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.

Police in Germany apprehended a man last week suspected of planning and carrying out sabotage against the country’s electricity network. Authorities say the 48-year-old suspect’s apparent motive was to draw attention to fossil fuels and the climate crisis. The case is raising questions about a form of politically motivated violence that some are calling “climate terrorism" or "climate extremism." The World's Marco Werman learned more from Hans-Jakob Schindler, senior director at The Counter Extremism Project.

Police in Germany apprehended a man last week suspected of planning and carrying out sabotage against the country’s electricity network. Authorities say the 48-year-old suspect’s apparent motive was to draw attention to fossil fuels and the climate crisis. The case is raising questions about a form of politically motivated violence that some are calling “climate terrorism" or "climate extremism." The World's Marco Werman learned more from Hans-Jakob Schindler, senior director at The Counter Extremism Project.

German police arrest suspect in case of apparent climate extremism

Much of Norway came to a standstill last week as King Harald V was laid to rest after an elaborate state funeral attended by European royalty, global heads of state, and other leaders. To borrow a phrase from another late monarch, it truly has been an “annus horribilis” or terrible year for the Norwegian crown. And yet, despite scandals that have dogged their family, a new King and Queen – Haakon VIII and Mette-Marit – are now in charge at the palace. And, if Lars Bevanger’s instincts in Oslo are correct, they are likely to stay there.

Much of Norway came to a standstill last week as King Harald V was laid to rest after an elaborate state funeral attended by European royalty, global heads of state, and other leaders. To borrow a phrase from another late monarch, it truly has been an “annus horribilis” or terrible year for the Norwegian crown. And yet, despite scandals that have dogged their family, a new King and Queen – Haakon VIII and Mette-Marit – are now in charge at the palace. And, if Lars Bevanger’s instincts in Oslo are correct, they are likely to stay there.

Norwegian royalty may prevail despite death and scandals

Lahore-born musician Ali Sethi released a song so popular that some claimed it could unite two warring countries. In this episode of the Movement podcast, about music and migration, which aired in April this year, host Meklit Hadero charts Sethi's artistic journey, starting with what inspired him to study traditional Pakistani singing in the first place.This story first aired on April 10, 2026

Lahore-born musician Ali Sethi released a song so popular that some claimed it could unite two warring countries. In this episode of the Movement podcast, about music and migration, which aired in April this year, host Meklit Hadero charts Sethi's artistic journey, starting with what inspired him to study traditional Pakistani singing in the first place.
This story first aired on April 10, 2026

Pakistani musician Ali Sethi on art as a unifier

The Olympic torch arrived in Dakar, Senegal, this weekend. Senegal is hosting the Youth Games next month. It's the first time the Olympic Games have been held on the African continent.

The Olympic torch arrived in Dakar, Senegal, this weekend. Senegal is hosting the Youth Games next month. It's the first time the Olympic Games have been held on the African continent.

Celebrations begin for first African Olympics

In Yemen, the Houthis — a rebel group backed by Iran — have seized more strategic territory along the Red Sea. This now includes islands in the middle of the narrowest portion of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a geographic bottleneck through which more than a tenth of global trade flows. The World's Carolyn Beeler learned more from Ibrahim Jalal, an independent security analyst and political advisor from Yemen.

In Yemen, the Houthis — a rebel group backed by Iran — have seized more strategic territory along the Red Sea. This now includes islands in the middle of the narrowest portion of the Bab al-Mandab Strait, a geographic bottleneck through which more than a tenth of global trade flows. The World's Carolyn Beeler learned more from Ibrahim Jalal, an independent security analyst and political advisor from Yemen.

Iran-backed Houthis make major gains in Yemen that could further choke trade

After her reporting trip to Nepal to cover the devastating floods, Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Mingma David Sherpa. He's a world-record-setting mountaineer who has climbed and guided in the Himalayas since 2008. Which means he's had a front-row view of what warming temperatures are doing to the region.

After her reporting trip to Nepal to cover the devastating floods, Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Mingma David Sherpa. He's a world-record-setting mountaineer who has climbed and guided in the Himalayas since 2008. Which means he's had a front-row view of what warming temperatures are doing to the region.

Updates on Nepal

When Beijing and Washington talk about AI safety guardrails, they often mean very different things. While the debate in the US has revolved around existential threats to humanity, China is more focused on threats to its ruling party. The World’s Marco Werman and Samm Sacks, a senior fellow at New America and the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, discuss the different approaches and the common vulnerabilities the two countries share.

When Beijing and Washington talk about AI safety guardrails, they often mean very different things. While the debate in the US has revolved around existential threats to humanity, China is more focused on threats to its ruling party. The World’s Marco Werman and Samm Sacks, a senior fellow at New America and the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, discuss the different approaches and the common vulnerabilities the two countries share.

AI poses 'shared vulnerability' to US and China

For some Arab and Muslim musicians in the US and the Middle East, the events of September 11th influenced both their content and style. Many wanted to present their identity and culture in a positive way. Danny Hajjar is a music journalist and fan of the Arabic global rap scene. He recently stopped by our studio in Boston to talk about a few of the artists to emerge in the post-9/11 musical landscape.

For some Arab and Muslim musicians in the US and the Middle East, the events of September 11th influenced both their content and style. Many wanted to present their identity and culture in a positive way. Danny Hajjar is a music journalist and fan of the Arabic global rap scene. He recently stopped by our studio in Boston to talk about a few of the artists to emerge in the post-9/11 musical landscape.

Arabic rappers find their identity after 9/11

Nazma Khan was a young Muslim woman in the Bronx, already accustomed to being bullied because she wore a hijab, or the Islamic head covering. But after the 9/11 attacks, she says, the harassment became more frightening and more personal. Her experience was painful, but it also inspired her to start World Hijab Day. Khan tells her story in her own words.

Nazma Khan was a young Muslim woman in the Bronx, already accustomed to being bullied because she wore a hijab, or the Islamic head covering. But after the 9/11 attacks, she says, the harassment became more frightening and more personal. Her experience was painful, but it also inspired her to start World Hijab Day. Khan tells her story in her own words.

After 9/11, she turned Islamophobia into a movement

Susan Meiselas has worked for the famed photo agency Magnum Photos for 50 years. Her work has documented upheavals and conflicts in South and Central America, among other places. On September 11, 2001, she did not expect that conflict would come to her doorstep in New York City. She talks to Host Marco Werman near Ground Zero, next to a sculpture she captured in one of her most iconic photos from that day.

Susan Meiselas has worked for the famed photo agency Magnum Photos for 50 years. Her work has documented upheavals and conflicts in South and Central America, among other places. On September 11, 2001, she did not expect that conflict would come to her doorstep in New York City. She talks to Host Marco Werman near Ground Zero, next to a sculpture she captured in one of her most iconic photos from that day.

An American documentary photographer recalls her day on 9/11

Host Marco Werman shares some personal recollections of 9/11 and also profiles two very different victims who died at Ground Zero, men from opposite sides of the globe: Father Mychal Judge, the chaplain at the time to the New York Fire Department, and Jupiter Yambem, the banquet manager at Windows on the World, the restaurant at the top of the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

Host Marco Werman shares some personal recollections of 9/11 and also profiles two very different victims who died at Ground Zero, men from opposite sides of the globe: Father Mychal Judge, the chaplain at the time to the New York Fire Department, and Jupiter Yambem, the banquet manager at Windows on the World, the restaurant at the top of the North Tower of the World Trade Center.

9/11 affected people near and far

There were ceremonies and events across the country today to remember the nearly 3,000 people who were killed on Sept. 11, 2001, when 19 al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked passenger jets and crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon and Shanksville, PA. Host Marco Werman reminds us of what happened on that day.

There were ceremonies and events across the country today to remember the nearly 3,000 people who were killed on Sept. 11, 2001, when 19 al-Qaeda terrorists hijacked passenger jets and crashed them into the World Trade Center in New York, the Pentagon and Shanksville, PA. Host Marco Werman reminds us of what happened on that day.

A look back 25 years since the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks

Mohamedou Ould Slahi was imprisoned without charge at Guantánamo Bay for nearly 15 years. Arrested in 2001 and transferred through various prisons before arriving at Guantánamo, Slahi endured years of torture and harsh interrogation under the US government's post-9/11 counterterrorism efforts. He was detained on suspicion of terrorism, but no charges were ever filed against him. The World's Shirin Jaafari spoke with Slahi and brings us his story.

Mohamedou Ould Slahi was imprisoned without charge at Guantánamo Bay for nearly 15 years.
Arrested in 2001 and transferred through various prisons before arriving at Guantánamo, Slahi endured years of torture and harsh interrogation under the US government's post-9/11 counterterrorism efforts. He was detained on suspicion of terrorism, but no charges were ever filed against him. The World's Shirin Jaafari spoke with Slahi and brings us his story.

'For 15 years, I didn't see the sun rise or go down'

Not far from the September 11 Memorial at Ground Zero is a statue of a modern US soldier on horseback. Officially, it’s known as “America's Response Monument.” As rescue workers continued to work through the smoldering rubble at Ground Zero, Mark Nutsch spearheaded that response, leading a 12-man Green Beret unit that became famous as the "Horse Soldiers." Nutsch spoke to Host Marco Werman about how his vastly outnumbered team, together with Afghan allies, took the fight to the Taliban and al-Qaeda in the early days of the War on Terror. He joined the show from Somerset, Kentucky.

Not far from the September 11 Memorial at Ground Zero is a statue of a modern US soldier on horseback. Officially, it’s known as “America's Response Monument.” As rescue workers continued to work through the smoldering rubble at Ground Zero, Mark Nutsch spearheaded that response, leading a 12-man Green Beret unit that became famous as the "Horse Soldiers." Nutsch spoke to Host Marco Werman about how his vastly outnumbered team, together with Afghan allies, took the fight to the Taliban and al-Qaeda in the early days of the War on Terror. He joined the show from Somerset, Kentucky.

Green Beret veteran recalls US' response to 9/11 attacks

The Colombian Paca Digestora Silva — the Silva digester bale — is a processing method for organic waste that has spawned a social movement. The unique composting method was developed in the 1980s by Colombian forester Guillermo Silva, but only took off in the late 2010s and surged during the pandemic. Tasha Sandoval has the story from Bogota about this attempt to keep organic waste out of the local landfill.

The Colombian Paca Digestora Silva — the Silva digester bale — is a processing method for organic waste that has spawned a social movement. The unique composting method was developed in the 1980s by Colombian forester Guillermo Silva, but only took off in the late 2010s and surged during the pandemic. Tasha Sandoval has the story from Bogota about this attempt to keep organic waste out of the local landfill.

Colombian organic waste processing method sparks social movement

The World's Carolyn Beeler investigates what could have been done better to prevent what is likely to amount to several thousands of deaths in Nepal, following the deadly avalanche and flooding that hit in late August. As she reports, Nepalese officials believe their future safety requires an international commitment.

The World's Carolyn Beeler investigates what could have been done better to prevent what is likely to amount to several thousands of deaths in Nepal, following the deadly avalanche and flooding that hit in late August. As she reports, Nepalese officials believe their future safety requires an international commitment.

As Nepal recovers, people ask how they can prepare for the next disaster

Susan Retik joined forces with another woman whose husband was killed on 9/11 to create Beyond the 11th. It's a charity that helps widows in Afghanistan who have been afflicted by war, terrorism and oppression. Host Marco Werman speaks with Susan Retick about her feelings on the attack, about the program she created and the annual bike ride that kicked off today to raise money for her organization.

Susan Retik joined forces with another woman whose husband was killed on 9/11 to create Beyond the 11th. It's a charity that helps widows in Afghanistan who have been afflicted by war, terrorism and oppression. Host Marco Werman speaks with Susan Retick about her feelings on the attack, about the program she created and the annual bike ride that kicked off today to raise money for her organization.

A 9/11 widow has helped Afghan widows for 25 years

They go by a few different names, but Japan's listening lounges are going through something of a revival. They are music bars where simply sitting and listening to records is the main attraction. In fact, some of these establishments have strict rules against conversation and other distractions like cell phone photos. It's all to maximize the listening experience, which often relies on extraordinarily expensive vintage stereo equipment that almost nobody can afford at home. The World's Matthew Bell reported this story from Tokyo last year.This story originally aired on Feb. 25, 2025.

They go by a few different names, but Japan's listening lounges are going through something of a revival. They are music bars where simply sitting and listening to records is the main attraction. In fact, some of these establishments have strict rules against conversation and other distractions like cell phone photos. It's all to maximize the listening experience, which often relies on extraordinarily expensive vintage stereo equipment that almost nobody can afford at home. The World's Matthew Bell reported this story from Tokyo last year.
This story originally aired on Feb. 25, 2025.

Japan's 'listening lounges' offer pure music, with a side of drinks

From it’s impact on students' education to its growing use on the battlefield in choosing targets, artificial Intelligence has multifaceted impacts on human life. But a former employee at the AI company Anthropic has taken to social media to warn that the technology could “kill us all” by 2030. The World’s Host Marco Werman spoke to two experts on AI to get their perspectives. Rumman Chowdhury is an AI ethicist and founder of Humane Intelligence. Daniel Kokotajlo is executive director of the AI Futures Project. He previously worked at OpenAI as a governance researcher specializing in scenario planning.

From it’s impact on students' education to its growing use on the battlefield in choosing targets, artificial Intelligence has multifaceted impacts on human life. But a former employee at the AI company Anthropic has taken to social media to warn that the technology could “kill us all” by 2030. The World’s Host Marco Werman spoke to two experts on AI to get their perspectives. Rumman Chowdhury is an AI ethicist and founder of Humane Intelligence. Daniel Kokotajlo is executive director of the AI Futures Project. He previously worked at OpenAI as a governance researcher specializing in scenario planning.

Ex-Anthropic employee warns AI could 'kill us all' by 2030. Not everyone agrees.

Guest Maria Mitri with the Friends Committee on National Legislation argues that today’s militarized immigration enforcement grew out of the post-9/11 “War on Terror." National security tactics that were developed abroad, she tells Host Carolyn Beeler, have increasingly been brought home.

Guest Maria Mitri with the Friends Committee on National Legislation argues that today’s militarized immigration enforcement grew out of the post-9/11 “War on Terror." National security tactics that were developed abroad, she tells Host Carolyn Beeler, have increasingly been brought home.

Impact of the 'War on Terror' on immigration enforcement at home

The political combination that could move Spain to the far-right would bring together the Populist, anti-immigrant Vox party in a coalition with Spain's center-right Popular Party. The two groups don't always see eye to eye, but they do smell the same thing: power. A poll this week suggests it's within reach, albeit barely, with just over 50% of voters saying they'd back the bloc. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

The political combination that could move Spain to the far-right would bring together the Populist, anti-immigrant Vox party in a coalition with Spain's center-right Popular Party. The two groups don't always see eye to eye, but they do smell the same thing: power. A poll this week suggests it's within reach, albeit barely, with just over 50% of voters saying they'd back the bloc. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Spain's far-right polls closer to power than ever

This Friday marks the debut of a new album from Morocco. It’s a collaboration between opposite ends of the musical spectrum. On one end, Bnat Louz, or “the Almond Girls,” perform traditional ahwach music from Morocco’s rural south, while Casablanca band Raskas combines digital beats and electric guitar. The album is part of a larger effort to carry Morocco’s vast musical heritage into the future, using an unlikely vehicle: electronic music. From Casablanca, Lauren Schenkman reports.

This Friday marks the debut of a new album from Morocco. It’s a collaboration between opposite ends of the musical spectrum. On one end, Bnat Louz, or “the Almond Girls,” perform traditional ahwach music from Morocco’s rural south, while Casablanca band Raskas combines digital beats and electric guitar. The album is part of a larger effort to carry Morocco’s vast musical heritage into the future, using an unlikely vehicle: electronic music. From Casablanca, Lauren Schenkman reports.

Moroccan village music finds an unlikely legacy: hardcore electronica

A delegation from Jamaica is asking King Charles to seek guidance on whether Britain is obligated to pay reparations for its role in the transatlantic slave trade.

A delegation from Jamaica is asking King Charles to seek guidance on whether Britain is obligated to pay reparations for its role in the transatlantic slave trade.

Jamaican delegation gives King Charles reparations petition

Not every virus or disease responds to medicine. And the number of drug-resistant bugs is growing. It's largely the result of overusing antibiotics in medicine and agriculture, when pharmaceuticals end up in our water and soil. The World Health Organization has called antibiotic resistance one of the most complex and frightening health challenges of our time. Without urgent action, drug resistant infections could kill 10 million people per year by 2050. For Deutsche Welle, DW's, "Living Planet" podcast, Neil King looked at what can be done.

Not every virus or disease responds to medicine. And the number of drug-resistant bugs is growing. It's largely the result of overusing antibiotics in medicine and agriculture, when pharmaceuticals end up in our water and soil. The World Health Organization has called antibiotic resistance one of the most complex and frightening health challenges of our time. Without urgent action, drug resistant infections could kill 10 million people per year by 2050. For Deutsche Welle, DW's, "Living Planet" podcast, Neil King looked at what can be done.

Prescription for a superbug crisis

The US recently sent its last forward-deployed aircraft carrier in the Pacific, the USS George Washington, to the Middle East. With so many eyes right now focusing on events in the Persian Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz, some security analysts are concerned that the US is taking its eye off the ball when it comes to China. The World's Aaron Schachter learned more from Mira Rapp-Hooper, a visiting fellow at The Brookings Institution in Washington.

The US recently sent its last forward-deployed aircraft carrier in the Pacific, the USS George Washington, to the Middle East. With so many eyes right now focusing on events in the Persian Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz, some security analysts are concerned that the US is taking its eye off the ball when it comes to China. The World's Aaron Schachter learned more from Mira Rapp-Hooper, a visiting fellow at The Brookings Institution in Washington.

How prepared is the US military to defend its Pacific allies?

A new collection of music from the remote African islands of Sao Tome and Principe is a revelation. This nation in the Atlantic Ocean doesn't get a lot of attention, but as we hear in songs by bands from the 1960s and '70s, like Sangazuza, it's worth listening up.This story originally aired on Jan. 15, 2026.

A new collection of music from the remote African islands of Sao Tome and Principe is a revelation. This nation in the Atlantic Ocean doesn't get a lot of attention, but as we hear in songs by bands from the 1960s and '70s, like Sangazuza, it's worth listening up.
This story originally aired on Jan. 15, 2026.

A new music collection from some old African artists

In the South Pacific archipelago of Fiji, HIV cases have spiked in the past five years. It is estimated that 1 in 60 adults currently lives with the virus. A drug epidemic and stigma have made the transmission difficult to keep under control. Host Marco Werman talks to Sharon McLennan, a scientist with Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, about this issue.

In the South Pacific archipelago of Fiji, HIV cases have spiked in the past five years. It is estimated that 1 in 60 adults currently lives with the virus. A drug epidemic and stigma have made the transmission difficult to keep under control. Host Marco Werman talks to Sharon McLennan, a scientist with Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, about this issue.

Fiji is in the midst of an HIV crisis

Two paintings by the French Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir were stolen from a museum in southern France Tuesday morning. It's the latest in a growing trend of "smash and grab"-style museum heists across Europe, says Arthur Brand, an independent art detective who has helped authorities recover artwork after similar thefts. He spoke to Host Marco Werman from Amsterdam.

Two paintings by the French Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir were stolen from a museum in southern France Tuesday morning. It's the latest in a growing trend of "smash and grab"-style museum heists across Europe, says Arthur Brand, an independent art detective who has helped authorities recover artwork after similar thefts. He spoke to Host Marco Werman from Amsterdam.

Renoir museum heist in France is latest in wave of art thefts across Europe

Israel does not allow absentee voting, forcing the 500,000 Israeli ex-pats eligible to vote to choose between an expensive trip home or sitting out the country’s most consequential election in years. To help Israelis return, the AID Coalition, a US-based nonprofit organization, launched an initiative called Fly&amp;Vote. From Tel Aviv, Stephanie Freid reports.

Israel does not allow absentee voting, forcing the 500,000 Israeli ex-pats eligible to vote to choose between an expensive trip home or sitting out the country’s most consequential election in years. To help Israelis return, the AID Coalition, a US-based nonprofit organization, launched an initiative called Fly&Vote. From Tel Aviv, Stephanie Freid reports.

Israeli 'Fly&Vote' movement gaining steam

Flooding is common in Nepal. But the avalanche that triggered water and debris to surge down the Trishuli River was of an entirely different magnitude. The World's Carolyn Beeler explains what caused the disaster, and what role scientists say climate change may have played.

Flooding is common in Nepal. But the avalanche that triggered water and debris to surge down the Trishuli River was of an entirely different magnitude. The World's Carolyn Beeler explains what caused the disaster, and what role scientists say climate change may have played.