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 Initial Teaching Alphabet was an initiative in the UK in the 1960s and '70s that was intended to make reading more intuitive for young students. It had almost double the number of letters as the standard ABCs. But many students never successfully transitioned away from it, and have lifelong problems with spelling as a result. Dominic Wyse, a professor at the Institute of Education at University College London, tells Host Marco Werman how the ITA came about and why it failed.

The Initial Teaching Alphabet was an initiative in the UK in the 1960s and '70s that was intended to make reading more intuitive for young students. It had almost double the number of letters as the standard ABCs. But many students never successfully transitioned away from it, and have lifelong problems with spelling as a result. Dominic Wyse, a professor at the Institute of Education at University College London, tells Host Marco Werman how the ITA came about and why it failed.

The experimental alphabet that made students bad at spelling

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman catch you up on some top news from Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa.

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman catch you up on some top news from Nigeria, Democratic Republic of Congo and South Africa.

Top headlines from Africa

Syria is set to hold its first parliamentary elections since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, starting today. It’s a major step towards a new system being led by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa right now. Critics say the current setup isn't inclusive enough, but instead gives the president too much control, while leaving some religious minorities underrepresented. The World’s Shirin Jaafari explains.

Syria is set to hold its first parliamentary elections since the fall of former President Bashar al-Assad, starting today. It’s a major step towards a new system being led by interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa right now. Critics say the current setup isn't inclusive enough, but instead gives the president too much control, while leaving some religious minorities underrepresented. The World’s Shirin Jaafari explains.

Syria's government in 'fragile spot' heading into parliamentary elections

In 1881, King David Kalākaua of Hawaii embarked on a nine-month world tour. He met US President Chester A. Arthur, had tea with Queen Victoria in England and opened dialogue with China, Japan and Portugal. Douglas Askman is a professor of history at Hawaii Pacific University. He's studied King Kalākaua's global diplomacy tour of 1881 and speaks to Host Marco Werman.

In 1881, King David Kalākaua of Hawaii embarked on a nine-month world tour. He met US President Chester A. Arthur, had tea with Queen Victoria in England and opened dialogue with China, Japan and Portugal. Douglas Askman is a professor of history at Hawaii Pacific University. He's studied King Kalākaua's global diplomacy tour of 1881 and speaks to Host Marco Werman.

Looking back at an 1881 global tour for Hawaii's last king

With global demand for waterbomber planes on the rise, Canadian company De Havilland is ramping up production of its next generation waterbomber plane. This thing can scoop up water — say from a nearby lake — and drop it on wildfires. Paul Petersen is the executive director of the United Aerial Firefighters Association, and he tells Host Carolyn Beeler about the capabilities of this new generation of waterbombers.

With global demand for waterbomber planes on the rise, Canadian company De Havilland is ramping up production of its next generation waterbomber plane. This thing can scoop up water — say from a nearby lake — and drop it on wildfires. Paul Petersen is the executive director of the United Aerial Firefighters Association, and he tells Host Carolyn Beeler about the capabilities of this new generation of waterbombers.

As wildfires intensify, new and improved waterbombers are in demand

A new global treaty brokered by the World Trade Organization aims to address overfishing worldwide. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler talks with Callum Roberts, a professor of marine conservation at the University of Exeter, about what's in the treaty and what it could accomplish.

A new global treaty brokered by the World Trade Organization aims to address overfishing worldwide. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler talks with Callum Roberts, a professor of marine conservation at the University of Exeter, about what's in the treaty and what it could accomplish.

First-of-its-kind agreement to deal with overfishing goes into effect

There's an old saying: "It's a marathon, not a sprint." But sometimes a marathon turns into a sprint. That's what has happened at both the women's and men's marathons at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo over the weekend. Both races came down to the wire. The World's Sports Reporter Bianca Hillier breaks it down.

There's an old saying: "It's a marathon, not a sprint." But sometimes a marathon turns into a sprint. That's what has happened at both the women's and men's marathons at the 2025 World Athletics Championships in Tokyo over the weekend. Both races came down to the wire. The World's Sports Reporter Bianca Hillier breaks it down.

Marathons turn into sprints at the World Athletics Championships

Thousands of spectators lined the streets of Vienna over the weekend as tram drivers from 25 different countries competed in eight different challenges. They ranged from the simple (smoothly stopping and accelerating) to the creative (tram curling and tram bowling). In the end, Austria took home gold on home turf. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports.

Thousands of spectators lined the streets of Vienna over the weekend as tram drivers from 25 different countries competed in eight different challenges. They ranged from the simple (smoothly stopping and accelerating) to the creative (tram curling and tram bowling). In the end, Austria took home gold on home turf. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports.

Austria dominates first global tram-driving competition

The notoriously tough La Vuelta race has 21 grueling stages, made tougher this year by groups of pro-Palestinian protestors trying to stop an Israeli team for taking part. Six stages were disrupted or canceled, including the final stage and the dash to the finish line. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has praised the protestors, but many are unhappy — including race organizers. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

The notoriously tough La Vuelta race has 21 grueling stages, made tougher this year by groups of pro-Palestinian protestors trying to stop an Israeli team for taking part. Six stages were disrupted or canceled, including the final stage and the dash to the finish line. Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has praised the protestors, but many are unhappy — including race organizers. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Anti-Israel protests disrupt Spain's grand tour bike race

Over the weekend in London, tens of thousands of people took to the streets for the anti-immigrant "Unite the Kingdom" rally organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, featuring Elon Musk as a guest speaker. Elizabeth Pearson, who researches the far-right in the UK, helped situate the rally in the context of British social movements and politics. Pearson is the author of "Extreme Britain: Gender, Masculinity and Radicalisation."

Over the weekend in London, tens of thousands of people took to the streets for the anti-immigrant "Unite the Kingdom" rally organized by far-right activist Tommy Robinson, featuring Elon Musk as a guest speaker. Elizabeth Pearson, who researches the far-right in the UK, helped situate the rally in the context of British social movements and politics. Pearson is the author of "Extreme Britain: Gender, Masculinity and Radicalisation."

More than 100,000 people attend anti-immigrant rally in London

Underwater recordings made more than 50 years ago captured the sounds produced by humpback whales, for communication. But the mechanism by which they vocalize has only recently been researched and understood. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Magnus Wahlberg, of the Southern University of Denmark. He is part of the research team that figured out how the whales make their songs.This story originally aired on Feb. 22, 2024.

Underwater recordings made more than 50 years ago captured the sounds produced by humpback whales, for communication. But the mechanism by which they vocalize has only recently been researched and understood. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Magnus Wahlberg, of the Southern University of Denmark. He is part of the research team that figured out how the whales make their songs.
This story originally aired on Feb. 22, 2024.

How the humpback whale makes its song

Brazil’s Supreme Court has sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup to overturn his 2022 election loss. It’s the first time a Brazilian president has been criminally convicted for trying to subvert democracy. The ruling has divided the country and raised tensions with the United States. The World's Tibisay Zea reports on what the verdict means for Brazilians.

Brazil’s Supreme Court has sentenced former President Jair Bolsonaro to 27 years in prison for plotting a coup to overturn his 2022 election loss. It’s the first time a Brazilian president has been criminally convicted for trying to subvert democracy. The ruling has divided the country and raised tensions with the United States. The World's Tibisay Zea reports on what the verdict means for Brazilians.

Bolsonaro convicted and sentenced to prison in landmark ruling

Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama has just introduced a new member of his cabinet: Diella, an AI-powered chatbot. Rama has hailed it as the world's first AI-generated minister, claiming that getting humans out of the picture might help fix corruption. Amy Kokalari researches digitalization and AI in the Western Balkans. She spoke to The World's Host Carolyn Beeler from the Albanian capital Tirana.

Albania's Prime Minister Edi Rama has just introduced a new member of his cabinet: Diella, an AI-powered chatbot. Rama has hailed it as the world's first AI-generated minister, claiming that getting humans out of the picture might help fix corruption. Amy Kokalari researches digitalization and AI in the Western Balkans. She spoke to The World's Host Carolyn Beeler from the Albanian capital Tirana.

Albania rolls out world's first AI-powered government minister

Tube operators are back to work today after a five-day strike over pay and hours for the city's subway system. The stoppage caused mayhem on London's streets, with thousands of people opting to rent e-bikes to get to work. But the dramatic influx of traffic overwhelmed bike lanes, and brought busy streets to a standstill.

Tube operators are back to work today after a five-day strike over pay and hours for the city's subway system. The stoppage caused mayhem on London's streets, with thousands of people opting to rent e-bikes to get to work. But the dramatic influx of traffic overwhelmed bike lanes, and brought busy streets to a standstill.

Tube strike causes rush hour chaos in London

We've been keeping an eye on British singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka since 2012, when he released his debut album, "Home Again." He's now out with his fourth record, "Small Changes." Host Carolyn Beeler brings us a listen, while sharing a little bit of Kiwanuka's background growing up as a child of Ugandan parents living in exile.

We've been keeping an eye on British singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka since 2012, when he released his debut album, "Home Again." He's now out with his fourth record, "Small Changes." Host Carolyn Beeler brings us a listen, while sharing a little bit of Kiwanuka's background growing up as a child of Ugandan parents living in exile.

British singer-songwriter Michael Kiwanuka's new album: 'Small Changes'

It's been the worst forest fire season in Spain's history. But in the center of the country stands Europe's largest pine forest, unscathed. At first glance, it's hard to understand why the 100,000 hectares (about 247,000 acres) around Burgos haven't gone up in flames. It's hot and dry there too, with no rain. The answer: The Draw of Pines, an ancient system of local forest stewardship. Now, that tradition the risk of irrelevance, as society changes. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Soria, Spain.

It's been the worst forest fire season in Spain's history. But in the center of the country stands Europe's largest pine forest, unscathed. At first glance, it's hard to understand why the 100,000 hectares (about 247,000 acres) around Burgos haven't gone up in flames. It's hot and dry there too, with no rain. The answer: The Draw of Pines, an ancient system of local forest stewardship. Now, that tradition the risk of irrelevance, as society changes. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Soria, Spain.

An ancient tradition saved a Spanish forest. Now the tradition needs saving.

Beginning today, Russia and Belarus are holding military drills they call "Zapad," meaning "West." These drills are nothing new, but the last time they happened, in 2022, Moscow sent troops into Ukraine. Poland, Latvia and Lithuania all share a border with Belarus. As DW’s Lisa Louis reports  from the Lithuanian border, tensions are running high in all three countries once again.

Beginning today, Russia and Belarus are holding military drills they call "Zapad," meaning "West." These drills are nothing new, but the last time they happened, in 2022, Moscow sent troops into Ukraine. Poland, Latvia and Lithuania all share a border with Belarus. As DW’s Lisa Louis reports  from the Lithuanian border, tensions are running high in all three countries once again.

Fear and loathing on the Lithuanian border

According World Athletics — the global governing body for track and field — the presence or absence of the SRY gene is a reliable proxy for determining biological sex. A new policy requiring that competitors in the female category undergo testing for the gene is being implemented ahead of the World Athletic Championships, starting tomorrow in Tokyo. Supporters say the new policy guarantees fairness. Critics say it's unethical and unscientific. This is part of a long history of sex-testing in elite women's sports. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

According World Athletics — the global governing body for track and field — the presence or absence of the SRY gene is a reliable proxy for determining biological sex. A new policy requiring that competitors in the female category undergo testing for the gene is being implemented ahead of the World Athletic Championships, starting tomorrow in Tokyo. Supporters say the new policy guarantees fairness. Critics say it's unethical and unscientific. This is part of a long history of sex-testing in elite women's sports. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

New track and field sex-testing requirements revive longtime controversy in women's sports

Tokyo’s trains are known for three things: They’re punctual. They’re packed. And they’re quiet. But for the next month, the quiet of one of the city’s subway lines will be shattered, and it will be known for something — or, rather, someone — entirely different: Ed Sheeran. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel explains.

Tokyo’s trains are known for three things: They’re punctual. They’re packed. And they’re quiet. But for the next month, the quiet of one of the city’s subway lines will be shattered, and it will be known for something — or, rather, someone — entirely different: Ed Sheeran. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel explains.

Ed Sheeran plans a Tokyo subway takeover

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman bring us two stories of animals making mischief.

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman bring us two stories of animals making mischief.

What does a moose in Austria and bees in Canada have in common?

Researchers working in Canada have trialed technology to thicken Arctic sea ice. They pump seawater out from under the ice, then let that water freeze into a layer up top. That extra thickness slows down the melting process in the summer. As part of our Big Fix series, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Andrea Ceccolini, CEO of Real Ice, about whether his company's climate solution is effective and scalable.

Researchers working in Canada have trialed technology to thicken Arctic sea ice. They pump seawater out from under the ice, then let that water freeze into a layer up top. That extra thickness slows down the melting process in the summer. As part of our Big Fix series, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Andrea Ceccolini, CEO of Real Ice, about whether his company's climate solution is effective and scalable.

To keep Arctic sea ice from disappearing, make it thicker

Last week, a government commission in Peru voted to nix plans for a vast 3 million acre conservation reserve in the Amazon that would have protected uncontacted peoples there. Peru is among the countries with the most uncontacted tribes. Activists warn that similar protection plans could be on the chopping block in the future. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke to John Reid, who has co-authored a series about uncontacted and isolated tribes, co-published by The Guardian and Brazilian newspaper O Globo. He’s an environmental economist and joins the show from Occidental, California.

Last week, a government commission in Peru voted to nix plans for a vast 3 million acre conservation reserve in the Amazon that would have protected uncontacted peoples there. Peru is among the countries with the most uncontacted tribes. Activists warn that similar protection plans could be on the chopping block in the future. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke to John Reid, who has co-authored a series about uncontacted and isolated tribes, co-published by The Guardian and Brazilian newspaper O Globo. He’s an environmental economist and joins the show from Occidental, California.

Plans to protect isolated peoples in Peru now in peril

Negros Tou Moria, or Black Morris, as he’s known in English, is from Athens, Greece. He mixes trap beats with traditional Greek folk-music. Black Morris is not a Greek citizen, though, even though he was born there. His parents are immigrants from Ghana, and Greece does not have birthright citizenship. The World's Gerry Hadden brings us the story.

Negros Tou Moria, or Black Morris, as he’s known in English, is from Athens, Greece. He mixes trap beats with traditional Greek folk-music. Black Morris is not a Greek citizen, though, even though he was born there. His parents are immigrants from Ghana, and Greece does not have birthright citizenship. The World's Gerry Hadden brings us the story.

Rapper calls out Greece's lack of birthright citizenship as 'racist'

In jungles along the Thai-Myanmar border, people from all over the world are trying to make quick money running online scams. Some people know what they're getting into, but others are duped into thinking they're applying for real jobs. Once they're in one of these nefarious cities, it's very hard to get out. Which is why one man has tried to intercept scammers before their victims go into these places. Patrick Winn reports.

In jungles along the Thai-Myanmar border, people from all over the world are trying to make quick money running online scams. Some people know what they're getting into, but others are duped into thinking they're applying for real jobs. Once they're in one of these nefarious cities, it's very hard to get out. Which is why one man has tried to intercept scammers before their victims go into these places. Patrick Winn reports.

In Myanmar, people escape criminal enclaves, one TikTok at a time

The Women’s International Motorcycle Association (WIMA) was founded in the US in 1950. It has since spread to nearly 40 countries and gained more than 6,000 members worldwide. This year, the group is holding its annual international rally in Maine. The World's Bianca Hillier stopped by to find out what motorcycling means to these bikers.

The Women’s International Motorcycle Association (WIMA) was founded in the US in 1950. It has since spread to nearly 40 countries and gained more than 6,000 members worldwide. This year, the group is holding its annual international rally in Maine. The World's Bianca Hillier stopped by to find out what motorcycling means to these bikers.

Women's International Motorcycle Association celebrates 75 years on the open road

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants the United States to take control of Greenland. It was a talking point that started early in his presidency, reigniting passions in Greenland on the topic of independence — not just from the US, but from Denmark. Then-Prime Minister Mute B. Egede said at a press conference earlier this year, “We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic.” After the dust settled, The World's Carolyn Beeler went to Greenland's capital Nuuk to see how the movement had evolved, and she found a major division, not in whether to become independent, but how fast, and if the island is ready.

US President Donald Trump has repeatedly said he wants the United States to take control of Greenland. It was a talking point that started early in his presidency, reigniting passions in Greenland on the topic of independence — not just from the US, but from Denmark. Then-Prime Minister Mute B. Egede said at a press conference earlier this year, “We do not want to be Danish, we do not want to be American. We want to be Greenlandic.” After the dust settled, The World's Carolyn Beeler went to Greenland's capital Nuuk to see how the movement had evolved, and she found a major division, not in whether to become independent, but how fast, and if the island is ready.

Greenland's independence movement: slow and steady, or fast and furious?

Last night, more than a dozen Russian drones flew into Poland’s airspace and at least four of them were shot down by Polish and allied NATO aircraft. While the incident drew condemnation — including from Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who said the country was now "closer to conflict than at any time since World War II" — the Kremlin has not confirmed or denied that the drones were Russian. To learn more, The World's Host Marco Werman spoke to Philip Bednarczyk, head of The German Marshall Fund’s Warsaw Office.

Last night, more than a dozen Russian drones flew into Poland’s airspace and at least four of them were shot down by Polish and allied NATO aircraft. While the incident drew condemnation — including from Poland’s Prime Minister Donald Tusk, who said the country was now "closer to conflict than at any time since World War II" — the Kremlin has not confirmed or denied that the drones were Russian. To learn more, The World's Host Marco Werman spoke to Philip Bednarczyk, head of The German Marshall Fund’s Warsaw Office.

NATO condemns Russian drone incursions into Polish airspace

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman bring us three other big stories happening around the world today.

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman bring us three other big stories happening around the world today.

Divers remove 'ghost gear' the size of a soccer field from marine-protected area in Mexico

The late Francis Bebey was a musical innovator from Cameroon who used the sounds of the natural world in his music, long before other artists were similarly inspired. Bebey's seminal album was "Trésor Magnétique." Now, that album has been remixed by a new generation of artists. Host Marco Werman speaks to Patrick Bebey, one of the musical pioneer's sons.

The late Francis Bebey was a musical innovator from Cameroon who used the sounds of the natural world in his music, long before other artists were similarly inspired. Bebey's seminal album was "Trésor Magnétique." Now, that album has been remixed by a new generation of artists. Host Marco Werman speaks to Patrick Bebey, one of the musical pioneer's sons.