
Looking Back: The Story of Three Defiant Nuns in Austria
22/12/2025 | 10 min
As we look back at our international reporters' most memorable stories of the last year, we revisit the story of the defiant Austrian nuns. The three sisters, all in their 80’s, recently ran away from a nursing home. With the help of supporters, and a locksmith, they broke into their former convent in defiance of church orders. They’re determined to fulfill their vows and grow old on their own terms. These sisters are have taken Instagram by storm where they’re being supported by a growing community. We go to Salzburg to meet them.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Why Cuba is Watching Venezuela Intently
19/12/2025 | 4 min
Cuba today feels more isolated than ever after years of sanctions from the United States have severely damaged the economy. Now Cubans are watching the U.S. ramp up pressure on the government of Venezuela, Cuba’s most loyal ally and an important trading partner. Our reporter in Havana talks to some Cubans about the current moment.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Venezuelans React to the Threat of a U.S. Blockade
18/12/2025 | 3 min
President Trump has ordered a ban on all sanctioned oil tankers entering and leaving Venezuela, escalating pressure on the country's president. Venezuelans tell us that in a country long battered by shortages, it’s just another crisis to endure.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Will Myanmar's Election Change Anything?
17/12/2025 | 5 min
Myanmar, also known as Burma, will hold a phased general election starting later this month. It comes amidst a years long civil war that has killed thousands and displaced millions. And it is being called by a military government that seized power in a coup four years ago. We learn about the lengths the leadership is going to in order to convince the world to accept the election’s results.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy

Innovating Ways to Address Poverty in Uganda
16/12/2025 | 8 min
One method of combating extreme poverty is providing cash grants to allow people to start businesses. We go to Uganda to take a look at one such program that has changed their model in an effort to increase the impact of their support. And the changes caused intended consequences.Learn more about sponsor message choices: podcastchoices.com/adchoicesNPR Privacy Policy



State of the World from NPR