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.

Sahar Delijani — born to dissidents in a Tehran prison — has been returning, through her writing, to the stories of repression, imprisonment and resistance that have been reverberating through her family all her life. In a recent op-ed in Le Monde, she wrote about the timing of the current US and Israeli war on Iran, coming right on the heels of massive protests in Iran, met with violence from the Islamic Republic. Delijani joins The World's Carolyn Beeler to talk about the impact of the decades-long threats Iranians face, of both internal repression and foreign attacks.

Sahar Delijani — born to dissidents in a Tehran prison — has been returning, through her writing, to the stories of repression, imprisonment and resistance that have been reverberating through her family all her life. In a recent op-ed in Le Monde, she wrote about the timing of the current US and Israeli war on Iran, coming right on the heels of massive protests in Iran, met with violence from the Islamic Republic. Delijani joins The World's Carolyn Beeler to talk about the impact of the decades-long threats Iranians face, of both internal repression and foreign attacks.

'These stories kept coming back to me': A conversation with novelist Sahar Delijani

Celebrations continue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where the national football team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in over half a century. Axel Tuanzebe scored the only goal in extra time. Hospital administrator and super fan Adrien Makombo was watching in the capital, Kinshasa. He tells The World’s Marco Werman this week’s win on the soccer pitch has helped to unify the struggling nation.

Celebrations continue in the Democratic Republic of the Congo where the national football team has qualified for the FIFA World Cup for the first time in over half a century. Axel Tuanzebe scored the only goal in extra time. Hospital administrator and super fan Adrien Makombo was watching in the capital, Kinshasa. He tells The World’s Marco Werman this week’s win on the soccer pitch has helped to unify the struggling nation.

After 52-year absence, Democratic Republic of the Congo returns to World Cup

If you're in a country with legal refugee status, that typically means you’re entitled to benefits in your host country. But India makes no such guarantees, putting the country at odds with the United Nations Refugee Convention. It also creates an incredible challenge for more than 15,000 Afghans who seek refuge in India, where many have settled despite the barriers. In New Delhi, Priyanka Shankar explains.

If you're in a country with legal refugee status, that typically means you’re entitled to benefits in your host country. But India makes no such guarantees, putting the country at odds with the United Nations Refugee Convention. It also creates an incredible challenge for more than 15,000 Afghans who seek refuge in India, where many have settled despite the barriers. In New Delhi, Priyanka Shankar explains.

Refugees from Afghanistan struggle to make a living in India

Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca has reopened after a delayed and scaled-back renovation, marking a key test ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The stadium, set to make history as the first to host this tournament three times, welcomed fans for a high-profile Mexico-Portugal match. But behind the celebration, there are concerns about how World Cup preparations are affecting surrounding communities. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

Mexico City’s iconic Estadio Azteca has reopened after a delayed and scaled-back renovation, marking a key test ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. The stadium, set to make history as the first to host this tournament three times, welcomed fans for a high-profile Mexico-Portugal match. But behind the celebration, there are concerns about how World Cup preparations are affecting surrounding communities. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

Mexico reopens Azteca Stadium ahead of 2026 World Cup

The US lifted sanctions against acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez yesterday. It's the latest in a series of changes that began when President Nicolás Maduro was captured and brought to the US to face criminal charges. The World's Marco Werman speaks with Professor David Smilde, chair of Tulane University's sociology department, about the latest in the country.

The US lifted sanctions against acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez yesterday. It's the latest in a series of changes that began when President Nicolás Maduro was captured and brought to the US to face criminal charges. The World's Marco Werman speaks with Professor David Smilde, chair of Tulane University's sociology department, about the latest in the country.

US drops sanctions against acting Venezuelan President Delcy Rodríguez

The Republic of Georgia claims the oldest archeological evidence of grape wine-making in the world. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has been traveling the world on foot for his project, Out of Eden Walk. He gives The World's Marco Werman a tour of the ancient origins of wine-making in the Caucasus, and the folkloric properties of palm wine in East Africa.

The Republic of Georgia claims the oldest archeological evidence of grape wine-making in the world. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has been traveling the world on foot for his project, Out of Eden Walk. He gives The World's Marco Werman a tour of the ancient origins of wine-making in the Caucasus, and the folkloric properties of palm wine in East Africa.

Raising a glass to global wine

A positive update on a story we brought you more than a year ago about an ancient helmet from Romania stolen while on loan at a museum in the Netherlands. Private art investigator Arthur Brand spoke to us about it at the time. Every day they didn't catch the thieves, he told us, increased the chances that this treasure from Romania could be lost forever.

A positive update on a story we brought you more than a year ago about an ancient helmet from Romania stolen while on loan at a museum in the Netherlands. Private art investigator Arthur Brand spoke to us about it at the time. Every day they didn't catch the thieves, he told us, increased the chances that this treasure from Romania could be lost forever.

A happy update on a stolen helmet

In the Indian city of Hyderabad, an inventor named Kanyaboyin Sudhakar Yadav creates vehicles in the shape of everyday objects. At Sudha Cars Museum you can see burger cars, a basketball car, even a huge toilet car. These quirky creations have earned Yadav fans across the world, but Yadav isn't just having fun; he's also trying to promote public health. Jamie Fullerton went to Hyderabad for a test drive.

In the Indian city of Hyderabad, an inventor named Kanyaboyin Sudhakar Yadav creates vehicles in the shape of everyday objects. At Sudha Cars Museum you can see burger cars, a basketball car, even a huge toilet car. These quirky creations have earned Yadav fans across the world, but Yadav isn't just having fun; he's also trying to promote public health. Jamie Fullerton went to Hyderabad for a test drive.

In India, whimsical cars are public health intervention

If you've ever struggled to enjoy a day at the beach while guarding your food from hungry seagulls, new scientific research might prove useful.

If you've ever struggled to enjoy a day at the beach while guarding your food from hungry seagulls, new scientific research might prove useful.

Seagulls deterred by 'googly eyes,' study finds

The vast majority of countries don’t guarantee birthright citizenship. It’s mostly limited to the Americas. Around the world, it's more common for nations to grant citizenship based on ancestry. Ming Hsu Chen, author of Pursuing Citizenship in the Enforcement Era, talks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about differing approaches, worldwide, as well as the repercussions of ending automatic citizenship where it has historically existed.

The vast majority of countries don’t guarantee birthright citizenship. It’s mostly limited to the Americas. Around the world, it's more common for nations to grant citizenship based on ancestry. Ming Hsu Chen, author of Pursuing Citizenship in the Enforcement Era, talks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about differing approaches, worldwide, as well as the repercussions of ending automatic citizenship where it has historically existed.

Birthright citizenship in global perspective

Ninety percent of the ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz are typically bound for Asia, making the continent particularly vulnerable to the disruption we're seeing in the energy market as a result of the war in Iran. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Bill Farren-Price, senior research fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, about how countries throughout the Asian continent are responding.

Ninety percent of the ships passing through the Strait of Hormuz are typically bound for Asia, making the continent particularly vulnerable to the disruption we're seeing in the energy market as a result of the war in Iran. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Bill Farren-Price, senior research fellow at the Oxford Institute for Energy Studies, about how countries throughout the Asian continent are responding.

Oil shocks hit Asian countries

The televised spectacle pitting country against country has — for 70 years — been anchored in Europe. This week, the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the international song competition, announced the launch of Eurovision in Asia. Bangkok is set to host the inaugural competition in November. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

The televised spectacle pitting country against country has — for 70 years — been anchored in Europe. This week, the European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the international song competition, announced the launch of Eurovision in Asia. Bangkok is set to host the inaugural competition in November. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

Eurovision expands, with a new song contest in Asia

How do you design a city where everyone feels like they belong? Vienna has been trying to answer that question for more than 30 years. The Austrian capital was one of the first cities in Europe to put gender equality at the heart of how it’s planned out. A dedicated department was set up to rethink everything from parks to housing to health care. But now, some say those ideas are facing growing resistance. From Vienna, The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

How do you design a city where everyone feels like they belong? Vienna has been trying to answer that question for more than 30 years. The Austrian capital was one of the first cities in Europe to put gender equality at the heart of how it’s planned out. A dedicated department was set up to rethink everything from parks to housing to health care. But now, some say those ideas are facing growing resistance. From Vienna, The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

In Vienna, urban design prioritizing gender equality is put to the test

Security feeds and traffic cameras have become tools in some of the most high-level killings in recent wars. In Iran, for example, Israel was able to map out the behavior and movement of targets well in advance of attacks by hacking into these kinds of devices. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Security feeds and traffic cameras have become tools in some of the most high-level killings in recent wars. In Iran, for example, Israel was able to map out the behavior and movement of targets well in advance of attacks by hacking into these kinds of devices. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

The use of street cameras in war

Tagliatelle, tortellini and lasagne — they all come from the Italian city of Bologna. Those pasta types, when authentic, are made from fresh egg pasta. It's known locally as la sfoglia and the people who make it are sfogline. To protect those traditions and the artisans who carry them out, Bologna has established a certification process to distinguish the real deal from imposters. Inside Europe's Dany Mitzman from Deutsche Welle, DW, has the story.

Tagliatelle, tortellini and lasagne — they all come from the Italian city of Bologna. Those pasta types, when authentic, are made from fresh egg pasta. It's known locally as la sfoglia and the people who make it are sfogline. To protect those traditions and the artisans who carry them out, Bologna has established a certification process to distinguish the real deal from imposters. Inside Europe's Dany Mitzman from Deutsche Welle, DW, has the story.

An Italian city takes on sub-par pasta

A Russian oil tanker has reached Cuba, offering brief relief after months of severe fuel shortages. But for many Cubans, the crisis runs much deeper. Through voices on the island and in exile, this story captures daily life shaped by blackouts, rising hardship and difficult choices about the future. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

A Russian oil tanker has reached Cuba, offering brief relief after months of severe fuel shortages. But for many Cubans, the crisis runs much deeper. Through voices on the island and in exile, this story captures daily life shaped by blackouts, rising hardship and difficult choices about the future. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Cuba's crisis, as told through Cuban voices

It might seem like a step down, but now that the NCAA lets student-athletes get paid for endorsements, the money is better at US universities than it is for most pros in Europe. Nineteen-year-old Dame Sarr came to Duke this year and has been a stand-out guard, even as his old club, FC Barcelona, would love to have him back one day. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

It might seem like a step down, but now that the NCAA lets student-athletes get paid for endorsements, the money is better at US universities than it is for most pros in Europe. Nineteen-year-old Dame Sarr came to Duke this year and has been a stand-out guard, even as his old club, FC Barcelona, would love to have him back one day. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Teen Basketball pro in Europe opts for college hoops in the US

In a press briefing this morning, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that the upcoming days of combat would be "decisive," asserting that Iran does not have the military capabilities to do anything about it. To get a clear perspective on Iran's current ability to strike back at the US, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Sina Azodi, director of Middle East Studies at George Washington University, who joined from Washington.

In a press briefing this morning, US Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth said that the upcoming days of combat would be "decisive," asserting that Iran does not have the military capabilities to do anything about it. To get a clear perspective on Iran's current ability to strike back at the US, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Sina Azodi, director of Middle East Studies at George Washington University, who joined from Washington.

Assessing Iran's military capabilities

Global EV giant BYD is building a new factory in Hungary to bypass tariffs and pump thousands of cheap electric cars into the European market. Hungarian leaders have praised the project as a major investment. But as The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel learned, workers at the plant — many of whom are Chinese migrants flown in on temporary visas — are facing conditions investigators liken to forced labor.

Global EV giant BYD is building a new factory in Hungary to bypass tariffs and pump thousands of cheap electric cars into the European market. Hungarian leaders have praised the project as a major investment. But as The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel learned, workers at the plant — many of whom are Chinese migrants flown in on temporary visas — are facing conditions investigators liken to forced labor.

Hungary investigates forced labor at BYD factory

Montreal is home to a vibrant and diverse Jewish food scene, with plenty of room for experimentation alongside traditional fare. As Jews across the globe prepare for Passover, Host Marco Werman catches up with Kat Romanow — who teaches cooking classes and hosts events as The Wandering Chew. Romanow describes the global influences that shape Jewish cuisine in Montreal, and describes variations on seder staples, including instructions for making homemade matzo.

Montreal is home to a vibrant and diverse Jewish food scene, with plenty of room for experimentation alongside traditional fare. As Jews across the globe prepare for Passover, Host Marco Werman catches up with Kat Romanow — who teaches cooking classes and hosts events as The Wandering Chew. Romanow describes the global influences that shape Jewish cuisine in Montreal, and describes variations on seder staples, including instructions for making homemade matzo.

Making matzo with a Jewish food historian in Montreal

Israeli settler violence, raids and home demolitions are forcing West Bank residents from their homes in unprecedented numbers. At the same time, a new Israeli law imposes the death penalty as the default sentence for Palestinians convicted in fatal attacks. Journalist Fouad Abu Ghosh in Jerusalem tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that state-backed settler militias are disrupting life in the West Bank.

Israeli settler violence, raids and home demolitions are forcing West Bank residents from their homes in unprecedented numbers. At the same time, a new Israeli law imposes the death penalty as the default sentence for Palestinians convicted in fatal attacks. Journalist Fouad Abu Ghosh in Jerusalem tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that state-backed settler militias are disrupting life in the West Bank.

'In a very small confrontation, your life will be the cost': Israeli settler violence spikes in West Bank

It's a mystery that continues to baffle us to this day. Seventy-eight years ago this month, the body of Czechoslovakia’s postwar foreign minister, Jan Masaryk, was found beneath his bathroom window, just two weeks after the Communists had seized power. Was the KGB or its Czechoslovak counterpart involved? As Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Rob Cameron reports, police are now examining fresh evidence.

It's a mystery that continues to baffle us to this day. Seventy-eight years ago this month, the body of Czechoslovakia’s postwar foreign minister, Jan Masaryk, was found beneath his bathroom window, just two weeks after the Communists had seized power. Was the KGB or its Czechoslovak counterpart involved? As Deutsche Welle, DW, Inside Europe's Rob Cameron reports, police are now examining fresh evidence.

Could a 78-year-old murder mystery be solved?

Composer Sami Yusuf likes to keep listeners on their toes with his diverse style of music. Born to Azerbaijani parents in Tehran, Yusuf grew up in London and was trained in both Western and Middle Eastern classical music. But his musical knowledge doesn't end there. Flamenco, Native American and more can be heard on his latest release "Ecstasy: Voices of the Earth." Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler bring us the details.

Composer Sami Yusuf likes to keep listeners on their toes with his diverse style of music. Born to Azerbaijani parents in Tehran, Yusuf grew up in London and was trained in both Western and Middle Eastern classical music. But his musical knowledge doesn't end there. Flamenco, Native American and more can be heard on his latest release "Ecstasy: Voices of the Earth." Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler bring us the details.

Musical journey continues for Sami Yusuf

Five months ago, Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica. Since then, the recovery has been a slow and ongoing process. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Jamaica Representative from the WHO/PAHO Ian Stein for an update.

Five months ago, Hurricane Melissa tore through Jamaica. Since then, the recovery has been a slow and ongoing process. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Jamaica Representative from the WHO/PAHO Ian Stein for an update.

In Jamaica, recovery from Hurricane Melissa slow and ongoing

The CEO of Air Canada stepping down after last week's plane crash with a fire truck at La Guardia airport in New York, China resuming flights to Pyongyang and another major art heist are just some stories you may not have seen. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler catch you up on the latest.

The CEO of Air Canada stepping down after last week's plane crash with a fire truck at La Guardia airport in New York, China resuming flights to Pyongyang and another major art heist are just some stories you may not have seen. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler catch you up on the latest.

Stories you may have missed

This weekend, the world’s largest aircraft carrier arrived in the waters off of Split, Croatia. The USS Gerald R. Ford was pulled from combat operations in the Red Sea, where it was supporting the US war with Iran. It might be championed as the US Navy’s most advanced carrier, but as The World’s Joshua Coe reports, it’s been dealing with some costly backed-up toilets — among other issues. He joined the show from Split and spoke with Host Marco Werman.

This weekend, the world’s largest aircraft carrier arrived in the waters off of Split, Croatia. The USS Gerald R. Ford was pulled from combat operations in the Red Sea, where it was supporting the US war with Iran. It might be championed as the US Navy’s most advanced carrier, but as The World’s Joshua Coe reports, it’s been dealing with some costly backed-up toilets — among other issues. He joined the show from Split and spoke with Host Marco Werman.

USS Gerald R. Ford arrives in Croatia for repairs as US prepares for ground war in Iran

Russia now spends nearly half of its national budget on the war in Ukraine. A lot of that spending has boosted Russia’s economy. But after four years of fighting, the war has created a country of winners and losers. On the winning side — Russia’s military industrial complex. But for the many people outside that sphere, we asked reporter Levi Bridges to dig into how they survive in an economy transformed by war.

Russia now spends nearly half of its national budget on the war in Ukraine. A lot of that spending has boosted Russia’s economy. But after four years of fighting, the war has created a country of winners and losers. On the winning side — Russia’s military industrial complex. But for the many people outside that sphere, we asked reporter Levi Bridges to dig into how they survive
in an economy transformed by war.

The strain of a long war is showing in Russia's economy

Scientists in Greenland have installed an underwater microphone in Disko Bay. Recording the sounds will allow them to study how climate change is affecting the area, by tracking the presence of species and changes in noise. They have also made the microphone's transmission open to the public, on an online stream called DISKO LIVE. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Outi Tervo, the lead scientist behind the project.

Scientists in Greenland have installed an underwater microphone in Disko Bay. Recording the sounds will allow them to study how climate change is affecting the area, by tracking the presence of species and changes in noise. They have also made the microphone's transmission open to the public, on an online stream called DISKO LIVE. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Outi Tervo, the lead scientist behind the project.

Underwater livestream in Greenland gathers evidence of climate change — and lets the public listen

In a blunt Palm Sunday sermon, Pope Leo XIV implicitly criticized the world powers behind the war in Iran, arguing that God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war but rejects them.” Christopher White, the author of "Pope Leo XIV: Inside the Conclave and the Dawn of a New Papacy," talks with Host Carolyn Beeler about Pope Leo’s comments and the Vatican’s historical response to wars.

In a blunt Palm Sunday sermon, Pope Leo XIV implicitly criticized the world powers behind the war in Iran, arguing that God “does not listen to the prayers of those who wage war but rejects them.” Christopher White, the author of "Pope Leo XIV: Inside the Conclave and the Dawn of a New Papacy," talks with Host Carolyn Beeler about Pope Leo’s comments and the Vatican’s historical response to wars.

Pope Leo XIV admonishes war advocates whose 'hands are full of blood'

According to World Athletics — the global governing body for professional track and field — the presence or absence of the SRY gene is a reliable proxy for determining biological sex. A policy requiring that competitors in the female category undergo testing for the gene was implemented ahead of the World Athletic Championships in the fall. Supporters say the policy guarantees fairness. Critics say it's unethical and unscientific. As Bianca Hillier reported last fall, this is part of a long history of sex-testing in elite women's sports.This story originally aired on Sept. 12, 2025.

According to World Athletics — the global governing body for professional track and field — the presence or absence of the SRY gene is a reliable proxy for determining biological sex. A policy requiring that competitors in the female category undergo testing for the gene was implemented ahead of the World Athletic Championships in the fall. Supporters say the policy guarantees fairness. Critics say it's unethical and unscientific. As Bianca Hillier reported last fall, this is part of a long history of sex-testing in elite women's sports.
This story originally aired on Sept. 12, 2025.