Trump kicks off Middle East visit with talk of a ‘golden age’ 

Leaders

President Donald Trump wrapped up the first day of his three-nation tour of the Middle East today in Riyadh. He thanked the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for a warm welcome and said the US-Saudi partnership has never been stronger. The visit is expected to focus on economic and trade agreements, but the president’s hosts are likely to raise concerns about some regional security issues as well. 

‘The pope put us on the world’s radar’: Residents of Peruvian city talk about Pope Leo XIV’s impact on their diocese

Religion

Universities stand to lose big bucks as international students quit the US

How ambulance tricycles are saving lives in rural Ghana

Transportation

President Trump hints at compromise ahead of US-China trade talks

Portugal tells undocumented migrants to leave or be deported

Migration

Thousands of undocumented migrants in Portugal have received official letters, advising them to leave the country voluntarily or face deportation. Critics say the measure is a political stunt by the center-right government ahead of national elections next week.

‘Four Mothers’ examines motherhood across the globe

Books

In her new book, “Four Mothers: An Intimate Journey Through the First Year of Parenthood in Four Countries,” journalist Abigail Leonard explores the experience of parenting across different cultures. She joins The World’s host, Carol Hills, to share what she witnessed.

Out of Eden Walk: Record-breaking heat in Japan is hurting rice farms

Out of Eden Walk

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek experienced record-breaking heat in Japan on his walking journey. Salopek witnessed the heat’s havoc on the rice farms he passed by. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Salopek about his conversations with rice farmers and how they’ve adapted their farming techniques as the heat continues to break records in Japan.

How tequila crossed the Mexican border and won over Americans

Lifestyle

As tequila tops global sales charts, a new book uncovers the spirit’s revolutionary roots and the family feuds that shaped its legacy, through the lens of tequila’s most prominent maker, Jose Cuervo. Americans have since helped save the liquor, which has become a billion-dollar industry — and a symbol of Mexican pride.

How Pope Francis’ legacy will influence the selection of the next pope 

Sacred Nation

A group of 133 Catholic cardinals from 71 different countries are convening on Wednesday for a secretive conclave that will end with the selection of a new pope. Vatican watchers are wondering whether the next pontiff will be a reform-minded modernist, like Pope Francis himself, or a conservative traditionalist, like many of Francis’ critics. Among the cardinals voting for a new pope, 80% were elevated by Francis. But that doesn’t mean they’re all like-minded.

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