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.

Vasilis Kostas' passion for music started early. He grew up in Epirus, in the northwestern region of Greece, and remembers how his grandfather would show up every night to sing local, traditional tunes. Those songs stayed with him, as he learned to play the laouto and began to write songs of his own. They appear in his new album "Léna."

Vasilis Kostas' passion for music started early. He grew up in Epirus, in the northwestern region of Greece, and remembers how his grandfather would show up every night to sing local, traditional tunes. Those songs stayed with him, as he learned to play the laouto and began to write songs of his own. They appear in his new album "Léna."

The mournful sounds from Vasilis Kostas and his Greek lute

For the past three years, Nicaraguan authorities have held Brooklyn Rivera, the country’s most prominent Indigenous leader, incommunicado. Then last week, the government released photos showing Rivera in a hospital bed, intubated and emaciated. Yesterday, Nicaraguan officials announced Rivera’s death. Former Nicaraguan diplomat Arturo McFields Yescas blames Nicaraguan authorities for Rivera’s death. McFields tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that Rivera was “like a legend” in the Caribbean.

For the past three years, Nicaraguan authorities have held Brooklyn Rivera, the country’s most prominent Indigenous leader, incommunicado. Then last week, the government released photos showing Rivera in a hospital bed, intubated and emaciated. Yesterday, Nicaraguan officials announced Rivera’s death. Former Nicaraguan diplomat Arturo McFields Yescas blames Nicaraguan authorities for Rivera’s death. McFields tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that Rivera was “like a legend” in the Caribbean.

Key Nicaraguan Indigenous leader dies in government custody

Anyone around in the 1980s might recall the hand wringing over “test tube” babies, conceived in IVF labs. Today, more than 1 in 50 US babies are conceived by IVF. But on the horizon are mind-blowing experiments in reproductive science that may cause much more controversy. Patrick Winn reports from Bangkok.This story originally aired on May 5, 2025.

Anyone around in the 1980s might recall the hand wringing over “test tube” babies, conceived in IVF labs. Today, more than 1 in 50 US babies are conceived by IVF. But on the horizon are mind-blowing experiments in reproductive science that may cause much more controversy. Patrick Winn reports from Bangkok.
This story originally aired on May 5, 2025.

Stem cell breakthroughs in Asia

A new, experimental drug for pancreatic cancer is giving doctors and patients hope. In a small trial, the once-a-day treatment doubled the survival rate for the deadliest form of cancer. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Dr. Robert Vonderheide from the American Association for Cancer Research about how this drug works, and what it tells us about the larger push for new treatments for cancers.

A new, experimental drug for pancreatic cancer is giving doctors and patients hope. In a small trial, the once-a-day treatment doubled the survival rate for the deadliest form of cancer. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Dr. Robert Vonderheide from the American Association for Cancer Research about how this drug works, and what it tells us about the larger push for new treatments for cancers.

New breakthrough treatment for pancreatic cancer

Martina Ptackova is an eight-time world champion in kickboxing and hand-to-hand combat. The 28-eight year old Czech champ has trained NATO troops in self-defense, but now she’s on an altogether different mission: to tackle bullying in schools. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Rob Cameron meets up with her in Prague.

Martina Ptackova is an eight-time world champion in kickboxing and hand-to-hand combat. The 28-eight year old Czech champ has trained NATO troops in self-defense, but now she’s on an altogether different mission: to tackle bullying in schools. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Rob Cameron meets up with her in Prague.

Kickboxer takes on bullies

It was a nightmare scenario for the conductor and composer of "La La Land in Concert," as show based on the music Justin Hurwitz wrote for the Hollywood movie. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain how a 21-year-old university student saved the show after the intermission.

It was a nightmare scenario for the conductor and composer of "La La Land in Concert," as show based on the music Justin Hurwitz wrote for the Hollywood movie. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain how a 21-year-old university student saved the show after the intermission.

College student saves the day at Sydney Concert Hall

It's being called Canada's "Brexit moment." Alberta's premier has just announced that a referendum will be held in October, asking voters in the province whether they wish to remain part of Canada, or begin the legal process of pursuing separation. UK-based environmental journalist Leana Hosea of Watershed Investigations is on a reporting trip in Alberta. She joins Host Marco Werman from Edmonton to discuss the origins of the movement, its legal status and why the possibility of secession puts the rights of First Nations communities in jeopardy.

It's being called Canada's "Brexit moment." Alberta's premier has just announced that a referendum will be held in October, asking voters in the province whether they wish to remain part of Canada, or begin the legal process of pursuing separation. UK-based environmental journalist Leana Hosea of Watershed Investigations is on a reporting trip in Alberta. She joins Host Marco Werman from Edmonton to discuss the origins of the movement, its legal status and why the possibility of secession puts the rights of First Nations communities in jeopardy.

Ballot initiative in Alberta could undermine Canadian unity

Weeks after The World first reported on allegations of forced labor at BYD's new car factory in Hungary, authorities are cracking down on the car maker. Three companies associated with the Chinese EV giant's Hungary plant have been sanctioned — and Hungary has launched an environmental investigation into the site. But as The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports, labor advocates are skeptical those actions will lead to any real change.

Weeks after The World first reported on allegations of forced labor at BYD's new car factory in Hungary, authorities are cracking down on the car maker. Three companies associated with the Chinese EV giant's Hungary plant have been sanctioned — and Hungary has launched an environmental investigation into the site. But as The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports, labor advocates are skeptical those actions will lead to any real change.

Hungary cracks down on BYD

Alex Saab, one of ousted President Nicolás Maduro’s most important fixers, is back in US custody for the second time. His case helps explain how corruption in Venezuela moved from state contracts into daily life. Reporter Tibisay Zea traces the story from government food boxes distributed during the country’s economic collapse to allegations of inflated contracts, shell companies and billions of dollars in missing public money — and asks whether Venezuelans will ever see accountability.

Alex Saab, one of ousted President Nicolás Maduro’s most important fixers, is back in US custody for the second time. His case helps explain how corruption in Venezuela moved from state contracts into daily life. Reporter Tibisay Zea traces the story from government food boxes distributed during the country’s economic collapse to allegations of inflated contracts, shell companies and billions of dollars in missing public money — and asks whether Venezuelans will ever see accountability.

The case of Alex Saab: How corruption shaped Venezuela's collapse

The Cerne Abbas Giant, one of the largest chalk figures carved into a British hillside, is getting a makeover. Some 300 people will spend two weeks "re-chalking" the 180-foot high chalk figure just outside an English town in Dorset. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

The Cerne Abbas Giant, one of the largest chalk figures carved into a British hillside, is getting a makeover. Some 300 people will spend two weeks "re-chalking" the 180-foot high chalk figure just outside an English town in Dorset. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

Iconic UK chalk figure is getting a makeover

A public outcry over alleged corruption in Romania's judiciary has put the country's justice system under intense scrutiny. Hundreds of judges and prosecutors called for change, after an explosive TV documentary last December laid bare the scale of the alleged corruption. The film sparked days of protests. But six months later, critics say meaningful reform has yet to happen. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

A public outcry over alleged corruption in Romania's judiciary has put the country's justice system under intense scrutiny. Hundreds of judges and prosecutors called for change, after an explosive TV documentary last December laid bare the scale of the alleged corruption. The film sparked days of protests. But six months later, critics say meaningful reform has yet to happen. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Six months after a bombshell investigation, reform remains elusive in Romania

AI-generated LEGO videos have become one of the most unexpected propaganda tools in the current Iran war. The clips use humor, memes and video-game-style animation to mock global leaders like US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while pushing pro-Iran narratives online. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

AI-generated LEGO videos have become one of the most unexpected propaganda tools in the current Iran war. The clips use humor, memes and video-game-style animation to mock global leaders like US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while pushing pro-Iran narratives online. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

'Trojan horse made of plastic bricks': How pro-Iran groups use LEGO animations as a propaganda tool

Artillery barrages and airstrikes landed across Lebanon Thursday, including the coastal city of Tyre. Israel claimed it was targeting Hezbollah. The Lebanese health ministry says that at least 16 people have died in the strikes so far, while many others have fled. Founded by the Phoenicians nearly 5,000 years ago, Tyre is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a center of Lebanese culture and identity. Ali Badawi is the regional director for southern Lebanon in the country’s Ministry of Culture and speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about the significance of the city and what's at risk.

Artillery barrages and airstrikes landed across Lebanon Thursday, including the coastal city of Tyre. Israel claimed it was targeting Hezbollah. The Lebanese health ministry says that at least 16 people have died in the strikes so far, while many others have fled. Founded by the Phoenicians nearly 5,000 years ago, Tyre is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a center of Lebanese culture and identity. Ali Badawi is the regional director for southern Lebanon in the country’s Ministry of Culture and speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about the significance of the city and what's at risk.

Israel strikes Tyre as residents flee north from the historic Lebanese city

Soccer fans are anxiously awaiting the June 11 start of the North America World Cup. But scandalously high prices have dampened some spirits. This World Cup isn't just record-breakingly expensive. It's also bigger than ever, with 48 teams competing instead of 32. The larger pool means more room for surprises. The World's Gerry Hadden covers it all with Host Carolyn Beeler.

Soccer fans are anxiously awaiting the June 11 start of the North America World Cup. But scandalously high prices have dampened some spirits. This World Cup isn't just record-breakingly expensive. It's also bigger than ever, with 48 teams competing instead of 32. The larger pool means more room for surprises. The World's Gerry Hadden covers it all with Host Carolyn Beeler.

Two weeks away from the World Cup, there's controversy and excitement off the pitch

Hope is mandatory. Pretend to be human. Go. That’s how author Rachel Goldberg-Polin says she made it through the 328 days her Israeli American son Hersh Goldberg-Polin was held in Hamas captivity after the attacks of Oct. 7, 2023. Rachel talks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about her book, "When We See You Again." It chronicles her son’s abduction and murder, and why she says she still feels blessed, lucky, grateful and in pain.

Hope is mandatory. Pretend to be human. Go. That’s how author Rachel Goldberg-Polin says she made it through the 328 days her Israeli American son Hersh Goldberg-Polin was held in Hamas captivity after the attacks of Oct. 7, 2023. Rachel talks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about her book, "When We See You Again." It chronicles her son’s abduction and murder, and why she says she still feels blessed, lucky, grateful and in pain.

'A love letter wrapped in pain'

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva says the government will invest $75 million to pave and improve a highway running through a largely untouched section of the Amazon. That's fueling concerns about landgrabs leading to deforestation. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Philip Fearnside, a scientist at the National Institute for Research in Amazonia, about the concerns.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva says the government will invest $75 million to pave and improve a highway running through a largely untouched section of the Amazon. That's fueling concerns about landgrabs leading to deforestation. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Philip Fearnside, a scientist at the National Institute for Research in Amazonia, about the concerns.

Lula to pave highway through untouched part of Brazilian Amazon

Cheikh Ibra Fam], a musician from Senegal, has a new album out called "Adouna." Ibra Fam's family moved around a lot, so he lived all over Senegal as a child, joining choirs wherever he went. Those gatherings, he says, were his classrooms. Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

Cheikh Ibra Fam], a musician from Senegal, has a new album out called "Adouna." Ibra Fam's family moved around a lot, so he lived all over Senegal as a child, joining choirs wherever he went. Those gatherings, he says, were his classrooms. Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

New album from Senegal conjures a beautiful world

The heat is on and rising in many parts of the globe. High temperatures have affected players at the French Open in Paris — where conditions are being described as a heat dome. In Asia, at least 16 people have died in southern India. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more details.

The heat is on and rising in many parts of the globe. High temperatures have affected players at the French Open in Paris — where conditions are being described as a heat dome. In Asia, at least 16 people have died in southern India. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more details.

Heat waves hit Europe and Asia

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has been walking across the globe for his project, Out of Eden Walk. And he marks every 100-mile checkpoint by interviewing the first person he sees. He joins Host Marco Werman to explain how these interviews, which he calls Milestones, are a central part of his global storytelling project.

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has been walking across the globe for his project, Out of Eden Walk. And he marks every 100-mile checkpoint by interviewing the first person he sees. He joins Host Marco Werman to explain how these interviews, which he calls Milestones, are a central part of his global storytelling project.

How an interview project 'shows the continuity of the human family'

NASA, this week, announced an ambitious mission for the US to not only go back to the moon, but to stay there. Artemis III is scheduled to blast off in mid-2027 and begin to lay the groundwork for a permanent presence there. The World's Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

NASA, this week, announced an ambitious mission for the US to not only go back to the moon, but to stay there. Artemis III is scheduled to blast off in mid-2027 and begin to lay the groundwork for a permanent presence there. The World's Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

NASA announces mission to create permanent base on the moon

Lack of healthcare infrastructure and distrust of authorities are challenging efforts to confront the latest Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo. New York Times Chief Africa Correspondent Declan Walsh, recently traveled to Mongbwalu, the mining town where the current outbreak was first detected. Walsh tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler how late detection has dramatically exacerbated the crisis.

Lack of healthcare infrastructure and distrust of authorities are challenging efforts to confront the latest Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo. New York Times Chief Africa Correspondent Declan Walsh, recently traveled to Mongbwalu, the mining town where the current outbreak was first detected. Walsh tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler how late detection has dramatically exacerbated the crisis.

Distrust and testing delays slow Ebola response

The trial of Atef Najib began this month. He's the cousin of deposed President Bashar al-Assad, and former head of political security in the province of Deraa, where it's widely believed Syria's civil war began. Najib is charged with overseeing the arrest and torture of schoolchildren who had scrawled anti-regime slogans on a wall in 2011. From Syria, Deborah Amos reports.

The trial of Atef Najib began this month. He's the cousin of deposed President Bashar al-Assad, and former head of political security in the province of Deraa, where it's widely believed Syria's civil war began. Najib is charged with overseeing the arrest and torture of schoolchildren who had scrawled anti-regime slogans on a wall in 2011. From Syria, Deborah Amos reports.

Syria begins trying former Syrian officials involved in torturing citizens

Rising geopolitical tensions are complicating an already fragile dynamic on the European island of Cyprus — a country that remains militarily divided between the Turkish Cypriot north and the Greek Cypriot south. Turkey has reacted with alarm to the announcement that France is to send soldiers to the island. Meanwhile, Athens and Nicosia are concerned about new Turkish legislation threatening the sovereignty of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. From Istanbul, Dorian Jones, from our partners at DW, Deutsche Welle, reports on the rising tensions in the eastern Mediterranean.

Rising geopolitical tensions are complicating an already fragile dynamic on the European island of Cyprus — a country that remains militarily divided between the Turkish Cypriot north and the Greek Cypriot south. Turkey has reacted with alarm to the announcement that France is to send soldiers to the island. Meanwhile, Athens and Nicosia are concerned about new Turkish legislation threatening the sovereignty of Greek islands in the Aegean Sea. From Istanbul, Dorian Jones, from our partners at DW, Deutsche Welle, reports on the rising tensions in the eastern Mediterranean.

European tensions brewing in Cyprus

South African musician Bakithi Kumalo is back on the road again with Paul Simon this summer playing tunes from Simon's vast catalogue. Kumalo is known for his bass playing and can be heard all over Paul Simon's seminal album "Graceland." You might know Kumalo's famous riff on the hit tune "You Can Call Me Al." So, it's a good opportunity for Marco Werman to revisit his conversation last year with Kumalo when the duo was on tour at the time.This story originally aired on July 25, 2025.

South African musician Bakithi Kumalo is back on the road again with Paul Simon this summer playing tunes from Simon's vast catalogue. Kumalo is known for his bass playing and can be heard all over Paul Simon's seminal album "Graceland." You might know Kumalo's famous riff on the hit tune "You Can Call Me Al." So, it's a good opportunity for Marco Werman to revisit his conversation last year with Kumalo when the duo was on tour at the time.
This story originally aired on July 25, 2025.

Bakithi Kumalo and Paul Simon summer tour

In Germany today, a court found guilty a suspected member of one of the country’s most notorious militant groups, the Red Army Faction. The 67-year-old Daniela Klette could now face 13 years in prison for a series of robberies she was involved in while on the run. To understand who Klette is and the far-left group she was a part of, Host Marco Werman speaks with Hans-Jakob Schindler, senior director at The Counter Extremism Project, who's in Berlin.

In Germany today, a court found guilty a suspected member of one of the country’s most notorious militant groups, the Red Army Faction. The 67-year-old Daniela Klette could now face 13 years in prison for a series of robberies she was involved in while on the run. To understand who Klette is and the far-left group she was a part of, Host Marco Werman speaks with Hans-Jakob Schindler, senior director at The Counter Extremism Project, who's in Berlin.

Suspected member of Germany's notorious far-left Red Army Faction sentenced to 13 years in prison

After a months-long blackout, Iran has begun restoring internet access in the country. Iranians are appearing back online, posting about how the cut-off impacted their lives. The internet monitoring group NetBlocks described the blackout as the longest in modern history. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about what people there are saying.

After a months-long blackout, Iran has begun restoring internet access in the country. Iranians are appearing back online, posting about how the cut-off impacted their lives. The internet monitoring group NetBlocks described the blackout as the longest in modern history. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about what people there are saying.

Is the longest internet shutdown in history over?

It’s being described as Ireland’s “George Floyd moment.” Yves Sakila, a 35-year-old man originally from Democratic Republic of Congo, died in Dublin earlier this month after being restrained by several security guards. A video of the incident has since gone viral and is drawing comparisons to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020. Migrant and Black community groups in Ireland are now calling for an independent investigation into Sakila’s death. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

It’s being described as Ireland’s “George Floyd moment.” Yves Sakila, a 35-year-old man originally from Democratic Republic of Congo, died in Dublin earlier this month after being restrained by several security guards. A video of the incident has since gone viral and is drawing comparisons to the killing of George Floyd in Minneapolis in 2020. Migrant and Black community groups in Ireland are now calling for an independent investigation into Sakila’s death. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

Dublin death draws comparisons to George Floyd case

Protests have gripped Bolivia's capital for weeks, triggered by what voters are seeing as the president's bait and switch. After campaigning as a centrist candidate with a base of working class and Indigenous support, Rodrigo Paz filled his cabinet with conservative business leaders, and enacted policies viewed as more in line with a right-leaning agenda. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Kathryn Ledebur, director of the Andean Information Network in Cochabamba, Bolivia, about what led to this moment.

Protests have gripped Bolivia's capital for weeks, triggered by what voters are seeing as the president's bait and switch. After campaigning as a centrist candidate with a base of working class and Indigenous support, Rodrigo Paz filled his cabinet with conservative business leaders, and enacted policies viewed as more in line with a right-leaning agenda. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Kathryn Ledebur, director of the Andean Information Network in Cochabamba, Bolivia, about what led to this moment.

Political unrest in Bolivia fuels protests, clashes between demonstrators and police

Soaring demand for the high-bandwidth memory chips powering AI systems is expected to generate huge profits. Now, workers at Samsung Electronics have struck a deal to share some of that wealth. Under a new labor agreement, some 78,000 semiconductor employees will receive more than 10% of company profit. Rutgers University’s Joseph Blasi tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that tech firms worldwide will be watching the deal closely.

Soaring demand for the high-bandwidth memory chips powering AI systems is expected to generate huge profits. Now, workers at Samsung Electronics have struck a deal to share some of that wealth. Under a new labor agreement, some 78,000 semiconductor employees will receive more than 10% of company profit. Rutgers University’s Joseph Blasi tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that tech firms worldwide will be watching the deal closely.

Samsung deal could deliver $400,000 bonuses to AI chip workers

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman run us through some headlines in the news that might have flown under the radar.

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman run us through some headlines in the news that might have flown under the radar.