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 US Navy says it is now providing “guidance” to commercial shipping vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. But retired Navy Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, now senior director of The Foundation for Defense of Democracies Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that because of the strait’s geographical constraints, protecting vessels from threats like fast boats, drones and mines will be far from easy.

The US Navy says it is now providing “guidance” to commercial shipping vessels through the Strait of Hormuz. But retired Navy Rear Admiral Mark Montgomery, now senior director of The Foundation for Defense of Democracies Center on Cyber and Technology Innovation, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that because of the strait’s geographical constraints, protecting vessels from threats like fast boats, drones and mines will be far from easy.

Strait of Hormuz: A true chokepoint with no room to spare

The United States has be a nation for 250 years. But it's democratic roots go back much further, to ancient Greece. The new documentary "Athens: Birth of Democracy" looks at the time when democracy first emerged. The documentary is from our colleagues at NOVA. Historian Paul Cartledge is one of the contributors to the show. He teaches at the University of Cambridge in England and recently spoke to Host Marco Werman.

The United States has be a nation for 250 years. But it's democratic roots go back much further, to ancient Greece. The new documentary "Athens: Birth of Democracy" looks at the time when democracy first emerged. The documentary is from our colleagues at NOVA. Historian Paul Cartledge is one of the contributors to the show. He teaches at the University of Cambridge in England and recently spoke to Host Marco Werman.

Athens and the birth of democracy

The World's Hosts catch us up on a few things we might have missed in the news.

The World's Hosts catch us up on a few things we might have missed in the news.

Things you may have missed

The capital of Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa, has its own classical orchestra, known best as the Kinshasa Orchestra, or the Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste. Sometimes, all it takes is a little pop power to give a classical ensemble a boost for greater recognition. That's what the Cameroonian singer, who goes simply as Irma, has done with her viral cover of Henry Mancini's "Moon River," accompanied by the Kinshasa Orchestra. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler take a listen.

The capital of Democratic Republic of Congo, Kinshasa, has its own classical orchestra, known best as the Kinshasa Orchestra, or the Orchestre Symphonique Kimbanguiste. Sometimes, all it takes is a little pop power to give a classical ensemble a boost for greater recognition. That's what the Cameroonian singer, who goes simply as Irma, has done with her viral cover of Henry Mancini's "Moon River," accompanied by the Kinshasa Orchestra. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler take a listen.

An old standard gets a Cameroonian twist

Anti-immigrant sentiment has surged in South Africa, leading to harassment, threats against businesses and sporadic attacks, particularly against Ghanaians and Nigerians in the country. The Nigerian government now plans to repatriate its citizens from South Africa. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Sethulego Matebesi, a professor of sociology at the University of the Free State in South Africa, about what is happening and why.

Anti-immigrant sentiment has surged in South Africa, leading to harassment, threats against businesses and sporadic attacks, particularly against Ghanaians and Nigerians in the country. The Nigerian government now plans to repatriate its citizens from South Africa. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Sethulego Matebesi, a professor of sociology at the University of the Free State in South Africa, about what is happening and why.

Anti-immigrant protests surge in South Africa

Late last month, the UN passed a resolution urging reparations for slavery’s “historical wrongs.” This is the latest — and most dramatic — moment in an ongoing and global process of historical reckoning, which requires former colonizing countries to come to terms with the darker sides of their past. Six years ago, for example, Berlin became one of a handful of European cities reassessing its relationship to European colonialism. The local administration funded efforts to “decolonize” the city landscape in partnership with Afro-German organizations. From Deutsche Welle, DW's, Inside Europe, Annelise Finney brings us this story.

Late last month, the UN passed a resolution urging reparations for slavery’s “historical wrongs.” This is the latest — and most dramatic — moment in an ongoing and global process of historical reckoning, which requires former colonizing countries to come to terms with the darker sides of their past. Six years ago, for example, Berlin became one of a handful of European cities reassessing its relationship to European colonialism. The local administration funded efforts to “decolonize” the city landscape in partnership with Afro-German organizations. From Deutsche Welle, DW's, Inside Europe, Annelise Finney brings us this story.

Decolonizing Berlin

Bombing refers to illegally releasing wildlife into nature, to restore its presence. In Spain, two decades ago, someone let 18 beavers free in the Ebro river. Today, about 2,000 of the sharp-toothed rodents call the northeast region home. Some folks are pleased, others peeved. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Aragón, Spain.

Bombing refers to illegally releasing wildlife into nature, to restore its presence. In Spain, two decades ago, someone let 18 beavers free in the Ebro river. Today, about 2,000 of the sharp-toothed rodents call the northeast region home. Some folks are pleased, others peeved. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Aragón, Spain.

Beavers are back in Spain after mysterious 'bombing'

Historically, the cars made in China have been small. But at this year's Beijing Auto Show, it was all about SUVs. Unlike their American competitors, however, these big Chinese cars aren't gas guzzlers. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel has highlights from the world's biggest car show.

Historically, the cars made in China have been small. But at this year's Beijing Auto Show, it was all about SUVs. Unlike their American competitors, however, these big Chinese cars aren't gas guzzlers. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel has highlights from the world's biggest car show.

Big cars take center stage at Beijing Auto Show

Today is May Day, when workers mark the anniversary of the birth of the labor movement in the United States. This is an international movement that sees marches and protests demanding stronger protections for workers, and better pay, from South Africa to Vietnam. Host Marco Werman talks to Paul Ortiz, professor of labor history at Cornell University about the state of the global labor movement.

Today is May Day, when workers mark the anniversary of the birth of the labor movement in the United States. This is an international movement that sees marches and protests demanding stronger protections for workers, and better pay, from South Africa to Vietnam. Host Marco Werman talks to Paul Ortiz, professor of labor history at Cornell University about the state of the global labor movement.

The state of global labor as workers celebrate May Day

You might know that spring is here by how late the sun stays up, or by the sight of picnics in the park. In the small German village of Lehde, the arrival of spring is marked by the local post office delivering mail on a barge. That's because the village is linked by a network of canals that function as both a historic irrigation system and the best way to get around. Host Marco Werman has more details.

You might know that spring is here by how late the sun stays up, or by the sight of picnics in the park. In the small German village of Lehde, the arrival of spring is marked by the local post office delivering mail on a barge. That's because the village is linked by a network of canals that function as both a historic irrigation system and the best way to get around. Host Marco Werman has more details.

The German village where the seasons determine how the mail gets delivered

Friday is May Day, International Labor Day. In the Czech Republic, the giant parades of the communist era are long gone. But left-wing groups still gather each year in the center of Prague. This time, though, they do so under a controversial new law explicitly placing Communist propaganda and symbols under the same anti-extremism legislation used against Nazism. From Prague, Deutsche Welle, DW's, Rob Cameron reports.

Friday is May Day, International Labor Day. In the Czech Republic, the giant parades of the communist era are long gone. But left-wing groups still gather each year in the center of Prague. This time, though, they do so under a controversial new law explicitly placing Communist propaganda and symbols under the same anti-extremism legislation used against Nazism. From Prague, Deutsche Welle, DW's, Rob Cameron reports.

Czech Republic bans communist symbols in May Day parades

Academy and Grammy award-winning musician Jorge Drexler is back with his 19th album, called "Taracá." The album is something of a homecoming, since it’s the first record in over 20 years that Drexler has made in his native Uruguay. The musician has lived for years now in Spain. Reporter Natalio Cosoy caught up with Drexler in Buenos Aires and has this story.

Academy and Grammy award-winning musician Jorge Drexler is back with his 19th album, called "Taracá." The album is something of a homecoming, since it’s the first record in over 20 years that Drexler has made in his native Uruguay. The musician has lived for years now in Spain. Reporter Natalio Cosoy caught up with Drexler in Buenos Aires and has this story.

Jorge Drexler's new album made in native Uruguay

This week, US prosecutors indicted the sitting governor of Sinaloa state and nine others, alleging ties to the Sinaloa Cartel. The case is already raising difficult questions — not just about the specific allegations, but about accountability and sovereignty at a time of raised tensions between the two countries. To learn more, Host Marco Werman spoke to Parker Asmann, a Mexico-based investigator with InSight Crime.

This week, US prosecutors indicted the sitting governor of Sinaloa state and nine others, alleging ties to the Sinaloa Cartel. The case is already raising difficult questions — not just about the specific allegations, but about accountability and sovereignty at a time of raised tensions between the two countries. To learn more, Host Marco Werman spoke to Parker Asmann, a Mexico-based investigator with InSight Crime.

US indicts Mexican governor, alleging ties to Sinaloa Cartel

Colombia's government has announced a controversial plan to kill dozens of hippos that are roaming freely in one of the country’s most fertile areas. But the animals have become a beloved tourist attraction, years after they were introduced into the country by the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar. Officials say the hippos could become a danger to local farmers, and are also displacing native species like the river manatee. Reporter Manuel Rueda has the story from Doradal, Colombia.

Colombia's government has announced a controversial plan to kill dozens of hippos that are roaming freely in one of the country’s most fertile areas. But the animals have become a beloved tourist attraction, years after they were introduced into the country by the notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar. Officials say the hippos could become a danger to local farmers, and are also displacing native species like the river manatee. Reporter Manuel Rueda has the story from Doradal, Colombia.

Plan to kill dozens of wild hippos generates fierce debate in Colombia

Saturday will mark 15 years to the day that Osama Bin Laden was killed inside a compound in Pakistan during a targeted nighttime raid by US Navy SEALs. It was the culmination of a decade-long manhunt following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Over a decade later al-Qaeda, the group Bin Laden founded, persists with affiliates and partners across the globe — but also faces steep competition from ISIS. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke to Aaron Zelin, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

Saturday will mark 15 years to the day that Osama Bin Laden was killed inside a compound in Pakistan during a targeted nighttime raid by US Navy SEALs. It was the culmination of a decade-long manhunt following the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks. Over a decade later al-Qaeda, the group Bin Laden founded, persists with affiliates and partners across the globe — but also faces steep competition from ISIS. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke to Aaron Zelin, a fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

15 years after US killed Bin Laden, al-Qaeda faces steep competition with ISIS

A jury resigns at the world's most important art fair. And a whale recently stranded in shallow water is successfully moved to its natural habitat. Host Marco Werman has more.

A jury resigns at the world's most important art fair. And a whale recently stranded in shallow water is successfully moved to its natural habitat. Host Marco Werman has more.

Some quick news updates

For 19 days, the route up to the summit of Mount Everest was obstructed by a huge block of ice which held back climbers from fulfilling their dreams of getting to the top of the world's tallest mountain. Sherpas were brought in to clear the ice and, earlier this week, it slowly disintegrated, opening the way. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

For 19 days, the route up to the summit of Mount Everest was obstructed by a huge block of ice which held back climbers from fulfilling their dreams of getting to the top of the world's tallest mountain. Sherpas were brought in to clear the ice and, earlier this week, it slowly disintegrated, opening the way. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Path to top of Mount Everest open again

Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the US-Israeli attacks on Iran in February. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was quickly picked as the successor. But since his ascent to power, there has been no audio or video of him — only statements attributed to him. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports that evidence suggests the new supreme leader of Iran has been seriously injured and has nowhere near the power his late father had.

Iran’s late Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei was killed on the first day of the US-Israeli attacks on Iran in February. His son, Mojtaba Khamenei, was quickly picked as the successor. But since his ascent to power, there has been no audio or video of him — only statements attributed to him. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports that evidence suggests the new supreme leader of Iran has been seriously injured and has nowhere near the power his late father had.

How supreme is Iran's new supreme leader?

Hungary’s incoming prime minister is moving quickly to make his mark. Péter Magyar, who takes office next month, met top European officials in Brussels this week to set out his plans to restore the rule of law in Hungary. Billions of euros in EU funding have been withheld amid concerns about corruption and democratic backsliding under outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Magyar has promised voters he will unlock that money. But first, he must convince Brussels he can deliver reform. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Hungary’s incoming prime minister is moving quickly to make his mark. Péter Magyar, who takes office next month, met top European officials in Brussels this week to set out his plans to restore the rule of law in Hungary. Billions of euros in EU funding have been withheld amid concerns about corruption and democratic backsliding under outgoing Prime Minister Viktor Orbán. Magyar has promised voters he will unlock that money. But first, he must convince Brussels he can deliver reform. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Hungary's Magyar races to unlock EU billions

After a long political impasse, Ali al-Zaidi has been tapped to become Iraq's new prime minister. A wealthy oligarch, al-Zaidi is seen as both a compromise candidate, but also a political outsider. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from Hamzeh Hadad, an Iraqi political analyst with the Center for a New American Security, a Washington-based think tank.

After a long political impasse, Ali al-Zaidi has been tapped to become Iraq's new prime minister. A wealthy oligarch, al-Zaidi is seen as both a compromise candidate, but also a political outsider. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from Hamzeh Hadad, an Iraqi political analyst with the Center for a New American Security, a Washington-based think tank.

With war on its doorstep, Iraq taps a political outsider to become prime minister

The keeping of livestock requires both maintaining a bond with the animals and effective communication. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek knows that from his own past as a cattle rancher in Mexico. And, as he tells Host Carolyn Beeler, so do the shepherds and nomads he has met along his global walking project, the Out of Eden Walk. He explains and demonstrates some of the language of animal husbandry.

The keeping of livestock requires both maintaining a bond with the animals and effective communication. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek knows that from his own past as a cattle rancher in Mexico. And, as he tells Host Carolyn Beeler, so do the shepherds and nomads he has met along his global walking project, the Out of Eden Walk. He explains and demonstrates some of the language of animal husbandry.

The music of animal husbandry

Today is International Jazz Day, declared by the United Nations in 2011 "to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe." On this annual celebration of the smooth form of music, Puerto Rican folk musician Fabiola Méndez came into The World's studio to talk with Host Carolyn Beeler about her music and the traditional stringed instrument she plays, the cuatro.

Today is International Jazz Day, declared by the United Nations in 2011 "to highlight jazz and its diplomatic role of uniting people in all corners of the globe." On this annual celebration of the smooth form of music, Puerto Rican folk musician Fabiola Méndez came into The World's studio to talk with Host Carolyn Beeler about her music and the traditional stringed instrument she plays, the cuatro.

International jazz musician Fabiola Méndez and her cuatro

The war in Iran has caused a massive crunch in the global supply chain. But nothing has been hit harder than jet fuel. Prices have more than doubled, tickets are getting costlier, and some airlines might not survive the crisis. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports.

The war in Iran has caused a massive crunch in the global supply chain. But nothing has been hit harder than jet fuel. Prices have more than doubled, tickets are getting costlier, and some airlines might not survive the crisis. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports.

Jet fuel spike puts airlines and travelers on edge

The United Arab Emirates says it will leave OPEC, a consortium of oil producing countries, effective May 1. That would strip the cartel of its third-largest producer and further weaken its leverage over global oil supplies and prices. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.

The United Arab Emirates says it will leave OPEC, a consortium of oil producing countries, effective May 1. That would strip the cartel of its third-largest producer and further weaken its leverage over global oil supplies and prices. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.

UAE suggests it will quit OPEC

Spain has been struggling for years to find people willing to live and work as shepherds. It can be tough, lonely work at times. But a new training program has found a way to fill those rural jobs: by tapping into Spain's immigrant and newly-arrived refugee communities, many of whom have shepherding experience back home and who love the idea of working with animals. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Ciudad Real, in central Spain.

Spain has been struggling for years to find people willing to live and work as shepherds. It can be tough, lonely work at times. But a new training program has found a way to fill those rural jobs: by tapping into Spain's immigrant and newly-arrived refugee communities, many of whom have shepherding experience back home and who love the idea of working with animals. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Ciudad Real, in central Spain.

Spain fills vacant shepherd jobs with people from elsewhere

Technical difficulties nearly scuttled the performance of the Canadian national anthem before last night's NHL match between the Buffalo Sabres and the Boston Bruins. But, when the singer's microphone cut out, the fans came together to finish the tune.

Technical difficulties nearly scuttled the performance of the Canadian national anthem before last night's NHL match between the Buffalo Sabres and the Boston Bruins. But, when the singer's microphone cut out, the fans came together to finish the tune.

US fans sing Canadian anthem

The far-right has made great gains in Europe over the past couple of decades. In France, the RN, or National Rally, has gone from fringe movement to the largest party of the nation. The party is now hoping that its leader, 30-year-old Jordan Bardella, will win the French presidency next year. Host Marco Werman gets the details from Victor Mallet, senior editor with the Financial Times and author of "Far-Right France: Le Pen, Bardella and the Future of Europe."

The far-right has made great gains in Europe over the past couple of decades. In France, the RN, or National Rally, has gone from fringe movement to the largest party of the nation. The party is now hoping that its leader, 30-year-old Jordan Bardella, will win the French presidency next year. Host Marco Werman gets the details from Victor Mallet, senior editor with the Financial Times and author of "Far-Right France: Le Pen, Bardella and the Future of Europe."

France's far-right is hoping for a big win

The sewage of some 300,000 people is being sent directly into Mexico's Lake Chapala. It's the source of water for 60% of residents of Guadalajara. Further downstream, international companies send industrial waste into the Santiago River. Studies have found that people in the area suffer kidney disease at higher-than-normal rates. What used to be known as a vacation destination has recently been dubbed a "slow moving Chernobyl." Glynis Board reports from Jalisco, Mexico.

The sewage of some 300,000 people is being sent directly into Mexico's Lake Chapala. It's the source of water for 60% of residents of Guadalajara. Further downstream, international companies send industrial waste into the Santiago River. Studies have found that people in the area suffer kidney disease at higher-than-normal rates. What used to be known as a vacation destination has recently been dubbed a "slow moving Chernobyl." Glynis Board reports from Jalisco, Mexico.

Attempts to clean up water supplies in Mexico

The Lost Boys of Sudan — that's the phrase commonly used to describe the refugees whose parents had been killed in Sudan's civil war more than 30 years ago. But not all of those young people were boys — including Rebecca Deng. She was one of the girls less often included in the telling of that history. So, she wrote a memoir about her experience and shares one story from the book with GBH'S Stories from the Stage.

The Lost Boys of Sudan — that's the phrase commonly used to describe the refugees whose parents had been killed in Sudan's civil war more than 30 years ago. But not all of those young people were boys — including Rebecca Deng. She was one of the girls less often included in the telling of that history. So, she wrote a memoir about her experience and shares one story from the book with GBH'S Stories from the Stage.

SFTS: A lost girl of Sudan

If you drive south, from the US, into Mexico, you'll notice some very different car brands on the roads. Increasingly, they are Chinese-made, and many of them are electric. From the Fronteras Desk at KJZZ, Nina Kravinsky reports from Hermosillo, Mexico, on how the US is responding, and what it means for the future of EVs in Mexico.

If you drive south, from the US, into Mexico, you'll notice some very different car brands on the roads. Increasingly, they are Chinese-made, and many of them are electric. From the Fronteras Desk at KJZZ, Nina Kravinsky reports from Hermosillo, Mexico, on how the US is responding, and what it means for the future of EVs in Mexico.