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.

China and Russia are both vying for an economic boost during President Vladimir Putin’s two-day state visit. Putin wants Chinese leader Xi Jinping to finally endorse a long-proposed gas pipeline and to further strengthen trade and financial ties. Isabel Hilton of the China Dialogue Trust tells The World’s Marco Werman that obstacles stand in the way of a closer embrace.

China and Russia are both vying for an economic boost during President Vladimir Putin’s two-day state visit. Putin wants Chinese leader Xi Jinping to finally endorse a long-proposed gas pipeline and to further strengthen trade and financial ties. Isabel Hilton of the China Dialogue Trust tells The World’s Marco Werman that obstacles stand in the way of a closer embrace.

Putin pushes for closer trade and energy ties in China visit 

The Punjabi Wave is a style of music blending South Asian sounds and languages with hip-hop beats. And some of the biggest artists in the genre have roots in the Indian state of Punjab, but live and produce their music in Canada. Anita Elash reports from Toronto.

The Punjabi Wave is a style of music blending South Asian sounds and languages with hip-hop beats. And some of the biggest artists in the genre have roots in the Indian state of Punjab, but live and produce their music in Canada. Anita Elash reports from Toronto.

The Punjabi wave topping charts in South Asia and Canada

A roundup of stories and things that may not have caught your attention from hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler.

A roundup of stories and things that may not have caught your attention from hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler.

News you may have missed 

The Darien jungle, between North and South America, has become one of the main routes for migrants heading to the United States, with more than 520,000 people crossing just last year. Many are now documenting their migration journeys with their phones and posting videos on social media platforms. From Bogotá, Colombia, Manuel Rueda reports.

The Darien jungle, between North and South America, has become one of the main routes for migrants heading to the United States, with more than 520,000 people crossing just last year. Many are now documenting their migration journeys with their phones and posting videos on social media platforms. From Bogotá, Colombia, Manuel Rueda reports.

Social media influencers document American migration routes

Brooklyn's World Spa is "a theme park for spas," according to the managing director, Lenny Vays. The 50,000-square-foot facility offers spa treatments and experiences from across Europe and Asia. The World's Bianca Hillier pays a visit.

Brooklyn's World Spa is "a theme park for spas," according to the managing director, Lenny Vays. The 50,000-square-foot facility offers spa treatments and experiences from across Europe and Asia. The World's Bianca Hillier pays a visit.

Brooklyn spa aims to transport guests across the globe

Joe Biden this week quadrupled tariffs on Chinese made EVs, largely keeping them out of the US market. But around the world, consumers are driving them and loving them. In Australia, for instance, they have taken the market by storm. The World's Sarah Birnbaum reports on the car that Americans can't drive.

Joe Biden this week quadrupled tariffs on Chinese made EVs, largely keeping them out of the US market. But around the world, consumers are driving them and loving them. In Australia, for instance, they have taken the market by storm. The World's Sarah Birnbaum reports on the car that Americans can't drive.

What are Chinese electric vehicles like to drive?

The European Union is taking some 20 airlines to task for using terms like "green fares" and "greenest and cleanest" to describe their commitment to the environment. The EU has embarked on a long-term plan to transition to sustainable aviation fuels, and the first benchmark is next year when 2% of the fuel powering aircraft has to be green. Carolyn Beeler speaks with Andrew Charlton, managing director of Aviation Advocacy, about the kinds of sustainable claims the airlines are making.

The European Union is taking some 20 airlines to task for using terms like "green fares" and "greenest and cleanest" to describe their commitment to the environment. The EU has embarked on a long-term plan to transition to sustainable aviation fuels, and the first benchmark is next year when 2% of the fuel powering aircraft has to be green. Carolyn Beeler speaks with Andrew Charlton, managing director of Aviation Advocacy, about the kinds of sustainable claims the airlines are making.

The EU charges airlines with 'greenwashing'

Scientists have finally cracked the mystery surrounding the ancient baobab trees. The iconic baobabs, known for their peculiar shapes and remarkable longevity, have been traced back to Madagascar around 21 million years ago. Over time, their seeds dispersed via ocean currents, giving rise to distinct species in Australia and mainland Africa. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

Scientists have finally cracked the mystery surrounding the ancient baobab trees. The iconic baobabs, known for their peculiar shapes and remarkable longevity, have been traced back to Madagascar around 21 million years ago. Over time, their seeds dispersed via ocean currents, giving rise to distinct species in Australia and mainland Africa. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

The mystery of the Baobab tree

We join Paul Salopek, a National Geographic explorer, on the next leg of his journey across western Kazakhstan. Salopek meets horse wranglers, archaeologists working with flint metal, sufi mystics and musicians all along the ancient silk road, crossing into Central Asia. Host Marco Werman talks with Paul Salopek his experiences.

We join Paul Salopek, a National Geographic explorer, on the next leg of his journey across western Kazakhstan. Salopek meets horse wranglers, archaeologists working with flint metal, sufi mystics and musicians all along the ancient silk road, crossing into Central Asia. Host Marco Werman talks with Paul Salopek his experiences.

Out of Eden Walk: Kazakhstan

When the Israeli military seized control of the border crossing at Rafah, on the southern edge of the Gaza Strip, the Egyptian government seemed to be taken by surprise. Egypt's government has stopped cooperating with aid shipments going into Rafah. Experts say the 45-year-old Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty is being put at risk. The World's Matthew Bell reports. And we hear from a US aid worker and a Palestinian in Gaza City what it's like for them, more than seven months after the Israeli attacks on Gaza began.

When the Israeli military seized control of the border crossing at Rafah, on the southern edge of the Gaza Strip, the Egyptian government seemed to be taken by surprise. Egypt's government has stopped cooperating with aid shipments going into Rafah. Experts say the 45-year-old Egyptian-Israeli peace treaty is being put at risk. The World's Matthew Bell reports. And we hear from a US aid worker and a Palestinian in Gaza City what it's like for them, more than seven months after the Israeli attacks on Gaza began.

The Gaza war destabilizes strip and puts Israel-Egypt peace treaty at risk

On Wednesday, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a landmark bill to establish universal health insurance in the country. He says it will help make the country’s divided health care system more equal. But he faces a lot of criticism at home. This all comes as his party, which has ruled the country since apartheid, faces its toughest election yet later this month. The World’s Africa correspondent Halima Gikandi reports.

On Wednesday, South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa signed a landmark bill to establish universal health insurance in the country. He says it will help make the country’s divided health care system more equal. But he faces a lot of criticism at home. This all comes as his party, which has ruled the country since apartheid, faces its toughest election yet later this month. The World’s Africa correspondent Halima Gikandi reports.

South Africa's president signs landmark national health insurance bill

Three sisters from Saudi Arabia have faced arrest, imprisonment and travel bans because of their online activism. One has fled the country, another is in prison and one faces a travel ban. The case of these sisters has raised questions about previous promises of social freedoms in the kingdom. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Three sisters from Saudi Arabia have faced arrest, imprisonment and travel bans because of their online activism. One has fled the country, another is in prison and one faces a travel ban. The case of these sisters has raised questions about previous promises of social freedoms in the kingdom. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Saudi sisters face backlash for social posts 

In a surprise move, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken showed up at an underground bar in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Tuesday night. He joined Ukrainian rock band 19.99 for a rendition of Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World." As we hear from hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman, the band was disappointed not to be on stage with the rock legend, but they called Blinken a natural.

In a surprise move, the US Secretary of State Antony Blinken showed up at an underground bar in Kyiv, Ukraine, on Tuesday night. He joined Ukrainian rock band 19.99 for a rendition of Neil Young's "Rockin' in the Free World." As we hear from hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman, the band was disappointed not to be on stage with the rock legend, but they called Blinken a natural.

Secretary of State Blinken rocks Kyiv

The condition of Slovakia's Prime Minster Robert Fico is said to be critical after he was shot several times on Wednesday in what is being described as an assassination attempt. The suspected shooter is said to have been arrested. Fico is close to Russia's Kremlin and a critic of Western support for Ukraine in the war against Russia. The World's Orla Barry talks with host Carolyn Beeler with the latest developments.

The condition of Slovakia's Prime Minster Robert Fico is said to be critical after he was shot several times on Wednesday in what is being described as an assassination attempt. The suspected shooter is said to have been arrested. Fico is close to Russia's Kremlin and a critic of Western support for Ukraine in the war against Russia. The World's Orla Barry talks with host Carolyn Beeler with the latest developments.

Slovakia's prime minister shot and seriously injured 

Singer-song writer Stevie Wonder celebrated his 74th birthday this week by traveling to Ghana and receiving citizenship in the West African nation. The Grammy-winning music icon has a long, deep relationship with sub-Saharan Africa’s anti-colonial movements, as author Kevin Gaines tells The World’s Marco Werman.

Singer-song writer Stevie Wonder celebrated his 74th birthday this week by traveling to Ghana and receiving citizenship in the West African nation. The Grammy-winning music icon has a long, deep relationship with sub-Saharan Africa’s anti-colonial movements, as author Kevin Gaines tells The World’s Marco Werman.

Stevie Wonder celebrates new Ghanaian citizenship

A third of the world's population cooks with fuels that produce harmful fumes when burned. Breathing in the fine particles produced by cooking with wood, charcoal, coal, animal dung and agricultural waste can penetrate the lungs and cause multiple respiratory and cardiovascular problems, including cancer and strokes. Women and children are most at risk. Fifty countries gathered in Paris on Tuesday to raise funds to replace dangerous cooking with clean ones. Marco Werman speaks with Dymphna van der Lans, CEO of the Clean Cooking Alliance, who was at the summit.

A third of the world's population cooks with fuels that produce harmful fumes when burned. Breathing in the fine particles produced by cooking with wood, charcoal, coal, animal dung and agricultural waste can penetrate the lungs and cause multiple respiratory and cardiovascular problems, including cancer and strokes. Women and children are most at risk. Fifty countries gathered in Paris on Tuesday to raise funds to replace dangerous cooking with clean ones. Marco Werman speaks with Dymphna van der Lans, CEO of the Clean Cooking Alliance, who was at the summit.

The push to end harmful cooking methods worldwide

Singapore has a new prime minister: Lawrence Wong. At 51, he's known as an affable workaholic who loves dogs and plays Taylor Swift songs on his guitar. Less clear is his political vision for the small city state, increasingly tugged in opposite directions by the US and China. The World's Patrick Winn reports on the political and economic headwinds Wong faces.

Singapore has a new prime minister: Lawrence Wong. At 51, he's known as an affable workaholic who loves dogs and plays Taylor Swift songs on his guitar. Less clear is his political vision for the small city state, increasingly tugged in opposite directions by the US and China. The World's Patrick Winn reports on the political and economic headwinds Wong faces.

Singapore gets a new leader — the 1st time in 20 years 

Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, has been rocked by major protests opposing the foreign agent bill, which has now passed the parliament. The president of Georgia is expected to veto the bill but the parliament can override the veto with a majority vote. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Olya Churakova, a Russian journalist, about her experiences as a Russian journalist who was labeled a foreign agent in Russia under a similar law.

Georgia's capital, Tbilisi, has been rocked by major protests opposing the foreign agent bill, which has now passed the parliament. The president of Georgia is expected to veto the bill but the parliament can override the veto with a majority vote. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Olya Churakova, a Russian journalist, about her experiences as a Russian journalist who was labeled a foreign agent in Russia under a similar law.

Georgia rocked by major protests opposing foreign agent law

Europe is gearing up for EU-wide elections next month but in Germany, politicians on the campaign trail are taking additional precautions. In the past month, several German lawmakers have been physically assaulted while out campaigning. One leading EU candidate with the center-left Social Democratic Party was hospitalized after being attacked by four men in Dresden. Political experts say the rise in physical violence against lawmakers and their campaign teams could threaten the future of democracy in Germany. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Europe is gearing up for EU-wide elections next month but in Germany, politicians on the campaign trail are taking additional precautions. In the past month, several German lawmakers have been physically assaulted while out campaigning. One leading EU candidate with the center-left Social Democratic Party was hospitalized after being attacked by four men in Dresden. Political experts say the rise in physical violence against lawmakers and their campaign teams could threaten the future of democracy in Germany. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports.

German lawmakers under attack

A new art installation called “The Portal” is reimagining and reinvigorating the humble video call. "The Portal" is made up of two circular screens: one in New York City and one in Dublin, Ireland. They were set up last week and have since been livestreaming their scenes 24/7 so people can see what’s happening across the pond. But the idea has hit a rough patch. The World's Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the story.

A new art installation called “The Portal” is reimagining and reinvigorating the humble video call. "The Portal" is made up of two circular screens: one in New York City and one in Dublin, Ireland. They were set up last week and have since been livestreaming their scenes 24/7 so people can see what’s happening across the pond. But the idea has hit a rough patch. The World's Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the story.

Art installation livestreams New York and Irish streets to each other

In the South Caucasus, neighboring countries Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought two wars in the years since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The conflict was about the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, a majority-ethnic Armenian region inside Azerbaijan. In September, Azerbaijan’s military seized Nagorno-Karabakh, which resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of Armenians. Now, the two countries are engaged in peace talks. The World’s Daniel Ofman reports that many Armenians are not happy.

In the South Caucasus, neighboring countries Armenia and Azerbaijan have fought two wars in the years since the collapse of the Soviet Union. The conflict was about the status of Nagorno-Karabakh, a majority-ethnic Armenian region inside Azerbaijan. In September, Azerbaijan’s military seized Nagorno-Karabakh, which resulted in the displacement of tens of thousands of Armenians. Now, the two countries are engaged in peace talks. The World’s Daniel Ofman reports that many Armenians are not happy.

Armenia-Azerbaijan peace deal talks amid mass protests in Yerevan

The 92-year-old acclaimed Canadian short story author Alice Munro has died. Munro published 13 collections of short stories and one novel. She won the Nobel Prize in literature in 2013. Host Carolyn Beeler has the story.

The 92-year-old acclaimed Canadian short story author Alice Munro has died. Munro published 13 collections of short stories and one novel. She won the Nobel Prize in literature in 2013. Host Carolyn Beeler has the story.

Canadian author and Nobel Prize winner Alice Munro dies

Students from China and its island of Hong Kong travel thousands of miles to study in European and North American universities. Yet they regularly face surveillance and harassment from authorities back home. In a new report from Amnesty International, dozens of students describe the intimidation they and family members encounter. Amnesty’s China director, Sarah Brooks, talks with The World’s Carolyn Beeler.

Students from China and its island of Hong Kong travel thousands of miles to study in European and North American universities. Yet they regularly face surveillance and harassment from authorities back home. In a new report from Amnesty International, dozens of students describe the intimidation they and family members encounter. Amnesty’s China director, Sarah Brooks, talks with The World’s Carolyn Beeler.

The long reach of China's surveillance state

Ever since the Port Arthur massacre three decades ago, Australia has had strict gun control laws. The mass shooting prompted then-Prime Minister John Howard to fundamentally reform Australia's gun laws, including a complete ban on semi-automatics and shotguns. But there was no registry for those who still owned weapons. The World's Sarah Birnbaum says the recent killing of two police officers is behind a current push for a national gun registry.

Ever since the Port Arthur massacre three decades ago, Australia has had strict gun control laws. The mass shooting prompted then-Prime Minister John Howard to fundamentally reform Australia's gun laws, including a complete ban on semi-automatics and shotguns. But there was no registry for those who still owned weapons. The World's Sarah Birnbaum says the recent killing of two police officers is behind a current push for a national gun registry.

Australia tries to implement national gun registry

An activist in Thailand has died following a hunger strike that lasted more than two months. The 28-year-old woman, Netiporn "Bung" Sanesangkhom, wanted to draw attention to Thailand’s law against insulting the country’s monarchy — a law she’d been charged with herself. Thailand has some of the world's strictest laws against royal defamation — with some offenders receiving decadeslong prison sentences. The World’s Patrick Winn is following the story from Bangkok.

An activist in Thailand has died following a hunger strike that lasted more than two months. The 28-year-old woman, Netiporn "Bung" Sanesangkhom, wanted to draw attention to Thailand’s law against insulting the country’s monarchy — a law she’d been charged with herself. Thailand has some of the world's strictest laws against royal defamation — with some offenders receiving decadeslong prison sentences. The World’s Patrick Winn is following the story from Bangkok.

Thai activist dies from hunger strike

The global solidarity movement against sexual abuse and harassment really took off in 2017, with the trial of Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. But it faltered in France. Now, a short film on the topic at Cannes, and a list of alleged sexual abusers is set to be read at the festival, and it has the film industry, and all of France, perhaps, poised to take #MeToo to the next level. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

The global solidarity movement against sexual abuse and harassment really took off in 2017, with the trial of Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein. But it faltered in France. Now, a short film on the topic at Cannes, and a list of alleged sexual abusers is set to be read at the festival, and it has the film industry, and all of France, perhaps, poised to take #MeToo to the next level. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Cannes braces for #MeToo

The Russian advance on Kharkiv appears to be gaining momentum as Moscow seizes a window of opportunity before new US weapons shipments arrive in Ukraine. Russia’s battlefield success has sent civilians fleeing and led Kyiv to replace the commander overseeing the front line. Maria Mezentseva is a member of the Ukrainian parliament, representing Kharkiv. She talks with host Marco Werman about what’s at stake.

The Russian advance on Kharkiv appears to be gaining momentum as Moscow seizes a window of opportunity before new US weapons shipments arrive in Ukraine. Russia’s battlefield success has sent civilians fleeing and led Kyiv to replace the commander overseeing the front line. Maria Mezentseva is a member of the Ukrainian parliament, representing Kharkiv. She talks with host Marco Werman about what’s at stake.

Russia hammers northeastern Kharkiv front line 

The French road safety association "Victims and Citizens" launched a campaign this week asking motorists to "drive like a woman." The idea is to reduce the number of traffic deaths. The organization notes that 84% of deadly road accidents in France are caused by men. And nearly all alcohol-related accidents are caused by men as well. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.

The French road safety association "Victims and Citizens" launched a campaign this week asking motorists to "drive like a woman." The idea is to reduce the number of traffic deaths. The organization notes that 84% of deadly road accidents in France are caused by men. And nearly all alcohol-related accidents are caused by men as well. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.

French told to 'drive like a woman' to prevent traffic deaths

Canada faced a ferocious wildfire season last year. So, far this year appears to be headed on the same trajectory as communities faced evacuations and property losses in the western provinces. One trigger has been smoldering underground fires from last years blazes. They're dubbed "zombie fires." Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Jennifer Baltzer, a forest ecologist, about the role of zombie fires and what this wildfire season could look like in Canada.

Canada faced a ferocious wildfire season last year. So, far this year appears to be headed on the same trajectory as communities faced evacuations and property losses in the western provinces. One trigger has been smoldering underground fires from last years blazes. They're dubbed "zombie fires." Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Jennifer Baltzer, a forest ecologist, about the role of zombie fires and what this wildfire season could look like in Canada.

Canada's wildfire season returns, sparking evacuations 

Vladimir Putin has dismissed his longtime Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu and reappointed him as a national security adviser. In his place, Putin has appointed Andrei R. Belousov, an economist, to run the Ministry of Defense. The World's Marco Werman talks with Sam Greene, a professor in Russian politics and director of the Russia Institute at King's College London, about what the shake-up means for Russia's war effort and Kremlin intrigue.

Vladimir Putin has dismissed his longtime Minister of Defense Sergei Shoigu and reappointed him as a national security adviser. In his place, Putin has appointed Andrei R. Belousov, an economist, to run the Ministry of Defense. The World's Marco Werman talks with Sam Greene, a professor in Russian politics and director of the Russia Institute at King's College London, about what the shake-up means for Russia's war effort and Kremlin intrigue.