The World

If one thing is clear about this teeny tiny new coronavirus, it’s that it has changed the world. Scientists around the world are trying to understand how immunity to the coronavirus works — but, as The World's Elana Gordon reports, it's a maddening puzzle. English pubs are reopening this weekend. Prime Minister Boris Johnson is encouraging the British public to enjoy, but also to use good judgment. Also, how the pandemic is getting people to rethink the ways they work. One municipality in Nova Scotia experiments with a four-day work week. Plus, a new album from the Djibouti national radio band is the first global album release in the country's 43-year-history. The World's host Marco Werman speaks to one of the co-producers of the album, called "The Dancing Devils of Djibouti."

Dr. Anthony Fauci, director of the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases, sees COVID-19 as a formidable, global foe. But he tells The World's host Marco Werman he's cautiously optimistic there will be more than one safe and effective vaccine available. Also, could pulling CO2 directly out of the air be an effective way to fight climate change? Plus, in Brazil, wildfires in the Amazon are threatening a region already hit hard by the novel coronavirus. And, the next Women's World Cup will be hosted by Australia and New Zealand. The 2019 soccer FIFA World Cup was a smashing success, with well over a billion viewers. Expectations are high for 2023.

In Hong Kong, a restrictive new security law enacted by Beijing is being used to arrest protesters on its first day in effect. we hear from pro-democracy activist Isaac Cheng. Plus, in Russia, it’s the last day for citizens to vote on a large bundle of constitutional amendments that include a measure that would allow President Vladimir Putin to remain in power until 2036. And, we look at how the coronavirus has impacted migrants in the seafood industry in the US.

Chinese artist and human rights activist Ai Weiwei talks about what's at stake in Hong Kong for the pro-democracy movement. Plus, vaccine testing in South Africa, which this week became the first African country with a vaccine trial. And, a change to a refugee program in Europe could leave thousands of the most vulnerable asylum-seekers who pass through Greek refugee camps homeless.

In the past few days, The New York Times published bombshell revelations that Russia reportedly offered cash bounties to Taliban-linked fighters for killing US soldiers in Afghanistan. The World's host Marco Werman speaks with David Petraeus, the retired former head of US forces in Afghanistan and an ex-CIA chief, about how the US should respond if the reports are verified. And, one of the most important North Koreans alive is Kim Yo-jong, the half-sister of leader Kim Jong-un. Her influence in the regime has been hyped up by rumors — some true, some not — but it’s now becoming clear that Kim Yo Jong really does have a lot of power. According to The World’s Patrick Winn, whether North Korea tilts towards peace or war could hinge on her decisions. Also, the coronavirus lockdowns around the world have led animals to explore some places previously filled with people. The World speaks to Christian Rutz, an evolutionary ecologist at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland, about wildlife movement while humans are in quarantine.

A number of so-called "instant" tests for the coronavirus are being developed that could offer results within minutes. That could expand testing dramatically and help hospitals in the most vulnerable of places. And, last week's Supreme Court ruling blocking the Trump administration from immediately ending the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program was a relief for hundreds of thousands of immigrants and their families in the US. But living with DACA status has forced some immigrants to make agonizing decisions. Also, an American mom has sparked a transatlantic battle of sorts — over tea.

The coronavirus has infected more than 9 million people and caused 440,000 deaths worldwide. With countries starting to reopen while we await vaccines and treatments, what can we expect next? How can we prepare and respond? As part of our series of conversations addressing the coronavirus crisis, and as a special podcast in The World's feed, reporter Elana Gordon moderated a discussion with epidemiologist Caroline Buckee from Harvard's T.H. Chan School of Public Health.

The European Union is getting ready to reopen to international travelers after months of restrictions as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. But draft plans are expected to maintain limitations on travel from countries that have failed to bring the virus under a certain degree of control — including the United States. And, Russians began casting ballots on Thursday at the start of a week-long vote that could clear the way for President Vladimir Putin to stay in the office until 2036 if re-elected. Plus, the Eiffel Tower has reopened to visitors after being closed for three months amid the pandemic.

US President Donald Trump on Monday signed an executive order targeting several visa programs for foreign workers, including programs US tech companies rely on to hire highly skilled foreign workers. Experts say changes to the H-1B and other programs will push those workers, and potential innovation, to other parts of the world. And, the Lebanese economy is tanking, which has put tens of thousands of domestic workers in a tough situation. Also, a new exhibit at Spain's Cervantes Institute looks at some of the most important —  but largely ignored — women writers of Spain's 16th and 17th centuries.

President Donald Trump visits Arizona on Tuesday where he will make a stop in Yuma to celebrate the 200th mile of construction of the US-Mexico border wall. Most of the construction has been replacement segments. And, a monument to Winston Churchill in central London has become a flashpoint between Black Lives Matter demonstrators and far-right protesters. Also, after three months of darkness, the stage lights at a Barcelona opera house were flipped back on, suggesting a return to normalcy. But as musicians took the stage for a live concert, they looked out at an audience filled with potted plants.