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 towering, stone statues on Easter Island continue to awe and inspire people since they were first built somewhere between the 13th and 16th centuries. This includes Philadelphia-based composer and trumpet player John Vanore. He recently spoke to The World about how these mysterious statues influenced his latest release, "Easter Island Suite."

The towering, stone statues on Easter Island continue to awe and inspire people since they were first built somewhere between the 13th and 16th centuries. This includes Philadelphia-based composer and trumpet player John Vanore. He recently spoke to The World about how these mysterious statues influenced his latest release, "Easter Island Suite."

The ancient statues on Easter Island inspire a new composition

The United Nations has voted to name the trans-Atlantic slave trade "the gravest crime against humanity." The landmark resolution, first proposed by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, also calls for reparations as “a concrete step toward remedying historical wrongs.” Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

The United Nations has voted to name the trans-Atlantic slave trade "the gravest crime against humanity." The landmark resolution, first proposed by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, also calls for reparations as “a concrete step toward remedying historical wrongs.” Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

UN votes to name trans-Atlantic slave trade 'the gravest crime against humanity'

As part of its attacks on Ukraine, Russia has targeted the country's energy system, taking out power plants and sub-stations. As a result, Ukraine has turned to cheaper, faster, decentralized alternatives: renewables. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Konstiantyn Krynytskyi, energy director at the NGO EcoAction, about how the war has accelerated Ukraine's energy transition.

As part of its attacks on Ukraine, Russia has targeted the country's energy system, taking out power plants and sub-stations. As a result, Ukraine has turned to cheaper, faster, decentralized alternatives: renewables. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Konstiantyn Krynytskyi, energy director at the NGO EcoAction, about how the war has accelerated Ukraine's energy transition.

Ongoing war in Ukraine speeds up energy transition

In Yemen, after more than a decade of war and economic collapse, thousands of women seeking financial independence thought they'd found a way out of poverty. Online trading platforms — often promoted by friends and family — promised hefty returns of 20%, even 50% on investments. But the companies were frauds. And in a single week, one particular company vanished with $12 million from some 40,000 investors. Hashed Mozaqer and Bassem al-Nawawi talked to victims in Sanaa about how these scams spread, and how they exploit people desperate for income.

In Yemen, after more than a decade of war and economic collapse, thousands of women seeking financial independence thought they'd found a way out of poverty. Online trading platforms — often promoted by friends and family — promised hefty returns of 20%, even 50% on investments. But the companies were frauds. And in a single week, one particular company vanished with $12 million from some 40,000 investors. Hashed Mozaqer and Bassem al-Nawawi talked to victims in Sanaa about how these scams spread, and how they exploit people desperate for income.

Financial scams in Yemen target women

The International Olympic Committee has announced that transgender women will be banned from competing in women’s events at the Olympic Games, under new rules coming into force from 2028. The decision will require all athletes seeking to compete in the female category to undergo a one-off genetic screening test, and is expected to intensify one of the most contentious debates in global sport. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry joins Host Carolyn Beeler to explain.

The International Olympic Committee has announced that transgender women will be banned from competing in women’s events at the Olympic Games, under new rules coming into force from 2028. The decision will require all athletes seeking to compete in the female category to undergo a one-off genetic screening test, and is expected to intensify one of the most contentious debates in global sport. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry joins Host Carolyn Beeler to explain.

The International Olympic Committee has banned transgender women from competing in women's events

Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is in court today. He was abducted earlier this year in a US military raid and has been charged with drug trafficking and narcoterrorism. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Geoff Ramsey, a fellow at the Atlantic Council and an analyst specializing in threats in Latin America, about the trial.

Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is in court today. He was abducted earlier this year in a US military raid and has been charged with drug trafficking and narcoterrorism. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Geoff Ramsey, a fellow at the Atlantic Council and an analyst specializing in threats in Latin America, about the trial.

Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appears in court

There’s been a shift in the rhetoric world leaders are using to describe and justify war and aggression. Especially in the United States, the language is becoming more bellicose, boastful and vengeful. George Soroka, a lecturer in the Department of Government at Harvard University, talks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about how and why the language of global conflict is evolving.

There’s been a shift in the rhetoric world leaders are using to describe and justify war and aggression. Especially in the United States, the language is becoming more bellicose, boastful and vengeful. George Soroka, a lecturer in the Department of Government at Harvard University, talks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about how and why the language of global conflict is evolving.

The way we talk about war has changed

In Norwegian tourism terms, we’re currently at the tail end of winter. It's been a season of northern lights, husky adventures and reindeer feeding opportunities. And for some locals, that season cannot end soon enough. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Lars Bevanger reports from Tromso, in Norway’s Arctic north.

In Norwegian tourism terms, we’re currently at the tail end of winter. It's been a season of northern lights, husky adventures and reindeer feeding opportunities. And for some locals, that season cannot end soon enough. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Lars Bevanger reports from Tromso, in Norway’s Arctic north.

Norwegians are ready to say goodbye to winter

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently said he had a "very bad feeling" about the impact of the Middle East conflict on the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin is reaping windfall profits as the price of oil rises, and the air defense weaponry Kyiv needs is in increasingly short supply. Wall Street Journal Correspondent Yaroslav Trofimov discusses the implications with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently said he had a "very bad feeling" about the impact of the Middle East conflict on the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin is reaping windfall profits as the price of oil rises, and the air defense weaponry Kyiv needs is in increasingly short supply. Wall Street Journal Correspondent Yaroslav Trofimov discusses the implications with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler.

Ukraine adjusts strategy as Iran war drains global resources and diplomatic energy

Israel says it might stay and continue to occupy a large area of southern Lebanon as its ground offensive in the region against Hezbollah continues. Nearly a million Lebanese are now reported to be displaced as Israel indiscriminately bombs the country. Meanwhile, life for Israeli families living on the Lebanese border has become more uncomfortable as Stephanie Freid reports.

Israel says it might stay and continue to occupy a large area of southern Lebanon as its ground offensive in the region against Hezbollah continues. Nearly a million Lebanese are now reported to be displaced as Israel indiscriminately bombs the country. Meanwhile, life for Israeli families living on the Lebanese border has become more uncomfortable as Stephanie Freid reports.

Residents of northern Israel say their life is becoming unbearable

A self-taught baker is bringing flavors from her childhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to a small farm stand in Southern Vermont. From our archives, here's the story from when Reporter Bianca Hillier paid a visit.

A self-taught baker is bringing flavors from her childhood in Buenos Aires, Argentina, to a small farm stand in Southern Vermont. From our archives, here's the story from when Reporter Bianca Hillier paid a visit.

Tiny Bread Box brings big flavors — and big smiles

Four ambulances belonging to the Jewish community ambulance service have been set on fire in North London. Police said they were treating the incident as an “antisemitic hate crime.”  Earlier  this month, four men were arrested in England, suspected of gathering information on synagogues and individual Jews. Around the same time a synagogue in Liège, Belgium, was targeted by a bomb. and a bomber struck a Jewish school in Amsterdam. A group that was completely unknown a month ago has claimed responsibility for these attacks. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports on the concerns around the growing rise in violence against Jews in Europe.

Four ambulances belonging to the Jewish community ambulance service have been set on fire in North London. Police said they were treating the incident as an “antisemitic hate crime.”  Earlier  this month, four men were arrested in England, suspected of gathering information on synagogues and individual Jews. Around the same time a synagogue in Liège, Belgium, was targeted by a bomb. and a bomber struck a Jewish school in Amsterdam. A group that was completely unknown a month ago has claimed responsibility for these attacks. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports on the concerns around the growing rise in violence against Jews in Europe.

Antisemitic attacks growing in Europe

Arguably, the high water mark when US President Barack Obama began resetting relations with Cuba in 2015 occurred a year later when The Rolling Stones flew to Havana to give a free concert. That happened 10 years ago today at Havana's sports complex, with a crowd in attendance estimated to be around half a million people. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler take us back.

Arguably, the high water mark when US President Barack Obama began resetting relations with Cuba in 2015 occurred a year later when The Rolling Stones flew to Havana to give a free concert. That happened 10 years ago today at Havana's sports complex, with a crowd in attendance estimated to be around half a million people. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler take us back.

10 years since The Rolling Stones rocked Cuba

Every year, there are as many 400 million cases of dengue fever globally, according to the World Health Organization. The Americas see the majority of these cases, and Brazil has among the highest rates. Two vaccines have recently been rolled out in the country to help combat the disease, and it’s just one of the ways the nation has learned to fight it. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Dr. Felipe Naveca at Fiocruz, a health research institute affiliated with Brazil's Ministry of Health, to find out if these could be game changers in the fight against dengue.

Every year, there are as many 400 million cases of dengue fever globally, according to the World Health Organization. The Americas see the majority of these cases, and Brazil has among the highest rates. Two vaccines have recently been rolled out in the country to help combat the disease, and it’s just one of the ways the nation has learned to fight it. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Dr. Felipe Naveca at Fiocruz, a health research institute affiliated with Brazil's Ministry of Health, to find out if these could be game changers in the fight against dengue.

Will a one-shot dengue vaccine be a game changer in Brazil?

K-pop megastars BTS are back. Their comeback album is "Arirang," a Korean folk tune that is considered an anthem of resilience and identity. The first-ever recording of "Arirang" was not made on the Korean peninsula, however, but at Howard University in 1896, the historically Black college in Washington DC. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Mai Anna Pressley, director of strategic partnerships and public programming at the National Association of Black Engagement with Asia, about the relationship between Black music and K-Pop.

K-pop megastars BTS are back. Their comeback album is "Arirang," a Korean folk tune that is considered an anthem of resilience and identity. The first-ever recording of "Arirang" was not made on the Korean peninsula, however, but at Howard University in 1896, the historically Black college in Washington DC. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Mai Anna Pressley, director of strategic partnerships and public programming at the National Association of Black Engagement with Asia, about the relationship between Black music and K-Pop.

BTS and the relationship between K-pop and Black music

As Sudan's civil war rages on, the United Nations is warning that a roiling political feud in neighboring South Sudan could escalate into another fractious conflict. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks to Yashovardhan, the head of mission for the humanitarian aid group Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) [Doctors Without Borders]. He joined the show from the South Sudanese capital Juba.

As Sudan's civil war rages on, the United Nations is warning that a roiling political feud in neighboring South Sudan could escalate into another fractious conflict. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks to Yashovardhan, the head of mission for the humanitarian aid group Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) [Doctors Without Borders]. He joined the show from the South Sudanese capital Juba.

Fighting between political factions edges South Sudan toward civil war

It's a story of dark Cambodian caves and bat guano (poop). This very unique environment created by the bat poop seems to spawn new species, including geckos and micro-snails. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman tell a tale that's not for the faint of heart.

It's a story of dark Cambodian caves and bat guano (poop). This very unique environment created by the bat poop seems to spawn new species, including geckos and micro-snails. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman tell a tale that's not for the faint of heart.

A new species has been discovered in Cambodian caves

Roughly half of China’s imported oil comes from the Middle East. Still, it has managed to insulate itself from just the sort of energy crisis the war in Iran has set in motion. Council on Foreign Relations fellow Zongyuan Zoe Liu talks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about how exposed China’s economy is to the worldwide economic disruption the war has caused.

Roughly half of China’s imported oil comes from the Middle East. Still, it has managed to insulate itself from just the sort of energy crisis the war in Iran has set in motion. Council on Foreign Relations fellow Zongyuan Zoe Liu talks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about how exposed China’s economy is to the worldwide economic disruption the war has caused.

China's economy buffeted by Iran war, but seeks opportunities in crisis

In this fourth week of the war in Iran, we speak with The World's Shirin Jaafari about how people are getting along in different countries. The uncertainty of bombing, and even just finding food and shelter, has taken a toll on millions across the region.

In this fourth week of the war in Iran, we speak with The World's Shirin Jaafari about how people are getting along in different countries. The uncertainty of bombing, and even just finding food and shelter, has taken a toll on millions across the region.

While we talk about warring factions, it's the people on the ground who get hurt

The biggest box office hit in Russia is a 2023 film called "Cheburashka," and its sequel — released this year — is already the second biggest film. It’s the modern revamp of a beloved character from the days of the Soviet Union. But if pro-Putin ideologues are to be believed, he's too soft for a time of war. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Anna Narinskaya, a Russian journalist and literary critic in exile. She’s been researching Cheburashka at the University of Michigan’s Frankel Center for Judaic Studies.

The biggest box office hit in Russia is a 2023 film called "Cheburashka," and its sequel — released this year — is already the second biggest film. It’s the modern revamp of a beloved character from the days of the Soviet Union. But if pro-Putin ideologues are to be believed, he's too soft for a time of war. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Anna Narinskaya, a Russian journalist and literary critic in exile. She’s been researching Cheburashka at the University of Michigan’s Frankel Center for Judaic Studies.

Meet Cheburashka, the Soviet answer to Mickey Mouse, reviled by Russian conservative ideologues

The World Meteorological Organization is out with its annual state of the climate report. The analysis found this past decade to be the hottest on record; it also found that the Earth's energy balance is out of whack, retaining more solar energy than it releases. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with scientist Twila Moon about what this means.

The World Meteorological Organization is out with its annual state of the climate report. The analysis found this past decade to be the hottest on record; it also found that the Earth's energy balance is out of whack, retaining more solar energy than it releases. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with scientist Twila Moon about what this means.

New climate report documents record heat, imbalanced energy

There are just three left in Europe, not counting Kevin. Kevin "Dola" de la Torre is Spain's last human cannonball. The reason for the daredevils' declining numbers: mainly the danger involved in being sling-shotted out of a cannon several times a day. There's also waning interest among the younger generations within human cannonball families. The World's Gerry Hadden caught up with Kevin the Human Cannonball in northeast Spain, and brought us his story.This story originally aired on Sept. 20, 2024.

There are just three left in Europe, not counting Kevin. Kevin "Dola" de la Torre is Spain's last human cannonball. The reason for the daredevils' declining numbers: mainly the danger involved in being sling-shotted out of a cannon several times a day. There's also waning interest among the younger generations within human cannonball families. The World's Gerry Hadden caught up with Kevin the Human Cannonball in northeast Spain, and brought us his story.
This story originally aired on Sept. 20, 2024.

On European circuses' endangered species list: human cannonballs

Despite Jakarta facing existential climate risk, the city continues to attract residents, causing it to expand. The UN has named the Indonesian capital and its satellite cities the biggest megacity in the world. But the region struggles with chronic flooding, heavy commuter congestion, and parts of the city are sinking by up to 10 inches a year. Naina Rao reports from Jakarta on how residents are adapting.

Despite Jakarta facing existential climate risk, the city continues to attract residents, causing it to expand. The UN has named the Indonesian capital and its satellite cities the biggest megacity in the world. But the region struggles with chronic flooding, heavy commuter congestion, and parts of the city are sinking by up to 10 inches a year. Naina Rao reports from Jakarta on how residents are adapting.

Indonesia's capital Jakarta is at risk of flooding and sinking. Can the world's largest city be saved?

US President Donald Trump today said he wants to make a deal with Iran and end the war. He claims the US and Iran are in talks to make this happen. But the Iranians have denied this claim and say Trump is backing down from his threats to obliterate Iran's power plants. Meanwhile, the violence in the region continues. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

US President Donald Trump today said he wants to make a deal with Iran and end the war. He claims the US and Iran are in talks to make this happen. But the Iranians have denied this claim and say Trump is backing down from his threats to obliterate Iran's power plants. Meanwhile, the violence in the region continues. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

The latest news from the war on Iran

Argentines are preparing to mark the 50th anniversary of the coup d’état that began seven years of brutal military dictatorship in their country. Today, that very history is being contested, with President Javier Milei stirring debate over how the dictatorship should be remembered. Journalist Natalio Cosoy discusses the implications with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

Argentines are preparing to mark the 50th anniversary of the coup d’état that began seven years of brutal military dictatorship in their country. Today, that very history is being contested, with President Javier Milei stirring debate over how the dictatorship should be remembered. Journalist Natalio Cosoy discusses the implications with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

50 years after Argentina's military coup, its history faces fresh debate

Danes are not too happy with the US president's threats to take over their territory of Greenland. So, they're putting their money where their anger is by refusing to buy products made in the US or by Americans. But in this globalized world, it's hard to tell the origin every product. So, two separate companies have developed apps to tell where products actually come from. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

Danes are not too happy with the US president's threats to take over their territory of Greenland. So, they're putting their money where their anger is by refusing to buy products made in the US or by Americans. But in this globalized world, it's hard to tell the origin every product. So, two separate companies have developed apps to tell where products actually come from. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

Denmark releases apps to help Danes boycott certain products

After Tehran blocked all access to the internet during nationwide protests in 2022, Iranians started preparing a workaround: Starlink. Smugglers brought thousands of satellite terminals into the country. So, when war began this February, and the regime tried to cut its residents off from the rest of the world, some people still found a signal. Dina Temple-Raston, host of the Click Here podcast, has more.

After Tehran blocked all access to the internet during nationwide protests in 2022, Iranians started preparing a workaround: Starlink. Smugglers brought thousands of satellite terminals into the country. So, when war began this February, and the regime tried to cut its residents off from the rest of the world, some people still found a signal. Dina Temple-Raston, host of the Click Here podcast, has more.

Iranians find workarounds to get information out

In Kenya, a recent law has given women the right to request two days off per month for menstrual pain. So far, time off is only being granted to government workers in Nairobi county — an area that includes the country's capital city. But advocates say this is a breakthrough for the country and taboos around the topic of menstruation. Audrey Mugeni is a women’s rights activist based in Nairobi, and speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about the law and what inspired it.

In Kenya, a recent law has given women the right to request two days off per month for menstrual pain. So far, time off is only being granted to government workers in Nairobi county — an area that includes the country's capital city. But advocates say this is a breakthrough for the country and taboos around the topic of menstruation. Audrey Mugeni is a women’s rights activist based in Nairobi, and speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about the law and what inspired it.

New law in Kenya gives women the right to two days a month for menstrual leave

Immigrants in Spain without papers, 90% of whom are Spanish-speaking Latinos, have been celebrating an amnesty program that will legalize their status and allow them to work in the country. But some say that to land a job, Spanish employers demand that they lose their native accents. Call it linguistic racism. It stands alongside general racism in Spain, many Latinos say — at work, on the streets, you name it. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Immigrants in Spain without papers, 90% of whom are Spanish-speaking Latinos, have been celebrating an amnesty program that will legalize their status and allow them to work in the country. But some say that to land a job, Spanish employers demand that they lose their native accents. Call it linguistic racism. It stands alongside general racism in Spain, many Latinos say — at work, on the streets, you name it. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Immigrants say Spain is overcome with 'linguistic racism'

Shigeaki Mori spent much of his life trying to get recognition for 12 American airmen who died alongside tens of thousands of Japanese after the atomic bomb was dropped in 1945. Mori died on Saturday, at the age of 88. In 2018, reporter Ibby Caputo filed this profile. His story is one of heartbreak and compassion, and it's a potent reminder of the savagery of war.This story originally aired on Aug. 6, 2018.

Shigeaki Mori spent much of his life trying to get recognition for 12 American airmen who died alongside tens of thousands of Japanese after the atomic bomb was dropped in 1945. Mori died on Saturday, at the age of 88. In 2018, reporter Ibby Caputo filed this profile. His story is one of heartbreak and compassion, and it's a potent reminder of the savagery of war.
This story originally aired on Aug. 6, 2018.