Stunning purge of China’s military
Analysts are calling it China’s biggest military purge in roughly half a century: President Xi Jinping has placed his second-in-command, China's top general, under investigation. Also, the Israeli government announced today it had found and recovered the remains of the final Israeli hostage. And, seven Japanese American soldiers are being promoted to officer ranks, eight decades after they died...
51m Jan 26
51m
Syrians in Turkey are trying to decide whether to stay or go
About half a million Syrians living in Turkey have returned to Syria — just one in five. Although aid groups estimate many more will follow, it's a difficult decision, and many are wary of Syria's new leader and struggling economy. Also, a stretched polar vortex is bringing severe winter storm conditions to half the continental US, and is causing temperatures to plummet across even more of the ...
50m Jan 23
50m
In Iran, grieving comes with punishment
In Iran, some families are still searching morgues for their loved ones. Among those who have found them, some say they have been intimidated and threatened by security forces for holding funerals. Also, Bobi Wine, the leading opposition figure in Uganda’s presidential elections, speaks to The World’s Marco Werman from hiding, one week after Uganda’s longtime president, Yoweri Museveni, was dec...
51m Jan 22
51m
US immigration sees radical policy shifts in first year of Trump’s term
The US immigration system sees one of the most radical policy shifts during US President Donald Trump's second term. Also, testimonies from Iranians fleeing into Turkey amid a crackdown on protests. And, Guatemala declares a state of emergency following coordinated attacks by gangs. Plus, a listen to Taiwan’s Indigenous Bunun music inspired by natural sounds. Learn about your ad choices: https...
51m Jan 21
51m
Venezuelans grapple with a collapsing economy
Venezuela is facing soaring prices, shrinking wages and a middle class that has largely vanished. Also, London Mayor Sadiq Khan says the British capital is one of the safest major cities in the Western world, citing new police figures showing homicide rates have fallen to their lowest level in a decade, but campaigners argue the latest numbers don’t tell the full story. And, a look at how US Pr...
50m Jan 20
50m
Anxiety spreads in Denmark amid US demands to take over Greenland
President Donald Trump keeps insisting that the US "needs" to take over Greenland, which is controlled by Denmark. Protests in both Denmark and Greenland have denounced US threats to seize the territory. Also, Julio Iglesias, the 82-year-old crooner who's sold more than 300 million records over his long career, could soon take center stage in a Spanish courtroom over sexual abuse allegations. A...
51m Jan 19
51m
Unofficial results show reelection of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni
With votes tallied from about 50% of polling places, incumbent President Yoweri Museveni is projected to win reelection in Uganda. Also, Indian authorities continue searching for an elephant that’s already killed 22 people in the first two weeks of 2026. And, Sara Mardini, who was arrested for helping rescue migrants from the sea in 2018, is acquitted of her charges in Greece. Plus, searching f...
51m Jan 16
51m
Residents of Kyiv endure relentless winter amid Ukraine war
As bitter cold descends on Ukraine, so has a fresh barrage of Russian drone and missile strikes. Recent attacks on transformer substations and power plants have plunged Kyiv into its worst wartime heating and power outage. Also, as opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado meets US President Donald Trump in Washington, Venezuelans are watching with a mix of hope and un...
52m Jan 15
52m
Greenland’s prime minister says the territory is ‘not for sale’
The foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met with US Vice President JD Vance today at the White House today for talks. Also, a discussion about what the end of Temporary Protected Status for Somalia by the Trump administration means for Somalis. And, a look at why international adoptions have largely been a failure. Plus, a little-known amateur tennis player from Sydney beats some of the ...
51m Jan 14
51m
Protests continue in Iran as nation remains under communications blackout
Iranian state TV has aired new footage showing piles of black body bags it says hold demonstrators killed during protests. Some footage of the protests has come out even as a communications blackout in the country continues. Also, since Venezuela’s announcement last week that the government would release a "significant number" of political prisoners, only 16 people have actually been freed. And...
50m Jan 13
50m
Protests escalate in Iran with little information getting in or out
Protests in Iran have turned deadly, with hundreds feared shot and killed. The government has shut all communications with the outside world, making it difficult to get accurate information from the ground. But a few have been able to get through, using Starlink, a satellite internet network, including one doctor living in New York. Also, Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked Grok, the AI chatbot...
51m Jan 12
51m
Europe on edge amid US strikes in Venezuela and Greenland threats
EU leaders are responding cautiously, with some notable exceptions, following US strikes on Venezuela and threats to take over Greenland. Also, the Iranian government cuts off internet access as protests across the country escalate. And, a look at the high-stakes push to bring US oil companies back to Venezuela. Plus, twin mountain gorillas are born at Africa's largest national park in Democrat...
50m Jan 09
50m
Who is Delcy Rodríguez, Venezuela's new interim president?
We take a look at the life and politics of Delcy Rodríguez, who spent years as part of deposed President Nicolás Maduro’s inner circle, and is now Venezuela’s de-facto leader. Also, Cubans are watching the developments in Venezuela with growing unease as fuel shortages worsen in their own country. And, winter storm Goretti disrupts travels across much of Western Europe. Plus, experts unearth a ...
51m Jan 08
51m
Greenlanders react to US threats to take over their territory
The White House has renewed its rhetoric on acquiring Greenland. We hear how the news is being received by people who live there. Also, a discussion about the erosion of international law. And, a look at the frustrations that blind people face during air travel. Plus, the story of a young man who moved as a kid from Guatemala to Texas to Taiwan. Learn about your ad choices: https://dovetail.pr...
51m Jan 07
51m
Crackdowns in Venezuela amid power transition
Militias are patrolling the streets of Venezuela and independent journalists have been detained. It’s all part of a crackdown signaling the country’s authoritarian leaders are not relinquishing power, despite the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Also, a garbage workers’ strike in the UK has led to tens of thousands of tons of rubbish piling up in the streets, attracting vermin. And, the Isr...
50m Jan 06
50m
Venezuelans brace for an uncertain future after Maduro's removal
Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is now in US custody, facing drug-related charges — but inside Venezuela, the fallout is just beginning. In Caracas, residents describe fear, brief celebration and a return to caution as power shifts. Also, Jamaica’s tourism sector has rebounded some 80% after Hurricane Melissa. And, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appoints a former Canadian m...
49m Jan 05
49m
A special look at China
In this holiday special, The World takes you to China. We visit Shenzhen, which has become the most thriving megacity in the world — without the air pollution, overcrowding and failing infrastructure that often accompany rapid expansion. Also, an unpacking of the latest diplomatic spat between China and Japan over Taiwan. And, a peek at the future of transportation innovation from the Automotiv...
50m Jan 02
50m
A New Year’s special celebrating The World’s 30th anniversary
It’s been an adventurous three decades for The World and we’re glad to have you with us as we celebrate our 30th anniversary. In this special New Year’s show, we highlight some of our reporting over the years. We bring you a discussion with Neil Curry, who helped create the show and was The World's first executive producer, as well as a conversation with our reporters Matthew Bell and Shirin Ja...
51m Jan 01
51m
A special show looking back at 2025
As we wrap up the year, The World takes a look back at some of our favorite stories from 2025. We visit coffee raves in Barcelona. Also, a landmark performance for a female conductor at the Tehran Symphony Orchestra. And inmates in Milan who are repurposing the wood from migrant boats into musical instruments. Plus, crate digging for vinyl records with a collector in Dubai. Learn about your ad...
51m Dec 31, 2025
51m
Iranians grapple with a weakening currency
Fueled by a cost-of-living crisis and a weakening currency, Iranians are taking to the streets. While the government says it's offering dialogue, the demonstrations follow a year of growing challenges for the regime and everyday people in the country. Also, a look back at a year of global protests, driven largely by Gen Z, over economic uncertainty. And, air pollution in Germany's once-industri...
50m Dec 30, 2025
50m
US conducts airstrikes in northwestern Nigeria
The US fired Tomahawk missiles into Nigeria's Sokoto State late last week, claiming to target members of ISIS targeting Christians in the country, but the region hit by the strikes — and facing the brunt of ISIS attacks — is majority Muslim. Also, the world's first carbon tariff is set to take effect in Europe at the start of 2026. And, some patients in the UK who are unable to access emergency...
51m Dec 29, 2025
51m
2025: In Memoriam
This special show takes a look back at some important and influential people who passed away in 2025, leaving behind their legacies. They include Pope Francis, Kenyan politician Raila Odinga, the world’s oldest Olympian Ágnes Keleti, the 49th Aga Khan Muslim spiritual leader, photographer Sebastião Salgado and legendary musicians like Lebanon’s Ziad Rahbani, Honduras’ Aurelio Martínez and Ghana...
33m Dec 26, 2025
33m
A special holiday show all about Greenland
In this holiday special, The World visits Greenland. Former Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute B. Egede stated this year, “We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic.” We look at divided opinions around the territory’s independence. Also, a look at Denmark’s controversial parenting test that resulted in a disproportionate number of Inuit families being se...
50m Dec 25, 2025
50m
A holiday special all about Greenland
In this holiday special, The World visits Greenland. Former Greenlandic Prime Minister Mute B. Egede stated this year, “We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic.” We look at divided opinions around the territory’s independence. Also, a look at Denmark’s controversial parenting test that resulted in a disproportionate number of Inuit families being se...
50m Dec 25, 2025
50m
A holiday special full of laughs
In this comedy special, The World takes you around the globe where artists find humor in unconventional places. Chinese-language open mic events become a place for activists to meet, get  group therapy and share pointed views on life back home in China. Also, Syrian comedians embrace a new era in which social critiques are no longer shunned. And, a Ukrainian comic uses comedy as a way to proces...
50m Dec 24, 2025
50m
Finding the joy of Christmas amid the war in Ukraine
In Ukraine, the Christmas season is being observed even amid war. We hear one story from a Christian ministry leader and Kyiv resident. Also, the Trump Administration has recalled nearly 30 ambassadors and senior embassy officials, serving mostly in African and Asian countries, from their posts. And, a $500 million AI factory is set to open in Armenia. Plus, members of Parliament grant full cle...
49m Dec 23, 2025
49m
Cubans brace for fuel shortages as US tightens oil blockade on Venezuela
The US Coast Guard pursued a third vessel off Venezuela’s coast this weekend. The US oil blockade on Venezuela is also sending shockwaves through Cuba. Also, President Donald Trump has appointed a US envoy for Greenland, a Danish territory that he believes the US should own. And, an NGO in France exposes holiday food scams just in time for Christmas. Plus, David Munyua becomes the first darts p...
50m Dec 22, 2025
50m
People in Portugal react to citizens' connections to US shootings
This week saw two shootings in the US that made national and international headlines. The suspected gunman and one of the victims were from Portugal. Also, Australia’s government has vowed to tighten firearms laws, toughen hate-speech measures and curtail immigration in the wake of Sunday’s massacre at a Jewish Hanukkah festival. And, the European Union has agreed to provide Ukraine with a $105...
50m Dec 19, 2025
50m
EU summit seen as critical for Ukraine’s war effort
European leaders are locked in talks in Brussels over how the EU will fund future support for Ukraine. Also, a Chinese man who documented human rights abuses in China was detained by ICE and may soon be deported to Uganda. And, 11 members of the Nigerian Air Force were released from detention yesterday in Burkina Faso, where they had made an emergency landing more than a week ago. Plus, a look ...
49m Dec 18, 2025
49m
Relations between the US and European Union remain tense
EU-US relations remain tense after Washington’s new national security strategy slammed the European Union’s migration policies, warning that the bloc risks “civilizational erasure.” Also, heavy winds, rain and cold are making life dangerous for Palestinians in Gaza. And, a lawyer takes Pakistan’s government to court over taxes on pads and tampons. Plus, a look at a traditional celebration in Gh...
49m Dec 17, 2025
49m
Service member deaths raise questions about future of US presence in Syria
The killing of two US service members in an attack in Syria over the weekend has raised questions about the future of American forces in the country. Also, prosecutors in Serbia have charged a government minister with abuse of office and falsifying of documents in an apparent attempt to pave the way for a real estate project financed by a company linked to Jared Kushner, US President Trump's so...
50m Dec 16, 2025
50m
Australia mourns Hanukkah celebration shooting
Australia's Jewish community is reeling from a mass shooting at a Hanukkah celebration at Bondi Beach. Also, Chile elects José Antonio Kast in its runoff presidential election as the country’s most right-wing leader in decades. And, a new software that can track just about anybody just about anywhere. Plus, a look at a new generation in Turkey adding its own spin to reading fortunes in coffee g...
50m Dec 15, 2025
50m
US sanctions Colombians hiring out mercenaries to Sudan
This week, the Trump Administration announced sanctions against Colombians involved in hiring out mercenaries to the Rapid Support Forces paramilitary group fueling Sudan's civil war. Also, aging landfills in the UK risk leaking toxic waste into nearby communities. And, a year on, Israel continues to hold Dr. Hussam Abu Safiya, the head of the last functioning hospital in northern Gaza. Plus, a...
50m Dec 12, 2025
50m
Police in Spain take down white supremacist terror cell
Three men arrested last month in Spain have been accused of plotting an imminent terrorist attack and of belonging to a neo-Nazi terrorist organization known as The Base, which started in the US and seeks societal collapse through violence and establishing white-dominated ethnostates. Also, Quebec's provincial government has introduced a bill that aims to expand it's authority to restrict relig...
50m Dec 11, 2025
50m
The implications of sperm donors carrying cancer-causing genes
A sperm donor whose genetic material was used to conceive nearly 200 children in at least 14 European countries has discovered he carries a mutation that increases the risk of cancer. Also, India’s mango farmers are racing to adapt to changing markets and a changing climate. And, around 100 kidnapped Nigerian children have been returned to their families. Plus, a look at the politics behind wri...
50m Dec 10, 2025
50m
Iraq sees worst drought in nearly a century
In Iraq, 2025 has been the driest year on record since 1933, with water storage levels dropping dramatically. Politicians blame climate change, but there are also other factors at play. And, even as the US slaps hefty tariffs on Chinese goods, the country's trade surplus is on the rise. Also, after US President Donald Trump shut the door to asylum seekers, many previously hoping for protection ...
51m Dec 09, 2025
51m
Syrians look back on one year since the fall of Bashar al-Assad
Today marks one year since the regime of longtime dictator Bashar al-Assad was overthrown in Syria. The World caught up with Syrians to hear their perspectives as they reflect on the past. Also, the 2025 US National Security Strategy, unveiled late Thursday, has reignited fears of US ‘gunboat diplomacy’ in Latin America. And, despite aggressive immigration enforcement activities in the US — bot...
49m Dec 08, 2025
49m
In China, the future of transportation is here
Some of the auto industry's biggest innovators gathered in Shenzhen earlier this year for the Automotive World China Exhibition. From electric cars to self-driving sanitation vehicles, the event made it clear that the future of transportation is already here — and China is leading the way. Also, Somalis in the country's capital say they're discouraged by what they heard recently from the presid...
50m Dec 05, 2025
50m
Shenzhen, China, becomes electric car capital of the world
China produces nearly three-quarters of the world’s electric cars, and no city embodies that dominance more than Shenzhen, home to industry giant BYD. Once known as “The World’s Factory,” the city has transformed into a global hub of clean transportation and high-tech innovation. Also, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. And, Palestinians...
53m Dec 04, 2025
53m
Multi-lateral military force for Gaza takes shape just outside the enclave
At a large warehouse in the southern Israeli city of Kiryat Gat, dozens of US officials and soldiers — along with counterparts from other nations — are daily mapping out the day-after plan for Gaza. Also, an Indian government order to require the Sanchar Saathi app on smartphones sparks debate about digital rights. And, international agencies are gearing up to send nearly $7 billion to Jamaica ...
50m Dec 03, 2025
50m
Trump formally pardons former Honduran leader
Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández was convicted last year in a New York courtroom of flooding the US with tons of cocaine. This week, US President Donald Trump has pardoned him and he’s walked out of prison a free man. Also, taking lessons from Shenzhen, China, a megacity that has largely sidestepped the air pollution, overcrowding and failing infrastructure that often accompany ...
51m Dec 02, 2025
51m
As US pressure mounts, Venezuela's president cracks down on dissent
As the US ramps up military pressure on Venezuela, the Maduro government is tightening its grip at home. Families of political prisoners describe disappearances, torture and a justice system that forces detainees to accept state-appointed lawyers. Also, Hong Kong officials have announced that more than 150 people are now confirmed dead after last week's massive fire that gutted several high-ris...
49m Dec 01, 2025
49m
An environment holiday special
The World take a look at a variety of environment stories in this holiday special. A new report finds that renewable energy sources made up more of the global electricity mix than coal for the first half of 2025. Also, scientists in Greenland study glacial meltwater to better understand what it could do to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. And, a look at how climate change is exa...
50m Nov 28, 2025
50m
A holiday transportation special
The World brings you a collection of transportation stories from across the globe. Air carriers around the world expand premium seats and luxury cabins for big spenders. Also, a group of YouTube streamers turn the nerve-racking logistics of world travel into friendly competition. And, a look at Bolivia's cable car system — the longest in the world. Plus, pets flying with their owners in style. ...
50m Nov 27, 2025
50m
Fishermen avoid Caribbean waters over fear of US strikes
The Trump administration's airstrikes in the Caribbean are having a chilling effect on small-scale fishermen, who fear being attacked by mistake. Also, Taiwan's president asks lawmakers to approve a new $40 billion spending package in response to recent moves by China. And, Italy’s legislature passes a law that will make femicide an offense punishable by life imprisonment. Plus, the Olympic fla...
49m Nov 26, 2025
49m
Taiwan watches US diplomacy with China and Russia closely
Taiwan is closely following Washington’s diplomacy with Beijing and Moscow, as it hopes for US support to stay independent from China. Also, Indian authorities have launched a sweeping crackdown in the Kashmir Valley following a bomb blast outside Delhi’s historic Red Fort last week. And, Britain prepares an overhaul of its asylum system as governments across Europe tighten their rules amid ris...
49m Nov 25, 2025
49m
Fires threaten ancient forests in drought-stricken Iran
Fires in drought-stricken Iran are threatening ancient forests that are home to endangered species. Also, Ireland considers making a program permanent that would provide a stable income for artists. And, we bring you updates on the outcome of the UN climate summit in Belem, Brazil. Plus, a look at the origins of apples in Central Asia. Listen to today’s <a href="https://open.spotify.com/playli...
50m Nov 24, 2025
50m
How agriculture gets overlooked in climate change talks
This year's COP30 summit in Brazil has highlighted food, forests and land as key topics. One sector that spreads across all of these is agriculture, and it’s responsible for about one-third of global carbon emissions. Also, China is rapidly expanding its nuclear forces just as the only major nuclear agreement, between the US and Russia, is set to expire next year. And, a conversation with forme...
50m Nov 21, 2025
50m
US-Russia plan pressures Ukraine to concede
A look at a 28-point framework to end the war in Ukraine, secretly drafted by the US and Russia in Miami last month without Ukrainian officials at the table. Also, representatives of more than a dozen Caribbean nations are in the UK this week to promote reparations for slavery and the mistreatment of Indigenous people in former colonies. And, the US plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arab...
50m Nov 20, 2025
50m
US wants Venezuela's 'Cartel of the Suns' on the terror list
The Trump administration is moving to label Venezuela’s “Cartel of the Suns” as a foreign terrorist organization, but some experts say the label doesn’t fit. Also, a new study examines the extent of damage being done by excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods. And, an update on conditions on the ground for Palestinians in Gaza. Plus, rapper Eminem sues a beach accessory brand for choosin...
50m Nov 19, 2025
50m