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.

This year's opening stages of the Tour de France wrapped up today — in Spain. In other years, Germany has hosted, as has the Netherlands, Monaco, and Italy, among others, for a total of 28 non-French "Grand Departs." The Tour does this for two reasons: To make the sport more international, and to make more money by charging host cities for the honor. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Granollers, Spain.

This year's opening stages of the Tour de France wrapped up today — in Spain. In other years, Germany has hosted, as has the Netherlands, Monaco, and Italy, among others, for a total of 28 non-French "Grand Departs." The Tour does this for two reasons: To make the sport more international, and to make more money by charging host cities for the honor. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Granollers, Spain.

Why the Tour de France often starts outside of France

Nobody knows how long the women in the village of Bayl have been making rugs. For centuries, at least. But with growing access to cheap factory-made rugs in the post-Soviet era, fewer people in Kyrgyzstan are practicing the art form. Now that artisans' patterns are finding their way onto clothing by big-name designers, though, some see a commercial future for traditional rug-making skills. Reporter Levi Bridges has the story.

Nobody knows how long the women in the village of Bayl have been making rugs. For centuries, at least. But with growing access to cheap factory-made rugs in the post-Soviet era, fewer people in Kyrgyzstan are practicing the art form. Now that artisans' patterns are finding their way onto clothing by big-name designers, though, some see a commercial future for traditional rug-making skills. Reporter Levi Bridges has the story.

Can the internet save traditional rug-making in Kyrgyzstan?

Dozens of people have died, and hundreds have been displaced in flooding across West Africa. The World's Marco Werman speaks with Victor Ojeh, professor at Taraba State University in Nigeria, about how communities are adapting to what has become a cyclical event.

Dozens of people have died, and hundreds have been displaced in flooding across West Africa. The World's Marco Werman speaks with Victor Ojeh, professor at Taraba State University in Nigeria, about how communities are adapting to what has become a cyclical event.

Torrential rain and floods in West Africa kill dozens

Mourners dressed in black flooded into Iran's capital today for a procession that was part of the funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The massive turnout, encouraged by Iran's theocracy as a sign of strength, came as officials negotiate with the US over a permanent end to the war. Syed Shahriyar reports from Tehran.

Mourners dressed in black flooded into Iran's capital today for a procession that was part of the funeral of the late Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The massive turnout, encouraged by Iran's theocracy as a sign of strength, came as officials negotiate with the US over a permanent end to the war. Syed Shahriyar reports from Tehran.

Tehran sees massive crowd for one stage of funeral for former Supreme Leader

This week, the Turkish capital Ankara plays host to NATO’s 36th summit. And the run-up has been tense. Not just because of the ongoing war in Ukraine, but because of a sweeping security crackdown which has targeted not only alleged members of the terror group ISIS, but civil society groups, journalists, LGBTQ+  activists and environmentalists as well. Dorian Jones sent us this report from Istanbul.

This week, the Turkish capital Ankara plays host to NATO’s 36th summit. And the run-up has been tense. Not just because of the ongoing war in Ukraine, but because of a sweeping security crackdown which has targeted not only alleged members of the terror group ISIS, but civil society groups, journalists, LGBTQ+  activists and environmentalists as well. Dorian Jones sent us this report from Istanbul.

NATO brushes aside human rights concerns as leaders meet in Turkey

Venezuela is still reeling from twin earthquakes that rocked the country's north on June 24th. The official death toll has surpassed 2-thousand 500, with tens of thousands of people still displaced from their homes. Our reporter Tibisay Zea grew up in Venezuela and knows that area well. She's been on the ground reporting for the past week and spoke with The World's Marco Werman about what she's been seeing in the capital and the nearby city of La Guaira.

Venezuela is still reeling from twin earthquakes that rocked the country's north on June 24th. The official death toll has surpassed 2-thousand 500, with tens of thousands of people still displaced from their homes. Our reporter Tibisay Zea grew up in Venezuela and knows that area well. She's been on the ground reporting for the past week and spoke with The World's Marco Werman about what she's been seeing in the capital and the nearby city of La Guaira.

Venezuela is still reeling from twin earthquakes last month

As round of sixteen play continues in the World Cup, controversy is building. FIFA lifted a suspension for Folarin Balogun, who was given a red card last week. He's eligible to take the field against Belgium today. And hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler recap the latest eliminations.

As round of sixteen play continues in the World Cup, controversy is building. FIFA lifted a suspension for Folarin Balogun, who was given a red card last week. He's eligible to take the field against Belgium today. And hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler recap the latest eliminations.

World Cup weekend recap

Recent events have placed Iran’s theocratic republic under unprecedented strain. Widespread protests, economic pressures, and a devastating war with the US have exposed deep divisions within the regime. The World’s Carolyn Beeler speaks with Bouzou Daragahi, the founder of the Badlands podcast and newsletter about whether the Islamic Republic can remain unified and survive the onslaught.

Recent events have placed Iran’s theocratic republic under unprecedented strain. Widespread protests, economic pressures, and a devastating war with the US have exposed deep divisions within the regime. The World’s Carolyn Beeler speaks with Bouzou Daragahi, the founder of the Badlands podcast and newsletter about whether the Islamic Republic can remain unified and survive the onslaught.

Iran’s Islamic republic grapples with deep divisions

As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, we celebrate by listening to the music that's woven into the fabric of this country's story. Host Marco Werman leads the festivities.

As the United States celebrates its 250th birthday, we celebrate by listening to the music that's woven into the fabric of this country's story. Host Marco Werman leads the festivities.

Celebrating the nation's birthday with a melting pot of music

Listen carefully to the Talking Heads band's 1980 album “Remain in Light” and you can hear the music of West Africa, specifically the work of Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. In 2018, musician Angélique Kidjo recorded her take on the album. Host Marco Werman spoke to Kidjo when her version was released.This story originally aired on June 8, 2018.

Listen carefully to the Talking Heads band's 1980 album “Remain in Light” and you can hear the music of West Africa, specifically the work of Nigerian Afrobeat pioneer Fela Kuti. In 2018, musician Angélique Kidjo recorded her take on the album. Host Marco Werman spoke to Kidjo when her version was released.
This story originally aired on June 8, 2018.

Angélique Kidjo takes on a classic album by Talking Heads

It only took one listen for musician Serge Grin to hear blues music and know that's what he was meant to play. Originally from St. Petersburg, he now travels around Serbia with his guitar, singing American country music and blues. Gerry Hadden reports from a small village in northern Serbia about "Gringo's" unique sound.This story originally aired on June 1, 2023.

It only took one listen for musician Serge Grin to hear blues music and know that's what he was meant to play. Originally from St. Petersburg, he now travels around Serbia with his guitar, singing American country music and blues. Gerry Hadden reports from a small village in northern Serbia about "Gringo's" unique sound.
This story originally aired on June 1, 2023.

This blues musician fled Russia for Serbia. But he sounds like he came straight from the Mississippi Delta.

Host Marco Weman first spoke to Gloria Estefan in 2023 when she was about to become the first Hispanic woman to join the Songwriters Hall of Fame.This story originally aired on March 14, 2023.

Host Marco Weman first spoke to Gloria Estefan in 2023 when she was about to become the first Hispanic woman to join the Songwriters Hall of Fame.
This story originally aired on March 14, 2023.

Gloria Estefan looks back on her successful career as a bilingual musician, singer and songwriter

Back in 2023, the iconic East Los Angeles band Los Lobos celebrated its 50th anniversary of creating its blend of rock ’n’ roll and traditional Mexican music. At the time, members of the band reflected on their staying power with The World's Host Marco Werman.This story originally aired on Aug. 8, 2023.

Back in 2023, the iconic East Los Angeles band Los Lobos celebrated its 50th anniversary of creating its blend of rock ’n’ roll and traditional Mexican music. At the time, members of the band reflected on their staying power with The World's Host Marco Werman.
This story originally aired on Aug. 8, 2023.

When Los Lobos celebrated its 50th anniversary

Mickey Hart, the drummer for the Grateful Dead, is one musician who's been at that global cutting edge practically since the beginning. His passion for the beat was first fostered in his childhood home in New York City, explored with the Grateful Dead and coalesced in his album "Planet Drum." Host Marco Werman spoke to Hart back in 2017.This story originally aired on Feb. 27, 2017.

Mickey Hart, the drummer for the Grateful Dead, is one musician who's been at that global cutting edge practically since the beginning. His passion for the beat was first fostered in his childhood home in New York City, explored with the Grateful Dead and coalesced in his album "Planet Drum." Host Marco Werman spoke to Hart back in 2017.
This story originally aired on Feb. 27, 2017.

Mickey Hart's 'Planet Drum'

Vietnamese Canadian country singer Nicolette Hoang fronts the band Nicolette and the Nobodies. She never thought she'd go into country music when she thought about being a singer. But there was something about the "natural cry" in Tammy Wynette's voice that drew her in. Host Marco Werman spoke to Hoang back in 2024.This story originally aired on April 4, 2024.

Vietnamese Canadian country singer Nicolette Hoang fronts the band Nicolette and the Nobodies. She never thought she'd go into country music when she thought about being a singer. But there was something about the "natural cry" in Tammy Wynette's voice that drew her in. Host Marco Werman spoke to Hoang back in 2024.
This story originally aired on April 4, 2024.

Nicolette Hoang offers an alternative to country music

South Africa's Soweto Gospel Choir and Australian DJ Groove Terminator teamed up for an album in 2024 that connected House beats with African music. The album's called "History of House." Grammy-winning producer Latroit and Shimmy, co-music director and conductor of the Soweto Gospel Choir, spoke to Host Marco Werman.This story originally aired on Aug. 5, 2024.

South Africa's Soweto Gospel Choir and Australian DJ Groove Terminator teamed up for an album in 2024 that connected House beats with African music. The album's called "History of House." Grammy-winning producer Latroit and Shimmy, co-music director and conductor of the Soweto Gospel Choir, spoke to Host Marco Werman.
This story originally aired on Aug. 5, 2024.

Hit the clubs, not the church, with the Soweto Gospel Choir

The US federal government says that since President Donald Trump returned to office, it has gotten 2.2 million immigrants to self-deport. GBH's Sarah Betancourt took a closer look at what a forced self-deportation looks like, shadowing one family in Boston with less than 72 hours to leave the country.

The US federal government says that since President Donald Trump returned to office, it has gotten 2.2 million immigrants to self-deport. GBH's Sarah Betancourt took a closer look at what a forced self-deportation looks like, shadowing one family in Boston with less than 72 hours to leave the country.

Self-deportation on the rise from Trump administration pressure

Russian forces launched missile strikes on Kyiv last night, destroying several residential buildings in the Ukrainian capital. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with resident Maia Mikhaluk about the toll the war has taken on the city.

Russian forces launched missile strikes on Kyiv last night, destroying several residential buildings in the Ukrainian capital. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with resident Maia Mikhaluk about the toll the war has taken on the city.

Russia launches deadly attack in Ukraine

This week, Spanish police conducted a simultaneous raid across 15 cities, detaining some 64,000 suspects — yes, in the form of allegedly falsified soccer shirts. They also arrested a few humans. The market for rip-off jerseys is booming. So much so, that Spanish police have run out of space to store the thousands of tons of evidence. They've now resorted to renting out huge warehouses in industrial areas so that they don't have to step over bundles of the stuff just to reach their squad cars. From Spain, The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

This week, Spanish police conducted a simultaneous raid across 15 cities, detaining some 64,000 suspects — yes, in the form of allegedly falsified soccer shirts. They also arrested a few humans. The market for rip-off jerseys is booming. So much so, that Spanish police have run out of space to store the thousands of tons of evidence. They've now resorted to renting out huge warehouses in industrial areas so that they don't have to step over bundles of the stuff just to reach their squad cars. From Spain, The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Fake soccer jerseys in Spain

New Caledonia, a French territory in the Pacific, is once again at a political crossroads after recent local elections delivered no clear majority. After years of contested referendums and following deadly unrest in 2024, the archipelago remains sharply polarized over its future, between one major bloc supporting independence and another loyal to France. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from David Small, a senior lecturer at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand.

New Caledonia, a French territory in the Pacific, is once again at a political crossroads after recent local elections delivered no clear majority. After years of contested referendums and following deadly unrest in 2024, the archipelago remains sharply polarized over its future, between one major bloc supporting independence and another loyal to France. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from David Small, a senior lecturer at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand.

After local elections, the French territory of New Caledonia remains polarized over its future

The cross-border flow of fresh produce from Mexico to the United States is a multibillion-dollar endeavor. It has changed the way Americans’ refrigerator shelves look over the past three decades, experts say, helping ensure US consumers can buy fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. From the KJZZ Fronteras Desk, Nina Kravinsky reports.

The cross-border flow of fresh produce from Mexico to the United States is a multibillion-dollar endeavor. It has changed the way Americans’ refrigerator shelves look over the past three decades, experts say, helping ensure US consumers can buy fresh fruits and vegetables year-round. From the KJZZ Fronteras Desk, Nina Kravinsky reports.

Mexican produce caught in trade deal crossfire

The 4th of July is right around the corner. That's historically been Independence Day, not just in the US, but also in the Philippines. As people in the US celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence from Britain, people in the Philippines will mark 80 years of independence from the United States. So, in honor of that independence day, we're bringing back a favorite story from the archives. It's about Gen Z kids in the Filipino diaspora, whose parents raised them on a certain kind of music. Julio Canimo explains.This story originally aired on Jan. 24, 2025.

The 4th of July is right around the corner. That's historically been Independence Day, not just in the US, but also in the Philippines. As people in the US celebrate the 250th anniversary of American independence from Britain, people in the Philippines will mark 80 years of independence from the United States. So, in honor of that independence day, we're bringing back a favorite story from the archives. It's about Gen Z kids in the Filipino diaspora, whose parents raised them on a certain kind of music. Julio Canimo explains.
This story originally aired on Jan. 24, 2025.

Young Filipino Americans embrace the music their parents brought stateside

Russian civilians are feeling the pinch of Ukraine’s long-range drone campaign targeting Russian infrastructure, from long lines at gas stations to disruptions at airports. Scholar Nina Khrushcheva tells Host Marco Werman that she’s seeing disruptions in daily life throughout Russia, but little willingness to compromise from the Kremlin.

Russian civilians are feeling the pinch of Ukraine’s long-range drone campaign targeting Russian infrastructure, from long lines at gas stations to disruptions at airports. Scholar Nina Khrushcheva tells Host Marco Werman that she’s seeing disruptions in daily life throughout Russia, but little willingness to compromise from the Kremlin.

War comes home for Russians, but Putin remains undeterred

As Mexico hosts the World Cup, authorities have intensified raids on fake merchandise, especially in Tepito, the Mexico City barrio famous for cartel activity, but also for knockoff goods. For many fans, though, these unofficial jerseys are the only realistic way to participate, because the original ones cost $100+ , more than a week's wages for some workers, while a near-identical copy sells for a fraction of the price. The World's Tibisay Zea has more from Mexico.

As Mexico hosts the World Cup, authorities have intensified raids on fake merchandise, especially in Tepito, the Mexico City barrio famous for cartel activity, but also for knockoff goods. For many fans, though, these unofficial jerseys are the only realistic way to participate, because the original ones cost $100+ , more than a week's wages for some workers, while a near-identical copy sells for a fraction of the price. The World's Tibisay Zea has more from Mexico.

Fake soccer jerseys in Mexico

The British Empire wasn't the only colonial power in what is now the United States. Several competing colonization projects led by the Spanish, Dutch, French and others laid the foundations of American history. Their distinct patterns of settlement help explain many of the political divides that continue to shape the US today, according to historian Colin Woodard. He tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that over the centuries, these rival visions also influenced how American democracy evolved.

The British Empire wasn't the only colonial power in what is now the United States. Several competing colonization projects led by the Spanish, Dutch, French and others laid the foundations of American history. Their distinct patterns of settlement help explain many of the political divides that continue to shape the US today, according to historian Colin Woodard. He tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that over the centuries, these rival visions also influenced how American democracy evolved.

The rival colonial projects that shaped the United States' political fault lines

Diplomats are in Nairobi this week to resume talks about a global plastics treaty. Negotiations collapsed last year when countries reached an impasse over curbing plastic production, not just addressing plastic waste. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Climate Home News reporter Matteo Civillini about what is happening this week.

Diplomats are in Nairobi this week to resume talks about a global plastics treaty. Negotiations collapsed last year when countries reached an impasse over curbing plastic production, not just addressing plastic waste. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Climate Home News reporter Matteo Civillini about what is happening this week.

UN plastics talks resume, one year after negotiations collapsed

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Celeste Amidon and her sister went from living their best lives as young professionals in New York City to moving back in with their parents in central Massachusetts. They felt like the world had failed them, and they were depressed — until they turned their time under one roof together into an extended cooking competition. They tried to one-up each other with dishes from Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Russia and beyond. But the biggest discovery was probably their father's; he made his Greek mother's spanakopita recipe for the first time. Amidon shared the experience at Stories From the Stage from GBH in Boston.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Celeste Amidon and her sister went from living their best lives as young professionals in New York City to moving back in with their parents in central Massachusetts. They felt like the world had failed them, and they were depressed — until they turned their time under one roof together into an extended cooking competition. They tried to one-up each other with dishes from Ethiopia, Bangladesh, Russia and beyond. But the biggest discovery was probably their father's; he made his Greek mother's spanakopita recipe for the first time. Amidon shared the experience at Stories From the Stage from GBH in Boston.

How one family started competing to make international food

After years of war, Syrians hoped peace would bring both opportunity and accountability. Instead, many are struggling to make ends meet, while questions linger over how the country will reckon with its past. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

After years of war, Syrians hoped peace would bring both opportunity and accountability. Instead, many are struggling to make ends meet, while questions linger over how the country will reckon with its past. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

In Syria, people are still waiting for justice and a better economy

A rift in the Catholic Church is coming to a head today after a breakaway group of ultra-conservative clergy, called the Society of St. Pius X, consecrated bishops without Vatican approval. Host Marco Werman learned more from Massimo Faggioli, a scholar of the Catholic Church at Villanova University. He joined the show from Dublin.

A rift in the Catholic Church is coming to a head today after a breakaway group of ultra-conservative clergy, called the Society of St. Pius X, consecrated bishops without Vatican approval. Host Marco Werman learned more from Massimo Faggioli, a scholar of the Catholic Church at Villanova University. He joined the show from Dublin.

Rift in Catholic Church after splinter group ordains its own bishops

For nearly three decades, Venezuela’s military has been at the center of civilian life. Under former Presidents Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, soldiers ran ministries, food distribution, infrastructure projects and security operations — and were often visible in crackdowns on protests and public opposition. But in the aftermath of Venezuela’s earthquakes, many survivors and local responders say the military’s role has been uneven, limited or hard to see. Reporter Tibisay Zea reports from La Guaira, Venezuela, about how many are hoping US forces will fill the gaps.

For nearly three decades, Venezuela’s military has been at the center of civilian life. Under former Presidents Hugo Chávez and Nicolás Maduro, soldiers ran ministries, food distribution, infrastructure projects and security operations — and were often visible in crackdowns on protests and public opposition. But in the aftermath of Venezuela’s earthquakes, many survivors and local responders say the military’s role has been uneven, limited or hard to see. Reporter Tibisay Zea reports from La Guaira, Venezuela, about how many are hoping US forces will fill the gaps.