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The World: Latest Stories

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Updated 2025-09-13 02:17
What's really behind the ban on Budapest's Pride event
A new law banning Hungary's Pride parade comes into effect on April 15. The government of Viktor Orban said its aim is to protect children from being exposed to messages that "conflict with traditional family values." The move has already led to several protests in the country's capital in recent weeks. Orban's critics say the ban is about much more than just cancelling the Budapest parade. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports.
New details emerge on Chinese POWs allegedly fighting for Moscow
On Monday, Ukraine's security service held a press conference with two Chinese prisoners of war who answered questions from the media through an interpreter. President Zelenskyy says that a few hundred more Chinese nationals are likely fighting on Russia's behalf against Ukraine. The World's Carolyn Beeler spoke to Ukrainian journalist Volodymyr Solohub who was at the press conference in Kyiv.
The literary and political legacy of Mario Vargas Llosa
Mario Vargas Llosa, a giant of Latin American literature, died on Sunday at the age of 89. The Peruvian writer's work explored the power and politics of Latin America, often critiquing authoritarians from a leftist point of view. But his own politics veered to the right over time, becoming a supporter of neoliberal policies. The World's Marco Werman spoke with Ignacio Lopez Calvo, Professor of Latin American Literature and Culture at University of California-Merced, about Vargas Llosa's literary and political legacy.
Iran and the US agree to meet again on nuclear program
The United States and Iran have agreed to meet again next Saturday to discuss Iran's nuclear program. The meeting is reportedly taking place in Rome. This follows the much-anticipated meeting that took place over the weekend in the Gulf country of Oman. That was seen as a positive first step in reaching a deal which curbs Iran's nuclear program.
Monoculture approach to making iconic French brie and camembert puts them in danger
For well over a century, most of the world's brie and camembert producers have been sourcing a key ingredient, the fungus Penecillium Camemberti, from the same strain, leaving the cheeses vulnerable to disease and other threats. This, according to French researchers who are sounding the alarm: either we "re-wild" the cheese or risk losing it, at least in its creamy white current form. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Paris.
Nations agree to a carbon tax on shipping
Diplomats at the United Nations have agreed on a new plan to charge shipping companies a carbon tax. The global economy relies on shipping, but the industry is powered almost entirely by fossil fuels. The new carbon tax would correspond to the tons of CO2 a ship produces. Alice Larkin, who researches shipping decarbonization at University of Manchester in the UK, joined host Carol Hills to explain how it would work.
Security concerns are major issue in Ecuador's presidential election this weekend
Security is the main issue on the minds of Ecuadorians as they go to the polls in the presidential runoff election on Sunday. Leftist Luisa Gonzalez is facing off against conservative president Daniel Noboa. Michael Fox reports from Quito that it's a tight race with major implications for Ecuador's future.
The unlikely song lyrics that helped an Armenian-American tween feel confident
Anoush Froundjian grew up attending Armenian school on weekends, in the 1990s. But at her American school, on weekdays, she worried that her cultural heritage was a social liability. That all changed when she learned the words to a song.
At Passover seders, Persian Jews break out the scallions
As Jews around the world prepare for feasts known as seders commemorating the biblical exodus from slavery, there's a whole list of provisions people are busy gathering to bring the traditions to life. For Persian Jews, green onions - and lots of them - top the list. The ropelike spring greens come out during a particular song, and they're not used for cooking, but for mayhem. The World's Sarah Birnbaum explains.
Climate change brings migrating storks to Europe earlier
The arrival of white storks in Europe has long heralded the beginning of spring. But ornithologists believe human driven climate change is making the birds arrive earlier. And some storks have stopped migrating altogether. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports.
Scientists reach new milestone while mapping brain activity in mice
It's the largest and most-intricate map to date of the neural activity and connections in a mammal's brain. Scientists used AI to track the equivalent of 4,000 kilometers of neural cables packed into a brain segment the size of a grain of sand. To carry out this task by hand would have taken decades, if not longer. The World's Carol Hills spoke with project lead Nuno da Costa of the Allen Institute about the significance of this achievement, and what it might tell us about our own brains.
Spain's prime minister becomes accidental Europe envoy to China
Pedro Sanchez had planned his state visit to Beijing before the Trump administration's tariffs upended the global economy. But now, there's more on the line than a bilateral trade agreement. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.
New cookbook highlights Nigerian homecooking
The cuisine of Nigeria packs in all kinds of global influences and ingredients: curries from India, sauces from China, spices from Lebanon. They all commingle with with a particular repertoire of staple ingredients from Nigeria. Food anthropologist and Nigerian native Ozoz Sokoh is out with a cookbook that's being hailed as the first comprehensive guide to home cooking in all six regions of the country. She joins host Carol Hills for a conversation about the flavors, ingredients, and recipes in her book - as well as the culture around eating in Nigeria.
A 'homicide prevention' system being tested in the UK aims to predict who will commit murder
According to a watchdog nonprofit called Statewatch, the UK Ministry of Justice's "Homicide Prevention Project" has used AI and government databases to determine whether convicted criminals are likely to commit murder in the future. Chris Jones, the director of Statewatch, told The World's Carolyn Beeler that the project sounds serious alarm bells from a human rights and civil liberties standpoint - in addition to sounding a lot like a famous science fiction plot.
Can nature heal my brain?
Journalist Sarah Allely was knocked off her bike by a wrong-way driver in 2015. The experience left her with a traumatic brain injury - but also gave her insight into nature's role in recovery. Neil King looks into the relationship between nature and neurology in this excerpt from the Deutsche Welle podcast, "Living Planet."
Migrants from across the globe deported to Panama
In February, the US deported nearly 300 asylum seekers to Panama. Most of the deportees had come to the US not from Panama, but from Africa, Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Asia, in many cases fleeing civil wars and religious persecution. Manuel Rueda spoke with those who ended up in Panama rather than their home countries, now living in limbo - as well as the religious institutions that have taken them in.
Parents of detained Turkish students organize a solidarity network
Today, a Turkish court ruled in favor of the release of more than 100 young people who were arrested for participating in pro-democracy protests. About 150 of their fellow protesters remain behind bars. Every morning, parents gather outside a high security prison to wait for their kids to come out. The World has the story.
Japanese community center puts its own spin on the Pokémon card concept
Pokemon trading cards have been popular worldwide since the mid-'90s. Now, in an effort to help young people connect with older generations, a town in Japan's Fukuoka Prefecture has created trading cards depicting real, local heroes instead of fictional ones. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.
The ancient art of pearl diving music inspires new music
Pearl divers in Kuwait used to make music with a complex rhythmic pattern, but when Kuwait banned pearl diving in 1955, the music stopped with it. That captured the imagination of Ghazi Faisal Al-Mulaifi, an ethnomusicologist who teamed up with Grammy Award-winning bandleader Arturo O'Farrill to bring those rhythms back to life. The World's Host Marco Werman has the story.
Russia and the US carry out a prisoner swap
The US and Russia carried out a prisoner swap earlier today, resulting in the release of US citizen Ksenia Karelina. This is the second prisoner swap between Moscow and Washington in less than two months. The World's Daniel Ofman shares insights into the geopolitical backdrop for this development with Host Marco Werman.
Aid to post-Myanmar network imperiled by junta
An earthquake devastated Myanmar, leaving thousands dead. Nearly two weeks later, rescue operations have concluded, but the need for aid remains overwhelming. As The World's Patrick Winn reports, not enough is getting through as the military government blocks relief.
The most-surprising places encountered on a walk around the world
National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has traveled - on foot - through 21 countries, in a walk that's taken eleven years so far. Traveling at a human speed has given him glimpses of things people easily miss when traveling by plane, rail, or car. Salopek tells Host Marco Werman about some astonishing places that only a walker would discover.
Ugandan farmers see untapped potential in banana crop
Uganda is known for bananas. The tropical fruit grows there, and it's also a major culinary staple in the country. But banana growers in Uganda struggle to make a living, because of a bumper crop - there can be so many bananas that their monetary value plunges. That has Ugandan entrepreneurs seeking out uses for bananas beyond the culinary. Anita Elash visited some of the factories and farms trying to make a go of new banana products.
In Europe, online networks promote 3D-printed guns to evade firearm restrictions
The podcast "Things That Go Boom" tells the tale of one man in Europe who helped gun-rights advocates get around firearms restrictions on their continent by circulating instructions for printing 3D guns. Host Laicie Heely brings us this story, with reporting from British journalist Lizzie Dearen.
The state of foreign investment in Iraq
Representatives from 60 American businesses are in Iraq this week, courtesy of the US Chamber of Commerce. The war-torn country is hoping this large delegation is a sign that American companies have gotten serious about investing in Iraq. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Abbas Kadhim, who directs the Iraq Initiative at the Atlantic Council, about the likelihood that foreign investors will address Iraqis' greatest needs.
How Iranian officials used an emergency helicopter to dry a flooded soccer field
Three officials in Iran have been fired after deploying an emergency helicopter to dry out a soccer field flooded with rain. Their idea DID work, though. The field was dry in time for the game. The World's Marco Werman has the details.
What makes Jamaican rum Jamaican?
Late last year ,authorities in Jamaica updated the geographical indicator designation for Jamaican rum, barring products that are aged overseas from receiving the label. Now, National Rums of Jamaica - which owns two of the country's six distilleries - is challenging that regulation. The World's Carolyn Beeler spoke with intellectual property expert Enrico Bonadio at City University of London about the benefits of geographical indicators like the ones up for debate, and the role of rum in Jamaican history and culture.
China portrays US as 'global bully' in escalating trade war
President Donald Trump has ordered a 90-day pause on his sweeping new tariffs, with one exception: the massive levies on goods from China. Beijing has retaliated against the increase, imposing 84% tariffs on US goods beginning Thursday. The World's Carolyn Beeler talks with Evan Medeiros, director of Asian studies at Georgetown University about who will blink first in the high-stakes global game of chicken.
Famed merengue singer dies in Santo Domingo nightclub disaster
Rescuers in the Dominican Republic are digging through rubble, looking for survivors, after a tragedy at a nightclub. The Jet Set music club in Santo Domingo was packed when the entire roof caved in, shortly before 1 a.m. on Tuesday morning. More than 120 people died. The World's Sarah Birnbaum reports.
In Cambodia, artists carve out space for quiet resistance
Dissent, in the form of activism or journalism, is stifled in Cambodia. But artists there are finding subtle ways to tackle controversial topics, from environmental devastation to rapid urbanization. Reporter Leila Goldstein recently visited a growing new art complex in the city of Siem Riep that's giving artists space to display bold work that conveys their unique visions.
Things in the news you may have missed
We have some fancy news today that you might have missed. Our stories look at a Belgian prince, queen bees and a Brazilian judge living under an assumed aristocratic name for decades. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.
US and DRC close in on minerals deal
The Trump Administration's Africa adviser says the US is working on a deal that would would give American companies more control of critical mineral assets in Democratic Republic of Congo. That would be in exchange for more support to the government in Kinshasa. Host Marco Werman speaks with Jason Stearns, the founder of the Congo Research Group at NYU.
As planet warms, demand for energy goes up
Greenhouse gas emissions hit record highs last year. That's in part because extreme heat drove up demand for electricity to power air conditioning, particularly in China and India. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.
UK's first climate justice degree prepares students to take action
A recent UK survey found that 72% of teenagers want more relevant and rigorous climate change education. Now, Sussex University is answering that call with a new degree called Climate Justice, Sustainability and Development." The World's Bianca Hillier reports.
New data finds record low levels of Arctic Sea ice for March
In March, the Arctic is typically more frozen over than at any other time of year. But this year, the region had a record low amount of sea ice cover in March. That's according to new data from Europe's Copernicus Climate Change Service. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler discusses those findings and what it means for people living in the Arctic with Twila Moon, a scientist with the National Snow and Ice Data Center in Colorado.
German foodies welcome white asparagus season
If you're in Germany, the current season is Spargelzeit, or "asparagus time." That's when the beloved white asparagus is harvested. White asparagus has a taste - and agricultural pedigree - distinct from the more familiar green variety. Michael Bruckmann runs a restaurant at Winkelmanns Spargelhof Klaistdow, a farm in Beelitz, Germany.
Palestinian Red Crescent demands investigation into killing of rescue workers
Last month, Israeli forces fired on a convoy of ambulances and emergency workers in southern Gaza, killing 15 people. One worker in the convoy remains missing. The Palestinian Red Crescent says the attack constitutes a full-fledged war crime." The health care and social services organization is urging an international investigation into the incident. The World's Shirin Jaafari reports.
Pro-basketball gaining traction in Kenya
Kenyans may be known for their running prowess, but a new sport is on the move there: basketball. The NBA and International Basketball Federation created a top-tier professional league in Africa six years ago, and this is the first season that a Kenyan team has made it into that league. Briana Duggan has the story from Nairobi.
Ivory Coast beauty pageant bans wigs
This year, the Miss Ivory Coast national beauty pageant announced a new rule: Contestants are no longer allowed to wear wigs during the competition. Instead, the winner will need to have a natural hair style. While Ivory Coast's pageant is the first in Africa to prohibit wigs, it's a discussion happening across West Africa about beauty standards. Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Rena Ogwanighie, a fashion and beauty writer for the online magazine Marie Claire Nigeria, who joined the show from Lagos, Nigeria.
Ocean waves in Goa and nightlife in Mumbai influenced this British Bengali singer
When British Bengali musician Tara Lily stopped along the shores in Goa, India, the sound of the ocean reconnected Lily to her father and Indian ancestors. A similar feeling happened when she traveled north to Mumbai. Both places influenced the writing on her debut album "Speak in the Dark." Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler tell us more.
US tariffs may eviscerate Cambodia's economy
Heavy US tariffs against most nations on Earth kick in Tuesday at midnight. Few will take a beating as hard as Cambodia. Nearly one-third of the country's economy is generated by selling goods to Americans, mostly cheap clothing, and they'll soon suffer a 49% tariff. As The World's Patrick Winn reports, Cambodians are confused by President Donald Trump's claim that Cambodia - one of the poorest countries in Asia - is ripping off the US and making a "fortune."
Gaza's water system is on the brink as the human toll grows
Doctors Without Borders reports that of 82,000 primary care visits in Gaza, 1/5 of them are for illnesses caused by a lack of access to clean water. The amount of water available to each Palestinian in Gaza, on average, is also shrinking toward dangerously low levels. Israeli authorities' blockade of fuel and electricity is a major factor, as they assert that some of those resources could be used by Hamas.
US cancels visas for South Sudanese nationals as civil war tensions build back home
The US State Department has revoked the visas for South Sudanese nationals. The move comes with the sub-Saharan country on the brink of a renewed civil war. Rebecca Hamilton, the executive editor of Just Security and a professor of law at American University, discusses the implications with The World's Host Carolyn Beeler.
European universities luring US scientists with funds and freedom
With massive budget cuts in scientific research in the US, a lot of American scientists are looking overseas to continue their investigations. Europe is on their radar, because universities and governments across the continent are creating space for them and offering competitive salaries. Some say this could be the start of a massive scientific brain-drain for the US. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Marseille, France.
The rise and fall of Hollywood films in China
Once upon a time, American films didn't get much traction in communist China. But the blockbuster hit "Titanic" changed everything in 1997. Since then, Hollywood's fortunes in the Chinese market have been tied to fluctuations in the US-China political relationship. Host Marco Werman gets the history and current status of Hollywood in China from Jane Perlez, host of the podcast "Face-Off: the US vs. China."
Ovechkin breaks NHL goals record
Yesterday, Alexander Ovechkin of the Washington Capitals scored his 895th career goal. That put the 39-year-old superstar captain ahead of the former record holder, Wayne Gretzky, who congratulated him in a ceremony on the ice, along with a host of other top echelon athletes. Today, he was also congratulated by Russian President Vladimir Putin. The World's Daniel Ofman reports that what's often missed is Ovechkin's pro-Kremlin politics.
'I don't want to be French' meme spurs French teasing and anger
This week, someone transformed a line from the 2009 Lady Gag hit, "Bad Romance," from "I don't want to be friends" to "I don't want to be French." And then they set it free on TIkTok. Millions of mostly Europeans have copied the meme, with videos poking fun at the French, many of whom have not found it amusing. Their own, pro-France memes have now gone viral too. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Paris.
New investigation finds Maltese poachers traveling to Egypt to hunt birds
A new investigation by the New Arab news outlet has revealed that Maltese hunters travel as far as Egypt to hunt migratory birds commonly found in the EU. Often these birds, like the Maltese falcon, are illegal to kill in the EU due to regulations and wildlife laws. Host Carol Hills speaks with Mahmoud Elsobky, an investigative journalist with The New Arab, about this illegal hunting activity.
Things you might have missed
Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Carol Hills catch you up on headlines in the news you may have missed.
AI lets you and me draw like famed Japanese animator
A new trend is taking over social media. Users use Chat GPT Pro to render selfies, portraits, memes - whatever - in the style of Hayao Miyazaki, the artistic genius behind movies like "Spirited Away" and "My Neighbor Totoro." India's Prime Minisher Nahendra Modi, Donald Trump, and Elon Musk have gotten in on it, using the feature to create propaganda images. Others have used it on violent or dark images like the murder of George Floyd. The World's Sarah Birnbaum explains.
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