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.

Despite mass Russian assaults on Ukrainian cities, Moscow’s progress on the battlefield has stalled. Mark Galeotti, a scholar of Russian security affairs at University College London tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that he’s seeing an increasingly open campaign inside Russia to try to persuade President Vladimir Putin to wind down the war.

Despite mass Russian assaults on Ukrainian cities, Moscow’s progress on the battlefield has stalled. Mark Galeotti, a scholar of Russian security affairs at University College London tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that he’s seeing an increasingly open campaign inside Russia to try to persuade President Vladimir Putin to wind down the war.

Advisors tell Putin to freeze Ukraine's front line and 'declare a triumph'

Musicians often shift identities. Korean American Charley Yang is no exception. His fans first got to know him as BoyWithUke, now he's releasing music as Chandol. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman tell us what's behind the name change.

Musicians often shift identities. Korean American Charley Yang is no exception. His fans first got to know him as BoyWithUke, now he's releasing music as Chandol. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman tell us what's behind the name change.

BoyWithUke is now Chandol

Ahead of the World Cup, Mexico City has turned the axolotl into a kind of unofficial mascot. The smiling salamander now appears on trains, murals, bridges and public art across the capital. Mexicans love the axolotl: It’s local, iconic and deeply tied to the city’s identity. But the real thing is disappearing from the wild. The World's Tibisay Zea looks into the debate over celebrating the animal while the ecosystem it depends on remains at risk.

Ahead of the World Cup, Mexico City has turned the axolotl into a kind of unofficial mascot. The smiling salamander now appears on trains, murals, bridges and public art across the capital. Mexicans love the axolotl: It’s local, iconic and deeply tied to the city’s identity. But the real thing is disappearing from the wild. The World's Tibisay Zea looks into the debate over celebrating the animal while the ecosystem it depends on remains at risk.

A World Cup mascot raises questions in Mexico City

Starting this month, the US will begin dismantling an extensive deep sea observation system used by scientists around the world to understand how climate change is impacting the Earth’s oceans. While most of the 900 scientific instruments are positioned in the waters off US states, one particular array — in the waters south of Greenland — is crucial for studying the impact of climate change on the circulation of the Atlantic Ocean. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler heard from René van Westen, an oceanographer at Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

Starting this month, the US will begin dismantling an extensive deep sea observation system used by scientists around the world to understand how climate change is impacting the Earth’s oceans. While most of the 900 scientific instruments are positioned in the waters off US states, one particular array — in the waters south of Greenland — is crucial for studying the impact of climate change on the circulation of the Atlantic Ocean. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler heard from René van Westen, an oceanographer at Utrecht University in the Netherlands.

US to remove sensors used to study climate change impacts on Atlantic Ocean

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto instituted a free school lunch program a year ago. In that time, there has been increasing controversy after thousands of cases of food poisoning, students finding maggots in their meals and criticism that the financial costs of the program would be better spent on teacher training and pay. Dave Grunebaum reports from Jakarta.

Indonesian President Prabowo Subianto instituted a free school lunch program a year ago. In that time, there has been increasing controversy after thousands of cases of food poisoning, students finding maggots in their meals and criticism that the financial costs of the program would be better spent on teacher training and pay. Dave Grunebaum reports from Jakarta.

Indonesian lunch program is flailing

It began as a hit song in South Africa by pop star Nomcebo Zikode. She embraced "Jerusalema" as a way to encourage herself to persist in music, and listeners felt the redemption in her voice. Then came the dance challenge, which was followed by a more introspective take on the song by Angelique Kidjo at the rededication of Notre Dame. And now, Kidjo has included "Jerusalema" on her newest recording, "Hope." Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler take a listen.

It began as a hit song in South Africa by pop star Nomcebo Zikode. She embraced "Jerusalema" as a way to encourage herself to persist in music, and listeners felt the redemption in her voice. Then came the dance challenge, which was followed by a more introspective take on the song by Angelique Kidjo at the rededication of Notre Dame. And now, Kidjo has included "Jerusalema" on her newest recording, "Hope." Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler take a listen.

South African pop song gets a big boost

They're supposed to be safe places, both for kids and for parents. But police in Paris have suspended dozens of school assistants in over 100 schools, preschools and nurseries for abusing youngsters. The assistants work in cafeterias or lead after-school activities — and they don't go through the same vetting process as teachers. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

They're supposed to be safe places, both for kids and for parents. But police in Paris have suspended dozens of school assistants in over 100 schools, preschools and nurseries for abusing youngsters. The assistants work in cafeterias or lead after-school activities — and they don't go through the same vetting process as teachers. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Paris' worst child abuse scandal uncovered in public schools

Venezuela’s opposition leader María Corina Machado has returned to Norway, six months after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize award there. Speaking at the Oslo Freedom Forum today, Machado said she is planning to return to Venezuela “very soon” and expressed confidence that the country will emerge from authoritarian rule. She also renewed her call for free and fair elections in Venezuela in the near future. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry met with Machado in Oslo and spoke to Host Marco Werman.

Venezuela’s opposition leader María Corina Machado has returned to Norway, six months after receiving the Nobel Peace Prize award there. Speaking at the Oslo Freedom Forum today, Machado said she is planning to return to Venezuela “very soon” and expressed confidence that the country will emerge from authoritarian rule. She also renewed her call for free and fair elections in Venezuela in the near future. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry met with Machado in Oslo and spoke to Host Marco Werman.

Venezuelan opposition leader María Corina Machado uses Oslo stage to press for new elections

Alex Saab, one of ousted President Nicolás Maduro’s most important fixers, is back in US custody for the second time. His case helps explain how corruption in Venezuela moved from state contracts into daily life. Reporter Tibisay Zea traces the story from government food boxes distributed during the country’s economic collapse to allegations of inflated contracts, shell companies and billions of dollars in missing public money — and asks whether Venezuelans will ever see accountability.

Alex Saab, one of ousted President Nicolás Maduro’s most important fixers, is back in US custody for the second time. His case helps explain how corruption in Venezuela moved from state contracts into daily life. Reporter Tibisay Zea traces the story from government food boxes distributed during the country’s economic collapse to allegations of inflated contracts, shell companies and billions of dollars in missing public money — and asks whether Venezuelans will ever see accountability.

The case of Alex Saab: How corruption shaped Venezuela's collapse

Weeks after The World first reported on allegations of forced labor at BYD's new car factory in Hungary, authorities are cracking down on the car maker. Three companies associated with the Chinese EV giant's Hungary plant have been sanctioned — and Hungary has launched an environmental investigation into the site. But as The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports, labor advocates are skeptical those actions will lead to any real change.

Weeks after The World first reported on allegations of forced labor at BYD's new car factory in Hungary, authorities are cracking down on the car maker. Three companies associated with the Chinese EV giant's Hungary plant have been sanctioned — and Hungary has launched an environmental investigation into the site. But as The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports, labor advocates are skeptical those actions will lead to any real change.

Hungary cracks down on BYD

It's being called Canada's "Brexit moment." Alberta's premier has just announced that a referendum will be held in October, asking voters in the province whether they wish to remain part of Canada, or begin the legal process of pursuing separation. UK-based environmental journalist Leana Hosea of Watershed Investigations is on a reporting trip in Alberta. She joins Host Marco Werman from Edmonton to discuss the origins of the movement, its legal status and why the possibility of secession puts the rights of First Nations communities in jeopardy.

It's being called Canada's "Brexit moment." Alberta's premier has just announced that a referendum will be held in October, asking voters in the province whether they wish to remain part of Canada, or begin the legal process of pursuing separation. UK-based environmental journalist Leana Hosea of Watershed Investigations is on a reporting trip in Alberta. She joins Host Marco Werman from Edmonton to discuss the origins of the movement, its legal status and why the possibility of secession puts the rights of First Nations communities in jeopardy.

Ballot initiative in Alberta could undermine Canadian unity

It was a nightmare scenario for the conductor and composer of "La La Land in Concert," as show based on the music Justin Hurwitz wrote for the Hollywood movie. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain how a 21-year-old university student saved the show after the intermission.

It was a nightmare scenario for the conductor and composer of "La La Land in Concert," as show based on the music Justin Hurwitz wrote for the Hollywood movie. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain how a 21-year-old university student saved the show after the intermission.

College student saves the day at Sydney Concert Hall

Martina Ptackova is an eight-time world champion in kickboxing and hand-to-hand combat. The 28-eight year old Czech champ has trained NATO troops in self-defense, but now she’s on an altogether different mission: to tackle bullying in schools. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Rob Cameron meets up with her in Prague.

Martina Ptackova is an eight-time world champion in kickboxing and hand-to-hand combat. The 28-eight year old Czech champ has trained NATO troops in self-defense, but now she’s on an altogether different mission: to tackle bullying in schools. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Rob Cameron meets up with her in Prague.

Kickboxer takes on bullies

A new, experimental drug for pancreatic cancer is giving doctors and patients hope. In a small trial, the once-a-day treatment doubled the survival rate for the deadliest form of cancer. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Dr. Robert Vonderheide from the American Association for Cancer Research about how this drug works, and what it tells us about the larger push for new treatments for cancers.

A new, experimental drug for pancreatic cancer is giving doctors and patients hope. In a small trial, the once-a-day treatment doubled the survival rate for the deadliest form of cancer. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Dr. Robert Vonderheide from the American Association for Cancer Research about how this drug works, and what it tells us about the larger push for new treatments for cancers.

New breakthrough treatment for pancreatic cancer

Anyone around in the 1980s might recall the hand wringing over “test tube” babies, conceived in IVF labs. Today, more than 1 in 50 US babies are conceived by IVF. But on the horizon are mind-blowing experiments in reproductive science that may cause much more controversy. Patrick Winn reports from Bangkok.This story originally aired on May 5, 2025.

Anyone around in the 1980s might recall the hand wringing over “test tube” babies, conceived in IVF labs. Today, more than 1 in 50 US babies are conceived by IVF. But on the horizon are mind-blowing experiments in reproductive science that may cause much more controversy. Patrick Winn reports from Bangkok.
This story originally aired on May 5, 2025.

Stem cell breakthroughs in Asia

For the past three years, Nicaraguan authorities have held Brooklyn Rivera, the country’s most prominent Indigenous leader, incommunicado. Then last week, the government released photos showing Rivera in a hospital bed, intubated and emaciated. Yesterday, Nicaraguan officials announced Rivera’s death. Former Nicaraguan diplomat Arturo McFields Yescas blames Nicaraguan authorities for Rivera’s death. McFields tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that Rivera was “like a legend” in the Caribbean.

For the past three years, Nicaraguan authorities have held Brooklyn Rivera, the country’s most prominent Indigenous leader, incommunicado. Then last week, the government released photos showing Rivera in a hospital bed, intubated and emaciated. Yesterday, Nicaraguan officials announced Rivera’s death. Former Nicaraguan diplomat Arturo McFields Yescas blames Nicaraguan authorities for Rivera’s death. McFields tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that Rivera was “like a legend” in the Caribbean.

Key Nicaraguan Indigenous leader dies in government custody

Vasilis Kostas' passion for music started early. He grew up in Epirus, in the northwestern region of Greece, and remembers how his grandfather would show up every night to sing local, traditional tunes. Those songs stayed with him, as he learned to play the laouto and began to write songs of his own. They appear in his new album "Léna."

Vasilis Kostas' passion for music started early. He grew up in Epirus, in the northwestern region of Greece, and remembers how his grandfather would show up every night to sing local, traditional tunes. Those songs stayed with him, as he learned to play the laouto and began to write songs of his own. They appear in his new album "Léna."

The mournful sounds from Vasilis Kostas and his Greek lute

The Cerne Abbas Giant, one of the largest chalk figures carved into a British hillside, is getting a makeover. Some 300 people will spend two weeks "re-chalking" the 180-foot high chalk figure just outside an English town in Dorset. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

The Cerne Abbas Giant, one of the largest chalk figures carved into a British hillside, is getting a makeover. Some 300 people will spend two weeks "re-chalking" the 180-foot high chalk figure just outside an English town in Dorset. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

Iconic UK chalk figure is getting a makeover

A public outcry over alleged corruption in Romania's judiciary has put the country's justice system under intense scrutiny. Hundreds of judges and prosecutors called for change, after an explosive TV documentary last December laid bare the scale of the alleged corruption. The film sparked days of protests. But six months later, critics say meaningful reform has yet to happen. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

A public outcry over alleged corruption in Romania's judiciary has put the country's justice system under intense scrutiny. Hundreds of judges and prosecutors called for change, after an explosive TV documentary last December laid bare the scale of the alleged corruption. The film sparked days of protests. But six months later, critics say meaningful reform has yet to happen. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Six months after a bombshell investigation, reform remains elusive in Romania

AI-generated LEGO videos have become one of the most unexpected propaganda tools in the current Iran war. The clips use humor, memes and video-game-style animation to mock global leaders like US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while pushing pro-Iran narratives online. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

AI-generated LEGO videos have become one of the most unexpected propaganda tools in the current Iran war. The clips use humor, memes and video-game-style animation to mock global leaders like US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, while pushing pro-Iran narratives online. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

'Trojan horse made of plastic bricks': How pro-Iran groups use LEGO animations as a propaganda tool

Artillery barrages and airstrikes landed across Lebanon Thursday, including the coastal city of Tyre. Israel claimed it was targeting Hezbollah. The Lebanese health ministry says that at least 16 people have died in the strikes so far, while many others have fled. Founded by the Phoenicians nearly 5,000 years ago, Tyre is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a center of Lebanese culture and identity. Ali Badawi is the regional director for southern Lebanon in the country’s Ministry of Culture and speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about the significance of the city and what's at risk.

Artillery barrages and airstrikes landed across Lebanon Thursday, including the coastal city of Tyre. Israel claimed it was targeting Hezbollah. The Lebanese health ministry says that at least 16 people have died in the strikes so far, while many others have fled. Founded by the Phoenicians nearly 5,000 years ago, Tyre is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and a center of Lebanese culture and identity. Ali Badawi is the regional director for southern Lebanon in the country’s Ministry of Culture and speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about the significance of the city and what's at risk.

Israel strikes Tyre as residents flee north from the historic Lebanese city

Soccer fans are anxiously awaiting the June 11 start of the North America World Cup. But scandalously high prices have dampened some spirits. This World Cup isn't just record-breakingly expensive. It's also bigger than ever, with 48 teams competing instead of 32. The larger pool means more room for surprises. The World's Gerry Hadden covers it all with Host Carolyn Beeler.

Soccer fans are anxiously awaiting the June 11 start of the North America World Cup. But scandalously high prices have dampened some spirits. This World Cup isn't just record-breakingly expensive. It's also bigger than ever, with 48 teams competing instead of 32. The larger pool means more room for surprises. The World's Gerry Hadden covers it all with Host Carolyn Beeler.

Two weeks away from the World Cup, there's controversy and excitement off the pitch

Hope is mandatory. Pretend to be human. Go. That’s how author Rachel Goldberg-Polin says she made it through the 328 days her Israeli American son Hersh Goldberg-Polin was held in Hamas captivity after the attacks of Oct. 7, 2023. Rachel talks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about her book, "When We See You Again." It chronicles her son’s abduction and murder, and why she says she still feels blessed, lucky, grateful and in pain.

Hope is mandatory. Pretend to be human. Go. That’s how author Rachel Goldberg-Polin says she made it through the 328 days her Israeli American son Hersh Goldberg-Polin was held in Hamas captivity after the attacks of Oct. 7, 2023. Rachel talks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about her book, "When We See You Again." It chronicles her son’s abduction and murder, and why she says she still feels blessed, lucky, grateful and in pain.

'A love letter wrapped in pain'

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva says the government will invest $75 million to pave and improve a highway running through a largely untouched section of the Amazon. That's fueling concerns about landgrabs leading to deforestation. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Philip Fearnside, a scientist at the National Institute for Research in Amazonia, about the concerns.

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva says the government will invest $75 million to pave and improve a highway running through a largely untouched section of the Amazon. That's fueling concerns about landgrabs leading to deforestation. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Philip Fearnside, a scientist at the National Institute for Research in Amazonia, about the concerns.

Lula to pave highway through untouched part of Brazilian Amazon

Cheikh Ibra Fam], a musician from Senegal, has a new album out called "Adouna." Ibra Fam's family moved around a lot, so he lived all over Senegal as a child, joining choirs wherever he went. Those gatherings, he says, were his classrooms. Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

Cheikh Ibra Fam], a musician from Senegal, has a new album out called "Adouna." Ibra Fam's family moved around a lot, so he lived all over Senegal as a child, joining choirs wherever he went. Those gatherings, he says, were his classrooms. Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

New album from Senegal conjures a beautiful world

The heat is on and rising in many parts of the globe. High temperatures have affected players at the French Open in Paris — where conditions are being described as a heat dome. In Asia, at least 16 people have died in southern India. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more details.

The heat is on and rising in many parts of the globe. High temperatures have affected players at the French Open in Paris — where conditions are being described as a heat dome. In Asia, at least 16 people have died in southern India. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more details.

Heat waves hit Europe and Asia

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has been walking across the globe for his project, Out of Eden Walk. And he marks every 100-mile checkpoint by interviewing the first person he sees. He joins Host Marco Werman to explain how these interviews, which he calls Milestones, are a central part of his global storytelling project.

National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has been walking across the globe for his project, Out of Eden Walk. And he marks every 100-mile checkpoint by interviewing the first person he sees. He joins Host Marco Werman to explain how these interviews, which he calls Milestones, are a central part of his global storytelling project.

How an interview project 'shows the continuity of the human family'

NASA, this week, announced an ambitious mission for the US to not only go back to the moon, but to stay there. Artemis III is scheduled to blast off in mid-2027 and begin to lay the groundwork for a permanent presence there. The World's Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

NASA, this week, announced an ambitious mission for the US to not only go back to the moon, but to stay there. Artemis III is scheduled to blast off in mid-2027 and begin to lay the groundwork for a permanent presence there. The World's Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

NASA announces mission to create permanent base on the moon

Lack of healthcare infrastructure and distrust of authorities are challenging efforts to confront the latest Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo. New York Times Chief Africa Correspondent Declan Walsh, recently traveled to Mongbwalu, the mining town where the current outbreak was first detected. Walsh tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler how late detection has dramatically exacerbated the crisis.

Lack of healthcare infrastructure and distrust of authorities are challenging efforts to confront the latest Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo. New York Times Chief Africa Correspondent Declan Walsh, recently traveled to Mongbwalu, the mining town where the current outbreak was first detected. Walsh tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler how late detection has dramatically exacerbated the crisis.

Distrust and testing delays slow Ebola response

The trial of Atef Najib began this month. He's the cousin of deposed President Bashar al-Assad, and former head of political security in the province of Deraa, where it's widely believed Syria's civil war began. Najib is charged with overseeing the arrest and torture of schoolchildren who had scrawled anti-regime slogans on a wall in 2011. From Syria, Deborah Amos reports.

The trial of Atef Najib began this month. He's the cousin of deposed President Bashar al-Assad, and former head of political security in the province of Deraa, where it's widely believed Syria's civil war began. Najib is charged with overseeing the arrest and torture of schoolchildren who had scrawled anti-regime slogans on a wall in 2011. From Syria, Deborah Amos reports.