The World

Some of the auto industry's biggest innovators gathered in Shenzhen earlier this year for the Automotive World China Exhibition. From electric cars to self-driving sanitation vehicles, the event made it clear that the future of transportation is already here — and China is leading the way. Also, Somalis in the country's capital say they're discouraged by what they heard recently from the president of the United States. And, under Pope Leo's direction, the Vatican has joined seven other countries in being fully powered by solar energy. Plus, a rare floral phenomenon is unfolding in Rio de Janeiro. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

China produces nearly three-quarters of the world’s electric cars, and no city embodies that dominance more than Shenzhen, home to industry giant BYD. Once known as “The World’s Factory,” the city has transformed into a global hub of clean transportation and high-tech innovation. Also, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrives in India to meet with Prime Minister Narendra Modi. And, Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank say their existence is being targeted as the face increasing attacks and violence by extremist Jewish settlers. Plus, Taiwan’s new envoy to Finland stages a heavy metal concert as an attempt at diplomacy. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

At a large warehouse in the southern Israeli city of Kiryat Gat, dozens of US officials and soldiers — along with counterparts from other nations — are daily mapping out the day-after plan for Gaza. Also, an Indian government order to require the Sanchar Saathi app on smartphones sparks debate about digital rights. And, international agencies are gearing up to send nearly $7 billion to Jamaica for hurricane recovery. Plus, Erling Haaland reaches a Premier League milestone in record time. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Former Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernández was convicted last year in a New York courtroom of flooding the US with tons of cocaine. This week, US President Donald Trump has pardoned him and he’s walked out of prison a free man. Also, taking lessons from Shenzhen, China, a megacity that has largely sidestepped the air pollution, overcrowding and failing infrastructure that often accompany rapid expansion. And, leaders of Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are slated to travel to Washington this week to sign a peace deal overseen by Trump. Plus, a photographer-couple documents people around the world who have been forced to leave their homes because of climate change. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

As the US ramps up military pressure on Venezuela, the Maduro government is tightening its grip at home. Families of political prisoners describe disappearances, torture and a justice system that forces detainees to accept state-appointed lawyers. Also, Hong Kong officials have announced that more than 150 people are now confirmed dead after last week's massive fire that gutted several high-rise apartment buildings in the Tai Po district. And, a discussion about the status of peace talks for Ukraine. Plus, a radiation-eating fungus found at the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The World take a look at a variety of environment stories in this holiday special. A new report finds that renewable energy sources made up more of the global electricity mix than coal for the first half of 2025. Also, scientists in Greenland study glacial meltwater to better understand what it could do to the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation. And, a look at how climate change is exacerbating Canada's fire season. Plus, an activist who's working to protect trees in Mexico City. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The World brings you a collection of transportation stories from across the globe. Air carriers around the world expand premium seats and luxury cabins for big spenders. Also, a group of YouTube streamers turn the nerve-racking logistics of world travel into friendly competition. And, a look at Bolivia's cable car system — the longest in the world. Plus, pets flying with their owners in style. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The Trump administration's airstrikes in the Caribbean are having a chilling effect on small-scale fishermen, who fear being attacked by mistake. Also, Taiwan's president asks lawmakers to approve a new $40 billion spending package in response to recent moves by China. And, Italy’s legislature passes a law that will make femicide an offense punishable by life imprisonment. Plus, the Olympic flame is lit; a look into the tradition of harnessing the sun’s energy. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Taiwan is closely following Washington’s diplomacy with Beijing and Moscow, as it hopes for US support to stay independent from China. Also, Indian authorities have launched a sweeping crackdown in the Kashmir Valley following a bomb blast outside Delhi’s historic Red Fort last week. And, Britain prepares an overhaul of its asylum system as governments across Europe tighten their rules amid rising political pressure. Plus, a 14-year-old girl wins the gold medal in this year’s surfing competition in Iran. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Fires in drought-stricken Iran are threatening ancient forests that are home to endangered species. Also, Ireland considers making a program permanent that would provide a stable income for artists. And, we bring you updates on the outcome of the UN climate summit in Belem, Brazil. Plus, a look at the origins of apples in Central Asia. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

This year's COP30 summit in Brazil has highlighted food, forests and land as key topics. One sector that spreads across all of these is agriculture, and it’s responsible for about one-third of global carbon emissions. Also, China is rapidly expanding its nuclear forces just as the only major nuclear agreement, between the US and Russia, is set to expire next year. And, a conversation with former Finnish Prime Minister Sanna Marin who was the youngest elected world leader when she was in office. Plus, a new initiative that guides Asian American teens and young adults help each other cope with stress. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

A look at a 28-point framework to end the war in Ukraine, secretly drafted by the US and Russia in Miami last month without Ukrainian officials at the table. Also, representatives of more than a dozen Caribbean nations are in the UK this week to promote reparations for slavery and the mistreatment of Indigenous people in former colonies. And, the US plans to sell F-35 fighter jets to Saudi Arabia, a move that has the Kingdom’s neighbors in the region worried. Plus, paintings breaking records at Sotheby's art auctions. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The Trump administration is moving to label Venezuela’s “Cartel of the Suns” as a foreign terrorist organization, but some experts say the label doesn’t fit. Also, a new study examines the extent of damage being done by excessive consumption of ultra-processed foods. And, an update on conditions on the ground for Palestinians in Gaza. Plus, rapper Eminem sues a beach accessory brand for choosing a name too close to his own alter ego, Slim Shady. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman met with US President Donald Trump today, visiting the White House for the first time in seven years. Also, Peru tries to reduce the toxic use of mercury in small-scale gold mining. And, a research project in the UK hopes to fast track the hunt for new antibiotics by using artificial intelligence. Plus, could cross country runners, who don’t race on snow or ice, compete in the Winter Olympics? Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

China is making huge investments in eco-friendly technology and is quickly becoming the biggest source of renewable exports around the globe. Also, a special tribunal in Bangladesh sentences ousted Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to death over deadly crackdowns on a student-led uprising last year. And, Equal Pay Day draws attention to the wage gap between men and women in Europe. Plus, a new study finds that the average human spends 78 minutes a day on the move. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Sudan's civil war is escalating as the paramilitary RSF group, which now controls the Darfur region, escalates its attacks and turns its focus east, amid a growing humanitarian crisis. Also, Chileans head to the polls on Sunday to elect their next president and Congress in a first-round vote where security is front of mind. And, the Deaflympic Games kick off in Tokyo this weekend. Plus, a woman conducts the Tehran Symphony Orchestra in a rare performance. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

Exactly a decade ago, 10 ISIS gunmen opened fire on people across Paris, killing 130 and wounding hundreds more. Ten years on, survivors are slowly rebuilding their lives and attending ceremonies for the victims. Also, Japan and China exchange heated rhetoric over Taiwan. And, as Jakarta continues to sink below sea level, Indonesia is building a new futuristic eco-capital. Also, Israel continues attacks on southern Lebanon as it demands that Hezbollah disarm. Plus, a flamingo named Frankie escapes a wildlife sanctuary and flies to freedom. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

As the largest US warship sails into the Caribbean, Venezuela announces a "massive mobilization" of its land, air, naval and reserve forces. Also, the Swedish government is proposing a measure that would lower the age of criminal responsibility to 13 after two Swedish teenagers were arrested last year for throwing hand grenades at the Israeli embassy in Denmark. And, a key architect of the Paris Agreement reflects on this year’s COP30 meeting in Brazil. Plus, a Hungarian man spent 144 hours dancing to the "Dance Dance Revolution" music video game to make the Guinness Book of World Records. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

More than 20 miles of gigantic wall, out in the ocean, are hoping to defend Jakarta, Indonesia’s capital and Southeast Asia's biggest mega-city, from rising seawater. Also, US foreign direct investment in Africa has surpassed China's for the first time since 2012. And, New Delhi and Islamabad were both hit with bombs, killing at least 20 people between them, and both Indian and Pakistani officials are trying to find out the exact cause of the explosions. Plus, the genre-bending American band Deerhoof releases its first single, “Immigrant Songs,” a playful take on a serious issue. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices

The Iranian capital Tehran is suffering from a severe water crisis as the country faces a historic drought. The government has openly discussed an evacuation of the city as its nearly 10 million residents deal with water rationing. Also, at least eight people were killed in a car explosion in a densely populated area of India’s capital. And, Iraq heads to the polls for parliamentary elections, with a record number of candidates, but high voter apathy. Plus, a painting by Frida Kahlo that’s being auctioned later this month could become the most expensive work by any female or Latin American artist. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices