Celebrating the US’s 250th birthday with a melting pot of music

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As the United States marks its 250th birthday, The World celebrates by listening to the music that’s been woven into the fabric of this country’s story. Russian-born Serge Grin sings American country music and blues across Serbia. Also, Cuban American Gloria Estefan looks back at her successful career as a bilingual musician, singer and songwriter. […]

50:38

In This Episode…

Celebrating the nation’s birthday with a melting pot of music
1:57
Angélique Kidjo takes on a classic album by Talking Heads
7:40
This blues musician fled Russia for Serbia. But he sounds like he came straight from the Mississippi Delta.
3:47
Gloria Estefan looks back on her successful career as a bilingual musician, singer and songwriter
8:25
When Los Lobos celebrated its 50th anniversary
6:16
Mickey Hart’s ‘Planet Drum’
6:55
Nicolette Hoang offers an alternative to country music
5:05
Hit the clubs, not the church, with the Soweto Gospel Choir
7:28
FIFA World Cup 2026
US-Israel-Iran War
Ukraine
Global Classroom
Environment
DW
Music

From Our Newsroom

Historic black-and-white photograph of Ellis Island’s crowded registry room, with immigrants seated on long wooden benches beneath two large American flags.
History
How global forces helped shape American democracy
13:45
A person stands amid the rubble of a collapsed multi-story building, with concrete slabs, debris, and scattered belongings covering the area
Natural disasters
After Venezuela’s earthquakes, anger grows over government and military response
6:21
Books
War correspondent Sally Hayden examines acts of love amid conflict
11:44
Unpaved red dirt road stretching through a rural village with houses, tropical trees, and a solar-powered street light
Environment
Brands invested in controversial carbon offsets earn climate label
7:03
Aerial view of a large industrial complex, with cooling towers releasing thick white steam behind a sprawling warehouse and construction site.
Technology
Global climate litigation is increasingly targeting data centers
7:39
A small Alpine village with a church steeple sits atop a forested hillside with autumn foliage and misty mountain slopes
DW
Italy’s attempt to repopulate mountain villages is falling short
5:10
A man wearing sunglasses marches while holding a Haitian flag at a demonstration supporting Temporary Protected Status. Other participants carry signs reading “Extend Haitian TPS!” and “No way!”
Immigration
Impact of Supreme Court TPS ruling on Haitians, Syrians and tens of thousands in the US
8:08
Two boys haul water containers on carts past IOM tents at a displacement camp, as other children watch from a tent entrance
Israel-Hamas war
The erasure of childhood in Gaza
10:27
A woman with long blonde hair and glasses speaks into a microphone at a formal indoor event
DW
Norwegian royals are in the spotlight
4:54
Out of Eden Walk
How art augments a global walk
7:22
Health
Chinese suppliers are advertising nitazenes — more potent than fentanyl — online
5:55
Crowd of people in yellow shirts waving Colombian flags along a busy Bogotá avenue
Elections
Trump-backed conservative wins Colombia’s presidential election, promising tougher approach to crime
4:49
Elephants standing beside a round stone building in an open zoo enclosure, with trees and a city skyline in the background
Animals
Lawsuit hopes to get three African elephants out of Johannesburg Zoo
5:30
Vintage sepia photo of a smiling athlete in uniform being lifted on the shoulders of celebrating men before a crowd
FIFA World Cup 2026
The Haitian soccer star who turned the World Cup upside-down — and then disappeared
7:27
Juneteenth Special
Rhiannon Giddens discusses the history of the banjo and its African roots
17:31
Juneteenth Special
South African students to continue to fall into an education accessibility gap
7:27
Juneteenth Special
Historians say more details about the lives of enslaved Africans need to be taught
12:48
Juneteenth Special
Challenges under India’s university reservation system
7:57
Juneteenth Special
The Whitney Plantation in Louisiana focuses on the history and contributions of enslaved Africans
6:54
Minneapolis skyline on a cold winter day, with steam rising from buildings and snow on the ground below a metal fence
Education
College students from Minnesota’s immigrant communities reflect on the message of Juneteenth
5:43

FIFA World Cup 2026

Vintage sepia photo of a smiling athlete in uniform being lifted on the shoulders of celebrating men before a crowd
FIFA World Cup 2026
The Haitian soccer star who turned the World Cup upside-down — and then disappeared
7:27
A crowd of soccer fans in Mexico and South Africa jerseys pose on a street, with one fan in a colorful Colombian costume and feathered hat
FIFA World Cup 2026
Mexico City turns World Cup opener into a public party
5:43
Young players competing in a casual outdoor soccer game on a grass field
FIFA World Cup 2026
‘We feel it in our pores’: Latinos around East Boston are hyped for the World Cup
6:56
Large crowd gathered outdoors waving Mexican flags during a public demonstration in an urban setting
FIFA World Cup 2026
As Mexico City gets ready for the World Cup’s opening match, protesters grab the spotlight
5:43
FIFA World Cup 2026
World Cup sticker fever takes over Latin American cities
4:31
A large group of people in kilts and Scotland soccer jerseys gather outside a grand building with columns.
FIFA World Cup 2026
Scottish soccer fans aim to skirt World Cup train costs by hiring a fleet of school buses
4:34

US-Israel-Iran War

A person in a suit speaks into two microphones outdoors.
Global Politics
Politically, Israel’s conflicts are a ‘ticking time bomb’ for Netanyahu
10:59
Several airplanes parked on an airport tarmac, with fuel trucks and cargo in the foreground.
Transportation
Airlines hit by dwindling global jet fuel supplies weigh their financial options
6:23
A group of people carrying a coffin draped in a flag with floral decorations, surrounded by a crowd of onlookers.
US-Israel-Iran War
Journalist killed in Israeli attack in Lebanon, her colleague recovers from injuries
4:26
Two men in suits shake hands at a formal event with a backdrop displaying various national flags.
DW
Ripple effects of Iran war felt in the Caucasus
5:24
An aircraft carrier appears to be floating above the water in an optical illusion caused by atmospheric conditions, seen from a distance with a cityscape in the foreground and a hilly horizon in the background.
US-Israel-Iran War
US Navy’s most advanced aircraft carrier arrives in Croatia for repairs as ground troops move to the Persian Gulf
6:28
Several individuals in suits sitting around a conference table with phones, one wearing a USA cap, engaged in discussion with a large map labeled "Operation Epic Fury" in the background.
Conflict & Justice
The way we talk about war has changed
A damaged brick building with blackened marks from a fire, surrounded by people inspecting the site; a blue gate is open in front.
US-Israel-Iran War
More civilian casualties come to light from a strike that hit a sports hall killing children in southern Iran
8:20
People strolling along a seaside promenade with a cityscape and industrial port visible in the background. A motorcycle is parked near a walkway, and children are playing on the grass in the foreground.
US-Israel-Iran War
Residents in neighboring Turkey ‘aren’t afraid’ as involvement in Iran’s war looms
4:53
A distinctive, tiered cone-shaped shrine stands on a rocky hilltop against a blue sky, with a fiery gas flare visible nearby.
US-Israel-Iran War
The tiny island at the center of the US and Israel’s war with Iran is more than just oil installations
5:08
A building engulfed in thick grey smoke, with visible damage to the structure and firefighters standing on a balcony.
Conflict & Justice
Israel escalates attacks on civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon
11:10
A large group of people walking in a demonstration, many with raised arms and hands clasped together, on a street lined with trees and buildings.
US-Israel-Iran War
Muslims in Kashmir mourn the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader
4:51
A blue plastic toy horse with wheels stands on a dirt ground in front of a pile of rubble and debris, including bricks and pieces of wood.
US-Israel-Iran War
What ignoring the rules of war could mean
13:16
Two people wearing protective masks and Red Crescent uniforms stand on rocky terrain with a backdrop of thick black smoke and clouds.
US-Israel-Iran War
After Israeli strikes on Tehran’s fuel depots, residents face a toxic aftermath
6:31
A large plume of gray smoke rises above a cityscape with multiple buildings in the foreground, indicating an explosion or fire event.
US-Israel-Iran War
A brief history of US, Israeli and Iranian relations
12:46
A soldier in green camouflage uniform stands beside a large military tank, holding a rifle and examining its exterior in a dusty environment.
US-Israel-Iran War
Trump rules out talks absent Iran’s ‘unconditional surrender’ as Israel strikes Lebanon
Rescue workers in high-visibility vests stand near a large crater caused by a missile strike in front of a heavily damaged building, with construction equipment nearby.
US-Israel-Iran War
Trump says Iran war could last weeks, Iran strikes US bases across region
View of an airport with multiple airplanes parked on the tarmac, set against a city skyline in the background and a large plume of dark smoke rising into the sky.
US-Israel-Iran War
War in Iran sparks global travel chaos
5:51
Large plumes of dark smoke rise above a cityscape, partially obscuring buildings against a gray sky, indicating a fire or explosion in an urban area.
US-Israel-Iran War
War widens as Israeli and US planes pound Iran, and Tehran and its proxies hit back

Ukraine

Two firefighters in protective gear work amidst smoldering debris in a heavily damaged building.
Ukraine
Russia stalls in Donbas, as battlefield deadlock deepens
7:04
A group of people in formal attire examining a large drone model displayed indoors.
DW
Security tech start-ups play increasingly significant role in Ukraine war
5:33
Two women in winter clothing stand at a grave holding flowers, with a memorial portrait in the background.
DW
Four years since Ukrainian forces liberated the city of Bucha
5:15
A playground with children's toys and flowers laid as a memorial, set against a backdrop of damaged apartment buildings with boarded windows.
DW
Daughters of the Donbas group creates music remembering abducted Ukrainian children
8:17
A group of ambulances parked in a lot during twilight, with a few people standing nearby under streetlights.
Ukraine
A road race relay where hope is the baton
7:50
A person walking through a barren, war-torn forest at dusk, with silhouetted trees against a gradient sunset sky.
Ukraine
New film shows reality on the ground as Ukrainians battle for the village of Andriivka
17:07
Justice
An investigative journalist discusses the risks of chasing a Kremlin spy
16:32
Ukraine
Calls during UNGA to investigate thousands of Ukrainian children being forcibly transferred to Russia
8:51
Conflict & Justice
Sleep remains elusive for people stuck in war zones — from Gaza to Ukraine
4:59
Music
Ukrainian jazz pianist pays homage to the fallen
8:16
Ukraine
In negotiations between Russia and Ukraine, Crimea’s status is a red line that neither side will cross
5:38
Ukraine
Ukrainians protest new law weakening anti-graft agencies in the country
6:11
Books
‘Our Dear Friends in Moscow’ tells the story of a generation split by the rise of Putin, and his war in Ukraine
13:48
Conflict & Justice
How the Russian economy is faring as new sanctions hit 
4:58
Conflict & Justice
‘I can do what I can to save people’: This chief rabbi stayed in Ukraine to help people and honor his son who died in battle  
5:39
Ukraine
The lawyers in Russia representing political prisoners despite the risks 
6:08
Sports
Celebrations over Alexander Ovechkin’s NHL goals record despite his pro-Kremlin politics
5:41
Sacred Nation
Ukrainian military chaplains tend to soldiers and others at risk amid the ongoing fighting
6:09
Ukraine
Ukrainian scouting sees record enrollment during wartime
6:14
Sacred Nation
Crimean Tatars mark Ramadan while in exile from the Crimean Peninsula
5:50

Global Classroom

Juneteenth Special
Rhiannon Giddens discusses the history of the banjo and its African roots
17:31
Juneteenth Special
South African students to continue to fall into an education accessibility gap
7:27
Juneteenth Special
Historians say more details about the lives of enslaved Africans need to be taught
12:48
Juneteenth Special
Challenges under India’s university reservation system
7:57
Juneteenth Special
The Whitney Plantation in Louisiana focuses on the history and contributions of enslaved Africans
6:54
Minneapolis skyline on a cold winter day, with steam rising from buildings and snow on the ground below a metal fence
Education
College students from Minnesota’s immigrant communities reflect on the message of Juneteenth
5:43
The entrance of Boston College with a prominent sign and students walking nearby.
The World's Global Classroom
Boston College sets up school for first-generation immigrants
4:08
The World's Global Classroom
Trump administration’s policies are driving away international students
3:36
The World's Global Classroom
Students to study Puerto Rico and colonialism through Bad Bunny’s latest album
6:30
The value of American higher education
International student restrictions could cost the US billions
7:45
The value of American higher education
Indian students consider other countries to continue their studies
5:21
The value of American higher education
Refugee Afghan girls in the US plan for once unimaginable higher education
8:23
The value of American higher education
Europe wants to attract American scientists
4:36
The value of American higher education
Research funding cuts in the US could cause an American brain drain in STEM field
6:18
The value of American higher education
Former student from Kenya brought computer literacy to her hometown after studying in the US
6:35
The World's Global Classroom
Ecuador’s first Indigenous university proves to be a big hit
5:43
The World's Global Classroom
‘Bad Luck Generation’: The Dutch college graduates with US-levels of student debt
6:50
The World's Global Classroom
Affirmative action helps students thrive at universities across Brazil
5:50
The World's Global Classroom
College campuses across the UK fight for free speech as protests come under scrutiny
6:18
The World's Global Classroom
US schools are creating contingency plans for international students
5:03

Environment

Aerial view of a large industrial complex, with cooling towers releasing thick white steam behind a sprawling warehouse and construction site.
Technology
Global climate litigation is increasingly targeting data centers
7:39
Out of Eden Walk
How art augments a global walk
7:22
Out of Eden Walk
How gender shapes a global walk
8:13
The Big Fix
Kenya is a leader in geothermal power. Now it’s helping its neighbors do the same.
8:16
Cars drive along a winding, misty road surrounded by lush green rainforest.
Environment
Lula to pave highway through untouched part of Brazilian Amazon
6:16
Person wearing hiking boots and plaid pants standing on rocky terrain with a water bottle and backpack nearby.
Out of Eden Walk
How an interview project ‘shows the continuity of the human family’
7:56
A person wearing a backpack looks out at the ocean from a rocky coastline with pine trees and a cloudy sky.
Out of Eden Walk
How coastlines propelled ancient humans across the planet 
7:36
A family sits on woven cots under a thatched shelter with a solar panel nearby, in what appears to be a makeshift outdoor setting.
The Big Fix
Pakistan’s solar revolution
7:51
Four hippos partially submerged in green, algae-covered water.
Animals
Plan to kill dozens of wild hippos linked to Pablo Escobar generates fierce debate in Colombia
6:10
A narrow paved path lined with lush greenery, leading to thatched-roof huts surrounded by trees and people walking.
Lifestyle
Asia’s ‘cleanest village’ tries to find a balance between tourists and calm
7:38
Two people stand with a white horse in a calm lake, surrounded by rolling hills under a blue sky.
Out of Eden Walk
Out of Eden Walk: The music of animal husbandry
8:01
A large pile of mixed waste materials on a conveyor belt at a recycling facility.
DW
Is chemical recycling the solution to plastic waste?
17:14
A person leads two camels laden with goods across a desert, with a clear sky in the background.
Out of Eden Walk
To rediscover time, go for a walk
7:25
A person pouring red wine into a glass, with other filled glasses in the background, on a wooden table.
Out of Eden Walk
Out of Eden Walk: Raising a glass to global wine
7:39
A gibbon with golden fur and a black face, resting its hand on its cheek while looking contemplatively to the side.
Environment
Survey of gibbons in Cambodia show signs of forest health
A large gathering of people seated on the ground, sharing a communal meal during a religious event, with many wearing traditional white clothing.
Out of Eden Walk
Celebrating Eid al-Fitr in one of Islam’s holiest cities
7:30
Two Serbian flags hang on a pole surrounded by snow-covered tree branches.
DW
Serbians caught between East and West struggle to keep warm
6:30
Two people wearing protective masks and Red Crescent uniforms stand on rocky terrain with a backdrop of thick black smoke and clouds.
US-Israel-Iran War
After Israeli strikes on Tehran’s fuel depots, residents face a toxic aftermath
6:31
A vast rural landscape featuring dry grasslands with scattered shrubs and bushes, set against a backdrop of distant hills and a clear blue sky.
Environment
Turkey’s Izmir facing severe shortages as water levels continue to drop
6:42
Two hikers wearing cold-weather gear traverse a snowy mountain slope, with snow-covered peaks visible in the background under a clear blue sky.
Out of Eden Walk
As climate change melts permafrost, landslides are becoming more dangerous 
7:23

DW

A small Alpine village with a church steeple sits atop a forested hillside with autumn foliage and misty mountain slopes
DW
Italy’s attempt to repopulate mountain villages is falling short
5:10
A woman with long blonde hair and glasses speaks into a microphone at a formal indoor event
DW
Norwegian royals are in the spotlight
4:54
Technology
A different kind of ‘Fintech’
5:10
A woman with long blonde hair sits on a red couch, smiling against a blurred blue background.
Military
Kickboxer takes on bullies
4:42
A man in a suit speaks in front of a blue backdrop with "CY2026.EU" text and a yellow emblem.
DW
European tensions brewing in Cyprus
5:42
A large crowd of people standing in lines in a spacious indoor setting, with various expressions and activities.
DW
Are women behind the move in Spain to legalize undocumented immigrants?
6:01
People holding a large banner reading "Rassismus tötet!" during a protest on a street.
DW
Efforts to decolonize Berlin as UN calls for reparations to right ‘historical wrongs’
7:26
A large crowd gathered in an open area with a hand holding a waving Czech flag in the foreground.
DW
Czech Republic bans communist symbols in May Day parades
5:18
A large pile of mixed waste materials on a conveyor belt at a recycling facility.
DW
Is chemical recycling the solution to plastic waste?
17:14
A group of people in military uniforms and formal attire engaged in conversation indoors, with a British flag displayed in the background.
DW
Increasing frustration over UK deal with spy tech company
6:03
A group of people in formal attire examining a large drone model displayed indoors.
DW
Security tech start-ups play increasingly significant role in Ukraine war
5:33
Two men in suits shake hands at a formal event with a backdrop displaying various national flags.
DW
Ripple effects of Iran war felt in the Caucasus
5:24
A group of women seated in a bright room, each holding or sitting near musical instruments like a harp and guitar.
DW
Women composers of the Renaissance emerge
7:18
A person in a suit walks towards the entrance of a building with a sign displaying the Supreme Court emblem.
DW
UK officials looking to do away with some jury trials
6:29
Two women in winter clothing stand at a grave holding flowers, with a memorial portrait in the background.
DW
Four years since Ukrainian forces liberated the city of Bucha
5:15
A person taking a photo of a large, ancient stone archway ruin in a desolate landscape.
DW
An Azerbaijani city rises from ruins
5:53
Close-up of Rummo brand pasta packages, featuring Mezzi Rigatoni and other types, with labels indicating the pasta is made in Italy.
DW
An Italian city takes on sub-par pasta
5:53
A man in a suit and bowler hat is stepping out of a building while carrying a briefcase.
DW
Could a 78-year-old murder mystery be solved?
7:45
A vibrant display of the Northern Lights with swirling green auroras set against a starry night sky.
Lifestyle
Norwegians are ready to say goodbye to winter
5:47
A group of people walking through a snowy village with red houses, featuring a woman in a beige puffer jacket and a man in a black coat talking in the foreground.
DW
Denmark holds snap elections this week
4:51

Music

Juneteenth Special
Rhiannon Giddens discusses the history of the banjo and its African roots
17:31
Two people stand in front of a world map; one holds a guitar and points at the map, while the other smiles.
Arts, Culture & Media
International jazz musician Fabiola Méndez and her cuatro
17:36
Singer performing energetically on stage with musicians and bright blue stage lights.
Music
A new voice from Bahia sings about LGBTQ love and philosophy
7:18
A group of women seated in a bright room, each holding or sitting near musical instruments like a harp and guitar.
DW
Women composers of the Renaissance emerge
7:18
Four women in embroidered clothing pose against a light background, each with unique hairstyles and wearing red lipstick.
Music
From village songs to modern stages, Yagódy redefines Ukrainian folk music
5:29
Aerial view of Prague's Old Town Square with the Church of Our Lady before Týn prominently in the background, surrounded by colorful historic buildings and numerous people gathered in the plaza below.
DW
This family in Prague holds classical music concerts in their own living room
4:05
A woman with braided hair in a red shirt stands confidently among a group of people wearing colorful, elaborate masks and costumes, in front of a yellow building with ornate architectural details.
DW
Austro-Mexican singer finds out it really does take a village
6:40
A woman in a black top and jeans performs a dynamic dance move on a plaza with a historic red brick building in the background. Other people are walking by and trees line the square.
Arts, Culture & Media
This tap dancer from Japan uses New York City landmarks as her backdrops
6:23
Migration
From shipwreck to symphony: Prisoners in Italy turn migrant boats into violins
5:51
DW
The soundtrack of daily life becomes art in Norway
6:02
Music
To counter narco-corridos’ popularity, Mexico tries a song contest 
5:19
Music
Protest music thrives in Iran, three years after young woman’s death sparked grassroots uprising
12:05
The World's Global Classroom
Students to study Puerto Rico and colonialism through Bad Bunny’s latest album
6:30
Music
Salsa is a Latin music style that found its footing in NYC
8:41
Music
‘Bone music’ brought Western tunes to Soviet fans by recording songs onto X-rays
14:36
Music
Ukrainian jazz pianist pays homage to the fallen
8:16
Music
Natalia Lafourcade talks US tour, immigration protests and new album
5:42
Sacred Nation
A rapper finds peace and a channel for his activism through hip-hop and Islam
7:31
Music
Meet the 80-year-old woman who repairs Mexico City’s iconic hand-cranked organs
5:14
Arts, Culture & Media
Astropical band fuses electronic music with Caribbean rhythms in an ‘optimistic’ album that ‘takes you to beach’
7:42

Meet the Team

Aaron Schachter
Aaron Schachter
Assignment Editor
April Peavey
April Peavey
Senior Producer for Special Projects
Carolyn Beeler is co-host of The World.
Carolyn Beeler
Co-Host
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Dan Lothian
Editor in Chief
Gerry Hadden
Correspondent
Gina Kaufmann
Show Editor/Editor
Hannah Chanatry
Producer
Jenna Gadbois
Studio Director
Jeremy Siegel
Global Transportation Correspondent
Joshua Coe
Producer
Joyce Hackel
Joyce Hackel
Senior Radio Producer
Kate Ellis
Kate Ellis
Supervising Producer
Lex Weaver
Lex Weaver
Audience Development and Social Media Manager
Marco Werman
Marco Werman
Host
Mckayla Varela
Engineer
Orla Barry
Orla Barry
Europe correspondent
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Sara Hassan
Digital Editor/Reporter
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Shirin Jaafari
Reporter
Tinku Ray
Tinku Ray
Executive Editor
Tibisay Zea is a reporter for The World.
Tibisay Zea
Reporter
Uzair Ahmed - Audio Engineer
Uzair Ahmed
Engineer