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.

Emiko Nakagawa learned to tap dance in Tokyo, where she spent her childhood studying meticulous techniques from a serious teacher. But in the videos that have earned her a following on Instagram, Nakagawa combines dance precision with street style, pairing her rhythms and moves with a wide range of pop music — especially hip-hop. She started the Instagram feed to share the style and scenery of New York City with tap dancers back home, in Japan. Now, she's earned the distinction of making Dance Magazine's list of 25 dancers to watch in 2026. Jeff Lunden has the story from New York.

Emiko Nakagawa learned to tap dance in Tokyo, where she spent her childhood studying meticulous techniques from a serious teacher. But in the videos that have earned her a following on Instagram, Nakagawa combines dance precision with street style, pairing her rhythms and moves with a wide range of pop music — especially hip-hop. She started the Instagram feed to share the style and scenery of New York City with tap dancers back home, in Japan. Now, she's earned the distinction of making Dance Magazine's list of 25 dancers to watch in 2026. Jeff Lunden has the story from New York.

Japanese tap dancer brings rhythm to New York City streets

After years of draining retirement accounts across the globe, Southeast Asia’s scam compounds face a reckoning. In the past two months, Thailand has bombed one compound network, Myanmar’s military has shelled another one. Now, the action has shifted to Cambodia, where police are raiding compounds left and right. As Patrick Winn reports from Bangkok, the driving force behind this crackdown is China, which is embarrassed that scam compounds are often owned by Chinese nationals and target Chinese citizens.

After years of draining retirement accounts across the globe, Southeast Asia’s scam compounds face a reckoning. In the past two months, Thailand has bombed one compound network, Myanmar’s military has shelled another one. Now, the action has shifted to Cambodia, where police are raiding compounds left and right. As Patrick Winn reports from Bangkok, the driving force behind this crackdown is China, which is embarrassed that scam compounds are often owned by Chinese nationals and target Chinese citizens.

China forces reckoning on Southeast Asia's scam compounds

Brazil's Sao Paolo state passed a law this week that allows pets to be buried next to their owners. This is thanks to one town's love for a dog named Bob who stayed by his owner’s grave for 10 years until the dog’s own death in 2021. Host Marco Werman offers the details.

Brazil's Sao Paolo state passed a law this week that allows pets to be buried next to their owners. This is thanks to one town's love for a dog named Bob who stayed by his owner’s grave for 10 years until the dog’s own death in 2021. Host Marco Werman offers the details.

New law in Brazil brings people and pets together in the afterlife

World leaders and diplomats from roughly 120 countries are in Germany today for the Munich Security Conference, where strained transatlantic ties have taken center stage. Opening the event, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that the familiar international order “no longer exists.” NATO’s strength, he said, depends on trust among allies, and no country, not even the US, can go it alone. The conference will also hear discussions on Iran, the war in Ukraine and the future of Gaza. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has the details.

World leaders and diplomats from roughly 120 countries are in Germany today for the Munich Security Conference, where strained transatlantic ties have taken center stage. Opening the event, German Chancellor Friedrich Merz warned that the familiar international order “no longer exists.” NATO’s strength, he said, depends on trust among allies, and no country, not even the US, can go it alone. The conference will also hear discussions on Iran, the war in Ukraine and the future of Gaza. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has the details.

Munich Security Conference opens amid strained transatlantic ties

It's almost Valentine's Day, so we're treating you romantics out there to a lesson in dramatic expressions of love. In Mexico, there's a flower delivery trend you need know about. Because why just send flowers, when you can send a whole show? The World's Tibisay Zea checked it out for us last summer.This story originally aired on July 11, 2025.

It's almost Valentine's Day, so we're treating you romantics out there to a lesson in dramatic expressions of love. In Mexico, there's a flower delivery trend you need know about. Because why just send flowers, when you can send a whole show? The World's Tibisay Zea checked it out for us last summer.
This story originally aired on July 11, 2025.

A flower delivery trend in Mexico City with a dramatic twist

The rain on the Iberian Peninsula simply will not stop. Multiple storms have swept through in the past several weeks, causing extreme flooding along with dangerous winds. In Portugal, the government declared a state of emergency. Several people have died, thousands of people have been forced to evacuate, and infrastructure meant to contain floodwaters has collapsed, bringing down part of a major highway. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Joao Dinis, the climate action director for the city of Cascais, about what has happened and how he thinks about climate adaptations going forward.

The rain on the Iberian Peninsula simply will not stop. Multiple storms have swept through in the past several weeks, causing extreme flooding along with dangerous winds. In Portugal, the government declared a state of emergency. Several people have died, thousands of people have been forced to evacuate, and infrastructure meant to contain floodwaters has collapsed, bringing down part of a major highway. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Joao Dinis, the climate action director for the city of Cascais, about what has happened and how he thinks about climate adaptations going forward.

In Portugal, infrastructure is collapsing under extreme weather events

Tarique Rahman, the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has emerged as the big winner in this week's pivotal election. The 60-year-old son of a former prime minister will take the oath of office as the new prime minister on Sunday. Rahman's BNP was the frontrunner going into Thursday's vote. He's promising to strengthen the country's democracy and improve security. The World's Carolyn Beeler reports from the capital, Dhaka.

Tarique Rahman, the leader of the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), has emerged as the big winner in this week's pivotal election. The 60-year-old son of a former prime minister will take the oath of office as the new prime minister on Sunday. Rahman's BNP was the frontrunner going into Thursday's vote. He's promising to strengthen the country's democracy and improve security. The World's Carolyn Beeler reports from the capital, Dhaka.

In a historic election, Bangladesh chooses someone from a political dynasty

Students in Gaza are slowly getting back to their education after more than two years of war. Israel’s strikes in Gaza destroyed or damaged almost all of the schools. Students and their families were forced to flee their homes, many faced hunger and a constant threat of death. Today, some of the students are finally returning to class. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Students in Gaza are slowly getting back to their education after more than two years of war. Israel’s strikes in Gaza destroyed or damaged almost all of the schools. Students and their families were forced to flee their homes, many faced hunger and a constant threat of death. Today, some of the students are finally returning to class. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Students slowly return to school in Gaza

Kenyan President William Ruto has announced that the government will reopen two checkpoints along the border with Somalia, after nearly 15 years of closure. The border was closed to due attacks in Kenya by the militant group Al-Shabaab, based in Somalia. Ruto said there would be heightened security at the border checkpoints, but critics say Al-Shabaab remains a significant threat. Host Marco Werman has the details.

Kenyan President William Ruto has announced that the government will reopen two checkpoints along the border with Somalia, after nearly 15 years of closure. The border was closed to due attacks in Kenya by the militant group Al-Shabaab, based in Somalia. Ruto said there would be heightened security at the border checkpoints, but critics say Al-Shabaab remains a significant threat. Host Marco Werman has the details.

Kenya to reopen border with Somalia

Prosecutors in the US have at times used rap lyrics as evidence in criminal trials. Now Britain’s government is considering legislation that would limit the use of song lyrics or music videos in court. Dozens of artists and legal experts argue the practice unfairly targets young Black men. Under current UK rules, prosecutors can present lyrics or videos to suggest a suspect’s involvement in crime but musicians say their work is being taken out of context. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Prosecutors in the US have at times used rap lyrics as evidence in criminal trials. Now Britain’s government is considering legislation that would limit the use of song lyrics or music videos in court. Dozens of artists and legal experts argue the practice unfairly targets young Black men. Under current UK rules, prosecutors can present lyrics or videos to suggest a suspect’s involvement in crime but musicians say their work is being taken out of context. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

UK rethinks use of rap lyrics in trials

Born to Chilean exiles in France, rapper Ana Tijoux found home, not in a place, but in hip-hop. Then, decades into her career, Ana lost her sense of belonging. She discovered the only way back home was to rediscover creativity. She speaks with Meklit Hadero, host of the Movement podcast, about the journey.

Born to Chilean exiles in France, rapper Ana Tijoux found home, not in a place, but in hip-hop. Then, decades into her career, Ana lost her sense of belonging. She discovered the only way back home was to rediscover creativity. She speaks with Meklit Hadero, host of the Movement podcast, about the journey.

Rapper Ana Tijoux rediscovers her roots in hip-hop

Is it theft to take back what was stolen? That question drives the new video game Relooted. The goal is to recover real ancient African artifacts currently displayed in Western museums. The game's creative director Ben Myres tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that he designed the game as a “first step” to learning about African cultures and ethnicities.

Is it theft to take back what was stolen? That question drives the new video game Relooted. The goal is to recover real ancient African artifacts currently displayed in Western museums. The game's creative director Ben Myres tells The World’s Host Marco Werman that he designed the game as a “first step” to learning about African cultures and ethnicities.

A new South African video heist game robs museums to return African art

"Don't jump up and down," is the advice these days coming from winners of Olympic medals. Numerous exuberant athletes have seen their medals fall from their necks, hit the ground and break. Host Marco Werman explains what's going on.

"Don't jump up and down," is the advice these days coming from winners of Olympic medals. Numerous exuberant athletes have seen their medals fall from their necks, hit the ground and break. Host Marco Werman explains what's going on.

Milan-Cortina Olympic medals keep breaking

A Ukrainian athlete competing in the men's Skeleton events has been disqualified by the IOC for wearing a helmet with the faces of victims killed by Russia in the war. And a Super League conceived five years ago by 12 of Europe's top soccer clubs officially disappeared today. Host Marco Werman has the details.

A Ukrainian athlete competing in the men's Skeleton events has been disqualified by the IOC for wearing a helmet with the faces of victims killed by Russia in the war. And a Super League conceived five years ago by 12 of Europe's top soccer clubs officially disappeared today. Host Marco Werman has the details.

Controversies in the world of European sports

This week, Russia announced restrictions on Telegram and WhatsApp, two messaging platforms vital to communicating with the outside world. As Russian politics expert Sam Greene tells Host Marco Werman, Russians have always found ways around censorship, but the question is where people will go to share memes and cat videos. Greene is a professor of Russian Politics at King's College, London.

This week, Russia announced restrictions on Telegram and WhatsApp, two messaging platforms vital to communicating with the outside world. As Russian politics expert Sam Greene tells Host Marco Werman, Russians have always found ways around censorship, but the question is where people will go to share memes and cat videos. Greene is a professor of Russian Politics at King's College, London.

Russia tightens restrictions on Telegram and WhatsApp

Nationwide protests in Bangladesh managed to bring an end to years of repressive rule by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024. Those demonstrations were led by young people, many of them students. They had high hopes for bringing democratic change to Bangladesh. But where do they stand now, as the country voted on Thursday in one of the the most consequential elections in the country's history? The World's Carolyn Beeler reports from the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka.

Nationwide protests in Bangladesh managed to bring an end to years of repressive rule by former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in 2024. Those demonstrations were led by young people, many of them students. They had high hopes for bringing democratic change to Bangladesh. But where do they stand now, as the country voted on Thursday in one of the the most consequential elections in the country's history? The World's Carolyn Beeler reports from the Bangladeshi capital, Dhaka.

Where do youth in Bangladesh stand on election day?

It all depends how high up into the Alps, Dolomites or Pyrenees you go. At lower levels in the French Alps, nearly 200 ski resorts remain shuttered this season due to a lack of snow. Toward the peaks, heavy snow has led to a record numbers of deaths in avalanches. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

It all depends how high up into the Alps, Dolomites or Pyrenees you go. At lower levels in the French Alps, nearly 200 ski resorts remain shuttered this season due to a lack of snow. Toward the peaks, heavy snow has led to a record numbers of deaths in avalanches. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Europe's odd ski season threatened by avalanches and lack of snow

Tango may be Argentina's most famous cultural symbol, but steak is a close second. And it might be coming to markets in the US. President Donald Trump recently said he wants to quadruple imports of beef from Argentina to reduce costs to American consumers. Reporter Emily Johnson in Buenos Aires has the story of an industry in transition.

Tango may be Argentina's most famous cultural symbol, but steak is a close second. And it might be coming to markets in the US. President Donald Trump recently said he wants to quadruple imports of beef from Argentina to reduce costs to American consumers. Reporter Emily Johnson in Buenos Aires has the story of an industry in transition.

Argentine beef is coming to the US

Projects aimed at curbing light pollution are growing in popularity across the globe, particularly as a way to protect biodiversity. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Yana Yakushina, a lawyer and scientific coordinator for an EU-wide light pollution project, about how communities are balancing the impact of light on ecosystems and a concern for public safety.

Projects aimed at curbing light pollution are growing in popularity across the globe, particularly as a way to protect biodiversity. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Yana Yakushina, a lawyer and scientific coordinator for an EU-wide light pollution project, about how communities are balancing the impact of light on ecosystems and a concern for public safety.

Dimming lights to save the skies

During her last trip to Austria, DW, Deutsche Welle's, Inside Europe producer Laura Kabelka sat down with up-and-coming artist Tamara Flores. The Austro-Mexican singer, flutist and dancer fuses her cultural heritage and plays with feminist references. For her music video, "Chingona", an entire Mexican town came out to support her.

During her last trip to Austria, DW, Deutsche Welle's, Inside Europe producer Laura Kabelka sat down with up-and-coming artist Tamara Flores. The Austro-Mexican singer, flutist and dancer fuses her cultural heritage and plays with feminist references. For her music video, "Chingona", an entire Mexican town came out to support her.

Austro-Mexican singer finds out it really does take a village

Indonesia’s army chief of staff said this week that his country is preparing to send up to 8,000 troops to Gaza as part of the international stabilization force. The force is part of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan. Several countries have expressed interest but experts say the exact mission of these forces is vague. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Indonesia’s army chief of staff said this week that his country is preparing to send up to 8,000 troops to Gaza as part of the international stabilization force. The force is part of US President Donald Trump’s peace plan. Several countries have expressed interest but experts say the exact mission of these forces is vague. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Indonesia says it plans to send peacekeeping force to Gaza

The US is deploying 200 soldiers to Nigeria to train troops battling Islamist militants. In October, the White House began warning that Christianity faces what it called an "existential threat" in Nigeria. Amaka Anku, who heads the Africa Practice at Eurasia Group says the reality on the ground is more complex. She tells The World’s Host Marco Werman the US military deployment is largely welcome but isn't expected to create stability.

The US is deploying 200 soldiers to Nigeria to train troops battling Islamist militants. In October, the White House began warning that Christianity faces what it called an "existential threat" in Nigeria. Amaka Anku, who heads the Africa Practice at Eurasia Group says the reality on the ground is more complex. She tells The World’s Host Marco Werman the US military deployment is largely welcome but isn't expected to create stability.

US troops head to Nigeria

The Dutch brewing giant Heineken announced that it will cut up to 6,000 jobs in the coming years as the wider industry confronts weakening consumer demand. The World's Host Marco Werman heard from how the news echos elsewhere in the industry from Rick Kempen, a beer ambassador for Bier&amp;cO, a beer import-export distribution company based in the Netherlands. Bier&amp;cO is owned by Royal Swinkels, a company that owns Bavarian Pils, another major Dutch beer brand and Heineken competitor.

The Dutch brewing giant Heineken announced that it will cut up to 6,000 jobs in the coming years as the wider industry confronts weakening consumer demand. The World's Host Marco Werman heard from how the news echos elsewhere in the industry from Rick Kempen, a beer ambassador for Bier&cO, a beer import-export distribution company based in the Netherlands. Bier&cO is owned by Royal Swinkels, a company that owns Bavarian Pils, another major Dutch beer brand and Heineken competitor.

Heineken layoffs a warning to global beer industry: 'Brace yourselves'

Europe's beloved chestnut season is coming to an end. That's calling attention to new research on chestnut pollen deposits, which suggests chestnut trees may date back to the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. Scientists now believe the Romans planted chestnut forests across the continent, though more for the lumber than the earthy chestnuts. Durrie Bouscaren reports from Istanbul.

Europe's beloved chestnut season is coming to an end. That's calling attention to new research on chestnut pollen deposits, which suggests chestnut trees may date back to the rise and fall of the Roman Empire. Scientists now believe the Romans planted chestnut forests across the continent, though more for the lumber than the earthy chestnuts. Durrie Bouscaren reports from Istanbul.

Chestnut season in Europe could have been a thing 3,000 years ago

The war in Ukraine is now approaching its fourth year— unimaginable in 2022 when the full-scale Russian invasion began. In the West, many consider the situation a catastrophe for the Kremlin and Vladimir Putin, who had expected a quick and decisive victory. But that's not the way it's portrayed from Moscow. As reporter Deborah Amos tells us, in addition to being a deadly time for soldiers, it was the first time Ukrainian and international journalists realized it was going to be deadly for them too.

The war in Ukraine is now approaching its fourth year— unimaginable in 2022 when the full-scale Russian invasion began. In the West, many consider the situation a catastrophe for the Kremlin and Vladimir Putin, who had expected a quick and decisive victory. But that's not the way it's portrayed from Moscow. As reporter Deborah Amos tells us, in addition to being a deadly time for soldiers, it was the first time Ukrainian and international journalists realized it was going to be deadly for them too.

Ukraine and Russia battle for hearts and minds – but whose?

If the left-leaning government of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has its way, children under 16 will soon see apps like TikTok and Instagram disappear from their screens. Following Australia's lead, Sanchez says it's time for society to step up and protect kids from the onslaught of harmful content online. But pulling it off is complicated. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona

If the left-leaning government of Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez has its way, children under 16 will soon see apps like TikTok and Instagram disappear from their screens. Following Australia's lead, Sanchez says it's time for society to step up and protect kids from the onslaught of harmful content online. But pulling it off is complicated. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona

Spain plans to bar younger teens from social media

Mexico is sending two navy ships packed with humanitarian aid to Cuba as the island nation struggles with severe fuel shortages. Amid economic and military threats from the US, Mexico has had to proceed cautiously in supporting Havana, with which it has longstanding relations. The World's Marco Werman learned more from Arturo Sarukhán, former Mexican ambassador to the US.

Mexico is sending two navy ships packed with humanitarian aid to Cuba as the island nation struggles with severe fuel shortages. Amid economic and military threats from the US, Mexico has had to proceed cautiously in supporting Havana, with which it has longstanding relations. The World's Marco Werman learned more from Arturo Sarukhán, former Mexican ambassador to the US.

Mexico sends aid to Cuba while navigating US pressure

During Sunday’s Super Bowl halftime performance, Bad Bunny shimmied up an electrical pole while singing his hit "El Apagón." The title translates to “The blackout.” Puerto Rico’s electrical grid is notoriously faulty due to under-investment and an aging, centralized infrastructure.  Ruth Santiago, an environmental and community lawyer who lives in Salinas, Puerto Rico, talks with The World’s Marco Werman about the grid's current status and efforts to upgrade it.

During Sunday’s Super Bowl halftime performance, Bad Bunny shimmied up an electrical pole while singing his hit "El Apagón." The title translates to “The blackout.” Puerto Rico’s electrical grid is notoriously faulty due to under-investment and an aging, centralized infrastructure.  Ruth Santiago, an environmental and community lawyer who lives in Salinas, Puerto Rico, talks with The World’s Marco Werman about the grid's current status and efforts to upgrade it.

Bad Bunny shines light on Puerto Rico’s failing electrical grid

Philippe Gaulier died yesterday at 82. He was a clown who became famous in France in the 1970s with a show called "LES ASSIETTES." The gag was that he and his comedic partner broke plates. Host Marco Werman will explain ... and get thoughts from some of the 82-year-old's famous alumni.

Philippe Gaulier died yesterday at 82. He was a clown who became famous in France in the 1970s with a show called "LES ASSIETTES." The gag was that he and his comedic partner broke plates. Host Marco Werman will explain ... and get thoughts from some of the 82-year-old's famous alumni.

Famous French clown Philippe Gaulier dies at 82

United States President Trump is threatening to block the opening of a newly constructed bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. Trump is demanding the US be "fully compensated" for the bridge, even though Canada has footed the entire multi-billion-dollar bill. It's also unclear how the US president could actually prevent the bridge from opening.

United States President Trump is threatening to block the opening of a newly constructed bridge between Detroit and Windsor, Ontario. Trump is demanding the US be "fully compensated" for the bridge, even though Canada has footed the entire multi-billion-dollar bill. It's also unclear how the US president could actually prevent the bridge from opening.