The World: Latest Stories

A shrine on the outskirts of Damascus has long been a prominent destination for Shias from around the world. Its golden dome glistens in the sun and the outer walls are covered in tiles from Iran. But the shrine's connection to Iran goes beyond aesthetics. Iranian guards once protected the holy site - but they also helped keep Syria's former leader, Bashar al-Assad, in power. The World's Shirin Jaafari has the story.

Pakistan's military is once again popular among civilians. This comes after an eruption in fighting between Pakistan and India earlier this month. Host Marco Werman speaks with Sahar Khan, an independent South Asia analyst, about the shift itself, and how the military is likely to use this support to its own advantage.

Most efforts to combat malaria have focused on killing mosquitoes. But as mosquitos develop a resistance to insecticide, scientists are trying something different. They're targeting the parasites feeding off of mosquitoes, in hopes of clearing the infections and preventing further spread. Harvard researcher Alexandra Probst discusses the breakthrough with The World's Host Marco Werman.

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek's walks through the countryside of Japan have been unexpectedly lonely. That's because he's been trekking through a region undergoing depopulation. Host Marco Werman speaks with Salopek about his all-too-rare encounters with people on this stretch of his journey, as well as the difference between traveling through natural landscapes that are uninhabited and traveling through towns that once thrummed with life, gone quiet.

The transition to a lower-carbon world will require copper, and much more than is currently being produced. Demand for the metal is expected to outstrip the supply within the next decade. Host Carolyn Beeler discusses the predicament with Adam Simon, a professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan.

Iran's parliament ratified an agreement between Russia and Iran to strengthen economic ties. It's a non-binding alliance that calls for more cooperation in banking and arms trade, as well as some degree of collaboration in dealing with common adversaries. Nicole Grajewski is a fellow in the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. She joins Host Carolyn Beeler to talk about what's behind this warming relationship - and what it means for the rest of the world.

Immigration lawyers are sounding alarms over what they say is an escalating immigration crackdown in Maine. They say that border patrol agents are arresting people who have valid work permits, no criminal record and are following lawful pathways to permanent status. Maine Public Radio's Ari Snider takes a closer look.

At 11 years old, Harvey Goodbody has mastered the piano - in six months. His online videos have earned him fans across the globe. But he also entertains in his own hometown. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

According to industry numbers from April, Chinese automaker BYD sold more electric vehicles in Europe than Tesla. That's a first. It's also happened fast: BYD didn't begin selling EVs in Europe until 2022. Host Carolyn Beeler discusses BYD's success in Europe and what it means for the EV industry as a whole with Ben McWilliams, an analyst with Bruegel, a European think tank.

The war in Gaza is straining Europe's relations with Israel. Britain suspended trade talks with Israel this week. EU officials say they're reviewing commercial relations. And the UK's top diplomat described Israel's recent plans to expand the war in Gaza as morally unjustifiable." Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland discusses what's at stake with The World's Host Carolyn Beeler.

A new highway in Turkey does something different when drivers veer off the road. Instead of the usual rumble strips, sound vibrations on the asphalt play Mozart's sonata number 11, also known as the "Turkish March." Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

A new law in Spain - nicknamed Evictions Express - aims to give property owners a way to get rid of squatters, and fast - within 15 days. But some are skeptical. The law relies on an overwhelmed court system, with cases routinely ending up getting delayed for months, sometimes years. This, as housing prices continue to rise, making it harder for people to pay rent as legal tenants. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

A group of paleontologists are picking through a prehistoric graveyard in a remote corner of Alberta, Canada, to solve a 72-million-year-old puzzle. They want to know why thousands of dinosaurs are buried there, under layers of dirt and dust. Host Marco Werman speaks with Emily Bamforth, a paleontologist working at the site. She's also the curator of the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum.

Turkish officials say they've caught Chinese intelligence using fake cell phone towers to eavesdrop on Uyghurs and the Turkish government. After five years of flying under the radar, the leader of that operation was caught, and the methods behind it have been exposed. Ragip Soylu is the Turkey Bureau Chief for Middle East Eye, and he breaks down how it worked for The World's Host Marco Werman.

After delaying an earlier ultimatum, the European Union has passed a new sanctions package against Russia. It comes as a result of Russia rejecting plans for a 30-day ceasefire that the US, the UK, and Ukraine signed off on, bringing negotiations to a standstill. The World's Daniel Ofman looks at the potential impact of further sanctions, given the current state of the Russian economy.

Imelda Collins is hoping to make a profit by raffling off her two-bedroom house that's just outside the coastal city of Sligo in Northern Ireland. If Collins sells the 150,000 raffle tickets she's looking for, she'll bring in more than twice what she'd otherwise get for the house. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.

Two hundred European citizens gathered to tackle a pressing question: "How can we, the people, help steer the European ship through upcoming storms?" What surfaced was an ancient Greek concept known as direct democracy. Souwie Buis of Deutsche Welle reports from Germany.

Iran's Supreme Leader expressed serious doubts today about nuclear talks with the US, citing "excessive" demands from the Washington as the reason. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

Once dismissed as working-class entertainment, Mexico City's sonideros, or outdoor cumbia parties, are now gaining recognition and reshaping public spaces. The events now draw crowds in upscale neighborhoods and at public festivals. With growing visibility of female DJs, sonideros have become a symbol of cultural pride, breaking social barriers and earning heritage status in the city. The World's Tibisay Zea reports this story as part of a series about iconic sounds of Mexico's capital.

Police showed up at the door of Ruth Lopez, a prominent human rights defender, late Sunday night and placed her under arrest. Lopez headed the anti-corruption unit at the Salvadoran human rights group Cristosal. Noah Bullock is the executive director of that organization, and he tells The World's Host Marco Werman that this arrest is part of a larger crackdown on dissent.

As electricity demand surges globally, Ontario, Canada, is planning to use a long-hyped nuclear technology to meet its needs. The government has approved plans for four small modular nuclear reactors. The move will make Canada the first G7 country to use the reactors for civilian use. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Chris Bataille, fellow at the Global Energy Policy Center at Columbia University, about the state of the technology, whether reality matches the hype and perspectives on nuclear use in Ontario.

Approximately 350,000 Venezuelans in the US are in the country legally through Temporary Protected Status (TPS), which prevents the deportation of migrants back to home countries where conditions pose an immediate safety risk. Yesterday, the US Supreme Court ruled that the Trump administration can, in fact, deport Venezuelan TPS holders, despite that designation. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Venezuelan journalist Mary Triny Mena to find out what they can expect upon their return.

Officials in London are bringing the "ding ding" chime back to double-decker buses. The sound once signaled to riders that a stopped tour bus was about to depart. The pilot program bringing it back aims to reduce slips and falls onboard. The World's Jeremy Siegel reports.

Today is a somber anniversary: It's been 50 years since the systematic killing of roughly 1.7 million Cambodians began under the Khmer Rouge. The genocide included the slaughter of intellectuals and artists. Music, in particular, was targeted by the regime. Sovann Khon, who survived the brutality, now teaches and plays Cambodian music in Lowell, Massachusetts. He tells The World's Host Carolyn Beeler how performing saved his life.

Today, the member countries of the World Health Organization approved an agreement that aims to prevent, prepare for and respond to future pandemics. As Host Marco explains, the delegates passed the agreement unanimously.

Amayo has had two life-long passions: Afrobeat from Nigeria and Chinese martial arts. Host Marco Werman speaks to the musician about how these two interests influence his new album, "Lion Awakes." Amayo dedicates the album to his grandmother, a shaman, or medicine woman, in Ghana.

Universities in the US face the possibility of federal funding cuts if they don't comply with White House demands to walk back initiatives the Trump administration deems biased. Internationally, the use of federal funding to force change in higher education settings is nothing new. The World's Joshua Coe found that the Trump administration might be learning from Hungarian leader Viktor Orban.

Over the weekend, Russia launched 273 drones at Ukraine, making it the biggest drone attack since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022. As the attacks on Ukraine continue, diplomatic efforts are also ongoing between the US, Russia and Ukraine. Today, US President Trump had separate phone calls with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Russian President Vladimir Putin. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with The World's Daniel Ofman about the latest developments.

The "like" button was created by a Yelp founder in 2005. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman tell us about a new book detailing the history of the online thumbs up. It's called Like: The Button That Changed The World."

Romania, Portugal and Poland all went to the polls over the weekend. Hosts Marco Weman and Carolyn Beeler have the results.

"Britain is back on the world stage." That was the message from UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer today as he hosted a landmark summit with the European Union - the first official meeting of its kind since Brexit. Five years after leaving the bloc, the UK and EU are once again sitting down to discuss key issues including security, trade, energy, travel and fisheries. But the so-called "reset summit" hasn't been welcomed by all - with some Brexit supporters denouncing it as a betrayal of the referendum result. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry has more

In Mozambique, 10 people were killed by members of an ISIS affiliate in a vast wildlife reserve last month. The slain include people working to protect wildlife in the park, as well as members of the Mozambican military. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke to Martin Plaut, who long covered the region as a journalist for the BBC.

Japan's agriculture minister Taku Eto told people at a party fundraiser yesterday that he doesn't have to buy rice because his supporters give him more than he needs. That came at a time when rice is in short supply and prices of Japan's essential grain have sky-rocketed. Host Marco Werman explains that opposition parties accuse Eto of bragging and being tone-deaf.

A familiar melody drifts through the streets of Mexico City - the music of organ grinders, a century-old tradition. But today, that tradition is under threat. The World's Tibisay Zea brings us the story of how these old organ melodies became part of the cityscape, and one woman's efforts to preserve this fading piece of Mexico's urban soundscape.

Hunger and starvation are on the rise in Gaza as Israel's government approves a plan to distribute limited aid and lift its blockade. But the Israeli military is concurrently carrying out a new offensive in the territory. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says the goal is to control the Gaza Strip. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Neri Zilber of the Financial Times in Israel about what this new offensive looks like and how observers understand the military action alongside humanitarian plans.

The UAE has been pursuing AI innovation and has found a willing partner in US President Donald Trump. The two countries have agreed to cooperate on building a huge AI campus in the desert using chips from Nvidia, which the US has export controls on. The project is large enough that it will require a huge amount of energy to power. Sebastian Moss, the editor in chief of Data Center Dynamics, talks with The World's co-host, Carol Hills, about how such a massive project will need to succeed.

President Donald Trump wrapped up his Middle East trip this week with a stop in the UAE. When he landed at Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport, locals greeted him with a cultural performance. Hosts Carol Hills and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Look on the flip side of any old paper or plastic container, and there will likely be some form of recycling symbol. Well, turns out much of that recyclable material isn't getting repurposed - and the recycling rate has declined for the eighth year in a row. That's according to a new report by Circle Economy, a nonprofit foundation based in Amsterdam that is focused on helping governments and businesses avoid waste and boost efficiency. The World's Carol Hills spoke to Matthew Fraser, the report's director. He joined the show from Sao Paulo where he's currently at the World Circular economy forum.

At age 12, Eson Kim is held up at gunpoint with her dad in the family's hardware store. What happens next will forever change her. Kim shares her tale on "Stories From the Stage," produced by GBH's TV channel WORLD.

An Australian woman is on trial for allegedly poisoning her ex-husband's family with toxic mushrooms. The World's Sarah Birnbaum has the latest.

What began as a simple street advertisement has become one of Mexico City's most-recognizable sounds. The high-pitched call of scrap metal dealers, blared from loudspeakers mounted on passing trucks, is now embedded in the city's urban rhythm. In the first episode of a three-part series on the sounds of Mexico City, The World's Tibisay Zea explores how this everyday cry became a cultural landmark.

The city of Rotterdam in the Netherlands has opened a new museum dedicated to migration. It's called the Fenix and features art through the lens of migration. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with artist Efrat Zahavi about her work featured at the new museum and the city of Rotterdam's deep connection to migration.

The late dictator Francisco Franco desperately wanted to project an image of Spain to the world as modern and open while maintaining iron-fisted control at home. His idea: to win the annual Eurovision song contest. He ordered his government to make it happen - and through luck and grit, Spain pulled it off, with "La La La" performed by a young singer named Massiel. But Massiel refused to playing along with the regime afterward. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

An Ontario court has ruled that the iconic Hudson's Bay Company can move forward with an auction of 4,400 items as it liquidates its assets and shuts its doors forever. Many of the items going on the auction block are historical and cultural artifacts from the company's 355-year history. Carolyn Beeler speaks with Cody Groat, a professor of history and Indigenous studies at Western University in Ontario, about the history of Hudson Bay's Company, and the efforts to stop the auction.

Russian and Ukrainian officials are meeting in Istanbul for highly anticipated negotiations about the war in Ukraine. This is the first direct diplomatic meeting between Russia and Ukraine since the early weeks of the full-scale invasion. The US and Ukraine have been seeking a 30-day ceasefire, but Russia has rebuffed that proposal. The World's Daniel Ofman reports on the latest talks.

The resume looks legit. A software developer appears to be based in the US or Europe with the skills needed to assist a major Western firm. The catch is the IT worker is actually working for North Korea and is funneling cash back to the hermit kingdom. Michael Barnhart, an investigator at the cybersecurity firm DTEX, tells host Carolyn Beeler about new efforts to counter the scheme.

Summer is in full swing in India and many cities are suffering scorching heat, fueled in part by climate change. In the second of a two-part series looking at the dangers of extreme heat in India, Sushmita Pathak reports from Delhi on some low-tech solutions to the problem.

This year's odds on favorite to win the massive Eurovision Song Contest is a group named KAJ. They're representing Sweden, but they are from Finland. Their song is called "Bara Bada Bastu." That title translates roughly to "just take a sauna," and is an ode to steam and heat. As hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain, it's being billed as a kind of "sauna diplomacy."

Latvia's Defense Intelligence and Security Service is warning local hikers that strangers who cross their paths might be Russian spies, not curious tourists or out-of-place woodsmen. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Medieval scholars in the UK have identified a rare original copy of the Magna Carta. Now seen as a landmark legal document in the Western democratic tradition, the 800-year-old charter reined in the power of the king and enshrined the rights of his subjects, as Nicholas Vincent tells host Marco Werman. Vincent is a leading expert on the Magna Carta and teaches medieval history at University of East Anglia in the UK.