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.

Thousands of Cuban doctors work abroad under state-run medical missions. While Cuba calls it solidarity, critics call it forced labor. As the OAS investigates and the US imposes visa bans, The World hears from doctors who left the program, and others who are still in it.

Thousands of Cuban doctors work abroad under state-run medical missions. While Cuba calls it solidarity, critics call it forced labor. As the OAS investigates and the US imposes visa bans, The World hears from doctors who left the program, and others who are still in it.

Cuban medical missions face scrutiny amid allegations of forced labor

Carlos Hernández, a Honduran school teacher, and Kurt Ver Beek, an American sociologist, moved with their families to one of the toughest neighborhoods in Tegucigalpa. When the two decided to take on the barrio’s violent street gangs, the men found themselves wading into ethical dilemmas. Journalist Ross Halperin joins The World’s Host Marco Werman to discuss their story and the new book, "Bear Witness: The Pursuit of Justice in a Violent Land."

Carlos Hernández, a Honduran school teacher, and Kurt Ver Beek, an American sociologist, moved with their families to one of the toughest neighborhoods in Tegucigalpa. When the two decided to take on the barrio’s violent street gangs, the men found themselves wading into ethical dilemmas. Journalist Ross Halperin joins The World’s Host Marco Werman to discuss their story and the new book, "Bear Witness: The Pursuit of Justice in a Violent Land."

Two middle-aged dads confront brutal Honduran gangs

US President Trump has threatened "very severe tariffs" on Russia if a peace deal with Ukraine isn't reached within 50 days. He's also agreed to a plan to funnel military aid to Ukraine through NATO. These moves don't appear to worry the Kremlin, though, as Yaroslav Trofimov of The Wall Street Journal explains to The World's Host Marco Werman.

US President Trump has threatened "very severe tariffs" on Russia if a peace deal with Ukraine isn't reached within 50 days. He's also agreed to a plan to funnel military aid to Ukraine through NATO. These moves don't appear to worry the Kremlin, though, as Yaroslav Trofimov of The Wall Street Journal explains to The World's Host Marco Werman.

US threatens Russia with ‘very severe tariffs’ over peace deal with Ukraine

The Sultanate of Oman will institute a personal income tax beginning in 2028. It's part of a government effort to diversify the country's economy and reduce its reliance on fossil fuel revenues. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with Monica Malik, chief economist at Abu Dhabi Commercial bank, about the significance of the move and what it could mean for the region.

The Sultanate of Oman will institute a personal income tax beginning in 2028. It's part of a government effort to diversify the country's economy and reduce its reliance on fossil fuel revenues. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with Monica Malik, chief economist at Abu Dhabi Commercial bank, about the significance of the move and what it could mean for the region.

Oman to introduce personal income tax

King Charles III is, among many of his royal titles, the Seigneur of the Swans. He has the right to claim ownership of any unmarked mute swan in the country. But with great power comes great responsibility — that of keeping track of them. That's why the King's Swan Marker, David Barber, is charged with counting all of the swans on the River Thames every summer. That census is underway this week. Host Marco Werman explains the history behind this tradition, and why it's also known as "swan upping."

King Charles III is, among many of his royal titles, the Seigneur of the Swans. He has the right to claim ownership of any unmarked mute swan in the country. But with great power comes great responsibility — that of keeping track of them. That's why the King's Swan Marker, David Barber, is charged with counting all of the swans on the River Thames every summer. That census is underway this week. Host Marco Werman explains the history behind this tradition, and why it's also known as "swan upping."

The UK's royal swan census

A preliminary probe into last month's deadly Air India crash points to the plane's fuel switches as a possible reason the Boeing 737 plunged into a nearby medical school less than a minute after take off. As The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports, Indian authorities are now calling for airlines to inspect Boeing jets for any fuel switch issues.

A preliminary probe into last month's deadly Air India crash points to the plane's fuel switches as a possible reason the Boeing 737 plunged into a nearby medical school less than a minute after take off. As The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports, Indian authorities are now calling for airlines to inspect Boeing jets for any fuel switch issues.

India inspects Boeing planes after preliminary crash investigation

A mosaic panel on travertine stone slabs, depicting an erotic theme from the Roman era, was returned to the archaeological park of Pompeii in Italy on Tuesday. It was originally stolen by a Nazi German captain during World War II. The artwork was repatriated from Germany through diplomatic channels. The World's Host Marco Werman has more.

A mosaic panel on travertine stone slabs, depicting an erotic theme from the Roman era, was returned to the archaeological park of Pompeii in Italy on Tuesday. It was originally stolen by a Nazi German captain during World War II. The artwork was repatriated from Germany through diplomatic channels. The World's Host Marco Werman has more.

Pompeii receives mosaic looted by Nazis

Nowadays, the Netherlands is seen as one of the most secular countries in the world, with about 6 in 10 people there identifying as non-religious. That number has only increased in recent years and church attendance among Christian denominations has long been in decline. But as the World’s Joshua Coe found out, young Christians in the low country are finding a higher power online — and outside some of the traditional notions of church community.

Nowadays, the Netherlands is seen as one of the most secular countries in the world, with about 6 in 10 people there identifying as non-religious. That number has only increased in recent years and church attendance among Christian denominations has long been in decline. But as the World’s Joshua Coe found out, young Christians in the low country are finding a higher power online — and outside some of the traditional notions of church community.

Netherlands' Gen Z finds faith on social media and community in Christian groups

More opposition mayors have been arrested in Turkey in an effort to fight corruption. But rights groups say the arrests are politically motivated and represent an escalation in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s crackdown on dissent. Reporter Dorian Jones from our partners DW, Deutsche Welle, has the story from Istanbul.

More opposition mayors have been arrested in Turkey in an effort to fight corruption. But rights groups say the arrests are politically motivated and represent an escalation in President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s crackdown on dissent. Reporter Dorian Jones from our partners DW, Deutsche Welle, has the story from Istanbul.

Opposition mayors arrested in Turkey

Whether you know it or not, how you picture the hills and streams of Kansas is likely thanks to a Swedish painter. Birger Sandzén was known as “the Van Gogh of the Plains.” KCUR’s Julie Denesha reports from Lindsborg, Kansas.

Whether you know it or not, how you picture the hills and streams of Kansas is likely thanks to a Swedish painter. Birger Sandzén was known as “the Van Gogh of the Plains.” KCUR’s Julie Denesha reports from Lindsborg, Kansas.

Swedish painter set the standard for American landscapes

Customs agents at the Cologne Bonn Airport in Germany revealed today that what appeared to be a shipment of chocolate cake mix, was in fact a package containing 1,500 tarantulas being smuggled from Vietnam. The young spiders were in plastic vials, and many did not survive the trip. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Customs agents at the Cologne Bonn Airport in Germany revealed today that what appeared to be a shipment of chocolate cake mix, was in fact a package containing 1,500 tarantulas being smuggled from Vietnam. The young spiders were in plastic vials, and many did not survive the trip. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Smuggled tarantulas discovered in Germany

Countries that share a border with Russia are turning their backs on the international treaty that bans landmines. Kyiv's decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of the munitions, follows similar moves by Finland, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Host Marco Werman speaks with retired Maj. Gen. James Cowan, the CEO of HALO Trust, the world’s largest NGO dedicated to clearing landmines.

Countries that share a border with Russia are turning their backs on the international treaty that bans landmines. Kyiv's decision to withdraw from the Ottawa Convention, which bans the use of the munitions, follows similar moves by Finland, Poland, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania. Host Marco Werman speaks with retired Maj. Gen. James Cowan, the CEO of HALO Trust, the world’s largest NGO dedicated to clearing landmines.

Countries bordering Russia withdraw from landmine ban treaty

July 14 is Bastille Day in France — the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, which kicked off the French Revolution in 1789. Families and friends gather across the country to party and watch fireworks. Paris has a huge military parade. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

July 14 is Bastille Day in France — the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille, which kicked off the French Revolution in 1789. Families and friends gather across the country to party and watch fireworks. Paris has a huge military parade. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

France celebrates Bastille Day

US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte today made a much-anticipated announcement, saying the United States would not give weapons to Ukraine; it would sell Ukraine US made arms. This is a reversal from Trump's former statements, which suggested he would not transfer any weapons to Ukraine. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

US President Donald Trump and NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte today made a much-anticipated announcement, saying the United States would not give weapons to Ukraine; it would sell Ukraine US made arms. This is a reversal from Trump's former statements, which suggested he would not transfer any weapons to Ukraine. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

US demands Ukraine pay for weapons to fight Russia

Protests are a hallmark of university life — but on campuses across England, student activism and academic freedom are facing mounting pressure. Demonstrations against the war in Gaza are increasingly being shut down, and some academics say they fear repercussions for voicing controversial views. Now, England’s higher education regulator is stepping in, introducing new guidelines aimed at protecting freedom of speech on campus. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Protests are a hallmark of university life — but on campuses across England, student activism and academic freedom are facing mounting pressure. Demonstrations against the war in Gaza are increasingly being shut down, and some academics say they fear repercussions for voicing controversial views. Now, England’s higher education regulator is stepping in, introducing new guidelines aimed at protecting freedom of speech on campus. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Freedom of speech on university campuses in the UK

In Italy right now, flocks of flamingoes are messing with fields, where the rice used for risotto is grown. The flamingos use their webbed feet to dig up algae, insects and other tasty treats. But they don't eat the rice. This has become a serious problem for farmers in northeastern Italy —  and risotto lovers everywhere. Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

In Italy right now, flocks of flamingoes are messing with fields, where the rice used for risotto is grown. The flamingos use their webbed feet to dig up algae, insects and other tasty treats.
But they don't eat the rice. This has become a serious problem for farmers in northeastern Italy — 
and risotto lovers everywhere. Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

Flamingos in Italy damage risotto rice crops

From tennis to soccer and beyond, athletes around the world won big this weekend. Host Carolyn Beeler gets all the latest from The World's Bianca Hillier.

From tennis to soccer and beyond, athletes around the world won big this weekend. Host Carolyn Beeler gets all the latest from The World's Bianca Hillier.

The biggest winners from the weekend's biggest sports stages

Astronauts from India, Poland and Hungary left the International Space Station on their SpaceX capsule today. It was the first time in more than 40 years any of the three countries sent astronauts of their own into orbit. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler has the story.

Astronauts from India, Poland and Hungary left the International Space Station on their SpaceX capsule today. It was the first time in more than 40 years any of the three countries sent astronauts of their own into orbit. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler has the story.

Astronauts return from International Space Station

An excavation began today in Tuam, Ireland, for the remains of nearly 800 infants buried in an unmarked mass grave on the grounds of a home for unwed mothers. Irish historian Catherine Corless uncovered the children’s death records. She describes for The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler how her research ultimately put the dig in motion.

An excavation began today in Tuam, Ireland, for the remains of nearly 800 infants buried in an unmarked mass grave on the grounds of a home for unwed mothers. Irish historian Catherine Corless uncovered the children’s death records. She describes for The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler how her research ultimately put the dig in motion.

Dig begins for infants buried at former Irish home for unwed mothers

In the days following the Israeli strikes on Iran, the Iranian government has deported nearly half a million Afghans. That's according to the United Nations refugee agency. The deportees say they face mistreatment, financial losses and an uncertain life in Afghanistan. The hasty deportations have also left aid organizations scrambling to help as The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

In the days following the Israeli strikes on Iran, the Iranian government has deported nearly half a million Afghans. That's according to the United Nations refugee agency. The deportees say they face mistreatment, financial losses and an uncertain life in Afghanistan. The hasty deportations have also left aid organizations scrambling to help as The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Iran deports nearly half a million Afghans after the war with Israel

This week marks three decades since the massacre in the Bosnian town of Srebrenica where more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were systematically killed by Serb forces. It was the worst atrocity on European soil since World War II. Although two UN courts later ruled it a genocide, some survivors and victims’ families say they are still looking for justice, while peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains fragile. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

This week marks three decades since the massacre in the Bosnian town of Srebrenica where more than 8,000 Bosniak men and boys were systematically killed by Serb forces. It was the worst atrocity on European soil since World War II. Although two UN courts later ruled it a genocide, some survivors and victims’ families say they are still looking for justice, while peace in Bosnia and Herzegovina remains fragile. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Three decades since Srebrenica genocide

Thirty years after the genocide at Srebrenica, mass killings sadly still occur. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Martin Shaw, a professor at the University of Sussex in the UK, about the obstacles to preventing genocide.

Thirty years after the genocide at Srebrenica, mass killings sadly still occur. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Martin Shaw, a professor at the University of Sussex in the UK, about the obstacles to preventing genocide.

What does it take to stop a genocide?

After decades of an insurgency against the Turkish government, members of the Kurdistan Worker's Party, known as the PKK, ceremonially laid down their arms at a ceremony in northern Iraq. The group's jailed leader, Abdullah Öcalan, recently decided to disarm and seek a political solution to the PKK's grievances. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

After decades of an insurgency against the Turkish government, members of the Kurdistan Worker's Party, known as the PKK, ceremonially laid down their arms at a ceremony in northern Iraq. The group's jailed leader, Abdullah Öcalan, recently decided to disarm and seek a political solution to the PKK's grievances. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

Kurdistan Workers' Party ceremonially lays down its arms

Last month, the Russian Orthodox Church canonized a new saint: Olga Michael, who lived in the small ton of Kwethluk, Alaska, until her death in 1979. St. Olga is the first Yup’ik to be canonized in the Orthodox Church, whose missionaries brought the religion to Alaska in the 1700s when Alaska was a Russian colony. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more about the past and present of the faith in Alaska from the Very Reverend Father John Jillions, a priest in the Orthodox Church in America.

Last month, the Russian Orthodox Church canonized a new saint: Olga Michael, who lived in the small ton of Kwethluk, Alaska, until her death in 1979. St. Olga is the first Yup’ik to be canonized in the Orthodox Church, whose missionaries brought the religion to Alaska in the 1700s when Alaska was a Russian colony. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more about the past and present of the faith in Alaska from the Very Reverend Father John Jillions, a priest in the Orthodox Church in America.

Native Alaskan woman canonized as Russian Orthodox saint

Israeli jets have stopped flying over Iran’s skies — at least for now. Residents of Tehran, who’d fled the city during the war, have returned. Some are burying the dead and assessing the damage to their homes. They tell The World’s Shirin Jaafari that nothing feels the same.

Israeli jets have stopped flying over Iran’s skies — at least for now. Residents of Tehran, who’d fled the city during the war, have returned. Some are burying the dead and assessing the damage to their homes. They tell The World’s Shirin Jaafari that nothing feels the same.

'Nothing feels the same': A fragile truce in place, Iranians wonder what comes next

A new trend in Mexico is transforming flower deliveries into viral social media performances —complete with music, confetti and dramatic flair. What began as one man’s creative response to the pandemic has grown into a booming business, blending romance, showmanship and echoes of narco-inspired aesthetics. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

A new trend in Mexico is transforming flower deliveries into viral social media performances —complete with music, confetti and dramatic flair. What began as one man’s creative response to the pandemic has grown into a booming business, blending romance, showmanship and echoes of narco-inspired aesthetics. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

In Mexico, flower deliveries take on a life of their own

"The Salt Path" is a best-selling memoir and major film. And now, an investigation by The Observer has revealed several of the central claims in the story are false, and the reality includes accusations of criminal conduct. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with the director of the Oxford Center for Life Writing about the expectation of truth in memoir — and when creative license crosses the line.

"The Salt Path" is a best-selling memoir and major film. And now, an investigation by The Observer has revealed several of the central claims in the story are false, and the reality includes accusations of criminal conduct. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with the director of the Oxford Center for Life Writing about the expectation of truth in memoir — and when creative license crosses the line.

Falsehoods in popular memoir raise controversy

The Winnipeg Folk Festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend. The annual music festival started out as part of the city's centennial festivities. But founder Mitch Podolak was planning to make it a permanent festival all along. Now, it attracts performers from all over the world and is attended by over 70,000 people every year. Host Carolyn Beeler has more on the festival's history.

The Winnipeg Folk Festival is celebrating its 50th anniversary this weekend. The annual music festival started out as part of the city's centennial festivities. But founder Mitch Podolak was planning to make it a permanent festival all along. Now, it attracts performers from all over the world and is attended by over 70,000 people every year. Host Carolyn Beeler has more on the festival's history.

The Winnipeg Folk Festival at 50

It was at music school in the United States that Alex Alvear really came to appreciate the different styles of music from his home country: Ecuador. He shared his story with Jared Bowen for "The Culture Show" on GBH in Boston.

It was at music school in the United States that Alex Alvear really came to appreciate the different styles of music from his home country: Ecuador. He shared his story with Jared Bowen for "The Culture Show" on GBH in Boston.

Alex Alvear's quest to understand his musical roots

In Australia, a snake sighting recently grounded a domestic flight from Melbourne to Brisbane. Unlike the 2006 movie "Snakes on a Plane," this particular snake was only a foot long and not venomous. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler has the story.

In Australia, a snake sighting recently grounded a domestic flight from Melbourne to Brisbane. Unlike the 2006 movie "Snakes on a Plane," this particular snake was only a foot long and not venomous. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler has the story.