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.

House prices and rents have surged by up to 60% across the European Union over the past decade. But one capital is bucking the trend. In Vienna, around two-thirds of residents live in subsidised housing, with rents often less than half those in other major European cities. The Austrian capital’s model has drawn global attention, with delegations visiting each year to study its success. But some experts warn that political shifts, including the rise of the far right, could threaten this long-standing system. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports from Vienna.

House prices and rents have surged by up to 60% across the European Union over the past decade. But one capital is bucking the trend. In Vienna, around two-thirds of residents live in subsidised housing, with rents often less than half those in other major European cities. The Austrian capital’s model has drawn global attention, with delegations visiting each year to study its success. But some experts warn that political shifts, including the rise of the far right, could threaten this long-standing system. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports from Vienna.

How Vienna beat Europe's rent crisis

Growing up near Sao Paulo, Mariana Da Cruz knew there was more to Brazilian music than just singing Bossa Nova tunes. She wanted to branch out and combine numerous other styles like hip-hop and electronica and explore her African roots with the latest sounds heard in dance clubs. A move to Europe allowed Da Cruz the freedom to experiment. Based now in Bern, Switzerland, the singer has had quite a journey. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler tell us more about her new album, "Som Sistema."

Growing up near Sao Paulo, Mariana Da Cruz knew there was more to Brazilian music than just singing Bossa Nova tunes. She wanted to branch out and combine numerous other styles like hip-hop and electronica and explore her African roots with the latest sounds heard in dance clubs. A move to Europe allowed Da Cruz the freedom to experiment. Based now in Bern, Switzerland, the singer has had quite a journey. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler tell us more about her new album, "Som Sistema."

Da Cruz traces her Brazilian and African musical roots

Cities across Denmark are using heat generated by crematoriums to warm nearby homes. As The World's Joshua Coe learned, it's part of a wider sustainability effort known as waste heat recovery.

Cities across Denmark are using heat generated by crematoriums to warm nearby homes. As The World's Joshua Coe learned, it's part of a wider sustainability effort known as waste heat recovery.

Cremations help heat homes in Denmark

Israeli forces are intensifying airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon, as well as hitting targets in Beirut neighborhoods. Israeli officials say they’re targeting infrastructure and personnel of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese militant group. Nabih Bulos, the Middle East bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that Israel's decision to hit bridges in southern Lebanon is a marked escalation.

Israeli forces are intensifying airstrikes and ground operations in southern Lebanon, as well as hitting targets in Beirut neighborhoods. Israeli officials say they’re targeting infrastructure and personnel of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Lebanese militant group. Nabih Bulos, the Middle East bureau chief for the Los Angeles Times, tells The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler that Israel's decision to hit bridges in southern Lebanon is a marked escalation.

Israel escalates attacks on civilian infrastructure in southern Lebanon

Public health officials are responding to a meningitis outbreak at the University of Kent in southeast England, where two people have died and at least a dozen more have confirmed infections. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh, about how the health system is responding.

Public health officials are responding to a meningitis outbreak at the University of Kent in southeast England, where two people have died and at least a dozen more have confirmed infections. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Devi Sridhar, chair of global public health at the University of Edinburgh, about how the health system is responding.

Public health officials respond to meningitis outbreak in the UK

A new study shows that scientists at the University of Edinburgh have found a way to use bacteria to transform plastic bottles into drugs that can be used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

A new study shows that scientists at the University of Edinburgh have found a way to use bacteria to transform plastic bottles into drugs that can be used to treat Parkinson’s disease.

Scientists transform plastic bottles into drugs to treat Parkinson’s disease

We catch you up on some sports stories flying just below the radar.

We catch you up on some sports stories flying just below the radar.

A few sports stories you may have missed

On Tuesday, El Salvador's legislature approved an amendment to its constitution that would sentence "murderers, rapists and terrorists" to life in prison. It follows warnings by independent experts that the country's authoritarian President Nayib Bukele is strengthening his grip on the country. Host Marco Werman learned more from Jorge Cuellar, assistant professor of Latin American, Latino and Caribbean Studies at Dartmouth College.

On Tuesday, El Salvador's legislature approved an amendment to its constitution that would sentence "murderers, rapists and terrorists" to life in prison. It follows warnings by independent experts that the country's authoritarian President Nayib Bukele is strengthening his grip on the country. Host Marco Werman learned more from Jorge Cuellar, assistant professor of Latin American, Latino and Caribbean Studies at Dartmouth College.

El Salvador's strongman Bukele tightens grip on country

The Israeli military said on Tuesday that it has killed top Iranian official, Ali Larijani. Larijani was de-facto running the country after the death of the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Larijani was reportedly killed along with the head of a powerful paramilitary force. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about the latest.

The Israeli military said on Tuesday that it has killed top Iranian official, Ali Larijani. Larijani was de-facto running the country after the death of the Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei. Larijani was reportedly killed along with the head of a powerful paramilitary force. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about the latest.

Israel kills another Iranian top leader, Ali Larijani

Cuba’s entire electric grid collapsed for several hours yesterday. Gas stations on the island have had little fuel to sell since the US choked off access to foreign oil about two months ago. Cuban leaders say they’re in talks with US officials and are ready to open their economy to foreign investors. From Havana, journalist Ed Augustin tells The World’s Host Marco Werman a forced transition of leadership in Cuba would involve major risks.

Cuba’s entire electric grid collapsed for several hours yesterday. Gas stations on the island have had little fuel to sell since the US choked off access to foreign oil about two months ago. Cuban leaders say they’re in talks with US officials and are ready to open their economy to foreign investors. From Havana, journalist Ed Augustin tells The World’s Host Marco Werman a forced transition of leadership in Cuba would involve major risks.

Cuba's crisis deepens

At the dawn of democracy in South Africa over 30 years ago, the country had to right some big wrongs. The Reconstruction and Development Program (RDP) was one such tool, by offering government-subsidized, low-cost homes to those who could not afford or access them previously. In their neat little rows of near-identical design, RDP houses are for free to the poorest and most needy. But as Elna Schutz reports from Johannesburg, the RDP hasn't always worked out as hoped.

At the dawn of democracy in South Africa over 30 years ago, the country had to right some big wrongs. The Reconstruction and Development Program (RDP) was one such tool, by offering government-subsidized, low-cost homes to those who could not afford or access them previously. In their neat little rows of near-identical design, RDP houses are for free to the poorest and most needy. But as Elna Schutz reports from Johannesburg, the RDP hasn't always worked out as hoped.

The program in South Africa that was supposed to fix the housing crisis

The war in Iran is jamming up global travel on several fronts. In the Middle East, the conflict continues to force the grounding of flights. A jump in oil prices is also beginning to hit travel, with some airlines adding surcharges to their flights. Prices at the pump are skyrocketing, too, especially in Asia, where several countries are putting in place measures aimed at restricting the use of gas. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel has the story.

The war in Iran is jamming up global travel on several fronts. In the Middle East, the conflict continues to force the grounding of flights. A jump in oil prices is also beginning to hit travel, with some airlines adding surcharges to their flights. Prices at the pump are skyrocketing, too, especially in Asia, where several countries are putting in place measures aimed at restricting the use of gas. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel has the story.

From gas prices to canceled flights, Iran war sows travel chaos

For many, death is an unsettling thing to think about, but not for the Swedish artist Margareta Magnusson, who passed away last week at the age of 91. In her 80s, she wrote, “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning,” a book that made the concept of “döstädning” an international buzz concept and brought many some inspiration for how to de-clutter as we age. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Magnusson's daughter, filmmaker Jane, who joined from Stockholm.

For many, death is an unsettling thing to think about, but not for the Swedish artist Margareta Magnusson, who passed away last week at the age of 91. In her 80s, she wrote, “The Gentle Art of Swedish Death Cleaning,” a book that made the concept of “döstädning” an international buzz concept and brought many some inspiration for how to de-clutter as we age. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Magnusson's daughter, filmmaker Jane, who joined from Stockholm.

Remembering Margareta Magnusson, author who introduced us to 'Swedish death cleaning'

Israelis maintain that the two men they killed this morning — Ali Larijani and Gholam Reza Soleimani — "are terrorists," and so, are fair game for assassination. But some historians say just because Israel could kill the men doesn't mean they should have. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

Israelis maintain that the two men they killed this morning — Ali Larijani and Gholam Reza Soleimani — "are terrorists," and so, are fair game for assassination. But some historians say just because Israel could kill the men doesn't mean they should have. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

The legality of Israel assassinating foreign leaders

Muslims around the globe are getting ready to celebrate the end of Ramadan — those weeks in the Muslim calendar when many abstain from food and water during the day and use that time for prayer and reflection instead. Chef Ilhan Mohamed Abdi has written a cookbook for Ramadan called "The Ramadan Kitchen: Nourishing Recipes from Fast to Feast." She spoke to The World's Host Carolyn Beeler.

Muslims around the globe are getting ready to celebrate the end of Ramadan — those weeks in the Muslim calendar when many abstain from food and water during the day and use that time for prayer and reflection instead. Chef Ilhan Mohamed Abdi has written a cookbook for Ramadan called "The Ramadan Kitchen: Nourishing Recipes from Fast to Feast." She spoke to The World's Host Carolyn Beeler.

What's cooking in a Ramadan kitchen?

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Falmouth, Massachusetts, have discovered a haunting whale song on decades-old audio equipment. This discovery could open up a new understanding of how the huge animals communicate, according to the scientists. Host Marco Werman has the details.

Researchers at Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution in Falmouth, Massachusetts, have discovered a haunting whale song on decades-old audio equipment. This discovery could open up a new understanding of how the huge animals communicate, according to the scientists. Host Marco Werman has the details.

Oldest whale sounds recordings could unlock new secrets about the mammals

Serbia has been having an uncomfortable winter — thanks to an energy crisis rooted in its struggle to balance East and West. Its national oil company has been under US sanctions because of its majority Russian-ownership. Now, it looks like a resolution to the ownership issue may come courtesy of neighboring Hungary. But the bigger question is whether there’s been lasting damage to the relationship between Serbia and Russia. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Inside Europe's Balkans Correspondent Guy De Launey reports.

Serbia has been having an uncomfortable winter — thanks to an energy crisis rooted in its struggle to balance East and West. Its national oil company has been under US sanctions because of its majority Russian-ownership. Now, it looks like a resolution to the ownership issue may come courtesy of neighboring Hungary. But the bigger question is whether there’s been lasting damage to the relationship between Serbia and Russia. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Inside Europe's Balkans Correspondent Guy De Launey reports.

Serbians caught between East and West struggle to keep warm

The war in Iran suggests many of the doctrines, rules and assumptions that shaped US military strategy for decades might no longer apply. Margaret MacMillan, an emeritus professor of history at the University of Oxford talks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about the consequences of dispensing with the international rules‑based order that attempted to govern global conflict and constrain the use of force under law.

The war in Iran suggests many of the doctrines, rules and assumptions that shaped US military strategy for decades might no longer apply. Margaret MacMillan, an emeritus professor of history at the University of Oxford talks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about the consequences of dispensing with the international rules‑based order that attempted to govern global conflict and constrain the use of force under law.

What ignoring the rules of war could mean

South Korea's rental market operates on what's known as the Jeonse system. You put down a deposit equal to about 50% of the value of the home you're renting. So, no small investment. But then, you pay no monthly rent, and get the Jeonse back when you move out. Traditionally, middle and upper class families gave newlyweds money for their first Jeonse as a wedding gift. But with skyrocketing real estate costs, the system is out of reach for more and more people. Now, concerns about South Korea's declining birthrate have prompted a new government intervention. Reporter Jason Strother reports from Seoul.

South Korea's rental market operates on what's known as the Jeonse system. You put down a deposit equal to about 50% of the value of the home you're renting. So, no small investment. But then, you pay no monthly rent, and get the Jeonse back when you move out. Traditionally, middle and upper class families gave newlyweds money for their first Jeonse as a wedding gift. But with skyrocketing real estate costs, the system is out of reach for more and more people. Now, concerns about South Korea's declining birthrate have prompted a new government intervention. Reporter Jason Strother reports from Seoul.

Government steps in to boost population amid expensive apartments in Seoul

Paul Ehrlich, famed co-author of "The Population Bomb," died last week at the age of 93. The book argued that rapid global population growth would outstrip food supplies, leading to famine and environmental collapse. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Michael Geruso, co-author of After the Spike, about Ehrlich's legacy.

Paul Ehrlich, famed co-author of "The Population Bomb," died last week at the age of 93. The book argued that rapid global population growth would outstrip food supplies, leading to famine and environmental collapse. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Michael Geruso, co-author of After the Spike, about Ehrlich's legacy.

Legacy of 'The Population Bomb'

Two proposals for giant statues in Madrid are stirring up controversy. Bigger is better, organizers argue. But a tiny, life-size statue of a stray dog, in downtown Madrid, proves the opposite for some. Paco the Dog sits quietly, keeping a city legend alive. Or is it a true story? The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Two proposals for giant statues in Madrid are stirring up controversy. Bigger is better, organizers argue. But a tiny, life-size statue of a stray dog, in downtown Madrid, proves the opposite for some. Paco the Dog sits quietly, keeping a city legend alive. Or is it a true story? The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Amid Madrid mega-statue hype, a small dog shines

Composer Christopher Tin's music uplifts, while the words quietly remind us of the power of a birdsong, with lines borrowed from Emily Dickinson. The musicians who played on "The Lost Birds" are part of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.This story originally aired on Nov. 8, 2022.

Composer Christopher Tin's music uplifts, while the words quietly remind us of the power of a birdsong, with lines borrowed from Emily Dickinson. The musicians who played on "The Lost Birds" are part of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra.
This story originally aired on Nov. 8, 2022.

A symphonic work for 'lost birds'

Praveen Sahay is originally from India — where he was a police officer. Sahay was sent to Mozambique in 1994 as part of the UN peacekeeping force overseeing the country's first multi-party elections. He told GBH's Stories From The Stage why he was forced to put down his gun.

Praveen Sahay is originally from India — where he was a police officer. Sahay was sent to Mozambique in 1994 as part of the UN peacekeeping force overseeing the country's first multi-party elections. He told GBH's Stories From The Stage why he was forced to put down his gun.

UN peacekeeper learns the lesson of how guns are not always the answer

The most intense bombing of Iran by the US and Israel has been taking place in the capital, Tehran. It’s a city of roughly 10 million people living in dense areas. In wars, the most vulnerable among the population bear the brunt of the conflict — children, the elderly, those with disabilities. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about what she’s hearing from people in Tehran.

The most intense bombing of Iran by the US and Israel has been taking place in the capital, Tehran. It’s a city of roughly 10 million people living in dense areas. In wars, the most vulnerable among the population bear the brunt of the conflict — children, the elderly, those with disabilities. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about what she’s hearing from people in Tehran.

War's impact on the most vulnerable

If opinion polls are correct, then France is poised to swing to the right over the course of local elections taking place over two rounds starting this Sunday. Could Paris — which has been run by a Socialist party for a quarter of a century — buck the trend? The result is predicted to be tight. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Inside Europe Correspondent John Laurenson has been taking the pulse of the city.

If opinion polls are correct, then France is poised to swing to the right over the course of local elections taking place over two rounds starting this Sunday. Could Paris — which has been run by a Socialist party for a quarter of a century — buck the trend? The result is predicted to be tight. Deutsche Welle, DW's, Inside Europe Correspondent John Laurenson has been taking the pulse of the city.

French moving to right as local elections loom

Of the thousands of immigrants swept up in the Trump administration’s deportation campaign, there’s one group you may not have heard much about: Asians. That’s in part because many of them, including South Asians, have not come forward with stories of being targeted by federal agents. WBEZ’s Esther Yoon-Ji Kang hears why the community has been so hesitant — and what might be changing.

Of the thousands of immigrants swept up in the Trump administration’s deportation campaign, there’s one group you may not have heard much about: Asians. That’s in part because many of them, including South Asians, have not come forward with stories of being targeted by federal agents. WBEZ’s Esther Yoon-Ji Kang hears why the community has been so hesitant — and what might be changing.

More Asians are being swept up by ICE than many realize

The Winter Paralympics in Cortina, Italy, are coming to an end this weekend. It's been an especially treacherous one for the participants as higher-than-normal temperatures have seen melting snow and ice. The World's Host Marco Werman has the details.

The Winter Paralympics in Cortina, Italy, are coming to an end this weekend. It's been an especially treacherous one for the participants as higher-than-normal temperatures have seen melting snow and ice. The World's Host Marco Werman has the details.

Melting snow at Winter Paralympics creates dangerous conditions for participants

Foreign films are not just getting more Oscar attention this year — nearly half of all the films nominated are international productions. That includes some top contenders for the Best Picture category like "Secret Agent" and "Sentimental Value." The World's Host Marco Werman speaks to film critic Sarah Vincent, who catches us up on Hollywood's growing affinity for foreign films.

Foreign films are not just getting more Oscar attention this year — nearly half of all the films nominated are international productions. That includes some top contenders for the Best Picture category like "Secret Agent" and "Sentimental Value." The World's Host Marco Werman speaks to film critic Sarah Vincent, who catches us up on Hollywood's growing affinity for foreign films.

Foreign films make up nearly half of Oscar nominations this year

Canada has announced the details of a plan to modernize and expand its military operations in its Arctic region. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with David Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, about why the government is making this move.

Canada has announced the details of a plan to modernize and expand its military operations in its Arctic region. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with David Perry, president of the Canadian Global Affairs Institute, about why the government is making this move.

Canada expands military presence in the Arctic

A little-known part of US history is that our country once occupied Haiti. A new documentary looks at that occupation 100 years ago. It's framed as a letter to the director’s grandfather, who grew up in Haiti under US rule. The director shows the brutality and terrible economic impact of the 19-year occupation, and how it's set Haiti up as a country continually on the brink of collapse. Amy Bracken reports.

A little-known part of US history is that our country once occupied Haiti. A new documentary looks at that occupation 100 years ago. It's framed as a letter to the director’s grandfather, who grew up in Haiti under US rule. The director shows the brutality and terrible economic impact of the 19-year occupation, and how it's set Haiti up as a country continually on the brink of collapse. Amy Bracken reports.