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.

Pakistan is in the middle of a solar power revolution. Over the past five years, the percentage of electricity generated from solar panels jumped from 2% to nearly 25%. Almost all of that growth has been driven by individuals buying their own solar panels, removing their homes or businesses from the centralized grid and generating electricity for themselves. For The Big Fix, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Naveed Arshad, director of the Energy Institute at Lahore University of Management Sciences, about why — and how — Pakistan has embraced solar power.

Pakistan is in the middle of a solar power revolution. Over the past five years, the percentage of electricity generated from solar panels jumped from 2% to nearly 25%. Almost all of that growth has been driven by individuals buying their own solar panels, removing their homes or businesses from the centralized grid and generating electricity for themselves. For The Big Fix, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Naveed Arshad, director of the Energy Institute at Lahore University of Management Sciences, about why — and how — Pakistan has embraced solar power.

Pakistan's solar revolution

Spanish pistachio production was already way up — by about 73% in the last decade. It's because they're trendy, hawked on social media as healthy and competitors like those in California have seen yields fall. But now, Spanish farmers are really gaining ground because the world's second-largest producer — Iran — can't get its nuts to market. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Spanish pistachio production was already way up — by about 73% in the last decade. It's because they're trendy, hawked on social media as healthy and competitors like those in California have seen yields fall. But now, Spanish farmers are really gaining ground because the world's second-largest producer — Iran — can't get its nuts to market. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Spain's pistachio production gets a boost

If you can prove you have a Canadian ancestor —.even several generations back — you may now be eligible for Canadian citizenship. That's thanks to a new law passed in Ottawa that removes the one-generation limit on citizenship based on descent. As Maine Public's Ari Snider reports, this has set off a scramble among people seeking a potential exit strategy from the US, especially from New England, where many families have roots north of the border.

If you can prove you have a Canadian ancestor —.even several generations back — you may now be eligible for Canadian citizenship. That's thanks to a new law passed in Ottawa that removes the one-generation limit on citizenship based on descent. As Maine Public's Ari Snider reports, this has set off a scramble among people seeking a potential exit strategy from the US, especially from New England, where many families have roots north of the border.

More and more Americans are making a run for the border

Overspending, misspending, favoritism and left-wing political bias: These are the charges leveled against France’s public radio and television by a parliamentary report published this week. Critics of the report describe it as a “foretaste of the extreme right in power.” The head of the committee of lawmakers that produced it is a member of a party allied to Jordan Bardella's far-right National Rally party. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's John Laurenson reports from Paris.

Overspending, misspending, favoritism and left-wing political bias: These are the charges leveled against France’s public radio and television by a parliamentary report published this week. Critics of the report describe it as a “foretaste of the extreme right in power.” The head of the committee of lawmakers that produced it is a member of a party allied to Jordan Bardella's far-right National Rally party. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's John Laurenson reports from Paris.

French public media targeted by the far-right

This summer is expected to be a scorcher in North America — and right around the time the World Cup gets underway. New analysis has determined a quarter of the games could experience temperatures beyond the global players' union safety standards. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with sports ecologist and author Madeleine Orr about how climate change is affecting sports.

This summer is expected to be a scorcher in North America — and right around the time the World Cup gets underway. New analysis has determined a quarter of the games could experience temperatures beyond the global players' union safety standards. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with sports ecologist and author Madeleine Orr about how climate change is affecting sports.

Heat expected during World Cup raises concerns over climate change and sports

Senior citizens in Asia have long been known for their fitness routines. Taiwan is no different. The government there has been extolling the health benefits of exercise for the elderly. Two grandmothers in Taipei have taken the suggestion to heart. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

Senior citizens in Asia have long been known for their fitness routines. Taiwan is no different. The government there has been extolling the health benefits of exercise for the elderly. Two grandmothers in Taipei have taken the suggestion to heart. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

A couple of grandmothers in Taiwan take lifting weights to the extreme

Last year, Russia made slow but steady gains on the front line in eastern Ukraine. But now, effective deployment of Ukrainian drones, along with a host of other factors, have slowed the progress of Russian troops. Emil Kastehelmi, a military analyst with the Finnish think tank Black Bird Group discusses the implications with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

Last year, Russia made slow but steady gains on the front line in eastern Ukraine. But now, effective deployment of Ukrainian drones, along with a host of other factors, have slowed the progress of Russian troops. Emil Kastehelmi, a military analyst with the Finnish think tank Black Bird Group discusses the implications with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

Russia stalls in Donbas, as battlefield deadlock deepens

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek is a man on a mission: traveling across the world in the way the earliest humans out of Africa did. Lately, he's been hiking and paddling along Alaska's southern coast. He joins Host Marco Werman to share what he's learned about how coastal ecosystems helped our ancestors thrive as they populated the planet.

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek is a man on a mission: traveling across the world in the way the earliest humans out of Africa did. Lately, he's been hiking and paddling along Alaska's southern coast. He joins Host Marco Werman to share what he's learned about how coastal ecosystems helped our ancestors thrive as they populated the planet.

How coastlines propelled ancient humans across the planet

Chris Martin, of Coldplay, made a big announcement today along with Elmo and some of the other muppets. For the first time ever, there will be a half-time show at the World Cup final in New Jersey. The big event will feature Martin, along with Madonna, Shakira and the K-Pop sensation BTS.

Chris Martin, of Coldplay, made a big announcement today along with Elmo and some of the other muppets. For the first time ever, there will be a half-time show at the World Cup final in New Jersey. The big event will feature Martin, along with Madonna, Shakira and the K-Pop sensation BTS.

This year's World Cup final will have the first-ever half time show

More than 250 years ago, Britain saw New England’s white pine trees much like we see rare earth minerals today: Control of natural resources shapes global power. The trees were a strategic resource for Britain's Royal Navy. GBH's Hannah Loss went to the forests of Massachusetts to learn more.

More than 250 years ago, Britain saw New England’s white pine trees much like we see rare earth minerals today: Control of natural resources shapes global power. The trees were a strategic resource for Britain's Royal Navy. GBH's Hannah Loss went to the forests of Massachusetts to learn more.

International fight over natural resources goes back to colonial days

Each year, hundreds of endangered baby sea turtles will get stuck on the beaches of Cape Town. But thanks to a network of around 2,000 volunteers, many of them get rescued and safely brought to an aquarium. As Elna Schutz reports from Cape Town, with only one or two hatchlings out of every thousand likely to survive into adulthood, this work can make a significant difference.

Each year, hundreds of endangered baby sea turtles will get stuck on the beaches of Cape Town. But thanks to a network of around 2,000 volunteers, many of them get rescued and safely brought to an aquarium. As Elna Schutz reports from Cape Town, with only one or two hatchlings out of every thousand likely to survive into adulthood, this work can make a significant difference.

South Africans work to keep migrating baby turtles alive

Sudan’s civil war has triggered what many describe as the world’s largest humanitarian disaster. It’s a crisis that remains dramatically underreported, according to journalist Ann Curry. She won an Emmy for her coverage of the Darfur genocide in 2007 and recently talked with refugees fleeing into South Sudan. She tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that while Western audiences closely followed the violence in Darfur nearly two decades ago, far fewer people today understand and appreciate the scale of the suffering engulfing Sudan.

Sudan’s civil war has triggered what many describe as the world’s largest humanitarian disaster. It’s a crisis that remains dramatically underreported, according to journalist Ann Curry. She won an Emmy for her coverage of the Darfur genocide in 2007 and recently talked with refugees fleeing into South Sudan. She tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that while Western audiences closely followed the violence in Darfur nearly two decades ago, far fewer people today understand and appreciate the scale of the suffering engulfing Sudan.

The humanitarian catastrophe the world continues to overlook

US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing Wednesday for talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. The two leaders are expected to talk over their countries’ tech rivalry, the current Iran war and the future of Taiwan. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from Simon Cox, The Economist’s China Economics Editor. He joined the show from Hong Kong.

US President Donald Trump arrived in Beijing Wednesday for talks with Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping. The two leaders are expected to talk over their countries’ tech rivalry, the current Iran war and the future of Taiwan. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from Simon Cox, The Economist’s China Economics Editor. He joined the show from Hong Kong.

Trump meets Xi in Beijing to talk tech, Iran and, possibly, Taiwan

Today, the world celebrates one of the most popular — and arguably most delicious — of foods: hummus. The World's Aaron Schachter takes a brief look at what makes the creamy — or not so creamy — dip a worldwide favorite.

Today, the world celebrates one of the most popular — and arguably most delicious — of foods: hummus. The World's Aaron Schachter takes a brief look at what makes the creamy — or not so creamy — dip a worldwide favorite.

Today marks international hummus day

Tunisian singer, Emel Mathlouthi, was called the "voice of the Tunisian revolution" 15 years ago. She took to the streets to protest like many of her peers during the Arab Spring. Emel recently spoke with Meklit Hadero, on the Movement podcast, about what that was like and how she sees the whole experience.

Tunisian singer, Emel Mathlouthi, was called the "voice of the Tunisian revolution" 15 years ago. She took to the streets to protest like many of her peers during the Arab Spring. Emel recently spoke with Meklit Hadero, on the Movement podcast, about what that was like and how she sees the whole experience.

The 'voice of the Tunisian revolution'

Professional rakugo storytellers all over Japan practice an art form dating back to the 14th century. One such performer is Katsura Sunshine, a white man from Canada, who fell in love with it, and who is now bringing rakugo to new audiences in the US and Canada. Jacob Aloi of Minnesota Public Radio has the story.

Professional rakugo storytellers all over Japan practice an art form dating back to the 14th century. One such performer is Katsura Sunshine, a white man from Canada, who fell in love with it, and who is now bringing rakugo to new audiences in the US and Canada. Jacob Aloi of Minnesota Public Radio has the story.

Traditional Japanese art form combines storytelling and standup

A new Israeli investigation finds that the use of sexual violence on Oct. 7 and against hostages in captivity was a “calculated strategy by Hamas.” In another separate report released today, Israel's State Comptroller accused the government of neglecting military procurements and jeopardizing soldiers' lives. Journalist Noga Tarnopolsky tells The World’s Host Marco Werman the reports were released as the government gears up to establish a special military tribunal to try an elite group of Hamas fighters.

A new Israeli investigation finds that the use of sexual violence on Oct. 7 and against hostages in captivity was a “calculated strategy by Hamas.” In another separate report released today, Israel's State Comptroller accused the government of neglecting military procurements and jeopardizing soldiers' lives. Journalist Noga Tarnopolsky tells The World’s Host Marco Werman the reports were released as the government gears up to establish a special military tribunal to try an elite group of Hamas fighters.

New Israeli report finds 'systemic' rape central to Oct. 7 attack

According to the World Health Organization, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome — or PCOS — impacts a huge number of women, but the “C” in its name — for “cystic” — has caused serious misunderstandings. Experts say the new name — polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, PMOS —  represents a major advancement for diagnosis and treatment. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Helena Teede, who spearheaded the change, about why it matters. She’s director of the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, and joined the show from Prague.

According to the World Health Organization, Polycystic Ovary Syndrome — or PCOS — impacts a huge number of women, but the “C” in its name — for “cystic” — has caused serious misunderstandings. Experts say the new name — polyendocrine metabolic ovarian syndrome, PMOS —  represents a major advancement for diagnosis and treatment. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Helena Teede, who spearheaded the change, about why it matters. She’s director of the Monash Centre for Health Research and Implementation, and joined the show from Prague.

Coalition of experts gives more accurate name to condition affecting 1 in 8 women

There have been dramatic cuts to science research grants within the past year. Particularly hard hit: rare disease research, which has always been difficult to fund. But global research collaborations are forging ahead, led by some of the most impacted people. Reporter Deepa Fernandes, whose own daughter has a rare genetic disorder, takes us into the world of Nicolaides-Baraitser syndrome.This story was supported by the Pulitzer Center.

There have been dramatic cuts to science research grants within the past year. Particularly hard hit: rare disease research, which has always been difficult to fund. But global research collaborations are forging ahead, led by some of the most impacted people. Reporter Deepa Fernandes, whose own daughter has a rare genetic disorder, takes us into the world of Nicolaides-Baraitser syndrome.
This story was supported by the Pulitzer Center.

Families organize amid government funding cuts into rare disease research

French President Emmanuel Macron is in Africa today, co-hosting a summit of some 30 African heads of state in Nairobi, Kenya. France used to organize events like this in its former French-speaking colonies in West Africa. But as the country courts new alliances on the continent, some see hints of France's colonial past on display. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports.

French President Emmanuel Macron is in Africa today, co-hosting a summit of some 30 African heads of state in Nairobi, Kenya. France used to organize events like this in its former French-speaking colonies in West Africa. But as the country courts new alliances on the continent, some see hints of France's colonial past on display. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports.

France convenes African leaders in Kenya

Togolese writer and activist Farida Bemba Nabourema, shared a post on X explaining that not enough credit has been given to francophone musicians "in the political awakening in French dominated Africa." She and her followers offer some examples. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman give it a listen.

Togolese writer and activist Farida Bemba Nabourema, shared a post on X explaining that not enough credit has been given to francophone musicians "in the political awakening in French dominated Africa." She and her followers offer some examples. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman give it a listen.

Songs that inspired African liberation

The UK has had four prime ministers in just four years, and now, Keir Starmer is fighting to avoid becoming the next political casualty. In the past 24 hours, more than 80 Labour MPs have turned on their own leader calling for his resignation after a string of damaging local election results last week. Despite the mounting pressure, the British prime minister is refusing to go, insisting to his cabinet that the public expects them to get on with governing and that he intends to do exactly that. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

The UK has had four prime ministers in just four years, and now, Keir Starmer is fighting to avoid becoming the next political casualty. In the past 24 hours, more than 80 Labour MPs have turned on their own leader calling for his resignation after a string of damaging local election results last week. Despite the mounting pressure, the British prime minister is refusing to go, insisting to his cabinet that the public expects them to get on with governing and that he intends to do exactly that. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

British prime minister refuses to resign as party rift widens

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, the Nicolaides-Baraitser syndrome, including reporter Deepa Fernandes’ daughter.Funding to report this story was provided by the Pulitzer Center.

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, the Nicolaides-Baraitser syndrome, including reporter Deepa Fernandes’ daughter.
Funding to report this story was provided by the Pulitzer Center.

The doctor who doesn’t want credit for 'discovering' a rare syndrome bearing her name

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.