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.

Today, WikiLeaks founder Jullian Assange walked out of a courtroom on the US territory of Saipan a free man, after pleading guilty to a single charge of publishing US military secrets.   Investigative journalist Michael Isikoff tells The World’s host Marco Werman that although Assange had a checkered track record as a journalist, his plea deal sets a chilling precedent.

Today, WikiLeaks founder Jullian Assange walked out of a courtroom on the US territory of Saipan a free man, after pleading guilty to a single charge of publishing US military secrets.  
Investigative journalist Michael Isikoff tells The World’s host Marco Werman that although Assange had a checkered track record as a journalist, his plea deal sets a chilling precedent.

Assange walks free, leaving uncertain toll on press freedom

Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has been selected as the next secretary-general of NATO. He will succeed Jens Stoltenberg of Norway, whose tenure lasted ten years, on Oct. 1. Rutte takes over the alliance as the war in Ukraine drags on and European nations mull over their own security. Host Marco Werman speaks with Sean Monaghan, visiting fellow with the Europe, Russia and Eurasia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), about what Mark Rutte brings to the job.

Outgoing Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has been selected as the next secretary-general of NATO. He will succeed Jens Stoltenberg of Norway, whose tenure lasted ten years, on Oct. 1. Rutte takes over the alliance as the war in Ukraine drags on and European nations mull over their own security. Host Marco Werman speaks with Sean Monaghan, visiting fellow with the Europe, Russia and Eurasia Program at the Center for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS), about what Mark Rutte brings to the job.

Rutte takes over as new NATO head

An order of Spanish nuns have holed up in their 15th-century convent in a stand-off with the Catholic Church over issues mundane and spiritual. The mundane: The nuns wanted to sell one property to buy an old convent elsewhere but the Vatican blocked the sale. The Spiritual: The nuns have aligned themselves with a far-right priest who adheres to the belief that the current Pope is not legitimate. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

An order of Spanish nuns have holed up in their 15th-century convent in a stand-off with the Catholic Church over issues mundane and spiritual. The mundane: The nuns wanted to sell one property to buy an old convent elsewhere but the Vatican blocked the sale. The Spiritual: The nuns have aligned themselves with a far-right priest who adheres to the belief that the current Pope is not legitimate. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Rebel nuns in Spain refuse to leave convent

For a week now, thousands of people in Kenya have been taking part in unprecedented demonstrations against a proposed finance bill. Yesterday, Kenya’s president accused some demonstrators of treason after they stormed parliament. But today, he changed his tune and conceded to the demands of demonstrators as criticism mounted over the deadly police response. The World's Africa Correspondent Halima Gikandi reports from the capital Nairobi.

For a week now, thousands of people in Kenya have been taking part in unprecedented demonstrations against a proposed finance bill. Yesterday, Kenya’s president accused some demonstrators of treason after they stormed parliament. But today, he changed his tune and conceded to the demands of demonstrators as criticism mounted over the deadly police response. The World's Africa Correspondent Halima Gikandi reports from the capital Nairobi.

Kenya's president concedes after nationwide protests

South Sudan is no stranger to violence since the time of its independence. That violence has caused humans to migrate as they flee war and conflict. At the same time, antelope migration across South Sudan has not only been uninterrupted, the species is actually thriving. Host Marco Werman speaks with Steve Boyes to find out more.

South Sudan is no stranger to violence since the time of its independence. That violence has caused humans to migrate as they flee war and conflict. At the same time, antelope migration across South Sudan has not only been uninterrupted, the species is actually thriving. Host Marco Werman speaks with Steve Boyes to find out more.

Survey showcases millions of antelope migrating across South Sudan

China’s global influence can clearly be seen in its military and economic power. But one of the tightest connections that binds China with every corner of the planet is its relationship with one critical corporation: Apple. Host Marco Werman is joined by veteran journalist Jane Perlez to examine the relationship between a superpower and a super powerful company. It's part of our summer-long series with Perlez's podcast, "Face Off: the U-S versus China."

China’s global influence can clearly be seen in its military and economic power. But one of the tightest connections that binds China with every corner of the planet is its relationship with one critical corporation: Apple. Host Marco Werman is joined by veteran journalist Jane Perlez to examine the relationship between a superpower and a super powerful company. It's part of our summer-long series with Perlez's podcast, "Face Off: the U-S versus China."

How China made Apple a juggernaut

Rapper Ana Tijoux became famous internationally in 2010 with her album 1977. It was named for the year she was born, in France, to Chilean parents in exile during their home country's dictatorship. She was a global hip hop star but it's been 10 years now since she's put out an album. This year, she's released her latest, "Vida." Reporter Gisele Regatao caught up with her recently in New York City.

Rapper Ana Tijoux became famous internationally in 2010 with her album 1977. It was named for the year she was born, in France, to Chilean parents in exile during their home country's dictatorship. She was a global hip hop star but it's been 10 years now since she's put out an album. This year, she's released her latest, "Vida." Reporter Gisele Regatao caught up with her recently in New York City.

Approaching 50, French Chilean rapper returns

Scientists studying why the groundwater along the Buffels River in South Africa’s Namaqualand contains saline have determined that it is connected to termites. Using carbon dating, they concluded that some of the active termite mounds go back 34,000 years. More importantly, they found that the termites may provide an answer to how to sequester carbon. The World's host Marco Werman speaks to Michele Francis, an earth scientist affiliated with the department of Soil Science at Stellenbosch University in South Africa.

Scientists studying why the groundwater along the Buffels River in South Africa’s Namaqualand contains saline have determined that it is connected to termites. Using carbon dating, they concluded that some of the active termite mounds go back 34,000 years. More importantly, they found that the termites may provide an answer to how to sequester carbon. The World's host Marco Werman speaks to Michele Francis, an earth scientist affiliated with the department of Soil Science at Stellenbosch University in South Africa.

Termites may be the eco-engineers we're looking for

In Kenya today, thousands of people took to the streets to reject a finance bill underway in parliament. The bill proposes new taxes that Kenyans say will hurt them economically. This comes amid rising unemployment and a biting economy. Behind the demonstrations are Gen-Z members who are organizing on social media platforms like TikTok and X. Today, the demonstrations turned deadly as people occupied the parliament building and set it on fire. The World’s Africa Correspondent Halima Gikandi reports from Nairobi.

In Kenya today, thousands of people took to the streets to reject a finance bill underway in parliament. The bill proposes new taxes that Kenyans say will hurt them economically. This comes amid rising unemployment and a biting economy. Behind the demonstrations are Gen-Z members who are organizing on social media platforms like TikTok and X. Today, the demonstrations turned deadly as people occupied the parliament building and set it on fire. The World’s Africa Correspondent Halima Gikandi reports from Nairobi.

Anti-tax protests in Kenya

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has reached a plea deal with the US Department of Justice. He will plead guilty to one felony count in exchange for time served. The World's Sarah Birnbaum reports from Sydney that this deal is the culmination of years of lobbying by the Australian government for Assange's release.

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has reached a plea deal with the US Department of Justice. He will plead guilty to one felony count in exchange for time served. The World's Sarah Birnbaum reports from Sydney that this deal is the culmination of years of lobbying by the Australian government for Assange's release.

Aussies cheer as Julian Assange walks free

Efforts to offset some of the effects of climate change get futuristic with "geo-engineering" techniques — trying to actually alter how Earth's systems operate. One of those ideas, marine cloud brightening, is the focus of new research published in the journal Nature Climate Change. Host Carolyn Beeler talks with one of the co-authors, climate scientist Kate Ricke at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography and School of Global Policy and Strategy at UC San Diego.

Efforts to offset some of the effects of climate change get futuristic with "geo-engineering" techniques — trying to actually alter how Earth's systems operate. One of those ideas, marine cloud brightening, is the focus of new research published in the journal Nature Climate Change. Host Carolyn Beeler talks with one of the co-authors, climate scientist Kate Ricke at the Scripps Institute of Oceanography and School of Global Policy and Strategy at UC San Diego.

Model shows downside of geo-engineering clouds

Run afoul of the European Union's antitrust rules, and you are risking a hefty fine — 10% of your company's global revenue. That's where Microsoft and Apple both find themselves this week, as hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

Run afoul of the European Union's antitrust rules, and you are risking a hefty fine — 10% of your company's global revenue. That's where Microsoft and Apple both find themselves this week, as hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

Microsoft and Apple accused of anti-competitive practices in Europe

Fifteen years after he died, pop icon Michael Jackson is remembered for the troubling stories that defined his adult life, and also for the staying power of his music. Cameroonian singer and guitarist "Irma" pays homage to the King of Pop.

Fifteen years after he died, pop icon Michael Jackson is remembered for the troubling stories that defined his adult life, and also for the staying power of his music. Cameroonian singer and guitarist "Irma" pays homage to the King of Pop.

Global artist pays homage to Michael Jackson

Israel’s Supreme Court today ruled unanimously that the military must begin drafting ultra-Orthodox men for compulsory service. The landmark decision effectively puts an end to a longstanding exemption for the ultra-Orthodox. The arrangement had created a deep chasm among Israeli Jews over who should shoulder the burden of protecting the country. The World's Aaron Schachter has the story.

Israel’s Supreme Court today ruled unanimously that the military must begin drafting ultra-Orthodox men for compulsory service. The landmark decision effectively puts an end to a longstanding exemption for the ultra-Orthodox. The arrangement had created a deep chasm among Israeli Jews over who should shoulder the burden of protecting the country. The World's Aaron Schachter has the story.

Israeli supreme court ends army exemption for ultra-Orthodox men

Fans of Afghanistan's cricet team are celebrating today as their team has advanced to the semi-finals of the T20 Cricket World Cup for the first time ever. Some are calling this the “biggest day in the history of Afghanistan cricket.” The World's hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

Fans of Afghanistan's cricet team are celebrating today as their team has advanced to the semi-finals of the T20 Cricket World Cup for the first time ever. Some are calling this the “biggest day in the history of Afghanistan cricket.” The World's hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

Afghanistan reach semi-finals in T20 Cricket World Cup

The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russia’s former defense minister and its military chief of staff for attacking civilian targets in Ukraine. The warrants for Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov mark the third time the ICC has accused senior Russian leaders of war crimes. American University law professor Rebecca Hamilton speaks with The World’s host Carolyn Beeler.

The International Criminal Court has issued arrest warrants for Russia’s former defense minister and its military chief of staff for attacking civilian targets in Ukraine. The warrants for Sergei Shoigu and Valery Gerasimov mark the third time the ICC has accused senior Russian leaders of war crimes. American University law professor Rebecca Hamilton speaks with The World’s host Carolyn Beeler.

ICC targets top Russian generals with warrants

This month, around 300 families from Panama's Guna tribe, are moving out of a small island off of Panama's Caribbean coast, and settling in a village that the government has built for them on the mainland. They are Panama's first community to relocate due to climate change, though many others could soon follow suit. Manuel Rueda reports from their new village in Panama.

This month, around 300 families from Panama's Guna tribe, are moving out of a small island off of Panama's Caribbean coast, and settling in a village that the government has built for them on the mainland. They are Panama's first community to relocate due to climate change, though many others could soon follow suit. Manuel Rueda reports from their new village in Panama.

Climate change forces Panamanian tribe to leave island home

An Australia-based think tank reports that the average level of global peacefulness has deteriorated once again, with 56 active conflicts raging around the world — the most since the end of World War I, and with fewer conflicts being resolved. Host Marco Werman speaks with Steve Killelea, founder and executive chairman of the Institute of Economics &amp; Peace, publisher of the Global Peace Index 2024.

An Australia-based think tank reports that the average level of global peacefulness has deteriorated once again, with 56 active conflicts raging around the world — the most since the end of World War I, and with fewer conflicts being resolved. Host Marco Werman speaks with Steve Killelea, founder and executive chairman of the Institute of Economics & Peace, publisher of the Global Peace Index 2024.

Global Peace Index

A series of seemingly coordinated attacks on synagogues and Orthodox churches took place in the Russian republic of Dagestan over the weekend. Multiple gunmen opened fire, killing at least 20 people. Dozens more were injured and taken to local hospitals. The World's Daniel Ofman has the latest.

A series of seemingly coordinated attacks on synagogues and Orthodox churches took place in the Russian republic of Dagestan over the weekend. Multiple gunmen opened fire, killing at least 20 people. Dozens more were injured and taken to local hospitals. The World's Daniel Ofman has the latest.

Motive behind deadly attacks in Dagestan still unclear

One the world's most well-known and prestigious makers of sparkling wine — or cava, as it's called in Catalan — is laying off 80% of its workforce. There's plenty of demand for Spanish-German Freixenet's bottled beverage, just not enough water to get the grapes to grow. They have shriveled on the vine, as the lack of rain and restrictions on water use combine. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Sant Sadurní d’Ainoa, Spain.

One the world's most well-known and prestigious makers of sparkling wine — or cava, as it's called in Catalan — is laying off 80% of its workforce. There's plenty of demand for Spanish-German Freixenet's bottled beverage, just not enough water to get the grapes to grow. They have shriveled on the vine, as the lack of rain and restrictions on water use combine. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Sant Sadurní d’Ainoa, Spain.

Spain drought dries up the bubbly

Sword duels with real blades have been barred for centuries throughout Europe. But, as Leo Hornak reports, every year, across Germany and Austria,  hundreds of male university frat house members still undergo a secretive, violent and bloody sword-fighting ritual, using real sharpened blades.

Sword duels with real blades have been barred for centuries throughout Europe. But, as Leo Hornak reports, every year, across Germany and Austria,  hundreds of male university frat house members still undergo a secretive, violent and bloody sword-fighting ritual, using real sharpened blades.

German 'fight clubs' with swords

Only one team has come back from a three-game deficit to win hockey's biggest prize, the Stanley Cup. That was the 1942 Maple Leafs. Now, the Edmonton Oilers are on the cusp of doing the same thing and breaking a 31-year Stanley Cup drought for Canada. Host Carolyn Beeler gets the game preview from Toronto Star sports reporter Kevin McGran.

Only one team has come back from a three-game deficit to win hockey's biggest prize, the Stanley Cup. That was the 1942 Maple Leafs. Now, the Edmonton Oilers are on the cusp of doing the same thing and breaking a 31-year Stanley Cup drought for Canada. Host Carolyn Beeler gets the game preview from Toronto Star sports reporter Kevin McGran.

Edmonton Oilers seek to repeat hockey history

More than 1,300 pilgrims perished making the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia this month. The majority of those who died were "unauthorized," meaning they lacked the offical "Hajj visa" that the Saudi government requires. The families of many of the deceased say corrupt tour operators preyed on the “unauthorized” pilgrims, leaving many unable to protect themselves from the scorching heat, as Faisal Kutty of Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles explains to The World's host Marco Werman.

More than 1,300 pilgrims perished making the Hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia this month. The majority of those who died were "unauthorized," meaning they lacked the offical "Hajj visa" that the Saudi government requires. The families of many of the deceased say corrupt tour operators preyed on the “unauthorized” pilgrims, leaving many unable to protect themselves from the scorching heat, as Faisal Kutty of Southwestern Law School in Los Angeles explains to The World's host Marco Werman.

Extreme heat and corrupt tour operators contribute to tragic Hajj deaths

In the city of Casablanca, two sisters are shaking up a once male-only domain and playing gnawa concerts to global audiences. Their new album, recorded and produced in Sweden, was released recently, and they’ll be touring Europe to promote it this summer. The twist is that it’s their father, a respected gnawa master, who encouraged his daughters to learn the intricacies of this trance music and perform it. Alexa Dvorson reports from Casablanca.

In the city of Casablanca, two sisters are shaking up a once male-only domain and playing gnawa concerts to global audiences. Their new album, recorded and produced in Sweden, was released recently, and they’ll be touring Europe to promote it this summer. The twist is that it’s their father, a respected gnawa master, who encouraged his daughters to learn the intricacies of this trance music and perform it. Alexa Dvorson reports from Casablanca.

Two sisters shake up Morocco's male-only trance music scene

Girls are banned from any form of education in Afghanistan. This was imposed by the Taliban, who took control of the country in 2021 after the US withdrew. Many Afghans fled the country shortly after that moment and were able to settle in the US. Zalaikha Wahid was one of them. She had dreamed of being a doctor and was studying medicine at Kabul University before fleeing to the US. Wahid shared her experience with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

Girls are banned from any form of education in Afghanistan. This was imposed by the Taliban, who took control of the country in 2021 after the US withdrew. Many Afghans fled the country shortly after that moment and were able to settle in the US. Zalaikha Wahid was one of them. She had dreamed of being a doctor and was studying medicine at Kabul University before fleeing to the US. Wahid shared her experience with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

Stories from the Stage: Afghan woman wants to give hope to others

By most counts, Istanbul is home to more than half a million refugees, many of whom are Syrian. In the historic Balat neighborhood, the YOLO Cafe and Art Center offers a performance space for non-Turkish artists, and gathers an audience hungry for live events in Arabic. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports from the city.

By most counts, Istanbul is home to more than half a million refugees, many of whom are Syrian. In the historic Balat neighborhood, the YOLO Cafe and Art Center offers a performance space for non-Turkish artists, and gathers an audience hungry for live events in Arabic. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports from the city.

Syrian-owned cafe and art center bring Arabic diaspora together in Istanbul

Public toilets: At best, they’re functional, at worst, dirty, dark and even unsafe. But in Shibuya, a busy ward in Tokyo, officials want public toilets to inspire wonder. They've recently started a tour of 17 bathroom facilities designed by world-class artists and architects. One is housed inside a glowing cube, another resembles a fairy-like woodland dwelling and, yet another toilet, operated by voice, will clean your backside on command. The World's Patrick Winn reports.

Public toilets: At best, they’re functional, at worst, dirty, dark and even unsafe. But in Shibuya, a busy ward in Tokyo, officials want public toilets to inspire wonder. They've recently started a tour of 17 bathroom facilities designed by world-class artists and architects. One is housed inside a glowing cube, another resembles a fairy-like woodland dwelling and, yet another toilet, operated by voice, will clean your backside on command. The World's Patrick Winn reports.

In Tokyo, some public toilets inspire wonder

At first glance, the fashion and sport industries may not have a lot in common. But behind each label and couture house are dedicated, skilled professionals — just like on a sports team. The World's Bianca Hillier reports on how the two disciplines will intersect as the fashion capital of the world hosts this summer's Olympics.

At first glance, the fashion and sport industries may not have a lot in common. But behind each label and couture house are dedicated, skilled professionals — just like on a sports team. The World's Bianca Hillier reports on how the two disciplines will intersect as the fashion capital of the world hosts this summer's Olympics.

Fashion and sport intersect on the global stage in Paris

It's officially summer in the Northern Hemisphere and cutting grass can definitely feel like a chore on a long, hot day. For some lawn owners across North America, rewilding is an environmentally friendly alternative to maintaining a well-manicured lawn. While proponents say natural gardens and lawns increase biodiversity and drought resistance, it's often seen by neighbors as an eyesore, and local regulations forbid it. The World's host Carol Hills speaks to Nina-Marie Lister, who directs the Ecological Design Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University. Lister recalled her own experience running afoul of local bylaws regulating lawn care.

It's officially summer in the Northern Hemisphere and cutting grass can definitely feel like a chore on a long, hot day. For some lawn owners across North America, rewilding is an environmentally friendly alternative to maintaining a well-manicured lawn. While proponents say natural gardens and lawns increase biodiversity and drought resistance, it's often seen by neighbors as an eyesore, and local regulations forbid it. The World's host Carol Hills speaks to Nina-Marie Lister, who directs the Ecological Design Lab at Toronto Metropolitan University. Lister recalled her own experience running afoul of local bylaws regulating lawn care.

Proponents of rewilding in Canada come up against local regulations

A Namibian court declared two laws criminalizing same-sex relations unconstitutional, a major win for LGBTQ+ advocates. Host Carol Hills has the details.

A Namibian court declared two laws criminalizing same-sex relations unconstitutional, a major win for LGBTQ+ advocates. Host Carol Hills has the details.