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.

According to the United Nations, roughly 3 out of 5 women and girls globally have experienced digital abuse online. It happens frequently on social media networks — including Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok — which have billions of monthly active users. In Malaysia, the way to address the problem has been, in part, to bring online abuse out into the light.  Sanjna Selva reports from Kuala Lumpur. A warning that this segment contains material involving suicide.

According to the United Nations, roughly 3 out of 5 women and girls globally have experienced digital abuse online. It happens frequently on social media networks — including Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok — which have billions of monthly active users. In Malaysia, the way to address the problem has been, in part, to bring online abuse out into the light.  Sanjna Selva reports from Kuala Lumpur. 
A warning that this segment contains material involving suicide.

Malaysia bans online abuse to stem growing violence against women

The towering, stone statues on Easter Island continue to awe and inspire people since they were first built somewhere between the 13th and 16th centuries. This includes Philadelphia-based composer and trumpet player John Vanore. He recently spoke to The World about how these mysterious statues influenced his latest release "Easter Island Suite."This story originally aired on March 26, 2026.

The towering, stone statues on Easter Island continue to awe and inspire people since they were first built somewhere between the 13th and 16th centuries. This includes Philadelphia-based composer and trumpet player John Vanore. He recently spoke to The World about how these mysterious statues influenced his latest release "Easter Island Suite."
This story originally aired on March 26, 2026.

The ancient statues on Easter Island inspire a new composition

A musical version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," has opened at New York’s Public Theater after a successful run in London's West End. The show, about a man who ages in reverse — from old age to childhood — has been adapted by a pair of British authors, who’ve set it in a seaside town in Cornwall. Jeff Lunden reports from New York.

A musical version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," has opened at New York’s Public Theater after a successful run in London's West End. The show, about a man who ages in reverse — from old age to childhood — has been adapted by a pair of British authors, who’ve set it in a seaside town in Cornwall. Jeff Lunden reports from New York.

F. Scott Fitzgerald short story adapted as British musical

Bombing refers to illegally releasing wildlife into nature, to restore its presence. In Spain, two decades ago, someone let 18 beavers free in the Ebro river. Today, about 2,000 of the sharp-toothed rodents call the northeast region home. Some folks are pleased, others peeved. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Aragón, Spain.This story originally aired on May 4, 2026.

Bombing refers to illegally releasing wildlife into nature, to restore its presence. In Spain, two decades ago, someone let 18 beavers free in the Ebro river. Today, about 2,000 of the sharp-toothed rodents call the northeast region home. Some folks are pleased, others peeved. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Aragón, Spain.
This story originally aired on May 4, 2026.

Beavers are back in Spain after mysterious 'bombing'

Trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi today among Russia, Ukraine and the US will resume tomorrow amid a political deadlock. McGill University’s Maria Popova is the author of "Russia and Ukraine: Entangled Histories, Diverging States." She tells The World’s Host Marco Werman the motivation behind the talks is President Donald Trump’s ambition to force Ukraine to surrender to Russia’s demands before the new US Congress takes office in January.

Trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi today among Russia, Ukraine and the US will resume tomorrow amid a political deadlock. McGill University’s Maria Popova is the author of "Russia and Ukraine: Entangled Histories, Diverging States." She tells The World’s Host Marco Werman the motivation behind the talks is President Donald Trump’s ambition to force Ukraine to surrender to Russia’s demands before the new US Congress takes office in January.

Ukraine and Russia talks proceed despite lack of political momentum

Living in Kyiv these days means experiencing near round-the-clock air raids, with drone and missile attacks being daily occurrences. Maia Mihaluk is a Christian ministry leader and Kyiv resident who we’ve featured many times on the show since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. She speaks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about how families are coping with the stress.

Living in Kyiv these days means experiencing near round-the-clock air raids, with drone and missile attacks being daily occurrences. Maia Mihaluk is a Christian ministry leader and Kyiv resident who we’ve featured many times on the show since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. She speaks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about how families are coping with the stress.

Kyiv residents prepare for a fifth war-time winter

Denmark's controversial efforts to dismantle public housing neighborhoods deemed "parallel societies" have relied partly on whether more than half of residents have a "non-Western" background. The policy has led to forced relocations, but some argue that discriminates against residents based on their ethnic origin. As The World's Joshua Coe reports, Denmark's Supreme Court is now considering whether that classification played a discriminatory role in the eviction of some residents.This story originally aired on Feb. 12, 2025.

Denmark's controversial efforts to dismantle public housing neighborhoods deemed "parallel societies" have relied partly on whether more than half of residents have a "non-Western" background. The policy has led to forced relocations, but some argue that discriminates against residents based on their ethnic origin. As The World's Joshua Coe reports, Denmark's Supreme Court is now considering whether that classification played a discriminatory role in the eviction of some residents.
This story originally aired on Feb. 12, 2025.

Denmark's controversial 'parallel society laws' face Supreme Court challenge

Hosted by Senegal, the Dakar Summer Youth Olympics are making history as the first Olympic games held by an African country. But it is not without a few controversies. The World’s Host Marco Werman learned more from Ricci Shryock, a journalist based in Dakar, who has been covering the lead up to the games.

Hosted by Senegal, the Dakar Summer Youth Olympics are making history as the first Olympic games held by an African country. But it is not without a few controversies. The World’s Host Marco Werman learned more from Ricci Shryock, a journalist based in Dakar, who has been covering the lead up to the games.

First-ever Olympic Games held in Africa, as Senegal hosts youth games

Sonia Gandhi’s life was shaped by profound personal tragedies. The assassination of her mother-in-law, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984 and the murder of her husband, Rajiv Gandhi, seven years later, made her wary of politics. But ultimately, she plunged head first into India’s political life, establishing herself as one of the country’s most influential leaders. Sonia Gandhi and The World’s Host Marco Werman discuss that remarkable journey and her new memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love."

Sonia Gandhi’s life was shaped by profound personal tragedies. The assassination of her mother-in-law, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984 and the murder of her husband, Rajiv Gandhi, seven years later, made her wary of politics. But ultimately, she plunged head first into India’s political life, establishing herself as one of the country’s most influential leaders. Sonia Gandhi and The World’s Host Marco Werman discuss that remarkable journey and her new memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love."

'The pull of duty': Sonia Gandhi on family, power and India

Across the East Boston neighborhood, several metal arches have appeared. They've got QR codes that invite curious passers-by to take a trip back into the area's rich past. GBH’s Sarah Betancourt reports on these new monuments called "The Golden Thread."

Across the East Boston neighborhood, several metal arches have appeared. They've got QR codes that invite curious passers-by to take a trip back into the area's rich past. GBH’s Sarah Betancourt reports on these new monuments called "The Golden Thread."

New monuments in East Boston celebrate history of immigration

Advocates hope this year's UN climate conference, COP31, will see a focus on ending coal, the most polluting fossil fuel. This, even while the conference is being held in Turkey, which is pushing to expand its own coal production. Emily Wither reports from a coal-producing region in southern Turkey where many residents want to see an end to the polluting pit mines and coal plants that dominate their lives.

Advocates hope this year's UN climate conference, COP31, will see a focus on ending coal, the most polluting fossil fuel. This, even while the conference is being held in Turkey, which is pushing to expand its own coal production. Emily Wither reports from a coal-producing region in southern Turkey where many residents want to see an end to the polluting pit mines and coal plants that dominate their lives.

UN climate conference being held in a country increasing its coal production

The African National Congress, or ANC, suffered its most significant defeat in years, winning only 30% of the vote in last week's municipal election in South Africa. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with political scientist Ongama Mtimka about what this outcome says about the wider state of the party of former President Nelson Mandela.

The African National Congress, or ANC, suffered its most significant defeat in years, winning only 30% of the vote in last week's municipal election in South Africa. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with political scientist Ongama Mtimka about what this outcome says about the wider state of the party of former President Nelson Mandela.

Party of Nelson Mandela loses big in South Africa elections

Pope Leo XIV kicked off his first Latin American tour as pontiff over the weekend. He began in Uruguay, and is now in Argentina. He'll head to Peru next. His journey will test the Catholic Church’s role in a region dealing with economic hardship, environmental threats and declining religious affiliation. Manuel Rueda reports on whether the Church can remain a powerful moral voice amid profound social, economic and cultural change.

Pope Leo XIV kicked off his first Latin American tour as pontiff over the weekend. He began in Uruguay, and is now in Argentina. He'll head to Peru next. His journey will test the Catholic Church’s role in a region dealing with economic hardship, environmental threats and declining religious affiliation. Manuel Rueda reports on whether the Church can remain a powerful moral voice amid profound social, economic and cultural change.

Pope Leo XIV's Latin America visit tests the Church's role in a changing region

Paraguay is facing a deepening political crisis after authorities intervened following the collapse of one of the country's largest digital banks, leaving millions of customers unable to access their money. The collapse of Ueno Bank, which has ties to President Santiago Peña's former business partners, has triggered protests, criminal investigations and an impeachment effort against Peña and his vice president. The crisis has also exposed divisions within the ruling Colorado Party. Reporter Tibisay Zea explains.

Paraguay is facing a deepening political crisis after authorities intervened following the collapse of one of the country's largest digital banks, leaving millions of customers unable to access their money. The collapse of Ueno Bank, which has ties to President Santiago Peña's former business partners, has triggered protests, criminal investigations and an impeachment effort against Peña and his vice president. The crisis has also exposed divisions within the ruling Colorado Party. Reporter Tibisay Zea explains.

Paraguay's banking crisis threatens the president's future

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 reported from Barcelona a year ago on the fun of this rising trend.This story originally aired on Nov. 5, 2025.

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 reported from Barcelona a year ago on the fun of this rising trend.
This story originally aired on Nov. 5, 2025.

Light saber fencing allows players to feel like Jedi

A new investigation by our partners at Bellingcat demonstrates how satellite mapping services like Google Maps very publicly identify specific facilities on US military installations across the Middle East. A major vulnerability during the Iran War, this satellite mapping has left many US service members feeling exposed. The World's Host Aaron Schachter learned more from Bellingcat researcher Sebastian Vandermeersch.

A new investigation by our partners at Bellingcat demonstrates how satellite mapping services like Google Maps very publicly identify specific facilities on US military installations across the Middle East. A major vulnerability during the Iran War, this satellite mapping has left many US service members feeling exposed. The World's Host Aaron Schachter learned more from Bellingcat researcher Sebastian Vandermeersch.

How online maps leave US service members more exposed

A former US government contractor has admitted to passing classified information to Ethiopian government officials. The actions were to support the government in its war against rebel forces in the northern Tigray region. A peace deal that was meant to end that war has unraveled over the past couple of years, and conflict surged again a few months ago. The World's Host Aaron Schachter speaks with Michael Woldemariam, fellow at the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland, about the latest.

A former US government contractor has admitted to passing classified information to Ethiopian government officials. The actions were to support the government in its war against rebel forces in the northern Tigray region. A peace deal that was meant to end that war has unraveled over the past couple of years, and conflict surged again a few months ago. The World's Host Aaron Schachter speaks with Michael Woldemariam, fellow at the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland, about the latest.

Former US government contractor passed classified information to Ethiopia

There have been plenty of memes and videos floating around since the US midterm elections on Tuesday. One, in particular, caught the public's attention. It involves Abdul El-Sayed, the senator-elect from Michigan who will be the first Muslim to hold that position. The World's Host Aaron Schachter has more.

There have been plenty of memes and videos floating around since the US midterm elections on Tuesday. One, in particular, caught the public's attention. It involves Abdul El-Sayed, the senator-elect from Michigan who will be the first Muslim to hold that position. The World's Host Aaron Schachter has more.

People react to US midterm results with memes

Last week, Ukraine launched a record number of drone strikes inside Russia. Ukrainians have developed drones capable of hitting oil refineries inside Russia as far away as Siberia. The damage to Russia’s oil industry has put pressure on a key revenue source for the Kremlin. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Levi Bridges has this report on how more than four years of full-scale war is reshaping the Russian economy.

Last week, Ukraine launched a record number of drone strikes inside Russia. Ukrainians have developed drones capable of hitting oil refineries inside Russia as far away as Siberia. The damage to Russia’s oil industry has put pressure on a key revenue source for the Kremlin. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Levi Bridges has this report on how more than four years of full-scale war is reshaping the Russian economy.

Ukrainian drone strikes are reshaping the Russian economy

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

Nigeria has a long literary tradition that has introduced readers around the world to West African history and culture. Books like the 1958 novel by Chinua Achebe, "Things Fall Apart," remains to this day among the most widely read, studied and translated works of literature from anywhere on the continent. Now, some poets in Nigeria — Africa's most populous nation — are hoping to pass the literary spark on to a new generation, through performance. Reporter Ricci Shryock checked out the slam poetry scene in Nigeria's capital, Abuja.

Nigeria has a long literary tradition that has introduced readers around the world to West African history and culture. Books like the 1958 novel by Chinua Achebe, "Things Fall Apart," remains to this day among the most widely read, studied and translated works of literature from anywhere on the continent. Now, some poets in Nigeria — Africa's most populous nation — are hoping to pass the literary spark on to a new generation, through performance. Reporter Ricci Shryock checked out the slam poetry scene in Nigeria's capital, Abuja.

Nigeria's slam poetry scene

Hungary has begun publishing the names of tens of thousands of people who spied for the communist-era secret police. The files are shedding light on a system that recruited ordinary citizens to inform on friends, neighbors and colleagues during more than four decades of communist rule, which ended in 1989. Among those named are a Nobel Prize-winning scientist, a senior bishop and a former governor of Hungary's central bank. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Hungary has begun publishing the names of tens of thousands of people who spied for the communist-era secret police. The files are shedding light on a system that recruited ordinary citizens to inform on friends, neighbors and colleagues during more than four decades of communist rule, which ended in 1989. Among those named are a Nobel Prize-winning scientist, a senior bishop and a former governor of Hungary's central bank. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Hungary's secret police files expose decades of spying and betrayal

Yesterday's US midterm elections made one thing clear: Democrats will have control of Congress for the next two years. What that means for US foreign policy is still an open question, especially when it comes to the ongoing war with Iran. Host Marco Werman speaks with Sina Azodi from George Washington University, to better understand how that conflict could evolve.

Yesterday's US midterm elections made one thing clear: Democrats will have control of Congress for the next two years. What that means for US foreign policy is still an open question, especially when it comes to the ongoing war with Iran. Host Marco Werman speaks with Sina Azodi from George Washington University, to better understand how that conflict could evolve.

An Iranian view of the 'blue wave'

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has been sentenced to 10 additional years after a second conviction under a controversial national security law. Havoc across European airspace as several bomb threats divert planes. A soccer match in Brazil sets a new record for the most red cards in a single game. Host Marco Werman has more details.

Hong Kong pro-democracy activist Joshua Wong has been sentenced to 10 additional years after a second conviction under a controversial national security law. Havoc across European airspace as several bomb threats divert planes. A soccer match in Brazil sets a new record for the most red cards in a single game. Host Marco Werman has more details.

Morocco's Gnawa trance music

In 1963, the Brazilian government launched a literacy campaign spearheaded by the revolutionary educator, Paulo Freire. The campaign focused on rural communities in the country's north, and used experimental techniques to teach hundreds of students to read through a 40-hour course. A new documentary, "Reading the World," looks back at the history of that campaign through interviews with students who graduated from that program. Host Marco Werman speaks to co-director Catherine Murphy about the film.

In 1963, the Brazilian government launched a literacy campaign spearheaded by the revolutionary educator, Paulo Freire. The campaign focused on rural communities in the country's north, and used experimental techniques to teach hundreds of students to read through a 40-hour course. A new documentary, "Reading the World," looks back at the history of that campaign through interviews with students who graduated from that program. Host Marco Werman speaks to co-director Catherine Murphy about the film.

The legacy of Brazil's revolutionary literacy campaign

It's been more than two months since a flash flood in Nepal killed thousands of people. This happened when a large part of a glacier collapsed into a mountain lake, displacing tons of water, rock and mud. Scientists say glaciers are melting at a rapid pace due to rising global temperatures, and it’s not just happening in the Himalayas. In the high Pyrenees in Spain, Europe's southern-most glaciers are now almost entirely gone. The World's Gerry Hadden brings us this report from a mountainside near Spain's largest remaining glacier, the Aneto.

It's been more than two months since a flash flood in Nepal killed thousands of people. This happened when a large part of a glacier collapsed into a mountain lake, displacing tons of water, rock and mud. Scientists say glaciers are melting at a rapid pace due to rising global temperatures, and it’s not just happening in the Himalayas. In the high Pyrenees in Spain, Europe's southern-most glaciers are now almost entirely gone. The World's Gerry Hadden brings us this report from a mountainside near Spain's largest remaining glacier, the Aneto.

The disappearing glaciers of the Pyrenees

Before he succeeded him in Rome, Pope Leo XIV had already shared an altar in Buenos Aires with Pope Francis — back when he wasn't Francis yet. On Aug. 28, 2004, Jorge Bergoglio and Robert Prevost concelebrated mass at the San Agustín parish in Buenos Aires. Bergoglio was archbishop of the city; Prevost was head of the Augustinian order worldwide. Neither man had any idea both would become pope. Reporter Natalio Cosoy visited that church in Buenos Aires.

Before he succeeded him in Rome, Pope Leo XIV had already shared an altar in Buenos Aires with Pope Francis — back when he wasn't Francis yet. On Aug. 28, 2004, Jorge Bergoglio and Robert Prevost concelebrated mass at the San Agustín parish in Buenos Aires. Bergoglio was archbishop of the city; Prevost was head of the Augustinian order worldwide. Neither man had any idea both would become pope. Reporter Natalio Cosoy visited that church in Buenos Aires.

The Buenos Aires church where two future popes celebrated mass together

If the fictitious band The Commitments (from the 1991 Alan Parker film of the same name) were not so dysfunctional, and if they lived in Norway, they'd probably sound a lot like Sūn Byrd. Host Marco Werman offers up a taste.

If the fictitious band The Commitments (from the 1991 Alan Parker film of the same name) were not so dysfunctional, and if they lived in Norway, they'd probably sound a lot like Sūn Byrd. Host Marco Werman offers up a taste.

Just a Norwegian band looking for fellow soul lovers

Tomás de Perrate was born into a family of Flamenco musicians. But he chose the life of a hairdresser — until his late 40s. Flamenco has long been mixed with other genres, but Perrate takes Flamenco fusion to a new level. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Tomás de Perrate was born into a family of Flamenco musicians. But he chose the life of a hairdresser — until his late 40s. Flamenco has long been mixed with other genres, but Perrate takes Flamenco fusion to a new level. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.