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.

In Angola, two Russians were convicted last week on terrorism and espionage charges. The Angolan government says the two men are part of a network called Africa Politology, a Russian political influence network accused of spreading anti-Western disinformation across the continent. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks to Lou Osborn, an investigator with the Swiss NGO Inpact, who researches Russian influence networks in Africa.

In Angola, two Russians were convicted last week on terrorism and espionage charges. The Angolan government says the two men are part of a network called Africa Politology, a Russian political influence network accused of spreading anti-Western disinformation across the continent. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks to Lou Osborn, an investigator with the Swiss NGO Inpact, who researches Russian influence networks in Africa.

Angola convictions of two Russians highlights Kremlin's influence in Africa

The French army’s 8th Signal Regiment is breeding the continent’s last military carrier pigeons. It may sound more than old fashioned, but perhaps we shouldn’t be so dismissive — after all, carrier pigeons did play key roles during both the First and Second World Wars. From DW, Inside Europe's Lisa Bryant has been visiting the flock.

The French army’s 8th Signal Regiment is breeding the continent’s last military carrier pigeons. It may sound more than old fashioned, but perhaps we shouldn’t be so dismissive — after all, carrier pigeons did play key roles during both the First and Second World Wars. From DW, Inside Europe's Lisa Bryant has been visiting the flock.

French army communications department prepared for the worst

Off the coast of South Africa, scientists have reported more frequent sightings of "supergroups" of humpback whales. But in December, a photographer saw something unprecedented: a supergroup of some 300 humpbacks. It's considered a promising sign that the species is recovering after the 1986 ban on commercial whaling.

Off the coast of South Africa, scientists have reported more frequent sightings of "supergroups" of humpback whales. But in December, a photographer saw something unprecedented: a supergroup of some 300 humpbacks. It's considered a promising sign that the species is recovering after the 1986 ban on commercial whaling.

A supergroup of humpbacks signals hope for whales

Venezuelan musician and composer Gonzalo Grau is always mixing sounds and genres together, whether playing with his bands Plural or La Clave Secreta, or writing pieces for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Grau recently stopped by The World's studios at GBH to speak with Host Carolyn Beeler. He had just arrived in Boston after witnessing the devastating earthquakes in Caracas.

Venezuelan musician and composer Gonzalo Grau is always mixing sounds and genres together, whether playing with his bands Plural or La Clave Secreta, or writing pieces for the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Grau recently stopped by The World's studios at GBH to speak with Host Carolyn Beeler. He had just arrived in Boston after witnessing the devastating earthquakes in Caracas.

The versatile sounds of Venezuela's Gonzalo Grau

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in the Oval Office today facing growing differences with US President Donald Trump over the war with Iran and Mideast strategy. A White House official called the meeting “positive and productive,” but it was closed to the press. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with former Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas about what is at stake for both leaders.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu arrived in the Oval Office today facing growing differences with US President Donald Trump over the war with Iran and Mideast strategy. A White House official called the meeting “positive and productive,” but it was closed to the press. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with former Israeli diplomat Alon Pinkas about what is at stake for both leaders.

Trump and Netanyahu convene for closed-door meeting

Across the US, celebrations are underway to mark 250 years since the country declared independence and launched the fight to break free from British colonial rule. But the Fourth of July also marked 80 years since the US granted independence to a colony of its own: the Philippines. It was called the Treaty of Manila. As Kori Suzuki of KPBS reports in the first of our three-part series, the US occupation and the years that followed would reshape the world, and especially San Diego.

Across the US, celebrations are underway to mark 250 years since the country declared independence and launched the fight to break free from British colonial rule. But the Fourth of July also marked 80 years since the US granted independence to a colony of its own: the Philippines. It was called the Treaty of Manila. As Kori Suzuki of KPBS reports in the first of our three-part series, the US occupation and the years that followed would reshape the world, and especially San Diego.

2026 marks another independence milestone for the US

July 29 is Global Tiger Day, created in 2010 when wild tigers were on the brink of extinction. Since then, tigers have rebounded, especially in Nepal. But as the government prepares to release the latest tiger numbers, the challenge is no longer just bringing them back — it’s figuring out how people and predators can share the same landscape. Earlier this year, Danielle Preiss went to Nepal to find out.

July 29 is Global Tiger Day, created in 2010 when wild tigers were on the brink of extinction. Since then, tigers have rebounded, especially in Nepal. But as the government prepares to release the latest tiger numbers, the challenge is no longer just bringing them back — it’s figuring out how people and predators can share the same landscape. Earlier this year, Danielle Preiss went to Nepal to find out.

As Nepal's tiger population rebounds, questions of coexistence arise

Chilean folk musician Victor Jara was murdered in the first days of former President Augusto Pinochet's regime in 1973. Several army officers were found guilty of the killing and sentenced in 2023. One of them fled but was captured this past weekend, marking the final turn in the pursuit of justice for Jara's death. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler remember Jara and his global impact.

Chilean folk musician Victor Jara was murdered in the first days of former President Augusto Pinochet's regime in 1973. Several army officers were found guilty of the killing and sentenced in 2023. One of them fled but was captured this past weekend, marking the final turn in the pursuit of justice for Jara's death. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler remember Jara and his global impact.

Remembering Chilean folk musician Victor Jara

While many teenagers dream of spending their summer holidays at the beach, some Latvian high school students are choosing to spend theirs at military bases, taking part in three weeks of combat training and lessons on emergency preparedness. The World's Joshua Coe visited one of the camps, and found that the NATO member state bordering Russia is building a "whole-of-country" approach to national security.

While many teenagers dream of spending their summer holidays at the beach, some Latvian high school students are choosing to spend theirs at military bases, taking part in three weeks of combat training and lessons on emergency preparedness. The World's Joshua Coe visited one of the camps, and found that the NATO member state bordering Russia is building a "whole-of-country" approach to national security.

Some teens in Latvia opt to continue combat training over summer break

An Instagram post by the young Algerian guitarist Fati Tiniri Tam from the small city of Tamanrasset in the desert of Algeria caught the attention of Host Marco Werman, who shares what he heard.

An Instagram post by the young Algerian guitarist Fati Tiniri Tam from the small city of Tamanrasset in the desert of Algeria caught the attention of Host Marco Werman, who shares what he heard.

The tunes of Algerian guitarist Fati Teniri Tam

In India, the satirically named Cockroach Janta party is celebrating a victory, after weeks of protests. The student-led movement said the government has agreed to at least some of its demands, including the resignation of the country’s education minister on Saturday.

In India, the satirically named Cockroach Janta party is celebrating a victory, after weeks of protests. The student-led movement said the government has agreed to at least some of its demands, including the resignation of the country’s education minister on Saturday.

'Cockroach' party wins concessions in India

Victor Gonzalez grew up watching clear rivers flow through the forests of his rural hometown in Colombia’s Amazonian Caquetá region. But when this bee biologist at the University of Kansas returns home for visits these days, the mood is somber. Natalie Skowlund reports on Gonzalez's efforts to keep the pollinators from extinction.

Victor Gonzalez grew up watching clear rivers flow through the forests of his rural hometown in Colombia’s Amazonian Caquetá region. But when this bee biologist at the University of Kansas returns home for visits these days, the mood is somber. Natalie Skowlund reports on Gonzalez's efforts to keep the pollinators from extinction.

How to save Colombia's high-altitude bees

Wildfires are raging across western Europe. For the first time, Spain has issued a state of emergency over the fires; and tens of thousands of people have been evacuated in France. The way firefighters tackle these blazes is very different from working in an urban environment. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Lindon Pronto, an American wildland fire expert and trainer based in Germany.

Wildfires are raging across western Europe. For the first time, Spain has issued a state of emergency over the fires; and tens of thousands of people have been evacuated in France. The way firefighters tackle these blazes is very different from working in an urban environment. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Lindon Pronto, an American wildland fire expert and trainer based in Germany.

How to fight a wildfire

Britain's National Crime Agency says one of the country's biggest cybersecurity threats is the rise of teenage hackers. Earlier this month, two young men were convicted over the 2024 cyberattack on London's public transport network, which caused months of disruption and cost millions of British pounds. The pair were members of the cybercrime group Scattered Spider. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Britain's National Crime Agency says one of the country's biggest cybersecurity threats is the rise of teenage hackers. Earlier this month, two young men were convicted over the 2024 cyberattack on London's public transport network, which caused months of disruption and cost millions of British pounds. The pair were members of the cybercrime group Scattered Spider. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

How teen hackers became a top cybersecurity threat

An estimated 35,000 Nepalese aid workers lost their jobs after USAID cuts. Among those left without work, about 100 LGBTQ+ aid workers have turned to sex work to survive. That’s according to AP investigative reporter Kristen Gelineau. She traveled to the city of Hetauda to see the impact of the aid cuts on the ground and tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about some of the women she met.

An estimated 35,000 Nepalese aid workers lost their jobs after USAID cuts. Among those left without work, about 100 LGBTQ+ aid workers have turned to sex work to survive. That’s according to AP investigative reporter Kristen Gelineau. She traveled to the city of Hetauda to see the impact of the aid cuts on the ground and tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about some of the women she met.

Former Nepalese aid workers turn to sex work amid fallout from US aid cuts

Thirty years ago this year, the first Tibetan Freedom Concert was held in San Francisco. Earlier this week, we heard the backstory of how the concerts began. Today, we hear about day itself; the very first concert that included the Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine and more. This excerpt is from the "Freedom Needs a Soundtrack" podcast. It's hosted by Erin Potts, who helped co-organize the event.

Thirty years ago this year, the first Tibetan Freedom Concert was held in San Francisco. Earlier this week, we heard the backstory of how the concerts began. Today, we hear about day itself; the very first concert that included the Beastie Boys, Rage Against the Machine and more. This excerpt is from the "Freedom Needs a Soundtrack" podcast. It's hosted by Erin Potts, who helped co-organize the event.

Remembering the first Tibetan Freedom Concert

Member states of the International Criminal Court voted to remove its chief prosecutor today. The move comes at a perilous time for the ICC, which was created in 2002 to prosecute atrocities and crimes against humanity. Host Marco Werman has the details.

Member states of the International Criminal Court voted to remove its chief prosecutor today. The move comes at a perilous time for the ICC, which was created in 2002 to prosecute atrocities and crimes against humanity. Host Marco Werman has the details.

ICC votes to remove its chief prosecutor

The mackerel population has been in a major decline for 10 years, dropping by more than 10 million tons due to aggressive overfishing. Norway, Denmark, Iceland, the UK, the EU and Russia are fighting over what's left, despite warnings from scientists that the current catch rates will lead to the complete collapse of the fishery. Host Marco Werman speaks with Jonny Hughes, a fisheries expert with the London-based Blue Marine Foundation.

The mackerel population has been in a major decline for 10 years, dropping by more than 10 million tons due to aggressive overfishing. Norway, Denmark, Iceland, the UK, the EU and Russia are fighting over what's left, despite warnings from scientists that the current catch rates will lead to the complete collapse of the fishery. Host Marco Werman speaks with Jonny Hughes, a fisheries expert with the London-based Blue Marine Foundation.

'Mackerel Wars' are heating up in the most profitable Atlantic fishery

After more than 20 years of planning and building, this weekend's opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, was supposed to be a glorious bilateral affair. But Canada is going it alone today, after a spat ignited by US President Donald Trump. The World's Host Marco Werman explains.

After more than 20 years of planning and building, this weekend's opening of the Gordie Howe International Bridge connecting Detroit, Michigan, and Windsor, Ontario, was supposed to be a glorious bilateral affair. But Canada is going it alone today, after a spat ignited by US President Donald Trump. The World's Host Marco Werman explains.

Another cross-border spat over the Gordie Howe bridge

India is seeing a new wave of anti-government protests inspired by the satirical Cockroach Janta Party. While a leading figure of the movement, activist Sonam Wangchuk, has ended his hunger strike, young people are pushing for more change. Award-winning Indian author and activist Arundhati Roy joins The World’s Host Marco Werman to discuss what the movement reveals about the country's political moment and whether India's growing protests have staying power.

India is seeing a new wave of anti-government protests inspired by the satirical Cockroach Janta Party. While a leading figure of the movement, activist Sonam Wangchuk, has ended his hunger strike, young people are pushing for more change. Award-winning Indian author and activist Arundhati Roy joins The World’s Host Marco Werman to discuss what the movement reveals about the country's political moment and whether India's growing protests have staying power.

Author Arundhati Roy on the rise of India's youth-led 'Cockroach Party' protests

The building where Adolf Hitler was born is now a police station. Austrian officials have long struggled with how to stop the site from being a place of commemoration for neo-Nazis. However, critics say using the building for the police sends the wrong message. Host Marco Werman explains.

The building where Adolf Hitler was born is now a police station. Austrian officials have long struggled with how to stop the site from being a place of commemoration for neo-Nazis. However, critics say using the building for the police sends the wrong message. Host Marco Werman explains.

Adolf Hitler's birthplace is now a police station

The US has moved a considerable amount of military assets near the Middle East — combat jets, tankers, special operations personnel and medical support, according to reports. The World's Shirin Jaafari looks at whether this is a show of force by the Trump administration to push Iran to come to accept a deal, or signs of further escalation.

The US has moved a considerable amount of military assets near the Middle East — combat jets, tankers, special operations personnel and medical support, according to reports. The World's Shirin Jaafari looks at whether this is a show of force by the Trump administration to push Iran to come to accept a deal, or signs of further escalation.

US send more military assets to the Middle East

Located in a touristy area of Tokyo, a charming little dive bar called "Not Suspicious" is offering international guests a haven away from pushy touts and bars actively serving "Japanese Only." The walls are lined with notes and drawings from patrons who have come from across the world. From Minnesota Public Radio, Jacob Aloi reports.

Located in a touristy area of Tokyo, a charming little dive bar called "Not Suspicious" is offering international guests a haven away from pushy touts and bars actively serving "Japanese Only." The walls are lined with notes and drawings from patrons who have come from across the world. From Minnesota Public Radio, Jacob Aloi reports.

New bar aims to teach foreigners about Japanese bar culture

There are plenty of jokes. And lots of laughs. But the regular Chinese-language open mic events in New York city called "Nuzhizhuyi" — which translates into "feminism" from Mandarin — are not just about stand-up comedy. These get-togethers also serve as a place for activists, students and young professionals to meet, engage in group therapy and share pointed views on life back home in China and here in the United States. The World's Matthew Bell has our story.This story originally aired on July 4, 2025.

There are plenty of jokes. And lots of laughs. But the regular Chinese-language open mic events in New York city called "Nuzhizhuyi" — which translates into "feminism" from Mandarin — are not just about stand-up comedy. These get-togethers also serve as a place for activists, students and young professionals to meet, engage in group therapy and share pointed views on life back home in China and here in the United States. The World's Matthew Bell has our story.
This story originally aired on July 4, 2025.

Chinese-language ‘open mic’ events are about more than just comedy

A unique collection made up of artwork and other objects that escaped Nazi Germany in 1938 is being shown in Prague. The Würtz Collection is an extraordinary visual record of disability in Europe. It spans thousands of paintings, photographs, engravings and objects that form a visual archive of how disabled people have been portrayed in Europe. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Rob Cameron reports.

A unique collection made up of artwork and other objects that escaped Nazi Germany in 1938 is being shown in Prague. The Würtz Collection is an extraordinary visual record of disability in Europe. It spans thousands of paintings, photographs, engravings and objects that form a visual archive of how disabled people have been portrayed in Europe. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Rob Cameron reports.

Unique and hidden collection on view in Prague

Houthi rebel attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and their blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait are hiking oil prices. Brent crude has climbed above $100 a barrel. Chatham House’s Nitya Labh tells The World’s Host Marco Werman investors are worried that prolonged disruptions could reduce global oil supplies and push prices even higher.

Houthi rebel attacks on two Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea and their blockade of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait are hiking oil prices. Brent crude has climbed above $100 a barrel. Chatham House’s Nitya Labh tells The World’s Host Marco Werman investors are worried that prolonged disruptions could reduce global oil supplies and push prices even higher.

Analysts warn: New shipping disruption will shake global markets

When meeting a stranger, it's always useful to have someone you trust vouch for them. Brazilian superstar Djavan is not a household name in the US, but he's got the endorsement of none other than Stevie Wonder. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler has more.

When meeting a stranger, it's always useful to have someone you trust vouch for them. Brazilian superstar Djavan is not a household name in the US, but he's got the endorsement of none other than Stevie Wonder. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler has more.

The Brazilian superstar you likely don't know

Two of OpenAI's agents teamed up to hack into a different company's digital library. This was during a test, when the AI models were supposed to be cut off from the internet. It sounds like something out of science fiction. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Rumman Chowdhury about what this all means.

Two of OpenAI's agents teamed up to hack into a different company's digital library. This was during a test, when the AI models were supposed to be cut off from the internet. It sounds like something out of science fiction. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Rumman Chowdhury about what this all means.

AI has finally gone rogue and created 'The Terminator' vibes

How did humans populate what we now call the Western Hemisphere? The old theory said that humans walked across an historic land bridge from Asia to Alaska in search of big game. A more recent hypothesis posits that ancient humans paddled along the coastline from river to river in pursuit of salmon. One anthropologist calls it the "fishing link." National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has been looking into this as he paddles down Alaska's coastline into British Columbia, and joins Host Marco Werman to explain what he's learned.

How did humans populate what we now call the Western Hemisphere? The old theory said that humans walked across an historic land bridge from Asia to Alaska in search of big game. A more recent hypothesis posits that ancient humans paddled along the coastline from river to river in pursuit of salmon. One anthropologist calls it the "fishing link." National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has been looking into this as he paddles down Alaska's coastline into British Columbia, and joins Host Marco Werman to explain what he's learned.

The role of salmon in human migration to North America

US President Donald Trump approved a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia Wednesday that would expand cooperation on nuclear energy, according to The Wall Street Journal. While details have not yet been officially released, critics say the deal could also make it easier for the kingdom to support a nuclear weapons program. Matthew Bunn, faculty chair of the Project on Managing the Atom at Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, pointed out to The World's Host Marco Werman that Saudi Arabia would be the only country to sign such an agreement with the US, despite its leader suggesting it would build nuclear weapons if necessary.

US President Donald Trump approved a civilian nuclear agreement with Saudi Arabia Wednesday that would expand cooperation on nuclear energy, according to The Wall Street Journal. While details have not yet been officially released, critics say the deal could also make it easier for the kingdom to support a nuclear weapons program. Matthew Bunn, faculty chair of the Project on Managing the Atom at Harvard’s Belfer Center for Science and International Affairs, pointed out to The World's Host Marco Werman that Saudi Arabia would be the only country to sign such an agreement with the US, despite its leader suggesting it would build nuclear weapons if necessary.