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 current outbreak of Ebola is just one recent example of a disease spilling over from animals to humans. Zoonotic diseases like this are not new. There are the cases of hantavirus on the Dutch cruise ship, as well as COVID-19 and Zika. To find out why they're on the risem The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with Anne Rimoin, who is a professor of epidemiology at University College of London.

The current outbreak of Ebola is just one recent example of a disease spilling over from animals to humans. Zoonotic diseases like this are not new. There are the cases of hantavirus on the Dutch cruise ship, as well as COVID-19 and Zika. To find out why they're on the risem The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with Anne Rimoin, who is a professor of epidemiology at University College of London.

Zoonotic diseases: animal to human viruses are spreading

For several days last week, Senator Ronald dela Rosa took refuge inside the Philippines Senate after barely outrunning government agents. They wanted to serve him with an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, and bring him into custody. Dela Rosa is suspected of crimes against humanity for his role in the country’s bloody drug war under former President Rodrigo Duterte. The case is raising prickly questions of a political rivalry between two powerful families. Dave Grunebaum reports.

For several days last week, Senator Ronald dela Rosa took refuge inside the Philippines Senate after barely outrunning government agents. They wanted to serve him with an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, and bring him into custody. Dela Rosa is suspected of crimes against humanity for his role in the country’s bloody drug war under former President Rodrigo Duterte. The case is raising prickly questions of a political rivalry between two powerful families. Dave Grunebaum reports.

The Philippines' former top cop evades police and goes into hiding

Cairo's historic downtown was on the decline for years, with office towers crowding out long-term residents. But now, the area is experiencing a renaissance. Gen Z creators are re-discovering it. But some worry that developers are creating a cartoon version of what used to be called "the Paris of the East." Nadine El Shiaty reports from the Egyptian capital.

Cairo's historic downtown was on the decline for years, with office towers crowding out long-term residents. But now, the area is experiencing a renaissance. Gen Z creators are re-discovering it. But some worry that developers are creating a cartoon version of what used to be called "the Paris of the East." Nadine El Shiaty reports from the Egyptian capital.

Cairo's historic downtown comes back to life, thanks to Gen Z

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an emergency in response to an Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo. More than 300 cases are suspected and nearly 100 people have died. The particular strain, Bundibugyo, has no approved treatment or vaccines. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Heather Kerr, country director for DRC with the International Rescue Committee, about the picture on the ground.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an emergency in response to an Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo. More than 300 cases are suspected and nearly 100 people have died. The particular strain, Bundibugyo, has no approved treatment or vaccines. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Heather Kerr, country director for DRC with the International Rescue Committee, about the picture on the ground.

World Health Organization declares emergency in response to Ebola outbreak

Every four years, there are those in the US who joke about leaving the country if their pick for president loses. Last year, it seems that record numbers of Americans did leave the “land of opportunity" to take their chances overseas. Reporter Joshua Coe spoke with some politically-minded American “emigrés,” who put their money where their mouths are. But, as he learned, not everyone is leaving because of politics.

Every four years, there are those in the US who joke about leaving the country if their pick for president loses. Last year, it seems that record numbers of Americans did leave the “land of opportunity" to take their chances overseas. Reporter Joshua Coe spoke with some politically-minded American “emigrés,” who put their money where their mouths are. But, as he learned, not everyone is leaving because of politics.

'GTFO': More Americans are moving abroad — some over politics, others for a better cost of living

Dubbed the "Cuban James Brown," musician Cimafunk refuses to choose between tradition and innovation. After breakout success in Havana, Cimafunk relocated to New Orleans where his unique blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms and American funk found an even broader audience. Cimafunk spoke with Meklit Hadero, of the Movement podcast, about his transformation.

Dubbed the "Cuban James Brown," musician Cimafunk refuses to choose between tradition and innovation. After breakout success in Havana, Cimafunk relocated to New Orleans where his unique blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms and American funk found an even broader audience. Cimafunk spoke with Meklit Hadero, of the Movement podcast, about his transformation.

Cuban 'James Brown' Cimafunk blends Afro-Cuban and American funk

Norway stands to make $78 billion this year from its oil and gas sales. This surge is way beyond previous estimates, as the cost of oil and gas continue to rise due to the US-Israeli war with Iran. With Norway now aiming to increase production, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Bård Lahn, a Norwegian environmentalist and associate professor at the University of Oslo.

Norway stands to make $78 billion this year from its oil and gas sales. This surge is way beyond previous estimates, as the cost of oil and gas continue to rise due to the US-Israeli war with Iran. With Norway now aiming to increase production, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Bård Lahn, a Norwegian environmentalist and associate professor at the University of Oslo.

Norway to expand fossil fuel production as countries seek secure energy supply

Cuba's oil reserves have run dry. It's fueling blackouts lasting more than 20 hours in Havana, and widespread protests, where people are demanding electricity. It's the result of the ongoing US blockade of the island. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with journalist Ed Augustin, who's in Havana, about the latest.

Cuba's oil reserves have run dry. It's fueling blackouts lasting more than 20 hours in Havana, and widespread protests, where people are demanding electricity. It's the result of the ongoing US blockade of the island. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with journalist Ed Augustin, who's in Havana, about the latest.

Cuba is out of oil

Cape Verde is an archipelago 350 miles from the nearest country on the African continent and it's distinct from the rest of Africa in many ways. For one thing, it has a functional democracy, which places it in a minority in Africa. Cape Verde will hold elections on Sunday with two candidates for prime minister who offer the classic choice between change or continuity. GBH's Paris Alston reported from Cape Verde recently and tells Host Carolyn Beeler what's at stake.

Cape Verde is an archipelago 350 miles from the nearest country on the African continent and it's distinct from the rest of Africa in many ways. For one thing, it has a functional democracy, which places it in a minority in Africa. Cape Verde will hold elections on Sunday with two candidates for prime minister who offer the classic choice between change or continuity. GBH's Paris Alston reported from Cape Verde recently and tells Host Carolyn Beeler what's at stake.

Voters on Cape Verde and in the diaspora get ready to head to the polls

It's not often we get to hear music written and recorded in Antarctica. But that's what musician Kyra Sims was able to do on her French horn, while on an expedition with Antarctic scientists and researchers. She is one of only two musicians in the world who have performed on all seven continents and she speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about the music inspired by her latest adventure.

It's not often we get to hear music written and recorded in Antarctica. But that's what musician Kyra Sims was able to do on her French horn, while on an expedition with Antarctic scientists and researchers. She is one of only two musicians in the world who have performed on all seven continents and she speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about the music inspired by her latest adventure.

How a voyage to Antarctica inspired the sounds on a French horn

Gucci may call it "Italian leather," but much of the raw materials they use originate in the northern Nigerian city of Kano, where 11 tanneries operate and craftsmen continue their ancient profession. In another part of the city, men sit hunched over 600-year-old dye pits where they mix lavish indigo color into intricately designed fabrics. The leather and dye makers are at the heart of the local economy — but globalization is hurting both crafts. From Kano, reporter Ricci Shryock has the story.

Gucci may call it "Italian leather," but much of the raw materials they use originate in the northern Nigerian city of Kano, where 11 tanneries operate and craftsmen continue their ancient profession. In another part of the city, men sit hunched over 600-year-old dye pits where they mix lavish indigo color into intricately designed fabrics. The leather and dye makers are at the heart of the local economy — but globalization is hurting both crafts. From Kano, reporter Ricci Shryock has the story.

Ancient tanneries in Nigeria churn out 'Made in Italy' leather

Shweta Bhatt's parents were worried. Their daughter, pushing 30, hadn't found a partner. So, they tried to do for her what worked for them. When she rejected their involvement, the relationship she ended up pursuing without their help surprised her. This story comes to us from the GBH program Stories from the Stage, in Boston.

Shweta Bhatt's parents were worried. Their daughter, pushing 30, hadn't found a partner. So, they tried to do for her what worked for them. When she rejected their involvement, the relationship she ended up pursuing without their help surprised her. This story comes to us from the GBH program Stories from the Stage, in Boston.

She started a relationship — with herself

The Eurovision Song Contest is celebrating its 70th anniversary this weekend in Vienna but the event is once again being overshadowed by political controversy. Five countries are boycotting the contest over Israel’s participation, citing its military offensive in Gaza. Meanwhile, organizers have introduced new voting rules following allegations of voter manipulation by Israel at last year’s contest. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

The Eurovision Song Contest is celebrating its 70th anniversary this weekend in Vienna but the event is once again being overshadowed by political controversy. Five countries are boycotting the contest over Israel’s participation, citing its military offensive in Gaza. Meanwhile, organizers have introduced new voting rules following allegations of voter manipulation by Israel at last year’s contest. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Boycotts, protests and rule changes rock Eurovision anniversary

Pakistan is in the middle of a solar power revolution. Over the past five years, the percentage of electricity generated from solar panels jumped from 2% to nearly 25%. Almost all of that growth has been driven by individuals buying their own solar panels, removing their homes or businesses from the centralized grid and generating electricity for themselves. For The Big Fix, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Naveed Arshad, director of the Energy Institute at Lahore University of Management Sciences, about why — and how — Pakistan has embraced solar power.

Pakistan is in the middle of a solar power revolution. Over the past five years, the percentage of electricity generated from solar panels jumped from 2% to nearly 25%. Almost all of that growth has been driven by individuals buying their own solar panels, removing their homes or businesses from the centralized grid and generating electricity for themselves. For The Big Fix, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Naveed Arshad, director of the Energy Institute at Lahore University of Management Sciences, about why — and how — Pakistan has embraced solar power.

Pakistan's solar revolution

Spanish pistachio production was already way up — by about 73% in the last decade. It's because they're trendy, hawked on social media as healthy and competitors like those in California have seen yields fall. But now, Spanish farmers are really gaining ground because the world's second-largest producer — Iran — can't get its nuts to market. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Spanish pistachio production was already way up — by about 73% in the last decade. It's because they're trendy, hawked on social media as healthy and competitors like those in California have seen yields fall. But now, Spanish farmers are really gaining ground because the world's second-largest producer — Iran — can't get its nuts to market. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Spain's pistachio production gets a boost

If you can prove you have a Canadian ancestor —.even several generations back — you may now be eligible for Canadian citizenship. That's thanks to a new law passed in Ottawa that removes the one-generation limit on citizenship based on descent. As Maine Public's Ari Snider reports, this has set off a scramble among people seeking a potential exit strategy from the US, especially from New England, where many families have roots north of the border.

If you can prove you have a Canadian ancestor —.even several generations back — you may now be eligible for Canadian citizenship. That's thanks to a new law passed in Ottawa that removes the one-generation limit on citizenship based on descent. As Maine Public's Ari Snider reports, this has set off a scramble among people seeking a potential exit strategy from the US, especially from New England, where many families have roots north of the border.

More and more Americans are making a run for the border

Overspending, misspending, favoritism and left-wing political bias: These are the charges leveled against France’s public radio and television by a parliamentary report published this week. Critics of the report describe it as a “foretaste of the extreme right in power.” The head of the committee of lawmakers that produced it is a member of a party allied to Jordan Bardella's far-right National Rally party. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's John Laurenson reports from Paris.

Overspending, misspending, favoritism and left-wing political bias: These are the charges leveled against France’s public radio and television by a parliamentary report published this week. Critics of the report describe it as a “foretaste of the extreme right in power.” The head of the committee of lawmakers that produced it is a member of a party allied to Jordan Bardella's far-right National Rally party. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's John Laurenson reports from Paris.

French public media targeted by the far-right

This summer is expected to be a scorcher in North America — and right around the time the World Cup gets underway. New analysis has determined a quarter of the games could experience temperatures beyond the global players' union safety standards. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with sports ecologist and author Madeleine Orr about how climate change is affecting sports.

This summer is expected to be a scorcher in North America — and right around the time the World Cup gets underway. New analysis has determined a quarter of the games could experience temperatures beyond the global players' union safety standards. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with sports ecologist and author Madeleine Orr about how climate change is affecting sports.

Heat expected during World Cup raises concerns over climate change and sports

Senior citizens in Asia have long been known for their fitness routines. Taiwan is no different. The government there has been extolling the health benefits of exercise for the elderly. Two grandmothers in Taipei have taken the suggestion to heart. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

Senior citizens in Asia have long been known for their fitness routines. Taiwan is no different. The government there has been extolling the health benefits of exercise for the elderly. Two grandmothers in Taipei have taken the suggestion to heart. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

A couple of grandmothers in Taiwan take lifting weights to the extreme

Last year, Russia made slow but steady gains on the front line in eastern Ukraine. But now, effective deployment of Ukrainian drones, along with a host of other factors, have slowed the progress of Russian troops. Emil Kastehelmi, a military analyst with the Finnish think tank Black Bird Group discusses the implications with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

Last year, Russia made slow but steady gains on the front line in eastern Ukraine. But now, effective deployment of Ukrainian drones, along with a host of other factors, have slowed the progress of Russian troops. Emil Kastehelmi, a military analyst with the Finnish think tank Black Bird Group discusses the implications with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

Russia stalls in Donbas, as battlefield deadlock deepens

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek is a man on a mission: traveling across the world in the way the earliest humans out of Africa did. Lately, he's been hiking and paddling along Alaska's southern coast. He joins Host Marco Werman to share what he's learned about how coastal ecosystems helped our ancestors thrive as they populated the planet.

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek is a man on a mission: traveling across the world in the way the earliest humans out of Africa did. Lately, he's been hiking and paddling along Alaska's southern coast. He joins Host Marco Werman to share what he's learned about how coastal ecosystems helped our ancestors thrive as they populated the planet.

How coastlines propelled ancient humans across the planet

Chris Martin, of Coldplay, made a big announcement today along with Elmo and some of the other muppets. For the first time ever, there will be a half-time show at the World Cup final in New Jersey. The big event will feature Martin, along with Madonna, Shakira and the K-Pop sensation BTS.

Chris Martin, of Coldplay, made a big announcement today along with Elmo and some of the other muppets. For the first time ever, there will be a half-time show at the World Cup final in New Jersey. The big event will feature Martin, along with Madonna, Shakira and the K-Pop sensation BTS.

This year's World Cup final will have the first-ever half time show

More than 250 years ago, Britain saw New England’s white pine trees much like we see rare earth minerals today: Control of natural resources shapes global power. The trees were a strategic resource for Britain's Royal Navy. GBH's Hannah Loss went to the forests of Massachusetts to learn more.

More than 250 years ago, Britain saw New England’s white pine trees much like we see rare earth minerals today: Control of natural resources shapes global power. The trees were a strategic resource for Britain's Royal Navy. GBH's Hannah Loss went to the forests of Massachusetts to learn more.

International fight over natural resources goes back to colonial days

Each year, hundreds of endangered baby sea turtles will get stuck on the beaches of Cape Town. But thanks to a network of around 2,000 volunteers, many of them get rescued and safely brought to an aquarium. As Elna Schutz reports from Cape Town, with only one or two hatchlings out of every thousand likely to survive into adulthood, this work can make a significant difference.

Each year, hundreds of endangered baby sea turtles will get stuck on the beaches of Cape Town. But thanks to a network of around 2,000 volunteers, many of them get rescued and safely brought to an aquarium. As Elna Schutz reports from Cape Town, with only one or two hatchlings out of every thousand likely to survive into adulthood, this work can make a significant difference.

South Africans work to keep migrating baby turtles alive

Sudan’s civil war has triggered what many describe as the world’s largest humanitarian disaster. It’s a crisis that remains dramatically underreported, according to journalist Ann Curry. She won an Emmy for her coverage of the Darfur genocide in 2007 and recently talked with refugees fleeing into South Sudan. She tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that while Western audiences closely followed the violence in Darfur nearly two decades ago, far fewer people today understand and appreciate the scale of the suffering engulfing Sudan.

Sudan’s civil war has triggered what many describe as the world’s largest humanitarian disaster. It’s a crisis that remains dramatically underreported, according to journalist Ann Curry. She won an Emmy for her coverage of the Darfur genocide in 2007 and recently talked with refugees fleeing into South Sudan. She tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that while Western audiences closely followed the violence in Darfur nearly two decades ago, far fewer people today understand and appreciate the scale of the suffering engulfing Sudan.

The humanitarian catastrophe the world continues to overlook

US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing Wednesday for talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. The two leaders are expected to talk over their countries’ tech rivalry, the current Iran war and the future of Taiwan. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from Simon Cox, The Economist’s China Economics Editor. He joined the show from Hong Kong.

US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing Wednesday for talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. The two leaders are expected to talk over their countries’ tech rivalry, the current Iran war and the future of Taiwan. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from Simon Cox, The Economist’s China Economics Editor. He joined the show from Hong Kong.

Trump meets Xi in Beijing to talk tech, Iran and, possibly, Taiwan

Today, the world celebrates one of the most popular — and arguably most delicious — of foods: hummus. The World's Aaron Schachter takes a brief look at what makes the creamy — or not so creamy — dip a worldwide favorite.

Today, the world celebrates one of the most popular — and arguably most delicious — of foods: hummus. The World's Aaron Schachter takes a brief look at what makes the creamy — or not so creamy — dip a worldwide favorite.

Today marks international hummus day

Tunisian singer, Emel Mathlouthi, was called the "voice of the Tunisian revolution" 15 years ago. She took to the streets to protest like many of her peers during the Arab Spring. Emel recently spoke with Meklit Hadero, on the Movement podcast, about what that was like and how she sees the whole experience.

Tunisian singer, Emel Mathlouthi, was called the "voice of the Tunisian revolution" 15 years ago. She took to the streets to protest like many of her peers during the Arab Spring. Emel recently spoke with Meklit Hadero, on the Movement podcast, about what that was like and how she sees the whole experience.

The 'voice of the Tunisian revolution'

Professional rakugo storytellers all over Japan practice an art form dating back to the 14th century. One such performer is Katsura Sunshine, a white man from Canada, who fell in love with it, and who is now bringing rakugo to new audiences in the US and Canada. Jacob Aloi of Minnesota Public Radio has the story.

Professional rakugo storytellers all over Japan practice an art form dating back to the 14th century. One such performer is Katsura Sunshine, a white man from Canada, who fell in love with it, and who is now bringing rakugo to new audiences in the US and Canada. Jacob Aloi of Minnesota Public Radio has the story.

Traditional Japanese art form combines storytelling and standup

A new Israeli investigation finds that the use of sexual violence on Oct. 7 and against hostages in captivity was a “calculated strategy by Hamas.” In another separate report released today, Israel's State Comptroller accused the government of neglecting military procurements and jeopardizing soldiers' lives. Journalist Noga Tarnopolsky tells The World’s Host Marco Werman the reports were released as the government gears up to establish a special military tribunal to try an elite group of Hamas fighters.

A new Israeli investigation finds that the use of sexual violence on Oct. 7 and against hostages in captivity was a “calculated strategy by Hamas.” In another separate report released today, Israel's State Comptroller accused the government of neglecting military procurements and jeopardizing soldiers' lives. Journalist Noga Tarnopolsky tells The World’s Host Marco Werman the reports were released as the government gears up to establish a special military tribunal to try an elite group of Hamas fighters.