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 sport of futsal is nearly 100 years old. But while FIFA has hosted a Futsal Men's World Cup since 1989, this year is the first-ever women's edition of the tournament. The World's Bianca Hillier reports on the history of the sport, which began in Uruguay nearly a century ago. and why — despite appearances — futsal isn't just indoor soccer.

The sport of futsal is nearly 100 years old. But while FIFA has hosted a Futsal Men's World Cup since 1989, this year is the first-ever women's edition of the tournament. The World's Bianca Hillier reports on the history of the sport, which began in Uruguay nearly a century ago. and why — despite appearances — futsal isn't just indoor soccer.

The first-ever Women's Futsal World Cup kicks off in the Philippines

You can't play a brass horn in Antarctica. You'll freeze your face and fingers off. Natalie Paine, a musician with New Zealand's navy living on a base there, has found a work-around. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

You can't play a brass horn in Antarctica. You'll freeze your face and fingers off. Natalie Paine, a musician with New Zealand's navy living on a base there, has found a work-around. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

Being a musician in Antarctica demands resourcefulness

In the heart of one of Baghdad’s oldest neighborhoods, a cafe has been a gathering place for writers, intellectuals and artists for more than a hundred years. It’s at the end of a street of booksellers and was once a publishing house. But Martyr's Cafe has been a target of extremists.  Reporter Durrie Bouscaren takes us inside.

In the heart of one of Baghdad’s oldest neighborhoods, a cafe has been a gathering place for writers, intellectuals and artists for more than a hundred years. It’s at the end of a street of booksellers and was once a publishing house. But Martyr's Cafe has been a target of extremists. 
Reporter Durrie Bouscaren takes us inside.

A day in Baghdad's Martyrs' Cafe

Fra means "mix" in the Ghanaian Akan language and it's also the name of a music group from Accra, Ghana. The band FRA! is a mix of music styles and influences. For a taste, we hear from band member Emmanuel Selorm Dornyoh.This story originally aired on April 19, 2023.

Fra means "mix" in the Ghanaian Akan language and it's also the name of a music group from Accra, Ghana. The band FRA! is a mix of music styles and influences. For a taste, we hear from band member Emmanuel Selorm Dornyoh.
This story originally aired on April 19, 2023.

FRA!: A mix of music from Ghana

Theresa Hsu and Michelle Garcia noticed teens and young adults in their Asian American community struggling with anxiety, around school-related pressure in particular. So, the two started a program to train Asian American high school students to help one another manage their mental health, and understand the role history has played in shaping the pressures they currently feel. Reporter Heidi Shin has the story.

Theresa Hsu and Michelle Garcia noticed teens and young adults in their Asian American community struggling with anxiety, around school-related pressure in particular. So, the two started a program to train Asian American high school students to help one another manage their mental health, and understand the role history has played in shaping the pressures they currently feel. Reporter Heidi Shin has the story.

Asian American teens help each other cope with stress

China is rapidly expanding its nuclear forces, building new missile silos and increasing its stockpile of nuclear warheads. Russia and the US still have more atomic bombs than the rest of the world, but a new nuclear arms race could be expanding beyond those two powers, just as the only major nuclear agreement between the US and Russia is set to expire next year. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

China is rapidly expanding its nuclear forces, building new missile silos and increasing its stockpile of nuclear warheads. Russia and the US still have more atomic bombs than the rest of the world, but a new nuclear arms race could be expanding beyond those two powers, just as the only major nuclear agreement between the US and Russia is set to expire next year. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

How an expanded nuclear program in China could change arms control

Sanna Marin took up the mantle as Finland’s prime minister when she was 34. At the time, she was the youngest elected leader in the world. During her four-year term, she steered her country through major crises — from the COVID-19 pandemic to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — even as she had to fend off public scrutiny about her life outside of work. Her new memoir, “Hope In Action,” explores how she navigated these challenges and what it meant that she “didn’t look or behave like a prime minister is expected to look or behave." The World's Host Carolyn Beeler caught up with Marin for a candid conversation about it all.

Sanna Marin took up the mantle as Finland’s prime minister when she was 34. At the time, she was the youngest elected leader in the world. During her four-year term, she steered her country through major crises — from the COVID-19 pandemic to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine — even as she had to fend off public scrutiny about her life outside of work. Her new memoir, “Hope In Action,” explores how she navigated these challenges and what it meant that she “didn’t look or behave like a prime minister is expected to look or behave." The World's Host Carolyn Beeler caught up with Marin for a candid conversation about it all.

Millennial former prime minister on being '100% yourself' while leading a nation

This year's COP30 summit in Belem, Brazil, highlighted food, forests and land as key topics to be addressed. One sector that spreads across all of these is agriculture, which is responsible for about one-third of global carbon emissions. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler discusses how agriculture and climate change are intertwined, with Kaveh Zahedi, the climate director of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN.

This year's COP30 summit in Belem, Brazil, highlighted food, forests and land as key topics to be addressed. One sector that spreads across all of these is agriculture, which is responsible for about one-third of global carbon emissions. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler discusses how agriculture and climate change are intertwined, with Kaveh Zahedi, the climate director of the Food and Agriculture Organization of the UN.

The climate change issue that gets overlooked: agriculture

You can't stop the rain but you can slow it down. That's the idea behind Indonesia's cloud seeding project, which zips planes in the air when there's a deluge incoming — all to try and redirect storms away from Jakarta, which is already sinking into the ground, and where many live in flimsy dwellings that wash away in monsoons. Some scientists are skeptical. Patrick Winn reports.

You can't stop the rain but you can slow it down. That's the idea behind Indonesia's cloud seeding project, which zips planes in the air when there's a deluge incoming — all to try and redirect storms away from Jakarta, which is already sinking into the ground, and where many live in flimsy dwellings that wash away in monsoons. Some scientists are skeptical. Patrick Winn reports.

Making it 'not' rain in Indonesia

What happens when a government erases a people’s digital past? It isn't just Uyghur language and culture that China is trying to eliminate. It's also working on removing any and all references to Uyghur history from digital memory. From the podcast "Click Here," Sean Powers reports on a lone coder determined to bring a people's digital history back to life.

What happens when a government erases a people’s digital past? It isn't just Uyghur language and culture that China is trying to eliminate. It's also working on removing any and all references to Uyghur history from digital memory. From the podcast "Click Here," Sean Powers reports on a lone coder determined to bring a people's digital history back to life.

A coder's quest to bring back Uyghurs' digital history

The G20 Summit in South Africa, boycotted by the US. A fire scare at the COP30 conference in Brazil. These are some of the stories Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler encapsulate in just over a minute.

The G20 Summit in South Africa, boycotted by the US. A fire scare at the COP30 conference in Brazil. These are some of the stories Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler encapsulate in just over a minute.

Lightning round of news headlines from around the globe

This week, representatives of more than a dozen Caribbean nations are in the UK to promote the reparations for slavery, and the mistreatment of Indigenous people in former colonies. Host Marco Werman learned more from Eric Phillips, the chair of the Guyana Reparations Committee and Vice Chair of the CARICOM Reparations Commission. He joined the show from London.

This week, representatives of more than a dozen Caribbean nations are in the UK to promote the reparations for slavery, and the mistreatment of Indigenous people in former colonies. Host Marco Werman learned more from Eric Phillips, the chair of the Guyana Reparations Committee and Vice Chair of the CARICOM Reparations Commission. He joined the show from London.

Caribbean leaders make the case for reparations on UK visit

A whopping $236.4 million. That's how much a painting by Gustav Klimt brought in at Sotheby's yesterday. It broke a record for money paid for a work of modern art at auction. And tonight, a Frida Kahlo painting is expected to break records of its own. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

A whopping $236.4 million. That's how much a painting by Gustav Klimt brought in at Sotheby's yesterday. It broke a record for money paid for a work of modern art at auction. And tonight, a Frida Kahlo painting is expected to break records of its own. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

Klimt painting breaks records at auction

One piece of news coming out of this week's visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to the White House: President Donald Trump announced that the US would be selling advanced military jets to Saudi Arabia. This is a sensitive sale, one that has the Kingdom’s neighbors in the region worried. The World’s Shirin Jaafari explains.

One piece of news coming out of this week's visit by Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman to the White House: President Donald Trump announced that the US would be selling advanced military jets to Saudi Arabia. This is a sensitive sale, one that has the Kingdom’s neighbors in the region worried. The World’s Shirin Jaafari explains.

What to know about the US plan to sell F-35 jets to Saudi Arabia

Luis Rubiales lost his job and a court case, after being accused of forcibly kissing a Spanish player at the World Cup last year. So, he wrote a book to defend himself in the court of public opinion. It’s called "Killing Rubiales." But at its launch, someone did take shots at him — with eggs. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Luis Rubiales lost his job and a court case, after being accused of forcibly kissing a Spanish player at the World Cup last year. So, he wrote a book to defend himself in the court of public opinion. It’s called "Killing Rubiales." But at its launch, someone did take shots at him — with eggs. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Disgraced former soccer coach's book launch backfires

King Emeritus Juan Carlos I has named his autobiography "Reconciliation." But it might not have the intended effect, if early criticism is any measure. Juan Carlos dishes out criticism toward his own family, praises the late dictator Francisco Franco and glosses over a lot of his gaffs. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

King Emeritus Juan Carlos I has named his autobiography "Reconciliation." But it might not have the intended effect, if early criticism is any measure. Juan Carlos dishes out criticism toward his own family, praises the late dictator Francisco Franco and glosses over a lot of his gaffs. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Spain's former king tries to reconcile with family and country through a memoir

US and Russian officials met in Miami last month to secretly draw up a 28-point framework to end the war in Ukraine. Officials from Kyiv were not at the table. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Alina Polyakova of the Center for European Policy Analysis in Washington about what’s in the plan and how it differs from previous efforts.

US and Russian officials met in Miami last month to secretly draw up a 28-point framework to end the war in Ukraine. Officials from Kyiv were not at the table. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Alina Polyakova of the Center for European Policy Analysis in Washington about what’s in the plan and how it differs from previous efforts.

US-Russia plan pressures Kyiv to concede

The Trump administration is moving to label Venezuela’s so-called “Cartel of the Suns” as a foreign terrorist organization — placing a murky network of military and political elites on the same list as ISIS and al-Qaeda. Experts say the label doesn’t fit, and wouldn’t create a legal basis for military action against Venezuela. The World’s Tibisay Zea explains.

The Trump administration is moving to label Venezuela’s so-called “Cartel of the Suns” as a foreign terrorist organization — placing a murky network of military and political elites on the same list as ISIS and al-Qaeda. Experts say the label doesn’t fit, and wouldn’t create a legal basis for military action against Venezuela. The World’s Tibisay Zea explains.

Venezuela's 'Cartel of the Suns' and why the US wants it on the terror list

An Australian beach outfitter, Swim Shady, is in trouble. Marshall B. Mathers III, better known as Eminem, is suing the beach accessory brand for — as his lawyers put it — creating a "false association" with the rapper's alter ego, Slim Shady. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

An Australian beach outfitter, Swim Shady, is in trouble. Marshall B. Mathers III, better known as Eminem, is suing the beach accessory brand for — as his lawyers put it — creating a "false association" with the rapper's alter ego, Slim Shady. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

Real Slim Shady not amused by Australian beach outfitter

In response to recent acts of violence against Nigerian Christians, the US has determined that Nigeria is a "country of particular concern." Some Nigerians — including religious leaders — see the US response as an oversimplification. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with journalist Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani in Umuahia, Nigeria, for further insight.

In response to recent acts of violence against Nigerian Christians, the US has determined that Nigeria is a "country of particular concern." Some Nigerians — including religious leaders — see the US response as an oversimplification. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with journalist Adaobi Tricia Nwaubani in Umuahia, Nigeria, for further insight.

US says Nigerian Christians are persecuted, locals say it's complicated

It's been 10 years since the landmark Paris agreement was signed. In those years, people who started as youth activists pushing for faster action on climate change have become experienced advocates. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler re-connects with two activists she met while reporting on the Paris climate summit, to get their perspectives on the change they've witnessed since then.

It's been 10 years since the landmark Paris agreement was signed. In those years, people who started as youth activists pushing for faster action on climate change have become experienced advocates. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler re-connects with two activists she met while reporting on the Paris climate summit, to get their perspectives on the change they've witnessed since then.

Meet the global climate activists who grew up in the movement

Despite this week's United Nations resolution to adopt a peace plan for Gaza, life for residents of the territory remains precarious. From Al-Mawasi, on the southern coast of Gaza, Joseph Belliveau, the executive director of the aid group MedGlobal, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler why the October ceasefire hasn’t brought security.

Despite this week's United Nations resolution to adopt a peace plan for Gaza, life for residents of the territory remains precarious. From Al-Mawasi, on the southern coast of Gaza, Joseph Belliveau, the executive director of the aid group MedGlobal, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler why the October ceasefire hasn’t brought security.

'Almost everyone in Gaza is living in a tent'

In the US and the UK, over half of the foods eaten in a typical diet are ultra-processed. That is, packaged foods significantly altered from their natural state, with many added ingredients, artificial colors. A study just published in The Lancet journal shows the extent of the damage being done by excessive consumption of these foods, and looks at their role in people's diets from one part of the globe to another. Barry Popkin of the University of North Carolina is one of the lead authors of the study. He joined Host Marco Werman to share the major takeaways.

In the US and the UK, over half of the foods eaten in a typical diet are ultra-processed. That is, packaged foods significantly altered from their natural state, with many added ingredients, artificial colors. A study just published in The Lancet journal shows the extent of the damage being done by excessive consumption of these foods, and looks at their role in people's diets from one part of the globe to another. Barry Popkin of the University of North Carolina is one of the lead authors of the study. He joined Host Marco Werman to share the major takeaways.

Ultra-processed foods are bad for human organs, study finds

Francisco Franco died 50 years ago. The general-turned-dictator had been at the helm of a violent authoritarian regime that caused immense hardship for the people of Spain. The current Spanish government is marking the anniversary of Franco's demise with a year-long celebration called "Spain in Freedom." But not everyone is on board. The World's Gerry Hadden brought us this story from the village of Belchite when the festivities first got underway earlier this year. This story originally aired on March 3, 2025.

Francisco Franco died 50 years ago. The general-turned-dictator had been at the helm of a violent authoritarian regime that caused immense hardship for the people of Spain. The current Spanish government is marking the anniversary of Franco's demise with a year-long celebration called "Spain in Freedom." But not everyone is on board. The World's Gerry Hadden brought us this story from the village of Belchite when the festivities first got underway earlier this year.
This story originally aired on March 3, 2025.

Remembering Franco — and the dangers of fascism — 50 years later

Civilizations don’t really build palaces anymore, except in Indonesia. Its new “Garuda Palace,” shaped like a mythical bird, rises from a hilltop in the country’s fledgling new capital. The wings are formed by thousands of pillars made from dark copper. The palace is a monument to the country itself, and will eventually serve as a new home to the president and his staff. Reporter Patrick Winn was the first foreign journalist allowed in for a look.

Civilizations don’t really build palaces anymore, except in Indonesia. Its new “Garuda Palace,” shaped like a mythical bird, rises from a hilltop in the country’s fledgling new capital. The wings are formed by thousands of pillars made from dark copper. The palace is a monument to the country itself, and will eventually serve as a new home to the president and his staff. Reporter Patrick Winn was the first foreign journalist allowed in for a look.

In Indonesia, a 'palace' rises amid doubts

One of the rules for sports in the Winter Olympics is that they have to be contested on either snow or ice. But with a changing climate and growing calls for increased diversity at the Winter Games, some people are advocating for a new sport to be added to the lineup — one without snow or ice. The World's Bianca Hillier explains.

One of the rules for sports in the Winter Olympics is that they have to be contested on either snow or ice. But with a changing climate and growing calls for increased diversity at the Winter Games, some people are advocating for a new sport to be added to the lineup — one without snow or ice. The World's Bianca Hillier explains.

Could cross country runners compete in the Winter Olympics?

There are many tales of individuals and groups helping Jews during the terrifying years under Nazi rule across Europe. They gave them safe spaces to stay, helped them escape or gave them food and other essentials. Karen Kirsten grew up in Australia listening to her mother's story of being kept by nuns during that time. Kirsten shares memories of her pilgrimage to Poland to find the nuns, with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

There are many tales of individuals and groups helping Jews during the terrifying years under Nazi rule across Europe. They gave them safe spaces to stay, helped them escape or gave them food and other essentials. Karen Kirsten grew up in Australia listening to her mother's story of being kept by nuns during that time. Kirsten shares memories of her pilgrimage to Poland to find the nuns, with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

SFTS: Jewish girl kept safe by nuns in Poland during Nazi era

One of the biggest culprits of mercury pollution is small-scale gold mining, where mercury is used to separate gold from rock and soil. The problems this causes for the environment and for the health of gold miners is especially easy to see in South America, where small-scale gold mining has taken off. The World's partners at the Deutsche Welle, DW, program "Living Planet" looks into some of the projects in Peru aimed at reducing the problem. Kathleen Schuster reports.

One of the biggest culprits of mercury pollution is small-scale gold mining, where mercury is used to separate gold from rock and soil. The problems this causes for the environment and for the health of gold miners is especially easy to see in South America, where small-scale gold mining has taken off. The World's partners at the Deutsche Welle, DW, program "Living Planet" looks into some of the projects in Peru aimed at reducing the problem. Kathleen Schuster reports.

Ending the toxic use of mercury in gold mining

An inmate in Australia is suing a state corrections department over a policy that forbids Vegemite in prisons. Andre McKechnie, 54, claims the prison policy that forbids Vegemite violates his right to “enjoy his culture as an Australian.” Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

An inmate in Australia is suing a state corrections department over a policy that forbids Vegemite in prisons. Andre McKechnie, 54, claims the prison policy that forbids Vegemite violates his right to “enjoy his culture as an Australian.” Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

Vegemite as a human right?

A UK research project is hoping to fast track the hunt for new antibiotics by using artificial intelligence. The World Health Organization warned last month that infections involving drug-resistant super bacteria are on the rise globally. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Dr. Andrew Edwards, a member of the research team.

A UK research project is hoping to fast track the hunt for new antibiotics by using artificial intelligence. The World Health Organization warned last month that infections involving drug-resistant super bacteria are on the rise globally. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Dr. Andrew Edwards, a member of the research team.