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.

When a Norwegian man woke up on Thursday, he found a container ship parked about 15 feet from his bedroom. Police say the officer steering the ship may have fallen asleep and let the 450-foot vessel run aground. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Carol Hills have the story.

When a Norwegian man woke up on Thursday, he found a container ship parked about 15 feet from his bedroom. Police say the officer steering the ship may have fallen asleep and let the 450-foot vessel run aground. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Carol Hills have the story.

Container ship slides onto Norwegian man's yard

The largest prisoner swap yet between Russia and Ukraine is currently underway. Charles Kupchan is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and former staff member on the National Security Council for both the Obama and Clinton administrations. He spoke with The World's Host Carolyn Beeler about the significance of the exchange and what may come next.

The largest prisoner swap yet between Russia and Ukraine is currently underway. Charles Kupchan is a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and former staff member on the National Security Council for both the Obama and Clinton administrations. He spoke with The World's Host Carolyn Beeler about the significance of the exchange and what may come next.

Largest prisoner swap between Ukraine and Russia now underway

The leader of Bangladesh's interim government, Muhammad Yunus, has reportedly threatened to resign, according to reports in the Bangladeshi press. The 84-year-old Nobel Prize-winning economist has been steering the country since an uprising toppled the regime of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year. The World's Host Carol Hills learned more from Zafar Sobhan, the editor of Counterpoint, a Bangladeshi news site. He joined the show from the capital Dhaka.

The leader of Bangladesh's interim government, Muhammad Yunus, has reportedly threatened to resign, according to reports in the Bangladeshi press. The 84-year-old Nobel Prize-winning economist has been steering the country since an uprising toppled the regime of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina last year. The World's Host Carol Hills learned more from Zafar Sobhan, the editor of Counterpoint, a Bangladeshi news site. He joined the show from the capital Dhaka.

Interim leader of Bangladesh threatens resignation amid political turmoil

When Spain went dark for a day, on April 30, the tiny village of San Vicente del Monte went about business as usual. The town maintained power because of an experimental lithium battery that many other municipalities had declined to try out. The World's Gerry Hadden explains.

When Spain went dark for a day, on April 30, the tiny village of San Vicente del Monte went about business as usual. The town maintained power because of an experimental lithium battery that many other municipalities had declined to try out. The World's Gerry Hadden explains.

The one village in Spain that didn't lose power during April's blackout

Two long-running conflicts in Africa are facing very different prospects right now. In Democratic Republic of Congo, a war between the state and the M23 rebels — backed by Rwanda — may be on the verge of a peace settlement. That's according to US President Donald Trump. But in Sudan, the civil war is becoming more destructive. And now, the US is accusing the Sudanese army of using chemical weapons. Both of these conflicts are top priorities for Ambassador Troy Fitrell, who spoke with The World's Host Carolyn Beeler.

Two long-running conflicts in Africa are facing very different prospects right now. In Democratic Republic of Congo, a war between the state and the M23 rebels — backed by Rwanda — may be on the verge of a peace settlement. That's according to US President Donald Trump. But in Sudan, the civil war is becoming more destructive. And now, the US is accusing the Sudanese army of using chemical weapons. Both of these conflicts are top priorities for Ambassador Troy Fitrell, who spoke with The World's Host Carolyn Beeler.

US Ambassador Troy Fitrell on conflicts in DRC and Sudan

On Thursday, Denmark's parliament voted to raise what's already the highest retirement age in Europe. As a result, the new retirement age in the country will hit 70 in the year 2040. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Carol Hills have more.

On Thursday, Denmark's parliament voted to raise what's already the highest retirement age in Europe. As a result, the new retirement age in the country will hit 70 in the year 2040. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Carol Hills have more.

Denmark raises retirement age — again

It’s been five years since George Floyd was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, sparking one of the largest global protest movements in recent history. From the streets of London to Sydney, his death ignited a reckoning with racism, policing and historical injustice. Statues of slave traders were pulled down in the UK. In Australia, calls for accountability over Indigenous deaths in custody grew louder. Across continents, people demanded systemic change. Half a decade later, the question remains: What, if anything, has truly changed? The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

It’s been five years since George Floyd was killed by a police officer in Minneapolis, sparking one of the largest global protest movements in recent history. From the streets of London to Sydney, his death ignited a reckoning with racism, policing and historical injustice. Statues of slave traders were pulled down in the UK. In Australia, calls for accountability over Indigenous deaths in custody grew louder. Across continents, people demanded systemic change. Half a decade later, the question remains: What, if anything, has truly changed? The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

The global impact of George Floyd's death, five years later

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students. A temporary restraining order now stops the government from pulling Harvard’s certification with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which allows schools to host international students with visas. Host Carolyn Beeler gets the latest from GBH Higher Education reporter Kirk Carapezza.

A federal judge has blocked the Trump administration from revoking Harvard University’s ability to enroll international students. A temporary restraining order now stops the government from pulling Harvard’s certification with the Student and Exchange Visitor Program, which allows schools to host international students with visas. Host Carolyn Beeler gets the latest from GBH Higher Education reporter Kirk Carapezza.

Federal judge blocks Trump's attempt to bar foreign students from Harvard

A multi-car pileup on a congested highway. That's a worst-case scenario for drivers. But that's exactly what engineers have created, on purpose, using the runway of a former military base in Scotland. This is all part of the setup for a new PBS documentary called "Ultimate Crash Test." The show's co-executive producer, Tom Adams, spoke to The World's Host Carol Hills.

A multi-car pileup on a congested highway. That's a worst-case scenario for drivers. But that's exactly what engineers have created, on purpose, using the runway of a former military base in Scotland. This is all part of the setup for a new PBS documentary called "Ultimate Crash Test." The show's co-executive producer, Tom Adams, spoke to The World's Host Carol Hills.

What the 'Ultimate Crash Test' reveals about road safety

Yury Grigorovich has been described as one of the greatest choreographers of the 20th century. He was the artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet from 1964 to 1995, which he is said to have led with an iron fist. The World's Sarah Birnbaum has more on his life and legacy.

Yury Grigorovich has been described as one of the greatest choreographers of the 20th century. He was the artistic director of the Bolshoi Ballet from 1964 to 1995, which he is said to have led with an iron fist. The World's Sarah Birnbaum has more on his life and legacy.

Yury Grigorovich, pivotal figure in Russian ballet, dies at 98

Germany is deploying 5,000 German troops to Lithuania, marking the first permanent deployment of German troops to another country since the end of World War II. The country also announced plans to commit 5% of its GDP to defense spending. This, despite Germany's militaristic past, which has for decades discouraged the country from entering into conflict. The World's Host Marco Werman discusses the significance of the move with Gesine Weber, a fellow with the German Marshall Fund.

Germany is deploying 5,000 German troops to Lithuania, marking the first permanent deployment of German troops to another country since the end of World War II. The country also announced plans to commit 5% of its GDP to defense spending. This, despite Germany's militaristic past, which has for decades discouraged the country from entering into conflict. The World's Host Marco Werman discusses the significance of the move with Gesine Weber, a fellow with the German Marshall Fund.

Germany stations troops in Lithuania, signaling a shift in defense policy

Pakistan's military is once again popular among civilians. This comes after an eruption in fighting between Pakistan and India earlier this month. Host Marco Werman speaks with Sahar Khan, an independent South Asia analyst, about the shift itself, and how the military is likely to use this support to its own advantage.

Pakistan's military is once again popular among civilians. This comes after an eruption in fighting between Pakistan and India earlier this month. Host Marco Werman speaks with Sahar Khan, an independent South Asia analyst, about the shift itself, and how the military is likely to use this support to its own advantage.

Surge in popularity for Pakistani military

Most efforts to combat malaria have focused on killing mosquitoes. But as mosquitos develop a resistance to insecticide, scientists are trying something different. They’re targeting the parasites feeding off of mosquitoes, in hopes of clearing the infections and preventing further spread. Harvard researcher Alexandra Probst discusses the breakthrough with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

Most efforts to combat malaria have focused on killing mosquitoes. But as mosquitos develop a resistance to insecticide, scientists are trying something different. They’re targeting the parasites feeding off of mosquitoes, in hopes of clearing the infections and preventing further spread. Harvard researcher Alexandra Probst discusses the breakthrough with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

A new approach to protecting humans from malaria: Cure mosquitos

According to industry numbers from April, Chinese automaker BYD sold more electric vehicles in Europe than Tesla. That's a first. It's also happened fast: BYD didn't begin selling EVs in Europe until 2022. Host Carolyn Beeler discusses BYD's success in Europe and what it means for the EV industry as a whole with Ben McWilliams, an analyst with Bruegel, a European think tank.

According to industry numbers from April, Chinese automaker BYD sold more electric vehicles in Europe than Tesla. That's a first. It's also happened fast: BYD didn't begin selling EVs in Europe until 2022. Host Carolyn Beeler discusses BYD's success in Europe and what it means for the EV industry as a whole with Ben McWilliams, an analyst with Bruegel, a European think tank.

Electric vehicles made in China outsell Tesla in Europe

Immigration lawyers are sounding alarms over what they say is an escalating immigration crackdown in Maine. They say that border patrol agents are arresting people who have valid work permits, no criminal record and are following lawful pathways to permanent status. Maine Public Radio's Ari Snider takes a closer look.

Immigration lawyers are sounding alarms over what they say is an escalating immigration crackdown in Maine. They say that border patrol agents are arresting people who have valid work permits, no criminal record and are following lawful pathways to permanent status. Maine Public Radio's Ari Snider takes a closer look.

Border patrol arrests increase along US-Canada border

At 11 years old, Harvey Goodbody has mastered the piano — in six months. His online videos have earned him fans across the globe. But he also entertains in his own hometown. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

At 11 years old, Harvey Goodbody has mastered the piano — in six months. His online videos have earned him fans across the globe. But he also entertains in his own hometown. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

British piano prodigy charms the World Wide Web

Iran's parliament ratified an agreement between Russia and Iran to strengthen economic ties. It's a non-binding alliance that calls for more cooperation in banking and arms trade, as well as some degree of collaboration in dealing with common adversaries. Nicole Grajewski is a fellow in the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. She joins Host Carolyn Beeler to talk about what's behind this warming relationship — and what it means for the rest of the world.

Iran's parliament ratified an agreement between Russia and Iran to strengthen economic ties. It's a non-binding alliance that calls for more cooperation in banking and arms trade, as well as some degree of collaboration in dealing with common adversaries. Nicole Grajewski is a fellow in the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. She joins Host Carolyn Beeler to talk about what's behind this warming relationship — and what it means for the rest of the world.

Russia and Iran cement new cooperation

The transition to a lower-carbon world will require copper, and much more than is currently being produced. Demand for the metal is expected to outstrip the supply within the next decade. Host Carolyn Beeler discusses the predicament with Adam Simon, a professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan.

The transition to a lower-carbon world will require copper, and much more than is currently being produced. Demand for the metal is expected to outstrip the supply within the next decade. Host Carolyn Beeler discusses the predicament with Adam Simon, a professor of Earth and Environmental Sciences at the University of Michigan.

Global demand for copper exceeds supply — by a lot

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek's walks through the countryside of Japan have been unexpectedly lonely. That's because he's been trekking through a region undergoing depopulation. Host Marco Werman speaks with Salopek about his all-too-rare encounters with people on this stretch of his journey, as well as the difference between traveling through natural landscapes that are uninhabited and traveling through towns that once thrummed with life, gone quiet.

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek's walks through the countryside of Japan have been unexpectedly lonely. That's because he's been trekking through a region undergoing depopulation. Host Marco Werman speaks with Salopek about his all-too-rare encounters with people on this stretch of his journey, as well as the difference between traveling through natural landscapes that are uninhabited and traveling through towns that once thrummed with life, gone quiet.

Out of Eden Walk: An eerie walk through Japanese ghost towns

A shrine on the outskirts of Damascus has long been a prominent destination for Shias from around the world. Its golden dome glistens in the sun and the outer walls are covered in tiles from Iran. But the shrine's connection to Iran goes beyond aesthetics. Iranian guards once protected the holy site — but they also helped keep Syria's former leader, Bashar al-Assad, in power. The World's Shirin Jaafari has the story.

A shrine on the outskirts of Damascus has long been a prominent destination for Shias from around the world. Its golden dome glistens in the sun and the outer walls are covered in tiles from Iran. But the shrine's connection to Iran goes beyond aesthetics. Iranian guards once protected the holy site — but they also helped keep Syria's former leader, Bashar al-Assad, in power. The World's Shirin Jaafari has the story.

The fate of the Sayyida Zeinab shrine in a changing Syria

Host Marco Werman has an update on a story we brought you yesterday, about a woman raffling off her country cottage in Sligo, Ireland.

Host Marco Werman has an update on a story we brought you yesterday, about a woman raffling off her country cottage in Sligo, Ireland.

Ireland house raffle winner

After delaying an earlier ultimatum, the European Union has passed a new sanctions package against Russia. It comes as a result of Russia rejecting plans for a 30-day ceasefire that the US, the UK, and Ukraine signed off on, bringing negotiations to a standstill. The World's Daniel Ofman looks at the potential impact of further sanctions, given the current state of the Russian economy.

After delaying an earlier ultimatum, the European Union has passed a new sanctions package against Russia. It comes as a result of Russia rejecting plans for a 30-day ceasefire that the US, the UK, and Ukraine signed off on, bringing negotiations to a standstill. The World's Daniel Ofman looks at the potential impact of further sanctions, given the current state of the Russian economy.

How the Russian economy is faring as new sanctions hit

Imelda Collins is hoping to make a profit by raffling off her two-bedroom house that's just outside the coastal city of Sligo in Northern Ireland. If Collins sells the 150,000 raffle tickets she's looking for, she'll bring in more than twice what she'd otherwise get for the house. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.

Imelda Collins is hoping to make a profit by raffling off her two-bedroom house that's just outside the coastal city of Sligo in Northern Ireland. If Collins sells the 150,000 raffle tickets she's looking for, she'll bring in more than twice what she'd otherwise get for the house. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.

You could win a house in Northern Ireland with a $7 raffle ticket

A group of paleontologists are picking through a prehistoric graveyard in a remote corner of Alberta, Canada, to solve a 72-million-year-old puzzle. They want to know why thousands of dinosaurs are buried there, under layers of dirt and dust. Host Marco Werman speaks with Emily Bamforth, a paleontologist working at the site. She's also the curator of the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum.

A group of paleontologists are picking through a prehistoric graveyard in a remote corner of Alberta, Canada, to solve a 72-million-year-old puzzle. They want to know why thousands of dinosaurs are buried there, under layers of dirt and dust. Host Marco Werman speaks with Emily Bamforth, a paleontologist working at the site. She's also the curator of the Philip J. Currie Dinosaur Museum.

The mystery behind a trove of bones from 10,000 dinosaurs

Turkish officials say they've caught Chinese intelligence using fake cell phone towers to eavesdrop on Uyghurs and the Turkish government. After five years of flying under the radar, the leader of that operation was caught, and the methods behind it have been exposed. Ragip Soylu is the Turkey Bureau Chief for Middle East Eye, and he breaks down how it worked for The World's Host Marco Werman.

Turkish officials say they've caught Chinese intelligence using fake cell phone towers to eavesdrop on Uyghurs and the Turkish government. After five years of flying under the radar, the leader of that operation was caught, and the methods behind it have been exposed. Ragip Soylu is the Turkey Bureau Chief for Middle East Eye, and he breaks down how it worked for The World's Host Marco Werman.

Chinese spy ring unmasked in Turkey

A new law in Spain — nicknamed Evictions Express — aims to give property owners a way to get rid of squatters, and fast — within 15 days. But some are skeptical. The law relies on an overwhelmed court system, with cases routinely ending up getting delayed for months, sometimes years. This, as housing prices continue to rise, making it harder for people to pay rent as legal tenants. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

A new law in Spain — nicknamed Evictions Express — aims to give property owners a way to get rid of squatters, and fast — within 15 days. But some are skeptical. The law relies on an overwhelmed court system, with cases routinely ending up getting delayed for months, sometimes years. This, as housing prices continue to rise, making it harder for people to pay rent as legal tenants. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Spain cracks down on squatters with new eviction law

A new highway in Turkey does something different when drivers veer off the road. Instead of the usual rumble strips, sound vibrations on the asphalt play Mozart's sonata number 11, also known as the "Turkish March." Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

A new highway in Turkey does something different when drivers veer off the road. Instead of the usual rumble strips, sound vibrations on the asphalt play Mozart's sonata number 11, also known as the "Turkish March." Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

Turkish highway plays Mozart

The war in Gaza is straining Europe’s relations with Israel. Britain suspended trade talks with Israel this week. EU officials say they’re reviewing commercial relations. And the UK’s top diplomat described Israel’s recent plans to expand the war in Gaza as “morally unjustifiable.” Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland discusses what’s at stake with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler.

The war in Gaza is straining Europe’s relations with Israel. Britain suspended trade talks with Israel this week. EU officials say they’re reviewing commercial relations. And the UK’s top diplomat described Israel’s recent plans to expand the war in Gaza as “morally unjustifiable.” Guardian columnist Jonathan Freedland discusses what’s at stake with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler.

In Europe, a 'tidal wave' of condemnation of Israel

Two hundred European citizens gathered to tackle a pressing question: "How can we, the people, help steer the European ship through upcoming storms?" What surfaced was an ancient Greek concept known as direct democracy. Souwie Buis of Deutsche Welle reports from Germany.

Two hundred European citizens gathered to tackle a pressing question: "How can we, the people, help steer the European ship through upcoming storms?" What surfaced was an ancient Greek concept known as direct democracy. Souwie Buis of Deutsche Welle reports from Germany.

As democracies flounder, an old idea gains new traction

Colombian model Maria Jose Estupiñan was murdered just days after winning a domestic violence case. In Mexico, influencer Valeria Marquez was shot while live streaming on TikTok from her beauty salon. Authorities are investigating both cases as possible acts of femicide. Paula Ávila-Guillén, director of the Women's Equality Center, discusses the incidents with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler.

Colombian model Maria Jose Estupiñan was murdered just days after winning a domestic violence case. In Mexico, influencer Valeria Marquez was shot while live streaming on TikTok from her beauty salon. Authorities are investigating both cases as possible acts of femicide. Paula Ávila-Guillén, director of the Women's Equality Center, discusses the incidents with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler.