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.

Feb. 27 is Pokémon Day. That's the anniversary of the release date of the first two video games of the franchise, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green. This year is the 30th anniversary of those first releases, and Pokémon is bigger than ever. Host Carolyn Beeler marks the occasion with a brief history of Pokémon's rise to global prominence.

Feb. 27 is Pokémon Day. That's the anniversary of the release date of the first two video games of the franchise, Pokémon Red and Pokémon Green. This year is the 30th anniversary of those first releases, and Pokémon is bigger than ever. Host Carolyn Beeler marks the occasion with a brief history of Pokémon's rise to global prominence.

Celebrating 30 years of Pokémon's "Catching 'Em All"

In southern Italy, in the shadow of Mt. Etna, volcanic ash is part of life, and for generations its been used as fertilizer for agriculture. Now, the rest of the world is catching on, and companies are popping up in the region to collect and sell that ash elsewhere. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Mario Pagliaro, research director at Italy's National Resource Council, about why volcanic ash works as a fertilizer.

In southern Italy, in the shadow of Mt. Etna, volcanic ash is part of life, and for generations its been used as fertilizer for agriculture. Now, the rest of the world is catching on, and companies are popping up in the region to collect and sell that ash elsewhere. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Mario Pagliaro, research director at Italy's National Resource Council, about why volcanic ash works as a fertilizer.

In southern Italy, ash is an export

Izmir, Turkey, is running out of water. In the past few months, the city's reservoir hit 1% full. But most Turks don't seem to be getting the message. Water bans are done overnight and are barely noticeable. And the government seems to be having trouble making it clear that people need to conserve. So, the city is using ever-more groundwater. Ben Delico reports from Izmir.

Izmir, Turkey, is running out of water. In the past few months, the city's reservoir hit 1% full. But most Turks don't seem to be getting the message. Water bans are done overnight and are barely noticeable. And the government seems to be having trouble making it clear that people need to conserve. So, the city is using ever-more groundwater. Ben Delico reports from Izmir.

Turkey's third-largest city is running out of water

Mexico has some of the longest working hours in the industrialized world. Now, Congress has approved a plan to gradually cut the legal workweek from 48 to 40 hours by 2030. Supporters call it a historic step. Critics say it still leaves workers with just one guaranteed day off. From Mexico City, Tibisay Zea reports on the debate over time, productivity and labor rights.

Mexico has some of the longest working hours in the industrialized world. Now, Congress has approved a plan to gradually cut the legal workweek from 48 to 40 hours by 2030. Supporters call it a historic step. Critics say it still leaves workers with just one guaranteed day off. From Mexico City, Tibisay Zea reports on the debate over time, productivity and labor rights.

Mexico approves a 40-hour work week — but not two days off

Access to mental health care is out of reach for many Nigerians. That's because the country has fewer than 300 psychiatrists serving a population of over 240 million. And what few there are, are concentrated in urban areas, making them inaccessible to many rural Nigerians. So, some organizations have released AI-powered chatbots that can provide emotional support and help connect patients with other resources. But as Taiwo James Obindo from the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria tells Host Carolyn Beeler, those tools are not without flaws.

Access to mental health care is out of reach for many Nigerians. That's because the country has fewer than 300 psychiatrists serving a population of over 240 million. And what few there are, are concentrated in urban areas, making them inaccessible to many rural Nigerians. So, some organizations have released AI-powered chatbots that can provide emotional support and help connect patients with other resources. But as Taiwo James Obindo from the Association of Psychiatrists in Nigeria tells Host Carolyn Beeler, those tools are not without flaws.

In Nigeria, artificial intelligence is plugging the mental health care gap

This week, Cuban border patrol fired on a Florida-registered speedboat that entered Cuban territorial waters, killing four people and wounding others. Havana has blamed the US for allowing anti-government groups to operate on its soil. The incident comes at a time when tensions between the island and the US have increased. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

This week, Cuban border patrol fired on a Florida-registered speedboat that entered Cuban territorial waters, killing four people and wounding others. Havana has blamed the US for allowing anti-government groups to operate on its soil. The incident comes at a time when tensions between the island and the US have increased. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

A deadly boat incident increases tensions between the US and Cuba

"Daughters of Donbas: Songs of Stolen Children," is a Ukrainian musical group that seeks to give voice to the roughly 20,000 children who Russia has abducted from occupied Ukrainian territories. The project is led by a Ukrainian-Canadian singer and a young flutist who was rescued from abduction. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Arts Journalist Breandáin O’Shea reports.

"Daughters of Donbas: Songs of Stolen Children," is a Ukrainian musical group that seeks to give voice to the roughly 20,000 children who Russia has abducted from occupied Ukrainian territories. The project is led by a Ukrainian-Canadian singer and a young flutist who was rescued from abduction. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Arts Journalist Breandáin O’Shea reports.

Group 'Daughters of the Donbas' memorializes children stolen by Russia

On Thursday night, Pakistan’s military fended off attacks by the Taliban along the border with Afghanistan. The country’s air force retaliated Friday morning, with targeted airstrikes in Kabul and Kandahar. It’s the latest outburst of tensions between the two neighbors. As the rhetoric ratchets up, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Ibraheem Bahiss, a senior analyst with Crisis Group, who joined the show from Kabul.

On Thursday night, Pakistan’s military fended off attacks by the Taliban along the border with Afghanistan. The country’s air force retaliated Friday morning, with targeted airstrikes in Kabul and Kandahar. It’s the latest outburst of tensions between the two neighbors. As the rhetoric ratchets up, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Ibraheem Bahiss, a senior analyst with Crisis Group, who joined the show from Kabul.

Latest clashes between Afghanistan and Pakistan raise concerns about 'open war'

At a time when Indigenous people in the Brazilian rainforest face deforestation, land grabs and threats to survival, one group is finding international acclaim for its art. Members of MAHKU have had high profile showings, including at the Venice Biennale and Miami's Art Basel. Gisele Regatao traveled through the rainforest to capture the mystery behind their success.

At a time when Indigenous people in the Brazilian rainforest face deforestation, land grabs and threats to survival, one group is finding international acclaim for its art. Members of MAHKU have had high profile showings, including at the Venice Biennale and Miami's Art Basel. Gisele Regatao traveled through the rainforest to capture the mystery behind their success.

Brazilian Indigenous group uses art to fight for survival

In Denmark today, the country’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced new elections.  Scheduled for the end of March, the snap vote comes as her party sees resurgent support — thanks, especially, to her US counterpart President Donald Trump. Host Marco Werman speaks to The World’s Josh Coe, who is based in Denmark.

In Denmark today, the country’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen announced new elections. 
Scheduled for the end of March, the snap vote comes as her party sees resurgent support — thanks, especially, to her US counterpart President Donald Trump. Host Marco Werman speaks to The World’s Josh Coe, who is based in Denmark.

Danish prime minister calls for snap elections

An agreement between the US and Zimbabwe, where the US would send health aid directly to the country, has collapsed. The Zimbabwean government rejected the deal over concerns about data sharing and sovereignty issues. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Stephen Morrison, director of the Global Health Policy Center at the Center for Security and International Studies, about this strategy.

An agreement between the US and Zimbabwe, where the US would send health aid directly to the country, has collapsed. The Zimbabwean government rejected the deal over concerns about data sharing and sovereignty issues. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Stephen Morrison, director of the Global Health Policy Center at the Center for Security and International Studies, about this strategy.

Health aid pact between US and Zimbabwe collapses

Istanbul, Turkey, is an opposition haven for Iranians, and in the last few years, more and more cafes, restaurants and cultural spaces have opened up in various parts of the city. Iranian business owners, especially of bookstores and event spaces, say they have more freedom of expression and access to foreigners with money. Reporter Fariba Nawa reports from Istanbul on what these cultural spaces offer Iranians at a critical moment in history.

Istanbul, Turkey, is an opposition haven for Iranians, and in the last few years, more and more cafes, restaurants and cultural spaces have opened up in various parts of the city. Iranian business owners, especially of bookstores and event spaces, say they have more freedom of expression and access to foreigners with money. Reporter Fariba Nawa reports from Istanbul on what these cultural spaces offer Iranians at a critical moment in history.

Istanbul offers refuge for Iranians seeking an escape

Dozens of humanitarian aid groups, including Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam, face expulsion from Gaza and the West Bank as soon as this weekend, unless they hand over detailed personal information about their staff to Israeli authorities. Jerusalem-based journalist Noga Tarnopolsky tells The World’s Host Marco Werman “there’s simply no alternative in place” to provide critically needed aid for Palestinians.

Dozens of humanitarian aid groups, including Doctors Without Borders and Oxfam, face expulsion from Gaza and the West Bank as soon as this weekend, unless they hand over detailed personal information about their staff to Israeli authorities. Jerusalem-based journalist Noga Tarnopolsky tells The World’s Host Marco Werman “there’s simply no alternative in place” to provide critically needed aid for Palestinians.

Aid groups on brink of expulsion from Gaza, West Bank

Four years into the full-scale Russian invasion, Ukrainians are facing one of the harshest winters yet, with energy cuts shaping daily life in profound ways. Emily Cohen reports from outside Kyiv on how people are adapting and persevering in real time.

Four years into the full-scale Russian invasion, Ukrainians are facing one of the harshest winters yet, with energy cuts shaping daily life in profound ways. Emily Cohen reports from outside Kyiv on how people are adapting and persevering in real time.

Life in Ukraine four years into war

The US has significantly ratcheted up its military presence in the Middle East in recent weeks. It has sent two aircraft carriers, as well as ships, jets and other assets, as a show of force toward the Iranian government. The two sides are set to meet for nuclear talks tomorrow, but as the escalations continue, The World’s Shirin Jaafari looks at what Iran could do to retaliate.

The US has significantly ratcheted up its military presence in the Middle East in recent weeks. It has sent two aircraft carriers, as well as ships, jets and other assets, as a show of force toward the Iranian government. The two sides are set to meet for nuclear talks tomorrow, but as the escalations continue, The World’s Shirin Jaafari looks at what Iran could do to retaliate.

Could a war with Iran turn into a wider regional conflict?

Australia is debating whether or not to allow 34 Australian women and children suspected of links to ISIS fighters to return home. The group recently obtained Australian passports, so officials are legally required to repatriate them. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese adamantly opposes the group's return, saying, “If you make your bed, you lie in it.” Host Marco Werman speaks with Daniel Lo Surdo, a reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald.

Australia is debating whether or not to allow 34 Australian women and children suspected of links to ISIS fighters to return home. The group recently obtained Australian passports, so officials are legally required to repatriate them. Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese adamantly opposes the group's return, saying, “If you make your bed, you lie in it.” Host Marco Werman speaks with Daniel Lo Surdo, a reporter for the Sydney Morning Herald.

Australia weighs return of families with suspected ISIS ties

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler take a look at a few news stories that haven't been getting a lot of attention.

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler take a look at a few news stories that haven't been getting a lot of attention.

A few things you might have missed

Venezuela's acting President Delcey Rodriguez signed an amnesty law last week that freed political prisoners. But dozens of imprisoned soldiers and exiled political leaders have been excluded from the deal. Critics say the new law is window dressing designed to appease US President Donald Trump. Manuel Rueda reports from Caracas.

Venezuela's acting President Delcey Rodriguez signed an amnesty law last week that freed political prisoners. But dozens of imprisoned soldiers and exiled political leaders have been excluded from the deal. Critics say the new law is window dressing designed to appease US President Donald Trump. Manuel Rueda reports from Caracas.

Critics call Venezuela's new amnesty law mostly just window dressing

Artificial intelligence company Anthropic has been in a standoff with the Pentagon over maintaining “safeguards” on the use of AI by the US military, according to unnamed sources speaking to news outlets, including Axios. The sources say the Pentagon has given Anthropic until Friday to give full access to its AI model or risk losing its defense contract. The company says that the government wants Anthropic’s restrictions on AI-controlled weapons and surveillance use lifted. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Michael Horowitz, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

Artificial intelligence company Anthropic has been in a standoff with the Pentagon over maintaining “safeguards” on the use of AI by the US military, according to unnamed sources speaking to news outlets, including Axios. The sources say the Pentagon has given Anthropic until Friday to give full access to its AI model or risk losing its defense contract. The company says that the government wants Anthropic’s restrictions on AI-controlled weapons and surveillance use lifted. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Michael Horowitz, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and a professor at the University of Pennsylvania.

Tensions between Pentagon and Anthropic over AI red lines

The small South American country of Uruguay is an energy transition success story. Once importing most of its fuel, the country now generates almost all of it's electricity from renewable resources. The transformation is thanks to one man, Ramón Méndez Galain, who served as the country's National Director of Energy from 2008 to 2015. He spoke with The World's Host Carolyn Beeler about how this happened, and what he learned.

The small South American country of Uruguay is an energy transition success story. Once importing most of its fuel, the country now generates almost all of it's electricity from renewable resources. The transformation is thanks to one man, Ramón Méndez Galain, who served as the country's National Director of Energy from 2008 to 2015. He spoke with The World's Host Carolyn Beeler about how this happened, and what he learned.

Lessons from Uruguay's energy transition

Fima Chupakhin is a jazz pianist from Ukraine. For the past 10 years though, he's been living in New York City. Chupakhin hasn't been back to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion, however he's been a staunch advocate for his home country. In fact, just about every Ukrainian musician visiting New York for a fundraising concert or any other advocacy event has probably met or even performed with Fima Chupakhin. Daniel Ofman first reported this story last summer.This story originally aired on Aug. 19, 2025.

Fima Chupakhin is a jazz pianist from Ukraine. For the past 10 years though, he's been living in New York City. Chupakhin hasn't been back to Ukraine since Russia's full-scale invasion, however he's been a staunch advocate for his home country. In fact, just about every Ukrainian musician visiting New York for a fundraising concert or any other advocacy event has probably met or even performed with Fima Chupakhin. Daniel Ofman first reported this story last summer.
This story originally aired on Aug. 19, 2025.

Ukrainian jazz pianist serenades his home country from afar

Pub owners in Newcastle say they are seeing more and more artwork they believe to be designed using artificial intelligence (AI) — and have refused to display it. The art is coming from breweries that want to advertise their brands. As Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain, the goal is to try to protect local artists from losing out on work.

Pub owners in Newcastle say they are seeing more and more artwork they believe to be designed using artificial intelligence (AI) — and have refused to display it. The art is coming from breweries that want to advertise their brands. As Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain, the goal is to try to protect local artists from losing out on work.

UK pubs ban art made by AI

The raw numbers after four years of fighting between Ukraine and Russia have left scars that can't be counted. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler comb through some of the grim statistics.

The raw numbers after four years of fighting between Ukraine and Russia have left scars that can't be counted. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler comb through some of the grim statistics.

Counting the dead and those who fled Ukraine

Today marks the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Ongoing peace talks brokered by the US haven’t led to anything concrete. While the last year, Russia has made steady gains on the battlefield. Levi Bridges reports the heavy toll this war has taken on the soldiers — and their families — fighting Russia’s war. Levi Bridges reports.

Today marks the fourth anniversary of the Russian invasion in Ukraine. Ongoing peace talks brokered by the US haven’t led to anything concrete. While the last year, Russia has made steady gains on the battlefield. Levi Bridges reports the heavy toll this war has taken on the soldiers — and their families — fighting Russia’s war. Levi Bridges reports.

Putin wages war while tens of thousands of conscripts die

An international team of scientists has discovered a new dinosaur species. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with team leader Paul Sereno about what they found.

An international team of scientists has discovered a new dinosaur species. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with team leader Paul Sereno about what they found.

A new dinosaur discovery

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine sparked the largest forced migration Europe has seen since World War II. Up to a third of Ukraine’s population has been displaced. Millions have fled to safety across Europe, including countries like Germany, Poland and Ireland. Most European Union countries welcomed Ukrainian refugees, offering housing and welfare support. But in the past year, that support has started to fade. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine sparked the largest forced migration Europe has seen since World War II. Up to a third of Ukraine’s population has been displaced. Millions have fled to safety across Europe, including countries like Germany, Poland and Ireland. Most European Union countries welcomed Ukrainian refugees, offering housing and welfare support. But in the past year, that support has started to fade. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

After the welcome, Ukrainian refugees face fading support

Doreen Rothe is part of an animal welfare volunteer group that regularly throws grain around Berlin, to feed some of the hundreds of thousands of pigeons in the city. In 2024, Berlin city’s animal welfare budget was cut by 96%, and all pigeon support was removed, with these volunteers now stepping up to fill some of the bird welfare gap. Reporter Jamie Fullerton journeyed with Rothe to some pigeon corners of Berlin.

Doreen Rothe is part of an animal welfare volunteer group that regularly throws grain around Berlin, to feed some of the hundreds of thousands of pigeons in the city. In 2024, Berlin city’s animal welfare budget was cut by 96%, and all pigeon support was removed, with these volunteers now stepping up to fill some of the bird welfare gap. Reporter Jamie Fullerton journeyed with Rothe to some pigeon corners of Berlin.

Volunteers fill the gap after Berlin drops pigeon control services

Today marks four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian Parliament Member and former Education Minister Inna Sovsun discusses the toll of the war with The World’s Host Marco Werman, and warns that “people shouldn’t be getting used to the fact that bombs are flying over their heads.”

Today marks four years since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Ukrainian Parliament Member and former Education Minister Inna Sovsun discusses the toll of the war with The World’s Host Marco Werman, and warns that “people shouldn’t be getting used to the fact that bombs are flying over their heads.”

As Ukraine marks four years of war, one MP laments daily bombings have become 'normal'

Luc Moindranze Karioudja celebrates the rhythms and storytelling of maloya music on his debut solo album "Mon Balo." It's a style now celebrated on the Reunion Island, but back in the 1960s and '70s, the French government banned this music. Host Marco Werman tell us more.

Luc Moindranze Karioudja celebrates the rhythms and storytelling of maloya music on his debut solo album "Mon Balo." It's a style now celebrated on the Reunion Island, but back in the 1960s and '70s, the French government banned this music. Host Marco Werman tell us more.

Reunion's Luc Moindranze Karioudja plays once-banned music

In a blow to Europe's green-energy transition, France is set to pass an emergency decree slashing renewable energy targets. Instead, it is turning to its tried and true — and already built-out — nuclear energy sector. Spain's state energy company, EDF, stands to benefit from the shift as it was struggling to remain competitive in the green market; competition from better-positioned renewable companies within the EU have been winning market share in France. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

In a blow to Europe's green-energy transition, France is set to pass an emergency decree slashing renewable energy targets. Instead, it is turning to its tried and true — and already built-out — nuclear energy sector. Spain's state energy company, EDF, stands to benefit from the shift as it was struggling to remain competitive in the green market; competition from better-positioned renewable companies within the EU have been winning market share in France. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.