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.

It's not unusual to wait two or three hours to cross the border from Tijuana to San Diego. But drivers usually didn't have to wait long to go the other way, easing the commute. Gustavo Solis of KPBS in San Diego reports that the growth in border towns now means rush hours in both directions. (Originally aired Jan. 3, 2024.)

It's not unusual to wait two or three hours to cross the border from Tijuana to San Diego. But drivers usually didn't have to wait long to go the other way, easing the commute. Gustavo Solis of KPBS in San Diego reports that the growth in border towns now means rush hours in both directions. (Originally aired Jan. 3, 2024.)

Traffic jams clog the US-Mexico border crossing

NASA’s Artemis program aims to bring the first woman and first person of color to the moon in 2024, and it's the prelude to a much bigger ambition: sending humans to Mars. The World’s Carol Hills talked with Nujoud Mercy, chief of NASA’s Exploration and Planning Office, about the goals for Artemis. (Originally aired Sept. 2, 2202.)

NASA’s Artemis program aims to bring the first woman and first person of color to the moon in 2024, and it's the prelude to a much bigger ambition: sending humans to Mars. The World’s Carol Hills talked with Nujoud Mercy, chief of NASA’s Exploration and Planning Office, about the goals for Artemis. (Originally aired Sept. 2, 2202.)

Returning humans to the moon and beyond

Lithium is in soaring global demand, because it’s used in electric car batteries. This is good news for the economy of Chile, that meets a third of the world’s lithium needs. Experts say there's a big financial opportunity for the region, but it comes at an environmental cost. The World's Tibisay Zea brings us this story from the Atacama Desert, Chile. (Originally aired Nov.14, 2022.)

Lithium is in soaring global demand, because it’s used in electric car batteries. This is good news for the economy of Chile, that meets a third of the world’s lithium needs. Experts say there's a big financial opportunity for the region, but it comes at an environmental cost. The World's Tibisay Zea brings us this story from the Atacama Desert, Chile. (Originally aired Nov.14, 2022.)

Lithium mining is changing the Atacama desert

US consumers have plenty of reasons to snap up electric vehicles. They are helping the US meet its climate goals, and new owners may qualify for a tax credit. But some of those old cars end up on Africa's roads. From Accra, the capital of Ghana, Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman reports that these vehicles provide vital transportation in poor countries, but they are polluting and unsafe. (Originally aired May 11, 2023.)

US consumers have plenty of reasons to snap up electric vehicles. They are helping the US meet its climate goals, and new owners may qualify for a tax credit. But some of those old cars end up on Africa's roads. From Accra, the capital of Ghana, Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman reports that these vehicles provide vital transportation in poor countries, but they are polluting and unsafe. (Originally aired May 11, 2023.)

American clunkers end up in African car lots

Prada and the company Axiom Space are teaming up to design the spacesuits for NASA's Artemis 3's moon mission in 2025. It might sound like a weird partnership. But as The World's Sarah Birnbaum reports, the back-and-forth between fashion and aerospace goes back years. (Originally aired October 23, 2023.)

Prada and the company Axiom Space are teaming up to design the spacesuits for NASA's Artemis 3's moon mission in 2025. It might sound like a weird partnership. But as The World's Sarah Birnbaum reports, the back-and-forth between fashion and aerospace goes back years. (Originally aired October 23, 2023.)

NASA astronauts will moonwalk in style

Tires are a major source of pollution. The tiny particulates left behind when the rubber meets the road create a fine dust of microplastics. And with more electric vehicles on the roadway, weighted down by heavy batteries, tires will leave behind even more toxic residue. Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, the CEO of UK-based tire startup Enso, talks with host Marco Werman about what the tire industry can do about it.  (Originally aired May 18. 2023.)

Tires are a major source of pollution. The tiny particulates left behind when the rubber meets the road create a fine dust of microplastics. And with more electric vehicles on the roadway, weighted down by heavy batteries, tires will leave behind even more toxic residue. Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, the CEO of UK-based tire startup Enso, talks with host Marco Werman about what the tire industry can do about it.  (Originally aired May 18. 2023.)

Reinventing the wheel to help save the planet

Research shows that flight turbulence has increased as climate change has warmed the planet. Host Marco Werman speaks with Paul Williams, professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading, UK, about the findings, based on more than four decades of data, that suggest the increase in bumpy flights could be caused by changes in wind speed at high altitudes due to warmer air from carbon emissions. (Originally aired June 14, 2023.)

Research shows that flight turbulence has increased as climate change has warmed the planet. Host Marco Werman speaks with Paul Williams, professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading, UK, about the findings, based on more than four decades of data, that suggest the increase in bumpy flights could be caused by changes in wind speed at high altitudes due to warmer air from carbon emissions. (Originally aired June 14, 2023.)

Bumpier flights coincide with warming skies

Thor Pedersen, a former UN soldier originally from Denmark, went on a decadelong adventure that took him to every country in the world. The trick — he never took an airplane. By train, bus, boat and other forms of transport, he covered over 220,000 miles. He spoke with host Carol Hills this summer when he returned home to Copenhagen. (Originally aired Aug. 4, 2023.)

Thor Pedersen, a former UN soldier originally from Denmark, went on a decadelong adventure that took him to every country in the world. The trick — he never took an airplane. By train, bus, boat and other forms of transport, he covered over 220,000 miles. He spoke with host Carol Hills this summer when he returned home to Copenhagen. (Originally aired Aug. 4, 2023.)

How one man visited every country on Earth without taking a flight

On New Year's Day, 2024, a collision on a runway in Japan was described as nothing short of a miracle when all 379 passengers aboard a commercial jet in flames were evacuated. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with Ed Galea, director of the fire safety group at the University of Greenwich in the UK, about how crew — and passenger — preparedness allowed for the speedy evacuation. (Originally aired Jan. 3, 2024)

On New Year's Day, 2024, a collision on a runway in Japan was described as nothing short of a miracle when all 379 passengers aboard a commercial jet in flames were evacuated. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with Ed Galea, director of the fire safety group at the University of Greenwich in the UK, about how crew — and passenger — preparedness allowed for the speedy evacuation. (Originally aired Jan. 3, 2024)

Surviving an airplane disaster

The red dwarf honeybee, known to aggressively defend patches of flowers against other insects, has been found in Malta. This is the first time it’s been detected in Europe. Host Carol Hills finds out how researchers are approaching this development with Dave Goulson, a professor at the University of Sussex and the author of multiple books about bees.

The red dwarf honeybee, known to aggressively defend patches of flowers against other insects, has been found in Malta. This is the first time it’s been detected in Europe. Host Carol Hills finds out how researchers are approaching this development with Dave Goulson, a professor at the University of Sussex and the author of multiple books about bees.

A new kind of honeybee discovered in Europe

Australia's annual Garage Sale Trail is the Godzilla of all garage sales. Once a year, more than 15,000 garage sales pop up across the country. Last fall, The World's Sarah Birnbaum hit the trail in Sydney to see what she could score.

Australia's annual Garage Sale Trail is the Godzilla of all garage sales. Once a year, more than 15,000 garage sales pop up across the country. Last fall, The World's Sarah Birnbaum hit the trail in Sydney to see what she could score.

Scouring a nationwide garage sale in Australia

The World Health Organization and UNICEF are scrambling to administer a vaccination campaign in Gaza during a pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas. Host Carol Hills speaks with Ricardo Pires, a spokesperson with UNICEF, about the urgency of vaccinating children there for polio, as well as the logistics required to pull it off.

The World Health Organization and UNICEF are scrambling to administer a vaccination campaign in Gaza during a pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas. Host Carol Hills speaks with Ricardo Pires, a spokesperson with UNICEF, about the urgency of vaccinating children there for polio, as well as the logistics required to pull it off.

How to vaccinate children in a war zone

A white nationalist group in the US known as the Groypers has inspired similar groups in Canada, Ireland, the UK and Portugal. Heidi Beirich at the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism has written about the Groypers and other right-wing extremist groups. She joins host Carol Hills for a conversation about how and why these movements are spreading worldwide.

A white nationalist group in the US known as the Groypers has inspired similar groups in Canada, Ireland, the UK and Portugal. Heidi Beirich at the Global Project Against Hate and Extremism has written about the Groypers and other right-wing extremist groups. She joins host Carol Hills for a conversation about how and why these movements are spreading worldwide.

Far-right extremism on the world stage

Jamal Hill is a Paralympic bronze medalist in swimming. Now in Paris, he hopes to add another medal to his resume. But he has another goal, too: teaching one million people across the globe to swim. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

Jamal Hill is a Paralympic bronze medalist in swimming. Now in Paris, he hopes to add another medal to his resume. But he has another goal, too: teaching one million people across the globe to swim. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

A Paralympian teaches people around the world to swim

Scientists have discovered 1,705 viruses frozen in the depths of a glacier in Tibet. They go back as far as 41,000 years. And they carry long-held secrets about the planet. Ohio State University microbiology professor Matt Sullivan was a lead researcher on the study and discusses the findings with host Carol Hills.

Scientists have discovered 1,705 viruses frozen in the depths of a glacier in Tibet. They go back as far as 41,000 years. And they carry long-held secrets about the planet. Ohio State University microbiology professor Matt Sullivan was a lead researcher on the study and discusses the findings with host Carol Hills.

Scientists find ancient viruses frozen in a Tibet glacier

The Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God was constructed over a natural spring that is sacred for Istanbul's Greek Orthodox community. On the first day of every month, hundreds of visitors of all faiths come to make a wish. When a wish comes true, the faithful bring sweets to share. The World's Durrie Bouscaren paid a visit.

The Church of the Dormition of the Mother of God was constructed over a natural spring that is sacred for Istanbul's Greek Orthodox community. On the first day of every month, hundreds of visitors of all faiths come to make a wish. When a wish comes true, the faithful bring sweets to share. The World's Durrie Bouscaren paid a visit.

The church in Turkey where people go to make wishes

Big Ocean, a K-pop band out of Seoul, South Korea, has the coordinated dance moves and high energy beats the K-pop genre is known for. One detail that sets the trio apart, though: all three musicians are deaf. Reporter Jason Strother has the story of how the trio came together, how the musicians perform, and what their music means to audiences.

Big Ocean, a K-pop band out of Seoul, South Korea, has the coordinated dance moves and high energy beats the K-pop genre is known for. One detail that sets the trio apart, though: all three musicians are deaf. Reporter Jason Strother has the story of how the trio came together, how the musicians perform, and what their music means to audiences.

A K-pop band performs in sign language

Kenya is hosting the second US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit in partnership with the US Department of Energy. This comes as Kenya prepares to build its first ever Nuclear power plant. The World's Halima Gikandi reports that the plans have conservationists and tour operators worried that the power plant will degrade the environment and deter travelers. Supporters, meanwhile, say it's the best way for Kenya to meet its clean energy goals.

Kenya is hosting the second US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit in partnership with the US Department of Energy. This comes as Kenya prepares to build its first ever Nuclear power plant. The World's Halima Gikandi reports that the plans have conservationists and tour operators worried that the power plant will degrade the environment and deter travelers. Supporters, meanwhile, say it's the best way for Kenya to meet its clean energy goals.

Controversy over the 1st nuclear power plant in Kenya

A form of public dancing that is very popular among retirees in China has become an Instagram and TikTok sensation, particularly for Westerners surprised to see "uncles and aunties" getting down to Nikki Minaj. Lauren Tran-Muchowski went to some of the dance sessions at a park, and what she witnessed stood out to her as a reaction to the consumerism, urbanism and isolation of Chinese cities.

A form of public dancing that is very popular among retirees in China has become an Instagram and TikTok sensation, particularly for Westerners surprised to see "uncles and aunties" getting down to Nikki Minaj. Lauren Tran-Muchowski went to some of the dance sessions at a park, and what she witnessed stood out to her as a reaction to the consumerism, urbanism and isolation of Chinese cities.

Why retirees gather in Shanghai parks to dance to pop music

The critical task of recovering highly radioactive fuel debris from Japan's decommissioned Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant has been put on hold, 13 years after it was badly damaged by a tsunami. The long process of recovery is complicated by the fact that cleaning up requires doing things that have never been done before. Carolyn Beeler gets the latest from Lake Barrett, a retired nuclear engineer and internationally recognized expert on damaged nuclear reactors. He has advised the Japanese government on the cleanup at Fukushima and was director of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Three Mile Island Cleanup Site Office from 1980 to 1984.

The critical task of recovering highly radioactive fuel debris from Japan's decommissioned Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant has been put on hold, 13 years after it was badly damaged by a tsunami. The long process of recovery is complicated by the fact that cleaning up requires doing things that have never been done before. Carolyn Beeler gets the latest from Lake Barrett, a retired nuclear engineer and internationally recognized expert on damaged nuclear reactors. He has advised the Japanese government on the cleanup at Fukushima and was director of the Nuclear Regulatory Commission's Three Mile Island Cleanup Site Office from 1980 to 1984.

A robotic attempt to get a sample of melted fuel from a damaged Fukushima reactor is suspended

This time last year, Thailand emerged from a decadelong stretch of military-installed rulers. Many hoped for a new era of democracy. They’re no longer so optimistic. In recent weeks, the country’s most-popular political party was dissolved — and the prime minister was forced to quit — because unelected judges declared them unfit to govern. Less than two weeks in, the new prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is already facing a complaint that would dissolve her party. As The World’s Patrick Winn reports, many Thais are now asking: what’s the point of voting?

This time last year, Thailand emerged from a decadelong stretch of military-installed rulers. Many hoped for a new era of democracy. They’re no longer so optimistic. In recent weeks, the country’s most-popular political party was dissolved — and the prime minister was forced to quit — because unelected judges declared them unfit to govern. Less than two weeks in, the new prime minister, Paetongtarn Shinawatra, is already facing a complaint that would dissolve her party. As The World’s Patrick Winn reports, many Thais are now asking: what’s the point of voting?

Thailand's new prime minister is already mired in controversy

In Turkey and much of the Middle East, buffalo milk is used for yogurt, cheese and a thick, clotted cream known as kaymak. Many buffalo herds are raised in the verdant rural outskirts of Istanbul, which are increasingly under threat by urban sprawl and government projects. The World's Durrie Bouscaren visited the buffalo herding village of Ağaçli to find out more.

In Turkey and much of the Middle East, buffalo milk is used for yogurt, cheese and a thick, clotted cream known as kaymak. Many buffalo herds are raised in the verdant rural outskirts of Istanbul, which are increasingly under threat by urban sprawl and government projects. The World's Durrie Bouscaren visited the buffalo herding village of Ağaçli to find out more.

Outside Istanbul, water buffalo herders cling to an old way of life

A cruise ship full of passengers has been stuck in Belfast, Ireland, for three months. A vessel called the Odyssey was meant to leave port in Belfast in May for a three-year voyage, but mechanical problems and delays have piled up. Host Carolyn Beeler has more on how the passengers are handling this unexpected turn of events.

A cruise ship full of passengers has been stuck in Belfast, Ireland, for three months. A vessel called the Odyssey was meant to leave port in Belfast in May for a three-year voyage, but mechanical problems and delays have piled up. Host Carolyn Beeler has more on how the passengers are handling this unexpected turn of events.

Tourists still stuck on cruise ship in Belfast

One third of the world has no internet connection, but researchers are proposing — and testing — airborne communications stations that may someday play a role in providing access to people in rural areas or disaster zones. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Mariette DiChristina, dean of the College of Communication at Boston University, about high altitude telecommunications platforms.

One third of the world has no internet connection, but researchers are proposing — and testing — airborne communications stations that may someday play a role in providing access to people in rural areas or disaster zones. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Mariette DiChristina, dean of the College of Communication at Boston University, about high altitude telecommunications platforms.

Bringing internet access to unconnected places

A court in Hong Kong on Thursday found two local journalists from the shuttered Stand News guilty of conspiring to publish seditious materials. That's a first for Hong Kong since it came back under Chinese control. Eleven articles published by the former Stand News were found to be seditious by the court. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Tom Grundy, director of the Hong Kong Free Press, about the case and its implications.

A court in Hong Kong on Thursday found two local journalists from the shuttered Stand News guilty of conspiring to publish seditious materials. That's a first for Hong Kong since it came back under Chinese control. Eleven articles published by the former Stand News were found to be seditious by the court. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Tom Grundy, director of the Hong Kong Free Press, about the case and its implications.

Hong Kong court finds journalists guilty of sedition

The Black Axe is an organized crime group that originated in Nigeria and has opened overseas operations built around financial fraud and money laundering. Interpol has been raiding and arresting the group's members abroad in an apparent effort to break up its illegal activity. Host Marco Werman discusses the situation with Oluwole Ojewale, an expert on organized crime at the Institute for Security Studies.

The Black Axe is an organized crime group that originated in Nigeria and has opened overseas operations built around financial fraud and money laundering. Interpol has been raiding and arresting the group's members abroad in an apparent effort to break up its illegal activity. Host Marco Werman discusses the situation with Oluwole Ojewale, an expert on organized crime at the Institute for Security Studies.

Interpol cracks down on Nigerian organized crime group Black Axe

This week marks 500 days of civil war in Sudan. The fighting has killed countless civilians and created the worst internal displacement crisis in the world. There have been several international attempts at brokering peace, most recently in Geneva. The World’s Africa correspondent Halima Gikandi brings us this update.

This week marks 500 days of civil war in Sudan. The fighting has killed countless civilians and created the worst internal displacement crisis in the world. There have been several international attempts at brokering peace, most recently in Geneva. The World’s Africa correspondent Halima Gikandi brings us this update.

500 days of war in Sudan

A baby has contracted the first case of polio in Gaza in 25 years. And now, the World Health Organization has announced plans for a pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas, in order to get young children vaccinated. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

A baby has contracted the first case of polio in Gaza in 25 years. And now, the World Health Organization has announced plans for a pause in fighting between Israel and Hamas, in order to get young children vaccinated. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

Fighting set to pause in Gaza for polio vaccination

When the Taliban took control Afghanistan three years ago, one of the first policy changes was to ban public education for girls and women beyond sixth grade. In the years since, those laws have become more restrictive, and they're enforced more stringently. Reporter Khwaga Ghani brings us the story of a woman who continues to secretly educate girls in defiance of the law, despite mounting risks and obstacles.

When the Taliban took control Afghanistan three years ago, one of the first policy changes was to ban public education for girls and women beyond sixth grade. In the years since, those laws have become more restrictive, and they're enforced more stringently. Reporter Khwaga Ghani brings us the story of a woman who continues to secretly educate girls in defiance of the law, despite mounting risks and obstacles.

As Taliban tightens grip, secret schools for girls become more dangerous to run

Mount Everest has a lot of claims to fame. Among them: the vast quantity of trash left behind by climbers. For years, local Sherpas and volunteers have been clearing trash from the mountain, which is arduous and exhausting — at best — and even deadly, at worst. Come autumn, Nepal will deploy drones to help carry the load. The World's Sarah Birnbaum has more.

Mount Everest has a lot of claims to fame. Among them: the vast quantity of trash left behind by climbers. For years, local Sherpas and volunteers have been clearing trash from the mountain, which is arduous and exhausting — at best — and even deadly, at worst. Come autumn, Nepal will deploy drones to help carry the load. The World's Sarah Birnbaum has more.