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.

The US State Department has shut down a website that made it possible for the public to report potential human rights abuses committed by foreign entities using American-made weapons. The site, which came online about three years ago, was seen by rights groups as a step in the right direction to ensure American weapons are not used in violation of the law. The World’s Shirin Jaafari tells Host Marco Werman what we know about the change.

The US State Department has shut down a website that made it possible for the public to report potential human rights abuses committed by foreign entities using American-made weapons. The site, which came online about three years ago, was seen by rights groups as a step in the right direction to ensure American weapons are not used in violation of the law. The World’s Shirin Jaafari tells Host Marco Werman what we know about the change.

US shuts down website used to report abuses committed with American arms

Fertility treatment can take a toll emotionally, physically and financially. In the UK, employees going through IVF or other fertility procedures currently have no legal right to paid time off. This week, a Labour MP proposed a new bill in Parliament that would make paid leave for fertility treatment a legal right in Britain. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Fertility treatment can take a toll emotionally, physically and financially. In the UK, employees going through IVF or other fertility procedures currently have no legal right to paid time off. This week, a Labour MP proposed a new bill in Parliament that would make paid leave for fertility treatment a legal right in Britain. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Fertility treatment and the fight for paid time off in the UK

Guitarist and singer Amadou Bagayoko died earlier this year, just before the release of the final album he recorded with his wife Mariam Doumbia, "L'Amour à la Folie" (crazy love). Host Marco Werman takes a listen to the title track and then takes us back to perhaps a more relevant song for Mali these days as it faces a serious terrorist threat, their 2004 hit, "Politic Amagni 'La Politique, C'est Pas Bon'" (politics isn't good).

Guitarist and singer Amadou Bagayoko died earlier this year, just before the release of the final album he recorded with his wife Mariam Doumbia, "L'Amour à la Folie" (crazy love). Host Marco Werman takes a listen to the title track and then takes us back to perhaps a more relevant song for Mali these days as it faces a serious terrorist threat, their 2004 hit, "Politic Amagni 'La Politique, C'est Pas Bon'" (politics isn't good).

Mali's blind duo Amadou and Mariam

New research has found the Roman Empire's prolific network of roads is even bigger than previously thought. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with Tom Brughmans, one of the researchers behind the project about just how expansive the network was.

New research has found the Roman Empire's prolific network of roads is even bigger than previously thought. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with Tom Brughmans, one of the researchers behind the project about just how expansive the network was.

All roads lead to Rome, and then some

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that she is bringing a lawsuit against the man who groped her in public earlier this week. She says she hopes to call attention to a problem that women in the country experience every day. And she's calling on every state in Mexico to enact laws protecting women from gender-based violence. Host Marco Werman has the details.

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that she is bringing a lawsuit against the man who groped her in public earlier this week. She says she hopes to call attention to a problem that women in the country experience every day. And she's calling on every state in Mexico to enact laws protecting women from gender-based violence. Host Marco Werman has the details.

Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum sexually assaulted in public

Playwrights Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson met with scores of diplomats and climate scientists who participated in crafting the 1997 United Nations agreement on greenhouse gas emissions known as the Kyoto Protocol. The drama of multilateral negotiations left a powerful impression. "How can we bottle this and put it on a stage?" Murphy remembers thinking. The result? "Kyoto," the play making its US debut at New York City's Lincoln Center. Reporter Jeff Lunden brings us the story.

Playwrights Joe Murphy and Joe Robertson met with scores of diplomats and climate scientists who participated in crafting the 1997 United Nations agreement on greenhouse gas emissions known as the Kyoto Protocol. The drama of multilateral negotiations left a powerful impression. "How can we bottle this and put it on a stage?" Murphy remembers thinking. The result? "Kyoto," the play making its US debut at New York City's Lincoln Center. Reporter Jeff Lunden brings us the story.

Climate negotiations take center stage in new play 'Kyoto'

In Mexico, a wave of bold political assassinations is putting new pressure on the country’s fight against drug cartels. Last week, a mayor in the western state of Michoacán was gunned down during a public celebration. He had openly challenged the cartels. Days earlier, a lime grower who spoke out about extortion was also murdered. The back-to-back killings show how dangerous it remains to oppose organized crime. From Mexico City, The World’s Tibisay Zea reports.

In Mexico, a wave of bold political assassinations is putting new pressure on the country’s fight against drug cartels. Last week, a mayor in the western state of Michoacán was gunned down during a public celebration. He had openly challenged the cartels. Days earlier, a lime grower who spoke out about extortion was also murdered. The back-to-back killings show how dangerous it remains to oppose organized crime. From Mexico City, The World’s Tibisay Zea reports.

Killings in Mexico expose cartel power and political vulnerability

Government employees in the US aren't the only ones enduring the longest shutdown in the country's history. At military bases across the world, locals employed by the US have seen their pay suspended. While governments like Germany have stepped in to pay some of their citizens working for the US, others are caught working without pay. That's the case for Portuguese citizens at Lajess air force base on the island of Terceira. Host Marco Werman learned more from Paula Terra, who is president of the Portuguese Workers’ Representative Committee.

Government employees in the US aren't the only ones enduring the longest shutdown in the country's history. At military bases across the world, locals employed by the US have seen their pay suspended. While governments like Germany have stepped in to pay some of their citizens working for the US, others are caught working without pay. That's the case for Portuguese citizens at Lajess air force base on the island of Terceira. Host Marco Werman learned more from Paula Terra, who is president of the Portuguese Workers’ Representative Committee.

Portuguese citizens work unpaid at US air base in Azores due to government shutdown

In the United States, thousands of flights have been canceled due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. They're all domestic flights, but many passengers need them to make connections to international airports, and final destinations. The World's Jeremy Siegel caught up with travelers stuck in Boston.

In the United States, thousands of flights have been canceled due to a shortage of air traffic controllers. They're all domestic flights, but many passengers need them to make connections to international airports, and final destinations. The World's Jeremy Siegel caught up with travelers stuck in Boston.

International travelers stranded in the US because of government shutdown

US President Donald Trump has said that "nothing is going to jeopardize the truce" in Gaza. But both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violating the terms of the US brokered cease-fire. And so far, there's no real progress on the next phase of Trump's 20-point peace plan. If you talk with Palestinians, the longer term goal of achieving statehood — which is mentioned in the Trump plan — seems as far off as ever. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

US President Donald Trump has said that "nothing is going to jeopardize the truce" in Gaza. But both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violating the terms of the US brokered cease-fire. And so far, there's no real progress on the next phase of Trump's 20-point peace plan. If you talk with Palestinians, the longer term goal of achieving statehood — which is mentioned in the Trump plan — seems as far off as ever. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

A shaky truce in Gaza with little progress on long-term peace

The UK's former top expert on bird flu, Ian Brown, is warning farmers to "prepare for the worst" as cases of the virus increase among the country's livestock, including chickens. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Brown, who is now a virologist at the Pirbright Institute in Surrey.

The UK's former top expert on bird flu, Ian Brown, is warning farmers to "prepare for the worst" as cases of the virus increase among the country's livestock, including chickens. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Brown, who is now a virologist at the Pirbright Institute in Surrey.

Concern in the UK over rising bird flu cases among livestock

The nexus of populism and extremist politics is a trend The World has reported on in many countries, but the connection is especially vivid in Germany with the rise of the far-right extremist party, the Alternative for Deutschland. The AfD's success over the past few years is told in the new documentary, "The Rise of Germany's New Right," from our GBH colleagues at FRONTLINE. Host Marco Werman talks with filmmaker Evan Williams.

The nexus of populism and extremist politics is a trend The World has reported on in many countries, but the connection is especially vivid in Germany with the rise of the far-right extremist party, the Alternative for Deutschland. The AfD's success over the past few years is told in the new documentary, "The Rise of Germany's New Right," from our GBH colleagues at FRONTLINE. Host Marco Werman talks with filmmaker Evan Williams.

German extremists pulling the country to the right

Last week, Irish police received a call from a man who saw what he believed to be a lion roaming through the woodlands of County Clare. That prompted an investigation by police, who discovered that the "lion" was actually just a friendly dog with a fresh haircut. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the story.

Last week, Irish police received a call from a man who saw what he believed to be a lion roaming through the woodlands of County Clare. That prompted an investigation by police, who discovered that the "lion" was actually just a friendly dog with a fresh haircut. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the story.

A wild lion in Ireland? Nope, it's just a dog.

Arms monitors, rights groups and the Sudanese government have repeatedly accused the United Arab Emirates of funneling arms and resources to the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan. The US has accused them of committing genocide in Darfur. So, what’s behind Abu Dhabi’s alleged support for the RSF? The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Arms monitors, rights groups and the Sudanese government have repeatedly accused the United Arab Emirates of funneling arms and resources to the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan. The US has accused them of committing genocide in Darfur. So, what’s behind Abu Dhabi’s alleged support for the RSF? The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

What does the UAE want in Sudan?

Typhoon Kalmaegi swept over the Philippines on Monday, killing more than 100 people, and leaving dozens more missing. That same storm has just made landfall over central Vietnam and is forecast to pass into southern Laos tomorrow. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details on one of Asia's fiercest storms this year.

Typhoon Kalmaegi swept over the Philippines on Monday, killing more than 100 people, and leaving dozens more missing. That same storm has just made landfall over central Vietnam and is forecast to pass into southern Laos tomorrow. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details on one of Asia's fiercest storms this year.

After battering Philippines, Typhoon Kalmaegi makes landfall in Vietnam

As plastic waste accumulates just about everywhere — in nature and in our bodies — a couple of research teams in Spain are working on breakthroughs aimed at reducing its impact. Some environmental groups are skeptical, though, cautioning that it's too early to think science can fix the world's plastics problem. The World's Gerry Hadden traveled to Valencia, Spain, to learn more.

As plastic waste accumulates just about everywhere — in nature and in our bodies — a couple of research teams in Spain are working on breakthroughs aimed at reducing its impact. Some environmental groups are skeptical, though, cautioning that it's too early to think science can fix the world's plastics problem. The World's Gerry Hadden traveled to Valencia, Spain, to learn more.

The Big Fix: Scientists attack plastic pollution from two sides

For the last 18 months, Russian and Ukrainian forces have been locked in battle in the front-line city of Pokrovsk. According to battle maps from an organization connected with the Ukrainian military, Russian forces are making gains in the city. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

For the last 18 months, Russian and Ukrainian forces have been locked in battle in the front-line city of Pokrovsk. According to battle maps from an organization connected with the Ukrainian military, Russian forces are making gains in the city. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

A city on Ukraine's front line appears to come increasingly under Russian control

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation is implementing new safety rules for the upcoming season after a number of rising stars suffered fatal crashes on the slopes. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation is implementing new safety rules for the upcoming season after a number of rising stars suffered fatal crashes on the slopes. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

New rules aim to keep skiers safe at 80+ MPH

Three Chinese astronauts are stuck on the Tiangong space station after it was damaged from space debris. They were supposed to return to Earth today, but will remain up in space indefinitely. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more about the threat of junk orbiting the planet from Nilton Rennó. He's a professor of Climate and Space Engineering at the University of Michigan.

Three Chinese astronauts are stuck on the Tiangong space station after it was damaged from space debris. They were supposed to return to Earth today, but will remain up in space indefinitely. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more about the threat of junk orbiting the planet from Nilton Rennó. He's a professor of Climate and Space Engineering at the University of Michigan.

Damage from space debris extends Chinese astronauts' stay on space station

Superstitions vary from culture to culture and can, at times, be puzzling. Steph Dalwin was fascinated by her mom's Vietnamese superstition of keeping a knife under her pillow at night to keep away ghosts. So, she started doing the same thing. Dalwin is a research analyst and stand-up comedian and shared the superstition with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

Superstitions vary from culture to culture and can, at times, be puzzling. Steph Dalwin was fascinated by her mom's Vietnamese superstition of keeping a knife under her pillow at night to keep away ghosts. So, she started doing the same thing. Dalwin is a research analyst and stand-up comedian and shared the superstition with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

A woman finds herself through an old Vietnamese superstition

Vir Das is incredibly popular in India. Now, he's making a bigger and bigger name for himself outside the country, too. He has a memoir that came out this week, and he'll be doing a residency at the Lincoln Center in New York. Reporter Sushmita Pathak has the story.

Vir Das is incredibly popular in India. Now, he's making a bigger and bigger name for himself outside the country, too. He has a memoir that came out this week, and he'll be doing a residency at the Lincoln Center in New York. Reporter Sushmita Pathak has the story.

Vir Das is an Indian actor and comic trying to conquer the world

Not very long ago, in the galaxy we live in, someone invented a sport that combines fencing with our fantasy pals from "Star Wars." All you need is one of those glow-in-the-dark swords every kid, and adult, secretly wanted as a birthday present from Obi-Wan Kenobi, and you're ready to rock. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona on the fun of this rising trend.

Not very long ago, in the galaxy we live in, someone invented a sport that combines fencing with our fantasy pals from "Star Wars." All you need is one of those glow-in-the-dark swords every kid, and adult, secretly wanted as a birthday present from Obi-Wan Kenobi, and you're ready to rock. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona on the fun of this rising trend.

Light saber fencing allows players to feel like Jedi

Pope Leo XIV fielded questions from reporters outside the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo last night. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman share a few take-aways.

Pope Leo XIV fielded questions from reporters outside the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo last night. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman share a few take-aways.

Pope Leo XIV has a busy week

A glacier in Antarctica has broken a melt record. Last year, the Hektoria glacier lost five miles of ice in two months — more than 10 times the previous record. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with study author Ted Scambos about the finding.

A glacier in Antarctica has broken a melt record. Last year, the Hektoria glacier lost five miles of ice in two months — more than 10 times the previous record. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with study author Ted Scambos about the finding.

New study documents rapid glacial retreat

Every year, thousands risk the perilous journey across the Mediterranean, aiming for Italy and a chance at a new life in Europe. Many land off the island of Lampedusa, abandoning their boats offshore. Now, in a prison workshop in Milan, those boats are being given a second life. Inmates at Opera prison, one of Italy’s largest jails, are turning the abandoned vessels into musical instruments, which have been played at the country's most famous opera house. The government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is not on board with the project though. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports from Milan.

Every year, thousands risk the perilous journey across the Mediterranean, aiming for Italy and a chance at a new life in Europe. Many land off the island of Lampedusa, abandoning their boats offshore. Now, in a prison workshop in Milan, those boats are being given a second life. Inmates at Opera prison, one of Italy’s largest jails, are turning the abandoned vessels into musical instruments, which have been played at the country's most famous opera house. The government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is not on board with the project though. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports from Milan.

Milan inmates turn abandoned refugee boats into musical instruments

The surprising rise of Zohran Mamdani to become mayor-elect of New York City has captured global attention. Mamdani, a Muslim, was born in Uganda to parents of South Asian descent, and people from across both continents have been reacting to his win. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

The surprising rise of Zohran Mamdani to become mayor-elect of New York City has captured global attention. Mamdani, a Muslim, was born in Uganda to parents of South Asian descent, and people from across both continents have been reacting to his win. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

The world reacts to Zohran Mamdani's New York City win

Turkey welcomed not one but two major European leaders to its capital last week. First, the UK’s Keir Starmer, then Germany’s Friedrich Merz. For more than a decade, Turkey’s backsliding on democracy has lead to distance from Europe. But the growing threat from Russia, and Turkey’s potential role in Europe’s defense, seem to be ushering in a new era of cooperation, ironically, at the same time that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's crackdown on domestic opposition figures reaches a new peak. Deutsche Welle, DW's Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.

Turkey welcomed not one but two major European leaders to its capital last week. First, the UK’s Keir Starmer, then Germany’s Friedrich Merz. For more than a decade, Turkey’s backsliding on democracy has lead to distance from Europe. But the growing threat from Russia, and Turkey’s potential role in Europe’s defense, seem to be ushering in a new era of cooperation, ironically, at the same time that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's crackdown on domestic opposition figures reaches a new peak. Deutsche Welle, DW's Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.

Turkey welcomes European leaders while cracking down on leaders at home

Richard Bruce "Dick" Cheney, who died on Monday at the age of 84, became an influential figure in Washington on matters of foreign policy starting in the 1970s. Cheney believed in the robust use of America power — including military force — to shape the world to serve US national security interests. He was a strong advocate for the first Gulf War, the US-led invasion of Afghanistan and a central player in the 2003 US invasion of Iraq. Cheney was also one of the architects of the so-called "War on Terror," which has had a profound impact on US influence around the globe. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Richard Bruce "Dick" Cheney, who died on Monday at the age of 84, became an influential figure in Washington on matters of foreign policy starting in the 1970s. Cheney believed in the robust use of America power — including military force — to shape the world to serve US national security interests. He was a strong advocate for the first Gulf War, the US-led invasion of Afghanistan and a central player in the 2003 US invasion of Iraq. Cheney was also one of the architects of the so-called "War on Terror," which has had a profound impact on US influence around the globe. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Former VP Dick Cheney's impact on US foreign policy

Paris has launched a lottery to restore some of the spectacular funerary monuments within the overcrowded cemeteries of Père-Lachaise, Montparnasse and Montmartre. Gravestones and monuments in Parisian cemeteries are maintained by families, not the city, and some graves can become abandoned and decrepit over time. So, Paris officials would like residents to come in, fix up monuments and be buried alongside the likes of Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf and Oscar Wilde. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

Paris has launched a lottery to restore some of the spectacular funerary monuments within the overcrowded cemeteries of Père-Lachaise, Montparnasse and Montmartre. Gravestones and monuments in Parisian cemeteries are maintained by families, not the city, and some graves can become abandoned and decrepit over time. So, Paris officials would like residents to come in, fix up monuments and be buried alongside the likes of Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf and Oscar Wilde. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

You can own a piece of history, but you won't live to see it

Sir David Beckham was knighted by the UK's King Charles today. The ceremony took place at Windsor Castle and the former soccer pro knelt before the monarch, who touched his shoulders with a sword to make it official. But the honor acknowledges more than just the soccer player's work on the field. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

Sir David Beckham was knighted by the UK's King Charles today. The ceremony took place at Windsor Castle and the former soccer pro knelt before the monarch, who touched his shoulders with a sword to make it official. But the honor acknowledges more than just the soccer player's work on the field. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.