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.

Voters in Serbia will go to the polls in just over a week. And no matter the result, the dominant figure will be Aleksandar Vučić. He's resigned as president so that he can run as prime minister for his dominant Serbian Progressive Party. But he faces a stern challenge from a candidate list nominated by student-led protesters. They accuse Vučić of autocratic tendencies — and presiding over corruption. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, reporter Guy De Launey, who has been a long-time follower of the Serbian leader's career, brings this report from Belgrade.

Voters in Serbia will go to the polls in just over a week. And no matter the result, the dominant figure will be Aleksandar Vučić. He's resigned as president so that he can run as prime minister for his dominant Serbian Progressive Party. But he faces a stern challenge from a candidate list nominated by student-led protesters. They accuse Vučić of autocratic tendencies — and presiding over corruption. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, reporter Guy De Launey, who has been a long-time follower of the Serbian leader's career, brings this report from Belgrade.

Portrait of Serbia's Aleksandar Vučić

Former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland took the lead for Ottawa during the high-stakes trade talks with the US in 2018. Her tough negotiating stance angered US President Donald Trump, who called her a “nasty woman,” as she details in her new book "Unreliable Boyfriend: An Insider's View of Dealing with a Chaotic Superpower, Plutocrats, and Other Complicated People." Freeland tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that many Canadians think the current US-Canada rupture can't be repaired.

Former Canadian Deputy Prime Minister Chrystia Freeland took the lead for Ottawa during the high-stakes trade talks with the US in 2018. Her tough negotiating stance angered US President Donald Trump, who called her a “nasty woman,” as she details in her new book "Unreliable Boyfriend: An Insider's View of Dealing with a Chaotic Superpower, Plutocrats, and Other Complicated People." Freeland tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that many Canadians think the current US-Canada rupture can't be repaired.

Former top Canadian official pulls back the curtain on deal making with Trump

Comedian Kwasi Mensah learned to cook his family's Ghanaian peanut butter soup. He brought it to his Indian friend's potluck. Along the way, he learned how food helps build community, as he told GBH's Stories from the Stage.

Comedian Kwasi Mensah learned to cook his family's Ghanaian peanut butter soup. He brought it to his Indian friend's potluck. Along the way, he learned how food helps build community, as he told GBH's Stories from the Stage.

Stories from the Stage: The special ingredient of laughter

Son Rompe Pera is a band that performs at local cemeteries in Naucalpan, Mexico. It all started with José "Batuco" Gama. But since his passing in 2016, his sons and their friends came together to play his music in a slightly different way, while still honoring Gama's legacy.  Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Son Rompe Pera is a band that performs at local cemeteries in Naucalpan, Mexico. It all started with José "Batuco" Gama. But since his passing in 2016, his sons and their friends came together to play his music in a slightly different way, while still honoring Gama's legacy.  Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Son Rompe Pera plays in cemeteries and clubs

After four years in legal limbo over its potential environmental impact, the British government has approved renewed production at the Jackdaw gas field, 150 miles off the Scottish coast. While the UK has sought to be a leader in the transition away from fossil fuels, the decision comes as Britain struggles with soaring energy costs and concerns over energy security. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Darrick Evensen, a senior lecturer in environmental politics at the University of Edinburgh.

After four years in legal limbo over its potential environmental impact, the British government has approved renewed production at the Jackdaw gas field, 150 miles off the Scottish coast. While the UK has sought to be a leader in the transition away from fossil fuels, the decision comes as Britain struggles with soaring energy costs and concerns over energy security. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Darrick Evensen, a senior lecturer in environmental politics at the University of Edinburgh.

Greenlit gas field off Scottish coast raises questions about UK's climate transition goals

Cell phone theft is so bad in Brazil that it's become a political issue. Hundreds of thousands of smartphones are stolen across the country each year, and the two presidential candidates have made fighting that particular crime key campaign pledges. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Cell phone theft is so bad in Brazil that it's become a political issue. Hundreds of thousands of smartphones are stolen across the country each year, and the two presidential candidates have made fighting that particular crime key campaign pledges. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Cell phone theft has become a campaign issue in Brazil's presidential elections

In Barcelona this fall, tourists wearing smart glasses have twice filmed assailants stealing their personal items, ultimately leading to the thieves' arrests. Locals and tourists say the glasses offer added protection on the street, but others worry about privacy and online security. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

In Barcelona this fall, tourists wearing smart glasses have twice filmed assailants stealing their personal items, ultimately leading to the thieves' arrests. Locals and tourists say the glasses offer added protection on the street, but others worry about privacy and online security. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

From 'pervert glasses' to crime stoppers, smart glasses find some redemption

Chile is one of Latin America's fastest-aging countries. Around 15% of its citizens are over the age of 65 — nearly half of whom report feeling lonely. One local nonprofit foundation is bringing generations together to try and combat this social isolation. As part of The World's series exploring solutions to the global problem of loneliness, Jane Chambers reports from Santiago.

Chile is one of Latin America's fastest-aging countries. Around 15% of its citizens are over the age of 65 — nearly half of whom report feeling lonely. One local nonprofit foundation is bringing generations together to try and combat this social isolation. As part of The World's series exploring solutions to the global problem of loneliness, Jane Chambers reports from Santiago.

Bringing generations together in Chile to combat social isolation

Back in 2010, the explosion of the BP-operated oil well Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico spilled more than 130 million gallons of oil into the water — wreaking havoc on the local ecosystem. A new study has found that since that environmental disaster, marine life in the area decline by 60%. Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Tracey Sutton, the lead author of the study. He's a biological oceanographer at Nova Southeastern University in Dania Beach, Florida.

Back in 2010, the explosion of the BP-operated oil well Deepwater Horizon in the Gulf of Mexico spilled more than 130 million gallons of oil into the water — wreaking havoc on the local ecosystem. A new study has found that since that environmental disaster, marine life in the area decline by 60%. Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Tracey Sutton, the lead author of the study. He's a biological oceanographer at Nova Southeastern University in Dania Beach, Florida.

Study finds massive decline in marine life since BP oil spill in Gulf of Mexico

Same-sex marriage is not recognized in Slovakia, one of several EU countries that offer no legal recognition to same-sex couples. Last year, the EU’s top court ruled that member states must recognize all marriages legally conducted in another EU country. But Slovakia has refused to comply. Now, a couple in the capital Bratislava is taking the state to court. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Same-sex marriage is not recognized in Slovakia, one of several EU countries that offer no legal recognition to same-sex couples. Last year, the EU’s top court ruled that member states must recognize all marriages legally conducted in another EU country. But Slovakia has refused to comply. Now, a couple in the capital Bratislava is taking the state to court. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

A Slovak couple's fight to have their marriage recognized

Unofficial results show roughly three-quarters of voters in the Canadian province of Alberta rejected a move toward separation from Canada in this week’s vote. But about one-quarter of voters — hundreds of thousands of Albertans — backed the proposal. Canadian journalist Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s chief international correspondent, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that the separatist movement will fight on.

Unofficial results show roughly three-quarters of voters in the Canadian province of Alberta rejected a move toward separation from Canada in this week’s vote. But about one-quarter of voters — hundreds of thousands of Albertans — backed the proposal. Canadian journalist Lyse Doucet, the BBC’s chief international correspondent, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that the separatist movement will fight on.

Alberta's separation debate is far from over in Canada

The Trump administration is proposing a 12% cut to the National Institutes of Health's 2027 budget. The proposed cuts are unlikely to make it through Congress. But scientists still feel the need to advocate for the value of the work they do abroad. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Josh Ehrlich, associate director of the Center for Global Health Equity at the University of Michigan. He wrote about funding research overseas in The Conversation.

The Trump administration is proposing a 12% cut to the National Institutes of Health's 2027 budget. The proposed cuts are unlikely to make it through Congress. But scientists still feel the need to advocate for the value of the work they do abroad. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Josh Ehrlich, associate director of the Center for Global Health Equity at the University of Michigan. He wrote about funding research overseas in The Conversation.

Why funding scientific research overseas matters

For civil defense workers in southern Lebanon, saving lives comes at an enormous personal cost. In the city of Nabatiyeh, rescue teams navigate relentless danger, mourn colleagues killed in Israeli strikes and struggle with memories of those they couldn't save. Shirin Jaafari reports.

For civil defense workers in southern Lebanon, saving lives comes at an enormous personal cost. In the city of Nabatiyeh, rescue teams navigate relentless danger, mourn colleagues killed in Israeli strikes and struggle with memories of those they couldn't save. Shirin Jaafari reports.

Risking their lives to save others: Rescue workers in southern Lebanon

The UK has released hundreds of prisoners as part of the government's early release plan. It's a key part of its bid to free up much-needed prison space and combat overcrowding. But one particular group of prisoners were ineligible for the deal. These are people sentenced under the controversial IPP, or Imprisonment for Public Protection, program, which had a minimum term but no maximum. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Nik Martin has the story on the fight to get IPP prisoners released.

The UK has released hundreds of prisoners as part of the government's early release plan. It's a key part of its bid to free up much-needed prison space and combat overcrowding. But one particular group of prisoners were ineligible for the deal. These are people sentenced under the controversial IPP, or Imprisonment for Public Protection, program, which had a minimum term but no maximum. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Nik Martin has the story on the fight to get IPP prisoners released.

While the UK clears prisons to ease overcrowding, one group remains stuck

Julian, a landscape architect from Lyon, and his teenage daughter, Coline, spent much of Saturday dodging tear gas canisters and protesting for education reform. From Barcelona, where they've been on vacation, they offer their view on the state of public schools and public spending in general in France. This, as the government of Emmanuel Macron finds itself unable to contain growing public rage and, at times, violence. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Julian, a landscape architect from Lyon, and his teenage daughter, Coline, spent much of Saturday dodging tear gas canisters and protesting for education reform. From Barcelona, where they've been on vacation, they offer their view on the state of public schools and public spending in general in France. This, as the government of Emmanuel Macron finds itself unable to contain growing public rage and, at times, violence. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

A father and daughter reflect on protests in France

Guitarist and songwriter Mahesh Tinaiker fronted the Indian rock ensemble Rock Machine, which later renamed itself Indus Creed. For a generation of India's music fans, Tinaiker offered a homegrown version of metal rock. Host Marco Werman pays homage to Tinaiker who died at the age of 63 last week.

Guitarist and songwriter Mahesh Tinaiker fronted the Indian rock ensemble Rock Machine, which later renamed itself Indus Creed. For a generation of India's music fans, Tinaiker offered a homegrown version of metal rock. Host Marco Werman pays homage to Tinaiker who died at the age of 63 last week.

Mahesh Tinaiker remembered

The rhythms, the style and lyricism are all a little hard to define when it comes to Cuban pianist Harold López-Nussa. Is it jazz, classical, traditional Cuban or something else? As López-Nussa told Host Marco Werman, he's constantly exploring new directions. His album, "Nueva Timba," is no exception.  This story originally aired on Oct. 22, 2025.

The rhythms, the style and lyricism are all a little hard to define when it comes to Cuban pianist Harold López-Nussa. Is it jazz, classical, traditional Cuban or something else? As López-Nussa told Host Marco Werman, he's constantly exploring new directions. His album, "Nueva Timba," is no exception.  
This story originally aired on Oct. 22, 2025.

The eclectic sounds of Harold López-Nussa keep listeners guessing

What started as demonstrations over the French education system over the past month converged with other grievances — over things like housing and the cost of living. And it comes ahead of an election in France, in which the far right and far left are building support. Vivienne Walt, a TIME Magazine correspondent based in Paris, joins The World's Host Marco Werman to discuss.

What started as demonstrations over the French education system over the past month converged with other grievances — over things like housing and the cost of living. And it comes ahead of an election in France, in which the far right and far left are building support. Vivienne Walt, a TIME Magazine correspondent based in Paris, joins The World's Host Marco Werman to discuss.

How simmering grievances converged into France's weekend of discontent

During the 1990s, Portugal experienced a devastating heroin epidemic accompanied by a surge of HIV-AIDS infections. Instead of cracking down on drug possession, Portuguese authorities tried a public health approach focusing on harm reduction. This year marks the 25th anniversary of that policy change. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Robert Glover, who teaches political science at the University of Maine and co-wrote a piece in The Conversation about this approach.

During the 1990s, Portugal experienced a devastating heroin epidemic accompanied by a surge of HIV-AIDS infections. Instead of cracking down on drug possession, Portuguese authorities tried a public health approach focusing on harm reduction. This year marks the 25th anniversary of that policy change. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Robert Glover, who teaches political science at the University of Maine and co-wrote a piece in The Conversation about this approach.

Lessons learned from Portugal's decriminalization of drugs for personal use

Masked Israeli settlers have attacked West Bank farmers, herders and village residents harvesting olives this week. They’ve also beaten the journalists and European diplomats who’ve tried to accompany the Palestinians. Itamar Yaar, a retired Israeli colonel and national-security official who has served in the West Bank tells The World’s Marco Werman that the settlers perpetrating the attack are endangering Israel’s national security. Werman then speaks with Israeli journalist Noga Tarnopolsky.

Masked Israeli settlers have attacked West Bank farmers, herders and village residents harvesting olives this week. They’ve also beaten the journalists and European diplomats who’ve tried to accompany the Palestinians. Itamar Yaar, a retired Israeli colonel and national-security official who has served in the West Bank tells The World’s Marco Werman that the settlers perpetrating the attack are endangering Israel’s national security. Werman then speaks with Israeli journalist Noga Tarnopolsky.

Israeli colonel who served in West Bank decries settler violence as national security threat

A music teacher in a small town in Iowa looked around at his school a realized that it was increasingly Latino — but there were few Latinos playing in school bands. So, he decided to make a change. He started a mariachi band, a rarity in the Midwest. Now, there are four, and they're a big hit with the town. Bret Hayworth of Siouxland Public Media has our story from Denison, IA.This story originally aired on Dec. 23, 2024.

A music teacher in a small town in Iowa looked around at his school a realized that it was increasingly Latino — but there were few Latinos playing in school bands. So, he decided to make a change. He started a mariachi band, a rarity in the Midwest. Now, there are four, and they're a big hit with the town. Bret Hayworth of Siouxland Public Media has our story from Denison, IA.
This story originally aired on Dec. 23, 2024.

Mariachi music a big hit in Iowa

Six months after Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule came to an end in Hungary, his successor Peter Magyar is facing a major test: turning campaign promises into reality. He pledged to tackle corruption, rebuild ties with the European Union and reform state media accused of serving the former regime. But political observers say there's a long road ahead. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Six months after Viktor Orbán’s 16-year rule came to an end in Hungary, his successor Peter Magyar is facing a major test: turning campaign promises into reality. He pledged to tackle corruption, rebuild ties with the European Union and reform state media accused of serving the former regime. But political observers say there's a long road ahead. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Hungary after Orbán: 6 months on, how much has changed?

Bones discovered at the famed Shanidar Cave in northern Iraq suggest the individual was killed with a spear. This could be the first evidence of murder, or just an accident. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Bones discovered at the famed Shanidar Cave in northern Iraq suggest the individual was killed with a spear. This could be the first evidence of murder, or just an accident. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Newly discovered Neanderthal bones suggest first-ever killing of a human ancestor

Costa Rica, once a haven of stability in a troubled region, is facing rising homicides and drug trafficking. This week, its leaders unveiled a new prison for 5,000 inmates. The facility is designed to emulate El Salvador’s approach to fighting crime and project an “iron fist.” But Steven Dudley, co-director of the investigative outlet InSight Crime tells The World’s Carolyn Beeler that the new prison and the thinking behind it carries many risks.

Costa Rica, once a haven of stability in a troubled region, is facing rising homicides and drug trafficking. This week, its leaders unveiled a new prison for 5,000 inmates. The facility is designed to emulate El Salvador’s approach to fighting crime and project an “iron fist.” But Steven Dudley, co-director of the investigative outlet InSight Crime tells The World’s Carolyn Beeler that the new prison and the thinking behind it carries many risks.

Analyst sees Costa Rica's mega-prison as 'not a panacea'

For more than a decade, Nicolás Maduro ruled Venezuela, supported by powerful allies, including his vice president, Delcy Rodríguez. Today, Maduro is in a Brooklyn jail, fighting charges that could keep him behind bars for the rest of his life. Rodríguez, meanwhile, is running the country and working with the very government that captured him. His courtroom battle is only beginning, but Venezuela's political future is already being negotiated without him.

For more than a decade, Nicolás Maduro ruled Venezuela, supported by powerful allies, including his vice president, Delcy Rodríguez. Today, Maduro is in a Brooklyn jail, fighting charges that could keep him behind bars for the rest of his life. Rodríguez, meanwhile, is running the country and working with the very government that captured him. His courtroom battle is only beginning, but Venezuela's political future is already being negotiated without him.

Maduro's legal case update

US President Donald Trump added more confusion to US-Ukrainian relations over the last few days, announcing he'd drop sanctions on Russian diesel in order to import it, calling for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to leave office and declaring an "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine that came as a surprise to Kyiv. But perhaps the most dangerous development has been the uncertainty over whether the US will continue to share intelligence with Kyiv that allows advance notice of ballistic missile strikes by Moscow. Teri Schultz was at the Warsaw Security Forum to take the temperature of this diplomatic disarray.

US President Donald Trump added more confusion to US-Ukrainian relations over the last few days, announcing he'd drop sanctions on Russian diesel in order to import it, calling for Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy to leave office and declaring an "energy ceasefire" between Russia and Ukraine that came as a surprise to Kyiv. But perhaps the most dangerous development has been the uncertainty over whether the US will continue to share intelligence with Kyiv that allows advance notice of ballistic missile strikes by Moscow. Teri Schultz was at the Warsaw Security Forum to take the temperature of this diplomatic disarray.

Diplomatic disarray between the US and Ukraine

Members of the Catholic Church around the globe this week are reeling from news that Pope Leo XIV has cancer. The diagnosis came after an operation on the pope's lung. The World's Carolyn Beeler spoke to Massimo Faggioli, a Catholic scholar at Villanova University.

Members of the Catholic Church around the globe this week are reeling from news that Pope Leo XIV has cancer. The diagnosis came after an operation on the pope's lung. The World's Carolyn Beeler spoke to Massimo Faggioli, a Catholic scholar at Villanova University.

Catholic world reacts to Pope Leo's cancer diagnosis

Ed Maverick started writing songs about heartbreak in his sleepy town of Delicias, in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, when he was 16. The following year, he released his debut album, “Mix to Cry in Your Room." The hit “<a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PaoCQHwTPg4">Fuentes De Ortiz</a>” reached more than 500 million views on Youtube. But after a major label deal and a move to Mexico City, he was subject to cyberbullying and <a href="https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2592674867618480">broke down crying at a concert in New York City</a>. Now at 25, he’s about to release his fifth album. Gisele Regatão explains how he became an unlikely cult hero and the voice of Mexican youth.

Ed Maverick started writing songs about heartbreak in his sleepy town of Delicias, in the state of Chihuahua, Mexico, when he was 16. The following year, he released his debut album, “Mix to Cry in Your Room." The hit “Fuentes De Ortiz” reached more than 500 million views on Youtube. But after a major label deal and a move to Mexico City, he was subject to cyberbullying and broke down crying at a concert in New York City. Now at 25, he’s about to release his fifth album. Gisele Regatão explains how he became an unlikely cult hero and the voice of Mexican youth.

Mexican romantic folk star

The largest regatta in the world takes place this weekend in the waters of the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts. It will be filled with rowers from all over the world. This year, two athletes will be competing under a banner rarely seen in the rowing world: the Palestinian flag. GBH’s Esteban Bustillos has their story.

The largest regatta in the world takes place this weekend in the waters of the Charles River in Boston, Massachusetts. It will be filled with rowers from all over the world. This year, two athletes will be competing under a banner rarely seen in the rowing world: the Palestinian flag. GBH’s Esteban Bustillos has their story.

Head of the Charles Regatta to feature Palestinian rowing team

An international group of scientists, diplomats and timekeepers today changed the way the world keeps time. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with analyst Steve Allen from UC Santa Cruz Observatories about the elimination of the leap second.

An international group of scientists, diplomats and timekeepers today changed the way the world keeps time. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with analyst Steve Allen from UC Santa Cruz Observatories about the elimination of the leap second.