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.

In Venezuela, politics may dominate the headlines, but for most people, the daily reality is about making ends meet. Once one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries, Venezuela now faces soaring prices, shrinking wages and a middle class that has largely vanished. From Caracas, The World looks at how families and highly trained professionals are coping.

In Venezuela, politics may dominate the headlines, but for most people, the daily reality is about making ends meet. Once one of Latin America’s wealthiest countries, Venezuela now faces soaring prices, shrinking wages and a middle class that has largely vanished. From Caracas, The World looks at how families and highly trained professionals are coping.

Venezuelans are grappling with a collapsing economy

A love note, a gladiatorial combat scene, a barrage of insults and everyday confessions have emerged on a wall in Pompeii. New imaging technology has revealed nearly 80 previously unseen inscriptions. After being covered in volcanic ash for 1,700 years, the site was rediscovered in the 18th century, and is now one of the world's most significant archaeological sites from the Roman Empire.

A love note, a gladiatorial combat scene, a barrage of insults and everyday confessions have emerged on a wall in Pompeii. New imaging technology has revealed nearly 80 previously unseen inscriptions. After being covered in volcanic ash for 1,700 years, the site was rediscovered in the 18th century, and is now one of the world's most significant archaeological sites from the Roman Empire.

Imaging technology reveals graffiti on a wall in Pompeii

Auroras can be seen at both the northern and southern poles right now as the Earth experiences a "solar storm." The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from astrophysicist Ryan French about the good and bad of the solar weather event.

Auroras can be seen at both the northern and southern poles right now as the Earth experiences a "solar storm." The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learns more from astrophysicist Ryan French about the good and bad of the solar weather event.

Northern lights part of a 'severe solar storm'

London Mayor Sadiq Khan says the British capital is one of the safest major cities in the Western world, pointing to new police figures showing homicide rates have fallen to their lowest level in a decade. The claim clashes sharply with criticism from his political opponents and from US President Donald Trump, who have portrayed London as a crime-ridden city. Campaigners argue the latest numbers don’t tell the full story. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

London Mayor Sadiq Khan says the British capital is one of the safest major cities in the Western world, pointing to new police figures showing homicide rates have fallen to their lowest level in a decade. The claim clashes sharply with criticism from his political opponents and from US President Donald Trump, who have portrayed London as a crime-ridden city. Campaigners argue the latest numbers don’t tell the full story. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry reports.

London killings fall to decade low but debate over safety continues

Despite an agreed upon ceasefire, clashes broke out this weekend between the Syrian military and the Kurdish-led SDF militia in the north. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with historian Amr Al-Azm about where things stand — and what could happen if ongoing talks break down.

Despite an agreed upon ceasefire, clashes broke out this weekend between the Syrian military and the Kurdish-led SDF militia in the north. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with historian Amr Al-Azm about where things stand — and what could happen if ongoing talks break down.

Syria ceasefire in question

One year on, US President Donald Trump’s second term has rattled the global economy. Terms like “weaponized tariffs” and “trade bazooka” suggest we’re clearly in new territory. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with David Rennie, geopolitics editor at The Economist, about how the past year has transformed global economic realities.

One year on, US President Donald Trump’s second term has rattled the global economy. Terms like “weaponized tariffs” and “trade bazooka” suggest we’re clearly in new territory. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with David Rennie, geopolitics editor at The Economist, about how the past year has transformed global economic realities.

Trump's first year reshapes the global economy — Part 1

Romanian conservationists are celebrating a rare moose sighting. The group Rewilding Romania shared a Facebook video of the creature prancing through a field. The sighting represents a promising sign for biodiversity in the region. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

Romanian conservationists are celebrating a rare moose sighting. The group Rewilding Romania shared a Facebook video of the creature prancing through a field. The sighting represents a promising sign for biodiversity in the region. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.

A moose is on the loose in Romania

Host Carolyn Beeler continues her discussion with David Rennie, geopolitics editor at The Economist, about how the past year has transformed global economic realities. It's been a roller coaster ride since President Donald Trump began his second term in office. Terms like “weaponized tariffs” and “trade bazooka” suggest we’re clearly in new territory.

Host Carolyn Beeler continues her discussion with David Rennie, geopolitics editor at The Economist, about how the past year has transformed global economic realities. It's been a roller coaster ride since President Donald Trump began his second term in office. Terms like “weaponized tariffs” and “trade bazooka” suggest we’re clearly in new territory.

Trump's first year reshapes the global economy — Part 2

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered in the US for his leadership on civil rights, but that legacy extends to other countries, as well. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more on King's universal message.This story originally aired on Jan. 20, 2025.

Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. is remembered in the US for his leadership on civil rights, but that legacy extends to other countries, as well. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more on King's universal message.
This story originally aired on Jan. 20, 2025.

King’s global message against oppression

Since Russia's full-scale invasion, many Ukrainian songs have become symbols of defiance and resilience in the face difficult circumstances. Aside from the national anthem, though, one song has stood out as representing Ukrainian sovereignty and perseverance. It's called "Oi u luzi chervona kalyna" or "Oh, the Red Viburnum in the Meadow." Reporter Daniel Ofman has more. This story originally aired on Nov. 29th, 2022.

Since Russia's full-scale invasion, many Ukrainian songs have become symbols of defiance and resilience in the face difficult circumstances. Aside from the national anthem, though, one song has stood out as representing Ukrainian sovereignty and perseverance. It's called "Oi u luzi chervona kalyna" or "Oh, the Red Viburnum in the Meadow." Reporter Daniel Ofman has more. 
This story originally aired on Nov. 29th, 2022.

This Ukrainian song is a symbol of freedom and resilience throughout Ukraine

Hip-hop is a global force. But it doesn't always go over well with local governments. In Egypt, authorities have tried to suppress it. But the raw power of the music may be unstoppable. Yasmine el Rashidi, author of "Laughter in the Dark: Egypt to the Tune of Change," tells Host Marco Werman how young Egyptians are pushing hip-hop to the limit.This story originally aired on July 14, 2023.

Hip-hop is a global force. But it doesn't always go over well with local governments. In Egypt, authorities have tried to suppress it. But the raw power of the music may be unstoppable. Yasmine el Rashidi, author of "Laughter in the Dark: Egypt to the Tune of Change," tells Host Marco Werman how young Egyptians are pushing hip-hop to the limit.
This story originally aired on July 14, 2023.

Egypt's hip-hop movement

Martin Luther King Jr. spent a month traveling through India in 1959 to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi was one of King's biggest influences, and King was well known in India as an American disciple of Gandhi's teachings. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Meghan Weaver from the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University, who tells us more about King's historic "pilgrimage."

Martin Luther King Jr. spent a month traveling through India in 1959 to pay homage to Mahatma Gandhi. Gandhi was one of King's biggest influences, and King was well known in India as an American disciple of Gandhi's teachings. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks to Meghan Weaver from the Martin Luther King Jr. Research and Education Institute at Stanford University, who tells us more about King's historic "pilgrimage."

'To India I come as a pilgrim'

She was once called "the most dangerous woman in Africa.” But Andrée Blouin described herself as an African woman "inflamed by injustice" on a mission to free her continent from colonial rule. She was born in French Equatorial Africa, abandoned at the age of three, escaped an arranged marriage at 15 and became politically active after French officials denied her son medication for malaria, leading to his death. Host Marco Werman speaks with Eve Blouin, the revolutionary's daughter, about her mother.This story originally aired on Jan. 28, 2025.

She was once called "the most dangerous woman in Africa.” But Andrée Blouin described herself as an African woman "inflamed by injustice" on a mission to free her continent from colonial rule. She was born in French Equatorial Africa, abandoned at the age of three, escaped an arranged marriage at 15 and became politically active after French officials denied her son medication for malaria, leading to his death. Host Marco Werman speaks with Eve Blouin, the revolutionary's daughter, about her mother.
This story originally aired on Jan. 28, 2025.

Autobiography examines life of a woman who helped lead Africa's independence movements

Berlin has become a hot spot for dark humor, courtesy of Eastern Europeans who’ve come to the German capital to make a better life. Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and a bleak economy, stand-up comics are turning hard times into comedy gold. Alexa Dvorson reports from Berlin.This story originally aired on April 19, 2023.

Berlin has become a hot spot for dark humor, courtesy of Eastern Europeans who’ve come to the German capital to make a better life. Against the backdrop of the war in Ukraine and a bleak economy, stand-up comics are turning hard times into comedy gold. Alexa Dvorson reports from Berlin.
This story originally aired on April 19, 2023.

In Berlin, standup comedy is having a moment

Fights between rival players and rival fans were just part of the craziness on Sunday at the final match of the Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament. Senegal's coach took his players off the pitch after an especially bad call. A goal was called back and a penalty kick "humiliatingly" missed. Host Carolyn Beeler has all the details.

Fights between rival players and rival fans were just part of the craziness on Sunday at the final match of the Africa Cup of Nations soccer tournament. Senegal's coach took his players off the pitch after an especially bad call. A goal was called back and a penalty kick "humiliatingly" missed. Host Carolyn Beeler has all the details.

Chaotic Senegal win in this weekend's Africa Cup of Nations

President Donald Trump keeps insisting that the US "needs" to take over Greenland, which is controlled by Denmark. On Saturday, Trump said he was ready to impose new tariffs on eight European countries over their support for Denmark. Meanwhile, there were big protests in both Denmark and Greenland, denouncing US threats to seize the territory. The World’s Joshua Coe is based in the Danish city of Aarhus.

President Donald Trump keeps insisting that the US "needs" to take over Greenland, which is controlled by Denmark. On Saturday, Trump said he was ready to impose new tariffs on eight European countries over their support for Denmark. Meanwhile, there were big protests in both Denmark and Greenland, denouncing US threats to seize the territory. The World’s Joshua Coe is based in the Danish city of Aarhus.

In Denmark, US demands to take Greenland spread anxiety, sense of betrayal

Julio Iglesias, the 82-year-old crooner who's sold more than 300 million records over his long career, could soon take center stage in a Spanish courtroom. Two former employees from the Dominican Republic say Iglesias trafficked them to his Caribbean estates, over-worked them and sexually abused one. Iglesias denies the charges. Spanish prosecutors are still weighing whether to charge him, but the scandal at home is already full-blown. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Julio Iglesias, the 82-year-old crooner who's sold more than 300 million records over his long career, could soon take center stage in a Spanish courtroom. Two former employees from the Dominican Republic say Iglesias trafficked them to his Caribbean estates, over-worked them and sexually abused one. Iglesias denies the charges. Spanish prosecutors are still weighing whether to charge him, but the scandal at home is already full-blown. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Spain's most successful singer accused of sexual abuse

With votes tallied from about 50% of polling places, incumbent President Yoweri Museveni is projected to win reelection in Uganda. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Ebenezer Obadare from the Council on Foreign Relations about what this means for Ugandans.

With votes tallied from about 50% of polling places, incumbent President Yoweri Museveni is projected to win reelection in Uganda. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Ebenezer Obadare from the Council on Foreign Relations about what this means for Ugandans.

Unofficial results show reelection of Ugandan president

Sara Mardini was not the only volunteer arrested for helping rescue migrants from the sea in 2018, but she was probably the most famous. She and her sister, Yusra, were refugees from Syria who survived a sinking boat by swimming the distance to shore, saving not only themselves but their fellow passengers, as well. Yusra went on to become an Olympic athlete. Sara was one of 23 rescue volunteers acquitted yesterday. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

Sara Mardini was not the only volunteer arrested for helping rescue migrants from the sea in 2018, but she was probably the most famous. She and her sister, Yusra, were refugees from Syria who survived a sinking boat by swimming the distance to shore, saving not only themselves but their fellow passengers, as well. Yusra went on to become an Olympic athlete. Sara was one of 23 rescue volunteers acquitted yesterday. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler explains.

Syrian 'hero swimmer' acquitted of charges in Greece

In the first two weeks of the new year, 22 people were killed in the eastern state of Jharkhand, India, by a rogue, one-tusked elephant. Forest department officials are working to capture the elephant before it strikes again. Villagers are terrified of leaving their homes at night. The attacks also come at a time of growing human-elephant conflict across India. From Mumbai, journalist Namrata Kolachalam explains the ongoing challenges of living among elephants.

In the first two weeks of the new year, 22 people were killed in the eastern state of Jharkhand, India, by a rogue, one-tusked elephant. Forest department officials are working to capture the elephant before it strikes again. Villagers are terrified of leaving their homes at night. The attacks also come at a time of growing human-elephant conflict across India. From Mumbai, journalist Namrata Kolachalam explains the ongoing challenges of living among elephants.

Indian authorities are still searching for a killer elephant

The question of how to stop the spread of infectious diseases has been ongoing for decades, but came into sharp focus when COVID-19 gripped the globe in 2020. One way to slow diseases is by improving diagnostic tests, and making them more accessible, so that people can know earlier if they have something like tuberculosis in its early stages. As Chhavi Sachdev reports from Mumbai, India, new TB tests there could be a game changer.

The question of how to stop the spread of infectious diseases has been ongoing for decades, but came into sharp focus when COVID-19 gripped the globe in 2020. One way to slow diseases is by improving diagnostic tests, and making them more accessible, so that people can know earlier if they have something like tuberculosis in its early stages. As Chhavi Sachdev reports from Mumbai, India, new TB tests there could be a game changer.

Stopping diseases like TB starts with a good diagnosis

Mıhlama is a hearty, cheesy, buttery fondue meal served up for breakfast in Turkey. Farmers who needed a high-calorie infusion first thing in the morning invented the meal, and it’s so heavy that you may not eat anything the rest of the day. It's now a staple of the region around the Black Sea. Reporter Fariba Nawa and her daughters went looking for the perfect mıhlama in Istanbul.

Mıhlama is a hearty, cheesy, buttery fondue meal served up for breakfast in Turkey. Farmers who needed a high-calorie infusion first thing in the morning invented the meal, and it’s so heavy that you may not eat anything the rest of the day. It's now a staple of the region around the Black Sea. Reporter Fariba Nawa and her daughters went looking for the perfect mıhlama in Istanbul.

Finding the best mıhlama in Turkey can become an obsession

Over the past few weeks, southern Australia has braced itself against severe fire conditions. Several major fires are still burning in Victoria. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with fire chief Chris Hardman about what lessons his team has learned from past fires, and the psychological toll the job takes on first responders.

Over the past few weeks, southern Australia has braced itself against severe fire conditions. Several major fires are still burning in Victoria. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with fire chief Chris Hardman about what lessons his team has learned from past fires, and the psychological toll the job takes on first responders.

Fires in Australia recall lessons from the past

Food entrepreneur Ruby Chan tells the story of the sauce that launched her career. After growing up in her parents' Chinese restaurant, she wanted a desk job more than anything — and she got it. But an epiphany as a working mom sent her back to a recipe from her dad's kitchen. She explained it all as part of GBH's live storytelling program, Stories From The Stage.

Food entrepreneur Ruby Chan tells the story of the sauce that launched her career. After growing up in her parents' Chinese restaurant, she wanted a desk job more than anything — and she got it. But an epiphany as a working mom sent her back to a recipe from her dad's kitchen. She explained it all as part of GBH's live storytelling program, Stories From The Stage.

After running from her past, a Chinese chef embraces her roots

A new collection of music from the remote African islands of Sao Tome and Principe is a revelation. This nation in the Atlantic Ocean doesn't get a lot of attention, but as we hear in songs by bands from the 1960s and '70s, like Sangazuza, it's worth listening up.

A new collection of music from the remote African islands of Sao Tome and Principe is a revelation. This nation in the Atlantic Ocean doesn't get a lot of attention, but as we hear in songs by bands from the 1960s and '70s, like Sangazuza, it's worth listening up.

A new music collection from some old African artists

The vast majority of cars in Kenya are used, internal combustion vehicles. But a team of Kenyan engineers is trying to flip the country's automotive economy on its head with the first-ever Kenyan-made electric vehicle. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel has the unlikely story of TAD Motors.

The vast majority of cars in Kenya are used, internal combustion vehicles. But a team of Kenyan engineers is trying to flip the country's automotive economy on its head with the first-ever Kenyan-made electric vehicle. The World's Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel has the unlikely story of TAD Motors.

Kenya's quiet electric car revolution

For about a week, Iranians have been unable to get online or make calls outside of the country. Yet many of them have shown up every night to protest the government. The World managed to reach some of them inside the country, who describe a brutal crackdown by the security forces.

For about a week, Iranians have been unable to get online or make calls outside of the country. Yet many of them have shown up every night to protest the government. The World managed to reach some of them inside the country, who describe a brutal crackdown by the security forces.

'I saw people shot with my own eyes': Eyewitnesses describe crackdown on protesters in Iran

On Wednesday, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced phase two of the Trump Administration-led Gaza peace plan, including governance by a 15-member "technocratic committee." But as The World's Host Marco Werman learned from Khaled Elgindy, senior fellow at the Quincy Institute, questions remain as to the implementation of the first phase and next steps.

On Wednesday, US Special Envoy Steve Witkoff announced phase two of the Trump Administration-led Gaza peace plan, including governance by a 15-member "technocratic committee." But as The World's Host Marco Werman learned from Khaled Elgindy, senior fellow at the Quincy Institute, questions remain as to the implementation of the first phase and next steps.

Phase two of Gaza peace plan begins

As bitter cold descends on Ukraine, so has a fresh barrage of Russian drone and missile strikes. Recent attacks on transformer substations and power plants have plunged Kyiv into its worst wartime heating and power outage. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Kyiv Independent editor Jared Goyette about how the capital’s residents are rallying in response.

As bitter cold descends on Ukraine, so has a fresh barrage of Russian drone and missile strikes. Recent attacks on transformer substations and power plants have plunged Kyiv into its worst wartime heating and power outage. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Kyiv Independent editor Jared Goyette about how the capital’s residents are rallying in response.

Together, Kyiv residents endure a relentless winter chill

As opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado meets US President Donald Trump in Washington, Venezuelans are watching with a mix of hope and unease. Widely seen as the face of the democratic opposition, Machado led the coalition that most independent observers say won Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election. She spent months courting US support to push deposed President Nicolás Maduro out. But with Trump now sidelining her and working with figures from the old regime, many in Caracas are rethinking about what her role — and Venezuela’s future — might look like.

As opposition leader and Nobel Peace Prize winner María Corina Machado meets US President Donald Trump in Washington, Venezuelans are watching with a mix of hope and unease. Widely seen as the face of the democratic opposition, Machado led the coalition that most independent observers say won Venezuela’s 2024 presidential election. She spent months courting US support to push deposed President Nicolás Maduro out. But with Trump now sidelining her and working with figures from the old regime, many in Caracas are rethinking about what her role — and Venezuela’s future — might look like.