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.

An appeals court in Paris has ruled that an international arrest warrant issued by France against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is valid. The warrant was issued against Assad in connection with alleged crimes against humanity and chemical weapons attacks in Syria in 2013. Host Marco Werman speaks with Natasha Hall, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, about how Assad has gone from international pariah to reputational rehabilitation and acceptable state-player.

An appeals court in Paris has ruled that an international arrest warrant issued by France against Syrian President Bashar al-Assad is valid. The warrant was issued against Assad in connection with alleged crimes against humanity and chemical weapons attacks in Syria in 2013. Host Marco Werman speaks with Natasha Hall, a senior fellow at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, about how Assad has gone from international pariah to reputational rehabilitation and acceptable state-player.

Paris court rules on validity of France's arrest warrant for Syrian president

They're called Festas Juninas or June Festivals and they are the heart of Brazilian culture this time of the year. What’s special about these festivals is that they’re not usually mega events, like Carnival in February, but they're held in each town and community across the country. As Michael Fox reports from Florianopolis, in southern Brazil, these festivals spring from a deep well of history and broad mix of cultural influences passed from one generation to the next.

They're called Festas Juninas or June Festivals and they are the heart of Brazilian culture this time of the year. What’s special about these festivals is that they’re not usually mega events, like Carnival in February, but they're held in each town and community across the country. As Michael Fox reports from Florianopolis, in southern Brazil, these festivals spring from a deep well of history and broad mix of cultural influences passed from one generation to the next.

As winter arrives in the Southern Hemisphere, Brazilians celebrate June Festivals

The earliest Category 4 Atlantic hurricane ever recorded is headed through the Caribbean right now. So far, it's charted a path that is unusually far south. It is hitting Grenada on Monday. That's rare. The high winds in its swirling arms are hitting Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. There will be a big ocean swell too. Ministers for the government of Barbados are in the Emergency Operations Center right now. Kathy-Ann Caeser, a meteorologist at the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology in Barbados, tells us more.

The earliest Category 4 Atlantic hurricane ever recorded is headed through the Caribbean right now. So far, it's charted a path that is unusually far south. It is hitting Grenada on Monday. That's rare. The high winds in its swirling arms are hitting Barbados and St. Vincent and the Grenadines. There will be a big ocean swell too. Ministers for the government of Barbados are in the Emergency Operations Center right now. Kathy-Ann Caeser, a meteorologist at the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology in Barbados, tells us more.

Earliest Category 4 Atlantic hurricane ever recorded is headed through the Caribbean

A year in to a major policy reversal, analysts say Turkey's return to mainstream economics seems to be paying off, with consumer inflation nearing its peak. But the reality on the ground shows consumers are still struggling with rising prices. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports.

A year in to a major policy reversal, analysts say Turkey's return to mainstream economics seems to be paying off, with consumer inflation nearing its peak. But the reality on the ground shows consumers are still struggling with rising prices. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports.

 In Turkey, a return to orthodox economic policies begins to pay off 

The conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine seem to be top on the global diplomatic agenda, despite the catastrophic famine conditions that grip Sudan. The US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, tells The World’s Marco Werman that while headlines focus on Gaza and Ukraine, US diplomats view the humanitarian situation in Sudan as “the most-dire in the world.”

The conflicts in Gaza and Ukraine seem to be top on the global diplomatic agenda, despite the catastrophic famine conditions that grip Sudan. The US ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, tells The World’s Marco Werman that while headlines focus on Gaza and Ukraine, US diplomats view the humanitarian situation in Sudan as “the most-dire in the world.”

'We can't prioritize misery and we can't prioritize pain'

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is pushing for a radical reform to overhaul a judiciary he accuses of corruption. One of the most-contentious changes would be that judges at all levels will be elected by popular vote, instead of being appointed based on merit. The reform will likely be approved as soon as September, even when critics flag it as an authoritarian move that is politically motivated. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is pushing for a radical reform to overhaul a judiciary he accuses of corruption. One of the most-contentious changes would be that judges at all levels will be elected by popular vote, instead of being appointed based on merit. The reform will likely be approved as soon as September, even when critics flag it as an authoritarian move that is politically motivated. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

Mexico's outgoing president wants to move fast with a controversial judicial reform

For young people still in school, there are few sweeter words than “summer vacation.” But for students in Ukraine, these are tough times. The school year for public school kids just wrapped up last week. And their whole education experience for both Ukrainian students and their teachers has fundamentally changed. The World’s Daniel Ofman reports from the western Ukrainian city of Lviv.

For young people still in school, there are few sweeter words than “summer vacation.” But for students in Ukraine, these are tough times. The school year for public school kids just wrapped up last week. And their whole education experience for both Ukrainian students and their teachers has fundamentally changed. The World’s Daniel Ofman reports from the western Ukrainian city of Lviv.

English teacher in Lviv

For a long time, people have performed CPR to the beat of Stayin' Alive by the BeeGees. But if that's not your jam, a new report by the American Heart Association found that you can also perform CPR to beat of "Tití Me Preguntó."

For a long time, people have performed CPR to the beat of Stayin' Alive by the BeeGees. But if that's not your jam, a new report by the American Heart Association found that you can also perform CPR to beat of "Tití Me Preguntó."

The worlds of Latin music and cardiac health collide

The winning votes for the National Rally is a blow to centrist President Manuel Macron, who called the snap vote as a referendum on his mandate — and on the very direction France, and Europe, should be headed. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

The winning votes for the National Rally is a blow to centrist President Manuel Macron, who called the snap vote as a referendum on his mandate — and on the very direction France, and Europe, should be headed. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

France's far-right party wins big in round one of parliamentary elections 

Over the weekend, Iranians voted in the first round of presidential elections despite much voter apathy. That apathy was on display as voter turnout hit a historic low. The vote will now continue into a runoff, however, between the top two candidates — reformist Masoud Pezeshkian and ultraconservative Saeed Jalili — as neither candidate received more than 50% of the vote. Host Marco Werman speaks with Iranian journalist Azadeh Moaveni about voter apathy and the choices Iranians will have to make despite the disillusionment with the system.

Over the weekend, Iranians voted in the first round of presidential elections despite much voter apathy. That apathy was on display as voter turnout hit a historic low. The vote will now continue into a runoff, however, between the top two candidates — reformist Masoud Pezeshkian and ultraconservative Saeed Jalili — as neither candidate received more than 50% of the vote. Host Marco Werman speaks with Iranian journalist Azadeh Moaveni about voter apathy and the choices Iranians will have to make despite the disillusionment with the system.

Iran voter turnout hits historic low during 1st round of voting 

Sunday marked the final day for athletes to qualify for the Paris Olympics. The World's Bianca Hillier speaks with host Marco Werman about a few of the different ways athletes can secure their ticket to the Games.

Sunday marked the final day for athletes to qualify for the Paris Olympics. The World's Bianca Hillier speaks with host Marco Werman about a few of the different ways athletes can secure their ticket to the Games.

The winding qualifying path to the Paris Olympics

This week, the first contingent of Kenyan police arrived in Haiti as part of a multinational security mission to address gang violence there. While Kenya’s leaders have applauded the police for their track record in peace and security, they face growing scrutiny at home. Over the past week, police have been criticized for their violent and deadly crackdown on anti-tax demonstrators. The World’s Africa correspondent Halima Gikandi reports from Nairobi.

This week, the first contingent of Kenyan police arrived in Haiti as part of a multinational security mission to address gang violence there. While Kenya’s leaders have applauded the police for their track record in peace and security, they face growing scrutiny at home. Over the past week, police have been criticized for their violent and deadly crackdown on anti-tax demonstrators. The World’s Africa correspondent Halima Gikandi reports from Nairobi.

Kenyan police face scrutiny at home

The former president’s collection is being returned to Dakar after decades in France. It’s considered culturally significant as Senghor was a monumental figure in Senegalese and African history. Host Marco Werman speaks with Kelly Duke-Bryant, a professor of history at Rowan University, about why this is a significant moment for Senegal and Senghor’s collection.

The former president’s collection is being returned to Dakar after decades in France. It’s considered culturally significant as Senghor was a monumental figure in Senegalese and African history. Host Marco Werman speaks with Kelly Duke-Bryant, a professor of history at Rowan University, about why this is a significant moment for Senegal and Senghor’s collection.

Former Senegalese president Leopold Sedar Senghor's returning to Dakar

Almost since the beginning of the war in Gaza, we have been hearing the words "on the brink of famine." Who determines what is famine, and what exactly does it mean? As The World's Aaron Schachter tells us, it's complicated.

Almost since the beginning of the war in Gaza, we have been hearing the words "on the brink of famine." Who determines what is famine, and what exactly does it mean? As The World's Aaron Schachter tells us, it's complicated.

Defending famine in Gaza

Babymaking is tantamount to national service in Japan, where the government says population decline is “the biggest crisis Japan faces.” That's why local governments in Japan have set up their own dating services. The World's Patrick Winn gets a tour of one such service, and a man and a woman who tried it out.

Babymaking is tantamount to national service in Japan, where the government says population decline is “the biggest crisis Japan faces.” That's why local governments in Japan have set up their own dating services. The World's Patrick Winn gets a tour of one such service, and a man and a woman who tried it out.

In Japan, the government wants to help you find a date 

A Turkish court case that exposed an Iranian kidnapping ring offers a blueprint for Iran's operations against dissidents abroad. Reporter Fariba Nawa finds a source to guide her through some of the inner workings of Iran's secret plot.

A Turkish court case that exposed an Iranian kidnapping ring offers a blueprint for Iran's operations against dissidents abroad. Reporter Fariba Nawa finds a source to guide her through some of the inner workings of Iran's secret plot.

The survivor of an Iranian kidnapping operation tells his story

Paris is preparing to host the Summer Olympics in just a few weeks, but it's not the first time the Games have come to town. The World's Bianca Hillier takes a look back at the 1900 and 1924 editions.

Paris is preparing to host the Summer Olympics in just a few weeks, but it's not the first time the Games have come to town. The World's Bianca Hillier takes a look back at the 1900 and 1924 editions.

A look back at the 1900 and 1924 Paris Olympics

Host Marco Werman gives us a listen to Quebec singer Dominique Fils-Aimé, who, after competing on “La Voix,” TVA’s version of “The Voice” nearly 10 years ago, is headlining this weekend at the Montreal Jazz Festival.

Host Marco Werman gives us a listen to Quebec singer Dominique Fils-Aimé, who, after competing on “La Voix,” TVA’s version of “The Voice” nearly 10 years ago, is headlining this weekend at the Montreal Jazz Festival.

Jazz vocals in French from Quebec 

A project in South Africa aims to reduce demand for rhinoceros horns by making them radioactive. Host Marco Werman speaks with professor James Larkin at the University of the Witwatersrand, who is inserting small quantities of radioisotopes into the horns of live rhinos, allowing for their detection by monitors at border stations and reducing their value as a commodity.

A project in South Africa aims to reduce demand for rhinoceros horns by making them radioactive. Host Marco Werman speaks with professor James Larkin at the University of the Witwatersrand, who is inserting small quantities of radioisotopes into the horns of live rhinos, allowing for their detection by monitors at border stations and reducing their value as a commodity.

Protecting rhinos with radioactivity

It was a debate for American voters. But Thursday night's encounter between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump has made headlines across the globe. To get more on how the rest of the world has been reacting to the event, The World's Marco Werman catches up with Europe correspondent Orla Barry.

It was a debate for American voters. But Thursday night's encounter between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump has made headlines across the globe. To get more on how the rest of the world has been reacting to the event, The World's Marco Werman catches up with Europe correspondent Orla Barry.

The world reacts to US presidential debate

Six candidates, including one moderate, were selected by Iran's Guardian Council to run in snap presidential elections on June 28. Two have since dropped out. Many voters say a heavy crackdown on the Woman, Life, Freedom movement following the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini have left them with no faith in the electoral system. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports.

Six candidates, including one moderate, were selected by Iran's Guardian Council to run in snap presidential elections on June 28. Two have since dropped out. Many voters say a heavy crackdown on the Woman, Life, Freedom movement following the death in custody of 22-year-old Mahsa Amini have left them with no faith in the electoral system. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports.

Young Iranian voters say they will boycott elections on Friday

Lamine Yamal won't turn 17 until July 13 — the day before this summer's Euro Cup final in Berlin. He may well be on the pitch for that match, in what would mark a spectacular start for a kid racking up "youngest ever" records at home and abroad. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Mataró, Spain.

Lamine Yamal won't turn 17 until July 13 — the day before this summer's Euro Cup final in Berlin. He may well be on the pitch for that match, in what would mark a spectacular start for a kid racking up "youngest ever" records at home and abroad. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Mataró, Spain.

Lamine Yamal breaks records for Barça and Spain

For several hours on Wednesday, the central square in Bolivia's capital La Paz was overtaken by a rogue general and armored vehicles trying to ram the government palace. Within hours, the coup attempt had been quelled by Bolivia's President Luis Arce but the political and economic tensions that underlie it remain. Host Marco Werman explores them and their inevitable link back to former Bolivia's former President Evo Morales with Michael Paarlberg, professor of Latin American politics at Virginia Commonwealth University.

For several hours on Wednesday, the central square in Bolivia's capital La Paz was overtaken by a rogue general and armored vehicles trying to ram the government palace. Within hours, the coup attempt had been quelled by Bolivia's President Luis Arce but the political and economic tensions that underlie it remain. Host Marco Werman explores them and their inevitable link back to former Bolivia's former President Evo Morales with Michael Paarlberg, professor of Latin American politics at Virginia Commonwealth University.

The political fault lines behind the attempted coup in Bolivia

Operas are often performed in Italian, German or French. That’s why there are what’s called “surtitles” or “supertitles” projected above the stage. They translate the lyrics into the audience’s main language. That doesn't help blind and low-vision audience members, though. So now, an opera company in New Zealand has come up with an accessible solution. The World’s Bianca Hillier reports.

Operas are often performed in Italian, German or French. That’s why there are what’s called “surtitles” or “supertitles” projected above the stage. They translate the lyrics into the audience’s main language. That doesn't help blind and low-vision audience members, though. So now, an opera company in New Zealand has come up with an accessible solution. The World’s Bianca Hillier reports.

New Zealand opera offers innovative technology for blind and low-vision audiences

The two men vying to be Britain's next prime minister engaged in a testy TV debate last night. Barring some unforeseen event, Keir Starmer, the Labour party leader is expected to be the next occupant of 10 Downing Street following a general election on July 4. For many British voters though, he remains an enigma. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports.

The two men vying to be Britain's next prime minister engaged in a testy TV debate last night. Barring some unforeseen event, Keir Starmer, the Labour party leader is expected to be the next occupant of 10 Downing Street following a general election on July 4. For many British voters though, he remains an enigma. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Who is Keir Starmer, the man expected to be the next British PM

For the first time, scientists have evidence suggesting the painted lady butterfly can make the  2,600-mile trek across the Atlantic Ocean, from West Africa to South America, without stopping. In this week’s issue of Nature Communication, a team of scientists describes how it made the discovery by studying pollen grains found on the insects. Entomologist Gerard Talavera discusses the findings with The World’s host Carolyn Beeler.

For the first time, scientists have evidence suggesting the painted lady butterfly can make the  2,600-mile trek across the Atlantic Ocean, from West Africa to South America, without stopping. In this week’s issue of Nature Communication, a team of scientists describes how it made the discovery by studying pollen grains found on the insects. Entomologist Gerard Talavera discusses the findings with The World’s host Carolyn Beeler.

Butterflies are delicate, but also tough

The feudal principalities of far northern Pakistan — home to walled villages, yak herders, glacial rivers, golden poplar forests and snow leopards — held off, or played off, would-be conquerors ranging from Alexander the Great to imperial Great Britain. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek, whose globe-spanning journey on foot brought him through this remote region that is on the cusp of change.

The feudal principalities of far northern Pakistan — home to walled villages, yak herders, glacial rivers, golden poplar forests and snow leopards — held off, or played off, would-be conquerors ranging from Alexander the Great to imperial Great Britain. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek, whose globe-spanning journey on foot brought him through this remote region that is on the cusp of change.

Out of Eden Walk: Walking through unknown Pakistan

Rapper Ana Tijoux became famous internationally in 2010 with her album 1977. It was named for the year she was born, in France, to Chilean parents in exile during their home country's dictatorship. She was a global hip hop star but it's been 10 years now since she's put out an album. This year, she's released her latest, "Vida." Reporter Gisele Regatao caught up with her recently in New York City.

Rapper Ana Tijoux became famous internationally in 2010 with her album 1977. It was named for the year she was born, in France, to Chilean parents in exile during their home country's dictatorship. She was a global hip hop star but it's been 10 years now since she's put out an album. This year, she's released her latest, "Vida." Reporter Gisele Regatao caught up with her recently in New York City.

Approaching 50, French Chilean rapper returns

China’s global influence can clearly be seen in its military and economic power. But one of the tightest connections that binds China with every corner of the planet is its relationship with one critical corporation: Apple. Host Marco Werman is joined by veteran journalist Jane Perlez to examine the relationship between a superpower and a super powerful company. It's part of our summer-long series with Perlez's podcast, "Face Off: the U-S versus China."

China’s global influence can clearly be seen in its military and economic power. But one of the tightest connections that binds China with every corner of the planet is its relationship with one critical corporation: Apple. Host Marco Werman is joined by veteran journalist Jane Perlez to examine the relationship between a superpower and a super powerful company. It's part of our summer-long series with Perlez's podcast, "Face Off: the U-S versus China."

How China made Apple a juggernaut

South Sudan is no stranger to violence since the time of its independence. That violence has caused humans to migrate as they flee war and conflict. At the same time, antelope migration across South Sudan has not only been uninterrupted, the species is actually thriving. Host Marco Werman speaks with Steve Boyes to find out more.

South Sudan is no stranger to violence since the time of its independence. That violence has caused humans to migrate as they flee war and conflict. At the same time, antelope migration across South Sudan has not only been uninterrupted, the species is actually thriving. Host Marco Werman speaks with Steve Boyes to find out more.