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.

The UK has long sent its soldiers for training at a military base in central Kenya. But relations with the local communities near the facility have been uneasy for some time. Now, a two-year-long investigation by Kenyan lawmakers links the British soldiers to unresolved killings, sexual abuse and environmental harm. Kenyan investigative journalist John-Allen Namu discusses the fallout from the report with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler.

The UK has long sent its soldiers for training at a military base in central Kenya. But relations with the local communities near the facility have been uneasy for some time. Now, a two-year-long investigation by Kenyan lawmakers links the British soldiers to unresolved killings, sexual abuse and environmental harm. Kenyan investigative journalist John-Allen Namu discusses the fallout from the report with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler.

Kenyan MPs accuse British soldiers of sexual abuse and environmental damage

Taiwan has a new envoy to Finland, and he is also the lead singer of a renowned Taiwanese heavy metal band. After months of trying to set up cultural exchanges that drew little to no interest, Freddy Lim decided to stage a heavy metal concert. The event was a big success, in large part because Finland has the highest number of heavy metal fans per capita. Host Carolyn Beeler had more.

Taiwan has a new envoy to Finland, and he is also the lead singer of a renowned Taiwanese heavy metal band. After months of trying to set up cultural exchanges that drew little to no interest, Freddy Lim decided to stage a heavy metal concert. The event was a big success, in large part because Finland has the highest number of heavy metal fans per capita. Host Carolyn Beeler had more.

Heavy metal diplomacy

Acclaimed Iranian film director Jafar Panahi’s latest thriller, "It Was Just an Accident," clinched this year’s Palme d'Or award. This week, Tehran charged Panahi with creating propaganda against the government and sentenced him to a year in prison in absentia. Panahi speaks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about the risks he takes, and his new movie that explores guilt, blame and moral ambiguity.

Acclaimed Iranian film director Jafar Panahi’s latest thriller, "It Was Just an Accident," clinched this year’s Palme d'Or award. This week, Tehran charged Panahi with creating propaganda against the government and sentenced him to a year in prison in absentia. Panahi speaks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about the risks he takes, and his new movie that explores guilt, blame and moral ambiguity.

Award-winning Iranian director refuses to bow to censorship

"They are targeting our existence," Manal Tamimi — a Palestinian activist in the Israeli-occupied West Bank — recently told The Associated Press. She was referring to extremist Jewish settlers who've been carrying out a torrent of attacks against Palestinians. According to the United Nations, an average of eight attacks have taken place every day in recent weeks. These include arson attacks, violent beatings and property damage. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with freelance journalist Dalia Hatuqa, who splits her time between Ramallah in the West Bank and Amman, Jordan.

"They are targeting our existence," Manal Tamimi — a Palestinian activist in the Israeli-occupied West Bank — recently told The Associated Press. She was referring to extremist Jewish settlers who've been carrying out a torrent of attacks against Palestinians. According to the United Nations, an average of eight attacks have taken place every day in recent weeks. These include arson attacks, violent beatings and property damage. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with freelance journalist Dalia Hatuqa, who splits her time between Ramallah in the West Bank and Amman, Jordan.

Palestinians in the Israeli-occupied West Bank face more and more violence

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India on Thursday to meet with his counterpart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Stepping off the plane, it was all hugs and handshakes between the two leaders. But as Chietigj Bajpaee, a senior research fellow at Chatham House, tells Host Carolyn Beeler, the relationship between the two countries is anything but easy.

Russian President Vladimir Putin arrived in India on Thursday to meet with his counterpart, Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Stepping off the plane, it was all hugs and handshakes between the two leaders. But as Chietigj Bajpaee, a senior research fellow at Chatham House, tells Host Carolyn Beeler, the relationship between the two countries is anything but easy.

Putin visits India to strengthen ties

China now produces nearly three-quarters of the world’s electric cars, and no city embodies that dominance more than Shenzhen, home to industry giant BYD. Once known as “The World’s Factory,” the city of 20 million people has transformed into a global hub of clean transportation and high-tech innovation. As The World's Jeremy Siegel reports from the city, that shift has roots in Apple's decision to move production of the iPhone to Shenzhen in the early 2000s.

China now produces nearly three-quarters of the world’s electric cars, and no city embodies that dominance more than Shenzhen, home to industry giant BYD. Once known as “The World’s Factory,” the city of 20 million people has transformed into a global hub of clean transportation and high-tech innovation. As The World's Jeremy Siegel reports from the city, that shift has roots in Apple's decision to move production of the iPhone to Shenzhen in the early 2000s.

How Shenzhen, China, became the electric car capital of the world

There are millions of sloths in Costa Rica. But with high levels of deforestation over the past few decades and increasing contact with humans, the population is taking a hit. While no official stats about the sloth population exist in the country, many believe huge numbers are killed on roadways. As Jamie Fullerton reported last winter from Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, conservationists are building "sloth bridges" in an attempt to keep the animals safe.

There are millions of sloths in Costa Rica. But with high levels of deforestation over the past few decades and increasing contact with humans, the population is taking a hit. While no official stats about the sloth population exist in the country, many believe huge numbers are killed on roadways. As Jamie Fullerton reported last winter from Costa Rica’s Caribbean coast, conservationists are building "sloth bridges" in an attempt to keep the animals safe.

Slow travel: Bridges are saving Costa Rican sloths from road death

Erling Haaland, the 25-year-old striker for Manchester City, knows that it's his job to score goals. Last night, he showed that he's one of the best to ever hold the role as he scored his 100th Premier League goal faster than any athlete before. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Erling Haaland, the 25-year-old striker for Manchester City, knows that it's his job to score goals. Last night, he showed that he's one of the best to ever hold the role as he scored his 100th Premier League goal faster than any athlete before. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Erling Haaland reaches Premier League milestone in record time

Board games are very popular among retirees in South Korea. Especially janggi and paduk, also known as Go. You’ll often see heated matches going on in public parks. But now, there’s one less place for seniors to get their game on, in Seoul. Reporter Jason Strother went to a park that banned this kind of competition and found that the games fill an important role in people’s lives as they age.

Board games are very popular among retirees in South Korea. Especially janggi and paduk, also known as Go. You’ll often see heated matches going on in public parks. But now, there’s one less place for seniors to get their game on, in Seoul. Reporter Jason Strother went to a park that banned this kind of competition and found that the games fill an important role in people’s lives as they age.

Seoul's board game ban hits aging residents hard

At a large warehouse in the southern Israeli city of Kiryat Gat, dozens of US officials and soldiers — along with counterparts from other nations — are daily mapping out the day-after plan for Gaza. It is from this newly created hub that the activities of the US-led international stabilization force will be organized and monitored. This includes intel, reconstruction and de-mining efforts. Tovah Lazaroff reports from southern Israel.

At a large warehouse in the southern Israeli city of Kiryat Gat, dozens of US officials and soldiers — along with counterparts from other nations — are daily mapping out the day-after plan for Gaza. It is from this newly created hub that the activities of the US-led international stabilization force will be organized and monitored. This includes intel, reconstruction and de-mining efforts. Tovah Lazaroff reports from southern Israel.

A multi-lateral military force takes shape just outside Gaza

In India this week, a government smartphone app called Sanchar Saathi sparked a big debate around government access to peoples’ phones. A leaked government directive would require smartphone companies to pre-install the state-owned app on all newly sold devices. While the government has signalled it would back down on the edict, digital rights groups are raising the alarm. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more from Prateek Waghre, a tech policy researcher based in Bengaluru, India.

In India this week, a government smartphone app called Sanchar Saathi sparked a big debate around government access to peoples’ phones. A leaked government directive would require smartphone companies to pre-install the state-owned app on all newly sold devices. While the government has signalled it would back down on the edict, digital rights groups are raising the alarm. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more from Prateek Waghre, a tech policy researcher based in Bengaluru, India.

Leaked Indian government order to require app on smartphones sparks debate

Spanish emergency workers, including soldiers, are busy collecting and testing dozens of dead boar for the swine fever virus in a park near Barcelona. They're trying to contain the disease so that millions of domesticated pigs throughout the region don't catch it. An infection on farms could decimate Spain's multi-billion dollar pork industry. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Spanish emergency workers, including soldiers, are busy collecting and testing dozens of dead boar for the swine fever virus in a park near Barcelona. They're trying to contain the disease so that millions of domesticated pigs throughout the region don't catch it. An infection on farms could decimate Spain's multi-billion dollar pork industry. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

African swine fever hits wild boar in Barcelona

Chinese authorities are working to transform the Pearl River Delta, the most populous region on Earth, into a powerful economic super-metropolis. The initiative seeks to connect nearly a dozen cities, including Hong Kong, through enhanced infrastructure and cooperation, with the goal of creating a cohesive and dynamic economy. But as The World’s Jeremy Siegel reports from Hong Kong, the plan’s results so far have been mixed.

Chinese authorities are working to transform the Pearl River Delta, the most populous region on Earth, into a powerful economic super-metropolis. The initiative seeks to connect nearly a dozen cities, including Hong Kong, through enhanced infrastructure and cooperation, with the goal of creating a cohesive and dynamic economy. But as The World’s Jeremy Siegel reports from Hong Kong, the plan’s results so far have been mixed.

Inside China’s plan to create a new super-metropolis

International agencies, including The World Bank and The International Monetary Fund, are gearing up to send nearly $7 billion to Jamaica to help cover some of the country's ongoing recovery from Hurricane Melissa. The late October storm was one of the strongest on record in the Caribbean, and now, Jamaicans are trying to rebuild. Thera Edwards at the University of the West Indies talks with Host Carolyn Beeler about how that recovery is going.

International agencies, including The World Bank and The International Monetary Fund, are gearing up to send nearly $7 billion to Jamaica to help cover some of the country's ongoing recovery from Hurricane Melissa. The late October storm was one of the strongest on record in the Caribbean, and now, Jamaicans are trying to rebuild. Thera Edwards at the University of the West Indies talks with Host Carolyn Beeler about how that recovery is going.

Jamaica's long-term recovery from Hurricane Melissa

Ukraine’s military relies heavily on the civilian sector to keep troops supplied — from drones and medical kits to vehicles used to evacuate the wounded. Reporter Emily Cohen from KHOL in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, traveled with a volunteer convoy delivering donated ambulances to Ukraine, and met a woman for whom these missions have become a kind of calling.

Ukraine’s military relies heavily on the civilian sector to keep troops supplied — from drones and medical kits to vehicles used to evacuate the wounded. Reporter Emily Cohen from KHOL in Jackson Hole, Wyoming, traveled with a volunteer convoy delivering donated ambulances to Ukraine, and met a woman for whom these missions have become a kind of calling.

Volunteers supply vehicles for the Ukrainian front lines

Juan Orlando Hernández, former president of Honduras, was convicted last year in a New York courtroom of flooding the US with tons of cocaine. This week, he walked out of prison a free man. The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with Steven Dudley, co-founder of the media organization InSight Crime, about Hernández’s career and his pardon from US President Donald Trump.

Juan Orlando Hernández, former president of Honduras, was convicted last year in a New York courtroom of flooding the US with tons of cocaine. This week, he walked out of prison a free man. The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with Steven Dudley, co-founder of the media organization InSight Crime, about Hernández’s career and his pardon from US President Donald Trump.

'Jaw dropping' pardon for former Honduras leader

If you're a human, the courteous thing to do when you get sick is to isolate yourself from others so that you don't get them sick, too. If you're an adult ant, that same courtesy still applies. But immature ants, or pupae, have a problem: They can't walk. So instead, they send a chemical signal to the rest of their colony requesting they be killed for the greater good. That's according to a new study published today in Nature Communications. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to lead author Erika Dawson to learn more.

If you're a human, the courteous thing to do when you get sick is to isolate yourself from others so that you don't get them sick, too. If you're an adult ant, that same courtesy still applies. But immature ants, or pupae, have a problem: They can't walk. So instead, they send a chemical signal to the rest of their colony requesting they be killed for the greater good. That's according to a new study published today in Nature Communications. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to lead author Erika Dawson to learn more.

Sick baby ants volunteer to die

Forty years ago, Shenzhen, China, was little more than a cluster of villages, home to a few hundred thousand people. Today, it holds roughly 20 million residents and ranks among the world’s fastest-growing megacities. Yet, unlike other urban centers that have ballooned at similar speeds — Mumbai or Lagos, for example — Shenzhen has largely sidestepped the air pollution, overcrowding and failing infrastructure that often accompany rapid expansion. The World's Jeremy Siegel visited Shenzhen and breaks down how that was accomplished.

Forty years ago, Shenzhen, China, was little more than a cluster of villages, home to a few hundred thousand people. Today, it holds roughly 20 million residents and ranks among the world’s fastest-growing megacities. Yet, unlike other urban centers that have ballooned at similar speeds — Mumbai or Lagos, for example — Shenzhen has largely sidestepped the air pollution, overcrowding and failing infrastructure that often accompany rapid expansion. The World's Jeremy Siegel visited Shenzhen and breaks down how that was accomplished.

Lessons from the world's most thriving megacity

Leaders of Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are slated to travel to Washington this week to sign a peace deal overseen by US President Donald Trump. New Yorker journalist Jon Lee Anderson visited the region twice recently. He tells Host Marco Werman that the disarmament of tens of thousands of fighters in the region from more than 100 ethnic groups won’t be easy now that they've seen “power through the gun.”

Leaders of Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are slated to travel to Washington this week to sign a peace deal overseen by US President Donald Trump. New Yorker journalist Jon Lee Anderson visited the region twice recently. He tells Host Marco Werman that the disarmament of tens of thousands of fighters in the region from more than 100 ethnic groups won’t be easy now that they've seen “power through the gun.”

Why war in eastern DRC continues to smolder

What began as messy pageant drama at Miss Universe has now turned into something far more serious. A co-owner of the contest, Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú, is accused of ties to a trafficking network — allegations he rejects. The World’s Tibisay Zea looks at how a beauty pageant ended up at the center of a major political scandal in Mexico.

What began as messy pageant drama at Miss Universe has now turned into something far more serious. A co-owner of the contest, Mexican businessman Raúl Rocha Cantú, is accused of ties to a trafficking network — allegations he rejects. The World’s Tibisay Zea looks at how a beauty pageant ended up at the center of a major political scandal in Mexico.

Miss Universe: The scandal no one saw coming

In 2009, Swiss photographers Mathias Braschler and Monika Fischer set out to put faces to the environmental damage caused by rising global temperatures. Some 16 years later, the photographer-couple have followed up with "DISPLACED," a portrait series examining the lives of those forced to move due to climate change. Host Marco Werman speaks to Braschler and Fischer about the people at the center of their project.

In 2009, Swiss photographers Mathias Braschler and Monika Fischer set out to put faces to the environmental damage caused by rising global temperatures. Some 16 years later, the photographer-couple have followed up with "DISPLACED," a portrait series examining the lives of those forced to move due to climate change. Host Marco Werman speaks to Braschler and Fischer about the people at the center of their project.

Photographers document people forced to leave home due to climate change

As the US ramps up military pressure on Venezuela, the Maduro government is tightening its grip at home. Families of political prisoners describe disappearances, torture and a justice system that forces detainees to accept state-appointed lawyers. The World speaks with relatives, activists and human-rights experts about a worsening climate of fear across Venezuela.

As the US ramps up military pressure on Venezuela, the Maduro government is tightening its grip at home. Families of political prisoners describe disappearances, torture and a justice system that forces detainees to accept state-appointed lawyers. The World speaks with relatives, activists and human-rights experts about a worsening climate of fear across Venezuela.

As US pressure mounts, Venezuela's Maduro cracks down on dissent

There’s no shortage of negotiations about how to end the war in Ukraine. Tomorrow, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with US envoy Steve Witkoff. And today, the Ukrainian leader met with French President Emmanuel Macron. Still, peace itself remains elusive, despite reports that Russia is offering enticements to the US, including access to multibillion-dollar rare-earth minerals and energy resources. Former US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul discusses the implications with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

There’s no shortage of negotiations about how to end the war in Ukraine. Tomorrow, Russian President Vladimir Putin is set to meet with US envoy Steve Witkoff. And today, the Ukrainian leader met with French President Emmanuel Macron. Still, peace itself remains elusive, despite reports that Russia is offering enticements to the US, including access to multibillion-dollar rare-earth minerals and energy resources. Former US Ambassador to Russia Michael McFaul discusses the implications with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

'That's not negotiation, that's acquiescence': A former diplomat on Ukraine peace talks

In Hong Kong, officials announced today that more than 150 people are now confirmed dead after last week's massive fire. The blaze gutted several high-rise apartment buildings in the Tai Po district. Host Marco Werman got the latest from Tom Grundy, the editor-in-chief of the Hong Kong Free Press.

In Hong Kong, officials announced today that more than 150 people are now confirmed dead after last week's massive fire. The blaze gutted several high-rise apartment buildings in the Tai Po district. Host Marco Werman got the latest from Tom Grundy, the editor-in-chief of the Hong Kong Free Press.

Searching for the cause of a deadly Hong Kong fire

China’s status as a global superpower was unimaginable just half a century ago. In the 1970s, the country was overwhelmingly rural and poor. Today, it’s a technological powerhouse, the world’s second-largest economy and boasts bustling cities. Shenzhen is a megacity that embodies that transformation. The World’s Jeremy Siegel kicks off a week-long exploration of Shenzhen with the story of how it went from being a little-known spot on China's map to its current status as a sprawling metropolis with some 20 million residents.

China’s status as a global superpower was unimaginable just half a century ago. In the 1970s, the country was overwhelmingly rural and poor. Today, it’s a technological powerhouse, the world’s second-largest economy and boasts bustling cities. Shenzhen is a megacity that embodies that transformation. The World’s Jeremy Siegel kicks off a week-long exploration of Shenzhen with the story of how it went from being a little-known spot on China's map to its current status as a sprawling metropolis with some 20 million residents.

Introducing Shenzhen, the city that rewrote China's future

Flooding across Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand has killed more than 900 people — and counting — in the past week. One of the worst-hit cities in the region is Hat Yai. Reporter Patrick Winn spoke to survivors there about their experiences.

Flooding across Sri Lanka, Indonesia and Thailand has killed more than 900 people — and counting — in the past week. One of the worst-hit cities in the region is Hat Yai. Reporter Patrick Winn spoke to survivors there about their experiences.

Postcard from flood-stricken city in Thailand

When scientists first found a black fungus growing at the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, they were baffled. Now, a decade later, research has determined that not only is the fungus using the radiation to grow — it can also block radiation. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with research lead Nils Averesch about the finding, and its potential applications beyond Chernobyl.

When scientists first found a black fungus growing at the site of the Chernobyl nuclear disaster, they were baffled. Now, a decade later, research has determined that not only is the fungus using the radiation to grow — it can also block radiation. The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with research lead Nils Averesch about the finding, and its potential applications beyond Chernobyl.

In Chernobyl, a fungus eats radiation

The NFL’s International Player Pathway program started in 2017 as a way for the league to bring talented athletes from other sports into the world of football. One of the athletes in the 2024 class, Charlie Smyth from Northern Ireland, used to be a Gaelic football player. Last night, he made his NFL regular season debut in a game against the Miami Dolphins. The World's Host Marco Werman has the details.

The NFL’s International Player Pathway program started in 2017 as a way for the league to bring talented athletes from other sports into the world of football. One of the athletes in the 2024 class, Charlie Smyth from Northern Ireland, used to be a Gaelic football player. Last night, he made his NFL regular season debut in a game against the Miami Dolphins. The World's Host Marco Werman has the details.

Pub-goers get free pints when Northern Ireland's Charlie Smyth scores in NFL debut

Most European countries say they expect to close their coal power stations in the next five years. But what will that transition look like? How will it reshape communities, and people’s lives? There is a model. The UK was the first-ever country to announce a full coal phase-out, and it was a bumpy transition. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Dan Ashby reports.This story originally aired on Aug. 8, 2025.

Most European countries say they expect to close their coal power stations in the next five years. But what will that transition look like? How will it reshape communities, and people’s lives? There is a model. The UK was the first-ever country to announce a full coal phase-out, and it was a bumpy transition. From Deutsche Welle, DW, Dan Ashby reports.
This story originally aired on Aug. 8, 2025.

Weaning Europe off of coal won't be easy

Wildfires burning across western and central Canada prompted the number of people evacuated to climb to more than 30,000. The conditions were hot and dry, similar to what was experienced in 2023, Canada's worst fire season on record. John Vaillant is a journalist and author of the book, "Fire Weather." He spoke with The World's Carolyn Beeler about how climate change is exacerbating Canada's fire season.This story originally aired on June 5, 2025.

Wildfires burning across western and central Canada prompted the number of people evacuated to climb to more than 30,000. The conditions were hot and dry, similar to what was experienced in 2023, Canada's worst fire season on record. John Vaillant is a journalist and author of the book, "Fire Weather." He spoke with The World's Carolyn Beeler about how climate change is exacerbating Canada's fire season.
This story originally aired on June 5, 2025.