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.

Israel wants control over two strategic corridors in Gaza: the Philadelphi and Netzarim. But Hamas says it will only agree to a deal if all Israeli troops leave the Gaza Strip. This is what seems to be the latest sticking point in the ceasefire negotiations. The World’s Shirin Jaafari explains.

Israel wants control over two strategic corridors in Gaza: the Philadelphi and Netzarim. But Hamas says it will only agree to a deal if all Israeli troops leave the Gaza Strip. This is what seems to be the latest sticking point in the ceasefire negotiations. The World’s Shirin Jaafari explains.

Two corridors in Gaza could unravel ceasefire talks

A Turkish organization representing the döner industry has applied to the European Union to certify döner kebab as a traditional specialty, similar to serrano ham and feta cheese. German döner makers have vetoed the move, saying the proposed standards could increase the price. The World's Durrie Bouscaren works on some "sandwich diplomacy" alongside producer Joshua Coe.

A Turkish organization representing the döner industry has applied to the European Union to certify döner kebab as a traditional specialty, similar to serrano ham and feta cheese. German döner makers have vetoed the move, saying the proposed standards could increase the price. The World's Durrie Bouscaren works on some "sandwich diplomacy" alongside producer Joshua Coe.

Duel of the döner: Turkey and Germany battle out standardizing a beloved street food 

The relationship between the US and China is fraught with difficult and even dangerous problems. But there are also deep cultural ties that represent possibilities for peace. That's the perspective of world renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. In the final installment of our summer series, "Face Off: The US versus China," we hear how the Chinese-American musician convinces himself to be optimistic in the face of cruelty. "Face Off" is a podcast produced by veteran journalist Jane Perlez.

The relationship between the US and China is fraught with difficult and even dangerous problems. But there are also deep cultural ties that represent possibilities for peace. That's the perspective of world renowned cellist Yo-Yo Ma. In the final installment of our summer series, "Face Off: The US versus China," we hear how the Chinese-American musician convinces himself to be optimistic in the face of cruelty. "Face Off" is a podcast produced by veteran journalist Jane Perlez.

Cellist Yo-Yo Ma bridges the US-China divide

Londeners might have done a double take this week. A German navy warship chugged up the River Thames, blasting the "Darth Vader Theme" from its loudspeakers. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman wonder whether there was a hidden meaning.

Londeners might have done a double take this week. A German navy warship chugged up the River Thames, blasting the "Darth Vader Theme" from its loudspeakers. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman wonder whether there was a hidden meaning.

Luke, Ich bin dein Vater

Unlike many countries of its size and wealth, Canada doesn't have a federal disaster response agency. The provinces, rather, are largely in charge of leading response efforts to floods and wildfires. Some people say that needs to change. The World’s Bianca Hillier reports.

Unlike many countries of its size and wealth, Canada doesn't have a federal disaster response agency. The provinces, rather, are largely in charge of leading response efforts to floods and wildfires. Some people say that needs to change. The World’s Bianca Hillier reports.

Canada looks abroad for federal disaster relief agency ideas

A Greek-flagged oil tanker traveling through the Red Sea came under repeated attack today in an assault suspected to have been carried out by Yemen's Houthi rebels. There were few details about the attack, and the Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility, but it appeared to be the latest in the group's months-long campaign targeting commercial and military ships in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Host Marco Werman speaks with Abdulghani Al-Iryani, senior researcher at the Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies in Yemen, about the ongoing maritime attack campaign and how it is perceived inside Yemen.

A Greek-flagged oil tanker traveling through the Red Sea came under repeated attack today in an assault suspected to have been carried out by Yemen's Houthi rebels. There were few details about the attack, and the Houthis did not immediately claim responsibility, but it appeared to be the latest in the group's months-long campaign targeting commercial and military ships in response to the ongoing Israel-Hamas war in the Gaza Strip. Host Marco Werman speaks with Abdulghani Al-Iryani, senior researcher at the Sana'a Center for Strategic Studies in Yemen, about the ongoing maritime attack campaign and how it is perceived inside Yemen.

Attacks on oil tanker in the Red Sea

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin called Kyiv’s overnight assault on Moscow “one of the largest ever” drone attacks on the Russian capital. Russia said its forces shot down 45 Ukrainian drones in total overnight, including 11 targeting Moscow. At the same time, Kyiv is pressing ahead with its major incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with the Carnegie Endowment's Michael Kofman about what Ukraine has achieved in recent weeks.

Moscow Mayor Sergei Sobyanin called Kyiv’s overnight assault on Moscow “one of the largest ever” drone attacks on the Russian capital. Russia said its forces shot down 45 Ukrainian drones in total overnight, including 11 targeting Moscow. At the same time, Kyiv is pressing ahead with its major incursion into Russia’s Kursk region. The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with the Carnegie Endowment's Michael Kofman about what Ukraine has achieved in recent weeks.

Ukraine struggles to bring the war to Russia

Businesses along the Jersey Shore have long depended on overseas students to serve the surge of customers during the busy summer tourist season. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, when the government suspended visa approvals. WHYY News’s Kenneth Burns reports that the number of seasonal workers is finally returning to pre pandemic levels.

Businesses along the Jersey Shore have long depended on overseas students to serve the surge of customers during the busy summer tourist season. Then came the COVID-19 pandemic, when the government suspended visa approvals. WHYY News’s Kenneth Burns reports that the number of seasonal workers is finally returning to pre pandemic levels.

Exchange workers returning to Jersey Shore at pre-pandemic levels

With roots in India and an upbringing in Singapore, singer Dhruv found fame on TikTok, hitting the charts in East Asia. He moved to the US to study at Yale University, but then realized music was really what he wanted to pursue. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler spin "Speed of Light," a single from Dhruv's debut album.

With roots in India and an upbringing in Singapore, singer Dhruv found fame on TikTok, hitting the charts in East Asia. He moved to the US to study at Yale University, but then realized music was really what he wanted to pursue. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler spin "Speed of Light," a single from Dhruv's debut album.

A debut album for a previously private songwriter

Li Rui, once a top Chinese official and a personal secretary to Mao Zedong, kept detailed diaries, critiquing seven decades of communist rule in China. Li donated the diaries to Stanford University. Now, Li’s widow is suing Stanford University, claiming that the documents belong to her. Columbia University’s Andrew Nathan speaks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about what’s at stake in the trial.

Li Rui, once a top Chinese official and a personal secretary to Mao Zedong, kept detailed diaries, critiquing seven decades of communist rule in China. Li donated the diaries to Stanford University. Now, Li’s widow is suing Stanford University, claiming that the documents belong to her. Columbia University’s Andrew Nathan speaks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about what’s at stake in the trial.

The diary Beijing doesn't want the public to read

Verka Serduchka is one of the biggest celebrities in Ukraine from the early '90s. That’s the stage name for Andriy Danylko, a Ukrainian comedian, actor and singer. His drag persona, Verka Serduchka, is a middle-aged woman from a rural family, working as a railroad sleeping car attendant. The World’s Daniel Ofman reports that since Russia's full-scale invasion, Serduchka has become a symbol of Ukrainian pride.

Verka Serduchka is one of the biggest celebrities in Ukraine from the early '90s. That’s the stage name for Andriy Danylko, a Ukrainian comedian, actor and singer. His drag persona, Verka Serduchka, is a middle-aged woman from a rural family, working as a railroad sleeping car attendant. The World’s Daniel Ofman reports that since Russia's full-scale invasion, Serduchka has become a symbol of Ukrainian pride.

Verka Serduchka becomes symbol of Ukrainian identity

An attack by polar bears on a worker at a remote defense installation in northern Canada this month highlights the growing problem of vanishing ice in the region, and its impact on polar bears who hunt seals from atop ice floes. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Andrew Derocher, professor of biological sciences at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, about the impact of a warming Earth on polar bears’ habitats and their interactions with humans.

An attack by polar bears on a worker at a remote defense installation in northern Canada this month highlights the growing problem of vanishing ice in the region, and its impact on polar bears who hunt seals from atop ice floes. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Andrew Derocher, professor of biological sciences at the University of Alberta in Edmonton, about the impact of a warming Earth on polar bears’ habitats and their interactions with humans.

Climate change driving human encounters with polar bears

Slovakia's hard-right culture minister, Martina Šimkovičová, fired the director of the country's most influential theater last week. A day later, she fired the director of the Slovak National Gallery. Šimkovičová cited some reasons, but the artistic community thinks the real reason is a concerted crackdown on artistic expression. The World's Sarah Birnbaum reports.

Slovakia's hard-right culture minister, Martina Šimkovičová, fired the director of the country's most influential theater last week. A day later, she fired the director of the Slovak National Gallery. Šimkovičová cited some reasons, but the artistic community thinks the real reason is a concerted crackdown on artistic expression. The World's Sarah Birnbaum reports.

Slovakia's new culture minister appears to crack down on artistic expression

Spaghetti with white sauce. Rice with milk. Lemon slushie. Since Oct. 7, Hamada Shaquora — a food blogger in Gaza — has been making authentic Palestinian recipes using ingredients from the food aid packages handed out at refugee camps, and food he can scrounge up. The videos, which include a sense of humor amidst the tragedies unfolding in Gaza, have made the 32-year-old a TikTok star with more than 100,000 followers. Rebecca Rosman reports.

Spaghetti with white sauce. Rice with milk. Lemon slushie. Since Oct. 7, Hamada Shaquora — a food blogger in Gaza — has been making authentic Palestinian recipes using ingredients from the food aid packages handed out at refugee camps, and food he can scrounge up. The videos, which include a sense of humor amidst the tragedies unfolding in Gaza, have made the 32-year-old a TikTok star with more than 100,000 followers. Rebecca Rosman reports.

Food blogger in Gaza dishes up meals to thousands using found ingredients

Talks about a possible ceasefire in Gaza continued today, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meeting with negotiators. Hamas called the latest ceasefire proposal a “reversal” on what it agreed to previously and accused the the US of pushing "new conditions" set by Israel. There was no immediate US response.

Talks about a possible ceasefire in Gaza continued today, with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken meeting with negotiators. Hamas called the latest ceasefire proposal a “reversal” on what it agreed to previously and accused the the US of pushing "new conditions" set by Israel. There was no immediate US response.

Update on Gaza ceasefire talks

More than 40% of Venezuelans are considering leaving their country, according to a recent poll by a consulting firm in Caracas. That's after  authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro proclaimed himself a winner, despite overwhelming evidence that he stole the election. The World's Tibisay Zea reports on the likelihood of another mass migration of Venezuelans, and the impact it could have on countries in the Western Hemisphere, including the US.

More than 40% of Venezuelans are considering leaving their country, according to a recent poll by a consulting firm in Caracas. That's after  authoritarian President Nicolás Maduro proclaimed himself a winner, despite overwhelming evidence that he stole the election. The World's Tibisay Zea reports on the likelihood of another mass migration of Venezuelans, and the impact it could have on countries in the Western Hemisphere, including the US.

How a large migration of Venezuelans could impact Latin America and the US

US intelligence officials have confirmed findings made by Google cybersecurity researchers that Iran has been trying to hack the Trump and Harris presidential campaigns, and even succeeded. The Trump campaign's computer system was breached. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Omer Benjakob, a reporter for Ha'aretz on the cyber beat.

US intelligence officials have confirmed findings made by Google cybersecurity researchers that Iran has been trying to hack the Trump and Harris presidential campaigns, and even succeeded. The Trump campaign's computer system was breached. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Omer Benjakob, a reporter for Ha'aretz on the cyber beat.

Iran hacking into US presidential campaigns

Cuban singer Daymé Arocena has one of the most stunning voices in music today. But when host of the "Movement" podcast Meklit Hadero heard Daymé's latest album, "Alkemi," she could tell something dramatic had changed. Her voice had changed and Daymé had changed too. The album follows a double migration — first from Cuba to Canada, then from Canada to Puerto Rico.

Cuban singer Daymé Arocena has one of the most stunning voices in music today. But when host of the "Movement" podcast Meklit Hadero heard Daymé's latest album, "Alkemi," she could tell something dramatic had changed. Her voice had changed and Daymé had changed too. The album follows a double migration — first from Cuba to Canada, then from Canada to Puerto Rico.

Cuban singer finds musical home in Puerto Rico

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the biggest performing arts festival in the world and it has catapulted the work of some artists to the West End, Broadway or television. But the road to the Fringe is also littered with stories of career-ending performances, mental health distress and financial ruin. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports.

The Edinburgh Fringe Festival is the biggest performing arts festival in the world and it has catapulted the work of some artists to the West End, Broadway or television. But the road to the Fringe is also littered with stories of career-ending performances, mental health distress and financial ruin. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry reports.

The rocky road to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival

Switzerland is holding a contest to clean up a longstanding problem: military munitions that have been dumped into its lakes. The Federal Office for Armaments is offering a $58,000 prize to the winning idea of how to safely retrieve the munitions from the lakes. Host Marco Werman has more.

Switzerland is holding a contest to clean up a longstanding problem: military munitions that have been dumped into its lakes. The Federal Office for Armaments is offering a $58,000 prize to the winning idea of how to safely retrieve the munitions from the lakes. Host Marco Werman has more.

Swiss contest to clear munitions from lakes

A decade-long collaboration by the US and Mexico to restore the wetlands of the Colorado River Delta has borne fruit — or rather birds. Looking at areas where the restoration work took place, a recent study found that more than half of the populations of bird species have stabilized or increased. To learn more, The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with Osvel Hinojosa-Huerta. He is the director of the Coastal Solutions Fellows Program at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and one of the authors of the 2024 study.

A decade-long collaboration by the US and Mexico to restore the wetlands of the Colorado River Delta has borne fruit — or rather birds. Looking at areas where the restoration work took place, a recent study found that more than half of the populations of bird species have stabilized or increased. To learn more, The World's Host Marco Werman spoke with Osvel Hinojosa-Huerta. He is the director of the Coastal Solutions Fellows Program at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and one of the authors of the 2024 study.

US-Mexico collaboration helps birds return to Colorado River Delta

Lithium is critical to the manufacturing of batteries that power electric vehicles. As the West tries to turn away from lithium supplied by China, European leaders are focused on local lithium deposits. One is in Serbia, but a plan by Rio Tinto to mine it, has run up against local anger. Tom Moerenhout is a research scholar at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs where he follows the extraction of lithium for the global energy transition.

Lithium is critical to the manufacturing of batteries that power electric vehicles. As the West tries to turn away from lithium supplied by China, European leaders are focused on local lithium deposits. One is in Serbia, but a plan by Rio Tinto to mine it, has run up against local anger. Tom Moerenhout is a research scholar at Columbia University's School of International and Public Affairs where he follows the extraction of lithium for the global energy transition.

Rush for lithium hits resistance in Serbia

When Israelis and Palestinians get information about the war in Gaza, there are two distinct stories being told on the nightly news. In the West Bank, families watch Al Jazeera Arabic playing a constant loop of devastating real time footage of the destruction taking place in Gaza. In Israel, such footage on the nightly TV news has taken a more patriotic tone, as Reporter Rebecca Rosman found out.

When Israelis and Palestinians get information about the war in Gaza, there are two distinct stories being told on the nightly news. In the West Bank, families watch Al Jazeera Arabic playing a constant loop of devastating real time footage of the destruction taking place in Gaza. In Israel, such footage on the nightly TV news has taken a more patriotic tone, as Reporter Rebecca Rosman found out.

Israelis and Palestinians see wildly different news on their TVs

Major League Soccer limits each team in the league to what it calls “homegrown territories,” which are the specific geographic areas from which they can develop youth players. San Diego FC is the only team in the league with an assigned region that includes Mexico — specifically, an area within 62 miles in driving distance from the club’s training facility in El Cajon. From KPBS in San Diego, Gustavo Solis reports.

Major League Soccer limits each team in the league to what it calls “homegrown territories,” which are the specific geographic areas from which they can develop youth players. San Diego FC is the only team in the league with an assigned region that includes Mexico — specifically, an area within 62 miles in driving distance from the club’s training facility in El Cajon. From KPBS in San Diego, Gustavo Solis reports.

Tijuana hosts historic tryout for young soccer players with big dreams

The extremist group ISIS was defeated in Syria and Iraq about five years ago. But those who follow the group and its activities closely say it is once again gaining momentum, reports The World’s Shirin Jaafari.

The extremist group ISIS was defeated in Syria and Iraq about five years ago. But those who follow the group and its activities closely say it is once again gaining momentum, reports The World’s Shirin Jaafari.

Experts say ISIS remains a threat

Ukrainian troops are pushing deeper inside Russia’s Kursk region, continuing a “surprise offensive” that began on Aug. 6. Washington Post reporter Siobhán O'Grady was among a handful of journalists allowed into the Ukrainian-held territory this weekend. O’Grady tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that Russian civilians feel abandoned by the Kremlin, and are increasingly worried about their fate.

Ukrainian troops are pushing deeper inside Russia’s Kursk region, continuing a “surprise offensive” that began on Aug. 6. Washington Post reporter Siobhán O'Grady was among a handful of journalists allowed into the Ukrainian-held territory this weekend. O’Grady tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that Russian civilians feel abandoned by the Kremlin, and are increasingly worried about their fate.

A glimpse inside Kursk, Ukraine's Russian 'buffer zone'

Denmark's violent crime rates have been rising, and a significant portion of it is committed by teens from Sweden. The two countries have decided to work together on law enforcement. Swedish police officers will set up shop in Denmark and work on preventing the import of violent crime to Danish streets. Diamant Salihu, a crime reporter for the Swedish news broadcaster, SVT, talks about the origins of this crime and the methods Denmark and Sweden are using to control it.

Denmark's violent crime rates have been rising, and a significant portion of it is committed by teens from Sweden. The two countries have decided to work together on law enforcement. Swedish police officers will set up shop in Denmark and work on preventing the import of violent crime to Danish streets. Diamant Salihu, a crime reporter for the Swedish news broadcaster, SVT, talks about the origins of this crime and the methods Denmark and Sweden are using to control it.

Swedish police will go to Denmark to help prevent violent crime

A new study has revealed that islands in the Scottish Hebrides may be the only place on Earth to have a detailed record of how the Earth entered a deep Ice Age hundreds of millions of years ago — and how the thaw which followed led to the emergence of the first animal life. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Elias Rugen, a PhD student at University College, London, and lead author of the study out this week in the Journal of the Geological Society of London, about the discovery.

A new study has revealed that islands in the Scottish Hebrides may be the only place on Earth to have a detailed record of how the Earth entered a deep Ice Age hundreds of millions of years ago — and how the thaw which followed led to the emergence of the first animal life. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Elias Rugen, a PhD student at University College, London, and lead author of the study out this week in the Journal of the Geological Society of London, about the discovery.

Missing geological records found on Scottish islands

After 20 years of negotiations, the international community failed to reach a peace deal for Afghanistan. And so, when the US withdrew its troops in 2021, the country was left to the Taliban. The most contentious issue between the two sides was the freedom of Afghan women — to access education and work. In this excerpt of the podcast "The Negotiators," from Foreign Policy and Doha Debates, Ashley Jackson, co-director of the Center on Armed Groups looks at how aid workers and activists continued to negotiate with the Taliban.

After 20 years of negotiations, the international community failed to reach a peace deal for Afghanistan. And so, when the US withdrew its troops in 2021, the country was left to the Taliban. The most contentious issue between the two sides was the freedom of Afghan women — to access education and work. In this excerpt of the podcast "The Negotiators," from Foreign Policy and Doha Debates, Ashley Jackson, co-director of the Center on Armed Groups looks at how aid workers and activists continued to negotiate with the Taliban.

Foreign Policy podcast: Talking to the Taliban

In Farsi, haarf means to "talk." And that's just what Iranian-Israeli singer Liraz Charhi wants all sides to do in the Middle East, where tensions remain high. Liraz sings about the danger of false narratives swirling around social media, and rhetoric that creates divisions. The World's Host Marco Werman tells us more.

In Farsi, haarf means to "talk." And that's just what Iranian-Israeli singer Liraz Charhi wants all sides to do in the Middle East, where tensions remain high. Liraz sings about the danger of false narratives swirling around social media, and rhetoric that creates divisions. The World's Host Marco Werman tells us more.