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.

Not long ago, many predicted Myanmar's imminent collapse. But the country's regime isn’t going anywhere soon. Next week, a new parliament under military control convenes. Almost no countries, except for China and Russia, have said they’ll recognize it — this government is the fruit of a rigged election — but it does offer the regime a sense of staying power. Moving forward, Myanmar’s army generals will keep pulling the strings, but from behind the curtain, offering the new government a very thin veneer of civilian rule. Reporter Patrick Winn has our story.

Not long ago, many predicted Myanmar's imminent collapse. But the country's regime isn’t going anywhere soon. Next week, a new parliament under military control convenes. Almost no countries, except for China and Russia, have said they’ll recognize it — this government is the fruit of a rigged election — but it does offer the regime a sense of staying power. Moving forward, Myanmar’s army generals will keep pulling the strings, but from behind the curtain, offering the new government a very thin veneer of civilian rule. Reporter Patrick Winn has our story.

Myanmar's resistance faces reenergized regime

A little-known part of US history is that our country once occupied Haiti. A new documentary looks at that occupation 100 years ago. It's framed as a letter to the director’s grandfather, who grew up in Haiti under US rule. The director shows the brutality and terrible economic impact of the 19-year occupation, and how it's set Haiti up as a country continually on the brink of collapse. Amy Bracken reports.

A little-known part of US history is that our country once occupied Haiti. A new documentary looks at that occupation 100 years ago. It's framed as a letter to the director’s grandfather, who grew up in Haiti under US rule. The director shows the brutality and terrible economic impact of the 19-year occupation, and how it's set Haiti up as a country continually on the brink of collapse. Amy Bracken reports.

The US's forgotten occupation of Haiti

Canada has announced the details of a plan to modernize and expand its military operations in its Arctic region. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with David Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, about why the government is making this move.

Canada has announced the details of a plan to modernize and expand its military operations in its Arctic region. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with David Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, about why the government is making this move.

Canada expands military presence in the Arctic

Foreign films are not just getting more Oscar attention this year — nearly half of all the films nominated are international productions. That includes some top contenders for the Best Picture category like "Secret Agent" and "Sentimental Value." The World's Host Marco Werman speaks to film critic Sarah Vincent, who catches us up on Hollywood's growing affinity for foreign films.

Foreign films are not just getting more Oscar attention this year — nearly half of all the films nominated are international productions. That includes some top contenders for the Best Picture category like "Secret Agent" and "Sentimental Value." The World's Host Marco Werman speaks to film critic Sarah Vincent, who catches us up on Hollywood's growing affinity for foreign films.

Foreign films make up nearly half of Oscar nominations this year

The Winter Paralympics in Cortina, Italy, are coming to an end this weekend. It's been an especially treacherous one for the participants as higher-than-normal temperatures have seen melting snow and ice. The World's Host Marco Werman has the details.

The Winter Paralympics in Cortina, Italy, are coming to an end this weekend. It's been an especially treacherous one for the participants as higher-than-normal temperatures have seen melting snow and ice. The World's Host Marco Werman has the details.

Melting snow at Winter Paralympics creates dangerous conditions for participants

Of the thousands of immigrants swept up in the Trump administration’s deportation campaign, there’s one group you may not have heard much about: Asians. That’s in part because many of them, including South Asians, have not come forward with stories of being targeted by federal agents. WBEZ’s Esther Yoon-Ji Kang hears why the community has been so hesitant — and what might be changing.

Of the thousands of immigrants swept up in the Trump administration’s deportation campaign, there’s one group you may not have heard much about: Asians. That’s in part because many of them, including South Asians, have not come forward with stories of being targeted by federal agents. WBEZ’s Esther Yoon-Ji Kang hears why the community has been so hesitant — and what might be changing.

More Asians are being swept up by ICE than many realize

If opinion polls are correct, then France is poised to swing to the right over the course of local elections taking place over two rounds starting this Sunday. Could Paris — which has been run by a Socialist party for a quarter of a century — buck the trend? The result is predicted to be tight. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Inside Europe Correspondent John Laurenson has been taking the pulse of the city.

If opinion polls are correct, then France is poised to swing to the right over the course of local elections taking place over two rounds starting this Sunday. Could Paris — which has been run by a Socialist party for a quarter of a century — buck the trend? The result is predicted to be tight. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Inside Europe Correspondent John Laurenson has been taking the pulse of the city.

French moving to right as local elections loom

The most intense bombing of Iran by the US and Israel has been taking place in the capital, Tehran. It’s a city of roughly 10 million people living in dense areas. In wars, the most vulnerable among the population bear the brunt of the conflict — children, the elderly, those with disabilities. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about what she’s hearing from people in Tehran.

The most intense bombing of Iran by the US and Israel has been taking place in the capital, Tehran. It’s a city of roughly 10 million people living in dense areas. In wars, the most vulnerable among the population bear the brunt of the conflict — children, the elderly, those with disabilities. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about what she’s hearing from people in Tehran.

War's impact on the most vulnerable

Sudan’s conflict has deep ties to Gulf nations. And it’s one where drone warfare has dramatically altered the battlefield. Nabih Bulos, the Middle East bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times has just returned from Sudan. He tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that bringing an end to the crisis will require "true will" on the part of governments, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

Sudan’s conflict has deep ties to Gulf nations. And it’s one where drone warfare has dramatically altered the battlefield. Nabih Bulos, the Middle East bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times has just returned from Sudan. He tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that bringing an end to the crisis will require "true will" on the part of governments, including the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia.

How Gulf rivalries are shaping Sudan's war

The Israeli strikes on several fuel depots in Iran over the weekend left residents struggling with their breathing. The fires engulfed parts of Tehran, releasing toxic fumes into the air. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports on the short and possible long-term health consequences of the fires.

The Israeli strikes on several fuel depots in Iran over the weekend left residents struggling with their breathing. The fires engulfed parts of Tehran, releasing toxic fumes into the air. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports on the short and possible long-term health consequences of the fires.

Oil depot fires in Iran are affecting people's health

A new law in China will promote "ethnic unity," making it compulsory to use Mandarin in schools, government and other public-facing activities. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Lhadon Tethong, director of the Tibetan Action Institute, about what this means for the ethnic minority groups in China.

A new law in China will promote "ethnic unity," making it compulsory to use Mandarin in schools, government and other public-facing activities. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Lhadon Tethong, director of the Tibetan Action Institute, about what this means for the ethnic minority groups in China.

New 'ethnic unity' law in China targets language for assimilation

The 32 countries belonging to the International Energy Agency agreed Wednesday to release 400 million barrels of oil from their emergency reserves. It's the largest emergency release of oil ever from those reserves. The sudden drop of oil supplies because of the war on Iran has disrupted life and commercial operations in many ways. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman zoom in on three different places with people who live there: India, Japan and South Africa.

The 32 countries belonging to the International Energy Agency agreed Wednesday to release 400 million barrels of oil from their emergency reserves. It's the largest emergency release of oil ever from those reserves. The sudden drop of oil supplies because of the war on Iran has disrupted life and commercial operations in many ways. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman zoom in on three different places with people who live there: India, Japan and South Africa.

Oil shortages from Iran war reverberate around the globe

A group of musicians in Minneapolis discovered that Celtic music and traditional sounds from Guinea were very much alike. So, they created a band. From Minnesota Public Radio, Jacob Aloi reports.

A group of musicians in Minneapolis discovered that Celtic music and traditional sounds from Guinea were very much alike. So, they created a band. From Minnesota Public Radio, Jacob Aloi reports.

Just your average Celtic-Guinean band

Vienna’s coffee houses are such a central part of life of the Austrian capital that UNESCO has added them to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. But one Viennese café is doing things a little differently. More than half of its workers are well over the age of 65, and the cakes baked fresh each day come from their own family recipes. The idea is to create an intergenerational café where younger and older people can meet and talk. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry visited the café in Vienna.

Vienna’s coffee houses are such a central part of life of the Austrian capital that UNESCO has added them to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. But one Viennese café is doing things a little differently. More than half of its workers are well over the age of 65, and the cakes baked fresh each day come from their own family recipes. The idea is to create an intergenerational café where younger and older people can meet and talk. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry visited the café in Vienna.

Vienna's intergenerational cafe, where grandparents do their baking

Zig-Zag Band was a household name in Zimbabwe in the 1980s and 1990s. It was a band committed to the style of music its members helped to pioneer: chigiyo. It's a mix of reggae, mbira-inspired guitar, brass arrangements and dance rhythms. The group has long since disbanded, but a new compilation of its music has come out. It's called "Zig-Zag Band: Chigiyo Music Kings 1987-1998." Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the story.

Zig-Zag Band was a household name in Zimbabwe in the 1980s and 1990s. It was a band committed to the style of music its members helped to pioneer: chigiyo. It's a mix of reggae, mbira-inspired guitar, brass arrangements and dance rhythms. The group has long since disbanded, but a new compilation of its music has come out. It's called "Zig-Zag Band: Chigiyo Music Kings 1987-1998." Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the story.

The kings of Chigiyo music

After Mexican forces killed cartel leader "El Mencho," questions remain about the future of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Experts say the group’s reach extends far beyond drug trafficking — into extortion, fuel theft, human trafficking and many parts of Mexico’s economy. With the country preparing to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, analysts say cartel leaders may try to keep a low profile. But the long-term future of the organization remains uncertain. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

After Mexican forces killed cartel leader "El Mencho," questions remain about the future of the powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel. Experts say the group’s reach extends far beyond drug trafficking — into extortion, fuel theft, human trafficking and many parts of Mexico’s economy. With the country preparing to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, analysts say cartel leaders may try to keep a low profile. But the long-term future of the organization remains uncertain. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

After El Mencho's death, what's next for Mexico's most powerful cartel?

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman take us through some headlines that might have flown below your radar.

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman take us through some headlines that might have flown below your radar.

Things you might have missed

After being pummeled for 12 days by airstrikes, Iran has stepped up its asymmetric naval warfare. It has reportedly begun planting an initial tranche of naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil chokepoint. Shashank Joshi, defense editor at The Economist, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that a small number of mines are sufficient to scare off global shippers.

After being pummeled for 12 days by airstrikes, Iran has stepped up its asymmetric naval warfare. It has reportedly begun planting an initial tranche of naval mines in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil chokepoint. Shashank Joshi, defense editor at The Economist, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that a small number of mines are sufficient to scare off global shippers.

Iran employs new, disruptive maritime tactics

Amid the ICE raids in Minnesota's Twin Cities, one group that's been especially targeted is the Hmong community. It's been half a century since they came to the US as refugees for helping the US during the Vietnam War. Now, they're feeling a sense of betrayal from the US government. The World's Sara Hassan takes a look at what they've been experiencing.

Amid the ICE raids in Minnesota's Twin Cities, one group that's been especially targeted is the Hmong community. It's been half a century since they came to the US as refugees for helping the US during the Vietnam War. Now, they're feeling a sense of betrayal from the US government. The World's Sara Hassan takes a look at what they've been experiencing.

Minnesota's Hmong community feeling betrayed

Artificial intelligence is a game changer across many fields these days and mathematics is no exception. Yet, the rapid acceleration of its ability to solve some of arithmetic's most challenging proofs has left many a mathematician wondering how they fit into future equations. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke to one such human mathematician, Daniel Litt, at the University of Toronto.

Artificial intelligence is a game changer across many fields these days and mathematics is no exception. Yet, the rapid acceleration of its ability to solve some of arithmetic's most challenging proofs has left many a mathematician wondering how they fit into future equations. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke to one such human mathematician, Daniel Litt, at the University of Toronto.

AI is rapidly changing math and mathematicians are defining their role in the equation

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been vocal about staying out of the war in Iran. But two recent missiles intercepted on their way to Turkish territory is making that harder. In Istanbul, residents hope that their government sticks to its guns. Eda Uzunlar reports from Istanbul.

Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has been vocal about staying out of the war in Iran. But two recent missiles intercepted on their way to Turkish territory is making that harder. In Istanbul, residents hope that their government sticks to its guns. Eda Uzunlar reports from Istanbul.

Turkey trying to stay out of the fray from war against Iran

Brasiliano is a combination of Portuguese and African and Indigenous languages. Many advocates says it's a truer reflection of the complex history and people of Brazil and that Brasiliano should replace Brazilian Portuguese as the official language. Musician Lucas Santtana agrees and even calls his new album "Brasiliano." Santtana recently spoke to Host Marco Werman.

Brasiliano is a combination of Portuguese and African and Indigenous languages. Many advocates says it's a truer reflection of the complex history and people of Brazil and that Brasiliano should replace Brazilian Portuguese as the official language. Musician Lucas Santtana agrees and even calls his new album "Brasiliano." Santtana recently spoke to Host Marco Werman.

Brasiliano in language and in song

Yesterday, we brought you a story about several members of Iran's national women's soccer team being granted asylum in Australia after refusing to sing the Iranian national anthem before a match in the AFC Women's Asian Cup. As of this morning, one of the seven players who had decided to stay has changed her mind and will instead return home to Iran. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more details.

Yesterday, we brought you a story about several members of Iran's national women's soccer team being granted asylum in Australia after refusing to sing the Iranian national anthem before a match in the AFC Women's Asian Cup. As of this morning, one of the seven players who had decided to stay has changed her mind and will instead return home to Iran. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more details.

Update on Iranian national women's soccer team

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler wrap up the show with the latest on the US-Israeli war on Iran.

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler wrap up the show with the latest on the US-Israeli war on Iran.

US-Israel-Iran War update

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. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks 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.

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. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks 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.

Physical activity globally hasn't increased in 20 years

A former Austrian intelligence officer is on trial in Vienna accused of spying for Russia. It has been described as Austria’s biggest espionage scandal in years. The case has put a spotlight on Russian intelligence operations in the country and on Austria’s unusually lax spy laws. From Vienna, The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

A former Austrian intelligence officer is on trial in Vienna accused of spying for Russia. It has been described as Austria’s biggest espionage scandal in years. The case has put a spotlight on Russian intelligence operations in the country and on Austria’s unusually lax spy laws. From Vienna, The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Austria spy trial shines light on Russian espionage and weak spy laws

Since the Iran war began, Iran has been sending drone and missiles into its Gulf state neighbors' territories, targeting both Western military bases and civilian and infrastructure hubs. The Gulf countries insist this is not their war, but Iran doesn't see it that way. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Since the Iran war began, Iran has been sending drone and missiles into its Gulf state neighbors' territories, targeting both Western military bases and civilian and infrastructure hubs. The Gulf countries insist this is not their war, but Iran doesn't see it that way. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Gulf states, caught in the US-Israeli war with Iran, have little choice but to stick with Western allies

Several members of Iran's soccer team were given asylum by the Australian government. It follows the women's team refusing to sing the national anthem during one of their games at the Asian Women's Cup last week. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more from Nazanin Nour, an Iranian American actor and activist based in Los Angeles.

Several members of Iran's soccer team were given asylum by the Australian government. It follows the women's team refusing to sing the national anthem during one of their games at the Asian Women's Cup last week. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more from Nazanin Nour, an Iranian American actor and activist based in Los Angeles.

Members of Iran's women's soccer team accept asylum in Australia

With the Academy Awards coming up this weekend, we turn our ears to a new interpretation of soundtrack music from the late Icelandic composer Johann Johannsson, performed by German-Japanese classical pianist Alice Sara Ott. As The World's Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain, she was inspired by the intimacy of Johannsson's work as a contrast to the dissonance of the modern world.

With the Academy Awards coming up this weekend, we turn our ears to a new interpretation of soundtrack music from the late Icelandic composer Johann Johannsson, performed by German-Japanese classical pianist Alice Sara Ott. As The World's Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain, she was inspired by the intimacy of Johannsson's work as a contrast to the dissonance of the modern world.

A new appreciation for a late Icelandic composer

A new report from Human Rights Watch finds that drone strikes targeting Haitian gangs have killed dozens of civilians and children. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Juanita Goebertus Estrada, director of the Human Rights Watch's Americas division, and Widlore Mérancourt, the editor of the Haitian news outlet Ayibopost in Port-au-Prince.

A new report from Human Rights Watch finds that drone strikes targeting Haitian gangs have killed dozens of civilians and children. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Juanita Goebertus Estrada, director of the Human Rights Watch's Americas division, and Widlore Mérancourt, the editor of the Haitian news outlet Ayibopost in Port-au-Prince.