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.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung was in Japan today, where he met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The two leaders declared a commitment to work more closely together to help bring stability to the region. One point of major tension in recent weeks is China, which has been locked in a diplomatic dispute with Japan over Taiwan. Another wildcard is US President Donald Trump. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

South Korean President Lee Jae Myung was in Japan today, where he met with Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi. The two leaders declared a commitment to work more closely together to help bring stability to the region. One point of major tension in recent weeks is China, which has been locked in a diplomatic dispute with Japan over Taiwan. Another wildcard is US President Donald Trump. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

South Korea and Japan pledge closer cooperation

Palestinians in Gaza are struggling to stay warm and dry as fierce winter storms topple damaged buildings and destroy flimsy plastic shelters. Salma Altaweel, a support manager for the Norwegian Refugee Council, says staying warm and dry is all but impossible. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with  the NRC's Shaina Low about how new Israeli restrictions on aid groups are complicating relief efforts.

Palestinians in Gaza are struggling to stay warm and dry as fierce winter storms topple damaged buildings and destroy flimsy plastic shelters. Salma Altaweel, a support manager for the Norwegian Refugee Council, says staying warm and dry is all but impossible. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with  the NRC's Shaina Low about how new Israeli restrictions on aid groups are complicating relief efforts.

Extreme cold and rain grip Gaza

Iranian state TV aired new footage on Tuesday that shows piles of black body bags they say hold the bodies of demonstrators killed while protesting. While the communications blackout continues, some footage of those protests is coming out. Meanwhile, in a post on social media, US President Donald Trump told Iranians to continue protesting and to "take over your institutions.” We bring you the latest updates.

Iranian state TV aired new footage on Tuesday that shows piles of black body bags they say hold the bodies of demonstrators killed while protesting. While the communications blackout continues, some footage of those protests is coming out. Meanwhile, in a post on social media, US President Donald Trump told Iranians to continue protesting and to "take over your institutions.” We bring you the latest updates.

Iran remains disconnected from the world as protests continue

Movies on VHS — it's ancient, by modern standards. And yet, from Barcelona to Paris and beyond a handful of shops have managed to keep their doors open. They're peddling, not just films, but nostalgia. They're also projecting films in their own backroom theaters, and at at least one, they'll also rent you a VHS player to be able to watch the tape you take home. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Movies on VHS — it's ancient, by modern standards. And yet, from Barcelona to Paris and beyond a handful of shops have managed to keep their doors open. They're peddling, not just films, but nostalgia. They're also projecting films in their own backroom theaters, and at at least one, they'll also rent you a VHS player to be able to watch the tape you take home. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

The resurgence of VHS movie clubs in Europe

There's already a lot happening here on Earth in 2026 — as you've heard on The World. If you need a break from it all, consider casting your eyes skyward. This year has a lot of celestial events in store for the stargazers among us. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more from Phil Plait, an astronomer and columnist for Scientific American magazine.

There's already a lot happening here on Earth in 2026 — as you've heard on The World. If you need a break from it all, consider casting your eyes skyward. This year has a lot of celestial events in store for the stargazers among us. The World's Host Marco Werman learns more from Phil Plait, an astronomer and columnist for Scientific American magazine.

Stargazing forecast for 2026

After losing Malawi's general election last fall, former President Lazarus Chakwera took the dogs at the presidential palace home with him to keep. The new president, Peter Mutharika, is now arguing that Chakwera is not allowed to do that because the dogs are civil servants. Their custody dispute has escalated into a legal battle that remains open. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

After losing Malawi's general election last fall, former President Lazarus Chakwera took the dogs at the presidential palace home with him to keep. The new president, Peter Mutharika, is now arguing that Chakwera is not allowed to do that because the dogs are civil servants. Their custody dispute has escalated into a legal battle that remains open. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

In Malawi, two presidents debate custody of presidential guard dogs

Venezuela’s new government says it will free an “important number” of political prisoners — a gesture US President Donald Trump is already taking credit for. But only a few dozen have been confirmed released so far, while nearly 800 people are still believed to be behind bars. In Caracas, families are camping outside prisons, searching for loved ones and demanding transparency, as The World explains why the release process has been slow and opaque.

Venezuela’s new government says it will free an “important number” of political prisoners — a gesture US President Donald Trump is already taking credit for. But only a few dozen have been confirmed released so far, while nearly 800 people are still believed to be behind bars. In Caracas, families are camping outside prisons, searching for loved ones and demanding transparency, as The World explains why the release process has been slow and opaque.

Venezuela promises prisoner releases — families are still waiting

Arabic music filled the air of Laura Elkeslassy’s Moroccan Jewish childhood home in Paris, especially on Fridays before Shabbat. But she didn’t grow up speaking Arabic, so she didn’t understand the words. In New York as an adult, Laura’s search for a wedding song takes her on a rich musical, spiritual and political journey — leading to a bookstore in Jerusalem where she discovers that this work to preserve her culture is a continuation of what her ancestors began.

Arabic music filled the air of Laura Elkeslassy’s Moroccan Jewish childhood home in Paris, especially on Fridays before Shabbat. But she didn’t grow up speaking Arabic, so she didn’t understand the words. In New York as an adult, Laura’s search for a wedding song takes her on a rich musical, spiritual and political journey — leading to a bookstore in Jerusalem where she discovers that this work to preserve her culture is a continuation of what her ancestors began.

The search for a Jewish Moroccan song change one artist's life

The opposition to Iran’s theocratic republic is a fragmented movement, with some of the most visible leaders in exile or in the diaspora. Nahid Siamdoust, an assistant professor of Media and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Texas at Austin discusses the competing visions in Iran’s fight for change with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler.

The opposition to Iran’s theocratic republic is a fragmented movement, with some of the most visible leaders in exile or in the diaspora. Nahid Siamdoust, an assistant professor of Media and Middle Eastern Studies at the University of Texas at Austin discusses the competing visions in Iran’s fight for change with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler.

Inside the diverse coalition challenging Tehran

Protests in Iran have turned deadly, with hundreds feared shot and killed by security forces. The government shut all communications with the outside world, making it difficult to get accurate information from the ground. But a few have been able to get through, using Starlink, a satellite internet network. A doctor living in New York tells The World that protesters have reached out to him for help.

Protests in Iran have turned deadly, with hundreds feared shot and killed by security forces. The government shut all communications with the outside world, making it difficult to get accurate information from the ground. But a few have been able to get through, using Starlink, a satellite internet network. A doctor living in New York tells The World that protesters have reached out to him for help.

Protesters in Iran are too afraid to get medical care, says doctor

With roots in India and an upbringing in Singapore, singer Dhruv found fame on TikTok, hitting the charts in East Asia. He moved to the US to study at Yale University, but then realized music was really what he wanted to pursue. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler spin “Speed of Light,” a single from Dhruv’s debut album.This story originally aired on Aug. 21, 2024.

With roots in India and an upbringing in Singapore, singer Dhruv found fame on TikTok, hitting the charts in East Asia. He moved to the US to study at Yale University, but then realized music was really what he wanted to pursue. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler spin “Speed of Light,” a single from Dhruv’s debut album.
This story originally aired on Aug. 21, 2024.

A debut album for a formerly private songwriter

Ai, a chimpanzee who spent decades as a research subject at Kyoto University, has died at the age of 49. Ai spent her life participating in studies into the cognition of chimpanzees, and was renowned for her exceptional intellect among her fellow chimps. She knew the English alphabet, Arabic numbers and over a hundred Chinese characters. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the story.

Ai, a chimpanzee who spent decades as a research subject at Kyoto University, has died at the age of 49. Ai spent her life participating in studies into the cognition of chimpanzees, and was renowned for her exceptional intellect among her fellow chimps. She knew the English alphabet, Arabic numbers and over a hundred Chinese characters. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the story.

'Genius' chimpanzee dies

Malaysia and Indonesia have moved to block Grok, the AI chatbot feature on the social media platform X, citing concerns that the chatbot is being used to produce sexually explicit images. Many countries are grappling with how to respond to the misuse of AI for the production of exploitive sexual content online — including deep fakes and child pornography. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from Nana Nwachukwu, an AI governance expert and researcher at Trinity College Dublin.

Malaysia and Indonesia have moved to block Grok, the AI chatbot feature on the social media platform X, citing concerns that the chatbot is being used to produce sexually explicit images. Many countries are grappling with how to respond to the misuse of AI for the production of exploitive sexual content online — including deep fakes and child pornography. The World's Host Marco Werman learned more from Nana Nwachukwu, an AI governance expert and researcher at Trinity College Dublin.

Malaysia and Indonesia block X's Grok over concerns of sexual content

It’s been a week since a US military operation removed Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro from power, and questions continue to swirl about what life in the capital looks like now. We take a look from Caracas at the mood in the streets, new US travel warnings, safety concerns, hurdles to getting in and out of the country and why so many foreign journalists are stuck across the border.

It’s been a week since a US military operation removed Venezuela's Nicolás Maduro from power, and questions continue to swirl about what life in the capital looks like now. We take a look from Caracas at the mood in the streets, new US travel warnings, safety concerns, hurdles to getting in and out of the country and why so many foreign journalists are stuck across the border.

Life goes on in Caracas, even as uncertainty grows

Europe’s night trains have been making a comeback in the last few years, with overnight sleeper services once again linking cities like Paris and Berlin, and Vienna and Amsterdam. But the revival has faced major obstacles, including limited backing from many European governments. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Europe’s night trains have been making a comeback in the last few years, with overnight sleeper services once again linking cities like Paris and Berlin, and Vienna and Amsterdam. But the revival has faced major obstacles, including limited backing from many European governments. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Europe's night trains have made a comeback but face big challenges

As President Donald Trump pushes for US control of Greenland, we look at which natural resources the territory has — and what the obstacles are to accessing them. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Patrick Schröder, a senior research fellow at Chatham House in the UK.

As President Donald Trump pushes for US control of Greenland, we look at which natural resources the territory has — and what the obstacles are to accessing them. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Patrick Schröder, a senior research fellow at Chatham House in the UK.

What's beneath the ice in Greenland?

For the first time in nearly a decade, the Canadian prime minister will fly to China this week. Mark Carney is looking to improve Canada's overall relationship with Beijing, but boosting trade is at the top of his agenda. Carney's government says it's aiming to double non-US exports over the next 10 years. This will be a tricky visit for the prime minister, however, because of the risks that come with moving closer to China. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

For the first time in nearly a decade, the Canadian prime minister will fly to China this week. Mark Carney is looking to improve Canada's overall relationship with Beijing, but boosting trade is at the top of his agenda. Carney's government says it's aiming to double non-US exports over the next 10 years. This will be a tricky visit for the prime minister, however, because of the risks that come with moving closer to China. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

'America First' is pushing Canada closer to China

Billions of gallons of wastewater laced with industrial chemicals pour into the Tijuana River and reach the Pacific Ocean every year. The pollution also seeps into the earth and froths into airborne particles. People on both sides of the US-Mexico border say it is making them sick. Investigative reporter Philip Salata from inewsource in San Diego reports.

Billions of gallons of wastewater laced with industrial chemicals pour into the Tijuana River and reach the Pacific Ocean every year. The pollution also seeps into the earth and froths into airborne particles. People on both sides of the US-Mexico border say it is making them sick. Investigative reporter Philip Salata from inewsource in San Diego reports.

Polluted Tijuana River is an equal-opportunity disaster

From a US military raid that captured Venezuela’s president, to threats from the White House to take over Greenland, Europe’s leaders have faced a week of escalating challenges from Washington. Leaders across the EU have responded cautiously, with some notable exceptions. But critics warn that restraint could hand the Trump administration exactly the advantage it’s seeking. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

From a US military raid that captured Venezuela’s president, to threats from the White House to take over Greenland, Europe’s leaders have faced a week of escalating challenges from Washington. Leaders across the EU have responded cautiously, with some notable exceptions. But critics warn that restraint could hand the Trump administration exactly the advantage it’s seeking. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

Europe is on edge after US strikes in Venezuela and Greenland threats

A coder in Sweden thought it would be funny to see what ChatGPT says when it is stoned, whether on weed, coke or ketamine. So, he created a chatbot plug-in that people are actually paying to use. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

A coder in Sweden thought it would be funny to see what ChatGPT says when it is stoned, whether on weed, coke or ketamine. So, he created a chatbot plug-in that people are actually paying to use. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

This chatbot is operating under the influence

The Syrian army has been fighting Kurdish forces in the city of Aleppo in the north of the country. The clashes are the most intense since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. The army ordered the residents in some neighborhoods to evacuate. On Friday, Syria's defense ministry announced a ceasefire. But as The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports, residents say the violence and displacement is bringing back memories of years of civil war.

The Syrian army has been fighting Kurdish forces in the city of Aleppo in the north of the country. The clashes are the most intense since the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024. The army ordered the residents in some neighborhoods to evacuate. On Friday, Syria's defense ministry announced a ceasefire. But as The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports, residents say the violence and displacement is bringing back memories of years of civil war.

Syrian forces and Kurdish fighters in Aleppo reach a ceasefire

Yoon Jong Gye, widely considered the father of Korean fried chicken, died late last year at the age of 74. Since its creation, the dish has surged in popularity and can now be found in restaurants around the globe. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Kevin Kim, associate director of the Asian American Center at the University of North Carolina, to discuss the distinctive taste and influence of Korean fried chicken.

Yoon Jong Gye, widely considered the father of Korean fried chicken, died late last year at the age of 74. Since its creation, the dish has surged in popularity and can now be found in restaurants around the globe. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Kevin Kim, associate director of the Asian American Center at the University of North Carolina, to discuss the distinctive taste and influence of Korean fried chicken.

Father of Korean friend chicken dies, leaving a global legacy

Twin mountain gorillas were born in Africa's largest national park, the Virunga, in Democratic Republic of Congo. As Host Carolyn Beeler explains, years of conservation efforts have helped restore the gorillas' dwindling population.

Twin mountain gorillas were born in Africa's largest national park, the Virunga, in Democratic Republic of Congo. As Host Carolyn Beeler explains, years of conservation efforts have helped restore the gorillas' dwindling population.

Birth of twin mountain gorillas give hope to conservationists

The Iranian government has cut off internet access to citizens as protests across the country reach levels unseen since the Woman, Life, Freedom protests that started in 2022. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Sina Azodi, director of Middle East Studies at George Washington University, where he specializes in US-Iran relations. Azodi joined us from Washington.

The Iranian government has cut off internet access to citizens as protests across the country reach levels unseen since the Woman, Life, Freedom protests that started in 2022. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from Sina Azodi, director of Middle East Studies at George Washington University, where he specializes in US-Iran relations. Azodi joined us from Washington.

Protests spread across Iran, as government shuts down internet

The European Union signed off on a major new trade agreement with four South American nations on Friday. It's composed of markets with more than 700 million people. But there's still a great deal of skepticism about it among some in Europe, including French farmers. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

The European Union signed off on a major new trade agreement with four South American nations on Friday. It's composed of markets with more than 700 million people. But there's still a great deal of skepticism about it among some in Europe, including French farmers. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

The European Union and South America begin a new — and very big — trade relationship

For years, Venezuela’s oil industry was one of the most respected in the world. Then mismanagement and US sanctions hollowed it out. Now, the Trump administration says US oil companies should be ready to return — and that Washington will even control how Venezuela’s oil revenues are spent. But experts and former Venezuelan oil executives say rebuilding the industry will take more than grand claims from the Trump White House.

For years, Venezuela’s oil industry was one of the most respected in the world. Then mismanagement and US sanctions hollowed it out. Now, the Trump administration says US oil companies should be ready to return — and that Washington will even control how Venezuela’s oil revenues are spent. But experts and former Venezuelan oil executives say rebuilding the industry will take more than grand claims from the Trump White House.

Inside the high-stakes push to bring US oil companies back to Venezuela

Cubans are watching developments in Venezuela with growing unease. Fuel shortages are worsening the island’s already severe economic woes. Ed Augustine, an independent journalist based in Havana speaks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about increasing blackouts, long lines for fuel and the stress of everyday life in Havana.

Cubans are watching developments in Venezuela with growing unease. Fuel shortages are worsening the island’s already severe economic woes. Ed Augustine, an independent journalist based in Havana speaks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about increasing blackouts, long lines for fuel and the stress of everyday life in Havana.

For many Cubans, trouble in Venezuela hits close to home

Delcy Rodríguez spent years as part of deposed President Nicolás Maduro’s inner circle. Now, she has stepped into the role of Venezuela’s de-facto leader as the country faces uncertain times. Long sanctioned abroad, Rodríguez wields unusual influence over the finance sector and ruling party in Venezuela. The World has this profile of Rodríguez, a longtime critic of imperialism, who now needs US support to stay in power.

Delcy Rodríguez spent years as part of deposed President Nicolás Maduro’s inner circle. Now, she has stepped into the role of Venezuela’s de-facto leader as the country faces uncertain times. Long sanctioned abroad, Rodríguez wields unusual influence over the finance sector and ruling party in Venezuela. The World has this profile of Rodríguez, a longtime critic of imperialism, who now needs US support to stay in power.

Meet Venezuela's new interim president: Delcy Rodríguez

Cuba’s energy sector is feeling the pinch of the departure of the island’s longtime ally, deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Mexico has stepped in to supply some oil, but not at levels high enough to replace supplies previously provided by Caracas. Jorge Piñón, who studies Cuba's energy infrastructure at the University of Texas at Austin discusses the implications with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

Cuba’s energy sector is feeling the pinch of the departure of the island’s longtime ally, deposed Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Mexico has stepped in to supply some oil, but not at levels high enough to replace supplies previously provided by Caracas. Jorge Piñón, who studies Cuba's energy infrastructure at the University of Texas at Austin discusses the implications with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

Cuba's energy crisis deepens, as Venezuela's oil supplies falter

Migration is as old as humanity itself. In today's world, it ebbs and flows as nations change their border policies with the times. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has been retracing the global path of the earliest humans on foot for the past 13 years. In that time, he has witnessed a lot of migration in real time. He joins Host Marco Werman to share his observations on how migration's role in the global zeitgeist has changed.

Migration is as old as humanity itself. In today's world, it ebbs and flows as nations change their border policies with the times. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek has been retracing the global path of the earliest humans on foot for the past 13 years. In that time, he has witnessed a lot of migration in real time. He joins Host Marco Werman to share his observations on how migration's role in the global zeitgeist has changed.