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.

Sweden is ordering British citizens to leave at a far higher rate than any other EU country since Brexit. The UK Foreign Office calculates that Sweden has rejected more than a quarter of residency applications from British citizens, three times the rate of other EU countries. British citizens lost their automatic right to live and work in the EU after the Brexit referendum. Now, a series of cases involving vulnerable Britons has put Sweden’s treatment of UK nationals under growing scrutiny. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Sweden is ordering British citizens to leave at a far higher rate than any other EU country since Brexit. The UK Foreign Office calculates that Sweden has rejected more than a quarter of residency applications from British citizens, three times the rate of other EU countries. British citizens lost their automatic right to live and work in the EU after the Brexit referendum. Now, a series of cases involving vulnerable Britons has put Sweden’s treatment of UK nationals under growing scrutiny. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Why is Sweden deporting so many British citizens after Brexit?

Two thousand robots participated in a Humanoid Robotics competition this week in the Chinese capital. They participated in running, jumping, soccer and ping pong competitions — breaking records — as Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

Two thousand robots participated in a Humanoid Robotics competition this week in the Chinese capital. They participated in running, jumping, soccer and ping pong competitions — breaking records — as Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

Beijing hosts Olympics for robots

The UN and Red Cross released a joint statement Tuesday calling for more controls on autonomous weapons systems powered by Artificial Intelligence. The statement follows a report by The New York Times on Monday about a deadly Russian drone strike using autonomous weapon technology. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Michael Horowitz, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and former Pentagon expert on autonomous weapons systems.

The UN and Red Cross released a joint statement Tuesday calling for more controls on autonomous weapons systems powered by Artificial Intelligence. The statement follows a report by The New York Times on Monday about a deadly Russian drone strike using autonomous weapon technology. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Michael Horowitz, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and former Pentagon expert on autonomous weapons systems.

World approaching 'moral red line' on autonomous weapons targeting humans

The death of Dolly Parton has led to an outpouring of tributes around the world, with celebrities, world leaders and fellow musicians lauding the country star's philanthropy and good works. Host Carolyn Beeler runs down some of the tributes.

The death of Dolly Parton has led to an outpouring of tributes around the world, with celebrities, world leaders and fellow musicians lauding the country star's philanthropy and good works. Host Carolyn Beeler runs down some of the tributes.

American singer Dolly Parton is being eulogized around the world

An accomplished Spanish American percussionist from Madrid, Pablo Martín Jones, is focusing his attention on an obscure, square-shaped hand drum found only in a small Spanish village near the Portuguese border. Traditionally, only women played it, and they used a stick. It's one of those traditions that was just about gone, but Jones is helping revive the instrument, and helping it evolve. Gerry Hadden reports from Spain.

An accomplished Spanish American percussionist from Madrid, Pablo Martín Jones, is focusing his attention on an obscure, square-shaped hand drum found only in a small Spanish village near the Portuguese border. Traditionally, only women played it, and they used a stick. It's one of those traditions that was just about gone, but Jones is helping revive the instrument, and helping it evolve. Gerry Hadden reports from Spain.

Music with an ancient, yet new, drumbeat

Venezuela’s government and opposition are negotiating again — but this time, analysts say the country may have its best chance in years at a democratic transition. The talks have already produced agreements on judicial reform, while arrests have slowed and political prisoners have been released. Still, deep skepticism remains after years of failed negotiations, and key opposition leader María Corina Machado is not at the table. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Venezuela’s government and opposition are negotiating again — but this time, analysts say the country may have its best chance in years at a democratic transition. The talks have already produced agreements on judicial reform, while arrests have slowed and political prisoners have been released. Still, deep skepticism remains after years of failed negotiations, and key opposition leader María Corina Machado is not at the table. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Venezuela's latest negotiations bring cautious hope

Flash floods triggered by an ice avalanche have left hundreds of people missing in Nepal along its border with Tibet. Some scientists think the tragedy may have been set off, at least in part, by an enormous chunk of ice snapping off a glacier. Simon Cook, a glaciologist at the University of Dundee in Scotland tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler what a satellite analysis reveals about the disaster.

Flash floods triggered by an ice avalanche have left hundreds of people missing in Nepal along its border with Tibet. Some scientists think the tragedy may have been set off, at least in part, by an enormous chunk of ice snapping off a glacier. Simon Cook, a glaciologist at the University of Dundee in Scotland tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler what a satellite analysis reveals about the disaster.

Flash floods on Nepal-Tibet border

This summer, a swarm of jellyfish disrupted operations at a coastal nuclear power plant in France; the same thing happened last year, when jellyfish mucked up the mechanics so badly, the entire plant temporarily shut down. So, what's with all the jellyfish? The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Monty Graham, director at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, about the species — including the one named after him.

This summer, a swarm of jellyfish disrupted operations at a coastal nuclear power plant in France; the same thing happened last year, when jellyfish mucked up the mechanics so badly, the entire plant temporarily shut down. So, what's with all the jellyfish? The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Monty Graham, director at the Smithsonian Environmental Research Center, about the species — including the one named after him.

How do jellyfish work?

New research finds Angola's peatlands stretch over an area four times larger than previously thought. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Mauro Lourenço, the study's author and senior researcher at The Wilderness Project, about the findings.

New research finds Angola's peatlands stretch over an area four times larger than previously thought. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Mauro Lourenço, the study's author and senior researcher at The Wilderness Project, about the findings.

Angola has more peatlands than previously thought

Over the weekend, a thousand Japanese people together pulled a 400-year-old castle about three feet closer to where it originally stood. It was moved a decade ago, so workers could fix a retaining wall damaged in an earthquake. Host Carolyn Beeler has the story.

Over the weekend, a thousand Japanese people together pulled a 400-year-old castle about three feet closer to where it originally stood. It was moved a decade ago, so workers could fix a retaining wall damaged in an earthquake. Host Carolyn Beeler has the story.

1,000 Japanese play tug of war with an ancient castle

The US has announced a new round of sanctions targeting Iran’s oil, shipping, weapons and financial networks. The move is part of Washington’s broader effort to squeeze Iran’s economy and increase pressure on its government. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

The US has announced a new round of sanctions targeting Iran’s oil, shipping, weapons and financial networks. The move is part of Washington’s broader effort to squeeze Iran’s economy and increase pressure on its government. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

'Economic D-Day': The US tightens sanctions on Iran

Summertime is when many families pack their bags and get in planes, trains and automobiles for their vacations. Highlights for many youngsters are when they're going to another country. Planning activities in advance can sometimes lead to conflict between teenagers and parents, though. Maya Bhat shares one experience when her family was going to New Zealand, with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

Summertime is when many families pack their bags and get in planes, trains and automobiles for their vacations. Highlights for many youngsters are when they're going to another country. Planning activities in advance can sometimes lead to conflict between teenagers and parents, though. Maya Bhat shares one experience when her family was going to New Zealand, with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

Convincing mom to let you skydive in New Zealand

The president of Colombia is calling for a major immigration crackdown. While the details are still unclear, any change would largely affect Venezuelan immigrants, who make up the largest immigrant population in the country. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Gracy Pelacani, professor at Los Andes University Law School, about what we know so far.

The president of Colombia is calling for a major immigration crackdown. While the details are still unclear, any change would largely affect Venezuelan immigrants, who make up the largest immigrant population in the country. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Gracy Pelacani, professor at Los Andes University Law School, about what we know so far.

Colombia immigration crackdown

The Tule Lake Segregation Center in Modoc County, California, was one of 10 camps where Japanese Americans were imprisoned during World War II. Eighty years after its closure, a group of pilgrims recently traveled there to pay tribute to the people who died in the camp. Jefferson Public Radio’s Roman Battaglia reports that the survivors of the camp see parallels between their experience and the federal government’s treatment of immigrants today.

The Tule Lake Segregation Center in Modoc County, California, was one of 10 camps where Japanese Americans were imprisoned during World War II. Eighty years after its closure, a group of pilgrims recently traveled there to pay tribute to the people who died in the camp. Jefferson Public Radio’s Roman Battaglia reports that the survivors of the camp see parallels between their experience and the federal government’s treatment of immigrants today.

Japanese Americans return to the scene of the crime

Have you ever wondered how a T-shirt, say from Primark, can cost as little as five euros ($6)? Well, one reason is that brands keep labor costs very low. But while workers in Pakistan and elsewhere say they're underpaid and mistreated, factory audits often paint a very different picture. A new report from the nonprofit organization "Labor Behind the Label" examines how these labor rights violations can continue unchecked. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Dan Ashby reports.

Have you ever wondered how a T-shirt, say from Primark, can cost as little as five euros ($6)? Well, one reason is that brands keep labor costs very low. But while workers in Pakistan and elsewhere say they're underpaid and mistreated, factory audits often paint a very different picture. A new report from the nonprofit organization "Labor Behind the Label" examines how these labor rights violations can continue unchecked. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Dan Ashby reports.

Big companies ignore worker mistreatment, says new report

The third time's the charm for Khun Narin's Electric Phin Band. Its first two albums were recorded using a homemade sound system set up in the group's village in northern Thailand. Now on their third album, the members have stepped into a professional recording studio in Pasadena, California. The location is different, but their heavy, surf-psychedelic rock sound is the same.

The third time's the charm for Khun Narin's Electric Phin Band. Its first two albums were recorded using a homemade sound system set up in the group's village in northern Thailand. Now on their third album, the members have stepped into a professional recording studio in Pasadena, California. The location is different, but their heavy, surf-psychedelic rock sound is the same.

From a village in northern Thailand to a recording studio in California

The US has removed Syria from its list of "State Sponsors of Terrorism," a label first applied against the government of ousted President Bashar al-Assad nearly five decades ago. Syria's current president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, hailed the move as “historic” and said it would give the country a much-needed boost through foreign investment. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Mutasem Syoufi, the executive director of the The Day After, a Damascus-based NGO supporting democratic transition in Syria, who joined from Brussels.

The US has removed Syria from its list of "State Sponsors of Terrorism," a label first applied against the government of ousted President Bashar al-Assad nearly five decades ago. Syria's current president, Ahmed al-Sharaa, hailed the move as “historic” and said it would give the country a much-needed boost through foreign investment. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Mutasem Syoufi, the executive director of the The Day After, a Damascus-based NGO supporting democratic transition in Syria, who joined from Brussels.

Syria removed from US 'State Sponsor of Terrorism' list

With alarms, beeping monitors, slamming doors and more, hospitals are rarely quiet. The noise isn't just annoying; it can be harmful, and can interfere with a patient's ability to rest and a doctor's ability to work. But back in 2024, a group of international psychologists, designers and musicians reimagined what hospitals could sound like in the future. Bianca Hillier reports.This story originally aired on May 24, 2022.

With alarms, beeping monitors, slamming doors and more, hospitals are rarely quiet. The noise isn't just annoying; it can be harmful, and can interfere with a patient's ability to rest and a doctor's ability to work. But back in 2024, a group of international psychologists, designers and musicians reimagined what hospitals could sound like in the future. Bianca Hillier reports.
This story originally aired on May 24, 2022.

The future sound of hospitals

Nine out of 10 countries have goals for increasing the amount of exercise their populations get. But globally, the percentage of people who meet recommendations for physical activity has not increased. That's partly because, while being inactive has similar detrimental health impacts as smoking, it's not a political priority to reverse the problem. Earlier this year, Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Andrea Ramirez Varela. She's an epidemiologist at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, and has been looking into why this is the case.This story originally aired on March 10, 2026.

Nine out of 10 countries have goals for increasing the amount of exercise their populations get. But globally, the percentage of people who meet recommendations for physical activity has not increased. That's partly because, while being inactive has similar detrimental health impacts as smoking, it's not a political priority to reverse the problem. Earlier this year, Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Andrea Ramirez Varela. She's an epidemiologist at UTHealth Houston School of Public Health, and has been looking into why this is the case.
This story originally aired on March 10, 2026.

Physical activity hasn't increased globally in 20 years

Singapore announced plans to offer parents $55,000 per child to encourage people to have more children. Like many developed economies, the city-state's leaders are worried about a rapidly aging population and declining birth rate. But as The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned from Berkay Ozcan, professor of social and public policy at the London School of Economics, such incentives are a short-term fix to an ongoing problem.

Singapore announced plans to offer parents $55,000 per child to encourage people to have more children. Like many developed economies, the city-state's leaders are worried about a rapidly aging population and declining birth rate. But as The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned from Berkay Ozcan, professor of social and public policy at the London School of Economics, such incentives are a short-term fix to an ongoing problem.

Singapore wants to pay parents to help boost birth rate

In rural Ghana, pregnant women often have trouble getting to the hospital to give birth. Roads are narrow, rough and rocky, and it can take hours to go relatively short distances. Last year, The World’s Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reported on how one nonprofit is working to change that with cheap motorized tricycles.This story originally aired on May 8, 2025.

In rural Ghana, pregnant women often have trouble getting to the hospital to give birth. Roads are narrow, rough and rocky, and it can take hours to go relatively short distances. Last year, The World’s Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reported on how one nonprofit is working to change that with cheap motorized tricycles.
This story originally aired on May 8, 2025.

How tricycle ambulances are saving lives in rural Ghana

Across Europe, migration is increasingly framed as a burden, as a problem to be solved. Whether it's the EU's new migration and asylum pact or the debate following the arrival of migrants in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta in late July — the focus is often on control and deterrence. Spain has tried to shift that narrative, recently granting legal status to large numbers of undocumented migrants and stressing the economic and demographic benefits of migration. Spain also announced the transfer of around 500 vulnerable migrant girls from Ceuta to mainland Spain, despite pressure from Brussels to prioritize returns. But Spain is not alone in offering a different perspective on migration. Pope Leo XIV has been doing the same. Reporter Annelise Finney reports.

Across Europe, migration is increasingly framed as a burden, as a problem to be solved. Whether it's the EU's new migration and asylum pact or the debate following the arrival of migrants in the Spanish exclave of Ceuta in late July — the focus is often on control and deterrence. Spain has tried to shift that narrative, recently granting legal status to large numbers of undocumented migrants and stressing the economic and demographic benefits of migration. Spain also announced the transfer of around 500 vulnerable migrant girls from Ceuta to mainland Spain, despite pressure from Brussels to prioritize returns. But Spain is not alone in offering a different perspective on migration. Pope Leo XIV has been doing the same. Reporter Annelise Finney reports.

The pope joins Spain in pushing for a humanitarian approach to migrants

In June, the US opened a facility in Mexico to breed and release millions of sterile flies. It's part of an effort to curb the spread of the New World screwworm, a flesh eating parasite that has spread through Central America and into southern Mexico. Host Marco Werman spoke to entomologist Phillip Kaufman at Texas A&amp;M University when the facility was in the final stages of being built.This story originally aired on Nov. 17, 2025.

In June, the US opened a facility in Mexico to breed and release millions of sterile flies. It's part of an effort to curb the spread of the New World screwworm, a flesh eating parasite that has spread through Central America and into southern Mexico. Host Marco Werman spoke to entomologist Phillip Kaufman at Texas A&M University when the facility was in the final stages of being built.
This story originally aired on Nov. 17, 2025.

Facility in Mexico breeds sterile flies to curb screwworm

For decades, Okinawa has prided itself as a hotspot for longevity. In 1999, the Japanese islands were listed as one of five “blue zones,” where people statistically live the longest, often into their 100s. A strong diet and emphasis on human connection were thought to be some of the biggest contributing factors. But research from a couple of years ago, suggested the entire concept of blue zones is a myth. In 2024, Rebecca Rosman examined the data and visited Okinawa to find what healthy habits could be gleaned from the lifestyle.This story originally aired on Dec. 12, 2024.

For decades, Okinawa has prided itself as a hotspot for longevity. In 1999, the Japanese islands were listed as one of five “blue zones,” where people statistically live the longest, often into their 100s. A strong diet and emphasis on human connection were thought to be some of the biggest contributing factors. But research from a couple of years ago, suggested the entire concept of blue zones is a myth. In 2024, Rebecca Rosman examined the data and visited Okinawa to find what healthy habits could be gleaned from the lifestyle.
This story originally aired on Dec. 12, 2024.

Longevity in Japan's Okinawa

In Hungary, officials are sinking two barges in hopes of raising the water levels in the Danube River. A drought this summer has left the river too low to provide enough water to cool the Paks Nuclear Power Plant.

In Hungary, officials are sinking two barges in hopes of raising the water levels in the Danube River. A drought this summer has left the river too low to provide enough water to cool the Paks Nuclear Power Plant.

Hungary tries to raise the Danube

Last month, Yonatan Shalev joined the newly formed Together party's political campaign in the lead up to pivotal October national elections. If elected, he would be the youngest Knesset member in Israel's history. He is a harsh critic of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's current government, who he calls unworthy. He's been in the spotlight since forming "Shoulder to Shoulder" in 2024, an organization demanding ultra-Orthodox serve in the Israeli army. Stephanie Fried has a profile.

Last month, Yonatan Shalev joined the newly formed Together party's political campaign in the lead up to pivotal October national elections. If elected, he would be the youngest Knesset member in Israel's history. He is a harsh critic of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's current government, who he calls unworthy. He's been in the spotlight since forming "Shoulder to Shoulder" in 2024, an organization demanding ultra-Orthodox serve in the Israeli army. Stephanie Fried has a profile.

Is this 23-year-old the face of Israel's future?

The turbulence surrounding the Strait of Hormuz has left ships increasingly vulnerable. Experts are concerned that this could, in turn, lead to a resurgence in Somali piracy, and they are already seeing a spike. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Omar Mahmood from the International Crisis Group.

The turbulence surrounding the Strait of Hormuz has left ships increasingly vulnerable. Experts are concerned that this could, in turn, lead to a resurgence in Somali piracy, and they are already seeing a spike. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Omar Mahmood from the International Crisis Group.

US war in Iran could open door to return of Somali piracy

Hiroshi Okuda, the former Toyota CEO who led the company to global domination, has died. He was the first president of the company who wasn't part of the founding Toyoda family, and his aggressive leadership style helped transform the brand into a 21st century powerhouse. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel looks back on Okuda's legacy, including the advent of the Prius, which sparked the boom in hybrid and electric vehicles that continues to transform the global auto industry today.

Hiroshi Okuda, the former Toyota CEO who led the company to global domination, has died. He was the first president of the company who wasn't part of the founding Toyoda family, and his aggressive leadership style helped transform the brand into a 21st century powerhouse. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel looks back on Okuda's legacy, including the advent of the Prius, which sparked the boom in hybrid and electric vehicles that continues to transform the global auto industry today.

Remembering an auto industry giant

The war with Iran is testing one of the United Arab Emirates’ most important economic propositions: a stable, globally connected hub even as conflict unfolds around it. The country just announced an embargo on Iran, long a major trade partner. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Rob Mogielnicki, founder of PoliSphere Advisory. He joined the show from Paris.

The war with Iran is testing one of the United Arab Emirates’ most important economic propositions: a stable, globally connected hub even as conflict unfolds around it. The country just announced an embargo on Iran, long a major trade partner. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Rob Mogielnicki, founder of PoliSphere Advisory. He joined the show from Paris.

UAE staked its economy to global connectivity. Iran war is testing that model.

This week, the Spanish government announced it would move 500 unaccompanied Moroccan girls from its North African enclave to shelters on the mainland, where they'll be safer. Extreme-right groups across Europe are capitalizing on the controversy to stage protests demanding mass deportations on non-Europeans. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

This week, the Spanish government announced it would move 500 unaccompanied Moroccan girls from its North African enclave to shelters on the mainland, where they'll be safer. Extreme-right groups across Europe are capitalizing on the controversy to stage protests demanding mass deportations on non-Europeans. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.