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.

Denmark issued a formal apology yesterday for forcing Indigenous women and girls from Greenland to use contraceptive devices. Beginning in the 1960s, Danish doctors inserted IUDs into thousands of Inuit women and school-age girls, often without their or their parents' knowledge or consent. Host Carolyn Beeler learns more about the controversial program from Victoria Pihl Sorensen, a Danish historian who has studied Denmark's IUD program in Greenland. She's now a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Denmark issued a formal apology yesterday for forcing Indigenous women and girls from Greenland to use contraceptive devices. Beginning in the 1960s, Danish doctors inserted IUDs into thousands of Inuit women and school-age girls, often without their or their parents' knowledge or consent. Host Carolyn Beeler learns more about the controversial program from Victoria Pihl Sorensen, a Danish historian who has studied Denmark's IUD program in Greenland. She's now a professor at the University of Colorado Boulder.

Denmark's PM apologizes for coercive contraception program in Greenland

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the United Nations General Assembly today. His speech focused on what he called Israel's "war of genocide" in Gaza, and the future governance of the Strip. He said emphatically that Hamas will have no role in a post-war Gaza and that they will be forced to disarm. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas addressed the United Nations General Assembly today. His speech focused on what he called Israel's "war of genocide" in Gaza, and the future governance of the Strip. He said emphatically that Hamas will have no role in a post-war Gaza and that they will be forced to disarm. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas speaks via video link to UN General Assembly

Climate change has exacerbated drought and extreme weather in northern Ghana, leaving many in the agricultural region struggling to grow enough food. Chef Fatmata Binta sees a solution in fonio, a grain similar to couscous, indigenous to West Africa, and most importantly, one that is able to thrive in dry conditions. As part of our "The Big Fix" series, Chef Binta speaks with The World's Marco Werman about her efforts to encourage more women in the region to grow fonio.

Climate change has exacerbated drought and extreme weather in northern Ghana, leaving many in the agricultural region struggling to grow enough food. Chef Fatmata Binta sees a solution in fonio, a grain similar to couscous, indigenous to West Africa, and most importantly, one that is able to thrive in dry conditions. As part of our "The Big Fix" series, Chef Binta speaks with The World's Marco Werman about her efforts to encourage more women in the region to grow fonio.

The Big Fix: When in drought, plant fonio

The world heard from Syria’s new interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa this week at the United Nations General Assembly. His message? Syria is back after being isolated for about six decades. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports from the UN on how his message is being received.

The world heard from Syria’s new interim President Ahmad al-Sharaa this week at the United Nations General Assembly. His message? Syria is back after being isolated for about six decades. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports from the UN on how his message is being received.

Syria’s new leaders at the UN General Assembly: ‘Syria is back after six decades’

The Oxford English Dictionary announced its new entries on Wednesday. Twelve words and phrases come from the Caribbean, and several of those are all about food. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler dive in for a vocabulary lesson.

The Oxford English Dictionary announced its new entries on Wednesday. Twelve words and phrases come from the Caribbean, and several of those are all about food. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler dive in for a vocabulary lesson.

Oxford English Dictionary can’t get enough of Caribbean food

An HIV prevention drug will be made available at a new, low cost in 120 low- and middle-income countries starting in 2027, according to an announcement yesterday. The move is being called a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to bend the trajectory of the HIV epidemic. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

An HIV prevention drug will be made available at a new, low cost in 120 low- and middle-income countries starting in 2027, according to an announcement yesterday. The move is being called a "once-in-a-lifetime opportunity" to bend the trajectory of the HIV epidemic. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

Twice-yearly HIV prevention drug to be offered at new, low cost

At the UN Climate Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the country's first national emissions reduction targets. It marks a shift in China's approach to climate policy, which, until now, allowed emissions to grow in tandem with economic growth. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Georgetown professor Joanna Lewis about how economics have driven China into a leadership position within the globe's energy transition.

At the UN Climate Summit, Chinese President Xi Jinping announced the country's first national emissions reduction targets. It marks a shift in China's approach to climate policy, which, until now, allowed emissions to grow in tandem with economic growth. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Georgetown professor Joanna Lewis about how economics have driven China into a leadership position within the globe's energy transition.

China releases first-ever national emissions reduction targets, signaling shift in approach to climate policy

The World Bank is sending $4 billion to Argentina ahead of schedule to help stabilize the country's ailing economy. It's the result of extreme cuts made by the country's president, Javier Milei, that have successfully reduced inflation — at the cost of almost everything else. Host Marco Werman speaks with journalist Natalio Cosoy in Buenos Aires about the state of the economy and its impact on Milei's political standing ahead of next month's midterm elections.

The World Bank is sending $4 billion to Argentina ahead of schedule to help stabilize the country's ailing economy. It's the result of extreme cuts made by the country's president, Javier Milei, that have successfully reduced inflation — at the cost of almost everything else. Host Marco Werman speaks with journalist Natalio Cosoy in Buenos Aires about the state of the economy and its impact on Milei's political standing ahead of next month's midterm elections.

World Bank accelerates plan to stabilize Argentina's struggling economy

European countries are looking to bolster their defense capacities — including their manpower. A recent study says the region will need 300,000 more troops to defend itself. But where are those recruits to come from? Some countries are reinstating military service; others are looking for volunteers. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, reporter Lisa Bryant sent us this report from a French bootcamp outside of Paris.

European countries are looking to bolster their defense capacities — including their manpower. A recent study says the region will need 300,000 more troops to defend itself. But where are those recruits to come from? Some countries are reinstating military service; others are looking for volunteers. From our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, reporter Lisa Bryant sent us this report from a French bootcamp outside of Paris.

France ramps up military training

Hilbe is a legendary condiment, believed to have been mentioned in the Talmud, the ancient Jewish book of laws. It's considered a folk medicine, a cure all, a source of strength, and also just really tasty. Reporter Sarah Ventre has the story of how Yemenite Jews proliferated hilbe, and why it's nearly impossible to find outside of Israel. This story originally aired on July 9, 2024.

Hilbe is a legendary condiment, believed to have been mentioned in the Talmud, the ancient Jewish book of laws. It's considered a folk medicine, a cure all, a source of strength, and also just really tasty. Reporter Sarah Ventre has the story of how Yemenite Jews proliferated hilbe, and why it's nearly impossible to find outside of Israel. 
This story originally aired on July 9, 2024.

The importance of a spice mixture for Jews from Yemen

Russian troops have made incremental gains in parts of eastern Ukraine, although their advances elsewhere have stalled. That’s according to Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Kofman explains to Host Marco Werman why Russian casualties are on the rise.

Russian troops have made incremental gains in parts of eastern Ukraine, although their advances elsewhere have stalled. That’s according to Michael Kofman, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. Kofman explains to Host Marco Werman why Russian casualties are on the rise.

Russian military continues 'grinding advance' in Donetsk

Chicago has a long history with organized crime. Its most famous — or infamous — mob boss was Al Capone. But it wasn't just Italian families that worked in Chicago's underworld. Decades ago, two rival gangs ran amok in the city, but managed to fly under the radar. These were Chinese gangs in Chicago. Axios Chicago reporter Monica Eng digs into her own family history to tell the story of these fierce rivals. Her story first aired on Curious City from WBEZ.

Chicago has a long history with organized crime. Its most famous — or infamous — mob boss was Al Capone. But it wasn't just Italian families that worked in Chicago's underworld. Decades ago, two rival gangs ran amok in the city, but managed to fly under the radar. These were Chinese gangs in Chicago. Axios Chicago reporter Monica Eng digs into her own family history to tell the story of these fierce rivals. Her story first aired on Curious City from WBEZ.

Chicago was once a battleground for Chinese gangs

Researchers in the UK have discovered how to successfully treat Huntington's, a devastating disease that runs in families and tends to hit people in their 30s and 40s. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Researchers in the UK have discovered how to successfully treat Huntington's, a devastating disease that runs in families and tends to hit people in their 30s and 40s. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Breakthrough in treatment for Huntington's disease

As part of a cultural push to counter the influence of narco-corridos, President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government is hosting “México Canta," a national songwriting contest aimed at lifting up non-violent musical expressions. The initiative encourages young musicians from Mexico and the US to create original songs that promote peace, resilience, and social reflection. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

As part of a cultural push to counter the influence of narco-corridos, President Claudia Sheinbaum’s government is hosting “México Canta," a national songwriting contest aimed at lifting up non-violent musical expressions. The initiative encourages young musicians from Mexico and the US to create original songs that promote peace, resilience, and social reflection. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

To counter narco-corridos' popularity, Mexico tries a song contest

The NFL and college football seasons are in full swing — and that means sports betting is too. It's a booming industry, and worldwide gambling losses could top $700 billion by 2028. States around the US are looking to see how they can keep gambling legal while reducing the consequences for problem gamblers. New England Public Media's Karen Brown takes us to the United Kingdom, which some consider a model for gambling regulators. Others consider it a cautionary tale.

The NFL and college football seasons are in full swing — and that means sports betting is too. It's a booming industry, and worldwide gambling losses could top $700 billion by 2028. States around the US are looking to see how they can keep gambling legal while reducing the consequences for problem gamblers. New England Public Media's Karen Brown takes us to the United Kingdom, which some consider a model for gambling regulators. Others consider it a cautionary tale.

What the United Kingdom can teach America about problem gambling

War crimes researchers at Yale University have described it as "the single largest kidnapping of children during wartime since World War II". They say since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has taken tens of thousands of Ukrainian children. A summit on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly aims to put the spotlight on these children. The World's Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman.

War crimes researchers at Yale University have described it as "the single largest kidnapping of children during wartime since World War II". They say since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Russia has taken tens of thousands of Ukrainian children. A summit on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly aims to put the spotlight on these children. The World's Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman.

UN summit puts spotlight on abducted Ukrainian children

The Malawi Electoral Commission, or MEC, states that it won't be pressured into declaring a winner in the country's presidential election until the panel has completed a proper vote count. Partial results were released yesterday, showing the former president with a strong lead. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

The Malawi Electoral Commission, or MEC, states that it won't be pressured into declaring a winner in the country's presidential election until the panel has completed a proper vote count. Partial results were released yesterday, showing the former president with a strong lead. Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

No winner yet in Malawi presidential contest

Residents of Aix-en-Provence, France, could see a mountain disappear. The VIEW of a mountain, that is. The Mont Sainte-Victoire mountain's illustrious outline was made famous by impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. The painter captured the mountain's rocky ridges in dozens of landscapes. But that iconic view may someday only exist in his art. The World’s Gerry Hadden has the story.

Residents of Aix-en-Provence, France, could see a mountain disappear. The VIEW of a mountain, that is. The Mont Sainte-Victoire mountain's illustrious outline was made famous by impressionist painter Paul Cézanne. The painter captured the mountain's rocky ridges in dozens of landscapes. But that iconic view may someday only exist in his art. The World’s Gerry Hadden has the story.

A mountain may disappear for residents of Aix-en-Provence

Medical experts and public health officials are alarmed and speaking up today after President Trump told pregnant women not to take Tylenol. Rebuttals to his comments were prolific across the UK this morning, as Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.

Medical experts and public health officials are alarmed and speaking up today after President Trump told pregnant women not to take Tylenol. Rebuttals to his comments were prolific across the UK this morning, as Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.

Experts debunk Tylenol

Machu Picchu is Peru’s top tourist attraction and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. But protests over bus contracts left hundreds of visitors stranded last week, with trains and roads blocked by demonstrators. The unrest has reignited long-standing concerns about overcrowding, mismanagement, and access to the site. Now, the organization that gave Machu Picchu its Wonder title is warning that its status — and Peru’s global image — could be at risk. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Machu Picchu is Peru’s top tourist attraction and one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. But protests over bus contracts left hundreds of visitors stranded last week, with trains and roads blocked by demonstrators. The unrest has reignited long-standing concerns about overcrowding, mismanagement, and access to the site. Now, the organization that gave Machu Picchu its Wonder title is warning that its status — and Peru’s global image — could be at risk. The World's Tibisay Zea reports.

Machu Picchu’s wonder status in jeopardy amid protests and mismanagement

Seventy years ago, China named the western region of Xinjiang an autonomous part of the People's Republic. Today, Chinese leader Xi Jinping made a rare visit to the region to commemorate 70 years of coexistence among different ethnic groups. But the reality is that hundreds of thousands of people within the ethnic Uyghur population and other Muslim groups have been sent by the Chinese government to "re-education" camps or subjected to forced labor.This story originally aired on July 21, 2025.

Seventy years ago, China named the western region of Xinjiang an autonomous part of the People's Republic. Today, Chinese leader Xi Jinping made a rare visit to the region to commemorate 70 years of coexistence among different ethnic groups. But the reality is that hundreds of thousands of people within the ethnic Uyghur population and other Muslim groups have been sent by the Chinese government to "re-education" camps or subjected to forced labor.
This story originally aired on July 21, 2025.

Uyghurs in Kazakhstan practice Islam freely in China’s shadow

The world's largest storm this year to date, Super Typhoon Ragasa, is moving its way toward China after making landfall yesterday in the Philippines' northern island, causing major flooding and the evacuation of thousands. It followed weekend protests against corruption in the country, including a scandal known as "Floodgate," involving unfinished storm surge protection infrastructure across the country. The World's Marco Werman spoke to Ronald Holmes, a political scientist at De La Salle University in Manila.

The world's largest storm this year to date, Super Typhoon Ragasa, is moving its way toward China after making landfall yesterday in the Philippines' northern island, causing major flooding and the evacuation of thousands. It followed weekend protests against corruption in the country, including a scandal known as "Floodgate," involving unfinished storm surge protection infrastructure across the country. The World's Marco Werman spoke to Ronald Holmes, a political scientist at De La Salle University in Manila.

Super typhoon batters Philippines' north, as anticorruption protests hit Manila

Funding from the United States has been one of the primary ways that NGOs in South Korea have withstood the pendulum swing of administrations over the past couple of decades. President Trump revoked these funds, but a US judge recently ruled that the administration must disperse these grants. Jason Strother reports from Seoul.

Funding from the United States has been one of the primary ways that NGOs in South Korea have withstood the pendulum swing of administrations over the past couple of decades. President Trump revoked these funds, but a US judge recently ruled that the administration must disperse these grants. Jason Strother reports from Seoul.

Absence of US funding in South Korea could put democracy at risk

Alaa Abd el-Fattah, Egypt’s most prominent political prisoner, has reunited with his family after six years in prison. Abd el-Fattah, a dual UK-Egyptian citizen and former blogger, was a key figure in the 2011 uprising that toppled President Hosni Mubarak. The University of Oklahoma’s Samer Shehata discusses the timing of the pardon with The World’s Marco Werman.

Alaa Abd el-Fattah, Egypt’s most prominent political prisoner, has reunited with his family after six years in prison. Abd el-Fattah, a dual UK-Egyptian citizen and former blogger, was a key figure in the 2011 uprising that toppled President Hosni Mubarak. The University of Oklahoma’s Samer Shehata discusses the timing of the pardon with The World’s Marco Werman.

Egypt releases its most prominent political prisoner

Hundreds of thousands of people are trapped in the besieged Sudanese city of El Fashir, cut off by 19 miles of earthen berms built by rebel forces now attacking the town. Katharine Houreld and her Washington Post colleagues have been speaking with some of those behind the dirt walls. She tells The World’s Marco Werman what she learned. Note: this conversation contains some disturbing accounts of violence.

Hundreds of thousands of people are trapped in the besieged Sudanese city of El Fashir, cut off by 19 miles of earthen berms built by rebel forces now attacking the town. Katharine Houreld and her Washington Post colleagues have been speaking with some of those behind the dirt walls. She tells The World’s Marco Werman what she learned.

Note: this conversation contains some disturbing accounts of violence.

Starving and surrounded: El Fashir residents plead for aid

Morocco on Friday became the 60th country to ratify the High Seas Treaty, which will now become international law. The treaty aims to protect huge swaths of the ocean outside of national boundaries. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Heidi Weiskel, of IUCN, about why the treaty is needed.

Morocco on Friday became the 60th country to ratify the High Seas Treaty, which will now become international law. The treaty aims to protect huge swaths of the ocean outside of national boundaries. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Heidi Weiskel, of IUCN, about why the treaty is needed.

Major international ocean treaty to become law

From London to Brussels and Berlin, some of Europe's biggest airports are grappling with a ransomware attack that has caused delays and cancellations. The World's Carolyn Beeler learned more from Junade Ali, a cyber expert at the Institution of Engineering and Technology, and joined the show from Edinburgh, Scotland.

From London to Brussels and Berlin, some of Europe's biggest airports are grappling with a ransomware attack that has caused delays and cancellations. The World's Carolyn Beeler learned more from Junade Ali, a cyber expert at the Institution of Engineering and Technology, and joined the show from Edinburgh, Scotland.

Major European airports hit by cyber attacks

This past spring, Rome's Fiumicino International Airport opened a new hotel for dogs. The hotel offers standard room and board, along with optional extras such as grooming, training and spa services, including massages and aromatherapy. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

This past spring, Rome's Fiumicino International Airport opened a new hotel for dogs. The hotel offers standard room and board, along with optional extras such as grooming, training and spa services, including massages and aromatherapy. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

The grand hotel for dogs

In Egypt today, the country's most prominent political prisoner has received a presidential pardon. Alaa Abd el-Fattah has spent most of the past 12 years behind bars. He became a leading voice for democratic change in Egypt during the Arab Spring that began in 2011. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

In Egypt today, the country's most prominent political prisoner has received a presidential pardon. Alaa Abd el-Fattah has spent most of the past 12 years behind bars. He became a leading voice for democratic change in Egypt during the Arab Spring that began in 2011. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

Egypt’s most high profile prisoner is pardoned

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly gets underway in New York this week. One issue that's at the top of the agenda is connected to the war in Gaza. Several countries announced over the weekend that they will formally recognize a state of Palestine. Other US allies are doing the same this week. The US and Israel are not pleased. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports from the United Nations in New York.

The 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly gets underway in New York this week. One issue that's at the top of the agenda is connected to the war in Gaza. Several countries announced over the weekend that they will formally recognize a state of Palestine. Other US allies are doing the same this week. The US and Israel are not pleased. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports from the United Nations in New York.