Host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories that remind us just how small our planet really is. The World, the radio program, is heard each weekday on over 300 public stations across North America.

Earlier this year, the US moved 5,700 men and boys suspected of involvement with ISIS out of Syria to Iraq. A new report by Human Rights Watch today warned that these prisoners risk abuse, unfair trials and possible execution. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Letta Tayler, senior counterterrorism advisor at Human Rights Watch, who joined the show from Savannah, Georgia.

Earlier this year, the US moved 5,700 men and boys suspected of involvement with ISIS out of Syria to Iraq. A new report by Human Rights Watch today warned that these prisoners risk abuse, unfair trials and possible execution. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Letta Tayler, senior counterterrorism advisor at Human Rights Watch, who joined the show from Savannah, Georgia.

Iraq prosecutes foreigners accused of links to ISIS

A young woman who worked at a plague research institute in Siberia has died, fueling concerns of a lab leak. Local authorities are monitoring other workers in the area. But much of what happened is unknown, and the reports coming out of Siberia are conflicting. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Nahid Bhadelia, director of Boston University’s Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases, to clear up what we know and what we don't.

A young woman who worked at a plague research institute in Siberia has died, fueling concerns of a lab leak. Local authorities are monitoring other workers in the area. But much of what happened is unknown, and the reports coming out of Siberia are conflicting. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Nahid Bhadelia, director of Boston University’s Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases, to clear up what we know and what we don't.

Public health experts investigate death of Siberian lab worker from possible plague

Mexico has embraced Korean culture in a big way — from K-pop and skincare to food and TV dramas. That enthusiasm is now spilling into a broader relationship between Mexico and South Korea, as trade, investment and diplomacy deepen. In Mexico City, fans, business owners and members of the Korean community show how a cultural connection that started with music and entertainment is reshaping everyday life — and even reaching the presidential level. The World's Latin America Correspondent Tibisay Zea reports.

Mexico has embraced Korean culture in a big way — from K-pop and skincare to food and TV dramas. That enthusiasm is now spilling into a broader relationship between Mexico and South Korea, as trade, investment and diplomacy deepen. In Mexico City, fans, business owners and members of the Korean community show how a cultural connection that started with music and entertainment is reshaping everyday life — and even reaching the presidential level. The World's Latin America Correspondent Tibisay Zea reports.

Mexico's Korean wave

When the Taliban reclaimed power in Afghanistan five years ago, the impact on girls' education was instantaneous: No schooling past the age of 12. No exceptions. That's why one activist, Shabana Basij-Rasikh started Afghanistan's only boarding school for girls: the School of Leadership, Afghanistan, or SOLA. But since the return of the Taliban, SOLA has relocated to Rwanda. Basij-Rasikh recently spoke with The World Host Marco Werman.

When the Taliban reclaimed power in Afghanistan five years ago, the impact on girls' education was instantaneous: No schooling past the age of 12. No exceptions. That's why one activist, Shabana Basij-Rasikh started Afghanistan's only boarding school for girls: the School of Leadership, Afghanistan, or SOLA. But since the return of the Taliban, SOLA has relocated to Rwanda. Basij-Rasikh recently spoke with The World Host Marco Werman.

Afghanistan's only boarding school for girls — is in Rwanda

Researchers call it the Morocco Paradox. It's a society where family, friends and community are tight-knit and ever-present, yet people can feel unseen and misunderstood. But talking about loneliness is still considered taboo. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from the city of Tangier.

Researchers call it the Morocco Paradox. It's a society where family, friends and community are tight-knit and ever-present, yet people can feel unseen and misunderstood. But talking about loneliness is still considered taboo. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from the city of Tangier.

People in Morocco can feel lonely while never being alone

The first round of Brazilian elections over the weekend produced two leading presidential contenders. A runoff will be held later this month between the incumbent, leftist President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva — known simply as Lula — and Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, a close ally of US President Donald Trump. The Trump administration’s open backing of Bolsonaro has soured US relations with Brazil, and spurred Lula to warn against US interference in the upcoming elections. Rose Gilbert reports from Florianopolis, Brazil.

The first round of Brazilian elections over the weekend produced two leading presidential contenders. A runoff will be held later this month between the incumbent, leftist President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva — known simply as Lula — and Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, a close ally of US President Donald Trump. The Trump administration’s open backing of Bolsonaro has soured US relations with Brazil, and spurred Lula to warn against US interference in the upcoming elections. Rose Gilbert reports from Florianopolis, Brazil.

Brazil's incoming leader may change tone of relations with US, but not the substance

Spain is headed for early general elections. It comes after the Spanish Parliament narrowly rejected two emergency measures on Friday meant to address the country's high housing costs. The measures were championed by Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. In announcing snap elections, he called on Spaniards to give him a broader left-wing coalition. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Spain is headed for early general elections. It comes after the Spanish Parliament narrowly rejected two emergency measures on Friday meant to address the country's high housing costs. The measures were championed by Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. In announcing snap elections, he called on Spaniards to give him a broader left-wing coalition. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Spain is headed for early general elections

An independent panel found the Premier League club Manchester City was guilty on 114 out of 115 charges related to, among other things, widespread financial misconduct. The UAE-owned British soccer team continues to deny all charges and lodged an appeal on Friday. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Joey D’Urso, a sports journalist and author of the book “More Than A Shirt: How Football Shirts Explain Global Politics, Money and Power.”

An independent panel found the Premier League club Manchester City was guilty on 114 out of 115 charges related to, among other things, widespread financial misconduct. The UAE-owned British soccer team continues to deny all charges and lodged an appeal on Friday. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Joey D’Urso, a sports journalist and author of the book “More Than A Shirt: How Football Shirts Explain Global Politics, Money and Power.”

Scandal tears through Manchester City, one of British soccer's storied clubs

Residents living near a chemical factory in Lancashire, in the north of England, have high levels of PFAS “forever chemicals” in their blood, including the highest result ever recorded in the UK, most of it the banned carcinogen PFOA, according to an investigation by Manchester Metropolitan University and Watershed Investigations. Leana Hosea, with Watershed Investigations, reports.

Residents living near a chemical factory in Lancashire, in the north of England, have high levels of PFAS “forever chemicals” in their blood, including the highest result ever recorded in the UK, most of it the banned carcinogen PFOA, according to an investigation by Manchester Metropolitan University and Watershed Investigations. Leana Hosea, with Watershed Investigations, reports.

Extreme levels of PFAS found near a UK chemical factory

Spain's progressive government was dealt a costly legislative defeat on Friday when lawmakers rejected a package of emergency measures aimed at tackling the nation’s housing affordability crisis, as protesters gathered outside Parliament demanding help for renters. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Spain's progressive government was dealt a costly legislative defeat on Friday when lawmakers rejected a package of emergency measures aimed at tackling the nation’s housing affordability crisis, as protesters gathered outside Parliament demanding help for renters. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Spain's prime minister loses vote over housing decrees

Egyptian authorities this week arrested the entire newsroom of the independent investigative outlet Matsaddash. It's part of a wider, years-long crackdown against journalists and a restriction of press freedoms. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Timothy Kaldas, deputy director of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, about what this means.

Egyptian authorities this week arrested the entire newsroom of the independent investigative outlet Matsaddash. It's part of a wider, years-long crackdown against journalists and a restriction of press freedoms. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Timothy Kaldas, deputy director of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, about what this means.

Egypt continues crackdown on free press

The 2026 Brazilian election will be one of the first major elections since the introduction of widely-accessible generative AI. In preparation, Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court (TSE) created a framework aimed at preventing the use of AI to spread election misinformation, and it's already faced a major test. From Florianopolis, Brazil, Rose Gilbert reports.

The 2026 Brazilian election will be one of the first major elections since the introduction of widely-accessible generative AI. In preparation, Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court (TSE) created a framework aimed at preventing the use of AI to spread election misinformation, and it's already faced a major test. From Florianopolis, Brazil, Rose Gilbert reports.

Can regulation stop the scourge of AI-generated fake campaign material?

In Haiti, violent gangs have taken over most of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and are pushing northward. In the chaos, about a million and a half people have been displaced. Hospitals are crowded and there is a shortage of basic supplies, from food to medication. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to the International Rescue Committee’s Deputy Director for Programs, Allie Pasieka, who is in Port-au-Prince.

In Haiti, violent gangs have taken over most of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and are pushing northward. In the chaos, about a million and a half people have been displaced. Hospitals are crowded and there is a shortage of basic supplies, from food to medication. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to the International Rescue Committee’s Deputy Director for Programs, Allie Pasieka, who is in Port-au-Prince.

Haiti's healthcare system under major strain amid gang violence

The Culture Train ran between Berlin, Germany, and Wroclaw, Poland, for 10 years, before halting in 2025. Live bands, DJs, poets and performance art "witches" entertained and educated passengers on Europe’s quirkiest train journey. Running at a time of rising nationalism, organizers billed the train partly as a way to address prejudices held by many Germans against Polish people. On a train somewhere between the two cities, Jamie Fullerton reports.

The Culture Train ran between Berlin, Germany, and Wroclaw, Poland, for 10 years, before halting in 2025. Live bands, DJs, poets and performance art "witches" entertained and educated passengers on Europe’s quirkiest train journey. Running at a time of rising nationalism, organizers billed the train partly as a way to address prejudices held by many Germans against Polish people. On a train somewhere between the two cities, Jamie Fullerton reports.

All aboard the Culture Train: Europe's quirkiest railway trip

This year's super El Nino is supercharging marine heat waves. That has scientists concerned about the risk to coral reefs already stressed from rising temperatures. But past research has shown that the sounds of healthy reefs can actually encourage coral to grow in degraded locations. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with bioacoustician Aran Mooney about whether this research could be applied to El Nino conditions.

This year's super El Nino is supercharging marine heat waves. That has scientists concerned about the risk to coral reefs already stressed from rising temperatures. But past research has shown that the sounds of healthy reefs can actually encourage coral to grow in degraded locations. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with bioacoustician Aran Mooney about whether this research could be applied to El Nino conditions.

Could we protect coral reefs from El Nino using sound?

The FBI is reeling from a massive data breach by a cybercrime collective known as "ShinyHunters" that claims to have a trove of personal information about thousands of FBI employees and their family members. Dutch police arrested a suspected member of the group a week before the FBI's security breach. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from investigative reporter Joseph Cox, who broke the story about the ShinyHunters hack for 404 Media, and investigative news site.

The FBI is reeling from a massive data breach by a cybercrime collective known as "ShinyHunters" that claims to have a trove of personal information about thousands of FBI employees and their family members. Dutch police arrested a suspected member of the group a week before the FBI's security breach. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from investigative reporter Joseph Cox, who broke the story about the ShinyHunters hack for 404 Media, and investigative news site.

ShinyHunters: The international cyber criminals behind a massive FBI hack

Hoonah, Alaska, is a small fishing village with a population or 862 members who make up the local Tlingit community. But each year, more than half a million cruise ship passengers step ashore for a few hours of recreation. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek made his own stop there, as part of the Out of Eden Walk. As he explains to Host Carolyn Beeler, the village's residents have spent decades trying to strike a balance between economic sustainability and preserving their own identity.

Hoonah, Alaska, is a small fishing village with a population or 862 members who make up the local Tlingit community. But each year, more than half a million cruise ship passengers step ashore for a few hours of recreation. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek made his own stop there, as part of the Out of Eden Walk. As he explains to Host Carolyn Beeler, the village's residents have spent decades trying to strike a balance between economic sustainability and preserving their own identity.

How one Indigenous Alaskan village is reckoning with tourism

Russia’s war in Ukraine is prompting a new debate across Western Europe about how far the conflict’s security risks could spread. Drone incursions, suspected sabotage and increasingly stark warnings from European governments have put the threat from Russia back at the center of the continent’s security concerns. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Russia’s war in Ukraine is prompting a new debate across Western Europe about how far the conflict’s security risks could spread. Drone incursions, suspected sabotage and increasingly stark warnings from European governments have put the threat from Russia back at the center of the continent’s security concerns. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Europe on alert over Russian hybrid threat

Egyptian authorities today rounded up six members of the editorial board of Matsaddash, one of two remaining independent news sites in Egypt. The government accused them of being members of the banned Muslim Brotherhood, and of producing fabricated news. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Egyptian authorities today rounded up six members of the editorial board of Matsaddash, one of two remaining independent news sites in Egypt. The government accused them of being members of the banned Muslim Brotherhood, and of producing fabricated news. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Egypt arrests entire editorial board of independent news site

India is the world's most populous country, yet many people — especially seniors — report feeling lonely. Namrata Kolachalam visits rural communities in central India to learn how public health workers are reducing loneliness for seniors.

India is the world's most populous country, yet many people — especially seniors — report feeling lonely. Namrata Kolachalam visits rural communities in central India to learn how public health workers are reducing loneliness for seniors.

Helping the elderly in India feel less lonely

At Istanbul’s quayside, despite all the bustle, all is not well. Russia’s war in Ukraine is hitting Black Sea grain transports hard, both financially and physically. As warnings of soaring global food prices grow, Turkey is stepping up its diplomatic efforts to protect ships, cargo and sailors alike. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe’s Istanbul Correspondent Dorian Jones visited a local ship yard to speak to those at the sharp end of Russia's maritime hunger games.

At Istanbul’s quayside, despite all the bustle, all is not well. Russia’s war in Ukraine is hitting Black Sea grain transports hard, both financially and physically. As warnings of soaring global food prices grow, Turkey is stepping up its diplomatic efforts to protect ships, cargo and sailors alike. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe’s Istanbul Correspondent Dorian Jones visited a local ship yard to speak to those at the sharp end of Russia's maritime hunger games.

Istanbul's sailors risk life and limb when they take to the sea

Cuba is under intense economic pressure from Washington, as Havana opens more space for private business and foreign investment. At the same time, Cuban American investors in Florida are already positioning themselves for potential opportunities on the island. The World's Tibisay Zea looks at whether this opening could mark a real shift for Cuba’s economy — which may benefit first, and how much say ordinary Cubans will have in what comes next.

Cuba is under intense economic pressure from Washington, as Havana opens more space for private business and foreign investment. At the same time, Cuban American investors in Florida are already positioning themselves for potential opportunities on the island. The World's Tibisay Zea looks at whether this opening could mark a real shift for Cuba’s economy — which may benefit first, and how much say ordinary Cubans will have in what comes next.

Cuba's economic reforms attract investors

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has laid out a broad range of changes that he says should help reduce the world's highest rate of homicide and violence against women. Advocacy groups are not impressed. Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has laid out a broad range of changes that he says should help reduce the world's highest rate of homicide and violence against women. Advocacy groups are not impressed. Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

South African president calls for change to combat violence against women

In Spain, an octogenarian is shaking up the housing market. Her name is Maricarmen. The 87-year-old has been a headline all week after an investment fund bought her apartment building, tripled her rent, then evicted her for not being able to pay. She'd lived in her Madrid flat for 70 years. The outrage has led to street protests and, just maybe, to changes in government housing policies. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

In Spain, an octogenarian is shaking up the housing market. Her name is Maricarmen. The 87-year-old has been a headline all week after an investment fund bought her apartment building, tripled her rent, then evicted her for not being able to pay. She'd lived in her Madrid flat for 70 years. The outrage has led to street protests and, just maybe, to changes in government housing policies. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Octogenarian in Spain shakes up the housing market

Students in more than 400 high schools across France are protesting funding cutbacks, overcrowded classes and teacher shortages. In some cities, the demonstrations have turned violent, with teens throwing paving stones and setting fires. Vincent Latour, a professor of British studies at Toulouse Jean University tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that this summer’s heat waves helped expose chronic government under-funding of education.

Students in more than 400 high schools across France are protesting funding cutbacks, overcrowded classes and teacher shortages. In some cities, the demonstrations have turned violent, with teens throwing paving stones and setting fires. Vincent Latour, a professor of British studies at Toulouse Jean University tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that this summer’s heat waves helped expose chronic government under-funding of education.

French teenagers barricade schools to protest education cutbacks

Livestock is the livelihood of northern Kenya's rural communities. For herders who tend to sheep, goats, cattle or camels there in drought conditions, it is getting more difficult to find adequate pastures with enough water; and that means having to travel further from home, in rising temperatures. That is not unlike what herders experience in the United States. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Penn State University anthropologist and researcher Anne Pisor, about the impact rising temperatures have on herders, from Kenya to the United States.

Livestock is the livelihood of northern Kenya's rural communities. For herders who tend to sheep, goats, cattle or camels there in drought conditions, it is getting more difficult to find adequate pastures with enough water; and that means having to travel further from home, in rising temperatures. That is not unlike what herders experience in the United States. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Penn State University anthropologist and researcher Anne Pisor, about the impact rising temperatures have on herders, from Kenya to the United States.

How extreme heat takes a toll on herders, from East Africa to the United States

In Ghana, getting into university is largely about one thing: results on the annual WASSCE test. Students compete for places based primarily on that test, and their grades. There is little to no consideration of personal essays, extracurricular activities, leadership or other aspects of their background. From Accra,  reports.

In Ghana, getting into university is largely about one thing: results on the annual WASSCE test. Students compete for places based primarily on that test, and their grades. There is little to no consideration of personal essays, extracurricular activities, leadership or other aspects of their background. From Accra,  reports.

Ghana's grades-driven college system

According to Israeli authorities, a plane traveling into Tel Aviv from the United Arab Emirates nearly crashed after a pilot stabbed another pilot and appeared to have tried to crash the aircraft. In a press conference today, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said passengers and crew managed to subdue the alleged attacker, and the plane landed safely after being diverted to Saudi Arabia. The World’s Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel has been tracking the story.

According to Israeli authorities, a plane traveling into Tel Aviv from the United Arab Emirates nearly crashed after a pilot stabbed another pilot and appeared to have tried to crash the aircraft. In a press conference today, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said passengers and crew managed to subdue the alleged attacker, and the plane landed safely after being diverted to Saudi Arabia. The World’s Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel has been tracking the story.

Catastrophe avoided on UAE flight to Israel

Several thousand US troops are pulling up stakes in Iraq, leaving their remaining bases by the end of the day tomorrow. US soldiers have been stationed in Iraq for more than two decades. Victoria Taylor, director of the Iraq Initiative at the Atlantic Council and a former US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iraq and Iran during the Biden administration tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that Baghdad and Washington will have to hammer out a new relationship.

Several thousand US troops are pulling up stakes in Iraq, leaving their remaining bases by the end of the day tomorrow. US soldiers have been stationed in Iraq for more than two decades. Victoria Taylor, director of the Iraq Initiative at the Atlantic Council and a former US Deputy Assistant Secretary for Iraq and Iran during the Biden administration tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that Baghdad and Washington will have to hammer out a new relationship.

US withdraws last troops from Iraq, redefining Baghdad-Washington partnership

Jin Hi Kim finds links between traditional music from South Korea and European classical music. Kim was born in South Korea and moved to the US in 1980. For the past 40+ years, she's been composing and playing the komungo, a traditional Korean stringed instrument, to audiences around the globe. Now, the expansive Jin Hi Kim Collection is out: 52 tracks recorded over the course of her career. She recently stopped by The World's studio to speak to Host Carolyn Beeler.

Jin Hi Kim finds links between traditional music from South Korea and European classical music. Kim was born in South Korea and moved to the US in 1980. For the past 40+ years, she's been composing and playing the komungo, a traditional Korean stringed instrument, to audiences around the globe. Now, the expansive Jin Hi Kim Collection is out: 52 tracks recorded over the course of her career. She recently stopped by The World's studio to speak to Host Carolyn Beeler.