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.

While Iran and the US continued to trade attacks for an eighth consecutive night, strikes on both sides were calibrated to avoid a resumption of full-scale fighting. Still, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman and Qatar have all had to defend themselves from Iranian drones and missiles in recent days. Bader Al-Saif, a professor of history at Kuwait University, speaks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about how Gulf states are balancing their neutrality with hosting US military assets.

While Iran and the US continued to trade attacks for an eighth consecutive night, strikes on both sides were calibrated to avoid a resumption of full-scale fighting. Still, Kuwait, Bahrain, Iraq, Oman and Qatar have all had to defend themselves from Iranian drones and missiles in recent days. Bader Al-Saif, a professor of history at Kuwait University, speaks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about how Gulf states are balancing their neutrality with hosting US military assets.

Gulf states fear new era of 'no peace, no war' in region

It took the Spaniards 105 minutes to score, but they dominated the Argentines from the outset. Fans went wild after the final whistle, celebrating Spain's second World Cup championship title. Meanwhile, Argentines held out hope that their superstar, Lionel Messi, might provide the last-minute magic he's been serving up for the whole tournament. It was not to be. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona. And Manuel Rueda reports from Rosario, Argentina, Messi's hometown.

It took the Spaniards 105 minutes to score, but they dominated the Argentines from the outset. Fans went wild after the final whistle, celebrating Spain's second World Cup championship title. Meanwhile, Argentines held out hope that their superstar, Lionel Messi, might provide the last-minute magic he's been serving up for the whole tournament. It was not to be. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona. And Manuel Rueda reports from Rosario, Argentina, Messi's hometown.

The joy and despair after Spain takes the trophy at expanded 2026 World Cup

This month, Poland marked the 83rd anniversary of a war-time massacre. To this day, the incident still has the power to upset one of Europe’s most crucial strategic alliances. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Adam Easton reports from Warsaw and explains that, when it comes to Poland and Ukraine, it’s best not to raise old ghosts.

This month, Poland marked the 83rd anniversary of a war-time massacre. To this day, the incident still has the power to upset one of Europe’s most crucial strategic alliances. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Adam Easton reports from Warsaw and explains that, when it comes to Poland and Ukraine, it’s best not to raise old ghosts.

Decades-old spat between Poland and Ukraine still creating tension

In India's capital, New Delhi, police used tear gas and batons against thousands of student demonstrators earlier today. They are with the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party, and they were trying to march on Parliament to demand the education minister’s resignation. The police crackdown came as students started to breach security barricades around the protest site. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

In India's capital, New Delhi, police used tear gas and batons against thousands of student demonstrators earlier today. They are with the youth-led Cockroach Janta Party, and they were trying to march on Parliament to demand the education minister’s resignation. The police crackdown came as students started to breach security barricades around the protest site. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

Protests continue in Indian capital

The first Tibetan Freedom Concert was held 30 years ago in San Francisco. The two-day festival was a chance for fans to hear some great music, while concert organizers wanted to raise awareness about what was happening in Tibet and their campaign for independence from China. A new podcast called "Freedom Needs a Soundtrack" tells the story of how the Tibetan Freedom Concerts began, what they achieved and what their legacy is. It's hosted by Erin Potts, who co-founded the concerts.

The first Tibetan Freedom Concert was held 30 years ago in San Francisco. The two-day festival was a chance for fans to hear some great music, while concert organizers wanted to raise awareness about what was happening in Tibet and their campaign for independence from China. A new podcast called "Freedom Needs a Soundtrack" tells the story of how the Tibetan Freedom Concerts began, what they achieved and what their legacy is. It's hosted by Erin Potts, who co-founded the concerts.

Tibetan Freedom Concerts 30 years later

The new British prime minister is something of a groundbreaker. Despite being in politics since he was a young man, Andy Burnham has refused to lose his northern England accent. Many politicians — and all prime ministers — have been known to speak in a polished, posh accent, which was once known as "the queen's English." Host Marco Werman explains.

The new British prime minister is something of a groundbreaker. Despite being in politics since he was a young man, Andy Burnham has refused to lose his northern England accent. Many politicians — and all prime ministers — have been known to speak in a polished, posh accent, which was once known as "the queen's English." Host Marco Werman explains.

Does an accent make the man — or woman?

This week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the US is “going to dismantle the International Criminal Court brick by brick if necessary.” He wrote those words in an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal. The State Department then published a video repeating the same message. His argument is that the ICC is too focused on the Trump administration, and that it plans to prosecute American officials and service members once Trump is out of office. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with law experts to get their take.

This week, Secretary of State Marco Rubio announced that the US is “going to dismantle the International Criminal Court brick by brick if necessary.” He wrote those words in an op-ed in the Wall Street Journal. The State Department then published a video repeating the same message. His argument is that the ICC is too focused on the Trump administration, and that it plans to prosecute American officials and service members once Trump is out of office. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with law experts to get their take.

The US wants to 'dismantle' the ICC

Cape Verde seduced the world with its appearance at the World Cup, making its historic run to the round of 32. Host Marco Werman takes us to Friday night in the capital Praia to hear one of the hot pop tunes at the moment in the country: "Obrigado," or "Thanks," courtesy of Cape Verdean pop star Helio Batalha, featuring Djodje, one of the country's top musical collaborators.

Cape Verde seduced the world with its appearance at the World Cup, making its historic run to the round of 32. Host Marco Werman takes us to Friday night in the capital Praia to hear one of the hot pop tunes at the moment in the country: "Obrigado," or "Thanks," courtesy of Cape Verdean pop star Helio Batalha, featuring Djodje, one of the country's top musical collaborators.

Top of the Cape Verde charts

At SCI Chester, a correctional facility half an hour south of Philadelphia, they are trying what is being called a bold experiment. They have adopted what they're calling the "Scandinavian Prison Project." It prioritizes the well-being of everyone in prison, from the inmates to the guards. Cristina Quinn reports for the "Fighting Crime" podcast, "Little Scandinavia — An American Prison Experiment."

At SCI Chester, a correctional facility half an hour south of Philadelphia, they are trying what is being called a bold experiment. They have adopted what they're calling the "Scandinavian Prison Project." It prioritizes the well-being of everyone in prison, from the inmates to the guards. Cristina Quinn reports for the "Fighting Crime" podcast, "Little Scandinavia — An American Prison Experiment."

PA prison tries out the 'Scandinavian model' to benefit inmates and officers

Toronto had some of the world's worst air quality this week, thanks to wildfires burning up north. It's a growing problem across North America. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with Eric Kennedy, professor of Disaster and Emergency Preparedness at York University, about practical ways you can protect yourself from that smoke, both outdoors and indoors.

Toronto had some of the world's worst air quality this week, thanks to wildfires burning up north. It's a growing problem across North America. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with Eric Kennedy, professor of Disaster and Emergency Preparedness at York University, about practical ways you can protect yourself from that smoke, both outdoors and indoors.

How to protect yourself from wildfire smoke

Friday marked an anti-government activist’s 20th day on hunger strike in Delhi, India. Sonam Wangchuk has been protesting in support of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and its call for the country's education minister to resign. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from political anthropologist Mukulika Banerjee, who researches Indian democracy at the London School of Economics. She explained how hunger strikes have a special resonance in India.

Friday marked an anti-government activist’s 20th day on hunger strike in Delhi, India. Sonam Wangchuk has been protesting in support of the satirical Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and its call for the country's education minister to resign. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from political anthropologist Mukulika Banerjee, who researches Indian democracy at the London School of Economics. She explained how hunger strikes have a special resonance in India.

India's 'Cockroach Party' and the 20-day hunger strike causing a stir

The massive wildfires in Canada are continuing to spread in Ontario. There are intense fires in the north of the province where there have been evacuations. There are also fires around Thunder Bay, on the edge of Lake Superior, not far from the US border. Carolyn Beeler is reports from Toronto, which has been blanketed by smoke.

The massive wildfires in Canada are continuing to spread in Ontario. There are intense fires in the north of the province where there have been evacuations. There are also fires around Thunder Bay, on the edge of Lake Superior, not far from the US border. Carolyn Beeler is reports from Toronto, which has been blanketed by smoke.

Canadian wildfires impacting air quality

Producer Dan R. Morris reflects on the importance of a damaged flag, a protest symbol he discovered while living in Romania in the 1990s. Morris made the story for Audio Flux, an independent platform for short-form audio storytelling.

Producer Dan R. Morris reflects on the importance of a damaged flag, a protest symbol he discovered while living in Romania in the 1990s. Morris made the story for Audio Flux, an independent platform for short-form audio storytelling.

A hole in the flag

The World's Carolyn Beeler is in Toronto this week, to get a look at how the wildfires in Ontario are affecting the province's largest city. She speaks with Host Marco Werman about what authorities there are doing, and how people on the street are responding.

The World's Carolyn Beeler is in Toronto this week, to get a look at how the wildfires in Ontario are affecting the province's largest city. She speaks with Host Marco Werman about what authorities there are doing, and how people on the street are responding.

Skies over Toronto still dark from wildfire smoke

Sightings of colobus congoensis, a black colobus monkey with human-like eyes and pink-and-orange fur ringing its mouth are rare. But this week, scientists announced they have confirmed that the monkey is a distinct, new species. The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with Junior Amboko, a field conservationist at Florida Atlantic University and anthropologist Kate Detwiler who were among the co-authors of a paper announcing the discovery.

Sightings of colobus congoensis, a black colobus monkey with human-like eyes and pink-and-orange fur ringing its mouth are rare. But this week, scientists announced they have confirmed that the monkey is a distinct, new species. The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with Junior Amboko, a field conservationist at Florida Atlantic University and anthropologist Kate Detwiler who were among the co-authors of a paper announcing the discovery.

Elusive new monkey species has a distinctive grunt and bright orange lips

Musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine was forced to flee Uganda last January after soldiers broke into his home and attacked his wife. That was after President Yoweri Museveni, the country’s aging authoritarian leader, was declared the winner of a disputed election. Wine tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that Museveni’s powerful son is determined to crush the last vestiges of democracy in Uganda.

Musician-turned-politician Bobi Wine was forced to flee Uganda last January after soldiers broke into his home and attacked his wife. That was after President Yoweri Museveni, the country’s aging authoritarian leader, was declared the winner of a disputed election. Wine tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that Museveni’s powerful son is determined to crush the last vestiges of democracy in Uganda.

Leaders 'drunk on power' are world's biggest threat, says Ugandan opposition activist

The final two games of the 2026 World Cup take place this weekend. We've been keeping track of the competition. Today, we get an update from The World's Gerry Hadden.

The final two games of the 2026 World Cup take place this weekend. We've been keeping track of the competition. Today, we get an update from The World's Gerry Hadden.

2026 World Cup is in its final stretch

Climate change is undeniably bad for the animal kingdom. But some animals are able to adapt — so far — by changing their behaviors or even their bodies. Science journalist Ari Daniel reports.This story originally aired on May 3, 2023.

Climate change is undeniably bad for the animal kingdom. But some animals are able to adapt — so far — by changing their behaviors or even their bodies. Science journalist Ari Daniel reports.
This story originally aired on May 3, 2023.

Animals adapting to climate change

This week, France became the latest country to legalize assisted dying, honoring a promise made by President Emmanuel Macron to introduce a distinctly French form of legalization. But opponents have been quite vocal about their concerns. From Paris, DW's John Laurenson reports.

This week, France became the latest country to legalize assisted dying, honoring a promise made by President Emmanuel Macron to introduce a distinctly French form of legalization. But opponents have been quite vocal about their concerns. From Paris, DW's John Laurenson reports.

France legalizes assisted dying over objections from some doctors and churches

Ukrainians took to the streets of Kyiv Thursday to protest the removal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During Fedorov's tenure, Ukraine saw successes in slowing Russian advances. To learn more, Host Marco Werman spoke to Oleksiy Sorokin, the deputy chief editor of the Kyiv Independent, who joined the show from Kyiv.

Ukrainians took to the streets of Kyiv Thursday to protest the removal of Defense Minister Mykhailo Fedorov by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. During Fedorov's tenure, Ukraine saw successes in slowing Russian advances. To learn more, Host Marco Werman spoke to Oleksiy Sorokin, the deputy chief editor of the Kyiv Independent, who joined the show from Kyiv.

Ukraine's defense minister dismissed amid cabinet changes

There's a certain romance in the idea of the "gap year." You pack a bag, maybe travel somewhere totally different. Maybe you even settle into a new culture and return home a little wisee — possibly with a new language under your belt. Spain seemed like the perfect choice for one Canadian woman on her gap year: a steady job as a nanny. On GBH's Stories from the Stage, Angela Lu shared how she managed to rewire the tedium of that work, so that it wouldn't define the rest of her life.

There's a certain romance in the idea of the "gap year." You pack a bag, maybe travel somewhere totally different. Maybe you even settle into a new culture and return home a little wisee — possibly with a new language under your belt. Spain seemed like the perfect choice for one Canadian woman on her gap year: a steady job as a nanny. On GBH's Stories from the Stage, Angela Lu shared how she managed to rewire the tedium of that work, so that it wouldn't define the rest of her life.

The expected romance of the gap year

Andy Burnham is on the brink of becoming the UK’s next prime minister. Next Monday, he'll move into his new residence at 10 Downing Street, replacing outgoing leader Keir Starmer, who held office for just two years. Burnham has promised sweeping plans to help tackle the UK’s cost of living crisis, and tamp down on the high cost of living. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

Andy Burnham is on the brink of becoming the UK’s next prime minister. Next Monday, he'll move into his new residence at 10 Downing Street, replacing outgoing leader Keir Starmer, who held office for just two years. Burnham has promised sweeping plans to help tackle the UK’s cost of living crisis, and tamp down on the high cost of living. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

The man who will be the UK's next prime minister

"The Sound of Milk" took French singer Camille 15 years to produce. It spans the years since she became pregnant with the first of her two children. She had so much to sing about that it became a three-record set. Just three singles have been released so far, but they display a much more mature artist compared to the experimentalist musician of Camille's younger years. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

"The Sound of Milk" took French singer Camille 15 years to produce. It spans the years since she became pregnant with the first of her two children. She had so much to sing about that it became a three-record set. Just three singles have been released so far, but they display a much more mature artist compared to the experimentalist musician of Camille's younger years. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

French singer Camille — along with her mom — produces first album in 15 years

After years of negotiations between the EU and the UK, the border wall between the British territory of Gibraltar and Spain has come down. Brexit had complicated travel between the two, leading to traffic snarls for the residents, tourists and workers who cross the border daily. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

After years of negotiations between the EU and the UK, the border wall between the British territory of Gibraltar and Spain has come down. Brexit had complicated travel between the two, leading to traffic snarls for the residents, tourists and workers who cross the border daily. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

Gibraltar border opens

At one coffee shop in Manila, customers can get more than a latte. They can listen to stories about how former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s “Drug War” shattered families. The cafe is staffed by mothers, wives, sisters and friends of people who were killed. They explain the emotional cost of the war and try to convince people it’s a war on the poor. Dave Grunebaum reports.

At one coffee shop in Manila, customers can get more than a latte. They can listen to stories about how former Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte’s “Drug War” shattered families. The cafe is staffed by mothers, wives, sisters and friends of people who were killed. They explain the emotional cost of the war and try to convince people it’s a war on the poor. Dave Grunebaum reports.

Baristas serve drug war stories along with java

Two oil tankers were struck by projectiles Tuesday, killing one seafarer and injuring several others aboard, according to the company ADNOC Logistics &amp; Services. Since the beginning of the US-Israeli war with Iran, thousands of seafarers have been stuck in the Persian Gulf. John Canias is maritime operations coordinator for the International Transport Workers’ Federation. He spoke to The World's Host Marco Werman from London.

Two oil tankers were struck by projectiles Tuesday, killing one seafarer and injuring several others aboard, according to the company ADNOC Logistics & Services. Since the beginning of the US-Israeli war with Iran, thousands of seafarers have been stuck in the Persian Gulf. John Canias is maritime operations coordinator for the International Transport Workers’ Federation. He spoke to The World's Host Marco Werman from London.

Renewed fighting between US and Iran takes deadly toll on commercial seafarers

Egypt has announced the discovery of an entire city, a well-preserved Byzantine-era residential city in the Western Desert. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Egypt has announced the discovery of an entire city, a well-preserved Byzantine-era residential city in the Western Desert. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

New city discovered in the Egyptian desert

Cuba’s entire national power grid collapsed yesterday — for the third time in less than 10 days. The island’s aging power infrastructure has been especially stressed since the Trump administration imposed an oil blockade on the island in late January. Havana-based journalist Ed Augustin tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that most Cubans, for years now, have been suffering through daily blackouts.

Cuba’s entire national power grid collapsed yesterday — for the third time in less than 10 days. The island’s aging power infrastructure has been especially stressed since the Trump administration imposed an oil blockade on the island in late January. Havana-based journalist Ed Augustin tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that most Cubans, for years now, have been suffering through daily blackouts.

Cuba's power grid buckles

Given Bob Marley's continued popularity around the globe, it's little surprise to hear locals in the Solomon Islands have been inspired to play one of his hits on PVC pipes. Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler take a listen.

Given Bob Marley's continued popularity around the globe, it's little surprise to hear locals in the Solomon Islands have been inspired to play one of his hits on PVC pipes. Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler take a listen.

The Solomon Islands puts a new twist on Bob Marley

If you keep putting out wildfires but don't manage a forest, the undergrowth and vegetation only continue to grow, becoming fuel for future mega-fires that can burn beyond human control. Portugal is learning that, and hoping to shift more emphasis from fire suppression to prevention — namely, improving how forests are managed so that they'll burn less. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Portugal.

If you keep putting out wildfires but don't manage a forest, the undergrowth and vegetation only continue to grow, becoming fuel for future mega-fires that can burn beyond human control. Portugal is learning that, and hoping to shift more emphasis from fire suppression to prevention — namely, improving how forests are managed so that they'll burn less. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Portugal.