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.

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

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

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

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 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 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

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

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.

Drone strikes in Haiti kill innocent civilians

It's a troubling chapter of American history that is often overlooked: The incarceration of more than 120,000 US residents of Japanese descent during World War II, following Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. Today, survivors of those internment camps worry that similar social and political conditions exist that could lead to internment camps popping up again. KQED's Keith Mizuguchi reports.

It's a troubling chapter of American history that is often overlooked: The incarceration of more than 120,000 US residents of Japanese descent during World War II, following Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. Today, survivors of those internment camps worry that similar social and political conditions exist that could lead to internment camps popping up again. KQED's Keith Mizuguchi reports.

Japanese internment survivors fear White House could repeat history

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco review news headlines from across the globe flying just under the radar.

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco review news headlines from across the globe flying just under the radar.

When you think of Sweden, things like ABBA, IKEA and Pippi Longstocking are among its cultural exports. While Swedish food doesn’t quite capture international attention in the same way, surströmming — fermented herring in a can — is getting noticed in some corners of the internet. Now, the Swedes are hoping to get this delicacy designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage — despite how disgusting some people find it. The World’s Joshua Coe set out to see what all the fuss was about.

When you think of Sweden, things like ABBA, IKEA and Pippi Longstocking are among its cultural exports. While Swedish food doesn’t quite capture international attention in the same way, surströmming — fermented herring in a can — is getting noticed in some corners of the internet. Now, the Swedes are hoping to get this delicacy designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage — despite how disgusting some people find it. The World’s Joshua Coe set out to see what all the fuss was about.

How to eat surströmming — the world's smelliest food — the Swedish way

Immigrant-owned businesses are a staple around the US. But in general, they have less access to loans and capital, and now they're also feeling the effects of Trump administration policies. That includes losing foot traffic and staffing due to immigration enforcement, plus the rising costs of goods. GBH’s Sarah Betancourt reports from Chelsea, a neighborhood of Boston.

Immigrant-owned businesses are a staple around the US. But in general, they have less access to loans and capital, and now they're also feeling the effects of Trump administration policies. That includes losing foot traffic and staffing due to immigration enforcement, plus the rising costs of goods. GBH’s Sarah Betancourt reports from Chelsea, a neighborhood of Boston.

Immigrant-owned businesses taking a big hit because of ICE actions

In Kashmir, schools and businesses have been shuttered ever since the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran. For most of that time, thousands of marchers took to the streets all over Kashmir, demanding justice for the killing. The Shia community in Kashmir followed the Ayatollah as a religious leader, and not just as the political leader of Iran. Protesters have faced curfews and police crackdowns. Syed Shahriyar reports from Srinagar.

In Kashmir, schools and businesses have been shuttered ever since the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran. For most of that time, thousands of marchers took to the streets all over Kashmir, demanding justice for the killing. The Shia community in Kashmir followed the Ayatollah as a religious leader, and not just as the political leader of Iran. Protesters have faced curfews and police crackdowns. Syed Shahriyar reports from Srinagar.

Schools opened today after a week of mourning in Indian-controlled Kashmir

In the Republic of Georgia, the country’s wealthiest man isn't a politician, but he seems to be running the country anyway — as the mover and shaker behind the Georgian Dream party. A new podcast, "The Land In Between," chronicles the billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili's rise to power from modest beginnings, and its implications for Georgia. Victor Swezey has the story from the Georgian capital, Tbilisi.

In the Republic of Georgia, the country’s wealthiest man isn't a politician, but he seems to be running the country anyway — as the mover and shaker behind the Georgian Dream party. A new podcast, "The Land In Between," chronicles the billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili's rise to power from modest beginnings, and its implications for Georgia. Victor Swezey has the story from the Georgian capital, Tbilisi.

A Georgian oligarch's dream

The tuba, like the Mexican genre of music known as banda, gets a bad rap from critics who say it's too simple and can't be taken seriously. But fans of both know that's not true. This includes writer Sam Quinones who's written the book, "The Perfect Tuba: Forging Fulfillment from the Bass Horn, Band, and Hard Work." He recently told The World how perceptions have evolved when it comes to how the tuba is played in banda.

The tuba, like the Mexican genre of music known as banda, gets a bad rap from critics who say it's too simple and can't be taken seriously. But fans of both know that's not true. This includes writer Sam Quinones who's written the book, "The Perfect Tuba: Forging Fulfillment from the Bass Horn, Band, and Hard Work." He recently told The World how perceptions have evolved when it comes to how the tuba is played in banda.

The evolution of the tuba in Mexican banda music

The US and Israel bombed five oil depots in Iran over the weekend. The burning fuel engulfed Tehran in thick, dark smoke, burning the skin, eyes and throats of the millions of people in the city. Authorities are warning residents to wear masks and stay inside. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Kaveh Madani, former Iranian environment minister, about the impact of this pollution.

The US and Israel bombed five oil depots in Iran over the weekend. The burning fuel engulfed Tehran in thick, dark smoke, burning the skin, eyes and throats of the millions of people in the city. Authorities are warning residents to wear masks and stay inside. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Kaveh Madani, former Iranian environment minister, about the impact of this pollution.