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 most places, housing crises are driven by scarcity. But in Venezuela, years of economic collapse and mass migration left homes empty — and prices in free fall. Now, after a dramatic political shift, the market is heating up again. But this rebound is driven more by expectations than reality — and for most Venezuelans, homeownership remains out of reach. The World's Tibisay Zea takes a look at a housing market shaped by crisis, uncertainty and hope.

In most places, housing crises are driven by scarcity. But in Venezuela, years of economic collapse and mass migration left homes empty — and prices in free fall. Now, after a dramatic political shift, the market is heating up again. But this rebound is driven more by expectations than reality — and for most Venezuelans, homeownership remains out of reach. The World's Tibisay Zea takes a look at a housing market shaped by crisis, uncertainty and hope.

A housing market in Venezuela rebounds, driven by hope

Israel and the US are ideological allies in their conflict with Iran. But their goals in the war, and their long-term interests in the Middle East might not always be aligned. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Middle East analyst Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, about the US and Israel’s different playbooks.

Israel and the US are ideological allies in their conflict with Iran. But their goals in the war, and their long-term interests in the Middle East might not always be aligned. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Middle East analyst Aaron David Miller, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, about the US and Israel’s different playbooks.

Unity and friction in the US-Israeli war in Iran

As Ramadan wraps up, Muslims across the globe are preparing for Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast." National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has been walking around the world on foot for the past 13 years for his project, the Out of Eden Walk. He joins Host Marco Werman to talk about the year he spent Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr near the Prophet's Muhammad's mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

As Ramadan wraps up, Muslims across the globe are preparing for Eid al-Fitr, the "Festival of Breaking the Fast." National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has been walking around the world on foot for the past 13 years for his project, the Out of Eden Walk. He joins Host Marco Werman to talk about the year he spent Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr near the Prophet's Muhammad's mosque in Medina, Saudi Arabia.

Celebrating Eid al-Fitr in one of Islam's holiest cities

Brazil has released a new national climate plan, the first update to the plan since it was first laid out in 2008. The new plan is seen as much more comprehensive and detailed than the previous one. It includes an ambitious goal of eliminating deforestation, as land use change and deforestation cause the biggest share of Brazil's carbon emissions. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with climate change sociologist Frederico Salmi.

Brazil has released a new national climate plan, the first update to the plan since it was first laid out in 2008. The new plan is seen as much more comprehensive and detailed than the previous one. It includes an ambitious goal of eliminating deforestation, as land use change and deforestation cause the biggest share of Brazil's carbon emissions. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with climate change sociologist Frederico Salmi.

Brazil releases new climate plan 18 years after its first

On March 13, the Persian Gulf island of Kharg, which is roughly one-third the size of Manhattan, became the latest target of American jets. US President Donald Trump said that he didn’t order the total destruction of the oil facilities there "for reasons of decency." The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports that besides the critical oil infrastructure, this island is home to a small population, several cultural sites and wildlife.

On March 13, the Persian Gulf island of Kharg, which is roughly one-third the size of Manhattan, became the latest target of American jets. US President Donald Trump said that he didn’t order the total destruction of the oil facilities there "for reasons of decency." The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports that besides the critical oil infrastructure, this island is home to a small population, several cultural sites and wildlife.

The tiny island at the center of US and Israel's war with Iran is more than oil installations

A civil trial against Gerry Adams, the former leader of the Irish political party Sinn Fein, wraps up today. Three men are seeking to hold him personally liable for injuries caused in a number of bombings by the Irish Republican Army, or IRA. The case hinges on the slippery question of whether Adams orchestrated and participated in violence or was a spectator like everyone else. Ilya Marritz reports from London.

A civil trial against Gerry Adams, the former leader of the Irish political party Sinn Fein, wraps up today. Three men are seeking to hold him personally liable for injuries caused in a number of bombings by the Irish Republican Army, or IRA. The case hinges on the slippery question of whether Adams orchestrated and participated in violence or was a spectator like everyone else. Ilya Marritz reports from London.

Former Sinn Fein leader Gerry Adams accused of being brains behind IRA violence

EU leaders gathered in Brussels today for a two-day summit dominated by the war in the Middle East. Tensions between the US and Europe have escalated since the conflict began, with President Donald Trump urging European allies to send military support to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. So far, Europe’s leaders have resisted those calls. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

EU leaders gathered in Brussels today for a two-day summit dominated by the war in the Middle East. Tensions between the US and Europe have escalated since the conflict began, with President Donald Trump urging European allies to send military support to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz. So far, Europe’s leaders have resisted those calls. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

EU leaders push for de-escalation amid Middle East war

On Tuesday, El Salvador's legislature approved an amendment to its constitution that would sentence "murderers, rapists and terrorists" to life in prison. It follows warnings by independent experts that the country's authoritarian President Nayib Bukele is strengthening his grip on the country. Host Marco Werman learned more from Jorge Cuellar, assistant professor of Latin American, Latino and Caribbean Studies at Dartmouth College.

On Tuesday, El Salvador's legislature approved an amendment to its constitution that would sentence "murderers, rapists and terrorists" to life in prison. It follows warnings by independent experts that the country's authoritarian President Nayib Bukele is strengthening his grip on the country. Host Marco Werman learned more from Jorge Cuellar, assistant professor of Latin American, Latino and Caribbean Studies at Dartmouth College.

El Salvador's strongman Bukele tightens grip on country

We catch you up on some sports stories flying just below the radar.

We catch you up on some sports stories flying just below the radar.

A few sports stories you may have missed

A new study shows that scientists at the University of Edinburgh have found a way to use bacteria to transform plastic bottles into drugs that can be used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

A new study shows that scientists at the University of Edinburgh have found a way to use bacteria to transform plastic bottles into drugs that can be used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

Scientists transform plastic bottles into drugs to treat Parkinson’s disease

Public health officials are responding to a meningitis outbreak at the University of Kent in southeast England, where two people have died and at least a dozen more have confirmed infections. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh, about how the health system is responding.

Public health officials are responding to a meningitis outbreak at the University of Kent in southeast England, where two people have died and at least a dozen more have confirmed infections. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh, about how the health system is responding.

Public health officials respond to meningitis outbreak in the UK

Israeli forces are intensifying airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon, as well as hitting targets in Beirut neighborhoods. Israeli officials say they’re targeting infrastructure and personnel of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese militant group. Nabih Bulos, the Middle East bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that Israel's decision to hit bridges in southern Lebanon is a marked escalation.

Israeli forces are intensifying airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon, as well as hitting targets in Beirut neighborhoods. Israeli officials say they’re targeting infrastructure and personnel of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese militant group. Nabih Bulos, the Middle East bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that Israel's decision to hit bridges in southern Lebanon is a marked escalation.

Israel escalates attacks on civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon

Cities across Denmark are using heat generated by crematoriums to warm nearby homes. As The World's Joshua Coe learned, it's part of a wider sustainability effort known as waste heat recovery.

Cities across Denmark are using heat generated by crematoriums to warm nearby homes. As The World's Joshua Coe learned, it's part of a wider sustainability effort known as waste heat recovery.

Cremations help heat homes in Denmark

Growing up near Sao Paulo, Mariana Da Cruz knew there was more to Brazilian music than just singing Bossa Nova tunes. She wanted to branch out and combine numerous other styles like hip-hop and electronica and explore her African roots with the latest sounds heard in dance clubs. A move to Europe allowed Da Cruz the freedom to experiment. Based now in Bern, Switzerland, the singer has had quite a journey. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler tell us more about her new album, "Som Sistema."

Growing up near Sao Paulo, Mariana Da Cruz knew there was more to Brazilian music than just singing Bossa Nova tunes. She wanted to branch out and combine numerous other styles like hip-hop and electronica and explore her African roots with the latest sounds heard in dance clubs. A move to Europe allowed Da Cruz the freedom to experiment. Based now in Bern, Switzerland, the singer has had quite a journey. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler tell us more about her new album, "Som Sistema."

Da Cruz traces her Brazilian and African musical roots

House prices and rents have surged by up to 60% across the European Union over the past decade. But one capital is bucking the trend. In Vienna, around two-thirds of residents live in subsidised housing, with rents often less than half those in other major European cities. The Austrian capital’s model has drawn global attention, with delegations visiting each year to study its success. But some experts warn that political shifts, including the rise of the far right, could threaten this long-standing system. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports from Vienna.

House prices and rents have surged by up to 60% across the European Union over the past decade. But one capital is bucking the trend. In Vienna, around two-thirds of residents live in subsidised housing, with rents often less than half those in other major European cities. The Austrian capital’s model has drawn global attention, with delegations visiting each year to study its success. But some experts warn that political shifts, including the rise of the far right, could threaten this long-standing system. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports from Vienna.

How Vienna beat Europe's rent crisis

Muslims around the globe are getting ready to celebrate the end of Ramadan — those weeks in the Muslim calendar when many abstain from food and water during the day and use that time for prayer and reflection instead. Chef Ilhan Mohamed Abdi has written a cookbook for Ramadan called "The Ramadan Kitchen: Nourishing Recipes from Fast to Feast." She spoke to The World's Host Carolyn Beeler.

Muslims around the globe are getting ready to celebrate the end of Ramadan — those weeks in the Muslim calendar when many abstain from food and water during the day and use that time for prayer and reflection instead. Chef Ilhan Mohamed Abdi has written a cookbook for Ramadan called "The Ramadan Kitchen: Nourishing Recipes from Fast to Feast." She spoke to The World's Host Carolyn Beeler.

What's cooking in a Ramadan kitchen?

Israelis maintain that the two men they killed this morning — Ali Larijani and Gholam Reza Soleimani — "are terrorists," and so, are fair game for assassination. But some historians say just because Israel could kill the men doesn't mean they should have. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

Israelis maintain that the two men they killed this morning — Ali Larijani and Gholam Reza Soleimani — "are terrorists," and so, are fair game for assassination. But some historians say just because Israel could kill the men doesn't mean they should have. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

The legality of Israel assassinating foreign leaders

For many, death is an unsettling thing to think about, but not for the Swedish artist Margareta Magnusson, who passed away last week at the age of 91. In her 80s, she wrote, “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning,” a book that made the concept of “döstädning” an international buzz concept and brought many some inspiration for how to de-clutter as we age. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Magnusson's daughter, filmmaker Jane, who joined from Stockholm.

For many, death is an unsettling thing to think about, but not for the Swedish artist Margareta Magnusson, who passed away last week at the age of 91. In her 80s, she wrote, “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning,” a book that made the concept of “döstädning” an international buzz concept and brought many some inspiration for how to de-clutter as we age. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Magnusson's daughter, filmmaker Jane, who joined from Stockholm.

Remembering Margareta Magnusson, author who introduced us to 'Swedish death cleaning'

The war in Iran is jamming up global travel on several fronts. In the Middle East, the conflict continues to force the grounding of flights. A jump in oil prices is also beginning to hit travel, with some airlines adding surcharges to their flights. Prices at the pump are skyrocketing, too, especially in Asia, where several countries are putting in place measures aimed at restricting the use of gas. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel has the story.

The war in Iran is jamming up global travel on several fronts. In the Middle East, the conflict continues to force the grounding of flights. A jump in oil prices is also beginning to hit travel, with some airlines adding surcharges to their flights. Prices at the pump are skyrocketing, too, especially in Asia, where several countries are putting in place measures aimed at restricting the use of gas. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel has the story.

From gas prices to canceled flights, Iran war sows travel chaos

At the dawn of democracy in South Africa over 30 years ago, the country had to right some big wrongs. The Reconstruction and Development Program (RDP) was one such tool, by offering government-subsidized, low-cost homes to those who could not afford or access them previously. In their neat little rows of near-identical design, RDP houses are for free to the poorest and most needy. But as Elna Schutz reports from Johannesburg, the RDP hasn't always worked out as hoped.

At the dawn of democracy in South Africa over 30 years ago, the country had to right some big wrongs. The Reconstruction and Development Program (RDP) was one such tool, by offering government-subsidized, low-cost homes to those who could not afford or access them previously. In their neat little rows of near-identical design, RDP houses are for free to the poorest and most needy. But as Elna Schutz reports from Johannesburg, the RDP hasn't always worked out as hoped.

The program in South Africa that was supposed to fix the housing crisis

Cuba’s entire electric grid collapsed for several hours yesterday. Gas stations on the island have had little fuel to sell since the US choked off access to foreign oil about two months ago. Cuban leaders say they’re in talks with US officials and are ready to open their economy to foreign investors. From Havana, journalist Ed Augustin tells The World’s Host Marco Werman a forced transition of leadership in Cuba would involve major risks.

Cuba’s entire electric grid collapsed for several hours yesterday. Gas stations on the island have had little fuel to sell since the US choked off access to foreign oil about two months ago. Cuban leaders say they’re in talks with US officials and are ready to open their economy to foreign investors. From Havana, journalist Ed Augustin tells The World’s Host Marco Werman a forced transition of leadership in Cuba would involve major risks.

Cuba's crisis deepens

The Israeli military said on Tuesday that it has killed top Iranian official, Ali Larijani. Larijani was de-facto running the country after the death of the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Larijani was reportedly killed along with the head of a powerful paramilitary force. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about the latest.

The Israeli military said on Tuesday that it has killed top Iranian official, Ali Larijani. Larijani was de-facto running the country after the death of the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Larijani was reportedly killed along with the head of a powerful paramilitary force. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about the latest.

Israel kills another Iranian top leader, Ali Larijani

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Falmouth, Massachusetts, have discovered a haunting whale song on decades-old audio equipment. This discovery could open up a new understanding of how the huge animals communicate, according to the scientists. Host Marco Werman has the details.

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Falmouth, Massachusetts, have discovered a haunting whale song on decades-old audio equipment. This discovery could open up a new understanding of how the huge animals communicate, according to the scientists. Host Marco Werman has the details.

Oldest whale sounds recordings could unlock new secrets about the mammals

Serbia has been having an uncomfortable winter — thanks to an energy crisis rooted in its struggle to balance East and West. Its national oil company has been under US sanctions because of its majority Russian-ownership. Now, it looks like a resolution to the ownership issue may come courtesy of neighboring Hungary. But the bigger question is whether there’s been lasting damage to the relationship between Serbia and Russia. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Inside Europe's Balkans Correspondent Guy De Launey reports.

Serbia has been having an uncomfortable winter — thanks to an energy crisis rooted in its struggle to balance East and West. Its national oil company has been under US sanctions because of its majority Russian-ownership. Now, it looks like a resolution to the ownership issue may come courtesy of neighboring Hungary. But the bigger question is whether there’s been lasting damage to the relationship between Serbia and Russia. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Inside Europe's Balkans Correspondent Guy De Launey reports.

Serbians caught between East and West struggle to keep warm

The war in Iran suggests many of the doctrines, rules and assumptions that shaped US military strategy for decades might no longer apply. Margaret MacMillan, an emeritus professor of history at the University of Oxford talks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about the consequences of dispensing with the international rules‑based order that attempted to govern global conflict and constrain the use of force under law.

The war in Iran suggests many of the doctrines, rules and assumptions that shaped US military strategy for decades might no longer apply. Margaret MacMillan, an emeritus professor of history at the University of Oxford talks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about the consequences of dispensing with the international rules‑based order that attempted to govern global conflict and constrain the use of force under law.

What ignoring the rules of war could mean

South Korea's rental market operates on what's known as the Jeonse system. You put down a deposit equal to about 50% of the value of the home you're renting. So, no small investment. But then, you pay no monthly rent, and get the Jeonse back when you move out. Traditionally, middle and upper class families gave newlyweds money for their first Jeonse as a wedding gift. But with skyrocketing real estate costs, the system is out of reach for more and more people. Now, concerns about South Korea's declining birthrate have prompted a new government intervention. Reporter Jason Strother reports from Seoul.

South Korea's rental market operates on what's known as the Jeonse system. You put down a deposit equal to about 50% of the value of the home you're renting. So, no small investment. But then, you pay no monthly rent, and get the Jeonse back when you move out. Traditionally, middle and upper class families gave newlyweds money for their first Jeonse as a wedding gift. But with skyrocketing real estate costs, the system is out of reach for more and more people. Now, concerns about South Korea's declining birthrate have prompted a new government intervention. Reporter Jason Strother reports from Seoul.

Government steps in to boost population amid expensive apartments in Seoul

Paul Ehrlich, famed co-author of "The Population Bomb," died last week at the age of 93. The book argued that rapid global population growth would outstrip food supplies, leading to famine and environmental collapse. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Michael Geruso, co-author of After the Spike, about Ehrlich's legacy.

Paul Ehrlich, famed co-author of "The Population Bomb," died last week at the age of 93. The book argued that rapid global population growth would outstrip food supplies, leading to famine and environmental collapse. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Michael Geruso, co-author of After the Spike, about Ehrlich's legacy.

Legacy of 'The Population Bomb'

Two proposals for giant statues in Madrid are stirring up controversy. Bigger is better, organizers argue. But a tiny, life-size statue of a stray dog, in downtown Madrid, proves the opposite for some. Paco the Dog sits quietly, keeping a city legend alive. Or is it a true story? The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Two proposals for giant statues in Madrid are stirring up controversy. Bigger is better, organizers argue. But a tiny, life-size statue of a stray dog, in downtown Madrid, proves the opposite for some. Paco the Dog sits quietly, keeping a city legend alive. Or is it a true story? The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Amid Madrid mega-statue hype, a small dog shines

Composer Christopher Tin's music uplifts, while the words quietly remind us of the power of a birdsong, with lines borrowed from Emily Dickinson. The musicians who played on "The Lost Birds" are part of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.This story originally aired on Nov. 8, 2022.

Composer Christopher Tin's music uplifts, while the words quietly remind us of the power of a birdsong, with lines borrowed from Emily Dickinson. The musicians who played on "The Lost Birds" are part of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
This story originally aired on Nov. 8, 2022.

A symphonic work for 'lost birds'

Praveen Sahay is originally from India — where he was a police officer. Sahay was sent to Mozambique in 1994 as part of the UN peacekeeping force overseeing the country's first multi-party elections. He told GBH's Stories From The Stage why he was forced to put down his gun.

Praveen Sahay is originally from India — where he was a police officer. Sahay was sent to Mozambique in 1994 as part of the UN peacekeeping force overseeing the country's first multi-party elections. He told GBH's Stories From The Stage why he was forced to put down his gun.