How do new COVID variants get identified?
In recent months, our lives have been dominated by the delta and omicron variants, but now there might be another one lurking — temporarily named IHU.  How do variants get classified as a “variant of concern”? And 24-year-old singer Silvana Estrada is one of Mexico’s most promising young talents. We hear about her upcoming debut album, “Marchita,” and her first headlining US tour. Plus, Canadia...
47m Jan 04, 2022
47m
Sudan’s prime minister resigns amid anti-coup protests
Sudanese Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok has stepped down just weeks after he was reinstated by Sudan’s military. The move comes amid street protests responding to the military-led coup in October. And the Daoist goddess Mazu is revered on both sides of the Taiwan Strait. The devout make pilgrimages to Fujian province to pray for the return of Taiwan, which they consider a "renegade province," no...
49m Jan 03, 2022
49m
We ring in the new year with our musical favorites
Happy New Year from The World! For this holiday show, we’ve pulled together a sampling of some of our favorite music features and interviews over the past year. Steeve Valcourt of the band Lakou Mizik talks about how they use music to shine a light on their country's culture and history, while Pakistani composer and musician Arooj Aftab discusses writing songs about transition and loss from her...
50m Dec 31, 2021
50m
Chinese city of Xi'an under lockdown
Earlier this year, the Biden administration discussed offering migrant families that had been separated under the Trump administration $450,000 in compensation per person. But those negotiations ended this week. Families will not be getting anything — at least for now. Plus, the Chinese city of Xi’an remains under COVID-19 lockdown protocols, restricting movement for some 13 million people. And...
49m Dec 30, 2021
49m
Hong Kong shuts down independent media organization
Hong Kong authorities have shut down pro-democracy news organization Stand News on Wednesday in another blow to press freedoms. At least 50 media organizations have ceased operations since the passing of the National Security law. And a decade of war has decimated Syria's health care system. Bombings continue in Idlib province, the last remaining opposition-held area, posing major challenges fo...
49m Dec 29, 2021
49m
Israel explores fourth COVID vaccine dose to mitigate omicron
Israel is administering a fourth COVID-19 vaccine dose to a test group of health workers in the country’s largest hospital. They say it’s the first major study into whether it will help contend with the fast-spreading omicron variant. And across the globe, extreme poverty rates continue to decline. This phenomenon is powered by continued economic growth in places like India and China, but how s...
49m Dec 28, 2021
49m
Remembering Archbishop Desmond Tutu
We remember Archbishop Desmond Tutu, South Africa's Nobel Peace Prize-winning Anglican cleric. The longtime activist for racial justice and LGBTQ rights died over the weekend at the age of 90. And omicron seems to be retreating in South Africa. Health care workers stretched thin during the surge are now able to catch a break. Also, 30 years ago, the red Soviet flag came down from atop the Kreml...
48m Dec 27, 2021
48m
Happy Holidays from The World
The pandemic — and social isolation — has been especially hard on people in long-term care. We hear from a toddler and his mom in Canada who wanted to bring a little joy to residents at a retirement home. Also, Zandile Ndhlovu, South Africa's first Black free-diving instructor, is trying to change the story of who belongs in the water. Plus, how many times over the past 20 months have you answe...
48m Dec 24, 2021
48m
COVID rapid test shortage in the US
As many Americans travel to see loved ones for the holidays, COVID-19 rapid tests are in short supply and often expensive. We hear from a disease expert about how affordable testing options can result in better community health. And the long-awaited election in Libya was set for Dec. 24, but it has been called off, even though the current government’s term is set to expire. What does this signa...
48m Dec 23, 2021
48m
Countries scramble to contain omicron during the holidays
As millions around the globe prepare to gather for the holiday season, omicron is taking hold in more and more countries. It’s now the dominant COVID-19 strain in the United States, Denmark, Portugal and the United Kingdom.  And as snow falls in Kabul, Afghanistan, humanitarian workers are bracing for a difficult winter. We hear about a domestic abuse shelter for girls and women that is struggl...
49m Dec 22, 2021
49m
The Iranian way to celebrate the winter solstice
Shab-e Yalda is the Iranian celebration of the winter solstice when families gather to eat, dance, sing and recite poetry. It's all about honoring the slow return of daylight as the shortest day of the year comes to an end. Like any good celebration, food plays a vital role. And one of the ways Russia exerts its power across continents is through mercenaries known as the Wagner Group, which has...
49m Dec 21, 2021
49m
A ‘vaccine-plus’ approach to omicron
Omicron is driving the surge in new infections of the coronavirus around the world. Public health colleagues across the globe have been calling for a robust "vaccine-plus" strategy to meet the current moment. And Sudan’s pro-democracy revolution has taken a heavy toll on civil society. Activists say more than 200 people have been killed by security forces in recent years and that this is the re...
49m Dec 20, 2021
49m
‘Patriots only’ to vote in upcoming Hong Kong election
Hong Kong will hold its first election under a new system imposed by Beijing — one in which every candidate must be a so-called “patriot,” meaning they must show pride in mainland China. Hong Kong politicians who question Beijing can’t run, and some have been locked up. And US President Joe Biden recently met with Russian President Vladimir Putin, hoping to deescalate tensions between the two c...
48m Dec 17, 2021
48m
Missionaries in Haiti freed after 2 months
Haitian police say kidnappers have released all the remaining missionaries they held from an Ohio-based missionary group Christian Aid Ministries. The notorious Haitian gang 400 Mawozo had seized 17 members of the group exactly two months ago. And Amazon has officially launched its smart speaker, Alexa, in Arabic. The service is now available in Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. But cr...
48m Dec 16, 2021
48m
Coronavirus Conversations: The pandemic, women's health and pregnancy
As part of The World's regular series of conversations about the pandemic, reporter Elana Gordon moderated a discussion with Ana Langer, Professor of the Practice of Public Health and Director of the Women and Health Initiative at the <a href="http://theforum.sph.harvard.edu/events/" target="_blank">Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health</a> about the pandemic-related challenges that are aff...
45m Dec 16, 2021
45m
Police foil murder plot of German politician
Police in Germany foiled an assassination plot against the state of Saxony's political leader. The group behind the plot was reportedly angry about the country's COVID-19 response and vaccine rollout. And in Sudan, anti-military demonstrations continue nationwide after the military coup in October. Prime Minister Abdalla Hamdok was reinstated but now he must create a new government after a wave...
49m Dec 15, 2021
49m
Understanding the new omicron variant
Rates of transmission of omicron continue to rise a day after the United Kingdom announced its first death from this latest variant of COVID-19. We hear from a leading epidemiologist about what we've learned since omicron was first announced. Also, leaders in Iran want people to have more children. To reach this goal, they have passed new legislation that limits access to contraceptives and abo...
48m Dec 14, 2021
48m
First omicron-related death reported in UK
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson announced the UK's first reported death from the omicron variant of the coronavirus and said restrictions were in place to help mitigate an upcoming tidal wave of cases. Now, Brits are lining up for booster shots and bracing for new restrictions during the holiday season. Also, Belarus President Alexander Lukashenko has taken a hard line against his politica...
49m Dec 13, 2021
49m
New Zealand bans smoking for those who are 14 and under
New Zealand's new smoking ban — for those who are 14 and under — is a step toward eventually ending all cigarette sales in the country. It impacts the nation's Maori and Pacific Island communities, in particular. Also, the tragic death of more than 50 migrants in a trailer-truck crash in southern Mexico highlights the dangers faced by migrants globally. And, we remember the Japanese video game ...
48m Dec 10, 2021
48m
Coronavirus Conversations: The omicron variant and holiday travel
To understand the new omicron variant, travel restrictions and how people can better prepare for the upcoming festive season, reporter Elana Gordon moderated a discussion with Stephen Kissler — who is a research fellow in the Department of Immunology and Infectious Diseases at the <a href="http://theforum.sph.harvard.edu/events/" target="_blank">Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health</a> — a...
53m Dec 09, 2021
53m
Will Guantanamo ever close?
The Biden administration received bipartisan criticism in the Senate this week over the fate of the Guantanamo Bay detention center. The camp has been open for nearly two decades and several US presidents have vowed to close it. But it remains open with some 39 prisoners still behind bars. And a Hong Kong court charged three prominent Hong Kong pro-democracy figures, including media mogul Jimmy...
49m Dec 09, 2021
49m
Brits brace for new omicron-related restrictions
British Prime Minister Boris Johnson denied that a Christmas party was held at 10 Downing street last December during a pandemic ban on indoor parties, despite new video evidence. It could undercut the impact of an announcement of new omicron-related restrictions in England. And US President Joe Biden is holding a virtual "Summit for Democracy" this week as part of a White House effort to advoc...
49m Dec 08, 2021
49m
Biden and Putin hold high-stakes security meeting
US President Joe Biden and Russian President Vladimir Putin met on Tuesday via video conference. At the top of their agenda: the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. In recent months, Russia has been building up its military presence on Ukraine’s border. And on Wednesday, Germany gets a new chancellor and a new coalition government. After 16 years, Angela Merkel will be replaced by Olaf Scholz ...
49m Dec 07, 2021
49m
US imposes diplomatic boycott on Beijing Olympics
The White House has announced a diplomatic boycott of the Beijing Olympics, slated to begin on Feb. 4. The decision was due to China’s “ongoing genocide and crimes against humanity in Xinjiang.” Also, the most prominent political leader in Myanmar, 76-year-old Nobel prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, was given a four-year prison sentence on Monday. Hours later, the head of the military junta lowere...
49m Dec 06, 2021
49m
Coronavirus Conversations: The challenges of vaccinating people in conflict zones
Efforts to vaccinate people to stop the spread of the pandemic in conflict zones, including Syria, Yemen, Afghanistan and Ethiopia — where even basic humanitarian aid is often hard to come by — continue to be hampered. The coronavirus pandemic has made the situation worse, with lockdowns and overstretched services affecting efforts to reach vulnerable populations. As part of The World's <a href...
1hr 14m Dec 06, 2021
1hr 14m
Coronavirus Conversations: Children's mental health during COVID
A UNICEF analysis of various studies has revealed “higher levels of depression, fear, anxiety, anger, irritability, negativity, conduct disorder, alcohol and substance use and sedentary behaviors, compared with pre-pandemic rates” among children and adolescents from mostly high and upper middle-income countries from around the globe. As part of The World's regular series of conversations about ...
48m Dec 06, 2021
48m
How far will the US go in its relationship with Vietnam’s military?
The US Navy has become a steady presence in Vietnam. It's part of a strategy to help Vietnamese forces stand up to China, which is beefing up its military presence in the area. But just how far will the US go in its relationship with Vietnam’s military? Also, in the past few weeks, we've been hearing a lot about the migration crisis in Europe. At the center of the storm are Iraqi Kurds fleeing ...
50m Dec 03, 2021
50m
US boosts access to at-home COVID testing
In Britain and other parts of Europe, at-home COVID-19 tests have long been available for free and have become a part of everyday life. Now, US President Joe Biden is trying to beef up access for at least 150 million Americans with private health insurance. And, Russia has been moving thousands of troops to its border with Ukraine in recent months. Tensions between the two countries are now at ...
48m Dec 02, 2021
48m
Omicron emerges amid historic pandemic treaty agreement
The new omicron variant of COVID-19 is a reminder to the world that the pandemic is far from over. At the same time, nearly 200 countries reached a historic pandemic treaty agreement on Wednesday, focused on global preparedness and response. Also, Lebanon has 18 recognized religious sects and sectarianism is built into the Lebanese political system. We hear about how some Lebanese people involv...
48m Dec 01, 2021
48m
Germany grapples with vaccine hesitancy
Germany has one of the lowest vaccination rates in Western Europe. The country is now edging closer to mandatory vaccines for the coronavirus with lawmakers set to vote on the issue before the end of the year. And, five years ago, Colombia’s government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) signed a peace agreement. Since then, deforestation has been on the rise as cattle rancher...
48m Nov 30, 2021
48m
Omicron variant sparks new travel ban debate
It might seem intuitive to limit travel to curb the spread of the new omicron variant. But researchers have found that these kinds of standalone bans may do more harm than good. And, Honduran leftist candidate Xiomara Castro held a big lead early Monday as voters appeared to oust the conservative National Party after 12 years of rule. Also, Saudi Arabia recently announced a sudden ban on all Le...
47m Nov 29, 2021
47m
WHO says newest COVID variant has many mutations
The World Health Organization has announced after a meeting on Friday that the new omicron variant of COVID-19 “has a large number of mutations, some of which are concerning.” Also, a major resurgence in vinyl is putting a strain on the few record plants left to press them, as well as the chemical used to make the vinyl. And, many people are wondering where their purchases are as they get stuck...
50m Nov 26, 2021
50m
Happy Thanksgiving from The World
Chef Eric Ripert of the famed New York restaurant Le Bernardin doesn't just prepare food, he has a spiritual experience with it. Ripert tells host Marco Werman about how his Buddhist practice influences his cuisine. French winegrowers are feeling the impact of heat, drought, and other changes in weather patterns. The taste of water is often glazed over. But a growing group of professional water...
51m Nov 25, 2021
51m
Fauci on gathering safely for Thanksgiving amid COVID surge
Thursday is Thanksgiving, a time for families to gather, but COVID-19 is surging across the US, and many parts of the world. So, is it OK to let our guards down for a meal? To answer that, and give us the latest on all-things-COVID, we turn to the nation's top infectious disease expert, Dr. Anthony Fauci. Also, kids here in the US were always taught to say "thank you." But a well-intentioned th...
50m Nov 24, 2021
50m
Advocates seek better alternatives to immigration detention
Many immigration rights advocates want an end to detention at facilities. But proponents and current immigrants under surveillance say alternative methods, like ankle monitors or cell phone tracking apps, have taken a toll on their health. Also, when the Beatles swept the world in 1964, it didn't take long before Argentina’s local bands began imitating its sounds. Argentine rock musicians, insp...
58m Nov 23, 2021
58m
Lebanon faces critical electricity shortage
Lebanon’s electric company is only able to provide power to residents for a few hours a day. For the rest of the time, people have no choice but to rely on private generator businesses, which in turn, has created its own set of problems. And, ahead of Chile's presidential elections next month, far-right candidate José Antonio Kast and leftist Gabriel Boric will compete for the position. Plus, A...
49m Nov 22, 2021
49m
IOC announces plans for trans and intersex inclusion in sport
The International Olympic Committee has announced a new framework for transgender and intersex athletes this week. In part, the guidelines say no athlete has an inherent advantage just because of physical appearance, gender or intersex identities. The guidelines also move away from using testosterone levels alone to determine eligibility. And we hear the personal story of Sofie Lovern, a Mexica...
48m Nov 19, 2021
48m
North America leaders’ summit convenes
Leaders from the US, Canada and Mexico are holding their first in-person meeting on Thursday in the first summit of its kind in five years. Each brings conflicting interests in issues of migration, trade and the pandemic. And capitol rioter Evan Neumann is wanted by the FBI for his involvement in the Jan. 6 insurrection. Neumann recently turned up in Belarus hoping to seek asylum there. Plus, c...
49m Nov 18, 2021
49m
New Delhi struggles with smothering smog
Soaring pollution levels in New Delhi, India, have prompted officials to indefinitely close schools and some coal-based power plants. We hear from a climate analyst about the health implications and causes of the smothering smog. And, the Biden administration has announced a major new investment in vaccine manufacturing, with an aim to help address global inequalities. But critics say it doesn’...
49m Nov 17, 2021
49m
Poland-Belarus border tensions escalate
Migrants remain stranded at the Poland-Belarus border, attempting to cross into the EU and seek asylum. What does the escalating tension mean for Europe? And the virtual meeting between US President Joe Biden and China’s Premier Xi Jinping was big news in China, with state media calling it a success. We hear reactions from China. Plus, archaeologists in Israel say an amethyst ring they uncovere...
49m Nov 16, 2021
49m
COP26: Gaps between ambition and action
The UN climate summit wrapped up this past weekend, issuing a set of agreements that use the strongest language yet to convey the gravity of the climate crisis. But nearly every climate envoy or minister at the meeting left Glasgow saying more still needs to be done — and fast. And Britain's terror threat level has been raised from "substantial" to "severe" following an explosion outside a hosp...
52m Nov 15, 2021
52m
COP26: What’s next?
COP26 President Alok Sharma has said that the summit will be a success only if it keeps the target of limiting global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius alive. But it’s extremely unlikely that countries will commit to those kinds of carbon cuts at the summit. Also, Nov. 13 marks the sixth anniversary of the coordinated terrorist attacks at the Bataclan concert hall and six other sites in Paris. Thi...
49m Nov 12, 2021
49m
EU countries consider border walls to deter migrants
The crisis along Poland's border with Belarus has escalated over the last few days with thousands of migrants stranded there in near-freezing conditions. Barbed wire separates the two countries. Polish authorities are now planning to build an 18-foot wall along its border, and 12 other EU countries are also considering border walls. And, we take a look at a day in the life of a climate negotiat...
50m Nov 11, 2021
50m
Who pays for damages due to climate change?
For years, developing countries have been lobbying for money through the United Nations system to pay for damages and losses from climate change. Where does the finance issue stand now? And, Dearborn, Michigan is home to many immigrant populations, but especially Arab Americans. Last week, the city elected its first Arab American Muslim mayor, Abdullah Hammoud. Plus, forced migration can be the...
50m Nov 10, 2021
50m
Migrant crisis continues on Belarus-Poland border
On the border between Belarus and Poland, there's been an ongoing standoff between thousands of migrants — mostly from Africa and the Middle East — and Polish border guards. EU countries, like Poland, have been steadfast in their attempts to deny entry. And, this week, many foreign travelers were finally allowed to enter the US, after a year and a half of intense travel restrictions. But New Ze...
49m Nov 09, 2021
49m
EU climate chief calls for reaching headline Paris agreement goal
The European Union’s climate chief said during the ongoing COP 26 conference in Glasgow that talks must focus on meeting the headline goal of the Paris agreement. Former US President Barack Obama spoke on the sidelines of the conference on Monday, saying President Joe Biden's climate package will be “historic,” while welcoming the efforts of bipartisan US support in working toward slowing down ...
49m Nov 08, 2021
49m
Chinese tennis star silenced after #MeToo accusations
The latest high-profile #MeToo case in China involves a tennis star making accusations against a former high-level Communist Party official. The Chinese government has attempted to silence the tennis star, but activists within China and the diaspora continue to share the story. And, a monthslong drought in parts of Kenya is endangering the livelihoods of millions of people who rely on livestock...
50m Nov 05, 2021
50m
US diplomat and hostage negotiator heads to Myanmar
Veteran US diplomat and hostage negotiator Bill Richardson traveled to Myanmar this week, raising hopes for the release of American journalist Danny Fenster, who's been detained by the military junta for five months. And thousands of Afghans are still trying to flee Afghanistan or are somewhere en route to a new home. The US and Canada have historically been the world's two leading countries fo...
50m Nov 04, 2021
50m
Haitians deported from US focus again on migration
Less than two months ago, thousands of Haitians were encamped under a bridge in Del Rio, Texas, just at the Mexico border. Some migrants were eventually let into the US, but the majority were deported to Haiti, often after living away from the country for years. And in Afghanistan, Afghans desperately need foreign aid to get through the winter. But the international community doesn’t want to pr...
50m Nov 03, 2021
50m
France and UK's fish dispute
France and the UK have been caught up in a bitter dispute — about fish. Each government accuses the other of contravening the trade deal on fishing licenses in the English Channel. The French are threatening to block British fishing boats disembarking into the country unless the UK does something to resolve the matter. And, Saudi Arabia says it will plant millions of trees and capture carbon to...
49m Nov 02, 2021
49m