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.

There have been a lot of surprises and excitement over the past few days of the 2026 World Cup. The World's Gerry Hadden breaks it all down with Host Carolyn Beeler.

There have been a lot of surprises and excitement over the past few days of the 2026 World Cup. The World's Gerry Hadden breaks it all down with Host Carolyn Beeler.

Greatness in the World Cup group phase

Officials in Crimea have suspended the sale of fuel to the public indefinitely. That measure was taken after Ukraine ramped up its attacks on energy and supply lines. Crimea has long been a summer tourism destination for Russians. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Padraic Kenney, a historian with the University of Kentucky, about what is at stake for the region.

Officials in Crimea have suspended the sale of fuel to the public indefinitely. That measure was taken after Ukraine ramped up its attacks on energy and supply lines. Crimea has long been a summer tourism destination for Russians. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Padraic Kenney, a historian with the University of Kentucky, about what is at stake for the region.

Crimea cut off from fuel

Bahar Movahed has sung Persian classical music in Tehran, while also pursuing a degree in dentistry. She now lives in California and is successful in both. Host Marco Werman spoke to Movahed about both careers. We also hear songs from her new album, "Together Yet Alone."

Bahar Movahed has sung Persian classical music in Tehran, while also pursuing a degree in dentistry. She now lives in California and is successful in both. Host Marco Werman spoke to Movahed about both careers. We also hear songs from her new album, "Together Yet Alone."

Iranian singer Bahar Movahed's pursuit in both art and science

Extremely low birthrates have long troubled Asia’s wealthier countries: Japan, South Korea and Singapore. Now, they’re coming for others in the region. Thailand’s leaders are grappling with a shocking recent statistic: Its birthrate has somehow sunk below Japan’s — a potential bellwether for the rest of the Global South. And unlike better-off countries, these governments have far fewer resources to throw at the problem. Patrick Winn reports from Bangkok.

Extremely low birthrates have long troubled Asia’s wealthier countries: Japan, South Korea and Singapore. Now, they’re coming for others in the region. Thailand’s leaders are grappling with a shocking recent statistic: Its birthrate has somehow sunk below Japan’s — a potential bellwether for the rest of the Global South. And unlike better-off countries, these governments have far fewer resources to throw at the problem. Patrick Winn reports from Bangkok.

Fertility slump comes for Southeast Asia

The National Science Foundation has reversed plans to dismantle a global ocean monitoring network. The Ocean Observatories Initiative tracks ocean currents, climate change and extreme weather, among other marine dynamics.

The National Science Foundation has reversed plans to dismantle a global ocean monitoring network. The Ocean Observatories Initiative tracks ocean currents, climate change and extreme weather, among other marine dynamics.

An update on ocean monitoring

REI announced it is adding new tags to gear sold in its stores, featuring The Climate Label. Similar to Fair Trade or B Corp certifications, The Climate Label tells consumers that a company meets a “high bar” for climate responsibility. But ensuring that high bar isn't easy, as Leila Goldstein explains from Cambodia.

REI announced it is adding new tags to gear sold in its stores, featuring The Climate Label. Similar to Fair Trade or B Corp certifications, The Climate Label tells consumers that a company meets a “high bar” for climate responsibility. But ensuring that high bar isn't easy, as Leila Goldstein explains from Cambodia.

Major corporations may be unwittingly harming their climate-friendly programs

A conservative pro-Trump lawyer won Colombia's presidential election on Sunday, as expected, though by only 1%. This marks a major shift for one of the biggest US allies in Latin America. Abelardo de la Espriella, a right-wing populist who calls himself "the tiger" has promised to cancel peace talks between the government and rebel groups, and cooperate with the US on issues like eradicating coca crops and blowing up boats that are allegedly trying to smuggle cocaine to the US. Manuel Rueda reports from Bogota.

A conservative pro-Trump lawyer won Colombia's presidential election on Sunday, as expected, though by only 1%. This marks a major shift for one of the biggest US allies in Latin America. Abelardo de la Espriella, a right-wing populist who calls himself "the tiger" has promised to cancel peace talks between the government and rebel groups, and cooperate with the US on issues like eradicating coca crops and blowing up boats that are allegedly trying to smuggle cocaine to the US. Manuel Rueda reports from Bogota.

Tough on crime lawyer wins Colombia election

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned, less than two years after taking office. Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said his party had questioned whether he was best placed to lead them into the next general election and that he accepted their decision “with good grace.” His resignation makes him the latest in a series of short-lived UK leaders, with the country now set to see its seventh prime minister in 10 years. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry.

Britain’s Prime Minister Keir Starmer has resigned, less than two years after taking office. Speaking outside 10 Downing Street, Starmer said his party had questioned whether he was best placed to lead them into the next general election and that he accepted their decision “with good grace.” His resignation makes him the latest in a series of short-lived UK leaders, with the country now set to see its seventh prime minister in 10 years. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry.

Keir Starmer, known as 'Mr. Rules,' resigns as UK prime minister

Some plantations in the South ignore the role they played in the history of slavery. But others serve to educate visitors. That is the goal of Whitney Plantation and Museum, which focuses on the lives of enslaved people. Reporter Adeline Sire has a report from the Whitney Plantation in Wallace, Louisiana.

Some plantations in the South ignore the role they played in the history of slavery. But others serve to educate visitors. That is the goal of Whitney Plantation and Museum, which focuses on the lives of enslaved people. Reporter Adeline Sire has a report from the Whitney Plantation in Wallace, Louisiana.

Louisiana’s Whitney Plantation highlights the ways in which enslaved people resisted slavery

The history and legacy of slavery in America are not often taught in great detail. That is what Professor Mary Niall Mitchell, the Midlo Endowed Chair in History at the University of New Orleans, contends. But she told The World’s Marco Werman that one trailblazing historian worked for decades to uncover the origins of enslaved Africans in Louisiana and shed light on their lives.

The history and legacy of slavery in America are not often taught in great detail. That is what Professor Mary Niall Mitchell, the Midlo Endowed Chair in History at the University of New Orleans, contends. But she told The World’s Marco Werman that one trailblazing historian worked for decades to uncover the origins of enslaved Africans in Louisiana and shed light on their lives.

Historians say more details about the lives of enslaved Africans needs to be taught

In Apartheid South Africa, young Black people were excluded from fully accessing higher education due to race. Now, the restrictions on education are about money and class. With the country’s financial aid organization in turmoil, hundreds of thousands of South African students find themselves with enough money to get into school, but not enough to stay.

In Apartheid South Africa, young Black people were excluded from fully accessing higher education due to race. Now, the restrictions on education are about money and class. With the country’s financial aid organization in turmoil, hundreds of thousands of South African students find themselves with enough money to get into school, but not enough to stay.

The ‘missing middle’ in South Africa’s colleges

Each year, India reserves a block of seats in its public universities for the country’s most marginalized communities. These reservations were put in place to help India’s vulnerable groups overcome centuries of violence and discrimination under the caste system. But just like in the US, India’s version of Affirmative Action comes with controversy, and students who get in still deal with discrimination. Reporter Namrata Kolachalam has the story from India.

Each year, India reserves a block of seats in its public universities for the country’s most marginalized communities. These reservations were put in place to help India’s vulnerable groups overcome centuries of violence and discrimination under the caste system. But just like in the US, India’s version of Affirmative Action comes with controversy, and students who get in still deal with discrimination. Reporter Namrata Kolachalam has the story from India.

Challenges under India’s university reservation system

Musician Rhiannon Giddens is a modern-day Renaissance woman who trained as an opera singer before veering into folk music. She's an award-winning composer and multi-instrumentalist. But she is first and foremost a dedicated banjo player who has been researching and teaching the instrument's African heritage. The World’s Carolyn Beeler speaks with Giddens about the origins of the banjo.

Musician Rhiannon Giddens is a modern-day Renaissance woman who trained as an opera singer before veering into folk music. She's an award-winning composer and multi-instrumentalist. But she is first and foremost a dedicated banjo player who has been researching and teaching the instrument's African heritage. The World’s Carolyn Beeler speaks with Giddens about the origins of the banjo.

Rhiannon Giddens says the banjo has an ancient and varied history, rooted in Africa

The US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding aims to end regional fighting. But Israel and Lebanon remain key wild cards. Any renewed violence along their shared border could quickly put the agreement at risk.The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with veteran correspondents Kim Ghattas in Beirut and Noga Tarnopolsky in Jerusalem to discuss whether the deal can work for both countries, and what it would take to make it succeed.

The US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding aims to end regional fighting. But Israel and Lebanon remain key wild cards. Any renewed violence along their shared border could quickly put the agreement at risk.The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with veteran correspondents Kim Ghattas in Beirut and Noga Tarnopolsky in Jerusalem to discuss whether the deal can work for both countries, and what it would take to make it succeed.

US-Iran deal faces first test on Israel-Lebanon border

The European Union is rolling out the biggest overhaul of its asylum system in years. The reforms are designed to speed up asylum decisions and tighten controls at the bloc's external borders. On Wednesday the EU parliament also backed plans that could allow deportation centers to be set up outside the bloc. Human rights advocates fear the new rules could make it harder for people fleeing persecution to find protection. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports from Madrid.

The European Union is rolling out the biggest overhaul of its asylum system in years. The reforms are designed to speed up asylum decisions and tighten controls at the bloc's external borders. On Wednesday the EU parliament also backed plans that could allow deportation centers to be set up outside the bloc. Human rights advocates fear the new rules could make it harder for people fleeing persecution to find protection. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports from Madrid.

EU migration overhaul sparks human rights concerns

For years, fentanyl has dominated the opioid crisis in the US — but there’s an up-and-coming class of synthetic opioids emerging called nitazenes, drugs that can be 40 times more potent than fentanyl and far more difficult to track. Now, the investigative group Bellingcat has found nitazenes spreading across the United States, and it has discovered links between Chinese suppliers and growing markets in Europe. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Jonathan Moens, the journalist behind the reporting.

For years, fentanyl has dominated the opioid crisis in the US — but there’s an up-and-coming class of synthetic opioids emerging called nitazenes, drugs that can be 40 times more potent than fentanyl and far more difficult to track. Now, the investigative group Bellingcat has found nitazenes spreading across the United States, and it has discovered links between Chinese suppliers and growing markets in Europe. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Jonathan Moens, the journalist behind the reporting.

Chinese suppliers are advertising nitazenes — more potent than fentanyl — online

If you're watching the World Cup, and you're following team Bosnia-Herzegovina, you may have heard fans singing a song that's become an unofficial anthem of sorts. It's called "I Am Bosnian," and it's from 2011, by the Bosnian band Dubioza Kolektiv. He says what began as a spoof on the dream of getting out of Bosnia has become "the American football dream for the entire nation." Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

If you're watching the World Cup, and you're following team Bosnia-Herzegovina, you may have heard fans singing a song that's become an unofficial anthem of sorts. It's called "I Am Bosnian," and it's from 2011, by the Bosnian band Dubioza Kolektiv. He says what began as a spoof on the dream of getting out of Bosnia has become "the American football dream for the entire nation." Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

The unofficial anthem of Bosnia's World Cup team is taking off

Chinese solar panel manufacturers are expanding their businesses to sell battery storage, as well. That's because there's so much competition in the industry — and the scale of production surged so far beyond demand — that making the panels is no longer profitable. For The Big Fix, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Jeremy Wallace, professor of China studies at Johns Hopkins, about whether that could do for the battery storage market what it did for solar.

Chinese solar panel manufacturers are expanding their businesses to sell battery storage, as well. That's because there's so much competition in the industry — and the scale of production surged so far beyond demand — that making the panels is no longer profitable. For The Big Fix, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Jeremy Wallace, professor of China studies at Johns Hopkins, about whether that could do for the battery storage market what it did for solar.

The Big Fix: Chinese companies hope to give the world cheaper batteries

In Pakistan, the finance minister has just announced that a controversial tax on tampons and pads will be abolished. Back in December, we spoke to the lawyer who had taken the Pakistani government to court, arguing that the tax was in violation of the constitutional rights of women and girls. Today, we listen back on that conversation between Mahnoor Omer and The World's Host Carolyn Beeler.This story originally aired on Dec. 17, 2025.

In Pakistan, the finance minister has just announced that a controversial tax on tampons and pads will be abolished. Back in December, we spoke to the lawyer who had taken the Pakistani government to court, arguing that the tax was in violation of the constitutional rights of women and girls. Today, we listen back on that conversation between Mahnoor Omer and The World's Host Carolyn Beeler.
This story originally aired on Dec. 17, 2025.

Pakistan government rolls back tax on period products

Minnesota saw an extreme crackdown by federal ICE agents on immigrant communities earlier this year. What was known as Operation Metro Surge has drawn down, but some people remain on edge. That includes college students from the Somali diaspora. Now, as Juneteenth approaches, students reflect on the holiday’s meaning and how its message of emancipation resonates with immigrants who see themselves as part of the wider Black community. Reporter Sara Hassan has the story.

Minnesota saw an extreme crackdown by federal ICE agents on immigrant communities earlier this year. What was known as Operation Metro Surge has drawn down, but some people remain on edge. That includes college students from the Somali diaspora. Now, as Juneteenth approaches, students reflect on the holiday’s meaning and how its message of emancipation resonates with immigrants who see themselves as part of the wider Black community. Reporter Sara Hassan has the story.

College students from Minnesota's immigrant communities reflect on Juneteenth

On Juneteenth, you can drink whatever you want — as long as it's red. For Black Americans whose ancestors were enslaved, the color red represents perseverance and survival. That association with the color red has roots that go back centuries to West Africa, where beverages made from hibiscus are a staple. Enslaved Africans brought this tradition with them to the United States, where red drinks became an assertion of their own identity and heritage. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

On Juneteenth, you can drink whatever you want — as long as it's red. For Black Americans whose ancestors were enslaved, the color red represents perseverance and survival. That association with the color red has roots that go back centuries to West Africa, where beverages made from hibiscus are a staple. Enslaved Africans brought this tradition with them to the United States, where red drinks became an assertion of their own identity and heritage. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

The West African roots of Juneteenth's signature drink

Leaders from the US and Iran will meet in Geneva on Friday to sign an agreement to the war between their two countries. Meanwhile, a major hang-up to the deal is Israel's campaign in Lebanon and the slim likelihood of Tehran agreeing to end its nuclear program. Host Carolyn Beeler looks at what's in the document, and what the problems might be, with Alan Eyre, a former US diplomat who was involved in the negotiations for the JCPOA, the nuclear deal adopted with Iran during the Obama administration.

Leaders from the US and Iran will meet in Geneva on Friday to sign an agreement to the war between their two countries. Meanwhile, a major hang-up to the deal is Israel's campaign in Lebanon and the slim likelihood of Tehran agreeing to end its nuclear program. Host Carolyn Beeler looks at what's in the document, and what the problems might be, with Alan Eyre, a former US diplomat who was involved in the negotiations for the JCPOA, the nuclear deal adopted with Iran during the Obama administration.

US and Iran prepare to sign a deal after months of war while sticking points remain

Colombia opens its World Cup campaign today against Uzbekistan in Mexico City. Fans are pulling out the team’s yellow jersey — a symbol of national pride. But this year, that same shirt has become part of a bitter presidential runoff. The World’s Tibisay Zea reports on how Colombia’s national soccer jersey got caught up in politics.

Colombia opens its World Cup campaign today against Uzbekistan in Mexico City. Fans are pulling out the team’s yellow jersey — a symbol of national pride. But this year, that same shirt has become part of a bitter presidential runoff. The World’s Tibisay Zea reports on how Colombia’s national soccer jersey got caught up in politics.

Colombia's national soccer jersey turns political

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is predicting that following an agreement to end the US-Israeli war in Iran, oil supply will rise throughout the year. But demand is expected to recover much more slowly, leading to an expected oil glut in 2027. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Gregory Brew, senior analyst on Iran and energy at the Eurasia Group, about what this means for the global energy market.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) is predicting that following an agreement to end the US-Israeli war in Iran, oil supply will rise throughout the year. But demand is expected to recover much more slowly, leading to an expected oil glut in 2027. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Gregory Brew, senior analyst on Iran and energy at the Eurasia Group, about what this means for the global energy market.

The future of oil markets

Anti-immigration groups in South Africa are stepping up vigilante-style actions aimed at pressuring migrants to leave the country. Some activists have issued a June 30 ultimatum for undocumented migrants to depart, a deadline that has no legal standing. Sharon Ekambaram, the head of the Refugee and Migrant Rights Program at Lawyers for Human Rights in Pretoria describes the implications to The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler.

Anti-immigration groups in South Africa are stepping up vigilante-style actions aimed at pressuring migrants to leave the country. Some activists have issued a June 30 ultimatum for undocumented migrants to depart, a deadline that has no legal standing. Sharon Ekambaram, the head of the Refugee and Migrant Rights Program at Lawyers for Human Rights in Pretoria describes the implications to The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler.

Concern grows over rising vigilante violence targeting South Africa's migrants

Globally, religious believers face censorship, harassment and imprisonment under the banner of combating extremism or maintaining public order. Many legal tools and political systems are used to control religious life. How do these religious leaders remain resilient in the face of oppression and is the problem on the rise? The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports from the Oslo Freedom Forum.

Globally, religious believers face censorship, harassment and imprisonment under the banner of combating extremism or maintaining public order. Many legal tools and political systems are used to control religious life. How do these religious leaders remain resilient in the face of oppression and is the problem on the rise? The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports from the Oslo Freedom Forum.

Too many people in too many places are persecuted for their religious beliefs

Jazz bassist and singer Esperanza Spalding was a student in college when she first heard the voice of Milton Nascimento. Now, many years later, Spalding has gotten the chance to produce an album — and sing on it — with her hero.  Their latest album is "Milton + Esperanza."This story originally aired on March 7, 2025.

Jazz bassist and singer Esperanza Spalding was a student in college when she first heard the voice of Milton Nascimento. Now, many years later, Spalding has gotten the chance to produce an album — and sing on it — with her hero.  Their latest album is "Milton + Esperanza."
This story originally aired on March 7, 2025.

Jazz bassist Esperanza Spalding on her collaboration with a Brazilian legend

As G7 leaders wrapped up talks in France, one key focus for European allies was keeping the US engaged on the war in Ukraine. While leaders praised Ukraine’s recent battlefield progress, US President Donald Trump sent mixed signals during the summit. He called his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “very good” but also said the US had “nothing to do” with a war taking place “thousands of miles away.” To help us understand where US-Ukraine relations stand after the summit, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Mariia Zolkina, the head of regional security &amp; conflict studies at the Democratic Initiatives Foundation. She joined the show from Warsaw, Poland.

As G7 leaders wrapped up talks in France, one key focus for European allies was keeping the US engaged on the war in Ukraine. While leaders praised Ukraine’s recent battlefield progress, US President Donald Trump sent mixed signals during the summit. He called his meeting with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy “very good” but also said the US had “nothing to do” with a war taking place “thousands of miles away.” To help us understand where US-Ukraine relations stand after the summit, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Mariia Zolkina, the head of regional security & conflict studies at the Democratic Initiatives Foundation. She joined the show from Warsaw, Poland.

A top agenda item at G7: Keeping us engaged on the war in Ukraine

The US Southern Command airstrike on a compound in Venezuela last week killed Tren de Aragua leader Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, alias “Niño Guerrero.” Guerrero was hiding for many years in a vast strip of land in southern Venezuela, rich with gold and cobalt. Phil Gunson, Caracas-based analyst for the International Crisis Group, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that eliminating Guerrero may be one “first, small step” to opening up the mining region to US interests.

The US Southern Command airstrike on a compound in Venezuela last week killed Tren de Aragua leader Héctor Rusthenford Guerrero Flores, alias “Niño Guerrero.” Guerrero was hiding for many years in a vast strip of land in southern Venezuela, rich with gold and cobalt. Phil Gunson, Caracas-based analyst for the International Crisis Group, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that eliminating Guerrero may be one “first, small step” to opening up the mining region to US interests.

Strike on Venezuela gang leader may open door to mineral wealth

Earlier this year, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged countries caught between the world's superpowers to work together and forge a "third path." Now, as leaders gather for the G7 summit in France, questions remain about whether Carney can translate that vision into real influence. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group, about whether this so-called "middle power moment" has momentum.

Earlier this year, Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney urged countries caught between the world's superpowers to work together and forge a "third path." Now, as leaders gather for the G7 summit in France, questions remain about whether Carney can translate that vision into real influence. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Ian Bremmer, president of Eurasia Group, about whether this so-called "middle power moment" has momentum.