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.

Every year, a sleepy town 50 miles north of Lagos, Nigeria, holds the World Twins Festival. It's a celebration of the community's unusually high rate of twin births — about 50 twins per thousand babies compared to an average of about 12 around the world. Host Carolyn Beeler has more information about the festival held last week.

Every year, a sleepy town 50 miles north of Lagos, Nigeria, holds the World Twins Festival. It's a celebration of the community's unusually high rate of twin births — about 50 twins per thousand babies compared to an average of about 12 around the world. Host Carolyn Beeler has more information about the festival held last week.

Nigeria celebrates annual World Twins Festival

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is visiting the White House for what will be his third visit since US President Donald Trump returned to office. While Zelenskyy hopes for stepped-up US support in the form of Tomahawk missiles, the Trump's newly announced second summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin could complicate matters. To get a sense of how Ukrainians are feeling about the meeting, The World's Host Carloyn Beeler turned to Mariia Zolkina, the head of regional security and conflict studies at the Democratic Initiatives Foundation, a Kyiv-based think tank.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is visiting the White House for what will be his third visit since US President Donald Trump returned to office. While Zelenskyy hopes for stepped-up US support in the form of Tomahawk missiles, the Trump's newly announced second summit with Russian President Vladimir Putin could complicate matters. To get a sense of how Ukrainians are feeling about the meeting, The World's Host Carloyn Beeler turned to Mariia Zolkina, the head of regional security and conflict studies at the Democratic Initiatives Foundation, a Kyiv-based think tank.

High stakes for Ukraine as Zelenskyy meets with Trump

A little-known art museum in the central German city of Wiesbaden has just gotten a surprise gift for its 200-year anniversary: an unprecedented spike in young visitors, flocking in from around the world to view a single painting. "Ophelia" was painted around 1900 and depicts a character from Shakespeare. As Host Carolyn Beeler explains, it isn't the Bard who's inspiring visitors.

A little-known art museum in the central German city of Wiesbaden has just gotten a surprise gift for its 200-year anniversary: an unprecedented spike in young visitors, flocking in from around the world to view a single painting. "Ophelia" was painted around 1900 and depicts a character from Shakespeare. As Host Carolyn Beeler explains, it isn't the Bard who's inspiring visitors.

A new Taylor Swift song boosts museum visitors in Germany

Frederic Chopin isn’t just a composer in Poland, he’s a national hero. His music fills concert halls, cafes and even the capital’s main airport bears his name. Every five years, Warsaw hosts the legendary International Chopin Piano Competition, a contest so intense it’s been described as the Olympics of piano playing. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

Frederic Chopin isn’t just a composer in Poland, he’s a national hero. His music fills concert halls, cafes and even the capital’s main airport bears his name. Every five years, Warsaw hosts the legendary International Chopin Piano Competition, a contest so intense it’s been described as the Olympics of piano playing. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

International pianists battle for glory at Poland's legendary Chopin competition

In South Korea, the tattoo industry has long been underground due to prohibitive licensing rules. With those restrictions set to lift in 2027, some practitioners are breathing a sigh of relief; they'll no longer risk fines or jail time. Others, however, fear that the changes won't all be for the better. Jason Strother in Seoul gives us a glimpse of an industry at a crossroads.

In South Korea, the tattoo industry has long been underground due to prohibitive licensing rules. With those restrictions set to lift in 2027, some practitioners are breathing a sigh of relief; they'll no longer risk fines or jail time. Others, however, fear that the changes won't all be for the better. Jason Strother in Seoul gives us a glimpse of an industry at a crossroads.

Tattoo artists in South Korea anticipate lifting of restrictions with mixed emotions

While Israelis are cheering the return of 20 living hostages, and the potential remains of another 28, not all Israeli families will get closure. The hostage deal will not bring relief to the relatives of those deceased hostages whose bodies cannot be found and won't be returned from Gaza within the 72-hour framework set out by the agreement signed in Egypt. Tovah Lazaroff reports from Jerusalem.

While Israelis are cheering the return of 20 living hostages, and the potential remains of another 28, not all Israeli families will get closure. The hostage deal will not bring relief to the relatives of those deceased hostages whose bodies cannot be found and won't be returned from Gaza within the 72-hour framework set out by the agreement signed in Egypt. Tovah Lazaroff reports from Jerusalem.

Some Israeli families of hostages taken to Gaza may never get closure

Rowers from around the world are trickling into Boston for this weekend's Head of the Charles Regatta. For one couple, it's an event that transcends countries — and age. GBH’s Esteban Bustillos went to the Boathouse in Cambridge, MA, just as the couple was setting out on the water.

Rowers from around the world are trickling into Boston for this weekend's Head of the Charles Regatta. For one couple, it's an event that transcends countries — and age. GBH’s Esteban Bustillos went to the Boathouse in Cambridge, MA, just as the couple was setting out on the water.

Championship rowing can transcend countries and ages

What would the fall be in France without bellowing stags? To celebrate and appreciate the deer, France's forest service runs nocturnal tours. Lots of people sign up, including The World's Gerry Hadden, who spent a night in the foothills of the French Pyrenees.

What would the fall be in France without bellowing stags? To celebrate and appreciate the deer, France's forest service runs nocturnal tours. Lots of people sign up, including The World's Gerry Hadden, who spent a night in the foothills of the French Pyrenees.

It's the season of bellowing stags in France

A small population of desert lions in Namibia have become the only maritime lions in the world. They've moved to the country's Atlantic coast in search of food, as climate change and extreme weather force a shift in their hunting patterns. Griet Van Malderen is a wildlife photographer who has spent years following the pride. She spoke with The World's Host Carolyn Beeler about what she's seen.

A small population of desert lions in Namibia have become the only maritime lions in the world. They've moved to the country's Atlantic coast in search of food, as climate change and extreme weather force a shift in their hunting patterns. Griet Van Malderen is a wildlife photographer who has spent years following the pride. She spoke with The World's Host Carolyn Beeler about what she's seen.

In search of food, desert lions in Namibia move to the sea

Staff members at La Fenice, a prestigious opera house in Venice, Italy, say the new, incoming conductor Beatrice Venezi lacks the experience needed for the role. They're now going on strike to protest her appointment. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

Staff members at La Fenice, a prestigious opera house in Venice, Italy, say the new, incoming conductor Beatrice Venezi lacks the experience needed for the role. They're now going on strike to protest her appointment. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

Orchestra in Venice planning strike to protest incoming conductor

On October 5, 1970, a militant separatist group in Quebec kidnapped two public officials in Montreal, triggering what became known as the October Crisis. The Front du Liberation de Quebec galvanized the French working class and demanded social reforms. But when their tactics turned violent, Quebec had to choose between escalating the violence or finding a political solution. This story is told by Laicie Healey and Katie Toth from the PRX national security podcast, "Things That Go Boom."

On October 5, 1970, a militant separatist group in Quebec kidnapped two public officials in Montreal, triggering what became known as the October Crisis. The Front du Liberation de Quebec galvanized the French working class and demanded social reforms. But when their tactics turned violent, Quebec had to choose between escalating the violence or finding a political solution. This story is told by Laicie Healey and Katie Toth from the PRX national security podcast, "Things That Go Boom."

When Canada pulled itself back from political violence

In an Oval Office press conference on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump confirmed that he has authorized the CIA to carry out secret operations in Venezuela. Trump went on to say the White House was weighing the possibility of a land attack on the country. Phil Gunson, a Caracas-based senior analyst with Crisis Group, discusses the implications with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler.

In an Oval Office press conference on Wednesday, US President Donald Trump confirmed that he has authorized the CIA to carry out secret operations in Venezuela. Trump went on to say the White House was weighing the possibility of a land attack on the country. Phil Gunson, a Caracas-based senior analyst with Crisis Group, discusses the implications with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler.

Trump confirms CIA operations, prompts questions inside Venezuela

One hundred and thirty years after playwright and author Oscar Wilde's "reader pass" was revoked, the British Library is reinstating it. The library card was revoked in 1895 after Wilde was convicted of "gross indecency," essentially for being homosexual. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

One hundred and thirty years after playwright and author Oscar Wilde's "reader pass" was revoked, the British Library is reinstating it. The library card was revoked in 1895 after Wilde was convicted of "gross indecency," essentially for being homosexual. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler has the details.

Oscar Wilde gets his library card back

On Wednesday, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) announced that it shuttered its emergency care center in Port-au-Prince. Operations were already on pause since March 2025, but the humanitarian organization said it was closing due to "increasing insecurity" in the heart of the Haitian capital. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Diana Manilla Arroyo, MSF's country director in Haiti. She joined the show from Port-au-Prince.

On Wednesday, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) announced that it shuttered its emergency care center in Port-au-Prince. Operations were already on pause since March 2025, but the humanitarian organization said it was closing due to "increasing insecurity" in the heart of the Haitian capital. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Diana Manilla Arroyo, MSF's country director in Haiti. She joined the show from Port-au-Prince.

MSF closes emergency medical center in Haiti amid surge in violence

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu survived two votes of no-confidence today in Parliament. Either could have toppled his fragile new government and plunged France deeper into political chaos. Host Carolyn Beeler explains what a month it's been for Lecornu.

French Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu survived two votes of no-confidence today in Parliament. Either could have toppled his fragile new government and plunged France deeper into political chaos. Host Carolyn Beeler explains what a month it's been for Lecornu.

French government still standing

The head of Britain's domestic spy agency MI5 said today that China is carrying out cyber-espionage, stealing technology secrets and trying “to interfere covertly in UK public life.” Ken McCallum spoke in a rare public appearance saying, "Do Chinese state actors present a UK national security threat? And the answer is, of course, yes, they do, every day." The comments will bring more attention to the failed prosecution of two British men accused of spying for China. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

The head of Britain's domestic spy agency MI5 said today that China is carrying out cyber-espionage, stealing technology secrets and trying “to interfere covertly in UK public life.” Ken McCallum spoke in a rare public appearance saying, "Do Chinese state actors present a UK national security threat? And the answer is, of course, yes, they do, every day." The comments will bring more attention to the failed prosecution of two British men accused of spying for China. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

UK spy chief says China poses a daily threat

A remote village in Alaska called Shishmaref is home to an Indigenous Inupiaq community of about 550 people. That community's way of life is under threat as the ever-looming dangers of climate change speed up erosion, and government support to relocate them is nowhere in sight. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek paid a visit to Shishmaref as part of his Out of Eden Walk, tracing the path of human migration, and tells Host Carolyn Beeler all about it.

A remote village in Alaska called Shishmaref is home to an Indigenous Inupiaq community of about 550 people. That community's way of life is under threat as the ever-looming dangers of climate change speed up erosion, and government support to relocate them is nowhere in sight. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek paid a visit to Shishmaref as part of his Out of Eden Walk, tracing the path of human migration, and tells Host Carolyn Beeler all about it.

In a changing world, a remote Inupiaq community holds onto tradition

Revered Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga, who died this week at age 80, played a pivotal role in institutionalizing multiparty democracy and shaping Kenya’s constitution. But he was also known as a ruthless politician who formed alliances with rivals in a relentless, though ultimately unsuccessful, quest for the presidency. Kenyan journalist Ramah Nyang explores Odinga’s legacy with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler.

Revered Kenyan opposition leader Raila Odinga, who died this week at age 80, played a pivotal role in institutionalizing multiparty democracy and shaping Kenya’s constitution. But he was also known as a ruthless politician who formed alliances with rivals in a relentless, though ultimately unsuccessful, quest for the presidency. Kenyan journalist Ramah Nyang explores Odinga’s legacy with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler.

Kenyans mourn Raila Odinga, power broker and multiparty democracy advocate

More than 4,000 Americans applied for British citizenship in the first half of this year — a record, and a 39% increase from last year. And those who are leaving the US are taking their beloved pets with them. That’s supercharged an industry that took off after the COVID-19 started — pet-centric charter travel, where the dogs — and some cats — fly upfront. Jane Little traveled to the UK with her dog, Ronin, and found luxury — and some stress — in the whole process.

More than 4,000 Americans applied for British citizenship in the first half of this year — a record, and a 39% increase from last year. And those who are leaving the US are taking their beloved pets with them. That’s supercharged an industry that took off after the COVID-19 started — pet-centric charter travel, where the dogs — and some cats — fly upfront. Jane Little traveled to the UK with her dog, Ronin, and found luxury — and some stress — in the whole process.

Why shouldn't your pooch fly first class, too?

As Israelis and Palestinians celebrated the ceasefire in Gaza, a video made the rounds on social media. It appears to show Hamas gunmen executing a group of eight men in the street in Gaza City, accusing them of being criminals and collaborators with Israel. There have also been gun battles inside the Gaza Strip between Hamas and rival groups. One expert says Hamas wants to reassert its control in the territory and send a warning to any group that would challenge its authority. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

As Israelis and Palestinians celebrated the ceasefire in Gaza, a video made the rounds on social media. It appears to show Hamas gunmen executing a group of eight men in the street in Gaza City, accusing them of being criminals and collaborators with Israel. There have also been gun battles inside the Gaza Strip between Hamas and rival groups. One expert says Hamas wants to reassert its control in the territory and send a warning to any group that would challenge its authority. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Hamas is sending a message to Palestinian rivals

Mashid Nazemi was already an activist living outside her country of Iran when the Woman Life Freedom uprising began in 2022. But it was during those protests that the outspoken advocate was thrown into a deportation camp in Turkey. Nazemi now lives in France, under police protection, and life is better — though she still gets death threats. And although the 2022 movement fell short of its goals, women's lives are different now. Reporter Fariba Nawa recently spoke with Nazemi for her perspective on what has and hasn't changed, and to learn what gives the activist hope.

Mashid Nazemi was already an activist living outside her country of Iran when the Woman Life Freedom uprising began in 2022. But it was during those protests that the outspoken advocate was thrown into a deportation camp in Turkey. Nazemi now lives in France, under police protection, and life is better — though she still gets death threats. And although the 2022 movement fell short of its goals, women's lives are different now. Reporter Fariba Nawa recently spoke with Nazemi for her perspective on what has and hasn't changed, and to learn what gives the activist hope.

This Iranian dissident is still fighting for women's rights

The Terada Honke sake brewery is like a shrine to the microorganisms brewers must cooperate with to make sake. The workers there sing traditional songs as they pound steamed rice to make a fermentation starter with ambient yeast. Reporter Hannah Kirshner captures these rare sounds in an audio postcard and tells the story of why the owner brought back the old songs.

The Terada Honke sake brewery is like a shrine to the microorganisms brewers must cooperate with to make sake. The workers there sing traditional songs as they pound steamed rice to make a fermentation starter with ambient yeast. Reporter Hannah Kirshner captures these rare sounds in an audio postcard and tells the story of why the owner brought back the old songs.

Japan's sacred sake songs

It takes an average of four to six months for a thru-hiker to complete the Pacific Crest Trail. Julie Brock however, a 59-year-old runner from Australia, finished in just over two months. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Brock about the experience.

It takes an average of four to six months for a thru-hiker to complete the Pacific Crest Trail. Julie Brock however, a 59-year-old runner from Australia, finished in just over two months. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Brock about the experience.

Australian runner sets new record on Pacific Crest Trail

Each year, fishermen discard tons of worn out gear, which often makes its way across the Pacific Ocean and winds up on Hawaii’s beaches. In an effort to both clean up the ocean and find a way to recycle the junk, some of that fishing gear is now being sent up to Omaha, Nebraska, where it's being repurposed. Nebraska Public Media’s Kassidy Arena reports.

Each year, fishermen discard tons of worn out gear, which often makes its way across the Pacific Ocean and winds up on Hawaii’s beaches. In an effort to both clean up the ocean and find a way to recycle the junk, some of that fishing gear is now being sent up to Omaha, Nebraska, where it's being repurposed. Nebraska Public Media’s Kassidy Arena reports.

Omaha firm repurposes much the world's fishing junk

Taliban forces have clashed with Pakistani troops along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in recent days. The Taliban said Pakistan targeted Kabul with airstrikes last week and the attacks on border posts were in retaliation. It’s a significant escalation in the growing tensions between the two countries. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks to Omar Samad, Afghanistan’s former ambassador to Canada and France. He's now with the Atlantic Council and joined the show from Washington.

Taliban forces have clashed with Pakistani troops along the Afghanistan-Pakistan border in recent days. The Taliban said Pakistan targeted Kabul with airstrikes last week and the attacks on border posts were in retaliation. It’s a significant escalation in the growing tensions between the two countries. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks to Omar Samad, Afghanistan’s former ambassador to Canada and France. He's now with the Atlantic Council and joined the show from Washington.

Rising tensions between Taliban and Pakistan following border clashes

Truckloads of aid are entering Gaza, but the long-promised surge in deliveries has yet to materialize. Israeli officials say the key Rafah border crossing will remain closed until Hamas returns the bodies of all slain hostages. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler discusses the implications with Sean Carroll, president of the American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), a relief organization with deep roots in Gaza.

Truckloads of aid are entering Gaza, but the long-promised surge in deliveries has yet to materialize. Israeli officials say the key Rafah border crossing will remain closed until Hamas returns the bodies of all slain hostages. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler discusses the implications with Sean Carroll, president of the American Near East Refugee Aid (ANERA), a relief organization with deep roots in Gaza.

Aid groups say trickle of supplies entering Gaza is 'not enough yet'

The US military has long been a leader in adapting to the realities of climate change. But that could change under the Trump administration. The new budget request for the Department of Defense would eliminate $1.6 billion in funding for climate change research and adaptation planning. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Floodlight reporter Ames Alexander about what this would mean for military operations.

The US military has long been a leader in adapting to the realities of climate change. But that could change under the Trump administration. The new budget request for the Department of Defense would eliminate $1.6 billion in funding for climate change research and adaptation planning. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Floodlight reporter Ames Alexander about what this would mean for military operations.

Pentagon could cut $1.6 billion in funding for climate research

Jan Marsalek's face is on wanted posters all over Germany, after the financial tech firm he ran evaporated in a $2.5 billion fraud case in 2020. Now, a group of journalists, including GBH's Frontline, is working with investigator Christo Grozev to prove Marsalek is in Moscow, and has been working with Russian intelligence services for years. Grozev describes the ongoing investigation to Host Carolyn Beeler.

Jan Marsalek's face is on wanted posters all over Germany, after the financial tech firm he ran evaporated in a $2.5 billion fraud case in 2020. Now, a group of journalists, including GBH's Frontline, is working with investigator Christo Grozev to prove Marsalek is in Moscow, and has been working with Russian intelligence services for years. Grozev describes the ongoing investigation to Host Carolyn Beeler.

Germany's most wanted man, walking free in Moscow

In Mexico, authorities have deployed the military — alongside civilian personnel — to reopen roads in more than 300 communities. Torrential rains, flooding and landslides were seen in five states near the Gulf of Mexico, as Host Marco Werrman explains.

In Mexico, authorities have deployed the military — alongside civilian personnel — to reopen roads in more than 300 communities. Torrential rains, flooding and landslides were seen in five states near the Gulf of Mexico, as Host Marco Werrman explains.

Central and eastern Mexico clean up from flooding

When writer Robin Reif's adopted daughter wanted to know where she came from, she decided it was important to go back to China to find answers for her daughter. So, they flew 7,000 miles to try and find a slip of paper that had been left with her daughter as a baby. Reif shared this memory with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

When writer Robin Reif's adopted daughter wanted to know where she came from, she decided it was important to go back to China to find answers for her daughter. So, they flew 7,000 miles to try and find a slip of paper that had been left with her daughter as a baby. Reif shared this memory with GBH's Stories From The Stage.