The World: Latest Stories

Amid the hunger and devastation in Gaza, donkeys and horses are vital for survival. Cars are few and fuel is scarce. So, people use animals for transportation. But after months of almost no aid entering, and with much of the infrastructure destroyed, the animals are suffering, too. Outside organizations are trying to help. The World's Shirin Jaafari reports.

Host Marco Werman introduces us to a duo from Estonia known as Puuluup, embracing a musical folk tradition in their country that elevates the sound of a lyre called the talharpa. Puuluup sits in an awkward space in which tradition is not always comfortable in the present day, and they make that work for them.

Far-right parties are surging in popularity in Europe and environmentalists say their influence could put the EU's climate agenda in jeopardy. Italy's populist prime minister, Giorgia Meloni, has become one of the most outspoken critics of the EU's green policies. Activists warn her growing influence could ripple across the continent. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports from Milan.

From Chile's National Center for Artificial Intelligence to universities across the continent, researchers are training Latam-GPT, an artificial intelligence model built with the languages, cultures and histories of Latin America in mind. Advocates say it's about reclaiming digital sovereignty. Critics warn it could still mirror the same biases and inequalities as foreign models. The World's Tibisay Zea looks at the hopes, risks, and grassroots efforts to make AI work for the region.

Host Marco Werman shares a few thoughts about a pocket knife he's had for decades. It's an old memento from a time he worked on a farm in France - a French knife made by the company Opinel. But the company has stated that it intends to change the design of the knife's lock, a move that no doubt will upset Opinel purists.

The British government is giving China until Aug. 20 to clarify its plans for a new mega-embassy outside of central London. The blueprints submitted by Beijing for approval included areas in the new building that were left blank, apparently for "security reasons." But plenty of experts say that allowing China to build a new embassy complex in this part of London would be a security risk for the UK. The World's Matthew Bell has the story.

Milan is no stranger to sweltering heat in August, but this summer, high temperatures arrived early. A study from Imperial College London reported that, in June, the city suffered the highest number of heat-related deaths in all of Europe. Climate scientists say that should be a wake-up call. Yet on Milan's streets, frustration is growing as residents accuse city leaders of ignoring the crisis. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports from Milan, Italy.

An Israeli strike on a press tent outside a Gaza hospital Sunday killed five Al Jazeera journalists, including prominent reporter Anas al-Sharif. The Committee to Protect Journalists had previously warned about the danger to al-Sharif's life. From Jordan, Sara Qudah, the Middle East and North Africa regional director for the CPJ, tells The World's Host Marco Werman the deaths are part of a pattern of press intimidation.

China is experiencing its largest-ever outbreak of chikungunya, a mosquito-borne disease that causes fever, nausea and severe joint pain. More than 8,000 people have contracted the disease around the Guangdong province. Health authorities are enacting strict protocols to contain the spread. Host Marco Werman speaks with Yanzhong Huang, senior fellow for global health at the Council on Foreign relations, about the outbreak.

Colombian Senator Miguel Uribe Turbay has died at the hospital. That was confirmed by his wife, Maria Claudia Tarazona. Uribe had been shot three times at a campaign rally in a working class neighborhood in Bogota, a brazen act of political violence that recalls the cartel-driven violence of the 1990s. He was rushed to the hospital, where he remained in critical condition until his death on Monday. Host Marco Werman has the details.

This weekend in Tampere, Finland, fans of a chubby hippopotamus-like cartoon family flocked to the Moomin Museum for the characters' 80th birthday party. Host Marco Werman has more.

Plastic waste has a devastating impact on Ghanaian communities, but one innovator is transforming discarded plastic into desks for schools. His initiative addresses both environmental damage and the widespread problem of pupils sitting on bare floors in classrooms. Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman has the story from the capital, Accra.

If you're looking for something a little off the beaten track this summer, then may we suggest that you try out the village billing itself as Europe's first-ever bear smart community?" And no, we're not taking you to the forests of Finland or the mountains of Romania - but to the central Italian village of Pettorano sul Gizio, where brown bears really do regularly wander into gardens. How is the community dealing with these overly curious ursine visitors? Angelo Van Schaik has been finding out.

Crimea has come up time and again throughout the ceasefire negotiations between the US, Russia and Ukraine. In recent weeks, there have been media reports that the United States has been trying to pressure Ukraine to make territorial concessions, including Crimea, in exchange for a ceasefire. The World's Daniel Ofman reports on the history of Crimea, and it's status within ceasefire talks.

This week, the Trump administration announced funding cuts to mRNA vaccine development research in the US, but researchers have warned that the impacts will be felt internationally. To get a handle on those impacts we turned to Gaby Galvin, she's a Brussels-based health reporter with the broadcaster Euronews.

Ghana has approved the world's first malaria drug for newborns, marking a breakthrough in infant care. But as rollout nears, US funding cuts are hurting promotional campaigns for the drug. The lack of money is also freezing critical research - threatening long-term progress in the fight against the disease. Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman has the story.This story was produced with support from the Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

The tennis world has a new underdog to root for: Victoria Mboko. At just 18 years old, Mboko won her first Women's Tennis Association title last night at the Canadian Open in Montreal. She entered the tournament as a wildcard, but stunned fans by making it all the way to the finals. Host Marco Werman has the details.

Palestinians in Gaza reacted with dread to the announcement that Israel's security cabinet had approved a plan to take control of Gaza City. Salma Altaweel, a mother of four who lives in Gaza City and works for the Norwegian Refugee Council, says she and her family are "extremely exhausted" after nearly two years of war.

Amid war and political instability, one Lebanese man has thrown himself into creating a new hiking path in his home country. Gilbert Moukheiber started the project during the COVID-19 pandemic, when tourism dropped. He now leads hiking tours on trails in the north and east of the country. The World's Shirin Jaafari brings us the story.

From a song in "Les Miserables" to a hand gesture in "The Hunger Games," these are just a couple of examples from Western pop culture that activists in Asia have hooked onto when protesting authoritarian governments, especially China's. Jeffrey Wasserstrom has been looking closely at this phenomenon. His new book is "The Milk Tea Alliance: Inside Asia's Struggle against Autocracy and Beijing." Wasserstrom spoke recently to The World's Host Marco Werman.

Israel's cabinet is facing backlash following its announcement to expand military control in Gaza. Families of Israeli hostages, as well as those seeking the return of their loved ones' remains, have responded with deep frustration and a sense of betrayal. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Ruby Chen, the father of Chen, a 19-year-old American Israeli IDF soldier who was serving in a tank battalion on the Gaza border on Oct. 7, 2023.

Most European countries say they expect to close their coal power stations in the next five years. But what will that transition look like? How will it reshape communities, and people's lives? There is a model. The UK was the first-ever country to announce a full coal phase-out, and it was a bumpy transition. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Dan Ashby reports.

The groundbreaking Latin pianist, bandleader and composer Eddie Palmieri died yesterday. Born in New York City in 1936, he, perhaps more than any other musician, marshalled the sounds coming out of Cuba, Puerto Rico and Colombia into a recognizable style that Americans generically refer to as salsa. And, he was one of the first musical guests we welcomed into our studios at The World. Host Marco Werman takes us back.

More than 4,000 athletes from across the globe have traveled to Chengdu, China, to take part in the 2025 World Games. The World's Bianca Hillier reports on some of the obscure sports you can watch during the competition.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is talking about ordering the Israeli military to escalate its campaign against Hamas in the Gaza Strip. When asked in an interview with Fox News today if Israel will take control of the territory, Netanyahu said, "We intend to, in order to ensure our security." Far-right politicians in Israel have been calling for an occupation of Gaza. But the political opposition, much of the Israeli public and top military commanders are all calling for an end to the war. The World's Matthew Bell has the latest.

Sea stars on the west coast of North America have been decimated by a wasting disease. For more than a decade, scientists did not know what was causing it. But new research published this week in the journal Nature has identified the culprit. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with scientist Alyssa Gehman about the findings and what it means for the species' recovery.

Readers in the disputed Kashmir region could now face prison time for owning or distributing books the Indian government says promote "false narratives" and "secessionism." The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Nitasha Kaul, a professor at the University of Westminster in the UK.

France's "wine lake" is fanning the largest wildfire in decades. The "wine" in the so-called wine lake is a nod to an excess of wine in France. To reduce it, the government began a program in the 1980s to pay vintners to tear out their grapes and plant something else. But in the Aude region, in France's southwest, vintners can't change crops, so they've abandoned their fields to grasses, bushes and brambles. And all of that is making today's massive blaze bigger and faster. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Driverless taxis are coming to Europe. American ride-hailing company Lyft has announced a partnership with Chinese tech giant Baidu to begin offering robotaxis in Germany and the UK starting in 2026. The deal, subject to regulatory approval, could upend the global race for robotaxi domination. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel has the story.

An international team of archaeologists has found what they believe to be remains of a rebel city in Mexico, where Mayans resisted Spanish conquest for more than a century. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

Under the Trump Administration, the US is sharply reducing its military presence in Africa, shifting to a leaner footprint, focused on remote support and partner-led security. Critics warn the move is fueling extremist threats and allowing China and Russia to expand their influence. Lt. Gen. John Brennan, deputy commander of US Africa Command, and Amb. Robert Scott, deputy commander for civil-military engagement, discuss the implications with The World's Host Marco Werman.

Construction is set to begin at the beginning of 2025 on a suspension bridge across the Strait of Messina, connecting mainland Italy to Sicily. It's an idea that's been centuries in the making, dating back to Roman times. The project has been proposed and abandoned a few times in recent years. Transportation correspondent Jeremy Siegel looks at how the bridge is once again on the cusp of reality with the backing of the leader of Italy's right-wing Lega party.This story originally aired on Nov. 26, 2024.

It's dark, it's icy and there's no margin for error. That's what a crew from New Zealand's air force was up against when it evacuated three people from a US research base in Antarctica overnight. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

In the 1970s and '80s, Teresa Teng was the big pop star in Asia. The Taiwanese singer released hit after hit, recording in several languages including Mandarin and Japanese. But her untimely death in 1995 at the age of 42, hasn't stopped her fan base from wanting more of her music. Now, Teresa Teng fans are excited, because a previously unreleased recording has come out recently. It's called "Love Songs are Best in the Foggy Night." Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to superfan Xianda Huang. He's also a PhD student at UCLA who studies Chinese pop culture.

The political parties in Israel who represent the Ultra-Orthodox, known as Haredim, are threatening to bring down the prime minister's government. They're incensed over a piece of legislation forcing Haredi men to join the Israeli army, which they have been exempt from since the country's creation. Robby Berman in Tel Aviv explains.

During Wednesday's commemorations in Hiroshima, Japan, marking 80 years since the first atomic bomb strike in history, the city's mayor Kazumi Matsui called on the Japanese government to sign the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons. Tokyo has previously refused, saying it would send the "wrong message." Even as it officially opposes nuclear weapons, Japan depends on nuclear deterrence, as afforded by the United States. Host Carolyn Beeler learned more about the country's tricky balancing act on nuclear policies from Masako Toki. She's with the James Martin Center for Nonproliferation Studies at the Middlebury Institute in Monterrey, California.

When Hiroshima became the site of the first-ever use of a nuclear weapon in war, two-thirds of the city was destroyed. Today, it's a lively city of over a million people. And scattered throughout are 159 trees that were nearly destroyed in the blast, but have since grown back to stand as living reminders of an apocalyptic day. Host Marco Werman speaks to National Geographic explorer Paul Salopek about these trees, and how the legacy of the atomic bomb lives on, in the memories of survivors and younger generations of Japanese people.

Today marks 80 years since the first use of a nuclear weapon during wartime - the American atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japan. Co-hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman encapsulate the history that led up to Aug. 6, 1945, and the second bombing three days later of Nagasaki.

Lack of rain and soaring temperatures have stressed Tehran's infrastructure to the breaking point. Authorities shuttered government offices in the capital and in about half of Iran's provinces today to address the water shortage. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with one Tehran resident about the toll the crisis is taking on citizens.

The cost of sick leave in France has risen 40% over the last decade, to around $17 billion a year. As the country struggles with a fiscal deficit, it wants to reduce payouts to the ill, and to get people working more. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Embrun, France.

Former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro is under house arrest on charges of masterminding a coup to overturn the country's presidential election in 2022. The turning point comes at a tense moment, with Brazil tied up in a trade war with the US under President Donald Trump, an ally of Bolsonaro. Trump has indicated that his administration's plans to hit Brazil with hefty tariffs is connected to Bolsonaro's legal troubles. Rafael Ioris is a professor of Latin American History and Politics at the University of Denver. He joins The World's Host Carolyn Beeler to discuss this recent development and its significance.

Hundreds of Palestinians have been killed while seeking aid from food distribution sites run by the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation. Near-daily casualties since the joint US-Israeli operation launched in May have prompted international horror and concern about how aid distribution is being handled. Retired Lt. Col. Anthony Aguilar has firsthand experience. He's a former US Green Beret who served 25 years in the Army, including deployments in Afghanistan and Iraq. Aguilar signed on to work security for one of several GHF sites in the Gaza Strip. He has since parted ways with the organization. Aguilar joined Host Marco Werman to offer insights into the chaotic scenes around GHF sites, and to address controversy over his departure.

Last month, the Sao Paulo police arrested a man responsible for the country's largest cyberattack against financial institutions. At least $140 million was stolen from six banks. That's just the latest episode in a country that has become one of the world leaders in cybercrimes and scams big and small. Gisele Regatao reports from Sao Paulo, Brazil.

A lot is happening internally in Israel, as the cabinet of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu ponders what to do next in Gaza. At the same time, aid organizations have resumed dropping aid into the enclave, because the land routes are too perilous. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

In 2013, the film "Raanjhanaa" ended with a devastating death scene. That same movie was rereleased in theaters this past weekend with a different ending - provided by AI, without the director's knowledge or consent. Many audiences are responding to what's being presented as a happier ending with enthusiasm. Some, however, take issue with not just the use of artificial intelligence, but also the larger implications of the new plot twist. Reporter Namrata Kolachalam brings us the story from Mumbai.

Musician Yosefe Kalekeni was walking with his guitar on the bustling streets of Malawi's capital Lilongwe, when another musician stopped him. Yobu Maligwa asked if he wanted to start a band. Three albums later and an appearance at Glastonbury, Madalitso Band has released a new album "Ma Gitala."

Thailand takes pride in its wildlife: Elephants, primates and wild tigers are beloved. But one native species is not loved: the water monitor, a dog-sized lizard with snake-like fangs. Now, a group has formed to convince Thai society to embrace this maligned creature. The World's Patrick Winn originally brought us this report last summer.This story originally aired on Aug. 2, 2024.

The Pentagon signed an agreement in April to deploy American troops to former US military bases in Panama. Panama bans foreign countries' bases on its soil and the decision has helped to fuel months of protests. This, along with US President Donald Trump's threats to take the canal back by force, has many Panamanians concerned. Nate Halverson, with the PRX program Reveal, reports from Panama.

Philippines National Police officers have been told to shape up or be shipped off the force. The country's top cop announced he's giving overweight officers a one-year deadline to meet physical standards - or else. Many precincts are starting group workouts several days a week along with occasional lessons on proper dieting. Dave Grunebaum reports from a neighborhood just outside Manilla.

Ex-Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina is facing a landmark trial in absentia over alleged crimes against humanity. The charges are linked to the 2024 student protests that toppled her government. The trial, unfolding while she remains in a secure safe house in India, is reshaping Bangladesh's political landscape and raising questions about justice, accountability and regional diplomacy. From Dhaka, Zafar Sobhan, the editor of Bangladeshi news site Counterpoint, discusses the implications with The World's Host Marco Werman.