Host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories that remind us just how small our planet really is. The World, the radio program, is heard each weekday on over 300 public stations across North America.

The US government has indicted former Cuban leader Raúl Castro for his alleged role in shooting down two civilian planes 30 years ago. The mid-air attack by Cuba killed four Cuban Americans. Peter Kornbluh helped uncover classified documents revealing what happened just before that attack. He joined Host Marco Werman to discuss the significance of today's decision.

The US government has indicted former Cuban leader Raúl Castro for his alleged role in shooting down two civilian planes 30 years ago. The mid-air attack by Cuba killed four Cuban Americans. Peter Kornbluh helped uncover classified documents revealing what happened just before that attack. He joined Host Marco Werman to discuss the significance of today's decision.

Raúl Castro indicted by US government

The musical style known as cumbia had at its root a single powerful ambassador: Totó la Momposina. The Colombian artist has died at the age of 85. As we hear from Co-hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler, she was more than a singer. She was a global champion of Andean culture.

The musical style known as cumbia had at its root a single powerful ambassador: Totó la Momposina. The Colombian artist has died at the age of 85. As we hear from Co-hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler, she was more than a singer. She was a global champion of Andean culture.

Champion of Andean culture, Colombian artist Totó la Momposina, dies

Patrice Lumumba, the first elected leader of independent Congo (today Democratic Republic of Congo) was assassinated in 1961. His family has spent years trying to bring the perpetrators of his killing to justice. In March, a judge in Belgium ruled that the sole surviving diplomat implicated in his murder had to stand trial. Ninety-three-year-old Etienne Davignon was scheduled to appear in court later this year, but he too has now died. Host Marco Werman spoke with Lumumba's only daughter, Juliana Lumumba, about the closure she had hoped for and her memories of her father.

Patrice Lumumba, the first elected leader of independent Congo (today Democratic Republic of Congo) was assassinated in 1961. His family has spent years trying to bring the perpetrators of his killing to justice. In March, a judge in Belgium ruled that the sole surviving diplomat implicated in his murder had to stand trial. Ninety-three-year-old Etienne Davignon was scheduled to appear in court later this year, but he too has now died. Host Marco Werman spoke with Lumumba's only daughter, Juliana Lumumba, about the closure she had hoped for and her memories of her father.

Justice denied as last person accused in Patrice Lumumba assassination dies

For many in the Indian diaspora, visiting the motherland is usually an annual pilgrimage for the whole family. So, when New York resident Sonya Vai got the chance to travel to her parent's home country as an adult — alone — she jumped on it. But the experience, as Vai tells GBH's Stories From The Stage, was not what she expected.

For many in the Indian diaspora, visiting the motherland is usually an annual pilgrimage for the whole family. So, when New York resident Sonya Vai got the chance to travel to her parent's home country as an adult — alone — she jumped on it. But the experience, as Vai tells GBH's Stories From The Stage, was not what she expected.

Traveling without her parents to India for the first time

As the Trump administration expands sanctions on Cuba to pressure regime change, one target is GAESA, the military-run business empire behind hotels, dollar stores, banks and other key sources of hard currency. US officials say it funnels wealth to regime insiders. But Cuban economists say GAESA is only part of the equation, as The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

As the Trump administration expands sanctions on Cuba to pressure regime change, one target is GAESA, the military-run business empire behind hotels, dollar stores, banks and other key sources of hard currency. US officials say it funnels wealth to regime insiders. But Cuban economists say GAESA is only part of the equation, as The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Cuba's hidden business empire faces US sanctions

New Zealand's government wants to change its landmark climate law. The proposal would prohibit liability for damages caused by climate change, such as from floods, fires or sea level rise. To understand more, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Maria Antonia Tigre, director of global climate litigation at Columbia University's Sabin Center.

New Zealand's government wants to change its landmark climate law. The proposal would prohibit liability for damages caused by climate change, such as from floods, fires or sea level rise. To understand more, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Maria Antonia Tigre, director of global climate litigation at Columbia University's Sabin Center.

New Zealand to change landmark climate law

Afghans are among the largest group of people seeking asylum in Europe. Now, the European Commission says it plans to hold talks with the Taliban in Brussels about deporting some Afghans back home. The EU does not officially recognize the Taliban leadership after its sudden return to power amid the NATO withdrawal in early 2021. Human rights groups warn the meeting could legitimize the Taliban regime and put deported Afghans at risk. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Afghans are among the largest group of people seeking asylum in Europe. Now, the European Commission says it plans to hold talks with the Taliban in Brussels about deporting some Afghans back home. The EU does not officially recognize the Taliban leadership after its sudden return to power amid the NATO withdrawal in early 2021. Human rights groups warn the meeting could legitimize the Taliban regime and put deported Afghans at risk. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Human rights groups alarmed by EU-Taliban deportation talks

Gymnasts from Russia and Belarus will now return to full participation in international competitions, according to the sport's global governing body. Athletes from the two countries had previously been banned in 2022 due to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more details.

Gymnasts from Russia and Belarus will now return to full participation in international competitions, according to the sport's global governing body. Athletes from the two countries had previously been banned in 2022 due to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more details.

World gymnastics lifts ban on Russia and Belarus

A strike by transport workers brought Kenya to a near standstill yesterday, forcing many Kenyans to walk or squeeze onto one of the few available public buses. Known as "Matatu protests" — after the privately-owned minibuses that strikers represented — the demonstrations were halted earlier today to allow for negotiations with the government over the rising price of fuel. Host Marco Werman learned more from Karuti Kanyinga, a political scientist at the University of Nairobi.

A strike by transport workers brought Kenya to a near standstill yesterday, forcing many Kenyans to walk or squeeze onto one of the few available public buses. Known as "Matatu protests" — after the privately-owned minibuses that strikers represented — the demonstrations were halted earlier today to allow for negotiations with the government over the rising price of fuel. Host Marco Werman learned more from Karuti Kanyinga, a political scientist at the University of Nairobi.

Transport workers in Kenya strike over rising cost of fuel

Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan's latest movie, "The Odyssey," is due to hit theaters in July. But Nolan's interpretation of the Greek classic has already been stirring up controversy for various reasons. Last year, he took flak for filming some scenes in Western Sahara, a disputed territory between Morocco and Algeria. The World’s Host Marco Werman got insight into the issue late last year with María Carrión, the executive director of FiSahara, an annual film festival that spotlights the work of the Sahrawi people of Western Sahara. She’s based in Madrid.

Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan's latest movie, "The Odyssey," is due to hit theaters in July. But Nolan's interpretation of the Greek classic has already been stirring up controversy for various reasons. Last year, he took flak for filming some scenes in Western Sahara, a disputed territory between Morocco and Algeria. The World’s Host Marco Werman got insight into the issue late last year with María Carrión, the executive director of FiSahara, an annual film festival that spotlights the work of the Sahrawi people of Western Sahara. She’s based in Madrid.

Christopher Nolan's film 'The Odyssey' sparks controversy

Much of Beirut's renowned waterfront promenade is covered in tents, where people displaced from their homes in southern Lebanon by Israeli airstrikes are living out the war. They're getting donated food and clothing as winter wanes. Reporters Scott Carrier and Jenny Ament spent a day and night with a family now camping out along Beirut's waterfront.

Much of Beirut's renowned waterfront promenade is covered in tents, where people displaced from their homes in southern Lebanon by Israeli airstrikes are living out the war. They're getting donated food and clothing as winter wanes. Reporters Scott Carrier and Jenny Ament spent a day and night with a family now camping out along Beirut's waterfront.

A tent city springs up in Beirut for Lebanese displaced by Israeli strikes

A parade of world leaders has been touching down in Beijing for meetings with Xi Jinping. Last week, the leaders of the US and Tajikistan visited, and today, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived for a two-day trip. Simon Rabinovitch, The Economist’s Beijing bureau chief, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that to ordinary Chinese citizens, it increasingly looks like Beijing is at the center of the geopolitical universe.

A parade of world leaders has been touching down in Beijing for meetings with Xi Jinping. Last week, the leaders of the US and Tajikistan visited, and today, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived for a two-day trip. Simon Rabinovitch, The Economist’s Beijing bureau chief, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that to ordinary Chinese citizens, it increasingly looks like Beijing is at the center of the geopolitical universe.

Global leaders continue steady visits to China

US President Donald Trump says he has halted a “very major attack” on Iran for now because he wants to allow more time for diplomacy. Iran and the US have been negotiating indirectly about Iran's nuclear program, with talks mediated by Pakistan. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about the latest.

US President Donald Trump says he has halted a “very major attack” on Iran for now because he wants to allow more time for diplomacy. Iran and the US have been negotiating indirectly about Iran's nuclear program, with talks mediated by Pakistan. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about the latest.

Trump says he's paused an attack on Iran as negotiations continue

Researchers from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, just unearthed what is believed to be the first poem written in the English language and hence the first piece of English literature. Caedmon's Hymn, was tucked away among pages of English history written in a Latin manuscript. It was believed to be written over 1,200 years ago by a farm laborer at a North Yorkshire abbey. And it was only discovered, when over a thousand years later, librarians in Rome digitized the book and shared the images with scholars in Ireland. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the story.

Researchers from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, just unearthed what is believed to be the first poem written in the English language and hence the first piece of English literature. Caedmon's Hymn, was tucked away among pages of English history written in a Latin manuscript. It was believed to be written over 1,200 years ago by a farm laborer at a North Yorkshire abbey. And it was only discovered, when over a thousand years later, librarians in Rome digitized the book and shared the images with scholars in Ireland. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the story.

Recently discovered poem may be the first piece of English literature

Nine-year-old Marc Barceló already has a bunch of medals hanging in his bedroom. There's a gold one from an international competition last year. That helped propel the boy into the top 10 in the world, as ranked by the International Chess Federation. But he only discovered chess a couple of years ago — when his parents needed something for him to do over the summer. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Tarragona, Spain on the prodigy.

Nine-year-old Marc Barceló already has a bunch of medals hanging in his bedroom. There's a gold one from an international competition last year. That helped propel the boy into the top 10 in the world, as ranked by the International Chess Federation. But he only discovered chess a couple of years ago — when his parents needed something for him to do over the summer. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Tarragona, Spain on the prodigy.

Spanish chess whizkid beating pros and politicians alike

Norway stands to make $78 billion this year from its oil and gas sales. This surge is way beyond previous estimates, as the cost of oil and gas continue to rise due to the US-Israeli war with Iran. With Norway now aiming to increase production, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Bård Lahn, a Norwegian environmentalist and associate professor at the University of Oslo.

Norway stands to make $78 billion this year from its oil and gas sales. This surge is way beyond previous estimates, as the cost of oil and gas continue to rise due to the US-Israeli war with Iran. With Norway now aiming to increase production, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Bård Lahn, a Norwegian environmentalist and associate professor at the University of Oslo.

Norway to expand fossil fuel production as countries seek secure energy supply

Dubbed the "Cuban James Brown," musician Cimafunk refuses to choose between tradition and innovation. After breakout success in Havana, Cimafunk relocated to New Orleans where his unique blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms and American funk found an even broader audience. Cimafunk spoke with Meklit Hadero, of the Movement podcast, about his transformation.

Dubbed the "Cuban James Brown," musician Cimafunk refuses to choose between tradition and innovation. After breakout success in Havana, Cimafunk relocated to New Orleans where his unique blend of Afro-Cuban rhythms and American funk found an even broader audience. Cimafunk spoke with Meklit Hadero, of the Movement podcast, about his transformation.

Cuban 'James Brown' Cimafunk blends Afro-Cuban and American funk

Every four years, there are those in the US who joke about leaving the country if their pick for president loses. Last year, it seems that record numbers of Americans did leave the “land of opportunity" to take their chances overseas. Reporter Joshua Coe spoke with some politically-minded American “emigrés,” who put their money where their mouths are. But, as he learned, not everyone is leaving because of politics.

Every four years, there are those in the US who joke about leaving the country if their pick for president loses. Last year, it seems that record numbers of Americans did leave the “land of opportunity" to take their chances overseas. Reporter Joshua Coe spoke with some politically-minded American “emigrés,” who put their money where their mouths are. But, as he learned, not everyone is leaving because of politics.

'GTFO': More Americans are moving abroad — some over politics, others for a better cost of living

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an emergency in response to an Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo. More than 300 cases are suspected and nearly 100 people have died. The particular strain, Bundibugyo, has no approved treatment or vaccines. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Heather Kerr, country director for DRC with the International Rescue Committee, about the picture on the ground.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared an emergency in response to an Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo. More than 300 cases are suspected and nearly 100 people have died. The particular strain, Bundibugyo, has no approved treatment or vaccines. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Heather Kerr, country director for DRC with the International Rescue Committee, about the picture on the ground.

World Health Organization declares emergency in response to Ebola outbreak

Cairo's historic downtown was on the decline for years, with office towers crowding out long-term residents. But now, the area is experiencing a renaissance. Gen Z creators are re-discovering it. But some worry that developers are creating a cartoon version of what used to be called "the Paris of the East." Nadine El Shiaty reports from the Egyptian capital.

Cairo's historic downtown was on the decline for years, with office towers crowding out long-term residents. But now, the area is experiencing a renaissance. Gen Z creators are re-discovering it. But some worry that developers are creating a cartoon version of what used to be called "the Paris of the East." Nadine El Shiaty reports from the Egyptian capital.

Cairo's historic downtown comes back to life, thanks to Gen Z

For several days last week, Senator Ronald dela Rosa took refuge inside the Philippines Senate after barely outrunning government agents. They wanted to serve him with an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, and bring him into custody. Dela Rosa is suspected of crimes against humanity for his role in the country’s bloody drug war under former President Rodrigo Duterte. The case is raising prickly questions of a political rivalry between two powerful families. Dave Grunebaum reports.

For several days last week, Senator Ronald dela Rosa took refuge inside the Philippines Senate after barely outrunning government agents. They wanted to serve him with an arrest warrant from the International Criminal Court, and bring him into custody. Dela Rosa is suspected of crimes against humanity for his role in the country’s bloody drug war under former President Rodrigo Duterte. The case is raising prickly questions of a political rivalry between two powerful families. Dave Grunebaum reports.

The Philippines' former top cop evades police and goes into hiding

The current outbreak of Ebola is just one recent example of a disease spilling over from animals to humans. Zoonotic diseases like this are not new. There are the cases of hantavirus on the Dutch cruise ship, as well as COVID-19 and Zika. To find out why they're on the risem The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with Anne Rimoin, who is a professor of epidemiology at UCLA.

The current outbreak of Ebola is just one recent example of a disease spilling over from animals to humans. Zoonotic diseases like this are not new. There are the cases of hantavirus on the Dutch cruise ship, as well as COVID-19 and Zika. To find out why they're on the risem The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with Anne Rimoin, who is a professor of epidemiology at UCLA.

Zoonotic diseases: animal to human viruses are spreading

Cuba's oil reserves have run dry. It's fueling blackouts lasting more than 20 hours in Havana, and widespread protests, where people are demanding electricity. It's the result of the ongoing US blockade of the island. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with journalist Ed Augustin, who's in Havana, about the latest.

Cuba's oil reserves have run dry. It's fueling blackouts lasting more than 20 hours in Havana, and widespread protests, where people are demanding electricity. It's the result of the ongoing US blockade of the island. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with journalist Ed Augustin, who's in Havana, about the latest.

Cuba is out of oil

Cape Verde is an archipelago 350 miles from the nearest country on the African continent and it's distinct from the rest of Africa in many ways. For one thing, it has a functional democracy, which places it in a minority in Africa. Cape Verde will hold elections on Sunday with two candidates for prime minister who offer the classic choice between change or continuity. GBH's Paris Alston reported from Cape Verde recently and tells Host Carolyn Beeler what's at stake.

Cape Verde is an archipelago 350 miles from the nearest country on the African continent and it's distinct from the rest of Africa in many ways. For one thing, it has a functional democracy, which places it in a minority in Africa. Cape Verde will hold elections on Sunday with two candidates for prime minister who offer the classic choice between change or continuity. GBH's Paris Alston reported from Cape Verde recently and tells Host Carolyn Beeler what's at stake.

Voters on Cape Verde and in the diaspora get ready to head to the polls

It's not often we get to hear music written and recorded in Antarctica. But that's what musician Kyra Sims was able to do on her French horn, while on an expedition with Antarctic scientists and researchers. She is one of only two musicians in the world who have performed on all seven continents and she speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about the music inspired by her latest adventure.

It's not often we get to hear music written and recorded in Antarctica. But that's what musician Kyra Sims was able to do on her French horn, while on an expedition with Antarctic scientists and researchers. She is one of only two musicians in the world who have performed on all seven continents and she speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about the music inspired by her latest adventure.

How a voyage to Antarctica inspired the sounds on a French horn

Gucci may call it "Italian leather," but much of the raw materials they use originate in the northern Nigerian city of Kano, where 11 tanneries operate and craftsmen continue their ancient profession. In another part of the city, men sit hunched over 600-year-old dye pits where they mix lavish indigo color into intricately designed fabrics. The leather and dye makers are at the heart of the local economy — but globalization is hurting both crafts. From Kano, reporter Ricci Shryock has the story.

Gucci may call it "Italian leather," but much of the raw materials they use originate in the northern Nigerian city of Kano, where 11 tanneries operate and craftsmen continue their ancient profession. In another part of the city, men sit hunched over 600-year-old dye pits where they mix lavish indigo color into intricately designed fabrics. The leather and dye makers are at the heart of the local economy — but globalization is hurting both crafts. From Kano, reporter Ricci Shryock has the story.

Ancient tanneries in Nigeria churn out 'Made in Italy' leather

Shweta Bhatt's parents were worried. Their daughter, pushing 30, hadn't found a partner. So, they tried to do for her what worked for them. When she rejected their involvement, the relationship she ended up pursuing without their help surprised her. This story comes to us from the GBH program Stories from the Stage, in Boston.

Shweta Bhatt's parents were worried. Their daughter, pushing 30, hadn't found a partner. So, they tried to do for her what worked for them. When she rejected their involvement, the relationship she ended up pursuing without their help surprised her. This story comes to us from the GBH program Stories from the Stage, in Boston.

She started a relationship — with herself

The Eurovision Song Contest is celebrating its 70th anniversary this weekend in Vienna but the event is once again being overshadowed by political controversy. Five countries are boycotting the contest over Israel’s participation, citing its military offensive in Gaza. Meanwhile, organizers have introduced new voting rules following allegations of voter manipulation by Israel at last year’s contest. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

The Eurovision Song Contest is celebrating its 70th anniversary this weekend in Vienna but the event is once again being overshadowed by political controversy. Five countries are boycotting the contest over Israel’s participation, citing its military offensive in Gaza. Meanwhile, organizers have introduced new voting rules following allegations of voter manipulation by Israel at last year’s contest. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Boycotts, protests and rule changes rock Eurovision anniversary

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.