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.

Last year, Ian Andersen began a cross-continent bike ride from the edge of Portugal to Japan. Along the way, he got caught in Iran as Israel carried out attacks on the country. Later, he got stuck in Mongolia for weeks as he awaited a visa to travel through China. As The World's Jeremy Siegel reports, his trip — shared in videos on Instagram and TikTok — has gained a massive following online and highlighted changing perceptions of Americans in a shifting world order.

Last year, Ian Andersen began a cross-continent bike ride from the edge of Portugal to Japan. Along the way, he got caught in Iran as Israel carried out attacks on the country. Later, he got stuck in Mongolia for weeks as he awaited a visa to travel through China. As The World's Jeremy Siegel reports, his trip — shared in videos on Instagram and TikTok — has gained a massive following online and highlighted changing perceptions of Americans in a shifting world order.

An American's grueling bike ride across Europe, the Middle East an Asia

Global demand for gold has driven its price up to as much as $5,500 per ounce. Daniel McDowell, a political scientist at Syracuse University and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, tells The World's Host Carolyn Beeler that gold's rising value is connected to rising instability being felt around the globe.

Global demand for gold has driven its price up to as much as $5,500 per ounce. Daniel McDowell, a political scientist at Syracuse University and senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, tells The World's Host Carolyn Beeler that gold's rising value is connected to rising instability being felt around the globe.

Value of gold skyrockets against the dollar

Now that Syria's civil war has more or less ended, hundreds of thousands of refugees are returning home. Turkey took in more Syrians than any other country in the world — and their continued presence has, according to polls, become a political liability for the government. But many Turkish companies are dependent on Syrian labor, and the returns are posing a major headache. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Dorian Jones reports from the industrial city of Gaziantep, close to Syria’s border.

Now that Syria's civil war has more or less ended, hundreds of thousands of refugees are returning home. Turkey took in more Syrians than any other country in the world — and their continued presence has, according to polls, become a political liability for the government. But many Turkish companies are dependent on Syrian labor, and the returns are posing a major headache. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Dorian Jones reports from the industrial city of Gaziantep, close to Syria’s border.

Turkish businesses worry about Syrians going home

As President Donald Trump says the United States expects to run Venezuela for years during a long transition, the country remains crowded with armed groups tied to criminal economies. Among the most controversial are the colectivos — deeply ideological, pro-government civilian groups that operate in urban neighborhoods. The World speaks with several colectivo members in Caracas to understand how they see themselves and how they reconcile their anti-US rhetoric with a government now responding to pressure from Washington.

As President Donald Trump says the United States expects to run Venezuela for years during a long transition, the country remains crowded with armed groups tied to criminal economies. Among the most controversial are the colectivos — deeply ideological, pro-government civilian groups that operate in urban neighborhoods. The World speaks with several colectivo members in Caracas to understand how they see themselves and how they reconcile their anti-US rhetoric with a government now responding to pressure from Washington.

Inside Venezuela's armed Colectivos

Ten European countries have agreed to significantly ramp up offshore wind in the North Sea. The pact envisions generating enough power for a million homes a year, for 10 years. It offers certainty to companies making the turbines themselves that there will be a market in the future. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with deputy CEO of the Global Wind Energy Council Rebecca Williams about the new deal.

Ten European countries have agreed to significantly ramp up offshore wind in the North Sea. The pact envisions generating enough power for a million homes a year, for 10 years. It offers certainty to companies making the turbines themselves that there will be a market in the future. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with deputy CEO of the Global Wind Energy Council Rebecca Williams about the new deal.

New pact will amplify offshore wind production in the North Sea

The Trump administration has recently targeted the Somali community in Minnesota. Citing a fraud scandal, it’s used ICE to crack down on them and others in the Twin Cities. People are on edge and that's affecting small businesses and daily life. The World’s Sara Hassan speaks with people about their experiences, hopes and fears.

The Trump administration has recently targeted the Somali community in Minnesota. Citing a fraud scandal, it’s used ICE to crack down on them and others in the Twin Cities. People are on edge and that's affecting small businesses and daily life. The World’s Sara Hassan speaks with people about their experiences, hopes and fears.

Somali community in Minnesota on edge amid ICE raids

Cuba is all but bankrupt. The island could actually deplete its supply of oil in as little as 15 to 20 days, according to the data company Kpler. Journalist Ed Augustin is based in Havana. He tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that Cubans are scared and worried about what might come next.

Cuba is all but bankrupt. The island could actually deplete its supply of oil in as little as 15 to 20 days, according to the data company Kpler. Journalist Ed Augustin is based in Havana. He tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that Cubans are scared and worried about what might come next.

Cuba teeters, with just ‘15 to 20 days’ of oil supply left

It began as part of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement to stop the war in Gaza. But the "Board of Peace," a brainchild of US President Trump, has morphed into something with more grand ambitions, at least rhetorically. Foreign policy experts will applaud new and bold ideas for using American leverage to secure global peace. But they say it's difficult to see how Trump's scheme will achieve anything close to what the American president is talking about. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

It began as part of the US-brokered ceasefire agreement to stop the war in Gaza. But the "Board of Peace," a brainchild of US President Trump, has morphed into something with more grand ambitions, at least rhetorically. Foreign policy experts will applaud new and bold ideas for using American leverage to secure global peace. But they say it's difficult to see how Trump's scheme will achieve anything close to what the American president is talking about. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Trump's 'Board of Peace': Bold diplomacy or Trumpian dream?

On Wednesday, police in Nigeria's largest city fired tear gas on people protesting the ongoing demolition of Makoko, an enormous informal settlement that stretches out into the Lagos Lagoon. With over 300,000 estimated inhabitants, the settlement of DIY housing on stilts connected by canals is considered the largest of its kind in the country and was long home to some of Lagos' poorest. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more about the impact of the demolition from Nnimmo Bassey, a Nigerian environmental activist and architect.

On Wednesday, police in Nigeria's largest city fired tear gas on people protesting the ongoing demolition of Makoko, an enormous informal settlement that stretches out into the Lagos Lagoon. With over 300,000 estimated inhabitants, the settlement of DIY housing on stilts connected by canals is considered the largest of its kind in the country and was long home to some of Lagos' poorest. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more about the impact of the demolition from Nnimmo Bassey, a Nigerian environmental activist and architect.

Protests in Nigeria over demolition of Makoko — the 'Venice of Africa'

The legendary crooner Julio Iglesias had been accused of sexual abuse and human trafficking. But Spain’s highest court threw out the case late last week, brought by Dominican women who worked for the star in Honduras and the Bahamas. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

The legendary crooner Julio Iglesias had been accused of sexual abuse and human trafficking. But Spain’s highest court threw out the case late last week, brought by Dominican women who worked for the star in Honduras and the Bahamas. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

Sexual abuse case against singer Julio Iglesias thrown out of court

As Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on, the number of soldiers killed, injured or missing on both sides could hit 2 million by the spring. The Washington Post’s Francesca Ebel recently returned from reporting inside Russia. She tells The World’s Host Marco Werman the war is fraying the bonds that bind Russian society.

As Russia’s war in Ukraine grinds on, the number of soldiers killed, injured or missing on both sides could hit 2 million by the spring. The Washington Post’s Francesca Ebel recently returned from reporting inside Russia. She tells The World’s Host Marco Werman the war is fraying the bonds that bind Russian society.

Russian society grapples with the human cost of war

The spiritual head of the Church of England is the Archbishop of Canterbury, going back to St. Augustine in the year 597. All of the archbishops that followed were men, until today. The Most Reverend Sarah Mullally was formally confirmed at a ceremony held at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. She's now the highest ranking cleric for some 85 million Anglicans around the world. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the story.

The spiritual head of the Church of England is the Archbishop of Canterbury, going back to St. Augustine in the year 597. All of the archbishops that followed were men, until today. The Most Reverend Sarah Mullally was formally confirmed at a ceremony held at St. Paul's Cathedral in London. She's now the highest ranking cleric for some 85 million Anglicans around the world. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the story.

The Church of England has a new Archbishop of Canterbury — and she's a woman

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman catch you up on headlines in the news you may have missed.

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman catch you up on headlines in the news you may have missed.

Things you might have missed

A court in the Netherlands this week sentence a man to 20 years imprisonment in one of Europe’s most significant human trafficking trials in history. Amanuel Walid was accused of running a vast network of trafficking, hostage-taking, extortion and sexual violence against migrants in Libya. They were held in detention camps and tortured until families in the Netherlands paid huge ransoms. Andrew Connelly reports from  Zwolle, in the Netherlands.

A court in the Netherlands this week sentence a man to 20 years imprisonment in one of Europe’s most significant human trafficking trials in history. Amanuel Walid was accused of running a vast network of trafficking, hostage-taking, extortion and sexual violence against migrants in Libya. They were held in detention camps and tortured until families in the Netherlands paid huge ransoms. Andrew Connelly reports from  Zwolle, in the Netherlands.

Largest-ever human trafficking trial ends with 20-year sentence

The findings, based on the analysis of human fossils in a Moroccan cave dating back nearly 800,000 years possibly shift the focus from Europe back to the African continent. The fossils, mainly jawbones, carry traits of both modern humans and primitive species such as Neanderthals. And they roughly match earlier findings in Northern Spain. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

The findings, based on the analysis of human fossils in a Moroccan cave dating back nearly 800,000 years possibly shift the focus from Europe back to the African continent. The fossils, mainly jawbones, carry traits of both modern humans and primitive species such as Neanderthals. And they roughly match earlier findings in Northern Spain. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Early humans' last common ancestor before Homo sapiens could have been African

The Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria have lost almost all of the territory they controlled in northern and eastern Syria to the central government. This is a major shift in the power dynamics in those parts of the country, which also include several detention facilities holding thousands of suspected ISIS members and their families. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

The Kurdish forces in northeastern Syria have lost almost all of the territory they controlled in northern and eastern Syria to the central government. This is a major shift in the power dynamics in those parts of the country, which also include several detention facilities holding thousands of suspected ISIS members and their families. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Fighting continues in Syria between Kurds and the central government

US threats to take control of Greenland have rattled Europe’s far-right leaders, some of President Trump’s staunchest allies. Just a year ago, many were in Washington celebrating his inauguration. Now, analysts say populist lawmakers in Europe may view alignment with the US administration as a political liability. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports.

US threats to take control of Greenland have rattled Europe’s far-right leaders, some of President Trump’s staunchest allies. Just a year ago, many were in Washington celebrating his inauguration. Now, analysts say populist lawmakers in Europe may view alignment with the US administration as a political liability. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Trump’s Greenland threats test loyalty of Europe’s far-right

India and the European Union have signed a massive trade deal that will account for a quarter of the world's GDP. This follows another deal struck by the EU with Latin American countries this month, and marks a shift in India away from economic protectionism. The World's Carolyn Beeler learned more from Eswar Prasad, a professor of trade policy at Cornell University and author of the forthcoming book "The Doom Loop: Why the World Economic Order Is Spiraling Into Disorder."

India and the European Union have signed a massive trade deal that will account for a quarter of the world's GDP. This follows another deal struck by the EU with Latin American countries this month, and marks a shift in India away from economic protectionism. The World's Carolyn Beeler learned more from Eswar Prasad, a professor of trade policy at Cornell University and author of the forthcoming book "The Doom Loop: Why the World Economic Order Is Spiraling Into Disorder."

India and EU strike behemoth free trade deal

Tuberculosis is a disease that primarily affects the lungs, notoriously causing patients to cough up blood. In 2023, tuberculosis surpassed COVID to become the world’s deadliest infectious disease. That's why an effort is ramping up to get a TB vaccine into circulation, specifically for adolescents and adults. Elna Schutz reports from South Africa, one of the seven countries where the vaccine for ADULTS is being tested.

Tuberculosis is a disease that primarily affects the lungs, notoriously causing patients to cough up blood. In 2023, tuberculosis surpassed COVID to become the world’s deadliest infectious disease. That's why an effort is ramping up to get a TB vaccine into circulation, specifically for adolescents and adults. Elna Schutz reports from South Africa, one of the seven countries where the vaccine for ADULTS is being tested.

New trials in Africa could help tamp down spread of TB

Flooding in Mozambique has displaced more than 300,000 people, washing away homes and food supplies, and increasing the risk of disease. UNICEF spokesperson Guy Taylor was in hard-hit regions just days ago. He tells The World’s Marco Werman that floodwaters have swept crocodiles out of rivers into submerged urban areas.

Flooding in Mozambique has displaced more than 300,000 people, washing away homes and food supplies, and increasing the risk of disease. UNICEF spokesperson Guy Taylor was in hard-hit regions just days ago. He tells The World’s Marco Werman that floodwaters have swept crocodiles out of rivers into submerged urban areas.

Deadly flood waters inundate Mozambique

The 80th anniversary of the Holocaust, Yom Hashoah, was April 24. There are approximately 245,000 Holocaust survivors still alive today. While it’s a sad truth that soon there will be no living Holocaust survivors, it’s estimated that there are around 1 million third-generation Holocaust survivors in the United States. As The World Sarah Birnbaum reports, it's falling on them to keep the stories of their grandparents and the holocaust alive. This story originally aired April 24, 2025.

The 80th anniversary of the Holocaust, Yom Hashoah, was April 24. There are approximately 245,000 Holocaust survivors still alive today. While it’s a sad truth that soon there will be no living Holocaust survivors, it’s estimated that there are around 1 million third-generation Holocaust survivors in the United States. As The World Sarah Birnbaum reports, it's falling on them to keep the stories of their grandparents and the holocaust alive. 
This story originally aired April 24, 2025.

Keeping the memory of the Holocaust alive

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wants to fast-track residency for hundreds of thousands of mostly Latino immigrants, people who can prove they've been in the country for at least five months and who have clean criminal records. Sanchez has argued for this on moral grounds and because Spain desperately needs workers. Some say it's a necessary but bold move, as other European countries sour on outsiders. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez wants to fast-track residency for hundreds of thousands of mostly Latino immigrants, people who can prove they've been in the country for at least five months and who have clean criminal records. Sanchez has argued for this on moral grounds and because Spain desperately needs workers. Some say it's a necessary but bold move, as other European countries sour on outsiders. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Spain to offer amnesty to half a million undocumented immigrants

When space debris enters Earth's atmosphere, some of it ends up at Point Nemo, a remote area of the Pacific Ocean with depths of around 13,000 feet. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with Moriba K. Jah, professor of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at The University of Texas at Austin, about why we bury under the sea what was once in space.

When space debris enters Earth's atmosphere, some of it ends up at Point Nemo, a remote area of the Pacific Ocean with depths of around 13,000 feet. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with Moriba K. Jah, professor of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics at The University of Texas at Austin, about why we bury under the sea what was once in space.

The global graveyard of space debris in the depths of the Pacific

Percussionist Sly Dunbar, one-half of the legendary Jamaican drum and bass duo Sly &amp; Robbie, has died at the age of 73. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler take a couple of minutes to recall the range of artists this irrepressible rhythm section provided beats for.

Percussionist Sly Dunbar, one-half of the legendary Jamaican drum and bass duo Sly & Robbie, has died at the age of 73. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler take a couple of minutes to recall the range of artists this irrepressible rhythm section provided beats for.

Remembering Jamaican musician Sly Dunbar

Analysts are calling it China’s biggest military purge in roughly half a century: President Xi Jinping has placed his second-in-command, China's top general, under investigation. Shanshan Mei, who specializes in Chinese defense policy at RAND, talks with The World’s Marco Werman about the extent of the ongoing purge and what it tells us about the stability of Xi’s regime.

Analysts are calling it China’s biggest military purge in roughly half a century: President Xi Jinping has placed his second-in-command, China's top general, under investigation. Shanshan Mei, who specializes in Chinese defense policy at RAND, talks with The World’s Marco Werman about the extent of the ongoing purge and what it tells us about the stability of Xi’s regime.

Stunning purge of China’s military

During World War II, Japanese-Americans were dubbed "enemy aliens" — even if they fought for their country. Today, seven Japanese American soldiers are being promoted to officer ranks in a solemn ceremony, eight decades after they died fighting for the US. Host Marco Werman has details.

During World War II, Japanese-Americans were dubbed "enemy aliens" — even if they fought for their country. Today, seven Japanese American soldiers are being promoted to officer ranks in a solemn ceremony, eight decades after they died fighting for the US. Host Marco Werman has details.

Once dubbed ‘enemy aliens,’ Japanese American soldiers posthumously promoted

The Outer Hebrides, off the north-west of Scotland, are a remote, beautiful and sometimes awe-inspiring place. Also known as the Western Isles, they’re the UK’s last bastion of old-fashioned Christian Sunday observance, with strictures against working, shopping and even leisure activities on the Sabbath. But … things are changing. DW's Richard Baynes sent us this report from Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis and Harris.

The Outer Hebrides, off the north-west of Scotland, are a remote, beautiful and sometimes awe-inspiring place. Also known as the Western Isles, they’re the UK’s last bastion of old-fashioned Christian Sunday observance, with strictures against working, shopping and even leisure activities on the Sabbath. But … things are changing. DW's Richard Baynes sent us this report from Stornoway, on the Isle of Lewis and Harris.

Sabbath observance dwindling on the islands of Outer Hebrides

People stood in line for hours on Sunday at Ueno zoo in Tokyo to say farewell to Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, two pandas set to return to China amid strained relations between Japan and China. Their departure leaves Japan without any pandas for the first time since 1972. The World's Marco Werman has more.

People stood in line for hours on Sunday at Ueno zoo in Tokyo to say farewell to Xiao Xiao and Lei Lei, two pandas set to return to China amid strained relations between Japan and China. Their departure leaves Japan without any pandas for the first time since 1972. The World's Marco Werman has more.

Last pandas in Japan go back to China

Lagom is a Swedish concept that means doing things in moderation and only taking your fair share so there’s enough left for everyone. In this favorite story from the vault, Bianca Hillier explores all the ways it can be applied to life in Sweden. This story originally aired on

Lagom is a Swedish concept that means doing things in moderation and only taking your fair share so there’s enough left for everyone. In this favorite story from the vault, Bianca Hillier explores all the ways it can be applied to life in Sweden. 
This story originally aired on

Moderation: A Swedish tradition

The Israeli government announced today it had found and recovered the remains of the final Israeli hostage. Ran Gavili was a police officer killed in the attack on Oct. 7th, 2023. The return of all the hostages is meant to signal a transition into the second phase of the Gaza peace plan. But it is unclear whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will follow through on those steps. The World's Marco Werman speaks with reporter Noga Tarnopolsky about the feeling in Jerusalem.

The Israeli government announced today it had found and recovered the remains of the final Israeli hostage. Ran Gavili was a police officer killed in the attack on Oct. 7th, 2023. The return of all the hostages is meant to signal a transition into the second phase of the Gaza peace plan. But it is unclear whether Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu will follow through on those steps. The World's Marco Werman speaks with reporter Noga Tarnopolsky about the feeling in Jerusalem.