The World

About half a million Syrians living in Turkey have returned to Syria — just one in five. Although aid groups estimate many more will follow, it's a difficult decision, and many are wary of Syria's new leader and struggling economy. Also, a stretched polar vortex is bringing severe winter storm conditions to half the continental US, and is causing temperatures to plummet across even more of the northern hemisphere. And, Guinea-Bissau's minister of health announced Thursday that the country was halting a controversial Danish-led, US-funded trial of a hepatitis B vaccine. Plus, a groundbreaking Australian play has come to New York for a few weeks. It's called "The Visitors," and it tells an important piece of Australian history from an Aboriginal perspective. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In Iran, some families are still searching morgues for their loved ones. Among those who have found them, some say they have been intimidated and threatened by security forces for holding funerals. Also, Bobi Wine, the leading opposition figure in Uganda’s presidential elections, speaks to The World’s Marco Werman from hiding, one week after Uganda’s longtime president, Yoweri Museveni, was declared the winner of a disputed election. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was in Davos, Switzerland, on Thursday to appeal for support. Plus, National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek shares some sticky situations he’s encountered on the Eden Walk. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The US immigration system sees one of the most radical policy shifts during US President Donald Trump's second term. Also, testimonies from Iranians fleeing into Turkey amid a crackdown on protests. And, Guatemala declares a state of emergency following coordinated attacks by gangs. Plus, a listen to Taiwan’s Indigenous Bunun music inspired by natural sounds. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Venezuela is facing soaring prices, shrinking wages and a middle class that has largely vanished. Also, London Mayor Sadiq Khan says the British capital is one of the safest major cities in the Western world, citing new police figures showing homicide rates have fallen to their lowest level in a decade, but campaigners argue the latest numbers don’t tell the full story. And, a look at how US President Donald Trump’s first year of his second term has reshaped the global economy. Plus, auroras can be seen at both the northern and southern poles right now as the Earth experiences a "solar storm." Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

President Donald Trump keeps insisting that the US "needs" to take over Greenland, which is controlled by Denmark. Protests in both Denmark and Greenland have denounced US threats to seize the territory. Also, Julio Iglesias, the 82-year-old crooner who's sold more than 300 million records over his long career, could soon take center stage in a Spanish courtroom over sexual abuse allegations. And, a look at the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. and his global message against oppression. Plus, the story of a revolutionary woman who led Africa’s independence movements. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

With votes tallied from about 50% of polling places, incumbent President Yoweri Museveni is projected to win reelection in Uganda. Also, Indian authorities continue searching for an elephant that’s already killed 22 people in the first two weeks of 2026. And, Sara Mardini, who was arrested for helping rescue migrants from the sea in 2018, is acquitted of her charges in Greece. Plus, searching for the best mıhlama for breakfast in Turkey. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

As bitter cold descends on Ukraine, so has a fresh barrage of Russian drone and missile strikes. Recent attacks on transformer substations and power plants have plunged Kyiv into its worst wartime heating and power outage. Also, as opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado meets US President Donald Trump in Washington, Venezuelans are watching with a mix of hope and unease. And, The World speaks with some Iranians about the ongoing protests in the country. Plus, a team of engineers tries to flip Kenya’s automotive economy on its head with the first-ever Kenyan-made electric vehicle. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The foreign ministers of Denmark and Greenland met with US Vice President JD Vance today at the White House today for talks. Also, a discussion about what the end of Temporary Protected Status for Somalia by the Trump administration means for Somalis. And, a look at why international adoptions have largely been a failure. Plus, a little-known amateur tennis player from Sydney beats some of the world's top tennis players at an event ahead of the Australian Open. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Iranian state TV has aired new footage showing piles of black body bags it says hold demonstrators killed during protests. Some footage of the protests has come out even as a communications blackout in the country continues. Also, since Venezuela’s announcement last week that the government would release a "significant number" of political prisoners, only 16 people have actually been freed. And, we bring an update from Gaza, where Palestinians are struggling to stay warm and dry as fierce winter storms topple damaged buildings and destroy flimsy plastic shelters amid new Israeli restrictions on aid groups. Plus, from Barcelona to Paris and beyond a handful of shops are keeping the tradition of viewing VHS tapes alive. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Protests in Iran have turned deadly, with hundreds feared shot and killed. The government has shut all communications with the outside world, making it difficult to get accurate information from the ground. But a few have been able to get through, using Starlink, a satellite internet network, including one doctor living in New York. Also, Malaysia and Indonesia have blocked Grok, the AI chatbot feature on the social media platform X, citing concerns that the chatbot is being used to produce sexually explicit images. And, an inside look at the Venezuelan capital as uncertainty over the country’s future continues. Plus, we take a listen to a single from Dhruv’s debut album, a singer with roots in India and an upbringing in Singapore. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

EU leaders are responding cautiously, with some notable exceptions, following US strikes on Venezuela and threats to take over Greenland. Also, the Iranian government cuts off internet access as protests across the country escalate. And, a look at the high-stakes push to bring US oil companies back to Venezuela. Plus, twin mountain gorillas are born at Africa's largest national park in Democratic Republic of Congo. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

We take a look at the life and politics of Delcy Rodríguez, who spent years as part of deposed President Nicolás Maduro’s inner circle, and is now Venezuela’s de-facto leader. Also, Cubans are watching the developments in Venezuela with growing unease as fuel shortages worsen in their own country. And, winter storm Goretti disrupts travels across much of Western Europe. Plus, experts unearth a 2,000-year-old war trumpet. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The White House has renewed its rhetoric on acquiring Greenland. We hear how the news is being received by people who live there. Also, a discussion about the erosion of international law. And, a look at the frustrations that blind people face during air travel. Plus, the story of a young man who moved as a kid from Guatemala to Texas to Taiwan. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Militias are patrolling the streets of Venezuela and independent journalists have been detained. It’s all part of a crackdown signaling the country’s authoritarian leaders are not relinquishing power, despite the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Also, a garbage workers’ strike in the UK has led to tens of thousands of tons of rubbish piling up in the streets, attracting vermin. And, the Israeli foreign minister has visited Somaliland after Israel became the first nation to officially recognize the segment of Somalia as an independent country. Plus, National Geographic puts out a list of the 11 biggest food trends expected around the world for 2026. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is now in US custody, facing drug-related charges — but inside Venezuela, the fallout is just beginning. In Caracas, residents describe fear, brief celebration and a return to caution as power shifts. Also, Jamaica’s tourism sector has rebounded some 80% after Hurricane Melissa. And, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appoints a former Canadian minister to be his new economic advisor. Plus, a bluefin tuna brings in $3.2 million at a fish market in Tokyo. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

In this holiday special, The World takes you to China. We visit Shenzhen, which has become the most thriving megacity in the world — without the air pollution, overcrowding and failing infrastructure that often accompany rapid expansion. Also, an unpacking of the latest diplomatic spat between China and Japan over Taiwan. And, a peek at the future of transportation innovation from the Automotive World China Exhibition, complete with electric cars and self-driving sanitation vehicles. Plus, the story of a mother who traveled with her adopted daughter to China in search of answers about her past. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

It’s been an adventurous three decades for The World and we’re glad to have you with us as we celebrate our 30th anniversary. In this special New Year’s show, we highlight some of our reporting over the years. We bring you a discussion with Neil Curry, who helped create the show and was The World's first executive producer, as well as a conversation with our reporters Matthew Bell and Shirin Jafaari, who discuss how their coverage of major global news evolved after 9/11. Also, we look at our coverage of the environment in a time of climate change. And, we take a listen to some of our favorite music over the years. Plus, you’ll even have a chance to test your global knowledge as our hosts play a round of Geo Quiz trivia. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

As we wrap up the year, The World takes a look back at some of our favorite stories from 2025. We visit coffee raves in Barcelona. Also, a landmark performance for a female conductor at the Tehran Symphony Orchestra. And inmates in Milan who are repurposing the wood from migrant boats into musical instruments. Plus, crate digging for vinyl records with a collector in Dubai. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Fueled by a cost-of-living crisis and a weakening currency, Iranians are taking to the streets. While the government says it's offering dialogue, the demonstrations follow a year of growing challenges for the regime and everyday people in the country. Also, a look back at a year of global protests, driven largely by Gen Z, over economic uncertainty. And, air pollution in Germany's once-industrial Ruhr River Valley has decreased significantly, but there’s still a long way to go. Plus, a look at New Year’s Eve traditions around the globe. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The US fired Tomahawk missiles into Nigeria's Sokoto State late last week, claiming to target members of ISIS targeting Christians in the country, but the region hit by the strikes — and facing the brunt of ISIS attacks — is majority Muslim. Also, the world's first carbon tariff is set to take effect in Europe at the start of 2026. And, some patients in the UK who are unable to access emergency dental care are taking matters into their own hands, and even pulling out their own teeth. Plus, the "King of Cachupa" brings a signature dish of Cape Verde to Portugal. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices