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.

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

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

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.

A divided Israel mourns six hostage deaths

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and especially since the Kremlin’s mobilization announcement in September 2022, hundreds of thousands of Russian citizens have left the country. According to some estimates, more than 100,000 Russian citizens fled to Armenia alone. This reality has led to some changes within Yerevan, the Armenian capital. The World's Daniel Ofman reports from Yerevan about the experience of Russians now living in exile.

Since Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine, and especially since the Kremlin’s mobilization announcement in September 2022, hundreds of thousands of Russian citizens have left the country. According to some estimates, more than 100,000 Russian citizens fled to Armenia alone. This reality has led to some changes within Yerevan, the Armenian capital. The World's Daniel Ofman reports from Yerevan about the experience of Russians now living in exile.

Exiled Russians making their way in Yerevan, Armenia

A military partnership between Egypt and Somalia has Ethiopia alarmed. That's because the partnership calls for thousands of Egyptian troops in Ethiopia to join an African Union force stationed there. It also comes as there are renewed tensions in response to Ethiopia damming a tributary of the Nile. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with William Davison, owner of the website Ethiopia Insight, about the new military partnership and why it's causing alarm in Ethiopia.

A military partnership between Egypt and Somalia has Ethiopia alarmed. That's because the partnership calls for thousands of Egyptian troops in Ethiopia to join an African Union force stationed there. It also comes as there are renewed tensions in response to Ethiopia damming a tributary of the Nile. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with William Davison, owner of the website Ethiopia Insight, about the new military partnership and why it's causing alarm in Ethiopia.

Power dynamics in flux between Egypt, Somalia and Ethiopia

An online story about a hot new singles scene in a Spanish supermarket chain has exploded into a flirting frenzy in grocery stores across the country. Each chain allegedly has its designated hour for making the moves, and it depends a lot on which items are in your cart. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona on this online rumor that's become very real.

An online story about a hot new singles scene in a Spanish supermarket chain has exploded into a flirting frenzy in grocery stores across the country. Each chain allegedly has its designated hour for making the moves, and it depends a lot on which items are in your cart. The World's Gerry Hadden reports from Barcelona on this online rumor that's become very real.

Young Spaniards search for love — in supermarkets

With the summer winding down, European airlines are ramping up efforts to encourage passengers to keep taking to the skies. The Hungarian airline Wizz Air, for example, has just launched an All You Can Fly scheme, offering unlimited flights for a yearly subscription. Other flight carriers are holding flash winter sales. But climate activists say promotions like these are irresponsible and governments need to put an end to them. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry has more.

With the summer winding down, European airlines are ramping up efforts to encourage passengers to keep taking to the skies. The Hungarian airline Wizz Air, for example, has just launched an All You Can Fly scheme, offering unlimited flights for a yearly subscription. Other flight carriers are holding flash winter sales. But climate activists say promotions like these are irresponsible and governments need to put an end to them. The World's Europe correspondent Orla Barry has more.

Governments urged to put an end to cheap flight offers

The United States seized a private plane in the Dominican Republic that was purchased from the US. The plane belonged to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. It was the latest move to put pressure on Maduro after exit polling showed that he lost the latest presidential election, which he insists he won, continuing to cling to power.

The United States seized a private plane in the Dominican Republic that was purchased from the US. The plane belonged to Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro. It was the latest move to put pressure on Maduro after exit polling showed that he lost the latest presidential election, which he insists he won, continuing to cling to power.

US seizes Venezuelan leader's private plane

London is set to have its first memorial to the role of the transatlantic slave trade in building the wealth, power and prestige of Britain. The mayor’s office recently announced the design of a long-awaited monument, which will take the form of a giant bronze cowrie shell. The World's Sarah Birnbaum has the story of the new monument's significance.

London is set to have its first memorial to the role of the transatlantic slave trade in building the wealth, power and prestige of Britain. The mayor’s office recently announced the design of a long-awaited monument, which will take the form of a giant bronze cowrie shell. The World's Sarah Birnbaum has the story of the new monument's significance.

New monument in London acknowledges transatlantic slave trade

Three German states held elections this past weekend, and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party made big gains. In the state of Thuringia, Björn Höcke, the AfD’s top candidate, has been on the campaign trail while also being in court on charges of using Nazi slogans. Even so, the AfD got more than 30% of the vote — and could take its first state government. Rebecca Collard reports from Erfurt, Germany.

Three German states held elections this past weekend, and the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party made big gains. In the state of Thuringia, Björn Höcke, the AfD’s top candidate, has been on the campaign trail while also being in court on charges of using Nazi slogans. Even so, the AfD got more than 30% of the vote — and could take its first state government. Rebecca Collard reports from Erfurt, Germany.

Germany's next battle with the far-right

Both major US presidential candidates now say they oppose the proposed takeover of US Steel by Nippon Steel of Japan. But the CEO of US Steel and a majority of the company’s shareholders are in favor of the sale. Host Carolyn Beeler gets beyond the political rhetoric and into the heart of the issue with professor Willy Shih of the Harvard Business School.

Both major US presidential candidates now say they oppose the proposed takeover of US Steel by Nippon Steel of Japan. But the CEO of US Steel and a majority of the company’s shareholders are in favor of the sale. Host Carolyn Beeler gets beyond the political rhetoric and into the heart of the issue with professor Willy Shih of the Harvard Business School.

Controversy over ownership of US Steel

Thor Pedersen, a former UN soldier originally from Denmark, went on a decadelong adventure that took him to every country in the world. The trick — he never took an airplane. By train, bus, boat and other forms of transport, he covered over 220,000 miles. He spoke with host Carol Hills this summer when he returned home to Copenhagen. (Originally aired Aug. 4, 2023.)

Thor Pedersen, a former UN soldier originally from Denmark, went on a decadelong adventure that took him to every country in the world. The trick — he never took an airplane. By train, bus, boat and other forms of transport, he covered over 220,000 miles. He spoke with host Carol Hills this summer when he returned home to Copenhagen. (Originally aired Aug. 4, 2023.)

How one man visited every country on Earth without taking a flight

Research shows that flight turbulence has increased as climate change has warmed the planet. Host Marco Werman speaks with Paul Williams, professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading, UK, about the findings, based on more than four decades of data, that suggest the increase in bumpy flights could be caused by changes in wind speed at high altitudes due to warmer air from carbon emissions. (Originally aired June 14, 2023.)

Research shows that flight turbulence has increased as climate change has warmed the planet. Host Marco Werman speaks with Paul Williams, professor of atmospheric science at the University of Reading, UK, about the findings, based on more than four decades of data, that suggest the increase in bumpy flights could be caused by changes in wind speed at high altitudes due to warmer air from carbon emissions. (Originally aired June 14, 2023.)

Bumpier flights coincide with warming skies

It's not unusual to wait two or three hours to cross the border from Tijuana to San Diego. But drivers usually didn't have to wait long to go the other way, easing the commute. Gustavo Solis of KPBS in San Diego reports that the growth in border towns now means rush hours in both directions. (Originally aired Jan. 3, 2024.)

It's not unusual to wait two or three hours to cross the border from Tijuana to San Diego. But drivers usually didn't have to wait long to go the other way, easing the commute. Gustavo Solis of KPBS in San Diego reports that the growth in border towns now means rush hours in both directions. (Originally aired Jan. 3, 2024.)

Traffic jams clog the US-Mexico border crossing

Tires are a major source of pollution. The tiny particulates left behind when the rubber meets the road create a fine dust of microplastics. And with more electric vehicles on the roadway, weighted down by heavy batteries, tires will leave behind even more toxic residue. Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, the CEO of UK-based tire startup Enso, talks with host Marco Werman about what the tire industry can do about it.  (Originally aired May 18. 2023.)

Tires are a major source of pollution. The tiny particulates left behind when the rubber meets the road create a fine dust of microplastics. And with more electric vehicles on the roadway, weighted down by heavy batteries, tires will leave behind even more toxic residue. Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, the CEO of UK-based tire startup Enso, talks with host Marco Werman about what the tire industry can do about it.  (Originally aired May 18. 2023.)

Reinventing the wheel to help save the planet

Prada and the company Axiom Space are teaming up to design the spacesuits for NASA's Artemis 3's moon mission in 2025. It might sound like a weird partnership. But as The World's Sarah Birnbaum reports, the back-and-forth between fashion and aerospace goes back years. (Originally aired October 23, 2023.)

Prada and the company Axiom Space are teaming up to design the spacesuits for NASA's Artemis 3's moon mission in 2025. It might sound like a weird partnership. But as The World's Sarah Birnbaum reports, the back-and-forth between fashion and aerospace goes back years. (Originally aired October 23, 2023.)

NASA astronauts will moonwalk in style

US consumers have plenty of reasons to snap up electric vehicles. They are helping the US meet its climate goals, and new owners may qualify for a tax credit. But some of those old cars end up on Africa's roads. From Accra, the capital of Ghana, Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman reports that these vehicles provide vital transportation in poor countries, but they are polluting and unsafe. (Originally aired May 11, 2023.)

US consumers have plenty of reasons to snap up electric vehicles. They are helping the US meet its climate goals, and new owners may qualify for a tax credit. But some of those old cars end up on Africa's roads. From Accra, the capital of Ghana, Ridwan Karim Dini-Osman reports that these vehicles provide vital transportation in poor countries, but they are polluting and unsafe. (Originally aired May 11, 2023.)

American clunkers end up in African car lots

On New Year's Day, 2024, a collision on a runway in Japan was described as nothing short of a miracle when all 379 passengers aboard a commercial jet in flames were evacuated. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with Ed Galea, director of the fire safety group at the University of Greenwich in the UK, about how crew — and passenger — preparedness allowed for the speedy evacuation. (Originally aired Jan. 3, 2024)

On New Year's Day, 2024, a collision on a runway in Japan was described as nothing short of a miracle when all 379 passengers aboard a commercial jet in flames were evacuated. The World's Carolyn Beeler speaks with Ed Galea, director of the fire safety group at the University of Greenwich in the UK, about how crew — and passenger — preparedness allowed for the speedy evacuation. (Originally aired Jan. 3, 2024)

Surviving an airplane disaster

Lithium is in soaring global demand, because it’s used in electric car batteries. This is good news for the economy of Chile, that meets a third of the world’s lithium needs. Experts say there's a big financial opportunity for the region, but it comes at an environmental cost. The World's Tibisay Zea brings us this story from the Atacama Desert, Chile. (Originally aired Nov.14, 2022.)

Lithium is in soaring global demand, because it’s used in electric car batteries. This is good news for the economy of Chile, that meets a third of the world’s lithium needs. Experts say there's a big financial opportunity for the region, but it comes at an environmental cost. The World's Tibisay Zea brings us this story from the Atacama Desert, Chile. (Originally aired Nov.14, 2022.)

Lithium mining is changing the Atacama desert

NASA’s Artemis program aims to bring the first woman and first person of color to the moon in 2024, and it's the prelude to a much bigger ambition: sending humans to Mars. The World’s Carol Hills talked with Nujoud Mercy, chief of NASA’s Exploration and Planning Office, about the goals for Artemis. (Originally aired Sept. 2, 2202.)

NASA’s Artemis program aims to bring the first woman and first person of color to the moon in 2024, and it's the prelude to a much bigger ambition: sending humans to Mars. The World’s Carol Hills talked with Nujoud Mercy, chief of NASA’s Exploration and Planning Office, about the goals for Artemis. (Originally aired Sept. 2, 2202.)

Returning humans to the moon and beyond

Kenya is hosting the second US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit in partnership with the US Department of Energy. This comes as Kenya prepares to build its first ever Nuclear power plant. The World's Halima Gikandi reports that the plans have conservationists and tour operators worried that the power plant will degrade the environment and deter travelers. Supporters, meanwhile, say it's the best way for Kenya to meet its clean energy goals.

Kenya is hosting the second US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit in partnership with the US Department of Energy. This comes as Kenya prepares to build its first ever Nuclear power plant. The World's Halima Gikandi reports that the plans have conservationists and tour operators worried that the power plant will degrade the environment and deter travelers. Supporters, meanwhile, say it's the best way for Kenya to meet its clean energy goals.

Controversy over the 1st nuclear power plant in Kenya

Big Ocean, a K-pop band out of Seoul, South Korea, has the coordinated dance moves and high energy beats the K-pop genre is known for. One detail that sets the trio apart, though: all three musicians are deaf. Reporter Jason Strother has the story of how the trio came together, how the musicians perform, and what their music means to audiences.

Big Ocean, a K-pop band out of Seoul, South Korea, has the coordinated dance moves and high energy beats the K-pop genre is known for. One detail that sets the trio apart, though: all three musicians are deaf. Reporter Jason Strother has the story of how the trio came together, how the musicians perform, and what their music means to audiences.