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.

For a week, world leaders gathered at the United Nations in New York, addressing the world and meeting on the sidelines. Some hashed-out deals that can improve the lives of people … but there were also major disagreements. The future of the UN itself hangs in the balance as the US, its biggest funder, cuts its support. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with host Carolyn Beeler about the ups and downs of the past week.

For a week, world leaders gathered at the United Nations in New York, addressing the world and meeting on the sidelines. Some hashed-out deals that can improve the lives of people … but there were also major disagreements. The future of the UN itself hangs in the balance as the US, its biggest funder, cuts its support. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with host Carolyn Beeler about the ups and downs of the past week.

A look at the week at the United Nations

Moldova heads to the polls this weekend in what its president, Maia Sandu, calls the most consequential election in the country’s history. The pro-EU leader has accused Russia of mounting an “unprecedented” campaign to influence the result. With just 2.5 million people and borders with both Romania and Ukraine, the result of Sunday's vote could send ripples far beyond Moldova's frontiers. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Moldova heads to the polls this weekend in what its president, Maia Sandu, calls the most consequential election in the country’s history. The pro-EU leader has accused Russia of mounting an “unprecedented” campaign to influence the result. With just 2.5 million people and borders with both Romania and Ukraine, the result of Sunday's vote could send ripples far beyond Moldova's frontiers. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Moldova votes in crucial election amid Russian pressure

In Denmark, authorities are investigating a series of drone sightings near major airports and airbases in the country this week. In an address to the nation on social media, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that the country was in the midst of a “hybrid war." The World’s Joshua Coe lives in Denmark and has been following the news closely. He joined the show from Aarhus in Jutland, where most of the drones have been spotted.

In Denmark, authorities are investigating a series of drone sightings near major airports and airbases in the country this week. In an address to the nation on social media, Denmark’s Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen stated that the country was in the midst of a “hybrid war." The World’s Joshua Coe lives in Denmark and has been following the news closely. He joined the show from Aarhus in Jutland, where most of the drones have been spotted.

Denmark says drone sightings at airports are part of wider ‘hybrid war’

With Korea's pop music scene eclipsing other musicians and styles found in Seoul, we offer one example of an artist who does not perform K-pop. Yeore Kim is a virtuoso harmonica player with a diverse repertoire, from jazz to Radiohead. Host Carolyn Beeler will give us a taste of her music. This story originally aired on June 6, 2024.

With Korea's pop music scene eclipsing other musicians and styles found in Seoul, we offer one example of an artist who does not perform K-pop. Yeore Kim is a virtuoso harmonica player with a diverse repertoire, from jazz to Radiohead. Host Carolyn Beeler will give us a taste of her music. 
This story originally aired on June 6, 2024.

An antidote to K-pop

If you are one of those super-organized people who plan their holidays well in advance, then you may already be looking for travel tips for next year — or even the year after. If that’s you, we have a tip for 2027 to share with you! The Spanish town of Jerez de la Frontera is set to hold the next edition of its Copa de Jerez competition then. It's a sherry competition — the fortified wine being the other thing the town is famous for producing. DW reporter Ashish Sharma was in attendance at this year’s event, which featured eight international tasting teams pairing a three-course meal with the finest Jerez sherries…

If you are one of those super-organized people who plan their holidays well in advance, then you may already be looking for travel tips for next year — or even the year after. If that’s you, we have a tip for 2027 to share with you! The Spanish town of Jerez de la Frontera is set to hold the next edition of its Copa de Jerez competition then. It's a sherry competition — the fortified wine being the other thing the town is famous for producing. DW reporter Ashish Sharma was in attendance at this year’s event, which featured eight international tasting teams pairing a three-course meal with the finest Jerez sherries…

Looking for a good holiday spot? Try Spain's sherry competition

The Bayeux Tapestry is now in storage. More than 100 people worked to carefully prepare the nearly 1,000-year-old embroidery ahead of its loan to the British Museum next year. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with historian Cheryl White about how a piece of art this old can be moved — and why some people don't think it should be.

The Bayeux Tapestry is now in storage. More than 100 people worked to carefully prepare the nearly 1,000-year-old embroidery ahead of its loan to the British Museum next year. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with historian Cheryl White about how a piece of art this old can be moved — and why some people don't think it should be.

The Bayeux Tapestry is on the move

A long list of players have made a name for themselves during the last five weeks, as 16 teams from across the globe have faced off at the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup. Now it's down to the final two teams to see who will earn the title of world champion. The World's Bianca Hillier has the details.

A long list of players have made a name for themselves during the last five weeks, as 16 teams from across the globe have faced off at the 2025 Women's Rugby World Cup. Now it's down to the final two teams to see who will earn the title of world champion. The World's Bianca Hillier has the details.

England and Canada to face off in historic Women's Rugby World Cup final this weekend

Iran will end its participation in international weapons inspections if United Nations sanctions are reimposed, said the man now in charge of Iran’s nuclear negotiations. Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, was responding to what are called ‘snapback’ mechanisms scheduled to take effect this weekend. Carolyn Beeler speaks with FRONTLINE reporter Sebastian Walker about his exclusive interview with Larijani.

Iran will end its participation in international weapons inspections if United Nations sanctions are reimposed, said the man now in charge of Iran’s nuclear negotiations. Ali Larijani, secretary of the Supreme National Security Council, was responding to what are called ‘snapback’ mechanisms scheduled to take effect this weekend. Carolyn Beeler speaks with FRONTLINE reporter Sebastian Walker about his exclusive interview with Larijani.

Iran's nuclear negotiator threatens to boot inspectors if sanctions return

Rapper Liam O'Hanna has been cleared of terror charges in a London Court. The charge came after O'Hanna allegedly waved a flag in support of Hezbollah — deemed a terrorist group by some nations — at a concert back in November. Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

Rapper Liam O'Hanna has been cleared of terror charges in a London Court. The charge came after O'Hanna allegedly waved a flag in support of Hezbollah — deemed a terrorist group by some nations — at a concert back in November. Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

Terror case against member of Kneecap rap group thrown out

Denmark issued a formal apology yesterday for forcing Indigenous women and girls from Greenland to use contraceptive devices. Beginning in the 1960s, Danish doctors inserted IUDs into thousands of Inuit women and school-age girls, often without their or their parents' knowledge or consent. Host Carolyn Beeler learns more about the controversial program from Victoria Pihl Sorensen, a Danish historian who has studied Denmark's IUD program in Greenland. She's now a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Denmark issued a formal apology yesterday for forcing Indigenous women and girls from Greenland to use contraceptive devices. Beginning in the 1960s, Danish doctors inserted IUDs into thousands of Inuit women and school-age girls, often without their or their parents' knowledge or consent. Host Carolyn Beeler learns more about the controversial program from Victoria Pihl Sorensen, a Danish historian who has studied Denmark's IUD program in Greenland. She's now a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Denmark's PM apologizes for coercive contraception program in Greenland

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the United Nations General Assembly today. His speech focused on what he called Israel's "war of genocide" in Gaza, and the future governance of the Strip. He said emphatically that Hamas will have no role in a post-war Gaza and that they will be forced to disarm. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the United Nations General Assembly today. His speech focused on what he called Israel's "war of genocide" in Gaza, and the future governance of the Strip. He said emphatically that Hamas will have no role in a post-war Gaza and that they will be forced to disarm. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks via video link to UN General Assembly

Climate change has exacerbated drought and extreme weather in northern Ghana, leaving many in the agricultural region struggling to grow enough food. Chef Fatmata Binta sees a solution in fonio, a grain similar to couscous, indigenous to West Africa, and most importantly, one that is able to thrive in dry conditions. As part of our "The Big Fix" series, Chef Binta speaks with The World's Marco Werman about her efforts to encourage more women in the region to grow fonio.

Climate change has exacerbated drought and extreme weather in northern Ghana, leaving many in the agricultural region struggling to grow enough food. Chef Fatmata Binta sees a solution in fonio, a grain similar to couscous, indigenous to West Africa, and most importantly, one that is able to thrive in dry conditions. As part of our "The Big Fix" series, Chef Binta speaks with The World's Marco Werman about her efforts to encourage more women in the region to grow fonio.

The Big Fix: When in drought, plant fonio

The world heard from Syria’s new interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa this week at the United Nations General Assembly. His message? Syria is back after being isolated for about six decades. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports from the UN on how his message is being received.

The world heard from Syria’s new interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa this week at the United Nations General Assembly. His message? Syria is back after being isolated for about six decades. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports from the UN on how his message is being received.

Syria’s new leaders at the UN General Assembly: ‘Syria is back after six decades’

The Oxford English Dictionary announced its new entries on Wednesday. Twelve words and phrases come from the Caribbean, and several of those are all about food. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler dive in for a vocabulary lesson.

The Oxford English Dictionary announced its new entries on Wednesday. Twelve words and phrases come from the Caribbean, and several of those are all about food. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler dive in for a vocabulary lesson.

Oxford English Dictionary can’t get enough of Caribbean food

An HIV prevention drug will be made available at a new, low cost in 120 low- and middle-income countries starting in 2027, according to an announcement yesterday. The move is being called a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to bend the trajectory of the HIV epidemic. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

An HIV prevention drug will be made available at a new, low cost in 120 low- and middle-income countries starting in 2027, according to an announcement yesterday. The move is being called a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to bend the trajectory of the HIV epidemic. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

Twice-yearly HIV prevention drug to be offered at new, low cost

At the UN Climate Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the country's first national emissions reduction targets. It marks a shift in China's approach to climate policy, which, until now, allowed emissions to grow in tandem with economic growth. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Georgetown professor Joanna Lewis about how economics have driven China into a leadership position within the globe's energy transition.

At the UN Climate Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the country's first national emissions reduction targets. It marks a shift in China's approach to climate policy, which, until now, allowed emissions to grow in tandem with economic growth. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Georgetown professor Joanna Lewis about how economics have driven China into a leadership position within the globe's energy transition.

China releases first-ever national emissions reduction targets, signaling shift in approach to climate policy

The World Bank is sending $4 billion to Argentina ahead of schedule to help stabilize the country's ailing economy. It's the result of extreme cuts made by the country's president, Javier Milei, that have successfully reduced inflation — at the cost of almost everything else. Host Marco Werman speaks with journalist Natalio Cosoy in Buenos Aires about the state of the economy and its impact on Milei's political standing ahead of next month's midterm elections.

The World Bank is sending $4 billion to Argentina ahead of schedule to help stabilize the country's ailing economy. It's the result of extreme cuts made by the country's president, Javier Milei, that have successfully reduced inflation — at the cost of almost everything else. Host Marco Werman speaks with journalist Natalio Cosoy in Buenos Aires about the state of the economy and its impact on Milei's political standing ahead of next month's midterm elections.

World Bank accelerates plan to stabilize Argentina's struggling economy

European countries are looking to bolster their defense capacities — including their manpower. A recent study says the region will need 300,000 more troops to defend itself. But where are those recruits to come from? Some countries are reinstating military service; others are looking for volunteers. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, reporter Lisa Bryant sent us this report from a French bootcamp outside of Paris.

European countries are looking to bolster their defense capacities — including their manpower. A recent study says the region will need 300,000 more troops to defend itself. But where are those recruits to come from? Some countries are reinstating military service; others are looking for volunteers. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, reporter Lisa Bryant sent us this report from a French bootcamp outside of Paris.

France ramps up military training

Hilbe is a legendary condiment, believed to have been mentioned in the Talmud, the ancient Jewish book of laws. It's considered a folk medicine, a cure all, a source of strength, and also just really tasty. Reporter Sarah Ventre has the story of how Yemenite Jews proliferated hilbe, and why it's nearly impossible to find outside of Israel. This story originally aired on July 9, 2024.

Hilbe is a legendary condiment, believed to have been mentioned in the Talmud, the ancient Jewish book of laws. It's considered a folk medicine, a cure all, a source of strength, and also just really tasty. Reporter Sarah Ventre has the story of how Yemenite Jews proliferated hilbe, and why it's nearly impossible to find outside of Israel. 
This story originally aired on July 9, 2024.

The importance of a spice mixture for Jews from Yemen

Russian troops have made incremental gains in parts of eastern Ukraine, although their advances elsewhere have stalled. That’s according to Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Kofman explains to Host Marco Werman why Russian casualties are on the rise.

Russian troops have made incremental gains in parts of eastern Ukraine, although their advances elsewhere have stalled. That’s according to Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Kofman explains to Host Marco Werman why Russian casualties are on the rise.

Russian military continues 'grinding advance' in Donetsk

Chicago has a long history with organized crime. Its most famous — or infamous — mob boss was Al Capone. But it wasn't just Italian families that worked in Chicago's underworld. Decades ago, two rival gangs ran amok in the city, but managed to fly under the radar. These were Chinese gangs in Chicago. Axios Chicago reporter Monica Eng digs into her own family history to tell the story of these fierce rivals. Her story first aired on Curious City from WBEZ.

Chicago has a long history with organized crime. Its most famous — or infamous — mob boss was Al Capone. But it wasn't just Italian families that worked in Chicago's underworld. Decades ago, two rival gangs ran amok in the city, but managed to fly under the radar. These were Chinese gangs in Chicago. Axios Chicago reporter Monica Eng digs into her own family history to tell the story of these fierce rivals. Her story first aired on Curious City from WBEZ.

Chicago was once a battleground for Chinese gangs

Researchers in the UK have discovered how to successfully treat Huntington's, a devastating disease that runs in families and tends to hit people in their 30s and 40s. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Researchers in the UK have discovered how to successfully treat Huntington's, a devastating disease that runs in families and tends to hit people in their 30s and 40s. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Breakthrough in treatment for Huntington's disease

As part of a cultural push to counter the influence of narco-corridos, President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government is hosting “México Canta," a national songwriting contest aimed at lifting up non-violent musical expressions. The initiative encourages young musicians from Mexico and the US to create original songs that promote peace, resilience, and social reflection. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

As part of a cultural push to counter the influence of narco-corridos, President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government is hosting “México Canta," a national songwriting contest aimed at lifting up non-violent musical expressions. The initiative encourages young musicians from Mexico and the US to create original songs that promote peace, resilience, and social reflection. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

To counter narco-corridos' popularity, Mexico tries a song contest

The NFL and college football seasons are in full swing — and that means sports betting is too. It's a booming industry, and worldwide gambling losses could top $700 billion by 2028. States around the US are looking to see how they can keep gambling legal while reducing the consequences for problem gamblers. New England Public Media's Karen Brown takes us to the United Kingdom, which some consider a model for gambling regulators. Others consider it a cautionary tale.

The NFL and college football seasons are in full swing — and that means sports betting is too. It's a booming industry, and worldwide gambling losses could top $700 billion by 2028. States around the US are looking to see how they can keep gambling legal while reducing the consequences for problem gamblers. New England Public Media's Karen Brown takes us to the United Kingdom, which some consider a model for gambling regulators. Others consider it a cautionary tale.

What the United Kingdom can teach America about problem gambling

War crimes researchers at Yale University have described it as "the single largest kidnapping of children during wartime since World War II". They say since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has taken tens of thousands of Ukrainian children. A summit on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly aims to put the spotlight on these children. The World's Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman.

War crimes researchers at Yale University have described it as "the single largest kidnapping of children during wartime since World War II". They say since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has taken tens of thousands of Ukrainian children. A summit on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly aims to put the spotlight on these children. The World's Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman.

UN summit puts spotlight on abducted Ukrainian children

The Malawi Electoral Commission, or MEC, states that it won't be pressured into declaring a winner in the country's presidential election until the panel has completed a proper vote count. Partial results were released yesterday, showing the former president with a strong lead. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

The Malawi Electoral Commission, or MEC, states that it won't be pressured into declaring a winner in the country's presidential election until the panel has completed a proper vote count. Partial results were released yesterday, showing the former president with a strong lead. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

No winner yet in Malawi presidential contest

Residents of Aix-en-Provence, France, could see a mountain disappear. The VIEW of a mountain, that is. The Mont Sainte-Victoire mountain's illustrious outline was made famous by impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. The painter captured the mountain's rocky ridges in dozens of landscapes. But that iconic view may someday only exist in his art. The World’s Gerry Hadden has the story.

Residents of Aix-en-Provence, France, could see a mountain disappear. The VIEW of a mountain, that is. The Mont Sainte-Victoire mountain's illustrious outline was made famous by impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. The painter captured the mountain's rocky ridges in dozens of landscapes. But that iconic view may someday only exist in his art. The World’s Gerry Hadden has the story.

A mountain may disappear for residents of Aix-en-Provence

Medical experts and public health officials are alarmed and speaking up today after President Trump told pregnant women not to take Tylenol. Rebuttals to his comments were prolific across the UK this morning, as Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.

Medical experts and public health officials are alarmed and speaking up today after President Trump told pregnant women not to take Tylenol. Rebuttals to his comments were prolific across the UK this morning, as Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.

Experts debunk Tylenol

Machu Picchu is Peru’s top tourist attraction and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. But protests over bus contracts left hundreds of visitors stranded last week, with trains and roads blocked by demonstrators. The unrest has reignited long-standing concerns about overcrowding, mismanagement, and access to the site. Now, the organization that gave Machu Picchu its Wonder title is warning that its status — and Peru’s global image — could be at risk. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Machu Picchu is Peru’s top tourist attraction and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. But protests over bus contracts left hundreds of visitors stranded last week, with trains and roads blocked by demonstrators. The unrest has reignited long-standing concerns about overcrowding, mismanagement, and access to the site. Now, the organization that gave Machu Picchu its Wonder title is warning that its status — and Peru’s global image — could be at risk. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Machu Picchu’s wonder status in jeopardy amid protests and mismanagement

Seventy years ago, China named the western region of Xinjiang an autonomous part of the People's Republic. Today, Chinese leader Xi Jinping made a rare visit to the region to commemorate 70 years of coexistence among different ethnic groups. But the reality is that hundreds of thousands of people within the ethnic Uyghur population and other Muslim groups have been sent by the Chinese government to "re-education" camps or subjected to forced labor.This story originally aired on July 21, 2025.

Seventy years ago, China named the western region of Xinjiang an autonomous part of the People's Republic. Today, Chinese leader Xi Jinping made a rare visit to the region to commemorate 70 years of coexistence among different ethnic groups. But the reality is that hundreds of thousands of people within the ethnic Uyghur population and other Muslim groups have been sent by the Chinese government to "re-education" camps or subjected to forced labor.
This story originally aired on July 21, 2025.