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 Dutch brewing giant Heineken announced that it will cut up to 6,000 jobs in the coming years as the wider industry confronts weakening consumer demand. The World's Host Marco Werman heard from how the news echos elsewhere in the industry from Rick Kempen, a beer ambassador for Bier&amp;cO, a beer import-export distribution company based in the Netherlands. Bier&amp;cO is owned by Royal Swinkels, a company that owns Bavarian Pils, another major Dutch beer brand and Heineken competitor.

The Dutch brewing giant Heineken announced that it will cut up to 6,000 jobs in the coming years as the wider industry confronts weakening consumer demand. The World's Host Marco Werman heard from how the news echos elsewhere in the industry from Rick Kempen, a beer ambassador for Bier&cO, a beer import-export distribution company based in the Netherlands. Bier&cO is owned by Royal Swinkels, a company that owns Bavarian Pils, another major Dutch beer brand and Heineken competitor.

Heineken layoffs a warning to global beer industry: 'Brace yourselves'

The US is deploying 200 soldiers to Nigeria to train troops battling Islamist militants. In October, the White House began warning that Christianity faces what it called an "existential threat" in Nigeria. Amaka Anku, who heads the Africa Practice at Eurasia Group says the reality on the ground is more complex. She tells The World’s Host Marco Werman the US military deployment is largely welcome but isn't expected to create stability.

The US is deploying 200 soldiers to Nigeria to train troops battling Islamist militants. In October, the White House began warning that Christianity faces what it called an "existential threat" in Nigeria. Amaka Anku, who heads the Africa Practice at Eurasia Group says the reality on the ground is more complex. She tells The World’s Host Marco Werman the US military deployment is largely welcome but isn't expected to create stability.

US troops head to Nigeria

Indonesia’s army chief of staff said this week that his country is preparing to send up to 8,000 troops to Gaza as part of the international stabilization force. The force is part of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan. Several countries have expressed interest but experts say the exact mission of these forces is vague. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Indonesia’s army chief of staff said this week that his country is preparing to send up to 8,000 troops to Gaza as part of the international stabilization force. The force is part of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan. Several countries have expressed interest but experts say the exact mission of these forces is vague. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Indonesia says it plans to send peacekeeping force to Gaza

During her last trip to Austria, DW, Deutsche Welle's, Inside Europe producer Laura Kabelka sat down with up-and-coming artist Tamara Flores. The Austro-Mexican singer, flutist and dancer fuses her cultural heritage and plays with feminist references. For her music video, "Chingona", an entire Mexican town came out to support her.

During her last trip to Austria, DW, Deutsche Welle's, Inside Europe producer Laura Kabelka sat down with up-and-coming artist Tamara Flores. The Austro-Mexican singer, flutist and dancer fuses her cultural heritage and plays with feminist references. For her music video, "Chingona", an entire Mexican town came out to support her.

Austro-Mexican singer finds out it really does take a village

Projects aimed at curbing light pollution are growing in popularity across the globe, particularly as a way to protect biodiversity. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Yana Yakushina, a lawyer and scientific coordinator for an EU-wide light pollution project, about how communities are balancing the impact of light on ecosystems and a concern for public safety.

Projects aimed at curbing light pollution are growing in popularity across the globe, particularly as a way to protect biodiversity. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Yana Yakushina, a lawyer and scientific coordinator for an EU-wide light pollution project, about how communities are balancing the impact of light on ecosystems and a concern for public safety.

Dimming lights to save the skies

Tango may be Argentina's most famous cultural symbol, but steak is a close second. And it might be coming to markets in the US. President Donald Trump recently said he wants to quadruple imports of beef from Argentina to reduce costs to American consumers. Reporter Emily Johnson in Buenos Aires has the story of an industry in transition.

Tango may be Argentina's most famous cultural symbol, but steak is a close second. And it might be coming to markets in the US. President Donald Trump recently said he wants to quadruple imports of beef from Argentina to reduce costs to American consumers. Reporter Emily Johnson in Buenos Aires has the story of an industry in transition.

Argentine beef is coming to the US

It all depends how high up into the Alps, Dolomites or Pyrenees you go. At lower levels in the French Alps, nearly 200 ski resorts remain shuttered this season due to a lack of snow. Toward the peaks, heavy snow has led to a record numbers of deaths in avalanches. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

It all depends how high up into the Alps, Dolomites or Pyrenees you go. At lower levels in the French Alps, nearly 200 ski resorts remain shuttered this season due to a lack of snow. Toward the peaks, heavy snow has led to a record numbers of deaths in avalanches. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Europe's odd ski season threatened by avalanches and lack of snow

Europe's beloved chestnut season is coming to an end. That's calling attention to new research on chestnut pollen deposits, which suggests chestnut trees may date back to the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. Scientists now believe the Romans planted chestnut forests across the continent, though more for the lumber than the earthy chestnuts. Durrie Bouscaren reports from Istanbul.

Europe's beloved chestnut season is coming to an end. That's calling attention to new research on chestnut pollen deposits, which suggests chestnut trees may date back to the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. Scientists now believe the Romans planted chestnut forests across the continent, though more for the lumber than the earthy chestnuts. Durrie Bouscaren reports from Istanbul.

Chestnut season in Europe could have been a thing 3,000 years ago

The war in Ukraine is now approaching its fourth year— unimaginable in 2022 when the full-scale Russian invasion began. In the West, many consider the situation a catastrophe for the Kremlin and Vladimir Putin, who had expected a quick and decisive victory. But that's not the way it's portrayed from Moscow. As reporter Deborah Amos tells us, in addition to being a deadly time for soldiers, it was the first time Ukrainian and international journalists realized it was going to be deadly for them too.

The war in Ukraine is now approaching its fourth year— unimaginable in 2022 when the full-scale Russian invasion began. In the West, many consider the situation a catastrophe for the Kremlin and Vladimir Putin, who had expected a quick and decisive victory. But that's not the way it's portrayed from Moscow. As reporter Deborah Amos tells us, in addition to being a deadly time for soldiers, it was the first time Ukrainian and international journalists realized it was going to be deadly for them too.

Ukraine and Russia battle for hearts and minds – but whose?

If the left-leaning government of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has its way, children under 16 will soon see apps like TikTok and Instagram disappear from their screens. Following Australia's lead, Sanchez says it's time for society to step up and protect kids from the onslaught of harmful content online. But pulling it off is complicated. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona

If the left-leaning government of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has its way, children under 16 will soon see apps like TikTok and Instagram disappear from their screens. Following Australia's lead, Sanchez says it's time for society to step up and protect kids from the onslaught of harmful content online. But pulling it off is complicated. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona

Spain plans to bar younger teens from social media

Mexico is sending two navy ships packed with humanitarian aid to Cuba as the island nation struggles with severe fuel shortages. Amid economic and military threats from the US, Mexico has had to proceed cautiously in supporting Havana, with which it has longstanding relations. The World's Marco Werman learned more from Arturo Sarukhán, former Mexican ambassador to the US.

Mexico is sending two navy ships packed with humanitarian aid to Cuba as the island nation struggles with severe fuel shortages. Amid economic and military threats from the US, Mexico has had to proceed cautiously in supporting Havana, with which it has longstanding relations. The World's Marco Werman learned more from Arturo Sarukhán, former Mexican ambassador to the US.

Mexico sends aid to Cuba while navigating US pressure

During Sunday’s Super Bowl halftime performance, Bad Bunny shimmied up an electrical pole while singing his hit "El Apagón." The title translates to “The blackout.” Puerto Rico’s electrical grid is notoriously faulty due to under-investment and an aging, centralized infrastructure.  Ruth Santiago, an environmental and community lawyer who lives in Salinas, Puerto Rico, talks with The World’s Marco Werman about the grid's current status and efforts to upgrade it.

During Sunday’s Super Bowl halftime performance, Bad Bunny shimmied up an electrical pole while singing his hit "El Apagón." The title translates to “The blackout.” Puerto Rico’s electrical grid is notoriously faulty due to under-investment and an aging, centralized infrastructure.  Ruth Santiago, an environmental and community lawyer who lives in Salinas, Puerto Rico, talks with The World’s Marco Werman about the grid's current status and efforts to upgrade it.

Bad Bunny shines light on Puerto Rico’s failing electrical grid

Philippe Gaulier died yesterday at 82. He was a clown who became famous in France in the 1970s with a show called "LES ASSIETTES." The gag was that he and his comedic partner broke plates. Host Marco Werman will explain ... and get thoughts from some of the 82-year-old's famous alumni.

Philippe Gaulier died yesterday at 82. He was a clown who became famous in France in the 1970s with a show called "LES ASSIETTES." The gag was that he and his comedic partner broke plates. Host Marco Werman will explain ... and get thoughts from some of the 82-year-old's famous alumni.

Famous French clown Philippe Gaulier dies at 82

United States President Trump is threatening to block the opening of a newly constructed bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. Trump is demanding the US be "fully compensated" for the bridge, even though Canada has footed the entire multi-billion-dollar bill. It's also unclear how the US president could actually prevent the bridge from opening.

United States President Trump is threatening to block the opening of a newly constructed bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. Trump is demanding the US be "fully compensated" for the bridge, even though Canada has footed the entire multi-billion-dollar bill. It's also unclear how the US president could actually prevent the bridge from opening.

Trump threatens to block opening of new bridge to Canada

On Sunday, the Israeli security cabinet agreed on new policies for the occupied West Bank that would make it easier for Jewish settlers to acquire Palestinian land. Critics say the moves amount to de facto annexation of large parts of the Israeli-occupied territory. US President Donald Trump has said that Israeli annexation of the Palestinian territory is not acceptable. The United Nations, along with a host of Arab and Muslim-majority states, responded with sharp criticism of the new Israeli policy. The World's Matthew Bell has the latest.

On Sunday, the Israeli security cabinet agreed on new policies for the occupied West Bank that would make it easier for Jewish settlers to acquire Palestinian land. Critics say the moves amount to de facto annexation of large parts of the Israeli-occupied territory. US President Donald Trump has said that Israeli annexation of the Palestinian territory is not acceptable. The United Nations, along with a host of Arab and Muslim-majority states, responded with sharp criticism of the new Israeli policy. The World's Matthew Bell has the latest.

Israel’s government is taking more steps to assert control over the West Bank

In the La Guajira region of Colombia, a multiyear drought and climate change-fueled natural disasters have disrupted Indigenous traditional agricultural practices. But new programs are helping the Wayuu people reinvigorate their traditional foods, especially the guajiro bean. Natalie Skowlund reports.

In the La Guajira region of Colombia, a multiyear drought and climate change-fueled natural disasters have disrupted Indigenous traditional agricultural practices. But new programs are helping the Wayuu people reinvigorate their traditional foods, especially the guajiro bean. Natalie Skowlund reports.

How a historic ‘magical bean’ is helping Indigenous groups in Colombia

The war in Ukraine is now approaching its fourth year. To understand how Ukraine reached this moment, we turn back to one of the most devastating chapters of the conflict: the siege of Mariupol. As reporter Deborah Amos tells us, in addition to being a deadly time for soldiers, it was the first time Ukrainian and international journalists realized it was going to be deadly for them too.

The war in Ukraine is now approaching its fourth year. To understand how Ukraine reached this moment, we turn back to one of the most devastating chapters of the conflict: the siege of Mariupol. As reporter Deborah Amos tells us, in addition to being a deadly time for soldiers, it was the first time Ukrainian and international journalists realized it was going to be deadly for them too.

The battle for Ukraine isn’t just over territory

Ebo Taylor was one of Ghana's top musicians and an artist who garnered international attention for the country. Host Marco Werman tells us that his death was announced over the weekend by his son. We listen to a heartfelt song of Taylor's following the death of his first wife.

Ebo Taylor was one of Ghana's top musicians and an artist who garnered international attention for the country. Host Marco Werman tells us that his death was announced over the weekend by his son. We listen to a heartfelt song of Taylor's following the death of his first wife.

Top Ghanaian musician Ebo Taylor dies over the weekend

In a large archive building in Tirana, Albania’s capital, a team recently began reviewing 45 years of films produced at the behest of former dictator Enver Hoxha. The team is slowly digitalizing decades-worth of documentaries, films and cartoons, ready for public release. But as Jamie Fullerton reports, there are those not so keen on calling attention to a dictator's handiwork.

In a large archive building in Tirana, Albania’s capital, a team recently began reviewing 45 years of films produced at the behest of former dictator Enver Hoxha. The team is slowly digitalizing decades-worth of documentaries, films and cartoons, ready for public release. But as Jamie Fullerton reports, there are those not so keen on calling attention to a dictator's handiwork.

Why an Albanian dictator’s cinematic legacy is being preserved

Hong Kong authorities today sentenced pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai to 20 years behind bars. It’s the longest punishment given so far under a China-imposed national security law that has quashed dissent on the island. Tom Grundy, editor-in-chief at the Hong Kong Free Press, speaks with The World’s Marco Werman about the implications.

Hong Kong authorities today sentenced pro-democracy publisher Jimmy Lai to 20 years behind bars. It’s the longest punishment given so far under a China-imposed national security law that has quashed dissent on the island. Tom Grundy, editor-in-chief at the Hong Kong Free Press, speaks with The World’s Marco Werman about the implications.

Jimmy Lai, fierce critic of Beijing, receives 20-year sentence

Sanae Takaichi was taking a huge risk when she called for a snap election just 110 days into her first term as prime minister. Today, she won big. Her struggling political party — the Liberal Democratic Party — captured a two-thirds supermajority in the lower house of Japan's parliament. Takaichi is promising to push ahead on her conservative agenda. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Sanae Takaichi was taking a huge risk when she called for a snap election just 110 days into her first term as prime minister. Today, she won big. Her struggling political party — the Liberal Democratic Party — captured a two-thirds supermajority in the lower house of Japan's parliament. Takaichi is promising to push ahead on her conservative agenda. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Japan’s prime minister looks to implement her agenda with big election win

No, not the scary Terminator-like ones beloved of science fiction writers … We're talking about the cute, helpful ones designed to help out in school. And yes — this really is a thing. A Norwegian company is already successful in 17 countries with a small robot that can represent absent pupils in the classroom. Lars Bevanger reports from Oslo.

No, not the scary Terminator-like ones beloved of science fiction writers … We're talking about the cute, helpful ones designed to help out in school. And yes — this really is a thing. A Norwegian company is already successful in 17 countries with a small robot that can represent absent pupils in the classroom. Lars Bevanger reports from Oslo.

Not quite The Terminator, these robots still look human-like and perform tasks

The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are the first to feature a ban on ski wax that includes PFAS, the forever chemicals linked to a range of health problems and diseases. The chemicals had made the wax especially effective; now, athletes and wax techs are experimenting with less effective alternatives. The World's Marco Werman speaks with Julia Mehre Ystgaard, Canadian cross-country ski coach.

The Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are the first to feature a ban on ski wax that includes PFAS, the forever chemicals linked to a range of health problems and diseases. The chemicals had made the wax especially effective; now, athletes and wax techs are experimenting with less effective alternatives. The World's Marco Werman speaks with Julia Mehre Ystgaard, Canadian cross-country ski coach.

Milan Cortina Games first to feature ban on PFAS in ski wax

In the days leading up to the 2026 Winter Games in Italy, excited young athletes have been posting videos of themselves opening up their boxes and bags of gear and Olympic apparel. From pajamas to ski suits, there is plenty of swag — and plenty of interest in it online. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

In the days leading up to the 2026 Winter Games in Italy, excited young athletes have been posting videos of themselves opening up their boxes and bags of gear and Olympic apparel. From pajamas to ski suits, there is plenty of swag — and plenty of interest in it online. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

‘Unboxing’ videos earn Olympic athletes pre-Games fame and followers

When "Time Hoppers: The Silk Road" hits theaters this weekend, it will make history as the first animated feature film made by, for,and about Muslims to have a US theatrical release. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with director Flordeliza Dayrit about the film's characters and what it means for Muslim children to see them on screen.

When "Time Hoppers: The Silk Road" hits theaters this weekend, it will make history as the first animated feature film made by, for,and about Muslims to have a US theatrical release. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with director Flordeliza Dayrit about the film's characters and what it means for Muslim children to see them on screen.

New animated film for Muslim children hits US and Canadian theaters

Today in Pakistan, a suicide bomber attacked a Shia mosque in the capital Islamabad. The attack during a Friday prayer service killed at least 31 people and wounded dozens more. While no one has yet claimed responsibility, the country’s security forces have been locked in a growing fight with insurgents, especially along the border regions with Afghanistan. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Akbar Notezai. He's a reporter for the Pakistani news organization Dawn.

Today in Pakistan, a suicide bomber attacked a Shia mosque in the capital Islamabad. The attack during a Friday prayer service killed at least 31 people and wounded dozens more. While no one has yet claimed responsibility, the country’s security forces have been locked in a growing fight with insurgents, especially along the border regions with Afghanistan. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Akbar Notezai. He's a reporter for the Pakistani news organization Dawn.

As Islamabad reels from mosque bombing, Pakistan's military fights insurgents in border regions

Host Carolyn Beeler brings us the sounds of Colombian trio Balthvs, who are bringing back the short-lived psychedelic music era in their country, with just enough funk to make it their own.This story originally aired on July 22, 2024.

Host Carolyn Beeler brings us the sounds of Colombian trio Balthvs, who are bringing back the short-lived psychedelic music era in their country, with just enough funk to make it their own.
This story originally aired on July 22, 2024.

Balthvs brings psychedelic funk to Colombia

In the Slovak capital, Bratislava, a high profile re-trial is under way. Ján Kuciak, a 27-year-old investigative journalist, and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová were shot dead in 2018 — a killing widely believed to be connected to Kuciak’s reporting on corruption. The businessman suspected of ordering the killing has been acquitted on two occasions, but both times the verdicts were overturned by Slovakia’s Supreme Court, citing serious flaws in how evidence had been assessed. Rob Cameron reports.

In the Slovak capital, Bratislava, a high profile re-trial is under way. Ján Kuciak, a 27-year-old investigative journalist, and his fiancée Martina Kušnírová were shot dead in 2018 — a killing widely believed to be connected to Kuciak’s reporting on corruption. The businessman suspected of ordering the killing has been acquitted on two occasions, but both times the verdicts were overturned by Slovakia’s Supreme Court, citing serious flaws in how evidence had been assessed. Rob Cameron reports.

Will third time be the charm in murder of Slovak journalist?

Officials from the US and Iran met today in the Persian Gulf country of Oman. This is the first time the two sides are meeting since the US and Israel carried out military strikes in Iran to dismantle its nuclear program. The meeting also comes at a tense moment. Last month, Iran’s security forces crushed a series of anti-government protests, killing thousands of people. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about the latest.

Officials from the US and Iran met today in the Persian Gulf country of Oman. This is the first time the two sides are meeting since the US and Israel carried out military strikes in Iran to dismantle its nuclear program. The meeting also comes at a tense moment. Last month, Iran’s security forces crushed a series of anti-government protests, killing thousands of people. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about the latest.

US and Iranian officials meet in Oman

Few in Thailand doubt that, in the upcoming Feb. 8 election, progressives will win the most votes. Less certain is whether they will take power. For decades, Thailand has been stuck in a cycle: left-leaning candidates triumph in elections and then the old-guard establishment (the military and its network of judges) deems them unfit to rule. But there is hope that this time will be different. Patrick Winn reports from Bangkok.

Few in Thailand doubt that, in the upcoming Feb. 8 election, progressives will win the most votes. Less certain is whether they will take power. For decades, Thailand has been stuck in a cycle: left-leaning candidates triumph in elections and then the old-guard establishment (the military and its network of judges) deems them unfit to rule. But there is hope that this time will be different. Patrick Winn reports from Bangkok.