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.

Spain is one place where the need for workers is high — 24 million by 2050, according to the country's central bank. But the backlash against a record number of migrants arriving clandestinely is also up. Spain's prime minister has been visiting West African nations to shore up the fight against human smugglers, and trying to spread the recent arrivals around Spain equally, sometimes causing consternation. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Spain is one place where the need for workers is high — 24 million by 2050, according to the country's central bank. But the backlash against a record number of migrants arriving clandestinely is also up. Spain's prime minister has been visiting West African nations to shore up the fight against human smugglers, and trying to spread the recent arrivals around Spain equally, sometimes causing consternation. The World's Gerry Hadden reports.

Europe needs foreign workers, even as xenophobia rises

Around the world, people visit butterfly exhibits and museums to learn about the important role these insects play in the environment. But where do these butterflies come from? Near the Arabuko-Sokoke forest along Kenya's coast, farmers are breeding butterflies for export abroad. They say it's helping to conserve their environment. The World's Africa Correspondent Halima Gikandi reports from Kilifi County.

Around the world, people visit butterfly exhibits and museums to learn about the important role these insects play in the environment. But where do these butterflies come from? Near the Arabuko-Sokoke forest along Kenya's coast, farmers are breeding butterflies for export abroad. They say it's helping to conserve their environment. The World's Africa Correspondent Halima Gikandi reports from Kilifi County.

Butterfly farming in Kenya

Earlier this summer at the Paris Olympics, Novak Djokovic and Zheng Qinwen took home gold medals in the tennis singles competition. But both of the newly minted Olympic champions are now out of the running at the US Open in New York. The World’s Bianca Hillier reports on the final Grand Slam of 2024.

Earlier this summer at the Paris Olympics, Novak Djokovic and Zheng Qinwen took home gold medals in the tennis singles competition. But both of the newly minted Olympic champions are now out of the running at the US Open in New York. The World’s Bianca Hillier reports on the final Grand Slam of 2024.

Newly minted Olympic champions out at US open

The Israeli military has carried out intense operations in the occupied West Bank over the past 10 days. It has launched air and ground attacks, leaving a trail of destruction. The military says it going after militants. It says it has found weapons storage locations and dismantled explosives in the area. Palestinians say Israeli forces have killed at least 40 people, including a 16-year-old girl and an American activist. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

The Israeli military has carried out intense operations in the occupied West Bank over the past 10 days. It has launched air and ground attacks, leaving a trail of destruction. The military says it going after militants. It says it has found weapons storage locations and dismantled explosives in the area. Palestinians say Israeli forces have killed at least 40 people, including a 16-year-old girl and an American activist. The World’s Shirin Jaafari reports.

Israeli forces increase attacks in the occupied West Bank

A man in the south of France is now on trial for drugging his wife and then inviting dozens of men to rape her, over the course of nearly a decade. The case has shocked France and renewed calls for the country to redefine rape as sex without consent rather than intercourse committed by "violence, coercion, threat or surprise." Carolyn Beeler speaks to Anne-Cécile Mailfert, president of Fondation Des Femmes,  the Women's Foundation, which raises funds to support groups specializing in women's rights and fighting violence against women.

A man in the south of France is now on trial for drugging his wife and then inviting dozens of men to rape her, over the course of nearly a decade. The case has shocked France and renewed calls for the country to redefine rape as sex without consent rather than intercourse committed by "violence, coercion, threat or surprise." Carolyn Beeler speaks to Anne-Cécile Mailfert, president of Fondation Des Femmes,  the Women's Foundation, which raises funds to support groups specializing in women's rights and fighting violence against women.

European nations grapple with definition of rape

When musician Keturah left Monza, a remote village in Malawi, she was just 14-years-old. She was a young teen with the big dream of recording a song. It's a musical origin story not unlike that other young prodigy who is now the biggest musician on the planet: Taylor Swift. But this is Keturah's story.

When musician Keturah left Monza, a remote village in Malawi, she was just 14-years-old. She was a young teen with the big dream of recording a song. It's a musical origin story not unlike that other young prodigy who is now the biggest musician on the planet: Taylor Swift. But this is Keturah's story.

A musical origin story from Malawi not unlike Taylor Swift

The NFL is a uniquely American sports league. But that hasn't stopped it from trying to expand globally. It's held games in Europe and Mexico previously and, this year, it will hold a game in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for the very first time. Host Carol Hills speaks with Lisa Delpy Neirotti, a professor of sports management and marketing at George Washington University, about the motivations pushing American sports leagues to expand beyond US borders.

The NFL is a uniquely American sports league. But that hasn't stopped it from trying to expand globally. It's held games in Europe and Mexico previously and, this year, it will hold a game in Sao Paulo, Brazil, for the very first time. Host Carol Hills speaks with Lisa Delpy Neirotti, a professor of sports management and marketing at George Washington University, about the motivations pushing American sports leagues to expand beyond US borders.

NFL holds first-ever regular season game in Brazil

Tiny Easdale Island in Scotland — population: 62 — is hosting its annual World Stone Skimming Championship, in which hundreds of participants from around the globe compete. Hosts Carol Hills and Carolyn Beeler explain the rules for Saturday's contest, which include the requirement that your skimming stones come from the island, home of an abandoned slate quarry that is now flooded, where the event takes place.

Tiny Easdale Island in Scotland — population: 62 — is hosting its annual World Stone Skimming Championship, in which hundreds of participants from around the globe compete. Hosts Carol Hills and Carolyn Beeler explain the rules for Saturday's contest, which include the requirement that your skimming stones come from the island, home of an abandoned slate quarry that is now flooded, where the event takes place.

World's stone skimming championship

The Dachstein glacier in Austria is nearly 9,000 feet high. But scientists say that it's likely to melt completely by the end of this century. An artist from Cleveland, Ohio, was commissioned to create a work of art that would give the glacier a voice, with a warning about the impacts of climate change. Reporter Jamie Fullerton has the story.

The Dachstein glacier in Austria is nearly 9,000 feet high. But scientists say that it's likely to melt completely by the end of this century. An artist from Cleveland, Ohio, was commissioned to create a work of art that would give the glacier a voice, with a warning about the impacts of climate change. Reporter Jamie Fullerton has the story.

In rural Austria, someone wants you to hear the sound of a glacier crying

Balneario Camboriu is a city in southern Brazil that likes to boast of having the biggest and the best. It’s known as Brazil’s "Dubai" for the rows of sky scrapers that line its beachfront. It’s home to the three tallest buildings in Brazil, which are also on the list of the top five tallest buildings in Latin America. It also has the most expensive real estate by average square feet in Brazil.

Balneario Camboriu is a city in southern Brazil that likes to boast of having the biggest and the best. It’s known as Brazil’s "Dubai" for the rows of sky scrapers that line its beachfront. It’s home to the three tallest buildings in Brazil, which are also on the list of the top five tallest buildings in Latin America. It also has the most expensive real estate by average square feet in Brazil.

Brazil’s 'Dubai' has a new inspiration: Orlando

A new film by Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar called "The Room Next Door" has rekindled the debate around euthanasia and how and when it’s used around the world. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with University of Utah medical ethicist Margaret Battin, the author of "Ending Life:  Ethics and the Way We Die."

A new film by Spanish director Pedro Almodóvar called "The Room Next Door" has rekindled the debate around euthanasia and how and when it’s used around the world. The World’s Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with University of Utah medical ethicist Margaret Battin, the author of "Ending Life:  Ethics and the Way We Die."

Revisiting the debate around euthanasia

A collection of 1,984 copies of George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984" is currently on tour around Europe. When the tour ends, though, organizers hope the collection finds a permanent home on the Scottish island of Jura, where Orwell lived. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

A collection of 1,984 copies of George Orwell's dystopian novel "1984" is currently on tour around Europe. When the tour ends, though, organizers hope the collection finds a permanent home on the Scottish island of Jura, where Orwell lived. Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler have the details.

'1984' library seeks permanent home on Scottish island where Orwell lived

Mummies are huge draws in museums around the world, both as historical objects and as curiosities. But it's becoming controversial whether museums should display human remains. With ancient Egyptians long gone, who should decide? Last winter, The World's Sarah Birnbaum visited a museum in Sydney, Australia, that is wrestling the issue.This story originally aired on Feb. 20, 2024.

Mummies are huge draws in museums around the world, both as historical objects and as curiosities. But it's becoming controversial whether museums should display human remains. With ancient Egyptians long gone, who should decide? Last winter, The World's Sarah Birnbaum visited a museum in Sydney, Australia, that is wrestling the issue.
This story originally aired on Feb. 20, 2024.

Mummies are people, too. Should they be on display?

Today, the athletics community across East Africa is mourning the death of 33-year-old Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei. She had been fighting for her life after reportedly being doused in petrol by her partner. For many, it's drawing similarities to other acts of violence against female athletes in Kenya, and stirring up anger about the state of femicide in the country. The World's Africa Correspondent Halima Gikandi reports from Nairobi.

Today, the athletics community across East Africa is mourning the death of 33-year-old Ugandan Olympic runner Rebecca Cheptegei. She had been fighting for her life after reportedly being doused in petrol by her partner. For many, it's drawing similarities to other acts of violence against female athletes in Kenya, and stirring up anger about the state of femicide in the country. The World's Africa Correspondent Halima Gikandi reports from Nairobi.

Ugandan Olympic runner killed by partner

Armenia and Azerbaijan have been at odds for decades. They've fought multiple wars since the waning days of the Soviet Union. Despite this fraught relationship, the two countries are engaged in peace talks. In Armenia, though, many people are not happy with how things are going. The World’s Daniel Ofman reports from the capital Yerevan, that a clergyman has become the face of the Armenian opposition.

Armenia and Azerbaijan have been at odds for decades. They've fought multiple wars since the waning days of the Soviet Union. Despite this fraught relationship, the two countries are engaged in peace talks. In Armenia, though, many people are not happy with how things are going. The World’s Daniel Ofman reports from the capital Yerevan, that a clergyman has become the face of the Armenian opposition.

Armenian Church's opposition leader

In China's southern province of Yunnan, a community of people known as the Bai express themselves mostly by singing. And they have a song for everything: from history lessons to mourning to flirting. Host Marco Werman speaks with National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek, who also discusses the early 20th century Austrian American botanist and explorer, Joseph Rock, who traveled through this same region of western China.

In China's southern province of Yunnan, a community of people known as the Bai express themselves mostly by singing. And they have a song for everything: from history lessons to mourning to flirting. Host Marco Werman speaks with National Geographic Explorer Paul Salopek, who also discusses the early 20th century Austrian American botanist and explorer, Joseph Rock, who traveled through this same region of western China.

Walking through western China

From a young age, Prétu recognized injustice by the way his mother was treated — a Black woman originally from Cape Verde, cleaning and cooking for wealthy families in Portugal. Despite his mom's long working hours, Prétu says she took the time to teach some important lessons about respecting women. The World's April Peavey tells us more.

From a young age, Prétu recognized injustice by the way his mother was treated — a Black woman originally from Cape Verde, cleaning and cooking for wealthy families in Portugal. Despite his mom's long working hours, Prétu says she took the time to teach some important lessons about respecting women. The World's April Peavey tells us more.

This rapper isn't afraid to talk about the dangers of toxic masculinity

Volvo and Volkswagen are making big changes to their business models and it's got a lot to do with the fluctuating nature of electric vehicle demands. Europe and Asia are much further ahead compared to the US when it comes to both demand and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Host Marco Werman speaks with Felix Hamer, an EV charging consultant, about the demands and infrastructure for EVs, as well as the adjustment automakers are making right now.

Volvo and Volkswagen are making big changes to their business models and it's got a lot to do with the fluctuating nature of electric vehicle demands. Europe and Asia are much further ahead compared to the US when it comes to both demand and charging infrastructure for electric vehicles. Host Marco Werman speaks with Felix Hamer, an EV charging consultant, about the demands and infrastructure for EVs, as well as the adjustment automakers are making right now.

Automakers make big changes as EV demand fluctuates

The Biden administration is taking new steps against what it describes as a Russian disinformation campaign targeting the 2024 US presidential election. On Wednesday, the Department of Justice announced the indictment of two state media employees at the broadcaster Russia Today for their alleged involvement. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Garrett Graff, director of cyber initiatives at the Aspen Institute.

The Biden administration is taking new steps against what it describes as a Russian disinformation campaign targeting the 2024 US presidential election. On Wednesday, the Department of Justice announced the indictment of two state media employees at the broadcaster Russia Today for their alleged involvement. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Garrett Graff, director of cyber initiatives at the Aspen Institute.

Russian election interference

Rosanna Salcedo was born in the US, but she didn't speak much English when she was young, as her family was from the Dominican Republic. An elderly Jewish lady who lived in the building where her father worked agreed to teach her English. This led to a deep bond and friendship that lasted for years.  Salcedo shared how this friendship grew on GBH's Stories From The Stage on World channel.

Rosanna Salcedo was born in the US, but she didn't speak much English when she was young, as her family was from the Dominican Republic. An elderly Jewish lady who lived in the building where her father worked agreed to teach her English. This led to a deep bond and friendship that lasted for years.  Salcedo shared how this friendship grew on GBH's Stories From The Stage on World channel.

Stories from the Stage: Friendships have no boundaries

Twice a month, in the village of Takigahara in Japan, neighbors and visitors from surrounding communities gather in an old elementary school for lunch, cooked by grandmas with ingredients from the village’s fields and forests. As Hannah Kirshner reports, the school closed because of a declining birth rate, but neighbors have found new ways to build community and celebrate the landscape.

Twice a month, in the village of Takigahara in Japan, neighbors and visitors from surrounding communities gather in an old elementary school for lunch, cooked by grandmas with ingredients from the village’s fields and forests. As Hannah Kirshner reports, the school closed because of a declining birth rate, but neighbors have found new ways to build community and celebrate the landscape.

Shuttered school in Japan opens its cafeteria to community

The Finnish government is proposing a ban that would prevent most Russian citizens from buying property in the Nordic country. Finland's defense minister said it's an issue of national security. Relations between Helsinki and Moscow have been fraught since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which prompted Helsinki to join the NATO military alliance after decades of non-alignment. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Katarzyna Zysk, a professor at the Norwegian Institute for Defense Studies and a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.

The Finnish government is proposing a ban that would prevent most Russian citizens from buying property in the Nordic country. Finland's defense minister said it's an issue of national security. Relations between Helsinki and Moscow have been fraught since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022, which prompted Helsinki to join the NATO military alliance after decades of non-alignment. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Katarzyna Zysk, a professor at the Norwegian Institute for Defense Studies and a non-resident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council.

Finland proposes banning Russians from buying property

The Pope has been in Jakarta, Indonesia, the past two days to start his trip through Southeast Asia. He also plans on visiting Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore over the next 10 days. Elise Allen, a senior correspondent with the Crux news website, speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about the Pope's mission and message on his tour.

The Pope has been in Jakarta, Indonesia, the past two days to start his trip through Southeast Asia. He also plans on visiting Papua New Guinea, East Timor and Singapore over the next 10 days. Elise Allen, a senior correspondent with the Crux news website, speaks with Host Carolyn Beeler about the Pope's mission and message on his tour.

Pope Francis lands in Indonesia on Southeast Asia trip

A bronze statue of Diana of Versailles, the Roman goddess also known as Artemis, set sail on the Titanic in 1912. Recent expeditions had not turned up evidence of its whereabouts or condition, but images released this week show it's still there, albeit half-buried. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.

A bronze statue of Diana of Versailles, the Roman goddess also known as Artemis, set sail on the Titanic in 1912. Recent expeditions had not turned up evidence of its whereabouts or condition, but images released this week show it's still there, albeit half-buried. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman explain.

Titanic expedition unearths statue thought to be missing

People on the mountainous Canary island of La Gomera are embracing a centuries-old language used to communicate across long distances: whistling. Before the internet, phones and even modern roads, Gomerians had no way of getting news quickly to villages on the far sides of enormous ravines and valleys. "Pirates!" "Fire!" "We need a doctor!" The piercing sounds of whistling are now a mandatory part of public education on the island. The World's Gerry Hadden reported this story from La Gomera last fall.This story originally aired on Nov. 30, 2023.

People on the mountainous Canary island of La Gomera are embracing a centuries-old language used to communicate across long distances: whistling. Before the internet, phones and even modern roads, Gomerians had no way of getting news quickly to villages on the far sides of enormous ravines and valleys. "Pirates!" "Fire!" "We need a doctor!" The piercing sounds of whistling are now a mandatory part of public education on the island. The World's Gerry Hadden reported this story from La Gomera last fall.
This story originally aired on Nov. 30, 2023.

Canary Islands residents reviving a centuries-old language: whistling

Incompetence, dishonesty and greed led to the deaths of 72 people in the Grenfell tower fire in the UK, a report into the 2017 tragedy concluded today. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a state apology to the families of those who died in the blaze and the survivors. The inquiry concluded that all the deaths were avoidable and pointed the finger of blame at several manufacturers as well as successive British governments. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry spoke to Host Marco Werman.

Incompetence, dishonesty and greed led to the deaths of 72 people in the Grenfell tower fire in the UK, a report into the 2017 tragedy concluded today. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer issued a state apology to the families of those who died in the blaze and the survivors. The inquiry concluded that all the deaths were avoidable and pointed the finger of blame at several manufacturers as well as successive British governments. The World's Europe Correspondent Orla Barry spoke to Host Marco Werman.

New report released on 2017 Grenfell Tower fire

Oksana Masters has 18 Paralympic medals to her name. She's one of the rare athletes who competes in both the Summer and Winter Games. Now, battling for gold in Paris, she's fueled by more than just a spot on top of the podium. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

Oksana Masters has 18 Paralympic medals to her name. She's one of the rare athletes who competes in both the Summer and Winter Games. Now, battling for gold in Paris, she's fueled by more than just a spot on top of the podium. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

Oksana Masters may wear red, white and blue, but she's representing Ukraine, too

The UK is about to close its last coal-fired power plant, at Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottingham, making Britain the first G7 country to stop using coal to generate electricity. Host Carolyn Beeler marks the occasion with a brief history of the UK’s efforts to end its reliance on coal.

The UK is about to close its last coal-fired power plant, at Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottingham, making Britain the first G7 country to stop using coal to generate electricity. Host Carolyn Beeler marks the occasion with a brief history of the UK’s efforts to end its reliance on coal.

UK to close its last coal-fired power plant

After more than a year of damning revelations of alleged financial crimes, Riad Salameh, the head of Lebanon's central bank, has been arrested. Alia Ibrahim, the co-founder of the online news site Daraj, speaks to The World's Host Marco Werman about what transpired.

After more than a year of damning revelations of alleged financial crimes, Riad Salameh, the head of Lebanon's central bank, has been arrested. Alia Ibrahim, the co-founder of the online news site Daraj, speaks to The World's Host Marco Werman about what transpired.

Head of Lebanon's central bank arrested

Unrest has been spreading across Israel since six hostages were found dead in a Gaza tunnel last weekend. A one-day general strike on Monday was unevenly observed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to yield to pressure on his conditions for a ceasefire. Yossi Klein Halevi, the author of "Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor," talks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about what this moment means for Israelis.

Unrest has been spreading across Israel since six hostages were found dead in a Gaza tunnel last weekend. A one-day general strike on Monday was unevenly observed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has refused to yield to pressure on his conditions for a ceasefire. Yossi Klein Halevi, the author of "Letters to My Palestinian Neighbor," talks with The World’s Host Marco Werman about what this moment means for Israelis.