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.

On the 10th anniversary of former President Barack Obama's historic visit to Cuba, The World takes a look back at the history of the relationship between the US and Cuban governments over the past several decades. As President Donald Trump ramps up his rhetoric about US intervention in Cuba, Host Marco Werman speaks to Lillian Guerra, a professor of Caribbean history at the University of Florida, about how Washington and Havana arrived at the current moment.

On the 10th anniversary of former President Barack Obama's historic visit to Cuba, The World takes a look back at the history of the relationship between the US and Cuban governments over the past several decades. As President Donald Trump ramps up his rhetoric about US intervention in Cuba, Host Marco Werman speaks to Lillian Guerra, a professor of Caribbean history at the University of Florida, about how Washington and Havana arrived at the current moment.

A brief history of US-Cuba relations

The boys of BTS are back together after a long break to complete their military service. Their first album in four years came out today, to huge acclaim. And tomorrow night, they will hold a free concert in downtown Seoul. Approximately 250,000 people are expected to attend. Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

The boys of BTS are back together after a long break to complete their military service. Their first album in four years came out today, to huge acclaim. And tomorrow night, they will hold a free concert in downtown Seoul. Approximately 250,000 people are expected to attend. Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

K-pop megastars BTS are back after a 4-year hiatus

The patent for semaglutide, the drug used in major weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Ozempic has expired. The end of the patent — held by Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk — opens the door to affordable generic versions in the country. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more about the potential impact from Dr. Rahul Baxi, a diabetologist in Mumbai.

The patent for semaglutide, the drug used in major weight-loss medications like Wegovy and Ozempic has expired. The end of the patent — held by Danish pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk — opens the door to affordable generic versions in the country. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more about the potential impact from Dr. Rahul Baxi, a diabetologist in Mumbai.

Patent expires in India on weight-loss drug, paving way for affordable generics

Much of the world's fertilizer, used heavily in agriculture, comes from the Middle East. And as Iran continues to block ships from moving through the Strait of Hormuz, farmers around the world see their fertilizer supplies coming up short. Additionally, as liquified natural gas is blocked, several countries that import LNG in order to make their own fertilizer are being forced to shut down some plants. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with food economist David Ortega about what this means for global food security.

Much of the world's fertilizer, used heavily in agriculture, comes from the Middle East. And as Iran continues to block ships from moving through the Strait of Hormuz, farmers around the world see their fertilizer supplies coming up short. Additionally, as liquified natural gas is blocked, several countries that import LNG in order to make their own fertilizer are being forced to shut down some plants. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with food economist David Ortega about what this means for global food security.

The Iran war is not just affecting oil, global food security is also on the line

The cost of housing is outpacing people's incomes worldwide. This week, The World has been looking at different cities around the globe to see how that problem presents itself, and how some places have tried to deal with it, with varying degrees of success. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Penny Gurstein, the founding director of the Housing Research Collaborative at the University of British Columbia, to hear more about how to tackle the rising cost of housing at its root.

The cost of housing is outpacing people's incomes worldwide. This week, The World has been looking at different cities around the globe to see how that problem presents itself, and how some places have tried to deal with it, with varying degrees of success. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Penny Gurstein, the founding director of the Housing Research Collaborative at the University of British Columbia, to hear more about how to tackle the rising cost of housing at its root.

How do you make housing affordable, sustainably?

Nowruz is a Persian celebration of the arrival of spring, and people hailing from Central Asian and Middle Eastern communities enjoy the festivities across the globe. Reporter Fariba Nawa has moved from continent to continent, celebrating Nowruz in different ways everywhere she goes. For this story, she takes us along as she prepares for a party she's hosted each year for the past decade, in Istanbul.

Nowruz is a Persian celebration of the arrival of spring, and people hailing from Central Asian and Middle Eastern communities enjoy the festivities across the globe. Reporter Fariba Nawa has moved from continent to continent, celebrating Nowruz in different ways everywhere she goes. For this story, she takes us along as she prepares for a party she's hosted each year for the past decade, in Istanbul.

How a Nowruz party in Istanbul became a family tradition

As France heads into the second round of municipal elections this Sunday, thousands of small rural towns are scrambling to solve a big problem: No one wants to run for office. Long hours, low pay and a rise in belligerence toward public officials have made the gig a pretty hard sell. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Lisa Bryant reports from a small village outside Paris.

As France heads into the second round of municipal elections this Sunday, thousands of small rural towns are scrambling to solve a big problem: No one wants to run for office. Long hours, low pay and a rise in belligerence toward public officials have made the gig a pretty hard sell. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Lisa Bryant reports from a small village outside Paris.

Some French political offices are not only undisputed, there aren't any candidates

In most places, housing crises are driven by scarcity. But in Venezuela, years of economic collapse and mass migration left homes empty — and prices in free fall. Now, after a dramatic political shift, the market is heating up again. But this rebound is driven more by expectations than reality — and for most Venezuelans, homeownership remains out of reach. The World's Tibisay Zea takes a look at a housing market shaped by crisis, uncertainty and hope.

In most places, housing crises are driven by scarcity. But in Venezuela, years of economic collapse and mass migration left homes empty — and prices in free fall. Now, after a dramatic political shift, the market is heating up again. But this rebound is driven more by expectations than reality — and for most Venezuelans, homeownership remains out of reach. The World's Tibisay Zea takes a look at a housing market shaped by crisis, uncertainty and hope.

A housing market in Venezuela rebounds, driven by hope

Israel and the US are ideological allies in their conflict with Iran. But their goals in the war, and their long-term interests in the Middle East might not always be aligned. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Middle East analyst Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, about the US and Israel’s different playbooks.

Israel and the US are ideological allies in their conflict with Iran. But their goals in the war, and their long-term interests in the Middle East might not always be aligned. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Middle East analyst Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, about the US and Israel’s different playbooks.

Unity and friction in the US-Israeli war in Iran

As Ramadan wraps up, Muslims across the globe are preparing for Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast." National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has been walking around the world on foot for the past 13 years for his project, the Out of Eden Walk. He joins Host Marco Werman to talk about the year he spent Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr near the Prophet's Muhammad's mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

As Ramadan wraps up, Muslims across the globe are preparing for Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast." National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has been walking around the world on foot for the past 13 years for his project, the Out of Eden Walk. He joins Host Marco Werman to talk about the year he spent Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr near the Prophet's Muhammad's mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

Celebrating Eid al-Fitr in one of Islam's holiest cities

Brazil has released a new national climate plan, the first update to the plan since it was first laid out in 2008. The new plan is seen as much more comprehensive and detailed than the previous one. It includes an ambitious goal of eliminating deforestation, as land use change and deforestation cause the biggest share of Brazil's carbon emissions. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with climate change sociologist Frederico Salmi.

Brazil has released a new national climate plan, the first update to the plan since it was first laid out in 2008. The new plan is seen as much more comprehensive and detailed than the previous one. It includes an ambitious goal of eliminating deforestation, as land use change and deforestation cause the biggest share of Brazil's carbon emissions. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with climate change sociologist Frederico Salmi.

Brazil releases new climate plan 18 years after its first

On March 13, the Persian Gulf island of Kharg, which is roughly one-third the size of Manhattan, became the latest target of American jets. US President Donald Trump said that he didn’t order the total destruction of the oil facilities there "for reasons of decency." The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports that besides the critical oil infrastructure, this island is home to a small population, several cultural sites and wildlife.

On March 13, the Persian Gulf island of Kharg, which is roughly one-third the size of Manhattan, became the latest target of American jets. US President Donald Trump said that he didn’t order the total destruction of the oil facilities there "for reasons of decency." The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports that besides the critical oil infrastructure, this island is home to a small population, several cultural sites and wildlife.

The tiny island at the center of US and Israel's war with Iran is more than oil installations

A civil trial against Gerry Adams, the former leader of the Irish political party Sinn Fein, wraps up today. Three men are seeking to hold him personally liable for injuries caused in a number of bombings by the Irish Republican Army, or IRA. The case hinges on the slippery question of whether Adams orchestrated and participated in violence or was a spectator like everyone else. Ilya Marritz reports from London.

A civil trial against Gerry Adams, the former leader of the Irish political party Sinn Fein, wraps up today. Three men are seeking to hold him personally liable for injuries caused in a number of bombings by the Irish Republican Army, or IRA. The case hinges on the slippery question of whether Adams orchestrated and participated in violence or was a spectator like everyone else. Ilya Marritz reports from London.

Former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams accused of being brains behind IRA violence

EU leaders gathered in Brussels today for a two-day summit dominated by the war in the Middle East. Tensions between the US and Europe have escalated since the conflict began, with President Donald Trump urging European allies to send military support to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. So far, Europe’s leaders have resisted those calls. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

EU leaders gathered in Brussels today for a two-day summit dominated by the war in the Middle East. Tensions between the US and Europe have escalated since the conflict began, with President Donald Trump urging European allies to send military support to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. So far, Europe’s leaders have resisted those calls. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

EU leaders push for de-escalation amid Middle East war

On Tuesday, El Salvador's legislature approved an amendment to its constitution that would sentence "murderers, rapists and terrorists" to life in prison. It follows warnings by independent experts that the country's authoritarian President Nayib Bukele is strengthening his grip on the country. Host Marco Werman learned more from Jorge Cuellar, assistant professor of Latin American, Latino and Caribbean Studies at Dartmouth College.

On Tuesday, El Salvador's legislature approved an amendment to its constitution that would sentence "murderers, rapists and terrorists" to life in prison. It follows warnings by independent experts that the country's authoritarian President Nayib Bukele is strengthening his grip on the country. Host Marco Werman learned more from Jorge Cuellar, assistant professor of Latin American, Latino and Caribbean Studies at Dartmouth College.

El Salvador's strongman Bukele tightens grip on country

We catch you up on some sports stories flying just below the radar.

We catch you up on some sports stories flying just below the radar.

A few sports stories you may have missed

A new study shows that scientists at the University of Edinburgh have found a way to use bacteria to transform plastic bottles into drugs that can be used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

A new study shows that scientists at the University of Edinburgh have found a way to use bacteria to transform plastic bottles into drugs that can be used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

Scientists transform plastic bottles into drugs to treat Parkinson’s disease

Public health officials are responding to a meningitis outbreak at the University of Kent in southeast England, where two people have died and at least a dozen more have confirmed infections. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh, about how the health system is responding.

Public health officials are responding to a meningitis outbreak at the University of Kent in southeast England, where two people have died and at least a dozen more have confirmed infections. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh, about how the health system is responding.

Public health officials respond to meningitis outbreak in the UK

Israeli forces are intensifying airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon, as well as hitting targets in Beirut neighborhoods. Israeli officials say they’re targeting infrastructure and personnel of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese militant group. Nabih Bulos, the Middle East bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that Israel's decision to hit bridges in southern Lebanon is a marked escalation.

Israeli forces are intensifying airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon, as well as hitting targets in Beirut neighborhoods. Israeli officials say they’re targeting infrastructure and personnel of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese militant group. Nabih Bulos, the Middle East bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that Israel's decision to hit bridges in southern Lebanon is a marked escalation.

Israel escalates attacks on civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon

Cities across Denmark are using heat generated by crematoriums to warm nearby homes. As The World's Joshua Coe learned, it's part of a wider sustainability effort known as waste heat recovery.

Cities across Denmark are using heat generated by crematoriums to warm nearby homes. As The World's Joshua Coe learned, it's part of a wider sustainability effort known as waste heat recovery.

Cremations help heat homes in Denmark

Growing up near Sao Paulo, Mariana Da Cruz knew there was more to Brazilian music than just singing Bossa Nova tunes. She wanted to branch out and combine numerous other styles like hip-hop and electronica and explore her African roots with the latest sounds heard in dance clubs. A move to Europe allowed Da Cruz the freedom to experiment. Based now in Bern, Switzerland, the singer has had quite a journey. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler tell us more about her new album, "Som Sistema."

Growing up near Sao Paulo, Mariana Da Cruz knew there was more to Brazilian music than just singing Bossa Nova tunes. She wanted to branch out and combine numerous other styles like hip-hop and electronica and explore her African roots with the latest sounds heard in dance clubs. A move to Europe allowed Da Cruz the freedom to experiment. Based now in Bern, Switzerland, the singer has had quite a journey. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler tell us more about her new album, "Som Sistema."

Da Cruz traces her Brazilian and African musical roots

House prices and rents have surged by up to 60% across the European Union over the past decade. But one capital is bucking the trend. In Vienna, around two-thirds of residents live in subsidised housing, with rents often less than half those in other major European cities. The Austrian capital’s model has drawn global attention, with delegations visiting each year to study its success. But some experts warn that political shifts, including the rise of the far right, could threaten this long-standing system. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports from Vienna.

House prices and rents have surged by up to 60% across the European Union over the past decade. But one capital is bucking the trend. In Vienna, around two-thirds of residents live in subsidised housing, with rents often less than half those in other major European cities. The Austrian capital’s model has drawn global attention, with delegations visiting each year to study its success. But some experts warn that political shifts, including the rise of the far right, could threaten this long-standing system. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports from Vienna.

How Vienna beat Europe's rent crisis

Muslims around the globe are getting ready to celebrate the end of Ramadan — those weeks in the Muslim calendar when many abstain from food and water during the day and use that time for prayer and reflection instead. Chef Ilhan Mohamed Abdi has written a cookbook for Ramadan called "The Ramadan Kitchen: Nourishing Recipes from Fast to Feast." She spoke to The World's Host Carolyn Beeler.

Muslims around the globe are getting ready to celebrate the end of Ramadan — those weeks in the Muslim calendar when many abstain from food and water during the day and use that time for prayer and reflection instead. Chef Ilhan Mohamed Abdi has written a cookbook for Ramadan called "The Ramadan Kitchen: Nourishing Recipes from Fast to Feast." She spoke to The World's Host Carolyn Beeler.

What's cooking in a Ramadan kitchen?

Israelis maintain that the two men they killed this morning — Ali Larijani and Gholam Reza Soleimani — "are terrorists," and so, are fair game for assassination. But some historians say just because Israel could kill the men doesn't mean they should have. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

Israelis maintain that the two men they killed this morning — Ali Larijani and Gholam Reza Soleimani — "are terrorists," and so, are fair game for assassination. But some historians say just because Israel could kill the men doesn't mean they should have. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

The legality of Israel assassinating foreign leaders

For many, death is an unsettling thing to think about, but not for the Swedish artist Margareta Magnusson, who passed away last week at the age of 91. In her 80s, she wrote, “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning,” a book that made the concept of “döstädning” an international buzz concept and brought many some inspiration for how to de-clutter as we age. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Magnusson's daughter, filmmaker Jane, who joined from Stockholm.

For many, death is an unsettling thing to think about, but not for the Swedish artist Margareta Magnusson, who passed away last week at the age of 91. In her 80s, she wrote, “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning,” a book that made the concept of “döstädning” an international buzz concept and brought many some inspiration for how to de-clutter as we age. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Magnusson's daughter, filmmaker Jane, who joined from Stockholm.

Remembering Margareta Magnusson, author who introduced us to 'Swedish death cleaning'

The war in Iran is jamming up global travel on several fronts. In the Middle East, the conflict continues to force the grounding of flights. A jump in oil prices is also beginning to hit travel, with some airlines adding surcharges to their flights. Prices at the pump are skyrocketing, too, especially in Asia, where several countries are putting in place measures aimed at restricting the use of gas. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel has the story.

The war in Iran is jamming up global travel on several fronts. In the Middle East, the conflict continues to force the grounding of flights. A jump in oil prices is also beginning to hit travel, with some airlines adding surcharges to their flights. Prices at the pump are skyrocketing, too, especially in Asia, where several countries are putting in place measures aimed at restricting the use of gas. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel has the story.

From gas prices to canceled flights, Iran war sows travel chaos

At the dawn of democracy in South Africa over 30 years ago, the country had to right some big wrongs. The Reconstruction and Development Program (RDP) was one such tool, by offering government-subsidized, low-cost homes to those who could not afford or access them previously. In their neat little rows of near-identical design, RDP houses are for free to the poorest and most needy. But as Elna Schutz reports from Johannesburg, the RDP hasn't always worked out as hoped.

At the dawn of democracy in South Africa over 30 years ago, the country had to right some big wrongs. The Reconstruction and Development Program (RDP) was one such tool, by offering government-subsidized, low-cost homes to those who could not afford or access them previously. In their neat little rows of near-identical design, RDP houses are for free to the poorest and most needy. But as Elna Schutz reports from Johannesburg, the RDP hasn't always worked out as hoped.

The program in South Africa that was supposed to fix the housing crisis

Cuba’s entire electric grid collapsed for several hours yesterday. Gas stations on the island have had little fuel to sell since the US choked off access to foreign oil about two months ago. Cuban leaders say they’re in talks with US officials and are ready to open their economy to foreign investors. From Havana, journalist Ed Augustin tells The World’s Host Marco Werman a forced transition of leadership in Cuba would involve major risks.

Cuba’s entire electric grid collapsed for several hours yesterday. Gas stations on the island have had little fuel to sell since the US choked off access to foreign oil about two months ago. Cuban leaders say they’re in talks with US officials and are ready to open their economy to foreign investors. From Havana, journalist Ed Augustin tells The World’s Host Marco Werman a forced transition of leadership in Cuba would involve major risks.

Cuba's crisis deepens

The Israeli military said on Tuesday that it has killed top Iranian official, Ali Larijani. Larijani was de-facto running the country after the death of the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Larijani was reportedly killed along with the head of a powerful paramilitary force. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about the latest.

The Israeli military said on Tuesday that it has killed top Iranian official, Ali Larijani. Larijani was de-facto running the country after the death of the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Larijani was reportedly killed along with the head of a powerful paramilitary force. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about the latest.

Israel kills another Iranian top leader, Ali Larijani

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Falmouth, Massachusetts, have discovered a haunting whale song on decades-old audio equipment. This discovery could open up a new understanding of how the huge animals communicate, according to the scientists. Host Marco Werman has the details.

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Falmouth, Massachusetts, have discovered a haunting whale song on decades-old audio equipment. This discovery could open up a new understanding of how the huge animals communicate, according to the scientists. Host Marco Werman has the details.