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.

Extreme heat isn't just bad for your health; it also has a serious impact on our transit systems. In Europe this summer, train tracks have buckled, roads have cracked and subways have turned into ovens. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Phil Blythe, former chief scientific advisor for the UK's Department of Transportation.

Extreme heat isn't just bad for your health; it also has a serious impact on our transit systems. In Europe this summer, train tracks have buckled, roads have cracked and subways have turned into ovens. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Phil Blythe, former chief scientific advisor for the UK's Department of Transportation.

Extreme heat affecting transportation

Swiss rivers and lakes are reaching near-record temperatures. This is an irritation for the thousands of people who hop into the country's urban waterways to cool off, and it's a dire warning for the country's future. Warm water risks disrupting the electricity supply by making hydropower less efficient and by making it impossible to cool nuclear plants. The Nuclear Power Plant is already operating at reduced capacity due to the Aare River's high temperature. If the water remains this warm, aquatic ecosystems will collapse, as well. The World's Gabe Bullard reports.

Swiss rivers and lakes are reaching near-record temperatures. This is an irritation for the thousands of people who hop into the country's urban waterways to cool off, and it's a dire warning for the country's future. Warm water risks disrupting the electricity supply by making hydropower less efficient and by making it impossible to cool nuclear plants. The Nuclear Power Plant is already operating at reduced capacity due to the Aare River's high temperature. If the water remains this warm, aquatic ecosystems will collapse, as well. The World's Gabe Bullard reports.

European heat wave isn't just about warmer air temperatures

In August 2021, a GoFundMe post pleaded for help getting the Afghan Girls Robotics Team out of Afghanistan. They had become celebrities in their country, with leaders calling them the future of Afghanistan. Then, they were wanted by the Taliban. All made it out, and many are thriving in the US and Mexico, while still struggling with homesickness and the knowledge of their loved ones’ suffering. Reporter Amy Bracken has the story.

In August 2021, a GoFundMe post pleaded for help getting the Afghan Girls Robotics Team out of Afghanistan. They had become celebrities in their country, with leaders calling them the future of Afghanistan. Then, they were wanted by the Taliban. All made it out, and many are thriving in the US and Mexico, while still struggling with homesickness and the knowledge of their loved ones’ suffering. Reporter Amy Bracken has the story.

The Afghan Girls Robotics Team reflects on leaving their country

Campaigns for this year's presidential election in Brazil began on Sunday. Incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is running against Flavio Bolsonaro, son of his former rival. They are the two leading candidates, but a third politician — US President Donald Trump — may be a large influence on the race. Michael Fox reports.

Campaigns for this year's presidential election in Brazil began on Sunday. Incumbent Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva is running against Flavio Bolsonaro, son of his former rival. They are the two leading candidates, but a third politician — US President Donald Trump — may be a large influence on the race. Michael Fox reports.

Brazil's presidential election season kicks off

At least six people have died from heat stroke in Sonora, Mexico, this year, and experts say the city of Hermosillo needs to find ways to cool down. As the climate warms globally, Hermosillo is digging into a relatively simple solution to help solve its urban heat problem: trees. In addition to city and state tree planting initiatives, those led by community volunteers have also taken root in recent years. Nina Kravinsky from KJZZ reports.

At least six people have died from heat stroke in Sonora, Mexico, this year, and experts say the city of Hermosillo needs to find ways to cool down. As the climate warms globally, Hermosillo is digging into a relatively simple solution to help solve its urban heat problem: trees. In addition to city and state tree planting initiatives, those led by community volunteers have also taken root in recent years. Nina Kravinsky from KJZZ reports.

Mexican officials adding native trees to create life-saving shade

Athens’ Panathenaic Stadium is getting its first deep clean in more than a century. It's a U-shaped stadium in Greece made entirely of white marble, and it's being buffed up ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The Athens stadium will serve as the ceremonial send-off point for the Olympic flame. Host Carolyn Beeler has more on the stadium where the first modern Games were held in 1896.

Athens’ Panathenaic Stadium is getting its first deep clean in more than a century. It's a U-shaped stadium in Greece made entirely of white marble, and it's being buffed up ahead of the 2028 Olympics in Los Angeles. The Athens stadium will serve as the ceremonial send-off point for the Olympic flame. Host Carolyn Beeler has more on the stadium where the first modern Games were held in 1896.

Olympic stadium gets spruced up ahead of 2028 Games

The fifth Corgi Race Vilnius drew dogs and their owners to the Lithuanian capital's Vingis Park on Saturday for what organizers said was the biggest edition yet. There were competitors from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, Germany, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, the United States and Britain — the country most closely associated with the breed, famously a favorite of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

The fifth Corgi Race Vilnius drew dogs and their owners to the Lithuanian capital's Vingis Park on Saturday for what organizers said was the biggest edition yet. There were competitors from Lithuania, Latvia, Poland, Estonia, Germany, Ukraine, the Czech Republic, the United States and Britain — the country most closely associated with the breed, famously a favorite of the late Queen Elizabeth II. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

Fifth annual Corgi Race Vilnius took place this weekend

Every year, thousands of people risk the perilous journey across the Mediterranean, aiming for Italy and a chance at a new life in Europe. Many end up off the island of Lampedusa, abandoning their boats offshore. Now, in a prison workshop in Milan, those boats are being given a second life. Inmates at Opera prison, one of Italy’s largest jails, are turning the abandoned vessels into musical instruments as The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry found out last year in Milan.This story originally aired on Nov. 5, 2025.

Every year, thousands of people risk the perilous journey across the Mediterranean, aiming for Italy and a chance at a new life in Europe. Many end up off the island of Lampedusa, abandoning their boats offshore. Now, in a prison workshop in Milan, those boats are being given a second life. Inmates at Opera prison, one of Italy’s largest jails, are turning the abandoned vessels into musical instruments as The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry found out last year in Milan.
This story originally aired on Nov. 5, 2025.

Milan inmates turn abandoned refugee boats into musical instruments

US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” joint military exercises with South Korea, given his “very good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.” One of the goals of the drills was to assess how North Korea's battlefield experience in Ukraine could impact the threat Seoul faces. Former US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns and The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler discuss the implications for the US-South Korea alliance.

US President Donald Trump has ordered the Pentagon to “substantially reduce” joint military exercises with South Korea, given his “very good relationship with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.” One of the goals of the drills was to assess how North Korea's battlefield experience in Ukraine could impact the threat Seoul faces. Former US Ambassador to China Nicholas Burns and The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler discuss the implications for the US-South Korea alliance.

Trump scales back military drills with Seoul as Pyongyang flexes in Ukraine

The wrinkles on the trunks of elephants are not a result of aging. They develop in utero. And scientists have now discovered it is possible to determine an elephant’s “trunkedness” — kind of like being right- or left-handed — by analyzing them. Host Carolyn Beeler finds out more about elephant trunk wrinkles from Lena Kauffmann, one of the authors of a study published in the journal Royal Society Open Science.This story originally aired on Oct. 9, 2024.

The wrinkles on the trunks of elephants are not a result of aging. They develop in utero. And scientists have now discovered it is possible to determine an elephant’s “trunkedness” — kind of like being right- or left-handed — by analyzing them. Host Carolyn Beeler finds out more about elephant trunk wrinkles from Lena Kauffmann, one of the authors of a study published in the journal Royal Society Open Science.
This story originally aired on Oct. 9, 2024.

Wrinkles on an elephant's trunk are not a result of aging

Afghan activist Mahbouba Seraj ran the last remaining safe house and shelter for abused women in Kabul until it was forced to shutter last December. Seraj is still living in the Afghan capital and doing her best to voice the aspirations of Afghan girls and women. But she’s wondering if it’s time to leave. She spoke with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about the erasure of women from public life.

Afghan activist Mahbouba Seraj ran the last remaining safe house and shelter for abused women in Kabul until it was forced to shutter last December. Seraj is still living in the Afghan capital and doing her best to voice the aspirations of Afghan girls and women. But she’s wondering if it’s time to leave. She spoke with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about the erasure of women from public life.

'I promised the women of Afghanistan ... that I will be their voice'

Humans and monkeys once peacefully coexisted in Lopburi, a mid-sized city in Thailand, but no more. Its downtown is overrun with more than 2,000 long-tailed macaques, snatching food and belongings from passersby. Wildlife authorities say the monkeys expanded their turf during lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the alpha males now acting like gang leaders. The World's Patrick Winn reported on the difficulty officials had dealing with the monkeys. Since the story aired, the city has rounded up and sterilized thousands of the monkeys.This story originally aired on April 12, 2024.

Humans and monkeys once peacefully coexisted in Lopburi, a mid-sized city in Thailand, but no more. Its downtown is overrun with more than 2,000 long-tailed macaques, snatching food and belongings from passersby. Wildlife authorities say the monkeys expanded their turf during lockdowns during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the alpha males now acting like gang leaders. The World's Patrick Winn reported on the difficulty officials had dealing with the monkeys. Since the story aired, the city has rounded up and sterilized thousands of the monkeys.
This story originally aired on April 12, 2024.

Monkey 'mafia bosses' rule parts of this Thai city

Birdwatching is a rapidly growing and lucrative part of the tourism sector worldwide, but women make up a very small minority of professional guides. Uganda Women Birders, a bird guide club, is revolutionizing the industry by encouraging and supporting women who want to get into the business. Anita Elash reports from the town of Entebbe, Uganda.This story originally aired on Jan. 18, 2024.

Birdwatching is a rapidly growing and lucrative part of the tourism sector worldwide, but women make up a very small minority of professional guides. Uganda Women Birders, a bird guide club, is revolutionizing the industry by encouraging and supporting women who want to get into the business. Anita Elash reports from the town of Entebbe, Uganda.
This story originally aired on Jan. 18, 2024.

Women bird guides in Uganda set a global example

The late Puerto Rican band leader, Ray Barretto, must have imagined an elephant marching through New York City when he composed the song, "O Elefante." The song dates back to 1971 and brings you right into a swingin' jungle.This story originally aired on July 4, 2023.

The late Puerto Rican band leader, Ray Barretto, must have imagined an elephant marching through New York City when he composed the song, "O Elefante." The song dates back to 1971 and brings you right into a swingin' jungle.
This story originally aired on July 4, 2023.

An urban band captures the jungle-like sounds of an elephant

Giant tortoises have been reintroduced on Floreana Island in the Galapagos. The tortoises were thought to be extinct on the island since the 1800s, but 20 years ago, scientists discovered descendants on another island. Thanks to that discovery, conservationists were able to breed and reintroduce the tortoises. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with James Gibbs from Galapagos Conservancy about the project.This story originally aired on Feb. 23, 2026.

Giant tortoises have been reintroduced on Floreana Island in the Galapagos. The tortoises were thought to be extinct on the island since the 1800s, but 20 years ago, scientists discovered descendants on another island. Thanks to that discovery, conservationists were able to breed and reintroduce the tortoises. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with James Gibbs from Galapagos Conservancy about the project.
This story originally aired on Feb. 23, 2026.

Giant tortoises return to Floreana Island in the Galapagos

Barcelona has a major pigeon problem, like a lot of cities. But the heart of the problem, say government officials, are the super-feeders: some 350 local residents who don't just toss a few breadcrumbs from a quaint park bench, but distribute bags of food that attract massive flocks of birds. From Barcelona, Gerry Hadden looks at what city officials are doing to curb the problem.This story originally aired on July 10, 2024.

Barcelona has a major pigeon problem, like a lot of cities. But the heart of the problem, say government officials, are the super-feeders: some 350 local residents who don't just toss a few breadcrumbs from a quaint park bench, but distribute bags of food that attract massive flocks of birds. From Barcelona, Gerry Hadden looks at what city officials are doing to curb the problem.
This story originally aired on July 10, 2024.

Barcelona's pigeon super-feeders

There are a lot of songs about birds: bluebirds, blackbirds, free birds. Host Carolyn Beeler introduces us to a song about a peacock. In this tune, it's a beautiful bird with an immortal soul that's carved out of wood. "El Pavo Real" is by Chancha Vía Circuito featuring the Meridian Brothers.

There are a lot of songs about birds: bluebirds, blackbirds, free birds. Host Carolyn Beeler introduces us to a song about a peacock. In this tune, it's a beautiful bird with an immortal soul that's carved out of wood. "El Pavo Real" is by Chancha Vía Circuito featuring the Meridian Brothers.

A song for a beautiful, yet angry, peacock

National Book Award Winner Ha Jin published a new coming of age novel set against the backdrop of the Tiananmen Square massacre. He joined host Carolyn Beeler in the studio to discuss "Looking for Tankman," which mirrors his own experience coming to the US as a student in 1985 and deciding to stay.This story originally aired on Oct. 28, 2025.

National Book Award Winner Ha Jin published a new coming of age novel set against the backdrop of the Tiananmen Square massacre. He joined host Carolyn Beeler in the studio to discuss "Looking for Tankman," which mirrors his own experience coming to the US as a student in 1985 and deciding to stay.
This story originally aired on Oct. 28, 2025.

Novel explores hidden history of Tiananmen Square

A cafe manager in Tokyo, Japan, has developed a particular method to help writers struggling with procrastination to complete their work — whether it's a business plan, a novel or a radio script. Thisanka Siripala paid a visit, her own script in hand, and brought us this report on how it works.This story originally aired on July 6, 2022.

A cafe manager in Tokyo, Japan, has developed a particular method to help writers struggling with procrastination to complete their work — whether it's a business plan, a novel or a radio script. Thisanka Siripala paid a visit, her own script in hand, and brought us this report on how it works.
This story originally aired on July 6, 2022.

Tokyo cafe specializes in helping procrastinators

After decades of refusing to allow a movie version of his most famous novel, the two sons of Gabriel Garcia Marquez eventually sold the rights to Netflix. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" is a Colombian magical realism television series based on the 1967 novel of the same name. Sarah Birnbaum reports.This story originally aired on Dec. 11, 2024.

After decades of refusing to allow a movie version of his most famous novel, the two sons of Gabriel Garcia Marquez eventually sold the rights to Netflix. "One Hundred Years of Solitude" is a Colombian magical realism television series based on the 1967 novel of the same name. Sarah Birnbaum reports.
This story originally aired on Dec. 11, 2024.

Online streaming of 'One Hundred Years of Solitude'

Last year, an independent book shop just outside the Danish capital, Copenhagen, received five big boxes of books. There was just one problem: The books were supposed to head to Nairobi, Kenya. Isabella Mousavizadeh Smith, the owner of the store Books and Company told The World's Host Carolyn Beeler that she decided to keep them, and offer a unique window into the kinds of books people a continent away are reading.This story originally aired on July 18, 2025.

Last year, an independent book shop just outside the Danish capital, Copenhagen, received five big boxes of books. There was just one problem: The books were supposed to head to Nairobi, Kenya. Isabella Mousavizadeh Smith, the owner of the store Books and Company told The World's Host Carolyn Beeler that she decided to keep them, and offer a unique window into the kinds of books people a continent away are reading.
This story originally aired on July 18, 2025.

Boxes of books destined for Kenya ended up at a Danish bookshop

Author Tim Queeney has written a book, "Rope: How a Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization," that delves into the ways rope has been used — for good and ill — throughout human history. As he tells Host Carolyn Beeler, this global story is both magnificent and very dark.This story originally aired on Oct. 1, 2025.

Author Tim Queeney has written a book, "Rope: How a Bundle of Twisted Fibers Became the Backbone of Civilization," that delves into the ways rope has been used — for good and ill — throughout human history. As he tells Host Carolyn Beeler, this global story is both magnificent and very dark.
This story originally aired on Oct. 1, 2025.

The long and surprising history of rope

People crowded in from across Europe to catch the solar eclipse in Spain. The World’s Gerry Hadden took some friends to a remote spot to view the spectacle. He reports from Spanish city of El Perelló.

People crowded in from across Europe to catch the solar eclipse in Spain. The World’s Gerry Hadden took some friends to a remote spot to view the spectacle. He reports from Spanish city of El Perelló.

Spain's solar eclipse dazzles after more than a century since the last one

In Japan, a new refrigerator designed to cool humans is making its debut, while scientists in the UK say they've invented a biodegradable balloon. Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

In Japan, a new refrigerator designed to cool humans is making its debut, while scientists in the UK say they've invented a biodegradable balloon. Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

Highlights in environmental news

At least 68 Palestinians and 13 Israelis have been killed in the West Bank this year. And there is a real fear that violence could spiral further out of control between Palestinian villagers and Jewish settlers. The Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law, and by most global bodies, including the UN. Stephanie Fried reports from the northern Israeli settlement of Havat Gilad.

At least 68 Palestinians and 13 Israelis have been killed in the West Bank this year. And there is a real fear that violence could spiral further out of control between Palestinian villagers and Jewish settlers. The Israeli settlements in the West Bank are considered illegal under international law, and by most global bodies, including the UN. Stephanie Fried reports from the northern Israeli settlement of Havat Gilad.

Israeli settlers increase attacks in West Bank

Hundreds of years ago, Chinese women created a secret language to share their struggles and dreams with each other. The language is almost extinct, with only a handful of women still able to read and write it today. A new documentary shows how the language is being preserved in China today.This story originally aired on June 10, 2022.

Hundreds of years ago, Chinese women created a secret language to share their struggles and dreams with each other. The language is almost extinct, with only a handful of women still able to read and write it today. A new documentary shows how the language is being preserved in China today.
This story originally aired on June 10, 2022.

China's secret Nüshu language

Some Americans, like Pardis Mahdavi, feel caught between two worlds. Her parents immigrated to the US from Iran, and she’s never really felt completely at home in either country. So now, she’s adopted a hyphenated identity. Patrick Cox of the "Subtitle" podcast reports.This story originally aired on Dec. 23, 2021.

Some Americans, like Pardis Mahdavi, feel caught between two worlds. Her parents immigrated to the US from Iran, and she’s never really felt completely at home in either country. So now, she’s adopted a hyphenated identity. Patrick Cox of the "Subtitle" podcast reports.
This story originally aired on Dec. 23, 2021.

Does the hyphen unite or divide?

The Trump administration has stripped Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, from hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries from 13 countries. Sejal Zota, the co-founder of the legal support group Just Futures Law, talks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about the origins of the TPS program and the idea that the US should not send people back to countries where they cannot return safely.

The Trump administration has stripped Temporary Protected Status, or TPS, from hundreds of thousands of beneficiaries from 13 countries. Sejal Zota, the co-founder of the legal support group Just Futures Law, talks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about the origins of the TPS program and the idea that the US should not send people back to countries where they cannot return safely.

The origins of TPS and its uncertain future

Cali, Colombia, was hit hard by this week's earthquake. A mix of local and regional rescue teams are on the ground, and every hour brings a new celebration or disappointment, as neighbors gather around the sites devastated by the 7.4-magnitude quake. Host Marco Werman speaks with reporter Manuel Rueda, who's on the ground in Cali.

Cali, Colombia, was hit hard by this week's earthquake. A mix of local and regional rescue teams are on the ground, and every hour brings a new celebration or disappointment, as neighbors gather around the sites devastated by the 7.4-magnitude quake. Host Marco Werman speaks with reporter Manuel Rueda, who's on the ground in Cali.

Colombia continues to dig out the living and the dead

Humans aren't the only animal species on the planet with complex vocal communications. New research shows that chimpanzees communicate with 390 "words" and it could have big implications for the understanding of the evolution of human languages. Host Marco Werman spoke to a co-author of the research, Catherine Crockford. She’s research director at CNRS Institute of Cognitive Sciences in Lyon, France, and co-director of the Taï Chimpanzee Project, Ivory Coast, where the research took place.This story originally aired on April 4, 2024.

Humans aren't the only animal species on the planet with complex vocal communications. New research shows that chimpanzees communicate with 390 "words" and it could have big implications for the understanding of the evolution of human languages. Host Marco Werman spoke to a co-author of the research, Catherine Crockford. She’s research director at CNRS Institute of Cognitive Sciences in Lyon, France, and co-director of the Taï Chimpanzee Project, Ivory Coast, where the research took place.
This story originally aired on April 4, 2024.