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 World Bank is sending $4 billion to Argentina ahead of schedule to help stabilize the country's ailing economy. It's the result of extreme cuts made by the country's president, Javier Milei, that have successfully reduced inflation — at the cost of almost everything else. Host Marco Werman speaks with journalist Natalio Cosoy in Buenos Aires about the state of the economy and its impact on Milei's political standing ahead of next month's midterm elections.

The World Bank is sending $4 billion to Argentina ahead of schedule to help stabilize the country's ailing economy. It's the result of extreme cuts made by the country's president, Javier Milei, that have successfully reduced inflation — at the cost of almost everything else. Host Marco Werman speaks with journalist Natalio Cosoy in Buenos Aires about the state of the economy and its impact on Milei's political standing ahead of next month's midterm elections.

World Bank accelerates plan to stabilize Argentina's struggling economy

European countries are looking to bolster their defense capacities — including their manpower. A recent study says the region will need 300,000 more troops to defend itself. But where are those recruits to come from? Some countries are reinstating military service; others are looking for volunteers. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, reporter Lisa Bryant sent us this report from a French bootcamp outside of Paris.

European countries are looking to bolster their defense capacities — including their manpower. A recent study says the region will need 300,000 more troops to defend itself. But where are those recruits to come from? Some countries are reinstating military service; others are looking for volunteers. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, reporter Lisa Bryant sent us this report from a French bootcamp outside of Paris.

France ramps up military training

Hilbe is a legendary condiment, believed to have been mentioned in the Talmud, the ancient Jewish book of laws. It's considered a folk medicine, a cure all, a source of strength, and also just really tasty. Reporter Sarah Ventre has the story of how Yemenite Jews proliferated hilbe, and why it's nearly impossible to find outside of Israel. This story originally aired on July 9, 2024.

Hilbe is a legendary condiment, believed to have been mentioned in the Talmud, the ancient Jewish book of laws. It's considered a folk medicine, a cure all, a source of strength, and also just really tasty. Reporter Sarah Ventre has the story of how Yemenite Jews proliferated hilbe, and why it's nearly impossible to find outside of Israel. 
This story originally aired on July 9, 2024.

The importance of a spice mixture for Jews from Yemen

Russian troops have made incremental gains in parts of eastern Ukraine, although their advances elsewhere have stalled. That’s according to Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Kofman explains to Host Marco Werman why Russian casualties are on the rise.

Russian troops have made incremental gains in parts of eastern Ukraine, although their advances elsewhere have stalled. That’s according to Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Kofman explains to Host Marco Werman why Russian casualties are on the rise.

Russian military continues 'grinding advance' in Donetsk

Chicago has a long history with organized crime. Its most famous — or infamous — mob boss was Al Capone. But it wasn't just Italian families that worked in Chicago's underworld. Decades ago, two rival gangs ran amok in the city, but managed to fly under the radar. These were Chinese gangs in Chicago. Axios Chicago reporter Monica Eng digs into her own family history to tell the story of these fierce rivals. Her story first aired on Curious City from WBEZ.

Chicago has a long history with organized crime. Its most famous — or infamous — mob boss was Al Capone. But it wasn't just Italian families that worked in Chicago's underworld. Decades ago, two rival gangs ran amok in the city, but managed to fly under the radar. These were Chinese gangs in Chicago. Axios Chicago reporter Monica Eng digs into her own family history to tell the story of these fierce rivals. Her story first aired on Curious City from WBEZ.

Chicago was once a battleground for Chinese gangs

Researchers in the UK have discovered how to successfully treat Huntington's, a devastating disease that runs in families and tends to hit people in their 30s and 40s. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Researchers in the UK have discovered how to successfully treat Huntington's, a devastating disease that runs in families and tends to hit people in their 30s and 40s. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Breakthrough in treatment for Huntington's disease

As part of a cultural push to counter the influence of narco-corridos, President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government is hosting “México Canta," a national songwriting contest aimed at lifting up non-violent musical expressions. The initiative encourages young musicians from Mexico and the US to create original songs that promote peace, resilience, and social reflection. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

As part of a cultural push to counter the influence of narco-corridos, President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government is hosting “México Canta," a national songwriting contest aimed at lifting up non-violent musical expressions. The initiative encourages young musicians from Mexico and the US to create original songs that promote peace, resilience, and social reflection. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

To counter narco-corridos' popularity, Mexico tries a song contest

The NFL and college football seasons are in full swing — and that means sports betting is too. It's a booming industry, and worldwide gambling losses could top $700 billion by 2028. States around the US are looking to see how they can keep gambling legal while reducing the consequences for problem gamblers. New England Public Media's Karen Brown takes us to the United Kingdom, which some consider a model for gambling regulators. Others consider it a cautionary tale.

The NFL and college football seasons are in full swing — and that means sports betting is too. It's a booming industry, and worldwide gambling losses could top $700 billion by 2028. States around the US are looking to see how they can keep gambling legal while reducing the consequences for problem gamblers. New England Public Media's Karen Brown takes us to the United Kingdom, which some consider a model for gambling regulators. Others consider it a cautionary tale.

What the United Kingdom can teach America about problem gambling

War crimes researchers at Yale University have described it as "the single largest kidnapping of children during wartime since World War II". They say since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has taken tens of thousands of Ukrainian children. A summit on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly aims to put the spotlight on these children. The World's Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman.

War crimes researchers at Yale University have described it as "the single largest kidnapping of children during wartime since World War II". They say since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has taken tens of thousands of Ukrainian children. A summit on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly aims to put the spotlight on these children. The World's Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman.

UN summit puts spotlight on abducted Ukrainian children

The Malawi Electoral Commission, or MEC, states that it won't be pressured into declaring a winner in the country's presidential election until the panel has completed a proper vote count. Partial results were released yesterday, showing the former president with a strong lead. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

The Malawi Electoral Commission, or MEC, states that it won't be pressured into declaring a winner in the country's presidential election until the panel has completed a proper vote count. Partial results were released yesterday, showing the former president with a strong lead. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

No winner yet in Malawi presidential contest

Residents of Aix-en-Provence, France, could see a mountain disappear. The VIEW of a mountain, that is. The Mont Sainte-Victoire mountain's illustrious outline was made famous by impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. The painter captured the mountain's rocky ridges in dozens of landscapes. But that iconic view may someday only exist in his art. The World’s Gerry Hadden has the story.

Residents of Aix-en-Provence, France, could see a mountain disappear. The VIEW of a mountain, that is. The Mont Sainte-Victoire mountain's illustrious outline was made famous by impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. The painter captured the mountain's rocky ridges in dozens of landscapes. But that iconic view may someday only exist in his art. The World’s Gerry Hadden has the story.

A mountain may disappear for residents of Aix-en-Provence

Medical experts and public health officials are alarmed and speaking up today after President Trump told pregnant women not to take Tylenol. Rebuttals to his comments were prolific across the UK this morning, as Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.

Medical experts and public health officials are alarmed and speaking up today after President Trump told pregnant women not to take Tylenol. Rebuttals to his comments were prolific across the UK this morning, as Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.

Experts debunk Tylenol

Machu Picchu is Peru’s top tourist attraction and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. But protests over bus contracts left hundreds of visitors stranded last week, with trains and roads blocked by demonstrators. The unrest has reignited long-standing concerns about overcrowding, mismanagement, and access to the site. Now, the organization that gave Machu Picchu its Wonder title is warning that its status — and Peru’s global image — could be at risk. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Machu Picchu is Peru’s top tourist attraction and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. But protests over bus contracts left hundreds of visitors stranded last week, with trains and roads blocked by demonstrators. The unrest has reignited long-standing concerns about overcrowding, mismanagement, and access to the site. Now, the organization that gave Machu Picchu its Wonder title is warning that its status — and Peru’s global image — could be at risk. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Machu Picchu’s wonder status in jeopardy amid protests and mismanagement

Seventy years ago, China named the western region of Xinjiang an autonomous part of the People's Republic. Today, Chinese leader Xi Jinping made a rare visit to the region to commemorate 70 years of coexistence among different ethnic groups. But the reality is that hundreds of thousands of people within the ethnic Uyghur population and other Muslim groups have been sent by the Chinese government to "re-education" camps or subjected to forced labor.This story originally aired on July 21, 2025.

Seventy years ago, China named the western region of Xinjiang an autonomous part of the People's Republic. Today, Chinese leader Xi Jinping made a rare visit to the region to commemorate 70 years of coexistence among different ethnic groups. But the reality is that hundreds of thousands of people within the ethnic Uyghur population and other Muslim groups have been sent by the Chinese government to "re-education" camps or subjected to forced labor.
This story originally aired on July 21, 2025.

Uyghurs in Kazakhstan practice Islam freely in China’s shadow

The world's largest storm this year to date, Super Typhoon Ragasa, is moving its way toward China after making landfall yesterday in the Philippines' northern island, causing major flooding and the evacuation of thousands. It followed weekend protests against corruption in the country, including a scandal known as "Floodgate," involving unfinished storm surge protection infrastructure across the country. The World's Marco Werman spoke to Ronald Holmes, a political scientist at De La Salle University in Manila.

The world's largest storm this year to date, Super Typhoon Ragasa, is moving its way toward China after making landfall yesterday in the Philippines' northern island, causing major flooding and the evacuation of thousands. It followed weekend protests against corruption in the country, including a scandal known as "Floodgate," involving unfinished storm surge protection infrastructure across the country. The World's Marco Werman spoke to Ronald Holmes, a political scientist at De La Salle University in Manila.

Super typhoon batters Philippines' north, as anticorruption protests hit Manila

Funding from the United States has been one of the primary ways that NGOs in South Korea have withstood the pendulum swing of administrations over the past couple of decades. President Trump revoked these funds, but a US judge recently ruled that the administration must disperse these grants. Jason Strother reports from Seoul.

Funding from the United States has been one of the primary ways that NGOs in South Korea have withstood the pendulum swing of administrations over the past couple of decades. President Trump revoked these funds, but a US judge recently ruled that the administration must disperse these grants. Jason Strother reports from Seoul.

Absence of US funding in South Korea could put democracy at risk

Alaa Abd el-Fattah, Egypt’s most prominent political prisoner, has reunited with his family after six years in prison. Abd el-Fattah, a dual UK-Egyptian citizen and former blogger, was a key figure in the 2011 uprising that toppled President Hosni Mubarak. The University of Oklahoma’s Samer Shehata discusses the timing of the pardon with The World’s Marco Werman.

Alaa Abd el-Fattah, Egypt’s most prominent political prisoner, has reunited with his family after six years in prison. Abd el-Fattah, a dual UK-Egyptian citizen and former blogger, was a key figure in the 2011 uprising that toppled President Hosni Mubarak. The University of Oklahoma’s Samer Shehata discusses the timing of the pardon with The World’s Marco Werman.

Egypt releases its most prominent political prisoner

Hundreds of thousands of people are trapped in the besieged Sudanese city of El Fashir, cut off by 19 miles of earthen berms built by rebel forces now attacking the town. Katharine Houreld and her Washington Post colleagues have been speaking with some of those behind the dirt walls. She tells The World’s Marco Werman what she learned. Note: this conversation contains some disturbing accounts of violence.

Hundreds of thousands of people are trapped in the besieged Sudanese city of El Fashir, cut off by 19 miles of earthen berms built by rebel forces now attacking the town. Katharine Houreld and her Washington Post colleagues have been speaking with some of those behind the dirt walls. She tells The World’s Marco Werman what she learned.

Note: this conversation contains some disturbing accounts of violence.

Starving and surrounded: El Fashir residents plead for aid

Morocco on Friday became the 60th country to ratify the High Seas Treaty, which will now become international law. The treaty aims to protect huge swaths of the ocean outside of national boundaries. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Heidi Weiskel, of IUCN, about why the treaty is needed.

Morocco on Friday became the 60th country to ratify the High Seas Treaty, which will now become international law. The treaty aims to protect huge swaths of the ocean outside of national boundaries. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Heidi Weiskel, of IUCN, about why the treaty is needed.

Major international ocean treaty to become law

From London to Brussels and Berlin, some of Europe's biggest airports are grappling with a ransomware attack that has caused delays and cancellations. The World's Carolyn Beeler learned more from Junade Ali, a cyber expert at the Institution of Engineering and Technology, and joined the show from Edinburgh, Scotland.

From London to Brussels and Berlin, some of Europe's biggest airports are grappling with a ransomware attack that has caused delays and cancellations. The World's Carolyn Beeler learned more from Junade Ali, a cyber expert at the Institution of Engineering and Technology, and joined the show from Edinburgh, Scotland.

Major European airports hit by cyber attacks

This past spring, Rome's Fiumicino International Airport opened a new hotel for dogs. The hotel offers standard room and board, along with optional extras such as grooming, training and spa services, including massages and aromatherapy. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

This past spring, Rome's Fiumicino International Airport opened a new hotel for dogs. The hotel offers standard room and board, along with optional extras such as grooming, training and spa services, including massages and aromatherapy. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

The grand hotel for dogs

In Egypt today, the country's most prominent political prisoner has received a presidential pardon. Alaa Abd el-Fattah has spent most of the past 12 years behind bars. He became a leading voice for democratic change in Egypt during the Arab Spring that began in 2011. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

In Egypt today, the country's most prominent political prisoner has received a presidential pardon. Alaa Abd el-Fattah has spent most of the past 12 years behind bars. He became a leading voice for democratic change in Egypt during the Arab Spring that began in 2011. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Egypt’s most high profile prisoner is pardoned

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly gets underway in New York this week. One issue that's at the top of the agenda is connected to the war in Gaza. Several countries announced over the weekend that they will formally recognize a state of Palestine. Other US allies are doing the same this week. The US and Israel are not pleased. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports from the United Nations in New York.

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly gets underway in New York this week. One issue that's at the top of the agenda is connected to the war in Gaza. Several countries announced over the weekend that they will formally recognize a state of Palestine. Other US allies are doing the same this week. The US and Israel are not pleased. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports from the United Nations in New York.

US allies recognize Palestinian statehood at UN General Assembly

Immigrant workers in Massachusetts with a particular type of immigration status are losing their jobs in critical industries like health and home care and nursing home industries, after the Trump administration's policy changes. Work permits were revoked for hundreds of thousands of immigrants who were in the US under a federal program called CHNV. GBH’s Sarah Betancourt reports.

Immigrant workers in Massachusetts with a particular type of immigration status are losing their jobs in critical industries like health and home care and nursing home industries, after the Trump administration's policy changes. Work permits were revoked for hundreds of thousands of immigrants who were in the US under a federal program called CHNV. GBH’s Sarah Betancourt reports.

Immigrant workers in critical fields fear deportation

In 1972, a march through a neighborhood in Derry, Northern Ireland, was intended to be peaceful. But that Sunday turned out to be anything but — it became known as "Bloody Sunday," when British paratroopers shot at an unarmed crowd of civilians, killing 13, with another later dying from his wounds. Don Mullan was 15 years old when he attended the march. His book "Bloody Sunday: Eyewitness" details what he and others witnessed that day. He discusses it with Host Marco Werman.

In 1972, a march through a neighborhood in Derry, Northern Ireland, was intended to be peaceful. But that Sunday turned out to be anything but — it became known as "Bloody Sunday," when British paratroopers shot at an unarmed crowd of civilians, killing 13, with another later dying from his wounds. Don Mullan was 15 years old when he attended the march. His book "Bloody Sunday: Eyewitness" details what he and others witnessed that day. He discusses it with Host Marco Werman.

Bloody Sunday trial

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

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

Russia's Intervision Song Contest features US contestant

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

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

US eyes return to Bagram Air Base in Afghanistan

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

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

Is the Turkish president turning the lights out on democracy?

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

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

US airstrikes continue off Venezuelan coast

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

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