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.

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco review news headlines from across the globe flying just under the radar.

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco review news headlines from across the globe flying just under the radar.

Things you might have missed

When you think of Sweden, things like ABBA, IKEA and Pippi Longstocking are among its cultural exports. While Swedish food doesn’t quite capture international attention in the same way, surströmming — fermented herring in a can — is getting noticed in some corners of the internet. Now, the Swedes are hoping to get this delicacy designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage — despite how disgusting some people find it. The World’s Joshua Coe set out to see what all the fuss was about.

When you think of Sweden, things like ABBA, IKEA and Pippi Longstocking are among its cultural exports. While Swedish food doesn’t quite capture international attention in the same way, surströmming — fermented herring in a can — is getting noticed in some corners of the internet. Now, the Swedes are hoping to get this delicacy designated as Intangible Cultural Heritage — despite how disgusting some people find it. The World’s Joshua Coe set out to see what all the fuss was about.

How to eat surströmming — the world's smelliest food — the Swedish way

Immigrant-owned businesses are a staple around the US. But in general, they have less access to loans and capital, and now they're also feeling the effects of Trump administration policies. That includes losing foot traffic and staffing due to immigration enforcement, plus the rising costs of goods. GBH’s Sarah Betancourt reports from Chelsea, a neighborhood of Boston.

Immigrant-owned businesses are a staple around the US. But in general, they have less access to loans and capital, and now they're also feeling the effects of Trump administration policies. That includes losing foot traffic and staffing due to immigration enforcement, plus the rising costs of goods. GBH’s Sarah Betancourt reports from Chelsea, a neighborhood of Boston.

Immigrant-owned businesses taking a big hit because of ICE actions

In Kashmir, schools and businesses have been shuttered ever since the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran. For most of that time, thousands of marchers took to the streets all over Kashmir, demanding justice for the killing. The Shia community in Kashmir followed the Ayatollah as a religious leader, and not just as the political leader of Iran. Protesters have faced curfews and police crackdowns. Syed Shahriyar reports from Srinagar.

In Kashmir, schools and businesses have been shuttered ever since the assassination of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei in Iran. For most of that time, thousands of marchers took to the streets all over Kashmir, demanding justice for the killing. The Shia community in Kashmir followed the Ayatollah as a religious leader, and not just as the political leader of Iran. Protesters have faced curfews and police crackdowns. Syed Shahriyar reports from Srinagar.

Schools opened today after a week of mourning in Indian-controlled Kashmir

In the Republic of Georgia, the country’s wealthiest man isn't a politician, but he seems to be running the country anyway — as the mover and shaker behind the Georgian Dream party. A new podcast, "The Land In Between," chronicles the billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili's rise to power from modest beginnings, and its implications for Georgia. Victor Swezey has the story from the Georgian capital, Tbilisi.

In the Republic of Georgia, the country’s wealthiest man isn't a politician, but he seems to be running the country anyway — as the mover and shaker behind the Georgian Dream party. A new podcast, "The Land In Between," chronicles the billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili's rise to power from modest beginnings, and its implications for Georgia. Victor Swezey has the story from the Georgian capital, Tbilisi.

A Georgian oligarch's dream

The tuba, like the Mexican genre of music known as banda, gets a bad rap from critics who say it's too simple and can't be taken seriously. But fans of both know that's not true. This includes writer Sam Quinones who's written the book, "The Perfect Tuba: Forging Fulfillment from the Bass Horn, Band, and Hard Work." He recently told The World how perceptions have evolved when it comes to how the tuba is played in banda.

The tuba, like the Mexican genre of music known as banda, gets a bad rap from critics who say it's too simple and can't be taken seriously. But fans of both know that's not true. This includes writer Sam Quinones who's written the book, "The Perfect Tuba: Forging Fulfillment from the Bass Horn, Band, and Hard Work." He recently told The World how perceptions have evolved when it comes to how the tuba is played in banda.

The evolution of the tuba in Mexican banda music

The US and Israel bombed five oil depots in Iran over the weekend. The burning fuel engulfed Tehran in thick, dark smoke, burning the skin, eyes and throats of the millions of people in the city. Authorities are warning residents to wear masks and stay inside. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Kaveh Madani, former Iranian environment minister, about the impact of this pollution.

The US and Israel bombed five oil depots in Iran over the weekend. The burning fuel engulfed Tehran in thick, dark smoke, burning the skin, eyes and throats of the millions of people in the city. Authorities are warning residents to wear masks and stay inside. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Kaveh Madani, former Iranian environment minister, about the impact of this pollution.

US and Israel bomb Iranian oil depots, unleashing burning fuel into atmosphere

The powerful clerical body known as the Assembly of Experts has selected Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new Supreme Leader. Although he’s not a top-ranking cleric, he has deep ties to the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and has long been called “the power behind the robes.”  Karim Sadjadpour, an Iran expert and senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace discusses the implications of the selection with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

The powerful clerical body known as the Assembly of Experts has selected Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new Supreme Leader. Although he’s not a top-ranking cleric, he has deep ties to the country’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and has long been called “the power behind the robes.”  Karim Sadjadpour, an Iran expert and senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace discusses the implications of the selection with The World’s Host Marco Werman.

Iran selects new hardliner Supreme Leader

The US and Israel carried out the most intense round of airstrikes on Iran on Friday. Residents in the capital, Tehran, report multiple explosions around the city. At least 1,000 people have been killed so far in those attacks, according to the country’s Red Crescent Society. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

The US and Israel carried out the most intense round of airstrikes on Iran on Friday. Residents in the capital, Tehran, report multiple explosions around the city. At least 1,000 people have been killed so far in those attacks, according to the country’s Red Crescent Society. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Life under bombs in Iran

After a week of near-constant sirens and retaliatory attacks from Iran and now Hezbollah, life is still completely disrupted across Israel, especially in the northern region, where strikes are most frequent. New polling shows how the Israeli public is responding. Reporter Noga Tarnopolsky gives Host Carolyn Beeler a ground's-eye view from Israel.

After a week of near-constant sirens and retaliatory attacks from Iran and now Hezbollah, life is still completely disrupted across Israel, especially in the northern region, where strikes are most frequent. New polling shows how the Israeli public is responding. Reporter Noga Tarnopolsky gives Host Carolyn Beeler a ground's-eye view from Israel.

How war is affecting daily life — and public opinion — in Israel

“Please Don’t Touch The Art” is sort of a golden rule at museums and exhibitions, but Berlin-based artist Joseph Marr has a to deal with a slightly different issue: People have been licking his sculptures. It doesn’t help that, for over a decade, his medium has been sugar. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from the artist himself.

“Please Don’t Touch The Art” is sort of a golden rule at museums and exhibitions, but Berlin-based artist Joseph Marr has a to deal with a slightly different issue: People have been licking his sculptures. It doesn’t help that, for over a decade, his medium has been sugar. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler learned more from the artist himself.

This artist's sculptures are made of sugar — and people won't stop licking them

Some of the most famous buildings in the world are made from earth and clay, and they date back thousands of years. Now earth homes are making a comeback, as engineers try to reduce carbon emissions. Manuel Rueda has the story from Colombia.This story originally aired on Feb. 18, 2025.

Some of the most famous buildings in the world are made from earth and clay, and they date back thousands of years. Now earth homes are making a comeback, as engineers try to reduce carbon emissions. Manuel Rueda has the story from Colombia.
This story originally aired on Feb. 18, 2025.

Ancient building technology of rammed earth is coming back

Cursed by a climate that does not produce ice, the Vallvidrera Curling Club has never actually competed. But the farcical squad has gained notoriety for its deadpan adherence to its gag of a team, despite only meeting once a year for a big meal. A group of Canadian teams in Winnipeg has invited the Catalans over to play — and learn — while a film crew follows, making a documentary. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Cursed by a climate that does not produce ice, the Vallvidrera Curling Club has never actually competed. But the farcical squad has gained notoriety for its deadpan adherence to its gag of a team, despite only meeting once a year for a big meal. A group of Canadian teams in Winnipeg has invited the Catalans over to play — and learn — while a film crew follows, making a documentary. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona.

Catalan curlers in Canada for first-ever match

The war in the Middle East is just under a week old, but the history of US intervention in Iran dates back to the 1950s. We take a step back to look at the history of relations between Iran and the United States with Naghmeh Sohrabi, a professor of Middle East history at Brandeis University. She joins Host Carolyn Beeler to explain.

The war in the Middle East is just under a week old, but the history of US intervention in Iran dates back to the 1950s. We take a step back to look at the history of relations between Iran and the United States with Naghmeh Sohrabi, a professor of Middle East history at Brandeis University. She joins Host Carolyn Beeler to explain.

A brief history of US, Israeli and Iranian relations

Live classical music is usually a formal affair. But one family in Prague is changing things up with relaxed concerts in their living room. Reporter Rob Cameron, from Deutsche Welle, DW, brings us the story.

Live classical music is usually a formal affair. But one family in Prague is changing things up with relaxed concerts in their living room. Reporter Rob Cameron, from Deutsche Welle, DW, brings us the story.

Formal concerts in informal places

New Bedford, Massachusetts, is know for its whaling and fishing industry. It's also known for it's large and vibrant Portuguese community. A new podcast called "Catching the Codfather" looks at one man who left Portugal for New Bedford in 1968 and began working in the fishing industry. By the 1980s he was a multi-millionaire. Then the IRS came calling. Host Ian Coss offers this excerpt from the podcast.

New Bedford, Massachusetts, is know for its whaling and fishing industry. It's also known for it's large and vibrant Portuguese community. A new podcast called "Catching the Codfather" looks at one man who left Portugal for New Bedford in 1968 and began working in the fishing industry. By the 1980s he was a multi-millionaire. Then the IRS came calling. Host Ian Coss offers this excerpt from the podcast.

'Catching the Codfather' in New Bedford's Portuguese community

An art exhibition in the Czech Republic's capital Prague is causing a good bit of consternation. It details the political struggle for cultural expression in neighboring Slovakia. The exhibition is called “Free National Gallery — Description of a Struggle" and documents the dismissals, resignations, strikes and standoffs in Slovakia under the populist government of current Prime Minister Robert Fico. From Prague, Deutsche Welle, DW's, Rob Cameron reports.

An art exhibition in the Czech Republic's capital Prague is causing a good bit of consternation. It details the political struggle for cultural expression in neighboring Slovakia. The exhibition is called “Free National Gallery — Description of a Struggle" and documents the dismissals, resignations, strikes and standoffs in Slovakia under the populist government of current Prime Minister Robert Fico. From Prague, Deutsche Welle, DW's, Rob Cameron reports.

Descriptions of struggle at an art exhibition in Prague

What began as a US-Israeli campaign against Iran within the Middle East is spreading far beyond the region. It now includes Iranian drones striking an airport in Azerbaijan, NATO forces shooting down a missile headed toward Turkish airspace and a US submarine sinking an Iranian frigate in the Indian Ocean. Ali Vaez, Iran Project Director at the International Crisis Group, speaks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about how and why the conflict is expanding.

What began as a US-Israeli campaign against Iran within the Middle East is spreading far beyond the region. It now includes Iranian drones striking an airport in Azerbaijan, NATO forces shooting down a missile headed toward Turkish airspace and a US submarine sinking an Iranian frigate in the Indian Ocean. Ali Vaez, Iran Project Director at the International Crisis Group, speaks with The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler about how and why the conflict is expanding.

Iran war spills beyond borders

In South Korea, food waste already gets recycled on trash day. That's the law — no food sent the way of the landfill. But that hasn't cut back on the amount of food waste coming out of people's kitchens in the first place. Jason Strother reports from Seoul on the latest attempt to change that.

In South Korea, food waste already gets recycled on trash day. That's the law — no food sent the way of the landfill. But that hasn't cut back on the amount of food waste coming out of people's kitchens in the first place. Jason Strother reports from Seoul on the latest attempt to change that.

South Korea tries financial incentives to cut down on food waste

Earlier in the show, we heard about the rings of expansion in the fighting that began over the weekend. Now, Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler catch you up on some of the political developments we've been watching in this war over the last 24 hours.

Earlier in the show, we heard about the rings of expansion in the fighting that began over the weekend. Now, Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler catch you up on some of the political developments we've been watching in this war over the last 24 hours.

A recap of today's news on the US-Israeli war in Iran

Catrín Finch is a world renowned harpist from Wales. She is known for her collaborations, but her newest recording is a solo project. It features recent works that Finch, now in her 40s, composed and dedicated to her 13-year-old self. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler offer some soothing sounds from Finch’s latest recording, "Note to Self."

Catrín Finch is a world renowned harpist from Wales. She is known for her collaborations, but her newest recording is a solo project. It features recent works that Finch, now in her 40s, composed and dedicated to her 13-year-old self. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler offer some soothing sounds from Finch’s latest recording, "Note to Self."

Welsh harpist records 'Note to Self'

Thousands of Africans have fought in Ukraine over the past four years of war. Exact numbers are hazy, but Ukraine estimates that over 1,700 are actively serving Russia today, and Kenya's intelligence service says over a thousand of its citizens have fought. Last week, Ghana's foreign minister said at least 55 Ghanaians have died in the war. Kúnlé Adébàjò is editor of the African Academy for Open Source Investigations. He's the lead researcher on a recent dossier looking into African casualties in the war in Ukraine. He joined the show from the Nigerian capital Abuja.

Thousands of Africans have fought in Ukraine over the past four years of war. Exact numbers are hazy, but Ukraine estimates that over 1,700 are actively serving Russia today, and Kenya's intelligence service says over a thousand of its citizens have fought. Last week, Ghana's foreign minister said at least 55 Ghanaians have died in the war. Kúnlé Adébàjò is editor of the African Academy for Open Source Investigations. He's the lead researcher on a recent dossier looking into African casualties in the war in Ukraine. He joined the show from the Nigerian capital Abuja.

How Russia recruits Africans to fight in Ukraine

In northern latitudes and high altitudes, the permafrost layer is a layer of earth that stays frozen year round. It's that layer of permafrost that holds many mountain summits together. As climate change drives up global temperatures, much of that permafrost is starting to thaw. That thawing in turn loosens the soil, which can collapse and turn into landslides. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek is in Alaska, where he spent time with a man creating an early warning system for landslides to help communities there prepare. He tells Host Carolyn Beeler all about what he learned.

In northern latitudes and high altitudes, the permafrost layer is a layer of earth that stays frozen year round. It's that layer of permafrost that holds many mountain summits together. As climate change drives up global temperatures, much of that permafrost is starting to thaw. That thawing in turn loosens the soil, which can collapse and turn into landslides. National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek is in Alaska, where he spent time with a man creating an early warning system for landslides to help communities there prepare. He tells Host Carolyn Beeler all about what he learned.

As climate change melts permafrost, landslides are becoming more dangerous

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has forbidden the US from using its two American bases in Spain to support the Iran attacks. Trump has threatened to cut economic ties with Spain in retaliation. But as The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona, that's not very likely to happen.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez has forbidden the US from using its two American bases in Spain to support the Iran attacks. Trump has threatened to cut economic ties with Spain in retaliation. But as The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona, that's not very likely to happen.

Spain condemns US-Israeli war on Iran, angers Trump

Israel has ordered people in dozens of border villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate “immediately.” It has carried out airstrikes on the suburbs of Beirut. Israel says its attacks are in response to Hezbollah’s firing of rockets and drones into northern Israel, killing more than 50 people. Hezbollah, which is a strong supporter of the Iranian government, carried out the attacks in retaliation for Israel’s war in Iran, and the killing of the country’s Supreme Leader over the weekend.

Israel has ordered people in dozens of border villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate “immediately.” It has carried out airstrikes on the suburbs of Beirut. Israel says its attacks are in response to Hezbollah’s firing of rockets and drones into northern Israel, killing more than 50 people. Hezbollah, which is a strong supporter of the Iranian government, carried out the attacks in retaliation for Israel’s war in Iran, and the killing of the country’s Supreme Leader over the weekend.

After Iran, Israel attacks Lebanon

For decades, Washington has pressured Havana to open its economy to private investment. Those calls grew more urgent in recent weeks as the US oil blockade pushed Cuba’s economy into a tailspin. Now, the Trump administration has begun easing certain trade restrictions, while officials on the island are making overtures to the nascent private sector. Ricardo Herrero of the Cuba Study Group discusses the implications with The World’s Carolyn Beeler.

For decades, Washington has pressured Havana to open its economy to private investment. Those calls grew more urgent in recent weeks as the US oil blockade pushed Cuba’s economy into a tailspin. Now, the Trump administration has begun easing certain trade restrictions, while officials on the island are making overtures to the nascent private sector. Ricardo Herrero of the Cuba Study Group discusses the implications with The World’s Carolyn Beeler.

Cuba's private businesses navigate a narrow opening

Anti-government demonstrations last September in Nepal, largely driven by college students, saw 76 people dead and the government dissolved. Now, some six months later, the country is holding elections this weekend. One of the big winners is expected be a 35-year-old rapper and former mayor of Kathmandu. From the Nepalese capital, Danielle Preiss reports.

Anti-government demonstrations last September in Nepal, largely driven by college students, saw 76 people dead and the government dissolved. Now, some six months later, the country is holding elections this weekend. One of the big winners is expected be a 35-year-old rapper and former mayor of Kathmandu. From the Nepalese capital, Danielle Preiss reports.

Gen Z turns the tide in Nepali politics

The war waged by Israel and the US on Iran is fast-changing and fast-expanding. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman share some of the most recent developments we're keeping our eyes on.

The war waged by Israel and the US on Iran is fast-changing and fast-expanding. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman share some of the most recent developments we're keeping our eyes on.

Last update on Iran war

Police in the UK have arrested 3 men accused of spying for the Chinese government. The accused include the partner of a sitting member of Parliament. The World's Marco Werman spoke with Kerry Brown, director of the Lau China Institute at King's College London, about the arrests and the larger UK-China relationship.

Police in the UK have arrested 3 men accused of spying for the Chinese government. The accused include the partner of a sitting member of Parliament. The World's Marco Werman spoke with Kerry Brown, director of the Lau China Institute at King's College London, about the arrests and the larger UK-China relationship.

UK arrests 3 people on suspicion of spying for China

Peru has seen significant rain and flooding for the past several weeks, resulting in damaged infrastructure and 68 confirmed deaths so far. Local authorities have linked these rains to the start of a coastal El Niño. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with scientist Pedro Rau about what's happening.

Peru has seen significant rain and flooding for the past several weeks, resulting in damaged infrastructure and 68 confirmed deaths so far. Local authorities have linked these rains to the start of a coastal El Niño. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with scientist Pedro Rau about what's happening.