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.

Artist Kirstie Macleod is the mastermind behind a massive piece of art that took 14 years and 380 people to create. It's called, simply: The Red Dress project. While the dress is made of burgundy silk, artists around the world have embroidered their own unique, colorful designs onto it to show off their culture and country. The World reached into its archives for this report from Bianca Hillier on what the dress means to the people involved.This story originally aired on

Artist Kirstie Macleod is the mastermind behind a massive piece of art that took 14 years and 380 people to create. It's called, simply: The Red Dress project. While the dress is made of burgundy silk, artists around the world have embroidered their own unique, colorful designs onto it to show off their culture and country. The World reached into its archives for this report from Bianca Hillier on what the dress means to the people involved.
This story originally aired on

Hundreds of people across dozens of countries worked on this single red dress

Pope Leo XIV has had quite the travel itinerary. Less than a year and a half into his papacy, he's already traveled across Africa, Europe and the Middle East. But unlike other heads of state, who have dedicated government aircraft, popes travel aboard specially chartered commercial airliners. Host Marco Werman speaks with Motoko Rich, The New York Times' Rome bureau chief, who's been racking up frequent flier miles along with the pope.

Pope Leo XIV has had quite the travel itinerary. Less than a year and a half into his papacy, he's already traveled across Africa, Europe and the Middle East. But unlike other heads of state, who have dedicated government aircraft, popes travel aboard specially chartered commercial airliners. Host Marco Werman speaks with Motoko Rich, The New York Times' Rome bureau chief, who's been racking up frequent flier miles along with the pope.

The pope travels on commercial flights like the public

When Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica last year, a handful of health centers in the storms path stayed standing — and operational — while nearly everything around them was destroyed. The World's Hannah Chanatry looks at what made those buildings so different.

When Hurricane Melissa made landfall in Jamaica last year, a handful of health centers in the storms path stayed standing — and operational — while nearly everything around them was destroyed. The World's Hannah Chanatry looks at what made those buildings so different.

Some health centers in Jamaica remained standing through a hurricane

Authorities in Europe are investigating a wave of suspected bomb threats to airplanes traveling across the continent that affected at least seven flights carrying passengers. Several were forced to make emergency landings, some under military escort. It's unclear whether the threats — which European officials are dismissing as hoaxes — were coordinated. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel breaks down the latest on the incidents and ongoing investigations.

Authorities in Europe are investigating a wave of suspected bomb threats to airplanes traveling across the continent that affected at least seven flights carrying passengers. Several were forced to make emergency landings, some under military escort. It's unclear whether the threats — which European officials are dismissing as hoaxes — were coordinated. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel breaks down the latest on the incidents and ongoing investigations.

Series of bomb threats hit European flights

Argentine President Javier Milei has been courting tech leaders worldwide to build data centers in his country's southern Patagonia region. He has been pushing to lower the corporate tax rate to incentivize foreign investment, and pledged that his government would not regulate AI. But for all the potential upsides, many of Milei's critics say that inviting foreign-owned data centers wouldn't actually do much to help Argentines. Host Marco Werman has more.

Argentine President Javier Milei has been courting tech leaders worldwide to build data centers in his country's southern Patagonia region. He has been pushing to lower the corporate tax rate to incentivize foreign investment, and pledged that his government would not regulate AI. But for all the potential upsides, many of Milei's critics say that inviting foreign-owned data centers wouldn't actually do much to help Argentines. Host Marco Werman has more.

Argentina's pitch to big tech

Tomás de Perrate was born into a family of Flamenco musicians. But he chose the life of a hairdresser — until his late 40s. Flamenco has long been mixed with other genres, but Perrate takes Flamenco fusion to a new level. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Tomás de Perrate was born into a family of Flamenco musicians. But he chose the life of a hairdresser — until his late 40s. Flamenco has long been mixed with other genres, but Perrate takes Flamenco fusion to a new level. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Flamenco singer Perrate pushes fusion to new limits

Leaders around the world have been reacting to President Donald Trump's resounding defeat in the US midterm elections. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry and Latin America Correspondent Tibisay Zea join Host Marco Werman to discuss the global implications of the US Congress changing hands.

Leaders around the world have been reacting to President Donald Trump's resounding defeat in the US midterm elections. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry and Latin America Correspondent Tibisay Zea join Host Marco Werman to discuss the global implications of the US Congress changing hands.

World leaders react to Democrats' big win in the US midterms

Following sweeping Democratic victories in Tuesday's midterm elections, there are questions about what the results might mean beyond the United States' borders and in the realm of foreign policy. Ishaan Tharoor, who writes about global affairs for The New Yorker, joined The World's Host Marco Werman to discuss the global implications.

Following sweeping Democratic victories in Tuesday's midterm elections, there are questions about what the results might mean beyond the United States' borders and in the realm of foreign policy. Ishaan Tharoor, who writes about global affairs for The New Yorker, joined The World's Host Marco Werman to discuss the global implications.

The international implications of the US midterms' 'blue tsunami'

Host Marco Werman offers us a taste from Mexican singer-songwriter Julieta Venegas' latest album, "Norteña." It's a song titled "La Linea," a reminder of the imaginary lines we all create between one another.

Host Marco Werman offers us a taste from Mexican singer-songwriter Julieta Venegas' latest album, "Norteña." It's a song titled "La Linea," a reminder of the imaginary lines we all create between one another.

Mexican songwriter sings about the imaginary boundaries we create

Sand mining is a multi-billion dollar industry; sand and gravel are the second-most extracted resource, second only to water. In Sierra Leone, coastal communities have adopted sand mining as a critical source of income. But the people doing the mining also live the environmental consequences, and can see the changes. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with researcher Arnaud Vander Velpen about how sand mining is shaping local communities in Sierra Leone.

Sand mining is a multi-billion dollar industry; sand and gravel are the second-most extracted resource, second only to water. In Sierra Leone, coastal communities have adopted sand mining as a critical source of income. But the people doing the mining also live the environmental consequences, and can see the changes. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with researcher Arnaud Vander Velpen about how sand mining is shaping local communities in Sierra Leone.

The impact of the sand trade on Sierra Leone's coastal communities

In his new book, "Guns Are Not Enough: Foreign Aid in the National Interest," Andrew Natsios, a lifelong Republican and former USAID chief argues that helping vulnerable populations overseas helps make Americans safer and more prosperous. Natsios tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that a reimagined USAID should have a seat at the Cabinet table, bringing development and humanitarian perspectives that might otherwise be overlooked by the Pentagon and the State Department.

In his new book, "Guns Are Not Enough: Foreign Aid in the National Interest," Andrew Natsios, a lifelong Republican and former USAID chief argues that helping vulnerable populations overseas helps make Americans safer and more prosperous. Natsios tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that a reimagined USAID should have a seat at the Cabinet table, bringing development and humanitarian perspectives that might otherwise be overlooked by the Pentagon and the State Department.

Former GOP USAID head calls for Cabinet-level department of international development

The UK's Health Security Agency has announced a study to establish a baseline data set on the average levels of PFAS, or so-called "forever chemicals," in the blood of UK residents. PFAS are generally known to be present in the bodies of many people worldwide, but the exact chemicals, their levels and their impact on human health outcomes remains unknown. The new study, with initial results publishing next year, aims to close that data gap. Host Marco Werman has more.

The UK's Health Security Agency has announced a study to establish a baseline data set on the average levels of PFAS, or so-called "forever chemicals," in the blood of UK residents. PFAS are generally known to be present in the bodies of many people worldwide, but the exact chemicals, their levels and their impact on human health outcomes remains unknown. The new study, with initial results publishing next year, aims to close that data gap. Host Marco Werman has more.

UK announces country-wide PFAS study

The latest release from 25-year-old singer-songwriter Andrea Bejar is like listening to her musical diary. Instead of writing about broken relationships though, Bejar writes about the fear of growing old and anticipating grief. The Mexican-born, LA-based singer recently spoke to Host Marco Werman about the inspirations behind her album, "In Bloom."

The latest release from 25-year-old singer-songwriter Andrea Bejar is like listening to her musical diary. Instead of writing about broken relationships though, Bejar writes about the fear of growing old and anticipating grief. The Mexican-born, LA-based singer recently spoke to Host Marco Werman about the inspirations behind her album, "In Bloom."

Andrea Bejar's musical diary

After years of war and overlapping crises, Lebanon’s healthcare workers are struggling with trauma and burnout. Many are leaving the country, raising urgent questions about who will care for those left behind, and who will care for the caregivers. The World's Shirin Jaafari reports from Beirut.

After years of war and overlapping crises, Lebanon’s healthcare workers are struggling with trauma and burnout. Many are leaving the country, raising urgent questions about who will care for those left behind, and who will care for the caregivers. The World's Shirin Jaafari reports from Beirut.

Healthcare workers in Lebanon face a mental health crisis

Fast-growing breeds of "turbo chicken" account for much of the poultry produced worldwide. But after a recent documentary by Danish broadcaster TV2 shed light on illegal practices by local producers, the government's nature minister has called for both nationwide and European Union-wide bans. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more about the sustainability and tradeoffs of this cheap chicken from Leonie Jacobs, an associate professor of poultry welfare at Virginia Tech.

Fast-growing breeds of "turbo chicken" account for much of the poultry produced worldwide. But after a recent documentary by Danish broadcaster TV2 shed light on illegal practices by local producers, the government's nature minister has called for both nationwide and European Union-wide bans. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more about the sustainability and tradeoffs of this cheap chicken from Leonie Jacobs, an associate professor of poultry welfare at Virginia Tech.

Denmark calls for ban on 'turbo chickens'

Refugees and asylum-seekers have been going to Malaysia from Myanmar for decades. There are now hundreds of thousands in Malaysia. Most of them are ethnic minorities fleeing persecution, economic hardship and, most recently, a civil war. They were once welcomed in Malaysia, to do the jobs most Malaysians didn't want to do. Now, many refugees and asylum-seekers from Myanmar in Malaysia worry they have bullseyes on their backs. Dave Grunebaum reports.

Refugees and asylum-seekers have been going to Malaysia from Myanmar for decades. There are now hundreds of thousands in Malaysia. Most of them are ethnic minorities fleeing persecution, economic hardship and, most recently, a civil war. They were once welcomed in Malaysia, to do the jobs most Malaysians didn't want to do. Now, many refugees and asylum-seekers from Myanmar in Malaysia worry they have bullseyes on their backs. Dave Grunebaum reports.

Myanmar refugee community in Malaysia fears repatriation to their homeland

It was just one Saturday night — on Oct. 24 — but the group of around 500 mostly under-aged teenagers, calling themselves "Blocus" managed to loot several downtown stores in Barcelona, Spain. What worries police more is the group's online presence and its calls for more ransacking. On Halloween, hundreds of police kept another call to chaos from materializing, but at a high cost. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

It was just one Saturday night — on Oct. 24 — but the group of around 500 mostly under-aged teenagers, calling themselves "Blocus" managed to loot several downtown stores in Barcelona, Spain. What worries police more is the group's online presence and its calls for more ransacking. On Halloween, hundreds of police kept another call to chaos from materializing, but at a high cost. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Tiny Spanish spinoff of French student protests sows chaos

Since World War II, the US has built up the world’s most powerful navy. But in recent years, China has been playing a game of catch-up and it now boasts the world’s largest military fleet. Oriana Skylar Mastro discusses the situation. She's been an adviser on China strategy at the Pentagon and spoke to the World's Host Marco Werman in her civilian capacity, as the director of the Indo-Pacific Policy Lab at Stanford University.

Since World War II, the US has built up the world’s most powerful navy. But in recent years, China has been playing a game of catch-up and it now boasts the world’s largest military fleet. Oriana Skylar Mastro discusses the situation. She's been an adviser on China strategy at the Pentagon and spoke to the World's Host Marco Werman in her civilian capacity, as the director of the Indo-Pacific Policy Lab at Stanford University.

China's rapid naval buildup is challenging US dominance at sea

On Sunday, Mexicans celebrated "Día de muertos," an annual holiday when families honor deceased relatives. One popular character always shows up: La Catrina, a fancy skeleton lady wearing an elegant dress and a flowered hat. In 2024, The World’s Tibisay Zea went to a big parade in Mexico City, to get the story behind La Catrina's starring role in the seasonal festivities.This story originally aired on Nov. 1, 2024.

On Sunday, Mexicans celebrated "Día de muertos," an annual holiday when families honor deceased relatives. One popular character always shows up: La Catrina, a fancy skeleton lady wearing an elegant dress and a flowered hat. In 2024, The World’s Tibisay Zea went to a big parade in Mexico City, to get the story behind La Catrina's starring role in the seasonal festivities.
This story originally aired on Nov. 1, 2024.

How 'La Catrina' became a symbol for Mexico's Day of the Dead

Twenty-year-old Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest driver in F1 history to be crowned champion. Giles Richards, sports reporter for The Guardian was in the crowd in Mexico City’s Hermanos Rodríguez Autódromo for Sunday’s race. Richards tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that Antonelli is an “impossibly young” champion and destined for greatness.

Twenty-year-old Italian Andrea Kimi Antonelli has become the youngest driver in F1 history to be crowned champion. Giles Richards, sports reporter for The Guardian was in the crowd in Mexico City’s Hermanos Rodríguez Autódromo for Sunday’s race. Richards tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that Antonelli is an “impossibly young” champion and destined for greatness.

Antonelli clinches F1 championship five years after first race

When Israelis went to the polls last week, the livelihoods of Palestinians living under occupation was not a top concern for most Jewish voters. But the outcome of the vote will have a direct impact on Palestinians who live in the West Bank and Gaza. The World's Carolyn Beeler reports from a village outside Ramallah on what the election results mean for Palestinians in the occupied territories.

When Israelis went to the polls last week, the livelihoods of Palestinians living under occupation was not a top concern for most Jewish voters. But the outcome of the vote will have a direct impact on Palestinians who live in the West Bank and Gaza. The World's Carolyn Beeler reports from a village outside Ramallah on what the election results mean for Palestinians in the occupied territories.

How Israel's election will impact Palestinians in the West Bank

Climate change is not just an environmental problem; it can be a mental health one, as well. A new study of 20,000 adults in Nigeria's northern states, where most people make a living from farming and herding, explores the links between climate change, poverty and drug use. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with with the lead author of this study, Abdullahi Abdulwahab Yakubu, a senior lecturer from Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria.

Climate change is not just an environmental problem; it can be a mental health one, as well. A new study of 20,000 adults in Nigeria's northern states, where most people make a living from farming and herding, explores the links between climate change, poverty and drug use. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with with the lead author of this study, Abdullahi Abdulwahab Yakubu, a senior lecturer from Ahmadu Bello University in Nigeria.

Climate change can cause mental health struggles, Nigerian study shows

The people of Rjukan, a town in Norway, live in a valley so deep, surrounded by mountains so high that the sun used to not reach them from late October until March. But 13 years ago, three giant mirrors were installed on the mountainside, reflecting sunlight down into the town square even during the darkest months. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, reporter Lars Bevanger spoke to the man behind the idea.

The people of Rjukan, a town in Norway, live in a valley so deep, surrounded by mountains so high that the sun used to not reach them from late October until March. But 13 years ago, three giant mirrors were installed on the mountainside, reflecting sunlight down into the town square even during the darkest months. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, reporter Lars Bevanger spoke to the man behind the idea.

Getting out of the dark takes ingenuity — and some really big mirrors

El Salvador has sent 2,000 troops to Haiti to rescue four military technicians who disappeared in a gang ambush. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele says his forces know how to defeat gangs, pointing to his controversial crackdown at home. But Haiti's gangs are heavily armed and control much of the capital. While some Haitians welcome the intervention, others fear civilian casualties and question whether military force alone can bring lasting security to the country. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

El Salvador has sent 2,000 troops to Haiti to rescue four military technicians who disappeared in a gang ambush. Salvadoran President Nayib Bukele says his forces know how to defeat gangs, pointing to his controversial crackdown at home. But Haiti's gangs are heavily armed and control much of the capital. While some Haitians welcome the intervention, others fear civilian casualties and question whether military force alone can bring lasting security to the country. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

El Salvador sends 2,000 troops to Haiti, raising hopes and fears

In Turkey, families commemorate their loved ones by sharing lokma — a small, deep-fried desert — and by saying prayers for the departed. Lokmaci Baba, dubbed Papa Doughnut, rolls through Istanbul with his lokma-mobile when summoned by those who lost someone. Reporter Dorian Jones joined him to uncover the story behind  this heartfelt ritual.

In Turkey, families commemorate their loved ones by sharing lokma — a small, deep-fried desert — and by saying prayers for the departed. Lokmaci Baba, dubbed Papa Doughnut, rolls through Istanbul with his lokma-mobile when summoned by those who lost someone. Reporter Dorian Jones joined him to uncover the story behind  this heartfelt ritual.

Sharing sweet, deep-fried dough to remember loved ones

Almost two years after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Syrians in the diaspora are still processing all they lost under more than 50 years of rule by the Assad family. You can hear much of that in the music of Tawabil, a trio based in Berlin. Tawabil is composed of a German guitarist and two artists who emigrated from Syria. From our archives, Alexa Dvorson sent us this story from Berlin.

Almost two years after the fall of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, Syrians in the diaspora are still processing all they lost under more than 50 years of rule by the Assad family. You can hear much of that in the music of Tawabil, a trio based in Berlin. Tawabil is composed of a German guitarist and two artists who emigrated from Syria. From our archives, Alexa Dvorson sent us this story from Berlin.

Trio in Berlin plays music suffused with sounds from Syria

A new survey of the Canadian accent from McGill University has found that the Canadian accent is shifting closer to the American accent. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from the survey's co-investigator Claire Henderson.

A new survey of the Canadian accent from McGill University has found that the Canadian accent is shifting closer to the American accent. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from the survey's co-investigator Claire Henderson.

The Canadian accent is changing — and sounding a bit more American

A quick update from Cambodia, where hundreds of people have been evicted from their dream home and forced to walk the proverbial plank. The dream home being the Villa Vie Odyssey, a Florida-based ship, that had been on a world-wide cruise, now indefinitely grounded.

A quick update from Cambodia, where hundreds of people have been evicted from their dream home and forced to walk the proverbial plank. The dream home being the Villa Vie Odyssey, a Florida-based ship, that had been on a world-wide cruise, now indefinitely grounded.

Update on evicted cruise ship residents

Through hundreds of hours of interviews with North Korean defectors, author Jieun Baek has pieced together insights into the "Hermit Kingdom’s" privileged class of elites. In a new essay for Foreign Affairs, Baek explores the stifled discontent growing among the cadre of high ranking officials running the country for the Kim family. As Baek tells Host Marco Werman, the Kims have created a system of a few carrots and many, brutal sticks to keep the elites in check.

Through hundreds of hours of interviews with North Korean defectors, author Jieun Baek has pieced together insights into the "Hermit Kingdom’s" privileged class of elites. In a new essay for Foreign Affairs, Baek explores the stifled discontent growing among the cadre of high ranking officials running the country for the Kim family. As Baek tells Host Marco Werman, the Kims have created a system of a few carrots and many, brutal sticks to keep the elites in check.

The growing discontent among North Korean elites

The Norwegian village of Longyearbyen is one of the most remote settlements in the world. It's located on the Svalbard archipelago, a collection of islands way up in the Arctic Circle. Not an easy place to live, and now there's a new challenge for the 2,600 residents there: They've been told not to drink the tap water after tests found higher than average levels of heavy metals and contaminants in the local water supply. The suspected cause: the area's thawing permafrost due to climate change. Marjolaine Verret is an expert on permafrost at the University Centre in Svalbard. She spoke with Host Carolyn Beeler about what's going on.

The Norwegian village of Longyearbyen is one of the most remote settlements in the world. It's located on the Svalbard archipelago, a collection of islands way up in the Arctic Circle. Not an easy place to live, and now there's a new challenge for the 2,600 residents there: They've been told not to drink the tap water after tests found higher than average levels of heavy metals and contaminants in the local water supply. The suspected cause: the area's thawing permafrost due to climate change. Marjolaine Verret is an expert on permafrost at the University Centre in Svalbard. She spoke with Host Carolyn Beeler about what's going on.