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.

Israeli settler violence, raids and home demolitions are forcing West Bank residents from their homes in unprecedented numbers. At the same time, a new Israeli law imposes the death penalty as the default sentence for Palestinians convicted in fatal attacks. Journalist Fouad Abu Ghosh in Jerusalem tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that state-backed settler militias are disrupting life in the West Bank.

Israeli settler violence, raids and home demolitions are forcing West Bank residents from their homes in unprecedented numbers. At the same time, a new Israeli law imposes the death penalty as the default sentence for Palestinians convicted in fatal attacks. Journalist Fouad Abu Ghosh in Jerusalem tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that state-backed settler militias are disrupting life in the West Bank.

'In a very small confrontation, your life will be the cost': Israeli settler violence spikes in West Bank

Montreal is home to a vibrant and diverse Jewish food scene, with plenty of room for experimentation alongside traditional fare. As Jews across the globe prepare for Passover, Host Marco Werman catches up with Kat Romanow — who teaches cooking classes and hosts events as The Wandering Chew. Romanow describes the global influences that shape Jewish cuisine in Montreal, and describes variations on seder staples, including instructions for making homemade matzo.

Montreal is home to a vibrant and diverse Jewish food scene, with plenty of room for experimentation alongside traditional fare. As Jews across the globe prepare for Passover, Host Marco Werman catches up with Kat Romanow — who teaches cooking classes and hosts events as The Wandering Chew. Romanow describes the global influences that shape Jewish cuisine in Montreal, and describes variations on seder staples, including instructions for making homemade matzo.

Making matzo with a Jewish food historian in Montreal

Global EV giant BYD is building a new factory in Hungary to bypass tariffs and pump thousands of cheap electric cars into the European market. Hungarian leaders have praised the project as a major investment. But as The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel learned, workers at the plant — many of whom are Chinese migrants flown in on temporary visas — are facing conditions investigators liken to forced labor.

Global EV giant BYD is building a new factory in Hungary to bypass tariffs and pump thousands of cheap electric cars into the European market. Hungarian leaders have praised the project as a major investment. But as The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel learned, workers at the plant — many of whom are Chinese migrants flown in on temporary visas — are facing conditions investigators liken to forced labor.

Hungary investigates forced labor at BYD factory

In a press briefing this morning, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that the upcoming days of combat would be "decisive," asserting that Iran does not have the military capabilities to do anything about it. To get a clear perspective on Iran's current ability to strike back at the US, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Sina Azodi, director of Middle East Studies at George Washington University, who joined from Washington.

In a press briefing this morning, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that the upcoming days of combat would be "decisive," asserting that Iran does not have the military capabilities to do anything about it. To get a clear perspective on Iran's current ability to strike back at the US, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Sina Azodi, director of Middle East Studies at George Washington University, who joined from Washington.

Assessing Iran's military capabilities

It might seem like a step down, but now that the NCAA lets student-athletes get paid for endorsements, the money is better at US universities than it is for most pros in Europe. Nineteen-year-old Dame Sarr came to Duke this year and has been a stand-out guard, even as his old club, FC Barcelona, would love to have him back one day. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

It might seem like a step down, but now that the NCAA lets student-athletes get paid for endorsements, the money is better at US universities than it is for most pros in Europe. Nineteen-year-old Dame Sarr came to Duke this year and has been a stand-out guard, even as his old club, FC Barcelona, would love to have him back one day. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Teen Basketball pro in Europe opts for college hoops in the US

A Russian oil tanker has reached Cuba, offering brief relief after months of severe fuel shortages. But for many Cubans, the crisis runs much deeper. Through voices on the island and in exile, this story captures daily life shaped by blackouts, rising hardship and difficult choices about the future. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

A Russian oil tanker has reached Cuba, offering brief relief after months of severe fuel shortages. But for many Cubans, the crisis runs much deeper. Through voices on the island and in exile, this story captures daily life shaped by blackouts, rising hardship and difficult choices about the future. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Cuba's crisis, as told through Cuban voices

In a blunt Palm Sunday sermon, Pope Leo XIV implicitly criticized the world powers behind the war in Iran, arguing that God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war but rejects them.” Christopher White, the author of "Pope Leo XIV: Inside the Conclave and the Dawn of a New Papacy," talks with Host Carolyn Beeler about Pope Leo’s comments and the Vatican’s historical response to wars.

In a blunt Palm Sunday sermon, Pope Leo XIV implicitly criticized the world powers behind the war in Iran, arguing that God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war but rejects them.” Christopher White, the author of "Pope Leo XIV: Inside the Conclave and the Dawn of a New Papacy," talks with Host Carolyn Beeler about Pope Leo’s comments and the Vatican’s historical response to wars.

Pope Leo XIV admonishes war advocates whose 'hands are full of blood'

Scientists in Greenland have installed an underwater microphone in Disko Bay. Recording the sounds will allow them to study how climate change is affecting the area, by tracking the presence of species and changes in noise. They have also made the microphone's transmission open to the public, on an online stream called DISKO LIVE. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Outi Tervo, the lead scientist behind the project.

Scientists in Greenland have installed an underwater microphone in Disko Bay. Recording the sounds will allow them to study how climate change is affecting the area, by tracking the presence of species and changes in noise. They have also made the microphone's transmission open to the public, on an online stream called DISKO LIVE. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Outi Tervo, the lead scientist behind the project.

Underwater livestream in Greenland gathers evidence of climate change — and lets the public listen

Russia now spends nearly half of its national budget on the war in Ukraine. A lot of that spending has boosted Russia’s economy. But after four years of fighting, the war has created a country of winners and losers. On the winning side — Russia’s military industrial complex. But for the many people outside that sphere, we asked reporter Levi Bridges to dig into how they survive in an economy transformed by war.

Russia now spends nearly half of its national budget on the war in Ukraine. A lot of that spending has boosted Russia’s economy. But after four years of fighting, the war has created a country of winners and losers. On the winning side — Russia’s military industrial complex. But for the many people outside that sphere, we asked reporter Levi Bridges to dig into how they survive
in an economy transformed by war.

The strain of a long war is showing in Russia's economy

This weekend, the world’s largest aircraft carrier arrived in the waters off of Split, Croatia. The USS Gerald R. Ford was pulled from combat operations in the Red Sea, where it was supporting the US war with Iran. It might be championed as the US Navy’s most advanced carrier, but as The World’s Joshua Coe reports, it’s been dealing with some costly backed-up toilets — among other issues. He joined the show from Split and spoke with Host Marco Werman.

This weekend, the world’s largest aircraft carrier arrived in the waters off of Split, Croatia. The USS Gerald R. Ford was pulled from combat operations in the Red Sea, where it was supporting the US war with Iran. It might be championed as the US Navy’s most advanced carrier, but as The World’s Joshua Coe reports, it’s been dealing with some costly backed-up toilets — among other issues. He joined the show from Split and spoke with Host Marco Werman.

USS Gerald R. Ford arrives in Croatia for repairs as US prepares for ground war in Iran

The CEO of Air Canada stepping down after last week's plane crash with a fire truck at La Guardia airport in New York, China resuming flights to Pyongyang and another major art heist are just some stories you may not have seen. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler catch you up on the latest.

The CEO of Air Canada stepping down after last week's plane crash with a fire truck at La Guardia airport in New York, China resuming flights to Pyongyang and another major art heist are just some stories you may not have seen. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler catch you up on the latest.

Stories you may have missed

Five months ago, Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica. Since then, the recovery has been a slow and ongoing process. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Jamaica Representative from the WHO/PAHO Ian Stein for an update.

Five months ago, Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica. Since then, the recovery has been a slow and ongoing process. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Jamaica Representative from the WHO/PAHO Ian Stein for an update.

In Jamaica, recovery from Hurricane Melissa slow and ongoing

Composer Sami Yusuf likes to keep listeners on their toes with his diverse style of music. Born to Azerbaijani parents in Tehran, Yusuf grew up in London and was trained in both Western and Middle Eastern classical music. But his musical knowledge doesn't end there. Flamenco, Native American and more can be heard on his latest release "Ecstasy: Voices of the Earth." Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler bring us the details.

Composer Sami Yusuf likes to keep listeners on their toes with his diverse style of music. Born to Azerbaijani parents in Tehran, Yusuf grew up in London and was trained in both Western and Middle Eastern classical music. But his musical knowledge doesn't end there. Flamenco, Native American and more can be heard on his latest release "Ecstasy: Voices of the Earth." Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler bring us the details.

Musical journey continues for Sami Yusuf

It's a mystery that continues to baffle us to this day. Seventy-eight years ago this month, the body of Czechoslovakia’s postwar foreign minister, Jan Masaryk, was found beneath his bathroom window, just two weeks after the Communists had seized power. Was the KGB or its Czechoslovak counterpart involved? As Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Rob Cameron reports, police are now examining fresh evidence.

It's a mystery that continues to baffle us to this day. Seventy-eight years ago this month, the body of Czechoslovakia’s postwar foreign minister, Jan Masaryk, was found beneath his bathroom window, just two weeks after the Communists had seized power. Was the KGB or its Czechoslovak counterpart involved? As Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Rob Cameron reports, police are now examining fresh evidence.

Could a 78-year-old murder mystery be solved?

According to World Athletics — the global governing body for professional track and field — the presence or absence of the SRY gene is a reliable proxy for determining biological sex. A policy requiring that competitors in the female category undergo testing for the gene was implemented ahead of the World Athletic Championships in the fall. Supporters say the policy guarantees fairness. Critics say it's unethical and unscientific. As Bianca Hillier reported last fall, this is part of a long history of sex-testing in elite women's sports.This story originally aired on Sept. 12, 2025.

According to World Athletics — the global governing body for professional track and field — the presence or absence of the SRY gene is a reliable proxy for determining biological sex. A policy requiring that competitors in the female category undergo testing for the gene was implemented ahead of the World Athletic Championships in the fall. Supporters say the policy guarantees fairness. Critics say it's unethical and unscientific. As Bianca Hillier reported last fall, this is part of a long history of sex-testing in elite women's sports.
This story originally aired on Sept. 12, 2025.

Sex testing requirements revive long-time controversy in women's sports

Hundreds of tons of oil have washed up along the coast of Mexico's Veracruz and Tabasco states over the past month. Mexican authorities have blamed a still unknown ship and two natural oil seeps in the Gulf. But multiple scientists told The World that the seeps cannot be responsible. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with scientist Oscar Garcia-Pineda about why.

Hundreds of tons of oil have washed up along the coast of Mexico's Veracruz and Tabasco states over the past month. Mexican authorities have blamed a still unknown ship and two natural oil seeps in the Gulf. But multiple scientists told The World that the seeps cannot be responsible. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with scientist Oscar Garcia-Pineda about why.

Oil is washing up on Mexico's east coast. There are disagreements about where it's coming from.

In Hong Kong this week, a new amendment to the national security law allows police to demand the password to a person's phone in order to search it. Now, authorities say, "activities endangering national security can be effectively prevented, suppressed and punished." Rights groups and activists warn the changes tighten the noose on free speech in the special administrative region. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Victoria Hui, an associate professor in political science at the University of Notre Dame, about what the new amendment signifies.

In Hong Kong this week, a new amendment to the national security law allows police to demand the password to a person's phone in order to search it. Now, authorities say, "activities endangering national security can be effectively prevented, suppressed and punished." Rights groups and activists warn the changes tighten the noose on free speech in the special administrative region. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Victoria Hui, an associate professor in political science at the University of Notre Dame, about what the new amendment signifies.

Hong Kong police can now demand passwords to search phones

On the first day of US and Israeli attacks in Iran, a school bombing in the village of Minab that killed around 160 people, many of them children, triggered global outrage. But a similar attack that also resulted in the death of children, went mostly unnoticed. The World's Shirin Jaafari was reporting on the Minab school attack when she came across videos of an explosion at a sports complex in the southern Iranian city of Lamerd that killed some children who were playing volleyball and soccer. She joins Host Carolyn Beeler with details.

On the first day of US and Israeli attacks in Iran, a school bombing in the village of Minab that killed around 160 people, many of them children, triggered global outrage. But a similar attack that also resulted in the death of children, went mostly unnoticed. The World's Shirin Jaafari was reporting on the Minab school attack when she came across videos of an explosion at a sports complex in the southern Iranian city of Lamerd that killed some children who were playing volleyball and soccer. She joins Host Carolyn Beeler with details.

A sports complex was bombed in Iran, killing students. Details are just now emerging.

If you don't know the diamond company De Beers, you probably know its slogan: "A diamond is forever." The company — co-founded by British imperialist Cecil Rhodes — has, however, lost its luster in recent years. Now up for sale, former African colonies are looking to buy the company that long profited from their diamond mines — including Botswana, whose economy has long relied on the industry. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more from Joel Konopo, the co-founder of the INK Centre for Investigative Journalism, in Botswana’s capital, Gaborone.

If you don't know the diamond company De Beers, you probably know its slogan: "A diamond is forever." The company — co-founded by British imperialist Cecil Rhodes — has, however, lost its luster in recent years. Now up for sale, former African colonies are looking to buy the company that long profited from their diamond mines — including Botswana, whose economy has long relied on the industry. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more from Joel Konopo, the co-founder of the INK Centre for Investigative Journalism, in Botswana’s capital, Gaborone.

Colonial-era diamond giant De Beers is up for sale — now former colonies like Botswana want a stake

The Dutch town of Baarle-Nassau and the Belgian enclave of Baarle-Hertog share a wacky border. It twists and turns every which way and even cuts through some houses. Crossing back and forth between the Netherlands and Belgium is a part of daily life for residents there. A new swing set celebrates that part of the towns' identities by straddling the border between the two countries. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

The Dutch town of Baarle-Nassau and the Belgian enclave of Baarle-Hertog share a wacky border. It twists and turns every which way and even cuts through some houses. Crossing back and forth between the Netherlands and Belgium is a part of daily life for residents there. A new swing set celebrates that part of the towns' identities by straddling the border between the two countries. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Swinging across the Dutch-Belgian border

A new musical called "Mexodus" tells a lesser-known story of an "underground railroad" of sorts — from the US across the Rio Grande into Mexico. An estimated 5,000 to 10,000 enslaved people found refuge in Mexico, where slavery was abolished in 1829 (before the US Civil War). Jeff Lunden went to the show and has this report.

A new musical called "Mexodus" tells a lesser-known story of an "underground railroad" of sorts — from the US across the Rio Grande into Mexico. An estimated 5,000 to 10,000 enslaved people found refuge in Mexico, where slavery was abolished in 1829 (before the US Civil War). Jeff Lunden went to the show and has this report.

The Mexican 'underground railroad'

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."

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."

The ancient statues on Easter Island inspire a new composition

The United Nations has voted to name the trans-Atlantic slave trade "the gravest crime against humanity." The landmark resolution, first proposed by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, also calls for reparations as “a concrete step toward remedying historical wrongs.” Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

The United Nations has voted to name the trans-Atlantic slave trade "the gravest crime against humanity." The landmark resolution, first proposed by Ghanaian President John Dramani Mahama, also calls for reparations as “a concrete step toward remedying historical wrongs.” Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

UN votes to name trans-Atlantic slave trade 'the gravest crime against humanity'

As part of its attacks on Ukraine, Russia has targeted the country's energy system, taking out power plants and sub-stations. As a result, Ukraine has turned to cheaper, faster, decentralized alternatives: renewables. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Konstiantyn Krynytskyi, energy director at the NGO EcoAction, about how the war has accelerated Ukraine's energy transition.

As part of its attacks on Ukraine, Russia has targeted the country's energy system, taking out power plants and sub-stations. As a result, Ukraine has turned to cheaper, faster, decentralized alternatives: renewables. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Konstiantyn Krynytskyi, energy director at the NGO EcoAction, about how the war has accelerated Ukraine's energy transition.

Ongoing war in Ukraine speeds up energy transition

In Yemen, after more than a decade of war and economic collapse, thousands of women seeking financial independence thought they'd found a way out of poverty. Online trading platforms — often promoted by friends and family — promised hefty returns of 20%, even 50% on investments. But the companies were frauds. And in a single week, one particular company vanished with $12 million from some 40,000 investors. Hashed Mozaqer and Bassem al-Nawawi talked to victims in Sanaa about how these scams spread, and how they exploit people desperate for income.

In Yemen, after more than a decade of war and economic collapse, thousands of women seeking financial independence thought they'd found a way out of poverty. Online trading platforms — often promoted by friends and family — promised hefty returns of 20%, even 50% on investments. But the companies were frauds. And in a single week, one particular company vanished with $12 million from some 40,000 investors. Hashed Mozaqer and Bassem al-Nawawi talked to victims in Sanaa about how these scams spread, and how they exploit people desperate for income.

Financial scams in Yemen target women

The International Olympic Committee has announced that transgender women will be banned from competing in women’s events at the Olympic Games, under new rules coming into force from 2028. The decision will require all athletes seeking to compete in the female category to undergo a one-off genetic screening test, and is expected to intensify one of the most contentious debates in global sport. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry joins Host Carolyn Beeler to explain.

The International Olympic Committee has announced that transgender women will be banned from competing in women’s events at the Olympic Games, under new rules coming into force from 2028. The decision will require all athletes seeking to compete in the female category to undergo a one-off genetic screening test, and is expected to intensify one of the most contentious debates in global sport. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry joins Host Carolyn Beeler to explain.

The International Olympic Committee has banned transgender women from competing in women's events

Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is in court today. He was abducted earlier this year in a US military raid and has been charged with drug trafficking and narcoterrorism. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Geoff Ramsey, a fellow at the Atlantic Council and an analyst specializing in threats in Latin America, about the trial.

Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro is in court today. He was abducted earlier this year in a US military raid and has been charged with drug trafficking and narcoterrorism. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Geoff Ramsey, a fellow at the Atlantic Council and an analyst specializing in threats in Latin America, about the trial.

Ousted Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro appears in court

There’s been a shift in the rhetoric world leaders are using to describe and justify war and aggression. Especially in the United States, the language is becoming more bellicose, boastful and vengeful. George Soroka, a lecturer in the Department of Government at Harvard University, talks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about how and why the language of global conflict is evolving.

There’s been a shift in the rhetoric world leaders are using to describe and justify war and aggression. Especially in the United States, the language is becoming more bellicose, boastful and vengeful. George Soroka, a lecturer in the Department of Government at Harvard University, talks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about how and why the language of global conflict is evolving.

The way we talk about war has changed

In Norwegian tourism terms, we’re currently at the tail end of winter. It's been a season of northern lights, husky adventures and reindeer feeding opportunities. And for some locals, that season cannot end soon enough. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Lars Bevanger reports from Tromso, in Norway’s Arctic north.

In Norwegian tourism terms, we’re currently at the tail end of winter. It's been a season of northern lights, husky adventures and reindeer feeding opportunities. And for some locals, that season cannot end soon enough. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Lars Bevanger reports from Tromso, in Norway’s Arctic north.

Norwegians are ready to say goodbye to winter

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently said he had a "very bad feeling" about the impact of the Middle East conflict on the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin is reaping windfall profits as the price of oil rises, and the air defense weaponry Kyiv needs is in increasingly short supply. Wall Street Journal Correspondent Yaroslav Trofimov discusses the implications with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently said he had a "very bad feeling" about the impact of the Middle East conflict on the war in Ukraine. The Kremlin is reaping windfall profits as the price of oil rises, and the air defense weaponry Kyiv needs is in increasingly short supply. Wall Street Journal Correspondent Yaroslav Trofimov discusses the implications with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler.