Militias are patrolling the streets of Venezuela and independent journalists have been detained. It’s all part of a crackdown signaling the country’s authoritarian leaders are not relinquishing power, despite the capture of President Nicolás Maduro. Also, a garbage workers’ strike in the UK has led to tens of thousands of tons of rubbish piling up in the streets, attracting vermin. And, the Israeli foreign minister has visited Somaliland after Israel became the first nation to officially recognize the segment of Somalia as an independent country. Plus, National Geographic puts out a list of the 11 biggest food trends expected around the world for 2026.

Deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is now in US custody, facing drug-related charges — but inside Venezuela, the fallout is just beginning. In Caracas, residents describe fear, brief celebration and a return to caution as power shifts. Also, Jamaica’s tourism sector has rebounded some 80% after Hurricane Melissa. And, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy appoints a former Canadian minister to be his new economic advisor. Plus, a bluefin tuna brings in $3.2 million at a fish market in Tokyo.

In this holiday special, The World takes you to China. We visit Shenzhen, which has become the most thriving megacity in the world — without the air pollution, overcrowding and failing infrastructure that often accompany rapid expansion. Also, an unpacking of the latest diplomatic spat between China and Japan over Taiwan. And, a peek at the future of transportation innovation from the Automotive World China Exhibition, complete with electric cars and self-driving sanitation vehicles. Plus, the story of a mother who traveled with her adopted daughter to China in search of answers about her past.

It’s been an adventurous three decades for The World and we’re glad to have you with us as we celebrate our 30th anniversary. In this special New Year’s show, we highlight some of our reporting over the years. We bring you a discussion with Neil Curry, who helped create the show and was The World's first executive producer, as well as a conversation with our reporters Matthew Bell and Shirin Jafaari, who discuss how their coverage of major global news evolved after 9/11. Also, we look at our coverage of the environment in a time of climate change. And, we take a listen to some of our favorite music over the years. Plus, you’ll even have a chance to test your global knowledge as our hosts play a round of Geo Quiz trivia.

As we wrap up the year, The World takes a look back at some of our favorite stories from 2025. We visit coffee raves in Barcelona. Also, a landmark performance for a female conductor at the Tehran Symphony Orchestra. And inmates in Milan who are repurposing the wood from migrant boats into musical instruments. Plus, crate digging for vinyl records with a collector in Dubai.

Fueled by a cost-of-living crisis and a weakening currency, Iranians are taking to the streets. While the government says it's offering dialogue, the demonstrations follow a year of growing challenges for the regime and everyday people in the country. Also, a look back at a year of global protests, driven largely by Gen Z, over economic uncertainty. And, air pollution in Germany's once-industrial Ruhr River Valley has decreased significantly, but there’s still a long way to go. Plus, a look at New Year’s Eve traditions around the globe.

The US fired Tomahawk missiles into Nigeria's Sokoto State late last week, claiming to target members of ISIS targeting Christians in the country, but the region hit by the strikes — and facing the brunt of ISIS attacks — is majority Muslim. Also, the world's first carbon tariff is set to take effect in Europe at the start of 2026. And, some patients in the UK who are unable to access emergency dental care are taking matters into their own hands, and even pulling out their own teeth. Plus, the "King of Cachupa" brings a signature dish of Cape Verde to Portugal.

This special show takes a look back at some important and influential people who passed away in 2025, leaving behind their legacies. They include Pope Francis, Kenyan politician Raila Odinga, the world’s oldest Olympian Ágnes Keleti, the 49th Aga Khan Muslim spiritual leader, photographer Sebastião Salgado and legendary musicians like Lebanon’s Ziad Rahbani, Honduras’ Aurelio Martínez and Ghana’s Daddy Lumba.