A last push toward a peace in Afghanistan
Afghans have five months before US troops depart and many see that period as the last chance to push the peace process forward. And, the police shooting of Daunte Wright, an unarmed Black man killed by an officer during a traffic stop in a suburb of Minneapolis, is raising questions once again about why policing in the US can be so deadly — and how other nations do things differently. Also, an ...
48m Apr 14, 2021
48m
Biden announces deadline for pulling us troops out of Afghanistan
President Joe Biden announced a new deadline to pull American troops out of Afghanistan for Sept. 11, 2021. It's an important development in the push to end a nearly 20-year war. And, the tension between Russia and Ukraine continues to build as tens of thousands of Russian troops have amassed along Ukraine's border. Now Ukraine, the US and Europe are on alert. Also, the government of Japan anno...
47m Apr 13, 2021
47m
Growing tension between Israel and Iran after blackout
US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin visited Israel reiterating Washington’s commitment to the country. The visit came coincidently as news of an explosion emerged from Iran’s Natanz nuclear facility. And, voters in Ecuador have elected conservative businessman Guillermo Lasso as their new president. Also, Monday marks 60 years since Russian Yuri Gagarin’s first voyage into space.
49m Apr 12, 2021
49m
India struggles to contain surge in coronavirus cases
COVID-19 cases are rising in India as its vaccination drive attempts to keep up. And, since President Joe Biden's first day in office, US-China relations have been both a priority and a concern. This week, Taiwan has been at the center of attention because China has revved up pressure there, with military exercises by air and sea. Also, new research shows Thwaites Glacier in Antarctica may be e...
48m Apr 09, 2021
48m
Belfast riots raise concerns over escalating post-Brexit tensions
Rioters set fire to a hijacked bus and lobbed gasoline bombs at police in Belfast Wednesday. Tensions have been on the rise since Britain's exit from the European Union. And, New Zealand recently made headlines when its Parliament approved a bill that requires employers to offer three days of bereavement leave for people who miscarry. Also, when pubs reopen fully in mid-May, the UK government i...
52m Apr 08, 2021
52m
Kenya races to vaccinate amid a COVID-19 surge
Since the arrival of its first batch of COVID-19 vaccines last month, Kenya has been rushing to vaccinate its front-line workers amid a deadly third wave. And, two months after a military coup in Myanmar, troops have killed more than 500 civilians, often simply for demanding the army give power back to elected officials. Also, since its launch in December 2020, the Calma Line has received about...
49m Apr 07, 2021
49m
The challenge of developing a variant-proof vaccine
The world needs a coronavirus vaccine that can protect people against emerging variants. But this idea — a vaccine to combat multiple strains — is easier said than done. And, the number of transgender people who hide their identity at work has risen sharply in Britain. Also, a few years ago, banning plastic straws was the hot environmental trend. China is on board and banned disposable plastic ...
43m Apr 06, 2021
43m
Jordan’s royal dispute comes at a difficult time
As Jordan’s royal dispute plays out between two top royals, many Jordanians are just trying to get by. And, the EU has announced a quarter billion euros to fund five new refugee camps on the Greek islands, including Lesbos, but some are worried the new sites will not improve conditions for migrants. Also, in Egypt this weekend, 22 mummies were on the move in a multimillion-dollar parade featuri...
49m Apr 05, 2021
49m
Brexit undercuts Northern Ireland’s peace pact
Twenty-three years ago on Friday, the Irish and British governments, along with most of the political parties in Northern Ireland signed the Good Friday accords. Former Irish Prime Minister Bertie Ahern says Brexit has undercut the peace pact. And, migrant women have alleged gender discrimination in US seasonal work. For the first time, they now have a way to file complaints directly with Mexic...
49m Apr 02, 2021
49m
Myanmar authorities targeting medics among anti-coup protests
Myanmar’s military regime has killed more than 500 unarmed civilians since seizing power in a coup eight weeks ago. But the troops aren't just killing protesters. They’re also shooting at medics, nurses and EMTs who try to save the lives of injured protesters. And, across Africa, new daily cases of the coronavirus are rising at an alarming rate. Also, Apple announced that its iPhone digital ass...
47m Apr 01, 2021
47m
A political shake-up in Brazil as the country faces a coronavirus surge
Brazil’s top military commanders resigned Wednesday following a shuffling of President Jair Bolsonaro’s Cabinet. The political shake-up comes amid a worsening crisis over the coronavirus in the country where emergency rooms are beyond capacity. Also, US President Joe Biden unveiled his $2 trillion infrastructure plan on Wednesday. He framed the eight-year spending plan as a program to create jo...
49m Mar 31, 2021
49m
Coronavirus Conversations: A deepening crisis in Brazil
Brazil — Latin America’s largest country — is experiencing a deepening crisis with the coronavirus pandemic. As part of The World's regular series of conversations about the pandemic and as a special in our podcast feed, reporter Elana Gordon moderated a discussion with Marcia Castro, chair of the Department of Global Health and Population at the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, who a...
46m Mar 31, 2021
46m
WHO releases report on COVID-19 origins
A long-awaited report was released on Tuesday outlining findings on the origins of the coronavirus outbreak. And, a top European Union official traveled to Greece this week to announce funding for several new refugee plans on Greek islands. Also, students in a bilingual program at Winnipeg's Isaac Brock School won first prize in an Indigenous language competition for their Cree rendition of the...
49m Mar 30, 2021
49m
Crackdown on protesters in Myanmar grows more deadly
Myanmar’s military celebrated Armed Forces Day on Saturday with a display of tanks, missiles and marches. Meanwhile, its troops were dispatched across the country, quelling a civilian uprising that left more than 100 citizens dead, including young children. And, a much-anticipated report is expected this week, laying out the findings of a World Health Organization joint mission to China. The re...
49m Mar 29, 2021
49m
What next for families turned away at the US-Mexico border
Many families, most from parts of Central America, are being turned back by US officials at the US-Mexico border in the name of a Trump-era policy to block non-US citizens entering the US by land. And, in the week since American and Chinese officials had their frosty meetings in Alaska, tensions between China and North American and European nations have only escalated. Also, a cargo ship the si...
49m Mar 26, 2021
49m
Coronavirus Conversations: Vaccine acceptance and public attitudes
There seems to be a light at the end of the pandemic tunnel with the approval of several vaccines and the widespread rollout of vaccination campaigns around the world. But questions about vaccine acceptance persist. As part of The World's regular series of conversations about the coronavirus and as a special feature in our podcast feed, reporter Elana Gordon moderated a discussion with Harvard ...
40m Mar 26, 2021
40m
Public health experts push to end an unfair border policy 
When the pandemic first hit, the Trump administration used a policy called Title 42 to justify its tightening of the southern border. Plenty of critics including public health experts say the policy doesn't have a science-based approach. And India is now dealing with a surge in COVID-19 infections, this time with a new variant. Also, H&M faces calls for a boycott in China after the company spok...
49m Mar 25, 2021
49m
US officials head to Mexico to tackle root causes of mass migration
What are the root causes that are driving tens of thousands of Central Americans to come to the US-Mexico border? That's a question White House officials are starting to tackle. Senior advisers to President Joe Biden were in Mexico this week discussing possible solutions. And, Chinese students in the US and China respond to the rise in hate crimes against Asian Americans. Also, while Madrid's m...
49m Mar 24, 2021
49m
US faces second mass shooting in under a week
Another city, another tragic shooting in the United States, this time in a grocery store in Boulder, Colorado, on Monday. The shooter killed 10 people in a horrific mass shooting, again capturing the global spotlight less than a week after a shooting in Atlanta left eight dead. And, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan has withdrawn his country from a treaty protecting women from gender-based...
49m Mar 23, 2021
49m
Migrants at the US-Mexico border await their fate
Migrants continue to arrive in large numbers at the US-Mexico border, with many more expected in the days ahead. The Biden administration is taking a lot of heat from many sides for not being adequately prepared. Also, an unlikely new alliance has formed between conservatives and progressives in El Salvador: They came together in opposition to foreign mining companies. And, Israel will hold yet...
49m Mar 22, 2021
49m
Top officials from US and China hold first talks since Biden presidency
Top US and Chinese officials have gathered face-to-face for discussions in Alaska. The meetings publicly got off to a rough start but officials say progress was being made behind closed doors. And, the US announced plans to send a total of 4 million doses of the AstraZeneca vaccine to Mexico and Canada. Also, the Iron Dames — an all-female professional racing team competing in Grand Touring end...
49m Mar 19, 2021
49m
Lawmakers to address immigration amid increase in migrants at US-Mexico border
The US House is considering two immigration bills that are expected to address citizenship for young immigrants and undocumented farmworker protection. The legislation comes as the Biden administration confronts a growing humanitarian challenge at the US-Mexico border. And, a group of London teenagers recently put up guerrilla road signs that highlight the disproportional effect of toxic air on...
49m Mar 18, 2021
49m
Concerns over a rise in anti-Asian violence after deadly shootings in Atlanta
Shootings at three Atlanta-area spas last night left eight people dead. Six of the victims were Asian women, raising concerns about the growing threat of anti-Asian violence. And, Dublin’s Violet Gibson is the Irishwoman you've probably never heard of who actually shot Benito Mussolini in 1926. Also, socially distanced dancers from the folk dance ensemble Shamrock Bhangra shake their stuff in f...
49m Mar 17, 2021
49m
Poor countries fall behind on coronavirus vaccination efforts
The United States now accounts for almost four out of every five coronavirus vaccine doses given across the Americas. But with the improved inoculation rollout, many poor countries are falling behind. And, a growing number of European nations are suspending use of AstraZeneca’s COVID-19 vaccine because of reports of dangerous blood clots. That’s despite the fact that international regulators ha...
49m Mar 16, 2021
49m
(Special episode) Saving the world with 50-year-old I‪T‬
In December 2020, the company FireEye noticed that it had been the victim of a cyberintrusion. And it wasn’t the only one. About 18,000 companies and government agencies were breached — everything from the agency that controls America’s nuclear weapons to the agency that regulates the electric grid to a company whose products you probably use every day: Microsoft. So, what did they have in comm...
22m Mar 16, 2021
22m
10 years after the popular uprising that led to Syria’s civil war
As the Syrian revolution and civil war has played out over the last decade, up to 1 million Syrian refugees fled to Lebanon and many have stayed. And, Europe is facing a dangerous, new surge of COVID-19 cases, just as Italy, France and Germany suspend use of the AstraZeneca vaccine. The Grammys changed its category Best World Music Album to Best Global Music Album. What’s with the change in thi...
51m Mar 15, 2021
51m
Hope for a green economic recovery
A new report from Oxford and the UN has found that economic recovery spending has not been as climate-focused as many advocates have been hoping for. But there’s hope for the future. And, at his address to the nation Thursday night, US President Joe Biden said that all Americans over 18 will be eligible for the COVID-19 vaccine by May 1. But elsewhere in the world, the picture looks very differ...
49m Mar 12, 2021
49m
10 years after a disaster and tragedy in Fukushima
In May 2011, just weeks after the Fukushima nuclear power plant meltdown, The World’s Marco Werman visited the port city of Ishinomaki, where more than 3,000 people died after a 9.0 earthquake triggered a tsunami that flattened much of the city. Ten years later, we return to Ishinomaki, after a decade of rebuilding. And, after a year into the pandemic, hate crimes against Asian Americans appear...
49m Mar 11, 2021
49m
Looking to the future after a year of the coronavirus crisis
The pandemic was officially declared one year ago by the World Health Organization on Thursday. It is hard to fathom the magnitude and the losses since then. The World looks to how psychologists are bracing for the ripple effects in years to come. Also, the immense challenge of the global vaccination effort has led to some creativity in making the jab accessible. And, a new art project in Japan...
49m Mar 10, 2021
49m
A discussion of race and racism in Britain
Prince Harry and Meghan Markle’s interview with Oprah Winfrey included revealing comments about the British royal family that has led to frank discussions in British society about race and racism in the royal palace. And, corruption convictions against former Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva have been thrown out by the country’s Supreme Court, potentially paving the way for another...
49m Mar 09, 2021
49m
The women who play a vital role in the fight against COVID-19
On this International Women’s Day, The World takes a look at the groundbreaking role women have played during the pandemic in the research and innovation of coronavirus vaccines. Also, across Latin America, demonstrators have taken to the streets to protest against gender violence. And, one visible change since President Joe Biden took office is a steady rise in the number of migrants at the US...
48m Mar 08, 2021
48m
A global lens on China's National People's Congress
China's National People's Congress began Friday by setting out broad plans for economic growth. Environment observers around the world are also keeping an eye on plans from China’s top lawmaking body for reducing carbon emissions over the next five years. And, for years, the US military has depended on Afghan interpreters for languages and advice on local norms. But when troops return home, the...
49m Mar 05, 2021
49m
Deadly Myanmar crackdown becomes test for the West
The deadly crackdowns by Myanmar security forces on demonstrators protesting a military coup are raising alarm in the West. How the US responds to calls for action on Myanmar is becoming a test of President Biden's foreign policy team. And, Pope Francis travels to Iraq on Friday for a three-day visit, despite the pandemic and escalating violence. Also, a team of multidisciplinary researchers ha...
49m Mar 04, 2021
49m
Coronavirus Conversations: Grieving and mental health amid the coronavirus pandemic
Despite vaccination campaigns underway, the end of the pandemic is still a way off and the death toll continues to weigh on the mental health of people around the world. How do you grieve amid the ongoing suffering? As part of The World's regular series of conversations with Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health and as a special feature in our podcast feed, reporter Elana Gordon moderated...
37m Mar 04, 2021
37m
Brazil’s continuing struggles with the pandemic
On Tuesday, Brazil experienced its highest daily death toll from COVID-19 since the start of the pandemic. Hospital systems across the country are overwhelmed and scientists say a new variant spreading there appears to be more contagious. Also, global carbon emissions dropped by 7% in 2020 compared to 2019. And, a recent decision by the Cherokee Supreme Court to remove the words "by blood" from...
49m Mar 03, 2021
49m
Biden administration faces pressure over US sanctions on ICC
The Biden administration is evaluating the sanctions former President Trump imposed on members of the International Criminal Court over the ICC's investigation of possible war crimes by US forces in Afghanistan. Prominent groups are calling on the Biden administration to lift those sanctions. And, President Biden held his first video conference with his Mexican counterpart, President Andrés Man...
49m Mar 02, 2021
49m
Myanmar’s increasingly deadly crackdown on protesters
Police and troops in Myanmar are intensifying a crackdown on unarmed protesters. They opened fire on civilians, killing at least 18 people on Sunday and wounding dozens. And in Pakistan, past vaccine programs have been hindered by a mix of conspiracy theories, a CIA operation and opposition by religious leaders. Will it be different with COVID-19? Also, it was a big night for Chloé Zhao who on ...
49m Mar 01, 2021
49m
US airstrikes target Iranian-backed militia facilities in Syria 
The US launched airstrikes in Syria on Thursday, targeting facilities near the Iraqi border used by Iranian-backed militia groups. And, Israel wasn’t the first country to begin vaccinations, but the pace and scale of its vaccination campaign have made it a world leader in shots per capita. Also, scientists have dated the oldest rock art painting from a cave in remote northwestern Australia usin...
50m Feb 26, 2021
50m
France develops new way to deal with vaccine skepticism
France has one of the highest rates of vaccine skepticism in the world. In order to address this, the government created a citizen advisory committee to help set vaccination policy. And, a mixed-use mini-city on the outskirts of Vienna showcases what’s possible for green building, mobility and sustainability. Also, fans planning to watch the gilded Olympic torch pass by on its route through Jap...
49m Feb 25, 2021
49m
What’s next in the pandemic after hopeful signs with Johnson & Johnson vaccine?
A review by the US Food and Drug Administration found Johnson & Johnson’s single-dose vaccine shot for the coronavirus is safe and effective — sending a strong positive signal throughout the world. So, what does that mean for the pandemic? And, in a landmark ruling, a German court convicted a Syrian intelligence officer for aiding and abetting torture and abuse in Syria. Also, a herd of 20 plai...
49m Feb 24, 2021
49m
The challenges of China’s coronavirus vaccination campaign
China's goal is to inoculate about 70% of its population. That's nearly a billion people, and it's got a big challenge. And, widespread protests have erupted every night for the last week in Spain protesting — and often clashing with police — over the imprisonment of rapper Pablo Hasél. Also, archaeologists have unearthed a large-scale brewery in Egypt dating back 5,000 years.
50m Feb 23, 2021
50m
Anti-coup demonstrations in Myanmar turn deadly
Ever since Myanmar’s military led a coup, demonstrators have flooded the streets of major cities. Now, the tense standoff between the military and the popular uprising has taken a deadly turn after the deaths of three protesters. And, the COVID-19 vaccine effort is in many ways like no other, even to organizations like UNICEF, which has been working on vaccine outreach for decades. Also, NASA’s...
50m Feb 22, 2021
50m
White House breaks with Trump’s 'maximum pressure' policy, calls for Iran talks
In a break from the previous administration, the White House announced that it is ready to meet with Iran and other signatories of the 2015 nuclear deal. And, getting soldiers and militias fighting wars to lay down their weapons for a vaccine rollout seems unlikely. But Norwegian Refugee Council Secretary General Jan Egeland suggests it can happen, and it can be a first step to ending conflicts...
49m Feb 19, 2021
49m
Rolling blackouts affect millions and force factory closures in Mexico
The freezing temperatures have resulted in rolling blackouts across Texas, that extend to most of northern Mexico. Millions are stuck without power and thousands of factories have shut down. And, Australian Facebook saw a total news blackout on Thursday after the company preempted a proposed law that would have forced the company to pay media organizations for news content on the tech platform....
49m Feb 18, 2021
49m
South Africa coronavirus vaccination campaign underway after rocky start
There were cheers and applause on Wednesday in Johannesburg, South Africa, where the country's first coronavirus vaccines were administered after the country’s national rollout was halted after a complicated and disappointing start. And, the United Kingdom on Wednesday approved the world's first coronavirus human challenge study. Also, Peter Gabriel has re-recorded his classic song “Biko” with ...
49m Feb 17, 2021
49m
France's Marine Le Pen attempts to remake her image
Politician Marine Le Pen is the face of the far-right in France. But, for the past few years, she's been trying to remake her image and recast her National Rally party away from its extremist roots. And, a resistance is taking root after more than two weeks since Myanmar’s military detained elected officials and seized total power in a coup. Also, for many Polish Americans, Fat Tuesday goes by ...
50m Feb 16, 2021
50m
Chinese staying put for this year's Lunar New Year
China is successfully controlling the spread of COVID-19 infections. But people there aren’t taking chances this Chinese New Year — they’re staying put. Also, over the weekend, former US President Donald Trump was acquitted in the Senate impeachment trial. However, some lawmakers are now calling for further investigation into the events of the Capitol breach — including creating a 9/11 style co...
49m Feb 15, 2021
49m
Biden to keep Trump-era China tariffs for now
In a call with Chinese leader Xi Jinping, President Joe Biden said he would keep tariffs on China in place since the Trump administration for the time being. In the UK, with new Brexit rules, British musicians say the industry is in jeopardy. Also, Friday is Chinese New Year, a time for celebration when streets and restaurants overflow with food and festivities. But the pandemic has hit some Ch...
49m Feb 12, 2021
49m
Biden administration sanctions Myanmar military officials over coup
As protests over a military takeover continue in Myanmar, on Thursday, the Biden administration announced new sanctions against the country's top military officials who led the coup. The sanctions will prevent the generals from accessing more than $1 billion in Myanmar government funds held in the US. And, for years, conflict, insecurity and lack of economic opportunities sent many Afghans to n...
50m Feb 11, 2021
50m
As the impeachment trial gets underway, security in the US Capitol is on high alert
As prosecutors from the US House made their case for the impeachment of former President Donald Trump, security was on high alert in Washington. There are more police and National Guard and access to the Capitol building is tight — but how long will this continue? And, opposition activists and lawmakers are demanding that Haitian President Jovenel Moïse step down. Also, an ancient conch shell t...
48m Feb 10, 2021
48m