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.

Scientists have found that AI-engineered paint can be used to combat heat and reduce the need for air conditioning. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details on a new study published in the science journal Nature.

Scientists have found that AI-engineered paint can be used to combat heat and reduce the need for air conditioning. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details on a new study published in the science journal Nature.

Paint formula helps cool buildings, thanks to AI

In the heyday of the British Empire, Kolkata, India, had a thriving Jewish community. Today, there are only about 20 or so Jews in the entire city, and the synagogues that once held services are closed. But one synagogue, built in the 19th century, opened its doors for a special occasion last fall, the funeral services for one of the community's elders. Reporter Sandip Roy traveled to Kolkata in December to report this story.This story originally aired on Dec. 25, 2024.

In the heyday of the British Empire, Kolkata, India, had a thriving Jewish community. Today, there are only about 20 or so Jews in the entire city, and the synagogues that once held services are closed. But one synagogue, built in the 19th century, opened its doors for a special occasion last fall, the funeral services for one of the community's elders. Reporter Sandip Roy traveled to Kolkata in December to report this story.
This story originally aired on Dec. 25, 2024.

Shuttered synagogue reopens for funeral in Kolkata

A Spanish proposal would ban all advertising for traditional fossil fuels and products that use them, including cars. The prohibition would be the first of its kind in Europe. The goal is to stop petrol companies from “green-washing” their images. In this two-part Big Fix sequence, The World’s Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona on the proposal. Host Carolyn Beeler then speaks with Ben Franta, a professor of climate litigation at the University of Oxford, about efforts to fight the exaggerated environmental claims of fossil fuel companies and their contribution to climate change.

A Spanish proposal would ban all advertising for traditional fossil fuels and products that use them, including cars. The prohibition would be the first of its kind in Europe. The goal is to stop petrol companies from “green-washing” their images. In this two-part Big Fix sequence, The World’s Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona on the proposal. Host Carolyn Beeler then speaks with Ben Franta, a professor of climate litigation at the University of Oxford, about efforts to fight the exaggerated environmental claims of fossil fuel companies and their contribution to climate change.

Spain seeks to stop ads for all things oil

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman highlight several global headlines that might have flown under the radar.

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman highlight several global headlines that might have flown under the radar.

Things you might have missed

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler return to the historic significance of Hotel Oloffson and the meaning behind its destruction.

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler return to the historic significance of Hotel Oloffson and the meaning behind its destruction.

A return to the top story: historic hotel in Haiti burns down

As part of its recent war on Iran, Israel has killed around 14 Iranian scientists who worked on the country’s nuclear program. In some cases, the scientists were killed along with their families. This is part of Israel’s longstanding effort to delay Iran’s nuclear development. But some experts have raised concerns about the legal and ethical implications of these assassinations. The World's Shirin Jaafari reports.

As part of its recent war on Iran, Israel has killed around 14 Iranian scientists who worked on the country’s nuclear program. In some cases, the scientists were killed along with their families. This is part of Israel’s longstanding effort to delay Iran’s nuclear development. But some experts have raised concerns about the legal and ethical implications of these assassinations. The World's Shirin Jaafari reports.

Israel killed some 14 Iranian scientists who worked on the country's nuclear program

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Britain today for a rare state visit — the first by a French leader in 17 years. He was welcomed with full royal honors at Windsor Castle, in a display of diplomatic warmth aimed at resetting ties between two nations that have clashed in recent years over Brexit, migration and defense. With both sides now keen to move on from the political turbulence, Macron’s visit marks a symbolic moment of rapprochement between London and Paris. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry brings host Marco Werman the latest.

French President Emmanuel Macron arrived in Britain today for a rare state visit — the first by a French leader in 17 years. He was welcomed with full royal honors at Windsor Castle, in a display of diplomatic warmth aimed at resetting ties between two nations that have clashed in recent years over Brexit, migration and defense. With both sides now keen to move on from the political turbulence, Macron’s visit marks a symbolic moment of rapprochement between London and Paris. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry brings host Marco Werman the latest.

Macron gets royal welcome in Britain as France and US seek fresh start

The Hotel Oloffson in Port-au-Prince had stood for generations, surviving political upheaval, weather events and the devastating 2010 earthquakes that are believed to have killed more than 200,000 people. But over the weekend, the iconic, gingerbread-style building burned to the ground. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with independent reporter Harold Isaac about what happened and the legacy of the Hotel Oloffson.

The Hotel Oloffson in Port-au-Prince had stood for generations, surviving political upheaval, weather events and the devastating 2010 earthquakes that are believed to have killed more than 200,000 people. But over the weekend, the iconic, gingerbread-style building burned to the ground. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with independent reporter Harold Isaac about what happened and the legacy of the Hotel Oloffson.

Historic hotel in Haiti burns to the ground

Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for attacking a merchant ship in the Red Sea on Sunday, forcing its crew to evacuate. Sunday's attack was followed by a similar attack on another ship late yesterday. The Yemeni government and the EU have said that attack was also carried about by the Houthis, although the rebel group has not claimed responsibility for it.

Yemen's Houthi rebels have claimed responsibility for attacking a merchant ship in the Red Sea on Sunday, forcing its crew to evacuate. Sunday's attack was followed by a similar attack on another ship late yesterday. The Yemeni government and the EU have said that attack was also carried about by the Houthis, although the rebel group has not claimed responsibility for it.

Houthis attack ships in Red Sea for the first time this year

Countries such as Austria, Denmark, Mexico, Panama and the US consistently do well at global flag football championships. But more athletes are now coming to the sport than ever before. And they're coming from a wide range of places, including the NFL and new, smaller flag football leagues. The World's Bianca Hillier reports on how athletes around the world are getting ready for flag football's debut at the 2028 Olympics.

Countries such as Austria, Denmark, Mexico, Panama and the US consistently do well at global flag football championships. But more athletes are now coming to the sport than ever before. And they're coming from a wide range of places, including the NFL and new, smaller flag football leagues. The World's Bianca Hillier reports on how athletes around the world are getting ready for flag football's debut at the 2028 Olympics.

Who will be on the field as flag football debuts at 2028 Los Angeles Olympics?

When wrestlers are doused with olive oil, a wrestling match is elevated to a battle of technique, speed and willpower, fans say. The World's Durrie Bouscaren went to the Turkish city of Edirne to witness the 664-year-old oil wrestling festival and follow the athletes' journey to win the Golden Belt.

When wrestlers are doused with olive oil, a wrestling match is elevated to a battle of technique, speed and willpower, fans say. The World's Durrie Bouscaren went to the Turkish city of Edirne to witness the 664-year-old oil wrestling festival and follow the athletes' journey to win the Golden Belt.

In Turkey, oil wrestlers battle for gold in the world's oldest sport competition

Recently in Norway, there was yet another clash between indigenous Sámi reindeer herders and a mining company. It's the latest such incident to act as a reminder of the ongoing threats to traditional Sámi life and culture. Lars Bevanger, from our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, sent us this report from Tromso.

Recently in Norway, there was yet another clash between indigenous Sámi reindeer herders and a mining company. It's the latest such incident to act as a reminder of the ongoing threats to traditional Sámi life and culture. Lars Bevanger, from our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, sent us this report from Tromso.

Indigenous group in Norway clashes with mining company and government

Twenty years ago today, four coordinated bombings tore through London’s transport network, killing 52 people and injuring hundreds. The four perpetrators who died in the blasts were all raised in the UK, and were later revealed to have been motivated by Islamist extremism. In the years since, British security services say they’ve become far better equipped to detect and prevent such attacks. But as The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports, the nature of the threat is more complex than ever.

Twenty years ago today, four coordinated bombings tore through London’s transport network, killing 52 people and injuring hundreds. The four perpetrators who died in the blasts were all raised in the UK, and were later revealed to have been motivated by Islamist extremism. In the years since, British security services say they’ve become far better equipped to detect and prevent such attacks. But as The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports, the nature of the threat is more complex than ever.

20 years after London's deadliest bombings, extremist threat grows more complex

Flood disasters around the world are growing as climate change makes intense and erratic rainfall more likely. Early warning systems are a critical tool for people to know if they are in harm's way. Host Marco Werman speaks with Dr. Bayes Ahmed from University College London about how effective early warning systems are, what hurdles still exist to ensure those warnings are communicated and what disparities exist for those who are and are not warned.

Flood disasters around the world are growing as climate change makes intense and erratic rainfall more likely. Early warning systems are a critical tool for people to know if they are in harm's way. Host Marco Werman speaks with Dr. Bayes Ahmed from University College London about how effective early warning systems are, what hurdles still exist to ensure those warnings are communicated and what disparities exist for those who are and are not warned.

Amid growing flood disasters, a look at early warning system challenges

The 14th Dalai Lama, who's lived outside of Tibet since 1959 and just turned 90 years old, announced last week that he will be reincarnated. In other words, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism says he will have a successor. He also said that Tibetan religious authorities living outside of China will have the responsibility of locating that successor. For its part, the Chinese government insists that it, alone, can choose the next Dalai Lama. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

The 14th Dalai Lama, who's lived outside of Tibet since 1959 and just turned 90 years old, announced last week that he will be reincarnated. In other words, the spiritual head of Tibetan Buddhism says he will have a successor. He also said that Tibetan religious authorities living outside of China will have the responsibility of locating that successor. For its part, the Chinese government insists that it, alone, can choose the next Dalai Lama. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Turning 90, Tibet's Dalai Lama says he will be reborn

US President Donald Trump says there's a "good chance" a Gaza ceasefire could be reached this week, as he sits down with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But while an agreement for a ceasefire would be an immense relief for Palestinian civilians, it would leave them with few options, says Fawaz Gerges of the London School of Economics and Political Science. Gerges discusses what’s next for Palestinians with Host Marco Werman.

US President Donald Trump says there's a "good chance" a Gaza ceasefire could be reached this week, as he sits down with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. But while an agreement for a ceasefire would be an immense relief for Palestinian civilians, it would leave them with few options, says Fawaz Gerges of the London School of Economics and Political Science. Gerges discusses what’s next for Palestinians with Host Marco Werman.

Ceasefire talks mask grim reality still unfolding in Gaza

The Seine reopened for public swimming on Saturday, after being closed for more than a century. That comes a year after swimming events were held in the river for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, and is the result of billions of dollars' worth of investment into revamping the city's sewers. Authorities say it's safe to swim on most days, but some would-be swimmers remain skeptical. Host Marco Werman has more.

The Seine reopened for public swimming on Saturday, after being closed for more than a century. That comes a year after swimming events were held in the river for the 2024 Olympics in Paris, and is the result of billions of dollars' worth of investment into revamping the city's sewers. Authorities say it's safe to swim on most days, but some would-be swimmers remain skeptical. Host Marco Werman has more.

After century-long ban, Paris reopens Seine for public swimming

A new documentary from Frontline explores the quest for stability in Syria in the months since opposition forces caused former President Bashar al-Assad's government to fall. Ahmed al-Sharaa was the rebel leader who led the toppling of the Assad regime, and is now the country's transitional president. The documentary is called "Syria After Assad," and filmmaker Martin Smith discusses it with Host Carolyn Beeler.

A new documentary from Frontline explores the quest for stability in Syria in the months since opposition forces caused former President Bashar al-Assad's government to fall. Ahmed al-Sharaa was the rebel leader who led the toppling of the Assad regime, and is now the country's transitional president. The documentary is called "Syria After Assad," and filmmaker Martin Smith discusses it with Host Carolyn Beeler.

'Syria after Assad'

Water levels in two of Europe's biggest rivers, the Danube in Hungary and the Vistula in Poland, have hit historic lows amid an intense heat wave. The issue has forced shipping authorities to limit the amount of cargo that ships can carry, which could have major economic implications.

Water levels in two of Europe's biggest rivers, the Danube in Hungary and the Vistula in Poland, have hit historic lows amid an intense heat wave. The issue has forced shipping authorities to limit the amount of cargo that ships can carry, which could have major economic implications.

Low water levels disrupt shipping in Central Europe

More than 8 million Venezuelans have fled their country in the past 10 years, and some of them have become comedians and satirists. A 2018 anti-hate law passed by the government of President Nicolas Maduro clamped down on all sorts of speech and made it impossible for them to ply their trade. The World's Tibisay Zea reports on whether there's a distinct Venezuelan sense of humor, and the challenge of punching up at a dictator.This story originally aired on February 24, 2025.

More than 8 million Venezuelans have fled their country in the past 10 years, and some of them have become comedians and satirists. A 2018 anti-hate law passed by the government of President Nicolas Maduro clamped down on all sorts of speech and made it impossible for them to ply their trade. The World's Tibisay Zea reports on whether there's a distinct Venezuelan sense of humor, and the challenge of punching up at a dictator.
This story originally aired on February 24, 2025.

Finding humor as a Venezuelan exile

Meet Daisy, a British AI conversationalist made to sound like an older woman who's not very tech savy. She's been deployed to take up phone scammers' time — and collect information about new scams. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the story.This story originally aired on Nov. 14, 2024.

Meet Daisy, a British AI conversationalist made to sound like an older woman who's not very tech savy. She's been deployed to take up phone scammers' time — and collect information about new scams. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the story.
This story originally aired on Nov. 14, 2024.

AI bot beats phone scammers at their own game

Learnmore Jonasi, from a small village in Zimbabwe, is making a name for himself on the US comedy scene. And yes, his first name really is Learnmore. Carol Hills speaks with the comedian.This story originally aired on Dec. 6, 2024.

Learnmore Jonasi, from a small village in Zimbabwe, is making a name for himself on the US comedy scene. And yes, his first name really is Learnmore. Carol Hills speaks with the comedian.
This story originally aired on Dec. 6, 2024.

Zimbabwean comedian makes a splash in the US

Romesh Ranganathan took a circuitous route to comedy. The son of Sri Lankan immigrants in the UK, he taught high school math for about a decade before abandoning it for a full-time career in entertainment. He does standup, radio shows, podcasts and TV specials. As he started the North American leg of his current Hustle tour, Ranganathan stopped in at The World's studio in Boston for a conversation with Host Carol Hills.This story originally aired on Jan. 17, 2025.

Romesh Ranganathan took a circuitous route to comedy. The son of Sri Lankan immigrants in the UK, he taught high school math for about a decade before abandoning it for a full-time career in entertainment. He does standup, radio shows, podcasts and TV specials. As he started the North American leg of his current Hustle tour, Ranganathan stopped in at The World's studio in Boston for a conversation with Host Carol Hills.
This story originally aired on Jan. 17, 2025.

The comedic journey of Romesh Ranganathan

There are plenty of jokes. And lots of laughs. But the regular Chinese-language open mic events in New York city called "Nvzizhuyi" — which translates to "feminism" from Mandarin — are not just about stand-up comedy. These get-togethers also serve as a place for activists, students and young professionals to meet, engage in group therapy and share pointed views on life back home in China and here in the United States. The World's Matthew Bell reported the story with Vickie Wang.

There are plenty of jokes. And lots of laughs. But the regular Chinese-language open mic events in New York city called "Nvzizhuyi" — which translates to "feminism" from Mandarin — are not just about stand-up comedy. These get-togethers also serve as a place for activists, students and young professionals to meet, engage in group therapy and share pointed views on life back home in China and here in the United States. The World's Matthew Bell reported the story with Vickie Wang.

Chinese-language 'open mic' events are about more than just comedy

Ukrainian comic Anton Tymoshenko is based in Kyiv, and since the start of the war in Ukraine, he's begun performing in both Ukrainian and English. Amid a groundswell of comedy in his country, Tymoshenko has managed to cross over to reach a global, English-speaking audience. He says that, for him, comedy is a way to process the war — it's also a defense mechanism, and sometimes a distraction. The World's Daniel Ofman reports.This story originally aired on March 11, 2025.

Ukrainian comic Anton Tymoshenko is based in Kyiv, and since the start of the war in Ukraine, he's begun performing in both Ukrainian and English. Amid a groundswell of comedy in his country, Tymoshenko has managed to cross over to reach a global, English-speaking audience. He says that, for him, comedy is a way to process the war — it's also a defense mechanism, and sometimes a distraction. The World's Daniel Ofman reports.
This story originally aired on March 11, 2025.

For this Ukrainian comic, standup is a defense mechanism

A series of videos brings together climate scientists and comedians from the UK. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Nick Oldridge and Ben Carey, two of the producers of "Climate Science Translated," a project that uses snark, whimsy and irreverence to communicate the serious issues around climate change.This story originally aired on Nov. 3, 2023.

A series of videos brings together climate scientists and comedians from the UK. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Nick Oldridge and Ben Carey, two of the producers of "Climate Science Translated," a project that uses snark, whimsy and irreverence to communicate the serious issues around climate change.
This story originally aired on Nov. 3, 2023.

Climate science translators

With former President Bashar al-Assad ousted from power, comedians in Syria see a new moment for their art form. They have been putting together shows at cafes and clubs across Damascus. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports on how these comedians are telling jokes that were unthinkable under the former regime.This story originally aired on May 30, 2025.

With former President Bashar al-Assad ousted from power, comedians in Syria see a new moment for their art form. They have been putting together shows at cafes and clubs across Damascus. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports on how these comedians are telling jokes that were unthinkable under the former regime.
This story originally aired on May 30, 2025.

Syrian comedians embrace a new era with more freedoms

Move over fish and olive oil! Try plantain and fermented banana drink. According to a recent study in the journal Nature Medicine, traditional eating habits in rural Africa can boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. The so-called "African heritage diet" has not been explored before, unlike the Mediterranean and Japanese diets, which have been studied and promoted by the global health community for years. Experts say its time to expand what healthy eating looks like, beyond the Euro-centric mindset.This story originally aired on April 22, 2025.

Move over fish and olive oil! Try plantain and fermented banana drink. According to a recent study in the journal Nature Medicine, traditional eating habits in rural Africa can boost the immune system and reduce inflammation. The so-called "African heritage diet" has not been explored before, unlike the Mediterranean and Japanese diets, which have been studied and promoted by the global health community for years. Experts say its time to expand what healthy eating looks like, beyond the Euro-centric mindset.
This story originally aired on April 22, 2025.

Move over Mediterranean diet, there's a different way to stay healthy

Uganda is known for bananas. The tropical fruit grows there, and it's also a major culinary staple in the country. But banana growers in the country struggle to make a living, because of a bumper crop — there can be so many bananas that their monetary value plunges. That has Ugandan entrepreneurs seeking out uses for bananas beyond the culinary. Anita Elash visited some of the factories and farms trying to make a go of new banana products.This story originally aired on April 9, 2025.

Uganda is known for bananas. The tropical fruit grows there, and it's also a major culinary staple in the country. But banana growers in the country struggle to make a living, because of a bumper crop — there can be so many bananas that their monetary value plunges. That has Ugandan entrepreneurs seeking out uses for bananas beyond the culinary. Anita Elash visited some of the factories and farms trying to make a go of new banana products.
This story originally aired on April 9, 2025.

Ugandan farmers see untapped potential in banana crop

Styles may vary when it comes to barbecuing, but the basic idea is cooking meat, over fire — low and slow. It's also a culinary tradition with an global history, obviously infused with flavor from around the world. A new cookbook called "Barbecue: Smoked and Grilled Recipes from Across the Globe" explores these traditions. It was compiled by Chef Hugh Mangum with contributions from May Chow, a chef in Hong Kong. Both chefs speak to Host Marco Werman.

Styles may vary when it comes to barbecuing, but the basic idea is cooking meat, over fire — low and slow. It's also a culinary tradition with an global history, obviously infused with flavor from around the world. A new cookbook called "Barbecue: Smoked and Grilled Recipes from Across the Globe" explores these traditions. It was compiled by Chef Hugh Mangum with contributions from May Chow, a chef in Hong Kong. Both chefs speak to Host Marco Werman.