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.

For the last 18 months, Russian and Ukrainian forces have been locked in battle in the front-line city of Pokrovsk. According to battle maps from an organization connected with the Ukrainian military, Russian forces are making gains in the city. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

For the last 18 months, Russian and Ukrainian forces have been locked in battle in the front-line city of Pokrovsk. According to battle maps from an organization connected with the Ukrainian military, Russian forces are making gains in the city. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

A city on Ukraine's front line appears to come increasingly under Russian control

As plastic waste accumulates just about everywhere — in nature and in our bodies — a couple of research teams in Spain are working on breakthroughs aimed at reducing its impact. Some environmental groups are skeptical, though, cautioning that it's too early to think science can fix the world's plastics problem. The World's Gerry Hadden traveled to Valencia, Spain, to learn more.

As plastic waste accumulates just about everywhere — in nature and in our bodies — a couple of research teams in Spain are working on breakthroughs aimed at reducing its impact. Some environmental groups are skeptical, though, cautioning that it's too early to think science can fix the world's plastics problem. The World's Gerry Hadden traveled to Valencia, Spain, to learn more.

The Big Fix: Scientists attack plastic pollution from two sides

Typhoon Kalmaegi swept over the Philippines on Monday, killing more than 100 people, and leaving dozens more missing. That same storm has just made landfall over central Vietnam and is forecast to pass into southern Laos tomorrow. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details on one of Asia's fiercest storms this year.

Typhoon Kalmaegi swept over the Philippines on Monday, killing more than 100 people, and leaving dozens more missing. That same storm has just made landfall over central Vietnam and is forecast to pass into southern Laos tomorrow. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details on one of Asia's fiercest storms this year.

After battering Philippines, Typhoon Kalmaegi makes landfall in Vietnam

Arms monitors, rights groups and the Sudanese government have repeatedly accused the United Arab Emirates of funneling arms and resources to the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan. The US has accused them of committing genocide in Darfur. So, what’s behind Abu Dhabi’s alleged support for the RSF? The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Arms monitors, rights groups and the Sudanese government have repeatedly accused the United Arab Emirates of funneling arms and resources to the Rapid Support Forces in Sudan. The US has accused them of committing genocide in Darfur. So, what’s behind Abu Dhabi’s alleged support for the RSF? The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

What does the UAE want in Sudan?

Last week, Irish police received a call from a man who saw what he believed to be a lion roaming through the woodlands of County Clare. That prompted an investigation by police, who discovered that the "lion" was actually just a friendly dog with a fresh haircut. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the story.

Last week, Irish police received a call from a man who saw what he believed to be a lion roaming through the woodlands of County Clare. That prompted an investigation by police, who discovered that the "lion" was actually just a friendly dog with a fresh haircut. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the story.

A wild lion in Ireland? Nope, it's just a dog.

The nexus of populism and extremist politics is a trend The World has reported on in many countries, but the connection is especially vivid in Germany with the rise of the far-right extremist party, the Alternative for Deutschland. The AfD's success over the past few years is told in the new documentary, "The Rise of Germany's New Right," from our GBH colleagues at FRONTLINE. Host Marco Werman talks with filmmaker Evan Williams.

The nexus of populism and extremist politics is a trend The World has reported on in many countries, but the connection is especially vivid in Germany with the rise of the far-right extremist party, the Alternative for Deutschland. The AfD's success over the past few years is told in the new documentary, "The Rise of Germany's New Right," from our GBH colleagues at FRONTLINE. Host Marco Werman talks with filmmaker Evan Williams.

German extremists pulling the country to the right

The UK's former top expert on bird flu, Ian Brown, is warning farmers to "prepare for the worst" as cases of the virus increase among the country's livestock, including chickens. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Brown, who is now a virologist at the Pirbright Institute in Surrey.

The UK's former top expert on bird flu, Ian Brown, is warning farmers to "prepare for the worst" as cases of the virus increase among the country's livestock, including chickens. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from Brown, who is now a virologist at the Pirbright Institute in Surrey.

Concern in the UK over rising bird flu cases among livestock

US President Donald Trump has said that "nothing is going to jeopardize the truce" in Gaza. But both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violating the terms of the US brokered cease-fire. And so far, there's no real progress on the next phase of Trump's 20-point peace plan. If you talk with Palestinians, the longer term goal of achieving statehood — which is mentioned in the Trump plan — seems as far off as ever. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

US President Donald Trump has said that "nothing is going to jeopardize the truce" in Gaza. But both Israel and Hamas accuse each other of violating the terms of the US brokered cease-fire. And so far, there's no real progress on the next phase of Trump's 20-point peace plan. If you talk with Palestinians, the longer term goal of achieving statehood — which is mentioned in the Trump plan — seems as far off as ever. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

A shaky truce in Gaza with little progress on long-term peace

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation is implementing new safety rules for the upcoming season after a number of rising stars suffered fatal crashes on the slopes. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

The International Ski and Snowboard Federation is implementing new safety rules for the upcoming season after a number of rising stars suffered fatal crashes on the slopes. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

New rules aim to keep skiers safe at 80+ MPH

Three Chinese astronauts are stuck on the Tiangong space station after it was damaged from space debris. They were supposed to return to Earth today, but will remain up in space indefinitely. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more about the threat of junk orbiting the planet from Nilton Rennó. He's a professor of Climate and Space Engineering at the University of Michigan.

Three Chinese astronauts are stuck on the Tiangong space station after it was damaged from space debris. They were supposed to return to Earth today, but will remain up in space indefinitely. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more about the threat of junk orbiting the planet from Nilton Rennó. He's a professor of Climate and Space Engineering at the University of Michigan.

Damage from space debris extends Chinese astronauts' stay on space station

Superstitions vary from culture to culture and can, at times, be puzzling. Steph Dalwin was fascinated by her mom's Vietnamese superstition of keeping a knife under her pillow at night to keep away ghosts. So, she started doing the same thing. Dalwin is a research analyst and stand-up comedian and shared the superstition with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

Superstitions vary from culture to culture and can, at times, be puzzling. Steph Dalwin was fascinated by her mom's Vietnamese superstition of keeping a knife under her pillow at night to keep away ghosts. So, she started doing the same thing. Dalwin is a research analyst and stand-up comedian and shared the superstition with GBH's Stories From The Stage.

A woman finds herself through an old Vietnamese superstition

Vir Das is incredibly popular in India. Now, he's making a bigger and bigger name for himself outside the country, too. He has a memoir that came out this week, and he'll be doing a residency at the Lincoln Center in New York. Reporter Sushmita Pathak has the story.

Vir Das is incredibly popular in India. Now, he's making a bigger and bigger name for himself outside the country, too. He has a memoir that came out this week, and he'll be doing a residency at the Lincoln Center in New York. Reporter Sushmita Pathak has the story.

Vir Das is an Indian actor and comic trying to conquer the world

Not very long ago, in the galaxy we live in, someone invented a sport that combines fencing with our fantasy pals from "Star Wars." All you need is one of those glow-in-the-dark swords every kid, and adult, secretly wanted as a birthday present from Obi-Wan Kenobi, and you're ready to rock. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona on the fun of this rising trend.

Not very long ago, in the galaxy we live in, someone invented a sport that combines fencing with our fantasy pals from "Star Wars." All you need is one of those glow-in-the-dark swords every kid, and adult, secretly wanted as a birthday present from Obi-Wan Kenobi, and you're ready to rock. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona on the fun of this rising trend.

Light saber fencing allows players to feel like Jedi

Pope Leo XIV fielded questions from reporters outside the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo last night. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman share a few take-aways.

Pope Leo XIV fielded questions from reporters outside the papal retreat at Castel Gandolfo last night. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman share a few take-aways.

Pope Leo XIV has a busy week

A glacier in Antarctica has broken a melt record. Last year, the Hektoria glacier lost five miles of ice in two months — more than 10 times the previous record. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with study author Ted Scambos about the finding.

A glacier in Antarctica has broken a melt record. Last year, the Hektoria glacier lost five miles of ice in two months — more than 10 times the previous record. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with study author Ted Scambos about the finding.

New study documents rapid glacial retreat

Every year, thousands risk the perilous journey across the Mediterranean, aiming for Italy and a chance at a new life in Europe. Many land off the island of Lampedusa, abandoning their boats offshore. Now, in a prison workshop in Milan, those boats are being given a second life. Inmates at Opera prison, one of Italy’s largest jails, are turning the abandoned vessels into musical instruments, which have been played at the country's most famous opera house. The government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is not on board with the project though. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports from Milan.

Every year, thousands risk the perilous journey across the Mediterranean, aiming for Italy and a chance at a new life in Europe. Many land off the island of Lampedusa, abandoning their boats offshore. Now, in a prison workshop in Milan, those boats are being given a second life. Inmates at Opera prison, one of Italy’s largest jails, are turning the abandoned vessels into musical instruments, which have been played at the country's most famous opera house. The government of Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni is not on board with the project though. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports from Milan.

Milan inmates turn abandoned refugee boats into musical instruments

The surprising rise of Zohran Mamdani to become mayor-elect of New York City has captured global attention. Mamdani, a Muslim, was born in Uganda to parents of South Asian descent, and people from across both continents have been reacting to his win. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

The surprising rise of Zohran Mamdani to become mayor-elect of New York City has captured global attention. Mamdani, a Muslim, was born in Uganda to parents of South Asian descent, and people from across both continents have been reacting to his win. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

The world reacts to Zohran Mamdani's New York City win

Turkey welcomed not one but two major European leaders to its capital last week. First, the UK’s Keir Starmer, then Germany’s Friedrich Merz. For more than a decade, Turkey’s backsliding on democracy has lead to distance from Europe. But the growing threat from Russia, and Turkey’s potential role in Europe’s defense, seem to be ushering in a new era of cooperation, ironically, at the same time that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's crackdown on domestic opposition figures reaches a new peak. Deutsche Welle, DW's Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.

Turkey welcomed not one but two major European leaders to its capital last week. First, the UK’s Keir Starmer, then Germany’s Friedrich Merz. For more than a decade, Turkey’s backsliding on democracy has lead to distance from Europe. But the growing threat from Russia, and Turkey’s potential role in Europe’s defense, seem to be ushering in a new era of cooperation, ironically, at the same time that Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan's crackdown on domestic opposition figures reaches a new peak. Deutsche Welle, DW's Dorian Jones reports from Istanbul.

Turkey welcomes European leaders while cracking down on leaders at home

Richard Bruce "Dick" Cheney, who died on Monday at the age of 84, became an influential figure in Washington on matters of foreign policy starting in the 1970s. Cheney believed in the robust use of America power — including military force — to shape the world to serve US national security interests. He was a strong advocate for the first Gulf War, the US-led invasion of Afghanistan and a central player in the 2003 US invasion of Iraq. Cheney was also one of the architects of the so-called "War on Terror," which has had a profound impact on US influence around the globe. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Richard Bruce "Dick" Cheney, who died on Monday at the age of 84, became an influential figure in Washington on matters of foreign policy starting in the 1970s. Cheney believed in the robust use of America power — including military force — to shape the world to serve US national security interests. He was a strong advocate for the first Gulf War, the US-led invasion of Afghanistan and a central player in the 2003 US invasion of Iraq. Cheney was also one of the architects of the so-called "War on Terror," which has had a profound impact on US influence around the globe. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Former VP Dick Cheney's impact on US foreign policy

Paris has launched a lottery to restore some of the spectacular funerary monuments within the overcrowded cemeteries of Père-Lachaise, Montparnasse and Montmartre. Gravestones and monuments in Parisian cemeteries are maintained by families, not the city, and some graves can become abandoned and decrepit over time. So, Paris officials would like residents to come in, fix up monuments and be buried alongside the likes of Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf and Oscar Wilde. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

Paris has launched a lottery to restore some of the spectacular funerary monuments within the overcrowded cemeteries of Père-Lachaise, Montparnasse and Montmartre. Gravestones and monuments in Parisian cemeteries are maintained by families, not the city, and some graves can become abandoned and decrepit over time. So, Paris officials would like residents to come in, fix up monuments and be buried alongside the likes of Jim Morrison, Edith Piaf and Oscar Wilde. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler explain.

You can own a piece of history, but you won't live to see it

Sir David Beckham was knighted by the UK's King Charles today. The ceremony took place at Windsor Castle and the former soccer pro knelt before the monarch, who touched his shoulders with a sword to make it official. But the honor acknowledges more than just the soccer player's work on the field. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

Sir David Beckham was knighted by the UK's King Charles today. The ceremony took place at Windsor Castle and the former soccer pro knelt before the monarch, who touched his shoulders with a sword to make it official. But the honor acknowledges more than just the soccer player's work on the field. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

Sir David Beckham receives knighthood at Windsor Castle

Thirty years ago today, a far-right Israeli extremist shot and killed Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with author Robert Malley about Rabin’s legacy, and why the former general’s hopes for peace in the region faltered. Malley’s new book with co-author Hussein Agha is called, "Tomorrow Is Yesterday: Life, Death, and the Pursuit of Peace in Israel/Palestine.”

Thirty years ago today, a far-right Israeli extremist shot and killed Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. The World’s Host Marco Werman speaks with author Robert Malley about Rabin’s legacy, and why the former general’s hopes for peace in the region faltered. Malley’s new book with co-author Hussein Agha is called, "Tomorrow Is Yesterday: Life, Death, and the Pursuit of Peace in Israel/Palestine.”

Collapse of Oslo Accords haunts Mideast 30 years after Rabin assassination

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman survey global headlines flying just under the radar.

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman survey global headlines flying just under the radar.

Things you might have missed

No longer just QR codes on doorways, China’s surveillance of Uyghurs is now hidden in Cloud services and software updates. Dina Temple-Raston of the "Click Here" podcast looks at how digital tools meant to protect identity are being used to erase it. Her story focuses on a cyberattack against members of the World Uyghur Congress.

No longer just QR codes on doorways, China’s surveillance of Uyghurs is now hidden in Cloud services and software updates. Dina Temple-Raston of the "Click Here" podcast looks at how digital tools meant to protect identity are being used to erase it. Her story focuses on a cyberattack against members of the World Uyghur Congress.

China's surveillance of Uyghurs expands to the digital world

From the late 1990s through the early 2000s, US oil giant Exxon spent tens of thousands of dollars funding think tanks across Latin America to promote climate skepticism. That’s according to a new investigation by the climate journalism organization DeSmog. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to the author of the investigation, Geoff Dembicki. He’s the global managing editor of DeSmog, which co-published the findings with The Guardian.

From the late 1990s through the early 2000s, US oil giant Exxon spent tens of thousands of dollars funding think tanks across Latin America to promote climate skepticism. That’s according to a new investigation by the climate journalism organization DeSmog. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to the author of the investigation, Geoff Dembicki. He’s the global managing editor of DeSmog, which co-published the findings with The Guardian.

Inquiry finds Exxon funded climate change denial in Latin America

The Maldives becomes the only country to adopt a law banning tobacco sales to people born after a specific date. The measure went into effect over the weekend, and means that anyone born after Jan. 1, 2007, will never be able to buy tobacco in the Maldives. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

The Maldives becomes the only country to adopt a law banning tobacco sales to people born after a specific date. The measure went into effect over the weekend, and means that anyone born after Jan. 1, 2007, will never be able to buy tobacco in the Maldives. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Maldives 'generational' smoking ban

The Trump administration has decided to cap refugee admissions to a record low  of 7,500 resettlement slots, prioritizing white Afrikaners from South Africa. Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, head of Global Refuge, tells Host Carolyn Beeler that the change in policy will dismantle a program that for decades has assisted individuals from around the world fleeing conflict and persecution.

The Trump administration has decided to cap refugee admissions to a record low 
of 7,500 resettlement slots, prioritizing white Afrikaners from South Africa. Krish O'Mara Vignarajah, head of Global Refuge, tells Host Carolyn Beeler that the change in policy will dismantle a program that for decades has assisted individuals from around the world fleeing conflict and persecution.

US decision to slash refugee admissions reverberates globally

One year after a deadly railway station disaster in Serbia that killed 16 people, families of the victims are still waiting for accountability. Tens of thousands took to the streets of the city of Novi Sad on Saturday, where the tragedy happened, to mark the anniversary. The disaster sparked the country’s largest student protest movement in decades. Students say protests will not stop until early elections are held. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

One year after a deadly railway station disaster in Serbia that killed 16 people, families of the victims are still waiting for accountability. Tens of thousands took to the streets of the city of Novi Sad on Saturday, where the tragedy happened, to mark the anniversary. The disaster sparked the country’s largest student protest movement in decades. Students say protests will not stop until early elections are held. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Serbia marks anniversary of deadly train disaster amid mass protests and calls for early elections

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman highlight some global headlines you might have missed.

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman highlight some global headlines you might have missed.

Game 7 of the World Series stretched past midnight into Sunday in Toronto, and has passed into baseball lore as one of the greatest endings of one of the greatest World Series ever. Japan's attention — and everyone else's — was already on the Dodgers' pitcher and slugger Shohei Ohtani. But Yoshinobu Yamamoto stole the show. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.

Game 7 of the World Series stretched past midnight into Sunday in Toronto, and has passed into baseball lore as one of the greatest endings of one of the greatest World Series ever.
Japan's attention — and everyone else's — was already on the Dodgers' pitcher and slugger Shohei Ohtani. But Yoshinobu Yamamoto stole the show. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have the details.