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.

Israelis have flocked to the polls in what is considered one of the most important elections in the nation's history. The contest pits Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against former IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot. Much of the focus has been on whether Netanyahu is responsible for the security failure on Oct. 7, 2023. The World's Carolyn Beeler visited a polling station in Jerusalem to gauge the mood of voters.

Israelis have flocked to the polls in what is considered one of the most important elections in the nation's history. The contest pits Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu against former IDF Chief Gadi Eisenkot. Much of the focus has been on whether Netanyahu is responsible for the security failure on Oct. 7, 2023. The World's Carolyn Beeler visited a polling station in Jerusalem to gauge the mood of voters.

Record turnout at polls on Israel's election day

Today, researchers from the American Astronomical Society announced that they've identified an object from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory on Cerro Pachón mountain in Chile. Astrophysicists Matthew Holman and Kevin Napier are both with the Center for Astrophysics at Harvard University &amp; the Smithsonian. They tell Host Marco Werman about what they've found.

Today, researchers from the American Astronomical Society announced that they've identified an object from the Vera C. Rubin Observatory on Cerro Pachón mountain in Chile. Astrophysicists Matthew Holman and Kevin Napier are both with the Center for Astrophysics at Harvard University & the Smithsonian. They tell Host Marco Werman about what they've found.

A new discovery in space

The Ukrainian folk band Yagody mixes traditional Ukrainian folk harmonies with modern arrangements and instruments. The group's haunting sound and theatrical performances have caught the country's attention, and led to them being chosen as Ukraine's 2024 Eurovision entrants. Reporter Emily Cohen caught up with the group in April at the acclaimed Big Ears festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, as part of their first American tour.This story originally aired on April 3, 2026.

The Ukrainian folk band Yagody mixes traditional Ukrainian folk harmonies with modern arrangements and instruments. The group's haunting sound and theatrical performances have caught the country's attention, and led to them being chosen as Ukraine's 2024 Eurovision entrants. Reporter Emily Cohen caught up with the group in April at the acclaimed Big Ears festival in Knoxville, Tennessee, as part of their first American tour.
This story originally aired on April 3, 2026.

A Ukrainian folk band for the 21st century

French soccer superstar Kylian Mbappé is facing backlash in China after a video circulated of him apparently mentioning an internet meme depicting him as a “Chinese dictator.” Chinese brands have reportedly dropped sponsorship deals, while state television has threatened to stop broadcasting Spanish soccer league games. Mbappé has since apologized, but the controversy highlights the power of China's consumer market and the consequences international celebrities face for crossing Beijing's political red lines. Isaac Stone Fish, founder of the geopolitical risk consultancy Strategy Risks, joins The World's Host Marco Werman to discuss.

French soccer superstar Kylian Mbappé is facing backlash in China after a video circulated of him apparently mentioning an internet meme depicting him as a “Chinese dictator.” Chinese brands have reportedly dropped sponsorship deals, while state television has threatened to stop broadcasting Spanish soccer league games. Mbappé has since apologized, but the controversy highlights the power of China's consumer market and the consequences international celebrities face for crossing Beijing's political red lines. Isaac Stone Fish, founder of the geopolitical risk consultancy Strategy Risks, joins The World's Host Marco Werman to discuss.

Mbappé backlash highlights China's economic leverage over global markets

The leaders of Finland and Norway have held an unusual joint call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss future negotiations to help end the war in Ukraine. Julie Wilhelmsen, who heads the research group for Eastern Europe at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that the Nordic countries have historically relied upon pragmatism to address issues with the Kremlin.

The leaders of Finland and Norway have held an unusual joint call with Russian President Vladimir Putin to discuss future negotiations to help end the war in Ukraine. Julie Wilhelmsen, who
heads the research group for Eastern Europe at the Norwegian Institute of International Affairs, tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that the Nordic countries have historically relied upon pragmatism to address issues with the Kremlin.

Nordic leaders hold rare call with Putin to discuss ending Ukraine war

When you drive along the highway heading toward Rio de Janeiro’s airport in Brazil, you pass a huge neighborhood known as Maré. You wouldn't stop there, unless you had a good reason to. That’s because it's a favela, or a poor community. Many favelas are on Rio’s hillsides. This one is squeezed between a pair of highways and Guanabara Bay. Roughly 140,000 people live there. It’s known for being a hotbed of dangerous drug gangs, violence and police operations. But residents are trying to change that image — with food. Reporter Michael Fox has the story.

When you drive along the highway heading toward Rio de Janeiro’s airport in Brazil, you pass a huge neighborhood known as Maré. You wouldn't stop there, unless you had a good reason to. That’s because it's a favela, or a poor community. Many favelas are on Rio’s hillsides. This one is squeezed between a pair of highways and Guanabara Bay. Roughly 140,000 people live there. It’s known for being a hotbed of dangerous drug gangs, violence and police operations. But residents are trying to change that image — with food. Reporter Michael Fox has the story.

Favela food festival wins award as Latin America's best culinary event in 2026

For decades, scientists have thought the Bangka Slow Loris was extinct. The terribly cute — though venomous — primate hasn't been seen in Indonesia for 90 years. The World's Marco Werman explains how the the pack was rediscovered.

For decades, scientists have thought the Bangka Slow Loris was extinct. The terribly cute — though venomous — primate hasn't been seen in Indonesia for 90 years. The World's Marco Werman explains how the the pack was rediscovered.

The Bangka Slow Loris is back

In what newly elected President Abelardo de la Espriella calls a "cultural counter-revolution," Colombia's government has taken down more than 30 items from the National Museum of Bogota. Most of them reflect leftist, feminist and LGBTQ history. The move has sparked multiple protests from citizens who fear the removals risk erasing the experiences of marginalized communities and sanitizing Colombia’s violent past. Reporter Manuel Rueda has the story from Bogota.

In what newly elected President Abelardo de la Espriella calls a "cultural counter-revolution," Colombia's government has taken down more than 30 items from the National Museum of Bogota. Most of them reflect leftist, feminist and LGBTQ history. The move has sparked multiple protests from citizens who fear the removals risk erasing the experiences of marginalized communities and sanitizing Colombia’s violent past. Reporter Manuel Rueda has the story from Bogota.

Colombia's museum becomes battleground for nation's historical narrative

The legendary Senegalese big band Orchestra Baobab has undergone many personnel changes since its founding in the 1960s, but it carries on the sound its members formulated years ago — a mix of Latin styles, Senegalese percussion and lyrics in French, Wolof and Portuguese slang from neighboring Cape Verde. They have a new recording that came out last week, "Made in Senegal," and we take a listen with Host Marco Werman.

The legendary Senegalese big band Orchestra Baobab has undergone many personnel changes since its founding in the 1960s, but it carries on the sound its members formulated years ago — a mix of Latin styles, Senegalese percussion and lyrics in French, Wolof and Portuguese slang from neighboring Cape Verde. They have a new recording that came out last week, "Made in Senegal," and we take a listen with Host Marco Werman.

Legendary Senegalese band's new recording drops

Nobel Peace Prize laureate and pro-democracy icon María Corina Machado has returned to Venezuela to a rapturous welcome from supporters. But her homecoming comes with enormous risks, as she navigates a precarious political landscape. Phil Gunson, Caracas-based senior analyst for the International Crisis Group, tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that, given her widespread backing, it will be difficult for the government to curtail Machado’s activities.

Nobel Peace Prize laureate and pro-democracy icon María Corina Machado has returned to Venezuela to a rapturous welcome from supporters. But her homecoming comes with enormous risks, as she navigates a precarious political landscape. Phil Gunson, Caracas-based senior analyst for the International Crisis Group, tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that, given her widespread backing, it will be difficult for the government to curtail Machado’s activities.

'Enormous wave' of support greets returning Venezuelan opposition figure

If you're making the long walk to a soccer stadium, or you're just on your feet for hours a day, you might want to consider a pair of "cool shoes." Not as in trendy — but actually cool, and comfortable. They were created by a young Kenyan inventor who wanted to soothe his mother's aching feet. They're made entirely from trash and bits and pieces of old electronics. Reporter Jonathan Miller has the story.This story originally aired on June 23, 2026.

If you're making the long walk to a soccer stadium, or you're just on your feet for hours a day, you might want to consider a pair of "cool shoes." Not as in trendy — but actually cool, and comfortable. They were created by a young Kenyan inventor who wanted to soothe his mother's aching feet. They're made entirely from trash and bits and pieces of old electronics. Reporter Jonathan Miller has the story.
This story originally aired on June 23, 2026.

Cool shoes, for cool feet

You'd be excused for thinking the Japanese folk trio Kekko Seikatsu hails from Appalachia. Their sound is built around the slower environment of the Japanese countryside that they relocated to from Tokyo a few years ago. We can also hear their embrace of acoustic styles from Ireland, as well as the American back porch.

You'd be excused for thinking the Japanese folk trio Kekko Seikatsu hails from Appalachia. Their sound is built around the slower environment of the Japanese countryside that they relocated to from Tokyo a few years ago. We can also hear their embrace of acoustic styles from Ireland, as well as the American back porch.

Japanese folk trio reminds of Appalachia

Last night in Brazil's second-round presidential election, Incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva pulled off a victory the likes of which the country has never seen. This was the first time in Brazilian history that a candidate lost the first round, and won in the second. His win also bucked the trend of the far-right wave that has been gripping Latin America in recent years. Reporter Michael Fox was in the streets to gauge reaction.

Last night in Brazil's second-round presidential election, Incumbent Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva pulled off a victory the likes of which the country has never seen. This was the first time in Brazilian history that a candidate lost the first round, and won in the second. His win also bucked the trend of the far-right wave that has been gripping Latin America in recent years. Reporter Michael Fox was in the streets to gauge reaction.

In unlikely outcome, incumbent president wins Brazil's election

It seems every Scandinavian country has its favorite in the "slow TV" genre. Sweden has the seasonal hit "The Great Moose Migration," Norway has an hours-long train journey and Finland has its own blockbuster of nonstop boredom: a 24/7 livestream of puppies doing puppy things. The World's Joshua Coe has our unbearably cute puppy story.

It seems every Scandinavian country has its favorite in the "slow TV" genre. Sweden has the seasonal hit "The Great Moose Migration," Norway has an hours-long train journey and Finland has its own blockbuster of nonstop boredom: a 24/7 livestream of puppies doing puppy things. The World's Joshua Coe has our unbearably cute puppy story.

A hit 'slow TV' show from Finland is all puppies, all day

Researchers from the Kunming Institute of Botany in China have discovered a new species of fungus that's challenging previous assumptions about how big a fungus can get. They've named it "D-rex." And it's believed to have emerged, in part, thanks to the asteroid impact that killed the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Host Marco Werman has more.

Researchers from the Kunming Institute of Botany in China have discovered a new species of fungus that's challenging previous assumptions about how big a fungus can get. They've named it "D-rex." And it's believed to have emerged, in part, thanks to the asteroid impact that killed the dinosaurs 66 million years ago. Host Marco Werman has more.

Giant fungus discovered in China

Serbia is facing an unprecedented political experiment after a student-led movement swept to power, ending Aleksandar Vučić's 14 years in office. The movement grew out of nearly two years of relentless protests, and none of its newly elected representatives has ever served in parliament. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry joined host Marco Werman for the latest.

Serbia is facing an unprecedented political experiment after a student-led movement swept to power, ending Aleksandar Vučić's 14 years in office. The movement grew out of nearly two years of relentless protests, and none of its newly elected representatives has ever served in parliament. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry joined host Marco Werman for the latest.

Serbia faces a new political era after election upset

More than half a million young Israelis aged 18 to 22 will be eligible to vote in their first elections this week. It's being seen as one of the most consequential elections in the nation’s history. Polls project these new voters could lean farther right than the rest of the population. From the city of Sderot, less than a mile from Israel's border with Gaza, The World's Carolyn Beeler reports.

More than half a million young Israelis aged 18 to 22 will be eligible to vote in their first elections this week. It's being seen as one of the most consequential elections in the nation’s history. Polls project these new voters could lean farther right than the rest of the population. From the city of Sderot, less than a mile from Israel's border with Gaza, The World's Carolyn Beeler reports.

Israel's young voters skew right for election

Tiny solar-powered radio tags are allowing scientists to track individual monarch butterflies for the first time, documenting the paths they take on their migration across North America. Last fall, The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with Orley "Chip" Taylor, founder of Monarch Watch, about the new technology and what it tells us about the insects.This story originally aired on Nov. 26, 2025.

Tiny solar-powered radio tags are allowing scientists to track individual monarch butterflies for the first time, documenting the paths they take on their migration across North America. Last fall, The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with Orley "Chip" Taylor, founder of Monarch Watch, about the new technology and what it tells us about the insects.
This story originally aired on Nov. 26, 2025.

New technology can track individual monarchs on North American migration

Composer Sami Yusuf likes to keep listeners on their toes with his diverse style of music. Born to Azerbaijani parents in Tehran, Yusuf grew up in London and was trained in both Western and Middle Eastern classical music. But his musical knowledge doesn't end there. Flamenco, Native American and more can be heard on his latest release "Ecstasy: Voices of the Earth." Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.This story originally aired on March 30, 2026.

Composer Sami Yusuf likes to keep listeners on their toes with his diverse style of music. Born to Azerbaijani parents in Tehran, Yusuf grew up in London and was trained in both Western and Middle Eastern classical music. But his musical knowledge doesn't end there. Flamenco, Native American and more can be heard on his latest release "Ecstasy: Voices of the Earth." Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.
This story originally aired on March 30, 2026.

The musical journey continues for Sami Yusuf

In the aftermath of Syria's civil war that overthrew former President Bashar al Assad, millions of Syrians remain displaced or in other countries where they sought refuge. One of them is a woman named Israa, who settled in Germany after fleeing Syria more than 10 years ago, when she was 11 years old. A new documentary from our colleagues at Frontline, "One In A Million," caught up with Israa in Turkey as she was traveling with her family to Germany, and follows her to adulthood as she starts her own family and ultimately contemplates the possibility of moving back to a liberated Syria. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with co-director Itab Azzam about the film.

In the aftermath of Syria's civil war that overthrew former President Bashar al Assad, millions of Syrians remain displaced or in other countries where they sought refuge. One of them is a woman named Israa, who settled in Germany after fleeing Syria more than 10 years ago, when she was 11 years old. A new documentary from our colleagues at Frontline, "One In A Million," caught up with Israa in Turkey as she was traveling with her family to Germany, and follows her to adulthood as she starts her own family and ultimately contemplates the possibility of moving back to a liberated Syria. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with co-director Itab Azzam about the film.

Visceral documentary details 11-year-old refugee's journey from Turkey to Germany

A fact of electoral life in Israel is that certain groups of people will always vote a certain way: how their leader or rabbi "advises" them to vote. This is how politicians, like Israel's current ultra-right-wing finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, can keep his job. In his case, he's supported by a certain faction of settlers. Ultra-orthodox parties whose population reaches voting age far more than any other, also have a lock on a certain group of voters. Stephanie Freid reports.

A fact of electoral life in Israel is that certain groups of people will always vote a certain way: how their leader or rabbi "advises" them to vote. This is how politicians, like Israel's current ultra-right-wing finance minister, Bezalel Smotrich, can keep his job. In his case, he's supported by a certain faction of settlers. Ultra-orthodox parties whose population reaches voting age far more than any other, also have a lock on a certain group of voters. Stephanie Freid reports.

Israeli block voting props up right-wing candidates

It's hard to imagine, perhaps, but parts of France are bone dry. Severe and frequent droughts this year have left rivers low and wells near empty. Conservation efforts can mitigate the crisis to some degree, but climate change experts say the only real solution is more rain. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Saint-Amans-Soult, France.

It's hard to imagine, perhaps, but parts of France are bone dry. Severe and frequent droughts this year have left rivers low and wells near empty. Conservation efforts can mitigate the crisis to some degree, but climate change experts say the only real solution is more rain. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Saint-Amans-Soult, France.

In some French towns, droughts have residents lining up for drinking water

The ground on which many urban areas rest is “subsiding” or sinking lower into the earth — a phenomenon frequently linked to water extraction. A study out this month by a research team in China used satellite imaging to track this sinkage across nearly 500 major cities across the globe. It found that much of this so-called “land subsidence” is happening under Asian metropolises. To unpack how cities are sinking and why, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Robert Nicholls, a professor of climate adaptation at the University of East Anglia in the UK.

The ground on which many urban areas rest is “subsiding” or sinking lower into the earth — a phenomenon frequently linked to water extraction. A study out this month by a research team in China used satellite imaging to track this sinkage across nearly 500 major cities across the globe. It found that much of this so-called “land subsidence” is happening under Asian metropolises. To unpack how cities are sinking and why, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Robert Nicholls, a professor of climate adaptation at the University of East Anglia in the UK.

Why hundreds of cities across the globe are sinking

France is deploying 70,000 police and military personnel across its cities, with more protests planned for this weekend.  The demonstrations that began with high school students angry about conditions in their schools have grown into a broader protest movement fueled by the rising cost of living and declining public services. And France is far from alone. Protests have since spread to several countries across Europe. From Madrid, The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

France is deploying 70,000 police and military personnel across its cities, with more protests planned for this weekend.  The demonstrations that began with high school students angry about conditions in their schools have grown into a broader protest movement fueled by the rising cost of living and declining public services. And France is far from alone. Protests have since spread to several countries across Europe. From Madrid, The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Europe's growing wave of protests: What's driving the anger?

We turn to one of Argentina's biggest pop stars. He goes by the stage name Dillom. It's also something of an alter-ego for 25-year-old Dylan León Massa, who was kicked out of his father's house as a kid a decade ago. He went on to build his own record label with friends and is filling stadiums, all without ever signing to a major label. He is now a Latin Grammy nominated artist, and soon to tour the United States. Reporter Natalio Cosoy met with Dillom in Buenos Aires and has his story.

We turn to one of Argentina's biggest pop stars. He goes by the stage name Dillom. It's also something of an alter-ego for 25-year-old Dylan León Massa, who was kicked out of his father's house as a kid a decade ago. He went on to build his own record label with friends and is filling stadiums, all without ever signing to a major label. He is now a Latin Grammy nominated artist, and soon to tour the United States. Reporter Natalio Cosoy met with Dillom in Buenos Aires and has his story.

Argentine artist Dillom's new album

The Russian mercenary group known as Wagner Group gained notoriety during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and expanded operations across West and Central Africa. But then in 2023, Wagner’s leader Yevgeny Progozhin, after leading a failed military coup against Moscow, mysteriously died in a plane crash. Most of the Wagner troops were incorporated into the Russian security and intelligence forces, except in the Central African Republic, where Wagner Group continues its work under the leadership of Prigozhin’s son, Pavel. The 28-year-old millionaire has expanded and diversified the mercenary business he inherited. Host Carolyn Beeler is joined by Wall Street Journal reporter Nicholas Bariyo, who spoke about his recent investigation, “The Playboy Who Inherited the World’s Most Notorious Mercenary Force.”

The Russian mercenary group known as Wagner Group gained notoriety during Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine and expanded operations across West and Central Africa. But then in 2023, Wagner’s leader Yevgeny Progozhin, after leading a failed military coup against Moscow, mysteriously died in a plane crash. Most of the Wagner troops were incorporated into the Russian security and intelligence forces, except in the Central African Republic, where Wagner Group continues its work under the leadership of Prigozhin’s son, Pavel. The 28-year-old millionaire has expanded and diversified the mercenary business he inherited. Host Carolyn Beeler is joined by Wall Street Journal reporter Nicholas Bariyo, who spoke about his recent investigation, “The Playboy Who Inherited the World’s Most Notorious Mercenary Force.”

The Playboy millionaire in charge of a mercenary force

For decades, malaria has claimed children’s lives and haunted mothers across Africa. Developing a vaccine was a formidable scientific challenge, in part because the parasite that causes the disease is complex. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended widespread use of the RTS,S malaria vaccine in October 2021. Five years on in Ghana — one of the first countries to pilot the malaria vaccine — the program is actually saving children's lives. From Ghana, Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman has the story.

For decades, malaria has claimed children’s lives and haunted mothers across Africa. Developing a vaccine was a formidable scientific challenge, in part because the parasite that causes the disease is complex. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommended widespread use of the RTS,S malaria vaccine in October 2021. Five years on in Ghana — one of the first countries to pilot the malaria vaccine — the program is actually saving children's lives. From Ghana, Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman has the story.

A five-year look into how a malaria vaccine changed Ghana

As Israeli strikes forced families across Lebanon to flee, many migrant workers found themselves abandoned and without shelter. But rather than wait for help, they mobilized their own networks, opening shelters, organizing aid and protecting one another. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

As Israeli strikes forced families across Lebanon to flee, many migrant workers found themselves abandoned and without shelter. But rather than wait for help, they mobilized their own networks, opening shelters, organizing aid and protecting one another. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Migrant workers find strength in each other amid Israeli strikes in Lebanon

Ahead of Sunday's presidential runoff in Brazil, some of the country's biggest musicians are taking political sides. Several sertanejo stars — Brazil's version of country music — are backing Flávio Bolsonaro, while many samba and traditional Brazilian pop artists are rallying around President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. But these musical alliances have deep historical roots, and the divisions aren't as clear-cut as they seem. The World's Tibisay Zea explores what Brazil's political soundtrack reveals about its changing society.

Ahead of Sunday's presidential runoff in Brazil, some of the country's biggest musicians are taking political sides. Several sertanejo stars — Brazil's version of country music — are backing Flávio Bolsonaro, while many samba and traditional Brazilian pop artists are rallying around President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva. But these musical alliances have deep historical roots, and the divisions aren't as clear-cut as they seem. The World's Tibisay Zea explores what Brazil's political soundtrack reveals about its changing society.

Brazil's presidential election has two very different soundtracks

Conservationists in India are working on an atlas of the country's grasslands, as part of a wider push to protect the ecosystem. Grasslands are a major carbon sink, but are currently classed as wasteland by the government, meaning they are the first to be converted for other uses. Abi Vanak, advisor to the Grasslands Trust and the director of the Centre for Policy Design at the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, spoke with Host Carolyn Beeler.

Conservationists in India are working on an atlas of the country's grasslands, as part of a wider push to protect the ecosystem. Grasslands are a major carbon sink, but are currently classed as wasteland by the government, meaning they are the first to be converted for other uses. Abi Vanak, advisor to the Grasslands Trust and the director of the Centre for Policy Design at the Ashoka Trust for Research in Ecology and the Environment, spoke with Host Carolyn Beeler.