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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Astronauts return from International Space Station

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

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

The biggest winners from the weekend's biggest sports stages

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

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

Flamingos in Italy damage risotto rice crops

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

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

Freedom of speech on university campuses in the UK

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

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

US demands Ukraine pay for weapons to fight Russia

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

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

France celebrates Bastille Day

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

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

Countries bordering Russia withdraw from landmine ban treaty

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

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

Smuggled tarantulas discovered in Germany

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

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

Swedish painter set the standard for American landscapes

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

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

Opposition mayors arrested in Turkey

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

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

One snake on a plane

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

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

Alex Alvear's quest to understand his musical roots

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

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

The Winnipeg Folk Festival at 50

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

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

Falsehoods in popular memoir raise controversy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Native Alaskan woman canonized as Russian Orthodox saint

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

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

Kurdistan Workers' Party ceremonially lays down its arms

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

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

What does it take to stop a genocide?

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

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

Three decades since Srebrenica genocide

The EU has awarded Finland more than 90 million euros (around $105 million), in large part to cover the purchase of a new icebreaker ship. It's part of a global race to expand fleets with the capacity to safely move through the Arctic as climate change opens up new pathways through the ice. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Malte Humpert, a fellow at The Arctic Institute, about the significance of the funding and shifting geopolitical landscape in the high north.

The EU has awarded Finland more than 90 million euros (around $105 million), in large part to cover the purchase of a new icebreaker ship. It's part of a global race to expand fleets with the capacity to safely move through the Arctic as climate change opens up new pathways through the ice. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Malte Humpert, a fellow at The Arctic Institute, about the significance of the funding and shifting geopolitical landscape in the high north.

A global race for icebreakers

They’re shiny metals, can be hard to find and they’re essential to building high-tech equipment — from electric cars to fighter jets. “Rare earth metals” are dominated by one country: China. Once obscure, rare earth metals shot to prominence when China cut exports to the outside world — a strategy to hurt the US amid the ongoing trade war. What many people overlook is that many so-called “Chinese” rare earths aren’t from China at all. The World’s Patrick Winn reports.

They’re shiny metals, can be hard to find and they’re essential to building high-tech equipment — from electric cars to fighter jets. “Rare earth metals” are dominated by one country: China. Once obscure, rare earth metals shot to prominence when China cut exports to the outside world — a strategy to hurt the US amid the ongoing trade war. What many people overlook is that many so-called “Chinese” rare earths aren’t from China at all. The World’s Patrick Winn reports.

Precious 'Chinese' rare earths are often from war-torn Myanmar

A coalition of farmers, environmentalists and volunteers are coming together to restore the UK's hedgerows. The UK lost about 50% of these historic boundary lines following WWII. There is also national support; the UK government wants to add 45,000 miles of hedgerows by 2050. Will Fitzpatrick, a community engagement officer with The Tree Council, told The World's Hannah Chanatry about why hedgerows play an important role in both climate resilience and cultural heritage.

A coalition of farmers, environmentalists and volunteers are coming together to restore the UK's hedgerows. The UK lost about 50% of these historic boundary lines following WWII. There is also national support; the UK government wants to add 45,000 miles of hedgerows by 2050. Will Fitzpatrick, a community engagement officer with The Tree Council, told The World's Hannah Chanatry about why hedgerows play an important role in both climate resilience and cultural heritage.

Efforts to restore UK hedgerows are growing

Houthi rebels used small boats and bomb-laden drones to strike a Greek-owned cargo ship passing through the Red Sea on Monday. Just a day earlier, they sank another bulk carrier there. Fatima al Asrar of the Washington Center for Yemeni Studies tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that the strikes are designed to send an unmistakable message to global shipping companies.

Houthi rebels used small boats and bomb-laden drones to strike a Greek-owned cargo ship passing through the Red Sea on Monday. Just a day earlier, they sank another bulk carrier there. Fatima al Asrar of the Washington Center for Yemeni Studies tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that the strikes are designed to send an unmistakable message to global shipping companies.

Houthis are 'back to business' with dual strikes on Red Sea ships

Europe's first major heat wave of the summer began in late June, and caused an estimated 2,300 heat-related deaths. A new rapid study has concluded that almost two-thirds of those deaths would not have occurred were it not for climate change. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details about how that study reached those findings, and who is most susceptible to heat-related health complications.

Europe's first major heat wave of the summer began in late June, and caused an estimated 2,300 heat-related deaths. A new rapid study has concluded that almost two-thirds of those deaths would not have occurred were it not for climate change. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details about how that study reached those findings, and who is most susceptible to heat-related health complications.

Climate change morality, in numbers

A quick look at our top story today: ice -- specifically, Arctic sea ice and the efforts to build more icebreaking ships. Russia has the largest fleet of around 40 icebreakers. The US goal is to build a fleet of eight or nine of the heavy-duty ships. We hear from Malte Humpert, a fellow at The Arctic Institute Center for Circumpolar Security Studies.

A quick look at our top story today: ice -- specifically, Arctic sea ice and the efforts to build more icebreaking ships. Russia has the largest fleet of around 40 icebreakers. The US goal is to build a fleet of eight or nine of the heavy-duty ships. We hear from Malte Humpert, a fellow at The Arctic Institute Center for Circumpolar Security Studies.

A look at efforts to build more icebreakers

The village of Taybeh describes itself as the last entirely Christian town in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. But three priests from Taybeh just put out a statement saying that centuries of Christian history "is now at serious risk of erosion due to the systematic targeting of its land, holy sites and people." The clergymen say Jewish settlers are carrying out the attacks. The statement accuses Israeli settlers of lighting fires near a Christian church and a cemetery, grazing their animals on Palestinian land and building illegal settlement outposts in the vicinity. The World's Matthew Bell has our story.

The village of Taybeh describes itself as the last entirely Christian town in the Israeli-occupied West Bank. But three priests from Taybeh just put out a statement saying that centuries of Christian history "is now at serious risk of erosion due to the systematic targeting of its land, holy sites and people." The clergymen say Jewish settlers are carrying out the attacks. The statement accuses Israeli settlers of lighting fires near a Christian church and a cemetery, grazing their animals on Palestinian land and building illegal settlement outposts in the vicinity. The World's Matthew Bell has our story.

Palestinian Christians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank say they're facing 'systematic attacks'

Based on the bestselling memoir of the same name by Alexandra Fuller, the film "Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight" explores a violent period of transition in Zimbabwe's history — through the eyes of a young girl who lived it. The country, then known as Rhodesia, was a former British colony in Southern Africa where the white minority dominated the country and wanted to keep it that way. Director and actor Embeth Davidtz told The World's Host Marco Werman that she adapted the story into a screenplay because it resonated with her own childhood in South Africa.

Based on the bestselling memoir of the same name by Alexandra Fuller, the film "Don't Let's Go to the Dogs Tonight" explores a violent period of transition in Zimbabwe's history — through the eyes of a young girl who lived it. The country, then known as Rhodesia, was a former British colony in Southern Africa where the white minority dominated the country and wanted to keep it that way. Director and actor Embeth Davidtz told The World's Host Marco Werman that she adapted the story into a screenplay because it resonated with her own childhood in South Africa.