was unmatched and beyond compare," wrote Ireland's Prime Minister Leo Varadkar. Plus, the evolution of Senegalese rap.
The FSO Safer is an oil tanker in the Red Sea off the coast of Yemen that has fallen into dangerous disrepair. The huge quantity of oil aboard could leak or explode. The UN has organized a mission to prevent a nightmare scenario by siphoning the oil out and onto a new ship. And, a well-known education activist has been in detention in Afghanistan since March. Matiullah Wesa had been fighting for education for Afghan children for more than a decade, mainly in remote areas of the country. Also, 90,000 migrants and asylum-seekers have arrived in New York City since the spring of 2022. Now, Mayor Eric Adams is saying there is "no guarantee the city will be able to provide shelter and services to new arrivals." Plus, this Belgian duo starts difficult conversations with humor and dance beats.
Exactly one month after Qin Gang disappeared from public view, on Tuesday, his removal and his successor was announced in Chinese state media. No explanation was given. And, every summer, Antarctic ice sheets recede as they melt, and every winter they regrow when the temperature drops. But recent observations and data show the ice is not regrowing. Also, researchers believe that the H5N1 virus known as avian flu may have killed millions of wild birds globally as the outbreak ravages South America. Plus, trying to prevent violence in Sudan with old-fashioned detective work.
In a vote boycotted by the Israeli opposition, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bid to overhaul the judiciary is in motion with a vote passed 64-0. Israelis have protested day after day for months, and those protests have included Israeli combat veterans and military reservists. And, Greece’s Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis declared "war" with wildfires in a recent address to the country’s parliament. The country has been battling wildfires on islands at opposite ends of the country: western Corfu and eastern Rhodes. Also, since the start of the Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, many European countries have been trying to find ways to reduce their dependency on Russian energy. One place they’re starting to look is West Africa, where Senegal and Mauritania are capitalizing on recent discoveries of natural gas. Plus, Boston's links to the slave trade.
Every night over the last week, Russia has bombarded cities along Ukraine’s southern Black Sea coast. With these attacks, the Russian military has tried to disrupt Ukraine’s ability to export grain. And, "Stories from the Stage" are tales told by ordinary people with extraordinary experiences. We begin with Ana Hebra Flaster, who came to the United States from Cuba when she was 6 years old. Flaster is a writer who grew up in New England and her storytelling is inspired by her father. Also, in dozens of towns and cities across Spain, the far-right Vox party has found itself invited into ruling coalitions — and it has already begun dismantling policies meant to preserve nature and protect sexual and gender diversity. It now could strongly influence this weekend's federal elections, should the center-right Popular Party win a majority of votes. Plus, Kyiv's wedding officiant.
Iraqi protesters stormed the Swedish Embassy in Baghdad after Stockholm police gave permission to a yet another person to burn the Quran. Relations between Iraq and Sweden are now frayed and some Swedes are beginning to wonder: "When does the legal right to burn a Quran become a hate crime?" And, women in Afghanistan took to the streets this week to protest a Taliban ban on beauty salons. The ban will come into effect in five days, leaving roughly 6,000 women out of work. Also, centenarian statesman Henry Kissinger flew to Beijing for a surprise meeting yesterday with Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Plus, FIFA Women's World Cup kicks off in New Zealand and Australia.
Wrapping up a four-day trip to China, US climate envoy John Kerry said no new commitments on climate were made, but the world's two biggest climate polluters have agreed to work together at major international meetings this year. And, today, protests against the rising cost of living resumed in Kenya. The demonstrations are organized by Kenya's opposition leaders, who say the country's new government is not doing enough to improve the economy. Also, since 1930, countries that make up the British Commonwealth have gathered every four years to compete in the Commonwealth Games. But the Australian state of Victoria has abruptly canceled its hosting of the next scheduled Games in 2023 — citing the extraordinary cost of hosting it — leaving the fate of the competition in question. Plus, this Israeli rapper is aiming high.
Israeli President Isaac Herzog’s visit to DC was initially planned as a largely symbolic event. But it has evolved into a full-on diplomatic embrace. And, there's a crisis at sea right now — an international shortage of workers to work on the ships that traverse the oceans. What's behind the shortage and its impact across the globe? Also, Private 2nd Class Travis King left his tourist group of the Joint Security Area on the border of North and South Korea and has been detained by the North Korean authorities. We hear from an expert about what the news means for the US-North Korean relationship. Plus, in Sweden, local communities are trying to fight back against gun violence.
Russia announced it's walking away from an agreement that allows Ukrainian grain shipments to leave Black Sea ports. The deal brokered by the UN and Turkey in 2022 has helped guarantee grain shipments from Ukraine to countries around the world. And, the European Union announced a deal with Tunisia over the weekend to stem the flow of migration. Tunisia has now stated it will only take back Tunisians who illegally crossed into Europe. Also, US Climate Envoy John Kerry heads out on a four-day visit to Beijing. Chinese and US officials are motivated to find solutions to the dangers climate change poses, but domestic pressures are making it difficult to hammer out a deal. Plus, two surprise victories at Wimbledon.
The UN has called for an investigation into the deaths of 87 people whose bodies were found in a mass grave in Sudan's Darfur region. Also, nearly half the world's oceans are currently experiencing a heat wave that could get worse before the end of the summer. And, as Spain accelerates its investment in solar and wind parks, a growing number of mayors and environmental nongovernmental organizations in the southern region of Andalusia worry that the natural landscape will be altered forever with olive groves, forests and high plains being plowed over. Plus, we revisit the heartwarming story of a woman looking out for another woman's son studying abroad in the UK.
Russian authorities have imprisoned thousands of Ukrainian civilians. The noncombatants are being held both deep inside Russia and in occupied Ukrainian territories not far from the fighting on the front lines, where many are forced to dig trenches and graves. We hear from a reporter who uncovered the story. Also, climate-fueled weather systems are creating unprecedented challenges for humanitarian organizations. We speak with a first responder. And Sudan's capital, Khartoum is a war zone. A longtime resident tells us how he survived a month of gun battles and escaped.
The upcoming FIFA Women's World Cup is being billed as the biggest edition to date, with host countries Australia and New Zealand hoping to leverage the buzz and ensure the momentum surrounding women’s sports sticks around long after the tournament. Also, Paris is taking another step in fighting climate change by announcing that SUVs and other heavier vehicles will be charged more to park in the city center. And, Iraq is facing its worst water shortage in a century, with 7 million people experiencing reduced access to water. Plus, a Ukrainian filmmaker captures life in the besieged city of Mariupol as most residents fled for safety before it was overrun by Russian forces.
After months of blocking Sweden's efforts to join NATO, Turkey has agreed to support Swedish membership in the Western military alliance. Also, the UN secretary-general warned this week that Sudan is on the brink of a “full-scale civil war.” USAID Chief Samantha Power tells us about global efforts to assist increasingly desperate Sudanese civilians. And, with extreme weather events proliferating across the globe, we discuss how parts of the world are becoming less and less habitable. Plus, a look at a 22-pound waxy chunk of what’s known as ambergris discovered in a sperm whale on Spain’s Canary Islands that could fetch some $550,000.
The Biden administration and Kyiv are making the case that cluster munitions would make a critical weapon in Ukraine's counteroffensive, even though they are widely condemned, and even banned, by many nations for the risks they pose. Also, the health care industry in the US has been at the forefront of labor shortages since the pandemic erupted. But foreign nurses hoping to work in the US continue to face delays in the processing of their green cards. And, the breadmaking industry in Senegal is facing a shortage of wheat imports from Russia, disrupted by the war in Ukraine, so the government is looking for a new plan. Plus, a Venezuelan artist is using bottle caps to create large-scale eco-murals to raise awareness about recycling.
Where is Yevgeny Prigozhin? In a country where simply expressing public dissent can land you in serious trouble, the Russian warlord who just weeks ago marched thousands of fighters toward Moscow is now, apparently, free to roam the country. Also, in the last decade or so, Egypt has gone from military dictatorship to revolution, from fledgling democracy and then back to military dictatorship. And the Spanish military this week used a well-known Michael Jackson song during an awards ceremony and sparked some controversy. It was another reminder to pay attention to the lyrics before you use popular music in an official capacity.
US Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen is in Beijing for four days of talks on trade, investment and tariffs. We look into how the two superpowers might find common ground amid growing tensions. Also, a new report reveals larger-than-usual profits for top corporations over the past two years, all while people around the world struggled through a cost-of-living crisis. And, the Taliban have given all women’s beauty salons in Afghanistan one month to close down in another blow to women's rights. Plus, the Tour de France bicycling race kicks off. We take a look at the races within the race.
The Israeli military wrapped up its biggest operation in the occupied West Bank in many years. At least 12 Palestinians and one Israeli soldier were killed in the fighting that took place early this week. We'll hear more about what happened and what it could mean for the future. Plus, need to get your US passport renewed this summer? You might need to be patient. And, why is the new "Barbie" movie banned in Vietnam?
Climate change is undeniably bad for the animal kingdom. But some animals are able to adapt — so far — by changing their behaviors or even their bodies. In this special series all about animals, we travel the world to learn about medicine for cats in Turkey, invasive bees in Spain, the status of bullfighting in Colombia and a frog so small it can't jump. Also, a tiny owl was discovered on Príncipe Island in Africa, and now it is endangered. And, we hear the story of two brothers in India who are going out of their way to protect black kites, the most-hated carnivorous raptor in the country. Plus, we remember biologist Roger Payne and his "Songs of the Humpback Whale."
Sports touch so many facets of our lives, and often play a central role in global news about culture, money and politics. This special podcast takes you around the world through the lens of sports, from tennis in Sierra Leone to the NFL in Spain, boxing in Cuba to judo in France. We also hear about racism endured by soccer players in Spain, and the need for an anti-discrimination network for global soccer. Also, how many World Cup stadiums are there in Qatar? And, what do athletes eat at Olympic dining halls? Plus, a small but growing group of extreme athletes in Sonora, Mexico, who are pushing themselves to new heights.
The fatal police shooting of a Black 17-year-old boy outside Paris this week has fueled social divisions along racial lines. What are the issues associated with racism in France, and how do they play out in a society that prides itself on "Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité"? And, early into the fire season in Canada, it is already the worst fire year on record. Blazes are particularly bad in eastern Canada, where the forest industry is reeling. Also, the UN General Assembly voted to set up an independent body to investigate and clarify the status of missing persons in Syria. More than 130,000 people are considered missing or "disappeared" in Syria since the start of the country's uprising and civil war. Plus, Tijuana loves Little League baseball.
French President Emmanuel Macron held a crisis Cabinet meeting on Thursday afternoon as protests continued in France in response to the police shooting of a teenager. Authorities deployed 40,000 police officers across the country as they brace for a third night of violent demonstrations. Also, historian Samuel Lamontagne, who co-leads the Hip Hop Initiative, tells us about the enduring power of hip-hop in France. And, much of the DEA's early efforts were focused on Southeast Asia, where US troops in Vietnam were using heroin. We hear the story of an investigator who tried to bust up a heroin ring in Thailand and was stymied by the CIA. Plus, the presence and future of the Wagner Group in Africa.
Residents of Nanterre, an area west of Paris, destroyed bus stops and set cars on fire to protest the police shooting of a 17-year-old who failed to stop when ordered by traffic police. Also, Peru is dealing with a record outbreak of dengue:150,000 people have been afflicted by the viral disease this year, and nearly 250 have died. Dengue is also spiking in Laos and Sri Lanka, and threatens to spread to Europe as climate change transforms weather patterns around the world. And, for several weeks now, Taiwan has been gripped by a #MeToo movement. Hundreds have come forward accusing politicians, celebrities and everyday people of sexual misconduct. Plus, Muslims in Senegal prepare for Eid al-Adha celebrations.
Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko was often dismissed as Vladimir Putin's puppet. But given his key role cutting a deal with Wagner mercenary boss Yevgeny Prigozhin, analysts are reconsidering that assessment. And, the new International African American Museum in Charleston, South Carolina, opens to the public today. Charleston was the largest slave port in the United States, and the new museum hopes to serve as an archive for the nearly 80% of African Americans who can potentially trace back to an ancestor who arrived there. Also, the annual typhoon season has already begun in Japan, but with climate change has come more severe storms and heavier rainfall. Tokyo, a city built on marshlands, is particularly vulnerable to flash flooding. Plus, dolphin moms use "baby talk" to engage their young.
On Saturday, the Wagner Group took control of a major Russian city, in one of the biggest crises of President Vladimir Putin's political career. Putin's long-time henchman, Yevgeny Prigozhin, authorized the revolt but soon backed down. Observers say the incident left an opening for Ukraine to exploit, but Russian airstrikes have continued unabated. And, Prigozhin's rebellion has raised many questions. We hear from Russia scholar Mark Galeotti about how vulnerable Putin remains and his response to the short-lived mutiny. Also, a new initiative is launching this August to end hunger among school children in Nairobi, Kenya. Plus, Elton John's first — and maybe only — appearance at Glastonbury.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US has secured his country 31 Predator drones worth $3 billion. The purchase could mark a shift global dynamics — historically, India has turned to Russia for it's military hardware. Also, an investigation has found that criminal gangs are using sham bank accounts and secret online marketplaces to steal from almost anyone — individuals, churches, corporations — and are routing the money overseas. And, the nonprofit Haitian Education and Leadership Program (HELP) is assisting people who are unable to pay their tuition bills. Plus, in the latest installment of The World's "Planet Hip Hop" series, we take a look at Argentina's trap music scene.
A stop-and-start peace process between Sudan's warring parties has been put on pause by the US. Reports of genocidal violence in Darfur continue to emerge, as the grinding fight in Khartoum continues. And, commemorations in Britain mark the 75th anniversary of the arrival of a ship from Jamaica, the HMT Empire Windrush. Also, Japan has passed a number of reforms to redefine the country's rape laws. The definition of rape has now been broadened so sexual assault victims have more rights and do not have to prove they fought back against their attacker. The age of consent has also been raised from 13 to 16. Plus, "King of Clones" film traces the rise and fall of an infamous Korean scientist.
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is on his first state visit to the United States. India is a strategic partner for the US when it comes to countering China's influence in the Indo-Pacific and has the potential to chip away at China's tech-manufacturing prowess. And, French officials raided offices across the country associated with the 2024 Paris Summer Olympic Games. Authorities are looking into alleged embezzlement of public funds and favoritism in handing out Olympic contracts. Also, a look at what two different tragedies say about Pakistani society: Last week, more than 300 Pakistani migrants died when an overcrowded fishing trawler sank off the coast of Greece. This week, the heir to one of Pakistan's biggest private fortunes, along with his teenage son, are among five people aboard the missing Titanic submersible. Plus, celebrating the Summer Solstice at Stonehenge.
A private submersible with wealthy patrons aboard has gone missing during a dive to see the Titanic's remains. The US Coast Guard is searching hundreds of square miles as the sub has a limited amount of oxygen. And, nearly half of all men in Malaysia are smokers. Public health experts are now calling for an anti-tobacco policy that bans the sale of cigarettes to anyone born in 2007 onward. Also, before the war in Ukraine, rich and powerful Russians headed to London, Paris and Monaco to buy real estate. Now, they’re snapping up luxury villas and prime location real estate in the United Arab Emirates. Plus, Washington prepares for a visit with India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
In this hourlong, education-focused special, The World delves into the challenges immigrants face in accessing higher education, looking at issues such as language, borders and costs. US employers who say they can't fill jobs want Congress to raise the number of visas to foreign college graduates. Also, thousands of students attending US colleges and universities actually reside in Mexico. But when border wait times can be two to four hours long, it takes a special dedication to get to class each day. And, we meet several students who struggled to battle Mexican and US bureaucracy to be able to transfer schools. Plus, is the US still the number one education destination?
The conflict between Sudan’s rival armed forces has now entered its second month. More than 2 million people have become displaced by the fighting so far, and the situation is especially dire in Darfur. This week, the governor of West Darfur was killed after speaking up about atrocities there. And, a group of Austrian writers say that many composers of the country's regional anthems were in, or associated with, the Nazi party, and are asking for the songs to be changed. Also, El Salvador has cracked down on gang violence in the past year, by hauling tens of thousands of people to jail without due process. And many citizens of other countries, including the US, Colombia and Guatemala, have been caught up in the crackdown. Plus, shouting into the wind is apparently a good thing.
Wednesday’s deadly shipwreck off southern Greece, involving a fishing boat reportedly carrying up to 750 migrants, highlights the desperation that drives people to risk their lives to reach continental Europe. And, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken is planning to visit China on June 19, in hopes of opening further dialogue with Beijing to dampen a general atmosphere of escalation. Also, the United Arab Emirates, one of the biggest oil-producing nations in the world, will be hosting COP28, the United Nations' climate summit. Critics say this is like having tobacco companies oversee the work of the World Health Organization. Plus, we remember Roger Payne, the biologist who showed us the musical side of whales.
Ukrainian leaders say their military is making progress on the battlefield. In less than a week, they have liberated seven villages from Russian occupation. And, John Bolton, former President Donald Trump’s national security adviser, says he’s not surprised that classified documents were found in a Mar-a-lago bathroom. Also, host Marco Weman catches up with Cuban American musician Gloria Estefan, as she looks back at her successful career as a bilingual singer and songwriter. Plus, bumpier flights coincide with warmer skies.
Former US President Donald Trump makes his first appearance in a Miami federal courthouse. He is accused of taking hundreds of documents, many of them highly classified, from the White House in 2021. And, thousands of villagers southeast of Manila have left their homes to find safer ground due to seismic activity detected at Mount Mayon. Also, a 44-year-old mother of three in the UK is now looking at a 28-month prison sentence for taking abortion medication too late into her pregnancy. Abortion was legalized in Britain in 1967, but an older law was used as the basis for the sentence. Plus, why the Golden Globes have a new owner.
Military officials say Ukraine has retaken four small towns from Russian-held territory. This follows much talk of a Ukrainian counteroffensive. And, US and Mexican authorities confirmed that eight young workers were killed in western Mexico, after they supposedly tried to quit their jobs at a call center operated by a violent drug cartel. Also, in March, the International Criminal Court issued arrest warrants for Russian President Vladimir Putin, and Russia’s commissioner for children’s rights Maria Alekseyevna Lvova-Belova. The charges were related to the forced deportation of children from Ukraine to Russia. Plus, the prehistoric bird bones that were used as flutes.
The collapse of the Kakhovka dam is an environmental catastrophe for people in southern Ukraine. Destroying a dam goes against international law. And, the Migrant Trail walk continues for a 20th year, putting a spotlight on migrant deaths in the Arizona borderlands. The 7-day, 75-mile walk begins in Sasabe, Sonora, and ends in Tucson, Arizona. Also, the fighting between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has spread across the country. A new ceasefire agreement is set to start on June 10. Plus, singing South African firefighters are helping to battle the blazes in Canada.
Hundreds of captured Russian soldiers, conscripts and mercenaries are being held in 50 sites around Ukraine. Russia also has Ukrainian POWs captured from the war. Frequent prisoner exchanges are a sign of direct talks between the two countries. And, in Ukraine's southern region of Kherson, evacuations are underway to get residents out of areas affected by flooding caused by the destruction of the Kakhovka dam. Also, hip-hop turns 50 this summer. The World launches "Planet Hip Hop" to celebrate its influence in all corners of the globe. Plus, scientists get a thrilling new look at the Earth's mantle.
The world of professional golf experienced a seismic shift on Tuesday when the US-based PGA Tour and the Saudi Arabia-backed league LIV, announced a merger. For Saudi Arabia, it's only the latest in an ambitious plan to extend the kingdom's influence and participation in global sports. And, in Canada's eastern provinces from Quebec to Nova Scotia, wildfires have caused thousands to flee their homes and untold damage. Also, with large numbers of young Russian fighters dying on the Ukraine battlefield, the Wagner mercenary group must constantly recruit to replenish their fighters. They've gone online and are using the same tactics that the ISIS once used to lure young men to go to fight in Syria. Plus, female crocodiles can reproduce without males.
A major dam in southeastern Ukraine collapsed on Tuesday, flooding villages, endangering crops in the country's breadbasket region and threatening drinking water supplies, as both sides in the war scrambled to evacuate residents and blamed each other for the destruction. And, the Department of Homeland Security has been allowing reporters to observe and report on deportation flights as part of a public diplomacy campaign aimed at discouraging migrants from coming to the US. Also, last year, an estimated 3,500 Rohingya Muslims boarded wooden boats and set off from Bangladesh in search of starting their lives over in Malaysia or Indonesia. Hundreds of them never made it. Plus, a driver in Finland gets a $130,000 speeding ticket.
On Sunday, rescue workers pulled the last survivor from the devastating crash in India's eastern Odisha state, that has left at least 275 dead and more than 1,000 injured. Relatives are now on the scene trying to locate their loved ones. And, there's been a push to add new members to BRICS — a group from Brazil, Russia, India, China and South Africa — in an effort to counterbalance the power of Western countries. Also, hundreds of thousands of people hit the streets yesterday in Poland, protesting what they see as growing authoritarianism in the country. Many were motivated in response to a new law that is supposed to target Russian propaganda in Poland. Plus, gang violence in Haiti loosens its grip.
Britain's Prince William and Princess Catherine are in Boston on Friday to present his second annual Earthshot prize, awarded to innovators around the world working to save nature and combat global warming. And, the Syrian Democratic Forces, a majority Kurdish armed group, has announced it has ended cooperation with the US military in Syria. The announcement comes after the group said it would cease fighting ISIS following threats of a Turkish invasion in the region under their control. Also, amid a crackdown on dissent, Chinese authorities have trained their sights on banning Virtual Private Networks, or VPNs, used to break past censorship. Plus, the classic Christmas song, “Carol of the Bells,” originated in Ukraine 100 years ago.
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South African President Cyril Ramaphosa faces a threat of impeachment following a report that found evidence that he had violated the country's constitution, in part, by covering up the theft of millions of dollars in cash hidden in a sofa on his farm in 2020. And, after a vote in March agreeing to build a treaty that would essentially “eliminate all plastic waste,” negotiations via the United Nations have started this week in Uruguay in hopes of adopting a treaty before a set 2024 deadline. Also, Quebec Premier Francois Legault said on Wednesday that his first duty is reversing the decline of French in Quebec. He set a new goal requiring all economic migrants to Canada speak French for full acceptance. Plus, a map that shows fans where to legally drink beer before men’s World Cup matches in Qatar.
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Researchers are heralding a breakthrough in the treatment of Alzheimer's: a drug that is the first to slow the destruction of the brain. But it only works in the early stages of Alzheimer's and many people aren't diagnosed until the disease has already advanced. And, one of the more successful mystics in Japan says he’s a reincarnated alien from the planet Venus. He’s now intent on recruiting more believers in the US. Also, the United Nations agency for culture added the French baguette to its list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. Plus, we hear about Chinese leader Jiang Zemin’s economic legacy.
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NATO Chief Jens Stoltenberg warned Tuesday that Russia was using winter as a "weapon of war" against Ukraine. Ukraine's allies prepare to send aid to get through the cold months ahead. And, in Colombia, ranchers are experimenting with a new kind of grass in the hopes of building a sustainable cattle farm. Also, as the uprising in Iran enters its third month, dissidents are finding few places to run for safety. Those who have fled to Iran are facing an increasing number of threats online and in person. Plus, the UN and Australia are at odds over the Great Barrier Reef’s endangered status.
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Protests have erupted across China, a rare show of public dissent against the government there. Also, in Toronto, young activists are showing up at the City Council's meetings, trying to steer the direction of planning and make it a more affordable city. Plus, the latest news from the World Cup, on and off the field, including a preview of the much-anticipated match between the US and Iran on Tuesday and the controversy that's already brewing.
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As evidence of atrocities continue to surface in Ukraine, calls for war crimes tribunals are growing. Putting a leader on trial isn't easy though. Today, The World looks back at the trial of Serbian leader Slobodan Milosevic, who oversaw the ethnic cleansing and bloodshed that enveloped the former Yugoslavia in the 1990s. A pivotal witness against Milosovic was someone on the inside. Also, millions of Ukrainians are without heat and power after another round of brutal Russian air strikes. But Ukrainians remain largely united in their resolve. One case: Ukraine's philharmonic continued to play, even in the darkness. And, the death toll from an earthquake in Indonesia this week has topped 300. At least two dozen people are still missing. We speak with an emergency aid worker about the challenges they're facing. Plus, Thanksgiving may just barely be over, but cities across Europe are already geared up for Christmas. That normally means elaborate light displays and temporary ice skating rinks. But with the war in Ukraine and high energy bills, some cities are doing things a bit differently this year.
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We bring you a special Thanksgiving Day show today that’s all about food. Find out where modern-day wheat comes from. And, how a British chef became a Mexican cooking legend. Also, more on electric chopsticks that make food taste saltier. Plus, tips on how to eat your Christmas tree after the holidays instead of kicking it to the curb.
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Protests have erupted at the world's largest Apple iPhone factory in China over strict COVID-19 lockdowns, lack of pay and poor working conditions. And, when the Soviet Union ended, Western culture rushed in — including “Sesame Street.” But adapting the American “Muppets” to 1990s Russia meant culture clashes and encounters with darker forces in post-Soviet media. Also, many municipalities in France are not showing World Cup games in big public places. That's in protest for the way Qatar has handled human rights.
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There was a stunning upset at the World Cup on Tuesday as Saudi Arabia beat heavily favored Argentina 2-1. At center stage, Argentina's Lionel Messi, arguably the greatest player in the world. At age 35, this may be Messi's last chance to win the World Cup. Also, US state laws have put limits on abortion options for many women. That's increased the sales of mail-order abortion pills from the Netherlands. And, a 5.6-magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia on Monday, leaving more than 200 dead. Plus, one mystery of the Basque language is closer to being solved. It was thought that Basque was largely just a spoken language. But a new archaeological discovery in Spain has linguists thinking differently.
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The UN climate conference wrapped up this weekend. And for the first time, wealthier nations have agreed to pay for damage caused by climate change in developing countries. Though the devil is in the details, nations feeling the environmental impacts say just agreeing to find a framework for "loss and damage" funding is still a big step forward. Also, Russian forces buried around 400 Ukrainians in a mass grave in a forest near the city of Izium in northeastern Ukraine. Authorities are trying to piece together what happened there. And, who's going to win the World Cup? An Oxford mathematician has a pretty good guess. Plus, a musician's mission for the LGBTQ community in Brazil. Murder rates of trans and queer people in Brazil are among the highest in the world, and Bia Ferreira wants to inform and protect the LGBTQ community there.
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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said it’s now "crunch time" for negotiators at the COP27 climate summit. We hear from a young climate activist from Pakistan who's spent the last two weeks taking part in the climate conference in Egypt. And, internal chaos at Twitter headquarters has international implications. Recent layoffs and resignations at the social media giant have left it potentially understaffed. Also, Qatar has reversed its decision to sell beer at World Cup stadium sites. But it comes just days before the start of the World Cup tournament, and after a decade of setting expectations that alcohol would be permitted. Plus, what happens when you feed cows hemp laden with THC? German scientists want to know.
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A court in the Netherlands issued a ruling today in the long-running case of flight MH17, which was shot down over Ukraine in 2014. Three men were convicted of murder for their role in shooting down the Malaysia Airlines passenger jet, killing all 298 people onboard. And, Cambodia's second-highest-ranking wildlife official is in US custody, charged with helping run an international monkey-smuggling crime ring. The official, Masphal Kry, was arrested while transiting through JFK International Airport in New York. Also, in Uganda, a showdown over an oil pipeline in the west is pitting environmental and social justice advocates against the government, which argues it is time for African countries to benefit from fossil fuels, too. Plus, as the world's population crosses 8 billion this week, India is poised to become the most populous country in 2023.
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For the first time since the start of Russia’s war on Ukraine, a missile has landed on NATO territory. But NATO says it believes the blast was likely caused, not by Russia, but by a stray missile fired by Ukraine's air defenses. And on Nov. 15, a federal judge ordered the Biden administration to lift some Trump-era restrictions set in place during the COVID-19 pandemic that have allowed US authorities to expel more than 1 million migrants who have crossed the US-Mexico border. The order will not go into effect until Dec. 21. Also, Brazil's President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva essentially represented his country at the international climate summit in Egypt, although he has yet to take office. His speech today was greeted with a standing ovation. Plus, women’s movements in Afghanistan and Iran look to one another for support and inspiration.
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The city of Izium in northeastern Ukraine was under Russian occupation for about six months. In September, Ukrainian forces managed to liberate the city, but the hard work of bringing it back to normal has only begun. And Chinese President Xi Jinping is reentering the international stage at the G-20 summit. It's his first trip abroad in three years and comes after he secured a historic third term as China's president. Also, at the UN climate summit in Egypt this week, developing countries are pushing to double the funding for climate adaptation, debt relief and changes to the global financial system. Plus, not everyone in Iran wants a revolution.
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The presidents of the US and China have met on the sidelines of the G-20 summit in Indonesia. President Joe Biden said that Beijing is not on the brink of invading Taiwan, nor will there be a new cold war. And, Ukraine’s president visits the newly liberated southern Ukrainian city of Kherson. Also, the beloved “full English breakfast” is a one-plate cornucopia of meats and more. But it’s taking an inflation hit, and some restaurants are finding it harder to keep on the menu. Plus, Mehran Karimi Nasseri, a refugee from Iran who died this weekend, spent nearly two decades between 1988 and 2006 in France’s Charles de Gaulle airport after being caught in legal limbo. We look at how people like him become stateless.
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The British public is divided over the protest tactics of the environmental group Just Stop Oil. Members of the group brought Britain’s busiest motorway to a standstill for hours this week, and they’ve been splashing cans of soup onto famous paintings to draw attention to their cause. And, a new proposed bill in Finland's parliament that would recognize the rights of the Indigenous Sámi people is proving to be controversial. Also, Qatar is about to become the first Arab and Middle Eastern nation to host the FIFA World Cup in a region that has a rich soccer history. Plus, a tribute to Brazilian singer Gal Costa, who died on Wednesday in São Paulo at the age of 77.
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Beijing has been accused of setting up a global network of overseas police stations to help pursue government targets, including in Spain. And, a rescue ship carrying about 230 migrants had been stuck off Italy’s coast in recent days, after a new far-right government in Rome barred it from docking. France is now permitting the boat to anchor in Toulon. Also, Victoria Obidina was among a group of women who were taken as prisoners by the Russian military and held captive for six months. She was released last month as part of a prisoner exchange between Russia and Ukraine. Plus, every year on Guinness World Records Day, ambitious people from around the world try to break the most random — yet impressive — records.
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In a major shift in the war in Ukraine today, Sergei Surovikin, the Russian general in charge of Russia’s war effort in Ukraine, recommended that Russia shift its defenses to the east bank of the Dnipro River. This means that Russia is withdrawing its troops from the key southern Ukrainian city of Kherson. And, ships carrying liquified natural gas are sitting off the coast of Europe, holding onto their cargo. Analysts say an economic condition called contango is the cause. Also, as environmental leaders negotiate whether richer countries will pay for climate damages in poorer ones at COP27, we hear from one Pakistani family about how damages from climate change are affecting their lives. Plus, Iranian American author Marjan Kamali describes a happy accident at the polls.
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Brazil, Indonesia and Democratic Republic of Congo are among several nations that are considering banding together to preserve their rainforests. And, Russia's new isolation from the global economy has led to layoffs and business closures. It's affecting both Russians and migrant laborers from Central Asia, who are the backbone of Russia's labor force. Now, some of these workers are packing up and going home. Also, since 1995, when the Dayton Accords ended fighting in what is now Bosnia, power has been shared by the three main ethnic groups. But this leaves out many other minority groups, like Jews, Roma and ethnic Albanians or Italians, which has been a major barrier to EU membership. Plus, transgender and nonbinary people who seek abortions face various obstacles around the world.
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For the first time at COP27, funding for climate losses and damages is on the agenda. Pakistan’s historic floods demonstrate what developing countries are pushing for at the climate summit in Sharm el-Sheikh. And, rescue boats filled with stranded migrants are being ordered to vacate a Sicilian port. Advocates argue Italy's far-right government is breaking international law. A court may soon determine whether some asylum-seekers will have to stay adrift at sea. Also, the prominent Egyptian activist Alaa Abd el-Fattah has escalated his hunger strike over the weekend. This coincides with the start of the COP climate conference, linking the struggles for climate justice with human rights across the globe. Plus, climate action takes on many forms — just ask the band Plasticine.
Every weekday, you rely on The World for the best human-centered international news. This podcast, and all of The World’s coverage, is free because listeners like you support our nonprofit newsroom. Learn more here: https://on.prx.org/3FhIeDG
For months, the flooding in Pakistan has been held up by global leaders as a prime example of why funding for so-called "losses and damages" is essential. As COP27 kicks off on Sunday, the stakes are higher for countries like Pakistan. And, the Russian invasion in Ukraine has called for a reckoning from other former members of the Soviet Union. Kazakhstan is experiencing a surge in nationalism — and a push away from Russia. Also, Nov. 4 marks the 100th year since the discovery of the tomb of Egyptian King Tutankhamun Nebkheperure (popularly known as "King Tut"). It was discovered in the Valley of Kings by British Egyptologist Howard Carter in 1922, leading to groundbreaking archaeological research. Plus, Manu Chao and Bomba Estereo team up for a new song.
Former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was shot in the leg while leading a protest march today. Gunfire rained onto his convoy and he was en route to Islamabad in a demonstration aimed at pushing for new elections. Thursday's shooting is inflaming an already heated political situation in Pakistan. And, a new British study out on Thursday shows that psilocybin — a substance found in “magic” mushrooms — can help people suffering from depression. For years, scientists have been taking a fresh look at the use of psychedelic drugs for treating anxiety and depression. Also, Canada prides itself as a climate champion, vowing to reduce emissions and kick fossil fuel use. But stubborn demand for oil and gas means the country is also eager to drill more oil. Plus, pasta lovers, take heart! Italian food scientists have figured out how to extend pasta freshness for up to 120 days.
After nearly two years of fighting, there's a new dawn in Ethiopia. On Wednesday, following 10 days of tense talks, representatives from Ethiopia's federal government and the Tigray People's Liberation Front signed a peace deal, agreeing to end hostilities. And Israel's former prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, is close to being declared the winner in Israel's parliamentary election. Exit polls show Netanyahu and his right-wing allies winning the 61 seats necessary to form a government. Also, with COVID-19 cases on the rise in China, more than 30 cities across the country are experiencing restrictions. Beijing is censoring government criticism, but people are still using social media to voice their frustrations. Plus, in Iran, digital artists are finding powerful ways to document the protests.
A day after Russia carried out new airstrikes in Ukraine, which damaged power grids and water systems in the capital, we hear a story about a mother and her children returning home, and a crew of electrical maintenance workers trying to bring power back to Kyiv. And, Belgium is embroiled in a huge controversy after it recently emerged that a 23-year-old survivor of the 2016 Brussels airport bombing had chosen to end her life this May under the country's euthanasia law. Also, a number of videos on social media in recent days have shown hundreds of migrant Chinese laborers in Tibet protesting and clashing with police. After three months of lockdown, they are demanding that they be allowed to go home, and have reportedly gotten their wish. Plus, the Brazilian samba-funk sounds of Rogê goes on the road.
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Lula is back. The leftist former president, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, has won reelection in Brazil. Plus, more than 150 people died in a crowd crush during a Halloween celebration in South Korea’s capital over the weekend. Also, this week will mark two years since a civil war broke out in Ethiopia. Despite peace talks, the fighting hasn’t let up. And, hear about haunted hill stations of the Himalayas.
Elon Musk has purchased Twitter. In Europe, leaders are warning: “The bird will fly by our rules.” We take a look at the worldwide ramifications of the “Musk-effect” on social media. Plus, the globe is approaching peak demand for fossil fuels. And, we look into how an organization used religious fervor to amass wealth and power in Japan.
Ukrainian forces have been trying to push the Russians out of the annexed Kherson region, but Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelenskiy says Russian forces are strengthening their position, and that he expects an increase in heavy battles. And, the Shah-e-Cheragh holy shrine in southern Iran has been attacked by gunmen. At least 15 people died and dozens more were injured. ISIS is claiming responsibility for the deadly attack in the city of Shiraz. Also, Mexico's president is expected to sign a bill into law that eliminates daylight saving time there. The law would mean Mexico will turn its clock back one last time this Sunday morning. Plus, we hear from Madagascar’s The Dizzy Brains, a band that sings about the corruption, poverty and violence overwhelming the island nation.
Countries around the world are failing to live up to commitments to fight climate change. A lack of drastic action means more warming, and with it, more fires, floods and devastation. But only 13% of countries that made climate commitments at last year's climate conference have followed through, according to a new UN report. And, Vladimir Kara-Murza, one of the most well-known opposition politicians in Russia, is in prison. He is awaiting his day in court after being accused of “high treason.” He’s among hundreds of documented political prisoners currently behind bars in Russia. Also, Israel is under a week away from holding its fifth parliamentary elections in two years. Security and cost of living are the two top concerns for Israeli voters. Plus, a new criminal organization controls the destiny of migrants from Venezuela to Chile.
Rishi Sunak met with King Charles III at Buckingham Palace this morning, making his appointment as Britain's new prime minister official. Sunak will be the fifth leader of the United Kingdom in the last six years. And, American basketball star Brittney Griner remains in a Russian prison. This morning in Moscow, a court rejected her appeal of a 9-year prison sentence for drug possession. Also, Israel conducted a raid against an armed Palestinian group in the occupied West Bank. The raid left five Palestinians dead in the old city of Nablus. Plus, Belarusian opera star Ilya Silchukov starts his life over in the United States.
Former UK Treasury Chief Rishi Sunak is set to become Britain’s new prime minister, after being chosen on Monday to lead the governing Conservative Party. He will try to shore up a reeling economy that’s sliding toward recession. And, top Ukrainian officials today rejected Russian allegations that Kyiv is preparing to use a so-called “dirty bomb,” a conventional explosive laced with radioactive material, on its own territory. Also, delegations from the Ethiopian government and Tigrayan forces are set to meet in South Africa for peace talks. Plus, the co-founder of the Red Bull energy drink dies. The drink was first made popular in Thailand as a stimulant for sleepy truck drivers.
Production of Colombia’s coca crop is up by nearly 50%, according to the United Nations. Colombia is the leading source of coca globally and its new government is trying to figure out how to regulate the industry. And, Pakistan’s Election Commission announced on Friday that the country’s former Prime Minister Imran Khan will be banned from holding political office for the next five years. The commission says that Khan illegally accepted and sold off gifts from foreign dignitaries. Also, Nigeria's largest city, Lagos, has banned motorcycle taxis — known as okadas — that are used to navigate heavy traffic. We hear about the cultural significance of okadas and why Nigerians so heavily depend on them. Plus, couples around the world zoom into Utah for weddings.
Just 44 days into the job, Liz Truss announced today that she is stepping down as the UK’s leader. Her resignation follows weeks of chaos in the UK markets. A new prime minister is expected to be elected into office within a week. And, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has said that 30% of Ukraine's power stations have been hit by Russian airstrikes. Ukraine is now restricting its electricity supplies as the country prepares for a long winter. Also, the US Inflation Reduction Act is raising alarms in the European Union. German and French officials warned on Wednesday that US policies offering subsidies to benefit the American electric vehicle industry would lead the two economic powerhouses into direct competition. Plus, the acclaimed novel, “The Seven Moons of Maali Almeida,” by Sri Lankan writer Shehan Karunatilaka, has clinched the 2022 Booker Prize.
Russian President Vladimir Putin has declared martial law in four regions of Ukraine that were annexed last month by Moscow. The move also gives additional emergency powers to officials in eight Russian regions adjoining Ukraine. And, underprivileged schools in Uganda, Chile, the Philippines, and Scotland have won a competition for world's best schools, run by T4 Education digital platform which also awarded the schools with large cash prizes. Also, it’s been more than a month since protests have rocked Iran, sparked by the death of a young woman allegedly over how she wore her hijab. We hear from three women protesters from different generations in Tehran. Plus, a “plain language” bill passes in New Zealand.
The UN secretary-general sparked controversy on Monday when he called for an international “armed action” in Haiti to reopen a port closed by armed gangs. The US and Canada sent armored vehicles and other supplies to Haiti’s national police this past weekend, but some Haitians are skeptical. And many Central Americans who fled their homes last week during Hurricane Julia are returning and assessing the damage. Severe storms and flooding like this can lead to an increase in migration to the United States. Also, in northeastern Turkey last Friday, 41 people died in a coal mine explosion. Victims’ families and union organizers are calling for greater safety measures, but criticizing the state-run mine can be risky. Plus, Sri Lankan writer Shehan Karunatilaka wins the Booker Prize.
Since the start of the war in Ukraine, Russia's military leadership has been in flux. Most recently, Gen. Sergei Surovikin has been appointed as Russia's new commander charged with leading its war effort in Ukraine. And Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orbán often aims criticism toward philanthropist George Soros, who is Jewish. This constant demonization of Soros, along with comments about Christianity being under threat, is making some within the Jewish community there deeply uncomfortable. Also, the driest nonpolar place on earth, the Atacama Desert, is currently covered with carpets of colorful blossoms. This natural spectacle only happens once or twice every 10 years, prompting the Chilean government to declare this region as a national park earlier this month. Plus, Khruangbin, a psychedelic rock band from Texas, teams up with Malian guitarist Vieux Farka Toure.
Britain's new prime minister is fighting for her political survival. Liz Truss has been at 10 Downing Street for just six weeks, but she's already made U-turns on some of her big economic policies. And, the coalition that has governed Catalonia's semi-autonomous government for years fractured this week. Political infighting has plagued the Catalan independence camp ever since the movement became mainstream over a decade ago. Also, the Russian invasion of Ukraine has complicated Latvia’s relationship with its own ethnic Russian population, who account for a quarter of the country’s 2 million citizens. They’ve assimilated over time but now many of them sense that they’re being marginalized. Plus, a rare anti-government protest in Beijing on Thursday sparks online activism.
NATO's defense ministers have agreed to supply Ukraine with weapons amid Russia's invasion of Ukrainian territory, following a two-day meeting in Brussels. Also, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskiy said this week that Russia has been deploying Iranian-made drones into his country, targeting civilian areas. The relatively small drones can fly at low altitudes, evading Ukrainian radars. And, next month will mark two years since the start of the conflict in Tigray, a northern region of Ethiopia. After the breakdown of five months of peace talks, the war is now escalating once again. Plus, Serbian scientists name a beetle after tennis star Novak Djokovic.
Saudi Arabia's relations with the US are souring after OPEC+ announced it would cut oil production. President Joe Biden said there would be consequences in response to the decision, which is seen as benefiting Russia. And, as much of the globe prepares for another winter, what restrictions remain in place to prevent the spread of COVID-19? Also, Latvia has welcomed desperate Ukrainians who are crossing the border from Russia, most notably young men fearing that they could be drafted. But the country has closed its border to virtually all Russians — even those fleeing conscription. Plus, new lessons are emerging from the Cuban missile crisis.
Latvia is bracing for a brutal winter, outside and inside, as it struggles to heat homes and businesses with less Russian energy. Alternative sources of heat and electricity cannot yet compensate for the deficit, so the government is turning down the temperature in public buildings — and asking ordinary citizens to do the same. And Lebanon and Israel have reached a historic deal via the US to establish their maritime border. The deal allows both countries to explore and extract natural gas from offshore fields and avoid any potential conflict. Also, the state of Texas recently awarded over $307 million to continue building a 14-mile wall across the southern border with Mexico in what is seen as a controversial approach to curb illegal migration. Plus, at a sonic exhibit in Istanbul, visitors feel the echoes of war.
Pakistan is entering a second wave of death and destruction from outbreaks of diseases, including malaria, dengue, diarrhea, scabies and other skin diseases, according to the United Nations. Health workers are trying to contain these outbreaks among millions of displaced people. And the US-Saudi relationship took a major hit this week when OPEC+ announced it would significantly cut oil production levels. The move comes amid the energy crisis and would affect gas prices in the US and Europe. Also, just days after a US federal judge dismissed Mexico's first lawsuit against US gun manufacturers, the Mexican government says it intends to file a second lawsuit, this time against gun sellers along the border. Plus, a volunteer group is hosting cleanup raves to help rebuild Ukrainian villages.
The Ebola outbreak rapidly spreading in Uganda has caused at least 29 deaths in the past two weeks. A vaccine hasn’t yet been tested for this strain. Also, Australia has earned the dubious distinction of being the "mammal extinction capital of the world." But now, the Australian government says it's determined to give wildlife a better chance. Plus, the 50th anniversary of Picasso's death next year is raising some difficult questions about the painter's misogyny. And a song that's becoming the anthem of the protests in Iran.
North Korea launched a missile over Japan on Tuesday morning, for the first time since 2017. Alerts went off in Tokyo and other northern cities at 7:30 a.m., and there was fear and confusion about how to take cover. And, jargon can quickly clog up government documents, making vital information hard to find and difficult to understand. Lawmakers in New Zealand are trying to clear things up with a bill that would require clear, concise communication from the government. Also, living through the trauma of the war in Ukraine has taken an immeasurable toll on people there. Soldiers and civilians alike have been through unspeakable horrors. We hear from a few Ukrainians who are helping people process these traumas. Plus, human tower competitions return to Catalonia after a four-year hiatus.
In Brazil's presidential election on Sunday, former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva got the highest number of votes, as expected. But the final result showed incumbent President Jair Bolsonaro just a handful of points behind the former president. And amid protests in Iran, a group of students were trapped inside the prestigious Sharif University after security guards locked them inside and chased others to a university parking lot. Similar events took place at Iranian universities in 1999 and 2009, leading to many arrests and deaths. Also, Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II announced last week that the four children of her son Prince Joachim will lose their royal titles. The palace said the reasoning was to allow her grandchildren the chance to “shape their own existence.” Plus, the Common loon, known for its haunting cry across the North American wilderness, is in trouble.
The World's Carol Hills and reporter Michael Fox explore institutional religion in Brazil, how President Jair Bolsonaro tapped into religion in his rise to the presidency, and the ripple effects of his alliance with evangelicals throughout the country. This special edition of The World is part of our reporting series called, Sacred Nation, focused on the intersection of religion and nationalism around the globe.
In Moscow, inside the halls of the Kremlin, Russian officials, led by President Vladimir Putin, celebrated the annexation of four Ukrainian regions. The move is being justified based on referendum votes staged this month by Russia. Across the globe, nations are not recognizing the land grab and they're condemning it as a violation of Ukraine's sovereign rights. And a recent census report shows that Catholicism has emerged as the top identified religion in Northern Ireland, a Protestant-formed and Britain-aligned country, for the first time in its 101-year history. With this new declaration, some worry about the possibility of a referendum that would determine if Northern Ireland would stay aligned with Britain or join the Republic of Ireland as one Ireland. Also, Yemen's eight year civil war has been on pause since April. The truce expires this weekend, but many people want the ceasefire extended. Plus, Brazil’s election system is a model for the rest of the world.
In 2014, after pro-Russian forces took control of the Crimea peninsula, Kremlin-backed officials there oversaw a chaotic referendum without credible international observers. This week, we’re seeing a page from that same playbook in Russian-occupied parts of Ukraine. And Democratic Sen. Chris Van Hollen from Maryland has been leading an effort for accountability on the death of Palestinian American journalist Shireen Abu-Akleh, who was shot by Israeli security forces while reporting in the West Bank. Also, in Iran, a mapping app called Gershad allows users, mostly women, to mark the location of the country’s morality police, so others can avoid them. Now, the app has been updated to include the location of riot police and tens of thousands of people have downloaded it. Plus, Kolkata’s biggest religious festival, Durga Puja, gets reframed as an international art experience.
Both Nord Stream pipelines connecting Russia to Germany are leaking, after a pair of explosions went off in the Baltic Sea on Monday off the coast of Denmark. Blame remains unclear, but many European leaders are pointing the finger at Russia. And, the Biden administration is trying to aid suppressed protesters in Iran, at the same time that it’s attempting to cut a deal with Iranian officials to revive the 2015 nuclear accord. Some see this as a contradiction in US foreign policy. Also, when about 50 migrants were flown to Martha's Vineyard from Texas and Florida, they realized they’d been part of a publicity stunt. Now, their lawyers argue that the migrants may qualify for visas reserved for crime victims, which will allow them to stay in the US. Plus, we hear a musical flashback to an undemocratic Brazil with Caetano Veloso.
Today marks the final day of voting in the so-called referendums taking place in parts of Ukraine that are occupied by Russian forces. These votes are taking place under military occupation — and they’re also illegal under international law. Meanwhile, a call by Russia for more men to help fight its war in Ukraine has sent many people fleeing the country to avoid conscription. And in Lebanon, bank heists have become so common that the government has ordered banks to be shut. Customers have been trying to retrieve their own savings that are stuck in the banking system. Also, over the past seven days, the British pound has dropped to a record low against the US dollar. Plus, we hear from three violinists of the Scandinavian group Lodestar Trio, who take their music from baroque to folk.
The Brothers of Italy party is set to form a far-right government. We look at the implications for Italy of this neo-fascist party rising to power. Also, protests in Iran — triggered by the death of a 22-year-old woman detained by the nation's morality police — continue, leading to an internet blackout in the country. And, as the energy crunch caused by the Ukraine war looms over Europe, its shockwaves reverberate as far away as Bangladesh.
The UN Human Rights Commission released a long-awaited report detailing China's misuse of terrorism laws to subjugate Uyghur Muslims in Xinjiang Province. And Sept. 1 marks the first day of school across Ukraine. The day is akin to a national holiday, but this year, schools across the country are trying to figure out how to manage the academic year while the country remains at war. Also, as Russia continues its threats to cut off the Nord Stream 1 pipeline, the near-future of energy security in Germany is up in the air. Plus, renowned Afghan musician Ahmad Fanoos was airlifted out of Afghanistan when the Taliban took power. He tells us his story.
In the waning days of the Soviet Union, Mikhail Gorbachev’s visions of perestroika and glasnost won him accolades in the West and changed the course of world events. But in Russia, he was blamed for bringing about economic collapse, political upheaval and the implosion of the Soviet Union. And, as Europe looks to the Arctic for energy, the Indigenous Sami people say they don't want the massive wind farms that are planned on their shrinking lands because the turbines interfere with their reindeer herds and livelihoods. Also, over 50 South Korean adoptees in Denmark have cosigned an application to South Korea's Truth and Reconciliation Commission to investigate abuses in the country's adoption system going back to the 1960s. Plus, Afrobeats is growing in popularity around the world.
After months of political impasse, Iraq is facing protests again. This time it comes after the powerful Shiite cleric Muqtada al-Sadr announced he is leaving politics for good. And many people who describe long COVID symptoms to their health care providers are met with suspicion, but their symptoms are real, says New York Times columnist Zeynep Tufekci. Also, the Dutch Refugee Council, a nongovernmental organization, is suing the Dutch government over hazardous conditions at migrant reception centers across the country. Plus, we hear about Norway's role in the future of energy with the podcast “Things That Go Boom.”
United Nations officials say they are sending inspectors to the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in southern Ukraine. Russia and Ukraine are accusing each other of shelling the area. International Atomic Energy Agency experts say they will visit the plant later this week. And, water is in short supply in Monterrey, Mexico. Extreme drought has left three dams that serve the city of 5 million people practically empty. But restrictions on water usage are impacting some neighborhoods more than others. Also, for hundreds of years, people living in Louisiana’s bayou country have spoken French. Now, climate change threatens to wipe out the French language in southern Louisiana, as many native French speakers are dispersing to areas much further inland. Plus, despite six months of grueling war with Russia, Ukrainian artists present several acts at Scotland’s largest arts festival.
In this special hour of The World, Paris-based reporter Rebecca Rosman takes a trip across France where she speaks to Catholics, Jews, Muslims and atheists about their right to believe, or not to believe, in France today.
For the first time in its history, the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine was completely disconnected from the electric grid on Thursday. While power was restored, at least partially, on Friday, the event has raised serious concerns about the potential for a nuclear catastrophe in Europe. And, six months since Vladimir Putin's war in Ukraine began, it's settled into an attritional grind. We hear from a former commanding general for the US Army in Europe about the strategic outlook for both sides. Also, on Thursday, about 500 Iranian women were allowed to attend a soccer match at a stadium for the first time in 40 years. Women in Iran had been banned from attending since the Islamic Revolution of 1979. Plus, a young folklorist is on a quest to save Rohingya folk tales.
Five years ago today, soldiers carrying rifles and machetes began driving ethnic Rohingya from their homes in Myanmar in a wave of violence. Some called it a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing.” Nearly 1 million Rohingya people remain stateless. And in the German state of Lower Saxony, hydrogen-fueled trains are being introduced to reduce emissions and tackle the harmful effects of climate change. Also, Ethiopian and Tigrayan authorities are pointing fingers over who started a recent "large-scale" offensive near the Tigray region. It’s a serious setback for peace talks in Ethiopia, where conflict has persisted for nearly two years. Plus, meet Kenya’s fastest-rising tennis star, 18-year-old Angella Okutoyi.
In normal years, Independence Day in Ukraine would be marked with parades, concerts and flag-flying. But today, many Ukrainians observed the day with tributes to the thousands who have died since Russia invaded their country. And, polio has been found in the US, UK and Israel, and an oral polio vaccine appears to be the cause. In New York, London and Jerusalem, there have been isolated cases of the disease, which can lead to paralysis and death. Also, in Haiti, thousands of people have taken to the streets in the capital and other cities demanding that Prime Minister Ariel Henry step down. Protesters blocked roads, shut down businesses and marched through the streets, calling for a better quality of life in the Caribbean nation. Plus, butterflies abound in Scotland.
Record-high temperatures and low rainfall in China are wreaking havoc on the country's power supplies. Factories are being forced to halt production, malls can only open for limited hours and many places have had to cut the lights and the air conditioning. And, with inflation at an alarming high rate and energy prices soaring, waves of workers in the United Kingdom are considering strikes, including nurses, lawyers and teachers, along with scores of transportation workers. Also, the US government says it cannot corroborate Israel's claims against Palestinian nongovernmental groups operating in the West Bank, which Israel accused of being terror organizations late last year. Plus, meet 80 different birds that have changed the world.
The Taliban are in control of Afghanistan but the past year has shown they are not a monolithic political movement. Other groups have emerged and are vying for power, including a nascent resistance movement. And William Ruto has been elected as Kenya's next president. Calling himself the "hustler," the fiercely religious father of six will be leading Africa's largest economy. Also, during World War II, thousands of Jewish people from Russia and Eastern Europe fled east, seeking safety in the far reaches of the Soviet Union. An estimated 40,000 Jews wound up in Kyrgyzstan. Many later left for Israel, but Jewish corners of Kyrgyz cemeteries still exist. Plus, as temperatures rise around the world, we hear from the chief heat officer in Athens, Greece.