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.

This year marks the centennial celebration of Route 66. Arizona’s 385-mile stretch of "America's Main Street, has odd origins. Long before all the neon, diners, gas stations and motels dotted the humming highway, the US Army first charted a course along the modern-day path of Route 66, surveying Arizona’s high desert terrain for a wagon trail — with unlikely companions. Camels. From KJZZ, Gabriel Pietrorazio reports.

This year marks the centennial celebration of Route 66. Arizona’s 385-mile stretch of "America's Main Street, has odd origins. Long before all the neon, diners, gas stations and motels dotted the humming highway, the US Army first charted a course along the modern-day path of Route 66, surveying Arizona’s high desert terrain for a wagon trail — with unlikely companions. Camels. From KJZZ, Gabriel Pietrorazio reports.

Arizona’s section of the famed Route 66 has Middle Eastern roots

José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Spain's Prime Minister from 2004 to 2011, has been charged with influence peddling in the controversial rescue of an airline partly owned by government officials in Venezuela. Investigators say Zapatero received millions of dollars for securing the $62 million bailout for Plus Ultra Airlines. The World's Gerry Hadden reports on the implications of the case.

José Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, Spain's Prime Minister from 2004 to 2011, has been charged with influence peddling in the controversial rescue of an airline partly owned by government officials in Venezuela. Investigators say Zapatero received millions of dollars for securing the $62 million bailout for Plus Ultra Airlines. The World's Gerry Hadden reports on the implications of the case.

Spanish former prime minister charged with fraud

The famous annual Chelsea Flower Show kicked off this week. And for the first time, there's an exhibit devoted to the Greek goddess Aphrodite. There are racy flower displays — and sex toys. Host Marco Werman explains.

The famous annual Chelsea Flower Show kicked off this week. And for the first time, there's an exhibit devoted to the Greek goddess Aphrodite. There are racy flower displays — and sex toys. Host Marco Werman explains.

The famed Chelsea Flower Show gets spicy this year

Meteorologists expect not only that an El Niño warming pattern will emerge this year, but also that it will be one of the strongest on record. The World's Marco Werman speaks with Kim Cobb, director of Brown University's Institute of Environment and Society, about what that means for people around the world.

Meteorologists expect not only that an El Niño warming pattern will emerge this year, but also that it will be one of the strongest on record. The World's Marco Werman speaks with Kim Cobb, director of Brown University's Institute of Environment and Society, about what that means for people around the world.

Meteorologists predict an El Niño for the history books

Two current artists have taken Cumbia, one of the oldest and most popular rhythms in Latin America, and have given it a modern twist. Instead of playing traditional instruments like the accordion and maracas, they've turned to synthesizers. These sounds can be heard on the new album "Ruido Tovar." It's by Meridian Brothers and Mexican Institute of Sound. Camilo Lara is the brainchild behind M.I.S and speaks to host Marco Werman.

Two current artists have taken Cumbia, one of the oldest and most popular rhythms in Latin America, and have given it a modern twist. Instead of playing traditional instruments like the accordion and maracas, they've turned to synthesizers. These sounds can be heard on the new album "Ruido Tovar." It's by Meridian Brothers and Mexican Institute of Sound. Camilo Lara is the brainchild behind M.I.S and speaks to host Marco Werman.

The electronic sounds of Cumbia

In mountain communities dependent on glaciers for water, the ongoing disappearance of glaciers due to shorter, warmer winters is an urgent problem. But what if you could make new glaciers every winter, to melt into water every spring? Some villages in Central Asia are doing just that. Researchers are optimistic, but the approach does have limits. Reporter Levi Bridges takes us to Kyrgyzstan for this installment of the Big Fix, profiling ambitious efforts to tackle the climate crisis across the globe.

In mountain communities dependent on glaciers for water, the ongoing disappearance of glaciers due to shorter, warmer winters is an urgent problem. But what if you could make new glaciers every winter, to melt into water every spring? Some villages in Central Asia are doing just that. Researchers are optimistic, but the approach does have limits. Reporter Levi Bridges takes us to Kyrgyzstan for this installment of the Big Fix, profiling ambitious efforts to tackle the climate crisis across the globe.

Manmade glaciers help secure water supply

During a legislative session in Jamaica last week, a lawmaker used Jamaican Patois — also known as Jamaican — and caused a stir. Only English is permitted to be spoken in parliament, despite Patois being the native language spoken by most in the country. The World's Marco Werman heard from Joseph Farquharson, a senior lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica. He joins us from the capital, Kingston.

During a legislative session in Jamaica last week, a lawmaker used Jamaican Patois — also known as Jamaican — and caused a stir. Only English is permitted to be spoken in parliament, despite Patois being the native language spoken by most in the country. The World's Marco Werman heard from Joseph Farquharson, a senior lecturer at the University of the West Indies, Jamaica. He joins us from the capital, Kingston.

Use of Patois in Jamaica’s parliament reignites debate about colonial legacy of English

Hiring professional mourners for a funeral is a common practice in parts of Kenya. Those left behind take great comfort in the professional mourners who bolster attendance at funerals, which are already loud and busy community social affairs in western Kenya. Some have said that the mourners help fill the emptiness and provide comfort. The World's Marco Werman has more.

Hiring professional mourners for a funeral is a common practice in parts of Kenya. Those left behind take great comfort in the professional mourners who bolster attendance at funerals, which are already loud and busy community social affairs in western Kenya. Some have said that the mourners help fill the emptiness and provide comfort. The World's Marco Werman has more.

Professional mourners in Kenya honor the living

Timmy — the famous stranded whale, stuck in the Baltic Sea and controversially rescued — has died. The carcass is stuck in the shallows off Denmark, and the Danish government is planning to remove it. But what actually happens to a whale when it dies? If it's in the deep, it's called a "whale fall," and an entirely new ecosystem springs up around it. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with scientist Kirstin Meyer-Kaiser to learn more.

Timmy — the famous stranded whale, stuck in the Baltic Sea and controversially rescued — has died. The carcass is stuck in the shallows off Denmark, and the Danish government is planning to remove it. But what actually happens to a whale when it dies? If it's in the deep, it's called a "whale fall," and an entirely new ecosystem springs up around it. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with scientist Kirstin Meyer-Kaiser to learn more.

What is a whale fall that comes after the death of sea mammals?

Forget about the sky-high cost of tickets to the actual matches. A lot of soccer lovers have balked at the price of flights, hotels, food, transportation and the obligatory jersey. Just traveling to the Americas adds up to several thousand dollars. For some, it's a sign that soccer's international governing body, FIFA, has lost touch with the global fanbase. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Forget about the sky-high cost of tickets to the actual matches. A lot of soccer lovers have balked at the price of flights, hotels, food, transportation and the obligatory jersey. Just traveling to the Americas adds up to several thousand dollars. For some, it's a sign that soccer's international governing body, FIFA, has lost touch with the global fanbase. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

For many global soccer fans, the idea of traveling to this summer's World Cup is unthinkable

The US-Israeli war with Iran has disrupted much of the world's economy, and impacted the region and beyond. Art Dubai, a 20-year-old festival set in a Middle Eastern economic and cultural hub, was almost derailed after missile and drone strikes hit the city. But in an act of resilience, organizers scrambled to put on the show. Reporter Shirin Jaafari spoke to members of the art world about why it mattered for the show to go on.

The US-Israeli war with Iran has disrupted much of the world's economy, and impacted the region and beyond. Art Dubai, a 20-year-old festival set in a Middle Eastern economic and cultural hub, was almost derailed after missile and drone strikes hit the city. But in an act of resilience, organizers scrambled to put on the show. Reporter Shirin Jaafari spoke to members of the art world about why it mattered for the show to go on.

'The show has to continue'

With fighting in Iran and Lebanon taking over public consciousness, the crisis in Gaza has fallen somewhat out of focus for much of the world. At a moment of political upheaval in Israel, journalist Noga Tarnopolsky speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about how Gaza factors into the current political landscape there, and how that relates to the escalating conflict on the border with Lebanon.

With fighting in Iran and Lebanon taking over public consciousness, the crisis in Gaza has fallen somewhat out of focus for much of the world. At a moment of political upheaval in Israel, journalist Noga Tarnopolsky speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about how Gaza factors into the current political landscape there, and how that relates to the escalating conflict on the border with Lebanon.

Politically, Israel's conflicts are a 'ticking time bomb' for Netanyahu

The Ebola outbreak centered in the eastern regions of Democratic Republic of Congo is expanding at an alarming rate. The new, rare Ebola variant has spread from DRC’s Ituri Province into North Kivu and the capital of neighboring Uganda. The result is more than 600 suspected cases and at least 139 suspected deaths. Armand Sprecher, an epidemiologist with Doctors Without Borders discusses the implications with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

The Ebola outbreak centered in the eastern regions of Democratic Republic of Congo is expanding at an alarming rate. The new, rare Ebola variant has spread from DRC’s Ituri Province into North Kivu and the capital of neighboring Uganda. The result is more than 600 suspected cases and at least 139 suspected deaths. Armand Sprecher, an epidemiologist with Doctors Without Borders discusses the implications with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

Ebola spread challenges global preparedness

It was a stunning victory. The Montreal Victoire shut out the Ottawa Charge 4-0 to secure the Professional Women's Hockey League's top prize, the Walter Cup. That's the first time in the league's three-year history that a Canadian team has taken home the trophy. Host Marco Werman has the highlights.

It was a stunning victory. The Montreal Victoire shut out the Ottawa Charge 4-0 to secure the Professional Women's Hockey League's top prize, the Walter Cup. That's the first time in the league's three-year history that a Canadian team has taken home the trophy. Host Marco Werman has the highlights.

Walter Cup goes to Canada for the first time

Taiwan is something of a "David" in its struggle to stay independent from "Goliath" that is mainland China. Support from the US has helped the island maintain that independence — though its commitments are "strategically ambiguous." Yesterday, the US president said he would be open to talking to Taiwan’s president — which would be a major departure from the norms of that ambiguity. To learn more about the peculiarities of US-Taiwan relations, Host Marco Werman speaks to Isaac Stone Fish, a visiting fellow with the Atlantic Council and former Beijing correspondent.

Taiwan is something of a "David" in its struggle to stay independent from "Goliath" that is mainland China. Support from the US has helped the island maintain that independence — though its commitments are "strategically ambiguous." Yesterday, the US president said he would be open to talking to Taiwan’s president — which would be a major departure from the norms of that ambiguity. To learn more about the peculiarities of US-Taiwan relations, Host Marco Werman speaks to Isaac Stone Fish, a visiting fellow with the Atlantic Council and former Beijing correspondent.

Taiwan is a persistent sticking point in US-China relations

Afghans are among the largest group of people seeking asylum in Europe. Now, the European Commission says it plans to hold talks with the Taliban in Brussels about deporting some Afghans back home. The EU does not officially recognize the Taliban leadership after its sudden return to power amid the NATO withdrawal in early 2021. Human rights groups warn the meeting could legitimize the Taliban regime and put deported Afghans at risk. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Afghans are among the largest group of people seeking asylum in Europe. Now, the European Commission says it plans to hold talks with the Taliban in Brussels about deporting some Afghans back home. The EU does not officially recognize the Taliban leadership after its sudden return to power amid the NATO withdrawal in early 2021. Human rights groups warn the meeting could legitimize the Taliban regime and put deported Afghans at risk. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Human rights groups alarmed by EU-Taliban deportation talks

New Zealand's government wants to change its landmark climate law. The proposal would prohibit liability for damages caused by climate change, such as from floods, fires or sea level rise. To understand more, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Maria Antonia Tigre, director of global climate litigation at Columbia University's Sabin Center.

New Zealand's government wants to change its landmark climate law. The proposal would prohibit liability for damages caused by climate change, such as from floods, fires or sea level rise. To understand more, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Maria Antonia Tigre, director of global climate litigation at Columbia University's Sabin Center.

New Zealand to change landmark climate law

As the Trump administration expands sanctions on Cuba to pressure regime change, one target is GAESA, the military-run business empire behind hotels, dollar stores, banks and other key sources of hard currency. US officials say it funnels wealth to regime insiders. But Cuban economists say GAESA is only part of the equation, as The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

As the Trump administration expands sanctions on Cuba to pressure regime change, one target is GAESA, the military-run business empire behind hotels, dollar stores, banks and other key sources of hard currency. US officials say it funnels wealth to regime insiders. But Cuban economists say GAESA is only part of the equation, as The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Cuba's hidden business empire faces US sanctions

For many in the Indian diaspora, visiting the motherland is usually an annual pilgrimage for the whole family. So, when New York resident Sonya Vai got the chance to travel to her parent's home country as an adult — alone — she jumped on it. But the experience, as Vai tells GBH's Stories From The Stage, was not what she expected.

For many in the Indian diaspora, visiting the motherland is usually an annual pilgrimage for the whole family. So, when New York resident Sonya Vai got the chance to travel to her parent's home country as an adult — alone — she jumped on it. But the experience, as Vai tells GBH's Stories From The Stage, was not what she expected.

Traveling without her parents to India for the first time

Patrice Lumumba, the first elected leader of independent Congo (today Democratic Republic of Congo) was assassinated in 1961. His family has spent years trying to bring the perpetrators of his killing to justice. In March, a judge in Belgium ruled that the sole surviving diplomat implicated in his murder had to stand trial. Ninety-three-year-old Etienne Davignon was scheduled to appear in court later this year, but he too has now died. Host Marco Werman spoke with Lumumba's only daughter, Juliana Lumumba, about the closure she had hoped for and her memories of her father.

Patrice Lumumba, the first elected leader of independent Congo (today Democratic Republic of Congo) was assassinated in 1961. His family has spent years trying to bring the perpetrators of his killing to justice. In March, a judge in Belgium ruled that the sole surviving diplomat implicated in his murder had to stand trial. Ninety-three-year-old Etienne Davignon was scheduled to appear in court later this year, but he too has now died. Host Marco Werman spoke with Lumumba's only daughter, Juliana Lumumba, about the closure she had hoped for and her memories of her father.

Justice denied as last person accused in Patrice Lumumba assassination dies

The musical style known as cumbia had at its root a single powerful ambassador: Totó la Momposina. The Colombian artist has died at the age of 85. As we hear from Co-hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler, she was more than a singer. She was a global champion of Andean culture.

The musical style known as cumbia had at its root a single powerful ambassador: Totó la Momposina. The Colombian artist has died at the age of 85. As we hear from Co-hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler, she was more than a singer. She was a global champion of Andean culture.

Champion of Andean culture, Colombian artist Totó la Momposina, dies

The US government has indicted former Cuban leader Raúl Castro for his alleged role in shooting down two civilian planes 30 years ago. The mid-air attack by Cuba killed four Cuban Americans. Peter Kornbluh helped uncover classified documents revealing what happened just before that attack. He joined Host Marco Werman to discuss the significance of today's decision.

The US government has indicted former Cuban leader Raúl Castro for his alleged role in shooting down two civilian planes 30 years ago. The mid-air attack by Cuba killed four Cuban Americans. Peter Kornbluh helped uncover classified documents revealing what happened just before that attack. He joined Host Marco Werman to discuss the significance of today's decision.

Raúl Castro indicted by US government

Gymnasts from Russia and Belarus will now return to full participation in international competitions, according to the sport's global governing body. Athletes from the two countries had previously been banned in 2022 due to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more details.

Gymnasts from Russia and Belarus will now return to full participation in international competitions, according to the sport's global governing body. Athletes from the two countries had previously been banned in 2022 due to Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more details.

World gymnastics lifts ban on Russia and Belarus

A strike by transport workers brought Kenya to a near standstill yesterday, forcing many Kenyans to walk or squeeze onto one of the few available public buses. Known as "Matatu protests" — after the privately-owned minibuses that strikers represented — the demonstrations were halted earlier today to allow for negotiations with the government over the rising price of fuel. Host Marco Werman learned more from Karuti Kanyinga, a political scientist at the University of Nairobi.

A strike by transport workers brought Kenya to a near standstill yesterday, forcing many Kenyans to walk or squeeze onto one of the few available public buses. Known as "Matatu protests" — after the privately-owned minibuses that strikers represented — the demonstrations were halted earlier today to allow for negotiations with the government over the rising price of fuel. Host Marco Werman learned more from Karuti Kanyinga, a political scientist at the University of Nairobi.

Transport workers in Kenya strike over rising cost of fuel

Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan's latest movie, "The Odyssey," is due to hit theaters in July. But Nolan's interpretation of the Greek classic has already been stirring up controversy for various reasons. Last year, he took flak for filming some scenes in Western Sahara, a disputed territory between Morocco and Algeria. The World’s Host Marco Werman got insight into the issue late last year with María Carrión, the executive director of FiSahara, an annual film festival that spotlights the work of the Sahrawi people of Western Sahara. She’s based in Madrid.

Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan's latest movie, "The Odyssey," is due to hit theaters in July. But Nolan's interpretation of the Greek classic has already been stirring up controversy for various reasons. Last year, he took flak for filming some scenes in Western Sahara, a disputed territory between Morocco and Algeria. The World’s Host Marco Werman got insight into the issue late last year with María Carrión, the executive director of FiSahara, an annual film festival that spotlights the work of the Sahrawi people of Western Sahara. She’s based in Madrid.

Christopher Nolan's film 'The Odyssey' sparks controversy

Much of Beirut's renowned waterfront promenade is covered in tents, where people displaced from their homes in southern Lebanon by Israeli airstrikes are living out the war. They're getting donated food and clothing as winter wanes. Reporters Scott Carrier and Jenny Ament spent a day and night with a family now camping out along Beirut's waterfront.

Much of Beirut's renowned waterfront promenade is covered in tents, where people displaced from their homes in southern Lebanon by Israeli airstrikes are living out the war. They're getting donated food and clothing as winter wanes. Reporters Scott Carrier and Jenny Ament spent a day and night with a family now camping out along Beirut's waterfront.

A tent city springs up in Beirut for Lebanese displaced by Israeli strikes

A parade of world leaders has been touching down in Beijing for meetings with Xi Jinping. Last week, the leaders of the US and Tajikistan visited, and today, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived for a two-day trip. Simon Rabinovitch, The Economist’s Beijing bureau chief, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that to ordinary Chinese citizens, it increasingly looks like Beijing is at the center of the geopolitical universe.

A parade of world leaders has been touching down in Beijing for meetings with Xi Jinping. Last week, the leaders of the US and Tajikistan visited, and today, Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived for a two-day trip. Simon Rabinovitch, The Economist’s Beijing bureau chief, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that to ordinary Chinese citizens, it increasingly looks like Beijing is at the center of the geopolitical universe.

Global leaders continue steady visits to China

US President Donald Trump says he has halted a “very major attack” on Iran for now because he wants to allow more time for diplomacy. Iran and the US have been negotiating indirectly about Iran's nuclear program, with talks mediated by Pakistan. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about the latest.

US President Donald Trump says he has halted a “very major attack” on Iran for now because he wants to allow more time for diplomacy. Iran and the US have been negotiating indirectly about Iran's nuclear program, with talks mediated by Pakistan. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about the latest.

Trump says he's paused an attack on Iran as negotiations continue

Researchers from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, just unearthed what is believed to be the first poem written in the English language and hence the first piece of English literature. Caedmon's Hymn, was tucked away among pages of English history written in a Latin manuscript. It was believed to be written over 1,200 years ago by a farm laborer at a North Yorkshire abbey. And it was only discovered, when over a thousand years later, librarians in Rome digitized the book and shared the images with scholars in Ireland. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the story.

Researchers from Trinity College in Dublin, Ireland, just unearthed what is believed to be the first poem written in the English language and hence the first piece of English literature. Caedmon's Hymn, was tucked away among pages of English history written in a Latin manuscript. It was believed to be written over 1,200 years ago by a farm laborer at a North Yorkshire abbey. And it was only discovered, when over a thousand years later, librarians in Rome digitized the book and shared the images with scholars in Ireland. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the story.

Recently discovered poem may be the first piece of English literature

Nine-year-old Marc Barceló already has a bunch of medals hanging in his bedroom. There's a gold one from an international competition last year. That helped propel the boy into the top 10 in the world, as ranked by the International Chess Federation. But he only discovered chess a couple of years ago — when his parents needed something for him to do over the summer. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Tarragona, Spain on the prodigy.

Nine-year-old Marc Barceló already has a bunch of medals hanging in his bedroom. There's a gold one from an international competition last year. That helped propel the boy into the top 10 in the world, as ranked by the International Chess Federation. But he only discovered chess a couple of years ago — when his parents needed something for him to do over the summer. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Tarragona, Spain on the prodigy.