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.

Julian, a landscape architect from Lyon, and his teenage daughter, Coline, spent much of Saturday dodging tear gas canisters and protesting for education reform. From Barcelona, where they've been on vacation, they offer their view on the state of public schools and public spending in general in France. This, as the government of Emmanuel Macron finds itself unable to contain growing public rage and, at times, violence. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Julian, a landscape architect from Lyon, and his teenage daughter, Coline, spent much of Saturday dodging tear gas canisters and protesting for education reform. From Barcelona, where they've been on vacation, they offer their view on the state of public schools and public spending in general in France. This, as the government of Emmanuel Macron finds itself unable to contain growing public rage and, at times, violence. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

A father and daughter reflect on protests in France

Guitarist and songwriter Mahesh Tinaiker fronted the Indian rock ensemble Rock Machine, which later renamed itself Indus Creed. For a generation of India's music fans, Tinaiker offered a homegrown version of metal rock. Host Marco Werman pays homage to Tinaiker who died at the age of 63 last week.

Guitarist and songwriter Mahesh Tinaiker fronted the Indian rock ensemble Rock Machine, which later renamed itself Indus Creed. For a generation of India's music fans, Tinaiker offered a homegrown version of metal rock. Host Marco Werman pays homage to Tinaiker who died at the age of 63 last week.

Mahesh Tinaiker remembered

The rhythms, the style and lyricism are all a little hard to define when it comes to Cuban pianist Harold López-Nussa. Is it jazz, classical, traditional Cuban or something else? As López-Nussa told Host Marco Werman, he's constantly exploring new directions. His album, "Nueva Timba," is no exception.  This story originally aired on Oct. 22, 2025.

The rhythms, the style and lyricism are all a little hard to define when it comes to Cuban pianist Harold López-Nussa. Is it jazz, classical, traditional Cuban or something else? As López-Nussa told Host Marco Werman, he's constantly exploring new directions. His album, "Nueva Timba," is no exception.  
This story originally aired on Oct. 22, 2025.

The eclectic sounds of Harold López-Nussa keep listeners guessing

What started as demonstrations over the French education system over the past month converged with other grievances — over things like housing and the cost of living. And it comes ahead of an election in France, in which the far right and far left are building support. Vivienne Walt, a TIME Magazine correspondent based in Paris, joins The World's Host Marco Werman to discuss.

What started as demonstrations over the French education system over the past month converged with other grievances — over things like housing and the cost of living. And it comes ahead of an election in France, in which the far right and far left are building support. Vivienne Walt, a TIME Magazine correspondent based in Paris, joins The World's Host Marco Werman to discuss.

How simmering grievances converged into France's weekend of discontent

During the 1990s, Portugal experienced a devastating heroin epidemic accompanied by a surge of HIV-AIDS infections. Instead of cracking down on drug possession, Portuguese authorities tried a public health approach focusing on harm reduction. This year marks the 25th anniversary of that policy change. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Robert Glover, who teaches political science at the University of Maine and co-wrote a piece in The Conversation about this approach.

During the 1990s, Portugal experienced a devastating heroin epidemic accompanied by a surge of HIV-AIDS infections. Instead of cracking down on drug possession, Portuguese authorities tried a public health approach focusing on harm reduction. This year marks the 25th anniversary of that policy change. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Robert Glover, who teaches political science at the University of Maine and co-wrote a piece in The Conversation about this approach.

Lessons learned from Portugal's decriminalization of drugs for personal use

Masked Israeli settlers have attacked West Bank farmers, herders and village residents harvesting olives this week. They’ve also beaten the journalists and European diplomats who’ve tried to accompany the Palestinians. Itamar Yaar, a retired Israeli colonel and national-security official who has served in the West Bank tells The World’s Marco Werman that the settlers perpetrating the attack are endangering Israel’s national security. Werman then speaks with Israeli journalist Noga Tarnopolsky.

Masked Israeli settlers have attacked West Bank farmers, herders and village residents harvesting olives this week. They’ve also beaten the journalists and European diplomats who’ve tried to accompany the Palestinians. Itamar Yaar, a retired Israeli colonel and national-security official who has served in the West Bank tells The World’s Marco Werman that the settlers perpetrating the attack are endangering Israel’s national security. Werman then speaks with Israeli journalist Noga Tarnopolsky.

Israeli colonel who served in West Bank decries settler violence as national security threat

A music teacher in a small town in Iowa looked around at his school a realized that it was increasingly Latino — but there were few Latinos playing in school bands. So, he decided to make a change. He started a mariachi band, a rarity in the Midwest. Now, there are four, and they're a big hit with the town. Bret Hayworth of Siouxland Public Media has our story from Denison, IA.This story originally aired on Dec. 23, 2024.

A music teacher in a small town in Iowa looked around at his school a realized that it was increasingly Latino — but there were few Latinos playing in school bands. So, he decided to make a change. He started a mariachi band, a rarity in the Midwest. Now, there are four, and they're a big hit with the town. Bret Hayworth of Siouxland Public Media has our story from Denison, IA.
This story originally aired on Dec. 23, 2024.

Mariachi music a big hit in Iowa

Six months after Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule came to an end in Hungary, his successor Peter Magyar is facing a major test: turning campaign promises into reality. He pledged to tackle corruption, rebuild ties with the European Union and reform state media accused of serving the former regime. But political observers say there's a long road ahead. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Six months after Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule came to an end in Hungary, his successor Peter Magyar is facing a major test: turning campaign promises into reality. He pledged to tackle corruption, rebuild ties with the European Union and reform state media accused of serving the former regime. But political observers say there's a long road ahead. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Hungary after Orbán: 6 months on, how much has changed?

Bones discovered at the famed Shanidar Cave in northern Iraq suggest the individual was killed with a spear. This could be the first evidence of murder, or just an accident. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Bones discovered at the famed Shanidar Cave in northern Iraq suggest the individual was killed with a spear. This could be the first evidence of murder, or just an accident. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Newly discovered Neanderthal bones suggest first-ever killing of a human ancestor

Costa Rica, once a haven of stability in a troubled region, is facing rising homicides and drug trafficking. This week, its leaders unveiled a new prison for 5,000 inmates. The facility is designed to emulate El Salvador’s approach to fighting crime and project an “iron fist.” But Steven Dudley, co-director of the investigative outlet InSight Crime tells The World’s Carolyn Beeler that the new prison and the thinking behind it carries many risks.

Costa Rica, once a haven of stability in a troubled region, is facing rising homicides and drug trafficking. This week, its leaders unveiled a new prison for 5,000 inmates. The facility is designed to emulate El Salvador’s approach to fighting crime and project an “iron fist.” But Steven Dudley, co-director of the investigative outlet InSight Crime tells The World’s Carolyn Beeler that the new prison and the thinking behind it carries many risks.

Analyst sees Costa Rica's mega-prison as 'not a panacea'

For more than a decade, Nicolás Maduro ruled Venezuela, supported by powerful allies, including his vice president, Delcy Rodríguez. Today, Maduro is in a Brooklyn jail, fighting charges that could keep him behind bars for the rest of his life. Rodríguez, meanwhile, is running the country and working with the very government that captured him. His courtroom battle is only beginning, but Venezuela's political future is already being negotiated without him.

For more than a decade, Nicolás Maduro ruled Venezuela, supported by powerful allies, including his vice president, Delcy Rodríguez. Today, Maduro is in a Brooklyn jail, fighting charges that could keep him behind bars for the rest of his life. Rodríguez, meanwhile, is running the country and working with the very government that captured him. His courtroom battle is only beginning, but Venezuela's political future is already being negotiated without him.

Maduro's legal case update

US President Donald Trump added more confusion to US-Ukrainian relations over the last few days, announcing he'd drop sanctions on Russian diesel in order to import it, calling for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to leave office and declaring an "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine that came as a surprise to Kyiv. But perhaps the most dangerous development has been the uncertainty over whether the US will continue to share intelligence with Kyiv that allows advance notice of ballistic missile strikes by Moscow. Teri Schultz was at the Warsaw Security Forum to take the temperature of this diplomatic disarray.

US President Donald Trump added more confusion to US-Ukrainian relations over the last few days, announcing he'd drop sanctions on Russian diesel in order to import it, calling for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to leave office and declaring an "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine that came as a surprise to Kyiv. But perhaps the most dangerous development has been the uncertainty over whether the US will continue to share intelligence with Kyiv that allows advance notice of ballistic missile strikes by Moscow. Teri Schultz was at the Warsaw Security Forum to take the temperature of this diplomatic disarray.

Diplomatic disarray between the US and Ukraine

Members of the Catholic Church around the globe this week are reeling from news that Pope Leo XIV has cancer. The diagnosis came after an operation on the pope's lung. The World's Carolyn Beeler spoke to Massimo Faggioli, a Catholic scholar at Villanova University.

Members of the Catholic Church around the globe this week are reeling from news that Pope Leo XIV has cancer. The diagnosis came after an operation on the pope's lung. The World's Carolyn Beeler spoke to Massimo Faggioli, a Catholic scholar at Villanova University.

Catholic world reacts to Pope Leo's cancer diagnosis

Ed Maverick started writing songs about heartbreak in his sleepy town of Delicias, in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, when he was 16. The following year, he released his debut album, “Mix to Cry in Your Room." The hit “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaoCQHwTPg4">Fuentes De Ortiz</a>” reached more than 500 million views on Youtube. But after a major label deal and a move to Mexico City, he was subject to cyberbullying and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2592674867618480">broke down crying at a concert in New York City</a>. Now at 25, he’s about to release his fifth album. Gisele Regatão explains how he became an unlikely cult hero and the voice of Mexican youth.

Ed Maverick started writing songs about heartbreak in his sleepy town of Delicias, in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, when he was 16. The following year, he released his debut album, “Mix to Cry in Your Room." The hit “Fuentes De Ortiz” reached more than 500 million views on Youtube. But after a major label deal and a move to Mexico City, he was subject to cyberbullying and broke down crying at a concert in New York City. Now at 25, he’s about to release his fifth album. Gisele Regatão explains how he became an unlikely cult hero and the voice of Mexican youth.

Mexican romantic folk star

The largest regatta in the world takes place this weekend in the waters of the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts. It will be filled with rowers from all over the world. This year, two athletes will be competing under a banner rarely seen in the rowing world: the Palestinian flag. GBH’s Esteban Bustillos has their story.

The largest regatta in the world takes place this weekend in the waters of the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts. It will be filled with rowers from all over the world. This year, two athletes will be competing under a banner rarely seen in the rowing world: the Palestinian flag. GBH’s Esteban Bustillos has their story.

Head of the Charles Regatta to feature Palestinian rowing team

An international group of scientists, diplomats and timekeepers today changed the way the world keeps time. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with analyst Steve Allen from UC Santa Cruz Observatories about the elimination of the leap second.

An international group of scientists, diplomats and timekeepers today changed the way the world keeps time. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with analyst Steve Allen from UC Santa Cruz Observatories about the elimination of the leap second.

Times a’changin’. Literally.

The driest non-polar place on earth, the Atacama Desert, is currently covered with carpets of colorful blossoms. This natural spectacle only happens once or twice every ten years, and three years ago it prompted the Chilean government to name this region a national park. Here, researchers are finding clues to deal with climate change and extremely dry conditions. The World’s Tibisay Zea first reported on this phenomenon in 2022, from the Atacama Desert.This story originally aired on Oct. 17, 2022.

The driest non-polar place on earth, the Atacama Desert, is currently covered with carpets of colorful blossoms. This natural spectacle only happens once or twice every ten years, and three years ago it prompted the Chilean government to name this region a national park. Here, researchers are finding clues to deal with climate change and extremely dry conditions. The World’s Tibisay Zea first reported on this phenomenon in 2022, from the Atacama Desert.
This story originally aired on Oct. 17, 2022.

Chile sees another floral bloom in ‘flowering desert’ national park

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek is on a decades-long project to walk from East Africa to South America. In his 13 years on the road so far, he's been stopped by law enforcement 120 times. Those encounters range from friendly stops to detentions, and everything in between. He has even been logging those stops on an online map. He joined Host Carolyn Beeler to talk about that map, and share stories about his walk-ins with the law. This story first aired on January 22, 2026.

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek is on a decades-long project to walk from East Africa to South America. In his 13 years on the road so far, he's been stopped by law enforcement 120 times. Those encounters range from friendly stops to detentions, and everything in between. He has even been logging those stops on an online map. He joined Host Carolyn Beeler to talk about that map, and share stories about his walk-ins with the law. 
This story first aired on January 22, 2026.

When you walk across continents, police take notice

Families are returning to southern Lebanon, but the fighting isn't over. Israeli strikes continue, and parts of the south remain under Israeli military control. Some villages have been reduced to rubble, leaving residents with nowhere to return. For those who have made it home, fear and uncertainty are part of everyday life. The World's Shirin Jaafari visits a mobile medical clinic, where healthcare workers are helping people cope with the physical and emotional toll of war.

Families are returning to southern Lebanon, but the fighting isn't over. Israeli strikes continue, and parts of the south remain under Israeli military control. Some villages have been reduced to rubble, leaving residents with nowhere to return. For those who have made it home, fear and uncertainty are part of everyday life. The World's Shirin Jaafari visits a mobile medical clinic, where healthcare workers are helping people cope with the physical and emotional toll of war.

In southern Lebanon, coming home doesn't mean feeling safe

Archaeologists have discovered what they believe to be the oldest known shipwreck in the world. Estimated to be up to 4,700 years old, the ship's structure has long since decayed. But its cargo of ceramic pots, as well as three stone anchors, remains. And they shed light on the trade routes across the Mediterranean Sea in the ancient world. Carolyn Beeler has more details.

Archaeologists have discovered what they believe to be the oldest known shipwreck in the world. Estimated to be up to 4,700 years old, the ship's structure has long since decayed. But its cargo of ceramic pots, as well as three stone anchors, remains. And they shed light on the trade routes across the Mediterranean Sea in the ancient world. Carolyn Beeler has more details.

World’s oldest shipwreck found near Turkey

This week, Ukraine faced restrictions on Pentagon-funded Starshield access and US intelligence sharing, hindering its ability to intercept drones and strike Russian targets. The service has reportedly been restored. But retired Navy Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, who directs The Foundation for Defense of Democracies Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation tells The World's Carolyn Beeler the incident brought home to Kyiv how vulnerable it is to decisions by a wavering ally.

This week, Ukraine faced restrictions on Pentagon-funded Starshield access and US intelligence sharing, hindering its ability to intercept drones and strike Russian targets. The service has reportedly been restored. But retired Navy Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, who directs The Foundation for Defense of Democracies Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation tells The World's Carolyn Beeler the incident brought home to Kyiv how vulnerable it is to decisions by a wavering ally.

How a sudden Starlink disruption left Ukraine vulnerable

You might have come across a slightly odd and curiously funny video from Norway recently. In it, Death personiﬁed — cloaked and scythe in hand — helps a character called the Enshi**iﬁcator to shorten the lives of everyday products like clothes and electric toothbrushes. Funny, perhaps, but the message behind it is serious — who is really to blame for our over-consumption? DW reporter Lars Bevanger went to Oslo to meet the people behind the campaign.

You might have come across a slightly odd and curiously funny video from Norway recently. In it, Death personiﬁed — cloaked and scythe in hand — helps a character called the Enshi**iﬁcator to shorten the lives of everyday products like clothes and electric toothbrushes. Funny, perhaps, but the message behind it is serious — who is really to blame for our over-consumption? DW reporter Lars Bevanger went to Oslo to meet the people behind the campaign.

The grim reaper warning on overconsumption

The film is called "La Bola Negra," and it just hit US theaters. Álvaro Lafuente plays the lead as a closeted gay soldier during the Spanish Civil War who falls in love with an enemy officer. Lafuente also wrote the movie's main song and could earn a double nomination come Oscar time. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

The film is called "La Bola Negra," and it just hit US theaters. Álvaro Lafuente plays the lead as a closeted gay soldier during the Spanish Civil War who falls in love with an enemy officer. Lafuente also wrote the movie's main song and could earn a double nomination come Oscar time. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Spanish artist Guitarricadelafuente wins acclaim for acting and songwriting in Spain’s Oscar choice

Springtime is normally dry and sunny in Santiago, Chile. But the city has recorded its wettest October on record in the first week of the month when around two inches of rain fell in just a single day. Heavy rainfall high up in the Andes mountains rushed down into Santiago’s Mapocho River, turning it from a sedate flow into a torrent. And among all the chaos, there was one rescue that kept the public riveted for hours, and later became an unlikely global hero as Jane Chambers reports.

Springtime is normally dry and sunny in Santiago, Chile. But the city has recorded its wettest October on record in the first week of the month when around two inches of rain fell in just a single day. Heavy rainfall high up in the Andes mountains rushed down into Santiago’s Mapocho River, turning it from a sedate flow into a torrent. And among all the chaos, there was one rescue that kept the public riveted for hours, and later became an unlikely global hero as Jane Chambers reports.

A stray dog captures Chile's heart

In the 1970s and '80s, Teresa Teng was the big pop star in Asia. The Taiwanese singer released hit after hit, recording in several languages including Mandarin and Japanese. Her untimely death in 1995 at the age of 42, hasn't stopped her fan base from wanting more of her music. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Xianda Huang, a superfan and scholar in Chinese pop culture.

In the 1970s and '80s, Teresa Teng was the big pop star in Asia. The Taiwanese singer released hit after hit, recording in several languages including Mandarin and Japanese. Her untimely death in 1995 at the age of 42, hasn't stopped her fan base from wanting more of her music. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Xianda Huang, a superfan and scholar in Chinese pop culture.

The enduring legacy of late Taiwanese pop star Teresa Teng

Climate change is reshaping nearly every part of society. And that includes our relationships. Researchers are increasingly understanding how climate change both amplifies loneliness and can build stronger bonds. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with psychologist Samia Ahkter-Khan for The Loneliness Diagnosis, our special series on solutions to loneliness around the world.

Climate change is reshaping nearly every part of society. And that includes our relationships. Researchers are increasingly understanding how climate change both amplifies loneliness and can build stronger bonds. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with psychologist Samia Ahkter-Khan for The Loneliness Diagnosis, our special series on solutions to loneliness around the world.

As the climate changes, loneliness grows

A new musical — with a score by Duncan Sheik and a book by Leah Nanako Winkler, based on a Japanese graphic novel — is opening off-Broadway this week. It's the first Japanese manga to be developed into an American musical, about a woman who feels trapped within her life. Sheik, a Tony Winner for his score to Spring Awakening, died before the dress rehearsals were done. Jeff Lunden reports from New York.

A new musical — with a score by Duncan Sheik and a book by Leah Nanako Winkler, based on a Japanese graphic novel — is opening off-Broadway this week. It's the first Japanese manga to be developed into an American musical, about a woman who feels trapped within her life. Sheik, a Tony Winner for his score to Spring Awakening, died before the dress rehearsals were done. Jeff Lunden reports from New York.

A manga musical hits (off-) Broadway

Houthi fighters are escalating their attacks on Saudi infrastructure and civilians, leaving Riyadh with few easy options. Michael Ratney, former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia during the Biden administration and now a non-resident senior adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, discusses the implications of rising Houthi clout with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

Houthi fighters are escalating their attacks on Saudi infrastructure and civilians, leaving Riyadh with few easy options. Michael Ratney, former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia during the Biden administration and now a non-resident senior adviser with the Center for Strategic and International Studies, discusses the implications of rising Houthi clout with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

Houthis, as potent regional force, draw Saudi Arabia deeper into war

Students have marched in cities across Brazil against presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro. They're concerned about potential cuts to higher education. Universities were highly impacted by funding freezes and unprecedented budget cuts under former President Jair Bolsonaro, Flavio's father, and the son has promised similar austerity measures. It comes in the wake of the first round of the presidential elections, in which Trump-ally Flavio Bolsonaro won by 2% ahead of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Michael Fox reports from Florianopolis, Brazil.

Students have marched in cities across Brazil against presidential candidate Flavio Bolsonaro. They're concerned about potential cuts to higher education. Universities were highly impacted by funding freezes and unprecedented budget cuts under former President Jair Bolsonaro, Flavio's father, and the son has promised similar austerity measures. It comes in the wake of the first round of the presidential elections, in which Trump-ally Flavio Bolsonaro won by 2% ahead of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva. Michael Fox reports from Florianopolis, Brazil.

Brazilian students protest Flavio Bolsonaro's promised education cuts

At least seven students from the Autonomous University of Morelos have been murdered since 2025, including five young women. The killings have sparked protests and renewed demands for better protection. Across Mexico, female university students face sexual harassment, fear of disappearing and obstacles to reporting abuse. As universities introduce new security measures and complaint procedures, students and researchers question whether enough is being done to prevent violence and hold perpetrators accountable. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

At least seven students from the Autonomous University of Morelos have been murdered since 2025, including five young women. The killings have sparked protests and renewed demands for better protection. Across Mexico, female university students face sexual harassment, fear of disappearing and obstacles to reporting abuse. As universities introduce new security measures and complaint procedures, students and researchers question whether enough is being done to prevent violence and hold perpetrators accountable. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.