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.

National leaders have at times used government funding to force changes at universities. Hungary is one example. The World’s Josh Coe reports on how Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban cracked down on higher ed in his country. This story originally aired on May 20, 2025.

National leaders have at times used government funding to force changes at universities. Hungary is one example. The World’s Josh Coe reports on how Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban cracked down on higher ed in his country.
This story originally aired on May 20, 2025.

Hungary’s crackdown on universities has forced changes on higher ed

When international students return home from the US with a college degree in hand, they can have a lasting, beneficial impact on their communities. Reporter Briana Duggan profiles a Kenyan woman who studied computer science at Augustana College in Illinois and then returned to her small hometown to become an educator.

When international students return home from the US with a college degree in hand, they can have a lasting, beneficial impact on their communities. Reporter Briana Duggan profiles a Kenyan woman who studied computer science at Augustana College in Illinois and then returned to her small hometown to become an educator.

Kenyan woman brought computer literacy to her hometown after studying in US

With fewer science students and researchers considering the US as a destination, there is concern of a brain drain from the American STEM community. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Marc Zimmer, chemistry professor at Connecticut College, about these concerns.

With fewer science students and researchers considering the US as a destination, there is concern of a brain drain from the American STEM community. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Marc Zimmer, chemistry professor at Connecticut College, about these concerns.

Research funding cuts in the US could cause a brain drain from the American STEM field

After the 2021 American withdrawal from Afghanistan, tens of thousands of Afghans who had helped the US military there were granted special visas to come and live in the United States. Among them was the Kabir family. Two sisters in that family have ambitious goals for their education, which they could not have received in their homeland. Reporter Adeline Sire met them and has their story, from Massachusetts.

After the 2021 American withdrawal from Afghanistan, tens of thousands of Afghans who had helped the US military there were granted special visas to come and live in the United States. Among them was the Kabir family. Two sisters in that family have ambitious goals for their education, which they could not have received in their homeland. Reporter Adeline Sire met them and has their story, from Massachusetts.

Refugee Afghan girls in the US plan for once unimaginable higher education

In the wake of federal funding cuts that threaten scientists’ jobs in the US, programs have emerged across Europe to attract those worried American scientists. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports from a university in southern France where incoming Americans are referred to as “scientific refugees.”

In the wake of federal funding cuts that threaten scientists’ jobs in the US, programs have emerged across Europe to attract those worried American scientists. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports from a university in southern France where incoming Americans are referred to as “scientific refugees.”

Europe wants to attract American scientists

The US economy could lose $7 billion in spending and 60,000 jobs as a result of the bans and restrictions imposed by the White House on international students. That is according to NAFSA, the Association of International Educators. Host Marco Werman speaks with NAFSA’s CEO, Fanta Aw, about the potential impact of visa restrictions.

The US economy could lose $7 billion in spending and 60,000 jobs as a result of the bans and restrictions imposed by the White House on international students. That is according to NAFSA, the Association of International Educators. Host Marco Werman speaks with NAFSA’s CEO, Fanta Aw, about the potential impact of visa restrictions.

International student restrictions could cost America billions of dollars

The largest contingent of international students to the US comes from India. But with the new restrictions by the Trump administration, many Indian students are considering alternative destinations for college.

The largest contingent of international students to the US comes from India. But with the new restrictions by the Trump administration, many Indian students are considering alternative destinations for college.

Indian students consider other countries to pursue their studies

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was “disgusted” after altered photos of her and other women were found on an Italian pornographic website. It follows public outcry earlier this week over revelations about a an Italian Facebook group titled La Moglie, meaning “My Wife," where men allegedly shared photos of their wives. To learn more, Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Cecilia Sottilotta, an assistant professor of politics at the University for Foreigners of Perugia. She joined the show from Rome.

Italy’s Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni said she was “disgusted” after altered photos of her and other women were found on an Italian pornographic website. It follows public outcry earlier this week over revelations about a an Italian Facebook group titled La Moglie, meaning “My Wife," where men allegedly shared photos of their wives. To learn more, Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Cecilia Sottilotta, an assistant professor of politics at the University for Foreigners of Perugia. She joined the show from Rome.

Photos of Italian PM, other women, found on porn site, sparking conversation

Twenty years ago today, disaster struck New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina arrived. But it wasn't so much the wind that caused destruction, it was when the levees breached, pouring water into the city. Other cities around the globe have suffered from similar circumstances, most notably the Netherlands in 1953 when a high-tide storm breached the dikes, flooding many parts of the country. Dutch engineers have been learning from this disaster ever since. So, in the aftermath of Katrina, experts and engineers in New Orleans looked to the Dutch. One of those experts is David Waggonner, co-founder of the architecture firm Waggonner and Ball. We first spoke to him in 2013, he's back again to speak to Host Marco Werman about the progress made.

Twenty years ago today, disaster struck New Orleans. Hurricane Katrina arrived. But it wasn't so much the wind that caused destruction, it was when the levees breached, pouring water into the city. Other cities around the globe have suffered from similar circumstances, most notably the Netherlands in 1953 when a high-tide storm breached the dikes, flooding many parts of the country. Dutch engineers have been learning from this disaster ever since. So, in the aftermath of Katrina, experts and engineers in New Orleans looked to the Dutch. One of those experts is David Waggonner, co-founder of the architecture firm Waggonner and Ball. We first spoke to him in 2013, he's back again to speak to Host Marco Werman about the progress made.

New Orleans still learning from Katrina — and the Dutch — on preparing for another flooding disaster

Running a marathon is a big deal no matter where you do it. But running the Abbott World Marathon Majors — Berlin, London, Tokyo, Boston, New York and now Sydney — comes with additional benefits. There is more crowd support, more professionals in the field — and more money all around. The World’s Bianca Hillier reports on how Sydney made the list ahead of the race this Sunday.

Running a marathon is a big deal no matter where you do it. But running the Abbott World Marathon Majors — Berlin, London, Tokyo, Boston, New York and now Sydney — comes with additional benefits. There is more crowd support, more professionals in the field — and more money all around. The World’s Bianca Hillier reports on how Sydney made the list ahead of the race this Sunday.

Professional, amateur marathoners flock to Sydney for first 'major' edition of annual race

The Lebanese government is set to put forward a plan to disarm one the Middle East’s most powerful militant groups — Hezbollah. The Shia group was created with funding and support by Iran in the 1980s, and has been part of the Lebanese security apparatus since. The group was dealt a heavy blow last year when Israeli forces targeted and killed its top leaders. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

The Lebanese government is set to put forward a plan to disarm one the Middle East’s most powerful militant groups — Hezbollah. The Shia group was created with funding and support by Iran in the 1980s, and has been part of the Lebanese security apparatus since. The group was dealt a heavy blow last year when Israeli forces targeted and killed its top leaders. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Lebanon's plans to disarm Hezbollah

Oud player Sheikh Imam and poet Ahmed Negm were the most famous musical duo in Egypt in the 1960s and '70s. Then in 2011, their music became a rallying cry for protesters trying to topple Egypt’s autocratic leaders. The story comes to us from Dana Ballout at the Kerning Cultures Network.This story originally aired on Jan. 12, 2024, and July 5, 2024.

Oud player Sheikh Imam and poet Ahmed Negm were the most famous musical duo in Egypt in the 1960s and '70s. Then in 2011, their music became a rallying cry for protesters trying to topple Egypt’s autocratic leaders. The story comes to us from Dana Ballout at the Kerning Cultures Network.
This story originally aired on Jan. 12, 2024, and July 5, 2024.

Icons of dissent in Egypt

The Chilean band Calle Mambo likes to shake things up, both musically and lyrically. Whether its combining Latin rhythms with electronic beats or touching on topics like migration and the environment. It's all there in the title track of the group's latest album "Retumba la Tierra" — the Earth trembles. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

The Chilean band Calle Mambo likes to shake things up, both musically and lyrically. Whether its combining Latin rhythms with electronic beats or touching on topics like migration and the environment. It's all there in the title track of the group's latest album "Retumba la Tierra" — the Earth trembles. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

The 'Earth trembles' over Calle Mambo

Forty-seven-year-old Natalia Nagovistyna's husband, Sergey, died on a peak in Kyrgyzstan in 2021, with Natalia refusing to descend without him. This week, after being trapped herself for more than 15 days on an even more dangerous summit nearby, it appears Nagovistyna has met the same fate. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Forty-seven-year-old Natalia Nagovistyna's husband, Sergey, died on a peak in Kyrgyzstan in 2021, with Natalia refusing to descend without him. This week, after being trapped herself for more than 15 days on an even more dangerous summit nearby, it appears Nagovistyna has met the same fate. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Russian climber who lost husband on one mountain gets trapped on another

France, Germany and the United Kingdom today triggered the snapback mechanism to end sanctions relief against Iran. Holly Dagres, a senior fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy and curator of "The Iranist" newsletter, speaks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about the implications.

France, Germany and the United Kingdom today triggered the snapback mechanism to end sanctions relief against Iran. Holly Dagres, a senior fellow at The Washington Institute for Near East Policy and curator of "The Iranist" newsletter, speaks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about the implications.

Europe moves to 'snap back' Iran nuclear sanctions

Russia's massive overnight strike on Kyiv killed at least 19 people and injured many dozens more.  Journalist and Kyiv resident Jared Goyette describes the nightly question that people face: whether to wait out incoming fire or whether the attack is severe enough to go to a shelter. Goyette describes what last night was like to Host Marco Werman.

Russia's massive overnight strike on Kyiv killed at least 19 people and injured many dozens more.  Journalist and Kyiv resident Jared Goyette describes the nightly question that people face: whether to wait out incoming fire or whether the attack is severe enough to go to a shelter. Goyette describes what last night was like to Host Marco Werman.

'Everyone who died faced that dilemma'

As many as 19 people were killed in overnight Russian missile strikes on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, making it the deadliest attack on the city since July. The missiles also hit the European Union’s headquarters in the city, bringing heavy condemnation from European leaders, who feel increasingly responsible for the success of peace talks. To learn more about the latest on the diplomatic front, Host Marco Werman spoke to Nicu Popescu, the head of the European Security Program at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

As many as 19 people were killed in overnight Russian missile strikes on the Ukrainian capital Kyiv, making it the deadliest attack on the city since July. The missiles also hit the European Union’s headquarters in the city, bringing heavy condemnation from European leaders, who feel increasingly responsible for the success of peace talks. To learn more about the latest on the diplomatic front, Host Marco Werman spoke to Nicu Popescu, the head of the European Security Program at the European Council on Foreign Relations.

In wake of Russian strikes on Kyiv, Europe discusses path to elusive Ukraine-Russia peace deal

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest has been an annual event since 1965. Run by the UK's Natural History Museum in London, this year's contest drew a record-breaking 60,636 entries. The World spoke with the French photographer behind one of top 100 images, depicting a sloth clinging to a fence post in Costa Rica. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

The Wildlife Photographer of the Year contest has been an annual event since 1965. Run by the UK's Natural History Museum in London, this year's contest drew a record-breaking 60,636 entries. The World spoke with the French photographer behind one of top 100 images, depicting a sloth clinging to a fence post in Costa Rica. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

Lions, cobras and sloths: Wildlife photography across the globe in 2025

This is the first summer tourism season that international flights have been able to fly into and out of Greenland's capital of Nuuk, using the new international airport that opened in November. It’s part of a larger effort to increase tourism, with the government aiming to double tourist visits and boost tourism revenue and employment by the end of the next decade. But with more tourists, there comes more headaches. The World's Carolyn Beeler is just back from Nuuk and brings us her report.

This is the first summer tourism season that international flights have been able to fly into and out of Greenland's capital of Nuuk, using the new international airport that opened in November. It’s part of a larger effort to increase tourism, with the government aiming to double tourist visits and boost tourism revenue and employment by the end of the next decade. But with more tourists, there comes more headaches. The World's Carolyn Beeler is just back from Nuuk and brings us her report.

Greenland wants new international airport to trigger tourism boom

When people think of asylum seekers, they often picture desperate journeys to the United States. But this year, dozens of Americans, many of them transgender, have been seeking refuge in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands. They say they fear persecution at home. Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order recognizing only two genders: male and female. Yet, for US citizens, winning asylum in the Netherlands is anything but straightforward. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

When people think of asylum seekers, they often picture desperate journeys to the United States. But this year, dozens of Americans, many of them transgender, have been seeking refuge in Europe, particularly in the Netherlands. They say they fear persecution at home. Earlier this year, US President Donald Trump signed an executive order recognizing only two genders: male and female. Yet, for US citizens, winning asylum in the Netherlands is anything but straightforward. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Why dozens of US citizens are turning to the Netherlands for refuge

A top United Nations official in Jerusalem says that the situation in Gaza is “sinking deeper into disaster, marked by rapidly mounting civilian casualties, mass displacement and, now, famine.” Meanwhile, in the West Bank, things continue to "spiral dangerously downward," according to Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. But in Israel, there are signs people are growing weary of the war, even as Israel's government plans a new offensive centered on Gaza City. The World's Matthew Bell has the latest.

A top United Nations official in Jerusalem says that the situation in Gaza is “sinking deeper into disaster, marked by rapidly mounting civilian casualties, mass displacement and, now, famine.” Meanwhile, in the West Bank, things continue to "spiral dangerously downward," according to Ramiz Alakbarov, UN Deputy Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process. But in Israel, there are signs people are growing weary of the war, even as Israel's government plans a new offensive centered on Gaza City. The World's Matthew Bell has the latest.

No end in sight for Israel's war in Gaza and conflict in the West Bank

There are few worse feelings than being stuck behind a long line of cars at a traffic light. Now, Google has developed an artificial intelligence program aimed at fixing the problem. It's called Project Green Light, and it analyzes Google Maps data to come up with recommendations for traffic engineers to reduce gridlock and cut emissions. As The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports, it's already being used — with success — in cities around the globe.

There are few worse feelings than being stuck behind a long line of cars at a traffic light. Now, Google has developed an artificial intelligence program aimed at fixing the problem. It's called Project Green Light, and it analyzes Google Maps data to come up with recommendations for traffic engineers to reduce gridlock and cut emissions. As The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports, it's already being used — with success — in cities around the globe.

How cities around the world are using AI to ease traffic

Some foreign shippers are suspending US package deliveries as a customs tax exemption for low-value goods comes to an end this Friday. Andy Wu, an associate professor of business administration at Harvard Business School, talks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about the implications of the global delivery pause.

Some foreign shippers are suspending US package deliveries as a customs tax exemption for low-value goods comes to an end this Friday. Andy Wu, an associate professor of business administration at Harvard Business School, talks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about the implications of the global delivery pause.

International deliveries in limbo due to tariffs

Like many contact sports, rugby has a high risk of injury. One of the most serious ones players face is a concussion. Now, at the Women's Rugby World Cup in England, a new tool could help reduce the risk of concussions on the field. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

Like many contact sports, rugby has a high risk of injury. One of the most serious ones players face is a concussion. Now, at the Women's Rugby World Cup in England, a new tool could help reduce the risk of concussions on the field. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

In rugby, new mouth guards flash to warn of possible concussions

Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan has taken flak for filming scenes for an epic reimagining of Homer's "The Odyssey" in Western Sahara, a territory occupied by Morocco. Activists warn that Morocco doesn't give human rights observers and journalists the same warm welcome Nolan received. The World's Host Marco Werman got insight into the issue with María Carrión, the executive director of FiSahara, an annual film festival that spotlights the work of the Sahrawi people of Western Sahara. She's based in Madrid.

Oscar-winning director Christopher Nolan has taken flak for filming scenes for an epic reimagining of Homer's "The Odyssey" in Western Sahara, a territory occupied by Morocco. Activists warn that Morocco doesn't give human rights observers and journalists the same warm welcome Nolan received. The World's Host Marco Werman got insight into the issue with María Carrión, the executive director of FiSahara, an annual film festival that spotlights the work of the Sahrawi people of Western Sahara. She's based in Madrid.

A film crew shooting scenes in Western Sahara sparks controversy

If you flew anywhere this summer, you were probably offered the option of buying a carbon offset when you bought your tickets. It's an option that's marketed as a way to support forestry or renewable energy projects, to offset the carbon emissions of the trip you're taking. Deutsche Welle, DW's Kathleen Schuster examined whether offset credits actually do what they promise, in this excerpt from the DW's environment podcast "Living Planet."

If you flew anywhere this summer, you were probably offered the option of buying a carbon offset when you bought your tickets. It's an option that's marketed as a way to support forestry or renewable energy projects, to offset the carbon emissions of the trip you're taking. Deutsche Welle, DW's Kathleen Schuster examined whether offset credits actually do what they promise, in this excerpt from the DW's environment podcast "Living Planet."

A look at what carbon offset projects do — and don't — accomplish

The Circling Sun is a jazz collective that hails from Auckland, New Zealand, or as the ensemble refers to its country in the Maori language: Aotearoa. There are nods in the music to Maori culture, but the group's main influence is Brazilian jazz from the 1970s. Co-hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman give the group a listen.

The Circling Sun is a jazz collective that hails from Auckland, New Zealand, or as the ensemble refers to its country in the Maori language: Aotearoa. There are nods in the music to Maori culture, but the group's main influence is Brazilian jazz from the 1970s. Co-hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman give the group a listen.

A taste of a New Zealand jazz ensemble's music

Two years have passed since the leader of the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary force, was killed in a suspicious plane crash. Since then, Wagner forces deployed in the West African country of Mali have "melted down" says a new investigative report from The Sentry. Host Marco Werman gets the latest from The Sentry's executive director, Justyna Gudzowska.

Two years have passed since the leader of the Wagner Group, a Russian mercenary force, was killed in a suspicious plane crash. Since then, Wagner forces deployed in the West African country of Mali have "melted down" says a new investigative report from The Sentry. Host Marco Werman gets the latest from The Sentry's executive director, Justyna Gudzowska.

Wagner Group's 'meltdown' in Mali

From the first green plums of spring to late summer pomegranates, a seven-acre public fruit garden in Istanbul, Turkey, allows visitors to pick their own produce. The project is part of a growing global trend to plant fruit trees in public spaces for everyone to enjoy. But it's not an entirely new practice. Centuries ago, most humans probably had a "food forest" right next door. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports.

From the first green plums of spring to late summer pomegranates, a seven-acre public fruit garden in Istanbul, Turkey, allows visitors to pick their own produce. The project is part of a growing global trend to plant fruit trees in public spaces for everyone to enjoy. But it's not an entirely new practice. Centuries ago, most humans probably had a "food forest" right next door. The World's Durrie Bouscaren reports.

Istanbul's free public orchard has ancient roots

Israel yesterday fired two missiles at a Gaza hospital where journalists had gathered to film and report on the war in Gaza. Israel says the attack was a mistake and deeply regrets the action. As The World's Marco Werman explains, 20 people were killed including five well-marked journalists, sparking widespread condemnation.

Israel yesterday fired two missiles at a Gaza hospital where journalists had gathered to film and report on the war in Gaza. Israel says the attack was a mistake and deeply regrets the action. As The World's Marco Werman explains, 20 people were killed including five well-marked journalists, sparking widespread condemnation.