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.

The death of Mahsa Amini — a young Kurdish Iranian woman who was arrested and beaten in police custody — sparked widespread protests across Iran in September 2022. Protest songs became a powerful unifying force for the movement. Nahid Siamdoust of the University of Texas at Austin tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler why Iran’s regime has struggled to silence the musicians at its heart.

The death of Mahsa Amini — a young Kurdish Iranian woman who was arrested and beaten in police custody — sparked widespread protests across Iran in September 2022. Protest songs became a powerful unifying force for the movement. Nahid Siamdoust of the University of Texas at Austin tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler why Iran’s regime has struggled to silence the musicians at its heart.

Protest music thrives in Iran, three years after young woman's death sparked grassroots uprising

New data from the World Meteorological Organization finds the hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica is continuing to heal. It's expected to likely close entirely by mid-century. This success story can be directly linked the the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement that phased out the chemicals causing the ozone's depletion. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with professor of political science Pamela Chasek about the legacy of the Montreal Protocol.

New data from the World Meteorological Organization finds the hole in the ozone layer above Antarctica is continuing to heal. It's expected to likely close entirely by mid-century. This success story can be directly linked the the Montreal Protocol, an international agreement that phased out the chemicals causing the ozone's depletion. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with professor of political science Pamela Chasek about the legacy of the Montreal Protocol.

The ozone hole above Antarctica is healing, thanks to the Montreal Protocol

The Trump administration says it's destroyed three ships off the coast of Venezuela that were carrying drugs. It justifies the attacks by saying the ships were run by drug cartels that the US has designated as foreign terrorist organizations that pose a danger to the United States. Pentagon lawyers say it's all above board, but some experts say the legal arguments are entirely flawed. The World's Matthew Bell takes a look.

The Trump administration says it's destroyed three ships off the coast of Venezuela that were carrying drugs. It justifies the attacks by saying the ships were run by drug cartels that the US has designated as foreign terrorist organizations that pose a danger to the United States. Pentagon lawyers say it's all above board, but some experts say the legal arguments are entirely flawed. The World's Matthew Bell takes a look.

US airstrikes continue off Venezuelan coast

Is Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan turning the lights out on democracy? The Turkish opposition party, CHP, says he is. Sixteen of their mayors are now in jail, and a court case looms that will determine whether its leadership will be removed and replaced by court-appointed trustees. DW, Deutsche Welle's Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.

Is Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan turning the lights out on democracy? The Turkish opposition party, CHP, says he is. Sixteen of their mayors are now in jail, and a court case looms that will determine whether its leadership will be removed and replaced by court-appointed trustees. DW, Deutsche Welle's Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.

Is the Turkish president turning the lights out on democracy?

During his state visit to the UK, President Donald Trump expressed interest in the US reclaiming Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, saying “it’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.” Previously under US military control, the base is now in the hands of the Taliban and would likely require negotiations to retake. The World’s Host Marco Werman spoke to Dennis Wilder, who was the US National Security Council’s director for China from 2004 to 2005 and is now a senior fellow at Georgetown University.

During his state visit to the UK, President Donald Trump expressed interest in the US reclaiming Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan, saying “it’s an hour away from where China makes its nuclear weapons.” Previously under US military control, the base is now in the hands of the Taliban and would likely require negotiations to retake. The World’s Host Marco Werman spoke to Dennis Wilder, who was the US National Security Council’s director for China from 2004 to 2005 and is now a senior fellow at Georgetown University.

US eyes return to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan

On Saturday, singers from 23 countries — including The United States — will come together for the Intervision Song Contest — Russia's answer to Eurovision. Hosted in Moscow and promoted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, organizers say it’s all about bringing countries “together on one stage to inspire and unite millions.” But as The World's Joshua Coe learned, Russia also wants to show that despite its invasion of Ukraine, it's not all that isolated.

On Saturday, singers from 23 countries — including The United States — will come together for the Intervision Song Contest — Russia's answer to Eurovision. Hosted in Moscow and promoted by Russian President Vladimir Putin, organizers say it’s all about bringing countries “together on one stage to inspire and unite millions.” But as The World's Joshua Coe learned, Russia also wants to show that despite its invasion of Ukraine, it's not all that isolated.

Russia's Intervision Song Contest features US contestant

The Chinese love their durian, a thorny fruit with fanatical fans. In the Western imagination, durian is often exoticized as the world’s most repugnant food. For China’s upper-middle class, durians are the new truffles, or bourbon. As Patrick Winn reports, China now imports about $7 billion worth of durian, mostly from Thailand — proving to be a mixed blessing for the country.

The Chinese love their durian, a thorny fruit with fanatical fans. In the Western imagination, durian is often exoticized as the world’s most repugnant food. For China’s upper-middle class, durians are the new truffles, or bourbon. As Patrick Winn reports, China now imports about $7 billion worth of durian, mostly from Thailand — proving to be a mixed blessing for the country.

Chinese durian brokers threaten forests in Thailand

At a far-right demonstration in London over the weekend, protesters draped themselves in the English flag, the St. George's Cross. The flag has, over time, been claimed as a symbol of the far-right, despite criticism from politicians and other activists. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with historian Camilla Schofield about the impact of national flags becoming political symbols and the rise of this symbolism in countries around the world.

At a far-right demonstration in London over the weekend, protesters draped themselves in the English flag, the St. George's Cross. The flag has, over time, been claimed as a symbol of the far-right, despite criticism from politicians and other activists. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with historian Camilla Schofield about the impact of national flags becoming political symbols and the rise of this symbolism in countries around the world.

At anti-immigrant demonstrations, far-right protesters claim the English flag as theirs

Somewhere between 500,000 and 1 million French people took to the streets across the country today, protesting against cuts in social services meant to balance the federal budget. But a different approach to getting out of the red has some protestors excited: It's a 2% tax on France's wealthiest, nicknamed the "Zucman Tax" after progressive economist Gabriel Zucman who first floated the idea. But a wealth tax would be a tough pill to swallow for France's conservative President Emmanuel Macron. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Perpignan, France.

Somewhere between 500,000 and 1 million French people took to the streets across the country today, protesting against cuts in social services meant to balance the federal budget. But a different approach to getting out of the red has some protestors excited: It's a 2% tax on France's wealthiest, nicknamed the "Zucman Tax" after progressive economist Gabriel Zucman who first floated the idea. But a wealth tax would be a tough pill to swallow for France's conservative President Emmanuel Macron. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Perpignan, France.

French champion wealth tax while protesting budget cuts

US President Donald Trump wrapped up his historic state visit to the United Kingdom today with a joint news conference at the British prime minister's country retreat. Keir Starmer told reporters that he and Trump discussed some major international crises in a private one-on-one conversation earlier today. But the two leaders did not present anything ambitious in terms of new solutions for Gaza, Ukraine or global migration. On those questions, Trump and Starmer simply agreed to disagree on some key details. The World's Matthew Bell has the latest.

US President Donald Trump wrapped up his historic state visit to the United Kingdom today with a joint news conference at the British prime minister's country retreat. Keir Starmer told reporters that he and Trump discussed some major international crises in a private one-on-one conversation earlier today. But the two leaders did not present anything ambitious in terms of new solutions for Gaza, Ukraine or global migration. On those questions, Trump and Starmer simply agreed to disagree on some key details. The World's Matthew Bell has the latest.

On this US-UK state visit, Trump and Starmer agree to disagree

Israel’s strike on the Hamas political leadership in Qatar last week has raised alarms in Gulf capitals. The countries are questioning US protection and what guarantees exist if such actions happen with or without US warning. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Israel’s strike on the Hamas political leadership in Qatar last week has raised alarms in Gulf capitals. The countries are questioning US protection and what guarantees exist if such actions happen with or without US warning. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

The fallout from Israel's strike on Qatar

Schools around the world are implementing various kinds of cellphone bans in classrooms. A new study takes a look at how that impacts grades. The World’s Bianca Hillier reports.

Schools around the world are implementing various kinds of cellphone bans in classrooms. A new study takes a look at how that impacts grades. The World’s Bianca Hillier reports.

What happens when cellphones are banned from class?

Universities are grappling with their biggest challenges in years. Financial and enrollment pressures are mounting, and some economists even warn of a coming recession for colleges. GBH’s Kirk Carapezza reports that at places like Clark University in Worcester, MA, the squeeze is already leading to big changes.

Universities are grappling with their biggest challenges in years. Financial and enrollment pressures are mounting, and some economists even warn of a coming recession for colleges. GBH’s Kirk Carapezza reports that at places like Clark University in Worcester, MA, the squeeze is already leading to big changes.

Trump administration's policies are driving away international students

Hermeto Pascoal, an iconic Brazilian musician and composer, died last week. Pascoal created sound and harmony from anything: soda bottles filled with water and even a baby pig. So, why not a reporter's questions? Co-hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the story.

Hermeto Pascoal, an iconic Brazilian musician and composer, died last week. Pascoal created sound and harmony from anything: soda bottles filled with water and even a baby pig. So, why not a reporter's questions? Co-hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the story.

Remembering a legendary Brazilian musician and composer

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman catch you up on headlines you may have missed.

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman catch you up on headlines you may have missed.

Things you might have missed

Google, Microsoft and Nvidia are among the US technology giants announcing tens of billions of dollars in new investments for the United Kingdom. The most ambitious plan is from Microsoft, which has announced a four-year, $30 billion investment, the company's biggest yet outside of the US. American tech leaders say these moves will help make the UK an "AI superpower," boost the country's struggling economy and create thousands of new jobs for Britain. But one global economy expert says these projections might be a bit overblown. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Google, Microsoft and Nvidia are among the US technology giants announcing tens of billions of dollars in new investments for the United Kingdom. The most ambitious plan is from Microsoft, which has announced a four-year, $30 billion investment, the company's biggest yet outside of the US. American tech leaders say these moves will help make the UK an "AI superpower," boost the country's struggling economy and create thousands of new jobs for Britain. But one global economy expert says these projections might be a bit overblown. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

As Trump gets a royal welcome in Britain, US tech firms tout new UK deals

Until recently, the vehicles cruising around major Southeast Asian cities were brands most anyone around the world would recognize. Lots of Toyotas and Hyundais. A smattering of Fords. The occasional Tesla. But about two years ago, everything changed. From Jakarta to Bangkok, totally unknown brands — with unheard of features — appeared almost overnight. Patrick Winn reports from Bangkok on the massive influx of Chinese electric vehicles.

Until recently, the vehicles cruising around major Southeast Asian cities were brands most anyone around the world would recognize. Lots of Toyotas and Hyundais. A smattering of Fords. The occasional Tesla. But about two years ago, everything changed. From Jakarta to Bangkok, totally unknown brands — with unheard of features — appeared almost overnight. Patrick Winn reports from Bangkok on the massive influx of Chinese electric vehicles.

China is eating the world's lunch when it comes to EVs

Gambling the world over brings with it the risk of addiction. That's generally because of the excitement of a big payday. But when the payday is relatively small and there are no bells and whistles to get your blood pumping, people tend to keep themselves more in check. That's what Norway has experienced. And it's one way to help prevent problem gambling. Karen Brown, from New England Public Media, reports.

Gambling the world over brings with it the risk of addiction. That's generally because of the excitement of a big payday. But when the payday is relatively small and there are no bells and whistles to get your blood pumping, people tend to keep themselves more in check. That's what Norway has experienced. And it's one way to help prevent problem gambling. Karen Brown, from New England Public Media, reports.

To control gambling, make it boring

Shell and Exxon Mobil are suing the Dutch government over the closure of a major gas field in Groningen, and over payouts to residents for damages tied to extraction. The suit is possible under a complicated international framework known as Investor-State Dispute Settlements. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with policy expert Lukas Schaugg about how these disputes work and their increasing use in attempts to delay and dissuade climate litigation.

Shell and Exxon Mobil are suing the Dutch government over the closure of a major gas field in Groningen, and over payouts to residents for damages tied to extraction. The suit is possible under a complicated international framework known as Investor-State Dispute Settlements. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with policy expert Lukas Schaugg about how these disputes work and their increasing use in attempts to delay and dissuade climate litigation.

Oil majors sue Dutch government over closure of major gas field

The world's tallest bridge — over Huajiang Grand Canyon in China — is set to open later this month. It recently passed a key load-bearing test that involved a team of 96 truck drivers. As The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports, the project was completed in record time.

The world's tallest bridge — over Huajiang Grand Canyon in China — is set to open later this month. It recently passed a key load-bearing test that involved a team of 96 truck drivers. As The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports, the project was completed in record time.

World's tallest bridge to open in China

A new 72-page UN report released this week finds there are reasonable grounds to conclude that since the start of its war with Hamas in 2023 Israel has committed four of the five genocidal acts as defined under international law. William Schabas, professor of international law at Middlesex University in London, discusses the findings with Host Marco Werman.

A new 72-page UN report released this week finds there are reasonable grounds to conclude that since the start of its war with Hamas in 2023 Israel has committed four of the five genocidal acts as defined under international law. William Schabas, professor of international law at Middlesex University in London, discusses the findings with Host Marco Werman.

'Most authoritative' UN investigation yet labels Israel's actions in Gaza a genocide

Lithuania is training children as young as 10 years old in the use of drones as part of a new initiative by the country’s Ministry of Defense. Drone warfare has been a crucial innovation since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and as a neighbor of Russia, Lithuania feels compelled to strengthen its defense capabilities. Deputy Defense Minister Tomas Godliauskas tells Host Carolyn Beeler that the training is an important aspect of Lithuania's ability to bolster resilience among civilians.

Lithuania is training children as young as 10 years old in the use of drones as part of a new initiative by the country’s Ministry of Defense. Drone warfare has been a crucial innovation since Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and as a neighbor of Russia, Lithuania feels compelled to strengthen its defense capabilities. Deputy Defense Minister Tomas Godliauskas tells Host Carolyn Beeler that the training is an important aspect of Lithuania's ability to bolster resilience among civilians.

Lithuania defense ministry launches drone trainings schools for kids

Pan con chicharrón, the Peruvian breakfast sandwich that graces many special occasions, has been crowned the best breakfast in the world, according to tens of millions of voters on social media. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain how the pork rind specialty won the World Breakfast Cup.

Pan con chicharrón, the Peruvian breakfast sandwich that graces many special occasions, has been crowned the best breakfast in the world, according to tens of millions of voters on social media. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain how the pork rind specialty won the World Breakfast Cup.

And the winner is...

Israel unleashed a new military offensive on Gaza City today. After weeks of airstrikes, Israeli ground troops started advancing, with the country's defense minister, Israel Katz, declaring that, "Gaza is burning." Palestinian health officials said more than 20 people were killed today and dozens more were injured. European officials condemned the Israeli offensive, saying it would mean more civilian deaths and make an already dire humanitarian situation even worse. The World's Aaron Schachter has more.

Israel unleashed a new military offensive on Gaza City today. After weeks of airstrikes, Israeli ground troops started advancing, with the country's defense minister, Israel Katz, declaring that, "Gaza is burning." Palestinian health officials said more than 20 people were killed today and dozens more were injured. European officials condemned the Israeli offensive, saying it would mean more civilian deaths and make an already dire humanitarian situation even worse. The World's Aaron Schachter has more.

Israeli army begins its planned Gaza offensive

The US military has sunk another Venezuelan boat in the Caribbean, killing three people. President Donald Trump says the vessels are tied to drug cartels, but has offered no evidence. Caracas calls the strikes aggression; Washington insists they’re defense. Amid the saber-rattling, many Venezuelans say they’re too consumed by economic survival to think about war. Others fear confrontation — or hope foreign pressure might finally weaken Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s grip on power. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.Journalist Isabel Guerrero contributed to this report from Caracas, Venezuela.

The US military has sunk another Venezuelan boat in the Caribbean, killing three people. President Donald Trump says the vessels are tied to drug cartels, but has offered no evidence. Caracas calls the strikes aggression; Washington insists they’re defense. Amid the saber-rattling, many Venezuelans say they’re too consumed by economic survival to think about war. Others fear confrontation — or hope foreign pressure might finally weaken Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s grip on power. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.
Journalist Isabel Guerrero contributed to this report from Caracas, Venezuela.

The US strikes another boat. Here's how Venezuelans see it.

There are no reliable statistics on the number of people who have lost the ability to speak their native language. But it is likely a growing number, given the rise in global migration and the disappearance of many minority languages. But once you've lost your first language, is relearning it a realistic goal? Patrick Cox brought us the story of a woman who learned Czech growing up, moved to Canada, lost her ability to use the language but then decided to re-learn Czech as an adult. This story originally aired in 2022.

There are no reliable statistics on the number of people who have lost the ability to speak their native language. But it is likely a growing number, given the rise in global migration and the disappearance of many minority languages. But once you've lost your first language, is relearning it a realistic goal? Patrick Cox brought us the story of a woman who learned Czech growing up, moved to Canada, lost her ability to use the language but then decided to re-learn Czech as an adult. 
This story originally aired in 2022.

A mother tongue, lost, then reclaimed

Tiny Easedale, Scotland, is the proud host of the annual World Stone Skimming Championships.  This year, the so-called "toss master" heard rumors of unauthorized rocks in the competition. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

Tiny Easedale, Scotland, is the proud host of the annual World Stone Skimming Championships.  This year, the so-called "toss master" heard rumors of unauthorized rocks in the competition. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

Cheating scandal at the World Stone Skimming Championships

Today marks 50 years since Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia. With its rugged, mountainous geography, over a thousand distinct ethnic groups and almost as many languages, the young democracy has its share of obstacles to forging a national identity. But as Patrick Kaiku told the World's Host Marco Werman, the idea of direct democracy is familiar to Papuans based on traditional ways of life in the Oceanic country. Kaiku is Director for Policy and Legal Division at the Registry of Political Parties in Papua New Guinea.

Today marks 50 years since Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia. With its rugged, mountainous geography, over a thousand distinct ethnic groups and almost as many languages, the young democracy has its share of obstacles to forging a national identity. But as Patrick Kaiku told the World's Host Marco Werman, the idea of direct democracy is familiar to Papuans based on traditional ways of life in the Oceanic country. Kaiku is Director for Policy and Legal Division at the Registry of Political Parties in Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of independence

India hosted US officials for trade talks today, restoring hope after bilateral trade negotiations collapsed over the Trump administration's steep tariffs on India. The government in New Delhi said the negotiations were "positive." Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

India hosted US officials for trade talks today, restoring hope after bilateral trade negotiations collapsed over the Trump administration's steep tariffs on India. The government in New Delhi said the negotiations were "positive." Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

Trade talks between US and India

A landmark election five years ago boosted hopes for democracy in Malawi. The country’s Supreme Court found evidence of fraud and ordered a historic rerun. Fresh elections put an opposition candidate in power. But today, as voters again head to the polls, corruption and lack of accountability are again major campaign issues. Boniface Dulani of Malawi's Institute of Public Opinion and Research joins The World’s Host Marco Werman to discuss why.

A landmark election five years ago boosted hopes for democracy in Malawi. The country’s Supreme Court found evidence of fraud and ordered a historic rerun. Fresh elections put an opposition candidate in power. But today, as voters again head to the polls, corruption and lack of accountability are again major campaign issues. Boniface Dulani of Malawi's Institute of Public Opinion and Research joins The World’s Host Marco Werman to discuss why.