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.

Kibbutz Be'eri was one of the first-ever communities created in Israel, in 1946, before the state itself. It was also one of the worst-hit kibbutzim on Oct. 7, 2023. One hundred thirty homes were burned down or reduced to rubble. More than 100 of its 1,100 residents were killed and another 30 abducted to Gaza. Some survivors of the attack have called it one of the starkest symbols of Hamas' brutality on that day. Reporter Stephanie Freid was at Be'eri in the days after the attack, and she revisits to see how things are now.

Kibbutz Be'eri was one of the first-ever communities created in Israel, in 1946, before the state itself. It was also one of the worst-hit kibbutzim on Oct. 7, 2023. One hundred thirty homes were burned down or reduced to rubble. More than 100 of its 1,100 residents were killed and another 30 abducted to Gaza. Some survivors of the attack have called it one of the starkest symbols of Hamas' brutality on that day. Reporter Stephanie Freid was at Be'eri in the days after the attack, and she revisits to see how things are now.

Revisiting one of the worst-hit kibbutzim from Oct. 7

Sometimes the biggest events in our lives can be triggered by a moment of serendipity.  That was the case for National Geographic photographer Amy Toensing. A chance meeting when she was on assignment leads to a whole new chapter in her life. She shares her experience on GBH's Stories from the Stage.

Sometimes the biggest events in our lives can be triggered by a moment of serendipity.  That was the case for National Geographic photographer Amy Toensing. A chance meeting when she was on assignment leads to a whole new chapter in her life. She shares her experience on GBH's Stories from the Stage.

A chance encounter leads to a huge life change

Last year, inspired by musician Brian Eno, London's Heathrow airport produced a four-minute ambient music track titled "Music for Heathrow." Host Carolyn Beeler gives us a listen.This story originally aired on July 10, 2025.

Last year, inspired by musician Brian Eno, London's Heathrow airport produced a four-minute ambient music track titled "Music for Heathrow." Host Carolyn Beeler gives us a listen.
This story originally aired on July 10, 2025.

The sounds of (not) silence

Germany’s former top spy appeared in federal court yesterday, suspected of spying and treason. Authorities say that retired spy chief August Hanning and an accomplice inside the Bundesnachrichtendienst, the country's foreign intelligence agency, stole an estimated 2,000 documents, and may have used some that classified information to compile a report for a foreign country's intelligence services. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Hans-Jakob Schindler, a German security analyst and director of the Counter-Extremism Project, who joined from New York.

Germany’s former top spy appeared in federal court yesterday, suspected of spying and treason. Authorities say that retired spy chief August Hanning and an accomplice inside the Bundesnachrichtendienst, the country's foreign intelligence agency, stole an estimated 2,000 documents, and may have used some that classified information to compile a report for a foreign country's intelligence services. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Hans-Jakob Schindler, a German security analyst and director of the Counter-Extremism Project, who joined from New York.

Germany's former top spy accused of stealing thousands of classified documents

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Lebanon has been through repeated waves of war, displacement and uncertainty. From a woman seeking solace by the Mediterranean to residents divided over Hezbollah’s role, The World's Shirin Jaafari reports from Lebanon on a country struggling to rebuild while uncertainty over another round of fighting lingers.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Lebanon has been through repeated waves of war, displacement and uncertainty. From a woman seeking solace by the Mediterranean to residents divided over Hezbollah’s role, The World's Shirin Jaafari reports from Lebanon on a country struggling to rebuild while uncertainty over another round of fighting lingers.

Beirut residents speak of life interrupted by war and uncertainty

Gaza City resident Mohammed Aklouk has difficulty navigating through his hometown because landmarks are still not recognizable after three years of war. The father of three young children works as a Shelter Cluster Information Management Coordinator with the Norwegian Refugee Council. Although his children are back in school, Aklouk tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler his family still lives in constant fear of Israeli attacks.

Gaza City resident Mohammed Aklouk has difficulty navigating through his hometown because landmarks are still not recognizable after three years of war. The father of three young children works as a Shelter Cluster Information Management Coordinator with the Norwegian Refugee Council. Although his children are back in school, Aklouk tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler his family still lives in constant fear of Israeli attacks.

Gaza: Lives altered beyond recognition

Hamas’ attack on Israel three years ago today transformed the Middle East, setting in motion events that would have been implausible before the incursion. Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, and The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler discuss how the balance of power has shifted, and what new regional order is emerging.

Hamas’ attack on Israel three years ago today transformed the Middle East, setting in motion events that would have been implausible before the incursion. Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent for The Economist, and The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler discuss how the balance of power has shifted, and what new regional order is emerging.

How Oct. 7, 2023, reshaped the Middle East

Today, protesters marched across France for better public school funding, including more teachers, better facilities and shorter days. The demonstrations have often turned violent, and police have reacted in kind, injuring hundreds of mostly minors, while arresting thousands. The government of President Emmanuel Macron says the students' complaints are legitimate. But France is buckling under trillions of dollars of debt and its unclear how it might fix public schools. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Béziers, France.

Today, protesters marched across France for better public school funding, including more teachers, better facilities and shorter days. The demonstrations have often turned violent, and police have reacted in kind, injuring hundreds of mostly minors, while arresting thousands. The government of President Emmanuel Macron says the students' complaints are legitimate. But France is buckling under trillions of dollars of debt and its unclear how it might fix public schools. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Béziers, France.

High schoolers in France continue to take their frustrations out into the streets

Valerio Tuveri, aka Mr. Tuvs, has become a viral sensation known for videos of him removing graffiti in Rome. He's launched a one-man crusade against the street art which plagues Italy’s ancient capital. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, reporter Angelo van Schaik spent a morning walking around the city with him.

Valerio Tuveri, aka Mr. Tuvs, has become a viral sensation known for videos of him removing graffiti in Rome. He's launched a one-man crusade against the street art which plagues Italy’s ancient capital. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, reporter Angelo van Schaik spent a morning walking around the city with him.

'Anti-graffiti artist' goes viral in Italy

In India, there is a strong, almost frenzied emphasis put on engineering and medical degrees. After 10th grade, students on track for one of those degrees often attend "dummy schools." They're schools in name only, where the only "teaching" is hours of coaching for the high-stakes exam student will take after completing 12th grade. Ashrita Achar reports from Bengaluru.

In India, there is a strong, almost frenzied emphasis put on engineering and medical degrees. After 10th grade, students on track for one of those degrees often attend "dummy schools." They're schools in name only, where the only "teaching" is hours of coaching for the high-stakes exam student will take after completing 12th grade. Ashrita Achar reports from Bengaluru.

Indian dummy schools teach high school-aged kids how to take a test

Plans by city authorities in Cape Town, South Africa, to permanently cage round 60 chacma, or Cape baboons, have triggered a bitter dispute over ‌whether wildlife that has adapted to city life should be confined, culled or allowed to coexist with residents. The move, presented as an alternative to culling, has drawn fierce opposition from some residents and conservationists. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

Plans by city authorities in Cape Town, South Africa, to permanently cage round 60 chacma, or Cape baboons, have triggered a bitter dispute over ‌whether wildlife that has adapted to city life should be confined, culled or allowed to coexist with residents. The move, presented as an alternative to culling, has drawn fierce opposition from some residents and conservationists. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

Cape Town plans to cage 60 wild baboons wreaking havoc on the city

Francis Halzen, a Belgian-born scientist, has won this year’s Nobel Prize in Physics for “decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.” Halzen's research has pioneered the use of ice in Antarctica to observe neutrinos, also known as “ghost particles.” The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Juanan Aguilar, a physicist and researcher with the observatory.

Francis Halzen, a Belgian-born scientist, has won this year’s Nobel Prize in Physics for “decisive contributions to the IceCube Neutrino Observatory and the discovery of high-energy neutrinos of astrophysical origin.” Halzen's research has pioneered the use of ice in Antarctica to observe neutrinos, also known as “ghost particles.” The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Juanan Aguilar, a physicist and researcher with the observatory.

Nobel Prize awarded to physicist using massive ice cube to detect 'ghost particles'

Meklit Hadero speaks with US based artist Lalin St. Juste about how music connects her to Haiti and her Haitian grandmother. Meklit's conversation is part of our series "Movement" about music and migration.

Meklit Hadero speaks with US based artist Lalin St. Juste about how music connects her to Haiti and her Haitian grandmother. Meklit's conversation is part of our series "Movement" about music and migration.

Haitian musician honors her grandmother in song

Malaysia recently returned 1,500 Rohingya refugees back to Myanmar, despite concerns for their safety. The persecuted Muslim minority is essentially “stateless” in its own country. Myanmar does not recognize them as citizens, even though many lived there for generations, before being violently expelled. Dr. Javid Abdelmoneim, the international president of the group Doctors Without Borders, also known as MSF, describes the dangers that returning Rohingya will face, as well as international efforts to assist them.

Malaysia recently returned 1,500 Rohingya refugees back to Myanmar, despite concerns for their safety. The persecuted Muslim minority is essentially “stateless” in its own country. Myanmar does not recognize them as citizens, even though many lived there for generations, before being violently expelled. Dr. Javid Abdelmoneim, the international president of the group Doctors Without Borders, also known as MSF, describes the dangers that returning Rohingya will face, as well as international efforts to assist them.

Malaysia sends Rohingya refugees home, despite UN warnings

In Denmark, there seems to be a porridge for every occasion, and soon it will be time for a rice porridge called risengrød. The dish hearkens back to a time when rice was a luxury in the Scandinavian country, according to restaurateur Lasse Andersen. Andersen takes The World's Joshua Coe behind the counter at one of his porridge bars in Copenhagen to learn how to cook this Danish classic.

In Denmark, there seems to be a porridge for every occasion, and soon it will be time for a rice porridge called risengrød. The dish hearkens back to a time when rice was a luxury in the Scandinavian country, according to restaurateur Lasse Andersen. Andersen takes The World's Joshua Coe behind the counter at one of his porridge bars in Copenhagen to learn how to cook this Danish classic.

It's rice porridge season in Denmark

Spain is headed for early general elections. It comes after the Spanish Parliament narrowly rejected two emergency measures on Friday meant to address the country's high housing costs. The measures were championed by Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. In announcing snap elections, he called on Spaniards to give him a broader left-wing coalition. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Spain is headed for early general elections. It comes after the Spanish Parliament narrowly rejected two emergency measures on Friday meant to address the country's high housing costs. The measures were championed by Socialist Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez. In announcing snap elections, he called on Spaniards to give him a broader left-wing coalition. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Spain is headed for early general elections

The first round of Brazilian elections over the weekend produced two leading presidential contenders. A runoff will be held later this month between the incumbent, leftist President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva — known simply as Lula — and Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, a close ally of US President Donald Trump. The Trump administration’s open backing of Bolsonaro has soured US relations with Brazil, and spurred Lula to warn against US interference in the upcoming elections. Rose Gilbert reports from Florianopolis, Brazil.

The first round of Brazilian elections over the weekend produced two leading presidential contenders. A runoff will be held later this month between the incumbent, leftist President Luiz Ignacio Lula da Silva — known simply as Lula — and Flavio Bolsonaro, son of former President Jair Bolsonaro, a close ally of US President Donald Trump. The Trump administration’s open backing of Bolsonaro has soured US relations with Brazil, and spurred Lula to warn against US interference in the upcoming elections. Rose Gilbert reports from Florianopolis, Brazil.

Brazil's incoming leader may change tone of relations with US, but not the substance

Researchers call it the Morocco Paradox. It's a society where family, friends and community are tight-knit and ever-present, yet people can feel unseen and misunderstood. But talking about loneliness is still considered taboo. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from the city of Tangier.

Researchers call it the Morocco Paradox. It's a society where family, friends and community are tight-knit and ever-present, yet people can feel unseen and misunderstood. But talking about loneliness is still considered taboo. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from the city of Tangier.

People in Morocco can feel lonely while never being alone

When the Taliban reclaimed power in Afghanistan five years ago, the impact on girls' education was instantaneous: No schooling past the age of 12. No exceptions. That's why one activist, Shabana Basij-Rasikh started Afghanistan's only boarding school for girls: the School of Leadership, Afghanistan, or SOLA. But since the return of the Taliban, SOLA has relocated to Rwanda. Basij-Rasikh recently spoke with The World Host Marco Werman.

When the Taliban reclaimed power in Afghanistan five years ago, the impact on girls' education was instantaneous: No schooling past the age of 12. No exceptions. That's why one activist, Shabana Basij-Rasikh started Afghanistan's only boarding school for girls: the School of Leadership, Afghanistan, or SOLA. But since the return of the Taliban, SOLA has relocated to Rwanda. Basij-Rasikh recently spoke with The World Host Marco Werman.

Afghanistan's only boarding school for girls — is in Rwanda

Mexico has embraced Korean culture in a big way — from K-pop and skincare to food and TV dramas. That enthusiasm is now spilling into a broader relationship between Mexico and South Korea, as trade, investment and diplomacy deepen. In Mexico City, fans, business owners and members of the Korean community show how a cultural connection that started with music and entertainment is reshaping everyday life — and even reaching the presidential level. The World's Latin America Correspondent Tibisay Zea reports.

Mexico has embraced Korean culture in a big way — from K-pop and skincare to food and TV dramas. That enthusiasm is now spilling into a broader relationship between Mexico and South Korea, as trade, investment and diplomacy deepen. In Mexico City, fans, business owners and members of the Korean community show how a cultural connection that started with music and entertainment is reshaping everyday life — and even reaching the presidential level. The World's Latin America Correspondent Tibisay Zea reports.

Mexico's Korean wave

A young woman who worked at a plague research institute in Siberia has died, fueling concerns of a lab leak. Local authorities are monitoring other workers in the area. But much of what happened is unknown, and the reports coming out of Siberia are conflicting. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Nahid Bhadelia, director of Boston University’s Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases, to clear up what we know and what we don't.

A young woman who worked at a plague research institute in Siberia has died, fueling concerns of a lab leak. Local authorities are monitoring other workers in the area. But much of what happened is unknown, and the reports coming out of Siberia are conflicting. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Nahid Bhadelia, director of Boston University’s Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases, to clear up what we know and what we don't.

Public health experts investigate death of Siberian lab worker from possible plague

Earlier this year, the US moved 5,700 men and boys suspected of involvement with ISIS out of Syria to Iraq. A new report by Human Rights Watch today warned that these prisoners risk abuse, unfair trials and possible execution. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Letta Tayler, senior counterterrorism advisor at Human Rights Watch, who joined the show from Savannah, Georgia.

Earlier this year, the US moved 5,700 men and boys suspected of involvement with ISIS out of Syria to Iraq. A new report by Human Rights Watch today warned that these prisoners risk abuse, unfair trials and possible execution. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Letta Tayler, senior counterterrorism advisor at Human Rights Watch, who joined the show from Savannah, Georgia.

Iraq prosecutes foreigners accused of links to ISIS

An independent panel found the Premier League club Manchester City was guilty on 114 out of 115 charges related to, among other things, widespread financial misconduct. The UAE-owned British soccer team continues to deny all charges and lodged an appeal on Friday. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Joey D’Urso, a sports journalist and author of the book “More Than A Shirt: How Football Shirts Explain Global Politics, Money and Power.”

An independent panel found the Premier League club Manchester City was guilty on 114 out of 115 charges related to, among other things, widespread financial misconduct. The UAE-owned British soccer team continues to deny all charges and lodged an appeal on Friday. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Joey D’Urso, a sports journalist and author of the book “More Than A Shirt: How Football Shirts Explain Global Politics, Money and Power.”

Scandal tears through Manchester City, one of British soccer's storied clubs

Residents living near a chemical factory in Lancashire, in the north of England, have high levels of PFAS “forever chemicals” in their blood, including the highest result ever recorded in the UK, most of it the banned carcinogen PFOA, according to an investigation by Manchester Metropolitan University and Watershed Investigations. Leana Hosea, with Watershed Investigations, reports.

Residents living near a chemical factory in Lancashire, in the north of England, have high levels of PFAS “forever chemicals” in their blood, including the highest result ever recorded in the UK, most of it the banned carcinogen PFOA, according to an investigation by Manchester Metropolitan University and Watershed Investigations. Leana Hosea, with Watershed Investigations, reports.

Extreme levels of PFAS found near a UK chemical factory

Spain's progressive government was dealt a costly legislative defeat on Friday when lawmakers rejected a package of emergency measures aimed at tackling the nation’s housing affordability crisis, as protesters gathered outside Parliament demanding help for renters. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Spain's progressive government was dealt a costly legislative defeat on Friday when lawmakers rejected a package of emergency measures aimed at tackling the nation’s housing affordability crisis, as protesters gathered outside Parliament demanding help for renters. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Spain's prime minister loses vote over housing decrees

Egyptian authorities this week arrested the entire newsroom of the independent investigative outlet Matsaddash. It's part of a wider, years-long crackdown against journalists and a restriction of press freedoms. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Timothy Kaldas, deputy director of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, about what this means.

Egyptian authorities this week arrested the entire newsroom of the independent investigative outlet Matsaddash. It's part of a wider, years-long crackdown against journalists and a restriction of press freedoms. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Timothy Kaldas, deputy director of the Tahrir Institute for Middle East Policy, about what this means.

Egypt continues crackdown on free press

The 2026 Brazilian election will be one of the first major elections since the introduction of widely-accessible generative AI. In preparation, Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court (TSE) created a framework aimed at preventing the use of AI to spread election misinformation, and it's already faced a major test. From Florianopolis, Brazil, Rose Gilbert reports.

The 2026 Brazilian election will be one of the first major elections since the introduction of widely-accessible generative AI. In preparation, Brazil’s Superior Electoral Court (TSE) created a framework aimed at preventing the use of AI to spread election misinformation, and it's already faced a major test. From Florianopolis, Brazil, Rose Gilbert reports.

Can regulation stop the scourge of AI-generated fake campaign material?

In Haiti, violent gangs have taken over most of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and are pushing northward. In the chaos, about a million and a half people have been displaced. Hospitals are crowded and there is a shortage of basic supplies, from food to medication. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to the International Rescue Committee’s Deputy Director for Programs, Allie Pasieka, who is in Port-au-Prince.

In Haiti, violent gangs have taken over most of the capital, Port-au-Prince, and are pushing northward. In the chaos, about a million and a half people have been displaced. Hospitals are crowded and there is a shortage of basic supplies, from food to medication. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to the International Rescue Committee’s Deputy Director for Programs, Allie Pasieka, who is in Port-au-Prince.

Haiti's healthcare system under major strain amid gang violence

The Culture Train ran between Berlin, Germany, and Wroclaw, Poland, for 10 years, before halting in 2025. Live bands, DJs, poets and performance art "witches" entertained and educated passengers on Europe’s quirkiest train journey. Running at a time of rising nationalism, organizers billed the train partly as a way to address prejudices held by many Germans against Polish people. On a train somewhere between the two cities, Jamie Fullerton reports.

The Culture Train ran between Berlin, Germany, and Wroclaw, Poland, for 10 years, before halting in 2025. Live bands, DJs, poets and performance art "witches" entertained and educated passengers on Europe’s quirkiest train journey. Running at a time of rising nationalism, organizers billed the train partly as a way to address prejudices held by many Germans against Polish people. On a train somewhere between the two cities, Jamie Fullerton reports.

All aboard the Culture Train: Europe's quirkiest railway trip

This year's super El Nino is supercharging marine heat waves. That has scientists concerned about the risk to coral reefs already stressed from rising temperatures. But past research has shown that the sounds of healthy reefs can actually encourage coral to grow in degraded locations. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with bioacoustician Aran Mooney about whether this research could be applied to El Nino conditions.

This year's super El Nino is supercharging marine heat waves. That has scientists concerned about the risk to coral reefs already stressed from rising temperatures. But past research has shown that the sounds of healthy reefs can actually encourage coral to grow in degraded locations. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with bioacoustician Aran Mooney about whether this research could be applied to El Nino conditions.