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 recent assassination of a Hezbollah leader in Lebanon and a Hamas leader in Iran have amplified concerns of a wider war in the Middle East. Israel took responsibility for killing the Hezbollah leader in Beirut but hasn't publicly claimed responsibility for the killing of the Hamas leader in Tehran. Meanwhile, both Hezbollah and Tehran have said there will be a response. People in Israel, Lebanon and Iran are all on edge as they face the possibility of a full-blown war. The World's Shirin Jaafari brings us their voices.

The recent assassination of a Hezbollah leader in Lebanon and a Hamas leader in Iran have amplified concerns of a wider war in the Middle East. Israel took responsibility for killing the Hezbollah leader in Beirut but hasn't publicly claimed responsibility for the killing of the Hamas leader in Tehran. Meanwhile, both Hezbollah and Tehran have said there will be a response. People in Israel, Lebanon and Iran are all on edge as they face the possibility of a full-blown war. The World's Shirin Jaafari brings us their voices.

Three countries facing possible war

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued its first-ever advisory warning of the risk of a huge earthquake along the Pacific coast. That prompted Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to cancel a trip. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with earthquake scientist Judith Hubbard about how this advisory helps focus people in Japan on earthquake readiness.

The Japan Meteorological Agency has issued its first-ever advisory warning of the risk of a huge earthquake along the Pacific coast. That prompted Prime Minister Fumio Kishida to cancel a trip. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with earthquake scientist Judith Hubbard about how this advisory helps focus people in Japan on earthquake readiness.

Japan's PM cancels trip over megaquake warning

A museum in the southern French city of Marseille is encouraging visitors to enjoy art au naturel. That is to say, without clothes on. The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations' latest exhibition is devoted to “living naked” and charts the history of nudism over the last century. The World's Sarah Birnbaum asks art professionals to make the case for nude museum-going.

A museum in the southern French city of Marseille is encouraging visitors to enjoy art au naturel. That is to say, without clothes on. The Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilizations' latest exhibition is devoted to “living naked” and charts the history of nudism over the last century. The World's Sarah Birnbaum asks art professionals to make the case for nude museum-going.

Nudists welcome at French museum

Russian strikes in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region have killed 11 people and injured 37 others. It comes as Ukraine's incursion into Russian territory continues into its fourth day, with Russia declaring a state of emergency in its Khersk region. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with John Nagl, professor of warfighting studies at the US Army War College, about the logic behind Ukraine's incursion into Russian territory and how this can be understood by Ukraine's allies.

Russian strikes in Ukraine's eastern Donetsk region have killed 11 people and injured 37 others. It comes as Ukraine's incursion into Russian territory continues into its fourth day, with Russia declaring a state of emergency in its Khersk region. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with John Nagl, professor of warfighting studies at the US Army War College, about the logic behind Ukraine's incursion into Russian territory and how this can be understood by Ukraine's allies.

Russia strikes mall in eastern Ukraine

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is ramping up a censorship campaign after a presidential election was widely condemned as fraudulent. But inside Venezuela, local journalists are finding creative ways to bypass censorship and deliver independent news to their communities. The World’s Tibisay Zea reports from the capital of Caracas.

Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is ramping up a censorship campaign after a presidential election was widely condemned as fraudulent. But inside Venezuela, local journalists are finding creative ways to bypass censorship and deliver independent news to their communities. The World’s Tibisay Zea reports from the capital of Caracas.

Amid censorship, Venezuelans deliver the news from public plazas, buses and balconies

The UK has fined its water companies more than $200 million for releasing raw sewage into rivers and waterways. It marks a new effort to tackle a decades-long problem of water pollution. Leo Hornak reports on how the British are trying to address it.

The UK has fined its water companies more than $200 million for releasing raw sewage into rivers and waterways. It marks a new effort to tackle a decades-long problem of water pollution. Leo Hornak reports on how the British are trying to address it.

UK fines water companies for dumping sewage

Alarm is growing among health officials about the increasing cases of the Mpox virus across Africa. While Mpox has been endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo for decades, several nearby countries have recorded their first-ever cases in recent months. The World Health Organization is set to deliberate on whether the recent wave of outbreaks amounts to an international public health emergency. The World's Africa Correspondent Halima Gikandi reports from Kenya.

Alarm is growing among health officials about the increasing cases of the Mpox virus across Africa. While Mpox has been endemic to the Democratic Republic of Congo for decades, several nearby countries have recorded their first-ever cases in recent months. The World Health Organization is set to deliberate on whether the recent wave of outbreaks amounts to an international public health emergency. The World's Africa Correspondent Halima Gikandi reports from Kenya.

Alarm over growing Mpox outbreaks across Africa

The International Olympic Committee said today that more than half of the world's population is expected to watch this year's Olympic Games before they end on Sunday. The World's Bianca Hillier shares the latest news from Team Botswana, and previews this weekend's historic marathon route.

The International Olympic Committee said today that more than half of the world's population is expected to watch this year's Olympic Games before they end on Sunday. The World's Bianca Hillier shares the latest news from Team Botswana, and previews this weekend's historic marathon route.

Olympics to close with historic marathon route

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Perseid meteor shower will hit its peak on Sunday and Monday. It's caused by the Earth orbiting through the tail of a comet. The debris in the tail crashes through the Earth's atmosphere and makes the meteors you see — if you can see them at all. Dark skies are getting harder to find. But some places are now trying to protect their dark nighttime skies. Bjarne Sørenson helped create a dark sky preserve in Denmark. He joins The World's Host Carolyn Beeler for a conversation about light pollution, and growing efforts to fight it.

In the Northern Hemisphere, the Perseid meteor shower will hit its peak on Sunday and Monday. It's caused by the Earth orbiting through the tail of a comet. The debris in the tail crashes through the Earth's atmosphere and makes the meteors you see — if you can see them at all. Dark skies are getting harder to find. But some places are now trying to protect their dark nighttime skies. Bjarne Sørenson helped create a dark sky preserve in Denmark. He joins The World's Host Carolyn Beeler for a conversation about light pollution, and growing efforts to fight it.

Dark skies for brighter meteor showers

The Olympics are coming to a close this weekend. But that's not the only big international sporting event. There’s a World Cup soccer tournament too — though it may not be the one you’re thinking of. GBH's Sam Turken explains.

The Olympics are coming to a close this weekend. But that's not the only big international sporting event. There’s a World Cup soccer tournament too — though it may not be the one you’re thinking of. GBH's Sam Turken explains.

International soccer competition in Massachusetts

Taylor Swift was set to perform a series of shows in Vienna, Austria, late this week and into the weekend. But authorities canceled the shows after learning of an alleged ISIS plot to attack the music venues when crowds gathered for this stop on the much-hyped Eras Tour. Host Marco Werman speaks with Colin P. Clarke, director of research at the Soufan Group, to get the known details of the alleged plot, and to talk about music shows as targets of terror attacks.

Taylor Swift was set to perform a series of shows in Vienna, Austria, late this week and into the weekend. But authorities canceled the shows after learning of an alleged ISIS plot to attack the music venues when crowds gathered for this stop on the much-hyped Eras Tour. Host Marco Werman speaks with Colin P. Clarke, director of research at the Soufan Group, to get the known details of the alleged plot, and to talk about music shows as targets of terror attacks.

Vienna stops on Eras Tour disrupted by threat of attacks

Buma Inbar is a Jewish Israeli whose son was killed in the Lebanon war 22 years ago. Now, he volunteers to look after sick kids from Gaza. He works with immigrants from Ethiopia, with ultra-Orthodox communities and with Palestinians seeking medical care in Israel. He’s a “one stop shop” for entry permits, hospitalization, medical treatment, accommodation and food. Reporter Rebecca Rosman brings us the story from Tel Aviv.

Buma Inbar is a Jewish Israeli whose son was killed in the Lebanon war 22 years ago. Now, he volunteers to look after sick kids from Gaza. He works with immigrants from Ethiopia, with ultra-Orthodox communities and with Palestinians seeking medical care in Israel. He’s a “one stop shop” for entry permits, hospitalization, medical treatment, accommodation and food. Reporter Rebecca Rosman brings us the story from Tel Aviv.

Israeli man feels called to help Palestinian kids after losing his son to war

Bagpipes blaring across a lush green rural landscape are typically associated with the Scottish Highlands. But it's in rural Bulgaria that thousands of bagpipe enthusiasts gather for the annual bagpipe festival in the village of Gera. Bagpipes date back hundreds of years in Bulgaria, particularly in the country’s stunning Rhodope Mountains. Reporter Jamie Fullerton has the story.

Bagpipes blaring across a lush green rural landscape are typically associated with the Scottish Highlands. But it's in rural Bulgaria that thousands of bagpipe enthusiasts gather for the annual bagpipe festival in the village of Gera. Bagpipes date back hundreds of years in Bulgaria, particularly in the country’s stunning Rhodope Mountains. Reporter Jamie Fullerton has the story.

Bulgarian bagpipe festival creates a cacophony of sound

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek tells host Marco Werman about his walk through India’s northeastern region, where he traced the steps of Siddhartha Gautama, better known as the Buddha. He also regales us with tales of a brickyard, where laborers make building blocks for 21st-century India, and a village where people make everything out of bamboo.

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek tells host Marco Werman about his walk through India’s northeastern region, where he traced the steps of Siddhartha Gautama, better known as the Buddha. He also regales us with tales of a brickyard, where laborers make building blocks for 21st-century India, and a village where people make everything out of bamboo.

Traversing northeastern India, on foot

Security forces in Venezuela are going door-to-door to round up opposition activists as part of a government crackdown called “Operation knock-knock.” Venezuela's opposition party insists it won last month’s election, contradicting President Nicolás Maduro, who has declared victory. Alfredo Romero, head of the human rights organization Foro Penal in Caracas, discusses the situation with The World's Host Marco Werman.

Security forces in Venezuela are going door-to-door to round up opposition activists as part of a government crackdown called “Operation knock-knock.” Venezuela's opposition party insists it won last month’s election, contradicting President Nicolás Maduro, who has declared victory. Alfredo Romero, head of the human rights organization Foro Penal in Caracas, discusses the situation with The World's Host Marco Werman.

Maduro vows to 'pulverize' opponents who dispute election results

Standing on a stage, flanked by flags and military officers, Muhummad Yunus was sworn in as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government today. Yunus is a Nobel laureate and he had popular support from student protesters and others who forced out former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier this week. Host Marco Werman has more.

Standing on a stage, flanked by flags and military officers, Muhummad Yunus was sworn in as the head of Bangladesh’s interim government today. Yunus is a Nobel laureate and he had popular support from student protesters and others who forced out former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina earlier this week. Host Marco Werman has more.

Muhammad Yunus takes oath of office in Bangladesh

In coming weeks, the World Health Organization says it will send more than a million polio vaccines to Gaza, with the goal of vaccinating 600,000 children under 8 years old. The World's Host Marco Werman has more.

In coming weeks, the World Health Organization says it will send more than a million polio vaccines to Gaza, with the goal of vaccinating 600,000 children under 8 years old. The World's Host Marco Werman has more.

World Health Organization to send vaccines to Gaza

Ex-Catalan President Carles Puigdemont has been in exile in Belgium for much of the last seven years after staging an illegal vote putting separation from Spain on the ballot. The independence leader came back this morning with a message: "I'm still relevant." Then he vanished again, sparking a nation-wide manhunt. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Catalonia, Spain.

Ex-Catalan President Carles Puigdemont has been in exile in Belgium for much of the last seven years after staging an illegal vote putting separation from Spain on the ballot. The independence leader came back this morning with a message: "I'm still relevant." Then he vanished again, sparking a nation-wide manhunt. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Catalonia, Spain.

Fugitive Catalan leader returns to Spain, then disappears again

Instagram has gone dark in Turkey — after the Turkish government unexpectedly blocked the app late last week. The move does not bode well for a community of small, Instagram-based businesses in Turkey. The World’s Durrie Bouscaren reports.

Instagram has gone dark in Turkey — after the Turkish government unexpectedly blocked the app late last week. The move does not bode well for a community of small, Instagram-based businesses in Turkey. The World’s Durrie Bouscaren reports.

Turkish businesses scramble after government blocks Instagram

This week, close calls have led to medals being awarded, then revoked when, on further review, athletes have lost spots they thought they'd secured on the podium. Host Marco Werman takes stock of change-ups in gymnastics and track.

This week, close calls have led to medals being awarded, then revoked when, on further review, athletes have lost spots they thought they'd secured on the podium. Host Marco Werman takes stock of change-ups in gymnastics and track.

Reversals of fortune at the Paris Olympics

After preparing themselves for an evening of violent far-right protests, police in the UK instead encountered peaceful anti-racism rallies Wednesday night. A small number of far-right demonstrators gathered in some UK cities but they were largely outnumbered by counter-protesters and police. Muslim communities heaved a sigh of relief, but as The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry told Host Marco Werman, some nervousness remains.

After preparing themselves for an evening of violent far-right protests, police in the UK instead encountered peaceful anti-racism rallies Wednesday night. A small number of far-right demonstrators gathered in some UK cities but they were largely outnumbered by counter-protesters and police. Muslim communities heaved a sigh of relief, but as The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry told Host Marco Werman, some nervousness remains.

UK still on edge despite largely peaceful night of protests

Each year in Japan, commemoration ceremonies are held to mark the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This year, the US ambassador to Japan will not be attending. The US embassy says Ambassador Rahm Emmanuel will skip the ceremony on Friday because the event has been “politicized” by a decision to exclude Israel. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

Each year in Japan, commemoration ceremonies are held to mark the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This year, the US ambassador to Japan will not be attending. The US embassy says Ambassador Rahm Emmanuel will skip the ceremony on Friday because the event has been “politicized” by a decision to exclude Israel. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

US ambassador skipping Nagasaki ceremony

Thailand’s progressive political party is no more. Courts ordered Move Forward, one of the country’s most popular parties, to disband. Its leaders are also barred from politics for 10 years, striking a heavy blow to Thailand's youthful reform movement. The World's Patrick Winn reports from Bangkok.

Thailand’s progressive political party is no more. Courts ordered Move Forward, one of the country’s most popular parties, to disband. Its leaders are also barred from politics for 10 years, striking a heavy blow to Thailand's youthful reform movement. The World's Patrick Winn reports from Bangkok.

Thai courts dissolve progressive party

DJ and producer Hilder Brando is KillaBeatMaker. He's been at it for the past 25 years, searching for musicians to join his collective. He says the current incarnation of the group is what he's been looking for all along.  KillaBeatMaker's latest album is called  "Inga.'"

DJ and producer Hilder Brando is KillaBeatMaker. He's been at it for the past 25 years, searching for musicians to join his collective. He says the current incarnation of the group is what he's been looking for all along.  KillaBeatMaker's latest album is called  "Inga.'"

Killa' sounds from Colombia's KillaBeatMaker

Violence against women has reached "epidemic levels" in England and Wales and needs to be treated as a national emergency, according to UK police chiefs. More than 1 million violent crimes against women and girls were recorded by British police between 2022 and 2023. But women's rights groups say those figures only tell half the story. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more. And a listener warning: This story contains descriptions of violence.

Violence against women has reached "epidemic levels" in England and Wales and needs to be treated as a national emergency, according to UK police chiefs. More than 1 million violent crimes against women and girls were recorded by British police between 2022 and 2023. But women's rights groups say those figures only tell half the story. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more. And a listener warning: This story contains descriptions of violence.

Violence against women declared a 'national emergency' in the UK

Young musicians from South America, Africa, Europe and the Middle East have convened at New York City's Carnegie Hall for World Orchestra Week. Jeff Lunden has the story.

Young musicians from South America, Africa, Europe and the Middle East have convened at New York City's Carnegie Hall for World Orchestra Week. Jeff Lunden has the story.

Youth musicians gather for World Orchestra Week

Russia has reported Ukrainian troop movements into the southern Russian territory of Khersk. It marks a significant shift in strategy for Ukraine following a failed counteroffensive earlier this spring and loss of territory recently to Russia. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Alina Polyakova, President and CEO of Center for European Policy Analysis, about what these military movements mean for Ukraine and what leverage both sides are trying to gain prior to any potential peace talks to end the war.

Russia has reported Ukrainian troop movements into the southern Russian territory of Khersk. It marks a significant shift in strategy for Ukraine following a failed counteroffensive earlier this spring and loss of territory recently to Russia. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Alina Polyakova, President and CEO of Center for European Policy Analysis, about what these military movements mean for Ukraine and what leverage both sides are trying to gain prior to any potential peace talks to end the war.

Ukrainian forces make incursion into Russia

China is one of the biggest sources of precursor chemicals used by Mexican cartels to make fentanyl. Much of that synthetic opioid ends up in the US, and fentanyl overdoses are currently the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45. Now, Beijing has agreed to step up control of the production of some of those chemicals. Host Marco Werman gets analysis from Zongyuan Zoe Liu, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.

China is one of the biggest sources of precursor chemicals used by Mexican cartels to make fentanyl. Much of that synthetic opioid ends up in the US, and fentanyl overdoses are currently the leading cause of death for Americans between the ages of 18 and 45. Now, Beijing has agreed to step up control of the production of some of those chemicals. Host Marco Werman gets analysis from Zongyuan Zoe Liu, a fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations.

China agrees to crack down on chemicals used in fentanyl

Olympic soccer has been filled with nail-biters and drama, in both the men's and women's competitions. As the finals draw near, the best remaining teams fight for a chance to reach the high podium. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Marseille, France, where some of the matches are taking place.

Olympic soccer has been filled with nail-biters and drama, in both the men's and women's competitions. As the finals draw near, the best remaining teams fight for a chance to reach the high podium. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Marseille, France, where some of the matches are taking place.

The ecstasy and agony of Olympics soccer

Last week, the US, along with several European countries pulled off the biggest prisoner exchange with Russia since the Cold War. Several Americans convicted in Russia on trumped-up charges were set free. But not just Americans — most of the political prisoners released by the Kremlin were Russian dissidents. The World’s Daniel Ofman reports from Riga, Latvia, on what's next for Russian politicians in exile.

Last week, the US, along with several European countries pulled off the biggest prisoner exchange with Russia since the Cold War. Several Americans convicted in Russia on trumped-up charges were set free. But not just Americans — most of the political prisoners released by the Kremlin were Russian dissidents. The World’s Daniel Ofman reports from Riga, Latvia, on what's next for Russian politicians in exile.