The World

A program that crosses borders and time zones to bring home the stories that matter.

Construction underway on the world’s longest tunnel immersed underwater

Transportation

The Fehmarn Belt Link is set to connect Germany and Denmark through the Baltic Sea by car and train. Developers say the project will fundamentally reshape travel in the EU for the better, cutting the time it takes to get from Hamburg to Copenhagen in half. But German advocates aren’t so sure the benefits outweigh the risks.

Out of Eden Walk: Walking through COVID

Out of Eden Walk

Migrant abuse alleged at Latvian border

DW

This man is recording the sound of every bird species in Ireland

Environment

Australia’s beaches recover from Ex-Tropical Cyclone Alfred as extreme weather intensifies

Natural disasters

30 years since Japan’s worst domestic terrorist attack, the cult group behind it is ‘ongoing problem,’ officials say

Japan in Focus

The worst terrorist attack in Japan’s modern history happened 30 years ago, on March 20, 1995, during the morning rush hour on the Tokyo subway system. Members of a violent cult called Aum Shinrikyo released packages of deadly sarin gas on several subway cars, ultimately killing 14 people and injuring nearly six thousand more. Japanese authorities say the group remains an “ongoing problem.”

A look at the culture and tradition behind brewing sake in Japan

Japan in Focus

Following its inclusion on UNESCO’s cultural heritage list, Japanese brewers hope to showcase the true identity of sake and the hundreds of years of tradition behind the popular drink.

Skepticism in Ukraine over potential ceasefire deal 

Ukraine

In a highly anticipated phone call on Tuesday, President Donald Trump and Russian President Vladimir Putin spoke about the potential of a ceasefire in Ukraine. During a meeting last week with US officials in Saudi Arabia, Ukraine supported a proposal for an unconditional 30-day ceasefire. However, many Ukrainians, both military and civilian, are skeptical that Russia is at all interested in ending the war.

South Africa’s largest city is running out of water

Infrastructure

In 2017, Cape Town nearly became the world’s first major city to essentially run out of municipal water. Although this was eventually avoided, water woes continue to plague South Africa and have been worsened by climate change. Now, the main economic hub, Johannesburg, is facing its own crisis, with outages becoming part of daily life.

Japan’s aging population is pushing shrinking cities to grapple with a new reality

Japan in Focus

As Japan’s population ages, cities like Yubari have to choose between finding new ways to attract more residents or focusing on managing their existing populations.