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.

Guest Maria Mitri with the Friends Committee on National Legislation argues that today’s militarized immigration enforcement grew out of the post-9/11 “War on Terror." National security tactics that were developed abroad, she tells Host Carolyn Beeler, have increasingly been brought home.

Guest Maria Mitri with the Friends Committee on National Legislation argues that today’s militarized immigration enforcement grew out of the post-9/11 “War on Terror." National security tactics that were developed abroad, she tells Host Carolyn Beeler, have increasingly been brought home.

Impact of the 'War on Terror' on immigration enforcement at home

The political combination that could move Spain to the far-right would bring together the Populist, anti-immigrant Vox party in a coalition with Spain's center-right Popular Party. The two groups don't always see eye to eye, but they do smell the same thing: power. A poll this week suggests it's within reach, albeit barely, with just over 50% of voters saying they'd back the bloc. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

The political combination that could move Spain to the far-right would bring together the Populist, anti-immigrant Vox party in a coalition with Spain's center-right Popular Party. The two groups don't always see eye to eye, but they do smell the same thing: power. A poll this week suggests it's within reach, albeit barely, with just over 50% of voters saying they'd back the bloc. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Spain's far-right polls closer to power than ever

This Friday marks the debut of a new album from Morocco. It’s a collaboration between opposite ends of the musical spectrum. On one end, Bnat Louz, or “the Almond Girls,” perform traditional ahwach music from Morocco’s rural south, while Casablanca band Raskas combines digital beats and electric guitar. The album is part of a larger effort to carry Morocco’s vast musical heritage into the future, using an unlikely vehicle: electronic music. From Casablanca, Lauren Schenkman reports.

This Friday marks the debut of a new album from Morocco. It’s a collaboration between opposite ends of the musical spectrum. On one end, Bnat Louz, or “the Almond Girls,” perform traditional ahwach music from Morocco’s rural south, while Casablanca band Raskas combines digital beats and electric guitar. The album is part of a larger effort to carry Morocco’s vast musical heritage into the future, using an unlikely vehicle: electronic music. From Casablanca, Lauren Schenkman reports.

Moroccan village music finds an unlikely legacy: hardcore electronica

A delegation from Jamaica is asking King Charles to seek guidance on whether Britain is obligated to pay reparations for its role in the transatlantic slave trade.

A delegation from Jamaica is asking King Charles to seek guidance on whether Britain is obligated to pay reparations for its role in the transatlantic slave trade.

Jamaican delegation gives King Charles reparations petition

Not every virus or disease responds to medicine. And the number of drug-resistant bugs is growing. It's largely the result of overusing antibiotics in medicine and agriculture, when pharmaceuticals end up in our water and soil. The World Health Organization has called antibiotic resistance one of the most complex and frightening health challenges of our time. Without urgent action, drug resistant infections could kill 10 million people per year by 2050. For Deutsche Welle, DW's, "Living Planet" podcast, Neil King looked at what can be done.

Not every virus or disease responds to medicine. And the number of drug-resistant bugs is growing. It's largely the result of overusing antibiotics in medicine and agriculture, when pharmaceuticals end up in our water and soil. The World Health Organization has called antibiotic resistance one of the most complex and frightening health challenges of our time. Without urgent action, drug resistant infections could kill 10 million people per year by 2050. For Deutsche Welle, DW's, "Living Planet" podcast, Neil King looked at what can be done.

Prescription for a superbug crisis

The US recently sent its last forward-deployed aircraft carrier in the Pacific, the USS George Washington, to the Middle East. With so many eyes right now focusing on events in the Persian Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz, some security analysts are concerned that the US is taking its eye off the ball when it comes to China. The World's Aaron Schachter learned more from Mira Rapp-Hooper, a visiting fellow at The Brookings Institution in Washington.

The US recently sent its last forward-deployed aircraft carrier in the Pacific, the USS George Washington, to the Middle East. With so many eyes right now focusing on events in the Persian Gulf and around the Strait of Hormuz, some security analysts are concerned that the US is taking its eye off the ball when it comes to China. The World's Aaron Schachter learned more from Mira Rapp-Hooper, a visiting fellow at The Brookings Institution in Washington.

How prepared is the US military to defend its Pacific allies?

A new collection of music from the remote African islands of Sao Tome and Principe is a revelation. This nation in the Atlantic Ocean doesn't get a lot of attention, but as we hear in songs by bands from the 1960s and '70s, like Sangazuza, it's worth listening up.This story originally aired on Jan. 15, 2026.

A new collection of music from the remote African islands of Sao Tome and Principe is a revelation. This nation in the Atlantic Ocean doesn't get a lot of attention, but as we hear in songs by bands from the 1960s and '70s, like Sangazuza, it's worth listening up.
This story originally aired on Jan. 15, 2026.

A new music collection from some old African artists

In the South Pacific archipelago of Fiji, HIV cases have spiked in the past five years. It is estimated that 1 in 60 adults currently lives with the virus. A drug epidemic and stigma have made the transmission difficult to keep under control. Host Marco Werman talks to Sharon McLennan, a scientist with Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, about this issue.

In the South Pacific archipelago of Fiji, HIV cases have spiked in the past five years. It is estimated that 1 in 60 adults currently lives with the virus. A drug epidemic and stigma have made the transmission difficult to keep under control. Host Marco Werman talks to Sharon McLennan, a scientist with Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, about this issue.

Fiji is in the midst of an HIV crisis

Two paintings by the French Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir were stolen from a museum in southern France Tuesday morning. It's the latest in a growing trend of "smash and grab"-style museum heists across Europe, says Arthur Brand, an independent art detective who has helped authorities recover artwork after similar thefts. He spoke to Host Marco Werman from Amsterdam.

Two paintings by the French Impressionist painter Pierre-Auguste Renoir were stolen from a museum in southern France Tuesday morning. It's the latest in a growing trend of "smash and grab"-style museum heists across Europe, says Arthur Brand, an independent art detective who has helped authorities recover artwork after similar thefts. He spoke to Host Marco Werman from Amsterdam.

Renoir museum heist in France is latest in wave of art thefts across Europe

Israel does not allow absentee voting, forcing the 500,000 Israeli ex-pats eligible to vote to choose between an expensive trip home or sitting out the country’s most consequential election in years. To help Israelis return, the AID Coalition, a US-based nonprofit organization, launched an initiative called Fly&amp;Vote. From Tel Aviv, Stephanie Freid reports.

Israel does not allow absentee voting, forcing the 500,000 Israeli ex-pats eligible to vote to choose between an expensive trip home or sitting out the country’s most consequential election in years. To help Israelis return, the AID Coalition, a US-based nonprofit organization, launched an initiative called Fly&Vote. From Tel Aviv, Stephanie Freid reports.

Israeli 'Fly&Vote' movement gaining steam

Flooding is common in Nepal. But the avalanche that triggered water and debris to surge down the Trishuli River was of an entirely different magnitude. The World's Carolyn Beeler explains what caused the disaster, and what role scientists say climate change may have played.

Flooding is common in Nepal. But the avalanche that triggered water and debris to surge down the Trishuli River was of an entirely different magnitude. The World's Carolyn Beeler explains what caused the disaster, and what role scientists say climate change may have played.

The causes that triggered the Nepal-Tibet flooding disaster

The United Nations voted on Friday in favor of adopting a resolution to replace the Mercator projection, which distorts the size of the world's landmasses, with one that represents the continents more accurately. The resolution passed almost unanimously, with only a single country voting no: the United States. Marco Werman has more details.

The United Nations voted on Friday in favor of adopting a resolution to replace the Mercator projection, which distorts the size of the world's landmasses, with one that represents the continents more accurately. The resolution passed almost unanimously, with only a single country voting no: the United States. Marco Werman has more details.

United Nations votes for new world map

Around 1.5 million Chinese tourists visited France last year. Beyond Versailles or the Eiffel Tower, there's another destination that’s high on many Chinese visitors' lists: Montargis, a working-class town about a 90-minute drive from Paris. That's because a Chinese work-study program in the early 20th century left a lasting mark on China’s history. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Lisa Bryant reports from Montargis.

Around 1.5 million Chinese tourists visited France last year. Beyond Versailles or the Eiffel Tower, there's another destination that’s high on many Chinese visitors' lists: Montargis, a working-class town about a 90-minute drive from Paris. That's because a Chinese work-study program in the early 20th century left a lasting mark on China’s history. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Lisa Bryant reports from Montargis.

Chinese students visit a village in France to learn about Chinese history

Berlin-based Syrian singer Siba Alkhiami, or simply "Siba," wrote "Dounana" — or "Without Us" — two years ago out of anger of the destruction of Gaza and the bombing of Palestinians. A year ago, she released it as a song and it's slowly gone viral. We listen to "Dounana" and hear from Siba that it's relevance has gone beyond Gaza. It's a song about colonialism and how it impacts Indigenous people.

Berlin-based Syrian singer Siba Alkhiami, or simply "Siba," wrote "Dounana" — or "Without Us" — two years ago out of anger of the destruction of Gaza and the bombing of Palestinians. A year ago, she released it as a song and it's slowly gone viral. We listen to "Dounana" and hear from Siba that it's relevance has gone beyond Gaza. It's a song about colonialism and how it impacts Indigenous people.

Berlin-based Syrian singer makes her mark on 'Without Us'

Some 800 students and ‌teachers in Central Java got food poisoning last week, just after lunch time at a local high school. Officials were forced to end the day early as bathrooms were overwhelmed with people in the throes of intestinal distress. As Host Marco Werman explains, this was yet another embarrassing moment for Indonesia's government and its ill-fated free lunch program.

Some 800 students and ‌teachers in Central Java got food poisoning last week, just after lunch time at a local high school. Officials were forced to end the day early as bathrooms were overwhelmed with people in the throes of intestinal distress. As Host Marco Werman explains, this was yet another embarrassing moment for Indonesia's government and its ill-fated free lunch program.

Indonesia's free student meal program still making students and teachers sick

The hopes and dreams of thousands of Japanese who were incarcerated in camps during World War II were crushed. Many were never able to reconcile what their lives could have been and what they did become. Paul Watanabe, a professor at University of Massachusetts, Boston found out what his mother lost when she was on her deathbed. He shared it with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

The hopes and dreams of thousands of Japanese who were incarcerated in camps during World War II were crushed. Many were never able to reconcile what their lives could have been and what they did become. Paul Watanabe, a professor at University of Massachusetts, Boston found out what his mother lost when she was on her deathbed. He shared it with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

A Japanese mother's stolen dream is revealed

As the United States honors its workers this Labor Day, it's been 250 years since the nation was founded. A defining ideal in the Declaration of Independence is “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” but when it was written, they were meant to not only be American pursuits. The Declaration explicitly addresses the larger world. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with historian Nathan Perl-Rosenthal, author of the 2024 book “The Age of Revolutions: And the Generations Who Made It."This story originally aired on June 4, 2026.

As the United States honors its workers this Labor Day, it's been 250 years since the nation was founded. A defining ideal in the Declaration of Independence is “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness,” but when it was written, they were meant to not only be American pursuits. The Declaration explicitly addresses the larger world. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with historian Nathan Perl-Rosenthal, author of the 2024 book “The Age of Revolutions: And the Generations Who Made It."
This story originally aired on June 4, 2026.

How the American Revolution kicked off a global 'Age of Revolutions'

As the United States commemorates its 250th birthday this year, we celebrate by listening to two songs that arrived from overseas and became a part of the country's early history. Host Marco Werman explains.

As the United States commemorates its 250th birthday this year, we celebrate by listening to two songs that arrived from overseas and became a part of the country's early history. Host Marco Werman explains.

Two songs woven into the nation's origin story

We look at how the colonies' fight for independence is taught elsewhere — namely, in the countries whose authority was defeated: England, France and Spain. Reporter Gerry Hadden has our story.This story originally aired on June 10, 2026.

We look at how the colonies' fight for independence is taught elsewhere — namely, in the countries whose authority was defeated: England, France and Spain. Reporter Gerry Hadden has our story.
This story originally aired on June 10, 2026.

Teaching the American Revolution abroad

The British Empire wasn't the only colonial power in what is now the United States. Several competing colonization projects led by the Spanish, Dutch, French and others laid the foundations of American history. Their distinct patterns of settlement help explain many of the political divides that continue to shape the US today, says historian Colin Woodard. He tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that, over the centuries, these rival visions also influenced how American democracy evolved.This story originally aired on July 1, 2026.

The British Empire wasn't the only colonial power in what is now the United States. Several competing colonization projects led by the Spanish, Dutch, French and others laid the foundations of American history. Their distinct patterns of settlement help explain many of the political divides that continue to shape the US today, says historian Colin Woodard. He tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that, over the centuries, these rival visions also influenced how American democracy evolved.
This story originally aired on July 1, 2026.

The US' current political fault lines have colonial roots

Two-hundred and fifty years ago, the American Revolution sent shockwaves around the globe. At the same time, events taking place outside the US impacted how democracy grew in America. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with historian Heather Cox Richardson about how the contradictions inherent in the American experiment have played out on the global stage.This story originally aired on June 15, 2026.

Two-hundred and fifty years ago, the American Revolution sent shockwaves around the globe. At the same time, events taking place outside the US impacted how democracy grew in America. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with historian Heather Cox Richardson about how the contradictions inherent in the American experiment have played out on the global stage.
This story originally aired on June 15, 2026.

How global forces helped shape American democracy

The story of the American revolution, as its typically told, is the story of two parties in conflict: the British crown and the rebelling colonies. But this story ignores the role North America's sovereign tribal nations played in the revolution, and the impact it had on Indigenous people around the world. For our series on the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Yale University historian Ned Blackhawk, about this complicated history.This story originally aired on June 26, 2026.

The story of the American revolution, as its typically told, is the story of two parties in conflict: the British crown and the rebelling colonies. But this story ignores the role North America's sovereign tribal nations played in the revolution, and the impact it had on Indigenous people around the world. For our series on the 250th anniversary of the founding of the United States, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Yale University historian Ned Blackhawk, about this complicated history.
This story originally aired on June 26, 2026.

Indigenous nations and the American Revolution

Spanish Women's Football League has announced it will subsidize the procedure of freezing their eggs for players on the national team. Some big stars have been lobbying for this option, as many professionals don't want to interrupt their careers to become mothers. But others say the league simply doesn't want its players getting pregnant while actively playing. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Spanish Women's Football League has announced it will subsidize the procedure of freezing their eggs for players on the national team. Some big stars have been lobbying for this option, as many professionals don't want to interrupt their careers to become mothers. But others say the league simply doesn't want its players getting pregnant while actively playing. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Spain's elite female soccer stars can now freeze their eggs for free

It's one of Germany's smaller states, and it's not usually the center of national attention. But this weekend, all eyes are on the eastern German region of Saxony-Anhalt. A strong result for the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, could have implications not just for the state itself, but for Germany's political future. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe’s Thomas Sparrow has more.

It's one of Germany's smaller states, and it's not usually the center of national attention. But this weekend, all eyes are on the eastern German region of Saxony-Anhalt. A strong result for the far-right Alternative for Germany, or AfD, could have implications not just for the state itself, but for Germany's political future. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe’s Thomas Sparrow has more.

An AfD win in Saxony could be the first time the far-right party governs

Next Friday will mark 25 years since the September 11, 2001, attacks. A special edition of the show that day will look back at the global impact of the event and what followed. Andrew Sullivan is executive director of No One Left Behind, a nonprofit advocating for Afghan allies of the US. Before that, Sullivan deployed to Iraq and later commanded a company in Afghanistan. In conversation with Host Marco Werman, he recalled the significance of the event on his decision to join the military.

Next Friday will mark 25 years since the September 11, 2001, attacks. A special edition of the show that day will look back at the global impact of the event and what followed. Andrew Sullivan is executive director of No One Left Behind, a nonprofit advocating for Afghan allies of the US. Before that, Sullivan deployed to Iraq and later commanded a company in Afghanistan. In conversation with Host Marco Werman, he recalled the significance of the event on his decision to join the military.

25 years and two wars later, a veteran reflects on 9/11 attacks

In Nepal today, some welcome but unexpected news. Two survivors were rescued — alive — from the tunnel of a hydropower plant, some nine days after getting trapped by last week’s devastating floods. As the days have worn on, hopes were fading that any of roughly 500 hydropower workers believed to be in tunnels would be recovered alive. Carolyn Beeler continues her reporting from Kathmandu, Nepal, and joined Marco Werman to share updates.

In Nepal today, some welcome but unexpected news. Two survivors were rescued — alive — from the tunnel of a hydropower plant, some nine days after getting trapped by last week’s devastating floods. As the days have worn on, hopes were fading that any of roughly 500 hydropower workers believed to be in tunnels would be recovered alive. Carolyn Beeler continues her reporting from Kathmandu, Nepal, and joined Marco Werman to share updates.

The latest from on the ground in Nepal

It's the last days of summer and many of us might be looking for a final road trip or holiday. Indian journalist Akshobh Giridhadas loves to travel, and on a trip to the Indian Himalayas many years ago, he encountered some unexpected hospitality. He shared his adventure with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

It's the last days of summer and many of us might be looking for a final road trip or holiday. Indian journalist Akshobh Giridhadas loves to travel, and on a trip to the Indian Himalayas many years ago, he encountered some unexpected hospitality. He shared his adventure with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

Finding hospitality in an unknown place in India

Germany's far-right AfD party has been using a particular moped brand for its campaign: the Simson Schwalbe, often described as the "Vespa of East Germany". The Jewish heir to the founding family is fighting to protect the company's legacy. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Matthew Moore reports on how the moped has been turned into a political vehicle.

Germany's far-right AfD party has been using a particular moped brand for its campaign: the Simson Schwalbe, often described as the "Vespa of East Germany". The Jewish heir to the founding family is fighting to protect the company's legacy. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Matthew Moore reports on how the moped has been turned into a political vehicle.

Germany's far-right AfD party has adopted a Jewish-built moped as a campaign symbol

Giorgia Meloni has reached a milestone few Italian prime ministers have come close to: Today, she becomes Italy’s longest continuously serving prime minister since the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini was in power. Her four-year run in office is particularly notable in a country famous for political instability and frequent changes of government. Meloni is marking the occasion with a rally in Bari. But some political analysts warn that her position may not be as secure as it appears. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Giorgia Meloni has reached a milestone few Italian prime ministers have come close to: Today, she becomes Italy’s longest continuously serving prime minister since the fascist dictator Benito Mussolini was in power. Her four-year run in office is particularly notable in a country famous for political instability and frequent changes of government. Meloni is marking the occasion with a rally in Bari. But some political analysts warn that her position may not be as secure as it appears. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Meloni reaches milestone as Italy's longest continuously serving PM since Mussolini

After trade talks between Canada and the US fell apart, Canadians see Trump administration antics as a threat to their sovereignty. And they've been fighting back — boycotting US alcohol, avoiding US produce, canceling US vacations and posting nasty memes. But the Canadian government is in a tricky position, trying to play to a rise in domestic anti-American sentiment while maintaining relationships with Canada's biggest ally. Katie Toth reports from Nova Scotia.

After trade talks between Canada and the US fell apart, Canadians see Trump administration antics as a threat to their sovereignty. And they've been fighting back — boycotting US alcohol, avoiding US produce, canceling US vacations and posting nasty memes. But the Canadian government is in a tricky position, trying to play to a rise in domestic anti-American sentiment while maintaining relationships with Canada's biggest ally. Katie Toth reports from Nova Scotia.