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.

It's Veterans Day, as it's called in the US, a day set aside to honor those who have served in the military. And today, we bring you a story from a veteran about creating a time and space for reflection and decompression while in the midst of war. Marlon Fischer spoke on GBH'S Stories from the Stage.

It's Veterans Day, as it's called in the US, a day set aside to honor those who have served in the military. And today, we bring you a story from a veteran about creating a time and space for reflection and decompression while in the midst of war. Marlon Fischer spoke on GBH'S Stories from the Stage.

Creating time and space for reflection on Veterans Day

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) operates in dozens of countries afflicted by conflict and disaster, providing care to some of the world's most vulnerable people. The humanitarian aid organization says that right now few places are more challenging than the Democratic Republic of Congo. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Hanna Reinholdz, the sexual assault advisor for Doctors Without Borders.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) operates in dozens of countries afflicted by conflict and disaster, providing care to some of the world's most vulnerable people. The humanitarian aid organization says that right now few places are more challenging than the Democratic Republic of Congo. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Hanna Reinholdz, the sexual assault advisor for Doctors Without Borders.

DRC is most challenging place for humanitarian aid workers

In South Africa, students are often pushed to university degrees for their prestige and the promise of a job. But unemployment in the country is high, especially among young people. And universities are expensive. Trade schools may be an answer. However, as Elna Schutz reports from Johannesburg, they are often not seen as the most alluring option.

In South Africa, students are often pushed to university degrees for their prestige and the promise of a job. But unemployment in the country is high, especially among young people. And universities are expensive. Trade schools may be an answer. However, as Elna Schutz reports from Johannesburg, they are often not seen as the most alluring option.

In South Africa, high school grads have little opportunity

In Germany, some of the people most at risk of loneliness are not Germans. They’re the 3.5 million refugees and other asylum-seekers who fled danger at home for protection in Germany. A long-term study by Germany’s migration agency found that the rate of persistent loneliness among refugees and asylum seekers was more than three times higher than in the general population. Valerie Hamilton reports from a Munich neighborhood, where a social club is trying to create community and connection for people far from home.

In Germany, some of the people most at risk of loneliness are not Germans. They’re the 3.5 million refugees and other asylum-seekers who fled danger at home for protection in Germany. A long-term study by Germany’s migration agency found that the rate of persistent loneliness among refugees and asylum seekers was more than three times higher than in the general population. Valerie Hamilton reports from a Munich neighborhood, where a social club is trying to create community and connection for people far from home.

How to cure loneliness in German refugee centers

More than 50 world leaders are gathering in Ireland this week for a series of high-level meetings, against a backdrop of growing security concerns across Europe. Last week, bomb threats disrupted dozens of flights and targeted several media outlets. Today, hundreds of schools in Italy, Ireland and the UK also received bomb threats, which authorities believe were hoaxes. As European leaders prepare to meet, questions are mounting about who is behind the threats, and how governments should respond. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

More than 50 world leaders are gathering in Ireland this week for a series of high-level meetings, against a backdrop of growing security concerns across Europe. Last week, bomb threats disrupted dozens of flights and targeted several media outlets. Today, hundreds of schools in Italy, Ireland and the UK also received bomb threats, which authorities believe were hoaxes. As European leaders prepare to meet, questions are mounting about who is behind the threats, and how governments should respond. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Europe on alert as leaders gather in Ireland amid wave of bomb threats

In the West African country of Senegal, hip hop went from being merely a fad to an influential force for social change. The World’s Tibisay Zea reports from Dakar about the evolution of Senegalese rap.This story originally aired on July 27, 2023.

In the West African country of Senegal, hip hop went from being merely a fad to an influential force for social change. The World’s Tibisay Zea reports from Dakar about the evolution of Senegalese rap.
This story originally aired on July 27, 2023.

Senegalese rappers push for social change

Canadian lawmakers pledged up to 2.5 billion Canadian dollars ($1.8 billion USD) in last week’s federal budget to ramp up production of water bombers. These planes can scoop up water — say from a nearby lake — and drop it on wildfires. Paul Petersen, the executive director of the United Aerial Firefighters Association, tells Host Carolyn Beeler about the capabilities of this new generation of water bombers.This story originally aired on Sept. 15, 2025.

Canadian lawmakers pledged up to 2.5 billion Canadian dollars ($1.8 billion USD) in last week’s federal budget to ramp up production of water bombers. These planes can scoop up water — say from a nearby lake — and drop it on wildfires. Paul Petersen, the executive director of the United Aerial Firefighters Association, tells Host Carolyn Beeler about the capabilities of this new generation of water bombers.
This story originally aired on Sept. 15, 2025.

Canada plans to ramp up water bomber production

Peruvian officials nabbed luggage bound for Europe holding some 3,000 tarantulas — eggs, hatchlings and adults — wrapped in dirty socks. The National Forest and Wildlife Service of Peru said today they got an anonymous tip, and arrested two Germans and a Pole for attempting to smuggle the arachnids. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

Peruvian officials nabbed luggage bound for Europe holding some 3,000 tarantulas — eggs, hatchlings and adults — wrapped in dirty socks. The National Forest and Wildlife Service of Peru said today they got an anonymous tip, and arrested two Germans and a Pole for attempting to smuggle the arachnids. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

Peruvian customs finds 3,000 illegal tarantulas wrapped in dirty socks

Living in Kyiv these days means experiencing near round-the-clock air raids, with drone and missile attacks being daily occurrences. Maia Mihaluk is a Christian ministry leader and Kyiv resident who we’ve featured many times on the show since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. She speaks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about how families are coping with the stress.

Living in Kyiv these days means experiencing near round-the-clock air raids, with drone and missile attacks being daily occurrences. Maia Mihaluk is a Christian ministry leader and Kyiv resident who we’ve featured many times on the show since Russia’s full-scale invasion in 2022. She speaks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about how families are coping with the stress.

Kyiv residents prepare for a fifth war-time winter

Trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi today among Russia, Ukraine and the US will resume tomorrow amid a political deadlock. McGill University’s Maria Popova is the author of "Russia and Ukraine: Entangled Histories, Diverging States." She tells The World’s Host Marco Werman the motivation behind the talks is President Donald Trump’s ambition to force Ukraine to surrender to Russia’s demands before the new US Congress takes office in January.

Trilateral talks in Abu Dhabi today among Russia, Ukraine and the US will resume tomorrow amid a political deadlock. McGill University’s Maria Popova is the author of "Russia and Ukraine: Entangled Histories, Diverging States." She tells The World’s Host Marco Werman the motivation behind the talks is President Donald Trump’s ambition to force Ukraine to surrender to Russia’s demands before the new US Congress takes office in January.

Ukraine and Russia talks proceed despite lack of political momentum

Bombing refers to illegally releasing wildlife into nature, to restore its presence. In Spain, two decades ago, someone let 18 beavers free in the Ebro river. Today, about 2,000 of the sharp-toothed rodents call the northeast region home. Some folks are pleased, others peeved. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Aragón, Spain.This story originally aired on May 4, 2026.

Bombing refers to illegally releasing wildlife into nature, to restore its presence. In Spain, two decades ago, someone let 18 beavers free in the Ebro river. Today, about 2,000 of the sharp-toothed rodents call the northeast region home. Some folks are pleased, others peeved. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Aragón, Spain.
This story originally aired on May 4, 2026.

Beavers are back in Spain after mysterious 'bombing'

A musical version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," has opened at New York’s Public Theater after a successful run in London's West End. The show, about a man who ages in reverse — from old age to childhood — has been adapted by a pair of British authors, who’ve set it in a seaside town in Cornwall. Jeff Lunden reports from New York.

A musical version of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s short story, "The Curious Case of Benjamin Button," has opened at New York’s Public Theater after a successful run in London's West End. The show, about a man who ages in reverse — from old age to childhood — has been adapted by a pair of British authors, who’ve set it in a seaside town in Cornwall. Jeff Lunden reports from New York.

F. Scott Fitzgerald short story adapted as British musical

The towering, stone statues on Easter Island continue to awe and inspire people since they were first built somewhere between the 13th and 16th centuries. This includes Philadelphia-based composer and trumpet player John Vanore. He recently spoke to The World about how these mysterious statues influenced his latest release "Easter Island Suite."This story originally aired on March 26, 2026.

The towering, stone statues on Easter Island continue to awe and inspire people since they were first built somewhere between the 13th and 16th centuries. This includes Philadelphia-based composer and trumpet player John Vanore. He recently spoke to The World about how these mysterious statues influenced his latest release "Easter Island Suite."
This story originally aired on March 26, 2026.

The ancient statues on Easter Island inspire a new composition

According to the United Nations, roughly 3 out of 5 women and girls globally have experienced digital abuse online. It happens frequently on social media networks — including Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok — which have billions of monthly active users. In Malaysia, the way to address the problem has been, in part, to bring online abuse out into the light.  Sanjna Selva reports from Kuala Lumpur. A warning that this segment contains material involving suicide.

According to the United Nations, roughly 3 out of 5 women and girls globally have experienced digital abuse online. It happens frequently on social media networks — including Facebook, WhatsApp and TikTok — which have billions of monthly active users. In Malaysia, the way to address the problem has been, in part, to bring online abuse out into the light.  Sanjna Selva reports from Kuala Lumpur. 
A warning that this segment contains material involving suicide.

Malaysia bans online abuse to stem growing violence against women

Denmark's controversial efforts to dismantle public housing neighborhoods deemed "parallel societies" have relied partly on whether more than half of residents have a "non-Western" background. The policy has led to forced relocations, but some argue that discriminates against residents based on their ethnic origin. As The World's Joshua Coe reports, Denmark's Supreme Court is now considering whether that classification played a discriminatory role in the eviction of some residents.This story originally aired on Feb. 12, 2025.

Denmark's controversial efforts to dismantle public housing neighborhoods deemed "parallel societies" have relied partly on whether more than half of residents have a "non-Western" background. The policy has led to forced relocations, but some argue that discriminates against residents based on their ethnic origin. As The World's Joshua Coe reports, Denmark's Supreme Court is now considering whether that classification played a discriminatory role in the eviction of some residents.
This story originally aired on Feb. 12, 2025.

Denmark's controversial 'parallel society laws' face Supreme Court challenge

Hosted by Senegal, the Dakar Summer Youth Olympics are making history as the first Olympic games held by an African country. But it is not without a few controversies. The World’s Host Marco Werman learned more from Ricci Shryock, a journalist based in Dakar, who has been covering the lead up to the games.

Hosted by Senegal, the Dakar Summer Youth Olympics are making history as the first Olympic games held by an African country. But it is not without a few controversies. The World’s Host Marco Werman learned more from Ricci Shryock, a journalist based in Dakar, who has been covering the lead up to the games.

First-ever Olympic Games held in Africa, as Senegal hosts youth games

Sonia Gandhi’s life was shaped by profound personal tragedies. The assassination of her mother-in-law, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984 and the murder of her husband, Rajiv Gandhi, seven years later, made her wary of politics. But ultimately, she plunged head first into India’s political life, establishing herself as one of the country’s most influential leaders. Sonia Gandhi and The World’s Host Marco Werman discuss that remarkable journey and her new memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love."

Sonia Gandhi’s life was shaped by profound personal tragedies. The assassination of her mother-in-law, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi in 1984 and the murder of her husband, Rajiv Gandhi, seven years later, made her wary of politics. But ultimately, she plunged head first into India’s political life, establishing herself as one of the country’s most influential leaders. Sonia Gandhi and The World’s Host Marco Werman discuss that remarkable journey and her new memoir, "Belonging: A Journey of Love."

'The pull of duty': Sonia Gandhi on family, power and India

Across the East Boston neighborhood, several metal arches have appeared. They've got QR codes that invite curious passers-by to take a trip back into the area's rich past. GBH’s Sarah Betancourt reports on these new monuments called "The Golden Thread."

Across the East Boston neighborhood, several metal arches have appeared. They've got QR codes that invite curious passers-by to take a trip back into the area's rich past. GBH’s Sarah Betancourt reports on these new monuments called "The Golden Thread."

New monuments in East Boston celebrate history of immigration

Advocates hope this year's UN climate conference, COP31, will see a focus on ending coal, the most polluting fossil fuel. This, even while the conference is being held in Turkey, which is pushing to expand its own coal production. Emily Wither reports from a coal-producing region in southern Turkey where many residents want to see an end to the polluting pit mines and coal plants that dominate their lives.

Advocates hope this year's UN climate conference, COP31, will see a focus on ending coal, the most polluting fossil fuel. This, even while the conference is being held in Turkey, which is pushing to expand its own coal production. Emily Wither reports from a coal-producing region in southern Turkey where many residents want to see an end to the polluting pit mines and coal plants that dominate their lives.

UN climate conference being held in a country increasing its coal production

The African National Congress, or ANC, suffered its most significant defeat in years, winning only 30% of the vote in last week's municipal election in South Africa. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with political scientist Ongama Mtimka about what this outcome says about the wider state of the party of former President Nelson Mandela.

The African National Congress, or ANC, suffered its most significant defeat in years, winning only 30% of the vote in last week's municipal election in South Africa. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with political scientist Ongama Mtimka about what this outcome says about the wider state of the party of former President Nelson Mandela.

Party of Nelson Mandela loses big in South Africa elections

Pope Leo XIV kicked off his first Latin American tour as pontiff over the weekend. He began in Uruguay, and is now in Argentina. He'll head to Peru next. His journey will test the Catholic Church’s role in a region dealing with economic hardship, environmental threats and declining religious affiliation. Manuel Rueda reports on whether the Church can remain a powerful moral voice amid profound social, economic and cultural change.

Pope Leo XIV kicked off his first Latin American tour as pontiff over the weekend. He began in Uruguay, and is now in Argentina. He'll head to Peru next. His journey will test the Catholic Church’s role in a region dealing with economic hardship, environmental threats and declining religious affiliation. Manuel Rueda reports on whether the Church can remain a powerful moral voice amid profound social, economic and cultural change.

Pope Leo XIV's Latin America visit tests the Church's role in a changing region

Paraguay is facing a deepening political crisis after authorities intervened following the collapse of one of the country's largest digital banks, leaving millions of customers unable to access their money. The collapse of Ueno Bank, which has ties to President Santiago Peña's former business partners, has triggered protests, criminal investigations and an impeachment effort against Peña and his vice president. The crisis has also exposed divisions within the ruling Colorado Party. Reporter Tibisay Zea explains.

Paraguay is facing a deepening political crisis after authorities intervened following the collapse of one of the country's largest digital banks, leaving millions of customers unable to access their money. The collapse of Ueno Bank, which has ties to President Santiago Peña's former business partners, has triggered protests, criminal investigations and an impeachment effort against Peña and his vice president. The crisis has also exposed divisions within the ruling Colorado Party. Reporter Tibisay Zea explains.

Paraguay's banking crisis threatens the president's future

Not very long ago, in the galaxy we live in, someone invented a sport that combines fencing with our fantasy pals from “Star Wars.” All you need is one of those glow-in-the-dark swords every kid — and adult — secretly wanted as a birthday present from Obi-Wan Kenobi, and you’re ready to rock. The World’s Gerry Hadden reported from Barcelona a year ago on the fun of this rising trend.This story originally aired on Nov. 5, 2025.

Not very long ago, in the galaxy we live in, someone invented a sport that combines fencing with our fantasy pals from “Star Wars.” All you need is one of those glow-in-the-dark swords every kid — and adult — secretly wanted as a birthday present from Obi-Wan Kenobi, and you’re ready to rock. The World’s Gerry Hadden reported from Barcelona a year ago on the fun of this rising trend.
This story originally aired on Nov. 5, 2025.

Light saber fencing allows players to feel like Jedi

A new investigation by our partners at Bellingcat demonstrates how satellite mapping services like Google Maps very publicly identify specific facilities on US military installations across the Middle East. A major vulnerability during the Iran War, this satellite mapping has left many US service members feeling exposed. The World's Host Aaron Schachter learned more from Bellingcat researcher Sebastian Vandermeersch.

A new investigation by our partners at Bellingcat demonstrates how satellite mapping services like Google Maps very publicly identify specific facilities on US military installations across the Middle East. A major vulnerability during the Iran War, this satellite mapping has left many US service members feeling exposed. The World's Host Aaron Schachter learned more from Bellingcat researcher Sebastian Vandermeersch.

How online maps leave US service members more exposed

A former US government contractor has admitted to passing classified information to Ethiopian government officials. The actions were to support the government in its war against rebel forces in the northern Tigray region. A peace deal that was meant to end that war has unraveled over the past couple of years, and conflict surged again a few months ago. The World's Host Aaron Schachter speaks with Michael Woldemariam, fellow at the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland, about the latest.

A former US government contractor has admitted to passing classified information to Ethiopian government officials. The actions were to support the government in its war against rebel forces in the northern Tigray region. A peace deal that was meant to end that war has unraveled over the past couple of years, and conflict surged again a few months ago. The World's Host Aaron Schachter speaks with Michael Woldemariam, fellow at the Center for International and Security Studies at the University of Maryland, about the latest.

Former US government contractor passed classified information to Ethiopia

There have been plenty of memes and videos floating around since the US midterm elections on Tuesday. One, in particular, caught the public's attention. It involves Abdul El-Sayed, the senator-elect from Michigan who will be the first Muslim to hold that position. The World's Host Aaron Schachter has more.

There have been plenty of memes and videos floating around since the US midterm elections on Tuesday. One, in particular, caught the public's attention. It involves Abdul El-Sayed, the senator-elect from Michigan who will be the first Muslim to hold that position. The World's Host Aaron Schachter has more.

People react to US midterm results with memes

Last week, Ukraine launched a record number of drone strikes inside Russia. Ukrainians have developed drones capable of hitting oil refineries inside Russia as far away as Siberia. The damage to Russia’s oil industry has put pressure on a key revenue source for the Kremlin. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Levi Bridges has this report on how more than four years of full-scale war is reshaping the Russian economy.

Last week, Ukraine launched a record number of drone strikes inside Russia. Ukrainians have developed drones capable of hitting oil refineries inside Russia as far away as Siberia. The damage to Russia’s oil industry has put pressure on a key revenue source for the Kremlin. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, Levi Bridges has this report on how more than four years of full-scale war is reshaping the Russian economy.

Ukrainian drone strikes are reshaping the Russian economy

A new collection of music from the remote African islands of Sao Tome and Principe is a revelation. This nation in the Atlantic Ocean doesn't get a lot of attention, but as we hear in songs by bands from the 1960s and '70s, like Sangazuza, it's worth listening up.This story originally aired on Jan. 15, 2026.

A new collection of music from the remote African islands of Sao Tome and Principe is a revelation. This nation in the Atlantic Ocean doesn't get a lot of attention, but as we hear in songs by bands from the 1960s and '70s, like Sangazuza, it's worth listening up.
This story originally aired on Jan. 15, 2026.

A new music collection from some old African artists

Nigeria has a long literary tradition that has introduced readers around the world to West African history and culture. Books like the 1958 novel by Chinua Achebe, "Things Fall Apart," remains to this day among the most widely read, studied and translated works of literature from anywhere on the continent. Now, some poets in Nigeria — Africa's most populous nation — are hoping to pass the literary spark on to a new generation, through performance. Reporter Ricci Shryock checked out the slam poetry scene in Nigeria's capital, Abuja.

Nigeria has a long literary tradition that has introduced readers around the world to West African history and culture. Books like the 1958 novel by Chinua Achebe, "Things Fall Apart," remains to this day among the most widely read, studied and translated works of literature from anywhere on the continent. Now, some poets in Nigeria — Africa's most populous nation — are hoping to pass the literary spark on to a new generation, through performance. Reporter Ricci Shryock checked out the slam poetry scene in Nigeria's capital, Abuja.

Nigeria's slam poetry scene

Hungary has begun publishing the names of tens of thousands of people who spied for the communist-era secret police. The files are shedding light on a system that recruited ordinary citizens to inform on friends, neighbors and colleagues during more than four decades of communist rule, which ended in 1989. Among those named are a Nobel Prize-winning scientist, a senior bishop and a former governor of Hungary's central bank. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Hungary has begun publishing the names of tens of thousands of people who spied for the communist-era secret police. The files are shedding light on a system that recruited ordinary citizens to inform on friends, neighbors and colleagues during more than four decades of communist rule, which ended in 1989. Among those named are a Nobel Prize-winning scientist, a senior bishop and a former governor of Hungary's central bank. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.