The World

Episod

• 
  Fighting wildfires across Western Europe 27.07.2026 50min

  For the first time, Spain has issued a state of emergency and tens of thousands of people have been evacuated in France as wildfires rage across western Europe. Also, Britain's National Crime Agency says one of the country's biggest cybersecurity threats is the rise of teenage hackers. And, a look at former Nepalese aid workers who have had to turn to sex work amid the fallout from US aid cuts. Plus, we take a listen to the music of young Algerian guitarist Fati Tiniri Tam.
• 
  Author Arundhati Roy on rise of India's youth-led protests 24.07.2026 50min

  India is seeing a new wave of anti-government protests inspired by the satirical Cockroach Janta Party. Award-winning Indian author and activist Arundhati Roy discusses what the movement reveals about the country's political moment. Also, member states of the ICC have voted to remove its chief prosecutor Karim Khan. And, the US moves a considerable amount of military assets near the Middle East. Plus, an update on the “Mackerel Wars.”
• 
  New shipping disruption could shake global markets 23.07.2026 49min

  Houthi rebel attacks on Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and their blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait are hiking oil prices. Also, two of OpenAI's agents teamed up in a surprise move to hack into a different company's digital library during a test when the AI models were supposed to be cut off from the internet. And, a look at the role of salmon in human migration to North America. Plus, a new establishment in Tokyo aims to teach foreigners about Japanese bar culture.
• 
  US-Saudi nuclear energy deal raises proliferation concerns 22.07.2026 50min

  US President Donald Trump has approved a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia that would expand cooperation on nuclear energy, despite its leader suggesting it would build nuclear weapons if necessary. Also, residents of southern Iran say they're living in constant fear of further attacks while struggling to access basic necessities. And, Germany is set to ban alcohol from its national railway platforms and stations. Plus, a new UN report finds the number of people globally experiencing hunger dropped in 2025 compared to the year before.
• 
  Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega dismantles elections 21.07.2026 50min

  To mark the 47th anniversary of the toppling of Nicaragua’s dictatorship, President Daniel Ortega announced the country will no longer hold elections. Also, days after an ICE agent shot and killed 25-year-old Joan Sebastian Guerrero in Maine, his death is reverberating across the US and his native Colombia. And, a British amateur genealogist is tracking down and publishing into an online archive the stories of people who were enslaved on the former British colony of Grenada. Plus, digging for vinyl in Tijuana.
• 
  Gulf states fear new era of 'no peace, no war' in the Middle East 20.07.2026 50min

  While Iran and the US continued to trade attacks for an eighth consecutive night, Gulf states have had to defend themselves from Iranian drones and missiles in recent days. Also, views from Spain and Argentina as Spain celebrates its second World Cup championship title. And, protests continue in the Indian capital as the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party marches on Parliament to demand the education minister’s resignation. Plus, the new “Freedom Needs a Soundtrack” podcast tells the story of how the Tibetan Freedom Concerts began, what they achieved and what their legacy is.
• 
  Canadian wildfires impacting air quality, continuing to spread 17.07.2026 49min

  Massive wildfires in Canada are continuing to spread in Ontario, with intense fires in the north of the province prompting evacuations. Also, an anti-government activist enters 20 days of hunger strike in support of India’s “Cockroach Janta Party,” calling for the country's education minister to resign. And, the US has announced that it wants to dismantle the International Criminal Court. Plus, a correctional facility in Pennsylvania is trying to adopt the "Scandinavian Prison Project,” prioritizing the well-being of everyone in the prison system.
• 
  Skies over Toronto still dark from wildfire smoke 16.07.2026 49min

  We take a look at how the wildfires in Ontario are affecting the province's largest city. Also, Ukrainians take to the streets of Kyiv to protest the removal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov by the president And, France becomes the latest country to legalize assisted dying. Plus, an update on the World Cup as the final two games take place this weekend.
• 
  Cuba's power grid buckles under blockade 15.07.2026 49min

  Cuba’s entire national power grid collapsed yesterday — for the third time in less than 10 days. Also, Egypt announces the discovery of an entire city in the Western Desert. And, after years of negotiations between the EU and the UK, the border wall between the British territory of Gibraltar and Spain has come down. Plus, French singer Camille releases her first album in 15 years.
• 
  Portugal faces 'fire paradox' as it manages wildfires 14.07.2026 49min

  Portugal is hoping to shift more emphasis from fire suppression to prevention — namely, improving how forests are managed so that they'll burn less. Also, a new music video released by two Iranian artists remembers the stories of the schoolchildren killed by a US strike on the southern Iranian city of Minab. And, fans worldwide are decrying the refereeing at this year’s World Cup. Plus, a look at how AI chatbots shift their values depending on which language they’re speaking.
• 
  US reimposes blockade on Strait of Hormuz 13.07.2026 49min

  The US has once again imposed a naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, designed to prevent any ships from leaving or entering Iranian ports. Also, following two powerful earthquakes that devastated Venezuela’s Caribbean coast, anger is growing in some of the hardest-hit communities over unsafe public housing. And, a look at how India’s caste system persists even in diaspora communities across the globe. Plus, a conversation with Cambodian singer Chhom Nimol on how she developed her unique voice.
• 
  Wildfire tragedy in Spain 10.07.2026 50min

  A massive wildfire is raging in southern Spain. Authorities in the region of Almería say at least twelve people have been killed, and many more are still missing. Also, as the World Cup reaches its final week, the spotlight is not only on the teams chasing a place in the semifinals but also on FIFA president Gianni Infantino. And, the death of a newlywed woman in Delhi last weekend is among a string of cases this year rekindling public discussion in India about dowry deaths. Plus, Egypt has announced the discovery of an entire city.
• 
  Meet ‘Los Topos,’ Mexico’s legendary brigade now working in Venezuela 09.07.2026 49min

  After Venezuela’s deadly earthquakes, many international rescue teams have left as the window for finding survivors narrows. But Los Topos Aztecas — a legendary Mexican volunteer rescue brigade — says it is staying until no longer needed. Also, health workers on the frontline of the Ebola outbreak are on strike. And, Māori New Year has been an official holiday in New Zealand for the past four years, but some may be uncomfortable embracing the culture. Plus, in Uganda, scientists have found a new use for catnip: mosquito repellent.
• 
  New round of US attacks on Iran leaves peace agreement in limbo 08.07.2026 50min

  President Trump says the temporary deal with Iran “is over.” His comments follow a series of US strikes on Iran last night. Also, the International Olympic Committee has provisionally lifted the suspension of the Russian Olympic Committee that’s been in effect since October of 2023. And, the tiny German village of Feldheim is generating its own electricity, heating its homes with farm waste and paying a fraction of the energy prices most Europeans face. Plus, find out why the tiny German village of Feldheim is world-famous. 
• 
  The war the world is struggling to see 07.07.2026 50min

  The strategic central Sudanese city of el-Obeid is now the focal point in the world’s worst humanitarian crisis. The three-year civil war between the Sudanese Armed Forces and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces has taken hundreds of thousands of lives. And, Canada is facing its Brexit moment – and it's largely around oil. Also, Marine Le Pen, the French far-right leader and a frontrunner to win next year’s presidential election, has lost her appeal of an embezzlement conviction. But a court today cleared the way for her to run for office. Plus, how the World Cup has Cape Verdean tunes to the fore.
• 
  Venezuela is still reeling from twin earthquakes last month 06.07.2026 49min

  Venezuela is still reeling from twin earthquakes that rocked the country's north on June 24. The official death toll has surpassed 2,500, with tens of thousands of people still displaced from their homes. And, widespread protests, economic pressures and a devastating war with the US have exposed deep divisions within the regime. Also, this week, the Turkish capital Ankara plays host to NATO’s 36th summit. And the run-up has been tense. Plus, a World Cup weekend recap.
• 
  Celebrating the US’s 250th birthday with a melting pot of music 03.07.2026 50min

  As the United States marks its 250th birthday, The World celebrates by listening to the music that’s been woven into the fabric of this country's story. Russian-born Serge Grin sings American country music and blues across Serbia. Also, Cuban American Gloria Estefan looks back at her successful career as a bilingual musician, singer and songwriter. And, a look at how the band Los Lobos celebrated its 50th anniversary of blending rock ’n’ roll and traditional Mexican music. Plus, how a gospel choir from South Africa's Soweto connected House beats with African music.
• 
  Russia launches deadly overnight attack in Ukraine 02.07.2026 50min

  Russian forces launched missile strikes on Kyiv overnight, destroying several residential buildings in the Ukrainian capital. Also, from Mexico to Spain, a crackdown on fake soccer jerseys. And, the French Pacific territory of New Caledonia is once again at a political crossroads after recent local elections delivered no clear majority. Plus, a look at Filipino Americans embracing the the music their parents brought stateside with them.
• 
  Rift emerges in Catholic Church after splinter group ordains its own bishops 01.07.2026 49min

  A rift in the Catholic Church is coming to a head today after a breakaway group of ultra-conservative clergy, called the Society of St. Pius X, consecrated bishops without Vatican approval. Also, an update from Syria, where people are still waiting for justice and a better economy. And, UN plastics talks resume a year after negotiations collapsed. Plus, a listen to the best soccer song from Brazil.
• 
  Venezuelans take quake rescue efforts into their own hands 30.06.2026 49min

  In the absence of help from officials, volunteers across Venezuela are turning their skills into disaster relief. Also, a conversation about how global odor pollution may be affecting plants, pollinators and entire ecosystems. And, after a stunning World Cup defeat of the German team, we break down what penalty shootouts actually are. Plus, immigration courtroom “angels” who help people understand what’s happening as they make their way through the court system. We made our goal of $30,000! Thank you. 💙 If you haven’t given yet, there’s still time! Our 2:1 match is live until midnight tonight. Your support and generosity mean so much and help power our small, but mighty newsroom. Give now.