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.

Working as a foreigner in the US is getting harder, with the Trump administration cracking down on both legal and illegal immigration. In an announcement last month, the White House revamped the H-1B visa policy and announced that US companies that want to hire skilled foreign workers would have to pay $100,000 per visa application. The earlier fee ranged between $2,000 and $5,000. Priyanka Shankar reports from Bengaluru, India, where there's a mixture of resignation and defiance.

Working as a foreigner in the US is getting harder, with the Trump administration cracking down on both legal and illegal immigration. In an announcement last month, the White House revamped the H-1B visa policy and announced that US companies that want to hire skilled foreign workers would have to pay $100,000 per visa application. The earlier fee ranged between $2,000 and $5,000. Priyanka Shankar reports from Bengaluru, India, where there's a mixture of resignation and defiance.

H-1B visa fee makes US companies nervous, but they're fine in India

US President Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after two years of a deadly conflict. Israeli hostages are expected to be released by early next week, and Israel's army is to pull partially out of Gaza as a first step. People on both sides are cautiously optimistic. We have two reports with reactions from inside Israel and Gaza. The World's Matthew Bell looks at Israelis' thoughts. But first The World's Shirin Jaafari has been in touch with Palestinians inside Gaza and reports on how they're feeling.

US President Donald Trump has announced a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas after two years of a deadly conflict. Israeli hostages are expected to be released by early next week, and Israel's army is to pull partially out of Gaza as a first step. People on both sides are cautiously optimistic. We have two reports with reactions from inside Israel and Gaza. The World's Matthew Bell looks at Israelis' thoughts. But first The World's Shirin Jaafari has been in touch with Palestinians inside Gaza and reports on how they're feeling.

Ceasefire between Israel and Hamas

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman catch you up on some sports headlines that might have flown under your radar.

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman catch you up on some sports headlines that might have flown under your radar.

Sports news you may have missed

The house where the great Czech composer Antonin Dvorak was born in 1841 has just reopened after years of renovation. The end result is an interactive, immersive audio journey through the composer’s early life, letting you hear the sounds that he heard — the hustle and bustle of the village inn, the trains rushing by outside, the peal of the church bells. Rob Cameron from our partners at DW, Deutsche Welle, was given a tour, and has this report.

The house where the great Czech composer Antonin Dvorak was born in 1841 has just reopened after years of renovation. The end result is an interactive, immersive audio journey through the composer’s early life, letting you hear the sounds that he heard — the hustle and bustle of the village inn, the trains rushing by outside, the peal of the church bells. Rob Cameron from our partners at DW, Deutsche Welle, was given a tour, and has this report.

Dvorak House reopens after years of renovation

Insect populations around the world are plummeting, even in areas meant to be protected from environmental harm. Daniel Janzen and Winnie Hallwachs, research partners and spouses, have watched this unfold for years from the Guancaste Preserve in Costa Rica. They spoke with The World's Host Marco Werman about their observations.

Insect populations around the world are plummeting, even in areas meant to be protected from environmental harm. Daniel Janzen and Winnie Hallwachs, research partners and spouses, have watched this unfold for years from the Guancaste Preserve in Costa Rica. They spoke with The World's Host Marco Werman about their observations.

Nature preserve in Costa Rica was meant to protect local ecosystem but insects are disappearing

Earlier this week, a South American trade bloc ruled that Peru has violated its commitments to cracking down on illegal gold mining. This comes as the price of gold is skyrocketing. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler talks with Will Freeman, a fellow for Latin America studies at the Council for Foreign Relations, for details of what's happening along the Peruvian Amazon.

Earlier this week, a South American trade bloc ruled that Peru has violated its commitments to cracking down on illegal gold mining. This comes as the price of gold is skyrocketing. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler talks with Will Freeman, a fellow for Latin America studies at the Council for Foreign Relations, for details of what's happening along the Peruvian Amazon.

The price of gold skyrockets, fuels illegal mining in South America

The first phase of the Israel-Hamas peace deal has gained momentum, but major obstacles still might block the plan's implementation. Shashank Joshi, defense editor at The Economist, speaks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about the incentives pushing Hamas and Israel to comply with this agreement — and what happens if they don’t.

The first phase of the Israel-Hamas peace deal has gained momentum, but major obstacles still might block the plan's implementation. Shashank Joshi, defense editor at The Economist, speaks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about the incentives pushing Hamas and Israel to comply with this agreement — and what happens if they don’t.

'A very nervous time' for Gaza peace prospects

Geraldine Buckley's mom always pushed her to put down her books, stop studying and go party. A mom that went against the grain of other parents. One of the adventures this led to for Buckley back in 1976 was to hitchhike in Canada. Buckley, who's from England, shared the adventure with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

Geraldine Buckley's mom always pushed her to put down her books, stop studying and go party. A mom that went against the grain of other parents. One of the adventures this led to for Buckley back in 1976 was to hitchhike in Canada. Buckley, who's from England, shared the adventure with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

Stories from the Stage: Hitchhiking adventure in Canada

A hundred years ago this month, the BBC began broadcasting the Shipping Forecast as a standalone nine-minute segment. It's become a favorite of many British people, both lovingly mocked and revered. The World's Aaron Schachter takes a look at the phenomenon — and how the forecast works.

A hundred years ago this month, the BBC began broadcasting the Shipping Forecast as a standalone nine-minute segment. It's become a favorite of many British people, both lovingly mocked and revered. The World's Aaron Schachter takes a look at the phenomenon — and how the forecast works.

BBC Shipping Forecast turns 100

FIFA, soccer's global governing body, has suspended seven members of Malaysia's men's national soccer team after an investigation found the country's soccer federation used fake birth certificates to claim the athletes' eligibility. The Malaysian soccer federation denies the allegations. The World's Bianca Hillier has the details.

FIFA, soccer's global governing body, has suspended seven members of Malaysia's men's national soccer team after an investigation found the country's soccer federation used fake birth certificates to claim the athletes' eligibility. The Malaysian soccer federation denies the allegations. The World's Bianca Hillier has the details.

FIFA suspends seven members of Malaysian national soccer team over alleged fake birth certificates

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler bring you a few developments in science you may have missed in the news.

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler bring you a few developments in science you may have missed in the news.

The latest things in science

Gaza City is under relentless attack by the Israeli military, which appears intent on destroying its remaining residential buildings. That's according to Mohammed Aklouk, a father of three and longtime resident who has fled to the southern town of Deir al-Balah. Aklouk, a coordinator for the Norwegian Refugee Council, describes his family's escape to The World's Host Marco Werman.

Gaza City is under relentless attack by the Israeli military, which appears intent on destroying its remaining residential buildings. That's according to Mohammed Aklouk, a father of three and longtime resident who has fled to the southern town of Deir al-Balah. Aklouk, a coordinator for the Norwegian Refugee Council, describes his family's escape to The World's Host Marco Werman.

Father of three recounts agonizing decision to leave Gaza City

A midwife with Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) in the North Darfur region of Sudan has described assisting a growing number of women experiencing sexual violence at the hands of militias. Speaking to The World's Host Carolyn Beeler from Chad's capital N'Djamena, Lucy Acibu's account comes a day after a Sudanese militia leader was convicted at the International Criminal Court on charges of mass murder and sexual violence going back to 2003. We hear first about this ruling from Kholood Khair. She’s the head of Confluence Advisory “a think and do tank” founded in Sudan, who joined from Nairobi, Kenya.

A midwife with Médecins sans Frontières (MSF) in the North Darfur region of Sudan has described assisting a growing number of women experiencing sexual violence at the hands of militias. Speaking to The World's Host Carolyn Beeler from Chad's capital N'Djamena, Lucy Acibu's account comes a day after a Sudanese militia leader was convicted at the International Criminal Court on charges of mass murder and sexual violence going back to 2003. We hear first about this ruling from Kholood Khair. She’s the head of Confluence Advisory “a think and do tank” founded in Sudan, who joined from Nairobi, Kenya.

Midwife describes sexual violence and atrocities committed by militias in Sudan

On the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, Rabbi Susan Silverman in Jerusalem speaks with The World’s Host Marco Werman. Silverman reflects on how her worldview has shifted since that day and discusses the key inflection points when Israeli unity began to fracture into division.

On the two-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel, Rabbi Susan Silverman in Jerusalem speaks with The World’s Host Marco Werman. Silverman reflects on how her worldview has shifted since that day and discusses the key inflection points when Israeli unity began to fracture into division.

'My priority has become protecting us'

Along India's Bay of Bengal, migrating elephants have arrived in a farming community — and they're destroying livelihoods while they're at it. But it hasn't been easy for the elephants, either. They've lost their native habitats, and the way climate change is progressing, that's likely to get worse — not better. Reporter Namrata Kolachalam followed two herds of elephants arriving in new territory, and brings us the story of how people are trying to respect the animals seeking refuge, while managing the crisis they've brought with them.

Along India's Bay of Bengal, migrating elephants have arrived in a farming community — and they're destroying livelihoods while they're at it. But it hasn't been easy for the elephants, either. They've lost their native habitats, and the way climate change is progressing, that's likely to get worse — not better. Reporter Namrata Kolachalam followed two herds of elephants arriving in new territory, and brings us the story of how people are trying to respect the animals seeking refuge, while managing the crisis they've brought with them.

Where elephants and humans come into conflict, solutions prove elusive

Balloons carrying thousands of packs of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as Vilnius Airport was forced to close for hours when dozens of them floated into the country's airspace. National authorities say that 25 meteorological balloons were detected entering Lithuania from neighboring Belarus, two of which ended up directly over the airport.

Balloons carrying thousands of packs of cigarettes have disrupted flights in Lithuania, as Vilnius Airport was forced to close for hours when dozens of them floated into the country's airspace.
National authorities say that 25 meteorological balloons were detected entering Lithuania from neighboring Belarus, two of which ended up directly over the airport.

Weather balloons disrupt flights at Vilnius Airport

The Trump administration recently named Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro a "narco-terrorist" and concerns are growing in the country about whether US intentions go beyond a war on drugs. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Phil Gunson, a senior analyst with Crisis Group, based in Caracas, about how people on the ground are reacting to a potential threat.

The Trump administration recently named Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro a "narco-terrorist" and concerns are growing in the country about whether US intentions go beyond a war on drugs. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Phil Gunson, a senior analyst with Crisis Group, based in Caracas, about how people on the ground are reacting to a potential threat.

Venezuelans have mixed reactions to rising tensions with US

Cocaine use across Europe has surged over the past decade and drug cartels are adapting fast. Once routed mainly through major ports in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain, traffickers have recently set their sights on a smaller, more unexpected corner of western Europe. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

Cocaine use across Europe has surged over the past decade and drug cartels are adapting fast. Once routed mainly through major ports in Germany, the Netherlands, Belgium and Spain, traffickers have recently set their sights on a smaller, more unexpected corner of western Europe. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

Cocaine use in Europe soars as smugglers shift to new routes

A new report from the climate think tank Ember finds that renewable energy sources made up more of the global electricity mix than coal for the first half of 2025. Host Marco Werman speaks with Ember global program director Raul Miranda about what drove this change.

A new report from the climate think tank Ember finds that renewable energy sources made up more of the global electricity mix than coal for the first half of 2025. Host Marco Werman speaks with Ember global program director Raul Miranda about what drove this change.

In global electricity mix, renewables overtake coal for the first time

Most of us live in a world overflowing with sound: whirring bedroom fans, engines revving, cicadas chirping. But sometimes those sounds aren't just noise. They can also tell more pressing stories about the world around us. An installation at this year’s Momentum Biennale in Norway explores the connections between nature, global issues and sound. Our reporting partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, sent Lars Bevanger to lend an ear.

Most of us live in a world overflowing with sound: whirring bedroom fans, engines revving, cicadas chirping. But sometimes those sounds aren't just noise. They can also tell more pressing stories about the world around us. An installation at this year’s Momentum Biennale in Norway explores the connections between nature, global issues and sound. Our reporting partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, sent Lars Bevanger to lend an ear.

The soundtrack of daily life becomes art in Norway

Representatives from Israel and Hamas are meeting indirectly in Egypt today to talk about an end to the war in Gaza. At the center of the talks is a 20-point plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, which includes details about the release of hostages, future governance in Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about the latest.

Representatives from Israel and Hamas are meeting indirectly in Egypt today to talk about an end to the war in Gaza. At the center of the talks is a 20-point plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, which includes details about the release of hostages, future governance in Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about the latest.

Negotiations over Gaza begin in Egypt

A Russian drone and missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Lviv was one of the most serious attacks on the city since Russia's full-scale invasion. On Monday, both Russian and Ukrainian officials reported a sizeable response from Ukraine, with attacks over 12 Russian territories. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

A Russian drone and missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Lviv was one of the most serious attacks on the city since Russia's full-scale invasion. On Monday, both Russian and Ukrainian officials reported a sizeable response from Ukraine, with attacks over 12 Russian territories. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

Massive cross-border attacks in Ukraine and Russia

Millions of Muslims live in Russia, more than any European country. In many parts of Russia, people have practiced Islam for centuries. These are regions that used to be independent, where many different ethnic groups have lived alongside Slavic Russians. Many Russian citizens in these regions are proud of their ethnic and religious identity — even if they’re no longer practicing. Levi Bridges has this look at how some young Muslims in western Russia are straddling national, ethnic and religious identities.

Millions of Muslims live in Russia, more than any European country. In many parts of Russia, people have practiced Islam for centuries. These are regions that used to be independent, where many different ethnic groups have lived alongside Slavic Russians. Many Russian citizens in these regions are proud of their ethnic and religious identity — even if they’re no longer practicing. Levi Bridges has this look at how some young Muslims in western Russia are straddling national, ethnic and religious identities.

In the shadow of war, Russia's Muslim population is growing rapidly

Earnest Shackleton's 1914 expedition to Antarctica is a legendary story of survival; his ship, the Endurance, was stuck and crushed by pack ice before sinking into the Weddell Sea. He and his crew were stranded for nearly three years before being rescued. Now, new research provides details on the fate of the Endurance; namely, that the ship itself was not strong enough for the conditions, and that Shackleton knew it. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Jukka Tuhkuri of Aalto University about his research on the structural problems with the ship.

Earnest Shackleton's 1914 expedition to Antarctica is a legendary story of survival; his ship, the Endurance, was stuck and crushed by pack ice before sinking into the Weddell Sea. He and his crew were stranded for nearly three years before being rescued. Now, new research provides details on the fate of the Endurance; namely, that the ship itself was not strong enough for the conditions, and that Shackleton knew it. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Jukka Tuhkuri of Aalto University about his research on the structural problems with the ship.

A story of survival on an Antarctic expedition

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman survey some global headlines flying under the radar.

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman survey some global headlines flying under the radar.

Things you might have missed

India has the largest population of wild Asian elephants. Now, for the first time, elephants can be seen in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh as they're being pushed out of their natural habitats for varying reasons. This has led to more human-elephant encounters, which can be trouble, as reporter Namrata Kolachalam found out while tracing a herd in Chittoor in the first of two stories from the region. Support for this series comes from Internews Earth Journalism Network.

India has the largest population of wild Asian elephants. Now, for the first time, elephants can be seen in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh as they're being pushed out of their natural habitats for varying reasons. This has led to more human-elephant encounters, which can be trouble, as reporter Namrata Kolachalam found out while tracing a herd in Chittoor in the first of two stories from the region.
Support for this series comes from Internews Earth Journalism Network.

Indian elephants pushed out of natural habitats in India

The calls to ban Israel from international competitions have grown as the war in Gaza has dragged on. But there’s been a notable uptick since a few weeks ago, when a UN commission of inquiry said Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

The calls to ban Israel from international competitions have grown as the war in Gaza has dragged on. But there’s been a notable uptick since a few weeks ago, when a UN commission of inquiry said Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

Growing calls to ban Israel from international soccer

South African prosecutors are reopening an inquest into the death of the prominent anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, nearly 50 years after he died in police custody. Biko was the founder of South Africa's Black Consciousness Movement. He died in a prison cell in 1977, at age 30. Elna Schütz reports from Johannesburg.

South African prosecutors are reopening an inquest into the death of the prominent anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, nearly 50 years after he died in police custody. Biko was the founder of South Africa's Black Consciousness Movement. He died in a prison cell in 1977, at age 30. Elna Schütz reports from Johannesburg.

South Africa opens inquest into 1977 death of activist Steve Biko

Adults-only venues — particularly hotels and restaurants — are on the rise in France, where more than half of adults like the idea of a buffer from child's play. But some experts, and government officials, see banning kids from certain spaces as not just cruel, but detrimental to society. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Perpignan on a new government campaign to bring kids back into the fold.

Adults-only venues — particularly hotels and restaurants — are on the rise in France, where more than half of adults like the idea of a buffer from child's play. But some experts, and government officials, see banning kids from certain spaces as not just cruel, but detrimental to society. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Perpignan on a new government campaign to bring kids back into the fold.

France pushes back against no-kids rules

Lithuania's capital city, Vilnius, unveiled what it's calling the first-ever electric passenger riverboats. The catamaran-style boats can hold 32 people, and they do a 30-50 minute loop. The city's mayor is trumpeting the new service as an environmental and economic boon, but as Host Carolyn Beeler explains, some see it as a boondoggle.

Lithuania's capital city, Vilnius, unveiled what it's calling the first-ever electric passenger riverboats. The catamaran-style boats can hold 32 people, and they do a 30-50 minute loop. The city's mayor is trumpeting the new service as an environmental and economic boon, but as Host Carolyn Beeler explains, some see it as a boondoggle.