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.

A Chinese university recently announced that it expelled a female student over her allegedly dating a foreigner. The story has sparked a conversation on Chinese social media about gender bias and nationalism in the country, where authorities have discouraged romantic connections with foreigners on the grounds of national security concerns. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Yaqiu Wang, a Chinese human rights researcher at the University of Chicago.

A Chinese university recently announced that it expelled a female student over her allegedly dating a foreigner. The story has sparked a conversation on Chinese social media about gender bias and nationalism in the country, where authorities have discouraged romantic connections with foreigners on the grounds of national security concerns. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Yaqiu Wang, a Chinese human rights researcher at the University of Chicago.

Student's expulsion from Chinese university for dating a foreigner sparks debate

In an archive in London, writer Elizabeth Lovatt came across a logbook used in the 1990s by volunteers of a London-based helpline called the Lesbian Line. It was run out of a UK charity called London Friend, which is still operational today. Lovatt has now written about the stories told in the logbook in her book, "Thank You For Calling the Lesbian Line." The World's Bianca Hillier spoke with Lovatt to learn more.

In an archive in London, writer Elizabeth Lovatt came across a logbook used in the 1990s by volunteers of a London-based helpline called the Lesbian Line. It was run out of a UK charity called London Friend, which is still operational today. Lovatt has now written about the stories told in the logbook in her book, "Thank You For Calling the Lesbian Line." The World's Bianca Hillier spoke with Lovatt to learn more.

Book explores '90s lesbian life in London through helpline log

Earlier this year, an independent book shop just outside the Danish capital Copenhagen received five big boxes of books. There was just one problem: The books were supposed to go to Nairobi in Kenya. Isabella Mousavizadeh Smith, the owner of the store Books and Company told The World's Host Carolyn Beeler that she decided to keep them, and offer a unique window into the kinds of books people a continent away are reading.

Earlier this year, an independent book shop just outside the Danish capital Copenhagen received five big boxes of books. There was just one problem: The books were supposed to go to Nairobi in Kenya. Isabella Mousavizadeh Smith, the owner of the store Books and Company told The World's Host Carolyn Beeler that she decided to keep them, and offer a unique window into the kinds of books people a continent away are reading.

Boxes of books destined for Kenya end up at a Danish bookshop

More than 15 years after their last performance together, Britpop legends Oasis have reunited with the band playing to packed-out stadiums in their hometown of Manchester this week. But thousands of fans are being priced out. Tickets have soared thanks to scalpers, known in the UK as touts, who’ve snapped them up and resold them at sky-high prices. Now, the British government says it’s planning new laws to curb the practice. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

More than 15 years after their last performance together, Britpop legends Oasis have reunited with the band playing to packed-out stadiums in their hometown of Manchester this week. But thousands of fans are being priced out. Tickets have soared thanks to scalpers, known in the UK as touts, who’ve snapped them up and resold them at sky-high prices. Now, the British government says it’s planning new laws to curb the practice. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Oasis tour marred by scalpers — UK moves to stop resale madness

It's part sport, part art, part political statement. A US-based arts collective called InDecline stages soccer games around the world where the ball is a life-like replica of the head of some controversial world leader. — from Mexico and Brazil to Germany and Spain. The World's Gerry Hadden went to InDecline's latest match outside the small Spanish town of Moià, where players kicked a replica of the late dictator General Francisco Franco's head, marking the 50th anniversary of his death.

It's part sport, part art, part political statement. A US-based arts collective called InDecline stages soccer games around the world where the ball is a life-like replica of the head of some controversial world leader. — from Mexico and Brazil to Germany and Spain. The World's Gerry Hadden went to InDecline's latest match outside the small Spanish town of Moià, where players kicked a replica of the late dictator General Francisco Franco's head, marking the 50th anniversary of his death.

Soccer players switch out ball for fake 'human heads'

Felix Baumgartner rose to fame in 2012 after becoming the first person to skydive through the stratosphere, breaking the sound barrier with nothing but his body. Yesterday, he died in a paragliding incident in Italy. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with sports psychologist Odette Hornby about what drives extreme athletes to the edges of their sports when the consequences can be so high.

Felix Baumgartner rose to fame in 2012 after becoming the first person to skydive through the stratosphere, breaking the sound barrier with nothing but his body. Yesterday, he died in a paragliding incident in Italy. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with sports psychologist Odette Hornby about what drives extreme athletes to the edges of their sports when the consequences can be so high.

Death of famous skydiver sparks questions about what drives extreme athletes

Riccardo Baldini, an Italian concert pianist living in Canada, was paralyzed from the waist down six years ago when a cluster of blood vessels burst. He could still play the keys, but he also needed to work the pedals. So, he's created a new system that he calls "Resonate," which allows him to play the pedals with his mouth. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler has more details.

Riccardo Baldini, an Italian concert pianist living in Canada, was paralyzed from the waist down six years ago when a cluster of blood vessels burst. He could still play the keys, but he also needed to work the pedals. So, he's created a new system that he calls "Resonate," which allows him to play the pedals with his mouth. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler has more details.

Paralyzed piano player returns to the stage

Musician Brother Ali became known in the early 2000s for his hard-hitting critique of racism and inequality in the US.  Two decades later, the white rapper has moved to Turkey on a spiritual journey as a Muslim. He’s still producing music but he says his political views are making it harder for him to get his music out there. Reporter Fariba Nawa sat down with the American rapper in Istanbul.

Musician Brother Ali became known in the early 2000s for his hard-hitting critique of racism and inequality in the US.  Two decades later, the white rapper has moved to Turkey on a spiritual journey as a Muslim. He’s still producing music but he says his political views are making it harder for him to get his music out there. Reporter Fariba Nawa sat down with the American rapper in Istanbul.

Brother Ali pursues rap career in Turkey

When you call a 1-800 number, you’ll often end up speaking to someone in the Philippines. Call centers are a huge part of the country’s economy, employing more than a million people. In recent years, Filipino call center workers have heard predictions — that artificial intelligence could wipe out their industry. But for now, AI is having a different effect. It’s driving them mad as The World’s Patrick Winn has found out.

When you call a 1-800 number, you’ll often end up speaking to someone in the Philippines. Call centers are a huge part of the country’s economy, employing more than a million people. In recent years, Filipino call center workers have heard predictions — that artificial intelligence could wipe out their industry. But for now, AI is having a different effect. It’s driving them mad as The World’s Patrick Winn has found out.

The AI software driving Filipino call center workers mad

A conference this week in Colombia brought together 30 members of Global South countries to discuss concrete steps they can take to force Israel to stop its attacks on the Gaza Strip. Colombia's president has basically argued that Israel is breaking international law, and that if Israel can get away with bombing and starving the Palestinians, then small countries around the world will also be at risk of being attacked by more powerful countries with impunity. Manuel Rueda reports from Bogota.

A conference this week in Colombia brought together 30 members of Global South countries to discuss concrete steps they can take to force Israel to stop its attacks on the Gaza Strip. Colombia's president has basically argued that Israel is breaking international law, and that if Israel can get away with bombing and starving the Palestinians, then small countries around the world will also be at risk of being attacked by more powerful countries with impunity. Manuel Rueda reports from Bogota.

Global South countries meet to find concrete ways to stop Israel's attacks on Gaza

Most people know of the few main blood types: A, B, O, AB — plus or negative — but scientists have identified dozens of others. Most recently, a team of French researchers discovered a 48th blood type. A woman from Guadeloupe is the only known person with Gwada-Negative, making it not only the newest, but also the rarest, blood group in the world. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Martin Olsson. He's a professor of transfusion medicine at Lund University in Sweden.

Most people know of the few main blood types: A, B, O, AB — plus or negative — but scientists have identified dozens of others. Most recently, a team of French researchers discovered a 48th blood type. A woman from Guadeloupe is the only known person with Gwada-Negative, making it not only the newest, but also the rarest, blood group in the world. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Martin Olsson. He's a professor of transfusion medicine at Lund University in Sweden.

Scientists identify world's newest — and rarest — blood type

A small farm town in southeast Spain has seen three nights of rioting over the last few days. It started after a group of young Moroccans allegedly assaulted an elderly man on his morning walk. News of the attack spread quickly on online extremist platforms, and hundreds of protestors descended on Torre Pacheco, to "hunt immigrants." The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

A small farm town in southeast Spain has seen three nights of rioting over the last few days. It started after a group of young Moroccans allegedly assaulted an elderly man on his morning walk. News of the attack spread quickly on online extremist platforms, and hundreds of protestors descended on Torre Pacheco, to "hunt immigrants." The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Spanish far-right fuels anti-immigrant rioting

Fauja Singh, known as the world's oldest marathoner, died in his hometown in India recently in a hit-and-run incident. The Londoner had been a beloved figure in the city's running community, becoming an Olympic torchbearer in 2012 and founding the running club Sikhs in the City. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Harmander Singh, his coach and friend, about his memory.

Fauja Singh, known as the world's oldest marathoner, died in his hometown in India recently in a hit-and-run incident. The Londoner had been a beloved figure in the city's running community, becoming an Olympic torchbearer in 2012 and founding the running club Sikhs in the City. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Harmander Singh, his coach and friend, about his memory.

World's oldest marathon runner dies at age 114

Britain's government says if 16- and 17-year-olds are mature enough to work and pay taxes, they’re old enough to vote. So, the UK is lowering its voting age to 16 in time for the next general election. Other countries that have made the move haven’t seen dramatic changes in voting patterns. The University of Edinburgh's Jan Eichhorn has looked at global trends and discusses his findings with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

Britain's government says if 16- and 17-year-olds are mature enough to work and pay taxes, they’re old enough to vote. So, the UK is lowering its voting age to 16 in time for the next general election. Other countries that have made the move haven’t seen dramatic changes in voting patterns. The University of Edinburgh's Jan Eichhorn has looked at global trends and discusses his findings with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

UK lowers voting age to 16

A fire at a newly opened mall in Kut, Iraq, killed more than 60 people, including women and children, Iraqi officials said Thursday. As Host Carolyn Beeler explains, the five-story building had just opened a week earlier.

A fire at a newly opened mall in Kut, Iraq, killed more than 60 people, including women and children, Iraqi officials said Thursday. As Host Carolyn Beeler explains, the five-story building had just opened a week earlier.

Mall fire kills dozens of people in Iraq

It was called a “Marshall Plan” to stop the spread of HIV in Africa. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief — or PEPFAR — was launched by a Republican, President George W. Bush, in 2003. Now, although some funding remains for the program, many of PEPFAR’s prevention and support services have stalled, as Dr. Atul Gawande, who led global health at USAID, explains to The World’s Host Marco Werman.

It was called a “Marshall Plan” to stop the spread of HIV in Africa. The President’s Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief — or PEPFAR — was launched by a Republican, President George W. Bush, in 2003. Now, although some funding remains for the program, many of PEPFAR’s prevention and support services have stalled, as Dr. Atul Gawande, who led global health at USAID, explains to The World’s Host Marco Werman.

PEPFAR and the future of the global HIV fight

Kenyan runner Ruth Chepng'etich has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned diuretic on March 14, the Athletics Integrity Unit announced today. Chepng'etich shattered the marathon world record last October by running a 2:09:56 at the Chicago Marathon. Now, her case is likely headed to a Disciplinary Tribunal and she could face a two-year ban. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

Kenyan runner Ruth Chepng'etich has been provisionally suspended after testing positive for a banned diuretic on March 14, the Athletics Integrity Unit announced today. Chepng'etich shattered the marathon world record last October by running a 2:09:56 at the Chicago Marathon. Now, her case is likely headed to a Disciplinary Tribunal and she could face a two-year ban. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

Marathon world record holder provisionally suspended after testing positive for banned substance

Afghanistan's forests have been decimated over the past few decades by wars and illegal logging. Now, the Taliban says it wants to preserve them by combatting illegal logging. The group has started a "Green Force," which it says will confiscate smuggled timber and arrest offenders. But experts are skeptical about the Taliban's motivation and the efficacy of the force, as The World's Shirin Jaafari reports.

Afghanistan's forests have been decimated over the past few decades by wars and illegal logging. Now, the Taliban says it wants to preserve them by combatting illegal logging. The group has started a "Green Force," which it says will confiscate smuggled timber and arrest offenders. But experts are skeptical about the Taliban's motivation and the efficacy of the force, as The World's Shirin Jaafari reports.

Taliban says it wants to combat illegal logging. Experts say it's more about control.

In 1932, as the Nazis were securing power in Germany through the ballot box, a young German man by the name of Raimund Pretzel wrote the draft of a novel centered on a young couple worried about their country changing for the worse. Now known by his pen name, Sebastian Haffner went on to flee Germany and became an outspoken critic of Hitler and the Nazis and that early novel, "Abschied," or "Parting," was published in German earlier this year. It's now flying off the shelves in Germany. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with Oliver Pretzel, who is currently translating the book into English. He's Haffner's son and is based in the UK.

In 1932, as the Nazis were securing power in Germany through the ballot box, a young German man by the name of Raimund Pretzel wrote the draft of a novel centered on a young couple worried about their country changing for the worse. Now known by his pen name, Sebastian Haffner went on to flee Germany and became an outspoken critic of Hitler and the Nazis and that early novel, "Abschied," or "Parting," was published in German earlier this year. It's now flying off the shelves in Germany. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with Oliver Pretzel, who is currently translating the book into English. He's Haffner's son and is based in the UK.

Unpublished novel 'Parting' from pre-war Germany becomes bestseller in the country

Israeli airstrikes hit a military compound and targets near the Syrian presidential palace this morning. Israeli officials called it an effort to protect Syria's minority Druze community. Ruth Michaelson, an Istanbul-based journalist, tells The World's Host Marco Werman that the strikes have created a crisis for Syria's transitional government, which had pledged to support the rights of ethnic and religious minorities.

Israeli airstrikes hit a military compound and targets near the Syrian presidential palace this morning. Israeli officials called it an effort to protect Syria's minority Druze community. Ruth Michaelson, an Istanbul-based journalist, tells The World's Host Marco Werman that the strikes have created a crisis for Syria's transitional government, which had pledged to support the rights of ethnic and religious minorities.

Israeli strikes hit targets in downtown Damascus

Hungry bread beetles have infested about a quarter of a 400,000-volume collection significant to the history of Hungary. Established in 996 AD, the Archabbey of Pannonhalma in Western Hungary is one of the oldest historic places in the country and its library hosts documents of historic significance to the country dating just as far back. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Máté Vincze, Hungary's deputy state secretary for public collections and cultural development, who has been monitoring the situation.

Hungry bread beetles have infested about a quarter of a 400,000-volume collection significant to the history of Hungary. Established in 996 AD, the Archabbey of Pannonhalma in Western Hungary is one of the oldest historic places in the country and its library hosts documents of historic significance to the country dating just as far back. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Máté Vincze, Hungary's deputy state secretary for public collections and cultural development, who has been monitoring the situation.

Hungry bread beetles infest priceless Hungarian book collection

Sweden was the first country in Europe to print paper money over 350 years ago.  But for the past decade or more, it’s been leading the charge to get rid of cash altogether. Not everyone is on board though. Critics say going digital leaves the vulnerable behind, and with cyberattacks surging, even Swedish lawmakers are now having second thoughts. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Sweden was the first country in Europe to print paper money over 350 years ago.  But for the past decade or more, it’s been leading the charge to get rid of cash altogether. Not everyone is on board though. Critics say going digital leaves the vulnerable behind, and with cyberattacks surging, even Swedish lawmakers are now having second thoughts. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Cashless Sweden gets cold feet

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is in Beijing, China, this week to reset relations after years of tension with the regional power. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks to William Yang, a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group, about the strategy and wider implications.

Australia's Prime Minister Anthony Albanese is in Beijing, China, this week to reset relations after years of tension with the regional power. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks to William Yang, a senior analyst with the International Crisis Group, about the strategy and wider implications.

Australia's prime minister visits China to reset relations amid rising tensions

Here are some stories that you may not have seen, including why Australian teens are giving up their vapes, a man in England sentenced to jail for cutting down a famous Sycamore tree and why a woman and her daughters were living in a cave in India. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Here are some stories that you may not have seen, including why Australian teens are giving up their vapes, a man in England sentenced to jail for cutting down a famous Sycamore tree and why a woman and her daughters were living in a cave in India. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Other news from around the globe

More than 100 people have been evacuated from Grindavik, Iceland, including the Blue Lagoon, due to a new volcanic eruption in the area. This is the ninth eruption since 2023, which prior to that point, had been dormant for centuries. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with volcanologist David McGarvie from Lancaster University about what's happening.

More than 100 people have been evacuated from Grindavik, Iceland, including the Blue Lagoon, due to a new volcanic eruption in the area. This is the ninth eruption since 2023, which prior to that point, had been dormant for centuries. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with volcanologist David McGarvie from Lancaster University about what's happening.

Volcanic activity in southwest Iceland continues with new eruption

New Zealand implemented new rules in April that effectively make it easier than ever for wealthy foreigners to gain permanent residency in the country through what's known as "golden visas." Some people view this as a crucial tool for the small county to bring in more capital, while others remain skeptical that the plan will work. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

New Zealand implemented new rules in April that effectively make it easier than ever for wealthy foreigners to gain permanent residency in the country through what's known as "golden visas." Some people view this as a crucial tool for the small county to bring in more capital, while others remain skeptical that the plan will work. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

New Zealand makes it easier than ever for wealthy people to gain residency through 'golden visas'

Affirmative action is often viewed negatively today in the United States. But Brazil is still moving full speed ahead. Those involved say it has been a huge success. Brazil implemented affirmative action policies at federal universities in 2012. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva increased quotas for jobs in the public sector to 30% for Black and Indigenous peoples. Mike Fox has this report from Rio de Janeiro.

Affirmative action is often viewed negatively today in the United States. But Brazil is still moving full speed ahead. Those involved say it has been a huge success. Brazil implemented affirmative action policies at federal universities in 2012. President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva increased quotas for jobs in the public sector to 30% for Black and Indigenous peoples. Mike Fox has this report from Rio de Janeiro.

Affirmative action seems to have worked at Brazilian universities

US President Trump has threatened "very severe tariffs" on Russia if a peace deal with Ukraine isn't reached within 50 days. He's also agreed to a plan to funnel military aid to Ukraine through NATO. These moves don't appear to worry the Kremlin, though, as Yaroslav Trofimov of The Wall Street Journal explains to The World's Host Marco Werman.

US President Trump has threatened "very severe tariffs" on Russia if a peace deal with Ukraine isn't reached within 50 days. He's also agreed to a plan to funnel military aid to Ukraine through NATO. These moves don't appear to worry the Kremlin, though, as Yaroslav Trofimov of The Wall Street Journal explains to The World's Host Marco Werman.

US threatens Russia with ‘very severe tariffs’ over peace deal with Ukraine

The Sultanate of Oman will institute a personal income tax beginning in 2028. It's part of a government effort to diversify the country's economy and reduce its reliance on fossil fuel revenues. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with Monica Malik, chief economist at Abu Dhabi Commercial bank, about the significance of the move and what it could mean for the region.

The Sultanate of Oman will institute a personal income tax beginning in 2028. It's part of a government effort to diversify the country's economy and reduce its reliance on fossil fuel revenues. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with Monica Malik, chief economist at Abu Dhabi Commercial bank, about the significance of the move and what it could mean for the region.

Oman to introduce personal income tax

King Charles III is, among many of his royal titles, the Seigneur of the Swans. He has the right to claim ownership of any unmarked mute swan in the country. But with great power comes great responsibility — that of keeping track of them. That's why the King's Swan Marker, David Barber, is charged with counting all of the swans on the River Thames every summer. That census is underway this week. Host Marco Werman explains the history behind this tradition, and why it's also known as "swan upping."

King Charles III is, among many of his royal titles, the Seigneur of the Swans. He has the right to claim ownership of any unmarked mute swan in the country. But with great power comes great responsibility — that of keeping track of them. That's why the King's Swan Marker, David Barber, is charged with counting all of the swans on the River Thames every summer. That census is underway this week. Host Marco Werman explains the history behind this tradition, and why it's also known as "swan upping."