The World: Latest Stories

A state legislature in Brazil has gotten used to some large rodent visitors: capybaras. The notoriously chill animals don't cause any damage, so the drop-ins have become a source of amusement.

Statistically speaking, for every baby born in Japan, two people pass away. The country's rapidly shrinking population is, according to Japanese officials, a national emergency" threatening its future prosperity and entire way of life. They're struggling to reverse this trend but some believe fixing this problem calls for a revolution in Japanese fatherhood. The World's Patrick Winn reports with Aya Asakura in Tokyo.This story first aired on June 5, 2024.

Iranian music is inescapably political. Since the Islamic Revolution in 1979, music there has been subject to heavy censorship by the government. Before then, musical expression ebbed and flowed alongside a social and political landscape that was in constant motion. How Iran's music tells the history of the country from the early 20th century to today is the subject of a new book, "Iran Amplified: One Hundred Years of Music and Society." Co-editor Nahid Siamdoust joins Host Marco Werman to talk about that history.

In India, extreme heat waves are becoming the new normal. For most people, air conditioning isn't an option - forcing them to find more creative ways to stay cool. That includes a project in Delhi that hands out highly reflective paint that can be put on rooftops: It reflects the sun's rays and lowers temperatures inside by more than 10 degrees. Namrata Kolachalam reports from Delhi.

France's first so-called House of Diversity" has opened in Lyon. It's a shared residential building for queer people aged 55 and older. The house is there to protect older citizens - and not only from loneliness. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Lisa Louis reports from southeastern France.

Hundreds of people have been arrested across the Amazon this month in a sweeping five-country law enforcement operation going after a host of crimes in the world's largest rainforest - from illegal mining to logging and smuggling operations. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more from Gabriel Funari, who coordinates the Amazon Basin Observatory at The Global Initiative against Transnational Organized Crime.

Cadmium, a heavy metal linked to cancers and other diseases, is worrying French consumers - who, on average show, show levels in their bodies three to four times higher than the European average. That's according to a French government study from this March. The most-affected foods are industrial breads, cereals and crackers made from French-grown wheat. The culprit seems to be phosphate fertilizers imported from Morocco. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Embrun, France.

Dog racing is now formally banned in New Zealand, but some advocates say several loopholes are helping sustain an ethically-questionable industry in other countries. Host Marco Werman explains.

Sylvia Earle is a pioneer in the field of marine science. She was one of the first people to ever use scuba technology for scientific research; she holds the women's record for the deepest un-tethered sea walk and she became the first female chief scientist at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association (NOAA). In all, her career has spanned 70 years and counting. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Earle about her career, her passion for the ocean and how the ocean has changed.

Amayo has 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.

Nuclear reactors in Europe are struggling to keep cool this summer, as climate change intensifies heat and drought. Record-low water levels in the Danube River are threatening nuclear power production in Hungary and Romania. France has reduced output at multiple plants. Chris Rosslowe, with the energy think tank Ember in London, tells The World's Host Marco Werman why the nuclear plants are so vulnerable and how Europe's power grid is holding up.

In many countries, a heat wave that kills nearly 35,000 people each day would be considered a national emergency. But for India, that's just the way things are. In the capital, New Delhi, public health experts are scrambling to offer protection for citizens. As Namrata Kolachalam reports, the heat impacts the most vulnerable people the hardest.

The European Union is scrambling to contain the political fallout after more than 70,000 migrants crossed into the Spanish territory of Ceuta from Morocco last Friday. Most have since returned home, but the critical response from several EU countries has laid bare divisions over the bloc's migration policy. Today, EU interior ministers held emergency talks to try and ease tensions. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry joined Host Marco Werman with the latest.

Spanish composer Joaquin Rodrigo wrote a legendary melody, "Concierto de Aranjuez." It's been arranged over the years in different ways, by Miles Davis, by Hollywood. Today, we hear an arrangement by the legendary Lebanese vocalist, Fairuz, in a song dedicated to her home city of Beirut, which marks six years since the deadly explosion at its port.

Nadhira al Harthy, the first Omani woman to summit Mount Everest, died last week in an avalanche that also claimed the lives of nine other mountaineers. The climbers were attempting to summit Broad Peak in Pakistan, the world's 12th tallest mountain. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Manal Rostom, the first Egyptian woman to summit Everest, about Nadhira's legacy and the increase in Arab women pursuing mountaineering.

Research has found that, on average, everyone spends 78 minutes a day traveling, whether it's for commuting, shopping, entertainment, etc. This average holds regardless of where you are or your income. These findings are important when designing urban layouts and transit systems to support green energy transitions. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with researcher Eric Galbraith about his findings.This story originally aired on Nov. 17, 2025.

Ireland has introduced a public register of people convicted of serious domestic violence offenses, following a four-year campaign by the family of a Dublin woman murdered by her ex-partner. The register will publish the names of offenders convicted of crimes including rape, coercive control and harassment. Supporters say it will give victims and the public more information, but some domestic abuse campaigners fear such registers could have unintended consequences. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Most of the 60,000 migrants who swam, scrambled and later charged into the tiny Spanish exclave of Ceuta in North Africa this week walked back to Morocco over the weekend. Host Marco Werman explains the latest.

In recent weeks, Ukrainian drones have struck about a dozen warehouses belonging to Russia's online retailer Wildberries. Ukrainian officials say the company provides Russian forces with drone components and navigation equipment. Wildberries' CEO rejects that claim. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Financial Times correspondent Max Seddon about why Wildberries has landed in Kyiv's crosshairs.

The crowd roars; the manic sound of stilettos sprinting on concrete dovetails with a Madonna remix. The "stiletto sprint" at Amsterdam's Drag Olympics is in full swing. It's just one event at WorldPride, billed as the most significant Pride event in the world. This year it's taking place in the Dutch capital in the shadow of a deadly attack that rocked Europe's LGBTQ+ community. Jamie Fullerton reports.

Since the beginning of the US-Israeli war on Iran, Russia has stood firmly behind the Islamic Republic. It has condemned the strikes and backed Tehran on the diplomatic stage. But US officials say Moscow has also shared intelligence and military expertise, helping Iran target US bases and CIA sites in the region. The World's Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about what we know.

Hidden in the mountains of central Slovakia, the tiny village of Vlkolinec has become one of the country's biggest tourist attractions. UNESCO World Heritage status has helped preserve its distinctive wooden houses for more than 30 years. But some residents now believe that protecting the village has come at the expense of the community that still lives there. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Rob Cameron reports.

A Spanish border was breached yesterday by the largest mass crossing of migrants in the country's history. About 60,000 people, mostly young men, swam and scrambled from Morocco to an adjoining spit of land that belongs to Spain. The World's Gerry Hadden discusses what triggered the surge and how the Spanish government is managing. We also take a listen to his first report from Ceuta that examines the dangers that migrants face.That story originally aired on Jan. 14, 2025.

A week after a deadly attack on a Berlin Pride event, Germany is grappling with how to respond. The attacker, who killed one woman and injured 31 others, had previously come to the attention of authorities over extremist activity. Since the attack, Chancellor Friedrich Merz has promised tougher security laws, while the far-right AfD party has accused the government of failing to protect the public from "Islamist violence." But many LGBTQ activists say those political reactions ring hollow. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Picture this: You're a serious musician, working hard to create art and make a living. Suddenly, on your music streaming profile, a new album appears - in your name. It's not you, in fact it's nothing at all like your music. It's all AI generated. And you can't get rid of it. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Lars Bevanger met up with a musician in Oslo who faced this problem.

Scotland is joining the list of countries experiencing major wildfires. A fire that began two weeks ago is still burning in the Cairngorms National Park. Residents who had previously evacuated have been allowed to return, but certain businesses in proximity to the fire are still closed. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Tilly Smith, co-owner of the Cairngorm Reindeer Center, about the economic consequences this could have for her community.

Overnight, Asia's soccer federation joined its European and North American counterparts in opposing FIFA's proposed privatization of the World Cup. So far, FIFA president Gianni Infantino has signaled that he has no intention of dropping the plan. Still, it's very much in doubt now that regional soccer federations making up a clear majority of FIFA's member states are against it.

The UN's Human Rights office warned this week that settler violence in the West Bank is at an all-time high" after the Israeli government announced extensive counterterrorism operational activity" in the territory. The UN reported that at least eight Palestinians have died - including a child - as well as two members of the Israel Defense Forces. Mohammed Elwan is a Palestinian journalist who spoke to The World's Host Carolyn Beeler from Ramallah.

The US now controls much of Venezuela's oil revenue, estimated at $13 billion in the first half of this year. But neither Washington nor Caracas have provided a full account of where the money has gone. Some appears to have paid for imports and oil production. After devastating earthquakes left thousands needing housing and aid, pressure is growing on both governments to explain how the funds are being used. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Even after the disco crazy died down in the US, Egypt kept on cranking out the tunes. We hear the evidence in a new collection titled "Ayam El disco: Egyptian Disco, Boogie & Jeel Cassettes 1978-1992." Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler bring the music alive.

Rescue operations continue in Japan after a massive earthquake hit the region this week, authorities in Spain now know the cause of the country's devastating wildfires and, across Africa, many youth see an upside to USAID cuts to the continent. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler bring you those stories.

China has begun mass producing electric vehicles with sodium-ion batteries. The technology does not require critical minerals, and is widely considered more sustainable and accessible than the standard lithium-ion batteries. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Magda Titirici, a professor at Imperial College London, about the development.

Singer-songwriter Helado Negro grew up in Florida, the son of Ecuadorian immigrants, and became well-known for his personal and political experimental pop songs. Fabi Reyna was born in Mexico, grew up in Texas and founded Reyna Tropical, the indie-Latin-rock band from LA, as well as the magazine dedicated to women and nonbinary guitarists. The two got into the studio intending to write one song together, but three days later they ended up with the nine songs from their debut album Helado Tropical." Reporter Gisele Regatao has this profile of the duo.

Lab-grown diamonds have exploded in popularity, thanks to their high quality, low cost and ethical considerations. That reality is upending the market for natural, mined diamonds. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Pam Danziger, a luxury market analyst and Forbes contributor, about the shifting market dynamics.

This week, Cuba's government implemented new economic reforms aimed at loosening restrictions on private vendors and imports to help residents adapt to a US-imposed oil blockade. Jorge Pinon, a former oil executive who studies Cuba's energy system at the University of Texas, tells The World's Host Carolyn Beeler he doesn't think the measures go far enough to address the deepening energy crisis.

UEFA - the European soccer governing body - says its 55 teams will sit out all FIFA competitions for as long as a plan to allow investors to buy 20% of the organization remains in place. The boycott would include the upcoming Women's World Cup and the next men's tournament - to be hosted by this summer's winner, Spain, along with Portugal and Morocco. FIFA argues the private cash will help soccer thrive around the world. Now, it must decide whether to possibly lose Europe or nix the plan altogether. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Embrun, France.

After gaining independence from the US 80 years ago, many Filipinos migrated to the United States - and settled down in San Diego, home to one of the largest Filipino communities today. Slowly, they built institutions, such as churches and restaurants, to make it more like home. KPBS reporter Elaine Alfaro reports on how they've maintained their cultural identity.

Irish musician Glen Hansard has died in a motorcycle crash at the age of 56. The artist rose to global prominence when he co-starred in the movie "Once." Host Marco Werman pays his respects.

Prisons in Ontario are using an AI program that claims it can "predict" prisoners' behaviors. But it's sending a disproportionate number of Black inmates to maximum security detention. That's according to a report by journalist Desmond Cole in The Breach, an independent media outlet. Cole speaks with The World's Host Marco Werman about the algorithm that seems to be replicating systemic racism.

Until recently, every Italian teenager dreamed of getting a moped for their birthday - buzzing through the streets on a Piaggio Si or a 50cc Vespa. But with sales dropping precipitously, Deutsche Welle, DW's, Angelo van Schaik went to Italy to find out if that dream is still alive, or if it's changing.

Members of a group known as the Justice-Seeking Mothers" all have one thing in common: loved ones who were killed by the Iranian security forces during anti-government protests. Some have loved ones who are currently detained or at risk of execution. They hold regular meetings, attend gatherings at their children's grave sites, and are united by the goal of keeping their children's stories alive, and bringing the perpetrators to justice. The World's Shirin Jaafari reports.

The US has been campaigning to dismantle the International Criminal Court, and now Venezuela has announced its planned withdrawal. The court has spent years investigating alleged crimes against humanity under Venezuela's ousted president, Nicolas Maduro, but no arrest warrants have been made public. Venezuelan victims and advocates say the slow pace has caused deep frustration, even as many still see the ICC as their best hope for justice. The World's Tibisay Zea explains.

Filipino migration to San Diego ramped up at the turn of the 20th century, when the Philippines became a US territory. As the US military set up bases in the Philippines, families stationed there planted gardens - and sent tasty island produce home. Elaine Alfaro brings us the story from KPBS in San Diego.

Members of the K-pop supergroup BTS said they were withdrawing from the Grammys over awards being "divided by region or language." The World's Host Marco Werman discusses the latest twist in the ongoing debate over how to categorize music in the Grammy Awards and beyond with music journalist Tomas Mier.

Chilean folk musician Victor Jara was murdered in the first days of former President Augusto Pinochet's regime in 1973. Several army officers were found guilty of the killing and sentenced in 2023. One of them fled but was captured this past weekend, marking the final turn in the pursuit of justice for Jara's death. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler remember Jara and his global impact.

Across the US, celebrations are underway to mark 250 years since the country declared independence and launched the fight to break free from British colonial rule. But the Fourth of July also marked 80 years since the US granted independence to a colony of its own: the Philippines. It was called the Treaty of Manila. As Kori Suzuki of KPBS reports in the first of our three-part series, the US occupation and the years that followed would reshape the world, and especially San Diego.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in the Oval Office today facing growing differences with US President Donald Trump over the war with Iran and Mideast strategy. A White House official called the meeting positive and productive," but it was closed to the press. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with former Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas about what is at stake for both leaders.

Venezuelan musician and composer Gonzalo Grau is always mixing sounds and genres together, whether playing with his bands Plural or La Clave Secreta, or writing pieces for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Grau recently stopped by The World's studios at GBH to speak with Host Carolyn Beeler. He had just arrived in Boston after witnessing the devastating earthquakes in Caracas.

The French army's 8th Signal Regiment is breeding the continent's last military carrier pigeons. It may sound more than old fashioned, but perhaps we shouldn't be so dismissive - after all, carrier pigeons did play key roles during both the First and Second World Wars. From DW, Inside Europe's Lisa Bryant has been visiting the flock.

Off the coast of South Africa, scientists have reported more frequent sightings of "supergroups" of humpback whales. But in December, a photographer saw something unprecedented: a supergroup of some 300 humpbacks. It's considered a promising sign that the species is recovering after the 1986 ban on commercial whaling.