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.

Kim Chinh grew up in the United States, with one parent from Buffalo, New York — and another from a village in Vietnam. She never thought of herself as biracial. In fact, she didn't think of herself as Vietnamese at all. Chinh joined Stories from the Stage out of GBH in Boston to tell the story of what she'd been avoiding, in that identity, and what changed for her when she finally traveled to Vietnam.

Kim Chinh grew up in the United States, with one parent from Buffalo, New York — and another from a village in Vietnam. She never thought of herself as biracial. In fact, she didn't think of herself as Vietnamese at all. Chinh joined Stories from the Stage out of GBH in Boston to tell the story of what she'd been avoiding, in that identity, and what changed for her when she finally traveled to Vietnam.

One woman's long-delayed journey to her father's homeland

Iran has agreed to let international inspectors back into the country, after cutting access in June when Israel attacked its facilities. According to the new agreement, inspectors will be allowed back in to assess damage done by US strikes, and to check in on Iran's nuclear program. However, it's all contingent on the US coming back to the negotiating table, and cooperation from Europe.

Iran has agreed to let international inspectors back into the country, after cutting access in June when Israel attacked its facilities. According to the new agreement, inspectors will be allowed back in to assess damage done by US strikes, and to check in on Iran's nuclear program. However, it's all contingent on the US coming back to the negotiating table, and cooperation from Europe.

Iran agrees to cooperate with nuclear agency

A landmark election five years ago boosted hopes for democracy in Malawi. The country’s Supreme Court found evidence of fraud and ordered a historic rerun. Fresh elections put an opposition candidate in power. But today, as voters again head to the polls, corruption and lack of accountability are again major campaign issues. Boniface Dulani of Malawi's Institute of Public Opinion and Research joins The World’s Host Marco Werman to discuss why.

A landmark election five years ago boosted hopes for democracy in Malawi. The country’s Supreme Court found evidence of fraud and ordered a historic rerun. Fresh elections put an opposition candidate in power. But today, as voters again head to the polls, corruption and lack of accountability are again major campaign issues. Boniface Dulani of Malawi's Institute of Public Opinion and Research joins The World’s Host Marco Werman to discuss why.

Malawi voters head to polls with tanking economy top of mind

India hosted US officials for trade talks today, restoring hope after bilateral trade negotiations collapsed over the Trump administration's steep tariffs on India. The government in New Delhi said the negotiations were "positive." Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

India hosted US officials for trade talks today, restoring hope after bilateral trade negotiations collapsed over the Trump administration's steep tariffs on India. The government in New Delhi said the negotiations were "positive." Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

Trade talks between US and India

Today marks 50 years since Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia. With its rugged, mountainous geography, over a thousand distinct ethnic groups and almost as many languages, the young democracy has its share of obstacles to forging a national identity. But as Patrick Kaiku told the World's Host Marco Werman, the idea of direct democracy is familiar to Papuans based on traditional ways of life in the Oceanic country. Kaiku is Director for Policy and Legal Division at the Registry of Political Parties in Papua New Guinea.

Today marks 50 years since Papua New Guinea gained independence from Australia. With its rugged, mountainous geography, over a thousand distinct ethnic groups and almost as many languages, the young democracy has its share of obstacles to forging a national identity. But as Patrick Kaiku told the World's Host Marco Werman, the idea of direct democracy is familiar to Papuans based on traditional ways of life in the Oceanic country. Kaiku is Director for Policy and Legal Division at the Registry of Political Parties in Papua New Guinea.

Papua New Guinea celebrates 50 years of independence

Tiny Easedale, Scotland, is the proud host of the annual World Stone Skimming Championships.  This year, the so-called "toss master" heard rumors of unauthorized rocks in the competition. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

Tiny Easedale, Scotland, is the proud host of the annual World Stone Skimming Championships.  This year, the so-called "toss master" heard rumors of unauthorized rocks in the competition. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

Cheating scandal at the World Stone Skimming Championships

There are no reliable statistics on the number of people who have lost the ability to speak their native language. But it is likely a growing number, given the rise in global migration and the disappearance of many minority languages. But once you've lost your first language, is relearning it a realistic goal? Patrick Cox brought us the story of a woman who learned Czech growing up, moved to Canada, lost her ability to use the language but then decided to re-learn Czech as an adult. This story originally aired in 2022.

There are no reliable statistics on the number of people who have lost the ability to speak their native language. But it is likely a growing number, given the rise in global migration and the disappearance of many minority languages. But once you've lost your first language, is relearning it a realistic goal? Patrick Cox brought us the story of a woman who learned Czech growing up, moved to Canada, lost her ability to use the language but then decided to re-learn Czech as an adult. 
This story originally aired in 2022.

A mother tongue, lost, then reclaimed

The US military has sunk another Venezuelan boat in the Caribbean, killing three people. President Donald Trump says the vessels are tied to drug cartels, but has offered no evidence. Caracas calls the strikes aggression; Washington insists they’re defense. Amid the saber-rattling, many Venezuelans say they’re too consumed by economic survival to think about war. Others fear confrontation — or hope foreign pressure might finally weaken Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s grip on power. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.Journalist Isabel Guerrero contributed to this report from Caracas, Venezuela.

The US military has sunk another Venezuelan boat in the Caribbean, killing three people. President Donald Trump says the vessels are tied to drug cartels, but has offered no evidence. Caracas calls the strikes aggression; Washington insists they’re defense. Amid the saber-rattling, many Venezuelans say they’re too consumed by economic survival to think about war. Others fear confrontation — or hope foreign pressure might finally weaken Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro’s grip on power. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.
Journalist Isabel Guerrero contributed to this report from Caracas, Venezuela.

The US strikes another boat. Here's how Venezuelans see it.

Israel unleashed a new military offensive on Gaza City today. After weeks of airstrikes, Israeli ground troops started advancing, with the country's defense minister, Israel Katz, declaring that, "Gaza is burning." Palestinian health officials said more than 20 people were killed today and dozens more were injured. European officials condemned the Israeli offensive, saying it would mean more civilian deaths and make an already dire humanitarian situation even worse. The World's Aaron Schachter has more.

Israel unleashed a new military offensive on Gaza City today. After weeks of airstrikes, Israeli ground troops started advancing, with the country's defense minister, Israel Katz, declaring that, "Gaza is burning." Palestinian health officials said more than 20 people were killed today and dozens more were injured. European officials condemned the Israeli offensive, saying it would mean more civilian deaths and make an already dire humanitarian situation even worse. The World's Aaron Schachter has more.

Israeli army begins its planned Gaza offensive

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.