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.

Tens of thousands of court workers across Mexico are on an indefinite strike in response to a controversial judicial reform law that is advancing through Congress. Critics say if it gets approved, it would remove the independence of the judiciary. The World’s Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

Tens of thousands of court workers across Mexico are on an indefinite strike in response to a controversial judicial reform law that is advancing through Congress. Critics say if it gets approved, it would remove the independence of the judiciary. The World’s Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

Mexico's entire judiciary system goes on strike indefinitely

Philippine officials survived a frightening attack at sea when a Chinese Coast Guard ship rammed their civilian boat. Attacks like this one are becoming more frequent in contested waters near the Philippines. Some fear that escalating tensions between China and the Philippines will draw the US into military conflict with China. The World’s Patrick Winn has the inside story of the rusty, old shipwreck, made in America, at the center of this dangerous showdown.

Philippine officials survived a frightening attack at sea when a Chinese Coast Guard ship rammed their civilian boat. Attacks like this one are becoming more frequent in contested waters near the Philippines. Some fear that escalating tensions between China and the Philippines will draw the US into military conflict with China. The World’s Patrick Winn has the inside story of the rusty, old shipwreck, made in America, at the center of this dangerous showdown.

The shipwreck thwarting China's conquest

A new report shows a staggering increase in water-related violence in 2023 compared to the year before. In an update to its <a href="https://www.worldwater.org/water-conflict/">Water Conflict Chronology,</a> the US-based water rights think tank the Pacific Institute found a sharp uptick in the number of violent disputes over water, including incidents where "water was used as a weapon of war." In a world where many lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation, Pacific Institute co-founder Peter Gleick tells host Carolyn Beeler that it's not just a lack of water, but a failure of institutions to properly manage the supply.

A new report shows a staggering increase in water-related violence in 2023 compared to the year before. In an update to its Water Conflict Chronology, the US-based water rights think tank the Pacific Institute found a sharp uptick in the number of violent disputes over water, including incidents where "water was used as a weapon of war." In a world where many lack access to safe drinking water and sanitation, Pacific Institute co-founder Peter Gleick tells host Carolyn Beeler that it's not just a lack of water, but a failure of institutions to properly manage the supply.

Last year saw uptick in violence over water, new report suggests

It is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Arbaeen remembers the death of Imam Hussein back in the 7th century. He was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. There are more than 21 million people estimated to be in Iraq right now, walking toward the city of Karbala. The World’s Sara Hassan reported on the event from Iraq during last year’s Arbaeen.

It is one of the largest religious gatherings in the world. Arbaeen remembers the death of Imam Hussein back in the 7th century. He was the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. There are more than 21 million people estimated to be in Iraq right now, walking toward the city of Karbala. The World’s Sara Hassan reported on the event from Iraq during last year’s Arbaeen.

Millions of people in Iraq for Arbaeen

In what's being called Russia's biggest attack on Ukraine in weeks, 15 different regions were hit with a barrage of missiles and drones. As people gather for shelter in metro stations, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy vowed to restore energy to areas suffering outages, and called on Ukraine's Western allies for support.

In what's being called Russia's biggest attack on Ukraine in weeks, 15 different regions were hit with a barrage of missiles and drones. As people gather for shelter in metro stations, Ukrainian President Volodomyr Zelenskiy vowed to restore energy to areas suffering outages, and called on Ukraine's Western allies for support.

Overnight attacks on Ukraine targeted energy infrastructure

Lana Sator is a young Russian urban explorer who routinely traveled to different countries in search of defunct and abandoned military sites. They were often hidden in plain view in cities and stunning country landscapes. But she ran into trouble when police grabbed her in Albania and charged her with espionage. As Jamie Fullerton reports, since they took her passport and won't let her leave the country, she's been supporting herself by giving unofficial tours of the kind of sites she was charged with visiting.

Lana Sator is a young Russian urban explorer who routinely traveled to different countries in search of defunct and abandoned military sites. They were often hidden in plain view in cities and stunning country landscapes. But she ran into trouble when police grabbed her in Albania and charged her with espionage. As Jamie Fullerton reports, since they took her passport and won't let her leave the country, she's been supporting herself by giving unofficial tours of the kind of sites she was charged with visiting.

Albania's No. 1 urban explorer is a Russian woman charged with being a spy

Learning English is integral to finding work and housing, helping children with school, navigating the health care system, and routine tasks like getting groceries and using public transportation. But across Massachusetts, immigrants are waiting to get into ESOL classes. Or, English for Speakers of Other Languages. Many say that wait has hampered their ability to move forward with their lives. Sarah Betancourt of GBH reports from Boston.

Learning English is integral to finding work and housing, helping children with school, navigating the health care system, and routine tasks like getting groceries and using public transportation. But across Massachusetts, immigrants are waiting to get into ESOL classes. Or, English for Speakers of Other Languages. Many say that wait has hampered their ability to move forward with their lives. Sarah Betancourt of GBH reports from Boston.

Thousands of immigrants wait to learn English in Massachusetts

Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder and CEO of Telegram, has been arrested in France, while Telegram itself faces allegations that it serves at a platform for money laundering and drug trafficking. Host Marco Werman speaks with Natalia Krapiva, a senior lawyer with Access Now, to discuss the implications of the case for free speech.

Pavel Durov, the Russian-born founder and CEO of Telegram, has been arrested in France, while Telegram itself faces allegations that it serves at a platform for money laundering and drug trafficking. Host Marco Werman speaks with Natalia Krapiva, a senior lawyer with Access Now, to discuss the implications of the case for free speech.

Telegram CEO arrested in France

Fondly known as "Svennis," soccer coach Sven-Goran Eriksson spent five years as England’s first ever, foreign-born coach after making his name winning trophies in Italy, Portugal and Sweden. Eight months ago, he revealed that he'd been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had at most one year to live. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman share highlights from Eriksson's coaching legacy following his death on Monday.

Fondly known as "Svennis," soccer coach Sven-Goran Eriksson spent five years as England’s first ever, foreign-born coach after making his name winning trophies in Italy, Portugal and Sweden. Eight months ago, he revealed that he'd been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer and had at most one year to live. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman share highlights from Eriksson's coaching legacy following his death on Monday.

Swedish soccer coach dies at 76

In southern Brazil, one small town, Prudentopolis, was founded by immigrants from Ukraine in the late 1800s. They’ve clung to their culture, and in recent years, they've also welcomed Ukrainians displaced by war. Michael Fox has the story, from Prudentopolis.

In southern Brazil, one small town, Prudentopolis, was founded by immigrants from Ukraine in the late 1800s. They’ve clung to their culture, and in recent years, they've also welcomed Ukrainians displaced by war. Michael Fox has the story, from Prudentopolis.

Small Brazilian town celebrates Ukrainian ties

A recent analysis of UN Data by Save the Children shows that on average, five children are killed a week on the island, indicating that despite the arrival of Kenyan law enforcement to help restore order, deadly violence continues amid political upheaval.

A recent analysis of UN Data by Save the Children shows that on average, five children are killed a week on the island, indicating that despite the arrival of Kenyan law enforcement to help restore order, deadly violence continues amid political upheaval.

Violence remains widespread in Haiti 

KOKOKO!'s new album is called BUTU, which means "the night", in the Lingala language.  An appropriate title, as the band captures the chaotic, partying buzz in Democratic Republic of Congo's capital city. But listen closely and the band isn't just capturing the joyous atmosphere. In a country where violence and government crackdowns keep citizens on edge, KOKOKO!'s frenetic, punk-like energy helps mask their political activism. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler tells us more.

KOKOKO!'s new album is called BUTU, which means "the night", in the Lingala language.  An appropriate title, as the band captures the chaotic, partying buzz in Democratic Republic of Congo's capital city. But listen closely and the band isn't just capturing the joyous atmosphere. In a country where violence and government crackdowns keep citizens on edge, KOKOKO!'s frenetic, punk-like energy helps mask their political activism. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler tells us more.

The music of KOKOKO! takes us to nightclubs in Kinshasa

Cambodia lost more than a third of its primary forests to private development in the last two decades. But a movement of young activists has challenged the government to improve its record on the environment. Now, the government is cracking down and arresting activists. Leila Goldstein has the story from Cambodia.

Cambodia lost more than a third of its primary forests to private development in the last two decades. But a movement of young activists has challenged the government to improve its record on the environment. Now, the government is cracking down and arresting activists. Leila Goldstein has the story from Cambodia.

Environmental activists jailed in Cambodia

Many parts of the world are debating what people should be allowed to say in online forums. And whether those forums, like the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, are responsible for policing hate speech and misinformation. Billionaire Elon Musk, who owns X, is not happy with the way this discussion is going in Brazil, so he's pulled his operations out of South America's largest country. Michael Fox reports from southern Brazil.

Many parts of the world are debating what people should be allowed to say in online forums. And whether those forums, like the social media platform X, formerly Twitter, are responsible for policing hate speech and misinformation. Billionaire Elon Musk, who owns X, is not happy with the way this discussion is going in Brazil, so he's pulled his operations out of South America's largest country. Michael Fox reports from southern Brazil.

Musk and Brazilian justice spar over freedom to post in Brazil

Athletes dedicate years, and possibly their whole lives, to make an Olympic team. That often leads to a period called the "post-Olympic blues," no matter how well they performed at the Games. The World's Bianca Hillier hears how some athletes manage those feelings.

Athletes dedicate years, and possibly their whole lives, to make an Olympic team. That often leads to a period called the "post-Olympic blues," no matter how well they performed at the Games. The World's Bianca Hillier hears how some athletes manage those feelings.

Gold medal or not, Olympians often struggle after the Games

Mohammad Shabani was an Iranian poet and dissident living in exile in Turkey when he fell to his death from his apartment balcony in 2021. Reporter Fariba Nawa got a copy of a suicide note the police recovered from Shabani's apartment. Nawa get's the note analyzed by a handwriting expert. This is the final excerpt from the podcast "Lethal Dissent."

Mohammad Shabani was an Iranian poet and dissident living in exile in Turkey when he fell to his death from his apartment balcony in 2021. Reporter Fariba Nawa got a copy of a suicide note the police recovered from Shabani's apartment. Nawa get's the note analyzed by a handwriting expert. This is the final excerpt from the podcast "Lethal Dissent."

The authenticity of an Iranian dissident's suicide note is tested

Grocery stores in Iceland may have been among the beneficiaries — or victims — of a sudden demand for fresh cucumbers. Host Carolyn Beeler tells how salad-making videos by Canadian TikTok influencer Logan Moffitt have inspired people to try his cucumber recipes, on camera, to share with the world.

Grocery stores in Iceland may have been among the beneficiaries — or victims — of a sudden demand for fresh cucumbers. Host Carolyn Beeler tells how salad-making videos by Canadian TikTok influencer Logan Moffitt have inspired people to try his cucumber recipes, on camera, to share with the world.

TikTok cucumber craze strikes Iceland

Several countries are hosting studies of an mRNA vaccine treatment for lung cancer, which kills 1.8 million people every year. Scientists hope that the principles used to develop a COVID-19 vaccine could also be applied to various cancers. Tony de Fougerolles explains the concept and the promise offered by the treatment that's being studied.

Several countries are hosting studies of an mRNA vaccine treatment for lung cancer, which kills 1.8 million people every year. Scientists hope that the principles used to develop a COVID-19 vaccine could also be applied to various cancers. Tony de Fougerolles explains the concept and the promise offered by the treatment that's being studied.

Lung cancer vaccine that uses mRNA technology is in human trial phase

A year ago today, the head of the Russian mercenary Wagner Group died in a plane crash. This was just a couple of months after Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close associate of President Vladimir Putin, led his forces in a mutiny against Russian military leaders. Data published this week by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) found that the Wagner Group's activity in Africa has doubled since his death. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler hears more about the group's rebranding work from ACLED's Ladd Serwat.

A year ago today, the head of the Russian mercenary Wagner Group died in a plane crash. This was just a couple of months after Yevgeny Prigozhin, a close associate of President Vladimir Putin, led his forces in a mutiny against Russian military leaders. Data published this week by the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project (ACLED) found that the Wagner Group's activity in Africa has doubled since his death. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler hears more about the group's rebranding work from ACLED's Ladd Serwat.

Russia's Wagner Group continues operations one year after leader's death

In January 2023, the US rolled out an app for migrants in Mexico to book an appointment for an asylum hearing before they got to the border. It's called CBP One and, until now, migrants could only access it once they got to central or northern Mexico. But the US has just expanded that access so that migrants can book an appointment as soon as they make it to Mexico. Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

In January 2023, the US rolled out an app for migrants in Mexico to book an appointment for an asylum hearing before they got to the border. It's called CBP One and, until now, migrants could only access it once they got to central or northern Mexico. But the US has just expanded that access so that migrants can book an appointment as soon as they make it to Mexico. Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

CBP One app for asylum-seekers expands access in Mexico

For the first time, scientists have reported that they were able to "hear" low-frequency gravitational waves caused by the motion of massive black holes across the universe. It's big news in the world of science and Host Marco Werman gets a primer in terms that non-scientists can understand. He speaks with Jason Hessels, chief astronomer at the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON) in Amsterdam.This interview first aired in June 2023.

For the first time, scientists have reported that they were able to "hear" low-frequency gravitational waves caused by the motion of massive black holes across the universe. It's big news in the world of science and Host Marco Werman gets a primer in terms that non-scientists can understand. He speaks with Jason Hessels, chief astronomer at the Netherlands Institute for Radio Astronomy (ASTRON) in Amsterdam.
This interview first aired in June 2023.

Black holes and the 'hum' of gravitational waves

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek tells Host Carolyn Beeler about his Out of Eden Walk experience in Myanmar, where he witnessed the February 1, 2021 coup that triggered the civil war that's still being fought there.

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek tells Host Carolyn Beeler about his Out of Eden Walk experience in Myanmar, where he witnessed the February 1, 2021 coup that triggered the civil war that's still being fought there.

Witnessing the 2021 Myanmar coup

A labor dispute between two of Canada's largest railroad operators and unionized workers has mushroomed into a full lockout of union workers. Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City control the vast majority of Canada's railroad networks. Scott Steiner, the former chair of the Canadian Transportation Authority, explains what this means for supply chains and goods in both Canada and the United States.

A labor dispute between two of Canada's largest railroad operators and unionized workers has mushroomed into a full lockout of union workers. Canadian National Railway and Canadian Pacific Kansas City control the vast majority of Canada's railroad networks. Scott Steiner, the former chair of the Canadian Transportation Authority, explains what this means for supply chains and goods in both Canada and the United States.

Canada's two major railways shut down

Munich is Germany’s beer town, a self-styled city of brewers and a mecca for the millions who descend yearly on the Oktoberfest to raise stein after stein of the city’s famous lager. Beer is served there at breakfast, lunch and dinner, or as a meal in itself. But increasingly, as reporter Valerie Hamilton tells us, when Munich cracks open a cold one, it’s non-alcoholic.

Munich is Germany’s beer town, a self-styled city of brewers and a mecca for the millions who descend yearly on the Oktoberfest to raise stein after stein of the city’s famous lager. Beer is served there at breakfast, lunch and dinner, or as a meal in itself. But increasingly, as reporter Valerie Hamilton tells us, when Munich cracks open a cold one, it’s non-alcoholic.

A new buzz in Germany's beer capital

A new art exhibit in Denver is showcasing the work of a Japanese-American prisoner incarcerated at a camp in southeastern Colorado during World War II, called "Amache." As Emma VandenEinde from member station KUNC reports, the paintings offer more than a history lesson — they underscore a complex human experience.

A new art exhibit in Denver is showcasing the work of a Japanese-American prisoner incarcerated at a camp in southeastern Colorado during World War II, called "Amache." As Emma VandenEinde from member station KUNC reports, the paintings offer more than a history lesson — they underscore a complex human experience.

Denver Art Museum shows exhibit depicting Amache incarceration camp

A Turkish nonprofit, Support to Life, visits tented encampments where Syrian refugee families follow the harvest. Often, children start working in the fields at the age of 11 or 12. Getting children and pre-teens back to school is a daunting task, but it starts out simple: giving the kids time to play. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports from southern Turkey.

A Turkish nonprofit, Support to Life, visits tented encampments where Syrian refugee families follow the harvest. Often, children start working in the fields at the age of 11 or 12. Getting children and pre-teens back to school is a daunting task, but it starts out simple: giving the kids time to play. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports from southern Turkey.

In southern Turkey, an effort to end child labor starts with playtime

Sphen and Magic became famous six years ago when the two male penguins took up together at the Sydney Aquarium. The couple built a nest and would go on to nurture two penguin babies. The story of Sphen and Magic’s relationship coincided with the legalization of gay marriage in Australia, and the pair were soon adopted as gay icons, inspiring a float at Sydney’s Pride parade. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have their story.

Sphen and Magic became famous six years ago when the two male penguins took up together at the Sydney Aquarium. The couple built a nest and would go on to nurture two penguin babies. The story of Sphen and Magic’s relationship coincided with the legalization of gay marriage in Australia, and the pair were soon adopted as gay icons, inspiring a float at Sydney’s Pride parade. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have their story.

One half of world famous penguin couple passes away

Storyteller Shweta Bhatt was just 13 when her mom took her to have her upper lip hair threaded. It's an experience many young Indian girls and others with dark hair have to deal with. Bhatt shared her experience to GBH's Stories From The Stage on World TV.

Storyteller Shweta Bhatt was just 13 when her mom took her to have her upper lip hair threaded. It's an experience many young Indian girls and others with dark hair have to deal with. Bhatt shared her experience to GBH's Stories From The Stage on World TV.

Stories from the Stage: Rite of passage for Indian American teenager and her mustache

With roots in India and an upbringing in Singapore, singer Dhruv found fame on TikTok, hitting the charts in East Asia. He moved to the US to study at Yale University, but then realized music was really what he wanted to pursue. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler spin "Speed of Light," a single from Dhruv's debut album.

With roots in India and an upbringing in Singapore, singer Dhruv found fame on TikTok, hitting the charts in East Asia. He moved to the US to study at Yale University, but then realized music was really what he wanted to pursue. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler spin "Speed of Light," a single from Dhruv's debut album.

A debut album for a previously private songwriter

Israel wants control over two strategic corridors in Gaza: the Philadelphi and Netzarim. But Hamas says it will only agree to a deal if all Israeli troops leave the Gaza Strip. This is what seems to be the latest sticking point in the ceasefire negotiations. The World’s Shirin Jaafari explains.

Israel wants control over two strategic corridors in Gaza: the Philadelphi and Netzarim. But Hamas says it will only agree to a deal if all Israeli troops leave the Gaza Strip. This is what seems to be the latest sticking point in the ceasefire negotiations. The World’s Shirin Jaafari explains.