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 poet Mohammad Shabani, an Iranian dissident living in Turkey, catches his friends, family and supporters by surprise. Reporter Fariba Nawa finds one of Shabani's confidantes and learns new details about his life in exile before he died. This is the third episode of "Lethal Dissent," an investigative series from The World and the "On Spec Podcast."

The death of poet Mohammad Shabani, an Iranian dissident living in Turkey, catches his friends, family and supporters by surprise. Reporter Fariba Nawa finds one of Shabani's confidantes and learns new details about his life in exile before he died. This is the third episode of "Lethal Dissent," an investigative series from The World and the "On Spec Podcast."

The final years and months of an Iranian dissident in Turkey

Three foreign judges in Hong Kong's top court have have resigned. One to spend more time with her family, and the other two because they believe Hong Kong's judiciary can no longer operate independently. The problem, they say, is China's national security law it passed in Hong Kong which allows the Chinese mainland government to intervene in cases of "secession" and "subversion," among other violations. In practice, it's been used to crack down on free speech and dissent, according to human rights experts. The World's host Carol Hills talks with Tom Grundy, editor-in-chief of the Hong Kong Free Press, about the judges who have resigned.

Three foreign judges in Hong Kong's top court have have resigned. One to spend more time with her family, and the other two because they believe Hong Kong's judiciary can no longer operate independently. The problem, they say, is China's national security law it passed in Hong Kong which allows the Chinese mainland government to intervene in cases of "secession" and "subversion," among other violations. In practice, it's been used to crack down on free speech and dissent, according to human rights experts. The World's host Carol Hills talks with Tom Grundy, editor-in-chief of the Hong Kong Free Press, about the judges who have resigned.

Foreign judges at the top of Hong Kong's judiciary resign

For the last month, parts of the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul have remained underwater. Many residents have been in constant contact with the flood waters, from the intense days of rescue following the torrential rains, until today. But those waters, mixed with sewage, contaminants and the wreckage of the cities, have also carried a more invisible danger: leptospirosis. Michael Fox reports from the city of Porto Alegre on how that and other diseases remain a threat to people in the region.

For the last month, parts of the southern Brazilian state of Rio Grande do Sul have remained underwater. Many residents have been in constant contact with the flood waters, from the intense days of rescue following the torrential rains, until today. But those waters, mixed with sewage, contaminants and the wreckage of the cities, have also carried a more invisible danger: leptospirosis. Michael Fox reports from the city of Porto Alegre on how that and other diseases remain a threat to people in the region.

In the wake of Brazil's floods, infectious diseases take lives

The US Navy has sent at least one anti-submarine aircraft to the Caribbean and has three destroyers patrolling in the waters around Cuba following the arrival of Russian military ships there. But there's no cause for alarm. Host Carol Hills speaks with Dara Massicot at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace about what is being seen as a routine Russian training exercise.

The US Navy has sent at least one anti-submarine aircraft to the Caribbean and has three destroyers patrolling in the waters around Cuba following the arrival of Russian military ships there. But there's no cause for alarm. Host Carol Hills speaks with Dara Massicot at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace about what is being seen as a routine Russian training exercise.

US responds to Russian ships in Cuba

A country where the Holocaust killed three-quarters of its Jewish population reflects on that dark chapter from the past with a National Holocaust Museum. But a prominent speaker at the public launch of the memorial site in the Netherlands sparked protests. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports from Amsterdam.

A country where the Holocaust killed three-quarters of its Jewish population reflects on that dark chapter from the past with a National Holocaust Museum. But a prominent speaker at the public launch of the memorial site in the Netherlands sparked protests. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports from Amsterdam.

Reckoning with the past in the Netherlands

While in Italy to meet with leaders of the G7, Pope Francis convened a meeting with an unexpected audience: comedians. More than 100 of them, from 15 different countries, validated the importance of their craft in tumultuous times. Host Carol Hills discusses the papal take on comedy with James Geary, a scholar of humor, as well as Debra DiGiovanni, a Canadian comedian based in Los Angeles.

While in Italy to meet with leaders of the G7, Pope Francis convened a meeting with an unexpected audience: comedians. More than 100 of them, from 15 different countries, validated the importance of their craft in tumultuous times. Host Carol Hills discusses the papal take on comedy with James Geary, a scholar of humor, as well as Debra DiGiovanni, a Canadian comedian based in Los Angeles.

Pope Francis sees value in comedy

The Celtics are in the NBA finals, and one of the team's most impactful players is Latvian center Kristaps Porzingis. Fans in Latvia are rooting for him to become the first Latvian NBA champion. The World's Daniel Ofman reports from Riga, Latvia.

The Celtics are in the NBA finals, and one of the team's most impactful players is Latvian center Kristaps Porzingis. Fans in Latvia are rooting for him to become the first Latvian NBA champion. The World's Daniel Ofman reports from Riga, Latvia.

Latvian NBA fans rooting for Porzingis

In Qatar, life revolves around managing the summer heat — and the country has even begun to cool outdoor public spaces. Opened in 2022, Umm al-Seneem Park has the world's longest air-conditioned outdoor walking track. The World’s Durrie Bouscaren takes it for a spin.

In Qatar, life revolves around managing the summer heat — and the country has even begun to cool outdoor public spaces. Opened in 2022, Umm al-Seneem Park has the world's longest air-conditioned outdoor walking track. The World’s Durrie Bouscaren takes it for a spin.

Amid blistering heat, Doha air conditions the outdoors

One pervasive idea about gamers is that they never leave their basements to “touch grass” outdoors. But many people say that's simply not true, while a new project in the UK seeks to prove it. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

One pervasive idea about gamers is that they never leave their basements to “touch grass” outdoors. But many people say that's simply not true, while a new project in the UK seeks to prove it. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

Project seeks to show that gamers do, in fact, 'touch grass'

In South Korea, private education designed to prepare students for college in the US is in high demand. It's also expensive. That's on top of a booming study abroad consultancy industry that helps students shine in college application materials. For The World, Jason Strother talks to a family near Seoul about pressure to participate in that system and escalating price tags.

In South Korea, private education designed to prepare students for college in the US is in high demand. It's also expensive. That's on top of a booming study abroad consultancy industry that helps students shine in college application materials. For The World, Jason Strother talks to a family near Seoul about pressure to participate in that system and escalating price tags.

Students in South Korea prepare for college in the US

Russian authorities announced today that a US reporter detained there will stand trial on espionage charges. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was detained in March 2023. As host Marco Werman explains, Gershkovich, his employer and the US State Department all defend him as wrongly accused.

Russian authorities announced today that a US reporter detained there will stand trial on espionage charges. Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich was detained in March 2023. As host Marco Werman explains, Gershkovich, his employer and the US State Department all defend him as wrongly accused.

Jailed US journalist to stand trial in Russia

An accused murderer, a serial rapist and a drug smuggler are among the criminals who were granted visas to remain in Australia, a result of a new immigration policy drafted to appease New Zealand. The World's Sarah Birnbaum reports from Sydney.

An accused murderer, a serial rapist and a drug smuggler are among the criminals who were granted visas to remain in Australia, a result of a new immigration policy drafted to appease New Zealand. The World's Sarah Birnbaum reports from Sydney.

Australia's immigration policy spared criminals deportation

Taylor Swift concerts in Edinburgh this week shook the ground so much that seismic activity was recorded at nearby monitoring stations. Swift isn't the only celebrity to generate earthquake-level excitement in fans. When soccer star Lionel Messi scores goals, his fans also erupt into seismic cheers. Host Marco Werman has more on celebrities whose popularity sets the earth aquiver.

Taylor Swift concerts in Edinburgh this week shook the ground so much that seismic activity was recorded at nearby monitoring stations. Swift isn't the only celebrity to generate earthquake-level excitement in fans. When soccer star Lionel Messi scores goals, his fans also erupt into seismic cheers. Host Marco Werman has more on celebrities whose popularity sets the earth aquiver.

Taylor Swift concerts in Scotland set off earthquakes

A new law in Japan will see refugees deported if they re-apply for asylum and get turned down. It's an interesting move for a country already known for its exceptionally restrictive immigration and asylum policies. Host Marco Werman speaks with Jefferson R. Plantilla, a lawyer and researcher in Japan, about the country's approach to this issue.

A new law in Japan will see refugees deported if they re-apply for asylum and get turned down. It's an interesting move for a country already known for its exceptionally restrictive immigration and asylum policies. Host Marco Werman speaks with Jefferson R. Plantilla, a lawyer and researcher in Japan, about the country's approach to this issue.

Japan makes changes that affect asylum-seekers

A growing number of governments in Latin America are aligning themselves with Palestinians, and distancing themselves from Israel. In Colombia, President Gustavo Petro cut off diplomatic ties with Israel earlier this month. But there's a price to pay for cutting ties with Israel, as reporter Manuel Rueda reports.

A growing number of governments in Latin America are aligning themselves with Palestinians, and distancing themselves from Israel. In Colombia, President Gustavo Petro cut off diplomatic ties with Israel earlier this month. But there's a price to pay for cutting ties with Israel, as reporter Manuel Rueda reports.

Support for Palestine grows in Latin American countries

Hezbollah, the Shia militant group based in southern Lebanon, says Israel has killed about 340 of its fighters since Oct. 7. The World's Shirin Jaafari attends a funeral for a Hezbollah fighter who was killed this week and speaks with mourners about the goals of what some see as a "resistance movement."

Hezbollah, the Shia militant group based in southern Lebanon, says Israel has killed about 340 of its fighters since Oct. 7. The World's Shirin Jaafari attends a funeral for a Hezbollah fighter who was killed this week and speaks with mourners about the goals of what some see as a "resistance movement."

As Hezbollah buries its fighters, supporters say they are defiant

Haiti’s new government selected cabinet ministers this week, as it awaits the arrival of a long-delayed Kenyan security force designed to assist its embattled police. Journalist Widlore Mérancourt in Port-au-Prince tells The World’s host Marco Werman that he fears Haiti's new leaders lack coherent plans to restore order.

Haiti’s new government selected cabinet ministers this week, as it awaits the arrival of a long-delayed Kenyan security force designed to assist its embattled police. Journalist Widlore Mérancourt in Port-au-Prince tells The World’s host Marco Werman that he fears Haiti's new leaders lack coherent plans to restore order.

Haiti's new leaders vow to take on gangs

Afghanistan's wild and mountainous Wakhan Corridor is home to the rare snow leopard and to a human culture that has gone unchanged for centuries. Host Marco Werman speaks with National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek, about his trek through this isolated alpine wilderness.

Afghanistan's wild and mountainous Wakhan Corridor is home to the rare snow leopard and to a human culture that has gone unchanged for centuries. Host Marco Werman speaks with National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek, about his trek through this isolated alpine wilderness.

Out of Eden Walk: Traversing Afghanistan's Wakhan Corridor

At a summit in southern Italy, G7 nations have agreed to provide Ukraine with a loan of $50 billion for weapons and rebuilding. Host Marco Werman teases out the message these leaders are trying to send to Ukraine in a conversation with Edward Fishman of Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy. He's the author of the forthcoming book "Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare."

At a summit in southern Italy, G7 nations have agreed to provide Ukraine with a loan of $50 billion for weapons and rebuilding. Host Marco Werman teases out the message these leaders are trying to send to Ukraine in a conversation with Edward Fishman of Columbia University's Center on Global Energy Policy. He's the author of the forthcoming book "Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare."

G7 promises Ukraine a $50 billion loan

Once again, ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas are deteriorating. Aaron David Miller is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment. He advised six American presidents on the Middle East. He talks with The World's host Marco Werman about what's standing in the way of an agreement.

Once again, ceasefire talks between Israel and Hamas are deteriorating. Aaron David Miller is a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment. He advised six American presidents on the Middle East. He talks with The World's host Marco Werman about what's standing in the way of an agreement.

Ceasefire negotiations falter, again

Malawi has been in the headlines this week following a plane crash that killed its vice president. This comes at a tough time for the African country, ranked as one of the poorest globally. Malawi is now enduring a severe cost of living crisis. The cause? Soaring fertilizer prices. Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman reports from Malawi on how people are responding to the crisis, as well as hopes for economic recovery.

Malawi has been in the headlines this week following a plane crash that killed its vice president. This comes at a tough time for the African country, ranked as one of the poorest globally. Malawi is now enduring a severe cost of living crisis. The cause? Soaring fertilizer prices. Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman reports from Malawi on how people are responding to the crisis, as well as hopes for economic recovery.

Fertilizer shortage hits Malawi's economy hard

Sumo wrestling from Japan is among the world’s oldest sports, dating back at least 1,500 years. The rules are simple: Square off with an opponent, in a ring lined with sand, then try to push the other person out. Another rule: Japanese professional sumo is also off limits to women. As The World’s Patrick Winn reports, Japanese women wrestlers who achieve champion status at international sumo events are frustrated to face prejudice back home.

Sumo wrestling from Japan is among the world’s oldest sports, dating back at least 1,500 years. The rules are simple: Square off with an opponent, in a ring lined with sand, then try to push the other person out. Another rule: Japanese professional sumo is also off limits to women. As The World’s Patrick Winn reports, Japanese women wrestlers who achieve champion status at international sumo events are frustrated to face prejudice back home.

Female sumo wrestlers

An iconic French singer and model who catapulted to fame in the 1960s, Françoise Hardy, has died at the age of 80. The World's host Marco Werman remembers highlights of her life and career, as well as her enduring influence on pop music and French culture.

An iconic French singer and model who catapulted to fame in the 1960s, Françoise Hardy, has died at the age of 80. The World's host Marco Werman remembers highlights of her life and career, as well as her enduring influence on pop music and French culture.

Remembering French chanteuse Françoise Hardy

A jury in South Florida has ruled that banana giant Chiquita must pay $38.3 million to relatives of people killed by a right-wing paramilitary group that received funding from the fruit company. The verdict is a rare case of a private US company being held liable for human rights abuses that take place in other countries. Marco Werman speaks with Michael Evans of the National Security Archive and head of The Chiquita Papers, which documents the company's ties to paramilitary groups in Colombia's civil war.

A jury in South Florida has ruled that banana giant Chiquita must pay $38.3 million to relatives of people killed by a right-wing paramilitary group that received funding from the fruit company. The verdict is a rare case of a private US company being held liable for human rights abuses that take place in other countries. Marco Werman speaks with Michael Evans of the National Security Archive and head of The Chiquita Papers, which documents the company's ties to paramilitary groups in Colombia's civil war.

Rare verdict finds Chiquita liable for killings of Colombians

Team USA shocked the world by beating Pakistan at the T20 Cricket World Cup last week, pushing the US into second place overall. Today, they took on the first place team: India. Host Marco Werman has details from the big match.

Team USA shocked the world by beating Pakistan at the T20 Cricket World Cup last week, pushing the US into second place overall. Today, they took on the first place team: India. Host Marco Werman has details from the big match.

India and the US face off at the T20 Cricket World Cup

The Danish government has ordered a recall of three types of Buldak, which translates as "fire chicken," manufactured by South Korea's Samyang Foods. The packaged noodles were deemed so hot they might pose a physical danger for Danish consumers. Host Marco Werman speaks with Mary-Jon Ludy, an associate dean and a food and nutrition professor at the Bowling Green State University Graduate College, about how spiciness is perceived across cultures.

The Danish government has ordered a recall of three types of Buldak, which translates as "fire chicken," manufactured by South Korea's Samyang Foods. The packaged noodles were deemed so hot they might pose a physical danger for Danish consumers. Host Marco Werman speaks with Mary-Jon Ludy, an associate dean and a food and nutrition professor at the Bowling Green State University Graduate College, about how spiciness is perceived across cultures.

Popular Korean Ramen brand recalled in Denmark

Over the past 30 years, Mexico City has gone from being the most polluted city in the world to coming in 999th on that list. Taming traffic and supporting a robust bicycling culture has contributed to that turnaround. John Burnett reports from Mexico City.

Over the past 30 years, Mexico City has gone from being the most polluted city in the world to coming in 999th on that list. Taming traffic and supporting a robust bicycling culture has contributed to that turnaround. John Burnett reports from Mexico City.

Mexico City's thriving bike culture

The educational pipeline from India to the US isn't new, but efforts to recruit Indian students have ramped up significantly in recent years. Sushmita Pathak takes a closer look at what those recruitment efforts look like, what's driving them and the risks they've introduced.

The educational pipeline from India to the US isn't new, but efforts to recruit Indian students have ramped up significantly in recent years. Sushmita Pathak takes a closer look at what those recruitment efforts look like, what's driving them and the risks they've introduced.

Recruitment efforts bring students from India to the US

Vietnamese authorities say they have arrested journalist and historian Truong Huy San, known by his pen name Huy Duc. According to government reports, the journalist was charged with a Facebook post being in violation of national security laws. That's against a backdrop of diminishing freedom for the press in Vietnam. The World's host Marco Werman gets the story and its implications.

Vietnamese authorities say they have arrested journalist and historian Truong Huy San, known by his pen name Huy Duc. According to government reports, the journalist was charged with a Facebook post being in violation of national security laws. That's against a backdrop of diminishing freedom for the press in Vietnam. The World's host Marco Werman gets the story and its implications.

Vietnam acknowledges arrest of prominent journalist

A US-based cybersecurity expert gets hacked by North Korea. He then hacks back. Takes out the entire country's limited internet for nine days. As you do. We get the story from Dina Temple-Raston, of the podcast Click Here.

A US-based cybersecurity expert gets hacked by North Korea. He then hacks back. Takes out the entire country's limited internet for nine days. As you do. We get the story from Dina Temple-Raston, of the podcast Click Here.