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.

They're Sara and Edi, and their musical laboratory is on the top floor of a 17th Century Spanish farmhouse — one that nearly collapsed around them from age and their sonic tinkerings. The house is now patched up and Los Sara Fontan's music is louder and more cutting edge than ever. The World's Gerry Hadden reports on the dynamic duo from Calonge, Spain.

They're Sara and Edi, and their musical laboratory is on the top floor of a 17th Century Spanish farmhouse — one that nearly collapsed around them from age and their sonic tinkerings. The house is now patched up and Los Sara Fontan's music is louder and more cutting edge than ever. The World's Gerry Hadden reports on the dynamic duo from Calonge, Spain.

Musical duo 'Los Sara Fontan' takes sonic experimenting to the next level

The Siberian region known as the Kuzbass is right in the heart of Russia's coal country, and pollution from open mines there has gone ignored by authorities, despite a high rate of respiratory illness and lung cancer. Now, the war seems to be posing a greater threat to coal than years of demands from environmentalists. Reporter Levi Bridges explains.

The Siberian region known as the Kuzbass is right in the heart of Russia's coal country, and pollution from open mines there has gone ignored by authorities, despite a high rate of respiratory illness and lung cancer. Now, the war seems to be posing a greater threat to coal than years of demands from environmentalists. Reporter Levi Bridges explains.

War is taking a toll on Russian coal

Relatives of Mexico’s disappeared took to the streets yesterday for a Mother’s Day march, calling on authorities to do more to deter kidnappings, abductions and murders. A new report finds many of the disappearances are the result of “deep collusions” between officials and organized crime. Viri Rios, of the news outlet "Mexico Decoded,” speaks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about the implications.

Relatives of Mexico’s disappeared took to the streets yesterday for a Mother’s Day march, calling on authorities to do more to deter kidnappings, abductions and murders. A new report finds many of the disappearances are the result of “deep collusions” between officials and organized crime. Viri Rios, of the news outlet "Mexico Decoded,” speaks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about the implications.

Mexicans vanish, and it's not just criminals who are to blame

In a fit of excitement, Hungary's incoming health minister danced wildly at the victory party for the country's new Prime Minister Péter Magyar. As Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain, he was at it again over the weekend.

In a fit of excitement, Hungary's incoming health minister danced wildly at the victory party for the country's new Prime Minister Péter Magyar. As Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain, he was at it again over the weekend.

Hungary's incoming health minister busts a move ahead of boss's inauguration

After the US capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the socialist movement founded by Hugo Chávez is entering a dramatic new phase. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez is opening talks with Washington and reshaping a revolution built on anti-American rhetoric. Reporter Tibisay Zea returns to the Caracas neighborhoods where she met Maduro supporters in 2024, and finds longtime believers struggling to reconcile Chávez’s ideals with the movement’s new direction — and questioning what "Chavismo" now stands for.

After the US capture of former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro, the socialist movement founded by Hugo Chávez is entering a dramatic new phase. Acting President Delcy Rodríguez is opening talks with Washington and reshaping a revolution built on anti-American rhetoric. Reporter Tibisay Zea returns to the Caracas neighborhoods where she met Maduro supporters in 2024, and finds longtime believers struggling to reconcile Chávez’s ideals with the movement’s new direction — and questioning what "Chavismo" now stands for.

Venezuela's socialist revolution faces a reckoning

Some 25 million Americans live with rare genetic diseases — that’s nearly 1 in 13. More than half are children. The path to discovering what the condition is, and finding treatments, can take years. But for children who are medical mysteries, getting a diagnosis can be life changing. Today, we meet a Cypriot pediatric neurologist behind the discovery of an ultra-rare genetic syndrome. Dr. Paola Nicolaides was early in her career when she encountered a very unusual patient. That encounter would change the lives of 333 individuals who, today, have a diagnosis of a syndrome bearing her name — including reporter Deepa Fernandes’ daughter.

Some 25 million Americans live with rare genetic diseases — that’s nearly 1 in 13. More than half are children. The path to discovering what the condition is, and finding treatments, can take years. But for children who are medical mysteries, getting a diagnosis can be life changing. Today, we meet a Cypriot pediatric neurologist behind the discovery of an ultra-rare genetic syndrome. Dr. Paola Nicolaides was early in her career when she encountered a very unusual patient. That encounter would change the lives of 333 individuals who, today, have a diagnosis of a syndrome bearing her name — including reporter Deepa Fernandes’ daughter.

Doctor who discovered rare genetic disease balks at it being named after her

The US-Israeli war against Iran has triggered a plastic shortage in Asia. The region gets most of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz, and as a result of the effective blockade, countries cannot access the supply of oil that is the feedstock for plastic products, covering everything from food packaging and cosmetic products to medical syringes and prescription labels. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Barnaby Pace, senior researcher at the Center for International Environmental Law, about why Asia is so exposed to the plastic problem.

The US-Israeli war against Iran has triggered a plastic shortage in Asia. The region gets most of its oil through the Strait of Hormuz, and as a result of the effective blockade, countries cannot access the supply of oil that is the feedstock for plastic products, covering everything from food packaging and cosmetic products to medical syringes and prescription labels. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Barnaby Pace, senior researcher at the Center for International Environmental Law, about why Asia is so exposed to the plastic problem.

US-Israeli war in Iran triggers plastic shortage in Asia

Russia’s annual Victory Day Parade is typically about pomp, circumstance and military might. But the event being held in Moscow on Saturday will lack the usual show of ballistic missiles and tanks. Meanwhile, a leaked security brief from a European intelligence agency claims that President Vladimir Putin has tightened his personal security and faces increased threats of assassination and coup attempts. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Sam Greene, a professor of Russian politics at King’s College London.

Russia’s annual Victory Day Parade is typically about pomp, circumstance and military might. But the event being held in Moscow on Saturday will lack the usual show of ballistic missiles and tanks. Meanwhile, a leaked security brief from a European intelligence agency claims that President Vladimir Putin has tightened his personal security and faces increased threats of assassination and coup attempts. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Sam Greene, a professor of Russian politics at King’s College London.

What a scaled-back Victory Day Parade and growing security concerns say about Putin's Russia

Only 4% of Gaza’s farmlands remain accessible to its residents for farming, according to a new report by the NGO Mercy Corps. The rest have either been damaged in war or are under Israeli control. That means people in Gaza are not able to grow their own crops, leaving them even more reliant on outside aid. The World’s Shirin Jaafari tells Host Carolyn Beeler that if current conditions continue, it will take years, maybe decades, to rehabilitate the destroyed croplands.

Only 4% of Gaza’s farmlands remain accessible to its residents for farming, according to a new report by the NGO Mercy Corps. The rest have either been damaged in war or are under Israeli control. That means people in Gaza are not able to grow their own crops, leaving them even more reliant on outside aid. The World’s Shirin Jaafari tells Host Carolyn Beeler that if current conditions continue, it will take years, maybe decades, to rehabilitate the destroyed croplands.

Report: Gaza's farming system has collapsed

Sir David Attenborough has documented the natural world and the creatures in it for more than 70 years, shifting from awe and wonder to advocacy around the climate crisis. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Alastair Fothergill, founder of Silverback Films and Attenborough's producer for 40 years, about his legacy.

Sir David Attenborough has documented the natural world and the creatures in it for more than 70 years, shifting from awe and wonder to advocacy around the climate crisis. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Alastair Fothergill, founder of Silverback Films and Attenborough's producer for 40 years, about his legacy.

Sir David Attenborough, voice of the planet, turns 100

Freshly cut flowers are pretty to look at, but getting them to your local flower shop requires  more than just picking them. Growing flowers requires a lot of time, water and energy. And the flower business employs millions of people worldwide. Reporter Kathleen Schuster set out to learn more about the global flower market trade for the DW podcast, "Living Planet."This story originally aired on April 21, 2025.

Freshly cut flowers are pretty to look at, but getting them to your local flower shop requires  more than just picking them. Growing flowers requires a lot of time, water and energy. And the flower business employs millions of people worldwide. Reporter Kathleen Schuster set out to learn more about the global flower market trade for the DW podcast, "Living Planet."
This story originally aired on April 21, 2025.

Pros and cons in the global flower market trade

The World's Host Carolyn Beeler shares an update on major news stories from across the globe.

The World's Host Carolyn Beeler shares an update on major news stories from across the globe.

Update on news headlines

It can all go horribly wrong. Or the translation can be spot-on — or even better than the original! It all depends on the film, the culture, the actual words themselves, the complexity of meaning and the nuance. The World's Gerry Hadden takes a global look at funny, brilliant and sometimes terrible film translations, and why it can be so hard to get it right.

It can all go horribly wrong. Or the translation can be spot-on — or even better than the original! It all depends on the film, the culture, the actual words themselves, the complexity of meaning and the nuance. The World's Gerry Hadden takes a global look at funny, brilliant and sometimes terrible film translations, and why it can be so hard to get it right.

Translating a film's title is harder than it seems

A Mexico City meetup for therians — or people who identify strongly with non-human animals, and sometimes dress up like them and emulate their behaviors — became a media spectacle after it was announced. Reporters expected to find a growing online community coming together in real life. But only one participant showed up. The larger crowd was made up of journalists, influencers and live-streamers, revealing a deeper story about online identity, and how social media can make small communities look larger than they are. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

A Mexico City meetup for therians — or people who identify strongly with non-human animals, and sometimes dress up like them and emulate their behaviors — became a media spectacle after it was announced. Reporters expected to find a growing online community coming together in real life. But only one participant showed up. The larger crowd was made up of journalists, influencers and live-streamers, revealing a deeper story about online identity, and how social media can make small communities look larger than they are. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

How a meetup in Mexico became a media spectacle

This week, the International Court of Justice is hearing arguments in a territorial dispute between Venezuela and its neighbor Guyana. Venezuela claims two-thirds of neighboring Guyana, on the basis of Spanish colonial history. Phil Gunson is a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group based in Caracas. He tells The World's Host Carolyn Beeler that tensions over this territory have a lot to do with oil.

This week, the International Court of Justice is hearing arguments in a territorial dispute between Venezuela and its neighbor Guyana. Venezuela claims two-thirds of neighboring Guyana, on the basis of Spanish colonial history. Phil Gunson is a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group based in Caracas. He tells The World's Host Carolyn Beeler that tensions over this territory have a lot to do with oil.

Territorial dispute between Venezuela and Guyana related to oil

Pope Leo XIV will mark one year in the papacy on Friday. His recent tenure has been marked by a forceful tone, especially in denouncing global conflict and defending migrants. Massimo Faggioli, a professor in ecclesiology at the Loyola Institute at Trinity College Dublin, speaks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about the the pontiff's evolving presence on the world stage.

Pope Leo XIV will mark one year in the papacy on Friday. His recent tenure has been marked by a forceful tone, especially in denouncing global conflict and defending migrants. Massimo Faggioli, a professor in ecclesiology at the Loyola Institute at Trinity College Dublin, speaks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about the the pontiff's evolving presence on the world stage.

Pope Leo XIV's first year brings 'extraordinary tension'

Since the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran, the government in Tehran has executed 25 political prisoners — the highest number in such a short span of time over the last three decades. Human rights activists worry the trend will continue unless the international community puts pressure on the Iranian government. The World’s Shirin Jaafari has the story.

Since the start of the US-Israeli war with Iran, the government in Tehran has executed 25 political prisoners — the highest number in such a short span of time over the last three decades. Human rights activists worry the trend will continue unless the international community puts pressure on the Iranian government. The World’s Shirin Jaafari has the story.

Iran ramps up executions

Sometimes overlooked in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the proverbial elephant in the room: religious doctrine driving politics, and also conflict. There's one belief that factors into how multiple religions approach the issue: that is, belief in Armageddon followed by a Messianic era. Reporter Stephanie Freid, in Jerusalem, explains how that keeps the fighting going.

Sometimes overlooked in the ongoing Israeli-Palestinian conflict is the proverbial elephant in the room: religious doctrine driving politics, and also conflict. There's one belief that factors into how multiple religions approach the issue: that is, belief in Armageddon followed by a Messianic era. Reporter Stephanie Freid, in Jerusalem, explains how that keeps the fighting going.

In the current conflict over Gaza, religious beliefs can be overlooked

In a ceremony at a temple in Seoul, a humanoid robot named Gabi took monastic vows for ordination in South Korea's largest Buddhist order. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

In a ceremony at a temple in Seoul, a humanoid robot named Gabi took monastic vows for ordination in South Korea's largest Buddhist order. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

Robo-monk ordained in South Korea

Sand is in high demand, because it's needed to manufacture cement; that's led to a problem, in many countries, with illegal sand mining. That is, digging up sand illegally from beaches and river banks, and harming ecosystems in the process. As of April, India's Supreme Court is cracking down on the practice, with an ultimatum to three states: Stop illegal sand mining in your borders, or the military will stop it by force. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler checks in with Siddharth Agarwal, founder of India Sand Watch, for the details.

Sand is in high demand, because it's needed to manufacture cement; that's led to a problem, in many countries, with illegal sand mining. That is, digging up sand illegally from beaches and river banks, and harming ecosystems in the process. As of April, India's Supreme Court is cracking down on the practice, with an ultimatum to three states: Stop illegal sand mining in your borders, or the military will stop it by force. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler checks in with Siddharth Agarwal, founder of India Sand Watch, for the details.

India cracks down on illegal sand mining

The fate of over a million people in the US with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is now in the hands of the US Supreme Court. The case comes after the Department of Homeland Security announced in September that it would end TPS for Haiti. Sarah Betancourt of GBH in Boston reports on what’s at stake for those currently living legally in Massachusetts, knowing their days in the US could be numbered.

The fate of over a million people in the US with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) is now in the hands of the US Supreme Court. The case comes after the Department of Homeland Security announced in September that it would end TPS for Haiti. Sarah Betancourt of GBH in Boston reports on what’s at stake for those currently living legally in Massachusetts, knowing their days in the US could be numbered.

Haitian refugees with temporary protected status fight to stay in the US

The UN warns that there's an "unprecedented" crisis in the Persian Gulf with 20,000 sailors trapped there since the beginning of the Iran war in March. Vessels there have come under attack and crew members have complained that they're running low on food. Now, as the US waffles on attempting to open the Strait of Hormuz, The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with John Canias, maritime operations coordinator for the International Transport Workers’ Federation, on how the seafarers are doing.

The UN warns that there's an "unprecedented" crisis in the Persian Gulf with 20,000 sailors trapped there since the beginning of the Iran war in March. Vessels there have come under attack and crew members have complained that they're running low on food. Now, as the US waffles on attempting to open the Strait of Hormuz, The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with John Canias, maritime operations coordinator for the International Transport Workers’ Federation, on how the seafarers are doing.

'You're basically in a floating prison': Uncertainty for 20,000 seafarers stuck in Persian Gulf

Hundreds of ferries, oil tankers, cargo ships and fishing boats ply the Bosphorus Strait every day. They take hundreds of thousands of passengers and millions of pounds of cargo each year. But they are a world onto themselves. Eda Uzunlar was given the opportunity to work on a ferry for a day this winter, and we'll get a small glimpse of what life is like on the water.

Hundreds of ferries, oil tankers, cargo ships and fishing boats ply the Bosphorus Strait every day. They take hundreds of thousands of passengers and millions of pounds of cargo each year. But they are a world onto themselves. Eda Uzunlar was given the opportunity to work on a ferry for a day this winter, and we'll get a small glimpse of what life is like on the water.

Tale of a Turkish ferry

Some local officials and FIFA organizers are coming under fire over the high cost of transportation to World Cup matches this summer. One group of Scottish fans has come up with a creative way to bypass public transportation gridlock and save some cash — hiring every available yellow school bus they can find in the Boston area to cart them to the tournament. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel has the story.

Some local officials and FIFA organizers are coming under fire over the high cost of transportation to World Cup matches this summer. One group of Scottish fans has come up with a creative way to bypass public transportation gridlock and save some cash — hiring every available yellow school bus they can find in the Boston area to cart them to the tournament. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel has the story.

Scotland fans hire fleet of school buses for World Cup

The Surrey County Cricket Club in the UK is actively wooing hybrid workers. The venue — known as The Oval — upgraded its WiFi this year and has created special work areas, boasting desks with lots of outlets and a view of the game. They're calling the space, the "best home office in the country." Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

The Surrey County Cricket Club in the UK is actively wooing hybrid workers. The venue — known as The Oval — upgraded its WiFi this year and has created special work areas, boasting desks with lots of outlets and a view of the game. They're calling the space, the "best home office in the country." Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

Working from home just got a new meaning

US military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Pacific Ocean are intensifying. But the public is short on details about the operation. US Southern Command reported two hits this week, bringing the total to 57 strikes and 191 people killed. Steven Dudley, co-director of InSight Crime, tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that while the attacks have disrupted some smuggling routes, the overall flow of drugs from the region continues.

US military strikes on alleged drug-trafficking boats in the Pacific Ocean are intensifying. But the public is short on details about the operation. US Southern Command reported two hits this week, bringing the total to 57 strikes and 191 people killed. Steven Dudley, co-director of InSight Crime, tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that while the attacks have disrupted some smuggling routes, the overall flow of drugs from the region continues.

'We have absolutely no eyeballs' on targeted drug smuggling boats

The band Ireke is based in France and its joyous, musical roots come from funk, Afro-soul and reggae. The group's new album "Ayô Dele" means "joy comes to me" in the Yoruba language. Joy did come to the band when guest female artists said yes to singing on the album. Host Marco Werman has more.

The band Ireke is based in France and its joyous, musical roots come from funk, Afro-soul and reggae. The group's new album "Ayô Dele" means "joy comes to me" in the Yoruba language. Joy did come to the band when guest female artists said yes to singing on the album. Host Marco Werman has more.

Joy comes to the band Ireke

Once dismissed as working-class entertainment, outdoor parties known as sonideros are gaining widespread popularity in Mexico City. The World's Tibisay Zea joined the fun for this report.This story originally aired on May 20, 2025.

Once dismissed as working-class entertainment, outdoor parties known as sonideros are gaining widespread popularity in Mexico City. The World's Tibisay Zea joined the fun for this report.
This story originally aired on May 20, 2025.

Mexico City's sonidero parties break social barriers

Eight people are now suspected to have been affected by hantavirus, a rare but severe disease, onboard a cruise ship that's currently moored off the West African island nation of Cape Verde. Three people who were aboard the ship have already died. More than 140 people are still onboard the vessel, including 23 different nationalities. The vessel now looks set to dock off Tenerife in Spain on Saturday morning. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has the latest.

Eight people are now suspected to have been affected by hantavirus, a rare but severe disease, onboard a cruise ship that's currently moored off the West African island nation of Cape Verde. Three people who were aboard the ship have already died. More than 140 people are still onboard the vessel, including 23 different nationalities. The vessel now looks set to dock off Tenerife in Spain on Saturday morning. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has the latest.

Hantavirus cruises toward Spanish islands

The World Health Organization says the strain of hantavirus identified on the cruise ship heading toward Spain may have passed through human-to-human transmission. But thanks to a robust public health response and the high bar for that transmission, many medical experts believe the risk of the virus spreading among the general public is low. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with epidemiologist Syra Madad about what we know so far.

The World Health Organization says the strain of hantavirus identified on the cruise ship heading toward Spain may have passed through human-to-human transmission. But thanks to a robust public health response and the high bar for that transmission, many medical experts believe the risk of the virus spreading among the general public is low. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with epidemiologist Syra Madad about what we know so far.