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.

In a stash of forgotten love letters written between the 1930s and the 1950s, Spanish women and Moroccan men exchange feelings of longing and suffering. The letters shine a light on how racism and sexism were experienced by people living this particular chapter of colonial history. The letters were confiscated by censors during the Franco regime, when part of Morocco was under Spanish rule and Spanish authorities tried to keep the two nationalities apart. Gerry Hadden first reported the story last year from Barcelona.

In a stash of forgotten love letters written between the 1930s and the 1950s, Spanish women and Moroccan men exchange feelings of longing and suffering. The letters shine a light on how racism and sexism were experienced by people living this particular chapter of colonial history. The letters were confiscated by censors during the Franco regime, when part of Morocco was under Spanish rule and Spanish authorities tried to keep the two nationalities apart. Gerry Hadden first reported the story last year from Barcelona.

Colonial history in lost love letters

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

The sporting world is once again setting its sights on Paris. This time, it's the 2024 Summer Paralympics kicking off with an opening ceremony along the Champs-Elysees. The World's Bianca Hillier speaks with host Carolyn Beeler about some of the top athletes to watch.

The sporting world is once again setting its sights on Paris. This time, it's the 2024 Summer Paralympics kicking off with an opening ceremony along the Champs-Elysees. The World's Bianca Hillier speaks with host Carolyn Beeler about some of the top athletes to watch.

2024 Paralympics kick off in Paris

Israel's military carried out raids in the occupied West Bank Tuesday night, into Wednesday morning, targeting militants in the Palestinian cities of Jenin and Tulkaram. Nine people reportedly died. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Palestinian journalist Fatima AbdulKarim about the specifics of the raids, and the situation on the ground in the West Bank.

Israel's military carried out raids in the occupied West Bank Tuesday night, into Wednesday morning, targeting militants in the Palestinian cities of Jenin and Tulkaram. Nine people reportedly died. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Palestinian journalist Fatima AbdulKarim about the specifics of the raids, and the situation on the ground in the West Bank.

Deadly raids in the West Bank

A new analysis of Canada's 2023 wildfires shows that the amount of carbon released during that devastating season approached the total annual carbon emissions of the world's most populous nation, India. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain the sobering data, which suggest that the forests' important role as "carbon sinks" might be in peril.

A new analysis of Canada's 2023 wildfires shows that the amount of carbon released during that devastating season approached the total annual carbon emissions of the world's most populous nation, India. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain the sobering data, which suggest that the forests' important role as "carbon sinks" might be in peril.

New study shows environmental impact of Canadian wildfires

The globe is digitally connected through 750,000 miles of undersea fiber-optic cables. They are vulnerable to accidental disruption like natural disasters or the anchors of ships. But they are also increasingly an arena of competition and sabotage among big powers. Marco Werman discusses those power dynamics with Erin Murphy, a senior fellow for the Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the co-author of a new CSIS report called "Safeguarding Subsea Cables: Protecting Cyber Infrastructure Amid Great Power Competition."

The globe is digitally connected through 750,000 miles of undersea fiber-optic cables. They are vulnerable to accidental disruption like natural disasters or the anchors of ships. But they are also increasingly an arena of competition and sabotage among big powers. Marco Werman discusses those power dynamics with Erin Murphy, a senior fellow for the Asia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the co-author of a new CSIS report called "Safeguarding Subsea Cables: Protecting Cyber Infrastructure Amid Great Power Competition."

Fiber-optic cables and the power struggle underwater

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler deliver a lightning-quick roundup of lesser-known stories from across the globe. In this edition: knee surgery for the Dalai Lama, dinosaur prints, what happens when a child breaks a museum object, and more.

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler deliver a lightning-quick roundup of lesser-known stories from across the globe. In this edition: knee surgery for the Dalai Lama, dinosaur prints, what happens when a child breaks a museum object, and more.

Things you might have missed

China is increasingly front and center on the world stage, challenging Western dominance and critiquing liberal democracies. At the same time, the nation is struggling to address the demands of its citizens. Marco Werman looks back on the past six transformative years for China with David Rennie, The Economist’s outgoing Beijing bureau chief.

China is increasingly front and center on the world stage, challenging Western dominance and critiquing liberal democracies. At the same time, the nation is struggling to address the demands of its citizens. Marco Werman looks back on the past six transformative years for China with David Rennie, The Economist’s outgoing Beijing bureau chief.

China's complicated rise as a global power

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.

Drones bring down trash from Mount Everest

People living in tropical regions have long lived with the threat of mosquito-borne illness. They've also developed ways of dealing with the health risks associated with them. As warming temperatures bring both the mosquitos and the diseases they carry to the Northern Hemisphere, host Marco Werman speaks with Peter Hotez, Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, for a crash course in best practices for protecting oneself from mosquitoes in the midst of malaria, West Nile virus, and other dangerous diseases.

People living in tropical regions have long lived with the threat of mosquito-borne illness. They've also developed ways of dealing with the health risks associated with them. As warming temperatures bring both the mosquitos and the diseases they carry to the Northern Hemisphere, host Marco Werman speaks with Peter Hotez, Dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine, for a crash course in best practices for protecting oneself from mosquitoes in the midst of malaria, West Nile virus, and other dangerous diseases.

Mosquito protection around the world

The Arbaat Dam in northern Sudan collapsed over the weekend following a surge in floodwaters. The infrastructure failure wiped out entire villages and left 30 people dead. More than 150 people are also missing in the aftermath of the disaster. Host Marco Werman speaks with Mathilde Vu, Sudan advocacy manager with NRC, about how people in the affected regions are coping with deadly flooding amid an already dire humanitarian crisis.

The Arbaat Dam in northern Sudan collapsed over the weekend following a surge in floodwaters. The infrastructure failure wiped out entire villages and left 30 people dead. More than 150 people are also missing in the aftermath of the disaster. Host Marco Werman speaks with Mathilde Vu, Sudan advocacy manager with NRC, about how people in the affected regions are coping with deadly flooding amid an already dire humanitarian crisis.

A dam collapse in Sudan leads to worsening humanitarian crisis

Although Africa is the only place where mpox is endemic, the continent currently relies on vaccines shipped in from abroad to stop the spread. Carolyn Beeler speaks to Helen Rees, a global health expert and the co-chair of the National Department Mpox Incident Management Team overseeing South Africa’s mpox response about what the COVID-19 pandemic taught us about making vaccines available where they're needed — and why those lessons aren't consistently being implemented now.

Although Africa is the only place where mpox is endemic, the continent currently relies on vaccines shipped in from abroad to stop the spread. Carolyn Beeler speaks to Helen Rees, a global health expert and the co-chair of the National Department Mpox Incident Management Team overseeing South Africa’s mpox response about what the COVID-19 pandemic taught us about making vaccines available where they're needed — and why those lessons aren't consistently being implemented now.

Mpox vaccines still unavailable where people most need them

"The Great Elephant Migration" is a traveling art exhibition with one main message: "Human race, share space," says project co-founder Ruth Ganesh. The World's Bianca Hillier visited the elephants as they passed through Newport, Rhode Island.

"The Great Elephant Migration" is a traveling art exhibition with one main message: "Human race, share space," says project co-founder Ruth Ganesh. The World's Bianca Hillier visited the elephants as they passed through Newport, Rhode Island.

Elephant herd marches across the US with a message

American weapons are used in numerous war zones, for combat against military forces. In the past two weeks alone, the US has reported selling billions of dollars’ worth of new weapons to Israel and Saudi Arabia. It has also sent arms to Ukraine. In some cases, however, the weapons harm and even kill civilians. The World reports on concerns about how these weapons are used.

American weapons are used in numerous war zones, for combat against military forces. In the past two weeks alone, the US has reported selling billions of dollars’ worth of new weapons to Israel and Saudi Arabia. It has also sent arms to Ukraine. In some cases, however, the weapons harm and even kill civilians. The World reports on concerns about how these weapons are used.

American weapons and civilian harm abroad

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's recent comment that there was "no barrier" for engaging enemies in talks is being taken as a tacit opening for possible negotiations with the US and the West. That's revived hope for a nuclear deal akin to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that checked Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Ali Vaez, director for the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, discusses the meaning behind Khamenei's remarks with The World's Carolyn Beeler.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei's recent comment that there was "no barrier" for engaging enemies in talks is being taken as a tacit opening for possible negotiations with the US and the West. That's revived hope for a nuclear deal akin to the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action that checked Iran's nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. Ali Vaez, director for the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, discusses the meaning behind Khamenei's remarks with The World's Carolyn Beeler.

Iran's supreme leader signals openness to negotiations

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler deliver a lightning-quick roundup of lesser-known stories from across the globe. On this edition: a fond farewell to the world's oldest sloth, a trend of drinking less in Ireland and more.

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler deliver a lightning-quick roundup of lesser-known stories from across the globe. On this edition: a fond farewell to the world's oldest sloth, a trend of drinking less in Ireland and more.

Things you might have missed 

Green tea is a major industry in Shizuoka prefecture on Japan’s Pacific coast. Over a third of the tea leaves produced in Japan come from Shizuoka. Google “Shizuoka” and you’ll find images of hillsides covered in neat rows of bright-green tea bushes, with Mt. Fuji in the background. But that scenery is changing. Reporter Hannah Kirshner headed to Shizuoka to find out why some tea farmers are innovating, and others are calling it quits.

Green tea is a major industry in Shizuoka prefecture on Japan’s Pacific coast. Over a third of the tea leaves produced in Japan come from Shizuoka. Google “Shizuoka” and you’ll find images of hillsides covered in neat rows of bright-green tea bushes, with Mt. Fuji in the background. But that scenery is changing. Reporter Hannah Kirshner headed to Shizuoka to find out why some tea farmers are innovating, and others are calling it quits.

Green tea farmers struggle for economic survival

The notoriously feuding brothers behind the British duo Oasis are taking their seminal 1990s band back on tour. The band broke up at the height of its popularity 15 years ago, but on Tuesday announced a reunion tour for summer in the British Isles. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the story.

The notoriously feuding brothers behind the British duo Oasis are taking their seminal 1990s band back on tour. The band broke up at the height of its popularity 15 years ago, but on Tuesday announced a reunion tour for summer in the British Isles. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the story.

Getting the band back together

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 accused her of being a spy. 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 to tourists.

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 accused her of being a spy. 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 to tourists.

Albania's No. 1 urban explorer is a Russian woman accused of being a spy

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 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.