The World

Indigenous communities in Brazil are celebrating after the country’s supreme court rejected a legal policy that would have weakened their ability to claim land. Also, a new book talks about the most powerful woman in North Korean history: Kim Yo-jong, the sister of Supreme Leader Kim Jong-un. And, major film sets across the UK have had to close down because of the actors’ and writers’ strikes in the US. Plus, a look at Lachlan Murdoch, son of the famed media tycoon Rupert Murdoch, who is set to take over his father’s media empire.

The Biden administration is expanding and extending its temporary protected status order for Venezuela, allowing Venezuelans to work. This includes nearly half a million Venezuelans currently in the US. And, Poland's prime minister has said that Ukraine will no longer receive weapons because Poland is upgrading to more modern weaponry. This announcement comes on the heels of a dispute over economic protection for Poland's farmers as the country has banned the import of Ukrainian grain. Also, Pope Francis recently set off a firestorm among Ukrainian Catholics when he praised Russia's great past and culture. Ukrainian Greek Catholics, for whom the pope is a spiritual leader, would like to hear his support for Ukraine in the war against Russia. Plus, this Freetown mayor focuses on climate resilience.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres only invited leaders with credible new climate pledges to speak at this year’s UN climate ambition summit. But the UN has limited power to cajole nations when it comes to climate. And, Armenian separatist forces in Azerbaijan's breakaway region of Nagorno-Karabakh surrendered on Wednesday, 24 hours after Azerbaijani forces began an offensive to take full control of its territory. Also, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Joe Biden have been at odds over proposed judicial reforms in Israel, which Netanyahu backs. On Wednesday, the two leaders are expected to meet on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York. Plus, reparations for Japanese Canadians may be seen as too little, too late.

At the UN General Assembly today, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy again sounded the alarm over Russian aggression. And, family groups crossing the US border illegally reached an all-time high in August. This is a concern for Biden administration officials, as families have always been the hardest migrants to deport. Also, Canada and India are feuding right now over India's alleged potential involvement in a politically motivated killing of a Sikh Canadian activist. India has denied Canada's accusations thus far and the two countries have expelled each other's senior diplomats. Plus, a group of Tibetan Buddhist monks go on a sacred arts tour in the US.

A year and a half into Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, its impact has been felt most acutely in lost lives, flattened cities and destroyed infrastructure. But the environmental damage from combat has also contaminated Ukraine’s soil, water and air. From Ukrainian farm fields polluted with mines to Norway's new role as the largest exporter of natural gas to Europe, The World's environment correspondent Carolyn Beeler reports on how the environment and climate impacts are likely to be one of the longest-lasting legacies of the war, persisting for decades after the fighting stops.

The Dominican Republic and Haiti are in a serious dispute over water rights. The Dominican government has moved to seal the border and stopped issuing visas to all Haitian citizens, until the dispute is resolved. And, the United Nations General Assembly kicks off next Tuesday, when both Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy and US President Joe Biden are expected to take the stage. Also, Sept. 16 will mark one year since the death of Mahsa Amini, who was in Iranian police custody for improperly wearing her headscarf. Her death sparked protests throughout Iran and the world against the Iranian government's repressive treatment of women. Plus, an American caver in Turkey speaks about his 11 days underground.

In the US, auto industry professionals all have their eyes on the emerging electric vehicle market — and the growing global dominance of China's auto industry in electric cars. And, the US State Department estimates that about 10,000 people from around the world are trapped in “scam mill compounds” in Cambodia. They are forced to work for criminal syndicates, luring unsuspecting targets into fraudulent crypto schemes. Also, flooding devastated the city of Derna in Libya. We hear voice messages from everyday people and aid workers about the extreme damage it has wreaked. Plus, threats to a wildly popular Mexican singer point to cartel wars.

A humanitarian crisis has unfolded in eastern Libya, after a major storm battered the region and destroyed two dams. About 10,000 people are missing and more than 5,000 are confirmed dead, after floods wiped away entire neighborhoods in the city of Derna. And, "The Listening Project," launched by The New Humanitarian, is inviting Yemenis from across the country and in the diaspora to talk about their own experiences of war and their daily lives. Also, later this month, Slovakia holds a parliamentary election that will have ramifications far beyond its borders. If the opinion polls are correct, it would mark the return of Robert Fico: a man who models himself on Viktor Orbán, Hungary's “alt-right” leader. Plus, China's tobacco problem.

North Korean leader Kim Jong-un arrived in Russia by armored train on Tuesday to meet President Vladimir Putin. The two are expected to hammer out an arms deal that could help Russia continue its war in Ukraine. And, the so-called Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam is projected to double the country's electricity supply and promises agricultural expansion. This has worried Egypt for years, and now that the dam is full and complete, the region confronts a new reality. Also, fighting in Sudan between rival armed forces has now dragged on for 150 days. So far, multiple international efforts at mediation have failed to bring about a lasting ceasefire. Experts warn that a broader civil war could be on the horizon. Plus, Portugal's river of wine.

On Friday evening, a rare 6.8-magnitude earthquake struck Morocco in the heart of the Atlas Mountains. More than 2,000 people are reported dead, with many more injured. Aid workers say rough terrain is making rescue efforts difficult. And, last week, the US announced it was sending depleted uranium munitions to Ukraine's military in its fight against Russia's invasion. They are expected to be used against Russian tanks, which are susceptible to the weapon. Also, the bombing of Chile's presidential palace by the military on Sept. 11, 1973, marked the end of a socialist president and the beginning of 17 years of right-wing authoritarianism. We hear how the US played a role in undermining socialist policies and popular support. Plus, soul food in Mexico City, Mexico.

US President Joe Biden arrives in India as Delhi is gearing up to host the G20 summit this weekend. The group of 20 nations includes the United States, Russia and China among others. And, Canada’s temporary foreign worker programs are a “breeding ground” for modern forms of slavery, a United Nations expert has warned. Also, the UN on Friday released the most comprehensive analysis to date of global action on climate change. The report makes clear that radical changes are still needed to meet agreed-upon climate targets. Plus, this Puerto Rican rapper swims against the current.

For the first time in Mexico’s history, two women will face off for the presidency in next year's vote. Some see the candidates as a milestone. But others caution that Mexican women still face a misogynous culture and rising sexual violence. And, getting that acceptance letter from a US university is cause for celebration. But getting a student visa in time to attend the first day of class can be a bigger achievement, when wait times can last for months in some countries. Also, Pakistan continues to suffer the impacts of climate change in the form of floods and fires. The climate catastrophes have also brought about a major health crisis there. Plus, the massive hidden cost of invasive species.

The conviction and sentencing of former Proud Boys' leader Henry “Enrique” Tarrio for seditious conspiracy coincides with a rise in Proud Boys membership since the Jan. 6 riots at the US Capitol. Prosecutions of right-wing extremist leaders impacts membership in extremist organizations worldwide. And, Wednesday is “back to school” day for millions of children in Britain, but thousands of students were unable to return to their classrooms due to fears that some school buildings may be in danger of collapse. Also, European countries and the United States now ship recyclable plastic waste to countries like Turkey. But this rapidly growing industry often skirts regulations, leading to health and environmental risks for the surrounding community. Plus, sunsets in Ibiza always have a soundtrack.

Heads of state, experts and climate activists from around Africa and the world arrived in Kenya’s capital Nairobi this week for the inaugural Africa Climate Summit. Climate financing and sustainable development in Africa are at the top of this summit’s agenda. And, a huge auto show in Munich this week has put China's growing dominance in electric cars on display. About 41% of exhibitors at this year's event are headquartered in Asia. Also, we remember former New Mexico governor and UN ambassador Bill Richardson, who played a key role in winning the release of dozens of US citizens held abroad. Richardson died in his sleep on Friday, at age 75. Plus, what's it like to be pregnant in Russia?

In this one-hour special, The World looks at transportation issues around the globe. Thor Pedersen, a former UN soldier originally from Denmark, went on a decadelong adventure that took him to every country in the world. The trick — he never took an airplane. And, NASA’s Artemis program aims to bring the first woman and first person of color to the moon in 2024, and it's the prelude to a much bigger ambition — sending humans to Mars. Also, lithium is in soaring global demand, because it's used in electric car batteries. This is good news for the economy of Chile, that meets a third of the world’s lithium needs. Plus, a Finnish driver gets a $120,000 speeding ticket.

Today is the first day of school across Ukraine. UNICEF just released a report on the devastating impacts of war on Ukrainian students' education, especially those near the frontlines. And, Cambodia is still recovering from the murderous reign of the Khmer Rouge when most academics were killed. Today, universities have been rebuilt but most people in the impoverished kingdom can't afford even the lowest tuition fees. Also, The World wraps a summer celebration of 50 years of hip-hop, from its birth in the South Bronx to its influence around the globe. Plus, a piano-tuner shortage in Australia.

A fire at an apartment building in Johannesburg, South Africa, has left dozens dead and more victims are expected to be recovered during emergency search operations. The dilapidated building was home to hundreds of occupants, many homeless. And, ever since Spanish Soccer Federation President Luis Rubiales forced a kiss on star player Jenni Hermoso, people have been calling for Rubiales to resign. The situation has sparked a "mini-revolution" in Spain. Also, on Sept. 1, after a three-year pandemic hiatus, interest on student loans in the US will start accruing again, affecting more than 40 million borrowers. The US is an outlier when it comes to high tuition and debts. Plus, an ancient thundering dance floor in Peru.

After the Taliban takeover, the US finished pulling out its forces from Afghanistan two years ago. The withdrawal was violent and chaotic. What lessons were learned from it? And, beginning in 2026, US prices of expensive prescription drugs may be coming down as part of the Inflation Reduction Act. Also, in the early morning hours of Wednesday, military leaders in Gabon announced they seized power and put President Ali Bongo under house arrest. Bongo had just been declared the president in a flawed election. Plus, London's foxes: pest or survivor?

Gen. Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, leaders of the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces, proposed a plan for the kind of democratic government he's undermined in the past. Meanwhile, Gen. Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, who leads Sudan's national military, is headed to Egypt and Saudi Arabia for talks. And, disturbing video published on Tuesday by The Guardian newspaper shows the dire conditions of people staying in one of Libya’s migrant detention centers. Also, at least seven people are dead in Haiti after a pastor leading a protest marched through a gang-controlled suburb of the capital. Human rights groups are blaming the pastor for taking protesters into such a dangerous situation and the police for not preventing it from happening. Plus, how do you weigh an ant?

US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo is in Beijing on Monday for talks with her Chinese counterpart. The meeting comes as China continues to struggle with deflation and slowing growth. And, on Saturday, incumbent President Emmerson Mnangagwa was declared the winner of Zimbabwe's presidential election. Electoral observers and opposition leaders say the election had serious issues. Also, the Syrian government thought it had crushed the popular uprisings that began in 2011. But in the past week, two major cities in government-held areas in the south have seen mass demonstrations against the government. Plus, Crimean singer Jamala heads to US for her first major stateside tour.