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.

There's no shortage of doomsday scenarios involving Artificial Intelligence. But the warnings boil down to this: AI is an existential threat to human life. Some have called the warnings alarmist. But this week, several Nobel laureates and big-name celebrities cautioned that the threat is real, particularly when it comes to what's known as Artificial Superintelligence. Max Tegmark is the head of The Future of Life Institute. He's also a professor doing AI research at MIT. He spoke to The World's Host Marco Werman about why experts — including him — are calling for urgent action.

There's no shortage of doomsday scenarios involving Artificial Intelligence. But the warnings boil down to this: AI is an existential threat to human life. Some have called the warnings alarmist. But this week, several Nobel laureates and big-name celebrities cautioned that the threat is real, particularly when it comes to what's known as Artificial Superintelligence. Max Tegmark is the head of The Future of Life Institute. He's also a professor doing AI research at MIT. He spoke to The World's Host Marco Werman about why experts — including him — are calling for urgent action.

Nobel laureates sound the alarm over Artificial Superintelligence

This week marks 100 years since the birth of Celia Cruz — the Queen of Salsa. Her voice carried the sound of Cuba across the globe, even when she herself could not return home. As fans celebrate her centennial with concerts and tributes, her music doesn't get much play on the airwaves in Cuba. The World’s Tibisay Zea explores Celia Cruz’s enduring legacy — from her dazzling performances to the silent treatment she still gets on the island she loved.

This week marks 100 years since the birth of Celia Cruz — the Queen of Salsa. Her voice carried the sound of Cuba across the globe, even when she herself could not return home. As fans celebrate her centennial with concerts and tributes, her music doesn't get much play on the airwaves in Cuba. The World’s Tibisay Zea explores Celia Cruz’s enduring legacy — from her dazzling performances to the silent treatment she still gets on the island she loved.

Celia Cruz at 100: celebrated, but also silenced

It happens every year on Christmas Island. Ten million crabs travel en masse as part of an annual spawning ritual. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have details.

It happens every year on Christmas Island. Ten million crabs travel en masse as part of an annual spawning ritual. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have details.

Why did 10 million crabs cross the road?

Sam Kissajukian’s “300 Paintings” is an exhilarating one-man show and art exhibition. It’s also a meditation on life as a creative person with bipolar disorder. The Australian former standup comic speaks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about his diagnosis and the six-month manic episode that changed his life.

Sam Kissajukian’s “300 Paintings” is an exhilarating one-man show and art exhibition. It’s also a meditation on life as a creative person with bipolar disorder. The Australian former standup comic speaks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about his diagnosis and the six-month manic episode that changed his life.

One-man show tackles the relationship between creativity and mental illness

Singapore is imposing a levy on all departing flights in an effort to boost funding to develop sustainable aviation fuels. But as The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports, advocates are split on whether the measure will really help reduce emissions.

Singapore is imposing a levy on all departing flights in an effort to boost funding to develop sustainable aviation fuels. But as The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports, advocates are split on whether the measure will really help reduce emissions.

The Big Fix: Singapore searches for sustainable aviation fuel

Nneka Ogwumike has been a big name in the WNBA for over a decade. The 6'2" forward still shines on the hardwood for the Seattle Storm, but her dream of playing in the Olympics is now over. The news follows years of being left off the roster for Team USA, and now being denied the chance the play for Nigeria, where she holds citizenship. The World's Bianca Hillier explains.

Nneka Ogwumike has been a big name in the WNBA for over a decade. The 6'2" forward still shines on the hardwood for the Seattle Storm, but her dream of playing in the Olympics is now over. The news follows years of being left off the roster for Team USA, and now being denied the chance the play for Nigeria, where she holds citizenship. The World's Bianca Hillier explains.

WNBA star denied final chance to play in the Olympics

Colombia recalled its ambassador to the US this week as tensions mount between the two countries over aid cuts and US military strikes in the Caribbean. Colombia's President Gustavo Petro has accused the US of killing a Colombian citizen in a recent US strike on an alleged drug boat. US President Donald Trump has called his Colombian counterpart an "illegal drug dealer" and a "lunatic." For a view on the situation from Colombia, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler turns to political analyst Sergio Guzman, the director of Colombia Risk Analysis in Bogota.

Colombia recalled its ambassador to the US this week as tensions mount between the two countries over aid cuts and US military strikes in the Caribbean. Colombia's President Gustavo Petro has accused the US of killing a Colombian citizen in a recent US strike on an alleged drug boat. US President Donald Trump has called his Colombian counterpart an "illegal drug dealer" and a "lunatic." For a view on the situation from Colombia, The World's Host Carolyn Beeler turns to political analyst Sergio Guzman, the director of Colombia Risk Analysis in Bogota.

US-Colombia relations fray despite decades-long partnership in fighting drug trafficking

A British soldier on trial for killing two people on Bloody Sunday in Northern Ireland in 1972 has been cleared of all charges. During the trial in Belfast, the former British paratrooper did not testify in his own defense. He sat hidden behind a blue curtain during the proceedings, to protect his identity. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the story, as well as reactions from survivors of the violence that day in Belfast.

A British soldier on trial for killing two people on Bloody Sunday in Northern Ireland in 1972 has been cleared of all charges. During the trial in Belfast, the former British paratrooper did not testify in his own defense. He sat hidden behind a blue curtain during the proceedings, to protect his identity. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the story, as well as reactions from survivors of the violence that day in Belfast.

'I'm just sad for the families': British court clears 'Soldier F' of Bloody Sunday charges

Today, the airport in Khartoum was scheduled to reopen for the first time since the start of the country’s civil war two years ago. But a series of drone strikes near the airport put the kibosh on those plans. While the city has been back in the hands of the Sudanese military since March, the breakaway Rapid Support Forces are pressing the besieged city of El Fasher in the western region of Darfur. Kholood Khair is the head of<a href="https://www.womenpeacesecurity.org/peacebuilder/kholood-khair/"> Confluence Advisory</a>, a think tank founded in Sudan. She speaks with host Marco Werman from Nairobi, Kenya.

Today, the airport in Khartoum was scheduled to reopen for the first time since the start of the country’s civil war two years ago. But a series of drone strikes near the airport put the kibosh on those plans. While the city has been back in the hands of the Sudanese military since March, the breakaway Rapid Support Forces are pressing the besieged city of El Fasher in the western region of Darfur. Kholood Khair is the head of Confluence Advisory, a think tank founded in Sudan. She speaks with host Marco Werman from Nairobi, Kenya.

Drone strikes near Khartoum upend hopes of reopening airport

They're just like regular nighttime raves except totally different: they happen when other humans are having breakfast, and the drink in hand is hot. Sunshine, caffeine, afro-house music and people dancing as the day begins. It's fun and healthy, and the waiting list to get in now exceeds a thousand people. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from a coffee rave in Barcelona.

They're just like regular nighttime raves except totally different: they happen when other humans are having breakfast, and the drink in hand is hot. Sunshine, caffeine, afro-house music and people dancing as the day begins. It's fun and healthy, and the waiting list to get in now exceeds a thousand people. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from a coffee rave in Barcelona.

Daytime coffee raves help keep the party going – without the hangover

The International Chopin Piano Competition has been called the Olympics of the piano world, and on Tuesday, Eric Lu of Massachusetts became the first American to win it. The event takes place in Warsaw, Poland, every five years, and this year's competitors came from 20 different countries. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

The International Chopin Piano Competition has been called the Olympics of the piano world, and on Tuesday, Eric Lu of Massachusetts became the first American to win it. The event takes place in Warsaw, Poland, every five years, and this year's competitors came from 20 different countries. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

American concert pianist takes home gold from Chopin competition

Before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Serhii Zenin was the host of one of the nation’s most popular hard rock radio shows on Radio ROKS 103.6. Three years later, Serhii is a soldier, and Radio ROKS has taken on a whole new role as well. Radio Roks is trying to make millions of Ukrainians feel a little less alone – as they manage the changing landscape of war. From the CLICK HERE podcast, Dina Temple-Raston reports. This story first aired on January 29, 2025.

Before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Serhii Zenin was the host of one of the nation’s most popular hard rock radio shows on Radio ROKS 103.6. Three years later, Serhii is a soldier, and Radio ROKS has taken on a whole new role as well. Radio Roks is trying to make millions of Ukrainians feel a little less alone – as they manage the changing landscape of war. From the CLICK HERE podcast, Dina Temple-Raston reports.
This story first aired on January 29, 2025.

Ukrainian rock radio in time of war

Sleeper trains were most popular during the "Golden Age of Travel" in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. But then budget airlines emerged, and spending hours on a train lost its appeal. Now, something funny is happening across the world: From Europe to East Asia, sleeper trains are making a comeback. The World's Jeremy Siegel reports.

Sleeper trains were most popular during the "Golden Age of Travel" in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. But then budget airlines emerged, and spending hours on a train lost its appeal. Now, something funny is happening across the world: From Europe to East Asia, sleeper trains are making a comeback. The World's Jeremy Siegel reports.

Sleeper trains are making a comeback

The rhythms, the style and lyricism are all a little tricky to define when it comes to Cuban pianist Harold López-Nussa. Is it jazz, classical, traditional Cuban, or something else? As López-Nussa tells Host Marco Werman, he's constantly exploring new directions. His latest album, “Nueva Timba,” is no exception.

The rhythms, the style and lyricism are all a little tricky to define when it comes to Cuban pianist Harold López-Nussa. Is it jazz, classical, traditional Cuban, or something else? As López-Nussa tells Host Marco Werman, he's constantly exploring new directions. His latest album, “Nueva Timba,” is no exception.

The eclectic sounds of Harold López-Nussa keep listeners guessing

The International Court of Justice in The Hague ruled today that Israel must allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. Since March of this year, Israel has prevented the United Nations from delivering aid to Gaza, including aid from the UN refugee agency, UNWRA, which still operates sanitation facilities, schools and health centers. The ICJ said Israel is obligated to allow that aid into the Palestinian Territory. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected today's opinion from The Hague, and said that the Israeli government “fully upholds its obligations under International Law.”

The International Court of Justice in The Hague ruled today that Israel must allow humanitarian aid into the Gaza Strip. Since March of this year, Israel has prevented the United Nations from delivering aid to Gaza, including aid from the UN refugee agency, UNWRA, which still operates sanitation facilities, schools and health centers. The ICJ said Israel is obligated to allow that aid into the Palestinian Territory. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs rejected today's opinion from The Hague, and said that the Israeli government “fully upholds its obligations under International Law.”

Top UN court says Israel is obligated to allow aid into Gaza

Copenhagen's Human Library lends people who volunteer to be “open books" in one-on-one conversations with "readers." These books share a wide range of personal perspectives — from being a trans woman or military veteran to being a police officer or sex worker. Since it opened 25 years ago, the nonprofit's mission to "unjudge" people has gained global traction with Human Library events hosted in over 85 countries. But, as the organization's founder told The World's Joshua Coe, these open-minded conversations seem increasingly unwelcome in today's climate of rising division.

Copenhagen's Human Library lends people who volunteer to be “open books" in one-on-one conversations with "readers." These books share a wide range of personal perspectives — from being a trans woman or military veteran to being a police officer or sex worker. Since it opened 25 years ago, the nonprofit's mission to "unjudge" people has gained global traction with Human Library events hosted in over 85 countries. But, as the organization's founder told The World's Joshua Coe, these open-minded conversations seem increasingly unwelcome in today's climate of rising division.

People are ‘open books’ at Copenhagen's Human Library

Russian forces attacked an energy facility in the Chernihiv region overnight, leaving its northern part without power and in some cases without water. Power engineers are working to repair the damage and restore electricity. Ukrainian authorities say they can weather Russia's attacks, even as winter approaches. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Kateryna Hodunova, a reporter for the Kyiv Independent newspaper.

Russian forces attacked an energy facility in the Chernihiv region overnight, leaving its northern part without power and in some cases without water. Power engineers are working to repair the damage and restore electricity. Ukrainian authorities say they can weather Russia's attacks, even as winter approaches. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Kateryna Hodunova, a reporter for the Kyiv Independent newspaper.

Russian bombardment cuts power and water for hundreds of thousands

At least 20 people have been arrested in Cameroon in connection with protests over the Oct. 12 presidential election, authorities said on Tuesday. That election put long-time incumbent Paul Biya, 92, against a field of opposition candidates. Results are expected to be announced this week, as Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

At least 20 people have been arrested in Cameroon in connection with protests over the Oct. 12 presidential election, authorities said on Tuesday. That election put long-time incumbent Paul Biya, 92, against a field of opposition candidates. Results are expected to be announced this week, as Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

Tension mounts as Cameroon awaits election results

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy began serving a five-year prison sentence on Tuesday for conspiring to accept millions in campaign funds from Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. From Paris, Jalel Harchaoui, a Libyan analyst, tells The World’s Marco Werman why Libyan leaders were so eager to work closely with the former head of state.

Former French President Nicolas Sarkozy began serving a five-year prison sentence on Tuesday for conspiring to accept millions in campaign funds from Libyan dictator Muammar Gaddafi. From Paris, Jalel Harchaoui, a Libyan analyst, tells The World’s Marco Werman why Libyan leaders were so eager to work closely with the former head of state.

Libya campaign funds: The scandal that jailed Nicolas Sarkozy

A small group of local boosters and veterans is working to bring the 2029 Invictus Games to San Diego. The games — launched in 2014 by Prince Harry of Great Britain — feature disabled veterans from around the world competing in an array of adaptive sports. The five other finalists are Denmark, Nigeria, South Korea, Ukraine and Italy. From KPBS, Andrew Dyer reports.

A small group of local boosters and veterans is working to bring the 2029 Invictus Games to San Diego. The games — launched in 2014 by Prince Harry of Great Britain — feature disabled veterans from around the world competing in an array of adaptive sports. The five other finalists are Denmark, Nigeria, South Korea, Ukraine and Italy. From KPBS, Andrew Dyer reports.

San Diego is a finalist for the international Invictus Games

Pimpa, the beloved Italian children’s comic character, is celebrating her 50th birthday this year. A white dog with red spots, long floppy ears and a penchant for adventure, Pimpa’s been Italy’s answer to Paddington Bear for more than two generations. Dany Mitzman, from our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, shares a gloriously anarchic tribute.

Pimpa, the beloved Italian children’s comic character, is celebrating her 50th birthday this year. A white dog with red spots, long floppy ears and a penchant for adventure, Pimpa’s been Italy’s answer to Paddington Bear for more than two generations. Dany Mitzman, from our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, shares a gloriously anarchic tribute.

Italy’s beloved cartoon character turns 50 this year

For more than three decades, the Mexican band Café Tacvba has redefined Latin rock with humor and experimentation. Now, founding member Emmanuel “Meme” del Real steps into the spotlight with "La Montaña Encendida" ("The Burning Mountain") — his first solo album. From the forests of central Mexico, Meme reflects on solitude, creativity, and community, as well as what touring the US for thirty years has taught him about belonging in a time of rising divisions. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

For more than three decades, the Mexican band Café Tacvba has redefined Latin rock with humor and experimentation. Now, founding member Emmanuel “Meme” del Real steps into the spotlight with "La Montaña Encendida" ("The Burning Mountain") — his first solo album. From the forests of central Mexico, Meme reflects on solitude, creativity, and community, as well as what touring the US for thirty years has taught him about belonging in a time of rising divisions. The World's Tibisay Zea reports from Mexico City.

Meme de Real, from the legendary Mexican band Café Tacvba, ventures solo

National Book Award winner Ha Jin is set to publish a new coming-of-age novel set against the backdrop of the Tiananmen Square massacre. He joins Host Carolyn Beeler in the studio to discuss "Looking for Tankman," which mirrors his own experience coming to the US as a student in 1985 and deciding to stay.

National Book Award winner Ha Jin is set to publish a new coming-of-age novel set against the backdrop of the Tiananmen Square massacre. He joins Host Carolyn Beeler in the studio to discuss "Looking for Tankman," which mirrors his own experience coming to the US as a student in 1985 and deciding to stay.

New novel explores hidden history of Tiananmen Square massacre

Japan's parliament has named Sanae Takaichi as the country's first female prime minister. The 64-year-old heads the Liberal Democratic Party — a conservative party that has held on to power in Japan since the end of World War Two. Now she needs to navigate Japan through multiple domestic and international challenges. The World's Marco Werman learned more from Jeffrey Hall. He's a lecturer in Japanese politics at Kanda University of International Studies just outside Tokyo.

Japan's parliament has named Sanae Takaichi as the country's first female prime minister. The 64-year-old heads the Liberal Democratic Party — a conservative party that has held on to power in Japan since the end of World War Two. Now she needs to navigate Japan through multiple domestic and international challenges. The World's Marco Werman learned more from Jeffrey Hall. He's a lecturer in Japanese politics at Kanda University of International Studies just outside Tokyo.

Japan elects first female prime minister

Visiting Antarctica used to be a truly extraordinary trek. From just a few hundred explorers in the 1950s, to more than 120,000 tourists last year. Right now, tourism season is picking up again in Antarctica. Reporter Charli Shield brings us a look at the tension that business creates between exploration and preservation. She filed this story for our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, and their show "Living Planet."

Visiting Antarctica used to be a truly extraordinary trek. From just a few hundred explorers in the 1950s, to more than 120,000 tourists last year. Right now, tourism season is picking up again in Antarctica. Reporter Charli Shield brings us a look at the tension that business creates between exploration and preservation. She filed this story for our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, and their show "Living Planet."

In Antarctica, the impulse to explore clashes with the need to protect

Bolivians have elected a center-right candidate to be their new president, marking an end to 20 years of leftist political leadership. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with Kathryn Ledebur, director of the Andean Information Network, about what that means for the country and the region.

Bolivians have elected a center-right candidate to be their new president, marking an end to 20 years of leftist political leadership. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with Kathryn Ledebur, director of the Andean Information Network, about what that means for the country and the region.

Bolivians elect a center-right president for the first time in two decades

President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met at the White House for the first time since Trump began his second term. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details on the minerals deal they just inked and what this means for their alliance.

President Donald Trump and Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese met at the White House for the first time since Trump began his second term. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details on the minerals deal they just inked and what this means for their alliance.

US and Australia sign rare earths deal

In Lebanon, cancer rates have been climbing faster than anywhere else on earth, according to a new study published in the medical journal The Lancet. One factor has to do with how the country supplies power to houses, factories and businesses. The World’s Shirin Jaafari explains.

In Lebanon, cancer rates have been climbing faster than anywhere else on earth, according to a new study published in the medical journal The Lancet. One factor has to do with how the country supplies power to houses, factories and businesses. The World’s Shirin Jaafari explains.

Lebanon cancer rates soar past other places

For thieves, a diamond-studded gold tiara is more tempting these days than, say, stealing the "Mona Lisa." Organized gangs can quickly break down jewelry into its valuable parts to sell, while covering their tracks. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports.

For thieves, a diamond-studded gold tiara is more tempting these days than, say, stealing the "Mona Lisa." Organized gangs can quickly break down jewelry into its valuable parts to sell, while covering their tracks. The World’s Gerry Hadden reports.

Jewels stolen from Paris’ top museum part of a trend

Two members of the Trump administration, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, arrived in Israel today, attempting to hold together a ceasefire plan that began to fall apart over the weekend. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman provide a recap of the day's news in Israel and Gaza.

Two members of the Trump administration, US special envoy Steve Witkoff and the president’s son-in-law Jared Kushner, arrived in Israel today, attempting to hold together a ceasefire plan that began to fall apart over the weekend. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman provide a recap of the day's news in Israel and Gaza.