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.

Most of us live in a world overflowing with sound: whirring bedroom fans, engines revving, cicadas chirping. But sometimes those sounds aren't just noise. They can also tell more pressing stories about the world around us. An installation at this year’s Momentum Biennale in Norway explores the connections between nature, global issues and sound. Our reporting partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, sent Lars Bevanger to lend an ear.

Most of us live in a world overflowing with sound: whirring bedroom fans, engines revving, cicadas chirping. But sometimes those sounds aren't just noise. They can also tell more pressing stories about the world around us. An installation at this year’s Momentum Biennale in Norway explores the connections between nature, global issues and sound. Our reporting partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, sent Lars Bevanger to lend an ear.

The soundtrack of daily life becomes art in Norway

Representatives from Israel and Hamas are meeting indirectly in Egypt today to talk about an end to the war in Gaza. At the center of the talks is a 20-point plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, which includes details about the release of hostages, future governance in Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about the latest.

Representatives from Israel and Hamas are meeting indirectly in Egypt today to talk about an end to the war in Gaza. At the center of the talks is a 20-point plan proposed by US President Donald Trump, which includes details about the release of hostages, future governance in Gaza and the disarmament of Hamas. The World’s Shirin Jaafari speaks with Host Marco Werman about the latest.

Negotiations over Gaza begin in Egypt

A Russian drone and missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Lviv was one of the most serious attacks on the city since Russia's full-scale invasion. On Monday, both Russian and Ukrainian officials reported a sizeable response from Ukraine, with attacks over 12 Russian territories. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

A Russian drone and missile strike on the Ukrainian city of Lviv was one of the most serious attacks on the city since Russia's full-scale invasion. On Monday, both Russian and Ukrainian officials reported a sizeable response from Ukraine, with attacks over 12 Russian territories. The World's Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

Massive cross-border attacks in Ukraine and Russia

Millions of Muslims live in Russia, more than any European country. In many parts of Russia, people have practiced Islam for centuries. These are regions that used to be independent, where many different ethnic groups have lived alongside Slavic Russians. Many Russian citizens in these regions are proud of their ethnic and religious identity — even if they’re no longer practicing. Levi Bridges has this look at how some young Muslims in western Russia are straddling national, ethnic and religious identities.

Millions of Muslims live in Russia, more than any European country. In many parts of Russia, people have practiced Islam for centuries. These are regions that used to be independent, where many different ethnic groups have lived alongside Slavic Russians. Many Russian citizens in these regions are proud of their ethnic and religious identity — even if they’re no longer practicing. Levi Bridges has this look at how some young Muslims in western Russia are straddling national, ethnic and religious identities.

In the shadow of war, Russia's Muslim population is growing rapidly

Earnest Shackleton's 1914 expedition to Antarctica is a legendary story of survival; his ship, the Endurance, was stuck and crushed by pack ice before sinking into the Weddell Sea. He and his crew were stranded for nearly three years before being rescued. Now, new research provides details on the fate of the Endurance; namely, that the ship itself was not strong enough for the conditions, and that Shackleton knew it. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Jukka Tuhkuri of Aalto University about his research on the structural problems with the ship.

Earnest Shackleton's 1914 expedition to Antarctica is a legendary story of survival; his ship, the Endurance, was stuck and crushed by pack ice before sinking into the Weddell Sea. He and his crew were stranded for nearly three years before being rescued. Now, new research provides details on the fate of the Endurance; namely, that the ship itself was not strong enough for the conditions, and that Shackleton knew it. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Jukka Tuhkuri of Aalto University about his research on the structural problems with the ship.

A story of survival on an Antarctic expedition

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman survey some global headlines flying under the radar.

Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman survey some global headlines flying under the radar.

Things you might have missed

India has the largest population of wild Asian elephants. Now, for the first time, elephants can be seen in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh as they're being pushed out of their natural habitats for varying reasons. This has led to more human-elephant encounters, which can be trouble, as reporter Namrata Kolachalam found out while tracing a herd in Chittoor in the first of two stories from the region. Support for this series comes from Internews Earth Journalism Network.

India has the largest population of wild Asian elephants. Now, for the first time, elephants can be seen in the southern state of Andhra Pradesh as they're being pushed out of their natural habitats for varying reasons. This has led to more human-elephant encounters, which can be trouble, as reporter Namrata Kolachalam found out while tracing a herd in Chittoor in the first of two stories from the region.
Support for this series comes from Internews Earth Journalism Network.

Indian elephants pushed out of natural habitats in India

The calls to ban Israel from international competitions have grown as the war in Gaza has dragged on. But there’s been a notable uptick since a few weeks ago, when a UN commission of inquiry said Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

The calls to ban Israel from international competitions have grown as the war in Gaza has dragged on. But there’s been a notable uptick since a few weeks ago, when a UN commission of inquiry said Israel has committed genocide in Gaza. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

Growing calls to ban Israel from international soccer

South African prosecutors are reopening an inquest into the death of the prominent anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, nearly 50 years after he died in police custody. Biko was the founder of South Africa's Black Consciousness Movement. He died in a prison cell in 1977, at age 30. Elna Schütz reports from Johannesburg.

South African prosecutors are reopening an inquest into the death of the prominent anti-apartheid activist Steve Biko, nearly 50 years after he died in police custody. Biko was the founder of South Africa's Black Consciousness Movement. He died in a prison cell in 1977, at age 30. Elna Schütz reports from Johannesburg.

South Africa opens inquest into 1977 death of activist Steve Biko

Adults-only venues — particularly hotels and restaurants — are on the rise in France, where more than half of adults like the idea of a buffer from child's play. But some experts, and government officials, see banning kids from certain spaces as not just cruel, but detrimental to society. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Perpignan on a new government campaign to bring kids back into the fold.

Adults-only venues — particularly hotels and restaurants — are on the rise in France, where more than half of adults like the idea of a buffer from child's play. But some experts, and government officials, see banning kids from certain spaces as not just cruel, but detrimental to society. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Perpignan on a new government campaign to bring kids back into the fold.

France pushes back against no-kids rules

Lithuania's capital city, Vilnius, unveiled what it's calling the first-ever electric passenger riverboats. The catamaran-style boats can hold 32 people, and they do a 30-50 minute loop. The city's mayor is trumpeting the new service as an environmental and economic boon, but as Host Carolyn Beeler explains, some see it as a boondoggle.

Lithuania's capital city, Vilnius, unveiled what it's calling the first-ever electric passenger riverboats. The catamaran-style boats can hold 32 people, and they do a 30-50 minute loop. The city's mayor is trumpeting the new service as an environmental and economic boon, but as Host Carolyn Beeler explains, some see it as a boondoggle.

The old-fashioned ferry goes electric on Lithuania's Neris River

The government in Egypt has approved the biggest rent overhaul in decades. It plans to do away with rent caps and rules that let tenants and their heirs stay in their homes forever. Renters worry the change will mean they will be priced out. Landlords say this change is long overdue. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

The government in Egypt has approved the biggest rent overhaul in decades. It plans to do away with rent caps and rules that let tenants and their heirs stay in their homes forever. Renters worry the change will mean they will be priced out. Landlords say this change is long overdue. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

The end of decades-old rent caps in Egypt

Young people across Morocco have taken to the streets to protest the shortcomings of the country's health and education systems. A violent government crackdown has left at least three people dead. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Moroccan journalist Aboubakr Jamaï about the developing story. He's currently dean of the Donna Dillon Manning School of Global Affairs in Madrid.

Young people across Morocco have taken to the streets to protest the shortcomings of the country's health and education systems. A violent government crackdown has left at least three people dead. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Moroccan journalist Aboubakr Jamaï about the developing story. He's currently dean of the Donna Dillon Manning School of Global Affairs in Madrid.

Morocco's Gen Z protests decry inadequate health care and education

The Church of England has appointed Sarah Mullally, the current bishop of London, to become the next Archbishop of Canterbury. This is the first time a woman has held the position. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Karen O'Donnell, dean and lecturer at the theological college Wescott House in Cambridge, UK, about the significance of this appointment amid a fractured Anglican church.

The Church of England has appointed Sarah Mullally, the current bishop of London, to become the next Archbishop of Canterbury. This is the first time a woman has held the position. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Karen O'Donnell, dean and lecturer at the theological college Wescott House in Cambridge, UK, about the significance of this appointment amid a fractured Anglican church.

Church of England appoints Sarah Mullally as first female Archbishop of Canterbury

Local politicians in Vasteras, Sweden, have voted to ask the national government to close down a Russian Orthodox church they believe is being used by the Kremlin as a spy hub. Supporters of the church say the parish and its followers are being treated unfairly due to Russophobia. Security Correspondent for Deutsche Welle, DW, Teri Schultz traveled to Vasteras to hear their stories.

Local politicians in Vasteras, Sweden, have voted to ask the national government to close down a Russian Orthodox church they believe is being used by the Kremlin as a spy hub. Supporters of the church say the parish and its followers are being treated unfairly due to Russophobia. Security Correspondent for Deutsche Welle, DW, Teri Schultz traveled to Vasteras to hear their stories.

Sweden's 'spy church'

The WNBA has been growing internationally for years, and this season, scores of global talent made a name for themselves on the hardwood. A few are even competing in the WNBA Finals, which start tonight. But as The World's Bianca Hillier reports, players say the growth of the game isn't being matched with higher salaries.

The WNBA has been growing internationally for years, and this season, scores of global talent made a name for themselves on the hardwood. A few are even competing in the WNBA Finals, which start tonight. But as The World's Bianca Hillier reports, players say the growth of the game isn't being matched with higher salaries.

International players to watch in WNBA Finals

China wants to import more blueberries. Zimbabwe wants to export more of them. A new trade agreement will allow just that — and it will make Zimbabwean blueberries tariff free. Host Marco Werman speaks with Valeria Piñeiro, senior research coordinator at the International Food Policy Research Institute, about ongoing shifts in the global food supply chain.

China wants to import more blueberries. Zimbabwe wants to export more of them. A new trade agreement will allow just that — and it will make Zimbabwean blueberries tariff free. Host Marco Werman speaks with Valeria Piñeiro, senior research coordinator at the International Food Policy Research Institute, about ongoing shifts in the global food supply chain.

Zimbabwe steps up production of blueberries, with help from China

We revisit a favorite story about a legendary singing couple from Mali, Amadou &amp; Mariam. It centers on their 2024 single, "Mogolu," which means "the people" in the Bambara language. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.This story originally aired on July 17, 2024.

We revisit a favorite story about a legendary singing couple from Mali, Amadou & Mariam. It centers on their 2024 single, "Mogolu," which means "the people" in the Bambara language. Host Carolyn Beeler has more.
This story originally aired on July 17, 2024.

Amadou & Mariam fuse traditional Malian music with rock ’n’ roll

This week is supposed to be all laughs in Saudi Arabia’s capital, where the Riyadh Comedy Festival is entering its second week. It's billing itself as “the world’s biggest comedy festival” — and big names are headlining. But Abdullah Alaoudh told The World's Host Marco Werman that the event sits uncomfortably alongside the Saudi government's notorious human rights abuses. The senior director on Countering Authoritarianism at the Middle East Democracy Center in Washington explains that the event is a state-funded distraction from the government's human rights abuses.

This week is supposed to be all laughs in Saudi Arabia’s capital, where the Riyadh Comedy Festival is entering its second week. It's billing itself as “the world’s biggest comedy festival” — and big names are headlining. But Abdullah Alaoudh told The World's Host Marco Werman that the event sits uncomfortably alongside the Saudi government's notorious human rights abuses. The senior director on Countering Authoritarianism at the Middle East Democracy Center in Washington explains that the event is a state-funded distraction from the government's human rights abuses.

A Saudi dissident weighs in on comedy festival controversy

The Arctic is warming faster than anywhere else on Earth, which means communities living there are already adapting to changing climate conditions. In Tasiilaq, a town of about 2,000 people in remote East Greenland, subsistence hunting and fishing are still major sources of food and livelihood, and shrinking seal hunting seasons due to smaller ice floes coming down the fjord in the summer are changing what — and how — locals hunt, fish and get around. The World's Carolyn Beeler brings us the story.

The Arctic is warming faster than anywhere else on Earth, which means communities living there are already adapting to changing climate conditions. In Tasiilaq, a town of about 2,000 people in remote East Greenland, subsistence hunting and fishing are still major sources of food and livelihood, and shrinking seal hunting seasons due to smaller ice floes coming down the fjord in the summer are changing what — and how — locals hunt, fish and get around. The World's Carolyn Beeler brings us the story.

Climate change fuels adaptation in remote East Greenland

The Israeli military has stopped a large aid flotilla — with dozens of boats and more than 400 activists. It had been heading toward the shores of the Gaza Strip. Live-streamed videos showed Israeli forces boarding boats and detaining passengers and crew. The government there says it will now deport them. The multinational Sumud Flotilla left from Barcelona, Spain, over a month ago with a goal of breaking Israel’s naval blockade and delivering food and medicine to Palestinians in Gaza. From Barcelona, The World’s Gerry Hadden reports.

The Israeli military has stopped a large aid flotilla — with dozens of boats and more than 400 activists. It had been heading toward the shores of the Gaza Strip. Live-streamed videos showed Israeli forces boarding boats and detaining passengers and crew. The government there says it will now deport them. The multinational Sumud Flotilla left from Barcelona, Spain, over a month ago with a goal of breaking Israel’s naval blockade and delivering food and medicine to Palestinians in Gaza. From Barcelona, The World’s Gerry Hadden reports.

Israel stops Sumud aid flotilla, arrests activists

Brazilians are the largest immigrant community in Massachusetts. They are also being arrested in larger numbers by federal agents across the state since US President Donald Trump returned to office. GBH's Phillip Martin says fear is ricocheting through the community — even among those who once supported Trump during his election.

Brazilians are the largest immigrant community in Massachusetts. They are also being arrested in larger numbers by federal agents across the state since US President Donald Trump returned to office. GBH's Phillip Martin says fear is ricocheting through the community — even among those who once supported Trump during his election.

Arrests of Brazilians in the United States

Japan's Asahi beer manufacturer recently announced plans to expand its European distribution. But the company has also been battling a cyberattack that halted operations in Japan. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

Japan's Asahi beer manufacturer recently announced plans to expand its European distribution. But the company has also been battling a cyberattack that halted operations in Japan. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

Turbulent week for Japanese beer maker

Citizens of Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines can now live and work in any of the four countries without requirements for visas, residency permits or other extensive paperwork. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Rosalea Hamilton, founding director of Jamaica's Institute of Law and Economics in Kingston, about the plan.

Citizens of Barbados, Belize, Dominica and St. Vincent and the Grenadines can now live and work in any of the four countries without requirements for visas, residency permits or other extensive paperwork. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke with Rosalea Hamilton, founding director of Jamaica's Institute of Law and Economics in Kingston, about the plan.

New policy allows free movement among four Caribbean countries

Two people died and four others were seriously injured after an attack at a synagogue in Manchester in the UK. British police shot and killed the attacker and said they are treating the incident as a terrorist attack. The assault took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to step up security at synagogues across Britain. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry joined host Marco Werman with the latest.

Two people died and four others were seriously injured after an attack at a synagogue in Manchester in the UK. British police shot and killed the attacker and said they are treating the incident as a terrorist attack. The assault took place on Yom Kippur, the holiest day in the Jewish calendar. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to step up security at synagogues across Britain. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry joined host Marco Werman with the latest.

Deadly attack hits Manchester synagogue during holiest day of Jewish year

Scientist and global activist Jane Goodall, who turned her childhood love of primates into a lifelong quest for protecting the environment, died on Wednesday at the age of 91. Goodall died of natural causes, the Jane Goodall Institute said in a social media post. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

Scientist and global activist Jane Goodall, who turned her childhood love of primates into a lifelong quest for protecting the environment, died on Wednesday at the age of 91. Goodall died of natural causes, the Jane Goodall Institute said in a social media post. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have more.

Global activist Jane Goodall dies

A new musical in London is revisiting the history of Britain’s Black Power movement and the secret police unit that worked to undermine it. "Black Power Desk," which takes its name from a covert Scotland Yard operation launched in the 1960s, explores how authorities attempted to infiltrate and destabilize the movement’s leaders. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

A new musical in London is revisiting the history of Britain’s Black Power movement and the secret police unit that worked to undermine it. "Black Power Desk," which takes its name from a covert Scotland Yard operation launched in the 1960s, explores how authorities attempted to infiltrate and destabilize the movement’s leaders. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry has more.

'Black Power Desk': Musical sheds light on secret Scotland Yard operation

Pope Leo XIV delivered his most extensive comments yet on climate change and the environment today. He spoke at a three-day Catholic conference outside of Rome, 10 years after the ground-breaking papal teaching on the environment from Pope Francis. Leo called on Catholics and "people of good faith" around the world to build on that legacy. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

Pope Leo XIV delivered his most extensive comments yet on climate change and the environment today. He spoke at a three-day Catholic conference outside of Rome, 10 years after the ground-breaking papal teaching on the environment from Pope Francis. Leo called on Catholics and "people of good faith" around the world to build on that legacy. The World's Matthew Bell reports.

On climate change, Pope Leo wants to build on the legacy of Francis

Rangers, firefighters and members of Namibia's military have successfully contained a wildfire in Etosha National Park. The fire burned nearly a third of the park and lasted a week. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Pauline Lindeque, the World Wildlife Fund's Namibia Director of Wildlife and Landscape, about the impact this has had on biodiversity in the nature reserve.

Rangers, firefighters and members of Namibia's military have successfully contained a wildfire in Etosha National Park. The fire burned nearly a third of the park and lasted a week. The World's Host Marco Werman speaks with Pauline Lindeque, the World Wildlife Fund's Namibia Director of Wildlife and Landscape, about the impact this has had on biodiversity in the nature reserve.

Wildfire destroys a third of Etosha National Park in Namibia

People in Afghanistan say the internet has been partially restored. This comes after two days of a complete shutdown of the internet across the country. The Taliban restricted access, saying that it can lead to immoral behavior. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

People in Afghanistan say the internet has been partially restored. This comes after two days of a complete shutdown of the internet across the country. The Taliban restricted access, saying that it can lead to immoral behavior. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.