The World

Flood disasters around the world continue to grow as climate change fuels intense and erratic rainfall. We look at what hurdles remain in ensuring early warning systems are effective and what disparities exist for those who are and are not warned in time. Also, the 14th Dalai Lama, who just turned 90, has announced that he will be reincarnated and have a successor. And, clashes between Indigenous Sámi reindeer herders and a mining company in Norway. Plus, a festival in Turkey for the ancient sport of oil wrestling. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Come have a good laugh during our special comedy show. We bring you quips from a Zimbabwean comedian making a splash in the United States. Also, Syrian comedians tell jokes that were unthinkable under the former regime in their country. And, Venezuelans find humor in exile. Plus, an AI bot that beats phone scammers at their own game. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Today’s show brings you flavorful food from across the globe. We discuss a new book with special Asian-style barbecue recipes. Also, a look at the healthy “African heritage diet” that can boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. And, a cookbook that's been hailed as the first comprehensive guide to home cooking from all six regions of Nigeria. Plus, attempts to grow food — in space! Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Today’s show focuses on families. We take a look at motherhood across the globe. Also, dads in Japan struggling to reform fatherhood. Meanwhile, Turkey names 2025 the “Year of the Family,” unveiling financial incentives for new parents and urging couples to have more children. Plus a look at the life of Andrée Blouin, who helped lead independence movements across Africa. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

In today's sports-themed show, we take a look at a study that's trying to reduce soccer knee injuries in women. Also, universities are now offer crash courses in American football for international students to not only understand the sport, but also learn about American culture. And, a deadly fungal disease is threatening  to wipe out ash trees used in the national Irish sport of hurling. Plus, a collective of female skateboarders breaks stereotypes in Bolivia. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

In today's special looking at all things Japan, we bring updates on two key trade deals with China and the United States. Also, a look at how Tokyo’s massive public transit system bucks the trends of traffic and air pollution. And, experiencing the country’s “listening lounges” that offer pure music, with a side of drinks. Plus, a peek into Hello Kitty’s world. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Colleges abroad are stepping in to help international students at US campuses who are caught up in political havoc as the Trump administration announces enhanced scrutiny of student visa applications. Also, a look back at the legacy of Argentine American film score composer Lalo Schifrin who died at the age of 93. And, the Chilean government adds textiles to its producer responsibility law. Plus, a new book by the Danish man who visited every country on Earth without taking a single flight. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Thailand has closed off its border with Cambodia — delivering a sharp blow to its economy. It’s the latest strike in a dispute centered around a remote piece of border land that both countries claim. Also, UNICEF warns that Sudanese children affected by war are increasingly malnourished. And, a new tourist destination is opening up — in North Korea. Plus, it’s mango season; a look at what makes the best mango. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Demonstrations mark the one-year anniversary of anti-tax protests that left 60 people dead in Kenya, while others remain missing. They come on the heels of last week's protests against police brutality in the country. Also, NATO allies  agree to a dramatic boost in defense spending — pledging to invest 5% of their economic output by 2035. And, Vietnam’s parliament votes to abolish the death penalty for eight criminal offenses, including embezzlement and espionage. Plus, a new book about a crucial part of conversations: deep listening. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

US President Donald Trump has claimed that a ceasefire is holding between Israel and Iran, though each side claims the other has already violated the agreement. Also, a group of international legal experts signs onto a letter warning that private military contractors and others working with the Gaza Humanitarian Foundation may be criminally liable for the attacks and the displacement of Palestinian civilians in Gaza. And, as the global construction industry looks for ways to replace concrete — which is responsible for 8% of global carbon emissions — one growing trend is using reinforced timber. Plus, one of the most popular playwrights in Russia is Irish. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

We take a look a look at how urgent the threat from Iran’s nuclear program really is, and the reactions of people living near the nuclear sites bombed by the US over the weekend. Also, Kirsty Coventry takes over as the new president of the International Olympic Committee. And, Thailand’s prime minister is under fire from the nation’s army amid a border dispute with Cambodia. Plus, a look at the first pictures of the cosmos captured by the world’s most powerful digital camera. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Iran's foreign minister is in Europe meeting with diplomats there as war with Israel continues. Meanwhile, Iranians have been cut off from the global internet for nearly two full days now and hundreds of Israelis are caught in Cyprus, the EU country closest to Israel, still trying to get home. Also, cases of the recently identified COVID-19 variant dubbed "razor blade throat" are rising. And, the Enhanced Games allows athletes to actually take performance enhancing drugs. Plus, the Brooklyn Museum opens a Tibetan Buddhist Shrine Room. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Rwanda and Democratic Republic of Congo have signed a draft peace agreement that’s expected to be signed next week and aims to end the fighting in eastern DRC. Also, a look at acts of kindness and support amid the airstrikes in Iran. And, El Salvador courts exiles to return with incentives and promises of safety. Plus, remembering Sir Geoff Palmer, Scotland’s first Black professor, as an innovating grain scientist and human rights activist. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Protestors battle with police in downtown Nairobi, condemning the death of a 31-year-old teacher and blogger who died more than a week ago while in police custody. Also, Canada and India try to rebuild their fractured relationship. And, Finland cracks down on e-scooters to address a growing number of accidents. Plus, Jewish groups gather for the First Anti-Zionist Congress in Vienna. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Israelis and Iranians spent the day today fleeing or hiding from the back-and-forth bombing between their two countries. Also, a member of the Irish rap group Kneecap faces a terrorism-related charge. And, the Louvre museum in Paris closes down as staff members protest working conditions. Plus, Switzerland offers 370,000 bunkers, enough to shelter all 9 million residents for up to two weeks during a national emergency. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Israel has ordered Iranians living in Tehran to evacuate as it plans to escalate its attacks in the city that’s home to roughly 10 million people. But for some residents, leaving is not an option. Meanwhile, although Israel has intercepted most of the hundreds of missiles that Iran has fired at it, the ones that have made it through have caused some major damage. Also, Britain’s foreign intelligence service has appointed veteran Blaise Metreweli to take the helm as MI6’s new boss. Plus, a look back at the life of Nicaragua’s first female president, Violeta Chamorro, who’s died at the age of 95. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Israel launched an attack on Iran, targeting the country's nuclear program and military leadership. Several Iranian nuclear scientists were killed along with top military officials including the head of Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps. An Israeli official has said the current offensive against Iran will continue for days. Also, a major conference convened in London to address knife attacks. And, a preview of the FIFA Club World Cup, which begins this weekend. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

A London-bound plane carrying 242 people crashed shortly after taking off from the Indian city of Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Officials have confirmed that there was a single survivor. The plane crashed into a hostel that houses medical students, several of whom also died. Also, in Syria, journalists are building a new media landscape in the post-Assad era. And, dinosaur bones found in Mongolia in the 1870s were recently analyzed: turns out, they're from a previously undiscovered species. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

In the Philippines, an impeachment court convenes on Wednesday against Sara Duterte, the current vice president and daughter of former President Rodrigo Duterte. With her father currently detained by the International Criminal Court, Sara Duterte is seen as her family's last hope to continue their political dynasty. Also, a Haitian church that's helping internally displaced people get back on their feet. And, K-pop superstars BTS announce a reunion, as two more members of the band complete their military service. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

In Austria, a mass shooting took place at a secondary school in the city of Graz. Nine students were killed, and 12 people were injured. The primary suspect is a former student, but not much is known about his motives. This was the the deadliest school shooting in Austria's modern history. Also, the UK is embracing nuclear power as part of the country's clean energy transition. And, some workers in Switzerland commute to work by floating down a river. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Since early June, Iranian truck drivers have been protesting for better pay and benefits. The action has seen drivers park their vehicles and refuse cargo deliveries in multiple provinces, disrupting transportation and supply chains. Labor activists in Iran say the strike reflects deepening economic frustration among workers already strained by inflation and sanctions. Also, the future of the global diamond trade as prices and demand drop. And, the world's smallest violin, thanks to nanotechnology.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirms an allegation by lawmaker Avigdor Liberman that Israel is arming criminal groups in Gaza. Also, wildcard athlete Lois Boisson competes with top-ranked tennis players at the French Open in Paris. And, a look at how the Houthis in Yemen kept the US navy under constant pressure. Plus, a new project that documents seagulls devouring whatever they can find. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

US President Donald Trump described his 90-minute conversation today with Chinese Leader Xi Jinping as "very good." The call comes as Washington and Beijing have been accusing one another of violating a trade truce that both nations had recently agreed to. Also, France saw a 46% rise in adult baptisms this past Easter. And, wildfires continue to burn across western and central Canada as the number of people who have been evacuated climbs to more than 30,000. Plus, the Stanley Cup Final gets underway in Edmonton. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

The Boston Consulting Group (BCG), a US-based firm that helped design and manage an aid initiative to deliver food to Palestinians in Gaza in areas controlled by the Israeli military, has withdrawn its team from the operation. Also, farmers express concern as Kenyan courts consider importing genetically modified seeds. And, Vietnam is scrapping its long-standing policy that families can only have two children. Plus, the semicolon could be becoming an endangered species. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

The US is planning to scale down its military presence in Syria from eight bases to one. We also take a look back at survivors of chemical attacks conducted by Assad regime forces during the Syrian civil war. And, exit polls show center-left Lee Jae-Myung winning the snap election in South Korea by a wide margin. Also, as officials in the US suspend visa interviews for all international students looking to study in the country, those from Latin America may be looking at other options. Plus, Japanese American musician Tina Johnson, known as Shima, is shifting from being in a J-Pop band in Tokyo to becoming an electronic solo artist. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Negotiators from Ukraine and Russia met in Istanbul, Turkey, today for peace talks as both sides continued to conduct airstrikes. The delegations agreed to a major prisoner exchange, but no ceasefire. Also, a new report documents a pattern of physical abuse and neglect toward Tibetan children at Chinese-run boarding schools that many are forced to attend. And, South Korea contends with a political divide, along with big economic and security challenges, as it heads to the polls for presidential elections. Plus, moths find a home at the butterfly sanctuary in Mexico City's Natural History Museum. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

The White House says it's working on a ceasefire deal for Gaza and that Israel has agreed to the proposal. Hamas is reportedly reviewing the offer, which would include a temporary truce and the release of Israeli hostages. Also, the UN has proposed a plan to do away with physical passports, replacing them with facial recognition technology. This, in a bid to streamline air travel. Also, as Voice of America wanes, Russian state media fills the void. And, a museum exhibit sheds light on Vincent Van Gogh's friendships with his portrait subjects. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Poland’s presidential election this weekend is more than just a vote — it’s a pivotal moment for the country’s democracy. At stake is the future direction of Poland, with voters choosing between two starkly different candidates: a right-wing populist opposing abortion and LGBTQ rights, and a pro-European liberal who has marched in Warsaw’s pride parade. Also, how a drop in the number of international students would impact Harvard's athletic dominance. And, the UN's plan to make passports a thing of the past. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.

Mexico is set to become the first country in the world where every single judge is elected by popular vote. But as the country prepares for its first nationwide judicial election, concerns are mounting about many of the candidates. Activists say they have not been properly vetted, and numerous candidates have alleged ties to organized crime and religious groups. Also, Myanmar junta and rebels are facing political pressure from neighboring countries to end the civil war there. And, why many Palestinians are suspicious of the aid group that just began distributing food aid inside Gaza. Listen to today’s Music Heard on Air.